The Trouble with Pixies (Edinburgh Elementals Book 1) by Gayle Ramage #urbanfantasy

Title: The Trouble with Pixies (Edinburgh Elementals Book 1)
Author: Gayle Ramage
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal
Publisher: Self
Available: Amazon $0.00 (Kindle) 17 pages
Rating: 4*
Rater: Pippa




Blurb:

Michael has just moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, to make a fresh start with his three children. While they're out exploring the city, he's relaxing with a glass of wine.

That is until a knock on the front door leads to a bizarre revelation from a strange, red-haired woman, and an encounter in the attic with some grumpy, swearing pixies.

Book 1 - The Trouble With Pixies
Book 2 - Tears of Gold
Book 3 - Land of the Ice Giants

What I liked:

A cute, fun quirky UF short story that I would have loved more of. Kind of Douglas Adams-esque humorous urban fantasy NOT set in London if you're looking for a more unique UF setting. There's also a lot of unique ideas and touches in this. Definitely for fans of such things as the Spiderwick Chronicles, Labyrinth, and UF that focuses on more unusual mythical creatures than angels and vampires.

What I didn't like:

Although I knew it was a short story, this was waaaay too short. I could easily have devoured a full length novel of this. On the technical side, my main issue with this was I didn't quite buy how Michael just let a strange, and at initial meeting quite deranged woman into his house when he has kids.

In conclusion:

If you want something different in your urban fantasy, this is for you. It's short, so you get a quick taster, and it's free, so it's not costing anything other than a few moments of your time to try it out. 

Dead New World by Ryan Hill #YA #paranormal #zombies

Title: Dead New World
Author: Ryan Hill
Genre: YA paranormal (zombies)
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Available: Amazon $4.99 (Kindle)
Rating: 4 stars
Rater: Pippa 





Blurb:
Zombies aren’t mindless anymore. 

Before the world fell into chaos, zombies existed only in the imagination. Now, there’re more dead walking the earth than living. Zombies move about freely, while humans are forced behind concrete barricades to stay alive. 

A man known only as the Reverend has become a threat to the rebuilding United States. The leader of a powerful cult, the Reverend somehow controls the zombies, bending them to his will. He believes zombies are God’s latest creation, making humanity obsolete, and he wants to give every man, woman, and child the chance to become one. With the Horsemen of the Apocalypse, his army composed of both humans and zombies, he may well get his wish. 

Best friends Holt and Ambrose went up against the Reverend once. Holt lost a foot and a zombie bit Ambrose… though he didn’t completely turn. He survived the virus, only to become a human-zombie hybrid, reviled by the living and unwelcome among the dead. When the Reverend kidnaps the woman Holt loves, the race is on to save her from a fate worse than death. 

Holt and Ambrose must sacrifice everything to take down the Reverend and survive in this dead new world. But will they lose their souls in the process?

What I liked.
I have to start by saying I have limited experience with zombies of any kind. I'm not a fan of the traditional Hollywood-type zombie apocalypses, so a twist on that had more appeal for me and certainly worked in giving the story that extra edge. Ambrose fascinated me - the whole idea of a human-zombie hybrid. I loved the idea of the Reverend and the quasi-religious fanaticism. It's also rare to have a handicapped hero, and I felt this was done well (though not always entirely believable. However, in this scenario not even military can afford to turn down someone who can handle a gun despite the artificial limb proving the occasional setback, so it allowed the possibility). While part of the world building was fairly standard post apocalyptic, the idea of the zombie colony (like a leper colony) was interesting, and the idea of tying in the apocalypse with zombies in a more SF type end of the world than a paranormal rising of the dead kind. I did feel the author had the voice right for YA.

What I didn't like.
I didn't much like or empathize with Holt, and emotionally speaking the story fell a little flat...until near the end. Then *spoilers* wham! Prepare to have your heart ripped out and stomped on! In my mind, Ambrose was more of the hero than Holt, and I would rather have seen it told at least partially from his POV (but maybe I'm biased toward a zombie hero after Warm Bodies). The story did drag a bit between action scenes - a little more trimming down on wordage or being more visceral would have picked up the pace somewhat.

