Juno Books

Fang-tastic Books:

The urban fantasy genre has a wonderful new heroine in Anya Kalinczyk.

Laura Bickle’s urban fantasy world is complete and unique. In a genre drowning under the weight of vampires, witches and werewolves Bickle’s character Anya, a Lantern, is something different and refreshing. And the fire elemental Sparky the salamander- brilliant. The two of them together make a wonderful team that I really enjoy reading about….

Sparks is even better than the first book Embers. The interaction between characters is much more detailed and fleshed out, Anya’s character is also fuller and richer and I loved the introduction of a new character Charon the ghostly connection between this world and the underworld. I really hope to see more of him in upcoming books….Sparks was a fantastic fiery read that I couldn’t put down until it was finished. If each book in this series just keeps getting better I can’t wait to read the next installment.

If you are looking for something out of the ordinary in the urban fantasy genre- this series is one to try. Not a vampire in sight, no werewolves either but you’ll get lots of ghosts and elementals and Lantern or two.

Starcrossed Romance:

Embers is one of the absolute best urban fantasies that I’ve read. Having spent most of my youth in Detroit, one of the first things that struck me was the author’s knowledge of the city and its surroundings. Ms Bickle has done a phenomenal job of capturing the feel of the Detroit urban area.

But setting alone does not a story make. Ms Bickle has written a book that captures the loneliness and near despair of a woman who wants a more normal life. Unfortunately, her talent as a Lantern and her familiar, Sparky, makes that nearly impossible. However, Anya isn’t a ‘poor me’ sort of character. She honestly loves Sparky who, I admit, is a fascinating and lovable creature who reminds me of a cross between a big doofus dog and a quirky, independent feline. The plot is fresh and masterfully intertwined with the setting. I will remind readers of Star-Crossed Romance that Embers is not a typical romance with the plot actually depending on the romantic elements. However, the romantic elements do play a fundamentally important role for characterization and, to a lesser extent, to the plot.

I highly recommend Embers for anyone who enjoys urban fantasy or paranormal stories.

Pearls Cast:

Sparks is the second book in the Anya/Sparky series. I loved the first book Embers, especially because of Anya’s familiar Sparky who outshone everyone and everything in my opinion.

That being said: I absolutely love Sparks!

And this time it’s quite a bit harder to name one specific thing that outshone the rest I can tell you. Sparky does shine ofcourse (both while guarding his bathtub full of newts and while wreaking havoc on an unsuspecting Baby Super Store) but Anya shines as well in a way she didn’t and most probably couldn’t in Embers. Where she was emotionally quite closed off in the previous book she’s opening up in this one, making her vulnerable in a way that makes you want to hug her and kick some butt among those who pester her. The other characters are very intriguing as well, some raising some questions about who and what they truly are and others making you wish you had them as a friend. The one negative thing I can say is that at the moment it’s not clear if there will be more books in this series. I really hope there will be because I want lots and lots more Sparky and Anya!

Why should you read it:
In my honest opinion sofar this book is one of the five books you should read this year.

RT Book Reviews:

The second book in Bickle’s series about Anya Kalinczyk is just as wonderful as the first — Anya is a compelling and likable protagonist and Bickle does an outstanding job in her portrayal of the city of Detroit; there are ruins, yes, but also hope in the ashes. Anya never takes herself too seriously and there is a scene in a baby supercenter that is absolutely not to be missed. (4 Stars)

Bitten By Books:

Just as its predecessor in the series did, the marvelous Sparks hooks the reader from its very first page and refuses to let go…As before, Bickle creates a fully-realized world believable and fantastic at the same time. The city of Detroit once again provides a fascinating backdrop for the battle between the very visible and the unseen forces at work in the story. Almost a character in its own right, the deteriorating city fights for its survival just as Anya does. The author’s tactile imagery used to depict the ghosts and Sparky, hidden from the view of most humans, enables the reader to see and experience what Anya does and places them in the action.

As suspenseful and exciting as the story is with its rich setting and intriguing plot, the psychological examination of Anya adds even more depth to the narrative. Watching Anya learn to open herself to the possibility of close relationships proves emotional for the reader, as well. Anya chooses a career related to the most traumatic event of her life, the death of her mother for which she still feels responsible, but she still seeks to understand her metaphysical purpose as a Lantern.

