Review: Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane

Unholy Ghosts by Stacia Kane
Downside Ghosts #1
Urban Fantasy
May 25, 2010
Mass Market Paperback, 352 pages
Del Rey
Source: Purchased a copy from my local Chapters.
Steam factor: 3 out of 5 cups of steamin' smexy goodness.

THE DEPARTED HAVE ARRIVED.

The world is not the way it was. The dead have risen, and the living are under attack. The powerful Church of Real Truth, in charge since the government fell, has sworn to reimburse citizens being harassed by the deceased. Enter Chess Putnam, a fully tattooed witch and freewheeling ghost hunter. She’s got a real talent for banishing the wicked dead. But Chess is keeping a dark secret: She owes a lot of money to a murderous drug lord named Bump, who wants immediate payback in the form of a dangerous job that involves black magic, human sacrifice, a nefarious demonic creature, and enough wicked energy to wipe out a city of souls. Toss in lust for a rival gang leader and a dangerous attraction to Bump’s ruthless enforcer, and Chess begins to wonder if the rush is really worth it. Hell, yeah.

I recently had a poll posted asking visitors to vote on what popular series I should read and review. While I had Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts as an option, no one voted for it! Well, I just couldn't leave it sitting on my TBR shelf any longer. After reading a lot of praise for this series, I had to find out what all the fuss was about. Sorry voters.

Actually, I'm not sorry. Unholy Ghosts is one of the most original books I have read in a very long time. A lot of urban fantasy/romance books follow a specific plot line where the kick ass heroine beats up a few bad guys, saves the day, and then gets it on with the uber sexy hero. It's pretty much all puppies and rainbows by the end. However, with Unholy Ghosts, Kane takes readers on a dark and gritty adventure where there are no puppies or rainbows in sight.

After ghosts rose up from the grave in 1997 and killed a two-thirds of the worlds population, the old religions were abandoned and the Church of Real Truth, which is based on magic, was embraced as the only means to fend off another ghostly attack. Caesaria or Chess Putnam works for the Church as a witch and a Debunker; a person who banishes ghosts back to their resting place in the City of Eternity. However, Chess spends most of her income from investigating hauntings on her drug habit. As the story progresses, we learn that Chess owes a ton of money to her drug dealer Bump. In order to remedy her debt, Bump enlists Chess to investigate a supposed haunting at an airport, which he plans to use to transport drugs. However, when Chess begins her investigation, she soon learns that there is far more going on at the airport than just a simple haunting.

Chess is one of the most screwed up protagonists I have ever encountered. However, she is also very complex and extremely likable. While at first I didn't know what to think about her being a druggie, I came to understand her drug habit is just a part of who Chess is. She is flawed and deals with a lot of her emotional issues from growing up in the system by getting high. She isn't a hero and never claims to be. To me, Kane actually gives a more realistic view on how someone befitting the hero stereotype would actually cope in real life. However, I do hope that one day Chess will learn how to deal with her issues without turning to drugs. Just say no kids.

Another standout character in the book is Terrible. Like Chess, he is the anti-hero. Often described as being ugly, with his muttonchops and bowling shirts, he is the classic example of it's whats on the inside that counts. In the beginning of the book, I was scratching my head trying to figure out Terrible's appeal, but by the end I could understand why Chess is attracted to him. To Chess, Terrible isn't ugly, that's just the way he looks. Although Chess becomes involved with a rival gang member, Lex, I am officially on Team Terrible.

The only thing that did bug me about the book was the way some of the Downside residents spoke. At first, I couldn't decide if they were pirates or all had Scottish accents. Maybe they are Scottish pirates? After a while though, the disjointed speech grew on me. I just wish there was more explanation as to why people speak that way.

Unholy Ghosts is one of the best urban fantasies I have ever read. The story is dark, gritty, and has a ton of action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It also has just a touch of romance for those who are looking for something with a little bit of steam. This book is definitely worth picking up if you are looking for a story that is truly unique.

