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Review – Wolfsangel By M.D. Lachlan

April 22, 2013 by Lupa Leave a Comment

Title: Wolfsangel

Author: M.D. Lachlan

Publisher: PYR

Buy Link: Buy Wolfsangel Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Lupa

Blurb:

The Viking king Authun leads his men on a raid against an Anglo-Saxon village. Men and women are killed indiscriminately, but Authun demands that no child be touched. He is acting on prophecy—a prophecy that tells him that the Saxons have stolen a child from the gods. If Authun, in turn, takes the child and raises him as an heir, the child will lead his people to glory.

But Authun discovers not one child, but twin baby boys. After ensuring that his faithful warriors, witnesses to what has happened, die during the raid, Authun takes the children and their mother home, back to the witches who live on the troll wall. And he places his destiny in their hands.

So begins a stunning multivolume fantasy epic that will take a werewolf from his beginnings as the heir to a brutal Viking king down through the ages. It is a journey that will see him hunt for his lost love through centuries and lives, and see the endless battle between the wolf, Odin, and Loki, the eternal trickster, spill over into countless bloody conflicts from our history and our lives.

This is the myth of the werewolf as it has never been told before and marks the beginning of an extraordinary new fantasy series.

Review:

I love werewolf books, always have really. I love to find new books about wolves and new takes on the legends of werewolves. Wolfsangel is a great beginning to a new series that combines wolfs and Vikings in a way that is fantastic.

Wolfsangel begins with a Viking King raiding a village to take a child, when the king finds twins he takes both and the mother and returns to his home. One child he keeps as his heir and the other he hands over to a group of witches. Then things get really interesting and the story twists and turns its way to a fantastic conclusion.

M favorite character in Wolfsangel is definitely Adsila. She is a young woman from the village the kings heir is fostered in, she is also the woman the heir is in love with thought he is promised to another in a political arrangement. Adsila gets caught between the twins as their paths are wound and twined together in epic ways. She is strong, loving and caring, she does her best to help and care for both of the twins even though they don’t make that easy most of the time.

Keep in mind that the relationship between Adsila and the twins is a minor part of the story.

Wolfsangel is a fantastic story filled with twists, turns and an adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Definitely one You Need To Read.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Lupa, PYR Books, You Need To Read

Review – Train Your Dog Positively By Victoria Stilwell

April 22, 2013 by Lupa Leave a Comment

Title: Train Your Dog Positively

Author: Victoria Stilwell

Publisher: Ten Speed Press

Buy Link: Buy Train Your Dog Positively Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed By: Lupa

Blurb:

Victoria Stilwell, positive reinforcement dog trainer and star of the hit Animal Planet TV show, It’s Me or the Dog, explains how to use her force-free, scientifically-backed training methods to solve common canine behavior problems.

Victoria Stilwell is one of the most well-loved and trusted names in America’s pet media, winning over audiences with SuperNanny-like British mannerisms in her television show, which airs in more than 40 countries worldwide. By using positive reinforcement training methods, Victoria helps owners change the way their dog thinks, feels, and learns. With this upbeat, proven guide, Victoria will address the main problem behaviors that have dog owners wringing their hands in desperation, from submissive urination to separation anxiety to leash aggression to jumping up on visitors.

Review:

I was flipping through the channels one day and found a delightful television program called Its Me Or The Dog. The woman who was going in to help people with their dogs issues really got my attention. I started watching the series and fell in love with Victoria Stilwell and her methods of training dogs, that being said when I had the opportunity arise to read her new book on dog training I jumped at the chance.

Train your Dog Positively is filled one of the best dog training books I have found to date. The first chapters are full of great information about canine behavior and body language. The chapters about dealing with specific issues are great as well.

I found Train Your Dog Positively to be well written and informative. It was easy to read and easy to understand, the points of the training methods were well illustrated with stories from Victoria’s career as a trainer.

If you have a dog with issues, or want to learn more about Victoria Stilwell’s methods of training then Train Your Dog Positively is one You Gotta Read.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Lupa, Ten Speed Press, You Gotta Read

Review – Lightbringer By K.D. McEntire

April 21, 2013 by Lupa Leave a Comment

Title: Lightbringer

Author: K.D. McEntire

Publisher: PYR

Buy Link: Buy Lightbringer Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Lupa

Blurb:

Wendy has the ability to see souls that have not moved on—but she does not seek them out. They seek her. They yearn for her . . . or what she can do for them. Without Wendy’s powers, the Lost, the souls that have died unnaturally young, are doomed to wander in the never forever, and Wendy knows she is the only one who can set them free by sending them into the light.

Each soul costs Wendy, delivering too many souls would be deadly, and yet she is driven to patrol, dropping everyone in her life but her best friend, Eddie—who wants to be more than friends—until she meets Piotr.

Piotr, the first Rider and guardian of the Lost, whose memory of his decades in the never, a world that the living never see, has faded away. With his old-fashioned charms, and haunted kindness, he understands Wendy in ways no one living ever could, yet Wendy is hiding that she can do more than exist in the never. Wendy is falling for a boy who she may have to send into the light.

But there are darker forces looking for the Lost. Trying to regain the youth and power that the Lost possess, the dark ones feed on the Lost and only Wendy and Piotr can save them—but at what cost?

Lightbringer is a YA urban fantasy/romance set in a world a breath away from our own. Similar in tone to Tithe and Unleashed, Lightbringer tiptoes down the line between love and horror as Wendy discovers herself and the darkest parts of the afterlife

Review:

I am always on the lookout for good paranormal Young Adult books; partially because I have a teenage daughter and partially because I enjoy the genre. So when I came upon the information for Lightbringer I decided to give it a shot. I was definitely not disappointed.

Lightbringer is the story of a young woman who has very special skills. Unfortunately her mother was in an accident before she could be taught to properly use her powers so she has a tendency to fly by the seat of her pants. As the story progresses she learns more about her abilities and the entities around her. She learns the hard way that things are seldom as they seem.

My favorite character in Lightbringer is actually Eddie. He is Wendy’s best friend and he is terribly in love with her, but since she does not see him the same way he decides to be at her side regardless and remain her friend. He is not the most important character in the story but he adds a depth to the tale that I really enjoyed.

Lightbringer is a great story filled with love, ghosts, monsters and some exciting twists. I am looking forward to diving into the second book in the series Reaper as well. All in all a great story You Need To Read.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Lupa, PYR, You Need To Read

Review – Darkest Hour By Mark Chadbourn

April 21, 2013 by Lupa Leave a Comment

Title: Age of Misrule Book 2: Darkest Hour

Author: Mark Chadbourn

Publisher: PYR

Buy Link: Buy Darkest Hour Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Lupa

Blurb:

IN TIMES OF TROUBLE, HEROES ARISE!

The Eternal Conflict between the Light and Dark once again blackens the skies and blights the land. On one side stand the Tuatha de Danaan, golden-skinned and beautiful, filled with all the might of angels. On the other are the Fomorii, monstrous devils hell-bent on destroying all human existence. And in the middle are the Brothers and Sisters of Dragons, determined to use the strange power that binds them to the land in a last, desperate attempt to save the human race.

Church, Ruth, Ryan, Laura, and Shavi have joined forces with Tom, a hero from the mists of time, to wage a guerrilla war against the iron rule of the gods. But they didn’t count on things going from bad to worse …

Darkest Hour is the stunning continuation of a powerful fantasy saga by one of Britain’s most acclaimed young writers.

Review:

Darkest Hour is the second book in the Age of Misrule series by Mark Chadbourn.

This story picks up where the first book left off. Church and the others are still searching for a way to stop the darkness from spreading across their world, they are still pursued by monsters, and they are still totally sure they are going to fail in their mission.

My favorite character in this volume of the series is actually Laura, she shows much more of herself in this book and you see that though she is gruff and snotty that she really cares.

I really love this series, it is filled with vivid detailed descriptions, creepy monsters and even creepier “good” guys.

