Review: Curse on the Land by Faith Hunter

Curse on the Land

Author: Faith Hunter

Release Date: November 1, 2016

Publisher: Roc

Soulwood Book #2

ISBN:  0451473329

ISBN13: 9780451473325

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

Set in the same world as Faith Hunter’s New York Times bestselling Jane Yellowrock novels, the second Soulwood novel tells the story of a woman whose power comes from deep within the earth...
 
Before Nell Ingram met skinwalker Jane Yellowrock, she had no one to rely on, finding strength only in in her arcane connection to the dark woods around her. But now she has friends in the newly-formed PsyLED team to keep her grounded—even if being part of the agency responsible for policing paranormals presents dangers of its own...

After training at the PsyLED academy, Nell returns home to her woods to find the land feeling sick and restless. And that sickness is spreading. With the help of her team, under the leadership of agent Rick LaFleur, Nell tries to determine the cause. But nothing can prepare them for the evil that awaits: an entity that feeds on death itself. And it wants more...

I fell in love with the world while reading the Jane Yellowrock series, but I fell in love with Nell the moment I started reading BLOOD OF THE EARTH.

I did have a little bit of a hard time getting into book two. I thought CURSE OF THE LAND had a whole different feel than book one and the pace felt a little slower. We learn more about Nell's team and the magic that she has and how it works. The case that they are investigating and the tools that they use in their investigations seemed complicated at times, but the author does a good job of explaining things and once you get past the initial introduction to things they smoothed out a little.

Nell's character has changed a lot since the beginning of BLOOD OF THE EARTH. She is really growing into her new role and even changing bit by bit on a personal level. She had a really fresh and interesting way of looking at things that make her a great investigator.

I don't want to go any farther into things as there is so much going on in CURSE OF THE LAND and I don't want to give anything away. I do however want to close by saying that I see so much potential with this series and cast of characters and I can't wait to see where Faith Hunter takes it all next.

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Interview + Giveaway: Once a Gypsy by Danica Winters

UFI welcomes Author Danica Winters. 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 am a huge nerd. No, really. I love rocks, the Oxford comma, and properly used hyphens. Oh, and I am what most would consider a cowgirl—all the way down to my favorite pair of red cowboy boots.

What do you enjoy doing on your down time?

To be completely honest, I don’t have a great deal of downtime. It seems like I’m always going. (I’m a mom, can you tell?) However, I love to hike and be outside. There is nothing quite like the feel of sunshine on your skin and the wind through your hair.

What is your Favorite part of writing?

I love the actual process of writing, though perhaps not the actual act of sitting still. What I love is the moment that you hit on a great line or get to make the twist that leave readers thinking about the story long after the book is closed.  

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

Though I have an office, and a designated writing space, I find that I am often writing on the fly thanks to life with kids. My world is loud, crazy, and full of activity. When it’s quiet (which rarely happens), my mind starts moving in circles and I find that I need to go to a public sphere where I can be surrounded by noise. Right now, I’m writing in a very busy coffee shop. (They serve wine and coffee—does life get any better than that?)

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

I love just about anything written by J.R. Ward, Charlaine Harris, or Rebecca Zanetti. Need I say more? ☺

How would you pitch Once a Gypsy to someone who has not heard of it before?

This book, like most of my others, is what I like to call a soft paranormal. That means that the paranormal elements of the book seem so realistic that it could almost take place in real life. I love everyday magic and like to think that even in the era of science that magic is still possible.

I am also proud to say that this series was written after a ton of research. I spent almost two years corresponding with Irish Travellers in and around Ireland. It was definitely a project that was more of a labor of love than anything else. I just knew this was a book that I had to write.

Can you tell us a little bit about the world that Once a Gypsy is set in?

Helena O’Driscoll is a member or the Pavee, a cultural group under the general description of Irish Traveller. In the book, she must step outside her world and into the world of country folk (or non-gypsies) at the Adare Manor. Adare is one of the most distinguished and well-known landmarks in Co. Limerick, Ireland. It is truly a beautiful place with an elegant staff (who was happy to help in my research as well).

Do you have a favorite scene in Once a Gypsy?

There is a point in the book in which Helena must harness her powers and help her brother. I have a huge soft spot when it comes to Gavin, and this scene always touches my heart.

Which one character out of all your books was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about?

This may come as a surprise, but my favorite character was probably Ayre. She is an eclectic mix of characteristics, and you just never know what she has up her sleeves (or in her hair). She’s been fun to explore and round out.

The hardest character for me to write (in every book), is the main heroine, Helena. I always find it hard, as you must delve so deep into their point of view that you almost start to become them. Sometimes I joke around and say that I’m a method writer. In order to fully understand a character and what they are going through, you must always put themselves as much into their shoes as possible.

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

I have a busy publishing schedule. I’m super thrilled to say that I also write for Harlequin Intrigue. I have a romantic suspense coming out September 20, 2016 with them called Dust Up with the Detective. I also have another romantic suspense novel, Wild Montana, being released by them in February. Then book two of the Irish Traveller Series, Always a Gypsy, should be coming out next spring and book three, Forever a Gypsy, will be close on its heels!

