Review: Death Knell by Hailey Edwards (@HaileyEdwards, @PiatkusBooks)

Death Knell

Author: Hailey Edwards

Release Date: December 4, 2018

Publisher: Piatkus

Foundling Book #3

ASIN:   B07CKV98N9

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

Luce is back in the third book of The Foundling, the bestselling fantasy series perfect for fans of Shannon Mayer, Jenn Stark and the Sookie Stackhouse novels

War burned her. Famine nearly killed her. Now Death is at her heels.

After her two worlds clashed apocalyptically, Luce Boudreau needed some time out. But Destiny had other ideas. When bodies begin washing ashore down the Mississippi River, Luce discovers they are part of a gruesome, lethal message. Her final sister, Death, is trying to break through.

Every sign is clear: the end is coming, but earth will be destroyed - quite literally - over Luce's dead body, even if that means she'll be battling her own nature. And her coterie will stand with her, though Cole keeps standing one step too goddamn far away. Her mysterious new partner, Adam Wu, on the other hand, seems determined to keep her close at all times. And the more Luce learns about the new world she's part of, the deeper the secrets go. Who - if anyone - can she really trust?

As the final pieces of an ancient war come together, Luce's chance to fight back comes sooner than she expected. Death can come at her . . . she's eager to return the favour.

'An inventive and multifaceted world with serious heart and one hell of an emotional kick, this is a series that needs to be on your TBR' Bookish Em

There was a lot revealed in DEATH KNELL, but there is still so much to learn.

I'm really enjoying the characters in this series. Luce doesn't just sit back and let others take care of things and those around her are protective, but know she's a bad-ass as well.

I love a slow burn release of information, but I feel like the slow burn in this series has been a little too slow. I need a little more with each book or my frustration will ruin my enjoyment at some point.

The relationship between Cole and Luce is really frustrating in itself, but the developments in DEATH KNELL kinda threw me. I can't say more without revealing a spoiler, I just can't decide if this huge development is something I will be able to get into or not. Next book will definitely tell me.

I'm still upset about the rift between Luce and Rixton. I really want there to be a way that she can tell him what is going on and they can be in each others lives. I know she is trying to protect him and his family, but I really don't like it.

DEATH KNELL wasn't my favorite installment of the Foundling series, but I'm still hooked enough to want to know what will happen next. 

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

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

Week in Review: 12/9-12/15

Books Received for Review

For the Blood by Debbie Cassidy
How to Live an Undead Lie by Hailey Edwards
Grave Destiny by Kalayna Price

Books I've Read

White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison (Re-Read)
Black Magic Sanctions by Kim Harrison (Re-Read)
Pale Demon by Kim Harrison (Re-Read)

Reviews Posted

Echoes of Fire by Suzanne Wright (@suz_wright)
Seasons of Sorcery: A Fantasy Anthology (@jeffekennedy, @Jennifer_Estep, @GraceDraven, @AuthorABouchet)

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

* Monday- Deck the Halls w/ Books Holiday Extravaganza: Trial of a Warrior by Mary Morgan (@m_morganauthor, @RoxanneRhoads)

* Thursday- Interview + Giveaway: Black Widow Curse and The Coven by M.D. Fryson (@madelyn_fryson, @RoxanneRhoads )

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

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Review: Seasons of Sorcery: A Fantasy Anthology (@jeffekennedy, @Jennifer_Estep, @GraceDraven, @AuthorABouchet)

Seasons of Sorcery

Author: Amanda Bouchet , Jeffe Kennedy, 

Jennifer Estep, Grace Draven

Release Date: November 13, 2018

Publisher: Brightlynx Publishing

ASIN:   B07HHL3KJQ

Genre: Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Author

WINTER'S WEB BY JENNIFER ESTEP
An assassin at a renaissance faire. What could possibly go wrong? Everything, if you’re Gin Blanco. This Spider is trapped in someone else’s icy web—and it seems like they don’t want her to leave the faire alive . . .

