Weyward by Emilia Hart

Happy May! Beltane blessings to those who celebrate. I'm feeling the pull of the seasons for sure, and as much as I love spooky season spring has me wrapped around it's finger right now. The world has become green, and lots of my time lately has been out in my garden and doing a deep house cleaning to shake off the last bits of winter.

Weyward was my last BOTM for now, I'm cleaning house with subscriptions too, canceling them all and see who I miss. My tbr bookstack is very high still...so I'll see where I'm at once I work my way through all my books.

Synopsis:

I am a Weyward, and wild inside.

2019: Under cover of darkness, Kate flees London for ramshackle Weyward Cottage, inherited from a great aunt she barely remembers. With its tumbling ivy and overgrown garden, the cottage is worlds away from the abusive partner who tormented Kate. But she begins to suspect that her great aunt had a secret. One that lurks in the bones of the cottage, hidden ever since the witch-hunts of the 17th century.

1619: Altha is awaiting trial for the murder of a local farmer who was stampeded to death by his herd. As a girl, Altha’s mother taught her their magic, a kind not rooted in spell casting but in a deep knowledge of the natural world. But unusual women have always been deemed dangerous, and as the evidence for witchcraft is set out against Altha, she knows it will take all of her powers to maintain her freedom.

1942: As World War II rages, Violet is trapped in her family's grand, crumbling estate. Straitjacketed by societal convention, she longs for the robust education her brother receives––and for her mother, long deceased, who was rumored to have gone mad before her death. The only traces Violet has of her are a locket bearing the initial W and the word weyward scratched into the baseboard of her bedroom.

Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart's Weyward is an enthralling novel of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world.

Thoughts:

This book has a witchy cottage-core vibe with multigenerational feminism and strong indepened women that scare men, and I am absolutely here for it. The first thing I did when I finished this book was handing it right to my seventeen year old daughter to read.

The way this story is weaved together really blew me away. It was so creatively laid out, with some twists that actually surprised me. The character development for each of our leads was so deep and relatable. If you're looking for a cozy read with a satisfying feminist overtone, you'll absolutely love Weyward. 

Weyward was released March 7, 2023 is available on Amazon and Bookshop and if you're lucky..maybe still Book of the Month.

Disclaimer: I purchased this book on my own for my own enjoyment and merriment.  This however does not affect my opinions. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

 

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The Killings Begin by Bradley Pay

  Please enjoy this debut contributor post by Lissa, and be sure to check out their instagram page  to follow this amazing aspiring author and reviewer!

Immerse yourself in a complex romance and suspenseful serial-killer psychology that break all expectations. The Spectrum Series is one of the most creative takes on storytelling in the last century, weaving toegether innovative plots and completely unforgettable characters!

Blurb:

When Gia escapes her arranged marriage, she enteres into a contract with three complicated men in Madrid. She'll pretend to be their "no strings" wife, whether they want to display her in public or lead her to the bedroom. They are bound to secrecy, and no one is allowed to fall in love.

Tracey is destine to tear Gia's life to shreds. As he tries to cope with his abandonment trauma, he loses control. Now a serieal killer, he flees to Europe, hoping a change of venue will quell his murderous desires. Can he heal his past, or will his anger and pain enslave him forever?

Thoughts:

The Killings Begin is a dual plotline novel. One plotline follows Gia as she flees an arranged marriage and enters into an unconventional relationship with three men in Madrid, Spain. The other follows Tracey, a respected judge in Raleigh, as he struggles to keep his serial killer lifestyle separate from his “normal” lifestyle. Gia and Tracey’s worlds collide when they meet on a Spectrum cruise. What happens on that cruise will forever shape Gia and Tracey’s life.

I liked Gia. She had a great outlook on life, and she cherished her friendships. My only issue is that she didn’t end her contract with Sal sooner. I understood why she didn’t do it (loving an addict is hard), but in the end, she was forced to. I also loved how supportive she was of her friends. Overall, she was a lovely person. 