Bickle’s deft hand with humor ensures that the serious subject matter does not overwhelm the tone, preventing too much darkness from hijacking this fabulous tale. An unforgettable scene in the fine arts museum manages to be both amusing and sinister at the same time. This excellent series remains a must-read for all urban fantasy fans.

Tarot Dame:

Dark Oracle is a mystery novel by new author Alayna Williams. When I received the book from Alayna, I was excited to dive into a story whose main character was a tarot reader, even if in the back of my mind, I expected the storyline to pale in comparison to the tarot bits I was looking forward to. I was delighted to find that the entire story captured my attention and held it. It kept me on my toes, turning pages, wanting to find out what happened next. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, start to finish. It contained action, mystery, mysticism, drama, romance and Tarot (as well as other divination methods)…When I finished the book, I wanted more. I wanted to know what was next for the characters. So I was very happy to hear Alayna’s answer to my question of whether there would be sequels: “DARK ORACLE is intended to be the first in a series. The sequel, ROGUE ORACLE, is coming out in March 2011…”

ROSWILA’S TAROT GALLERY:

…I’ve been delighted to find it’s a great read. The two threads woven through out of the intuitive arts (Tarot, for example) and hard science (quantum theory, I believe it is) I found especially enjoyable… As a Tarot reader, writer, teacher, and designer I can support her views on The Tarot…However, this book is above all a highly entertaining and intriguing mystery about a scientist who disappears while working on new technology that has possibly terrifying potential. I was intrigued and curious, concerned and delighted, start to finish. I was quite honestly briefly sad when this terrific ride was over!… But I’ll again emphasize that “Dark Oracle” is most of all an excellent mystery book. I’ve had the thought that in the future this old lady will be able to say “Oh yes, I read her first book and even back then it was quite obvious that she is a skilled imaginative writer.”

Highly recommended read whether you are left brain dominant or a Tarot fan, or neither.

Alternative Worlds:

The terrific second Kalinczyk urban fantasy is a great saga that works mostly because of the portrait of Detroit as a city with many ruins, but trying to recreate a new image. The heroine is fabulous as she keeps her wits and sense of humor in the midst of infernos (some created by unnatural arsons) while battling psychopathic and avarice arsonists and supernatural malevolent essences; in this preying on impoverish forlorn seeking miracles.

Scooper Speaks:

When I reviewed the first book I talked about Sparky, Anya’s elemental familiar. I really enjoyed him and that feeling still existed in “Sparks.”…As I neared the end of the book you couldn’t pry it from my hands. Add to that my love for the way Bickle contrasted people’s appearance in the spiritual world to that of reality, and you got a pleasantly dark book.

Book Reviews of a Teenage Readaholic:

The author pulls you in from the very first page, you can always imagine being in the setting. The main character and the sidekicks are easily imaginable. I liked how the author wrote in 3rd person so she could tell the feelings of other characters. The author never left you hanging and wrote a good conclusion that ends this book but leaves room for another book. The writing was powerful and the vocabulary was appropriate. This book reminds me of the Red Pyramid, the Mortal Instruments series, and Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. My overall view of the book was that it was entertaining. I learned about Egyptian mythology, mostly about the gods. I would recommend this book to people because it is very well written and is full of adventure.

Fantasy Literature:

“…a great deal of fun. We travel with Kira, Khefar, and friends to London, Cairo, Aswan, and an eerie alternate dimension, and Seressia Glass puts them through the physical and emotional wringer several times. In terms of the adventure aspect, the Egypt sections could have used a little more description to help “transport” the reader there, but nonetheless the story is enjoyable. We also get plenty of development on the romance front…The plot is a good one, but it takes an unusually long time to get there.”

Fantasy Literature:

I’m not reading the CIRCLE series for the heroine-vampire-werewolf love triangle. It’s well-written as they go, but it’s not what makes this series unique, and it’s not why I’m here. What I love about Linda Robertson’s books are the unusually rich family and family-of-choice relationships; the beautiful, spiritual descriptions of magic and ritual…
The second half really sunk its teeth in… and wouldn’t let go. The central characters face deep losses and the need to step up and claim more power and responsibility. Plus, there’s lots of magic — and when Robertson’s writing magic, that means lovely writing and high emotion set into a well-researched framework. The plot builds up to a gripping climactic battle.

