Review: How to Wake an Undead City by Hailey Edwards (@HaileyEdwards)

How to Wake an Undead City

Author: Hailey Edwards

Release Date: May 28, 2019

Publisher: Black Dog Books LLC

The Beginner's Guide to 
Necromancy Book #6

ASIN:   B07PR5BVR5

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Review Copy Source: Author

Savannah has fallen to the vampires, and it’s up to Grier to take out their leader, Gaspard Lacroix, and restore peace. Lacroix might be more powerful and immune to her magic, but she’s got a plan. Too bad it’s got holes big enough for a new threat to waltz through while the city is on her knees.

Now Grier must risk her very soul if she hopes to slay her enemies and prevent her world from going up in flames. But salvation comes at a steep price, and she’s not the only one who will pay. The cost just might break her, and the man who owns her heart.

I am so sad to be writing this review, because it means I have read the last book of a much enjoyed series.

I have loved Grier since the opening chapter of HOW TO SAVE AN UNDEAD LIFE. There is just something about her that pulls you in and makes you root for her no matter what situation she finds herself in.

HOW TO WAKE AN UNDEAD CITY is the final showdown for Grier and her allies. They must save their city from her grandfather and his people. We get answers to questions that we have had since day one, and we see a glimpse of the future for not only Grier and Linus but some of our other favorite characters as well.

There have been quite a few secondary characters that I have loved and hated and hated to love throughout the series. I couldn't imagine Grier without any of them and it was great seeing them all come together in UNDEAD CITY.

The Beginner's Guide series was awesome. I loved every minute of reading it. I will miss Grier and Linus being the main characters because I think they still have so much story left to explore, but I'm excited to see what Hailey Edwards does with the spin-off.

I gave it 5/5 stars

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

Week in Review: 6/9-6/15

Books Received for Review

The Unkindest Tide by Seanan McGuire

Books I've Read

A Fierce Princes by S.E. Rose
Shadow Touched by Harper Wylde
Untamed Delights by Suzanne Wright
The Culling Trials 3 by K.F. Breene, Shannon Mayer

Reviews Posted

Nothing this week....

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

* Monday- Guest Blog + Giveaway: Lunar Court by Aileen Erin (@aileen_erin, @InkyTheMonster, @XpressoTours)

* Wednesday- Interview: Stars Descend by Kara Jaynes (@KaraJaynes, @UQ4authors)

* Thursday- Promo + Giveaway: The Monster of Selkirk by C.E. Clayton (@XpressoTours, @devildogpress)

* Friday- Character Interview: My Solace by Alanea Alder (@AlaneaAlder, @RoxanneRhoads)

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

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Character Interview: My Solace by Alanea Alder (@AlaneaAlder, @RoxanneRhoads)

UFI welcomes Author Alanea Alder. Thanks for Joining us!!

Who does he/she admire the most in history?

Izzy:  Night Witches
Oron:  Sophie Scholl

What, if anything would he/she change about their life?

Izzy:  My parent’s death
Oron:  My family

What bad habit annoys this person the most?

 Izzy:  Smacking your lips while eating
Oron:  Talking on the cell phone when placing an order

What is their biggest regret?

Izzy:  Spent more time with my parents
Oron:  That I wasn’t able to save more of House Alina

Do you have any fears or phobias?

Izzy:  Bridges
Oron:  Dark, enclosed spaces

What is their most treasured possession?

Izzy:  The last family picture taken with my parents
Oron:  A decree that Darian made up for me when he was a boy declaring me the best big brother in the whole world

What would he/she do if they couldn't sleep and had to find something to do to entertain themselves?

Izzy:  Play puzzle games on my iPad
Oron:  Draw

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USA Today Best Selling Author, Alanea loves reading almost as much as she loves writing. She began writing at a very young age, some of her first scribblings are treasured in a keepsake box and written in green marker. She started when she was still in grade school and continued on through college.

She believes that love truly conquers all and that everyone no matter what, deserves a chance at that love and a place they can call home. She absolutely loves to hear from her readers so don’t hesitate to reach out to her. As always, her promise to her readers remains, “If you keep reading, I’ll keep writing!”

