The Phoenix Born by Kaitlyn Davis #Review Tour ~ Read Excerpts~ Great #Fantasy Series with Dragons

Title: The Phoenix Born (A Dance of Dragons #3)

Add to Goodreads

Author: Kaitlyn Davis

Description:

From bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis comes the final book in the thrilling A Dance of Dragons series—perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Graceling, and Game of Thrones!

For the first time in a thousand years, the fire dragon has been awakened and Rhen is its rider. But after destroying the armies that threatened the city of Rayfort, Rhen is shown a vision in flames that changes everything. The shadow's phantom armies are coming and the dragons are the only things that might stop them.

High in the castle at the top of the Gates, Jinji has learned something of her own. Janu, her long lost twin, is alive. And just as the spirit shares her body, the shadow shares his. In the blink of an eye, her quest for vengeance against the evil that killed her family has changed to one of protection. Because she knows that if Rhen learns the truth he will do what she cannot—end the shadow and end her brother in the process.

As the shadow grows more aggressive, Jinji and Rhen fight to find the rest of the dragon riders. But with time running out, they are forced to face the impossible decision between honor and love. Alliances are formed, promises are broken, and the fate of the world hangs in the balance…

The Phoenix Born Review

I really have enjoyed this series. I was very pleased at the way everything has wrapped up. I was pulled into the story right away and was hooked yet again.

I do not want to have spoilers, and this is book 3, so can't say a whole lot. I will say its written extremely well, and you feel for the characters and what happens to them.

I liked the fantasy feel of the story, with the dragons and dragon riders. I was reminded of Eragon, which was a favorite movie and book, but only a little, just the dragon riders part. Anyway, I think this third book was my favorite of the 3. (I have not read the other books, novellas I think yet, I didn't know about them but do not think they have to be read to enjoy the series)

Anyone who enjoys fantasy book, like Eragon, and Game of Thrones as the author said, and many others in the fantasy world.

I highly recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy.

I give this 5 out of 5 stars for sure. Amazing read!!

This review is also at Goodreads 

Purchase Links:

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iTunes / Google Play / Kobo / Smashwords

~~~

Information for the A Dance of Dragons: Series Starter Bundle!

A FREE ebook bundle which includes the prequel novella, The Golden Cage, and the first full-length novel, The Shadow Soul!

Description:

An ancient evil awakens.
Three unlikely heroes rise.
An age of myth is reborn.

Try the A DANCE OF DRAGONS Series Starter Bundle today! This bundle includes the prequel novella, The Golden Cage, as well as the first full-length novel, The Shadow Soul.

RAVE REVIEWS for The A Dance of Dragons Series!

"Gorgeous writing (spellbinding is a word that fits well here), creative and unique world and characters that steal your heart away, this is an unbelievably fantastic beginning to what is sure to be a new favorite series. I'm so eager for more!" - Candace's Book Blog

"The writing is flawless. The story and plot line, and plot twists, had me captivated and enamored for the first words. I couldn't put this book down for anything, and I absolutely cannot wait for book two...It's an amazing start to a new series that is going to have people of all ages wanting so much more." - Happy Tails and Tales

"One word to describe this book: intense! Everything from the battles, to the secrets, to the descriptions of the characters and scenery, are all incredibly intense. This book had me biting my nails, stomach tided in knots, and completely entranced til the last word." - Desert Rose Reviews

"Mind. BLOWN. Do you know that one book that made you love a certain genre again because it was so amazingly & beautifully written?? Well, The Golden Cage is the book that made me realize how good Fantasy can be." - Spiced Latte Reads

"The Shadow Soul was positively transportive, left me feeling refreshed, and renewed my faith in symbolism, imagery, and the importance of world building and cultural preservation...If you want to set out on a journey, read this." - We Do Write

~~~

Author Information

Author Bio: 

Bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis writes young adult fantasy novels under the name Kaitlyn Davis and contemporary romance novels under the name Kay Marie. 

Always blessed with an overactive imagination, Kaitlyn has been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to share her work with the world. When she's not daydreaming, typing stories, or getting lost in fictional worlds, Kaitlyn can be found indulging in some puppy videos, watching a little too much television, or spending time with her family. If you have any questions for her--about her books, about scheduling an event, or just in general--you may contact her at: KaitlynDavisBooks@gmail.com

To stay up-to-date with all of Kaitlyn's new releases, sign up for her new release newsletter here: TinyLetter.com/KaitlynDavisBooks

Author Links:

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Tumblr / Wattpad / Pinterest / YouTube / Goodreads / Amazon / Newsletter

Two Excerpts: One is from The Shadow Soul and one is from the new book, The Phoenix Born!

The Shadow Soul – Chapter 7

When Jinji neared the cage, Rhen grasped her arms, lifting her free of the rope and pulling her safely into the wooden basket. She panted for a moment, regained her depleted strength, and took in the view.

Blue.

For miles and miles in every direction, a stark and sparkling blue.

She tried to stand, but the rocking of the ship was magnified with their height, and it seemed to tip almost sideways with every other breath. Her legs wobbled, and then she dropped back to the floor.

"Stay seated," Rhen said, pushing down just slightly on her shoulder when she tried to lift herself up for the second time. He sat too, sighing as he dangled his feet over the edge and leaned back into the railing. His large frame took up over half of the small space.

Their arms touched from shoulder to elbow, causing a heat to rise under her skin. Jinji grabbed her legs, pulling them into her chest and shifting her weight, careful not to touch his body anymore. It was too intimate, she realized, after spending so many hours locked in the same room as him. There had to be a distance between them, otherwise she might slip up, might forget that she was supposed to be a boy, that she was supposed to be lying. He might notice that though her face was that of a male, her body was not. The baggy clothes hid it well, but in these close quarters, she had to be careful.

No matter how many times he taunted her, Rhen had come to be a friend, and she would not mess that up, not yet.

"This is one of my favorite spots on the ship," he said, eyes still closed in relaxation, "though many wouldn’t say the same. It's considered a punishment to be put up here, because of all the movement, but I've always found it very peaceful, very liberating."

Feeling her stomach unsettle slowly, Jinji might have agreed with the others, but there was something oddly comforting in her mood and oddly settled too.

"This was where I came to escape the castle and my father and mostly my responsibilities. Even if I was only on the dock, still stuck in Rayfort, I seemed miles away on top of this ship."

He opened his eyes slowly. The wind rustled his red hair, forcing it to spill over his forehead. Jinji wondered if her own short hair was doing the same, without her braid to keep it still and steady. Just the other night she had borrowed Rhen's knife to cut it short again, not ready to stop her mourning period—not even close.

"Do you have a place like that?"

Jinji closed her eyes tight, fighting back the water gathering there.

The clearing.

The meadow.

It used to be her spot, but all she saw now was Leoa, tying her braid, pulling over her joining dress. Both of them giggling, completely ignorant to the cries of their people, to the children and the women, to the warriors, to her parents. Even to Maniuk, singled out by the shadow for his strength and his skill—used and discarded.

All she heard now was the blood-curdling scream that cracked her spirit in half, the pounding of her footsteps, the soft thud of a body as it fell to the ground.

"No," was all she said. No, she didn’t have a safe place like that, not anymore.

"It will get better," Rhen said. Jinji wouldn’t look at him, but instead focused on the far away horizon. "I know it doesn’t seem like it, but it will."

He took a deep breath, cracked his knuckles. Jinji almost heard the words waiting on his lips, could feel them press against his tongue wanting to come out. The air was static, electric from his pounding heart, his pulsing nerves.

And then it all stopped.

Silence.

"I had a younger brother once," Rhen confessed, his words heavy with an emotion that was mirrored by Jinji's wounded soul. "He was barely a year old when he was murdered by the man my father trusted most in the world. And I could have stopped it, if I had only understood what—" His voice shook, wavered on an edge. "I found papers that held evidence the murder was going to take place, but I was too young to understand what they meant, too naïve to know what I had found. And for that, my brother paid the price." He turned, met her stare with eyes a deep dark green, like the forest at twilight. "I know what it means to lose someone, but I also know that though the pain will never fully fade, eventually you will be able to endure it."

Jinji didn’t know what to say, so she said nothing at all. Silence was the better option. Silence let the words sink in, let their truth ring, let her realize that Rhen had allowed her a peek at a place within himself that he didn’t show to everyone—that he did not even show to most people.

Jinji opened her mouth, aching to tell her own story, but her throat closed up, stealing the sound from her voice.

She trusted him, after all he had done for her, Jinji trusted Rhen. But trusting someone was one thing, and opening herself up to him, making herself vulnerable to be hurt again, that was something else entirely. Rhen might have been willing, but it was only because he didn’t know that in the end, he would just be wounded—by her lie if he ever found out the truth or by her leaving without a word of goodbye.

And Jinji couldn’t handle any more pain. 

