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Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review & Giveaway

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Description:
Crown princess. Clever spy. Powerful mind magier. Gemma Ripley of Andvari is all those things–and determined to stop an enemy from using magical tearstone weapons to conquer her kingdom.

Gemma’s quest for answers leads her to a trade Summit between the various kingdoms. Among the other royals in attendance is Queen Maeven Morricone of Morta and her son, Prince Leonidas–Gemma’s charming and dangerous nemesis.

Gemma knows that Maeven always has a long game in motion, and sure enough, the cunning queen invokes an arcane tradition that threatens the fragile truce between Andvari and the other kingdoms. Despite her best intentions, Gemma once again finds herself thrown together with Leo and battling her growing feelings for the enemy prince.

When a series of deadly attacks shatters the Summit’s peaceful negotiations, Gemma realizes that someone wants to tear the royals down from their thrones–and that this enemy just might succeed.

 

Barb’s Review:
Tear Down the Throne by Jennifer Estep is the 2nd book in her Gargoyle Queen series.  I am a big fan of Jennifer Estep, and I couldn’t wait for Tear Down the Throne; I am happy to say I am loving this series.

Tear Down the Throne picks up where it left off in the last book, with Gemma back home in Andvari. Gemma has recovered from her injuries (scars still remain), which her evil enemy Milo inflicted on her.  But nothing stops Gemma from continuing spying on Milo, as well as Maeven, to learn what they are up to; especially with Milo’s use of the tearstone.   Gemma always has her friend Reiko, who is also a spy, with her when they investigate; I really liked how close Gemma and Reiko were.  Slowly, Gemma learns to use her magical powers, which begin to increase.

The annual Summit is upon us, with all royals from various kingdoms gathering to make trades.   Gemma knows she will come face to face with Queen Maeven Morricone of Morta, as well as her evil son, Prince Milo, and Prince Leonidas (the man she truly cares for), whom she feels betrayed her during her capture. Determined to ignore Leo, Gemma knows this will be heard, as they both have strong feelings for each other; the caveat is that they are both from warring kingdoms.   I really loved Gemma and Leo together, and prayed they would find a way. 

Queen Maeven is up to her old tricks, and invokes an old tradition that threatens the fragile truce between all other kingdoms. This will also push Gemma and Leo closer together, even if she continues to deny her feelings; they begin to work together to try and see what Milo is planning, to destroy his mother, and assume control of Morta, and all kingdoms, including Andvari.

What follows is an exciting, tense, wild last half of the book that had me on the edge of my seat.  Gemma was an amazing heroine, as she continues utilize her growing power, especially against another dangerous enemy.   The wild crazy climax was a thrill a minute, with all their lives in danger and me holding my breath to see if she would survive. At one point near the end, with her life on the line, Gemma rises up with help from her loyal gargoyles and friends.  To say too much more would be spoilers. I will say this was non-stop action from start to finish, with magic, mystery, political intrigue, suspense, mystery, and some surprises along the way.

Jennifer Estep has given us another fantastic story, filled with, magic, mystery, betrayal, espionage; as well as a slow burn romance that beings to opening move forward.  Tear Down the Throne was so very well written by Estep, which is no surprise, as I love all her books. I cannot wait for the next book.  If you enjoy fantasy, you need to start reading the Gargoyle Queen series, which you should start with the first book, Capture the Crown.

 

Sandy’s Review

TEAR DOWN THE THRONE is the second instalment in Jennifer Estep’s adult, GARGOYLE QUEEN dystopian, fantasy series, a spin off from the author’s CROWN OF SHARDS series. The Gargoyle Queen trilogy focuses on the secondary characters originally introduced in the Crown of Shards series. This is twenty-nine year old, Andvari Princess Gemma Ripley, and Mortan Prince Leonidis Morricone’s story line. TEAR DOWN THE THRONE should not be read as a stand alone as some of the events in the current time line are as of a direct result of the events in book one CAPTURE THE CROWN but the author does recap some of the history and background using memories and reflections.

SOME BACKGROUND: Sixteen years earlier, Gemma Ripley lost everything including the ability to control her magic the day Queen Maeven declared war on her family, killing her mother, and destroying her heart in the process. As Gemma’s ‘mind magic’ becomes more powerful than she could have ever imagined, our heroine struggles to forgive and forget, knowing she will one day have to destroy the people who destroyed her life, including the man that she loves.

NOTE: If you have not read book one, there may be spoilers in my review.

