Review: Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop

**Spoiler Alert - Do not read Synopsis if you have not read the previous books!

Etched in Bone by Anne Bishop
Publisher: Penquin Publishing Group
Series: The Others, #5
Publication date: 03/07/2017
Source: Bought

New York Times bestselling author Anne Bishop returns to her world of the Others, as humans struggle to survive in the shadow of shapeshifters and vampires far more powerful than themselves… After a human uprising was brutally put down by the Elders—a primitive and lethal form of the Others—the few cities left under human control are far-flung. And the people within them now know to fear the no-man’s-land beyond their borders—and the darkness… 

As some communities struggle to rebuild, Lakeside Courtyard has emerged relatively unscathed, though Simon Wolfgard, its wolf shifter leader, and blood prophet Meg Corbyn must work with the human pack to maintain the fragile peace. But all their efforts are threatened when Lieutenant Montgomery’s shady brother arrives, looking for a free ride and easy pickings. 

With the humans on guard against one of their own, tensions rise, drawing the attention of the Elders, who are curious about the effect such an insignificant predator can have on a pack. But Meg knows the dangers, for she has seen in the cards how it will all end—with her standing beside a grave.

At last, Etched in Bone is the final installment in this series but not the last in this uniquely wonderful world that Bishop has created. I’m a huge fan of Anne Bishop. I’ve read most of her other books and enjoyed them immensely. She has a way of putting a different spin on the characters and worlds that she creates.

I’m so addicted to this series and I love these unforgettable characters.  I never know what to expect when reading these books. After the last book, Marked in Flesh ended, I didn’t know what to expect. I mean, there were dire consequences for the humans and the Others’ communities. I couldn’t imagine where this series would go from there. Let’s just say, one mistake could cost everything when it comes to what side the humans choose. This kept me turning the pages to see how it would all end. For better or worse. I also have to admit that I’ve been waiting forever for Meg and Simon to get together. Well, did it happen? Sorry, no spoilers here. You’ll have to read it to find out.

I’m going to miss this motley crew. I just hope the spin-off is just as good. If you’re looking for something different, you should definitely give this series a go.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

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Review: Alpha by Rachel Vincent

ALPHA (Shifters Series #6) by Rachel Vincent

Pub. Date: October 2010

Publisher: Mira

Format: Mass Market Paperback, 472pp

Series: Shifters Series , #6

SPOILERS IN SUMMARY IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS SERIES!

The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder and treason. Yeah, we've been busy. But now it's time to take justice into our own hands. We must avenge my brother's death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council.

It's not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no matter what. With a target on my back and Marc at my side, I'm heading for a final showdown that can—that will—change everything forever. A showdown I'm not sure I'm ready for.

But life never waits until you're ready.

So it’s come down to this…THE END

ALPHA is the last book in this mind-blowing series and I’m so so sad to see this series end. I can’t talk about ALPHA without giving praise to the other books that led up to this final installment. This series has become one of my favorites - let's just say it's in the top 3. I remember when I first started this series.  After I read the excerpt of STRAY online, I was hooked and it only got better from there.

I purchased STRAY & ROGUE together, so I kind of started this series when it was new. I grew to love this series and the characters as if they were real. It’s unbelievable to get to experience the growth of the characters in this series and the growth of the author’s writing. With each book that I devoured, I felt that much closer to the characters. This series took me through so much. This is a testament to Rachel’s writing that I laughed, got angry, and balled my eyes out with this series. Is it wrong for me to not want this series to end? I’ve become that attached to these characters. I think Rachel could do a spinoff in the Shifter world. I’m just saying.

I didn’t know what to expect coming into reading ALPHA, oh I had some guesses but I could have never predicted the pain that it would cause me to actually read this book. Faythe and her Pride have been through so much and I couldn’t wait to see some payback. Not to mention what us Shifter fans have been on pins and needles waiting for: Who will Faythe pick? Will it be Marc or Jace? My heart went out to both of the men vying for Faythe’s love. In the end, I couldn’t have agreed more and that’s all I’m going to say on that. Rachel did a fantastic job and even I didn’t know who she would end up with. Both of these men are great in their own way.

The outcome of the events from the previous novel that led up to the oncoming war was brutal. I didn’t see it coming. The surprises and twists kept knocking me off my feet. I couldn’t have asked for a better cast, plot, or ending. I could go on and on about this series but all I can say is, if you have not read this series, you don’t know what you are missing. This series has everything: Action, Romance, Suspense, Humor, and the best Shapeshifting cast I’ve ever read about.

Brava to Rachel for creating an unforgettable series! I’m going to miss it!

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Review: Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

PARANORMALCY by Kiersten White

Pub. Date: August 2010

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Hardcover, 352pp

Age Range: 12

Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.

But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

PARANORMALCY was one of my most highly anticipated reads this year. This book did not disappoint on all fronts - great characters, great writing, and a great plot that keeps you turning the pages. I devoured this book! One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much has to do with the author’s personality. I follow Kiersten’s blog regularly and I just knew that I would love her book - especially if her personality shined through in her writing. Kiersten’s personality just sticks out and you can't help but adore her. So, it’s safe to say that I also adored the main protagonist Evie.

Evie is this quirky character full of wit and sass. She also has a pink rhinestone Taser. How could you not like a kick-ass character who loves pink? When you think kick-ass, pink is not one of those colors associated with someone you should be afraid of but Evie definitely pulls it off and she's quite cute and adorable too. The IPCA (International Paranormal Containment Agency) is full of supernatural creatures that hunt down other supernatural misfits (cleanups with vamps, werewolves, zombies, pixies, ghosts, evil spirits, fairies, gremlins, mermaids and anything else you can dream up) to keep humans unaware that these mythical creatures do exist. Evie is quite special amongst the rest with her unique ability to see-through glamour. On top of having great characters, laugh out loud dialogue, and a unique plot, PARANORMALCY has one of my favorite things to have in a book - two gorgeous guys vying for Evie's attention. All I can say is “It's good to be Evie.” Well, Evie may not feel that way per say but Kiersten created a great cast of characters.

PARANORMALCY brings a fresh spin to the paranormal world with its unforgettable characters that fill up the pages. Kiersten is an author to watch out for and I’ll be highly anticipating the sequel SUPERNATURALLY. Oh Bleep! I can't wait to see what Kiersten comes up with next!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars