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.

A Vampire Christmas Carol by Sarah Gray

As Londoners fear the dark for the creatures lurking in its shadows and the holidays approaching with tidings of great bleakness instead of joy, all that stands in the way are handfuls of those who are willing to stand up to these creatures and await the promised one who will be born to destroy the last of the evil vampires feasting on the unaware. In this retelling, Scrooge has been directed his whole life unknowingly by the Queen and King of vampires who have a vested interest in him. From the moment of his birth to his years at school to the very present, Scrooge has played a pivotal role in their machinations. And now at the most precarious moment for the humans of London and the world only one person's hope for Scrooge's deliverance can sway the balance. With the visit of three spirits Scrooge will become the fulcrum of the destiny of mankind. Will his humanity awaken to his fellows or will the cruelties visited upon him through his life render him incapable of compassion. With appearances by the characters that have made A Christmas Carol a classic for generations, this retelling will be a welcome addition to any bookshelf. For every warm fireside needs a little bit of chill to fully enjoy the warmth.

The Fall of the House of Cabal (Johannes Cabal, #5) by Jonathan L. Howard

Mr Howard is an evil genius that has invented a world full of characters that I wouldn't hesitate to shot if need be but I secretly have to admit to a great deal of affection for. This is a series that does need to be read in sequence but I assure you that they are worth the effort.

Cabal has come across arcane knowledge that leads him to believe that there is a place where he may find the very thing to bring back his beloved from the dead. The only problem is that the journey will take him and his mainly willing assistants into places that don't exist on any maps or in time or reality actually. But these small pitfalls won't stop Cabal. After all, he's done his research very carefully. Death is not assured, some may even survive, minus a limb or so. With the help of his brother Horst, a young woman who Cabal may have one time considered killing, and a devil who has given her solemn dib dib not to eat, seduce, or maim him and all right, his friends, Cabal sets out to claim his prize. But as their journey progresses something is becoming crystal clear. Everything Cabal thought he knew is wrong and the fact starts to occur to Cabal, he has made a serious mistake and fallen into a trap of great conniving. For an enemy is pulling all the strings but what neither of them can understand is the sheer evil that is playing them both. This time around Cabal may find himself against something that even he can't understand. As each game piece falls into play Cabal finds himself with fewer and fewer moves. Will this be the very death of our necromancer or only the very beginnings of his eternal damnation?

The Elusive Elixir (An Accidental Alchemist Mystery) by Gigi Pandian

This was provided to me as an arc from the publisher but the review is my own.

This is the third installment in the Accidental Alchemist Mystery series. However, one could plunge into the series midway if they wanted a taste and still be able to follow the story line as Pandian makes sure to remind readers of what has happened previously to our characters.

In this book we find Zoe has traveled to Paris to find out more about the connection to Notre Dame and its gargoyles and how they relate to Dorian's plight. With time running out Zoe is faced with a possible break when stories of a strange gargoyle reach her ears, could it be that this is a link to freeing Dorian at last? But swift on the heels of her attempt to find out more comes an unexpected result, she's been recognized by someone who last saw her during World War II and as unlikely as it seems they hold her responsible not only for the death of their mother but for her assistant at the time. With the possibility of her identity being discovered by the authorities Zoe flees Paris back home only to find that the past has followed her and in its wake Zoe will be faced with losing her only chance at a normal life or losing her best friend. Questions are being revealed but the answers continue to elude her and Zoe will find that she may be the only answer that there is. The only thing that she can attempt is anathema to all she believes so the only answer that can help her now is how far will she be willing to go for those she loves and how far will they go for her.

This is a well crafted series that is engaging and fresh. Zoe Faust is the kind of character you wish you could sit down with over a cup of tea and an astrology chart. Perfect for anyone who loves mysteries or wouldn't mind dabbling in the realm of the paranormal. Highly recommend.

The Invisible Library (The Invisible Library #1) by Genevieve Cogman

The Invisible Library lies outside of the numerous realities and harvests dangerous books that need to be kept safely out of the hands of chaos. Irene is a trained spy for the Library and shes good at what she does but when shes sent to an alternate London with a new recruit she realizes she may have been sent into the midst of a wasp's nest. The book she was sent to retrieve has mysteriously disappeared and the other interested parties all swear they don't have it but they'll do anything to get their hands on it.

In a chaos infested world where supernatural creatures and the Fey seem intent on hindering her progress and the sole person she can depend on is hiding secrets of his own, Irene is going to have to trust her instincts and perhaps veer from the only path she has ever known. For the possibility of treachery from within the library seems to be the only answer to several of her questions and the shadow of the one man feared by all Librarians is looming ever closer.

This is a fun, steam punk influenced tour de force and sets a great tone to a new series that will be appreciated by any book lover. If real Librarians were anything like Irene we'd all be headed to our local library at a run. Pick this up and immerse yourself in a good read.

Burned (Alex Verus #7) by Benedict Jacka

I received this as an ARC but the review is my own.

