The Stubborn Dead drops us right into the action as protagonist Rachel Miller attempts to release a spirit from the Earth realm. The entity appears to be a woman and she violently resists Rachel’s plea for her to crossover. Rachel draws upon symbols on her arms calling forth spirits that help her trap the entity. Despite its violence, she asks the spirits to be gentle. Rachel is thrust against a wall, as the spirits wrap themselves around the female entity. One of them lingers back and Rachel yells, I’m OK, she needs you more then I do.” “GO”. This novella while only twenty thousand words grabbed me from page one and never let go.
The Wolf Gift by Anne Rice
Anne Rice is a best-selling American author of gothic, supernatural, historical, erotica, and religious themed books. She is perhaps best known for her Vampire Chronicles. The Wolf Gift delves into the creation of werewolves and presents both philosophical and religious views and questions. The tale, which moved at a slow pace, was beautifully written, but lacked the luster I was looking for. Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed it; I just felt that overall it fell flat of my personal expectations.
Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
Iron Kissed is the third book in the Mercy Thompson series. Mercy is asked to assist in figuring out who is murdering Fae on the reservation. Zee, Mercy’s friend and mentor is later arrested for the murders. Mercy steps in to clear his name and the Fae make it very clear they do not want her help. This novel is my favorite in the series thus far. Briggs blends folklore and fiction to enhance this tale and the effect is delightful. Mercy’s character growth is awesome as she is tested by some of her biggest adversaries. In this novel, Mercy make a much anticipated decision regarding the men in her life.
11/22/63 by Stephen King
I received 11/22/63 from Klout as a perk. As a lifelong fan of Stephen King, I was delighted. I have read all of King’s work and can honestly say I have enjoyed them all. Some of my favorites were the Talisman written with Peter Straub, Lawnmower Man, It, the Gunslinger and my personal favorite the Stand. 11/22/63 is a breathtaking glimpse at one of the most talked about events in US History and the era in which it occurred. King’s research on the subject is evident, as he accurately details the past. Being a fan of sci-fi and Dr. Who, I found the subject of time travel and its effects fascinating.
Second Grave on the Left by Darynda Jones
I “abso-freaking-lutely” loved it. Darynda Jones is a genius. This is her second book in the Charley Davidson series, and it delivered all that I had hoped for and more. The storyline is fresh, with a strong cast of characters. The writing is tight, fast paced, incredibly witty and left me wanting more.