The Bleeding Dusk by Colleen Gleason

Title: The Bleeding Dusk (Gardella Vampire Chronicles #3)

Author: Colleen Gleason

Publisher: Signet Eclipse 2008

Genre: Vampires

Pages: 346

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Paranormal - Demon; Women Authors; Mount TBR; Seriously Series

How I Got It: I own it

As Rome prepares for its Carnivale, vampire hunter Lady Victoria Gardella is in no mood for festivities. But her personal grief must be set aside for there is a sinister plot underway. In yet another play for power, vampires have formed an unholy alliance with the demon Akvan in order to gain access to an ancient alchemist's secrets. As their combined bloodthirsty army ravages the city streets, Victoria races to solve the age-old mystery - if she fails, the world is lost for ever.

Another exciting volume of the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. I like this series way too much. It's got everything I want: interesting characters, action, romance, vampires. I was scared of where Victoria would go after the death of Aunt Eustacia, but I was very happy about the direction of the series. Plus, we get a ton of new revelations between other characters. And we get heart pounding action and romance scenes. Ready to jump into the next one.

Gardella Vampire Chronicles:

#1 The Rest Falls Away
#1.5 Victoria Gardella
#2 Rises the Night
#3 The Bleeding Dusk
#4 When Twilight Burns
#5 As Shadows Fade
#5.1 Max Stops the Presses
#6 Roaring Midnight
#7 Raging Dawn
#8 Roaring Shadows

Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason

Title: Rises the Night (Gardella Vampire Chronicles #2)

Author: Colleen Gleason

Publisher: Signet Eclipse 2007

Genre: Vampires

Pages: 334

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Monthly -- July; Mount TBR; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W29

How I Got It: I own it

THE CITY OF ROME GIVES RISE TO A NEW ARMY OF VAMPIRES ...As Victoria Gardella races across Europe to stop what could be the most deadly uprising vampire slayers have ever faced, she is accompanied by Sebastian Vioget, a man as tempting as he is devious. But when Victoria discovers that she has been betrayed by one of her most trusted allies, finding out the truth will be her greatest challenge.

This one was full on action right from the first page. I am really falling for this series. I love the writing. I love the characters. I love the plot lines. Gleason sure knows how to craft those twists and turns and keep the audience right there with Victoria. In this volume we learn more about other vampire threats out there. We also get more information about the Venators and their history. I liked the walk through the Venator museum highlighting some of the more interesting ancestors. And finally Gleason takes our hearts, rips them from our chests, and stomps all over them while we watch... but in an amazingly captivatingly way. I was completely stunned at the end of this book and ready for the next volume.

Gardella Vampire Chronicles:

#1 The Rest Falls Away
#1.5 Victoria Gardella
#2 Rises the Night
#3 The Bleeding Dusk
#4 When Twilight Burns
#5 As Shadows Fade
#5.1 Max Stops the Presses
#6 Roaring Midnight
#7 Raging Dawn
#8 Roaring Shadows

The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason

Title: The Rest Falls Away(Gardella Vampire Chronicles #1)

Author: Colleen Gleason

Publisher: Signet Eclipse 2007

Genre: Vampire

Pages: 347

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Genre - Thriller; New Authors; Seriously Series; Mount TBR

How I Got It: I own it

Vampires have always lived among them, quietly attacking unsuspecting debutantes and dandified lords as well as hackney drivers and Bond Street milliners. If not for the vampire slayers of the Gardella family, these immortal creatures would have long taken over the world. In every generation, a Gardella is called to accept the family legacy, and this time, Victoria Gardella Grantworth is chosen, on the eve of her debut, to carry the stake. But as she moves between the crush of ballrooms and dangerous, moonlit streets, Victoria's heart is torn between London's most eligible bachelor, the Marquess of Rockley, and her enigmatic ally, Sebastian Vioget. And when she comes face to face with the most powerful vampire in history, Victoria must ultimately make the choice between duty and love.

The first in a book series that has sat on my shelves for way too long. If I had known the book was as good as it was, I would have read it years ago. I love finding gems in my TBR stacks. This book started with action and just never stopped. I loved the action scenes in this one. The writing is very clear and concise, yet beautifully constructed. The characters are amazing. I immediately connected to Victoria. I loved the meeting with Eustacia. Verbena was a surprising addition to the cast. And of course, the men are all intriguing. I flew through this novel in no time at all. I couldn't wait to see what happened with the Book of Anwartha, the Marquess of Rockley, and Lilith. I was a bit shocked at the ending, but realized that it completely makes sense for the overall storyline. I can't wait to read to the next installment of Victoria Gardella's adventures as a Venator.

Gardella Vampire Chronicles:

#1 The Rest Falls Away
#1.5 Victoria Gardella
#2 Rises the Night
#3 The Bleeding Dusk
#4 When Twilight Burns
#5 As Shadows Fade
#5.1 Max Stops the Presses
#6 Roaring Midnight
#7 Raging Dawn
#8 Roaring Shadows

Vampire for Christmas by Felicity Heaton

Title: Vampire for Christmas

Author: Felicity Heaton

Publisher: Felicity Heaton 2010

Genre: Paranormal romance

Pages: 142

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Sub-Genre - Paranormal; Women Authors; ebook

How I Got It: iPad read

It was one last mission. Shannon, a demon hunter with the agency, is looking forward to leaving behind the small town and the vampire she's been stuck with for the past two years. Things are getting complicated fast and she wants out. A fresh start, free of her vampire partner, awaits her if she can survive their final mission and the lonely Christmas holidays.
It was one last mission. Rafe, a vampire doing time with the agency, watches it approach with dread weighing heavily in his stomach. Two years of working with Shannon has been difficult, especially since he started falling for her, but he doesn't want their partnership to end. He has barely a few days to make her face her feelings and stop her from leaving, and he intends to do just that.
When a slimy demon threatens the season of peace and goodwill, it's the chance Rafe has been waiting for and the moment Shannon secretly fears. Rafe's determination to prise open her heart and her own resolve to keep it closed clash as violently as they do with the demon, and threatens to end as messily.
Can Rafe make Shannon see that his love for her is real and that she feels something for him too? Can Shannon face her fears and her past, and stop herself from running away from both? Will a wish on a star bring her what her heart truly desires--a vampire for Christmas?

