Richelle Mead ‘Vampire Academy’ – Book 1

Summary: Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with an unbreakable bond to the earth’s magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi; the fiercest and most dangerous vampires–the ones who never die.

The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa’s best friend, makes her a Dhampir; she is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making her one of them.

After two years of illicit freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir’s Academy, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. Rose will continue her Dhampir education. Lissa will go back to being Queen of the elite Moroi social scene. And both girls will resume breaking hearts.

Fear made Lissa and Rose run away from St. Vladimir’s–but their world is fraught with danger both inside and out of the Academy’s iron gates. Here, the cutthroat ranks of the Moroi perform unspeakable rituals and their secretive nature and love of the night creates an enigmatic world full of social complexities. Rose and Lissa must navigate through this dangerous world, confront the temptation of forbidden romance, and never once let their guard down, lest the Strigoi make Lissa one of them forever…

Review:

This was a great opener! I loved the story and all of the characters. It was set up so that you were hooked instantly.

Rose is outstanding: she is smart, beautiful, strong and clever. Rose and Lissa, her best friend and the girl she has sworn to protect, have ran way from their school they are captured and returned to school, by the very capable Dimitri.

Someone is trying to hurt Lissa and we are not sure why, but Rose will not rest until she gets to the bottom of it. She feels there is no one to trust except for her friend Lissa. While trying to protect her, Rose has to catch up on her training and Dimitri.

Dimitri has selflessly volunteered to help her, which leads to a very palpable attraction.

This book is great it has everything that a book should have, betrayal, mystery, friendship and the most important forbidden love!

The only thing, that bothered me, was that Lissa, as well as all the other vampires, never used their power to protect themselves, and they relied on the Dhampirs to them safe. That being said, this is still one of my favorite series and authors. And if they did protect themselves then I guess we would have no need for Rose or the super hot Dimitri!

brought to you by OBS Staffer kpic724

Melissa Marr
Wicked Lovely Series – 2: Ink Exchange

Summary

Unbeknownst to mortals, a power struggle is unfolding in a world of shadows and danger. After centuries of stability, the balance between the Faerie Courts has altered, and Irial, ruler of the Dark Court, is battling to hold his rebellious and newly-vulnerable fey together. If he fails, bloodshed and brutality will follow.

17-year-old Leslie knows nothing of faeries or their intrigues. When she is attracted to an eerily beautiful tattoo of eyes and wings, all she knows is that she has to have it, convinced it is a tangible symbol of changes she desperately craves for her own life.

The tattoo does bring changes—not the kind that Leslie had dreamed of, but sinister, compelling changes that are more than symbolic. Those changes will bind Leslie and Irial together, drawing Leslie deeper and deeper into the faerie world, unable to resist its allures, and helpless to withstand its perils.
Source:http://www.melissa-marr.com

Review

After reading “Wicked Lovely” by Melissa Marr, I had high hopes for this novel. I have to say, I was BLOWN AWAY. This tale of an ordinary girl thrust into a world of extraordinary circumstances is definitely one of a kind.

After getting the tattoo that she felt would change her life, Leslie became bound to Irial, the King of the Dark faeries. This relationship was formed originally for Leslie to give sustenance to the Dark King so in turn he could feed his dark faeries, but the relationship and outlook of both were changed. Leslie actually became “addicted” to Irial, and vice versa. These characters were irrevocably changed. It was interesting to read that Leslie was trying so hard to get away from her life that was changed by drugs (ie. Ren, her drug dealing brother) and she ended up becoming addicted to a different type of drug. And Irial started the Ink Exchange with not a care for Leslie but ended up caring for her more than he had ever cared for anything in his lifetime.

The downward spiral of both these characters was intriguing to read. The depth of emotion and tolerance that Marr gave these characters was phenomenal. Getting into the mind of a drug addict, no matter what drug it is, is dark and disturbing, but very real. I give two very big thumbs up for this masterpiece and I only have great hope for Marr in the future with her novels.

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Written by OBS Staff Member Sophie Hutchings

“What if one day, you went out for a drive…
And in an instant everything changed?
What if suddenly all the other choices were gone?
Life or death…”

When 17-year-old Mia wakes up on a snowy morning, her family and herself plan to take a drive to visit their family and friends. Mia being a passionate cellist – who is waiting to gain her acceptance to go to Julliard – is still not sure if she should go see her rock star hunk of a boyfriend Adam and his band perform that evening.

