Our winners were chosen via the ultra scientific ‘Put-Names-In-A-Hat’ method and my dear husband was present to ensure there were no shenanigans. (There was a margarita or two involved, but it was my birthday after all!)

Winner #1 is: @jacabur1 aka Jackie B who chose Rob Thurman’s Roadkill as her prize.

Winner #2 is: Zombie Joe who also chose Rob Thurman but went with Madhouse. Apparently he has some reading to catch up on!

Winner #3 is: Joanna who’s our oddball (with excellent taste!) and chose Jaye Wells’ Red-Headed Stepchild as her prize!

That’s right. No love for Diana Rowland in this contest, but that’s okay folks. We’ll be running a special Demon-ized contest next month (after I’ve had a chance to build my prize fund back up again!).

I hope you all had fun reading up on some under-rated authors. If you didn’t win, I urge you to give one (or more!) of these authors a try anyway. If you are one of our winners, your prize has been ordered and is on its way to you!

I hope you’ll all join us again next time for another contest!

Urban fantasy author Jaye Wells is a self-proclaimed ‘plantser‘¹ who lives in Texas with her “saintly husband and devilish son”, the latter of which she fondly refers to as ‘Spawn’. Read the rest of her bio here. Ms. Wells’ second book will be released on April 1st, 2010. Amazon has it listed as March 30th – which is why she fits in with our February/March party. That, and because it’s my birthday and I’ll invite whoever I want!

I very recently re-read the first book in the Sabina Kane series: Red-Headed Step Child, and – while my husband still pokes fun at the title – it’s still quite possibly my favorite vampire story of all time. In Sabina’s world, vampires are descended from Lilith and carry the mark of Cain in their red hair. Continuing with the Biblical theme, these vamps are highly allergic to apples (Much more pleasing to the nose than garlic, in my opinion!) and can be killed with a stake of apple wood to the heart.

There also seem to be (so far) three other varieties of supernatural creatures in this world: fairies of assorted flavors, mages, and demons. The mages are the vampires’ rivals; any unions between the two races are forbidden. Which explains why half-vampire, half-mage Sabina Kane has such a terrible temper.  (You can read what I thought of Red-Headed Step Child here.)

My final word on this series? It’s worth the read just for Giguhl, the sarcastic, home shopping addicted, shape-shifting demon in (hairless) cat form.

*The ‘Dreaded Event’ being my 25th + n birthday.

¹ A correction, with a hat tip to the author herself.

A look at RHSC:

In a world where being of mixed-blood is a major liability, Sabina doesn’t really fit in. And being an assassin – the only profession fit for an outcast – doesn’t help matters. But she’s never brought her work home. Until now.

Her latest mission is uncomfortably complex, and threatens the fragile peace between the vampire and mage races. As Sabina scrambles to figure out which side she’s on, she uncovers a tangled political web, some nasty facts about her family and some unexpected new talents. Any of these things could be worryingly life-changing, but together, they could be fatal …

This time, it’s personal.

Read the 1st chapter of RHSC here.

But at Indiebound or Barnes & Noble.

The new release: Mage in Black

Sabina Kane doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to family. After all, her own grandmother, leader of the vampire race, wants her dead. So when she arrives in New York to meet her mage relatives, the reunion puts the fun in dysfunctional. Not only is mage culture completely bizarre, but everyone seems to think she’s some kind of ‘Chosen’ who’ll unite the dark races. Sabina doesn’t care who chose her, she’s not into destiny.

But the mages aren’t Sabina’s only problem. In New York’s Black Light District, she has run-ins with fighting demons, hostile werewolves and an opportunistic old flame. Sabina thought she’d take a bite out of the Big Apple – but it looks like it wants to bite back.

Pre-order Mage in Black at Barnes & Noble.

And check out the cover for the next release at Jaye Well’s blog.

Follow the author on Twitter: http://twitter.com/jayewells

And just for fun follow Giguhl the demon, too. http://twitter.com/giguhl

Don’t forget that you can comment on this post for an entry into our Kiaras Festivus giveaway! Details on this post.

She’s also offering a sneak peek at chapter 1 of the next book (currently in progress), #6 of Cal & Niko, if you purchase book 5 at a brick-and-mortar store between the release date on March 2nd and March 6th. Jump on this, folks. It’s exceedingly rare to get a peek at a work that hasn’t even made it to the galley stage yet! Also remember that you can win a copy of book 5, Roadkill, from me at the end of our Kiaras Festivus contest!

