Death’s Sweet Embrace by Tracey O’Hara

January 25th 2011, Harper Voyager

336 pgs., E-galley

Netgalley Copy

Second in Dark Brethren Series

 

From Goodreads: 

After centuries of secret conflict, humans and parahumans have reached an uneasy truce. But unspeakable evil now threatens the tenuous peace.

 

Teenaged shapeshifters are being slaughtered by a sadistic serial killer who rips their still-beating hearts from their paralyzed bodies. A task force forms to halt the madness, including the vampiric Aeternus Antoinette Petrescu, as well as Kitt Jordan and Raven Matokwe, members of enemy Animalian tribes . . . and forbidden lovers.

 

A centuries-old blood feud has divided their shapeshifting peoples, and if their passion is discovered it will doom them both. But past hostilities must be put aside, for the killer they seek is but the first sign of the all-consuming nightmare of The Dark Brethren.

 

Opinion:

As opposed to the first in the series this one had my attention from the first page. How could it not with an evil spirit commanding a guy to rip out a boy’s beating heart while the boy was still conscious? Seriously good hook.

 

The character development in this book also surpassed the first. Kitt is an extraordinary character who gave up everything in order to protect her twin daughters. The team seems to be a tight family, which adds a human element missing from the first.

 

The characters really stand apart.

 I even at times feel compassion for the killer.

 

Christian didn’t really have a place in this book, which was understandable as this was primarily Kitt’s book, but I missed him. So I certainly hope to see him more in the third.

 

Raven is strong, protective, and pretty awesome.

 

The twins bring an element that I haven’t read about in quite awhile. Kitt is a mother. A protective, fierce, mother.

 

The only issues I had with the book were: the dialogue seemed strained at times and POV changes can seem abrupt. But these technical didn’t distract from the story, which was pretty great.

This story surpasses the first in the series in character development, plot, and writing style, which makes for a great read.  
 

Rating: 4/5

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In My Mailbox (2)

In my Mailbox is a meme, created by The Story Siren, where we give a shout out to all the books we've received this week.

This week I don’t have the time to do a vlog, so old school it is.


I got four books from my library this week. They are:



Paranormalacy by Kiersten White


This book is a-mazing. Review will be up soon! Btw, I will sell my first born for an ARC copy of Supernaturally. :)



Clockwork Angel  by Cassandra Clare 


Heard so many great things about this one! Can’t wait to start.



Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr


Have you read my review of Wicked Lovely? Then you’ll know I’m waiting impatiently to engulf this one.



Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr


No waiting period between books. Super happy!


I got five books for review this week. They are:



The Vespertine by Saundra Mitchell


I received this from Netgalley. How amazing is this cover?




Delirium by Lauren Oliver


I received this from Netgalley. A world where love is a disease to be vaccinated. Sad and intriguing.



Immortalis Carpe Noctem by Katie Salidas


Katie has been an acquaintance of mine for years now. She’s sorta great, so how could I not ask to review this? I will also be having an author interview with her in coming months, so keep an eye out!



The Truth About Vampires by Theresa Meyers


I’m part of blog tour on this one including an author interview.




Tears on Tranquil Lake



When asked for a review on this both the title and blurb captured my attention, so I could say nothing but yes.


That wraps it up for this week. I got a lot of really good books this week, and am completely pleased. 

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Saturday’s Sexiest Character

Saturday’s Sexiest Character is a weekly feature where I list what I’ve read this week and which male character captured my attention the most.


This week I read:




Sexiest Character:


This week there is a tie. Lend from Paranormalcy and Raven from Death’s Sweet Embrace, both are dark tall and handsome. And my favorite dark, tall, and handsome guy is…






How can you not love True Blood with delectable hotties such as this?


Btw…does anyone know when the True Blood season premiere is scheduled for?

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Follow Friday

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View.  And the featured blogger is…ME. I can’t tell you how excited I am for this opportunity. I adore Parajunkee's View and this meme, as it's shown me many blogs I wouldn't have otherwise found.



This week's question is: What is your favorite school subject?

History. I love everything about history. It is like a novel that actually happened. One where the good guy doesn’t always win (there usually seems to be a reason), mystical beings are real (such as dinosaurs, mammoths, and a land full of buffalo as far as your eyes can see),  betrayal is still fresh after hundreds of years, and wars are fought and won for love, money, and land.


I’d like to ask my new and old readers, which time period they would most liked to live in, even if it is the present one.

The 1800's probably interest me the most, but I'm not sure if I'd rather be riding the range and being a rancher's wife or being a pirate's mistress. Both seem so adventurous, dangerous, and seductive. 

