Book Review: Of Scale and Blood by Keri Arthur

Of Scale and Blood by Keri Arthur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bryn and all are fighting the new enemy that fly the birds with deadly feathers and dung. What if there could be other dragon riders and if they could give the dragons flames. That could really come in handy with the battle to save their land and lives.

Bryn is a strong lead woman. She knows what to do in battle and has ideas that could really help. She also has great people around her to help and make suggestions. She appreciates these amazing people.

We venture to see how things are and find Bryn in battle. BattleS. Yes, with an S. These pages don't stop flipping as I keep reading to see what will happen.

In this middle book of the trilogy we learn more about the enemy and the enemy of long time. There's more about the dragons and something new with magic. I do enjoy fast pace as Bryn keeps moving forward with learning and finding her way to get wounded.

I have the third book ordered and look forward to reading the finally of this trilogy. I have questions and thoughts on Damon, Bryn's husband. There's more to that man than meets the eye. And how will Bryn pick up the pieces of where this book ends? I'm hooked on this series!

View all my reviews

Book Review: The Serpent and the Wolf by Rebecca Robinson

The Serpent and the Wolf by Rebecca Robinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I would recommend this to those starting to dip their toes into fantasy worlds.

This one starts fast on Vaasa's wedding night. And it doesn't go as you'd think. I enjoyed this little rouge Vaasa.

We quickly learn Vaasa's cursed. She's looking for a way to break the curse, and we learn why. But there's more to this curse than she realizes. She's on the path to learn what she can. And Reid is here to help her.

Reid makes a deal with Vaasa. He'll help her if she helps him. Yes, Reid is the man from the beginning. lol. He's not going to let that night down. But Vaasa has her reasons to fight him. Enemies in so many words and actions.

There's a slow burning tease between the two characters, an enemies to lovers undertone to the story. Reid has been a gentleman since the beginning. Kind and respectful to her, yet fun. I did have fun with their banter.

There's a few turns in what they learn and unexpected events and people. Vaasa learns through the book about her curse and grew relationships with new friends through the book. I liked the character connections here with the growth. The world was easy to follow as reading.

The ending had me. I was ready for book two when I finished but have to wait for release. I can't wait to pick this one up when it releases.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Guardian of Wrath by Michelle Manus

Guardian of Wrath: A Nyx Fortuna Novel by Michelle Manus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book starts six months after the previous in the series. I will admit, I was worried coming into this one yet I wanted to see what Nyx did next. (If you read -- which you should read this series if you love traditional Urban Fantasy -- then you know why I was worried yet needed to get this.)

After reading this book and all I've read by Michelle so far, she has my total faith in her characters path in life. Her writing keeps things emotionally invested and moving along, keeping me flipping pages.

So much talent in this woman's writing. She builds the world and works it, expanding the limits as we learn things that are experienced. I think this is a great way to share magic and worlds. It elevates the investment for us the readers as we experience and learn with the characters.

I teared up a few times. I'm so glad someone's not forgotten. Nyx struggles to move one, which is hard to see. She needs something to focus on, to work on, to try to bring her around to her friends again. In this mission she's made, to punish the one who did this, Nyx is reminded of who we've lost. It's heartbreaking to move forward with life after such a dear lose. And when you start to smile... if feels wrong. This is part of carrying that heavy heart on. But when with friends, they are there with you. Everyone feels lose differently and sees it differently in life, but they are needed to help you. It's okay to hurt.

This book's theme for me is friends. Friends and found family are so important. They can be the ones that are the closest to you in the most difficult times and the best times in your life. So much love for this book.

Nyx. We see Nyx start to come out of her shell. We get to see more of Jevryn, which I love him! There are so many parallels between Nyx and Jevryn. It was a rough start with Jevryn in the previous book, and there's still bumps in the road here. And I'm sure many bumps to come knowing Nyx's personality, but I can't wait to see the interactions.

As I get into this series, I don't want to spoil anything for anyone. This is a series I love. I'm looking forward to the next book and the series as Michelle writes these.

View all my reviews

Audio Book Review: House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sarah has all the great elements layered together in this book that make it wonderful. She has a great cast of characters to love and hate, the world building that's layered in with actions and events in the character's lives, and there's great history here. World and character driven is amazing.