Please note that if you win my contest and choose Roadkill as your prize, I will do my utmost to make sure the book is purchased from a brick-and-mortar store and to provide a receipt so you’ll be eligible for the sneak peek! (No guarantees, sometimes life gets in the way. But I’ll try my best.)

Now, let’s take a look at her back list, shall we?

Book #1 of the Cal & Niko Leandros Brothers series: Nightlife

There are monsters among us.   There always has been and there always will be.  I’ve known that since I can remember, just like I’ve always known I was one…

…Well, half of one, anyway.

Welcome to the Big Apple. There’s a troll under the Brooklyn Bridge, a boggle in Central Park,  and a beautiful vampire in a penthouse  on  the  Upper  East  Side—and  that’s  only  the beginning.  Of  course,  most  humans  are  oblivious  to  the preternatural nightlife around them, but Cal Leandros is only half human.

His  father’s  dark  lineage is the stuff of nightmares—and he and  his  entire otherworldly  race  are after Cal.  Why?  Cal hasn’t exactly wanted to stick around long enough to find out.

Click here to read blurbs for books 2, 3 and 4. You can also read the blurb (and chapter 1!)  for Thurman’s Trickster novel, Trick of the Light here.

Now that we’re all introduced. Here’s the blurb for Book 5 – Roadkill. Releasing March 2nd!

Niko could have died because of her.  I don’t forget things like that…not ever.  I wanted a little payback for those she’d cheated in the past.  For those she’d cheat in the future.

For what she’d allowed to happen to my brother.

For good old fashion revenge.

Once, while half-human Cal Leandros and his brother Niko were working on a case, an ancient gypsy queen gave them a good old-fashioned backstabbing.  They barely made it out alive.
Now, as their P.I. business teeters on insolvency, guess who shows up with a job?

The gypsy crone wants them to find a stolen coffin. Cal would rather help her into one, but this coffin contains an evil known as the Plague of the World–and it makes the Black Death seem like a fond memory.
But the thief has already left town, so the Leandros brothers are going on the road.

And if they’re very, very lucky, there might even be a return trip…

So, as you can see, there’s some awesome stuff here to read. I’ve personally been pushing the series on all my Supernatural fan friends. With the disclaimer that I’ve never seen more than 2 episodes of the show myself, I have been assured that though both stories have two brothers who kick some evil monster ass (and both are “awesome!” says my friend), the books really aren’t that similar to the show. (In my experience, Cal is much snarkier and foul mouthed than anything they could show on TV. Which just makes it better, in my opinion!) But my point is: fans of the one have been known to be fans of the other. Just sayin’.

Other items of interest: My review of Trick of the Light.

*Remember! You can comment on this post for an entry into our Kiaras Festivus contest!

This week we’re shining the spotlight on Diana Rowland. Ms. Rowland is the lovely & talented author of Mark of the Demon and the upcoming Blood of the Demon. You can find her on Twitter here. She also has a blog here, and you should read it.

Hailing from Louisiana, Ms. Rowland has accomplished all the things a Southern woman should: a black belt in Hapkido, a marksmanship award while working as a police detective, and the performance of multiple autopsies. What? These aren’t the things every gentlewoman aspires to? [Read the full bio on her website here.]

Now, let’s get to know the books!

Mark of the Demon blurb

(My review is available here.)

When Homicide Detective Kara Gillian finds traces of arcane power on a body, she quickly realizes that this is no ordinary murder. The serial killer known as the Symbol Man is a nightmare that Beaulac, Louisiana thought had ended three years ago, but now he’s back for an encore and leaving every indication on the flesh of his victims that he is well-versed in demonic lore.

However, Kara is a Summoner of Demons, and may be the only cop on the city’s small force who can stop the killer. Able to see and interact with a world most people can’t, Kara must draw on her skills as a police officer and master of the arcane to stop the Symbol Man from killing again and possibly summoning something even she can’t control.

But with a demonic lord of unearthly beauty and power haunting her dreams, and a handsome yet disapproving FBI agent dogging her waking footsteps, she may be in way over her head….

Buy Mark of the Demon at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Indiebound or your favorite local book shop!

