Book Review: Cookbooks and Demons by Megan Mackie

Cookbooks and Demons by Megan Mackie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I might have been close to summoning a demon when I cook a time or two. lol. I got a kick out of how Helena summoned the demon in this book. A chef demon.

She's not the most graceful in the kitchen, and it was a bit of an accident while using her grandmother's cookbook.

Now, demons are known of by the people. One can get into great trouble by summoning a demon. So, Helena needs to keep this secret. After the big dinner with her friends and boss she gets to sit down with the demon and learn a few details of payment.

Helena learns that Rafferty, a wonderful chef, is not able to taste his cooking. Or any food. It all tastes like ash. Except, they learn that he can take her memory of food and taste it if they eat at the same time, touching. Feeling for the demon, Helena offers to let him take a vacation here with her as she goes to taste foods for a fundraising dinner her boss now has Helena in charge of.

A demon is near, and things are getting strange for her friends. It's interesting to see how this is all connected.

Helena doesn't realize what she's doing but she's grown fond of Rafferty and wants him around, even after he returns to his home.

Helena's warned by Rafferty about summoning him, but things are getting complicated and she misses talking with him. Or is there another reason?

The ending had me curious. That was neat how things ended, and are to lead us into book two! :)

This was a fun, light read for me with Helena as a sweet person and worries about others.

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Book Review: Canticle by Ken Scholes

Canticle by Ken Scholes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

REREAD THOUGHTS:
I love worlds that are built on layers. Layers in the characters, plot, world, and so much more. This book sends my brain into overdrive with all the sticky notes and thoughts on what will happen and why things are happening.

The world is as complicated as the whymer maze. It makes me think of the Mandala because everything affects so many people and events and world. Just an epic feel. People are doing and creating circumstances to for people into someone that will do things in the future. And there's something or someone happening in the background that may even be influencing the people doing the forming. There's always a fork in the road for everyone who influences who they are and impact others too.

Full range of life from birth to passing.

Battles fought, won and lost, and secrets learned and shared.

ORIGINAL THOUGHTS:
I have really been taken away by this series so far. There are going to be five books in all. The characters are well developed and you really get a feel for them all, even the ones you think may be the "bad" guy or girl. The world that is created in these first two books is amazing. You have different cultures, religions, believes and gods. All well done to give you just what you need to understand the rules and what is going on, yet enough to keep you with the feel of mystery.

I think Ken Scholes is an awesome author with an epic tale to tell. He lays the paths of possible ways the story could go, we just have to wonder if we are thinking the correct path. Just when you are on the right path you come to a fork in the road again. The story can change directions at any time, but the rules never change and the information is there to keep you on the correct path of thought, thus creating a great mystery adventure.

Being a second book of a series Ken has started us right into the next story. Not even 50 pages into the book and I was caught up with where I left off on the first book and full scale right into the middle of another great mystery of the Whymr maze in this amazing fantasy book.

This book has; mechoservitors ~ Kens' term for metal men, magick ~ which has limits, Gods ~ are a distant past but are there in the background, an ancient vendetta of two old families and ways of lives, and current people trying their hardest to find where there home is.

These books are amazing reads from the point of view of the characters. You learn so much in this way with the way Ken writes it. Very well done to understand what is going on, just pay attention to get the details.

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Audio Book Review: The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a vampires meets gladiators blend of a book with a growing attraction and romance.

The beginning was a slow start for me. The first hour of the audio book had me wondering if I wanted to continue. But I did and I enjoyed the ending for it. Once we get into the competition. I'm held here wondering how Oraya, a lone little human, will fair in this competition and how she even thinks she'll make it against vampires that are stronger, faster, and have magical powers.

The main female character says repeatedly that she's human. But this brought up questions for me. How? Why? How did she get there and do that? We do get the answers in the end.

Then there's Raihn. Wow. He's much more than we would have thought. After a while I suspected but didn't know how the the author was going to connect it to make it happen. He's got so so much control for a vampire in this world.

I'm curious about the world. Is it really as Oraya has been told by Vincent, her father. There are others that have control and aren't tempted to have her blood. But she's worried and trained to not trust any vampire. Though there are a few vampires that aren't anything like Oraya expects or is told about.

