Blood Will Tell (Warriors of Ankh #1) by Samantha Young

Eden is a Soul Eater. While that hasn’t meant much to her in the past, she’s pretty sure any minute now she’s going to go all "Carrie" on her eleventh grade class.

Noah is an Ankh. As an immortal Warrior, his purpose in life is to hunt down and kill Soul Eaters.

Eden is Noah’s next assignment. Problem is… this is an assignment with a difference. Eden’s not your average, run of the mill, Soul Eater. Noah’s job? To test Eden for possible redemption.

It’s a risky business.

Especially if Noah awakens Eden’s inner monster.

It would be kind of hard for Eden to listen to the angel on her shoulder when the devil on the other is telling her, her new best friend is a lying, scheming, immortal enemy...

....betrayal is such a bitch.

So is Eden when you get on her bad side.

YA Paranormal Fiction for mature teens+ (some content may not be suitable for younger readers)

Where to find more info:

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11201519-blood-will-tell

Samantha Young (author): http://samyoungyafantasyauthor.blogspot.com

 Shelley's Review

Ankh origin: Egypt; the Key of Life, the immortal, balance between the male and female

  Blood Will Tell is the first book of Warriors of Ankh trilogy. This is by far the darkest, most chilling tale to date of Samantha Young's works. And just as delicious. A unique take on the demon world, with a strong cast of characters and just enough humor to make the harsh and often violent truths of Eden's reality a bit easier to swallow. In Eden's view, it's a ugly and unwanted way of life. Most would agree.
  Eden is not your ordinary heroine. I'm not certain you can really call her a heroine. Yet. We know immediately that she is a Soul-eater, though outside of her household and race, no else knows her secret. She has no choice but to consume the souls of humans to survive. And though she's always known this, she hasn't fully awakened yet. And so, has not fed on a human soul. She fights her very nature to be a good person. Not like the repulsive, deviants that make up her family and all of her kind. But the time has come for her Awakening Ceremony. Soon she'll have no choice but to become one of the Beloved and feed. Or does she?
  Enter Noah, the young(?), handsome guy who befriends her. Eden doesn't know Noah knows "what" she is and Noah has a secret or two of his own. He's a warrior whose sole purpose is to eliminate the Soul-eaters. Despite his job and instinct to kill, his next assignment is to protect and save Eden from herself and her family. The more time he spends with her, the more he finds himself drawn to her. As is she to him. Despite her hunger for his very soul, she yearns to be close to him and hungers for his friendship and affection. So the struggles begin...
  I prefer to be as spoiler free as possible so I'll tread lightly here and tell you a bit more about our characters and their fight for Eden's humanity. Eden spends as little time as possible with her family. Her home is anything but homey. Rituals and feedings are carried out without a thought and even though much is still hidden from Eden's view, she knows and hears enough of the heinous acts they commit, to know she wants no part of it. The only relative Eden has any kind of relationship with is her brother Stellan, who like Eden wants desperately to hang on to his human side. Unfortunately, he has been awakened and now must feed to survive. Eden loves Stellan unconditionally. Even though Stellan is in fact a demon, he is sweet and fun loving and loves and protects his sister fiercely.
   Noah's life is just as complicated and his obligations are difficult to fulfill as he becomes closer to Eden. I don't want to say much more about Noah. His story unfolds slowly after we learn of some brief history of the Ankh's and the others who fight to protect the world from the life suckers, the Beloved.
  This story flows beautifully and seamlessly. You are immediately drawn into Eden's world. Sam chronicles Eden's emotional and physical struggles with such exquisite detail, you can't help but get caught up in her anger, fear and need. It just feels so real. Eden and Noah are both strong, smart individuals. Though Eden is often emotionally driven, and doesn't always play well with others (she has anger issues and everyone at school knows she's different. They just don't know she could kill them in an instant), her heart is kind and she wants nothing more than to be normal. To be just an ordinary teen and fit in.
  Eden's birthday and ceremony draw near quickly, escalating tensions and fear among both the Beloved and the Ankhs. And of course, there's more to Eden than meets the eye. Events swiftly take place and set in motion a war that begins with tragedy. Every choice that Eden and Noah make will affect not only their destinies, but the fate of mankind as well. Nothing is to be taken lightly. Not a doubt, a kiss. Not even a breath. And no one can truly be trusted.
  Much of this first book of the trilogy is intense and action packed. Sam weaves just enough sexual tension between the two to keep you entranced and rooting for their success at saving Eden from her unfavorable fate. There are several twists and turns, some shocking and unexpected, some inevitable yet still hard to digest. Histories and secrets are revealed and Eden's world is not at all what it seemed. This story will tear at your heartstrings, piss you off, make you smile and sigh and send your mind reeling over the absolute tragedy of it all. How could this possibly end well? We'll just have to read the next two books and see...

