Christopher C. Payne's Blog, page 17

Storm Born, Issue #3

Title: Storm Born Issue #3

Author: Richelle Mead

Publisher: Sea Lion Books

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Adult

Format: Paperback

The cloud of unanswered questions grows bigger in Issue #3 of the Storm Born Series. Eugenie Markham AKA Odile marches her fine redheaded self right into the otherworld, a dangerous place where peeps are up to no good and horny as hell. Something I have yet to discern. What is it that makes these people so ready for the tango? I mean sure, they're men, but still. And why is it that they all seem to want Eugenie?

I think I may have discovered the secret or at least part of the secret, of why exactly everyone wants her. But I can't tell you…because it's a secret. And besides, what if I am wrong? (Did I mention that I am hardly ever wrong?) I think you should come to your own conclusion and then tell me what you think. We can compare secrets. (Note: I am only asking about this particular secret, the pertaining to Eugenie – no secrets about your granny panties that you wear to bed, okay?)

Oh, yeah, and about Aeson (one of the mighty, horny Kings) am I the only one who thinks he looks like Eugenie?? He didn't seem as bad as everyone made him out to be either. Other than a real party animal – but I kind of expected him to be the kind that kicks butt first and asks questions later. But, hey, he must be a lover not a fighter (excuse me while I snicker).

I will say, that I was hoping that old mister fox would reveal himself in this issue because I am super excited for that. I think I know who that is…and I bet you do to. And those marks on Eugenie's back….hmmmm…I like it. That's all I can say about that.

I really liked the plot and how fast the story moved in this issue, there was something happening on every page which was very cool. I also enjoyed the illustration. The bright colors were kickin' and interesting to the eye. Eugenie's three "servants" were cool too and I loved their drawings and how they were represented. I also kind of liked the evil one Volusian, he was so vile and evil yet shorter than Eugenie. For some reason this amused me. I also kind of got the impression that he wouldn't kill her as fast (oh wait excuse me "rip the flesh from her bones") as fast as he said he would. It must be good having a baddie like that on your side. I think I might order one. Anyone have that catalogue lying around?

I can't really say much more because that would give away the fun and then you wouldn't want to read it. What a shame that would be. This is a good read. Its light and fun and a just a touch of a guilty pleasure.

So what would I suggest?

Simple.

Get a copy. (Heck get all three issues) and then get some candy or chocolate (me? I'd rather just have the candy…sour patch kids anyone??) and stash this issue under the couch or in your bag. When the kiddies are at school or you are waiting for them to hurry on from wherever they have wrangled you to drive them, pull out this little secret read and enjoy. OR if you have a day job (ugh, you need to quit that already!) stash it in your desk and read it when your boss isn't looking. If he catches you just show him Eugenie's hotness and he'll forgive you. If it's a female boss…you're out of luck (unless she has a thing for redheads…hehehehe).

Kudos to Sea Lion Books (www.sealionbooks.com) for putting out another great Issue, now hurry up and get the next issue out, I want answers and more action!!

So there you have it. My opinion.

This review is written by Cambria Hebert

The Goddess Test

Publishing Details
Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises, Limited
Date: April 19, 2011
ISBN13: 9780373210268
ISBN: 0373210264
BINC: 3261536
Age:14 and up
Available editions: Paperback, eBook

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Goddess Test – Aimee Carter
It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests. 

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

 

Among all the Greek Gods, I have a profound fascination towards Hades because I think he was treated unjustly by his brothers, fooled into being the ruler of the Underworld and hated by his one true love, Persephone. So to see a book 'dedicated' to the story of Hades, I was really glad.

The Goddess Test was amazing because it depicted the tale of Hades finding his own confidence and urge to fight for his own life again. Being alone for century had taken its toll and he lost any hope of being loved. With the presence of Kate, it had turned out otherwise.

One of the reasons I love the Goddess Test is because Aimee Carter had expressed perfectly what I felt for Hades through the eyes of Kate, as a lonely, fearful guy who needed a hug. Hades aka Henry could be fearsome when he chooses to be, and so humane and gentle the next. I always wanted to read this side of Hades, and I've only come across Goddess test.

And also, I would say that the build up of the story was perfect, not too slow, not to rush, just the perfect book for a perfect read. And the whole story was also like a huge maze! With so many 'fishy-looking' characters, you don't know who to trust, and boy, I was sort of surprised myself to discover who are the Olympians, and that the climax of the story actually had me gasping and protesting, typical reaction by the way.

