Welcome to Smugglivus 2009 – Day 26!

Throughout this month, we will have daily guests – authors and bloggers alike – looking back at their favorite reads of 2009, and looking forward to events and upcoming books in 2010.

Today’s Guest: KMont, the lovely lady that runs the Urban Fantasy/Paranormal/Romance/Speculative Fiction blog Lurv ala Mode! KMont is a Smuggler staple – she always knows what sparkly new titles are coming out, and more often than not, our tastes in books overlap.

Ladies and gents, KMont!

Dudes, I am coming to you live from Smugglivus, Take 2! Boy it’s great to be here, Thea and Ana. Thanks for making room for me in your cargo hold. Perhaps I might take a stroll on the deck later? Oh, I have to finish scrubbing the cargo hold first? Okie dokie then, but do you realize how hard it is working around all yalls dang books? *glares*

I’m just kiddn’, folks. Ana and Thea would never make me scrub the cargo hold. Maybe the captain’s quarters. Wonder if the captain’s at home, I think he winked at me on the way in and he looked verra virile…

Anyway, 2009 was an odd year. I won’t waste yalls time by whining about how little time I had to read, but ya know, I didn’t have much time to read. Less and less as the year went on! I’ll blame the economy. No good reason, but El Nino’s old news, so the economy it is. So yep, less time to read, but still plenty of time to find something worthwhile in all the reading world.

2009 Top Reading Picks (no particular order)

1. Anything For You by Sarah Mayberry

This year I decided to try my hand at hosting a reading Challenge; Year of the Category was born. I’d read one or two category romances back in the day, but it’d been so long that I felt like a newcomer. I ought to have renamed the challenge Year of the Mayberry though, because Anything For You started me on a must-read Mayberrypalooza of pure enjoyment. I’m now officially a fan of this author and I don’t throw that word around lightly in regards to my reading.

2. White Witch, Black Curse by Kim Harrison

I have a feeling I will always love this series. I’ve actually had the bad luck of being pretty disappointed in a few of my most favorite series this year, but Harrison keeps it strong with this seventh book in the Rachel Morgan/Hollows series. God, but I love it, love ‘em all. So much so that for the first time in my reading history, I plan to get the previous initial series books in hardback. Rachel Morgan, gotta love her, plus the rest of Harrison’s awesome cast of characters. It goes without saying, really, that I crave the next book.

3. The Noble Dead Saga, Series 1

I don’t know if there’s anything quite like finding a series one enjoys, then devouring it back-to-back like a reading pig. Barb and J.C. Hendee co-author the Noble Dead books, a fantasy epic about a race of vampires called the Noble Dead and one in particular and his mad quest. It’s so epic in scale I cannot fully make you understand how much fun it was to read it (I suppose that’ why I reviewed them). The books weren’t all perfect reads, and I was a little mad at a series end that leaves one hanging (the saga continues in Series 2 beginning with In Shade and Shadow and a new lead protagonist), but I look forward to continuing the overall arc as good continues to fight against ultimate, world-consuming evil.

4. Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh

Sorry, Lucas Hunter, Mr. Awesome from Slave to Sensation, but Riley and Mercy have usurped you and Sascha as my favorite Psy/Changeling series couple. The dynamics between Mercy and Riley were fantastic, and I don’t only mean between the sheets. Not only did Singh give me another great couple to fall in love with, she also maintained tight control over her worldbuilding and series arc. When it comes to a plain-as-day handbook for this aspect of writing, Singh is a master, showing readers time and again that she is focused and dedicated to what she began back in 2006.

5. Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas

I simply fell in love with this book, which, as plenty of readers know, isn’t exactly easy to do. When it happens, though, when we find that one special book that speaks to us, it is pure magic. We sink into said book with all the bliss of coming home to a perfect read. Not Quite a Husband was such a book for me, and it still ranks very high in my top reads for 2009. I’m not a huge fan of books set in India, for a variety of reasons, but the characters and their problems, their utter nakedness of emotion, spoke to me in a way I’d not been prepared for. I love this book. It reminded me of me so much that it hurt, but it was a welcome and blissful hurt, bittersweet and so very, very Happily Ever After. Believe it or not, I’m getting all teary-eyed just recalling it!

6. On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

It seems the Andrews writing team has reached a point of how can one not have one of their books on a list like this. I love to death their Kate Daniel’s series, and this year’s installment was stellar. On the Edge, though, was equally amazing and I’m a huge fan already of the skill, strength of the characters and the phenomenal worldbuoilding found within. Very much looking forward to Bayou Moon in 2010.

7. Going Too Far by Jennifer Echols

Yep, add yet another reader completely gaga over this book. It made me into a puddle of love for it. Meg, the heroine, is wonderful. She’s flawed, adorably, unrepentantly rebellious and fun as hell. John After, the hero, is as unglued by her as I was. This was one of the best all-time feel good books I’ve ever read. It’s funny, painfully realistic and plain awesome.

