Review: Storm of Reckoning by Doranna Durgin

Storm of Reckoning
Author:Doranna Durgin
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher: Tor
The Reckoners Book #2
ISBN:  0765361655
ISBN13: 9780765361653
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Publisher for Review

Lisa McGarrity lives to hunt ghosts.

With the able assistance of her loyal ghostbusting team, of course . . . and the unexpected powers of Trevarr, a fiercely driven demon-hunter from another dimension.  Their last mission—a supposedly simple haunting that turned into a demonic free-for-all—left them battered and ready for some R&R.  But rest has to wait.  Garrie and her team are summoned by an old friend in Sedona who desperately needs some occult assistance.  Making matters worse, Trevarr has reappeared, bloody and bruised . . . and exiled forever from his homeworld.

While happy to have Trevarr back at her side, Garrie is shocked to discover that Sedona’s ethereal breezes are quiet, the usual paranormal activity nearly nonexistant . . . except for some oddball power surges that don’t “taste” like our world at all.

Then Garrie’s friend disappears and all hell seems about to break loose as Sedona’s ghosts rise up against Garrie and her team.  With Trevarr’s not-cat bond-partner hinting at dire trouble on their trail and Trevarr himself seeing enemies at every turn, Garrie is running out of time to figure out just what’s happening in the Southwest…and to put a stop to it.

Once again I enjoyed the story but the dialogue is still hard to follow. You will be reading one point of view and then all of a sudden you are lost because without warning it switches to someone else's, in all fairness the copy I have is an Uncorrected ARC so it might just be that the spacing will be corrected and ease some of the confusion. Also the characters will figure something out and I'm still in the dark about it because I didn't get enough information to form the conclusion the characters obviously have. The Romance in book 2 is better than Book 1 THE RECKONERS. Lots of sexual tension and finally some action in the sexy department, but I still feel it is more of an Urban Fantasy than Paranormal Romance. Sklayne the sidekick not-cat provides some nice moments of comic relief. Im intrigued enough that I will pick up the next book to see how the events at the end of THE STORM OF RECKONING plays out.

I gave it 3/5 stars

Review: The Demon Trappers Daughter by Jana Oliver

The Demon Trappers Daughter
Author:Jana Oliver
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher: St. Martins Griffin
Demon Trappers Book #1
ISBN:  0312614780
ISBN13:  9780312614782
Genre: Young Adult
Review Copy Source: Publisher for review

Riley Blackthorne just needs a chance to prove herself – and that’s exactly what the demons are counting on…

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps.  The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood.  And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?



If you are an emotional reader get ready to cry. This book will suck you dry of emotions I seriously had tears leaking a good chunk of this book. I have a good amount of books lately that have just phenomenal world building and THE DEMON TRAPPERS DAUGHTER is right up there with them all. The book was easy to read and was full of creativity. I would have liked to find out a little about the past of the world and how the demons came to be there inhabiting it. Also would have liked to know about why the demons are interested in Riley. Beck kinda confuses me with his feelings, at one point he would seem to think of Riley as a sister or responsibility but then another point it would seem like he was in love with her on a more romantic level?? Buildup for next book?? Who knows but I want to. And Ori?? Yeah no clue. I need book 2 FORBIDDEN to get my answers.



I gave it a 3.5/5 stars

Guest Review: Down the Road by Bowie Ibarra

***Reviewed by Kristin from My Bookish Ways ***

Down the Road
Author:Bowie Ibarra
Release Date: January 4, 2011
Publisher: Gallery Books
ISBN13: 9781439180693
Genre: Horror
Review Copy Source: Publisher for blog tour


From his small apartment in Austin, Texas, George Zaragosa watches in awe as surreal reports of a bizarre plague flood the national news. Until today, his life as a local theater teacher was stable and ordinary, if overshadowed by the unsolved murder of his beautiful fiancée. Now, hearing how those who died from an unstoppable virus are coming back to life in growing numbers, George knows what he has to do: leave everything behind in the city and get home to San Uvalde, just down the road. 

