On the Same Page | Hold Me Closer, Necromancer | Lish McBride

on the same page Hold Me Closer, Necromancer • Lish McBride

Sooo, for the record, we read HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER by Lish McBride in October. Whoops. But, life. We all really enjoyed the blend of paranormal creatures, macabre subject matter, and dark humor. I’m definitely looking forward to reading NECROMANCING THE STONE (I love these titles and the way Lish McBride incorporated song titles or lyrics into the chapter titles) and anything else Lish McBride writes.

Because I enjoyed HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER so much, it got me thinking about what other books I–or anyone–could read that have some of the same qualities and themes. So without any more ado, here are some readalikes for HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER!

book cover for Croak by Gina Damico

It’s been a little while since I read CROAK by Gina Damico, but I thought of it a lot while reading HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER. It has a very similar vibe: lots of humor, lots of death, a young person with a gift of death. If you liked HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER, this would be the next place I’d go.

book cover for Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

There are parts of HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER that are maybe a little scary-ish. ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD has that angle DOWN; it’s definitely scarier than Necromancer. Also, it’s got another young guy who slays demons and ghosts, very similar Sam. In fact, I think Sam and Cas would get along REALLY WELL.

Book cover The Monstrumologist Rick Yancey

I LOVED this book. It doesn’t have the necromancer angle, but it does have a really awesome historical fiction demon hunter. It’s creepy, kind of gruesome, and the characters are wonderfully vivid. I also love the structuring of this book, as if it’s recounting an old story. Big fan, need to read more.

Book cover Shiver Maggie Stiefvater

I’m going to admit right now that SHIVER is not the most amazing of Maggie Stiefvater’s work. However, there are werewolves in HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER that are kiiiiind of awesome, and these are the only werewolves that I’m really familiar with in my reading. Also, Maggie. So that’s a bonus.

If you guys have read HOLD ME CLOSER, NECROMANCER and know of any other books that would be good readalikes, share in the comments! I’d love to read more!

Don’t forget to check out Brittany and Alyssa‘s posts, too!

Save Me Blog Tour | Post + Giveaway

Save Me Blog Tour

I’m so excited to be participating in the blog tour for SAVE ME, a debut from Swoon Reads’ author Jenny Elliot! A paranormal debut with witches and WHALES?! How awesome is this?? (Awesome.) There are so many interesting things going on in SAVE ME, but for me, I was most intrigued by the whales. Who doesn’t love whales? They’re big and gorgeous and sometimes dangerous and are basically some of the closest things left on this planet to DINOSAURS. I MEAN. So in this vein, I wanted to share some cool things with you all about the whales in SAVE ME because they’re really important to the main character, Cara, as well as a very intriguing side story.

Book cover Save Me Jenny Elliott

Debut-novelist Jenny Elliott’s thrilling romance, chosen by readers, writers, and publishers for the first list in the new Swoon Reads imprint, pours on the tension and danger in an addictive combination that will keep you turning pages!

Something strange is going on in the tiny coastal town of Liberty, Oregon. Cara has never seen a whale swim close enough for her to touch it—let alone knock her into the freezing water. Fortunately, cute newcomer David is there to save her, and the rescue leads to a bond deeper than Cara ever imagined.

But then she learns something about David that changes everything, and Cara is devastated. She turns to her best friend for support, but Rachel has changed. She’s suddenly into witchcraft, and is becoming dangerously obsessed with her new boyfriend….

Cara has lost her best friend, discovered that her soul mate is off limits, and has attracted the attention of a stalker. But she’s not completely alone. Her mysterious, gorgeous new friend Garren is there to support her. But is Garren possibly too perfect?

Amazon | Goodreads | Barnes & Noble  [Read more…]

Fortnight of Fright | Tortured Souls Excerpt

Fortnight of Fright

Who doesn’t love a good host hunt story? Show of hands. I don’t know about you all, but my hand is high in the sky right now. Well, look no further, ghost hunt-loving friends. Today for Fortnight of Fright, author Kimber Leigh Wheaton is sharing an EXCLUSIVE excerpt from her book, TORTURED SOULS!

