Book Review: Halfway (Wizards and Faeries) by Stephanie Void

Title: Halfway (Wizards and Faeries Book 1)

Author: Stephanie Void

Release Date: Published July 2011 (first published June 23rd 2011)

Source: Received from the author for an honest review

Cemagna and her brother Temet grew up in hiding. She never thought about the reason for this until Temet is kidnapped and taken to a place known only as the Wizardly Order.

Temet grows up inside the Wizardly Order, which he learns is an extremely dangerous organization. Ostensibly to help the general population, the Order actually exists to corrall and control all wizards. The Ten Ring, the leaders of the Wizardly Order, enjoy the power this gives them... until they begin to view Temet as a threat.

Ten years later, no longer a child, Cemagna begins her search for Temet. She attracts the attention of Duke Von Chi, who takes her in and agrees to help her in her search. What Cemagna doesn’t know is that Von Chi has his own plans for her, and so does Ormas, his son.

My Thoughts

The magic and world building in Halfway is different from other books I have read and makes for a very refreshing read, and the characters are like-able and entertaining.
The story moves quite quickly, but I really enjoyed its pace and the ever changing surroundings with interesting and quirky characters along the way.
There are lots of unanswered questions, and family secrets yet to be revealed in this riveting tale of magic and wonder, mystery and intrigue.

Halfway has definitely kept me on my toes and guessing until the very end.

A very different tale of magic, love, betrayal and family. 
A worthy 4 Star read :]

I've just bought book 2 in this new and exciting series and cant wait to continue with Cemagna and Temet's story.

Some links that may interest you 

Author's facebook page

Author's Blog

Buy Halfway HERE

Halfway on Goodreads

SWOONWORTHY Book Cover and Excerpt: Once Burned by Jeaniene Frost

She’s a mortal with dark powers…

After a tragic accident scarred her body and destroyed her dreams, Leila never imagined that the worst was still to come: terrifying powers that let her channel electricity and learn a person’s darkest secrets through a single touch. Leila is doomed to a life of solitude…until creatures of the night kidnap her, forcing her to reach out with a telepathic distress call to the world’s most infamous vampire…

He’s the Prince of Night…

Vlad Tepesh inspired the greatest vampire legend of all—but whatever you do, don’t call him Dracula. Vlad’s ability to control fire makes him one of the most feared vampires in existence, but his enemies have found a new weapon against him – a beautiful mortal with powers to match his own. When Vlad and Leila meet, however, passion ignites between them, threatening to consume them both. It will take everything that they are to stop an enemy intent on bringing them down in flames.

EXCERPT (Note: The scene in the book is slightly longer. The author edited it to take out some spoilers.)

The word “house” didn’t begin to do justice to the white and gray structure in front of me. I actually had to tilt my head back to see all the way up to the roof. It was at least four stories high, with additional floors on the triangular turrets that rose dramatically on each corner. A myriad of carvings decorated the exterior, from intricate balconies in front of soaring windows to stone gargoyles that glared down from their perches. They weren’t the only sentinels of this gothic-looking palace; at least a dozen people were stationed in various spots around the house, some standing so still that at first glance, I’d thought they were statues, too. A high stone wall with manned lookout towers encircled the property. Beyond that and the surrounding forest, dark gray mountains acted as a natural barrier, adding to the imposing feel of the place.

“Leila.”

Vlad’s voice jerked my attention back to him. He didn’t bother to hide his grin as he glanced down at my feet.

“Don’t you want to come inside before you catch a chill?”

I followed his gaze as if I needed proof that I was standing barefoot on the icy ground. I’d forgotten about the cold, being so caught up in the splendor around me, but now sharp needles of pain pricked my feet.

“Coming,” I said at once.

Two huge double doors opened and Vlad entered through them, nodding at the men who bowed to him as he passed. This time, the obsequious gesture didn’t seem out of place. Anyone who lived in a palace like this would expect to be bowed to. Hell, it was bigger than some royal castles I’d seen on TV.

I followed after him, unable to keep from looking around like a kid. We were inside an enormous hall with ceilings that were decorated with artful beams, frescos and shields. Off to the right, the ceiling lowered and became domed glass. Below it, an indoor garden with plants and flowers were arranged around chairs, couches, and a marble fountain.

Vlad strode by the garden and I followed, catching glimpses of more magnificent rooms as we continued down the main hall. Finally he stopped in front of a staircase.

“Maximus will show you to your room,” Vlad stated. He turned and began to walk away, but my “Wait!” stopped him.

“I can’t shower until I release all my excess electricity,” I said with a shrug. “Don’t suppose you have any lightning rods here?”

“I’ll get some,” he replied, coming closer. “Until then, use me.”

“I can find something else,” I hedged.

A brow arched. “I insist.”

He grasped my hand with those words. His coppery eyes stared into mine, silencing my next protest before I voiced it. He was so close that I imagined I could feel his unusual heat in the scant space between us. The warmth from his hand was certainly real. It seemed to slip inside my skin, teasing me with memories of what it felt like to be enveloped in his embrace, that hot, hard body pressed along every inch of me.

I cleared my throat to distract myself from the unexpected tightening of certain parts down below. It didn’t help that he stroked my skin as he waited for my response, even that small touch sending more pleasant tingles through me.

“Are you sure?” I had to drain myself in order for this to be effective, and though he was fireproof, it might still hurt.

He leaned down, his long hair brushing my face. Those dark strands shouldn’t have felt like teasing caresses, but they did, and again, I cursed my strange reaction to him.