Sitting by the pool, I finished my previous book (review pending) and felt in the mood for a quick read. So I picked this out of the random free ebooks on my iPad. For being a very predictable paranormal romance, this one kept me entertained throughout. I loved the charactersespecially Rafe. And at 142 pages, Heaton kept the plot nice and contained. We don't need an entire backstory, just enough to get to know the characters quickly. A nice little selection for a pool read.

The Passage by Justin Cronin

Title: The Passage

Author: Justin Cronin

Publisher: Ballantine 2011

Genre: Vampires

Pages: 784

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Paranormal --Vampires; New Author; TBR Pile; Dusty Bookshelf; Book Bingo -- 1 Everyone has Read but Me

How I Got It: I own it!

An epic and gripping tale of catastrophe and survival,The Passage is the story of Amy—abandoned by her mother at the age of six, pursued and then imprisoned by the shadowy figures behind a government experiment of apocalyptic proportions. But Special Agent Brad Wolgast, the lawman sent to track her down, is disarmed by the curiously quiet girl—and risks everything to save her. As the experiment goes nightmarishly wrong, Wolgast secures her escape—but he can’t stop society’s collapse. And as Amy walks alone, across miles and decades, into a future dark with violence and despair, she is filled with the mysterious and terrifying knowledge that only she has the power to save the ruined world.

This is definitely one of those books that I just had to read after it came out, and yet, it's taken me two years to get around to it. Even with all the waiting, it did not disappoint. This story is terrifying. It reminds me of I am Legend and The Forest of Hands and Teeth and As the World Dies trilogy all wrapped up into one. I realize that two of those are zombie stories, but ultimately they are all stories of survival. The beginning is a bit slow, as in, the characters seem to tell their stories in stream of consciousness. It took a while to get used to, but once I did, I loved the style. We get inside the heads of the characters We see their hopes, joys, and fears. We understand them. This makes the story much easier to follow as we drift from character to character and later skip decades. I loved Alicia and Michael. Those were definitely my favorite characters. They each have their own specialty, but neither one is quite comfortable in their own skin and around other people. The other characters are all great, I just really connected to those two. Initially I thought I would hated the time jump, but the story had to jump in order to stay interesting. I don't need to see the rest of the war and attempted evacuation. The echoes linger even ~90 years in the future. Hopefully, I can pick up the sequel later this year.

Passage

#1 The Passage
#2 The Twelve
#3 The City of Mirrors

2012 Reading Challenge Round-Up -- Completed Edition

I hear 2013 calling my name. I think it's time to call 2012 quits and start my end of the year posts. In total I entered 27 reading challenges this year. Let's see how I did... Completed challenges edition.

I went for the highest goal on this one, 16 books, 16 categories. It really wasn't a hugely difficult challenge as I read nonfiction all the time. But it did encourage me to pick up different types of books. My favorite book from this challenge was the Science Fiction and Fantasy pick of The Magicians by Lev Grossman.

Classics – Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (11/8/12)
Biography – Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun by Gita May (9/21/12)
Cookery, Food, and Wine – Chocolate by Shara Aaron and Monica Bearden (12/4/12)
History – The Lost Millennium by Florin Diacu (9/12/12)
Modern Fiction – Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin (5/22/12)
Graphic Novel and Manga – Bad Doings and Big Ideas by Bill Willingham (4/23/12)
Crime and Mystery – Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (5/17/12)
Horror – The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan (3/1/12)
Romance – An Offer You Can’t Refuse by Jill Mansell (11/14/12)
Science Fiction and Fantasy – The Magicians by Lev Grossman (1/21/12)
Travel – Paris in Love by Eloisa James (5/16/12)
Poetry – Poems of Emily Dickinson (11/23/12)
Journalism and Humor – The Year of Living Biblically by A.J. Jacobs (2/26/12)
Science and Natural History – The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson (4/18/12)
Children’s and Young Adult – The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan (6/27/12)
Social Sciences and Philosophy – This Book is Overdue by Marilyn Johnson (9/1/12)

I had been meaning to read more classics. After reading only classics back in high school, I haven't really gotten around to any for a few years. This was my chance. My favorite read from this challenge was The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (a once very few years reread for me, but still awesome). I'm joining this one again next year.

19th Century – The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (8/6/12)
20th Century – The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1/26/12)
Reread Classic – Persuasion by Jane Austen (10/3/12)
Classic Play – The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde (8/29/12)
Classic Mystery/Horror/Crime – The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (4/26/12)
Classic Romance – Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (8/23/12)
Translated Classic – Arthurian Romances by Chretien de Troyes (12/3/12)
Classic Award Winner – A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (11/21/12)
International Classic – Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson (11/16/12)

An odd challenge for me. I struggled to find books that I was already going to read to fit the topics. Once I did I really loved my choices. My favorite read was The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman, part of His Dark Materials trilogy.

Topographical Feature – The Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristin McMorris (12/2/12)
Something in the Sky – Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (1/13/12)
Creepy Crawly – You are So Undead to Me by Stacey Jay (2/27/12)
Type of House – Palace Circle by Rebecca Dean (3/8/12)
Something from Your Pocket – The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman (8/16/12)
Something on a Calendar – The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott by Kelly O’Connor McNees (12/1/12)

I always love reading books and then see the movie. It's even better when I have read the book before seeing the movie, but sometimes it just doesn't work out that way. My favorite combo was Do Androids... and Blade Runner. While the movie doesn't exactly follow the books it does have the same feel. Loved them!

Something Borrowed (Emily Giffin) (5/22/12)
Blade Runner (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep — Philip K. Dick) (11/27/12)
The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins) (1/11/12)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Shakespeare) (1/27/12)
Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare) (8/28/12)
The Dark Compass (Philip Pullman) (8/12/12)
Richard III (Shakespeare) (8/28/12)
Persuasion (Jane Austen) (10/3/12)
Dorian Gray (The Picture of Dorian Gray — Oscar Wilde) (4/26/12)
Beastly (Alex Flinn) (4/15/12)
Kick-Ass (Mark Millar and John Romita Jr) (5/23/12)
Starship Troopers (Robert Heinlein) (6/1/12)
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter (Seth Grahame-Smith) (5/25/12)
The Wizard of Oz (L. Frank Baum) (8/6/12)
Tin Man (The Wizard of Oz – L. Frank Baum) (8/6/12)
Northanger Abbey (Jane Austen) (8/23/12)
The Importance of Being Earnest (Oscar Wilde) (8/29/12)
Twelfth Night (Shakespeare) (9/1/12)
Ran (King Lear – Shakespeare) (9/4/12)
Jane Eyre (Charlotte Bronte) (11/8/12)

J has been trying to get me to read more science fiction for years now. And I finally warming up to the genre, although I tend to go for softer scifi. My favorite read was Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein.

The Martian Chronicles — Ray Bradbury (11/23/12)
Snow Crash — Neal Stephenson (10/30/12)
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? – Philip K. Dick (11/27/12)
Stranger in a Strange Land – Robert Heinlein (1/8/12)
Starship Troopers — Robert Heinlein (6/1/12)

I super hard challenge to finish. I think I just picked a ton of mediocre books and it made it really difficult to finish. As it stands, I want to try to again next year, but with only 5 reads and hopefully better books. From this year, my favorite read was The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale.

The Goose Girl — Shannon Hale (11/7/12)
Mythology — Edith Hamilton (11/27/12)
Beauty — Robin McKinley (6/5/12)
Beastly — Alex Flinn (4/15/12)
The Frog Prince — Stephen Mitchell (5/14/12)
Sirena — Donna Jo Napoli (6/1/12)
Adrianna’s Fairy Tales by Adrianna White (7/5/12)
The Princess and the Hound — Mette Ivie Harrison (10/22/12)
The Princess and the Bear — Mette Ivie Harrison (10/24/12)
Flower Fables — Louisa May Alcott (11/16/12)

This was quite an interesting challenge. Out of the 12 we read, I had already read only four. So I got a ton more Shakespeare. My favorite is still A Midsummer Night's Dream, followed closely by Much Ado About Nothing.

January – A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1/27/12)
February – Macbeth (2/22/12)
March – Henry V (3/25/12)
April – Much Ado About Nothing (8/28/12)
May – Antony and Cleopatra (8/30/12)
June – Richard III (8/28/12)
July – As You Like It (11/18/12)
August – King Lear (9/4/12)
September – Cymbeline (11/19/12)
October – Twelfth Night (9/1/12)
November – Othello (11/19/12)
December – Pericles (11/19/12)

I adore zombies! Reading 24 zombie books was not difficult, but picking my favorite definitely is. I think I will have to choose the Newsflesh trilogy (Feed, Deadline, and Blackout), but only if you make me choose.

You are So Undead to Me — Stacey Jay (2/27/12)
Undead Much — Stacey Jay (2/29/12)
Allison Hewitt is Trapped — Madeleine Roux (4/26/12)
Night of the Necromancer — Kyle West (2/3/12)
Feed — Mira Grant (10/8/12)
Deadline — Mira Grant (10/14/12)
Blackout — Mira Grant (10/17/12)
Zombie Blondes — Brian James (2/4/12)
Sadie Walker is Stranded — Madeleine Roux (10/2/12)
The Dark and Hollow Places — Carrie Ryan (1/8/12)
The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks — Max Brooks (1/7/12)
Brains: A Zombie Memoir – Robin Becker (1/9/12)
Autumn: Purification – David Moody (1/24/12)
Autumn: Disintegration – David Moody (1/27/12)
The Stupidest Angel – Christopher Moore (2/11/12)
Rise Again — Ben Tripp (3/15/12)
The First Days — Rhiannon Frater (10/4/12)
As the World Dies — Rhiannon Frater (10/5/12)
Siege — Rhiannon Frater (10/6/12)
Eat, Slay, Love — Jesse Petersen (3/16/12)
Aftertime — Sophie Littlefield (4/5/12)
Hater — David Moody (7/19/12)
Dog Blood — David Moody (7/25/12)
Them or Us — David Moody (7/28/12)

This was a great chance to reread all seven HP books and rewatch the movies. I haven't read these in a few years, so lots of great fun.

HP and the Sorcerer’s Stone (1/7/12)
HP and the Chamber of Secrets (2/22/12)
HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban (3/29/12)
HP and the Goblet of Fire (5/13/12)
HP and the Order of the Phoenix (5/29/12)
HP and the Half-Blood Prince (6/22/12)
HP and the Deathly Hallows (9/28/12)

This was one of the easier challenges to complete. I turn to romance novels when I need a break from the heavy. I love predictable romances. My favorites were the 2nd and 3rd books of the Tudor Rose trilogy (The Maiden's Hand and At the Queen's Summons).

At the Queen’s Summons — Susan Wiggs (9/11/12)
Regency Romance (3/23/12)
A Lady Never Tells — Candace Camp (1/23/12)
A Gentleman Always Remembers – Candace Camp (2/7/12)
An Affair Without End – Candace Camp (2/10/11)
Definitely Not Mr. Darcy — Karen Doornebos (4/12/12)
Intentions of the Earl — Rose Gordon (6/29/12)
Twelfth Night (anthology) (7/11/12)
Carole’s Christmas by Anne Glynn (7/11/12)
The Maiden’s Hand by Susan Wiggs (9/8/12)

This was my own challenge. I started reading the Fables series in 2011 and fell completely in love with it. My goal this year was to finish the back catalog. Next year I'm definitely going to finish catching up with the published titles. My favorite was definitely Vol. 14 Wtiches. Amazing read!

