Review ~ Murder of Crows ~ Anne Bishop

Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop
The Others #2
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchased on Nook
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: 
Goodreads

Synopsis
After winning the trust of the terra indigene residing in the Lakeside Courtyard, Meg Corbyn has had trouble figuring out what it means to live among them. As a human, Meg should be barely tolerated prey, but her abilities as a cassandra sangue make her something more.

The appearance of two addictive drugs has sparked violence between the humans and the Others, resulting in the murder of both species in nearby cities. So when Meg has a dream about blood and black feathers in the snow, Simon Wolfgard - Lakeside's shape-shifting leader - wonders if their blood prophet dreamed of a past attack or a future threat.

As the urge to speak prophecies strikes Meg more frequently, trouble finds its way inside the Courtyard. Now, the Others and the handful of humans residing there must work together to stop the man bent on reclaiming their blood prophet - and stop the danger that threatens to destroy them all.

Oh boy! I sure do love this world and spending time with the inhabitants of Lakeside and its Courtyard. I'm guessing you can tell how much I love it considering how quickly I read book #2?!? =)

Murder of Crows picks up essentially where Written in Red ended. The Others are still dealing with the threat to themselves as well as trying to avoid an all out war and also trying to protect Meg from those who'd try to take and/or harm her. And there's another issue - that of Simon and Meg's friendship/relationship and all the ramifications it could have.

I adore all these characters - their dynamics and interactions. Seriously love. But what makes this story that much more rich and engaging is that it's so thought-provoking. I think there are many parallels in Bishop's world and our own. I think there are some lessons we would learn - lessons in things like nature vs nurture, preconceived notions and prejudices, and the cyclical nature of animosity...I have 2 pages of notes! My family knows all about Meg, Simon, and the Others because it's a story that is constantly making me think and I have to share. LOL Maybe it's just me and Bishop didn't intend for all this thinking to occur...but this world affects me.

On the lighter side of things, I'm enjoying watching Meg and Simon as the fall for one another. And while its certainly a slow-burn (I don't even know if anything will ever come of it!) and I wouldn't mind things between them moving along more quickly, things have to move at this pace because Meg is so inexperienced in the world. It wouldn't work with her and Simon any other way.

I also admire how Simon and his Courtyard have taken on Meg's pack, how Simon's Courtyard differs from all others in their dealing with humans, and how it sets an example for all the others and Others.

I liked the new characters I met in this installment - especially Jean and the Intuits and I'm excited to see their impact on the story overall. I'm simply excited, period. I'm eager to see what happens next - what new danger will present itself and how relations between humans and Others will change - better or worse?

There's not a thing I didn't like about this story. And I'll be reading book #3 ASAP.

Review & Mini Blogger Girl Chat ~ Written in Red ~ Anne Bishop

Written in Red by Anne Bishop
The Other #1
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy
Source: Borrowed from the library
Rating: 5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut - a gift that feels more like a curse. Me'gs Controller keeps her enslaved so he can have full access to her visions. But when she escapes, the only safe place Meg can hide is at the Lakeside Courtyard - a business district operated by the Others.

Shape-shifter Simon Wolfgard is reluctant to hire the stranger who inquires about the Human Liaison job. First, he senses she's keeping a secret, and second, she doesn't smell like human prey. Yet a stronger instinct propels him to give Meg the job. And when he learns the truth about Meg and that she's wanted by the government, he'll have to decide if she's worth the fight between humans and the Others that will surely follow.

Gah! I can't believe I waited so long to read this! Written in Red was so good I was loathe to put it down. The world building was so well done - realistic but with just enough magic to create an escape - along with a fascinating story of creation. The characters - every single one - was so well developed that I feel like I know them all and I'm eager to hang out with them again. And, and, and I adore the fact that Bishop populated this story with strong female characters! There are quite a few "weighty" plot threads and Bishop wove them all together seamlessly. Seriously. So good!

The main story is that Meg escaped from where she'd been held her whole life and she makes it to the Lakeside Courtyward where the Others - vampires, wolf shifters, Elementals, etc. - live. There's something different about Meg and so the Others take her in and she becomes one of their own meaning they will protect her by any means necessary...even warring with the humans set on reacquiring her.