“I never do anything unless I’m sure.”

His voice was lower, and his fingers tightened on my hand. A bolt slid into him that I hadn’t meant to send, but he didn’t appear to mind. Instead, a slow smile spread across his lips.

“More.”

...................................................................................

*fanning self* OMGOD!!

Once Burned is the first book in a new series (The Night Prince Series) of books set in the Night Huntress universe featuring Vlad as the hero and a new character named Leila as the heroine. As of now, two books are contracted for this series, with the possibility for more in the future.

Seriously, June 26 can not come fast enough!!

In fact I'm heading over to The Book Depository right NOW to pre order me a copy!

**PLEASE NOTE**
ALL information contained in this blog post was lovingly borrowed from the authors website :)

Book Review: Double Call From Desire by Eri Nelson

Title: Double Call from Desire (Dearhart Clan Series Book 2)

Author: Eri Nelson

Release Date: November 30th 2011  

Publisher: EAN LLC

Source: Received from the author for an honest review

Dearhart Clan is a series of fast paced adult books that dabble in the world of paranormal and remain in the erotic pulse of what can only be classified as a primal fantasy. If it’s a typical romance you’re looking for you won’t find it in this series.

Eri Nelson writes in a darker world where heat and need are the forefront for a slipping existence. There is not time for all the tenderness love deserves but if you’re imprinted to another you are far beyond those mortal requirements.

Our author is driven by swift action packed intrigues that often leave you wanting more. As she writes each new book into the series the number of pages might increase but the action never lets you feel the increasing distance to the final page.

My Thoughts

The writing style of author Eri Nelson may not be to everybody’s liking, but it makes for an interesting read.

I myself don’t mind the somewhat different sentence structuring, and even relish in its playfulness. 

Eri Nelson’s writing is definitely unique.

Double Call from Desire has multiple P.O.V, giving the reader a much broader view of the Dearhart Clan.

We also get much more of a back story for Wash, and with this insight; we see some of the reasons behind why he hunts his own kind.

The numerous plot lines and surprising twists make for some really great reading. And the fast paced animal attraction between these werewolves is again at the forefront of the storytelling.

A quick, sultry tumble of a read with a nail biting cliffhanger.

4 Stars :]

Book Review: One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost

Title: One Grave at a Time (Night Huntress #6)

Author: Jeaniene Frost

Publisher: Avon Books (an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers)

Release Date: August 30th 2011

Source: Purchased for my own reading pleasure

Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans' voodoo queen just keeps on giving--leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit.

Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter. Now, every All Hallows Eve, he takes physical form to torture innocent women before burning them alive. This year, however, a determined Cat and Bones must risk all to send him back to the other side of eternity--forever. But how do you kill a killer who's already long dead?

My Thoughts

I love Jeaniene Frost’s totally hot and witty characters and have been a big fan of Cat and Bones since I first picked up a Night Huntress Novel almost two years ago.

That being said, because I strive for complete honesty when writing a review, I have to say that this installment was a letdown for me.

I feel like I’ve been to one of those bargain basement stores and been given the cheaper, fake version.

Where was the on fire chemistry between Cat and Bones?

Where were all the fantastic one liners, the quick wit and legendary sex scenes?

Even the secondary characters fell unusually flat.

Sadly, it just didn’t do a thing for me.

A very unimpressive almost 2 Star read :/

Books, Drama, and Deleted Files

Hello friends and followers.

Well it feels like forever since I last posted anything and truth be told it has only been about 3 or 4 weeks. In blog terms, not unlike ‘dog years’ it actually feels more like 3 or 4 months!

So Christmas came and went and so did the New Year and I haven’t heard from one of my Christmas Blog Hop winners so I will need to do a re-drawing for a metal bookmark winner :) 

Check at the end of this post to see if its you.

My family and I have made our largest move to date and relocated to New Zealand’s most northern city Whangarei. The move itself went fairly smoothly and without too much drama, however now that we are here and pretty much unpacked it’s been nothing but.

There is no TV aerial or satellite which means getting one set up which means a nice big bill. (I’ve had a satellite installed since writing this and it cost me $350)

The area we live in is so new that there is only a dial up internet service available, no broadband for approx 3-4 months at the least!!

No broadband internet, are you serious?!
This is New Zealand for cripes sake…not a third world country! Well the internet provider is 100% serious.

Because this development is so new, and has grown so fast there just aren’t enough ports on the local system to support everybody’s requirements. 

So they’ve put me on a waiting list *scoff* 

Flipping heck that such a flaming cop out…..I’m so far from impressed I can tell you!

As for reading, how’s that going for all of you?

I’ll be honest; I haven’t read hardly anything since before Christmas. Shameful I know but it has been a mad house at my place. I’m hoping to get back into it very soon as I’ve got commitments to meet, great books on the tbr pile and people I don’t want to let down. 

This means I probably won’t be accepting any more review requests until I get my internet sorted out. 

And in breaking news....my husband deleted my ENTIRE book library.

My kindle books are safe but EVERYTHING I've purchased from other sources, my review books, my not yet uploaded book reviews etc is gone :(

I'll work on getting it recovered but at this stage, unless a computer whiz fairy lands in my lap I think I'm pretty much stuffed :(

Hopefully everyone had a safe and happy holiday and I wish you all fantastic things for 2012.

And the winner of the metal bookmark is......miki

I'll send you an email miki, but you have till the end of the week to email me your postal details to receive this.