Diversity | Dance with the Devil by Megan Derr

Author: Megan Derr
Title: Dance With the Devil
Series: Dance With the Devil 1
Genre: LGBT Literature, Paranormal
Pages.: 204
Rate: 4/5 | Goodreads

One of those books I picked up because I didn’t want to read or continue anything. A few times like that I found my favorite books. This is not the case, even though the book was pretty good. It’s the romance part that really messed it up, otherwise this would’ve been a paranormal detective, a supernatural private-eye, think about it, how amazing is that?

About: Chris is a paranormal detective, for paranormal people, for paranormal events. He’s half ghost, thanks to his powerful witch mother who back in the day managed to source enough energy to make his father a body for three whole days. This really helps in his line of work, where most secrets are either kept behind locked doors, or are whispered in private companies. And there’s indeed plenty of work! There’s a ghost in a goblin’s home; someone wants Chris to find a grimoire that belongs to Storm Demon; the said Storm Demon is a hoarder of grimoires, and is not likely to ever part with any; an enslaved imp is defying his gentle nature to survive; a demon of lust is trying to take over a werewolf pack that has no current leader; and so on, and on…

Mine: The book is made out of different cases, but they all interconnect into one story via several time-lines. There’s this marvelous atmosphere of a detective office, a private-eye for supernaturals, with imaginary sulfur and brimstone instead of cigar smoke and whiskey. Almost a half-ghost Sherlock. But that romance part really messes things up. Even if it was a good romance, which is not thanks to “no means convince me” mentality majority seem to have here, the worse thing for plot was them waving the Biggest Baddest demon ring that made everyone confess. Are you a detective or an enforcer of some kind?

I think I’ll read another one, just to see what’s better, if anything. But right now I don’t feel a very great need to continue with the series, so we’ll see. Currently, due to it definitely being not a bad story, I can give it a 4 out of 5.

 

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Diversity | Bloodline by Jordan L. Hawk | Whyborne & Griffin 5

Author: Jordan L. Hawk
Title: Bloodline
Series: Whyborne & Griffin 5
Genre: Paranormal, LGBT
Pages: 244
Rate: 4/5 | Goodreads

I don’t even remember when was the last time I’ve read a book from Whyborne & Griffin series by Jordan L. Hawk, but I do recall I wanted to do so sooner. After all, while not my favorite books, they are easy to read, and fun enough to get to and through. But here I am.

About: Widdershins, yet again, is under threat. And once again it is coming from the sea. Whyborne’s sister apparently knows something about it, so, while reluctant, for she never was all that kind to him, he agrees to come and meet her in a more secretive place. She likely hoped her adversary wouldn’t find her there, but as Whyborne and Griffin got to the place, all they found was her brutally murdered body. And Whyborne family drama doesn’t even end there. Distant family drops in, Whyborne’s cousins and such, all sorcerers came prepared to purge the city of which the very streets were built by a necromancer. They meet Whyborne with open arms. But warm feelings soon start fading once they figure out the threat is being called upon Widdershins by Whyborne family blood.

Mine: This was one of those rare books where side stories and dramas were more interesting than the main plot line. Main plot line achieved reminding me how much I used to love all the ocean creatures, meremen and mermaids, sea hags and whatnots. And how proportionally I dislike all of them now. But at least there’s Griffin and Christine, with their sense of humor – everything goes.

It was a good, fun, easy read, with great little story threads, and interesting thoughts there and here. I can give it a strong 4 out of 5, and I guess I don’t have to say it anymore, but just in case, yes, I do intend to continue reading the series. I always do.

“Band Sinister” by K.J. Charles

Author: K.J. Charles
Title: Band Sinister
Series: –
Genre: LGBT, Historical Fiction
Pages: 224
Rate: 5/5 | Goodreads

KJC has treated us to a soft, light-hearted romance, so how could I possibly not read it? “Band Sinister” was my night-time read, something to take my mind off things so I’d not dream work, translations. Instead I finished it at 4am. I REGRET NOTHING!

