Tag Archives: urban fantasy

Book Review: HARD SPELL by Justin Gustainis

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HARD SPELL by Justin Gustainis

now reading Hard Spell by Justin Gustainis

Meet Stan Markowski of the Scranton PD’s Occult Crimes Unit

“Like the rest of America, Scranton’s got an uneasy ‘live and let unlive’ relationship with the supernatural. But when a vamp puts the bite on an unwilling victim, or some witch casts the wrong kind of spell, that’s when they call me.

“My name’s Markowski. I carry a badge.

“Also, a crucifix, some wooden stakes, a big vial of holy water, and a 9mm Beretta loaded with silver bullets.”

Hard Spell is the first Occult Crimes Unit Investigation. The sequel, Evil Dark, is coming April 2012.

Review:

HARD SPELL is an urban fantasy read that I thoroughly enjoyed.  Stan Markowski is really fun to read.  His sense of humor and wit made me laugh out loud repeatedly.  I also loved the fact that every type of supernatural creature is included in this book.  From vampires to ghouls, they’re all there.  All of the characters in the book are extremely unique and have their own distinct quirks, which made reading about them even more fun.

Justin Gustainis has written this book in such a way that it truly is a pleasure to read.  Everything flows well, the dialogue seems natural, and plot twists keep the reader guessing until the last few pages.  HARD SPELL is an easy read and kept my interest throughout.

I highly recommend HARD SPELL by Justin Gustainis to any reader who loves a good cop story with paranormal elements.

Rating: 4 out of 5! 

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PhotobucketABOUT THERESA (a.k.a. Fade Into Fantasy): As a part time book store employee, editing intern, and the mastermind behind BLB Book Tours, Theresa is able to surround herself with her favorite things, BOOKS. When she isn’t working, learning, or attending her sons’ sporting events, she’s lost between the pages of a paranormal novel. Her hope is to someday earn a living editing books, but until then she’s happy to help spread the word about the fabulous books and authors she encounters along the way.

Signed Book Giveaway: HARD SPELL by Justin Gustainis

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Signed Book Giveaway: Hard Spell by Justin Gustainis

SIGNED BOOK GIVEAWAY!

HARD SPELL by Justin Gustainis

Stan Markowski is a Detective Sergeant on the Scranton PD’s Supernatural Crimes Investigation Unit.

Like the rest of America, Scranton’s got an uneasy ‘live and let unlive’ relationship with the supernatural. But when a vamp puts the bite on an unwilling victim, or some witch casts the wrong kind of spell, that’s when they call Markowski. He carries a badge. Also, a crucifix, some wooden stakes, a big vial of holy water, and a 9mm Beretta loaded with silver bullets.

Buy HARD SPELL by Justin Gustainis:  Log Mark Books / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

 

Praise for HARD SPELL:

“Hard Spell deals with hardened professionals looking for supernatural things hiding under rocks, and then dragging them out and giving them a good kicking. The cops act like real cops, the vampires act like real vampires, and the monsters aren’t messing about. The plot twists and turns like a twisty turny thing, and moves like a weasel on speed. The real things feel real, and the supernatural things feel like they might be. The prose is a joy to read, and the whole thing was more fun than is probably legal.” - Simon R Green

“I enjoyed every page of Hard Spell. If Sam Spade and Jack Fleming were somehow melted together, you’d get Stan Markowski. I can’t wait to see what Gustainis does next.” – Lilith Saintcrow, author of Night Shift and Working for the Devil

“A winning mix of urban fantasy and hard-boiled detective fiction.” – Jennifer Estep, author of the Elemental Assassin series

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Win a paperback copy of HARD SPELL… Signed by the author!

  • US/Can ONLY
  • ONE winner
  • must be 13 yrs or older to enter
  • winner will be chosen Friday, September 2nd

TO ENTER:  Leave a comment with a way for me to contact you if you win!

GOOD LUCK!

 

Related Articles:

PhotobucketABOUT THERESA (a.k.a. Fade Into Fantasy): As a part time book store employee, editing intern, and the mastermind behind BLB Book Tours, Theresa is able to surround herself with her favorite things, BOOKS. When she isn’t working, learning, or attending her sons’ sporting events, she’s lost between the pages of a paranormal novel. Her hope is to someday earn a living editing books, but until then she’s happy to help spread the word about the fabulous books and authors she encounters along the way.

Now Reading: HARD SPELL by Justin Gustainis

Posted on by

HARD SPELL by Justin Gustainis

now reading Hard Spell by Justin Gustainis

Meet Stan Markowski of the Scranton PD’s Occult Crimes Unit

“Like the rest of America, Scranton’s got an uneasy ‘live and let unlive’ relationship with the supernatural. But when a vamp puts the bite on an unwilling victim, or some witch casts the wrong kind of spell, that’s when they call me.

“My name’s Markowski. I carry a badge.

“Also, a crucifix, some wooden stakes, a big vial of holy water, and a 9mm Beretta loaded with silver bullets.”

