Soul Magic by Jennifer Lyon

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Witches, Demons, Guardians/Slayer Hunters, Wing Slayer Hunter

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Kiss or Kill. When an ancient pact is broken, powerful witches who once used their magic to help humanity become the twisted playthings of demons, and the mortal men who once protected the sorceresses become witch hunters, cursed with the longing to spill the witches’ blood: an irresistible craving that will cost witches their lives and witch hunters their souls. The Wing Slayer Hunters fight this curse, guarding innocent witches until the urge to harm them grows too strong – then they must kill their own. Wing Slayer Sutton West has always honored that vow. His own father killed himself rather than go rogue. But now Sutton is tempted as never before by Carla Fisk, a brilliant psychologist and dynamic witch whose twin sister, Keri, was murdered by rogues. Bound by blood and passion, Carla and Sutton dare not succumb to their deadly attraction. Yet when a mysterious rogue named Styx joins forces with the demon Asmodeus, witch and hunter have no choice but to work together. For Keri’s immortal soul is at stake – and with it, balanced on a knife-edge, is the fate of humanity itself.

This is the second book in Jennifer Lyon Witch and Wing Slayer Hunters. This is Carla and Sutton’s story. Carla is one of the characters that was saved in the last book. Sutton is scared of what he will do to Carla not wanting to he tries to stay away from her. Carla has a lot of conflicting emotions about Sutton wanting to fall for him and not sure that he is her’s or her twin sister’s. Brilliantly written story. The story is captivating and builds from the first book. I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Night Magic.

Publisher: Ballantine Books

ISBN: 0345506359

Pages: 400

Series: Wing Slayer Hunter

Volume: 2

Spells by Aprilynne Pike

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Fairy, Magic, Trolls

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Although Laurel has come to accept her true identity as a faerie, she refuses to turn her back on her human life—and especially her boyfriend, David—to return to the faerie world. But when she is summoned to Avalon, Laurel's feelings for the charismatic faerie sentry Tamani are undeniable. She is forced to make a choice—a choice that could break her heart.

This is the second book in Aprilynne’s brilliant Wings series. Six months have gone by and now Laurel is back to go to Avalon over the summer. She is having to handle her feelings for Tam and relearn everything that she doesn’t remember. But she has to deal with the bad guys coming after her. While trying to reassure David that she just wants to be with him. The way this story starts with its flows from the first book to this one is great. I really don’t want to give away too much of this story as you have to read it. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the next book, Illusions.

Publisher: Harper Teen

ISBN: 0061668060

Pages: 368

Series: Wings

Volume: 2

Desire Unchained by Larissa Ione

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Demons, Demon Slayers, Werewolves, Demonic Novel

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Pleasure is their ultimate weapon…Runa Wagner never meant to fall in love with the sexy stranger who seemed to know her every deepest desire. But she couldn’t resist the unbelievable passion that burned between them, a passion that died when she discovered his betrayal and found herself forever changed. Now, determined to make Shade pay for the transformation that haunts her, Runa searches for him, only to be taken prisoner by his darkest enemy. A Seminus Demon with a lover-curse that threatens him with eternal torment, Shade hoped he’d seen the last of Runa and her irresistible charm. But when he wakes up in a dank dungeon chained next to an enraged and mysteriously powerful Runa, he realizes that her effect on him is more dangerous than ever. As their captor casts a spell that bonds them as lifemates, Shade and Runa must fight for their lives and their hearts – or succumb to a madman’s evil plans.

The second book in this trilogy we learn more about Shade and a girl Runa whom happens to be his ex-girlfriend. I thought that the relationship between Tayla and Eidolon was a hard one to begin with, but this one is even harder. The world is very dynamic and realistic. It also keeps you on the edge of your seat as there are a lot of surprises. I loved reading this story and can't wait to read the next book in this series, Passion Unleashed.

Publisher: Forever

ISBN: 044640098X

Pages: 401

Series: Demonica

Volume: 2

Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs

Genre: Urban Fantasy; Werewolves, Walkers, Shapeshifters, Vampires, Witches, Magic, Fae, Mercy Thompson

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: I could smell her fear, and it satisfied something deep inside me that had been writhing under her cool, superior gaze. I curled my upper lip so she could get a good look at my sharp teeth. I might only weigh thirty or so pounds in my coyote shape, but I was a predator… Mechanic Mercy Thompson can shift her shape – but not her loyalty. When her former boss and mentor is arrested for murder and left to rot behind bars by his own kind, it’s up to Mercy to clear his name, whether he wants her to or not. Mercy’s loyalty is under pressure from other directions, too. Werewolves are not known for their patience, and if Mercy can’t decide between the two she cares for, Sam and Adam my make the choice for her…

This is the third book in the Mercedes Thompson. Mercy is trying to save Zee who doesn’t even want to be saved. But she won’t let it go. And there are some fae that are hoping she will find the real killer. I love this book as it goes onto the fae’s reservation, where you get to see so many different types of fae. The whole story comes together so well. And Mercy finally makes a decision between Sam and Adam. But what she goes through in this story is hard. I really did enjoy reading this story and I look forward to reading the next book, Bone Crossed.

