Review: Queen of Shadows

Queen of Shadows ( Shadow World #1)

by Dianne Sylvan

SYNOPSIS:

Meet Miranda Grey—music and magic are in her blood.

Overwhelmed by her uncanny ability to manipulate people's emotions through her music, Miranda Grey comes to the attention of vampire lord David Solomon. Believing he can help bring her magic under control, David discovers that Miranda's powers may affect the vampire world too...

MY THOUGHTS:


3.5 stars

This was a very good book, very entertaining.

The beginning is strong, with a raping scene in one of the first chapters. I didn't particularly enjoy that. I don't think it added anything to the story and honestly, I never like those kind of scenes. This is the only reason why I didn't give it 4 stars.

I liked Miranda's "power". It sounds pretty cool to me, though I could relate to her and the way she felt about it. It may be a little overwhelming to know and feel, what everyone is feeling, ALL THE TIME. That's why she gets away of people, even her best friend.

Although influencing people's mood could have some perks. :D

David is an intriguing character. I'm pretty fond of him. It was weird to see a vampire over 300 years old being that geeky but I think it fits his personality well.

The writing is ok, didn't blew my mind but the pace and plot compensate.

I'm looking forward to reading the second book.

Vampire Lies: Interview and giveaway

Vampire Lies by RaShelle Workman 

(Blood and Snow S2, #1) 

Publication date: April 19th 2014

Synopsis:

Genre: YA Fractured Fairytale
Blood and Snow Season 2
Book 1 ~ Vampire Lies

*** Eyes like violet sapphires. Wings of smoldering fire. Consume your true love’s blood. Become the Eternal Vampire. ***

Once upon a time there lived a vampire with wings and the genie who loved her…

Born of the seven magics, Jasmine is different in every way, including the obnoxious wings on her back courtesy of the original Vampires. She wants to be normal, to be a regular teenaged girl.

When a gorgeous dark-haired boy named Laeddin shows up and promises to sneak her away from all her problems and hide her in the human world, she agrees.

But an evil lurks in her nightmares, a man with red eyes. It doesn’t take long for Jasmine to realize that no matter how far she tries to run from who she is, he’s only a dream away. He wants her. He needs her. He acts as though he loves her.

It’s becoming harder and harder to tell the difference between the path that’ll lead to her happily ever after, and the path that’ll lead to her destruction as well as all magic.

QUICK INTERVIEW 

with Rashelle Workman

Guilty pleasures? Orange is the New Black (on Netflix). The writing in that show is just so amazing.

Best reward as a writer? Creating a world, sharing it, and having readers get it. It’s awesome.

Do you like singing or dancing? I love singing and dancing although I’m not very good at either.

Does music inspire you? Music is a must have when I write. Some music I listened to while writing Vampire Lies was the soundtrack from How to Train Your Dragon.

What are your favorite TV shows? Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Arrow, Drop Dead Diva… there’s a bunch more.

Favorite movies? Right now, my favorite movie is the Edge of Tomorrow. That movie was awesome.

Do you have a nice relationship with your fans? I love my fans. They are amazing. 

AUTHOR BIO

RaShelle Workman is the international bestselling author of the Dead Roses series (“Sleeping Roses,” book 1 in the series, has been translated into Turkish and is NOW available wherever Turkish books are sold), the Immortal Essence series, the Blood and Snow series, the Cindy Chronicles, and Touching Melody (A Forever First Novel). She’s sold over five hundred thousand copies of her novels worldwide. You can find RaShelle all over the web, but the best place to start is on her blog: rashelleworkman.com.

Author links:

Website

Goodreads

Facebook

Twitter

Giveaway:

15$ Amazon/B&N gift card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Darkness before Dawn

DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN 

(Darkness Before Dawn trilogy #1)
by J.A. London

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Published: May 29th, 2012 by Harper Teen

Blurb:

This electrifying new trilogy blends the best of paranormal and dystopian storytelling in a world where the war is over. And the vampires won.

