Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, #2) by Ilona Andrews

• Title: Magic Burns 
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Urban Fantasy
• Format: Paperback, 272 pages
• Publisher: Ace (April 1, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 9780441015832
• ISBN-13: 978-0441015832
• ASIN: 0441015832  
• Notes: Language used that some individuals may find offensive.

“Theory said that magic and tech used to coexist in a balance. Like the pendulum of a grandfather clock that barely moved, if at all. But then came the age of Man, and men are made of progress. They over developed magic, pushing the pendulum further and further to one side until it came crashing down and started swinging back and forth, bringing with it tech waves. 

And then in its turn, the technology over saturated the world, helped once again by pesky Man, and the pendulum swung again, into the side of magic this time. The previous Shift from magic to tech took place somewhere around the start of the Iron age. The current Shift officially dawned almost thirty years ago. It began with a flare, and with each subsequent flare, more of our world succumbed to magic.”  (From Magic Bites)

"Flares" come only every seven years or so. During the "flares" magic fluctuates. At times reducing or boosting the power of spells. It also allows some beings to cross over to our realm.....

Kate Daniels is now the official liaison between the Mercenary Guild and the Order of Merciful Aid (aka Order). She is also the official go between for Weres and The Order. In this book, someone has stolen maps from the weres and killed a person Jim and Kate had just apprehended for the bounty on his head. The link to the events are the bolts that were used to kill victims. Without much to go on, Kate returns to the scene where her bounty had been murdered. While looking for clues, Kate stumbles upon the daughter of a witch who claims her mother and her entire coven of witches has disappeared. While searching the area where the coven was last seen another bolt is found. The other common element to the crimes is a mysterious man that seems to be able to instantly appear and disappear in and out of places. This one will boil down to a power struggle between two ancient mythological beings, and if the wrong one gets control, it could be the end of mankind.  

I am really enjoying this series so far. The magical world Kate lives in is fun and exciting. One of my favorite things that an author can do is to incorporate some mythology into a story. Ms. Andrews does this while taking some creative license with the mythological beings of Morrigan and Morfran. 

I'm also loving the relationship that seems to be developing between Kate and Curran. It's nice when every once in a while a series takes it's time to bring two individuals into a full blown romance. The relationship of Curran and Kate is fun to watch, and I can't help but think it will grow into something special. Loving the bantering that is going on between the two. Here is a little excerpt from two of my favorite conversations between Kate and Curran. I took the liberty of removing some sentences and keeping the ones I felt were most important:

"If I let her go, I'll need a replacement. Want to volunteer for the job?"(said by Curran)

"And be girlfriend number twenty-three soon to be dumped in favor of girlfriend number twenty-four who has slightly bigger boobs? I don't think so."(said by Kate)

"If  we were the last two people on Earth, "I'd find myself a moving island so I could get the hell away from you." (said by Kate; pages 106-107)

Curran's response later in the book. Obviously he didn't like her previous declaration.*grin*:

"Not only will you sleep with me, but you will say 'please.'" 

I stared at him, shocked.
 

The smile widened.  "You will say 'please' before and 'thank you' after." 

Nervous laughter bubbled up. "You've gone insane. All that peroxide in your hair finally did your brain in, Goldilocks."  (page 184)

I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses.

Mythological Notes: 

Morrigan, a figure from Irish mythology, is a goddess of battle, strife, and fertility. "She sometimes appears in the form of a crow, flying above the warriors, and in the Ulster cycle she also takes the form of an eel, a wolf and a cow. She is generally considered a war deity comparable with the Germanic Valkyries, although her association with cattle also suggests a role connected with fertility, wealth, and the land." 

The above information gotten from Wikipedia. To learn more check out this link to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Morr%C3%ADgan

Morfran is a figure in Welsh mythology. "Usually portrayed as a warrior under King Arthur, he is noted for the darkness of his skin and his hideousness. He appears in the narratives about the bard Taliesin and in the Welsh Triads." 