Vol. 14 Witches (1/6/12)
Vol. 15 Rose Red (1/10/12)
Vol. 16 Super Group (2/2/12)
JF: Vol. 9 The End (1/6/12)
Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love (9/2/12)

Another easy challenge for me. My favorite was The Hunger Games trilogy, but I also really loved Anna Dressed in Blood.

The Hunger Games — Suzanne Collins(1/11/12)
Catching Fire — Suzanne Collins (1/12/12)
Mockingjay — Suzanne Collins (1/13/12)
A Great and Terrible Beauty — Libba Bray (5/15/12)
Rebel Angels — Libba Bray (7/6/12)
The Sweet Far Thing — Libba Bray (7/12/12)
The Golden Compass — Philip Pullman (8/12/12)
The View from Saturday — E.L. Konigsburg (4/20/12)
Anna Dressed in Blood –Kendare Blake (6/5/12)
Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher — Bruce Coville (7/7/12)
Ashfall — Mike Mullin (7/30/12)
Ashen Winter — Mike Mullin (8/2/12)

I also do love vampires. This challenge was dominated by my reading of the Vampire Academy series, but it was a good one. For my favorite, it was easily Sunshine by Robin McKinley. That one is going into my reread pile.

American Vampire — Jennifer Armintrout (2/2/12)
The Radleys — Matt Haig (4/27/12)
Sunshine — Robin McKinley (2/17/12)
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter — Seth Grahame-Smith (5/25/12)
Vampire Academy — Richelle Mead (6/11/12)
Frostbite — Richelle Mead (6/22/12)
Shadow Kiss — Richelle Mead (6/27/12)
Blood Promise — Richelle Mead (7/14/12)
Spirit Bound — Richelle Mead (7/15/12)
Last Sacrifice — Richelle Mead (7/19/12)

With J's influence, I really got into some comics this year. While I stay away from the big Marvel vs. DC debate, I found some great titles out there. My favorite was the first five volumes of The Sandman series. I will be finishing that series next year with my Neil Gaiman RC.

Hatter M Vol. 1 (1/15/12)
Hatter M Vol. 2 (1/17/12
Hatter M Vol. 3 (1/18/12)
The Boys: The Big Ride (1/8/12)
The Walking Dead Book 4 (4/22/12)
Manga Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1/27/12)
Doctor Who: Through Time and Space (2/22/12)
The Boys Vol. 10: Butcher, Baker, Candlestickmaker (6/7/12)
Doctor Who: The Forgotten (3/26/12)
Wonderland by Tommy Kovac and Sonny Liew (5/23/12)
Kick-Ass by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. (5/23/12)
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century 1910 (5/30/12)
The Sandman: Volume 1 Preludes and Nocturnes (6/4/12)
The Sandman: Volume 2 The Doll’s House (6/6/12)
The Boys Vol. 11: Over the Hill with the Swords of a Thousand Men (6/12/12)
The Sandman: Volume 3 Dream Country (6/30/12)
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood (7/2/12)
The Sandman: Volume 4 Season of Mists (7/2/12)
Persepolis: The Story of a Return (7/4/12)
The Sandman: Volume 5 A Game of You (7/5/12)

Easy peasy. Although next year, I am putting myself on a library ban for at least the first four months (except for my book club selections).

Jack of Fables: The End(1/6/12)
Fables: Witches (1/6/12)
The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan (1/8/12)
The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks by Max Brooks (1/7/12)
Brains: A Zombie Memoir by Robin Becker (1/9/12)
Fables: Rose Red (1/10/12)
Autumn: Purification by David Moody (1/24/12)
Autumn: Disintegration by David Moody (1/27/12)
Undead Much by Stacey Jay (2/29/12)
The Stupidest Angel by Christopher Moore (2/11/12)
Rise Again by Ben Tripp (3/15/12)
You are So Undead to Me by Stacey Jay (2/27/12)
Manga Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1/27/12)
Fables: Supre Group (2/2/12)
Doctor Who: Through Time and Space (2/22/12)
Macbeth by Shakespeare (2/22/12)
Aftertime by Sophie Littlefield (4/5/12)
Eat, Slay, Love by Jesse Petersen (3/16/12)
Doctor Who: The Forgotten (3/26/12)
Everneath by Brodie Ashton (4/1/12)
Definitely Not Mr. Darcy by Karen Doornebos (4/12/12)
The Walking Dead: Book Four (4/22/12)
Bad Doings and Big Ideas by Bill Willingham (4/23/12)
The Frog Prince by Stephen Mitchell (5/14/12)
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (5/17/12)
Wonderland by Tommy Kovac and Sonny Liew (5/23/12)
Kick-Ass by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr. (5/23/12)
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century 1910 (5/30/12)
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead (6/11/12)
Sirena by Donna Jo Napoli (6/1/12)
Beauty by Robin McKinley (6/5/12)
The Sandman Volume 1 Preludes and Nocturnes (6/4/12)
The Sandman Volume 2 The Doll’s House (6/6/12)
Frostbite by Richelle Mead (6/22/12)
Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead (6/27/12)
The Sandman Volume 3 Dream Country (6/30/12)
The Sandman Volume Season of Mists (7/2/12)

Another fairly easy challenge. Although those Es gave me some difficulty.

