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Showing posts with label Anya Bast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anya Bast. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Review: Embrace of the Damned by Anya Bast
Embrace of the Damned
Author: Anya Bast
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Brotherhood of the Damned #1
ISBN: #978-0425247969
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (301 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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A damned Viking warrior.
Centuries ago Broder Calderson committed murder. As punishment, he was given over to the dominion of Loki, the Trickster God, made part of the Brotherhood of the Damned and condemned to an immortal life of battle against the Blight, blood-drinkers from Hel.
A mysterious woman he can’t resist.
One thousand years to the day he was damned, Loki allows him a woman as reward for his good service and repentance of his crimes. Once Broder sees Jessamine Hamilton, he is overcome with need. But Jessa is no ordinary woman, and the truth of who—and what—she is could have dangerous consequences.
A tormented man she can’t deny.
Though a future together is impossible, the warrior’s touch ignites an irresistible passion in Jessa. But every heated kiss pushes them closer to destruction. Forced to return to the brutality of his Viking past to protect her, will Broder surrender forever to his darkest impulses?
What I’m talking about:
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Anya Bast’s newest world opens with a history lesson about our hero. One thousand years ago, Viking Broder slaughtered a lot of people - men, women and children, and as punishment for his crimes, he was involuntarily recruited to be an immortal warrior for the trickerster god, Loki. He and his brotherhood of the damned are cursed to fight day and night, hoping to kill the one demon that will free them forever. Unfortunately for Broder, he is also condemned to spend one thousand years without the touch of a woman.
Forward to present day and we meet Jessa. After the recent death of her aunt, Jessa notices she can do some odd things - like get people to do what she wants just by thinking about it. And after finding photos of her parents that were taken over 100 years ago, Jessa is determined to find out more about her mysterious history. But Jessa isn’t alone; she has demons - Blight - trying to kill her. Thankfully Broder realizes that Jessa is his destined gift from Loki and saves her before it’s too late. Broder’s alpha instincts take over and he knows he will protect her at any cost.
The book opens beautifully - the history and story grabbed my full attention. The mood is exciting and the story easy to follow. It is action packed right from the get go, and well, it is funny. One of my favorite scenes occurs near the beginning when Jessa wakes to find herself in a strange place full of good looking warrior men. As she looks to make her escape, she is discovered:
“I’m leaving. You have a whole house filled with beefcake and no explanation for it.”
He narrowed his eyes and tilted his head to the side a little. “So you’re fleeing because of beefcake?”
I enjoyed the play between Jessa and Broder, but it was a tough dynamic at times. He continually demands personal information from Jessa, but he refuses to return the favor. At times he is downright rude, especially about sharing anything from his own past. Mostly Jessa takes it, and that frustrated me. But there were times when she stands up for herself and that had me cheering.
In addition, Broder, who nicknamed Jessa his “treasure,” wants to protect what is his, but Jessa needs more than being placed in a treasure chest and hidden away to stay safe. I am not a fan of this analogy for her. Broder should treasure Jessa, but not try to put her on a shelf.
As Jessa begins to discover more and more of her own past, I am as desperate as she is to uncover the truth about her origins and why her parents left their home (and hid Jessa away). The enclave of witches to which Jessa’s history is intricately tied, is full of secrecy and apparently danger. I hope that future novels explore this group in more detail.
Embrace of the Damned is an interesting story and enjoyable read. It kicks off a new series with a promising start. There are a few parallels with Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter series; however, Brotherhood of the Damned series is uniquely different. I did find some sections of the story repetitious, and I was middle-of-the-road about Jessa due to her fluctuation between a strong and weaker character, but overall I enjoyed this story. The ending left me wanting to know what will happen next, and I have several unanswered questions. I certainly hope that Jessa and Broder's story will continue in the next book--and I am already looking forward to what is next.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Labels:
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Review: Midnight Enchantment
Midnight Enchantment
Author: Anya Bast
Release Date: Feb. 7, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Dark Magick #4
ISBN: #978-0425245033
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (304 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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A quest for freedom may be derailed by their intense attraction…
Niall Quinn, mage and the finest thief in the Black Tower, is the fae’s best hope for freedom. Only he stands a chance of tracking down and retrieving the missing bosca fadbh pieces from the Summer Queen. But he meets his match in Elizabeth Cely Saintjohn, who has taken control of the pieces on the Summer Queen’s behalf—and has refused to give them up.
