Review: Valiant Light - Jana Oliver

With her wedding fast approaching, as well as her fiancé's investiture as grand master, Master Demon Trapper Riley Blackthorne is just trying to keep Atlanta safe from Hellspawn. When she meets a high-level fiend who claims to be free of Lucifer's control, and allows him to remain at large, she knows there will be consequences.

Denver Beck is facing two major events: taking his vows as a grand master and then as a husband. He's as nervous about committing his life to the fight against Darkness as he's excited to say, "I do". All his worries about the future are confirmed when a city is buried in brimstone, killing every single inhabitant. Was this Hell's doing, or is some other entity at work? It's Beck's job to find out.

After more cities are destroyed, Riley is summoned to Rome to answer for her actions. If they want a future as man and wife, she and Beck will have to take a stand. But will they be strong enough to stop this new threat, a killer that even the angels fear?

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
Beck has finally finished all his studies to become a Grand Master, all that's left now is the official ceremony and then he can return to Atlanta to help Riley with the final preparations for their wedding. Riley has been given official recognition as a Master Trapper and she's continuing her magic studies with both the witches and the necromancers alongside training her apprentices so for once in their lives things are going pretty smoothly for the couple. Of course nothing stays that way for too long in this world and when entire cities start being destroyed the Vatican call on Riley for help thanks to her unusual link to both heaven and hell. The church doesn't trust her but they're out of other options so it's up to Riley and Beck to try and figure out exactly what is going on and they need to do it fast if they don't want to put their wedding plans on hold.

I've loved the Demon Trappers series since I read the first book back in 2011 so I've waited a long time for Riley and Beck to finally reach this point of their relationship. I've loved the journey they've taken and I really love that they're both such kickass characters who will do anything to protect each other. They both have their strengths and skills and working together they're a pretty unstoppable team, more importantly they can rely on each other to always have their backs.

I'm sad that this series has reached the end but I've enjoyed every minute of the journey, it was great to catch up with some of the previous characters and see some surprising appearances of characters I thought we'd seen the last of. A lot of the side characters have gone through just as interesting journeys as Riley and Beck have so it was great to see some of them earn redemption along the way. It's always upsetting to leave a world after you've spent so much time in it but I'm looking forward to seeing what Jana Oliver comes up with next.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Review: Mind Games - Jana Oliver

Riley Blackthorn's life as a Demon Trapper is about to hit the wall. Knowing she will always be a target for those who want to exploit her "connections" with Hell, she's learning defensive magic. It seems the only way to ensure she and her fiancé, Denver Beck, have a future together. But not everyone in Atlanta, or at the Vatican, is pleased by the news. In fact, some want to ban the use of all magic, and Riley would make the perfect scapegoat.

As a new demonic enemy stalks her, Guild politics roil the city, throwing trappers into chaos. To protect herself and the man she loves, Riley will be forced to choose: continue in her legendary father's footsteps, or carve her own path. A path that may well lead to her losing everything she so desperately seeks to protect.

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
I absolutely love Jana Oliver's Demon Trappers series and I was really sad when it came to an end so I'm thrilled that the author decided to revisit it and give us a chance to see how the characters are getting along. Mind Games picks up not long after the Grave Matters novella, Beck is still living in Scotland while he finishes his training to become a Grand Master while Riley is back in Atlanta. It's hard being so far away from the man she loves but Riley has plenty to keep her busy: she's helping train new apprentices, she's put in her application to become a Master Trapper and as if that wasn't enough she is also studying magic with both the witches and the necromancers so that she'll be able to protect herself properly.

Riley has always struggled to get the respect she deserves from some of the Guild members, there are those who just don't want a female trapper around and others who don't trust her because of her father's actions even though he was a legend in his own right before his mistakes became public knowledge. Anyway, the fact that she is now studying magic has given the people who are against her even more ammunition to throw at her but Riley isn't one to back down easily and she knows that she's following the correct path. As Riley faces off against the outspoken few who fear her the entire Atlanta chapter of the Guild are facing even bigger problems and it's going to take all of Riley's skill to try and talk them out of it.

Mind Games is a great addition to the series, I love seeing how confident Riley has become and it was great seeing her start to pass on her knowledge to a whole new generation of Trappers. I'm so sick of seeing people look down on her though and it really made me mad that she doesn't get the respect she has earned from all of the Guild. Luckily her enemies are few and she has far more allies these days, ones who will have her back no matter what. It was interesting getting the chance to catch up with Simon, after everything that happened with him in the earlier books there was a point where I felt I'd never be able to forgive him for his actions but he's really come a long way and totally redeemed himself. Of course the best part was Beck, he's always been one of my favourite YA heroes and nothing has changed there! When Riley is in trouble Beck is the first person to stand at her side and when he finds out what is going on in Atlanta he jumps straight on the next plane home. I will never get bored of reading about him and Riley and I just love seeing them so happy together. There are some really sweet moments between them in this book and I hope we haven't seen the last of them.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten 2015 Releases I Meant To Get To But Didn't

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week has a different theme & you can find all the details about how to join in HERE.

Today's topic is Top Ten 2015 Releases I meant to get to but didn't. There were actually a lot of 2015 books that I was really excited about but never got around to reading but here are the ones I REALLY want to try and get to soon!

