Women of the Otherworld Series by Kelley Armstrong

January 1-15, 2012 Bodice Rippers Femme Fatales and Fantasy will feature author Kelley Armstrong. Kelley's Women of the Otherworld series is a favorite of mine. Along with this discussion page, we will post reviews for several of Kelley's Otherworld books.

Kelley's many characters include the Pack werewolves Clay, Elena, Jeremy, Antonio and Nick, as well as demons, half-demons, vampires and witches. I favor the werewolves of course, especially the Danvers clan of Clay, Elena and Jeremy. Which characters hold a place in your heart?

Darkest Powers/Darkness Rising/Nadia Stafford series by Kelley Armstrong

January 1 to 15, 2012 Bodice Rippers Femme Fatales and Fantasy will feature the books and series of author Kelley Armstrong. This post and page we will talk about Kelley's Darkest Powers and Darkness Rising YA series. Kelley's new book in the Darkness Rising series-The Calling will be released april 2012.

As well, we welcome all your comments on Kelley's Nadia Stafford series.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012

2011 A Year in Books

In the year 2011 we have read many new and exciting books. Some were books that added to beloved series we were already reading, some were exciting new books by either a new author or an author we just discovered and some were brand new series. We are going to attempt and share our favorites with you.. Hope you enjoyed too many books to count and look forward to reading more in 2012!!

Favorite Series Read in 2011

I was very fortunate to have read two masterpieces in the year 2011. Both were totally equally in my love of those books. Since i enjoyed other series, these two were by far the best. Therefore, I am only listing both of them, in no particular order.

The Black Jewels Series, written by Anne Bishop, was such a wonderful and addicting read. The series started with a difficult and violent first book, but then with the second book, it was totally awesome, and you never looked behind you. Wonderful characters whom you come to love. This was a hard series to let go of. Besides my Lucivar, I wish I had my own kindreds.

Sword of Truth, written by Terry Goodkind, was a fantastic series, which I was fortunate enough to be able to read the entire series straight through. An awesome series, with awesome characters that become part of you. Except for a couple of books in this series, just about every book was so well done. A must read for any fantasy lover.

Honorable Mentions: There were some great series that I read during 2011, which may not equal the top two, but nevertheless, they were still great series.
The Final Prophecy written by Jessica Andersen
Daughters of the Glen written by Melisssa Mayhue
Warriors of the Poseidon written by Alyssa Day
The Hunger Games (YA) written by Suzanne Collins
The Elder Races by Thea Harrison

Favorite New Releases in 2011

ShadowFever, written by Karen Moning This was the final book in this series, which was the best book of the series. Moning did a wonderful bringing this to a satisfying conclusion.






Treachery in Death, written by J.D. Robb. This was the best In-Death story in a awhile. An exciting story, with so many of the recurring characters helping Eve solve this crime, which was internally within the Police Department . It was so much fun to see them all work together, and the ending was awesome. Needless to say, I love Eve and Roarke.



Divergent, written by Veronica Roth. This is a YA series, that i decided to read based on it being voted as the best YA book in 2011. I am happy to say, that this book proved why it made number one. A little similar, but yet nothing alike, to the Hunger Games. But it had a great young heroine. The only thing I will say for both Divergent and The Hunger Games, this is to me an Adult book.


Honorable Mention:
Savage Nature written by Christine Feehan
The Next Always written by Nora Roberts
Storm Kissed written by Jessica Andersen
Healing the Highlander written by Melissa Mayhue
Twilight's Dawn by Anne Bishop

Favorite Book Read in 2011
Again I must say, that the two series I listed above affected me so much, that I have no choice but to name some of those books as my favorites for the year.

Heir to the Shadows written by Anne Bishop Such a great book, when we got to meet the coven, the kindred, and Lucivar (in more detail), as well as Satan reaction's to them, was so much fun. This was so different then the first book, yet it set the stage for future books in this series. It also had one of the best endings ever.




Totally awesome. Confessor written by Terry Goodkind There were so many great books in this series, I could probably mention many more. But this one brought it all together, with an awesome and fitting end to this huge series. But thankfully, Goodkind has decided to continue this series, using the same characters, but a different story. We get to see Kahlan, Richard, Cara, Zedd and Nicci again. YES





Queen of the Darkness written by Anne Bishop This one closed the trilogy, bringing all the characters together for a wild and emotional ride. This book brought out every emotion, and the tears just kept on falling. Happiness is when Bishop continued the series with short stories showcasing some of the main characters, and one picking up where this book left off.

