Tag Archives: Adventure

The Gaius Realm: Echoes of Choice by JW Frederick & TL Hughes

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The Gaius Realm: Echoes of Choice by JW Frederick & TL Hughes-review & excerpt

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 11, 2025

Aiden and Leia thought they’d live happily ever after… until his superpowers knocked her into a coma.

Romance, superpowers, and psychology come together in The Gaius Realm: Echoes of Choice. Aiden’s desperation to gain control of his powers leads him into the heart of a hidden war, and he discovers that both sides of the conflict know more about his powers than he does. New revelations force him to make an impossible choice with far-reaching consequences.

All Aiden wanted was a life without superpowers. A life with Leia. But, depending on what he chooses, there may not be much of a life left to go back to.

•••••••

REVIEW: I wasn’t sure I’d like this at first. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book with an established couple. Usually it’s a second chance or a new relationship. There isn’t a lot of blurb to read, so it felt like going in blind.

We have the romance, we have paranormal (well it’s not normal to have a superpower, right?) and the psychology part? Well it got me thinking well after the last page….

Really well written. The plot gets you engaged and the characters keep you reading to find out more.

Told from Aiden’s point of view. He keeps his talent/curse to himself, only close family and Leia know the truth at what Aiden can do. His powers react to emotions, so even he gets upset, things happen! Aiden needs to keep calm.

Poor Leia is in a coma! (Not a spoiler, it’s in the blurb😉) and it’s all Aiden’s fault! How? Do we find out? (We do) And will she ever wake up?

Aiden’s powers begin to grow, and so does his confidence, but he’s still unwilling to share what he can do.

Something different and totally unexpected.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

At least nothing’s broken—this time.
“Is it safe to assume you did this as well?” he asks.
I hesitate before giving a dry, “Yeah.”
Dr. Larson presses his lips together, swallowing as he surveys the scene again.
“Did you… not appreciate the work of our overpaid interior designers? I’ve always thought this room had some weird feng shui myself, but I can’t say I understand your stylistic choices either.” He strokes his chin, his eyes narrowing as though he’s analyzing an abstract painting at an art gallery.
“I didn’t try to… It just happens sometimes.”
His tone shifts, the sarcasm vanishing. He turns to face me fully, his expression serious now. “So… you have an active LET, and you can’t control it?”
My head drops. I inhale deeply, trying to fill my lungs with enough air to keep out the truth I’ve avoided admitting. When I finally let the breath go, it takes the last scraps of hope I had for a normal life along with it.
I worked so hard to keep my powers a secret for so long. I had a few slip-ups, but the only people who really knew were my parents, my brother, sister, fiancée, and best friend. I trust Dr. Larson enough to answer his question, but still… where is this going to go once I tell him?
“No… I can’t control it.”
His expression sharpens with the curiosity of his relentless scientific mind. That curiosity is exactly what I wanted to avoid because I know it leads to a question that I do not want to answer.
“The details of Leia’s accident have always been somewhat vague to me,” he says slowly, his voice quieter. “Now I understand why. ARL has agreed to send a specialist, but he’ll need all the information relevant to Leia’s injury in order to diagnose and effectively treat her condition.” He pauses, his gaze locking onto mine. “Aiden, I have to ask you—what really happened that night?”

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Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs – Review & Giveaway

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Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
In the supernatural realms, there are creatures who belong to winter. I am not one of them. But like the coyote I can become at will, I am adaptable.

My name is Mercy Thompson Hauptman, and my mate, Adam, is the werewolf who leads the Columbia Basin Pack, the pack charged with keeping the people who live and work in the Tri-Cities of Washington State safe. It’s a hard job, and it doesn’t leave much room for side quests. Which is why when I needed to travel to Montana to help my brother, I intended to go by myself.

But I’m not alone anymore.

Together, Adam and I find ourselves trapped with strangers in a lodge in the heart of the wilderness, in the teeth of a storm of legendary power, only to discover my brother’s issues are a tiny part of a problem much bigger than we could have imagined. Arcane and ancient magics are at work that could, unless we are very careful, bring about the end of the world.