My top ten releases I meant to get to in 2015 but didn't:

1. Their Fractured Light by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner - I absolutely loved the first two books in this trilogy so this book was at the top of my Christmas wish list. Thankfully Santa (in the form of my Dad!) left this wrapped up under the tree for me so I really need to get to it soon.
2. The Vanishing Throne by Elizabeth May - It has been a long 2 year wait for this book to be published so I'm really excited about this one, I did manage to reread The Falconer in December so I'm ready to dive into The Vanishing Throne.
3. Mind Games by Jana Oliver - I'm a huge fan of Jana Oliver and her Demon Trappers series is one of my favourites so I ordered a copy of Mind Games the minute I found out about it and I have absolutely no excuse for why I STILL haven't read it!
4. Manners & Mutiny by Gail Carriger - I finally managed to finish Gail's Parasol Protectorate series last year but I have this one last book in the Finishing School series.
5. A Whole New World by Liz Braswell - I was intrigued by the idea of this book from the moment I first heard about it, it's a retelling of Aladdin with one major difference. What would have happened if Jafar was the first one to find the lamp? Doesn't that sound brilliant? Yup, no excuses for why I've not read it yet!
6. Ink & Bone by Rachel Caine - I love Rachel Caine so this is another preorder that I've failed to get around to reading.
7. November 9 by Colleen Hoover - Colleen is another autobuy author for me, her stories never seem to go in the direction you expect them to but I always fall in love with her characters.
8. The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski - After loving The Winner's Curse this was high on my wish list for 2015 but now I've left it so long I think I'm going to wait for the release of The Winner's Kiss and read the whole trilogy in one go.
9. Soundless by Richelle Mead - I saw some amazing reviews of Soundless which made me really want to read it but since then I've seen some not so great reactions that have made me nervous. I will be brave and to try it soon though!
10. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard - I'm not sure why but the hype for this book pretty much passed by me unnoticed but I was recently sent a copy of Glass Sword for review and the blurb sounds great so I ordered a copy of Red Queen to read first.

So what books are on your list? Have you read any of the ones on mine? Which ones do you think I should read first?

Review: Grave Matters - Jana Oliver

A legendary Demon Trapper, Riley Blackthorne frequently battles with Hell's minions. So when she travels to Scotland to meet up with her hunky boyfriend, and celebrate her eighteenth birthday, she's thrilled at the chance to leave Atlanta and it's troubles behind.

Denver Beck, who has been studying for months to become a Grand Master - a rare and highly dangerous job - is just as eager to see his girl. He's anticipating a romantic reunion, keen to take their relationship to the next level.

Riley's twisted history with Hell has garnered unwelcome interest by people willing to use her for their own purposes. Trouble is brewing in the land of the heather, the kind that will drive a wedge between her and Beck, and prove the ultimate test of their love . . . and their survival skills.

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
Riley and Beck have been apart for months while Beck is in Scotland studying to become a Grand Master but they're finally about to see each other again now that Riley is travelling to join him to celebrate her eighteenth birthday. Unfortunately their reunion doesn't go smoothly thanks to a shocking betrayal by one of the other demon trappers.

I absolutely loved this series so I was excited to get the chance to spend more time with Riley and Beck. It was also nice to see the couple outside of their usual hunting ground in Atlanta spending time together in Scotland. I'll admit that I didn't like seeing their relationship on rocky ground though, they've been through so much together that I had hoped they would be stronger than that. Thankfully they soon work through their differences and band together to stop their enemies though.

Grave Matters is a fairly short novella but I enjoyed every minute of it and my main complaint was just that I wanted more. The book also includes four illustrations by Mark Helwig of some of the different demons we've encountered throughout the series and two other demon trappers short stories written by Jana Oliver. You may have already read Retro Demonology which is a story about Riley's first solo attempt at trapping a demon and is already available as a free ebook but it's nice to now have this story available in print for the first time. The other story is called Personal Demons and it's another prequel to the series this time from Beck's point of view when he's hunting with Riley's father. Both of these short stories give us glimpses into younger versions of the characters we know and love from the series and were a great addition to the book.

This book isn't a good starting point for people who are new to the series but I'm sure Demon Trappers fans will love Grave Matters as much as I did. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that Jana Oliver decides to revisit these characters again in the future but in the meantime I feel a series reread coming on.

Source: Purchased

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Review: Retro Demonology - Jana Oliver

A Demon Trapper’s bonus story.

Before Riley Blackthorne can take on Grade Five demons, she has to trap her very first. Her debut solo trapping experience should be a breeze, just a harmless Grade One after all. But throw in some dippy hippies (whose peace signs and Patchouli really aren’t driving any demons away), one mischievous demon, and a run-in with the police, and Riley might not be able to pull it off...

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
Retro Demonology is a free short story that can be read online HERE. It is a prequel to Jana Oliver's Demon Trapper's series but it is only a few pages long so don't expect too much detail. I absolutely love this series so it's one I'd highly recommend but if you're not sure about whether to start it or not then this should give you enough of a taster to decide whether you want to try Forsaken (that's the UK name, it was released as The Demon Trapper's Daughter in the US) or not.

This short introduces us to Riley Blackthorn, she is the daughter of a master demon trapper and also his apprentice. This is the first time she has been send out to trap a demon on her own without her father there as back up so she is nervous but determined to do a good job. I'm not going to go into any more detail than that so you'll have to read the story for yourself but there are plenty of giggles along the way and watch out for the clever use of a child's sippy cup.