Humans huddle in their walled cities, supplying blood in exchange for safety. But not even that is guaranteed. Dawn has lost her entire family and now reluctantly serves as the delegate to Lord Valentine, the most powerful vampire for miles. It isn’t until she meets Victor, Valentine’s son, that she realizes not all vampires are monsters....

MY THOUGHTS:

Schemes, politics, desire for power, envy, jealousy and love, all entangled in a great story.

Darkness before Dawn is a great vampire story. Probably one of the best I've read lately.

It is set in the city of Denver in a future where humans are very aware of the existence of vampires. Actually, they've been coexisting since the war thanks to a treaty. This treaty said that vampires would be away of the cities as long as humans donate blood to keep them satisfied. Of course, that didn't last long and when humans forgot their part, vampires started to forget theirs... and so this story begins.

Dawn, our protagonist is the youngest delegate in history, she is supposed to keep peace among both species. But things start to get a little messy, especially when a handsome stranger resques her on a dangerous night and attacks start in the city...

I really enjoyed the premise of this book. It has a complex plot, with non stop action and I couldn't stop turning the pages. 

The writing is great, it just flows. Applause for both authors!!!

The world the authors built seems utterly real. I felt transported to that isolated place and I felt the fear of the citizens at night. I wouldn't dare to go out knowing what lurks in the dark. 

Even if I was first drawn to it due to the gorgeous cover and that I'm a total sucker for vampire books, I liked that in Darkness Before Dawn vampires are vampires. I mean, they feed on human blood. Period. You should be scare of them, not fascinated. Except well... for some of them... with intense blue eyes...  *sigh* :D

Yes, it's true, some parts are a little predictable but the road taken to unfold those issues was great IMO.

Regarding characters, Dawn is strong, she's been training all her life to defend herself and she is brave. Yes, it's a given, sometimes bravery can lead to problems but what kind of book would we have if everything was simple, right?

She is also witty and caring, and she allows herself to trust someone even when the world around suggests you shouldn't trust anyone whatsoever. 

Victor, oh my! *sigh* Dark hair, blue eyes, enigmatic and a loner... and with an agenda... yup! he got me after 10 seconds :D

There is also the almost perfect boyfriend and the best friend Tegan, they were both equally lovable and annoying. 

I mean, quit getting yourselves in trouble idiots!

And of course, the evil ones. Which are really evil hehe. Ruthless.

I believe all the characters are well developed, we get some background of each and they are very easy to relate to.

The romance is well developed too. It is attraction at first sight but Dawn is smart enough not to get herself caught in the situation.

The way the romantic events unfurled was perfectly conceived.

The end has a major twist and is bittersweet. Left me wanting more.

Definitely I want to read more about these characters and this interesting story.

Purchase at:

The Book Depository

I hope you liked it!

Rhomy

Review: Some girls Bite by Chloe Neil

Some Girls Bite (Chicagoland Vampires #1)
by Chloe Neil

Synopsis:

I was a grad student until Chicago vampires announced their existence to the world, and a rogue vampire attacked me, scared by the master of Cadogan House. To save me, Ethan Sullivan converted me. The Lord of the Hyde Park manor is tall, green-eyed, full of four centuries worth of charm. Suddenly I am handy with serious weaponry, and pursued by an unknown enemy.

GOODREADS









MY THOUGHTS:

This is one of those series I've had for ever in my TBR pile. What was holding me back? I'm not at all a fan of the cover. Sorry if you think different hehe.

But I'm so glad I decided to check it anyway. 

What finally conviced me, was not the blurb that I really liked, but a phrase I read that I found funny:

“He's twenty-nine. And what did you think he was going to look like?"

She shrugged.

"You know-old. Grizzled. Long white beard. Scruffy robes. Loveable, smart, a little absent minded." 

I bit back a grin. 

" I said 'sorcerer,' not 'Dumbledore.' So he's hot. It could be worse.” 

Through this book, I've had ups and downs but it end up pretty good. I liked almost everything about it, the premise, the mystery, the writing, the characters... all of it.

 I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 just because I would have wanted a little more intensity in every aspect, which I'm sure I will get in the next instalment as the characters mature and they gain depth.