Honorable Mentions:
Shalador's Lady written by Anne Bishop
Faith of the Fallen, Temple of the Winds, Wizards First Rule, written by Terry Goodkind
Graceling by Kristin Cashore






2011 have been one of the busiest and most prolific when it comes to reading. I have not stopped, and not wanted to stop reading. Every few days, someone *looks at Barb and Shauni* recommends another series, and I have enjoyed so many new books and series in 2011, but I had to stop at 3 series.

FAVORITE SERIES

G A Aiken's (Shelly Laurenston) DRAGONKIN series was one of the funniest and sexiest series I have ever read. When I am down, I take out one of Aiken's Dragon books and read.

The Blackdagger Brotherhood series....*sigh*...I cannot get enough of these Brother's. And J.R.Ward's 'Insider's Guide' had me laughing and crying throughout. If you ever have the chance, read the 'Brothers on the Board', do it, read it and laugh along with the Brothers.....sometimes....TMI

Anne Bishop's Black Jewels series was so wonderful and such a delight. It always amazes me, how these authors are able to write such beautiful stories and characters, that have you crying and laughing all at the same time. ....*note to self*...I need a Daemon fix ASAP

HONORABLE MENTIONS IN MY FAVORITE SERIES:

The Final Prophecy series by Jessica Andersen

Women of the Otherworld/Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong

Pride and Pack Series by Shelly Laurenston

Dragonfire series by Deborah Cooke

The Elder Races by Thea Harrison

Tairen Soul series by C L Wilson

FAVORITE NEW RELEASES FOR 2011

Shadowfever by Karen M Moning was, without a doubt, one of the most anticipated new releases for 2011. Many fans of the FEVER series had been waiting a long time for the final chapter and release of this book. Mak and Jericho, are one of the hottest couples between the pages and the sheets.

Kresley Cole's Dreams of a Dark Warrior. The Immortals After Dark, was a series I only began in mid-December, but now, I am a fan of these 'vampires and supernatural' beings. I cannot wait for Lothaire...the biggest and baddest of all the vampires.....or is he?

Lover Unleashed by J.R.Ward. Although, not necessarily her best storyline, I always appreciate a Blackdagger Brother book. I read Payne and Manny's storyline anticipating some new information about some of the other brothers..and now I have to wait....for Lover Reborn in 2012

HONORABLE MENTION IN NEW RELEASES FOR 2011:

The Dragon Who Loved Me by G A Aiken

Big Bad Beast by Shelly Laurenston

Storm Kissed by Jessica Andersen

Darkfire Kiss by Deborah Cooke

FAVORITE BOOKS IN 2011

Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series was a wonderful find. I am a true fan of Kelley's Otherworld books and her series of novellas and anthologies. Men of the Otherworld revealed the background information on Malcolm, Jeremy and Clayton Danvers, as well as Antonio and Nicholas Sorrentino. I am going to miss Kelley's Otherworld series with the release of her final book THIRTEEN. But, fear not, she will continue to write and release novellas and anthologies.

Jessica Andersen's The Final Prophecy series. A great find by Shauni and one that was recommended to me. Night Keepers was the first book in the series, introducing the premise behind Doomsday 2012 and the Mayan prophecy. I am waiting 'impatiently' for "Magic Unchained', the next book in the series, but Doc Jessica has said the series is only 7 books long....hmmm, maybe she will continue to write about the Night Keepers, after the final chapter.

Kiss of Fire is the first instalment in Deborah Cooke's Dragonfire series. An ancient race of shape-shifting dragons who's prime directive is to save the humans on earth, but a 'firestorm' of passion interrupts their daily lives, when they find their mates. I am a huge fan of anything dragon, and this series was a great find. On the recommendation of a fellow Christine Feehan forum member, I found the Dragonfire series another great read.

