Book Review: The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead

The Indigo Spell is the third book in the Bloodlines series by this supremely talented story-teller, Richelle Mead. Once again I was drawn into the crazy, non-stop action-driven world of Sydney Sage, a rebellious Alchemist torn between duty and the the vampire Moroi that she's been drafted to protect.
The Indigo Spell, as with all Richelle Mead's novels, crafts multiple sub plots throughout. Thankfully in this installment we focus specifically on Sydney and her moral struggle with performing magic, her questionable feelings for a playboy vampire, and the hefty price splitting her loyalties may bring.
Tasked with uncovering a youth-stealing witch while simultaneously deciding whether or not to trust in a indigo-tattooed, ex-alchemist with a similar agenda, and Sydney has her hands full. Avoiding magic has been a doctrine of her upbringing, but to master it may mean saving her life and those she cares about. Also finding a way to link unsavoury Alchemist activities offers Sydney a chance to explore areas previously forbidden - her growing love for Adrian Ivashkov.
The Indigo Spell is filled with non-stop drama and enough tension-riddled moments of romantic angst to make you throw the book at the wall. Imagery, as always, is sufficient and succinct and the words cleverly crafted to keep motion within the plot. I was especially drawn to Adrian in this novel, Richelle mead offering up just a few new snippets of sensitivity that make you unexpectedly swoon.
With nothing negative to report, other than the fact the writer in me was supremely excited to find two technical errors via the editing in a professional writer's book - a lesson we are all human - and I can happily rate this novel four out of five fangs.

Synopsis:
In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

Book Review: Ever Shade by Alexia Purdy

Ever Shade is the first book in the Dark Faerie Tales series by Alexia Purdy, an uncomplicated novel about a young girl called 'Shade', seemingly human, but very quickly inducted into the world of the supernatural.
An epic tale begins, Shade is drafted into a Faerie queen's cause to save her throne and subjects by obtaining magical waters from the Santirian Mountains. It's uncertain exactly why Shade is involved, and you never really find out why this water is so important, but the journey seems to be the true object of the tale.
A quest for the brave, we meet some interesting characters along the way. Warriors of righteous might, disfigured princes, crazy, riddle-driven queens, and of course, an abundance of fey. We are offered a snippet of each character, some background information, and are often rewarded by a showing of their gifts in deliverance of an action-based sequence.
What I liked about this story was the writer's imagination and clear delight in her craft. I also liked that I was often confused by the misleading, romantic interludes that left me guessing as to the true intent of Shade's heart. Even now, though drawn to several characters, I'm at an impasse as to who I think she should choose - if anyone at all given her blasé attitude towards any and all encounters.
Unfortunately, that's where my enjoyment of this story ended, and although I will not critique the writer's ideas, as these were compelling, I was not enamoured with the editing or lack of clarity in the sentence structure.
I was flooded with pointless adverbs that I found often confused the imagery and over-crowded what could have been simplistic paragraphing. Metaphors were slung around like a backyard football, clumsy and sometimes falling short of point. Combine this with a lot of double descriptions, and I felt as if I was reading every sentence twice.
As I said, the ideas are wonderful and the passion is evident, but it was difficult for me to get past the wording. I rate this novel two fangs out of five, based entirely on what I believe to be easily redeemable with stronger editing. But please remember, this is but the opinion of one, not a general consensus and certainly not an errant dismissal of the writer's obvious passion and creativity.

Synopsis:

For Shade, a chance meeting with a powerful Teleen faery warrior who wields electrical currents and blue fires along his skin has her joining him on a treacherous mission for the good Seelie Faerie Court across the land of Faerie. Magic and malice abound and nothing is what it really seems to be.
The evil Unseelie Queen and her treacherous allies are round every corner as Shade makes her way across the breathtaking landscapes of the world of Faerie, which exists alongside the mundane human world. Shade discovers her own uncharted magic and meets some of the most powerful warriors in Faerie while battling evil dryads, conniving Teleen guards and challenges on her life with every step in a world where nothing can be taken for granted.

Book Review: Rae of Hope by W.J. May

Wow. What a surprising little novel. 
Rae of Hope explores the exciting new world of magic for an almost sixteen year old girl oblivious to the world of gifted individuals. Marked by tattoos inherent from a singular parent, Rae Kerrigan is the unknowing recipient of such a mark.
Starting at a new school filled with students at the cusp of accepting these tattoos, Rae soon learns more about her past, the unusual coupling of her parents and the power of each tattoo. Speed, visions, strength, dream domination and the chameleon ability of adapting to others are just a few to name, and naturally everyone expects Rae's to be something extra special.
But with power also comes greed, and since Rae is a suspected prodigy, there are more than few characters at the school trying to muscle in on her gifts and exploit the darkness of her past.
Interestingly, I rather enjoyed reading this novel despite the fact that the plot was not interspersed with hard hitting action, riotous humour or bouts of horror. In fact, it was rather sedate but ironically engaging through character dialogue and the mysterious unfolding of Rae's past. With a touch of simmering romance and plenty of promise for an interesting second collaboration, I happily rate this novel three and a half out of five fangs.

Synopsis:

How hard do you have to shake a family tree to find out the truth of the past? 
Fifteen-year-old Rae Kerrigan has never questioned her family’s history. That is until she accepted a scholarship to Guilder Boarding School in England. Guilder is a very unique, gifted school. 
Rae has no idea what she is getting herself into or that her family’s past is going to come back and taunt her. She learns she is part of an unparalleled group of individuals who become marked with a unique tattoo (tatù) on their sixteenth birthday. The tatù enables them to have supernatural powers particular to the shape of their marking. 
Both her parents were marked though Rae never knew, as they passed away when she was young and never told her. Learning about her family’s past, her evil father and sacrificial mother, Rae needs to decide if there is a ray of hope for her own life.