"Thank you," she said quietly, instantly regretting it. Rhen blinked once, but once was all it took for his gaze to unglaze and his features to retreat, to harden. One blink was all it took for him to shut himself off again.

The Phoenix Born – Chapter 10

Jinji stopped him by grabbing his cheeks and pulling his face against hers, kissing him urgently. Rhen tried to pull away, to understand why she wasn't thrilled by the news, but her hands traveled to the back of his neck, grip tight, and he couldn't break her hold. Her lips moved fast against his, pleading with him silently. Everything about her was desperately trying to hold on to the moment, to stop time, as though she were drowning and the air from his lungs was the only thing that might save her, as though he were her tether to life.

Rhen wanted to give in. More than anything, he wanted to melt beneath her touch and forget the world, to kiss her until the sun rose the next morning, and even then maybe not stop. He could so easily get lost in the fire of her touch, the silkiness of her skin.

But he couldn't let himself.

The woman he loved was in pain.

Her kiss wasn't full of passion. It was full of dread. Rhen sensed the dark taste on his tongue.

"Jin," he mumbled against her lips.

But she didn't stop.

Rhen reached back, unlatching her fingers, pulling her forcibly away from him, finding her eyes. "Jin?"

And with that word, she couldn't avoid what was in her heart any longer. A tear rolled down her cheek, and she gave in, collapsing against him as her body racked with sobs. The moans came from a dark place within her, ripping their way up her throat, making him wince at the sound.

Rhen wanted to demand answers.

He wanted to force her to explain, to let him in, to tell him what had her so distraught.

But he didn't.

