Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Review- Resist by Missy Johnson

Normally, I don't read contemporary stories nor do I buy serials. I'm a tad bit impatient and hate waiting for stories to be released bit by bit. I read the blurb and it was fascinating, so I bought a copy. I am so happy that I did. Jaxon is arrogant, domineering and conceited and I can't wait to find out what made him the man that he is today. Charlotte appears sweet and vanilla and I want to see how far she is willing to bend. The author did a great job building up the story. "Resist" had well fleshed out characters, mystery, suspense, sexual tension and steam.

Pros: quick read, a cliff-hanger that left me wanting more
Cons: N/A

I would highly recommend this story and can hardly wait for the next installment.

5/5 STARS

Monday, December 8, 2014

Review- Dragonlyst: A Short Novel by Randall Seeley

Blurb:
The people of Ardonor suffer from a curse that flows through their veins…

…at any moment one of them could snap and transform into an enraged dragon.

To survive, the Order of the Dragon was created to train brave warriors how to combat dragons, and teach brilliant scholars how to alter the curse through science.

But not everyone was fond of the strict governance of the Order, and many saw that they could turn a handsome profit if they learned these skills outside of the Order’s control.

Jefrie Danglon was one such person.

Gifted with a brilliant mind, Jefrie found himself drawn to dralchemy. Working with his uncle, his best friend, and a Master Dralchemist, they quickly formed one of the most successful underground businesses in Ardonor.

But performing dralchemy outside of the Order has its risks.

When they agree to the most lucrative contract they’d ever seen, they thought it was simple and straight forward. Dragonlyst. An inordinate amount of dragonlyst. But what they soon realize is that they may have agreed to something that none of them were prepared for.


My Review:

I received an e copy of Dragonlyst: A Short Novel by Randall Seeley from storycartel.com in exchange for an honest review. I am a huge fantasy lover. This story line is unlike anything that I have previously read. The characters are interesting. The friendship between Jefrie and Arthur added to the story. I loved the mystery surrounding The Dark Lord, Morgar, The Templars and the Order. Overall, this was a fascinating read and I wish the next installment was available now.

I would highly recommend this story and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.


5 STARS

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Review- Puha by J. Bradley Van Tighem

I received an e copy of Puha by J. Bradley Van Tighem from storycartel.com in exchange for an honest review.

I haven't read a good Indian/Native American tale in many years. I loved how the author showed the growth of Hollow Leg/Many Wolves/Wild Man/. There was plenty of action and adventure. I loved the relationships between Many Wolves, his hawks, the wolf Rojo and his friend Ten Arrows. The character Laughing Crow was well fleshed out. In the beginning, he was a cruel man who cared only about power. Throughout the story, he became more humanized. He was still cruel, but he did care
for those close to him, especially his sons. There is violence in the story, but I think it enhanced the story and was a necessary part of the plot.

Overall, Puha was an entertaining read that I would highly recommend and I look forward to reading the next book.

Pros: very detailed, interesting characters
Cons: Some of the hunting scenes were a bit repetitive and there are a lot of characters to keep up with.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Review- the rails by Kris Kemp with Graham Schofield

Fantasy is one of my favorite genres. I read the blurb and thought that "the rails" would be a different read. It was. The author(s) did a wonderful job with the characters especially Egan and Togrul. Even though they were supernatural beings the author(s) did a wonderful job "humanizing" them. I found "the watchers" and their underground world interesting. The interaction between "the watchers" and the other secondary characters was fascinating. I enjoyed the story and was surprised with the ending. I would recommend this story.

4 out of 5 stars


I received an e copy of the rails by Kris Kemp with Graham Schofield from storycartel.com in exchange for an honest review.

Saturday, November 1, 2014

Review- The Warriors Path by Adam Harmon

I received an e copy of The Warriors Path by Adam Harmon from storycartel.com in exchange for an
honest review.

The story felt a little all over the place. I didn't feel a connection to any of the characters with the exceptions of Tizer the evil villain and Tretcher the mad king. The author did a great job of fleshing out their characters. There wasn't enough background for Androd the great sword fighter/ sell sword. How did he become such a great swordsman? I would have loved to find out even more about his past life than just the brief glimpse in the story.

There were some happenings that had me scratching my head. It seemed like some plots in the story was suddenly dropped without explanation. I can't say more without using spoilers.

