Book Review: Of Blood and Fire by Keri Arthur

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

I've been loving this trilogy. This is the third book and it doesn't let me down. Keri Arthur keeps the story moving forward with lots of happenings. We return to the world with Bryn and everyone with a lot of chaos that we left it in after the last book. I was worried about how the book would end as there was so much happening. I did get an ending that completes the story and has the world left to go on as it does.

I love the plot. I was waiting to get resolve to the people and gold birds. We also have the things around Damon. That's all interesting. It was not what I was expecting, yet it totally fit. Which then leads to a whole thing with his father.

The world building is great. We have magic and different regions to the world and land. This is fleshed out and feels like a real world with how things are divided and working together.

I love the connection that's created with the dragons. To read Raia and her view and reactions with Bryn is great. She's a strong queen dragon. We see Bryn and Kaia in action with flames.

The ending was just as packed as the lead up to it. Lots happens and we get an overview of how the world is left. I know there's another trilogy set in the same world in the future. I'm looking forward to reading it. I love what's been created in this world.

The romance in the story is low. We get romantic scenes and there's a connection between Bryn and Damon when they are together. But they aren't always together, which I love how independent Bryn is.

The battles are unstoppable. I couldn't put the book down and wanted to see how it ends. There's danger and it gets really hairy for a number of characters. I do love Raia and wanting to flame everyone.

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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!

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Book Review: Of Steel and Scale by Keri Arthur

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

*phew* Let me take a breather here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Audio Book Review: Shield of Fire by Keri Arthur

Shield of Fire by Keri Arthur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bethany may not want to be in the family business of relic hunting, but she sure fits into it. And she's meeting new people that can be great contacts and help in the future.

Bethany's powers are growing, and she's learning her limits. She has a great group surrounding her that can help with her missions. Lugh her brother, Mathi her ex, Cynwrig her current lover, and Elgin a current/new lover. Then she has Sgott who is in charge of the night IIT and like a step father to her. All will protect her, and she them.

With working for the Council, hunting for the hoard that went missing, Bethany has a lot to look for. The next on the list becomes a shield and rubies that are stirring destruction and loss with those who are wielding them. And the destruction and body count seems to be around Bethany.

Those that have the rubies and are using them remember Bethany, but she doesn't remember them. At all. Is there something more to this?

Oh, yes. You read that right above. Bethany has two lovers, and yes they know of the competition. See it all has to do with the elf group and pixie group. But they can have fun together, but maybe not more. So why not have fun while you're looking for the one to spend your life with?

Bethany is learning more with each use of the knives, the codex, and the eye. These are some powerful relics and mix that with her magic and heritage. She's one bad*ss pixie.

The world is rich with history and fables. Gods, fey, powers, relics, and unknown creatures. I love seeing the things that they find and how dangerous they are.

I do enjoy this series for Bethany growing stronger and is independent along with the magical that shows up.

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Audio Book Review: Ring of Ruin by Keri Arthur

Ring of Ruin by Keri Arthur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oooooh. Masterpiece. I love how this book finishes the original arc of the Claws and connects what's to come to other pieces of this storyline. Nicely done. It feels seamless.

This book is looking for the third relic of the Claws and protecting the one that Bethany has. I love how it all ties together. Who the person is behind it all. How they know where Bethany, Lugh, Cynwrig, and others are. There's a reason for what they do. And what they plan to do... Oh I love this little twist! Brilliant.

If I was Bethany, just the thought of seeing one of those horrid creatures again would stop me. I know, there's a world at stake and the bad group wouldn't stop and will make her see them.... I guess she's getting great experience fighting them and dealing with them.

We get to see Bethany has a little more to her love life too. I'm curious to see her balance that along with finding the answers to other questions as well. I can't wait to continue listening to this series!

Keri is always amazing at creating the woman and supporting characters. Love the strength and respect for them.

The narrator is a wonderful voice for these stories too. Clear audio and speaking is wonderful.


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Audio Book Review: Sword of Darkness by Keri Arthur

Sword of Darkness by Keri Arthur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has a little bit of everything I enjoy. There's great comradery between the characters and quick comebacks and fun between them. There's action and fighting while our characters grow and learn.

