Netherwood by Michele Lang (Sci-fi Reading Challenge)

It's my first sci-fi of the year and it was an interesting one. Netherwood by Michele Lang isn't a new book and it's the first book of a series. Before I get into the meat of it I'll share the book blurb.

 

 There's a new sheriff in town...

 

And her name is Talia Fortune. Her mission: capture the cyber-outlaw, Kovner, a man who knows she is more than just a sheriff -- Talia is also a woman, with a woman's desires. Scion of the Fortune family and primary shareholder of the mega-conglomerate FortuneCorp, she is the Hand of Fate... or at least of the Home Office. With the power to punish, she's been sent to Fresh Havens -- a corporate off-world colony run by her uncle. but the colony is full of hidden danger. Sabotage, deception, destruction ... it will take every ounce of Talia's strength and courage, fighting skills honed in the Amphitheater and knowledge learned at the Academy, just to survive. Her ability to love and trust will be sorely tested, especially in the clutches of her quarry, the Outlaw of Fresh havens, her cyber-lover and now her enemy. He and the answers lie in the Gray Forest, in a reality beyond the bubbledome, the Grind, and everything she's ever known. Her future lies in Netherwood. 

 

What I Thought..

 

That's a lot to take in if you're not used to reading sci-fi and I've got to admit for those readers looking to get into sci-fi romance this might not be the best book to start with. The author dives into a really well developed world with terms and sci-fi principles that someone who doesn't read a lot of sci-fi might not grasp on first reading. However if you love a well developed universe then this could be a good fit for you.

 

Netherwood is told in a first person point of view. Readers get to view the story through the eyes of the leading lady, Talia Fortune. This character was hard for me to identify with at first, but once I got into the meat of the book I was able to enjoy her personality changes. She goes from cocky and full of grit to out of her depth and questioning reality really easily. At least, that how she read to me. 

 

Our hero, Kovner, reads like a bit of a know it all. And I say that because the man is overflowing with zen at oneness with the Gray Forest. I won't lie, he got on my nerves a few times, but he had complete faith in Talia even when she questioned herself. 

 

The story line held my attention. I loved the technology blend with humanity ideas. The idea of reducing down your mind into a cyber world is an idea I enjoy and the way the author painted this picture was intriguing.  

 

At the end of the story it is clear that the door is open for other stories, but I felt a firm close to Talia's story. I may pick up the next book in the set to give it a try. 

 

 

Netherwood is the first sci-fi I'm adding to my list of books for the Out of This World Reading Challenge.  

Review: Beyond the Veil by Pippa DaCosta

I can add one ebook to my 2015 EBook Reading Challenge. I found this one online some time ago and it finally made it to the top of my to be read list. With no further ado here's my take on

Beyond the Veil by Pippa DaCosta

“They say I’m half demon, but I like to think of myself as half human, especially as the demons want me dead.”

Charlie Henderson is living a lie. Her real name is Muse and her attempt at a normal life is about to go up in smoke.

When a half-demon assassin walks into her life, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake, Muse must return to the one man she hoped never to see again and ask for help. The Prince of Greed isn’t known for his charity. The price is high, and the cost could tear her apart.

Trapped between the malevolent intentions of a Prince of Hell and an assassin with ulterior motives, Muse must embrace the lure of chaos at her core; the demon inside her, in order to survive.

When your ex is the Prince of Greed, you'd better be ready to raise hell.


The Review:

I really enjoyed this book, and plan on reading the rest of the series. While I’m not normally one for urban fantasy Muse, with her fiery half demon self, was a real joy to read. There were ups and downs and more than a few who do you trust" moments. 

The main character, Muse was believable and easy to sympathize with. From the explosive reintroduction into the demon world to her longing to just be human, she was a well thought out and developed character.

Our two feature male characters, Akill & Stefan, were for the most part believable. As the story is told from only the POV of Muse I was left wondering what each was thinking and what their motives could have been. This could be a good thing, as long as it is addressed in the next books.

All in all I liked it and would suggest it to anyone who likes a little supernatural in their lives. 


Peace and Love!

