Audio Book Review: Evil is a Matter of Perspective

Evil is a Matter of Perspective

Edited By:  Adrian Collins

Publish Date:  March 31, 2017, Audiobook Release July 5, 2019

Format:  Audiobook - 17 hrs 9 mins
Narrated By:  Greg Patmore

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  Anthology

Impression:  The perspective is not always as you think.

Synopsis:
Experience your favourite fantasy worlds through some of the most fearsome, devious, and brutal antagonists in fantasy. Villains take centre stage in nineteen dark and magical stories that will have you cheering for all the wrong heroes as they perform savage deeds towards wicked ends. And why not? They are the champions of their own stories—evil is a matter of perspective.

Authors:

R. Scott Bakker (The Second Apocalypse)
Adrian Tchaikovsky (Shadows of the Apt, The Tiger and the Wolf)
Michael R. Fletcher (Manifest Delusions)
Shawn Speakman (The Annwn Cycles)
Teresa Frohock (Los Nefilim)
Kaaron Warren (The Gate Theory, Mistification)
Courtney Schafer (The Shattered Sigil)
Marc Turner (Chronicles of the Exile)
Jeff Salyards (Bloodsounder's Arc)
Mazarkis Williams (The Tower & Knife)
Deborah A. Wolf (The Dragon's Legacy)
Brian Staveley (Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne)
Alex Marshall (Crimson Empire)
Bradley P. Beaulieu (The Song of the Shattered Sands, The Lays of Anuskaya)
Matthew Ward (Shadow of the Raven, Coldharbour)
Mark Alder (Banners of Blood)
Janny Wurts (The Wars of Light and Shadow, The Empire Trilogy)
E.V. Morrigan (Glyph War world)
Peter Orullian (The Vault of Heaven)


Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I very much enjoyed Greg's narration of the stories. His voice feels to fit the moments in the story, great combination with the written words. He has the proper feel to his words and accents that goes with the fantasy realm of narrations. Greg gets to show different angles of his voice here. We get stories with woman and men characters voiced, but also different feelings to portray with each story. There aren't many different voices for each character but each has a personality to the words as Greg narrates.

This book took me longer than I'd like to get through it. I struggled with some of the stories feeling long and not pulling me into the story as I would like. I didn't feel the magnetism to the book to listen. Overall, I wonder if I had read part of the series the novella's are set in that maybe I'd feel the draw to them more. I'm not sure.

I'll share a small bit about each story as I listen to them.

Forward by R. Scott Bakker

A well thought out thinking on the perspective of good and evil. How people have it present in culture. Scott shares thoughts on how this was used to justify actions against other people. There are examples of good vs evil in fantasy and how it can help the worlds. All leading to Grim Dark Fantasy, where characters are willing do evil to stop evil.

The Broken Dead by Michael R. Fletcher

In this story we get glimpses to Anomie's past with her father and Matthaus, her lover. Then her current life as a dead assassin and her mission. It took me a few moments when the story shifted from present to past with being audio to catch the shift. There is a pause between the shifts in time which I learn is the indicator of a change in story somehow.

I really like the manner in which Anomie lives, or doesn't live. Very interesting how the assassins are preserved. I wish the story focused on this part of her life.

The story of Anomie's previous life is the focus here. It was okay, until the end when things blend and feel to become confused. I'm thinking the goal wasn't accomplished by Anomie, but I'm not 100% sure what the end result is. I have an idea, but not sure.

Every Hair Casts a Shadow by Teresa Frochock

Raphael is in danger, Elviro sees his moment to win his grandson to his side. Using the moment to save, win him over, and have a tie to him, Elviro is granted the moment to help. But things have a turn to how they play out.

This is a short story set in the world of Los Nefilim. I've not had the pleasure of reading or listening to this world, but it's an interesting world with Angels and Demons and a civil war.

There is history with the characters present. We get the strong feel of that and their feelings for each other in this story of danger for Raphael. Nicely done as I like Raphael's response.

The Divine Death of Jirella Martigore by Alex Marshall

Jirella is summoned home to her Uncle, thinking she's in trouble she learns she's returned home for much more. Although she'll be a target for those searching to take power for their own until she comes into her station.

As the title tells and as the story implies, Jirella's body is meant for more. I leave the story wondering if the way the other girls treated her is why she's sent to this point, and why she's ready for this to be so. It is a great honor, but it's an end and a beginning wrapped in one.

The story was okay, but didn't feel to have a gripping pull for me.

A Royal Gift by Mark Alder

The Dark Prince knows who he is and what he is. He is to rule, yet shouldn't. The Dark Prince goes to the church and asks his question when he's visited. He has an answer to what he may face.

Nice. This is the most important moment in the Dark Prince's life. This is a turning point for him in what he will do and how he sees things.

This is a short story, 15 minutes in audio.

Old Blood by Adrian Tchaikovsky

This story is from the Shadows of the Apt series. I've not read/listened to this series yet, but listening to this story makes me curious about the world and if what's started here comes to be and the Wasps finished off.

This story had me hoping for one character, while the others grow in strength and gained my heart. What they have planned could help more with what the Wasps are doing. The story grew stronger as it went, ending with a point and a plan. I really enjoyed the creativity of the world and how things go for these characters.

Black Bargain by Janny Wurts

This story takes place in her series The Wars of Light and Shadow.

I'm sorry, but the detailed fantasy writing got in the way of the story for me. Sometimes the descriptions and world details given take over and I lose what the story plot and point is. That happened here. It felt like too much going on at once for me to listen to it. Maybe if I read the story rather than listen to it I would be able to stay focused. I've heard great things about Janny Wurts and was looking forward to her story, but I'm just not able to stay on track with all the details given.

The Syldoon Sun by Jeff Salyards

Set in Jeff's Bloodsounder's Arc world.

Our main character wants nothing more than to be a Syldoon, however because of tradition and disregarding a direct order, which results in him not being a soldier any longer so he'll never be a Syldoon. Emperor Cynead has an offer for him to become more than a soldier for spying on the Jackal's as he suspects they are doing things not in the Emperors favor.

I've not heard of Jeff until this story. I enjoyed the story, which made me curious about the Jackals and what they were up to. I'm a little lost on how they figured out the man was a traitor to them though, this is what dampened the story for me.

The Darkness Within the Light by Shawn Speakman

The wizard knows she has information, and he'll get it. After he learns how to get to the place he's been searching for, he makes the trip. The wizard comes face to face with The Lady of the Lake. He is determined to find the one thing that will help him face God.

The wizard has a drive and direction he's going from the beginning of the story. We may not know all the reasons behind it in the beginning, but we know where he's trying to go.

I really like Shawn's writing style. He's detailing out the fantasy world, but I don't feel like I'm stuck listening to descriptions. Shawn creates the world through his characters with what they do and what they want. There is a thread that connects the characters with the world they live in.

