Review: Trapper Road by Rachel Caine and Carrie Ryan

Series: Stillhouse Lake #6
Read As A Stand Alone: Not recommended
Publisher: Rachel Caine, LLC
Source: author assistant in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: August 2nd, 2022
Buying Links: Amazon* |  * affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Sometimes danger comes from the most unexpected places.

Gwen Proctor has always been willing to do anything it takes to protect her kids. But there are some things even she can’t protect them from. When a violent incident at Connor’s school brings the press to Gwen’s doorstep, she agrees to take a case out of town hoping to keep her family out of the crushing media spotlight.

The case is that of a missing girl, last seen getting into a truck with a stranger before disappearing. Gwen has a reputation for finding those who are lost, but this time something is wrong. Her instincts are off, and every clue she uncovers only raises more doubts, not just about the missing girl and the circumstances of her disappearance, but also about the fragile safety Gwen’s created for her family.

The closer she comes to uncovering the truth, the more she unwittingly puts those she loves at risk. Someone from Gwen’s past doesn’t appreciate the new life she’s built for herself and is willing to do anything it takes to tear it apart. Except this time it isn’t Gwen in the crosshairs, but her partner Sam. Without her instincts to rely on, how can Gwen protect those she loves against an enemy she never sees coming? (less)

Release Day Review of Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine

Series: Stillhouse Lake #4
Read As A Stand Alone: Maybe? It starts a new story arc but you'll miss a lot of backstory and character development.
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
Release Date: January 21st, 2020
Buying Links: Amazon* | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository*  |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

She’s investigating a cold case no one else could—by going places no else would dare.

In spite of a harrowing past still haunting her, Gwen Proctor is trying to move forward. Until a new assignment gives her purpose: the cold-case disappearance of a young man in Tennessee. Three years missing, no clues. Just Ruth Landry, a tortured mother in limbo. Gwen understands what it’s like to worry about your children.

Gwen’s investigation unearths new suspects…and victims. As she follows each sinister lead, the implications of the mystery grow more disturbing. Because the closer Gwen gets, the closer she is to a threat that looms back home.

In a town that’s closed its ranks against Gwen; her partner, Sam; and her kids, there’s no bolder enemy than the Belldene family—paramilitary, criminal, powerful, and vengeful. As personal vendettas collide with Gwen’s investigation, she’s prepared to fight both battles. But is she prepared for the toll it could take on everyone she loves?

BOOK BEGINNINGS AND FRIDAY 56 - Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine

I'm participating in two Friday book memes, Book Beginnings On Fridays, hosted by Rose City Reader, and The Friday 56, hosted by Freda's Voice.

I'm a few pages into Bitter Falls, a thriller by Rachel Caine. This series is dark, intense, and fantastic. I am a little concerned with the new direction the series is taking, but I trust the author.

Book Beginnings Rules:

Every Friday, share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author’s name.

Review, Excerpt & Giveaways: Sword and Pen by Rachel Caine

Series: The Great Library #5
Read As a Stand Alone: No
Publisher: Berkley Books
Source: the author in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: September 3rd, 2019
Buying Links: Amazon* | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository  | Google Books | iBooks* | Kobo | * affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

With the future of the Great Library in doubt, the unforgettable characters from Ink and Bone must decide if it's worth saving in this thrilling adventure in the New York Times bestselling series.

The corrupt leadership of the Great Library has fallen. But with the Archivist plotting his return to power, and the Library under siege from outside empires and kingdoms, its future is uncertain. Jess Brightwell and his friends must come together as never before, to forge a new future for the Great Library . . . or see everything it stood for crumble.

Bea Reviews Wolfhunter River by Rachel Caine

Series: Stillhouse Lake #3
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: April 23rd, 2019
Buying Links: Amazon* | Barnes & Noble | BooksAMillion | IndieBound |
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

She can’t ignore a cry for help. But in this remote hunting town, it’s open season.

Gwen Proctor escaped her serial-killer husband and saved her family. What she can’t seem to outrun is his notoriety. Or the sick internet vigilantes still seeking to avenge his crimes. For Gwen, hiding isn’t an option. Not when her only mission is to create a normal life for her kids.

