COVER NEWS - The Flame Never Dies by Rachel Vincent

How pretty is this cover? I love it, and it really fits in with the first book, The Stars Never Rise.

When I first saw the cover for The Stars Never Rise I loved it and this is no different. I'm really looking forward to this one.

Previous covers in the series

The Stars Never Rise by Rachel Vincent

Sixteen-year-old Nina Kane should be worrying about her immortal soul, but she's too busy trying to actually survive. Her town's population has been decimated by soul-consuming demons, and souls are in short supply. Watching over her younger sister, Mellie, and scraping together food and money are all that matters. The two of them are a family. They gave up on their deadbeat mom a long time ago.

When Nina discovers that Mellie is keeping a secret that threatens their very existence, she'll do anything to protect her. Because in New Temperance, sins are prosecuted as crimes by the brutal Church and its army of black-robed exorcists. And Mellie's sin has put her in serious trouble.

To keep them both alive, Nina will need to trust Finn, a fugitive with deep green eyes who has already saved her life once and who might just be an exorcist. But what kind of exorcist wears a hoodie?

Wanted by the Church and hunted by dark forces, Nina knows she can't survive on her own. She needs Finn and his group of rogue friends just as much as they need her.

Loved, loved, LOVED this book. Great start to a (hopefully) new and long series from Rachel Vincent. Vincent created a .... I don't know if it falls under post apocalyptic or dystopian, I'm not good at differentiating between the two although I'm leaning more to post-apocalyptic for this one.

This world, to me, is scary ass because it's run purely by religion and it seems like everything is a sin and the punishments aren't small or insignificant. I mean, these church types burn people on TV for small misdeeds.

This is a world where demons consumed too many souls and now if you want to have a baby, there has to be a soul for it which means either a family member had to be willing to die for the baby or the baby dies. There's a list but I'm unclear about this list at this stage, you have to be lucky enough for a soul to be on the list when the baby is born or the baby dies. Basically, there are no free souls for people because of the demons, they possess people and they consume them slowly until they look like the demon they are inside. The church has exorcists to deal with them but then Nina meets a guy that says he's an exorcist but he certainly doesn't deal with demons the same way the church exorcists do. Nina starts to question everything and therefore must escape the town.

I really can't express my love for this book properly. I'm a huge fan of Rachel Vincent's writings and this new book is no different, I can't wait to read more from this world.


The Book Depository: The Stars Never Rise
Amazon UK: The Stars Never Rise

Lion's Share by Rachel Vincent

Abby Wade has a dangerous secret.

Two months ago, she disobeyed an order, but instead of kicking her out of the Pride, Jace offered her a job. Since then, she's been battling a completely inappropriate crush on the young, hot Alpha. But when accepting his job offer seems like the only way to keep her skeletons safely in their closet, Abby doesn't hesitate.

Jace Hammond has a big problem.

A rogue is slaughtering humans in his territory, and he must eliminate the threat before the entire shifter species is exposed. There could not be a worse time for Abby to accept a job he only offered as a boost to her confidence. Abby is smart, beautiful, and resilient — more than enough to distract any man from the mission. Unfortunately, she may just be the worst enforcer ever to hold the title.

As they hunt the killer, Abby's secret becomes a threat to Jace's authority and to her own life. But the real danger is the grip she has on his twice-shy heart.

OMG! You guys have no idea how excited I was to read this book! This was literally me about this book ...

I really loved the Shifters series and was sad when it finished so when Rachel Vincent announced this new series I was very excited!

This book confirms why Rachel Vincent in one of my favourite authors. She did not disappoint. This book was hugely anticipated (not just by me, I'm sure by all Shifter fans) and she didn't let me down. It was action packed and had already developed and well loved characters so it was easy to just fall into.

I started reading it on lunch at my work and got pissed when I kept having to stop. I got so into it that I actually read some before bed one morning, which is saying a lot since I work 13 hour shifts and only get about 8 hours in the house between shifts so tend to just sleep. So yeah, it takes a fantastic book to get me to give up my between shifts sleeping pattern.