There is a blend of action and information here that kept me held to the story. There is a blend of fairy and Arthurian legend in this story and world. I really like the creation here.

The Greater of Two Evils by Marc Turner

This story is set in The Chronicles of Exile series.

Mazana is sent to retrieve a stolen ship and the pirate who took it.

I found the pirates reasoning interesting. It's a way of thinking that some people have, to free the harmed and harm the rich at any cost. I like the feel of character I get from Mazana. She seems to be fair yet hard and will do what needs done to accomplish the mission. She is smart too.

I'm a little curious about the world and series of books after this story. I'm wondering what the Storm Lords have done to create people that hate them and their rule so bad. I'm also curious about Mazana and her connections along with reasons for what she does. There is more to her and the Storm Lords than meets the eye.

Exceeding Bitter by Kaaron Warren

This story is .1 of The Unwanted Women of Surrey series, which I couldn't find other books in this world yet, so maybe more to come after this?

I liked the way the story started, with the three Grey Ladies and Mrs. Jacobs. But then the story went to the three Grey Ladies story and how they came to be the Grey Ladies. I was a little bored with the story from here. Not that it was bad, just not what I wanted to hear.

A Game of Mages by Courtney Schafer

This story is .1 in The Shattered Sigil series.

Ruslan searches for his apprentices, and grows close to them. Lizaveta learns of an exiled mage, Simon, who is on the move. Ruslan and Lizaveta have a bloody history with Simon that could bring harm to them, but they are determined to find Simon first.

This fantasy story has a writing style I can enjoy. Lizaveta shares lots of knowledge about her life with Rulan and then the boys, but also with Simon. The details move with the story and create a plot and world as we go. I love when this happens.

This story also has me wondering about how all the characters live on and grow.

The Tattered Prince and the Demon Veiled by Bradley P. Beaulieu

This story is set in Bradley's series, The Song of the Shattered Sands.

Brama sees a young woman with sparkles of light around her. He's drawn to her and looks for her. When he finds her he finds more trouble than he expected. But still feeling the attraction to her and why the lights around her, he helps her. But what will the cost be for Brama?

This is the longest story in the collection. This novella holds my attention as I listened to it. I was curious about the person talking, who's trapped in a gem that Brama wears. Brama knows of the demon locked inside, they have an uneasy relationship.

I liked this style as we grow close to the demon who's telling the story, and Brama as we travel with him in the city area he calls home. The story feels it follows a constant pace in telling, not rushed to get it all in with limited words. Much of the details we get are in relation to the characters or actions, drawing a picture in my mind with the events happening.

A Storm Unbound by E.V. Morrigan

He's found them. Shae runs home to find it burning, her lover dying on the floor, and their girl gone. Eroghast is here and wants her back in his service, as she pledged a blood oath to him. He wants the head of another brought to him, to absolve Aruur from Shae's debt to him. Shae will do anything to keep Aruur safe.

This story starts quick! We dive right into events from the get go. In doing this, the author has caught my attention and I'm ready to go on the adventure with Shae. We see quickly that Shae is more than meets the eye, though she wants to be a common person.

Yes, yes, yes. This story had me listening and not guessing with the little twists it had with the characters. Thank you.

The Game by Matthew Ward

Set in Matthew's world of The World of Aradane.

Lord Solomon is taken by the scum of the city. They plan to make him pay for the family that were lost to make a point to stop thieving and killing, what helped Lord Solomon get to the seat he's at in the city. All Solomon wants is to make his beloved city safe for common people.

I found I drifted off in sections of the story as we get history and details on who people are to Solomon. The action is low in the story.

I do find Arlia to be a mystery and someone that has me curious about who or what she is.

Blood Penny by Deborah A. Wolf

A story set in The Dragon's Legacy series.

Awitsu and Kanati are close, and Awitsu wants to keep it that way though knows in a short time things will change. She has a plan. They are tied to the Emperor because of their birth and can't buy their freedom. But with the blood penny Awitsu has and the Witching Well, she can make those that hurt her and all pay.

Awitsu is not lucky. She tries as she might to activate the blood penny, but fights through more troubles than she expects.

The story feels to have a Romeo and Juliet feel to the turn of events with Awitsu and Kanati, though their lives and situation is a little different. The story also has a feel as though it's a history that's how a couple came to a place that's important in the series.

I liked the way things turned out for Awitsu and Kanati. I'd be curious to see if they appear in the series.

Better than Breath by Brian Staveley

The story is set in the Chronicles of the Unhewn Throne series.

A mother's love. The love of children for their mother. This story focuses on the love for and from children. Even when the mother that's loved stole the children from their homes for the reason of love.

This story is a moment in the mother's life. I'm not sure if she lives or dies at the end. It's left with a hint of what the answer is. I'm not as impressed with this story as it doesn't feel to have a strong story, other than the children.

Foundation of Bones by Mazarkis Williams

This story is .1 in Tower and Knife series.

Adam is a young priest, four years out of training. One day Adam notices one of the students is different from the others. The boy is gifted. Adam tries to keep Didryk's gifts hidden from the others. Could Didryk be the child that'll bring about the new world?

Adam has a strong instinct to protect Didryk. Didryk brings a new way of thinking to Adam's view of things. I like the creation of what Didryk can do. This makes the world very interesting and makes me curious of what could come.

This story felt to have a strong rise and fall and story for me while creating something that makes the world interesting and curious to pick up the series. Adam has a story that he's living, and though this story is done it feels as there could be greater consequences in the future.

The Aging of a Kill by Peter Orullian

The story is set in The Vault of Heaven series.

Audra has been working the vineyard two years to hear the confession of the politician she's working with. Audra is asked to tell a story of her kill as a Dannire, who enforce the laws. We get more than one story of Audra's adventures.

Audra is a smart woman as she knows much about her targets and the professions they are in. She does her research and it shows. However, listening to these different stories of Audra's jobs started to bore me as I listened. I know the stories all fit together with the end, but it felt long.

The Carathayan by R. Scott Bakker

Uster looks around to see he's killed the little boy and the Lord of the home. The mother comes too to see her daughter and Uster's girlfriend, Mirrim, walk in. They need to talk.

The story is of a curse in the family where the first daughter is given over to the wood for the Carathayan on a specified birthday. Mirrim and her mother talk about why she was turned out. There is a lot of hurt feelings with Mirrim and her mother here, in a terrible moment surrounded by death.

I feel as though I missed something with Uster and the way of the world here. I got the gist of the story but felt there could have been more given. We get moments of Uster's past as flashes in the current events happening. In audio, it's not differentiated very well.

The story was just okay for me.

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Audio Book Review: A Thousand Fiendish Angels

A Thousand Fiendish Angels

By:  J.F. Penn

Publish Date:  November 26, 2013, Audiobook Release February 8, 2019

Format:  Audiobook - 1 hrs 30 mins
Narrated By:  J.F. Penn

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  Short stories inspired by Dante's Inferno

Impression:  Suspenseful short stories

Synopsis:
Three short stories inspired by Dante’s Inferno, linked by a book of human skin passed down through generations. On the edge of horror, thriller and the occult.