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Danica Winters is a bestselling author who has won multiple awards for writing books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and occasionally a touch of magic. Most recently, Danica was the winner of the Paranormal Romance Guild’s Paranormal Romantic Suspense Book of the Year Award and Chanticleer Media’s Paranormal Book of the Year for her novel Montana Mustangs. She is currently the finalist for the Chatelaine Award.

When she’s not working, she can be found in the wilds of Montana testing her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery, and painting are not her thing).  She always believes the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but it better be filled with wine.

Danica Winters is represented by Lane Heymont of the Tobias Literary Agency.

Find Danica and her books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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Once a Gypsy
 Irish Traveller #1
Amazon / iBooks / B&N / Google Play /Kobo /IndieBound

Even for a clairvoyant, the future is never a sure thing.

Helena has always struggled to fit in with her Irish Traveller family. It’s not just her opposition to getting married or her determination to attend university; Helena also has one talent that sets her apart from the rest of her clan―the gift of the Forshaw, the ability to see the future.

Graham is the groundskeeper at a manor in Adare, Ireland. Though the estate appears idyllic, it holds dark secrets, and despite his own supernatural gifts, Graham can’t solve Adare Manor’s problems by himself. Desperate for help, Graham seeks out a last resort: Helena, whose skills are far greater than even she knows.

When he promises to teach her to control her powers, Helena resists, afraid both of the damage her abilities might do and her increasing attraction to the handsome groundskeeper. Her entire way of life is at risk: Any involvement, especially romantic, with non-Travellers like Graham is forbidden. But Helena’s future is anything but certain, and fate has other plans for her family, her powers, and her relationship with Graham.

"A haunting and fresh voice in paranormal romance. Be prepared for Danica Winters to ensnare you in her dark and seductive world." 

—Cecy Robson, 2016 Double-Nominated RITA Finalist and Author of The Weird Girl
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International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Releases: 10/30-11/5

Tue. Nov. 1st

 After Atlas (Planetfall) by Emma Newman

 A Million Worlds with You (Firebird #3) by Claudia Gray

 An Import of Intrigue (The Maradaine Constabulary #2) by Marshall Ryan Maresca 

 Archangel's Heart (Guild Hunter #9) by Nalini Singh

 Bad Blood (The Naturals #4) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes 

 The Burning Light by Bradley P. Beaulieu, Rob Ziegler

 Congress of Secrets by Stephanie Burgis

 Curse on the Land (Soulwood #2) by Faith Hunter 

 The Dark Lord (Charming Tales #4) by Jack Heckel  

 Den of Wolves (Blackthorn & Grim #3) by Juliet Marillier 

 The Diabolic by S.J. Kincaid 

 The Facefaker's Game by Chandler J. Birch

 Illicit (Luna Lake #2) by Cathy Clamp

 Infinity (The Infinity Division #1) by Jus Accardo

 Lodestar (Keeper of the Lost Cities #5) by Shannon Messenger 

 Ruled (Outlaws #3) by Elle Kennedy

 The Shattered Vigil (The Darkwater Saga #2) by Patrick W. Carr

 Shadow of Victory (Honor Harrington #14) by David Weber 

 Unquiet Land (Elemental Blessings #4) by Sharon Shinn

 Venom & Vanilla (The Venom Trilogy #1) by Shannon Mayer

Happy Reading!

Review: The Surrendered by Case Maynard

The Surrendered

Author: Case Maynard

Release Date: September 20, 2016

Publisher: Blaze Publishing

ISBN:  0997010460

ISBN13: 9780997010466

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

After a financial collapse devastates the United States, the new government imposes a tax on the nation’s most valuable resource—the children.

Surrendered at age ten—after her parents could no longer afford her exorbitant fees—Vee Delancourt has spent six hard years at the Mills, alongside her twin, Oliver. With just a year to freedom, they do what they can to stay off the Master’s radar. But when Vee discovers unspeakable things happening to the younger girls in service, she has no choice but to take a stand—a decision that lands her on the run and outside the fence for the first time since the System robbed her of her liberty.

Vee knows the Master will stop at nothing to prove he holds ultimate authority over the Surrendered. But when he makes a threat that goes beyond what even she considers possible, she accepts the aid of an unlikely group of allies. Problem is, with opposing factions gunning for the one thing that might save them all, Vee must find a way to turn oppression and desperation into hope and determination—or risk failing all the children and the brother she left behind.

The cover for THE SURRENDERED didn't really drab me in, but I read the blurb and thought, "Wow, what a crazy premise for a story". I was definitely intrigued and decided to give it a shot.

The characters were well developed, the storyline had a great flow and the world was unique and filled with drama, danger and situations that make you think that this could really happen. Everything about THE SURRENDERED kept me reading.