Publisher: Ace Books

ISBN: 0441015662

Pages: 304

Series: Mercedes Thompson

Volume: 3

Siren by Tricia Rayburn

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Sirens, Magic

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Seventeen-year-old Vanessa Sands is afraid of everything - the dark, heights, the ocean - but her fearless older sister, Justine, has always been there to coach her through every challenge.  That is until Justine goes cliff diving one night near the family's vacation house in Winter Harbor, Maine, and her lifeless body washes up on shore the next day. Vanessa's parents want to work through the tragedy by returning to their everyday lives back in Boston, but Vanessa can't help feeling that her sister's death was more than an accident.  After discovering that Justine never applied to colleges, and that she was secretly in a relationship with longtime family friend Caleb Carmichael, Vanessa returns to Winter Harbor to seek some answers. But when Vanessa learns that Caleb has been missing since Justine's death, she and Caleb's older brother, Simon, join forces to try to find him, and in the process, their childhood friendship blossoms into something more. Soon it's not just Vanessa who is afraid.  All of Winter Harbor is abuzz with anxiety when another body washes ashore, and panic sets in when the small town becomes home to a string of fatal, water-related accidents . . . in which all the victims are found grinning from ear to ear. As Vanessa and Simon probe further into the connections between Justine's death and the sudden rash of creepy drownings, Vanessa uncovers a secret that threatens her new romance, and that will change her life forever.

Vanessa is so afraid of everything. We first meet her as she is at the top of a cliff with her sister just about to jump off for a little cliff diving. But she can’t do it. Soon after that her sister is dead. Vanessa wants answers but there only seems to be more questions. And Simon and her seem to be the only ones that are putting all the pieces together. This is one of those book that you fall into and are shocked when it is over. I couldn’t put this book down once I started. Just when I thought I knew what was going on there was a twist that was thrown in. I really love this book and look forward to reading the next book, Undercurrent.

Publisher: Egmont

ISBN: 1606840746

Pages: 320

Series: Siren Trilogy

Volume: 1

Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie by Maggie Stiefvater

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy; Faerie, Magic, Fairy, Books of Faerie

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: In this mesmerizing sequel to Lament, James Morgan’s almost unearthly gift for music has attracted Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. As James and Nuala collaborate on a musical composition, it unexpectedly leads to mutual admiration – and love. But James is soon haunted by fiery visions of death, telling him that Nuala is being hunted by the fey. To save her, he plunges into a soul-searching battle with the Queen of the Fey.

This started soon after the end of Lament. Deirdre and James are now at a school just for music. This story is from James’s perspective. James doesn’t quite fit in and his teacher are keeping a very close eye on him. He meets a faerie who is a muse but the very dangerous kind. Things start to move fast. Dee seems to be different. And there is so much that is happening. This is just as dark and beautiful as Lament. Nuala is a great character. I absolutely love this story. I hope to read a more of this world. Maggie is an absolutely brilliant writer. I love everything that she writes. She is one of my most favorite authors. Everyone should read her work.

Publisher: Flux

ISBN: 0738714844

Pages: 360

Series: Books of Faerie

Volume: 2

Queene of Light by Jennifer Armintrout

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Fae, Magic, Angels, Faeries, Deomns, Werewolves, Vampires, The Lightworld/Darkworld

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: In a time not long from now, the veil between fantasy and reality is ripped asunder creatures of myth and fairytale spill into the mortal world. Enchanted yet horrified, humans force the magical beings Underground, to colonize the sewers and abandoned subway tunnels beneath their glittering cities. But even magic folk cannot dwell in harmony and soon two Worlds emerge: the Lightworld, home to faeries, dragons and dwarves; and the Darkworld, where vampires, werewolves, angels and demons lurk. Now, in the dank and shadowy place between Lightworld and Darkworld, a transformation is about to begin.... Ayla, a half-faery, half-human assassin is stalked by Malachi, a Death Angel tasked with harvesting mortal souls. They clash. Immortality evaporates, forging a bond neither may survive. And in the face of unbridled ambitions and untested loyalties, an ominous prophecy is revealed that will shake the Worlds.

This is the first book in the Lightworld/Darkworld series. Ayla is looking out for her own safety and doing what she has been ordered to do. She has a run in with Malachi while going after a werewolf and everything changes. This is a very dynamic world. There was a lot of character development in this first book. It was a book that I thought was ok but I hope that the next book in the series, Child of Darkness will be better. There was something lacking in this story and I just can’t put my foot on it.