Sins of the Flesh: When the tortured and mutilated corpse of a wealthy author is discovered, the police officer sent to investigate finds a curious diary amongst the occult objects at the scene. Will he uncover the author’s secret at the ruined chapel, and can he pay the price that it demands?

Sins of Treachery: On the death of their Grandfather, twin brothers Simon and Gestas are left a map covered in alchemical symbols that could lead them to great wealth and power. But they find more than they expected in the frozen wastes of the Arctic north …

Sins of Violence: In a brutal post-apocalyptic world, a young girl is about to be taken to The Minotaur for a Blessing that will end her innocence. Can her sister gain access to the fortified city of Dis in time to stop the ritual and avenge her own lost youth?

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I didn't know what to expect with J.F. Penn narrating her own stories. I was highly impressed from the beginning! Penn's accent adds to the character of the story. Her knowing the story's intimately and giving us the rise, fall, and pause in her voice that gives the story suspense and intrigue. We don't get as much in different voice tones for the characters, but that's okay for this set of short stories.

These stories fit J.F. Penn's style of writing with a touch of suspense and mystical. There is a religious element used to the stories. I really enjoy J.F. Penn's writing from word selection to pacing. J.F. Penn has great talent in selecting words to describe the feeling in that action. She holds my attention in each short story.

Each story is not long, but they feel complete in telling. Even if they have a time jump, I feel as though it's not an impact time we are missing. I get what I want from each scene written, and it continues along with completing the story we are getting.

After the stories, J.F. Penn explains where the stories came from. She tells of her research and connection in the stories to the story Dante's Inferno. Very neat and cool to hear.

Sins of the Flesh:
A police officer who's down and out on is called to a death scene. While investigating the mutilated corpses items, a diary is found and intrigues the officer to find a secret hidden. The officer could find more than expected.

Sins of Treachery:
With the death of their Grandfather, Simon and Gestas go on the adventure their grandfather wanted them to take for wealth and power. The map is from the leather book Grandfather held dear, and now Simon does too.

This is a continuation of the item found in Sins of the Flesh, but thirty years in the future. The item is strong in it's hold on people and impact on them.

Sins of Violence:
A young girl returns to the city of the Minotaur to stop the blessing of her sister. Can she get to her sister in time?

This story is said to be in the future from the last story, Sins of Treachery. The world is now in a post-apocalyptic setting. What has happened to the world is mentioned in the story, but it does not divert from the direction of the story. This information adds to the danger of the world on the outside of the city.


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Giveaway & Audio Book Review: Storm & Fury

Storm & Fury

By:  Gail Z. Martin & Larry N. Martin

Publish Date:  February 23, 2018, Audiobook Release October 30, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 12 hrs 27 mins
Narrated By:  Neil Hellegers

Genre:  Paranormal

Series:  Short stories in the world of Iron & Blood novels and the related Storm & Fury Adventures.

Impression:  Short stories in a magical and steampunk world.

Synopsis:
New Pittsburgh, 1898 – a crucible of invention and intrigue. Born from the ashes of devastating fire, flood and earthquake, the city is ruled by the shadow government of The Oligarchy. In the swarming streets, people of a hundred nations drudge to feed the engines of progress. The Department of Supernatural Investigation was set up to take care of those things that live below, that go bump in the night… those odd cases that go beyond ‘standard’ investigation. Nicknamed ‘Storm and Fury’, Mitch Storm and Jacob Drangosavich are two of the more creative agents, working in New Pittsburgh and obeying the rules – when they have to.

A collection of short stories and novellas set in the world of the Iron & Blood novels and the related Storm and Fury Adventures.

Includes: Airship Down, Ruin Creek, Resurrection Day, The Hunt, Grave Voices, and Rogue. Plus two bonus stories: Ghost Wolf and a Steampunk fairy tale: The Patented Troll


Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This is a collection of novellas and short stories set in the worlds of Iron & Blood novels and Storm & Fury Adventures. It's sort of an anthology. Some of the stories were published in other anthologies, but it's always great to have them all in one handy place.

This is my first adventure in a world I've been wanting to visit. I'm pleased that I took the journey. I love how destruction seems to be left in their wake. I laugh as they are always being shot at and blowing something up, likely blowing up of something valuable too. lol. Also, the "bad guys" don't always fair well when they go against Jacob and Mitch.

Mitch is so drawn to the science-y things. Jacob feels to be the grounded person. But both are big on guns. Mitch and and Jacob kind of have a feel of Lethal Weapon movies with Riggs and Murtaugh for me. They don't always agree but are a great team that gets the work done. Also, one's a little more grounded than the other. And, things do seem to go boom around these two. lol.

Airship Down
This was an interesting investigation for Mitch and Jacob as they follow orbs that make electricity flash. It's fun watching them destroy their travel methods along with a few other things along the way. lol.

I was a little bummed at the end of the short as I felt we didn't get a resolution to the orbs. I'm not sure if these show up in the books or another short though. So maybe there is a resolution in another story? It is sort of mentioned in another short, briefly.

Resurrection Day
Oh this is neat. I like what they find in this short. Resurrection day indeed. This gives a blend between steampunk and supernatural in this world.

This is, however, another case that's not fully answered. I still have questions, like how the resurrection is done and what about two of the bad guys. I do love the world I'm getting glimpses of in these shorts and curious if the answers are given in the novels.

Langiappe
Oh this one is cool. I love the mystery to solve here. This kept my attention the whole time. I love how the pieces puzzle together. This was a cool view into the supernatural world.

Jacob and Mitch aren't as...destructive in this story. But we get to meet a female character, Della, I really loved. She sounds strong and one not to go against. I hope to see more of her.

Grave Voices
This was a longer story that gives us the full view of world and characters. We get a larger cast here and I love how one makes his appearance. The magic and mechanicals of the world are present.

We get a conclusion to the story here. This is cool and leaves a chance of working with others.

This one is full of mystery and action. Nice story. There is a connection to religion and magic and science here too.

Ruin Creek
This is short but a full story of a mission Jake and Mitch head out on. Neat story with ghosts, projections, and maybe aliens.

We see another "bad guy" here that our duo fights against. Gun shots and fighting.

I liked how this one concluded with the whole feel of the story and where they are.

The Hunt
This story as a feel of alien tech in it as well. The blend of steampunk and old west with our agents and town in are an awesome blend.

We get a full story here, and the guys are on their probation from something they blew up and shouldn't have, along with not capturing a bad guy. We get things tied up with what they are looking for along with unfinished business as to why they are here.