Blood of the Demon blurb

(Available February 23, 2010)

The serial killer known as the Symbol Man has been dealt with, the demonic lord Rhyzkahl is no longer invading her dreams, and Detective Kara Gillian is doing her best to get her life back to normal after being kind of dead for a while.

Unfortunately, there’s little about Kara’s life that is ever normal or simple. As a skilled summoner of demons, she’s hoping to use her arcane abilities to retrieve her aunt’s essence and restore it to her body. But when Kara discovers that FBI Agent Ryan Kristoff is somehow known to the demonkind–and not in a good way–old doubts surface and new problems emerge. Moreover, her investigations into the deaths of several seemingly unrelated victims reveal disturbing links to the arcane, with unsettling similarities to her own situation.

But matters get more complicated when she discovers other links between the victims, leading her into a morass of political corruption. And it doesn’t help that Rhyzkahl has asked her to be his own summoner, a commitment that could have quite a few advantages and plenty of pitfalls. Politics–whether among humans or demons–is a dangerous game with very high stakes, and Kara is learning that lesson the hard way.

Buy Blood of the Demon at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Indiebound or your favorite local book shop!

Don’t those sound nice? So, please, if you have a bit extra in your book-buying budget this month or if you’re looking for a great new author, try picking up Mark of the Demon. You won’t regret it!

**Remember – you can comment on this post for another entry into our giveaway!

And in grateful recognition of no one mentioning my real age, I’m going to give away a few books. Yes, that’s right. It’s my birthday but I’m going to give you the gifts!

I also thought it was high time that a few authors I feel are under-appreciated are given the spotlight. They all have new releases coming out this month or next, and we’re going to pour on as much publicity for them as we possibly can this month. Then, after the heady glow of my new birthday presents has worn away*, I’ll be giving away copies of YOUR CHOICE of book from each author’s stable.

*This means on or about March 1st or 2nd. I reserve the right to be hung over for far longer than that, though. It is, after all, my birthday. (My birthday being the 28th of February, of course. I keep forgetting it’s not a national holiday.)

The authors are:

• Diana Rowland (@dianarowland) who’s 2nd book, Blood of the Demon is due out February 23rd.
• Rob Thurman (@Rob_Thurman) whose new release Road Kill (Leandros Brothers Book 5) is coming March 2nd.
• Jaye Wells, (@jayewells) also with a book #2, Mage in Black, releasing on March 3oth.

Here are the rules:

• Contest is open to those with an available continental US address only. I know. I’m very sorry, ye olde International Readers, but I don’t have the funds to ship overseas. However, if you have a friend who’s available inside the US to forward your winnings to you, then more power to ya.
• I will draw three names at random from the eligible entries on or about March 1st, 2010 to win one book each.
• If you’re chosen the winner, you may choose any one (1) book from any of the three authors as your prize. Yes, that includes their newest releases – but you will need to wait until the book’s release date. Sorry, but I don’t have an in with the authors or the publishers. (I have to wait on my copies, too, you know!)
• Your book will be purchased from the online retailer of my choice and then shipped directly to you. Once the item is purchased, I am no longer responsible for ensuring the item reaches you.
• Your email address, mailing address, etc. will not be used for anything but this contest.
• I decide what constitutes an eligible entry. Don’t like that? Go play in someone else’s sandbox.

How to enter:

• Post a (well written, contributing, not-spammy) comment on any post on this website with a ‘Posted on’ date in February 2010. Including this one.
• Write a review of one of these authors’ books and post it anywhere. (Some suggestions: your blog, Amazon, B&N.com, GoodReads, Shelfari, etc.) Then come back here to either this thread or one of the ones that will be posted for each other and leave the link to your review. (Review must have been posted after Jan 1st, 2010.)
• Haven’t read any of these authors? You can also tweet this contest on Twitter or post it on Facebook. These links should trackback automatically, but you might want to come back and link them just in case. (Please don’t Tweet or FB this contest more than once a day. WFF is not about spam.)

And I think that’s it. If there are any questions, please post them in the comments.

The Official Trailer

A Brief Excerpt

Excerpt from The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker courtesy (and copyright) of Leanna Renee Hieber. Read more excerpts here.

Miss Persephone Parker lay deep in the honeyed thick of dreams, shifting between terrible vision and wonderful memory. The terrible vision began beautiful but ended in horror, she recalled.

