K.F. Breene's Blog, page 5

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Review: Midnight Runes by Celeste Buie

          Midnight Runes by Celeste Buie Reviewer: Sally Sparrow









Amazon  |  Goodreads 





WHEN YOUR FUTURE’S AT STAKE, DO YOU FOLLOW YOUR HEAD OR HEART?

Brynn Emerson has always been in control of her life—until a mysterious stranger invades her dreams and her boyfriend, Trevor, suddenly dumps her.

Life gets more complicated when secretive newcomer Landon shows up at school. The playful and handsome Landon is somehow connected to Brynn’s ex-boyfriend.

Determined to find out how they know each other, Brynn draws closer to Landon…only to realize too late that she's risking more than she thought possible.

Meanwhile, a person of power has his sights on Brynn. Will Trevor and Landon work together to keep her safe? Or will she be pulled against her will into their mysterious world?




  I am not a huge fan of YA novels as there is frequently too much teen chatter for my taste, but the premise of this book was so interesting I wanted to read it anyway.   There is quite a bit of teenager chatter.   However, if you don’t mind that, or can look past it, the story itself is quite compelling.   After repeatedly blowing her off, Brynn’s older boyfriend breaks up with her right before she starts her senior year of high school. He’s been acting odd for a while, and since their families have been friends for decades, Brynn has known Trevor for literally her entire life. She knows there is something strange going on - Trevor ignores all of his old friends in favor of his new, mysterious group of friends - but other than fruitlessly badgering Trevor for information Brynn doesn’t know how to learn the truth. Life goes on, with all of the drama of high school, as more puzzling things happen and the mystery is slowly revealed.   It took me a while to get sucked into this book. For starters, there are a lot of explanations: explaining what everyone looks like, explaining how the town is set up, explaining the social workings of the school, etc. Brynn is more telling the readers her story rather than bringing us along for the ride that is her life. Going along for the ride is infinitely more fun than being told a story. Secondly, because of all the telling, it felt like the set up was very slow. You eventually realize the importance of the early scenes, but at the time I was impatient for things to get exciting.   Brynn is quite likable, as are her friends. There is a love triangle, which is fun, but a complete lack of sex. Not that I want to read teen sex scenes, but I always find it a bit awkward when the topic is completely ignored. It is tricky territory and I have yet to find a YA author who navigates this skillfully. In this case, very few of the characters seem to be interested in having a love life, which is notable because Brynn shares so many other details. Having so many platonic, seemingly asexual male friends is not very realistic.   This is most definitely a Part 1 book. There is something of a resolution at the end, so we readers don’t walk away completely perplexed and empty-handed, but the big conclusion to the mystery is still far off.   My only real gripe here - the teenspeak I am so not fond of frequently comes with the YA territory so I shouldn’t really complain about that - is that while I am eager to see how this plays out, the rest of the series hasn’t yet been published.   I am forever impatient. 
4 stars





 

Review: Demons by K.F. Breene

   

Demons by K.F. BreeneReviewer: Sally Sparrow
















It’s been a long road, but Sasha has finally claimed her role as the least knowledge mage in history. She’s also acquired a new, incredibly grumpy bodyguard, and a spunky new BFF. With her team by her side, she learns the ropes of this new profession.

Her experience level is about to be fast-tracked, however.

On a routine trip to check out a perimeter breach, she encounters a hideous demon called by an experienced magic worker. It is this terrifying discovery that unlocks a deeper problem: Stefan’s troubled past and the reason he gravely mistrusts the Mata.

While Sasha struggles to fight the physical demons, Stefan struggles to fight the demons of his past. If he fails, his future in Sasha will be lost.



When I first heard that KF Breene was continuing her Darkness series, I was wary. There is a lot that goes on in these books, and while I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride each installment of this story takes me on, every storyline has its limits. There is a fine line between a series continuing naturally, and an author dragging out a storyline. There will always be more that can be written, but sometimes it just shouldn’t be written.
Oh, me of little faith! If anything, Demons is even better than the last book. There are battles waged, new enemies, new friendships forged, family bonds formed, and of course, hot sex. Plus witches and demons and naked people, oh my!
Book four takes us back to the Mansion, and back into regular life for Sasha and Stefan. At this point I feel I know these characters so well that returning to normal life at the mansion was kind of like coming back home after being away on a trip - comfortably familiar. Having the full gang together in one place, and getting to know everyone else better, was really enjoyable. Of course that happens amidst all sorts of fights, battles, threats, worries, quips, one-liners, and furniture-shattering sex. Did you expect anything less??
I especially loved seeing Stefan’s weak side. He has always been so strong and god-like that sometimes he seemed too perfect. Until now, when we learn more about his background, and finally see his humanity (irony!). We also see that Tao does blink and Jonas actually has a personality. I know! I was shocked too.
As I finish each installment in this series, I am left feeling simultaneously satisfied and hungry for more. It is an impressive achievement, which is why KF Breene continues to be one of my favorite authors.
Rumor has it there is a book five in our future...