2010 Reading Picks

There’s plenty to look forward to in 2010, and I started looking forward in May 2009. There’s the givens: Nalini Singh’s next Psy/Changeling and her 2nd Guild Hunter book, Archangel’s Kiss; Larissa Ione’s next Demonica; Linnea Sinclair’s Rebels and Lovers; even Charlaine Harris’ next Sookie, Dead in the Family, despite my extreme disappointment in Dead and Gone.

Instead, I’m reserving this section for some new-to-me authors:

1. The Reckoners by Doranna Durgin

Ghost hunter Lisa McGarrity can’t understand what’s gotten into the undead recently. Ectoplasm-flinging spirits and ghouls with grudges seem to be coming out of the woodwork, and her small business has been run ragged as she does her best to calm the outraged spirits. When the mysterious and sexy Trevarr appears on her doorstep, Lisa is suspicious. Why is he so interested in her ‘kooky’ hobby? What does he have to gain by visiting paranormal hot spots with her? Whatever he wants, Lisa can’t help being drawn to Trevarr, and as they start working together together to figure out this ghost population explosion, their mutual attraction causes explosions of its own.

2. Blood of the Demon by Diana Rowland

I really enjoyed the first one, Mark of the Demon, in 2009 and have to know more.

BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL, MAN AND DEMON, SHE’S ABOUT TO FACE THE ONE THING SHE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SURVIVE.

Welcome to the world of Kara Gillian, a cop with a gift. Not only does she have the power of “othersight” to see what most people can’t even imagine, but she’s become the exclusive summoner of a demon lord. Or maybe it’s the other way around. The fact is, with two troublesome cases on her docket and a handsome FBI agent under her skin, Kara needs the help of sexy, insatiable Lord Rhyzkahl more than he needs her. Because these two victims, linked by suspicious coincidence, haven’t just been murdered. Something has eaten their souls.

It’s a case with roots in the arcane, but whose evil has flowered among the rich, powerful, and corrupt in Beaulac, Louisiana. And as the killings continue, Kara soon realizes how much there’s still to learn about demons, men, and things that kill in the night—and how little time she has to learn it.

3. The Line by Teri Hall

A young adult dystopian title by the looks of the blurb. It’s got a kind of The Village feel to it, which, while not that great a movie, still had a great premise. I feel this book does too, possibly along similar yet hopefully better lines:

An invisible, uncrossable physical barrier encloses the Unified States. The Line is the part of the border that lopped off part of the country, dooming the inhabitants to an unknown fate when the enemy used a banned weapon. It’s said that bizarre creatures and superhumans live on the other side, in Away. Nobody except tough old Ms. Moore would ever live next to the Line.

Nobody but Rachel and her mother, who went to live there after Rachel’s dad died in the last war. It’s a safe, quiet life. Until Rachel finds a mysterious recorded message that can only have come from Away. The voice is asking for help.

Who sent the message? Why is her mother so protective? And to what lengths is Rachel willing to go in order to do what she thinks is right?

4. Nevermore by Kelly Creagh

Edgar Allan Poe was one of the most interesting poets to me as a young adult, and I’ve never been much of a horror anything fan. I’m intrigued by what this book might do with such an inspiration. There’s not a lot of info yet, but the cover is intriguing enough:

In NEVERMORE, cheerleader Isobel falls for Poe-fan Varen–but will she be able to save him from the madness taking hold of his mind?

Lordy, I think this list is long enough, but it doesn’t cover 2009 or 2010 by half. Here’s to 2010 – may yours be full of books and plenty of time to read them!

Thanks KMont!

Next on Smugglivus: Jessica of Racy Romance Reviews

Welcome to Smugglivus – Day 24!

Throughout this month, we will have daily guests – authors and bloggers alike – looking back at their favorite reads of 2009, and looking forward to events and upcoming books in 2010.

Today’s Guest: Angie of the Young Adult/Fantasy/Speculative Fiction review blog Angieville. Angie runs one of our very favorite blogs, and has a knack for picking up and reviewing books that both of us Smugglers love. She’s one of our go-to sites for book ideas – if Angie likes it, chances are, we will love it too!

Please give a hand to Angie!

Best Performance by a Heroine in a Recurring Role: Kate Daniels for Magic Strikes Kate just gets cooler and tougher and couldn’t stop taunting the Beast Lord to save her life. My kind of girl, is Kate.

Best Debut Performance by a Heroine in a Leading Role: Lyn for Girl in the Arena

She’s the daughter of seven gladiators. She loves her family and is true to herself, while refusing to perpetuate a suffocatingly rigid social system. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Lyn.