Obviously Jana Oliver goes into a lot more detail with her world building in the full length novels, Riley is one of my favourite YA heroines and if you read the series you'll meet the absolutely delicious Denver Beck who I may have more than a little crush on! Retro Demonology is a fab little freebie from one of my favourite series and reading it has made me want to pick up Forsaken and start a re-read!

Source: This free short story can be read online HERE

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Kindle:

Review: Briar Rose - Jana Oliver

Briar Rose believes in fairy tales

And now, because of a family curse, she's living one. Doomed to fall asleep for one hundred years on her sixteenth birthday, Briar has woken up in the darkest, most twisted fairy tale she could ever have dreamed of - miles away from the safe, boring small-town life that she has left behind.

Briar must fight her way out of the story, but she can't do it alone. She always believed in handsome princes, and now she's met one her only chance is to put her life in his hands, or there will be no happy ever after and no waking up . . .

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
As a huge fan of Jana Oliver's Demon Trappers series it's no surprise that Briar Rose has been on the top of my wish list ever since I first heard about it. The fact that it's a dark and twisted fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty just made me even more curious about it! I'm happy to say that while Briar Rose is completely different to the Demon Trapper's series it still has Jana Oliver's addictive writing style and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Briar doesn't realise it but she has been cursed to die on her 16th birthday, her parents have kept the curse a secret from her but they have always been incredibly overprotective of her because of it. She only finds out about the curse the day before her birthday and while she isn't sure whether to believe in it or not Briar does know that isn't ready to die which makes her determined to do whatever it takes to break the curse and get her life back. It isn't going to be easy for her though, she finds herself thrust into a dream world that has taken things from her imagination and twisted them into something evil and frightening. Stuck in a new world where she doesn't understand the rules and has no idea how to escape Briar struggles to figure out who to trust and try and find a way home.

I found myself really liking Briar's character, she is quite sweet and innocent but at the same time she has a backbone and is prepared to stand up for herself and those she cares about. She is completely out of her comfort zone but that doesn't stop her trying to help the people she meets and I was happy that she was so level headed about trying to figure things out. What was really nice was that she has supportive friends who are also doing what they can to help her. Briar's best friend Reena was a great character and along with a surprising ally Pat she added a lot of humour to the story. Joshua was incredibly sweet and I liked the way he was willing to put himself in danger to protect Briar. The two of them had been best friends as children before a silly feud between their families pulled them apart. Even though they haven't spoken for years you could tell that they still cared about each other and it was nice to see that bond of friendship rekindled as they spent time together again.

The world Jana Oliver has created was a fascinating mix of old and new, in a lot of ways Briar's dream world felt like you had stepped back in time but adding in the strange creatures and weird blend of metal hybrids gave it a strong fantasy feel with just a hint of steampunk. I could happily spend more than one book exploring this world but in a way I'm glad that this story was a stand alone, it's seems so rare to come across a book that isn't part of a series these days and it's nice to get the full resolution to the story by the end of the book. Of course Briar Rose has a strong fairytale feel to it, especially with hints of Sleeping Beauty, but it also reminded me a little of Romeo and Juliet thanks to the feuding families and star crossed lovers. No matter how many stories it reminded me of it still stood out as unique in it's own right though and it's definitely a book I'd be happy to recommend. If you like your fairytales on the dark side and are a fantasy fan then Briar Rose is definitely a book you'll enjoy!

Source: Received from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Briar Rose Blog Tour: Jana Oliver's Top Five Most Evil Fairytale Villains

I'm a huge fan of Jana Oliver's Demon Trappers series so of course as soon as I heard about her new stand alone novel I couldn't wait to read it. Especially when I found out that Briar Rose is a fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty! I've already read the story and really enjoyed it (watch out for my review which will be posted later today) so I'm thrilled to welcome Jana to the blog today as part of the blog tour to celebrate the Briar Rose release. Before I hand over to Jana let me give you a bit more information about the book:

Briar Rose believes in fairy tales

And now, because of a family curse, she's living one. Doomed to fall asleep for one hundred years on her sixteenth birthday, Briar has woken up in the darkest, most twisted fairy tale she could ever have dreamed of - miles away from the safe, boring small-town life that she has left behind.

Briar must fight her way out of the story, but she can't do it alone. She always believed in handsome princes, and now she's met one her only chance is to put her life in his hands, or there will be no happy ever after and no waking up . . .

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Now please give a very warm welcome to Jana as she tells you all about her favourite fairytale villains!

********************

Top Five Most Evil Fairytale Villains

by Jana Oliver

Every good fairytale needs a baddie, be it a man-eating giant or an evil step-mom. With so many to choose from, I’ve winnowed the candidates down to my top five favourites.

And First place goes to….

The Queen/Step-Mother from Snow White

This lady takes body image issues to a new and disturbing level. She is convinced her seven-year-old step-daughter (Snow White) is prettier than she is. Then there’s that whole ‘conversing with a mirror’ thing, which is way creepy. And let’s not forget that in some versions of the tale the queen channels her inner Hannibal Lector and demands Snow’s liver and lungs for a main course. Ugh.


Second place goes to…

The dissed Fairy Godmother from Sleeping Beauty

You know, the one who was so incensed that the king failed to show her proper respect, she cursed his infant daughter Aurora (aka Briar Rose/Sleeping Beauty) to die. Gets extra points for her name (Maleficent), the wicked thorn hedge that encircled the castle, and creative use of a spindle as a lethal weapon.