Find Alanea and her books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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My Solace 
Bewitched and Bewildered #11
Amazon Amazon UK Amazon AU Amazon CA

For thousands of years Oron Vi’Eirson has lived each day trying to keep the pain and devastation caused by his family from hurting his precious baby brother. But despite his best efforts his past has come back to haunt him, placing not only Darian and Amelia in harm’s way, but also his newly found mate.

Isabelle Campbell, or as she likes to be called, Izzy, is a mess. She knows this. It’s never intentional, but somehow her curiosity always seems to run away from her. When her latest gaffe lands her homeless and fired from her favorite barista job she is left little choice but to accept the kindness of some of her favorite customers, little did she know that by doing so, she would find herself starting the biggest adventure of her life!

With kindred spirit Meryn at her side, Izzy takes on the entire fae city to protect the heart of the kindest man she has ever met. If the golden fae think they can get away with hurting her mate, they are sorely mistaken. After all, her new friend likes to electrocute people.

When facing your greatest fear means facing your family, is there any escape? Can Izzy help Oron stand against all odds?

Excerpt:

Law wiped at his eyes from silent laughter. “She does this to me every damn time,” he complained, barely able to breathe. Two of the other warriors around the room had buried their face in their hands to hide their own laughter.
Pierce looked over at Aiden. “Seriously though, what did she learn about butts in Noctem Falls?”
Law inhaled as he leaned back slightly and fell off his chair. To see a man that size laughing on the floor was all it took to set everyone off.
“Serenity, I don’t think he’s breathing,” Micah commented watching Law wrap his arms around his mid-section as he gasped.
“If he can laugh, he can breathe,” she said, shaking her head at Meryn’s shenanigans.
“See, I told you Izzy, this is a nice place.” A warrior commented, coming up behind them from the direction of the front door.
“I don’t know, it’s mostly men and they look kinda drunk to me. Maybe this is like a bar or sex dungeon. Like a drunken, gay, sex dungeon,” a piping female replied.
“Oh gods above, I can’t breathe!” Law called from the floor. Oron shook his head at the man’s plight.
Micah’s eyes bugged out. “A drunken, gay, sex dungeon?”
Meryn nodded. “They’re all a bunch a mannequins.”
“They like the rough stuff huh?” the sweet voice asked.
“No! What?” Aiden looked from one female to the other then paused. “How did you know she meant masochist?”
“We were talking about sex dungeons, I kinda extrapolated that the misused random word that began with the letter ‘m’ was a term that more accurately fit the conversation. It wasn’t that hard actually.”
“She meant masochist?” Micah asked.
Serenity stood over Law now looking concerned. “Okay, my earlier assessment may have been off, I don’t think he’s getting any oxygen.” She placed her hands on his chest and eased his laughter.
Law gasped for air. “Gods Meryn, you can’t keep doing this to me!” he managed to croak out.
“So, not a sex dungeon?”
Chuckling Oron turned in his chair and suddenly he couldn’t breathe for reasons of his own, the petite auburn haired beauty that had understood nutty Meryn perfectly was his mate!

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Promo + Giveaway: The Monster of Selkirk by C.E. Clayton (@XpressoTours, @devildogpress)

 

The Duality of Nature
C.E. Clayton
(The Monster of Selkirk, #1)

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Monsters come in many forms, and not everyone knows a monster when they see one. After three hundred years of monstrous, feral elves plaguing the island nation of Selkirk, everyone believes they know what a monster is. Humans have learned to live with their savage neighbors, enacting a Clearing every four years to push the elves back from their borders. The system has worked for centuries, until after one such purge, a babe was found in the forest.
As Tallis grows, she discovers she isn’t like everyone else. There is something a little different that makes people leery in her presence, and she only ever makes a handful of friends.
But when the elves gather their forces and emerge from the forests literally hissing Tallis’s name like a battle mantra, making friends is the least of her troubles. Tallis and her companions find themselves on an unwilling journey to not only clear her name, but to stop the elves from ravaging her homeland.

