New Releases: 8/5-8/11

Tues August 7

A Lady Can Never Be Too Curious(Steam Guardians, #1) by Mary Wine
Auracle by Gina Rosati
A Witch Before Dying (A Wishcraft Mystery,#2) by Heather Blake
A Wolf at the Door (Jesse James Dawson, #3) by K.A. Stewart
Biting Cold (Chicagoland Vampires #6) by Chloe Neill
Blood Bath & Beyond (An Immortality Bites Mystery #1) by Michelle Rowen
Blood Fever (The Watchers, #3) by Veronica Wolff
Desire After Dark (Lords of Pleasure, #2) by Jo Carlisle
Dying For You by MaryJanice Davidson
Eternal Beast (Mark of the Vampire, #4) by Laura Wright
Girl of Nightmares (Anna, #2) by Kendare Blake
Glitch (Glitch, #1) by Heather Anastasiu
In the House of the Wicked (Remy Chandler #5) by Sherrilyn Kenyon
The Iron Wyrm Affair (Bannon & Clare, #1) by Lilith Saintcrow
Libromancer (Magic Ex Libris #1) by Jim Hines
Love on the Run (Nola O’Grady, #4) by Katherine Kerr
Lover's Instict (Moon Shifter #1.5) by Katie Reus
Master of Darkness (Mageverse #9) by Angela Knight
Precinct 13 by Tate Hallaway
Rift (Nightshade Prequel, #1) by Andrea Cremer
Rivals and Retribution (13 to LifeAnna, #2) by Shannon Delany
Seawitch (Greywalker, #7)by Kat Richardson
Soul Weaver by Hailey Edwards
Two Week's Notice (Revivalists, #2) by Rachel Caine
Wake (Watersong, #1) by Amanda Hocking
Wilder (The Chosen Ones, #5) by Christina Dodd

 

Happy Reading!!

Interview & Giveaway: Kitty Steals the Show by Carrie Vaughn

UFI welcomes Carrie Vaughn Author of The Kitty Norville Series. Thanks for Joining us!!

 

What can you tell my readers about yourself that they might not know from looking on your bio or reading in another interview?

I'm not sure -- I've done so many interviews and posts at this point I can't imagine there's anything people don't know.  My blog readers know, but other people might not, that I'm a fan of GI Joe.  Comic book, cartoon, everything.  One of the first pieces of extended fiction I wrote was GI Joe fanfiction.  No, it doesn't exist anywhere online.  It's on notebook paper in a file somewhere, and that's where it's staying.

What do you enjoy doing on your down time?

I have a bunch of hobbies.  I sew and craft.  I watch movies.  I try to get outdoors, hiking and such, every now and then.  I walk my dog.  I ride horses, I scuba dive, but I don't get to do these two as often as I would like.

What is your Favorite part of writing?

All of it!  There are different times when I like different parts of it, but really, the whole process is exciting to me, from getting that spark of an idea to finally revising a rough draft into something cohesive.

Do you have any certain routines you must follow as you write?

The routine isn't as important as just writing *something* every day.  I try to be flexible.  But I like having music on when I write.  I have to know how the story ends before I start, so I know where I'm going.

What are some of your Favorite books or Authors in the Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal Genres?

Oddly enough I don't read a whole lot of urban fantasy/paranormal.  I tend to go in different directions from what I'm writing.  But I do enjoy books by Patricia Briggs, Diana Rowland, and MLN Hanover.

How would you pitch the Kitty Norville series to someone who has not heard of it before?

The series is about a werewolf named Kitty who hosts a talk radio advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged. Adventures ensue.  

Can you tell us a little bit about the world that the Kitty Norville series is set in?

It's pretty much just like ours, is the way I think of it.  The first page of the first book could be our world exactly, and it's only slowly revealed that there's more going on under the surface.  My whole idea for the series started by asking, "Okay, what would things *really* be like if vampires and werewolves were real?"  That's why I end up writing about Senate hearings and reality TV and scientific conferences, because those are the things that would really happen.

Do you have a favorite scene in Kitty Steals the Show?

There's a bit in the climactic confrontation that I think is one of the most horrific things I've ever written.  I'm quite pleased with it.

Which character was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about?

Kitty's always my favorite -- she'd better be, the whole book is about her!  I'm not sure who is the hardest -- I like a challenge so I always seem to enjoy the tough nuts.  The vampires are certainly interesting -- trying to make them mysterious, ancient, and experienced without making them stereotypes, and trying to bring something new to the vampire mythos is challenging.