Third place…

The Witch from Hansel and Gretel

Where it could be argued this grumpy homeowner did have cause to get all over these kids (they were eating her house) her method of punishment (fattening them up and then popping them in the oven until golden brown) was over the top. A gourmet chef she is not.


Fourth place…

The Pied Piper of Hamlin

You know the story – musical guy makes deal to rid a town of its rat problem, does just that, then gets stiffed by the townspeople. So Mr. P. goes one better – he pipes their children away until the parents cough up the money. Purely a contract dispute, right? Except in one of the darker versions of this tale he leads the kids through a river and drowns the lot of them. Oh my.


And last, but certainly not least…

Bluebeard

A serial groom if there ever was one. What did he expect? He gives his (latest) bride the key to the one room she must never enter and becomes homicidal when she spies the bloody bodies of her predecessors. Talk about a downer of a honeymoon. Hopefully the current Mrs Bluebeard had a pre-nuptial agreement – I give this marriage a week…tops.

********************

Thanks for a fab guest post Jana. I think I'd have to agree with your top villain being the Queen from Snow White but I'd also have to add in Rumpelstiltskin and the wolf from Little Red Riding Hood (although I guess if you were the wolf you might think that the Huntsman is actually the bad guy LOL). I don't think I've ever read Bluebeard's story but he certainly sounds like a terrifying husband! Who could possibly resist entering a room that they're banned from? Especially when they've been given a key. That's like having a big red button with "don't touch" written on it - I guarantee I'd be the one who ended the world by pressing it :o)

Who are your favourite fairytale villains? Do you have any others to add to Jana's list?

Review: Foretold - Jana Oliver

The end is most definitely nigh . . . 

Riley Blackthorne has always known that fellow Demon Trapper Denver Beck had a chequered history, but she's not prepared for what it means to be in love with a guy with this many dark secrets. Now that he's finally admitted to himself that he's in love with her too, there's no more hiding the truth about his past. And as it turns out, fending off a demon apocalypse is nothing compared with what's to come . . .

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
It is always hard to say goodbye to a series, particularly if it's one of your favourites. I have been crazy about Jana Oliver's Demon Trappers series ever since I read the first book and with each instalment I have come to love the characters and the world she has created more and more. So I was both excited and terrified to pick up the last book Foretold. Excited to spend more time with Riley and my favourite YA hottie Beck but terrified that I wouldn't like the way things ended and that the book wouldn't live up to my crazy high expectations.

Well I'm happy to say that Jana Oliver has done her Demon Trappers proud and this was the best book in the series. I don't want to say too much about what happens because I would hate to give spoilers but you should prepare yourself for an action packed thrill ride. Learn Beck's secrets, find out if he and Riley will ever be able to put the past behind them and build a future together, watch the ultimate battle between heaven and hell and find out what the future has in store for Atlanta.

I loved the way all of our favourite characters have their part to play. Not just Riley and Beck but also Peter, Simon, Masters Stewart and Harper, even Ori and Justine have important roles that may surprise you. As usual nothing is quite what it seems and you will be shocked by some of the events that take place. Friends may become enemies but can previous enemies ever become friends or allies?

Fans of the series will love Foretold but if you're new to the series then I would highly recommend starting with the first book Forsaken (released as The Demon Trapper's Daughter in the US). This is one of my favourite YA series and I only wish there were another 10 books to come. Having said that I would rather see things end on a high note and leaving me wanting more than have the story dragged out until I'm bored with it. Jana has mastered the art of leaving her readers satisfied but wishing for more and I know whatever book she writes next will be at the top of my wish list!

Source: Received from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Paperback / Kindle:

Guest Post from Jana Oliver: Denver Beck Profile

To celebrate the release of Foretold, the fourth and final book in the Demon Trappers series, I am thrilled to have Jana Oliver here today with a character profile of our favourite demon hunting hottie Denver Beck! Anyone who knows me will know that I'm a super fan girl when it comes to the Demon Trappers series - I adore the kick ass heroine Riley and had my heart completely stolen by Beck from the moment I first met him in Forsaken.

I can't tell you how excited I am to share Jana's character profile of Beck. Everyone who is already a fan of the series will be nodding along as they read agreeing with every word she says. If you haven't started reading the books yet then I'll be shocked if you don't fall a little in love with Beck anyway - just from his profile!

Before I share Jana's guest post I want to give you a little information about the book. I have already read Foretold (my review will be posted later today) and can tell you right now it was the best book in the series! I am sad to say goodbye to these characters but trust me - the series goes out with a bang and I'd much rather see things end on a high note.

The end is most definitely nigh . . . 

Riley Blackthorne has always known that fellow Demon Trapper Denver Beck had a chequered history, but she's not prepared for what it means to be in love with a guy with this many dark secrets. Now that he's finally admitted to himself that he's in love with her too, there's no more hiding the truth about his past. And as it turns out, fending off a demon apocalypse is nothing compared with what's to come . . .

The Demon Trappers Series:
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Now let's give a very warm welcome to Jana Oliver & the very gorgeous Beck!

********************

Character Profile: Denver Beck

Jana Oliver: I asked Beck if he’d be willing to talk about himself, but he wouldn’t go there. He claims he’s not that interesting. It’s up to me to tell you why I think he’s such a good guy, though I’m sure he’d disagree.

