Book Review: Of Steel and Scale by Keri Arthur

Of Steel and Scale by Keri Arthur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

*phew* Let me take a breather here.

This book is none stop. I didn't want to put it down as every page turn was full of story progression. I should probably go back and read it again as I was just drawn into the events and getting through all the struggles with Bryn.

We start with Bryn out to see the drakkons as she always does, but she knows this could be her last time to see this drakkon Queen. She's to be married tomorrow and will leave for the land of her betrothed. However, she sees smoke from one of the port towns. That's now destroyed and not one survivor. Who would do this? Their long time foe don't do these things, but could they have a new weapon?

As Captain to her father's army, she sends word and the king comes with help. Which her betrothed also arrives. She does find he's attractive, but there's a long way to go in getting to know each other. Then there's an attack on the ship Bryn is on when returning to home to prepare for tomorrow. And the events keep happening!

Bryn is absolutely my kind of princess. She's a captain and knows what to do and how to do it. She doesn't sit still and knit, nope she's out in the action. And watching drakkons, which come to her for help. A similar foe has attacked them. The Queen drakkon is in need of healing for her hatchlings along with wanting to fight.

Another thing I was drawn to was the magic here. Bryn is one with two magics, she can mentally speak with animals along with having fire she can wield. The speaking with animals feels like there could be more to it too. I'm curious about this little hint dropped and want to see what comes of it. Also, Damon, Bryn's husband, has a magic power. Blood magic. It's interesting because blood magic is a protective magic, not a death magic as other books make it be. I love this twist.

Bryn and Damon... this is an interesting couple. I do enjoy their interactions, their flirting and fun quips. But I also like that Bryn lays down the law quickly and Damon accepts it. They have just met and they need to get to know each other. There's a relationship starting and there's more bonding to happen with them, but it feels like a great start.

I got to the end of this roller coaster ride with Bryn and the drakkons and realized I need to know what we're going to do now! Bryn can rest and get a good night's sleep along with eating, and ready to fight the next day.

The next book is releasing soon, and you bet I'll be picking it up ASAP.

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Book Review: Alone at Night by Skyla Dawn Cameron

Alone at Night by Skyla Dawn Cameron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don't know how Skyla does it, but I'm hooked and sunk into this series for the long haul.

I'm loving the mysteries we get. Sure, there's a mystery to solve but we also get so much more of the world and other characters are we go. We are emersed in the town, characters lives, and so much more that we feel like we're there and seeing them. So much so that I want to Google the Crossroads Butcher to see if I can get info on the deaths and more. lol.

Waverly, who's our main character and we see event and people through her eyes, is my kind of character. She's flawed. She's got hang-ups that people don't like. She knows this and accepts this about herself. She has socializing struggles, and knows others see her as strange. But, once again, she knows herself and comfortable in her skin along with using her flaws to get the job done.

This book is us following the loss of a daughter at the mothers request. Her daughter struggled with depression and suicide was her escape. But the mother wanted to know about her daughter as she'd pulled away in the last year and the mom just wanted to know her, feel a little closer to her. Thinking there's not much of a case, Waverly tells the mom this but is urged to look.

As Waverly looks, more things come to light than anyone would have guessed. Oh boy is there. And Waverly becomes a target too.

Waverly gets roped into babysitting her little brother, which is a hoot. That boy learns a few things from Waverly. lol. And maybe has a few scares. But it's a great bonding time for her and Monty.

This book feels to start a little slower on the mystery side, however I was flipping pages to get more with Waverly. We get a deeper view of Waverly with Sebastian and her thinking with the business. There's a new idea here, and we get to see her with her moms.

I'm completely invested in this series. Waverly is growing as a person and slowly she's picking up new pieces for her sisters case and learning new things along the way that come in handy along with a new angle to look at things with her sisters case.

I'm so looking forward to the next book, releasing SOON when I do this review.

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Between Ink and Shadows by Melissa Wright

Between Ink and Shadows by Melissa Wright
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

We start right into the story. This sounded like a story that would be one I'd really enjoy. With the plot and the world. But... I didn't feel an attachment to Nim. I'm not for or against what she does. I was just listening.

The story idea is a great one. One that I'd love, and do love. But the writing doesn't feel my style.

It felt that the big moments and reveals were mentioned quick and then moved on from. I would have liked more feelings from Nim, physical descriptions with them and drawing the world more with them.

There's a romance, that I think could work. An enemies to lovers, but it fell short for me. I know Nim's attracted to magic but there wasn't much in way of getting to know each other to bring them together.

Overall, this felt like a well written draft that could be fleshed out a little more.

I'm sorry to say the story fell flat for me.

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Audio Book Review: Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent

Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I came into this a little nervous. This book is a novella and it's romance which can be a let down with shorter story length to hit what is needed to feel true and not rushed. So I had questions and worries...how will this work out? Quick and under fleshed out?