I thought Tracey was a fascinating character and wished the authors dedicated more book time to him. I was fascinated by how he turned into a serial killer and his reasons. That scene with his mother explained everything. He was remorseful and horrified at what he was doing, and escaping to Europe was supposed to be a reset for him. I knew that it wouldn’t be and was eager to see when he would get triggered into killing. What I wasn’t expecting was who it was.

The thriller angle of the book was well written. The authors did a good job keeping me guessing at what was going to happen next with both Gia and Tracey.

The Killings Begin is available on Amazon and Book Shop.

Contirbuting Reviewer:

My name is Lissa I am a wife, mom aspiring author and new Florida transplant who loves all things books and coffee! Self proclaimed nerd who refuses to stop believing in Fairytales! If you want to follow along on my book review journey you can follow me on Instagram at @reviewsonwheels.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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The Darkening by Sunya Mara

 

Sometimes the library temps me...and ya'll I was not dissapointed.  I found this book scrolling at the bottom of my library's main page while trying to get books my son needed for school for the next few weeks. This is one book that had escaped my radar, so I want to scream it from the rooftops.  I couldn't set this one down. If you're looking for a fantasy novel that's unique and fast paced -- you'll want to pick this one up.

Synopsis:

Vesper Vale is the daughter of revolutionaries. Failed revolutionaries. When her mother was caught by the queen’s soldiers, they gave her a choice: death by the hangman’s axe, or death by the Storm that surrounds the city and curses anyone it touches. She chose the Storm. And when the queen’s soldiers—led by a paranoid prince—catch up to Vesper’s father after twelve years on the run, Vesper will do whatever it takes to save him from sharing that fate.

Even arm herself with her father’s book of dangerous experimental magic.

Even infiltrate the prince’s elite squad of soldier-sorcerers.

Even cheat her way into his cold heart.

But when Vesper learns that there’s more to the story of her mother’s death, she’ll have to make a choice if she wants to save her city: trust the devious prince with her family’s secrets, or follow her mother’s footsteps into the Storm.

My Rating!

Content Warnings: Death, Violence, Parent death

Thoughts:

This book grabbed me from the start. I couldn't set it down, and it was a quick easy read. The world was unique, and the world building was brilliant. I love that Vesper wasn't a perfect person...she made mistakes, like all of us. She constantly walks with guilt and feeling like she's dissapointed her Pa. She has good intentions, but often finds herself in trouble...even as she is trying to do the right thing. She feels that their current predicament is because she didn't listen to him, and wrecklessly tried to save people from the storm as it came in. Don't play hero he had told her..and instead he ended up having to come to their rescue.

As she went along and her distrust of the people around her was very relatable. Her Pa is taken into custody..which again she feels guilty for, but an opportunity to help is given. So instead of listening to her Pa and trying to lay low and stay unseen, she joins forces with Dalca, the prince who leads the Wardana...an elite group of warriors who protects their city from the Storm. Even our bad guys were morally grey, with stories of their own. I wasn't sure if I wanted to like them or not...and some of them I did. It was a really emotional ride.

If you're looking for a unique read that will likely make you cry be sure to grab this one.

You can purchase The Darkening by Sunya Mara on Amazon or on Bookshop.

Disclaimer: This review was done on my own accord. I recieved this book from my local library on loan. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Of Cages and Crowns: A Book Review

If you liked Hunger Games, you'll love Of Cages and Crowns

Summary:

Of Cages and Crowns by Brianna Joy Crump is book one of a two book series.   Monroe Benson, a young woman who is "goddess touched" and has the ability to use and manipulate fire. Every generation 10 young goddess touched women, each with their own unique ability come together to compete in a contest called the Culling. They compete with each other,  killing each other to become the next queen of Erydia. Monroe doesn't want this future that seems laid out for her.  Her "goddess touched" mark was on her hand when she was born, family moved to a remote part of the country, and hid her entire life from authorities.  Her family though is split on opinions; her brother Kace wants to become a royal guard and tries to encourage Monroe that her gift is an honor and to fight for the crown would elevate their family. Her other brother, Ambrose joins a resistance group called the Culled, and tries to get Monroe out of the country before she is caught and sent to the capital for the Culling.