By the end of the story, I was pretty sure that I didn't want to read the next installment, but the last couple of chapters piqued my curiosity. The new characters brought a new energy to the story and I will give this author another try. Hopefully, some of the flaws and questions in the story will be better addressed in the next book.

3 out of 5 stars

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Review- Legends of Allyoshmar: The Dreams and the Darkness by Caley Bisson

I received an e copy of Legends of Allyoshmar: The Dreams and the Darkness 
by Caley Bisson from storycartel.com in exchange for an honest review.

If you are looking for a happily ever after or a feel good story or if you are looking for a knight in shining armor to save the princess, then this is NOT the book for you.

Instead, you get a brave princess who saves herself, a few unlikely heroes, suspense, magic, war
and bloodshed, a hint of romance, heartbreak, a necromancer and evil dragons.

I loved this story. I was hooked from the first chapter and I can't wait for the next installment.

I would highly recommend this story  to all fantasy lovers or anyone who is looking for an interesting read. I look forward to reading more from this author.


*************5 out of 5 stars**************

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Review- Alpha Hunter by G.S. Luckett

I received an e copy of Alpha Hunter by G.S. Luckett from storycartel.com in exchange for an honest
review.

I'm a paranormal junkie lover. I especially love vampires and werewolves and Alpha Hunter has both.
There was plenty of action and I loved the relationship between Alexander and Demetra. The supporting
characters were well fleshed out and added to the depth of the story. The back story of the Arcadian King
and the Neuri Tribe was intriguing. Alexander is the ultimate hunter. There was an added twist near the end
that I didn't expect.

Although this is a novella, it flowed more like a novel. I loved Gates and decided to give Alpha Hunter a try.
I am very happy that I did.


I would highly recommend this story to any paranormal or horror lover and I look forward to reading Book 2.

4 1/2 out of 5

Review- Erron by Melanie Schulz

I received an e copy of Erron by Melanie Schulz from storycartel.com in exchange for an honest
review.

Erron was a fast paced read. I enjoyed reading about the background of Erron. The story was told from different POV's which didn't bother me at all. Erron was different from a lot of the fantasy and paranormal
stories that I have read. There was enough excitement to keep my interest throughout the story.

There are some things that were unclear to me. The relationship between Willow and Erron formed
so quickly. I get that they were both attractive, but other than that I don't see why they fell in love.
Erron is very powerful, yet his range of powers are not clearly explained. Just when I think I know what all
he can do, he does something else. I won't give any spoilers, but I don't think the ending is very realistic
at all.

I would recommend this story to readers who are looking for a different type of paranormal/fantasy read.

3 out of 5 Stars

Monday, September 22, 2014

Review- Caught in Between by Kustis Hitschs

I have to review this story in parts. The first half of the book, I thought the story was a comedy. The
characters were very immature. Although the main character was a college graduate, his actions and
vocabulary was very childish. The demons and the twin demigods Fire and Ice were just as immature. I assumed that the story was geared toward a younger reader. The second half of the book had chapters and scenes that were night and day when compared to the first half. There is one chapter in particular where the violence and the language would not be appropriate for a younger reader. I was slightly confused by the stark difference. Overall, Caught in Between has some interesting and exciting scenes and some that had me scratching my head. 

2 out of 5 Stars

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Review- Thieves' War by Brent E Steffen

I received an e copy of Thieves' War from storycartel.com in exchange for an honest review.

I found the story very enjoyable. Saldor, Lewis, Sharia and Thad are a wonderful and likable cast of characters. The political intrigue and the fantasy world created by Mr. Steffen is fascinating. The battle scenes are very detailed and vivid. I hope that this is the beginning of a series because I was left with unanswered questions regarding Saldor.

I would highly recommend this story and look forward to reading more from this author.

4 and 1/2 Stars out of 5

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Gates by G.S. Luckett - Review

Book Description
Publication Date: November 11, 2013
Some of God's instruments are tarnished.

A death row inmate, known as The Brit, on an isolated island is able to escape from his execution during a freak thunderstorm. Now, he finds himself fighting his way through the prison and protecting the very people who jailed him. Pursued by prisoners and guards that will not die and a mysterious inmate from his nightmares, The Brit has to lead the others to escape in order to save their souls and possibly his own.

