8 Heart Review: The Darkest Surrender by Gena Showalter

The Darkest Surrender (Lords of the Underworld #8)
Gena Showalter

Page Count: 426
Release Date: September 27th 2011
Publisher: HQN (Harlequin)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by Romance Novel News in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you, Carolyn!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Possessed by the demon of Defeat, Strider cannot lose a challenge without suffering unimaginable pain. For him, nothing stands in the way of victory. Until Kaia, an enchanting Harpy, tempts him to the razor's edge of surrender.

Known among her people as The Disappointment, Kaia must bring home the gold in the Harpy Games or die. Strider is a distraction she can't afford because he has an agenda of his own—steal first prize, an ancient godly artifact, before the winner can be named. But as the competition heats up, only one prize will matter—the love neither had thought possible...

Buy the book from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Books-A-Million | Sony eStore | Kobo | Publisher

Review

With every step [Strider had] taken from Kaia's home, Defeat had prowled through his head, wanting to act, to pin her and take her—victory would be so damn sweet—but not allowing himself to do so. Loss would be so damn painful.

Strider just has to win. Whatever the competition—whether it be a friendly bet or a battle that sheds lives—Defeat, the demon he is plagued with, forces him to win, no matter the cost. Everything is a dangerous, vengeful, radiant, and sometimes even erotic game to Strider, which is why, naturally, he is enticed by the idea of the Harpy Games. As he gets to know Kaia and involved in the challenge she sets forth, his screwed-up personal demons will make winning harder than ever before, and they just may lead him to falling for an equally screwed-up girl. After all, she is a Harpy aka a descendant of Lucifer aka the master of all things demonic—no biggie. Yeah. He's got it bad.

The Darkest Surrender is testament to the fact that Gena Showalter is one of the leading ladies of paranormal fiction. EVERYTHING about this book is so well done—the plot, characters, romance, tone, transitional flow—all of it. 

The gradual love is at once tender and entertaining; to me, it was the perfect romance because it's realistic, well interlaced with the actual story, and of course, sizzling hot. The way Strider and Kaia clash is so funny because it couldn't be more obvious how similar they are, and thus in his opinion, all the more wrong for each other. As for the relationship, it is deliciously, wonderfully bad. The thick sexual tension, amusing banter, and explosive chemistry and feuding portray their attraction flawlessly, which impressed me greatly. The fact that this book isn't just a romance definitely earns it brownie points. 

Kaia's unabashed (and publicly declared) crush on Strider demonstrates the kind of girl she is: an unstoppable force, a fiery temper, passion incarnate. Strider, who's way more reserved and tormented—swoon!—wants to deny his lethal attraction for Kaia but can't seem to control himself around her—and that isn't his demon talking. His desire to dominate the one girl no one else can control, the one girl who scratches everyone else, but treats him to the tenderest of caresses, is both his sickness and cure. The way he slowly discovers how much he really needs her, and not just sexually, is heart-melting and exactly the kind of love us romance readers live to read about.

I love how Lords of the Underworld takes place in a world of various species; typically, paranormal romance series involve one type of being (vampires, zombies, etc.), but nope, here, we have Harpies, demons, Fae, Phoenixes, gods, and other creatures of Greek mythology, so in and of itself, this series is the motherlode of the supernatural. So fascinating and creative—props to Gena Showalter for developing such an elaborate, magical, livable world. How I'd love to just climb into one of her books and be one of the characters.

Not having read previous installments in the series, I was a bit confused by the Realm of Blood and Shadows and the worlds in which the book takes place, but the plot and characters are so original and intricate, that I feel The Darkest Surrender works fine as a standalone novel. That being said, the perfectly entwined storylines of the various other Lords—Promiscuity, Doubt, and Disaster, to name a few—leave room and anticipation for the next books; I'm definitely eager to keep with with and try the series from the beginning now.

I'll end on a note praising the snarky and hilarious tone, which is applicable for pretty much of Gena Showalter's novels. Her style is genius, in both the way she personalizes her characters, and the witty one-liners that deserve gold medals. Even if you don't like the story, you will fall in love with the way Showalter writes, which is why you should at least give this series a chance.

Pros

Amazing characters // Humorous, with plenty of wit and sass to go around // Complex, prolonged plot that completely absorbed me // Secondary characters' stories are just as intriguing, making me want to read the previous and next books in the series // Can be read as a standalone, although having a grasp of what the series is about may be helpful in understanding setting

Cons

Some scenes are unnecessarily drawn out // The constantly shifting stories get a little confusing at times

Love

"[My consort is] better than yours," Bianka said.

"No way."

"Way."

"Girls." Taliyah clapped her hands to gain their attention. Just as she'd done when they were children, arguing over a toy. "Both of your consorts suck. Now shut up and move out."

Bianka stuck her tongue out at Kaia. "Mine sucks less than yours," she muttered.

