Synopsis:

Forbidden children. Forgotten History. A power no one has witnessed in living memory. 

In the pyramid city of El-Pelusium, all second-born children are banished to an island of madmen for fear of a power they are rumored to possess. 
But Miki isn’t just a Second, she is a Fifth. 
Nineteen years of hiding behind false identities and away from the public eye has left her with unmatched anxiety. But when a chance encounter throws her in the path of the new young ruler of the Pyramid who is hunting for answers—and a friend, Miki must dodge the very person with the power to banish her. On top of it all, a madman from the island claims being a fifth-born means something. But listening to him would make Miki as mad as him. Unless he is right. If so, the system Miki’s fragile world is built upon, and her very life, are in the balance. 

Favorite Lines:

“Living isn’t the same as life.” 

My Opinion:

 I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. 

I will be honest, this book had kind of a slow start. I thought it was going in one direction and then it went in a completely different one. But I am happy I stuck with it because it was an interesting concept. The story follows Miki, a fifth child born in a world where families are only permitted to have one child. Banished from her home, she has to learn to survive on an island of other banished seconds and keep her birth order a secret. The one thing I didn’t like about this book is while I thought the start was a bit slow, there were some parts that I thought went too fast and could have been slowed down and elaborated on. Perhaps this is because I liked the concept and wanted it to be more drawn out for my enjoyment.

I liked that there were PoV changes so we could see perspectives from other characters, especially from the romantic interest (I totally shipped Miki and Atsu). I won’t give any spoilers away on it though. 

As I had mentioned above, this was an interesting concept with a unique setting and Wilke has a unique storytelling voice.

Summary:

Overall, this was a really interesting concept and a decent read. If you like action, fiction, fantasy, and romance then this book may be for you. Happy reading! 

Seconds

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Synopsis:

Where can you turn to find industry experts willing to share their secrets?

This book is the ultimate writer’s refence, with tips and advice on craft, publishing and marketing from Mark Leslie Lafabvre, Kevin Killany, L. Jagi Lamplighter, Bobby Nash, Paul Kane, Nancy Oswald, Chris Barili, Jeff Bowles, Roberta Eaton Cheadle, Mario Acevedo and Kaye Lynne Booth. Learn from eleven traditional, independent and hybrid authors as they share what works for them.

You’ll like this book if you want to improve your craft or learn more about publishing and book marketing. Take a peek inside and find out what works for you.

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

If you follow this blog regularly, you know that this isn’t my typical type of book to review on here. Very rarely do I review guides or non-fiction type books unless I think they are something that would be of interest to both me but also to my readers. This was an exception because if you are like me and would love to write a book someday, any and all advice is welcome. This anthology takes tips and tricks from eleven authors to help any writer hone their craft. I found it to be both interesting and useful, answering questions I didn’t even know I had and giving me different perspectives to ponder as I move forward on my own writing journey.

Summary:

Overall, if you are an aspiring author or even just interested in an inside look at several authors’ minds, this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Ask the Authors 2022

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Synopsis:

When their animal spirit awakens, the tribesmen of Feralis must master their creature to arise anew with the power to transform. The tribeswomen can only hope to be lucky enough to be claimed as a lifemate – or face a life reduced to becoming property.

The old Alpha’s time is coming to an end, and the Deadly Reckonings are swiftly approaching. The victor of these brutal trials will become the new Alpha and rule over the four allied tribes.

Devlin, a young man with the animal aspect of a lion, dreams of shaping a better world and taking control from the power-hungry clutches of the cruel and dominating Reptilia. Becoming Alpha is the only way Devlin can protect his family, reclaim the woman he loves, and restore freedom to all the tribes of Feralis.

Follow Devlin as he faces the Deadly Reckonings, testing his nature and limits against other competitors, merciless monsters, perilous terrain, and his own desperate hopes.

Can a mortal enemy, a misfit sister, and even fate itself stand in his way?

Favorite Lines:

I didn’t keep track!

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for my honest opinion.

It has been awhile since I have had the time to sit down to read and review books, so I apologize in advance for my rustiness. This story follows Devlin and his family as they navigate a unique world of shapeshifters battling for the place of alpha to rule over all other shifters.

While I thought this was a refreshing and unique story, I did think that the writing was a bit choppy and could have flowed more smoothly. Other than that, it was a creative world unlike any other that I have read full of action, adventure, romance, and the paranormal. Not to mention there is a plot twist at the end (well at least I thought so) and who doesn’t like those?

