Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody

 Shadow and Crystal Thorns is book 2 in Kay L. Moody's Fae of Crystal Thorn series. If you haven't read book one stop and check out my review for book one here.

Synopsis: 

War would be easier if she could tell who was right and who was wrong.

Chloe remains in Faerie, but she's only supposed to stay long enough to defeat the bloodthirsty mortals who are trying to claim the land for themselves. But now she's not so sure she wants to return to the mortal realm, especially when the devastatingly handsome fae, Quintus, keeps asking her to stay.

Even worse, defeating the mortals becomes more difficult by the day while their numbers continuously grow. She also learns exactly why they want the land. As a mortal herself, it's hard to disagree with them. But they can't take Faerie unless they steal it from the fae.

Alliances blur when Chloe realizes both sides deserve what they seek. But only one of them can win.

Rating

Thoughts:

Shadow and Crystal Thorns picks right up where book one left off, so if you haven't read book one you should absolutely start there.  Chloe, Quintus and crew are still working to make Faerie safe by cleansing the land of the iron the mortals brought over. The mortals, lead by Julius and Portia wage war against all the immortal fae, but even still Chloe tries hard to see the good in them and hopes to find a solution that will bring everyone peace...except maybe Julius and Portia. 

I love the sweet love story between Chloe and Quintus. It's so much different than the first series...the story between Brannick and Elora. I actually really didn't care for either one of those characters, and I specially didn't like Brannick...but I really do like Chloe and Quintus together.  I love how Chloe brings out the best in him, and I love how fiercly protective he is of her. 

Chloe and Quintus, along with Mishti and Ludo...and a dragon (!!!), work together to save all the courts of Faerie. Each person in the group brings their own strength, and Chloe strives to find her voice and make her ideas heard. She works passed most people underestimating her, proving to everyone that she is capable.

Overall, this book was a quick paced read. If you like a clean fantasy romance, definitely suitable for a younger audience be sure to add this to your TBR. 

Shadow and Cyrstal Thorns is available on Amazon and Bookshop beginning October 18, 2022.

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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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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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Fractured Legacy by Cristen J. Faulkenberry

Stop!! This is the second book of her Lenoir Legacy series...if you haven't read book 1 yet, I strongly suggest starting there.  You can read my review for book one here.

Blurb:

All Rosealyn LeNoir wants is to take her rightful place as Queen of Orda’an. Instead, she’s magically connected to her father’s murderer, the ancient and once Lost Prince, Xannan LeNoir. When she learns her country has been attacked, Rosealyn must set aside her disdain for Xannan and discover the best way to help her people.

Charles, as king of Jearnia, wishes to repair the rift between himself and his brother while also mending the decades-long rivalry between the country of his birth and the country which protected him.

Memories surface and tensions escalate as all learn how far they will go to protect what they value most.

My rating:

Thoughts:

Like the first book, this book was slow to get going. This particular time I really had to set reading goals to get through the initial story building section. If there is one thing that keeps this book from getting five stars it's the slow dry start. It is worth persevering though, and this book gets very exciting, but it's not until about chapter 12 or so.  So again, cozy up, get your tea, and dig in.

There's a broadening of many of the different storylines in the first book. The underlying romance between Charles and Rosealyn plays a bigger part in this book than it did in the second. They have lots to consider on whether both of them being ruling monarchs of their own countries makes it impossible for them to be together.  They end up working together to bring peace to the region, Charles coming to Rosealyn's aide when Orda'an is invaded by another country.  We get to know Xannan much more in this book, and we also get to know Rosealyn's mother.

We have political rifts, war, evil dragon like drokari, and an alliance between men, elves and dragons. This books very much reminds me a bit of Games of Thrones, not just in the shared genre, but the building of storylines and multiple storylines in one book that are connected. The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'll be keeping an eye out for book three!

Spice level: 1 consensual kissing, no sex

Fractured Legacy released September 9, 2022 and can be purchased on Amazon or on Bookshop.