Before we get to the excerpt, a little background for you:

Fortnight of Fright Tortured Souls

Fortnight of Fright Tortured Souls

Fortnight of Fright Tortured Souls

Oooooh, I’m intrigued!!! Now it’s excerpt time!


 

I’d like to share an exclusive excerpt from my paranormal romance, Tortured Souls, chosen especially for Fortnight of Fright. In this scene, main character Kacie Ramsey experiences her first official ghost hunt with the Orion Circle.

Excerpt from Chapter Nine ~ Ghost Hunt

Opulence drips from every detail in this magnificent hotel lobby. The chandeliers alone are worth staring at. Dangling crystals send beams of colored light dancing all around. Plush red furniture with gold accents that should appear garish just helps create the turn of the century look. Our tour guide describes the grisly history of the Red Majestic Hotel, but I turn a deaf ear. So much tragedy—I can feel the icy tendrils of energy pulling at my mental block.

“Now we’ll head to the kitchen so you can see the spot where Chef Andre killed his sous chef with your own eyes,” the guide says in a dramatic, booming voice as he ushers the tour members to the back of the hotel.

“This is where we leave you, Jeff,” Daniel says, passing a twenty dollar bill to our guide. “We’re heading up to room 208.”

“Always good to see you guys,” Jeff says, tipping his cowboy hat. “Y’all be careful up in 208. You never know what might happen in there.”

“No need to worry,” Logan says. “Keep us up to date on anything strange.”

“You’ll have to be a bit more specific than that,” Jeff replies with a grin. “Did you see that brunette cougar in the group? The one with the chest out to here,” he says, gesturing with his hands. “She actually squeezed my ass. Twice.”

“Let’s keep the reveal to the supernatural, Jeff,” Rebecca says through her laughter. “What you do with your tour groupies is your own business.”

“Sounds dreadfully dull,” Jeff says before heading off to his tour group. “Have fun in room 208, newbie,” he says over his shoulder.

“What’s in room 208?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.

“A very temperamental ghost,” Daniel says, in a deep, spooky voice. “Kinda reminds me of that green slime ball in Ghostbusters.”

“We want you to try to convince this ghost to move on,” Logan says, taking my arm and leading me toward a bank of gold elevators. “Okay, now turn around and face the lobby.”

I turn and gaze at the empty lobby. Everything is quiet with the tour group gone. My eyes roam across the turn of the century décor. I wonder what Logan wants me to see.

“Now lower your wall,” Logan says in an excited murmur.

The moment my barrier is lowered I gasp in amazement. Spirit energy fills the large room—men, women, children, and even a dog. It’s residual energy, an imprint left behind all those years ago. I’ve never seen anything like this… ever. In a way it’s so beautiful watching the wispy white forms go about their business, oblivious to the passing of time.

“It’s amazing,” I murmur to Logan. “Are any of them aware?”

“No, I think it’s all residual down here now,” Logan replies with a grin. “It’s like the Haunted Mansion ride at Disney World.”

“I’ve never been,” I reply, watching the ghostly image of a hotel clerk pass through the man at the bell desk. He shivers and his head darts around before he shrugs his shoulders and returns to working. “I can see why so many people have experiences here. How did we manage to walk through the lobby without running into one of the spirits?”

“I didn’t,” Daniel says, crossing his arms. “I felt one pass right through me earlier.”

“I wish I could see them,” Rebecca says, her voice filled with yearning.

“Ready for the next surprise?” Logan asks.

When I nod he pushes the up button for the elevator. The car arrives and we step inside the mirrored box. A ghostly form hovers near the control panel. He’s wearing what appears to be a uniform with a small pillbox hat.

“Floor two, please,” Logan says to the spirit.

