Review of Heat Stroke by Rachel Caine

Heat Stroke by Rachel Caine

Weather Warden Book 2

Roc – August 3, 2004

Facebook: yes a fan page

www.rachelcaine.com

Source: Louisville Free Public Library

Next book in series:  Chill Factor

From Goodreads: Mistaken for a murderer, Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin is hunted down and killed by her colleagues. Reborn as Djinn, she senses something sinister entering earth's atmosphere-something that makes tomorrow's forecast look deadly

It has been a while since I read the first book in the series, Ill Wind. I was afraid that I would forget crucial pieces and debated on re-reading that one before starting Heat Stroke. I had even forgotten what had drawn me to this series in the first place. I mean, I knew what had drawn me to Rachel Caine-everyone is still talking about the Morganville Vampire series. But I needn’t have worried, I was immediately swept into the story. I remembered how much I liked Jo as the main character. Even though she was not technically human in this book, her voice was very familiar and very realistic (under the circumstances).

                There are a lot of elements that I really like in this book. And since I know that there are 7 more books in this series, I know that the story continues and that is quite comforting because I definitely want more. What I have learned from the first book is that I will never be able to guess at the true ending which is fine with me.

                Jo is now a Djinn and David is trying to teach her control and the ins and outs of Djinn life. But of course something happens that threatens the world as we know it. And of course Jo jumps in to save the day. Jo has gone from an amazing, truly gifted weather warden to a completely dependent “baby” djinn. As the story progresses the costs and risks of djinn-hood are revealed. Jo can take the cowardly way out but she chooses to push through and tackle the hard stuff. Some could say that she’s the hero of the story, but in truth she is only accepting the responsibility for the part she has played in causing the catastrophe (even though she was unaware of it and didn’t make the choice).

                I can’t say that there was a whole lot of growth in Jo, I think she reacted the same way she has always reacted to challenges, but I did learn a lot more about her in this installment.  I would say that if there are fans of Rachel Caine that have delayed on reading this series they should definitely check it out.

My rating:

Always Shine,

Starr K

Review: The Betrayal by Jerry B. Jenkins

The Betrayal by Jerry B. Jenkins

Precinct 11 Book 2

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc – August 17, 2011

Facebook- yes

http://www.jerryjenkins.com

Next book in series: The Breakthrough

Source: Tyndale Blog Network

From Goodreads: Detective Boone Drake has just masterminded the most massive sting in Chicago history, bringing down the heads of not only the biggest street gangs in the city but also the old crime syndicate. The story is the biggest in decades, and the Chicago Police Department must protect the key witness at all costs. Despite top secret plans to transfer the witness ahead of his testimony before the grand jury, an attempt is made on his life. And the person suspected of leaking this information may be one of the CPD’s own

                What do you do when the person that you respect and look up to betrays you deeply? Boone Drake is back and this is that he has to deal with. Because of the way that book 1 ended, I don’t want to ruin it by mentioning the ending here. (Go read it!) Drake also has to decide whether he stands by the person he is beginning to love or believe what the people he’s known the longest are telling him. I have to say that I like the second book a lot better than the first. After reading both there is a marked difference in how faith is approached in the story. But that could simply be because Drake is in different place than he was in the first book.

                While I felt that things were a little rushed in Book1 , I think that there was an even pace with this second installment.  The Betrayal was something that cut deeply both professionally and personally for the characters. It was nice to see the determination back when Drake faced another obstacle in his life. Though his faith was still a work in progress, it was much more a part of who Drake was. The characters had obviously grown and they were digging deeper than before.

                To be honest I have to admit that I was more interested in the workings of the police department then Drake’s faith.  Maybe this was expected because it was not as much as a character (as it kind of was in The Brotherhood) as it was an aspect of a character (as it was in The Betrayal).  I wanted to believe that she was innocent, but the evidence was compelling and if not her, the truth was much more devastating. 

This book was given to me, free, in exchange for my honest review. 

Rating:

Always Shine, 

Starr K

Jessica McCann's All Different Kinds of Free

All Different Kinds of Free by Jessica McCann

Bell Bridge Books – March 28, 2011

www.jessicamccann.com

Facebook: no

Rating: Loved it and hated it

Recommendation: Personally I think everyone in the world should read this book to get a better idea of slavery and to have a real appreciation of freedom

            Margaret Morgan was a black woman who lived in the 1830’s. Though her parents were slaves who were freed by their master, Margaret was born a free black. She enjoyed her freedom with her husband and three kids and the life that they had built together in Pennsylvania. But in one day, that is all destroyed and the life she knew was no more. Everything changed, and being free took on a whole new meaning.

