Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings

#20 Yan

Thank you everyone for stopping by and entering the giveaway and a big thank you to Foz Meadows for the fun interview.

The winner has been notified by email.

Solace & Grief by Foz Meadows 
The Rare, Book 1
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Published: March 1, 2010 AU and June 30, 2010 US by Ford Street Press
Amazon | Ford Street Publishing

Places you can find Foz: Web Site & Blog | Twitter

The Rare Series:
  1. Solace & Grief
  2. TBA
  3. TBA 

Summary:

Solace Morgan was born a vampire. Raised in foster care, she has always tried to keep her abilities secret, until an eerie encounter with a faceless man prompts her to run away. Finding others with similar gifts, Solace soon becomes caught up in a strange, more vibrant world than she ever knew existed. But when the mysterious Professor Lukin takes an interest in her friends, she is forced to start asking questions of her own. What happened to her parents? Who is Sharpsoft? And since when has there been a medieval dungeon under Hyde Park?

Cat's Claws by Amber Benson
Callipe Reaper-Jones, Book 2
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: Paperback, 311 pages
Published: 2/23/2010 by Penguin Group (USA)
ISBN: 978-0441018437
Received From: Publisher for review

Summary:

Calliope Reaper-Jones is Death's Daughter. She owes a debt to Cerberus, the three headed dog that guards the gate's of hell-a debt that involves a trip to Purgatory, Las Vegas, ancient Egypt, and a discount department store that's more frightening than any supernatural creature she'll ever encounter.

My Ramblings:

Calliope “Calli” Reaper-Jones is trying to live a normal life in New York City, that includes a boring cubby job and hunting for the next sale at Barney’s, all of which Calli is perfectly content with. But Calli also happens to be daughter of the president at Death, Inc., who is also known as the Grim Reaper, and she’s next in line for the job.

Cerebus, the three headed hellhound that guards the gates to Hell, has called in the debt that Calli owes him. Now, in order for Calli to keep Runt, her hellhound friend, and pay her debt off, Calli has to find an architect from the times of Ancient Egypt and return him to Cerebus. The catch, she only has 24 hours to find the lost architect or not only will she lose Runt, she’ll end up with a fate far worse.

Calli bumbles and stumbles her way around the world and the underworld in her search for the architect but that’s part of Calli’s charm. And this time around Calli is more willing to embrace her supernatural side and is even looking forward to honing a few magical skills that could end up being a perk in the long run. I definitely liked the growth I saw in Calli’s personality and attitude, while keeping her sarcastic humor intact.

Cat’s Claws was a fun, snappy read to the tune of a chick-lit writing style, set in a colorful supernatural world. It’s a charming mesh of several myths with an unconventional modern day twist that hosts a cast of quirky, likable and diverse characters. This series is starting to show a lot of potential.

My Rating: 

Places you can find Amber: Blog | Twitter

Callipe Reaper-Jones Series:

1. Death’s Daughter (My review)
2. Cat’s Claw

Other Ramblings:

• ScifChick.com

#34 Sue (okibi_insanity)

Thank you everyone for stopping by and entering the giveaway. The winner has been notified by email.

Roadkill by Rob Thurman
Cal and Niko Series, Book 5
Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 03/02/2010 (Penguin Group)
Amazon | B&N

Places you can find Rob: Web Site | Blog | Twitter

Cal and Niko Series:

1. Nightlife
2. Moonshine
3. Madhouse
4. Deathwish
5. Roadkill - March 2, 2010

Summary:

It's time to lock, load, and hit the road...

Once, while half-human Cal Leandros and his brother Niko were working on a case, an ancient gypsy queen gave them a good old-fashioned backstabbing. Now, just as their P.I. business hits a slow patch, the old crone shows up with a job.

She wants them to find a stolen coffin that contains a blight that makes the Black Death seem like a fond memory. But the thief has already left town, so the Leandros brothers are going on the road. And if they're very, very lucky, there might even be a return trip...

Jordan by Susan Kearney
Pendragon Legacy Trilogy, Book 3
Genre: Paranormal Romance Futuristic
Format: Paperback, 416 pages
Published: February 23, 2010 by Forever
ISBN: 978-0446543330
Received From: Hachette Book Group

Summary:

A DANGEROUS MISSION
Vivianne Blackstone devotes herself to her career, putting her love life on hold. Her latest project is a spaceship designed to protect Earth from the deadly Tribes. But its engineer, the alluring Jordan McArthur, now threatens both her job and her wary heart . . .

AN UNDENIABLE DESIRE
Jordan's past goes back to King Arthur, and he must find the ancient artifact that can save the galaxy. Vivianne's ship is his best hope, but convincing the fiercely independent beauty won't be easy. Especially when the passion flaring between them burns through their defenses - and love is the last thing they need to survive.

My Ramblings:

Vivianne Blackstone brought herself up from having nothing to becoming the CEO and owner of a billion dollar business, Vesta Corporation. Vesta Corporation is now in the public eye while it builds the spaceship Draco, which is the one hope Earth has against being conquered by the terrifying Tribes. Jordan McArthur, who had fought against the Tribes the first time they tried to conquer Earth, has secured a position as one of the lead engineers building Draco. Information has come to Vivianne’s attention that puts suspicion on Jordan as a possible member of the Tribe.