“Cool!” Rebecca says as the number lights up. “Did the ghost push it for us?”

“Yep, this one seems to be aware,” Logan says, eyeing the spirit. “Are you happy here or would you like help moving on?” The specter tips his hat before disappearing.

“I guess he’s happy here,” Logan says with a sigh. “I wonder how long he’s been operating this elevator.”

“Probably since the hotel opened and an operator was necessary,” Daniel says, running his hand over the control panel. “Hmm, he’s quite content here. I don’t think he really notices the passage of time.”

“That’s good,” Rebecca says shaking her head. “I can’t imagine spending both life and death operating a stupid elevator.”

A bing sounds inside the elevator, and the doors slide open. I follow my friends down a long, dim hallway. Each door we pass is painted bright red to match the ornate red and gold carpet. Electric sconces hang on the walls at even intervals. If they flickered just a bit, I could almost imagine it being one hundred years ago. We stop in front of a door with 208 on it in gold numbers. Before Daniel can put the key card in the lock, a maid appears rushing down the hall toward us.

“Oh, I think you have the wrong room,” she says, her breathing ragged from running just a short distance.

“Nope, 208 is the room we’re looking for,” Rebecca replies in a cheerful tone. “We’re paranormal investigators. It’s been cleared with management.”

“Oh, I see,” she says, shaking her head as though she disagrees. “I tried cleaning in there earlier and the TV remote flew across the room and hit me in the head.” She glances around the hallway. “Where’s your camera crew? Am I going to be on TV?” she asks while fluffing her graying hair.

“I’m terribly sorry but we are academic investigators, not entertainers,” Logan says with a hard edge to his voice. “These spirits are people just like you and me and don’t deserve to be exploited.”

“It threw a remote at me!” the maid says with her hands on her hips.

“We’re here to try to convince the spirit to move on to the next plane,” Daniel says as he swipes the keycard through the lock. “With any luck, you’ll never have to deal with her again.”

When he opens the door, a musty, stale smell wafts out. After one last fearful glance at the room, the maid scurries away in silence. I take a deep breath, choking a bit on the heavy air. Even without entering the room I can tell a spirit is here. An unhappy spirit based on the vibes rolling out the door.

“Wow, the hairs are standing up on my neck,” Rebecca whispers. “Is that the ghost?”

“Yeah, she’s not happy to be disturbed,” Logan replies before crossing the threshold. “Rebecca, you can stay out here if you prefer.”

“No way in hell am I missing this,” Rebecca says, her body shaking in excitement or fear, maybe both.

Logan holds his hand out to me. My stomach does a little flip as I place my hand in his. He laces our fingers together and pulls me into the room. Static electricity crackles around us, making my hair fly in all directions. Through the veil of hair, I see an apparition so solid she looks alive. Her yellow sundress is in tatters, torn at the shoulder and hem. Vivid red stains mar the sunny expanse of ripped cloth across her stomach.

Blood.

“Do you see her?” I ask in a breathless whisper.

“Yes,” Logan replies, squeezing my hand. “Talk to her. Maybe she’ll listen to you. I think you two have something in common.”

“Okay,” I murmur, my eyes never leaving the girl.

Energy thrums along my arms, raising every hair. Releasing Logan’s hand, I walk toward the girl, watching in fascination as her long, dark hair flies around her. Her eyes are inky pools with no white visible. All in all, I think she’s one of the most terrifying apparitions I’ve ever seen in appearance. And yet, I sense only intense sorrow coming off her in undulating waves. This spirit is suffering terribly. She watches me as I lower my body to sit on the edge of the king-size bed. I fold my hands in my lap, trying to appear as innocuous as possible.

“Tell me your story,” I say to the spirit girl. “You’re suffering. I can help. Please share your story with me.”

“You would never understand the pain I have experienced at the hands of the woman who was supposed to provide care and nurture,” the spirit replies, turning away.