Told from first person perspective (Princess Gemma) TEAR DOWN THE THRONE continues to focus on Princess Gemma Ripley as she tries to uncover the truth behind the mining and disappearance of the magical ‘tearstone’ in Mortan territory. Weeks earlier, working as a spy, Gemma went undercover in enemy territory but found herself imprisoned and tortured by the Mortan family, a direct result of betrayal by the man she once loved, Mortan Prince Leonidis ‘Leo’ Morricone. With the approach of the yearly Summit, a gathering of Royal families and Kingdoms, Gemma knows she will have to face her torturers and the man she once loved but our heroine will be blindsided when Queen Maeven demands Gemma enter into a marriage with her son Leo, a marriage that would unite two powerful Kingdoms. When Gemma refuses, Maeven invokes the ‘Ungerian Gauntlet’, a series of challenges that will prove her son Leo is a worthy suitor but Gemma suspects Maeven is sentencing her son to die, a ‘legal’ murder to be enacted in front of hundreds of people. All is not well within the Kingdom of Morricone, as not only is Gemma a target of several assassination attempts during the Summit but so too, is Queen Maeven and Prince Leonidis. Meanwhile, Prince Leonidis’ brother Crown Prince Milo, who is a prime suspect in the numerous attempts of assassination against our story line heroine, has been conducting a series of experiments, years of experiments that will directly affect someone close to the Ripley family. What ensues is Prince Leonidis attempts to win the Gauntlet as Gemma begins another investigation into the attempts on her life, and Queen Maeven’s desire to invoke the Gauntlet, only to realize betrayal comes from more than one Kingdom, and from within, as well.

Once again , the world building is intricate, complex and detailed. The story line and premise is familiar and similar to the author’s CROWN OF SHARDS series, as well as her ELEMENTAL ASSASSIN series including the use of ‘elemental’ magic, corresponding characters and history, powerful metal and stones, violence directed at the story line heroine and her family; Gemma’s rag tag team of warriors and friends, and the evil Maeven and her dysfunctional family whose goal is to ultimately rule and take over every territory and Kingdom, while destroying Gemma and everyone she loves.

As per my previous review, there continues to be an overwhelming use of the words purple (71 times) and violet (54 times) pertaining to the Mortan Kingdom’s Royal colors, eye color, and world as a whole.

TEAR DOWN THE THRONE is another intriguing story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is captivating but the ongoing use of real world / modern day vernacular is distracting; the characters are charismatic, magical and powerful including fellow spy and dragon shifter Reiko Yamato, gargoyles Grimley (Gemma’s familiar), Fern and newcomer Otto, and strixes Lyra (Leo’s familiar) and Violet; the romance struggles in the face of betrayal and issues of trust; there continues to be no perceived palpable or discernible sexual attraction between our story line couple but saying that, dystopian and urban fantasy ‘style’ story lines do not necessarily focus on the love connection or romances which are often behind the scenes or tertiary to the main story line, although there occasionally is a ‘love match’ for the leading characters.

 

Jennifer is graciously offering an ARC paper copy of Tear Down The Throne 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.

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting after logging into the site, please refresh the page at the top of your computer

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on Facebook

4. Please LIKE and Follow Jennifer Estep on TWITTER

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open USA only

9. Giveaway runs from May 2 – 7 2022

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The Girl and The Moon by Mark Lawrence – a Review

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The Girl and The Moon by Mark Lawrence – a Review

 

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Description:
The fate of the world hangs from the Moon

The green world overwhelms all of Yaz’s expectations. Everything seems different but some things remain the same: her old enemies are still bent on her destruction.

The Corridor abounds with plenty and unsuspected danger. To stand a chance against the eyeless priest, Eular, and the god-like city-mind, Seus, Yaz will need to learn fast and make new friends.

The Convent of Sweet Mercy, like the Corridor itself, is packed with peril and opportunity. Yaz needs the nuns’ help – but first they want to execute her.

The fate of everyone squeezed between the Corridor’s vast walls, and ultimately the fate of those labouring to survive out on ice itself, hangs from the moon, and the battle to save the moon centres on the Ark of the Missing, buried beneath the emperor’s palace. Everyone wants Yaz to be the key that will open the Ark – the one the wise have sought for generations. But sometimes wanting isn’t enough.

 

 

Review:

The Girl and The Moon by Mark Lawrence is the 3rd and final book in The Book of Ice trilogy.  I loved Lawrence’s Book of Ancestor series, and did enjoy the first two books of Book of the Ice series. This was a very good conclusion to this series, though as previously noted in the last book, I did have some mixed feelings.

The Girl and the Moon picks up where the last book ended, with the evil priest Eular, pushing to decapitate the heads of Yaz and her friends, since he deems them as enemies. The Abbess of Sweet Mercy Convent insists based on the laws of the Ancestor, that they be thrown into the water to drown. Of course, the Abbess and the nuns have secretly set for them to survive, with the evil priest satisfied after a period of time.   

Yaz and Quina stay at the convent to learn more and train from these nuns, teaching them many gifts along the way, while Mali, Thurin and Erris go on another trek.  We do get POV’s of Yaz, Mali and Thurin, which gives us hints of what is to come (past and present).    Yaz is determined to find the shipheart and the stars to help open the Ark, and stop the false god from taking control.  Yaz is throughout the book, constantly hunted by so many forces that are out to destroy her, with so much action that threatens her and her friends lives.  Having been brought up in the ice lands, seeing only bitter cold, ice, snow, they are shocked to see the Greenlands, filled with greenery, plants, and lots of food.

