118) Inner Demon by Jocelynn Drake

The Blurb :

Gage is a powerful warlock in Low Town, where elves, faeries, trolls, goblins, and vampires walk free among humanity. But there are two dangerous entities murdering families and children, and Gage needs to stop them before anybody else gets hurt.

When Gage discovers a demon locked away it offers him access to dark magic in exchange for its freedom – a dangerous opportunity, but one that could save his loved ones. Gage must choose between what is right and what is easy … except he’s running out of time.

My Thoughts :

I can't believe I am going to post this but WTF?  I am quite confused and disappointed at the ending of the Asylum Tales.  I didn't think that everything would end with a 'happily after ever' but I did expect  things to an end.  The parting epilogue was a 'you will not find out what happens next' slap in face that left me quite shocked.  The author definitely deserves some respect for leaving the series like that but I hope she realised she was in for a lot of ranting.

I enjoyed the first two full length novels in The Asylum Tales and have been eagerly awaiting the release of the final installment.  Split into three parts, each released within a week of each other, it was great not having to wait too long for the next piece in the story!  The first two short stories that help make up the last part were very good as was this third part until the end.

Jocelynn Drake really put a lot of time and effort into the first books in the series and that is one of the reasons that the ending was such a big surprise.  I thought the author would need even more closure than I would but instead the conclusion came across as rushed and uncaring.  On the other hand maybe this wasn't really the last book and there are going to be more after all.  One can only dream but I doubt it.

Leaving a series with a cliffhanger is nasty.  I needed more answers and would have liked to have had an epilogue with a look into the future.  See how everyone is doing.   Tie up those loose ends.  Instead I am left hanging in limbo and upset that I got so excited about the last installment.

The concept of the series was original and it is a shame that it has ended after only three books. This series is so different and it is certainly worth trying but now I have to warn you that you may not like how things end.  The Asylum Tale are very urban, generously filled with fantasy and a good helping of the paranormal, the concept is interesting and compelling.  The characters are nice and extremely likable, I will miss them all.

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116) Demon's Vow by Jocelynn Drake

The Blurb :


Tattoo artist and warlock Gage is having a rough week. He’s trying to track down a mysterious murderer in Low Town while also chasing a powerful entity using forbidden Death Magic across the nation. When Gage discovers the two forces may be trying to unite, the stakes get even higher. With Gideon’s help, Gage is determined to stop the murderers before anyone else gets hurt – including his girlfriend, Trixie.

My Thoughts :

I enjoyed the first full length novels in The Asylum Tales and have been eagerly awaiting the release of the final installment.  Split into three parts, each released within a week of each other, this series really wants to go out in a special way!  It is sad that thing are coming to an end but I always have to admire authors who find a way to finish a series and also let go of something they have created and spent so much time and energy on.

Jocelynn Drake really put a lot of time and effort into the first books in The Asylum Tales and she hasn't slacked off for the big finale.  This second novella size story is full of excitement, mystery and revelations that made the ones in the first part, Demon's Fury, look lame.  There is so much going on in the story so far and I can't believe that it will all come to an end in the next part.  .

There was a nasty cliffhanger in this second part and there are some strange happenings too.  Things are progressing nicely but I can't believe that this will all be over by the end of the third and final part.  There are so many questions that need to be answered and although I am sure everything will end up being connected, the threads of the story are still not really tying up together yet.

This series is so different and delicious you will have to try it to believe it.  Very urban, generously filled with fantasy and a good helping of the paranormal, the concept is interesting and compelling.  Writing from the male perspective can't be easy but the writer seems to have done a great job (would need a guys opinion to be sure) and it must have been a challenge to make it work.

If you haven't already tried this series then start at the beginning because there is no way you can start here.  If you have already read the previous books then you need to get hold of the three final pieces of the puzzle.  Two are already available with the last part coming this Monday.  Be warned : I am not sure but it looks like the books are only available as e-books.  So get a Kindle app for any of your devices and suck it up if you aren't a Kindle lover.  You won't want to miss this finale.

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114) Demon's Fury by Jocelynn Drake

The Blurb :

Powerful warlock and tattoo artist Gage has managed to escape the magical Ivory Towers who terrorize the rest of humans and monsters – but at a price. Now he must join forces with his nemesis Gideon to stop an unknown entity who is using old magic to commit gruesome murders. And if that’s not keeping him busy enough, an investigator recruits Gage to help her track a killer … who might be targeting tattoo artists.

My Thoughts :

I enjoyed the first full length novels in The Asylum Tales and have been eagerly awaiting the release of the final installment.  Split into three parts, each released within a week of each other, this series really wants to go out in a special way!  It is sad that thing are coming to an end but I always have to admire authors who find a way to finish a series and also let go of something they have created and spent so much time and energy on.