We spend time with Bethany and Lugh at the beginning of the book. Siblings. I love seeing them together and on the hunt for the relics. Even as Bethany learns what she can do, and what she's inherited from her father and learning about the Eye. Of course the gods all talk in riddles and they have to figure out what they need to do. It does come around and the hunt continues. Though, will they find the Sword of Darkness before those who have bad intentions? The race is close!

Inheritance, whether station or an item, can be trouble in a family. There's always those family members who always wants something, or has been told they deserve it.

It's interesting to see how family comes into play here, good and bad. With family also comes seeing more in depth the way of pixies and elves. We see Bethany do more as well as Cynwrig.

Bethany then spends the second half of the book with Cynwrig. This is fun with their quick heated remarks back and forth. I love the boldness and normalizing of the smexy conversations.

This book didn't feel as smexy as the first, but the fun hints are there. This book felt more focused on the action of relic hunting.

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Audio Book Review: Crown of Shadows by Keri Arthur

Crown of Shadows by Keri Arthur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Keri's books.

She writes some amazing woman characters. They are mentally strong and can stand on their own to fight battles. They also can have friends with them and rely on them for help. These woman are not scared, well, they are but they face the big bads and fight on. They don't run when things get tough. They may run INTO things a little too fast, but they are determined. And the male cast supports these woman. They don't belittle them at all for being determined and have a mind of their own. This is what I love.

Bethany is a strong person. She may jump in headlong, but she's standing up for herself. And I love this.

We start off right into the thick of things with Bethany and her brother, Lugh. And meeting a few savory characters in Bethany's life. Mmm. Love these relationships. I love that there's a good friendship between Bethany and her brother, and they know each other so well. But the relationships with others. Oh these are fun. These are also what makes the book on the smexy side of things. So if you don't like serious smexy, there are scenes that are serious. (I had to turn the audio book down while listening at work. lol) Again, Bethany is a big girl and knows what she wants. And she goes for it.

I love that we are searching for relics. Bethany's not really one for hunting for things or ancient relics of magic or anything. She runs a tavern that was her mothers. And she is happy with that. But things get going and she learns she has a power that took almost a century to come to life, and with the help of the Eye. Now, Bethany is pulled into the search for the hoard that went missing along with maybe finding her mother that went missing about 6 months ago when the hoard went missing too.

I really liked these characters. The audio was nice and clear. I thought Bethany sounded a little snubby with the voice of the narrator at times, along with a few others. But the others are born of high station, so they do think they are above others. Bethany doesn't hold back what she's thinking. She says it like it is, and I love her for it.

This book does have a conclusion for it's story. There is a larger arc in the story line, and I'm wanting book 2 now. Thankfully it's already out in audio, so I can go listen to it. :)

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Audio Book Review: Blackbird Crowned by Keri Arthur

Blackbird Crowned by Keri Arthur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

And we get all the answers to the sword, crown, ring, and more in this book. Gwen, Mo, and Luc are finding new secrets as well. Secrets from a time long forgotten and hidden that could help with the war that's about to break out.

Oh Gwen. I feel for her. Her twin brother proves where his loyalties are, and that's a hard one to see. She knows what it's all going to come to, but will she be able to do what she needs to do to save so many more lives...

There's lots of battles leading up to the finally. And there's lots of information shared about who's the heir, about the crown, and how the past Witch Kings dealt with the demons, gates along with with yielding Elysian.

Gwen, Mo, and Luc are all in dangerous moments. Moments they may not make it out of. And moments that Gwen doesn't want to say good bye just yet. The sexual tension between Gwen and Luc carries on through this book. And Luc is a man of his word. But Luc also has a big decision he needs to make...that can make or break how things play out.

I very much enjoyed all that we learned still of the world in this final book.

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Audio Book Review: Blackbird Broken by Keri Arthur

Blackbird Broken by Keri Arthur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is a lot to learn here. We finally get some answers to things that are happening. Though, we are still wondering why the "Heir" did what they did. And that confrontation is yet to come, and likely will be a rough one with what we learn at the end of this book.

Gwen is progressing in her power and how to yield her daggers. It's something new yet Mo has an idea of what's happening. With this progress, we learn with Gwen why it works this way. And more about the Sword of the King.

Speaking of Mo. I love her! She's Gwen's grandmother...many grandmothers removed, but all in all she's the grandmother. I love their relationship. They seem similar in many ways. They don't cut each other any slack either. They have reasons for what they do, and share it. They also respect each other greatly. I love that Mo has trust and faith in Gwen and her abilities, feelings, and more. There's no coddling or telling Gwen she's wrong.

