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The Monster Librarian Presents:
Reviews for Horror Themed Adventure Books/Urban Fantasy/Fantasy
While these books are not actually scary per se they are centered around or based on horror elements. In these books often have vampires, werewolves, and zombies as characters vs. adversaries. Other cross genre types that will be included in this section are paranormal mysteries and paranormal comedies.
Gypsy
Blood by Steve Vernon*New Review
Five Star, 2008
ISBN: 9781594147067
Available: New
In Gypsy Blood, we meet Carnival, a half gypsy who is a fortune-teller and also a part-time slayer of demons and other creatures. His dead father’s soul is trapped inside him, and acts as a guide, counselor, and foil for Carnival. In Gypsy Blood Carnival falls in love with a vampire, and promises to take care of her, which includes killing people to provide her with blood. As Carnival searches for a way to “cure” his vampire lover, he is embroiled in larger demonic plans. Carnival is an interesting character, who, despite his impressive occult skills, is deeply flawed in his decision making. Steve Vernon has an amazing imagination and his storytelling skills work their magic here, making Gypsy Blood an engrossing read. Readers advisory note: This is a no-holds-barred story, with graphic depictions of gore, sexuality, and rape, so be cautious in recommending it to readers of dark and urban fantasy. However, it may appeal to readers who normally wouldn’t consider reading fantasy, such as those who enjoy the more extreme and graphic horror of Edward Lee or Tim Waggoner.
The
Chronicles of the Planeswalkers
Part I:
Alliances by B.T.
Robertson
Lachesis Publishing, 2007
ISBN-10: 1885093500
Available: New
The Chronicles of the Planeswalkers Part I: Alliances is a fantasy tale that takes place on the plane of Vaaluna. Although the title says 'part I' this is not actually the first part of the story arc(part zero precedes it), and readers who start with this book will feel like they have missed something.
The story follows Aerines, a Krayn elf, on his search for a magical book that will help him learn to use his magic and find his destiny. He is accompanied by a wizard and his bizarre staff, a giant, an odd little fellow from another plane, a father he doesn’t get along with, and several other battle-hardened elves. Their trek takes them across Vaaluna, a plane on the brink of war, where dark elves, chitinous creatures, and half man/half dire beasts are preparing to take over the world. Adding to the chaos, assorted pirates and villains are seeking the pieces of an elfstone tied to an ancient god.
The Chronicles of the Planeswalkers Part 1 has some original ideas that separate it from the crowd. For instance, the wizard’s staff is sentient- able to talk and even cast spells. The wide variety of characters and scenes, and the intriguing plot twists will hook readers and keep them turning pages. The developing relationships between friends and enemies are suspenseful and sometimes surprising, and give the story a fresh feel. At times, though, the book is confusing. There are several point of view shifts, and some of the names are similar enough that it was easy to mistake who was speaking, such as the wizard Aeligion and the elf Aerines. Even so, the book is a pleasure to read, and brought me back to my Dungeons and Dragons days. The Chronicles of the Planeswalkers Part I would certainly make a nice addition to any fantasy collection.
Review by Bret Jordan
The
Last Wish by Andrzej Sapkowski
Orbit,2008
ISBN:0316029181
Available: New
The Last Wish is a translation of a collection of related stories about Geralt de Rivia, a witcher. Witchers are mutant sorcerers who hunt monsters for pay, but Geralt has a conscience when it comes to his job, and his strength of character is sorely tested in these stories. The Last Wish is more of a dark fantasy than a true horror novel, and some of the tales have a touch of fairy tale to them. The story “A Grain of Truth” provides a unique look at Beauty and the Beast, and “The Lesser Evil” presents the reader with a twisted Snow White-like character. The Last Wish is an action packed, monster filled book with exciting and interesting characters and solid plotting. Recommended for the dark fantasy section or general collection of any library. Note: The popular video game The Witcher is based on this book, making it a potential bridge to reading for video game lovers. The Last Wish was originally published in Poland in 1993, and has just recently been translated into English. More of Sapkowski’s work is being translated into English and published in paperback, so readers who enjoy The Last Wish will have plenty to look forward to.