We all know and love Jace but we also get to know and love Abby in her first full length outing. You can tell she's enough like Faythe to cause the council worries but she's also her own person and wants to stay that way. As much as she has feelings for Jace, she also has a huge secret to hide from him as her Alpha so it kinda gets in the way of their relationship becoming anything - well that, and other things.

I'm really struggling to write this purely due to the fact that I loved it and don't have a bad thing to say about it. I'm dying to get the actual paperback version when it comes out and I cannot wait for the next book to see what's next for Abby.

Also this is Rachel's first indie published book so please buy from an actual retailer.


Amazon UK: Lion's Share
Amazon.com: Lion's Share
Amazon.ca: Lion's Share
Smashwords: Lion's Share
Kobo: Lion's Share
Nook UK: Lion's Share
Barnes & Noble: Lion's Share
iTunes: Lion's Share

COVER REVEAL plus GIVEAWAY - Lion's Share by Rachel Vincent

I am delighted to be part of the cover reveal for Lion's Share by Rachel Vincent. I loved the Shifters series and can't wait to read this spin off.

So without futher ado, here be the cover!

Pretty and very different from the Shifters covers, which is obviously good. I can only assume that's Abby and Jace on the cover.

INFO

Lion’s Share by Rachel Vincent
(Wildcats #1)
Publication date: February 23rd 2015
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal

SYNOPSIS

Abby Wade has a dangerous secret.

Two months ago, she disobeyed an order, but instead of kicking her out of the Pride, Jace offered her a job. Since then, she's been battling a completely inappropriate crush on the young, hot Alpha. But when accepting his job offer seems like the only way to keep her skeletons safely in their closet, Abby doesn't hesitate.

Jace Hammond has a big problem.

A rogue is slaughtering humans in his territory, and he must eliminate the threat before the entire shifter species is exposed. There could not be a worse time for Abby to accept a job he only offered as a boost to her confidence. Abby is smart, beautiful, and resilient — more than enough to distract any man from the mission. Unfortunately, she may just be the worst enforcer ever to hold the title.

As they hunt the killer, Abby's secret becomes a threat to Jace's authority and to her own life. But the real danger is the grip she has on his twice-shy heart.


Goodreads

Lion's Share was introduced in the short prequel, Hunt. Originally published as part of the Chicks Kick Butt anthology, Hunt is also available to purchase separately on Amazon - Hunt.
Pre-order Lion's Share from Amazon. Unfortunately only the kindle is up for pre-order just now but I'll be keeping an eye out for the paperback.

Rachel Vincent is the author of the Shifters series and the Unbound series for adults, as well as the Soul Screamers series for teens.

Rachel's next young adult book is THE STARS NEVER RISE, coming from Delacorte in June of 2015, and her new series for adults will debut with MENAGERIE, coming from Mira books in the fall of 2015

Rachel Vincent is a former English teacher and an eager champion of the Oxford comma. She shares her home in Oklahoma with two cats, two teenagers, and her husband, who's been her # 1 fan from the start. Rachel is older than she looks and younger than she feels, and she remains convinced that writing about the things that scare her is the cheapest form of therapy--but social media is a close second.


Rachel Vincent's website
Rachel Vincent's Facebook
Rachel Vincent's Twitter
Rachel Vincent's Goodreads

Rachel, being such a lovely author, is hosting a giveaway to celebrate the cover reveal, so feel free to enter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway



This reveal was organised by Xpresso Book Tours

With All My Soul by Rachel Vincent

Kaylee Cavanaugh's taking her final stand!

After spending the last year undead, Kaylee has had enough of the paranormal creatures who have plagued her ever since she came into her banshee powers. Now she's ready to take her school back from the evil hellions, once and forever.

To protect her friends, Kaylee will need to find a way to turn her living incarnations of Avarice, Envy and Vanity against one another.

Yet when one more person close to her is taken, Kaylee realises she can't save everyone she loves without making some powerful sacrifices ...

Kaylee is sick of the constant death threats (and deaths) in her circle of friends and family. She decides it's time to end it all and comes up with a plan to finish the war with the hellions (well, mostly one in particular) once and for all. But then it gets taken out of her control when Avari decides to up the stakes.

