Author Archives: Barb

The House on Prytania by Karen White – a Review

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The House on Prytania by Karen White – a Review

 

 

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Description:
Nola Trenholm may not be psychic herself, but she’s spent enough time around people who are to know when ghosts are present, and there are definitely a few lingering spirits in her recently purchased Creole cottage in New Orleans. Something, or someone, is keeping them tethered to this world. And not all of them are benign.

But with the sudden return of Sunny Ryan, Beau Ryan’s long-lost sister, Nola has plenty to distract her from her ghostly housemates. Especially when the tempting–yet firmly unavailable–Beau, wanting to mete out justice to those he blames for Sunny’s kidnapping, asks Nola for a favor that threatens to derail her hard-won recovery and send her hurtling backward. He asks her to welcome Michael Hebert back into her life, even though Michael is the reason for Nola’s bruised heart. Beau is convinced that Michael’s powerful family was behind Sunny’s disappearance and that Michael is the key to getting information the police won’t be able to ignore–if Nola is willing to risk everything for which she’s worked so hard.

Torn between helping Beau and protecting herself, Nola doesn’t realize until it’s almost too late why the ghosts are haunting her house–a startling revelation that will throw her and Beau together to fight a common enemy. Assuming Nola can get Beau to listen to what the spirits are trying to tell him, because ignoring them could prove to be a fatal mistake…

 

 

Review:

The House on Prytania by Karen White is the 2nd book in her Royal Street series. The story continues with Nola Trenholm (heroine) still working on her new Creole cottage in New Orleans, which is haunted with ghosts (some good and some evil). Nola learned a lot of historic preservation, especially being the step daughter of Melanie, who has the ability to talk to ghosts (Tradd series).  We follow Nola, as she tries to get Beau (who does see ghosts, but refuses to talk to them); and with Beau’s sister (taken as a young girl) returning home, he is bent to find those who kidnapped her. Though Nola loves working on the house, she does fear the evil entity that seems to cause problems.

Beau is convinced that Michael’s (Nola’s ex-boyfriend) family was behind Sunny’s disappearance and that Michael is the key to getting information the police won’t be able to ignore.  Nola has second thoughts, but agrees to meet with Michael and his family to discover the truths, but first she welcomes her family who are visiting.  

It was great to see Mellie, Jack and the twins (Sarah and JJ), as well as an old flame, Cooper.   Sarah is only 13 years old, but she had the ability of seeing and hearing ghosts, which she gained from her mother, Melanie (Mellie).  Sarah was such a great addition, always giving Nola information she gained from reading certain books, as well as revealing what the ghosts are telling her.  Jolene, who has become Nola’s best friend, is such a fun and awesome character, always making sure Nola dressed properly, and cooking/baking for everyone. Thibeau and Jorge continues to help Nola with renovating the house, despite the ghosts. 

What follows is the mystery as to who kidnapped Sunny all those years ago, as well why the ghosts who haunt her house. As we reach closer to the end, some surprising secrets are revealed, and lives are threatened, with Nola and Beau working together to fight the evil entity.

The House on Prytania was so very well written by Karen White, which was an excellent story, with a fabulous heroine in Nola, in a town that has so much history, with ghosts, mystery, suspense and historical homes. I loved the wonderful secondary characters, especially Jolene. Karen White once again gives us a fabulous addition to this series and I look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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You’re My Home by Debbie Burns – a Review

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You’re My Home by Debbie Burns – a Review

 

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Description:
Coming home will always give you a second chance… When Riley Leighton and Levi Duncan finally meet again, the chemistry between them is as hot as ever. But as much as Levi has missed Riley all these years, he still remembers the heartbreak when she left him the first time… Riley has spent a lifetime running from love. Now that she’s home again, starting her dream job at the local pet rescue, she also has another chance to get it right with Levi. Everything Riley’s wanted but thought she couldn’t have is almost within reach.

 

 

Review:

You’re My Home by Debbie Burns is the 7th book in her wonderful Rescue Me series. Once again, Debbie Burns gives us another wonderful sweet story as we return to the High Grove Animal Shelter, where we also get to see many of the people we got to know in the previous books.

Riley Leighton (our heroine) has returned home to support her mom during her cancer treatment; it has been 12 years since she left home.  To her surprise, Riley runs into her ex-boyfriend from school, when she left town and broke his heart.