"Yeah, well mine sucks better than yours."

Verdict

This is the kind of book that will make you become obsessed with paranormal romance. From the entirely consuming fictional world constructed, to the lovable, flawed, and vibrant characters, to the unconventional romance with a sigh-worthy "ever after," The Darkest Surrender is a book that will preoccupy you in the most frustrating but fulfilling way. Definitely give these sexy and tragically dark Lords of the Underworld a try; Gena Showalter does not disappoint! 

8 hearts: An engaging read; highly recommended (x)

5 Heart Review: Bound by Prophecy by Melissa Wright and Giveaway!

Bound by Prophecy (Descendants #1)
Melissa Wright

Page Count: 249
Release Date: 19 April 2013
Publisher: self-published
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review as part of the Itching for Books virtual book tour (thank you!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Twenty-two-year-old Aern is done watching his brother destroy the only thing that matters. He never wanted to take Morgan’s place among council, never wanted to rule their hidden world. But when the key to the prophecy is found, a young girl named Brianna whom Morgan will destroy, Aern knows he has to take action. What he really wants, is for things to go back to normal. But now he’s kidnapped a girl, and his brother’s men are after him. His only hope is to join with the Division, but they have plans of their own, and it’s the last thing Aern is willing to do.

Emily just wants her sister back. She doesn't care about the prophecy, or realize what’s at stake. But when she goes after Aern, the truth of the matter uncoils, and Brianna isn't the only one who’s in danger.

Suddenly, they’re at the center of a secret war, and unless they can work together, they’ll both have a sacrifice too big to make.

Buy the book at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Books-A-Million | Sony eStore | Kobo | iTunes | Smashwords

Review

Aern seeks to protect Emily, a refugee of his kind, as well as a great secret of an omnipotent prophecy under the care of the Council. He refuses to join the Division—a darker, more corrupt ordeal—even though both authorities may hold the key to the future's safety—and not to mention his own. His struggle with his identity, bloodline, and his vengeful evil brother will all make his job harder, that's for sure... but it's the elusive and ever-obscure prophecy itself—the one he trusted wholly and upon which he depended—that will surprise him.

Wright builds a beautifully dangerous and complex fantasy world, but her characters lack realistic development and sympathetic touch. I couldn't relate to or get myself to like any of them. They felt detached, robotic, and it feels like they were only formed solely on paper. This made the plot difficult to follow and moreover, rather uninteresting; if I don't like the characters, I'm not going to like the story. 

Most of the book is composed of explanation of Aern's dark world, and a back-and-forth exchange between Emily's destiny and Aern's role in it. Thus, I felt there was way too much talk and hardly any action. Even from the beginning, I felt like I had walked into the story in medias res; there was so much unexplained and uneventful stuff going on (which I assumed would later be elaborated upon, as part of the climax, but alas, it wasn't) and it just didn't click with me. I was impressed by the few action sequences present, though; they are cleverly simulated and don't skimp on the blood and vicious good vs. evil interaction.

I love the different powers that these descendants of ancient masters possess. Wright imaginatively portrays the magical elements of the characters who struggle to survive. 

Pros

Suspenseful // Doesn't hold back on the danger and violence // Fully developed and fascinating urban fantasy world // Lots of plot twists I didn't see coming

Cons

Boring most of the time // Dialogue-driven but weak in plot // Unrealistic and unexpected romance // Unmemorable characters // Bland, ordinary writing style // Anticlimactic

Verdict

I had trouble keeping up with Bound by Prophecy because most of dialogue, characters, and style are inadvertently boring. It flows in sequence and isn't hard to comprehend, it's just hard to really become immersed in. This first installment of the Descendants series does have its redeeming points, including a well-instigated paranormal setting and exciting powers, but overall, nothing blew me away 

5 hearts: Doesn't particularly light any of my fires; I feel indifferent about this book (x)

Giveaway!

There is a tour-wide giveaway for one signed print copy (US only) and two electronic copies of the book! Woohoo! To enter, fill out this Rafflecopter form below:
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Rules and disclosure:

Sponsored wholly by the author—thank you, Melissa!

Giveaway ends 10 June 2013 at 11.59 PM (your time).

Open internationally—yay! However, only US residents are eligible for the signed print copy.

I am not selecting winners for this giveaway, as it is a shared tour-wide event; also, I am in no way responsible for prizes, nor for shipping and handling.

As a reminder, you do not have to follow my blog to enter, though it is always very much appreciated ❤ Plus you get extra entries ;)

Good luck!

8 Heart Review: Shaman, Friend, Enemy by M. Terry Green

Shaman, Friend, Enemy (Olivia Lawson Techno-Shaman #2)
M. Terry Green

Page Count: 327
Release Date: 22 October 2011
Publisher: CreateSpace (self-published)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Patients with fractured souls, clients threatened by deadly ancestor spirits, and now the paparazzi–it’s all in a day’s work for techno-shaman Olivia Lawson. Livvy has rocketed to the top of the shaman world, bringing old friends with her but also attracting new enemies.