The Damned (volume 2 The Hunted) It's coming ...

Great news peoples. The Damned - the long overdue, much anticipated second installment in The Hunted series is almost here. The books are in print and should be shipped and in my hot little hands within a fortnight.
And have no fear! For those of you super keen on e-books, they're being organised as you read this, including new formats for The Hunted. So in light of this fact, I've decided to post the preface for you to have a read through - whet your appetite so to speak.
Enjoy, my friends. The real deal will be here lickety split. Thanks for your patience.

PREFACE

The stranger lifted the warm mug of AB negative to his lips. He took a few swift gulps, felt the sweetness of the warmed fluid caressing his tongue and setting his tastebuds aflame. Like liquid velvet it slid down his throat, strengthening and replenishing his body from within, and filling him with the rich satisfaction that could only come from the taste of blood.
He could feel his arteries dilate, his senses sharpening as life-force began to satiate his awakened thirst. His pulse throbbed under the influx, eventually slowing to a stop again once the blood had dissipated into his system.
It was good to be a vampire.
Body still burning for more, the stranger gestured to the barman for another. This packaged stuff known as Synth Blood could sustain him but was nowhere near as gratifying as fresh blood from a warm human body. He longed to bury his fangs in the neck of an unsuspecting victim, rend at flesh until the warmth of their essence spilled across his tongue, making him whole again. For now he had to suppress his instincts, though, to prevent his detection from the ones still hunting him.
Only one month had passed since the stranger had last killed but his skin already itched with the need to taste a human’s fear. As he revelled in his memories of the hunt, an image of his wife came to mind, and with it a sadness that was all consuming. His wife had shared in his bloodlust, his uncontrollable desire to feed. She had hunted beside him, night after night, and eventually murdered because she had rightfully lived as the predator she was created to be. The stranger’s blood still boiled thinking about her unrighteous death and the creature that had caused it. But the time for retribution was coming.
He would make sure of it.
The stranger glanced around the bar. It was mostly empty; no real surprise considering it was high noon. The turned vampires would all spend their daylight hours hiding in darkened spaces, waiting for nightfall. Born vampires were able to move around in the daylight but were still forced to avoid direct sunlight. At this point, as the thirst still rode him, the stranger cared little for shelter.
‘You travelled far this evening?’ the barman asked, setting down a fresh mug of heated blood and jogging the stranger from his reverie.
He accepted it gratefully and took a sip. ‘Not especially,’ the stranger said, eyeing the barman from head to toe.
The barman was a turned vampire, probably no more than thirty years of age. He had short, sandy blonde hair and unassuming blue eyes. Despite being slightly rotund in the mid-section he was still as beautiful as the rest of his race.
‘Are you from Spain or Italy?’ the barman asked, an eyebrow rising. ‘I’m trying to pick your accent.’
The stranger took another sip. ‘I’m Italian.’
‘No kidding?’ He wiped at a spill on the counter top. ‘You must be part of Lucius Valerius’s coven.’
The stranger contained his desire to sneer. ‘No. I belong to no coven and I especially do not answer to Lucius Valerius. At least, not anymore.’
‘Here, here. The last sixteen years under Lucius’s rule have been difficult. I really used to enjoy hunting humans before it was outlawed.’ The barman absently wiped at another spill. ‘Granted, I make money from the sale of Synth Blood and the shelter my neutral bar provides, but it’s not the same as the thrill of hunting for fresh blood. The only way I can function now, without being hunted down by Lucius or his thralls, is to stay here where I have all the blood I need. Confrontations with humans are too ... tempting.’
‘That’s pathetic,’ the stranger said.
The barman frowned. ‘We all do what we can to survive. Sometimes that means swallowing your pride and advocating for the Devil.’
The stranger smiled. The barman didn’t realise how on the money he was. Lucius was demon spawn.
Taking the stranger’s smile as an invitation to talk further, the barman leant forward on his elbows, smiling warmly. ‘So what brings you to Paris, anyway?’
The stranger wasn’t in the mood for idle chit-chat, but doubted that the barman would leave him alone. ‘I’m looking for someone.’
‘Perhaps I can help?’
The stranger shook his head, taking a few more gulps of blood. It wasn’t his favourite brew, but the liquid was undeniably starting to satisfy his primal cravings. ‘I don’t think so.’
‘If you’re looking for a vampire in Paris, I know everyone by name.’
The stranger gritted his teeth. ‘I thank you for the drink,’ he said, holding up the mug, ‘but I wish to finish it in peace.’
The barman scowled. ‘I was just making conversation.’
‘Unwanted conversation. Go find another patron to annoy.’
‘There are no other patrons.’
The stranger looked around, noting that the few other patrons had left. He’d always had that effect on people.
He glanced at the barman.
Pity.
The stranger drained the remaining contents of his mug and pushed it back towards the barman.
Frowning, the barman turned his back on him.
‘Barman, I require another drink.’
‘In a minute. I gotta clean,’ he said, busying himself with the relatively unimportant task of filling a small sink behind the bar with hot, soapy water.
The stranger drummed his fingers on the counter impatiently. The barman started to wash and stack glasses, now ignoring him completely.
‘Barman, I bid you pour me another drink before you make me angry. And before I do something that you will regret.’
The barman glanced around and smirked insolently. ‘I’ll pour you another drink when I’m ready.’ He went back to stacking glasses. ‘And do not threaten me. I am Vampire, just as you are.’
The stranger sighed. He could have left the bar. He could have sought nourishment from some other venue or even hunted down his own humans. But, now, that wasn’t enough.
The stranger, moving with inhuman grace, was behind the bartender moments later, his hands gripping the creature’s sides so tightly it could barely move.
His rage could no longer be contained.
‘What the―let go of me!’
‘Are you ready now?’ the stranger whispered, spinning the barman around to face him. In one swift motion, he sank his fangs deep into the barman’s throat, ripping out his jugular in a vicious shower of crimson-slicked gore. As his victim thrashed in his embrace, warm blood poured down the stranger’s chin and sprayed the front of his shirt. As the stranger felt the last of the barman’s life leaving his body, he tossed what remained onto the floor with a resounding thud.
He wiped the excess blood from his lips, spitting onto the floor. 
‘Much better,’ the stranger murmured, stepping over the body and moving towards the front door without so much as a backward glance. ‘Turned vampires―as easy a prey as humans.’ 
He pushed open the front door and cringed. Where the rays from the midday sun struck him, blistering lines burned across his features. Searching quickly for a shady area through which to walk, he soon spied a darkened alleyway and hurried out towards it. 
He considered the next step in his plan carefully. He needed leverage, something that would turn an enemy into a friend, or at the very least, an enemy into an ally. 
The Vânătors, a fierce race of fanatical werewolves, were not exactly known for their negotiating skills. They were hungry predators, born from the blood of the Vampire and completely uncaring of anyone’s needs but their own. They were wild, the very worst variation of a vampire’s genetic nature, and were the perfect tool for his vengeance. 
The Vânătors penchant for vampiric blood would definitely work to the stranger’s advantage. Their mating habits produced large packs, enough to cause any vampire trouble. Also, their ability to shapeshift into the form of any human they had previously fed from meant they could move around mostly undetected—a useful trick. 
He just needed to figure out what it was the Vânătors desired. 
The stranger smiled. He saw the future in his mind, laid out in the front of him. It was a future he hoped to share with other, likeminded vampires, with any other supernaturals tired of suppressing their natural instincts. The stranger’s future would mean no more hiding in the shadows, where vampires reigned supreme and blood was the word on everyone’s lips. 
A future he could really sink his teeth into.

