2016: My Year in Books

Here we are... 2016 has been a tough year in many ways, but I'd like to remember it for all the great reads I had the pleasure of reading: both new and old.

Review

It's been a year of Ilona Andrews' books for me. I finally took the plunge and basically devoured most of their back catalog, including Kate Daniels, The Edge, and Innkeeper Chronicles (this time on audio, which is absolutely fabulous by the way). The only problem now, I'm all caught up and have no idea what I shall do with myself - perhaps I need a re-read?! #sendhelpandbooks

Book Review: A Stone-Kissed Sea

A Stone-Kissed Sea (Elemental World, #4)
Elizabeth Hunter

Release Date: December 6, 2016

Book Description:
An immortal wanderer. A brilliant scientist. A centuries-old menace written in blood.

Lucien Thrax, son of the earth and child of the ancients, is a healer of immense power. But years of work on a deadly vampire virus have not led to a cure, nor have they softened the wall he built around his heart. When he’s forced to work with Doctor Makeda Abel, Lucien is convinced he’s reached his limit of patience with humanity.

Makeda Abel may be human, but she’s far from impressed with the brooding vampire healer, even if his mind draws her reluctant admiration. She’s learned how to survive in the immortal world, and it’s not by being afraid. Working together may lead them to answers, but it also pushes Lucien and Makeda’s attraction to the boiling point.

When nightmares become reality, Makeda will have to trust Lucien with her life. Finding answers has never been more vital. Finding love has never been more deadly. To heal the Elemental World, Lucien and Makeda must follow ancient paths and ask for help from the most inhuman of immortals. Because even with a cure in hand, the battle has only begun.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for fair and honest review. Thank you!

Aah... I'm both sad and excited to see this story-arc come to an end, but what a way to do it! Bring on the ancients, the lush settings, grandiose style, tradition, battle, and, of course, a fiery and explosive couple - I guess even an earth and a water vampire can bring those adjectives to mind...

Book Review: Beneath a Waning Moon: A Duo of Gothic Romances

Beneath a Waning Moon: A Duo of Gothic Romances

Elizabeth Hunter, Grace Draven

Release Date: September 29, 2015

Book Description:

Two delightfully dark tales of Gothic romance from Elizabeth Hunter and Grace Draven.

In A VERY PROPER MONSTER, Josephine Shaw spends long nights filling the pages of her Gothic stories with the fantastic and the macabre, unaware that the suitor her father has arranged is one of the dark creatures she’s always dreamed. For Tom Dargin, courting an ailing spinster was only one duty in a long life of service to his sire. But after he meets the curious Miss Shaw, will Tom become the seducer or the seduced? Can a love fated to end in tragedy survive a looming grave?

In GASLIGHT HADES, Nathaniel Gordon walks two worlds—that of the living and the dead. Barely human, he's earned the reputation of a Bonekeeper, the scourge of grave robbers. He believes his old life over, until one dreary burial he meets the woman he once loved and almost married. Lenore Kenward stands at her father’s grave, begging the protection of the mysterious guardian, not knowing he is her lost love. Resolved to keep his distance, Nathaniel is forced to abandon his plan and accompany Lenore on a journey into the mouth of Hell where sea meets sky, and the abominations that exist beyond its barrier wait to destroy them.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:

A VERY PROPER MONSTER

Cover Reveal: The Singer

Omg! Guys, I’m super excited because today I get to unveil the cover of The Singer by the wonderful Elizabeth Hunter, whose books I’ve been fangirling over for some time now! Last year I read and reviewed The Scribe (check my review here) – the first book in the Irin Chronicles series and *ta-da* I loved it! And I can’t wait to read this book, but we still have to wait a bit… So check out the beautiful cover and add it to your TBR list. 

Squee!!!

Happy Friday!

The Singer (Irin Chronicles #2)
Elizabeth Hunter

Release Date: May 2014

Book Description:
When you've lost everything you love, how do you fight the darkness?

