Thursday, February 23, 2012

Early Review: Black Howl by Christina Henry

Black Howl
Author: Christina Henry
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Ace
Black Wings/Madeline Black Book #3
ISBN:  1937007332
ISBN13: 9781937007331
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher


Agent of Death Madeline Black is finding out that some of the spirits of Chicago aren't ready to cross over.

Something is wrong with the souls of Chicago's dead. Ghosts are walking the streets, and Agent of Death Madeline Black's exasperating boss wants her to figure out why. And while work is bad enough, Maddy has a plethora of personal problems too. Now that Gabriel has been assigned as her thrall, their relationship has hit an impasse. At least her sleazy ex-fiancĂ© Nathaniel is out of the picture — or so she thinks...

Another great installment of the Madeline Black Series. I have always loved Maddy's character. She is stronger then some give her credit for and has learned a lot since book 1 about her self and what she can do and be. Beezle continues to be one of my favorite sidekicks. He provides endless amounts of humor to about every situation Maddy finds herself in. Most of the book revolves around Madeline helping Jude find his missing Alpha and the packs children.  There is plenty of action as she fights off demons and humongous spiders that would give an arachnophobe like me a heart attack. Along for the ride is of course Gabriele the man that Maddy loves but that refuses to be with her. There are some great developments between them in BLACK HOWL as well as some major heart ache and loss. Lucifer continues to stump and surprise me. Just when you think he is using Maddy for his own evil plans he shows what is under his cold exterior and lets us see some real (at least it seems real) support and emotion from him. Most of the characters we have loved from the previous books are also in BLACK HOWL next to Maddy as she uncovers betrayal and plots that will rock her world even more then it was already rocking.

There were a lot of emotions that came out of BLACK HOWL and I was sorta expecting the ending news to happen at some point but it was still EVIL EVIL ending the book like that Christina. Just plain Evil. Dying to read book 4 and BLACK HOWL isn't even officially out yet, hopefully the wait wont be to long.

I gave it 4/5 stars

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Guest Post: Kristen Simmons

UFI welcomes Kristen Simmons Author of Article 5. Thanks for Joining us!!

Good morning Stacy. Thank you for having me today.


As you know, the country has changed significantly in the past few years. In response to the reigning chaos following the War, President Scarboro has dissolved the existing military branches, and in their place, supported the creation of a Federal Bureau of Reformation (FBR), which has been tasked with a mission to resolve domestic threats or internal acts of terrorism, and safeguard the borders against all foreign enemies or threats to national security. In order to effectively do so, the FBR has released the country from the historic Bill of Rights, known only to breed anarchy, and has implemented a fresh set of rules which more adequately define our new nation, and support our new cause.

You may find the original seven Moral Statues listed below.
 

Federal Bureau of Reformation
Office of the President 
The Moral Statutes of the United States of America 

Pertaining to the Moral Standards 
    Article 1:  The United States officially embraces the Church of America as her official religion.  The attendance of regular services is strongly encouraged.  Individuals observing alternative beliefs shall be held in contempt of the Moral Standards if they fail to comply with subsections a – c of Article 1:
    1. Individuals choosing to observe alternative religions will not display propaganda, artifacts, relics or icons associated with their faith in conspicuous places.
    2. Individuals of alternative religions will not encourage, recruit or discuss their faith with others.
    3. Failure to comply with a or b shall result first in a warning, second in a fine and third in a disciplinary action deemed appropriate by a Commanding Officer in the Federal Bureau of Reformation.
      1. (revised) Failure to comply with a or b shall result immediately in a disciplinary action deemed appropriate by a Commanding Officer in the Federal Bureau of Reformation.
    Article 2: Paraphernalia considered immoral is hereby banned and shall not be owned, bought/sold or traded for in any capacity.
    1. Immoral items include any form of media (audio, visual or tactile) in any medium (print, radio, televised, etc.) deemed inappropriate, including those items scandalous, violent, sexual or in opposition to the Moral Statutes as determined by the Church of America (For a full list of items see Addendum B).  
    2. All items identified as immoral are to be disposed of in identified CONTRABAND ITEMS receptacles. 
    3. Every citizen is subject to search and seizure of their home and personal property in order to assure compliance with Section 2, Article 2 of the Moral Statutes. Violators in possession of contraband are subject to trial by an investigative board of the Federal Bureau of Reformation and sentenced appropriately.
    Article 3: Whole families are to be considered one man, one woman and child(ren).
    1. Any alternative living arrangements (outside the parameters identified in Article 3) are considered to be in violation of Conventional Morality, and are not eligible for tax, occupation, education or health benefits. Violators are subject to trial by an investigative board of the Federal Bureau of Reformation and sentenced appropriately.
      Article 4: Traditional male and female roles shall be
      observed. 
    1. Men will work when able, serve in the Federal Bureau of Reformation if drafted and provide moral, ethical and religious support for their families.
    2. Women will respect their male partners, raise children, attend to domestic duties and encourage their family’s faith and dedication to the Moral Standards.
    3. Both sexes will behave in a moral and respectful way when in each other’s presence.  This is included but not limited to:
      1. wearing gender-specific clothing;
      2. communicating in an appropriate, respectful manner;
      3. maintaining acceptable distances from the opposite sex unless married;
      4. separating and remaining apart during curfew hours unless married; and,
      5. avoiding infidelity.
    Article 5: Children are considered valid citizens when conceived by a married man and wife. All other children are to be removed from the home and subjected to rehabilitative procedures.
    1. Unwed parents may be tried to determine legitimacy of children born out of wedlock.  Evidence used in trial may include hospital records, birth certificates, identification cards and so forth. 
      1. (revised) Unwed parents may be tried to determine legitimacy of all children below the age of eighteen. Evidence used in trial may include hospital records, birth certificates, social security cards and so forth. 
    1. Those parents held in contempt of Article 5 by the investigative board shall be sentenced appropriately.
    2. Children’s parental rights are absorbed by the state. Citizenship may be granted at the age of eighteen following completion of rehabilitation.
    Article 6: The following legal proceedings, medical procedures, and behaviors are considered immoral and hereby illegalized across the nation:
      1. Divorce;
      2. Emancipation of minors;
      3. Immigration;
      4. Abortion;
      5. Civilian possession of firearms;
      6. Subversive speech or assembly;
      7. Gambling; and,
      8. Prostitution.
    Article 7: Citizens knowingly or unknowingly assisting those in violation of the Moral Statutes are hereby denied trial and shall be punished to the full extent of the law.    
     
