Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen

Title: Dark Kiss
Author: Michelle Rowen
Narrator: Amanda Ronconi
Series: Nightwatchers #1
Publisher:
Length:
Format: audiobook

Description from Goodreads:

I don't do dangerous. Smart, über-careful, ordinary Samantha-that's me. But I just couldn't pass up a surprise kiss from my number-one unattainable crush. A kiss that did something to me...something strange. Now I feel hungry all the time, but not for food. It's like part of me is missing-and I don't know if I can get it back.

Then there's Bishop. At first I thought he was just a street kid, but the secrets he's keeping are as intense as his unearthly blue eyes. If he's what I think he is, he may be the only one who can help me. But something terrifying is closing in, and the one chance Bishop and I have to stop it means losing everything I ever wanted and embracing the darkness inside me....

My Thoughts:

     Dark Kiss was a mixed bag of tricks for me. Going into the book I was a little leery about the angel/demon world, but was extremely looking forward to the romance. Surprisingly Dark Kiss was switched for me. Samantha was a good heroine for the story. She was funny and had flaws and quirks.  These things contributed to making her a believable character. On the romance side was Bishop. Don't get me wrong he seems like a nice guy, but there just wasn't any spark in him. The whole time I couldn't figure out what made him so irresistible. Then there was Craven....I don't want to give too much away, but I'm hoping for a love triangle in the future. The thing that I liked about him was that he actually had a personality. He was sort of deadpan and sarcastic, yet you could tell he has a softer side.

     This is a book about angels and demons, good vs. evil, and doomed love. As far as a storyline goes this has been done before. That said, there are some original surprises that have the potential to make this a truly unique series. There is also mystery added to the book in the form of the relationship and history between Craven and Bishop. I can't wait to learn more about them. The ending of the book is what really surprised me. It was one of those "oh no she didn't" moments.

This review does refer to the audiobook version. Amanda Ronconi did the narration for Dark Kiss. She has a great cadence to her voice and the characters all had distinguishable voices. None of them were too over the top and all sounded age appropriate. She did a wonderful job. Overall Dark Kiss was a good, but not great read. I give this book a 3 STAR rating.

Forgiven by Jana Oliver (Demon Trappers #3)

  



Title: Forgiven
Author: Jana Oliver 
Series: Demon Trappers #3
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (March 27, 2012)
Length: 386 pages
Source: Amazon.com
Format: paperback

Description from Goodreads: The days are growing darker for 17-year-old demon trapper Riley Blackthorne. With her father’s reanimated body back safely, Beck barely speaking to her because of a certain hunky Fallen angel, and a freshly-made deal with Lucifer, she has enough on her hands to last a normal teenage lifetime. Though she bargained with Heaven to save his life, her ex-boyfriend Simon has told the Vatican’s Demon Hunters that she’s working with Hell. So now she’s in hiding, at the top of everyone’s most-wanted list.

But it’s becoming clear that this is bigger than Riley, and rapidly getting out of control: something sinister is happening in Atlanta… or someone. The demons are working together for the first time ever and refusing to die, putting civilians in harm’s way. Riley thinks she might know who’s behind it all, but who’s going to believe her? Caught between her bargain with Heaven and her promise to Lucifer, Riley fears the final war is coming – and it may be closer than anyone thinks…

My Thoughts:

