Meradeth Houston's Blog, page 2
April 13, 2020
New Covers for the Sary Books!
It's been a little over a month since I last posted, but it feels like years. I do hope you are all staying home and staying healthy in these strange times. It's definitely a little scary out! Things here in Montana are going okay, although I'm honestly sick to death of zoom. I've been averaging about 4-5 hours a day on it for meetings and class and I'm so done with talking to my computer. At least we've had a little nicer weather to allow us to hit the local trails (when they're not too busy--Missoula is an outdoor community so we've had to turn around a few times when it's clear we won't be able to maintain distance). Still, I'm very much looking forward to this all being over, although I imagine that won't be really until we have a vaccine in a good long while.
Anyhow, on a writing note, I've really struggled to get words on the page lately. Like, I spend so much time on my computer, I do not want to sit and look at the screen any longer. Plus, just being generally worried about people and things has made it hard to focus. But, I've been productive in other ways! I recently had my rights for my backlist Sary books returned to me, so I've had a little fun putting together new covers and getting those back online. Check em out!
“They are everywhere, can be anyone, and are always the last person you’d expect.”
When Tom stumbles across his grandfather’s journal, he’s convinced the old man was crazier than he thought. The book contains references to beings called the Sary, immortals who are assigned to save humans on the verge of suicide. They certainly aren’t allowed to fall in love with mortals. The journal claims Tom’s grandfather did just that, resulting in his expulsion from the Sary. As strange as the journal seems, Tom can’t get the stories out of his head; especially when he finds the photo of his grandfather’s wings.
Tom’s only distraction is Ari, the girl he studies with for their chemistry class. Ari has one goal when she arrives in town: see how much Tom knows about the Sary and neutralize the situation. This isn’t a normal job, but protecting the secrecy of the Sary is vital. If Tom is a threat to exposing the Sary to the public, fate has a way of taking care of the situation, usually ending with the mortal’s death. While Ari spends time with Tom, he becomes more than just an assignment, but how far can a relationship go when she can’t tell him who she really is? When she finds out just how much Tom actually knows about the Sary, Ari is forced to choose between her wings, and her heart.
THE CHEMISTRY OF FATE on Amazon***
Julia has a secret: she killed the man she loved. It was an accident—sort of.
Julia is a Sary, the soul of a child who died before taking her first breath. Without this 'breath of life' she and others like her must help those on the verge of suicide. It's a job Julia used to enjoy, until the accident that claimed her partner's life—an accident she knows was her fault. If living with the guilt weren't enough, she's now assigned to help a girl dealing with the loss of her mother, something Julia's not exactly the best role model for. If she can't figure out a way to help her, Julia's going to lose her position in the Sary, something she swore to her partner would never happen.
COLORS LIKE MEMORIES on Amazon***
Gabby lives by two unbreakable rules: don’t expose her kind, the Sary, and don’t fall in love—too bad some rules are made to be broken.
When Gabby’s most difficult charge accidently shoots her in front of a class full of students, the event exposes her carefully hidden identity. She shifts from looking like a normal teen to her secret Sary form, revealing her wings and the existence of her kind—immortals who try to keep people from committing suicide. Her incident attracts the attention of the next leader of the Sary, Jassen, who offers her an impossible bargain: she can keep her wings if she makes amends with those who know the truth. Things get more complicated when a rebel Sary, intent on exposing them to the world, starts interfering with Gabby’s work. And there’s no denying her attraction to Jassen, who is torn between his duties and his heart. With threats at every turn and her immortality on the line, Gabby has to find a way to save the Sary or surrender the sky forever.
SURRENDER THE SKY on Amazon
Anyhow, on a writing note, I've really struggled to get words on the page lately. Like, I spend so much time on my computer, I do not want to sit and look at the screen any longer. Plus, just being generally worried about people and things has made it hard to focus. But, I've been productive in other ways! I recently had my rights for my backlist Sary books returned to me, so I've had a little fun putting together new covers and getting those back online. Check em out!