There's more to the characters than what we see at face value. I love this. The characters come alive for us as we go through the book (especially if you listen to the audio book).

There are brutal moments for the characters, but that's what brings the story to life. Hurt and heartache is what forms people, and the characters fall in the same category.

There's a great mystery to the story too. We are searching with Bryce in one mystery, but there's another hidden in that first question. I had wondered about this, or a part of this, through the book.

I love we have strong woman in the book. They are in control of themselves and do as they want to do, not as expected. They also support each other, even when they are involved in things that might be a bit too much.

There's so much more to the world. We get to scratch the surface of the area we are in and the history here. I know there's much more to come. The magic that's present is weaved into the living of the people here and works great with the story.

I will say, Bryce with the vacuum. If you've listened you know. I laughed and loved this moment.

There is a romance in this story as well. This book is far more than one element but Sarah has layered it all in to create the full package.

I do highly recommend this book. I'll be listening to the next book in the new year as they are long books. And so worth it. You'll get your money's worth with this one.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Throne of Ash and Flame by M.C. Harden

Throne of ash and flame by M.C Harden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've put off reviewing this book as I don't know how to rate it.

I've enjoyed the idea and the story idea created. I just feel as though it could use some work to expand the story line. There were sections that I felt like I missed a whole story with what happened.

I'm not one for instant attraction. I would have liked more interaction and banter to connect them and then something to have them work on to build up to more. We have the mission that they are sent on, but I would have liked to see more of them together training before hand and on the way that they could build on their trust.

I do like the world idea we see and the magic here. I'm always a sucker for dragons too. This all could work nicely together.

I'm sorry I didn't love this more than I did. I felt like a good content editor could help with the holes I felt in the story and growth of romance. I do love the idea all around here.

View all my reviews

Audio Book Review: To Sift Through Bitter Ashes by David Niall Wilson

To Sift Through Bitter Ashes by David Niall Wilson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The vampire clans could use help. Montrovant has a plan, one he's worked on for ages. It's to find the Holy Grail. To find and drink from to to stop the petty struggles between the clans. Montrovant is told he can go on this mission, but to not return unless he succeeds.

Montrovant collects those who can help him on this mission. The humans who are selected are very religious.

I found the story had many details but they are shared with inner dialog, not conversations with others or through actions. There's a lot of Self reflection used to tell these details. For me, this process feels slow to me.

There's another taking up residence in the temple they need to be in. Where the religious items are hidden below. The demon here is a battle to be fought with help of another. Which then shows us there's three agendas at work here. Different people and groups with different goals. There's a lot of religious talk, which felt overdone to me. I know it's an important piece of the puzzle here though.

This book felt as though it was giving us a base of the history and placing people where they need to be for future events. For more to come. There was more action in the end of the book. I think there's more to it and behind the grail and actions.

I know there's many who love this style of fantasy reads. I hope you enjoy this one.

I listened to the audio book. I know the narrator's style is one that many use for fantasy books, but it feels more monotone to me and hard for me to listen to.

View all my reviews

Book Review: The Fix by Mia Sheridan

The Fix by Mia Sheridan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm starting to enjoy mystery and thriller reads. This is one of the top I've read.

I'll admit the beginning was hard. The kids are awkward as teens in high school and we feel that. But what was hard for me was when Cami returns home. It's hard to read. There are triggers here. If you can't do rape, don't read this.

The story then jumps ahead a short time where we see who they are looking at as one of the guilty party. Then we end up in the story 11 years later. This is when things really take place.

Cami bumps into the nice boy she talked to once as a teen. Rex has always admired Cami.

Rex is so understanding for all Cami went through. And such a great help for her now. He has the skills she needs and his soft heart where she's concerned, he agrees to help her with her "Do Over".

I really like the way things fit together to find the area they need to be. Interesting to see how it works out.

There's action and danger in this story with the suspense.

There's sections added in of another. It took me some time to figure out that the story is in a different time than we were in. But all comes together in the time frame at the end.

When I thought the story would be over, we got more. Which I'm glad we did! This ending tied up all the remaining things I wanted to see through.

View all my reviews

Audio Book Review: The Return of Supervillainy by C. T. Phipps

The Return of Supervillainy by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

And we are back with Gary and the gang!