She was young and powerful, standing in an endless field of perfumed flowers. The sky was what she imagined of Heaven. Eternal and wondrous, a beautiful raven-haired man held her tightly in his arms, and his great wings encircled their clinch, grazing her satin skin that ached for his touch. Phoenix was more than man or angel; he was a God, a being of sense and light, reason and truth. He was the perfect complement to her life-force of beauty, kindness, sensibility and love. Their mutual fellowship of light was blinding. Never had two beings been so suited. They loved one another not because it was destined but merely because it was right and mutually joyous. Their respective divine forces fit together as a puzzle, interlocked and stronger for it.

But jealousy set the God aflame—literally. Darkness set Phoenix on fire, and her lover died before her heavenly eyes. Screams shook the Earth. Tears enough to drown the world flooded the ground. His great form crumbled to dust, and the vendetta was born.

She turned back to the cave from whence came murder. Red eyes burned from the shadows. Vengeance flared in her heretofore peaceful breast, fueling a hallowed blue fire forged from the remnants of her one true love—and somehow the girl that was now Miss Parker knew that what she viewed here was a score she would unfortunately have to settle herself.

The scene shifted from nightmare to memory.
Here she recognized herself, her queer white skin, and remembered that friends called her Percy. A distinguished professor held her in his arms. Her body was corseted, swathed in satin, wreathed in heather. He wore a fine frock coat and waltzed with her by moonlight. His black hair lustrous in shafts of silver light, his dark eyes bright and compelling, this was her one true love. Acutely aware of the press of his hand and the curve of his lips, here was her destiny, the man who understood her, who unlocked her eerie visions and made everything strange about her beautiful.

The handsome, stoic face of Professor Alexi Rychman suddenly shifted, and in its place flashed red, angry eyes—fiery, terrible eyes—and she heard the all too familiar hissing of snakes. She bolted upright, launching herself toward consciousness before those eyes could seek her out.

Percy awoke in a large room she did not know.

Buy the Book

Pre-order Darkly Luminous at B&N or Amazon.

February

23 – Blood of the Demon (Kara Gillian #2) by Diana Rowland

Black Magic Sanction (The Hollows #8) by Kim Harrison

March

2 – Shalador’s Lady by Anne Bishop

RoadKill (Cal Leandros #5) by Rob Thurman

30 – Changeless (Parasol Protectorate #2) by Gail Carriger

Mage in Black (Sabina Kane #2) by Jaye Wells

April

6 – Changes (Dresden Files #12) by Jim Butcher

27 – The Darkly Luminous Fight For Persephone Parker (Strangely Beautiful #2) by Leanna Renee Hieber

May

25 – Early to Death, Early to Rise (Madison Avery #2) - Kim Harrison

June

1 – Chimera by Rob Thurman

8 – Cheat the Grave (Signs of the Zodiac #5) by Vicki Pettersson

14 – Naamah’s Curse by Jacqueline Carey

July

6 – Red Hood’s Revenge (Princesses #3) by Jim C Hines

August

17 – The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

Let’s start with #10: Hands-down Best Cover Art of 09 is @nicolepeeler ’s TEMPEST RISING.

#9 for Best Paranormal Romance & Gratuitous & Mysterious Use of Octopi in 09: @gailcarriger ’s SOULLESS.

#8 Our Runner Up (really, it’s a tie) for Best YA of 2009: @lilithsaintcrow ’s STRANGE ANGELS.

#7 is our other Best YA of 2009: Kim Harrison’s ONCE DEAD, TWICE SHY.

#6 Flat-Out Best Superhero(es) of 2009: @caitkitt & @jackiekessler ’s BLACK & WHITE

#5 Runner Up Best Twist Ending @dianarowland ’s MARK OF THE DEMON

#4 Best New (as in, not already incredibly over-done) Supernatural Being:: Faith Hunter’s SKINWALKER.

#3 Best Twist Ending (Um. EVER!) @rRob_Thurman ’s TRICK OF THE LIGHT. (Also check out Cal & Niko’s series!)

#2 Forget sparkles! The Best Vampire of 2009 was @jayewells ‘ RED HEADED STEP CHILD!

#1.5 (OK, I lied about there being only 10) Honorable Mention for just plain being a cool story: @PVBrett THE WARDED MAN

And #1: The Best Traditional Fantasy of 2009: Patrick Rothfuss’ THE NAME OF THE WIND!