“They are everywhere, can be anyone, and are always the last person you’d expect.”When Tom stumbles across his grandfather’s journal, he’s convinced the old man was crazier than he thought. The book contains references to beings called the Sary, immortals who are assigned to save humans on the verge of suicide. They certainly aren’t allowed to fall in love with mortals. The journal claims Tom’s grandfather did just that, resulting in his expulsion from the Sary. As strange as the journal seems, Tom can’t get the stories out of his head; especially when he finds the photo of his grandfather’s wings.
Tom’s only distraction is Ari, the girl he studies with for their chemistry class. Ari has one goal when she arrives in town: see how much Tom knows about the Sary and neutralize the situation. This isn’t a normal job, but protecting the secrecy of the Sary is vital. If Tom is a threat to exposing the Sary to the public, fate has a way of taking care of the situation, usually ending with the mortal’s death. While Ari spends time with Tom, he becomes more than just an assignment, but how far can a relationship go when she can’t tell him who she really is? When she finds out just how much Tom actually knows about the Sary, Ari is forced to choose between her wings, and her heart.
THE CHEMISTRY OF FATE on Amazon***
Julia has a secret: she killed the man she loved. It was an accident—sort of.Julia is a Sary, the soul of a child who died before taking her first breath. Without this 'breath of life' she and others like her must help those on the verge of suicide. It's a job Julia used to enjoy, until the accident that claimed her partner's life—an accident she knows was her fault. If living with the guilt weren't enough, she's now assigned to help a girl dealing with the loss of her mother, something Julia's not exactly the best role model for. If she can't figure out a way to help her, Julia's going to lose her position in the Sary, something she swore to her partner would never happen.
COLORS LIKE MEMORIES on Amazon***
Gabby lives by two unbreakable rules: don’t expose her kind, the Sary, and don’t fall in love—too bad some rules are made to be broken.When Gabby’s most difficult charge accidently shoots her in front of a class full of students, the event exposes her carefully hidden identity. She shifts from looking like a normal teen to her secret Sary form, revealing her wings and the existence of her kind—immortals who try to keep people from committing suicide. Her incident attracts the attention of the next leader of the Sary, Jassen, who offers her an impossible bargain: she can keep her wings if she makes amends with those who know the truth. Things get more complicated when a rebel Sary, intent on exposing them to the world, starts interfering with Gabby’s work. And there’s no denying her attraction to Jassen, who is torn between his duties and his heart. With threats at every turn and her immortality on the line, Gabby has to find a way to save the Sary or surrender the sky forever.
SURRENDER THE SKY on Amazon
March 2, 2020
After Reading: THE SIXTH WORLD books 1 & 2 by Rebecca Roanhorse
Welcome to March!! Hopefully spring is beginning to show her face, even if just a little bit. Montana actually has had some beautiful weather lately and it's beyond amazing.
TRAIL OF LIGHTNING and STORM OF LOCUSTS. People, if you haven't read these yet, go snag copies now. You won't regret it. They're quick reads that grab you and don't let go. Plus, I am a majorly huge fan for Navajo mythology, mainly because my research centers on this part of the world, and these are honestly like book-crack. I couldn't put them down, and it's one of those few series where I stalk the author online now in hopes of word of when we'll get the next few books. I'm hard pressed to name what makes these books so well done: the world building is fantastic, they're unique, the pacing is spot-on, but really it comes down to some utterly wonderful characters. Maggie, the MC, is fabulous. She's been through some serious sh!t, and that's evident and shapes her in ways that are realistic and tough, but she's also someone I'd love to sit down and talk to for a bit. Or just watch. Honestly, it's a bit of a girl-crush :) Anyhow, this series isn't to be missed, and the next one needs to come out soooooooon!
TRAIL OF LIGHTNING and STORM OF LOCUSTS. People, if you haven't read these yet, go snag copies now. You won't regret it. They're quick reads that grab you and don't let go. Plus, I am a majorly huge fan for Navajo mythology, mainly because my research centers on this part of the world, and these are honestly like book-crack. I couldn't put them down, and it's one of those few series where I stalk the author online now in hopes of word of when we'll get the next few books. I'm hard pressed to name what makes these books so well done: the world building is fantastic, they're unique, the pacing is spot-on, but really it comes down to some utterly wonderful characters. Maggie, the MC, is fabulous. She's been through some serious sh!t, and that's evident and shapes her in ways that are realistic and tough, but she's also someone I'd love to sit down and talk to for a bit. Or just watch. Honestly, it's a bit of a girl-crush :) Anyhow, this series isn't to be missed, and the next one needs to come out soooooooon!
