Review - Fallen Angel of Mine by John Corwin

Just finished John Corwin’s Fallen Angel of Mine, book three of the Overworld Chronicles, and while I’ve liked this series I have to say book three is my fave by far! Everything was right in this one - took the series from an "I like it" status and raised it to a solid recommendation, especially for older teens who enjoy paranormal. Fallen Angel of mine delivered what I would have liked to see in the series from the very beginning.

I don’t know if it was due to this book’s placement in the series (book one was the introduction, book two was set up, and now book three is more “meat” of the story) or if it is reflective of Mr. Corwin’s continued growth as a writer and deepened knowledge of the characters, but this book really satisfied me.  It had a great overarching story with the search for Vadaemos, and awesome new characters in addition to the ones I have come to care about.  The action is phenomenal and very well written, and a few of the story’s mysteries were solved. Now of course this opened up a bevy of new questions, but that’s what the next book is for right? ;)

REVIEW Dark Light of Mine by John Corwin

Dark Light of Mine

John Corwin

Justin Case has gone from super-nerd to super-stud.  Man-boobs are gone, he’s on the football team (which is a whole issue in and of itself), and he’s got a hot ninja dhampir girlfriend. You’d think everything was perfect.  Only…his mom is missing, his dad has a death mark on him, and his girlfriend’s parents hate him for an event that happened prior to his birth. Hellhounds are chasing him, there is a bounty on his head, and he doesn’t know who to trust.  Can this geek at heart find a way to save those he loves?

After reading the first book in the series, Sweet Blood of Mine, I was anxious to find out just what was going to happen to the loveable Justin Case.  This kid is a sweetheart, covered up with a shell of sarcastic humour – he cracks me right up! His passion for his family and friends and his desire to do what is right, all while struggling with the issues and insecurities that all teens face, makes him a realistic character that the reader will definitely identify with.  As I said about the first book too, it is also very refreshing to see a YA series from a male point of view.  (Teen boys will love this series if they are into the paranormal)

While reading this book I didn’t notice anything that was missing, but I found that when I was done I wondered just what was accomplished in this installment. It seems to be lacking one large conflict that the book solved, and not many questions were answered from the first book. Instead, there were several smaller conflicts, we were introduced to new characters, their backstories, and were left with the questions of just how they were all connected.  Don’t get me wrong, it flows well, and adds many other dimensions that are necessary to the story. The thing is, now I have to immediately jump into the third book so I can hopefully get my questions answered! (Mr. Corwin, was this your nefarious plan all along? LOL)

So my overall thoughts? A solid sequel to Sweet Blood of Mine, but don’t expect many problems to be solved. Instead look forward to new twists and some seriously cool new characters. (Ryland, the lycan, for one!)  A definite recommendation for older teens (fair amount of talk about the desire for sex), and an enjoyable read for adults like myself who like YA.

To purchase this book, click on the cover image below!

Weekend Freebies!

These books are FREE as of this post, but they do change often so check before you download! International readers, if these books are not free for you on Kindle, please check Smashwords - the book may be free there! If you know of some freebies that aren't listed here, feel free to make a comment. Happy reading!

Best Laid Plans by Elaine Rocco Chase - Some good reviews and 80s nostalgia
Beyond the Mask by Aubrianna Hunter - no reviews yet, but looks gritty!
Raspberry Crush by Jill Winters - says it's an Amazon bestseller, romantic comedy
Love and Relativity by Rachael Wade - 24 5 star reviews, and looks like the perfect indulgent read! I think this will be my afternoon...
Swan by Katherine Hole - "classic reversal of fortune tale"
The Devil's Metal  by Karina Halle - one of my fave authors, and I really enjoyed this book!! (smashwords link, I believe free on US Kindle as well)
The Deepest Cut by J.A. Templeton - YA paranormal, that's enough to make it on my list! lol (smashwords link)
Feels Like the First Time: A True Love Story by Shawn Inmon - "The Notebook meets The Wonder Years", sounds interesting
Eternal Seduction (A Darkness Within #1) by Jennifer Turner - Paranormal romance, a lot of good reviews
Sweet Blood of Mine by John Corwin I enjoyed this  YA paranormal read from a guy's point of view, you can find my review here. (smashwords link)
The Mating by Nicky Charles - hurrah for sexy werewolves! I've read this series and enjoyed them, another of what I would call an "indulgent read". The great thing? This ENTIRE SERIES is free. Yes. All of them. (Smashwords link)
Chasing Nikki by Lacey Weatherford - I enjoyed this YA read that deals with some deep issues, definitely suitable for those of you with teens, they will love it.

Sins & Needles (The Artist's Trilogy #1) by Karina Halle - REVIEW

When con artist Ellie Watts decides to go legit, she reluctantly returns to the closest thing she’s known to home.   Much to her chagrin, escaping home to Palm Valley was also the M.O. of Camden McQueen, the gorgeous, individualistic tattoo artist harbouring his own secrets.  When the reality of the present mixes with the scars of their past, Ellie and Camden become twisted together in ways they may never escape from intact. (Yeah, yeah, I know – vague synopsis! I just refuse to give anything away about this book, it is that good. You need to experience it as it unfolds, surprises and all!)

I was hooked on this book from the very first paragraph – I actually read those few words and immediately texted my friend and told her I was in love with the book already.  Ellie intrigued me, while simultaneously garnering my sympathy and support. Camden, well, he put immediate hooks into my heart and just kept on tugging until at times I thought he was going to rip it right out, I FELT so much for him.

“Do you think because you can’t see my own scars, that they don’t exist? That’s the trouble with pain, Ellie. If you’re lucky you can wear it for all the world to see. Most people have their pain deep inside, in places no one ever goes. Not until it’s too late.”

I mean, listen to that! How can you not totally fall for this man?? These characters are strong and oh-so-real and I even understood their sometimes twisted thoughts and minds. This is an area where Karina Halle easily outwrites just about every other author I know – her character development is phenomenal.

So the characters are stellar, so what about the story?  It’s just.  Wow.  I swooned, and gasped, and WTFed my way through the entire thing. This is not your average romance. Yes, it is hot as hell, but this is no feel good depiction of falling in love.  These characters are seriously flawed, and the way those flaws impact the story…well, as I said above I wouldn’t dare give even the tiniest hint. How the past influenced the present  and how twisted together Camden and Ellie’s lives became just BLEW. ME. AWAY.

I absolutely LOVED this book.  Not just a capital letter love, but an “I-actually-put-this-book-down-just-to-make-it-last-longer” love, which if you know me at all you will know is practically unheard of and truly the greatest compliment possible.  Get it, read it, and you’ll love it yourself. I guarantee it.

One last note, and one that readers of Karina Halle’s Experiment in Terror series will understand.   To Mr. Dex Foray, I’m sorry.  I know I’m a douchecanoe for saying this, but I do believe Camden has now taken over as my number one book boyfriend.

Sins & Needles has just been released - click the pic for the link!