Jordan has to find an ancient artifact, the only thing capable of saving the galaxies from the Tribes. To do this Jordan launches the Draco prematurely with Vivianne and a handful of engineers on board, to search for the artifact. In prematurely launching the Draco Jordan has only heightened Vivianne’s suspicions of him plus Jordan’s secretive nature doesn’t help Vivianne’s opinion of him either.

I know just enough about the tale of King Arthur and the knights of the round table, that Kearney's intergalactic twist on the this old legend was a very entertaining and fast read. Jordan had just the right combination of adventure, mystery and romance. The romance between Jordan and Vivianne was absolutely believable; Vivianne doubted and believed in Jordan at the same places I did as I read. Jordan was steadfast, brave and loyal; all qualities that I admired in hero. And the passion between these two was red hot from the get go.

I especially enjoyed the secondary characters of engineers; they were just geeky enough that the geek girl in me got a real kick out of several scenes in the book with these inexperienced space travelers.

One thing that really caught my attentions were the quotes at the beginning of each chapter from various book characters plus a few outside ones. These quotes were hints to the oncoming chapter. Here are two non-spoiler quotes that resonant with life in general:

"If you love someone, you'd give up everything for them. But if they love you, they won't ask you to." - Lady Guinevere

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the number of moments that take our breath away." - George Carlin

Jordan was an exciting and satisfying conclusion to the Pendragon Legacy trilogy. For me all ends were tied and I was very satisfied with the ending. While each book in this trilogy can be read as a stand alone, I think to get the full enjoyment out this trilogy you should try giving all the books a go.

My Rating:

Places you can find Susan: Web Site

Pendragon Legacy Trilogy:

1. Lucan
2. Rion
3. Jordan

Other Ramblings:

• Goodreads
• LibraryThing
• My Reading Addiction
• Smexy Books

Where Angels Fear to Tread by Thomas E. Sniegoski
Remy Chandler Series, Book 3
Urban Fantasy
Release Date: 03/02/2010 (Roc)
Amazon | B&N

Summary:

Six year-old Zoe York has been taken and her mother has come to Remy for help. She shows him crude, childlike drawings that she claims are Zoe's visions of the future, everything leading up to her abduction, and some beyond. Like the picture of a man with wings who would come and save her-a man who is an angel.

Zoe's preternatural gifts have made her a target for those who wish to exploit her power to their own destructive ends. The search will take Remy to dark places he would rather avoid. But to save an innocent, Remy will ally himself with a variety of lesser evils-and his soul may pay the price...

Who is Thomas E. Sniegoski?

From Thomas’s web site: "THOMAS E. SNIEGOSKI is the author of more than two dozen novels for adults, teens, and children. His teen fantasy YA series The Fallen was adapted into a trilogy of monstrously successful TV movies by ABC Family Channel. His other books for teens include Sleeper Code, Sleeper Agenda, Legacy, and Force Majeure, as well as the series The Brimstone Network. The author's first adult novel, A Kiss Before the Apocalypse, hit the shelves in 2008, followed by Dancing on the Head of a Pin (2009) and Where Angels Fear to Tread (2010).

Sniegoski's work for younger readers includes Billy Hooten: Owlboy, and the fantasy quartet OutCast, which he co-authored with Christopher Golden. OutCast is in development as a film at Universal.  Sniegoski and Golden have also collaborated on the adult dark fantasy series The Menagerie, and multiple creator-owned comic book series, including The Sisterhood, which is being prepped for a feature film by InterMedia, and Talent, currently in development at Universal after a major bidding war.

As a comic book writer, Sniegoski's work includes Stupid, Stupid Rat Tails, a prequel miniseries to international hit, Bone. Sniegoski collaborated with Bone creator Jeff Smith on the prequel, making him the only writer Smith has ever asked to work on those characters. 

Sniegoski and Golden also wrote the graphic novel BPRD: Hollow Earth, a spinoff from Hellboy.

Sniegoski was born and raised in Massachusetts, where he still lives with his wife LeeAnne and their Labrador Retriever, Mulder.”

Places you can find Thomas: Web Site

Remy Chandler Series:

1. A Kiss Before the Apocalypse
2. Dancing on the Head of a Pin
3. Where Angels Fear to Tread – March 2, 2010

Giveaway:

Thanks to Penguin Books USA, I have a copy of Where Angels Fear to Tread by Thomas E. Sniegoski to giveaway to one lucky commentator. Here’s how to enter:

1. In the comments, tell me what you find appealing about angels or fallen angels.
2. Leave your email with your comment ONLY IF it is NOT part of your profile.
3. Open to all.
4. Deadline to enter this giveaway is Tuesday, March 2nd at Midnight CST.

Good Luck!

We are only two months into this year and after today my book budget is blown! Happy Release Day!