When I first started writing the Demon Trappers Series, I had a young man in mind, one that was from Georgia and had a smooth Southern drawl. Beyond that, Denver Beck was a mystery. From the moment I wrote the first scene between Beck and Riley (outside the library in FORSAKEN) I knew he was going to be much more than a supporting character. There was something about him that intrigued me. I “looked” into his eyes and found wariness and a lot of personal pain. So I said to myself, “Let’s find out what he’s all about.”

Over the course of the series we’ve learned a number of things about Denver Beck. We know that he doesn’t read and write that well, that he rescued a rabbit rather than risk it being harmed when its owner was going to abandon it. We know he’s fearless, with the heart of a warrior. He’s also impetuous, mouthy, and isn’t that fond of authority figures. He’s “house proud” as he would say and been known to drink too much.

In short, he’s an all-American dude. He loves barbecue chicken, fresh corn on the cob and peach pie with ice cream. He’s fond of beer, pickup trucks and country music. He’s got Georgia’s red clay running through his veins and he’s proud of that. Though he’s won medals for valour during the war, he won’t talk about them.

I did get him to answer one question.

Jana: If you could have a perfect day, what would it be like?

Beck: Hmm… I’d go cruisin’ down to some lake. Doesn’t matter where, just as long as it’s got lots of fish. Then I’d listen to Taylor Swift and drown some worms. Might get lucky and catch my dinner, then I could stay longer.

Jana: All by yourself?

Beck: Well…if there was someone who might like to come along, I’d be good with that. But I don’t think she would.

Of course, the she is Riley. Paul’s Blackthorne daughter is one person who can shake up his life that frightens him. Part of him hopes they might have a future together and other part is sure he’s not worth it.

Beck is a troubled young man, brought up by an alcoholic parent who made his childhood total hell. He’s lost at love, watched friends die in the war and has a fierce desire to succeed. But that drive is hindered by the dark voice inside of his heart that tells him he’s not worth it. When coupled with events in his past, he knows he’s teetering on a knife’s edge, one step away from utter failure. We’ll learn if he earns that future in FORETOLD.

Denver Beck’s fortitude, his decency, his love for Riley, have all combined to make one of the best heroes I’ve ever written. It’s been my pleasure to tell the story of such an amazing man.

********************

Thanks so much for a wonderful guest post Jana!!

So was I right? Isn't Beck totally swoon worthy? Are you all even more in love with him than ever? I'd love to know what you think of the Demon Trappers series!

Review: Forgiven - Jana Oliver

The stakes are high when you bet on your soul . . .

Hell's finest are ruling the streets and it seems that Armageddon might be even closer than Riley Blackthorne imagined.  But with her soul and her heart in play it's all she can do to keep herself alive, let alone save the world. Riley's not afraid of kicking some major demon butt, but when it comes to a battle between Heaven and Hell, she might need a little help . . .

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
Poor Riley hasn't had the easiest time of things recently and as both Heaven and Hell seem to have their sights set on her it doesn't look like it's going to get better any time soon. She is struggling to cope with the betrayals of both her ex-boyfriend Simon and Ori who lied to her about everything so she doesn't know who she can trust or where to turn. At least her father is safe with Mort and her best friend Peter is there when she needs him. As she comes under investigation from the Church Hunter's who think she has allied herself with Hell Riley is determined to solve the mystery of the fake Holy water to help prove her innocence. With Armageddon just around the corner can Riley work out just what she needs to do to prevent the end of the world?

If you've read my reviews for Forsaken (US title: The Demon Trapper's Daughter) or Forbidden (US title: Soul Thief) then you'll already know how much I love this series. It's by far one of the best YA paranormal series that I've read so I couldn't wait to get started on Forgiven. Thankfully Jana Oliver didn't disappoint me and this was the best book yet! There is literally so much going on in this series that the books are almost impossible to put down when you've started them. I don't know how I'm going to survive the wait until August for the final book Foretold!

Riley is a fantastic heroine and a character that I love. She isn't perfect and makes mistakes (I think most of us were shouting at the pages telling her not to do what she did with Ori at the end of the second book!) but that just makes her easier to relate to. She has done a lot of growing up since the series began and it's good to see her gaining confidence in her abilities. There are some absolutely heart breaking scenes with Riley and her Dad in this book and they really showed just how far she has come in the last couple of months.

I love the fact that Riley has a strong and supportive friendship with Peter but that there is no hint of a romance between them. I'm sick to death of the best friend who is madly in love with the heroine while she doesn't notice him that way so it's good to find a series that breaks away from that. Riley is currently caught between good and evil owing a favour to both Heaven and Hell but everyone is keeping secrets from her. The more she uncovers the more everything changes from black and white and into shades of grey and the harder it is to decide who really has her best interests at heart. I really don't know if I should be routing for the angels or the demons at this point!

I've said before how much I adore Beck and I'm going to say it again! I can't get enough of his character and love that we get to see part of the story from his point of view. The developments in his relationship with Riley had me jumping for joy - they make such a cute couple and I need to see them end up together. We learn a few shocking things about Beck's past in Forgiven but at the moment we have been left with more questions than answers about what he is hiding. I'm desperate to see how things play out - especially now we've started to see Justine's true colours (I did try to warn you Beck!).

This really is a series that I can't get enough of and one that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an action packed story with a kick ass heroine, a hero to swoon over and a plot with more twists and turns than a roller coaster. I can't wait to get my hands on Foretold!

Source: Received from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

News Roundup: New Covers and a couple of Publisher Contests

It's time for another roundup post to share some of the bookish news that has come through in the last week or so.