Oraya learns a lot while in this competition. About herself. About vampires. And her father along with what she can do.

There was lots of fighting, blood, fighting, sexy, and romance.

Yes, I'll be picking up book two with the same characters.

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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: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I can see why many are loving this book.

I enjoyed the war school. It's dangerous and deadly for the students. The way events unfold and Violet is creative with how she does things is neat. And there's the steam burn to a romance.

The book is interesting and flows. I found the events were predictive, which the writing leads to right to what will happen. That's okay for me. It's a fun light read for me.

I enjoyed the characters. They stay to their character. And dragons. I do love me my dragons.

The school is a dangerous place. It's interesting how they teach the young adults coming in. This is breaking them down and building them into who the country wants them to be. Maybe a few will remain who they are at their core, but they will be more too.

Violet is one who thought she'd be a scribe, working in the library with the tombs she loves. She has the scribe background thanks to her father. But now she's learning to be a dragon rider. And maybe she's one to make changes as well. Violet's father...with the book he left her, I've wondered if he was with the revolutionary side as well... Will we find out in the future?

I listened to the audiobook. It worked great for me at work. Though, I will say I struggled figuring out when things were thought, spoken, and mentally spoken to another. At times this was something I couldn't differentiate.

I will carry on with the series as I'm curious to see how things go with everyone from here. At the end of this book, I have my predictions. We'll see how events go on if it'll change for me or now. :)

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Book Review: The Killing Beach by Skyla Dawn Cameron

The Killing Beach by Skyla Dawn Cameron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm not usually a fiction reader. But I couldn't pass this one up. I'm so glad I read it!

Waverly has a past that was in the spotlight... when her sister went missing with a serial killer in her home town. It's something she's not really gotten over. Especially when the Detective working the cases, and one that Waverly was attracted to, went missing as well.

Waverly became a private investigator and has never forgotten her sister or the detective.

When dead mean start washing up on the coast of her home town lake, Waverly is drawn home. Even to just make sure the detective she was drawn to all those years ago wasn't one of them. Or was, to close out that mystery. Then, when she stumbles across a body on the beach...

Waverly places her cards and information where it's to be seen and hopes to be hired to investigate the cases. Waverly gets drawn into the case more than she expected. Can she solve the case or will more men wash up on the beach?

I have a main character type, and Waverly hits all the points. She's damaged, determined, and independent. Strong woman on her own. Even though she won't admit it, she does care.

I enjoyed Waverly's interaction with her family. Families aren't perfect and when there's a tragedy as big as theirs, it's hard to continue as things were. The dog was a nice touch. That was a little fun.

I'm looking forward to reading this series. I've already received the next two books! :D

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Audio Book Review: Secrets of the Sword 2 by Lindsay Buroker

Secrets of the Sword II by Lindsay Buroker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dimitri's art is causing trouble? A detective (human) is investigating one of his door knockers....that breath a burst of fire. Val is trying to track down a half dwarf thief that's stealing magical artifacts. And to find a dwarf that can help her learn more of Chopper, her dragon slaying sword. All while planning a wedding, which Zav has great plans for his dragon family (if they agree to come) and everyone he meets is invited.

Val has her plate full!

In visiting the Dwarf world, Zav and Val learn that all the dwarves have gone to ground, and haven't surfaced. While there, Val learns that there's more going on here than they knew. There's a lich, dragon? That doesn't seem possible...

Val finds her half dwarf thief, to learn that she may be the one heir of Chopper. What will Val do if she really is of the family that made the sword... will she give it back?

I like seeing Val and Zav together. Their relationship is fun. They trust each other in battle and fight on. That's the best part for me. Yes, Zav wants his mate safe, and knows that fighting dragons is dangerous for half humans, but he's proud of her abilities. And she fights! Val doesn't back down. I love this with Urban Fantasy. There's adventure and battles.

They may be in a relationship, but it doesn't distract from what's really happening in the world. We get the events as Val does work. I do enjoy that their relationship if fun with their quick clips. Val still teases Zav with things he's starting to learn. Also, Zav starts to tease Val back.

Dimitri and Nin have their own case to see about learning more. That would be a fun novella to see them, or Nin, out to learn more on what happened with one of Dimitri's customers and a deadly door knocker. This does get resolved in this book.

