Sisterhood of the Traveling ARC: Hunting Prince Dracula

Elizabeth from Tea and A Tantrum, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I are big fans of Kerri Maniscalco. We started the Sisterhood of the Traveling ARC with Kerri's debut novel, Stalking Jack the Ripper. You can see the first post here. It was only fitting to also share our thoughts about the sequel, Hunting Prince Dracula. Not only is Kerri a fantastic storyteller, but she is also created a series where mystery and horror collide.

We love promoting books especially for authors that we love. Pre-ordering books is very important to the sales and how well the author does in the long run. High pre-order numbers can help the author get another print run for their book. Help support authors by spreading the word about their titles. Brownie points goes to readers who pre-order books or purchase finished copies even after they read an ARC.

Title: Hunting Prince Dracula
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Publication date: September 19, 2017
Pages: 448
Source/format: Publisher/ARC

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

In this hotly anticipated sequel to the haunting #1 bestseller Stalking Jack the Ripper, bizarre murders are discovered in the castle of Prince Vlad the Impaler, otherwise known as Dracula. Could it be a copycat killer...or has the depraved prince been brought back to life?

Following the grief and horror of her discovery of Jack the Ripper's true identity, Audrey Rose Wadsworth has no choice but to flee London and its memories. Together with the arrogant yet charming Thomas Cresswell, she journeys to the dark heart of Romania, home to one of Europe's best schools of forensic medicine...and to another notorious killer, Vlad the Impaler, whose thirst for blood became legend.

But her life's dream is soon tainted by blood-soaked discoveries in the halls of the school's forbidding castle, and Audrey Rose is compelled to investigate the strangely familiar murders. What she finds brings all her terrifying fears to life once again.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Reading Hunting Prince Dracula is like jumping on a bike again. Readers are immersed into the same world with Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell shortly after where Stalking Jack the Ripper left off. After the uncovering the true identity of Jack the Ripper back in London, Audrey and Thomas venture out to Romania to pursue an education in forensic medicine while hunting for Dracula.

From the first page, Kerri Maniscalco grabs the reader's attention with striking imagery. Carefully chosen words are used in descriptions of Audrey Rose's surroundings. Kerri Maniscalco's rich yet engrossing, atmospheric descriptions make readers crave more. Every detail is exquisite. In the second novel in the Stalking Jack the Ripper trilogy, readers join Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell while they battle out for two out of the nine spots at the Academy of Forensic Medicine and Science.

Readers are introduced to a whole new set of characters in Romania. Audrey Rose meets a few females to keep her company such as Anastasia, Ileana and Daciana. Who knew Thomas's sister, Daciana, is just as charming as he is.

Chockful of mysterious and thrilling encounters, Hunting Prince Dracula is just as intriguing as its predecessor. It's cleverly executed and I find myself loving this installment even more than Stalking Jack the Ripper! Kerri keeps readers on their toes the whole way through with twists and turns. The whole entire time when I was reading the book, I kept changing my mind about who the murderer is. Macabre and cadavers are taken to a whole new level.

Wadsworth and Cresswell are the quintessential duo. The banter between Audrey and Thomas is still there but their relationship continues to grow into something more than a friendship. The banter between them is perfect and they work very well together as partners in crime. There are times when Audrey is uncertain if Thomas would become distant but their loyalties lie within their strong friendship. I cannot wait to see them undercover mysteries in America.

I highly recommend Hunting Prince Dracula for those who enjoyed reading Stalking Jack the Ripper and for those who love thrillers, mysteries and the paranormal.

If you want to follow the Sisterhood of the Traveling ARC feature on social media, please check out the hashtag, #TravelingARC3, for more reviews and photos.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling ARC: The Last Harvest by Kim Liggett

Marci from The Plot Bunny and I are showcasing Kim Liggett for the third post for Sisterhood of the Traveling ARC! Elizabeth from Book YAbber will be skipping this round but will be back next round. Because the three of us love reading ARCs, we decided on sharing our ARCs with one another, not only to allow each of us to read a new title, but to promote how obtaining an ARC is not about trying to hoard an ARC for yourself.

ARCs are meant for promotional reasons. We figured that if we can share one ARC amongst the three of us, it means that the publisher is getting three times as much promotion from one ARC. Each of us will be doing a post on the title we decide to share.

Elizabeth, Marci and I have read Kim Liggett's first book, Blood and Salt and it is beautifully written. Her sophomore book, The Last Harvest, has been on our TBR lists for the longest time and we are fortunate to read it early! Kim has wowed us with her writing and keeps us on our toes!