The Age Of Misrule series and this volume Darkest Hour is one you definitely Need To Read. I personally cannot wait to dive into the third book of the series.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Lupa, PYR, You Need To Read

Review – Danube In Candlelight By Stephanie Burkhart

April 20, 2013 by Lupa 1 Comment

Title: Danube In Candlelight

Author: Stephanie Burkhart

Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Danube In Candlelight Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Lupa

Blurb:

Morgan Duma has always known she’s different. Her eyes have unusual gold rings around her irises, a trait she’s inherited from her father. She’s faster and stronger than most. Her endurance and stamina allow her to complete tasks in a quick and efficient fashion. Since she was a little girl, she knew there was only one man for her – Adam Varga.

Morgan learned to dance in Adam’s arms. They grew up playing the piano together. Adam’s calm, soothing presence was the perfect complement to her restless soul. Not only that, he shared her differences down to his feral eyes.

Enter Zoltan Kristos, Hungary’s Minister of Reconstruction He shares those same golden eyes that Morgan possesses. After Zoltan carries her mother’s injured body out of a blazing fire, Morgan’s life takes a turn she doesn’t expect. Morgan discovers the reasons for her differences, and questions her very identity. Is Adam strong enough to be the man she needs him to be?

Review:

I am completely in love with this series!.

Danube in Candlelight is the third book in the Budapest Moon series and I fell in love with the characters in the first book and that love has grown with each volume.

This volume focuses on Morgan Duma and her relationship with Adam Varga. As well as continuing to develop the story of the Duma and Varga families.

My favorite character in the story is definitely Morgan. She is a strong woman, headstrong and stubborn but totally devoted to her family.

This volume introduced a new villan as well. Zoltan Kristos is a bureaucrat, among other things and he is determined to have Morgan for his own. He comes across creepy at times but I think he just needs a hug. Hopefully he will get the love he deserves in the next volume.

Once again Stephanie Burkhart has pulled readers into a world filled with beauty, full moons, passion, wolves and strife. Danube In Candlelight is a fantastic book filled with endearing characters, vivid descriptions and a story the flows well and is hard to put down.

Definitely one You Need To Read.

Note: Keep in mind this is the third book in this series. It can be read alone but it is so much better if you read all of the books in the series, in order.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Desert Breeze Publishing, Lupa, You Need To Read

Review – A Guile Of Dragons By James Enge

April 19, 2013 by Lupa Leave a Comment

Title: A Guile Of Dragons

Author: James Enge

Publisher: PYR Books

Buy Link: Buy A Guile OF Dragons Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Lupa

Blurb:

It’s dwarves vs dragons in this origin story for Enge’s signature character, Morlock Ambrosius!

Before history began, the dwarves of Thrymhaiam fought against the dragons as the Longest War raged in the deep roads beneath the Northhold. Now the dragons have returned, allied with the dead kings of Cor and backed by the masked gods of Fate and Chaos.

The dwarves are cut cut off from the Graith of Guardians in the south. Their defenders are taken prisoner or corrupted by dragonspells. The weight of guarding the Northhold now rests on the crooked shoulders of a traitor’s son, Morlock syr Theorn (also called Ambrosius).

But his wounded mind has learned a dark secret in the hidden ways under the mountains. Regin and Fafnir were brothers, and the Longest War can never be over…

Review:

Merlin, the great Mage of the ages is one of my favorite topics to read about. King Arthur is great and all but Merlin is the one who has always fascinated me. So when I found A Guile Of Dragons, a book about Merlin’s son, I simply had to read it. And I am really glad I did.

A Guile Of Dragons is the story of a young man who has to fight his heritage and the stigma of his father’s behavior for the majority of his life. I love the way this story plays out. It starts with a little background, what happened to make Merlin a villainous type of character instead of a hero like one that we see in typical stories. Then it tosses us into the life of Merlin’s son Morlock. This young man is bitter and angry for a good portion of the story, understandably so in truth. He was raised by dwarves, taken into the royal family as a son when his father and mother left him behind, Merlin was banished from their land for his deeds in our world. But he has always carried the stigma of being the son of Merlin Ambrosius

Combine that with the fact that Dragons are once again on the prowl in the Dwarves lands and things get very interesting very fast.