February 23, 2010
	Cat's Claw by Amber Benson Calliope Reaper-Jones, Book 2 Urban Fantasy Amazon | B&N Summary: Calliope Reaper-Jones is Death's Daughter. She owes a debt to Cerberus, the three headed dog that guards the gate's of hell-a debt that involves a trip to Purgatory, Las Vegas, ancient Egypt, and a discount department store that's more frightening than any supernatural creature she'll ever encounter. - Reviewed By: Goodreads LibraryThing
	Once Bitten, Twice Dead by Bianca D'Arc Guardians of the Dark, Book 1 Urban Fantasy Amazon | B&N Summary: When police officer Sarah Petit investigates a disturbance in an abandoned building, she expects to find a few underage drinkers. Instead, she's attacked by creatures straight out of a horror movie. Waking a week later in a hospital, Sarah is visited by Special Forces soldier Captain Xavier Beauvoir. The zombies who attacked Sarah are the result of military research gone terrifyingly wrong, and Sarah's immunity to the virus makes her the perfect person to help Xavier eradicate them. But his smooth Cajun accent, whiskey-coloured eyes, and dizzying kiss are risky to her in a very different way. Sarah attracts danger like a magnet - and the smart, fearless cop attracts Xavier too, instilling a bone-deep need that's undermining his steady facade. Enlisting her aid is a necessary gamble, but vicious undead creatures are not the only enemy they face. And the only way to keep each other safe is to trust in an instant connection that could be their greatest strength - or the perfect way to destroy them both. - Reviewed By: Goodreads LibraryThing
	Demonfire by Kate Douglas The Demonslayers, Book 1 Paranormal Romance Amazon | B&N Summary: Newspaper reported Eddy Marks thinks she knows everything about her quite hometown. She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out Evergreen, California, is the site of a vortex that allows demons to cross over to Earth, and the only one who can stop them is an unbelievably sexy fallen demon named Dax who has just crashed into Eddy's life. - Reviewed By: Anna's Book Blog Coffee Time Romance & More Everybody Needs a Little Romance Goodreads LibraryThing My Overstuffed Bookshelf
	To Sin With A Scoundrel by Cara Elliott Circle of Sin Trilogy, Book 1 Historical Romance Amazon | B&N Summary: A reclusive widow known for her scientific scholarship, Lady Ciara Sheffield is shadowed by rumors that she poisoned her husband . . . A rakehell rogue notorious for his devil-may-care antics, Lucas Bingham--the Earl of Hadley--is not accused of murdering anything--save for the rules of Polite Society. The only thing they have in common is seeing their names featured in the lurid gossip columns of London's newspapers. Until an ancient manuscript draws them together. Ciara needs a titled fiancé to quell the slanderous speculations which may send her to the gallows. Lucas needs brilliant scholar to help his elderly uncle decipher the secrets of the mysterious manuscript. So when her friends urge her to accept the earl's proposal of a temporary alliance, Ciara decides that she has no choice but to make a deal with the Devil. And so begins a seductive dance of sinful pleasures and hidden desires as the two of them waltz through the mansions of Mayfair. Lies, intrigue, treachery, sex. They find themselves facing slanderous whispers, unscrupulous relatives-not to speak of their own simmering passions, which quickly ignite into dangerous flames. It's a potent mix and the result may be explosive-and perhaps deadly-if they don't watch their step. - Reviewed By: Goodreads LibraryThing My Blog 2.0 Single Titles
	Xombies: Apocalypticon by Walter Greatshell Xombies, Book 2 Horror Amazon | B&N Summary: BRACE YOURSELF. When the Agent X virus first struck, the victims became voracious killers intent on contaminating every last soul. And X spread like mad… The entire eastern seaboard of the United States has been ravages by the contagion, wiping out all signs of hope, faith, or rational thought. Off this desolate coast is a refitted nuclear sub, a 560-foot steel tomb cutting through dark waters and commandeered by a crew of survivors—including Sal DeLuca, who lost his father during their flight from Agent X. When he leads a team to scavenge for food and supplies on land, he comes across a squad of seemingly welcoming mercenaries. But he’s about to find himself trapped between new terrors on the surface and mutiny below. - Reviewed By: Goodreads LibraryThing
	Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison Rachel Morgan, Book 8 Urban Fantasy Amazon | B&N Summary: Rachel Morgan has fought and hunted vampires, werewolves, banshees, demons, and other supernatural dangers as both witch and bounty hunter—and lived to tell the tale. But she's never faced off against her own kind . . . until now. Denounced and shunned for dealing with demons and black magic, her best hope is life imprisonment—at worst, a forced lobotomy and genetic slavery. Only her enemies are strong enough to help her win her freedom, but trust comes hard when it hinges on the unscrupulous tycoon Trent Kalamack, the demon Algaliarept, and an ex-boyfriend turned thief. It takes a witch to catch a witch, but survival bears a heavy price. - Reviewed By: Bitten by Books Brook Reviews Fresh Fiction Goodreads LibraryThing Lurv à la Mode SF Signal
