Review: Mist-Torn Witches by Barb Hendee

Mist-Torn Witches

Author:Barb Hendee

Release Date: May 7, 2013

Publisher: Roc

The Mist-Torn Witches Book #1

ISBN:  0451414152

ISBN13: 9780451414151

Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publicist

In a small village in the nation of Droevinka, orphaned sisters Céline and Amelie Fawe scrape out a living selling herbal medicines in their apothecary shop. Céline earns additional money by posing as a seer and pretending to read people’s futures.

But they exist in a land of great noble houses, all vying for power, and when the sisters refuse the orders of a warlord prince, they must flee and are forced to depend on the warlord prince’s brother, Anton, for a temporary haven.

A series of bizarre deaths of pretty young girls are plaguing the village surrounding Prince Anton’s castle. He offers Céline and Amelie permanent protection if they can use their "skills" to find the killer.

With little choice, the sisters enter a world unknown to them — of fine gowns and banquets and advances from powerful men. Their survival depends on catching a murderer who appears to walk through walls and vanish without a trace — and the danger around them seems to grow with each passing night.

Alright I admit it, I was skeptical. I didn't think I would like MIST-TORN WITCHES. It didn't seem like a book I would enjoy, I was wrong. Not only did I like it, I'm excited to see what will happen next!

Celine has been taking care of Amelie since their mother died. She fakes being a seer to make money and put food on the table. She has a good reputation as a seer and when someone pays her to tell a client something she has no problem agreeing, only when she touches the client she actually sees her future and can not lie to her. Even though Amelie is the youngest of the sisters she is the protector. She is fierce, determined and loyal. The two sisters are the opposite of each other but fit together perfectly. They both have their issues but a lot of situations that present themselves in the book for them to grow and change. There are a few love interests but no real romance in MIST-TORN WITCHES. I'm sure things will develop in a later book though. Lets talk about the cover. The setting is great and Celine I could picture spot on but I had a hard time picturing Amelie looking like the model. She just didn't fit with what I had in my head.

MIST-TORN WITCHES was a great mix of introduction, mystery and conclusion. There was plenty of story to read and plot to build on for future books. The characters were easy to follow and invest my time in. I was not disappointed and I'm confidant you won't be either.

I gave it 4/5 stars

Guest Blog & Giveaway: Dark Flight by Cassi Carver

UFI welcomes Cassi Carver Author of The Shadow Slayers Series. Thanks for Joining us!!

Thank you so much for inviting me to visit Urban Fantasy Investigations today to tell you a little about me and my new book that’s coming out next week—Dark Flight!

First I should go back to the beginning… When I was born—okay, hold on. That may be a little too far back. How about when Book 1 of the Shadow Slayer series was born instead? Book 1 in the series, Slayer’s Kiss, came at a time in my writing journey when I was reading a ton of urban fantasy, but I’d never stopped reading romance, either.

I started thinking about how I wished there was more romance in some of my favorite UF series, and yes—even more sex. I mean, does it ever frustrate you that so many UF heroines lead these virginal lives while they’re out there kickin’ bad guy booty? Well, it bothered me. And I started wondering what would happen if I took the things I loved from urban fantasy and spiced it up. Way up! And that’s how Slayer’s Kiss and the Shadow Slayers series was born.

Kara, the heroine, had lived her life separated from her own very sensual species, and when two hot neighbors move in next door—two men who just happened to be sent to protect her from a sadistic not-quite-human killer—Kara’s hormones go into overdrive.

I’ll warn you right off the bat that there is a love triangle in this series. It’s a love triangle that has made readers both swoon and “want to chuck their e-reader across the room” as they navigated the complex relationship between one woman and the two best friends who love her. One hero is noble and self-sacrificing. The other is too in love and in lust to deny what he wants.

Gavin and Julian, the heroes of this series, have about an equal number of fans on their “teams,” but you know the best part about writing Dark Flight? I think both Team Julian and Team Gavin are going to walk away with a smile. At least, I hope so. I couldn’t stop smiling after writing Dark Flight. So here’s to hoping you’ll give the series a try and journey with Kara as she struggles with a newfound sexuality, the loss and rediscovery of those she loves, and ultimately, a metamorphosis that will change life as she knows it.

As a thank you for stopping by, I would like to give a free digital copy of Dark Flight to one person who comments today! Tell me, who are some of your favorite urban fantasy authors and can you remember a love triangle that stuck out in your mind? If that just fried your brain, then just say hi—that works, too. ;)

 

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Cassi Carver lives in sunny Southern California with two dogs, four kids, five chickens, and one hubby who gives great massages. She gets to San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter for research (okay, happy hour) as often as possible. She’s never saved the world, but she keeps sexy boots on hand just in case the opportunity arises.

When Cassi isn’t busy plotting or writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, caring for pets, getting outdoors, and watching sappy movies that deliver reliably happy endings.

Find Cassi and her books

Website / Twitter / Facebook

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Dark Flight
The Shadow Slayers #3

Amazon   BN   Samhain

 Kara has been training for months to help take down Brakken-the merciless black-wing who is making life hell for the Demiare. But when Julian discovers a scout has been tracking Kara, he wants her out of the fight-even if it means breaking her heart in the process.