While battling out which music station they should listen to on their journey, their family car is flattened but the radio continues to play Beethoven. At first Mia is sure everything is fine, after all she is standing outside the vehicle but then she sees her father. He is dead. Next, she finds her mother, who is also dead. Now Mia is desperate to find her little brother but something catches her eye, a hand! Was it Teddy? Her little brother, but how did her silver charm bracelet that Adam got her for her birthday gets on his wrist? She realizes she is looking at her own bleeding body.

Mia finds herself lying in a coma in an ICU bed at deaths door. With many visits from her Grandparents, her best friend – Kim, family, her boyfriend – who she is deeply in love with and even a rock star! Mia is the only one with the power to decide if she wants to live or join her family in heaven. Time is ticking but which will she chose?

This book really shows you the power of family and friends and the ultimate choice Mia commands. It really opens your eyes to what you have and what you can lose just like that! Summit Entertainment now even has the rights to ‘If I Stay’ for the movie.

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Elizabeth Kostova - The Historian

In 1972, a 16-year-old American living in Amsterdam finds a mysterious book in her diplomat father’s library. The book is ancient, blank except for a sinister woodcut of a dragon and the word “Drakulya,” but it’s the letters tucked inside, dated 1930 and addressed to “My dear and unfortunate successor,” that really pique her curiosity. Her widowed father, Paul, reluctantly provides pieces of a chilling story; it seems this ominous little book has a way of forcing itself on its owners, with terrifying results.

Paul’s former adviser at Oxford, Professor Rossi, became obsessed with researching Dracula and was convinced that he remained alive. When Rossi disappeared, Paul continued his quest with the help of another scholar, Helen, who had her own reasons for seeking the truth. As Paul relates these stories to his daughter, she secretly begins her own research.

Kostova builds suspense by revealing the threads of her story as the narrator discovers them: what she’s told, what she reads in old letters and, of course, what she discovers directly when the legendary threat of Dracula looms. Along with all the fascinating historical information, there’s also a mounting casualty count, and the big showdown amps up the drama by pulling at the heartstrings at the same time it revels in the gruesome. (via Amazon.com)

Review:

A slow start, but if you allow yourself to get through the first few chapters, you’ll want to know what happened next and why. And the farther along you get, the more interesting it becomes, so just keep reading. It’s incredibly rich in historical details, not only about vampires and Vlad the Impaler, but the history of Eastern Europe, all without being dry.

It switches between the view of the daughter (whose first name we never learn) and letters from her father (written on his voyage, 20 years earlier), which are leading her through the journey to find Dracula. There is also true suspense: not only do the characters face the threat of death by vampires, but also political threats-bouncing from country to country in the Eastern Bloc during the height of the communist threat and dodging politicians unwilling to share country secrets. Filled with fascinating supporting characters, this book is very multifaceted.

Despite it’s nearly 1000 pages, the ending comes up abruptly. While surprising, you feel satisfied. Definitely worth the effort.

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Carolyn Crane
Mind Games

Brought to you by OBS Staff Member Katie

Justine Jones has a secret. A hardcore hypochondriac, she’s convinced a blood vessel is about to burst in her brain. Then, out of the blue, a startlingly handsome man named Packard peers into Justine’s soul and invites her to join his private crime-fighting team. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime deal. With a little of Packard’s hands-on training, Justine can weaponize her neurosis, turning it outward on Midcity’s worst criminals, and finally get the freedom from fear she’s always craved. End of problem.

Or is it? In Midcity, a dashing police chief is fighting a unique breed of outlaw with more than human powers. And while Justine’s first missions, including one against a nymphomaniac husband-killer, are thrilling successes, there is more to Packard than meets the eye. Soon, while battling her attraction to two very different men, Justine is plunging deeper into a world of wizardry, eroticism, and cosmic secrets. With Packard’s help, Justine has freed herself from her madness—only to discover a reality more frightening than anyone’s worst fears.
Source – Amazon

Review -
Wow! What an adventurous rocky roller coaster ride this book was. The whole concept and idea of it is like nothing I have ever read before; very refreshing. Here we have these people who face every day problems, only to an extreme. They learn how to zero in on someone and force there emotions in to them. The main character is Justine who also happens to be a hypochondriac. She desperately wants to live a normal life and we she is given the option to do so, she jumps on it. Only later to realize maybe it is wrong to dump her emotions on to someone else.