	Battle of the Network Zombies by Mark Henry Amanda Feral, Book 3 Urban Fantasy Amazon | B&N Summary: In Seattle's undead circles, Amanda Feral is one of the beautiful zombies. Of course, when you're socializing with werewolves, devils, and rampaging yetis, there's not that much competition. Still, Amanda has a stylish rep to maintain, which is getting tricky now that her tanking ad agency is obliterating her finances. The fastest way to make some cash: appear on a new reality show, American Minions, hosted by lecherous wood nymph Johnny Birch. Classy? Maybe not, but a girl's gotta eat. With zombie gal pal Wendy posing as her bitchy agent, Amanda settles in to 'Minions Mansion', crowded with 24-7 video cameras and undead fame whores. When Johnny is found incinerated in a locked room, Amanda decides to channel her inner Miss Marple (minus the ugly cardigans) and find out who's responsible. Was it Hairy Sue, the white trash stripper yeti? Tanesha, the glamorous trannie werewolf? Angie, the Filipino vampire with a detachable head? Unveiling the culprit in a heart-stopping finale won't just save the show from cancellation, it might just keep Amanda alive - or as close as a ghoul can get... - Reviewed By: Fresh Fiction Green Man Review Goodreads LibraryThing Love, Romance & More SciFiGuy.ca
	Demon Possessed by Stacia Kane Megan Chase, Book 3 Urban Fantasy Amazon | B&N Summary: Psychologist and psychic Megan Chase has grown remarkably comfortable hanging out with demons. The demon "family" she leads is happy, her solo practice is stabilizing, and she and her steamy demon lover, Greyson Dante, are closer than ever. But when the couple books a week at a luxury hotel to attend a meeting of demon leaders, some unanticipated problems appear. An FBI agent with an unhealthy interest in less-than-legitimate demon business practices shows up; the demon community is urging Megan to undergo the rite that will make her a real demon; and a slightly shady minister is holding one of his wildly popular "weekend exorcisms" just down the road. And oh, yes, someone with scary magical abilities is attempting to kill her. Then, just when it seems as if things couldn't possibly get any worse, a secret comes to light that could jeopardize Megan and Greyson's future -- if Megan manages to live that long. With things heating up, it's becoming difficult for her to keep a cool head... - Reviewed By: Goodreads LibraryThing
	Jordan by Susan Kearney The Pendragon Legacy, Book 3 Paranormal Romance Amazon | B&N Summary: A DANGEROUS MISSION Vivianne Blackstone devotes herself to her career, putting her love life on hold. Her latest project is a spaceship designed to protect Earth from the deadly Tribes. But its engineer, the alluring Jordan McArthur, now threatens both her job and her wary heart . . . AN UNDENIABLE DESIRE Jordan's past goes back to King Arthur, and he must find the ancient artifact that can save the galaxy. Vivianne's ship is his best hope, but convincing the fiercely independent beauty won't be easy. Especially when the passion flaring between them burns through their defenses - and love is the last thing they need to survive. - Reviewed By: Goodreads LibraryThing
	Darkness Within by Kinley MacGregor The Lords of Avalon, Book 3 Paranormal Romance Amazon | B&N Summary: Kaziel isn't just another run of the mill Hel Hound; he's the leader of the pack. But when his headstrong sister is kidnapped by Morgan le Fey and her army, he has no choice but to bow to Morgan's wishes: to steal the Shield of Dagda. In 21st century New Orleans. Avery MacArthur is the merlin for the Shield. Fully aware of its power, she would give her life to keep it from falling into the hands of someone like Kaziel. When Avery and Kaziel collide, more than their lives are at stake - the very fate of the world hangs in the balance. - Reviewed By: Goodreads LibraryThing
	The Battle Sylph by L. J. McDonald The Sylph Series, Book 1 Fantasy Romance Amazon | B&N Summary from Dorchester Publishing: THE BATTLE SYLPH He is one of many: a creature of magic, unrelentingly male. He is lured through the portal by pure female beauty, a virgin sacrifice. She is killed, and he is silenced and enslaved. Such a dark ritual is necessary. Unlike their elemental cousins—those gentler sylphs of wind and fire—battlers find no joy in everyday labor. Their magic can destroy an army or demolish a castle, and each has but one goal: find his queen, then protect and pleasure her at any cost. What would a maiden do if she were given such a servant? What would befall that kingdom foolish enough to allow a battler to escape? Young Solie and the people of Eferem are about to find out. - Reviewed By: Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings Fresh Fiction Goodreads LibraryThing Strictly Reviews The Book Pushers
	Defeat the Darkness by Alexis Morgan Paladins of Darkness, Book 6 Paranormal Romance Amazon | B&N Summary: Hard-eyed and hard-bodied, Hunter Fitzsimon isn't what Tate Justice expected in a tenant for the apartment above her garage. Terse and intensely private, Hunter's mission is to protect a narrow stretch of the barrier between Earth and Kalithia against the Paladins' ruthless enemies -- a job that would be much easier without his sexy landlady nosing around. So when she follows Hunter into the woods late one night, he decides to teach Tate a lesson with a passionate kiss that brings her to her knees...and unexpectedly ignites red-hot desire deep in his soul. But the warrior's dark and dangerous world is no place for his fiery lover. Does possessing Tate mean turning his back on his brethren...or will Hunter forsake the woman of his dreams for the harsh duty he's always known? - Reviewed By: Goodreads LibraryThing Single Titles