Even as her career soars, her personal life spirals downward. Broken bonds and lost love finally force her to confront the terrible secret of her beginning in shamanism. Despite being attacked by dark shamans and navigating a spiritual plane that seems out of control, Livvy’s single-minded quest steers her into dangerous territory and puts her on a collision course with those dearest to her.

No longer interested in walking a fine line, Livvy discovers that–when the one thing you need is the one thing you can’t have–you’ll risk everything.

Review

[NOTE] Read what I thought about the introduction to Livvy and shamanism in my review for the first book in the series, Shaman, Healer, Heretic, here!

Los Angeles is changing. Techno-shaman Livvy Lawson—who's one of the most highly coveted shamans in the area, thanks to a recent triumph in the multiverse, as well as its exposure—can feel it prickling in her skin. It's not just her career dynamic; there seems to be some other shamanic influx disrupting the natural flow of her work, too. Only when she notices a devastating pattern among her clients, and when shamans begin appearing in her middleworld, does she figure out there's someone out there that's putting not only the LA shamans, but also her directly, in grave danger. But by then, it may be too late to take any defensive measures.

This second installment of the Olivia Lawson Techno-Shaman series is an artful, well-processed continuation of the fascinating urban fantasy world that left readers begging for more in the preceding Shaman, Healer, Heretic. The idea of techno-shamanism itself is magical and thrilling—a combination of steampunk and contemporary fantasy—and the plot is also fast-paced and easy to follow. This sequel isn't as dangerous or as inventive as the first book, as the backdrop of shamanism is already set, but it's definitely more psychologically disturbing, with a fresher and equally absorbing premise.

My only constructive reservation for the previous book was that there wasn't enough of Livvy's past incorporated into the storyline. There would be brief mentions, but never full elaborations, which frustrated me, but now I know they were just a technique to keep me holding on. In Shaman, Friend, Enemy, all the questions—all the obscure nondisclosures—are slowly, painfully answered. In the beginning, I was definitely at the edge of my seat wanting to know more about Livvy's initiation into shamanism—into how she became the prophesied lightning shaman; by the end, I was completely satisfied.

I love how there's more of Min and SK, as well as a moving forbidden romance. The results of Livvy's desires are literally electric, and inevitably will end up governing her and swallowing her whole.

I recommend this one for readers who are returning to the series. While the plots of both books are completely unrelated, there aren't as many details about the shamanism, nor about Livvy's routine, which may make Shaman, Friend, Enemy seem rather flimsy and underdeveloped. It might be a decent standalone novel, but would be best enjoyed by readers who started at the beginning, just because of the recurring practices, characters, relationships, and conflicts present.

Livvy's deepest secret—the reason she is so devoted to shamanism in the first place—is finally revealed after the mystery enshrouding her background. As malicious powers try to get in her way, Livvy will go to any length—even submersing into the dark arts, and even losing herself a little bit—in order to carry out the mission to which she owes her life. Her painful past eventually justifies her determination for redemption, but not before claiming a small part of her, before it does.

Faced with these inner demons and the recent local obstructions, Livvy must risk her career and her life just to settle the one thing from her past to which she owes everything, which propels her into a distressing decision: to pursue the one she loves, or to stop being a shaman—to lose her identity—completely.

[NOTE] See what I thought of the third installment of the series, Shaman, Sister, Sorceress, by clicking here.

Pros

Livvy's backstory revealed! // Moves quickly and doesn't drag on // New villains shape the story well // Livvy's personal strengths and weaknesses explored // Well-written and well-structured // Leaves me wanting to read the next book!

Cons

Green has a natural voice for storytelling, but stylistically it's not particularly lyrical or haunting; it gets the job done, but isn't impressive // Not much action

Love

Livvy had stopped at the edge of the living room, as though she were afraid to enter. When in doubt, she bit her lower lip. Sometimes when she did that, she was worried about something serious, a client usually. Sometimes, she was just trying to pick the type of tea she'd order. SK had never mentioned it to her, afraid that she might stop.

Verdict

In this stirring, fulfilling second novel, M. Terry Green calls attention to the domineering advantage in keeping compassion—keeping humanity alive on top of the duties in the battle between good and evil—as well as a startling truth regarding where Livvy's passions and loyalties lie. Once again, Livvy is challenged and her heart's resolve brutally tested, but once again, readers hold onto hope that she will, in the end, somehow prevail; that's just who Olivia Lawson is. Tender and heart-wrenching, yet edgy in revelation, Shaman, Friend, Enemy is a detailed and purposeful journey into our original lovable heroine's psyche. The discovery of an incredible bond and a terrible tragedy that have shaped her, and how she, in the end, triumphs over those single-minded fears, demonstrate masterfully what it means to be human... and what we humans must do to not only live, but also to simply survive 

8 hearts: An engaging read; highly recommended (x)

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥: Blood Faerie by India Drummond and Giveaway!