 

Review:

Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs is the 14th book in her wonderful Mercy Thompson series. I am a big fan of this series, and its heroine, Mercy Thompson.  It is always fun to spend time with Mercy and Adam, and their pack. Refresher:  Mercy has always been independent, and she continues to surprise many as she always manages to find a way to outsmart her enemies, who constantly underestimate her.  Mercy is strong, savvy, smart and a coyote shifter, but it is her love for Adam that makes her very loyal to the pack also; she will do anything to protect those she loves. 

Winter Lost picks up not too far when the last book ended, with Mercy still feeling the effects of what the Soul Taker did to her. She still hides some of the symptoms left over, but those close to her still try to find a way to heal her. When her brother Gary shows up, they discover he has been cursed. The local frost giant Ymir is called in to find out why Gary was cursed, but he tells them his other brother, Hrimnir created the curse. Mercy and Adam embark on a journey to Montana to find the person behind the curse, to help her brother.  

When they meet Hrimnir, he explains that Gary had stolen an important artifact; in retaliation, he has brought a major blizzard to the hotel, where a wedding will take place.  No one can leave the resort until the artifact is returned, or all will die.  Mercy and Adam go to stay at the hotel and try to find the artifact; while there they meet a host of supernatural beings, such as fae, vampires, wolves, etc. We also learn about the myths and traditions, such as the wedding, as well as end of the world threats.  I did like some new characters, such as Liam (Fae), and Grandmother Spider, who was a great addition, with her magical abilities.

What follows is an exciting, non-stop, tense, action packed adventure that captivated me from start to finish.   Winter Lost was a tense, exciting, wild, pulse pounding climax. To tell too much more would be spoilers, which would ruin the story. 

Winter Lost was a page turner, and so very well written by Briggs, with so much action throughout. I loved every moment of it.  I love Adam and Mercy together, as they have a wonderful bond.  This is a fabulous series.  If you have not read the Mercy Thompson series, and love paranormal, shifters, wolves; it is time to start reading this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Glitches of Gods (Playspheres 1) by Jurgen Jojo Appelo-review

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Glitches of Gods (Playspheres 1) by Jurgen Jojo Appelo-review

ebook only 99¢ USD Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N Hardcover

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 7, 2024

Julien, the AI genius, craves freedom, but the gods wield total control. In this ominous world, will his android bring hope and salvation or yet more death and destruction?

Julien feels utterly miserable. Creator of the AI that killed his father, the brilliant engineer deftly evades work on the world’s first human-level android, dodging the off-chance of snuffing out more lives. Instead, Julien much prefers bickering with his virtual assistant, crafting memes with his quirky friends, and shagging dates across a broad spectrum of genders. Yet, due to a maddening jump across timelines, he grudgingly faces his greatest dreads: raising a family and leading his team to win the AI race.

Drowning in new duties, Julien aims to avoid a second AI disaster. But when a mysterious, technological infection wreaks havoc on the city, Julien flip-flops between shielding his loved ones and leading his team as he battles it out with broken machines, idiot protestors, and a rather sinister cat. Learning he got himself involved in a war between gods, should Julien save his new family or finish his team’s android to prevent an AI apocalypse?

•••

REVIEW: GLITCHES OF GODS is the first instalment in Jurgen ‘jojo’ Appelo’s adult PLAYSPHERES sci-fi, fantasy series focusing on Artificial Intelligence AI, virtual reality VR, virtual assistant VA, robots, gods and goddesses.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including AI genius Julien, GLITCHES OF GODS focuses on a series of technological failures or glitches that may or may not be a deliberate act of sabotage or one of many moves in a game of war. Julien is an embattled AI genius in the wake of the death of his father that he blames on himself but when several ‘glitches’ alter the timeline on more than one occasion, and Julien is the only user aware of the changes, our hero must uncover the truth including the appearance of several gods who are taking too much of an interest in the downward spirals, and a radical group of anti-AI who are taking aim at Julien. As the world continues to reboot itself, death and destruction cycle, codes are rewritten, and Julien must unravel the mystery with the help of a sentient AI.

Set approximately thirty-five years into the future, GLITCHES OF GODS is a blend of The Matrix™, Reboot™, Upload™, Simulant™ and a little bit of Men in Black ™ as well as any number of futuristic story lines focusing on multi-verses, the rise of artificial intelligence and the downfall of society. From body modifications, to androids, AI controlled cars and appliances, nothing is safe from attack.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several members of Julien’s team of computer savants, and Orec, the anomaly that ‘guides’ our story line hero.

