Tag Archives: Fae

The Uncrowned King (The Bastard Duology 2) by Donna Grant-review

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The Uncrowned King (The Bastard Duology 2) by Donna Grant-review

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I would burn the world for him…

My people have been hunted to extinction by dragons. I am the last of my kind. Forever running. Forever alone.

Then I met him. Dangerous. Carnal. Dragon And utterly magnetic. I had no defenses against the passion that claimed us. Each time his lips touched mine, each time his arms held me, I fell deeper.

And I fell hard.

My mortal enemy became my world. The very reason for my existence.

My one and only.

Until our forever was violently snatched away. Now, I’m hunted, once more.

But I’m not running this time. I’m fighting for love.

For him.

A hellhound facing her past. A dragon reclaiming his throne. Forbidden lovers will face the ultimate test.

••••••

REVIEW:THE UNCROWNED KING is the second instalment in Donna Grant’s adult THE BASTARD paranormal, fantasy duology set in the author’s Dragon Kings world. This is the continuing story of Dragon Derek, and hellhound Kora. THE UNCROWNED KING should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of THE BASTARD KING. I recommend reading the Dragon King series in order as there is an ongoing premise including the search for a missing King, and the history as to how the dragons came to live in Zora.

SOME BACKGROUND: For tens of thousands of years the Dragons have lived and ruled on Earth but a war between the dragons and humans forced the Dragon Kings to send the other dragons through a portal into an unknown world. Fast forward to present day, the portal has been revealed, and the Dragon Kings have been reunited in Zora, with their family and kin, but a new war is on the horizon between the Dragons, the Divine, the people of Stonemore, and a woman known as Villette

Told from omniscient third person perspectives including Derek and Kora THE UNCROWNED KING continues to focus on the search for Derek-who is the mate to Kora, and under the control of Miena, a powerful Star Person who is taking aim at the dragons and Dragon Kings but Derek, and his brother ‘Gordon’ are unfamiliar to the Dragon Kings, and Con, unfamiliar in a way that is unnatural and wrong. Having found then once again lost the man that she loves, Kora must go in search of our hero, a dragon who has target Kora and the Kings.

The world building is, once again, complex and detailed, following several paths, several fights and battles, and a layer of mistrust that runs dangerous and deep.

The relationship between Derek and Kora is tempestuous throughout the series as Derek is lead to believe Kora is the enemy; that the Kings killed his mate; and his obedience has been commanded by the only woman he has ever known. Often times left to his own devices, Derek struggles with the memories that may or may not be real but memories that threaten his future with the woman he once loved. The lone $ex scene is passionate.

Once again, there Is a large ensemble cast of powerful, magical and supernatural beings, all of whom we have met in the numerous interconnected series. Con and Rhi return, as well as their children Brandr and Eurwen; and Villette, Eurielle and their sister Miena.

THE UNCROWNED KING reveals a potentially new path and new ARC with the inclusion of hellhounds, the Star People, and the new clan of dragons under Derek’s command. The premise is intricate and thorough; the romance struggles in the face of lies and mistrust; the characters are desperate and magical.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE BASTARD KING

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

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Dragon Frost (Dragon Kings Novella) by Donna Grant-review

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Dragon Frost (Dragon Kings Novella) by Donna Grant-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 5, 2023

The holiday season is Rhi’s favorite time of year, which means Con loves it, too. Except they’re on Zora, where there are no traditions—and beginning one could be hazardous. Finding the lost dragons should’ve given everyone peace. Instead, they’re facing powerful enemies at every turn. Despite the danger, the King of Dragon Kings knows his mate longs to have their space dripping with holiday decorations and gifts piled under the tree, and he’s going to do his best to give it to her and make sure they have time to celebrate the season and their love.
And perhaps a surprise or two.

••••

REVIEW:DRAGON FROST is a stand alone, holiday novella in Donna Grant’s DRAGON KINGS paranormal, fantasy series, a part of the numerous interconnected Dark Kings series. This is the continuing story of Constantine, King of Dragon Kings, and his mate, Fae warrior and Queen Rhi. DRAGON FROST can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for backstory I recommend reading the series in order or having knowledge of previous events.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Rhi and Con) DRAGON FROST focuses on the approach of the Christmas holidays. Con’s mate Rhi loves Christmas, her favorite human holiday but life in Zora is anything by happy for our story line couple. Ostracized by his own children, and the dragons he sent to another realm, Con struggles with his new direction and position but in an effort to make his mate happy, Con plans a holiday celebration for two, taking a trip to the Fae Realm, in spite of what happened months before.

Donna Grant pulls the reader into an emotional story of one man (dragon’s) emotional and powerful love for the woman he lost then found. Watching his mate’s childlike abandon meant more to Con than he could have ever imagined but their exchange of gifts is about change his life, in more ways than one.