A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET

A malevolent spell strangles the kingdom of Leathen in catastrophic drought. Prince Daric must break the curse before his people starve. A once-mighty goddess trapped in a human body might be the key—but saving his kingdom could mean losing all that he loves.

THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY

As unofficial consort to the High Queen, former mercenary Harlan Konyngrr faces a challenge worse than looming war and fearsome dragons. His long-held secrets threaten what he loves most—and he must make a choice between vows to two women.

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN

The stretch of sea known as The Gray rules the lives of those in the village of Ancilar, including widow Brida Gazi. In the aftermath of an autumn storm, Brida discovers one of the sea's secrets cast onto the shore—a discovery that will change her world, mend her soul, and put her in the greatest danger she's ever faced.

WINTER'S WEB BY JENNIFER ESTEP

All my favorite Elemental Assassins characters in a short story? Heck yes!!

Trouble follows Gin wherever she goes, but in WINTER'S WEB we got to see someone else be the center of an assassination attempt for once. I enjoyed this little peek into one of my favorite worlds and look forward to seeing what kind of trouble Gin and her friends will get into next.

A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET

This was a cute romance with in a neat fantasy world. 

I like both main characters and was rooting for them from the beginning. The plot was unique and flowed nicely. I would read more.

THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY

I have not read this series and didn't know if I needed to to be able to enjoy this short story, so I chose not to read THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER at this time.

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS was different, but in an interesting way. I am not familiar with Draven’s Wraith Kings world, but was assured by other reviews that this installment was a good standalone and it was. I didn't feel like I was missing anything and never felt lost.

The relationship that developed between Brida and Ahtin was believable and I liked that there was a bigger plot to the story beyond the romance. I think I will look into the authors other books.

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

Interview + Giveaway: Black Widow Curse and The Coven by M.D. Fryson (@madelyn_fryson, @RoxanneRhoads )

UFI welcomes Author M.D. Fryson. 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?

One thing is for sure, I am a pretty direct person.  Now having aged and a few experiences under my belt, well I have learned to tone that down.  But at home we are as direct as they come to include my husband and my family back home.  No beating around the bush!  I really admire people who are direct and to the point but while maintaining respect.  I believe that is a wonderful virtue and one that is hard to find these days.

Underneath my sarcastic and joking around exterior, I am a pile of mush!  I am a big softy, but I save that side of myself for my kiddos, husband and those close to me who I trust to share that side.  

What do you enjoy doing on your down time?  

What is down time?  Just kidding.  Well I have three boys ranging toddler to teenager.  Between them, their schedules and my husband’s crazy work schedule I feel like things pile up on me pretty quick.  When I get a minute, I do like to read but lately I have been reading more articles on different things relating to writing etc.  and then I read a novel.  I also love a good comedy show.  I can’t forget, sleep!  I am still catching up from newborn sleep depravation a year later!  My husband actually gets onto me and tells me I don’t take enough down time.

What is your Favorite part of writing? 

Having an over active mind that will not shut off, it seems to be the only thing I do where I can really dial in and focus and get my mind off of things.  I write for escape.  

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

No not really.  I dedicate so much time a day on writing alone aside from other things I have going on. 

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

  I like some of Cassandra Clare books and I like Ann Rice. I would have to say that Ann Rice’s books are so far my favorite.   I like other authors from other genres too. 

How would you pitch Meridian Chronicles:  Black Widow Curse & The Coven to someone who has not heard of it before? 

I would ask them if they have ever heard of many books where the spirit goes to Earth to be a human versus the other way around.  I would tell them that this spirit’s way home is through her twin soul and not finding her twin soul leaves humans at the risk of demons and the fall of her realm.  That is the quickest way to get down to it in pitching the book.   It says this book has romance, spirits, demons and the main character must be somebody pretty important.  The title eludes that there is something dark with a curse and there are some witches that play a part.

Can you tell us a little bit about the world that Meridian Chronicles:  Black Widow Curse & The Coven is set in?

There are a few places this story takes place.  Two are on Earth, one in Salem Massachusetts and a small town where a palm reader/psychic lives.  There are 3 other realms.  One is the dark realm where the demons exist, the fairy realm where fairies live and Etheria, which is the realm where spirit guides exist that watch over humankind. There is some portaling to the different realms through out the book. 