About: Guy and Amanda Frisbys live in disgrace, at their respectable aunt’s mercy, her charity. She’d like the kids of whom not even their parents seemed to care enough, to disappear or if that is not an option – pretend to not exist by staying in that remote country side, away from London and her respectable daughters in need of good husbands. And so, while Guy toiled away, having nothing better to do, Amanda wrote a gothic novel of a Hellfire club, club of devil worshipers and evil men. And she based the club on a notorious existing club Murder. A member from that club just happens to have some infamous history with their family. And an estate nearby, where he and the club currently reside, doing hell knows what, with hell knows who… One day Amanda doesn’t return from her horse riding, and Guy’s hopes that she merely found something interesting get crushed by the return of the horse, but not his sister. For Amanda broke her leg, nearly bled to death, and is now guarded away from death’s doorstep in no other place than the Murder club house, yes.

Mine: Murder, as most Hellfire clubs that actually did exist in England, consisted out of people who thought differently, and therefore were considered strange, odd, unpleasant, or otherwise – disreputable. From men who were not born such physically, to people whose hearts love many and all, to democrats, free thinkers, political artists who are hunted mercilessly even in this day and age. So imagine such a club, all these diverse characters, suddenly realize they have to behave, because there’s a lady in the house whom they mean no harm, but might very well tarnish her reputation by such an appalling act as staying in the same house as her. It was hilarious to say the least. The plot was predictable, but in a good way, for you want nothing but the best for all those wonderful people written in here.

Loved it. I think this is definitely my favorite book by KJC after Magpies. And since I marked down at least two pages worth of jokes and good thoughts, I can give it no less than 5 out of 5.

Rag and Bone by K.J. Charles | Rag and Bone 1

Author: K.J. Charles
Title: Rag and Bone
Series: Rag and Bone 1
Genre: LGBT, Historical Fiction
Pages: 202
Rate: 5/5 | Goodreads

K.J. Charles just never fails me. Perfect books to get some quality rest, boost, and inspiration. A while ago I’ve read the half-book, prequel to “Rag and Bone“, and now I finished this one. And all I can say is that I’m happy I’m not done with KJC bibliography just yet.

About: Ned was already growing resentful of magic and practitioners. But that peaceful night he was spending with Crispin was faithful. He woke in the middle of the night with strange sound of singing coming from the other side of the building, where a different store was. So Ned got up, ready to roll up his sleeves and instill some manners into whatever hooligans were disturbing his, and his neighbors property and sleep, but upon opening the doors he found hell. There, on the floor, in what seemed to be silent hellfire, his neighboring store-keeper was burning to a crisp, with a disembodied voice booming in a song that no one else have heard. Crispin went to seek help among his colleagues, other practitioners, as reluctantly as ever, for they branded him an unsuitable practitioner himself, and a warlock to that. While Ned conducted his own investigation, left alone to ponder upon all the hardships magic has brought upon the people.

Mine: Oh damn, I want to know more about necromancy! And, if at all possible, I’d like it told by Stephen Day, for he and Esther Gold appear in this book too, with their hilarious banter, and terrifying powers. The detective plot was definitely KJC quality, meaning it was good, and twisted, and turned, and tossed you right off the track enough times to make you believe things that didn’t happen. A damn fine read with scary monsters, and scary magic!

This was a good read. Loved the characters, loved the magic, loved the system from within that we didn’t get to see in Magpie Lord books. 5 out of 5, no less.

A Queer Trade by K.J. Charles | Rag and Bone 0.5

Author: K.J. Charles
Title: A Queer Trade
Series: Rag and Bone 0.5
Genre: Romance, Historical
Pages: 59
Rate: 5/5 | Goodreads

Yes, I have full intentions of getting through whole of K.J. Charles bibliography. I was also told that Rag and Bone series are set in the same world as Magpie Lord. So I started at the beginning, with “A Queer Trade“.