Best Performance by a Hero in a Recurring Role: Curran for Magic Strikes

It’s just that he’s Curran. And he’s so furry and cocky and implacable. And out of his mind over Kate. Love the guy. Love, love, love him.

Best Debut Performance by a Hero in a Leading Role: Brigan for Fire

Because if you’re looking for still waters run deep, look no further. His iron self-control and constant putting of duty and family before any personal desires…well, in Kristin Cashore’s capable hands, he’s utterly spellbinding.

Best Performance by an Antihero in a Leading Role: Nick for The Demon’s Lexicon

Talk about the definition of an antihero. Nicholas Ryves takes the cake, my friends. You love him, you hate him, you love to hate him. And his relationship with his big brother Alan will melt your heart. See if it doesn’t.

Best Performance by a Villain: President Snow for Catching Fire

The dude smells like blood and roses and I can’t read a scene he’s in without gagging. Seriously. What is wrong with him?

Best Performance by a Vampire in a Supporting Role: Stefan for Bone Crossed

Stefan is just, hands down, my favorite vampire around. He smells like popcorn and drives a VW bus painted like the Mystery Machine and he absolutely made Bone Crossed. I hope Mercy gives Marsilia what she deserves one of these days. For Stefan.

Best Series Finale: Diana Peterfreund for Tap & Gown

For never dropping the ball and coming through in every way that matters and more. Tap & Gown is the perfect ending to a ridiculously entertaining series. How many of those have you read?

Best Packaging: Arthur A. Levine Books for Marcelo in the Real World

I just love it. Better yet, its inside is every bit as breathtaking as its outside. And that is saying something.

Best Kiss: Lady Julia Grey and Mr. Nicholas Brisbane for Silent on the Moor

These two are three books in now and the tension…let’s just say it remains high. Part of it can be chalked up to how well-suited they are to one another and part of it is just that Ms. Raybourn can infuse a scene with Victorian heat like nobody’s business.

And last, but not least…

Best Author Pimping: My booktwin and dear friend Martha for her tireless and heartfelt pimping of Megan Whalen Turner’s Queen’s Thief series: The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, and The King of Attolia

Thank you, Martha. What can I say? I should have listened to you earlier. I have seen the error of my ways and will never delay reading a book you rave about ever again. This series instantaneously skyrocketed to the top of my beloved bookshelf and Turner is an absolute storytelling master. Highly recommended for fans of Robin McKinley, Kristin Cashore, and Sherwood Smith.

As for my 2010 Must Be Mine list…I’m gonna leave you with my top 15 most anticipated titles. They hail from 3 new-to-me authors and 12 near-and-dear ones. The list is comprised of 8 YAs (4 fantasy, 2 urban fantasy, 1 dystopian, and 1 contemporary), 3 urban fantasies, 3 straight fantasies, 1 historical mystery, and is top to bottom made of awesome. Shiny, no? Here they are in order of publication date:

Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta

In a world of fever camps, wandering exiles, and cursed kingdoms, young Finnikin joins forces with the reckless Evanjalin in a bid to save the land of Lumatere from the evil that threatens to swallow it. After the wonder that was Jellicoe Road, I will read anything the woman writes. Due out February 9

The Dead Travel Fast by Deanna Raybourn

A young woman leaves Scotland, bound for Roumania to visit a friend and write her book. There she encounters the mysterious Count Dragulescu and, well, really, need I say more? Due out March 1

A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner

The long-awaited fourth novel in the beloved Queen’s Thief series. This one follows Sophos as he fights his way to take his place as the heir to Sounis. Confession: I’m 100 pages into my ARC and it is, in a word, sublime. Due out March 23

Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

A land beset by storms and quakes, a mysterious wizard who brings rain, and a young woman stolen from her home who may hold the key to it all…I am so there. Due out March 23

Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

Fifth Mercy Thompson novel. ‘Nuff said. Due out March 30

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

The unexpected but delightfully welcome sequel to Perfect Chemistry. This one follows Alex’s little brother Carlos. I enjoyed the hell out of the first book and can’t wait for the follow-up. Plus, that cover? Smokin! Due out April 13

Mistwood by Leah Cypess

A young girl has lost her memory. A desperate prince risks everything on the mere hope she is who he believes her to be. Forced to return to a place she once fled, amid scheming and lies, Isabel struggles to determine who she used to be and what she must become. Due out April 17

Lord of the Changing Winds by Rachel Neumeier

First in the Griffin Mage trilogy. The griffins are coming, bringing fire and desert in their wake. The king prepares for battle to protect his land. Meanwhile a young girl is summoned to heal the Griffin King and her awakening abilities lead her to the truth behind their sudden flight. Due out April 27

Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

The fourth Kate Daniels book. Ilona and Gordon knocked it out of the park with Magic Strikes and I’m just not sure I’m gonna make it until May. Thank goodness for re-reading, right? Due out May 25

White Cat by Holly Black

The first in the Curse Workers trilogy, it’s about a boy named Cassel and takes place in a private boarding school, features a family of grifters, and is about curse magic. Oh, and a white cat. And is a fairy tale retelling. And it will be mine. Due out May 4

No covers quite yet on the rest of these, but keep your eye out because they are definitely not to be missed.