Other Opinions:

~Goodreads

~Book Chick City

~All Things Urban Fantasy - 4/5

Other books in the series:

Unholy Magic

City of Ghosts

Author's website

My Most Anticipated Books of 2011!

Here's a list of the books I'm most looking forward to in 2011. With so many new releases from some of the best authors in the biz, it's going to be one fantastic year. I see a lot of steamin' smexy goodness in our future. I just hate all the damn waiting! This list is ordered from 10 to 1.

Born of Shadows - Sherrilyn Kenyon
April 25, 2011
Kenyon's first book in The League series, Born of Night, is hands down my favorite sci-fi romance. However, the other two books in the series haven't quite lived up to the greatness of Born of Night. However, I'm hoping Born of Shadows will redeem this series.

Archangel's Consort - Nalini Singh
January 25, 2011
There are already a few early reviews floating around the blogiverse for Archangel's Consort and all the early readers love this book. As a huge Guild Hunter fan, I'm hoping I will as well. I mean come on, with such a gorgeous cover, there just has to be one hell of a story inside.

The Darkest Secret - Gena Showalter
April 1, 2011
In previous Lords of the Underworld books, Amun has remained mostly in the background. He's pretty much the dark silent type, but as the keeper of Secrets, he has a good reason to remain speechless. I'm eager to finally get his perspective on things, as well as to find out more about his background. I'm also excited to see how he will recover from what happened to him in The Darkest Lie. That may be a little vague, but I don't want to spoil anything for those crazy people who haven't read the LOTU series yet.

Rock Hard - Olivia Cunning
April 1, 2011
Backstage Pass was one of my favorite reads this year and took the top prize in my list of the best sex scenes of 2010. Although I loved Brian aka Master Sinclair as the lead, I'm a sucker for lead singers. Sed really stole the show for me in the first book. That is why I am so looking forward to Rock Hard. Although we got a tiny peek into Sed's past, I want to find out more about this Jessica person who broke poor Sed's heart. And if Rock Hard continues what Backstage Pass started, well this book is going to rock my smutty little heart.

Eternal Rider - Larissa Ione
March 29, 2011
Although Ione ended her fantastic Demonica series in 2010, she already has a spin-off series releasing in 2011 that looks just as promising. In her new series, Lords of Deliverance (love the name btw), Ione is going to tackle the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse and give them an HEA. Brilliant! And she has promised that old Demonica characters will make an appearance in future books. With Lover Unleashed being released on the same day, it's going to be like Christmas all over again!

Dreams of a Dark Warrior - Kresley Cole
February 15, 2011
After a long LONG wait, we are finally getting Regin's story! Ever since Hunger Like No Other, Regin has always stood out among the other characters. I can't wait to see what's in store for Regin. I'm also eager to see how Cole will tackle the whole reincarnation issue with Declan/Aiden. Plus, Cole has really stepped up her game lately in terms of love scenes. I'm hoping there will be plenty of steam in this book!

This Side of the Grave - Jeaniene Frost
February 22, 2011
After a year without any Cat and Bones I've gone into a bit of a withdrawal. Although Frost did release two Night Huntress spin-off books, it just wasn't enough! I'm eager to see how Cat is dealing with all her new powers now that she is a full vampire. And Bones, well I just can't wait for Bones. He is one of my book boyfriends.

City of Fallen Angels - Cassandra Clare
April 5, 2011
I don't read a lot of YA anymore, but Clare's Mortal Instruments is one of my favorite series. After I finished the MI books the first time, I immediately booked up City of Bones and read through the series again. I don't think I have ever done that before, not even for Twilight! I can't wait to revisit all of Clare's amazing characters and see how they have evolved. However, I'm most looking forward to reading more about Clary and Jace. After all those teasers with them making out, I'm itching to see how far Clary and Jace take their relationship. This book is going to be good!