Thoughts:

Ya'll what a wild ride. For starters, the book was well paced, and it was tough to set down.    The world building was laced beautifully throughout the story, with an introduction in the beginning that helps give the world depth.  **Don't skip the intro**  It's short and helps set the stage. I liked Monroe, she was tough, independent, not whiney, or needy.  There is a sweet but complicated blossoming relationship between Monroe and Cohen, the queen's son.  I love how Monroe was vulnerable, initially depending on her brother to get her to safety, but in the end she really came into her own making tough choices to get herself and those she loved to safety. If you enjoyed the Hunger Games, or the Divergent series you'll enjoy Of Cages and Crowns.  I can't wait for the next book to be available!

Heat Index: Zero

Triggers: Death, Violence, Betrayal

Of Cages and Crowns is available for pre-order now, and will be available for purchase November 22, 2022. 

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Review: A Court of Bitter Thorn

When I read Kay L Moody's Flame and Crystal Thorns I was pulled in, and really wanted to go back and read the series that it was spun off of. This is an cute fae series, not too dissimilar to SJM's A Court of Thorns and Roses.

A Court of Bitter Thorn is book one of her series Fae of Bitter Thorn.

Summary:

Elora, engaged to be married and recently orphaned is tricked by the fae prince Brannick to come back to Faerie and help him become the High King. She is unable to go home to the mortal world until Prince Bannick becomes King.  She feels betrayed by his trickery and ends up turning against him aligning herself with his competition. She finds herself trapped, controlled and lied to by the prince, but she can't help that she's developing feelings for the attractive fae.

Thoughts:

The world building was beautiful, and I love how scenes were described. The bedroom Elora stayed in at the castle is my dream bedroom, ya'll. This book lacked lots of the depth that I was hoping for. Elora is tough...but only kinda? She is the daughter of the best swordsman in the area, and he has taught her how to swordfight. She can hold her own in a fight, but still lives in a man's world where she must set that aside and marry to secure a home for both herself and her sisters.  Bummer.

While gathering apples, Brannick tricks her into a bargain and then traps her in his castle.  He immediately begins manipulating her, trapping her in her room, tricking her so she can't tell people about their deal. This whole relationship between these two is so unhealthy. He's constantly rejecting her, feigning disgust when she's around because she's human. I felt sad for her most of the book, and was annoyed that this person who's supposed to be so strong is attracted to this toxic guy. I don't mind the tough person who's a softy on the inside, but a tough person who is attracted to someone who's constantly putting her down and gas lighting her, no thanks.

The world though is interesting, and having seen her other work I'm going to keep going with the second book. 

A Court of Bitter Thorn is available for purchase here.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Clairvoyants: The Fifth Strain -- A Review

Fans of  X-men, Avengers,  or Teen Titans are going to love Clairvoyants: The Fifth Strain.

Summary: 

Clairvoyants: The Fifth Strain is book two in the series Clairvoyants by Brady Moore.  We follow the story of Rion Greane, a kinetic, which is the type of clairvoyant who can move things with his mind. Clairvoyants are people with special abilities.  The four known types of clairvoyants are kinetics like Rion,  readers who can read minds, aurals who can transfer their consciousness into other bodies, and prophets who get visions of the past, present or future. There is a rumor of a fifth type, but no one seems to know who or what that is just yet.

 A government agency called Psyriin wants to eradicate clairvoyants. Psyriin is using other calirvoyants to hunt them down. The group of clairvoyants has been split up with some are in hiding while others are missing. Rion hopes to find his mother, and the other missing clairvoyants with out being caught by Psyriin.

Thoughts:

This was a well paced book, and even though I didn't read the first one the author did a brilliant job on filling me in without the dreaded info dump. He carefully laced in bits and details so I was able to follow the story...however, I wish I had read the first novel and suggest you grab it if you're able. There was a great story there, and I do feel the second book would have made my connection with the characters deeper.  

