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a little bit of fiction, poetry, artwork, and life in general


QUOTES TO LIVE BY:

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... it is about learning to dance in the rain" (unknown)

"Without Darkness, there would be no Light" (unknown)


Reading Challenges - Book Reviews

***PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS AN ONGOING LIST. BY THAT I MEAN THAT I WILL NOT POST INDIVIDUAL POSTS;  I CREATED THIS TAB FOR ALL MY READING CHALLENGES AND WILL ADD BOOKS AS I READ THEM. TO VIEW EACH BOOK REVIEW, CONTINUE TO SCROLL DOWN***


(39)
Darker After Midnight
by Lara Adrian
In this installment of the  Midnight Breed series, the blood war with Dragos has escalated and the the Order  has been exposed. Chase Sterling who deserted the Order in the previous installment is on the verge of becoming a Rogue, and in a mission gone horribly wrong, he has been identified as an Assassin by a beautiful witness (Tavia) who unbeknownst is mixed up in Dragos's scheme, but that becomes very clear, very quickly when things get ugly.  Chase becomes Tavia'  protector, and to end Dargos once and for all, he finds himself once again fighting along side the Order, but will they welcome him back?

A Perfect Blood
by Kim Harrison
 I was thrilled to find this in the new arrival section, and snapped it right up! Rachel has gone from Witch status to Demon in this, the most recent book of the Rachel Morgan series; however she is bound by charmed silver, which really proves to be a frustrating dilemma while she assists the local magickal authorities in solving a serial murder case. Can she absolve herself from being a suspect, and find the real killers without her magick?  Can she manage to stay out of trouble this time, or will she find herself a victim of these killers?
I loved this latest installment and look forward to more!

(37)
The Smoke Thief
by Shana Abe
I found a new series! This is a story of a people (the Dra`kon) that can shift into dragons. A people that have lived for centuries in secret, until the actions of a mysterious jewel thief threatens to expose them; a jewel thief that can transform into smoke.The Dra`ken's Marquess of Langford (Christoff aka Kit). Kit must stop this thief from exposing the Dra`kon to the mortal world. I could not put it down, and can't wait to read Book 2!


(36)
Taken by Midnight
by Lara Adrian

A book of the  Midnight Breed series; in this installment Jenna has survived an attack by the Gen One Ancestor, who fed upon her and embedded a piece of himself inside her spine. She awakes and finds she is no longer in Alaska, but now a resident of the Order, and in the care and protection of Brock. As she heals she is made aware that something has gone horribly wrong. Whatever the Ancient put in her spine has grown and weaved itself permanently to her spinal cord, and it is changing her, but to what end? Jenna is no longer quite human, but she is not Breed either, and despite their best intentions, her and Brock find themselves unavoidably drawn to each other, but what will become of her?


(35)
Out of the Darkness
by Jaime Rush
This is the second book of this series and, yep... I'm hooked. The Offspring are children of  a military experiment on psychics. Their parents, voluntary subjects of this top secret program, all psychics with varying skills and all dead from accidents or suicides, gone mad from being given a "booster" to enhance their gifts. The Offspring inherited their parents' gifts and the program has been reopened, with one minor little detail... if you don't agree to participate you are hunted down and killed. These Offspring are discovering their pasts and each other; they have formed a group and in hiding, determined to find others of their kind, they are looking for answers, forming friendships and partnerships, and trying to survive.

(34)
A Perfect Darkness
by Jaime Rush
Amy's life is changed after a mysterious stranger brakes into her apartment and wakes her in the middle of the night, leaving her with a whispered warning and a crumpled note hastily shoved into her hand right before he is shot and carried off by the CIA. This rude impromptu experience leads to the discovery that she isn't who or what she thought she was, nor was her deceased father; she is a psychic, an "Offspring" of a psychic parent involved in a secret and deadly military experiment, and she is hunted.


(33)
Shamanic Journeying, A Beginner's Guide
by Sandra Ingerman
This is a basic introductory to Shamanic journeying; it includes some background in Shamanic culture, how to meet your power animals and guides, how to travel to the Lower, Middle and Upper realms, and it includes a CD of shamanic drums to guide you on your travels.