In conclusion.
If you like the traditional zombie shoot-em-up but want extra and/or a different twist on it, this will satisfy you on both levels, and hopefully appeal to traditional zombie fans and those who might not normally pick up a zombie book. Those who like more emotional impact might find this a bit lacking. Although the story was complete, it left an opening for a sequel (which I would love to read). 

Paranormal Properties by Tracy Lane

Title: Paranormal Properties
Author: Tracy Lane
Genre: YA
Publisher: Pants on Fire Press (February 27, 2013)
Available: $2.99 at Amazon
Rating: 4 stars
Raters: Dihanna and Lauri


From the publisher:

The Weir family has just arrived in Dusk, North Carolina, one of the most haunted cities in America, to scope out some of the town’s 127 reported “paranormal properties,” which just happens to be the name of their own ghost hunting show: Paranormal Properties. What Jake Weir doesn’t know, and what his parents could never imagine, is that Jake can see ghosts! And hear them. And talk back to them! This talent comes in handy when he runs into Dusk’s oldest, most famous ghost: Frank Barrone, a one-time lounge singer made famous by his booze-soaked ballad, “Barroom Eyes.”

Frank was gunned down by a local mobster in 1951 and has been searching for his killer ever since. When he learns that Jake can see and hear him, Frank makes young Jake a deal: if Jake will help Frank find his killer, Frank will help his parents find a ghost to film for their upcoming Halloween Special on Public Access TV. Jake enlists the only friend he’s made in Dusk, an overweight tomboy nicknamed “Tank,” to help him track down Frank’s killer. As clues emerge and old leads heat up, Frank and Jake learn they make quite a team. But will Jake find Frank’s killer? And will Frank find a real haunted house in time for the Halloween special?


What I liked: I thought the book was so wonderfully cute, and that I just loved all the characters in it. Frank, the ghost, is looking for his body and finds a friend in the only person who can see him - Jake. I love the compassion Frank shows for Jake, and how he helps his ghosthunter parents. Gotta say I dearly love Tank (though see my caveat below) and was glad Jake and his family took her in. Lots of good messages here. With the one exception noted below, I found the book well written and a joy to read.

What I didn’t like: I don’t like the “overweight” word, and I am especially unhappy at its employment in literature to stigmatize a person, especially – especially! – in children’s books. I strongly recommend that the author read up on how damaging stigmatizing fat people, especially children, is and how that stance damages, sometimes permanently, the self esteem of children, which causes problems ranging from eating-disordered behavior to suicide. (Besides, we should not be equating "fat" with "unhealth," and teaching that critical thinking begins in childhood.) I recommend the wealth of information at NAAFA and HAES to the author, and anyone who wonders at this topic.

In sum: A fun book for kids, but watch for the pitfalls listed above -- and talk to your kids about these issues in this and every book.

A Feast of Souls by Hailey Edwards

Title: A Feast of Souls

Author: Hailey Edwards

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Samhain Publishing (December 18, 2012)

Available: UPCOMING $4.40 at Amazon

Rating: 5 stars

Rater: Dihanna

From the publisher:

The only way to save her is to bind their souls as one. 

Araneae Nation, Book 2 

Born with the ability to communicate with the dead, few things take Mana by surprise. But when a canis lopes into her life, announcing himself as the long-dead father of a childhood friend, she’s shocked. To make matters worse, he has a dire message that she alone can deliver. 

Now Mana must face Vaughn, the male who inspired one too many girlish fantasies, and impart the spirit’s message—without acknowledging her source—so the soul can be laid to rest. 

With rumors of a burgeoning clan war setting his nerves on edge, the last thing Vaughn needs is for an innocent to get caught in the crosshairs. But the woman he remembers as an awkward girl refuses to leave his side until he’s heard her out. That’s not the only change in her that calls to him. Her kindness soothes his battle-scarred soul—and he craves her in ways a warrior shouldn’t. 

When they are both captured, they learn of an even greater threat. The plague devastating the southlands has come to his clan home. And his best—and only—chance to keep his people alive is the female who walks among the dead. 

Warning: This book contains one fierce hero with a nose for danger, one stubborn heroine who smells like trouble, and one wolfish spirit who makes most relationships with the in-laws seem downright tame. Fur, fangs and some biting should be expected. But never fear, the hero has a sword, and he knows how to use it.

