Witchy Reviews: Athena’s Promise (Book One of the Aegean Trilogy) by Annetta Ribken

Info:
Title: Athena's Promise (Book One of the Aegean Trilogy)
Author: Annetta Ribkin

Publisher: Word Webber Press
Length: 306 Pages
Release Date: October 26, 2011
Format: Given by Author

Synopsis:

As the front desk manager of a hotel on the edge of Zombietown, Pallas is used to dealing with angry centaurs, surly trolls, and zombie housekeepers.  The trouble really starts when one of her guests ends up dead and that's not the only problem.

                                                                           ****

            I love Greek mythology.  I have this amazing infatuation with the Gods and Goddesses in these fables that show the imperfections of mere mortals.  The stories are life lessons that show us how to not piss off the Gods and the chronicles of these characters fascinate me.  So whenever I was asked to review this book “Athena’s Promise” as part of the Aegean Trilogy, I couldn’t wait to read it.  This book shows what would happen if mythical creatures, fictional characters, and Gods and Goddesses walked amongst everyone else in this world and how the world changes because of it.  Overall, this novel delivers everything it wants to, but that doesn’t meant there aren’t any bumps along the way.

            From the beginning of the novel we are introduced to the novels protagonist, Pallas, a human mortal (possibly in her twenties, although I don’t remember if the novel ever reveals her age) who manages a hotel that is on the brink of shutting its doors for good.  Pallas has a lot on her plate from managing the staff made up of zombies, vampires, and pixies to dealing with unsatisfied guests to reporting back to the woman behind the hotel-Medusa herself.  I LOVED this part of the book.  Apparently there was this event in life called “The Crossing” that caused all of these worlds to collide.  I really would have liked to know more about this event in the book, but I imagine the author goes into more details with the other two books in the trilogy.  Ribken introduces us to so many “critters” in this world and brings forth new mythologies for some of them, which I really thought was creative and something your average fantasy reader wouldn’t expect.  For instance, zombies aren’t zombies at first, they are given a certain amount of time before they “turn” and when they do-it is ugly.  We meet suave, sexy Centaurs, diva singing mermaids, and money loving gnomes.

            My favorite character that Pallas must deal with is her boss, Medusa.  In Greek mythology, Medusa is one of the most hideous monsters with slithering snakes as her hair, and could turn anyone to stone if you looked at her.  Her character is a lot of fun in the book as the hotel owner.  She only stays in her office and watches the cameras throughout her hotel acting as a sort of game master.  Only a handful of people are allowed to enter her office to talk to her, so she is very secretive.  Medusa is very stylized and very descriptive with her snakes hissing whenever she is in a mood and her cool demure by smoking black cigarettes (which she stubs out regularly).   I loved her relationship with Pallas and hope this builds more throughout the trilogy.

            The novels protagonist, Pallas, is a very interesting character because I’m not sure if I really cared for her.  We see her struggle throughout the whole novel wonderfully, but that’s all I feel I knew about her.  Of course she’s smart, responsible, strong, powerful, and we can relate to her whenever she’s dealing with really incompetent people.  However, I felt she just kept rolling her eyes throughout the whole novel and that was a big problem for me.  It would have been nice to see her loosen up a bit and be a little happy about more things.  Granted that with her back ground story (which we learn later in the novel and it is excellent!) and everything the character goes through, we can certainly understand where she comes from, but a lot of the times she just seemed unpleasant.  I wanted to like her more because she is such a strong person, but I never felt that connection.  I cared for her some, I certainly didn’t want her to meet her maker in one of the books great climactic scenes featuring creepy spiders, but I wanted more from her.  Maybe this was because I felt she seemed a little immature mostly in part to her language.  I’m not a prude about curse words or foul language, but I often feel it dumbs down strong characters.  Plus, I was really put off by her use of the word “fucktard” and “fucktardery”.  Kids might use these words these days, but I really don’t feel as though this woman would use them.  Are they even words?

            Overall, it was a great, inventive, imaginative tale that had a lot of wonderful elements.  These elements include nice action scenes, a great sense of mystery, and a story arch that really explains the world these people live.  I was a little thrown off by the attitude of our lead because I felt she deserved more.  Hopefully when I read the other two books in the trilogy, Pallas will become the woman I see her and she will get her happy ending.  