Do you have a favorite scene in Meridian Chronicles:  Black Widow Curse & The Coven ? 

Yes, a couple actually.  One of my favorite scenes is when Aiden after having met Meridian for the first time, stops by her house one evening to see her.  The second scene I love is when the Fairy Queen and the Fairy Nymphs show up to Esmra’s house, who is a good witch.  They come to aid the coven in a ritual to expose the true identity behind the one who cursed Meridian with the Black Widow Curse. 

Which one character out of all your books was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about? 
 
That changes at times.  Right now, I would say that Lahash, who is a demon of the high court has been my favorite.  He is a sophisticated demon who makes no apologies for his openly selfish ways.  He is who he is and doesn’t try to hide it from anyone.  He does have his own agenda that may not always be on the surface, but he doesn’t really hide that he has an agenda either.  He may be nearly like an anti-hero in some respects.

Hardest character for me to write is one of the main villains, Warrick.  His character is comprised of some real traits of real people who I have had cross my path.  Drawing from that inspiration is hard for me because it reminds me of the things I don’t like to think about, but he is necessary to the story.  

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

The third book to the series, Meridian Chronicles:  Fairy Nymphs & The Demon Court will come out in Sept. 2019.  The fourth and last book, will come out in 2020. Only my street team know more details about the fourth book.  I have already outlined my new series that will come out in 2020.  I can’t wait to start that one!
 

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MD Fryson is a wife and mom to three boys.  When not writing, she likes to read, hike, jog, garden and she loves to travel.  Favorite place aside from the U.S.A. is London England where she has some family. 

One of her favorite authors is Cassandra Clare.  She also likes to read inspirational and anything on astrology.  Lover of all music, she is an equal-genre-tunity.

Apart from her family she can’t live without, is the ocean and beach vacations,  chocolate, coffee and tons of creamer where her husband asks if she would like some coffee to go with her creamer. 

An animal lover of all sorts, horses hold a special place in her heart from when she used to ride, train and show.  


Find M.D. Fryson and her books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter

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Black Widow Curse and The Coven
Meridian Chronicles #2
Books2Read

Exiled from her realm, living with the Black Widow Curse, Spirit Guide is at the whims of the dark one and a dark witch. Fairy Nymphs may help and a high demon has grown tired of the politics.

Will she break her curse with her twin soul?

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/-JBhIUwdXgo

Excerpt:

In the empty space above the center of the table a heat emerged and with it a face that appeared through the smoke and flames that engulfed the space above the table.  The demon did not make a total appearance but almost appeared as though he was checking a part of himself through from his own realm.  “Oh, dark sister, you call upon me. What do you wish to know from the dark places I only know?”  the demon asked.
“Oh, dark one, hear my plea. I beg of you to unveil the workings of the curse on Meridian!” Raina shouted out.
The demon answered Raina, with ease. “The curse bestowed on the once-spirit guide is The Black Widow curse, and one that only a dark one can cast.  A dark one born of a demon with powers for only the dark with a heart of black.”
“Dark one, I am in your debt. We understand, on the surface, who has cast this curse on Meridian.  We now need to understand how we may find a way to break this curse,” Raina spoke to the demon.
The demon gave his answer in riddle form.
The being whose work is dark can only be stopped with the twin soul.
 The being you seek is hard to hold.
 Spirit guides who engage with a mortal are not pure of heart in that act, but in the face of true love all remains intact. 
Meridian does not trust herself in her choice.
She will not listen to her inner voice.
So many can enter her mind, her greatest challenge in the true find.
The demon disappeared and was gone from sight.

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Review: Echoes of Fire by Suzanne Wright (@suz_wright)

Echoes of Fire

Author: Suzanne Wright

Release Date: December 11, 2018

Publisher: Montlake Romance

The Mercury Pack Book #4

ISBN:  1503904881

ISBN13: 9781503904880

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Review Copy Source: NetGalley

They may not be made for each other, but animal instincts are impossible to ignore.