Summary:

Overall, if you like fiction, fantasy, action, romance, and the paranormal then this book could be for you. Happy reading, everyone!

The Deadly Reckonings

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Synopsis:

Deep in the stacks of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Favorite Lines:

“Just because something seems impossible doesn’t make it untrue.”

“As fast as I can tell there are only two emotions that keep the world spinning year after year…One is fear. The other is desire.”

“It is a blessing as well as a burden to love so much that you can hurt so badly when love is gone.”

“And happiness is always louder than sadness.”

My Opinion:

This book was the first time I broke my number one book/movie/tv show rule. Normally, I won’t read something after I have already seen the movie or tv show because I feel like it takes away the opportunities for me to be creative and imagine the characters and the worlds how I want to. Instead, you usually see things in your head like how they are presented to you in the movie or tv show. It’s different if you read the book and then watch it on the screen and then return to the book again later because, I feel like you still have the original version of how you imagined everything in your head.

For this book series, I had actually seen an advertisement for the TV show on Facebook and Instagram first and decided to give it a chance. I didn’t really even realize it was a book until I was about halfway through the tv show. I must admit, I really enjoyed the TV show and am excited for it to continue. Because I liked the TV show so much, I decided to give the books a try and I must admit, I was a bit skeptical at first and I will tell you why. 

I had tried reading the Outlander series, I love the TV show and wanted to read the books but they were too dense with history, I just couldn’t get through them. I was worried this series would be much the same way but I was pleasantly surprised when it wasn’t. The series is full of history don’t get me wrong. Both characters are college professors, one being a history professor the other being a 1,500 year old vampire and Harkness is a history professor herself if I am not mistaken. But the history in this story is kept to a semi-minimum and flows nicely. I didn’t feel like I was bogged down with so much dense information that I couldn’t enjoy the story as it unfolded.

Follow Diana as she is sucked deeper into the world of creatures than she ever thought possible and finds love along the way. This book is full of mystery, intrigue, history, romance, the paranormal, and even a bit of action. If you’re a fan of any or all of these then this book could be for you.

Summary:

Overall, I really liked this book and I am excited to read the next one and see where the story takes us next! Happy reading!

A Discovery of Witches

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Synopsis:

Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal―they may have saved Crescent City, but with so much upheaval in their lives lately, they mostly want a chance to relax. Slow down. Figure out what the future holds.

The Asteri have kept their word so far, leaving Bryce and Hunt alone. But with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing. As Bryce, Hunt, and their friends get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right. And they’ve never been very good at staying silent.

In this sexy, action-packed sequel to the #1 bestseller House of Earth and Blood, Sarah J. Maas weaves a captivating story of a world about to explode―and the people who will do anything to save it.

Favorite Lines:

“Our love is stronger than time, greater than any distance. Our love spans across stars and worlds. I will find you again, I promise.”

“But wherever you’re headed when this life is over, Quinlan, that’s where I want to be, too.”

“If you’re looking for How Not to Be an Asshole, it’s shelved between Bye, Loser and Get the Fuck Out.”

My Opinion:

This is the second book in Sarah J. Maas’ Crescent City series. It picks up shortly after the end of the first book, House of Earth and Blood and we see how the city is healing from the aftermath of what happened in the first book. I wasn’t sure what direction Maas was going to take this and I have to say, I was definitely surprised. If you are a fan of Maas like I am, you are familiar with her story weaving and enjoyment of Easter eggs. In her other series, there are talks of other worlds and Easter eggs that further theories that all the series are connected in some way. This book is the first book to REALLY explore that (more than the KoA Easter egg). I’m not spoiling anything, you will see. House of Sky and Breath is full of romance, action, and mystery. While you might think you know who is who and what is going to happen next, Maas still does a good job at keeping you on your toes.

I do have to say, while the story telling and world building in this series is amazing, I still find it lackluster compared to Maas’ other series. That being said, the end of this book almost makes up for all of that. Don’t skip to the end and spoil it for yourself but when you get there, your mind will be blown!

Summary:

Overall, Maas is one of my favorite authors and I have to say that while I did enjoy this book, I would still place this series third out of her three series. If you like action, fantasy, adventure, romance, and all things fae then this book (and series) is for you. Happy reading!