The premise: original. Yes, vampire's existence is now known by humans, we've read about that, but that's not the unique part. I loved the way the vampires are united in groups called Houses and how each House has specific characteristics and ways to behave. We have some killings that are the beginning of the action packed plot. 

Characters: I enjoyed the characters  very much. I like that they feel real but also have a funny side, like Merit and her friend Mallory.  They made me laugh so often. They were great and brave, which is a plus for heroines.

Ethan is delicious and powerful, a true leader and he is super sexy. And so is Morgan. 

Actually, Morgan is beyond hot, everything Ethan is but 10 times more. *swoon* Can't wait to read more about these 2.

My Morgan L&G! :p

Writing: amazing. Impeccable. Flowed smoothly and just left me with the urge to read more.

Will I recommend it? Absolutely. I'm getting book 2 ASAP.

I hope you liked it!

Rhomy.

Review: The Soul's Mark: Changed

THE SOUL'S MARK: CHANGED 

(The Soul's Mark #4) by Ashley Stoyanoff

SYNOPSIS:

 Ever since college student Amelia Caldwell moved to Willowberg, her life has been in turmoil. But with the evil vampire hunters no longer terrorizing the town, Willowberg is once again peaceful.

With a little help from Mother Nature and a dream for a better future, Mitchell has found himself in a predicament—after eight hundred years of being immortal, he is now a human while his soulmate is a vampire.

Now all Amelia and Mitchell have to do is hide from the world until his body can handle the change. But when Mitchell gets a cold, all hell breaks loose. 

With an unexpected resistance rising, and an unexplained deadline from the spirits, Amelia realizes that this is a fight she cannot win alone. One thing is clear, though: to save Mitchell, he needs to change—again. But if he does, what chance does he have of surviving it?

AMAZON   ||    GOODREADS

MY THOUGHTS:

4.5 STARS :)

** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review**

Well, I'm a super fan of Ashley, that's no surprise, and the fact that I really enjoyed this book isn't, either.

I've loved this series since the start.

I've grown attached to all the characters with different personalities and stories.

What can I say? I absolutely loved it!

Ok, well, maybe not the first part hehe, I found that at the beginning every character was a little whinny and didn't do much, from Lola, to Millie to Mitch but as the story progressed I got caught up in the plot, as always!

Cover: 

The best so far. I really like it! and it's very representative.

Writing: 

If you are looking for a simple writing this is not your kind of book. Stoyanoff's writing is complex and it makes you think, it entangles you in all the twists and details of the story line and at the same time it flows smoothly and keeps you glued to the pages. I believe her writing keeps improving book after book. 

I think that, even unexpected, the 'TSM: Changed' was an outstanding end to the series. It brings closure and helps you understand a lot of things that have been happening in the other 3 books.

Characters:

They gained depth and in this installment, we get to know all of them better, specially Lola whom I related to more than in the previous books. 

Also we get a lot more of Angelle and Ty's story. Those two are just so perfect and so incredibly cute together that you can't help loving them.

In this book, I even liked Mitchell! I've been hating him since the beginning but now I can understand his actions, his selfishness and overprotectiveness towards Amelia. 

To sum up: I'd totally recommend it and this is a series I will miss!

Check my other reviews of the series:

The Soul's Mark: FOUND

The Soul's Mark: HUNTED

The Soul's Mark: BROKEN

COVER REVEAL: The Soul's Mark: Changed by Ashley Stoyanoff

Quick Facts

Expected Release Date: December 2013

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Formats: All ebook formats and Paperback

Synopsis 

 Ever since college student Amelia Caldwell moved to Willowberg her life has been in turmoil. But without the evil vampire hunters terrorizing the town, life in Willowberg has been relatively quiet. With a little help from Mother Nature and a dream for a better future, Mitchell has found himself in a predicament—after eight hundred years of being immortal he is now a human while his soulmate is a vampire. Now all Amelia and Mitchell have to do is hide from the world until his body can handle the change. But when Mitchell gets a cold all hell breaks loose. With an unexpected resistance rising, and an unexplained deadline from the spirits, Amelia realizes that this is a fight she cannot win alone. One thing is clear: to save Mitchell, he needs to change—again. But if he does, what chance does he have of surviving it?