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First I have a quick reminder about the Faber & Faber Glimpse contest.  I haven't been online to share this sooner and the closing date is tomorrow so you don't have much time left to enter but here are the details just in case you want to do a last minute entry!

ONE DAY LEFT TO ENTER THE GLIMPSE COMPETITION - COULD YOU BE TAMSIN?

Calling all young aspiring actors!

Our first project is for 13 -18 year olds, we’re looking to find a young actor to play one of the characters in Claire Merle’s debut YA novel, THE GLIMPSE, in a series of web films. Entrants are invited to film themselves performing one of two audition scripts available at www.facebook.com/theglimpse and all entries will be showcased on THE GLIMPSE You Tube Channel.

Competition closing date is MONDAY 20 FEBRUARY. The winner will be announced in March 2012 and the web films will be broadcast online around publication of THE GLIMPSE in June 2012.

Look out for more competitions on THE SPARK www.facebook.com/thesparkpage - Take part in an exciting new online community where books provide the inspiration for your talent.

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Have you seen the cover for Michelle Harrison's next novel yet?  Michelle is known for her children's 13 Treasures series but Unrest will be her YA debut.  I really enjoyed The 13 Treasures (read my review here) so was already looking forward to Unrest but having seen the cover and blurb I'm now even more excited!  Unrest is being published in the UK on the 26th of April by Simon & Schuster.

Seventeen-year-old Elliott hasn’t slept properly for months. Not since the accident that nearly killed him. Sometimes he half-wakes, paralysed, while shadowy figures move around him. Other times he is the one moving around, while his body lies asleep on the bed. His doctors say sleep paralysis and out of body experiences are harmless - but to Elliott they’re terrifying.

Convinced that his brush with death has attracted the spirit world, Elliott secures a job at a reputedly haunted museum, determined to discover the truth. There, he meets the enigmatic Ophelia. But, as she and Elliott grow closer, Elliott draws new attention from the dead. One night, during an out of body experience, Elliott returns to bed to find his body gone. Something is occupying it, something dead that wants to live again . . . and it wants Ophelia, too . . .

A chilling new novel for teen readers from the best-selling author of the widely-acclaimed 13 Treasures sequence.  (Description taken from Goodreads)

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You may remember me mentioning a new Delirium short story called Hana by Lauren Oliver that was released as an ebook exclusive in December.  I loved Delirium (read my review here) so it was nice to see some of the story from Hana's point of view (read my review of Hana here).

To celebrate the fact that it is only 2 weeks until the release of Pandemonium (book 2 in the series) Hodder & Stoughton have announced a very special competition.  Here are the details:

We know that lots of you have read and loved Lauren Oliver's short story HANA on ebook, but those of you without access to an e-reader have so far missed out. SO... we are going to print FIVE COPIES ONLY - super, super exclusive bound manuscripts - and are ...offering them to you as competition prizes.

All you have to do is answer the following question:
What is the first name of the main (female) character in Delirium?

Just send your answer to competition@hodder.co.uk  putting HANA in the subject line.

Visit www.facebook.com/lovedelirium for more information about the series.

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I'm a massive, massive fan of Jana Oliver's Demon Trappers series I loved both Forsaken (read my review here) and Forbidden (read my review here) so can't wait to read Forgiven which is released in the UK in March.  I'm not sure why but I was convinced that this series was a trilogy so I was incredibly excited when the press release for Forgiven mentioned that a 4th book - Foretold - is being published in August!  Thanks to the lovely Laura at SisterSpooky: Book Fangirl I've now seen the Foretold cover so I thought I'd share it with you here.

What do you think?  It's fab isn't it!  If you haven't started this series yet then trust me it is one you need to pick up now!

So that's all the news I have to share today, I hope you found some of it interesting!  Good luck if you decide to enter either of the contests & let me know what you think of the covers.

Review: Forbidden - Jana Oliver

Hell has a plan for Riley Blackthorne . . .

Riley's beginning to think being a demon trapper isn't all it's cracked up to be. Her dad's been stolen by a necromancer, her boyfriend's gone all weird and she's getting warm and fuzzy feelings for someone who's got more secrets than the CIA. It's tempting to give it all up and try to be normal, but that's not an option with Hell watching her every move.

One mistake will cost her everything - and that's the one she's about to make . . .

The Demon Trappers Series:
Retro Demonology (Free Short Story)
Forsaken (Released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter)
Forbidden (Released in the US as Soul Thief)
Forgiven
Foretold
Grave Matters (Novella)
Mind Games
Valiant Light

Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information

Review:
While this review won't contain spoilers for Forbidden please be aware that this is the second book in the Demon Trappers series and my review will contain spoilers for the first book. The story picks up just after the ending of Forsaken with the demon trappers having to regroup after their major battle and trying to work out what caused their holy water circle to fail. Some blame Riley's reanimated father while others prefer to believe that it is Riley who is working for the devil. Riley is desperate to prove her innocence and also to track down the necromancer who reanimated her father so she can have his body returned to the grave. She is also worried about Simon who may be recovering physically but who is acting very strangely. The city are no longer sure they can rely on the demon trappers to keep the city safe so they have called in the Vatican's demon hunters which is just going to make things even more complicated for Riley and the other trappers.