During the whole book your bouncing back and forth to try and figure out who is the bad guy and who is the good. It really kept things interesting. Although from the beginning I had a feeling that a certain character could be more than meets the eyes.

Crane has found some magical way to keep this book action packed with out losing and confusing the reader. And all the while she is still keeping things detailed, but not too detailed. I think we have hit the jackpot with Carolyn Crane, she is a new author with a lot going for her. Mind Games was an exceptional read and I can’t wait for the second book to come out with in the next few months.

And on a side note, I feel that Mind Games ends very well and if you don’t feel like getting in to a new series, you could read it as a stand alone!

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This is a simple contest — all you have to do is: JOIN THE FORUM!

Here is a little about the contest and more information:

I know what you’re thinking, how can a chance at winning an awesome prize be so easy?? All you have to do is join the OBS forum and INTRODUCE YOURSELF on the forum, then you will be automatically entered for a drawing of a fabulous prize! Also, the winner of this contest gets to choose their prize!! We here at OBS like to give you options, so, the winner will get to choose from several utterly amazing books.

I would like to take a minute to tell you why becoming a member will be rewarding even if you don’t win the prize! Here is what our members get to enjoy and participate in:

• Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer (Hardback)
• Ravens of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley (Hardback)
• The Outlaw Demon Wails by Kim Harrison (Hardback)
• Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (Paperback movie tie-in cover)
• Sisters of Iris: The Summoning (Hardback)
• Charmed and Deadly by Candace Havens (Paperback)
• Blood Promise by Richelle Mead (Hardback)
• The Time Machine: An Invention by H. G. Wells
• The Historian (Paperback)
• The Time Traveler’s Wife Audrey Niffenegger
• For Love of Teddy JA Fulkerson
• Vampire Dreams Richard Reich signed by author
• Demigods and Monsters (2 copies)
• Anne Bishop Tangled Webs hardback
• Generation Dead by Daniel Waters paperback
• High Stakes paperback by Erin McCarthy
• Queen of the Darkness paperback by Anne Bishop
• Alyson Noel Dark Flame hardback

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• LIKE OBS? JOIN THE OBS STAFF | Open Society Book Club Discussions and Reviews

Written by OBS Staff Member Kate

Book synopisis: When a young witch tells Elena that a group of humans are kidnapping supernaturals, Elena ignores the warning.  After all, everyone knows there’s no such thing as witches.  As for the thought of other ‘supernaturals’, well, she’d just rather not dwell on the possibility.  Soon, however, she’s confronted with the truth about her world, when she’s kidnapped and thrown into a cell-block with witches, sorcerers, half-demons and other werewolves. As Elena soon discovers, dealing with her fellow captives is the least of her worries. In this prison, the real monsters carry the keys. Source: kelleyarmstrong.com

Review: After reading and reviewing “Bitten” by Kelley Armstrong I had high hopes for this novel. I can honestly say I was very pleased! Although this story did not revolve around a love story as the first one did, it was action-packed and nail biting. The true test of Elena Michaels as a character occurred when she was totally separated from her Pack and her love. She fought against her instinct and human nature to survive in captivity along with other dangerous “monsters” and the humans who put her there.

Many other “races” were introduced in this book and it was interesting to gain some insight on them. I really felt that I was going along for a ride with Elena into the world of supernatural instead of just werewolves. The fact that she might not be the most dangerous creature out there made this journey very real and scary. The workers at this facility were so varied it made me wonder about their initial reason for creating this compound. The money behind the facility was a greedy, cruel, and evil man who thought money could do anything, but in the end that did not become the case. These human characters who differed severely from one another in personality kept me on the edge wondering who were the good guys and who were the bad guys.

Kelley Armstrong was very smart in the creation of this novel. Opening my eyes to different characters and races, she was able to expand her “Otherworld” series into many books with the main characters being different in each. I cannot wait to continue reading this series and see how these characters progress.