Heroes Return by Moira J. Moore

The fifth Heroes book featuring the lovable Source & Shield duo: Taro & Lee. Due out July 27

Bring on the Night by Jeri Smith-Ready

This series is #3 in my top favorite urban fantasies. I just love how smooth the writing is and finding out what happens to Ciara and Shane and the gang in the next WVMP Radio installment. Due out August 1

The untitled Hunger Games Book 3 by Suzanne Collins

I have no idea how it’s all going to play out but I can tell you one thing. Katniss better knock some heads together in this one because I am THIS CLOSE to losing it. Grrr. Due out August 24

Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund

The second Killer Unicorns book (I just love saying that) and the sequel to Rampant. Peterfreund is one of my very favorite authors and I, for one, am looking forward to more Astrid, more Giovanni, more Phil, and more Bucephalus! Due out September 21

Seer of Sevenwaters by Juliet Marillier

The sequel to the lovely Heir to Sevenwaters. This one is Sibeal’s book and one I’ve been waiting for for a long time. If you’ve never read any Marillier before, you have until December to pick up Daughter of the Forest and discover the splendiferousness for yourself. Janicu–I’m lookin’ at you. Due out December

That’s it for me. Thanks for having me, Smugglers! I’m off to track down some hot cider and wrap the last few presents. Thanks for stopping in this Christmas Eve and I hope your holidays are filled with good cheer and good books!

Thank you, Angie!!!

Next on Smugglivus: Doug Knipe, aka SciFiGuy

Welcome to Smugglivus 2009 – Day 15!

Throughout this month, we will have daily guests – authors and bloggers alike – looking back at their favorite reads of 2009, and looking forward to events and upcoming books in 2010.

Today’s Guest: Ilona Andrews (actually a team of two people, Ilona and her husband Gordon) bestselling UF writer, author of the Kate Daniels and The Edge series. The Kate Daniels series is going strong with three books published (the first two, Magic Bites and Magic Burns have been reviewed here) and is one of Thea’s favourite series.

Recent Work: The third book in the Kate Daniels series, Magic Strikes (reviewed here) and the first in The Edge series, On The Edge (reviewed here) .

Please give it up for Ilona and her top reads of the year:

*********

My favorite reads for this year:

ELEGY BEACH by Steven Boyett.

It’s a magic book, the kind of book that makes you want to be in it, to live in the world and have its characters as your friends. Set in California, post-magic- Apocalypse, it’s a story of murder and magic, nostalgia for what was lost and excitement for what is yet to become. A completely unique urban fantasy.

DEADTOWN by Nancy Holzner

This book doesn’t technically come out until 12/29 but I got to read it early and it kind of blew me away. Nancy’s characterization is stunning. I’m very attracted to books that feature a magical setting but have realistic human protagonists, and this one delivered for me.

DARKLY DREAMING DEXTER by Jeff Lindsay

Okay so technically this one was published some time ago but I got a 2009 reprint of it. The prose is so sharp. Just on the technical level alone, the level of craftsmanship in the book is amazing. And the subject matter – a serial killer vigilante – is extremely interesting.

NORTHLANDERS Vol 1: Sven the Returned by Brian Wood and David Gianfelice

This graphic novel is gory, bloody,awesome, and does Vikings right. It’s rare, especially in comic format, to get a viking hero that goes beyond “Rawr, Odin, muscles, wimmens, plunder!” mindset, but Wood’s characters have depth. It’s a grim story showcased by subtle art reminiscent of Fables.

TEMPT ME AT TWILIGHT by Lisa Kleypas

I picked this up on a whim and thought it was adorable.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2010

We have the fourth Kate Daniels coming out, titled MAGIC BLEEDS. It should be available end of May. The second volume in EDGE series, titled BAYOU MOON, is tentatively scheduled for October.

*******

Thanks, Ilona!

Next on Smugglivus: Carrie Ryan and Diana Peterfreund

Title: On the Edge

Author: Ilona Andrews

Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Ace
Publication Date: September 2009
Paperback: 336 pages

Stand alone or series: Book 1 in Ilona Andrews’s new The Edge series.

How did I get this book: Review Copy (from the Publisher)

Why did I read this book: I am a big fan Ilona Andrews fan. Her Kate Daniels series keeps getting better with each volume – in fact, this year’s Magic Strikes is shortlisted as one of my top 10 favorite reads of 2009.