	Dragon Unmasked by Kathleen Nance Paranormal Romance Amazon | B&N Summary from Dorchester Publishing: The unknown betrayer attacks… I fear you’re next. One by one, practitioners of magic are dying in violence, as if fired from within.  And the last words of a dead mage identify Grace Armatrading as the next victim. Use Adam’s help; you need him. Adam Zolton is the last person in the world Grace wants to trust.  Once before, he brought her to a fever pitch of need, then sacrificed her to pursue his own agenda.  Now she has no choice but to team up with the darkly dangerous enigma. The dragon burns me. Drawn into a twisting maze of fiery danger and desire, Grace fights off a deadly computer virus, violent thugs and her own uncontrollable blackouts.  But with Adam to balance her frightening paranormal gift, she will see the…Dragon Unmasked. - Reviewed By: Goodreads LibraryThing Night Owl Reviews
	Fantasy in Death by J. D. Robb In Death, Book 31 Mystery Futuristic Amazon | B&N Summary: Bart Minnock, founder of the computer-gaming giant U-Play, enters his private playroom, and eagerly can't wait to lose himself in an imaginary world, to play the role of a sword-wielding warrior king, in his company's latest top-secret project, Fantastical. The next morning, he is found in the same locked room, in a pool of blood, his head separated from his body. It is the most puzzling case Eve Dallas has ever faced, and it is not a game. . . . NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas is having as much trouble figuring out how Bart Minnock was murdered as who did the murdering. The victim's girlfriend seems sincerely grief-stricken, and his quirky-but-brilliant partners at U-Play appear equally shocked. No one seemed to have a prob­lem with the enthusiastic, high-spirited millionaire. Of course, success can attract jealousy, and gaming, like any business, has its fierce rivalries and dirty tricks-as Eve's husband, Roarke, one of U- Play's competitors, knows well. But Minnock was not naive, and quite capable of fighting back in the real world as well as the virtual one. Eve and her team are about to enter the next level of police work, in a world where fantasy is the ultimate seduction-and the price of defeat is death. . . . - Reviewed By: Goodreads LibraryThing
	Blood of the Demon by Diana Rowland Kara Gillian, Book 2 Urban Fantasy Amazon | B&N Summary: BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL, MAN AND DEMON, SHE’S ABOUT TO FACE THE ONE THING SHE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SURVIVE. Welcome to the world of Kara Gillian, a cop with a gift. Not only does she have the power of “othersight” to see what most people can’t even imagine, but she’s become the exclusive summoner of a demon lord. Or maybe it’s the other way around. The fact is, with two troublesome cases on her docket and a handsome FBI agent under her skin, Kara needs the help of sexy, insatiable Lord Rhyzkahl more than he needs her. Because these two victims, linked by suspicious coincidence, haven’t just been murdered. Something has eaten their souls. It’s a case with roots in the arcane, but whose evil has flowered among the rich, powerful, and corrupt in Beaulac, Louisiana. And as the killings continue, Kara soon realizes how much there’s still to learn about demons, men, and things that kill in the night—and how little time she has to learn it. - Reviewed By: Goodreads LibraryThing The Book Smugglers
	Dead Matter by Anton Strout Simon Canderous, Book 3 Urban Fantasy Amazon | B&N Summary: Shaking up the spirits of Manhattan The spirit populace of Manhattan doesn't appreciate its well-deserved RIP being disturbed, and Department of Extraordinary Affairs Agent Simon Canderous is sent in to do damage control. Meanwhile, his vacationing partner, Connor Christos, is in a sorry state, and he tells Simon that each night he's being haunted by visions of his long-lost brother at his window. Simon is worried that his partner may be going crazy-or worse, maybe he's not... - Reviewed By: Blood of the Muse Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings Goodreads LibraryThing Writings Of A Wicked Book Addict
February 25, 2010
	The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin Inheritance Trilogy, Book 1 Fantasy Amazon | B&N Summary: Yeine Darr is an outcast from the barbarian north. But when her mother dies under mysterious circumstances, she is summoned to the majestic city of Sky. There, to her shock, Yeine is named an heiress to the king. But the throne of the Hundred Thousand Kingdoms is not easily won, and Yeine is thrust into a vicious power struggle with cousins she never knew she had. As she fights for her life, she draws ever closer to the secrets of her mother's death and her family's bloody history. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Yeine will learn how perilous it can be when love and hate - and gods and mortals - are bound inseparably together. - Reviewed By: Fantasy Book Critic Fantasy Literature Graeme's Fantasy Book Review Goodreads LibraryThing SFF Chat The Book Smugglers
If you have a book review for any of the new releases listed here, link it in comments and I will be happy to add it to this post. Or if I missed a new book release, please let me know so I can add it also. -- Summaries are from Amazon.com unless otherwise stated.