Larissa’s Life:

As much as I absolutely love Urban Fantasy, it is not often that a book or series brings something new to the table. When that happens, I can’t help but feel my love for the genre being reignited. I was pleasantly surprised by Embers a few months ago and was really excited about reading its sequel, Sparks. I have to say that Laura Bickle has done a superb job with this book and she has delivered an even better one than her debut…

Sparks is such a thrill ride that I did NOT want to get down from! I read the book in one sitting and the pace was perfect and full of non-stop action. I just know now that Laura Bickle is the kind of author that will only get better with each book and I really hope there will be more books in this series. This is an awesome new Urban Fantasy series that you just have to read. I absolutely recommend it!

Darque Reviews:

Fatal Circle is the third book in the Persephone Alcmedi universe, and moves forward in solidifying the roles of the main characters. Ms. Robertson balances a delicious love triangle with all of the conflict and action that fans expect in this heroine’s life. Fatal Circle is well written, fast moving, and fueled by a mix of romance and paranormal influence. A must read in the Persephone Alcmedi series!

Urban Paranormal Blog:

…This book outdoes the first in more ways than I really could have imagined. Honestly, I didn’t think it would be better than the first book and was looking for a huge fail…

Key points: It moved so much faster than the first book.
There’s more drama in this book.
The action is tons better in this book. LOVED IT!

This book just never left me feeling empty or bored. It was a page turner that I finished in a day and a half and am SO GLAD I read this. Yikes it was great. So for those of you who weren’t into the first book, please make sure you get this one, it’s great. (5 Stars)

Curled Up With a Good Book:

Embers is on fire in the smoking supernatural world of urban fantasy. Sparking to life as new author Laura Bickle’s debut novel, this hot, gritty, paranormal mystery brings originality to a genre that covets expanding creativity in the paranormal and supernatural realms. For those who enjoy reads like Demon Inside by Stacia Kane, Matters of the Blood by Maria Lima or Deadtown by Nancy Holzner, Embers is right in league with this diverse selection of comparables. (4 stars)

Book Series Review:

I appreciate that Kira is still growing and learning and figuring things out. And I like that she’s learning to trust more people. Kira learns a good bit about her history during the course of Shadow Chase, but there is still an important piece of information missing, and I have a feeling that will be pretty important in future books.

As for the story elements: plot is once again exceptional, and there are mutliple plots going on, the longer term series arcs as well as the plots that get nicely tied up within this one book. The pacing had some issues, which is really too bad with as much action as there is in Shadow Chase. The prose and dialogue were well done, and character development is very well done. The world building in this series is incredible.

I’m going to give Shadow Chase a 9 of 10, knocking off a point for pacing. The series will get a 10 of 10, though, as this is a kick-ass series.

Book Rating: Shadow Chase: 9 of 10
Series Rating: Shadowchasers: 10 of 10

* * *

ALSO: An interview I missed earlier with Seressia at Over the Edge Reviews

Lovin’ Me Some Romance:

A stunning collaboration of science and fantasy, DARK ORACLE is an unusual high stakes ride of government cover ups and mythological magic. While one would expect the blend to be jarring, its actually quite seamless making the novel interesting from beginning to end.

Embodying a rich epic feel, Tara and Harry traverse dozens of obstacles not only in search of the truth but also within their own inner obstacles allowing vast and blatant character growth. However, with the secondary love plot playing such a dynamic role in Tara’s healing, I would have liked to have seen more chemistry, more sexual tension. It would have pushed this book from good to stellar. But the research is still phenomenal in both the science and magical aspects.

DARK ORACLE has all the makings of a good series start. For Urban Fantasy readers wanting to jump on an up and coming thrill ride, hail a ticket fast and get ready to hang on!

RT Book Reviews:

The second book in Bickle’s series about Anya Kalinczyk is just as wonderful as the first—Anya is a compelling and likable protagonist and Bickle does an outstanding job in her portrayal of the city of Detroit; there are ruins, yes, but also hope in the ashes. Anya never takes herself too seriously and there is a scene in a baby supercenter that is absolutely not to be missed. (4 stars)

Book Fetish:
…Williams does a good job of keeping this urban fantasy moving along at a rapid clip. Tara and Li have an interesting chemistry, which adds a positive element to the story. With enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and enough action to keep the pages turning, Dark Oracle doesn’t disappoint.

Bookish Life:

…Alayna Williams introduces us to a world where the occult meet science and anything is possible.

