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The Devil, The Witch and The Whore (The Deal #1)
8.0
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“Leave the forest alone. Whatever's out there, just let it be. Don't make it angry.” When a...
Horror suspense violence supernatural
Medical Muses: Hysteria in Nineteenth-Century Paris
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Hysteria as a disease no longer exists, but in the nineteenth century hysteria was thought to affect...
Debbiereadsbook (1303 KP) rated Passion Awakened (The Hush #1) in Books
Jun 17, 2020
thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
Kyr, leader of the Hush, races a psych test, along with the others in his group. Their supervisor thinks they are hiding something. He was, but not quite what the boss thought. Mira is Awakened, a half breed vampire and trained psychotherapist. She is tasked with assessing The Hush members. All the while, those members are trying to find the missing vampire females who keep disappearing.
While not a particularly original theme, I really REALLY enjoyed this!
The vampires are fighting demons. The vampires are alien to earth. they are big, bulky guys that are drop dead gorgeous. But still!
There is enough variation to the theme to make it sufficently interesting, and engaging. Its dark and deadly in places, and sweet and sexy in others.
Both Mira and Kyr have a say, but also a good deal of the other characters do too, and I loved that we get more from them. The bad guy too! I LOVE when the bad guy gets a say!
There is a MUCH bigger picture going on, which I assume will unfold as future books come out, but I'm not getting a clue as to what that is yet. So that will keep me engaged for the next book at least!
The author has published under another name, Kyla D Knight, but this work doesn't really show the work under that name, if you see what I mean? Very different.
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Kyr, leader of the Hush, races a psych test, along with the others in his group. Their supervisor thinks they are hiding something. He was, but not quite what the boss thought. Mira is Awakened, a half breed vampire and trained psychotherapist. She is tasked with assessing The Hush members. All the while, those members are trying to find the missing vampire females who keep disappearing.
While not a particularly original theme, I really REALLY enjoyed this!
The vampires are fighting demons. The vampires are alien to earth. they are big, bulky guys that are drop dead gorgeous. But still!
There is enough variation to the theme to make it sufficently interesting, and engaging. Its dark and deadly in places, and sweet and sexy in others.
Both Mira and Kyr have a say, but also a good deal of the other characters do too, and I loved that we get more from them. The bad guy too! I LOVE when the bad guy gets a say!
There is a MUCH bigger picture going on, which I assume will unfold as future books come out, but I'm not getting a clue as to what that is yet. So that will keep me engaged for the next book at least!
The author has published under another name, Kyla D Knight, but this work doesn't really show the work under that name, if you see what I mean? Very different.
A thoroughly enjoyable 4 star read.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Source of Magic (Academy of Falling Kingdoms #1) in Books
Mar 1, 2021
32 of 250
Kindle
The Source of Magic ( Academy of Falling Kingdoms book1)
By Drake Mason and Marisa Mills
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
I can speak to demons. The punishment is death.
The mission: put on a dress, pretend to be a lady, and infiltrate the academy of mages to steal a journal from the forbidden archives.
The problem: I’m no mage and I’ve never worn a dress in my life.
But it’s not like I have a choice. My bastard of an uncle basically sold me to a dangerously pretty nobleman, and they can’t pull off this heist without me. Unfortunately, once I fake my way through the entrance exam with a piece of hacked mage tech, and reach the floating kingdom of Reverie, my problems are only just beginning.
Keeping my secret identity is hard enough without a suspicious prince following me around, and the jealous rich girl who wants to marry him threatening me at every turn. But I know I’m in real trouble when my magic sword starts to talk to me. If I can survive the demon attacks, the backstabbing nobles, and the piles of homework long enough, I may discover the source of magic… and if the truth gets out, it will shatter everything.
This showed so much potential but for me book 1 didn’t deliver in some areas! I got a little bored but ploughed on as I don’t like giving up! It was a 2.5 until the end which gave me a bit of a boost to try book 2!
Kindle
The Source of Magic ( Academy of Falling Kingdoms book1)
By Drake Mason and Marisa Mills
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
I can speak to demons. The punishment is death.
The mission: put on a dress, pretend to be a lady, and infiltrate the academy of mages to steal a journal from the forbidden archives.
The problem: I’m no mage and I’ve never worn a dress in my life.
