New Adult Series: Age of X (Richelle Mead)

Are you a major fan of Vampire Academy and its spinoff, Bloodlines?

Richelle Mead is launching a new adult paranormal/science fiction series, Age of X. The first novel's title is Gameboard of the Gods. It has the popular appeal of the Hunger Games, but includes her usual traits of sexy, irresistible characters and relentless action and suspense. I am looking forward to reading this new series! The official release date is June 4, 2013.

This is the official description below from her Facebook fan page:

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

Review: Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels #6)

"Some people have everything figured out--Andrea Nash is not one of those people. After being kicked out of the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea's whole existence is in shambles."

Gunmetal Magic, by Ilona Andrews, is the first novel in the world of Kate Daniels. The story centers around Andrea Nash, former knight and best friend of Kate Daniels. Her secret is out: she is a bouda shapeshifter, and she's a rare breed--a beastkin. All her life, ANdrea worked her way up the Order, but a forced retirement disrupted her identity. Fortunately, she is putting her life back together by working for Kate's new private investigative firm, Cutting Edge.

When several shapeshifters are found dead at a dig site, Andrea has been assigned to solve the murder case/ Unfortunately, she must work with Raphael Medrano, former lover and the male alpha of Clan Bouda. When the investigation leads her team to new superantural sections of Atlanta, she needs all the help and expertise she can get to fight this dangerous enemey. Because dealing with Egyptian gods, Norse legends, and other unknown magic is beyond her comfort zone.

I had mixed feelings about this novel because Andrea Nash was a side character in the Kate Daniels world. After I read a couple of chapters, I became hooked on her character. Andrea suffered a horrible childhood, but trained herself to become an invincible fighter and survivor. Her story--both her life with the Order and the Pack--is both commendable and courageous. Furthermore, she found love and made peace with her shapeshifter side. I enjoyed this novel very much.

The book also includes the novella, Magic Gifts. Next month, I will update this post with a short review. Overall, the Kate Daniels Universe is amazing to read. I also believe this series gets better with every new release.

Stay tuned for the next novel in the Kate Daniels series, Magic Rises.

Review: Firewalker (Stormwalker #2)

Janet Begay's Crossroads Roads has attracted the supernatural from the day it opened. Witches, Changers, and a mouthy magic mirror have decided to make it their home. But a new, dark power is rising--this time inside Janet herself.

Firewalker, by Allyson James, is the second novel in the Stormwalker series. Janet possesses two powers inside her: her Stormwalker gift from her Navajo grandmother and the Beneath magic from her evil goddess mother. Her sexy dragon boyfriend, Mick, knows the terrifying magic can overwhelm Janet at any moment, but he vowed to protect her from the other dragons who want her dead. With Mick set to trial for disobeying the dragon council's official orders, Janet must behave to not rouse suspicion that she's a danger to humankind.

When a mysterious corpse is found near the Crossroads Hotel, Sheriff Nash Jones suspects Janet--after all, her magic is both unstable and powerful. While Janet has an alibi, even she cannot be sure that she didn't commit the crime. Now, both Janet and Mick must investigate who is really responsible for the murder. Before they can do that, Janet must learn how to control her burgeoning powers. If she shows any sign of weakness, the dragons ("firewalkers" in Native American folklore) and supernatural guardians from Native American folklore will come after her with one strike. Her time is running out.

This is another wonderful addition by Allyson James. Filled with mystery, sexy romance, and adventure, he author pushes the protagonist, Janet, to come to terms with her dual powers. Janet has the choice to give up her Beneath magic, but she realizes that it is part of who she is and doing so could kill her. She wins the trust of friends as she faces the biggest decision in her life. The supernatural world also gets more complicated when Janet discovers an evil secret lurking in the community.

If you have the chance, please read the Stormwalker-inspired novella, "Double Hexed", in Hexed. The short story narrates Cassandra's background. It is also highly recommended to read after Firewalker. Stay tuned for the next novel in the Stormwalker series, Shadow Walker.