Publisher: Mira

ISBN: 0778326624

Pages: 384

Series: Lightworld / Darkworld

Volume: 1

Into the Wildwood by Gillian Summers

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy; Fairy, The Faire Fold Trilogy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: After squelching an evil plot by a rotten fair, Keelie Heartwood is ready for fun at the upcoming Wildwood renaissance Faire. Getting to know her elf dad has been great, but camping out in his homemade RV while acting out the 16th century isn’t so fab. Keelie prefers hot showers and wearing a watch, thankyouverymuch. And a cool new cell phone would be nice, too. But with fairies turning up in the oddest places, an unfortunate misunderstanding about a credit card bill, and that nasty, stuck-up elf-girl, Elia, Keelie’s plans to have a good time are all but ruined. So far, life as an elf isn’t all that enchanting…And then the unicorn shows up.

With this second story we get to see a lot more magic. Keelie’s friend from California comes to stay with them for a while. But things aren’t going very well for Keelie. Sean is in Florida and hasn’t contacted Keelie once. Then her dad gets sick from what is happening to the trees. The way the story is written just pulls you in. You get wrapped up in who is after the unicorn, which is everyone. The friendships that Keelie has get tested but also strengthened. I really enjoyed this one and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, The Secret of the Dread Forest.

Publisher: Flux

ISBN: 0738713325

Pages: 312

Series: The Faire Folk

Volume: 2

Leader of the Pack by Karen MacInerney

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Werewolves, Witchs, Demons, Tales of an Urban Werewolf

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Wildly independent, she’s not one for pack mentality. On the outside, Sophie Garou is living every woman’s dream: She has beauty, brains, and a big-time position in Austin’s most respected accounting firm (not to mention a very sexy, very successful new boyfriend). But there’s one thing Sophie would rather keep under wraps: She’s a werewolf. Sophie’s life gets a little more hairy when her long-estranged father, Luc, arrives in the Live Music Capital to attend the werewolves’ annual Howl and reconnect with his daughter. But Luc’s plans fall apart after he’s accused of murder and arrested by his archrival, Wolfgang, leader of the Houston pack (and one notoriously dirty dog). Wolfgang drools at the thought of Luc’s impending execution, but Sophie won’t let her father die without a fight. Determined to prove his innocence, she and her friends set out to find the real killer. Along the way, Sophie must deal with Taboo attractions, Machiavellian intrigues, sinister agendas, and hair-raising betrayals.

This is the third  book in the Tales of an Urban Werewolf. I love where this story is going. Sophie the lone wolf gets forced to deal with a lot in this book. First you finally meet her father, Luc. Who at first I really did not like at all. Then there was the whole twist about him being accused for murder. But that was far from twists. There is so much that is going on, that you better have your thinking cap on. But it’s so good that I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. And the fight scenes are brilliant. Mark is one scary dude that I’m curios what will happen with his character. Tom again is my favorite and watching him with Sophie it like true magic between them. Then Sophie does exactly what she never wanted to do just to save her father, changing two of her dear friends so that they can help her. I loved how this whole story seemed to just keep layering on to itself, making it that much better because there was so much to it.

I absolutely could not get enough of these books. Karen MacInerney is someone that I will be watching from now on. And I hope to read more about this world. I know you all will love them just as much as I did.

Publisher: Ballantine Books

ISBN: 0345496272

Pages: 352

Series: Tales of an Urban Werewolf

Volume: 3

Touching Darkness by Jaime Rush

Genre: Paranormal Romance; People with Abilities, The Offspring

Sub Genre: Science Fiction

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: They live ordinary lives, but they are extraordinary. They are the Offspring, children of a mysterious experiment gone awry - and they are in terrible danger. Nicholas Braden has an uncanny psychic talent for finding things - which is why he's been recruited for a covert government program designed to hunt down terrorists. While his work for a shady controller named Darkwell is leading him down some very questionable alleyways, it's also bringing him closer to Olivia, Darkwell's stunning young assistant. A "good girl" with a wild, secret side, Olivia tempts Nicholas in ways he never believed possible - and in his business, a loss of control could prove fatal. But there is something not right about the operation. And as Nicholas and Olivia's passion reaches a white-hot intensity, chilling reversals of good and evil, of right and wrong, suddenly threaten their very survival.

This is the third book in the Offspring series. Nicholas is working for Darkwell but  is beginning to have some questions about what is really going on. It doesn’t help that he is starting to have feelings for Olivia as well. Olivia doesn’t know who to believe. She is told one thing and yet is seeing something else all around her. The story is just building from the others. What was great about this book is that you get to see all the side stories and we get to meet some new characters as well. Nicholas is one of sweetest male characters I’ve ever read. I also liked to see Olivia change as she realized what was really going on. I really like this book and can’t wait to read Burning Darkness.