I really enjoyed Forsaken (released in the US as The Demon Trapper's Daughter) but I absolutely loved Forbidden (released in the US as Soul Thief). Jana Oliver managed to take everything I enjoyed in the first book and multiply it creating a story that I didn't want to end. I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on the final instalment in the series, Forgiven, so I'm relieved that I only have just over a month to wait! If you enjoyed Forsaken then you need to pick up Forbidden NOW and if you haven't started reading this series yet then what are you waiting for? This is one of the most unique and gripping YA urban fantasy series that I've come across in a long time and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Riley is a fantastic character, she has been through so much that my heart goes out to her but no matter what the world throws at her she just keeps on going. She may have the occasional moment where things get too much for her but in general she doesn't sit around complaining, she is proactive and is prepared to go down fighting. She doesn't have supernatural abilities so she has to rely on her brains and her training to get her through, that and a little help from her friends. She has to face some difficult betrayals in this book and she is going to learn just who her friends really are, she may even discover a couple of surprising allies.

In my review of Forsaken I mentioned how much I loved Beck, well that definitely hasn't changed - apart from the fact that I now love him even more. He is absolutely one of my favourite male characters and I love watching him and Riley together. He can be infuriating because he tries too hard to protect her but you can't really begrudge him for wanting her safe, I did wish he would spend more time helping her train rather than trying to send her away from danger though. In the first book he was a bit less smothering but it was only after coming so close to losing her that he realised how much she means to him and he is still trying to come to terms with his feelings. I have to admit that his actions with a certain reporter made me want to shake him but I'm convinced he will redeem himself so I'm not too worried.

The plot was fast paced and has some fantastic twists to it, there was so much going on that I just couldn't put it down. Jana Oliver manages to weave multiple threads together in a way that makes sure you don't tie everything together until the last minute so you're always kept guessing at how things will turn out. This is a fantastic series that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good story, if you're an urban fantasy fan then this will definitely appeal to you but it also has a dystopian feel to it with the post-apocalyptic setting. I for one can't wait to see how the series ends!

Source: Received from Macmillan in exchange for an honest review

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Publisher Spotlight: Macmillan - January - June 2012

I thought it would be fun to start spotlighting new releases that different publishers have coming up over the next few months for us to look forward to.  I'm constantly looking for new books to add to my wish list and thought it would be a nice way of spreading the bookish love with other bloggers.  I'm not sure how regular the posts will be yet but I have quite a few lined up already and we'll see how things go over the next few months.  So in the spotlight today we have . . .

Macmillan have some fabulous YA books coming out in 2012 that I'm really excited about!  This year really does look like it's going to be an amazing one.  Check out the Macmillan website for more information.

January:

Tempest by Julie Cross

Rich-kid Jackson Meyer has a secret: he can travel through time. But when a shocking event leaves him trapped in his own past, Jackson discovers that his comfortable life has a dark secret. Now he must find a way save the girl he loves, before they have even met.

I have already read Tempest and really enjoyed it (my review will be posted on Tuesday) so this is one I can definitely recommend.  This is Julie's first novel so counts towards the debut author challenge if you're taking part.  Visit Julie Cross' blog for more information.

February:

After the Snow by S.D. Crockett

Separated from his family, ‘straggler’ kid Willo is lost and alone in the barren landscape of the new ice age. Now, with only the dog-spirit inside his head to guide him, Willo must embark on an icy journey of survival, adventure and friendship.

After the Snow is another debut novel, this time from British author Sophie Crockett. I love dystopian stories so I'm really looking forward to this one.  Visit S.D. Crockett's page on Goodreads for more information.

Mice by Gordon Reece

Shelley and her mother are ‘mice:’ timid, nervous and obliging. The fragile peace of their remote countryside existence is shattered when someone breaks into their cottage. In the shocking event that follows, Shelley begins to wonder if she and her mother are mice after all. And if not mice, then what are they?

Mice is a psychological thriller so not a genre that I usually read but I'm really curious about the idea of a mother and daughter who are pushed so far that they are finally forced to stand up for themselves.  I wonder how far they will actually go to protect each other.  Visit Gordon Reece's website for more information.

Demon Trappers: Forgiven by Jana Oliver

Wanted by both the forces of Heaven and Hell,17-year-old demon trapper Riley Blackthorne is on the run. Armageddon might be closer than anyone thinks, but with an angelic bargain on one side and a deal with the devil on the other, it’s all Riley can do to stay alive, let alone save the world…

I loved the first book in the Demon Trappers series: Forsaken (read my review here) and I have the second book Forbidden sitting on my to read pile so I really must catch up before Forgiven comes out.  This is definitely a series I would recommend if you haven't tried it yet it has interesting mythology, scary demons, a kick ass heroine and a hot love interest - what more could you ask for?  Visit Jana Oliver's website for more information.

Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend by Cora Harrison

A little mystery is so becoming in a hero, don't you think?

Jane wants to meet a hero worthy of her extraordinary imagination: a gentleman who is dashing and daring and handsome and brave; who can dance like a viscount and duel like a king. Jane and Jenny are whiling away the season in Bath and there are plenty of dances, rumours and scandals to entertain them. But a good reputation, once lost, is gone forever; and Jane is in danger of becoming the talk of the town for all the wrong reasons

Jane Austen Stole My Boyfriend sounds like a really cute historical romance.  It's actually the sequel to I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend which I hadn't heard of before but I think I'll have to check out this series.  Visit Cora Harrison's website for more information.

March:

The Prince Who Walked With Lions by Elizabeth Laird

Orphaned by war, Prince Alamayu of Abyssinia is brought to England by the British Army, befriended by Queen Victoria and enrolled in Rugby School.