Review by Bret Jordan
A
Whisper of Southern Lights (Book 3 of The Assassin Series) by Tim Lebbon
Necessary Evil Press,2008
ISBN: N/A
Available: New
There are some writers with so much talent that they transcend their subject matter. Such is the case with Tim Lebbon and A Whisper of Southern Lights. For those who have followed The Assassin Series from the start, this is another action-packed thriller in just the manner that we’ve come to expect. At only 65 pages, Lebbon fills every nook and cranny with an overwhelming input of sensory data. Every step of the way you feel like you’re a part of the story, that you’re in the Japanese work camp, in the thick of the jungle, in the sewage line… and Lebbon makes you truly feel the weight of the centuries old conflict between the Demon Assassin Temple and Gabriel, whose thirst for revenge for the murder of his family spurs him on. I cannot recommend this series highly enough. Tim Lebbon is a treasure. This book is for readers with a thirst for high-octane adventure stories, fans of historical horror (World War II), and anyone who enjoys well written prose.
Contains: Adult language, Violence
Review by Bob Freeman
New American Library, 2006
ISBN: 0451460855
Available: New
Proven Guilty is book eight of The Dresden Files, a series of detective novels featuring Harry Dresden, the only wizard listed in Chicago’s yellow pages. In Proven Guilty, Dresden and his partner Karrin Murphy battle phobophages, supernatural creatures that feed on fear. These appear during a horror film convention, where they take on the shapes of movie monsters and attack the attendees. This is a great set-up for a story, but Butcher never really follows through. Instead of battling monsters, the novel’s pace slows to a crawl as Dresden spends his time playing politics with other wizards. Readers hoping for the wizard-detective versus monsters battle the story promises will be frustrated. The “fear-monster” conflict never takes center stage, and when it does materialize, it’s not very frightening. Butcher’s tongue-in-cheek style, while occasionally amusing, disrupts the action and takes the bite out of situations that might otherwise have built to genuine suspense. The story is also interrupted by unnecessary and intrusive exposition and narration.
Unfortunately, Proven Guilty can not stand on its own merits. Butcher does not include enough background information, so newcomers may find themselves lost. In fact, halfway through I found that I had no idea what was going on. Additionally, the story trails off, with nearly every conflict introduced in the novel left unresolved. The book really feels like a place holder between books 7 and 9, and does set up the next book nicely, so fans of The Dresden Files will probably want to read it. Newcomers, however, will want to start at the beginning and work up to this one, if they’re still interested when they get here.
Warning: This is book eight in The Dresden Files, which is a series of detective novels featuring Harry Dresden, the only Wizard listed in Chicago’s yellow pages. This series is also the basis of the show “The Dresden Files” on the Sci-Fi Channel.
Contains: violence and “adult situations.”
Review by Horror Master
The
Blackburn & Scarletti Mysteries Volume II by Karen
Koehler
KHP Publishers, 2007
ISBN: 0979988101
Available: New
FBI agent January
Blackburn and Father Dorian Scarletti,a dhampir (half human/half vampire)
working for the Vatican, are off on two new adventures. The first involves the
investigation of a murder in New Orleans that has a supernatural angle to it.
In the second story Blackburn and Scarletti investigate the supposed haunting of
a soap opera set that has Scarletti facing demons of his past. Koehler
continues to deepen the relationship between Blackburn and Scarletti, and also
explores Blackburn’s bond with Scarletti’s mentor, The Jackal, who saved her
life in the first volume by making her his ghoul. The writing is solid with
continued character development and exploration. Koehler presents interesting
individual stories that feed into the larger story arc. The Blackburn and
Scarletti Mysteries, Volume II, will appeal to wide range of audiences,
including those who enjoy paranormal mysteries and urban fantasy as well as
horror readers. Recommended for public libraries.
Contains: Violence
Dark Hart Press
ISBN: 0978731867
Available: New
If only every author’s first novel could be so fun. And that’s exactly what you get with Bryon Morrigan’s debut, a fun and exciting “man versus monster” story that invokes elements of Aliens and Top Cow’s short-lived comic series Inferno. Set in Iraq, The Desert is one part military drama and one part horror novel as we follow soldiers into Hell, and we’re not being metaphorical here. Morrigan handles the military angle with a deft hand and his characters are very believable. You can tell that the author is writing from experience, as the people and places they populate leap off the page. The overall story is engaging, though the pacing is a bit off at times. What’s most compelling about this novel is that it is not your run-of-the-mill horror story. It is original and draws you to the edge of your seat on more than one occasion. Bryon Morrigan has the right stuff and is well on his way to becoming an exciting new face in a genre in desperate need of just that. Readers advisory note: Fans of military fiction, as well as readers who appreciate a good monster tale, will enjoy this book. Highly recommended for public library collections. Contains: Adult language, Violence .