What I liked: I really, really liked this book. I sat down to look it over, to decide what order to put it in as I have so many to read, and I ended up reading it through. I literally could not put it down! I loved Mana and wanted to jump in and help her several times. The love relationship between Vaughn and Mana was sweet, and grew more precious as it proceeded. I loved that Vaughn's father, the ghostly vision of a canis, helped Mana get Vaughn to the place where he could rule, and he was relentless to the end.  I held my breath hoping Mana and Vaughn were going to be tied together.  Mana never would stop and refused to quit and in doing so, all fell into place, and she saved not only her own race but others also.  Yes – yes – yes! - a good read! 

What I didn’t like: Nothing.

In sum: It isn’t often a story will sweep you away. This one will.

Vampire for Hire Series by J.R. Rain

Title: Moon Dance (and all others in the series)
Series: Vampire for Hire
Author: J.R. Rain
Genre: Paranormal Mystery
Publisher: Self-published (August 10, 2009)
Available: Book one is free at Amazon; others are $3.99
Rating: 5 stars for books 1 and 2; 3.5 stars for the others
Rater: Lauri

From the author:

Mother, wife, private investigator...vampire. Six years ago federal agent Samantha Moon was the perfect wife and mother, your typical soccer mom with the minivan and suburban home. Then the unthinkable happens, an attack that changes her life forever. And forever is a very long time for a vampire. Now the world at large thinks Samantha has developed a rare skin disease, a disease which forces her to quit her day job and stay out of the light of the sun. Now working the night shift as a private investigator, Samantha is hired by Kingsley Fulcrum to investigate the murder attempt on his life, a horrific scene captured on TV and seen around the country. But as the case unfolds, Samantha discovers Kingsley isn't exactly what he appears to be; after all, there is a reason why he survived five shots to the head.

What I liked: I lost a family member this weekend, and I read to deal with grief. Just my deal. Anyway, so this last weekend I read all of the books in this author’s “Vampire for Hire” series. Book one hooked me in two pages. I love the main character, and her wry, intelligent sense of humor. I love that she is a dedicated mom, and that she is in her 30s. Best of all, the story in book one is better than just “well done.” The author obviously put an amazing amount of thought and blood and work into this story. It's cute and sweet and flows effortlessly. And then book two stole my heart. Several times I found myself tearing up during tender scenes, and wanting to hug one or more of the characters. The issues are horrific at times, but tastefully dealt with. I have nothing but the highest praise for these two books.

What I didn’t like: After book two, the stories become utterly formulaic. The writing skill is still there, lurking beneath the surface, but reading any of the books after one and two is like talking to someone who’s preoccupied: you just aren’t getting their full attention. The story is hollow, and stumbles here and there. Leaps are made that don’t quite make sense, or where the foundation is inadequate. A romance develops, and there the backstory is so thin I found myself annoyed. There are four main lines of tension, and they don’t really change, and that gets tiresome by about book four.

In sum: All in all, I liked the books, and I’d read them again. But even if you don’t want to put out all the money for all the books in this series, absolutely do read books one and two. Do!

Special Offers by ML Ryan

Title: Special Offers
Author: M.L. Ryan
Genre: Contemporary Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Running With Scissors Publishing (February 10, 2012)
Available: $0.99 at Amazon
Rating: 5+ stars
Rater: Dihanna

From the publisher:

Hailey Parrish is quick-witted, irreverent, and hasn’t had a date in three years. She only wanted an eBook reader because her collection of paperbacks threatened to take over her small living space. Little did she know that the "special offers" that prompted the purchase included much more than a reduced price in exchange for a few ads. The device came pre-loaded with the essence of Sebastian Kess, an erudite womanizer with magical abilities from a parallel dimension. When she inadvertently releases him and he inhabits her body, she finally has a man inside her, just not in the way she imagined. And soon her predicament introduces her to yet another supernatural, the handsome could-be-the-man-of-her-dreams Alex Sunderland. Can Alex and Hailey find a way to return Sebastian to his own body, stay one step ahead of the criminals who want to keep him where he is, and not lose their sense of humor?

What I liked: I flat loved this book!  I loved the idea behind this story, the plot, the writing, and the characters, and Sebastian in particular. I loved his sense of humor, and how testy-naughty he can be. And Hailey was wonderful. She discovered herself and managed to hold fast to her magnificent sense of humor.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading the Coursodon Dimension Series!  I rate this book 5.5 out of 5 stars – easily!

