The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Fae
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: My name—my True Name—is Ashallayn’darkmyr Tallyn. I am the last remaining son of Mab, Queen of the Unseelie Court. And I am dead to her. My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl… To cold faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought. Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl—smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive. With the unwelcome company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end—a quest to find a way to honor his vow to stand by Meghan's side. To survive in the Iron Realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. And along the way Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

This is the fourth book in the Iron Fey series. It is mostly told in Ash’s perspective as we are following his tale so that he might be able to be with his beloved Meghan. He is accompanied by Puck even if he can’t seem to get rid of him. Being able to see Ash’s side of things makes for a richer world. The interaction between Ash and Puck is brilliant. I really loved reading this book and look forward to read the collection of short stories in Iron Legends.

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
ISBN: 978-0373210367
Pages: 400
Series: The Iron Fey
Volume: 4

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

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

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

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa

Genre: Young Adult
Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance; Fae
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: My name is Meghan Chase. I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it. This time, there will be no turning back.

This is the third book in the Iron Fey series. Meghan is being pulled back into the world of the Fey and still doesn’t want to have anything to do with it. This time she just may not be able to stop it this time. The story shows a new side to Meghan. The story just adds more to the whole world that Julie Kagawa has created. I loved this story but it also made me a little sad. I’m so glad there is another book and can’t wait to read it, The Iron Knight.

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
ISBN: 978-0373210183
Pages: 368
Series: The Iron Fey
Volume: 3

City of Fallen Angels 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: The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and to use her unique power. Her mother is getting married to the love of her life. Downworlders and Shadowhunters are at peace at last. And—most importantly of all—she can finally call Jace her boyfriend. But nothing comes without a price. Someone is murdering Shadowhunters, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. Clary's best friend, Simon, can't help her. His mother just found out that he's a vampire and now he's homeless. Everywhere he turns, someone wants him on their side—along with the power of the curse that's wrecking his life. And they're willing to do anything to get what they want. Not to mention that he's dating two beautiful, dangerous girls—neither of whom knows about the other one. When Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace. Love. Blood. Betrayal. Revenge. The stakes are higher than ever in City of Fallen Angels.

This is the fourth book in the Mortal Instruments series. Clary is home and yet everything has changed she is now training and learning more and more about the Shadowhunter world. And yet things have changed Shadowhunters are dying and it doesn’t look good for the Downworlders. Everyone wants a piece of Simon now that he is homeless and he is getting himself into very deep with two very beautiful women. Jace is pulling away and confusing Clary. This book only builds on the world of Mortal Instruments, adding more questions while answer some as well. I got mad at Jace several times through out this book, but was caught up in Clary. I loved reading this book and look forward to reading the next book in this series, City of Lost Souls.

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
ISBN: 9781442403543
Pages: 432
Series: Mortal Instruments
Volume: 4

Beguiled by Maureen Child

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Demons, Fae, Pixies, Faeries, Otherworldly

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: After defeating evil Queen Mab, Maggie Donovan has become the new Queen of the Fae royalty in Otherworld has its pros and cons. For one thing, she gets to make love to her dashing Fae Warrior, Culhane – on the throne. But she also worries that Culhane may want her more for her power than because she’s Fae-licious. And queens do tend to have enemies – especially a certain ex-queen who has not been destroyed and wants her crown back. When Maggie’s niece is kidnapped by Mab, Maggie must overcome her mistrust of Culhane and unite the Fae Warriors to save the girl and defeat the rebel queen once and for all – or else lose everything.

This is the second story in Maureen Child’s Otherworldly series. Maggie is still working on being human trying to avoid her royal duties. While her sister is sick and they aren’t sure what it is. Culhane is trying to get Maggie to be the queen he knows that she is. There is a lot to this story including the a new family member that they did not know of. I thought that this book is very entertaining. I love the dynamic the characters find themselves in. Also watching Maggie as she is trying so hard to stay human and in the mortal realm. I really enjoyed reading this book, and hope that this isn’t the end to this series.