Rogue
This story had a feel of a magical National Treasure. Though the treasure wasn't gold but a magical relic. Very interesting how things all connect and the magic that's present. I really liked how the references to history was used to create something new.

Interesting what we see with different groups in the world and how they protect and work together. And the turn of events with one person here. Very good.

Ghost Wolf
He dresses as a wolf and defends the workers that are being attacked. One night the immigrant hating gang might be Irish against Polish, tomorrow it could be a Polish gang against an Irish one. He'll defend each at any time.

This story is set in the world of Storm & Fury but it's not a story of their adventures. We see them briefly as our main character overhears them but that's all.

The character present is important in helping stop fights in New Pittsburgh, and saves the city at the same time.

The Patented Troll
This story is not of Storm and Fury, it's of the inventor that started all with his inventions. This is a lovely little tale that gives the feel of an inventor and how he felt of his inventions, and how others used them. I loved the feel I got from this story with the inventor and a young man that wants to be safe as well.

Iron & Blood (Excerpt)
There is an excerpt of the first book present too. So if you haven't started the series (like me) you get a feel for what we are missing.


****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Runs Jan. 5th-Feb 11th⎮Open internationally

Storm & Fury Giveaway: 3-month Audible subscription

Audio Book Review: The Book of Dragons

The Book of Dragons

By:  E. Nesbit

Publish Date:  October 26, 2004, Audiobook Release January 26, 2017

Format:  Audiobook - 4 hrs 53 mins
Narrated By:  Karen Krause

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  Stand-alone

Impression:  Children stories with dragons.

Synopsis:
Eight madcap tales of unpredictable dragons — including one made of ice, another that takes refuge in the General Post Office, and a fire-breathing monster that flies out of an enchanted book and eats an entire soccer team! Marvelous adventure and excitement for make-believers of all ages. 24 illustrations.


Purchase At:
Amazon 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.


Karen voices the story as one would reading to a young child, which is expected being the book is for children. She makes it sound fun with voicing the characters in different tones to fit their stature. I found I really enjoyed Karen's narration. She felt as though she was into the stories as she read to the children.

All stories are about 30-40 minutes long.

I had forgotten how far stretched children's stories were. They make me smile and shake my head at times, but they are enjoyable.

The Book of Beasts
Young Lionel becomes king. As a child himself, he wants a book read to him at bed. He finds The Book of Beasts in the library and is drawn out of curiosity to read it. A library full of books that his great-great-great-great-great grandfather filled, and was also thought to be a wizard. When Lionel opens the book, he's surprised to see the creatures come to life, even the one on the third page that could be very dangerous.

This feels like a great story to open with. Lionel is young and just learning the way of the world and he makes a mistake, but learns to be responsible from it. Also, it introduces us to the first dragon.


Uncle James, or the Purple Stranger
When the one and only dog barks all night, Tom goes out to investigate. Tom finds a large purple dragon licking his wounded wing.

This is cute with the animals that are of opposite sizes we know them to be. There is a reason, history, given as to why which is quickly given. This history becomes a very important thing in this story at the end.

I rolled my eyes at the princess kissing Tom and how Tom had all the answers. But the story was still cute in it's world creation for children.


The Deliverers of Their Country
Dragons appear, of all sizes and take over the land. Though, they don't like the chill of night so the people adjust their living to sleep during day and come out at night. Until Effie and Harry want to find the dragon slayer of legend, during the afternoon.

Listening in order, I think this is my favorite story. Effie is more present in the actions against the dragons. Also, the story is a way to describe the reason for London's weather condition. I very much like the Tap Room.


The Ice Dragon, or Do As You Are Told
Jane and George see the Northern Lights and Jane wants to go see them up close. Walking across the grass, as they are told not to do, they head out on their long journey to the north pole. When they arrive they find trouble. But have made friends along the way who help.

You never know when you'll need a helping hand. Always help those around you when you are out, it could come back to help you. Jane and George help animals that are in unnecessary danger due to other humans, and those animals make a difference when Jane and George need it most.


The Island of the Nine Whirlpools
Returning from the witch's home, the Queen finds the baby she wanted. However, the King is not happy as they were given a Princess and not a Prince, as he wanted. When the Princess is old enough, she is locked away, awaiting the clever prince to find her.

This was a cute story. I liked the idea of how babies are brought to kings and queens here. Not by a stork but by a witch. But what I really liked is what the mother does to stay with her daughter. This is dear. And the witch is not portrayed as an evil one, but as a good one.

This story also shows how math is important to figure when the best time to rescue the princess.


The Fiery Dragon, or the Heart of Stone and the Heart of Gold
The princess's cruel cousin rules the land until she's of age. She's taken everything from her and she lives in the dragon proof tower, watching the land. On May Day she sees a dragon by the woods. When the children go in to pick their flowers, they come running out screaming. The cruel prince makes his way to kill the dragon.

This has a princess that has a great idea to help with ridding the kingdom of the terrible dragon. But she's also one that gives love so easily.

It's a neat twist on the dragon's at night and how to remove it from the land. It kind of explains the hot whirlpools that steam too.


The Dragon Tamers
John's a blacksmith in a town with a well known blacksmith already. Working in the ruins of a castle he finds a dragon in the dungeon one day. The dragon needs the help of a blacksmith.

This story tells how a dragon changes to a... I can't say. You have to listen to see where this domesticated animal comes from.

This story was a little slow for me. I didn't seem to enjoy it as much as the others, not that it's bad just not as the others were.


Kind Little Edmund, or the Caves and the Cockatrice
Edmund is an inquisitive young boy. He walks in the mountains by the caves where others won't because of strange noises. He created a lantern to take with him to investigate the caves, to learn what the strange noises were.

This one's okay too. Edmund is the type of child to question everything, and has a creative mind. I like that about him.


The Last of the Dragons
Dragons have grown rare for princesses to find and be rescued from. One dragon remains and the princess proposes that she save a prince from the dragon instead of being saved.

Aaaah. This is the story I was waiting for. I love the Princess in this story. And I love the way it ended. It's even better than I'd hoped.



These stories are all told as the old princess and dragon tales are told. Princess is in trouble and she's helped. Though, there are a few places where the princesses show they have brains and spark the ending of the story. I like that they have a glimmer of knowledge and use it.



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About the Author: E. Nesbit
Edith (E.) Nesbit was a master at weaving imagination and real life into timeless fairy tales, with fantastic mythical creatures, princes and princesses, magic, and just the right touch of silliness.

In “A Woman of Passion: The Life of E. Nesbit, 1858-1924”, Julia Briggs labeled Edith Nesbit Bland as the “first modern writer for children” and credits Nesbit with having invented the children’s adventure story. Some of her best known stories are The Railway Children, Five Children and It and her Bastable family stories, The Story of the Treasure Seekers and The Wouldbegoods. Her stories combined realistic children in real-world settings with magical objects and adventure, including travel to fantastical lands. She has influenced such writers as P.L. Travers (Mary Poppins), Edward Eager (Tales of Magic) and J.K. Rowling and several of her stories have been adapted for film and television.