T – Rise Again by Ben Tripp (3/15/12)
O – The Boys Vol. 11: Over the Hill with the Swords of a Thousand Men (6/12/12)
B – The Zombie Surivival Guide: Recorded Attacks by Max Brooks (1/7/12)
E – Jack of Fables: The End (1/6/12)
F – The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1/26/12)
R – HP and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling (1/7/12)
A – Autumn: Purification by David Moody (1/24/12)
N – Night of the Necromancer by Kyle West (2/3/12)
C – The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (1/11/12)
E – Evermore by Alyson Noel (3/2/12)
S – Harry Potter Film Wizardry by Brian Sibley (1/29/12)
B – The Boys: The Big Ride (1/8/12)
U – Undead Much by Stacey Jay (2/29/12)
F – Doctor Who: The Forgotten (2/26/12)
F – Beastly by Alex Flinn (4/15/12)
E – Eat, Slay, Love by Jesse Petersen (3/16/12)
N – Blue Moon by Alyson Noel (3/4/12)
B – Brains: A Zombie Memoir by Robin Becker (1/9/12)
A – Autumn: Disintegration by David Moody (1/27/12)
R – The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan (1/8/12)
G – The Magicians by Lev Grossman (1/21/12)
E – Everneath by Brodie Ashton (4/1/12)
R – Fables: Rose Red (1/10/12)

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Title: Last Sacrifice (Vampire Academy #6)

Author: Richelle Mead

Publisher: Razor Bill 2011

Genre: YA Vampires

Pages: 608

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires

How I Got It: Library Loan

Last Sacrifice is the sixth book in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. It is the last book in the original storyline, but Mead will continue writing more Vampire Academy books in a spinoff series. Lead character and dhampir, Rosemarie Hathaway, is locked in Moroi jail after being framed in the cold-blooded murder of the Moroi Queen. The punishment for this crime is immediate execution. At the same time, she is faced with the challenge of somehow locating Princess Vasilisa Dragomir's lone remaining relative, her secretly existing illegitimate sibling. Murder. Love. Jealousy. And the ultimate sacrifice. Now, with Rose on trial for her life and Lissa in line for the Royal Throne, nothing will ever be the same between them.

The last volume in this series did not fail to keep me attached. The previous five books left a ton of loose threads out there. Thankfully we get some conclusions. But not everything is wrapped up in a little bow. And I must say I prefer this type of ending. I can't stand the "happily-ever-after" bullshit endings. This seems more real. Beyond the ending, I do say that I really loved the characters in this book. Lissa, not my favorite at all, became bearable in this volume. Adrian and Christian are amazing as usual. And while Rose become a bit annoying in the fifth book, she cleaned back up for this one. Plus we got to see more of Eddie (under used character) and Janine and Abe and Mikhail. I finished the series, but have no desire to leave the world. That is a sign that I really did enjoy the series. Thankfully, Mead has written a spin-off series. I must check it out.

Vampire Academy

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Title: Spirit Bound (Vampire Academy #5)

Author: Richelle Mead

Publisher: Razor Bill 2010

Genre: YA Vampires

Pages: 490

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires

How I Got It: Library Loan

After a long and heartbreaking journey to Dimitri's birthplace in Siberia, Rose Hathaway has finally returned to St. Vladimir's-and to her best friend, Lissa. It is nearly graduation, and the girls can't wait for their real lives beyond the Academy's iron gates to begin. But Rose's heart still aches for Dimitri, and she knows he's out there, somewhere.
She failed to kill him when she had the chance. And now her worst fears are about to come true. Dimitri has tasted her blood, and now he is hunting her. And this time he won't rest until Rose joins him... forever.

Such twists and turns. I really really really like this series. And I don't care what anyone says, this isn't like Twilight at all. Rose is a strong character. Bella was just weak willed. Comparisons aside, I was on the edge of my seat the entire book. Just when I thought everything was fixed, another incident blew up Rose's world. At this point, I am really concerned for Rose and her future (especially with the last few chapters). I am excited about her future with Adrian, even if I loved Dmitri. This is a love triangle I can get behind. With all the loose ends, I hope the last book gives us some answers.

Vampire Academy

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Title: Blood Promise (Vampire Academy #4)

Author: Richelle Mead

Publisher: Razor Bill 2010

Genre: YA Vampires

Pages: 512

Rating: 5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires

How I Got It: Library Loan

The recent Strigoi attack at St. Vladimir’s Academy was the deadliest ever in the school’s history, claiming the lives of Moroi students, teachers, and guardians alike. Even worse, the Strigoi took some of their victims with them . . . including Dimitri.He’d rather die than be one of them, and now Rose must abandon her best friend, Lissa—the one she has sworn to protect no matter what—and keep the promise Dimitri begged her to make long ago. But with everything at stake, how can she possibly destroy the person she loves most?

This volume was a nice change a pace. We got out of St. Vladmir's and into new foreign territory. We also got to meet some new people (good and bad). This book has renewed my interest in the series. For the first 1/3 of the book, I was wavering about my commitment to reading the series. But things quickly become interest and I reinvested. I've decided that Lissa is growing on me, Adrian is really growing on me, and we need to see more of Christian. On to book five...

Vampire Academy

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Title: Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy #3)

Author: Richelle Mead

Publisher: Razor Bill 2008

Genre: YA Vampires

Pages: 443

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires; Support Your Local Library

How I Got It: Library Loan

Shadow Kiss continues the story of the main character, Rose Hathaway and her education in becoming a Guardian. Rose knows it is forbidden to love another guardian. Her best friend Lissa- the last Dragomir princess- must always come first. Unfortunately, when it comes to gorgeous tutor Dimitri Belikov, some rules are meant to be broken... Including school rules and the law when she takes her romance with Dimitri to the next step... love. Then a strange darkness begins to grow in Rose's mind and ghostly shadows warn of a terrible evil drawing nearer to the Academy's iron gates. The immortal undead are closing in, and they want vengeance for the lives Rose has stolen

Another solid volume in this young adult paranormal series. This isn't the best series I've ever read, but it's definitely enjoyable and a quick read. I find myself getting more and more wrapped up in Rose's life. I can't wait to see what happens next. What will she do about the whole Dmitri situation? What about her future as Lissa's guardian? Will she follow duty or her heart? Twists and turns...

Vampire Academy

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Title: Frostbite (Vampire Academy #2)

Author: Richelle Mead

Publisher: Razor Bill 2008

Genre: YA Vampires

Pages: 327

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires; Support Your Local Library; A to Z -- F

How I Got It: Library Loan

Rose loves Dimitri, Dimitri might love Tasha, and Mason would die to be with Rose…It’s winter break at St. Vladimir’s, but Rose is feeling anything but festive. A massive Strigoi attack has put the school on high alert, and now the Academy’s crawling with Guardians—including Rose’s hard-hitting mother, Janine Hathaway. And if handto- hand combat with her mom wasn’t bad enough, Rose’s tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason’s got a huge crush on her, and Rose keeps getting stuck in Lissa’s head while she’s making out with her boyfriend, Christian! The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy’s not taking any risks.... This year, St. Vlad’s annual holiday ski trip is mandatory.
But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only create the illusion of safety. When three friends run away in an offensive move against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. But heroism rarely comes without a price…

I still really like Rose and Christian is amazing. But I am getting more and more ambivalent towards Lissa. She's just a wet blanket of a character. Thankfully this volume focused more on Rose and her relationships with others (Dimitri, her mother!, Tasha, Christian, and Mason). I loved seeing her interact with those other people. I even loved the inclusion of Mia to that list. She was an absolute bitch in the first book, but now we see where she's coming from. I think she's a great counterpart to Rose. And Adrian was an interesting addition. To me this series is really about the characters. The supernatural elements some second. And I love that! Even Rose's occasional immature behavior is okay. She's growing like real people should. I don't expect her to be perfect; her flaws are what make her interesting. This is one young adult series that has me hooked. And all those comparisons to Twilight are just ugh! It's not the same at all. I can't wait to see what happens next...

Vampire Academy

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Title: Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1)

Author: Richelle Mead

Publisher: Razor Bill 2007

Genre: YA Vampires

Pages: 332

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires; Support Your Local Library

How I Got It: Library Loan

St. Vladimir's Academy isn't just any boarding school–it's a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They've been on the run, but now they're being dragged back to St. Vladimir's–the very place where they're most in danger. Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy's ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi–the world's fiercest and most dangerous vampires–make Lissa one of them forever.

I've been meaning to start this series for awhile. I had heard good things and it didn't disappoint. I don't know why it took me so long to read this book once I started, but I finally got through it.

I love the main character, Rose. She's tough, outspoken, loyal, and intelligent. I loved her comebacks and each time she stood up to some bully at the academy. On the other hand, I wasn't a huge fan of Lissa, at least until the end. Throughout most of the book she is the fragile Moroi princess and I just couldn't get why she was so wonderful. When she grew a backbone I started to come around to her. I think my favorite character in the book was Christian. Very interesting side character that obviously knows more than Rose or Lissa thinks. I can't wait to see what happens between him and Lissa. And Dmitri is obviously some awesome eye candy.

The story is interesting. Not really new or different, but a good solid story. The first book ends on a cliffhanger, but not a "I want to rip my hair out" cliffhanger. I'm okay with the ending, but I can't wait to pick up the next series. I hope it stays strong throughout.

Vampire Academy

Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

Title: Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter

Author: Seth Grahame-Smith

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing 2011

Genre: Paranormal; Alternative history?

Pages: 336

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampire; Support Your Library loan; Book2Movie

How I Got It: Library Loan

While Abraham Lincoln is widely lauded for saving a Union and freeing millions of slaves, his valiant fight against the forces of the undead has remained in the shadows for hundreds of years. That is, until Seth Grahame-Smith stumbled upon The Secret Journal of Abraham Lincoln, and became the first living person to lay eyes on it in more than 140 years.
Using the journal as his guide and writing in the grand biographical style of Doris Kearns Goodwin and David McCullough, Seth has reconstructed the true life story of our greatest president for the first time-all while revealing the hidden history behind the Civil War and uncovering the role vampires played in the birth, growth, and near-death of our nation.

I love these mixes of history and fantasy. I think I've found my second favorite genre (after zombies, of course). This book reads like a historical biography. Except in this case, Smith added the elements of vampires throughout the history of Lincoln's life. If I didn't know any better, I would think this was nonfiction. Every addition feels unnatural. I loved the pacing, breaking his life into "boy, vampire hunter, and president." Through it we get a sense of Lincoln (even if half of it is make believe). I've never been a huge fan of Lincoln's; I prefer the Roosevelts and Jefferson. But this book made me a fan. I heartedly recommend!

Movie Review:

I finally got around to seeing the movie. A was pretty disappointed. While the book has a gravity, the movie makes it too cheesy, too modern. That ridiculous fight scene among the horses was almost too much to watch. But I will admit that I loved the scene in the plantation. It was a very modern fight scene done well. The character of Will was a great role. I loved the inclusion. I was very upset that the movie excluded so much from the book. We only got to see Abraham's struggle at the end, after the Civil War started. Random note: How amazing was Alan Tudyk as Stephen Douglas! An uncredited role, but so great.

The Radleys by Matt Haig

Title: The Radleys

Author: Matt Haig

Publisher: Free Press 2011

Genre: Vampires

Pages: 400

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires; Mount TBR

Just about everyone knows a family like the Radleys. Many of us grew up next door to one. They are a modern family, averagely content, averagely dysfunctional, living in a staid and quiet suburban English town. Peter is an overworked doctor whose wife, Helen, has become increasingly remote and uncommunicative. Rowan, their teenage son, is being bullied at school, and their anemic daughter, Clara, has recently become a vegan. They are typical, that is, save for one devastating exception: Peter and Helen are vampires and have—for seventeen years—been abstaining by choice from a life of chasing blood in the hope that their children could live normal lives.

Such a moody vampire story. In many ways, it is a coming of age story. It just happens that the people involved are vampires. I loved seeing the story from the vampire perspective. What would happen if you were a vampire, but didn't know it? What happened when you found out? How would you react? I especially loved Rowan. In many ways, he's the traditional romantic style vampire, but doesn't know it. This book is a refreshing change form the Twilight style vampire story. BTW the author questions at the back reveal that Matt Haig sees Robert Downey Jr. as Matt Radley. Delicious choice! I would love to see this book turned into a movie.

