My soul to take by Rachel Vincent

Just wow! I started this book soon after waking this morning, was almost late leaving for work, and finished it on my lunch break.

The heroine, Kaylee, is in high school, she has lived with her uncle's family since her father sent her there after her mother died. Kaylee has a problem, whenever she sees someone covered in shadows, she has an overwhelming urge to scream, a herald to their death. And she has no idea why. Kaylee is at a teen club that she snuck into with her best friend, dancing with one of the hottest guys in school, Nash, when it starts to happen, again. Soon, more classmates are dying, she wants to scream and Nash knows more about why she is screaming than she does.

Ms. Vincent pulls you into Kaylee's life, gives you an understanding as to her loneliness, in the midst of family, and anger at her father for leaving her behind. And the passion and unfairness that she feels to not be able to save someones life when she knows that they are going to die.

Definitely going to be reading her other books.

Some girls bite by Chloe Neill

I loved the book. The heroine is gutsy. The hero, if he is one (we will see), is a 400-year old vampire. Neither wants to attracted to the other, but luckily for us, no choice.

The main character, Merit, is great! She's attacked, throat torn by a vampire. Another vampire saves her life by changing her into a vampire; and the vampires can't understand why she's mad and angry and confused, oh and let's not forget grateful. But she handles her change in life and status, by holding close to the relationships that help define her, best friend and roommate, Mallory, and her grandfather. The snarking (love that word) between Merit and Mallory is hilarious, it provides Merit with normality.

Ethan, the master vampire of Cadogan House who changed Merit, is definitely an alpha male. He is in charge. He is the protector. And he is Merit's biggest challenge, because she would prefer to avoid him and his attitude.

I enjoyed this visit to Chicago. And shall definitely be going back for another visit into Chole Neill's world.

Reading Order of Chicagoland Vampires:
Some girls bite
Friday night bites
Twice bitten (July 2010)

Nightwalker by Jocelynn Drake

The story: Mira is a nightwalker (a.k.a. vampire). She is an enforcer for the mysterious Coven, sent to the New World (United States). Her mastery of fire sets her apart from the other nightwalkers. She is their executioner if they step over the rules.

A new foe has entered her domain. He is Danaus, a vampire hunter. He has come for Mira, seeking answers and her death.

But there is another race, an old foe of the nightwalkers, mostly banished from Earth. And they want to come home. Now is the time for vampire and hunter to join forces or face an unwelcome death.


Ms. Drake has written a dark story; set in another place where vampires, werewolves and magic is real, but hidden from most humans. Mira, while physically strong, has her weaknesses. She has a past that she prefers to forget/ignore, at least until it slaps her upside the head. She acts fearlessly, knowing that there are others stronger than she is, but she won't willingly bow her head to anyone whom she doesn't respect. She's a fighter, fighting for her right to live her life her way. Danaus is just as strong, in his way. He fights for his beliefs in right and wrong. But there is still much hidden about him, and he does not willingly open himself, allowing his secrets to be spilled.

I really enjoyed this story, so much so, that I will be reading the next in the series until I am all caught up.

Literary Escapism has a mini-challenge for April. Read 5 new authors, from 2 lists (found on LE's website), between April 1st - 30th, and write up a review on your blog. Of course you do need to put in a link to your review. But that's what Mr. Linky is for.

The hard part is going to be choosing authors. Because as I go through the list I have to eliminate those I've already read.

So the 5 authors that I am going to put on the list to read this month are:

1. Melissa Marr - Fangs, Fur & Fey

2. Rachel Vincent - Deadline Dames

3. Jocelynn Drake - FFF

4. Tim Pratt - FFF

5. Jenna Black - DD

Let my reading commence!

Marjorie Liu's TIGER EYE is coming out as a game April 2010!

The world of "Tiger Eye" by Marjorie Liu has been turned into a game by Passion Fruit Games. It will be out in April 2010 for download only.

A link for pre-orders: http://passionfruitgames.com/tiger-eye/pre-orders/

Delilah "Dela" Reese is the heroine. Her family are psi-talented. Dela's talent is an affinity to metal. She can read any metal and learn it's history, who created it and who used it. She is in China on a business trip. During her exploration of the dirt market, Dela buys a curious riddle box. A strange gentleman tries to buy it from her, forcefully. Refusing him, Dela headed back to her hotel and started to work with the box. She solves the riddle of the box and release Hari, a tiger shapeshifter who had been imprisoned in the box for over 2,000 years. It has been his curse to serve whosoever releases him from the box. Now, a modern day woman is his mistress, and she doesn't believe in slavery. Plus his old enemy, the Magi, is still lurking around with his own agenda for Hari.

This is a casual interactive game that tells the "Tiger Eye" story, so it is not necessary to have first read the book. There are puzzles, brainteasers and other mini games in the story to advance your character. Available for PC and MAC.