Review by Bob Freeman
Tapestry
of Dark Souls by Elaine Bergstrom
TSR, 1993(reissued 2007)
ISBN: 1560765712
Tapestry of Dark Souls is one of a series of books set
in TSR’s supernatural roleplaying universe, Ravenloft. The first third of the
book is written in first person by a merchant’s wife. She describes monks who
spend their entire lives in a hidden monastery guarding a magical tapestry with
the ability to capture and contain evil beings. The most powerful creature
within the tapestry, Morgoth, wants out, and calls out for help from those
willing to venture into the evil land. A greedy merchant and his wife answer the
call, but before they can return home, the merchant is trapped in the tapestry,
and his wife bears Morgoth’s son, Jonathan. When disaster strikes the mother,
the monks decide to raise the child themselves. In the meantime, Morgoth watches
over his son and tries to influence him. The rest of the book concentrates on
Jonathan and his story. When the boy leaves the monastery, he travels to a
nearby village to start a life of his own. Werewolves, goblins, witches, and
other dangerous creatures live in the woods around the village, sometimes even
taking villagers who wander into the forest during the daytime hours. In the
midst of these events, Jonathan is plagued by the mistrust and jealousy of the
townspeople. Eventually, he is tricked into helping Morgoth escape from the
tapestry, causing the fall of the monastery’s guardians and the possible rise of
an evil high lord who sees people merely as food for his vampiric needs.
Tapestry of Souls had many plot twists and surprises, and was a suspenseful and
entertaining light read. Tapestry of Souls is a must for anyone collecting
Ravenloft books, and would make a nice addition to a horror section of any
library. Review by Bret Jordan
Contains: Violence, Gore . Review by Bret Jordan
Carpe
Demon: Adventures of a Demon- Hunting Soccer Mom by
Julie Kenner
Berkeley Trade, 2005
ISBN: 0425202526
Available: New and Used
Julie Kenner turns the world of a stay-at-home mom on its
head to present us with a fun, fast, and entertaining read. Kate Connor retired
from demon hunting long ago, but when a demon crashes through her kitchen window
and attacks her, battling evil must, reluctantly, go to the top of her to-do
list. Balancing the needs and wants of her teenage daughter, her toddler, and
her loving (if politically ambitious) husband, already a challenge, becomes even
more difficult when she must deal with the demands of demon hunting and the
secrecy required. Kenner is right on target in describing the situations and
emotions mothers deal with, like leaving a child in day care for the first time,
Some readers will find that she’s a little heavy on the foreshadowing, so the
“mystery” of the story isn’t much of a puzzle, although there’s plenty of action
in between playdates and grocery runs. Carpe Demon is lighter in tone and
less graphic than other books in the “chick lit with fangs” genre. While readers
of the Sookie Stackhouse and Betsy Taylor sagas may enjoy Carpe Demon for
its paranormal angle, Kenner writes the kind of screwball humor that fans of
Jennifer Crusie might appreciate. On the whole the book stands alone, but I was
glad to see the author left room for a sequel. With any luck, Kate Connor will
continue to navigate the treacherous waters of motherhood, marriage, and demon
hunting with wit and success, and take us along for the ride. Carpe Demon could
fall into general fiction or romance collections as well as paranormal fiction.
Highly recommended for public libraries, and a good choice for teen readers
looking for something to follow up their Buffy reading spree. Contains: mild
language, references to sex, violence(on several occasions Kate fights and kills
demons in human corporeal form) kidnapping and threats to small children, and
references to a parent or spouse dying.
