Review & Giveaway of "Sins of the Angels" by Linda Poitevin

Publisher: Ace Urban Fantasy

Release Date: September 27, 2011

Series: #1 The Grigori Legacy


Buying Links:  Amazon      The Book Depository


Book Blurb (from goodreads):

A detective with a secret lineage. An undercover Hunter with a bullet-proof soul. And a world made to pay for the sins of an angel…
Homicide detective Alexandra Jarvis answers to no one. Especially not to the new partner assigned to her in the middle of a gruesome serial killer case—a partner who is obstructive, irritatingly magnetic, and arrogant as hell. 

Aramael is a Power--a hunter of the Fallen Angels.  A millennium ago, he sentenced his own brother to eternal exile for crimes against humanity. Now his brother is back and wreaking murderous havoc in the mortal realm. To find him, Aramael must play second to a human police officer who wants nothing to do with him and whose very bloodline threatens both his mission and his soul.

Now, faced with a fallen angel hell-bent on triggering the apocalypse, Alex and Aramael have no choice but to join forces, because only together can they stop the end of days.


Teaser:

Alex was silent for so long he thought she wouldn't answer; swallowed so often he found himself watching the movement of her slender throat in fascination. Then her shoulders lifted in a quick shrug. The shrug of a child trying to pretend that life had no impact on her; of an adult denying the child had ever existed.

Aramael waited. If she chose not to answer, he'd leave it alone, he told himself. He had his hands more than full already. He didn't need to take on the role of psychologist as well, and chances were he'd just foul things up further for her if he tried. His kind weren't well-known for their temperate approach.

My Thoughts:

I liked this book but didn't love it. I enjoy urban fantasy and I enjoy mysteries but this one never quite jelled with me. The female protagonist, Alex, is a  homicide detective with a horrific trauma in her past that naturally ties into the ongoing murder investigation that is the focus of the book. The male protagonist, Aramael, is a Power, an angel who hunts Fallen Ones, fallen angels. The bad guy, Caim, is a fallen angel with a personal connection to Aramael. God is referred to as One by the angels, and oh, she's a woman. That worked for my feminist, slightly pagan, self. Poitevin takes Christian theology and angelic mythology and gives it her own spin. She has information on angels and what changes she made on her site for readers who are interested.

The book is marketed as an urban fantasy but Poitevein refers to it as a paranormal suspense, a phrase I like very much. Let's face it, a lot of urban fantasy books have a mystery or criminal investigation at the heart of their stories. There is also a romantic subplot whose effects reverberate throughout the story and into book two but it's not the main focus. The romance does use one of my least favorite tropes, that of soulmates, but Poitevin tweaks it, allows for free will, and destiny doesn't rule all. Speaking of free will, that's a concept that comes up again and again in the story and Poitevin actually makes Heaven seem, to me, not all that attractive. The angels, and Heaven, are highly bureauacratic, which seems hellish to me. :D

There are are a few cliches: the beautiful female detective whom our hero, well, heroine, dislikes and who makes poor choices and is portrayed as slightly slutty; the gruff boss, who can be a hard-ass but has a soft side; the homicide detective (Alex) who is smart and capable but also emotionally damaged and a loner.

I occasionally got annoyed with the interactions between Alex and Aramael - he's all arrogant and distant, and hates who and what she is; she's all annoyed and uppity, then they touch and there's instant electricity but they both back away, then one of them thaws and tries to be nice, but the other doesn't respond and they start all over again. It got old. But, Aramael is an angel, they don't act or feel the way we do and for most of the book, Alex doesn't know what Aramael is. That sets up some of the conflict.

What I really enjoyed were the glimpses into Heaven - the bureaucracy, the secrets, the plotting and planning, the relationships, etc. The investigation into the serial killings and the hunt for Caim, the Fallen One, was a little slow at times but it was humorous to watch Aramael, in his guise as detective Jacob Trent, try to actually be a detective. A ten year old who watches tv knows more than he does. Overall, it works. It's a decent start to a new series and I will definitely read the next one when it comes out.