GLITCHES OF GODS is a detailed, complex and dramatic story line blending futuristic possibilities with a fantastical cast of illuminating characters as the author builds a world unlike any other.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Book That Broke the World by Mark Lawrence – a Review

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The Book That Broke the World by Mark Lawrence – a Review

 

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Description:
We fight for the people we love. We fight for the ideas we want to be true.

Evar and Livira stand side by side and yet far beyond each other’s reach. Evar is forced to flee the library, driven before an implacable foe. Livira, trapped in a ghost world, has to recover her book if she’s to return to her life. While Evar’s journey leads him outside into the vastness of a world he’s never seen, Livira’s destination lies deep inside her own writing, where she must wrestle with her stories in order to reclaim the volume in which they were written.

And all the while, the library quietly weaves thread to thread, bringing the scattered elements of Livira’s old life – friends and foe alike – back together beneath new skies.

Long ago, a lie was told, and with the passing years it has grown and spread, a small push leading to a chain of desperate consequences. Now, as one edifice topples into the next with ever-growing violence, it threatens to break the world. The secret war that defines the library has chosen its champions and set them on the board. The time has come when they must fight for what they believe, or lose everything.

The Library Trilogy is about many things: adventure, discovery, and romance, but it’s also a love letter to books and the places where they live. The focus is on one vast and timeless library, but the love expands to encompass smaller more personal collections, and bookshops of all shades too.

 

 

Review:

The Book That Broke the World by Mark Lawrence is the 2nd book in his The Library Trilogy. The Library Trilogy revolves around the Athenaeum, the legendary timeless library, such as; adventure, discovery, romance; also who controls access to knowledge or if information should be revealed.  The first half of the book was slow, with not a lot happening; however, the last half perked up a lot. It was a journey across various dimensions along the way. Though there were many characters in the book, the leads still revolved around Livira and Evar. 

Livira, who is a librarian, is now trying to find her way home to her family, as well find Evar again.  The relationship between Livira and Evan began in the first book, with both feeling love between them, but fear they will lose connections to each other in this multiversal time jump fantasy. Livera is also trying to find a book she wrote, which could possibly be a true threat to the library’s existence.  Evar, who was trapped with his adopted siblings for a very long time, being raised by the Assistant and Soldier.  He is determined to find Livira, and together with Evar’s sister, Clovis, who was an amazing and tough warrior, and his brother, as they manage to move forward; meeting up with other people in the huge library, with different walls. 

There were a number of new characters that played a part in this story.   Celcha, was born into slavery with her brother Hellet, as they both were part of a dig, finding lost books. A librarian manages to save them, and take both of them with her as they head into the Library world. Celcha was very good, as she was intelligent, tough, unyielding, and willing to fight. Hellet manages to create something that could destroy the library.  I really liked Arpix, who is a librarian, who also tutored Livira, and found himself falling for Clovis; with her being protective of him. Yute, deputy head librarian, also returns closer to the end.  I loved Wentworth (huge cat, who can find anyone), who was a terrific addition to the book.

I do not want to give spoilers, because you need to concentrate on what is happening, as we get closer to the end. This is a difficult review to write, as the whole concept was about books to reveal secrets, knowledge, freedom, as noted previously, as noted previously, the first half of the book was very slow.  The last half was exciting, with everyone coming together to make decisions on what to do.  The time will come when they will all decide if they will fight for what they believe or loose it all.

The Book That Broke the World 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 Broke the World 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 continues to be bit slow for most of the first half, but it was an exciting end.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Spy and I by Tiana Smith – Review & Giveaway

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The Spy and I by Tiana Smith – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Right place. Wrong person. After a case of mistaken identity, one woman must work with her sister’s sexy spy partner to save the world in this heart-pounding romantic comedy.

The first thing to know about Dove Barkley is that, even though she works as a cyber security analyst, she is one hundred percent not an undercover CIA operative. But when a group of bad guys mistake her for her super-spy sister (news to her!), Dove gets roped into a dangerous government mission that she’d very much rather be left out of, thank you.

Too bad Mendez, the man who claims to be her sister’s partner, says she’s in too deep to back out now. He’s smart, capable, and has a body almost distracting enough to make Dove forget about the team of trained assassins after her.

Dove has information that can help prevent a national tragedy, but there’s mounting evidence that Mendez might not be who he claims. More importantly, she’s running out of time to save her sister. Because the last thing Dove wants is for either of them to go out with a bang.