(32)
Tarot Predictions & Divination
by Susan Blair-Hunt
Chalk full of tarot spreads for in depth readings, step by step guidance regarding visual cues in Tarot to aid in developing a more predictive, spiritual, and therapeutic way to read Tarot. If you are looking to for a more in depth way to expand your Tarot skills and knowledge, this book is for you.
(31)
The Accidental Vampire
by Lindsay Sands
This book was a fun read! A humorous love story full of quirky characters that made me laugh out loud. Elvi is a true accidental vampire; she was turned without a Sire and completely unaware of other vampires, vampire laws, and proper vampire etiquette. Only looking out for their friend's best interests, the towns people place a Want Ad in the paper on her behalf... a female vampire searching for a male vampire.  Unbeknownst to them that their action(s) would cause trouble for their beloved Elvi. The Vampire Council Enforcer, Victor Argeneau must investigate and report to the Vampire Council; he answers the ad, along with a few other inquiring male vamps and things soon heat up for dear Elvi and friends.


I have not been doing so well with the blogging, so here is a list of books I have read over the past two months, without pics, sorry:


(28 - 30)
Mrs. Murphy Mysteries, by Rita Mae & Sneaky Pie Brown:
Wish You Were Here
Tail of the Tip Off
The Big Cat Nap
I have been reading this series off and on for a few years now, so I am no newbie when it comes to the Murphy Mysteries ... in which two cats and a Corgi help their owner Harriet aka Harry solve murder mysteries. These books are full of spunky furry and feathered friends, delightful town's people, humor, drama, and of course, mystery! I thoroughly enjoy the Mrs. Murphy Mysteries; Rita Mae and Sneaky Pie never disappoint.
If you'd like to learn more about this series, here is the link to Rita's site:


(24 - 27)
 Ophelia & Abby Mysteries, by Shirley Damsgaard
Witch Way to Murder
Charmed to Death
The Trouble with Witches
Witch Hunt
This is a new series for me, and I'm hooked! Ophelia Jensen is the local librarian in a quaint little town; she lives a not-so-quiet life with her loving pets, Lady (her dog) and Queenie (her cat). Ophelia comes from a long line of Wise Mountain Women (aka witches) but denies her gifts, to the frustration of her Grandmother Abby, UNTIL, Ophelia begins finding bodies, then things get interesting and Ophelia develops quite the reputation... for trouble. The Ophilia & Abby Mysteries are charming books full of wonderful and colorful characters. I absolutely love these two witchy sleuths, and I'm looking forward to reading more!  If you'd like to learn more about this series, or the author, here's the link to the Shirley's site: http://www.shirleydamsgaard.com/books/


(23)
Midnight Sins
By Lora Leigh
Another great murder mystery/love story... enjoyed it! 
Rafe is an outcast... along with his two cousins; he has had to fight for everything in his life... still fighting the town prejudice where him and his cousins are concerned. 
Cami lost her beloved old sister to a killer and rapist years ago... her sister who was dating Rafe at the time. Rafe, who teenaged Cami had a crush on.
Now Cami is all grown up, in love with Rafe, and being threatened by the same killer(s) that murdered her sister.


(22)
Coyote's Mate
by Lora Leigh
Another Breed Novel... Anya (16) is sent to enlist Del Ray, the leader of the Coyote Breeds, to rescue female Coyote Breeds held prisoner in a Russian Compound. Years later after several planning meetings the day of the rescue/raid finally comes, but Del Ray goes back on his promise and some of Anya's family is wounded during the rescue, and Anya who is now 18 is claimed as Del Ray's Mate in a very hasty, intense mating, then left to deal with the Mating Heat alone, afraid, heartbroken, and clueless as to what was happening, Anya takes Del Ray to Court and demands separation, and once granted, Del Ray leaves for a ong dangerous mission... but her love remains... and his desire for her as well. Is there any hope for them?

(21)
Lion's Heat
by Lora Leigh
An erotic Urban Fantasy.... a Breed Novel, and yummy!
Jonas, Director of the Bureau of Breed Affairs, has a new, and very unwanted, Personal Assistant... Rachel, and to make things worse, she is pregnant... AND his true Mate. Rachel is a strong feisty little thing and not only is she a very adept assistant, she dishes his attitude right back at him, a trait that pisses Jonas off as well as makes his hormones run wild. 


Months later, Rachel's daughter Amber become the target of an evil geneticist... can Jonas save her? Will Jonas and Rachel ever see eye to eye?


(20)
Renegade
by Lora Leigh
This book is not Urban Fantasy or Horror but it's a great read! A bit of a murder mystery
with action, suspense and some molten-lava-HOT sex scenes. Makaya witnesses a 
murder but no one believes it is who she claims is the Murder. 

Elite Ops Agent Nikolai Steele aka Renegade is hired by the suspect, an old friend 
(who has an alibi and says he didn't do it) to find out the truth, but 
one look at Mikayla and Nikolai is in deep... deeper than he wants to admit, 
and Mikayla is now in danger. Who is the real killer? ...and who is the shooter after Mikayla?