Val comes face to face with someone that's similar to her. She gets to thinking on being a half human and another magical heritage.

Things conclude with the arc of this book, but we have one more book to listen to. And the wedding of the century to see. :)

Can't wait.

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Book Review: Guardian of Defiance by Michelle Manus

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

Where are my TRUE Urban Fantasy fans?
The ones looking for gritty fantasy in a modern setting. Not the ones looking for romance (that may happen as a side but NOT the focus of the story).

Yes, you. I'm talking to you.

I've read so many Urban Fantasy books where the evil badie pulls their punches. So much potential and promises that do NOT follow through, weakening their standing in the world.

Well, I'm thrilled to say, Michelle has earned my respect with this book and events that come to pass. Michelle doesn't pull her punches to win hearts. She plays it straight as her characters are, leaning full into their personalities as authors should do. Michelle does the tough and gritty, as expected in fantasy. Her bad guys do what they say they'll do, even though I don't want it to happen. They can kill, have killed, and will kill.

We learn more about the Harvester. Oh so neat. I have a feeling this is going to come in handy! There's more to the Stations creation and I need to know all the things about it. The promise Nyx has with the Station is important, so I'm looking forward to seeing how this will come to pass. I have a feeling it's going to be a big arc with a few other things, and can't wait to see how it all works and comes together.

I'm convinced the printing press blurred the last pages of this book on purpose. (I'm not crying, you are!) Yes, my heart is hurting. But the writing of all of this, just wow how the author works it all. To make me feel such emotions is powerful, and Michelle did it. She made me love, care, and want and to see what happens...there's going to be a lot to work out. And I know Michelle will do it. Every word Michelle uses is powerful.

Nyx has a new relationship budding. No. It's not romantic. Remember, I'm not looking for romance, because there ARE other types of relationships that mean the world to us.

It's great to see Nyx with Jevryn. The clashing yet similarities. And I want to learn more of what Jevryn knows - so, so much knowledge there! And his ability!

Nyx has a lot to work through personally after this book. I'm looking forward to how this will happen and work out. And, I may be a little interested in how the bad guy is taken care of. Because I totally want him taken care of. lol

So much to see and learn. I can't wait for more Nyx and carrying out her promises.

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Book Review: Shadows at Midnight by Amanda Bonilla

Shadows at Midnight by Amanda Bonilla
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book kept me reading. Each night, I couldn't wait to read more and even wanted to stay up later to keep going.

We start the book with Darian imprisoned and tortured because of someone she killed, for Xander. This was a tough moment to get through. The torture that she endured. Wow. This would truly be terrible to come back from. But there's one special person in her life that can help with his magic and their bond.

When Xander trades himself for Darian's freedom and his part in the killing, Darian can't take it. She pulls a team together and goes to get him. Along the way, Darian starts to see more of Tyler's power and what he can do. He could be frightful if she didn't know him so well.

Darian doesn't get much down time after the terrible labyrinth of traps and illusions. Xander needs help returning to the real world after his torture. And the Synod is present...

Darian has been one who's not had any friends or anyone close enough to be like family in centuries. She's now grown close to those around her. She's always there to help them any way she can. Darian and Tyler's bond grows stronger and they are closer and closer. But there's pieces that Tyler's still not ready to share just yet, which Darian fears could mean danger for her or them.

I liked seeing Tyler in action more here. And we do finally get to learn pieces about Tyler and the jinn. I loved Tyler but I wasn't sure he was always thinking to protect Darian in the first books. He seemed bossy and territorial. But now, he's more on the protective and loving side. I feel their relationship has grown into more and they are great together. (And I'm glad Darian has made a decision on which man's for her.)

The ending of this book.... it'll leave you wanting the next! So so glad I have it here because I have to know how things will go next.

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Book Review: Against the Dawn by Amanda Bonilla

Against the Dawn by Amanda Bonilla
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book had me reaching for it each night (my reading time). I even stayed up later or went to bed sooner at times to read.

Darian has returned from her stay in O Anel. It was two weeks away for her, but six months for everyone at home. Darian's still healing and adjusting after what happened. She has many friends who help in their own ways. Darian wants to work, and gets a job from Tyler.