Nesbit was a free thinker, a political activist, and co-founder of the Fabian Society. A young Noel Coward, who was a great admirer of hers, once said she was “the most genuine Bohemian I had ever seen”.

About the Narrator: Karen Krause
Karen grew up in a musical family and started singing with her daddy’s band when she was knee-high to a grasshopper, as they say in her native Ozark Mountains. She’s been performing ever since, playing to anyone who would sit still long enough. When she wasn’t demanding to be the center of attention, she was high in her backyard tree reading just about anything she could get her hands on. Her love of theatre and the stage grew from school plays and backyard shows to a college degree and regional theatre. And her love of literature grew as well. She discovered the world of audiobooks when they really were books on tape and has been an avid fan ever since. About five years ago, she had an epiphany (why it took her so long is a mystery). She could combine her love of performing with her love of the spoken word. She recorded her first audiobook in 2012 and hasn’t looked back. She just finished her 39th book and it will be released on Audible in June.
Website⎮Facebook⎮Twitter

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Giveaway: 3-Month Audible Membership
Runs July 2nd-8th⎮Open internationally

The Book of Dragons Giveaway

Book Review: Emergence: Humanity 2.0

Emergence: Humanity 2.0

Edited By:  J.M. Martin

Publish Date:  September 27, 2016

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Urban Fantasy, Superheroes

Series:  Anthology

First Impression:  Good anthology of people with super powers.

Synopsis:
AN ANCIENT TRIGGER GENE buried deep in humankind's DNA is sporadically activating, evolving some humans into something superhuman. Influenced by comic-book culture, many of these 'chimerics,' as they have been dubbed, have taken on costumes and adopted codenames. Organizations have risen to either train, exploit, or police these chimerics, and the entire world is at odds about their very existence.

In this open-ended series, Ragnarok gathers authors to write superhuman fiction in a shared universe. It begins here with book #1, Emergence, shipping in fall 2016. Look for book #2, Chimeric, featuring stories by Dan Wells, Rob Duperre, Steve Diamond, and more, in 2017.

Emergence collects nine tales, each with a unique perspective on what it might be like to be superhuman in the modern age.

"From the Barrel of a Gun" by Jeff C. Carter
"Whiplash" by Tim Marquitz
"Never Go Half Supervillain" by C.T. Phipps
"We Can Be Heroes" by Eloise J. Knapp
"Perennial" by Edward M. Erdelac
"The Other" by Rob J. Hayes
"Avenger" by G.N. Braun
"Bring It On, Hero" by J.M. Martin
"(They Call Me) Epilogue" by Steve Diamond

In the Humanity 2.0 cosmology, the stories are set in a shared universe. Characters cross over, events have impact, establishments are consistent. It's an open-ended series and the stories, like the chimerics of H2.0, will continue to evolve.

Purchase At:
Amazon 

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I was offered a copy of this book from the author or publisher for review.

These novella length stories are longer than short stories so you can get the feel of the full story, characters, and world. Each story is different but set as a braided story in the same world. There are mentions of other characters from stories in them as you go, but nothing that would take from the story if you didn't read it.

Overall it's an enjoyable set of novellas based on people who come into super powers. But how will they use it? And how will the world be touched by them? Good? Bad? You decide.

From the Barrel of a Gun by Jeff C. Carter
I wasn't sure where this story was going as we watch the court case of Timothy Hathcock for killing 23 chimerics (super-beings). When I was about ready to say I was bored, the story took a twist and Hathcock decided to take the stand. That's when things cleared and made me thing.

We get this story from Lars Wilson, superhero known as The Red Wraith, point of view. He's stood by and watched his friends killed and had a target on his own head. Hathcock has his own story too. We get both here. Now we try to decide who is in the right. Or are they both wrong? Does two wrongs make a right? In this case, it's a slippery slope. Interesting.

Never Go Half-Supervillain by C.T. Phipps
David makes a living helping villains in his home town Motor Hills. But part-time as he's living a life as a husband and father too. David, The Freelancer, is drawn into the conspiratory world of who's in charge and who's doing right, to find he needs to decide what he wants to do.

C.T.'s humor with science fiction/fantasy is the top of my favorite list. So many quick remarks that I get! And they make me smile. I enjoyed seeing David be on his own side through the story. And make his decision. It was quite a dangerous adventure for David, but I didn't get overly worried for him because of his ability, though it's not always right...

We Could Be Heroes by Eloise J. Knapp
Vlad and Lucy are eighteen year old chimerics trying to get by in Russia under the thieving hand of a cruel man. They want to be heroes, not the thieves they have to be for Cheslav. One day, they will find a way to break his hold on them and escape to America.

I liked the way this story gave us a past and present view. Almost like two stories in one. It tells of what happened in the past to bring Vlad to be who he is today, and how he got to today. Vlad and Lucy work to get away from one life in Russia, to fall into another in America. Is it better and what they wanted? Hmm, you'll have to read to find out.

Whiplash by Tim Marquitz
Whiplash is working through college, but finds herself helping against the crime in her home city. Chimeric in their teens are popping up and attacking and stealing from stores. Vivian doesn't think it's a coincidence, there is a pattern. She puts the pieces together and goes after these kids, to find a bigger danger behind the acts of the kids. Monger.

I found this story fun with the headbanging and metal-head references. But what I like is that Whiplash, or Vivian, does get beat up. It's not that she's beat up that I like, but that she takes a beating and keeps going. She does get hurt, but she'll fight on. She keeps going back to stop what's happening. She wants to stop the person behind it too. That's strength. That's power. I like that draw to Whiplash as a character.

The Other by Rob J. Hayes
David wants to remain safe from the crime and chimerics employed to do crime, so he's modified his body. Working at Biotiq prosthetic's lab helps with the new and improved items.

This story is one of my favorites. I really like how it reads and makes me curious and interested in David. And The Other. Interesting story with The Other and what he's trying to do while meeting another chimeric and what she's up to.


Perennial by Edward M. Erdelac
Nico and Pan are tracking Zita, a baby-napper for hire. Pan's goal, to find the babies that didn't go through the illegal adoptions. But he learns more about himself and fights through more than he expected.

This is one of the longest stories in the book, page wise.

The story was okay for me. I really wanted to love it more with one character named Pan, after Peter Pan, and to learn why. I enjoyed some sections, but others dragged. I think the one thing that slowed the story for me was all the back stories. This is something in short stories that slows the story for me and frustrates me. Someone else may well enjoy this story more than I.


Avenger by G.N. Braun
Leon Stone, a security guard at the mall, finds a delivery van with blood on the side door. When he looks inside, he can't believe what he sees! Blood. And death. Then he has to fight the creature that caused it. This one incident draws him into the strange and deadly world of chimerics.

