T5W || Most anticipated pre-orders for 2015

This weeks T5W is going to be short and sweet as I missed last weeks T5W, but I wanted to do it anyway so here goes.

5) Tricky 22 by Janet Evanovich
Enjoy this series.  Funny and fast paced.  No heavy thinking involved, and a series I reread again and again when I need to relax.

4) Devoted in Death by J.D. Robb
Love this series and can't believe that there are now over 40 books!  Enjoy the detective angle as well as the relationship between Eve & Roarke.

3) Cast in Honor by Michelle Sagara
Amazing fantasy series that I have been following since first book, Cast in Secret, published way back when.  Love Kaylin and the budding love triangle between her, Severin and Nightshade.  Fabulous and world building with Dragons, lion people, flying Aerians and the immortal Baraani.

2) Siren's Call by Jayne Castle
I pre-ordered this book last night as I don't want to miss out on getting my hands on it ASAP.  Can't wait to get my dust bunny fix ;-D

1) Archangel's Enigma by Nalini Singh
My most anticipated book of 2015!  Love this series, and have always been curious as to the origins, and current status, of the mysterious Naasir.  Is he a tiger creature?  There is something feral about him and I can't wait to see what happens.

As always, T5W was created by the lovely Lainey at GINGERREADSLAINEY and I'll include a link to the Goodreads group {HERE} if you would also like to participate. 

So these are the books that I simply must have ASAP.  Let me below know if you've read any of these series - and whether you are eagerly awaiting the next books as well ;-D

Until next time,
Happy reading!

Cast in Flames fabulous!

 

OMG!  I just finished reading Cast in Flames, the latest offering in the Chronciles of Elantra series by Michelle Sagara, and I just want more!  This is a fabulous book, fast paced and full of action, and as a fast reader I was sorry to come to the end of it about 4 hours later.

I'll post a review soon - once I've had time to re-read the book - but for now, I just want to find out what happens to Kaylin Neya next.  Why do books have to end right at the good bit?!  Unfortunately I now have to wait a whole year for the next installment.  Bummer.

In the meantime, I can not recommend this series highly enough.  If you love fantasy, dragons, magic and action, then pick up Cast in Shadow and find out how it all began.

Review: Cast in Shadow

Cast in Shadow
Chronicles of Elantra, Book 1
Michelle Sagara

Published: 2005

Harlequin LUNA, paperback, 309p.
ISBN: 0-733-57274-X

Seven years ago Kaylin fled the crime-riddled streets of Nightshade, knowing that something was after her. Children were being murdered — and all had the same odd markings that mysteriously appeared on her own skin.… Since then, she’s learned to read, she’s learned to fight and she’s become one of the vaunted Hawks who patrol and police the City of Elantra. Alongside the winged Aerians and the immortal Barrani, she’s made a place for herself, far from the mean streets of her birth. But children are once again dying, and a dark and familiar pattern is emerging. Kaylin is ordered back into Nightshade with a partner she knows she can’t trust, a Dragon lord for a companion and a device to contain her powers — powers that no other human has. Her task is simple — find the killer, stop the murders…and survive the attentions of those who claim to be her allies! Something is stirring again…

With the release of the 10th book in the series, CAST IN FLAMES, due for release on July 29, 2014, I thought it appropriate to review the book that started it all...

Private Kaylin Neya is a damaged soul who we first meet just before she attacks the man she holds responsible for the pain from her former life in the fiefs.  Corporal Severn Handred is also tormented by past choices, and despite enduring Kaylin's rage, he is determined to once again risk her hate to save her from a killer from their past.

This story is so enthralling and sucks you in as you follow Kaylin and her painful journey as she revisits the past she thought she'd finally escaped.  Sagara's world building is delightful and so well done that you don't even question why a dragon has mood eyes, or that a Leontine is in charge of office.  Aerians?  Sure, them too.  The use of mythologies that were specifically adapted for this series was so well done and very convincing that you almost have to stop yourself from checking the encyclopaedia for the definition of being a 'chosen' one.

With bursts of humor and action, Sagara seems to have a knack for knowing just when to pull back and tug at your heartstrings, then have you laughing 30 seconds late.  The first book in the Chronicle of Elantra series, I would recommend Cast in Shadow to anyone who loves a great story sprinkled with images out of mythology, love and forgiveness.