Yet another one of my favourite series has ended. This saddens me so much - I like Tod and Sabine, and to a slightly lesser extent Kaylee, Sophie & Emma/(Emily). This book really finishes the series off with a bang.

There's happiness, there's tears, there's heartbreak, there's trauma. But most importantly, there's a kick ass story with some awesome characters that I will truly miss. I like the revelation about Kaylee & Tod's relationship (no spoilers from me but it's a good'un) and also seeing how Nash & Sabine's relationship is growing and changing - even though Nash is still a bit of a knob about Kaylee & Tod. And even though the ending of the book means the ending of the series, I really enjoyed it.


Book Depository: With All My Soul
Amazon UK: With All My Soul

Answers and Winner for 300th Blog Post Contest

The winner of the contest is Danielle!

I'll list the answers below and Danielle can send me her top choices so I can get them ordered.

1. I eyeballed the freezer, trying to decide what to cook for dinner that night.

2. "Bronwyn Alessia St.Vincent Clare!"

3. I have to.

4. The moment the door opened I knew an ass-kicking was inevitable.

5. Riley Blackthorne rolled her eyes.

6. "Come on!" Emma whispered from my right, her words floating from her mouth in a thin white cloud.

7. On the day Claire became a member of the Glass house, somebody stole her laundry.

8. Digging graves is hell on a manicure, but I was taught good vampires clean up after every meal.

9. No one knew better than Walter Rice that the only safe place was away from other people.

10. I felt her fear before I heard her screams.

1. Tempest Rising - Jane True series by Nicole Peeler
2. Raised by Wolves - Raised by Wolves series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
3. Bitten - Women of the Otherworld (or just Otherworld) by Kelley Armstrong
4. Stray - Shifters series by Rachel Vincent
5. Forsaken - Demon Trappers series by Jana Oliver
6. My Soul to Take - Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent
7. Glass Houses - Morganville Vampires series by Rachel Caine
8. Red Headed Stepchild - Sabina Kane series by Jaye Wells
9. Cry Wolf - Alpha & Omega series by Patricia Briggs
10. Vampire Academy - Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead


If you haven't already, I would highly recommend any of these series. 2, 5, 6, 7 and 10 are all YA and the rest are adult.

Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions by various authors

A journey may take hundreds of miles, or it may cover the distance between duty and desire.

Sixteen of today's hottest writers of paranormal tales weave stories on a common theme of journeying.

Whether they're writing about vampires, faeries, angels, or other magical beings, each author explores the strength and resilience of the human heart.

So my very awesome and Amazing friend, Danielle La Paglia, sent me this book as a surprise. And she even had it signed for me!

I wanted to read this as it has some of my favourite authors in it but with anthologies I'm always wary about buying a full book for a few authors. I thought with this review, I'd give my thoughts on all the stories.

Giovanni's Farewell by Claudia Gray
Very sweet little romance story.
I've never read anything by Claudia Gray before and I really enjoyed my first story by her. I'd be interested in reading more from this world but it seems it's not part of a series or the beginning of a series so I may just pick up her Evernight series to see if I like it.

Scenic Route by Carrie Ryan
Post zombie apocalypse story about 2 sisters surviving.
Another new author for me and I really enjoyed the world she made. Plus bonus: this one is part of a series so I get to read more.

Red Run by Kami Garcia
A haunted road makes a girl seek revenge for her dead brother.
I thought this was a new author but I didn't realise she wrote Beautiful Creatures which I have on my bookcase but haven't read yet. I must bump it up my TBR.

Things About Love by Jackson Pearce
A genie tries to find out about love from a human.
I've never read anything by this author either but I quite liked this short. I liked the idea of genies researching love 'cos they don't feel it.

Niederwald by Rachel Vincent
Based in the Soul Screamers series, this follows Sabine & Emma on a road trip.
I love this series and Vincent's writing so I really enjoyed this little short.

Merely Mortal by Melissa Marr
Based in the Wicked Lovely series, this follows Keenan & Donia on a holiday.
I'm still new to the Wicked Lovely series, having only read the first book so I feel like I've spoilered myself a little by reading this. But Donia was one of my favourite characters in the book so I still liked this.