But it’s not like I have a choice. My bastard of an uncle basically sold me to a dangerously pretty nobleman, and they can’t pull off this heist without me. Unfortunately, once I fake my way through the entrance exam with a piece of hacked mage tech, and reach the floating kingdom of Reverie, my problems are only just beginning.
Keeping my secret identity is hard enough without a suspicious prince following me around, and the jealous rich girl who wants to marry him threatening me at every turn. But I know I’m in real trouble when my magic sword starts to talk to me. If I can survive the demon attacks, the backstabbing nobles, and the piles of homework long enough, I may discover the source of magic… and if the truth gets out, it will shatter everything.
This showed so much potential but for me book 1 didn’t deliver in some areas! I got a little bored but ploughed on as I don’t like giving up! It was a 2.5 until the end which gave me a bit of a boost to try book 2!
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Devil's Paw (Imp, #4) in Books
Jan 6, 2021
This review and more can be found at my blog https://aromancereadersreviews.blogspot.com
A Romance Reader's Reviews
3.5 stars.
This has been borrowed from the Kindle Unlimited library.
Once again, this is a book that has been on my wish list on Amazon for several years. 2017, I think, when I read an anthology containing books 1-3 and really enjoyed them.
This one starts with Sam preparing for Wyatt's birthday. She's got him a special gift - his sister that was stolen at birth and switched with a changeling. Wyatt is over the moon at having his real sister back and is determined to help her get used to life in the human world.
On another note, Sam is now the Iblis and has to write reports for every human she kills - both accidentally and on purpose - and go before the board of Angels to explain herself. One of these times is after she is attacked by an angel, a mage and two human thugs working together. Yet no one believes her claims.
On yet another note is that someone or something is killing demons and devouring their souls, leaving behind their husk all over the Americas and Sam is the prime suspect. Gregory eventually believes her and tries to clear her name.
I've been wanting something to happen between Sam and Gregory for a while in this series, so I was very happy indeed when things progressed in this one.
I'm not going to go into any more detail but that ending has me wanting to read the next one. I need to know what happens next with Sam and co.
A Romance Reader's Reviews
3.5 stars.
This has been borrowed from the Kindle Unlimited library.
Once again, this is a book that has been on my wish list on Amazon for several years. 2017, I think, when I read an anthology containing books 1-3 and really enjoyed them.
This one starts with Sam preparing for Wyatt's birthday. She's got him a special gift - his sister that was stolen at birth and switched with a changeling. Wyatt is over the moon at having his real sister back and is determined to help her get used to life in the human world.
On another note, Sam is now the Iblis and has to write reports for every human she kills - both accidentally and on purpose - and go before the board of Angels to explain herself. One of these times is after she is attacked by an angel, a mage and two human thugs working together. Yet no one believes her claims.
On yet another note is that someone or something is killing demons and devouring their souls, leaving behind their husk all over the Americas and Sam is the prime suspect. Gregory eventually believes her and tries to clear her name.
I've been wanting something to happen between Sam and Gregory for a while in this series, so I was very happy indeed when things progressed in this one.
I'm not going to go into any more detail but that ending has me wanting to read the next one. I need to know what happens next with Sam and co.
ClareR (5779 KP) rated Build Your Home Around My Body in Books
Jul 28, 2021
I loved this enchanting, horrific, beautiful story. Build Your House Around My Body is a difficult book to describe. There are at least three timelines, all relevant to what is happening in the present day to the main character, Winnie née Ngoan.
Winnie is a lost soul - she has gone to Vietnam to stay with family while she teaches English to Vietnamese students, hoping to find herself, but she seems to become more and more lost as the story progresses. She struggles with her dual identity as her mother is American, and her father is Vietnamese. The fact that she seems to deliberately sabotage her own life is the most tragic thing about her.
The time does jump around a bit, but this didn’t confuse me at all - the chapter headings made sure of that - in fact they gave some interesting history lessons (e.g. French colonialism, Japanese occupation).
It’s a weird and wonderful one (my favourite kind!), sometimes bordering on the grotesque (ditto). Bodily functions and food that I wasn’t sure about, galore! (I’d still try the food though, although I draw the line at dog…).
The supernatural elements showed that these things are still very much a part of Vietnamese culture (spirits and demons both feature).