     Jana Oliver does a wonderful job of picking up exactly where Soul Thief left off and recaps what has happened in the previous two books in a very natural way. This installment of the Demon Trappers series finds the demons bigger and badder, the relationships more tense, and everyone questioning the very foundations their beiliefs are based on. Riley Blackthorne has a lot to deal with in Forbidden. The choices she made in Soul Thief are quickly reaching the boiling point and all Hell is about to break loose (literally). This poor girl can never get a break and as much as I love all of the fighting and drama I look forward to something positive with no strings attached (just surviving doesn't count) happening tio her. Riley and Beck's relationship is on the edge during this book and for some reason I like this, but it does get the chance to finally evolve. Forbidden shows you a bigger glimpse into the life of "Backwoods Boy". I really liked getting to know more about what makes this guy tick and the more vulnerable side he shows in Forbidden makes me love his character even more. I am very excited that there seems to be a setup to reveal even more about him in the next book. Her father, Mort, and even Ori play a large part in the book too adding even more twists, turns, and heartbreak. The one character I would like to see more of in the next book is the little klepto fiend (I think that's what he is called). He is so cute and provides a much needed comic relief! Maybe Riley could carry him in her pocket or something.
     The "magical" world of this series is absolutely spectacular! The intricacies of the relationships between Heaven and Hell, demons and angels, trappers and hunters, and good and evil are amazingly detailed and unique. They are the main thing that keeps me coming back to this series everytime. The other reason that I will always come back to this series is that in this fate-of-the-world-rests-on-the-shoulders-of-this-one-girl book the characters are believable. Riley, Beck, and everyone else are human in the sense that they screw up a lot! The things that they mess up are mistakes that everyday people make and in this world of fantasy it makes the book relatable. Riley Blackthorne is one of my favorite kick-butt heroines ever! The next edition of this series can't come soon enough for me. I give this book a completely and unabashedly biased 5 STAR rating.

Reign Fall by Michelle Rowen

Title: Reign Fall
Author: Michelle Rowen
Publisher: CreateSpace (January 1, 2012)
Length: 282 pages
Series: Demon Princess # 3
Source: Amazon.com
Format: paperback

Description from Goodreads:

Prophesies, demon slayers, dragons, homework… It’s going to be a hell of a week!

It’s been a dangerous ride for Nikki Donovan since she first learned she’s a demon princess. And the ride isn’t over yet!

She’s just found out that her best friend is a demon slayer in training, one who doesn’t know that Nikki is exactly the prey she’s sworn to hunt. Nikki’s demon king father has signed her up for lessons in how to master her erratic half-demon powers, and that’s on top of her regular homework! Also, she’s torn between two boys—Rhys, the faery king she’s prophesied to marry, and Michael, a Shadow whom she’s forbidden to love.

To top it all off, a dark force is haunting Nikki, something mysterious and evil that wants the demon princess dead…but who — or what — is it?

My Thoughts:

This third edition of the Demon Princess just affirmed how much I adore Michelle Rowen. I cannot wait until the next book to see how it all turns out. Nikki is a demon princess who continues to grow and come into her own. The debate between Michael and Rhys rages on. I stand firm on the side of team Rhys, this book made me love him even more. I will admit that seeing Michael's jealous side made him the teensiest bit more attractive. (I know I'm weird) The conflict between Maegan being a demon slayer and Nikki the demon princess was handled nicely, but there could have been more there. Hopefully the fourth book will show more depth into how this revalation has effected their relationship. Chris also makes an appearance and I hope to see more of him in the next one also. His story is really starting to be interesting. The "big bad" of the book was a bit of a let down.I thought there would have been more build up to the villain of the final book. As I've heard there is only supposed to be one more book in the series, I hope that the next installment brings a little more to the table. I love this series and liked Reign Fall, but being so invested in the story I was expecting a little more. I liked this installment, but I've come to love this series so much that I was expecting a little more. I give this book a 3 STAR rating.

*Team Rhys!

Reign Check by Michelle Rowen

Title: Reign Check

Autor: Michelle Rowen

Publisher: Walker Childrens (May 25, 2010)

Length: 304 pages

Series: Demon Princess bk. 2

Source: Amazon.com

Edition: paperback

Description from Amazon.com:

Fresh from finding out she is a demon princess and meeting her father for the first time, Nikki Donovan is looking forward to getting back to her regular high school life. But then Rhys, the handsome teenage king of the faery realm, enrolls at her school as a "foreign exchange student." Her conflicted feelings for Rhys and her boyfriend are getting in the way of her new relationship with the Shadow-creature Michael. But this love triangle from hell isn't even Nikki's biggest problem: There's a new prophecy that claims she will destroy all the demon and human worlds. Her best friend Melinda just might be a demon-slayer-in-training. Throw in a field trip to none other than the Underworld itself . . . and Nikki's going to be hoping for a rain check on more than just her homework!