We see Luc again too. He's come along in the idea of a relationship. But that will have to wait until after work is done. He's come along in trusting Gwen in her abilities too. And he's there to support her when she's used the daggers to the point of severe pain. He's becoming a good partner for Gwen.

And we are at the end of the book and I want to know why....how is the "Heir" going to react... and so much more. I'm so so glad that all three books are out! :D

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Audio Book Review: Blackbird Rising by Keri Arthur

Blackbird Rising by Keri Arthur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh this is a great start to an Arthurian remix with an Urban Fantasy feel with witches in a current time. Nicely done. I like how the old staples of the tale are present in this story...the sword, crown, Lady of the Lake, and magic. There is mention of others that relate in their positions here in the book.

There is someone trying to claim the sword of power... an heir that's further down the line. But to do so, they need to remove those that could be before them in the line. Gwen and Mo, her grandmother, is trying to figure out who and stop the demons that are after Gwen along with save those on the list that could be next. Family to Gwen. And keep her twin brother safe and away.

The Blackbirds are involved in protecting the direct line of heirs. One, Lucas, crosses paths with Gwen, wanting to talk to her brother. And while waiting for him to return from Holiday, he helps Gwen fight the demons. Gwen sees there's more to them being together than lust. There could be history, and a destiny....

I felt there was a good amount of details shared of the lineage and different families tied to the throne. I want to know it all and track it for myself! lol. There's much unknown there too as family bibles have been missing for generations.

There's fighting and feeling like behind the eight ball as Gwen, Mo, and Luc try to figure out what is happening and why. And putting the slivers of information they have together to get ahead for once. It's hard.

I really like learning the history created in this story, the magic used, and the budding relationship.

Katherine Littrell is the narrator for this series as well. Nice! She does a very nice job with the works.

I'll be moving on to the audiobook of the next book in this trilogy.

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Audio Book Review: Killer's Kiss by Keri Arthur

Killer's Kiss by Keri Arthur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMG. I devoured these books. I'm at a place that I'm good to wait for the 12th, and final Lizzie book. These books are great to read/listen to back to back. There are details that are shared again when we come to them, but nothing overly to feel like you're repeating the story.

Each book has a story and a baddie to fight. Each baddie is different than the previous ones so we see the team grow in strength, knowledge, magic, and work together better and better. Life moves forward and it does here too. Lizzie's life is the main arc to the series, and we see how she grows in her magic along with love. She's a stronger person and witch with all she's learned and experienced. She's becoming bolder in her actions and in talking to people. Dare I say, she's becoming an alpha of her own. And she's aware of her power now. She also knows she has limits.

I know the previous book was Lizzie dealing with family things back at her family home, and we didn't see Aiden there. But, I feel that was needed to get through some of Lizzie's trauma along with standing on her own. She learned valuable things there. And, should I say, Aiden learned a few things without Lizzie in town.

There is a big battle to come in the next book, and I'm good with waiting for it.

Again, the narrator is great at voicing the characters. I really enjoyed her accents and voices for them.

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Audio Book Review: Wraith's Revenge by Keri Arthur

Wraith's Revenge by Keri Arthur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So glad Lizzie's family battles are finished. It was neat to see Canberra that Lizzie talked about. We didn't get the in's and out's of it as much as hints of it with all the events happening. Lizzie doesn't want to be here, and I'm with her.

*phew* This was a needed book to get through the family battles Lizzie had on her plate. With her trip to Canberra, there was much more that surfaced. She's in court against her father for raffling her off for money and power, dealing with the family of Clayton's for the inheritance, dealing with SEEING the family that never treated her well.... and all to lead to the sorcerer that killed Cat is back, and has a taste for her family's blood.

This is a lot to deal with! Wowzah lady. I'm surprised Lizzie didn't start drinking again. I would have.

Lizzie gets some of her reconning done with a few family members. A few...not so well, but Lizzie is a strong person and she gets her feelings and words said.

This book doesn't have Aiden or Monty in it, it's all Lizzie and how she's grown and facing her past. This feels like something to help move Lizzie on to better things in life. She has that terrible weight lifted from her worries and fears.

There are things happening at the Reservation with Lizzie's absence though. And I want to hear about those now that she's home. And a little secret to share as well.