Rion and the other clairvoyants have formed a close-knit family group.  They often showed how deeply they loved each other as a family, and our author is not afraid to express these emotions in his characters.  Rion even remarked early on that losing one of their group was like losing a limb. It was obvious to me that many of these relationships began in the first book and must have continued in their depth in this book. This was a tight group of people who would sacrifice themselves for the group with out pause. As the story unfolds they learn how to work together with their individual powers to keep each other safe from Psyriin.  

It was easy for me to get caught up in this book just after the halfway point, and it became one of those "just one more chapter, just one more chapter" until I reached the end.  There was fighting, and action, and narrow escapes.  Rion stopping a spray of bullets with his mind like a badass? Yes, please..

There were a few metaphors I scratched my head at early on...like an ocean of sweat, or a geyser of saliva. Those moments were far and few between though, and overall the book well was written and easy to read. The characters were relatable and lovable, specially when you can see how much they care for each other. If you're a fan of the Avengers, X-men or Teen Titans you will love this book. 

**Warning** The book ends on a cliffhanger that sets us all up for the next book.

 Clairvoyants the Fifth Strain is available now for pre-order and will be released May 5, 2022.

You can follow Brady Moore on Facebook here or on Instagram here.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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A Review: One Day I Shall Astonish the World

This may be my first case of Bookstagram made me do it.  I've seen Nina Stibbe's name float around from time to time.  Her novels are known for their humor, which I definitely found in her newest book One Day I Shall Astonish the World.

Summary: 

In this story we follow Susan and her life long friendship with Norma. Stibbe tells the story of both Susan and Norma's lives and their marriage, career and family life. As is her style, Stibbe delivers this story with humor and clarity.  The relationship between Norma and Susan is complex, and deeply real and one I can relate to having a lifelong best friend.

Thoughts: 

It's been a long while since I've read a story of this style.  Stibbe artfully tells Susan's story from young adulthood starting in the 90's all the way to 2020 with the onset of covid.   This is the type of book that I would turn to in between intense books just to have something calm to read, but I would likely read it for a bit, set it down, read something else and then come back to it. This book's focus was more on personal development and the lifetime relationships instead of a plotline. If you're looking for a calm gentle read, add this to your TBR list. 

Additionally, I also listened to the audio version of this book. I found the narrator to be easy to understand and listen to.  Her pacing and enthusiasm was perfect.  

One Day I Shall Astonish the World will be available for purchase beginning May 3! 

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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A Review: In a Garden Burning Gold

 

This is the first book I've read from Rory Power, who is the author of Wilder Girls, and Burn our Bodies Down, both Young Adult, horror/suspense/thriller type books.  Rory Power brilliantly takes on a new genre with In a Garden Burning Gold.

Summary:

In a Garden Burning Gold is set in a Greek style fantasy world, with some of the names and food mentioned having a Greek style to them. The story follows Rhea and Lexos are twins that help support their father while he rules their country for the last few hundred years.  Rhea's gift is bringing on the seasons, however to do so she must choose a consort to spend a season with, killing them at the end of the season to bring on the next season. Lexos controls the constellations and the seas.  Together they have to work from a distance using their own gifts and situations to save their family, while it seems the world is pitted against them and hoping to turn them on themselves.

My thoughts:

The book is slow to begin, but really picks up speed about 1/3rd of the way through.  There is a complex world building that I really enjoyed.  There is political discord, family strife, religious zealots and religious control in the area. Both Rhea and Lexos have to work behind their father's back to maintain control over their country or risk losing their lives. The reviews on Goodreads were mixed, so I while I enjoyed the book very much it can be heavy. I would not consider this book a light easy read, but the timing for me was just right and I enjoyed it as a change from what I have been reading lately. 

You will like this book if you enjoy reading about: 

1. Political intrigue, that's somewhat Games of Thrones style.
2. Unique world building.
3. Unique magical style that's based in some religious zealotry.
4. Unexpected twists and turns.

Trigger warnings: Emotional abuse from parent, blood, violence, death

In a Garden Burning Gold is available for pre-order now, and available for purchase April 5!