This is the first installment of a series where we find out how, The Reaper, is chosen and that he does more than shepherd lost souls. He maintains the balance between Heaven and Hell, that is threatened to be destroyed by an ongoing war. Can a condemned soul become God's weapon?

REVIEW

I received an e copy of Gates by G.S. Luckett  from storycartel.com in exchange for an honest review. I read this story in one sitting. The action is non-stop. The scenes are very detailed and vivid. The characters are very well fleshed out. The author did a wonderful job of humanizing "The Brit" and telling his back story.  I can see why he was chosen as a Reaper. I would recommend Gates and look forward to reading the next  book in the series.

5 STARS

Friday, August 29, 2014

Review- When the Gods Wish to Punish by C.L. Walker

When the gods wish to punish us they answer our prayers.

Sandra wants nothing more than to spend the rest of her life with Dean. She wishes the world would leave them alone, that they could be together forever. Her wish is granted.

She and the residents of the thirteenth floor will get to live that wish. They will stay together, forever. Not even death will offer them escape.

Review

I received an e copy of When the Gods Wish to Punish by C.L. Walker from storycartel.com in
exchange for an honest review. 

I must start off by saying that this story is extremely graphic. There's lots of violence, blood and gore. You know how sometimes when you're watching a movie and something bad is happening, you want to look away but you can't. This is the feeling I got reading this story. Sandra only wanted to be with her teenage love Dean. She made a simple wish and got exactly what she asked. The author did a fantastic job of showing that humans can be the biggest monsters. 

4 Stars

Monday, August 25, 2014

Review- Chaos by CM Fenn

Book Description
Publication Date: May 17, 2014
The Shades in Chaos have one goal: get to Earth Realm and wreak havoc. For a select group of people called Realmwalkers, sleep is the gateway to another Realm known as Chaos.

When 17-year-old Addy is called to Chaos, she yearns to conquer her crippling fears and prove her mettle by fighting alongside her fellow Realmwalkers. While she hopes to impress their handsome leader, Sam, she’s also keenly driven by the urge to protect the ones she loves on Earth.

The Realmwalkers are baffled, however, when they encounter a powerful and seemingly invincible Shade with strange motives and a dark obsession with Addy. As they work to unravel the mystery to defeating this new threat, Addy finds herself at odds with the Walkers. Gut instinct says to put her faith in Mikhail, the black sheep of the group, but she fears losing the respect and friendship of the others.

Addy is willing to die to keep Earth safe, but the Walkers are her new family, and she’s on the verge of falling in love. With Addy coming into her own, death shouldn't be on the horizon. But when the doors of hell are ripped open, there are no guarantees.

REVIEW

I received an e copy of Chaos by CM Fenn from storycartel.com in exchange for an honest review. This is fantasy at it's finest. Vivid details, plot twists, fascinating characters, action and adventure are some of the highlights of this story. The author is a wonderful storyteller who will lead you on an emotional roller coaster. There were some laugh out loud moments and times when I actually cried. You can't help but root for the Realmwalkers. They are some kick butt characters who fight valiantly  to keep the earth safe from the Shades. I loved the emotional growth of Addy and the mystery surrounding Mikhail.

I love how the story ended. I want to read the next book because I enjoyed  the characters and want to read more of their journey. Lately, the series books that I have been reading ended with a sudden and awkward cliffhanger, that left me so frustrated that I will not bother with the next book. Chaos ended on the perfect note.

I would highly recommend this story and cannot wait for the next book!

5 STARS

Saturday, August 16, 2014

TWO HEADS TWO SPIKES (The Pearl of Wisdom Saga Book 1) by Jason Paul Rice (Review)


I received a copy of Two Heads Two Spikes from storycartel.com in exchange for an honest review.


This is a perfect start to a series. I was hooked from the opening sentence. I'm not usually a fan of stories where each chapter is told by a different character. In this case, it enhanced the story. The scenes are very detailed. There are very colorful characters. Some appear good, some appear bad and some you have to question. The political aspect was enthralling. Treachery, deceit, disloyalty and murder are peppered throughout the pages. This is a fascinating story.

Pros: very detailed, intriguing characters, no lull moments
Cons: I have no complaints about this story. I just wish the second book was available now.

I would highly recommend this story and look forward to reading the next book in the series.