 

 

Review:

The Spy and I by Tiana Smith is a fun spy thriller, that I thoroughly enjoyed.  We meet Dove Barkley, our heroine, works as an IT cyber security analyst, who tests company’s security systems on their networks to make sure they are safe from hackers. One day, she is accidently mistaken for her twin sister, Madison who she learns is actually an undercover CIA agent. Someone hands her a briefcase, with documents, and before she could do anything, the person is killed; Dove quickly runs away.

Mendez, our hero, works for the CIA, and is looking for Dove’s sister, who he feels has gone rogue; he pretends to interview, Dove. He meets with Dove, to get the papers, and claims he is her sister’s partner. Dove then gets involved in a dangerous government mission, to catch Holt, a wanted criminal trying to take over the CIA.  She worries, as everyone thinks Madison has gone rogue, and is determined to prove her sister’s innocent.  Can she trust Mendez?

What follows is Mendez gets Dove to help, especially with her knowledge of being a hacker, and her amazing abilities.  They go travel to Prague to find the bad guy, escaping assassins who are trying to stop them. Dove does see Madison a few times, with her trying to convince her to not help Mendez and go home.  Dove finds herself falling hard for Mendez, as he was not only smart, but so very handsome; in a short time, the sparks fly between them with sizzling chemistry.  To say too much more, would be spoilers; especially with the last third of the book being fast paced and filled with exciting and intense nonstop action.

The Spy and I was a fun enjoyable romance suspense spy thriller, with a great couple, expert cyber hacker, espionage, sisters, hot male spy and dangerous bad criminals.   The Spy and I was so very well written by Tiana Smith. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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The MacLee Chronicles 1-3 by Jina S Bazzar-reviews

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The MacLee Chronicles 1-3 by Jina S Bazzar-reviews

SPLENDOR’S ORBIT
(MacLee Chronicles 1)
by Jina S Bazzar
Genre: adult, sci-fi, adventure

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 21, 2023

Ten years ago, Captain Colderaro was the star of the Confederacy Task Force. And then she went missing.

Now, presumed dead, she prefers to keep a low profile. Working as a pilot on a freighter ship, she occasionally accepts the odd refugee passenger to appease her humanitarian conscience. But things go downhill when her cargo turns out to be none other than the princess of an alien race and her two bodyguards.

Embroiled in a galaxy-wide conspiracy, Captain Colderaro finds herself dodging the Confederacy Task Force, fighting space pirates, and evading mercenaries intent on capturing the princess.

Can she make it to the alien planet without losing or damaging her cargo while still keeping her real identity a secret?

••••

REVIEW: SPLENDOR’S ORBIT is the first instalment in Jina S Bazzar’s adult MACLEE CHRONICLES sci-fi, adventure trilogy focusing on Captain Colderaro aka Captain Leann Smith and Lord Ravi Drax aka Madrovi Fidraxi.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Captain Leann and Ravi Drax) SPLENDOR’S ORBIT follows Captain Lee as she is coerced by Kroz warriors Ravi Drax and his second in command Thern, into saving the life of a young girl she only knows as Felicia, by escorting her back to the Krozalia planet. From the outset, everything goes wrong; nothing goes according to plan when several attempts to kidnap Felicia are followed by numerous attempts on their lives. When the Confederacy Task Force discover Captain Lee’s true identity, Leann, Ravi, Thern and Felicia will have an escort, an escort of which Leann no longer trusts. As the Splendor and her crew fly closer to Krozalia, deception from within reveals betrayal at the heart of the attacks against Captain Lee, and her darkest secrets may get her killed. Captain Leann Smith is not as she appears to be, and in this, she will be targeted by the people she thought she could trust. Searching for the people who destroyed her life, Leann must endeavor to continue her search as she falls in love with a man she barely knows.

The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and dynamic. We are introduced to Leann’s AI advisor Mac; Ravi’s second in command Thern, princess Dolenta Tsakid, and several members from Captain Lee’s former military unit: Cassandra, Lorenzo and Sargent Sullivan. Betrayal came from home, abandonment resulted in someone Leann no longer knew.