(18)
Dark Predator
by Christine Feehan
Another one of my fave series...the Carpathian Novels... yum!  Good vs. Evil, action, drama, and hotness! Zacharius, he oldest of the De La Cruz brothers is ready to meet the Sun... he's ancient and the darkness inside has risen to the verge of turning him vampire; he goes home to die, but Fate has other plans. Marguarita, is the caretaker to Zacharius's ranch, unable to speak due to a vicious vampire attack in the past, can't resist the urge to save him from the sunlight and drags him to safety.... and boy is he pissed! Angry enough to kill, he wakes from his slumber seeking retribution. Marguarita will pay... is she strong enough to endure? Will she be his salvation?


(17)
Hit List
by Laurell K Hamilton
Laurell K Hamilton is my long running all time fave author
and the Anita Blake series, my fave series; I have been following it for years.
Hit List did not disappoint; it's full of action, some suspense, and drama...  but it lacked the steamy sex you usually find in Anita Blake novels; however I still loved it! In this story Anita and Edward are hot on the trail of the Harlequin, a group of serial killers who is murdering Gold Tigers. When a Marshal ends up in the hospital and yet another Marshal is wounded during the hunt, Anita and Edward enlist in their gang to assist... Olaf and Bernando, Nicky and Fernando... and things get serious.


(16)
 Dead as a Doornail
by Charlaine Harris
A sniper is shooting shapeshifters, Sookie's brother Jason is adjusting to his new form as a were-panther when he finds himself suspected by his adopted were-family, and Sookie finds herself in the middle AND in trouble as always. This is book 5 in the series, and now I'm all caught up and looking for any new Sookie books that may hit the shelves. 


(15)
Dead to the World
by Charlaine Harris
Yes, another Sookie book LOL, and like its predecessors, I thoroughly
enjoyed it! In this book poor Eric was cursed and robbed of his memory. Sookie finds
the sexy Vamp running naked on the side of the road, whatever will become of poor Eric?
Will Sookie save the day?  Shhh I'm not telling! 
But wait, that's not all... there seems to be a strange Coven in town, what's up with that!
And what of her missing brother.... yep still missing; is he dead after all? 

(14)
 Club Dead
by Charlaine Harris
Book 3 in the Sookie Stackhouse series, and I can't get enough! In this book Sookie's vampire boyfriend goes missing and she finds herself in cahoots with the local Louisiana vamps to find Bill which involves moving in with a helpful Were (her assigned sleuthing partner and protector) as they spy on the Mississippi vampires... which of course leads to nothing but trouble!

(13)
Living Dead in Dallas
by Charlaine Harris
Book 2 in this series.... I think I'm addicted. No sooner do I put one book down, and I am grabbing the next! I love the characters, the storyline, the quirkyness, etc... I just love these books! In this book, dead bodies begin turning up and her neighbor is a suspect, there is a mysterious sex club in town, and Sookie finds herself in the middle, of course! And if that isn't enough, Sookie finds herself on loan to Dallas vampires to assist in locating a kidnapped vamp using her telepathic skills. Oh, the things she gets herself into!


(12)
Dead Until Dark
by Charlaine Harris
I said after reading All Together Dead, the last book of this series, that I was going to 
be reading more Sookie, and her I am reading from the beginning for a change LOL
I had no idea HBO's True Blood was based on this series... boy am I out of the loop! I've never seen True Blood as I don't have Cable TV but I am definitely wanting to after reading these books! The main character (Sookie) is a Waitress in a Louisiana bar in one of those small towns where everyone knows everything about everyone, when one night a Vampire moves to town and changes her life, whether for the better or not... well, let's just say her life becomes a whole lot of interesting after that. 


(11)
Succubus Revealed 
by Richelle Mead
Apparently this is the last book of a series... why am I always starting a new series in the middle, or in this case, the end? Geez! Now I'm going to have to back track... if I can find the other books at my library, that is, but I definitely want to read more! Georgina is a Succubus, forced to leave her current location and love of her life to relocate to Vegas, baby. When working for Hell, well you never know what to expect, right? her impromptu relocation is not only unexpected but gee, it's a little too perfect in Vegas, with things just falling in her lap. A dream come true, or a conspiracy? This story starts off a bit slow, but then, things begin happening. 


(10)
Twilight's Dawn 
by Anne Bishop
Another great book in this series, but this book includes a collection of 
short stories in the Black Jewels Saga... a mix of fantasy, intrigue, romance, and magick with fabulous characters. I am just loving this series! 
The storyline and characters sweep me up and carry me away to another world.


