Nine Frights : Stories of Terror and The Supernatural by Jeffrey J. Mariotte

Synopsis:
Janey in Amber: A woman visiting her mother’s house encounters some uncomfortable realities about her own life.


Santos del Infierno: In a tale set in the world of Clive Barker’s “Hellbound Hearts” (Hellraiser), a man loses his family and gains a new friend—one with a dark agenda.


The Strip: At the edge of a city plagued by zombies, a small community gathers to try to watch out for one another’s humanity. But when it goes, it’s gone...


Nine short works of terror by award-winning novelist and comic book writer Jeffrey J. Mariotte (The Slab, The Devil’s Bait, the Dark Vengeance Quartet, Missing White Girl, River Runs Red, Cold Black Hearts, four 30 Days of Night novels, and more). Some of these stories have appeared in Hellbound Hearts, The Stories in Between, and Zombie Cop, while others are published here for the first time. 


My thoughts:
I really liked the format of this book. You were introduced to 3 short stories that were intermittently weaved throughout 9 sections of the book. My favorite short story was Santos del Infierno, although Janey in Amber reminded me of a few people I know... Overall this was a great book. It was an easy shorter read, but definitely kept you on your toes. I recommend this to all who like a good horror read every now and again :)


You can buy the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Nine-Frights-ebook/dp/B005FAKL90
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/77683


You can find more by the author here:
http://www.jeffmariotte.com/books.htm
http://www.facebook.com/jeff.mariotte

Oh! What God Can Do! By Gertie Max

Gertie Max has lived a life of service to others. A dedicated wife, mother, and award-winning teacher, she credits God with providing her the strength and balance she needs to make a difference in the world. The power of prayer has enriched her life and the lives of those she meets, both in and out of the classroom.
In Oh! What God Can Do! Gertie shares some very personal memories from her uniquely successful life. From her youth to her professional life and beyond, Gertie sees God's hand at work, and she shares the lessons she learned from her experiences.
Join Gertie as she remembers those pivotal moments in her life when God's presence was felt, clear and strong. Her stories will make you laugh, shed a tear--and will inspire you to reflect on God's influence in your own life.


I received a complimentary copy of Oh! What God Can Do! By Gertie Max as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.
This short book consists of 10 short stories that inspire and uplift you in your everyday life. Each story is well written and makes you feel as if she wrote the book with you in mind. My only complaint is that it is a VERY short book. I really hope she comes out with another book sometime in the near future!


You can buy the book at the following locations:
http://www.amazon.com/Oh-What-God-Can-Do/dp/1434908585/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322973540&sr=8-1
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/oh-what-god-can-do-gertie-max/1100212190?ean=9781434908582&itm=1&usri=gertie+max
http://dorrance.stores.yahoo.net/ohwhatgodcando.html

A Knight to Remember (Blood Sword Legacy #3.5) by Karin Tabke

Promised to the cloister, the free-spirited Lady Mercia returns home before her final vows for her sister Rowena’s wedding to a Welsh prince. But fate intervenes when she finds a badly wounded man washed up upon the shore.

Unable to resist his fevered pleas for her help, she hides him amongst the caves she played in as a child. And there, as she nurses the handsome stranger back to health, she discoverers a passion for him she cannot resist. Knowing she is promised to God and will never know the touch of man, Mercy gives in to her heart’s desire and her body’s craving.

On his way to his betrothed, Lady Rowena, Prince Rhodri of Dinefwr is shipwrecked and badly wounded, with no memory of who he is. But he does not care; an angel of Mercy has come to claim his mind, body, soul, and--soon--his heart.

Yet fate intervenes again when Rhodri regains his memory and realizes his one true love is the sister of his betrothed. Though honor bound to marry a woman he has never met, Rhodri’s heart belongs to Mercy.

Can Mercy and Rhodri find a way to be together without sacrificing their honor...?

