Lenni Reviews: A Demon Inside by Rick R. Reed

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In this novel by Reed, Hunter Beaumont finds himself alone in the world after the death of his grandmother. After his parent's mysterious deaths when he was only five years old, his grandmother kept him sheltered and with his only family gone, Hunter is the last of the Beaumont line. They were a well off family so a huge estate aptly named the Beaumont house is part of this inheritance, yet on her deathbed, his grandmother begs him to destroy it. Curious, naive, and frightened of being alone in the world, Hunter doesn't heed his grandmother's warning and makes this infamous estate his home. And the house is not happy about it.

As a character, Hunter can be a little whiny but as a sheltered person, I had to give him a little leeway. After all, he did lose his parents in a gruesome murder he blocked out as a kid. But it leaves him vulnerable to plain old horrible people before he even gets to being haunted. But when he finally makes the decision to move, things get really creepy really quickly. You get the feel of a standard horror movie where you're yelling at the book for the guy to get the message and get the hell out of poltergeist house; which is where some readers will get frustrated with Hunter. He swings from wide eyed innocent to obstinate brat to such a degree, it's to his detriment; putting him in danger. Reed did a great job showing how Hunter's poor experiences with people led to less than logical determination to battle a ghost who is trying to kill him where he may have once ran away. The book ends before we get to really see if Hunter finds a balance between being too innocent and too brave.

Again, like Clashing Tempest, the male/male romance is secondary to the horror story. The horror isn't bad but experienced horror fans may find it formulaic; more tense than outright scary. But I had fun reading it and I enjoy discovering LGBT books with real plots instead of bubblegum nonsense. Sugar has it's place, but Reed gives us more meat with our meal. I enjoyed it.

Lenni Reviews: Clashing Tempest by Brandon Witt

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This book by Brandon Witt may be superficially marketed as 'gay fiction,' it is more like a sprawling fantasy where some of the characters just happen to be gay. This is also the third in a series called Men of Myth.

If you are coming to this book looking for some man-love fluff piece, you will be disappointed. Prepare to get invested in the fantasy of this world. There are merpeople, werewolves, vampires, and witches; which all have a unique take on the mythos of each species. Since I haven't read the first two, I cannot tell you how the story arcs connect from them but I can tell you that the arcs built up in this book are lovingly and fantastically done and carried to the end with enjoyable creativity. Witt's writing will immerse you in this world to the point where you will feel damp swimming with mers or in deep trouble with the vampires. 

The characters can get a tad whiny sometimes and on a personal note I found myself skipping the smutty scenes to get back to the main conflict of the story (yes, be aware there's hot stuff in this book). But that's just me. I found the fantasy riveting enough. However, if you do want an interesting LGBT fantasy that doesn't drive the plot with smut, Witt does a great job. Totally worth 450 pages.

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Lenni Reviews: Darkhaven by A. F. E. Smith

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In this dark fantasy by A.F.E. Smith, we meet brother and sister Ayla and Myrren, heirs to the Nightshade family throne. But they are not a regular royal family; but a family of shifters. Accused of attacking someone, the novel opens with Ayla fleeing the city, but things quickly become much more sinister when their father is murdered and Ayla stands accused as the last shifter remaining in her kingdom. She must prove her innocence and come to terms with the fact she may not be the only remaining shifter in the city.

Darkhaven is a book that hooks you in from the first page. You are plunged right into this world in the thick of the plot and keeps you tense and curious right up to the last page. And as this is a dark fantasy, there is a general somber feeling even when talking to a regular citizen of the city. I enjoyed experiencing this adventure with these characters; as they are interesting, conflicted, intelligently written, and grow with the story.

The end is wrapped up a little too easily in a rather messy bow; but with all the intrigue you are left wondering what the fate will be for the kingdom and the Nightshade line now. The way the shifter's abilities are handled is creative and quite beautiful and the limits imposed on this power are reasonable. If you like your fantasy with a bit of mystery, you will like this book.

Lenni writes more than reviews! Check out her site here.