Elizabeth is an asrai, a rare English water fae, and she may be the only fae in Piefferburg stealthier than Niall. She has her own reasons for guarding the two pieces and wanting the walls of Piefferburg to remain intact—even if it means denying her fae sisters and brothers their freedom. Her mother’s life depends on it.
Torn between his duty to obtain the pieces at any cost—and the shocking lust Elizabeth has stirred in him—Niall must convince Elizabeth to surrender the pieces, or else he may have no choice but to destroy her and all she holds dear…
What I’m talking about:
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I have adored Ms. Bast’s Dark Magick series since I picked up the first story in an anthology. The series chronicles an alternate Earth where humans and an “evil” cult-like group, the Phaendir, have incarcerated all Fae-kind (fairies, goblins, elven, etc.). The fae are working to escape their centuries-old prison by collecting pieces of a magical “key” call the bosca fadbh and a powerful spell book called the Book of Bindings. The mythology alone keeps me coming back again and again. But it’s Ms. Bast’s ability to create intricate storylines, exciting adventures, and sexy romances which stir up powerful emotions within me that causes me to stay up into the wee hours of the night reading her books.
The Fae’s quest for freedom climaxes in the fourth (and final?) book, Midnight Enchantment. The Fae are in possession of all the pieces of the puzzle needed to break free. Unfortunately, there are two camps - the Summer Queen has two pieces and does not want the walls to fall. The Shadow Queen, aligned with the majority of the Fae, has one piece and the Book of Bindings. She is now faced with the task of hunting down the last two pieces and taking them from the Summer Queen using any means necessary. In addition, the Shadow Queen must prepare for battle against the humans and Phaendir, who are at the gates of Piefferburg and ready to attack.
Stuck in the middle of this conflict are Niall Quinn and Elizabeth Cely Saintjohn. Both are inherently good people, but on opposite sides of the fence and willing to go to extremes to help their causes. This means that Niall is willing to capture and torture Elizabeth to discover the location in which she hid the last two pieces of the bosca fadbh (at the direction of the Summer Queen), and she is willing to die to protect her secret, thereby saving her mother.
Overall this was a great conclusion to this wonderful series (although I would be first in line to read more if Ms. Bast continues forward!); however, I felt the primary couple, Niall and Elizabeth, were not on par with the couplings in this series’ earlier books. I never really felt a connection with Niall and Elizabeth. I adored them, but it was difficult for me to get past the fact that she was (mentally) tortured at the hands of Niall. In addition, they were always at such odds with each other - I believed Elizabeth when she constantly lamented that there was too much between them to overcome.
With that said, the overall storyline was fabulous and kept me glued to the pages. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next in the battle between “good and evil.” I was emotionally invested in this story because of my history with this series. Although I didn’t have strong interest in Elizabeth and Niall as a couple, I did care for each individually and empathized with their internal turmoil as each struggled to do what s/he thought was best. But in the end, I wanted to see Gideon P. Amberdoyal, the evil archdirector of the Phaendir, get what he deserved. And that part of the story was riveting and fulfilling.