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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 and bookshop, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Desires of the Immersed by Caelan J. Peters

 

Blurb:

Taylor was a rich, popular, yet completely normal teenage girl until the guy she’d fallen for shoved her off a hundred-foot waterfall. Instead of dying, she emerges into a completely different world where she’s immediately captured and thrown into a brutal training camp. Here she’s forced to face the realities of her forgotten past along with the still all too clear memories that are forming her present. Lucca finally returned his lost fiancé to their own world only to find a war threatening to destroy his entire home country. And his mother seems to think he’s the only one who can stop it. He’d never planned on leading the ground force, and he’d never planned to allow the woman he loved to wander a war-torn world alone. But he might not have a choice.

Thoughts: 

I really enjoyed this book. By the time I was about half way through I couldn't set it down, and it became a life neglecting, sleep depriving, just one more chapter before I go to sleep type of book. That good. I truly didn't know who to root for in this book. Taylor was the main focus of the book, but who was the right person for her to trust? Was it Lucca? Cole? Dawn? Marcellous? The story slowly unravels, as we hop back in forth between the present and the past..almost Godfather 2 style. Sometimes the hop was a bit abrupt, as in I felt like I was pulled into another scene when I wanted to stay right where I was. It added to the suspense of the overall book though, and I think it was well done.

I don't know that I really liked Taylor at first, but I love when characters really come into their own. She is hardened by some pretty brutal training, but it's brutality has a purpose one that she learns to understand and eventually embraces.  The story ends with lots of questions still unanswered...not quite a cliff hanger, but I need answers. I can't wait to dig into book 2!!

Rating: 5 Stars!

Spice level: 1 -- no sex, just kissing.

Desires of the Immersed is available for purchase now.

If you're interested, Book 2: Orders of the Emboldened is also available for purchase. 

Book three is expected to release September, 2023

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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Driftworld Atlas

Blurb 

Like snowflakes in a snow globe, the worlds drift across creation. And, recording their tales, is the Driftworld Atlas.

When an eternal traveler finally awakens, he does so in a world that has been shattered to ash. Creation has been stained by a crime, and while his jumbled memories provide no answers, a single note is left to guide him forward. "Let's drink, come find me."

 

But to follow this message, he has to get help, from a witch who knows how to read the sea, trapped in a prison of her own making. The problem? Clearly his old habits, for why shouldn't he take in the demon needing his soul he found along the way? When unlikely connections emerge from the sea, threatening to put his search to an early end, the answer is simple. Because his biggest obstacle has always been himself – and old enemies don't wait.

Thoughts:

I initially was drawn in to this book based off the cover, and it's ethereal beginnings. In this story we follow the "eternal traveler" who looks at the world through this childlike, yet immortal wonderment. Everything seems to have a touch of humor, even serious and deadly situations, yet on the flipside small inconveniences....like being woken up, or having plans changed seem to upset him more.

Overall the book was a fun light hearted read, will quick dry humor. The writing style took some getting used to at the beginning, but I felt it evened out for a pretty enjoyable story. Readers who enjoy high fantasy would love the book.

Rating: 3.5 stars!

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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Droplets of Magic: A Review

 Book 4 of the Unstable Magic Series by Emily Bybee

Blurb:

Kira’s spells always end the same—rain and violent storms. She’s what’s called a Defect, and that means one of two things in the witch world—losing your magic or death. After faking her demise, Kira is in hiding. She risks exposure and travels the world, making the Defective magic that would get her killed into a gift by bringing rains to places that most need water.

The witch world has changed in the ten years Kira’s been gone. Kira doesn’t know that she has a much bigger part to play against an ancient danger that threatens the entire world. But the witches want her for their own greedy plans. Her only chance to escape the witch council is to hide in areas where her storms go unnoticed. After one last stop in Africa, she plans to disappear again.

But Kira’s past catches up with her and a decade old blood debt comes due. As if being prey to the witch world isn’t enough, her family’s history with the Russian Mafia causes an enemy who was once her childhood friend to hunt her down. She and her only ally Alex—a naïve American—team up to escape the underworld warlord. As Kira’s feelings for Alex grow, she fears he will be caught in the crossfire. To settle this debt, someone will have to die.

Thoughts:

This is book 4 in a series, and I wish I had read the other books first. Having said that, I still was able to understand the world well enough and many reviews say each book in this series could be read as a stand alone. I love the idea behind of intermixing a bit of science in the magic. Kira's gift is water, and she can manipulate water and even turn oxygen and hydrogen molecules in the air into water. Even with such a strong power, she is considered a defect.