Summary: (from amazon.com)
The Broken is a place where people shop at Wal-Mart and magic is nothing more than a fairy tale.

Rose Drayton lives on the Edge, the place between both worlds. A perilous existence indeed, made even more so by a flood of magic-hungry creatures bent on absolute destruction.

Review:

Rose Drayton lives in a strange realm called the Edge – a sliver of land between the familiar world of the Broken (a mundane world where electricity, McDonald’s and WalMarts are the norm) and the Weird (where magic and castles reign). Able to withstand both the loss of magic that the Broken inflicts on anyone that crosses its border, but also able to use magic in the realm of the Weird, “Edgers” like Rose and her family have freedom of mobility, but live a cutthroat existence. Ever since their parents gave up on the family, Rose has protected and looked after her two younger half-brothers, working in the Broken for minimum wage as a cleaning lady, and warding the house in the Edge against magical threats. Things are made more complicated by Rose’s magical ability, for she is able to “flash” white, powerfully and precisely – a degree of magic that only bluebloods from the Weird should be able to produce. While Rose’s magic means she can protect her brothers and grandmother, it also makes her a target for bluebloods looking for a broodmare to produce powerful children, and corrupt neighbors who plan on selling her to the highest bidder. When a strange, powerful, undeniably blueblooded man named Declan shows up at Rose’s home, Rose is forced to submit to his proposition: she will give him three challenges, and if he can emerge victorious all three times, she will be his. Knowing that Declan is more powerful and dangerous than even Rose can hold off, she must agree to give herself and her family a chance to beat him. But even as Rose’s life is slipping into chaos, more trouble is brewing in the Edge – some ominous new form of magic is appearing, and devouring Rose’s neighbors whole, and it seems to be attracted to her.

On the Edge marks Illona Andrews’s departure from the Magic/Tech world of Kate Daniels, and embarks into new territory. It’s surprisingly difficult to classify On the Edge – on the one hand, the book has undeniably strong contemporary/urban fantasy elements, but on the the other the relationship between Rose and Declan really drives this novel in the manner of a paranormal romance (much more so than the relationship between Kate and Curran is featured in her other series). Regardless of label, On the Edge is simply a damn good story. Ms. Andrews made her way onto my autobuy list of authors with Magic Strikes, and On the Edge certainly did not disappoint.

The fantasy elements, with the creation of the worlds of the Weird, the Edge and the Broken are fabulous concepts that are richly detailed and well realized. For example, at one point in the novel, we learn that these worlds coexist on parallel dimensions, with corresponding geographies but alternate histories. Little details like that make me happy as a reader – Ms. Andrews has a knack for creating worlds that make sense, with power hierarchies firmly in place, histories and politics that ring true. It’s one of the things that makes her as successful and effective as she is as an author. I loved the idea of “flashing” magic, curses and wards, as well as the different strange magics of changelings. There’s a lot of variation in Rose’s world of the Edge, and it feels completely fresh and interesting (no rehash of werewolves, vampires, or mystical super mages here, thank goodness!). Even more impressive, however, is Ms. Andrews’s appreciation of the laws of the universe: for every action, there is a reaction; for every use of power, there is a consequence. This is demonstrated adroitly throughout the novel, most effectively with Georgie, Rose’s younger brother with his big heart and his ability to resurrect dead creatures.

In terms of characters, again Ms. Andrews shines. Rose is a heroine worth rooting for, and her need to protect her younger brothers, her concern for her family, and even her compassion for those neighbors who would have left her for dead are impressive and make her a very sympathetic, genuinely likable character. Declan is an alpha-type hero character that I’m certain will have some female fans swooning – he’s (of course) gorgeous and powerful and undeniably arrogant, but he’s also a guy with an agenda. He’s a manipulator, but not in a cold or cruel way. Rather, he does what he needs to in order to get the job done, even if that means misleading Rose. Though Declan’s motives may seem hazy initially, things gradually make sense as the novel progresses, as do his motivations for his attachment to Rose and her family. And, of course, the relationship between Rose and Declan is the stuff of paranormal romance gold. They’re both characters that aren’t looking for love, but find it anyways (despite many hurdles and mistrust in the way). Even little ol’ jaded me found myself smiling by the end of the novel, as these two characters fall in love with each other, despite themselves.

I should also mention that the secondary characters, particularly Rose’s younger brothers Jack and Georgie, are wonderful additions. Jack, a changeling who was born as a kitten who then shifted into a human, is a strange character with a different view of the world, and Ms. Andrews captures this alien-ness very well. Georgie, Jack’s older half-brother, has the gifts of necromancy, but also the curse of a large and generous heart. His inability to let things die causes a whole other realm of problems, as some of his own life force must be sacrificed each time he resurrects something. Both characters, and their relationships with each other and with Rose and Declan, are touching, and add an extra dimension of goodness to On the Edge.