I received an eARC from NetGalley and a paperback from the publisher.

Are you intrigued? Want to get your hands on it? Penguin has generously offered two copies to be given away. Read on for the details.

Review of Fall Pumpkins: Orange and Plump by Martha E.H. Rustad & Amanda Enright

Publisher: Millbrook Press

Series: CloverLeaf Books: Fall's Here!

Release Date: September 1, 2011

Buying Links:  Amazon  The Book Depository

Book Blurb (from goodreads):

It's time for a trip to the pumpkin patch Find out how pumpkins grow. See the many things we do with pumpkins. Let's carve a jack-o'-lantern. Spooky What happens in fall? Find out in the Fall's Here series, part of the Cloverleaf Books collection. These nonfiction picture books feature kid-friendly text and illustrations to make learning fun

My Thoughts:

The marketing copy for the book describes it thus: “It’s time for a trip to the pumpkin patch! Find out how pumpkins grow. See the many things we do with pumpkins. Let’s carve a jack-o’-lantern. Spooky! What happens in fall? Find out in the Fall’s Here! series, part of the Cloverleaf Books™ collection. These nonfiction picture books feature kid-friendly text and illustrations to make learning fun!”

I had trouble pinning down the intended age group for this book. The art seems aimed at pre-schoolers while the text is a mix. The vocabulary and concepts are kindergarten and first grade while the tone is simplistic and occasionally patronizing. I think it would work for most pre-schoolers on up to first grade, though the older kids may find that it’s not substantial enough for them.

The concepts are explained simply and clearly, with extra details on the side of the page on a leaf. The information presented there briefly explains on the concepts presented in the main narrative of the page.
The art is ordinary but pleasant. One thing that I did like is that the characters in the book are African-American, or possibly Hispanic, the art was a little vague. Their ethnicity is irrelevant to the story, it’s just a given. The focus is on pumpkins, not the characters. Often, books about the seasons or holidays portray Caucasian families, even when it makes no difference to the story and other ethnicities would work just as well.

It’s okay, but there are better books for exploring pumpkins with young children.

I received an eARC from NetGalley.

Dusty Reads #1

Dusty Reads is a weekly meme hosted by Giselle at Xpresso Reads where we spotlight a book sitting in our TBR pile.

Book Blurb: 

At last, in the novel every Kelley Armstrong fan will need to own, all the major heroines and heroes of Otherworld are united. 

  It's been ten years since Bitten, the first novel in Kelley Armstrong's New York Times bestselling Otherworld series. In that time hundreds of thousands of fans have ravenously devoured the adventures of Armstrong's witches, demons, and werewolves. Now, in Spell Bound, she brings them all together for her most sweeping tale yet. 

Savannah Levine is in terrible danger, and for once she's powerless to help herself. At the heartbreaking conclusion of Waking the Witch, Savannah swore that she would give up her powers if it would prevent further pain for a young orphan. Little did she know that someone would take her up on that promise.
And now, witch-hunting assassins, necromancers, half-demons, and rogue witches all seem to be after her. The threat is not just for Savannah; every member of the Otherworld might be at risk. While most of her fellow supernaturals are circling the wagons at a gathering of the council in Miami, Savannah is caught on the road, isolated from those who can protect her and unable to use her vast spell-casting talent, the thing she counts on most. In a story that will change the shape of the Otherworld forever, Armstrong gathers Elena, Clay, Paige, Lucas, Jamie, Hope, and other beloved characters, who soon learn that the greatest threat to supernaturals just may come from within.


My Dusty Read this week is Spell Bound by Kelley Armstrong. Kelley is one of my favorite authors, I pre-ordered the book, but I still haven't read it. I swear I read more slowly than I used to, it's annoying. I think that maybe I'm reluctant to see this series come to an end. This is the next to last book in the series. If you haven't read this series, and you like urban fantasy, you really should.

Sirenz Back In Fashion Cover Reveal Bomb!

Today, I'm excited to share with you the cover for the next "Sirenz" book, "Sirenz Back In Fashion", by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman. I read and reviewed "Sirenz" this summer and enjoyed it. Are you ready? Here it is......

