Awakening the Nightmare by
Lanie Malone
My rating: 4½♥'s
Don't judge this book by just it's cover, it's more than worth the read!
Where has this book been hiding? I am SO glad I stumbled across it and was allowed to read it in exchange for an honest review. I know the cover is just kind of *Meh* and the title is OK (it does actually correlate to the story)... but this book NEEDS to be read. If you like urban fantasy with hot vampires, strong non-human female protagonists (that kick serious butt), smokin' hot demons, fae, werewolves... pretty much the whole menagerie of paranormal creatures- then run, don't walk, and go out and buy yourself a copy. At only $2.99 on Amazon, that's a small price to pay for the amount of enjoyment you will get out of it.
When I first read the blurb, I was thinking, OK- I'll give it a chance. I wasn't really expecting anything spectacular... but oh, my was I WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! It has such an ensemble cast (there are the 'main' characters, but we also learn so much about the secondary characters.) I enjoyed every single one, and found myself wanting there to be spin-offs further exploring some of the secondary characters. Like Edge... we need more Edge.
I found it to be a wonderful mix of sexual tension, bedroom antics, action, suspense, thriller, and even some romance. There were aspects that were easily guessed, but surprises as well that balanced the story nicely. I really, really hope to see more from this author (series anyone? Hint, Hint!) There was also a nice reversal of 'traditional' emotional roles in the romance. The guy was making room in his heart, and being vulnerable while the girl was running from her feelings. It was a nice change of pace.
I consider this a hidden jewel of a book that deserves to be read by anyone and everyone that enjoys urban fantasy. I will most definitely be on the lookout for more books by Lanie Malone!
...Not ONLY Rocked My Socks Off... but my pants, too! It gets another ½♥ just for that!
Wife, mother, student,
domestic goddess, blogger, author, animal lover, avid reader, tomboy...
the labels and titles go on and on. But I don't want to be labelled any
one thing. I am all of these things and they are all a part of who I
am. So the end result is just me, something of a mess, with interests
all over the place. But also with the ability to adapt when necessary.
Writing for me is, essentially, a purge. Not to sound like a spiritual
nut, because I'm not, but it allows me to take all of the negative
energy within me and focus it on something positive. To pour out from my
soul, all the things that make me crazy, a process that leaves me
feeling refreshed and revitalized. My writing isn't necessarily deep,
there are things in it that people who know me well, could make the
connections, and figure out exactly what part of my history I am
referencing, if only to draw on it for authenticity. But it is still,
all, just little pieces of me. Or more accurately, little things that
are a reflection of me and although there is something of a darker
element to some of it, it is meant only to be entertaining. I have no
desire to have my work analyzed by college
professors and students. I don't need my books to become classics or
even fads. I just want average people like myself, to enjoy reading them
as much as I enjoy writing them.
I love to talk, so talk to me.
Symmetria Website
Awakening the Nightmare on Amazon
See... I took Lanie at her word. And I talked, and poked and prodded, and DEMANDED that I get to do a blog tour. Yeah, I'm pushy, I know. But (yeah) I got to do an Interview!