The Turning Season by Sharon Shinn (review)

                                         


The Turning Season by Sharon Shinn is part of the ‘Shifting Circle’ series that features a group of remarkable people who are dealing with the complications of being shape-shifters existing alongside unsuspecting humans. Karadel Baylor provides veterinary care to both domestic pets and those who are shapeshifters, even as she continues to search for a method of controlling both the shift itself and the animal shape assumed. Unfortunately, relationships between humans and shapeshifters are necessarily complicated, and both Karadel and her friend Celeste must deal with the repercussions which threaten to alter all of their lives irrevocably.


The challenges of living as a shapeshifter are fascinatingly depicted in this compelling fantasy story. There are both pulse-pounding conflicts and emotionally wrenching situations that are vividly portrayed, and the moral dilemmas that are presented are extremely thought-provoking. It was wonderful to read about the unfolding of Karadel’s journey, as she battles with doubts about her life, her relationships, and the untruths that are a necessary evil in her life. There are delicious twists and turns in the story which balances horrific brutality and realistic and sweetly flowering relationships in a story that grabs you from the first word and makes it impossible to put down until that last gripping sentence. This series has continued to raise the bar as it evolves and definitely gives a different twist on the concept of living as a shapeshifter, with both its pros and cons, and I anxiously await more insights into this world!

 
© Night Owl Reviews 

I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.

I am a fan of Ms. Shinn's other fantasy series and I admit that I wasn't thrilled with the first title in this 'Shifting Circle' series, but the series has definitely improved with each subsequent title.  My review of The Shape of Desire is at this link and my review of Still Life with Shape-shifter is at this link.


                              

Ritual Magic (review)

                                         


Ritual Magic by Eileen Wilks is part of the compelling ‘Lupi’ series which features the deliciously alpha Rule Turner who has learned to deal with his Nokolai werewolf ties so that he can adequately carry out his duties as head of the Leidolf clan.  He is getting closer to tying his mate, Lily Yu, to him with the human ceremony of marriage when another salvo in the Great War is struck and Lily’s mother is caught in the cross-fire.  The incorporeal Al Drummond is only one of the allies who attempts to help right the grave wrong that has been done but he, like most of the others is having trouble circumventing some of the limitations placed on him.  It may take more than two packs of lupi, a wizard, a dragon, and several very determined relatives to circumvent the evil plans of Robert Friar and his goddess but nobody is prepared to give up, no matter what the cost.


This mesmerizing series combines an enticing blend of reality as provided by Lily and her ties to the FBI and other law enforcement agencies with the mystical elements provided by shapeshifters who include wolves and a tiger and combines this all with the ritualized culture from both the lupi and the Asian-American elements.  The deep and abiding romance that has characterized the relationship between Rule and Lily makes this one of my favorite aspects of this series and the author’s lyrical descriptions emphasizes the intensity of their bond.  Phrases like describing Lily as the ‘heart of Rule’s world’ and the following description of their mate bond always make me sigh.  “The ease was immediate.  This, too, the mate bond gave them, heightening the inherent comfort of touch.  But it was love that made her touch rich, layered, full.  Love was like smell, Rule thought.  Smell was the most complex and dimensional of the senses, weaving together past and present, near and distant, motion and stillness.  Love, too, was a weaver.”

I like the way Rule is able to compromise (somewhat) as he has learned how to deal with the demands upon him, his innate protective nature, and the stubbornness of his mate.  Their relationship has evolved over the series and although I think it might be possible to read this as a stand-alone, I think it would be difficult to appreciate the complexities of the interrelationships among all of the characters, including the irascible ghost who has also evolved and the opinionated dragon who has intricate ties to Lily and her family.  This is a wonderfully complex and fascinating paranormal series characterized by an artfully built world peopled by charismatic beings and I look forward to many more tales spun by this masterful storyteller. 

© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.

Ritual Magic (A Novel of the Lupi) (Amazon link)


Additional notes:  This is one of those series that I usually have pre-ordered well in advance of publication.  I love the enigmatic characters that make up Lily's family and I thought this particular tale did a nice job of giving a different perspective of Lily's mom.

I thought I'd share this terribly appropriate description of one of those escalating headaches that one tries to ignore to one's regret...it's just another example of the way this author can paint such vivid word portraits!

  “It was one of those sneaky headaches that starts small so you won’t notice it and take action, but the little guy with the big crowbar had clocked in at some point and was hard at work prying open her skull.  The little guy is industrious.  As long as you’re still, he can keep working. If you move, it jostles him.  That makes him mad and he whacks you with the damn crowbar.”

Contest, giveaways (and cover reveals)

Jessica Scott has a new novella, I'll Be Home for Christmas, coming out Nov. 5, 2013 and to celebrate she has a giveaway!  Check the link for details.   

I'll Be Home For Christmas (Amazon Link)

This is part of her wonderful military romance 'Coming Home' series, which also includes:  Until There Was You, Because of You, and Anything for You (short story) and I am thrilled to announce that there are several more books coming out in this series early next year.  Stay tuned!

                                           


 

Night Owl reviews has blog contests at this link and the Halloween Scavenger Hunt at this link

There are only a few more days for the Romance Books 4 Us October Spooktacular contest at this link

There are plenty of other hops and giveaways coming up, please feel free to leave a comment if you find other fun ones to join!


And, Shiloh Walker has four 'Hunters' series titles out with striking covers







ADULTS ONLY

Those fierce and fabulous members of the Cabal of Hotness have the Big Cocks and Broomsticks Giveaway hop starting October 21, 2013 at this link.