About: Crispin is a magician. An apprentice to an old and powerful warlock, who died a couple days ago. Yet the fact has only reached him today, which means he’s already in a lot of trouble. For the family who owns the house is getting ready to flip all they can. They crammed what books seemed important into a tiny little office, and were in a great progress of selling everything else away. They had no intentions on waiting for Crispin, after all, he should’ve known, somehow, that his master is going to die. So, for instance, papers with weird scribbles on the floor got sold to waste vendors. And waste vendors would then sell those to the market sellers, who will then proceed to wrap you produce in those papers. I invite you to imagine the dread that washed over Crispin at this realization: say, you bought a gutted, dead fish, and brought it home wrapped in a blood written spell paper that reanimates dead things… Yes. Chaos erupts, and magical police gets informed, and Crispin is indeed in one hell-ton of trouble.

Mine: As I was reading, I was dreading this is going to be one of those movie stories, where someone tries to get some kind of an object out of market, but copies just keep appearing. But KJC once again proved she’s very good as steering the plot through all the nooks and crannies, and not take the obvious road. It was a great fun. Made even better by appearance of Esther Gold, Stephen Day’s best friend. Really, love that woman. People should listen to her more, and argue with her less.

I really did enjoy this short little tense adventure with unexpected turn of events. So it gets 5 out of 5 from me, and I’m moving onto the full length book next.

Wolfsong by TJ Klune | Green Creek 1

Author: T.J. Klune
Title: Wolfsong
Series: Green Creek 1
Genre: LGBT, Paranormal
Pages: 400
Rate: 3/5 | Goodreads

I’ve wanted something new, fresh, and preferably with werewolves in it. My search brought me to “Wolfsong” by T.J. Klune, and… It felt like reading mediocre Teen Wolf fan-fic, if I’m honest. Not a bad book per say, but not my cup of tea for sure.

About: Joe Benet was kidnapped and tortured as a child by one of the most infamous, notorious werewolves known, who wished for the Benet Family Alpha power. Upon his return to the family, Joe was so broken he was mute, and even as time went by in the safety of his home – he just couldn’t speak. Up until that faithful day when he met a boy on the road, Ox. He gave Ox his Wolf, his Heart, and ever since – wouldn’t shut up about him. Thus, at least in the Green Creek, in the territory of the Benet Family, everyone knew Ox will be a great part of the werewolf world, even as a human. But darkness was never truly beaten, and it seems it decided to return and see what more can be broken in attempt to take the Alpha Power from the Benet family. A human, a human whom the young heir seems to love so very much, seems a very appropriate target…

Mine: You know that moment in Twilight where Edward leaves Bella, and we get to see her spend seasons in her room, not going anywhere, not doing anything? Well, when Joe left to hunt down the evil werewolf, Ox was left to wait. And wait he did. The plot became so narrow it felt claustrophobic. No matter what was happening, we got to watch it from the Benet family territory, the Benet house, Ox’s head, via prism of “why you left, why aren’t you in touch with me?“, and all that. That, and the fact that lore really felt a lot like Teen Wolf if not the same, are the biggest damn flaws in the book. But if you like romance like the one in Twilight, and if you did enjoy Teen Wolf, I am sure you will love this book too, for otherwise it was pretty good. Mind you, graphic sex, so even if I compare it with Teen Wolf, this is not for the Young people.

The book really had its moments, but you really have to work through a lot of muddy waters to get to them. So I can’t give it more than 3 out of 5 here.

Joely Sue Burkhart “Queen Takes Queen” | Their Vampire Queen 3

Author: Joely Sue Burkhart
Title: Queen Takes Queen
Series: Their Vampire Queen 3
Genre: Paranormal, Polyamorous
Pages: 286
Rate: 4/5 | Goodreads

Little by little we’re easing into the court of intrigues of “Their Vampire Queen” books. No pun intended. I’ve read through this one in a single sitting, even if it wasn’t the best one so far, it was still pretty damn fine.