I fell more in love with Hades / Henry and I came to know Kate as a responsible, loving, kind-hearted and also rational person. She makes better judgements and choices than I do, and she's extremely self-sacrificing. I particularly enjoy reading her conflicted emotions, torn between leaving and staying for Henry and her mum. I love her for the fact that she valued friendhip as much as I do! And I'm also very satisfied with the Henry-Kate romance that had been going on. Oh, one of my other favourite character is Ava because she brought spark into the story!

In a conclusion, The Goddess Test is a recommended read because it allows you to escape a few moments of reality and wander into the realm of Garden of Eden. Who wouldn't want to meet Henry?

Reviewed by,

Natasha Anne

End of Mae

End of Mae

By: Angela Yuriko Smith

ASIN:  B0053CPO1U

Published May 29, 2011

Available Format: Paperback, ebook

My Rating: ★★★★☆

Mae is a small-town journalist on the cusp of an exciting story when something suddenly attacks her.  She wakes in a dark room and is confronted with what she can only describe as an angel.  On the brink of death, Mae is whisked away to a strange mansion full of bizarre people.  The most thrilling story might be her very own, and she is dying to tell it.

I'm certainly glad I took a couple hours of my life to devour this fantastic little read!  I love the mystery of Heylel—how we never really know exactly what he is until the end.  I may be weird (okay, I am), but I always love it when the 'evil' characters are more humanized and given more realistic feelings and emotions.

Mae was hilarious!  Every time she turned around something was happening to her, and usually, in some sick twisted way, it was funny.  She is exactly the kind of girl I could imagine I'd be in her situation—falling down stairs, choking on wine, having a knockdown, drag out with the evil old maid.

This story is full of mystery, suspense, a little horror, and some warped characters.  I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and full of conflicting emotions about the characters and what was happening to dear Mae.

Sure we could have known more about the characters, but I didn't really feel like that distracted me.  I was so engrossed in what was going on with Mae, and I appreciated the bit of mystery surrounding her.  I do wish there was more to the story, in a good way.  I want to have a full length novel with lots of explanation and more about what happens after the ending of this novella!!  (Wink, wink, nudge, nudge, Angela! )

I really love it when I read a book by an author I know.  It's almost like getting another look into their lives, and I am able to pick up little glimpses of their personalities in the story—kinda like when you recognize the parents in their children.  Angela is a great lady and obviously a great author too!

Please grab yourself a copy of End of Mae and enjoy!

Pariah, Issue #3

Title: Pariah Issue #3

Author: Aron Warner and Philip Gellat

Illustrations by: Brett Weldele

Genre: Fantasy (graphic novel)

Format: paperback

Publisher: Sea Lion Books

ISBN: 9357372563 

Robert Maudsley can take one look at you and know your innermost desires.

Robert Maudsley knows exactly how to manipulate you into to doing what he wants.

Robert Maudsley is hungry.

Hungry for power, control and….food.

Beware of a man who has the mind of a genius and the hunger of a kid.

Because Maudsley is a kid.

He's fifteen….

Going on 30.

The next installment of the hotter than hot graphic novel series Pariah is Issue #3. In this issue we get a real feel for what Aron Warner is doing. He's setting up what is sure to be an amazing story. We get a different story line in each issue, plots that all run parallel together but work as standalone issues.

Issue #3 focuses on Robert Maudsley, a fifteen year old kid, who is anything but. He's a Vitro. He is skilled at manipulating people into doing exactly what he wants when he wants it. His motivation is curiosity, and I might suspect an extreme case of boredom…after all when you're a genius all the world is your playground.

Another tip about Maudsley…beware when he says he's hungry….

I found this Issue really interesting and it made me think (scary, I know) about things on a different level that the other issues. This character made me in some ways understand why the humans are afraid of Vitros. Because the possibility is there for them to be bad, for them to use their great intelligence for exactly what Maudsley is using it for. I mean, as a human (yes, that's me!) it is a scary thought. How do you fight someone like that? You can't outsmart them? Often times you don't even see their manipulation coming…

What to do? What to do?