But now, a threatened woman has reached out. Marlene Crockett, from the remote town of Wolfhunter, is panicked for herself and her daughter. When Gwen arrives in the small, isolated rural community, Marlene is already dead—her own daughter blamed for the murder. Except that’s not the person Marlene feared at all. And Gwen isn’t leaving until she finds out who that was.

Bea Reviews Ash and Quill & Smoke and Iron, Books 3 & 4 in The Great Library series, by Rachel Caine

Publisher: Berkley Books

Series: The Great Library #3

Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: Trade paperback, June 12th, 2018
Buying Links: Amazon* | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Google Play | iBooks* | Kobo | 
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

The unforgettable characters from Ink and Bone and Paper and Fire unite to save the Great Library of Alexandria from itself in this electrifying adventure in the New York Times bestselling series.

Hoarding all the knowledge of the world, the Great Library jealously guards its secrets. But now a group of rebels poses a dangerous threat to its tyranny....

Jess Brightwell and his band of exiles have fled London, only to find themselves imprisoned in Philadelphia, a city led by those who would rather burn books than submit. But Jess and his friends have a bargaining chip: the knowledge to build a machine that will break the Library's rule.

Their time is running out. To survive, they'll have to choose to live or die as one, to take the fight to their enemies--and to save the very soul of the Great Library....

Bea Reviews Killman Creek by Rachel Caine

Series: Stillhouse Lake #2
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Source: the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: December 12th 2017 
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Every time Gwen closed her eyes, she saw him in her nightmares. Now her eyes are open, and he’s not going away.

Gwen Proctor won the battle to save her kids from her ex-husband, serial killer Melvin Royal, and his league of psychotic accomplices. But the war isn’t over. Not since Melvin broke out of prison. Not since she received a chilling text…

You’re not safe anywhere now.

Her refuge at Stillhouse Lake has become a trap. Gwen leaves her children in the protective custody of a fortified, well-armed neighbor. Now, with the help of Sam Cade, brother of one of Melvin’s victims, Gwen is going hunting. She’s learned how from one of the sickest killers alive.

But what she’s up against is beyond anything she feared—a sophisticated and savage mind game calculated to destroy her. As trust beyond her small circle of friends begins to vanish, Gwen has only fury and vengeance to believe in as she closes in on her prey. And sure as the night, one of them will die.

Bea Reviews Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

Series: Stillhouse Lake #1

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Source: Kindle copy- purchased via Kindle 1st; paperback copy - publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: July 1st, 2017
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | iTunes* | Barnes & Noble
* affiliate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.

Blurb from goodreads:

Gina Royal is the definition of average—a shy Midwestern housewife with a happy marriage and two adorable children. But when a car accident reveals her husband’s secret life as a serial killer, she must remake herself as Gwen Proctor—the ultimate warrior mom.

With her ex now in prison, Gwen has finally found refuge in a new home on remote Stillhouse Lake. Though still the target of stalkers and Internet trolls who think she had something to do with her husband’s crimes, Gwen dares to think her kids can finally grow up in peace.

But just when she’s starting to feel at ease in her new identity, a body turns up in the lake—and threatening letters start arriving from an all-too-familiar address. Gwen Proctor must keep friends close and enemies at bay to avoid being exposed—or watch her kids fall victim to a killer who takes pleasure in tormenting her. One thing is certain: she’s learned how to fight evil. And she’ll never stop.

Review of Carniepunk, an anthology

Publisher: Gallery Books
Format Read: eGalley (I was about 2/3 of the way done when the pub sent a finished print copy)
Source: The publisher in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: July 23, 2013
Buying Links:  Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Blurb from goodreads:

A star-studded urban fantasy anthology featuring bestselling authors Rachel Caine, Rob Thurman, Seanan McGuire, Jennifer Estep, and Kevin Hearne, whose stories explore the creepy, mysterious, and, yes, sometimes magical world of traveling carnivals.

The traveling carnival is a leftover of a bygone era, a curiosity lurking on the outskirts of town. It is a place of contradictions—the bright lights mask the peeling paint; a carnie in greasy overalls slinks away from the direction of the Barker’s seductive call. It is a place of illusion—is that woman’s beard real? How can she live locked in that watery box?