Dark Oracle is a fast-paced. action-packed, character driven story that got me gripping at the edge of my seat from start to finish. Evil plots meet scientific experiments and the supernatural in a great adventure.

Even though I love my Shifters and will always be a Vamp fan girl, It’s great to encounter an Urban Fantasy novel / series that stray from that beaten path and gives something new to read about. Alayna Williams has definitely accomplished that in spades and I recommend Dark Oracle to any Urban Fantasy lover out there. (4 stars)

Fresh Fiction Reviews:

I thoroughly enjoyed DARK ORACLE. While it initially seemed to be the second in a series, Tara’s back-story is slowly revealed and the novel is self-contained. Tara is a fully realized character, and her inner growth as well as the way her relationship develops with Harry has an emotional depth that is completely believable. The mix of science and special abilities is a different combination from other urban fantasies. I know little about the Tarot, but the author (AKA Laura Bickle) treated Tara’s readings with a delicate touch, letting the reader understand why Tara interpreted the cards the way she did, as well as giving enough of a description of the illustrations that the reader could come to their own conclusions. I highly recommend DARK ORACLE, and hope to see more of Tara’s readings in the future.

Fangtastic Books:

Fatal Circle is the third book in the Persephone Alcmedi series and by far the best one yet. Fatal Circle was packed full of action, intrigue and events that would not let me put this book down….

Fatal Circle was full of magick, secrets revealed and a few surprising twists and turns. This book was a wild pleasure to read. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, Arcane Circle, due out in December.

Love Romances & More: Tara is a complex and interesting character. Damaged not just in the physical sense but also in spirit as well; Tara is someone who you can sympathize with even as she takes steps into the world again-one that is very dangerous to her with each step she takes. Unknown enemies, mysteries and the power that lays deep inside Tara come full circle as the climatic ending explodes in a shower of bullets…I really was intrigued by Tara and her unique power in reading tarot cards. I never really saw something like this before in urban fantasy and it made it a fascinating read….
DARK ORACLE is a unique book to read and one that will leave you breathless as you try to see what happens next amid all the twists and turns within the pages. Ms. Williams delivers a stunning debut and one that will haunt you after the last page is read. If you enjoy a new sort of urban fantasy to enjoy, then grab DARK ORACLE.

Reading on the Dark Side:

Anya is a complex character who suffers from her past but still tries to manage the present on her own by make some tough decisions. She is a nice contrast to the other kick-ass heroines in the Urban Fantasy genre without being whiny.

Her only companion is Sparky, the unruly salamander familiar…. I really loved Sparky. He added a light note to the story and constantly reminded me of my own dog when he was a puppy.

The villain of the book is a also not your typical bad guy. The more Anya learns about him, the more intrigued she is by him, as he might be one of the only persons who can really understand her.

The members of the DAGR are a bunch of very unalike yet special people who are a great addition to the story.

Embers includes everything you could wish for in an Urban Fantasy book. A compelling story that picks up its pace from page to page until it culminates in a surprising and sizzling finale…and not your typical vampire and werewolf cast, but something else entirely.

Laura Bickle´s captivating debut makes you laugh with Sparky, sympathize for Anya, cheer for your favourite love interest and bite your nails at the very end.

4.5 of 5 Points from me.

Bitten by Books:

Fatal Circle by Linda Robertson brought tears to my eyes. The emotional depth of each character lapped at my feet and tried to lure me in. I could either drown in the possible sorrows or learn to swim by trial by fire. Reading this series has been like watching a child grow, from a wobbly toddler first learning about its world in Vicious Circle, to an obstinate, hormonal teen in Hallowed Circle, to an adult, sure of itself and ready to take on the world in Fatal Circle.

Seph is one of those characters you can’t help but admire. She’s levelheaded and confident, thinks through the situation instead of around it, and, most importantly, cares more about her family and loved ones than herself. On this leg of her journey, she’s realized her feelings for Johnny, her waerewolf roomie and bodyguard, are deeper than sexual attraction. Yes, he’s a vital part of her role as Lustrata, but he’s also a vital part of her life. Period. He is the wall she can lean on, no matter what, and I adore him for it. You can tell he doesn’t want the responsibilities that are thrust upon him in Fatal Circle, but he takes them on, for Seph and for his pack, because it’s “the right thing for the right reason”. Watching him grow from the sexy, flirty rock star to the compassionate boyfriend has been more enjoyable than I can possibly describe.

