With All My Soul by Rachel Vincent

For Review: Mira Ink
Published: 5 April 2013

From Goodreads: After spending the last year undead, Kaylee Cavanaugh has had enough of the paranormal creatures who have plagued her ever since she came into her banshee powers. Now she's ready to take her school back from the evil hellions, once and forever.

To protect her friends, Kaylee will need to find a way to turn the living incarnations of Avarice, Envy and Vanity against one another.

Yet when one more person close to her is taken, Kaylee realises she can't save everyone she loves without making some powerful sacrifices...

To say I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book is a massive understatement! But at the same time, knowing it was the last in the series, made me hesitant to read it. Not because I was worried I wouldn't like it - but because I didn't want the series to end! And what can I say? Rachel Vincent has outdone herself with this - it is such a brilliant end to one of my favourite series!

It's really hard to review this one as I really don't want to give out any spoilers. But lets just say that the stakes are raised event higher and I had no idea how Kaylee & co would get out of this one! One of the things I absolutely love about Rachel Vincent's books is not just how well they are written (and the awesome characters!) but how well plotted they are. Everything falls into place brilliantly -  but I never see any of it coming. She always manages to surprise me with details I had completely overlooked - it's one of the things that continues to amaze me with her books.

So does all end well for Kaylee and her friends? Well, you are just going to have to read it to find out!

I can't wait to see what Rachel Vincent writes next - and I know I'll be first in the queue to read it.

Before I Wake Blog Tour (Cover Wars)

I'm really excited to be part of the blog tour for Rachel Vincent's new Soul Screamers novel Before I Wake.  If you haven't read this series yet you really should -  they are seriously awesome!  My review for Before I Wake is here and you can read my reviews for all the books here.

For her stop today, Rachel has kindly answered some questions, put together by Mira Ink, on the covers of her books...
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1) How much influence do you have in terms of the book jackets?

Rachel: Um…not a lot, actually. There’s this big, multi-page form I fill out, which contains details about the story, the themes, the characters, and any big scenes I might like to see depicted, but after that, it’s up to the art department to work its magic. For the US edition, I did ask for a specific color for the last Soul Screamers novel (With All My Soul) and I got it! And it’s beautiful, for which I’m forever grateful to the Harlequin art department. ;) But I usually don’t see the UK covers until they appear on the internet. Fortunately, they’ve all been beautiful!

[US Covers]

2) Are you happy with the jackets so far, do you feel like they are an accurate reflection of the series?

That’s kind of a two-part question, since the US and the UK each used different covers. So here goes:

I think the US covers don’t really reflect much about the actual stories. For instance, in the entire series, Kaylee has only worn one formal dress, but she’s in a dress on every cover. But I do want to point out that a cover’s job isn’t to illustrate an actual, literal moment from the story (though they can, and some do). A cover’s job is to attract the right readers for the book, and sometimes that means reflecting the tone or feel of the story, rather than the plot or characters themselves. And I think/hope that the US covers do that, for the US audience.

A couple of the UK covers—particularly the first, with Kaylee screaming—have represented the actual story a little better. I love the fog, which is actually in the books! Again, there are no butterflies or dragonflies in the stories, but again, it’s the tone the covers are trying to convey, not literal events. And all of them are beautiful, and they stand out from the other, darker covers on the shelves, so I’d say they’re doing their job!

[UK Covers]

3) Do you prefer the US or UK covers (if you don’t mind saying!)?

My favorites vary, and I actually like them all. But I like the UK cover for MSTTake a little better (Kaylee’s screaming) and I love what the French art department has done with that same art for their cover of If I Die. I like the UK cover for If I Die better than the US, because I don’t really care for the style of that green dress, but I love the symbolism of the US version, with Kaylee turning away from Nash, and him reaching for her. And I love the pattern of brightly colored dresses on the US covers, which makes for a stunning collection, when you see them all together!

4) If you had to choose one of the covers as your all-time favourite, which would it be?

So far, my favourite is the cover of the Volume Two omnibus (US), which shows Kaylee in motion in a beautiful black dress. It’s the inverse of the Vol 1 cover, which had a white dress on a black background. Which was my editor’s idea, I believe. And it’s beautiful!

For the record, I haven’t seen the final-final US cover for With All My Soul, nor have I seen the UK version, so those may very well wind up my favorites. ;)

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Thanks Rachel! 

I also love both the US and UK covers. The US ones are really beautiful and I do believe they definitely attract people to pick them up.  But for me the UK ones just have the edge - I feel they 'fit' the story just that little bit more as well as being appealing to look at.  I especially love the first book in the series - with Kaylee screaming!

Do you have a preference over US or UK?  And do you have a favourite cover from the series?

Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent

For Review: Mira Ink
Published: 6 July 2012

From Goodreads: I died on a Thursday—killed by a monster intent on stealing my soul.
The good news? He didn’t get it.
The bad news? Turns out not even death will get you out of high school…

Covering up her own murder was one thing, but faking life is much
harder than Kaylee Cavanaugh expected. After weeks spent
“recovering,” she’s back in school, fighting to stay visible to the human world, struggling to fit in with her friends and planning time alone with her new reaper boyfriend.

But to earn her keep in the human world, Kaylee must reclaim
stolen souls, and when her first assignment brings her face-to-face with an old foe, she knows the game has changed. Her immortal status won’t keep her safe. And this time Kaylee isn’t just gambling with her own life….

Honestly, I freaking love this series! I have no idea what I am going to do with myself after With All My Soul is published!

The story picks up from where we left it in If I Die. Kaylee is struggling to adapt to her afterlife, Nash is still holding a grudge and an old enemy returns to reek havoc...

One of the things I really admire about Rachel Vincent's writing and her stories is that there are always consequences and everything that happens is earned. There is no 'miracle switch' that she uses to make things easier for the characters - they go through what they should go through in the circumstances. I loved that Kaylee struggled with her afterlife. Of course I want to see her happy, but I felt that wouldn't be believable.  She has had to make a lot of sacrifices and she needs to adapt to that.

As for the storyline, things just got scary!. As much as I admire Vincent's willingness to take risks it does mean that my favourite characters are not always safe (you only need to be a fan of her Shifter's series to know that!) Things change in this one - I won't say any more than that - but I am crossing my fingers in hope that all these characters will get their happy ending!

Also, if I had any doubts of my love for Tod (I didn't, but still...) this book has truly cemented those feelings. I love him - he is so nice and kind to Kaylee. I adore the two of them as a couple.

As for Nash I really hope he sees the light soon. At the risk of being attacked (please don't hurt me...) I really like the idea of him and Sabine together. She has really grown as a character for me - I like how perceptive she is. And I do think she is mellowing! He also needs to sort out his relationship with Tod - I have a feeling that if he discovers the truth behind Tod's death he will realise what he has actually been given and stop wasting it.

So yes, I can't wait for With All My Soul. It promises to be EPIC!

Check back later - Rachel is stopping by to talk about her book covers!

If I Die by Rachel Vincent. (Blog Tour: Review and Q&A)

For Review: Mira Ink
Published: 3 February 2012

From Goodreads: No one wants to be this teacher's pet…

The entire school’s talking about the gorgeous new math teacher, Mr Beck. That is, everyone except Kaylee Cavanaugh. After all, Kaylee’s no ordinary high-school junior. She’s a banshee — she screams when someone dies.

But the next scream might be for Kaylee.

Yeah — it’s a shock to her, too. So to distract herself, Kaylee’s going to save every girl in school. Because that hot new teacher is really an incubus who feeds on the desire of unsuspecting students. The only girls immune to his lure are Kaylee and Sabine — her boyfriend’s needy ex-girlfriend. Now the unlikely allies have to get rid of Mr Beck…before he discovers they aren’t quite human, either.

But Kaylee’s borrowed lifeline is nearing its end. And those who care about her will do anything to save her life. Anything.

As everyone has probably worked out I am a massive fan of this series. I'd heard that this one was a series changer and now I know why! But it's in a really, really good way!

The story picks up where we left off at the end of My Soul to Steal. Kaylee and Nash are trying to work out their troubles, a possible Incubus is feeding off high school students and Kaylee is informed she only has a few days to live...

This is most definitely my favourite of the series so far. It takes elements that have been set in place in previous books and kind of fits them all together. I had no idea how Rachel Vincent was going to tie the storyline up - what would happen at the end of the book - but I had absolute faith that I would love it. And love it I did!

Kaylee really grows in this instalment. Because of the news she receives about her impending death this is kind of inevitable - she has to face those tough decisions she's tried to ignore in the past. And I love that she focuses on fighting the Incubus and helping people even with everything she is feeling and going through.

I have to say I felt really sorry for Nash in this. Despite my reservations for him and Kaylee as a couple I love his character - he has some issues he really needs to face and I love that Vincent hasn't given him the easy way out. She also throws additional stuff at him in this so I'm looking forward to seeing how he reacts when we catch up with them all in Before I Wake. 

As for Tod - I think I love him even more! I am so pleased he shared the story of how he died with Kaylee - I have been looking forward to that since reading Reaper. And Sabine is on fine form too! Honestly I adore her and am so glad she is now a permanent part of the gang.