This was a nice quick read that I found for free on Amazon. When I downloaded it I did not realize that it was part of a series, but that did not detract from the story line in my opinion since the author did a very good job of describing the characters and story line. This historical romance kind of reminds me of Cinderella with a few twists and turns. It was too short to get fully invested in the characters but had a good enough story line to keep me hooked for the duration of the book. The rest of the series will be going in my "to read if I have time" pile.

You can get the book at the following locations:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/knight-to-remember-karin-tabke/1100985930?ean=2940012411235&itm=2&usri=karin+tabke
http://www.amazon.com/Knight-Remember-Blood-Legacy-ebook/dp/B004K1EVZK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1323216301&sr=8-2

More info on the Author:
http://www.amazon.com/Karin-Tabke/e/B001JRVRF0/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
http://www.karintabke.com/blog/2011/10/truth-is-stranger-than-fiction/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/75497.Karin_Tabke

Zoctornyia's Training Grounds By Beth Wright

Would you ever agree to go to another world's school? How would you react finding out you have a soul mate? Even better yet, what would you do if you had more than one? Could you accept a male mate who looks female? Leaders of five worlds came together to build this school. Making it the most unigue school ever designed. All the races of all five worlds may join and learn together as one.

Yet another amazing short story by the Author! This series is about Tiffany and her brother Marcus and best friend Violet going to the school that Tiffany and Marcus' dad teaches at on another planet. There are MANY twists and turns including the introduction of a new race of characters. Another series that I can't wait for the author to finish :)

You can get the book (for FREEEEE!!!!!) at the following locations:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zoctornyias-training-grounds-beth-wright/1107395759?ean=2940032833482&itm=2&usri=beth+wright
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/99336

More info on the Author:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zoctornyia-by-Beth-Wright/203724263022821
https://www.facebook.com/notifications#!/profile.php?id=100000095308518
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3974614.Beth_Wright

Battles of the Heart By Beth Wright

Vollians appear to be sexy, hot, slightly buffed warrior women. Do not be miss lead for they are not as they appear. Watch, learn, and enjoy as humans explore this new world. What will happen to them? Will these erotic warriors bring joy or pain to their lives? How will the humans survive the dangers of this untamed world?

This is definitely a genre of books that I don't read too often. I have read several other books by the author so I was intrigued to see what she had come up with this time. Her imagination is incredible and her writing is addictive. This book has some explicit scenes but they draw you into the story line and keep you reading. The characters are amazing yet again and so well described that you feel like you know them personally. Definitely a good read if you are into the erotic genre.

You can get the book at the following location:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/99675

More info on the Author:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zoctornyia-by-Beth-Wright/203724263022821
https://www.facebook.com/notifications#!/profile.php?id=100000095308518
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3974614.Beth_Wright

Sorceurian Dragonier Blackthorn Part 1 By Beth Wright

A new race is created by evil Sorceurians to kill their enemies in the world of Zoctornyia.
Two young sisters end up walking through a portal into another world. They soon learn to not trust these new men. Thrown into the dungeons and waiting for some way of escape. What will become of them? Who will help them? What future awaits them?
This is a short prequel of this series.

This short story series by the author has had a very good beginning. It is VERY short but the writing is such that you are hooked from page 2. After getting lost in the woods, the girls find a portal that transports them to a castle. They are captured and held among other prisoners, each with a different fate chosen for them. I definitely can't wait for the author to finish this series so I can find out what happens to Rebecca and Steph.