Link to description Amazon.com

My Thoughts:

Reign Check is the sequel to Reign or Shine by Michelle Rowen in the Demon Princess series and after the first one...I was a little leery going into this one. I wasn't really too sure how much I would like it since the first one was just OK for me. That said, I liked Reign Check soooo much better! What was better this time around? Everything was. The plot, the characters, and the love story were all more developed and not as predictable.

     Nikki, Michael, Rhys, Melinda, and literally all of the other characters were just more enjoyable. I'm a sucker when it comes to cute teen series and this edition really stepped it up. The romance in this one got a lot more interesting. I must admit that I wasn't a fan of Michael at all in the first book, but he progressed to OK in this one. I like someone else :) The introduction of several more supernatural characters answers some questions I had from the first book, adds much needed twists, and sets the third book up to be pure awesomeness! This is a light, fun, and cute supernatural series that hits the spot. I give this book a 4 STAR rating.

*** Michelle Rowen released the third Demon Princess book on January 1, 2012 as a self-pulished novel! Please support her and this series! Here is a link to buy it off of Amazon. (I don't get anything Amazon is just cheap and I love cheap books!)

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness (audiobook)

Title: A Discovery of Witches
Author: Deborah Harkness
Narrator: Jennifer Ikeda
Series: All Souls, Book 1
Publisher: Penguin Audio (February 8, 2011)
Length: 24 hrs. & 2 mins.
Source: Audible.com
Edition: audiobook

Description from Audible

A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries - and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

My Thoughts
One of my friends read this and I had heard so thought I would once again join the literary bandwagon. When I first started this book it moved a little slow and was a tad bit confusing. I couldn't quite figure out if in Diana's world, humans knew about the supernatural creatures. Once I got past the first two chapters I really got into the book. I will say that this is a very long book. The author could have cut out some of the scenes between Diana and Matthew because at times they seem repetitive. An aspect of the book that might deter some readers is all of the historical references and biology. Me being the nerd that I am...I love it! I'm a history major who wouldn't mind giving a pint of blood or two to Matthew if he would let me ask questions. He is one interesting man! The people that he has met and things he has been a part of are extraordinary.

Onto the center, the heart, the plot of the story. The idea of relationships between witches, vampires, and demons is one that has been done over and over again. Ms. Harkness brings a newer, more intellectual and historical bent to the idea that completely sucked me in. The take on this topic wasn't the only thing unusual, the characters were as well. The main character/heroine, Diana, wasn't the leader in the story. Yes, she is powerful, but she is smart and acknowledges that Matthew and other have more experience than she does, and the she can learn from them. In many novels the heroine automatically knows how to use and control her powers or seems to pick them up over night. Diana struggles throughout the whole book. The ending of the book is a pretty good cliffhanger in my opinion. I can't wait until the second one comes out! This book is one that I see as a cross over between the adult and the older YA genre. There isn't really anything "bad" in the book and the supernatural aspect will appeal to many. much hype about it, that I

As stated in my other audiobook review, I stress how important the narrator is. Jenniger Ikeda does an amazing job with A Discovery of Witches. This was an extremely long audiobook with many difficult characters to give voice to. She has a tremendous talent voicing several accents (maybe 5 or more) and at least three languages throughout the book. This narrator really did a good job. I give this book a
4 1/2 STAR rating.