This week's question is: What book are you most looking forward to seeing published in 2011? Why are you anticipating that book?

The book I'm most anticipating in 2011 is one I actually bought today and have to wait 20+ days for... Jeaniene Frost's  This Side of the Grave. 

Updated: Wow, the turnout was amazing. In the next few days I will be going through each comment and new follower. Thanks guys! 

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Frostbite by Richelle Mead

April 2008, Razorbill

336 pgs., Paperback

Library Copy

Second in Vampire Academy Series

From Back Cover:

Rose Hathaway's got serious guy trouble.  Her gorgeous tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason has a huge crush on her, and she keeps getting stuck in her best friend Lissa's head while she's making out with her boyfriend, Christian.  (So not cool).


Then a massive Strigoi attack puts St. Vladimir's on high alert, and the Academy crawls with Guardians--including the legendary Janine Hathaway...Rose's formidable, long-absent mother.  The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy's not taking any risks.  This year, St. Vlad's annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.


But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only provide the illusion of safety.  When three students run away to strike back against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them.  Only this time, Rose--and her heart--are in more danger than she ever could have imagined...
 

Opinion

Good, but not as amazing as the first one. The action isn’t as intense, but connections grow stronger. Lissa isn’t as present in this book due to her relationship with Christian, but the tension between Rose and her mother is priceless. Including injuries and crying. Dimitri isn’t really present until the end. But there are new characters that have the potential to make the storyline even more interesting and minor characters have more of a part.

Mason has qualities that are in Rose, but these are the same qualities that Dimitri has taught her to control. Mia endures great pain and shows true courage.

I would recommend this book. I can’t wait until I have the next one. I‘ve been reading these pretty quickly as I enjoy them so much. 

Rating: 4.5/5

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Waiting on Wednesday

Button from Bewitched Bookworms

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases  that we, book bloggers, can't wait to read.


This book I’m waiting on:

Ripple

Mandy Hubbard

July 21st, 2011

Razorbill/Penguin

300 pgs.

From Goodreads:


Lexi is cursed with a dark secret. The water calls to her, draws her in, forces her to sing her deadly song to unsuspecting victims. If she succumbs, she kills. If she doesn’t, the pain is unbearable. To keep herself and those she cares about safe, she shuts herself off, refusing to make friends or fall in love—again. Because the last time she fell in love with a boy, he ended up dead.

Then Lexi meets Cole. Against her better judgment, she finds herself opening up again, falling in love when she knows she shouldn’t. But when she’s offered the chance to finally live a normal life, she learns that the price she must pay to be free of her curse is giving him up.

In Ripple, Mandy Hubbard spins a sea-ravaged tale of melancholy beauty, and the choices one girl makes between land and waves, love and freedom, her future—and her heart.


Why I want to read this:


Firstly, I’m into Sirens right now. Powerful women who can bring men to their death’s but choose not to. Struggle not to.


Secondly, that cover. It’s amazing.


Thirdly, choosing between the man she loves or possibly killing the man she loves with a power. She already knows the pain of killing the man she loves with a power she can’t truly control.

Please leave a link to yours, so I can check it out!

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Must read list

Cover of Dreamfever
I’m constantly talking about my must read list, but what does that list actually look like?  This is just a snippet of the actual list as the list can be overwhelming. There are over 100+ books on my actual list. Not to mention the ones that are beside my bed. A month ago I was at a lost for books to read and now I'm amazed at all the great books out there. What's on your reading list? What should I add to this list? Is your list amazingly long?

Books Wanted
The Body Finder by Kimberley Dereting
Blood Coven Vampire Novel
Boys that Bite by Mani Mancusi
Werewolf Series by Lydia Dare
Fallen by Lauren Kate
Killer Unicorns by Diana Peterfreund
Karma Girl by Jennifer Estep
Betrayed by Claire Robyns
Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis
Dreamfever by Karen M. Moning
Anxious Hearts by Tucker Shaw
Prisoners in the Palace by Michaela MacColl
Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine
Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J.R. Ward
Shade Series by Jeri Smith Ready
Shadowspell by Jenna Black
Once a Witch by Carolyn MacCullough
Haunting Emma series by Lee Nichols
Kissed by an Angel by Elizabeth Chandler
Cover of The Dark DivineImmortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan
Strange Angels series by Lili St. Crow
Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman
Entice by Carrie Jones
Dream Catcher Trilogy by Lisa McMann
The Dark Divine (The Dark Divine #1) by Bree Despain
The Summoning (Darkest Powers Trilogy #1) by Kelley Armstrong
The Devouring- Simon Holt

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Night's Cold Kiss by Tracey O'Hara

The Second in the series releases tomorrow.