And, her past has resurfaced. Lorik has returned to town and has his sights set on high goals. Goals he wants Darian to help him achieve. And after getting her job from Tyler, Lorik's goals may lead her to her job focus.

Truthfully, I didn't trust Lorik from the beginning. He is not one to trust to have your back. He just wants what he wants. And there's something more here too.

Oh Darian. She's stuck in the love triangle that shouldn't be so hard. She loves, wants, and needs Tyler. Xander... he just doesn't know the word no. So, with his position as King in turmoil in his kingdom, he has Tyler arrested for hitting him in public in the previous book. Xander is determined that he can protect Darian. That he can give her what she needs. And yet, in the end....

Darian is struggling emotionally. She's got a lot that's happened and getting past all of it, well, that may not be 100% for a very, very long time. If ever. She has friends that help her. But there's others that think they know best for her. Ugh. If I was her, I may give up on trusting anyone ever again. But Darian is open to her friends and appreciates them. She even gives others opportunities that come back.

With the way this book ended, I'm definitely on to the next book. I need to know what happens!

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Book Review: Crave the Darkness by Amanda Bonilla

Crave the Darkness by Amanda Bonilla
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh Darian... She's so strong willed. It's great to see, but sometimes that can be broken too. And when that happens, it's not always in a good way.

Things are on the outs with Tyler. And things heat up with Xander. And Darian doesn't know how she feels. She is lost to the absence of Tyler for so long. And when she does see him with.... Oh that is something that's hard for her to see. Raif and Xander are determined to get her out of her home and back into action. What they don't realize is the broken heart can sometimes cloud judgement or decisions...

Darian's given the job to protect Anya and her unborn child. Anya wants her husband protected. And Anya knows more than she's sharing, which could be dangerous for all.

Darian's also given a job by messenger. This job is a complicated one but she's determined to take care of it.

Darian is taking a lot of things personally in the state of mind she's been in. She's failing at a lot of things and making mistakes. It's hard to pull out of that hole when there. So she's determined to solve it all on her own.

Such an emotional ride here with Darian. But I love that Darian still has her quick clips that come out. She's always great for fun remarks.

How this book ends... I had to dive into the next book.

I do want to share that there could be a trigger warning with this book. One character is a Succubus. And he can take advantage of the unwilling. I will give Amanda credit. She took on a tough and emotional subject here and it works. A terrible moment.

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Book Review: Valkyrie's Call by Michelle Manus

Valkyrie's Call by Michelle Manus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Michelle is great at viewing reactions and sharing how the other party sees those reactions. And how many times they are misunderstood. Our personal doubts can cloud our interpretation of actions or expressions. And that is something that happens in this book.

I love Random. I love Valkyrie.
These characters and the story are perfect for me.

Michelle moves the story forward with Valkyrie with Elijah being missing. Valkyrie needs to find him, and it's not why many think she wants to find him. She wants her few friends and family to be safe and if he's alive, they won't be. There's so much more to this story than anyone expected. Also looking for other kids who were taken by Danvers for experiments as well. I almost had this one figured out.

We do see both views in this book, of Valkyrie and Random.

Oh Valkyrie. She's been holding so so so much in and hiding more than we ever could have known. I figured some of it, but not all of it. Random. I love getting to learn more of Random's Aspect and his history as well. I love how everything mentioned or thought by the characters comes up and we see both sides of the moment.

I couldn't put this book down. I didn't want to put this book down.

The ending...*sigh* We get to see all the events to the end with the mission Valkyrie has herself on, and it's a much needed ending. I love how after all the emotional hurt that happened through this book needed time to heal, and it's given respectfully.

This does have steamy scenes that follows the story and the characters. I don't think they are the reason for the book which is nice. They are there but the story has it's own plot that is important.

Goodness do I love Michelle's writing style and plots and more.

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Book Review: Ambush by Krista D. Ball

Ambush by Krista D. Ball
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a full ending to the series bringing the characters through the battles they must fight, mentally and physically.

I loved this book. We see how Bethany has grown over time with the help of her friends and loves. She's still Bethany and if there's a fight, you'll find her at the center of it even if by accident. I love Bethany for being herself. I love the friends who surround her because they love her for who she is, through and through.