Meg hasn't live out in the world so she's learning every day, which was fascinating. But even more fascinating was watching as she taught the Others. They have an uneasy truce with humans but Meg is showing them that maybe not all humans are bad. The interpersonal lessons were heartwarming. But there was also plenty of action and suspense considering the factions out to get Meg. And while the immediate threat has been subdued - in grand fashion - Meg is still wanted. And I'm anxious for what comes next.

Meg is so genuine and sweet and compassionate. In many ways, she's like a child - not yet familiar with the world and therefore unbiased. You can't help but love her and all the Others prove just that. I'm hoping for something a little deeper to develop between Meg and Simon - a wolf shifter and the official leader of the Lakeside Courtyard.

I could go on and on but suffice it to say Written in Red was fan-freaking-tastic, I can't believe I waited so long to read it, and I will be continuing the series ASAP!

Robyn and I hadn't done a buddy read/blogger chat in quite awhile so we decided to do one for Written in Red. My text is in green, Robyn's is black. Enjoy!

What did you think of the story overall?

I fell into the story right away. I like stories that shift our world to the side just enough to fit a magical one inside. The Others were not likable and remained that way through the whole story and yet I quickly started liking them, even though they ate people! The blood prophet angle was new to me and there were times I felt queasy. I liked Meg immediately. She didn't back down even though nothing in her life was easy or safe. Simon was a growly unpleasant wolf. The supporting cast rocked. I loved the crows. I loved the idea of the Others having so many animal/magical traits that distanced themselves so much from humans they couldn't relate to the odd things humans did that are not actually odd.

I fell into the story immediately too. I loved that the Others were prickly and anti-heroes and heroines but I still ended up liking them...mostly because of how they took care of The Meg. :) I thought the blood prophet thing was interesting. Why are they considered human when they have a special ability? And why was it okay to keep them "captive"? I get humans selling the idea that blood prophets can't be by themselves...that part was sickening though. Simon. *sigh* I flove him! I love how caring he is even if he is super growly and would rather not have to stay in his human skin and doesn't know what to do when something that should smell like prey doesn't smell like prey. I think maybe that is why I loved the cast of characters so much...well, most of them anyway. And The Others in particular. They are scary and they do eat people. But they also take care of their own and they really stepped up when Meg became one of their own.

How did you feel about how the women were portrayed?

This one has me scratching my head as I try to remember feelings on this. The Others didn't seem to have any kind of male/female power struggle going on. Your standing revolved around your power and allies. The only woman really objectified in the story objectified herself and no one liked her for it. I would have liked more female cops/doctors/alpha leaders.

 

I felt like the women were portrayed as strong. I didn't like - can't think of her name - the bad woman. But I loved the scariness of Tess and Winter and yet they're still compassionate - at least where Meg is concerned.

What did you think of how everyone reacted to Meg?

It was one of the fun parts of the story, waiting for a new person to meet Meg. How will they react? Will they want to wrap her in bubble wrap because of the big bad scary Others? Will the Crows adopt her and start leaving shiny stuff for her? Will Simon ever stop growling? In that way, it felt kind of like a historical romance, all the nutty characters revolving around our awesome heroine.

Ooo, I love the comparison to HR. That's kinda true. And they all felt Meg needed taking care of. EVERYONE who met her, really. And yet, Meg was capable in her own way and she was taking care of them as well. I especially liked how she handled Sam. 

Are you totally shipping Meg and Simon?!?

(Are you totally??? what word did auto-correct fix?)

I'm laughing here...I meant, are you shipping Meg and Simon...as in wanting them to get to the good stuff! ;) I hope so hard that they get to the good stuff. :D

This is a new author for both of us, do you ever get new author apprehension? 

I do get new author apprehension. Particularly when it's an author that people, whose opinions I value, gush about the author. What if I don't like the author as much as my friend does? It's happened. But NOT in this case. I had it on good authority (*cough*Carmel*cough*) that this was a series must read.  

The Blood Prophet was a new magical ability for me, but the whole thing made me think of cutting and what a person gets out of it. Did you get that feeling? I couldn't figure out how I felt about that.

I liked having this new magical creature that I'd never heard of before but I did think about cutting initially. Then I decided to let it go. That way I could immerse myself in the story more. I don't know why Bishop chose to make blood prophets the way she did but in the end, it works. At least for me. 

