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Showing posts with label Amanda Carlson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Amanda Carlson. Show all posts
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Urban Fantasy Summer Reading Celebration-Amanda Carlson
Welcome to the Urban Fantasy Summer Reading Celebration here at That’s What I’m Talking About!!
original images by marin & papaija2008 at FreeDigitalPhotos.com
banner designed by Jennifer from Books Make Me Happy
The celebration runs from July 1 through July 12, 2013, with guest posts, author and series spotlights and lots and lots of GIVEAWAYS!! In fact, each day there is a new post, there is new giveaway to enter! CLICK HERE for more information.
Today I’m here to share my love for the Jessica McClain series by Amanda Carlson. In addition, I’ve got a signed copy of Hot Blooded for giveaway, details below.
The Jessica McClain series takes place in a world full of paranormal creatures, hidden from human eyes. Our heroine, Jessica, was the only female born to a werewolf, and after living twenty-six years, she unexpectedly experiences her first change--a full ten years late. Now she is the only female full-blooded werewolf ever, and that makes the other wolves and supernatural factions very nervous. There are a few prophesies that suggest Jessica may be the savior or destruction of the paranormal community; either way - she’s full of power.
Jessica does have a few friends, including her father (the pack Alpha/leader), her brother twin Tyler, a shifter friend Danny, a human named Ray, and her mate, Roarke. They also take on a couple of vampire guides in the second book, Hot Blooded. The first book focuses on Jessica’s transformation and fitting in while avoiding letting others know she’s changed. The second book is a journey of sorts, as the group needs to rescue someone close to Jessica.
Jessica is a wonderful urban fantasy heroine. She has come into her own; she is assertive and aggressive but caring. She is smart, witty, and she embraces her new role and powers with confidence.
Currently there are two published full-length titles and one novella in the Jessica McClain series, with the third book due out October 8, 2013.
Reading order (click title for review):
Up next... Cold Blooded
(Orbit books, expected publication October 2013)
Jessica arrives back in town to find her best friend missing and the most powerful witch in the country is blaming her for it. But before they can move to save her, the group is attacked.
On the run, Jessica and Rourke head to the mountains. Several surprises await them, but in order to save her father they are forced to leave for New Orleans early.
Arriving on the Vampire Queen's doorstep unexpectedly, and bringing trouble on their heels, the Sects are thrown into an all out war. The vicious skirmish ends up forcing the vamps and Jessica to fight on the same team.
The Vamp Queen ends up owing Jessica, but what Jessica doesn't realize is just how soon she'll have to cash it in...
GIVEAWAY:
I have one (1) signed copy of the most recent title in the Jessica McClain series, Hot Blooded, to give away here at That’s What I’m Talking About. Thank you to Amanda Carlson for sponsoring the giveaway. To enter, please complete the Rafflecopter form, below, and leave a comment at the end of today’s post telling us your favorite shifter mythos (book, TV, movies, etc.). Winner will be selected randomly from eligible entries. CONTEST IS OPEN US Mailing ONLY, and prize will be mailed by the author. Contest open from July 11, 2013 until June 18, 2013 at 12:00 AM EDT-midnight. I am not responsible for items lost in the mail. If you have problems with the Rafflecopter form, please email me at twimom227 at gmail dot com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Be sure to check out the other UF Summer Reading Celebration Giveaways going on now!
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Monday, July 1, 2013
Urban Fantasy Summer Reading Celebration
Welcome to the Urban Fantasy Summer Reading Celebration here at That’s What I’m Talking About!!
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| original images by marin & papaija2008 at FreeDigitalPhotos.com banner designed by Jennifer from Books Make Me Happy |
The celebration runs from July 1 through July 12, 2013, with guest posts, author and series spotlights and lots and lots of GIVEAWAYS!! In fact, each day there is a new post, there is new giveaway to enter! Here is what is in store:
July 2: Guest blogger, Liza from Blogging by Liza is going to share her love for the Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep. In addition Ms. Estep is donating a signed copy of Deadly Sting for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 3: Debut UF author ML Brennan is going to talk about her new Fortitude Scott series. She is donating her recent release, Generation V, for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 5: I’m going to share my love for the Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones. Ms. Jones is donating a signed copy of First Grave on the Right for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 8: Suzanne Johnson stops by to talk with us about her fabulous Sentinels of New Orleans series and her upcoming Elysian Fields. She’s also donating winner’s choice of signed copy of either Royal Street or River Road plus a swag bag for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 9: The Magic Rises Blog Tour makes its stop at the blog today. It’s my turn to give praise to my favorite UF series, the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. Today we will have FOUR chances to win great prizes... Authors Ilona and Gordon Andrews are donating a set of books to include: Magic Bites, Magic Burns, Magic Strikes, and Magic Bleeds plus Gunmetal Magic as a set. Plus, they are donating two (2) additional copies of Gunmetal Magic for the giveaway. IN ADDITION... Penguin Publishing is donating a copy of the upcoming book, Magic Rises and the first book in the series, Magic Bites, for the giveaway as part of the blog tour. That’s four chances to win!! Details HERE.