DRAGON FROST is a sweet, tender and heart warming holiday short story focusing on Con and Rhi. The premise is captivating-there are no conflicts or pressing issues for our story line couple ; the romance is seductive ; the characters are familiar and fun.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Prequel-Ignite the Magic
Dragon Revealed
Dragon Mine
Dragon Unbound
Dragon Eternal
Dragon Lover

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

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COURT OF MOONLIGHT AND SHADOWS by Poppy Ireland-review tour

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COURT OF MOONLIGHT AND SHADOWS (Nightshade University 1) by Poppy Ireland

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 5, 2023

Nightshade University was supposed to be a land of opportunity, a haven of knowledge. A prestigious institution catering to the elite Fae of all four courts:

The Dawn Court: Defenders of justice and honor.
The Dusk Court: Agents skilled in secrets and espionage.
The Demon Court: Bringers of chaos, reveling in destruction.
The Moon Court: Mystics wielding celestial magic and divination.

As a freshman, navigating power and politics was not on my syllabus, but now it’s a game I’m forced to play.

At the heart of the intrigue stands Lysander Thorne. Our connection is electric, an attraction that’s as forbidden as it is undeniable. With him, I’m drawn into a world of shifting alliances and treacherous loyalties.

But as I delve deeper, I discover more than just courtly schemes. A darkness looms, one that ties my fate to the very soul of Nightshade University. I might be the key to unearthing a malevolent spirit, but at what cost? My heart, my future… or perhaps even my life?

In a world where secret societies rule, and passion intertwines with politics, trust is a luxury and every decision, a high-stakes gamble.

••••

REVIEW: COURT OF MOONLIGHT AND SHADOWS is the first instalment in Poppy Ireland’s contemporary, new adult NIGHTSHADE UNIVERSITY dark, paranormal, romance series focusing on Lysander Thorne, and eighteen year old, Sarielle Blackwood.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Lysander and Sarielle) COURT OF MOONLIGHT AND SHADOWS follows in the wake of eighteen year old Fae Sarielle Blackwood, and her first few days at Nightshade University. Having been prepared all of her life to be chosen as a member of the Dawn Court, Sarielle will surprise everyone including her family when the blood chooses another Court. Struggling to make sense of her new life, Sarielle is befriended by Lysander Thorne, whose intentions are darker than she could have ever imagined. As Sarielle battles nightmares and visions, Lysander is focuses on claiming Sarielle as his own but all does not go according to plan when Sarielle’s powers begin to manifest, and her true nature makes her a target of the darkness and death.

The world building reveals some of the back story and history of the Nightshade University, and its’ secret cults that worship the dark arts. Sarielle will discover she is not whom or what she thought she should be, and in this, betrayal is paramount at every turn.

The relationship between Sarielle and Lysander is predicated upon a lie. Having been magically ‘chosen’ by the Moon Court, Sarielle is placed in the direct line of fire but it is her history and ancestors that will threaten anyone who comes near. Falling for Lysander was easy but betrayal and vengeance will come at a cost. Having been warned on numerous occasions, Sarielle is torn between her attraction to Lysander, and the fates who want to control her life. The $ex scenes are limited.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and magical secondary and supporting characters, all of whom are members of the Fae courts. We are introduced to Sarielle’s parents, and her brother Rook, and quirky roommate Lirien, who has visions of the future; campus lead Evageline, as well as Lysander’s ‘friend’ Ariya, and his father Caius Thorne. The requisite evil has many faces.

COURT OF MOONLIGHT AND SHADOWS is a story of power and control, chaos and dark magic, betrayal and vengeance, disbelief and deceit. The premise is entertaining and haunting; the characters are animated and spirited; the romance is limited to seduction and betrayal. COURT OF MOONLIGHT AND SHADOWS reads like several more popular and familiar paranormal teen and tween story lines-there is definitely a closeness with its’ recognizable plot lines, as well as the requisite evil villains and oblivious adults. There are several twists and turns, most easily deduced but exciting, none the less.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Poppy Ireland is an author of paranormal and fantasy romance. She is the fictional brainchild of two longtime friends and USA Today Bestselling Authors who like to use their freaky mind melding powers to write spicy romantasy stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you’re wondering who we are, well, that’s a secret we’ll never tell.

Xoxo, Poppy

Author Links:

https://linktr.ee/poppyirelandbooks

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Flame (Dark Kings 17) by Donna Grant-Review & Excerpt

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Flame (Dark Kings 17) by Donna Grant-Review & Excerpt

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 30 2020

If she believed in destiny, she would believe they were meant for each other.
But that fire was put out long ago. . .

Living among the Dragon Kings, Cain has spent lifetimes learning to distrust both mortals and Fae. He is a warrior born—and every instinct demands that he fight to keep his own kind safe. But when a fringe member of the Dark Fae contacts the Kings with an urgent warning, Cain is torn for the first time. How can he trust this beautiful creature when resisting his primal attraction to her is battle enough?