Kathryn's Review

I have wanted to read Samantha's books for a while and as I spoke with by Shelley about this book and great giveaway, I just knew I needed to go ahead and jump in.  I will tell you...I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED...

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!
Totally amazing and I could NOT put it down! Blood Will Tell is a book that grabs your attention from the first page and keeps pulling you in all the way til the very end. There was never a dull moment and all I can think about is that I need to finish this and get started on book 2.


The world that Samantha Young has introduced us to here is so unique and refreshing when the majority of the time I reading about vamps and shifters. But, the world of Ankh warriors and Soul-eaters and the legend behind how they came to be is phenomenal and of course...GENIUS!!


Blood Will Tell allows us a glimpse in to the world of Eden. Eden is a 17 year old girl that is struggling with who she is and it shows in every area of her life. The one person that she has relied on all her life is her brother, Stellan, and I have to say, I wish he was my brother. The relationship that Eden and Stellan have is so endearing and I will end it there so I don't give anything away.
The other major relationship in Eden's life is her best friend Noah. He offers so much to Eden and gives her so much strength that again, you envy what she has.
But, this book is not all about happy good times. Blood Will Tell takes you on a roller-coaster of emotions. There are surprising twists and heartache and when you come to the end... you let out a deep breath not knowing how long you were really holding it because this book is just that FABULOUS!!
I highly recommend this book!

WE BOTH GIVE 

 = SCORCHER

                          ***NOW FOR OUR GIVEAWAY!***
  The entire Warriors of Ankh trilogy is now available in an ebook omnibus. All 3 in 1! How awesome is that? Samantha has generously offered 2 of these little gems for 2 of our followers. What do you have to do? Simply leave a comment with your EMAIL on THIS post! Easy-peasy!
The contest will run from Sunday, January 29 through midnight EST Friday, February 3, 2012.
                             Good luck and happy reading!

Trinity (Brethren #1) by Deena Remiel

Emma Livingston, a single mom, has been through hell—and back, so she thinks. While dealing with her five year old daughter’s night terrors, she attempts to live a normal life. That is, until the being from those very nightmares comes to visit her. Has her child been dealing with a real demon while she thought he was only a figment of an active imagination?
Michael D’Angelo is known to everyone in Prophet’s Point, Arizona, as their loving elementary school principal. But to The Brethren, he is known as the most powerful Protector. Immortal and angelic does not mean he’s without doubts or fears. While trying to protect Emma and Hannah, his tortured past comes back to haunt him. Can he overcome it? Or is he doomed to repeat a failure he has lived with for what seems like an eternity?
As Emma and Michael come together to protect Hannah, ancient secrets are revealed and faith is tested. When a prophecy is exposed, questions must be answered… Can Emma learn to trust enough to love again? Can Michael believe in himself enough to show Emma how? And will they be able to protect an innocent child, not to mention save the world as they know it, from total annihilation?


Tsk Tsk What To Read was not yet online when Deena Remiel's Relic release blog tour was set into motion, but I'm a huge fan of the Brethren series so I wanted to share my review of Trinity by Deena Remiel in support of the sequel and its release this Thursday, January 27th.
So...enjoy the review...and go get yours...
Please be sure to visit Deena Remiel's Brethren Novel Series facebook page, as well as her blog at http://deenar116.wordpress.com/relic-blog-tour-2012/
As a special treat Deena is offering her Brethren novella, Brethren Beginnings free Monday through Thursday, on amazon.com.
http://www.decadentpublishing.com/



Shelley's Review

What a fantastic read! There are so many things to love about this story; the beautiful setting, the plot line...the romance! What, or I should say, who, I loved most was our tiny heroine, Hannah. Before we even become aware that she's "magic", she graces us with a personality and charm so real, I fell instantly in love with her and the beautiful bond she has with her very loving and protective mother, Emma.
The lovefest doesn't end there. Michael and Emma are equally enthralling with their very passionate and sweet romance. Of course it's not all wine and roses, what fun would that be? The trio have prophesies and epic battles with the nasty forces of evil to endure. And endure, they do.
Deena created a great cast of characters including the Brethren and the evil Namirha and Agremon. The story has it's darkness, evil threatens to win over good. Some scenes are downright terrifying and had me in tears and fearing for not only our heroes, but the fate of the world.
I haven't chosen my favorite of the Brothers (Michael would be too obvious), but they are of course, all beautiful, powerful and each have their own purpose and personality. I'm looking to forward to learning more about them in the next installment, Relic, and reveling in the love between Michael and Emma and their rather large and very special family.