Kristy :)

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Book Review: Fury's Kiss by Karen Chance

What can I say? This author is a paranormal wordsmith and I am addicted!
Fury's Kiss is the third book in Karen Chance's 'Midnight's Daughter' novels. It continues with effortless transition from previous novels into the well known characters and carefully unfolding plot that I love. I was thrown right back in the thick of the action, my imagination immersed in this intriguing world of sexy vampires and sadistic fey.
Fury's Kiss once again follows the endearing antics of Dhampir, Dorina Basarab. Half human and half vampire, Dorina is capable of just about anything - bursts of aggression, acts of compassion, and enough dry wit to leave grit between your teeth.
Dorina, usually so capable and a convenient weapon for the vampire senate, is suddenly thrown off guard when she wakes up in the center of a smuggling/murder investigation. With memories seemingly stolen under her very nose, she begins to suspect that the vampiric half of her nature may be responsible - month long blackouts ending in carnage a usual result. But as the layers of deception are peeled back and more players are drafted via nefarious intent, Dorina is compelled to put the assorted tensions with her all-powerful father, Mircea in the past and allow him to metaphysically riffle through her brain.
Digging up the present can be tricky. But what happens when the the past is made present? What happens when memories of a childhood long forgotten could be the very reason Dorina is so unwilling to trust now?
Fury's Kiss had me on the edge of my seat. Like with all Karen Chance novels, the characterization is eerily consistent and dialogue so witty and emotionally driven that I feel almost compelled to yell direction. With such beautifully crafted imagery and an over-packed stadium worth of action and gorily detailed violence, I was never left wanting - except perhaps for the next installment.
A novel as good as this struggled to unearth criticism and since I enjoyed it enough to debate about putting it down, I can safely rate Fury's Kiss five out of five fangs - simply gripping!

Synopsis:

Dorina Basarab is a dhampir—half-human, half-vampire. Subject to uncontrollable rages, most dhampirs live very short, very violent lives. But so far, Dory has managed to maintain her sanity by unleashing her anger on those demons and vampires who deserve killing... 
Dory is used to fighting hard and nasty. So when she wakes up in a strange scientific lab with a strange man standing over her, her first instinct is to take his head off. Luckily, the man is actually the master vampire Louis-Cesare, so he’s not an easy kill.
It turns out that Dory had been working with a Vampire Senate task force on the smuggling of magical items and weaponry out of Faerie when she was captured and brought to the lab. But when Louis-Cesare rescues her, she has no memory of what happened to her.
To find out what was done to her—and who is behind it—Dory will have to face off with fallen angels, the maddest of mad scientists, and a new breed of vampires that are far worse than undead.