Though I did love the characters and the world building elements of the book, there were some minor detractors from the novel. In particular, the central thesis for the book for the romance between Rose and Declan is based on a premise that really makes no sense (at least initially it makes no sense, for about the first half of the book). The question that kept ringing in my head was: WHY is Declan so interested in Rose, especially if he’s some super hot super magic noble blueblood? The whole concept of the three challenges before Declan can claim Rose also seems a little cheesy. As the novel progresses and motivations are revealed, I do understand, logically, what Ms. Andrews tries to accomplish, but it doesn’t change the fact that the romantic premise seems more than a little silly and forced. Also, as a fan of the Kate Daniels books, I was a little disappointed that Rose was another SuperPowered character. Rose is written very well, that much is undeniable, but I would like to see how Ms. Andrews deals with a character that isn’t supremely, advantageously powered over her peers. Also, the antagonist element, with the villain being truly EEEEVIL was similarly cheesy. There were some cringe-worthy, repetitive lines about ‘i will enjoy slurping the flesh from your bones! [insert evil cackle]‘ that didn’t quite cut it for me. Finally, everything in On the Edge seemed to wrap up a little too nice and tidy for me – but that’s just a matter of personal taste.

Overall, these weaknesses were minor compared to the strengths of the novel, and I found myself highly enjoying On the Edge. I’ll definitely be back to the world of the Edge, very soon.

Notable Quotes/Parts: From Chapter 1:

“Rosie!” Grandpa’s bellow shook the foundation of the house.

“Why me?” Rose wiped the dish soap suds from her hands with a kitchen towel, swiped the crossbow from the hook, and stomped onto the porch.

“Roooosie!”

She kicked the screen door open. He towered in the yard, a huge shaggy bear of a man, deranged eyes opened wide, tangled beard caked with blood and quivering greyish shreds. She leveled the crossbow at him. Drunk as hell again.

“What is it?”

“I want to go to the pub. I want a pint.” His voice slipped into a whine. “Gimme some money!”

“No.”

He hissed at her, swaying unsteadily on his feet. “Rosie! This is your last chance to give me a dollar!”

She sighed and shot him. The bolt bit between the eyes and Grandpa toppled onto his back like a log. His legs drummed the ground.

Rosie rested the butt of her crossbow on her hip. “All right, come out.”

The two boys slipped from behind the huge oak spreading its branches over the yard. Both were filthy with reddish mud, sap, and some other unidentifiable substances an eight and a ten year old could find in the Wood. A jagged scratch decorated Georgie’s neck and brown pine straw stuck out of his blond hair. Red welts marked the skin between Jack’s knuckles. He saw her looking at his hands. His eyes got big, amber irises flashing yellow, and he hid his fists behind his back.

“How many times do I have to say it: don’t touch the ward stones. Look at Grandpa Cletus! He’s been eating dog brains again, and now he’s drunk. It will take me half an hour to hose him off.”

You can read the full excerpt online HERE.

Additional Thoughts: I’m really not crazy about this cover. At all. BUT I think it’s a good move to reach out to a more romance-centric crowd, since On the Edge does manage to straddle the fantasy/paranormal romance category nicely. What about you? Any thoughts?

Make sure to check out Ilona Andrews’s website for On the Edge, which has a few great essays, including this one about the her world building. Awesome stuff.

Verdict: On the Edge is an intoxicating blend of contemporary fantasy and paranormal romance, sure to please Ms. Andrews’s existing fans, and new fans alike. Rose and Declan are not to be missed – definitely recommended.

Rating: 7 Very Good

Reading Next: The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

Happy Sunday, all! Hope you’ve had a great weekend, etc, etc, etc. Now, down to business…

Giveaway Winners:

First up, is our giveaway of Meljean Brook’s latest Guardians novel, Demon Forged. The lucky winner is:

Also, the winner of an autographed hardcover copy of Fire, Krsitin Cashore’s latest novel is:

Congratulations! You know the drill. Send us an email (contact AT the book smugglers DOT com) with your snail mail address, and we’ll get your prize out to you as soon as possible. Thanks to everyone who entered both contests!

Around the Internets:

It’s Steampunk Month at Tor.com! For the month of October, the good folks at Tor.com, including authors like Cherie Priest and Lev Grossman and assorted bloggers will be posting articles of interest, giveaways, new short fiction, interviews, and much more – all centered around the increasingly popular steampunk motif. The month has already started and is going strong! Check out the post about George Mann’s new steampunk novel The Affinity Bridge – and there’s a giveaway too. Cherie Priest also has a great post about her new release, Boneshaker.

We’ll definitely be checking in all month. Keepin’ it brassy.