Ava left Istanbul with a new identity, new name, and new magic she could barely control. Laid low by Malachi's sacrifice, she searches for help from the fabled Irina. But will the secretive women of the Irin race welcome or shun her? Ava's origins are still a mystery, and her powers are darker than any they've encountered before.

The Irin world hangs in the balance. And as the children of angels battle their own demons, ancient rivalries among the Fallen threaten to wreak havoc on earth.

Thousand of miles away, a warrior wakes with no memory of his identity or his people. Stumbling though the dark and twisted schemes of fallen angels, ravenous Grigori, and even his own leaders, he must find a way back to the one thing he remembers. A single voice calls him. Malachi has one mission.

"Come back to me."

THE SINGER is the second book in the Irin Chronicles, a contemporary fantasy series from Elizabeth Hunter, author of the Elemental Mysteries.

Goodreads | Website

Book Review: The Scribe

The Scribe (Irin Chronicles #1)
Elizabeth Hunter

Release Date: October 15, 2013

Book Description:
Hidden at the crossroads of the world, an ancient race battles to protect humanity, even as it dies from within.

Ava Matheson came to Istanbul looking for answers, but others came looking for her. A reckless warrior guards her steps, but will Malachi’s own past blind him to the truth of who Ava might be? While ancient forces gather around them, both Ava and Malachi search for answers.

Whispering voices. Deadly touch. Their passion should be impossible... or it could be the only thing that will keep them alive.

THE SCRIBE is the first book in the Irin Chronicles, the new paranormal romance series from Elizabeth Hunter, author of the Elemental Mysteries.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
ARC courtesy of the author, in exchange for fair and honest review. Thank you!

Do you believe in myths and legends that talk of supreme beings, fallen angels, and wars fought and won over the fate of humanity? What if these myths are true and you are about to uncover the magic within? Would you fight or run? Would the choice be yours, if unbeknown to you it is what you were born to do?

Around the Web #7

Gail Carriger
Gail Carriger’s novel, Soulless turned four on Tuesday, October 1! If you haven’t read Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1) – you are missing out! Gail writes fabulous books, with some amazing characters – both Alexia and Lord Conall Maccon make my list of top favorites. [Check out my review here].

Soulless Turns 4 Today
October 1, 2009 a silly little book hit the market. ~ Link

Around the Web #5

Well… Hello there! Sorry, I’m a bit late this week with this post, it’s been a hectic week at work, but all is good now. I’ve finally gotten to my computer and here I am, once again, eager to share the webby links from the week past.

*Just a quick note, I’m off to jolly Canada next week for work, and it might be a bit quiet around here. But, fear not, dear friends – I shall be back! 

Cover Reveal: The Scribe

Hi guys! I’m so excited to be part of the cover reveal for Elizabeth Hunter’s new series, Irin Chronicles. The first book, which is set for October release, is called The Scribe and Elizabeth has been teasing her readers with scenes from the book, which you can find on her blog, Elizabeth Hunter Writes.

Ms. Hunter tells us that the cover was designed by Damonza.com and I think they did a fabulous job, hope you guys agree! For now, feel free to add it to your to-read shelf via Goodreads.

The Scribe (Irin Chronicles #1)
Elizabeth Hunter

Release Date: October 15, 2013

Book Description:
Hidden at the crossroads of the world, an ancient race battles to protect humanity, even as it dies from within.

On the road (BEA and other happenings)…

Road trips, blogging and BEA:
It’s been a lovely Memorial Day weekend. My dear husband and I took to the road, all the way to Western New York, dogs in tow. Our list of festivities included plenty of barbequing, nights spent by the bonfire, and quality time with family and some close friends. Indeed, a very relaxing trip, aside the long drive. Gratefully, the husband allowed me the pleasure of burying my nose in my Kindle on our way back. So, some reading done, I shall have a few new reviews coming soon - I promise! 