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Lauren Kate: Fallen

Brought to you by OBS Staff Mmeber Sophie

Fallen is the first of the trilogy about fallen angels.

Luce Price finds herself in Swords & Crosses, a reform school for disturbed kids in Savannah, Georgia. The place even looks and feels like a jail, nothing at all like Luce’s old posh school and she only gets ONE phone call a week! But I guess that’s what happens when the last boy she got close to puffed up in flames and the black shadows are still always there. Haunting her.

Mysterious and aloof yet ever so familiar, Daniel Grigori catches Luce’s eye the very first day she enters the hell hole of Swords & Crosses and she feels something, something big but if only 1) he notice her and 2) when he did notice her, he didn’t flip his middle finger up at her. Yet Luce can’t seem to stop stalking him, finding more and more information about him. He is always so hot and then ice cold. Unlike Cam who is charming, beautiful and he is definitely into Luce.

Daniel character is different, you hate the way Luce keeps going after him and embarrassing herself yet you want her to keep going, digging deeper and deeper, where with Cam you can see he is a simple character but as the story gets going you know that is not the case. When the truth is out about these two very different but more similar then you would think boys, Luce is faced with death.

This book is an amazing read with a great twist that you are just waiting for. It is full of friendship and love.
This is a MUST-READ this summer. The second book will be out in September.

Pages: 452
Publication date: 2009
Rating: 5 stars.

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Christopher Farnsworth: Blood Oath

Written by OBS Staff Member Rose

Move over James Bond, this secret agent’s cocktail is blood, warm, whether shaken or stirred.

By far this is the best vampire book I have read in a long time, and I’ve read my fair share.

Blood Oath, Christopher Farnsworth’s debut novel, takes the idea of the vampire and rests it on the opposite end of the well-known romantic and light bloodsucking tale on the vampire spectrum. Blood Oath is gritty, suspenseful and leaves vampires where they should be; as thirsty creatures that only live for blood. Unless of course, you bind them to an oath to serve the United States and turn them into a hero instead.

This novel is an intricately woven fast-paced story of terrorism, political espionage and living dead horror all packed into one solid novel. It is apparent why Blood Oath was optioned for a movie, for it reads as one, fleshing out characters brilliantly and sucking you in immediately with non-stop action and breathes new life into the vampire genre.

Nathaniel Cade became a secret agent for the President of the United States by way of a blood oath after he was captured in 1867 after killing two crewmates. He was sworn in by a Voodoo Priestess to help President Andrew Johnson and each President thereafter for as long as he lived. But one would wonder how does Cade keep his hunger subdued? Ironically, he wears a cross around his neck.

Now working for the current President, he is joined by Zach Barrows, a young and ambitious White House staffer, who is the newly appointed aide to the President’s Vampire, to stop an mad scientist who has created the ultimate monster, unstoppable zombie soldiers.

Dr. Johann Konrad, a present day Nazi-esque Dr. Frankenstein, has learned the key to resurrecting and manipulating dead tissue. Cade and a very wet behind the ears Zach, go on a top-secret mission to stop him and this takes them on a very deadly adventure. Deadly even for a vampire.

Farnsworth injects real world politics into Blood Oath and pairs zombie warfare with a plot by Arab terrorists and their American inductee, but not so much that this is the main threat or focus in the book. It is just a weft in the grand fabric of the story.

A lengthy flashback on how Cade became a vampire flips the current day setting to the 1800’s, allowing the reader to connect with his character and actually feel sorry for him. To add to this are insights about his history that starts each chapter in the form of excerpts from a classified briefing manual. It is a brilliant way to give more information to the reader without breaking up the fast paced action.

When finding out this story was optioned for the big screen, I could not help trying to cast actors for the major players involved, for each are very strong characters in their own right who rattle off extremely witty dialogue. There are certain horrific scenes in this book that I simply cannot wait to see depicted on screen. Such as the epic scene in the White House that should make Night of the Living Dead look like third grade recess in a school playground, and the sickening depravity of Dr. Konrad who injects a bio-mutating serum that turns an unsuspected victim into a tree-like mass.

There is news that Lucas Foster, producer of “Jumper” and “Law Abiding Citizen”, who optioned Blood Oath, has also claimed the rights to Christopher Farnsworth’s follow-up, “Black Site”. So those who wish for the return of Cade will be very happy. I personally cannot wait.