  August 2009, Eos

 352 pgs., Paperback 

Library Copy 

First in Dark Brethren Series 

From Goodreads:

Watching her mother being savagely murdered left Antoinette Petrescu inflamed with hatred for the vampire race, but she now realizes that to exact her revenge, she needs the help of one of their kind. Little does she know that the bloodthirsty Christian Laroque cloaks his own secret agenda. Guaranteed to raise the pulse of readers who crave dark vampire fiction with strong romance plotlines.

Opinion:

There are issues with this book and I’ll go over them first, but don’t let that taint your opinion before you read the rest of the review.

The world is not explained fully. This left me utterly confused for the first fifty odd pages until I had read enough to figure it out. But some of the questions I had for the first fifty pages are still questions after reading the entire book.

But there is a dictionary of sorts at the back of the book. If you are reading this and confused as I was just flip to the back. This should be in the front of the book.

There is too much sex, just for sex sake. Sex that doesn’t further the plot. Just gratuitous sex. Hot sex, but gratuitous sex.

Christian feels flat at times.

Okay that’s all the bad things. Now for the good.

Viktor is great fun. He’s utterly adorable.

The plot gets amazing, let’s say it again, A-M-A-Z-I-N-G at about 100 pgs in. Betrayal, pain, and oh yeah the villian is kinda creepy cool.

Antoniette is probably one of my favorite female characters in books I’ve read in awhile.

Yes, it has negative bits, but it also has enough good to make up for it.

Rating: 3.5/5

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In My Mailbox (1)

This is my first attempt at In My Mailbox, meme from The Story Siren, and vlogging, so beware. I just got out of the shower, makeup-less, so I look monster-ous. Eye-rolling is simply me looking up. I'll get better this. And with no more further to do, here's my IMM.


Books Mentioned:
Night's Cold Kiss by Tracey O'Hara
Halo by Alexandra Ardonetto
Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

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Saturday’s Sexiest Character

This week I read two books, although I should have read many more and plan to spend the rest of tonight reading to catch up on some ARC's. Anyway, those two books I read were: Matched by Ally Condie (review coming, but I didn't finish) and Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr.


I’m gonna have to say the sexiest character out of these is Seth. I'm struggling for eye candy for this one since nothing I can find actually matches what I think of him.


So since the guy Cassia should have ended up with Xander. I don't know who she ended up with, but she should have. And Xander always reminds me of Buffy. Can you believe in this season of Private Practice he's a rapist? Poor sweet Xander. He's certainly type-casted for me.


Buffy's Xander:

How amazing is this trailer?

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Follow Friday

Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee's View. 


This week's question is: "Who do you cheer for?"


I dislike watching pro-sports, but ever since I’ve gotten married it’s on my television at least every Sunday. So I’ve found some favorites most of which are complete opposites of my husbands. College football I’ve had favorites forever. I also love basketball.


College Football-Oklahoma State University


College Basketball-Kansas State University


MLB-Texas Rangers (man, did I ever want them to win the World Series this year. Especially after the bankruptcy they’ve been going through.


NBA-Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.


NFL-Any team Brett Farve is on, although I’m sorta disgusted by his recent actions.


I think that about wraps up all of my favorite teams up.

There is no blog hop this week. 

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Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

August 2007, Razorbill

336 pgs., Paperbook

Library Copy

First in Vampire Academy series

From Back Cover:

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires--the ones who never die.

The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.

After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking hearts.

Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir's--but their world is fraught with danger both inside and out of the Academy's iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever...

Opinion

Spoilers Caution: As I’m late to the party I’m going to assume you’ve already read this book. If you don’t want vague details don’t read ahead.

In one word: Amazing.

Another YA that deals with real issues as well as being a purely good read. It deals with an issue close to my heart. You can tell the author truly understands cutting. As a former self-mutilator I could easily see that she understands the issue well.

But besides from that it was a truly good book. Rose and Demitri simply have got to get together. Lissa and Christian make a great couple and the fact that Rose has a bond with Lissa that lets us see her from that viewpoint helps to round her out as a fully developed character.

I hope they start to help Mia instead of having a cyclical vicious relationship throughout. Mason would be a good match for her as he seems the night in shining armor type and they could have little dhampirs.

If the next in the series as as good as the first this may easily become my new favorite series.

PSA:

If you are dealing with any type of self-harm I urge you to get help. There are many places you can get help within your own community. Religious leaders (such as pastor), guidance counselors, or simply talking with a friend. But if  you don't feel comfortable talking to any of these there are helplines where you can remain anonymous.