Sunshine by Robin McKinley

Title: Sunshine

Author: Robin McKinley

Publisher: Speak 2010

Genre: Vampire

Pages: 416

Rating: 5/ 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampire; Mount TBR

How I Got It: I own it!

There hadn't been any trouble out at the lake in years. Sunshine just needed a spot where she could be alone with her thoughts for a minute. But then the vampires found her . . . Now, chained and imprisoned in a once-beautiful decaying mansion, alone but for the vampire, Constantine, shackled next to her, Sunshine realizes that she must call on her own hidden strength if she is to survive. But Constantine is not what she expected of a vampire, and soon Sunshine discovers that it is he who needs her, more than either of them know. Originally published as an adult novel, but now in YA for the first time, Sunshine is an alluring and captivating vampire story - one that will ensnare fans of paranormals everywhere.

This novel.... um wow! The one word that kept popping into my head throughout: Atmosphere. I haven't read any book lately that evoked such atmosphere. I loved it! McKinley puts us right inside of Sunshine's head. We connect with her right away. We remember past events, but always at the right time. We feel every emotion she's feeling. I especially loved the times when she was confused. We were confused right there with her. The writing was confused, but yet still readable. We see the world through Sunshine's eyes. Overall the effect is quite brilliant.

It took me awhile to get through this book; not because I was struggling to stay interested, but quite the opposite. I was so connected with the story and characters that I didn't want it to end. I was scared at what we might find out. Don't worry everything worked out in the end... well in a way. This book has made me add McKinley to my authors to explore. I have a feeling this might end up on my Top 10 Books of 2012 list.

American Vampire by Jennifer Armintrout

Title: American Vampire

Author: Jennifer Armintrout

Publisher: Mira 2011

Genre: Vampires

Pages: 336

Rating: 4/ 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires; A to Z -- A; Mount TBR

How I Got It: I own it!

Buried in the Heartland is a town that no one enters or leaves. Graf McDonald somehow becomes its first visitor in more than five years…and he was only looking for a good party. Unfortunately, Penance, Ohio, is not that place. And after having been isolated for so long, they do not like strangers at all.
Jessa's the only one to even remotely trust him, and she's desperate for the kind of protection that only a vampire like Graf can provide. Supplies are low, the locals are ornery for a sacrifice and there's a monster more powerful than Graf lurking in the woods. New men are hard to come by in this lonesome town, and this handsome stranger might be Jessa's only hope for salvation.

Every once in a while I enjoy a good book of romance fluff. It's a great change of pace from deeper, more complex books. I am now going to add a variation to the romance fluff--the paranormal fluff. This book was a fun, fast-paced, slightly scary, paranormal fluff book. And that's okay. It's not anything I would rave about and force others to read, but it was an entertaining book.

Graf was great as a more traditional (*not sparkly*) vampire. He was tough in all the right places. It took him a really long time to stop looking at Jessa as food, although he never thought of the others as anything else. He was a vampire... and I really adored him. Jessa was much harder to like, but that was kind of the point. She wasn't an angel. She wasn't a damsel. She was just a young woman with a past. I appreciated that Armintrout didn't have her fall in love with Graf on the spot. Those stories to be a bit boring. This took some time.

The story was fun, a bit scary, and definitely high-paced. I saw most of the twists and turns coming, but that didn't make them any less fun. It was a quick, but satisfying read. I'm adding Armintrout to my list of authors to check out.

2012 Vampire Reading Challenge

Rules:
Starts January 1, 2012 and ends December 31, 2012
Anyone can join
You don’t have to have a blog to participate.
Non-Bloggers feel free to share your list of books in the comment section of the monthly link up post.
Reviews though not required are always nice.
Audio, E-books, Bound and re-reads all count
There is no need to come up with your list of books in advance.
Challenge crossovers ok
Create a sign up post and link up in the linky below.
Levels:
Level 1 – Read 1-5 Vampire Novels Level 2 – Read 6-10 Vampire Novels Level 3 – Read 11-20 Vampire Novels Level 4 – Read 21+ Vampire Novels

I am going for Level 2: 10 books. My tentative TBR list:

Halfway to the Grave -- Jeaniene Frost (Night Huntress #1) (2007)
One Foot in the Grave -- Jeaniene Frost (Night Huntress #2) (2008)
At Grave's End -- Jeaniene Frost (Night Huntress #3) (2008)
Destined for an Early Grave -- Jeaniene Frost (Night Huntress #4) (2009)
This Side of the Grave -- Jeaniene Frost (Night Huntress #5) (2011)
One Grave at a Time -- Jeaniene Frost (Night Huntress #6) (2011)
American Vampire -- Jennifer Armintrout (2011)
The Passage -- Justin Cronin (2011)
The Radleys -- Matt Haig (2011)
Sunshine -- Robin McKinley (2010)
Haunted by Your Touch -- Jeaniene Frost (2010)

Night World Vol. 2 by L.J. Smith

Title: Night World Vol. 2 (Dark Angel, The Chosen, Soulmate)

Author: L.J. Smith

Publisher: Simon Pulse 2008

Genre: Vampires

Pages: 688

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires

How I Got It: I own it!

Vampires, werewolves, witches, shapeshifters -- they live among us without our knowledge. Night World is their secret society, a secret society with very strict rules. And falling in love breaks all the laws of the Night World.In Dark Angel, Gillian is saved from drowning by her guardian angel. Only visible to Gillian, Angel will fulfill her heart's every desire. But when Angel starts making strange and sinister requests, Gillian must question who he truly is and where he came from.
Armed with a wooden stake, martial arts, and the will to resist a vampire's mind control, Rashel struggles to avenge her mother's death in The Chosen. Then she meets Quinn, her soulmate, who is part of the world she has vowed to destroy.
Hannah receives notes warning her of incredible danger in Soulmate. But if death is her destiny, is the Lord of the Night World's love strong enough to save her?

I have a confession to make: I didn't actually finish this book. I read the first two stories, but then I got upset and stopped reading the book. Let's discuss the first two stories and then I will get the issue that stopped me reading.