Are we going to get good stuff in this series between Meg and Simon? Like in the next book? What's your guess? 

I certainly hope so! Who knows though. I'm going to guess it'll eventually happen but it might not be in the next book. But MAN do I hope it is!!! 

Who is your favorite character?

I don't know if I can decide...but I think I'd go with Meg. And then Sam. :) But honestly I loved them all. Except for the bad lady, of course. ;) Oh, and it was a close call with Elliot for a few minutes there. 

Review ~ The Taker ~ Alma Katsu #2017HW #ShelfLove

The Taker by Alma Katsu
The Taker Trilogy #1
Release Date: March 27, 2012
Genre: Adult, Historical/Contemporary, Paranormal, Romance
Source: Purchased paperback 
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2017HW, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
True love can last an eternity...but immortality comes at a price...

On the midnight shift at a hospital in rural St. Andrew, Maine, Dr. Luke Findley is expecting a quiet evening--until a mysterious woman, Lanore McIlvrae, arrives in his ER, escorted by police. Lanore is a murder suspect, and Luke is inexplicably drawn to her. As Lanny tells him her story, an impassioned account of love and betrayal that transcends time and mortality, she changes his life forever. At the turn of the nineteenth century, Lanny was consumed as a child by her love for the son of St. Andrew's founder, and she will do anything to be with him forever, but the price she pays is steep--an immortal bond that chains her to a terrible fate.

My review is going to be purposely very vague. I feel like it would give away too much of the story to provide specifics - even change perceptions and feelings. So this is mostly about how this story made me feel. Here goes:

• Katsu did a tremendous job in bringing the past and present together. The format fit the story well and the historical detail was nicely done. She brought Puritan-era Maine - which was only a territory at this time - to life. And I appreciated the comparison between past and present Maine - all the changes that had occurred.
• The characters are so well done - well, mostly and I'll explain that in a bit. But three of the four MCs, Katsu gave them such distinct personalities and made me both like and dislike them. These characters are flawed, greatly flawed. There were times I had a hard time thinking of them as heroes and heroine. This allowed for character growth, which was imperative for me since there were characteristics such as selfishness, greed...these were eventually tempered with loyalty and compassion. I'm certainly eager to see where they go from this point.
• About my "mostly" regarding the characters... the format bringing the past and present together was very satisfactorily done except that it kept me from really connecting with one of the characters. I have a feel for him and he's flawed but the storytelling kept me from getting to know him as deeply as I did the others. Katsu may have done this purposely as part of the story but I have a feeling I'll get that deeper connection in the next book.
• The paranormal element was fascinating and well done.

Overall, The Taker was compelling and a wonderful introduction to the trilogy. I'm anxious to continue.

Middle Grade Review ~ Listening for Lucca ~ Suzanne LaFleur

Listening for Lucca by Suzanne LaFleur
Release Date: August 6, 2013
Genre: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Paranormal
Source: Purchased hardcover (for my younger daughter)
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms
Challenges: Bookish Resolutions, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
"I'm obsessed with abandoned things." Siena's obsession began a year and a half ago, around the time her two-year-old brother Lucca stopped talking. Now Mom and Dad are moving the family from Brooklyn to Maine hoping that it will mean a whole new start for Lucca and Siena. She soon realizes that their wonderful old house on the beach holds secrets. When Siena writes in her diary with an old pen she found in her closet, the pen writes its own story, of Sarah and Joshua, a brother and sister who lived in the same house during World War II. As the two stories unfold, amazing parallels begin to appear, and Siena senses that Sarah and Joshua's story might contain the key to unlocking Lucca's voice.

Listening for Lucca was a sweet story. There were many elements I really liked but as I sat down to write my review, I found it hard to say exactly what the story was trying to convey - its message, if you will. Still, I liked it and am happy to have read one of my younger daughter's favorite books.

Siena and her little brother, Lucca, and their family, have moved from Brooklyn to Maine in an attempt to ease tension - live a more relaxed lifestyle - in hopes Lucca will speak again. Siena has a special gift - she sees things from the past - in fact, the house her family has moved to is one she's been dreaming about for years. Once they begin getting settled, Siena, and Lucca as well, experience some odd things which have Siena wondering how it is they really ended up here.