This story had me from the beginning with what Leon found in the van. This is in first person, but I felt I liked the feel from the first sentence. Leon's personality really comes through.

This story feels like it could be a prequel to a series. A series I'd be curious and interested in reading!


Bring It On, Hero by J.M. Martin
Where Avenger stopped, this one picks up from another person's point of view. It's like a braided world. Hero goes in to investigate where the others left. This draws Hero's memories to when had to talk about events lived through and what went wrong.

The story shares, through Hero, the memory of leaving TCA, when first developed powers, and more. The story started really good for me, then I got mixed up in the memories on where and who Hero was in the story.


(They Call Me) Epilogue by Steve Diamond
Kennedy Ross's husband is being honored with a statue. The news press pushes on for more answers and her thoughts on Human Shield not coming into his powers until after he failed to prevent her husbands death...

This is probably the shortest story of the anthology, and I loved it. It had me curious from the get go. What happened to Kennedy's husband to die? Even the true feelings Kennedy has, as you know she's holding back. Oh, I love Kennedy!

This story references the previous ones here, but not based on them. But answers a question from one of the earlier ones. (Who's behind this?)



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Book Review: Explorations: Through the Wormhole

Explorations: Through the Wormhole

Publish Date:  September 2, 2016

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Sci Fi

Series:  Stand alone stores

First Impression:  Different lives lived around and through the wormhole.

Synopsis:
It's 2052 and the first known wormhole appears in lunar orbit. Earth sends a ship to investigate and the future of space travel changes forever. The Solar System develops in many ways over the centuries, but one thing remains constant; the wormholes continue to appear.

Join many of today's most exciting indie science fiction authors as they chart a shared universe and future-history, each telling us stories of: Explorations: Through the Wormhole.

The Challenge - Ralph Kern
Through Glassy Eyes - PP Corcoran
Here, Then, Forever - Chris Guillory
AI Deniers - Rosie Oliver
Flawed Perspective - PJ Strebor
The Lost Colony - Josh Hayes
The Aeon Incident - Richard Fox
The Doors of the Temple - Jo Zebedee
Dead Weight - Thaddeus White
Webbed Prisms - Charlie Pulsipher
Anathema - Jacob Cooper
When the Skies Open - Shellie Horst
A Second Infection - Stephen Palmer
Personal Growth - Stephen Moss

Purchase At:
Amazon 

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I was offered a copy of this book from the author or publisher for review.

A book full of wormhole stories. Each is different in the worlds they create and characters that interact. There is a story here for everyone.

After each story is a quick interview with the author. One question is on where they got the spark of an idea for the story. Nice to meet the authors this way in the book. Especially if they are new to you.

The Challenge by Ralph Kern
Captain Elaine Harmon-Sykes flies the Olympus through the newly appeared wormhole, the first to investigate. Working to learn more of the worlds and the wormhole from the other side, the wormhole starts to fade. Will they make it out in time?

This story feels relatable to what we have in the way of technology now, not like Star Trek or super advanced technologies. Which makes it easy to understand and visualize things.

The story was good. I liked that we also got to see 400 years later. This future vision gave the story the feel of conclusion.


Through Glassy Eyes by P.P. Corcoran
Professor Chris Kane is working back on Earth, after the wormhole closed. He's made a great discovery that could rocket human and machine interface into existence. Wetware.

This story gives us a glimpse of over two years of meetings with Chris on his creation and launch of Wetware. And there is a complication in the end.

This was a good story but not what I expected in this book, especially with the title. I had thought all stories would be about space and adventures on the other side of the wormhole. This one was not about going through a wormhole. It's only connection was to the first story, and the wormhole closing on the Earth side, then it dove into a story on human technology that's the next evolution in human and machine interfacing.

Here, Then, Forever by Chris Guillory
Aliza volunteered for this mission. It's a one way mission, to fire the item into Khonsu, the wormhole, to keep it stable and from closing.

I really liked this one. The beginning caught my attention, though the transition to memory felt unclear until after I read it. Where Aliza ends up feels like a science fiction fantasy story. And was something I totally enjoyed!

In a wide rounded way it felt as a reminder of Alice in Wonderland.


AI Deniers by Rosie Oliver
Melrika headed out into space to fix the droid, but upon touching it found herself in the future and a different part of space. Through an unknown wormhole she had gone.

When Melrika is found and brought back to the world she learns she's rich, and many want her money. People will work for her or kidnap her for it. But the wildest thing is the way of the world now. She recovers in the hospital then sent to a recovery center to gradually bring her into the world of technology and living now. Things have drastically changed since her time. The recovery center had me thinking of a rotating stage of eras she would move through to gradually get use to the technology as it expands. Though some people never move past certain years.

While in the hospital and at her recovery center she sees snipits of the news, which we get to read, on the Al Denier.

There is a reason she has so much money, and why someone attempts to kidnap her. That we learn in the end.

I felt like there was a lot to this story and world and this short format was too compact with information. To much in one place.


Flawed Perspective by PJ Strebor
His ship comes out of the wormhole 64,000 light years away. They expected to only be 20,000 light years from Earth when entered the wormhole. The mission, find a planet suitable to sustain human habitation.

Oh how easily someone's views and ideas start to sway from the path with events and options before them. I really liked this take on this story. Captain Stonehaven is on a peace mission, but becomes the policing of peace in space when he hears of a bullying race. But could he become the bully with his reactions?

I liked this stories format. We have movement and reason to the characters, and a dilemma to get through. The type of technology here reminds me of the Star Trek feel, which I do enjoy.


The Lost Colony by Josh Hayes
Unscheduled use of wormholes carry a hefty fine with the STA, if you are caught. Captain Hale plans to not get caught. He has a passenger who's paid him to jump. Captain Hale's ship is pulled further than expected, to discover the key to the wormholes.

Off the bat I enjoyed Ears and Captain Hale's chatting, more banter. Even Kenzie and Lincoln too! There was great chemistry with the characters on this ship. The technology and connection between tech in body and the ship and how it works is a cool addition that makes this story and plot.

I was left wondering, what if Earth was the colony... Well done.


The Aeon Incident by Richard Fox
Lyon and his crew are sent through the wormhole to inspect the observation shuttle that was watching over Aeon, and now are all dead. What happened from a race that's not far into technology yet can get to a shuttle?

This is sort of like a little mystery and action story. Lyon finds the doctor from the station is alive and held captive. He's determined to get the doctor back, and find out what happened here.

I liked the story. Lyon acts differently than expected in a crucial moment, but it seems to work!


The Doors of the Temple by Jo Zebedee
The war has left Earth battered and destroyed. A new wormhole opens. But it's different, one way in, two ways out. Coulter volunteered for this mission.

This story has a mythical feel to the reasoning for going through the wormhole. What they find on the other side explains, as does the passenger from Trinity College in Dublin. To save those left on Earth.