For those of you who’d rather read lighter angst ridden vampire fair, I assure you…you WILL be missing out. This book was exceptionally written and has made me a die-hard Christopher Farnsworth fan. Go get a copy of Blood Oath now.

Discuss this book (and more) on the forum

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MEGHAN CHASE HAS A SECRET DESTINY— ONE SHE COULD NEVER HAVE IMAGINED…
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan’s life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she’s known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart. (Source:http://www.juliekagawa.com/books.html)

Review by OBS Staff Member Kate

‘The Iron King’ is the first book of the Iron Fey trilogy written by Julie Kagawa.

Lately I have been more and more ‘into’ faery books. A year ago I would have never picked one up but I find myself being attracted to these passionate but dangerous creatures. ‘The Iron King’ expressed the typical faery life but exposed an addition to this world that threatens to wipe out their existence.

At the start of this novel I enjoyed learning about Meghan’s not-so-easy life. I sensed a significance in that fact that she never fit in and how her father disappeared. I was amused at the complete obviousness of Robbies affection for Meghan and how she overlooked it completely, typical for that age. Julie really nailed the emotions and awkwardness of a high school outcast.

When Meghan’s brother, Ethan, is stolen from her, Robbie enlightens Meghan to her Sight and the world of Nevernever. When Robbie tells Meghan who he really is and how a Midsummer Night’s Dream’s characters are ‘real’ I changed my view on the book. I made an assumption that the book would be some sort of re-telling and it would be uncreative and boring. I can admit I was wrong, right? This small detail had a great significance for the real story to be told of the Iron King. The fact that faeries will exist because humans write, sing, or think about them completely made this novel without a doubt, amazing.

Since we humans are all about technology we lose imagination and creativity that fuels passion and emotion. Humans gradually forget about make-believe as we age and need to see proof of everything. This obsession with science and technology created a whole other species of fey, the Iron Fey. These creatures were so well written it was easy to visualize this world of metal and acid rain. I was completely mesmerized and could not wait to read each new page.

The character’s that Julie created were very real in their own way. They were honest to themselves and were stubborn to change as anyone would be. I have to say my favorite character was Grimalkin. He was probably the most selfish character I have ever read (who in that world isn’t?) and probably had the smallest of the character development (in his own way), but he really made this story. His thirst for adventure and debts created the highs and lows for Meghan’s long journey and self-discovery. And then there is Ash. This character is one of my tops for swoon-worthy fictional men. This damaged, cold faerie probably progressed the most in this story. Although he should be complete enemies with Meghan, her innocence and spunk pull him out of a long, resentful relationship with himself and brings back some happiness to his life.

I cannot wait to continue reading this series as it is released. Julie Kagawa is truly an amazing storyteller and the anticipation for ‘The Iron Daughter’ is almost unbearable!

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Today is “Wear the Lilac Day” (it’s also “Towel Day”, but one thing at a time), a day in honor of Author Terry Pratchett, who was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s in 2008. Fans of Pratchett (and of Discworld especially) wear Lilacs to raise awareness for the disease. So today’s featured book review is of course one by Terry Pratchett.

Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

Summary:

According to The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch (the world’s only completely accurate book of prophecies, written in 1655, before she exploded), the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. Just before dinner. So the armies of Good and Evil are amassing. Atlantis is rising, frogs are falling, tempers flaring. Everything appears to be going according to Divine Plan. Except a somewhat fussy angel and a fast-living demon—both of whom have lived amongst Earth’s mortals since The Beginning and have grown rather fond of the lifestyle—are not actually looking forward to the coming Rapture. And someone seems to misplaced the Antichrist… (from the 2006 American paperback edition)

Review:

Both authors are hilarious in their own right, and together they have written a book that has a quotable sentence on every page. Bouncing around from Crowley (the fast living demon) and Aziraphale (the book store owning angel), to the anti-christ and his disciples, to Anathema Device, the professional descendent of Agnes Nutter, the book tells the story of the coming apocalypse and the attempts to speed it up or prevent it. And hilarity ensues: “The kraken stirs. And ten billion sushi dinners cry out for vengeance”. You’ll enjoy trying to figure out what Agnes Nutter’s prophecies mean (and laugh out loud when you find out).