Giveaways:

For more giveaways visit All Things Urban Fantasy and West of Mars - Win A Book.

• Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings: Spotlight & Giveaway: Roadkill by Rob Thurman
  Thanks to Penguin Books USA, I have a copy of Roadkill by Rob Thurman to giveaway to one lucky commentator. Roadkill is the fifth novel in the Cal and Niko Series and releases on March 2, 2010. Open worldwide. Deadline to enter this giveaway is Thursday, February 25th at Midnight CST.
   
• Fantasy Dreamer's Ramblings: Interview with author Foz Meadows and Giveaway
  I have interviewed Foz Meadows and I'm giving away an autographed copy of her debut YA Urban Fantasy Solace & Grief plus a matching bookmark and sticker. Open to all. Deadline to enter is Sunday, February 28th at 8AM CST.
   
• Lurv à la Mode: ARC REVIEW: A Local Habitation + Giveaway
  Kenda has reviewed and is giving away a copy of A Local Habitation by Seanan McGuire. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is February 25, midnight, Eastern U.S. time.
   
• Closetwriter: "Hold On Tight" by Stephanie Tyler - Review and Surprise Giveaway
  Lea has reviewed Hold on Tight. And she is giving away a copy each of To Hot Too Hold and Hold On Tight by Stephanie Tyler. Open to all. Deadline to enter is before Lea has her morning coffee on Feb. 26.
   
• Neth Space: Giveaway: The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
  Neth is giving away a copy of The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin. Open to all. Deadline to enter is Feb. 26.
   
• Karen Mahoney: WIN! A signed copy of BLOOD PROMISE
  Karen is giving away a signed copy of the UK edition of Blood Promise by Richelle Mead and a shiny pink 'Richelle Mead' pen. Open to all. Deadline to enter is end of the day on Feb 28th.
   
• Anna's Book Blog: [Series Spotlight/Giveaway] - Amanda Feral
  Anna is giving away two(2) copies of Happy Hour of the Damned by Mark Henry. Open to the US & Canada. Winners will be announced on Feb 28th.
   
• SFF Chat: Book Giveaway: The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K Jemisin
  SFF Chat is giving away a copy of The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin. Open internationally. Winner will be announced on March 1st.
   
• Anna's Book Blog: [Giveaway] - Wherever Nina Lies
  Anna is giving away three(3) copies of Wherever Nina Lies by Lynn Weingarten. Open to the US. Winners will be announced on March 2nd.
   
• The Neverending Shelf: Contest: Spider's Bite
  Kate is giving away a copy of Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep, courtesy of Pocket. Open to the US and at least 13 years old. Deadline to enter is March 3rd.
   
• Book Junkie: Review: Original Sin by Allison Brennan & Giveaway
  Brande has reviewed Original Sin and she is giving away a copy. Open to all. The winner will be picked on March 4th.
   
• Blog Tour and Contest for Spider's Bite
  Patricia is giving away a copy of Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep. Open to all. Deadline to enter is March 4, 2010 at 11:59 pm PST.
   
• Book Review/ Feature/ Giveaway: Spider's Bite by: Jennifer Estep
  Monica has reviewed and is giving away a copy of Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep. Open to the US and Canada. Deadline to enter is Ends Mar 10, 2010.
   

Cecile at All I Want and More... is having a blogiversary!
Make sure you stop by her place for the celebration. Here are Cecile's own words on what going to happen during the party:
"Stories will be told, books will be pimped out, and giveaways will happen! Excerpt will be dished out along side some hot men, of course! They both will be hot, steamy, sexy and just plain juicy! (remember, the mop is in the closet for the drool) And hussies will be purring high!"

I’m excited to have Foz Meadows here today to talk about her debut YA urban fantasy novel Solace & Grief (my review), the first book in The Rare series. Everyone please give Foz a warm welcome!

Hi Foz! Yesterday was your birthday, I hope it was wonderful. We'd like to know a little about you, please tell us about yourself.

Hi Donna, and thanks for having me! As of this week, I'm now a 24-year-old author, self-confessed geek and philosophy wife. I live in Melbourne, Australia, and have recently discovered that vodka mixed with Sasparilla is very, very tasty. Also, I love cheese.

Your YA urban fantasy novel Solace and Grief debuts on March 1, could you tell us about it?

Solace & Grief is about Solace Morgan, a teenage girl raised in foster care doing her level best to conceal the fact that she's a vampire. After encountering a faceless man, Solace runs away and finds herself in the company of her first ever friends, none of whom are exactly plain old human. They live in an abandoned warehouse; they drink and joke, but once Solace decides to try and learn more about their respective abilities, they soon find themselves in over their heads with the mysterious Professor Lukin and a string of increasingly dangerous occurrences.

How many books do you have planned for The Rare series?

Three: the second volume is already completed to a first-draft stage, and I've made a stack of notes for the final installment. I have half-formed plans to revisit some of my characters in later stories, too, but that's still far in the future!

How much research did you have to do for Solace and Grief?

If by "research" you mean "watch lots and lots of Buffy while thumbing through my collection of mythology books", then, um, lots. But it wasn't intended as homework. It's just what I enjoy doing.

What are your biggest influences in your writing?

They change every time someone asks! Generally speaking, I have a healthy appreciation for stories with a humorous element: apart from being funny, real life is quite often absurd, even - sometimes especially - when we're striving for seriousness. British radio comedy in particular has had a strong influence on me, since I grew up listening to it; discovering Neil Gaiman at university was also a revelation. For a long time, I was in the bad habit of trying to put narratives in boxes and, as a result, of trying to write with the shape of those boxes in mind. Realizing I didn't have to - that stories, like rivers, prefer to take their own shape - was an eye-opener.

Books covers are a big deal to the majority of readers and writers. Did you have any input on yours? Are you happy with how your book cover turned out?

I love the cover - the end product isn't overly dissimilar to the earliest designs, and from the very first one, I thought it looked spectacular. I was lucky enough to be asked for my opinion on what was being produced, but I never wanted to change it :)

Without giving anything away, can you tell us what your favorite scene is from your book?

There's a scene which takes place on top of the Sydney Opera House that I'm rather fond of. Other favourites: nepenthe and the Gadfly!

Can you share any of your future books plans with us?

Apart from the Rare series, I've written the first draft of an adult fantasy-slash-murder-mystery novel that I'm keen to do something with. I have other ideas in mind, but if I started trying to pin all of them down at once, I'd never finish anything :)

If the the worlds created in books were real, which book would you pick to live in?