I am thrilled to share that I'm pleasantly pleased with this book from the story to the romance.

I liked Lilith from the beginning. She has a focus and a reason. I love that she's a scientist and has a few quirks too. She knows who she is and accepts herself. There's a sickness in her people, and she's determined to cure it. A strong responsibility to cure it as her father brought it on from their god.

I've listened to books 1 & 2 in this series and listening to this after book 2. So I've briefly met these characters in book 2. But I wanted to know their story. I liked coming back to meet them afterwards, getting a more intimate look at who they are.

The pairing connection builds in this novella beautifully and naturally. There's something that attracts the two together, and they build on it.

Something I loved with this novella is that there's other relationships that grow in this story, creating a well rounded world, characters, and story. It's more than a one dimensional move in the world, focusing on more than just love of one couple.

I love, love, love the sister moment we get. So heartfelt!

Well done. I really loved this creation.

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Audio Book Review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this book. There are many things touched on in it. The fae world building is beautiful here, and I know it's just started with there being numerous courts here. I feel there's a solid theme, there's so much more to love.

Why do I feel that theme?
Because we see Tamlin stifling Feyre. He's trying to change her into a person she's not. I know, they both dealt with some serious trauma under the mountain. But, sometimes two that are so damaged aren't good together. They aren't helping each other. And even when Feyre tried, Tamlin stepped back further. Please don't let love stifle you. Even if someone loves you, it might not be the right kind of love for you. That's important too.

Sarah's writing along with the narrators voice both work amazing together to grow the dynamic and difference in how Feyre feels when with Tamlin then with Rhysand. This is amazing to get that feel from them both. There's such a growth in the dynamic and difference between Tamlin and Rhysand and the situation with them and Feyre.

Rhysand... His court is like the land of misfit toys. lol. I love his close and personal court and friends. The personality that bursts from each of them. He lets his people be themselves. He's so very different than what he lets other courts see. And I really enjoyed this and seeing the hidden places. He's great for pushing Feyre to be herself and what she can be.

I have a few things I'm hung up on, questions in a way. The Surial. Why is it so easy for Feyre to catch and get information out of? There just seems to be more to this. And her sisters, at the end... Why keep creating allies? The terrible king knows it works, so why two times? A gift? I feel like there's more here too.

So, I'll be carrying on with the series. :)

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Audio Book Review: Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge

Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 2 left me worried for so many of Jade's friends. I found out about all I was worried about in this book.

Jade sneaks out from training on a rest day and the whole mission takes on a life of it's own from there. We bump into friends and find out who needs saving and where.

After the ending of book 2 and where we go in this book, I'd feel emotionally beat up if I was Jade. What she sees from Sienna (that girl should not be as strong as she is! Dang! I totally get the draw to the dark side) in what she does to people, and Jade's friends. It's looking like there's no getting ahead of Sienna or defeating her. But I'm glad Jade compartmentalizes and keeps going to do her best to get to Sienna. There's a lot to the dark magic side that we get to see.

Jade is still learning about her abilities and herself too. Her heritage is unique and I love the characters we meet with that heritage.

The arc of Sienna does come to a close here and how they deal with the debt bond between Jade and Desmond.

Where will things go from here? I feel Jade has some trauma healing to do along with figuring out what she wants to do, of course bake cupcakes but more too. We have a few spin off series with characters that come into contact with Jade and Jade has more in her future too. I look forward to listening to them all.

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Audio Book Review: The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent

The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Now that we have the answers to Oraya that I needed, this story is what I wanted. There's fighting for their lives, scheming, betrayal, connection, and love. A nice blend of it all.

Oraya really tortures Raihn, holding him responsible for what he did at the end of the previous book. But, his actions...seems to me were for the good. Oraya's just not seeing it as her heart's broken. The heart is a strong emotion. These two have ideas that are similar about what needs done with the citizens, they just aren't at the same page yet. And they don't know what the other's thinking or doing because there's something going on with the different fractions. Are either one even save in the castle?

I loved the way we got insight on Vincent's past and thoughts on Oraya. This was a nice touch with magics. And on her mother too. This fills in gaps for Oraya and for us too.

Will Oraya and Raihn find their way back to each other, alive? Or will the other vampire houses destroy them both? There's a lot mentally to work through for them both. We see passing of time as they do with the book broken in parts and the moon phases.

This feels to be nicely written for me. The blend of internal torment and heartache along with external dangers. There are many pieces moving and changing and different people with their own agendas. It all works together nicely for the characters to find friendships, loyalty, betrayal, and love.

I know this is Oraya and Raihn's stories, but I have questions about other characters. I'm looking forward to continuing the series and getting those stories through their eyes.

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