The above information was gotten from Wikipedia. To learn more check out this link to Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morfran


Order of Series:





























1. Magic Bites
2. Magic Burns
3. Magic Strikes
4. Magic Bleeds
5. Magic Slays

Claimed by the Highland Warrior (MacKinloch Clan, #1) by Michelle Willingham

• Title: Claimed by the Highland Warrior
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Historical Fiction
  
• Format: Paperback, 288 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (April 19, 2011)
• ISBN-10: 0373296428
• ISBN-13: 978-0373296422

War tears families apart, takes away loved ones, ruin lives, and devastates relationships. Nairna and Bram had just said the "I dos" when duty called. Word came that their clan was being attacked, and he left to defend their home. Nairna never saw him again, and was told he had died in the attack. Three years later, she remarried, and went on with life never forgetting her first love. Now, nearly seven years later, he shows up battered and bruised outside Nairna's clan's gate. The implications are mind shattering. After years of imprisonment he's finally managed to escape. Now he's returned looking to claim his bride.....


I really enjoyed this book. Knowing that it was inspired by a true story made it seem all that more real. I still remember hearing stories of men coming back from Vietnam years after the war ended. It was one such homecoming that inspired this story. The emotions and feelings of Willingham's characters made them appear so real I felt I could almost reach into the pages and touch the them. The emotional baggage that Bram experienced reminded me of stories my Grandmother told me of my Grandfather after World War II. The book dealt with how Bram and Nairna had to come to grips with the past while looking to the future. It also dealt with how the two had to get to know one another all over again, neither was the same person that they were when they first married. So if you're looking for an out of the ordinary love story that has the added bonus of a highlander to boot, then this may be the story you've been looking for. I gave this book 4 out of 5 roses.   

 

Order to be read:

1. Claimed by the Highland Warrior

2. Seduced by Her Highland Warrior (Coming July 19th)

Just Like Heaven (The Smythe-Smith Quartet, #1) by Julia Quinn

• Title: Just Like Heaven (The Smythe-Smith Quartet, #1)
• Classification: Adult Fiction
  
• Genre: Historical Romance
  
• Format: Paperback, 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon; Original edition (May 31, 2011)
• ISBN-10: 006149190X
• ISBN-13: 978-0061491900

How can a mole hill, a giant rabbit, a treacle tart, a poorly done musicale, a pair of red shoes, a meddling old lady, and ultimately a young woman's botched up plans lead to love? Well, when the woman in question is a Smythe-Smith, the answer is, quite easily.

Honoria Smythe-Smith has known Marcus Holroyd for years. Marcus is Honoria's brother's best friend. Over the years he spent enough time with their family to be considered a part of it. When an unfortunate incident led to Daniel fleeing the country, he asked only one thing of Marcus, to watch over his baby sister and keep the rakes away. Even the best made plans sometimes have a way of going awry....  

Do you remember the first time you fell in love? Do you remember the feeling?  Well, if you'd like to feel it again or for the first time, all you need to do is pick up a copy of this book and start reading. I love how Julia's books can capture the feeling of that period of time when everything was new, fun, exciting, and full of possibilities. When you knew that the man of your dreams was out there, but didn't yet know who he was.  Then the life changing moment where you just knew, he's the one for me. Now how many books can you say that about? So if you're looking for a light read that will put a smile on your face, you should truly consider picking up this book. After all, the first time one falls in love it can feel just like heaven.

I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses.

Notes: For those of you who have read Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series, you'll instinctively cover your ears at the mention of the name Smythe-Smith. Those dreadfully awful musicians who seem to find the most polite of London society at their musicales. Who else could sit through such a performance? This book is the first in a series that will take us into the world of the Smythe-Smith family, and you'll get to find out if they're truly tone deaf, or if there is another reason for the tradition of bad musicales to continue. This series promises to fill the empty spot left when the last of those wonderful Bridgerton's got married.

For more information about the series, and where the Smythe-Smiths fit into the Bridgerton series, check out the following link to Julia's Quinn's website. You'll be glad you did.:
http://www.juliaquinn.com/books/heaven.php

The book trailer:

Free on Nook & Kobo - Summer's Crossing (Iron Fey Series, #3.5) by Julie Kagawa (novella)

• Title: Summer's Crossing  by Julie Kagawa
• Classification: Young Adult
• Genre: Fantasy
• Publisher: Harlequin
• Format: eBook, 304 Pages (June 1, 2011)
• ISBN-13: 9781459206403
• ISBN: 1459206401

Only available in eBook - Summer's Crossing  by Julie Kagawa. It's free for both the Nook and Kobo (not Kindle).  As always it's free today, but could cost you tomorrow. So get it while it's free!
Link for Barnes and Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/summers-crossing-julie-kagawa/1031223554?ean=9781459206403&itm=1&usri=summer%2bs%2bcrossing

