The King Slayer (The Witch Hunter, #2) by Virginia Boecker

In the conclusion of The Witch Hunter series we find Elizabeth hiding in Harrow from Lord Blackwell, the new King of Anglia. Unfortunately out of sight is not out of mind and both the denizens of Harrow and Elizabeth are only to aware that time is running out for them. The magic that protects Harrow is being infiltrated and everyone is in danger. When an attack is aimed at Elizabeth at her hearing a new truth is revealed, there is a traitor amongst them.

Blackwell is preparing to launch a war against all those who oppose him and Elizabeth has become more important to him then ever for she possesses something that is integral to his thirst for power. What Blackwell doesn't realize is that Elizabeth is no longer the one he seeks and with the need to keep her secret safe and destroy Blackwell, she cannot let herself give in to weakness of body or mind. As she strives to overcome the distrust of those she once persecuted she comes to realize that no matter what she does it can never make up for her past and as John begins to slip away from her she is faced with the only reality she can grasp. She must be what she was trained to be, manipulative, a liar, a killer.

Elizabeth is a full fledged character whose sharp edges are blunted by the fears, hopes, and delusions that we all share. The story line is well developed and full of surprise twists that will make your breath hitch and your heart pound.Each page will entice you further until you realize that Boecker must be a witch herself to ensnare you so deeply in this story.

“I think, in time, you’ll either be my greatest mistake or my greatest victory.”

This is definitely a victory and quite frankly I find myself wishing for once that this was at least a trilogy because when you find a series this good you just don't want to let it go.

Cruel Crown (Red Queen, #0.1-#0.2) by Victoria Aveyard

If you are currently reading the Red Queen series or you've finished the third book and haven't read Cruel Crown you can skip it all together. However, reading these two prequel stories will help to flesh out the characters and give their universe a more in depth feel.

There are two stories in Cruel Crown: Queen Song and Steel Scars.

In Queen Song we come to learn how Cal's mother was chosen Queen, about her life, and her death. We meet young Elara and learn how deep her treachery really runs. And we learn how some things once set in motion are inevitable. Here we see too how deep family ties can run and how Cal is in some ways very like the mother he lost.

Steel Scars brings us to the red blooded Farley, captain in the Red Guard. As we follow Farley we begin to understand more of her background and her determination to help end the Silver Bloods rule. As she sets out to recruit others to the cause and lay down new connections throughout the reaches of the lands she will come into contact with someone unlike any other she has ever met. In turn she becomes the first to realize how important a young girl will be to the cause and the revolution.

Definitely recommend as it really does make Mare and her world much more distinctive and full fledged.

The Turn (The Hollows #0.1) by Kim Harrison

For those of us who read the final book in the Rachel Morgan story line, The Turn is a welcome return to her world that we have been looking forward to. This official prequel sets up the very machinations that lead to the near extinguishing of humanity and the re emergence of those who have hidden from them for so very long. Here are the bare bones of the future Hollows and its denizens and how it all came to be.

Being a Dark Elf and a woman is an obstacle in a world where both are considered inferior. Unfortunately for Trisk being both and having a bitter rivalry with the young Kalamack, things just couldn't be worse. Unless you take into account the decimation of their species. Both are vying to save the Elves from extinction, but there are events happening with those in power and nothing is as simple as it may seem. These two will become pawns in a game that is far beyond their understanding, and as one creates a hope for the world, the other will destroy it in his need for revenge and glory.

A human lab will create a new virus to incapacitate enemies without killing them and Trisk will create a genetically modified tomato that will help to feed the world but Kalamack will be the cause of both combining to form a plague that will take the humans of the world until they are on the precipice of extinction. As Trisk fights to stop the plague, Kalamack will deceive every step of the way to make sure she is blamed for the disaster, even if he has to kill to do so.

As their struggle plays out the Paranormal communities across the world must decide whether or not to help save humanity or stay safely in the shadows and watch it die. However as the death toll rises it becomes more apparent that without humanity it is only a matter of time before their world starts to implode in on itself. There are some who know exactly what will happen; that is just what they want.

With the first appearance of characters we've come to know along with those we meet for the first time, this is a perfect addition to the background story. It is a satisfying stand alone as well. Finally, we can truly understand the depth of fear that one single tomato on Rachel's window ledge really represents. Grab yourself a bowl of tomato salad and sit down with this satisfying addition to The Hollows.

Secondhand Souls (Grim Reaper, #2) by Christopher Moore

In this second book of the Grim Reaper series, Moore continues the story that began in A Dirty Job. After having died and been restored in a new and unexpected body, Charlie Asher and his friends are facing a new threat. Souls of dying people are not being collected by Death Merchants but where are they going instead? Is an old evil reviving? Who are the Squirrel People and why do they live under the house? Is Sophie still the supernatural dealer of death or has a new more powerful player stepped up to the bat? These questions and more are answered in hysterical hi jinks that slowly reveal the links connecting the missing souls and the actions of our heroes with the underworld and a feud as old as time. 

With gems such as " Their names are Death, Disease, War, and Sparkle-Darkle Glittertits. They're the four little ponies of the Apocalypse. ", strewn throughout the story, you are sure to find this book a laugh riot all the way to the very end. Can be read as a stand alone as well. If you've never read a Moore title before, get ready to laugh until it hurts.