Authors You Might Not Know, But Definitely Should Part 2

The next author in the continuing Authors You Might Not Know, But Definitely Should will be: Sara Cannon who writes the Peachville High Demons series. There are currently 4 book in the series out: Beautiful Demons(1), Inner Demons (2), Bitter Demons (3), and Shadow Demons. There are two more books planned and the second book is due out sometime in January 2012. Peachville High Demons follows Harper Madison an orphaned teen who just can't seem to stay out of trouble. She finds herself in a last chance home for girls in the small town of Peachville. Its not long after she first arrives that she is tied to the murder of a cheerleader at the school. From this moment on Harper's life will change in ways she has never imagined. She will be introduced to a world of witches, demons, and most of all the struggle for power. Let me first start off with saying that I wasn't able to describe this series too well because I didn't want to giveaway any spoilers. Ms. Cannon presents a completely original (at least in my experience) world in Peachville. I have never read this twist/take on demon/witch relationship. Let's face it paranormal/supernatural YA books are the "IT" genre right now. Finding an original take on it especially involving witches and demons is rare. Harper is a character who faces tough decisions that would tempt anyone. She is an orphan that will be given the chance to have everything she has ever wanted, but at what price? I found her decisions not only believable but admirable. She isn't a perfect heroine. She does some questionable things at times and that makes her all the more amazing. This series is billed as "will appeal to fans of Pretty Little Liars, Hex Hall, and The Vampire Diaries" on Amazon. Want to know one more awesome thing about this series? It's CHEAP! The first two books are only $0.99 and the third and fourth are only $2.99. Please go and check this series out. Chances are you'll love it.
A picture of the first book to start you out:

Soul Thief by Jana Oliver (Demon Trapper Bk. 2)

Soul Thief by Jana Oliver

From the Back of the Book:

Seventeen-year-old Riley has about had it up to here. After the devastating battle at the Tabernacle, trappers are dead and injured, her boyfriend Simon is gravely injured, and now her beloved late father’s been illegally poached from his grave by a very powerful necromancer. As if that’s not enough, there's Ori, one sizzling hot freelance demon hunter who’s made himself Riley’s unofficial body guard, and Beck, a super over-protective “friend” who acts more like a grouchy granddad. With all the hassles, Riley’s almost ready to leave Atlanta altogether.

But as Atlanta’s demon count increases, the Vatican finally sends its own Demon Hunters to take care of the city’s “little” problem, and pandemonium breaks loose. Only Riley knows that she might be the center of Hell’s attention: an extremely powerful Grade 5 demon is stalking her, and her luck can't last forever…

My Thoughts:

Ms. Oliver has done it again. Very few books about demon and the struggle between Heaven and Hell rival Soul Thief and The Demon Trapper’s Daughter. Soul Thief continues the journey of Riley Blackthorne in her quest to find out what happened to her father and why demons are calling her by name. In the same manner as the previous book, Soul Thief does not do light and fluffy. It is gritty, harsh, and mesmerizing to the very end. Riley struggles even more in this book and so does Beck right along with her. Their relationship is brought out a little more in this installment, but not by much. This would probably be my one complaint. This really shouldn’t be taken to heart though. I’m sure Ms. Oliver knows where she is going with the story line and I put my full faith in her. The main thing that you take away from this story is that there isn’t always a happy ending in real life. I even think that it says this somewhere in the book. In this light you have to admire Jana Oliver standing out from the crowd.  Many times in YA paranormal books authors seem to have a hard time not ending with a happily ever after ending each time. Soul Thief as did The Demon Trapper’s Daughter had violence, language, and sexuality in it. This wasn’t just a titillating ploy by the author, but what I believe is an integral part to who the characters are and the overall plot. I enjoyed Soul Thief immensely and am eagerly awaiting the next installment in The Demon Trapper’s Daughter series. I give this book a 4 ½ STAR rating.

***Soul Thief Extras***

Soul Thief by Jana Oliver has approximately 320 pages and was published by St. Martin's Griffin(August 30, 2011). This is the second book in The Demon Trappers series. The first book is The Demon Trapper's Daughter. The third book, Forgiven, will be released on March 27, 2012.