Shadowfever - Karen Marie Moning
January 18, 2011
After a shaky start, I can now say that I officially caught the Fever in 2010. Moning's Makayla Lane books were some of my favorites this year, even though they had evil cliff-hangers. Having to wait a month for Shadowfever has been pure torture. I can't imagine how people who read Dreamfever when it first came out have survived the wait. My hats off to you. Oh and BARRONS BETTER NOT BE THE MONSTER!

Lover Unleashed - J.R. Ward
March 29, 2011
J.R. Ward is my favorite author and BDB my favorite series, so it's no surprise the Lover Unleashed is my most anticipated read for 2011. I can't wait to find out more about Payne! I love kickass heroines and with the potential for being the first women initiated into the Brotherhood, well you can't get anymore kickass then that. I also am excited for all the V in this book! Thank you Warden. Frankly, I'm just super excited for this book.

New Cover Alert: Demon by Kristina Douglas

Despite Raziel not being released until January 25th, the cover for the second book in Douglas' all new series, The Fallen, has been posted. And like Raziel, Demon looks promising. Hot fallen angels? Sounds good to me.

I'm really hoping this series delivers. There is nothing more disappointing then a book with a great cover, but less than stellar story inside. I'm also ecstatic that angels appear to be the new fad in romance. There is only so much you can do with vampires after all.

Demon has a release date May 31, 2011.

"One of the first Fallen, Azazel is second in power only to Lucifer. And with the activation of a prophecy binding him in marriage to the Demon Queen, Lilith, he’ll be even stronger. But Azazel doesn’t want the power. After the death of his beloved mate, Sarah, he wanders the earth a lost soul, broken and disheartened. That is, until he decides to take matters into his own hands, to find the one woman who could take Sarah’s place as his wife…so he can kill her."

New Cover Alert: Dark Taste of Rapture by Gena Showalter

2011 hasn't even started yet and there is already a contender for the best cover of the year! Gena Showalter has had some great book covers in the past, but the brand new cover for Dark Taste of Rapture is stunning. I love the gold, the fluttering hair, and the six pack. Two thumbs way up for this one.

Dark Taste of Rapture is the 6th book in Showalter's Alien Huntress series and features Noelle Tremain and Hector Dean. It's out August 23, 2011.

"Beautiful Noelle Tremain has just completed AIR training and successfully navigated her first mission. Life is perfect.  Until her best friend is turned into a vampire, destroying her day life, and she’s partnered with Hector Dean, destroying her nightlife.  He’s the sexiest, most powerful man she’s ever met, able to atomize his arms and punch through anything – but he’s also emotionally distanced, determined to remain alone. So, to stay on top of their case, she might just have to find a way on top of him.

Oh, the naughty things a girl will do for her job . . . "

Time to Be a Little Naughty: My Top Ten Sex Scenes of 2010

My roomate and I have a small joke that all I read is vampire sex. Well, that is partially true. As an avid romance reader, I read a lot of sex and not just between vampires. It's impossible to read romance and not encounter at least once steamy scene in a book. However, there is so much more to romance than just sex. I have read a ton of romance books that are very well written and have great characters, both female and male. The sex is just a bonus!
So without further ado, here is my list for my favorite sex scenes of the year. And boy, have some authors been naughty! This list is ordered from 10-1.

Inside Out - Lauren Dane
The "solo shower" scene...
Sometimes a little self satisfaction can be a good thing. And if it is Andrew Copeland doing the deed, then it is a very good thing. I absolutely love Lauren Dane's Brown family books and Inside Out was a great addition to the series. Although Inside Out wasn't as steamy as Dane's other books, the love scenes between Cope and Ella still satisfied my smutty side. Cope alone in the shower though, that was one very large cup of smexy goodness.