= SCORCHER

Touch of Seduction by Rhyannon Byrd

Sold into slavery as a child to a cruel taskmaster, tiger-shifter Aiden Shrader trusts no one. Not even his own kind. Yet as a member of the Watchmen—the organization of shape-shifters who keep watch over the ancient nonhuman races—Aiden is fiercely protective of the helpless. Never more so than when he's asked to guard a little girl with witches' blood—and her beautiful human aunt. A woman who arouses all of Aiden's primal urges…urges he must resist.
To small-town schoolteacher Olivia Harcourt, the massive tiger-shifter with the glowing amber eyes is as much a dark mystery as the enemy stalking her. Yet Aiden is her only hope of surviving. Until their intense passion unleashes her own inner tigress with a ferocity that will make the evil Casus rue the day they messed with her family…and will take Aiden by seductive surprise.

Where to find more info:
Rhyannon Byrd (author): http://www.rhyannonbyrd.com/index.html

                                     www.facebook.com/RhyannonByrd

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7181792-touch-of-seduction


Kathryn's Review
So, this book was recommended to me and when I looked at it, I thought, Totally interested!! Then I saw it was the 4th book in this series and I was a little worried b/c I had not read any of the previous books...
BUT, Abbie did a fantastic job with picking this particular book, b/c I did not need to read the others in order to fully enjoy Touch of Seduction.

This book starts off action packed plus very steamy and it NEVER lets up...I love how every page has you so drawn in and eager to follow through til the very end. Touch of Seduction has those qualities and as I am sitting here now, I hate that it has ended. Where as I said before, I could start this book and feel good about reading it without the previous books first, I know that I will not be following Aiden and Liv anymore.
Aiden is a HOT, SEXY, and troubled shifter that is set to help/protect a human woman, Liv, and her niece Jamie in order to get them to safe confines so that the evil Casus doesn't destroy and consume their power.
Now that I have set what is going on, I am sure you can guess that this "good" but bad boy does some major changing in his life and all thanks to the human woman that is able to get underneath him...and I also mean that literally!!
Wonderfully written, great action scenes, interesting world that has you caught up in these characters lives that I am going to have to continue to see what happens to the others I have met in it.
Oh yeah, to add the best parts of this book...That is right...HOT AND STEAMY SEX....Aiden is an ANIMAL!! and of course Liv is the only woman that can tame him!!
Really this book is 4 1/2 stars (via Goodreads)....Definitely recommend!! 

= FLAMING HOT

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed.

Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime.

Where to find more info:

Kimberly Derting (author): http://kimberlyderting.blogspot.com/

                                        http://www.kimberlyderting.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10637748-the-pledge

Kathryn's Review  

HOLY CRAP this book is FANTASTIC!! I was sucked in from the very beginning and could not put it down. I was so mesmerized with the world and characters that Kimberly Derting created in The Pledge. Everything moved smoothly and questions were answered at exactly the right time while still leaving you with intrigue as what is going to happen next...
I enjoyed meeting Charlaina and all of her family, even her little sister Angelina. Living in a world where a class system rules and language is a huge barrier that shows the differences between those classes, each class knows their own language and none above their class... But what happens when there is a secret the Charlaina(Charlie) and her family knows that can change everything? What happens when the mysterious handsome stranger, Max, comes in to Charlie's life and makes her question all of her self imposed restrictions?
The Pledge captures your breath from page 1 and throughout the whole book you are holding it, scared to release one wisp of air because the air is so thick with anticipation of what is to come!! A definite MUST READ!! 

 = SCORCHER

A Demon Made Me Do It by Penelope King

Some girls share clothes, a bathroom, or a bedroom. Seventeen-year-old Liora Greyson has to share, too. Only she shares her body--with a demon.