House of Sky and Breath

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Synopsis:

From Best-selling author and Broadway conductor, Power is Geraldine Anello’s latest poetry book from her series Truth. The most inspiring poetry told over the course of just one week, this fast-paced collection of deep thought-provoking poems leads the reader on a journey to personal development.

Favorite Lines:

Because this is a collection of poems, I didn’t keep track of specific quotes but instead flagged several poems that resonated deeply with me. These poems were “Half”, “Body”, and “Nothing”.

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Power is a collection of poems that seem to capture and embody being in love, fighting with the one you love, and all the aftermath and hurt that comes with it. Poems like “Breathing” made me wish that I had a romantic interest in my life and left me feeling a bit melancholy. I also saw a bit of my past relationships reflected in a lot of the poems as well. Throughout the collection, Anello did a really good job at capturing the heartbreak, personal development, and growth that come with finding love and how it feels to sometimes get crushed by it.

Summary:

Overall, if you like melancholy poems about love and love lost that show personal development and growth then this book is for you. Happy reading!

Power

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Synopsis:

The entire island was on fire yet only one schoolhouse burned. Everyone disappeared. Several tried reclaiming the island but were never successful. It was left to rot. Years later, Kiran Ava and a team of magical investigators travel to the island to banish whatever haunts an old building. It takes them no time to realize the building isn’t the problem. The island is. With their team leader acting strange, they knew this wouldn’t be a simple job. Kiran develops a second ability, making their investigation both easier and harder. They never anticipated the terrible secrets hidden within the school’s campus. Maybe some of the residents deserved their fate.

Favorite Lines:

I didn’t keep track!

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book was a really interesting concept and, dare I say, an addictive read. The story follows Kiran and her group of investigators as they try to find out what is haunting an island in a competition against other teams who are racing to do the same. The world is set in a world similar to our own but full of creatures not found on our Earth.

There were some spelling and grammatical errors throughout the book and I felt like the story just kind of started off without any premise about the world and the creatures in it. Additionally, I think there could have been more information about the world rather than learning as the mystery is being solved. I would almost say the book is missing a whole introduction and could be filled with half of a books worth of information just to lay a good foundation for the rest of the story. I would have loved to learn more about the Others.

Summary:

Overall, this was a really interesting read. Johnson did an amazing job at coming up with a creative idea and painting a clear picture of the story

The Unburned Island

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Synopsis:

The year is 2025. Love in a pandemic can’t be quarantined in this quirky, playful romance. Can social distancing turn up the heat, rather than smother the flames? A struggling social media professional, meets a mysterious undiscovered musician. He’s self absorbed, and thinks the world revolves him. She is beautiful, shy and hates attention. Equal parts witty, steamy, and provocative, the first book in the Luna James Series is filled with unexpected twists.  

In a futuristic world of self-driving cars, drone aircraft, and robo-bartenders, Luna James struggles with her career as a social media influencer. A beautiful young Black woman, Luna turns heads wherever she goes. But her introverted personality causes her to write posts under the guise of a pen name. Deep down, she longs to be taken seriously for her writing talents. 

Then she meets Stryker Caine…  

An aspiring musician and notorious flirt, Stryker finds himself in an impossible situation. A man with a mysterious past, he is one of thousands suffering through the aftermath of the pandemic in New York City. With his radiant blond hair and seductive blue eyes, Stryker is used to getting any girl he wants. But now, social distancing has crippled his sex life.  

As the pandemic rages on, this tempestuous pair come down with a serious case of lust. Will love flourish under Quarantine? Will Luna come into her own? Ultimately, who will find redemption? Opposites attract, and anything can happen in this engaging quick read. Featuring original songs. 

Favorite Lines:

I didn’t keep track!

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book was a cute, and relatable romance story; especially because of COVID. Taking place in the near future, it tells the story of Luna and Stryker. Lune is a social media influencer who hits it big when she helps promote musician Stryker. The fall in love but the relationship has its struggles and they find themselves apart but unable to get over each other despite their successful lives.

There were some grammatical issues like where quotation marks are placed. But other than that, this was a cute little romance story. It was kind of fast paced as it jumps to one year in the future pretty quickly. My biggest complaint was that the ending was a bit abrupt. I would have loved a bit more detail and a chapter or two of what comes next.