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The Heart of the Forest
C.E. Clayton
(The Monster of Selkirk, #2)

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

Tallis is learning how to deal with loss and violence as she and her friends traverse the forests of Selkirk trying to find the reason behind the elven uprising. Not to mention why they keep hissing her name. But the further into the forests they go, Tallis is finding that the elves’ depravity can still surprise her, and thoroughly test the bonds of friendship, family, and love.
Tallis’s journey eventually leads to answers they’re not prepared for. Now Tallis begins to wonder just who she really is, and if she’s the evil that will end up destroying Selkirk. But she cannot stop to process these revelations, as an unforeseen betrayal lands those she loves at the feet of the very monster responsible for all the hurt, and heartbreak.
Coming face to face with her foe, Tallis discovers all too late she has no idea how to deal with this level of pain, and death. One way or another, the monster’s path ends here, and all Tallis can hope to do is bring those she loves safely out of the heart of the forest.

Excerpt #5:

(book 2)
Tallis dropped her head and stared down at her muddy boots. With all her heart, she did not want to help the elves. She did not want to save them. But she knew it was what her mother would have wanted. It was what Donovan would have encouraged, despite the fact he had been on more than one Clearing during his time as a knight. And with the way Tomas was watching her now, she knew he would disapprove if she allowed the elves to now wither and die.
She could almost hear them telling her it was wrong to condemn a whole race for one mistake. She could hear her cousin tell her if there was a demon responsible, that it changed everything he believed about the elves. The memory was not an old one, he had said as much when they had first reached Lake Mithrim, but it felt like a lifetime ago. Tallis knew her family would ask her to try and forgive the elves. That it was the right thing to do.
She sighed and shut her eyes, forcing the tears, caused by her memories and shame for wanting to let all the elves die, roll down her cheeks. After another moment, she whispered, “Very well, tell me where this demon’s gate is.”
The yew tree did not speak; instead, it implanted a type of map into Tallis’s mind. She was being shown the path to take that would lead her back into the Guldar Forest and just across the murky green water of the Osse River. There, in the center of a circle much like the one the yew tree was in, was the tree that was the demon’s gate.

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C. E. Clayton was born and raised in the greater Los Angeles area, where she attended the University of Southern California (Fight On!) for both her Bachelors and Masters, and then worked in the advertising industry for several years on accounts ranging from fast food, to cars, and video games (her personal favorite). After going the traditional career route and becoming restless, she went back to her first love–writing–and hasn’t stopped. She is now the author of “The Monster of Selkirk” series and her horror short stories have appeared in anthologies across the country. When she’s not writing you can find her treating her fur-babies like humans, constantly drinking tea, and trying to convince her husband to go to more concerts. And reading. She does read quite a bit. More about C.E. Clayton, including her blog, book reviews, social media presence, and newsletter, can be found on her website: https://www.ceclayton.com/

Find C.E. Clayton and her books

Website / Goodreads / Facebook

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Interview: Stars Descend by Kara Jaynes (@KaraJaynes, @UQ4authors)

UFI welcomes Author Kara Jaynes. 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 a video gamer, and chocolate is a real weakness of mine. I also used to dislike cats, but I adopted one about a year ago, and he’s amazing. Spoiled, but amazing.

What do you enjoy doing on your down time?

Reading, playing video games, and writing. I should probably treat writing more like a job, but it’s so enjoyable, I often feel guilty about it!

What is your favorite part of writing?

All of it. But I particularly enjoy outlining. That’s when everything is fresh and new, and I’m discovering the characters and their stories.

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

Nope. I can write anytime and anywhere. It’s always nice to be settled at my writer’s desk, with a lit candle and chocolate, though. Hot chocolate is my favorite.

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

I’m currently reading If Wishes were Curses by Janeen Ippolito, and I’m really enjoying it. Kitsunes, otter shifters and genie magic? Yes, please.

How would you pitch Stars Descend to someone who has not heard of it before?

Oh, boy. I am so, so bad at pitching. I should probably hire someone to write something for me to memorize. Writing is the easy part. Talking about my books? Nooooooo.

Can you tell us a little bit about the world that Stars Descend is set in?

Stars Descend is set in a fictional future Seattle. I grew up in the area, so it made sense to place my dystopian world there. Though I kept the gum wall. The gum wall is real.

Do you have a favorite scene in Stars Descend?

I love the banter between Stella and Eldaren. He’s so clueless when it comes to women. I suppose one could argue that *most* men are clueless when it comes to women, but Eldaren seems to have a particular knack for it.

Which one character out of all your books was your favorite to write about? What about the hardest to write about?
Eldaren was the funnest to write about. He’s so serious and anxious about everything, but compassionate at the same time. Gawynn was probably the most difficult. He has the personality of a cardboard box, and it’s surprisingly hard to describe someone who’s like that.

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

I’m hard at work with the sequels to Stars Descend, and have some fairy tale retellings I’m hoping to finish and release within the next several months. I always have a book or three I’m writing.


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Stars Descend 
A Game of Stars and Shadows #1
Amazon (Available on KU!)

The Elves have come down from the sky in their ships, their countenances full of light and their bodies, power. But they rule over us humans with iron fists, and without mercy.

Vampires stalk the streets, lurking in shadows and the cover of darkness. Their lust for blood is never sated, and the nights are filled with the screams of their victims.

I’m just a street rat, a trash picker. I didn’t expect him to choose me. The Prince of Elves could have anyone, so why me?

Even as my heart sings at the elf’s close proximity, I still love the boy who left me, disappearing into the city’s corrupt underworld. I don’t even know if he’s still alive.

Stars reign. Rebellion brews. And with my already uncertain future disintegrating into chaos, I don’t know who to turn to, or who to trust.

Stars Descend is book 1 of a series, and is not a standalone novel.

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Kara Jaynes is a fantasy and children's book author. She loves rainy days, long walks, and fairy tales. She's been writing since she was very young, and has more stories in her head than she could possibly write.


Find Kara and her books

Facebook — Instagram — Twitter — BookBub — Amazon Author Page

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Party Time!

 Calling all book readers! Join author Kara Jaynesas we chat about her urban fantasy novel STARS DESCEND on June 12th from 8 PM to 10 PM EST (5 PM PST and 6 PM MDT). Grab your favorite drink and snack and be prepared for a fun time of chatting with Kara, games, and giveaways. Special guests Janeen Ippolito and Sarah Ashwood will also be sharing their books and joining in the fun.

RSVP Here

 

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, June 3^rd

• Laura VanArendonk Baugh: Guest Post about Vampires
• Geeky Mythology: Book Review

Tuesday, June 4^th

• Storyteller Princess: Book Review Spotlight

Wednesday, June 5^th

• She Hearts Fiction: Guest Post on Vampires

Thursday, June 6^th

• Between the Lines: Guest Post on Seattle, Washington

Friday, June 7^th

• Cobonham: Book Review

Saturday, June 8^th

• The Rustic Reading Gal: Guest Post on Space Elves
• HEA Club Blog: Book Spotlight

Sunday, June 9^th

• All the Ups and Downs: Guest Post on Paranormal Creature
• Cheryl M-M's Book Blog: Book Review

Monday, June 10^th

• Kandi J Wyatt, where fantasy and reality meet: Book Review & Character Interview with Sol
• J.L. Mbewe: Book Spotlight

Tuesday, June 11^th

• The Book Sprite: Guest Post about Overcoming Prejudice

Wednesday, June 12^th

• Urban Fantasy Investigations: Author Interview
• The Hero’s Tale: Book Review
• Stars Descend Facebook Party

Thursday, June 13^th

• Unicorn Quester: Character Interview with Eldaren

Friday, June 14^th

• Betwixt the Pages: Book Review
• Sarah Ashwood: Character Interview with Stella
• Unicorn Quester: Video Review

Saturday, June 15^th

• Unicorn Quester: Blog Tour Wrap-Up

New Releases: 6/9-6/15

Tue. June 11th

The Culling Trials 3 (Shadowspell Academy #3) by K.F. Breene,  Shannon Mayer

The Grand Dark by Richard Kadrey
Storm and Fury (The Harbinger #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon by Mary Fan

Happy Reading!!

