Review: Six Moons, Seven Gods by Robert A. Walker

Synopsis:

“One must be careful practicing deception. The easiest to deceive will always be one’s self.”

The skilled thieves of the Takers Guild plot to overthrow the kingdoms of Baelon, but when their plans are thwarted by a prescient woman and her brooding daughter, they must turn to the League of Assassins for assistance. Meanwhile, retired royal guard Rolft Aerns returns to the palace of King Axil with an old score to settle. When they all cross paths–and swords–in the dark shadows of Fostead’s south end, nothing is as it seems and the murder count rises quickly.
The long fingers of the Guild reach everywhere, and one overly ambitious thief is all it takes to spark a chain of events that will haunt the world of Baelon for many years to come.

Six Moons, Seven Gods is book one in The Legends of Baelon.

Favorite Lines:

“One most be careful practicing deception. The easiest to deceive will always be oneself.”

“Death waits for us all, but it is far less patient with some.”

My Opinion:

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

It has been awhile since I have read a fantasy as intricate as something like this (other than Sarah J. Maas’ universes). I’ve watched Game of Thrones and such but I never read the books so this would have to be my first fantasy novel of this nature.

The first book in The Legends of Baelon series, this book is full of action, adventure, betrayal, friendship, vengeance, and loyalty. This story isn’t really tied to one set protagonist as there are many but is about Baelon as a whole. We are introduced to many characters and plots as we jump to different perspectives in this creative world that Walker has imagined. Think Game of Thrones meets Wheel of Time meets Lord of the Rings.

I thought this was a really creative book and Walker did a wonderful job at creating an immersive world full of descriptive characters and settings not to mention the unique mythology throughout. I found this to be a story that had me invested from start to finish and I could most definitely see this being a TV show someday.

Summary:

Overall, if you like fantasy, action, adventure, and political intrigue then this book could be for you. Happy reading!

Check out Six Moons, Seven Gods here


 

Review: 2024…Your Year of More by Noah William Smith

Synopsis:

ELEVATE YOUR LIFE WITH THIS UNIQUE SELF-HELP NEW RELEASE

“2024… Your Year of More” is your go-to book to set goals and mindfully invest your efforts. It appeals to adults of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds who wish to improve their lives. Its pages are packed with something special for everyone.

The pages contain practical ideas from A to Z, thought-provoking questions, and self-reflective exercises that inspire you to live your best life.

The book is an ideal companion during your moments of solitude. You can read it in the early morning before the rest of the world wakes up or during the evenings after a long day. You may also find it enjoyable while writing in your journal or taking a lunch break.

Enthusiastic indie author Noah William Smith knows the blessings and challenges of intelligence, creativity, high sensitivity and being a minority, underdog and outsider. While his books are based on his experiences, they offer valuable insights without being prescriptive or offering advice.

The book’s authenticity and invaluable insights make it a compelling read that will remain relevant for many years!

Are you considering investing in yourself or searching for the perfect gift for someone special? “2024… Your Year of More” is a life-changing book that you cannot afford to miss!

Favorite Lines:

Because this is more of an activity/active participation book, I thought rather than have favorite lines that I would flag some of my favorite sections which were: Letting Go, Openness, Peace, Resilience, and Vibrancy. 

My Opinion:

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

I rarely trade in fiction for another genre but when I do, I always hope to be blown away and this book was no exception. My 2024 goals include practicing more mindfulness and I think this book had a lot of tones that resonate with that.

This book is in a workbook format that includes space for readers to write down their thoughts and progress. It focuses on motivation, and planning for success and overall happiness. It helps readers adapt to unanticipated changes and how to work with/through them.

I could see how the structuring is a bit weird to some. As a type A individual, I am pretty rigid with planning etc. so it threw me off at first but I decided to make it a learning exercise in itself and to practice going with the flow of the information that was provided in the structure that it was provided in. Looking at it through that lens made it much easier to just enjoy the information being provided to me.

Summary:

Overall, if you’re looking for a self help book to inspire you to live your best life, then this book could be for you!

2024…Your Year of More


 

Review: The Essence of Magic by Michelle Ermens

Synopsis:

Hunted by strange creatures,

Desperate to protect her family,

Will finding magic help her keep them safe?

Thera has always known that she’s different from her loving human family. However, that would mean that she’s one of the specials, beings of legends – but how could it be, when no human has seen them for hundreds of years?

A visit from a masked stranger who warns her of danger, and an attack on her village shatter the life that she knew. She’s forced to flee with her mother and younger siblings and has no other choice but to enter special territory – a very dangerous place for humans to be.

They find temporary shelter in the home of a special named Raven, but they need more than temporary shelter. She needs a way to keep her family truly safe, she needs to be strong enough to be the one to protect them. The only way to do that might be to find the Magic’s Source and get some magic of her own.

Will she dare to seek it out? And if she does, what kind of magic will she receive? And will it be enough to keep her family safe?

Favorite Lines:

“I can sit in a library and learn from books whenever I want, but right now, I want to learn more about life and who I want to be, and I feel I can do that a lot better if I go with you.”

My Opinion:

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

I’m a sucker for fantasy stories and this book was no exception. Featuring a strong, brave main character with other lively, unique characters scattered throughout, Ermens did a good job bringing this story to life. There was also a major emphasis on family throughout the book which I think can get lost in other books but Ermens did a great job at holding true to the theme of family and the dynamics that take place in them.

This book had me hooked pretty early on; it doesn’t waste time introducing you to some action and mystery However, I will admit that this book wasn’t quite what I thought it was going to be, especially with more emphasis on character dynamics than I am used to but it was still an interesting story nonetheless. I also felt that the ending was a bit abrupt. The ending left room for more in the series but I felt like the scene was cut short mid-thought almost.

Summary:

Overall, if you like fantasy, magic, mystery, action, strong main characters, and family, then this book may be for  you. Happy reading!

The Essence of Magic