Review: A Taste of Midnight by Lara Adrian

A Taste of Midnight by Lara Adrian

Pages: 70

Published: December 5th, 2011 (Randomhouse Digital)

Series: Midnight Breed (9.5)

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: Twitter | Website

A shimmering holiday gala lights up an ancient castle in the Scottish Highlands, but beautiful widowed Breedmate Danika MacConn feels alone in the crowd. Even among the friends and festivity of the Darkhaven celebration, she can’t forget her lost love, a fallen warrior of the Order. Her brief return to her mate’s homeland has become treacherous after rejecting the advances of a dangerous Edinburgh crime boss with a taste for blood sport. 

As Danika seeks to expose the vampire and his dark trade, she discovers an unexpected ally in his forbidding, enigmatic henchman, Brannoc, a man who exudes heat, danger, and dark menace—and seems somehow achingly familiar. Bran has his own reasons for wanting to keep Dani out of his employer’s business . . . and his own secrets he means to keep buried. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a woman who tempts the wildest part of his Breed nature—especially when that woman is Danika MacConn, the one woman capable of bringing him to his knees.

My Review

A Taste of Midnight is the perfect bridge between Deeper than Midnight and the yet unreleased Darker After Midnight.  Instead of meeting a brand-new character, readers get to revisit Danika MaConn, the widow of Conlan, a former member of the Order, a victim of their enemies.  Returning to Scotland, Con's homeland for the holidays, Danika tries to immerse herself in the world she left behind, but her grief for her lost mate and a run-in with a powerful, dangerous Breed male makes that impossible.  


Right away, Lara Adrian catapults readers back into the world of the Breed, which kinda felt like coming home, in a way.  Danika is a great choice for this novella's heroine.  She's such a strong, fierce female, and I've always admired her among all the other Breedmates.  Between her devotion to her son, and her inner grit and grace, Danika is a true heroine, and that shines through in this novel, as, even though she ends up mixed up in some bad business, she stands firm, protecting her son and herself as best as she can.  Like any good Lara Adrian novel, there's a powerful villain here, Reiver, who makes your skin crawl.  He's into human trafficking, which is about as evil as it gets in my opinion, and throughout A Taste of Midnight, I was itching to take him down myself.


I don't read many novellas, so I wasn't sure if A Taste of Midnight would be enough for me, considering I get attached to characters, and I read full-length novels so that I have plenty of time with them.  But pleasantly, A Taste of Midnight worked for me.  There was a good deal of action packed into 70 pages, which made for a very fast-paced read, and the romance in the novella developed quickly, but I actually thought it was very well done.  Brannoc was an amazing character, a strong but wounded male, and I loved his past with Danika, how it was revealed, and where Lara Adrian took them in this novella.  The two of them had such crackling chemistry, which led to a few trademark Lara Adrian steamy scenes, and a satisfying conclusion.  Overall, A Taste of Midnight definitely has whet my appetite and encouraged me to get back into this series. 

Review: Remembrance by Michelle Madow

Remembrance by Michelle Madow

Published: July 27, 2011 (Dreamscape)

Pages: 314

Series: Transcend Time Saga (1)

Final rating: 3 1/2 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: Twitter | Website

New Hampshire high school junior Lizzie Davenport has been reincarnated from Regency Era, England ... but she doesn't know it yet.

Then Drew Carmichael transfers into Lizzie's school at the beginning of the year, and she feels a connection to him, almost like she knows him. She can't stop thinking about him, but whenever she tries talking with him about the mysteries behind her feelings, he makes it clear that he wants nothing to do with her. Reaching him is even more difficult because she has a boyfriend, Jeremy, who has started to become full of himself after being elected co-captain of the varsity soccer team, and her flirtatious best friend Chelsea starts dating Drew soon after his arrival. So why can't she seem to get him out of her mind?

Even though Lizzie knows she should let go of her fascination with Drew, the pair of them soon find that fighting fate isn't going to be easy...

My Review

I was very curious and also a bit apprehensive about reading Remembrance by Michelle Madow, a book that, by the author's own admission, was at least partially inspired by the Taylor Swift song, "Love Story."  But after I made it a few chapters into Remembrance, I was hooked, proving that authors often find inspiration in the strangest places - and such unorthodox muses can lead to a satisfying pay-off.  