Dark Angel -- I liked how this story started. I liked Gillian and her radical change. I also liked Angel. His character was very interesting. You start thinking he's the best thing that's ever happened to Gillian. But then little things started happening. And you start thinking that there's something wrong with this whole story. I liked the story. And then we find out that Gillian's soulmate is David and the ending felt way too formulaic and a cop-out. On to the next story...

The Chosen -- Right away, this story struck me as wrong. The beginning flashback of how Rashel became Rashel the vampire hunter was so clichéd. I knew that the vampire that killed her mother would come back and guess what... he did. Of course. And then she met Quinn and of course they're soulmates. It just seemed so clichéd. I finished the story, but that was it.

So my problem with the Night World stories... soulmates. In the first volume, we are told that people finding their soulmates is incredibly weird. Very rarely do people find each other. And yet, in every story in the volumes, characters find their soulmate. And the soulmate is always from the wrong world. One human, one Night World. Therefore, I am done with this series. I can't keep the formula going. So I'm done and moving on to something else.

Night World

Volume 1: Secret Vampire/Daughters of Darkness/Spellbinder
Volume 2: Dark Angel/Chosen/Soulmate
Volume 3: Huntress/Black Dawn/Witchlight

Vampire Challenge Finished!

I started out strong at this reading challenge and then I hit a delay. Finally, I got back into the challenge and finished it out. I think this is one that I will be repeating next year. Maybe not 20 books, but more than 10. Overall I read some so-so books for this challenge. I really need to dig up some great vampire novels for next year.

A Girl’s Guide to Vampires — Katie MacAlister (1/11/11)
Bloodsucking Fiends — Christopher Moore (1/19/11)
You Suck — Christopher Moore (1/20/11)
Bite Me — Christopher Moore (1/24/11)
Bespelling Jane — Mary Balogh (2/1/11)
“Unleashed” from Cupid Cats – Katie MacAlister (2/16/11)
Twilight: The Graphic Novel – Stephenie Meyer (2/28/11)
The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner – Stephenie Meyer (2/28/11)
Sex and the Single Vampire – Katie MacAlister (3/7/11)
Blue Bloods – Melissa de la Cruz (3/11/11)
Masquerade (Blue Bloods novel) Melissa de la Cruz (3/13/11)
Revelations (Blue Bloods novel) – Melissa de la Cruz (3/14/11)
The Van Alen Legacy (Blue Bloods novel) – Melissa de la Cruz (3/15/11)
Keys to the Repository (Blue Bloods novel) – Melissa de la Cruz (3/16/11)
Misguided Angel (Blue Bloods novel) – Melissa de la Cruz (3/24/11)
Bloody Valentine (Blue Bloods novel) – Melissa de la Cruz (3/25/11)
Little Vampire Women – Louisa May Alcott and Lynn Messina
Hunger – Barbara J. Hancock
The Eternal Kiss: 13 Vampire Tales of Blood and Desire (8/21/11)
Night World Vol. 1 – L.J. Smith (10/23/11)
Night World Vol. 2 – L.J. Smith (10/26/11)
Night World Vol. 3 – L.J. Smith
Accidentally Dead – Dakota Cassidy (10/8/11)

Night World Vol. 1 by L.J. Smith

Title: Night World Vol. 1 (Secret Vampire, Daughters of Darkness, Spellbinder)

Author: L.J. Smith

Publisher: Simon Pulse 2008

Genre: Vampires

Pages: 752

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Vampires; 2011 - Show It Who's Boss

How I Got It: I own it!

Vampires, werewolves, witches, shapeshifters -- they live among us without our knowledge. Night World is their secret society, a secret society with very strict rules. And falling in love breaks all the laws of the Night World.
In Secret Vampire, Poppy thought the summer would last forever. Then she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Now Poppy's only hope for survival is James, her friend and secret love. A vampire in the Night World, James can make Poppy immortal. But first they both must risk everything to go against the laws of Night World.
Fugitives from Night World, three vampire sisters leave their isolated home to live among humans in Daughters of Darkness. Their brother, Ash, is sent to bring the girls back, but he falls in love with their beautiful friend.
Two witch cousins fight over their high school crush. It's a battle between black magic and white magic in Spellbinder.

I was a bit hesitant going into this series. I love the Twilight saga, but am a bit done with the sparkly vampires genre. Thankfully this series is a bit more series vampires than sparkly vampires. This definitely reminded me of L.J. Smith's other series The Vampire Diaries. Now I wasn't a huge fan of that series. Amazingly enough, I love the television series better than the book series. I was happily surprised by this series.

Secret Vampire -- A good classic boys meets girl story although this boy is a vampire and this girl is dying. I loved the characters of James and Phillip. They were likable and believable. I thought that at times Poppy was incredibly childish acting. Especially so when we compare her to her brother's behavior. It made me wonder about the difference in maturity levels between her and James. Thankfully she did seem to grow up at the story progressed. The timeline was just a bit rushed for my tastes.

Daughters of Darkness -- Definitely my favorite from this volume. I love the reintroduction of bad boy Ash. We see him as the lethal vampire in Secret Vampire, and here we get to see his true nature. I also loved the interactions between Ash and his sisters. They were a treat, especially Kestrel. I hope to read more about her in future volumes. My problem with this story lies in the ending. It's just so unbelievable. I thought that soulmates would do anything to be together. Instead, Mary-Lynnette is content to let Ash leave and when he says he'll come back next year, she's completely noncomittal. Doesn't sound like a true love...

Spellbinder -- I always love a good story involving witches. And this one was great with supernatural entities, romance, and jealousy. All around I liked the story. My only issue was with Blaise. If I was Thea, I would have gotten seriously pissed at her and left her in the dust. At least in the end she atoned for her crimes against Thea.

Night World

Volume 1: Secret Vampire/Daughters of Darkness/Spellbinder
Volume 2: Dark Angel/Chosen/Soulmate
Volume 3: Huntress/Black Dawn/Witchlight