Publisher: Avon Books

ISBN: 0061690376

Pages: 400

Series: Offspring

Volume: 3

Ophelia by Lisa Klein

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Fiction; Hamlet

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: He is Hamlet, Prince of Denmark; she is simply Ophelia. If you think you know their story, think again. In this reimagining of Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, it is Ophelia who takes center stage. A rowdy, motherless girl, she grows up at Elsinore Castle to become the queen’s most trusted lady-in-waiting.  Ambitious for knowledge and witty as well as beautiful, Ophelia learns the ways of power in a court where nothing is as it seems. When she catches the attention of the captivating, dark-haired Prince Hamlet, their love blossoms in secret. But bloody deeds soon turn Denmark into a place of madness, and Ophelia’s happiness is shattered. Ultimately, she must choose between her love for Hamlet and her own life. In desperation, Ophelia devises a treacherous plan to escape from Elsinore forever . . . with one very dangerous secret.

This is another great retelling of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Lisa Klein wrote this before she did Lady Macbeth’s Daughter, which I loved. This book is Ophelia’s story. Telling of how she came to court and then to love the Prince Hamlet. I love the twist on this showing Ophelia as the tom boy girl who was made into a Queen’s Lady. I found the story to be engaging in all the right ways. It is one of those books that you will love. And anyone who likes Shakespeare will enjoy this new take on this great play.

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

ISBN: 1582348014

Pages: 336

Series:

Volume:

Ice By Sarah Beth Durst

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Fantasy; Fairy Tale Retelling, Beauty and the Beast, Souls, Polar Bears

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: When Cassie was a little girl, her grandmother told her a fairy tale about her mother, who made a deal with the Polar Bear King and was swept away to the ends of the earth. Now that Cassie is older, she knows the story was a nice way of saying her mother had died. Cassie lives with her father at an Arctic research station, is determined to become a scientist, and has no time for make-believe. Then, on her eighteenth birthday, Cassie comes face-to-face with a polar bear who speaks to her. He tells her that her mother is alive, imprisoned at the ends of the earth. And he can bring her back -- if Cassie will agree to be his bride. That is the beginning of Cassie's own real-life fairy tale, one that sends her on an unbelievable journey across the brutal Arctic, through the Canadian boreal forest, and on the back of the North Wind to the land east of the sun and west of the moon. Before it is over, the world she knows will be swept away, and everything she holds dear will be taken from her -- until she discovers the true meaning of love and family in the magical realm of Ice.

To use the author’s own words this story is about true love. It takes place at the Arctic. Cassie is a single minded person who wants to follow in her father’s steps. But everything changes when she meets Bear. Then Cassie discovers a world that makes her logical mind turn on its side. And she discovers what she will truly do for love. This is a beautiful story. It shows what one would do for the ones that they love. I read this and then reread it because I just didn’t want it to end. I found the characters believable in a magical and beautiful setting of the great white north. Put this book on your must read list it really is that good.

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

ISBN: 1416986448

Pages: 336

Series:

Volume:

The Demon in Me by Michelle Rowen

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Demons, Psychics, Fae, Living in Eden, Werewolves, Witches

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Hell hath no fury… Fate has led Eden Riley to become a “psychic consultant” to the police, even though her abilities are unreliable at best. Those paranormal powers are about to get her into a jam she couldn’t have predicted. After her hunky police detective partner guns down a serial killer in front of her, Eden realizes that she’s quite literally no longer alone. A voice in her head introduces himself as Darrak. He’s a demon. But not in a bad way! …like a woman possessed. Darrak lost his original body 300 years ago thanks to a witch’s curse. This is the first time he’s ever been able to speak directly to a host, plus there’s a bonus. Eden’s psychic energy helps him to take form during daylight hours. He wants to use this chance to find a way to break his curse — finally. Otherwise, Eden’s going to have to learn to live with this sexy demon…like it or not. And she thinks she might like it.

This is the first book in the Living in Eden series. Eden has always had psychic ability, but it isn’t always reliable. After finding a serial killer who ends up dying,  she becomes possessed by the demon that is was in the killer. Now she has to work with the demon to save her life. The story is very well written. Eden is one of those characters that takes charge of her life with every punch that is thrown her way. Darrak is not what he seems yet every time you think you know where the story is going to go it gets turned on its head. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the next one in the series, Something Wicked.

Publisher: Berkley

ISBN: 0425234681

Pages: 352

Series: Living in Eden

Volume: 1

Master of the Night by Angela Knight

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Vampires, Demons, King Arthur, Magekind, Fairies, Maja, Mageverse

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: American agent Erin Grayson has a new mission: romance international businessman Reece Champion. Seducing the handsome millionaire could put her that much closer to the revenge she craves against a murderous death cult. Erin doesn't realize she's being manipulated by the very cult she hunts. Champion is actually an agent of the U.S. government. He's also a vampire. Reece immediately senses the latent supernatural powers hidden within Erin, powers as dangerously irresistible to him as her lush body and hot blood. Yet he also knows that yielding to their mutual desire will make them pawns in a deadly game. And their opponent is, quite literally, a monster.

This is the second story in the Mageverse series. Reece is one of the vampires that has is the Champion of the USA. Erin is also with the U.S. government, but is being used at the same time. The two get thrown together and learn quickly how they can work with each other. The story takes on a lot of twists and you get to meet a variety of characters that you can’t help but love. I found this story to inventive as well as being a page turner. I really liked how it was written. I can’t wait to read the next story in the series which is actually an anthology, Bite.

Publisher: Berkley

ISBN: 0425198804

Pages: 320

Series: Mageverse

Volume: 2

Zombie Blondes by Brian James

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy; Zombies, High School

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: From the moment Hannah Sanders arrived in town, she felt there was something wrong. A lot of houses were for sale, and the town seemed infected by an unearthly quite. And then, on Hannah’s first day of classes, she ran into a group of cheerleaders – the most popular girls in school. The odd thing was that they were nearly identical in their appearance: blonde, beautiful, and deathly pale. But Hannah wants desperately to fit in – regardless of what her friend Lukas is telling her: if she doesn’t watch her back, she’s going to be blonde and popular and dead – just like all the other zombies in this town…

Alright I couldn’t resist this book just based off the title. It had to at least be funny. Hannah and her father move around, a lot. Hannah of course hates it and just would like to stay in one place. But when they get to this new town she feels that there is something a little off. Even so she still wants to fit in with the popular cheerleaders. The first person to befriend her is Lukas. He tries to warn her about the others. But Hannah doesn’t want to hear it. The story is a little campy but it’s still a nice little read. Hannah wants to be popular so bad, which is like most girls even the ones not starting at a new school. So the characters are very believable. All in all I liked the book, and it’s nice to see a zombie book for teens.

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

ISBN: 0312573758

Pages: 256

Series:

Volume:

Tithe by Holly Black

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy; Faeries, A Modern Faerie Tale

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Sixteen-year-old Kaye is a modern nomad. Fierce and independent, she travels from city to city with her mother's rock band until an ominous attack forces Kaye back to her childhood home. There, amid the industrial, blue-collar New Jersey backdrop, Kaye soon finds herself an unwilling pawn in an ancient power struggle between two rival faerie kingdoms -- a struggle that could very well mean her death.

This is the second book in the Modern Faerie Tale series. In most of the stories that I have read about Faeries one court has always been either the good or the bad. In this one there is just different with all the intrigue of back stabbing politics. Kaye learning that she is actually a Faerie was something I enjoyed. I loved Roiben, a strong character that you couldn’t quite figure what side he was on. I found that I liked this book even more the Val’s story. Learning more about the different Faerie courts brought to life even more of what I read before. Giving it a fuller picture of this extraordinary world. I can't wait to see the next book in this series, Ironside.

Publisher: Simon Pulse

ISBN: 0689867042

Pages: 336

Series: A Modern Faerie Tale

Volume: 2

Past Redemption by Savannah Russe

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Vampires; Vampire Hunters, The Darkwing Chronicles

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Scandal. Secrets. Seduction. It's all in the family. If you passed Daphne Urban on the streets of New York, you'd see a sleek young brunette dressed to kill. You'd never know she was a vampire. But the government knows. Their ultimatum: Spy for the United States, or be terminated. And after all these centuries, Daphne is not ready to call it quits . . . The word is out on Susto. It's a new recreational drug that intensities sex, it's spreading like wildfire--and it's lethal. Team Darkwing's mission: Track the drug back to its origin. Immersing themselves in New York City's nightlife, they soon discover ties between Susto's billions in revenue and the country's most powerful political dynasty. To infiltrate the family, Daphne flirts with its weakest link, handsome party boy St. Julien Fitzmaurice, whom she'd love to casually sink her teeth into. But even as their dalliance leads her deeper into the case, Daphne can't stop thinking about Darius, the darkly sexy human she claimed with a passionate bite. He's the bad boy she knows she should--she must--forget, because if she doesn't, she'll be risking not only the mission, but her own heart . . .

This is the second book in the Darkwing Chronicles. Daphne has a new assignment to find out who is behind Susto. But at the same time she is dealing with her broken heart. And it doesn’t help that Darius keeps coming around. I really like Daphne as a character as she is a lot more complex. Also the time flashes of her past where great. Darius made me angry, but then I think that is the point. I like this book and can’t wait to read Beneath the Skin.

Publisher: Signet Eclipse

ISBN: 0451218094

Pages: 304

Series: Darkwing Chronicles

Volume: 2

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy; Magic, Faery, The Iron Fey

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: My name is Meghan Chase. In less than twenty-four hours I’ll be sixteen. Countless stories, songs and poems have been written about this wonderful age, when a girl finds true love and the stars shine for her and the handsome prince carries her off into the sunset. I don’t think it will be that way for me. Meghan Chase has a secret destiny – one she could never have imagined… Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan’s life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school… or at home. When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she’s known is about to change. But she could never have guessed the truth – that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face… and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

This is the first book in the Iron Fey series. Meghan is the girl that is just trying to fit in. As her sixteenth birthday is approaching things become slightly odd. Her brother is also seeing things. She then has to go into the land of the Fey to save her brother. This is a great story that mixes the old tales of Faery and adds a great modern twist. Meghan may not seem to be much but she is a very strong character. While Puck and Ash’s dialog makes for great entertainment. Grimalkin just adds so much to this troop of characters. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the next book in this series, The Iron Daughter.

