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.

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

The Boy from the Woods by Jen Minkman

I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

The first half of the book seemed to drag. Some of the scenes
and conversations didn't really add to the flow of the story. I had
a hard time relating to the heroine Julia and her "infatuation" with
Michael. There were times when I wanted to stop reading, because
I couldn't see where the story was headed.

The second half of the book was amazing. The pace picked up and I 
could't wait to turn the page to see what would happen next. The beautiful 
ending brought tears to my eyes. I'm happy that I pushed forward. 

3 1/2 Stars

The Waves (The Island series) by Jen Minkman

I really enjoyed the first book, The Island, and was very excited about the next book. Ms. Minkman did not disappoint me. I don't read too many novellas because I find too much information is crammed in too few pages or there isn't enough pages to completely tell the story. The Waves did not fall into these two traps.

I found the "Fools" and the "Unbelievers" lives extremely fascinating. The author did an amazing job of explaining how each side came to be and why they had their different beliefs and ideas. I love when I finish a story and all of my questions have been answered and all the loose ends tied up.

Pros: great storyline, interesting characters, perfect flow with no lull moments and a superb ending
Cons: I honestly don't have any complaints.

5/5

The Island by jenn Minkman

I received a copy of The Island from the author and I am giving my honest opinion. I'm a fan of dystopian stories. I thought The Island was a well-paced and enjoyable read. I loved the concept of a place being run entirely by children. I admit the Star Wars references had me scratching my head, but by the end, it all made perfect sense. I would recommend this story.

I give this story 4/5

Elements of Darkness by Michael Twist

Elements of Darkness by Michael Twist
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of the anthology Elements of Darkness from the author and I am giving my honest opinion. Normally, I don't read anthologies, but I am so happy that I read this collection. I'm a sucker for anything dark and twisted and these stories delivered. I didn't expect some of the endings and had quite a few, I didn't see that coming moments. Overall, the tales were fascinating and I would definitely recommend Elements of Darkness.


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