He just held her, kissing her forehead and rubbing her back. Not questioning. Not demanding. There would be time for answers later. Right now, Jinji needed a shoulder to cry on and nothing more. He gave that to her, embracing her until sleep claimed them both.

~~~

Inspiration Board for A Dance of Dragons!

A snapshot of my inspiration board for A Dance of Dragons—just a little taste of the characters, settings, and mood of the series! To see all of the images and for original sources, please check out the board on Pinterest!

https://www.pinterest.com/kdavisbooks/the-shadow-soul-inspiration/

#Giveaway ~ The Designed by Kate Tailor (The Designed Series #1) ~ #Sci-Fi #Paranormal ~ #Review

The Designed by Kate Tailor
(The Designed Series #1)
Publication date: January 26th 2015
Genres: New Adult, Science Fiction

Synopsis:

What if the next new drug was you? Raleigh’s body produces a drug that could define the future of medicine if the dangerous world surrounding it doesn’t kill her first.

Eighteen-year old Raleigh Groves can sense disease in others and is suffering from her own unexplained illness as well. After years and dozens of doctor visits, she has given up hope of ever finding a cure, let alone a diagnosis. Then she meets a man who explains that her talent and curse are linked. Her body produces a drug, Lucidin, which allows her to sense others. She’s rare, and the drug she makes is coveted.

Rho has spent the last few years on the run. The Lucidin that is racing through his system makes him a target. Surrounded by addicts and dealers on one side and scientists and doctors on the other, he has to rely on his wits and his team to stay one step ahead. So far he has stayed afloat, but some of his brothers haven’t been as lucky.

As Rho and Raleigh collide they must face the perilous world of Lucidin together. Nothing is black-and-white and Raleigh must decide where her alliances lie. Sometimes the hardest heart to sense is your own.

Add to Goodreads

Purchase:

Amazon / B&N

AUTHOR BIO:

Kate Tailor lives in Boulder, Colorado. She has a background in molecular biology and pharmacology. Writing has been a passion of hers since she was young.

Author links:

Facebook / Website / Goodreads

My Review

                       

I have to say that this is one of the best books I have read in awhile. I was hooked right from the start. We start with Rho, and him trying to escape, we do not know why or anything, but we just feel we need to root for him. There is not alot with Rho, but enough to really like him.

Raliegh is the main focus of this book, and I really liked her too. I loved her strength, and how she didn't take crap from anyone. I loved how her "problem" ended up making her very strong.

This book is a sci-fi with a touch of the paranormal, which I love.

I do not want to say too much, but want to say its written extremely well, and an awesome read. I didn't want it to end.

I give this 5 out of 5 stars. I highly recommend.

I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chapter 1

Rho opened his eyes and tried to focus on the whitewashed brick wall to his right. His sense of time had become muddled, and he suspected that he’d lost some days altogether. Initially, he’d held on to a vague hope that he’d be able to mark time by the moon—which he occasionally glimpsed through the paper-thin curtains—but he soon understood that even that small endeavor was impossible. He was rarely conscious long enough to establish the time of day, and a bright morning could give way to the darkness of midnight in the blink of an eye. The sun slipped through the window during the day, but in the pitch black of night the only light emanated from the vitals monitor and the dials on his IV. As his eyes followed the small tube that ran down from the IV bag to the needle that pierced his right arm, he noticed that the white wall was splashed with vivid magenta and tangerine hues. At least he could be certain that it was morning.

All his life, Rho had prided himself on his powers of recollection. Now, any observations he’d made were difficult to remember. He tried to go over what he knew. Every time he awoke he was lying in this small room, and the soreness of disuse was creeping into his muscles and joints. As far as he could tell, he hadn’t been moved from the bed. His mouth was dry, and he hadn’t had anything to eat or drink. He’d been here for what he considered a long time—far too long to stay alive without eating or drinking—and he realized that the IV bag must contain nutrients and a very strong sedative. Two-man teams sometimes unintentionally roused him when they were checking his vitals and replacing the IV bag. And based on the colors on the walls and the slant of the light, it seemed that they only appeared at sunrise and sunset.

Rho looked over at his left arm. His port was connected to tubes running to and from an extraction machine. The machine whizzed periodically, sounding as harmless as a hair dryer, but Rho knew better. He’d heard about others being drained to death. It wouldn’t be the strong sedative or foggy reality that would end him. The greedy extraction machine that siphoned the Lucid from his blood was the real threat.

Lucid was the street name for the complex hormone scientifically known as Lucidin. It had quickly come to define Rho’s life, and it was why he’d been captured in the first place. Lucid makes controlling autonomic functions—such as heart rate and blood pressure—as easy as controlling breathing. But that was just one of the properties that made it so coveted. Lucid was a weapon as much as anything else, and Rho knew it could be his salvation…as long as they didn’t take every last drop of it from him.