Facing Facts by Kelley Armstrong
Based in the Darkest Powers series, this has Tori finding out about Kit and putting her, and Chloe's, life in danger.
I love Kelley's writing and have recently re-read the whole Darkest Powers series so I was in the right mind frame for this story.

Let's Get This Undead Show On The Road by Sarah Rees Brennan
A vampire is the pulling factor for a boy band.
I didn't really enjoy this one, it was kinda cheesy. Thankfully only one of three that I didn't enjoy.

Bridge by Jeri Smith-Ready
A ghost finds someone to contact his brother.
The layout of this was a bit weird, it was written like a poem but I enjoyed the story. Unfortunately, the layout really was a put off.

Skin Contact by Kimberly Derting
A young boy has dreams that end up proving to be truth.
Another new author and a story that I really enjoyed. Very descriptive and well written.

Leaving by Ally Condie
A young girl lives in a society under a bubble but has a secret to hide.
Similar world to the Matched series. I really enjoyed this and liked the characters, there's potential for more.

At The Late Night, Double Feature, Picture Show by Jessica Verday
Young girl tries to prove to her family she can do the family job but runs into trouble.
Another one of the three that I didn't really enjoy. Again, it was because of the cheesiness - there was just too much of it.

IV League by Margaret Stohl
Two young "drinkers" try to get into college to get out of their dying town.
And here is the third story that I didn't enjoy. The story seemed good but it just didn't come across as well as it could have.

Gargouille by Mary E. Pearson
A gargoyle gets captured and gets her wings cut off, this means she'll lose her memory about being a gargoyle and all she knew.
I enjoyed this one, it was bittersweet but a nice wee read.

The Third Kind by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
One sister has impulses that she must follow, the other sister is just along for the ride - until it turns out she's part of the 'pulses.
I really enjoy Jennifer Lynn Barnes' writing and this seems like it could be a good start to a series.

Automatic by Rachel Caine
Based in the Morganville Vampires series, Michael almost loses it when he tries the new canned blood.
Another favourite author of mine so I loved this. Eve is one of my favourite characters as well so I like to see more of her.


So it seems this anthology has just made my Goodreads to-read list that little bit longer. I do like that I've found some new authors to read but I'm pretty sure my bank account doesn't. Oh well, the life of a bibliophile.


Book Depository: Enthralled
Amazon UK: Enthralled

Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent

Even death can't get you out of high school ...

Covering up her own murder was one thing, but faking her life is much harder than ex-teen banshee Kaylee expected. Now she's fighting to stay visible to the human world and struggling to find time alone with her new reaper boyfriend Tod.

To stay in the mortal realm, Kaylee must reclaim stolen souls and, when her first assignment brings her face-to-face with an old foe, she knows the game has changed. Her immortal status won't keep her safe. And this time Kaylee isn't just gambling with her own life ...

This series is almost finished ...... this saddens me so much! I'm loving Soul Screamers and it just gets better with each book so I can only guess at how fantastic the finale will be. I will be both sad and uber-excited to read it.

So after Kaylee died in If I Die she's getting used to her life (or after-life) as an extractor. She has trouble keeping herself grounded and corporeal except when she's with Tod so she's with Tod a lot in this book - which is great 'cos I like the cheeky wee reaper. Their relationship runs hot and heavy in this book as well as Kaylee realised death doesn't mean the end of her life. But that annoying hellion, Avari, just refuses to leave her alone and continues to go after her friends and family in this book - with some awful consequences!

As I have previously stated in a few of my many Rachel Vincent reviews - I love her writing. All her series are addictive - and they all end after a few short books! Which I both love and hate - Ms Vincent has a way of provoking both emotions in me at the same time. She has a special talent, that wicked woman.


Book Depository: Before I Wake
Amazon UK: Before I Wake

Vampires, Banshees and Angels

Enter a dark and thrilling world of dangerous magic and unforgettable romance. From an addictive vampire story set in a desolate future that will give Hunger Games fans their next pulse-racing adventure fix to a truly original historical tale with a unique fantasy twist, this collection from MIRA Ink is the perfect treat for paranormal lovers to sink their teeth into. With four FREE chapters from New York Times Bestselling authors Rachel Vincent and Julie Kagawa and up and coming paranormal stars Michelle Rowen and Kady Cross, it’s the perfect taste of our favourite YA fiction.

This free (yes, I said FREE) preview anthology thing from Harlequin/Mira Ink includes The Immortal Kiss by Julie Kagawa, My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent, Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen and The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross. I've read My Soul to Take before (I love the whole Soul Screamers series) but the other three had captured my attention and I wanted to give them a try so this was a nice way to do it.

I really enjoyed the preview of all the books. It's the first chapter of each book so you don't have to worry about spoilers, but they're long enough to capture your interest and make you want to read more. I have now added The Immortal Kiss, Dark Kiss & The Girl in the Steel Corset to my To-Be-Read list on Goodreads. A list which is gradually getting longer and longer.

The preview is available on Kindle so click the following link to download it for free: Vampires, Banshees and Angels

Never To Sleep by Rachel Vincent

Don't close your eyes.

Sophie Cavanaugh is not going to let her freak of a cousin's strange psychotic condition ruin high school for them both. Not after all the work she's put into cultivating the right look, and friends, and reputation.

But then, Sophie sees something so frightening she lets out a blood-curdling scream - and finds herself stuck in a bizarre parallel world where nothing is safe and deadly creatures lurk just out of sight, waiting for her to close her eyes and sleep ... forever.

Could this world be real? Or does insanity run in the family ... ?

This novella is FINALLY available in the UK. I've been wanting to read the Soul Screamers novellas since Reaper came out (which, by the way, is not available yet over here even though it was out before Never to Sleep).

I really enjoyed this one, it was fun getting into Sophie's head cause all we've ever had so far is Kaylee's take on her spoiled cousin. Although the first part of the novella stands to only strengthen those traits.

Sophie gets transported to the Netherworld with Luca (new guy) and has no idea where she is or why she got there, luckily Luca knows (the why is explained in the novella and hopefully further explained in the next novel) and guides her in how to stay alive.

It's set at the same time as If I Die but, apart from Kaylee and Tod's PDA scene, you don't get any of the storyline. One of my favourite lines is when Sophie is so sure that Kaylee would never be able to handle what she saw in the Netherworld since she's not stable enough. I snorted at that part.


Amazon UK: Never to Sleep

Country vs Country - Soul Screamers

And welcome to my second cover comparison post, I've actually found it difficult to find more Canadian covers like I did in my Otherworld post, I'm thinking poor Canada just gets stuck with the US covers.

This post we are going to compare one of my favourite YA series, Soul Screamers by Rachel Vincent.



The above image are the US covers which are alright. The US books were released quite a fair bit ahead of the UK ones and I liked the covers and was about to start buying them when Rachel Vincent posted the 1st UK cover and I thought "Nope, I'm waiting." And you're about to see why.



I mean, just look at the pretty. I think these covers are stunning! And so different from the US covers, although I have seen other country editions use the same images but for different books. So yeah, as soon as I saw these covers there was NO way I was going to buy the US ones. And the cover for My Soul To Steal (I believe) in animated on the eBook version, the butterfly moves, how awesome is that?!


So, as you can see, the UK is most definitely my favourite with this series. What about you, dear readers?

Shadow Bound by Rachel Vincent

Kori Daniels is a shadow-walker - she can travel from one shadow to another instantly. Ian Holt is a Blinder - he can impose absolute darkness, literally suck the light from a room. They can't exist together...they can't survive apart.

After weeks spent paying for betraying the boss she's bound to, Kori Daniels is done with Jake Tower and his syndicate. But they're not done with her. Tower has a new task for her - a chance to prove her loyalty - but Kori knows this assignment may be her only chance to free both herself and her sister Kenley. For good. The job? Recruit Ian Holt - or kill him.

Ian Holt knows he's being courted by the Tower syndicate and that Kori's been sent to reel him in, but he has no intention of actually being caught, by her or the syndicate. Ian is an independent - sworn to serve only himself - and he's only pretending to be recruitable so he can breach Tower's practically impregnable security. His goal? Free most of those unwillingly bound to Tower by killing his top Binder, Kenley Daniels - Kori's little sister.