Even Menessos was enjoyable in Fatal Circle! No, not enjoyable—amazing. We’re given insight into his past, his motivations, and his true feelings. He’s still his usual, obstinate self, bending Seph to his will in new and ingenious ways, but now the reader knows why. When push comes to shove, Menessos is there for Seph. He makes the biggest sacrifice, by far, in this story, and I can’t wait to find out what the repercussions will be.

There are so many questions left unanswered at the end of Fatal Circle. I’ve already attempted to bribe Linda into answering some of them, but she’s not budging. It’s not fair! I have to know what Johnny desired the most, and what he gave Seph. I have to know what will become of Menessos and the Elementals. And what are they going to do for Beverly’s birthday?? (5/5 Tombstones)

Read My Mind:

The concept of this novel really appealed to me. EMBERS delves beyond magic or psychic ability. Anya is very enmeshed with her talent, even when she does her normal job as an arson investigator…It is interesting to read about someone who considers herself quite the loner, but there are people in Anya’s circle. However, she distances herself from them…Bickle also does such a great job giving Sparky, Anya’s elemental salamander familiar, a personality…

4/5 for plot
4/5 for characters
4/5 for language
My Rating: 12/15 Highly Recommend
Bonus Cover Points: 4.5/5

Alternative Worlds:

The third urban fantasy Circle tale finds the heroine overwhelmed, but not just by her destiny. Seph struggles with a complicated romance with her Waere while bonded to her Vamp, a High Noon confrontation with the Fairies or killing her bonded Vamp, and the most difficult mission of all is what to do about Beverly’s upcoming birthday while Nana hovers. Seph and the cast makes for a strong thriller as she and her sidekicks want to insure the monsters don’t devour Cleveland (as Maynard G Krebs would have said.)

Tour’s Book Blog:

Paranormal/urban fantasy are very personal genres. Either you like them, or you don’t. Within any genre, there are a few authors that manage to do something so appealing, that I pre-order the books – Linda Robertson is one of those authors for me. Her Persephone Alcmedi books are just that readable. Here we go…

Type: Urban fantasy/paranormal
Genre: Witch, werewolf and vampire in an uneasy alliance
Sub-genre: Search for truth, destiny and balance
My Grade: B+ (4.3*)

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love this series and the author has yet to let me down. Linda Robertson’s third installment in the story of Persephone Alcmedi, Seph to her friends, Fatal Circle, is an action packed event that takes places in just a few days. It picks up exactly where Vicious Circle left off…The story in fairly complicated, but as in the previous books, it’s a lot about facing destiny, like it or not, and sometimes painful changes and personal growth it forces you to embrace. Secrets are reveal and the one about Memessos is a gem. Johnny’s real place remains hidden, but I expect that might be part of book 4, as will Memessos’ fate.

Ms Robertson’s writing style is equal parts paranormal and urban fantasy, though not quite edgy enough for true UF fans. Seph’s newspaper column issues worked well in earlier books when they were part of her evolution, but seemed oddly misplaced here. The battle at the end was unsatisfying on several levels, but without giving away the ending, it’s hard to discuss. It’s what kept it from an A-. The plot was intricate enough and left plenty of questions for the next installment and a nifty cliffhanger for a main character. Highly recommended series that needs to be read in order. Worth the price!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Book Lovers Inc

I loved this series and this book did not disappoint!

All the things I loved about the previous books were still there…but it was also so much more! I love Persephone, and while I’m never a big fan of stories with ‘The One’ …in this series it worked perfectly…One thing I absolutely LOVED, his Seph’s magic! The rituals were not ordinary and she explains why she uses this or that, I was fascinated. Something I loved since the first book is when Seph goes into ‘Alpha’ mode and does meditation. The symbolisms of everything in her ‘inner place’ were amazing, it felt like we were with her on her journey to discover her true self. That’s one of the best thing about this series (well that and Hot Johnny… and Hot Menessos LOL).

I’m hooked baby! The last chapters are EPIC, wow…*my lips are sealed*…Fatal Circle was amazing and I had a lot of fun reading it. It has this little something more that kept me hooked all book long! I cannot wait for Arcane Circle. I recommend this book (Hell, I recommend the whole SERIES) to all fans of UF who wants a lovable heroine and sexy heroes.

I give Fatal Circle 4.5 Bookies (‘cause Susi said I couldn’t give it 4.75/5)