My Rating:
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Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
Sweet Enchantment (prequel in Hot for the Holidays)
Wicked Enchantment (Dark Magick 1)
Cruel Enchantment (Dark Magick 2)
Dark Enchantment (Dark Magick 3)
Midnight Enchantment (Dark Magick 4)
Friday, April 1, 2011
Review: Dark Enchantment
Dark EnchantmentAuthor: Anya Bast
Release Date: April 5, 2011
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Dark Magick Book #3
ISBN: #978-0425240533
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (352 pgs), e-book
I received a copy of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From the author’s website:
A sultry dream can become a real-life nightmare…
Tax consultant Charlotte Bennett isn’t the type to lose control. Until she’s seduced in a dream by a handsome, rugged man named Kieran. In her dream state, she decides to let loose, letting pleasure and desire lead the way. But she quickly discovers her “safe” night of passion has dangerous repercussions.
The lust-driven dream was in fact a magick illusion that’s left Charlotte indefinitely bound to a controlling fae named Kieran. Under his order, she must find the last piece of a powerful relic. Only Charlotte knows the location of the bosca fadbh, but the knowledge is hidden deep within her bloodline—and only wicked magick can draw it out.
Forced to work with the enticing Kieran, she finds it hard to escape their seductive chemistry. Even though he’s harboring a deadly curse, one that puts Charlotte in danger—and could make this attraction fatal….
What I’m talking about:
Welcome to a world of magic... Ms. Bast’s wonderful Dark Magick series takes place in an alternate world where humans have discovered Fae (fairies, goblins, etc.) and have incarcerated them with the help of the Druid-based Phaendir. In the first 2 books, plus “pre-quel” novella), the Fae have been working to find pieces of the bosca fadhb, a fae relic that will help the imprisoned fae escape the walls of Piefferburg.
Dark Enchantment picks up shortly after the conclusion of the previous book and immediately jumps into a sexy adventure. Charlotte, a human with a Fae-Hating family reputation, wakes one morning after an intense, highly sexual dream and keeps hearing the voice of her dream-lover calling for her. Soon the calls become a compulsion that drives her to enter the gates of Piefferburg under false pretenses. She is scared but angry that one fae could make her do something she never wanted to do in her lifetime.
After meeting the man (fae) from her dreams, Kieran, and other magical folks, Charlotte agrees to help the fae by allowing them access to her genetic memories. Soon she is thrown into a dangerous fight for freedom for a race of beings she once considered a threat to her life.
Charlotte and Kieran are well-matched. Both learn to overcome preconceived notions about the other. Charlotte learns that most fae are no more scary and dangerous than the human race. Kieran learns that Charlotte isn’t the bigoted human her father is. Kieran, who is cursed to a horrible death if he ever falls in love, can’t help but admire Charlotte. She constantly surprises Kieran with her inner-strength during some rather intense moments of peril, as well as her ability to overcome years of fear by befriending the very creatures from her nightmares. Although their romance moves quickly, it is very organic and sweet. Each fights their growing attraction to protect the other, both finally giving in to love and realizing it is better than anything in the world.
I really enjoy the continuing story arc of fae freedom, the Phaendir and its deliciously wicked leader, Brother Gideon P. Amberdoyal. I admire that Ms. Bast keeps the plot moving forward and doesn’t throw unnecessary roadblocks in to drag out the conflict. Each story finds the fae a step closer to reaching their collective goal of freedom. Yet along the way we discover not all fae have the same ideals. And now that the fae can see freedom in sight, we will learn where each character stands. Dark Enchantment continues the exciting journey full of political wrangling, magical abilities, evil-doers and noble souls.
Overall, Dark Enchantment is a very enjoyable book - one that can be read stand alone (if you haven’t read the series), but is probably best enjoyed by those that have read the earlier tales. Ms. Bast does a good job of informing readers about details from earlier stories necessary for understanding the overall plot. I highly recommend the entire Dark Magick series. It is an delightful paranormal romance series that doesn’t rely on the vampires and werewolves to entertain.
My Rating:
Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sunday Snippets #24
From Cruel Enchantment by Anya Bast
Book Release Date: September 7, 2010... so this story is also a
It had been too long. She barely remembered what it was to be fae--what she was under the layers of illusion she’d donned. It was good to be here. She didn’t regret a bit not ordering a car to come for her at the gates, even though the walk would not be doing her leg muscles any favors tomorrow morning.
