Sunday, February 26, 2012

Week in Review: Feb 19-25



Books Ive Bought/received

*Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane-eARC-Netgalley



Books I read

Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire
Eventide by Elle Jasper
The Vampire Shrink by Lynda Hilburn
A Perfect Blood by Kim Harrison
Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane
Apocalypse to Go by Katharine Kerr

Reviews posted


A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang
Black Howl by Christina Henry
Fair Games by Patricia Briggs
A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton

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

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


* Monday UFI participated in the Cover reveal for Inbetween by Tara Fuller. There was also a Promotional Post and giveaway posted for a copy of Fated by Benedict Jacka.


* Wednesday Kristen Simmons was here promoting her new release Article 5 with a guest post. 


* Friday along with an early review for Fair Games by Patricia Briggs there is a giveaway for a copy of On the Prowl.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
*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.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Review: A Beautiful Evil by Kelly Keaton

A Beautiful Evil
Author: Kelly Keaton
Release Date: February 21, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Gods and Monsters Book #2
ISBN:  1442409274
ISBN13: 9781442409279
Genre: Young Adult

Myth and mayhem inhabit a richly reimagined New Orleans in this sequel to Darkness Becomes Her.After the epic graveyard battle at the end of Darkness Becomes Her, Ari and her friends know what they’re up against: Ari is facing the Medusa curse and is haunted by the image of what she will become. To make matters worse, the heinous goddess Athena has kidnapped young Violet and is threatening to destroy Ari.

Ari, along with the superhot Sebastian, is doing everything she can to learn more about Athena and to get Violet back. But the battle of good and evil is bigger than she realizes, and she’s about to be pulled into a world more horrific than she could ever imagine...

Ari now knows what she is and has started her training and research in hopes of saving her Dad and Violet as well as beating Athena.

I didn't enjoy A BEAUTIFUL EVIL as much as I enjoyed book 1 DARKNESS BECOMES HER. The story dragged for half the book, there were quite a bit of depressing circumstances and It was a bit predictable at times. I did enjoy the action scenes and the general plot.  Ari was still an interesting character. She is unique in her bloodline because of what her father is. I'm hoping now that he is in the story, book 3 will give us a bit more insight on what will happen to her when she is supposed to turn fully into a gorgon. I still really like the setting of New 2 and the different class of characters that come with it. Ari and Sebastian's relationship is interesting. They are definitely tested throughout A BEAUTIFUL THING but they seem to hold strong to each other. I loved Bran, he is proving to be fully on Ari's side and he seems to truly care about her.

I actually loved the ending. I'm excited to find out more about what Sebastian can do now and what that will mean for Ari in her fight against Athena. I'm also loving the fact that her Dad will be a bigger part of the story, it will be interesting to see what he brings to the situation. I will still be reading book 3 when it arrives.

I gave it 3.5/5 stars

Friday, February 24, 2012

Review & Giveaway: Fair Game by Patricia Briggs

Fair Game
Author: Patricia Briggs
Release Date: March 6, 2012
Publisher: Ace
Alpha and Omega Book #3
ISBN:    0441020038
ISBN13:  9780441020034
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Review Copy Source: Publisher

Patricia Briggs, the #1 "New York Times" bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson novels, "always enchants her readers." (Lynn Viehl, "New York Times" bestselling author) Now her Alpha and Omega series-set in a world of shifting shapes, loyalty, and passion- brings werewolves out of the darkness and into a society where fear and prejudice could make the hunters prey...

They say opposites attract. And in the case of werewolves Anna Latham and Charles Cornick, they mate. The son-and enforcer-of the leader of the North American werewolves, Charles is a dominant alpha. While Anna, an omega, has the rare ability to calm others of her kind.
Now that the werewolves have revealed themselves to humans, they can't afford any bad publicity. Infractions that could have been overlooked in the past must now be punished, and the strain of doing his father's dirty work is taking a toll on Charles.

Nevertheless, Charles and Anna are sent to Boston, when the FBI requests the pack's help on a local serial killer case. They quickly realize that not only the last two victims were werewolves-all of them were. Someone is targeting their kind. And now Anna and Charles have put themselves right in the killer's sights...

I absolutely love Patricia's Mercy Thompson series. I knew Patricia had another series in the Mercy world but had never picked them up to read them. That is until her publicist sent me a copy of FAIR GAME book 3 in the Alpha and Omega series. I went back and read the previous books and instantly became attached to both Anna and Charles. In book 3 the mated pair travel to Boston to consult with the FBI about a serial killer case they are working on which once again doesn't go as smoothly as they would have liked.

The best thing about the series to me is Anna and Charles relationship. They definitely have things to work out between them, but they have a really strong connection and I really love there romance and devotion to each other when either doesn't let his ghosts get in the way. They fit perfectly together and complement each other. I enjoyed the interaction between the wolves and the humans as they worked side by side to try and find the killers. I had absolutely no clue who the villain was and I loved every minute of getting to the point in finding out.

The emotion that Patricia is able to bring forth is excellent. One minute I'm happy as can be while something good is happening, or my heart is pounding with the situation trying to figure out what will happen and then the next I'm bawling my eyes out sad right along with the character. It is beyond easy to get lost in the emotions of the story. With all that Anna has been through its tough seeing her yet again become the victim of a psychopath but she continues to come out of these situations stronger then she went in.

You really should pick up the books in this series, I'm really glad I got a copy of FAIR GAME in the mail to review. The Alpha and Omega series has become a must have on my book shelf.

I gave it 4/5 stars


Giveaway is for a Signed Copy of On the Prowl which contains the very first Alpha and Omega story

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?”
__________________________________


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.
__________________________________

Find Kristen and her books
__________________________________

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.

__________________________________

__________________________________

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!!!