Remembrance introduces us to Lizzie, a junior in high school, whose entire life changes with the start of the new school year.  Lizzie has a huge heart, and cares a great deal about her friends, family, and loved ones, including her boyfriend, Jeremy.  I'll be honest - I spent the majority of the book caught between two warring desires - to either shake or slap Jeremy.  He cares about Lizzie, but the boy is clueless.  He treats her callously at times, and my heart went out to Lizzie, who spends most of the book trying to save a relationship that is clearly not meant to be.  I wanted to hug tender-hearted Lizzie so many times, and I saw a lot of myself in her - her loyalty, her determination to champion a cause, even if it's sometimes lost.  I thought she had a quiet sort of strength, and I admired her a great deal for that.  


Drew was another story entirely though.  Up until about the last fourth of Remembrance, I wasn't sure what his deal was, and that was frustrating.  He was very swoon-worthy, and he seemed like a genuinely awesome guy, until he made a few very non-awesome choices that had me ready to throw something at him.  I understood his motivations in the end, but I think he was unnecessarily cruel sometimes, and the hot-cold-hot-cold thing he had going on (while somewhat justified but also convoluted) took away some of my enjoyment of the book.  


Drew and Lizzie saved Remembrance for me.  I had some other issues - the book felt too short, and the pacing was off here and there, but the absolutely heartfelt connection between Lizzie and Drew (or Elizabeth, as only he calls her, which made me melt), rang so true throughout Remembrance that I'm still thinking about them, and wondering what's in store for them in the sequel.  Michelle Madow has created two characters in Drew and Lizzie with so much potential.  They care so much for one another that it's hard, maybe impossible, NOT to cheer for them.

Remembrance is just what I hoped it would be: fun when it should be, flirty when the moment calls for it, with mysterious twists and turns; sometimes serious and heart-pounding, other times, vivacious.  Michelle Madow has written a thought-provoking debut, which asks the question: what if this is not necessarily our only life, our only chance at happiness? 

Memorable Quote

“But it was time to realize that I wasn't Cinderella, and no matter how hard I wished it were true, life wasn't a fairy tale where everyone lives happily ever after.”

Review: Voodoo Dues by Stephany Simmons

Voodoo Dues by Stephany Simmons

Pages: 71

Published: 07.23.2011

Series: Lian and Figg (1)

Source: Received via author

Final Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: Website | Twitter

From the beginning of Figg’s employment, there is something not quite right about the bar. There are few customers, a parade of neighborhood psychics and pentacle adorned visitors, all coming to hold court with her enigmatic boss. Figg is not sure what is going on, but she is determined to find out!

When the local voodoo queen shows up, and the next morning her grandson ends up dead outside the bar things get interesting.

Figg pesters Lian into telling her the truth about his former life, and is thrust into a world where the things that go bump in the night are real. There’s a murder to solve, zombies to lay to rest and a villain that neither of them saw coming. 

My Review

Stephany Simmon’s novella, Voodoo Dues dives right into the action, setting the tone for this fast-paced, delightful urban fantasy offering.  We’re introduced to the mysterious Lian and the vivacious, spirited Figg, a bar owner and his bartender until they get mixed up in something neither of them ever bargained for.  I liked Figg at once – she’s saucy, self-aware, unique, and doesn’t pretend to be anything she isn’t.  I wasn’t sure about Lian – I didn’t quite understand him or his motivations at first, although it all became somewhat clearer over the course of the novella, but I definitely wanted more time with him, to truly “get” him. 

Voodoo Dues is a fun read, light-hearted at times, dipping into the serious at others.  As Lian and Figg become embroiled in voodoo culture, including the local voodoo queen, Rene Champtillion, it soon becomes clear they’re in over their head.  Neither of them expected to have to deal with someone raising zombies from the dead, much less the other dangers coming their way. 

The characters were what stood out in this novella for me.  Rene is a character I’d like to read more about, possibly even in her own short story or novella.  I was rather drawn to her, to the aura around her.  I also have a big soft spot for Carl, and his spirit guide.  There were several moments I snickered or laughed aloud thanks to him, and the unexpected comic relief he provided. 

I really loved the tension, sexual and otherwise, between Figg and Lian.  I was left craving more of that, of them.  They had a really cool vibe, and I would love to read even a full-length novel about them, in order to better explore their bond.  Voodoo Dues took them beyond where they had been, the employer-employee connection, kinda hurtled them toward the next level without ever fully stating they were there yet. 