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

ISBN: 0373210086

Pages: 368

Series: The Iron Fey

Volume: 1

Devour by Melina Morel

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Vampires, Shapeshifters, Hunters

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 2 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Set in modern-day New York City, Devour weaves a spellbinding tale about a woman who will journey into the heart of danger to fulfill her destiny… The Hunter She has one reason for coming to Manhattan. It is her fate. The latest in a long line of werewolf hunters, she has come for him. The Werewolf Dashing Pierre de Montfort has rarely had trouble hiding his cursed heritage. But now, with his secret about to be revealed, he is willing to do anything – and savage anyone – in order to stay alive. The Vampire Beautiful and intrepid Catherine Marais has no qualms about her destiny. Nothing will stop her from destroying the last Montfort werewolf – not even Ian Morgan, the two-hundred-year-old vampire whose electrifying touch could tempt Catherin to indulge in a forbidden darkness from which she may never return.

This is the first book in the Vivian Roussel series. I was sad to say left me wanting. It stated to being a Paranormal Romance. But I didn’t feel that it was really a romance novel. I thought that it is more of an Urban Fantasy. I just didn’t find the story to be compelling but I wanted to give the writer another try and will give the next book in this series, Prey a try.

Publisher: Signet Eclipse

ISBN: 0451222512

Pages: 336

Series: Vivian Roussel

Volume: 1

The Swan Kingdom by Zoe Marriott

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Fantasy; Fairy Tale Retelling, The Wild Swans, Magic

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: When her mother, the queen, is attacked by an unnatural beast, Alexandra tries every one of her healing skills, but her greatest effort is not enough. Too soon Alexandra’s father, the king, is spellbound by a beautiful stranger – a woman intent on having the Kingdom to herself. In a terrifying moment, all Alexandra knows disappears, including her beloved brothers, and she is suddenly banished to a barren land unlike her own. But Alexandra has more gifts than even she realizes, and she’ll need to master all of them as she is confronted with magic, murder, and the strongest of evil forces.

The Swan Kingdom is a re-telling of a famous fairy tale called 'The Wild Swans' by Hans Christian Andersen. There are a few changes from the original story. But the base is the same story. Alexandra though believes herself to be a cunning women. One who is able to do magical workings. Her mother has taught her till her untimely death. After which her whole world is turned upside down. But she strives to find her brothers as she dreams of Gabriel. This is a brilliant retelling with a very strong female character in Alexandra. She doesn’t believe in herself for a long time but then realizes what she is capable of. It is one of those stories that you will want to read again and again as it is full of magic and romance. I really enjoyed this book

Publisher: Candlewick Press

ISBN: 0763642932

Pages: 272

Series:

Volume:

Hourglass by Claudia Gray

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Ghosts, Wraiths, Vampire Hunters

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: After escaping from Evernight Academy, the vampire boarding school where they met, Bianca and Lucas seek refuge with Black Cross, an elite group of vampire hunters. Bianca must hide her supernatural heritage or risk certain death at their hands. But when Black Cross captures her friend--the vampire Balthazar--all her secrets threaten to come out. Soon, Bianca and Lucas have orchestrated Balthazar's escape and are on the run, pursued not only by Black Cross, but by the powerful leaders of Evernight. Yet no matter how far they run, Bianca can't escape her destiny. Bianca has always believed their love could survive anything--but can it survive what's to come?

This is the third book in the Evernight Academy. In this Bianca and Lucas are trying to keep everything about what Bianca is from the Black Cross. But there are many twist and turns are thrown at them. I have to say that it was great to see my favorite characters again, but I didn’t like where the story is going. I don’t see how things are going to turn out. I look forward to seeing what’s to happen in the next book of Afterlife.

Publisher: Harper Teen

ISBN: 0061284416

Pages: 352

Series: Evernight

Volume: 3

The Tower of Ravens by Kate Forsyth

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Magic, Dragons, Shapeshifters, Fae, Magical Folk, Time Travel, Rhiannon's Ride

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: One-Horn’s daughter is not like the others of her king. Born of a human father, she lacks the horns so prized by her people and is scorned even by her own mother. Her only chance for escape is to capture one of the legendary flying horses and ride it to freedom – if she can stay on its back long enough. And so this strange, feral girl begins a dangerous journey of love, death, and betrayal that will earn her a new name – Rhiannon, the rider no one can catch. Found wounded, she is rescued and taken to the home of Lewen, a young man just beginning to understand his own magical potential as an apprentice-witch. Rhiannon soon becomes fascinated with the human world…and Lewen. Together they travel through a land where the dead walk and ghosts haunt the living, a place where Rhiannon encounters dark forces that endanger all of Eileanan. But to save the land, she must convince Lewen and the other apprentice-witches to trust her word of the wild half-human girl…

