Review: Possession and Illusion by Annie Oldham

Possession by Annie Oldham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. This was such a great read. Necromancy isn't a common topic and this kept my attention from beginning to end. I really enjoyed it and recommend it.

The book follows high school senior Constance Jerome. Constance is awkward, and no one except her best friend Greta and her immediate family like her. Constance can't wait to graduate and get out of Milltown. The only thing she truly enjoys is singing in the choir, Greta on the other hand flirts with being a social butterfly and sits just outside being one of the popular kids. Senior year starts off with Constance being a calculus tutor to one of Milltown High's prized football player's, Seth, who happens to be the boyfriend of Seline who is at the top of the social ladder. Amidst trying to survive high school, Constance having strange memories and nightmares and her mom is acting weird and going on strange errands. One is of her mom bringing her hamster back from the dead when she was 5, and the other is of herself bringing a duckling back from the dead. After some more weirdness in the Jerome home, Constance finds out she is a necromancer and can control spirits. She comes from a line of necromancers that herd spirits back where they belong when they get misplaced, a good necromancer if you will. Veronica, Constance's mother, has been going on errands to herd spirits back to the upper and lower planes because someone either a dark necromancer or an amateur has been letting spirits run amok in Milltown. Constance is naturally shocked and doesn't really believe her at first. Then her memories start to make sense and she begins to work with her mother to corral the naughty spirits. Paul Jerome, Connie's dad, is not really happy about the situation and doesn't want his daughter involved, but she does it anyway as she feels obligated to help her mom.

The weird keeps getting weirder as one of Veronica's necromancer candles disappears once night after she comes back from an errand. Turns out Greta took it thinking it was an aromatherapy candle and was no big deal. Seline swipes the candle from Greta, and Constance and Greta try to get it back to no avail. Turns out Seline is using the candle to do a little necromancy of her own to try to make homecoming perfect. As Seline's attempts at amateur necromancy get out of control at homecoming, Constance is there to stop her with her new found abilities and kind of saves the day and the school. Constance tries to go back to normal, but she knows she has more to do and more to learn. Not all the spirits are back where they belong and she and Veronica have their work cut out for them since they apparently aren't the only necromancers in Milltown.

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Illusion by Annie Oldham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received this book in exchanged for an honest review. I really like this series. The 2nd book wasn't as good as the first in my opinion, but I still really liked it. It lost 1 star for formatting errors, missing periods and such which are easily fixed, but it really bugged me as it was constant throughout the book. The story was good though, however I didn't appreciate the cliffhanger ending, it felt a bit rushed and incomplete almost like the book doesn't stand alone. A pet peeve of mine is that each book in a series should stand alone with a distinct ending, I just really don't like cliffhangers.

On to the actual story, Illusion picks up where Possession left off with Constance trying to figure out what being a necromancer really means. She is walking the fine line of protecting the family secret, helping her mother, and still trying to keep some normalcy with her dad, and failing miserably at all of it. Things at school are strange as Queen Bee Seline is no longer on top after her antics at Homecoming, Mr. Ransom still gives Constance the creeps, and something is up with Greta. Constance is trying to still be a normal teenager and tutor Seth at calculus by day, and at night she is trying to learn how to banish naughty spirits back to where they belong. As the book progresses they determine who the dark necromancer is and come up with a plan to try to stop him and his evil plan with Seline and Greta in tow. Greta finds out she has a poltergiest attached to her from her previous run in with that "aromatherapy" candle from book 1 that they have to banish before someone gets really hurt, and Seth finds out what is really going on with Constance. As things get more dangerous Constance starts to come to terms with her "powers" even if her mom doesn't accept that there is another way to do things. Constance starts to take things into her own hands to try to draw out the dark necromancer and get some answers. The whole Jerome clan is in danger and Constance is determined to stop the dark necromancer from hurting her friends and family.

Overall I've really enjoyed this series thus far and I'm anxious to find out what happens next. I really like the different subject matter on this one. Necromancy isn't something you see often and I like Oldham's writing style, so much so I've downloaded some of her other books. I highly recommend the series, it is a good entertaining read.



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Review: The Viscount of Maisons-Laffitte by Jennie Goutet

The Viscount of Maisons-Laffitte by Jennie Goutet
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

There was alot going on in this book, but overall I liked it. There were too many storylines going on for my taste, I had to go back and re-read some parts to make sure I knew what was going on. The characters also have several names so I was confused at times until I figured out who was who. Fortunately this was a pretty quick read and the author did a decent job tying up all the loose ends at the close of the story. I didn't feel like anything was left unanswered at the end. Overall, I thought this was a nice, sweet romance. I would have liked a brief description of what a viscount is, as it is never really explained in the book, he just does a lot of stuff and seems to own a big chateau. I gather that he's kind of like royalty in his town, as he has a very high profile public life.

The story follows Chastity, the American who teaches English at a school in France. She meets the Viscount of Maison-Laffitte, Charles, when she expresses concerns over his son, Louis' school work. The viscount is pretty hands off when it comes to parenting, for reasons that are explained along the way. He is irritated that Chastity dare call him to discuss such matters as his son's English homework and accuse Louis of possible drug use. Louis is in fact using drugs and in way over his head. This is where the story branches off into several storylines. There is Louis story with his struggles as an incompetent drug dealer, Chastity's story as a teacher and mother, and Charles story as Viscount, racetrack owner, father and doctor. This is where Jean also known as Marc, enters the picture, he plays several roles in the story which are unclear until the very end.

A terrible accident befalls Chastity and her beloved son Thomas. Enter Charles the neurosurgeoun who is actually a very kind and caring man, not the cold Viscount and father Chastity has seen previously. They connect in the hospital in a very innocent and sweet way, and a sort of romance ensues. Chastity must focus on getting her son better, and Charles still has his chaotic, high profile life. In the end they find themselves falling for one another inspite of relationship baggage, drama with their children, drug dealing, and an art heist. This is where all the story lines culminate and come to a close and you figure out what role the extraneous characters are playing.

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Review: Shadows of the Forest by Emma MIchaels

Shadows of the Forest by Emma Michaels
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I received this book in exchanged for an honest review. This book sounded so interesting, however found myself often confused as to what was actually going on in this book. I frequently had to go back and reread significant amounts of the book to figure out what was going on. I don't appreciate that kind of confusion in the books I read. I often didn't know which character was speaking, sometimes that was cleared up a few paragraphs later sometimes it wasn't clear at all. The concept of the story had a lot of promise, thy way the story was told just didn't work for me. I think with a little more length and development it could really be something great.

On to the story itself, we follow Cole and Lily, a set of twins who have been orphaned.  They've not had the best childhood.  Their father was abusive and we don't know much about their mother other than she died in the forest with their father.  Apparently they destroyed each other, not sure what that means it is never explained.  As is much of the story it is left up to interpretation.  Cole was always Lily's protector, taking as much of the abuse and trying to stick up for Lily as much as he could.  At the beginning of the story Cole and Lily are on a road trip trying to start a new life when they get into a car accident, and Lily is fatally injured.  Cole ever her savior makes a deal with a spirit to save her and take him instead.  She awakens in a kind of spirit hospital to find Kaede and his daughter Willow the resident "healers" who kind of sort of explain what happened to them and what they did to save her.  She is naturally alarmed to find Cole missing and herself alive.  Kaede tells Lily the 3 rules:  1. Do not enter the West Wing; 2. Do not go outside after darkness falls; and 3. There is only one exit; The Gates.  I was never really clear if she broke the rules or not, but the book is supposed to be the story of what happens when she broke the rules.

Lily goes outside and eventually meets Arro, the spirit Cole made the deal with to save Lily.  Arro is or was a fox spirit, but he can take the form of a human.  He tells Lily if she wants to save Cole's life she needs to talk to Willow's mother.  This make's Willow angry because she feels abandoned by her mother and basically thinks the woman is a jerk.  Abandonment is a big theme in the book.  So Lily ever the impulse driven hot-head jumps into action in search of Usagi, Willow's mother and Kaede's true love.  Arro guides  Lily through the forest which has its own strange rules and more spirits with their own stories.  This journey is more than it seems and when she finds Usagi, Lily finds more than she could have ever expected.  This is where the book was actually developed pretty well and wasn't as confusing.  Lily's is faced with a decision that will not only save Cole, but it has the potential to save everyone else too.

The end kind of wraps up with the story being about living life the the fullest, self acceptance, self love, remembering those who have passed on, and alot of symbolism of what the afterlife might be like.  If I'm not mistaken there is alot of Asian influence which I find really interesting, but the background and definition is left out so I'm left not knowing anything about the culture without doing my own homework.

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Cover Reveal Next to Never and The Next Flame by Penelope Douglass

NEXT TO NEVER is a digital novella that releases on January 17th and THE NEXT FLAME is the print edition of Next to Never, and the previously published novella, Aflame, into one book that releases on May 2nd. 

About NEXT TO NEVER

Under the close watch of the men in her family, Quinn Caruthers has found it nearly impossible to spread her wings—or even date—without her three older brothers, Jared, Madoc, and Jaxon, jumping in to hover. And when a family friend—several years older—from her childhood still holds her heart, she knows they’re going to be a problem. Lucas Morrow is a man, and knowing her brothers, he may as well be forbidden.

But years ago, Lucas left town and shows no signs of returning. Quinn knows she shouldn’t wait for him anymore.

Until a package turns up on her doorstep with no return address and its contents reveal family secrets that threaten to turn her world upside down. She’s never asked about the path of her parents’ romantic history, but she soon learns their happy marriage had a very rocky and passionate start.

As she starts to see things around her with new eyes, Quinn will have to make tough choices about whether she’ll keep waiting…or finally go after what she really wants.

Review: Beauty and the Mustache by Penny Ried

Beauty and the Mustache by Penny Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think this is my favorite of the Knitting in the City books to date. I loved getting to know the new characters. Ashley was always present in the other books, but she was never in the spotlight like Janie, Sandra, and Elizabeth. This is such a whimsical series, but this installment is a bit sad and sobering, but with a happy ending and a sweet romance.

The book starts out with Ashley, a spitfire of a character, giving who she thinks is one of her 6 brothers a "purple nurple" because they are revving a car engine early in the morning and she's only had a few hours of sleep. Much to her embarrassment, she's twisted the nipple of the attractive Federal Game Warden Drew who looks like a Viking marauder per Ashley's description. Ashley has flown home to Tennessee from Chicago to visit her ailing mother. Turns out her mother is terminally ill with cancer and only has a few weeks to live, and Drew has been entrusted with her mother's estate and medical care for several reasons that are revealed later in the book. This does not sit well with Ashley but she deals. Being a nurse practitioner and the only daughter, Ashely is determined to make every minute count with her mother.  Ashley is willing to sacrifice her personal wants and needs to ensure her mother's last minutes on earth are as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

Drew is determined to make every moment count with Ashley as he is instantly attracted to her, but has zero expectations of a relationship with her as he knows her life is in Chicago. He makes her shower, eat, have philosophical debates, sleep, and repair the damaged relationships with her brothers.  He has become like another son to Mrs. Winston and a brother to the rest of the boys. He's handsome, quiet, and broody, but full of deep feelings. He's one of the good ones and Ashely eventually figures that out. Their romance slowly takes shape and smoulders for quite a while. It almost took too long to develop and for them to admit that they were in love.

I loved the addition of the whimsical Winston Brothers, and now that I know there is a spinoff series with the bearded brood I can't wait to read about them and their antics. The book is filled with the comical appearances of the Chicago knitting group.

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Review: Garnet's Story

Garnet's Story by Amy Ewing
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great novella and a nice addition to the series. I like novellas like this that keep me engaged in a series while I'm waiting for the next book or give me interesting information. I've always liked Garnet's character, but we don't know much about him other than he's kind of a rich, spoiled, playboy, who likes to annoy his mother the Duchess of the Lake. It turns out there is more to him and his life than partying and causing trouble. The House of the Lake is one of the original Royal Houses and his mother is cold and always scheming to be at the top of the food chain, Garney has suffered because of her wickedness. We get to know Garnet a little better in this book and learn about how he came to play the role he does in the series.

This novella takes place when the Duchess purchases Violet, a surrogate, and takes us through Garnet's side of the timeline. Garnet has done something stupid, and to clean up his mess Lucian, the Electress' (kind of like the queen) lady in waiting, offers to clean up his mess in exchange for keeping tabs on Violet. The timeline is a bit accelerated as it is a short story, but we come to understand how Garnet gets involved in the action that takes place later in the story. Ewing does a great job explaining how Garnet ties into the story without retelling the whole first book.

This was a pretty quick read and feel like it was a good addition to the series. I'm looking forward to the conclusion of the series.

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Review: Genesis Girl by Jennifer Bardsley

Genesis Girl by Jennifer Bardsley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. Let me first say from the description I wasn't really sure I'd like this book. I was intrigued though and took a chance, I'm glad I did. This was a very quick read and the story was very interesting.

Genesis Girl follows Blanca, a girl who has been cloistered from technology for her entire life. She lives at Tabula Rasa, an exlusive school for Vestal children. Vestals have been sheltered from social media for most if not their entire lives, no photos posted to the internet, they've never surfed the web, they are essentialy pure of technology and lead very private lives. For this reason they are sold to the highest bidder upon graduation to advertise whatever the newest product on the market at a major company because Vestals are trustworthy and free of the prejudice caused by social media. Vestals were created after cell phones, wi-fi, and bluetooth caused a brain cancer epidemic and a man named Barbelo Nemo decided to create a cult like environment with lead lined walls where the children would be free of such dangers. The rest of the world adapted to various forms of chip technology to get their tech fix.

In Blanca's case, a Virus or an internet junkie takes her picture the day before graduation ruining her internet purity. He posts her photo on his blog and instead of ruining her chances a good bid, she takes the top bid, however instead of going to work for a company to advertise its products she becomes personal companion or Geisha to Calum McNeal.  Blanca steals the show and is sold for the hightest price at her harvesting. Cal purchased Blanca to help heal the wounds between him and his son Seth, the very Virus that cause Blanca to take a less traditional route after graduation. Blasnca would normally never have anything to do with a Virus, but she must do as she is told.  Blanca begins to seduce Seth and begins to develop real feelings for him. As she gets to know Cal she discovers that he wants her to make her own decisions, which is not something she is accustomed or really permitted to do under Vestal guidlines, she is supposed to do what she is told and follow the rules. When asked to make her own decisions and do what makes her happy she has a complete mental breakdown. Cal and Seth try to break through to her but they are unsuccessful, they must give her instructions as a Vestal would expect. Enter Miss Lydia, a Vestal mentor, she cozies up to Cal and helps guide Cal and Blanca through the strangeness that is Vestal life and politics  She begins an advertising campaign for Cal's energy company and begins to "date" a Vestal boy.  She is the picture of Vestal perfection and happiness, until she begins to uncover that Lydia isn't what she seems though, then neither is Cal or Seth. Blanca soon learns that maybe making her own decisions might not be that bad and that the "outside" world might not be as bad as she's been led to believe.  In order to save her own life and the life of a friend, she must use the technology she was raised to never use and think for herself.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I liked the original story and plot. I didn't like that Blanca was a brainwashed robot, but that was kind of the point. She overcomes that as she discovers that Vestal life isn't everything she was raised to believe. I'm interested to see what the next book in the story brings. This book stands on its own and closes off nicely. This kept me interested until the very end.

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