                                                                         ****

Witchy Rating: 3 Black Cats

This review has been brought to you by The White Witch, Jadis at Witchy Reviews

Witchy Review: Fraterfamilias by Judith Doloughan and Paula R. Stiles

Info:

Title: Fraterfamilias

Author: Judith Doloughan and Paula R. Stiles
Publisher: Innsmouth Free Press
Length: 330 Pages
Release Date: December 2010
Misc: ARC
Kindle edition given by publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Synopsis:
French artist Paul Farrell kills four people in Paris and walks into a hail of police fire at JFK Airport. A Russian history professor and shaman with a dark secret steals the body. Police on both sides of the Atlantic are on the case, but they each have secrets of their own. And a powerful enemy watches from the shadows, one who could destroy them all.

****

Review:

"It takes longer for the mind to heal itself than the body." Time, space, and vague but honest ignorance intertwine in this crime story set in the shadowy area of NYC. Opening with an intriguing and semi-violent scene that takes place in a crowded airport, we meet a large cast of characters, each an individual in their own right, who not only has their own particular demons to face but takes on the stress of an international, mass murder investigation, a missing "dead" body, and more and more unanswered questions.

The heart of the story are two supposed cousins; worn down and made weak by life. One smartly eludes the investigators while the other lay in a cheap motel in hopes to regain conscienceless after a fight with a police sniper's bullet. The story, and all it's supporting characters, run around NYC and the world in hopes to answer their questions, and satisfy their foreboding suspicions.

Fraterfamilias is not a quick or easy read. The narrative is more thick than the plot which required careful and sometimes lengthy reading sessions. Each character is developed with their own stylized choice of point of view so the reader has to pay attention and have the ability to switch between voices and tone. If you like a semi-heavy plot reminiscent of Victorian Era story telling (but not nearly as long) and international sensibilities glittered with supernatural notions, then Fraterfamilias is a must read.

****

Witchy Rating: 4 Black Cats

This review has been brought to you by Maleficent at Witchy Reviews

Witchy Review: The Mighty Quinn by Paula R. Stiles

Title: The Mighty Quinn
Author: Paula R. Stiles
Publisher: Dark Continents Publishing, Inc
Length: 242 Pages
Release Date: September 2012
Misc: ARC
Kindle edition given by publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:
There's a milk truck on the US/Canadian border with a detonated nuclear bomb that didn't explode and a pile of mummy dust for a driver. Vermont Homeland Security Agent Nan Carreira is having quite the morning and she hasn't even met her witness yet. Quinn Bolcan just got out of Vancouver, in a hurry and under a dark cloud. The last thing he was looking for in Vermont was trouble and that's the first thing he found. Soon, he and Carreira will be neck-deep in black helicopters, low-rent necromancers, zombie suicide bombers, and vengeful were-bikers. And that's just the beginning because Quinn is a wild card in a league all his own.

***

I was thrilled by the first paragraph of "The Mighty Quinn." Hell, by the first sentence, I pegged the novel as a page turner, one I couldn't see myself putting down. I could not have been more wrong. The reader is dropped into the middle of Quinn fleeing town after getting caught in a grow-op situation armed with a warning of "wares" as he travels and with a package that needs to be delivered across country. What began so strongly is quickly weakened by too many twists and turns, completely unnecessary subplots, and the confusing and exhausting constant first-person to third-person to first-person storytelling. Over and over and over again without a stitch to thread it all together.

Stiles fails the reader by getting too excited to bring in every aspect of the occult and every potential horror trope she can imagine. We have werewolves, ghouls, humans casting spells, demons, vampires…does the list end? Every trope has it's own subplot and the worst part? They don't resolve. It seems like this book could have been split into three different novels, all which I probably would have loved. Stiles is an incredible writer--her descriptive imagery puts pictures and scenes into the reader's mind that Hollywood would have sincere problems recreating visually and I often lost myself, thinking I might be feeling that breeze, or smelling that scent she so adequately describes.

Overall, would I recommend this novel? Yes, but with caution. The writing is both incredibly strong and incredibly weak. If you love the kind of authors who can get your mind turning with imagery, Stiles is the author for you. If you are easily annoyed by back and forth storytelling, pass. 

***  

Witchy Rating: 2 Black Cats

Opinion has been brought to you by Galinda at Witchy Reviews

Witchy Review: Bleeding Hearts by Ash Krafton

Info:

Title: Bleeding Hearts (Demimonde #1)
Author: Ash Krafton
Publisher: Pink Narcissus Press
Length: 370 Pages
Release Date: March 2012
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Misc: ARC
Kindle edition given by publisher in exchange for an honest review.


