Review: Steamed: A Steampunk Romance

Steamed
A Steampunk Romance
by Katie MacAlister
Publisher: Penguin Group
Mass Market Paperback, 342 pages
Available at Indie Bound, Powells, Barnes & Noble

Summary: When one of Jack Fletcher's nanoelectromechanical system experiments is jostled in his lab, the resulting explosion sends him into the world of his favorite novel-a seemingly Victorian-era world of steampower, aether guns, corsets, and goggles. A world where the lovely and intrepid Octavia Pye captains her airship straight into his heart...

Steamed is my first Katie MacAlister book, but I've been following her on Twitter and reading her blog, Fiction with Attitude. She has such a great sense of humor that I knew I would love her books. I started with Steamed because I'm fascinated with the entire steampunk movement; books, music, art, and movies. Have you seen the beautiful cover? I saved up my book money and put in an order with Barnes and Noble a couple weeks ago. I've been reading a lot of dark fantasy lately and really needed an upbeat, fun romance to balance out things.

Steamed was a light, witty, romantic, and sexy read. The characters were colorful and unique, as was the plot. There is a combination of steampunk goodness, mystery, adventure and romance. Jack is a typical American guy, asking Octavia (to her horror and confusion) why she doesn't wear the corset on the outside of her clothing because he's sure it would look MUCH better. Octavia is a woman with Victorian manners and attitude but underneath the formality she's passionate, brilliant and independent. They bring out the worst and best in each other, as they work together to solve a mystery, and rescue his sister from execution.

I loved the side characters in Steamed as well. They were all colorful and added mystery and humor to the book. I really hope the author writes a sequel so we can learn more about Octavia's world.

I think fans of paranormal romance and historical romance will enjoy Steamed. You can find out more about Katie MacAlister on her website: http://www.katiemacalister.com/.

~Moonsanity

Roadkill Release Week Goodness!

Rob Thurman is one of my favorite authors, and this is release week for the fifth book in her Cal & Niko Leandros series. Here is the awesome cover with Cal and his werewolf with benefits, Delilah.


I'm heading out tomorrow or Wednesday to buy my copy of Roadkill in the store so it helps Rob rack up sale goodness to make sure we continue to get more Cal & Niko. It's extremely important to buy the book from Tuesday, March 2 to Saturday, March 6th to make the biggest impact on her sales. If you haven't read Rob's books check out these cool blogs to learn more. You really don't want to miss these awesome books.

(A note: The give-aways are for Rob's other books, so you can STILL go buy Roadkill this week and not be doubling up. Just saying...)

The awesome Larissa has an interview and give-away for FOUR of Rob's books.
Her give-away ends March 11th. Visit Larissa & Rob HERE!

Rob guest blogs about "not blogging" which gives you some insight into her witty personality PLUS she's giving away her books to four winners to be picked at random on Sunday, March 7, 2010. Rob on Deadline Dames: http://www.deadlinedames.com/?p=2842

This is an interview on Cat and Muse with Cal himself, and Goodfellow, a character in all of the Cal & Niko books. I can't explain his personality or his antics- you have to read the interview.

Cat and Muse Interview:
http://jackiekessler.com/catandmuse/2010/03/01/monster-mash/#comment-9546

MARK HENRY HELPS ROB
Twitpic your Roadkill by Rob Thurman receipts (dated 3/2-3/7) for a chance to win original Snark Art! http://bit.ly/95PGYw

"The snark art will apparently be a collage of every embarrassing picture I've had taken (which are quite a few) and he's going to MSTK Nightlife. Now THAT will be brutal. But all for the cause!" ~from Mark's blog.

The Sneak Peak Deal
Now, when you buy your copy of Roadkill you can also get a sneak peak at a chapter from the SIXTH Cal & Niko book. Rob has details here: http://robgoodfella.livejournal.com/96012.html

~Moonsanity

The Devil Inside by Jenna Black

The Devil Inside
(Morgan Kingsley, Exorcist, Book 1)
Author: Jenna Black
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Dell (November 27, 2007)

Summary: Exorcism isn’t a job, it’s a calling—and a curse. Just ask Morgan Kingsley, a woman who has a stronger aura than any Demon... her life is about to be turned upside down…by the Demon that’s gotten inside her.