July 10: Jennifer from The Book Nympho is going to tell us all about Kristen Painter’s exciting House of Comarré series. In addition, Ms. Painter is donating a signed copy of Blood Rights for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 11: Once again, I’m up and I’ll be talking about the action-packed Jessica McClain series by Amanda Carlson. Ms. Carlson is donating a signed copy of Hot Blooded for the giveaway. Details HERE.
July 12: Guest blogger Lori from Romancing the Dark Side will share her thoughts on the Edie Spence series by Cassie Alexander. In addition, I am donating one (1) ebook copy (either Amazon or Barnes & Noble) of either Nightshifted, Moonshifted, or Shapeshifted for the giveaway. Details HERE.
So... what do you think?? I’ve got eight great posts about eight fantastic urban fantasy series, with not one, not two... but EIGHT GIVEAWAYS! Come back tomorrow and enter to win!
NOTE: All winners will be announced on July 20, 2013!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Review: Hot Blooded by Amanda Carlson
Hot Blooded
Author: Amanda Carlson
Release Date: April 23, 2013
Publisher: Orbit
Jessica McClain #2
ISBN: #978-0316205214
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (336 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
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It hasn't been the best week for Jessica McClain.
Her mate has been kidnapped by a Goddess hell-bent on revenge --- but Jessica is playing for keeps.
Because she's the only female werewolf in town...it comes with its own set of rules...and powers.
Aided by two vamps, two loyal Pack members, and one very reluctant human, Jessica must rescue her man while coming to terms with what being a wolf really means.
All in a day's work for a girl.
The second novel in the Jessica McClain series is a full on action adventure featuring one angry Goddess and plenty of monsters, demons, and a few newly risen beasties...
What I’m talking about:
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The second book in Ms. Carlson’s Jessica McClain series starts of in the thick of things just days after the conclusion of the first book, Full Blooded. Jessica is busy fighting an imp and discovers yet another prophecy supposedly about her. After discussing it with her dad, it appears there may be some truth that she is the One True Lycan who will overcome the world’s evil. Jessica and her dad have a wonderful rapport, and their heart-to-heart is just one of the many moments I thoroughly enjoyed in Hot Blooded.
Jessica, her brother twin Tyler, and friend Danny are preparing to search for Jessica's mate, Roarke, who was captured by the evil goddess Selena at the end of the last book. They will be working with two vampire trackers (all part of a deal brokered in the first book). In addition, Jessica is responsible for a human police officer, Ray: a man who hounded Jessica when she was human. By pack laws he needs to be killed since he knows about the paranormal. However Jessica doesn't feel that's right and fights to allow him to live, but she has to convince Ray to join them willingly and work for the pack. It's an excellent twist that allows Jessica to grow into a stronger, righteous woman that just may be the One True Lycan.
I really enjoyed Hot Blooded, especially after loving the premise but being a little disappointed with the first book. This time around, the plot and writing flow smoothly, and the book stays focused on the story, which didn’t always happen in the the first one.
Jessica is a wonderful urban fantasy heroine. She has come into her own; she is assertive and aggressive but caring. The fact that she wants Ray to live and doesn't want to kill any being in cold blood is a testament to this. When reading Full Blooded, there was something about Jessica that bothered me; however that nagging feeling of something I didn't like is gone. She is smart, witty, and she embraces her new role and powers with confidence. Although the story begins shortly after the first book, it feels like an eternity. Jess is focused and mature. Also, I really like how Jessica and her wolf are two separate consciousnesses. They have to work together, which wonderfully demonstrates how she thinks and works through situations. I enjoy that the wolf knows things Jessica doesn't; however, I do wonder how the wolf knows so much.
In the world of Jessica McClain, the different factions of supernatural beings do not get along. Despite this, or maybe because of it, the team and their vampire guide, Naomi, develop an exciting and refreshing relationship. Danny and Naomi have a wonderful connection, and I throughly enjoyed their banter and dialogue (and wonder where things may be headed *waggles eyebrows*). Overall, the group dynamics are entertaining and at times heart-warming. There is Ray (human) and Eamon (Naomi’s vampire brother) on the far sides of the fence with Naomi, Jessica, Tyler and Danny working for common ground in the middle. Their cooperation and information sharing all in the name of taking down the evil goddess Selena is fun to witness.