This is the first book in a spin off series, Rhiannon's Ride, that takes place after the six book series The Witches of Eileanan. This is years later where the children of many of the characters are now young adults. Rhiannon is more of a wild girl then human. She is even skittish around people. But Lewen wins her over and they become friends. There is a lot that is going on during this story. The world of Eileanan has changed since last we have seen it. But it is still full of magic and mystery. I loved reading about this new character. She has a fire about her that Kate Forsyth’s other characters hadn't possessed in the other series. I loved reading this continuation of the world of Eileanan with a whole new main character. . I can't wait to read the next book in this series, The Shining City.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451460324

Pages: 448

Series: Rhiannon’s Ride

Volume: 1

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Paralell Reality, His Dark Materials

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Lyra and Will, her newfound friend, tumble separately into the strange tropical otherworld of Cittàgazze, "the city of magpies," where adults are curiously absent and children run wild. Here their lives become inextricably entwined when Lyra's alethiometer gives her a simple command: find Will's father. Their search is plagued with obstacles--some familiar and some horribly new and unfathomable--but it eventually brings them closer to Will's father and to the Subtle Knife, a deadly, magical, ancient tool that cuts windows between worlds. Through it all, Will and Lyra find themselves hurtling toward the center of a fierce battle against a force so awesome that leagues of mortals, witches, beasts, and spirits from every world are uniting in fear and anger against it.

This is the second story book in the His Dark Materials. The story has Lyra and Will going to all these otherworlds. Each one has its own dangers. The battle that is being made ready is epic to say the least. You learn more about the creation of all things in all the worlds combined. The way the two get through everything together makes you wonder how they are able to. Brilliantly written story that makes you want to read it straight through. I can't wait to see where this series will go, The Amber Spyglass.

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf

ISBN: 0375846727    

Pages: 368

Series: His Dark Materials

Volume: 2

Call of the Highland Moon by Kendra Leigh Castle

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Werewolves, Magic

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: No one knows better than Gideon MacInnes how dangerous it can be to fall in love.  As the future leader of a pack of Highland werewolves who guard an ancient and powerful secret, Gideon can’t afford to bond with the wrong woman.  The bite of the werewolf is too often fatal…and never lightly given.  But on his last night in America, an unforeseen attack leaves him in the care of exactly the sort of woman he can never have.  And the only one he will ever want. Carly Silver might sell stories for a living, but she never expected one to show up on her doorstep.  While the night shows her only a beast pleading for her help, the morning light reveals a man out of her darkest dreams.  Straight out of legend and surrounded by danger, Gideon is the last man Carly should be letting into her life…even if he’s almost impossible to resist.  But trapped by an early Northern New York snowstorm, she hasn’t got anywhere to run. As the Stone of Destiny begins to work its magic beneath the Highland moon, reluctant attraction quickly deepens into something infinitely more irresistible.  But with an ancient enemy reaching across worlds in a quest for the ultimate prize, their new love isn’t the only thing that risks being destroyed.  As Gideon makes his stand for a power his people never knew they possessed, Carly must face her own deadly decision.  And if love is to survive, both must find the courage to embrace the beast within.  Because the moon is calling, and there are things beyond imagining waiting in the darkness for them both.

This is the first book in the first book in the MacInnes Werewolves. It is a really sweet love story. Carly brings Gideon home thinking to help a wounded animal and wakes to a grown man in her home. But as things progress they grow to love one another. But there is danger all around them and Gideon must get home taking Carly with him. There is a lot of adventure in this book as Carly decides where her fate lies. The relationship between the two of them is so strong that you’re cheering for them the whole time. I found this to be a nice easy read. Something that is great to pick up when the snow or rain is falling outside and you don’t want to go anywhere. I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Dark Highland Fire.

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

ISBN: 1402211589

Pages: 384

Series: MacInnes Werewolves

Volume: 1

Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy; Magic, Unicorns, People with Abilities

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The hunt continues…Astrid Llewelyn is now a fully-trained unicorn hunter, but she’s learning she can’t solve all her problems with just a bow and arrow. Her boyfriend Giovanni has decided to leave Rome, the Cloisters is in dire financial straits, her best friend’s powers seem to be mysteriously disintegrating, and Astrid fears that school, home, and her hopes of becoming a scientist are nothing but impossible dreams. So when she’s given the opportunity to leave the Cloisters and put her skills to use as part of a scientific quest to discover The Remedy, Astrid leaps at the chance. Finally, she can have exactly what she wants. . . or can she? At the Gordian Pharmaceuticals headquarters deep in the French countryside, Astrid begins to question everything she thought she believed: her love for Giovanni, her loyalty to the Cloisters, and – most of all – her duty as a hunter. Should Astrid be saving the world from killer unicorns, or saving the unicorns from the world?

