Search

Search only in certain items:

Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1)
Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School, #1)
Gail Carriger | 2013 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
7.6 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
I listened to this book in almost one sitting, while on a long car ride. I was almost disappointed when I got there because I had two chapters left and I wanted to know what happened!

E&E was a very cute and clever story. It had everything: awesome characters, a villain you love to hate, mystery, adventure, surprises, romance, humor, and wonderful descriptions. Also, Werewolves and vampires. But not the sparkly modern-day super-sexy kind… the kind that will kill you. Oh yeah, also, they’re the professors.

And the students of the school Sophronia goes to?… they live in the sky. How cool is that? I loved Sophronia so much, and she reminded me of myself when I was nine (though she was like fourteen or something)

Suffice to say, I wanted to transfer to that finishing school instead of my boring old university.

Content/Recommendation: Clean! Recommend to ages 13+ (keep in mind, I’m 21 and I loved it).

Audio: The reader, Moira Quirk, was excellent! Wonderful use of accent and inflection, and very talented. Looking forward to hearing more of her voice acting.
  
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second novel I have read in this series and I can safely say that is among one the best fantasy romances I have read in a while. I am aggravated at myself, however, for not yet reading the first two in the series.

In all honesty, I feel that there is nothing I can say about this novel that I haven’t already said about the previous. The mythology is fascinating and the characters who fit into this fantastic world are just as interesting. In a genre overrun with vampires, werewolves, and shifters, it was refreshing to read about Jenkin’s witches who I enjoyed. I also liked the heroine and her hero. Something about the protector and the protected falling in love is a trope I am very much a fan of.

Again, I really need to read the first two in this series, though the two I have read can be enjoyed on their own. As a fan of fantasy romance and elemental magic, I highly recommend this series and plan to continue it until it's completion.
  
This Case Is Gonna Kill Me (Linnet Ellery, #1)
This Case Is Gonna Kill Me (Linnet Ellery, #1)
Phillipa Bornikova | 2012 | Fiction & Poetry
10
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
This book was an unexpected delight. Lawyers? Meh. Even lawyers with paranormal spice.

But Linnet Ellery is no ordinary lawyer, even for a young lawyer in a White Fang law firm. She has no end of backbone and smarts, not to mention luck - or should I say Luck? Because fortune swirls around her like nobody else, making her a nexus of events and a little too conspicuous for her very discreet employers.

That's not to say that she doesn't make her share of mistakes - that wouldn't be any fun, now would it? She survives and learns from them, then helps others avoid the same.

Living in a world of vampires, werewolves, and Alfar (elves) might be intimidating to most humans, especially when those beings (Powers) are essentially in charge. Linnet doesn't let them intimidate her. She uses her contacts and plays to her strengths, winning more and more significant battles every time she goes to bat.

Bornikova sets things up very nicely for a sequel, and I am personally hungry to read more. I strongly suggest this book to anyone who enjoys paranormals, urban fantasy, or simply good, humorous fiction with a dollop of suspense and a strong heroine.
  
M(
Matefinder (Matefinder, #1)
Leia Stone | 2014
8
7.7 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
I do not consider myself an expert on werewolf and vampire lore, but I do find them highly fascinating. Matefinder is a quick read, with an interesting story and unique characters.

I have had this book sitting on my nightstand for almost a year, waiting for me to pick it up. I am so glad I finally did. Kai and Aurora's story kept my eyes glued to the page till I finished it well past my bedtime last night.

Aurora is a strong female lead and she carries a powerful gift with her. She has overcome so much, survived so much. Discovering who she is and the strength and power she carries is an incredible thing to witness. Passionate (clean) kisses, intense fight scenes, tenderness, and a family/pack bond that is thicker than blood. If you enjoy books with vampires and werewolves, I recommend Matefinder to you.

**I would consider the rating to be PG-13.**

I received a complimentary copy of Matefinder from the author as part of a giveaway that I won. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
  
Defiance (The Wolfborne Saga #1)
Defiance (The Wolfborne Saga #1)
Cheree Alsop | 2018 | Paranormal, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Defiance is the first book in The Wolfborne Saga and you get a very different take on vampires and werewolves! It starts with Zev escaping in wolf form, from who or what you don't know. It's a close call though, nearly his last call, but he is saved by a young man driving a car. This opens up a whole sort-of-new life for those Zev meets and for him himself.

This was brilliantly written, with plenty of world-building and information given without it being an info-dump. There is definitely character growth from Zev but the others are just as interesting.