What follows is an amazing and compelling story with so much detail, resolutions, twists and turns throughout the relentless ride to the climax.  We continue to learn more about the other clans, including the Missing, Black Rock, Sweet Mercy Nuns and the evil God, Seuss, not to mention adding new friends (novices).

The Girl and the Moon was an exciting non-stop action filled story, but my mixed feelings are based on the so many details, which got confusing at times, especially with the constant changes, as well as enemies.   What I did love about the story was Yaz, who was a fantastic heroine, and all her fabulous friends that were loyal to her, and we got to see so much of them. 

This is a difficult review to do, since there is so much that happens from start to finish, and to tell too much more would be spoilers.  As I had noted previously, this series was a fantasy in a different kind of world that is beyond normal.  The cruel conditions, the dangerous people, the constant battles and the need to survive keeps us engrossed into this story.  The last 1/3 of the book was an amazing and tense climax that was a great finale for this series.  If you enjoy fantasy, you can never go wrong with Mark Lawrence.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The Iron Sword by Julie Kagawa – Review & Excerpt

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The Iron Sword by Julie Kagawa – Review & Excerpt

 

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Description:
As Evenfall nears, the stakes grow ever higher for those in Faery…

Banished from the Winter Court for daring to fall in love, Prince Ash achieved the impossible and journeyed to the End of the World to earn a soul and keep his vow to always stand beside Queen Meghan of the Iron Fey.

Now he faces even more incomprehensible odds. Their son, King Keirran of the Forgotten, is missing. Something more ancient than the courts of Faery and more evil than anything Ash has faced in a millennium is rising as Evenfall approaches. And if Ash and his allies cannot stop it, the chaos that has begun to divide the world will shatter it for eternity.

Books in The Iron Fey: Evenfall series:

Book 1: The Iron Raven
Book 2: The Iron Sword

 

 

Review:

The Iron Sword by Julie Kawaga is the 2nd book in her The Iron Fey: Evenfall series. I loved the first book in this series, and equally loved The Iron Sword; I had noted previously I would have to go back and read some of the earlier books of The Iron Fey; I have read a few, and will continue to go back when time allows.  Julie Kawaga has done a fantastic job in creating this fantastic series (including Evenfall), and I have added her to my list of authors I must read.

In The Iron Sword, the story is in Ash’s POV. Ash and Meghan (The Iron Queen) discover that their son, Keirran (The Forgotten King) is now missing, along with many of the Forgotten, as their land, Touchstone was attacked and disappeared.  Seems the people of the land has become affected by anger, hate, and a Nightmare monster determined to destroy NeverNever.

Ash and Meghan, along with Puck, Grim & Nyx, travel to the Exile Queen for help where to look for Keirran, which sends them to the mortal world, asking for help from her brother, Ethan and his wife.  They do manage to find Keirran and many of his Forgotten, who were lucky to escape.  But the monster, with dangerous nightmare piskies are also taking over the mortal realm. Ash and Meghan make a deal with the Wolf to protect Keirran in the Deep Wylde, while both of them, with Puck, Nyx and Grim go to the Summer and Winter courts to warn them of the impending danger, as The Nightmare King is coming to destroy everything.  

What follows is a fantastic, exciting, wild, action-packed dangerous adventure that brings everyone (including the courts) together to fight the evil entity that threatens the end of the world, Evenfall. Even with the ultra-powerful group, Meghan, Ash, Puck, Nyx, Keirran, Wolf, etc, the battles are brutal, horrific and dynamic. I do not want to give spoilers, so you need to read this book to find out what happens.  Keep in mind, there is a third book still to come to end the trilogy.

The Iron Sword was a fascinating read, and I loved all of the wonderful characters Kagawa created, such as Meghan, Puck, Ash, Grimalkin, and so many others.  I did like when Oberon and Mab knew they needed to work together to defeat the enemy. The Iron Sword was so well written by Julie Kagawa, with wonderful characters, fun humor, and a wild exciting, tense, action filled story.  There is a cliff-hanger with things left open for our favorites to find a way to stop the Nightmare King from rising. If you are a fan of The Iron Fey series, you need to read this new arc. If you have not read this series, it does read very well as a standalone.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Excerpted from THE IRON SWORD by Julie Kagawa © 2022 by Julie Kagawa. Used with permission by HarperCollins/Inkyard Press.