Levi Duncan (our hero), suffered a terrible accident during his deep-sea diver job, and has been warned that he cannot continue to do that job because of his severe concussion.  Taking time off to decide on his career, he receives a message from his friend Marcus to help out at his dog training camp. When Levi runs into Riley, he still feels the chemistry between them, even after all those years.  There friendship between them resumes, as Riley keeps their feelings as friends only, since knows she will eventually be leaving again.

When she discovers a Great Dane, who seems to be lost, she brings him to High Grove Animal Shelter, where she meets some of those she knew, such as Meghan, the director, Tess, Kelsey and Patrick.  Riley offers to help work at the shelter, and begins to love her job walking the dogs, as well as taking control of the social media for the shelter.  She realizes that she has fallen in love with Arlo, the Great Dane, which in time, she will adopt.

Riley and Levi spend a lot of time together, with both helping to promote the plans for Marcus’s training camp, and the fundraiser for the Shelter; not to mention their love of the dogs they help.    Slowly, their feelings bring them back together, and will need to decide what the future holds for them.

You’re My Home is a charming second chance romance that is delightful, heartwarming and fun story of two people trying to get beyond their past, and move forward. It was great to see some of the past characters who lead the previous books, but most of all, I adored the dogs and the adorable & lovable, Arlo.

Debbie Burns gives us another wonderful addition to her Rescue Me series, which was a delightful, heartwarming story that kept us hooked until the very end.  You’re My Home was well written by Debbie Burns.  If you love animals, with a romance in the background, you need to be reading this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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A Crown of Ivy and Glass by Claire Legrand – a Review

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A Crown of Ivy and Glass by Claire Legrand – a Review

 

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Description:
Lady Gemma Ashbourne seemingly has it all. She’s young, gorgeous, and rich. Her family was Anointed by the gods, blessed with incredible abilities. But underneath her glittering façade, Gemma is deeply sad. Years ago, her sister Mara was taken to the Middlemist to guard against treacherous magic. Her mother abandoned the family. Her father and eldest sister, Farrin—embroiled in a deadly blood feud with the mysterious Bask family—often forget Gemma exists.

Worst of all, Gemma is the only Ashbourne to possess no magic. Instead, her body fights it like poison. Constantly ill, aching with loneliness, Gemma craves love and yearns to belong.

Then she meets the devastatingly handsome Talan d’Astier. His family destroyed themselves, seduced by a demon, and Talan, the only survivor, is determined to redeem their honor. Intrigued and enchanted, Gemma proposes a bargain: She’ll help Talan navigate high society if he helps her destroy the Basks. According to popular legend, a demon called The Man With the Three-Eyed Crown is behind the families’ blood feud—slay the demon, end the feud.

But attacks on the Middlemist are increasing. The plot against the Basks quickly spirals out of control. And something immense and terrifying is awakening in Gemma, drawing her inexorably toward Talan and an all-consuming passion that could destroy her—or show her the true strength of her power at last.

 

 

Review:

A Crown of Ivy and Glass by Claire Legrand is the first book in her new The Middlemist Trilogy.  Each book is expected to follow each of the Ashbourne sisters. We meet Lady Imogen ‘Gemma’ Ashbourne at the start, as she is the youngest sister of three Ashbourne sisters.  The Ashbourne family was anointed by the gods, blessed with amazing abilities.  Gemma is the only one who does not have magic abilities; instead, her body suffers from chronic illness from magic surrounding her.  Gemma is beautiful, and outgoing, but also lonely, since her sister Mara was taken away to the Middlemist, to be a guard protecting Rosewarren.  Her father and other sister, Farrin see how much she suffers, and tend to often forget about her; not to mention her mother abandoned the family many years ago.  

During a party, Gemma meets Talan d’Astier, a charming handsome man, who immediately forms an attraction to Gemma.  Talan is determined to restore his family name and business, and Gemma offers a proposal to help her defeat the Basks (enemies), and she’ll help him redeem the family honor and respect.  In a short time, both Talan and Gemma began to have deep passionate feelings for each other.  He was so sweet and caring, especially with his ability to take away Gemma’s pain.  Gemma will learn more about Talon that will cause her to lose trust in him, especially with a demon called The Man with the Three Eyed Crown having some control over Talon. Can she help him fight this evil demon and save him?

Gemma is kidnapped by evil necromancers, as she shows signs of coming into her powers, with her slowly winning the friendship of some of the Villa group, such as Phaidra, Lulath, Nesset who will help her escape and become part of her group.  What follows is the increasing attacks in the Middlemist, which brings Mara and Farrin into the mix to fight the attacks, as well as the Basks (Ryder & Alastrina), who also join in to help defeat the enemies, as well as the demon controlling Talon. 

A Crown of Ivy and Glass was a very good story focusing on sisterhood, romance, mystery, gods, demons and magic. I really loved Gemma and Talon together, as well as her wonderful sisters. The secondary characters were very good. The last half of the book was very exciting, especially when Gemma uses her powers to defeat the enemy, and fight the demon inside of Talon.  A Crown of Ivy and Glass was very well written by Claire Legrand. I look forward to see which sister is next, as well as Talon hiding from the demon, and when he may return.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Book That Wouldn’t Burn by Mark Lawrence – a Review

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The Book That Wouldn’t Burn by Mark Lawrence – a Review

 

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Description:
A boy has lived his whole life trapped within a vast library, older than empires and larger than cities.

A girl has spent hers in a tiny settlement out on the Dust where nightmares stalk and no one goes.

The world has never even noticed them. That’s about to change.

Their stories spiral around each other, across worlds and time. This is a tale of truth and lies and hearts, and the blurring of one into another. A journey on which knowledge erodes certainty, and on which, though the pen may be mightier than the sword, blood will be spilled and cities burned.

 

 

Review:

The Book That Wouldn’t Burn by Mark Lawrence is the first book in his new The Library Trilogy. Lawrence creates a series revolving around a library, with a record for every book and places they are ruled to live; filled with knowledge, as well as truths and lies.

This story follows two main characters, a young girl, Livera, who lived in the Dust, and soldiers saved her and other young children’s after an attack by Sabbers (enemies); a young man, Evar, trapped in an isolated huge chamber within an ancient library that has many chambers.

As the years pass, Livera, who is fiery and passionate, constantly asks questions to increase her knowledge, as she finds books that allow her to learn more about the library. Livera, coming from the dust, is not respected by many on the council, as well as the king, but her amazing abilities that she has discovered, allows her to find things no one else can.  Evar is the calm one between his brother and sister, who are more violent than him.  During his constant traveling to find a way out, he meets a young girl (livera), whom they spent time together, and when a few years pass, he runs into her again. That seems to be the pattern, with Evar meeting up with Livera every few years, and now she is around 20.  Together they will explore all facets of the library and the various chambers.  We know that Livera and Evar became close, even with the many missing years, but together they were able to explore so much of the library, trying to find a way out.  Malar was one of the great characters, as he was the soldier to saved Livera, and over the years, he became her protector when necessary.  There were many very good characters between Livera and her friends, as well as Evar and his family.

This is a difficult review to write, as the whole concept was about books to reveal secrets, knowledge, freedom, and the first half of the book was very slow.  It does pick up in the latter part of the story, though a lot did remain somewhat confusing, but many things do fall into place closer to the end. 

The Book That Wouldn’t Burn was a different kind of fantasy, set in a huge immense library, with many chambers, with those who were trapped inside. The library had its own mechanism, with protectors of history, and the power of knowledge from those special books. The overall theme is knowledge, power, responsibility and war.  The Book that Wouldn’t Burn was a complex and intriguing story line that was well written by Mark Lawrence. However, I will note that I have loved a number of series by Lawrence, and this book was a bit slow for a big part of the book, but it was an exciting end. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Heart Stings by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Heart Stings (Elemental Assassin 19.5) by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

 

 

 

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Description:
Heart stings can be the most dangerous wounds of all . . .

Lorelei Parker has had plenty of “heart stings” in her life—moments that are both happy and sad. With her grandmother’s recent marriage, Lorelei has had far more good times than bad lately.

That all changes when a ruthless Ashland underworld boss starts threatening her, but Lorelei is determined to figure out why the other crime boss is so interested in her thriving business. She vows to use her elemental Ice and metal magic to do whatever it takes to defend herself and her family.

Also in the mix is the mercurial Hugh Tucker. Lorelei doesn’t know what the vampire is up to, or if he’s a friend or an enemy. Tucker might even be something else, something more—if Lorelei can stay alive long enough to figure out whose side he’s really on . . .