About: Even though Shara has protected her nest with her blood, and tamed herself a vampire King who shifts into a Leviathan on her will, the enemies still seek ways in, they still seek to hurt her, harm her, kill those Bloods who serve her. Luckily, the new ones have brought with themselves their gods too, and so there’s now whole new means of self-preservation at hand. But, in the long run, even all the gods they could possibly pray to for help and protection will not save them if Tribune or Sitting Queens decide to take her out. Shara has only one choice: make a Sib (Sibling) alliance with another Queen. And while there are those who already offered her their hearts, hands, bloods, and nests, how can Shara possibly know whom to trust? Especially after such intricate attacks as fighter ants burrowing from beneath her nest soil.

Mine: A great battle with warrior ants I never thought I’d witness. Most powerful vampires, leviathan, dragons, bears, descendants of gods… Fighting ants. That was a sight to behold. But that’s what makes these books so damn special to me. For one, the vampires feel like aliens, like they’re from another planet, the damn Asgard, Valhalla, wherever the hell. They’re inhuman, and they’re amazing. I’m not sure how to take the fact that their gods can hear their prayers and choose to respond though. If we assume this is Urban Fantasy, then it’s just strange, and a little something extra to distinguish vampires from humans. But if not, then it feels almost like such High-Fantasy borderline Sci-Fi books as, say, Chronicles of Erlick, with warriors set by gods, gods who pull them out of the reality periodically to instruct them further, to empower them. Either way, this is good.

The story was a bit too slow for my liking, and there were a few other nuances I didn’t appreciate much (stuff others might enjoy, so I won’t tarnish the book with my personal preferences). But other than that, I really do feel like we’re finally on a highway to Tribune. 4 out of 5 for this one, with hopes I won’t have to wait too long for the next book.

Jordan L. Hawk “Necropolis” | Whyborne & Griffin 4

Author: Jordan L. Hawk
Title: Necropolis
Series: Whyborne & Griffin 4
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Pages: 200
Rate: 4/5 | Goodreads

Alright, time to continue a bit with Whyborne & Griffin before I forgot all about everything. Especially since these books didn’t fit into my October TBR, and since they are nice, and easy to read. Nothing too big, but not too little either.

About: After a mostly unsuccessful Christmas diner at Whyborne’s family, the couple’s Holiday is cut short by Christine’s hurried telegram explaining nothing at all, but requesting Whyborne to get to Egypt ASAP. Being a great introvert, Whyborne didn’t want to go, and had to be persuaded by Griffin, and a ghoul that attacked him at work. For in Egypt, under the dead scorched sands, something darkness is waking. Something evil, hungry, and very angry. And Christine, unknowingly, is stepping right in the middle of it.

Mine: People getting mad at Whyborne, because they thought he and Christine had a fling worked very well here. Best was Christine’s response when confronted about it: “ew“. These little incidents worked well with otherwise pretty stressful plot with too obvious villains, and too obvious masked heroes. I mean, I understand it’s not the goal of these books to serve you a detective, but… Ah, it don’t matter. The books are well written. The adventure was built in a perfectly smooth pace, with pauses for discussion, regrouping, a little bit of romance, and a little bit of comic relief, that this time came in a shape of a camel who stole Whyborne’s hats. Yes, multiple.

These are very light reads, and so far are fun too. Not utterly captivating, but I can still give it a solid 4 out of 5, and continue in November. Because really, why not? They might not put you on the edge of the chair, but they definitely won’t have you bored!

Davidson King “Snow Falling” | Haven Hart Universe 1

Author: Davidson King
Title: Snow Falling
Series: Haven Hart Universe 1
Genre: Romance; LGBT+
Pages: 166p
Rate: 3/5 | Goodreads

I really did know that crime books don’t work as romance books. One genre will almost always mess up the other one. So either romance part will be lame, or gangsters will be ridiculous. But here I am, not listening to my own advice, just because I saw a pretty cover, and got promised some mob bosses. As you may guess, “Snow Falling” by Davidson King wasn’t a good book for me.