You can get the book at the following locations:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95981
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sorceurian-dragonier-blackthorn-beth-wright/1106964052?ean=2940032813651&itm=1&usri=beth+wright
http://www.amazon.com/Zoctornyia-Sorceurian-Dragonier-Blackthorn-ebook/dp/B005IGA4O8/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323223266&sr=1-1

More info on the Author:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zoctornyia-by-Beth-Wright/203724263022821
https://www.facebook.com/notifications#!/profile.php?id=100000095308518

Zoctornyia (Malver Part 1) by Beth Wright

Malver turns to his father."You must stay hidden son. For if she sees you, she will be frightened off," his father says as both of them divert their eyes back to the young female sitting by the river.
His heart sings out to hers. A longing he has never felt before. He feels the need to touch her. It builds as her face turns more his way. 
His father lightly taps his shoulder. He turns and notices the leader guards walking towards them. 
The one stops beside Malvar.
Did you mate her yet?
He drifts his eyes back to the young beauty. His sigh tells the guards his answer.
You have been coming here for four months now, yet you have not sedduced her to mate you.


This is another short story series that I received from the Author. The story line is great! It has some of the same characters as Vultar's series but the author introduces new characters as well as the usual twists and turns that make her stories so much fun to read!! Definitely can't wait for her to finish this series :)


You can get the book at the following location:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95984


More info on the Author:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zoctornyia-by-Beth-Wright/203724263022821
https://www.facebook.com/notifications#!/profile.php?id=100000095308518
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3974614.Beth_Wright

Zoctornyia (Vultar's Heart, Body and Soul Mate Series One Collector's Edition) by Beth Wright

This is Vultar's Heart, Body and Soul Mate Parts one through four of series one combined. It also has some descriptions at the end of it.


Elizabeth was a normal 18yr old female. With a very boring live, till she got kidnapped and taken to a whole new world. Zoctornyia appears to look like Earth in many ways. But in the end they are different in lots of ways. She meets the love of her life. Then is placed into all kinds of trouble. Meeting friends, new family, and enemies, this story has surprise after surprise thrown into her lap.What will become of this young human? Who will she be able to trust in the long run? Why are all the men of this world so sexy and buff? Explore the world of Zoctornyia through her eyes. Learn as she learns, feel the pain, happiness, and laughter come out of the book and into your own thoughts. 


First off I have to say that this is not usually a type of book that I would get "into" since the whole "other worlds" thing doesn't really float my boat, but holy moly!  I was hooked from the beginning lines so I'm so glad I was lucky enough to receive this short story ebook from the Author after reading Part 1 of the series.
It starts out with Elizabeth going in the basement after hearing noises and being knocked out cold by the 3 guys down there. She ends up in a dungeon where she meets Vultar (swoon!!!) and his son Tronarc, whose "people" end up breaking all of them out of the jail. In the process Vultar completely mesmerizes Elizabeth (and me!) and tells her that they are soul-mates, that his name for her is Setiana, and that he will never let any harm come to her. There are many twists and turns, including Setiana's pregnancy/childbirth and many battles. It is action packed from start to finish! This short story is definitely an amazingly unique find :)


You can get the book at the following locations:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/96555
http://www.amazon.com/Zoctornyia-Vultars-Heart-Collectors-ebook/dp/B005VW8A9U/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1


More info on the Author:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zoctornyia-by-Beth-Wright/203724263022821
https://www.facebook.com/notifications#!/profile.php?id=100000095308518
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3974614.Beth_Wright

DANCING WITH A VAMPIRE: A Paranormal Romance by Anthony Auriemma, Carolyn Chambers Clark

In this young adult paranormal romance, a spunky teen, forced to enter a national dance contest must avoid the temptations of her vampire partner and the pressures of being on weekly TV if she hopes to survive.


Seventeen-year-old Delilah Jones doesn’t know a steamy tango from a sensual rumba. She's never competed with outrageous teen couples desperate to win a competition and willing to do anything to survive, or dealt with the weekly pressure of knowing she could be eliminated at any moment. She’s never had to dance in front of anyone, let alone before a live television audience of millions or live in a Gothic castle where she's sure her dance partner is a vampire. When she meets handsome Hendrik Court, she has no idea what she's in for. Dancing against his gorgeous body day after day leaves her no option but to want more of him.