This felt like a fast read. There is a reason to the wormhole and something more to the world than some expected.


Dead Weight by Thaddeus White
Guan will not surrender his ship. Even though they are damaged and limping along, he finds a way to make it to the wormhole and escape. But when he comes out on the other side, the ship is in need of desperate repairs. They have to stop to fix it, and may not have enough supplies for all aboard.

We start in with action. The crew interact under stress and personalities shine. I like the daring and determined action, but in being this there are deadly consequences too. It's a story that kept me reading.

It seems there could be someone on the ship killing people, so they can survive longer...

Webbed Prisms by Charlie Pulsipher
T'en has powers he shouldn't with being of a slave stature. But he sees the ripples of the Nexus from his world, and watches it nightly.

After 19 years of applications at Omniscient, AJ's dream of working with wormholes comes true. His synthetic arm making the job a bit easier as he's already wired to the interface of Omniscient's technology. Kendra works with AJ and create a strong bond together.

This is a bit different in how AJ is able to travel into space. It's interesting. And he has a bit of a different way in which he works "with" the wormhole, like going through it.

This is a blend of computer science fiction tech and wormholes.

We get this story from two sides of the wormhole, AJ and T'en. We see where AJ and Kendra are coming from and where they are going.


Anathema by Jacob Cooper
A supply run through the wormhole. Through the wormhole, to the station, then home. However when they come through there is debris everywhere and hitting their ship.

This story has many elements to it. We have haulers coming through behind Everson's ship that need protected from the floating debris. Then we get a signal that they need to investigate. Possible survivors? But we also have some elements that feel supernatural in a sense, though it's done by technology. One example is the elemental, he's of science fiction creation but has a paranormal feel to him. Even the Captains "knowing".

The characters all feel like a crew. They have their connections and dislikes in each other but keep working. It all works together to create the environment.

This story works the story and characters to the end. I enjoyed it.


When the Skies Open by Shellie Horst
I ended up giving up on this one. There are hints to the world and characters, but I found it harder to keep it all in line and pieced together. Others might like this, but the style didn't work for me.


A Second Infection by Stephen Palmer
I think my interpretation of this story was wrong. I just couldn't visualize what Seneschal Smith went through. I passed onto the next story.


Personal Growth by Stephen Moss
The wormhole was thought to be normal. The crew was thought by citizens to never return, like others in different wormholes. This one turns out special, it grows in size as they near it, but now they can't turn around. They will find the works of the wormholes on the other side.

This is the longest story in the book.

This is different. I like it but sometimes I struggled understanding the world or way of things to adapt to space needs. Once we get through the wormhole though, things iron out and I understood clearly what's happening.

I enjoyed the ending of this one. Neat. It might be a one way trip, but seems worth it.

Book Review: Into The Aether

Into The Aether

By:  P.J. Schnyder

Publish Date:  April 27, 2015

Publisher:  Ink and Aether Studio

Format:  print, 127 pgs

Genre:  Steampunk

Series:  Anthology, stand-alone

Impression:  Three complete stories surrounded with steampunk and strong woman.

Synopsis:
Journey Into the Aether with award-winning author PJ Schnyder in a collection of daring and sometimes explosive adventures:

In Evie's Gift , Evie travels to England with her brother to find a sponsor for her first season in London. She’s finding much more than intended, including an enemy submarine bent on destroying the airship carrying them across the ocean and a conspirator responsible for sabotaging her host’s mechanicals.

In A Swan in Siam , Agent John M. Alvey of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences searches for the source of a swan feather of peculiar properties in the court of the King of Siam and encounters both an assassin and a living legend.

Plus in the new, never before published Keeping Cadence , fiery Cadence is assigned as both gun expert and bodyguard when the senior crew of the Airship Vulpes is hired to transport precious cargo. Things never go as planned, but the two things Cadence can rely on like clockwork are her captain's explosive temper and the opportunity for a good fight.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

My Thoughts and Summary:
For me steampunk needs toys and gadgets. P.J. delivers! Toby in the first story, the boots in Keeping Cadence. Oh each story had wonderful gadgets that caught my eye! I enjoyed these stories with action and romance in one place.

Evie's Gift
Evie catches the attention of Captain Alec Corwin on her journey to London with her brother, Jeffrey. Evie can't lead on to her special gift or her pleasure in mechanicals as woman aren't to be tinkerers. Her job is to charm their hosts this holiday while Jeffrey forms connections with the British aristocracy for their family foundry. Captain Alec Corwin comes to dinner at the hosts home and finds he's attracted to the stubborn Evie, but enjoys seeing her infatuation with the machines Lord Weatherly has created. Yet, Alec is curious how Evie was aware of troubles that brewed in the deep ocean so high in the sky.

Oh I enjoyed this short story. P.J. caught my attention in the first chapter. We see Evie is special but not exactly sure what that is yet. We see trouble and it's aimed at the ship our characters are flying in! Why? I didn't know, but the adrenaline is pumping and I needed to find out. Oh the curiosity.

We get POVs from Evie and Captain Alec Corwin. Evie and Alec are strong personalities and get under each other's skin. It does make me smile at the attraction and fire between them.

Evie is my kind of lady. Sure, she's not looked upon as proper by the British Ladies, but she is a woman of her own standing. I love the influence Evie has on Angelica, Lord Weatherly's grand daughter. She has a sense about her when around metals. And her connection with Toby! Oh my! Toby is adorable! He's her watch, or beret or buckle or squirrel perched on her shoulder. Yes, he is all these things. He is like a little pet that is true to Evie's feelings. I want a Toby! Alec sounds like a dashing young man. He's also curious about Evie. But Evie worries about what people would think when they learn her secret.

I would love to read of Evie on more adventures and further with what we see here. Many great elements that would be lovely to see more.

A Swan in Siam
I listened to this story in the Tales From the Archives series. And it was a pleasure to read it again. My review from the first time hearing the story, holds true even now:

Agent John Alvey makes a journey to South East Asia, Siam, to search for a peculiar swan in a native land it should not be.  Phailin, a secreted special guard to the King of Siam, takes notice of Agent Alvey, for taking notice and understanding in a foreign culture, where the ambassador from his country has not.  Will Agent Alvey find the swan he's looking for, while someone tries to assassinate the King?

This was an interesting little tale.  We learn of a whole culture here in Siam, and get the feel for the secretive Phailin, in the beginning.

We do have steam equipment, as always. :) There is a steam mechanical music box, brought as a gift for the King.  Interesting!  I really liked this, and I think I would like one...when first saw it.  Then, the getaway used by the guilty party is neat too, but I have to say it's not quite as exciting as Phailin's way of following the person.  And the extras she can do.

This story not only has steampunk, but also a blend of magic as well.  Old magic.  Very nice blend of the two here.  In the end, I enjoyed this story as well.  We get a historical tale, magic, steampunk, and bullets and bombs.  What else can you ask for?