Link  for Kobo:
http://kobobooks.com/ebook/Summers-Crossing/book-i8zUMfe_m0iUelrPuMSKpQ/page1.html

Order of Books in series:

















1) The Iron King
1.5) Winter's Passage
2) The Iron Daughter
3) The Iron Queen
3.5) Summer's Crossing
4) The Iron Knight (coming October 25th 2011 - no cover available)

Tangled Threads (Elemental Assassin, #4) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Tangled Threads
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: Elemental Assassin
Format: Paperback, 384 pages
Publisher: Pocket (April 26, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1439192634
ISBN-13: 978-1439192634
Author's Website: http://www.jenniferestep.com/
Notes: Contains sex and language some might take offense to.



"Elementals were people who could create, control, and manipulate one of the four elements -Air, Fire, Ice, and Stone. Those were the areas that most folks were gifted in, the ones you had to be able to tap into to be considered a true elemental. But magic had many forms, many quirks, and some people could use other areas, offshoots of one of the four elements. Metal was an offshoot of Stone, and electricity was one of Air."

Gin Blanco is a retired assassin who can wield both Stone and Ice elemental magic. Her assassin code name is Spider. Years ago her family was murdered by Mab Monroe, a powerful Fire elemental who also happens to rule the city of Ashland. Before the murders, Mab had been told that her demise would be at the hands of one of the Snow children who could wield the elemental magic of both Ice and Stone. Gin, formerly Genevieve Snow, watched the murders of her older sister (Annabella) and mother (Eira). Gin was then tortured by Mab who wanted to know Bria's (Gin's baby sister) location. Ironically, she thought it was Bria who could wield both types of magic. Just recently, Gin found out Bria was still alive, and is now a detective with the Ashland Police Department. She hasn't revealed to Bria who she is because she's afraid she'd reject her if she knew of Gin's assassin background. Gin's goal has always been to one day take down Mab and assure no one else, especially her sister, is ever hurt by Mab again.

In the last book Gin, as the Spider, declared war on Mab, and threatened to take her down one man at a time. She has slowly been whittling down Mab's minions one by one. In this book Mab has hired an elemental assassin named LaFleur to kill the Spider. LaFleur wields electricity and is one of the highest paid assassin's in the business. She's strong, smart, and powerful. Taking her down will not be easy. While she is battling the bad guys, Gin will also start to feel emotions she hasn't dared felt for another individual in a long time. Tangled threads will slowly start weaving a web around her heart. The question is will they be strong enough to hold her?

I am a huge fan of Jennifer's books. I just love the character Gin. She's tough on the outside yet soft on the inside. She is a contradiction and I think that is what I love about this character. She's loyal to those she loves, and strong enough to not need anyone. She does what she needs to do and makes no excuses. You need to accept her as is or not at all.

In Tangled Threads, we get to learn more about Fletcher, her Foster Father and former handler. Fletcher Lane taught Gin all she knows about being an assassin. I was sad he got killed off so early in the series, but I do enjoy how Estep slowly reveals all the parts that made up the intricate individual that meant so much to Gin. We get to find out how he knew Bria was alive, and what his connection was to the Snow family. We also learn what exactly happened to Bria, and how she came to live with her adopted family. If you are already hooked to the series this is a can't miss read. Ms. Estep has outdone herself with the fight scenes and the story is addictive. Once I pick up a book in this series, I truly don't wish to set it down until I'm done. The world that Estep created with ice bars, giants, elementals, vampires, and more is unique and fun.

I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses.

Order of the series:















1. Spider's Bite
2. Web of Lies
3. Venom
4. Tangled Threads

Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, #1) by Ilona Andrews

• Title: Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, #1) 
• Classification: Adult Fiction 
• Genre: Urban Fantasy
• Format: Paperback, 272 pages
• Publisher: Ace (March 27, 2007)
• ISBN-10: 9780441014897
• ISBN-13: 978-0441014897
• ASIN: 0441014895

 

"When people had trouble of a magic kind, the kind that cops couldn't handle, they called the Mercenary Guild. If the job happened to fall into my territory, the guild then called me." 

Kate Daniels is a mercenary who can wield magic. Her guardian, Greg, whom was the last person she considered family, has just been murdered. She's out to find out who killed him and why, then she'll kill them. The world she lives in is filled with parnormal beings and magic. To make things more difficult, Greg was a knight-diviner, a member of a group called the Order of Merciful Aid. Knight-diviners are nearly impossible to kill because they're powerful and well trained.    