To see the Moral Statutes in their entirety, including Section 1 (Pertaining to the National Defense System post World War III), and the Code of Reformative Justice, please go to http://www.kristensimmonsbooks.com/books/ and click on the link “ARE YOU COMPLIANT?”
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Kristen Simmons has a master’s degree in social work and is an advocate for mental health. She lives with her husband Jason and their precious greyhound Rudy in Tampa, Florida.
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Find Kristen and her books
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Article 5
Article 5 #1
Jan 31, 2012
New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.

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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Early Review: A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang

A Sliver of Shadow
Author: Allison Pang
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Abby Sinclair Book #2
ISBN:  1439198349
ISBN13: 9781439198346
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher

Just when her new life as a TouchStone – a mortal bound to help OtherFolk cross between Faery and human worlds – seems to be settling down, Abby Sinclair is left in charge when the Protectorate, Moira, leaves for the Faery Court. And when the Protectorate’s away…let’s just say things spiral out of control when a spell on Abby backfires and the Faery Queen declares the Doors between their worlds officially closed.

The results are disastrous for both sides: OtherFolk trapped in the mortal world are beginning to fade, while Faerie is on the brink of war with the daemons of Hell. Along with her brooding elven prince Talivar and sexy incubus Brystion, Abby ventures to the CrossRoads in an attempt to override the Queen’s magic. But nothing in this beautiful, dangerous realm will compare to the discoveries she’s making about her past, her destiny, and what she will sacrifice for those she loves
A SLIVER OF SHADOW continues the highly imaginative and fun Abby Sinclair series. In this book you will find a horny unicorn that loves underwear drawers, sexy love interests, a trip to Faery where you will meet all sorts of interesting characters and situations, some good action, suspense and a very big cliffhanger.

A SLIVER OF SHADOW seemed to read a bit different then book one. I think maybe because a large portion of the book took place in Faery. The plot was pretty big and a lot of things happen in a short amount of time, it tending to be a bit confusing. The world building in this series is one of the high points for me. I can totally get lost in picturing the surroundings that Allison creates. I was not crazy about the love triangle. I have come to dislike Brystion because of the heartbreak he put Abby through and I'm definitely rooting for Talivar and hope that they end up together. Phin just cracks me up. We actually learn a little bit more about him and the fact that Abby getting him was not a coincidence.

Abby is a really fun character. I had no problems connecting with her in book 1 and the same went for book 2. She has a lot to work out but After the ending in A SLIVER OF SHADOW there is no way that I wont read book 3.

I gave it 3.5/5

New Releases: 2/19-2/25






Tues Feb 21

Faery Tales & Nightmares by Melissa Marr
Forever Claimed by Rachel Lee
Shadows (Lux, #0.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Happy Reading!!!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Promotional Post & Giveaway: Fated Benedict Jacka

**Available February 28, 2012**

Fated
Author: Benedict Jacka
Release Date: February 28, 2012
Publisher: Ace
Alex Verus Book #1
ISBN:   1937007294
ISBN13: 9781937007294
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Alex Verus is part of a world hidden in plain sight, running a magic shop in London. And while Alex's own powers aren't as showy as some mages, he does have the advantage of foreseeing the possible future--allowing him to pull off operations that have a million-to-one-chance of success.