Overall, I really enjoyed Voodoo Dues.  I can’t rate it a 4 or 5 star read, but in this case, 3.5 is NOT bad, in my opinion.  My rating is in no way meant to indicate I did not like this novella.  I simply felt as if it was too short!  The 71 pages flew by – I wanted, and needed more.  I sincerely hope that Stephany Simmons writes more, and I have hope, going on the Goodreads listing, calling VooDoo Dues the first in a series.  I need more of Lian and Figg, their interaction, his history, and their future adventures. 

Recommended for fans of: Patricia Briggs, Richelle Mead.

Memorable Quote

I strutted over to the Liberace inspired couch and took a seat, looking around at all the shiny, gaudy as hell decor. “Nice to meet you Carl.”

“I can’t tell you how happy I am that my cover is blown.” He was no longer speaking with effeminate attitude. The previous forced soprano dropped to a Barry White bass. Carl ripped the gaudy headdress off and threw it on the floor, the wig followed next, the jewelry, and then the dress.  Finally there was a very large, very bald black man standing in the middle of the room clad only in tightie whities.

“Um… awkward,” I said indicating his state of undress.

Disclaimer

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands.   I review books with no intention of monetary gain; rather, I review books out of my love of reading. 

Review: Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Pages: 342

Published: 10.04.11 (Harper Teen)

Series: Carrier Trilogy (1)

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online:  Twitter | Website

From the moment she sets foot at her new school in Ireland, Megan is inexplicably drawn to the darkly handsome Adam DeRis. But Megan soon discovers that her feelings for Adam are tied to a supernatural fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that unites them could be their ultimate destruction.

This electrifying debut novel was first discovered on inkpop.com. the online community for aspiring writers. THE CARRIER OF THE MARK sizzles with unbridled romance, a unique supernatural hook, and a breathtaking Irish setting, and will entice fans of the Need series by Carrie Jones and the House of Night series by P. C. and Kristin Cast.

My Review

I went into this book only knowing the synopsis; so, I was at once excited and nervous.  There was and is a great deal of hype surrounding Leigh Fallon's debut novel.  Carrier of the Mark lived up to a few aspects of that buzz for me, but let me down slightly in others.  The book was paced fairly well, and while some of the twists were too predictable for my taste, for the most part, it was a fast, enjoyable read, though I do want to go more in depth on a couple of my likes and dislikes, and my reasons why.  

Leigh Fallon introduces us to Megan Rosenberg, a teenage girl who moves to Ireland with her father.  Megan's dad has lived a sort of nomadic life ever since Megan's mother died some years back in a car crash, but when they settle in Kinsale, Ireland, they both seem to feel an instant sort of kinship to the land.  I liked Megan right away - she had a personality, wasn't just a cardboard cut-out of a character, and her relationship with her dad made me want to laugh and hug them both, but, and this is just a personal hang-up of mine, I wanted MORE to their relationship, more interaction.  Her dad seemed to care a lot about her but in some ways it was like he just wasn't there.  But so, we meet Megan, who starts at her new school, and makes some fairly awesome friends right off the bat, then garners the attention of the anti-social/gorgeous Adam DeRis.  

I hate to do this, but I feel like I can't review this book without mentioning Twilight.  Normally I don't make a big show of comparing one book to another, but there are similarities here.  Megan is a lot more self-aware than Bella, but under Adam's "come-closer-no-stay-away" vibes, she kind of melts into a puddle of goo, a la Bella around Edward.  Adam's siblings somewhat reminded me of some of the members of the Cullen family.  And some of the events that happened in the book strikingly parallel Twilight.  The difference though, is that Carrier of the Mark is not Twilight.  Megan is not Bella - her choices, in my opinion, are more intelligent than Bella's.  For example, instead of instantly decided to join Adam's world, she asks questions, wants to know their history, etc, then makes an informed decision.  Adam is not Edward, even if he does have his moments where you want to shake, or perhaps slap him, but he has a personality all his own.  And Carrier of the Mark brings up a heart-wrenching question that Twilight, to the best of my memory, never asked its version of: what if Megan and Adam's attraction/bond is only brought on by their ties to the elements? 

The mythos in this series was my absolute favorite part of the book.  I'm not so sure about the whole prophecy thing that is revealed further in the book, but I think Leigh Fallon has done a fabulous job of building her world, so to speak.  There's enough that is hinted at in Carrier of the Mark to whet the reader's appetites, while leaving room for much more in the following two books. 

