Switched By Amanda Hocking

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy; Fae, Magic
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Amanda Hocking is an indie publishing sensation whose self-published novels have sold millions of copies all over the world, and Switched is the book that started the phenomenon. Prepare to be enchanted… When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right. She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes. Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her. Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit. But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth: Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home. Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening. And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become… As a special gift to readers, this book contains a new, never-before-published bonus story, “The Vittra Attacks,” set in the magical world of the Trylle.

This is the first book of the Trylle trilogy. Wendy had a very hard time as a little girl due to the fact that her mother tired to kill her. She now is with her big brother and things seem to be fine. But when Finn is around her she can’t help but have a very strong reaction to him. Then everything goes pear shaped and she discovers she isn’t whom she think she is. The story flows quite well and makes you want to know what is going to happen next. Wendy is one of those characters that you feel for from the start. I really liked reading this book and can’t wait to read the next book, Torn.

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 978-1250006318
Pages: 336
Series: Trylle
Volume: 1

Stroke of Midnight by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Amanda Ashley, L. A. Banks, Lori Handeland

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Vampires, Were-people, Werewolves, Magic, Dark Hunters, Shapeshifters, Witches, Skinwalkers
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: In an unseen world that lurks in the shadows, they roam the night – feral, passionate, and dangerous. And when their world touches ours, a primitive desire takes hold, leaving mere mortals powerless in its wake… Four of romance’’s most intriguing authors have come together to create a mesmerizing anthology – unforgettable tales of vampires, shapeshifters, and werewolves. At the heart of these deeply sensual tales are everyday people facing extraordinary events – men and women thrown together by fate and an irresistible desire. In this world, your eyes can betray you as myth becomes reality, curses are vanquished, and love is the only weapon that can stand in the face of evil. In this world, there is a moment when passion and forbidden desire collide at the … Stroke of Midnight.

This anthology has three stories set in modern day and one in a historical time. It includes a tale from the Dark Hunter world that takes place at Dragon Con in Atlanta, GA. While the historical story is about a cursed man who takes maiden in hopes to avenge the death of his father. Then there is the story of a biker who works to save an innocent young woman from things going bump in the night. While the last story deals with skinwalkers trying to get more power. Each story is a great weaving of storytelling. I found that each one though very different flowed well from one to the other. I really enjoyed reading this book and couldn’t put it down once I started it.

Publisher: St. Martin’s
ISBN: 0312998767
Pages: 368
Series:
Volume:

Out Through The Attic by Quincy J. Allen

Genre: Science Fiction; Steampunk; Fantasy; Horror; Cross-Genre; Short Story
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Thirteen fantastic tales from the cavorting, twisted mind of Quincy J. Allen, Out Through the Attic covers everything from steampunk and fantasy to sci-fi and horror. It’s a cross-genre smorgasbord that’s sure to hit the right spot, with a dose or two of straight-up genre fiction for the meat-and-taters appetite.

This is a collection of short stories that are all different types of genres and is brilliantly written. These thirteen tales are so full of life and have a depth to them that isn't always shown in short story collections like this one. Each tale creates a world that sucks you in, the writing is imaginative and compelling. Since this is a book of short stories I don’t want to go into what each tale is about for fear of giving away to much. I will say that my favorite stories where 17 and Baby WEI. The book kept me on the edge of my seat and once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of Quincy J. Allen’s work.

Publisher: 7DS Books
ISBN: 978-0692204566
Pages: 252
Series:
Volume: 

Dance with the Devil by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Magic, Gods, Immortals, Shapeshifters, Time Travel
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Zarek’s point of view: Dark-Hunter: A soulless guardian who stands between mankind and those who would see mankind destroyed. Yeah, right. The only part of that Code of Honor I got was eternity and solitude. Insanity: A condition many say I suffer from after being alone for so long. But I don’t suffer from my insanity – I enjoy every minute of it. Trust: I can’t trust anyone…not even myself. The only thing I trust in is my ability to do the wrong thing in any situation and to put a hurt on anyone who gets in my way. Truth: I endured a lifetime as a Roman slave, and 900 years as an exiled Dark-Hunter. Now I’m tired of enduring. I want the truth about what happened the night I was exiled – I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Astrid (Greek, meaning star): An exceptional woman who can see straight to the truth. Brave and strong, she is a point of light in the darkness. She touches me and I tremble. She smiles and my cold heart shatters. Zarek: They say even the most damned man can be forgiven. I never believed that until the night Astrid opened her door to me and made this feral beast want to be human again. Made me want to love and be loved. But how can an ex-slave whose soul is owned by a Greek goddess ever dream of touching, let alone holding, a fiery star?