Review: Rematch (Chinese Zodiac Romance Series (1.5)) by Rachael Slate

In April I stumbled across Trancing The Tiger by Rachael Slate. I love the concept of the story line and the characters along with their romance was nice too. This month Rematch, book 1.5 of the Chinese Zodiac Romance Series, came out and I grabbed it up. Here's a bit about the book and my take on it.

Rematch by Rachael Slate

Thirteen Zodiac animals entered the Great Race. Only twelve became Chosen…

After failing the test to join the Lotus League, Wen Pierce will do anything to prove herself worthy. Even if it means being demoted to a maid in the house of one of the Eight Immortals—Li Tieguai. But this seductive yet surly immortal wants only one thing—her surrender to his rigid control. On his remote, magical island she’ll fade into the background of his tortured existence. Unless she can convince him she can steal anything…including the one thing he believes he’s lost forever.

A spirit outcast and denied…

Tricked by the Monkey King, Li Tieguai lives in shame and surrounds himself with other outcasts, like the spirit animal Cat. But when the vibrant and sultry Wen is assigned to his household and offers to thieve for him, she just might steal more than he planned.

On the edge of redemption, lies temptation…

Li isn’t the only one who can’t resist Wen. The spirit Cat offers Li the solution he’s longed for, but to atone for his past, he’ll have to endure a future…without Wen.


 The Review


At first I was put off a little by Wen. She seemed a little over the top sexy and sultry, but as her story developed and I learned more about her I warmed up to her. Li was almost an instant mystery that I wanted to figure out. The unfolding of his secrets had me turning pages to find out more. 

The myths woven in the story line were well done. As I said before, I love the concept of Chinese culture inside a paranormal romance, and from what I do remember of the Chinese folklore the author has done a wonderful job giving readers just the amount of information they need and tickling their interest to learn more.

This story didn't grab me as fast and hard as the first novel in the series, but it did grab me. Before I knew it I was scrolling past the last page and really wanting more. All in all I'll keep waiting for the next story set to come out this summer.


Peace and Love!

Review: Trancing The Tiger by Rachael Slate

This is the first book I'm reviewing for the 2015 EBook Reading Challenge.

Trancing The Tiger (a Chinese Zodiac Romance) by Rachael Slate

Delve into a world steeped in tradition and superstition…
After her parents become infected with the Red Death, Lucy Yeoh flees to Malaysia seeking answers. Everything in this closed-off section of the world is paradise—from the lush tropical climate to her sexy new neighbor, Sheng…who just might be delusional. He claims the Plague God unleashed the Red Death and only a circle of Chinese Zodiac spirit animals can cleanse the Earth. Even more, he insists she’s one of them: the Rabbit. Long furry ears and fluffy bunny tail included.

He’ll show her how to fight to save the world…
As the Chosen of the Tiger, the burden of restoring balance to the world has fallen onto Li Sheng’s shoulders. When he discovers that the ally he’s long awaited, the Dragon, is actually just the Rabbit, Sheng is quick to dismiss Lucy. If only she’d stay dismissed. Lucy’s Rabbit refuses to cooperate, undermining the authority of his Tiger at every turn…and seducing him to the limits of his darkest desires. He’s not supposed to want her. Not when he needs the spirit circle complete and she’s their weakest link.

She’ll show him a love worth fighting the world to save…
Sheng’s enemies draw closer, and not everyone wants Lucy alive. Together, they’ll have to navigate a treacherous world where a line between duty and their hearts has been drawn between them. They must either sacrifice one, or find a way to surrender to both.


The Review

When I found Trancing The Tiger on Amazon I was a little more than just interested in reading it. I love paranormal romance, but I love an outside the box idea even more. This book gave me some great romance with a great cultural addition that I don't find in mainstream paranormal romance often.

The characters were well developed and thought out it did take, but it did take me a while to step into their shoes and connect. The plus side was that the twists and turns the story offered kept me on my toes and gave me a feeling of a developing connection as the story went along. For me this makes me want to read the next novels in the set, which is a great feeling to be left with.

These characters are not shapeshifters. Instead a Zodiac animal spirit co-existences with the character. In Lucy's case the Rabbit lives within her, becoming part of her personality. There are some physical characteristics that change when the character embraces their spirit animal.