Jocelynn Drake really put a lot of time and effort into the first books in The Asylum Tales and she hasn't slacked off for the big finale.  This novella size story is full of excitement, mystery and revelations which means that the next two parts will end up being read before anything else on my 'to be read' pile.  I can't wait to see how the author will leave Gage and the other characters.  She has really done a great job with Demon's Fury and it can only get better in the next two books.

This series is so different and delicious you will have to try it to believe it.  Very urban, generously filled with fantasy and a good helping of the paranormal, the concept is interesting and compelling.  Writing from the male perspective can't be easy but the writer seems to have done a great job (would need a guys opinion to be sure) and it must have been a challenge to make it work.

If you haven't already tried this series then start at the beginning because there is no way you can start here.  If you have already read the previous books then you need to get hold of the three final pieces of the puzzle.  Two are already available with the last part coming this Monday.  Be warned : I am not sure but it looks like the books are only available as e-books.  So get a Kindle app for any of your devices and suck it up if you aren't a Kindle lover.  You won't want to miss this finale.

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69) Dead Man's Tale by Jocelynn Drake

The Blurb :

In a world where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires swim free in a sea of humanity, sometimes you need an edge. Looking for a little love? Need some luck? Desperate for revenge? Gage can give you what you need. The most talented tattoo artist in town, he knows the right symbol and the right mix of ingredients and ink to achieve your heart's desire. One tattoo is all it takes. But remember, everything has its price. . . .

Gage learned that lesson long ago, in ways he'd rather not remember. But the cruel and powerful wizards in the dreaded Ivory Towers he escaped aren't about to let him forget. Though Gage has managed to stay out of sight, he can't outrun the past forever.

The wizards know Gage is using forbidden magic, and they intend to punish him for his transgressions. Too bad if innocent humans and monsters-entire cities-get in the way. They will quell a nascent magical uprising and Gage will be the sacrifice they need. First, though, they have to find him .

My Thoughts :

If you asked me what series has really made me go wow lately then my answer would be the Asylum Tales.  I didn't ever expect to have the same amazed feeling as I did when I discovered the Elemental Assassin Series or the Women of the Otherworld but the Asylum Tales are really making me realise that there are still some great and original ideas still out there because Jocelynn Drake has caught one and I am happily going along for the ride.

There are so many great things about this series so far and Dead Man's Tale is only the second book.  Firstly the characters are just so friendly and somehow familiar.  Like people you have known all your life.  There is no need to get to know them because you instictively know and understand them.  Then there is the location.  A tattoo shop may not be everyones cup of tea but this line of work with all the magic involved may not be original but it makes this series special.  Then we come to the Urban Fantasy angle of things.  The elves, trolls, wizards and everything else so fantastically fantasy are all included in this unusual concept just keep me more than satisfied.

Dead Man's Deal sees the continuation of the story and problems of Gage and his partners.  There are some interesting developments in all areas and it was good to see how Gage deals with all the magical crap that gets thrown at him while the plot unfolds.  There are some nice little twists and turns wrapped inside the plot and they make for spectacular reading.  I enjoyed every minute.

Action packed and not to be missed this is a series that is really taking my breath away.   If you are a fan of Jocelynn's then you have to read this series but if you haven't tried her work before then you will grabbing for everythign she has ever written once you get a taste of this series.  I suggest trying one of the novellas if you want to try before you buy.  I know you won't regret it.

The Asylum Tales are Urban Fantasy at its best.  There are not many other authors or series that really make me want to highly recommend their books but this is one I can't wait to suggest to people.  This is a must read series and I can't wait till the next book comes out to see what happens next.  I will be begging the publishers for an advance copy if I don't find one somewhere from my own sources.  This is a series I am going to be raving about for years to come and it has only just started!

     

    

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172) Asylum Interviews : Trixi by Jocelynn Drake

The Blurb :

Gage's ex-girlfriend is back in town and needs help escaping a master vampire. While not the easiest of tasks, he certainly didn't count of getting help from a mysterious woman with a few secrets of her own.


My Review :

The Asylum series is one of my favourite debuts this year and I can't wait for more! So it was only natural that I had to read this pre-series novella about Trixi. Especially after her part in Angel's Ink. I had already met Bronx in another novella but didn't know how Gage came across Trixi. So it was really nice of the author to give us a chance to find out some more background information.

How Gage came across Trixi is a great story. It actually has to do with one of Gage's ex-girlfriends which is kind of funny if you have read Angel's Ink. What shocked me was that Gage dated a vampire. I am sure he mentioned not having anything against them at some point but I still didn't think he would have had a thing with one of them. Goes to show how well the author writes from a male perspective...they will go after any female if she is a looker ;)

Trixi doesn't give away too much about herself but that story comes in the full length novel. However we do get to see a bit more vampire action and also meet some gargoyles. Also the weird dealer of strange antiques and rarities is present in this book (forgot his name! Sorry!) and I really hope we find out more about him someday. He is scary but cool.

All in all this novella is as special as the Bronx novella and just as amazing as the full length novel. Yes this is only short story but it certainly packs in a lot of strange and unusual stuff that will have you dying for more. I am in love with this series already and hope it doesn't disappoint me in the future!