Blood Faerie (Caledonia Fae #1)
India Drummond

Page Count: 254
Release Date: 1 June 2011
Publisher: Trindlemoss Publishing (self-published)
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you!)

When magic crosses the boundaries...

Unjustly sentenced to death, Eilidh ran—away from the faerie lands, to the streets of Perth, Scotland. Just as she has grown accustomed to exile, local police discover a mutilated body outside the abandoned church where she lives. 

Recognizing the murder as the work of one of her own kind, Eilidh must choose: flee, or learn to tap into the forbidden magic that cost her everything.

Review

Eilidh possesses skills of the Path, a high form of dark magic, which bestows her with great power that is unpredictable and even deadly. She was born with it, but she is still unjustly exiled from Caledonia; her crime is not casting the forbidden Azure... it is her ability to.

She now lives in hiding in the human world, staying low to go unnoticed, until a series of gruesome murders in which the victims get their hearts torn out, crosses her path. She senses immediately with her regular fae powers, the Ways of Earth, that this is a blood faerie—an evil faerie's—doing. Even though she is prohibited from entering the faerie world and cannot risk getting involved with anything that involves the fae, her morals and instincts draw her to the crimes inflicted upon the humans.

Quinton Munro, a Perth officer, by fate, is also tangled up in this fantastical mess, even though he has no relations whatsoever to the fae. The blood faerie seems to be targeting a group of people in order to fulfill a dark ritual, but Quinton's entirely human—he can't be a part of the plan. Or can he?

I really loved Quinton as a character. His confusion and reaction upon being introduced to fae is very relatable, and further, his willingness to help Eilidh and risk his life to stop the evil that isn't even within his own world, is noble and admirable. Eilidh is also likable. She's clumsy with human customs, but sharp and quick with fae knowledge, showing that she indeed is an intelligent character. Since being shunned to the human world, she has been infected by humanity, which she only realizes when faeries of her past suddenly come back into her life and disdainfully point the change out. But humanity is not a curse, she has slowly and surely learned; being human, even with flaws and error, is one of the best things one can be.

Eilidh's evolution in ethics that comes with her growing sympathy for and understanding of the human race makes her learn being "acceptable" sometimes isn't worth the cost. The fae race is ruled by power and mirth that surpasses that of humans, but also by shallowness and vanity; they have no ethics, no openness, no emotions, and no individuality like us unstable, imperfect humans do. The blood faerie's serial killing spree plunges Eilidh into a struggle between staying faithful to the race that betrayed her, or an unfamiliar and even more frightening world she is only beginning to become accustomed to. In the end, she learns that no matter what the race and what the circumstance, there are some values—regarding friendship, loyalty, and love—that are universal to anyone.

I love Drummond's writing style. It can get kind of flat at times (for example, during long stories from wise fae Eilidh seeks out for advice), but for the most part, it is lush, well-composed, and well-structured. Eilidh and Quinton's relationship is sensual in the most thrilling way; not explicitly sexual or romantic, but the chemistry is definitely there, and the author's lyrical diction brightens it up even more.

Pros

Writing quality: vivid diction with great flow // Riveting action // Fascinating, gory details // Sensual undertone // Perfect amount of romance // Well-strategized mystery plot // World of Fae is magical and intriguing // Realistic contemporary Scottish setting

Cons

Starts off very slow // Sometimes writing turns bland // Not enough background on the villain, the blood faerie // While I am looking forward to the next book, the ending isn't a cliffhanger so I'm not dying to know what happens next

Verdict

The importance of an open mind and open heart are illuminated in India Drummond's magical, spirited Blood Faerie. Add a dangerous murderer to a faerie world, crush in a few cubes of romance and stir in a little bit of adventure—oh yes, and don't forget to top it off with an intense bloodbath of a fight!—and you've got the recipe for this fabulous urban fantasy read.

8 hearts: An engaging read; highly recommended. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Giveaway!

India has been generous enough to offer an eBook copy of Blood Faerie to one lucky Books à la Mode reader! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below:

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Rules and Disclosure:
Stop giveaway ends January 26th at 11.59 PM (your time).

Open internationally! Woohoo!
Winners have 48 hours to claim their prize once they are chosen, or else their prizes will be forfeited.

Although I do choose winners, I am in no way responsible for the prizes, nor for delivery and handling.

As a reminder, you do not have to follow my blog to enter, though it is always very much appreciated ❤ Plus you get extra entries ;)

Good luck!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥: Shaman, Healer, Heretic by M. Terry Green

Shaman, Healer, Heretic (Olivia Lawson Techno-Shaman #1)
M. Terry Green

Page Count: 328
Release Date: 19 January 2011
Publisher: self-published
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you!)
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Even for a techno-shaman, a kachina in the bedroom isn't exactly part of the drill. When Olivia Lawson wakes to find one towering over her, she panics. A Hopi god visiting the real world isn't just wrong—it's impossible.