The previous Issues of Pariah (#1 and #2) focused on characters that I see as good. Good guys in a bad situation, being hunted by the prejudiced humans…but Maudsley…doesn't he deserve to be hunted? Or would consider him a victim? A victim of his birth, a victim of the same thing he is guilty of: manipulation. After all, would he even be the way he was if his genes had not been manipulated??

Hmmmm. It bears thought. Don't you think?

This Franklin character is quite the puzzle as well. I cannot wait to see how he bands these misfit Vitros together and what his intentions ultimately are. Will they be good or bad? I haven't yet made up my mind…but his involvement with Maudsley leads me to think that his plans are not going to be that of an angel.

As always, I will give props to the illustrator, Brett Weldele. You rock, dude!

I like the plot of these graphic novels. It's a greater story being played out in installments – a few ingredients to a recipe (hey maybe I am hungry too…)

Read them and see what you think, what do you think the Vitros will do? Do you think the humans should be afraid?

No, excuse me while I go make a sandwich.

So there you have it. My Opinion.

This review is written by Cambria Hebert

Pariah, Issue #2

Title: Pariah Issue #2

Author: Aron Warner and Philip Gellat

Illustrations by: Brett Weldele

Genre: Fantasy (graphic novel)

Format: paperback

Publisher: Sea Lion Books

ISBN: 9357372563

Lila is a Vitro, a super smart brand of human that the humans themselves created. Unfortunately, just as in the first Pariah issue the Vitro's are being turned against, their super intelligence making them "freaks" and feared by everyone.

Lila thinks she and a group of Vitro's have a good thing going at a scientific lab where they were hired to work on their most radical projects. But her good thing goes bad fast when the Vitros become the scapegoat of all things haywire.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going…

And that's exactly what Lila does.  

Pariah #2 is another issue in what is a fast paced, entertaining ride. The issues seem to be following different members of the Vitros as they fight back at the world who turned against them.

Lila is a strong female protagonist whom every vitro around her looks to for leadership. It seems she has been set up, framed by the very people she thought she could trust. As it turns out the only people a Vitro can trust is another Vitro. And even then sometimes there is fighting amongst the ranks.

Beyond all the problems that come with being a Vitro, Lila has a few other problems that may seem more "normal" to us readers. She is a teenage girl and she worries about boys. Does Brandon really like her or is he just a guy having fun? And also…what use does dark matter have. (Okay, so maybe we can only relate to the boy troubles, I, for one, have no knowledge of dark matter…)

She has admirable traits like standing up for what she believes in (even against pig headed men!) and also not going down without a fight. I also like her sense of humor even in the midst of drama.

I like the story line and I am left to wonder about Franklin and what his role in all this be. I can't wait for further issues to find out. I do hope that we find out soon. I would say that my only beef with the story – and it's not really a 'beef' – it's more of a surprise would be that I thought this issue would tell us more about the boy from issue #1. I wanted to know more about him, I liked him. Where is he? Did he get away??? I want to know. Not that Lila wasn't likable too, she was…now I have two characters to wonder about. My only thoughts on this would be that perhaps all of these issues will lead us to a place where all the characters we love will meet up – and they will band together to kick some a**!! Yeah! (Note: these are only my hopes and dreams – they are not based on fact or premonitions…)

As always, I am surprised by how much of a story can be imparted with so few words. Art work goes a long way in these graphic novels and giving credit to the illustrator Brett Weldele is a must. You rock dude. Your art work creates a great atmosphere for the story and tells things that the words do not.

In all, I am really excited for the next issue in the Pariah series. What will happen to the Vitros? Will they get the justice they deserve or will they forever remain a pawn to the very humans who created them?

I will be waiting to find out.

So there you have it. My Opinion.

This review is written by Cambria Hebert

Legacies of Talimura: War of the Witch

Title: Legacies of Talimura: War of the Witch

Author: Angel Haze & Slade Sewell

Genre: Fantasy

Format: Ebook

Publisher: Angel Haze

AISN: B005965A64

Sixteen year old Astanyx and his two best friends return from a hunting trip to find their small village of Polca ravaged by brutal killers that left no one alive. With nothing left the boys set off to warn the King. They do not realize that they are going to be tested in ways they never thought possible and be thrust into a battle that only could be made up. Except it isn't made up. It's real.

Debonair, a powerful witch from the Unspoken Lands is on a secret quest and has put together an army of made up of the most violent and blood thirsty killers she could find. With her army she is terrorizing everyone in her path and creating chaos.