Instantly attracted to each other in spite of opposing goals, both Kori and Ian fight a connection they cannot deny. But when that initial chemistry grows into something stronger and deeper, they'll be forced to choose between love and liberty - or they can risk everything for the chance to have it all.

Release Date 1st June 2012 (According to Goodreads and Netgalley, but the book is available just now from Amazon)

This is the second book in the Unbound series and it follows Kori and Ian, Kori was introduced in the first book so we know she's a traveller who is bound to Jake Towers. In Blood Bound, she unknowingly causes her own downfall by allowing Liv and Cam into Towers home and he got shot, this books starts off with her punishment for that event. She gets released purely to help Towers recruit a Blinder, Ian, which grinds on her since she doesn't want to force anyone into a contract with Towers but she has to do it to keep her sister safe. But Kori and Ian end up falling for each other and complicate matters just a tad, but in true stubborn fashion they find a way to keep everyone happy.

Vincent is one of those authors that I can't say anything bad about, I love her writing style and I love her characters. When I pick one of her books up, I can't seem to put it down. This one, for instance, I started reading this afternoon and have just finished it, which is actually quite a long time for me but I had breaks for eating and such menial tasks.

I highly recommend any of Vincent's books and, if you're going to start somewhere, her Unbound series is a good place to start. She writes unputdownable books and immediately likeable characters.


Book Depository: Shadow Bound
Amazon UK: Shadow Bound

If I Die by Rachel Vincent

Kaylee can see death coming. Now she must face her own.

As a teen banshee, Kaylee's blood-curdling screams are a death knell for others. Yet she never expected to see her own name at the top of the reaper's list.

Scheduled to die within days, Kaylee knows her magic can't change her fate. Worse, on top of worrying about her own demise, she needs to save mortal best friend Emma from the clutches of a deadly Netherworld creature.

As Kaylee's time on earth slips away, troubled banshee boyfriend Nash and his reaper brother Tod refuse to give up on Kaylee. They're ready to unearth murky family secrets to give her a last chance at life, as their fight to save Kaylee becomes a battle for her love.

***SPOILERS***







FINALLY, Kaylee dumps Nash and gets together with Tod! As I said in my review for My Soul To Steal, I prefer Tod to Nash and, since Sabine came into the series, I've thought she and Nash should be together.

Sorry for the spoiler but that part made my day and I can't help but squee over it.

So Kaylee finds out at the beginning that she's going to die within a week after Levi "accidentally" lets Tod see the list. As she's trying to cope with that she discovers her new math teacher is an Incubus and is trying to find a suitable incubator for his demon seed. As her last days pass on earth, she has to deal with Mr Beck before he hurts Emma. In the chaos of all that she FINALLY realises Tod's feelings for her (where has she been?!) after he risks his afterlife and job to make sure her reaper stops stalking and torturing her. Nash catches them and, understandably, gets pissed.

Loved this one and I was wondering right up until the end whether Vincent would actually kill Kaylee or if she'd come up with some way to let her live. And with all the hints and near misses she was throwing in with Tod and Kaylee, I was left wondering about that until it happened. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Vincent is a great author and I can't give her books anything but praise.

Definitely a must read. Whether you've been reading the whole series and want to know what happens or even if you've never heard of the series before, I highly recommend Soul Screamers.


Book Depository: If I Die
Amazon UK: If I Die

My Soul To Steal by Rachel Vincent

Sometimes dreams do come true ... and that's the last thing Kaylee needs.

Working things out with Nash - her maybe boyfriend - is hard for Kaylee. She's already coping with being a teenage banshee. Worse, Nash's gorgeous ex-girlfriend just transferred to their school.

Sabine's no ordinary girl. She's a mara, a real-life walking nightmare. Draining people's energy through their darkest dreams sustains Sabine ... and makes her Kaylee's top suspect in a cluster of super-creepy deaths.

To win back Nash, Kaylee's determined to unearth the truth. But Sabine knows the deathly secrets of Kaylee's subconscious - and she's not afraid to use them to get whatever and whoever she wants ...

Since we've been reading all of Kaylee's trials and tribulations, I thought I'd instantly hate Sabine. And I tried, I really did. But I kinda sorta liked her. Yeah, she's a bitch but she's a very likeable and understandable bitch. That being said, I'm still not sure who I want to be together - Nash and Kaylee or Nash and Sabine. Because I'm almost certain there's a certain reaper that has feelings for Kaylee and I kinda sorta like him better than Nash.

I'm still loving this series, Rachel Vincent is an excellent writer and really keeps you gripped. I like both her YA and her adult series, and I'm convinced she can't write anything bad. So obviously, I highly recommend anything written by her.


Book Depository: My Soul To Steal
Amazon UK: My Soul to Steal

Blood Bound by Rachel Vincent

Bound by blood, condemned by fate.

As a blood tracker, Liv is extremely powerful. And in a world where power is a commodity that can get you killed, Liv's learnt to survive by her own rules.

Rule number one? Trust no one.

When a friend's daughter goes missing, Liv is bound by a potent magical oath. She can't rest until the child is safe. And that means trusting her dangerous ex, Cam.

A sinister prophecy tells that she and Cam will be the death of each other, yet Liv's tired of being a slave to destiny. She's ready to play the forces controlling her world at their own game.

No matter the cost.

I've been waiting for this book since I finished Alpha. This is Rachel Vincent's new series after the Shifters series finished. The premise behind this series really interests me and I can't wait to read the next one.

Liv is a tracker meaning she can track anyone with blood or a name. She made an innocent pact with her childhood friends that accidentally became a binding contract, which is all fine until one of the friends shows up asking for her help. Liv can't refuse thanks to the binding.

I didn't like Anne to start with, her coming out of the blue and asking for Liv's help, knowing she can't refuse, seemed a bit of a bitchy thing to do. She eventually sort of grew on me, although I'm still not exactly a fan. I really can't wait for the next book and I'm glad Rachel's back with another great series.


Book Depository: Blood Bound
Amazon UK: Blood Bound

My Soul To Keep by Rachel Vincent

Kaylee has one addiction in her life: Her boyfriend Nash.

Like Kaylee, Nash is a banshee. So he understands her like no one else. Nothing - supernatural or otherwise - can come between them. That is, until something does.

Demon's breath - a potent paranormal drug with the power to kill. Somehow the super-addictive substance has made its way to the human world. Kaylee and Nash need to cut off the source and protect their human friends - one of whom is already hooked.

But Kaylee's plans are soon derailed when she uncovers another secret demon's breath addict in their midst. Nash.

Now she's ready to kick some serious Netherworld butt - but is it too late to save the boy who's stolen her heart?

This is book three in the Soul Screamers series, the first two books are My Soul To Take and My Soul To Save.

My one problem with this book was the fact that Nash's addiction was given away in the blurb. Even with all of Rachel Vincent's hint-dropping, it was still a major part of the story and I feel it could have been more of an "oh-my-god" moment than it was. Of course, this has nothing to do with the book or the author, it's just something that bugs me when a huge thing is given away in the blurb.

This series is still going strong and I can't wait to read the next one (I'll need to check if I can get the UK cover yet or if I'll have to wait). Unlike a lot of Supernatural books, we learnt about Kaylee's banshee powers at the same time as her so we've gotten to see her grow while she learns to live with her curse powers.

I absolutely love Rachel Vincent's writing style and am always eagerly awaiting a new release. She knows how to keep you turning the pages and writes fun and readable characters.


Book Depository: My Soul To Keep
Amazon UK: My Soul To Keep

My Soul to Save by Rachel Vincent

When Kaylee Cavanaugh screams, someone dies.

So when teen pop sensation Eden croaks onstage and Kaylee doesn't wail, she knows something is dead wrong. Kaylee can't cry for someone who has no soul.

Soon Kaylee finds that Eden's not the only starry-eyed girl who traded her life for a flickering moment of fame - a deal that has dark consequences no mortal could understand.

Banshee Kaylee swears to help those lost souls. But school football star Nash - Kaylee's newly acquired, not to mention super-hot, boyfriend - refuses to let her in harm's way. Still Kaylee knows it's her duty to save the innocent from the Netherworld - even if it means putting her own soul - and love life - at risk...