She blinked, glimpsing something down the road that didn’t fit with her natural surroundings. Someone striding through the dappled sunlight and pollen-laden air. A man. A large, muscular man walking with purpose toward her. He carried something in his hand, but she couldn’t quite make it out.
Her pace slowing, she watched him approach, seeing something intangibly familiar in the way he moved and the broad set of his shoulders. Who was this man? What was he doing way out here? His posture and the way he strode toward her seemed vaguely threatening. Suddenly she wished for a weapon. She usually carried one--old habits died hard--but she hadn’t brought any into Piefferburg with her.
He strode on heavy boots and wore black pants and a white poet’s shirt that would’ve made any other man but him look feminine. His long, dusky blond hair was pulled partway back at his nape, free tendrils moving around a face so heartbreakingly beautiful in a savage, brutal way it made her want to cry. Strong, clefted chin; full lips; dark brown eyes. His build peeked out at the collar of the poet’s shirt--strong and muscled from hard work--wide shoulders, narrow hips, the fabric of his pants clinging to the thighs of an athlete.
Or of a blacksmith.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
ARC Review: Cruel Enchantment
Cruel Enchantment
Author: Anya Bast Release Date: September 7, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
ISBN: #978-0-425-23637-6
Genre: Paranormal Romance - Fae
I received a copy of this book from the Author for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the Author for an honest review.
From the author’s website:
Even the most powerful hands need a delicate touch…
Emmaline Gallagher is a master of wielding personal glamour. As a free fae who lives among humans, she must hide her true self at all times as she works undercover within the powerful Phaendir—for if certain factions within the Phaendir gain control, the fae will be wiped from existence. Now, an object of fae power lies within a locked ancient box. And there is only one fae who can forge the key.
Known as “the Blacksmith” Aeric O’Malley can create or destroy almost anything with his forging skills. Emmaline has come to him in need, but he and Emmaline have a past—and he has spent centuries wanting to take revenge on her for her transgressions. But now that he has her within his grasp, something about her keeps him from exacting his vengeance—or is it merely her glamour blinding him?
Trapped by fate, Emmaline must hope that she can reach Aeric’s furious heart before it’s too late…
What I’m talking about:
Welcome to an alternate Earth where humans have learned all about the magical fae races. Back several centuries ago, humans, with the help of the magical Phaendir, imprisoned the fae, forcing them within a land known as Piefferburg City. Emily is a pious, fae-hating human that works for the Phaendir, and she is about to enter Piefferburg for the “greater human good.” BUT in reality, Emily is Emmaline, a free fae living outside the prison walls of Piefferburg. She is working undercover as a human for the HFF to free all fae-kind.
The two primary characters in the story, Emmaline and Aeric, share a past and have not seen each other since the night that Emmaline, working as the Queen’s assassin, killed Aeric’s fiancee over 300 years ago. Their emotional baggage is the basis for a highly volatile and passionate affair. They start this book as enemies - with Aeric driven for brutal revenge against Emmaline. However, this isn’t the typical “I hate you-so I’ll fall in love with you” romance storyline, for Emmaline has been in love with Aeric all of these years. It is through Emmaline’s desire that Ms. Bast marvelously exposes the depths of a desperate woman, one who is amazingly strong, but brought to the her knees by lust and need. Emmaline is desperate for any affection from Aeric, and she allows herself to be used, which leads to conflicted emotions of shame and hope. Meanwhile, Aeric is mad with confusion over his hatred of and attraction to Emmaline. At times I wanted to weep with both characters as they peeled back the facades and learned so much about themselves and each other.
Reading this book is like shedding off layers of an onion - each reveal gets one closer to the heart of the story. What really happened that night when Aileen was murdered? Will Aeric ever trust Emmaline? As Aeric begins to accept that maybe Emmaline isn’t the monster he believes (and that maybe his beloved Aileen wasn’t as wonderful as he remembers), truths are uncovered and it makes for an emotionally gripping tale.