Astanyx and his friends (old and new) must find a way to unite the kingdoms and defeat the witch. To do this he must venture farther than he ever thought, seek answers to forbidden questions and find the only weapon powerful enough to save the kingdoms from Debonair's desire to unleash an ancient evil.

Buckle your seatbelts…

You are about to go for a ride…

This book picks you up and sweeps you along until the every last page is read leaving you completely satisfied and even a little winded. That's right, winded. Legacies of Talimura: War of the Witch is packed full of twists and turns and frankly it's the best book I have read in a long time.

So what's it about?

To me, it's about worlds from long ago when things weren't as simple as they are now but they were so much more magical. It's where legend meets history and all creatures come together to create a fantastic world. The descriptions of these places, these lands and villages are so crystal clear in my head it's as if they really did once exist and they are merely waiting to be discovered again.

I am an avid reader and this is the first tale that I have come across like this. I almost don't want to make the comparison (even though it isn't really a comparison) but I can't help but say what's on my mind (Hey, you asked). I will admit –and NO I am not kidding, and yes, you may pretend to not know me if you like – I have never read the Harry Potter series, nor have I watched any of the movies…but I do have an idea in my head of what it would be like and this book is what I imagine. Not necessarily the story line (there is no sorcerer named Harry with some friends) but the world and the creatures that live in it. There are elves and dwarfs, gnomes and talking wolves…there are even some dragons.

Astanyx  is a great character, my favorite of the story. I love how he is the main character but the story isn't really about him. It's about his quest and his journey. He's a warrior with no training…(okay a little training, but mostly by experience) and his sense of self and right and wrong is unshakable. In the beginning of the story he is a boy, unsure of himself and a little awkward. But he doesn't stay that way for long. He rises up in the most difficult and impossible situations and emerges from the story as a hero and a leader.

As I said, to me the main character of the story was Astanyx but he was far from the only character to capture my attention. Barrett- a strong, capable warrior who I think kind of earned the mentor role to Astanyx was also a favorite. Then there was Luccia, the princess. But she wasn't like any other princesses in the stories I have read. She has a strong, level head on her shoulder and is capable with a sword. She was always realistic about the situations they faced but still managed to hold on to the hope in her heart. She was a warm ray of sunshine in the middle of a storm.

The villain of the story is vile and power seeking, arrogant and rude. She is also very powerful which makes any victory over her a triumph.

The plot in this book is executed so well and without any hiccups. There is so much depth to the story and so many things happening but I was never once lost or bored. The story moved along continuously and kept me interested and guessing. The characters came up against many challenges and traveled to many places. I would even daresay that sometimes I was reminded of Indiana Jones. :) P.S. I really LIKED Indiana Jones.

Which brings me to another point, this book would make an awesome movie. I could see it play out in my head so clearly as I read and the action and battle scenes would be fabulous to watch with some popcorn. And the dragons…they were awesome.

There was even some romance in the book, but it was something in the background, a nice compliment to the evolving story. It was just enough to make me smile. The ending was fantastic, if a little shocking. I do hope that there will be a sequel because I would love to have more of these characters and this world.

The writing was clear, the description was good and the plot was easy to follow even though it had a lot to offer. In all, this book was fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone who loves to read and go on adventures. I would even go as far to say that this is probably the best Indie book I have ever read. I frankly, don't know why you are still reading this review, you should go buy the book and start reading.

So there you have it. My Opinion.

This Review is written by Cambria Hebert

Blood Song

Blood Song

Cat Adams

A TOR URBAN FANTASY, year 2011

ISBN: 978-0-7653-6422-7

Available format: Mass Market Paperback & ebook

Bodyguard Celia Graves provides her trade in a world where vampires roam the night and movie stars openly practice witchcraft, where cops use memory enhancement spells on witnesses and street-corner psychics have real powers. And ordinary , Celia use her street smarts – and charmed weapons to protect the rich and famous.

Celia is guarding the prince of a small but politically vital nation while he tours Los Angele'sleast savory hot spots when she is attacked by a master vampire.

Expecting to die, Celia is shocked to wake strapped to a table in university lab. She has become an Abomination, neither fully mortal nor fully vampire. When she's accused of murder, the cops aren't sure if she should be locked up or just staked. And then there's the demon she glimpsed during the vampire attack…

Struggling to cope with her new powers and trying not to terrify everyone she meets with a flash of fangs, Celia reachers out for help from her once (and future?) lover, a powerful mage, his warrior-priest brother, a handsome werewolf who keeps his lupine nature hidden, and elderly clairvoyant, and the one cop she trusts.