Liora just wants to survive her final year of high school unscathed, her dark secret intact. But the walls she’s carefully constructed to keep people away crack wide open once she meets the sexy and mysterious Kieron, and he lights her world on fire. She can’t let him know she transforms into a demon named "Lucky" at nightfall—a demon with an entirely separate personality who passes out Torment, Justice, and Revenge like Halloween candy.

Turns out Kieron is the one who should be afraid once Lucky discovers his true identity and motivations. Liora wants to love him, but Lucky thinks he’s public enemy number one. And having a demon with a vendetta show up during a romantic date puts a serious crimp in any relationship.

Fighting your demons is one thing. Having one that fights back, messes with your guy, and leaves you with nasty hangovers is quite another.

Being bad has never been so good...


Where to find more info:
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12135215-a-demon-made-me-do-it
Penelope King (author):  http://authorpenelopeking.blogspot.com/

Kathryn's Review

As I started this book, I didn't fathom that it was going to happen the way it did. With that in mind, it also took me a little bit to get my head around what was happening to the main characters Liora and Lucky. The book is told in alternating point of views and not being a person that gives spoilers, lets just say that when the fog lifted, I really became more engrossed in the book and was able to connect to both lead characters.
A Demon Made Me Do It, gives us a tale of young girl struggling with her life and the demon she has to deal with in it. And to top that off the hot best friend, Bones, whom is a hellhound and the new guy, Keiron, that comes in to town will ultimately turn Liora and Lucky's worlds upside down.
This book provided such a new take on many of the stories that have been written lately. There is suspense, action, building of relationships, heartache, and an enticement to delve in to this new world that when I finally got to the end, I was like....Oh no,NOOOO!!! this can't be the end.... What happens next?
With a somewhat slow start, this book turned in to a great read and I am now eagerly running to get the next installment. 

   = FLAMING HOT

Slumber by Samantha Young

A sleeping beauty may be the damsel in distress, but her White Knight? Why her rather un-knightish best friend of course. And the White Knight’s White Knight? Well… none other than her reluctant mortal enemy…

When Haydyn falls victim to the mysterious Sleeping Disease, the world of Phaedra is thrown into Chaos.

Rogan, Haydyn’s best friend and handmaiden, is the only one who can save her. Together, with the Royal Guard and their young Captain, Wolfe Stovia, Rogan must set off across the provinces to find the Somna Plant that will wake Haydyn from her dying sleep.

Beset on all sides by the chaos, Rogan tumbles into a dark world of kidnapping, prejudice, betrayal and love… a journey that will change her forever, and a journey that will change their world forever, if she does not retrieve the cure.

You can find information about this book at the following places:
Samantha Young (author) http://samyoungyafantasyauthor.blogspot.com/ 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=286198684763252&id=173012182748570#!/pages/Samantha-Young-YA-Fantasy-Author/173012182748570 
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11034495-slumber

 Review by Shelley Bunnell

 Slumber by Samantha Young

Another brilliant read from Samantha Young. In an entirely different world from the Wolves of The Lunamorte trilogy, Sam puts an exciting, surprising and often shocking twist on the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Once again, I was instantly taken in by her lyrical descriptives and her strong, smart and beautiful heroine. Things are not easy for our sweet Rogan but she has a strong sense of right and wrong and unwavering loyalty and will. Rogan and Wolfe's journey was a joy to ride along on. I prefer to be spoiler free, so I'll just say, I more than enjoyed this story and the world of Phaedra and I can't wait to get my hands on the second book, Sneak Thievery.

         = SCORCHER

Pandora's Box by Gracen Miller

Where does the road to Hell begin?

What happens when your son turns homicidal overnight, killing the family cat before gutting the family dog? Do you cower in fear or fight for your life? Madison Wescott fights against the odds. Distrustful of a God she doesn't believe in, she finds herself face-to-face with a demonic world she didn't know existed and discovers her own soul is darkened with demonic connections.

With good intentions?

Madison had it all…or thought she did. A husband she adored and a son that brought joy to her life. Then one morning her husband kissed her goodbye, headed off to work and disappeared. Life turned upside down, Madison grows desperate and despondent to help her bloodthirsty son after numerous attempts have failed. Only one man dares to challenge the supernatural forces manipulating them.

Or by demonic design?