Title: The Last Harvest
Author: Kim Liggett
Publisher: Tor Teen
Publication date: January 10, 2017
Pages: 352
Source/format: ARC from publisher

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

“I plead the blood.”

Those were the last words seventeen-year-old golden boy quarterback Clay Tate heard rattling from his dad's throat when he discovered him dying on the barn floor of the Neely Cattle Ranch, clutching a crucifix to his chest.

Now, on the first anniversary of the Midland, Oklahoma slaughter, the whole town's looking at Clay like he might be next to go over the edge. Clay wants to forget the past, but the sons and daughters of the Preservation Society—a group of prominent farmers his dad accused of devil worship—won't leave him alone. Including Ali, his longtime crush, who suddenly wants to reignite their romance after a year of silence, and hated rival Tyler Neely, who’s behaving like they’re old friends.

Even as Clay tries to reassure himself, creepy glances turn to sinister stares and strange coincidences build to gruesome rituals—but when he can never prove that any of it happened, Clay worries he might be following his dad down the path to insanity...or that something far more terrifying lies in wait around the corner.

M Y  T H O U G H T S 

Clay Tate is forever haunted about the incident that happened one year ago with his father. His father's last words still linger. Living in Midland, Oklahoma can be tough especially when everyone knows the whole town. Clay becomes suspicious of the Preservation Society and what his father was trying to tell him before he died. From branding to occult rituals, Clay has no clue what he is in for. All Clay knows is that he gave up his dreams to play football and to go to college in order to take care of his mother and sisters.

Clay is a character that I can connect with. I love how he is family orientated. Clay's mother and his sisters, Jess and Noodle, are important to him. After all, he has to step up into a parental role ever since his father passed away. The way Clay is observant trying the piece all the clues is the best! He knows something is wrong and wants an answer. He will not settle until he finds out what his father was trying to prevent.

Kim Liggett is the queen of writing novels that are not only terrifying but they permeate deep into your core. After reading the first chapter, Liggett is not shy to dive right into the gruesomeness of the Neely Cattle Ranch slaughter. She goes right for the kill on page 3. She is a genius! Liggett leaves many clues and I had no idea how the novel was going to end which is freaking fantastic! I had two guesses about the prophecy. The ending is eerie and perfect in every way.

Liggett sets the bar for horror very high. The Last Harvest is absolutely frightening and mesmerizing! I was able to read this engrossing and horrific masterpiece in October which is the perfect time of year to be creeped out. You will never look at cattle and dolls the same anymore. There are mentions of religion, creepy dolls, occult rituals, death, mutilation of animals and possible incest. The Last Harvest is chilling to the bone and exquisitely twisted! Liggett knows how contort a story where your brain explodes. Beware when you read The Last Harvest.

"I plead the blood."

Sisterhood of the Traveling ARC: The Women in the Walls by Amy Lukavics

Elizabeth from Book YAbber, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I are showcasing Amy Lukavics for the second post for Sisterhood of the Traveling ARC! Because the three of us love reading ARCs, we decided on sharing our ARCs with one another, not only to allow each of us to read a new title, but to promote how obtaining an ARC is not about trying to hoard an ARC for yourself.

ARCs are meant for promotional reasons. We figured that if we can share one ARC amongst the three of us, it means that the publisher is getting three times as much promotion from one ARC. Each of us will be doing a post on the title we decide to share.

Elizabeth, Marci and I have read Lukavics's first book, Daughters Unto Devils and it was just the right amount of creepiness. Her sophomore book, The Women in the Walls, is actually even better than her debut! The Women in the Walls have been on our list since we heard about it at the Halloween Teen Scream event in Salem, MA last October.

Title: The Women in the Walls
Author: Amy Lukavics
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication date: September 27, 2016
Pages: 304
Source/format: ARC from Elizabeth from Book YAbber

Rating: ☆☆☆☆ 1/2

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Lucy Acosta's mother died when she was three. Growing up in a Victorian mansion in the middle of the woods with her cold, distant father, she explored the dark hallways of the estate with her cousin, Margaret. They're inseparable—a family.

When her aunt Penelope, the only mother she's ever known, tragically disappears while walking in the woods surrounding their estate, Lucy finds herself devastated and alone. Margaret has been spending a lot of time in the attic. She claims she can hear her dead mother's voice whispering from the walls. Emotionally shut out by her father, Lucy watches helplessly as her cousin's sanity slowly unravels. But when she begins hearing voices herself, Lucy finds herself confronting an ancient and deadly legacy that has marked the women in her family for generations.
"Something isn't right in this house."