Outside of our primary love story, there is the overall story arc that is just as thrilling -- the fae are working to collect pieces to a “magical puzzle” that will allow them to break down the barriers that confine them. There are story lines from both the HFF, including Emmaline’s life outside of the fae prison, and the inner-workings of the Phaendir, with the political maneuvering of evil Brother Gideon. I couldn’t put the book down at times because the action was intense and the story lines suspenseful.
Although this is the second book from the Dark Magick series (and third story if you include the novella included in the anthology Hot for the Holidays), this book can be read as a stand alone. Ms. Bast does a wonderful job “bringing the reader up to speed” with the mythology of her fantastic world. (However, I loved the first two stories and definitely recommend you read them!)
Overall, this book is a satisfying read on many levels, to include emotional complexities, exciting action, and passionate love. The emotional growth of Emmaline and Aeric - moving beyond their shared history, Emmaline learning to stand up to the ghosts of her past as the Queen’s assissin -- captivated me, while the action kept me turning pages well into the night.
My Rating:
Really enjoyed - strongly recommend
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Sunday Snippets #14
From Wicked Enchantment by Anya Bast.
He couldn’t taste her on his tongue anymore and he missed her flavor, so hot and sweet. It was easily addictive. His fingers curled as he fought the desire to stroke that small, pouting bud, and he wondered how hot and bothered he could make her in her sleep. She was gorgeous all of the time, but when she was aroused... then she became irresistible. Would she wake up moaning for him, spreading her thighs so he could sink his cock deep into her heat?
Placing his hand to the inside of her knee, he slowly moved upward. As he suspected, she opened like a flower for the sun. Unable to resist, he dragged his fingers over her heated sex, exploring her damp softness.
Before he did something he would regret--like wake her from the deep healing sleep she needed so badly--he rolled away from her, stood, and rubbed his hand over his face. Gazing back at her, he wrapped his hand around his aching cock and stroked from base to tip. He tipped his head back on a groan of frustration. She would be his in every sense of the word. He just needed to be patient. Aislinn didn’t know it yet, but he planned to act out with her every one of the erotic acts that crowded his mind.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
What's In Your Closet?
Last week I blogged about the books that were ready and waiting for me to read on my Kindle. Those books are on hold while I finish my paperback To Be Read (TBR) pile. And that pile is getting smaller.
Heat emanates from elemental fire witch Jack McAllister. The Coven, a governing authority of witches, has sent him to protect Mira from a band of warlocks who drain witches of power… and life. Long ago, he saw Mira’s parents murdered by this same dark magick. He’d like to quell his guilt and offer her everything she deserves. But she’s the long-lost cousin of his boss—making seduction off-limits.
So now I've summarized what is in my hard copy TBR pile. What about you? What books are lurking in your closet, under your bed, on your night stand?
I keep MY books (aka smut books) in my closet. It started last year as a half a shelf. My first 2 series were Black Dagger Brotherhood by J. R. Ward and the Psy/Changling series by Nalini Singh. Both were only a few books (5-6) and so I didn't have to move much around to accommodate. In addition, I had a few Buffy Season 8 and Angel After the Fall comic books. Fast forward a year later and I've collected more books and comics. Here are some examples of my closet now:
Notice the empty bottle of Grey Goose for my man Vishous there!
So, in all that mess of books (not all are shown), what do I still have left to read? Answer: NOT MUCH...
First up: As I have blogged about previously, I am currently reading the Guardians Series by Meljean Brook (http://meljeanbrook.com/). The series has 5 full-length novels and 4 novellas in different anthologies. I own all of the books. I am currently reading the 7th story: Demon Bound. It is an amazing series and I hope to write more on it at a later date.