About: When Julian’s mother died, his father, an officer, has drowned himself in a bottle. He got indebted to the mob, and has fallen as a human being. Thus, once mob knocked on his door, offering an exchange of debts for his talented son, he didn’t blink an eye before handing his child over. On that day Julian as has died. Due to his pale complexion, the criminals claimed he blended in with the snow. That’s what he continues to call himself today, relatively free, on the street: Snow. But that relative freedom didn’t stop him from interfering with Russian Mafia’s Father’s son. The scum was trying to kidnap a luxuriously dressed child, alone on the street, for some reason. Snow interfered, offering an exchange of his own. But if he thought his problems had a limit then, he was very wrong. The kid he saved, a boy too scared to even tell Snow his name, turned out to be a nephew of a far bigger and badder boss.

Mine: All the action in the book revolves around people kidnapping from crime families. You kidnap from us, we kidnap from you, and repeat. Gangsters here are like vampires in Chicagoland Vampires: food obsessed humans who happen to kill other humans sometimes, and some even lose sleep over it. All the side characters were road-signs: they were there to say the right thing on the right time, so the hero could continue saying something clever, high and mighty, and look even more epic, morally superior to others. The story was pretty damn weak too. Between the kidnapping Snow would dance to Lady Gaga songs, preparing for a Drag Show in talent show, with the Boss’s nephew, and get real shy whenever someone walked in on him dancing in such a mighty private place as a the main house kitchen where everyone comes for food.

Alright, so I didn’t like it, and it’s my own fault for taking it before I knew more of what this book will be. The best I can give it is 3 out of 5, for I definitely read worse, and this, at least, was a solid book with no holes in the slim plot.

Joely Sue Burkhart “Queen takes King” | Their Vampire Queen 2

Author: Joely Sue Burkhart
Title: Queen Takes King
Series: Their Vampire Queen 2
Genre: Paranormal, Erotica, Vampires
Pages: 350
Rate: 5/5 | Goodreads

Remember I said “Their Vampire Queen” are short books, so I’ll read them between “Chicagoland Vampires“? Well, I spoke too soon. But it worked well here, and made perfect sense, since the book felt very much like the final preparatory step towards court politics and intrigues.

About: Somewhere out there in the dark beneath the mountain rages a dying leviathan. Dark, scaly, and dreadful he haunts Shara’s dreams. Her Bloods sense that, and urge her to take action, call more Bloods to her side. Especially now that the young, wild, and powerful new Queen has been noticed by others, and attacks already began. But more Bloods mean more troubles too, mostly in their own hierarchy among themselves. Thus Shara, convinced by visions of Goddess Isis, is on the search for something more powerful than that. What she needs is not in numbers, but in political weight. What she needs is a King that would be in her power. Someone mighty, someone dreadful.

Mine: You know, if you took out all the sex, these books would make awesome YA vampire books. But for better or worse, it is not that. And I know it’s not right to complain about erotica in a book that is in erotica genre, but it feels like people there really got no other hobbies beyond limb origami. Which sometimes really works well with the story, but other times, guys, don’t you got something more important? Like nest making?? Prioritize! But I digress. I do enjoy Shara’s character quite a bit. She’s not dumb, she’s true to her heart, and while unwilling to cause harm, she enforces laws she believes in with iron fist on a table. My favorite being: nobody will be made to do anything against their will. Which shone bright once the King entered their domain, and her alpha, her dominant Blood was threatened.

Listen, I am biased here too. There’s too many little things that play to me here, like really well made vampires, a sense of political dread, the bee-hive-mentality. So I don’t know if I can recommend this off the bat. But I can absolutely give it a 5 out of 5.