Review: That Ain't Witchcraft by Seanan McGuire

Antimony Price, aka Annie, and her friends travel north to Maine trying to find a place to get off the road for a while. They've been trying to evade both some baddies from Lowryland and the Covenant of Saint George. They end up in danger anyway. Perhaps it has to do with the bending of luck that her friend the jink has done.

The Crossroads decides to call in the favor that Annie owes them as a result of the events in Tricks for Free (InCryptid #7). They want her to kill someone for them, someone who is a danger to the Crossroads who lives in New Gravesend, Maine - James Smith. And if that wasn't bad enough, someone from the Covenant of Saint George shows up. It might take nigh unto a miracle to keep Annie and her friends alive as they deal with the Crossroads and the Covenant.

This is the third book featuring Antimony Price. Annie has been a fun character to follow. She is smart and capable of taking care of herself generally. And she has a good sense of humor.

It becomes a question of can Annie outsmart the Crossroads? Can she outsmart the Covenant of Saint George? Will she finally be able to go home again? Or will she end up a cautionary tale whispered in the same breath as the Crossroads?

Annie's friends are a unique mix: a Jink, a sylph, a furi, and a ghost. And actually, she happens to be dating the furi. I liked all of her friends. I have to admit I wasn't totally on board with considering James Smith a possible friend. He seems kinda sneaky, but he may have reasons for that.

The plot is a little slow when they first arrive in Maine which mirrors the group's desire for some downtime in a safe place. Then as events progress, the novel moves along faster and faster until the denouement. It was complex enough to hold my interest at all points too.

I really liked that Annie and company were taking on the Crossroads in this book. The Crossroads is a creepy entity that manipulates people to get what it wants. People think they are getting the best of the bargain, but they seldom are, even when a ghost like Mary helps them to negotiate their deal.

Overall, I give this book 4 stars out of 5. It's a well-written urban fantasy novel in a possible alternate world where cryptids are more likely to be real than not. And the cryptids usually stay out of sight of the general population unless they are one of the groups that can blend in among people. This book doesn't do well as a standalone. It refers to events in the previous books. So, it's best to have read at least #7, Tricks for Free. I do recommend reading this series if you enjoy urban fantasy. It's been well-written. It shows good use of imagination. And it's got fun parts and snark.

That Ain't Witchcraft by Seanan McGuire was published March 5th, 2019 by DAW.

Disclaimer:  I received a copy of this from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #278: The Pandora Room by Christopher Golden

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings.

From Goodreads:

When what appears to be the original Pandora's Box is discovered in an ancient city, neighboring countries fight for ownership and unleash a terrible plague. 

The Pandora Room is New York Times bestselling author Christopher Golden’s chilling exploration of what happens when the original Pandora's Box is discovered in an ancient subterranean city, stirring international conflict and exposing the archaeological team to curses, whispers, and the terror of a legendary plague.

In one ancient variation on the myth of Pandora’s Box, there were two jars, one for Pandora and one for her sister, Anesidora. One contained all the blessings of the gods, the other all the world’s curses. Now, in a subterranean city in Northern Iraq, archaeologist Sophie Durand has discovered a secret chamber covered in writing that confirms that version of the tale—a chamber which contains a single jar. “Weird shit” expert Ben Walker joins Sophie’s team just as the mystery deepens and grows ugly. Those who believe the myth want to know which jar has been found in the Pandora Room, the one containing blessings, or the one full of curses. Governments rush to lay claim, but jihadi forces aren’t waiting for the dust to settle. Whatever the jar contains, they want it, no matter who they have to kill…or what will emerge when they open it. For Sophie, Walker, and the others, the Pandora Room may soon become their tomb.

The Pandora Room by Christopher Golden is the second book in the Ben Walker series. It's expected to be published April 23rd, 2019 by St. Martin's Press.

Why am I waiting on this one? I'm currently reading Ararat by Christopher Golden which is book one in the Ben Walker series. I'm enjoying Ararat, so it's not a big leap to think I might enjoy The Pandora Room as well. The mixture of espionage with legend appeals to me as does the writing of this author.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Ararat by Christopher Golden

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

In quiet moments, when the on-camera banter lulled with the lateness of the hour, he glanced up at the mountain and felt a whisper of dread slide up his spine. Each time it dissipated before reaching his brain, the way dreams turned to mist and vanished in the first moments of wakefulness.

(6% Through on my Kindle)

Ararat by Christopher Golden is the first book in the Ben Walker series. It was published April 18th, 2017 by St. Martin's Press. Ararat won the Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel in 2017.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Review: The Waking Forest by Alyssa Wees

Rhea Ravenna is a normal-seeming teenager who lives with her close-knit family by the sea. But, Rhea sees visions. Most notably, she sees a vision of a forest and sometimes thinks she hears screaming coming from within. Then one night in the darkness of the attic, a boy speaks to her and says he will remove her curse if she plays a game.

The witch sits on a throne made from a tooth in a room inside the forest. Each night she grants wishes to children who visit her there. Then one night, a stranger visits and asks what she wishes for.

Eventually, the paths of Rhea and the witch intersect. A revelation, a sort of epiphany for Rhea occurs. What comes of it is a surprising truth.

The first part of this book is filled with poetic language and imagery. It makes for a dreamlike quality. For example, "Every time I see the trees, they seem to have grown, taller and thicker and darker, the spaces between them as black as beauty turned inside out." It alternates between the story of Rhea and the story of the witch.

In the second part of the book, the language is less flowery. And it works well as an indicator of the mood of things and a change in circumstances. Also, the plot sticks to one story instead of alternating. My problem with this part of the book was that it sort of meanders.

Overall, it's a good book. I gave it 3 stars out of 5 mostly because of the way the second part of the book meanders and doesn't seem to have a clear plan in parts. In fact, it's a little confusing at times. I really did enjoy the first half, the second half not as much.

The Waking Forest by Alyssa Wees was released March 12th, 2019 from Delacorte.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #277: Shattered Bonds by Faith Hunter

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings. 

From Goodreads:

Jane Yellowrock must dig deep and find strength within herself if she is to survive in the latest novel in this New York Times bestselling series.

Jane Yellowrock is a shapeshifting skinwalker and vampire killer-for-hire, but her last battle with an ancient arcane enemy has brought her low. She seeks retreat in the Appalachian Mountains to grieve the loss of her friends, and to heal--or to die--from the disease brought on by her magic. 

But malevolent elements in the paranormal community still seek to destroy Jane, and the younger Son of Darkness stalks her, even into the safety of the hills. With nowhere to run and her body failing, the rogue-vampire hunter and her inner Beast must discover a way to defeat this new threat, and find a form that gives her a chance to fight another day.

Shattered Bonds by Faith Hunter is expected out October 29th, 2019 from Ace.

Why am I waiting on this one? There were some dramatic changes to the world Jane Yellowrock lives in in the last book, Dark Queen. I want to see what's happening with Jane now, post-battle. I want to see her hopefully survive the disease that her magic has brought on. And to see her triumph, hopefully, against the vampires that are after her. I've really enjoyed the Jane Yellowrock series so far and want to see where this book takes Jane.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: Fields' Guide to Voodoo by Julie Mulhern

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"The guy you were with was gorgeous."
"No argument."
"He ran after the shooter."
I nodded.
"That was totally brave."
Or very stupid. Tomato, tomahto.

(58% through on my kindle)

Fields' Guide to Voodoo by Julie Mulhern was published February 28th, 2019 by J & M Press.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Review: Circle of the Moon by Faith Hunter

Nell bears little resemblance to the "widder woman" she once was. She is now a full-fledged probie with PsyLED. One night Rick, her boss, changes unexpectedly into his cat form. He wakes up near a witch circle where there is a dead black cat and contacts PsyLED. Nell and Occam are dispatched to check things out and help Rick.

More circles appear with more sacrifices. And it seems someone is trying to force Rick to change into his cat. Nell reads the earth and can tell that somehow vampires are involved, but not how they are involved.

Meanwhile, Nell is trying to prepare her house for her sister Mud to move in permanently. And a man from the compound where the rest of her family lives wants to court Mud. This is not a good thing.

This book takes place after the events of Dark Queen by Faith Hunter - a Jane Yellowrock book which takes place in the same world as the Soulwood series featuring Nell and PsyLED. In Circle of the Moon, Nell tries to reach out to Jane and has difficulty making contact with her. If you read Dark Queen, you'll understand why this is so.

Also in Circle of the Moon, some of Rick's background is explained which I think made him a little more of a sympathetic character. We finally find out more about what his tattoos mean and how he got them. His life has not been without trauma.

There is a subplot involving the relationship between Nell and Occam. And another subplot involving Nell preparing to be guardian to Mindy, aka Mud. These both make excellent subplots and help to further characterize Nell, Occam, and Mindy.