Celia Graves has three days to save the world, her sanity, and her soul.

I picked this book up by the look of the cover, and what I read on the back cover. I thought it sounded new and different and very, very, interesting. Well at first glance I thought I would end up loving it, but as you can see what I rated it I was, sad to say, slightly disappointed. I didn't love the book, but I was taken by surprise. I didn't love it, but it was a good read.

Plot – ☆ ☆ ☆ The plot was really well thought out, but that is all. It's a good plot, but as I read through it I found myself having a hard time following it. At times I would just say to hell with it and throw the book down and not pick it up for awhile. Now don't go and make the decision and not try and read the book. Just because I didn't enjoy it as much as I wish I did, doesn't mean you won't enjoy it.

Writing – ☆ ☆ ☆ The writing was simple at best. I found myself reading paragraph after paragraph and I didn't feel that much challenged, not in the least. It was a little to simple for my taste and I found myself getting bored easily, and that is never a good thing for a reader of any genre of book.

Characters – ☆ ☆ ☆ The characters were the only thing that I really enjoyed of this book. They were interesting and I found myself wanting to learn more about the characters, then I wanted to read the book. I wanted to learn about them all, about their past, present, and future.

Now after finishing Blood Song I will most likely read the next book, Siren Song (Blood Singer, #2).

Overall I give this book ☆ ☆ ☆ – no more and no less!

Review by Lura

Pariah (Issue 2)

Pariah (Issue 2)

By: Aron Warner & Philip Gelatt

Art by: Brett Weldele

Production by:  Art Monkeys

ISBN:  9357372563

Published August 2011 by Sea Lion Books

My Rating: ★★★★☆

In the first issue of Aron Warner's Pariah, we got to know a bit about Brent and what he is—a genetically enhanced teen suddenly being tracked down by the government for nothing more than his Vitro status.  In this second issue, the focus is on Lila Ellerman, a sixteen-year-old Vitro who was working in the Marinus Labs at the time a deadly virus was released.  While hiding out in the forest with more of her team and her crush, Brandon, Lila discovers that someone is framing her for the development and release of the virus.  Will Lila be able to protect her friends and clear her name?

We're still not one hundred percent sure how the Vitros came about.  We know they were cured of some genetic disease and this resulted in enhanced intelligence.  My theory is they were given some sort of vaccine that altered their genetic makeup and then they were "forced" to work in places such as Marinus Labs developing all sorts of super smart technology, weapons, etc.

Since this is a graphic novel, the illustrations tell the majority of the story.  Pariah 1 was full of subdued blues and greys, and it really depicted Brent's sad, isolated life.  Pariah 2 is still subdued, but it brings in more reds and oranges and I think this helps accentuate that we're getting more to heart of the action.  The virus has been released and this young girl is being blamed.  We don't know exactly who is behind the plan or why they are using the Vitros, but we're getting a better sense of what the story is all about.

I'm glad that we're seeing more of the Vitros and more interactions between them.  They seem somewhat more authentic in this issue.  They're still sitting in the middle of a forest brilliantly figuring out how to bounce internet signals off satellites so they can't be traced, but at the same time they are doubting one another and even falling in…well…'like' at least.  They really are just ordinary teenagers faced with extraordinary circumstances.

I am absolutely in love with this series!  I can't wait to see the new issues rolling in and learn everything there is to know about the Vitros and how Brent is going to hopefully come back into play in the future.

Check it out!!  Just do it…

Review by Cassie McCown

Priest

Priest

Directed by: Scott Charles Stewart

Written by:  Cory Goodman & Min-Woo Hyung

Distributed by: ScreenGems

Released in theaters May 13, 2011

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, disturbing images and brief strong language.

My Rating:  ★★★★☆

Priest, loosely based on a Korean graphic novel, is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi with both a dark dystopian and old western feel.  Priest (Paul Bettany) is a legendary Warrior from the last Vampire War.  He is drawn from the city and breaks his vows to the Church when his niece (Lily Collins) is abducted by a pack of vampires.  Her boyfriend (Cam Gigandet), a rather immature, trigger-happy sheriff, joins Priest in his quest to save Lucy before her abductors change her into a one of them.  These aren't your emotionally torn, sparkly vampires; think more along the lines of Alien with nasty fangs and blinding speed!  They live in hives and serve one nasty queen—a queen who was smart enough to learn how to create a stronger, hybrid creature.  Priest must learn where his faith truly belongs before it is too late for Lucy and the rest of the world.