Publisher: Signet Eclipse

ISBN: 0451227727

Pages: 320

Series: Queen of the Otherworld

Volume: 2

Hunting Ground by Patricia Briggs

Genre: Urban Fantasy; Fae, Werewolves, Vampires

Sub Genre: Paranormal Romance

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Anna Latham didn’t know how complicated life could be until she became a werewolf. And until she was mated to Charles Cornick, the son – and enforcer – of Bran, the leader of the North American werewolves, she didn’t know how dangerous it could be either… Anna and Charles have just been enlisted to attend a summit to present Bran’s controversial proposition: that the wolves should finally reveal themselves to humans. But the most feared Alpha in Europe is dead set against the plan – and it seems like someone else might be, too. When Anna is attacked by vampires using pact magic, the kind of power only werewolves should be able to draw on. Charles and Anna must combine their talents to hunt down whoever is behind it all – or risk losing everything…

This is the second book Alpha and Omega by Patricia Briggs, and starts off soon after the first one. Charles is still getting used to being mated to Anna. Anna is still dealing with what has happened to her in the past. To top things off they take Bran’s place in a summit to discuss with the European wolves about coming out. Anna’s learns a lot more of what she is capable of as well as teaching another Omega more about their role in the pack. Charles is trying to do what he can but at the same time he must focus on the summit, which leaves him more open then he would like. And while you think the story is going to head in one direction it make a sharp left turn. Which of course I absolutely loved. This is a great book and I’m glad to see that Anna and Charles are becoming stronger characters. I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Fair Game.

Publisher: Ace

ISBN: 044101738X

Pages: 304

Series: Alpha and Omega

Volume: 2

Bedeviled by Maureen Child

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Demons, Fae, Pixies, Faeries, Otherworldly

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Maureen Child introduces an everyday woman who discovers she’s a descendant of Otherworldly Faeries and destined to defeat an evil queen… Maggie Donovan isn’t interested in overthrowing a Faery queen. Maggie has had barely enough time to kill the demon that devoured her fiancé, never mind save the Otherworld. Her hands are full babysitting her smart-mouthed twelve-year-old niece while her sister is getting her chakras lined up. But when Maggie comes home to find a scrumptious hunk who insists she has Otherworld problems to solve, she may not have a choice. Especially since she’s suddenly been endowed with superhuman strength and a bad habit of flying awkwardly through the air… An elite Faery warrior, Culhane isn’t exactly boyfriend material, but that hasn’t stopped Maggie’s wild imagination. What Maggie doesn’t realize is that there’s one secret the sexy warrior hasn’t revealed: He’s already bound to the powerful Faery queen he wants Maggie to defeat.

This is a story of a woman who is ¼ Faery, but she has no idea. After an encounter with a demon she starts to turn into a Faery. With her getting power that causes some awkward moments in her everyday life, she isn’t sure what to make of everything that Culhane is telling her. But she has to admit that there is something that is going on. This story is another good take on the Faery legends. Maggie is your reluctant hero who just wants to have everything go back to being normal. Only she has a lot to do before she can do that. And her attraction to Culhane doesn’t help anything. I found the story compelling and enjoyable. I can’t wait to read Begiled, the next book to see where the story is going to go.

Publisher: Signet Eclipse

ISBN: 0451225767

Pages: 320

Series: Queen of the Otherworld

Volume: 1

The Heart of Stars 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: With the leading clan bitterly split and the court torn apart, only fierce, half-human Rhiannon and her winged mare have any chance of rescuing Princess Olwynne and her twin brother. But what duty requires, the heart may regret… The Heart of Stars. An evil necromancer has kidnapped the royal twins, plotting to spill their blood for revenge, and to restore his own family to life. Chaos reigns in the capital, and Rhiannon finds herself burdened with a heavy charge: to save the one woman she hates above all others. It will not be easy to forgive or forget that Olwynne attempted to steal Rhiannon’s true love, the handsome apprentice-witch Lewen – especially since it seems that Olwynne may still be her rival for his affections. As the necromancer’s intrigues grow more desperate, Rhiannon fears that saving the princess could mean risking everything. Lewen, her mare, her freedom, and even her own life.