Note: Heart Stings is a 38,000-word novella from the point of view of Lorelei Parker. It takes place after the events of Last Strand, book 19 in the Elemental Assassin urban fantasy series.

 

 

Barb’s Review:
Heart Stings by Jennifer Estep is a novella (19.5 book) from her wonderful Elemental Assassin series.  This novella takes place after Last Strand (finale), and is focused on Lorelei Parker. Lorelei has become friends with Gin and her gang, and with Gin away on vacation, she helps her grandmother plan a wedding, since the last one was destroyed by an attack (Last Strand).

Lorelei is being threatened by the underworld boss, Clyde, who wants to buy her shipping business, and she keeps refusing.  She knows he will attempt to force her to accept, but Lorelei is ready to defend herself and her grandmother, with her elemental ice and metal magic ability. At a restaurant, having dinner with her family, Hugh Tucker stops over to say hello.  The attraction between the two of them sizzles, but both do not trust each other.  Lorelei overhears Tucker accepting a job working for Clyde, and is concerned if he is an enemy to her, or he has other plans. When she and Tucker end up in the same room, the both succumb to their feelings.

At the party, Lorelei is kidnapped by the underworld boss, and she learns the real reason for his wanting her shipping business. Clyde plans to find what he is looking for; he also plans to kill her; as well as kill Tucker. But Lorelei doesn’t worry, as she uses her elemental ice magic to stop Clyde, saving herself and Tucker, who also joins in to help defeat Clyde and his giants.

What follows is an exciting, romantic and wonderful story! I loved seeing Lorelei and Tucker together, as they were very steamy. Since this was a novella, it was nice to spend time with Lorelei, and see how she uses her powers to protect others.  Though I was not a big fan of Tucker in this series, he turned out very good in this story.

Heart Stings was very well written by Jennifer Estep, which was a fun short story, and I loved every minute.  Lorelei was a great heroine in this book. I hope sometime in the future, we get to see the heroes of Elemental Assassin, such as Gin, Finn, Owen, Bria, Silvo, Sophia, Jo Jo, along with Lorelei and Tucker. If you have not read the Elemental Assassin series, it is time for you to start now.

 

Sandy’s Review:

HEART STINGS is instalment 19.5 and novella in Jennifer Estep’s contemporary, adult ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN paranormal/urban fantasy series. This is business woman, ice and metal elemental Lorelei Parker, and vampire Hugh Tucker’s story line. HEART STINGS can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading LAST STRAND for back story and cohesion. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. HEART STINGS takes places approximately one month after the events of book 19-LAST STRAND, and the disastrous wedding reception of Lorelei’s grandmother Mallory Parker and her new husband Stuart Mosley.

NOTE: Heart Stings first appeared in the Dirty Deeds 2 anthology in 2022.

Told from first person perspective (Lorelei Parker) HEART STINGS follows Lorelei, a one time smuggler turned shipyard owner who is struggling with the likes of crime boss Clyde O’Neal. A dead body in her backyard, threats against her life, and vampire Hugh Tucker working for Clyde meant Lorelei Parker was in the direct line of fire, as Clyde O’Neal demanded ownership of Lorelei’s shipping yard but there is something in the shipyard that Clyde desperately wants, and Lorelei is standing in the way of Clyde’s demands.

HEART STINGS is a story of desperation and greed, flirtation and attraction, forgiveness, acceptance and love.The fast paced premise is intriguing and enchanting; the romance is subtle; the $ex scene is passionate; the characters are magical and determined. HEART STINGS is an exciting and interesting addition to the Elemental Assassin series where two previous- secondary characters finds their own happily ever after.

Copies supplied for review

 

 

Jennifer is graciously offering a $10 Amazon Gift card to ONE (1) lucky commenters  at The Reading Cafe:

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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The Daydreams by Laura Hankin – a Review

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The Daydreams by Laura Hankin – a Review

 

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Description:
A deliciously entertaining novel about the stars of a popular teen show from the early 2000s–and the reunion special, thirteen years after their scandalous flameout, that will either be their last chance at redemption, or destroy them all for good.

Back in 2004, The Daydreams had it all: a cast of innocent-seeming teenagers acting and singing their hearts out, amazing ratings, and a will-they-or-won’t-they romance that steamed up fan fiction forums. Then, during the live season two finale, it all imploded, leaving everyone scrambling to understand why.