Morgan’s Demon is leading a war of succession no human has ever imagined. For a woman trying to live a life, and hold on to the almost-perfect man, being possessed by a gorgeous rebel Demon will mean a wild ride of uninhibited thrills, shocking surprises, and pure, unadulterated terror. . . .

I picked up my copy of The Devil Inside because I had heard such good things about Jenna Black. I'm not sure what I expected, but I have mixed feelings after reading the first book in this series. It's a dark urban fantasy with erotic sexual content, action and intrigue. I like the main character, Morgan, though she often gives new meaning to the word bitch. Then again, she has reasons for her anger, none which I can argue with. I find myself wishing someone would give her a break, and possibly a hug. I also thought her demon, who she shares a body with, was scary but honorable and likable. The other characters were complex; some I actually hated, others confused me.

I found the concept of demons sharing bodies with humans because they exist in a dimension/world where they aren't corporal, fascinating. The political struggle, the attitudes of human hosts who worship the demons vs. those who hate them, and the relationship between cooperating hosts and demons were intriguing and unique.

I found myself uncomfortable while reading The Devil Inside for a couple of reasons. First, the erotic sexual content went from playful between Morgan and her boyfriend to the painful and controlling world of S&M where whippings and violence are common place. I've read books before that included this type of lifestyle and didn't feel quite this uncomfortable. I wonder if it's because I didn't know the characters or their reasons behind this type of sex. Later, we get a little hint into why some demons might prefer it, but never as to why Dominic would choose the lifestyle. We are never given a hint as to why he endures it. I felt that this aspect of the plot was overwhelming, to the point of taking away from the struggle that was going on with the demons and their human hosts.

I'm a very eclectic reader in that I love Happily Ever Afters but I also like thought provoking plots that make me examine human nature, love, sacrifice etc. I also don't judge books on their sexual content, as long as it's a part of the plot but not the entire reason for it.

Even though I remain uncomfortable with much of The Devil Inside, I also find myself wanting to know more about Morgan and the struggle between the demons and the humans in her world. I have to say it takes a talented writer to make a reader want to keep reading even though they are taken way out of their comfort zone.

~Moonsanity

Winner of Spider's Bite

The winner of Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep is...

Lindsay's Photography

who said...
I REALLY want to win this!
Thankyou!! :D:D:D
I like a ending with a struggle.
-Lindsay

I've emailed Lindsay and will let the publisher know:)Thanks for all the great comments on romance and urban fantasy!

~Moonsanity

Review: The Nymphos of Rocky Flats

The Nymphos of Rocky Flats
(Felix Gomez Series #1)
Author: Mario Acevedo
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Eos (March 14, 2006)
Available at Indie Bound, Powells, Barnes & Noble

Summary: Back home in the States, the reluctantly undead former infantryman pays penance for his war-time sins—making a living as a private detective able to unravel mysteries that baffle his mortal counterparts. Now an old friend has asked him to investigate a bizarre outbreak of nymphomania at the secret government facilities in Rocky Flats, Colorado.

I picked up my first Mario Acevedo book as part of the NAC Mini-Challenge: League of Reluctant Adults from Literary Escapism this month. First, I must say I was a little bit wary of The Nymphos of Rocky Flats because of it's title and the cover art. Was it going to be loaded with vampire porn and lusty tramps hiding out in a small desert town? My mind works in mysterious ways folks. See that picture on the book cover? For me, it brings to mind a 50's greaser wearing a white t-shirt with a pack of smokes rolled up in the sleeve who thinks he's the Casanova of the Vampire World. These thoughts roll around in my head on a daily basis and as usual, I was wrong with a capital W.