There's battles to still be fought. Bethany and Arrago and the crew are there to see those through. They also need to learn about their abilities that are surfacing. Can they keep it all quiet from people? What are the people going to think if they find out.... fear, aw, worship... They don't want any of it.

Things escalate to an all time high with the battle coming in the North along with Jud coming with the Elf knights. All putting pressure on Bethany, Arrago, Kiner, Javon, and even Erem. The pressure also ignites their abilities in ways they don't want. And someone's life, or many lives, will end due to it all.

This book was a great conclusion to the adventures of Bethany. I really enjoyed how it ended. Sad to see it end, but worth reading. If you love Bethany for her snark and fighting, you'll love this too.

Thank you for taking me on this journey.

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Audio Book Review: Marked by Kim Richardson

Marked by Kim Richardson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've seen completely opposite and mixed reviews of this book. When I read a terrible review, I had to check it out. lol.

So which reviews do I think are right....
I'd say it falls somewhere in between.

The main character is 16 years old. Maybe if she was a little older it would be easier to accept the potential budding relationship, the forbidden relationship, in Horizon. But, if she was a little older the story wouldn't get away with not asking questions. She's got innocents going for her in that token.

Kara dies early in the book as the book takes place with her becoming a Guardian Angle in Horizon. She's learning how to save people and if can't save them, then their soul. Her and her petty officer are finding demons are arriving way sooner than expected as they work to save people. There becomes a whole thing on the demons fighting them for souls....but how are they finding them so fast?

Then, there comes a big case. One of a special child, and Rookie Kara is picked as one of the six to work to save the child. This is where where I struggled. Why is Kara special? Why was she the ONLY rookie chosen for this dangerous mission? There's no reasons given before or during the events. The only thing said is the Chief picks the people for the case. The Chief is left to be implied that he's...God. So if so, that's why no one questions that Kara was picked for this. So, my guess, he knows something we don't know. Yet.

They are picked for their strengths. Kara doesn't even ask what her strength is so she can play to it. She just goes right along with it...

I do like the ending. It answers some questions we have through the book.

I may give book 2 a try to see if the series picks up better for me. It wasn't a book that I couldn't wait to get back to. It was okay, but not wowing for me. However it does have some really nice elements to it.

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Audio Book Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After being left heartbroken from the novellas leading up to the series, and Celeana's past, I finally jumped into to the first full length book. This book was great. I loved the potential threads here.

Celeana is broken, which we knew from before she was sent to the salt mines. (The previous novellas.) She had a different upbringing. This book takes her from the salt mines that were to be her death and puts her in the hope of winning her way to the King's Champion for her freedom in four years. There is a line Celeana has to walk and cross as the King is one she's not a fan of.

She will compete against other men who want this position as well. But while the competition is happening, there's another danger that is attacking the competitors. A very old danger that lingers in the shadows. And Celeana is drawn into it. She must survive not only the challenges to become the Champion but also the ancient beast set to destroy the potential champions.

As she goes through, Celeana makes new friends. I love the bonds she creates with her wit and charm. Her guard and who she trains with, Chaol, is a huge part of the story as he's always at her side...to make sure she doesn't kill the prince. The prince has other plans and enjoys spending time with Celeana. And we have a princess visiting who befriends Celeana. I love Nehemia. She is a strong woman with her country, training, and opinions. There is much, much more to her and we start to see that.

I have really enjoyed all the potential threads set in motion here in this book as we fight the evil here and see Celeana strengthen again in the challenges. I'm looking forward to listening to the rest of them


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Book Review: Soul Spell by Skyla Dawn Cameron

Soul Spell by Skyla Dawn Cameron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There's so much more going on here! I didn't want to put the book down. I wanted to lock myself in a room and read straight through. The storyline with Elis being framed...to find Melinoe to help find Dev... I wanted it all! NOW!

I loved this book and could NOT wait to get to read it each evening.

There's someone out to pin murders on Elis. Of course these are not ones Elis committed and she's not that sloppy. So Elis is on the case to find who's committing these murders, and she's determined to clear her name. All while looking for her brother...

What really caught my attention, and pulled at my heart, is seeing Elis's father in action and getting out to help. Nate. *sigh* I've always been a fan of Nate's since the original series, Demon's of Oblivion. (Totally worth a read!)