1.
The Missing King

I’ve lived a long life.
Not as long as some in Faery. Robin Goodfellow, for example, is older than me by several hundred years (though you wouldn’t know it by the way he acts). King Oberon, Queen Titania, and Queen Mab are older still, ancient beings with the power to rival anything in the Nevernever. I’m not as old or as powerful as the kings and queens of Faery, but even by fey standards, I’ve lived a goodly while. I’m known in the Nevernever; my name is recognized and even feared, by some. I’ve been to the farthest reaches of Faery. I have seen things no one else has. Nightmares, dragons, the End of the World. I’ve passed impossible tests, triumphed in unwinnable challenges, and killed unbeatable monsters.
None of it prepared me for being a father.
Meghan stared at Glitch, her face pale in the sickly light of the wyldwood. At the Iron faery who had just turned both our worlds upside down with his announcement.
Touchstone is no more. Prince Keirran, King of the Forgotten, has vanished.
“Explain, Glitch,” Meghan demanded. Her voice was calm, steely, though I caught the tremor beneath. “What do you mean, Keirran has vanished? What has happened to Touchstone?”
“Your Majesty.” Glitch bowed his head, the lightning in his hair flickering a subdued purple. “Forgive me, I only know what the messenger told us. That Touchstone has disappeared, and Prince Keirran is gone. I wish I could tell you more.”
Keirran. Fear twisted my insides. Not for me, but for the son who, despite all his assurances, couldn’t seem to keep himself out of trouble. Even before he was born, he had a prophecy hanging over his head that proclaimed him either a savior or a destroyer, and the entire Nevernever watched to see which he would become. For years, Meghan and I raised him with that knowledge, trying not to let it influence us, but knowing that one day, we would have to face the consequences of Keirran’s decision.
The prophecy finally came to a head when a powerful new foe rose up to threaten all of Faery. The Lady, the first queen of the Nevernever, furious that Faery had moved on without her, gathered the Forgotten to her side and waged war on all the courts. She promised them a new world, a world where humans would fear and worship the fey again, and where no faery would Fade away from being forgotten. She demanded the courts be dissolved, and that the rulers of Faery step down and acknowledge her as the true and only queen of the Nevernever. Naturally, the other rulers refused, and the war with the Forgotten began.
At that moment, Keirran made his choice, and it was Destroyer. He betrayed his court, turned his back on his family, and joined the Lady in her quest to conquer the Nevernever. And even though I had known it could happen, even though the prophecy had foretold it, it was still a devastating blow for both Meghan and myself. Keirran was stubborn, idealistic, and once he set his mind to something there was no changing it, but I hadn’t thought him capable of betraying his entire court.
Meghan took a quiet breath. I could sense the struggle within; the desire to know what had happened to our son, balanced against the duties and obligations of the Iron Queen. Faery wasn’t safe. We had just returned from the wyldwood, after battling a vicious new monster that nearly killed us all. I still ached, muscles battered and bruised, from the power of the creature’s attacks. There had been five of us: myself, the Iron Queen, Robin Goodfellow, an Iron faery named Coaleater and a Forgotten called Nyx, and even then we barely managed to bring down the creature. Only to discover the threat to the Nevernever was far from over. In fact, it was only beginning.
Meghan knew this. A shadow had fallen over Faery, the echo of a new prophecy hovering over it like a storm. The end has begun. Evenfall is coming. Faery and every living creature that exists under the sun are doomed.
I stepped close to Meghan and put my hands on her shoulders, feeling them tremble beneath my palms. Leaning in, I murmured, “I can find him, Meghan. If you need to return to Mag Tuiredh, I’ll take Puck and Grim, and we’ll go look for Keirran. Grim can lead us to Touchstone, and from there we’ll see what happened to the capital and where Keirran could have gone. You don’t have to come with us this time.”
“No.” She reached up and squeezed one of my hands. “I need to know what happened to Touchstone, why it suddenly vanished. If another one of those monsters is responsible for its destruction, you’ll need my help to take it down. Besides…” She paused, a shadow of pain crossing her face. “If something happened to Keirran, if one of those creatures got to him like they got to Puck, I want to know. I want to see it for myself. If both of us are there this time, maybe that will be enough to bring him back.”
My insides felt cold. The Monster we had fought and killed was unlike anything I had ever seen before: a physical manifestation of hate, rage, fear, and despair. It poisoned the land around it, tainting everything with dark glamour and negative emotions, and worst of all, it was able to bring out the shadow side of any living creature it touched. I had seen this firsthand with Puck, where he had been transformed into a faery consumed by jealous anger and vicious spite. The Robin Goodfellow of old. The Robin Goodfellow who was still furious with me for stealing away Meghan, who held a grudge for all the times I tried to kill him.
Not that I blamed him.
Fortunately, Puck had been able to fight through that darkness and return to his normal, carefree, irreverent self. But I knew what Meghan was thinking, and I shared her fear. Keirran had already shown himself capable of turning on and betraying everything he loved. Would we venture into the Between to find our son had turned into a soulless enemy once more?
I leaned close to Meghan, feeling her grip on my hand tighten. “We’ll find him,” I said quietly. “We’ll find him and whatever it takes, we’ll bring him home.”
She nodded once, then stepped away to gaze down at the still-kneeling Glitch. “You’ve done well,” she told the Iron lieutenant. “Return to Mag Tuiredh. Keep our people safe. I am going to search for Prince Keirran. I will return as soon as I am able.”