Sequels are: California Demon
Demon in my View (due to be released in July 2007)
Review by Francesca the Librarian
Something
From the Nightside by Simon R. Green
Ace, 2003
ISBN: 0441010652
Available: New and Used
This is the first book in Simon R. Green's excellent Nightside Series. John Taylor is a man with an uncanny knack for finding lost things. In this book, John returns to his birthplace, the Nightside, to find a missing girl. The Nightside is the dark center of London where's it's always 3AM and gods and demons wander the streets with more ordinary mortals. John's life in Nightside isn't exactly easy: he's being stalked by creatures intent on killing him for no apparent reason and when that's not happening, he's being hailed as the future king. And there's the pesky timeslip that John and his client fall through, showing the end of the world as we know it and the uncomfortable news that John caused it. Currently, there are seven books in the series, the majority of them held together by the plot thread of whether John finding out who his mother is really will destroy the world. This series is great for combining horror with high humor (if your sense of humor is skewed and a little dark) and the supporting cast is great. Recurring characters include: Razor Eddie, Punk God of the Straight Razor, Deadboy, Shotgun Suzie (more often called "Oh god, run, it's her!"), and a surreally perky secretary. Highly recommended. You can find this series in the sci-fi/fantasy section of the bookstore. Review by Havoc
Sequels:
-- Agents of Light and Darkness
-- Nightingale's Lament
-- Hex and the City
-- Paths Not Taken
-- Sharper than a Serpent's Tooth
-- Hell to Pay
The Pressure of Darkness by
Harry Shannon
Five Star, October, 2006
ISBN: 1594144702
Available: New
Jack Burke is a man with connections, a former special forces operative who makes ends meet by doing various odd jobs for the mob, the government, and private individuals. Jack is hired to investigate the particularly grisly death of horror novelist Peter Stryker by Stryker's daughter. The police want to rule it as a suicide, but she isn't convinced. Jack's investigation leads into the world of the occult, where he faces a menace that seeks to kill most of the people on the planet. Shannon has put together a solid horror tinged adventure, with elements that will appeal to readers in different genres, including mystery, action/adventure, and occult fiction. Jack is an intriguing and fascinating character who will draw readers in. Jack is complex- he doesn't think in terms of black and white and must make certain ethical compromises in order to survive and thrive. Fast-paced and engrossing, The Pressure of Darkness is a book readers will want to finish in one sitting. Burke has very much the feel of F. Paul Wilson's Repairman Jack character and fans of Wilson's books will definitely enjoy The Pressure of Darkness. Recommended. Contains: Violence and Gore
Alabaster
by Caitlin R. Kiernan,
illustrated by Ted Naifeh
Subterranean
Press, August, 2006
ISBN: 1596060603
Available: New
Alabaster is a collection of short stories about Dancy Flammarion, a young albino girl from Georgia who is on a mission to slay various monsters and demons. Dancy is directed in her mission by an unseen angel who only Dancy can hear. Even the reader is not privy to the angel's words or instructions. In addition, Dancy has the occasional conversation with animals both dead and alive. Caitlin Kiernan paints Dancy as a reluctant, unassuming, supernatural assassin who is focused on her target and will walk away from other malevolent creatures. The monsters in the book remind me of James Bond villains, down to the gloating monologues. They all have unique features and characteristics and are imaginatively drawn. In addition, they all seem to know about Dancy and her monster slaying deeds, but instead of killing her quickly they tend to talk to her or toy with her and die because of it. Where Alabaster falls short is in the action department. Kiernan builds up the tension, so the reader expects action, but she doesn't follow through. Kiernan has developed an incredibly interesting and sympathetic character in Dancy Flammarion, but the execution is awkward, and Dancy's adventures would benefit from more descriptive detail about and emphasis on the action.
Afterlife Battlefield
by Johnny Ostentatious
Active Bladder Press, December 2006
ISBN: 0976172933
Available: New
Zack Fury, feeling all alone in the world with no hope for the future, takes his own life with the help of a twelve gauge shotgun. Instead of finding himself in either heaven or hell, Zack wakes up in the world of Holcyon, where suicides go. Zack meets Melody, an Australian singer who committed suicide by enticing a crocodile to kill her. They find themselves in the middle of a war between the forces of good and evil, with the fate of the whole dimension hanging in the balance. Johnny Ostentatious has created a fantastic world in Holcyon, blending traditional mythological elements such as the gorgon Medusa and the Egyptian god Anubis with creatures of his own design. Instead of giving us the usual stock hero, Ostentatious gives us Zack Fury, a rebellious punk who can't seem to do what he is told. Unfortunately, there is an awkward and confusing detour in the plot that interrupts the flow of the story, but even so Afterlife Battlefield is a really fun read, with a touch of the absurd. While the author populates Holcyon with people who have committed suicide, it is clear in the story that the author has an anti-suicide message without getting too preachy about it. Recommended. Contains: suicide, violence
KHP Publisher, March, 2002 (1st ed.)
ISBN: 0967922003
Available: New and used.