HONORABLE MENTIONS FOR FAVORITE BOOKS:

Acheron by Sherrily Kenyon *sniff*

Mercury's War by Lora Leigh

Coyote's Mate by Lora Leigh

Dark Desire by Christine Feehan

Lover Awakened by J.R.Ward

Deadly Game by Christine Feehan

Dreams Made Flesh by Anne Bishop

Tangled Webs by Anne Bishop

Twilight's Dawn by Anne Bishop

I am looking forward to 2012 and all the new releases and new recommendations by friends and authors.
Sandy

Looks up at the two of them.. good thing we can have repeats.. *grins*

I think I am going to break my series down in a different manner.. One that ends and one that has promise to go on for a long time.

Self Contained Series

For my absolute favorite series that is self contained that I read in 2011 I would have to say CL Wilson's Novels of the Fading Lands.. her Tairen Soul Series was a true find.. She is the salvation of a Fey king’s tormented soul, and the key to saving his immortal race. Only by unleashing her vast power can they hope to conquer the evil forces determined to destroy them.

Beginning with Lord of the Fading Lands, continuing with Lady of Light and Shadows, King of Sword and Sky, and Queen of Song and Souls, and concluding with Crown Of Crystal Flame, the Tairen Soul series tells the story of Ellysetta Baristani and Rain Tairen Soul as they fight to save the tairen and the Fey, defeat the dangerous power of the Eld Mages, and complete their truemate bond.

A Brand New Find in

Jennifer Lyon's Wing Slayer Hunters.. A fabulous new find.. Once they were immortal guardians; hunters of demon witches and protectors of innocent earth witches. For centuries, the hunters and witches worked together to safeguard earth from demons, in particular, Asmodeus.

And then a dark curse destroyed the bond, turning the ancient allies into enemies. For the blood and sex curse cast by demon witches caused witch hunters to crave the power contained in witch blood. If they give in and kill a witch to harvest her blood, they go rogue and forfeit their eternal souls.

Honorable Mentions: There were some absolutely fantastic series I read this year that need mentioning.
The Final Prophecy written by Jessica Andersen
Daughters of the Glen written by Melissa Mayhue

Caris Roane's Ascension Series

Elisabeth Naughton's Eternal Guardian Series

GA Aiken/Shelly Laurensten's Pride/Pack Series

Thea Harrison's Elder Races Series..
and oh so many more...

BEST NEW BOOKS READ IN 2011

Savage Nature by Christine Feehan, I have always had a special place in my heart for the Leopards.. and this was most def one of Christine's Best

Twilight's Dawn by Anne Bishop I have been a huge fan of Bishop's for well over a decade and this book of short stories was just so well done of her. It honestly brought me to my knees

The Guardian by Sherrilyn Kenyon, the next installment in her Dream Hunters (yes Dream Hunters) Series and yes it does intertwine with her Dark Hunters. I just loved Seth!! He was one of Kenyon's best characters!

Last year's offering from Deborah Cooke, DarkFire Kiss, Raffertyl's story. I completely enjoyed this book and this entire series.











BOOKS I DISCOVERED IN 2011 BUT HAVE BEEN AROUND A WHILE

I realize that Jessica Andersen Final Prophecy has made all three of our lists.. Night Keepers was that first book into the amazing journey.. written in 2008 I found it last spring and have been a huge follower ever since.. Go DOC JESS

Another new friend I found that had been around a while is Lynn Kurland's Star of the Morning the first book in the first trilogy of her Nine Kingdoms Series

There are plenty more new friends that I made this year but if I posted them here this would be the blog that never ended and we would all be singing that song.

I do know I am looking forward to an exciting new year of new books!

Here is hoping you have a happy New Year full of laughter, love and NEW BOOKS!!

TRIVIA CONTEST ANSWERS AND WINNER

CHRISTINE FEEHAN TRIVIA GAME

Thank you to everyone who played our December Trivia Game featuring the many books of author Christine Feehan. It was a lot of fun for all of us. The reviews, poems, dances, videos, trivia questions and Christine Feehan interview kept us busy. The trivia contest was a close race to the finish, and we have a WINNER.

The Winner is Christina (Xtina) R……….with a perfect score for all four weeks.

Congratulations Christina…you do know your Christine Feehan storylines.

You have a choice as to which book you would like:

1. Hardcover copy of DARK PERIL…OR
2. Paperback copy of the Author’s Cut DARK PRINCE

Send your snail mail address to bodicerippers.mail@gmail.com and we will send your prize.

Congratulations again, to Christina (Xtina).

Bodice Rippers Femme Fatales and Fantasy would like to thank Barb for her gracious donation of the Christine Feehan books for this month’s trivia game.