Tough call! I've always loved Anne McCaffrey's Pern books, so that universe would be high up the list; Seanan McGuire's version of Earth as overlaid by Faerie is totally brilliant; and, assuming I had the power to navigate it properly, the forest of many-world-pools from The Magician's Nephew.

Thank you Foz for this terrific interview!

Places you can find Foz: Web Site & Blog | Twitter

Giveaway:

I have an autographed copy of Solace & Grief by Foz Meadows, with a matching bookmark and sticker to giveaway to one lucky commentator. Here’s how to enter:

1. Leave a comment about this interview or ask Foz a question.
2. Leave your email with your comment ONLY IF it is NOT part of your profile.
3. Open worldwide.
4. Deadline to enter this giveaway is Sunday, February 28th at 8AM CST.

Good Luck!

Solace & Grief by Foz Meadows 
The Rare, Book 1
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Format: Paperback, 363 pages
Published: March 1, 2010 AU and June 30, 2010 US by Ford Street Press
ISBN: 978-1876462895
Received From: Author for review

Summary from Goodreads:

Solace Morgan was born a vampire. Raised in foster care, she has always tried to keep her abilities secret, until an eerie encounter with a faceless man prompts her to run away. Finding others with similar gifts, Solace soon becomes caught up in a strange, more vibrant world than she ever knew existed. But when the mysterious Professor Lukin takes an interest in her friends, she is forced to start asking questions of her own. What happened to her parents? Who is Sharpsoft? And since when has there been a medieval dungeon under Hyde Park?

My Ramblings:

Solace Morgan grew up in a group home in Australia, that was more often than not filled with damaged and problematic kids. She was home schooled and spent much of her time by herself growing up, not having any real friends. During all this time she always knew she was different from the other kids because of her mysterious food allergies, low tolerance for the sun and special abilities. Solace suspects that she's a vampire.

The day before her birthday, Solace feels the urge to leave the group home after several mysterious messages saying "You don't belong here" and a harrowing experience with a man who instills fear in her without even seeing his face. So for the first time ever, Solace leaves the only home she has ever known on her seventeenth birthday.

Solace soon runs into a group of misfit teenagers at a club in downtown Sydney, and she ends up staying with them at an abandoned warehouse. Solace soon begins to realize that her new friends may just be as different as she is, thus begins her journey into new friendships, self discovery, and the excited world of the Rare.

Solace & Grief starts out at a good pace with a strong touch of mystery in the prologue. But I found the pace slows down after the prologue until about the middle of the book, then the pace explodes and the questions start getting answers plus the actions of certain characters are demystified, especially Solace’s actions.

I didn’t feel a connection with Solace at the beginning because there were a few times where her choices didn’t ring true and she didn’t strike me as a carefree personality who’d make those type of choices. One of those times is when she meets her new friends and takes up with them immediately, I felt she was entirely too trusting with them. But by the end of the novel I did find myself liking Solace a lot more.

I liked the eclectic cast of supernatural characters, who all had their own quirks and gave the story a sense of Alice in Wonderland feel, which I found to be entertaining. Even though the beginning was slow, I just loved the the ending. I’m just itching to tell my favorite part but I can’t because it’s a major part of the ending. The end left me feeling absolutely thrilled about where this series is heading.

Overall, Solace & Grief is a good setup novel for the start of what I see to be an excited and different take on the world of vampires, shifters and the magical. I think Solace & Grief has darker elements than what’s normally seen in YA urban fantasy, that older teens and many adults would enjoy reading.

My Rating:

Places you can find Foz: Web Site & Blog | Twitter

The Rare Series:

1. Solace & Grief
2. TBA
3. TBA

Dead Matter by Anton Strout 
Simon Canderous, Book 3
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: Paperback, 336 pages
Published: February 23, 2010 by Ace
ISBN: 978-0441018444
Received From: Penguin Group (USA)

Summary:

When the paranormal raises its otherworldy head in New York City, the Department of Extraordinary Affairs executes a flawless, stick-the-landing smackdown. That’s the idea anyway, and Agent Simon Canderous can usually count on help from his mentor, Connor Christos. But Connor’s left Simon to handle a double case load as he cashes in on five years worth of saved vacation time. Simon suspects that Connor isn’t Club Medding so much as Club Deading it up—investigating the disappearance of his long lost brother.

Simon especially needs Connor when the spirit populace of Manhattan is shaken and stirred by someone intruding on their well-deserved R.I.P. But Connor’s relentless ghost whispering has sent him off the deep end; he’s haunted every night by visions of his brother’s ghost at his window. Simon’s partner may be going crazy—or worse, maybe he’s not...

Tiffany’s (Kindle Vixen) Ramblings:

Anton Strout's books continue to get better me with each new release. Dead Matter, the third book in the Simon Canderous series is a fast paced and exciting urban fantasy read. While it is #3 in a series, I think it stands on its own just fine if you absolutely can't read books 1 and 2.

Simon Canderous is an agent with the Department of Extraordinary Affairs, a super secret branch of the government dealing with paranormal activities. The backstory of the agency gives the series a humorous twist as the characters have to face big bad evil guys as well as red tape, paperwork, and stereotypical government shenanigans. Simon was recruited to the D.E.A because of his unique power to see the history and events around objects with the touch of his hand, aka psychometry.