This was a very much a cat and mouse type of book. Kira is being chased by the Russian Witch Mofia and her childhood friend and former betrothed Rurik. Rurik tracks her and hopes to use her for his own political gain. There are lots of tense moments and the story is well paced. I wish the relationships had been given more depth. We learn why Rurik despises Kira, and there's a secondary romance story between Alex and Kira that I just couldn't get into. It almost felt like instant love and I didn't see any thing that would make them attracted to each other beyond physical looks and proximity. This lack of connection between what I think is supposed to be a fantasy romance book is what brought my score down for this one. Even with a lower than normal score I felt it was a good book overall.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Droplets of Magic is available for purchase now and is available on Kindle Unlimited!! Click 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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Mother of Pearl by Blankah Madow: A Review

 Ya'll this adorable story I think is going to stick with me for a bit.  It was the absolute perfect escape. Read on.

Blurb:

Lured to a mystical land, Valeri must learn to harness a power deep within her.

Orphaned at a young age, sisters Valeri and Amelia shouldered the household responsibilities in their small village of Noor. Valeri was the hunter; Amelia the gatherer. While fishing one day, Valeri follows her instinct into the depths of the ocean despite a raging storm. She discovers the Mother of Pearl shell - which unbeknownst to her, unlocks the secrets of her ancestral power.

Knocked unconscious by the storm and washed ashore in a foreign land, she soon realizes she is thousands of miles from her sister, and there are wicked plans afoot. As she struggles to find a way to return home to her sister, Valeri befriends Prince Rulin at the magical court. In each other, they find purpose. But she must harness the newfound power within her blood first.

Valeri: Art Credit @siyana__art 

Thoughts:

Honestly, this blurb doesn't do this book justice. What I think I loved the most about this book was the MC secretly wishes she lived in a fairytale where a prince would save her.  Don't we all honey! She continuously digs deep and saves herself. And character development you guys. Valeri begins this book kinda lost and walking through the paces of every day, to finding her own direction making choices for herself and making changes for the betterment of her own life.The world building is gentle with out the dreaded info-dump and there were so many plots and twists. I love how the author pulls you in to read the next book with out a stressful cliffhanger.  Overall, well done! I can't wait for book 2!

Rating -- 4.5 stars!

Steam: 1 -- there was sex, but it was not described

Mother of Pearl by Blankah Madow releases August 23, 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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Possession: A Review

 Possession by Andrea Hagan is book one of her Memphis Magic Series, is a fun paranormal "who dunnit" with a side of romance.

Blurb: 

They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I’m learning that lesson the hard way. My name’s Aubry Brooks, and here’s the thing—I’ve got myself a little possession problem.

Yes, I lead a séance I had no business leading in the first place. No, I’m not a channeler of spirit, but let me explain. I was only trying to help a mother find her missing daughter, and then a cocky half-incubus had the nerve to possess me! You’d think a clairvoyant kitchen witch would have seen this coming.

No need to panic. I can figure out a way to exorcise Damion Blackmon, assuming I can withstand his seduction in the meantime. Oh, and he’s agreed to help me find out who killed my best friend. Deals with devils. I'm not sure if it's my soul or my heart that's at risk.

But don’t worry, my grandma was a voyeur in a past life and she'll catch you up to speed. In extremely graphic detail. A word of warning—do not let my aunt talk you into a juice cleanse. Nothing magic about that, I promise.

Welcome to the metaphysical shop Memphis Magic.

Thoughts:

Ya'll...there were lots of little stories weaved into this book, and I thought it was brilliantly laid out. The possession here is just one part of it. Aubrey gets herself possessed in a séance she realizes she really had no business leading to begin with.  We learn she is possessed by a half demon, and everyone is confused because the demon should be able to just...let himself out, but he can't seem to.  So we have this mystery. They try all kinds of spells, rituals, even Damion's demon father is now involved to try to separate them.  

We also have the mystery of her friend being murdered. Who did it? Where? This book is a murder mystery with a side of half demon possessed romance.  Aubrey is independent, sarcastic, and of her own mind, and how in the world you could develop a budding romance with a GUY IN YOUR OWN HEAD is beyond me but Andrea Hagan manages brilliantly.