“You might be surprised,” I say in a calm, even tone. “Did your mother hurt you?”

“Yes.” Though she doesn’t elaborate, she does turn back to face me.

“My mother hurt me deeply,” I tell the ghost. My nose begins to burn which means the tears aren’t far behind. “Maybe not physically but mental anguish can be bad too. Just three days ago she reopened old wounds. My heart hurts just thinking about it.”

“Truly?” the girl asks, tipping her head to the side as though she’s contemplating my words.

“I know what betrayal feels like,” I reply with a deep sigh. “Tell me your story. You don’t belong here anymore. There’s no need to suffer like this. Please, let me help you.”

“My mother wed my stepfather when I was thirteen,” she says in a soft voice. The energy in the room spikes then dims when her shoulders sag. “Within a fortnight he was visiting me in the dead of night. He did things to me. Things that should only occur between a husband and wife. Horrible things—”

She shudders, crossing her arms over her chest. I don’t say anything… just wait for her to continue her tale. Her eyes meet mine, filled with tears, and I want nothing more than to hold her, to soothe her. She couldn’t be any older than I am. Without thinking I reach out to touch her shoulder, but my hand passes through her phantom image. I snatch my hand back, cradling my freezing fingers against my stomach.

“He visited me weekly for two years—threatened me with violence if I ever told a soul. Threatened to kill my m-mother.” She chokes the words out through gut-wrenching sobs. “One night my mother walked in while he was using my body…”

“What happened?” I ask when she remains silent.

“He told her I seduced him, that I was possessed by a succubus from Hell,” she says, flinging her arms around. Tendrils of icy wind billow from her fingertips. “She believed him. They locked me up in this very room.”

“I don’t understand,” I murmur, looking at Logan. “Why would they lock her up here?”

“This building was once used as a facility for tuberculosis patients,” Logan replies. He closes his eyes and shakes his head. “It was also used to hide the less desirable people from society.”

“I was with child.”

“Oh, I see. I’m so sorry,” I say as tears spill over my eyelashes.

The monster got her pregnant and locked her away where she wouldn’t be a nuisance. I look at the red stains all over her dress. There’s still more to this story.

“Mother found out about the baby,” she says in a whisper. “She screamed that it was demon spawn and must be removed no matter the cost. She stabbed the baby through my belly. Over and over. Screaming. So much pain.”

“What’s your name?” Logan asks as he approaches inch by inch, like he’s afraid she’ll flee.

“Maria.”

“Maria, you’ve suffered enough,” I say, rising from the bed. “None of this was your fault. You are a victim and did nothing to deserve it. Move on to the next plane.”

“Will my baby be there?”

“I don’t know,” Logan says when I can’t find my voice. “But there’s only one way to find out. I’m sure whatever you find there must be better than the pain you feel here.”

“I can go?”

“Yes,” I say, firm and sure. “Rest in peace, Maria.”

My heart leaps when a tiny smile crosses her face. She stares off into the distance, perhaps seeing something we can’t. Whatever she sees makes her smile grow larger. Her image flickers and begins to fade away. Right before she disappears, she waves goodbye.

“You did it!” Logan says, pulling me into a hug.

Tears flow down my cheeks. Wrapping my arms around his back, I rest my head on his shoulder. I can’t help but smile through the tears. Helping Maria was fantastic. She suffered for so long, and I was the one who was able to get through to her. Right now my ability seems more a blessing than a curse.


Kimber Leigh Wheaton

About the Author

Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a bestselling YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance. She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs, four cats, and lots of dragons. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!) She currently lives in San Antonio, TX but has been somewhat a rolling stone in life, having resided in several different cities and states.