February 10, 2020
After Reading: THE BROKEN EARTH series by NK Jemisin
I picked up The Fifth Season while traveling over the summer, and ended up promptly inhaling it. Of course, I had to continue on to the rest of the series, The Broken Earth. This post-apocalyptic tale, spun out over three novels and several years, does an excellent job of grounding everyone in a world where things have gone wrong. Really wrong. The earth is in revolt, and humanity has managed to scrape by for the last few thousand years out of mostly sheer luck...and people who have the ability to control the earth and sometimes tame the horrors that occur. The world building is superb and fantastic, and I love the nuance and layers that are built in and spun out over the books. It brings the story alive. And while that element is fantastic, it's truly the characters that make this series absolutely wonderful. The first novel, especially, was so artfully done in bringing things together at the end in a way that was so utterly satisfying. Essun, the main character, goes through so very much throughout the tale, and yet her humanity, her humanness that encapsulates her loves and hates and frustrations--that all comes through. At times, it felt like she was standing beside me, whispering the story she was relating in my ear. Truly, she leapt off the page, as did all the rest of the characters, with their multitude of complications and personalities. What a read!
In case my gushing doesn't make it obvious, this is worth a read! Be sure to check it out--you will not be disappointed.
February 3, 2020
Guess who has fallen off the blogging bandwagon? #amwriting
I enjoy blogging. I really do. But it seems lately to be the first thing to go if I end up getting busy. And lately, well, there's been more work to do than hours in the day. I know I say that a lot, but 'tis the truth :)
So, what has been up lately? Well, lots! THE COINCIDENCE MAKERS is out in the world. Have you snagged a copy?
I'm busy trying to put together the sequel, which has been a blast to write. I love the characters and being able to get back into their world!
Work is work. Busy. I have six of my dozen graduate students finishing this spring and it's a bit of a herding-cats scenario. Fun, but definitely taking up all of my time. Eeking out a few hours to write a week is a challenge.
It's been a really weird winter here in Montana. Almost no snow in the Missoula valley. It was 60F here yesterday, which is unheard of. Freaks me out for sure, although there's a part of me that loves the more California-like winter.
I've been busy trying to plan my nuptials for this coming summer. Wedding planning is not for the faint of heart, nor is it terribly awesome. Like, why must there be so much pressure to make this crazy expensive party? While my inner anthropologist analyzes this, I can't seem to escape the intense need to ensure I do it "right."
Life rolls on at a breakneck speed and I struggle to find the quiet happy moments. I read a lot at night. I long for summer. I snuggle with my puppies. And I hope for moments where I don't feel as if I'm constantly failing to attain some impossible goal. Things get easier at some point, don't they?
;)
So, what has been up lately? Well, lots! THE COINCIDENCE MAKERS is out in the world. Have you snagged a copy?
I'm busy trying to put together the sequel, which has been a blast to write. I love the characters and being able to get back into their world!Work is work. Busy. I have six of my dozen graduate students finishing this spring and it's a bit of a herding-cats scenario. Fun, but definitely taking up all of my time. Eeking out a few hours to write a week is a challenge.
It's been a really weird winter here in Montana. Almost no snow in the Missoula valley. It was 60F here yesterday, which is unheard of. Freaks me out for sure, although there's a part of me that loves the more California-like winter.
I've been busy trying to plan my nuptials for this coming summer. Wedding planning is not for the faint of heart, nor is it terribly awesome. Like, why must there be so much pressure to make this crazy expensive party? While my inner anthropologist analyzes this, I can't seem to escape the intense need to ensure I do it "right."
Life rolls on at a breakneck speed and I struggle to find the quiet happy moments. I read a lot at night. I long for summer. I snuggle with my puppies. And I hope for moments where I don't feel as if I'm constantly failing to attain some impossible goal. Things get easier at some point, don't they?;)
November 4, 2019
Deleted Scenes and Book Trailers for THE COINCIDENCE MAKERS! #amreading
Oh, wow, people, it's been a busy month! Or over a month. Yikes! I am doing my best to keep on top of things, but life just is unrelenting. Shrug.