As for the ending - HOLY BLINKING NORA and YAY! Let's just say I got my wish and the ending to this really sets up the next book as a must read!

Awesome with a side of awesome!

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As part of the blog tour for the release of If I Die, Rachel Vincent also took the time to answer a few of my questions...

I'd heard If I Die described as a series changer and now I understand why! Was it always your intention to take the story in this direction?

No. Honestly, while I don’t deny that If I Die is a game changer in more than one way, the path to most of those changes actually began way back in My Soul To Keep (book 3). Maybe even earlier, though I didn’t see it coming at first. What happened to Nash in My Soul To Save and the decisions he made in MSTKeep changed him. They changed him for the better, as a character, in my opinion. No one calls him a cookie-cutter YA boyfriend anymore. He has real strengths and weaknesses, and he deals the best he can. But in a group as tight-knit as Kaylee’s circle of friends and relatives, no one character can go through a change that big without affecting all of the others. Nash changed. His relationship with Kaylee changed. Her understanding of what she wants (for him, for them as a couple, and for herself) evolved and changed.

The reason for that is simple: the things that Nash is going through can’t be fixed in a day. Or in a week. Or in a month. Or, most likely in a year or more. He’s not going to recover overnight, like a television sitcom character, and if I’d tried to make him bounce back that fast, I would have been lying to him, to myself, and to the readers. Consequences are real in the Soul Screamers world, just like in our world (though the breadth is certainly wider there than in our world). Nash’s relationships have been tested. They’ll continue to be tested. But he’s fortunate enough to have a great support system, whether he sees that right now or not. ;)

I love the world you've created with this series. How much work goes into planning and mapping it all out? And how do you keep track of it all...?

Um…a lot, though I don’t really know how to quantify it. At the beginning, I kept track with an Excel chart, but I got really bad about that after a few books. Now, I mostly search the previous manuscripts for any bits I’ve forgotten. That works, except in the cases when things were changed at the page proof level and are slightly different from the printed version.

And, sometimes I ask my readers on line if they remember a certain bit of information, which I then verify. My readers are awesome, and they don’t seem to mind helping me remember how old Kaylee’s dad is or what color Harmony’s eyes are. ;)

Another thing I love about your stories is the way the characters stay true to themselves. They may evolve and grow but they don't change in order to service the plot. Is something that is important to you as an author?

SO very important. Characters should grow. Without growth, the stories will stagnate. But grown shouldn’t be confused with a sudden, miraculous shift in outlook or action. Unless something really big happens to a character. As in the end of If I Die. ;)

I've been looking forward to it since reading Reaper so I'm really pleased Tod shares his story with Kaylee. Will Nash ever learn the truth?

About how Tod died? I suspect he’ll learn in the final book. It doesn’t seem fair to keep it from him much longer.

Do you have any plans for another YA series?

Plans? Yes. Contracts? Not so far. I won’t have time to finish a new proposal until after I’ve turned in the last book.
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Thanks Rachel!

You can find Rachel Vincent at her Website, on Facebook and Twitter.

Reaper by Rachel Vincent

From Goodreads:  Tod Hudson was a typical teenager. He liked girls, sports, food and tolerated his younger brother, Nash. In fact, he had his whole life in front of him--and due to his bean sidhe heritage, it was going to be a very long life indeed. And then the car accident occurred.

Suddenly Tod's future wasn't so sure, and he had to make a choice. Life... Death... or something Between....

An ebook exclusive Soul Screamers series novella.

If you are a fan of the Soul Screamers series you really need to read this!  I really enjoyed it and I loved having the story told from Tod's point of view.  If I hadn't been in love with him before reading this I definitely would have been afterwards.

The story is a prequel in the sense it takes place before Tod becomes a reaper.  We get to see what he was like, plus we get to see Nash as a 15 year old and we learn of Sabine.  I've heard it's best to read this after at least the third book in the series and I would have to agree.  I read it between books 3 and 4 and it seemed to fit perfectly.

There's quite a surprising revelation in this story that I really didn't see coming but in retrospect makes so much sense.  I won't go into details here -  it makes you see Tod in a different light but I do wonder if it's been kept a secret all this time.

I love this series - I love this world.  And damn I love Tod!  How did he sneak up on me?  Because I was a major Nash fan at the beginning of this series but somehow Tod has completely won my affections! 

A great addition to the series - I look forward to more of these novellas.

My Soul to Steal by Rachel Vincent (Blog Tour: Review and Q&A)

For Review: Mira Ink
Published: 21 October 2011

From Goodreads: Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can’t just pretend nothing happened. But “complicated” doesn’t even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.

See, Sabine isn’t just an ordinary girl. She’s a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people’s fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.