Hendrik Court tries to conceal his attraction for the virgin, Delilah. When he suggests they become voyeurs and peek at the liaisons of their dance teachers, both of them become aroused. This old soul has had many lovers in his many lives, but Delilah offers a fresh and untouched flower complete with her nectar of love. When an old flame of Hendrik's uses all her tricks to drive them apart, he reaches across all the centuries of knowledge to choose whether lust or love will win. 


I'm not sure how to describe this book. The beginning story line was great. I really got into the book with the author's descriptions of events. But once the competition started it kind of went downhill from there. I do have to admit that there were several parts that I just skimmed through since it was pretty much the same lines over and over. There were quite a few grammatical and spelling errors but it didn't really detract from reading too badly. Overall it was an okay story. Just could use less of the "fluff" during the competition.


You can find out more about the Authors here:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/74096.Carolyn_Chambers_Clark
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4457753.Anthony_Auriemma
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=ntt_athr_dp_sr_1?_encoding=UTF8&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=Carolyn%20Chambers%20Clark
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/CarolynChambersClarkandAnthonyAuriemma
http://freeandbargainebooks.blogspot.com/


You can purchase the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/DANCING-VAMPIRE-Paranormal-Romance-ebook/dp/B005955FGA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323212619&sr=8-1
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/83064
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dancing-with-a-vampire-carolyn-chambers-clark/1105860530

Haunted by Willow Cross

Have you ever heard something go bump in the night and wondered if someone was there? Only to go looking for the cause of the noise and find nothing at all. Or how about unexplainably feeling like you’re being watched when you’re completely alone? Things disappearing for no reason or strange ghostly footsteps in the hall?

This book is a collage of short stories about a few of the otherworldly experiences I’ve had. Although they are not movie worthy, you may find them interesting. All the stories are %100 true. Nothing has been added for dramatic effect.

After reading Oceans of Red Volume 1, I could not help but jump towards this book! Willow has a way of writing that makes her books totally addicting! Each of these short tales of hauntings were "spooky" yet hilarous at the same time. I love how she incorporated stories where she was completely at ease with the "others" and stories where she was actually afraid herself! My favorite was the last story about the "Blue Girl" in the older house. Every time I move I am always curious to find what was left behind, although I have never found anything as fun as that painting! This is definitely a fun read for the Halloween holiday.


You can buy the book FOR FREE!!!! at the following locations:
http://www.amazon.com/Haunted-ebook/dp/B005Z53TA8/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/haunted-willow-cross/1107079946?ean=2940032827771&itm=1&usri=willow+cross
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/98948

More info on the Author:
http://www.facebook.com/willowcrossbooks
http://willowcrossbooks.weebly.com/index.html

Journey to Legacy by Tanya R. Liverman

Tanya wrote this book to encourage others to leave a legacy to their loved ones, not solely based on a monetary legacy, but on a moral one. She urges her readers to not compromise their morals and to continually raise their standards. She uses poetry to express different phases of her life, as she leaves a trail for others to follow on her Journey to Legacy.

I won this book on Goodreads First Reads. This is a great book of poems. A lot of them had me reminiscing on things that had happened in my life. I really liked how the author put her explanations of the poems so the reader better understood her reason for writing them. This will definitely be one of my "go to" books when I need an uplifting read.

You can buy the book at the following locations:
http://www.journeytolegacy.com/
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2154797

Vengeance is Mine by Marie Weems

Kitty Evans, a young, beautiful blonde woman, is anxiously awaiting the return of her love, Gary Lane, from war. She keeps his letter with her always, remembering the face of the man who stole her heart.
But then she receives the horrific news—Gary’s plane, the China Clipper, has gone down and there are no survivors. Devastated, Kitty believes she will never recover and mourns the loss of her love. Soon Kitty meets Bill Mason, a somewhat persistent man who immediately falls in love with Kitty and insists they should be together.
Can Kitty’s broken heart mend enough for her to share a piece of it with Bill?


