Book Review: Guardian of Wrath by Michelle Manus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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Audio Book Review: Guardian of Torment by Michelle Manus

Guardian of Torment by Michelle Manus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh Nyx. What webs are weaved and broken.

This book is more personal for Nyx. We left her in the last book ready to break down the web holding her memories. And there's consequences that come with this. So many personal battles of the shattered memories, dealing with memories, and seeing so much more than she ever expected. Nyx has made some powerful contacts and friends. They are all willing to help her before she's stuck in the mess of a memory puzzle.

We do get to see Nyx and how she's always true to Seth. We also see her hearts desire for a father.

We get to see characters we are curious about...Nyx's mother, Jevryn, and of course more with Seth and Griff. The past Nyx and worries bleed into the current struggles and mission...

With the dangers and excursions Nyx has already been on, she's made some friends that seem to...find trouble too. And they come for help. Nyx, unknowingly, ends up on this dangerous mission as well. And the Kumir secret is out for them all.

Another fascinating book. This one is a different angle, and more on a personal level for Nyx so it may read a little slower for some, but I believe this series is worth the read. This book is a powerhouse in what we learn and can set up so many amazing things to happen in the future. It's a needed adventure for us and Nyx. It's true to Nyx's character to make this journey for herself.

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Audio Book Review: Guardian of Madness by Michelle Manus

Guardian of Madness by Michelle Manus
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 3 and I'm not stopping! I'm FULLY invested in this series. Well, after book 1 I was convinced I needed more. Book 2 hand me sold on searching for each book on release date. Book 3. I'm in for life!
(Book 4 will be out in August. I'm going to preorder!)

This book is a little different. We get most of the book through Nyx's eyes, like the first two books. But with how events unfold here, we also get sections through Seth's eyes. I'm loving Seth. I also have thoughts about Nyx and Seth's past, which Nyx can't remember. They are so great together! With these two views, we get to see details we're wanting.

We have a more serious feel as the story starts. There are things that could be coming, and Nyx is trying to prepare. I missed the quick jabs and comments as our friends carry on in good nature. It happens, as they are getting ready for an event in Between Earth.

I'm still trying to figure out Kaden... Love for... her or just himself? I get a feel for this at the end of this book. But then more questions rise that circle around Nyx's mom and what she's done to Nyx. I love that we learn more about portal witches and portal travel. And even with the worlds out there.

So excited to meet a few new characters and I'm looking forward to seeing more of them!

The beginning of this book is our breathing space, before everything moves at neck breaking speed. And that breathing space is STILL fast moving! When things really start rolling, you'll be thankful for the breath at the beginning because you WON'T want to stop to digest what you're learn. You'll keep going! NEEDING ever word and action you get. The last 4 1/2 - 5 hours of this audio book was NON-STOP. Wow. I didn't want to stop with information and action I was getting.

Blown Away. In love!

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Audio Book Review: Guardian of Shadows by Michelle Manus

Guardian of Shadows by Michelle Manus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm in love! I'm blown away at how Michelle can put so much in each chapter. AND! The book moves forward with amazing flow and drive that I WANT, NEEEEED, to keep listening. I want to know everything Michelle will give me. I love how there's so many tidbits that could come into play in the future. I'm going to dive into book 3 ASAP. And I'm looking forward to book 4 in August.

Nyx can't remember anything before she was 18, waking with a note in her hand and an apartment that's paid for a year and scholarship to college. But small memories are starting to returning since her trip. When a mysterious visitor, who SEEs her, sparks a memory and familiar feelings she approaches him. And remembers his name just as he races off to the Shadow Market. Nyx is determined to find him and learn more on her past.

Her new friends want to join her on this trip, and have personal reasons for being here. These characters all feel to fit together wonderfully as a cast. I love the relationships between them. Tension of all sorts as we fight through events. Even when they don't see eye to eye. I love that there's different dynamics to the relationships...friends, maybe more, and dislike.

I have so many thoughts on the characters and look forward to seeing more with them and about their lives. I think there are a few characters that have their own agenda at heart as well. Oh so good.

I feel for Nyx. She's a good person and would like to know about her past. And why people leave her so easily. She really doesn't want to be alone. She'll let people go on their own though, hoping they at least visit.

This book, series! is so mind blowing good. I love the adventures, the personal connections, the personal adventures, and growth through the book. All flowing together in the story. Wow. Love this!

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AudioBook Review: Guardian of Chaos by Michelle Manus

Guardian of Chaos by Michelle Manus
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THIS BOOK! I think it was AMAZING! It's one I listened to in audio and WANT to read the paperback too. It's a book worthy of being in print and kept on my TOP shelves.

Just one chapter in and I was checking my audible credits for ordering the next books in the series. I even was looking at Michelle's other series, which I'll be picking up in the future. Yes. it was that catching.

I found Nyx to be a kind character and I was really curious about why she couldn't leave her home town. Then, when she was lead to the Station... Oh things got so interesting! First, I could TOTALLY live in this Waystation with Nyx. She love my kind of scenery, a library full of fantasy books! And meeting Griff. He's such a great avatar. I love his personality.

Nyx finds she loves being here, especially after living her life as not being seen by anyone. Now she's seen and has friends. And her friends list grows! It might be with those in the Earth Between and it might be people she...shouldn't? be friends with. At least when it comes to the Council's thoughts. But this group of friends is so cool. I love all their personalities and relationships. There's something special about them all as they are all from different worlds.

It's hard to learn and do everything on the first day. Nyx is learning the hard way. She's handling it in stride. Until she receives a missive that she had an traveler that wasn't allowed to travel the ley lines, and she has to find and capture him. This leads Nyx on a great adventure as her assistant, Evra, has other plans as well.

Each chapter has big events happening that kept me wanting more. Nyx does far more than any Station Guardian should do and even puts more into it as this is the first real home she's felt to have, that she remembers.

I love all the details that feel important to me. There's so many possibilities for the future books that are coming. There's tidbits here that could come into play in the future. I'm excited to see it happen!

I loved this book so much, I've ordered the next two that are out and I'm diving into book two NOW!

What are you waiting for??

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