Empire of Night by Justin Somper

This is the 5th book in the Vampirates series. I don't want to say too much about what happens, but once again, we're following Grace and Connor as they deal with the secrets they learned in the last book--The Blood Captain. Each of them has been sent on a mission to help end a situation that is spiraling out of control. They both have issues they need to overcome which may prove impossible as the stakes get higher.

I did enjoy returning to Grace and Connor's lives as the 5th book got started. It ended on a cliffhanger of sorts, which means there will at least be a 6th. There is a lot of action, adventure, pirates, and vampires to satisfy anyone looking for any combination.

Wereling by Steve Feasey

What would you do if you woke up one morning and everything you owned was ripped to pieces? That's the dilemma Trey wakes to one morning. Everything he owns is ripped apart and the window is almost pulled completely out of the wall.

Enter Trey's long lost "uncle", Lucien, who says he has all the answers. But answers Trey doesn't want to hear--not at first. Trey is the last known natural-born werewolf. As such, his life is in danger. Before he knows it, Trey is on an adventure of his lifetime, as Lucien's daughter is kidnapped and Trey must learn how to control the beast within, before it destroys everything he's ever known.

The first book in a new series, judging from the ending. There are a few inconsistencies throughout the story, but it doesn't detract from the overall plot. Lots of action, fighting, and background to make the book interesting, as long as you can ignore some of the holes. Hopefully they'll be explained in the next book.

The Demon's Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan

Alan and Nick have been on the run most of their lives. First, they moved around with their parents as magicians hunted for them. The magicians are determined to get back something their mother stole from their leader Black Arthur.

Now that their father is dead, the brothers struggle to survive and hide with their mom in England. Alan, the nice one, can't say no to anyone, so when Mae and Jamie show up at their doorstep needing help, the whole family is sucked in. Before Nick knows it, Alan has the mark of a demon and it's a race to survive and save his soul.

Most of this story is told from Nick's perspective. He has a dark side that he struggles with constantly, and the story is well-written and told from his side. Alan and Nick are fully developed and complicated, and there are twists and turns throughout the story to keep anyone interested. There are a few things that are left unexplained--hopefully the sequel, The Demon's Covenant, explains those.

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

Grace has always been close to her family, even though they have many secrets from her. Like her brother Jude, who came home one night covered in his own blood and his best friend Daniel disappeared.

But Daniel's back and Grace is more confused than ever. Wanting to be loyal to Jude, she can't help but be drawn to Daniel again and again. Daniel appears to feel the same way, but when she gets close to him, he pushes her away. When Grace's baby brother disappears, Daniel is the one to find him. Jude is even angrier at this and Grace must decide who to trust. Secrets have a way of coming out and Grace is determined to know Daniel's. Determined to save him too, if she can.

I did enjoy the story, but there were a few irritations as I read it. For one, when Grace finds out Daniel is a werewolf, she tells him over and over again how he can be a hero. She's 17, and doesn't seem to be that naive in the rest of the book. This is the story of the prodigal son with werewolves. There are Christian fiction overtones as well, but they aren't heavy or preachy. A good werewolf romance with plot and mystery.

Possessed by Kate Cann

Rayne lives with her mom and younger brother in London. Their apartment is oppressive, as is their neighborhood. So oppressive all Rayne can think of is escape. She wants to get away from people, from all the noise.

She can't believe her luck when she finds a job posting for a tea room in a remote country estate far from London. A chance to get away.

Morton's Keep isn't exactly what she was expecting when she arrived for the interview or to start her job. The house itself is full of history, anger, rage, and malice. That history is not at all pleasant, as Rayne learns some of the murders, executions, and torture that happened within the manor's walls. Her new group of friends are fascinated with the place, especially Sir John. Rayne is more than a little disturbed by their interest and with other things she sees around the grounds and surrounding forest. She's determined to figure out what's happening before anything else happens.

The story itself reminds me of Marion Zimmer Bradley's Witchlight and The Inheritor, although not quite as creepy or dark. The setting is vivid and characters believable. There were a few moments where I had to suspend disbelief, but other than that, I enjoyed the story.