Bookworm News: April

 

BOOKS READ

Third Daughter by Susan Kaye Quinn

The Call of the Mild by William Rabkin

Forgiven by Rachel Morgan

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Salted by Aaron Galvin 

BOOKS REVIEWED

Third Daughter by Susan Kaye Quinn

Aniri, the Third Daughter, looks forward to her eighteenth birthday when she can choose love over duty, but a pending war may change all her plans in Susan Kaye Quinn's Third Daughter. I loved how this novel is set in an alternate world India. The details are vivid and exquisite. The political intrigue, the steampunk gadgets, and the beautiful costumes kept me in wonderment. Aniri is a likeable character, and my heart went out to her. The barbarian prince is swoon-worthy with his kindness and bravery. The only reason I'm giving this novel four stars instead of five is because I found the beginning a bit too slow, so it took me awhile to be fully invested in the story. But when I was, Third Daughter by Susan Kaye Quinn was magical. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

The Call of the Mild by William Rabkin

What seems like a simple case of retrieving a lost necklace takes a deadly turn in William Rabkin's The Call of the Mild. This novel is a TV tie-in book for the show Psych. The best part of the book is the witty dialogue. Rabkin often had me laughing at what Shawn, Gus, Henry, and the others said. Some of the pop culture references went over my head. The plot was a bit all over the place, and there were instances when the narrative could've been tightened, but I still figured out who was killing people. Shawn's antics always make me smile, and I enjoy how Gus is the main narrator. Although not the best written novel, if you're a fan of the show, then you'll enjoy The Call of the Mild by William Rabkin. It's a feel-good novel and an all right read for us fans who are already missing Psych.

Forgiven by Rachel Morgan

Jules waited three-hundred-and-six days to return home in Rachel Morgan's Forgiven. This novella sped right along. Jules is a likeable character with a haunting past she wants to leave in the past, but her secrets are about to come out into the open. Her emotions felt very real to me, and I found myself holding my breath for her. I love Jules's interactions with her sisters. Their relationships were wonderfully complex and endearing. The exotic setting of Durban, South Africa adds an exotic flavor to the read. And the touch of sweet romance budding anew left this tense and emotional read on a high note. I'd highly recommend Rachel Morgan's Forgiven and am looking forward to the rest of the Trouble series.

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Evie's quest for normalcy may be beyond her reach in Kiersten White's Paranormalcy. Evie has such a strong teenaged voice, although she's a bit clueless in all she doesn't know. Lend is a good match for her. The world-building is phenomenal. White manages to take the paranormal realm and make it unique to her world. I loved learning about the different creatures and mythologies. The villain is equally tragic and terrifying, and I loved the hints of problems within the Seelie and Unseelie courts, which I think will be expanded upon in book two. An unique and entertaining read, Paranormalcy by Kiersten White is full of twists and turns. I can't wait to read book two!

Salted by Aaron Galvin

Life in the Salt can make a runner out of anyone in Aaron Galvin's Salted. I loved Galvin's unique take on selkies and the underwater world they live in. I hope in future books we learn more about their history, mythology, and the creatures themselves. Most of the characters are a rough and tumble group. They've lived a hard life and are products of said life. This novel is told from multiple points of view, and my favorite characters' narratives were Weaver's and Chide's as I found the other characters somewhat unsympathetic at times. Although a few of the situations seemed unrealistic (a school bus driver chewing tobacco and some of the language teachers/principals used), I totally bought into the Salted world Galvin created. Not an easy read but a unique one, I would recommend Salted by Aaron Galvin for people who are looking for something beyond the typical mermaid and selkie tales.

COVER REVEALS

 On the edge of sanity, her courage tested, and convictions nearly broken, Hyla’s final test of loyalty to her faith comes with the death of one she could have loved.

Terri Rochenski's Secret of the Souls releases from J. Taylor Publishing on October 6, 2014.

And a special message from Nicole Zoltack:

Hey, howdy, hey! Nicole Zoltack here and I'm so happy to share with you the cover for WHITE HELLEBORE. The second book in the Heroes of Falledge trilogy kicks off with an amazing cover.

All right, all right, I won't keep you in suspense any longer. I know you're dying to see it!

Told you it was awesome! I'm not biased at all. Nope. Not even a little bit.

BLURB: After destroying Skull Krusher, Nicholas Adams thinks Falledge is safe and becomes a security guard at the museum, watching a valuable statue. Unfortunately, the Egyptian statue houses the soul of a scorned witch, biding her time to have her revenge on the descendants of her cheating lover.

Kiya the witch isn't the only new foe in town as the drug that created Skull Krusher has now transformed a scientist into yet another monster, forcing Nicholas to don his Black Hellebore mask again and save Falledge.

Nicholas has no help this time as Kiya gains possession of his love Julianna's body and brings the soul of Justina, Nicholas's high school sweetheart and Julianna's twin, with her. Despite himself, Nicholas is torn between the sisters. If he can't stop the fiends from taking over the world and destroying humankind, he'd never be able to find lasting, true love.

Add it on Goodreads!

So I'm sure you're dying to know the release date and luckily it's not that far away! WHITE HELLEBORE releases April 21st! Be sure to grab it on the 21st! :D

BIO: Nicole Zoltack loves to write in many genres, especially romance, whether fantasy, paranormal, or regency. When she’s not writing about knights, superheroes, or zombies, she loves to spend time with her loving husband and three energetic young boys. She enjoys riding horses (pretending they’re unicorns, of course!) and going to the PA Renaissance Faire, dressed in garb. She’ll also read anything she can get her hands on. Her current favorite TV show is The Walking Dead. To learn more about Nicole and her writing, visit http://NicoleZoltack.blogspot.com.

BOOKS RELEASED

Unnatural by J.A. Belfield

Far From You by Tess Sharpe

The Vigilante Poets of Selwyn Academy by Kate Hattemer

Sekret by Lindsay Smith

Knightley and Son by Rohan Gavin

She Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedwick

Plus One by Elizabeth Fama

House of Ivy and Sorrow by Natalie Whipple

Cutlass by Ashley Nixon

Plaster City by Johnny Shaw

Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor

The Ring and the Crown by Melissa de la Cruz

The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel
Salted by Aaron Galvin

 The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North
Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett
Things a Little Bird Told Me by Biz Stone
My Not So Super Sweet Life by Rachel Harris
Forgiven by Rachel Morgan
The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa
Fighting for Infinity by Karen Amanda Hooper
The Sin Circus by Rachel Firasek
White Hellebore by Nicole Zoltack
The Challenge by Cas Peace

---

 

Although I'm not participating in A-Z on this blog, we authors at Untethered Realms are talking about fantastical creatures. Be sure to stop by!