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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A Review: The Lives of Diamond Bessie

Ya'll...I'm mesmerized.  If you're a fan of historical fiction with a strong independent lady with a big heart, I'm going to highly suggest The Lives of Diamond Bessie. I'm going to tip-toe around what I tell you about this book because I don't want to spoil it for you.  Don't go reading reviews just in case. Just get the book.

Summary: 

Pregnant, and not married in the 1860's, Annie Moore found herself sent to a convent for fallen women. She had her baby while at the convent, and the nuns take her baby and immediately force her to go back to work.  She escapes the convent, determined to make a living for herself and find her baby she ends up having to become a prostitute, and takes on the stage name of Bessie.

Thoughts: 

This story was well written, and easy to read. I felt connected with Annie (aka, Bessie), and loved the glimpse into the beginnings of the women's suffrage movement and early feminism.  I have a very basic understanding of this history, and I felt that I was able to grasp not only a good connection with the character but even a harsher understanding of how it must have been to be a woman in this time. I don't want to give anything away, but there are some very unexpected twists and turns that really brought this book to the next level.  Definitely worthwhile to be on your TBR list!

The Lives of Diamond Bessie is available for purchase 4/5/2022!

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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A Song of Siren and Blood: A Book Review

When I first started reading a Song of Siren and Blood I was initially confused, and still am a bit (don't worry, it's easy to do)...I'll explain. 

Summary: 

The main character Minerva is a tough old singer still actively singing and performing well into her seventies. The book begins at where Minerva has just received a very long standing ovation after singing a multiple hour live performance. While the fans love her,  her success as a musician never reached its full potential, as she is under appreciated, and under achieving singer for her talent. 

Being down on her luck, she accepts a job to give vocal lessons to a very wealthy client. Things end up not being what they seem.  A very wealthy businessman has hired someone to pull Minerva's soul out of her body, and into the body of a his daughter, a young girl named Moriganne Charmer.  The moving of souls however doesn't go as planned, and Minerva displaces the soul of the girl who's body she has been placed into. 

Minerva now has to navigate being a student again, in the Halls of the Stone Singers. She has six months to fool everyone around her into thinking she is still Moriganne, while also succeeding in school.

Thoughts:

The Song of Siren and Blood started off at a great pace, however I felt the world development and character development wasn't deep. I'm still a bit confused about the world, and hope to learn more about it's history and how/who/what has magic in future books. I have not read any of Thomas Carpenter's other books, and I'm thinking that I may be missing some information because I am starting at this point. I was still able to enjoy the book however, and am definitely interested to know if I should have started at a different point in his Hall Series books.

The The Song of Siren and Blood is available for purchase March 15, 2022!

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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A Review: A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft

This book was slow to get going and I had to once again, draw on my four chapter rule.  Ya'll it's a good rule, and I encourage anyone to adopt it. It gives me just enough patience to allow the story to get some direction.  It works almost every time.

Summary:

A Far Wilder Magic, by Allison Shaft  begins with Margaret Welty, who is living mostly by herself.  Her mother an alchemist is almost always gone on research trips. Her family ties are almost non-existent since her father and brother have passed away.  Her mother is buried into her work, leaving Margaret alone most of the time.  While splitting wood one evening, she sees a mythical fox called a hala, and after sighting it she knows a hunt for it will begin in her town.

Wes Winters has dreams of becoming an alchemist however he keeps getting fired from his apprenticeships. In hopes of studying with one of the most well known alchemists, Master Evelyn Welty he travels to the small town of Wickdon...out in the middle of nowhere.  This is where he meets Margaret Welty, her mother the Master alchemist is out of town, and she agrees to let him stay until her mother gets home.  However, she doesn't reveal to him she's not exactly sure when she'll be back.

When the official contest for the hunt for the hala begins, Margaret wants to join in the hunt. She needs an alchemist partner, and convinces Wes to join her even though he's not technically an alchemist. 