This story actually comes after the short story in Midnight Pleasures and is also in Dark Bites, but is considered the 8th book in the Dark Hunter series. Zarek has always been a loner. He doesn’t play nice with others and is against the world as he feels that it hasn’t really given him anything. Astrid is a sister to the fates and a judge of the Dark-Hunters. She is still in need of protection as she has not spent much time on earth. This is one of the stories of redemption in the Dark-Hunter’s world. Both characters are perfect for one another. I really like this story because the Zarek is a more complex character, you really can’t fit him into a little box. Getting to see more of the world of the Gods brilliantly written. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Kiss of the Night.

Publisher: St. Martin’s Paperbacks
ISBN: 0312984839
Pages: 368
Series: Dark Hunter
Volume: 8

First Test by Tamora Pierce

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Protector of the Small

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Keladry (known as Kel) is the first girl to take advantage of the decree that permits girls to train for the knighthood. The only thing that can stop her is Lord Wyldon, the training master of pages and squires. He does not think girls should be knights and puts her on probation for one year. It is a trial period that no male page has to endure and one that separates the friendly Kel even more from her fellow trainees. But Kel is not someone to underestimate. . .This is the first book in the Protector of the Small series. Kel is the first girl since Alanna to try and openly become a knight. But as she is not hiding who she is they have decided to make her go through one year of probation before letting her be a page. This is the first character that doesn’t have any magical ability. And has quite a few flaws. She is a strong character who makes some amazing friends. I liked the story. Getting to see some of my favorite characters all grown up was amazing. I can’t wait to read the next book, Page.

Publisher: Laurel LeafISBN: 0375829059
Pages: 240
Series: Protector of the Small
Volume: 1

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner an Eclipse novella by Stephenie Meyer

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Urban Fantasy; Vampires, Werewolves, Shapeshifters
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Fans of the Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner. A character first introduced in Eclipse, and darker side of the Newborn Vampire world she inhabits. Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful senses, superhuman reflexes, and unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood. . . life before she became a vampire. All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don’t draw attention to yourself, and above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn’t know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out. Then Bree finds an unexpected friend in Diego, a newborn just as curious as Bree about their mysterious creator, whom they know only as her. As they come to realize that the newborns are pawns in a game larger than anything they could have imagined, Bree and Diego must choose sides and decide whom to trust. But when everything you know about vampires is based on a lie, how do you find the truth?

As many of you know this is a novella that takes place in the book of Eclipse. It shows us what was going on with the newborn army before they attacked. Bree may be a newborn but she is very curious. She finds that Diego is just like her. As the two learn about their new life they learn that there is much more to it. Getting to read about what was going on just added more to the Eclipse book. I found that it was a nice quick read and really enjoyed it.

Publisher: Little, Brown
ISBN: 031612558X
Pages: 192
Series: Twilight SagaVolume: 3.5

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Urban Fantasy; Angels, Demons, Werewolves, Vampires, Fae
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Darkness has descended on the Shadowhunter world. Chaos and destruction overwhelm the Nephilim as Clary, Jace, Simon, and their friends band together to fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary’s own brother. Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell. Nothing in this world can defeat Sebastian—but if they journey to the realm of demons, they just might have a chance… Lives will be lost, love sacrificed, and the whole world will change. Who will survive the explosive sixth and final installment of the Mortal Instruments series?

This is the sixth of the Mortal Instruments. To save those that she loves Clary must do the unthinkable and go to a demon realm. Her dear friends are of course along for the ride. This was a magnificent book, where there are still a few louse ends that are left open for the next series. The characters that we know and love seem to have some closure. We also see the tie in with the Infernal Devices much more clearly. I loved this book and can’t wait to see what the Dark Artifices have in store for us March 2015!

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
ISBN: 978-1442416895
Pages: 752
Series: Mortal Instruments
Volume: 6

Bleeding Hearts by Alyxandra Harvey

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Vampires, Vampire Hunters
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: As vampires from all over the world descend on the Drake farm for the Blood Moon gathering, security is ramped up. Lucy has been temporarily banned, for her own safety—and to allow Solange some time to adjust to her new existence. But their enemies realize how much Lucy means to the family, and plan to abduct her to use her for leverage against the new royal family. Instead, Lucy’s cousin Christabel is kidnapped by mistake—and Connor Drake immediately heads off in pursuit, but isn’t in time to prevent Christabel’s infection by the Hel Blar. He can’t save her human life, but he can still try to save her new vampire life, and is willing to put his own life on the line for the girl he has grown to care so much about. Can he save Christabel, the Blood Moon, and his mother’s newly forged Vampire Alliance?