Felix Gomez is a former soldier, a vampire and he is guilt ridden. He's also a man with convictions, and a hot private detective. Felix is called on by an old friend to figure out why several women who work for the U.S. Department of Energy suddenly came down with a case of nymphomania that cost them their families, their lives and possibly their jobs. Hey, too much sex is not always a good thing people. Felix, despite my first impression from the cover, is not a greaser, and does not take advantage of women. Actually, he's one of the good guys, among humans and vampires.

I had to sneak a peak at a few reviews on Amazon and Barnes and Noble before I wrote this blog post to get a feel for what people were saying. I can tell you this: IF you expect Nymphos of Rocky Flats to be a paranormal romance, an Anita Blake book spin-off, or an erotic supernatural tale of lusty sex, you will be disappointed. However, I'm not sure that anyone who actually reads the summaries provided would be led to these conclusions. We could ask Mr. Acevedo, he might agree to whip up a quick erotic short featuring Felix. I'm just saying...

Seriously though, the Felix Gomez books are part urban fantasy, part detective/mystery with a little conspiracy suspense thrown in for good measure. The author doesn't waste time with lavish descriptions, or complex character profiles. Felix is a straight forward guy, a former soldier who lives his life day to day, bending the "rules" of the vamp world to his lifestyle. He doesn't want to play with others; he just wants to do his job and get paid. Sometimes life doesn't give us what we want though, and he has to face some things on this job that he's been putting off dealing with.

I liked The Nymphos of Rocky Flats for it's straight forward "guy" humor, the action and the mystery solving. I've always loved tough PI's in books and television, so it was a fun read for me. I did give a few cringes when the vampires smothered their food in blood, but it added to the gritty feel of Felix's world. The author has a really cool take on vampires that I had to read over twice once I got to the revealing scene. I wanted to grab someone and say "You are NOT going to believe what Felix just did!".

If you are a fan of Rob Thurman, Simon Green, Jim Butcher or Anton Strout I think you will really enjoy Mario Acevedo's books. I'm tickled that so many of the Felix Gomez books are already published so I won't have any wait time. The fifth book, Werewolf Smackdown, is coming out this March.

1. The Nymphos of Rocky Flats (2006)
2. X-Rated Bloodsuckers (2007)
3. The Undead Kama Sutra (2008)
4. Jailbait Zombie (2009)
5. Werewolf Smackdown (2010)

If you want to learn more about Mario Acevedo you can visit the sites below:

The Author's Website: http://www.marioacevedo.com/index.htm

Author's Blog: http://www.biting-edge.blogspot.com/

League of Reluctant Adults: http://reluctantadults.blogspot.com/

~Moonsanity

Blog Tour & Contest: Shadow Blade

Shadow Blade
Shadowchasers Series
by Seressia Glass
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Paperback, 352 pages
Available at Indie Bound, Powells, Barnes & Noble

Summary: Kira's day job as an antiquities expert, but her true calling is as a Shadowchaser. Someone is turning the city of Atlanta upside-down in search of a four-millennia-old Egyptian dagger that just happens to have fallen into Kira's hands. Then there's Khefar, the dagger's true owner-a near-immortal 4000-year-old Nubian warrior who, Kira has to admit, looks pretty fine for his age. Joining forces is the only way to keep the weapon safe from the sinister Shadow force.

I received Shadow Blade from the publisher so I could participate in the Blog Tour today. Seressia Glass is a new author for me, and I hadn't heard anything about the book, so I didn't know what to expect. First, I must say I think the book is unique because of the author's use of Egyptian mythology. The main character is aligned with the Goddess Maat, who is known for "regulating the stars, seasons, and the actions of both mortals and the deities, who set the order of the universe from chaos at the moment of creation." (Wikipedia). Because I'm not familiar with these traditions it did take me just a little bit to get settled in to the book, but once I did, it was a fast paced, action filled read.