Keeping Cadence
The senior crew of the airship Vulpes has been out in the air for weeks, now they are at port and the woman are enjoying their time with others. Cadence is the weapons officer and the one that seals the deal with their next job. She's to validate the shipment their client wants to purchase in New London. Jonathan Archer, a talented clankerton and sponsored by their new client, has caught Cadence's eye with his gold hair and green eyes. All Jonathan wants is to go to Paris and participate in Exposition Universelle with his invention. But, unless he can play his cards right and get help, his sponsor's plans might not let him live long enough to get there.

Oh Cadence's boots! These are sooooo coooool! I want a pair. And what we learn of the boots through the story is rather fascinating. Cadence is one amazingly strong woman. I would love to have her as a friend.

I love the strong, kick arse woman here. Like airship pirates with a conscience. I was taken with the setting for this story. I would love to see these woman all again in the future. Though this is a complete story for Cadence.

If you enjoy romance and steampunk, this is totally your story. Jonathan is hot! I loved him from the first moment I saw him. He held my attentions and increased in attraction with his answers/reactions to everything he learned. There are sensual scenes in this story, making it adult material.


*There are a few small editing errors, but I so enjoyed the stories here that I overlooked them.

Book Review: Rise of the Northmen

Rise of the Northmen

Edited By:  Saranna DeWylde, Paul Goat Allen, Alyssa Breck, Mark Henry, Annice Sands

Publish Date:  November 10, 2015

Publisher:  Corvus Corax

Format:  eBook

Genre:  Erotic

Series:  Anthology, stand-alone

Impression:  Vikings are the perfect venue for heightened emotions!

Synopsis:
What happens when five slightly (or more than slightly) twisted erotic romance authors get together and brainstorm?

Berserkers. Violence. Wolves. Sex. Krakens. Death. Others. Magic. Valkyries. Love. VIKINGS!

RISE OF THE NORTHMEN happens.

Look for this heart-stopping erotic anthology on November 10 featuring Saranna DeWylde, Paul Goat Allen, Alyssa Breck, Mark Henry and Annice Sands!

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles

My Thoughts and Summary:
*I requested this book for review from one of the authors.

Fighting and sex. What a combination! Both are moments of heightened emotions. Vikings are the perfect essence to use for this. They are strong in the emotion they portray. And there are so many legends and myths that could be used in their magical world.

Fathom by Mark Henry:
2.5/5
It's Jerrik's funeral. Solveig is heartbroken that her husband died in battle. But Solveig doesn't believe her brothers story of Jerrik's death. Somethings off, and her brother's a terrible liar. She decides the truth is on the boat that will fill with the clan warriors and head out to fight for Jerrik's revenge. She sneaks on and stows away to learn the truth. The truth is far more than what Solveig is ready for. And she accepts it.

Solveig's determination never sways. She has a deep love for her husband and will do anything for it and to find the truth of what happened to him. We see her with her husband before he left to battle. There is a deep connection there and with others present in the story.

The story felt a bit rough around the edges for me though. I didn't feel like I was into the story. I thought it was because of the erotic essence here, but it's one of the stories I didn't feel the flow through it in this collection.

Salvage Want by Annice Sands:
4.5/5
Elena's father has arranged for her to marry again. She'll be well taken care of and living in the luxury she deserves with the young man. The morning of her wedding, the town is raided by the savages that have been attacking through the land. Elena is taken by the leader of the clan because of her beauty. Wulf holds her in his tent, but seems better mannered than the man she was betrothed to.

I absolutely loved this story. Wulf is an amazing character. Elena too! The growth she makes here with her views is wonderful. The story flows and feels true to the characters. The writing is of a style I enjoy and could get lost in. It had a rhythm that kept me going with the story.

Oh I loved the surprise we come across at the end. Nice fantasy feel to the story.

Wildflower in Snow by Paul Goat Allen:
4.5/5
Heima is dwindling in number of residents from the attacks by Cree and disease. Gyda, the chieftains wife, is not in a loving relationship with her husband. But Gyda is in one with Soren. The village is doomed with the constant attacks back and forth between Cree and Heima, and the cleric knows it's coming. He's seen it.

This is a full story. It feels longer than the others but we get so much here. There's a world created, Gyda's life is lived, along with learning of Soren's answers to his life as well. I love that Gyda's body is not what many would call perfect. She's scarred from life of a warrior along with having children. And she's loved for it. She's proud of her body and all she's lived through. There is a magical and mysterious feel to Soren. When Gyda is with Soren, he seems to take her to another world. There is a reason for this, and we learn it through Soren and who he is. The cleric, Visman, has a great view on how the fighters are raised now. I really liked the implication and what is being said as it's a truth.

I couldn't stop reading the story of Gyda and Soren. Their fight to survive and love. Oh! I was even starting to tear up at the events. Then! Surprise! Paul wrote this to catch your heart, and that he does.

Mark of the Raven by Alyssa Breck:
4/5
Kara waits for her love of her youth to arrive at their meeting point. Instead, a tall, beautiful man approaches her saying it's her time to "come home". Kara has no choice and is taken. She now has a purpose and duty, which she can soon retire from. But her desire for the loved one she was taken from will set her on a new path.

The beginning of this story had me curious. Stories of Valkyries and warriors, then the manner of which Kara was taken. I wanted more!

Kara is a determined woman. But she holds her honor and duty close to her and does as she's to do, never giving up on the love she once felt and would love to have back. Kara is to escort the worth warriors to the secret halls, and there comes a time she returns to her home village to do just that. She goes to see Gram, her love. She's still in love with him and he's never moved on. The sign, the raven, is there and he will fall in battle soon, so Kara has to make a choice on what to do. They do get their time together and it's beautiful.

I enjoyed the story of the way of a Valkyrie and the blend with love. I fell for Alyssa's writing style with the characters and felt their connection.

The Wolf Who Swallowed the Sun by Saranna DeWylde:
3.5/5
Aphrodite "Jack" Jackson doesn't fall for all the lines men give. She's heard all and then some with being a prison guard for sex offenders. But today is a first when a werewolf attacks. She is saved by a beautiful man arrives to help her after a severe bite on her arm. Finn carries her off to safety, away from the attacking wolves. Soon Finn realizes who Jack is and has a job to do. Jack starts to fall for the man who saves her, even after he tells her what he's to do.

This story has a current time setting. It feels more urban fantasy than of the viking legends, but there is a legend that this story plays off of.

Jack is a strong woman who doesn't fall for the woos of men. Yet she does find herself attracted to Finn. The connection between the two is deeper than she knows yet it's all so new as well.

The story was good and I may have enjoyed it more but the story feels like it's not complete to me. I felt like the story didn't have a solid ending, that I should have more to bring me to a feeling of completion. But didn't get it. I feel as if we get a piece to a bigger world and series.