The story alternates between the present - Siena making friends, playing with Lucca - and the past - Siena getting the story of a brother and sister who once lived in their house, through trance-like states and/or dreams. There are similarities between Siena and Lucca and Sarah and Joshua, and Siena ends up setting out to help Sarah and Joshua in the past in order to repair things with Lucca in the present.

I liked the story overall. I enjoyed getting to know Siena and her family. I also enjoyed the historical element of Sarah and Joshua's life during WWII. The paranormal element was also well done even thought it's not exactly explained. That Siena is such a compassionate you girl (14 yo) and is willing to do anything she can to help her brother made her very likable. And I, of course, felt for Sarah and Joshua as the dealt with the repercussions of war. The story flowed well and I can understand why this is on my daughter's list of favorites.

Review ~ Uprising ~ Dawn Jayne #2015HW

Uprising by Dawn Jayne
Fires of Providence #1
Release Date: November 28, 2012
Genre: Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Romance
Source: Purchased paperback
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #2015HW, #ShelfLove 2015
Goodreads

Synopsis
Heralds are the most powerful of all angels, secretive and feared, created for a single purpose. Only those most courageous and worthy earn a place within the elite choir, and only by breaking ancient oaths held sacred can the honor be stripped. It's a punishment that hasn't been imposed in over two-thousand years, until a single reckless act sets off a firestorm, threatening to consume all creation.

Rise Hawke never suspected she'd been marked to play a role in the deadly events unfolding in the spiritual realm. Independent and resistant to authority, she isn't thrilled when she meets Dominik, an angel with new wings, an old grudge, and a mysterious agenda he's determined to impose.

Vowing to uncover the secrets kept from her, Rise soon learns that knowing what you are isn't nearly as dangerous as discovering why. Hunted by those who want to destroy her, and controlled by those who would see her fulfill her purpose, she is forced into a brutal battle set in motion long before she was ever born. It soon becomes clear that what one angel will risk to earn the title of Herald, is matched only by what another will do to keep it.

Uprising was a unique and complex approach to an angel story. It's unlike anything I've read before and although it had moments where I bogged down in detail, I was fascinated.

Ms. Jayne wove together an interesting world of angels, humans, minions, and lost souls, living among the spiritual and human realms. There are different choirs of angels, each with different 'jobs'. All but the Heralds are former humans who've earned their wings through growth and enlightenment. And each choir, each angel, is tasked with helping humans - souls - along their path. The Heralds are born angels and have powers no other angels have. I liked the laws and structures that govern the angels, minions, and lost souls. And I liked Ms. Jayne's use of the yin/yang to explain the spiritual realm. I also enjoyed Ms. Jayne's 'divine design' and the interplay between Lucifer, or the Light Bringer, and The Scriptures. They seem to have the grand plan and are doing their best to execute it.

Rise is a young woman who was raised in a fanatical home. She carries scars, both inside and outside, from her upbringing that are badges of all she endured. At 18, and no longer at home, she's finding out that she doesn't know herself all that well. Rise is different - not able to form true attachments, doesn't feel empathy - but there are reasons for this which are becoming clear.

Dominik is a Blue Angel and has been assigned as Rise's advisor. There are curious circumstances behind his assignment - mostly due to his tie to Tyre, a Herald who was stripped of his wings. Dominik is very loyal and steadfast in his cause. There were times I felt he was being stubborn on things only to find out he was bound by his oath or by laws.

Even though Tyre is present only for a short time, he left a lasting impact on the characters in the story. It was very apropos that Ms. Jayne titled a chapter Revelations as I had one epiphany after another while reading it. And I was impressed with her for keeping me in the dark for so long.

I'm very curious as to what comes next for this group. I'm left wondering what the end game is here and why. And although I'm eager to see Rise be more of her badass self, I'm also eager for more backstory on the relationship between Dominik and Tyre.

The slow moments, I believe, came from the detail dump, which was necessary since this was a first installment. I typically like a lot of detail but in this case, I felt it slowed the pace. Interesting world building and even more interesting characters made for a good read. I still don't know where the story is headed as the plot is unclear, but I'm keen to find out.