Kitty Steals the Show is book number 10 in the series. Do you find it easier or harder to write as the series gets more books under its belt?

The hardest part is trying to keep track of everything I've already done.  I'll find myself writing a scene and wondering if I had a scene similar to it in a previous book, so I go back to check on things a lot more than in the earlier books.  Each book is still fun and challenging and I still enjoy writing them.  But there's a lot of history now to keep track of.

What Other Projects can we look forward to reading from you?

I've got more Kitty books planned -- I just finished the twelfth novel.  I'm also working on a sequel to my superhero novel, After the Golden Age.

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Find Carrie and her books

Website

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Kitty Steals the Show
Kitty Norville #10

Kitty has been tapped as the keynote speaker for the First International Conference on Paranatural Studies, taking place in London. The conference brings together scientists, activists, protestors, and supernatural beings from all over the world—and Kitty, Ben, and Cormac are right in the middle of it.

Master vampires from dozens of cities have also gathered in London for a conference of their own. With the help of the Master of London, Kitty gets more of a glimpse into the Long Game—a power struggle among vampires that has been going on for centuries—than she ever has before. In her search for answers, Kitty has the help of some old allies, and meets some new ones, such as Caleb, the alpha werewolf of the British Isles. The conference has also attracted some old enemies, who’ve set their sights on her and her friends.

All the world’s a stage, and Kitty’s just stepped into the spotlight.

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 *US ONLY*

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Week in Review: 7/29-8/4

Books Ive Bought/received


* Integration by Imogen Rose- Author

* Shades of Blood by L.M. Pruitt- eARC- Bewitching Book Tours

* Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy- eARC- Bewitching Book Tours

Books I Read

Covet by Melissa Darnell
Integration by Imogen Rose
Shadows Before the Sun by Kelly Gay
Beta by Rachel Cohn
Shades of Blood by L.M. Pruitt


Reviews Posted

Moonlight Mayhem by Sherry Soule
Kitty Steals the Show by Carrie Vaughn
Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews
Darklands by Nancy Holzner

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* New Releases for the week. Was there anything you were looking forward to reading?

* Monday, I put up a giveaway for Darklands by Nancy Holzner.


* Wednesday Nancy Holzner was here with a guest post and a giveaway of her own.

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*If you see something on my books Ive read list that you are dying to know about let me know I'm back logged on reviews and can move it up on the list if I know people are wanting one.

 * I love comments so if you see something you like (or not) please comment away and let me know.

Review: Darklands by Nancy Holzner

Darklands
Author: Nancy Holzner
Release Date: July 31, 2012
Publisher: ACE
Deadtown Book #4
ISBN:  1937007707
ISBN13: 9781937007706
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher

They call it Deadtown: the city’s quarantined section for its inhuman and undead residents. Most humans stay far from its border—but Victory Vaughn, Boston’s only professional demon slayer, isn’t exactly human…

Boston’s demons have been disappearing, and Vicky’s clients are canceling left and right. While fewer demons might seem like a good thing, Vicky suspects foul play. A missing Celtic cauldron from Harvard’s Peabody museum leads her to an unwelcome conclusion: Pryce, her demi-demon cousin and bitter enemy, is trying to regain his full powers.

But Pryce isn’t alone. He’s conjured another, darker villain from Vicky’s past. To stop them from destroying everything she loves, she’ll have to face her own worst fear—in the realm of the dead itself.

First thought when picking up the book was how much I dislike the cover, I really don't picture Vicky looking like that and it throws me off. If i didnt already like the series I probably wouldnt pick up DARKLANDS for the cover alone.

Unfortunately for Vicky (well and the world really) Pryce is back and already up to no good. It doesnt take Vicky long to come up with a game plan to once again get rid of him no matter what she has to sacrifice to do it. DARKLANDS brought out a lot of insecurities in Vicky especially revolving around her relationship with Kane. By the end of the book they seemed to finally come to an understanding but there are some new circumstances that are now in play that hopefully will bring them closer together and not push them farther apart. Kane really did some amazing things to prove to Vicky how much he loves her and I think she is finally seeing that they have something that will last.

A good portion of the book takes place in the Darklands and I hate to admit it but it was kinda boring to be there. There were a few good points which I wont point to as they will be to spoiler filled but for the most part even though I can see how it needed to happen to advance certain parts of the story I just couldn't get into it.  There is still plenty of action packed moments and there is also some great Mythology thrown in.