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver

From the Back of the Book:

Seventeen-year-old Riley, the only daughter of legendary Demon Trapper, Paul Blackthorne, has always dreamed of following in her father's footsteps. The good news is, with human society seriously disrupted by economic upheaval and Lucifer increasing the number of demons in all major cities, Atlanta’s local Trappers’ Guild needs all the help they can get – even from a girl. When she’s not keeping up with her homework or trying to manage her growing crush on fellow apprentice, Simon, Riley’s out saving distressed citizens from foul-mouthed little devils – Grade One Hellspawn only, of course, per the strict rules of the Guild. Life’s about as normal as can be for the average demon-trapping teen.

But then a Grade Five Geo-Fiend crashes Riley’s routine assignment at a library, jeopardizing her life and her chosen livelihood. And, as if that wasn’t bad enough, sudden tragedy strikes the Trappers’ Guild, spinning Riley down a more dangerous path than she ever could have imagined. As her whole world crashes down around her, who can Riley trust with her heart – and her life?

What I Thought:

This book was really good. The beginning was a little slow and confusing for me, but it eventually picked up. The whole back ground of how the demons and the city came to be was what made it a little confusing. I just wish there had been more detailed back story info. When the book did eventually pick up I fell in love with it. The characters were troubled, deep, and amazing. Riley has an "I won't give up" no quit attitude that you have to admire. She wants something and she is going to go after it full force no matter what is thrown at her or who/what stands in her way. She has lead a rough life, but she takes it in stride and keeps her chin up. Time to get down to Beck. Let me first say that as suck a mysterious/intriguing character I really enjoyed the snippets from his point of view. It was nice to be let into his world. He is so gruff and overprotective of Riley. You can feel (or at least I can/ think I can?) the feelings that they have bubbling under the surface for each other. Simon...I don't know what it was I just didn't like him.

This new take on demons and the chaos that they cause in the world is a fresh idea that I greatly enjoyed. The Demon Trapper's Daughter is billed as YA, but I could see it appealing to adult genre fans also. It was pretty gritty. There were plenty of action/violent scenes and some sexual commentary. I think this added to the book and showed how bleak their world and outlook on life is. All in all, I definitely enjoyed this book and will be continuing the series. I give this book a 4 1/2 STAR rating.    

***The Demon Trapper's Daughter Extras***

The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver has approximately 368 pages and was published on February 1, 2011 by St. Martin's Griffin. The second book titled Soul Thief is currently available.

Reign or Shine by Michelle Rowen

Demon Princess: Reign or Shine by Michelle Rowen

     Nikki Donavan was tired of moving from town to town living with her mother's latest man. They are currently residing in a small town in Canada and instead of being the inconsequential "New Girl" she actually has friends. She might actually fit in this time seeing as how her new bff is the school Queen B and she is setting her up with the hottest guy in school. Everything is going great until the creepy and slightly cute guy following her, Michael, tells her she is a princess...of the Shadowlands...and that makes her part DEMON! Being a half demon princess might be more than she can handle. Nikki will have to start adjusting to demonic life , let's just hope she can stay ahead of those who are trying to kill her long enough to.

     This was a cute book if a little corny. I liked Nikki, but Michael, not so much. I guess I was expecting more from him. He is so self sacrificing that it isn't attractive. He doesn't ever really go after what he wants or display any assertiveness. It might just be me, but I like my male characters to be a little manly. Maybe it's just the nature of who/what he is. The "big bad" in the book was a little predictable. I have to say that when it came down to the action Nikki is one fierce girl (and Michael once again was shown up by her). Despite my not liking Michael Nikki is awesome. I kinda wish I was a half demon. All in all this was a pretty good book and I will be picking up the sequel. This book gets a 3 1/2 STAR rating.

***Demon Princess Extras***
Demon Princess: Reign or Shine by Michelle Rowen has approximately 288 pages and was published on September 29, 2009 by Walker Childrens. There is a sequel to this book called Demon Princess: Reign Check.