Or is it?

Soon Olivia learns that the kachina is the least of her worries. As she struggles to save her clients, clashes with other shamans, and fends off the attacks of real-world vigilantes, Olivia finds herself in the destructive path of a malevolent ancient force intent on leaving the spiritual realm to conquer this one.

Left with few options, Olivia is forced to defy centuries of shaman prohibitions. As she and her allies risk everything in their bid for survival, Olivia ultimately learns that the rules are there for a reason and that breaking them has a terrible cost.

Review

I've never encountered shamanism, let alone techno-shamanism, in literature before, but I could really get used to it. It's a fascinating, dare I say "new age" concept, with a mystical, but not quite fantastical feel; its foray into the urban fantasy genre is thrilling, engaging, and makes for a damn good story.

Something is terribly wrong in the shaman world, a different plane from human existence in which alternative healers work, and Olivia Lawson may have a lead. The kachina in the real world could be a sign, rather than a threat, but she's going to have to use her powers, and her resources, to fully trust that instinct. 

Green's story is masterfully structured, perfectly woven together, and perfectly paced. She adds just enough shaman culture into the mystery of the lethal kink in their multiverse. Combined with wacky technology, an unexpected (climbing) death toll, and the common vexations of our modern world, this sci-fi/thriller cross is sure to please all readers of the contemporary urban fantasy genre.

As a shaman, Olivia is relatively new and unexperienced at the practice, but her spirit helper is lightning, automatically making her a legendary and rare healer with power even she herself is yet to fully discover. The fact that the kachina has come to her, and that her own trips to the middleworld and underworld are going astray is no coincidence; the kachina wants her... or at least her attention.

Olivia seems to have a complicated, painful past involving her initiation into shamanism, but none of this is explained, which was a bit frustrating. Green hints at these little waverings, but never fully goes into them; this intrigued me greatly. While Olivia isn't explored deeply as a character, there is enough of her genuine personality throughout the book for me to like her and her attitude towards her personal life and work. She has admirable ethics, and way more courage and motivation than I could ever muster; a true heroine I'll stay loyal to.

At first, the story was disorienting because it appears to begin in medias res. I had a little difficulty going into it because there was so much about shamanism introduced at once (kachina? huh?), but I warmed up to the concept quickly; I guarantee you will too.

When shaman responsibilities wreck her personal life, Olivia knows she needs to take a stand. Breaking centuries of time-worn rules of the shaman world, she is determined to resolve this catastrophe once and for all, but little does she know of its disastrous consequences. 

Pros

Absorbing // Well-written // Clear, concise structure that's easy to follow // A little romance (just the right amount) // Heart-stopping plot twists and betrayals // Fascinating topic of shamanism // I couldn't put this book down!

Cons

A bit disorienting at first // Not enough of Olivia's backstory

Verdict

No one is left at mercy in M. Terry Green's unpredictable, un-put-down-able, and addicting debut. I'm dying to try the next book in the Olivia Lawson Techno-Shaman series, which is rare for me... usually I don't like series much! (I was fortunate enough to snag a copy of the sequel, Shaman, Friend, Enemy, as well, so look out for a review of the second installment of that soon). Cunningly presented, lush in detail, but not too dense, Shaman, Healer, Heretic is a must-read for those searching for a breath of fresh air in the urban fantasy genre. Let's move away from demons and angels, shall we? Shamans are the next big thing 

8 hearts: An engaging read; highly recommended (x)

[NOTE] Discover what happens in the next chapter of Livvy's exploits by reading my review of the sequel, Shaman, Friend, Enemy here.

See what I thought of the third book, Shaman, Sister, Sorceress, by clicking here!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥: Healer by J.L. Bowen

Healer
J.L. Bowen

Page Count: 289
Release Date: 13 April 2012
Publisher: Featherweight Press
Source: Complimentary copy provided by author, via Innovative Online Book Tours, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review (thank you both!)

Thirteen-year-old Armond Costa heals in three days, no matter what abuse his uncle and aunt inflict upon him. On his fourteenth birthday, he sprouts wings and discovers his aunt and uncle had lied to him. He's the lost Golden Demon's Healer. His father, King of the Golden Demons, insists he return with him and save his people from being persecuted by their mortal enemies, the Dark Demons. Now, Armond must choose between the Ellis brothers and seventeen-year-old Rusty Owens—the only family he's ever known—or condemn the Golden Demons to extinction.

Review

The eternal battle between Golden and Dark Demons comes to life beautifully in Bowen's paranormal young adult release. Armond's life has only ever involved pain—excruciating physical pain from his aunt and uncle, the two people who should have loved him most after the death of his parents, both of whom he has never known. He's secluded from the real world because he's different (or so his aunt and uncle say): no matter what kind of harm is inflicted upon him, he always, always heals. But it doesn't mean he doesn't feel pain. Broken bones and sawed-off limbs renew, but he still feels the pain... all of it.