The journey to Selena’s lair to rescue Roarke is filled with difficult tasks and unnerving pitfalls. For the most part, the intensity remained high and the action was exciting. I enjoyed the demonstrations of Jessica’s new found abilities, but also her developing leadership skills and capacity to work with a team. There were a lot of traps and obstacles to overcome, and by the final hurdle, I was ready to move on, so I would say there was just the right amount of conflict.
Once the gang finally makes it into the lair, things are pretty dire. The story is violent without being overtly graphic. The final battle reveals some interesting developments and twists, and I for one cannot wait to find out what comes next for Jessica and her ragtag group.
Overall, I thoroughly adored Hot Blooded. The journey was exciting and kept my heart racing. I enjoyed the camaraderie of Jessica and her companions - something missing from the first book. Although there is a “cliff-hangerish” type ending, it is more about the start of the next story rather than leaving this one unfinished. It reminded me of how the TV show Quantum Leap always ended. I look forward to learning more about the mysterious prophecy, but also watching the budding relationships (both romantic and platonic) develop and mature. Balancing action and plot with romance and friendship is a sign of an excellent urban fantasy story, and that is what we see with Jessica McClain.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Blog Tour Review: Full Blooded by Amanda Carlson
Full Blooded
Author: Amanda Carlson
Release Date: Sept. 11, 2012
Publisher: Orbit
Jessica McClain #1
ISBN: #978-0316205207
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): paperback (352 p), e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Born the only female in an all male race, Jessica McClain isn’t just different—she’s feared.
After living under the radar for the last twenty-six years, Jessica is thrust unexpectedly into her first change, a full ten years late. She wakes up and finds she’s in the middle of a storm. Now that she’s become the only female full-blooded werewolf in town, the supernatural world is already clamoring to take a bite out of her and her new Pack must rise up and protect her.
But not everyone is on board. The werewolf Rights of Laws is missing text and the superstitious werewolves think that Jessica means an end to their race. It doesn’t help when Jessica begins to realize she’s more. She can change partway and hold her form, and speak directly to her wolf. But the biggest complication by far is that her alpha father can't control her like he can the rest of his wolves.
When a mercenary who’s been hired by the vampires shows up to extract information about the newly turned werewolf only days after her change, they find themselves smack in the middle of a war and there's no choice but to run together. When it’s up to Jessica to negotiate her release against her father’s direct orders, she chooses to take an offer for help instead. In exchange, Jessica must now swear an oath she may end up repaying with her life.
What I’m talking about:
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Our story opens with a huge proverbial BANG, and may I add a big surprise to me, when our heroine, Jessica McClain begins to shift into a wolf. For those that read the novella, Blooded, it may be a bit of a shock to find out that Jessica is now 26 years old and has been living away from the Pack since the end of the novella (when she was 19 years old). Oh, and that the once human girl is now the only female wolf shifter in existence. Many of the questions I had after reading the novella disappeared by the end of the first chapter! Personally, I really liked the idea that she was “only a human” among the supernaturals; however, I quickly adapted my mindset and found Jessica’s new situation equally as compelling.
Jessica’s unexpected shift causes major damage to her apartment, so friends are called in to make it look like a break in. Unfortunately, they couldn’t take care of everything, and the police are a little suspicious about what really happened. To further her problems, Ray Hart, the police officer handling her “break in,” has a long-standing personal grudge against Jessica. He dogs her relentlessly, poking holes in her alibis and functioning as a major pain-in-the-ass.
With Jessica now a full-blooded werewolf, her father, the Pack Alpha, must decide how to hide Jessica from the Supernatural community for fear she will be hunted and destroyed. Unfortunately, word got out quickly that she shifted, and there are some powerful beings tracking her down. When her true nature is revealed, sides are drawn, and the Pack will never be the same.
Full Blooded is a busy book. The first part starts with Jessica’s unexpected transformation, and the subsequent focus on how to keep her cover as a human (and deal with Ray). Since shifting is new to Jessica, we learn more about the wolves and Pack as it is explained to her by her father, brother and other shifters. The world-building is fairly intense, but easy to follow. However, sometimes, the discussions felt forced or knowingly a setup for later storylines. I use the example of a discussion Jessica has with her father’s second, James, on true mates. The conversation felt out of place to me, like I was being set up for something that would happen later. And sure enough... that’s what happened.
Speaking of James... I really liked his character - he has a level head and protected and supported Jessica within the Pack. To me, James was painted to be like a second father for Jessica. So when their wolfy-hormones go all crazy and the pair end up “releasing pent up energy,” it was a bit weird for me. It wasn’t off-putting, but it wasn’t hot either.