This is his fascinating, poignant, meticulously researched story told by one of the UK’s most endearing novelists.

I'm really curious about The Prince Who Walked With Lions, I love historical fiction and it looks like this is based on a true story so I'm looking forward to finding out more.  Visit Elizabeth Laird's website for more information.
 

April:

 

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
 

Anya is a member of a notorious New York crime family, so when her violent ex-boyfriend is poisoned, suspicion naturally falls on her. Only the District Attorney believes she is innocent, but her freedom has a price: stay away from his son Win. Anya is finding Win hard to resist, but by getting involved with him she risks the wrath of the law on one side, and the mafia on the other…

A crime thriller set in a dystopian world All These Things I've Done is a book I'm really excited about!  Luckily I already have a copy of this one but I'm trying to hold off until nearer the release date before I read it.  Visit Gabrielle Zevin's website for more information.

Jasmine Skies by Sita Brahmachari

The second breathtaking novel from the winner of the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize.

Fourteen year-old Mira Levenson travels to India to meet her family and is quickly swept into a sweltering, chaotic world – full of new sights, smells and deeply buried secrets. Nothing is as she imagined it. Mira faithfully writes to her boyfriend, Jidé, but there’s one person she doesn’t mention. From the moment Mira meets Janu she feels a potent connection and he becomes her guide through the vibrant and often dangerous streets of Kolkata. As her time in India draws to an end, Mira is determined to uncover the truth about her family and she must also make a decision that will break someone's heart . . .

I've heard really good things about Sita Brahmachari's debut novel Artichoke Hearts, in fact I bought a copy months ago but just haven't had time to read it yet.  Her next novel Jasmine Skies is the sequel so it looks like I really need to bump Artichoke Hearts up the to read pile so I can read this one too.  I just have to mention how much I love the Jasmine Skies cover it's so pretty & orange is my favourite colour!  Visit Sita Brahmachari's website for more information.

May:

Abandon by Meg Cabot

Pierce Oliviera knows what it’s like to die: in fact she already has, if only for a moment. In the space between Heaven and Hell she met John Hayden – mysterious, attractive, dangerous – who ushers souls from one world to the next. But when Pierce returns to the land of the living, she finds that John has followed her back…

Underworld by Meg Cabot (no cover image currently available)

To escape the clutches of the vengeful Furies, Pierce Oliveria has gone to live with John Hayden in the dark Underworld between Heaven and Hell. But when she discovers that her family is in danger, she knows she must get out. Pierce has escaped from John once before. This time, she may not be so lucky…

Abandon was published last year and is the first book in Meg Cabot's Abandon trilogy.  This is another book that I've heard great things about and that I really need to read soon.  The second book in the trilogy Underworld will be published in the UK in May so it's definitely one to look out for if you loved Abandon.  Visit Meg Cabot's website for more information.

Young Sherlock: Fire Storm by Andrew Lane

Think you know him? Think again. Fourteen-year-old Sherlock has come up against some challenges in his time, but what confronts him now is completely baffling. His tutor, Crowe, and Crowe's daughter, Ginny, have vanished. Their house looks as if nobody has ever lived there. Neighbours claim never to have heard of them.

Sherlock begins to doubt his sanity, until a chance clue points him to Scotland . Following that clue leads him into the throes of a mystery that involves kidnapping, bodysnatchers and a man who claims he can raise the dead. Before he knows it, Sherlock is fighting for his life as he battles to discover what has happened to his his friends.

Fire Storm is the fourth book in the Young Sherlock series by Andrew Lane.  I have to admit I've not read any of the books in this series but I'm curious about the idea of a younger Sherlock so I might have to pick up a copy of the first book (Death Cloud).  Visit the Young Sherlock website for more information.

What's Up With Jody Barton? by Hayley Long

Jody and Jolene may be the world’s least identical twins, but they’ve both fallen for the same hot guy. And if that wasn’t complicated enough… there’s something nobody knows about Jody Barton. Something big.

I've heard a lot of great things about Hayley Long's Lottie Biggs series but I don't tend to read a lot of contemporary stories so I've not read them myself.  I'm sure her next novel What's Up With Jody Barton? will be popular with contemp fans though.  Visit Hayley Long's website for more information.

Soul Seekers: Fated by Alyson Noel

Strange things have been happening to Daire Santos. Animals follow her, crows mock her, glowing people appear from nowhere. Worried that Daire's having a breakdown, her mother sends her to stay with the grandmother she's never met, who lives on the dusty plains of Enchantment, New Mexico.There Daire crosses paths with Dace, a gorgeous guy with unearthly blue eyes.

Her grandmother recognizes Daire's episodes for what they are - a call to her true destiny as a Soul Seeker, a person who can navigate between the living and the dead. Guided by her grandmother, Daire must be quick to learn how to harness her powers, because Dace's brother is an evil shape-shifter, out to steal them.

Daire must embrace her fate as a Soul Seeker and discover whether Dace is the guy she's meant to be with . . . or if he's allied with the enemy she's destined to destroy.

I can't tell you how excited I am about Fated, the first book in Alyson Noel's new Soul Seekers series.  I have been waiting for this one ever since Alyson told us about it at a Macmillan event last year and think it's going to be a fantastic read.  This is definitely at the top of my wish list!  Visit Alyson Noel's website for more information.

So what do you think of the books Macmillan are publishing in the next few months?  Which ones are you most looking forward to?  Have you added any new ones to your wish list?