The romance of the story was captivating. I found myself cheering Sheng on as he fought with his own feelings of disappointment and connection to Lucy. I also loved that Lucy chaffed against the dominate/submissive connection that the Tiger would have with the Rabbit and the other spirit animals. Lucy is a very independent woman who knows how to survive and has a clear view of right and wrong.

I'm looking forward to reading more of the stories by Rachael Slate and will be keeping an eye out for the next book in the set.

Peace and Love!

Review: Wolf's Haven by Ambrielle Kirk

I found a freebee and wanted to read it. I love shifter romance novels and tend to take a chance when I find a free one. I finished this book in a day and a half so it's a quick read. Here's my take:

Wolf's Haven by Ambrielle Kirk

Blurb-

"Tamara would risk her life to gain freedom. She's finally built up the courage to escape from a world of abuse by the hands of the man who promised her the world. One night she makes a break for it, but her plans backfire. She begins to believe that she was never meant to be happy. When all hope of freedom fades, she stumbles across a wolf that brings her to safety. She learns to trust the wolf, but has yet to trust the man.

Devin, potential future leader of the Caedmon Pack, returns to the foothills of his Virginia home after five long years as a lone wolf. Rivals within the circle challenge him and threaten to strip him of his true birthright. Being bound to lead the pack was not something Devin had planned for his life, but letting his people fall prey to turmoil under the rule of his cousin Darius is out of the question. The night of Devin’s rise to Alpha leader is approaching. Despite opposition, he’s gained an impressive following. That is until he brings a human among the pack."



I'm a big fan of empowering women, especially abused women, and the first few chapters of this book really touched that mark for me. It starts with Tamara desperate to get away from an abusive dick. In her attempt to escape she jumps from a window and is found/rescued by a wolf. The wolf turns out to be a man, Devin. Through some trail and error she learns to trust men again, somehow.

I won't lie. This story left me wanting and not in the good way. There was a strong plot line, with some nice twists here and there, but altogether it could have been a little stronger. Also the character development was less than engaging. I think going a little more in depth with a side character or two would have helped a bit and developing both the main character some would have helped too.

The romance side of the story was also lacking. I understand the mated/bonded idea, but it's hard for me to wrap my head around it within this storyline. Tamara was abused and the writer does show moments when that abuse affects her mentally, but I really can't see Tamara jumping into a sexual relationship with Devin so fast. 

I don't like writing a bad review, but I will say that I'm going to give the next book, Wolf's Promise, a try. Maybe characters are developed a little further and more of the story opens up.


Until next time, happy reading and peace!

Review of Running With Wolves by Cynthia Cooke

Running With Wolves by Cynthia Cooke

“She is the descendant of a powerful bloodline, destined to wed another.

He is a loyal pack member, fated to serve…

Shay Mallory knows nothing of her shifter heritage. The strange auras and voices were only scary stories whispered by her father before he disappeared. What she does know is that something has always been missing in her life.

So when Jason Stratton, a compelling stranger, comes to town, offering her protection and something more, Shay leaps at the chance to know him better. But despite their immediate bond, it is Jason's duty to deliver Shay untouched to The Colony—and into another man's bed. Now, with demonic forces circling, the very future of their kind depends on Jason and Shay resisting their growing passion. For Jason possesses something that no other Alpha can ever claim…Shay's heart.”

Shay spends a lot of time fixing up her home, which seems to be falling apart at the seams. She keeps to herself as best she can to avoid the constant buzz of other people’s thoughts. Then out of the blue a stranger comes to her rescue. Jason showed up just in time to safe Shay from some real evil, but she doesn’t understand that just yet. Along with himself, Jason brings a few secrets that Shay’s father kept to himself. And soon they’re off on an adventure into a world of werewolves, demons and her long lost family in The Colony.

The story started out very well. It caught my attention and held it. The confrontation between Shay and the things that are going on around her really made me connect with the character. I found the mythology the author created for this story to be very in depth and unique. The characters were very well thought out, and believable. I had a hard time holding the connection with Shay when she was informed she was the daughter of The Colony’s past leader, but the author brought me right back by throwing me right into Shay’s confusion over it all. 

Over all it’s a great read for anyone who enjoys a good werewolf romance and anyone looking to read a little different version of the werewolf creation myth.