“Of course, Your Majesty,” Glitch said, though I knew he wanted to protest. The First Lieutenant never liked it when both rulers of Mag Tuiredh left the Iron Kingdom for unknown amounts of time. But he had been with Meghan long enough that he simply bowed his head and replied, “Good luck and safe travels to you both. I will keep the city safe until you return.”
Meghan turned, her gaze seeking the rest of the party behind us. Puck stood under a tree with his arms crossed, bright red hair making him stand out in the gloom. Beside him, a cloaked, hooded figure watched the proceedings silently, seeming to blend into the shadows. It took Meghan a moment to
locate her. “Nyx,” she said, “you are a Forgotten, and a member of Keirran’s court. Right now, it appears Touchstone has disappeared, and the Forgotten King has vanished. Can you part the Veil and take us into the Between?”
The silver-haired fey with the twilight skin and golden eyes raised her head, a steely expression on her face. “Yes, Your Majesty,” she answered. “If Keirran is in danger, I must find him right away. When do you wish to go?”
“Right now.” Meghan turned her gaze to the others, to Puck and Coaleater, watching intently. “This is an uncertain time for all of us,” she said. “Faery is under threat. Something is coming, and none of us know what it is or when it could arrive—only that it is close. The rulers and leaders of Faery must be made aware of this threat. Coaleater…” She glanced at the large Iron faery, who straightened as her gaze fell on him. “I know you want to help us find Keirran, but I need you to return to the Obsidian plains and warn Spikerail of what happened. He needs to be aware, and should the time come when we must call on the Iron herd, I want him to be prepared.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” The big man bowed his head, and I saw the shadow of his real self behind him: a huge warhorse made of black iron and flickering flame. “The Iron herd will stand ready to aid you against all threats. You will have our support for as long as you need it.”
Meghan nodded gratefully, then turned to the red-haired fey beside him. “Puck?”
“Come on, princess.” Robin Goodfellow flashed his toothy smile. “You know where I stand. You don’t even have to ask.”
“I believe I will come as well.”
A fluffy gray cat sauntered into view, waving an exceptionally bushy tail. His golden eyes regarded us all with bored appraisal. “If Touchstone has disappeared, I would like to see it for myself,” Grimalkin said. “Someone with an ounce of intelligence should be there to make sense of things and point out the obvious. And to point you in the right direction should you become lost. Not that I doubt the Forgotten’s abilities, but you will need a guide should you happen to lose your way.”
The Iron Queen gave a decisive nod. “Then let us go,” she said. “I fear time is slipping away, and the longer we wait, the more difficult it will become to find Keirran. Nyx…” She gestured toward the Forgotten. “Whenever you are ready, take us into the Between.”
Nyx immediately stepped forward. Closing her eyes, she put out a hand, fingers spread wide, as if searching for something that could only be felt. “Keirran showed me how to enter the Between,” she murmured, taking a few steps forward. “He said that only the Forgotten remember how to do it, and that the Lady gave him the gift when she was alive. You have to find a spot where the Veil is thin.”
“Like a trod?” Puck asked, referring to the magical paths that led into the Nevernever from the mortal realm.
“Similar,” Nyx murmured, still walking steadily forward with her hand up. We trailed the Forgotten as she continued to search. “The Veil is like a mist,” she went on, “constantly moving and changing. Those weak spots you find might not be there when you return to them. But, if you search long enough, you should be able to find… There.”
She stopped. Paused a moment. And then, as I had seen
Keirran do only once or twice before, pushed her fingers into the fabric of reality and drew it back like a curtain. A narrow gash appeared where she parted the Veil, and beyond that tear was darkness. A few tendrils of mist curled out of the hole and writhed away into nothing.
Standing at the mouth of the gash into the void, Nyx shook her head. “The Between,” she murmured. “It feels…different. Angrier than it was before. That’s not good.” She opened her eyes and looked back at us. I saw concern on her face, but it was overshadowed by a somber resolution. “Guard your emotions,” she warned. “Calm your mind, and your feelings. The Between can manifest physical representations of strong emotions. So, if you are not careful, we might be facing your worst fears, or the darkest parts of your anger.”
I took a furtive breath to quiet the tangle of emotions, searching for the cold, empty calm of the Winter prince. It didn’t come as easily as it did in the past. Before Meghan and Keirran, when I only had myself to worry about, I feared very little. I wasn’t afraid of venturing into the unknown. Whatever came at me, whatever monster, nightmare or horrific abomination I would face, the worst that could happen was that they would kill me. And I was exceedingly hard to kill. Fear for my own life had rarely been a concern.
Things were different now. I had a family. I had a wife, and a son; two people that meant more to me than anything, in any world. If they were in danger, my entire being was consumed with wanting to protect them, to utterly destroy whatever evil they faced so it could never threaten them again. I could feel that anger in me now, rising up to dominate my thoughts, and breathed deep to find my center. If Keirran was out there, we would find him, and I would cut down anything that stood in our way. Simple as that.
Puck gave a loud, noisy sigh and glanced at me. “Well, ice-boy,” he said, “here we go again. Another adventure through the worst Faery has to offer. Oh, wait, you’ve never been through the actual Between before, have you?” He grinned, green eyes shining with mischief as he stepped toward the gateway. “You’re in for all sorts of fun surprises.”