To celebrate the upcoming release of The Soul’s Mark: CHANGED, the fourth and final book in The Soul’s Mark Series, Ashley is giving away unlimited FREE eCopies of The Soul’s Mark: FOUND, the awarding winning first book in the series. So grab the coupon code below and download your eCopy of The Soul’s Mark: FOUND from Smashwords. Share the code with your family and friends, and if you enjoy it and decide to continue on with the series, Ashley would love it if you could post a review on Amazon.com, Goodreads, and blogs for each of her books that you read.

Visit: Smashwords

Simply use the coupon code: LS34W and download your FREE eCopy.

Expiration Date: October 17, 2013

Ashley Stoyanoff, the award winning author of The Soul’s Mark: FOUND, lives in Whitby, Ontario and loves diving into the magical world of creating fiction. When not writing, she can be found reading sappy novels, watching cheesy chick flicks, and buying far too many clothes. Connect with Ashley Stoyanoff Online Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Email 

Other Books by Ashley Stoyanoff The Soul's Mark Series 

The Soul's Mark: FOUND (The Soul's Mark, #1) 

The Soul's Mark: HUNTED (The Soul's Mark, #2) 

The Soul's Mark: BROKEN (The Soul's Mark, #3) 

Waking Dreams, A Soul's Mark Novella 

Deadly Trilogy Deadly Crush (Deadly Trilogy, #1)




IF YOU HAVEN'T DONE IT YET,  enter my BLOGOVERSARY MEGA GIVEAWAY and participate for more than 20 prizes including 2 ebooks by Ashley! 

HERE

Vampire Elite by Irina Argo: Teaser, trailer and Review

Vampire Elite

by Irina Argo

Part 1. Prophecy

Part 2. Keepers of the Key

Genre: Paranormal Romance

PG +18

Date Published: 6/7/13

Vampire Elite is a new vampire series

The first two parts are released in one volume

What will he do if saving his people means destroying the woman he loves?

A millennia-long war between two immortal races is about to come to an end. Long ago, the Vampire Elite began capturing the immortals called the Amiti, attracted by their unique blood properties. Now most Amiti live in underground cells, forced to serve as vampires’ bloodstock. The few surviving free Amiti, preparing a final strike, have declared their Queen a traitor. Her execution makes possible the rise of a new Queen, her young daughter Arianna, who will inherit her mother's mystical powers. Working with the Keepers of the Key, Arianna may be able to eliminate the vampires, once and for all, from the face of the earth.

The new Queen is the last hope to save her dying race and she's ready to fight to the last drop of her blood.

But the King of the Vampires has other plans.  What neither expects is the passion that erupts between them.

AMAZON

Vampire Elite is an epic story of a bitter conflict between two immortal races, and the effect of that conflict on everyone living in its grip. The characters are driven to love and betrayal, vengeance and sacrifice in a world without easy black-and-white answers.

            Based on an ancient Egyptian legend, packed with action and intrigue, Vampire Elite will pull you into the entrancing world of immortals and open new portals into their hidden universe.

Readers’ Favorite reviewers on Vampire Elite:

You’ve managed to restore my hope in the future of vampire books ...

... a fascinating read and definitely a book for anyone who loves fantasy, romance and of course vampires.

… a spellbinding novel of action, suspense, romance, and conscience ...  character development is superb ... the type of book that will make you read all day until you get to the end! It is deliciously addictive!

For more info please visit:

www.vampire-elite.com

Facebook.com/VampireEliteSeries

Twitter: @TheVampireElite

TRAILER

EXCERPT

Simone at the Hunter’s auction  

As the auctioneer spoke, two Sekhmi in eveningwear—a male carrying an elegant dagger and a female a silver tray covered with glass vials—approached the Amiti girl.

“She’s barely eighteen, ladies and gentlemen. That’s a good three years younger than the youngest bloodstock you’ll usually come across. Look at her; she’s stunning, simply stunning, and as you can see, we’ve kept her well conditioned, in excellent health.”