If you’re a fan of either of these authors (or have been thinking about trying them out) this is a great place to start. Full of British humor reminiscent of Douglas Adams, this has become one of my favorite books. Even if the apocalypse isn’t normally your thing, this is a good read. I highly recommend this book.

You can talk about the book here

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brought to you by OBS staffer Verushka

MR Sellars
Harm None

Summary:

When a young woman is ritualistically murdered in her Saint Louis apartment with the primary clue being a pentacle scrawled in her own blood, police are quick to dismiss it as a cult killing. Not one for taking things at face value, city homicide detective Ben Storm calls on his long time friend, Rowan Gant–a practicing Witch–for help. In helping his friend, Rowan discovers that the victim is one of his former pupils. Even worse, the clues that he helps to uncover show that this murder is only a prelude to even more ritualistic bloodletting for dark purposes. As the body count starts to rise, Rowan is suddenly thrust into an investigation where not only must he help stop a sadistic serial killer, but also must fight the prejudices and suspicions of those his is working with– including his best friend.

Review:

“Harm None” is the first Rowan Gant novel by MR Sellars, a self-confessed “long-haired hippie activist tree hugger”. He has had a lifelong interest in religious diversity, instilled in him in at a young age by his parents. As a result, the book reads like an introduction to Wicca, with Rowan and his wife, Felicity as guides. Through his faith and his belief system it seems Rowan has developed many abilities that help through the course of the book. There are no magic amulets, swords or amazing fighting skills here, which is a welcome change from many books of this genre.

This first novel revolves around a ritualistic murder which is investigated by Rowan’s friend, Ben Storm. Ben comes to Rowan for help in deciphering some of the elements of a murder and draws Rowan further into the case when they discover that the first victim is a friend and student of Rowan’s. As the number of dead bodies increase, Rowan is drawn deeper into the case as he recognizes the Wiccan elements of the murders and realizes the police are going to need his help to catch this killer.

The book is an engaging introduction to Wicca and draws the reader in well as soon as it begins. Through the investigation, Rowan and Felicity face common prejudices and misconceptions, most of which I think readers unfamiliar with Wicca would have thought at some point. Through a normal couple, armed with their faith in their religion, Sellars uses Rowan and Felicity to explain these away. They are believable guides, with a deep sense of their faith that never wavers when facing such prejudices. The case is enjoyable and provides an interesting mix of Rowan’s Wiccan abilities and police work. Rowan’s desires and abilities to help never takes away from the reality of the crime which makes the book a riveting read.

Rowan Gant is just a guy; someone you would not hesitate to share a beer with, or wave at over the fence. He is unassuming and deeply committed to his faith and that is a continuing thread through the book. There are no prophecies or anything magical here (not in this book anyway) as one would usually find in books like these, simply Rowan and Felicity’s faith in their religion and what abilities it has helped them develop. Rowan is deeply in love with his wife, Felicity and that provides a firm grounding for the book and both characters. Neither is distracted by the usual thread of romance running through books in this genre, but instead have to deal with a more personal tragedy through the course of the book. I had hoped for more in regards to that and the effect on their relationship in this one, but perhaps there is more to come in the next novels in this series.

Felicity is a fiery character, fiercely protective of Rowan and a wonderful counterpoint to his character. Their back and forth is wonderfully informative in the book as she and he together reveal what Wicca is to the reader. I enjoyed too that Felicity played an important part in solving and case and helping Rowan as he used his abilities to unmask the killer instead of being relegated to the background.

Ben Storm and his wife are their best friends, and a couple that play an important part in who Rowan and Felicity are. Ben begins the book sceptical of Rowan’s gifts, but his desire to capture the killer trumps his own personal doubts. Ben too is learning about Wicca and Rowan in fact, and he becomes the reader’s voice in the book.

“Harm None” proved to be an intriguing introduction to Rowan Gant and Wicca and I look forward to picking up the other books in this series.