Noreen is horrified by what her kind and the malevolent Others are planning for the Dragon Kings. Dark Fae or not, there are lines she will not cross—even if it means risking her life. But she never imagined that she would risk her heart until she meets Cain. She wants him with a soul-deep desire that frightens her…and endangers them both. Is saying goodbye to everything Noreen has ever known worth a love that will span time and realms?

••••••••••

REVIEW:FLAME by Donna Grant is the seventeenth full-length instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult DARK KINGS paranormal/fantasy romance focusing on the Dragon Kings and the women they love. This is navy Dragon Cain, and Dark Fae Noreen’s story line. FLAME should not be read as a stand alone as the current story line continues to follow the ongoing series arc.

SOME BACKGROUND: The DARK KINGS is a spinoff from Donna Grant’s DARK WARRIOR series which in turn is a spin off from Donna’s DARK SWORD series- all set in the Highlands of Scotland, including the latest spin off about the Fae executioners known as the REAPERS. The Dragon Kings have a new enemy with the recent appearance of a group known as the Others, but their true identity and membership is currently unknown. As each Dragon King falls in love and finds his mate, King Constantine is pulled further away from the woman he loves, a woman he betrayed thousands of years earlier.

Told from several third person perspectives including Noreen and Cain FLAME focuses on the search for the truth, and the identity of the group known as the Others. An anonymous email to the Dreagon, the home of the Dragon Kings, finds Navy dragon Cain volunteering to ferret out the information the sender claims to know. Enter Dark Fae Noreen, a member of the Others, and the woman with whom Cain will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Cain and Noreen, and the potential fall-out as betrayal is inevitable when dealing with the enemy.

Navy dragon King Cain knows he has found his mate in the Dark Fae Noreen but trust doesn’t come easily for the other Kings. Having been betrayed in the past, and the obvious issue of Noreen’s identity, the Dragon Kings struggle to accept Noreen at face value including Rhi, a powerful Fae who sees more than most. While Rhi battles between head and heart, her Dragon King slowly begins to spiral out of control without the love of the woman he had chosen to destroy.

FLAME, like many of the previous storylines, recounts and chronicles the history of the Dragons, the Fae, the Druids and humankind; the betrayal leading to war between the dragons and human but also reveals the reason for the Others-their determination, their drive, their goals and their vengeance. We are introduced to their leader, their members and the powerful magic that controls the world but a magic that is slowly dissipating from other realms with prolonged and nefarious use.

FLAME is a story of betrayal, secrets, vengeance and lies. A tale of powerful magic and manipulation, broken minds and broken souls. The premise is intriguing and emotional; the romance is seductive and intense; the characters are spirited, animated and impassioned.

Previous Reviews

Dark Craving
Night’s Awakening
Dawn’s Desire
Darkest Flame
Fire Rising
Burning Desire
Hot Blooded
Night’s Blaze
Soul Scorched
Dragon King
Passion Ignites
Smoldering Hunger
Smoke and Fire
Dragon Fever 9.5
Firestorm
Blaze
Dragon Burn 11.5
Constantine: A History Part 1
Heat
Constantine: A History Part 2
Constantine: A History Part 3
Torched
Dragon Night 13.5
Dragon Fire
Dragon Claimed
Ignite
Fever
Dragon Lost

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Click HERE for an excerpt of Chapter one from FLAME.

 

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

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Dragon Claimed (Dark Kings 14.5 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Donna Grant-Review Tour

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DRAGON CLAIMED (Dark Kings 14.5 / 1001 Dark Nights) by Donna Grant-Review Tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 15, 2019

Born to rule the skies as a Dragon King with power and magic, Cináed hides his true identity in the mountains of Scotland with the rest of his brethren. But there is no respite for them as they protect the planet and the human occupants from threats. However, a new, more dangerous enemy has targeted the Kings. One that will stop at nothing until dragons are gone forever. But Cináed discovers a woman from a powerful, ancient Druid bloodline who might have a connection to this new foe.

Solitude is sanctuary for Gemma. Her young life was upended one stormy night when her family disappears, leaving her utterly alone. She learned to depend solely on herself from then on. But no matter where she goes she feels…lost. As if she missed the path she was supposed to take. Everything changes when she backs into the most dangerously seductive man she’s ever laid eyes. Gemma surrenders to the all-consuming attraction and the wild, impossible love that could destroy them both – and finds her path amid magic and dragons.

•••••••

REVIEW: DRAGON CLAIMED is instalment 14.5 and novella in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult, DARK KINGS paranormal/fantasy series, and the latest instalment in the multi-authored 1001 Dark Nights series. This is Dragon King Cináed, and thirty year old, researcher Gemma Atherton’s story line. DRAGON CLAIMED can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order.