And Sabine isn’t above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.

This series really does get better and better with each book! This one is concentrated a bit more on Kaylee and the fallout from My Soul to Keep and the arrival of a new character,  but there is still plenty of action and I loved the introduction of that certain new character!

Yes, yes I mean Sabine. While I may not have always liked her I absolutely loved her character. I loved how honest she is. We may not always like what she has to say but she is very blunt about the truth, and I really enjoyed the way she complicates things with Nash. I also really like the addiction of Alec, who we met in My Soul to Keep. I really do hope he sticks around because he definitely has the potential to be interesting.

Of course the story is not just about the arrival of Sabine. Strange things are again afoot at their High school - teachers are dying in their sleep and the students all seem to be suffering from violent jealousy. Could Sabine be behind these occurrences or is something more sinister at work?

Tod managed to make me like him even more - I think the scene between him and Kaylee where he tells her what he really thinks about Sabine and Nash is going to be one of my favourite scenes for a long time. He doesn't sugarcoat the truth and I find that very refreshing.

In terms of Kaylee and Nash I surprisingly found myself feeling really sorry for Nash this time. I understand why Kaylee is confused about whether the two of them can be together (and the arrival of Sabine doesn't really help) but I was a bit disappointed that Kaylee is not being there for Nash when he really needs someone. But at the same time I do stick to what I said before - I'm not sure the two of them will get past this - Kaylee seems to need for this to have not happened - to have things the way there were before - rather than trying to build something new. Just my opinion of course - and I have every faith in Rachel Vincent as an author that she could change my mind! And perhaps my love for a certain reaper is clouding my judgement...

So yes,  I love this series to death and can't wait to get my hands on If I Die. I've heard it's a series changer so I am desperate to find out what that means!

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As part of a blog tour for the release of My Soul To Steal Rachel kindly took the time to do a Q& A:

I love how Kaylee gets stronger with each book. Is it important for you to have a strong female lead?

Yes. That’s the only thing that’s remained the same in every book I’ve written. My leading women make mistakes, but they’re all incredibly strong, in one way or another.

Each new book makes me love Tod more and more. Did you always intend for him to play such a large part in the series or did he surprise you?

Tod was a bit of a surprise. I like him. I think I’ll keep him around. ;)

I loved the addition of Sabine to the series! Is she fun to write and will she continue to play a big role?

Thanks! She’s actually my favourite character to write. And yes, she’s a permanent member of the cast now.

Nash really has had some tough times recently. Do you think he will ever truly forgive himself for what he did?

I think that’s gonna be hard. He’s a good guy, and he feels horrible about everything that’s happened. If he didn’t, I wouldn’t like writing him.

Can you give us any hints for what is next in store for Kaylee, Nash and Tod?

Death. Kissing. Drama. You know, all the good stuff. ;)

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Thanks Rachel! I'm please to hear Sabine is now a permanent cast member! And more kissing? Please say it's with Tod...

You can find Rachel Vincent at her Website, on Facebook and Twitter.

My Soul to Steal: Animated Book Cover!

Mira have a UK exclusive animated cover for My Soul to Steal - honestly, how awesome is this?  I love it - it's such a fab idea:)

Also, Mira have a competition on their facebook page. All you need to do is go to the facebook page, click on either the animated or normal jacket image of My Soul to Steal  and post a comment in the comment box below the picture. MIRA Ink will then select the winners.

My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent

From Goodreads: 
WHEN KAYLEE CAVANAUGH SCREAMS, SOMEONE DIES AND KAYLEE IS ABOUT TO SCREAM HER HEAD OFF...

Kaylee has one addiction: her very hot, very popular boyfriend, Nash. A banshee like Kaylee, Nash understands her like no one else. Nothing can come between them. Until something does.

Demon's breath. No, not the toothpaste-challenged kind. The Netherworld kind. The kind that really can kill you. Somehow, the super-addictive substance has made its way to the human world. But how? Kaylee and Nash have to cut off the source and protect their friends—one of whom is already hooked. And when the epidemic hits too close to home, Kaylee will have to risk everything to save those she loves.

I freaking love this series! Rachel Vincent always does a great job in keeping the series fresh and exciting while still developing the story and moving it forward.

I adore Kaylee. She's really strong, sassy and she cares enough about everyone to put herself on the line. I also love Nash - but it's evident that something is going on with him. And Tod? Well I am liking him more and more as the series progresses. Again he seems to steal every scene he is in and I loved his reaction when he found out what had happened!