Sewing complete... well, almost

I finally finished sewing together all the rows for the jelly roll quilt top.  Actually I finished on Thursday, but a visit from family yesterday meant that I haven't been able to tell you until now ;-D  I was really surprised at the way the colours fell using this Jelly Roll Race method.  I don't think it would matter what you used, the end result would always look charming.

Chapters 1 & 2 have been posted!

 

  

Yeah!  Just  headed over to Michelle Sagara's blog and found that Chapters 1 & 2 of Cast in Flame have been posted!

On the mend - but freezing!

I'm finally getting over my headcold, but today I wish I'd stayed in bed.  It is so very cold here.  I'm so cold that I had to go and get my little peguin gloves {aren't they so cute!}, make a hot cup of tea and get a hot water bottle!  Just so I could poddle around online and update my blog.  I wish we had central heating in unit complexes in Australia.  It would make life so much more comfortable in winter.

Just arrived

It's finally here!  I am looking forward to listening to Cast in Shadow.  Will be firing up the laptop and adding it to my iPod asap ;-D

Cover Art - Cast in Sorrow

Wow!  I just stumbled upon the listing on Amazon, and all I can say is "... I want in now!".  This is such a great series, and Michelle Sagara does such a fabulous job that  I each year I eagerly await the release of the next book in the series.

This title should be released on August 27, 2013 (finger's crossed).

The Chronicles of Elantra is one of my must buy series - it just keeps getting better and better.  You care what happens to these characters, and I just want to see what happens to Kaylin Neya - and what trouble she can get into!  Will she ever get to meet the Dragon Emperor?  What do the marks that cover her body mean?  Why don't the others acknowledge her powers?  So many mysteries to solve ;-D

So remember readers, 27 August, 2013 

Cast in Sorrow by Michelle Sagara.

A Kaylin Neya desktop pretty

Hi again!  Can't wait till Cast in Peril is released next month.  I've been re-reading the series and just made a desktop for Kaylin Neya.

1900x1200 750kb

Hope you like it.  Leave a comment to let me know. Cheers.

Official Cover posted

The official cover for Cast in Peril has been posted on Michelle Sagara's blog and it's beautiful!  I can't wait to get my hands on this book now.  Be warned, this file is quite large, so if you want the full sized copy you'll have to download it from Michelle's blog here.

The artist who did the artwork has done such a fabulous job.  I'd like to have it - minus the text - as a wallpaper.  It just makes me want to read this book and I think that's when you know a cover is good.  Michelle has also put up the cover for what, I presume, is a novella due out at the same time.  This sounds like an eBook only release - which for all you Aussie's with Kindle means we may not be able to purchase it.

Where's the Nightshade?

I've been reading Michelle Sagara's fabulous Chronicles of Elantra and just realised something. . . None of the women on the covers has a Nightshade tattoo on their cheek!

Yep, checked my book's covers again.  No tattoo in sight.  Since this symbol is nearly as well commented on as the ruins that cover her body, why have the artists forgotten to add it?  A mystery, perhaps?

Review - Cast in Ruin

Cast in Ruin (Book 7, Chronicles of Elantra)

Michelle Sagara

Release Date: 20 September, 2011

Seven corpses are discovered in the streets of a Dragon’s fief. All identical, down to their clothing. 

Kaylin Neya is assigned to discover who they were, who killed them–and why. Is the evil lurking at the borders of Elantra preparing to cross over? 

At least the investigation delays her meeting with the Dragon Emperor. And as the shadows grow longer over the fiefs, Kaylin must use every skill she’s ever learned to save the people she’s sworn to protect. Sword in hand, dragons in sky, this time there’s no retreat and no surrender….

I've just finished reading Book 7 of the Chronicles of Elantra and I only have one thing to say... WOW!

Kaylin Neya is finally growing up, but I have to admit that those Dragon's need a clip under the ears.  I'm hoping at some stage that Kaylin definitely gives them what for seeings how they treat her like dirt at times and she the freaking Chosen one!  For those of you who haven't read it yet - and there can't be many of you - I won't say who ends up as Kaylin's staunch supporter (and it's not Severn), but it's nice to know that Kaylin finally has someone of power who doesn't think of her as useless because of her mortality.

Lord Diarmat is a complete and total prat.  He reminds me very strongly of Sgt. Mallory, who replaced Iron Jaws for a while, in that he seems to intensely dislike Kaylin for things that she can't control.  I would just love to see old fussy-britches Dragon get his comeuppance.  Arkon plays more of a part in this tale.  He has some very scary moments, even going so far as to reduce another Dragon's clothing to ash - while they're still wearing it!  Lord Tiamaris and Tara are also key in the story.  Nightshade makes an appearance, and a request that will come to pass in Cast in Peril.