"Be an academic," they said. "It'll be fun!" They said. Uh huh. So. Much. Fun...
But, I do have a book coming out! Like, WHOA, finally :) LOL! I wrote THE COINCIDENCE MAKERS like years ago (umm, 4 I think?) and we're finally seeing the light. I can't wait for everyone to meet Ami and Luke! November 19th will be here in a blink. Anyhow, I'm talking about coincidences and synchronicities over on the Untethered Realms blog today, and delving into how those play into where stories come from. Come say hello!
And, if you're really up for some fun, I have a deleted scene I sent out yesterday with my newsletter. I promise it's lots of fun and worth the read, especially if you love giant coincidences that will blow your mind a little (this one is based on a true life story!).
Wait, you don't subscribe to my newsletter? Let's fix that:
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And now for the super fun book trailer for the book!
"Be an academic," they said. "It'll be fun!" They said. Uh huh. So. Much. Fun...
But, I do have a book coming out! Like, WHOA, finally :) LOL! I wrote THE COINCIDENCE MAKERS like years ago (umm, 4 I think?) and we're finally seeing the light. I can't wait for everyone to meet Ami and Luke! November 19th will be here in a blink. Anyhow, I'm talking about coincidences and synchronicities over on the Untethered Realms blog today, and delving into how those play into where stories come from. Come say hello!
And, if you're really up for some fun, I have a deleted scene I sent out yesterday with my newsletter. I promise it's lots of fun and worth the read, especially if you love giant coincidences that will blow your mind a little (this one is based on a true life story!).
Wait, you don't subscribe to my newsletter? Let's fix that:
#mc_embed_signup{background:#fff; clear:left; font:14px Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; } /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block. We recommend moving this block and the preceding CSS link to the HEAD of your HTML file. */
Subscribe* indicates requiredEmail Address * First Name Last Name Email Format
htmltext
And now for the super fun book trailer for the book!
October 14, 2019
Cover Reveal for THE COINCIDENCE MAKERS by Meradeth Houston (and some #NYCC!) #amreading
Alrighty, I've been teasing about the release for The Coincidence Makers for, like, years now. I know I'm not supposed to have favorites among my books, but I do. I totally do. And this one is definitely a book of my heart. So, I really hope people enjoy it :) Let's see that cover, shall we?
In THE COINCIDENCE MAKERS, by Meradeth Houston, as far as Ami’s concerned, invisibility is good for three things: bank vaults, men’s locker rooms, and saving the world.For Ami and her partner, Luke, becoming invisible is part of their job. Their mysterious employer assigns them to make “coincidences” happen, from reuniting long lost lovers to toppling empires. For their next job, they must stop a bio-terrorism attack on San Francisco. To pull it off, they’ll have to break into illegal labs and federal buildings that make bank vaults seem easy.
Working side by side to arrange the coincidence, Ami hopes for a chance to finally push their relationship past the friend-zone. Her telepathic link with Luke has made it hard to keep her feelings secret for so many years. But just when things start to heat up between them, they accidentally alert the FBI to their existence. Now agents are chasing them down hilly streets and invading their homes in the middle of the night.
With three days until the attack, Ami and Luke must escape their FBI tail while keeping their own emotions from getting in the way. That’s not an easy task when their telepathy goes on the fritz and their only lead for who’s behind the plague just might be the one who releases it. With millions of lives hanging in the balance, they’re going to need more than a coincidence to pull it all off.
Click Here to Add!!I had a wonderful time showing my book off recently at New York Comic Con, which was so incredible. Mind blowing and intense and so many amazing costumes and just whoa! Plus, I'd never managed to make it to New York before so it was a whole lot of fun getting to explore the city a bit. Here are a couple of my pics, for those of you who may have missed them on my social media:
Me, being the dork that I am, displaying my cool new cover :)
In case that's not super easy to see, that's Garth Nix and Veronica Roth, just a couple of the cool authors I got to see and listen to. Talk about a huge creativity boost!
My publishing family (minus my agent)!
While exploring the city, I left a copy of Someone Else's Soul out for people to find. Totally loved doing that and am gonna do it again here soon!