This time Gary is asked to join a group to find and save Mandy, thinking she's held hostage. Once things get going, there's more to it all. Helios maybe involved... or the problem.

I always look forward to the fun clips, the music references, the pop culture references, and so much more.

This is book 10 in the series, so there's many details given through the book of previous events, people, and more. Are they all important? Well, they maybe down a rabbit hole in a discussion but it really keeps everything interesting and makes me smile.

Some of the conversations take work to remember where we started. I feel like it's an ADHD conversation. lol. Goodness, the trips in conversations make me laugh and wonder, how did we get here? lol.

We get to see all those we have grown to love in this book, again. We even have those that have arrived in this world in a previous book. So much history between all these members.

These are always fun stories for me. The action, how Gary ends up in situations, and the references I grew up with. Fun!

View all my reviews

Audio Book Review: Fear the Flames by Olivia Rose Darling

Fear the Flames by Olivia Rose Darling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. I really liked the character Elowen. She's not your traditional princess. She's broken, crafty, and she sees things with a wider mind. When she's faced with how things happen and not shared, she sees how it fits and why. She still reacts but it's reasonable and not just overreacting.

Oh Elowen's first birthday she's gifted dragon eggs, and a seers vision of her with the dragons. She grows up with her dragons, and loves them as family. But, there comes a time when her father, the king, sees they are a problem. They are locked away and eventually her too.

The book starts years later, after she's been broken out of the prison and grown. Elowen is kind of a female Robin Hood to her small hidden town. She's a little bit of a spy, fighter, and thief. All rolled into one and I like this blend.

I love how she met Cayden the first time. Cayden would like her help, to side with the kingdom he's a commander for and fight against her father. He'll help her get her dragons back.

This book has many pieces I like. There's growing trust, betrayal, fighting, and more. I love how Elowen handles it all. She seems to have a mind about her to view it all with an open mind.

This book left me wanting the next book. I love the characters and want to see how things ended here and where they'll go in the next book. I'm waiting for the library audiobook loan to come through.

View all my reviews

Audio Book Review: The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk by Carissa Broadbent

The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk by Carissa Broadbent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I like the way Carissa writes her books with levels to work through. She did that in each book in different ways. This book has levels to work through in it's own way. She works emotions and feelings into her words.

This book picks up exactly where the previous one ends. Mische is in the Underworld, as a soul after her passing with the end of the last book.

I'm surprised who appears to help Mische along the path she still has to travel. Her guide along the way is Vincent. Mische will need to climb back up, out of the underworld to help Asar. She's a soul that will have a form when she rises, but souls are to return to where they are from in time. So there's a lot to accomplish and maybe find a way to stay in the world of the living.

I wanted to be in Asar's head in the previous book. I get that HERE! We get to see through Asar's eyes in this book as well.

Asar can't forget the vision of what the other gods did at the end of the previous book. He feels the pain. He feels her.

There's something they need to do. Find pieces that could lead them through different places they've been and back to friends. Where they see how much the world is in trouble from what happened and what's happening to the Underworld.

This is a romance read. There's reconnecting and figuring new ways to be together.

The Epilogue leaves us ready for the next duo that we'll read about. And there's a huge change in the world.

View all my reviews

Audio Book Review: The Woman in the Cabin by Becca Day

The Woman in the Cabin by Becca Day
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a suspense read set in the real world.

The story starts at a turning point in Mary's life. She's lived with Cal for 10 years and she's feeling the isolation and see's he's noticing she's starting to get wrinkles. We see how the routine day goes for them. And there are read flags.

As you can guess, things are not as they seem. Things start to unfold as the story goes and Mary finds journals of another woman.

I don't want to give the story away. Mary is one strong lady. She's creative as well. There's a lot that she will go through. Her strength will push through it all.

We do get a full closure in the end of the book to what happens in everyone's lives. There is abuse in this story, but also about overcoming it.

View all my reviews

Audio Book Review: The Tree of Azathoth by C.T. Phipps

The Tree of Azathoth by C.T. Phipps
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Back into the world with John Henry Booth. The world is coming to an end. But there's another he can go to.

To The Dreaming City. Life is different here. Kinda has the feel of gangster time with tech. It's an interesting blend here and how people live or pass here. They are all from different parallel universes. But how it's all run is the interesting thing. You have to see how it's crafted and held together.