When he turns fourteen, however, he learns just why he's been doomed to such a hideous life; it's because his "family" is hiding something from him. He is discovered by a mysterious, frightening clan, who announce Armond's true identity as the Healer of the Golden Demons (the good guys!) and introduce him to the world of Havenwood, where danger permeates the skies in constant threat of the Dark Demons' evil ways. 

This coming-of-age story is the perfect blend of danger (real blood, guts, and death, here... love it!), family values, and adventure. It's not clean and idealized; it's raw, horrific, and brutal, but that's what makes it so enjoyable. Armond must come to terms with his destiny—even if he can't tell truth from lies because he's constantly being betrayed—as well as his identity, and the whole journey is a glittering, satisfying experience.

The concept of healing, as well as the war between good and evil, is fascinating as well. The world Bowen creates is rich, vibrant, and highly unpredictable, and it's the kind of magical realm I would love to live in.

There are some parts that seem unrealistic to me, including the paranormal elements' exposure to the "real world". The way the public reacts to Armond's healing powers seems a bit stilted. Another thing that's a bit off-key is that once Armond enters Havenwood to stay with the Golden Demons, our world, or "reality," just seems to disappear. He doesn't go back, and he doesn't directly mention it either, which makes me think that Bowen should have tied up those loose ends somehow.

Some of Armond's interactions with new faces are a bit awkward too, but J.L. Bowen's writing style is mostly smooth and easy to follow. I didn't have to trudge through it at all—the story just moved along by itself! There's a bit of a contradiction to the book, though. Armond is fourteen in the progression of the novel, and he's often immature and inexperienced, which makes me want to recommend this one to younger readers (aged 11-14), but there is also some sexual, violent, language, and drug content that is obviously targeted for older readers (13-17). I'm torn between which age group I'd recommend it more to. Younger readers may be disturbed, while older readers may be irritated by the often childish voice. I honestly think it could satisfy both age groups, but you've been warned.

In terms of conventions, there are quite a few grammar and spelling mistakes, even though I had a finished copy... but I won't complain too much about that. With a little cleaning up and clearing up, I think we have a real winner with Healer.

Love

I had prayed that ... he'd been loved.

Pros

Flows smoothly // Absorbing, readable style // Breathtaking magical world created // Suspenseful // Easy to sympathize with characters // Good cast of characters // Perfectly gruesome // Story moves quickly // Fitting for young adult audience

Cons

Some awkward character encounters // Doesn't seem too realistic in contemporary setting // Should be targeted for younger readers because it often reads childishly; however, wouldn't be completely appropriate for them because of content // Frequent typos

Verdict

Lush and fast-paced, Healer follows the perilous fight between good and evil. This is not your mother's chaste children's novel; this is a suspenseful, shocking, and violent read that has deeper sentiments about love and identity as well. While younger readers may find Healer disturbing and older readers, a bit juvenile, it contains highly developed paranormal elements and true-to-life characters that will strike a chord with any age group. Very S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders meets Francine Pascal's Fearless meets Warner Brothers's Charmed.

8 hearts: An engaging read; highly recommended. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Lust for Life by Jeri Smith-Ready Promo and Giveaway!

Lust for Life (WVMP Radio #4) by Jeri Smith-Ready

Jeri Smith-Ready is one of my all-time favorite paranormal  authors, which is why I'm so ecstatic to spotlight the fourth installment of WVMP Radio—her thrilling, sexy series about vampire DJs and the con artist who fights for their way of un-life which was released last week—today! Read on to enter an exciting giveaway Jeri has offered for y'all too!

Released November 27th from Pocket Books, a division of Simon & Schuster...

Everyone's Out for Blood—Hers

Ciara’s con-artist parents taught her three keys to survival: keep low, keep quiet, and most of all, keep moving. But managing WVMP, the Lifeblood of Rock ’n’ Roll—not to mention becoming a vampire herself—has kept her in one place long enough to fall madly in love, adopt an undead dog...

...and make more enemies than she can shake a stake at.

A psychotic DJ, a wanna-be necromancer, and a posse of vengeful hippies would all love to see Ciara get her day in the sun—literally. To protect Ciara, her fiancé, Shane, has traded his flannel shirt and guitar for a flak jacket and crossbow. If she survives to walk down the aisle, will she recognize the man waiting at the altar? In this final chapter of the award-winning WVMP RADIO series, Ciara must decide who to trust, who to love—and who to kill.

❤author: Dario Giardi interview and giveaway!

❤ Today, I'm thrilled to welcome author, Dario Giardi, to the blog today. Welcome to ¡Miraculous!, Dario! Will you please share a short bio with us?