What I didn’t like: Not one thing.

In sum: If you miss this one, you will regret it.

Rebel by Arlene Webb

Title: Rebel
Author: Arlene Webb

Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Arlene Webb

Available: $1.21 at Amazon.com

Rating: 5 stars

Rater: Pippa

 

 

 

 

Plot Summary:
Can an untamed lover distract from the desire to bring down the human race?

The unforgivable happens, and a mother’s determination that her little ones blossom becomes an obsession. With a plan and the will, all Settia needs is the means. A lowly hero agrees to help. His price? A moment of fun in the dark. When tendrils tighten and he’s smitten, he’s ready to sacrifice his all to prolong their pleasure. Many sentient creatures lose their heads upon falling in love, yet Settia never expects the glorious aftermath to be quite so painful.

Rebel is a 10,500 word paranormal that’s been labeled undefinable. Sweet romance, yet with adult inneudo.

The good:
This is possibly unique in terms of the story. Well, perhaps the romance itself is not so odd, but the characters certainly are! There's some wonderful humour, touching moments of sweetness, and cold-blooded murder! It's well-written and totally intriguing.

The bad:
A knowledge about floral is helpful - non-horticulturists might struggle a little with the terms, although they are usually self-evident.

In sum:
This has to be one of the weirdest things I've ever read, but highly imaginative and entertaining. Love, murder and mayhem down in the mulch, where plantae take on humanity in order to save their buds. The erotic nature of the story is decked in flowery innuendo. Settia's struggles to protect her cuttings, defend herself against the lustful, prickly embrace of a lecherous cactus and the viscious manhandling of the single human oppressor are enthralling, while her romance with the twining Vinesun was both hot and sweet. Wonderfully different.

Hunted by Elle Hill

Title: Hunted

Author: Elle Hill

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing

Available: $2.55 Kindle at Amazon

Rating: 5 stars

Rater: Pippa 

Plot Summary:

Gray Leigh knows a hundred ways to stop someone’s heart from beating, but has no idea what lies inside her own. Born a Hunter, she has spent her entire life honing herself into a weapon against Leeches, superhuman beings who feed off the pain and misery of humankind.


One rainy afternoon, the Clan Council assigns Gray to protect Simon Romero, a human biologist whose research has uncovered the existence of Leeches. As they face Leech assassins and a psychotic ex-Hunter, Simon grapples to fathom this new, violent world into which he’s been plunged. Meanwhile, Gray struggles to reconcile Simon’s kindness and pacifism with her own ascetic warrior’s life. 


As the day passes into another, Gray finds herself increasingly determined to keep Simon safe, not only because it is her duty, but because she has finally found something that means as much to her as killing.

The good: I love the author's skilful character descriptions, and the way she manages to convey the details of this underlying paranormal world that most humans aren't aware beneath the real one they know without it being an info dump. The bedroom scene is hot without dominating the story as some books do. The story goes straight into the action, and frankly ended far sooner than I would have liked.

The bad: I really can't find much to complain about. Personally I would have liked a little more of the story from Dr.Romero's viewpoint, as he's as much a newcomer to the world of Hunters and Psychic versus Leeches as the reader.

In sum: I would recommend this to fans of paranormal romance in general, but especially those who might be looking for something new without shifters, vamps and witches. I don't normally read paranormal or urban fantasy, but the story and the writing held me.

Don't Bite the Messenger by Regan Summers

Title: Don't Bite the Messenger
Author: Regan Summers
Genre: Paranormal (Vampire) Romance [novella]
Publisher: Carina Press (January 16, 2011)
Available: $3.19 at Amazon
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Lauri


Plot summary: Syd - "Mary" - works as a messenger. For vamps. In the Anchorage, Alaska darkness. And she takes her life into her hands every time she does. To avoid being bespelled, tracked, trapped, and claimed, Syd must change her appearance and mask her personal scent every day, and she, as smart messengers do, has to avoid traveling the same routes and becoming too comfortable with anything. One crazy night Syd meets Malcolm, a far too handsome dude who lends her a very serious helping hand - er - lip. Sparks fly, but Syd can't let lust complicate her life. Unfortunately, life has other ideas.