 

Surviving Love, Chapter 7

Sex in YA

Sex in books has gotten out of hand, I think. I just saw a post on Facebook where people were wondering if sex in YA books was good news. Many said yes, they would like to see sex in those books.
Can we stop a minute…
YA is, like, middle school. Pre-teens. Sure, they might be curious, but how gross is that? People can’t stay in their own age limit—they have to desire sex with freaking kids?
They’re kids, people.
Kids.
As in, Harry Potter.
Sure, when Harry got older there was innocent desire, and a first kiss. But Christ-on-a-cracker people, can we sometimes have a little story?
Okay, okay, sure, I’ll own that I’m not a romance junkie. I find the genre as a whole mostly boring. I prefer a story with a side of romance. I want a plot. And within the plot, a look. Sex is good, but it’s hotter when there’s a build-up. I often find the hottest sex scenes the ones that are mostly hinted at. A hand trailing down a stomach, stopping, the fingers turning downwards, and then the heroine’s eyes rolling back in her head as the hand slips under her belt line.
I picture those things, and then fill in the blanks. And I can be very detailed…
I don’t want to envision any of that with kids. I just don’t. I don’t even want to envision it with most of the NA’s written right now.
Plus, what will actual young adults read any more? If adults start pumping 50 Shades of desire into YA books, where will actual Young Adults go to read books? Plus, why do adults need sex in a YA, anyway? Can’t a person read a story without sex?
And if your answer is no, check out Lit Erotica. It’s all free, and it’ll get you where you need to go. There is something for everyone. That'll free up some spending. Then, when you’ve taken care of yourself, meet me back at Harry Potter.
*evil grin*
Here’s an unrelated question for you—when did I get so haggard looking? I just looked at my reflection in the TV (which is turned off) and some sort of monster was looking back at me. A tired-looking, droopy-eyed, lumpy monster. I don’t mind looking older—that’s going to happen. I get it. But do I have to look so worn and weather beaten? I mean, I don’t understand why someone doesn’t put a bag over my head and put me out of my misery. Seriously.
Maybe they’re afraid of me.
That’s probably it. Someone with aggression painted on their face is not to be trusted. I might turn into something with fangs and red eyes. In fact, if I’m PMS’ing, that isn’t so hard to imagine. Instead of getting close enough with a bag, someone will probably poke me with a stick to keep me away as they try to get out of my reach.
The good news is, I probably won’t be mugged. They’ll see my Kate Spade hand bag and obvious female love-handles and their fingers will start twitching. They’ll come up with a plan as they glance at my face—and then stop dead. Their mental voice will screetch as they start backing away quickly. I’ll just hit up the next person, they’ll think.
Forget turning things to stone, I’ll clear the whole area in ten seconds. A sweep of the ugly mug will have everyone scurrying away.
Anyway…what was I talking about before my face distracted me?

Oh, fudge. Don’t mind if I do…

Street Team Achnowledgement

Sometimes there are so many people to thank you can't fit it all in a page in a new book. Such is the case with my street team.

Recently I was pushed and prodded and repeatedly asked if I was going to create a street team. I held out for a while, not realizing the benefit. And then gave in.

Thus, the Breene's Bad Ass Bitches were formed (or the Book Sluts, depending on who you ask). I am now so glad I listened to Miss Annmarie Amy Young!

My street team is comprised of a bunch of gals that love to read, and have been invaluable to me. They share their thoughts, raise their hands to help beta or review, and just hang around and shoot the shit. It's a neat and great collection of people who make me feel like I'm on a team. Being a lover of team sports, that is a huge benefit to me.

But that's not all. Not even close. We have Casey Harris to push me to try new marketing things. Annmarie, Fiona Young and Brittany Brun are pimping goddesses. Keri Frey has no qualms about giving her bold opinion, prompting others to follow her lead (which I greatly love), Heather Fries Kuebler, Fiona and Heather Spencer to catch mistakes in the finished book that most do not. Nicki Holcomb has been there since the beginning. Barbara McHuge quietly filters into everything I try, another name I recognize through the various books--the list is endless of how these girls help. I am extremely grateful for each interaction, no matter how small.

Why the name? Well, if you've read any of my books, you realize how ardently I value a tough gal who speaks her mind. I welcome it, and as being quite happy being a bitch instead of a simpering fool of a girl, I love that these girls join the horde. Each of my team have a core of steel and a heart of gold.

Many of them I am still getting to know--this team is brand new--but I'm having fun learning all the different personalities, even if they sometimes praise just a little too much. Haha!

Please give a round of applause for my street team:
Amy Wilde
Annmarie Amy Young
Ann-Marie Gagliano
Ashlee Masullo
Barbara McHugh
Brittany Ozmore
Casey Harris
Christina Wells
Corey Wisniewski
Elizabeth Meltzers
Fiona Wilson
Gina Moody
Hannah Rasmussen
Heather Fortman
Heather Kuebler
Heather Spencer
Heidi Baines
Jenene Mitchell
Jenna Kenote
Jennifer Chrisman (Farris)
Jessenia Marin
Joanna Moreno
Katrina Lanzer
Kellyann
Keri Frey
Kerri Fitzgerald
Kristen Taylor
LaWanda " Wendy" Kilpatric
Leanne Cook
Lucy Robles
Mandy Sickle
Nikki Holcomb
Olivia Kevwitch
Pam Rushen
Raven Click
Rebecca Waldron
Samantha Freese
Sarah Bauman
Stephanie Sakal

Surviving Love, Chapter 6

Demons, Darkness #4 links and giveaway

Demon's, Darkness #4, is available now! Giveaway Below

 
 


Get your copy today:

Amazon |  iBooks         
     
It’s been a long road, but Sasha has finally claimed her role as the least knowledge mage in history. She’s also acquired a new, incredibly grumpy bodyguard, and a spunky new BFF. With her team by her side, she learns the ropes of this new profession.

Her experience level is about to be fast-tracked, however.

On a routine trip to check out a perimeter breach, she encounters a hideous demon called by an experienced magic worker. It is this terrifying discovery that unlocks a deeper problem: Stefan’s troubled past and the reason he gravely mistrusts the Mata.

While Sasha struggles to fight the physical demons, Stefan struggles to fight the demons of his past. If he fails, his future in Sasha will be lost.  BOOK RELEASE GIVEAWAY!  Mini-tablet with android operating system!   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Surviving Love; Chapter Five

Just to keep it easy and make sure I don't call behind, I'm just going to post it in one spot for now.

Just click on the arrow below and it'll take you to chapter five. No need to sign up or anything--just reading :)

Demons, release 7/21! Check out the teaser!

Demons (Darkness #4) releases 7/21! It's almost here.

My goal is to crack Amazon top 100. If I do that, I'll be offering an awesome giveaway for all the supporters.

To help me, help spread the word through Thunderclap!

(It'll be one announcement of release on release day. Individually, it's not a big impact, but if we join together--magical)



Teaser:

As I got halfway through the open space, a vulgar feeling began to crawl up my skin like tiny insects scrabbling under my clothes. The sickly-sweet smell of rotting flesh tickled my nose.
“I’ve never felt anything like this before,” I said quietly, passing my hands through the air. “Although, granted, I haven’t had a lot of experience.”
Shapes took form within the shadows toward the back wall the closer I got. On the right, near the corner of the building, lay a pile of grayish sticks, charred and blackened by fire. Scorched fabric was glued to the various elements of the pile.
Three more steps had me halting, sucking in a huge breath. 
It was a body! They weren’t sticks, they were bones coated in masticated skin!
Did that moan come from me?
A face, twisted in an endless scream of agony, lay on the backside of his calves. One arm had been ripped out of the socket and lay flat under his back. One leg, obviously broken at the thigh, lay over the other. He was broken and twisted, as if he’d been made of match-sticks and sporadically snapped and tossed to the ground.
“No human could have done this,” I whispered. “His back was broken in half.”
“A bear could have,” Jonas’ voice echoed around the crouching walls.
“Not without opposable thumbs,” I retorted into the hush.
A few more steps and I could see another fire site, only this time, there was a large black pot overturned against the wall. A round camping stove, smudged with soot, half lay under it.
“This has got to be a few days old, at least…”
“You’re not here to investigate,” Jonas growled. “You’re here to feel for magic. We have experienced clan that’ll go over this site and give us more conclusive findings.”
 “Oh. Well, you could’ve made that more clear before I looked at the body.”
I let my magic drift, sensing for spells and pitfalls within the area. This was something I practiced every day per Toa’s instruction. A large part of my job was sensing other magic and possible dangers. I still had trouble doing this on the fly, but here, in the quiet settings, the building almost feeling as if it was holding its breath, I had nothing else to do but concentrate.
The black glow of my magic, hardly discernable in the gloom of the warehouse, drifted over the overturned pot. Like a match to kerosene, a circular fire lit up, climbing into the sky like fairy lights. Sparkles danced and played in a shimmering orange halo lazily drifting toward the right. Toward the body.
I could not help that squeak. Or holding my breath afterwards.
Still it drifted. Reaching for that death. What would it do when it got there?
I don’t want to know!
A blast of rotten flesh crawled up my nose, prompting a gag. That smell didn’t come from the body, it came from the disgusting magic corroding this area. Magic that was still active. Lingering, waiting. But for what? Whatever spells had been laid, they weren’t used to create rainbows. They were also extensive and intricate. Beyond my training.
“Not good magic over here…” I mumbled.
My magic spread like a fog over the body. For a second, nothing happened.
“Sasha?” Tim asked into the din.
“Don’t go in there, mong—“
Jonas’ voice cut off as my magic started to sizzle and pop. Like water splashing into hot grease.
“What’s it doing?” I asked Jonas with a quiver in my voice.
“This isn’t normal…” Jonas’ voice drifted away.
“Back out of there, Sasha,” Tim urged from the door.
Something tugged at my magical senses. It was like undertow, rolling and fierce, sucking. Consuming. As fast as magic surged into my body, elements desperate to get in, something in that area stole it again, using my draw to fuel itself.
But what the hell kind of spell was it?
 “Oh shit,” I mumbled, scrabbling to pull my power back.
“What is it?” Jonas asked, stepping into the building, his tattoos lighting up like a Christmas tree. A great, gleaming sword swung into his hand, the blade glowing orange.
“Get out of here, Jonas! I need to tie off this weird spell. It’s sucking magic to it.”
Jonas took a hasty step back, his body once again receding out of the doorway. Tim backed out with him, but hesitantly.
I got to work, sweat beading my brow, fighting the draw both of that corner, and from the elements fighting to rush into my body.
 “Nasty spell-working, this,” I said under my breath, sensing the elements within the casting. “They’re, like, reaching for me. Feeding off my magic. I’ve never dealt with a spell like this. I didn’t even know this was possible.”
“Dark magic,” Jonas whispered. “Hard to work. Harder to control. Someone has balls of steel.”
“Well, it’s not me,” I wheezed.
I snubbed out the elements that made up the spell, like soldering wires, closing the spell in a sort of circuit. The question was, did I just lock all that power in, or would it fray and disintegrate like it had been, needing someone with magic to come along and fan it higher?
“I don’t think the wielder knew exactly what he was doing,” I murmured, analyzing the lacy structure of the orangy incantation. It hovered within a shaky line spilled on the cement floor. Spilled because it looked suspiciously like blood, sticky and slick, gleaming in the soft light from the window.
As I was about to turn away toward Jonas, wanting to talk about what I’d done and see what he thought—we’d probably have to go get Toa—the lacy spell cleared away like mist. In its place grinned the head of a black monster, staring at me like a hungry lion would a fresh steak.
“You did not call me.” Sharp, ragged teeth filled a mouth too big for its face.
Terror jolted me back as a stringy leg stepped forward.
“Sasha?” Jonas’ voice held hard fibers of alarm.
The monster slapped into an invisible barrier. Orange sparks rained down on its head. It glanced up, and then around, noticing the hazy orange circle trapping it. And then its face straightened out, staring right at me out of black pits instead of eyes.  “We can rule, you and I. Our power, combined, will be indestructible. Join me.”
“Oh lovely, one of you. Fantastic.”
I eyed his cage as it did, sensing the weakness of it. The shaky spell, barely held together. Even as I stood there, the thing was starting to eat away at its cage.
Super.
Was this terrible spell by design, or some sort of failed attempt?

 “We gotta get out of here!” I roared at Jonas, backing away as quickly as possible. “This thing is way, way stronger than other Dulcha I’ve seen. It’s feeding off of the magic containing it, somehow. We need Toa for this one.”