Book Review: Blood and Sand

Blood and Sand (Elemental World #2)
Elizabeth Hunter

Release Date: May 28, 2013

Book Description:
Dead women are showing up in the desert east of San Diego, and no one understands why. When the story comes to the attention of reporter Natalie Ellis, she can’t help but make comparisons to tragic deaths she’d investigated years ago. Are these women the victims of a serial killer, or something even more insidious?

Bodies may be piling up in his sire’s territory, but water vampire and feared enforcer Baojia is stuck entertaining the rich and clueless at a club in San Diego. He’s taken his exile with all the grace he could muster, but his patience is starting to thin.

Sparks fly when mortal and immortal are thrown together, and Natalie comes face to face with a reality that was lurking in the corners of her life. Pursuing the truth could cost Baojia everything, including the mortal woman who has earned his grudging respect.

Blood and Sand is the second novel in the expanded Elemental World series.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
ARC received courtesy of the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you!

Aah! We are back in the Elemental World of vampires, mysteries and whirlwind romances. And I think this might be my new favorite. No, really! Don’t get me wrong, I am usually pretty tough when rating and reviewing, even when I like the novels, but this one has made me happy. Perhaps it has to do with the characters or the writer’s style but in general this spinoff series and original Elemental Mysteries have a well-deserved spot on my favorites list.

Cover Reveal: Blood and Sand

I know, I know, I am late to the party, but I finally managed to find a bit of time to do this. I am so very excited for the cover reveal of the second novel in the Elemental World series – Blood and Sand by Elizabeth Hunter. The new novel is scheduled for late May/early June release. I am certainly looking forward to another fabulous story. Are you?

Building From Ashes (Elemental World #2)

Elizabeth Hunter

Book Description:

Dead women are showing up in the desert east of San Diego, and no one understands why. When the story comes to the attention of reporter Natalie Ellis, she can’t help but make comparisons to tragic deaths she’d investigated years ago. Are these women the victims of a serial killer, or something even more insidious?

Bodies may be piling up in his sire’s territory, but water vampire and feared enforcer Baojia is stuck entertaining the rich and clueless at a club in San Diego. He’s taken his exile with all the grace he could muster, but his patience is starting to thin.

Sparks fly when mortal and immortal are thrown together, and Natalie comes face to face with a reality that was lurking in the corners of her life. Pursuing the truth could cost Baojia everything, including the mortal woman who has earned his grudging respect.

Blood and Sand is the second novel in the expanded Elemental World series.

Amazon US | Goodreads

Book Review: Building From Ashes

Building From Ashes (Elemental World #1)
Elizabeth Hunter

Release Date: October 19, 2012

Book Description:
For a thousand years, powerful earth vampire Carwyn ap Bryn has served others. God. His family. His friends. But tragedy and loss disrupt his peaceful existence, causing him to question everything he has committed his eternity to.

Brigid Connor has known about vampires since they rescued her from a painful childhood. But not even their vast elemental power can save her from the demons that torment her.

As loyalties are tested and new paths are forged, a lurking danger slowly grows in the Elemental World. Carwyn and Brigid will learn that even secrets revealed can come back to haunt you when you least expect it.

A continuation/spinoff of the Elemental Mysteries series. The timeline in this books stretches from BEFORE A Hidden Fire starts (so you see a little character history) until AFTER A Fall of Water finishes. As I’m sure lots of you could tell, Carwyn had quite a few things going on in his life that didn’t make it into Gio and Beatrice’s story. So Building From Ashes explores that storyline and also sets up the Elemental World for some new adventures...

Amazon US | Goodreads

Review:
The first book of the Elemental World series tells the life stories of Carwyn ap Bryn, a thousand year-old vampire priest and Brigid Connor, the young woman who has lived among vampires, since they rescued her from her parents' abusive home. From their early years (individually) to their growing relationship, and a few glimpses of the Elemental Mysteries storyline mixed-in – Building From Ashes is a great companion novel.