M Y  T H O U G H T S

From the first page, I was hooked. The Women in the Walls devours you whole. From the beginning of the novel, Lucy Acosta knew something is wrong with the house she lives in. With all these random deaths and disappearances, she is suspicious about the house.

Amy Lukavics's sophomore novel blew me out of the water. I read her debut, Daughter Unto Devils last year and I couldn't wait to read The Women in the Walls. And boy, does it not disappoint. Lukavics writes description and dialogue well. The attic, the sinister voices in the walls and the creepy cemetery build up the eeriness. There are some instances of grotesque things in the book but it doesn't hinder the plot.

However, I was not a big fan of the lack of character development with some characters such as Margaret and Lucy's father. I did not see the twist at the end of the book. The ending is crazy but it's perfect!

Lukavics created a masterpiece. The Women in the Walls is equally intriguing, unsettling and chilling. This is a horror novel you want to pick up for sure!

If you want to follow the Sisterhood of the Traveling ARC feature on social media, please check out the hashtag, #TravelingARC3, for more reviews and photos. 

Sisterhood of the Traveling ARC: Stalking Jack the Ripper

Elizabeth from Book YAbber, Marci from The Plot Bunny and I are finally announcing our latest feature called the Sisterhood of the Traveling ARC! Because the three of us love reading ARCs, we decided on sharing our ARCs with one another, not only to allow each of us to read a new title, but to promote how obtaining an ARC is not about trying to hoard an ARC for yourself.

ARCs are meant for promotional reasons. We figured that if we can share one ARC amongst the three of us, it means that the publisher is getting three times as much promotion from one ARC. Each of us will be doing a post on the title we decide to share. For our first ARC, we decided on Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco. Not only do all three of us love the book but we are excited that Maniscalco is a debut author.

Spreading the word about a debut author is so important. Not only are most readers not aware of debut authors but sales is super important for upcoming books. If the debut book doesn't sell well, the author's chances of selling another book for publication is lower. Help support authors by spreading the word. Brownie points goes to readers who pre-order books or purchase finished copies.

Title: Stalking Jack the Ripper
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Publication date: September 20, 2016
Pages: 336
Source/format: ARC from Marci from The Plot Bunny

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

Synopsis (from goodreads.com):

Presented by James Patterson's new children's imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion...

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

The story's shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget.

M Y  T H O U G H T S

Stalking Jack the Ripper fuses together gore and a mystery from the late 19th century Victorian era. Kerri Maniscalco does a fabulous job creating a compelling, atmospheric novel with a strong unconventional female lead. Instead of being molded into a docile young lady trying to attract a man to be betrothed to, Audrey Rose Wadsworth prefers to dabble with forensic sciences and cadavers. Her skills with embroidery transfers to the stitching of human flesh. Although she loves the finer delicate things in life, her passion is learn everything there is within Uncle Jonathan's laboratory. Audrey is the quintessential renaissance lady!

Audrey Rose is lucky to have someone in her life that will allow her to gain knowledge about forensic medicine. Not only does Uncle Jonathan allow her to be an apprentice but he encourages her to attend his surgical classes, dressed up as a male of course. Not many people in her society would approve of such an interest. Even her brother, Nathaniel, and her acquaintance, Thomas Cresswell, help her conceal her secret outings.

While the rest of London's East End is paranoid about the recent attacks, Audrey Rose is intrigued about the serial killer investigations. She spends more time with Uncle's other apprentice, Thomas, while they try to piece together clues. I found the banter between Audrey Rose and Thomas amusing. Maniscalco's witty dialogue is on point! I devoured Stalking Jack the Ripper! The fusion of historical fiction and mystery thriller makes it the perfect read for curious readers. It will keep you guessing about who Jack really is.

Stalking Jack the Ripper is a suspenseful debut and will keep you guessing throughout the whole novel about who the murderer is. Join Audrey Rose as she unfolds the mystery. Stalking Jack the Ripper is the first book in the trilogy and Maniscalco will lure you in with the very first page. It's macabre at its finest! Add this gripping historical fiction thriller to your TBR list!

If you want to follow the Sisterhood of the Traveling ARC feature on social media, please check out the hashtag, #TravelingARC3, for more reviews and photos.