#COYER Review ~ Animal ~ Nikki Rae

Animal by Nikki Rae
Release Date: February 28, 2015
Genre: Adult, Paranormal
Source: I received a review copy, from the author via Xpresso Book Tours, in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 3.5 Bookworms

Synopsis
Ava has spent her life running from the monsters that lurk in the shadows, always the prey. She finally thinks she can settle down, have a normal life, and work on not being so scared of the world around her. That is until she runs into her worst fear.

He has finally found the potential family he has always wanted. All he has to do is make his little bird sing. Will Ava escape with her humanity intact?

Animal started out very slowly. The setup was slow. I did understand the necessity of the details once I got further into the story, but it did make me worry initially. While it did eventually capture and hold my interest, the pace never gained any speed.

Ava is a young woman who grew up knowing about vampires. After losing her parents as a teen, she spent her life on the run. She never knew exactly what she was running from but she suffered debilitating anxiety and panic attacks over it. While she lived in a particular location, with her cousin, Toni, she worked at pet stores. Ava had a real affinity for animals - especially birds. When we first meet Ava, she seems rather weak. We watch her suffer from panic attacks, lean on her cousin, and basically stand in the shadows. So it was fascinating to see her be strong, plot and execute plans, and struggle to hold onto her humanity once certain events occurred.

Michael first met Ava when she was a young girl. Her parents worked at integrating vampires into human society. They refused to help him. He has a long and sordid history. As we get acquainted with him, we learn about the ill-effects an upbringing can have. Michael was a character I loathed and yet, at times, I was able to feel empathy towards him. He's a character you want to pick apart, climb inside, and figure out the inner workings of his mind. But he will also scare you - make you want to hide under the covers.

Evan was a great anti-hero, of sorts. He played a crucial role in everything that happened to Ava, both good and bad. And I still can't bring myself to hold the bad against him. He evoked more sympathy from me over his trials and tribulations that Michael did. I genuinely felt there was a good person in him.

Rae's character development is what eventually won me over - kept me captivated. I liked the parallels she drew between Ava and Michael's canary. The dynamics between all the characters was interesting. It was only the pacing, which seemed plodding, and the switch between first person and third person narrative that took away from my enjoyment. (although I think the narrative switch makes sense)

Overall, I liked Animal once I became more invested in the characters. I will certainly read Rae again.

#COYER Release Day Review ~ Strange Magic ~ Michelle Mankin

Strange Magic ~ Part One
Strange Magic #1
Release Date: January 22, 2015
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal 
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis

Billy Blade is a hardworking, hard living, razor sharp musical force. Mysterious behind his dark shades, the rough around the edges Texan mesmerizes with his haunting harmonica and tantalizes with his dangerous looks and smooth country charm. His latest album is topping the charts. He's the newly crowned King of the Bacchus Krewe. He's definitely living the rock star dream.

Exotic Creole beauty Thyme Bellerose couldn't be more content. She has it all. An adoring grandmother. A handsome Tulane medical student beau. A satisfying job in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter. Her life is as rich as the ice cream she creates. She's got everything under control.

But control is an illusion. Dreams can turn into nightmares. And now during Mardi Gras, otherworldly powers stand ready to shape their destinies in ways they could never imaging.

Shadow and light. Magic and mystery. Reality and myth. All come together in a place where rules bend and lines blur. Even those between life and death.

Please note: This is Part One of a Two part novel. It does NOT stand alone. Part Two is available for pre-sale exclusively on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RU3NNX6

Recommended for mature readers. 17 and older.

I'm a huge fan of Mankin. This lady rocks at classics with a rock-n-roll spin and just straight-up rock-n-roll stories. Strange Magic is a bit different. It's paranormal, and that's just for starters. Mankin though, proves she just plain rocks at storytelling.

Strange Magic is set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras with Katrina barreling towards the coast. Then it weaves in some Roman mythology, a little voodoo, and a few characters who are perfectly at home in NOLA. Yeah, Mankin's created quite a unique world within the confines of NOLA. And she inhabited it with captivating characters. The result is fabulous.

In this first volume, we meet our MCs, Billy Blade and Thyme Bellerose, but this part of the story mainly involves Thyme. She's a sweetheart, genuine and compassionate. What she ends up enduring is unthinkable -- the why behind it is fascinating.

I can't think of a better setting than NOLA for a story like this one. That Katrina is about to strike added to the ominous feel. Mankin did an incredible job of creating a mythology and an atmosphere that feed into one another so well.