Lenni Reviews: Lumberjanes: Beware the Kitten Holy by Nichole Stevenson and Grace Ellis

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In this graphic novel by Noelle Stevenson and Grace Ellis and illustrated by Brooke Allen; April, Jo, Mal, Molly and Ripley are attending camp ‘Miss Quinzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types (and that will be the last time I type that…) and have all promised each other they will have the most awesome summer ever. Luckily for these Lumberjanes scouts, there are talking three-eyed foxes, yetis, tombs to explore, and magical weapons to make sure they never have a chance to get bored.

Simply put, this comic is awesome. It’s Rat Queens for kids (if you haven’t read Rat Queens, GO DO IT). Each girl has a specific talent to add to the group, completely different races and body types (major kudos for that), and smart puzzles where each girl takes turns solving. The art is perfect for these wacky (yet thrilling) adventures. You can get all the fun of super-deformed expressions without it overtly being anime (I know some people who don’t like that style). It is also a story that demands to be told in full color and I’m grateful for it. Maarta Laiho did a fantastic job with the coloring.

To sum up, this comic is sweet, funny, empowering, and just darn fun! I freely admit to reading it several times before I begrudgingly handed it over to my kid (who is 8 and this book is recommended for 5 and up). We are both ready for volume 2!

Lenni Reviews: The Geeky Chef Cookbook by Cassandra Reeder

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The Geeky Chef Cookbook by Cassandra Reader has everything you'd need for your geek cooking needs. The "trouble" with reviewing cookbooks (in quotes because honestly, it was fun) is that you must try some of these to properly get a sense of the book. It's got some fantastic recipes for non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, main dishes, and all sorts of desserts. And since my kiddo's birthday was coming and we are Portal fans, the first was the Portal Cake!

The only modifications we made were the lack of cherries and regular vanilla frosting. This cake was amazing and so a perfect birthday was had!

But of course, Mama had to try something for the grownups and as a Trekkie, the Romulan Ale was a must. 

Again, a modification was made because the mixers were sweet enough for me and thusly, I eliminated the blue soda and used plain seltzer. This was a good call as I think the soda would have been too much but feel free to try it out for yourself!

In this book there are dishes and drinks from Star Wars to Silent Hill, to Deadly Premonition (Sinner's Sandwich made me nerd-squee) so there's something for everyone here. Some of these require some decorating skills (that I do NOT have) so if you have skill with a blade and fondant, you'll have some fun here. 

I am so glad I got a chance to review this book and I look forward to trying out more from it. So if you're a geek and you like to cook, go ahead and nab this book. I don't think you'll regret it!

Lenni Reviews: Evolution by Lissa Kasey

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After seeing the sheer number of hits on my review of In These Words forever ago, I'm pleased to continue to review more m/m romances for you all!

Gene Sage wants to be a singer and hit it big one way but his band, Evolution, is virtually unknown. That is until a vision of ghost while he's driving causes Gene to hit a man with his car. But he's no ordinary man. Kerstrande is an undercover vampire and former rock star, and Gene's idol. One stray paparazzi catches them together and before Gene knows it, Kerstrande is managing his band and fighting an obvious desire for the young singer.

It is a nice male/male paranormal romance that's light on the heavy smut. The dynamic between Gene and Kerstrande is very much like Gravitation (between Shuichi and Yuki); the older jaded man and the younger more idealistic man. Yet Gene is a street smart, capable person with a likable personality and it's easy to see how his light and Kerstrande's darkness are attracted to one another. Kerstrande however, can be obstinate to the point of frustration; rightly fearing his more bestial nature will put Gene in danger yet unable to stay away. But if they wrapped everything up too tightly, the ending wouldn't have been nearly as satisfying or make sense for the characters. And I always say if a character annoys you; the writing is strong enough to illicit an emotional reaction.

The ending leaves you wanting more and I look forward to seeing how this couple will manage Gene's growing fame and abilities and Kerstrande's growing hunger. In the world Lissa Kasey has created, the public knows supernatural beings exist and there is a backlash against anyone not fully human. Evolution is a quick read but a fun one, and I can see this series having potential

Lenni writes more than reviews! Check out her site here.