Phoenix Birmingham breaches her life in a whirlwind of sarcasm and sexual appeal. A hero for the masses—and for her jaded heart—but few will ever know the sacrifices he has made or the sacrifices to come. Discovering her entire life has been influenced by multifaceted paranormal beings, Madison is determined to defeat the apocalyptic blueprint fate has decreed. Even with Phoenix's aid, can destiny be denied? Or will demonic design prevail and they pay the crucial price with their souls?


Where you can find more information about the book and author:
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12394732-pandora-s-box
Gracen Miller (author):  http://www.gracenmiller.com/ 
                                    http://www.madisonroadtohell.blogspot.com

Shelley's Review:


To say that I LOVED this book would be an understatement. It's written so beautifully with such emotion and intensity that you almost forget it's fiction. Gracen has created a place so dark and delicious, you never want to leave...even when it's scares the HELL out of you. And it will.
I became completely immersed in Madison's world. Such dramatic twists and turns and an amazing cast of characters. All intriguing and charming in their own way. Madison evolves, frighteningly so, in order to save her son, those she's come to love and the world she's vowed to protect along with Nix. Her son Amos, is an amazing creature, you're just not too sure about. But that doesn't change Madison's love for him, or his for her. Their love for each other is fierce and protective. It drives Madison to extremes.
As for Daddy...I had already fallen for Micah in Madison's Life Lessons. After learning of his true nature and many of his dirty deeds, to say I fell out of love with him would be...a LIE! He continues to entice, manipulate and capture my heart (and soul), again and again. What he'll do to keep his family has no limits or earthly bounds. Good or bad. That fact alone, makes him endearing and incredibly sexy. Did I say sexy? HELL yeah! He's easily one of the sexiest  men in fiction. And then some. He does though, have some pretty stiff competition in Nix.
I immediately fell for Phoenix Birmingham. His tough guy exterior and soft, but guarded heart, are easily seen through and his connection with Madison is hard to deny. And though his job requires it, he goes above and beyond for Madison and Amos. The dynamics shared with his family are comforting and entertaining. A strong foundation for someone who spends most of his life on the road, hunting demons.
I don't like to give anything away, so, I wont. But, there are other characters that are striking, surprising and add richness and depth and a little humor to the story. Each has an important part to play on this road to Hell. Gracen weaves her web with innate skill. Her scenes are so well crafted, she'll have you on a non-stop emotional rollercoaster and half scared out of your wits. But you won't want to walk away. You won't be able to. It's all too enthralling.
The ending was unexpected and brilliant. A glimpse into the magical, maniacal inner workings of the mind of Gracen Miller and her Muse. Taunt, taunt and tease. Beautiful, endless torture. I'm more than anxious to get my hands on Hell's Phoenix. The wait is literally killing me.
I can't imagine what Gracen has hidden up her writing sleeve (she's much more twisted than me), but I'll follow her and Madison to Hell to find out.



Kathryn's Review: 
Well, this book is a knock your socks off, blow the roof off the house, so freaking good kind of book!!


I started reading Madison's Life Lessons on Gracen's blog and instantly I was hooked. Then Pandora's Box came out and I eagerly bought it and when I started that first page, it plagued my every thought...
I was so engrossed in what was going to happen to Madison in this book. It is fast paced with lots of action, and STEAMY men!! When I read the blog with Madison's Life Lessons, I originally thought I would like Micah...Well, let me say that my opinion has changed and thank you for introducing me to Nix Birmingham.
I don't want to give spoilers and I am doing everything I can right now just to dance around one of the best damn books I have read in a while...!!!
Gracen Miller has definitely added spice and intrigue in to a genre that can somewhat be monotonous with the same story lines about demons, angels, succubi, and other paranormal creatures. This book grabs you on the first page and never lets go. I got to the last page and it said TO BE CONTINUED and I wanted to scream because of the turmoil I am leaving myself in...UGH!!
Ready for the next one...NOW!!
A DEFINITE MUST READ!!!!!  

WE BOTH GIVE

       = SCORCHER

OUR GIVEAWAY
Now...on to some more GREAT things....
For joining us today, we have 2 wonderful prizes to give away...and the best part about this giveaway is that all you have to do is comment below and leave us your email so that we may contact you.  If you do not leave your email, you won't be entered in the giveaway.
Our fabulous prizes consist of 1st place:  an ebook copy of Madison's Life Lessons, the prequel to Pandora's Box
and 2nd place receives:  Autographed swag by the fabulous author Gracen Miller.


The DEADLINE for the your entry in to the giveaway is by midnight this Friday January 13, 2012.