Hard Spell is the first Occult Crimes Unit Investigation. The sequel,Evil Dark, is coming April 2012.

Reading Progress:

I’m on page 207 of 394.  I was originally intending to post a review today, but life has been crazy and I haven’t had that much reading time.  Look for the full review by the weekend.

Opinion so far:

HARD SPELL is an urban fantasy read that I am thoroughly enjoying.  Stan Markowski is really fun to read.  His sense of humor and wit has made me laugh out loud repeatedly already.  I also love the fact that every type of supernatural creature is included in this book.  From vampires to ghouls, they’re all there.

All of the characters in the book are extremely unique and seem to have their own distinct quirks, which makes reading about them even more fun.

At this point in the story, I think I am just about to start learning about some deep-lying plot points and it’s getting very interesting.

Be sure to check back for my full review sometime this weekend, and come back tomorrow for a guest post by Justin Gustainis and a signed book giveaway!

Related Articles:

PhotobucketABOUT THERESA (a.k.a. Fade Into Fantasy): As a part time book store employee, editing intern, and the mastermind behind BLB Book Tours, Theresa is able to surround herself with her favorite things, BOOKS. When she isn’t working, learning, or attending her sons’ sporting events, she’s lost between the pages of a paranormal novel. Her hope is to someday earn a living editing books, but until then she’s happy to help spread the word about the fabulous books and authors she encounters along the way.

Release Day Blitz: Knight Moves by John G. Hartness

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Release Day!

Book Release Day: Knight Moves by John G. Hartness

KNIGHT MOVES

by John G. Hartness

In the third installment of The Black Knight Chronicles, vampire private investigators Jimmy Black and Greg Knightwood find another vampire (or more) playing in their sandbox, and the boys are NOT happy about it.

While tracking down the killer of a young college student, they encounter boobytraps, defenestration, coeds, a hirsute bounty hunter with a moon fetish and a bad attitude, and worst of all – game night at a comic shop!

This comic urban fantasy series has drawn comparisons to The Dresden Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Kevin Smith movies.  Knight Moves is the followup to the kindle best-selling Hard Day’s Knight and Back in Black.

 

Buy KNIGHT MOVES: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

About the author, John G. Hartness:

Author John G Hartness

John G. Hartness is a poet, actor and novelist from Charlotte, NC. He is the author of the urban fantasy series The Black Knight Chronicles and the stand-alone novel The Chosen. His work has been compared to Kevin Smith, Joss Whedon, Jim Butcher and other grown men who spend too much time in comic book stores. He likes bluegrass, fried pickles and cheap beer.

Twitter – @johnhartness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related Articles:

PhotobucketABOUT THERESA (a.k.a. Fade Into Fantasy): As a part time book store employee, editing intern, and the mastermind behind BLB Book Tours, Theresa is able to surround herself with her favorite things, BOOKS. When she isn’t working, learning, or attending her sons’ sporting events, she’s lost between the pages of a paranormal novel. Her hope is to someday earn a living editing books, but until then she’s happy to help spread the word about the fabulous books and authors she encounters along the way.

Book Release Blitz! Without Mercy by Belinda Boring

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Without Mercy by Belinda Boring

Without Mercy by Belinda BoringWithout Mercy

by Belinda Boring

Published July 8th 2011 by Moonstruck Media(first published July 7th 2011)
ISBN:  9781452452739

What would you do if a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning you from cautious prey to dangerous predator?

When Darcy’s outing takes a turn for the worst and tests her to the point of breaking, she struggles to maintain her humanity. Where loyalty and pack mean everything, she surrenders to the inevitable and only an act of complete trust can touch her. When all is said and done, with memories flooding her mind, Darcy holds tightly to the only thing that makes sense – it was all a dream. Or was it?

Review:

Fabulous debut from a very talented writer! Belinda Boring has created a story that sucks you in and keeps you there through every last page. The characters are interesting and easy to relate to. I feel that this is a great start for Belinda and I can’t wait to read whatever she releases next.

Rating:  4/5!

About the author, Belinda Boring:

Belinda BoringA homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she’s not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for book on her blog The Bookish Snob. With all that excitement, it wasn’t long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can’t help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn’t be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes. Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Belinda has been totally generous and is offering TWO copies of her book for giveaway here today!  LEAVE A COMMENT WITH A WAY FOR ME TO CONTACT YOU.  I will choose two winners on Monday, August 1st.  Good luck!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related Articles:

PhotobucketABOUT THERESA (a.k.a. Fade Into Fantasy): As a part time book store employee, editing intern, and the mastermind behind BLB Book Tours, Theresa is able to surround herself with her favorite things, BOOKS. When she isn’t working, learning, or attending her sons’ sporting events, she’s lost between the pages of a paranormal novel. Her hope is to someday earn a living editing books, but until then she’s happy to help spread the word about the fabulous books and authors she encounters along the way.