Book review: Pyxis by KC Neal

Pyxis, aptly titled "The Discovery" is a novel, for my mind, designed only to introduce you to the idea of a future plot and the building of strong character foundations.
Pyxis presents the idea of something compelling, a story involving a pyramidal group of teens - protagonist Corrine, her best friend Angeline, and her sometimes-maybe-boyfriend Mason. 
Formed by the trappings of high school, but forging closer upon the discovery of this mystery box known as the "Pyxis", and the novel attempts to explore its purpose and the reasons why these kids have been chosen.
Interestingly enough, you never find out what the Pyxis is. In fact, the novel doesn't explain much of anything bar family secrets never to be fully revealed. I felt bogged down by several chapters exploring a cookie experiment using unidentifiable liquids from the Pyxis box bearing no hypothesis or result. Following these lack-luster chapters with shared nightmares of fog between Corrine and Mason and I started to think we might be getting somewhere - at least some answer or deeper deluge into their meaning, but then boom, the novel is pretty much at its end.
I wish I could say that I enjoyed Pyxis, but with a million questions unanswered and no discernible plot direction, I can't imagine picking up the next installment as I wasn't left wanting.
I cannot fault the writing style, the descriptive content, or the dialogue, as this was very consistent throughout the novel. Imagery was particularly creative and the introduction of some sinister characters did give the book promise, but with too much space in between explanation, no moments of suspense and very little intrigue, I can only rate this book two out of five fangs.

Synopsis:

Corinne lives an average teenage life working at her dad’s cafe, hanging out with her best friend, and trying to forget a falling-out with her almost-boyfriend Mason. Things take a strange turn when she uses her late grandmother’s food dyes for a bake sale, and her customers suddenly find her irresistibly alluring. Then she discovers she and Mason are haunted by the same dreams of a dark force that consumes everything in its path. 
Pursued by shadowy figures and a crazy woman with secrets from the past, Corinne must find out who her grandmother really was. In her quest to unravel her family’s history, she learns she is destined to protect this world--and the dark world of her dreams. She races to find the answers she seeks before her nightmares break free.

Kristy :)

Book Review: Bound by CK Bryant

Let me just start off by saying that Bound by author CK Bryant is riveting, action-packed, and downright enjoyable. From the first page to the last I was enmeshed in the complicated world of the mousy Kira, and her rambunctious best friend, Lydia. Not to mention, the charismatic, but somewhat domineering Octavian, Lydia's brother and protector, and Kira's awakening crush.
After a photo shoot in the wilderness goes wrong and Lydia is forced to confront her troubled past and explain the inconsistencies in her personality to her friend Kira, the author takes us on a journey with zero backward glances. Learning of Lydia's true heritage and Octavian's role, Kira begins to understand that the world is so much bigger than she believed. Dangerous assassins and tales of another world place the understandably confused Kira at an impasse. Does she go back to the world she knows despite no longer having a place in it? Or does she learn to accept the truth her friends reveal, bind herself to Lydia and become something so much more than her fragile human mind can accept?
Bound is a fast-paced novel eloquently written with detailed imagery, relevant dialogue, and an ever-thickening plot designed to turn pages. The characters are compelling - Octavian for his almost brutish charm and in-congruent softness. Lydia for her two personalities - compassionate, genuine sister and friend teamed with the hard-as-nails fighter and defiant princess. Kira, initially believed as insignificant and fragile, soon hardens from the sum of her experience, gaining loyalty, perseverance and respect.
What I loved most about this novel was the genuine balance between action, intent, dialogue and blossoming romance. Information was streamed with relevant pause and attention to detail. Coupled with nefarious agenda and the prospect of hope, Bound is a gripping story with plenty room to manoeuver in future releases.
I happily rate this novel four fangs out of five.

Synopsis:
When a photo shoot ends in tragedy, Kira discovers her best friend, Lydia, has been keeping a secret. Knowing the truth, and accepting it, will change Kira's life forever and thrust her into a world of ancient curses, magical objects, and savage enemies. What happens next will challenge everything Kira knows about her world, herself and the shape-shifting warrior she's falling in love with. No longer the timid mouse her mother accused her of being, but a woman who finds the mental and physical strength to endure and survive.

Kristy :)

The Damned is Coming ...

Hey guys,

Guess what? I finally have my files for The Damned, the second installation in my Hunted Series. And because you've all been waiting so long for this release, it is my gift to you to provide 5 free days of Kindle downloads of The Hunted to get you ready! (Go here for Download)
Yes, you heard me. I am putting the first novel The Hunted for free on Kindle for five days!
This is your chance to grab a copy, tell your friends and family and generally just share the information so when the Damned is released everyone is ready for round two.
The promotion starts on the 23/2/2013 and will run until the 27/2/2013. Remember  these promos run on Pacific Standard time, so keep checking in if it's not registering free when you read this post.
If you've never heard of The Hunted series, check out the two trailers below to whet your whistle, view the upcoming cover for The Damned and read the synopsis's right here!
Cheers guys, thanks as always for your support and don't forget to share, share share!

The Hunted Book Trailer (Book one)

The Damned Book Trailer (Book two)

The Hunted Synopsis:

Elena Manory is by no means an ordinary teenage girl. Being born with the ability to heal herself from any injury, and with the knowledge that on her eighteenth birthday she will become a Vampire, Elena is aware that she is more than a little different from other girls her age. 

It isn’t until she meets William Granville, an alluring and impossibly handsome vampire, that she begins to question her destiny and what secrets the Institute of Magical Intervention and her adopted family have withheld—secrets that could change the fates of not only her own life, but of the lives of all the immortals.

As events spiral out of control, William may be the only person Elena can place her trust in. He, and Elena’s magical family, must fight to save her, joining forces to defeat a common, deadly foe. For William, it is his chance to save the girl that he has searched eternity to find.

The Damned Synopsis:

Life for Elena Manory skipped past ordinary just over a month ago. Discovering she was born a practically invulnerable vampire-werewolf hybrid was shocking enough, but she’s also become a target. Elena is being hunted by the Alpha werewolf Roshan, who’s fixated on the properties of her unique blood and the pleasurable possibilities of her flesh.