I honestly have no inkling as to where this story will end up. But I'm dying to unravel the mystery. 

Teaser Tuesday ~ #52

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

***

Strange Magic ~ Part One

Synopsis

Billy Blade is a hardworking, hard living, razor sharp musical force. Mysterious behind his dark shades, the rough around the edges Texan mesmerizes with his haunting harmonica and tantalizes with his dangerous looks and smooth country charm. His latest album is topping the charts. He's the newly crowned King of the Bacchus Krewe. He's definitely living the rock star dream.

Exotic Creole beauty Thyme Bellerose couldn't be more content. She has it all. An adoring grandmother. A handsome Tulane medical student beau. A satisfying job in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter. Her life is as rich as the ice cream she creates. She's got everything under control.

But control is an illusion. Dreams can turn into nightmares. And now during Mardi Gras, otherworldly powers stand ready to shape their destinies in ways they could never imaging.

Shadow and light. Magic and mystery. Reality and myth. All come together in a place where rules bend and lines blur. Even those between life and death.

Please note: This is Part One of a Two part novel. It does NOT stand alone. Part Two is available for pre-sale exclusively on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RU3NNX6

Recommended for mature readers. 17 and older.

***Teaser***

"You were always too good for me. Too sweet. Too pure. Too innocent."

Y'all know I'm a huge fan of Ms. Mankin. This new series is a bit of a departure for her. And I'm entralled. Completely.

**Release Party & Giveaway ~ Hunting in Bruges ~ E.J. Stevens**

Happy Release Day, E.J. Stevens!

Hunting in Bruges, the debut novel in the 

Hunters' Guild urban fantasy series, releases today. 

To celebrate, we are having a book and swag giveaway!

Keep reading for a chance to win a signed copy of 

Hunting in Bruges, a t-shirt, and more!

Hunting in Bruges (Hunters' Guild #1) by E.J. Stevens

Release Date:  November 11, 2014

Genre:  Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Pre-order on Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis
The only thing worse than being a Hunter in the fae-ridden city of Harborsmouth, is hunting vamps in Bruges.

Being shipped off to Belgium sucks. The medieval city of Bruges is quaint, but the local Hunters' Guild is understaffed, the canals are
choked with dead bodies, and there's no shortage of supernatural predators as likely suspects.

On second thought, maybe Bruges isn't so bad after all.

With a desire to prove herself, protect the innocent, and advance within the ranks of the Hunters' Guild, Jenna Lehane hits the cobbled streets of Bruges with blades at the ready. Someone, or something, is murdering tourists and dumping their bodies in the city's scenic canals. With the help of a mysterious stranger, Jenna begins to piece together clues that are dotted throughout the city like blood spatter.

Determined to stop the killings, Jenna delves into a bloody local history that only raises more questions--but some secrets are best left buried. Jenna must put her combat training to the test as she struggles to unearth the truth about an ancient enemy.

Hunting in Bruges is the first novel in the Hunters' Guild urban fantasy series set in the world of Ivy Granger.

E.J.'s Hunting in Bruges Playlist

Hey everyone!  I am so excited about the upcoming release of HUNTING IN BRUGES, the first novel in the Hunters' Guild urban fantasy series.  This book is filled with quirky characters,
bloodthirsty paranormal predators, and high octane fight scenes. So, just a warning, some of this music is pretty intense.

Hunting in Bruges Playlist

The Razor's Edge by Digital Daggers

Trophy by Bat for Lashes

Heartbeats by The Knife

Vanished by Crystal Castles

Heads Will Roll by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

When Anger Shows by The Editors

Walking with a Ghost by Tegan and Sara

How by The Neighborhood

Bones by Ms Mr

The Dreaming Moon by The Magnetic Fields

Arsenal by Kidneythieves

Leaving Tonight by The Birthday Massacre

What Else Is There? by Royksopp

Scorch the Ground by Seabound

Approaching Light Speed by Wolfsheim

Dead Stars by Covenant

The Bomb by Neuroticfish

Let Me Be Your Armor by Assemblage 23

Bullet by Covenant

Ghost by VNV Nation

Wreath of Barbs by Wumpscut

About the Hunters' Guild Series

The Hunters' Guild series is an urban fantasy series written by E.J. Stevens and set in the world of Ivy Granger. The series is told in the first-person point-of-view of Jenna Lehane, a Hunter with a troubled past, a proficiency with weapons, and an intolerance for monsters who target the innocent.