Lenni Reviews: Veiled Empire by Nathan Garrison

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Sinking your teeth into a rich fantasy world can be like taking medicine or eating a decadent dessert. Veiled Empire by Nathan Garrison is most definitely the latter. You take the first bite and, wow. This world is well crafted, tense, beautiful, and of course filled with magic. 

The number of different races, characters, and places had me bouncing from text to glossary and my inability to remember large numbers of characters was blatantly apparent (why I never could finish Game of Thrones), but the gist of it all is The Empire is at war with rebels who are tired of magic only being for the ruling class and subjugating everyone else. The plot of this sword and sorcery epic (clocks in at 550 pages) is finely woven and smartly executed with battles that call back to Lord of the Rings; vivid and exciting. As it is the case with these types of novels, the ending is satisfying yet open and you want to know more. 

Over all, this book is a wicked ride and I had a lot of fun reading it. If sword and sorcery fantasy epics are your speed,  you will not be disappointed. If there ever is more, I'll be on the lookout for it!

This title will be released on July 7, 2015.

Lenni Reviews: The Clockwork Crown by Beth Cato

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In this steampunk adventure, Octavia Leander and Alonzo Garrett are fleeing a recent assassination attempt and a quest to solve the mystery behind Octavia's every growing healing powers. Hoping to find answers at the Lady's Tree - the source of a healer's power - the two must travel through lands where many are hunting them and brave a coming war as the Tree is a power in a hostile land called the Waste, whose inhabitants are fighting to retain independence from the Empire.

Confused? I was, as well. Clockwork Crown is the second in the Clockwork Dagger Novels series. Although this novel can reasonably stand on it's own, there are many moments where the emotional impact of events would be deeper felt if I had read the first book (The Clockwork Dagger). This is not to say Clockwork Crown is not enjoyable. Octavia is a strong, relatable character who is a joy to read about and her friend and compatriot, Alonzo isn't just a tagalong. He is a heroic and capable partner you want to root for.

The physical steampunk and fantasy elements are well told and fit excellently in the world Cato has created. The technology and magic jostle in the same world with precision. You do get the sense, again, that the majority of the world-building took place in the first book but the pacing of the novel and the nearly non-stop action don't give you much time to get lost. Giant airships, and gremlins, AND magic? Sign me up for another heaping helping of this guilty pleasure please! This book will be released on June 9th, 2015 and I am already primed for more of this world - despite the book having a satisfying ending. I hope Cato decides to create more with this series.

Lenni Reviews: Desert Rising by Kelly Grant

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This novel introduces twins Sulis and Kadar on their way to the city of Illian from their desert home. Once there, Kadar begins apprenticing as a merchant and his sister Sulis joins the local temple to gods her people don't worship and with people who are prejudiced against those who come from the desert. Spurred on by the legacy of her now deceased mother, Sulis is bonded to a feli; giant sacred cats who help them communicate with their gods, and begins to unravel a conspiracy and oncoming war between the four gods of the temple. The novel also follows Kadar, poised on the brink of revolution with the Forsaken class in the city who are tired of being treated like chattel.

This novel is a marvelous piece of sprawling fantasy. Kelly Grant has solid world building skills and each character is unique and fleshed out in creative ways. Sulis is a great character and an excellent example of a strong female character in a fantasy setting. When she arrives at the temple and she's the outcast, she makes no attempt to hide who she is and what she knows. Her brother, Kadar, and the conflict he gets embroiled in, is thankfully as interesting as Sulis' so when you're switched between them, you stay interested in both stories. As the novel goes on, they do intersect in creative ways.

Unfortunately, the novel ends on a cliffhanger. I was flying through this book and while I enjoyed it, I felt I didn't get the pay off I wanted from all the build up in the book. I get that this is to get you to buy the second one but since this book isn't due out in paperback until May 26th, 2015, I have the feeling it's going to be a year before I get to see what happens next! Not fair, darnit...