Moving to the Institute of Magical Intervention in Romania was supposed to provide her with protection and anonymity, but Elena soon realises her enemies are legion. None are as they seem, with no agenda truly without nefarious intentions. 

A strange twist of fate and the actions of a vampire previously pressing for her affections lead Elena into the arms of another—one whose middle name spells trouble. Himself a vampire, Sebastian is perplexingly familiar, handsome, and arrogant. He introduces Elena to a world she never thought possible, uncovers a past believed long buried, and unearths a future she may not survive.

Kristy :)

Followers

Okay, so this is an extremely short post today. Mostly because I've just been given the most awesome news about the release of my second novel in The Hunted Series, The Damned (yes people it is finally coming!) so I've got a lot to do to get it out and printed ASAP.

I basically wanted to acknowledge all the people that love and support what I do - especially your recent patience in regards to the release date of this novel. 

Anyway, it came to my attention the other day that I've reached over 300 followers on my blog, 580 on my Facebook page and 480 on my Twitter account. This is fabulous!

I mean I used to think it was creepy before someone explained to me that you weren't all going to camp out in my front yard seeing Kumbaya through the open windows. A follower is a friend, a supporter, or someone just plain interested in what you have to say. And, the reason I wanted to say thank you to all of my followers worldwide is that I still can't believe you regularly tune into to read my musings.

You know I talk a lot of sh#%t right?

Anyway, thanks again my faithful followers, my successes are via your inspiration and support.

Bless!

Kristy :)

Follow Friday #55

Happy Friday everyone! 
Yes, it’s that time of week again where bloggers unite to participate in the Follow Friday venture. The idea behind #FF is to promote traffic to your own blog, make new friends with other like-minded bloggers and discuss new and interesting topics each week.
Participating is simple. First you need to follow my blog because I’m totally awesome, then you can follow me on Twitter @kristyberridge (actually you don’t have to do this, it’s wishful thinking), but do follow my blog or assassins will get you …
Then you must follow our illustrious hosts Rachel of http://www.parajunkee.com/ and Alison of http://www.alisoncanread.com/ If you want more details on how to enter your own blog in the follow and hop, all directions are on their webpages
Now, once you’ve followed, check out my answer to this week’s questions and don’t forget to leave a comment so I can do the right thing and follow you back!

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD DO IF YOU WOKE UP TO FIND YOURSELF IN YOUR FAVORITE BOOK?

My Answer: Well, since my favourite books-to-date are written by Stacia Kane, I'd probably sh#$t myself. Why? Because The Downside Ghosts series are all about creepy rituals, magic, violence, murder and a shady drug trade. I'm just not cut out for that sort of thing, although, I wouldn't mind a little wander around Laurell K Hamilton's books just for the super hot guys and no apology policy for blowing someone's head off that seriously pisses you off.

Book Review: The Shadow Of Tiamat by Sean Poindexter

Let me start this review with my laugh-out-loud moment. Picture this, a dark, stormy night and two dragons battling it out for supremacy - one trying to kill an innocent woman, the other in love with her. The sky is filled with the shadow of their menace and the surrounding scrub is littered with their spilt blood. While the human - Megan - watches on, the dragons fight using everything in their surroundings to inflict carnage.
Now, during this intense moment, a spined tail flicks out, secures Megan's car in it's grip and hoists it into the air, spinning it with impossible force and strength at its opponent. A semi-serious moment and Megan yells out, 'Hey! My purse was in there!'
I was seriously in stitches for about twenty minutes.
The Shadow Of Tiamat is a surprising novel, best described as a Paranormal Romance that puts Sean Poindexter right up there with some of the best - Kerri Arthur and Sherrilyn Kenyon.
I was surprised how easy the novel read, despite that I was originally prejudiced about a man writing romance from a woman's perspective. Granted Megan did like to touch herself a little more than a confused teenage boy, but the ever evolving emotions explored between characters, interlaced with the telling of what I believe will evolve into an interesting plot, sells the author's intent.
The Shadow Of Tiamat follows multiple person perspective so you are never shy of the action or any necessary information, though it does mostly follow the story of Megan - a human (or is she?) and Garrett - a dragon.
Pulled together by a twist in fate, Megan has already found herself entangled unknowingly in the world of supernatural element. Discovering Garrett's secret and opening her mind to the possibilities of his existence also invites the acceptance of other creatures and their agendas.
Mostly a novel wrapped in the heady scent of sex and romance, there are some strong foundations for a an easy continuation in the series. With the introduction of vampiric elements and a seriously twisted agenda from higher ranking dragons, Sean Poindexter has crafted a novel with enduring possibilities.
Although I did cringe at some of the character interactions - jarred by the sometimes inconsistent use of language and often confusing switch between demure female lead, and dirty porn-mouth sex kitten, I still rather enjoyed the intensity of the romance, the solidarity of Garrett and his character consistency, as well as the off-hand commentary that regularly made me laugh or smile.
I happily rate this novel three out of five fangs.

Synopsis:

On a dark Ozark highway, two souls meet in tragedy and find their lives are connected to things bigger than them both. Megan Crunk, a social worker from Joplin, uncovers vampires preying on a small community. That same day, she meets Garrett, a fascinating stranger who is clearly more than he seems. But, as Meg slowly learns, so is she...
Garrett Terago is an ancient dragon, and until now, content with the secluded Ozark mountains. Disguised as a human, but rarely paying them heed, until he meets Megan. He offers her love and protection from the vampires but can he keep her safe from his own kind? 
War looms between the dragons. Some long for a time lost to prehistory, when they were worshiped as gods, masters of the world. Somehow, Garrett is instrumental to their plans and Megan is in their way.