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Audio Book Review: Sorrow's Song by Keri Arthur

Sorrow's Song by Keri Arthur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I can't finish these books fast enough! I want it all and to see how things go for Lizzie and her created family. I have a feeling for what's to come, and can't wait to see if it's true and how it unfolds.

I'm cheering Lizzie on. I'm over here with, "Go Girl," "You are amazing," "You show them!" Because Lizzie is doing ALL of this and so so much more. This girl has come into her power, magically, physically, and emotionally. She has become so much more and is finally seeing what she has become. No more that underpowered witch her parents would tell was worth no good. She's an amazing, caring person and she is so much more than her parents ever saw.

And, I also know.... Lizzie had to live this life to become this person.

This story had me wondering if her power really did draw that "siren" to the reservation. Lizzie is powered by the Wild Magic and not sure how to control it. She's so worried about using it wrong and staining the well spring. And it could be....

Lizzie's actions also brings others to realizations. Huge realizations on how they feel and act.

There's so much to this story. So powerful. The emotions are running high. The battles to be fought physically with what's here. And the bonds that have been created are tested.

Well written and performed in audio book.

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Audio Book Review: Broken Bonds by Keri Arthur

Broken Bonds by Keri Arthur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh the realizations here. Lizzie has decided to face her fears, and she does.

Lizzie knows Mia is going to return. But when? And what does it mean for Lizzie's heart?
As Lizzie starts to think on this and as Mia does return, Lizzie sees what she needs to do even though it's not what she wants. We get insight into Mia as we meet her. Lizzie grows stronger to have that conversation that's been needed to happen, especially since it's obvious she loves Aiden. And it appears he may feel the same, but will he admit it?

The creature they hunt is one that's after those who cheat on their significate other. But I like the little twist with this one. And how it's dealt with. Interesting.

Lizzie is learning she's got more power and growing rather attached to the Well Springs. I'm curious to learn what's in the Earth magic book and if it'll help. And how far will the connection and magic go?

Katherine is once again amazing. Thank you for continuing to voice the emotions and characters for us.

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Audio book Review: Magic Misled by Keri Arthur

Magic Misled by Keri Arthur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book opens the doors to all the things to come. I just know it. So many things are put in motion and shared about here with the wolves.... For Lizzie and Aiden.

The potential hope she had of maybe a family with Aiden... we see from a baddie that arrives what could possibly happen, with exception of the dark magic that is present with the baddie. And the celebration of Aiden's 30th birthday... oh his mother. She's a piece of work.

I love how Lizzie is determined to enjoy what she can with Aiden now. It's just going to make it that much harder for me (us the readers) when things change.

I love how Lizzie is able to detect out things and with her created family can find the details. She's great at doing the leg work and putting the pieces together. Along with her magic usage. She does usually get hurt while doing it though. And things are changing with her wild magic.

Monty! I love the fun Monty brings to the story. And his determination with Belle. lol. So fun seeing those two banter and yet grow closer.

Once again, Katherine Littrell is amazing as the narrator. So so thankful she's stayed with the series.

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Audio Book Review: Deadly Vows by Keri Arthur

Deadly Vows by Keri Arthur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. Keri is not scared to put her characters through their nightmares. And keep me holding my breath as she does it. Amazing writing.

As I've said, Keri doesn't repeat herself in events. Each book ups the game. The terrible that can happen is something different here. We do have a dark entity that arrives and haunts the reservation. But we also have one that is in human form that comes looking for revenge on Lizzie and Belle.

This book REALLY shows Lizzie's growth with where she started as these ladies ran when they were 16 years old, and even in their short months here in the reservation. She has a lot of trauma from her past to face, and she sure faces it all.

Lizzie faces her blood family past, but also sees she has created a loving family of dear people close to her in the reservation. She has what she always wanted and never received elsewhere.

The power show in this book! Wowza! I want to see what this means for Lizzie and her blooming magic. She's a LOT more than she ever thought she was.

Once again, I have to give a huge shout out to the narrator of this series. Katherine Littrell. Amazing vocal work with the characters. They each have their own voice, accent, and personality that comes through.

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Audio Book Review: Wicked Wings by Keri Arthur

Wicked Wings by Keri Arthur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Have you read a series that binge worth and doesn't repeat itself?
This one is TOTALLY that! I'm never bored with these books. And want to keep going one after the other.

