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Vampire Empire: The Rift Walker by Clay Griffith and Susan Griffith

Princess Adele has returned to life as a dutiful daughter to the Emperor, yet dreads her upcoming, politically-fueled nuptials to Senator Clark. So when Greyfriar arrives to rescue Adele from a planned vampire attack, she gladly flees with him. Yet while Adele is away, vampire Prince Cesare sets multiple plots in to play in Equatoria with the help of human traitors. Meanwhile, Adele is learning more about her ability to harness the Earth’s power to fight against the vampires. But still unable to fully control her ability, she may inadvertently kill the person she loves most.

Following the adventures in The Greyfriar, this sequel picks up not long after. Adele hopes to keep putting off her wedding to the brutish Clark. Especially when she learns his plans for attacking the British vampires, by wiping out their “food” supply of innocent humans. I’m not sure why anyone thought this was a good idea, since vampires can fly and it would just force them further south to their own human nations. But it certainly worked in enraging Adele and causing her to flee her fate. Adele and Gareth/Greyfriar still have fantastic chemistry, though they never seem to have enough time alone together where one of them isn’t hurt or in danger.

As before, the adventure, suspense and romance make for exciting, fast-paced reading. With several twists and surprises, The Rift Walker is a solid sequel that doesn’t disappoint. Action-packed, this is another that was impossible to put down and hated for it to end. And I’m eagerly awaiting the next installment this fall. This is a unique alternative reality / vampire / steampunk trilogy that no fantasy fan should miss.

Courtesy of Disney Publishing, I have a one year subscription (8 issues) to Marvel Super Heroes Magazine for one (1) lucky winner!

Disney Publishing recently unveiled the brand new 36-page publication for its youngest comic readers. Available on newsstands and by subscription, kids can now join forces with their favorite Avengers: Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, and The Incredible Hulk. Inside every issue there are action-packed comics and a never-ending cast of villains ready for battle. Inviting families to bring home the “Mighty Marvel Universe,” the magazine features brain teasing puzzles, cool activities, cut-outs, plus an exclusive poster of the Invincible Iron Man.

Contest is open to US residents only. Please, no PO Boxes. To enter, just fill out the form below. Contest ends June 1. I’ll draw a random name on June 2, and notify winner via email. Enter daily to increase your chance of winning. And for an extra entry, name your favorite Marvel super hero below in the comments section.

Good luck!

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Deadly Descendant by Jenna Black

Nikki Glass is now living with the group of immortal Descendants of gods called the Liberi who believe in using their gifts to protect the mortal world. Nikki is a Descendants of Artemis, with the gifts of perfect marksmanship and the ability to track people. Her gifts come in handy when asked to find the source of dog attacks in the DC area, resulting in the death of several men. The Olympians, an amoral rival faction of Descendants, think the dog attacks are really jackals, controlled by a descendant of Anubis the Egyptian god of death. But the Olympians are hiding something. And it soon becomes clear that this Descendant is just as deadly to the Descendants as he is to mortals.

Following events in Dark Descendant, Nikki is slowly adjusting to life with the Liberi, and the safety within their walls. She’s incredibly independent, and still feels like the outsider. And with the return of Emma, who insanely lashes out at Nikki (who helped rescue her by the way), Nikki has to deal with drama at every turn. But her relationship with Jamaal takes a pleasant and surprising turn.

This is the second installment in Black’s exceptional urban fantasy series. No series sophomore slump here. All of the fast-paced excitement, danger, suspense, and mystery are back along with a bit of romance and emotional drama that made this impossible to put down. This is one of my favorite new urban fantasy series. Solid characters, action, adventure, magic, and plenty of humor make this a must read for any fan of the genre.

Eureka airs Monday on Syfy
Jack Of All Trades – Sneak Peek
Jack starts swapping bodies uncontrollably and Allison must help before Carter’s consciousness disappears for good.

Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

Mackenzie’s best friend Amy was murdered, just one in a string of serial killings. But this serial killer is apparently a white werewolf. Lupine syndrome is a virus spreading across the country by just a scratch or bite from a transformed werewolf. But when a dangerous posse called the Trackers come to town, no one is safe from the self-appointed werewolf hunters. So, trying to protect those she loves from the Trackers, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder on her own. But as she investigates, she discovers all of her friends have been keeping secrets.

Mac is a brave girl who puts her friends’ needs in front of her own. Having come from a rough early life, she tries desperately to keep her closest friends Jason and Kyle from harm. Often in spite of their bad choices.

Peacock’s urban fantasy world is set in the present day where werewolves are real and multiplying every day. Werewolves are treated with prejudice and, if reported, are sequestered to internment camps to protect the general public. This YA fantasy is incredibly captivating and full of suspense. With plenty of drama, mystery, and romance – this fast-paced adventure is a highly enjoyable read for older adults as well as young. First in a new trilogy, this impressive debut was pleasantly surprising.

A Hero for WondLa by Tony DiTerlizzi

Eva Nine and Rovender have been found by a human boy named Hailey, the other human Eva has ever seen. When Hailey takes them to New Attica, a human colony, Eva thinks she’s finally going home. But New Attica isn’t the utopia that it pretends to be. Eva soon learns that strict rules are in place, and the ruler of New Attica is keeping many secrets from the rest of the humans. Secrets he will do anything to protect.

Following Eva Nine’s adventures in The Search for WondLa, Eva has done a lot of maturing and has become a strong and confident young teenager. We come to find out that DiTerlizzi’s imaginative, futuristic world called Orbona is actually Earth many years in the future. Orbona is going through a rebirth of life with fantastic creatures and plant life. The imaginations of children and adults alike will find inspiration in the brilliant story of WondLa.

All of the wonder and adventure is back with a new fast-paced, heart-warming story of friendship, bravery, and forgiveness. Full of mystery, suspense, humor, and drama along with original creatures and complex characters – this series is sure to become a young reader classic. I fell in love with several of the characters, was completely caught up in the story, and was constantly amazed by the creative setting. DiTerlizzi’s numerous illustrations are once again incredibly beautiful and vivid – giving life to his imagination with the vibrant characters and alien landscapes. I highly recommend this science fiction/fairy tale-like series to readers of all ages. Don’t’ miss it.