The work week begins. I quickly slip into my business suit and head back into the office to save a few innocent people. But while I try to fool myself into being excited about the grind, deep down, I’m not, so I’m going to escape dreary reality by reading some great books.

Real life commitments (work specifically) has really put a major brake on my reading in the month of June, so I’m way behind and playing catch-up.  Unfortunately, this week will be no exception to that trend, so while I’m optimistic I’ll finished a book or two, all I can promise is that I will be trying my best.

Children of Fire by Drew Karpyshyn

Series: The Chaos Born #1

Publisher:  Del Rey (August 27, 2013)

Author Information: Website | Twitter

Length:  488 pages

Long ago the gods chose a great hero to act as their agent in the mortal world and to stand against the demonic spawn of Chaos. The gods gifted their champion, Daemron, with three magical Talismans: a sword, a ring, and a crown. But the awesome power at his command corrupted Daemron, turning him from savior to destroyer. Filled with pride, he dared to challenge the gods themselves. Siding with the Chaos spawn, Daemron waged a titanic battle against the Immortals. In the end, Daemron was defeated, the Talismans were lost, and Chaos was sealed off behind the Legacy—a magical barrier the gods sacrificed themselves to create.

Now the Legacy is fading. On the other side, the banished Daemron stirs. And across the scattered corners of the land, four children are born of suffering and strife, each touched by one aspect of Daemron himself—wizard, warrior, prophet, king.

Bound by a connection deeper than blood, the Children of Fire will either restore the Legacy or bring it crashing down, freeing Daemron to wreak his vengeance upon the mortal world.

Purchase the book at Amazon.

Nightshades by Melissa F. Olson

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: Stand Alone

Publisher:  Tor (July 19, 2016)

Author Information: Website | Twitter 

Length:  176 pages

Alex McKenna is the new Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago office of the Bureau of Paranormal Investigations—the division tasked with investigating crimes involving shades.

Or vampires, as they’re more widely known.

Children have been going missing, and agents are routinely being slaughtered. It’s up to McKenna, and some unlikely allies, to get to the bottom of the problem, and find the kids before it’s too late.

Purchase the book at Amazon.