Some parts are achingly sad, some made me feel a bit ill, and others were actually quite amusing. I couldn’t put this book down. The joy of it was that I didn’t know, couldn’t predict, what was going to happen next!
I’m really interested to see what Kupersmith writes next if this is her debut - what an imagination!
Many thanks to Jellybooks for giving me the chance to read this wonderful book.
Winnie is a lost soul - she has gone to Vietnam to stay with family while she teaches English to Vietnamese students, hoping to find herself, but she seems to become more and more lost as the story progresses. She struggles with her dual identity as her mother is American, and her father is Vietnamese. The fact that she seems to deliberately sabotage her own life is the most tragic thing about her.
The time does jump around a bit, but this didn’t confuse me at all - the chapter headings made sure of that - in fact they gave some interesting history lessons (e.g. French colonialism, Japanese occupation).
It’s a weird and wonderful one (my favourite kind!), sometimes bordering on the grotesque (ditto). Bodily functions and food that I wasn’t sure about, galore! (I’d still try the food though, although I draw the line at dog…).
The supernatural elements showed that these things are still very much a part of Vietnamese culture (spirits and demons both feature).
Some parts are achingly sad, some made me feel a bit ill, and others were actually quite amusing. I couldn’t put this book down. The joy of it was that I didn’t know, couldn’t predict, what was going to happen next!
I’m really interested to see what Kupersmith writes next if this is her debut - what an imagination!
Many thanks to Jellybooks for giving me the chance to read this wonderful book.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Blood in the Mirror (The Haunted Collection #3) in Books
May 2, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
58 of 250
Kindle
Blood in the Mirror ( Haunted Collection book 3)
By Ron Ripley
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Stefan Korzh is at it again, and while Ivan's deadly ghost has thrown a wrench into his son's plans, the spiteful road to revenge continues. More haunted items from the family's notorious collection are appearing with new owners. Worst of all is a pen possessing an inviting glimmer that can destroy whoever spills its demonic ink.
Jeremy Rhinehart and Victor Daniels are in a desperate rush to stop the mayhem, and seem to be headed in the right direction...but somehow, the closer they get, the harder things become. And they are slowly finding that they're not the only ones who want Stefan dead.
As the histories of the possessed collectibles continue to reveal themselves, more objects emerge, and old family secrets are contained within the elegant ridges of the compact mirror. Everything hangs in the balance, and it's up to Victor to discard his tragic demons and stop Stefan before the streets are lined with more bodies.
But as Victor and Jeremy continue their quest against evil, they discover a terrifying force lurking in their midst. Nothing is ever as it seems....
This was my favourite so far! The walls are closing in on Stefan from all sides. This one was saw a Goblin gone crazy and oh no Anne is on the loose but where? We saw Jeremys demise (though I’m thinking not for long) leaving poor Victor with another death to avenge. Looking forward to book 4.
Kindle
Blood in the Mirror ( Haunted Collection book 3)
By Ron Ripley
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Stefan Korzh is at it again, and while Ivan's deadly ghost has thrown a wrench into his son's plans, the spiteful road to revenge continues. More haunted items from the family's notorious collection are appearing with new owners. Worst of all is a pen possessing an inviting glimmer that can destroy whoever spills its demonic ink.
Jeremy Rhinehart and Victor Daniels are in a desperate rush to stop the mayhem, and seem to be headed in the right direction...but somehow, the closer they get, the harder things become. And they are slowly finding that they're not the only ones who want Stefan dead.
As the histories of the possessed collectibles continue to reveal themselves, more objects emerge, and old family secrets are contained within the elegant ridges of the compact mirror. Everything hangs in the balance, and it's up to Victor to discard his tragic demons and stop Stefan before the streets are lined with more bodies.
But as Victor and Jeremy continue their quest against evil, they discover a terrifying force lurking in their midst. Nothing is ever as it seems....
This was my favourite so far! The walls are closing in on Stefan from all sides. This one was saw a Goblin gone crazy and oh no Anne is on the loose but where? We saw Jeremys demise (though I’m thinking not for long) leaving poor Victor with another death to avenge. Looking forward to book 4.
Ross (3284 KP) rated Surprisingly Down to Earth, and Very Funny in Books
Oct 27, 2020
Funny but at times harrowing auto-biography
I wouldn't say I was a huge fan of Limmy's. I've seen a few of his sketches on youtube and have heard him interviewed on a few podcasts. He seems quite strange and a bit of an odd character. I have read his books of short stories and found them to be brilliantly well-written and original.