This is the second book in the killer unicorns series. Astrid is not sure she wants to still hunt. Yes she is good at it but it doesn’t mean that she likes it. Her mother is going on TV talking about unicorn hunting. While things just seem to be going awry. I don’t want to get into this story as I don’t want to give too much away. I have to say that I thought that this story was a little bit of a downer. It’s not that it’s a bad story actually it was very well written. But it is a literal a downer as a lot of sad things happen. I do like how this added to the story and hope that at some point there will be more to this series.

Publisher: Harper Teen

ISBN: 0061490024

Pages: 400

Series: Killer Unicorns

Volume: 2

His Darkest Embrace by Juliana Stone

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Shapeshifters, Vampires, Magick, Jaguar Warrior, Eagle Knight

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: A solitary hunter with no regard for the human world, Jagger Castille is a shifter living on the edge. A woman who calls him enemy will give him reason to live . . . Jagger is a creature of the night—Skye Knightly soars in the sun. Natural adversaries, they are now joined in a mission entrusted to Skye's family centuries ago: nothing less than the salvation of the Earth. Wounded and bitter, Jagger sought escape in the solitude of the jungle, driven by a need to disappear forever . . . until a mysterious shifter who calls to his soul and feeds a yearning long forgotten pulls him from his dark path. A courageous warrior, Skye's passion is equal to Jagger's—but can she trust a man whose secrets are as devastating as her own? Each is the other's sole hope for survival. But a dark and twisted truth is leading them toward the ultimate sacrifice for a love they may never live to claim.

This is the second book in the Jaguar Warrior series. This is Jagger’s story. This lets us in to the Jaguar Warrior world. Skye is trying to finish what her father started. When the two are thrown together they don’t know what to make of one another. The only thing that is for sure is the growing desire between the two of them. I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked that we get to see another side to the world and that there are more shapeshifters. Skye was one of the characters that I just loved. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, His Darkest Salvation.

Publisher: Avon

ISBN: 0061808806

Pages: 384

Series: Jaguar Warrior

Volume: 2

Firespell by Chloe Neill

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy; Magic, Werewolves, Spellbinders, Dark Elite, Vampires, Demons, Magic Users, Adepts

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: As the new girl at St. Sophia’s boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she’ll have to face – but oh, how wrong she is. When Lily’s parents decide to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she is not happy. Lily’s classmates are the ultrarich brat-pack type – and if that isn’t enough, she’s hearing and seeing bizarre things on St. Sophia’s creepy campus. The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird – she keeps disappearing late at night. When a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout, who’s running from a real-life monster. Scout is part of a splinter group of rebel teens who protect Chicago from demons, vamps, and the gone-to-the-dark-side magic users called Reapers. She lets Lily in on her secret, even though Lily has no powers of her own… or at least none she’s discovered yet.

This is the first book in the Dark Elite series. Lily is being shipped off to boarding school. She is trying to make the most of it by making new friends, her first is her suitemate Scout. Even though Scout sometimes has to spontaneously leave, this making her a little mysterious. And then with the introduction of Jason and Michael only adding to the mystery. Lily can’t help but want to play Nancy Drew. I found the story to be inventive and captivating. I couldn’t stop reading this book once I started it. I really like where the story went entwining the love for friends to be the core of the story. There is a little romance but it isn’t the main focus of the story. I really like this book and can’t wait to read the next in the series, Hexbound.

Publisher: Signet Novel

ISBN: 0451228863

Pages: 256

Series: Dark Elite

Volume: 1

Shadowland by Alyson Noel

Genre: Young Adult

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; The Immortals, Magic

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Ever and Damen have traveled through countless past lives – and fought off the world’s darkest enemies – so they could be together forever. But just when their long-awaited destiny is finally within reach, a powerful curse falls upon Damen… one that could destroy everthing. Now a single touch of their hands of a soft brush of their lips could mean sudden death – plunging Damen into the Shadowland. Desperate to break the curse and save Damen, Ever immerses herself in magick – and gets help from an unexpected source – a surfer named Jude. Although she and Jude have only just met, he feels startling familiar. Despite her fierce loyalty to Damen, Ever is drawn to Jude, a green-eyed golden boy with magical talents and a mysterious past. She’s always believed Damen to be her soul mate and one true love – and she still believes it to be true. But as Damen pulls away to save them, Ever’s connection with Jude grows stronger – and tests her love for Damen like never before…

This is the third book in the in the Immortals series. Because of Ever’s trust in Roman she can’t even hold hands with Damen. Now all she is doing is trying to fix her mistake. Also a new character is introduced in this story, Jude. The twins that had been introduced in the last book are now in our world learning quickly. There is much that is happening in this story. Jude is a great addition to the series. I look forward to seeing where the story will go in the next book Dark Flame.

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

ISBN: 0330520512

Pages: 368

Series: The Immortals

Volume: 3