Hurt Me So Good - Joely Sue Burkhart
The "Christmas" scene...
Sometimes you just have to read a book that pushes your limits a little and this year, Hurt Me So Good was that book for me. A little bit darker than most BDSM themed books, Hurt Me So Good challenged my perceptions of  D/s relationships. Burkhart handled the issue of pain as pleasure in a really well-rounded manner. I love when authors do their homework. So Bravo to Burkhart! Plus, the premise of the book was truly unique. Loved it.

Here There  Be Monsters - Meljean Brook
The "I'll kiss you, but not on the lips" scene...
Even though Here There Be Monsters is a novella, it still packs plenty of steam. It is a steampuck after all. However, most of the steam comes from simply kissing. Brook knows how to write a good kiss. But when Mad Machen describes how and where he is going to kiss Ivy, WOW. He can kiss me anytime.

Lover Mine - J.R. Ward
The "locker room" scene...
No surprise here that a BDB book made my list. This is my absolute favorite series. Before the book was released, Ward said that the sex scenes in LM made her blush more than any other BDB book. With a tag line like that, how can you not go wrong with this book? There are some really explosive scenes between JM and Xhex. However, Lover Mine also had some of the most emotional scenes I read in romance this year. I nearly cried in a few places. The locker room scene though, woo, I pretty much blushed from head to toe. Also, the sexual tension between Qhuinn and Blay was potent.

Eternal Kiss of Darkness - Jeaniene Frost
The "ceiling sex" scene...
It's ceiling sex, 'nough said.

Demon from the Dark - Kresley Cole
The "bath" scene...
Cole has really stepped up her game recently. Both her releases in 2010 had some noteworthy smexy scenes, but the bath scene in Demon from the Dark took the cake. I didn't want it to end. Thankfully, it just went on and on and on. Plus, Malkolm was one of my favorite heroes this year. I think I loved him so much because he reminded me of Zsadist from BDB. He is just so fierce...

Dreamfever - Karen Marie Moning
The "pri-ya" scene...
It's about damn time! That's all I have to say about this scene. After having to endure the tremendous sexual tension between Mac and Barrons in the first 3 books, I was glad to see them finally get down to business. However, the situation in which these two come together is less than ideal. Nonetheless, it made my smutty heart go pitter-patter. I love how Mac calls Barrons her Beast. Rawr. Hopefully, we will see more smexin' between these two in Shadowfever!

The Roughriders series - Lorelei James
I can't choose!
Before reading the Roughriders series, I hated country music and cowboys. Well, I still hate country music, but Lorelei James completely changed my mind about the appeal of cowboys. Those Mckays are every cowgirl's dream. And there are just so many of them, you can pretty much take your pick. They are also all alpha males. I'm talking uber alpha. Thus, there are a ton of amazing sexy time scenes in this series. So much so, that I can't pick just one. However, I think the newest book in the series, Cowgirls Don't Cry, is one of my favorites.

Liberating Lacey - Anne Calhoun
The "bad cop" scene...
This book was released in 2009, but after reading a lot of praise for it recently I had to pick it up. Liberating Lacey is chalk full of sexy time scenes, but unlike other erotic novels, there is an actual story to this book. And a really good one at that. There is a ton of sexually charged scenes, but the connection between Hunter and Lacey is what keeps this book interesting. They have great chemistry. While the sexy time scene in the woods was also one of my favorites in the book, the part where Hunter plays bad cop made me melt into a big pile of goo on the floor. It's hot, really hot.

Backstage Pass - Olivia Cunning
The "creative composing" scene...
This book definitely takes the prize for the dirtiest book I read this year. However, it was also one of my favorites. The members of The Sinners are just so smoking hot. Although it was hard to choose which sex scene was my favourite, the scene where Brian aka Master Sinclair uses Myrna as his notepad takes the top prize. It fulfilled all of my rockstar fantasies. Well done Ms. Cunning, well done indeed.