Keri is amazing at writing these books so they move forward for the characters. How they grow personally and in power along with together as a selected family.

We have our baddie that attacks, a new dark creature that causes death and wounds. Lizzie, Belle, Aiden, and more that have joined the group fight hard together to stop it. Along with a White Lady that's haunting the area...who's here to help or take on life...?

The baddie is similar as we know more are coming with the Well Spring, but it's something different and has to be dealt with differently.

I love how the overall arching story line of Lizzie is always progressing forward. I can't wait to dive into the next book to see some of that come to life and see others get what they deserve (or I hope!).

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Audio Book: Demon's Dance by Keri Arthur

Demon's Dance by Keri Arthur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Have you read or listened to a book and just didn't think of why you're enjoying it so much because you're so emersed in the story, characters, and events?

Yeah, that's how I feel with this book and series.

Keri's writing is amazing. She never overwhelms me with world details. She layers them in with the events happening and why things are the way they are. She drops tidbits that I know will come up later in Lizzie's life, or Aiden's life, or any characters life. You know there's going to be more details to come and there's likely going to be events that have it surface. And I look forward to learning them.

The narrator. I've not mentioned much about her yet, and that's a shame on me. The narrator for the audio books is amazing. She voices each character in their own fashion. They each have a voice, tone, and personality that comes through. Also, the accent. Out of the park! The world is set in Australia, and Katherine voices it. I like that the accent is there, but it's not overly done to make it hard to listen to the story. So well done.

I'm already listening to the next book. :)

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Audio Book Review: Hunter Hunted by Keri Arthur

Hunter Hunted by Keri Arthur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Okay. I'm beyond hooked on this series! I'm going to listen straight through, and I am not a binge reader/listener. But this series is worth it.

I love how Keri tells the story in each book and does NOT repeat herself. Each event is new as new dark magics are attracted to the Well Spring of the Wild Magic. We knew that but to see it...it's amazing. I'm looking forward to all the baddies that come a looking to take the power for themselves. And seeing Lizzie STOP THEM.

This book had a Dark Witch, a heretic, that has his sights on the Well Spring. And wow. The dark power he brings is insane! Lizzie, Belle, and their new friends have their hands full with trying to catch up to and stop this man.

I do love the characters we have. Lizzie is very, very humble. Belle is the boost to all situations, I love her for being direct and fun. Ashworth is a new character in the previous book, but he's one I love. And his partner! We meet Ashworth's partner and he's a great addition.

We see Lizzie start to grow more and more here. Something is happening with her and the Wild Magic, and I have an idea as to part of the connection. There's more happening here. Ashworth and his partner see it happening. And I'm afraid it's going to draw more attention in the future.

We also see more into the wolf way of things. Which, can be a damper for Lizzie and Aiden's budding....relationship? There are some signals being crossed and lost, and I love that I can see them happening.

I see more and more of the world, witch and wolf, with each book. It's not hitting us hard, but affiliated with the events and time of year.

So well written. I love it. Onward I go!

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Audio Book Review: Hell's Bell by Keri Arthur

Hell's Bell by Keri Arthur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I knew after the first book I was hooked on this series. But, now after book 2... It's all I can do to pause long enough to type up my thoughts quickly so I can get to book 3.

So, why yes. I'm completely caught on this series.

Lizzie and Belle. Best friends, also witches with Belle being Lizzie's familiar. I love both their personalities. They compliment each other so well! Belle being a bit more bold than Lizzie, which helps Lizzie out when she needs it. I wish I could have a friendship like these two have.

And the ring of a the church bell....there's a wrongness, a dark feel to the air. Lizzie goes to investigate to find fog. And death. But the bodies are strange. And it's very possible there's a Soul Eater on the lose.

As thing progress, Lizzie finds there's someone aiming for her too. Guns, that are NOT allowed to be on the reservation, are now leaving bullet holes around Lizzie. But who is after her? The person that raised the Soul Eater or someone else?

With trying to stop the Soul Eater, Lizzie learns that the council is questionable about her and Belle's presence, being witches and they don't want witches. However, the Wild Magic needs protected, and she knows she can't do it. But, will the council evict them before Christmas? Will the RWA Witch recognize Lizzie for who she is and draw more attention from the Witches?

Lizzie has her hands full of worries, while waiting for her official date with the attractive Aiden...who in town will win the bet on when they have their official date?

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