This is the fourth book in the Drake Chronicles. Lucy is not to be hanging out at the Drake’s due to all the vampires that are coming. Then her cousin Christabel shows up and gets mistaken for Lucy. Conner goes after her while still trying to protect his family. The story adds more to the world and we see character development in all the characters that we have already grown to love. Solange is becoming a bit of a mystery and yet you still feel connected to her. I really enjoyed reading this story and can’t wait to read Blood Moon.

Publisher: Walker Childrens
ISBN: 978-0802722843
Pages: 304
Series: Drake Chronicles
Volume: 4

Dark Bites by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Vampires, Shapeshifters, Were-people, Gods, Magic, Dark Hunters, Dream Hunters, Were Hunters, Hellchasers
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: For years, fans have been clamoring for an all-in-one collection of #1 bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon’s novellas. At their enthusiastic behest, we have delivered this brand-new short story collection, Dark Bites, including stories previously exclusive to Sherrilyn’s website, as well as an all-new, never-before seen Dark-Hunter story! Sherrilyn Kenyon takes readers from the Dark-Hunters to the demigods, from Dream-Hunters to demons, and everything in between. Dangerous and exciting, each story is one thrill ride after the next, proving time and again how Sherrilyn has captivated millions of readers worldwide. Now, readers are invited to go deep into Kenyon’s rich and imaginative world and experience the heart-racing moments that never stop coming!　

This is a collection of short stories for the Dark Hunters, Dream Hunters, Were Hunters and Hellchasers series. Now as many of you may know all of these series make up a single world. I personally think of it as all part of the Dark Hunter world. This is great that they have put the majority of the short stories all together in one book. I will not go into each of these short stories as there are 13 different stories with in. I love this book and can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Dance with the Devil.

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
ISBN: 978-0312376864
Pages: 579
Series: Dark Hunters
Volume: 5,6,10,16,17,19,24,25,34

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Urban Fantasy; Angels, Demons, Werewolves, Vampires, Fae
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: What price is too high to pay, even for love? When Jace and Clary meet again, Clary is horrified to discover that the demon Lilith’s magic has bound her beloved Jace together with her evil brother Sebastian, and that Jace has become a servant of evil. The Clave is out to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. As Alec, Magnus, Simon, and Isabelle wheedle and bargain with Seelies, demons, and the merciless Iron Sisters to try to save Jace, Clary plays a dangerous game of her own. The price of losing is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she still trust him? Or is he truly lost? Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.

This is the fifth of the Mortal Instruments. Clary has to come to terms with Sebastian and Jace being connected. Her friends are trying to do anything and everything to find a way to fix this before the Clave get involved. This is a great read as you feel like you are on the edge of your seat the entire time that you are reading it. There is a much darker side to the Clave that is shown and makes you wonder if they should be in power. I look forward to reading the final book to the Mortal Instruments, City of Heavenly Fire, as I loved reading this book.

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
ISBN: 978-1442416864
Pages: 544
Series: Mortal Instruments
Volume: 5

Mona Lisa Darkening by Sunny

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Shapeshifters, Monére, Children of the Moon
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: From the time she was an orphan child, Mona Lisa knew she was different—but she never knew how different. As a Mixed-Blood daughter of the Monère, she rules her own domain in the Louisiana Bayou. But her life of power is about to be lost, and Mona Lisa must survive a realm in which she is divided from within…On the vernal equinox, when night equals day and the barriers between worlds become gossamer thin, Mona Lisa gathers her people beneath the full moon. Instead of drawing down the replenishing white light of the moon, a terrifying darkness descends upon her and takes her into NetherHell——the cursed realm of the damned. In this place, the evil queen whose essence shares Mona Lisa’s body is strong enough to fight her host for control—and she does. But in NetherHell, Mona Lisa’’s internal struggle is only the beginning. Captured by a Gargoyle warlord who wants her for his own, Mona Lisa is torn from both within and without by desire, love, and ecstasy. And when her first love crosses the boundaries of the world to rescue her, she must choose her own destiny—before others choose it for her……

This is the fourth book in the Monere, Children of the Moon series. It is a little different, with the introduction of NetherHell. With Mona Lisa and the evil queen within her having dialog made for very interesting reading. Their travels and Gryphon coming back to try and save her was so sweet. And the ending was very unexpected. All in all the series is very well constructed. I liked the different take on the Moon legends adding in the were-people was especially enjoyable. This is something that I will keep an eye out for anything new that may come out with the same characters. I really liked it and look forward to reading the next book, Mona Lisa Eclipsing.
Publisher: Berkley Sensations
ISBN: 0425226476
Pages: 304
Series: Monere, Children of the Moon
Volume: 4