THE DARK SERIES

Who attacked Raven and almost killer her? Answer: Jacob

Which Carpathian walked right past his lifemate, only to find her centuries later? Answer: Gabriel

Who is the only half-human, half-Carpathian ever to be born? Answer: Shea

Which Carpathian woman has the gift of song? Answer: Desari

Who is lifemate to Celeste? Answer: Eric

Who is Joie’s sister and brother? Answer: Gabrielle and Jubal Sanders

Savannah was the only female child to be born in hundreds of years, due to Xavier’s curse. Who was the last female child before Savannah? Answer: Noelle

Who is lifemate to Corrine? Answer: Dayan

Who is lifemate to Sarantha? Answer: Vlad

Who was the trucker that picked up Tempest and then tried to rape her? Answer: Harry

What was the name of the person who was stalking Jaxon, and almost killed Lucian? Answer: Tyler Drake

Which Carpathian ensure his bond with his lifemate before she was born? Answer: Gregori

Who is Natalya’s lifemate, and what is his brother’s name? Answer: Vikirinoff Von Shrieder and Nicolae Von Shrieder.

In Dark Peril, what is the name of Solange’s pet? Answer: Shadow

What are the names of the triplets in Dark Slayer? Answer: Matias, Tomas, Lojos

THE DRAKE SISTERS/SISTERS OF THE HEART SERIES

What is Sarah’s profession? Answer: Security

Which Drake sister was kidnapped and brutalized? Answer: Elle

Who is Abby’s future husband? Answer: Aleksandr

Which Drake sister will have 7 sons, and what is her future husband’s name? Answer: Joely and Ilya Praekenski

Who is the Drake model? Answer: Hannah

Who is the Drake singer? Answer: Joely

Which of the 7 Drake sisters will give birth to 7 girls? Answer: Elle

Which Drake sister can make anyone tell the truth? Answer: Abby

Which Drake sister is a doctor? Answer: Libby

Who is Kate going to marry? Answer: Matt

Who are the heroine and her in Spirit Bound? Answer: Stefan and Judith

What is the name of the 3^rd brother mention in Spirit Bound? Answer: Gavril

GHOSTWALKER SERIES

Shadow Game:

Which Team 1 ghostwalker can levitate? Answer: Jeff Hollister

Mind Game:

Who is Nicolas Trevane’s wife? Answer: Dahlia Le Blanc

What is the poser of the heroine in this book? Answer: Telekinetic/Fire

Night Game:

What is the bar owner’s name in Night Game? Answer: Delmar Thibodeaux

What was Flame’s real name? Answer: Iris Johnson

Conspiracy Game:

Which on of Briony Jenkin’s brothers, knew Jack Norton? Answer: Jebediah Jenkins

Deadly Game:

Which 2 men were fighting in the hall outside of Mari Smith’s holding cell? Answer: Brett and Sean

Predatory Game:

What is the name of Jesse’s sister? Answer: Patsy

Murder Game:

What is the name of the ‘reluctant’ game player in Murder Game? Answer: Tom Delaney Sr.

Street Game:

What is the name of the Ghostwalker helping Jaime with the loft restoration? Answer: Joe Spagnola

Ruthless Game:

What name did Kane and Rose name the baby? Answer: Sebastian

LEOPARD SERIES

THE AWAKENING (FEVER)

What exotic fruit does Brandt feed Maggie, to keep the insects away? Answer: Mangoes

What are the names of the 3 men escorting Maggie thru the rainforest to her family home? Answer: Joshua, Connor, Drake

WILD RAIN

What are the names of the 2 natural leopards that live with Rio? Answer: Fritz and Franz

What is the term used by the Leopards, when a female is coming into her prime? Answer: Han Vol Dan

BURNING WILD

What is the name of the young girl, living with Jake and Emma? Answer: Susan Hindman

What is the name of Josiah Trent’s lawyer? Answer: Bernard Williams

What is the name of the young man, who asked Emma on a date? Answer: Greg Patterson

SAVAGE NATURE

What is the name of the water area, where Saria found the bodies? Answer: Fenton’s Marsh

What type of ‘boat’ do the people use to travel the bayou waterways? Answer: Pirogue

At which establishment did Drake arrange to stay while in the bayou? Answer: Lafont Inn