Kelly Grant has a great world going here and I'm anxious to see where it goes. If you like magic, warring gods, and giant cats, you will enjoy this book.

Lenni Reviews: "Apex" by Aer-ki Jyr

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Humans have long since gone extinct and any remaining scrap of their civilization is heavily prized and ruthlessly hunted. Even the slightest scrap could change the course of a planet's role in the galaxy. So when courier for hire Jalia happens upon a group smuggling a very secret and very valuable bit of cargo, she's even willing to abandon her crew at a space station to take the job. But the cargo isn't just a bit of scrap and now every available ship and gun in the known galaxy is after her.

First off, this is a really cool space opera. I don't usually pick these up but when I do, I am rarely impressed and Aer-Ki Jyr impressed me. The levels of detail in the technology, weaponry, and abilities of each species are carefully thought out, fully described, and very interesting. The story stalls for those descriptions sometimes but it gets right back on track. I had vivid memories of the first time I saw Titan A.E., which is good and bad.

The good: It's just awesome. Aliens, spaceships, fun new technology, and space battles with intelligent, fun characters you enjoy interacting with. The book is tense, hilarious, heartwarming, and smart. I loved reading it.

The bad: I got a serious "Humans are the best evar!11!" vibe. Before going extinct, humans had the best tech, were self-healing, psychic super beings who could just fix all the things. Our only weakness seemed to be what ever cataclysm destroyed us. Granted this is thousands of years worth of inventions, evolution, and general progress to get there, but the fact we were just so darn perfect didn't sit that well. Nitpicky I know but it rubbed me the wrong way.

But this is not to say you shouldn't read it. If you like long space operas with cool aliens and battles, you'll love this book.

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Lenni Reviews: Kiss of the Rose Princes vol 2 by Aya Shouoto

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If you recall my last review, I mentioned this manga is pretty standard shojo fare unless there's a curve ball thrown in later volumes. Boy, were my words ever prophetic...

This volume begins with Anise still searching for her lost choker. She orders her knights to locate it but can only let them look for so long as their magic is powered by her blood. But things get interesting when a new transfer student, Haruto Kisugi, is added to the mix, Anise's father sends her a message that he's coming home, and a seal holding in a demon is cracking, which will require a sacrifice to repair.

By the end of this volume, I was shocked and had a new respect for Anise. Most shojo heroines are plucky by design and want to change the sad fate presented in the plot. But (as a mild spoiler) when Anise says "Bring on my punishment" (referencing the punishment for losing the choker) I found that pretty ballsy. Things went so bad so quickly and Anise really showed her bravery. She went right on without hesitation. And she's brave and strong without being overbearing or too cliche. And I have read a LOT of shojo manga. Of course that could change but we shall see in volume three!

I can't give much more detail without spoiling all of the plot twists in this volume but to sum up, things get real and it was awesome.

Lenni Reviews: Kiss of the Rose Princess Vol. 1 by Aya Shouoto

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High school girl Anise Yamamoto gets chased through the school gates every morning. But not by rabid suitors or aliens, but by the dress code enforcer who takes issue with a rose choker Anise wears every day without fail. She is willing to endure this daily nonsense because her father told her when she was little if Anise were to ever remove the choker, a terrifying punishment will befall her. In true magical girl fashion, a small magical creature manages to knock it off and suddenly, Anise is the new owner of four magical cards she can use to summon attractive knights with a kiss.

This volume is a good start to what I can see being a very cute series. I was left wondering if the terrible fate that befalls Anise is to have the hottest bodyguards around (can we all share that "horrible fate," please?) but by the end of this volume it does seem like something is brewing behind the scenes.

However, if you've read any other magical girl, high school manga, you get the rhythm of everything. Hot guys, magical charms and kisses, wacky high school hi-jinks, and a cute, mischievous talking animal. Just another normal day in manga-land. Don't get me wrong, I like it, but unless some sort of curve ball comes in later volumes, shojo fans will know exactly what to expect here. The art is lovely and all the characters are interesting so far. I look forward to seeing what happens next.