Here's a little taste:

He reached for a pen on the side table and uncapped it. He wiped the sweat from her body with the sheet and drew a straight line across her chest. He then added a series of dots on, above, and below the line. Scribbled letters appeared here and there. E. C. C#. She just watched him, too surprised to protest. The line of musical notes continued across her breasts, under her breasts, several lines along her belly.

He paused, his eyes drifting closed. “God, you feel good, Myrna. So good.” She planted her feet on the bed, lifted her hips and gyrated. “Yeah.” He rose up on his knees slightly and thrust forward, grinding deep. “Perfect,” he murmured. “Take me. All of me. Inside.” He began to pump into her again, withdrawing only slightly as if he didn’t want to move at all. “I hear you,” he whispered.

Update: Where Have I Been?

One word: FINALS.

That means a lot of time in the library bashing my head against the table. I felt so bad that I had to ignore my bookshelf for so long. I swear every time I passed my TBR pile, the books would beg me to come read them. But no, school comes first and all that BS. If I didn't have to worry about my future and had no bigger aspirations than living with my parents for the rest of my life, I would stay in my room and read all day long. Sigh.

However, finals are over now and Christmas is 2 days away, which also means that it is Christmas break. HOORAY! I think I'm more excited to pounce on my TBR pile than actual Christmas. Hopefully I'll have some reviews up in the next few days. I missed my books and my blog.

Also, thanks to the 9 people who voted on my poll of what popular series I should read and review. The winner by one vote was the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. I just started Magic Bites and am excited to see where this series goes. Also, I can't wait to encounter Curran. Meow!

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays everyone! I hope Santa brings you lots of gift cards to your favorite book store.

Attention Vampire Academy Fans!

After months of waiting, Richelle Mead has finally posted the first chapter of Last Sacrifice. Hooray! With only 6 more days until the book is officially released, it's about darn time. I devoured the Vampire Academy series last Summer and can't wait to see what happens to Rose, Lissa, and Dimitri! Also, if you are interested, there are some teaser trailers for the book floating around on youtube.

Check out the first chapter here: http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/excerpts/2010-11-30-richelle-mead-vampire-academy-last-sacrifice_N.htm

Review: Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning

Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning
Fever #4
Urban Fantasy
October 26, 2010 (Reissue edition)
Mass Market Paperback, 512 pages
Dell
Source: Purchased a copy from my local Chapters.
Steam factor: 2 1/2 out of 5 cups of steamin' smexy goodness.
Favorite quotes: "You're leaving me, Rainbow Girl."

He has stolen her past, but MacKayla will never allow her sister's murderer to take her future. Yet even the uniquely gifted sidhe-seer is no match for the Lord Master, who has unleashed an insatiable sexual craving that consumes Mac's every thought-and thrusts her into the seductive realm of two very dangerous men, both of whom she desires but dares not trust.

As the enigmatic Jericho Barrons and the sensual Fae prince V"lane vie for her body and soul, as cryptic entries from her sister's diary mysteriously appear and the power of the Dark Book weaves its annihilating path through the city, Mac's greatest enemy delivers a final challenge...

It's an invitation Mac cannot refuse, one that sends her racing home to Georgia, where an even darker threat awaits. With her parents missing and the lives of her loved ones under siege, Mac is about to come face-to-face with a soul-shattering truth-about herself and her sister, about Jericho Barrons...and about the world she thought she knew.

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SLIGHT SPOILERS 

If you haven't read the Fever series, be warned, the ending of Dreamfever is the most awful cliff-hanger I have ever read. However, I use awful  in the sense that I am now DYING to get my hands on Shadowfever. How dare Moning leave her readers in such a bind! After having devoured the series in a week, I am so frustrated that I can't pluck Shadowfever off the shelf and continue reading. Waiting until January for the final instalment in the series will be pure torture!