Click here to read my review of My Soul to Take, the first in the Soul Screamers series.

This one takes place about 6 weeks after that last one ended and Kaylee is taking bean sidhe lessons from Nash's mum. I like the relationship Kaylee and Nash have with Nash's mother, Harmony seems like a nice laid back parent, although she is 80 years old so I suppose she's had a lot of time to hone her patience.

Nash and Kaylee's relationship is growing at a fast pace. Nash is very protective of Kaylee and wants to keep her from anything dangerous, but being a bean sidhe, this is not entirely possible.

I love Rachel Vincent's writing style, she keeps you interested and keeps the storyline going at a steady pace. I have nothing but praise for Rachel as an author so I can't possibly say anything bad about this book. Go pick it up and give it a read, it's worth it.


Book Depository: My Soul To Save
Amazon UK: My Soul to Save

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

Something is wrong with Kaylee Cavanaugh ...

She can sense when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just want to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about the dark forces behind Kaylee's power than she does.

And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason and only Kaylee knows who'll be next, she realises that finding a boyfriend is the least of her worries.

I read My Soul to Lose, the prequel to the Soul Screamers series, a while ago and couldn't wait to read this book. But just as I was about to order it, Rachel announced the cover art for the UK version and, as you can see above, it's gorgeous! So I forced myself to wait so I could get the nicer covers. I'm a tad cover obsessed when it comes to my books.

The wait did not disappoint. This is a great first book for the series, although I'm finding it difficult to say anything about the book here without giving away spoilers. Normally I gauge it by what the blurb says and the blurb here does not give a lot away! And I don't like to give spoilers away in a review.

So all I'm going to say is that Kaylee is a great character, as is Nash. They're well written and the story is great. I've read all of Rachel's Shifters series and love her as an author, her writing style is flawless and I basically read this book in one sitting. She writes a great story and manages to make me laugh as well.

I am currently about to download Reaper which is another Soul Screamers novella that the lovely Rachel Vincent is offering for free. Isn't she a lovely person?

So yeah, sorry I couldn't tell you a lot about the story but I don't want to spoiler people so blame the person that wrote the blurb! But a must read for all YA fantasy fans.


Rating
5/5


Book Depository: My Soul To Take
Amazon UK: My Soul to Take

Alpha by Rachel Vincent

***SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS SHIFTERS BOOKS***


Everything is about to change for werecat Faythe when her father is ousted from the council that controls their secret world. And a shocking tragedy jeopardises her future as Alpha of her pride.

Now a rebel on the run, Faythe's biggest fight lies ahead. Old allies from the supernatural world are ready to stnad by her side. And weretoms Marc and Jace would give their very souls in the duel for Faythe's heart ...

Yet as their enemies draw near Faythe knows that she - and she alone - can lead the pride into what may be their final battle.

I can say one word to sum up this fantastic finale to the Shifters series and that word is ..... WOW!!!!
I'm so sad to see the series ending but what an ending!!
Faythe has had a lot to deal with and she and her pridemates have still not really avenged Ethan's death so they're still looking for payback for that. As well as all the other crap that's happened to Faythe and her pride throughout the series.

One thing I love about Faythe is she can kick ass with the best of them but Rachel doesn't write her as "my heroine is the best and always comes out on top". She doesn't always come out on top, she does lose on occasion and she can screw up, which I love.

There's not a lot I can say about Alpha without giving too much away and I hate reading spoilers. I read one about Alpha that made me sad but luckily it didn't ruin the book for me, and the particular scene that got spoiled for me was just as heartfelt and meaningful for me evern though I knew it was coming.

All in all, Shifters is a great series by a great author and Alpha is an awesome ending to that series. A must read.

Rating
5/5


Book Depository: Alpha
Amazon UK: Alpha

Alpha by Rachel Vincent trailer

The official trailer for the long awaited Alpha. The latest and FINAL shifters book by Rachel Vincent. I love this series and I'm quite sad it's ending but I suppose it's good to end it on a high rather than drag it out.

Can't wait to read it and this is a wee sneaky contest entry at the same time.