As the first book in a series you expect to get a lot of the ground-work, sometimes to the detriment of the story. Not so here. Ms. Alsop has provided a great start and I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Definitely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
Dawn of Chaos (The Caitlin Chronicles #1)
Dawn of Chaos (The Caitlin Chronicles #1)
Daniel Willcocks, Michael Anderle | 2018 | Horror, Humor & Comedy, Science Fiction/Fantasy
7
7.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
34 of 250
Kindle
Dawn of Chaos ( Caitlin Chronicles book 1)
By Michael Anderle and Daniel Wilcocks

Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments

The Governor she trusted to protect her wants her dead. The target she was sent to capture wants to help her live.

When Caitlin finally gets the chance to join her brother on a mission outside of the walls of the town she has been trapped inside all of her life, her entire reality is shaken.

Enemies appear in the strangest of places. The zombie-like ‘Mad’ roam the forests. Vampires and Werewolves from the fairy tales of her childhood become reality as Caitlin is forced to discover the truth of the Age of Madness and begin the fight for justice.


So I wasn’t sure what to Expect but it was actually quite good! I got a very walking dead theme but with vampires and weres thrown in! The characters were likeable and of course detestable, loving the female leads which I find sometimes when written by men are just slightly patronising but not here! Looking forward to seeing more.
  
Challenge Accepted (Wolf Appeal #2)
Challenge Accepted (Wolf Appeal #2)
KB Alan | 2018 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Challenge Accepted (Wolf Appeal #2) by KB Alan
Challenge Accepted is the second book in the Wolf Appeal series, but it can be read as a standalone, as I did. Adam was changed into a werewolf against his will, and has tried to remain off grid ever since. He comes into contact with others when some of the natural wolves in his woods get sick, and then some of the werewolves do too. The head honcho herself, Myra, turns up and is able to speak with him, letting him know just what she had done with the pack that turned him. The attraction between these two is sort of instantaneous, sort of not. The sparks are there, but the fire isn't lit (properly) until the end of the book. You'll see why ;)

This was a well-written story that fully explains Adam's situation without being bogged down in detail. There were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. This story was intriguing and engrossing, and was great as a standalone. Recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
Dog Soldiers (2002)
Dog Soldiers (2002)
2002 | Action, Horror
8
8.2 (26 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Dog Soldiers might be showing its age by now, but damn it's still a ride.

The cast absolutely make it - I've never been one of those "wheeey lads, football" kind of guys, but the group of soldiers that the film follows have great chemistry, and just feel real. I always enjoy Sean Pertwee, and here is no different. I would argue that it's one of his best performances to date, from the fantastic monologue about his mate in Iraq near the start, to his increasingly mad and out of it schtick near the films climax.
Its an incredibly well paced movie as well. It doesn't take long for shit to hit the fan, and the rest of the narrative feels frantic, despite being set in one building for the most part.
There's a good amount of gore, and Neil Marshall is never afraid to show us his werewolves, and they look great! Its all practically done as well, giving us the cherry on top.

Dog Soldiers and The Descent are the two films that truly cemented Neil Marshall as a director to watch. Its nearly 20 years later and it's still a great watch and in my opinion, is one of the better werewolf films out there!
  
Handsome Death
Handsome Death
Sara Dobie Bauer | 2020 | Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Handsome Death is a standalone paranormal romance. In a world where vampires, werewolves, and witches (to name just three) are known about and regulated. Ethan is a vampire mercenary, happy to be alone and lurking in the shadows. Tris is a human, with many friends and, although not so happy in the limelight, still doesn't want to be in the dark.

Although there are some sexy times from the start, this book is a slow-burner. It takes time for Ethan to realise that his obsession with Tris is more than just lust. We see Ethan change as his heart opens to Tris, and we see Tris change as his self-confidence grows. The way Tris stood up to his ex is one of the best scenes in the book, in my opinion.

With snark and humour and no unnecessary dramatics, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are delightful and the world-building is just enough. I would love to return to this world and read some of the other characters' stories. Absolutely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
  
117 of 235
Kindle
Dark Highland Fire ( The MacInnes werewolves 2)
By Kendra Leigh Castle
⭐️⭐️

Gabriel MacInnes has led a charmed life. A Highland werewolf of Alpha lineage, he'd always thought that, as the second son, he would never have to worry much about responsibility. But with his Pack now squarely in the sights of an ancient and rediscovered enemy, everything has begun to change.

Exiled from the Drakkyn realm, on the run from the dragon prince who claims her as his own, the last thing Rowan an Morgaine wants is to deal with a bunch of overbearing shifters in the middle of nowhere. But when her hiding place on Earth is discovered, and with blood the only thing that can restore her waning power, the fiery demigoddess has little choice but to accept Gabriel as a protector ...

As the Earthly and Drakkyn realms converge, Gabriel and Rowan must decide how much they're willing to sacrifice for fate...and for one another.

I have to admit this was pretty below average for what I was expecting I enjoyed book one but this one kinda bored me I found my self rushing through hoping it would capture me but it didn’t. It was ok.