The main character, Vee, was very well thought out and put together. She is very strong-willed, bold, and will fight tooth and nail for what is right, even if it puts her life in danger. She was very easy to look and root for. I honestly had no issue with any of the characters that we were supposed to like. There is a bit of romance in THE SURRENDERED. Not IN YOUR FACE romance, but light and in the background romance. I would have loved to see it explored more.

The world was very realistic. I pictured everything that was talked about and nothing was so out there that I couldn't imagine it. The story unfolded at a nice pace with plenty of action and details. It really feels like THE SURRENDERED is just the start of a bigger story. It in no way feels finished and even ends on a note that leaves you thinking there will be more. I will keep an eye out to see if there will be a follow-up book.

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Week in Review: 10/23-10/29

Books Received for Review

Wake of Vultures by Lila Bowen

Books I've Read

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
The Bound by K.A. Linde

Reviews Posted

Of Flame and Light by Cecy Robson
Shadow Marked by Jasmine Walt and Rebecca Hamilton
Quanta Reset by Lola Dodge

  ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

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

* Monday- Guest Blog + Giveaway for Black and Blue by JC Andrijeski

* Wednesday- Promo + Giveaway for Of Flame and Light by Cecy Robson

 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

* Did you know you can follow UFI on these other sites?

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You can also add me (as in Stacy) to your friends on these sites if you're on them.

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

Review: Quanta Reset by Lola Dodge

Quanta Reset

Author: Lola Dodge

Release Date: September 27, 2016

Publisher: Ink Monster

The Shadow Ravens Book #3

ASIN:   B015GI4B46

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Publisher

Quanta has escaped her laboratory prison, but that’s where the good news ends.

Life at the Shadow Ravens’ compound is a disaster. She’s drowning in visions of the dark pasts and darker futures of her fellow Ravens and is plagued by her own panic-inducing memories, but Lady Eva still expects her to “train” and “participate in missions.” Plus, the food tastes like burnt plastic.

The only bright spot is her genetic pairing to the brilliant Altair Orpheus. As their relationship grows, she’s positive that chemicals aren’t the only things drawing them together—although chemistry is definitely involved.

While they test the limits of her game-changing new ability to reset time, word arrives from Eva’s agents: Doctor Nagi is still experimenting with her DNA. If he succeeds in duplicating her power…

Forget the Shadow Ravens. The whole world is toast.

I had enjoyed both of the books so far in The Shadow Ravens series so when I saw that it was continuing with QUANTA RESET, I didn't hesitate to grab a review copy.

QUANTA RESET continues the series with a great quick pace and easy flow.  The characters continue to develop and learn what they can do on their own and as a team. Quanta is having a hard time being so close to so many people, but Altair continues to be a great support to her. Although I liked the story and didn't have any issues getting through it, there wasn't much suspense and there wasn't a whole lot happening like in the previous two books. It was more of a filler book.

QUANTA RESET ends pretty suddenly, which does makes you want to read more. It looks like book four, QUANTA REWIND, will once again feature Quanta's story. I do miss Cipher being the main gal though so I hope we might have more of her in the next book.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Early Review: Shadow Marked by Jasmine Walt and Rebecca Hamilton

Shadow Marked

Author: Jasmine Walt , Rebecca Hamilton

Release Date: October 28, 2016

Publisher: Blue Bolt Publishing

Shadows of Salem Book #2

ASIN:   B01JGU0V8A

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Author

In the Shadows of Salem, there are no good guys...

For years, Detective Brooke Chandler has been deliberately shielded from the supernatural world. But now that the supernaturals know about her, there's no line they won't cross to harness her powers for their own wicked needs.

To stay alive, Brooke needs to learn what it means to be a Shadow. Unfortunately, the one person willing to help her may be just as guilty of using her unique skills for his own gain as the people she is trying to escape.

Her training comes at a price: helping a fae lord find several dangerous artifacts and shadowing them from his enemies. But the more she uses her abilities, the deeper she becomes embroiled in the cutthroat societies closing in on her. Soon, Brooke finds herself hemmed into a corner, condemned to make an impossible choice that might destroy the human world as she knows it.

It was easy to get back into the Shadows of Salem world with SHADOW MARKED.

If you read my review of book one, SHADOW BORN, you know I felt the closure part of the murdered fiance storyline was lacking. Going into SHADOW MARKED, I was hoping that that part of the story wouldn't be as dominant to the storyline and I am happy to report that it wasn't. There is mention—it would be weird if there wasn't—, but there is a whole new storyline to follow and fall into. YAY!

There is a ton of action in SHADOW MARKED. There's also trouble at every turn. We find out a little bit more about Brooke's parents, but we definitely need more answers. The "relationship" between Brooke and Maddock is SO frustrating. There is so much attraction and sexual tension between the two that I just want to grab them and shove them together. Uggh, so frustrating.

The ending is WOW. I was not expecting that and I am dying to see what happens. Book three needs to get here NOW.

I gave it 4/5 stars

* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.