The good: I read this story in one sitting. From the first page, I found myself engrossed. Ms. Summers' descriptions are exceptionally well written without being overdone. The action is well balanced with the character development. None of the elements are neglected. I laughed when funny things happened, and ached for that second kiss.

What needs work: Far too many sentences start with pronouns, but it doesn't take a significant chunk away from the story. It annoyed me because I also write, I think, and non-writers may not notice it.

It isn't often that I come across a book this - well - good. It may sound trite, but this is most definitely a must-read if your interests lie in pararomance or modern vampire romance.

Silver Thaw By Amy Rose Davis

Title: Silver Thaw

Author: Amy Rose Davis

Genre: Fantasy

Publisher: Self-published 

Available: $2.99 at Amazon.com

Rating: 5 stars

Rater: Pippa

Plot Summary: In a mining town filled with forgotten men and used up women, a handcuffed girl and her deaf guard arrive just as a blizzard descends. Lured by the girl’s singing and driven by an old obsession, one man releases an ancient spirit that could destroy the town and the estate it supports. As the year wears on, the murderous spirit tightens its grip on the town and the estate, living on an ever-rising wind that descends from the mountain. Brave and holy men seek to destroy the evil, but few return alive. Those who do return have few wits left.

When others fail, a donkey handler named Clem must risk the simple, peaceful life he’s carved for himself to save it from destruction. Unfortunately, Clem knows that when the wind comes down the mountain, even the most steadfast men can’t resist its call.

It takes a lot to hook me into a story these days, but this one did it. Silver Thaw is an entertaining fantasy, smoothly told, with wonderful world-building and believable, consistent characters and a chilling edge of horror. If I was pressed to make any criticism, and I’m struggling to do so here, it would simply be the POV characters who die. Having gotten so far into their heads and characters, it just jarred a little for me, though I think that's a tribute to the writer's skill in making me empathize with them so deeply. The author clearly knows her craft and how to spin a good tale. The ending left me with tears in my eyes and the intention to read it again very soon. 

The Falstaff Vampire Files by Lynne Murray

Title: The Falstaff Vampire Files
Author: Lynne Murray
Genre: Paranormal (Vampire) Adventure/ Romance
Publisher: Pearlsong Press* (August 17, 2011)
Available: $4.99 at Amazon
Rating: 5 stars
Rater: Lauri 


Plot summary: Kris Marlow, psychologist, formerly mistress of a happy life, has just discovered that her lover is, well, loving someone else. She wants to hold it together, to work through it, but life interferes, and some of that life is supernatural. Vampiric even. And then her neighbor gets involved . . .


The good: This is a story you’ll lose yourself in. Murray’s writing skill flies far above the norm, and the characters are realistic, and smart, and real. I wanted to hate the girlfriend, but I couldn’t. I wanted to scoff at the vampire, but I couldn’t. I read this so closely I nearly missed the Shakespearean references. Best part, IMO: the characters are not jut real, they’re real-life-sized.


What needs work: Not one single thing.


This is one of those rare, five-star books. One that you buy in hard copy just to put on your shelf because you know that in the future you’re going to be reading this one again.


*Disclaimer: Pearlsong publishes my books, too, but that did not influence my review in even the slightest degree.

Discovery of Death by A.P. Fuchs

Title: Discovery of Death (Blood of My World, Novella One): A Paranormal Romance

Author: A.P. Fuchs
Genre: YA/Paranormal (Vampire) Romance
Publisher: Coscom Entertainment (April 22, 2011)
Available: Free at Amazon
Rating: 3 stars
Rater: Lauri 


Plot summary: Zach awakes one day and discovers he's an amnesiac vampire. Rose, his former sweetheart, not only has to contend with losing Zach, but she learns she's a vampire slayer. Can love conquer all? Can they beat the odds?


The good: The author is not a beginning writer. He knows not to start every sentence with "He"/"She," and he knows how to develop a plot. I really liked the sentimental sweetness.


What needs work: I couldn't get into the heads of the characters. They don't have strong individual voices, and I couldn't feel anything the author told me they felt.


All in all, a three-star book. It's a cute, Romeo and Juliet story that, if you like YA vamp stories, is worth adding to your kindle bookshelf.