What do you think? It's very different from the first cover. It's definitely eye-catching, that purple is not a color you see as a background color very often. It should stand out on the book shelves and computer screens. I like the ankle boots with the toga, not stylish, but it suits her. :D

The Sirenz Back In Fashion Cover Reveal Bomb is ON! Sirenz Back In Fashion, the sequel to Sirenz by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman will be hitting the shelves in June 2012—but for now, enjoy the new cover! We’re having a mega-giveaway to celebrate. The Sirenz Back In Fashion cover is debuting simultaneously on SEVEN different blogs. Visit all of us to enter and win prizes—yes, that’s PRIZES as in more than one!
 

How will the adventures of Meg and Shar continue? Visit these blogs to see if you can figure out what happens next:

http://dfordarlasdefinitereads.blogspot.com/

http://bookchicclub.blogspot.com/

http://speedyreader-allthingsbooks.blogspot.com/

http://www.whatsyourstorybookreviews.com/

http://badassbookie.blogspot.com/

http://beasbooknook.blogspot.com/

http://aten-ra.blogspot.com/

Each blogger is giving away a very special charm necklace which symbolizes something from Sirenz Back In Fashion. It could be an important object, or represent a significant place or character… or a god! Leave a comment on what you think of the new cover and what you think that particular charm means, along with your email address to enter. You can comment to win on EVERY participating blog! Make sure to visit all of us. This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL—let’s spread the Sirenz love around the world!

As mentioned, each blog is giving away a different charm. Here's what I'm giving away, via Natalie and Charlotte.

 

Drawing end dates will be determined by individual bloggers, so read each blog post carefully. Once all blogger drawings are complete, another drawing of ALL entries from ALL blogs will take place for a grand prize to be announced at http://www.thesirenz.com and/or http://nataliezaman.blogspot.com and http://charlotteebennardo.blogspot.com.  

Ok, to enter, click on the rafflecopter thingy below and follow the directions. You MUST post a blog comment to be entered but please use rafflecopter so your post counts. Please follow the directions exactly. Thanks! 

Giveaway of The Shattered Vine, Book 3 of The Vineart War Trilogy by Laura Anne Gilman

We made it! Week three of The Vineart War Trilogy, by Laura Anne Gilman. The Shattered Vine releases tomorrow, Tuesday the 18th. I reviewed it on Saturday, if you want to see my thoughts on it.

Book Blurb:

An island nation has vanished. Men of honor and magic have died unnatural deaths. Slaves flee in terror. . . . Are the silent gods beginning to speak? Or is another force at work in the Lands Vin? Laura Anne Gilman’s critically acclaimed, Nebula Award–nominated Flesh and Fire introduced a brilliantly imagined world where the grapevine—cultivated by the Vinearts who know the secrets of wine magic—holds together disparate lands. Now, confusion, violence, and terror are sweeping over the Lands Vin. And four people are at the center of a storm.

Jerzy, Vineart apprentice and former slave, was sent by his master to investigate strange happenings—and found himself the target of betrayal. Now he must set out on his own journey, to find the source of the foul taint that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. By Jerzy’s side are Ao, who lives for commerce and the art of the deal; Mahault, stoic and wise, risking death in flight from her homeland; and Kaïnam, once Named-Heir of an island principality, whose father has fallen into a magic-tangled madness that endangers them all.

These four companions will travel far from the earth and the soul of the vine, sailing along coastlines aflame with fear, confronting sea creatures summoned by darkness, and following winds imbued with malice. Their journey will take them to the very limits of the Sin Washer’s reach . . . and into a battle for the soul of the Lands Vin. For two millennia the Sin Washer’s Commandment has kept these lands in order: Those of magic shall hold no power over men and those princes of power shall hold no magic. Now, that law has given way. And a hidden force seeks the havoc of revenge.

An adventure through an unforgettable realm conjured by breathtaking imagination, Laura Anne Gilman’s saga of the Vineart War is a "dramatic, authentic, and potent" (Publishers Weekly) literary delight.