            This story gives a whole know meaning to my understanding of freedom, betrayal strength and devastation. Was this story an accurate historical account of the real Margaret Morgan and her life? Maybe not, but I am sure it was an accurate depiction of that time. I don’t want talk about the story, because it is really something that the reader should experience.  The writing and the story are amazing. It’s in a time period that I could not have survived in, too much anger and hate and no one had a complete understanding of the depravity of man or the resiliency of humanity.

            The world that McCann describes through Margaret’s voice is vivid and her voice draws you in. You can’t help feel something while reading, especially when you realize that this did happen to someone. I wanted to hate Prigg, but I also wanted to understand how a man can do the horrible things that he did and not care. But, a part of me thinks that maybe he rationalized it to himself in a way that I will never understand it.

            To be honest, I don’t read a lot of books on black history or slavery, because it is something that I don’t understand and it stirs up a whole slew of emotions. But there are some books that cross my paths by accident on purpose. The first would be Kindred by Octavia Butler, and this would be the second.

Always Shine,

Starr K, 

I received this complimentary galley from Netgalley. The review is not required to be a positive one, but I assure you it is my honest opinion of the book. 

Tim Downs' Ends of the Earth

Ends of the Earth

Ends of the Earth by Tim Downs

Bug Man Novel

Thomas Nelson – September 15, 2009

www.timdowns.net

Facebook: yes

Rating: Loved it! Couldn’t put it down

Recommendation: Fans of save-the-world-at-last-minute action and fans of clueless and quirky heroes

Nick Polchak is back, and his love and knowledge of bugs comes with him. He is called to the site of a murder, recommended by the victim’s wife. Nick must use his knowledge and experience of bugs and murder to unravel the truth that surrounds the mystery of Michael’s death.  Katherine remembers working with Nick before and some old feelings resurface. When the need of a dog team arises, Nick immediately calls on Alena and her pack of dogs.  Alena has not forgotten how things ended between her and Nick the last time they worked together. Now the Bug Man is faced with the murder that points to threat of terrorism as well as two women who are vying for his attention.

What can I say? I am a huge Tim Downs fan, and there is yet to be a book of his that I don’t like. I have to say that I read this one a little bit faster than the other ones. But that was because I accidentally started reading the next one, Nick of Time, and realized that there was a lot that I had missed in the previous book.  And I have to say that I am not disappointed in going back to this one.  Yes, there was the possibility of a terrorist attack that the victim unknowingly becomes a part of. But as more bodies come to light, and other weird occurrences are explained, the closer Nick comes to closer to solving the mystery.

The terrorist whose plans Nick has yet to uncover are nothing compared to mystery of the two women who are obviously after Nick’s heart. He hates to admit it, but is forced to deal with the fact that he is no longer part of the insect species. Though he is not familiar with the swirl of emotions that are going on inside of him, he knows that it undoubtedly makes him part of the human race.  Though it would really be cliché to say that every book is an adventure, it would always be the truth. One of the main reasons that I like the Bug Man novels is that you can get so wrapped up in his world, though it’s informative of all things insects, they are more of a side note than a central character. Nick, on the other hand is full of quirks and flaws. He is filled with sarcasm and able to toss out a snarky comment that flusters or upsets the other characters, but the reader can’t help but laugh. There are certain things that have become Nickisms, and are expected in all of the novels. But they are never overdone and always have a way to sneak in.

If there is ever a time I am in need of an entomologist, I pray that I am lucky enough to encounter one like Nick. He’s got to be out there somewhere, right? If only the world was so lucky.

Always Shine,

Starr K.

Mike Lawson's House Divided

House Divided

Demarco is back and this time he was able to get in trouble without his boss.  Mahoney is in the hospital and Demarco had plans to use this time to catch up on some long needed golf and relaxation.  His cousin, Paul, dies in a questionable manner and Demarco’s attempt to simply find a will or be the executor of Paul’s estate turns into a race to find out what really happened to Paul. Demarco is not the only one who wants to know the truth about Paul’s death.  Demarco finds himself in the middle, one side is trying to find him to find out how much he knows and the other side wants to use him to get more information.