On the other hand, I did not care for Ray. His character felt a bit cliché. We've seen his type often... Around just to be a pain in the butt, but not add real substance. Then, midway through the story, he’s out of the picture until the end of the book. I hope there is more to him then a tough guy out to get even because a girl took his glory. The verdict is out until the next book, Hot Blooded.
At about the midpoint of Full Blooded, the story takes on a different feel. This is when Jessica meets the mysterious Rourke. A ruthless mercenary, Rourke has been hired to find out more about Jessica. However, once he moves in to gather information, all hell breaks loose: the Pack goes to war and rogue shifters attempt to either kidnap and/or kill Jessica. Jessica’s father and James entrust her life to Rourke, and the pair barely escape. The second half of the book focuses on the pair’s journey to stay safe, their growing attraction to each other, and with confronting the powers behind Jessica’s attempted abduction.
Now Rourke is a hero I can get behind! He is tough and alpha, yet protective of what’s his. And he knows that Jessica is his. Once he realizes that Jessica isn’t the enemy, it’s like he knows he never wants to be without her. The couple had some swoon-worthy moments, and my favorite line comes from one of their interactions:
His eyes met mine and my heart leapt into my throat. Warrior of Old. Without a doubt, it was true. What was he? "What are you?" I breathed.
He looked at me curiously and I realized he was seeing me for the first time in my Lycan form. Surprise crept along his features, but we didn't have time to discuss it. "I'm yours," he said simply.
Although I adored him, Roarke’s emotional transformation from tough guy to softy was a bit sudden and felt extreme.
Overall, I was completely engrossed in Full Blooded, and honestly, I could not put down the book. Although there were a few things that irritated me, like the fact that there was entirely way too much taunting by almost every character in the book, I felt the overall storyline and premise outshone the bothersome annoyances. I’m not a huge fan of open-ended conclusions (which this book has), but there is a plan in place which should make for an thrilling second story. I truly enjoyed Full Blooded and cannot wait to read the next book!
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info
Reviews in the Series:
Monday, September 17, 2012
Review: Blooded by Amanda Carlson
Blooded: A Jessica McClain Novella
Author: Amanda Carlson
Release Date: April 11, 2012
Publisher: Orbit
Jessica McClain #0.5
ISBN: #978-0316225090
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Jessica McClain was born the only female in an all male race. The only problem is-she's no wolf. Called a curse, a witch and the Daughter of Evil by the superstitious wolves, Jessica decides to fight for her freedom, at age nineteen, the only way she can-in the ring.
When she's brutally attacked right after her fight, is it enough to finally earn her freedom off Compound, or will she be forced to endure the hatred even longer . . .
What I’m talking about:
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Blooded is a prequel novella set in a new urban fantasy series by Amanda Carlson. The short story outlines a few days in our heroine’s life just after her nineteenth birthday. Jessica is the only female to be born into a shifter wolf clan. To top it off, she’s human. The wolves all believe she is the evil female of legend who will bring about the wolves’ destruction. Since Jessica’s father is the alpha leader of the pack, the threats to her life were kept to a minimum until her eighteenth birthday. But there is a strong contingency of wolves who are willing to die to see Jessica’s life ended, so Jessica hopes to hold them off some by picking a fight with a hot-head wolf. When that doesn’t work, Jessica begs her father to have her sent away so that the wolves will settle down.
I really like the premise of this new series. It’s original and holds a lot of potential. I want to find out more about Jessica’s history and how she will do out in the world. I hope to learn more about the legend that paints her as a witch - and find out if she is in fact, the Daughter of Evil. The story flowed smoothly and quickly. It was action-packed and a bit bloody.
Blooded is a world-building, set-up novella. The shortness of the story gives the reader just a small taste of what is to come, but it felt incomplete to me. I felt that there are a few points in the world-building that were unfinished and left me with questions. For example, we learn how Jessica wants to be sent away so that the wolves can live in peace. What I don't get is if the wolves are all males, don’t they have to mate... with human females? So why doesn’t Jessica spend time with the other females?
I was also confused about why her dad was so concerned about sending her away. His reasoning is that as a human, she will need extraordinary protection. Yet, it’s my understanding that the supernatural beings in this world are hidden from humans. So why can't she just live as a human?
In my opinion, the novella isn't a complete story and would have worked better condensed into a chapter or two at the start of the upcoming book. With that said, the story that Ms. Carlson begins in Blooded is exhilarating and fascinating, and I cannot wait to read the first full-length book in the series, Full Blooded. Although I have unanswered questions and wished for more information in Blooded, it works for a set-up book--just not so much as a stand alone story.
My Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
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