In other big book news, nominations for the 2009 Cybils are open! The Cybils Awards are Children’s and Young Adult Literary Awards, bestowed by book bloggers. The purpose of the awards is two-fold:

• Reward the children’s and young adult authors (and illustrators – let’s not forget them) whose books combine the highest literary merit and “kid appeal.” What’s that mean? If some la-di-dah awards can be compared to brussel sprouts, and other, more populist ones to gummy bears, we’re thinking more like organic chicken nuggets. We’re yummy and nutritious.
• Foster a sense of community among bloggers who write about children’s and YA literature, highlight our best reviewers (and shamelessly promote their blogs) and provide a forum for the similarly obsessed.

From now until October 15th at 11:59 PM, you can nominate your favorite young adult novels for an award. You can only nominate ONE book per category, so make sure it is a book you are passionate about!

With that said, you can make your nominations with the online form HERE. For more information about the Cybils, make sure to check out the award website HERE.

This Week on The Book Smugglers:

On Monday, Ana reviews Malinda Lo’s retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale, Ash.

Tuesday, Thea reviews another highly anticipated read of 2009, the long awaited book 2 in Patrick Ness’ Chaos Walking series, The Ask and the Answer.

On Wednesday we double up, as Ana reviews Pastworld by Ian Beck, and Thea reviews Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.

On Thursday, Thea reviews Ilona Andrews’ first book in a new Urban Fantasy series, On the Edge.

And on Friday, we close out the week with a joint review of Brandon Sanderson’s Well of Ascension (Mistborn book 2).

Phew. It’s another crazy week, and we hope you enjoy!

Until tomorrow…

Title: Magic Strikes

Author: Ilona Andrews

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Ace
Publication Date: April 2009
Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages

Stand alone or series: Book 3 of the Kate Daniels series.

Why did I read this book: I liked Magic Bites (book 1), and loved Magic Burns (book 2). It goes without saying that I’d continue on with the adventures of Kate Daniels, especially as Ms. Andrews’s writing just gets better with each installment!

Summary: (from Ilona-Andrews.com)
Drafted into working for the Order of Merciful Aid, mercenary Kate Daniels has more paranormal problems than she knows what to do with these days. And in Atlanta, where magic comes and goes like the tide, that’s saying a lot.

But when Kate’s werewolf friend Derek is discovered nearly dead, she must confront her greatest challenge yet. As her investigation leads her to the Midnight Games – an invitation only, no holds barred, ultimate preternatural fighting tournament – she and Curran, the Lord of the Beasts, uncover a dark plot that may forever alter the face of Atlanta’s shapeshifting community…

Review:

At the conclusion of Magic Burns, Kate Daniels no longer is a mere Mercenary Guild member – she’s become a fledgling member of the Knights of the Order of Merciful Aid as well as honorary Friend of the Pack. Instead of fighting off her involvement with the Order, Kate embraces her new job…even the bureaucratic mess and small peanuts errands it has her running. Things in post-Flare Atlanta are never so simple though, and soon Kate finds herself up to her neck in trouble once again. First, she stumbles upon a shapeshifter murder scene, that her former partner and werepanther Jim refuses to discuss with her – and what’s even curiouser is Kate’s discovery that Jim has been keeping the death a secret from pack leader Curran. Then Kate receives a call from the information-dealing, promiscuous magical shapechanger Saiman, who has caught her teenaged werewolf sidekick Derek breaking and entering in his swanky home. In exchange for Derek’s quiet release, Kate’s forced to go to the Midnight Games, a highly illegal and profitable Gladiator style tournament to the death, as Saiman’s date/bodyguard. Derek, unwilling to tell Kate why he was trying to steal Saiman’s tickets to the Games, makes her promise to give a girl on the Reapers fighting team a note from him. True to her word, Kate delivers Derek’s note without reading it first, but her trust comes at a terrible cost – she finds Derek near death, unable to heal himself or shapeshift, beaten beyond recognition with highly poisonous liquid electrum poured into the holes that were his chest and face. Jim is at the scene again, and Kate must work with him to save Derek and discover the true nature of the Reapers – and she has to do it all without Curran finding out.

I have to agree with Kmont, when she says that Magic Strikes is the best book in the Kate Daniels series to date. Ilona Andrews has a gift for writing action-packed, impeccably plotted books, and Magic Strikes is the best of the bunch. Just as Magic Burns was a significant improvement over Magic Bites, this third book takes the simmering character developments from the first two books and drastically ups the ante. Kate’s backstory, the reason for her need to burn her bandages to keep the extent of her magical skill imbued in her blood, is finally revealed – and it is every bit as fantastic a revelation as I had hoped for. Similarly, Kate and Curran’s volatile relationship is explored even more in this book, as his advances towards her in an attempt to make her his mate go to a whole new level (I’m certain this will please fans of the more romantic persuasion). One of the things I appreciate so much about this series and about Ms. Andrews’s writing, however, is that she does not rush anything – and this counts doubly in terms of Kate and Curran’s relationship. Though there is more contact between the two in this book, Kate is no fool. One of the reasons I love this heroine so much is because even though Curran is hot as hell, she realizes that becoming his mate will only leave her brokenhearted – in Kate Daniels’s universe, there’s no such contrived convenience as truemates or whatever.