But when Alex is approached by multiple factions to crack open a relic from a long-ago mage war, he knows that whatever's inside must be beyond powerful. And thanks to his abilities, Alex can predict that by taking the job, his odds of survival are about to go from slim to none...
Helpful Links:


Cover Reveal & Excerpt: Inbetween by Tara Fuller

**Available August 7, 2012**

Inbetween
Author: Tara Fuller
Release Date: August 7, 2012
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Kissed by Death Book #1
ISBN:  1620610833
ISBN13: 9781620610831
Genre: Young Adult

Since the car crash that took her father’s life three years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn't let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left…his soul.


Chapter 1

Finn

Sometimes Emma made me feel so alive, I almost forgot I was dead.
   
   Almost. 

      I sank down onto the side of her bed, amazed by the blazing wildfire that swept through me whenever Emma was near enough to touch. I took a deep, unneeded breath, and settled down on my side next to her. The mattress didn't sink. The springs didn't groan with the weight of an extra body. The distance between us was an impossible void. Inches that might as well have been miles. Miles that left me wanting in so many ways that I ached.

      Even the sun couldn't resist her. Its glowing rays caressed her skin, and stained her hair the satiny color of summer wheat. Before I knew what was happening, my hand followed their lead. Cells ignited. My skin burned, screaming with the agonizing need to touch-- 

      “What do you think you're doing?” 

      I jerked my hand away just as Easton melted up from the polished hardwood floor beneath the window. Like an oil slick coming to life, he unfolded his long, shadowy legs until he was just an ink blot against the square of tangerine sunrise behind him. His violet eyes pinned me like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. 

      Which, I kind of was.

      “Nothing,” I lied.

      “Yeah, looked like nothing.” He strolled across the room accompanied by a wave of sulfur and smoke, the black serpent tattoo on his neck glinting. “What were you planning to do, recite her poem? I swear to God, if you were still alive I'd confiscate your man card.” 

      I ignored the barb and scrunched up my nose. “Jesus, Easton. Don't they have a shower somewhere between here and the afterlife?” 

      “Screw you. You didn't just have to tow somebody's grandpa to Hell.” He brushed something chalky and grey off of his cloak and a shudder worked its way down my spine. God only knows who or what it belonged to. “Besides I wasn't the one about to feel up a sleeping human.” 

      “I wasn't--”

      “Save it.” He waved his hand. “We have work to do. I don't have time for your useless obsession with the human today.”

        “Will you please stop calling her that?”

      “What?” Easton glanced up from Emma's vanity, where he'd been inspecting the various lotions and bottles like he was on some alien planet. Then again, Easton had been dead for something like four hundred years, so all of her stuff probably was sort of alien to him.

      The human. You make me sound like a freak. It's not like we're a different species for God's sake. We were humans, too, or don't you remember that far back?”

      Were. Past tense.” 

      We could have gone back and forth like that for hours, but the call came. It always did. It started in my bones--a cold so cutting that it sliced through me like a machete. When I looked up, Easton's jaw was clenched, his muscles taut and ready. He slowly closed his hand around the handle of his scythe that burned black and softly smoked at his side. I flexed my fingers as the icy ribbons of death worked their way through each one of my limbs.

      “Can you take this one for me?” I asked. “You're already going to be there, and I just got back--”

      “No,” Easton said. “Hell no. I have my own job to do. I can't keep covering for your sorry ass. Besides, you're already on thin ice with Balthazar. Don't push your luck, Finn. Just keep your nose down, collect your souls, and thank the Almighty that you don't have my job. Now let's go.”

      “Yeah, but…” My eyes returned to Emma. Sleeping. Perfect. Safe.

      “For the love of God. She'll be fine, you pansy.” Easton clamped a hand over my shoulder and dragged me from the bed.

      “How do you know?”

      He shrugged. “I don't.”

       With that he vanished, consumed in a flash by the keening wails of the damned. The screams beckoned. Clawed at me from the inside out. 

      Rule one as a seeker: Death doesn't wait for anyone. 

      And it sure as hell wasn't waiting for me now.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Week in Review 2/12-2/18



Books Ive Bought/received

* Illicit Magic-Ebook- Bewitching Book Tours

* Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep- eARC- Author

* Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire- Publisher

* Eventide by Elle Jasper- Publisher

* White Witch by Trish Milburn- eARC- Netgalley



Books I read

Hunting Grounds by Patricia Briggs
Fair Games by Patricia Briggs
Black Howl by Christina Henry
Fated by Benedict Jacka
Of Poseidon by Anna Banks
A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton

Reviews posted


Partials by Dan Wells
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
Initiation by Imogen Rose

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


* Katie Reus was here on Thursday with a guest post in promotion of her newest release Alpha Instinct.



* UFI participated in a cover reveal for  Finn Finnegan by Darby Karchut from Spencer Hill Press that is set to be released in March of 2013.


* Friday Denise Grover Swank was here. There is a character interview with one of the characters from her newest release titled Here.

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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.