No, this book isn't about a teenage vampire slayer from Sunnydale. Karen Kohler instead introduces Alek Knight, a half-human, half-vampire who works for the Vatican, enforcing the rules that vampires and other supernaturals have to live by. Alek is one slayer in a coven, or collective, of slayers. Alek uncovers a secret concerning the genesis of the vampires and the church's plans for them that pits him against his mentor and the other slayers. Koehler does a great job of creating her world with a balance of the Roman Catholic Church policing the vampire community with the slayers. Alek is tormented on many levels, in turning against his mentor and father figure, dealing with tragic events in his past, and his conflict over his companion on his quest, Sister Theresa. This erodes his image as a take-no-prisoners mega-slayer. Alek comes across as more fragile than tragic, and the exposition spent on his various torments stops the forward momentum of the story. The story is populated with colorful and interesting characters and the world she creates is an intriguing one. This is one book of a number set in this world which lends itself to many potentially fun tales. Koehler's books set in this world have the potential to become a staple of the genre. Other titles set in this world include The Blackburn and Scarletti Mysteries, Vol. 1, and Dark Miracle. Contains: scenes of sexuality, gore, and strong language.
The Blackburn &
Scarletti Mysteries, Vol I
by Karen Koehler
KHP Publisher, June, 2006
ISBN: 0976791471
Available: New
The Blackburn & Scarletti Mysteries, Vol I consists of two novellas. The first novella, Sins of the Father, introduces us to FBI agent January Blackburn and her new partner, Father Dorian Scarletti, vampire and agent of a special division of the Vatican that deals with the paranormal. Scarletti and Blackburn team up to solve a particularly gruesome murder of a Chicago thug with the words "I REPAY" written on the mauled body. In the second novella, The Hyde Effect, Blackburn and Scarletti track down a vicious killer who leaves wolf hairs by the body in another supernatural murder mystery. In Blackburn and Scarletti, Karen Koehler has given life to her protagonists, creating them with frailties and foibles. Scarletti's affiliation with the Catholic Church also adds a twist to the stories. The plots of the novellas move at a good pace and does a great job of keeping the reader involved in the story while providing background on characters and past events. Readers will be hooked by the characters and the many unanswered questions introduced in this first volume. Koehler has presented a very strong start to a new horror mystery/adventure series. Recommended. Contains: Violence and a little gore.
Five Star, October, 2004
ISBN: 1410402150
Available: New and Used
Tim Waggoner presents a horror based mystery/adventure tale in Necropolis. Necropolis is a city created in another dimension where all sorts of supernatural creatures have migrated, fleeing humans. Matthew Adrion, a once-human cop killed in Necropolis, has returned as a zombie with a soul, who works as a private detective for the various denizens that inhabit the dark city. Devona, a half vampire, asks for Matthew's help in recovering the Dawn Stone, a powerful artifact in her care. In his quest to retrieve the Dawn Stone, Matthew travels all over Necropolis, meeting all sorts of interesting creatures. Waggoner does an excellent job of crafting a complex supernatural world that flows seamlessly into the story, making it easy for the reader to get caught up in the action rather than lost in minutiae. Necropolis is one part mystery and one part adventure with a brilliant horror base. Highly recommended. Contains: Violence
Shadows Over
Somerset 1: A Cairnwood Manor Novel by Bob Freeman
KHP Publisher, April, 2006
ISBN: 0976791447
Available: New and Used
Shadows Over Somerset is the first book by Hoosier author Bob Freeman. Freeman's ambitious first novel introduces us to the Cairnwood Clan, a family with an ancient and terrible secret. Michael Somers is the youngest of the Cairnwood family who was removed from the family by his mother when he was young, he is unaware of his family's curse. Michael is brought to the Cairnwood family mansion in Somerset, Indiana at a time when an ancient evil threatens the family. Freeman fits a great deal into the book, including vampires, werewolves, and witches. His story has a serious tone rather than the humorous banter that characterizes the work of Wm Mark Simmons, but there are definitely some entertaining moments! I thought that vampire flunkies Dawn and Eve were wonderful characters and stole the show for some of the book. Reading Shadows Over Somerset is like putting together a puzzle. Freeman introduces different characters and events at the beginning of the story, and it takes time to understand how they all fit together. Shadows Over Somerset is intended to be the first in a series, and it has enough open plot lines to intrigue the reader. It will be interesting to see how Freeman develops the series. Contains drug abuse, sexual situations, violence to children, and gore.