Other than the cliff-hanger ending, I adored this book. Like the other books in the series, Dreamfever begins right where Faefever left off, with Mac being turned Pri-ya by the 3 Unseelie princes and an anonymous 4th member. Although she is close to death, Mac is rescued by Dani in the nick of time and taken to the Abby. Soon after, Barrons comes for Mac and takes charge in helping her to recover...which is an interesting process to say the least. While Barrons succeeds in bringing Mac back from being Pri-ya, gone is the Rainbow Girl she once was. Dreamfever than follows Mac and Barrons in their contiuined search for the Sinsar-Dubh and the other Fae Hollows, while the Lord Master (Darroc) and the other Unseelie wreak havoc on the world.

While this book is a complete page turner, it was a lot darker than the previous books in the series. Although we finally get some Barrons and Mac loving, the situation in which they finally get together is heartbreaking. After pulling for these two for so long, I hated seeing them come together in such a screwed up manner. Furthermore, I just don't know what to think of Barrons anymore! At times he wins me over when he dances around naked with Mac singing Tub Thumping (he even sets up a Christmas tree!). But when Mac is "cured," he returns to his usual jerk self. After 4 books, I'm frustrated with the dynamics of their relationship.

However, I do like the new Mac 4.0. She has finally shed that Barbie image and embraced her "savage" side. Although, again, what she must go through to complete her transformation is less than ideal. I also enjoyed seeing Mac become more involved with the sidhe-seers and especially with Dani.

In typical Moning fashion, however, some questions in the book are answered, such as Mac's linage, while others still remain up in the air. So for those looking for some explanations, prepared to be disappointed. I know I'm beyond ready for some answers.

While the book didn't advance the plot much further, it was still a thrill to read. Even with the cliff-hanger ending, I recommend this book and the Fever series to anyone looking for an exciting and well-written urban fantasy. Only 49 more days until Shadowfever....

PS: BARRONS BETTER NOT BE THE MONSTER!

Loved it! It was one steamin' hot cup of joe.

Other Opinions:

~Goodreads

~All Things Urban Fantasy - 4/5

~Literary Escapism

Other books in the series:

Darkfever

Bloodfever

Faefever

Shadowfever (January 18, 2011)

Author's Website

Sweet Sale Over at Kobo

As a Canadian, I don't get to relish in all the great deals that happen around American Thanksgiving. Yep, no Black Friday or Cyber Monday for me. However, this morning I got an email from Kobo detailing a wicked sale that they are having for the next 48 hours.
Here's the deats:

The more you spend the more you get! 48 Hours ONLY!

Stock up on eBooks and get more with every purchase!

• Spend $10 to receive a 20% coupon
• Spend $25 to receive a 50% coupon
• Spend $30 to receive a FREE eBook

Plus, every purchase is entered for a

chance to win 1 of 5 eReader Bundles!



So head on over to Kobo and grab all the eBooks your heart desires! And if you are wondering, you do not need a Kobo e-reader to view the books you purchase. Most books are available as EPUB downloads.

Pick of the Week: Eternal Flame by Cynthia Eden

Is it just me, or has November kind of sucked as far as new releases go? Well, the middle of November anyway. However, this week looks pretty darn good for paranormal romance lovers. On the 30th, both Cynthia Eden and Alexandra Ivy are releasing new books. While I have read a few books in Ivy's Guardians of Eternity series, I'm more eager to pick up Eternal Flame. Although the second book in Eden's Night Watch series was disappointing, I'm hoping that Zane will fan the flames and get this series going again.


Eternal Flame is out November 30, 2010.

Here's the blurb:

Cynthia Eden invites you into the world of the Others—supernatural creatures who are sexy, powerful, and more than human in every way...

No one that deadly should look that good. Hybrid demon Zane Wynter specializes in tracking the most lethal criminals, whether human or Other. But Jana Carter is nothing like his previous targets. She's an Ignitor, able to conjure and control fire. She's also sexy beyond belief—and used to playing dirty...