Follow Friday #50

Happy Friday everyone!

Yes, it’s that time of week again where bloggers unite to participate in the Follow Friday venture. The idea behind #FF is to promote traffic to your own blog, make new friends with other like-minded bloggers and discuss new and interesting topics each week.

Participating is simple. First you need to follow my blog because I’m totally awesome, then you can follow me on Twitter @kristyberridge (actually you don’t have to do this, it’s wishful thinking), but do follow my blog or assassins will get you …

Then you must follow our illustrious hosts Rachel of http://www.parajunkee.com/ and Alison of http://www.alisoncanread.com/ If you want more details on how to enter your own blog in the follow and hop, all directions are on their webpages

Now, once you’ve followed, check out my answer to this week’s questions and don’t forget to leave a comment so I can do the right thing and follow you back!

This week's question: Activity! Who do you want to be? If you could choose any character from a book. What do you think that character looks like and what do you have in common?

My answer: Truthfully, my character Elena Manory from The Hunted Series is pretty much me as a teenager but with a set of big, brass balls. While writing, I just kept thinking to myself, what would I do? What would I say? I don't think I planned it that way, it's just that this five book series is very close to my heart and I couldn't help but inject a bit of myself into it.

I'm Back!!!

Mum, me and hubs up to no good ...

Hey Guys,
Did you miss me?
Okay, don't answer that because clearly the answer will be yes.
I have been off, gallivanting up and down the east coast of my beautiful country on a book signing tour for The Hunted Series and attending the Supanova in Brisbane.

The Mad hatter stopped for tea.

Besides a really f@%#ked up GPS that constantly endeavoured to take us only to our hotel, a pancake rear end from over fifty hours of sitting in the car, and of course, the addition of four kilograms to my drumstick thighs - I had a fabulous time!
You know what? I even managed to get my dad to go on a roller coaster with me at Movie World. He screamed like a girl beside me, but to be truthful I could barely hear him over my incessant, terrified squeals.
We ate everything we saw (this has nothing to do with the 4kg gain) and met some awesome people in both the book and comic industry. But to be truthful, the highlight of my entire trip was meeting one of the girls from Big Brother. Yes, my name is Kristy and I'm addicted to reality TV.
So, without further verbal flatulence, I thought I'd just upload my photos and let you take a gander for yourself. I'll be back to regular posting now (stop groaning, I freaking heard that) so feel free to carry on stalking me, especially those of you with eyes - I like people with eyes.
Anyhoo, have a great weekend everyone, and I'll catch you next week!

Kristy

Mum finally met the rest of her family

Movie World - Yes we conquered the coasters!

Nearly bent this Jason Mamoa look-alike over my table - hot, hot, hot!

I swear, I didn't take the blue or the red pill ...

The best haircut in town. I think he stuffed up mine.

Book Review: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

As you all probably know, I am a massive fan of Richelle Mead's writing. I suspect it's mostly because her style is succinct, descriptive and generally highly entertaining. Even her YA novels like this one don't need the flamboyance of violence-riddled action scenes or a series of heavy petting from the pining youths of more gritty, romance-driven novels. Clear structure and an interlaced back story are often cleverly woven within her plots, and thus I find I continue to turn the pages of her novels in desperation to discover the ending.
The Golden Lily is the second book in The Bloodlines series. Again, I was not disappointed to follow the uptight Sydney Sage as we delve back into her recent activities as the head Alchemist protecting a small group of Moroi vampires and Dhampir protectors. 
Taking cover at the Amberwood preparatory school, Sydney continues to clean up the mess of her vampire friends whether personal or professional and hide the Moroi princess known as Jill Dragomir. But a new and seemingly unexpected mission to uncover human vampire hunters as well as balance a personal life presses on the tightly constructed walls Sydney has erected to prevent osmosis of feeling and unsanctioned decisions.
Challenged by the misconceptions of the Alchemists and conflicted by her emotional pull to a certain, entertaining and endearing vampire know as Adrian Ivashkov, Sydney soon sees herself stepping outside the bubble of rigidity her upbringing demands, and branching out into new endeavours.
As always, Richelle Mead does not disappoint. The story carefully follows on from Bloodlines - the protection of Jill and the consistency of their undercover illusion is teamed with all the original characters. Consideration to continue the ongoing research explored between Moroi and Strigoi vampires in the previous novel and this one for me makes the story replete, especially with the introduction of a softer, more flexible Sydney. I will happily rate this book four out of five fangs - another great read.

Synopsis:

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets—and human lives.
Sydney would love to go to college, but instead, she’s been sent into hiding at a posh boarding school in Palm Springs, California–tasked with protecting Moroi princess Jill Dragomir from assassins who want to throw the Moroi court into civil war. Formerly in disgrace, Sydney is now praised for her loyalty and obedience, and held up as the model of an exemplary Alchemist.
But the closer she grows to Jill, Eddie, and especially Adrian, the more she finds herself questioning her age–old Alchemist beliefs, her idea of family, and the sense of what it means to truly belong. Her world becomes even more complicated when magical experiments show Sydney may hold the key to prevent becoming Strigoi—the fiercest vampires, the ones who don’t die. But it’s her fear of being just that—special, magical, powerful—that scares her more than anything. Equally daunting is her new romance with Brayden, a cute, brainy guy who seems to be her match in every way. Yet, as perfect as he seems, Sydney finds herself being drawn to someone else—someone forbidden to her.
When a shocking secret threatens to tear the vampire world apart, Sydney’s loyalties are suddenly tested more than ever before. She wonders how she's supposed to strike a balance between the principles and dogmas she's been taught, and what her instincts are now telling her.
Should she trust the Alchemists—or her heart?