Possession by Andrea Hagan is available for purchase now and is on KU!

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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Windsong: A Review

A beautiful blend of Beauty and the Beast, the Golden Compass and Norwegian Fairytales

You guys, I'm absolutely enchanted with Windsong.  It's possibly the best book I've read all month. Let me just lay it all out right now:

Full on five stars ya'll...no hesitation.

Blurb: 

Life doesn’t wait for tears to finish.

Eighteen-year-old Roxana Welhaven has lived her life by this motto. When her mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Roxana swallows her tears and vows to do whatever is necessary to save her.

Even if it means making a deal with a talking polar bear.

The bear offers to cure her mother, but only if Roxana lives with him for one year. When she agrees, the bear whisks Roxana through a portal to another world and gives her lavish accommodations in an enchanted castle. Although she’s determined to serve her year and return home, the impatient and high-strung Roxana finds her heart drawn to the bear’s tranquil nature. He’s compassionate, clumsy and utterly adorable.

He's also a cursed man, trapped inside a bear’s body.

True love won’t be enough to break his enchantment. To save him, Roxana must embark on a treacherous quest to find his captor, a journey that will lead her east of the sun and west of the moon.


A retelling of the Norwegian fairy tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon.

Artist Credit: Kayshasiemens

Thoughts:

First I want to warn you all, this book made me cry multiple times. I almost feel like you can't fail when you have fairy tale retellings, and this one feels like it has so many aspects of stories we already know.  Like beauty and the beast, and of course the Norwegian Fairytale, East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Roxana is a tough young lady, which if you know me you know I already like her. She's put in a difficult situation and makes difficult choices for the betterment of her family.  Along the way she slowly opens her heart to the bear and his meat eating horse friend, Vidar.

The book is broken up into four parts, which help with the organization of the story. My neurodiverse brain loves organization, ya'll. Part one was Roxana and the bear getting to know each other, and this bear...you guys.  He is an absolute clumsy, adorable sweetheart.  The book starts to take a darker turn, but you really aren't told why. Part two the darkness really creeps in, and Roxana is given an out, but she refuses to take it. Part three is where the difficulty really reigns in and Vidar and Roxanna become inseparable on their journey. How am I supposed to adore a frightening meat eating horse...but I do. Every girl needs a scary horse. Part four ties the story up, but I won't tell you more than that.

I found it easy to get pulled into this book.  Stephanie Donahue is brilliant at playing with reader's emotions and making us feel deep connections with her characters.  Get ready to fall in love with all the characters, and maybe even feel a little bad for the villain in the story too. This is a book that I will likely reread when I need to get away from life, and my re-read list is very very small.

Windsong by Sephanie Donohue is available for pre-order now, and will be available for purchase June 29, 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 bookshop here, 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: The Brighter the Stars

This week I dipped my toes into some sci-fi, and I stumbled across an audio book The Brighter the Stars by Bryan Prosek. I don't usually listen to audiobooks, but I may try to add them to my reading more. It's pretty nice the things you're able to accomplish while also listening to a book!

Summary: This story follows Jake, a young Legion soldier who is motivated by revenge after witnessing the brutal murder of his uncle when he was a teen. Jake gets caught up in a bigger political issues of Earth and it's relationship with other planets.  He manages to locate a lost crystal that was stolen, but all the while has to decide whether to follow through with his revenge plans, save the love of his life, or clear his now tarnished name.

Thoughts: This book was well planned, well structured, with clear world building and characters that I could relate to. There's a clear moral conflict that Jake is having to work through all laid out in an exciting well paced book.  Having said that...I don't feel that I was the targeted audience for this book and that's ok! This is the kind of book I was looking for when my oldest son was a young pre-teen and would inhale books so much that he left our librarians scrambling. I didn't really start paying attention until I was about  halfway through, but I don't even think there were any bad words in it.  It's a clean book, suitable pre-teens as well as teens, and more than likely the target audience this book was intended for.

Bryan Prosek also has published A Measure of Serenity which is also labeled YA which focuses on a young girl named Serenity Ashdown. Be sure to check it out!

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: 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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