My favorite character is Vetr, He is a dwarf and one of Morlock’s closest friends. His dialogue with Morlock is fun, friendly and playful. My least favorite character in the book is Earno. Now I don’t usually write about my least favorite character in the books I read but I have to say Earno is one of the most well written villains I have ever read. This guy actually seems to crawl of the page and got right under my skin. He is a slimy narcissistic creep, and is so well written you just simply have to hate him.

A Guile Of Dragons is a wonderful fantasy adventure, filled with great characters, vivid scenes and a story that flows well and keeps the reader engaged. This is one You definitely Need To Read!

Now I just have to wait until later this year to get my hands on the second book in the series.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Lupa, PYR, You Need To Read

Review – The Meri By Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff

April 18, 2013 by Lupa Leave a Comment

Title: The Meri

Author: Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff

Publisher: BookViewCafe

Buy Link: Buy The Meri Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Lupa

Blurb:

A woman alone in a man’s world of magic.

She saw her parents murdered when she was but a child. Rescued from the ruins of her family’s homestead by a teacher of the Divine Art, Mereddyd-a-Lagan swore to learn the powerful secrets necessary to track down the murderers and exact vengeance. But first she would have to overcome centuries of prejudice against female mages, and become the first ever female apprentice to the Meri—the otherworldly Being who stands between humanity and the Spirit of the Universe. But on the eve her quest for the Meri is to begin, Mereddyd learns that she is not the first woman in history to take the path to the Meri’s shore. …And that the one who went before her never returned.

Review:

I have to say I was not sure what to expect when I picked up this copy of The Meri. But as it turns out it is a great story with some fantastic characters.

I really fell in love with this story as I read it. The characters are well developed and strong, the scenes are vividly written and flow well, all in all this is a great read.

My favorite character in the story is actually, Skeet, the young man who accompanies Mereddyd on her Pilgrimage. He is strong and crafty and knows much more about the world than Mereddyd realizes, he is also caring and compassionate and wants nothing more than for Mereddyd to succeed in her quest. I also really liked Osraed Bevol. He is kind and caring and has things up his sleeves that no one knows about.

I really was impressed by this volume. The religion of the realm is well established yet has lots of mystery to it, the world itself flows well. All in all One You need To Read!

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: BookViewCafe, Lupa, You Need To Read

Review – Self-Hypnosis and Subliminal Technology By Eldon Taylor

January 31, 2013 by Lupa Leave a Comment

Title: Self-Hypnosis and Subliminal Technology

Author: Eldon Taylor

Publisher: Hay House

Buy Link: Buy Self-Hypnosis and Subliminal Technology Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed By: Lupa

Blurb:

Self-hypnosis and subliminal communication have long been mired in mystique, urban legend and disinformation. The truth is that both of these techniques are backed by extensive research demonstrating their efficacy and more importantly, once learned, both tools can be customized for any situation and can be used almost anytime and anywhere.

Join Eldon Taylor as he unravels the truth behind these technologies, and demonstrates how they are invaluable tools in your self-help armamentarium. In this essential guide, you will learn:

- How to create your own custom subliminal program to break through subconscious blockages.

- How subliminal communication works and why it is so much more powerful than simply using affirmations.

- 5 steps for putting yourself into a hypnotic state.

- Several techniques to assist you in going even deeper into a hypnotic state.

- How you can create new habits, uncover hidden conflicts that often cause self-destructive patterns and discover new solutions to old problems!

Hypnosis and subliminal communication have been used for medical purposes as well as the metaphysical. Once you have mastered these two technologies, you will be able to use them anytime and anywhere to achieve a wide range of goals, from weight loss to stop smoking, from building your self esteem to maximizing your own healing potential, from enhancing your learning ability to dealing with anger and stress, and so much more. Finally, you can take complete control of your own self-help program!