The characters was all strong, well-fleshed out for the most part, and I really enjoyed their relationships in the book.  Megan was self-confident, although I'd have absolutely loved her to be more spirited.  Caitlin was a sweetheart and immediately likeable.  Aine and Rian probably stood out to me the most - Aine with her vivacious, ethereal nature, and Rian, with his tortured nature.  For some reason, I gravitated toward him more than I realized, until I was finished with the book.  I saw another reviewer who pointed out that, given the nature of the DeRis family, Rian's reactions and thoughts seemed the most genuine.  I think I agree with that!

And, while I won't spoil, I had a lot of issues with the ending.  I am not a fan (as y'all have probably noticed by now) of books where the ending is wrapped up too neatly, or too quickly, and I feel like in some ways, that happened in both cases with this book.   I don't think the book would have suffered from another 30 -50 pages or so added in closer to the end as a pay-off to the suspense that built before the rushed ending. 

Overall, while I had my issues with this book, it was a quick and fun read, which left me with some questions answered, and still more unanswered.  I am normally not a fan of the "insta-love" plot device which seems to be a favorite of far too many authors, but for the most part in this book, I thought it worked, though I would like to see more of the sequel devoted to building Adam and Megan's relationship.  Carrier of the Mark held my attention, and I feel like Leigh Fallon has a lot of potential for her future books with her debut.  

Memorable Quote

He brought his other hand up to the other side of my face and held it there, as if memorizing it.  Slowly, he bent toward me and kissed my left cheek, then my right.  His breath was so warm it sent tingles down my spine.  I sat perfectly still, delighting in every sensation.  - Megan

Review: The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Pages: 320

Expected publication: 11.15.2011 (Margaret K McElderberry)

Series: The Pledge (1)

Rating: 3.5 stars

Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab e-book

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: Twitter |  Website

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

My Review

Following a prologue that nicely sets up Kimberly Derting's first dystopian fantasy, we meet Charlaina "Charlie" Hart, citizen of Ludania.  Charlie is a loyal friend, a narrator who I felt a certain sort of kinship with, someone who cares deeply for her family and for her friends...someone who has a secret.  In the world Derting has crafted, which hints but never openly does more than pretend to be a reformed America with a revamped caste system, it's a crime one can be severely punished for to understand or speak a language your class should not know.  And Charlie can understand any language, spoken, or written. 


Charlie's world expands, becoming mysterious and undefinable when she meets Max one night at a club, illegal dens of inquity that are usually only in the same place for a night or two, calling to mind the speakeasies of the 1920's.  Max seems as drawn to Charlie as she tries to convince him she isn't, but she doesn't trust him entirely, winning her points in my favor.  There was no insta-romance here, no love-at-first-sight.  There was, however, a slow burning attraction that, although it was clear both characters felt, neither truly gave into right away. 

There is also plenty of intrigue.  Not only is Charlie's ability to interpret various languages brought into question, but Kimberly Derting also spun several twists into the fabric of The Pledge.  Some, I saw coming, while a few others caught me pleasantly by surprise.  One, I have to say, pretty much took my breath away, which in this case, was a very good thing.  Plus, Kimberly has a way of really making you care about her characters.  I found myself inexplicably attached to a few - Aron in particular - and very anxious to see further character growth and development in the coming sequels.

I do have a few issues with the book though.  One - while I really enjoyed the switching points of views, the chapters felt incredibly short, and I would have loved, really loved, to have seen more from Xander and Max's points of view.  I also feel like the ending was wrapped up a little too neatly for me.  The pacing, for me, was okay, up until the end, where I feel like things could have slowed down, instead of sped up to warp-speed.  And in the sequel, I'm hoping for a little more world-building, or rather, backstory on Ludania's true origins. 

This could easily have been a stand-alone, but the fact that it's a trilogy leaves me really hoping Kimberly Derting will be able to build on what groundwork she has laid in The Pledge.  

Disclaimer

This book was sent to me via Simon and Schuster's Galley Grab in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any kind changed hands.  I review books with no intention of monetary gain; rather, I review books out of my love of reading.

Memorable Quote

I wondered if he would say such things if he knew how badly my hands shook, if he knew that my skin felt brittle, like ice, as if it would shatter should I move too suddenly.  Or if I dared to breathe.   - Charlie