"The Order of Merciful Aid offered just what its name suggested: merciful aid to anyone who asked. If you could pay, they would charge you; and if you couldn't, they would kill shit on your behalf pro bono. Officially their mission statement was to protect humanity against all harm, by magic or by weapon."  

Just weeks before he was killed, Greg tried to persuade Kate to rejoin the Order. She had declined. Now she must see what case Greg was working on when he was murdered, and try to track down his killer. Hopefully, she'll be able to avoid the fate of her guardian.

Besides the murder mystery involving Greg, there is also the mystery as to whom Kate's real father was. Make no mistake she knows, we (the readers) have no clue. Throughout the book Kate must make sure not to leave any DNA blood trace. She'll actually burn her blood with gasoline if it's spilled on the ground, and burn any clothes that her blood has her blood on it. Whoever he is or was, he must have been powerful if she's willing to go to such extremes to hide it.

I really loved this story. Yes, there are a lot of paranormal books out there, but this one seemed to get back to the basics with a little darker, a little creepier version of some of the paranormal beings involved. You have vampires that crawl on ceilings like spiders and weres that are huge and about as fierce and scary as they come. No vegan vampires in this one. Be prepared to enter an alternate dimension when you pick up this series. 

I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses.

Order of Series:





























1. Magic Bites
2. Magic Burns
3. Magic Strikes
4. Magic Bleeds
5. Magic Slays

Obsidian Butterfly (An Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, Book 9) by Laurell K. Hamilton

Title: Obsidian Butterfly
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: Paperback, 608 pages
Publisher: Jove (September 24, 2002)
ISBN-10: 9780515134506
ISBN-13: 978-0515134506
ASIN: 0515134503
Notes: Violence towards children in this book as well as rape.

Something not yet identified in the Santa Fe/Albuquerque area of New Mexico is attacking people. Edward is calling in the favor Anita owes him for taking out one of his back ups. We get to see Edward's other life and alternate ego Ted. The survivors that have been found have been skinned alive. The question is could someone truly survive in such a state or is there some form necromancy or magic at work? The Master vampire of the City, Itzpapalotl, owns a club called the Obsidian Butterfly. She is an old and powerful vampire and scary as hell. She believes herself to be an Aztec Goddess. Her animal to command is the jaguar. Whatever is causing mayhem in New Mexico has even Itzpapalotl scared. Whatever is out there is ancient and might just take Anita and Edward down.

This is probably one of the goriest books in the series by far (and for this series that is saying something). It should probably come with a warning label. If you have a queasy stomach this may not be the book for you. A lot of blood, guts, gore, and extremely creepy things. Also, there is violence towards children which will definitely not sit well with some people. 

Okay, now that I've dealt out the warnings, it's on to what is good in the book. In the beginning I really started to dislike Edward, but towards the end he redeemed himself in my eyes. I really enjoyed finally finding out about  the secretive Edward. I also liked the Aztec influence in this story. I always love hearing about the mythology of other cultures and even took a course about mythology in college. I had never heard of Itzpapalotl before and alway love learning something new. Yes, Hamilton takes some artistic license with the character to make it her own, but I love it when  an author mixes mythology with a story.

Fun facts I found in Wikipedia: 

"In Aztec mythology, Itzpaplotl was a fearsome skeletal warrior goddess, who ruled over the paradise world of Tamoanchan, the paradise of victims of infant mortality and place identified where humans were created." " Itzpapalotl's name can either mean "obsidian butterfly" or "clawed butterfly"." "She is sometimes depicted with bat wings. However, she can also appear with clear butterfly or eagle attributes. Her wings are obsidian or tecpatl (flint) knife tipped." "She could appear in the form of a beautiful, seductive woman or terrible goddess with a skeletal head and butterfly wings supplied with stone blades." For more information on Itzpaplotl check out this link to Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itzpapalotl

I don't know what it is about Hamilton's books that often times puts a song in my head, but once again a song infiltrated my mind. The song being 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy' as sung by Rod Stewart. Just reminded me of the scene with  Red Woman's Husband. The particular lyrics that danced through my head: ' If you want my body and you think I'm sexy Come on, sugar, let me know If you really need me just reach out and touch me....'  I must confess I never did find Rod all that attractive (sorry Rod).

I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses.