DarkSide DownUnder: Rowena Cory Daniells

Showing posts with label Rowena Cory Daniells. Show all posts

Saturday, 27 July 2019

Darklight On...My DarkSider Reading with Eleni Konstantine

In the last few years or so I've been trying to concentrate on reading those books in my TBR pile. I've been focusing on the series I've started (some way too long ago) but also reading releases by writers from groups I belong to. This includes the DarkSiders.

I have enjoyed delving into the worlds created by my fellow DarkSiders. I'm thrilled to say the stories have not disappointed in the least. Not all of them are spec fiction as our members write in more than one sub-genre, but they have all been of high quality.

I've read about goblins, half-demons, demons, magic, horror, vampires, shapeshifters, werewolves, ghosts, space, djinn, magicians, kings, wizards, amateur detectives, guards, teenage ghost busters, princes, princesses, Druids, Romans, gargoyles, fae, angels, gods and goddesses, assassins, soldiers, zombies and more...

You can see the titles and reviews on my DarkSiders Goodreads shelf (you'll see former members on this list as well).

There are many more books on my waiting to be read, both in print and electronic forms. As the person who compiles the DarkSider News I seem to add to my To Be Read pile (faster than I can read! But it's a nice problem to have.

I'm trying to get back to the books that have been waiting patiently for so long (having chronic fatigue syndrome, my reading is not as fast as it once was) and I tend to like giving a break between books in a series. It means that I have been trying to read the older books first before starting newer series but I think I need to mix and match.

Here's a selection of my DarkSider reading focusing on speculative fiction...

Series finished

The Anomaly - Anna Hackett
Paranormal Romance

I recently finished the fourth book in the series. This follows people with amazing paranormal abilities and those who want to exploit them. Each book focuses on a different couple. I really enjoyed the theme of second chances in Salvation. It was a nice surprise.

Myth & Magic - Nicola E. Sheridan
Paranormal Romance
A three book series magic, mayhem and mythical creatures focusing on djinn. The characters are not perfect in these books, which makes them more relatable. It's all about survival. Each book focuses on a different couple.

The Four-Sided Pentacle - Denise Rossetti
Fantasy Romance
A series following mages containing different powers that make up the Four-Sided Pentacle. The mages fight against a dark force called the Necromancer. Secondary characters feature in a couple of novellas (in between stories). Each book focuses on a different couple. Beautifully written prose with a lyrical rhythm. I also adore the covers by artist James Griffin.

Waiting on next publication

The Light Blade - Kylie Griffin
Fantasy Romance
I have read the three books released in the series but I believe there are more to come sometime in the future. I love the world-building featuring demons, humans and half-demons. It's about power, trust, suspicion, betrayal and love. Each story focuses on a different couple and furthers our knowledge about the history of this world. I have a cover crush on these books.

Midnight Reynolds - Catherine Holt (aka Amanda Ashby)
Middle Grade
This series follows 12 year old Midnight Reynolds who finds herself being able to see spectral energy. Too bad all she wants to do is fit in. I enjoyed reading these as an adult and would have loved as to read as a tween. Waiting on the release of book 3 in September.

Series nearly finished

The Druid Chronicles - Christina Phillips
Ancient historical erotic romance (with fantasy elements)
I'm on the final story of this series where druids fall in love with Romans and all the mayhem that goes with it. Each story can be read as a stand-alone though there is a some information from other books. And these books are hot, hot, hot so for readers who like their books sizzling.

Shadowlands - Shona Husk
Paranormal Romance
One more book to go in this fascinating series about men who have been cursed to the Shadowlands where they could succumb to becoming part of the goblin horde. Each book focuses on a different couple and problem (except the prequel).

Dream of Asarlai - Nicole Murphy
Paranormal Romance
The Gadda are a secret society of magical people who exist in the modern world. There are those who want to take control and change the way the exist. Each story focuses on a different couple. I've read the first two books on the series and looking for book 3 on my TBR piles - literally looking because after painting my office, the books were not put back in the same boxes they came from. Sigh.

series I'm enjoying

Dark Child - Adina West
Urban fantasy with romantic elements
Kat has always felt different to everyone else and she discovers she's part of a secret paranormal world. The world building has a different edge with the word vampire never being uttered. It's fascinating as is the changes we see in Kat. I read this in episodic form but an omnibus of all of the episodes for each book is available also. I've only read The Awakening so far and looking forward to book 2, Covens Rising, which I have in omnibus form.

Dark Angels - Keri Arthur
Urban fantasy with romantic elements
This series follows from the Riley Genson Guardian series. Years later, Risa Jones has all grown up. She's the daughter of a lab-enhanced clone mother and an Aedh father. and can talk to the souls of the dying and the dead, see the reapers and walk the gray fields that divide this world from the next. Unlike her aunt, Riley, while she's in shape and passably defend herself, she's not a warrior, though rides a killer motorbike. Characters from the previous series make an appearance and it's great to see where they have ended up. I'm up to book 3 of the series, Darkness Devours, but that is another book hiding from me. Hopefully I can get to it soon because I have other Keri Arthur series calling me.

King Rolen's Kin - Rowena Corey Daniells
Fantasy
Follows the story of King Rolen's children as they move in a world where magic is mistrusted and isolated, there is political intrigue, and betrayal lurks around every corner. Fabulous classic fantasy and the covers are so intriguing. I'm up to book 3, The Usurper.

ebook set in the same world

Currently Reading
I always try to have a DarkSider book on the go. At the moment, it's:

Who Needs Enemies - Keri Arthur
Urban Fantasy

This is just the tip of what's on offer from our DarkSiers as we number over 70 members so there's lots of love to be shared around. Check out our website for the list of members and see what we're up to.

You can catch up with my reading on Goodreads or on my Eleni's Library's blog.

Happy reading!
~Eleni x
elenikonstantine.com

Tuesday, 15 May 2018

DarkSider News for May: Part 2

Welcome to the latest DarkSider News!

Grab that cuppa and chocolate, take a seat and let the good news roll...

NEW RELEASES

Manu by Anna Hackett is Book 16 in the Hell Squad series and was released on 8th May.

As the battle against the invading aliens intensifies, a group of bad boy bikers and mercenaries will stand and fight for humanity’s survival…

When former berserker Manu Rahia lost his leg on a mission, he was forced to leave his squad. He knows his new role as head of the Enclave’s firing range and armory is important, but hates that he isn’t still out there fighting face to face against the aliens and protecting his brothers’ backs. But then one woman catches his eye. A no-nonsense woman dedicated to her job as head of security. A woman who seems cool on the surface, but who Manu is convinced is hiding more under her business-like exterior.

Captain Kate Scott dedicated her life to her career in the Army. Now she works hard taking care of security for the Enclave and its residents. She learned a long time ago that she isn’t a passionate woman, and that she’s better off sticking to her work. But seeing one big, bronze-skinned, muscled man at the range every day has her hormones going into overdrive. She’s never felt like this and she’s determined to get herself under control.

But when the aliens launch a viscous new attack, right on the Enclave’s doorstep, Kate and Manu must join forces to stop the raptors before more people get hurt. Kate will fight fiercely to protect her team and the base, as well as her heart. But Manu Rahia is a man who knows what he wants, will walk through fire to get it, and what he wants is Kate.

Available from: Amazon US | Amazon Aus |

Destiny's Queen by C.M. Simpson is a dark fantasy short story and was released by C.M. Publishing on 4th May.

A dark fantasy short story about royalty, rivalry, and assassination

Life’s not fair, when you have to find a fiancé or risk setting your kingdom up for a fall. It’s not fair, when your dead lover comes to call, assassins in his wake, and your dead maid by his side. And it’s really not fair, when everything happens on the night of your suitors’ ball. It never rains but it pours. I am a queen by blood and right, and not some random happenstance—yet who am I to argue when Destiny comes to call?

Rocky & the Raptors by Carlie Simonsen is Book 6 in the Otherworld Adventures and was released by C.M. Publishing on 11th May.

When Rosie’s teddybear is stolen by a bird, Rocky has to go into raptor territory to get it back, before Rosie tries to fetch it herself—and all without the raptors knowing he’s there. Just how far will he go to bring her Teddy home?

Magic, Markets & Murder by Janni Nell is Book 2 in the Little Shop of Spells Cozy Mystery series and was released by BOCHOK Publishing on 2nd May.

Welcome to the Spring Equinox Market—a weekend of magic, shopping and…murder.

When small-town witch, Maddie Goodcharm volunteers to help with the market, the last thing she expects is to stumble upon a murder scene. Even worse the crime appears to have been committed by a witch. Nobody’s talking and the sheriff is powerless until he enlists Maddie’s help.

Investigating a murder is hard enough, but it’s not Maddie’s only problem. Someone has given the mayor a love potion. Suddenly he believes Maddie is The One. He’s talking divorce and his wife isn’t happy.

Can Maddie dodge the mayor and his furious wife until she catches the killer? Or will the magical murderer get away?

Non spec-fic titles

His Outback Temptation by Annie Seaton is the 4th and final book in the Prickle Creek series and was released by Entangled Publishing on 14th May.

Freelance photographer Sebastian Richards has put aside travelling the world to show his grandmother he is capable of helping out on the family farm, even though it’s hard to let go of his wanderlust. But when he rescues a beautiful woman from a difficult situation, and Sebastian learns Isabella Romano is going to his hometown, heading back to Prickle Creek holds more appeal.

Isabella has come home to the Outback for a short visit to her father before she heads off to begin her dream job in England. Circumstances throw Isabella and Sebastian together at every turn—so maybe a short summer fling could be fun?

Isabella is determined to leave, even though her heart wants to stay. Sebastian is determined to stay, though his heart wants to go. But the only way for them to be happy is to take a chance on love.

Available from from: Amazon US | Amazon Aus | Kobo | iBooks |

PRE-ORDERS

Alien Captured by Marie Dry is Book 5 in the Zyrgin Warriors series and is due for release by Black Opal Books on 9th June.

In a bleak future, where government systems are breaking down and poverty and violence reign, on an abandoned farm in Montana, Susannah had a simple plan. She’d capture an alien, sell him to the resistance, and use the money to save her son.

Instead, Susannah had an arrogant alien trapped in a pit who acted as if she was the prisoner. He wanted to kill her dog and insisted she should care for the wound he sustained when he fell into the pit she dug to trap him. On top of that, she had no way to know if the resistance got her message. Every day that passed, she doubted her decision to hand Azagor over to the resistance.

But her son, her baby, was being held by people who considered him unclean because he was conceived out of wedlock—and time was running out.

Available from: Amazon US | Amazon Aus

COVER REVEAL

Hunter Hunted by Keri Arthur is Book 3 in the Lizzie Grace series and will be released in August.

No Ordinary Gift by Mel Teshco is the new cover of the book Believe and it's co-written with Kylie Sheaffe. Initially released in 2013.

Josie Bowheart has only ever wanted to be normal. Instead she’s highly sensitive and overwhelmed by visions and dreams, and obsessed by spirits who need her.

But if normal means living the same lie as her genius brother and doctor, James, she’ll gladly stay just the way she is. First she has to convince James to believe in his own sensitivities and open his eyes to his destiny before it’s too late … because ordinary isn’t a word that serves either one of them.

Can James let go of his fears and his growing drug addiction that suppress his mind and keep him numb to the truth … and finally accept the gift that is his birthright?

Available from: Amazon US | Amazon Aus |

Non spec-fic titles

Overdrive by Juanita Kees is the Book 1 in the Calhoun Customs Garage series to be released by Tule Publishing on 26th June.

Chase Calhoun has worked hard at making Calhoun Customs a world-wide sensation and keeping his father’s dream alive. He hasn’t had time to think about settling down, so he’s not expecting to find love or new life hiding in the attic of their garage among the ghosts of his family’s past.

Charlotte Jackson is on the run from a rebellious past, determined to prove she can be a good mom to three-month-old baby, Zoe. Tired of being delegated to the back office of the racing team her famous NASCAR family owns, she sets out to establish herself as a custom design artist. But she’s out of money, luck and time, and she can’t hide in the attic at Calhoun Customs forever.

While Chase slowly loses his heart to his refrigerator thief and the baby bundle asleep in his laundry basket, Charlotte learns that sometimes family is more than just blood and DNA.

Echo Springs is a 4 book continuity about a group of police officers in a small country town in outback Australia that will feature both Daniel de Lorne and Leisl Leighton. The anthology will be released in print by Harlequin Australia while each individual story will be released digitally by Escape Publishing in September.

Story 1 - Dangerous Echoes by Leisl Leighton,
Story 2 - Embers and Echoes by Daniel DeLorne,
Story 3 - Echoes of the Past by TJ Hamilton, and
Story 4 - Hope Echoes by Shannon Curtis.

Wholesome country living isn’t what it used to be… This town has a dark side, but what will these cops sacrifice to save it? A compelling suspense, set in the outback.

Blue lights in the red dust…

Echo Springs on the edge of the outback – a town where everyone knows your name, and your business. But the wholesome country living and welcoming community aren’t what they used to be. Echo Springs has a dark underbelly, and it is seeping ever outward.

Four cops…

The small police station is overrun, and officers are working overtime to stem the tide of illegal activity from graffiti through to murder. From prickly Leila to heartsore Ben, Cooper with something to prove to Mac who’s driven to succeed, the Echo Springs force is determined to keep the town safe.

Putting everything at risk…

But the stakes are higher than they’ve ever been, and it’s not just the town these officers have to keep safe. It’s their hearts as well. With bullets flying and bodies piling up, they will have to decide how much they’re willing risk and what they’re willing to lose.

AWARDS

Blood Kissed by Keri Arthur (Book1 in the Lizzie Grace series) won the Favourite Sci-Fi, Fantasy or Futuristic Romance Award at the 2017 Australian Romance Readers Awards.

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