Yesterday, they’d extracted too fast and Rho’s body had given up its fight to live. Death claimed him, but only for a minute. His captors brought him back to life with an electric jolt from a defibrillator. Rho’s death was unpleasant but quiet, and he thought that if his jailors had any respect for him at all they would’ve let him die. He’d heard one of the men—presumably a doctor—conclude in a gravelly voice that if they were going to preserve him for a while longer they’d have to drain him more slowly and reduce his dose of sedative. Like an elephant hunted for its tusks, he was going to die because of his captors’ insatiable need for Lucid.

The decision to slow extraction and reduce the sedative afforded Rho extended moments of alertness—and a small reserve of Lucidin. He turned his head to the vitals monitor. A little heart in the corner was blinking in rhythm with his heartbeat while a line graph displayed the peaks and dips. Two numbers divided by a line showed his blood pressure. Utilizing the Lucid that the extraction machine had yet to rob him of, Rho lowered his heartbeat and blood pressure. His goal was to keep his vitals hovering just above unconsciousness until the morning team had come and gone. This gave him something to focus on besides the past, the dismal-looking future, and his growing concern that his brothers would suffer the same wretched fate.

A two-man team arrived just as the sunrise was giving way to a sunny, cloudless day. The doctor looked at the readout of Rho’s vitals, and the other man walked over to the extraction machine.

“Damn! He’s doing worse,” announced the doctor in his gravelly voice. “We’ll have to slow the extraction and reduce his sedative a bit more.”

“What? Are you serious?” screeched the assistant. Lowering his voice, he said, “We already did that yesterday.”

“Yes, we did. But if we don’t do it again we could lose him…too soon.”

“I don’t like it. I don’t like it at all. No, I don’t,” said the assistant as he removed the vials of Lucidin from the extraction machine and delicately placed them in a case.

“He can’t harm us when he’s in this state,” the doctor assured him. “Anyway, the longer we keep him alive, the richer we’ll be. You like that don’t you?”

“Fine, if you insist. I’ll do it,” agreed the assistant.

Rho felt a pang of joy—his plan was working. He had to concentrate to keep his heart from kicking up a notch. After replacing the IV bag and adjusting the extraction machine, the men left.

Rho took a long breath and sighed with relief. Unlike most prisons, his had no bars or locked gates. The drugs and fatigue were enough to trap him in his own body—but not for much longer. He would make his escape today. His captors were unlikely to lower the extraction and sedative dose any more than they just had, so he had to make his move. He would do it tonight, when the second team came to check on him.

Today was the first day in a long time that he was aware of each and every moment. He darted his eyes across the room. A small seagull was preening itself on the windowsill. One of the guards had once asked why there weren’t bars on the window. The answer was that the drop would likely kill Rho, and even if he survived the current would pull him under. Occasionally he’d heard people speaking in French, and he figured that he must be somewhere along the French coast.

Knowing that he could die while making his escape, he savored the hours. Part of him wanted to reflect on his life, but he pushed those thoughts out of his mind as soon as they arose. Those thoughts too closely resembled grieving, and he wasn’t about to grieve the life that he was fighting to save….

The sunset was particularly beautiful. Mauve and azure hues playfully painted his room, as though Mother Nature wasn’t aware of the suffering he endured. Maybe she was aware of his suffering—and glad to see it. After all, he was an affront to her.

Rho heard voices as the evening pair opened the door to his room. Of all the teams, Rho was most familiar with this one. These two talked the most, and the young man had once taken a phone call in the room, but he was swiftly reprimanded by the old man. The young, unsure little attendant asked a lot of questions, and although the old man seemed to be aggravated by his companion’s inquires, he always answered.

“The morning crew said he was doing poorly,” the old man said in a sure, deep voice.

“They turned down the machine again. He’s not giving us as much Lucid,” noted the young man as he retrieved the vials.

“From the look of his vitals, he’ll only last a few more days.”

“He’s going to die, isn’t he?” asked the young man. Despite his current job, he wasn’t the heartless kind.

“The world will be better off. He’s dangerous. They’re monsters…all of them. Don’t let his angelic looks fool you. He’s the devil.”

Rho wasn’t sure if the last part was true, but the part about him being dangerous certainly was.

The young man put away the vials of Lucidin. He was clearly troubled by Rho’s situation, and he didn’t respond to the comment. As he leaned over to change Rho’s catheter bag, Rho jerked, causing urine to spill out.

“Oops!” exclaimed the young man.

“You need to be less clumsy,” the old man scolded.

“It’s all over the place. I’ll have to clean him up.”

“Yes, you will!” barked the old man as he walked around the bed and unfastened the leather restraints that bound Rho’s arms and legs. “Get fresh sheets and clothes out of the hall closet…and a sponge and soap,” he yelled as the young man hurried out of the room.

The old man disconnected Rho from the vitals monitor and extraction machine and began to undress him. This was the opportunity Rho’d been waiting for. He didn’t need a machine to sense the old man’s heart. It had a stent and it wasn’t strong—not that it mattered. Rho willed it to stop. The old man grasped at his chest, giving Rho a haunted look. A moment later, he fell dead to the floor.

The young man dropped everything as he stepped inside the room. Without giving Rho much thought, he mumbled a curse under his breath and rushed over to position the old man for CPR. Rho knew that the young man was strong and stressed. His lungs were taking in deep breaths…until Rho stopped them from contracting. The effect was akin to drowning on dry land—like a fish left to flounder in the sun—and he was soon slumped over the old man. It was unpleasant for him, but unlike the old man, he would live.