Author Links

web | twitter | goodreads | facebook | pinterest | amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review | Sinner | Maggie Stiefvater

Book cover Sinner Maggie StiefvaterTitle: Sinner
Author: Maggie Stiefvater (web | twitter)
Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #4
Genre: Paranormal YA
Amazon | Goodreads | B&N
Publisher: Scholastic
Release date: July 1, 2014
Source: ARC from BEA

Sinner follows Cole St. Clair, a pivotal character from the #1 New York Times bestselling Shiver Trilogy. Everybody thinks they know Cole’s story. Stardom. Addiction. Downfall. Disappearance. But only a few people know Cole’s darkest secret — his ability to shift into a wolf. One of these people is Isabel. At one point, they may have even loved each other. But that feels like a lifetime ago. Now Cole is back. Back in the spotlight. Back in the danger zone. Back in Isabel’s life. Can this sinner be saved?

[Read more…]

On the Same Page | Unspoken | Sarah Rees Brennan

on the same page Unspoken • Sarah Rees Brennan

This is one of those times when there’s a book that’s been out for a while that none of us have read yet, which makes On the Same Page PERFECT! Because now we get to read things together! UNSPOKEN by Sarah Rees Brennan is one of those books, so we were all really looking forward to reading this one. There are some great visuals from this book, so I’ve created another Pinterest board. This one was a little harder for me than my previous Pinterest board, but still lots of fun! I’m going to highlight a few of my pins below and then send you off to my board (which I will continue to update) to see the rest. Huzzah!

[Read more…]

Book Review | Deep Blue | Jennifer Donnelly

Book cover Deep Blue Jennifer DonnellyTitle: Deep Blue
Author: Jennifer Donnelly (web | twitter)
Series: Waterfire Saga #1
Genre: Fantasy YA, Paranormal YA, mermaids
Amazon | Goodreads | B&N
Publisher: Disney Press
Release date: May 6, 2014
Source: ARC from the Publisher (thanks, Disney!)

The first in a series of four epic tales set in the depths of the ocean, where six mermaids seek to protect and save their hidden world.

Deep in the ocean, in a world not so different from our own, live the merpeople. Their communities are spread throughout the oceans, seas, and freshwaters all over the globe.

When Serafina, a mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea, awakens on the morning of her betrothal, her biggest worry should be winning the love of handsome Prince Mahdi. And yet Sera finds herself haunted by strange dreams that foretell the return of an ancient evil. Her dark premonitions are confirmed when an assassin’s arrow poisons Sera’s mother. Now, Serafina must embark on a quest to find the assassin’s master and prevent a war between the Mer nations. Led only by her shadowy dreams, Sera searches for five other mermaid heroines who are scattered across the six seas. Together, they will form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood and uncover a conspiracy that threatens their world’s very existence.

[Read more…]

Book Review | Dreams of Gods and Monsters | Laini Taylor

Book cover Dreams of Gods and Monsters Laini TaylorTitle: Dreams of Gods and Monsters
Author: Laini Taylor (web | twitter)
Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #3
Genre: Fantasy YA, angels
Amazon | Goodreads | B&N
Publisher: Little, Brown
Release date: April 8, 2014
Source: Bought it

By way of a staggering deception, Karou has taken control of the chimaera rebellion and is intent on steering its course away from dead-end vengeance. The future rests on her, if there can even be a future for the chimaera in war-ravaged Eretz.

Common enemy, common cause.

When Jael’s brutal seraph army trespasses into the human world, the unthinkable becomes essential, and Karou and Akiva must ally their enemy armies against the threat. It is a twisted version of their long-ago dream, and they begin to hope that it might forge a way forward for their people.

And, perhaps, for themselves. Toward a new way of living, and maybe even love.

But there are bigger threats than Jael in the offing. A vicious queen is hunting Akiva, and, in the skies of Eretz … something is happening. Massive stains are spreading like bruises from horizon to horizon; the great winged stormhunters are gathering as if summoned, ceaselessly circling, and a deep sense of wrong pervades the world.

What power can bruise the sky?

From the streets of Rome to the caves of the Kirin and beyond, humans, chimaera and seraphim will fight, strive, love, and die in an epic theater that transcends good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy. 