5 STARS

Friday, August 15, 2014

Broken Realms by D.W. Moneypenny (Review)

Fantasy is one of my genres. I found the blurb for Broken Realms fascinating
and couldn't wait to star reading. After the first couple of chapters, I lost interest
but I was determined to finish the story. There are some interesting characters
in the story, but unfortunately, the heroine was not one of them. I was 3/4 of the
way through the book before I even started to relate to her.

The author was very detailed and I was fascinated by the other realms. The repair
shop scenes at times distracted me from the overall story and slowed down the
flow. There were times when the pace picked up and I would start to get drawn in
and then there would be a filler scene that stopped the momentum. I was never able
to fully commit to the story.

pros: The story has vivid details, a great secondary cast of character and a unique plot.

cons: I didn't care for the heroine and the story was tedious at times.

Two Stars

Friday, June 27, 2014

The Hockey Saint by Howard Shapiro (Review)

I received a copy of this graphic novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.I admit, I had my doubts going into the story because I am not a hockey fan nor do I know anything about the sport. I'm very happy that I gave the story a chance. The story is centered around Jeremiah Jacobson (a successful hockey player) and Tom Leonard (a star struck fan)

I have read graphic novels before. The graphics are amazing and fits with the story really well. Jeremiah was flawed, but he was still a good person. Tom was a supportive friend. For a brief moment, I questioned Tom's loyalty to Jeremiah. The author did a wonderful job of writing about how Jeremiah's life was perceived by the world versus how he really lived.

The Hockey Saint had a great story line. I could relate to the characters and the story flowed nicely. I would recommend this story and you don't have to be a hockey fan to enjoy it.

4 STARS

Sunday, June 1, 2014

Reign of Malice by Joseph Hendon (Review)

I received a copy of Reign of Malice from storycartel.com in exchange
for an unbiased review.

I read the book description and thought this would be a different type of fantasy. Kevin/Trama is a flawed and dark individual. He's a killer in every sense of the word. He kills for pleasure, he kills for revenge and he kills for the sake of killing. The story is full of violence, blood and gore. There are even quite a few typos throughout the story. Now that I got all of that out the way, I must admit that this is one of the best stories that I have read. Even with all of Trama's faults, he is a true hero.

The author created a magical world filled with colorful characters and interesting creatures. Common enemies forge friendships and find love. The story has excitement, adventure, humor and a hero that you can't help but root for, flaws and all.

I would highly recommend this story and look forward to reading the next book.


5 STARS

Monday, May 26, 2014

Dream of a Vast Blue Cavern by Selah Tay-Song

Book Description

 December 8, 2012
The tale of QaiMaj begins here.

War tears apart Iskalon, a cavernous world of ice, when Dynat, the half-mad King of Chraun, marshals his powerful fire warriors.

His orders: “Make Iskalon burn forever.”

In the aftermath of war, Princess Stasia of Iskalon struggles to keep the remnants of her kingdom intact. Her only hope is a prophetic Dream that may lead to a new home for her people, until she learns of a secret heritage that gives her the power to do the impossible--draw magic from both lava and ice. Using the power of fire, Stasia might change the destiny of both Chraun and Iskalon forever in . . .

Dream of a Vast Blue Cavern
Dreams of QaiMaj Book I

My Review:

I received a copy of  Dream of a Vast Blue Cavern from storycartel.com in exchange for an honest review.

I have so many high praises for this story. I love the fantasy genre. I was engrossed from the opening sentence and never once lost interest in the tale. The life of the "Icers" and the "Flames" were so vivid and detailed that I became entranced in the two worlds. The story was full of complex characters. There were really good ones such as Glace, Lark and
Princess Stasia. Dynat "The Fire King" was the epitome of evil. Medoc was different, he was in the grey area between good and evil. I really hated for the story to end, and I will definitely read the next book.

I would highly recommend this story to any fantasy lover or anyone who is looking for an interesting read.

5 STARS

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

The Light of His Sword (Archangel) by Alaina Stanford Review

I received an ecopy of THE LIGHT OF HIS SWORD (ARCHANGEL) from storycartel.com in exchange for an honest review.

Alyssa and her daughter Samantha are fleeing from an evil demonic cult leader and his followers. Later they meet Gabe and he becomes the protector that they need in order to reach Alyssa's grandmothers farm. I loved the mother/daughter relationship. Alyssa had a strong bond with her daughter Samantha. The story was full of excitement and Gabe was a true hero. I didn't really feel a love connection between Gabe and Alyssa and wished that a stronger romantic relationship would have developed throughout the story.