Guest Blog + Giveaway: Lunar Court by Aileen Erin (@aileen_erin, @InkyTheMonster, @XpressoTours)

UFI welcomes Author Aileen Erin. Thanks for Joining us!!

Author’s Book Picks

I’m always getting recommendations for books and series from my readers. So, here are my top five must-read books/series, in no particular order.

If you’re looking for more werewolves: Check out the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. There are eleven in the series so far, and I just looooove Mercy. She’s not a werewolf, but a skinwalker-coyote. She was raised by a pack of werewolves, and lives next door to a very handsome one… It’s adult, so for younger readers, might not be a great fit, but mostly because of fighting big, scary bad guys.

If you’re looking for more magic: Check out the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind. They’re the doorstop type fantasy books (ala George RR Martin), but the series is complete at 13 books. Kahlan Amnel is one of my favorite strong heroines.

If you’re looking for more fey: Check out Sarah J Maas’ Court series. And if you’ve already read those, check out Holly Black’s Tithe or Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely. Maas’ are a new favorite and Black and Marr are older releases, but worth checking out if you haven’t already.

If you’re over 18, and looking for more romance and magic: Check out Christine Feehan’s Sea Haven: Drake Sisters series. It starts out with a novella, but each of the seven witchy sisters get paired off in this paranormal romance series.

If you’re over 18, and looking to be transported to a world filled with magic and witchcraft: Try Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels Trilogy. It’s a little graphic for younger readers, but the world building is amazing and her magic is really fresh. I read this series in high school as it was releasing, and I looooooved it. I’ve re-read it countless times. She’s recently been releasing a new urban fantasy series (Written in Red is the first in the series), but this Black Jewels fantasy trilogy of hers is still my all-time favorite.

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Aileen Erin is half-Irish, half-Mexican, and 100% nerd–from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles, and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.

Find Aileen and her books

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook

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Lunar Court
 Alpha Girl #8

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From USA Today Bestselling Author Aileen Erin

Chris is the guy Cosette always wanted.

Fun. Funny. Lighthearted and sweet. Chris always manages to find beauty and laughter, even when fighting a chapel full of demons. He's exactly what she needs. Except he's a werewolf and she's a member of the Lunar Court — the only fey court that holds sway over the werewolves. Even on his best day, Chris isn't strong enough to last a few hours in the Lunar Court without becoming a slave. No matter how much Cosette's heart wants him, she knows she has to let him go.

But when Chris goes missing, Cosette realizes how much she has to lose if the worst happens. Except her mother — the Queen of the Lunar Court — won’t let her go after Chris. Being forced to stay at court is dangerous for Cosette. Assassins keep coming after her, and unless she accepts a mate, it’s only a matter of time before one of them kills her.

Cosette is the girl Chris has always dreamed of.

Chris sees through the tough facade to the girl exhausted from a lifetime of fighting off assassins and court politics. She needs a true friend, someone who she can be herself around, and craves solitude. The same solitude that Chris craves. But he knows he'll never be enough to survive in her world. So, when Eli — a mysterious archon — requests his help, he figures why not? The guy might be a little shady, but he needs every distraction he can get.

But when Eli says that Cosette’s in trouble, Chris is more than ready to play by Eli's rules. At least until Eli takes him to the Court of Gales. Chris knows he’s about to play a very dangerous game. Bargaining with the fey is something only a desperate person would do. But what wouldn’t Chris give up to save Cosette’s life?

"These books go by so very quickly, with the pacing making me think I just started reading. I could gobble up a dozen of these novels!” – Carrie Reads a Lot

"Aileen Erin: You did a great job as usual and I’m so excited for Invocation and Lunar Court.” - Lenniland

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