At the very barriers of space and time, what do gods and monsters dream of? And does anything else matter?

[Read more…]

Waiting on Wednesday (47): Sacrifice

Waiting on WednesdaySacrifice: The Elementals Series #4 by Brigid Kemmerer

Book cover Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick is used to pressure.

He’s the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it out for his family, and he’s all that stands in the way.

His girlfriend, Hannah, gets that. She’s got a kid of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could end her life without a moment’s notice.

But there are people who have had enough of Michael’s defiance, his family’s “bad luck.” Before he knows it, Michael’s enemies have turned into the Merricks’ enemies, and they’re armed for war.

They’re not interested in surrender. But Michael isn’t the white flag type anyway. There will be blood on the ground tonight…

OMG of COURSE I am DYINGGGGG for Michael’s book in Brigid Kemmerer’s Elementals series. He has been my favorite brother ever since I first read the prequel novella about him. The model on the cover of that book and this one look NOTHING alike, but I’m not complaining because OH HAI.

But what I’m really looking forward to the most is reading about Michael. He’s been in every book and is always my favorite presence in each of his brothers’ stories. I find his responsibility and loyalty and strong-but-silent attitude really admirable and special and touching. The main arc of this series has been growing in danger as well, so I’m eager to see how everything plays out. I just can barely wait for SACRIFICE. BARELY.

Check out my reviews of the first three books in The Elementals Series!

STORM | SPARK | SECRET

SACRIFICE comes out on September 30, 2014 from Kensington Teen

Sacrifice

Book Review | Secret | Brigid Kemmerer

book cover Secret Brigid KemmererTitle: Secret
Author: Brigid Kemmerer (web | twitter)
Series: The Elemental Series #4
Genre: Contemporary YA, Paranormal YA, brothers
Amazon | Goodreads | B&N
Publisher: Kensington Teen
Release date: January 28, 2014
Source: ARC from the publisher via NetGalley (Thanks, Kensington!)
Related books: Storm, Spark, Spirit

EARTH. FIRE. AIR. WATER.

Nick Merrick is stretched to breaking point. He’s trying to keep his grades sky-high or he won’t get in to college. He’s trying to keep his brother’s business afloat or the Merricks will be out on the street. He’s trying to keep the secret of where he’s going in the evenings from his twin brother Gabriel – or he fears he’ll lose his family. And he’s trying to keep his mind off the hot, self-assured dancer who is his ‘girlfriend’s’ partner.

And then Quinn takes to hanging around his sworn enemy, and an Elemental Guide is counting the hours until he can try again to kill the Merrick brothers. Storms are brewing. On all sides.

SECRETS IN THE WIND. DANGER IN THE AIR.

[Read more…]

Book Review | A Breath of Frost | Alyxandra Harvey

book cover A Breath of Frost Alyxandra HarveyTitle: A Breath of Frost
Author: Alyxandra Harvey (web | twitter)
Series: The Lovegrove Legacy #1
Genre: Historical Fiction YA, Paranormal YA, witches
Amazon | Goodreads | B&N
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Release date: January 7, 2014
Source: ARC from the publisher via NetGalley (Thanks, Walker Childrens!)

In 1814, three cousins—Gretchen, Emma, and Penelope—discover their family lineage of witchcraft when a binding spell is broken, allowing their individual magical powers to manifest. Now, beyond the manicured gardens and ballrooms of Regency London, an alluring underworld available only to those with power is revealed to the cousins. By claiming their power, the three cousins have accidentally opened the gates to the underworld. 

Now ghouls, hellhounds—and most terrifying of all, the spirits of dark witches known as the Greymalkin Sisters—are hunting and killing young debutante witches for their powers. And, somehow, Emma is connected to the murders…because she keeps finding the bodies. 

Can the cousins seal the gates before another witch is killed…or even worse, before their new gifts are stripped away?

[Read more…]