Gavin isn't much better. He's already lost so much to Brakken and has no intention of allowing the woman he loves to be the next sacrifice. He and Julian have their hands full trying to fight Brakken's army and keep Kara safe, especially after her recent visit to the mythical white-wings. Since her return, she's been acting decidedly...strange.

With a terrible battle looming, Kara doesn't have time to think about her conflicted feelings for Gavin and Julian-or the fact that she's developed an unnatural taste for Gavin's blood. But if she thought it was complicated evading mysterious scouts and fending off vicious black-wings, she's learning that's nothing compared to loving two strong-willed men.

Warning: This book contains angels that aren't what they seem, a heroine with mad midwifery skills, and a metamorphosis that will change life as we knew it.

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Promotional Post & Giveaway: Death's Servant by C.J. Ellisson

Death's Servant
VV Inn #0.5

Jonathan Winchester has clashed with his alpha one too many times. After another argument he leaves the Manitoba pack, his only home since the werewolf attack that changed his life. He returns to his home state of Virginia to start a new life free of pack politics. Jon finds work and meets a young waitress, Raine, who appears to be a lone werewolf, too.

As their relationship progresses, Jon’s embroiled in more intrigue than he bargained for and a danger bigger than he can handle. He's running scared until his own alpha tendencies surface, making him unable to leave the pretty werewolf’s problems behind. The young man is desperate to save Raine—even if his efforts may lead him straight to death.

Journey along in this first prequel novel involving the favorite characters from the bestselling V V Inn series. Written at reader demand, this stand-alone story explains how the beloved Jonathan came to serve the deadly redheaded vampire, Dria.

Chapter One

“Jon!” Romeo’s deep voice follows as I stride quickly down the hall. “Get back here.”

I round the top of the stairs and descend at full speed, skipping steps in my haste to leave. Anger pulses like a living beast beneath my skin. If I don’t get the hell out of here, my alpha and I will come to blows.

The urge to fight, to answer the call of my inner wolf, colors my vision, tinting the werewolf pack’s large home in a wash of red haze. Claws itch to descend through my clenched fists, and the brush of fur waiting to erupt tingles my skin.

“This is not over.” Romeo’s booming shout thunders through the house. “Get back here now, or don’t ever come back!”

This time he’s getting what he threatens. What’s so crazy about suggesting a support network for wolves? Why am I suddenly the object of scorn and ridicule? Is organizing packs somehow a threatening concept to our way of life?

A tiny voice inside whispers, Your suggestion of such a change goes against everything a werewolf pack stands for.

Could that be true? Would instilling communication among hundreds of Weres hurt us as a species?

I block the denials I’ve heard for months. Doesn’t make sense. Could Romeo’s resistance stem from something bigger? Should I listen to the gossip saying I’ve evolved into an alpha faster than anyone expected? There is only one male alpha per pack, not two; one mated pair deciding the fate of their wolves, and those who don’t agree must leave. Or fight for supremacy.

I barrel out the front door and sprint toward the detached garage, where a few of the single wolves have bedrooms in the space above the cars. I throw open the door, the heavy steel bouncing off the siding in my unchecked rage. I need to talk to Lori, my werewolf girlfriend in the pack. I’m ready to leave and want her with me.

My inner beast gnashes its teeth, ready for a challenge, eager to return and face the man who saved my life less than a year ago. Tamping down the temptation, I rush the inner stairs three at a time. The scent of half a dozen wolves lies heavy in the confined space, confusing the rational part of my mind struggling to remain in control.

I recall our past in an effort to still my raging desires—I owe this man my life. Romeo found me lost and afraid when I awoke in the hospital, uncertain of what I’d become. Elsa, his wife, sensed immediately I was different, discouraging her mate to allow me into their pack.  Romeo didn’t care. He recognized me for what I truly was—a scared college kid who didn’t know what the fuck happened to his well-ordered life.

When I reach the upper hall, I’m jolted out of my calming reverie by sounds of passion. I smile, wondering who Kotsana has lured to his waterbed now.

“That’s it, baby,” a familiar female voice coos softly. “You know I like it good and deep.”

The instant anger near the surface of my mind threatens to overwhelm me. I stop cold—leaning a hand on the wall, gasping to catch my breath—while my packmate screws my girlfriend beyond his shut bedroom door.

 
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C.J. Ellisson is the USA Today Bestselling author of the NYT Bestselling book, Vanilla on Top, the bestselling V V Inn series, and several erotica shorts. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two children, two dogs, and a fluffy black cat who makes her sneeze. Unlike most full-time authors, she's also battling severe chronic illness. C.J. works daily to put her Lupus into remission and continues to fight numerous bacterial infections while her immune system slowly attacks her body. She turned to writing when she could no longer work outside the home and claims the escape of penning contemporary fantasy, erotica, and erotic romance has helped save her sanity.

Find C.J. and her books

Website / Twitter / Facebook

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