Synopsis:

Sophie Galen is an advice columnist who is saving the world - one damned person at a time. Shy and sensitive Sophie has all but given up on love until she meets Marek, a mysterious stranger who seduces her with his striking good looks and his take-charge attitude. Yet the darkness she senses within him may be more than she is prepared to handle when Marek draws her into a world of vampires, werewolves, and treachery. Forced to leave behind the comfortable routines and certainties of her past, Sophie makes unbearable sacrifices and uncovers hidden truths about herself and the world around her.

***

Honestly, I did not know what to think whenever I was asked to review this novel. As you all know, I am a sucker for vampires and witches, so the synopsis was right up my alley. When I saw the cover, I was a little if-y. I know, I know, I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I did. Bleeding hearts?
At that point, I did not know what I was getting myself into. But, putting my bias aside, I read the first chapter and was COMPLETELY hooked. The authors voice is strong and I really loved Sophie's personality. I could relate to her sarcasm in awkward situations. Throughout, Mrs. Krafton's detail of mummies and Egypt reminded me of a lot of Deborah Harkness's writing style. If any of you have read the Discovery of Witches, you will know what I am talking about. I actually learned a few things from reading this novel, which was a nice surprise!

Krafton's descriptions are original and witty. She has a wonderful way of describing some of the simplest things, but with a twist. Her words put a smile on my face and brought me through an emotional roller coaster! I couldn't read it fast enough. Sophie's cat was such a great touch to the story. I loved that cat! Seriously!

Now on to the vampires: I really liked Ash's vampires. Like I said earlier, I love vampires! I had never read demivamps or full vamps. The way she described regular vampires was brilliant and disgusting all at the same time. Demivamps are pure sex and regular vamps are evil and nasty! Marek was a heart-throb and so was Rode, yes we are on a nickname basis. The club and screaming girls, was a great touch. It was different! Bravo, Ash! The best friend relationship with the priest was cute. I just imagined this kick ass hot priest the whole time, which I know I shouldn't, but I couldn't help it! Blame Ash for that! Also, I would like to mention that I was happy the letter thing was cleared up at the end. Phew. I did not know if that mystery would be solved!

Thank you for killing Donna off! teehee!

What I didn't really care for:
The Insta-love. To me, I felt like Sophie accepted Marek too quickly. In one chapter, we are meeting him outside of a cafe as a predator. In the next chapter, we are meeting him in the museum. I knew instantly it was the same person! Then in another chapter, they have been seeing each other for a few weeks. I wanted some sort of conflict or more conflict between them at the beginning.
I was happy when he warned her and forced her into the church but I felt like that was a little too late. If there would have been more conflict between then earlier, then build a trusting relationship, and end it how it was, I think their relationship would have had a stronger impact on me as a reader but that is just my opinion!


Not really a "didn't care for" but I did find a few typo's throughout the novel. I am not complaining, but am a close reader. It happens to the best of us. I received an ARC so my version may not be the most updated. Here is one that was close to the end.
Jared says "Leave Sophie go, or else." I think it should say Let.
Another was: "he turn away from the crowd and slumped slightly as he rested his elbows on the bar."
I believe it should say turned. :) Not trying to nitpick, just an FYI for the publisher incase they wanted to update those. There were a few others closer to the beginning but I don't remember them. Those stuck out because I just read them.

***

Overall, I REALLY enjoyed this one. I would defiantly read the second novel whenever it is released. Krafton is such a talented author and has such a wonderful way with words... her voice is brilliant! I loved her vamps and the depth she gave them. The world she created was original and intriguing. Would recommend this one to others. I am totally looking forward to seeing what happens next!

Witchy Rating: 4 Black Cats

Opinion has been brought to you by Elphie at Witchy Reviews

Witchy Review: A Discovery of Witches

Hello All! We have been busy reading and reviewing some wonderful self-published books. We are hoping to have some of those reviews up and ready within the next few weeks. In the meanwhile, hope you enjoy this review of A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness.


Info:

Title: A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy #1)

Author: Deborah Harkness
Publisher: Viking Penguin
Length: 585 Pages
Released: 2011
Genres: Fantasy Fiction

Misc: Purchased, read softcover

Thought this would be fitting because Halloween is so close and WE love witches! 