Talk about the book here

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- write articles and/or rant on anything relating to a supernatural authors, books, characters, movies, etc…
» Top 5/10
- come up with lists of the Top 5 or Top 10 for anything you can think of.
» Movie Reviews
- watch a supernatural movie and write a review.
» Book Reviews
- read a supernatural book and write a review – we often get books from authors (before they’re released) to review. We offer all those books to staffers first – you could get the opportunity to read and keep a brand new book.
» Quizzes
- come up with fun quiz questions for any books/movies.
» Casting Couch
- recast your favorite shows, movies, books etc.

»Exclusive content Tasks – there are so many fun exclusive content tasks to do.

If you are interested in any of the above positions, please contact
dawn(at)openbooksociety.com for more information.

Please make sure you can devote about an hour a day to OBS before you apply. It’s a pretty fun volunteer job. We’re a tight knit team and we work well together.

Thanks!

See our about us page for all the staff openings.

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Written by OBS Staff Member Rose

After Sookie is deeply betrayed by her first lover, Bill Compton, she now has to deal with accompanying the Queen, Sophie-Anne, to Rhodes for a very important Vampire Summit, to use her abilities as a telepathy to be the Queen’s “insider’. Hurricane Katrina has devastated New Orleans and the Queens power base has been weakened and many vampires would like to see the Queen’s demise.

Sookies bond with Eric grows deeper as her relationship with Quinn, the handsome weretiger, advances. All shall be present at the Vampire Summit. If that isn’t enough, The Fellowship of the Sun makes its presence known, once again. Can Sookie juggle so many entanglements?

In All Together Dead, the seventh installment in Charlaine Harris’s Southern Vampire Series, the story picks up as usual, right were we were let off and we are once again thrust into a world of murder, mystery and supernaturals, not to mention the ever shifting relationships Sookie finds herself in.

Eric fans will be happy that he plays a bigger part in this installment and a multitude of other new characters make an appearance making for reading that is tantamount to a thrilling ride. Harris combines fantasy with the reality of Hurricane Katrina that gives the story a realistic edge. You will be transfixed till the end by all the twisting plots this book has in store for you and you won’t be disappointed.

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Joshua Hawley
Tombstone’s Most Haunted

Summary:
Tombstone has more to it that meets the eye!I have talked to many authors about books that they wrote. The bad part is, they said that they made most of it up. That didn’t cut it for me. Tombstone’s Most Haunted is filled with true stories, and real events that show the darker side of Tombstone. Based on real history, research and real encounters of the unknown.Tombstone’s Most Haunted is your source for the real ghosts of Tombstone! (Via lulu.com)

Review:
Tombstone is filled with history and the stories of violence from its heyday.
And with a town that is filled with death, there are bound to be some ghost stories.
But how do you know whats ‘true’ or whats ‘false’. The local Tombstone ghost hunter Joshua Hawley put together a book rich with reoccurring ghost stories. He starts of the book by giving you some basic knowledge of what a ghost/spirit is and also informing the reader on the different equipment that a ghost hunter uses. Then the fun begins Hawley selected some of the most active and interesting places in Tombstone and gives a brief history of the building and then discusses the paranormal activity that has taken place there. Not all of it is personal experience. He has collected stories straight from the horses mouth. But there are a few hauntings that are talked about that he has dealt with first hand. Throughout the book there are pictures and even a couple of articles taken right out of the Tombstone newspapers. ‘Tombstones Most Haunted’ wraps up with some ghost stories that are taken right from articles written in the 1880′s.

I truly enjoyed ‘Tombstones Most Haunted’! Being someone who is super interested in history and the paranormal world, I would recommend this book to just about anyone. Giving the background of the people and buildings before the ghost stories really helps the reader understand the story. I did find one thing that has me a little torn. While venturing in Tombstone we stopped for lunch at the six guns and as we where eating they had a shoot-out. They told a story of a woman named
Margarita who was shot by a group of men for telling the cops where they where. But in Joshua Hawley’s book he mentions that Margarita was stabbed by another woman for trying to steal her man. Which is the truth, I don’t know. Maybe there where two Margaritas in town?

One haunting that is extremely interesting is ‘Johnnie’. One of the best in the whole book, Josh even has the EVPS available on his website. All I have to say is this book along with the ‘Haunted History Tour’ Hawley runs in Tombstone has really re-sparked my interest in ghosts and next time I’m in Tombstone I may need to check out some more of these stories and take a few pictures, maybe I’ll get lucky and will find a ghost

Discuss this book here

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