Book Review: The Double Life of Incorporate Things (Magic Most Foul) by Leanna Renee Hieber

This is an intriguing supernatural battle against evil forces.
The Double Life of Incorporate Things (Magic Most Foul)
by Leanna Renee Hieber

• File Size: 941 KB
• Print Length: 252 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1494324555
• Publisher: Deus Ex Victoriana (November 27, 2013)
• ASIN: B00H1J7506

Genre: YA, Paranormal (gaslamp fantasy)
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: November 27, 2013
"Just when we think our nightmares are over, the Society has invented a new horror. Around every corner a shadow, behind every whisper a demon. If we don't end what the devils began, we will die haunted..."

The finale in the acclaimed Magic Most Foul trilogy: The trauma and the terror of the Master's Society has only escalated for the dashing Lord Denbury and brave, feisty Miss Natalie Stewart, and a new terror has been unleashed in Manhattan. Together with their stalwart friends and unlikely heroes, they take the fight directly to the Denbury estate, where new evils have awakened. But are they prepared for all the sacrifices that shall be asked of them? With their very lives and the sanctity of their mortal souls at stake, Natalie and Jonathon are past the point of no return...

Review:
Natalie is a strong minded, independent young woman of 18. It is clear from the beginning of this story that she has special skills that have helped her fight demons and save the young man that she fell in love with, Jonathan, Lord Denbury. Jonathan’s soul had been imprisoned in a painting and his body possessed by a demon summoned by the Master’s Society. The first book covers how Natalie discovered Jonathan’s prison and helped to free him.

Natalie is aided by her father’s friend, a widow, Evelyn Northe, who Natalie views as a step mother. Natalie’s own mother died in a carriage accident but pushed Natalie to safety. Her mother now is present for her in times of great need as a guardian angel. Evelyn is a clairvoyant so she can accept Natalie’s and Jonathan’s skills and help them in the fight against the Master’s Society. Especially since the local law enforcement of 1880 don’t believe the supernatural, spiritual warfare goings on and resent having women poking into their investigation.

The evil Master’s Society is conducting terrible experiments to trap souls, reanimate bodies and using a powder to infect normal citizens with madness and violence. One group that has suffered from an unwitting attack during a party is a group of artistic types who have gathered together to support each other. Their charismatic leader is Nathaniel Veil who is famous for his shows on Gothic themes, including exploration of the paranormal. Ms. Lavinia Kent was the hostess of the party and she seeks help from Evelyn.

The story is set in Manhattan but takes the battle across the sea to Jonathan’s home outside of London, England. The four young people prepare to face several of the leader’s of the Master’s Society, including the mad, power hungry man who imprisoned Jonathan. Although they think they have a good plan, they do not fully realize the extent of danger they face.

There is good emotion and action in this story. The plot moves forward well while the young romance and other relationships are woven in as important elements. I enjoyed the spiritual foundation that supported the battle against the evil society and liked that it was a needed factor to fight the demons.

There was one minor point of view jump but most readers would probably not notice that technical error which caused an awkward sentence but didn’t disrupt the storyline. Other than that minor item I enjoyed the clean descriptions and fast paced movement of the book.

I had not read the prior books but there was enough background given to make this book understandable although I wished I had read the stories in proper sequence. This story has a proper ending although it  appeared to me that there might be a lead in to another story.Although designated a YA read, and containing some YA angst, this is interesting for more 'mature' readers too who enjoy paranormal battles.

I received the eBook for an honest review and participation in a book Blitz tour. Check the feature and Giveaway post linked HERE.

Sharing Beyond Books #132 Comment Giveaway, January 1, 2014

Hello again on Saturday night the first day of 2014 and Welcome to Sharing Beyond Books, SBB!
Thanks to everyone who commented on the last SBB post in 2013 and shared books you are looking forward to reading! Thanks also for your patience on the delay of this post. I have decided to just do one question for this post and I may do that in the future too.

Now.. on to SBB time.
Many commenters named Green Tea as their favorite. Three commenters do not drink herbal and/or hot tea. There were other interesting flavors but the most interesting one to me is "Red Rose Vanilla Biscotti Black Tea K-Cups for my Keurig," mentioned by Brooke. That is one I think I will try.