Rho struggled to sit up. His muscles had atrophied from lack of use. Crawling out of the bed was painful, but he managed to get the phone from the young man’s pocket. He sent a text message and then quickly deleted it before return the phone to its pocket. Rho whispered a prayer, even though he wasn’t sure if people like him deserved a God. Then he pulled himself over to the window, opened it, and jumped.

You can find the rest of the blogs on the tour here

Darkest Reaches (Spiritual Discord Series #3) by Brandy Nacole #Giveaway - #Paranormal - #Review

Darkest Reaches

Spiritual Discord Series

Book 3

Brandy Nacole

Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal

Publisher: Ponahakeola Press

Date of Publication: April 30, 2015

Cover Artist: CCRBookDesigns

Book Description:

Kayson and the other fallen angels have risked their lives to keep Sabrina safe as she recovered from a Hell hound’s bite.  Just when she began to improve, Hell was unleashed as the hounds attacked, and kidnapped Sabrina. 

Now, only days after the fight between the fallen and the hounds, Kayson is determined to find Sabrina and bring her back from Hell.  The only thing standing in his way is a dangerous fallen angel named Iraja. 

Iraja has the means to find Sabrina, but he doesn’t do favors without a price. 

Sabrina is now facing the nightmare she’s been running from since being turned into a vampire a century ago: her eternal condemnation to Hell.  Knowing her only chance of survival may rest by playing nice and turning Hell hound Falon against Lucifer, Sabrina gives into the bitter darkness and now has to fight to remember the good soul she truly is. 

But when she discovers the role her and the innocent human Emma are forced to play, will her fear get the better of her, and will she be lost forever?

In the third installment of the Spiritual Discord series, the will to survive is tested, worst fears become a reality, and for one, betrayal becomes the only option. 

Available at Amazon and Lulu

About the Author:

Gemini Brandy Nacole is a writer of urban fantasy books.  She is the author of the Shadow World series and the Spiritual Discord series published by Ponahakeola Press.  A reader from a young age, Brandy has always loved folklore and stories of beings that go bump in the night. 

Brandy lives in Arkansas with her husband, three never stopping kids, two snooty cats, two very lazy bearded dragons, and one mellow turtle.  She is a member of the Ozark Romance Authors in Springfield, Missouri.  Whenever she’s not reading or writing, Brandy is spending her time outdoors wheeling, hiking, playing amateur photographer, and enjoying a good laugh. 

Author Links

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest

Tour Giveaway
2 Spiritual Discord swag packs

$10 Amazon GC

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Review

I had a bit trouble getting into this one as I had trouble remembering the 2nd book, and to me, you really need to read the previous ones and remember, lol. That being said its still a great book. Once my memory was jogged a bit, it was easier to grasp.

I enjoyed some of the new characters that came into this. I also was glad to see some returning characters too. Not too happy with the hints a love triangle to possibly come, hopefully I am wrong on that, I am not a big fan of the love triangles.

I felt really bad for Sabrina, she had to work hard to hold onto her humanity. Being in hell after she was kidnapped is not a fun time for her, that's for sure.

Overall its a great read and continuation on the story. Its fascinating, and I do highly recommend. Especially if you have read the previous books.

I give it 4 1/2 stars out of 5

I was provided a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.

Chapter

Two

Sabrina

The foul smell coming from the demon washing my arms would make any sane person want to vomit. And her smile. Good lord what does she do, chew on rocks for fun? They’re broken off at uneven angles, some worse than others. And what exactly were those rocks covered in, tar? The black stains, not only on her teeth but on her gums as well, makes me wonder.

She smiles at me again when she notices me staring.
“No need for that, I’ve already gotten a nasty eye full.”
She smirks and goes back to her duties of washing off the blood that covers

me.

Not wanting to look at her face anymore, I gaze at the cave’s ceiling. God, the amount of bodies they have thrown at me the last few days (or has it been months?) makes my skin crawl. Every single human they brought me to feed from had their throats slit from ear to ear, causing blood to cover their bodies. It had been easy to refuse the feast that was being laid at my feet. They were all full of some sort of dark poison, or dark something. I could smell it in the air, although I’m sure they thought I wouldn’t notice because of my bloodlust.

After refusing the first few, Lucifer—aka Lou—ordered his demon henchmen to hoist the bodies from the ceiling. He thought this would give me no choice but to drink the tainted blood. Unfortunately for him, I had tucked my chin against my chest and did my best to keep the blood from getting anywhere near my face. Once the bodies were drained, the demons would discard of them, but would leave their blood dripping from me in hopes I would go into a frenzy. No such luck. Yet.

Each time it is getting harder and harder to refuse. My body craves what it’s deprived of, and I fear of what will happen to me if that need wins out. I have no idea what is in their blood, but it’s foul—like the demon in front of me now. Why Lou is playing such games, is beyond me. He has the power to do whatever he wants without hanging a mouse in front of the snake. And with me in no shape to fight back, he could easily get the job done. So why all of this?