This is the final book in the Rhiannon's Ride series. Rhiannon has to go and save Olwynne the woman whom she hates and not only that but she has to go back in time to do it. With everything that is going on my heart went out to so many characters. My old favorite, Isabeau has her own hard choices and demons to fight. The story is all so well written. I did cry at some parts as not everyone gets a happy ending. I really could not put this book down until it was done. Kate Forsyth creates these beautifully complex worlds that suck you in. I love reading her writing and hope to see more about the world of Eileanan.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451461444

Pages: 448

Series: Rhiannon’s Ride

Volume: 3

Wicked Enchantment by Anya Bast

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Fae, Magic, Incubus, Mages, Goblins, Wild Hunt, Necromancer, Phaendir

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

                                      

Back Cover: When you’re half-incubus, your reputation precedes you… All eyes are on Gabriel Mac Braire the day he makes his first appearance in Seelie Court, including those of Aislinn Finvarra. Despite deep bitterness over her last failed relationship, Aislinn cannot help but be curious about the half incubus who is known to possess dark magick, both lethal and sexual in nature. Rumors abound of the women who have become enslaved to his irresistible charms. So when the Summer Queen of the fae orders Aislinn herself to act as his guide in the court, she is understandably on guard. She’s fallen under the spell of far less persuasive men before. In addition, Gabriel might be more than he seems, and his true mission is far from innocent. This time, Aislinn must protect not only her heart, but her very life…

This time Anya Bast takes us into a new world of her Fae. In this book the fae are on a reservation that the Phaendir and the humans created hundreds of years ago. They live as best they can but still wish to have their freedoms back. There are two courts that of the Rose and that of the Black. The Rose court is very big on status and bloodlines. Gabriel is much more than he seems and keeps Aislinn on her toes. Aislinn is just beginning to discover herself and what she is capable of. The two are great together are great. I love how there are so many layers to this story. Anya can create these worlds that pull you in and make them truly believable. I love this story and can’t wait to read the next one in this series, Cruel Enchantment

Publisher: Berkley Sensation

ISBN: 0425232018

Pages: 336

Series: Dark Magick

Volume: 2

Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs

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

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: By day, Mercy is a car mechanic in the sprawling Tri-Cities of Eastern Washington. By night, she explores her preternatural side. As a shapeshifter with some unique talents, Mercy has often found herself having to maintain a tenuous harmony between the human and the not so human. This time she may get more than she bargained for. Marsilia, the local Vampire Queen, has learned that Mercy crossed her by slaying a member of her clan – and she’s out for blood. But since mercy is protected from direct reprisal by the werewolf pack (and her close relationship with its sexy Alpha), it won’t be Mercy’s blood Marsilia is after. It’ll be her friends’.

This book starts right where the last one ended. Mercy is dealing with everything that happened to her. But it doesn’t slow down at all for her. Now she’s dealing with vampires out for blood and ghosts too. Brilliant writing as always. The story takes you along for the ride and you can’t help but hold on tight. And for the record I hate Marsilia. But I loved this book. Patricia Briggs is a phenomenal writer that really takes you to another place. Mercy’s stories are so vivid and full of great characters that I can never put the books down for long. I always get her books and look forward to see where Mercy’s story is going to go next. I can't wait to read Silver Borne.

Publisher: Ace Books

ISBN: 044101836X

Pages: 304

Series: Mercedes Thompson

Volume: 4

The Shining City 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: Rhiannon, a wild and fierce half-human girl, tamed a winged horse to escape the vicious satyricorn tribe who raised her. In the human world, the handsome apprentice-witch Lewen has convinced her to stay with him and learn to use her strong magical talents. But before her training can commence, Rhiannon must answer for her past crime in…The Shining City. Imprisoned in Sorrowgate Tower, Rhiannon awaits trial for murder and treason. While her days are spent in anticipation of Lewen’s visits, her nights are haunted by the malevolent ghost of a dead queen, hungry to live again. But not many care to listen to the prophetic dreams of a girl who has already been convicted in most people’s mind. Then Lewen begins to cool toward her, and Rhiannon suspects one of the princesses has worked a spell to steal his heart. In a world filled with dark spirits and forbidden magic, conspiracy and intrigue, Rhiannon vows to win back her lover and escape once more, to save the land before it’s too late…

This is the second book in the Rhiannon's Ride. Rhiannon stays with Lewen and even goes to the Shining City and becomes imprisoned. So much happens that Rhiannon can’t see but yet does as she is not fooled by the courtly people. Danger is all around everywhere and you don’t know where it is really coming from. This is such a rich tale that is being woven together. I do not like Olwynne. But then I don’t think you are supposed to. But seeing all of my favorite old characters again was great. I enjoyed reading this story and can’t wait to see how everything will work itself out in the next book, The Heart of Stars.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451460804