Fifteen of us shared the titles we are looking forward to reading. One book was named three times -  The King by J.R. Ward; and one  was mentioned twice: First Love by James Patterson.

~~~~

The Winner from SBB #131 comments is: #15 CAROL L who can make a GC choice if international or book choice from the ARC/Review titles, Christmas titles or Love titles - all linked near the end of the post.  Please let me know your choice by completing the (new) WINNER FORM.

WINNER OF THE SPECIAL GIVEAWAY for book that you are looking forward to reading is:
#1 JESS1 who wants to read Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews (Bk 2 Kate Daniels series).
Jess - please fill in the Winner Form with your address for print book or if you already have this book then let me know if you want GC or PayPal for its value.

WEEK #132

Q1. bn100 asks: Is there anything specific you look for in reviews??

A: Good question. I look for details on action and comments on style of writing. I also note if there are comments on the extent of sexual content - sweet, steamy, hot or erotic.

Image - Review Icon found at hackcod.com.

Thanks to those who are sending in Questions. DON'T BE SHY! Surely everyone has a Q or two you'd like to ask. Input suggestions in this Suggested Question Form. At the end of each month I draw from the suggestions I used during the month and that person will get a book choice or GC. I thank everyone for submitting questions. Thanks for sending in questions! We are getting low on questions so hopefully you will send more in -- even if they are duplicates I'll weed through or try to modify to use. 

Thank you for Questions used in December which were submitted by: Winnie, Marjorie, Margaret and ElizabethL. Random.org choice is #4 so ElizabethL gets to pick a book or GC.

Your turn to share:

Q1. bn100 asks: Is there anything specific you look for in reviews??


SBB Comment Winners can choose a selection from the Valentine and "Love" books , the Christmas Giveaway Books, or the June 2012 Newly Updated ARC/Review List.

SBB Rules:
a) Must be a follower.
b) Share a comment on either of the two questions above.
Open internationally and an international winner may get a smaller book or a $5.00 GC if I decide the mailing is too much.

I will pick a Comment winner from all comments made through Saturday January 4, 2014 at 5 PM  central.

First book of the year 2014 Post - The Harbinger: The Ancient Mystery that Holds the Secret to America's Future

First Book of the Year 2014

This link up is offered by Sheila at Book Journey.

I had my DH take a picture of me with the two books and my MP4 player.
(I hadn't prepared for this so I am dressed in a favorite, warm, 'sit at home' scruff shirt
and I didn't even have make-up on. At least my hair is normal and neat.)

I was very glad to plan this book, The Harbinger, as my first read for 2014.
It is quite amazing and alarming!
I selected this for the first book in the new year for Ladies's Book Club.
The ladies are excited about the discussion meeting this Saturday.
I will be posting my review, with a giveaway, on either Saturday or Sunday.

The Harbinger: The Ancient Mystery that Holds the Secret to America's Future
by Jonathan Cahn
Narrated by Jonathan Cahn


Publisher's Summary
Is it possible that there exists an ancient mystery that holds the secret of America's future? That this mystery lies behind everything from 9/11 to the collapse of the global economy? That ancient harbingers of judgment are now manifesting in America? That God is sending America a prophetic message of what is yet to come? Before its end as a nation, there appeared in ancient Israel nine specific warnings and omens of national destruction - these same Nine Harbingers are now manifesting in America with profound ramifications for America’s future and end-time prophecy.

Hidden in an ancient biblical prophecy from Isaiah, the mysteries revealed in The Harbinger are so precise that they foretell recent American events down to the exact days: the 3,000-year-old mystery that revealed the exact date of the stock market collapse of 2008… the ancient prophecy that was proclaimed from the floor of the US Senate and then came true…and more. The revelations are so specific that even the most hardened skeptic will find it hard to put down. Though it sounds like the plot of a Hollywood thriller - IT’S REAL.

The prophetic mysteries are factual but revealed through a riveting narrative the reader will find hard to put down. The Harbinger opens with the appearance of a man burdened with a message he has received from a mysterious figure called The Prophet. The Prophet has given him nine seals, each containing a message about America's future. As he tells of his encounters with the Prophet, from a skyscraper in New York City to a rural mountaintop to Capitol Hill to Ground Zero, the mystery behind each seal is revealed. As the story unfolds, each revelation becomes another piece in a larger and larger puzzle, the ramifications of which are, even now, altering the course of America and the world.