I really liked Bettany's character in Legion, and he doesn't disappoint in this film either.  I adore his dark, subtle sense of humor, and Cam Gigandet offered a perfect contrast.  It was great to see several familiar and well-liked faces (Bettany, Gigandet, Karl Urban, Stephen Moyer, Brad Dourif, Christopher Plummer, Maggie Q).  The cast was well chosen and there was splendid on-screen chemistry.

Just because Bettany is a Priest, don't expect to be bogged down with religion.  Sure, the Monsignors have quite a system going on that might be a little reminiscent of the Vatican, but they really are no different than your selfish, power hungry government.  It doesn't butcher religion/Christianity either.  I was actually quite impressed when the Warrior Priestess tells Priest that his power doesn't come from the Church but rather from God.

I loved the darkness and dinginess of the cities contrasted with the sun-scorched wasteland settlements.  The hives were gloomy and drafty, and this feeling was successfully brought to the surface in the reservation where the willing offered themselves up to the vampires as familiars.

There's a couple interesting twists in the plot, which I enjoyed.  I like how there is romance, but it isn't the focus of the film—just a bonus.  I get the feeling there is so much more depth to the characters, but a lot of the backstory is left to the viewers' imagination.

This film boasts quite a bit of action and special effects.  There are no monotonous exorcisms here.  Priest is a cross-throwing badass vampire slayer, and there's even a guy-worthy explosion!  Expect some decent combat scenes and a fair share of blood and guts.  I have to admit, though, the cheesy motorcycle goggles made me giggle.

This movie is a little creepy at times, and it did give me bad dreams—but I think it had more to do with watching it right before bed than anything.  You should definitely rent a copy and check it out for yourself!

Review by Cassie McCown

The World Among Us (Prince of Darkness #1)

The World Among Us (Prince of Darkness #1)

By: Beth Ann Masarik

ISBN:  9781936593163

Published August 19, 2011 by Otherworld Publications, L.L.C.

Available Format:  Hardcover, Paperback, ebook

My Rating:  ★★★★☆

Well, whataya know, Hades wants to take over the world.  He'll even go so far as to manipulate his own son, Damien, to help carry out his dastardly plan.  Damien is left with no choice but to murder Selene, the goddess of the moon—his forbidden soul mate.  Selene, however, is to be reincarnated and Damien makes it his mission to protect her and make sure his father doesn't harm her ever again.  Both god and demon alike are banded together to safeguard Selene, but war is still brewing.  Can the shadows of evil be defeated, and who will survive to find out?

Overall, I really enjoyed this story.  I love anything to do with mythology, and I always love when an author gives a clever, modern twist to anything ancient!  That's exactly what we have here.  Not only is there the obvious mythology influence, but even a little Romeo and Juliet is woven into the story.  There's the good guys and the bad guys, and in the middle is the boy and girl in love.  Of course, it isn't that simple; it never really is.

There were times that I felt a little bogged down. There are a ton of characters involved in the story, and occasionally I found myself a bit overwhelmed and confused. I also think there were a couple minor errors regarding timeline and such. Since the author had to jump ahead a couple times in Selene's life, I was left with a few questions. For instance, when she moves ahead fourteen years, we've just left Nike and Anteros discussing Selene's protection with Ares.  It appeared when she was just a baby they were to go to her and watch over her, but then fourteen years later they suddenly show up.  Who watched out for her all those years in between?

Those things are really minor issues in the larger story.  It truly is a creative and interesting take on the world of gods and demons!  The main characters all have great chemistry together, and even unruly DuVessa is a joy to read. I'm definitely a fan, and I'm looking forward to Beth Ann's future work.  I absolutely encourage everyone to grab a copy of The World Among Us and enjoy your trip to hell and back!

Beth Ann Masarik will be the guest author on JournalStone's Blog Talk Radio show, JournalJabber, cohosted by yours truly, this Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 8PM CST.  Please drop by http://www.blogtalkradio.com/journaljabber and join in the fun!

Review by Cassie McCown