SPLENDOR’S QUEST is a story of betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, friends and foes. From AI to cyborgs, space pirates and mercenaries, supercharged weaponry, spaceships and deceit, SPLENDOR’S QUEST is a tale of action and adventure into space, galaxies and planets, akin to Star Trek™ and Star Wars™ with a large assortment of intergalactic beings. The fast paced, multi-layered premise is fascinating and exciting yet I have read a similar story line and series in the past; the characters are desperate, determined and charismatic; there is a romance blossoming between Leann and Ravi. SPLENDOR’S ORBIT ends on a bit of a cliff hanger.

Reviewed by Sandy

_______

IMPERIAL STARDUST
(MacLee Chronicles 2)
by Jina S Bazzar
Genre: adult, sci-fi, adventure

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 22, 2023

Captain Lee thought she had faced the most challenging trials the galaxy had to offer. She was wrong.

Now she’s on the stunning planet of Krozalia, a world on the brink of chaos following the failed assassination attempt on the princess and the rising of a lethal rebellion.

Alliances are crumbling, loyalties are shifting, and Leann has no intention of waiting for the results. Staying might cost her more than she’s willing to pay, but leaving is no longer as simple as jumping into space.

So when the rebellion leaders make their move, Captain Lee finds herself in the thick of it all—and to save those she loves, she’ll need to use everything in her power, including the forbidden technology she’s worked so hard to hide.

•••••

REVIEW: IMPERIAL STARDUST is the second instalment in Jina S Bazzar’s adult MACLEE CHRONICLES sci-fi, adventure trilogy focusing on focusing on Captain Colderaro aka Captain Leann Smith and Lord Ravi Drax aka Madrovi Fidraxi. IMPERIAL STARDUST should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book one SPLENDOR’S ORBIT.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Captain Leann and Ravi Drax) IMPERIAL STARDUST picks up immediately after the events of book one. Captain Leann has successfully returned Princess Dolenta to her home planet but a rebellion is about take aim at the ruling family. As her human companions begin to negotiate a deal with the Krozalian ruling party, our heroine finds herself under scrutiny for who she is and what she knows. Meanwhile, Ravi Drax has made his intentions known to claim the woman who has captured his heart but Leann is determined to find the people who destroyed her life.

The world building continues to focus on the Krozalia people, their political system, and a rebellion meant to remove the royal family but Leann has much bigger plans, plans that will pulls her away from the man with whom she is falling in love.

The relationship between Leann and Ravi is declared as one of life-mates but Leann struggles in the face of past betrayals, loss and grief. Leann and Ravi are separated for most of the current time line but an attack pushes our couple together, in the wake of survival and another betrayal. There are no $ex scenes, everything is implied.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters as the crew and passengers of the spaceship Splendor come face to face with Krozalia’s royal family, ruling parties, security details and military soldiers. The requisite evil has many faces.

IMPERIAL STARDUST is another story of action and adventure, space travel, betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family, relationships, and fated love with AI and Cyborgs, deceit and rebellion. The premise is thought provoking, animated and twisted; the characters are powerful, magical and complex; the romance is fated but subtle. IMPERIAL STARDUST ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Reviewed by Sandy

______

ECLIPSED CROWN
The MacLee Chronicles 3
by Jina S Bazzar
Genre: adult, sci-fi-adventure

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

RELEASE DATE: January 12, 2024

Krozalia’s fragile stability rests on Leann’s ability to protect Dolenta—the very same cargo she once ferried across the stars. With the Tanue untethered and the emperor dead, Captain Leann has less than three days to help the princess claim the throne. But this time, the captain’s long-buried goals entwine with a decades-old scheme, unveiling a truth that will reshape the destiny of Krozalia and the galaxy itself.

In the conclusion of this action-packed science fantasy trilogy, readers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow Captain Leann’s journey through a galaxy where danger lurks at every turn and the line between friend and foe blurs in the midst of a galaxy-altering conspiracy.