Review:

Self-Hypnosis and Subliminal Technology is actually the first book about self-hypnosis that I have ever read. I was very pleasantly surprised. I liked the detail of the book but also the fact that it teaches you how to actually do these things yourself. Of course everyone wants to sell their system but this book is different in that Eldon actually shows you how to make the cd’s yourself. I made a simple cd, to listen to at night when I am sleeping and it has helped me considerably.

If you are interested in learning more about Self-Hypnosis and the practical application of Subliminal Technology then this book is one You Need To Read.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Hay House, Lupa, You Gotta Read

Review – Hands On Healing Remedies By Stephanie L. Tourles

January 28, 2013 by Lupa 1 Comment

Title: Hands On Healing Remedies

Author: Stephanie L Tourles

Publisher: Storey Publishing

Buy Link: Buy Hands On Healing Remedies Here!

Rating: You Gotta Read

Reviewed By: Lupa

Blurb:

Stephanie Tourles offers 150 original recipes for herbal balms, oils, salves, liniments, and other topical ointments you can make yourself to treat a wide range of conditions, from headaches and backaches to arthritis, tendonitis, fungal infections, anxiety, cuts and scrapes, insomnia, splinters, and cracked skin. These preparations are all-natural, effective, safe, and fun to prepare. Take control of your well-being and stock your family’s medicine cabinet with your own custom-made healing remedies.

Review:

I have long been a fan and advocate of holistic and herbal medicine, I have learned some of the old medicines of the Choctaw from my late husband, as well as years of extensive research on my own to find ways to utilize herbs and plants to their utmost. Hands On Healing Remedies is one of the best books I have found in years.

Filled with not just recipes but also detailed descriptions of how to process the plants, as well as lists of what you need to process them, Hands On Healing Remedies is a great addition to any herbalists library.

I particularly found the recipes to be fantastic. I have already implemented a couple of them in my household and they work fantastically.

Stephanie L Tourles has created a collection of recipes and information that I will keep on hand at all times. This is one you definitely Gotta Read if you are interested in herbal remedies.

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Lupa, Storey Publishing, You Need To Read

Review – God of All Creation By James Robison

January 25, 2013 by Lupa Leave a Comment

Title: God Of All Creation

Author: James Robison

Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Buy Link: Buy God Of All Creation Here!

Rating: You Need To Read

Reviewed By: Lupa

Blurb:

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
—MATTHEW 6:26

God of All Creation recounts how a miniature dachshund taught her owner, James Robison, profound insights about life, faith, and God’s care for all of His creation. A devoted dog lover and co-host of the television program Life Today, James shares how the antics of his own dog, Princess, as well as observations from all animals
in creation, reveal “expressions of God’s love, lessons of His grace, warnings about sin, and other eternal truths.”

Heart-warming stories and winsome line drawings bring to life the lessons James has learned from his pets and creatures living in the wild. And through his inspiration and spiritual insights, you, too, will learn to know God’s voice, to submit to Him, and to trust Him with your every need.

Review:

I want to start by saying I am not a Christian. I was raised Christian, I have read the Bible and attended Sunday school. I was baptized Catholic but I now follow the old ways of my people. (I am Native American). I picked up God of All Creation because; (a) I enjoy reading stories about animals and how the impact people’s lives, and (b) because I was curious to see how James Robison brought critters and faith together. I have to say I was pretty impressed.

God of All Creation is a personal narrative by James Robison, it tells stories of how animals have reminded him of Creator (Most of you call Him God) and His influence. The stories were well written and easy to read, the message was clear and concise, and I was delighted to find that the book was not preachy. Yes there are biblical references, and references to God, faith and spirituality but it was not so heavy with doctrine or sermon that it was taxing to read. There was a great balance between animal’s stories and the faith that they helped to nourish.

I found this book to be heartfelt, honest and sincere. It was also full of good positive things. It was a great break from the piles of fiction and other books that I have waiting for review.

God of All Creation is one you Need To Read

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Lupa, Waterbrook Press, You Need To Read