I received a complimentary copy of Vengeance is Mine by Marie Weems as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team.  Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.
Now where to start with this book review. The story line was great and kept me intrigued. However, the author really should have had someone edit the book before she had it published. Not only were there inconsistencies in the spelling of names and other grammatical errors but there were several sections of the book that were completely duplicated. These errors made the book REALLY hard to read. It was like she wrote the story and just sent it to be published without even taking a second look at it. Now if you can get past all of these errors, then you will have a great read! I enjoyed it even though throughout each page of the book I had the uncanny urge to edit the thing and send it back to the author.... 
     
You can buy the book at the following locations:
http://www.amazon.com/Vengeance-Mine-Marie-Weems/dp/1434908941/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322975361&sr=8-1
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vengeance-is-mine-marie-weems/1104687166?ean=2940013072152&itm=1&usri=marie+weems
http://dorrance.stores.yahoo.net/veismi.html

Zoctornyia (Vultar's Heart, Body, and Soul Mate Part 1) by Beth Wright

A whole new world is now being brought to our human race. What will unfold for those who enter into it and who will be there to help teach us on the way. Will one human female named Elizabeth be able to stay alive.

I received this short story from the Author and have in no way been compensated for my review. First off I have to say that this is not usually a type of book that I would get "into" since the whole "other worlds" thing doesn't really float my boat, but holy moly! I downloaded it off of smashwords because A) a bunch of fellow reviewers were raving about how great the story was and B) it was FREE! After reading this first part I will definitely be buying parts 2-4 to complete the story!
It starts out with Elizabeth going in the basement after hearing noises and being knocked out cold by the 3 guys down there. She ends up in a dungeon where she meets Vultar (swoon!!!) and his son Tronarc, whose "people" end up breaking all of them out of the jail. In the process Vultar completely mesmerizes Elizabeth (and me!) and tells her that they are soul-mates, that his name for her is Setiana, and that he will never let any harm come to her. I won't spoil the rest of the story so I will stop there. But I definitely can't wait to finish this story! It is an amazingly unique find :)


You can buy the book FOR FREE!!!!! at the following location:
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/90737

More info on the Author:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zoctornyia-by-Beth-Wright/203724263022821
https://www.facebook.com/notifications#!/profile.php?id=100000095308518

Oceans of Red Volume One By Willow Cross

December 21, 2012 the world ended just as the prophecies foretold. Unfortunately no one noticed until a few months later, and then it was too late. Three years after the event, the only thing standing between the demons controlling the world and the meager population of uninfected humans is a nineteen year-old girl named Remy and her two siblings.

I received this book from the author in a giveaway contest, who did not ask for a review in return, nor is she reimbursing my for the following review. Oh my Goodness! Where to start?! This was a very easy book/short story to read. The main characters, Shane, Remy and Greg, are very easy to relate to. As the last few people of the human population, they literally fight for their lives against the demons. After several failed attempts Remy is contacted by Daelen and their fight for freedom starts looking like a winning battle. And at that point we are left hanging, until Volume Two is released... I can't wait!!


You can buy the book at the following locations:
http://www.amazon.com/Oceans-Red-One-ebook/dp/B005E0W3LK/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_4
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/oceans-of-red-volume-one-willow-cross/1104561993?ean=2940011416491&itm=5&usri=willow+cross
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/74380

More info on the Author:
http://www.facebook.com/willowcrossbooks
http://willowcrossbooks.weebly.com/index.html

Pandora's Succession by Russell Brooks

Where would you hide if you learned the CDC and a major pharmaceutical company unleashed a hyperdeadly microbe on the human race?