I was happy to see Nate getting brought into the events as he has lots to offer in knowledge and connections. And to see him be Dad is pretty cool. I know Elis is always worried about telling him about Dev or bringing him into the group to search for his son, but he's great.

This book brings Melinoe back into the action as well. Oh the things she's going through. I love seeing Elis grow and be an honest person as she admits when she's made an error in judgement. Great seeing characters grow.

Now, to read the next book! Can't wait for it to come out!

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Book Review: The Night Before Dead by Kelly Meding

The Night Before Dead by Kelly Meding
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Evy has to fight for everything she wants. And this book is NO different than any other.

This was a satisfying end to the series. We get to see the overall arc of the troubles come together and close out. With all that's happened in this world leading up to this point, the author took us to the extreme. Kelly placed the ground work for why characters do what they do, and the characters stay true to their personality....even when I didn't want them to. The reasoning is sound for the characters. And the events are things I didn't expect or want to happen.

There's a coming together in this book that brings the world full circle from fully divided to a bonded one. Sure, there could still be troubles out there to work out, and that may be the stories for others we've grown attached to.

I enjoy how things have turned in Evy's mind and how she's grown. This book shows that, where she started and would have thought in the past to what she thinks now. Well done bringing us to the end.

A book I was looking forward to reading nightly.

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Book Review: Tempest Reborn by Nicole Peeler

Tempest Reborn by Nicole Peeler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jane has followed other people's ways to fight the Red and prevent the White from becoming... and it didn't work. Now it's her turn to do what she thinks should be done.

Jane has come a looooooong way in this series. She's grown and learned so much. She's become a stronger person for all she's witnessed and lived through. All her life experiences will surface and help drive her along in this book. She's learned to stand up and be the leader she's been told she is. She will be that leader now.

This book kept me reading and wanting to see what happens with the White. My heart was going out to Jane with this one. And then what she had to do based on the information they found. Oh Jane. This girl has to do some awful things to hopefully get to a life she can live. She makes some tough choices. It is partly perspective and I love how Jane sees things.

I really enjoyed her crew that's with her. Her friends return and help her in their way, whether human or magical. They are the best to be with her and support her in this time.

The ending of the book... It's totally worth it.

I don't want to give anything away as this is the last book in the series and you should experience all the amazing, sadness, and glory without spoilers. :)

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Audio Book Review: Sellsword's Oath

Sellsword's Oath

By:  Gail Z. Martin

Publish Date:  January 20, 2020, Audiobook Release January 20, 2020

Format:  Audiobook - 5 hrs 59 mins
Narrated By:  Samuel Roukin

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  2nd in Assassins of Landria series; 1st Book ~ Assassin's Honor

Impression:  Interesting assassin team.

Synopsis:
Wandering mystic Yefim Makary, known to his followers as the ‘Witch Lord’, disappeared before he could be accused of inciting dissent against King Kristoph. His supporters among the disenchanted aristocrats who weren’t arrested have fled or died by their own hand. The king is happy to put the matter behind him. Yet Burke, the commander of the elite King’s Shadows, doesn’t believe the threat is over, and he assigns his two most troublesome, rule-breaking—and successful—assassins to ferret out the real threat and put a stop to Makary’s plots.

Joel “Ridge” Breckinridge and Garrett “Rett” Kennard rose through the ranks of the Landrian army together, from teenaged conscripts to seasoned fighters. Together, they became the most feared team of assassins in Landria, surviving longer that most in their profession by virtue of excellent fighting skills, legendary bravado, peerless strategy, and an uncanny synchronicity.

As the threads of a new plot come together revealing disloyalty among the priests and generals, Ridge and Rett once again find themselves on the run, hoping they and their allies can figure out the Witch Lord’s latest scheme before it costs them their lives—and the king his throne.

First Sentence:
The trick, when setting off gunpowder, was to be far enough away.

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.

Samuel narrated the first book and I'm glad he returned for the next! His voice and personality that he gives to Rett and Ridge feels to be them for me. The audio is clean and clear for listening pleasure.