                I am a fan of political thrillers; really I am a fan of any book that can pull me into its world. It doesn’t matter if it’s a world saturated with werewolves and vampires or if it’s the world of Washington and Congress.  This unfortunately fell flat, and to be honest struggled with this book; until the end where the action kicked into high gear and began a race against times and assassinations.  The lingering impression I got from Demarco was that he didn’t care about his cousin’s death, even after he got the scent that something was wrong. Two-thirds of the book Demarco wasn’t interested in doing anything except finding Paul’s will so he could go back to playing golf.  He also didn’t seem to be too overly concerned that his boss, Mahoney, is laying in the hospital in a coma.  I haven’t read any of the other Demarco novels, but the impression that I get is that he is the one that usually gets Mahoney out of trouble, which gives me the impression that if nothing else Demarco is a resourceful character.

Lawson does a good job of depicting extreme patriotism and asking the question of whether or not it can go too far. I can’t say if that was his intention or a thread that I picked up on. There are certain people in the government that are patriotic and will do absolutely anything to protect their ideal of the country, even if it is not government approved. Charles Bradford and Dillon Crane both fall into this category; the extremes that they go through put them in the league of terrorist; the very people that they are out to destroy.  Though they both hold powerful positions within the government, they have either forgotten or not heard Franklin D. Roosevelt.  “In a democratic nation, power must be linked with responsibility, and obliged to defend and justify itself within the framework of the general good.” (Franklin D. Roosevelt) It is admirable that they both desire to protect America by whatever means necessary, but they have each lost sight of the values and character that define America.

Though I struggled to finish this book more than any other, I am glad that I pushed through and made it to the end. It is a scary idea to think that “big brother” is watching, and it is odd how paranoia comes into play and alters our perceptions. But they added elements to this story that made the ending truly better than I had expected. I also recommend reading the author’s note at the end for more appreciation. If you want to know more about Mike Lawson, Joe Demarco and any other books you can check out his website at www.mikelawsonbooks.com. This titles is scheduled to be released July 5,2011.

I have received a copy of this title through netGalley and I have provided an honest review.

Always Shine,

Starr K

Brad Meltzer's Dead Even

                First Meltzer asked the uncomfortable question “what if you can’t trust your friends?” Now he is back with another uncomfortable and life altering question, “how far would you go to protect the one you love?” It’s a question that new Assistant District Attorney Sara Tate and husband Defense Attorney Jared Tate have to answer. Sara took a case that she thought would show the DA that she is someone that he would want to keep around. Jared stumbles across a client he thinks might save position in his prestigious law firm. The case and client puts wife against husband.  Both find themselves in a competition for their lives. Sara must win or Jared dies. Jared faces the same threat.

                I guess I really shouldn’t be all that surprised that Meltzer was able to play on basic fears once again.  Or the fact that readers, who had a bird’s eye view of everything going on, still wasn’t sure who they could trust. In a story where nothing is really ever as it seems, it’s a minor miracle that trust was still available to be lost.  There were moments that I found uncomfortable to read; mainly when Jared and Sara were fighting for real. It is one thing to see a couple fight when they are not sure if they still love each other or when they know that they don’t and they both want an out. But to see a couple that still very much loves one another, enough to risk their own lives for the other, is something else entirely.

Secrets that once seemed harmless are revealed only to the devastation of the other.  What was once logical and easily accepted is now questioned and examined for any signs of deception. This is pulse pounding and does an effective job dancing on one’s emotions as the trial looms and both Sara and Jared must give it their all to save the other while they are still not sure if the other can be trusted.  

If you want to know more about what Brad Meltzer is doing or any of his other books, you can visit him on his website: www.bradmeltzer.com or on Facebook. You should also check out his show Decoded which airs on the History Channel. 

The Neon Graveyard – farewell to the Zodiac Series

               Joanna Archer, who used to be a mere mortal stalking the images of her past and then discovered she was a real superhero, is only a mortal again. Now only able to go through life as a mortal with only the human strength and the supernatural ability to use any conduit –Shadow or Lights, her own or someone else’s, Joanna must continuously face her shadow enemies as well as her once- troop-now-turned-enemies agents of light.  She does this while delicately avoiding leading the Gray troop and traversing back to Midheaven in an attempt to save more rogue agents as well as the man she loves. With the growing secret inside of her, Archer knows that time is not on her side and if she doesn’t free the agents soon it may be too late. It seems that everywhere Joanna turns she has to fight, and each fight is to the death.