First off the bat, if you haven't read the books before this one, STOP! This is definitely a series that needs to be read in order. Now having got that out of the way, what the hell are you doing here? Go start this series all ready. Diviner Verus is once again the target of his enemies but this time they're not only interested in him and time is running out. As everything he's built up in the last few years is destroyed and all around him are convinced that his destiny is to serve a Dark Mage once again can he save those who matter to him or will it all come down to fate. For fans of this series this is the culmination of everything we've been leading up to. Don't rush through this book, it will leave you on tenterhooks and nobody likes those.

Great urban fantasy series with a main character who is intelligent and witty with an iron core of determination. If you like Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden, prepare to meet his hero.

"Web of Lies (Elemental Assassin, #2)" by Jennifer Estep

This was a quick, fun book with a main character who is strong enough to carry a story line. As this is the second book in the series there are a few mentions of previous adventures but they are summarily described so you can read these alone or get more of a fleshed out version by reading them chronologically. 

Gin Blanco is a retired assassin. She spent years killing for hire but now she's just trying to keep busy. When her barbecue place gets held up she does what a girl's gotta do to keep the peace. Ashland is not the place to be seen as looking like an easy target even if the crook is the son of a top ranked lawyer who just happens to be connected to the most powerful and ruthless woman around. But with her elemental powers of metal and ice Gin is no ordinary girl and she's more than willing to step toe to toe with anyone who dares to threaten what she holds dear.

So when a young girl enters her place and asks for the man who rescued Gin from the streets and was brutally murdered, Gin realizes that retirement may not be all that it's cracked up to be. With everything that's been occurring lately Gin makes the decision to help protect a family being threatened. Not for the money but because they remind her of what she was once, innocent and the soul wrenching devastation that came when her family was destroyed. This time she's not going to let that happen.

As Gin delves into ferreting out what's really going on she stumbles onto information that may not only help her clear up the reasoning for her family's murders but also the possibility that her sister maybe alive. With this revelation comes the realization that the one person she trusted may have betrayed her. Gin is about to learn that nothing may be what it seems. Not even herself. 

"Witch: A New Beginning (The Witch Series, #1)" by L.S. Gagon

This was provided as an ARC by the publisher but the review is my own.

I love stories about witches so I was definitely looking forward to this one. I started feeling as though I was reading a supernatural chick lit piece but quickly came to realize that this is more along the lines of a supernatural Bourne Identity. 

Thea lives in modern Salem working at a local bakery and dealing with the fact that she is an overweight girl with her only consolation being her books and Salem itself. Her best friend Delia calls herself a witch and mixes potions for the tourists. Life is not that bad. Then one day the man of her dreams walks into her bakery and life will never be the same.

OK. Stop right there. This is where the story really begins.

Turns out Delia is a witch and so is Thea. A witch so powerful that the warlocks have been trying to hunt her down for hundreds of years in order to steal her power and finally destroy her. Salem has been witness to this power struggle since the beginning and it is finally culminating in a showdown where treachery and betrayal are revealed, not in black and white but in the flames of fire that sear the souls of those involved. There is a reason Thea locked half her power away in a crystal that left her and her friends vulnerable and now that the time has come to reveal the truth, her inner witch may not be able to handle it. 

Out of this dark brew blooms a story of a witch who is only to human and a man who will destroy everything to get the one thing that he has clung to for centuries. At stake are the lives and loves of all those caught in between and time is running out for all.

First book in the series and well worth the read late into the night. But be warned, the final chapter will leave you on at a cliffhanger that you may not be able to wait until the next book for. Go grab this read!

"The Accidental Alchemist" by Gigi Pandian

This was a great new addition to my paranormal/mystery reads. It's a great look at the history of alchemy with an unexpected twist in the idea of exactly what alchemy is. Zoe Faust is an interesting character with heart and smarts who is very human with a past shes been running from but may finally be ready to face when she decides to settle down. A mystery arrival on her doorstep of a French gargoyle who once saved her life and happens to be a French gourmet/chef would seem out of step but works perfectly. Although one would presume to have figured out the mystery pretty soon on, Pandian has all kinds of twists and turns that keep you guessing right up to the end. A fun read with the promise of more Zoe Faust titles to be developed in the future. This may be better than creating the philosopher's stone.

"The Book of Life (All Souls Trilogy, #3) by Deborah Harkness

The third book of the trilogy started off really slow for me and I started to panic because I was terrified that the author was running dry or unable to smoothly conclude her story. Thank the gods I was wrong. This final book is just what your local witch doctor ordered. There are some great ideas in this part of the book that are blended in seamlessly to the previous story line and there is a beautiful balancing act as Harkness brings each of her characters into a climax that leaves you feeling that Yes!, that is the best ending EVER! The closure you crave for these characters is there and they are in no way diminished by it nor are they wrapped up with pretty little bows like in a movie script. By the time you read the final page there is no doubt in your mind that somewhere out there the De Clermonts are waiting to take you in and share with you all the wonders and dangers of their world. You think you know these characters but you're wrong, this is the trilogy that will make you rethink how you read.