The auctioneer paused as the male Hunter grasped the Amiti’s hand and held it above the tray. The girl showed no resistance, her only display of anxiety the butterfly fluttering of her thick eyelashes. He raised his other hand, and the dagger flashed in the light as with a swift motion he slit the Amiti’s palm. The dark, intoxicating scent of fresh blood filled the room as it poured into the vials.

Simone’s gums began to itch and burn, and she covered her mouth with her hand so no one would see her fangs punching down. It was considered terribly rude to expose one’s fangs in public, even among other vampires. But she needn’t have worried; everyone’s attention was riveted to the stage and the blood flowing from the girl’s wound. The room vibrated with bloodlust and sexual arousal.

            The female Sekhmi approached Simone’s table, offering the Royal Pride the first of the blood samples. Knowing that all eyes were on her, Simone forced herself not to hesitate and took a small sip—and was immediately flooded with euphoria.

            “For this magnificent specimen, we open the bidding at ten million U.S. dollars,” announced the auctioneer. 

TEASER

MY THOUGHTS:

5 SUPER STARS!!!

This book was truly amazing.
It totally blew my mind! 

I want to have the following instalment NOW!

An Amity Queen, a vampire king, a half amiti-half vampire princess, sexy and stormed vampires and love stories so enthralling and heartstopping you won't be able to stop reading. (or at least that happened to me XD)


It's different from what I've been reading lately, it's an adult book, and here vampires are vampires. (not that the other weren't but you know... shining and being "vegetarians" and all that, it's cute but not very "vampiric")

And overall my review will be a collection of ramblings, I can't seem to make it properly I'm still so excited about it!!! :D



"I decree that your path will be difficult beyond measure", she cursed her infant daughter, her voice cold. "You will suffer and bleed, and in order to save your people you will have to sacrifice your greatest love. That, you little witch, is my parting gift to you"

Yup, with mother's like that who needs enemies right? (no spoiler here, you can learn this like in page 3)...



There are many races that are part of this book but mainly we find Winged demons and of course vampires (Nightwalkers and Elite) and Amiti.  Humans are almost missing from the story. (very original too)
I love the characteristics of each race, how unique they are and the way they relate, their traditions and legends. 
Amiti's way to seduce Sekhmi like sirens is thrilling. 

Another thing I loved is how each subplot, each love story unfolds independently but at the same time enriching the main storyline.

The writing is superb and the characters are well constructed. I couldn't help to get attached to almost all of them. 

My heart ached for Anock though. He was not only strong, brave, caring and absolutely "huggable" (if that's not a word, now it is!) his soul is also tortured and he always want to do the right thing.

Sorry Cara! but you were the worst character in the book... well built, that's for sure, but never won my affection.

Tor and Arianna's romance OMG! I wanted to step in the book and help them find a solution! So heart wrenching!

And the end... well UNEXPECTED! 

As I said, can't wait for the next book! Please Irina Argo write fast!

I promise to write something better but believe me, if you like a good read, this is one of them! Totally recommended :)

Meet VE Character: Arianna, Queen of the Amiti and Keeper of the Mystery of Balance

Arianna becomes the Amiti Queen as an infant, following the execution of her mother. Along with the title, she also inherits all of the Queen’s powers, including the role of Keeper of the Mystery of Balance as well as the Gift of Ra, a power bestowed by the Sun God himself to help her protect herself and her people. Sheltered by her father as a child, Arianna finds herself thrust into a world of danger and intrigue when he is murdered and she must confront the fact that her race’s destiny depends on her. Despite how overwhelming it can be, Arianna ultimately embraces her life’s mission: to free her people from their enslavement by the Vampire Elite by any means necessary. But along the way she encounters an unexpected and seemingly unmanageable challenge—the charismatic and powerful vampire King Tor, who takes her on an emotional and sensual journey that makes her question her very destiny. Will the young Queen have the willpower and inner strength to fulfill her purpose and save her people, even if it means destroying the man she loves?