The demon girl tosses the now blood-stained rag into the bucket, sending soap suds and water all over the rock floor. “Therr, you cleeean,” the demon girl slurs, her words hard to understand.

Intelligence and beauty seems to be lacking in this neck of the cave. “How much longer?” No need to emphasize on exactly what I mean. Any answer she gives me, whether for the next torture blood drip or my death, will suffice.
“Maser will be hare ssssoon.” The demon bends over to pick up the bucket, her long stringy, grease caked hair dipping into the tinged pink soapy water. It’s not an effective wash, but in her condition, it’s better than nothing.
Meeting with Lou again is an answer I was hoping not to hear. He may be toying with me now, but I know something big is going to happen soon. It has to. I may not know everything about his so-called master plan to turn Emma and I into one of his drooling mutts, but I do know they didn’t tie me up just to play this starving game. This isn’t the big torture session. This may just be for sport. Who knows with these creeps?
Once the demon is gone, two hounds come to stand—or rather, sit on their haunches—at the entrance where I’m being held. The rock room is small, with no other furnishings except for the chains holding me to the wall. Thankfully, Lou allowed enough slack in the bondages for me to sit down. Between the bloodlust, trying to use persuasion on the demons who came in, and the hollow feeling in my chest when I think about Kayson, it’s enough to have me collapsing in a heap every time I am left alone.
The helpless feeling that likes to take over when I’m alone with my thoughts starts to set in. First, my chest begins to tighten. Then my vision begins to darken, as my limbs grow numb and useless. What is going to happen to me? I don’t want to become one of Lucifer’s drones to command, to torture for all of eternity. I need to find a way out of here.
I promise that with every ounce of will I have left, I will try to survive. But I also promise that if something happens to you, no depth in Hell will keep me from coming to get you.
Kayson’s promise echoes through my mind and causes my muscles to tighten even more. The last thing I want is for Kayson and the others to come rescue me and get captured in the process. But no matter my fear for them, I can’t but help allow my mind to wander, and imagine Kayson storming through Hell with his sword raised high, his muscles straining as he fights the hounds and pushes his way past their defenses. The look of relief on his face, even though it’s not real, makes me smile. I can almost feel him scooping me up into his arms and carrying me out of this nightmare.
The daydream shatters as a scream fills the hall, before being silenced by a slamming door. God, I hope Kayson has the sense not to come down here. As much as I wish for my fantasy to come true, I’d rather not have to face the reality of what would actually happen if he did try. The images that fill my head of the blood spilt causes my stomach to heave.
The improbable chance of Kayson finding his way into Hell is the only thing that puts my mind at ease. It’s not easy, and from what I remember, there’s only two ways in—besides being an evil bastard and dying of course, that’s a sure-fire way. But Lou isn’t going to be sending out welcome invitations anytime soon, and with Falon being on his short leash, Kayson’s chances are slim and none. And even if Falon wasn’t under the watchful eyes of Lou’s minions after he disappointed his Master by not staying to fight Kayson until the death, there’s no way he would help Kayson into Hell.
With the peace of mind that comes with knowing Kayson is safe and unable to fulfill his promise, my thoughts scatter. My mind races with so many questions, scenarios, and fears, I can’t grasp any to focus on. Will Kayson move on and continue to fight for the half-bloods? What sort of torture will I endure for the rest of eternity? If I’m turned into a hound, I wonder if the transformation is painful. Will I be able to eat food again? What if I have to fight Kayson and the others one day? A broken cry escapes me as I remember the desperation on his face as he tried to reach me before Falon shimmered us down below. I could never fight Kayson or any of the others. Will Falon treat me as any other hound or will he hold a special malice toward me? 
Speaking of Falon, I wonder where that mutt has been hiding these past few days. I haven’t seen him, and from what I understand from the whispers of the others, they haven’t either. It still astonishes me that Lou would leave his Alpha hound in such pain. The dagger I put through his chest had left him looking a little pale. After glancing over Falon’s wound, Lou had dismissed him. His punishment for not fighting the fallen to the death was going to be to suffer until the wound healed on its own. What a way to show appreciation to those who put their lives on the line for you.
The look of surprise on Falon’s face when I spoke out on his behalf reminded me of the same disbelief in Kayson’s eyes when I extended my hand to help him. A moment of kindness can go a long way; just look at Kayson and me. Maybe if I remind Falon of that moment, he will show me a little mercy if I’m forced to become a hound. Hopefully, it won’t come to that. Becoming a vampire was bad enough, but to become a hound is unthinkable.
Sometimes we are forced to do things we don’t want. Time to prepare yourself girl; you’re in for some disappointment. 
My fingers tighten around the chains and I close my eyes as that deep voice dripping with cold malice fills my thoughts. Malach had been right that night he whispered those words in the dark, before sinking his teeth in my neck. Things are forced upon us we don’t want and no matter how hard we try, nothing can stop it from happening. I had lashed out against Malach but it had been to no avail. Unlike that time, I will fight like hell until my last breath is drawn before I give in to being a hound. I won’t fall limp from fear. I won’t let something else I don’t want be thrust upon me by force.