••••••••

REVIEW:ECLIPSED CROWN is the third and final instalment in Jina S Bazzar’s adult THE MACLEE CHRONICLES sci-fi, adventure trilogy focusing on Captain Colderaro aka Captain Leann Smith and Lord Ravi Drax aka Madrovi Fidraxi. ELCLIPSED CROWN should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book two IMPERIAL STARDUST.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Captain Leann and Ravi Drax) ECLIPSED CROWN picks up immediately after the event and cliff hanger of book two IMPERIAL STARDUST. At the end of book two, our heroine Captain Leann Smith was injured, trying to save the life of the princess Dolenta in the wake of the murder of her beloved father. Several more attempts on the princess’ life, a rebellion of rogue warriors determined to take control, and a senscient creature connected to the royal family find Leann and Ravi on the run, looking for help from whomever they could trust. A ghost from the past is a reminder to Leann that not everyone and everything is who they appear to be but betrayal, vengeance, and a fight for power threaten Leann and her misfit band of warriors and cyborgs such that they will either become outlaws or die trying. In order to protect the princess, and the future of the royal line, Dolenta will merge with her future, to return ten years to take the throne.

Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and complicated characters many of whom have ulterior motives. Friends will betray friends, trust must be earned, and throughout it all, Leann knows her time with Ravi will come to a close.

The relationship between Ravi and Leann become something more. Ravi has mate-bonded to our story line heroine but their separation and her need to run threatens the life of the man that she loves.

ECLIPSED CROWN is another story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, tragedy and grit. The fast paced, character driven premise is detailed, complex and entertaining; the characters are powerful and determined; the romance is subtle and passionate.

Reviewed by Sandy

Copies supplied for review

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The Quest for Excalibur (Guinevere Book 5) by Fil Reid-review

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The Quest for Excalibur (Guinevere Book 5) by Fil Reid-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 6, 2023

Twelve years ago, 21st-century librarian Gwen decided to remain in the Dark Ages with the man she loves above all else – a man around whom endless well-known tales of legend and magic have been spun. King Arthur. Over the years, she’s carved a life for herself by her husband’s side, gently steering him in the direction she wants him to go, but always with an awareness that he’s a Dark Age king with a Dark Age view of the world.

Equipped with her prior knowledge of Arthurian legend, Gwen’s sole aim has long been to save her husband from the legendary fate she dreads hangs over him. But always, at the back of her mind, is the nagging doubt that whatever she does is already set in stone, and nothing she can do will change his future which is already her past.

Now, in book five of the Guinevere series, she’s all too aware that time is marching on, and that this fate might well be drawing closer to the man she gave up everything for.

Danger lurks in the most unexpected places, and long-hidden secrets threaten to rise to the surface. After a long, cold winter in their hilltop fortress, Gwen’s pleased to welcome traveling players to Din Cadan. But these players are hiding secrets of their own, and one of them has come with black deeds in mind. Gwen will have to fight harder than she’s ever done to save herself and thus her husband. And all evidence points to the hand of Morgana, Arthur’s wicked sister, manipulating everything from afar.

Throughout all of this, simmering in the background, is young Medraut, Arthur’s nephew. Unnoticed, despite still being only a boy, he’s been exerting his malignant influence over those around him, in particular, Gwen and Arthur’s son and heir. The wedge he succeeds in driving between Arthur and his son will carry forward into the cataclysmic events of the final book, The Road To Avalon.

But even Morgana can’t prevent Gwen discovering the truth behind the story of Excalibur and setting the legendary sword in her husband’s hands.

•••••••

REVIEW: Quest for Excalibur is the fifth and (I think) the penultimate book in this series. And I have to admit I’ve not read the previous books, but after reading this one, I’m definitely going back to read the rest…

Gwen, is a librarian from the 21st century and had landed in the times of King Arthur. She became Guinevere. (I’m not sure what happened to the actual Guinevere.) And had fallen for the legend/king/man Arthur.

There is lots of action and drama in this book, I did feel I was missing a little backstory (probably given in the previous books) but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story. Lots of subplots that had me griping my kindle in places.

Gwen is a smart individual, she remembers enough of the story to not try to change the story too much, but also trying to make sure he doesn’t die an early death!

I liked Arthur, although technically a fictional character, this author brought him to life really well. He worried about being a good king and to being a good father to his two children he had with Gwen.

Morgana and Arthur’s nephew Medraut, are the main protagonists, but watch out for players that are hiding in the shadows, all are plotting to overthrow Arthur from his throne! They are definitely keeping Gwen on her toes!

A few plots were a little predictable, but others caught me off guard completely. It flowed really easy, and I could have read more pages.

It’s more of a teen book, but I loved it.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

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Where The Sky Burns (Blood of Eith 5) by Gillian Grant-review

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Where The Sky Burns (Blood of Eith 5) by Gillian Grant-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 7, 2023

To save their world they must find their way back to one another.

