Darklight On...Gemma Kettley

Today's Darklight On... is with Gemma Kettley. Welcome, Gemma!

How did you come to write speculative fiction? What attracted you to the genre?
I first wrote Murder Mystery type stories. Then a friend of mine and I couldn't get into the books that we were reading so she suggested that we swap. That was the first time I read Fantasy and the book was written by David Eddings. From there I could not read enough I went from fantasy to paranormal then I started getting idea of stories I could write in genre.

Are you a plotter? Pantser? Or somewhere in-between?
I have tried plotting and to this day that story is still sitting in a folder in my filing cabinet. So I would say a panster. It may sound crazy but I like not known where the story is going until I type the words.

Do have a favourite of your characters?
That would have to be my Kombi Delivery Van that is possessed by a demon. It's black with flames painted on the sides. He has a very twisted sense of humour.

What are you currently working on?
I have one Steampunk crime and two urban fantasy on the go at the moment.

What is your favourite part of the process of writing?
Creating the characters and finding out what makes them tick. Also creating new or alternative worlds and histories. As the saying goes the only limit is your imagination.

What can we expect from Gemma Kettley in the future?
Wow now that is a hard question. Hopefully my name in print.

Who are your favourite authors?
That could be a very long list. Patricia Briggs, Rachel Caine, David Eddings, Robert Jordan, Kelley Armstrong, Cassandra Clare, Richelle Mead and to many more to mention.

What are you currently reading?
Currently The Map of Time by Felix J Palma which is a Steampunk Novel set in 1896 with everything from Jack the Ripper to H.G.Wells to the fallout of altering history. My to be read pile now takes up more then one shelf on my book case but next will be Meljean Brook The Iron Duke.

Do you have a favourite spec fiction movie or tv series?
There are so many TV shows to choose from now. My favourites would be Doctor Who, Warehouse 13, Sanctuary, Supernatural, Charmed, Primeval, Haven and Eureka. For movies I love the 2nd Alien movie, X-men, The Lost boys, Lord of the Rings, Van Helsing ( I thought David Wenham as Carl was fantastic) and Star Wars.

Do you have advice for emerging writers?
Never be with out a pen and note book as you never know when and idea may hit. I was in a hospital waiting room once and an idea just hit me 11 hand written pages later I had the start of an Urban Fantasy novel. Go to writers talks (local Libraries and bookshops can be great sources for that).There are also published writers that hold workshops. Join a writers group and a critique group. Also look at joining groups like the Romance Writers of Australia who have a yearly conference. I went to my first this year and was amazed at how much I learnt. Don't be afraid to ask questions ! I meet so many published writers at the conference and they were happy to answer questions. Subscribe to writer's blogs and websites they are a great sources of information. 

READ READ AND READ lots of different authors in the genres that you enjoy. And above all don't give up!

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Thanks, Gemma!

Gemma went beyond the call of duty and got this to me despite technical problems.

What We Are Reading

Welcome to June's What We Are Reading column. Today, we have Jenny Schwartz, C.T Green, Bec Skrabl, Gemma Kettley and Eleni Konstantine.

Jenny Schwartz

I'm reading Phoenix Rising. A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences novel by Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris Amazon

It's steampunk and riotous action, full of fun and pop culture references appropriate to the late Victorian age. I adore secret societies and impossible science, not to mention kick ass heroines and a very interesting hero. Great reading.





C.T. Green
~ Skulduggery Pleasant ~ Derek Landy

I’m not normally a fan of Young Adult fiction, but I recently picked up Skulduggery Pleasant. My son was attempting to read it (he’s only ten and it was a bit beyond him).

Feeling I should make a vague attempt at parenting, I read a chapter to see whether it really was beyond him or he whether he had been lured away by Zac Power (which is definitely his age group).

Of course I started at the beginning of the book and hours later found I was still reading. Skulduggery Pleasant is a detective. He’s also a skeleton. He and Stephanie, the heroine, embark on a wild adventure involving magic and ahem, skulduggery. Landy weaves a good tale with plenty of action and all sorts of fascinating world building without it becoming complicated or confusing or oversimplified.

Pleasant reminds me at times of V from V for Vendetta (one of my favourite movies) and Landy has a dry irony that, while not laugh out loud funny, is definitely worth a grin.

The other characters are rather fascinating and have equally wonderful names – like China Sorrows and Ghastly Bespoke, (Skulduggery’s nemesis and friend in that order).

The blurb on the book compares it to Harry Potter – having never read that series, I can’t say. What I can state is that for both mid-teens and adults, this is a thoroughly entertaining read, as good overcomes evil and Stephanie finds her true name. (Which is a damn good one!).

The only problem I face now is convincing my son he needs the next book in the series. : P

Bec Skrabl
~ MAGIC SLAYS ~ Ilona Andrews

I’ve just finished Magic Slays, book five of the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. Whilst the first four books dealt with Kate’s attraction to Curran, the Beast Lord of Atlanta, and the explosive courtship they shared, Slays deals with the aftermath of agreeing to be a couple. I loved how Andrews keeps the tension between the pair high, even though they’re together now. There’s also a plot involving a magical doomsday device that must be found and destroyed, but the real enjoyment for me is all the characters that I get to hang out with again; smart-ass Andrea, handsome but scarred Derek and Julie, Kate’s ward, who’s run away from school again.

Magic Slays is great fun, with the familiar snark from Kate, but also a heart-wrenching discovery about her parents. And the cliff-hanger, oh boy, what a set up for a confrontation that’s been building from book one! Ilona Andrews is my all-time favourite author and she doesn’t disappoint in her latest.

Gemma Kettley
~ Master of None ~ by Sonya Bateman

Gavyn Donatti is the world unluckiest thief. Just ask all the partners he has lost over the years. When he misplaces and irreplaceable item he was hired to steal things with his employer go from bad to worse. That is when a djinn (otherwise known as a genie) by the name of Ian appears to save him. But what can go wrong when you have a djinn who seem to hate you at first sight but is bound to help you to fulfil your life purpose (not that anyone knows what that is). This novel has a great sense of humour - it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The story is well paced and the plot doesn’t try to cram too much into itself. The characters are well written – the good guys have you barracking for them and the bad booing. All in all a good start to what looks like developing into a nice series.

~ Bitten in two ~ by Jennifer Rardin

This is the seventh book in the Jaz parks series. Go to Morocco and secure an ancient artifact, doesn’t sound that had to do. But when you partner (a vampire) wakes up and starts calling you by another woman’s name things go from bad to worse. This novel has a well paced story line. The characters have a nice development, with some nice interactions. My one complaint – a plot line from the previous book was alluded to but not expanded upon enough for me to know what happened and its relationship with the current happenings. Having said that – Bitten in two was well written enough that I could work my way round that short fall. Whilst I have only dipped in and out of this series, it is developing nicely and I am enjoying where the journey is currently going.

Eleni Konstantine
As usual, I have a mishmash of different books when I’m reading. The three I’ve just finished are:

Sean Williams’ The Stone Mage and The Sea (Book One of The Change)
http://www.seanwilliams.com/

A fantasy story. When I started this originally, while I enjoyed it, I couldn't get into it. A few months later, and reborrowing it from the library, and I was immersed of the world of The Strand, where the Sky Wardens rule. Sal and his father are on the run, and avoid these Sky Wardens, but Sal has no idea why. Until they come to a town, where an old man resides, and he finds out more about himself than he bargained for.

Same book, same person, different time = able to really get into it. Looking forward to Book Two of The Change: The Sky Warden & The Sun.

Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich

A between the numbers novella, where Diesel makes a reappearance. Grandma has found some lucky money, and as you do in Jersey, she heads for Atlantic City. So the gang - Stephanie, Lula, and Connie - go to find grandma. I laughed out loud in so many scenes. I needed a pick me up, and this was definitely the right book for it. I think I also liked it because there wasn't too much angst over the Morelli / Ranger triangle, which after 13 books is getting a little stale.





M if for Magic by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman is a real storyteller. In this collection of short stories aimed for children, he mixes genres and styles, but always there is a fascinating story there. Whether it be funny, more creepy, or just weird. I loved the NurseRhymeLand story in the detective noir style, the old lady who found the Holy Grail in her local Oxfam shop, and the story of the stray cat who has more power than it seems.






Currently reading

George R.R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1)
http://www.georgerrmartin.com/

I am slowly reading this, devouring each page, but relishing it at the same time. I read a few chapters, then leave it, and let the story live in the back of my mind. I love the complexity of the world and characters, and I’m just halfway through book one. I know there is so much more ahead of me and I’m approaching it with glee. I should get a little move on before TV show hits Australian screens. Sean Bean as Ned Star = brilliant casting.

Cover is the original one available in Australia. 1996. Yes, it has been on my shelves for THAT long.

Happy reading, all!

~~~
Thank you for the reviews.

There’s lots of great books to check out and add to the TBR pile.

What We Are Reading

Welcome to this month's What We Are Reading Column. Today, we have regular reviewer, C.T Green, Mel Teshco, Nicole Murphy, and Gemma Kettley.

C.T. Green
~ The Darkest Secret ~ Gena Showalter

I’ve been waiting for Gena Showalter to produce the next instalment in her Lords of the Underworld Series.After being pushed back a few months The Darkest Secret finally hit the shelves (and my hot little hands) in late March.

This story features Amun, who has been a rather silent and peripheral character until now. Given that he is possessed by the demon of secrets, it’s not really surprising he doesn’t have much to say, as every time he opens his mouth, he spills everyone’s deepest secrets.

In the previous book in the series Amun is possessed by a legion of demons which means he’s chained to his bed and guarded by a matching set of a dozen or so hot angels (‘cause this is Gena we’re talking about).There’s not a harp in sight, but the very definite threat of instant decapitation should Amun’s new little friends try to make a bid for freedom.

Enter the heroine who’s here to help.

Haidee who we met in the previous books is a Hunter, which equals enemy of the Lords.If that weren’t enough she also killed their best friend, Baden.Though it’s been a couple of millennia, the Lords are still a wee bit annoyed.

It initially appears Haidee is destined for Strider, keeper of the demon of defeat.This leads to a great deal of tension between Amun and Strider, as suspicion about Haidee’s motives (did I mention her status as public enemy number one?) rises, as do, ahem, other things.

Threats abound from all sides and Showalter weaves a complex plot that manages to exonerate everyone except the bad guy – which is just as we like it!Lots of sexual tension and a few unexpected twists, The Four Horseman of the Apocalypse as well as action and angels aplenty make this a great read.If you like the other Lords of the Underworld books then this will keep you very happily entertained.

Mel Teshco

I bought Hush Hush and Marked—both YA books, for my thirteen year olds birthday (amongst other things, teenagers ARE expensive sods *g*) – I think deep down I was being a little selfish, knowing I too would eventually get my mitts on them and spend some time absorbing someone else’s paranormal world *happy sigh*

The first: Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. (My daughter thought I might enjoy this one more than another book I was about to grab out of her bookshelf—Raised by Wolves) and I really did enjoy this fallen angel book—despite its very mixed reviews.

We see the world through Nora Grey’s eyes, her school, her big old house in the country she lives at with her mother, with its rather spooky long dark road she drives every day in her little bug. Though I found some of the plot a little too contrived—the teacher ensuring she sits with the dark and brooding Patch, the roller coaster ride that is funnily enough called Archangel—I still ate this story up and really enjoyed the simplistic and elegant writing style Becca weaves. (Yes, I am a little over the complex worlds and plots of some adult books).

I won’t reveal too much of the plot, but I have to say the pacing was spot on, with enough mild action to keep me interested. My biggest gripe—the hero’s name, Patch. It pulled me up far too many times. I kept imagining him breaking out with “ahoy me maties!”

I would give this novel 4.5 stars (5 stars on Goodreads).

The second: Marked by P.C. and Kristin Cast. I’ve just finished this book and thought it was great reading—again, despite the mixed reviews. We are in 16 year old Zoey Redbird’s world now. Her life is on track, well...aside from her jock boyfriend who imbibes a little too much liquor and her best friend who turns out to be...not so best.

The author drags the reader into a story where vampires (vampyres) not only exist, but live alongside the human population. Of course, there is nothing much more horrific than suddenly being ‘marked’ by a creature and becoming an outcast from the human world. Unfortunately Zoey’s mum is ruled by Zoey’s stepdad and abides by his demands that her own daughter be locked in her room until the religious fanatics sort her out. Zoey escapes to her Cherokee grandmother’s house. One thing leads to another, and Zoey finds herself in Vampyre school where the usual pecking order exists and jealousy abounds as the cool guy shows interest and Zoey very quickly jumps through the ranks with her special powers.

I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads.

Nicole Murphy

On the weekend, I polished off More Scary Kisses from Ticonderoga Press. This is the follow-up to last year's fabulous Scary Kisses. The two are anthologies of paranormal romance (although the stories are not always romance in the genre sense - more romantic elements). And here's the disclaimer - I have a story in both the anthologies.

More Scary Kisses does some interesting things. I think it really showcases what people are finding hot in paranormal at the moment - particularly taking vampires and werewolves into different time frames. It also showcases a real range of the writing - there's lighter and darker, some very action focussed, others with sumptuous language and exquisite touches.

Particularly, I'd recommend the stories by two of Australia's best dark fantasy/horror writers - Jason Nahrung and Kirstyn McDermott (who also happen to be husband and wife). Beautifully written, poignant and at times confronting - wonderful stories.

Also, I have to give a shout-out to a fellow Darksider - I recently finished Death's Sweet Embrace by Tracey O'Hara, the follow-up to her fabulous Night's Cold Kiss. Tracey's world is so rich and full of intrigue that it feels incredibly real. I loved that in this book, we had slightly older characters featured in the romance - parents of university-aged girls. She did a wonderful job of the backstory of why these two hadn't been together until now and why it was questionable that they could make it work this time.

Well recommended.


Gemma Kettley

Rachel Caine - Unknown

As a fan of Rachel Caine's other series "The Morganville Vampires" and "Weather Warden" I had high hopes for this series and I was not disappointed. The first book in this series was Undone and is a must read before reading Unknown due the cliffhanger ending of the first book. As with her other series this is a not stop edge of your seat ride. Cassiel was a Djinn until she had a disagreement with Ashan, the leader of the True Djinn, Now she can only sustain her life through the charity of the Wardens — humans who control aspects of the powers that surround us, such as wind and fire. She is partnered with Luis Rocha, commands the powers of the living Earth. To Living among mortals, the djinn Cassiel has developed a reluctant affection for them-especially for Warden Luis Rocha. As the mystery deepens around the kidnapping of innocent Warden children, Cassiel and Luis are the only ones who can investigate both the human and djinn realms. But the trail will lead them to a traitor who may be more powerful than they can handle. Since reading this book I have found out that Unknown takes place concurrently with Cape Storm which is Book 8 of the Weather Warden Series. Also look at the back of the book of a list of songs that Caine listened to while writing. The only problem I have with any of the Rachel Caine series is the long wait between books.

Jennifer Estep - Spider's Bite

If you are looking for a book that is more about magic and the elements then Vampire or Shapeshifter then give this book a try. Estep combines magic, mystery and murder with a strong heroine who in the eyes of Detective Donovan Caine "is nothing but a cold hearted killer". But as the story progresses you will find out that there are many times when it is she that is the good guy. Gin (aka the Spider) is a feared assassin who also works as a Cook at the Pork Pit which is owned by her handler. When Gin's lastest client decides to tie up any looses end Gin, her handler and his son become the targets. Then when Detective Caine starts to ask to many question his name is added to the list and it is up to Gin to save him then team up to find out the truth. And where would we be with out the many forms of tension between Gin and Caine. Although I am not sure about some of her sandwich combinations I did enjoy this book. With the cliffhanger ending all I can say is it will be interesting to see what is installed for the characters in book two.

Peter V Brett - The Desert Spear

This is the second book in the Demon Series. While the first book "The Painted Man" (also know as The Warded Man) was the story of Arlen (aka The Painted Man or Deliver of the North) whose life is shattered by the demon plague and he is forced to see that it is fear, rather than the demons, which truly cripples humanity. Believing that there is more to his world than to live in constant fear, he leaves the safety of his home to discover a different path. Leesha, a proud and beautiful healer whose skill in warding surpasses that of the Warded Man himself; and Rojer, a traveling fiddler whose uncanny music can soothe the demons - or stir them into such frenzy that they attack one another. "The Desert Spear" starts with the background story of Ahmann Jardir who has proclaimed himself Shar'Dama Ka, the Deliverer, and he carries ancient weapons - a spear and a crown - that give credence to his claim. Sworn to follow the path of the first Deliverer, he has come north to bring the scattered city-states of the green lands together in a war against demonkind - whether they like it or not. Once Arlen and Jardir were friends and brothers is arms but now they are adversaries. I found that this book didn't seem to flow the same as the first book but it may have been due to the writer putting the pieces in place for the final book. But I am looking forward to seeing how this series ends. If you like David Eddings, Robert Jordan or Raymond E Feist then give this series a try.

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Great reviews, everyone. Thank you.

As of next month, we have the talented Shona Husk bringing you

the What We Are Reading posts. Thank you, Shona.

What We Are Reading

Welcome to another What We Are Reading post. Today's DarkSiders are: Jess Anastasi (our resident reviewer *wink*), C.T. Green (with her second review), Mel Teshco, Bec Skrabl and our latest member Gemma Kettley.



Jess Anastasi

This month I finally got around to reading The Warlord's Daughter by Susan Grant, or at least starting it anyway. I'm about a third of the way through, and the two main characters haven't even caught up with each other yet. Not that I think all books should have the hero and heroine meeting in the first five pages. If there's enough to hold my interest, it shouldn't matter. However, I'm having trouble staying connected. I really want to love this book, but it feels a bit all over the place. We keep skipping to other scenes and characters all over the galaxy. I assume all these scenes are pivitol to wherever the story is heading, but at the moment it feels like there are too many outside elements intruding on the story. I hope it gets better and plan to read Sureblood after this, because that book in particular has gotten really good reviews. I hope its an improvement over The Warlord's Daughter. While it's an ok read at the moment, it's probably not one I'd pick up to re-read later on.


C.T. Green
~ Lover Unleashed ~ J.R. Ward

I mentioned in my last review that I was a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series by J.R. Ward.  So unsurprisingly this review is about her latest release, Lover Unleashed.

This is the much-anticipated follow on from Lover Mine and takes up almost where the previous book left off.  Payne had broken her back in the last book and we dive back into the Brotherhood’s world to see the race to try and restore her ability to walk.  Cue Manny Manello MD, hated by Vishous for having, ahem, inappropriate feelings for V’s love, Jane. 

Manny is brought to the Brotherhood’s mansion on a purely professional basis and with lots of limb dismemberment threats on V’s behalf.  Well, the guy did fancy V’s true love and is putting his hands all over V’s twin sister – you’ve gotta feel for the vamp!

Manny and Payne (who are instantly attracted to each other – as you do when you’ve broken your back/are introduced to the world of vampires) attempt to find the solution to Payne’s paralysis and how a human and vampire can be together.  As usual, the course of true love is a hell ride and Payne and Manny have to find a way through without Vishous fricasseeing the human or Manny having to give up his career and ability to write his own name after his memories are wiped.

Lover Unleashed also enlarges on Vishous and Jane’s relationship and takes it to both new depths and new heights, with a few unexpected but not unsurprising twists that include V’s best friend, Butch.

If that wasn’t enough, Ward also introduces new characters to the mix, Xcor and Throe and their little band of misfits, who’ve come to the New World (aka Caldwell) in search of more than one enemy and perhaps even a crown.

For those who are fans of this couple: Blaylock and Qhuinn do make appearances, which give us hints at to where things might be headed for them.  Awww.

If you love the BDB, then this is a must read and though the resolution of Manny and Payne’s story is not really a surprise (if you paid attention to the hints Ward drops) it’s still a very satisfying ending.   If you’ve never read the series – why are you sitting there reading this?  Go out and get thee to the first book! 

Mel Teshco

SCENT OF A MAN 
I won an e-copy of Maree Anderson's SCENT OF A MAN and really lost myself in her great writing and original storyline. I’ve already done a review for her book:

Joseph Godwin is an Anglian noble, born and raised into a society that oppresses its women. All well and good—until Joseph discovers the day he dreamed of losing his virginity and becoming a man—becomes his worst nightmare. Turns out he’s a Scentinal, the scourge of the earth; the spawn of the devil according to Anglian law. His very scent sees the chastest of women become depraved and shameless hussies who lust after him without restraint.His father, Lord Godwin, is a cruel and vicious oppressor who turns on his only son when he finds out Joseph’s fêted coming of age reveals his true Scentinal colours. Only Liliana, a Null—a one-of-a-kind woman who renders his scent void in close proximity—is able to save him. She is a gifted warrior, but a pawn to the empress Vashti, who sends Liliana on a mission to bring back Joseph for her own nefarious schemes.Maree Anderson writes a riveting, original tale of lust and betrayal, love and redemption. SCENT OF A MAN is an erotic, fast paced story that is beautifully written, the characters all too believable.


FRAZER’S LAW

I’ve been on the lookout for any of Madeleine Ker’s older category books after reading and loving THE WILDER SHORES OF LOVE many years ago. I found FRAZER’S LAW in my local book exchange the other day, first published as an Australian paperback in 1988 — though yes, Madeleine does have recent categories. To say the writing style has changed over the years is an understatement. Even so it’s interesting to note the flicking in and out of point of view, the omnipresent voice etc still works overall. She is an author that keeps me engrossed in her story and makes me feel for her characters.

Rio Faber is the heroine, a marine biologist studying corals and living alone in a remote cottage on Australia’s untamed Cape York Peninsula. Then Cameron Frazer, handsome as hell shark expert, arrives to check on the lone woman after she failed to make radio contact. A devastating cyclone sees them thrust together once again, battling the elements.

I’m about halfway through this book, and can’t wait to see how their relationship develops after Cameron’s offer for Rio to stay at his house in Barramundi. Rio has little choice but to accept, her cottage and much of her research has disappeared along with the winds.



Bec Skrabl

I’ve been on a bit of a steampunk glom lately, so it’s no wonder that the last two books I’ve read have had some sort of steampunk flavour.

I must admit I picked up Geist by Phillippa Ballantine, drawn solely by the beautiful cover. Featuring a world where geist’s - ghosts – can possess people, it’s up to Deacons like Sorcha Faris to banish them. With her husband and partner in a coma, she has to work with Merrick, a young Deacon to discover what is going on in an isolated town filled with strange geist activity. Someone doesn’t want them to reach their destination and along the way, they are joined by Raed, Pretender to the throne, and a man cursed with a geist living inside him. I loved the way the characters played off each other, with Merrick’s Sensitive side bringing out the emotions gruff, kick-ass Sorcha feels. The world-building was unusual, and I can’t wait to see more of Raed in book two.

The other book I recently finished was The Greyfriar: Vampire Empire by Clay and Susan Griffiths. In  1870, a plague of vampires overtook the colder parts of the world and the humans were forced to withdraw to the equatorial countries, where they formed their own empire. Princess Adele, heir to the throne, is undertaking a tour of the northern parts of the empire when she is kidnapped by the vampires and taken away to London. The Greyfriar, a mysterious, legendary figure who fights the vampires from within their territories, attempts to rescue her, and they must flee through vampire-infested territories to the relative safety of Edinburgh. The romance is quite sweet, but of course, since this is a series, there’s a big roadblock featuring the Greyfriar’s secret that I’ll be interested in seeing how it plays out. Airships + Vampires + Mysterious Hero = Rollicking good time.


Gemma Kettley

Tales of the Otherworld ~ Kelley Armstrong

I will admit that I am yet to read a Kelley Armstrong book that I didn't like and this book did not disappoint. If you are yet to try one of her book then I suggest starting with her short stories. The stories vary from Elana - the only female werewolf in the world to Paige who finds out just how fraught a White (Witch) Wedding can be or Eve - a black witch who finds out her soulmate is also her nemesis (don't you just hate that) to Aaron who was only trying to stop someone getting robed and becomes a Vampire who learns the heavy price of his existence these are just some examples of the 9 stories that are in this book. And if you find a particular character that you like they may have their own books in the Women of the Otherworld or Men of the Otherworld Series. If you are a fan of Patricia Briggs, Carrie Vaughn, Keri Arthur or Laurell K Hamilton then give this book a try.


Blood of the Demon ~ Diana Rowland

This the second book in the Kara Gillian series and I found that it was better then the first book "Mark of the Demon". Kara is a Homicide Detective who has the gift of "othersight" and also comes from a long line of Demons Summoners. Both of which she will need to use to find a murder who also rips the victims soul out. With the help of two FBI agents Ryan (who seems to have some gifts of his own) and Zack (the believer that gets "feelings") and her best friend Jill a Forensic Expert (she has and umbrella and a butterfly net and she is not afraid to use them), Kara is on a race against time to find the killer as the murders become more frequent and more gruesome. Of course you will need to read the first book due to the cliff hanger ending. If you like Jennifer Rardin give this series a try.

Kitty's House of Horrors ~ Carrie Vaughn

This is the seventh book in the Kitty Norville series and I found it to be one of the best so far. Kitty is a Radio DJ who hosts her own show "The Midnight Hour" on Friday Nights and also happens to be a Werewolf. Kitty is asked to go on a reality TV show about the Supernatural where she will be living for two weeks in a remote lodge with Vampires, Psychics, two other weres and a non-believer. The first couple of days are fine until they wake up one morning to find that the TV crew are missing then it is a fight for survival for Kitty and the other guests. This book brings back some characters from past books as well as introducing new ones that will play a part in the up coming war. In my opinion this is one of the best Werewolf series around.

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Another great overview ladies - thank you and more than one book on my ever increasing To Be Read pile. Happy Reading everyone!