Afterward, the four stars went down very different paths. Kat is now a lawyer in Washington, DC. Liana is the bored wife of a famous athlete. Noah, the show’s golden boy, emerged unscathed and is poised to become a household name. And Summer, the object of Noah’s fictional (and maybe real-life) affections, is the cautionary tale.

But now the fans are demanding a reunion special. The stars all have private reasons to come back: forgiveness, revenge, a second chance with a first love. But as they tentatively rediscover the magic of the original show, old secrets threaten to resurface–including the real reason behind their downfall.

Will this reunion be a chance to make things right? Or will it be the biggest mess the world has ever seen? No matter what, the ratings will be wild.

 

 

 

Review:

The Daydreams by Laura Hankin is a standalone novel, with POV’s from 2004 and 2018.  In 2004, four unknown teenagers were chosen to star in a musical drama, Daydreams, where they will be singing, dancing and acting, with terrific ratings in the first season. Summer is the beautiful girl next door, Noah is the handsome leading man, Kat plays the mean girl, and Liana istheir best friend, who also has an amazing voice. During the season two finale, all hell broke loose, and the show was cancelled. All four of them went their own ways, unable to handle some betrayal, competition, stress, paparazzi and fans.  13 years later, they all agree to return in a new reunion that has fans excited.

As the four of them reunite, they learn how so much has changed for all of them. Noah became a famous movie star, as he was the only one truly unscathed from the show.  Kat is now a lawyer in Washington, DC, hoping to become a partner.  Liana is a trophy wife influencer, married to a famous sports athlete.  Summer, who in 2004, was the rising star, but her life now was a meltdown, with her going to rehab.

What follows has the four of them rekindling their friendship, working together to sing and dance even better now, as they fall into the magic of the original show; but secrets are revealed, including betrayal, revenge, and love. I truly liked all four of them, as they were flawed and somewhat broken in many ways, especially owning up to mistakes they made years ago. Noah and Summer were still very much attracted to each other. Will there be a second chance to love?

The Daydreams was a thought-provoking emotional and fun story, with wonderful characters.  I loved the epilogue, which was very good.  The Daydreams was an entertaining story that was so very well written by Laura Hankin.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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The Bride Wore White by Amanda Quick – a Review

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The Bride Wore White by Amanda Quick – a Review

 

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Description:
Being Madame Ariadne, Psychic Dream Consultant, wasn’t Prudence Ryland’s ideal gig, but it paid well which was reason enough to do the work—until she realizes that her latest client intends to kill her. But Prudence, a master at reinvention, finds a new job and home as far away as possible and is finally able to relax—which turns out to be a big mistake. Letting her guard down means being kidnapped and drugged and waking up in a bloodstained wedding dress in the honeymoon suite next to a dead man. With the press outside the hotel, waiting with their cameras and police sirens in the distance, it’s obvious she’s being framed for the man’s murder. Prudence knows who is responsible, but will anyone believe her?

It doesn’t seem likely that rumored crime boss Luther Pell or his associate, Jack Wingate, believe her seemingly outrageous claims of being a target of a ruthless vendetta. In fact, Prudence is convinced that the mysterious Mr. Wingate believes her to be a fraud at best, and at worst: a murderer. And Jack Wingate does seem to be someone intimately familiar with violence, if going by his scarred face and grim expression. So no one is more shocked than Prudence when Jack says he’ll help her. Of course, his ideas for helping her involve using her as the bait for a killer, but Prudence feels oddly safe with Jack protecting her. But who will protect Prudence from her growing fascination with this enigma of a man?

 

 

Review:

The Bride Wore White by Amanda Quick is the 7th book in her wonderful Burning Cove series. This series takes place during the 1930’s in the small town of Burning Cove, California.  Some of the recurring characters we have met in the previous books continue to have secondary roles, as we return to Burning Cove.

We meet Prudence Ryland (our heroine) at the start, when she worked as a Psychic Dream Consultant, Madame Ariadne. When a customer comes into her store, her psychic ability gives her the vibe that this customer plans to kill her; when he makes his attempt on her, she manages to fight him off with her own powers, which causes the person to have heart failure.  Madame Ariande calls for an ambulance, and Prudence Ryland decides to drop this kind of work, and takes a job at the college library.  One night she is kidnapped, and wakes up next to a dead man, with her wearing a wedding gown with blood all over.  Prudence manages to escape, and calls Luther Pell in Burning Cove for help.

