Carole Nelson Douglas returns to fantasy

Dancing With Werewolves
Carole Nelson Douglas
Juno
Oct
ISBN 0809572036
Urban Fantasy
****



Several years ago, it seemed as if everyone expected Y2K to bring about the End of Days. It fizzled in this world, but Delilah Street's Earth, it was appocolyptic in the true sense of the word- revelatory. Rather than ending life, it revealed that witches, were-beings, vampires, and all things mystic are real. Delilah is not a witch or other para-being, at least she doesn't think she is, but she does investigate them for a local news station until she gets on the wrong powerful being's bad side. That, grief, and seeing her "twin" dead on CSI Las Vegas V impel her to shift her residence to Vegas and try to find out who the mystery woman with her face is. Delilah thought she was alone in the world. Now, she might not be. CSI's producer, Hector Nightwine, provides her with a job and a place to live. He is only one of the intriguing males who will come into Del's life. The vampire, Snow, wraps her wrist in an enchanted bracelet with strange powers that couuld lead to trouble. Ex-FBI agent, Ric Montoya, provides her with help, via his dowsing powers, and romance. Then, there is her new dog, a wolf hybrid, who could be considered her familiar. Her investigation will show Delilah just how complex and dangerous the world is. CinSims, beings who replicate matinee idols, a werewolf/vampire war, mystical spiders, and Vegas itself keep the action fast paced and filled with rich images. Delilah may have bitten off more than she can chew, or it might just be the start of something wonderful. My vote is for the latter.



Ms. Douglas' return to fantasy is a triumph. She has enhanced the present reality with magic and excitement that leaps off the page and never slows down. Readers' minds will be filled with vivid pictures, but never too much information. Yet, despite the fast pace, there are raw, emotional moments that will strike your heart. Though set in Vegas, this book is not a gamble. You can only win if you read it.

Miniature Epic - the Awakening by Rene Lyons

The Awakening
Rene Lyons
Tease (www.teasepublishingllc.com)
2007
ISBN 9871934678312
Fantasy/Romance
****



War between two corrupt powers has ravaged the world, and only with difficulty has Riana held onto her family home since her father's death. Inevitably though, the castle falls to the might of Warrick, the Witch Queen's faithful servant, who takes her to his mistress. However, Riana finds herself baffled by the consideration her captor shows. Yet, that is nothing compared to the dismay they share when the vile woman announces that Riana is to be given to Warrick as his unwilling and unwanted bride. Though they are forced into the match, is it possible that the secrets the reluctantly matched lovers hold could forge a union capable of changing the world?



If you like epic fantasy but are short on time, then you've just discovered the perfect book. In a very brief, all too brief, actually, span of pages, Ms. Lyons builds a world and sets up a romance that leaves you wanting more. She even makes a pairing that I normally find distasteful, that between human and demon, work. I hope sincerely that there is more to the story, and soon.

Lord of the Fading Lands

Lord of the Fading Lands
C.L. Wilson
Lovespell
Oct
ISBN 0843959772
Fantasy
****



Ellie knows that she is not exactly the best catch in town, but still, she cannot bring herself to accept the boorish butcher's son as her betrothed, even when he uses a dirty trick to create a binding agreement between them. Mentally, she cries out for rescue, not realizing what she is doing, and the Lord of the Fading Lands, Rain, the Tauren Soul, hears her and recognizes the voice of his true mate. Thus, a chain of events that threatens to set off a diplomatic incident between two worlds, but could save the soul of a king who has lost his joy, and with him, his land, is set into motion.



This is definitely a fairy tale for adults, complete with the handsome royal sweeping in on his charger to rescue the fair maid. Magic and romance combine in this story that brings to mind the Brothers Grimm, King Arthur, and other classic fantasies, most effectively. I look forward to more from this author.

Jim Butcher's Epic Fantasy - Coming soon Codex Alera IV

Captain's Fury: Codex Alera Book IV

Jim Butcher

Ace

Dec

ISBN-10: 0441015271

Epic Fantasy

****




For two years, war has raged across Alera, but now, Tavi, Captain of the First Legion, realizes that there is an enemy that no one has perceived as of yet, one deadlier than any seen before. It has already forced the Canim out of their lands, exacerbating the tensions in his own as a flood of immigrants vie for their place in the world and resentments boil. But, it won't stop there. If Tavi cannot forge a peace between the antagonists that are already tearing apart Alera on multiple levels, friend and foe alike will be lost in an all consuming void. Politics, hypocrisy, and old fears stand in his way, but Tavi has been forged into the one man who has a chance of victory.





Readers are transported to a distant world that feels like a cross between Ancient Rome and Ancient Britain in this complex tale of war and personal growth. Battles are conducted on the field and in the heart, and everywhere in between. Despite this, there is a strong current of love that makes all the fights worth the effort. Once again, Mr. Butcher demonstrates his versatile talent that never fails to engage his audience. However, this is not the Dresden files. It is a far more serious world, with few quips to lighten the tone.