And while many are tricked by sleight of hand, there are hints of something truly magical going on. One must remain alert and learn quickly the unwritten rules of this dark show. To beat the carnival, one had better have either a whole lot of luck or a whole lot of guns—or maybe some magic of one’s own.

Featuring stories grotesque and comical, outrageous and action-packed, Carniepunk is the first anthology to channel the energy and attitude of urban fantasy into the bizarre world of creaking machinery, twisted myths, and vivid new magic.  

Bea's Thoughts: 

I'll do my usual anthology process and give a mini-review of each story. I was excited about this anthology as it has a mix of authors I love, authors I've been wanting to read and one I hadn't heard of before. All the stories involve carnivals to one degree or another, but the punk aspect is vaguer and missing completely from some of the stories. I've marked my favorites with an asterisk.

Review of Black Dawn by Rachel Caine & A Giveaway

Publisher: NAL Hardcover

Series: The Morganville Vampires #12
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Buying Links:  Amazon     The Book Depository

Book Blurb (from goodreads):

The hotly-anticipated twelfth installment in the Morganville Vampires series

In Last Breath, the rain brought a new and dire threat to Morganville and its vampires... their ancient enemies, the draug. Now, the vampires are fighting a losing war, and it will fall to the residents of the Glass House: Michael, Eve, Shane and Claire, to take the fight to an enemy who threatens to destroy the town, forever.

Lovers of Morganville, rejoice: Black Dawn takes the intrigue, romance and nail-biting suspense of the series to its highest level yet!

Teaser:

When she and Theo left Amelie's rooms, Myrnin was standing in the round area with the coffee station, staring at the remaining bits of breakfast on the trays and frowning as if he couldn't quite work out what to do with the cup and saucer in his hand.

I'm in vampire central, Claire thought. She wasn't used to being constantly  surrounded by the nonbreathing sort of people; most of the time it was just her, Shane, Eve...and she never really thought of Michael as a vampire, much. Myrnin was familiar, but she never forgot how sharp his fangs were, either. She was with Theo, had just come from Oliver, and now there was Myrnn, and she was starting to feel a little like a hamburger at a dieters' convention. Nobody was likely to snack on her, but absolutely everybody noticed she was edible. 

Reviewed By: Bea

Bea's Thoughts:

My attention dragged at times while reading this book but honestly, I think that had more to do with events going on in my personal life while I was reading, than it did with the story itself. A LOT happens in this book and Morganville will never be the same again. I was confused about a couple things in the book but I think that is due to having started the series with book 11, "Last Breath"; had I started at the beginning it might have been different, and they were minor matters. The draug, the major baddies in this book, are NOT nice but you know what? Neither are most of the vampires. By the time the book ended I was scared about what will happen next. I like Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael and I want life to be smoother for them.  And even though I'm still new to the series, I was very sad at what happened to some of the characters in this story. At times, it felt to me like Caine was cleaning house, starting the series over. I'm curious if long- time readers felt that way too. It was a strong entry to the series and I enjoyed reading it.

I received a hardcover from the publisher for review.

*****************************************************************************

As much as I've enjoyed the books by Caine that I've read recently, I'm running out of room on my shelves, so I'm giving away all three books - Unbroken, Last Breath, and Black Dawn. Three books, three winners. 

The rules: 

US residents only, sorry.

You can enter for one, two, or all three books. There will be a different winner for each book.

  
Please follow all the directions so I don't have to disqualify you. That's been happening quite a bit lately. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway




a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of Last Breath by Rachel Caine

Publisher: NAL Hardcover
Series: The Morganville Vampires #11
Release Date: November 1, 2011
Buying Links: Amazon     The Book Depository

Book Blurb (from goodreads):

With her boss preoccupied researching the Founder Houses in Morganville, student Claire Danvers is left to her own devices when she learns that three vampires have vanished without a trace. She soon discovers that the last person seen with one of the missing vampires is someone new to town-a mysterious individual named Magnus. After an uneasy encounter with Morganville's latest resident, Claire is certain Magnus isn't merely human. But is he a vampire-or something else entirely?


Teaser:

Damn, Miranda was right. Again. 

"Ahh...maybe we should be going," Shane said. "Ditch the shoes, Eve. We'll be running now."

"I love these shoes!"

"More than your circulatory system?"

