Withered + Sere by T.J. Klune
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am not at all adverse to reading dark things, but very few authors have been able to hold my attention the way TJ Klune did in this book. It's not terribly long, but it's so powerful, I'm not sure I could have borne it were it longer.

The characters are all damaged--Cavalo, BadDog, SIRS, and the young Dead Rabbit, Lucas. There is a bitter, biting wit in how they all see their damage: bees and breaking rubber bands. Love is a luxury, and emotions are as dark as the world they inhabit, a world where hope and any notion of a future are faint recollections of a fabled Before.

This is not a love story. It is not a romance. It is not even remotely uplifting. But it is powerful, captivating, and ultimately unforgettable.

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Heart of the Forest by Christina Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've had the pleasure of seeing this book in its infancy, so to speak, before the manuscript was submitted, and it's a tremendously engaging read. How could I not rush to buy it once it was published?

Valentina, the narrator, is a strong woman, intelligent and resourceful, and her courage is what makes this story resonate. She doesn't need to be rescued, not really. She's fierce, and I fell in love with her indomitable spirit. Aneurin, the elf she heals, and falls in love with, is far more than he appears, as is his brother, Yorwrath, an elf as fierce as Valentina, and as unforgiving.

The story has many twists and turns, and each one takes you deeper into what is an impeccably drawn world of elves and men, dwarves and dragons, and magic both dark and light. Nothing should be taken for granted, and the shadows hold many things.

Ms. Quinn made me laugh, made me curse, and broke my heart in this first novel of what is proving to be a trilogy I will never forget. I'm in love with her characters, and this subtle, powerful world of hers.

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Some shameless self promotion...

I have a short story coming out this week, and I'me very excited to share the news:

 
So, please, head on over to Torquere Press to pre-order a copy, and save 15%. 

In addition to my story, there are some amazing authors featured in this collection of tales, and I know you won't be disappointed!

Black Magic Friday by E. J. Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a completely delightful little snippet from the world of Neon Blue and Tsara Faa, and a perfect reminder to me of why I never shop on Black Friday.

Wonderful, wonderful read!

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Danse Macabre by Christina Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm not normally a fan of vampire fiction, but I love ballet, and I love the idea of vampires being dancers. I was not at all disappointed by this book, which has the best of both worlds.

The vampires in Ms Quinn's world are cold, often cruel, and they kill. They are not nice vampires. But they can, and do, love and frequently they find love with a mortal. In this case, a brilliant dancer, Aleksi, finds love with the mortal Autumn, but his position within vampire society makes their relationship fraught with misunderstandings, and even outright peril.

There will be inevitable comparisons drawn between this book and another trilogy that's attracted much attention. I would not, however, let that detract anyone from reading this book. Despite some small formatting issues, it's a marvelous read and the plot twists are well done.

I'll be looking for the sequel when it's released.

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The Emperor's New Clothes: An Interstellar Heist by Aldous Mercer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely adored this book, and I have to second another reviewer's comment comparing it to Harry Harrison's Stainless Steel Rat series. It's full of deft humor, completely ludicrous situations, and a really sweet love story between Royce Ree and his ex-husband, the very aristocratic Les'Anther Dai-Sarn.

The supporting cast of characters is as well done as the protagonists, and while the entire mission becomes a dark comedy of error after error, there is a perfect charm in the relationship between Royce and Les that makes it seem entirely reasonable.

I'll be looking for more of this series.

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Sit Pretty by R.J. Price
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Aren's story continues as she takes the throne, or perhaps it's the throne that's taken her. The plots and subplots of this very complex society kept me on the edge of my seat, and I'll admit to growling along with Av more than once. Aren's parents cast their own unique pall over things, and Jer is a solid presence throughout. Honestly, I have trouble putting these books down, and I'm sure my husband will forgive me (some day!) for making him wait in the car while I finished the chapter before I drove him home...

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