CIA operative, Ridley Fox, never stopped hunting his fiancée’s killers — a weapons consortium called The Arms of Ares. When an informant leads him to an old bunker outside of Groznyy, Chechnya, Fox is captured and left for dead. When the informant rescues him, Fox learns that his capture was no coincidence: someone had set him up—possibly another government agent. Fox barely escapes after learning that Ares has acquired a hyperdeadly microbe—called Pandora—that is believed to have wiped out ancient civilizations. The trail leads Fox to Tokyo where he discovers that other forces —including agents within Japanese Intelligence—want Pandora for themselves. The only ally Fox turns to is a woman from his past who he nearly got killed.


I received this book from the author and have in no way been reimbursed for this review. Now with that said, this book had so many twists and turns that I think I came out of it with whiplash! Just when I thought I had the ending figured out, something would happen to totally change how I thought it would end!  Ridley Fox makes another appearance in this novel. His undercover CIA job leads him into another race towards finding his fiance's killers, The Arms of Ares. After being beaten and left for dead, he tracks his attackers and ends up in Tokyo chasing a highly coveted microbe called Pandora. Little known to him, he isn't the only one tracking Pandora. The CDC and Japanese Intelligence are also on the trail and in several instances prevent him from capturing and keeping Pandora in his possession. And that's only PART of the twists and turns in this novel! You will NEVER guess how it turns out! I could definitely see this book being turned into a movie, although I'm hoping that if it does, the producer doesn't "murder" the whole idea of the book. I'm not saying that I want it to be a movie, but if it happens I would definitely watch it! This book is definitely a must read!


You can buy the book at the following locations:
http://russellparkway.com/store/pandorassuccession.html
http://www.amazon.com/Pandoras-Succession-Russell-Brooks/dp/0986751316/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pandoras-succession-russell-brooks/1100441198?ean=9780986751318&itm=2&usri=russell+brooks
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/30270

More info on the Author:
http://www.russellparkway.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/russellbrooks
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Russell-Brooks-Thriller-Author/233153116719719
http://russellparkway.blogspot.com/

Unsavory Delicacies by Russell Brooks

A three-course story collection with a side-order of revenge.

For fans of Barry Eisler, Robert Ludlum, and Clive Cussler. Three short stories of suspense with unsavory results.

Crème Brûlée—Rogue operative, Monique Beauvais, cons a software genius into selling her a coveted technology that would allow its user to control CIA drones while they’re in flight. And she will go as far as killing him in public in order to have it.

To the Last Bite—A renowned food critic—whose scathing reviews have closed down restaurants—gets a savoury surprise.

Shashlyk and Morezhenoe—CIA operative, Ridley Fox, leads a team against one of Russia’s most powerful crime families. He discovers secrets, but not one that he was expecting to find.

Three stories with three consequences. All containing three Unsavory Delicacies.


I got this ebook for Kindle from the author. It is a series of 3 short stories, Creme Brulee, To the Last Bite, and Shashlyk and Morozhenoe.
Creme Brulee is about an undercover agent on a mission. Monique is required to get info from Curtis, which she does. But the end doesn't come as she had planned...
To the Last Bite is about a Food Critic. Dennis has the best meal of life and LOVES the recipe. After finding what it is, he wishes he didn't know...
Shashlyk and Morozhenoe is about a Mafia type transaction involving undercover CIA agents. Ridley Fox confronts Maksim Antanov and gets what he needs, in a very unconventional way...
I personally liked Creme Brulee the best. Monique is a character that I could see myself in "cahoots" with. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, as it is definitely a page turner! As per author suggestion, I would definitely recommend NOT reading this book while eating! But don't let this detour you from reading it, as the parts I'm referring to aren't too descriptive.


You can buy the book at the following locations:
http://russellparkway.com/store/unsavorydelicacies.html
http://www.amazon.com/Unsavory-Delicacies-Stories-Suspense-ebook/dp/B004XD66VW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322971748&sr=8-1
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unsavory-delicacies-russell-brooks/1100551612?ean=2940012649287&itm=1&usri=unsavory+delicacies
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54675

More info on the Author:
http://www.russellparkway.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/russellbrooks
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Russell-Brooks-Thriller-Author/233153116719719
http://russellparkway.blogspot.com/

Vampires Rule By K.C. Blake

They don't call him Jackpot for nothing. 