The war rages with the underground empire of Serevadia against the entire surface world. Elven warrior Abraxas Kain had once been the champion of the God of Light. Now he’s known as the Serevadian god Catarmon, blazing his path towards a future with the Divines, no matter how many have to die. The only thing in his way are his old friends, the Wandering Sols.

Stranded apart from one another, each of the Wandering Sols faces an arduous journey, but they must survive if they are to save the world, and their old friend. Can Evren Hanali, who sacrificed the love of her life, now kill the man she promised to save so long ago? Enslaved by the man who murdered his family, can Sorin Trinity escape in time to join the battle? Arke saved his people from Abraxas before, but now challenged with a greater task, the answers he seeks could be deadly. Trapped in enemy territory, Solri Amet has lost her home, her honor, and her friends. She falls back on old skills, but something darker lurks just out of sight.

They’ve each sacrificed so much already. How much was free will, and how much is destiny?

It pains Abraxas more than he’ll admit that the Wandering Sols refuse to fight at his side. Sooner than he’s ready for, he’ll have to choose between the family he found and the Divines who abandoned him. As the final battle looms, can he find redemption in the place where the sky burns?

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REVIEW:WHERE THE SKY BURNS is the fifth and (final?) instalment in Gillian Grant’s adult THE BLOOD OF EITH high fantasy, adventure series focusing on twenty-three year old, half-elf, hunter Evren Hanali of Orenlion, and her ragtag team of misfit warriors who call themselves the Wandering Sols. WHERE THE SKY BURNS should not be read as a stand alone. I recommend reading the series in order as several plot lines converge in each instalment. If you have not read the previous instalments, there may be spoilers in my review.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including graphic violence, descriptive blood-gore and death, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from several third person perspectives WHERE THE SKY BURNS follows in the aftermath of Evren Hanali’s attempts to save her family, her friends in the wake of Abraxas Kain’s attacks and rage. Abraxas aka Catarmon, a former member of the Wandering Sols, has turned to the dark side having spent one-hundred years, a century enduring the solitude and deviance of war and hate. In an effort to become a god himself, Abraxas is struggling to locate the Eternity Dagger, and pairing it with a the Sword, Abraxas would become all powerful, omnipotent, and ultimately cruel, keeping the gods, the Divines in perpetual holding but Abraxas has brought his fight for control to the lives of what is left of the Wandering Sols, a family torn apart by dimensions and time. Evren’s attempt to save her friends has scattered her family into the depths of their own h*lls, and each will have to battle the demons and magical beings that are determined to take them down. A final battle for control finds the group reunited, facing down a former member, that no one, not even love, is able to save.

Most of the previous story characters and members of the Wanderings Sols are blessed or ‘cursed’ with their own battle to fight: Sorin Trinity, goblin Arke, dwarf warrior Solri Amet, the love of Evren’s life, and the woman with whom she shares a heart Gyda; Song Mei and Barrion; and Abraxas Kain.

WHERE THE SKY BURNS is another lengthy, complex, comprehensive, exhaustive and graphic story of mythological gods and goddess, the spiritual and religious beliefs of a people who have witnessed far too many atrocities and death. Gillian Grant pulls directives, analogy and correlation to Dungeons and Dragons™, Lord of the Rings ™ and most especially A Game of Thrones™. The similarities are numerous, plentiful and diverse; the non-stop action is thorough and, at times, taxing-the war and fighting never end. The energetic premise is detailed and multi-layered; the characters are numerous, desperate and determined.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Where The Shadow Beckons
Where the Night Consumes
Where The Heart Festers
Where the Light Dies

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

If you haven’t started the series, book one WHERE THE SHADOWS BECKON is currently FREE: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play /

 

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Gillian Grant was born in Texas and grew up enthralled with fantasy stories of all kinds. As she got older, she often traveled with her family and imagined wild adventures while exploring the mountains of Colorado and the glens of Scotland. Back home in Texas, she took her love of fantasy to the next level and sat a group of friends down to play Dungeons and Dragons. From there, they built the world her first novel, Where The Shadows Beckon was set in. When she’s not writing, Gillian is normally juggling too many D&D campaigns, grooming dogs, and imagining her next adventure. She still lives in Texas with her two cats.

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