Saturday, November 21, 2015

Review- Fractured Families by Jason Paul Rice

Awesome Continuation

I read the first story and couldn't wait for the next installment. I was not disappointed. The story takes up immediately where Two Heads, Two Spikes ended. The author did a wonderful job with character development. There are noble characters that you root for. Some that are so vile, that the extent of their evilness is endless and some that are in the gray area. Neither good nor bad. It's interesting seeing the different types of personalities emerging, with one goal in mind...to rule Donegal. The political intrigue is fascinating. The disloyalty, backstabbing and corruptness are woven very well into the story. The author did a wonderful job with plot twists. Without giving any spoilers, there are some "oh-no" moments that I never saw coming and some pleasant surprises. The fantasy world is more expanded in this book. The dragons and the mystery of the Pearl of Wisdom heightened the intensity of the story. I would like to add that this story is dark and not for the feint at heart, but it's worth the read and highly entertaining.

I would highly recommend Fractured Families and look forward to reading the next book in the series.


RATING 5 STARS

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Review- Kiss Across Swords by Tracy Cooper-Posey

This story successfully combines three of my favorite things: vampires, the medieval time period and erotica.  Brody, Taylor and Veris have been together for four years now. I love how the author shows some of the "glitches" that come with being in a ménage relationship, i.e jealousy and insecurities while also showing the strength of their bond. The time-travel scenes flowed effortlessly. The adventures into the past was very exciting. It was interesting seeing glimpses into Veris's past and the lengths Brody and Taylor would go to make him remember and win his love. 

Pros: two sexy heroes, a determined heroine, steamy sex scenes, an evil vampiress, vivid scenery, time-travel.
Cons: N/A

I would highly recommend this story and I will definitely read the next book in the series.


5/5  STARS

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Review- Tale of a Silver Lion: Refuge Ending by

Book Blurb:
Pencheval is a Silver Lion Adept with a fierce reputation for dispatching bandits, one that has earned him accolades and no small amount of trouble. When the life wears on him, he seeks peace near the Emerald Refuge, a sanctuary for the Temple of Athesiene and place of famed serenity. Unfortunately for a talented mercenary, serenity is only a cloak for boredom and an invitation to accept assignments better left alone.

When a patrol disappears on the far side of the valley, the eager Silver Lion Adept sets out with a heavy purse and an even heavier mind. The evidence points to Goblins, a possibility that is proven with deadly speed when his group is overtaken by battle. As forces gather and wave after wave of creatures come at them, can this road weary warrior find it in himself to save them?

“Heroes are lies and fables….”

My Review

Normally, I tend to read full length novels and was a bit hesitant to read a shorter story. I enjoyed the blurb and decided to give the story a try. I'm very happy that I did. The story was well paced and it held my interest.

Pencheval is a worthy hero and warrior. I enjoyed his back story. Friar Dominik is honorable as well as brave, almost to a fault. The character of the Stonemaster is well fleshed out. He's one of the most interesting characters in the story. The fight scenes alone was worth the read, especially the final one. At the end of the story, I was looking forward to getting a copy of the next book.

Pros: well-written, fast paced, interesting mix of characters ( Bonestrippers, trolls and goblins)
Cons: n/a

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


4 Stars out of 5

Monday, February 16, 2015

Review- King of Dreams by Greg McLeod

Book Description
Publication Date: September 24, 2014
Everybody’s on the run: Laurin the dwarf, sent on an improbable errand by a dead king, ends up with an assassin on his tail. Bryn of Bailon, heir to a dark and troubling secret, discovers there’s no escaping the impossible burden that’s about to be placed on his shoulders. And Rhea Redbreast, apprentice Headhunter, makes it onto her own guild’s hit-list when she seeks justice for her parents’ killers.
But the real trouble is just beginning: shipwrecked on the frozen shores of the Ice Wastes, eternal victim Nudd Wiggin stumbles onto an ancient weapon and is turned into something more – and less – than human. As the cruel and devious King of Dunmark unleashes a war that quickly spreads to the neighboring kingdoms, a weaponized Nudd raises terror after terror, driving an immense wave of desperate, battle-hardened Nordsmen south towards the war-torn kingdoms’ borders.


My Review

I received an e copy of King of Dreams by Greg McLeod from storycartel.com in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This story held my interest from the opening sentence and never waned. I'm a huge fan of the fantasy genre and King of Dreams did not disappoint. A dead king, an evil king, assassins, a non-human ghastly being bent on destruction, a feisty heroine seeking vengeance for her parents death, brave heroes and war. The author did a wonderful job with character development. I was rooting for the good guys and the demise of the evil villains. The ending was brilliant. It couldn't get any better than that.

I would highly recommend this story to any fantasy lover or anyone looking for a good read and I look forward to reading more from this author.