My thoughts:

Beautiful world building and character development.  I love how the two main character's stories slowly begin to intertwine. They're both very relatable characters with insecurities, fears and strength that really brings them to life.  There are splashes of our own world issues such as racism, poverty, and disconnected politicians to make everything relatable, but with a touch of magic and beauty that remind us we are in New Albion, and not in the Pacific Northwest of the US. It had a slow start, but by the middle of the book I couldn't set it down.  Definitely worth the read.  

A Far Wilder Magic is available for purchase beginning March 8, 2022! 

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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A review: The Magpie's Song

If writing novels was an artform it would look like this book.  When I first started this book I immediately noticed Allison Pang's writing style, and how artfully she described the world she created. 

Summary:

The story develops quickly, immediately pulling you in and connecting you emotionally to the characters. Set in a dystopian world, Raggy Maggy is a tough independent young woman with a mysterious past. She is a Moon Child, which is defined by a half breed of a Meridian...the ruling class that lives in a floating city above the world, and a commoner who lives on the ground. As a Moon Child, she is thought to be immune to the plague that has devastated the area. 

My thoughts:

I love a strong woman lead in any book, and Maggy does not disappoint.  She is unapologetically herself, she loves hard, and isn't afraid of doing difficult and dangerous things. Combine this with clockwork dragons, mystery, secrets, religious zealots, disease and brilliant world building this book I found well worth the read.

Allison Pang leaves us on a bit of a cliff hanger, but graciously gave us a sneak peak at the end of the book for the next book in the series.  

Magpie's Song is the first installment of her Ironheart Chronicles series, and is available for purchase now. You can purchase by clicking here. Please be sure to check out her website by clicking here, and if you like Instagram be sure to give her a follow here.

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book for free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive.  There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  If you really love what you've read, please consider buying me a coffee by clicking the link on the right. Thanks!

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A Review: The Oceanography of the Moon by Glendy Vanderah

When I first started Oceanography of the Moon by Glendy Vanderah I needed to lean on an old rule suggested by my dad when I was a kid. Give it four chapters before I set it down for good. This book had a slow, and confusing start.  I'm glad I stuck it through because by the fourth chapter I was pulled in.

Summary:

This story features Vaughn, a young author struggling with writer's block after lots of early and quick success.  He travels to Wisconsin and meets a lovely family by chance, and finding a strong connection to one member of that family in particular... Riley. Riley and Vaughn both have troubled pasts that make connection difficult, and Glendy Vanderah beautifully unpacks their trauma making everything that I found confusing at the beginning fit in neatly. 

My thoughts: 

This book left me swooning. It was absolutely perfect for these last few cold winter's nights, bundled up with my dog and a cup of tea. It was very much a relaxing and thoughtful read. This is the first novel of Vanderah's that I've had the pleasure of reading.  She has two other novels that have been highly rated as well and are now on my to-read list. To learn more about Glendy Vanderah please check out her website here. 

Oceanography of the Moon is available for purchase March 22, 2022.

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book for free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking on these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Review: After the Plague by Imogen Keeper

Ya'll what a ride.  First of all, I would like to thank dear Imogen Keeper for the last three very very late nights that I couldn't put this book down. When I started reading After the Plague by Imogen Keeper, it felt very similar to the beginnings of covid which was an eerie connection for me. The book quickly became much much more.  The world in a few short weeks overcome with a flu strain with an insane death ratio, that ends up wiping out almost everyone.  It has an 80% death rate, but not everyone is susceptible.  A small population never got sick at all, and these survivors built their new post-plague world.

One of our main character's Frankie seems immune to the flu variant, but gets through it with a deep heavy loss.  She finds a boy, Auden, and his sweet collie named Beast. (The pupper in the photo is my own sweet collie boy, Benny!)  The boy and his dog give her a reason to continue living. After settling in with Auden and his dog, she meets Yorke, and together they form a tight family-like unit.  They begin looking for people like them in hopes to be a part of a bigger community.

If you're looking for a fast paced, slow burn post-apocalyptic romance that doesn't revolve around sex then I highly suggest this book.   I'm looking forward to reading her next installment, safe.

To learn more about Imogen Keeper please check out her website!

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book for free for review. This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking on these links won't cost you anything, but any purchase you make helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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