It began in New York City, when the dead arose from the hospitals and morgues, attacking the living and pulling them into their growing hordes. State by state, the nation goes into lockdown, whole cities and towns fight for survival, and George must navigate military roadblocks, FEMA camps, and street thugs to make it home. But most of all, his journey down the road will require him to stave off the horrifying creatures hungering for his flesh. . . .

When I saw that the dedication for Down the Road was to George Romero, I admit, I got my hopes up. I love me a good zombie novel. I even love a good horror novel, and when horror is done well, it can be a real treat. However, it only took me a couple of chapters to realize this was just not my cup of tea. This is Bowie Ibarra’s debut novel, and it shows. Down the Road follows George Zaragosa as he attempts to return to his family home in the midst of zombie apocalypse. I just could not sympathize with George, especially when the book goes from describing him as the consummate gentlemen, to cold bloodedly running down a police officer for taking bribes to let people through a roadblock. Last time I checked, this was rotten, but not necessarily a killing offense. For me, one of the most important part of my reading experience is sympathizing with the main characters on at least a few levels. I couldn’t sympathize with George at all, nor could I relate to him. The narrative was awkward and at times clunky. In the end, I couldn’t finish it. That said, I am a huge supporter of indie writers, and I can honestly say the effort is there, it just didn’t come together for this zombie fan.

Kristin gave it 1.5/5 stars

New Releases Jan 31- Feb 6

Tuesday Feb 1

Blood of the Rose (The Tudor Vampire Chronicles #2) by Kate Pearce
Blood Wyne (Sisters of the Moon #9) by Yasmine Galenorn
Bonded Blood (Sweetblood #1) by Laurie London  
Consumed (Possessed #2) by Kate Cann 
 The Curse-Maker by Kelli Stanley   
Dark Moon (Wereling #2) by Steve Feasey

Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians #1) by Dianne Duvall 

Deadly Heat (Deadly #2) by Cynthia Eden 
The Demon Trapper's Daughter (Demon Trappers #1) by Jana Oliver
Evenfall by Liz Michalski
First Grave on the Right (Charley Davidson #1) by Darynda Jones   

Forest Moon Rising (Tess Noncoire #4) by P.R. Frost  

Halfway Hexed (Southern Witch #3) by Kimberly Frost   

Haunted (Dreaming Anastasia #2) by Joy Preble  

Haunting Jasmine by Anjali Banerjee

The Iron Queen (Iron Fey #3) by Julia Kagawa
License to Ensorcell by Katharine Kerr
Mists of Velvet (Annwyn Chronicles #2) by Sophia Renwick
Moon Burning (A Children of the Moon #3) by Lucy Monroe

Nightshade (Nightshade #1) by Michelle Rowan 

Reaper's Justice by Sarah McCarty 
Siren's Surrender (Dark Tides #2) by Devyn Quinn   

Storm of Reckoning (The Reckoners #2) by Doranna Durgin

Taken by Lilith Saintcrow

Unseen (Outcast Season #3) by Rachel Caine 
Uprising (Vampire Federation #1) By Sean McCabe

Visions of Magic (Awakening #1) by Regan Hastings 

The Werewolf Upstairs (Strange Neighbors #2) by Ashlyn Chase

Thursday Feb 3

 The Locket by Stacey Jay   
Sweep: Volume 3 by Cate Tiernan

If you see a mistake or know of another release that is not listed let me know!! Happy Reading

Review: The Reckoners by Doranna Durgin

The Reckoners
Author:Doranna Durgin
Release Date: February 2, 2010
Publisher: Tor
The Reckoners Book #1
ISBN:  0765361647
ISBN13: 9780765361646
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Publisher for Review


Ghost hunter Lisa McGarrity can't understand what's gotten into the undead recently, Ectoplasm-flinging spirits and ghouls with grudges seem to be coming out of the woodwork, and her small business has been run ragged as she does her best to calm the outraged spirits. When the mysterious and sexy Trevarr appears on her doorstep, Lisa is suspicious. Why is he so interested in her 'kooky' hobby? What does he have to gain by visiting paranormal hot spots with her? Whatever he wants, Lisa can't help being drawn to Trevarr, and as they start working together together to figure out this ghost population explosion, their mutual attraction causes explosions of its own.