His auto-biography starts brilliantly, giving a great insight into the childhood that shaped the comedian. There are funny stories of growing up isolated and playing strange games with strange friends. This gets darker as Limmy ages, as he finds himself looking for danger and things to make him feel alive. This inevitably leads to trouble with the police, and on to drink and drugs and more police trouble.
He seems to have always been looking to try and find somewhere to fit in, a niche in the world where he can be himself and be otherwise left alone, though he is his own worst enemy along the way. Battles with depression, suicide and social issues hold him back at almost every stage. He finally finds his niche when he discovers flash programming. This gives him an avenue for his creativity and silliness, and leads to his genius being discovered, eventually leading to a successful podcast and TV shows - though even those weren't plain sailing.
This is the charming, though at times harrowing, story of a man with so many ideas in his head, but so many issues holding him back, and the battle to overcome demons to do what he wants to do, and to do it his way.
His auto-biography starts brilliantly, giving a great insight into the childhood that shaped the comedian. There are funny stories of growing up isolated and playing strange games with strange friends. This gets darker as Limmy ages, as he finds himself looking for danger and things to make him feel alive. This inevitably leads to trouble with the police, and on to drink and drugs and more police trouble.
He seems to have always been looking to try and find somewhere to fit in, a niche in the world where he can be himself and be otherwise left alone, though he is his own worst enemy along the way. Battles with depression, suicide and social issues hold him back at almost every stage. He finally finds his niche when he discovers flash programming. This gives him an avenue for his creativity and silliness, and leads to his genius being discovered, eventually leading to a successful podcast and TV shows - though even those weren't plain sailing.
This is the charming, though at times harrowing, story of a man with so many ideas in his head, but so many issues holding him back, and the battle to overcome demons to do what he wants to do, and to do it his way.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Eleventh Grave in Moonlight (Charley Davidson, #11) in Books
Jan 12, 2021
I'll start by saying I LOVE THIS SERIES! Darynda Jones has written such an amazing likeable but slightly dumb, sometimes genius character in Charley Davidson. You can't help but like her.
This starts with Charley sitting in a psychiatrist's office as she equally does a job and confesses everything that she's learned about herself over the last ten books to the doctor in the chair. Turns out the shrink is dead and haunting the office. There is one big case that Charley is working on in this and it's the couple who kidnapped Reyes when he was a baby. There's a few other smaller things thrown in and we see Charley learn how to be who she was born to be with a little help from Reyes.
As I've already mentioned, I love this series. It is right up my street with it's snark, humour and romance. Characters that we've grown to love over the last ten books make reappearances, some new characters pop up and some that have been mentioned peripherally make themselves known. It's hard to give too many details without spoiling it for those who haven't got this far in the series.
If you've not at least started this series, then I can't recommend it enough, really. That is, if you like urban fantasy/paranormal romances. Or demons. Gods...
I have book 12 in paperback, too, and haven't decided whether to read it straight away yet - despite that bit of a cliff hanger that happened at the end! - as I feel I would immediately want to read book 13 to finish the series and I don't have it yet. It's on my to-buy list.
This starts with Charley sitting in a psychiatrist's office as she equally does a job and confesses everything that she's learned about herself over the last ten books to the doctor in the chair. Turns out the shrink is dead and haunting the office. There is one big case that Charley is working on in this and it's the couple who kidnapped Reyes when he was a baby. There's a few other smaller things thrown in and we see Charley learn how to be who she was born to be with a little help from Reyes.
As I've already mentioned, I love this series. It is right up my street with it's snark, humour and romance. Characters that we've grown to love over the last ten books make reappearances, some new characters pop up and some that have been mentioned peripherally make themselves known. It's hard to give too many details without spoiling it for those who haven't got this far in the series.
If you've not at least started this series, then I can't recommend it enough, really. That is, if you like urban fantasy/paranormal romances. Or demons. Gods...
I have book 12 in paperback, too, and haven't decided whether to read it straight away yet - despite that bit of a cliff hanger that happened at the end! - as I feel I would immediately want to read book 13 to finish the series and I don't have it yet. It's on my to-buy list.