Jana knows she's being set up. She even knows who's responsible: Project Perseus, a secretive group that plans to rid the world of paranormals by any means necessary. From Louisiana's sultry swamps to its desolate cemeteries, Jana and Zane must race to destroy the mastermind behind Perseus before their world goes up in flames—and with it, a desire that burns too hot to resist...

An Award...for me!?!?

This has made my day! J-9 over at Blood Rose Books has given me The Versatile Blogger Award. How cool is that? This is my first blogging award and for only starting this blog about a month and half ago I'm pretty darn proud! Hopefully, there will be more awards to come :)

7 things about me:

1. Sometimes I skip class just to read a book, but only if it's REALLY good

2. One day I would like to get my Masters in Publishing

3. My favorite movies are A Nightmare Before Christmas and Fight Club

4. If I could have one fictional boyfriend come to life it would be Wrath from BDB...although Bones is a very close second.

5. I watch Jeopardy every day. I even have the Jeopardy Wii game.

6. I'm in love with Florence + the Machine. I could listen to Lungs 24/7.

7. I haven't read the Sookie Stackhouse novels, but True Blood is my all time favorite show.

Review: Faefever by Karen Marie Moning

Faefever by Karen Marie Moning
Fever #3
Urban Fantasy
July 28, 2009
Mass Market Paperback, 416 pages
Random House Publishing.
Favorite quote: "...then somebody like you walks in and it ratchets up to the Nine Inch Nails song my uncle plays all the time for his wife."

He calls me his Queen of the Night. I'd die for him. I'd kill for him, too.

When MacKayla Lane receives a torn page from her dead sister's journal, she is stunned by Alina's desperate words. And now MacKayla knows that her sister's killer is close. But evil is closer. And suddenly the sidhe-seer is on the hunt: For answers. For revenge. And for an ancient book of dark magic so evil, it corrupts anyone who touches it. Mac's quest for the Sinsar-Dubh takes her into the mean, shape-shifting streets of Dublin, with a suspicious cop on her tail. Forced into a dangerous triangle of alliance with V'lane, an insatiable Fae prince of lethally erotic tastes, and Jericho Barrons, a man of primal desires and untold secrets, Mac is soon locked in a battle for her body, mind, and soul.

This series just keeps getting better and better. Picking up right where Bloodfever left off, Faefever will leave you gasping for breath by the end.

In Faefever, Mac continues in her quest to recover the mythical Sinsar-Dubh with the help of the mysterious Jericho Barrons. However, she is still unsure who she can trust. After a close encounter with the fabled book, Mac learns that the Sinsar-Dubh has morphed into something far more fearsome than just an Unseelie Hallow. Also, Dublin itself appears to be on the brink of chaos as the Dark Zones continue to grow and more Unseelie slip through the cracks. As Halloween or Samhain fast approaches, Mac learns that the prison walls holding the rest of the Unseelie at bay will fall if the MacKeltar's ritual is not performed correctly. However, without the Sinsar-Dubh, Mac has no idea how to keep the barriers separating our world and the Unseelie prison in place.

If you hate cliff-hangers, do not read this book. The ending packs quite a punch. However, the rest of the book will keep you flipping the pages at a steady pace. In Faefever, Moning reveals more about the origins of the Sinsar-Dubh and the Unseelie. She also gives a few more clues about the true identity of Barrons. Yet, for every lose end Moning ties up, she adds a new twist to the story that will have you scratching your head. I thought for sure I had Barrons nailed! Guess not...

Mac also continues her transformation in the book. She is beginning to embrace the Savage Mac side of her. However, she still desperately clings to the elements that defined her life before her sister's murder. Although I'm glad the girly-girl attitude is gone, I understand Mac's need to hold on to some scraps of her old life, even if that means wearing a pastel colored sweater or buying a pink bike helmet. Mac is quickly becoming one of my favorite heroines.

The secondary characters in the book also become more integral to the overall story in Faefever. Everyone seems to have a large stake in finding the Sinsar-Dubh. Also, each character is complex in that they are all shades of grey. Not everything is black and white in this book. The good guys aren't necessarily good and some of the bad guys aren't all the bad. It certainly makes you more empathetic to Mac's trust issues.