On a side note : Please Ms Jocelynn write a book about the gargoyles! Or at least a short story. I want more of the cereal eating cuties and I am sure they have a lot of stories to tell! The same goes for the vampires and maybe one from the perspective of the Ivory Towers. This world you have created is awesome so far and I only hope that you don't stop at just Asylum because there is so much potential in the rest of the characters and places.

168) Angel's Ink by Jocelynn Drake

The Blurb :

Buyer beware . . .

Looking for a tattoo—and maybe a little something extra: a burst of good luck, a dollop of true love, or even a hex on an ex? Head to the quiet and mysterious Gage, the best skin artist in town. Using unique potions—a blend of extraordinary ingredients and special inks—to etch the right symbol, he can fulfill any heart's desire. But in a place like Low Town, where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires happily walk among humanity, everything has its price.

No one knows that better than Gage. Turning his back on his own kind, he left the magical Ivory Tower where cruel witches and warlocks rule, a decision that cost him the right to practice magic. And if he disobeys, his punishment—execution—will be swift.

Though he's tried to fly under the radar, Gage can't hide from powerful warlocks who want him dead—or the secrets of his own past. But with the help of his friends, Trixie, a gorgeous elf who hides her true identity, and a hulking troll named Bronx, Gage might just make it through this enchanted world alive.

My Thoughts :

Jocelynn Drake isn't a new author on the scene but she does have a new series out that has left me in awe. I admit right now that I never finished reading her Daywalker novels and wasn't too sure about starting this new series but when I read the novella, Asylum Tales : Bronx, there was no doubt about it. I wanted to read this series asap.

Angel's Ink is a spectacular read and even though I listened to the audio version I had it finished within record time. I couldn't get enough of it. The series concept is not totally unique but it is surprising fresh. The whole tattoo thing has been done before but this time around it is special and magical. I love the idea of being able to change someones luck by adding something to the ink. It leaves the series open to endless possibilities and one of them is the focus of this first book in the series.

What happens after the 'tattoo' is finished is a strange and unusual series of events that had me hooked till the end. I loved the different supernatural angles of the story which included Greek mythology and Grimm Reapers. The characters are grown up and well thought out. I liked the background story novella about Bronx and can't wait to read Trixi's. I am looking forward to getting to know them better.

The main character and narrator is Gage. A guy. Yes a female author writing from a male perspective. It works and so does the nice voice behind the audio version. It was nice and refreshing to have something manly for a change. So many females dominate the genre and I have to give the author huge kudos for writing something so unusual. It couldn't have been easy!

All in all the debut in the Asylum Tales is first class. Brilliant Paranormal Urban Fantasy and a series I can see myself loving till the very end. I can't wait to see what happens next and will definitely be pre-ordering the second book. Not sure if I will go the audio route again but the narrator did do a good job so I may keep following this one via Audible.

Well worth reading! Nice twists and turns, great characters and extremely delicious new ideas. If you haven't read anything by this author before then here is your chance to do so. Maybe try out the novellas first if you aren't sure.

136) The Asylum Interviews : Bronx by Jocelynn Drake

The Blurb :

In Low Town, where humans walk and work side-by-side with elves, vampires, ogres, and all manner of creature, it's understandable that people occasionally need a little help in their lives. Whether is love, work, or ... other, tattoo artists are there to try to help turn the odds into your favor. When Gage's friend Parker needs help with his love life, tattoo artists Gage and Bronx are only too happy to help. But the incubus ends up getting more than he bargained for with his new tattoo, and his friends are forced to scramble to fix the mess they've created before someone gets hurt.

My Thoughts :

Jocelynn Drake is an author I once discovered (back in the day) but somehow lost track of when suddenly so many Paranormal delights started bursting out of every publishing house imaginable. I vaguely remember a brilliant debut novel from the Dark Days series but can't remember how much further I kept up with her work. So when I won this novella for her new series I was extremely excited.

The Asylum Tales sounds like something based in a mental institution but it is actually about a paranomal tattoo parlour! This isn't a completely original idea but it is one that hasn't been explored to its full potential. However if Bronx is anything to go by it looks like Jocelynn Drake has really hit the nail pn the head.

From the first few lines I was hooked. Great opening scene and some amusing going ons. The characters were nice, fun and easy to get used to even though this was only a novella and there wasn't much time to get to know them. Told from a male perspective it was unusual to have a guy in the lead role at first. Especially as so many Paranormal books are written by women and about women. It was a nice surprise and it worked well.

A super plot with some nice background, this short story really packed in some great details and gave a good insight to the upcoming series. I can't wait to find out more about the magical tattoos and the other bits and pieces that were mentioned. It could really turn out to be a must read, must buy.

If you need a short story to bump up your amount read or are a fan and want to check out the series then you really need to try this. I loved it and will definitely be getting myself a copy of the full length book when it comes out later this month.