However, there is no interaction with the Foundlings or Marrin in this book which I found a little disappointing.  Kaylin needs all the unconditional love and support she can get, and Marrin and the children play a huge part in that.  Surprisingly, there was also no SOS from the Midwives Guild.  I think in part it is because the egg she is mothering will play an important role.  The egg itself is quite mysterious, and what happens to Teela when she tries to touch it is quite startling.  Although I think the race of the inhabitant of the egg is hinted at with the colours it turns - gold, orange and red.  Ring any bells?

Anyway, I found this to be a wonderful book.  Severn and Kaylin are more open about their feelings, and her past in the fief of Barren.  I think she'll have to make a choice soon.  Severn or Nightshade.

Cast in Peril - release date and cover

It's not long until the newest book in the Chronicles of Elantra is released, but finding the cover art has just been frustrating!  So far, all I've been able to find is a teeny-weeny little image at GoodReads.com.  If this is indeed the final cover design to be used, then it's great... although Kaylin Neya all neat and tidy in a dress?  I'll also assume that she's holding her magical egg-baby in her hands too.  Can't wait to see what she becomes mamma to :-D

From the back cover:

USUALLY DISASTER DIDN'T STRIKE QUITE SO CLOSE TO HOME...

It has been a busy few weeks for Private Kaylin Neva. In between angling for a promotion, sharing her room with the last living female Dragon and dealing with more refugees than anyone knew what to do with, the unusual egg she'd been given was ready to hatch. Actually, that turned out to be lucky, because it absorbed the energy from the bomb that went off in her quarters....

So now might be the perfect time to leave Elantra and journey to the West March with the Barrani. If not for the disappearances of citizens in the fief of Tiamaris-disappearances traced to the very Barrani Kaylin will be traveling with...

Release Date: 18 September, 2012

O Happy Day. I've got books, books.... more books

They're all here... my precious books.  Okay, enough channelling of Gollum :D, but yes, my new order of books from oversea's arrived yesterday.  I'd been told about a great UK site Book Depository and decided to give it a go.  And I'll do it again as soon as I finish reading these.

• Styx's Storm
• The Darkest Hour
• Twice Bitten
• Cast in Chaos
• Midnight Crystal

I've already ploughed through Midnight Crystal (only so-so... read from library first), and Twice Bitten - Go Merit!.  Today I'll tackle Styx's Storm, you've gotta love those Breeds, and Cast in Chaos is already a work in progress.

So, as I've finished reading Midnight Crystal, I've gotta say that I was disappointed with it.  It's the final of an Arcane Society trilogy, and is listed under the Arcane Society series.  What I really wanted was a good olde fashioned dust bunny of a good time.  It was all set within the futuristic J&J (Jones & Jones for the uninitiated) and Arcane society.  The council was mentioned, and a little bit of the previous Ghost Hunter story has been included, you meet Lyra and Cruz, and find out what happened to Gloria Ray and her Guild Hunter squease and his co-baddies.  But all in all, it wasn't up to the same standard as the usual 'Harmony' titles.   My advice to you... if you choose to accept it, is to read it from your local library.

Okay, now onto something a bit more fun... Twice Bitten.

Now, I've been following the Chicagoland Vampires since the beginning.  I love the character of Merit, and how she's not just some kick-ass woman who doesn't care what's going on around her and manages to sleep with her guy before the first 4 chapters are up.  Merit was a scholar until she got attacked in the park at night while heading home from the Uni library... I know, it gives libraries a bad rep doesn't it ;) Now she's one of the most powerful vamps in her house, and she's half in lust with her Master.  Add some shapeshifter politics and you've got a good read that will keep you thoroughly entertained.

I've found some more upcoming titles that I want... you know, to ask Santa for :P

• Archangel's Consort - Nalini Singh
• Blood Challenge - Eileen Wilks
• Cast in Ruins - Michelle Sagara
• Magic Bleeds - Ilona Andrews
• Navarro's Promise - Lora Leigh
• Twilight's Dawn - Anne Bishop
• Silver Zombie - Carole Nelson Douglas

Well I think if Santa can arrange for these in the future I'll be a happy camper indeed.