I was born in Rome in 1977, I work as a researcher in the fields of environment and energy, although my true passion is writing.

❤ Tell us little bit about your newest release, Adudan.

Adudan is my debut novel. It's an urban fantasy which I think is very innovative and special for the message it contains, but I'll leave you to judge for yourselves.

The story comes to life during the sleep and in the dreams of Marcel Guivarch, a Breton writer who is able to immerse himself in the memory of an ancestral past. In this land which lies between dreams and reality, the protagonist starts to become fully aware of his true identity and of his mission. Through the visions that a mysterious civilization manages to send him, he traces his life backwards until he discovers that he was Railen, a guardian chosen by princess Adudan, the only sovereign left to rule the planet Atlas after the death of her father. For Marcel, these visions are the first pieces of a story that traces its roots back into time.

❤ How did you choose the names of your characters in it?

Everything comes in dreams.

Adudan comes from my dream journeys. Many call them astral travel. The creative drive always starts with an image. I wake up I take notes on the images that my imagination has produced ... everything comes from them. If there is a strong emotion behind that image do not take it into account. In what I write, there is always a profound message I like to convey and I think that in this sense Adudan it conceals many. This is all my writing is something that goes beyond the pages.

❤ How did you first get published? Tell us your call story.

I have written the tourist guides in the past: Bretagna: natura, arte, poesia e mistero tra oceano e cielo and Roma: misteri ed itinerari insoliti, published by Polaris.

Adudan is my debut novel.

I have decided to take a gamble with self-publishing on the Amazon platform.

America is the land of opportunity. Self-publishing has made many dreams come true. I'm sure it's a positive sign of changing times and of the direct power that new technologies give readers, bypassing the old, traditional publishing system to give a voice to what for me is the only criterion for publishing success: the public. 

❤ How would you describe your writing style and tone?

I would like to suggest a new style, something that is as close to American literature, I think mainly my favorite writer, John Fante. The ability to catapult the player and describe the emotions experienced or just the thoughts. Sudden strokes on the plot without necessarily explaining everything nor dwelling in a thousand descriptions...

❤ Give aspiring writers a piece of advice you wish you had known before getting published.

Keats was right when he said "The imagination is like the dream of Adam: Adam awoke, and found that it was truth." An epic story isn't always so far away from everyday life, and fiction can come close to reality.

❤ Now give us your best personal advice — something you wish you had known when you were younger and would offer to your own kids.

Life is full of surprises and and serendipity. Being open to unexpected turns in the road is an important part of success. If you try to plan every step, you may miss those wonderful twists and turns.

❤ Share with us, your all-time favorite quote, whether it be one you live by or one you just find beautiful.

"Per aspera ad astra."

"To the stars through difficulties."

❤ What's the most interesting comment you've received about your books?

A comment on Amazon: "Love, action, poetry ... there is everything and everything is written with style."

❤ Thank you so much for joining us today, Dario! Where can readers find you on the web?

Website | Blog | Twitter | Purchase

Giveaway!

Dario has been generous enough to offer an autographed copy of Adudan to one lucky reader! To enter, answer the question, What is for you, imagination? and fill out the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway runs through November 30th, 2012 at 11.59 pm (EST).
Open to all readers, international folks included!

As a reminder, you do not have to follow my blog to enter, though it is always very much appreciated ❤ and you get additional entries ;)

Good luck!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥: Breaking Point by Jess Bowen

Breaking Point (The Order of the Elements #1)
Jess Bowen

Release Date: November 1st, 2010

Publisher: Omnific

Page Count: 415

Source: Complimentary copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review

Phoebe Johnson and Ethan Smith had everything they needed: loving parents, great friends, and admission letters to Ivy League schools they'd be heading to in the fall. If only they knew that they were never going to reach the end of that summer—at least, not in the world they knew. A secret waits to be revealed on the eve of their nineteenth birthday, a secret that is going to change their lives forever when it leads them to a place they never believed existed, love they could never imagine living without, and power they never suspected they possessed. 

Jess Bowen expertly plunges readers into an imaginative, supernatural world that refuses to bow down to the darkness that's all but taken over. Amidst this adventurous quest for a lost prophecy, Bowen weaves in powerful tales of love that will leave the characters and readers breathless.

What Stephanie Thinks: Phoebe and Ethan are two regular kids, leading regular paths in the normal realm, when they're suddenly torn from their everyday lives and sucked into an unfamiliar, supernatural world, one that's far more dangerous than they'd ever bargained for. Here, they are known as the preordained and most powerful beings of all: the Masters of the Elements. Brought to one of these so-called Safehouses, which are meant for keeping evil out, but feel more like they're locking everyone in, the two teenagers are forced to come to terms with their abrupt possessions of power, as well as their identities, in order to fulfill their prophecies. Breaking Point is fast and thrilling, and it's exactly my kind of urban fantasy read because while it is completely idealistic and highly inventive, it takes place in a regular world in which people like you and I live in. Thus, there's a believable, human aspect to it as well, which is what makes it such an absorbing read.