If you’re unfamiliar with this series, here’s a blurb from the book:

In the Nightside, that sour secret hidden heart of London, it’s always three o’clock in the morning and the dawn never comes. Streets full of sin and cellars full of suffering, magic in the air and mystery around every corner; hot neon, hotter music, and the hottest scenes anywhere. Good and bad and everything in between. Dreams come true in the Nightside, especially the bad ones. Everything’s available, for the right price. So shop till you drop, dance till you bleed, and party like Judgement Day will never come.

I’m John Taylor, private eye. I have a gift for finding things, and people. I won’t promise you justice, or revenge, or your heart’s desire. But I will find the truth for you, every damned bit of it.

Welcome to the Nightside. Watch your back. Or someone will steal it.

Each book in the series is a small sip from the world – roughly 250-300 pages in mass market paperback. Each of them can easily stand alone, letting you pick up the story from anywhere without much difficulty. One of the main complaints I’ve read in other reviews of the series is that the author has a tendency to repeat himself, so if there’s anything important you’ve missed, you’re bound to hear it again.

Green’s writing is wonderfully dark and foreboding, and his imagery can be starkly descriptive and occasionally grotesque when the situation warrants it. He does seem to have his favorite turns of phrase, however, which can pull the reader out of the story at the worst moments.

As for Judgement Day itself, I’m still curious as to the over-arching plot lines of the Nightside universe: namely, John Taylor’s enemies and his final destiny. I love the cast of characters and the world that Green has built. The mythology of it all is wonderfully assorted and yet still abides by (most) of its own rules.

With that established, I do have to say that it seems like Judgement Day is another throw-away story that only slowly moves those long arching plots along. I still hold out hope that I’m wrong and each small detail will somehow be woven into the end game; but with each passing release those hopes are getting dimmer. I’ll keep reading, though, if for nothing else than a glimpse at whatever new monster is being introduced this time.

They can also be a doorway into hours of entertainment. Please consider the most excellent choice of a novel this holiday season. (Especially if you’re being for moi.)

If you’re new to the book-as-gift buying idea, let Waiting For Fairies help you out. Here’s our guide to this season’s best stories for the giftee’s in your life.

For the Sarcastic:

I could recommend nothing more nor less than Rob Thurman’s Cal Leandros series. Give the gift of snark this holiday season. Your local wise-ass will thank you. Also works for: emos & goths. Trust me.

The series consists of:

1. Nightlife
2. Moonshine
3. Madhouse
4. Deathwish
5. Roadkill (forthcoming in March 2010)

Your giftee already a Thurman fan? No worries. Try Mark Henry’s Happy Hour of the Damned instead.

For the Vampire Fan:

If you’re ready to progress past stalker-vamps, why not let half-vamp, half-mage – all-bad-ass assassin – Sabina Kane cleanse your palate? This is the most unique vampire story I’ve read in a long time. Look for: Red Headed Step Child by Jaye Wells.

For the Ladies:

Have a friend who insists on opening her own doors and snorts at the thought of the Disney princesses? Then give the gift of a different side of all those sappy ‘happily-ever-after’ fairy tales. Jim C Hines’ The Stepsister Scheme is a breath of fresh air. No princesses “waiting to be rescued” here. In fact, this trio of butt-kicking ladies turn the table on convention by heading out to rescue … a prince!

For Your Favorite D&D/Sword & Sorcery nerd:

And I say that in the fondest way possible. Internet rumor has it that Jim Butcher penned this sword-and-sorcery epic on a dare. Even if it’s not true that the dare was to combine Pokemon and Roman legions into a workable story – it’s still one crazy, wild ride. And totally worth it.

Codex Alera is a complete series composed of:

1. Furies of Calderon
2. Academ’s Fury
3. Cursor’s Fury
4. Captain’s Fury
5. Princep’s Fury
6. First Lord’s Fury

For Moms & Fans of Zombies:

I know that’s a crazy couple of demographics to put together, but Cherie Priest’s Boneshaker has managed it. Single mom Briar Wilkes heads into a destroyed and barricaded alternate history Seattle to rescue her trapped teenage son. In the process, she fights zombies (aka “rotters”), meets dirigible-flying air pirates, and a crazy mad-scientist who just might be her long-dead ex-husband. Get this book for the zombie-fighting mom in YOUR life.