Speaking of what happens - I love how this story is an evolution of events from My Soul to Save. I had a feeling it might happen and as much as it pained me to read - I love that their are consequences. One of the things I admire about Rachel Vincent's writing is that she is not scared to go in a direction that shocks. She does what is right for the story - characters can die, they don't always make the right decisions - and this makes it completely unpredictable and - quite frankly - an amazing journey!

In terms of Kaylee and Nash - I have to say I'm not sure I could move past it. I don't really blame him for what happened - I just think there is a big difference between wishing something had never happened and being about to forgive and move on from it. Kaylee wants things to be the way they were before but that is never going to be the case because it did happen and she needs to decide if she can live with that. I guess we will find out in My Soul to Steal. And I can't wait!

My Soul To Save by Rachel Vincent

For Review: Mira Ink. Published February 2011
"If she were going to die, I’d already be screaming. I’m a banshee. That’s what we do.”

The last thing Kaylee needs right now is to be skipping school, breaking her dad’s ironclad curfew and putting her boyfriend’s loyalty to the test. But starry-eyed teens are trading their souls for a flickering lifetime of fame and fortune in exchange for eternity in the Netherworld — a consequence they can’t possibly understand. Kaylee can’t let that happen, even if trying to save their souls means putting her own at risk....

I'm really enjoying this series!  They are so much fun to read -  I love the characters and the world.

We catch up with Kaylee shortly after the events in My Soul To Take.  When the lead singer at a concert dies in front of Kaylee she doesn't understand why she doesn't start screaming.  It turns out teens are unwittingly selling their souls for fame and fortune.  When someone close to Tod appears on the reaper's list and he realises she is going to die without possession of her soul he begs Kaylee to help...

While I wasn't as invested Addy's story as much as I would have liked my investment in Tod, Kaylee and Nash meant it didn't particularly matter.  I liked the whole idea behind the storyline - 'starry-eyed teens trading their souls for fame and fortune' - and I am pleased that Kaylee has the compassion to need to help.  It's that side of her character that I really like.  But I just didn't quite connect with Addy's character, although I did think she completely redeemed herself in the end.

Kaylee and Nash still have amazing chemistry and I love their relationship.  I found it equally frustrating and amusing that they constantly got interrupted and hardly had any time alone together.  I'm really hoping that My Soul To Keep focuses more on their relationship and addresses some of Kaylee's insecurities about Nash's intentions.

I really liked Kaylee's dad too, and enjoyed their interactions.  I find their relationship really interesting and am looking forward to seeing it evolve.  I also need to mention Tod.  While I found him intriguing in the first book I am now starting to understand why many readers are hoping for a Kaylee/ Tod relationship.  There is something about him and I can't quite put my finger on it.  I loved that we got to see how desperate he was to save Addy - it showed a more caring side to him.  But he still comes across as slightly dangerous!  I just loved the ending!

I can't wait for more of this series and will be reading My Soul To Keep as soon as it hits the shelves. 

Review and Interview: My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent.

For Review:  Mira Ink.  Published 6 January 2011
From Goodreads:  She doesn't see dead people, but… She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next…

After reading her Shifter Series I am a massive fan of Rachel Vincent!  I absolutely adore that series so I was especially eager to read My Soul to Take .  I'm glad to say I was not at all disappointed!

We first meet Kaylee sneaking into a nightclub with her friend Emma.  While there she runs into Nash, a guy she knows from school. But when Kaylee see a girl from across the room she knows with absolute certainty that the girl will soon die. At the same time she has an uncontrollable urge to scream and it's only with Nash's help that she manages to prevent herself from doing so. The next day she finds out that the girl is dead and her prediction came true. When more girls die unexpectedly, Kaylee starts to question what is happening. Is she crazy or is something else going on...?

I really loved the mythology behind this one. With so many paranormal books hitting the shelves lately it's great to read something that feels completely fresh.  I loved that we get to learn all about the world with Kaylee,  as she is as much in the dark as we are.  And the world created is great!  I loved the idea of Bean Sidhes, Reapers and the Netherworld.

Character wise I loved Kaylee and Nash.  They definitely have chemistry!  Kaylee gained more and more confidence as time progressed.  She was very likeable and I will be interested to see what she's like now she know the truth.   Nash was fun and I liked him instantly.  I think he has the potential to be an interesting character and I'm hoping that the chemistry between him and Kaylee continues but that they also develop a genuine friendship.

Sophie was awesome!  Such attitude that's just great fun and she's definitely the cousin 'I love to hate but may end up loving'.  Although Emma seemed fun we don't really get the chance to know her well but she appeared to be a great friend to Kaylee.   As for Tod ... well he's very interesting!

The writing is top notch and what I have come to expect from this author.  I love the way she gets inside the characters heads and she always manages to surprise me!  Things happen in this one that I just didn't see coming but I always kick myself afterwards because the hints are always there!