ROC Fantasy, March, 2006
ISBN: 0451460758
Available: New
The second book I have read this week with the main character named Cal, coincidence...why yes. In this book Cal is short for Caliban, a half human half elf with an elf father and a human mother. Elf in this case doesn't mean friendly beautiful pointy eared D&D character, rather a dark malicious creature with lots of pointy teeth dedicated to violence. Cal is on the run from his father's people with his older brother Niko trying to keep him alive. Along the way they meet all sorts of creatures from fairy tales and myths including trolls, vampires, and a banshee. As a character it is hard to really like or sympathize with Cal, he seems to be very much the perpetual victim and it is really the secondary characters , like Niko, that carry the story. This is Thurman's first book and I look forward to reading his next offering. His imagination comes through in his writing, which makes the story fun to read . Contains: Violence and a little gore.
One Foot in the Grave by WM Mark Simmons
Baen Books, April 1, 1996
ISBN:0671877216
Available: New and Used
Poor Chris Csejthe. He can't remember last night, and now he finds that his wife and daughter are dead and that he is slowly
turning into a vampire. This is the first in a series of books centered on
Chris and his adjustment to life in the very complex and hostile world of
vampires, werewolves, and the supernatural. Simmons
is a talented writer and includes some classic dialogue. Contains some violence and sexual situations.
Dead on My Feet by WM Mark Simmons
Baen Books, September 6,2005
ISBN: 1416509100
Available:
New and Used
The continuation of the misadventures of Chris Csejthe. In this book
Chris has been tracked down by both East Coast and West Coast vampire
communities, in addition to having to deal with zombies, paramilitary groups,
and a virus that threatens humanity. Simmons has a knack of for packing as
much into his books as possible. On top of all of the undead action, there are
also passages where characters spend time philosophizing about the existence and
nature of God. Second in the series. Contains violence.
Habeas Corpses by WM Mark Simmons
Baen Books, November 1, 2005
ISBN: 1416509135
Available: New and Used
The third installment of the misadventures of Chris Csejthe,
who is now head of the New York Domain of Vampires. He has to battle
not only rivals for his leadership for the New York Clan of Vampires but a
mysterious other who is out to spill Chris’ blood for a different reason altogether. Simmons packs a lot in his books,
and this one includes not just vampires but Native American spirits and the
Third Reich. Somehow he brings it all
together in a coherent plot that is fun to read. I will be looking forward to
his next book. Third book in the series. Contains violence and sexual
situations.
Heretic: The Templar Chronicles by Joseph
Nassise
Pocket Books, September 27, 2005
ISBN: 0743470958
Available: New and Used
While Simmons' books mentioned above contain fun dialogue and
humor. Massise’s book is a no nonsense horror adventure novel. The book is
centered on Cade Williams, a man who has supernatural abilities and is a member
of a special operations unit of the Knight Templars a division of the Church
meant to battle the supernatural and protect humanity. In this first book the
Knight Templars are under attack by necromancers attempting to find the powerful
relics. Contains violence.
Infernal: A Repairman Jack Novel by F. Paul Wilson
Forge Books November 1, 2005
ISBN: 0765312751
Available: New and Used
This is the ninth in the Repairman Jack series, the continuing saga of Jack, a fix-it man who solves problems that normally can't be resolved through legal means. Jack finds himself in the middle of a conflict between two extra dimensional forces. In this book, Jack finds himself having to help his brother, who has gotten himself into trouble. Jack must track down who has killed a member of his family. A fine addition to the Repairman Jack series that leaves you wanting more. Contains violence
Urban Fantasy Series
Tanya Huff’s Victory Nelson books- Blood Debt, Blood Price, etc.
Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake and Meredith Gentry books
Kim Harrison’s “Rachel Morgan” books starting with Dead Witch Walking
Kelley Armstong’s “Women of the Otherworld” Bitten, Stolen, Dime Store Magic
Patricia Briggs’ Mercy Thompson books Moon Called
Mercedes Lackey “Children of the Night” “Jinx High” “Burning Water” “Sacred Ground”
Horror Adventure Series Lists from Havoc:
Vamps: Tanya Huff's Blood books. There are five books, about the adventures of
retired cop Victory Nelson and Henry the vampiric bastard son of Henry VIII.
Really. Also includes demons, werewolves, mummies, zombies, and ghosts. And, of
course, the shortest yet most deviant sex scene ever: We kicked the dead bodies
out of the way so there would be room on the floor. Go, Vicky! Found in
sci-fi/fantasy. This series continues with the Smoke books, featuring Tony. So
far, wizards and ghosts. Some people will probably care that the lead character
is gay and lusting after an increasingly less straight guy.
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Slayer
by Karen Koehler 