I would consider Shadow Blade an urban fantasy, though not overly dark. The main characters, Kira, and later Khefar, are both set in their mission, their purpose in life, both assuming happiness is not really part of the program. I love the way the author develops the relationship between them. Though there is sexual tension, it's more complex than that for both of them as they have to learn to depend on one another. The chemistry between the characters is many layered is the best way I can describe it. The side characters are fascinating too, and well thought out. I love the character of Nansee. He offers comic relief, but he's also very interesting as he helps without "interfering", using cooking, stories and humor to guide his friends. All of Ms. Glass's characters are so alive and rich, making the reader want to know more about them.

Shadow Chase, the second book in the Shadowchasers series, will be coming out July 27th, 2010. I think it's going to be even better than the first book, which means it will be phenomenal. If you are a fan of Jessica Andersen, Patricia Briggs, or Kelly Gay I think you will really enjoy Shadow Blade.

THE SHADOW BLADE CONTEST
I've really enjoyed reading all the comments on the blog tour contests I've been having, so I'm going to continue with asking you a question to answer as your contest entry.

Authors will often write about a supernatural world of their own making or they will base their world on a mythology like Seressia Glass has done. Do you prefer one over the other, or is it the writing and the plot that matters more to you?

If you don't have an email linked to a Google account profile please leave your email in the comments. This contest will end Sunday, March 7th and I'll post the winner on Monday. I will use the random number generator to choose one person who will win a copy of Shadow Blade.

~Moonsanity

Review: Greywalker by Kat Richardson

Greywalker

(The Greywalker Novels, Book 1)
By Kat Richardson
Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Roc; Reprint edition (June 2, 2009)
Available at Indie Bound, Powells, Barnes & Noble

Summary: Recovering from a near-fatal accident, Seattle Private Investigator Harper Blaine develops the ability to move through the Grey: the realm of ghosts, vampires, witches, and magic that exists between our world and the next. Harper wants her life to return to normal, but when her clients turn out to be paranormal, the reluctant Greywalker is drawn into the affairs of ambitious vampires and angry ghosts. As her cases converge, Harper uncovers a plot that threatens Seattle’s Grey world and must choose between honor and survival.

I picked up Greywalker for the NAC Mini-Challenge: League of Reluctant Adults from Literary Escapism this month. Kat Richardson is a new author for me, but I've been following her on Twitter for awhile now.

Some books are subtle. Greywalker, for instance, starts out as a good solid, PI story with a main character who's tough but likable, and a missing person case. As I got farther into the book I realize the tension was building and I wasn't sure who the main character, Harper, should trust. Sure, she has the unwanted paranormal ability to see ghosts, but I figure she's a private investigator and that could come in handy. Before I know it, I'm on the edge of my seat, I can't put the book down, and things are not as they appear. Creepiness abounds. What the heck is happening? Oh, man, don't let that nice couple she's friends with be evil. I really wouldn't like that. Or, is it the charming, but kind of crazy guy that helps her out with security? No...it can't be the sexy antique auction guy. Say it isn't so. Who IS IT? Yes, those were exactly the thoughts racing through my head as I read Greywalker.

Kat Richardson has an ability to build the tension a little at a time until the reader simply can't put the book down. It's amazing because she lures the reader into this nice steady reading pace at first, letting them get to know the characters and the world, giving them a smile or two along the way, and then BAM, the crud hits the fan. Who knew that was coming? Not me.

I know this review is shorter than my usual ramblings, but I really can't say too much without giving spoilers, and I don't want to do that. The Greywalker novels are mystery/detective oriented, so a spoiler is a bad thing. I can say that the characters are quirky, even the bad guys and I loved the book.

If you are a fan of Jim Butcher, Patricia Briggs, Anton Strout or Dean Koontz I think you will really like the Greywalker novels. Though I wish I would have found Ms. Richarson's books sooner, I am excited that I can get the next three right away, since they have already been released, plus the fifth book in the series will be coming out this year.

2. Poltergeist(2007)
3. Underground(2008)
4. Vanished(2009)
5. Labyrinth(August 2010)

You can get to know the author at the following places:
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/katrchrdsn
My Own Personal Grey (author's blog) http://katrich.wordpress.com/
League of Reluctant Adults http://reluctantadults.blogspot.com/

~Moonsanity