 

 


Born in Sacramento, CA, Julie Kagawa moved to Hawaii at the age of nine. There she learned many things; how to bodyboard, that teachers scream when you put centipedes in their desks, and that writing stories in math class is a great way to kill time. Her teachers were glad to see her graduate.

Julie now lives is Louisville, KY with her husband and furkids. She is the international and NYT bestselling author of The Iron Fey series. Visit her at juliekagawa.com.

 

Social Links:

Author website: http://juliekagawa.com/
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Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/52735443-the-iron-raven
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2995873.Julie_Kagawa

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Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan -a Review

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Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan -a Review

 

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Description:
Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.

Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor’s son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince.

To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies across the earth and skies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting, romantic duology which weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic—where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.

 

 

Review:

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan is the first book in her The Celestial Kingdom Duology. Xingyin, our heroine, has lived all her life on the Moon with her mother, the Moon Goddess (Chang’e), who was exiled many years ago, after stealing her husband’s elixir of immortality; Chang’e had taken the elixir in order to save her unborn child’s (Xingyin) life.  Xingyin was hidden, as the Celestial Kingdom Emperor has no idea of a child living on the Moon. 

When the Celestial Empress comes to visit Chang’e, and promises to visit more often, the Moon Goddess forces her daughter to leave or she will be killed.  Xingyin travels alone and ends up in the Celestial Kingdom, and eventually meets a young man who befriends her.  In a short time, she learns that Liwei, is in fact the crown prince and to her surprise, a friendship builds with him helping her become a companion and training her how to fight with swords and archery.  Xingyin and Liwei slowly fall in love, but he is forced into a betrothal by his family, and Xingyin knows she has no future with him. Xingyin becomes a master with a bow, and receives and accepts the offer to join the army, where she excels becoming the First Archer.

What follows is Xingyin stepping up to rise up as one of the most important members of the Celestial army, as she continually faces perilous and dangerous quests, which include wild creatures and enemies, that she manages to defeat, making her reputation legendary.  Xingyin is an amazing heroine, who is strong, smart, savvy and fearless.  She starts working closely with Wenzhi, a decorated officer who is a Military leader for the Celestial Kingdom; slowly she begins to care about him, though she still loves Liwei. Though she knows he will marry someone else, but he is always still there to help her, as well as give her support. With two love interests, we watch has she tries to follow her true destination; Will she allow herself to move forward with Wenzhi, and leave Liwei to his expected marriage of convenience.

Xingyin will face some dangerous quests, which will have her facing the Celestial Emperor to bargain for a past that was done so wrong. Daughter of the Moon Goddess was a fantastic high fantasy that was set in Asian mythology, with a wonderful heroine, and great secondary characters, villains, excellent world building and action-packed adventures. 

Sue Lynn Tan wrote a magnificent, intriguing, captivating story, especially in her debut novel, which was so very well written.  I look forward to the next book in this duology.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Amber Crown by Jacey Bedford – a Review

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The Amber Crown by Jacey Bedford – a Review

 

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Description:
The king is dead, his queen is missing. On the amber coast, the usurper king is driving Zavonia to the brink of war. A dangerous magical power is rising up in Biela Miasto, and the only people who can set things right are a failed bodyguard, a Landstrider witch, and the assassin who set off the whole sorry chain of events.

Valdas, Captain of the High Guard, has not only failed in his duty to protect the king, but he’s been accused of the murder, and he’s on the run. He’s sworn to seek justice, but his king sets him another task from beyond the grave. Valdas doesn’t believe in magic, which is unfortunate as it turns out.

Mirza is the healer-witch of a Landstrider band, valued and feared in equal measure for her witchmark, her scolding tongue, and her ability to walk the spirit world. When she’s given a task by Valdas’ dead king, she believes that the journey she must take is one she can never return from.

Lind is the clever assassin. Yes, someone paid him to kill the king, but who is to blame, the weapon or the power behind it? Lind must face his traumatic past if he’s to have a future.

Review:

The Amber Crown by Jacey Bedford is a stand-alone fantasy novel.  The story starts out when we meet our hero, Valdas, who is the Captain of the High Guard, protecting the King.  Valdas learns after his liaison with his girlfriend, that while he was away, the King was murdered; and he is being accused of killing the King; all of his soldiers have been killed, by those protecting the new King, and the Queen is now missing.  Valdas has to run and hide from the usurpers who are controlling the new King, and pushing for an all-out war.

We meet Mirza, our heroine, who is a healer-witch, and has the ability to enter the spirit world, which she will come face to face with the dead King, who sends her on assignment to help Valdas, and save the Queen (who is pregnant).

We also meet Lind, who is the assassin who killed the King, having been paid to do so; but Lind discovers the Queen in hiding, and is determined to help protect her and the baby, which in time will bring all three together to defeat the evil villain, who is determined to take and use magic, as he plans to take over the crown.