I ate a lot while in the city. A LOT. Because I never get to have amazing international food in Montana.Okay, just a few of my silly shots! Hope you enjoy and definitely there'll be more news about THE COINCIDENCE MAKERS in this place as release date nears!
September 23, 2019
After Reading: THE FIFTH SEASON by NK Jemisin #amreading
This is the way the world ends. Again.Three terrible things happen in a single day. Essun, a woman living an ordinary life in a small town, comes home to find that her husband has brutally murdered their son and kidnapped their daughter. Meanwhile, mighty Sanze -- the world-spanning empire whose innovations have been civilization's bedrock for a thousand years -- collapses as most of its citizens are murdered to serve a madman's vengeance. And worst of all, across the heart of the vast continent known as the Stillness, a great red rift has been been torn into the heart of the earth, spewing ash enough to darken the sky for years. Or centuries.
Now Essun must pursue the wreckage of her family through a deadly, dying land. Without sunlight, clean water, or arable land, and with limited stockpiles of supplies, there will be war all across the Stillness: a battle royale of nations not for power or territory, but simply for the basic resources necessary to get through the long dark night. Essun does not care if the world falls apart around her. She'll break it herself, if she must, to save her daughter. (Goodreads)
I stumbled across this one while perusing the bookstore and wasn't completely sold on it at first, mainly because I'm not a huge fan of dystopia (I seem to get enough of that watching the news...). But, a discussion with my fiance and the Nebula it won tilted the book into my purchase pile and I brought it home. There, I promptly devoured it. It is one helluva read. Twists and turns and the three storylines all so artfully brought together. I absolutely loved it and am already enjoying the next in the series. It's very different in parts--the second-tense telling for one of the threads was always a bit jarring when I'd get to those chapters for the first paragraph or two--but I enjoyed the pacing and characters and fitting it all together. Epic novel and well worth checking out if you haven't!
What have you been enjoying reading lately?
September 16, 2019
Upcoming Events! #amwriting
Wow has it been one insane summer! Things have finally started to settle in a bit in my new digs, as well as the start of the new semester (as a tenured professor, too!). Summer was too short, as ever, and as things start to creep into fall, there are a few things coming up that I am SO excited about. Whatever might I be up to? Well....
This is probably the most squee-worthy event that I've ever been to! I'm still in shock that I am going to the New York Comic Con and having a book signing! Holy. Sh!t. I haven't been to NYC before and honestly am unable to contain my excitement to see the places that are featured in so many of my favorite novels. Plus, I get to meet with the amazing other authors from Bleeding Ink Publishing, see the rest of the Con events, and am totally going to geek out like crazy. If you're around, come see us!!
The other biggie in my world this fall is that The Coincidence Makers will be releasing! Dates have shifted a bit but I'll be sure to post a LOT about this upcoming book as I'm so stoked to share it with the world. It's one of my particularly favorite book-babies and I hope people enjoy it as much as I loved writing it.
What is going on this fall in your worlds?
This is probably the most squee-worthy event that I've ever been to! I'm still in shock that I am going to the New York Comic Con and having a book signing! Holy. Sh!t. I haven't been to NYC before and honestly am unable to contain my excitement to see the places that are featured in so many of my favorite novels. Plus, I get to meet with the amazing other authors from Bleeding Ink Publishing, see the rest of the Con events, and am totally going to geek out like crazy. If you're around, come see us!!
The other biggie in my world this fall is that The Coincidence Makers will be releasing! Dates have shifted a bit but I'll be sure to post a LOT about this upcoming book as I'm so stoked to share it with the world. It's one of my particularly favorite book-babies and I hope people enjoy it as much as I loved writing it.
What is going on this fall in your worlds?
August 26, 2019
After Reading: TIME'S CONVERT...and...THE GIRL WHO COULD MOVE SH*T WITH HER MIND
Yeah, so, blogging...not been with it all that well of late. I need to remedy this. I also need to do about ten million other things, so we'll see how it all works out :) It's not that I don't enjoy writing here, it's more that I find it hard to get it accomplished every week. Habit, I assume, would help! Anyhow, I have been reading, as much as I possibly can, and have a few recommends:
On the battlefields of the American Revolution, Matthew de Clermont meets Marcus MacNeil, a young surgeon from Massachusetts, during a moment of political awakening when it seems that the world is on the brink of a brighter future. When Matthew offers him a chance at immortality and a new life free from the restraints of his puritanical upbringing, Marcus seizes the opportunity to become a vampire. But his transformation is not an easy one and the ancient traditions and responsibilities of the de Clermont family clash with Marcus's deeply held beliefs in liberty, equality, and brotherhood.