 So .. enough fan-girl gushing from me!  Except to say I loved it and can't wait for more!

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Rachel kindly took the time to answer a few of my questions...

How did you come up with the idea for the Soul Screamers series?
I did a lot of research and a lot of brainstorming. And a lot of plotting. Boring, but true. It’s mostly just a lot of hard work.

If it was made into a film or TV series who would you like cast in the roles?
I don’t know! Hopefully someone not known from another film. I’d like to have actors who don’t bring any previous associations to the roles.

How many books are planned for the series? Can you give us any hints on what’s in store for the characters?
Right now, I’m contracted through book 5 (IF I DIE) in the US/Canada. After that, only time (and sales) will tell. As for what’s coming…soul-stealing hellions, addictive Netherworld substances, and Nightmare ex-girlfriends. Lots of drama. Lots of danger. Lots of kissing. ;)

What is your favourite aspect of being a writer? And the most challenging?
I love getting to make stuff up for a living. I love living in my own head. I love feeling like I’ve been able to capture an emotion with words in a way that no other writer could have, because they’re MY words.

The most challenging thing is forcing my brain to be creative, when I REALLY don’t feel like working. You know how some days you want to do nothing but veg? Yeah, I rarely get those days. Writing is my job. It pays my bills. So I don’t have time to be a sensitive artist. I must create on a deadline. ;)

What is a typical writing day like for you? Do you have any ‘must-haves’ before you can start?
Get up. Make coffee. Eat cereal. Drink coffee. Check email and answer urgent messages. Blog. Cross-post blog onto other networking sites. Answer Qs on Facebook and Twitter. Start writing, or revising, or editing, depending on what deadline is most pressing. Watch an episode of something on Netflix while I eat lunch. Then back to work. And I work until the goal is met. If I meet it early, I get to read, watch TV or play video games. If not, I work until I fall into bed around midnight.

Who are some of your favourite authors? Are there any books you would recommend?
My favourite author is Stephen King. My favourite of his books are The Stand, It, and all of the Dark Tower books.

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Thanks Rachel!  It is wrong that I'm very glad about the lots of kissing part - especially if it's between Kaylee and Nash?  :)

You can find Rachel at the following places:

Twitter
Website
Blog
Goodreads

Also,  Mira Ink will be launching it's website on Monday so check back here for the link:)

Alpha by Rachel Vincent

For review: Mira. Published 1 October 2010
From Goodreads: Contains spoliers for previous books
YOU'VE GOT TO HAVE FAYTHE...

The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc, and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder, and treason. Yeah, we've been busy. But now it's time to take justice into our own hands. We must avenge my brother's death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council.

It's not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no matter what. With a target on my back and Marc at my side, I'm heading for a final showdown that can--that will--change everything forever. A showdown I'm not sure I'm ready for.

But life never waits until you're ready.

Knowing this was the final book in the series I wanted to devour it and savour it in equal measure.  I had to know what was going to happen, but at the same time I was scared there wouldn't be a happy ending for all the characters I've grown to love.

Like the previous books in the series this one picks up quickly after the events of Shift.  Faythe and her Pride are preparing for the battle of their lives and Faythe still has to make that final decision between Marc and Jace.  When things change for the worse Faythe realises she has to make a stand - to make things right and to carve out a better life for herself and those she loves...

Faythe is and will always be one of my favourite characters.  I love that she's strong, impulsive, fearless and fiercely loyal but mostly I love that she has faults too.  She is far from perfect and makes numerous mistakes - but she cares deeply about the people around her.  And makes us care about them too.  Which makes some of the events in this devastatingly sad.

Considering the events of Prey, I knew that not everyone would still be standing at the end.  I love that Rachel Vincent stayed true to the story and made these decisions, even if it did make me sob my heart out!  It makes the story more believable - and the outcome feels earned.  There are consequences to each characters decisions - especially Faythe's - and sometimes these are not always fair or just.  It great watching Faythe realise that sometimes you have to make the hard decisions and then have the strength to stand by them.  Which leads me nicely to Faythe's complicated love life.  We finally get a decision!.  Although it felt a long time coming I could understand her reluctance in making it - seeing as it meant either Jace or Marc having to leave the Pride.  Others may disagree, but I felt she had already made her choice -  it was just finding the strength to voice it.

It's hard to believe that the events of the six books take place in less than a year.  It brings an amazing sense of urgency to the proceedings and I have to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the ride.  Everything about this world is brilliantly crafted and I'm not ready to leave it yet.  I really miss it already, and although I agree that Faythe's story has reached it's conclusion, I do hope Rachel Vincent considers a spin off to the series.  There are several characters that could easily hold a series of their own - and I would love updates on how everyone else is doing.