With three narratives, the story becomes a bit complex, trying to keep up with everyone, but by the last third of the book, everything begins to tie together.  This is a complicated storyline to review, as there are so many details, surprises, attacks and events along the way. Though this is fantasy, it is a historical vibe of magic during the Prussian time frame.  I will say that I did like the main characters, with the third (Lind) being better later in the book. It is a unique story line, with the two amazing leads (Mirza and Valdas), who fought their way through danger at every step.

The Amber Crown was a complex, but very good fantasy, which was a bit slow early on, but got more exciting in the second half of the book.  The three of them joined together to try and save the queen, defeat the evil villain, and bring the country back to its rightful heir.  The Amber Crown was well written by Jacey Bedford.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair – a Review

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King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair – a Review

 

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Description:
Their Union Is His Revenge.

Isolde de Lara considers her wedding day her death day. To end a years-long war, she is to marry vampire king, Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev, and kill him. ⠀

But her assassination attempt is thwarted and Adrian threatens that if Isolde tries kill him again, he will raise her as the undead. Faced with the possibility of becoming the thing she hates most, Isolde seeks other ways to defy him and survive the brutal vampire court. ⠀

Except it isn’t the court she fears most—it’s Adrain. Despite their undeniable chemistry, she wonders why the king——fierce, savage, merciless—chose her as consort. ⠀

The answer will shatter her world.

 

 

Review:

King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St Clair is the first book in her new Adrian X Isolde series.  King of Battle and Blood is an intense and steamy sexy romance between an unlikely couple (human and vampire) that were enemies to lovers.

Isolde de Lara, our heroine, is a princess of Lara, who loves her land, which she will one day become Queen. She is strong, tough, independent, savvy, and an excellent swordswoman; especially her ability to use knives.  In the past year, the Blood King has attacked many of the other lands (The Nine Kingdoms), to take over control, and now they are approaching her kingdom.

Adrian Aleksandr Vasiliev, our vampire hero, is known as the Blood King, and after accidently meeting Isolde in the woods, he is obsessed with her, which we will learn more towards the end. Adrian approaches the king (Isolde’s father), and asks for her hand in marriage, promising he will not attack their kingdom.  Isolde being human, hates the vampires and Adrian, but despite her father’s denial, Isolde agrees to marry Adrian, in order to save their country. 

After the wedding ceremony, she will travel to Revekka, the Red Palace, Adrian’s kingdom, to become its queen. The relationship between Adrian and Isolde becomes very steamy, as despite her hatred for him, she cannot resist him, nor he resists her.  The chemistry between them was sizzling hot lust for each other and insatiable.  During their travel to his kingdom, and upon arriving, Isolde will learn more about the kingdom and truths about the vampires, which was not how she was brought up. 

What follows is an exciting adventure, that will pit Adrian and Isolde against his ruthless court, who are determined to stop him, even to the point of killing Isolde.  Isolde finds herself falling in love with Adrian, especially after learning the truths of the past and what made Adrian choose her to be his Queen; but she knows the pressure from her father to kill Adrian. The more she learns, the more she distrusts her father and the kingdoms.  I loved Isolde, as she was a strong fearless badass heroine, who stood up to anyone.  I also loved Adrian, as he loved Isolde, and was patient in waiting for her to discover the truths of the past.

As we enter the last third of the book, everything escalates, including an evil witch from the past, who is hell bent to destroy everyone.  So many surprises and twists that made the ending so phenomenal.  King of Battle & Blood was a sexy steamy erotic, and fast-paced story that kept me on the edge of my seat.  This was very well written by Scarlett St Clair, and if you enjoy fantasy, vampires, you should be reading this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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The General by M.A. Abraham – Review & Giveaway

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The General by M.A. Abraham – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
T’Harris isn’t the most demanding of the Guardians of the Empire but, like Gabriella, he hasn’t been beaten on the battlefield yet. He is also a master swordsman, like she is. When not practicing, or performing his duty to the Empire as one of the guardians, he is lighthearted although he refuses to take a back seat to anyone, if pushed.

He vows to win her through his gentle ways and charm. Is it enough? As she uses her talent to see if she can outwit the Fates, she realizes this is a battle she cannot win, for history tells her that no Elf who ever tried has. They also have a common enemy, one they feel they will need to be united against to defeat.

When Gabriella is mistaken for a common Elven maiden and taken to enemy lands, T’Harris must fly to her aid, for this is his love, his Life Mate, and one he has promised to guard with his life. Can he get to her before they realize who and what she is? Or will he lose her to the point of an enemy sword?

 

 

Review:

The General by M.A. Abraham is the 6th book in her Guardians of the Empire series.  Brief refresher:  This series is set in the same world as Abraham’s wonderful Elven Chronicles series, but thousands of years after that series ended; with all surviving humans having been granted a land called The Valley, to live in peace and prosperity. 