We've seen John as the one of action, especially when he needs to be. But he can be the overthinker and thoughtful on events and life too. He has philosophical things to say and thoughts on things.

John is on the case. As John digs deeper I see that this story is definitely set in a fantasy world. Some of the items are out there in the thought process. The thought process is shared and I'm impressed with how we get there. That's what you get with blending Cthulhu and Dreams. Hold on while you take this adventure and keep an open mind.

As I love with C.T. Phipps's books, we touch on a few books and themes. It's interesting how it all ties together with the Dream world concept.

I listened to the audiobook and Cary Hite does a nice job here.

There's also a bonus short story at the end of this one. It's a case that John takes. A sorority needs his help.

View all my reviews

Book Review: Fate of the Fallen by Kel Kade

Fate of the Fallen by Kel Kade
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I'm all for books where there's an underdog and even where people fail. That could be so interesting!

However I was expecting more from this book than what I got.

When the prophesized hero dies I was all here for the story that was to come. This book had many elements I would enjoy.

But when the person who raised him told his closest friend, like a brother in life, to cut his head off to prove to the king the hero is deceased... I was shocked. And then he does it! There was no previous setting to have this fit the world. And the characters do things that just don't fit them or act like they know where they are when never left home.

I wanted to DNF this book with the events with the character that just does as told. The one decision I thought would be the hardest for him to do wasn't. But, Aaslo does seem to have his own obstacle since doing it. He talks to the spirit of Mathias but I don't think it's really the spirit as it's him mentally struggling with what he did.

The author's writing style isn't my style. I felt the world building could have been preempted a little bit in the beginning of events and what people were doing. Kind of setting us up for what was to come. I felt like the author had a few things they wanted to write and added them into the book, which didn't fit with the story or character.

I did push through and finish the book where I did enjoy the last two chapters. Maybe the last quarter of the book was good for me but it isn't enough for me to pick up the next book.

I do enjoy the magic struggles. I really liked that the gods are playing games of their own with the people. That's a big thing in fantasy and it's always something interesting to see on how they twist things too their benefit.

View all my reviews

Audio Book Review: The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall

The Modern Girl's Guide to Magic by Linsey Hall
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was an audio book listen I did with the book club.

This book was a quick, easy listen. The story was of Aria and Callan, both having times that are their point of view. They met when younger, Aria was just under age. Aria is asked to return to her home town to compete for the special garden, her family feels she'd be perfect for winning it when Lionel Sparrow retires. This could also save Aria's family magic shop.

Aria doesn't have magic like others. But can still compete. She just doesn't know if she'll win with Callan competing too.

Aria and Callan are a slow growing romance through the book. They learn to like and trust each other. Even help each other. And the secrets that each have.

The narrator felt slow so I had the audio book on double time. Early on I felt like the author was working too hard to create a moment. Too many words to describe where feelings would be enough.

If you enjoy a book that has neat challenges in a magical way with a cute romance growing, this might be a book for you to try.

View all my reviews

Audio Book Review: A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake

A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this fantasy set story with a vampire twist. Samara lives in a prison, helping the guards, for what she did years ago. There's a new prisoner brought in, with copper manacles instead of the usual iron used on witches.

Samara has a choice to make... help him escape and go with or leave him here.

As we set out on the escape across land to a country that will keep Samara and Raphael, Samara gets to experience new things. We start to see experiences from when she was young and her bad experience with a vampire.

The story starts and mostly is narrow to two people, Samara and Raphael, in Samara's point of view. There's good reasons to stay together, for Samara. I think there's more to Raphael's reasons though and that has me curious.

Then Raphael offers a mission to keep Samara near. One that she could help him with. It's an interesting mission and they grow closer as they go. Samara is helpful in deciphering things. But she likes staying near him too.

There's more to Samara. Raphael is holding a few secrets back. These have me curious about what the details are. There is a slow burn romance between the characters.

There's magic in the world. I liked the magic cards those with money could afford them. They are neat.

The ending has me wanting more! There's a nice twist to things and I can't wait to read what happens in the following books.

I listened to this as an audiobook and really enjoyed the audio version.

View all my reviews

Audio Book Review: Weyward by Emilia Hart

Weyward by Emilia Hart
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the story of three women of different generations of a family as they become stronger, learning to be their independent selves.