DARKLANDS wasn't my favorite book of the series but I still enjoyed it and I'm still going to continue reading it. 

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

Review: Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews

Gunmetal Magic
Author: Ilona Andrews
Release Date: July 31, 2012
Publisher: Ace
Kate Daniels Book #5.5
ISBN:   0425256138
ISBN13: 9780425256138
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher

Some people have everything figured out — Andrea Nash is not one of those people. After being kicked out of the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea's whole existence is in shambles. All she can do is try to put herself back together, something made easier by working for Cutting Edge, a small investigative firm owned by her best friend, Kate Daniels.

When several shapeshifters working for Raphael Medrano — the male alpha of Clan Bouda and Andrea's former lover — die unexpectedly at a dig site, Andrea is assigned to investigate ... and must work with Raphael. As her search for the killer leads her into the secret underbelly of supernatural Atlanta, Andrea knows that dealing with her feelings for Raphael might have to take a backseat to saving the world ...

I wasn't planning on reading GUNMETAL MAGIC because I thought it was just a novella but thankfully I got a copy in the mail to review from the publisher, found out that I was wrong and dove right in. Not only did I really enjoy getting to know Andrea better but I loved seeing Kate, Curran and some other characters through someone else's eyes. I love the Kate Daniels world and I love Ilona Andrews writing style. I vow never to NOT read one of their books again. 

Andrea is bad ass and It was great watching her grow and change in the book. I have always liked her but now I can't imagine not having her involved in this series. We learn so much about Andrea as well as Raphael throughout GUNMETAL MAGIC and I enjoyed every moment of it. There were a ton of great action packed scenes spread out throughout the novel. The scenes with Andrea and Raphael were pleasantly awkward, frustrating and down right naughty at times. I laughed a lot, was super pissed off along with Andrea at some points and got a bit teary eyed in other moments. One of my favorite scenes was towards the front when Andrea lays the smack down on some Bouda's that were sent to talk to her, she really knows how to hold her own.

I highly recommend the Kate Daniel series as well as The Edge Series by Ilona Andrews . They are both fantastic and will knock your socks off.


I gave it 5/5 stars

Review: Kitty Steals the Show by Carrie Vaughn

Kitty Steals the Show
Author: Carrie Vaughn
Release Date: July 31, 2012
Publisher: Tor
Kitty Norville Book #10
ISBN:   0765365669
ISBN13: 9780765365668
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher

Kitty has been tapped as the keynote speaker for the First International Conference on Paranatural Studies, taking place in London. The conference brings together scientists, activists, protestors, and supernatural beings from all over the world—and Kitty, Ben, and Cormac are right in the middle of it.

Master vampires from dozens of cities have also gathered in London for a conference of their own. With the help of the Master of London, Kitty gets more of a glimpse into the Long Game—a power struggle among vampires that has been going on for centuries—than she ever has before. In her search for answers, Kitty has the help of some old allies, and meets some new ones, such as Caleb, the alpha werewolf of the British Isles. The conference has also attracted some old enemies, who’ve set their sights on her and her friends.

All the world’s a stage, and Kitty’s just stepped into the spotlight.

I have really enjoyed the Kitty Norville series. All the books have their own storyline yet connect the series with other continuing factors. There has not been one book in the series that I disliked and I am always happy to dive into the next one. 


I love being inside Kitty's head as she finds her way out of whatever situation she has found herself in. She has a great way with words and always seems to be the voice of reason. I enjoy the way she answers her callers on her talk show and how she takes care of those out to hurt her and those she loves and protects. Although I miss her pack when she is off in the world I do enjoy the different locations of each book. Carrie is great with world building and making her reader feel a part of the journey. 

KITTY STEALS THE SHOW follows Kitty as she attends the International Conference on Paranatural Studies where she is set to be a keynote speaker. There wasn't quite as much action as we have seen in previous books but there is still plenty of suspenseful situations. New allies are found and new enemies revealed. We get to see some previous characters and hang out with some interesting people while finding out more about the world in which the series takes place. Kitty's Keynote speech rocked but was a shocking way to go and was not enjoyed by all. 

If your new to the series I think you could jump into the series and be ok but I would recommend starting with book one so you get to know Kitty better and see how much she has evolved and grown. I cant wait to see what happens next.

I gave it 4/5 stars

Winner: A Wolf at the Door by K.A. Stewart

Thank you to everyone who entered!!

Prize: Paperback copy of A Wolf at the Door

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