(9)
The Overseer
by Conlan Brown
Apparently this is the second in a series... my luck lately. 
This story takes place in a world where an ancient religious 
order of gifted people, called the Firstborns, exist. The Firstborns can see either the past, present, or future, and in some are cases, all three. 
The Firstborns are not a welcome people, and their destruction is plotted. Alongside this storyline is Hannah who's mission is to uncover a human trafficking ring; Devon who's mission is to stop an assassination; and John their Overseer who over sees their missions, and the current economic mess that the Firstborn organization has found itself in. Perhaps if I would have read the first book, I might have enjoyed this story more, but being as I came into the story late, well.... I had some difficulty getting drawn into this one. I finished it, but it was a struggle.

(8)
 All Together Dead
by Charlain Harris
 This is actually my first time reading a Sookie Stackhouse novel... 
LOVED IT!
I wish I would have started from the beginning but being as I rely soley on my local library, reading a series in order from to start to finish is difficult, 
but even though I jumped into Sookie's story way late, as this is on book of many in this series,  I had no problem getting caught up in the characters and this particular tale... a mix of murder mystery, love story, 
and an assassination plot.  I will definitely be reading more Sookie!

(7)
Inheritance
by Christopher Paolini
 I know this is not a horror story or a Urban Fantasy, but it is fantasy 
and a great book! I have been following this series from the very beginning, and this, the 4th book, did not let me down, instead it left me wanting more! 
I fell in love with Eragon, Sephira, and Arya from the get go, and couldn't wait to get my hands on Inheritance to read more, and as I said, I want more still! 
I sure hope the author follows up with another sometime in the future, 
as he hints in his acknowledgments, because well... the ending was not what I expected and it can't possibly end there! 
Ok, enough said, I don't want to spoil it, let me just say... 
lots of fighting, great characters, suspense, and magick to be had in this book :)


(6)
Promise of the Wolves
by Dorothy Hearst
This book was almost a wolf version of a mixture of the 
books Watership Down and Clan of the Cave Bear. This is a story of wolves and humans, pack life, an ancient agreement, and a prophecy. 
It takes place in prehistory and tells the tale of the relationship of wolves and humans, specifically of a very special wolf named Kaala who is marked as both a savior and a curse to her adopted pack, an essentially on outcast.
Being a wolf lover, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

(5)
ENVY by J.R. Ward
a novel of the Fallen Angels


A Homicide Detective, and son of a serial killer,
Veck AKA Tom DelVecchio Jr. is on the case!
Having recently nailed a serial murderer he is now
looking into a missing person case as he battles his own inner demons, as well as a real demon, but he is not alone... Angels are working by his side. 
Can Veck overcome his demons? 
What about his partner, Sophia Reilly... will Veck and Reilly's romance survive?

I really enjoyed this book, but it's expected when reading a story by JR Ward.
Mix Demons, sexy Angels, sexy cops, and crime and you have a recipe for a HOT one!
man, if Angels are really this hot... beam me up Scotty! Oh, wrong story, sorry LOL

The storyline had me hooked and routing for the good guys. 
Yep, you guessed it... I've found me yet another yummy series to keep up with!

********************************************************
(4)
Retribution
by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Another yummy Dark Hunter novel!
Will the end of the world commence?
Will Dark Hunter and Dark Hunter Slayer put their differences aside
long enough to save the day?

My review:
I love anything written by Sherrilyn Kenyon! This story was more good vs. evil
with lots of action (fighting) and of course some romance. As I mentioned above,
the Hero is a Dark Hunter (Jess) who is teamed up with a Dark Hunter slayer (Abigail) 
who initially is out to kill him because she believes he murdered her family
 and the belief that Dark hunters are evil. I won't give anymore details away... 
I don't want to spoil it for future readers :)


**********************************************************************
(3)
A Discovery of Witches
by Deborah Harkness
A college student, a born witch but has denied her
powers and destiny, inadvertently makes a discovery that
changes her life; will she welcome it or run from it?

My Review:
I thought this story was a little slow at first but I quickly became hooked. 
Diana the college student I mentioned above, comes across an ancient manuscript
while researching in the library. Her discovery inadvertently changes her life; it draws the attention of Witches, Vamps, and other creatures who are all interested 
in this mysterious manuscript... as well as Diana's powers. She actually hooks up with a Vampire in the process and that's when things really get interesting! Great story! I will be looking for the rest of the series :)


*******************************************************************
(2)
The Underground
by Kat Richardson
Seems that I have begun this series on book 3, but enjoying it.
Something is killing the homeless in the Underground, leaving
them strangely bloodless, with missing limbs and chewed on bits.
PI Harper Blaine aka Greywalker is on the case!