Madisyn Drake is a rare breed of cat shifter…a loner, unpredictably wild, and emotionally distant. A recent betrayal has left her ready to sharpen her claws on the next man she sees…until a prowling wolf with steel-gray eyes and a brooding dark edge challenges her distrust. No matter how fully he satisfies her touch-hunger, Madisyn’s not ready to open up again, even if it is oh so gratifying.

Bracken Slater has earned his reputation as an indomitable predator. Once broken by grief and guilt, Brack is feeling alive again, thanks to the heady scent of this independent feline. Convincing her that they’re meant for each other is going to take more than branding Madisyn’s beautiful neck. She’s not interested in joining an unfamiliar pack, much less answering to an alpha. But when threats from both their pasts take shape, their unexpected destiny may be the only thing that can save them.

It's getting harder and harder to review both the Mercury pack and the Phoenix pack books the longer both series goes on. Each book in both series follows a general story arc, but Suzanne does a good job in making each story fresh.

I really enjoyed Madisyn's independence and Bracken's ability to let her feel like she always had it—even when she didn't lol. I think he realized she could take care of herself, but he still needed to feel like he was always there to protect her. They both worked really well as a couple.

The romance as always was steamy. The couple was made for each other and their attraction and love streamed through the pages loud and clear.

I haven't disliked any of Suzanne Wright's books to date and I will continue to read everything she puts out.

I gave it 4/5 stars

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

New Releases: 12/9-12/15

Tue. Dec. 11th

A Bad Deal for the Whole Galaxy (The Salvagers #2) by Alex White
Broken Lands (Broken Lands #1) by Jonathan Maberry 

Echoes of Fire (The Mercury Pack #4) by Suzanne Wright
The Fade by Demitria Lunetta 

Happy Reading!!

Deck the Halls w/ Books Holiday Extravaganza: Trial of a Warrior by Mary Morgan (@m_morganauthor, @RoxanneRhoads)

Modern-day Version of the Recipe for Damson TartsPLUM TARTS aka…DAMSON TARTS***

2 cups all purpose flour

3/4 cup finely chopped almonds

3/4 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks), cut into small pieces

1 egg yolk

2 pounds firm, ripe plums, pitted and quartered lengthwise

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Combine the flour, almonds, and sugar in a large bowl. Add the butter and the egg yolk. Mix by hand or with an electric mixer, until crumbly.

Press 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture in an even layer into the bottom of a 9 1/2-inch springform or tart pan. Arrange the plums in the pan, skin side down to form a flower pattern; begin at the outside and work your way in.

Sprinkle the rest of the crumb mixture evenly over the plums. Bake the tart for 40 to 50 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned and the plum juices are bubbling. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and transfer tart to flat plate.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

***Damson: A small fruit with vibrant, dark blue skin and a strong sour flavor. Damsons are similar to plums. They have a large stone (pit) and are often juicy, but tend not to be eaten raw due to the tartness of their flesh.
 
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Trial of a Warrior
Legends of the Fenian Warriors #3
BN

Amazon

"You met them in the Order of the Dragon Knights. Now, journey to the realm of the Fae and witness their legends!"

A warrior sentenced to die.

On trial for breaking a supreme Fae law, Fenian Warrior, Liam MacGregor has no regrets. He is prepared to accept his sentence—even if it means his death. However, freedom comes in an unexpected manner, and brings with it certain dangers as he travels through the Veil of Ages.

A princess honor-bound to remain hidden.

Princess Abela might be a priestess and the daughter of royalty, but that doesn't prevent her from doing the unimaginable. She sacrifices duty and honor to set free the man who captured her heart so many years ago. No matter the severity of his crimes, she cannot let Liam die.

A rescue that will bring about a war and divide a kingdom!

In their quest to secure a treaty to forestall Liam's death sentence, they must fight their desires for one another, as well as the Fenian Warriors sent to capture them.

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 Award-winning Celtic paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan, resides in Northern California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling--writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.


Find Mary and her books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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