I love the lush, beautiful world Bowen creates. She has a smooth, vivid voice that not only displays setting and characterization well, but also has a knack for telling the untold, the speculations of mind and the reluctances of heart. She weaves the story from different perspectives using third-person omniscient, but doesn't forget to leave out just the right parts to leave readers hanging and breathless.

The concept of Element Training is so creative. Basically, a predestined group of teenagers lives in this Safehouse to train against the evils of Petrozan, the one who destroyed their world as they know it, according to the prophecies. Each student has their own element—water, wind, earth, or fire—and is able to control it in some way. Some of them even have magical talents, such as telekinesis or shapeshifting, but the Masters are the one who bear the most power of all. Or, at least they're supposed to. Phoebe is immediately an obvious candidate to defeat Petrozan, with her multiple talents and instant control over her element, water, but Ethan, Master of Earth, struggles to discover his own, as well as compare with her, and another even more intimidating Master, Dorian. His inferiority complex plagues him throughout the book, and the inner conflict, I loved watching the development of. Eventually, it saves him when he redeems himself in a battle that may determine who will survive to fight... and who won't.

Breaking Point reminds me of Avatar: The Last Airbender in substance and The Hunger Games in social foundation—in other words, fabulous! I don't like Bowen's profuse idealistic tone, however. Everything in the fantasy world she creates is perfect, which, I know isn't supposed to be realistic, but after a while, it does get irritating. I compare Breaking Point's magic realm to Hogwarts (seriously, that is PRAISE), but while Hogwarts has its depths and its darknesses, in Breaking Point, everything fits just right, everything tastes perfect, everyone (well, most everyone) gets along a little too well. It's uncanny, and it, even in a fantasy novel, isn't realistic. This is urban fantasy; I would have liked to see the author be a bit darker, a bit edgier. For this reason, I wouldn't recommend this one to the older audience. Even though there are some slightly mature themes (a love triangle, violence, frightening combat), nothing is ever explicit (save a few gory injury descriptions), so this would be for the younger young adults: I'd say ages 11-15. If you're a YA aficionado like me, you'll still enjoy this one—that is, if you can get past a few eye-roll-worthy moments.

That being said, the world Phoebe and Ethan are brought into is one I want to be a part of and live in. I can't emphasize this enough! It may be unreasonably happy-go-lucky, but it's simply stunning. I absolutely love the characters in Breaking Point too. Each of them have their own pasts and their own brutal flaws—even Phoebe, who, to everyone else, seems perfect—and the journey they take to overcome, or at least control, these weaknesses makes for a gripping, consuming ride. Bowen is a master of words, especially when describing emotions; she excels in bringing her characters to life and making them lovable, even with their demons and their mistakes, and even when they lose composure and reach breaking point.

Another aspect that's engaging is the romance. Bowen creates a tingling concept of soul mates, that is, in itself, completely captivating—something I swooned over. I won't give anything away—yes, you'll have to read it yourself to find out what the big deal is!—but I rooted for the blooming couples, even those that were forbidden, and loved the complications behind each of them, during and after the entire read. Again, nothing is ever sexually explicit, which for me, was both frustrating and titillating. The romance consists mostly of smooth talk and the ill notion that a relationship is 100% meant to be, but just may not work out. It's heartbreaking, emotional, and once again, completely human, and it further demonstrates that Breaking Point will not only quell starry-eyed teenagers, but be parent-friendly as well.

The ending... GAHH!! I hate it! But I love it! A cliffhanger for sure—highly highly annoying, but at the same time, satisfying even without the closure. I'm keen on reading the next book in The Order of the Elements—I'm a freak, I can't just not find out what happens next—but am so disappointed to discover there isn't a sequel yet!!! Not even a tentative release date ;( However, I WILL keep my eyes on both the author and publisher's sites, and will be, hopefully, reviewing the next installment(s) in the five-book series.

All 400+ pages of Breaking Point turned themselves. It's a heavy novel with yes, often superficial specificities, but overall, its story is relatable and enchanting. I love being drawn into made-up worlds like Bowen's, and combined with my affection for each of the characters, I would say I enjoyed this one a lot. Definitely recommended, especially if you're into clean, but still perilous young adult fiction with a touch of romance and an inclination for magic.

Stephanie Loves: "'Darkness is the absence of light. Happiness is the absence of pain. Anger is the absence of joy. Jealousy is the absence of confidence. Love is the absence of doubt. Hate is the absence of peace. Fear is the absence of faith. Life is the absence of death. We are all made of little absences here and there. Truth comes from which absences fill us. Strength comes from how we fill the absences.'"

Radical Rating: 9 hearts: Loved it! This book has a spot on my favorites shelf. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