Eve silently kicked off the stilettos and backed up. Shane and Claire got Michael moving, weakly at least, and headed for the door. Eve acted as rearguard, not that she had anything to fight with other than the shoes she'd grabbed up.

The vampire in the red velvet coat headed for her, fangs out. She got the stiletto heel up, ready to strike, but something grabbed him in midleap and slammed hi up, straight into the chandelier. Crystal shattered, and the disco ball spun wildly, throwing drunken sparkles over the room. 

Reviewed By: Bea

Bea's Thoughts:

First, I should say that I haven't read any of the earlier books, just a few short stories in different anthologies. Several book friends assured me that it wouldn't be a problem and they were right. There was sufficient back story dropped in here and there plus a brief series recap from the author at the beginning of the book. I had no trouble at all jumping in.

Also I apologize, I was supposed to review it months ago but things kept happening to push it back to the bottom of the TBR pile.  On Saturday I'll be reviewing the next book, Black Dawn, and giving away all 3 copies of the Caine books I've reviewed. 

The book starts simply enough, with Claire and Michael making their required blood donations (Morganville would be an excellent town to live in for anyone with hemochromatosis). While there, Oliver, the assistant to the Founder of Morganville, "asks" Claire for a favor, and with that, we're off. Claire has a decision to make, one that will affect Eve and Michael's lives. While the they all deal with that, they also get drawn into a police investigation of vampires who have gone missing, just disappeared without a hint of why or where.

I liked Claire, Eve, Michael, and Shane, as well as Myrnin, Hannah Moses and Naomi. Even Oliver and Amelie, while not completely likable, had some redeeming characteristics. These are not warm and fuzzy vampires and I liked that, I prefer them somewhat scary. Caine's writing is easy and flows and read the story fairly quickly. It did drag a bit at times, especially when Claire gets trapped in Glass House, but overall it was engaging and fun. All of the characters, OK maybe not the vampires, felt like people I might meet or know in my own life, even the obnoxious ones. I loved learning about the vampires world and how they interact with humans. I'm sure that, since I started with book eleven, I am missing some info, but I never felt like I was but neither did Caine drown the reader in info dumps. The draug, the villains, in this excellent, were fascinating and I loved Caine's repurposing of the siren and mermaid myths. I would have liked a bit more insight into the depths of the hatred between the vampires and the draug, but since they're back in the next book, "Black Dawn", maybe we'll get it then.

"Last Breath", which is an appropriate title on several levels, has action, romance, mystery, mythology and humor. I read it in one afternoon and evening, and it was time well spent. I'm sorry I waited so long to start this series.

I received a hardcover copy from the publisher for review.

Review of Unbroken by Rachel Caine

Publisher: Roc
Series: Outcast #4
Release Date: February 7, 2012
Buying Links: Amazon    The Book Depository

Book Blurb (from goodreads):

*May contain spoilers for earlier books and also books in the Weather Warden series* 


For millennia, Cassiel was a powerful Djinn—until she was exiled to live among mortals. Now the threat of an apocalypse looms, and Cassiel is in danger of losing everything she has come to hold dear...

As the world begins to fall apart around her, Cassiel finds herself fighting those she once called her own—the Djinn. With Weather Warden Luis Rocha and the rescued child Ibby by her side, Cassiel struggles to find a way to protect those that are in her charge and come to terms with the leadership role she never asked for.

Cassiel is opposed by a powerful Djinn bent on raising an army of kidnapped Warden children to bring about nothing less than the end of the world. It will take everything Cassiel has to stop the Djinn from starting a war that will wipe all of humanity from the face of the earth. She knows that this might not be a battle she can survive, but protecting those she loves is worth any cost.

Teaser:

The child toppled over in a sudden, helpless heap.

I clawed up from the mud and flopped next to her, gasping and letting the rain pound me as it sluiced the grit from my face and eyes. Then I checked the child for signs of life. She was breathing, but unmoving. Her heart was speeding too fast, trying to fight me as I held her in that state. I put my palm flat on her forehead, closed my eyes, and eased her into a deeper state of calm and then, finally, unconsciousness. 

"Cass?" Luis lunged out of the rain. He looked frantic as he dropped to his knees beside the two of us. "What happened?"