Prudence explains to Luther and Jack Wingate, who is a criminal consultant, about her kidnapping and murder threats, as well as her psychic dream reader ability as Madame Ariande.  Prudence and Jack get off on the wrong foot, he looks at her like a fraud; but Luther convinces them that together both of them can work well together, and find the people involved in trying to kill her or frame her for something she did not do. Jack, whose face was scarred from a fire, is very much familiar with violence, especially since he is creating a book to help police have clues on solving crimes.  Jack and Prudence slowly begin to work closely together, as he sets things in place to bait the killer; as well as protect her.   Their respect for each other grows, and a slow burn romance begins. There were many multiple antagonists, especially almost all members of the Dover Family. 

What follows is an exciting, intriguing, intense and suspenseful story that has a number of surprises and twists. The last half of the book was enthralling, as Prudence’s life was constantly in danger, and Jack was always there to protect her.  Prudence’s ability to not only read dreams, but to get people to reveal secrets, allowing for more surprises and clues.  I do not want to give spoilers, saying anything more would ruin the book for you.

The Bride Wore White was a terrific addition to this series, with a bit of romance, great couple, and a paranormal element.  Despite their bad start, I loved Prudence and Jack together. Amanda Quick once again gives us a complex mystery that had a bit of everything in this glamorous historical world of 1930’s.   I suggest you start this series from the beginning to enjoy the setting of this series, as well as meet some very good characters. However, each book does read very well as a standalone.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Rebuilding the Empire of Light by M.A. Abraham – a Review

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Rebuilding the Empire of Light by M.A. Abraham – a Review

 

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Description:
It is time for Endural to meet his Life Mate, this should be easy, right? Not even close.

In a state of total revolt, Eowen has decided she isn’t going to accept the status quo. It doesn’t go well for her. With their daughter out of control, Eol and Earwen send her to Gabriel and Eden for correction.

Eowen is not about to accept the dictates of her grandparents or her four aunts who are the same age as she is, but neither they, nor her grandparents are allowing her to get away with her attitude. What will it take to make her see the error of her ways?

The road to success for Eowen is rocky until she rises to face challenges she cannot resist.

 

 

Review:

Rebuilding the Empire of Light by M.A. Abraham is the 4th book in her One Empire series. The story starts when we meet Eowen (Earwen’s daughter and Eden’s granddaughter), who takes her brother with her to kill the desert snakes.  Eowen is very independent, not caring what anyone thinks, and even ignores what her mother and father tell her; she has no real friends.

Endural, knows who his lifemate is, but he cannot claim her for at least another 200 years.  He decides to travel to meet her, but along the way, he senses two people fighting off the dangerous snakes, and joins in to help them. To his surprise, Eowen is one of the two, and at the same time, Earwen and Eol arrive to help. Together, they all mange to survive. Earwen is angry that Eowen puts her self into danger, as well as her brother. When Eowen sees Endural, who also reprimands her, she realizes that he is her lifemate, and she is angry and nasty; but she also knows it will be a long time before he can claim her. When Endural leaves to go home, Eowen already feels the attraction.

Eowen continues to be out of control and her mother sends her to Eden and Gabriel to learn to change her ways. Gabriel tries to show her how to properly use a sword, but Eowen is stubborn and wants to do things her way.  Eden dictates Eowen to work with the aunts, and at the same time, become friends with her aunts, and learn how to be nice with others.  In her anger, Eowen curses the Fates, and thinks she has lost her powers, but it is Eden who proves to her that she still is able to use her talent.

The story changes about half way into the book, when Emperor Lothrariel sends Gabriel to go to the land of the Shadow Elves, which is closed off from anyone entering their portal.  Lorthrariel explains about the visions he has had, and the need to save those held in stasis. Gabriel brings his own army, as well as other Kings to find a way to enter the portal and fight for freedom for those who are buried alive.  The danger awaits them behind the portal, and Gabriel, as well as Lothrariel and the Kings must use their powers to break the portal and fight this war of evil.

I loved spending time with Gabriel and especially Eden. In the midst of the war, it was great to see all of our favorites from the past come help defeat the enemy, as well as help with the rescue; just about all of our wonderful elves made an appearance, which was awesome. The last half of the book was very exciting. Rebuilding the Empire of Light was a fast read, a bit emotional at times, and very well written by M.A. Abraham.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

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