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Highway to Hell by Rosemary Clement-Moore is the third book by the author featuring Maggie Quinn. Maggie and Lisa are on there way to experience a “normal” Spring Break at the beach when Maggie accidentally runs over a dead cow in the middle of the night on a deserted highway in the middle of no where and no cell phone service. While waiting for the jeep to be repaired the girls find that though the town may be small, the amount of trouble brewing is not. There is something supernatural afoot in Dulcina Texas and Maggie and Lisa may be all that is standing between the residents and an evil not seen for generations. With help from a Brujo`, another Seer connected to a local ranching family, an unexpected visit from Maggie’s boyfriend and his seminarian friend they must fight evil for the town’s survival.
Mystery and magic compound the adventure in this fun novel. Maggie is a likable character with her inquisitive nature, references to movies and witty banter. She seems at once both young and wise for her years, willing to accept supernatural explanation for the town’s rising animal death rate and injured cowboys. The supporting cast of Lisa-the best friend, evil genius and sorcerer is somewhat fearful in her sarcasm and frustrating in her belief that she is connected to evil and may not ever be able to atone for her past mistakes. I wanted to tell her she was wrong.*g* Justin, the boyfriend is charming in his belief in Maggie. He wants above all to protect her and let her be who she is; what she is. The rest of the books cast is filled with memorable characters who not only help the story along, but also give a believability factor (like a straight man is a comic duo) to the unbelievable evil that is stalking the town. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and can only hope this isn’t the last we’ll see of Maggie.
This book is a YA.
More on the author and her books can be found at: www.rosemaryclementmoore.com/Home/Home.html
Dying Bites by DD Barant is a Fantasy thrill ride packed with adventure and biting humor. FBI Behaviorist Jace Valchek is suddenly pulled from what she thinks is a nightmare into another universe where the Earth as she knows it doesn’t exist. In this world Vampires, Lycanthropes and Golems make up most of this Earth’s population. Humans are rare, numbering less than 1% of the population and they are still used by some, as food; as a means to progeny. This world, and specifically her new Boss NSA Head Cassius, needs Jace’s help, for on this world mental illness doesn’t exist among the ‘Vampires, Lycanthropes and Golems. A Human has begun murdering the Vampire’s and Lycanthropes, using barbaric and tortuous rituals that have officials puzzled and worried. Now Jace must race against time to stop a madman with a Just Cause from murdering everyone and possibly destroying the Earth Jace has been summoned to help protect.
The character of Jace Valchek is full of biting wit, intelligence and a deep sense of honor. She is also a kick-butt heroine, often letting her mouth get her into more trouble than is advisable. Her new co-workers quickly come up with a new nickname for her, The Bloodhound. It all adds up to a non-stop journey until the end, leaving this reader clamoring for more. I can’t wait for the next book in The Bloodhound Files.
More can be found on this author at: www.ddbarant.com