This is the sixth and final installment of the Pettersson’s Zodiac Series, and I have to say that I am not really ready to say good-bye to this cast of characters. In what I have come to think of as “the Pettersson Way”, she tells a complete story in the first chapter that reminds you of what has already happened as well as daring you to try to figure out what is about to happen. It’s a style the pulls you in-almost unwillingly as you try to decide for yourself if you like the things that Joanna has discovered about herself.  There is nothing better than a good fight with an obvious villain and hero(ine). What make Joanna so astutely likable is the fact that she is at moments all of us and none of us. She has run from who she is as well as embraces her identity. She has made hard decisions in such a cold calculating way that we don’t instantly like her for it.  But we don’t hate her either. If anything I found that I was mostly undecided about Joanna. I was compelled to examine the question what would I do if I was in Joanna’s shoes? We all have issues with our parents, sometimes they’re minor and other times they’re minor. But this series takes family issues to a whole new level.

Knowing that this is the last in the series, I find myself torn. A part of me wants to make sure that everything is resolved and all of the strings are tied before the end of the book. The other part wants a door to be left open so there is a chance that we will hear more of Joanna Archer sometime down the road.  I have been with Joanna since the beginning and I know the stuff that she has gone through, I have seen her grow and develop as a person (okay fine, I will admit it- she is not real and she is only a character. But I was there and she seems a little real to me. I can forgive Joanna’s flaws easily, because more than being a mixture of both shadow and light, Joanna is human in the best way possible. (This is funny because Joanna is doing her best to learn to be simply human in this story.) In The Neon Graveyard, Joanna has been stripped of all of the identities that she has had to take on and is given space and time to become the person that she wants to be. She is free to design her own fate.

After each new challenge/obstacle a layer is removed and the real Joanna Archer comes forward; the one that is free from a physical shell that isn’t truly her own and from the cage of expectations. I stopped liking Warren a book and half ago, maybe even before that, but now he proves that he really isn’t better than the Tulpa; no longer a good guy seeking balance but a man with his own agenda. Action and drama keeps you turning the page, as well as Joanna’s unwavering determination to free Hunter. Though I thought the buildup would mostly be between Joanna and the Tulpa, I am not disappointed with the way things ended. The first five books deal with her overcoming her past and her attempts to be the person that everyone expects her to be. The Neon Graveyard is more about Joanna becoming the person that she wants to be and doing what she thinks is right simply because it is not for anyone’s benefit. The series left off in a great –of not perfect-place, the opportunity and attempt to live a life of normalcy.

                The Zodiac series has been something that I have enjoyed tremendously and would definitely recommend to others. This was a well-written series, with strong characters that calls you back again and again. If you want to know more about the series or the author, or if you want to learn about the new Celestial Blues series check out Pettersson’s website atwww.vickiepettersson.com or you can find her on Facebook. You can also discover the anthologies that she is a part of.

The Entire Series:

   
      

Kelley Armstrong's Frostbitten

Frostbitten

If the only female werewolf in North America who happens to be married to the most vicious and feared second in command, protector of the Alpha was chasing after you, chances are you would run as far and as fast as you could as well.  All Elena wanted to do was to warn the runaway that his life was in danger, but not because of her or her pack. She wanted to protect him and catch the ones that were after him. Her chase leads her and her fearsome husband, Clay to Alaska. That and the fact there are some questionable deaths that need to be investigating. When they arrive in the Alaskan wilderness they soon discover that they are not the only predators there.

The deaths could have been caused by wolf or werewolf. As Clay and Elena investigate they find that not only are they not the only new werewolves in the area, but the ones who came before them have caught the attention of a creature that no one even knew about. A creature that is stronger than the werewolf and has only been known through myths passed down.  In the midst of this, Jeremy has chosen his Alpha successor. Both Clay and Elena must stay focused on the task at hand and evaluate if their hidden fears and weaknesses will allow them to do the job that’s been asked of them.

