Oct 4
2011

RT review of Murphy’s Wayfinder

Wayfinder by C.E. Murphy

Lara Jansen has an uncanny ability to know when the truth is being told (or not) and in this second half of the story, she continues to grow in power. Much less meek and subdued than she was at the beginning of her story, she embarks on a quest to rescue her lover, the Faerie prince Dafydd, from the Drowned Lands. Lara must face three trials if she wants to be given the opportunity to save Dafydd, and accompanied by Aerin, Dafydd’s childhood companion, she faces them with aplomb — only to find herself in the middle of a tragedy that is both thousands of years old and sadly modern at the same time.

Not only is this a compelling and fast-paced read from veteran writer Murphy, this novel also has a lot to say about women and their voices. Turning the usual inside out, in this book it’s the woman who saves the prince and redeems the land. Filled with thoughtful dialogue and witty banter, Wayfinder is a satisfying and well-written conclusion to a fantastic story that began with last year’s Truthseeker. –Romantic Times, 4 1/2 Stars!

Sep 27
2011

conclusion to Vineart trilogy garners 4 1/2 stars from RT

The Shattered Vine by Laura Anne Gilman

The final volume of Gilman’s Vineart War trilogy is both compulsively readable and full of complicated characterization… The constraints of Jerzy’s world become apparent as the story builds to a climax, which is both unexpected and utter perfection. — Romantic Times, 4 1/2 Stars

Available today : Weight of Stone (Book 2) in paperback.

Sep 20
2011

Starred PW review for new Clockwork Century novel!

Ganymede by Cherie Priest

The smashing third volume in Priest’s Clockwork Century steampunk alternate-history Civil War series (after 2010’s Dreadnought) stars Josephine Early, New Orleans brothel owner and Union spy, who must deliver Ganymede, a prototype submarine, to the North. There are only a few problems: no one has ever successfully piloted the craft, and the Texian and Confederate armies are actively searching for it. Josephine’s former lover, Andan Cly, agrees to help while completing his primary mission of retrieving supplies for blighted Seattle, where noxious gas forces residents to live underground and zombies remain a constant peril. Priest is at the top of her game, equally deft with pirate battles and mature romance: Cly is tentatively connecting with earlier protagonist Briar Wilkes, sheriff of Seattle, making him elegantly cautious around Josephine as they both try to focus on their mission. Clockwork Century fans will dub this installment the best yet. –Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

Also available:
Clockwork Century: Boneshaker
Clockwork Century: Dreadnought

Sep 13
2011

Library Journal on debut of Senft Amish series

The Wounded Heart by Adina Senft

Widow Amelia Beiler, struggling to make ends meet for the sake of her two small children, is relieved when Eli Fischer offers to buy her late husband’s business. But then she’s diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Amelia wants to get treatment so that she can have a future with Eli. Doing so, however, will get her shunned from the only community she has ever known. VERDICT With this quaint, gentle read, Senft’s promising series is off to a good start and will make a nice alternative for Jerry S. Eicher readers who want to try a new author. (Includes instructions for making a block quilt.) –Library Journal

Aug 9
2011

PW review of new urban fantasy by Cherie Priest

Hellbent (Cheshire Red Reports, Book 2) by Cherie Priest

Vampire thief Raylene Pendle is back for more mysteries and mayhem in the entertaining sequel to February’s Bloodshot. When Raylene’s agent hires her to steal some magical bones, the vampire has no idea how much trouble she’s in for. After dodging sorcerous lightning sent by a powerful witch who also wants the bones and has no qualms about unleashing the forces of nature against her enemies, Raylene and Adrian, a Navy SEAL turned drag queen, get involved in trying to solve a suspicious death and must navigate some tricky political situations involving vampire Houses. Raylene’s sharp humor and sly observations about life as a thief and a vampire are the highlight of this engaging book. However, readers expecting answers to the conspiracy story arc raised in Bloodshot will be disappointed by the lack of focus. — Publishers Weekly

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