4 1/2 Stars

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Review- Return of Malice by J Hendon

Book Blurb:
Finding a new life, free of blood, Trama strives to do right by his family. A new malice rises in a distant land, hell bent on dragging Trama back into darkness. They take from his lands, then they take from him. His love. Sometimes it is better to leave a man well enough alone. Least you tempt a demon worse than your own.


My Review
I love dark fantasy and the darker the better. Trama/Kevin has finally found peace. He's back on his farm and raising a child with his lady love Arryn. His darkness is finally held at bay, because he has the one thing that truly matters to him. Arryn. His happiness is short lived when Arryn is taken from him. He is forced to become the "monster" inside of him.

Trama is dangerous. He has a dark tortured soul. He's a violent killer without remorse. In spite of these flaws, he's a true hero in every sense of the word. He's a simple man willing to do whatever it takes to protect his family and those loyal to him.

Return of Malice is just as impressive as the first two books in the series. The characters are very well developed and the fantasy world created by the author is fascinating. There are heartbreaking scenes and laugh out loud moments. The heroes and heroines are loyal and admiral. The villains are truly vile and evil. The story flows very well and is extremely entertaining.


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

5 out of 5 Stars

Friday, January 16, 2015

Review- Armies of Malice by Joseph Hendon

Book Description
Publication Date: February 20, 2014


The second book in the Malice series. With the land ruled by the wicked, time quickly comes to an end for man and elf alike. Only the Orc thrive. Only darkness prevails. Kressara must turn the elf to war, a war not of their own. An effort which has cost her the lives of her parents and brother, an effort not popular among her people. The small bands of humans await a leader while the people of the wastes stand ready for a fight to the end. Paladin gifted warriors rise to take up arms but lack an army to turn the orc. Trama, a human with a soul damned to darkness, seeks vengeance not victory. His desire for blood driving him farther into darkness with only a lone elf maiden holding him to the light. Only a lone elf maiden holding the scales between the world of the living and a world of darkness.


I'm a huge fantasy lover and I have read many books in this genre. Reign of Malice is one of the best stories that I have read and I had high hopes for Armies of Malice. I was not disappointed. The second installment was just as exciting as the first. This is dark fantasy at its finest. The characters are well fleshed out. The hero Trama/Kevin is a flawed individual. He's violent, he's dangerous and he is a killer. The author does a wonderful job of balancing his flaws by showing his funny, tender and protective side. Arryn, his love will do whatever it takes to be with him. I loved her strength and devotion. The supporting characters enhanced the story. The scenery is very vivid. There is plenty of action, violence, gore, death and everything else that goes
a long with war. This is one of those stories where you can't wait to turn the page. Although this is dark fantasy, it also has humor and romance. I experienced so many emotions reading this story and I must say the ending chapter made me want to cry from happiness and sadness. I can't wait to read the next book.

I would highly recommend this story to fantasy lovers or anyone looking for an entertaining read.

pros: great plot, amazing characters, lots of action, emotionally stimulating
cons: some typos


5 out of 5

Monday, January 12, 2015

Review- Devdan Manor by Auden Johnson

BLURB
What haunts demons?
Expelled from his birthplace for a power he couldn't control, Cyl Antun searches for a real home with his two siblings and longtime friend.
Darkness falls. Vicious nocturnal demons close in on them. A mansion appears. They rush inside to escape the night terrors. Strange markings cover the walls. A black void now surrounds this house. They’re trapped. The mansion is empty. Yet, they are not alone.


I fell in the love with the blurb and the cover. I love dark fantasy and couldn't wait to start reading. The story started out very strong. I couldn't wait to turn the page and see what would happen next. Unfortunately, the second half of the book was a bit of a let down. Even though the ending of the book fell a little flat, the author is a wonderful storyteller. The main characters were interesting and I enjoyed reading about their different powers. I found the world of demons written by the author extremely fascinating. I would definitely read more from this author.

pros: very interesting characters, very vivid scenery and details
cons: grammatical errors and typos

4 Out of 5 Stars

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Review- Black is the Colour by Nicole Hurley-Moore

I love medieval historical romance, fantasy and the paranormal genres. This author successfully merged them all in one amazing book. The relationship between Ciana and Oran is exactly what you hope for in a romantic story. Black is the Colour has everything required for a perfect fairy tale.

...strong, free-spirited heroine
...a true hero
...mean parent
...evil witch
...very vivid and detailed
...emotional

I would highly recommend this story to fairy tale lovers or anyone looking for a romantic and adventurous read. I look forward to reading more from this author.


5 Out of 5 Stars

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Cat's Maw by Brooke Burgess

Although, the book is geared toward a young audience. I think some scenes may be a little too dark for a younger child. I'm an adult and I enjoyed the story. The story is entertaining and full of excitement. The dream world is very vivid and detailed. The characters are well fleshed out and enhanced the story. The author does a wonderful job of building up suspense. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next.

Pros: full of intrigue and mystery
Cons: the story jumps around at times

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


4 OUT OF 5 STARS

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