In book 3 Simon's partner, Connor, is on extended vacation leave, forcing Simon to pick up the extra work. A late night call to check out some unusual ghost activity leads Simon to a disturbing discovery, Connor on the edge of madness as he tries to find out what happened to his brother 20 years ago. Dead Matter has Simon reaching out to help his partner only to find himself in the middle of outlandish circumstances and trying to prevent an all out war.

Simon continues to grow as an agent and person in this third installment of the series. We find him questioning the black and white of Good and Bad, looking closer into the shades of gray. It makes him and his story interesting. Connor's subplot surrounding his missing brother gives the storyline a touching boost and made me keep reading even when I thought I would need toothpicks to prop my eyelids up.

Dead Matter introduces us to a creative take on vampires and I really enjoyed their addition to the story. The conflict resolution around their existence in the end seemed a bit too easy for me, but it didn't damper my enjoyment of the story. Actually, it may have piqued my curious a bit because now I am curious to see where Mr. Strout takes this new group of characters and how they will fit in later.

Lastly, on a purely selfish note, I was relieved to have less Jane in this book. I am not fond of her and she is one of those characters I love to dislike for completely unfounded reasons. She is otherwise occupied throughout the story and I can't say I missed her.

Overall, Dead Matter starts off with a bang and keeps a fast pace all the way to the end. It is filled with funny lines, dangerous situations, and high action suspense all of which combined to keep me up far past my bed time.

Tiffany’s Rating:

Places you can find Anton: Web Site | Blog | Twitter

Simon Canderous Series:

1. Dead to Me – Tiffany’s Review
2. Deader Still – Tiffany’s Review
3. Dead Matter

Other Ramblings:

• Goodreads
• LibraryThing

#40 - Nickolay

Thank you everyone for stopping by and entering the giveaway. The winner has been notified by email.

Xombies: Apocalypticon by Walter Greatshell
Xombies, Book 2
Horror
Release Date: 02/23/2010 (Ace)
Amazon | B&N

Places you can find Walter: Web Site | Blog

Xombies Series:
  1. Xombies: Apocalypse Blues
  2. Xombies: Apocalypticon

Summary:

BRACE YOURSELF.

When the Agent X virus first struck, the victims became voracious killers intent on contaminating every last soul. And X spread like mad…

The entire eastern seaboard of the United States has been ravages by the contagion, wiping out all signs of hope, faith, or rational thought. Off this desolate coast is a refitted nuclear sub, a 560-foot steel tomb cutting through dark waters and commandeered by a crew of survivors—including Sal DeLuca, who lost his father during their flight from Agent X. When he leads a team to scavenge for food and supplies on land, he comes across a squad of seemingly welcoming mercenaries. But he’s about to find himself trapped between new terrors on the surface and mutiny below.

Death’s Daugher by Amber Benson 
Callipe Reaper-Jones, Book 1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: Paperback, 368 pages
Published: February 24, 2009 by Ace
ISBN: 978-0441016945
Received From: Purchased

Summary from Goodreads:

Calliope Reaper-Jones so just wanted a normal life: buying designer shoes on sale, dating guys from Craig's List, web-surfing for organic dim-sum for her boss...

But when her father—who happens to be Death himself—is kidnapped, and the Devil's Protege embarks on a hostile takeover of the family business, Death, Inc., Callie returns home to assume the CEO mantle— only to discover she must complete three nearly impossible tasks in the realm of the afterlife first.

My Ramblings:

Calliope "Calli" Reaper-Jones has had a Forgotten Charm put on herself so she can lead a normal mortal's life in New York City, trying to break into the world of fashion. The Forgotten Charm has made Calli forget about her family and her past. But Jarvis, a faun and her dad's assistant, shows up one day, breaks the charm's spell, makes her remember everything and tells her that her father, who is also know as Death, has been kidnapped.

A reluctant and unhappy Calli heads to home to fill her father's shoes but finds that she has to complete three seemingly improbable tasks before she can become the head of the family business, Death, Inc. While Calli tries blundering her way through these tasks, she runs into competition for the job with Daniel, who happens to be the Devil's Protege and super model sexy.

For the most part I enjoyed reading Death's Daughter, especially since it had a bit of a Buffy feel to it. There were plenty of fun characters, a lot of snarky and funny dialogue, overall entertaining. I like how Hell and Death, Inc. were run like corporations including a board of executives, definitely not my usual idea of either. Calli was sarcastic and hilariously funny at times, and her speak-before-thinking personality gets her into plenty of jams while trying to complete her three tasks for the job of Death. The downside of this book was as times I found Calli too long winded in her self-dialogues with herself and she had a few misplaced tantrums, especially when the book was a pivoting point. All in all, I like Death's Daughter well enough to read the next book. I just hope some the rambling is toned down and I find a little more grown up Callie in Cat's Claw.

My Rating: 

Places you can find Amber: Blog | Twitter

Callipe Reaper-Jones Series:

1. Death’s Daughter
2. Cat’s Claw

Other Ramblings:

• Darque Reviews
• Fang-tastic Books
• Fantasy & Sci-Fi Lovin' Blog
• Fantasy Literature
• LoveVampires
• Michelle's Book Review Blog
• Patricia's Vampire Notes