Elena’s character is one of strength and vulnerability, and this makes her come to life in the story.  Her relationship with Clay rotates from undiscovered sappiness to the constant strength one finds in the person who has always been there when you needed them the most. It’s hard to see their story as romantic, not just for the reader but for them as well.  This book was fascinating because Elena was more fragile in this one than in any of the other books.  This fragile state did not detract from the image of a strong werewolf. It highlighted her strength all the more.  While Clay has always been a little less civilized in his interactions, this book brings him a little closer to that then the others.  His rugged civilization is humorous to read and makes you think that maybe he was right to not want to conform too much.

The rest of The Otherworld series continues with Waking the Witch and Spellbound. Armstrong’s YA Darkest Powers series spinoff continues with The Calling that is tentatively due out April 2012. If you would like to know more about Kelley Armstrong or her books (both adult and YA), check out her website http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com.

Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

            The triple threat team is back again. Allison and Nicole are working on gathering the evidence to convict the killer dubbed as “The Want Ad Killer” by the media. Cassidy is working on covering the story of the killer. But another set of events brings them together. This time it is the link between a missing reporter, a murder for hire and personal issues that challenges the ladies. Sometimes people are not as they seem and should not be trusted.

            This is the first Triple Threat novel that I have read, and I have to say that I am impressed. Meeting Nicole the FBI agent for the first time, I immediately get a sense of her personality. She’s tough, as a mother she’s protective and as a woman she’s guarded. I can empathize with her and some of the decisions that I make, even if it did make me cringe at the heartache those decisions caused. Allison, the Federal prosecutor, is doing the best that she can to recover from a brutal life blow. But it’s refreshing to see her not give up on herself or her faith. You can tell that her faith is important to her, but it is not overwhelming in the story. Cassidy, the crime reporter for Channel Four news, is refreshing naive; I felt draw to her character more than the others, mainly because there is a sense of innocence in this character. She works hard for her job, but her jealousy and her sort of addictive behavior cries out for sympathy. Elizabeth is a personality to be wary of, but it’s easy to find someone with her traits easier than it comfortably should.

            The characters were well developed and relatable. Even the situations that they find themselves in were disconcertingly real. (Of course only if you had one of these careers). The story unfolded with enough suspense to keep you moving forward and enough clues to not really know what’s going to happen next. The only thing that I found too distracting was the similarities between the fictional “Want Ad Killer” and the real life “ Craig’s List Killer”. I found myself comparing the two until the stories that had been simmering in the background took off.  Overall, I enjoyed the story and look  forward to more Triple Threat Novels.

I received a complimentary copy of Heart of Ice by Lis Wiehl with April Henry through Booksneeze.com through Booksneeze.com book review bloggers program. Opinions stated are my own. A positive review is not required. This is disclosed in accordance to Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker

                Women are found on display, left by a killer who is out seeking the most beautiful and wishing to collect them. Not for himself, but as an offering. Special Agent Brad Raines is the FBI investigator hunting this killer. His investigation takes him to places he would never have thought of going and forcing him to play the game of a killer that has proven to be highly intelligent and always one or two steps ahead.  Following the clues left him, Raines turns to The Center for Wellness and Intelligence where he encounters people that forever change him and the way that he views the case. He is drawn to Paradise, a resident who has her own dark secrets to contend with.  As Brad and Paradise close in on the killer, the stakes get higher and it is made even clearer that the killer intends on winning this game; no matter who gets in the way.

There are similarities between Special Agent Brad Raines and the killer dubbed the Bride Collector that caused my mind to intertwine the two in way that was eerie and unsettling. Two characters that sit on the opposite sides of justice and a crossover that challenges what we thought we knew. It is one thing to go in and examine what is already malignant and clouded by evil and twisted understanding. But what does it say about the mind that creates it? Dekker has once again amazed me with the sharp twists that pull us through the story. But it leaves me slightly disturbed by the truths that it reveals. The perspective of mental illness displayed throughout asks the silent question: is mental illness truly illness or a difference in the operation of minds?

                The Bride Collector gives the taunting words shouted between kids “it takes one to know one” a whole new meaning. But Dekker, never known for simply writing a thrilling novel gives his readers more.  He doesn’t just challenge the perception and stereotypes of mental illness, but he highlights the twisted idea of beauty and society’s value of it as well.  Ted Dekker is an author I trust to not only provide a good and exciting thrill ride in his books, but to also have substance and meaning throughout.