Pros: The author is a wonderful storyteller and the story is fast paced. The secondary characters Rafi and Mike were wonderful and I would love to read more about them.

Cons: The story and ending was predictable.

I would recommend this story and look forward to reading the next book in the series.


4 STARS

Monday, May 19, 2014

Eternal Redemption by Paul A. Wunderlich

I received a ecopy of Eternal Redemption from storycartel.com in exchange
for an honest review. 

What happens when one's wish for eternal lfe and ultimate power is granted?
Mr. Wunderlich is a wonderful story teller. Léssemnos had a wonderful life and a
wife that truly loved him, but he was never satisfied and made a life altering decision. There were times when I felt pity for Léssemnos and hopeful.  Eons later he is now King Deathenor and has his dreams fulfilled, yet something is still missing.

I don't want to give any spoilers.
He makes another deal with the devil. The outcome is just as expected, for one who makes a deal with the devil.

I would highly recommend this story and look forward to reading more from this author.

5 STARS

Monday, May 5, 2014

Switching Stations Switching Stories by Christy Santo Review

I received an e-copy of Switching Stations Switching Stories from storycartel.com in exchange
for an honest review.

Book Description
Centuries ago peasants thought blood-sucking fiends lurked in the shadows. They were right.

The vampire, Jay went rogue, rejecting the laws of vampire society, and has been experimenting on
children. Driven by guilt, and facing death if he fails, Captain Ian Porter, his creator, must hunt Jay
down before humanity rediscovers that vampires walk among them.

Theresa, one of Jay's victims, is caught halfway between living and vampire.  Rena, another victim of
Jay's, is struggling to stay alive. And Anna Beth is working out just what happened to her friend
and Rena.

How will Jay be stopped? And at what cost?

I read this and could not wait to download and start reading. I love paranormal stories, especially
vampires. In this story they are called Changed. I was intrigued at the beginning of the story. But
the intrigue died a sudden death. There are so many characters that are introduced in rapid
succession, that I could not develop any kind of attachment to any of them. There are some interesting
tidbits throughout the story, that was different from the standard vampire lore, but not enough to sustain
the story.

I would have loved to find out more about The Elders. The story didn't give enough background.
I wanted to know more about Jay. What drove him to do his experiments? What was he hoping
to gain?

Sadly. After finishing  the story, I still don't know and I am left with more questions than answers.

I found the ending anticlimactic. I expected so much more.

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Raven's Blood (Moon Virus) by Cassandra Lawson Review

I received an e-copy of Raven's Blood from storycartel.com in exchange
of an honest review.

I have read many paranormal books, especially about vampires. I can
honestly say that this isn't the same old run of the mill vampire tale. The
author did a wonderful job of adding interesting twists and dimensions
to the vampire lore.

Raven is half wood nymph and half human. She had a hatred for vampires
because they killed her mother. Connor is the leader of a vampire settlement.
The growth and development of the relationship between Raven and Connor was
very well executed. The love scenes were steamy. I love when a strong hero is paired
with an equally strong heroine. The other secondary characters really enhanced the
story. Charles Graham is the ultimate villain. He is the epitome of evil and plays a
pivotal role in the story.

I was entranced in the story from the opening sentence until the last one. The author
did of wonderful job of ending Raven's Blood. Cliff hangers drive me insane. A good story
should make you look forward to reading the next book, because the one you just finished
was amazing. Not because the author left the story hanging and you want to see how it unfolds.

I look forward to reading more from this author and I would highly recommend this story.

Protector (Anniversary of the Veil, Book 1) by Vanna Smythe

I received an e-copy of The Protector from storycartel.com in exchange of an honest review.

The story started out a little slow, but once I got into it, I was hooked. I enjoyed the relationship between the hero Protector (Kae) and the Princess (Issa). The Priests add a great dimension to the story. A world ruled buy a King and controlled by Priests is extremely fascinating.

I love that there are no definitive good guys and bad guys in a majority of the characters. One side of the Veil is not necessarily good and the other side not necessarily bad. They are both complex.

I look forward to reading the second installment and reading more about the other side of the Veil.

Pros: wonderful and complex main and secondary characters, detailed scenery and vivid details

Cons: slow start

I would highly recommend this story.

4.5 stars

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