I found the dialogue hard to follow, I would have to go back and read over a passage I just read to try and figure out who was talking and what they were talking about. Also the POV were really jumpy and made me wonder if I missed a page in between. Its classified as a Paranormal Romance but truthfully there isn't much of a romance. Lisa (Garrie) and Trevarr are hot for each other sure but all they really share is a steamy kiss a few times in the whole book. I liked the story, the characters were like-able and there was some great action, but the execution of everything was rough around the edges. The author left a lot of things I felt I needed to know out, Maybe it will be in STORM OF RECKONING? My overall opinion? I would MAYBE borrow it from the library ,but would not purchase myself a copy.


I gave it a 2.5/5

Week in Review 1/23-1/29

Books Ive Bought/received

*Legacy by Kate Kaynak- From Author for review

*The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa- ARC- From Shelf Awareness

*The Demon Trappers Daughter by Jana Oliver- ARC- Win from All Things Urban Fantasy before I got my review copy in the mail. I will be giving this copy away in a contest that will go live Feb 8.

*Nights Cold Kiss by Tracey O'Hara- Win from one of Tracey's Contests on Supernatural Underground

*Night Myst by Yasmine Galenorn- Bought from Amazon

*Venom by Jennifer Estep- Bought from Amazon

*Bloodshot by Cherie Priest- Bought from Amazon




Books I read

The Demon Trappers Daughter by Jana Oliver
Delirium by Lauren Oliver
The Reckoners by Doranna Durgin
Storm of Reckoning by Doranna Durgin



Other reviews posted

Taken by the Others by Jess Haines

Nightshade by Michelle Rowen
Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Visions of Magic by Regan Hastings 



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

*Looking for books to swap? Visit my Book Swap page to see what I have. I recently joined Paperbooks Swap but will give my followers a chance first before I list books on there. Also feel free to use my link to swap with me on there but it seems everything I have listed so far was gone in an instant because people had them on their wish lists.

*New Releases for the week.

* You still have a chance to help me win a contest for ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by Beth Revis, and have a chance to win yourself PLEASE visit HERE to read how you can :) ENDS TOMORROW 1/31

*Like what you read? Make sure to leave a comment.

Early Review: Visions of Magic by Regan Hastings

Visions of Magic
Author:Regan Hastings
Release Date: February 1, 2011
Publisher: Signet
The Awakening Book #1
ISBN:  0451232461
ISBN13: 9780451232465
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Review Copy Source: Publisher for Review

In the ten years since magic has reemerged in the world, witches have become feared and hunted. For weeks Shea Jameson has been haunted by visions of fire. When she unintentionally performs a spell in public, she becomes one of the hunted. Her only hope is Torin, a dangerously sensual man who claims to be her eternal mate.

I liked it but I didn't love it. I liked the whole concept of the story, The witch was naughty a long time ago and gave up her power for a really long time and is now awakening to herself again. Her eternal is there for her in everything as she completes a task of atonement. There is some awesome world building, everything comes off as realistic as it can be with all the detail Regan Hastings has put into it. I had no problem imagining the people and places that were described. The chemistry between Shea and Torin is HOT and there is a lot of sex so be ready. I found side plots to be left to the imagination and I'm not a fan of that. I know this will be one of those series that has a new couple per book but there was a lot of little information's I would have liked to know now that might have made the story stick to me a little more. All in all its worth reading and I'll read VISIONS OF SKYFIRE when it comes out October of 2011.

I gave it a 3.5/5