Finally, we get to spend time with Gabriella and T’Harris, as they both know they are Life Mates.  T’Harris, who has known for awhile that she is his Life Mate, has waited for the right moment, not to pressure her, and when they go head-to-head in a sword battle, the time has arrived.  Gabriella is an unbeatable master swordsman, and a true General, being a descendant of Gabriel.  T’Harris is one of the best Guardians of the Empire and also a master swordman, and almost equal to Gabriella. 

In a short time, she will accept that he is her Life Mate, but before they can bond, she is kidnapped by soldiers of King Felix and his sons, who have a bounty on Gabriella.  T’Harris will sense Gabriella being in danger, and all the Guardians travel to rescue her.  During the battle, Gabriella will finally bring forth her dragon, who is a beautiful iridescent white dragon; and she manages to destroy their weapons, and leave the King and his family with many loses, as well as revengeful.  With T’Harris severely injured, Gabriella, and all the warriors return to the Valley to try and save his life.

What follows is an exciting wild adventure with Gabriella, in the forefront, as well as enjoying seeing the love between Gabriella and T’Harris.  The Elves continue to work toward eventually moving everything to the Elven Lands that were hidden many years ago, as the oracle has told them they need to bring the Sentinels back home.  The storyline also continues with Evart, his brothers and father King Felix, especially after the heavy destruction and loss.  Evart, Sonya and Alexis at the moment are happy to be safe with the Elves, away from their evil King.  Personally, I thought too much time was spent with King Felix as we came closer to the end. 

I do not want to say too much more, as it would be spoilers, with a lot going on.  It was an interesting story, giving us a glimpse of the future, and hopefully more of Gabriella and T’Harris.  I loved seeing many of our heroes again, and I absolutely love Gabriella.  The General was a well written and entertaining story. A great addition to the series, focusing on our wonderful Gabriella. You should read this series, and start with the first book to get to know all the characters.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

 

 

M.A. is graciously offering an e-copy of THE GENERAL to TWO (1) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

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Blood and Ember by Isabel Cooper – a Review

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Blood and Ember by Isabel Cooper – a Review

 

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Description:
A century ago, the Traitor God’s fury left the world broken by violent storms and twisted monsters born of darkness and death. Now those storms are sweeping across the continent again and it will take everything the armies of man can muster to survive. As a sworn knight, Olvir is prepared to do his part–even if that means journeying deep into the magic-tainted Battlefield to face the enemy alone.

Sentinel Vivian Bathari has lost too much to allow her closest friend to make such a sacrifice alone. Besides, there are whispers that Olvir’s strange new powers are somehow connected to the Traitor God, and she’d rather be by his side should the worst occur. But as they travel deep into the heart of danger, their growing attraction burns into mutual desire, and the true depth of Olvir’s connection to the evil haunting their world is made clear. In the end, Vivian will have to decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to save their world…and the man she loves.

 

Review:

Blood and Ember by Isabel Cooper is the 3rd and final book in her Stormbringer series.  Refresher: This is an epic fantasy adventure series filled with magic, sword fighting, epic battles, monsters and an evil god.  Sentinels, who start training at a young age, protect the world against a traitor god and his minions who threaten to destroy the world.

Olvir, our hero, is a knight, whom we met in the first book.  Vivian Bathari, our heroine is a Sentinel, and has worked with Olvir, over the years, just being friends.  As the Traitor God continues to create havoc and chaos, all the Sentinels, Knights, and others are losing the battle.  During one attack, Olvir finds himself with some unusual abilities to help defeat the monsters, that seemed to look only at him.  The leaders suspect that his new found powers have some sort of connection to the evil Traitor God, and decide to send him on a journey to the “Battlefield” were it all began. 

Vivian, who is one of the leaders of the Sentinels, decides she and her soulstone sword will join Olvir on his dangerous mission, to help support him.   Vivian also knows if along the way, if Olvir is overtaken by the Traitor God, she will have to kill him.    

As they travel, both Olvir and Vivian begin to feel the growing attraction to each other, which slowly becomes love for them both.  But no matter what, Olvir must retain his own mind and ability, and not succumb to the Traitor God’s powers; or Vivian will have to do what she dreads. The journey was very detailed, with Olvir seeing memories from those years ago, trying to find where to stop the constant attacks and horrible weather that would eventually destroy the world.

What follows is a nonstop action filled battles that has you on the edge of your seat, if they will survive, especially against Thyrad, the Traitor God’s second in command.  Olivr and Vivian work closely together to use their experience and magical skills, along with Ulamir (soulstone sword) to fight the traitor god’s monsters, storms and evil beings. 

This is a difficult review to write, as with so many details and descriptions, it would ruin the book for you.  I said this previously that Cooper creates strong and powerful women (warriors/sentinels) in this series, who are equal to the men.  I really liked Vivian and Olivr together, as they made a great couple. The last half of the book was tense and exciting, as we raced to the climax. 

Blood and Ember is another exciting and well written story by Isabel Cooper, with great couple and secondary characters, excellent fantasy adventure, with was nonstop action. Blood and Ember was a satisfying conclusion to this series, tying up loose ends.  Very well done.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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