Marne's Review: Jean Murray "Key to the Cursed - Book One: Soul Reborn"

Novel:  “Key to the Cursed – Book One: Soul Reborn”

Author:  Jean Murray

Visit Jean at: http://www.jean-murray.com/

Rating: 5 out of 5

Book Blurb:

THE HUMAN REALM, HIS BATTLEFIELD.

Asar, the Egyptian God of the Underworld, has been tortured and left soulless by a malevolent goddess, relegating him to consume the very thing he was commissioned to protect. Human souls. Now an empty shell of hatred, Asar vows to kill the goddess and anyone involved in her release, but fate crosses his path with a beautiful blonde huntress who has a soul too sweet to ignore.

DEADLY SECRETS BETTER LEFT UNEARTHED.

Lilly, Commander of the Nehebkau huntresses, is the only thing standing in the way of the goddess' undead army unleashing hell on earth.  But Lilly has a secret—one she is willing to sell her soul to keep. If the Underworld god discovers her role in the dig that released the goddess, she will lose everything, including his heart.

And…

The Review:

“Soul Reborn” is an amazing novel. It’s one of those stories that grabbed me on page one and didn’t let go; taking me on a fast-paced adventure so steeped in rich detail and sexual tension, the real world paled into the background until I finished visiting Murray’s world.

Lilly, the Commander of the huntresses is A-mazing. She’s tough, she’s sexy, she’s got a touch of snark in her attitude and yet a surprising amount of innocence in the way she views the world. She enjoys life to the fullest, even when she’s leaving a bloody trail of violent destruction…but don’t worry, she only gets the bad guys.

And Asar? Write home to mama and ask for one of him for Christmas! I sure want to. In the beginning, he is full of hatred and a bitter need for revenge, sure; but he’s so damaged it is understandable. He’s a bad boy in desperate need of reform, and Lilly’s just the slightly damaged heroine for the job. (Of course she’s flawed! That’s what makes her a Great character! The reader can Relate to her!).

And boy, do they make one Heck of a great Duo!

Aside from the surface stuff going on: ya know, the end of time, millions of zombies needing culled from the streets, some very naughty goddess to get even with; and let’s not forget the LOVE story… Ms. Murray also has some wonderful underlying messages… but I’ll let you find those (just know they are there, and wonderfully done).

Ms. Murray is one of those authors I’m going to keep an eye on, because I’m certain she is an up and coming “super-author” in the making. Luckily, Murray has at least two more stories in this series planned; and I can hardly wait.

Marne's Review: Rachel Firasek "Piper's Fury"

Novel: "Piper's Fury"
Author: Rachel Firasek
visit Rachel at http://www.rachelfirasek.com/
Rating: 5 out of 5!!! (even though it lacks dragons)
Book Blurb:
It's an empath thing...

Using your "powers" to help the Dark Hills Police Department hunt down serial killers doesn't leave much time for dating. Not that Piper Anast is complaining. The last thing she needs is some guy brushing up against her and pumping his pornographic thoughts into her head.

When she meets Bennett Slade, a sexy, tormented vampire, Piper stumbles headlong into a telepathic connection with his missing daughter. She can't leave the kid to the evil surrounding her unwanted visions, nor can she resist her draw to Slade. He's the first guy she's been able to touch vision-free in, well, forever.

As she and Slade close in on the evil creature holding his daughter, Piper's powers morph into a deadly fury. To save Slade's daughter-and herself-Piper must face down demons she never knew she had and trust the one thing she keeps from everyone.

Her heart.
And...
THE REVIEW:
I love the In-Your-Face, Kick-Ass heroine who does what she wants, says what she feels without filtering, and feels little remorse for living be her own rules. I know, I know... How can a character like that be heroic? Because (and here is where Firasek does an amazing job) Piper is the perfect balance of everything the reader wishes to be and all the insecurities we each can relate to.
Then there's Slade... Yummy, strong, gentle Slade. Oh man, get me an ice cube. On second thought, I'm gonna need the entire Iceberg because that Vamp is H.O.T! And he is the perfect foil for Piper, calm for her storm. Not your normal brooding vampire, either. He has a sense of humor and he "gets" Piper.
The tension between them? Full out tingle-fest! (and that's what a good writer can do, right? Make the reader feel the characters' emotions...)
I usually don't read stories written in first person point of view... Okay, never. Seriously, if I pick one up and decide to try, I usually get frustrated and set it down before reaching the middle of the book.
I DID NOT put "Piper's Fury" down.
I Loved it!
Firasek's writing is so intense, and I became such a part of Piper, I stayed in the book until the end. There are  many twists and surprises, the dialogue is rich and filled with humor, the heroine keeps the reader on the edge... it is just a great read.
I'd recommend it!