Starman by Sara Douglass

Genre: Fantasy; Magic
Sub Genre:
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Axis is the StarMan of prophecy and legend, destined to lead the three races of his world to unite as one people. The Prophecy foretold that Axis would defeat his half-brother, reclaim the land of Tencendor, and find a traitor in his camp. The Prophecy has also foretold of many a choice that Axis must make in order to fulfill his destiny…but neglected to mention that one of those choices would be to choose the love of either the beautiful and courageous Faraday or the feisty and hauntingly enchanting Azhure. To Faraday he had pledged his love and a place by his side as ruler of Tencendor; to Azhure he had given his children, his time, and his devotion. While Azhure explores her newfound powers as an Icarii Enchantress, and Faraday replants the ancient forests of the Mother, the evil Goragel is plotting Axis’s downfall, invading the sky with ice and terror and the flesh-hungery Gryphons. His most daring move is to follow prophecy, to taunt Axis with the pain of his beloved. But which beloved woman will Goragel choose… and will she be the one whose death will distract Axis from saving the world.

This is the third book in the in the Axis saga. Axis is trying to figure out which women he will choose Faraday and Azhure. While these two strong women have their own parts to play they within the Prophecy. The story takes you on a magical ride that keeps you guessing on what will happen next. Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down. The characters are so well written being full and dynamic. While the book almost seems to complete the story there is another book in this saga, Sinner, which I can’t wait to read.

Publisher: Tor Fantasy
ISBN: 978-0765342812
Pages: 688
Series: Axis
Volume: 3

The Farthest-Away Mountain by Lynne Reid Banks

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Fantasy; Magic, Witches
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: This is the tale of the young heroine Dakin, who sets out on a terrifying journey through wicked woods and haunted mountain paths to find the farthest-away mountain and break the spell by which it's been bound for two hundred years.

Dakin is a young woman who hears the call of the farthest-away mountain. She goes to find out what is there. As this is a short book I worry about giving to much away so I will not go in depth over this story. It is brilliantly written and keeps you guessing what will happen through out the story. I loved Dakin and how strong she is. This is one of my favorite stories that I have ever read.

Publisher: HarperTrophy
ISBN: 978-0380713035
Pages: 144
Series:
Volume:

Destiny by Elizabeth Haydon

Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Dragons
Sub Genre: Science Fiction, Time Travel
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: To stand against the F'dor--an ancient, vile being intent on destroying the world--a fellowship has been forged: Rhapsody, a Singer of great talent and beauty; Achmed, an assassin with unearthly talents; and Grunthor, a giant of jolly disposition and lethal skill with weapons. Driven by prophetic visions, the three know that time is running short, know that they must find their elusive enemy before his darkness consumes them all. But after their final, brutal confrontation with the F'dor, their world crosses the threshold of disaster and faces utter oblivion. The action reaches a fevered pitch, achieving a crescendo of tragedy, love, and triumph of human spirit over world-shattering cataclysm. With death at hand and the world crumbling at their feet, these three will finally discover their true Destiny.

This is the third book in Symphony of Ages series. Rhapsody, Achmed and Grunthor have gone through so much and yet there is so much more to come for them. The epic fantasy of this series I more than I can convey. Many things that you have been wondering about are answered here. I can’t wait to see where this world will go from here as it seems like it wrapped up beautifully. The next book in this series is, Requiem for the Sun.

Publisher: Tor
ISBN: 978-0812570830
Pages: 864
Series: Symphony of Ages
Volume: 3

Invincible by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy, Gods, Vampires, Time Travel, Were-People, Demons, Magic
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Nick Gautier’s day just keeps getting better and better. Yeah, he survived the zombie attacks, only to wake up and find himself enslaved to a world of shapeshifters and demons out to claim his soul. His new principal thinks he’s even more of a hoodlum than the last one, his coach is trying to recruit him to things he can’t even mention and the girl he’s not seeing, but is, has secrets that terrify him. But more than that, he’s being groomed by the darkest of powers and if he doesn’t learn how to raise the dead by the end of the week, he will become one of them...

This is the second book in the Chronicles of Nick. Nick is hoping life will start to normalize, even though he is now working for a vampire and his mom is working for shapeshifters. Then there is a coach that wants to befriend Nick which is a little weird. There is so much going on in this book and you begin to see how dynamic this world is. Nick is growing as a character and you see a little bit of the character that he becomes in the adult series. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, Infamous.

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN: 1250002826
Pages: 432
Series: Chronicles of Nick
Volume: 2