Blood Magic by Matthew Cook

First sentence:

"For three days we run, and the Mor follow."

Description:

"When the inhuman Mor crawl up from the underground to torment the world above, Kirin joins the battle against them as scout and archer for the Imperial Army. The power of her blood magic, a dark sorcery even she does not understand, has given her the ability to raise grotesque creatures from souls and dead flesh -- loyal, lethal warriors that aid her in the fight to survive. She finds comfort in the arms of Sergeant Jazen Tor, but it is beautiful and gentle Lia Cho, a woman who can call lightning from the skies, who helps Kirin discover the truth about herself . . ." -- from the back cover

My thoughts:

This was a good fantasy featuring Kirin, a young woman with powers she doesn't always understand. I liked how she gradually learned about the cost of her actions and I look forward to reading the sequel, Nights of Sin.

Date read: 4/22/2010
Book #: 28
Series: Kirin Widowmaker, #1
Challenge: Speculative Fiction Reading Challenge
Rating: 3*/5 = good
Genre: Fantasy

ISBN-10: 0809572001
ISBN-13: 9780809572007
Publisher: Juno Books
Year: 2008
# of pages: 264
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
LibraryThing page

Series Challenge

For this challenge, hosted by Kathrin at Crazy Cozy Murders, I picked three series to finish before May 31, 2008. Titles in red are the ones I need to read.

Lewis Cole mystery series by Brendan Dubois:

1. Dead Sand
2. Black Tide
3. The Shattered Shell
4. Killer Waves
5. Buried Dreams
6. Primary Storm

Aisling Grey, Guardian fantasy series by Katie MacAlister:

1. You Slay Me
2. Fire Me Up -- finished 2/25/2008
   
3. Light My Fire
4. Holy Smokes

Black Magician fantasy trilogy by Trudi Canavan:

1. The Magicians' Guild
2. The Novice
3. The High Lord

Fire Me Up by Katie MacAlister

First sentence:

"'You'd think that Hungary would see the light as far as secondhand smoke is concerned, wouldn't you?'"

Description:

"I'm Aisling Grey, and apparently I'm irresistible....

Being quite the novice Guardian/Keeper of the Gates to Hell, I've decided to get in touch with my otherworldly self by attending a convention of supernatural beings in Budapest. For my other career as a courier (with a somewhat tarnished reputation), I have to deliver a priceless amulet to a hermit, much to the amusement of Jim, my wisecracking furry Newfoundland demon. He should be happy that I was able to squeak through customs with a talking dog....

And guess who just happens to be staying at the same hotel as I am? Drake. You remember him. The wyvern of the green dragons? My so-called 'mate'? The man who literally fires me up and makes me act like a lovesick schoolgirl? That Drake.

Meanwhile, mortal men are falling at my feet. I don't know if it's the Hungarian air or what, but it's downright embarrassing. All I want to do is find a Guardian mentor to help me control my powers. Should be easy -- except that every Guardian I meet with winds up dead. I'm starting to get a complex...."

My thoughts:

This book had a good mix of paranormal romance and mystery with demons, ghosts, and dragons thrown in. I liked the interaction between characters Aisling, Jim, Drake, Tiffany and Nora. I also liked how Aisling figured out the Guardian murders while trying to keep her dignity intact.

Date read: 2/25/2008
Book #: 12
Series: Aisling Grey, Guardian #2
Challenge: Series Challenge
Rating: 3*/5 = good
Genres: Paranormal Romance/Mystery

ISBN-10: 0451214943
ISBN-13: 9780451214942
Publisher: Signet
Year: 2005
# of Pages: 352
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
LibraryThing Page