A fantastic book, and an awesome series! .  If you haven't tried it I recommend you do. 

Rachel Vincent is the author of Alpha part of her Shifter’s Series about a pride of werecats which is out now from MIRA books £6.99. For more information on Rachel’s books visit  http://www.nocturnebites.co.uk/

The Shifter Series by Rachel Vincent

Rachel Vincent is the author of the wonderful Shifter Series.  I have been meaning to read them for a long time after picking up the first book Stray and loving it. With this months release of the final book in the series, Alpha, I thought now would be the perfect time.  They are aimed at an adult audience, so may not be suitable for younger readers, but would definitely appeal to older readers of Young Adult fiction.   Reviews for the first five books in the series are below. 

While I have tried to ensure my reviews are spoiler free please bear in mind that the Goodreads synopses do contain spoilers for previous books.  I've made the text small so you can avoid them if you wish to do so.

Stray
From Goodreads:
There are only eight breeding female werecats left . . .
And I'm one of them.

I look like an all-American grad student. But I am a werecat, a shape-shifter, and I live in two worlds.

Despite reservations from my family and my Pride, I escaped the pressure to continue my species and carved out a normal life for myself. Until the night a Stray attacked.

I'd been warned about Strays -- werecats without a Pride, constantly on the lookout for someone like me: attractive, female, and fertile. I fought him off, but then learned two of my fellow tabbies had disappeared.

This brush with danger was all my Pride needed to summon me back . . . for my own protection. Yeah, right. But I'm no meek kitty. I'll take on whatever -- and whoever -- I have to in order to find my friends. Watch out, Strays -- 'cause I got claws, and I'm not afraid to use them . . .

Stray is such an absorbing read.  I found myself completely hooked!  I love the character of Faythe - she's tough talking, stubborn (sometimes frustratingly so) but just really likeable.  I also loved her family - especially Ethan, and I loved Marc.  The story is so well  plotted.  I had no idea what would happen but loved how everything unfolded!  There is plenty of action to keep you turning the pages at speed and also a great romantic storyline that looks as if it will span the series.  Let's just say I know what I would choose...

Rogue
From Goodreads:  Okay, so cats don t always land on their feet.

I know that better than most. Since rejoining the Pride, I ve made big decisions and even bigger mistakes: the kind paid for with innocent lives. As the first and only female enforcer, I have plenty to prove to my father, the Pride, and myself. And with murdered toms turning up in our territory, I m working harder than ever, though I always find the energy for a little after-hours recreation with Marc, my partner both on- and off-duty.

But not all of my mistakes are behind me. We re beginning to suspect that the dead are connected to a rash of missing human women and that they can all be laid at my feet--two or four, take your pick. And one horrible indiscretion may yet cost me more than I can bear...

Rogue picks up three months after the events of Stray and jumps straight into the action.  I love the voice Vincent gives to Faythe - although she does seem to get (and talk) herself into a lot of trouble!  This one felt more of a mystery - I loved one of the twists and it tied in really well with the previous book.  The (rather stella) romantic storyline is still working it's magic - I really like that it's Faythe that's having 'committment issues' - but lets just say I know what I would do if I were her...   There's also a great ending that ensures you'll pick up the next book in the series!

Pride
From Goodreads: I'm on trial for my life. Falsely accused of infecting my human ex-boyfriend—and killing him to cover up the crime. Infecting a human is one of three capital offenses recognized by the Pride—along with murder and disclosure of our existence to a human.
I'm two for three. A goner.

Now we've discovered a rogue stray terrorizing the mountainside, hunting a wild teenage tabbycat. It's up to us to find and stop him before a human discovers us. With my lover Marc's help, I think I can protect the vulnerable girl from both the ambitious rogue and the scheming of the territorial council.

If I survive my own trial…

I love Rachel Vincent's opening lines and this one is my favourite yet!  There is some great humour present in this series as well as all the action.  This one felt as if Faythe had finally realised there were consequences for her actions - and not only for her.  It also introduced a new character Kaci - who I think adds an interesting dynamic.  She is an interesting character and she brings out a difference in Faythe.  Again there is loads of actions and Vincent really excels at writing these scenes - the kind of hold your breathe intensity.  But she is  so good at writing the emotional scenes too and it was here that this book really captured my interest.  I  love the whole Marc and Faythe storyline - the obstacles seem real and uncontrived and I really like that.  Another ending where you're dying to pick up the next book - luckily I have it right here...