Rett and Ridge are sent on a mission to go after the counterfeiters and destroy their forge. If they hear or see anything regarding Yefin Makary, or the Witch Lord as he is called, who got away in the first book they are to report directly to Burke. Rett and Ridge are sure he's going to cause trouble in the future. The deeper they dig into the counterfeiting, the more they find that Makary is involved and has more going on than meets the eye.

I enjoy Rett and Ridge as a team. They are great brothers, though not by blood but from growing up together in the orphanage as children. They have each other's back and work well together. They also have a touch of the sight, which is frowned on by others so they keep it hidden. There are a few that learn of their abilities and it comes in handy with their mission, again. 

I love how these two also help captured children get to a safe place. There are children out there with abilities as well, and with the help of one they saved in the first book, they find more of these children who've been taken from their families or put in terrible situations. This shows there is a heart in these assassins. 

I enjoyed the missions as we got to see what was happening while Rett and Ridge are in disguise then the fight that will come. We get closer and closer to what's happening and how things are connected as we follow Rett and Ridge on a few missions.

We get more ghosts in this one. I found I had very similar thoughts on assassin ghosts. lol. Cool idea.

The series is well worth a read or listen. I enjoy the fantasy story and setting in a shorter length. I get all I enjoy in fantasy from magic to fights and more. I know listening is limited these days, so to have the shorter length is a nice bonus.

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Audio Book Review: Hook: Dead Wrong

Hook: Dead Wrong

By:  Melissa Snark

Publish Date:  August 1, 2019, Audiobook Release September 26, 2019

Format:  Audiobook - 8 hrs 33 mins
Narrated By:  Natalie Naudus

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  2nd in Captain Hook and the Pirates of Neverland series; Book 1 ~ Dead to Rights

Impression:  Closer view at Hook and what she faces personally.

Synopsis:
People who complicate my life earn the business end of my hook.
Funny how that never seems to stop them.

Think I’m exaggerating? I stand accused of colluding with Fomorian raiders who are abducting young mermaids… And one of the Lost Boys I rescued from Neverland is being terrorized by a Faerie nightmare… A dark menace connects the two things. With the help of my pixie companion, I must solve the mystery while evading the interference of my meddlesome ex-lover.

He’s sinfully distracting, but the fun must wait.

All those delectable sirens need rescuing.

First Sentence:
The towering peak of Old Crack-A-Toe, a long dormant volcano, thrust from the center of Rackham's Cay's South Island.

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.


Natalie returns to continue voicing Hook and her adventures. I'm pleased to hear Natalie again. I enjoy her accent for Hook and the many voices she's given to additional characters. The many voices makes the book feel like a full cast in audio. The audio is cut clean and clear for listening.

Hook's ship, Revenge, limps along on the waters after the battle with Peter Pan. They lost crew and the ship is on the verge of sinking. They then cross paths with Admiral William Kidd, who's determined to kill Hook. Then, we move on to a month later. Hook is chased from a married woman's bed and home.

This book has more going on behind the scenes as we listen to the story. We get the connections as the story progresses but earlier in the book we don't know how it's going to connect.

We get to see Hook use her siren song early in this book. It's nice to see she uses it when in need of help. Which we see that using her siren song could have consequences, which Hook is concerned about.

Hook is captain of her ship and she has to act the part, though Hook does care even if she appears hard in the face of her crew. She only wants the best for her crew and to keep them safe, especially from Peter Pan. I get a kick out of Hook and her camaraderie with Buzz, a pixie. They are fun together and Buzz makes me smile with some of his off hand comments.

We see Hook alone and a deeper look into who Hook is. We also get to see Hook with crew and friends on a one on one bases. The story feels to be a character developing one for us with the feelings we see flow through Hook here.

I think, in the end, Hook has a new appreciation for her crew and those she keeps near. She sees they are more to her, and she to them, than she originally leads on. Will this change the way she commands? I hope not. To me, she's always had care in her barked orders, it seems now she knows her crew and friends care for her too.

We get to see Hook with Captain Rackham. I do enjoy the way these two banter. Rackham and Hook seem so good at getting at the other with remarks, and they both take it in stride. There is a history here, and maybe a future? I'd love to see these two interact more in the future. Hook even makes a new friend in the water as well. It's always interesting to see Hook's connection to the mermaids. I wonder if this will come up again in the future.

A fun read that has me looking forward to future installments with Hook and all around her.



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