So far, Faefever is my favorite book in the series. However, I'm about to go pluck Dreamfever off my bookshelf so its regin as my fave may not last long. If you haven't started this series yet, what are you wating for? I've kicked myself enough times already for not devouring these books sooner.

Loved it! It was one steamin' hot cup of joe.

Other Opinions:

~Goodreads

~All Things Urban Fantasy - 4/5

~The Good, The Bad and the Unread - B+

Other books in the series:

Darkfever

Bloodfever

Dreamfever

Shadowfever (January 18, 2011)

Author's website

Review: Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning

Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning
Fever #2
Urban Fantasy
August 26, 2008
Mass Market Paperback, 368 pages
Random House Publishing
Source: Purchased a copy from my local Chapters.
Steam factor: 1 out of 5 cups of steamin' smexy goodness.
Favorite quote: "One day you may kiss a man you can't breathe without, and find that breath is of little consequence."

I used to be your average, everyday girl but all that changed one night in Dublin when I saw my first Fae, and got dragged into a world of deadly immortals and ancient secrets...

In her fight to stay alive, MacKayla must find the Sinsar Dubh-a million-year-old book of the blackest magic imaginable, which holds the key to power over the worlds of both the Fae and Man. Pursued by assassins, surrounded by mysterious figures she knows she can't trust, Mac finds herself torn between two deadly and powerful men: V'lane, the immortal Fae Prince, and Jericho Barrons, a man as irresistible as he is dangerous.

For centuries the shadowy realm of the Fae has coexisted with that of humans. Now the walls between the two are coming down, and Mac is the only thing that stands between them.

After a shaky start, I can now say I have officially caught the fever! Picking up where the first book left off, Bloodfever eclipses Darkfever in more ways than one.

The book begins with Mac still recovering from her injuries in meeting with the Lord Master. Although she is finally starting to feel at home at Barrons Books and Baubles, she soon starts seeing a spectral figure that bares an eerie resemblance to death. Conflict escalates when Mac is questioned by the Garda (Irish police) for murder and Derek O'Bannion shows up at the store looking for his dead brother. However, Mac finds some hope in discovering more about her abilities when she runs into another sidhe-seer. But when Mac is kidnapped by an enemy she thought was dead, she is forced to make a decision that may have terrible consequences for her in the future.

I liked this version of Mac far more than the last version. In the book, Mac says that there are two Macs, girly Mac and savage Mac. In Bloodfever, girly Mac takes a backseat. She continues her transformation into grown-up Mac as she begins to grapple with the seriousness of her situation. Yet, she still retains some her southern charm. I get quite a kick out of her telling Barrons he is a "petunia".

However, Barrons is just as mysterious as ever. Throughout the entire book I was so frustrated because when you think you have it figured out, Moning adds a new twist. I'm just confused about Barrons as I ever was. However, I have my theories about what Barrons could be. Also, I enjoyed the added sexual chemistry of Barrons and Mac's relationship. While the sparks between the two is evident in the first book, their attraction is undeniable in Bloodfever. I'm still keeping up hope that these two will end up together in the end.

Along with throwing new curve balls into Barrons true identify, Moning also adds some new twists to the story. While some plot lines get wrapped, new ones are introduced. As a result, I am now hooked on this series. I thoroughly enjoy Moning's writing style and found that I finished the book faster than I wanted to. I'm lucky that I can just pick Faefever right off my bookshelf. Actually, that is what I'm going to do right now. Watch out Barrons, here I come.



Really liked it! It was mmm mmm good.

Other Opinions:

~Goodreads

~All Things Urban Fantasy - 4/5

~Peeking Between the Pages

Other books in the series:

Darkfever

Faefever

Dreamfever

Shadowfever (January 18, 2011)

Author's website