                Want to know more about Ted Dekker? You can visit his website at www.teddekker.com.  I am certain that you can pick any of his books at random and find yourself enthralled by the story he tells. His next book The Priest’s Graveyard is due out on April 19, 2011.

Brad Meltzer's The Tenth Justics

Brad Meltzer’s The Tenth Justice

I first heard of Brad Meltzer through his show “Decoded”. After watching an episode that dealt with the secrets of The Grove, I wanted to see what his books were like.

            The Tenth Justice is a story of bad judgment, betrayal and ultimately mind games. Friendships are tested, sanity is questioned and one man finds himself digging a hole for himself and his career that he may not get out of. Four friends, who have moved to Washington to further their careers, find that their lives will soon be changed, for better and for worse.

            Ben Addison lives with his three childhood friends in the political capital of the United States. He has landed a prestigious Supreme Court Clerkship with a feisty young lady who becomes a friend and a confidant.  When the wrong person hears information that is supposed to be confidential, Ben finds his rising star career heading for twists and turns he could never have imagined. His friends join him in his attempts to fix this mistake but soon Ben learns that not everyone close to him can be trusted. Ben is angry that he has been outsmarted and attempts to redeem himself. But this adventure asks more of him and his friends than he intended to give.

            I couldn’t put this book down, each page captivated me as I tried to figure out what was going on and who was to be trusted.  Here is a peek into the life of the Supreme Court and the people that walk its halls.  Meltzer paid great attention to detail, which transformed this story from a simple novel into a glimpse at someone’s bad day that never seems to end. Reading the story, I forgot that Ben Addison was just a creation by an outstanding storyteller.

            Ben goes on an emotional roller coaster as everything he once knew comes into question. He proves to be resourceful and a worthy adversary as he is forced to face the reality of his situation and learn who is to be trusted and who is not.

            You can find out more about Brad Meltzer at www.bradmeltzer.com. His TV show “Decoded” airs Thursdays at 10pm on the History channel. The Inner Circle was released in January. He has written some non-fiction and some comic books. He is well-rounded author and storyteller. 

Kelley Armstrong's Living With The Dead

Kelley Armstrong’s Living With the Dead

I have to be honest and say that I discovered Kelley Armstrong by accident, but it was a happy one. She was the introduction to a new genre that had caught my eye and am thrilled to explore now. Kelley has become one of my favorite authors, one of whom has not disappointed her readers so far.

Living with the Dead is book number 9 in the Women of the Otherworld series. It’s a paranormal story that involves a demon, a werewolf, a necromancer and an assortment of other supernatural beings. Just another gripping tale of those who live amongst us that we are totally unaware of.

A dead celebutante, a PR Consultant, a half demon. An odd mixture of characters brings this story to life. Robyn moves to L.A. in an effort to hide from the grief of losing her husband. She soon becomes the number 1 suspect in the murder investigation of her celebutante client. Hope has come to L.A. on an assignment from her job as weird news journalist, and to see how her longtime friend Robyn is doing. Her concern grows when she discovers that her friend has become L.A.’s most sought out fugitive. Through misguided good intentions, a deep desire to keep secrets well hidden, this friendship goes on a journey of discovery; one of themselves and of each other.

            A cop that can see the ghost of dead people, a werewolf that feeds chaos to his girlfriend, and a father trying to right a wrong he stumbled onto over ten years ago.  These are the people that come to the aid of Robyn and Hope. Not knowing who to trust and whom to fear twists the paths of each person together, away from each and back again.

            I was not disappointed with the book. From the beginning where the action takes off, through all of the twists and turns that was intriguing as well as satisfying, on to the end that leaves you wanting more. Though I met Hope and Karl in Personal Demon, it was nice to see their story continued. It’s also nice that despite being book number nine in the Women of the Otherworld series, this story was complete and strong enough to stand on its own.

            I am looking forward to continuing this series and learning more about the women that lead these adventures. If you want to know more about Kelley Armstrong, check out her website at kelleyarmstrong.com. It is a great website and very user friendly. Kelley has another adult series that follows Nadia Stratford a female assassin, and a young adult series (the Darkest Powers Series) that follows Chloe Sauders, a young teen who is able to see dead people. Waking the Witch just came out and the series continues with Spellbound, which is due out July 2011. Both of these are a part of the Women of the Otherworld Series.  The Darkest Powers series continues with The Gathering, which is due out in April 2011.