"The Witch With No Name (The Hollows #13)" by Kim Harrison

And with a sigh, I close the cover on the last of Rachel's adventures. Harrison has finished this series with a satisfying conclusion and a happy ending. Everything has been neatly tied with a bow and I for one am glad to see it all end this way. I am glad to have found this series when a newbie bookseller and will always recommend it to anyone interested in reading something new and rewarding. Thank you for the memories Kim. Here's hoping we meet again.

"Slimy Underbelly" by Kevin J. Anderson

A witty monster mash detective story featuring the case files of zombie detective Dan Chambeaux. He's your typical average wiseguy except he's dead. Ten years ago something happened to the world and some people woke up a little different than others. Dan woke up in his grave, dusted himself off and got back to the business of helping those in need. Whether it's future super villains or frog demons opening up a new spa for the masses of monsters who could use stress relief, Dan's your man. With his ghost sweetie Sheyenne and human partner Robin as his side kicks, he's got it made. However, when you throw in weather wizards running campaigns for top position and causing weather to change as quickly as one block away not to mention the illicit love child of a senior elder god trying to flood the world with effluence to prove he's worthy of her love, things get a little, messy.

"Bitten (Women of the Otherworld #1)" by Kelley Armstrong

Like the author, like the characters, did not enjoy this book so much but since it's one of the early ones for these guys I'm glad to say they get better. Still a good read.

"Dime Store Magic (Otherworld, #3)" by Kelley Armstrong

Good book. Will read more when I come across them.

"The Undead Pool (The Hollows, #12)" by Kim Harrison

There is wild magic loose in the Hollows and it's gunning for Rachel. Why? No one knows, but when a Goddess loses her thoughts, they have to go somewhere. Living vampires fighting for their right to choose death or not, master vampires unexpectedly falling into an endless sleep causing chaos, magic spells misfiring with deadly consequences, elves and demons still fighting over a past history which cannot be forgotten. Just another day for Rachel. When you throw in an undeniable attraction to a man who is off limits and could be the love of her life, things could get complicated. In case there's anytime to take a breath lace it all with little voices that come and go; but these voices aren't just visiting, they wanna stay. What's a girl to do? Simple. Do what the only demon day walker can, her job.

"The Skin Game (The Dresden Files, #15)" by Jim Butcher

Harry Dresden does not disappoint in this latest title. We have graduated kids to a whole new level of awesome and I'm practically salivating at the enjoyment I got out of reading this book. Denarians, Mab, parasites, parkour, new enemies, old enemies; it's all twisted into a bloody fantastic installment that has me convinced that if Jim Butcher ever tries ending Dresden the uproar will make Doyle's fracas over Holmes look like a tea party. 

Butcher/Dresden fans unite! Spread the word! Skin Game is the Sci Fi novel of the year and needs to be read ASAP!

By the by, gave it a five stars but if I could, there would be a hell of a lot more, oops, hell ..... should I worry I gave something away there? GO READ!

"One Foot in the Grave (Night Huntress, #2)" by Jeaniene Frost

Another really good book. I am officially a fan of this series, so much so that I recently glanced at the shelf in my local bookstore to see how many of these the author had published. Much to my joy/chagrin there are at least eight I spotted. Oh well, guess I'll have to read them all. Truly though, I love the fact that Cat, the heroine, can be absolutely ruthless when necessary; this makes her actions that much more forceful instead of just being someone who's doing good because it's expected. New vampires and the siring of a new ghoul in this one!

"At Grave's End (Night Huntress, #3)" by Jeaniene Frost

Things get messy in this one folks. I'm not talking about the ghouls or Vampires, or the daughter of a famous Egyptian queen or even the human snack bar. I'm of course referring to the ............ ZOMBIES! That's right, you can never have too much flesh eating happening in one place. That's not the highlight of this story but it's a whopper. These are not your shuffle along buffalo zombies but heat seeking flesh eaters who won't stop even when cut down. Mix that in with betrayal and treachery from within the ranks and all hell breaks lose. When Cat is faced with leading Bone's line can she find in herself to do so? Grab a plastic poncho and sit back and enjoy!

"Halfway to the Grave (Night Huntress, #1)" by Jeaniene Frost

Great start to really good series revolving around a human/vamp breed who is the only one of her kind; she's on the hunt for vampires to stake but when she becomes the hunted she discovers that not everything is as black and white as good and bad. Daddy issues, guilt, fear, and insecurities make this kitty dangerous. Her new mentor will make her lethal. Meet the Red Reaper. Little Riding Hood has finally grown up.

"Wraith (Zoe Martinique, #1)" by Phaedra Weldon

What do you do when you witness a murder as you're incorporeal and sneaking around where you don't belong? What happens when a bone crunching spiritual dragon starts chasing you in an office where the only person who knows you're there is a faceless woman? Have you ever had to lock your body in the trunk of your sports car so that it doesn't get hijacked? NO? Then hang out with Zoe Martinique and find out what happens in this quirky scifi thriller. From hot detectives to fuzzy slippers, this is the book for you. WARNING: Zoe will have you laughing within the first pages.