Want to win it? Follow the directions below. Sorry, it's only open to US residents.

Review of "The Shattered Vine" by Laura Anne Gilman

Publisher: Gallery


Release Date: October 18, 2011

Series: #3 The Vineart Trilogy

Buying Links:   Amazon     The Book Depository

Book Blurb (from Goodreads):

An island nation has vanished. Men of honor and magic have died unnatural deaths. Slaves flee in terror. . . . Are the silent gods beginning to speak? Or is another force at work in the Lands Vin? 

Laura Anne Gilman’s critically acclaimed, Nebula Award–nominated Flesh and Fire introduced a brilliantly imagined world where the grapevine—cultivated by the Vinearts who know the secrets of wine magic—holds together disparate lands. Now, confusion, violence, and terror are sweeping over the Lands Vin. And four people are at the center of a storm.


Jerzy, Vineart apprentice and former slave, was sent by his master to investigate strange happenings—and found himself the target of betrayal. Now he must set out on his own journey, to find the source of the foul taint that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. By Jerzy’s side are Ao, who lives for commerce and the art of the deal; Mahault, stoic and wise, risking death in flight from her homeland; and Kaïnam, once Named-Heir of an island principality, whose father has fallen into a magic-tangled madness that endangers them all.  
 
These four companions will travel far from the earth and the soul of the vine, sailing along coastlines aflame with fear, confronting sea creatures summoned by darkness, and following winds imbued with malice. Their journey will take them to the very limits of the Sin Washer’s reach . . . and into a battle for the soul of the Lands Vin. For two millennia the Sin Washer’s Commandment has kept these lands in order: Those of magic shall hold no power over men and those princes of power shall hold no magic. Now, that law has given way. And a hidden force seeks the havoc of revenge.

An adventure through an unforgettable realm conjured by breathtaking imagination, Laura Anne Gilman’s saga of the Vineart War is a "dramatic, authentic, and potent" (Publishers Weekly) literary delight.

Teaser:

It happened so fast, nobody, not even the solitaire, could react in time.

From a nearly frozen tableau, the hound released Mahault's hands and lurched forward, knocking her backward onto the flagstone floor, her head making a hard thunk as it hit. Her hands, released, came up, but even as Kainam was reaching for his blade to kill the beast, Jerzy had his hand on the hilt, stopping him. The Vineart didn't remember moving, had not taken his eyes off Mahault long enough to see the princeling move, and yet his gesture had been unerring.

My Thoughts:

I admit, I like Laura Anne Gilman's writing. I'm a big fan. She writes clearly, intelligently, with depth and a keen eye. Her characters, whether Talent (magic) workers in contemporary New York City, or magic wielding vineyard masters, feel real and are always complex. I always learn something when I read a Gilman story and they usually make me think but they are enjoyable too. 

"The Shattered Vine" is no exception. The final book in her Vineart War trilogy takes the story threads and plot lines from the first two books and gradually brings them to a thought provoking, tightly written conclusion. In the process, she looks at tradition, history, religion, magic, and politics. Few of her characters are are all good or all bad but fall everywhere in between, which helps to make them feel real. This was particularly true of the Washers, the religious group responsible for ensuring separation of magic and politics. She could have taken the lazy way and made them all evil, stupid, or incompetent and in the first book it seems she might, but she veers and instead gives them depth.

The main characters, Jerzy, Mahault, Kainam, and Ao grow and change over the course of the series and in this book we get to see who they become and how that influences the outcome of the war for the Lands Vin. We spend time in each of their heads though Ao is the one who, despite dealing with what occurred in book two, has the least page time. I missed him.The ending wasn't quite what I expected but I was mostly satisfied. Mostly because I want to know what happens next - does Kainam's family regain their kingdom? What does Mahault do, stay at House Malech or move on? How about Ao, does he return to trading? What about the Vin Lands, what happens now? I wish that we could get a wrap up story but looking at Gilman's to do list on her blog, I don't think that will happen.