Prey
From Goodreads Sometimes playing cat and mouse is no game…
Play? Right. My Pride is under fire from all sides, my father's authority is in question and my lover is in exile. Which means I haven't laid eyes on Marc's gorgeous face in months. And with a new mother and an I-know-everything teenager under my protection, I don't exactly have time to fantasize about ever seeing him again.

Then our long-awaited reunion is ruined by a vicious ambush by strays. Now our group is under attack, Marc is missing and I will need every bit of skill and smarts to keep my family from being torn apart. Forever.

This one picks up the story seven weeks later and again we are thrown straight into the action. The whole book was so tense - with some amazing twists and turns that left my head spinning, and my emotions completely raw!  I pretty much cried my way through the last portion of the story!  The turn of events are devastatingly sad and it feels as if this is the start of major changes to the characters lives.  Things have definitely shifted (no pun intended) and I get the feeling not everyone will come out of it unscathed.  Faythe appears to be stepping up to the plate in terms of her abilities as an enforcer and possible Alpha - but her romantic life takes a complicated turn.  I'm really interested to see how this will all pan out.

Shift
From Goodreads: Being the first female werecat enforcer isn't easy. Scars accumulate, but I'm stronger in so many ways.
As for my personal life? It's complicated. Choices worth making always are. Ever since my brother's death and my father's impeachment, it's all I can do to prevent more blood from spilling. Now our Pride is under attack by a flight of vicious thunderbirds. And making peace with our new enemies may be the only way to get the best of our old foe.

With the body count rising and treachery everywhere, my instincts tell me to look before I leap. But sometimes a leap of faith is the only real option….

Taken place only a week after the events in Prey this is a probably the most action packed of the series so far.  The story starts immediately and doesn't let up until the final page.  This time we are introduced to a new shifter species and I welcome the addition.  The tension is present from the get-go, both from the initial attack on the Pride but also in Faythe's increasingly complicated romantic life.  I have no idea what direction that will take but I am definitely enjoying the ride. Faythe certainly has a difficult (if not impossible) decision to make.   I also really like the changes within Faythe - she's making more decisions that prove she's Alpha material and could lead her Pride one day.   I can't wait to read the final book in this series - I need to know how this will end...and if it will end well for all the characters I've come to love.

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Check back tomorrow for a review of Alpha.

Author Interview: Rachel Vincent

Rachel Vincent is the author of the Shifter Series, and is soon having her Soul Screamer Series published in the UK.  She kindly agreed to answer a few of my questions...

What was the inspiration behind the Shifters series?
Creating the shifters series was kind of a two-step process. A previous incarnation of Faythe and her family already existed as secondary characters in the first series (high fantasy) I wrote, but never tried to sell. They were a nomadic band of Gypsy-like shapeshifters living in the woods, more like animals than humans most of the time. But it was just Faythe and her extended family. No enforcers.

After I wrote two books in that series (the cats only appeared in the second one), I decided to try writing a book set in the modern world. I knew I wanted to write about shapeshifters, but not wolves. So I took the cats out of their original high fantasy world and gave them their own story, complete with mythology, society, and urban fantasy worldbuilding.

Do you have a favourite character from the books? Or one you particularly enjoyed writing for?
I like all of them. I wouldn’t write them if I didn’t. But Jace and Ethan in particular were always a lot of fun.

How does it feel now you have completed the series?
It’s strange, knowing I won’t be writing from Faythe’s perspective anymore. It’s kind of like giving up a part of myself. But I’m very proud of how the series ended. ;)

You have also written a YA series called Soul Screamers which is being published in the UK in January. Can you tell us more about it?
The Soul Screamers books are about a teenage bean sidhe (banshee) named Kaylee Cavanaugh. At the beginning of the first book, Kaylee has no idea she’s not human. She’s been hospitalized in the past for screaming fits the doctors called panic attacks, which hit her when she sees someone she’s convinced is going to die. But in the first book, she discovers that these death premonitions are accurate—people are dying, and she’s the only one who knows who’ll be next.

Having written for both adult and teen audiences, do you have a preference? And do you approach these differently as a writer?
I like them both! And no, I don’t approach them any differently. My job is the same, no matter who I’m writing for. Plot, outline, rough draft, rewrite, revise, edit, proofread. Though that’s a very simplified explanation. The real difference is in the perspective of the narrator.

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Thanks Rachel!  I love the Shifter's Series and can't wait to read your Soul Screamer Series!

Rachel Vincent is the author of Alpha part of her Shifter’s Series about a pride of werecats which is out now from MIRA books £6.99. For more information on Rachel’s books visit http://www.nocturnebites.co.uk/

I have mini reviews posting tomorrow for books 1-5 of the Shifter's Series and a review of the final book:, Alpha on Saturday.

*Photograph source: Author's website