Nell's abilities to read the land and use the magic of Soulwood in various situations continues to grow and change. This makes Nell a very interesting protagonist.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. The writing and plotting are well done. I had an issue with how the book ends, but it was minor. To say what my issue was would risk spoilers so I will leave it at that. This is not a good standalone novel. It would be best if you start the Soulwood series at the beginning. And if you read some of the Jane Yellowrock series as well, you will get added depth. The series overall is worth reading and Circle of the Moon is no exception.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via  NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #276: Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings. 

From Goodreads:

In this new installment in the No. 1 New York Times bestselling series, Mercy Thompson must face a deadly enemy to defend all she loves . . . 

My name is Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman, and I am a car mechanic.

And a coyote shapeshifter . . . And the mate of the Alpha of the Columbia Basin werewolf pack.

Even so, none of that would have gotten me into trouble if, a few months ago, I hadn't stood upon a bridge and taken responsibility for the safety of the citizens who lived in our territory. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. It should have only involved hunting down killer goblins, zombie goats, and an occasional troll. Instead, our home was viewed as neutral ground, a place where humans would feel safe to come and treat with the fae.

The reality is that nothing and no one is safe. As generals and politicians face off with the Gray Lords of the fae, a storm is coming and her name is Death.

But we are pack, and we have given our word. We will die to keep it.

Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs is the eleventh Mercy Thompson novel. It's due out May 7th, 2019 from Ace.

Why am I waiting on this one? I've really enjoyed the Mercy Thompson series so far. Storm Cursed looks good to me. It seems like it picks up on events from book #9 which was definitely open for follow-up events. The fae are tricky in the world of Mercy Thompson. This definitely spells trouble for her and for the humans who think they can treat with them. I am so looking forward to reading this one.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: The Waking Forest by Alyssa Wees

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

"It's really not that hot," I say, and it isn't: seventy-five degrees at most, clouds like skulls rolling across the sky, wispy ghost-bones to block the sunlight. The scent of lilacs is sticky in the air, and the sea gently hits the sand like hands clasping in prayer." (21% on my Kindle)

The Waking Forest by Alyssa Wees is due to be published today March 12th, 2019 by Delacorte.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!

Can't Wait Wednesday/Waiting on Wednesday #275: For the Love of Books by Graham Tarrant

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event which had been hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine where we spotlight upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating. I'm now linking up with "Can't-Wait Wednesday" hosted over at Wishful Endings. 

From Goodreads:

A light-hearted book about books and the people who write them for all lovers of literature.

Do you know: 
Which famous author died of caffeine poisoning? Why Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was banned in China? Who was the first British writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature? What superstitions Truman Capote kept whenever he wrote? Who the other Winston Churchill was? 

A treasure trove of compelling facts, riveting anecdotes, and extraordinary characters, For the Love of Books is a book about books—and the inside stories about the people who write them. Learn how books evolved, what lies behind some of the greatest tales ever told, and who’s really who in the world of fiction. 

From banned books to famous feuding authors, from literary felons to rejected masterpieces, from tips for aspiring writers to stand-out book lists for readers to catch up on, For the Love of Books is a celebration of the written word and an absolute page-turner for any book lover. Read all about it!

For the Love of Books by Graham Tarrant is expected to be published June 18th, 2019 from Skyhorse.

Why am I waiting on this one? I love all things books. This sounds like an interesting collection of facts and anecdotes. It sounds like a light, fun read.

What book are you waiting on this week? Share it or a link in the comments so we can check it out and maybe add it to our TBR lists. Thanks for coming by and Happy Reading!

Teaser Tuesday: That Ain't Witchcraft by Seanan McGuire

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by The Purplebooker.
Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read

• Open to a random page

• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

• Share the title and author so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Cylia leaned against the wall, dressed in a fluffy yellow bathrobe that made her resemble nothing so much as a malevolent daffodil come to pass judgment on the weak. She still looked friendlier and more understanding than Sam, who was in human form, wearing only his jeans, and glaring at James like he was trying to decide how to dispose of the body. (16% through on my Kindle)

That Ain't Witchcraft by Seanan McGuire is expected to be published today, March 5th, 2019 by DAW Books. It's the 8th Incryptid novel.

Would you keep reading? What's your teaser this week? Share it or a link in the comments. Are you enjoying your book? Let us know! Happy Reading!