I tried to put it into perspective. I had told him I’d never sleep with him. He told me I would. For him it was a game and he was simply trying to win. Someone once explained to me that if you lined up all of Curran’s former lovers, you could have a parade. He was sizing me up for another notch on his bedpost. If I gave in, I’d be a footnote in his procession of girlfriends: Kate Daniels, Investigator for the Order, whom his Furry Majesty had banged briefly until he got bored and moved on to bigger and better things, leaving her street cred in tatters.

An open relationship with Curran meant professional suicide. The agents of the Order were impartial by definition. Nobody would deal with me after I slept with the head of the shapeshifters. More important than that, when Curran lost interest in what I had to offer, he’d take my heart, smash it with a hammer into bloody mush, hand me the ruin, and walk away untroubled.

You gotta love that kind of candor and plain sense Kate puts into her thinking – this isn’t your average stupid UF heroine who will fall into bed with the guy that will totally ruin her career. And if she does, she’s full well of the risks and has weighed the consequences. I have to admit that when I first met Kate Daniels back in Magic Bites, I wasn’t immediately impressed. She was very run of the mill, a trashtalker without much to back it up, another one of the chicks in leather carrying a big sword with no real discernible qualities to separate her from the pack of other strangely bland badasses. But oh, how Kate has grown! Even in the first book, she softens and gains dimension, and now two installments later, she’s not only a bonafide badass, but she has a compelling backstory, snarky humor, and an actual brain to back it all up. My only problem in Magic Strikes so far as Kate is concerned is how she seems to have morphed from merely a very good mercenary fighter (with significant magic skills) to an unparalleled super warrior swordswoman (with the same significant magic skills). Not that I’m complaining – the action in this book was fantastic, Kate’s swordplay especially. It just seemed a drastic improvement in her physical prowess to me. Similarly, I love how instead of introducing myriad new characters, Ms. Andrews focuses on fleshing out those whom we’ve already met in earlier books. Derek, Jim, Saiman, Andrea, Raphael and even Julie make appearances here and play vital roles in the story. And of course, Curran’s presence is ever-welcome.

The other thing I was happily surprised to see in this book was a step into other pantheons; as an Indonesian shapeshifter named Dali gives Hindu mythology 101 and helps Kate discover that the mysterious Reapers are Rakshasas, brutal warriors capable of strong magic though not the brightest creatures. Shifting away from the European/Greco-Roman pantheon is a welcome change; though this series is grounded firmly in traditional shapeshifter/vampire lore, it’s nice to see some variation. I especially loved the different types of mythological creatures in the Midnight Games arena, from Minotaurs to Oni.

Magic Strikes is, simply put, fantastic. The action is unparalleled, the character growth stunning. Fans of the series, you will be ecstatic – answers, romance, and one hell of an ending make this Ilona Andrews’s finest work to date.

Notable Quotes/Parts: I adored the action sequences in the Midnight Games, but my favorite line has to have come from Dali.

“Is there anything in the legends about a topaz called the Wolf Diamond? A large yellow gem maybe?” I asked.

Dali wrinkled her forehead. “Topaz is associated with Brihaspati – Jupiter.”

“The Roman god?” Jim frowned.

“No, the planet. Honestly, Jim, the world doesn’t revolve around the Greco-Roman pantheon.”

And I love that one of the characters is Indonesian (even though Dali is more of a male name than a female, and isn’t really Indonesian one). Represent.

Additional Thoughts: Seeing Rakshasas in this book started me thinking – besides the typical shapeshifters, vampires, demons and angels what other creatures or gods would you like to see in your Urban Fantasy? I would love to see more of the Hindu pantheon represented, or how about a Japanese-myth centered novel or series in its own right, as opposed to just passing tertiary characters? Or instead of the traditional vampire, why not the Filipino aswang, or instead of a changeling a tiyanak?

One of the scariest, absolute best horror movies of my youth was the Filipino film Tiyanak. It still scares me (and I’ve rewatched it recently)…definitely recommended for authors seeking inspiration for new monsters.

Also, on an unrelated note, Ilona Andrews has an excerpt up from book 4! Check it out.

Verdict: Absofreakinglutely awesome. I loved Magic Strikes and plan on rereading it very soon. In the words of Oliver Twist (which has nothing to do with this novel, except that it mimics the longing I felt upon finishing it), “Please sir, I want some more.”

Rating: 9 Damn Near Perfection

Reading Next: Silent in the Sanctuary by Deanna Rayborn