My Review:
Harper Blaine is a Private Investigator as well as a Greywalker, a person that 
has died and came back with the gift to see the spirit world. This story begins
with a discovery of a body that appears to have been gnawed on and proves to be a case involving the supernatural... and this is where I will leave off. I enjoyed this book and will be on the look out for other books in this series :)

***************************************************
(1)
The Shadow Queen
by Anne Bishop
A land that was once ruled by the corruption of evil Queens 
who governed their people through pain and fear has been thoroughly (magically) 
cleansed of the tainted Blood. The land is left devastated; it's people 
left without leadership, and emotionally scarred, desperately trying to survive. 
Heading the plea of a dying land in need of a new Queen, an honorable 
Queen of the Old Ways, trained in Protocol, 
Cassidy is their last hope, but will she succeed? 
Can she restore the land, and heal the people?

My Review:
I flew through this book! I could not put it down and finished it the same day 
I began it LOL This book is about magick, a kingdom is dire straights, and 
a Queen who is unsure of her skills to lead 
(as well as insecurity regarding her looks as she is not a"pretty" Queen) 
I loved the characters!


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * * * * * * * * *
CHALLENGES AND RULES!



































2012 Pagan Reading Challenge



















http://pagan-culture.blogspot.com/2011/12/witchy-books-reading-challenge-2012.html/






















The rules copied and pasted from Domestic Pagan...
This challenge will begin January 1, 2012 and end December 31, 2012.

Books read between now and January 1, 2012 will not count.

Books that can be counted will include nonfiction books that are about spirituality, magick, the occult, nature, myths, or the paranormal. They can be reference, how to, informative, encyclopedias, or memoir. Fictional books that can be counted are anything that has to do with the paranormal, magick, witchcraft, or have a distinctly pagan flavor to the story such as The Divine Sisters of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells.

You may include books of any format including traditional  books, ebooks, or audiobooks.

You may reread books.

Reference books are not usually read cover to cover so I will bend the rules here. You do not have to read the book from cover to cover, but you do have to look at EVERY page in the book.

Choose a level. Levels may be changed throughout the year.
Novice  Read 1 - 5 books
Initiate Read 5 -10 books
Beginner Read 11 - 15 books
Intermediate Read 16 - 20 books
Advanced Read 21 - 25 books
Adept Read 26 -30 books
High Priest/Priestess Read 31 - 35 books
Elder Read  Read 36 - 40 books
God/Goddess Read 41+ books

If you would like to share your level, please leave it in the comments on the announcement post. If you have any questions or comments you may leave leave them on the announcement post or email me at thedomesticpagan@yahoo.com

Please place the 2012 Pagan Reading Challenge banner on your blog

Additional Challenges
Post reviews of all the books you read

Books on magick, the occult, and spirituality are not just meant to be read. Blog, tweet, or post statuses about the things you try from the books that you have read.

Read all that you can about your tradition

Read a book or two that are outside of your tradition. Way out if you dare. For example, if you are Gardnerian Wiccan read a book on shamanism or High Magick.

Read what the Bible has to say about magick and witchcraft or read books that speak against witchcraft and the occult. I double dog dare you.

Read books by authors you find controversial (such as Silver Ravenwolf)

If you are advanced or adept, read or reread books for beginners

Read about a skill you would like to develop such as tarot reading, Reiki, or communicating with the dead

Read about the history of Wicca, witchcraft, and paganism

Read about what really happened during The Burning Times

Make your own grimoire or book of shadows





The rules copied and pasted from Pagan Culture...

Witchy Reading Levels:
Elemental Reader  4 books
Bookish Darling  13 books
Lunar Booklover  28 books 
Witchy Bibliophile  35+ books

* You can join the fun at any time.
* Create your list in advance, as you go, or whenever you like.
* All formats are fine; all genres are great...
* Fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, manga, comic books…
* I’m an Eclectic Witch, so of course I welcome books from other challenges.
* Don’t have a blog? Create a list on GoodreadsFacebook… 
* Wondering what’s a Witchy Book? Well, anything with witches in it, my Wicked Luvs!

The rules copied and pasted from Book Chick City...

Challenge Details

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012

• There are two levels:

 - Read TWENTY FOUR (24)  horror & urban fantasy novels in 2012
 - Read FORTY EIGHT (48) horror & urban fantasy novels in 2012

• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

• You can join the challenge at anytime. All books read in 2012 count towards the challenge regardless of when you sign up.

• Audiobooks do not count, but all other formats are accepted.

• 
No non-fiction - only fiction.

• This challenge can crossover to other challenges. 


• At the beginning of Jan 2012, you will find a link to add your reviews.