Fast-forward to contemporary Paris, where Phoebe Taylor--the young employee at Sotheby's whom Marcus has fallen for--is about to embark on her own journey to immortality. Though the modernized version of the process at first seems uncomplicated, the couple discovers that the challenges facing a human who wishes to be a vampire are no less formidable than they were in the eighteenth century. The shadows that Marcus believed he'd escaped centuries ago may return to haunt them both--forever. (Goodreads)
I have adored this series so much. The world building and characters and depth is lovely to get lost in. I've also started following the online community that are also fans and am blown away by the others who follow and think and daydream about this series--it's impressive! (Also, I'll admit, there's a part of me that hopes to someday have the same sort of following...wishful thinking to be sure!) Anyhow, I loved getting to see more of the characters beyond the previous books, to learn more about Marcus, and to understand more about their pasts. While there isn't a huge arc to this novel, I did deeply enjoy it, mainly because the world is just so much fun to exist in. Also, minor plug for the TV show, which is actually really well done and very fun!
For Teagan Frost, sh*t just got real.
Teagan Frost is having a hard time keeping it together. Sure, she's got telekinetic powers—a skill that the government is all too happy to make use of, sending her on secret break-in missions that no ordinary human could carry out. But all she really wants to do is kick back, have a beer, and pretend she's normal for once.
But then a body turns up at the site of her last job—murdered in a way that only someone like Teagan could have pulled off. She's got 24 hours to clear her name—and it's not just her life at stake. If she can't unravel the conspiracy in time, her hometown of Los Angeles will be in the crosshairs of an underground battle that's on the brink of exploding... (Goodreads)
Well, this novel couldn't be more different than the one above if it tried. Actually, there are some commonalities: good world building, great characters, and someplace I enjoy spending time. Honestly, in reading this, I felt like this novel was a whole lot more in line with what I write than anything else: tons of action, a lot of running for their lives, and a delightfully sassy MC who has a unique ability. Granted, this is about a thousand times better than what I write, but whatever. It's a fun romp and I am very excited that there will be more to the series! Also, kudos to the author for making note that GENETICS CAN NOT GIVE YOU PSYCHOKINESIS. Sorry, just doesn't work that way. Sure, some of the other things that Tegan's siblings deal with are possible potentially, but genetics is not going to allow you to move stuff with your mind ;) Anyhow, from this scientist, that was a solid thumbs up.
On the battlefields of the American Revolution, Matthew de Clermont meets Marcus MacNeil, a young surgeon from Massachusetts, during a moment of political awakening when it seems that the world is on the brink of a brighter future. When Matthew offers him a chance at immortality and a new life free from the restraints of his puritanical upbringing, Marcus seizes the opportunity to become a vampire. But his transformation is not an easy one and the ancient traditions and responsibilities of the de Clermont family clash with Marcus's deeply held beliefs in liberty, equality, and brotherhood.Fast-forward to contemporary Paris, where Phoebe Taylor--the young employee at Sotheby's whom Marcus has fallen for--is about to embark on her own journey to immortality. Though the modernized version of the process at first seems uncomplicated, the couple discovers that the challenges facing a human who wishes to be a vampire are no less formidable than they were in the eighteenth century. The shadows that Marcus believed he'd escaped centuries ago may return to haunt them both--forever. (Goodreads)
I have adored this series so much. The world building and characters and depth is lovely to get lost in. I've also started following the online community that are also fans and am blown away by the others who follow and think and daydream about this series--it's impressive! (Also, I'll admit, there's a part of me that hopes to someday have the same sort of following...wishful thinking to be sure!) Anyhow, I loved getting to see more of the characters beyond the previous books, to learn more about Marcus, and to understand more about their pasts. While there isn't a huge arc to this novel, I did deeply enjoy it, mainly because the world is just so much fun to exist in. Also, minor plug for the TV show, which is actually really well done and very fun!