©2012 Jonathan Cahn (P)2012 Charisma House

I am listening on MP4 while referring to the texts.

The Harbinger
(UNABRIDGED)

Author: Jonathan Cahn

and

 
I purchased The Harbinger for my book club ladies as Christmas gifts. We will be reading this for meeting and review in January.
I already had the book on Kindle but I purchased the study guide in print to help me lead the discussion.

The Harbinger Companion With Study Guide: Decode the Mysteries and Respond to the Call that Can Change America's Future-and Yours
by Jonathan Cahn

Please share what is your first book for 2014 and I think there is still time to link up at Book Journey.
Happy Reading in 2014!

Welcome 2014 - Happy New Year!

Happy and Healthy 2014 to everyone!  Best wishes~~

I just finished my last review book for 2013. :-)

Book Review: Silver-White (The Great North Woods Pack #1) by Shawn Underhill

This wolf shape shifter story is very engaging but has a cliff hanger ending.

Silver-White (The Great North Woods Pack #1)

by Shawn Underhill

• File Size: 368 KB
• Print Length: 169 pages
• ASIN: B00AQHLQ5U

Genre: Paranormal, Wolf Shape Shifer

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: December 18, 2012
“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
~ Robert Frost

*Evie’s family has been holding out on her …
Big time.
On an unexpected visit to her grandparents’ house in New Hampshire’s secluded North Woods, the sixteen-year-old literally runs into the truth of the long-hidden family secrets, and finds herself thrust without warning into the clandestine world of the Great North Pack—a wild and exhilarating world of rugged beauty, heart-pounding adventures, and long nights running under a sea of stars … but as she’s set to discover, a world also fraught with potential dangers lurking in the shadows.

Review:
Evie was always a restless child and discovered a great passion for running at an early age. She lived with her widowed mother in Alabama and especially loved her summer and occasional winter visits to her grandparents' farm in the North Woods of New Hampshire. There she would run on dirt roads between cornfields and on trails through the woods. She would dream of running and then one night, as she was nearing her seventeenth birthday, she dreamt of familiar northern paths where she found herself running in wild freedom, faster than ever before, with a steady heartbeat of joy.

Evie has shifted to her wolf self without ever knowing of her history. Her mother immediately takes the feverish young woman to her grandfather and the pack. Suddenly Evie is not just the newest wolf, but a white wolf from the legendary leaders of the pack. This brings a response of jealousy from some but mostly joy in a pack that cherishes family and strengths. Evie faces a crash course in learning as she is ignorant of the pack ways, history and dangers. Her new world is complicated by outsiders too. There is a cougar pack that has had an old rivalry with the wolves. They tended to remain off on their own but the news of a new white wolf has brought them in to attack.

Evie is struggling to take in the fact that she is a wolf shifter, there are other shifters, and there are human ‘rats’ that sneak and spy. She is also trying to assert her reasoning, human will to control the wild wolf instinct that flashes forth causing concern and danger for herself and her friends. But she is young, foolish and quickly gets into trouble. While facing the dangers of control and marauding cats, Evie and her pack also have to remember to maintain a low profile so humans do not suspect strangeness in their midst.

This story jumps into a good steady pace and is wonderfully portrayed from the view of the young protagonist who is frightened, confused, a bit angry and yet thrilled at her new world. Evie doesn’t realize how special she is so she is not arrogant in her unique blood lines but she also is totally a reckless teenager. The character is fittingly developed as are others of the pack - relatives and friends. The reader gets the emotional impact of the teen fitting into a family dynamic, as well as wonderful descriptions of enhanced senses.

There is plenty of good action and I was well engrossed in the story when it hit a cliff hanger end! It was an “Aargh” moment because I didn’t want the adventure to end but I really didn’t want it to end in such a dangerous, unresolved situation! I recommend this story to those who like action and the family dynamic of shifter packs. Just be forewarned that you may want to have the second book handy.

I featured this in BookBlast and it sounded interesting so I purchased it for review. Note GC giveaway ends 12/31/13.