The beginning was occasionally slow but the book picked up speed and built to a the climactic battle. If you like a traditionally inspired fantasy story minus faeries, elves, etc., but with an original, complex magic system; if you like a smart, well written story with depth and complexity, with characters who are both realistic and likable; if you appreciate detailed world building, then you will like this story.

I received the hardcover from the publisher for review.

Winners, Winners, Winners!

There are three winners, one for each of the giveaways.

The winner of book 2 of The Vineart Trilogy, "Weight of Stone" by Laura Anne Gilman is Traci Goodwin!

The winner of"The Kingdom of Childhood" by Rebecca Coleman is Melissa (Sat Oct 08 2011)

and, finally, the winner of the "Sleeper's Run" t-shirt is  Melissa Roma!

Congratulations everyone. I've emailed you, remember that I need to hear back from you within 72 hours or I draw a new winner.

Giveaway of The Iron Elves Trilogy by Chris Evans

Thanks to Gallery Books, I have all three books in The Iron Elves Trilogy to giveaway this week.  There's one hardback of "Ashes of a Black Frost", the third and final in the Iron Elves trilogy by Chris Evans, due out October 18th. Also one paperback each of book 1, "A Darkness Forged in Fire", and book 2, "The Light of Burning Shadows". One winner will receive all three books.

Ashes of a Black Frost -
In the bestselling traditions of Terry Brooks, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Bernard Cornwell comes the third novel in the acclaimed epic fantasy series following The Light of Burning Shadows.

Musket and cannon, bow and arrow, and magic and diplomacy vie for supremacy once again in this all-new epic adventure from acclaimed author Chris Evans. As the human-dominated Calahrian Empire struggles to maintain its hold on power in the face of armed rebellion from within, the Iron Elves’ perilous quest to defeat the power-hungry elf witch, the Shadow Monarch, now takes on greater urgency....

Packed with wit, high adventure, and political intrigue, Ashes of Black Frost will hook readers on this bold and exciting series.

The Light of Burning Shadows-   From Publishers Weekly:

Starred Review. Private Alwyn Renwar of the Iron Elves is having constant, debilitating nightmares of the evil Shadow Monarch-and it's nearly killing him. The magical acorn which the Shadow Monarch planted in the chests of all the reformed Iron Elves during their last campaign carries dark magic, useful in combating the Monarch's minions, but filled with evil and contrary to the nature of elves. In this quick but moving second volume of Evans's Iron Elves series, Private Renwar, Major Konowa Swift Dragon, Sergeant Arkhorn, and the rest of the regiment discover that one of the dark acorn's side effects is turning souls, after death, into ghosts. Private Renwar focuses all his efforts on finding a cure for this curse, while a more worldly battle transpires over a magical falling star, the Jewel of the Desert, which must be found before the Shadow Monarch claims its powers for "Her" own. Evans evokes the era of Napoleon with muskets and slashing swords while neatly mixing in military fantasy, swords and sorcery, and a great deal of success; readers will no doubt end up desperate for the next volume.

A Darkness Forged in Fire-  From Booklist

Konowa Swiftdragon, once commander of the Calahrian Empire’s renowned Iron Elves, is now a disgraced ex-soldier. Though elvish, Konowa is more comfortable with metal and fire than with nature and, like all the Iron Elves, was marked at birth for an ill-omened destiny by the malevolent Shadow Monarch. When a prophetic Red Star falls, awakening lost magic, Konowa is recalled to find it with a new regiment of Iron Elves—except this bunch is the dregs of the military and not even elves. Their journey is plagued by monsters and an unforeseen rebellion, but the worst is to come. The Shadow Monarch’s play for the Star is a ruse masking another intent that Konowa doesn’t see until too late. An earthy, sardonic antihero, Konowa stands uneasily at the crux of a complicated network of loyalties while flanked by a large, colorful cast. Though knotty political machinations confuse the beginning, they eventually add richness to Evans’ militaristic fantasy world, in which magic users mix with musket-wielding soldiers. A truly worrying conclusion hooks readers for book two. --Krista Hutley -
 

The giveaway is open to US residents. Click below to enter.