For Teagan Frost, sh*t just got real.Teagan Frost is having a hard time keeping it together. Sure, she's got telekinetic powers—a skill that the government is all too happy to make use of, sending her on secret break-in missions that no ordinary human could carry out. But all she really wants to do is kick back, have a beer, and pretend she's normal for once.
But then a body turns up at the site of her last job—murdered in a way that only someone like Teagan could have pulled off. She's got 24 hours to clear her name—and it's not just her life at stake. If she can't unravel the conspiracy in time, her hometown of Los Angeles will be in the crosshairs of an underground battle that's on the brink of exploding... (Goodreads)
Well, this novel couldn't be more different than the one above if it tried. Actually, there are some commonalities: good world building, great characters, and someplace I enjoy spending time. Honestly, in reading this, I felt like this novel was a whole lot more in line with what I write than anything else: tons of action, a lot of running for their lives, and a delightfully sassy MC who has a unique ability. Granted, this is about a thousand times better than what I write, but whatever. It's a fun romp and I am very excited that there will be more to the series! Also, kudos to the author for making note that GENETICS CAN NOT GIVE YOU PSYCHOKINESIS. Sorry, just doesn't work that way. Sure, some of the other things that Tegan's siblings deal with are possible potentially, but genetics is not going to allow you to move stuff with your mind ;) Anyhow, from this scientist, that was a solid thumbs up.
July 22, 2019
After Reading: TOTEM #1-3 by author Christine Rains #amreading
It’s a dark day when someone murders one of their own.Shifters across Alaska are going missing. When up and coming interior designer Ametta Dorn rescues the gorgeous Kodiak shifter Lucky Osberg, she comes into the crosshairs of two relentless hunters. While Lucky sets his sights on wooing her, the killers seek to not only capture her in her powerful polar bear form but to also take her skin.
To prevent her murder and the deaths of other shifters, she must work with Lucky to track down and stop these merciless hunters. After all, their enemy’s plan for shifter skins is something much more terrifying than collecting mere trophies. (Goodreads)
t’s not only the dead who whisper upon the wind.An ancient totem pole has gone missing, and its pieces are scattered across Alaska. Restoring the seven totem tokens may be the only way to save every shifter in the world.
Kinley Dorn, a geeky architect with a heart of gold and a polar bear shifter, jumps at the opportunity to help her family find the lost pieces. Their idea of “helping” involves staying indoors to research online. Work leads Kinley to sexy lynx shifter Ransom Averill. He coaxes her away from the safety behind her computer and into the path of a rampaging giant. Terrifying as the monster might be, she must brave its mountain because the owl totem is calling to her through silent whispers. (Goodreads)
No one messes with Saskia Dorn’s family and gets away with it.The same murderous shifters who had hunted her sister have attempted to steal a magical totem pole. Since the pieces are scattered across Alaska, Saskia, a polar bear shifter, takes her search to the tundra for any signs of the lost totems.
Instead she finds Sedge, the latest reincarnation of the old Inuit Bear god, who just happens to be the man who broke her heart.
They come across a small native village tormented by the Jinxioc, evil gnomes with an appetite for human flesh. Sedge declares he will rid the people of the menace, believing a totem token is nearby affecting the devils’ behavior. At his side, Saskia battles to save the tribesmen, but it could mean sacrificing herself. (Goodreads)
Okay, so it's been a busy summer around here. I have pretty much had to come to accept that my setting for getting anything done is at the Panic And Stress level all the time. Not good for my health or sanity, but I guess I make shit happen... lol! But, I do read a lot. I'm majorly behind on my reviews, but I loved the first three of this series (still working on the rest) so figured I'd do a lump review:
The start of this wonderful series had me up really late reading. The characters are so interesting and I really enjoyed the sister's dynamic, their differences, and how they've all struggled with their family's history, their sense of self, and then the challenge's placed before them now. Each book was a great adventure, and they way they all wove together was expertly done. Plus, it's adorable to see the three sisters handle relationships and their regular lives on top of the dark and terrifying dangers they face. I devoured the first three books in a flash and can't wait to finish out the series!