SAFE (Self Abuse Finally Ends) Hotline: 1-800-DONT-CUT

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Blogiesta

Blogiesta is a blog challenge hosted by Mawbooks. I’m dedicating myself to these goals. I’m not sure how long it will take me, and I’m pretty busy this weekend. But I should be able to complete all of this. I will cross them off as I complete them.

• Write four reviews
  
• Read all ARC’s
  
• Create a banner for upcoming giveaways
• Load my reviews on Goodreads 
• Re-organize my Goodreads shelves 
• Complete a vlog for IMM
  
• Update my challenge reading lists
  
• Create challenge progress bars
  
• Think of posts that are book related, but not reviews
• Clean out and organize my Google Reader
  
• Create a blog roll from my followers and those I follow
• Put out guest post invitations
• Make sure all of your social network profiles are up to date.  Be consistent in those profiles with color scheme, images, etc.
• Make sure you have properly copyrighted your blog and know what to do when somebody reposts your material.
• Set up a Gravatar
• Add a signature to posts

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Waiting on Wednesday

Button by Bewitched Bookworms

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases  that we, book bloggers, can't wait to read.


The book I’m waiting for this week is:

Blood Magic

Tessa Gratton

April 26th, 2011

Random House Books for Young Readers

368 pgs.

First in Blood Magic Series

From Goodreads:


For Nick Pardee and Silla Kennicot, the cemetery is the center of everything.

Nick is a city boy angry at being forced to move back to the nowhere town of Yaleylah, Missouri where he grew up. He can’t help remembering his mom and the blood magic she practiced – memories he’s tried for five years to escape. Silla, though, doesn’t want to forget; her parents’ apparent murder-suicide left her numb and needing answers. When a book of magic spells in her dad’s handwriting appears on her doorstep, she sees her chance to unravel the mystery of their deaths.

Together they plunge into the world of dark magic, but when a hundred-year-old blood witch comes hunting for the bones of Silla’s parents and the spell book, Nick and Silla will have to let go of everything they believe about who they are, the nature of life and death, and the deadly secrets that hide in blood.


Why I can’t wait:


Two teens lose everything and have to investigate their own beginnings. How could you not be curious and how gorgeous is this cover?

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My Journey to Reading

When I was three I got interested in learning how to read. My mother and sister constantly had their noses in books and I wanted to be able to do it as well. My mother was an elementary teacher, so like many mothers she sat me down to learn how the alphabet came together to form words. I found this incredibly difficult so I got frustrated which ended in me giving up. Not until I was in first grade was the problem with my ability to learn to read recognized. I was severely dyslexic.

The fact that my mother was a teacher and would work with me for hours as well as the fact that her job had educational benefits such as experimental computerized glasses that I could use during teacher conferences. These glasses would track my eye movement on a page and then the operator could see how to help me improve my reading ability.


In the second grade my class went to the school library where I found the series The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler. I read the first nineteen books within a month. This was a time of turmoil within my family and I quickly found that this was a way I could entertain myself in my bedroom far away from chaos.

I then found Anne of Green Gables series, as well as Little House on the Prairie series.. These were difficult at first, but I quickly had a new vocabulary and my reading level was advancing above others in my class. By the time I was in 5th grade, I had a college level reading score on standardized testing.


I strictly read historical fiction until I found Harry Potter. This was such a fantasy world. A world where the abused boy gained power. I was enraptured by this and quickly started reading all that was magical.

Ever since I picked up that first book in The Boxcar Children series I haven't stopped reading. My best friend has never, not once read a book cover to cover. I can't imagine an existence such as this. Reading is a gift that I treasure.

Have you overcame any obstacles in your love to read? What was the first book you read on your own and enjoyed?

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Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

June 2007, HarperTeen

328 pgs., Hardback

Library Copy

First in Wicked Lovely Series

From Goodreads:

All teenagers have problems, but few of them can match those of Aislinn, who has the power to see faeries. Quite understandably, she wishes that she could share her friends' obliviousness and tries hard to avoid these invisible intruders. But one faery in particular refuses to leave her alone. Keenan the Summer King is convinced beyond all reasoning that Aislinn is the queen he has been seeking for nine centuries. What's a 21st-century girl to do when she's stalked by a suitor nobody else can see? A debut fantasy romance for the ages; superlative summer read.

Opinion

This had my attention from page one and didn’t let go. Aislinn (Ash) is a courageous, confident, compassionate character that I quickly loved. Her unwillingness to abandon her loyalties allows for a happy ending without compromise. Wicked Lovely had my emotions fully engaged from the first chapter. 

Beira is a antagonist that is easy to despise and there are two sets of hero’s that are impossible not to love.