Next up: Sherrilyn Kenyon's re-released "The League" series. (http://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/). Currently it's a 3-book series. I own all three and am looking forward to reading them. From Ms. Kenyon's website:
Hell's New Heroes In the Ichidian Universe no one was safe. People were dragged from their homes and killed in the streets- victims of a ruthless tyrant who was bent on being the sole 
ruler of their entire empire. Those who opposed him and his army formed an alliance called The League which fell under the leadership of the Quorum. The Quorum realized that the best way to keep trouble from starting was to cut it off at its knees. So a separate group of soldiers was needed, The League Assassins. Highly trained and highly valued, they are the backbone of the government. But not even the League is immune to corruption... Welcome to a world where corrupt assassination politics dominate everything and everyone- because sometimes the cure really is worse than the illness. It's kill or be killed. You're either the hunter or the prey. But there are those who will protect you. Men and women who come from the streets and from bloodied backgrounds of survival. You just have to decide is they're better than the ones chasing you... Or worse. Sarcastic, loyal, highly trained and lethal, these men and women are the next generation of heroes. They know how to laugh in the face of madness and danger, and to endure the worst The League and their enemies can hurl at them. Most of all, they know to fight and protect. Welcome to the madness...
ruler of their entire empire. Those who opposed him and his army formed an alliance called The League which fell under the leadership of the Quorum. The Quorum realized that the best way to keep trouble from starting was to cut it off at its knees. So a separate group of soldiers was needed, The League Assassins. Highly trained and highly valued, they are the backbone of the government. But not even the League is immune to corruption... Welcome to a world where corrupt assassination politics dominate everything and everyone- because sometimes the cure really is worse than the illness. It's kill or be killed. You're either the hunter or the prey. But there are those who will protect you. Men and women who come from the streets and from bloodied backgrounds of survival. You just have to decide is they're better than the ones chasing you... Or worse. Sarcastic, loyal, highly trained and lethal, these men and women are the next generation of heroes. They know how to laugh in the face of madness and danger, and to endure the worst The League and their enemies can hurl at them. Most of all, they know to fight and protect. Welcome to the madness...And finally, after that I have the Elemental Witch series by Anya Bast (http://www.anyabast.com/). I have read a few novella's by Ms. Bast and started her new series (Dark Magick Series - first book Wicked Enchantment, Jan. 2010). I really enjoy her work, so I picked up the first and third books in the Elemental Witch series at my local bookstore. It is a 4-book series. The first book is Witch Fire, released in June, 2007. From Ms. Bast's website:
Mira Hoskins doesn’t know she’s a natural born witch who possesses the rare—and powerful—element of air. She also never expected to find herself tied to a mahogany bed frame, captive to a man who aches to fulfill her every desire and let loose the magick that dwells inside her…
Heat emanates from elemental fire witch Jack McAllister. The Coven, a governing authority of witches, has sent him to protect Mira from a band of warlocks who drain witches of power… and life. Long ago, he saw Mira’s parents murdered by this same dark magick. He’d like to quell his guilt and offer her everything she deserves. But she’s the long-lost cousin of his boss—making seduction off-limits.With Jack’s strong guidance, Mira is luring forth her inner magick. But his sense of duty is quickly swelling into insatiable hunger. They warned him about the natural attraction between air and fire. Now he risks being consumed by the woman he shouldn’t want—but can’t stay away from …
I don't know about you, but WOW - this one looks HOT!! Since I only own the 1st and 3rd books, I'll probably order the other two on Kindle.
Finally... 2 years ago I started reading comic books. As a HUGE fan of both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel TV series, I was sad when the shows went off the air. BUT Mr. Joss Whedon himself resurrected (pun intentional) both series in the form of comic books. I have a monthly subscription to both series. It took me a while to get used to the format of a comic book, especially when I was transitioning from a TV series. But I adore the books and look forward to reading them. However, it's tough to only read one book every month or two, so I've collected a dozen or more and now I need to read them. That pile is indeed growing:
So now I've summarized what is in my hard copy TBR pile. What about you? What books are lurking in your closet, under your bed, on your night stand?
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