Jack has always beat the odds... at least until now. When he was attacked by a werewolf, vampires saved him. When he got tired of living the vampire life, another werewolf attack freed him, making him human again. Now Jack just wants to live a normal life, but what's normal about a hunter girlfriend, a brother who wants to stake him to be on the safe side, and a head werewolf building an army to rule the world? 


I received this book through Bee's Knees Reviews. This is definitely a read for any/all Vampire book lovers. I had never really been into the whole "sci-fi" type books but after reading the Twilight series a few years ago I started becoming interested in other vampire stories as well. This series (Vampires Rule/Werewolves rule) is far from the typical "vampire/werewolve/other" love triangle that most books are based on. With only a few chapters read, Vampires Rule became a definite page-turner for me. I literally read it in about 6 hours!  Jack (Vampire turned human) and Silver (Hunter) dominated their little town and after several run ins with the Werewolves, had figured out who they needed to kill. I can't wait to follow Jack and Silver in their "adventures" in Werewolves Rule!


You can buy the book at:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004YZB8XU 
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54214


Additional information on the Author:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4809417.K_C_Blake
http://kasi-kcblake.blogspot.com/

Millennium People by J.G. Ballard

The peasants, goes a tedious old joke about Wat Tyler's mob, are revolting. In JG Ballard's unnerving, prophetic novel Millennium People, however, it's the middle classes that are staging the revolution: blowing up the NFT, burning their books and defaulting on their maintenance charges. Rejecting, in short, everything that they've worked so hard for--The Bonfire of the Volvos, as one rather droll chapter heading has it.
At the forefront of this petit bourgeois insurrection are the occupants of Fulham's Chelsea Marina, (as ever with Ballard) an exclusive housing community. Led by the charismatic Dr Richard Gould, a disgraced paediatrician turned "Doctor Moreau of the Chelsea set", Marina residents Kay Churchill, a former film lecturer; civil servant Vera Britain and Stephen Dexter, the parish vicar and an injured airman (another Ballard perennial) have unleashed an arson campaign against targets deemed suitably middle class.
David Markham, a psychiatrist and the book's steely narrator, is drawn into the Marina's inner circle after his ex-wife Laura is killed in an apparently meaningless bomb attack at Heathrow airport, (prime Ballard territory, of course). Meaningless is the insistent motif: Markham's current wife Sally was crippled in a freak accident and the murder of a banal if inoffensive television presenter (loosely modelled on Jill Dando) is one of the seemingly random violent acts unleashed by Gould, precisely because of their apparent randomness. "The absence of rational motive", as he says, "carries a significance of its own"


I won this book on Goodreads First Reads. This was a very interesting book to me. It accurately depicts what COULD happen in any culture if you push people far enough. All it takes is one person that doesn't like a change that is happening and a bunch of people that are willing to follow that person in retaliation. Some of the acts that were carried out were a bit disturbing on some levels, but overall the author gave some pretty accurate scenes. Unfortunately this book took me longer than I wanted to read. The author is British and there were several terms that I wasn't familiar with, and me being the curious soul that I am, I had to look up what each one meant before moving further in the book. Other readers may not have this problem though, I am just a curious person and try not to "assume" anything when reading. Overall this was an excellent book. I would recommend it to other readers that enjoy reading about fictional revolutions.


You can buy this book here:

http://www.amazon.com/Millennium-People-J-G-Ballard/dp/039308177X/ref=tmm_hrd_title_0

A new beginning :)

After being prompted by a fellow blogger, I have decided to make a Book Review blog. So...here it is :) I will put my reviews of future books here, as well as try to get some of my previous reviews up too. Happy Reading :)