Book Review: Soul Mates: Scent by Elizabeth Lance

Soul Mates: Scent is an indie novel that I picked up based on the tenacity of the author's constant appreciation for the written word, whether by self promotion or the share and advertisement of other paranormal authors in the social networking world around her.
The novel starts typically of the young adult genre - schoolyard setting, jocks and cheerleaders, and the perpetual telling of boy meets girl.
Following the story of Max Fergus, high school football star, honour student, and all round stud - we fall into a world of incessant make believe. Max leads a somewhat ordinary and predictable life. He dates the head cheerleader, drives a corvette and surrounds himself with seemingly flexible friendships. It isn't until he meets Anna Lissa Felidae that his world begins to change. Max discovers that he was born a shifter, a fairy prince, and bound to be forever tied to Anna Lissa in matrimony and quick blooming love.
Okay, what I liked about this story was the great sense of imagination that the writer displays, the realms, the magic, and the never ending sense of danger that Max appears to stumble upon within each passing chapter. I positively enjoyed the sense of menace and looming action. I never questioned whether the author would deliver some crazy turn in events that would undoubtedly lead to conflict. The chemistry between Anna Lissa and Max as the story progressed was also very steamy and unexpected in a young adult novel but alas, welcomed.
Unfortunately what I didn't like about the story often outweighed the positives. The writing style was a little sedate with limited descriptive content when it came to outlining scenery, processing action, and defining aesthetic features. The base story was also a little unstructured, with characters interwoven into the plot when needed, and dispatched again when redundant, almost like an afterthought.
As I read from chapter to chapter, our protagonist constantly unraveled a new, somewhat convenient power to eliminate all possible resistance, thus eliminating the complexities of struggle, resolution and hard-won achievement. Definable plots also expand beyond necessary reason, addressing constant character re-structuring, which in turn re-shaped original, relateable behaviour that I enjoyed within the characters.
I would love to give this book three out of five fangs as I can see an exciting story blooming from this web of elaborate, fairy-tale inspired ideas, but unfortunately I can't if I'm being true to personal opinion - which I reiterate that this merely is. But I really do hope that the author develops this series further as there is a lot of potential for a great story.

Synopsis:
When the girl of his dreams walks into his homeroom class one October morning, Max Fergus, a seventeen year old quarterback and star student, has his world turned upside down. Everything he has ever thought about himself and his life is changed in that instant and nothing will ever be the same again, because once you know you aren't human, there's no going back, no pretending you are less than you are.
Anna Lissa Felidae, a pure-blooded shifter has been searching for her soul mate, the one guy that was meant for her, and just when she is sure that she is about to run out of time, Diana, Goddess of the hunt, appears to her and sends her in the right direction. With another shifter on her trail, one who is determined to have her no matter what the cost, Anna has just three short weeks to convince Max he is a pure-blooded shifter, among other things, and teach him to fight so they can be together. With the help of a few Fae friends, a motley crew of shifters, and Max's best friend Tony, they are sure to win.

The Damned Cover Reveal!

Hi everyone!

Well, it's the moment that a lot of you have been waiting for, and I know, very patiently at that. I can't apologise enough for the delays in the release of The Damned, but I can promise you this ... it will be worth the wait!
So without dragging my feet, here is the cover release for the second book in The Hunted series "The Damned" - I hope you love it as much as I do, but please feel free to leave opinion. You guys know how much I love your comments. Oh! And don't forget about the giveaway! Click this link to take you to the sign up page!
Have a good one,

Kristy :)

Here's the synopsis again if you missed it!

Life for Elena Manory skipped past ordinary just over a month ago. Discovering she was born a practically invulnerable vampire-werewolf hybrid was shocking enough, but she’s also become a target. Elena is being hunted by the Alpha werewolf Roshan, who’s fixated on the properties of her unique blood and the pleasurable possibilities of her flesh.

Moving to the Institute of Magical Intervention in Romania was supposed to provide her with protection and anonymity, but Elena soon realises her enemies are legion. None are as they seem, with no agenda truly without nefarious intentions.

A strange twist of fate and the actions of a vampire previously pressing for her affections lead Elena into the arms of another—one whose middle name spells trouble. Himself a vampire, Sebastian is perplexingly familiar, handsome, and arrogant. He introduces Elena to a world she never thought possible, uncovers a past believed long buried, and unearths a future she may not survive.

And the trailer!

The Damned - Photos (Giveaway)

Hey guys,

Due to the giveaway this month I probably won't do a lot of my usual crazy posting as I want you to really get involved with the competition. I'm super excited about the up and coming release of my second book in The Hunted series, The Damned - it's going to be epic. Not only was it my favourite book in the series to write, it also introduces a few new characters that I think you all are going to love.
So as not to keep flapping my gums for the sake of talking, you can follow the icon on the side bar to get to the comp, scroll down to the next post or click the highlighted link above. But, i thought I would at least show you some of the amazing photos I've received from 'Hunted' fans thus far ...

Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee fight it out for my book. My money's on Chuck.

Rock on, Iron man - make sure you get me Thor's number while you're at it!

GET IT HERE!