Summary:

Overall, this was a quick, cute love story that involves love lost and the journey to find it again. If you love romance stories then this book is for you. Happy reading!

Six Feet Apart: Love in Quarantine

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Synopsis:

“The next Realm Walker will bring with them a storm. Lightning must fight the Crimson Shadow, or the lands will be cast into eternal darkness.” When she was a child, Esther was plagued with vivid nightmares. Now they have returned to haunt her. Bloodthirsty monsters chase her through a forest of dead trees while a mysterious hooded figure stalks her. After waking with fresh wounds from her dreams, Esther searches for the truth about who she is and the Hidden Realm she is destined to save. Join Esther on her journey of self-discovery as she travels into a world long forgotten. Unsure if she can trust her hooded guide, she is hunted by unknown enemies and smothered by expectations of grandeur. Deciphering friend from foe she travels the lands, trying to unite kingdoms torn by pride.

Favorite Lines:

“Literature gave Esther a high standard for men…”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

The story follows Esther as she finds herself in another world that she thought only existed in her dreams. She has to learn how to live in this strange, new world and fight for her life against monsters that she thought only existed in fairy tales.

This was a very interesting concept. Slauf did a great job at retelling and weaving fairy tales together. The only complaint that I would have is that the pacing would vary. Sometimes things moved too fast and other times too slow. Additionally, conversations could be very stop and start or have identical compositions for several sentences in a row.

Summary:

Overall, this was a really creative read. If you love action, adventure, romance, and fairy tale retellings then this book could be for you. Happy reading.

Hidden Realm

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Synopsis:

She’s been the victim and the survivor…

Poppy never dreamed she would find the love she’s found with Prince Casteel. She wants to revel in her happiness but first they must free his brother and find hers. It’s a dangerous mission and one with far-reaching consequences neither dreamed of. Because Poppy is the Chosen, the Blessed. The true ruler of Atlantia. She carries the blood of the King of Gods within her. By right the crown and the kingdom are hers.

The enemy and the warrior…

Poppy has only ever wanted to control her own life, not the lives of others, but now she must choose to either forsake her birthright or seize the gilded crown and become the Queen of Flesh and Fire. But as the kingdoms’ dark sins and blood-drenched secrets finally unravel, a long-forgotten power rises to pose a genuine threat. And they will stop at nothing to ensure that the crown never sits upon Poppy’s head.

A lover and heartmate…

But the greatest threat to them and to Atlantia is what awaits in the far west, where the Queen of Blood and Ash has her own plans, ones she has waited hundreds of years to carry out. Poppy and Casteel must consider the impossible—travel to the Lands of the Gods and wake the King himself. And as shocking secrets and the harshest betrayals come to light, and enemies emerge to threaten everything Poppy and Casteel have fought for, they will discover just how far they are willing to go for their people—and each other.

And now she will become Queen…

Favorite Lines:

“Don’t borrow from tomorrow’s problems?”

“Common sense. That must be a new thing for you.”

“Look at us, agreeing on who to kill and who not to.”

“Two wrongs never made things right or better, nor did they cancel one another out. They just were.”

“The heart doesn’t care how long you may have with someone… It just cares that you have the person for as long as you can.”

“Bravery is a fleeting beast, isn’t it? Always there to get you into trouble, but quick to disappear once you’re where you want to be.”

My Opinion:

This is book three of the Blood and Ash series by Jennifer L. Armentrout. If you have been following my blog for a while, you know I love love love Armentrout’s work; she is one of my favorite authors. I had been waiting for this book for so long. This book was very well written and the pace wasn’t too slow. If anything, I thought it was a TAD rushed at the end.

The story follows Poppy and Cas as they try to adjust to the idea that they may be King and Queen of Atlantia while still trying to uncover the secrets of their enemies and the mysteries that surround Poppy’s origins.

Armentrout did an amazing job at keeping me on my toes without being too confusing. I was always wondering how everything was going to piece together and then would get hit with another curve ball. I am still dying to know how everything will come out and if the series is going to go the direction that I think it will go. I am beyond excited to see where Armentrout takes it next.

Summary:

Overall, I really loved this book and love this whole series. The cliff hanger at the end just left me wanting more. Too bad we have to wait at least another yea. If you like high-fantasy romance, this book (and whole series) might interest you. Happy reading!

Crown of Gilded Bones

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