Synopsis:

A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

In a sparkling debut, A Discovery of Witches became the "it" book of early 2011, bringing Deborah Harkness into the spotlight and galvanizing fans around the world. In this tale of passion and obsession, Diana Bishop, a young scholar and the descendant of witches, discovers a long-lost and enchanted alchemical manuscript deep in Oxford's Bodleian Library. Its reappearance summons a fantastical underworld, which she navigates with her leading man, vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont. Harkness has created a universe to rival those of Anne Rice, Diana Gabaldon, and Elizabeth Kostova, and she adds a scholar's depth to this riveting story of magic and suspense. And the story continues in Book Two, Shadow of Night.

*****

Review:

The Discovery of Witches is a different sort of vampire, witch, and demon novel. Mrs. Harkness is absolutely brilliant! Usually, when I come across a book this thick...I think twice about reading it but once started, I breezed right through. When I say breeze, do not think that it was an easy read. There was subject matter in the book that could potentially be hard concepts to grasp.
DNA? Yes, you learn the specifics but that is not surprising considering that Harkness is a professor in real life. Don't let that discourage you though, I caught on quickly. 

I love the relationship she creates between Matthew and Diana. Sigh. Yes, he is super hot and rich (kind of like every other vampire in novels these days) but he is genuine and caring. I loved the way Harkness wrote Matthews character. I couldn't stop imagining his sexy accent. The book has a perfect combination of sexy adventure, and romantic sweetness. 

Holy tea cups and wine bottles! Could this vampire drink wine? Each time I read, I wanted a glass of wine and a cup of hot tea. I secretly wish I could attend oxford and when I visit Europe, I will be visiting the Bodleian Library. Harkness world is brilliant and parts of it were different. I loved how she used the Bishop's as Diana's ancestors, that was the perfect touch of history in the story.

But there were times when I felt I could compare the basics of her vampires to other popular vampire novels which was somewhat of a turn off. As I read further into the novel, I felt the author hit the nail on the head and made her vampires so different they could only be described as her own. When I finished, I wanted the next book immediately!

If you love witches, deamons, sexy vampires that are wrapped in academia, romance, and history than this novel is for you. Mrs. Harkness did a wonderful job with her debut novel and I am looking forward to reading book 2 of the All Souls Trilogy. Bravo!

 Witchy Rating: 4 Black Cats

Due to complex content matter and some overly used characteristics found in other fantasy vampire novels.

Opinion has been brought to you by Elphie at Witchy Reviews

 

 
 

Witchy Review: Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Info:

Title: Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy #1)

Author: Lauren DeStefano
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Length: 358 Pages
Released: March 2011
Genres: Young Adult, Dystopia

Misc: Purchased, Read hardcover

Synopsis:
By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children. When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape--before her time runs out?

Together with one of Linden's servants, Gabriel, Rhine attempts to escape just before her seventeenth birthday. But in a world that continues to spiral into anarchy, is there any hope for freedom?

 *****

Review:
Wither is one of those novels that I have a love/hate relationship with. First of all, the cover is absolutely stunning. The bird, ring, hair and makeup, and chemicals shown on the front and back make more sense after completing the first novel of the series. I read the book in a weekend and enjoyed myself. I am not usually one to jump on the bandwagon late, but I am happy that I did.

There were times when I would have to put it down because of other obligations and all I could think about was the story and where it was going. The beginning starts off with Rhine being captured and basically sold on the black market. The world the author created was, well, different. I had never read a novel quiet like this, which is not a bad thing.  Truth be told, dystopia is not a genre that I read in regularly.

Imaging a world where women only lived to the age of 20 and men only lived to the of 25 puts the character's lifes into perspective, especially because I am over that male age limit in the world DeStefano created. The girls in the story are forced to play as sister-wives and be loyal and faithful to their husband. Rhine, the main character, was not a cookie cutter wife but was considered the most favorable of the three. At age 16, she was defiant. Rhine is the character that most girls can relate too. I love the fact that DeStefano was able to create creepy characters that the reader should intentionally despise and hate, mission accomplished Miss DeStafano, mission accomplished.

Towards the end of the novel, I felt like I already knew what was going to happen. I am one of those readers who hates knowing the ending beforehand. To me, it was predictable, hence my love/hate relationship. I am glad the story went on the way it did, and happy that the ending was the way it was (trying not to give any spoilers) but I somehow expected something different. That is not really a complaint, but more insight to my reasoning. :)

To wrap it up: I would recommend this novel to my friends and am looking forward to reading Fever, Book 2 of The Chemical Garden Trilogy. I am hoping that it is a quick and enjoyable read just as this one was but with more action.

What do you all think? Have you read Fever already? What were your opinions with Wither?

 

Witchy Rating: 4 Black Cats

Opinion has been brought to you by Elphie at Witchy Reviews