Book Review: Sacrificial Magic by Stacia Kane

What can I say? As a fellow author I bow down to the talent that is Stacia Kane. Yet again she has produced another novel that had me gripping it between the sheets into the wee hours of the morning. There is just something about the style of writing and concept that I find absolutely fascinating.
First of all, let me break it down for you. The Downside Ghosts series follows Cessaria Putnam, otherwise known as Chess, a church employee well versed in the art of magic and debunking - dispelling ghosts. Haunted week, some decades previous, saw the mass murder of human kind, ghosts uprising from the city of the dead and going on a rampage. The church, now far removed from any form of discernible religion, helps to protect people with the application of spells, potions, and ritual. The balance is mostly restored and the human populace relies on people like Chess to debunk their homes, offices, and schools.
Now, despite this concept we have a more interesting feature piece within this ongoing saga. Chess Putnam is a major drug addict. At first this put me off reading the novels, I didn't want to read about some jittery, helpless nutcase. But alas, Stacia Kane has created a complex and determined protagonist that leaves you feeling a little bad for ever doubting the competency of this pill-popping witch.
Sacrificial Magic is the fourth book in the installment and once again I was not let down. This time Chess is ordered by 'Bump' one of the crime bosses of Downside (who also just happens to be her dealer) to investigate a grisly murder. Storage facilities are burning to the ground, bodies mutilated in some sort of intense and dark ritual. Naturally Chess does her best not to get the Church involved in her personal affairs, but once again this case and a new seemingly unsolvable case of a fellow church employee begin to draw parallels.
To top off this twisted little plot that is determined to keep you guessing right to the very end, we have the interwoven love interests. Terrible, Bump's second in command - a craggy, solidly-built man that makes the heart race with his soft nature and soulful eyes. And, Lex, son of the opposing crime boss - another man intent on keeping Chess well stocked with pills, pliable and in his bed.
All in all I have nothing bad to say about this novel. It might not be for everyone, but to walk on the dark side and see the struggle between normality and the intense and deeply saddened, often depraved side of an addict was, for lack of a better word ... enlightening. The characters were consistent in every aspect, though some personal growth from Chess was to be expected and was clearly executed. Language and dialogue was, as always, very entertaining.
I am giving Sacrificial Magic an easy five out of five fangs. I simply cannot get enough of this series and can't wait to get my hands on the next one!

Synopsis:
When Chess Putnam is ordered by an infamous crime boss - who also happens to be her dealer - to use her powers as a witch to solve a grisly murder involving dark magic, she knows she must rise to the challenge. Adding to the intensity: Chess's boyfriend, Terrible, doesn't trust her, and Lex, the son of a rival crime lord, is trying to reignite the sparks between him and Chess.
Plus there's the little matter of Chess's real real job as a ghost hunter for the church of real truth, investigating reports of a haunting at a high school in the heart of Downside. Someone seems to be taking a crash course in summoning the dead - and if Chess doesn't watch her back, she may soon be joining their ranks.
As Chess is drawn into a shadowy world of twisted secrets and dark violence, it soon becomes clear that she's not going to emerge from its depths without making the ultimate sacrifice.

Kristy :)

Book Review: Circle of Fire by Keri Arthur

I've been a staunch supporter of Keri Arthur and her writing for a while now. Her Riley Jensen Guardian series got me all hot and bothered about paranormal romance, and truthfully I've read little of anything else since.
Circle of Fire is the first book in the Damask Circle series, focusing on a two-point perspective narrative which I always enjoy. Madeline Smith, protagonist one, is a bit of a recluse, haunted by memories of the past and abilities she doesn't yet understand or even know how to control. And it doesn't help that she's being visited by a sexy entity known as Jon Barnett, protagonist number two - an apparition or perhaps her manic powers going awry once again. Alas, no. He is a shape-shifter with an agenda, their two worlds thrown together seemingly by chance.
Despite a bit of slow and somewhat unnecessary start that is poorly explained away at the end of the novel, we see Madeline and Jon come together, a common goal in mind. Children are missing, Madeline's nephew the recent victim of this ongoing mystery. Tracking down leads and tangling with shape-shifters and dark magic seems to be a part of the deal, but what neither Madeline or Jon counted on was falling in love along the way.
Thrown into one tumultuous situation after another, it's no real surprise that leaning on one another for answers and support soon turns into a fiery back and forth. Thankfully with a decent story and enough action to make Arnie redundant, I wasn't left feeling like I'd just read a Mills and Boons novel. 
The characterisation was good and very consistent. I never doubted the choices any character made or the feelings that enveloped them. My only criticism, as mentioned earlier, is based on Madeline and Jon's first encounters. Without creating a spoiler, I just didn't buy the explanation that the writer was trying to pass, it felt clunky and a little like an afterthought in an otherwise smooth story line.
But, once again Keri Arthur does deliver a methodical approach to supernatural thrillers with just enough romance and intrigue to keep you reading on. I rate this book three out of five fangs. I enjoyed it, but I didn't love it.


Synopsis:
Sixteen teenagers are missing. Eleven bodies recovered, completely drained of blood. Some believe vampires are responsible, but Jon Barnett knows it's something far worse. To stop the killers he needs help from recluse, Madeline Smith, who is afraid of her psychic abilities which have killed. 
When 'ghost' Jon Barnett warms Maddie of danger and her nephew disappears, she must leave her haven and place her trust in a man who is neither human nor ghost. 
As the noose of sorcery threatens to kill Maddie and Jon, the greatest danger to them both could be the feelings they have for each other.


Kristy :)