About the Author

E.J. Stevens is the author of the Spirit Guide young adult series, the bestselling Ivy Granger urban fantasy series, and the Hunters' Guild urban fantasy series.  When E.J. isn't at her writing desk she enjoys dancing along seaside cliffs, singing in graveyards, and sleeping in faerie circles.  E.J. currently resides in a magical forest on the coast of Maine where she finds daily inspiration for her writing.

Hunting in Bruges Release Party Giveaway

We are giving away a HUGE Hunting in Bruges prize pack. One winner will receive a Hunting in Bruges *signed* Trade Paperback, t-shirt, sticker, *signed* postcard, and poster! This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL. Giveaway winner will be randomly drawn by Rafflecopter. Giveaway runs from November 11-November 25.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Blog Tour Review ~ The Executioner at the Institute for Contaminated Children ~ Margaret E. Alexander**

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for The Executioner at the Institute for Contaminated Children by Margaret E. Alexander. My stop includes all the details for the book and my review.

The Executioner 

at the Institute for Contaminated Children

16 The deciding age of contamination.

30 The number of coin flips it takes to prove that Donna may have subconsciously used her genetically enhanced abilities to excel in school.

24 The number of hours Donna has to board a train to the Institute for Extraordinary Children.

14 The flights of stairs she must climb to get to her room.

700 The number of pages in the rule book that will determine how she eats, sleeps, and…well…smells for the remainder of the school year.

2 The number of members in her squad. Good thing Dan’s there to help get her abilities in shape and avoid Donna’s worst fear—humiliation. Her abilities skyrocket. Until the day she learns exactly what Dan is capable of.

1 The number of bodies that turn up dead.

0 Her chances of getting out alive.

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Margaret E. Alexander

Margaret E. Alexander

Margaret E. Alexander grew up in Miami, FL. Ten years of frizz and hurricanes chased her away to sunny San Diego, CA. While in college, studying biomedical engineering didn’t stop her from pumping out novel drafts every year. She found her escape in storytelling and others like her who sometimes preferred the world of fiction to the real one. The Executioner at the Institute for Contaminated Children is her first YA novel with Crescent Moon Press. She loves blogging about thrillers with young protagonists and is putting her art minor to good use with a graphic novel project on the side. Her wandering focus is the fault of her cat.

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This story hooked me with it's unique premise. Although I initially had a difficult time connecting with the heroine, I ended up riveted.

An accident at a chemical plan caused those people exposed to bear "contaminated" children. The special abilities that come along with being contaminated always surface by the child's 16th birthday. Donna, who was pondering how fantastic it'd be to know a superhero, finds herself labeled as contaminated on her 16th birthday. As such, she's sent to one of the Institutes for children like her. There she meets Dan. At first, he's really cocky and obnoxious. But eventually, we see through to the side of him that hides his pain and cares for others. They become partners. They train together - to hone their abilities. But the longer Donna's there, the stronger her senses that something in the Institute is amiss.

The story became very exciting and action-packed as Donna and Dan try to solve the mysteries of who runs the Institutes, who is the Executioner, and why were the contaminated children wanted?

I ended up really enjoying this story. The only reason it's a 4 bookworm read is that I had trouble connecting with Donna in the first third of the book. I will qualify that with a "it's me, not her" as Donna is a gamer and therefore used and referenced gaming. This is something unfamiliar to me and hindered my connection to her. The middle third switched to Dan's POV. I liked his perspective quite a bit. And his interactions with Donna helped bridge the gap for me, so that when the POV switched back to Donna in the final third of the story, I was on board with her.

I've never been much into comics or superheroes, but I think The Executioner at the Institute for Contaminated Children is reminiscent of them. There are characters with extraordinary powers, arch-nemeses that are unknown, and great villains. I think the story speaks to social injustices and prejudices in our society. I liked that. And it was done in a clever way. Ms. Alexander wove a creative story around great world building and well-developed characters. This will appeal to teens and adults alike. I'm anxious to know the rest of Donna and Dan's story.