I haven’t read a love story this good in ages, and the fact that wasn’t forced into being something it shouldn’t have been made this book.

Although, I got this from the library I will likely buy it for my personal collection.

5+/5

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Saturday’s Sexiest Character

My husband has held me captive to Lost. Neither of us watched it when it was on and we’ve fallen in love with it, so I’ve only read one book this week. That book is Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead. Christian is pretty hot right?


But I’m gonna be un-book-y and do it on a Lost character. I think the cutest guy is kinda a unsung hero. Btw I’m only in the beginning of the 2nd season so please don’t give me any spoilers.


Sexiest character of the week:


And just because I’m totally in love with his hair.

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First Award

STYLISH BLOGGER AWARD

I have been awarded the Stylish Blogger Award by Mandy at Literary R&R.  Thanks, Mandy for honoring me with my very first award! I'm actually quite excited about this. 

Now that I've received said award, rules must be followed.  Here they are:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.
2. Tell us 7 things about yourself.
3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers.
4. Contact these bloggers and let them know they have won!

7 things about myself

1. I grew up in Oklahoma and moved to Texas a year and a half ago to be with my now husband. I went to OSU so I'm still devoted, but if OU is playing Texas I'm totally rooting for the Longhorns.
2. My husband grew up in the Middle East. He was born in Alexandria, Egypt and since I really suck at geography, but am a History major I thought Egypt was the entire continent of Africa and Africa was somewhere else. Okay, maybe this was a total blond moment on my part.
3. I like lots of gross combinations of foods, but cannot stand my food touching. My favorite combinations include: pork and beans and cottage cheese, mashed potatoes and ketchup, and sweet and sour (especially McDonald's) with everything from hamburgers to fries.
4. If I didn't want to be a mother, I'd want to be a archeologist and spend my life finding treasures in dirt.
5. As a high school student I vowed to not even date until I graduate after college, but ended up married in the middle of my sophomore year. That was a year ago today. It won't really be recognized by me or my husband as we long ago agreed to have Feb. 15th be our anniversary as it's our dating anniversary. Which kinda sucks as I don't get Valentine's day, but means triple pressure on him to perform well. And he does an outstanding job.
6. I want to spend a summer in a cottage in Ireland. Just me, a laptop, and a pub down the road. In these 3 months, I want to believe in sprites, ghosts, and any local lore. I want to see hundreds of sheep crossing the road in front of me. 
7. Many changes in my life will be coming in the year 2011 and I'm usually consumed by fear these changes. But every now and again I'm elated in a way that I can't describe.

Who I award

1. In the Good Books 

2.All Things Supernatural

3. The Lit Express

4. My Need to Read

5. The Reading Fever

The rest coming in the morning. I sorry, I really got to jet.

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Follow Friday

Via Crazy for Books.


Question of the week: "Why do you read the genre that you do? What draws you to it?" 


Answer: I use books as an escape route. A place where no of my problems exist. Bills don't need to be paid. There's no papers that need written. There's no issues within my marriage. An escape to a place where magic happens and everything has a solution.

Via Parajunkee.

Question of the week: What makes up my non-human family? 

 Answer: A lovely mischievous dog, Chloe. We will be adding a second dog soon, but for now it's my very spoiled baby. My husband says I spoil her too much, which is likely the case. But I ask you how can you resist this face?

 

Via Bitten by Paranormal Romance.

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Claimed by Shadow by Karen Chance

Cover via Amazon

 

April 2007, ROC

374 pgs., Paperback

Personal Copy

Second in Cassandra Palmer Series

 

From Back Cover:

 

A recent legacy made Cassandra Palmer heir to the title of Pythia, the world's chief clairvoyant. It's a position that usually comes with years of training, but Cassie's circumstances are a little...unusual.  Now she's stuck with a whopping amount of power that every vamp, fey, and mage in town wants to either monopolize or eradicate-and that she herself doesn't dare use.
What's more, she's just discovered that a certain arrogant master vampire has a geis on her-a  magical claim that warns off any would-be suitors, and might also explain the rather ... intense attraction between them. But Cassie's had it with being jerked around, and anyone who tries it from now on is going to find out that she makes a very bad enemy...

Opinion

“Claimed by Shadow” is not as good as the first in the series, but it is still very good. When Cassie is brought in front of the vampire council she feels controlled and begins a rampage that takes her through two different worlds and makes her grow into her whole Pythia self. The geis is annoying and I know many other readers agree with this assessment, but it does not hinder the story too much.  Many if not everyone she comes in contact with underestimate her. I recommend this entire series, but keep in mind the first is the best in series so far.

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