Pages: 544

Series: Rhiannon’s Ride

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

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

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

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

Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs

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

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Under the rule of science, there are no witch burnings allowed, no water trials or public lynchings. In return, the average law-abiding, solid citizen has little to worry about from the things that go bump in the night. Sometimes I wish I was an average citizen… Mechanic Mercy Thompson has friends in low places – and in dark ones. And now she owes one of them a favor. Since she can shapeshift at will, she agrees to act as some extra muscle when her vampire friend Stefan goes to deliver a message to another of his kind. But this new vampire is hardly ordinary – and neither is the demon inside of him…

This is the second book in the Mercedes Thompson series. In this story Mercy shows us more of the vampires of this world. While the werewolf Alpha and Sam are still trying to get Mercy’s attention. Everything moves so well in this story. Just when you think that things are going to slow down the story goes into turbo. It’s like everything I love about adventure films all rolled into a book. So much to see that you can’t put the book down till you finish the last page. I can't wait to read the next book in this series, Iron Kissed.

Publisher: Ace Books

ISBN: 0441020070

Pages: 352

Series: Mercedes Thompson

Volume: 2

The Fathomless Caves by Kate Forsyth

Genre: Fantasy; Witches, Magic, Dragons, Mer-people, Shapeshifters, Fae, Magical Folk, The Witches of Eileanan

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: The final war is waged land against sea… In Eileanan, victory has finally been won, and those of faery kind – from the mighty dragons to the mysterious nyx – have sworn their friendship and aid. Only the sea-dwelling Fairgean have refused to sign the Pact of Peace. Driven by ancient hatreds, they have devoted themselves to destroying all who dwell upon the land. Troubled by the darkness that that may lie ahead, Lachlan agrees to release his beloved Iseult from the sacred oath that binds them together. It will then be for Iseult to decide whether she will remain in the mountains to resume life with her own kin, or return to the man who let her go. To help bring peace to Eileanan, Iseult’s flame-haired twin, Isabeau, must also face her most difficult challenge yet. But before she can prove herself worthy of both the scar of the Soul-Sage and the ring of the sorceress, she must first find a way to heal her own wounded spirit.

This is the final book in the Witches of Eileanan. So much is happening in the conclusion to this great saga. They must fight the mer-people. Save their way of life from the seas rising. Lachlan nearly looses Iseult. Isabeau questions herself. They nearly loose the Lodestar. Like I said a lot is happening. But it’s a page turner and you’ll want to read it to see what happens to everyone.

This is one of those great fantasy sagas that has it all. Kate Forsyth brings to life a very rich and beautiful world that you can’t help but wish to be in. This six part saga is amazing and I have read it several times over and will again. I think that it is one that anyone who reads fantasy will love this saga.

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

ISBN: 0451459024

Pages: 400

Series: The Witches of Eileanan

Volume: 6

Night Myst by Yasmine Galenorn

Genre: Paranormal Romance; Indigo Court, Vampires, Fae, Vampiric Fae, Witches

Sub Genre: Urban Fantasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Back Cover: Eons ago, vampires tried to turn the dark Fae in order to harness their magic, only to create a demonic enemy more powerful than they could have imagined. Having quietly amassed their strength for centuries, the Vampire Fae are determined to enslave the world. Now Myst, Wueen of the Indigo Court, is rising again – and a long-prophesied war is about to begin… Cicely Waters, a witch who can control the wind, has returned home to New Forest, Washington, after learning that her family is in danger. The Indigo Court holds the city in fear. People are vanishing, and strange deaths blague the town. And when she is swept into an unexpected and passionate reunion with Grieve, the Fae prince who taught her how to harness the wind, Cicely finds herself with a fierce and territorial lover. But Grieve has become enslaved by Myst’s court, and now caught between two evils, the lovers must survive the machinations of the Vampiric Fae queen, even as Cicely untangles the hidden secrets to her own heritage.

This is the first book in the Indigo Court series. Cicely is finally going home to the only place that she has considered as home. But things are changing there and not for the better. People are either going missing or are found dead. As she starts to investigate she only comes up with more questions. It doesn’t help that the one person that she has loved for years has changed, adding to just more questions. Cicely is one of those characters that you can quickly relate to. There is a lot going on throughout the story that keeps you on your toes. I really enjoyed this book. The new take with Vampiric Fae I thought was brilliant. I can’t wait till next summer to read the next book in this series, Night Veil.

Publisher: Berkley

ISBN: 0515148148

Pages: 352

Series: Indigo Court

Volume: 1