The hounds blocking the entrance part, and in comes a slimy looking beast. Not in the literal sense, he isn’t covered in scales or dripping with scum. The look in his eyes is what gives his slimy, evil intent away. Whatever he has planned for me he’s obviously going to enjoy. Perfect.
His stride is calculated as he slowly stalks toward me. Sharp, metal-looking fingernails extend out of each finger and clank with every step he takes, causing my nerves to twitch. Dangling from those sharp points on his right hand is a key. My nervousness spikes. Where is he going to take me? Hope shifts within me and I begin to calculate my chances of escaping before he gets the chance to lay a finger on me.
First I gauge my strength, which isn’t much since I’ve deprived myself of nutrition. Second I plan my attack. First I’ll try to persuade demon boys mind. If that doesn’t work, a chain wrapped around his throat should do the trick. Once free, I’ll have the hounds to contend with. A quick sweep of the small space confirms my fears, I have no weapon to defend myself.
But I’m not going down without a fight.
A desperate plan forms in my mind just as the slime bag reaches me. A slight upward turn of his lips gives way to one creepy smile as he outstretches his hand and begins to unlock my right chain. Once I hear the lock click open, I jump into action. Whipping my left hand around his head, I wrap the chain around the demon’s neck, pull it tight, and hold on for dear life. The demon gurgles, his claws tearing at his own skin as he tries to free himself. It does no good. As he struggles, I wrap my legs around his waist and knock him to the floor.
Unfortunately my escape plan is interrupted, just like I feared it would be. The hounds that had been blocking my door come in the room, jaws snapping as their growls echo from the thick stone walls. The hound on the right lunges and lands on my back. I lose my grip on the demon as I roll onto my side to avoid the attack from the hound on the left.
With a quick intake of breath, the slime bag is on his feet and advancing toward me, a wicked secret dancing on his lips once again. Great, I probably just made his day. Before he can get a grip on me, I’m jerked back by the hound on my right. His claws dig into my leg as he swipes at me, the depth of the wounds going to the bone. 
Suddenly, my attacker is gone and the hound’s whimpers fill the room. The hound backs away toward the exit, his head down, teeth exposed, and he growls his frustration at demon boy. I wonder why they’re backing off. Maybe they know I’m not just some toy to be played with. Probably not. I take note of the double gash scar above the hound’s left eye. Oh, me and this hound will have our chance, and next time, I won’t be the one being tossed around.
I start to ask if anyone is able to speak besides me, when suddenly I am picked up by the neck. Before I can even utter my surprise, my face is shoved into the rock wall of the cave. The impact explodes against my cheek, but before the shock or pain can really set in, my head is brought back and I’m once again thrust into the wall, again and again. Finally, my vision swims and the last thing I see is slime bucket’s pleased smile as I fall into his arms.

The rest of the blogs on this tour can be found here.

#Giveaway ~ Hunting Season by Nikki Jefford (Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #4) ~ #Paranormal #Vampires

Hunting Season by Nikki Jefford
(Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #4)
Publication date: March 3rd 2015
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Better to be a hunter, not prey.

Ever since her partner was kidnapped, Aurora Sky has been on a personal mission to get him back. To do that she needs the vampire responsible for destroying her life.

In order to have a snowball’s chance at success, she’ll have to team up with her most loyal friends—including a certain vampire in black with a provoking talent for distraction.

Old cravings aren’t easily quenched, nor past passions. With knowledge comes danger and Aurora is at risk on all sides.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24352803-hunting-season

Purchase:

Amazon / B&N / iTunes / Kobo

Book one is currently FREE at all major online ebook retailers. And available for the reduced price of $1.99 in audiobook with Amazon’s Whispersync for Voice.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Germany

Nook | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play | Smashwords | Goodreads

My Review:

I just love this series. It's been one of my all time favorites.  I love how the story has progressed. I can't say too much as I do not want to spoil anything for you.

If your a fan of paranormal books, and a different, and creepy spin on vampires, then this is the series for you. You can even try out the series for free by getting the first book for free, so you can find out for yourself.

Aurora is a strong female character that I love. She really gets even stronger in this book. I love the new changes we discover in this.

I highly recommend, this book and series is written very well, and will have you hooked right from the start.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review.

AUTHOR BIO:

Bookaholic, nature girl, and animal lover.

Nikki Jefford is a third generation Alaskan who found paradise in the not-so-tropical San Juan Islands (WA) where she is, once more, neighbors with Canada in a town without a single traffic light.

She married the love of her life, Sebastien, while working as a teaching assistant in France. They reside with their Westie, Cosmo in Friday Harbor.

Loves fictional bad boys and heroines who kick butt.

Author links:

Twitter / Website / Goodreads / Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can see the other blogs on this tour, Here