For the Steampunk or Jane Austen fans:

Properly-mannered spinster Alexia Tarabotti is missing something rather important. She is one of the rare people who lack a soul, giving her the unique gift of negating the otherworldly powers of the excessively-souled supernatural creatures of London. But just because she’s soulless, that doesn’t make her heartless and the ill-mannered brute of a werewolf known as Lord Conall Macon seems to have captured it. There’s no time for romance, however, as Alexia has to solve the mystery of the disappearing, reappearing vampires! Soulless is worth reading for Alexia’s flamboyant vampire friend, Lord Akeldama alone.

For the Intellectual ‘Literary fiction’ fan:

We all have those friends who would rather drop dead than be seen with a ‘genre’ novel. Do these friends a favor and buy them The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber. With the haunting prose of Dickens and the soul of a Victorian romance (with a dash of Jack the Ripper), Percy Parker is a mesmerizing tale.

For the Lover of Twist-Endings

If they loved The Sixth Sense, then they’ll love Rob Thurman’s A Trick of the Light. This book is all subtle build up followed by several successive Big Bangs of revelation and twist ending. I want to buy this book for every friend on my list. Don’t forget to buy a copy for yourself, too. Believe me, you & your friend will appreciate having someone with which to discuss this book

For the Macabre:

For the friend who thinks The Crow (or, god-forbid, if you don’t know that one, then the Saw movies) wasn’t quite bloody enough. Meet just-resurrected-from-Hell Sandman Slim. Because it doesn’t get any more bad ass than the guy who was an assassin for Satan’s highest lieutenants. Richard Kadrey should be very proud of himself. Slim is probably the most talked about book of the year.

For the CSI fan:

Written by former medical examiner Diana Rowland, Mark of the Demon combines autopsies and demons. And scary things from the past coming back to bite you on the ass. Who can’t relate to that? This is an author to watch, folks, so get in on the fandom early.

For the Comic / Superhero fan:

Black & White by Caitlin Kittredge and Jackie Kessler. Buy a copy for everyone who’s ever even watched a Marvel movie. Because these two ladies have done it better.

For the Conspiracy Theorist:

Ultra secret society of superheroes hiding out in every major city of the world, battling evil and protecting civilians while staying undercover and out of sight? If I could sum up Vicki Pettersson’s Signs of the Zodiac series in one word it would be: brutal. Pettersson doesn’t pull her punches when it comes to putting her heroine through the ringer.

Series consists of (to date):

1. The Scent of  Shadows
2. The Taste of Night
3. The Touch of Twilight
4. City of Souls
5. Cheat the Grave (forthcoming June 2010)

For Teens

I can’t recommend Kim Harrison’s Once Dead, Twice Shy enough. I loved this novel, and I’m an adult. I can only imagine how much someone who’s not quite as far from their teenage years as I am would love it. If you think they’d like something just a touch darker, then give them Lili St. Crow’s Strange Angels. The teenagers were so realistic in that one that I wanted to pick them up and shake them. You can also try the just-released sequel. (PS – I gave my favorite teenager both of these novels for Christmas. So I stand by my recommendations.)

For Kids:

Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book has won so many awards I couldn’t even list them all here – including The Newbery Medal. It’s The Jungle Book,  with ghosts.

Another fun read for kids (or adults) is Brandon Sanderson’s Alcatraz series. Written from the perspective of a boy who’s ’superhero’ power is clumsiness/klutziness/breaking stuff, we’re introduced to a world where a vast secret society of evil librarians have conspired to write an entire continent who didn’t agree with them right out of history.

Series consists of:

1. Alcatraz and the Evil Librarians
2. Alcatraz vs the Scrivener’s Bones
3. Alcatraz and the Knights of Crystallia

So there you have it, folks. A shiny new book for every person on your list. Think we missed something? Leave your own recommendations in the comments.

FTC Disclaimer: The Amazon links are for your convenience only. I am not an affiliate and make no money from any purchases you may make. With that in mind, feel free to buy from whatever your favorite store happens to be. I did not receive review copies of any of the books recommended above. Which is a sad, sad thing. Edit: I forgot that I did, in fact, receive an ARC of Miss Percy Parker. Which was the book that made me feel Most Intelligent this year. Looking forward to the sequel!