We follow Altha, Kate, and Violet through important moments in their lives. They all start in troubled times and live through difficult times. Will they come through their hardships stronger?

I liked Altha's story. It felt to have a slight touch of magic. She's on trial for a friends husband that died. They think she's a witch and behind it. Is she? Kate's story was hard for me. She's stuck in a relationship with a controlling man, that's dangerous for her. Violet is a young lady that's growing up like her mother, which her father struggles with. But when a cousin comes to visit from the war, more happens in her life.

I did have a cringe moment with Violet's story. I found parts to be slow moving for me. I did speed up the audiobook as this was one I read with the book club and wanted to get through it.

This one wasn't really one for me. I've heard many enjoyed it so do check out their reviews.

View all my reviews

Audio Book Review: Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal by Meghan Quinn

Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal by Meghan Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness. This book is even better than the first! I laughed out loud at work while listening to Atlas (Max) with some of the events and conversations.

Max is historically known to be a little dramatic in his....well, in life. When he meets a beautiful woman on the sidewalk, they have a fun interaction. Not your usual meeting, which sets the tone for the book. But, he so learns that someone is building a tree farm that will rival his family's farm, which he's to inherit. And he's determined to not let it happen while his parents are out of town.

Max makes a few bad choices that lead to a humorous outcome, which may be embarrassing for him.

All to meet Betty who's new in town with her heart broken over having to close her Christmas shop where she's from. Her Uncle wants to hire her to create something amazing.

Max comes up with a terrible idea, with map and all, and Storee is in to help him. However, Storee has her own plan as she sees a spark in Max when talks about Betty.

Oh heavens. Talk about the awkward conversations between two awkward people who don't know what to say and start rambling. LOL! I laughed so hard are these two together. They are like similar minds and there's a deep hole they go down. And I absolutely loved it!

We have more to the story than the humor and building romance. There's unease with another in town from events when younger. We also get to see Storee and Cole with kids and the other family and friends.

I love the feel of this town. It's so cozy.

The narrators all returned for this book. Such a great crew. They were perfect with the voices.

View all my reviews

Audio Book Review: How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn

How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fun listen. I enjoyed the humor with the romance in this story. I thought the writing was well done with the Christmas competition in Kringletown. The Christmas events were fun to live through. I'd love to see this as a movie. I think the humor would be great on screen too.

There's dry humor in Storee's thoughts. Off the bat, I like her humorous thoughts and kind of exasperated tone and feel. Cole is a grumpy one on the outside, but doesn't feel as such when you're in his head.

Storee and Cole knew each other when they were younger, but had a bad winter individually one year and they lost contact. So they know things about each other and they've lived through things that help with the other one. I like how they start out competition but things turn and they become amicable then friends and help each other all the way to more.

It's fun getting the story from both of their view points. And I love the who cast of friends and family around them. It's a hoot.

Be prepared for romance to come into the story. And have fun with the characters.

I listened to the audio and loved the cast of narrators! They had a great sound and blend together.

View all my reviews

Audio Book Review: Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the series. This review may have items in it that could spoil the ending of the first book. I try to keep things vague, but this is your warning.







King Benedict has The Villain in his grasp and he's going to expose him to the public for the story of the land to come true. Evie Sage has her own plans.

I love the beginning of this with what Evie has planned on how she'll get into the king's castle to rescue The Villain. But, keep an eye on this event. It's fun buuuuut, there could be more to it than realized.

I think Trystan and Evie make a great duo. They work well together. They are out on adventures as there's more to the story of the land and it's connection to them. We start down the path of learning about Evie's family. Her mother and brother and what really happened that day. Then we learn about her mother and father. Oh wow. It's a wonder Evie and Trystan found each other. But then again... there maybe a reason they met.

I really enjoyed the writing in this book. I like how things are starting to fit together. We have our cast of people and seeing them all interact and help is great. They each have a piece or connection to share with getting to the end. Interesting seeing the world outside of the estate and Evie's home town.

There's a mention of undoing which has me curious. I also think it could be a different view than it's interpreted as in the book. So I want to see where it goes. I have a feeling....

I'll be listening to the next book when I can get it. (I'm thinking Spotify will be the fastest way.)

View all my reviews