"One of Pearl's," I said wearily, and almost pitched forward as I lost balance.

Reviewed By: Bea

*May contain spoilers for earlier books and also books in the Weather Warden series* 



Bea's Thoughts:

First, if you're reading or have read Caine's Weather Warden series, which this series spun off of, the events in this book occur simultaneously with the events in book 9, "Total Eclipse".

"Unbroken" is a kick-ass, don't stop for breaks (actually, Cass and Luis argue in the break about the appropriateness of taking a break while the world is ending), action and humor filled, ending to the Outcast series. I didn't like Cassiel much in the first book; she was arrogant, know it all, condescending, unfeeling, you know, a Djinn. :P But during the course of the series, she has changed as she learns to adapt to her human form and a human way of life. Now, humans certainly can be arrogant, know it all, etc., but Cass's perspective changes, as do her priorities, from Djinn to human, and several Djinn in "Unbroken" comment on it. By the time the series ends, I like Cass a lot. She's imperfect, as humans are, but she's trying and she mostly recognizes her flaws and weaknesses. Caine's Djinns on the other hand don't see or admit that they have flaws or weaknesses.

My heart broke for Ibby, Luis's niece, in this book. You thought Caine, via Pearl, tortured her in the earlier books? Have a big box of kleenex handy for this one. If I could have, I would have killed Pearl myself. That said, the changes that occur help move the story along while at times being just a little bit too convenient.


One thing I noticed, and I don't recall noticing it in the earlier Outcast books, or the Weather Warden series, is Caine's incredible optimism for and about the human race. I'm a pessimist, I'm pretty sure we're not as awesome, or redeemable, as Caine thinks we are. To each their own. Also, it's been months and even years since I read the other books so my memory may be faulty.


Overall though, "Unbroken" was touching, humorous, fast-paced, and a good read.



I received a paperback from the publisher for review.

Meet Rachel Caine and Win Some Swag

To celebrate the release of LAST BREATH, the 11^th book in the New York Times bestselling Morganville Vampires series, Rachel Caine is throwing a

“Welcome to Morganville Bash” in a city near you!

Readers who purchase books at the store will be eligible to win free raffle bags filled with notebooks, pencils, vampire swag, books and other cool Penguin gear goodies!  

There will also be free goodies for everyone who attends. 

Come to the bookstore, meet Rachel Caine, have your books signed, and participate in a raffle drawing to receive cool prizes! 

November 1, 3 p.m. ET

Live online launch event for LAST BREATH! 

You can see and hear Rachel LIVE by logging in to Project Paranormal's Facebook Page (click the Author Interview tab) - ask her questions live on the air! You'll also get a tour of her writing space, and maybe some wacky visitors. Who knows?

 

Wednesday, November 2^nd

MURDER BY THE BOOK

2342 Bissonett Street

Houston, TX  77005

6:30 PM

Thursday, November 3^rd

BARNES & NOBLE #2662

Oakview Mall

3333 Oakview Drive

Omaha, NE  68144

7 PM

*w/ Chloe Neill

Saturday, November 5^th

VEGAS VALLEY BOOK FESTIVAL

Historic Fifth Street School

401 S. 4th St

Las Vegas, NV  89101

10:15 a.m. Paranormal panel includes me plus Tera Lynn Childs, James Dashner, Bree Despain, Becca Fitzpatrick, Rachel Hawkins, Sophie Jordan and Veronica Wolff!

2:00 p.m. - Signing

7:00 p.m. - 

Paranormal Ball

ALL DAY

Sunday, November 6^th

BARNES & NOBLE #2614

Roseville

2100 North Snelling Ave

Roseville, MN  55113

2 PM

*w/ Chloe Neill and Andrea Cremer

Monday, November 7^th

BARNES & NOBLE #2808

5275 Harvery Street

Muskegon, MI  49444

7 PM

Tuesday, November 8^th

BARNES & NOBLE #2086

301 Main Street

Exton, PA  19341

6 PM

Wednesday, November 9^th

BARNES & NOBLE #2908

3454 Erie Boulevard East

Dewitt, NY  13214

7 PM 

Saturday, November 12^th

BARNES & NOBLE #2344

861 NE Mall Blvd

Hurst, TX  76053

3 PM  

Use this direct link for the most current event information