SOME BACKGROUND: The DARK KINGS is a spinoff from Donna Grant’s DARK WARRIOR series which in turn is a spin off from Donna’s DARK SWORD series- all set in the Highlands of Scotland. The Dark Fae and their King Taraeth, along with the Silver Dragon Mikkel have declared war on the Dragon Kings by exposing the dragon’s existence to humankind. The last wars between man and the world of the paranormal saw a great loss of life on all sides but someone or something is determined to push the Dragons back into another war; Mikkel wants to become King of the Silvers, Queen Usaeil of the Light Fae has set her sights on claiming King Constantine as her mate, and the Dark Fae want the Dragon’s hidden weapon in order to rule Scotland and the rest of the world. With the emergence of a group known as the Others, the Dark Kings are facing several supernatural enemies determined to destroy them all.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Cináed and Gemma) DRAGON CLAIMED follows Dragon King Cináed as he searches for a woman with connections to the past. Twenty-three years earlier Gemma Atherton was the sole survivor of a sudden but mysterious storm that took her parents and older brother. Fast forward to present day wherein Gemma will come face to face with a man who is willing to help her uncover the truth. Having changed her name and desperate to stay out of the public eye, this is Gemma’s first real chance at discovering the who, how and why of that fateful day. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Gemma and Cináed, and the potential fall-out as Cináed and Gemma are targeted by the Others.

Gemma Atherton knows that something was wrong the day her family disappeared; the feeling of evil permeated the grounds, an evil that continues to threaten to destroy her world. Cináed suspects there is more to Gemma than meets the eye but our heroine is oblivious to her ancient heritage, a heritage that makes her a target of the Dark Kings’ enemy.

The relationship between Cináed and Gemma is one of immediate and palpable sexual attraction. Cináed is drawn to Gemma like a moth to a flame. The $ex scenes are passionate and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include the King of the Orange Dragons Merrill, Druid elder Corann, as well as Queen Usaeil of the Light Fae, and a quick appearance by Ryder, and a few of the dragon mates.

The world building continues to focus on the Dragon Kings’ struggle to stay one step ahead of impending war. Queen Usaeil is determined to make King Constantine her mate but drops a hint about potential, future changes to the Dragon Kings and the women they love.

DRAGON CLAIMED is a story of loss and hope, survival and revelations. The premise is intriguing and spirited; the characters are animated and dynamic; the romance is fated and intimate. DRAGON CLAIMED is a welcome addition to Donna Grant’s Dark Kings paranormal romance series.

Previous Reviews

Dark Craving
Night’s Awakening
Dawn’s Desire
Darkest Flame
Fire Rising
Burning Desire
Hot Blooded
Night’s Blaze
Soul Scorched
Dragon King
Passion Ignites
Smoldering Hunger
Smoke and Fire
Dragon Fever 9.5
Firestorm
Blaze
Dragon Burn 11.5
Constantine: A History Part 1
Heat
Constantine: A History Part 2
Constantine: A History Part 3
Torched
Dragon Night 13.5
Dragon Fire

Copy supplied for review

reviewed by Sandy

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | NEWSLETTER SIGNUP / TUMBLR / PINTEREST / GOODREADS

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Blaze (Dark Kings #11) by Donna Grant-a review

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BLAZE (Dark Kings #11) by Donna Grant- a review

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /Indie Bound / Powells

ABOUT THE BOOK: May 30, 2017

His strength, his masculinity brought out something primal within her. In his arms, she felt like the Amazon warrior she’d once pretended to be as a little girl.

Anson is a fierce Dragon King, a dragon shapeshifter born and bred to protect his own. But when a rogue tech company hacks into their world, he must join forces with the unlikeliest of allies: a human female. Her name is Devon Abrams. A rising star at the firm, she has no idea that her boss is in league with the sinister Fae and their secret war against humanity. If Anson gains her trust, he can defeat the enemy from within. But first he must fight his own attraction–to this exquisitely beautiful mortal…

Devon loves her job at the firm. But sometimes she wishes she could find a man–a real man–who isn’t threatened by her success. When she first meets Anson, she’s overwhelmed by his powerful masculine presence and disarmingly gorgeous smile. But when he reveals his true mission–and his ability to transform into a dragon–she’s irresistibly drawn into an epic battle between humans and immortals, magic and technology, danger and desire. Anson vows to protect her from the Fae. But can he control the flames of passion that blaze within his heart, in Blaze, the next sexy Dragon romance in the Dark Kings series from New York Times bestselling author Donna Grant.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: BLAZE is the eleventh full-length installment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult DARK KINGS paranormal/fantasy romance series focusing on the Dragon Kings and the women they love. This is Brown Dragon King Anson, and IT specialist Devon Abrams’ story line. BLAZE can be read as a stand alone but for cohesion and backstory I recommend reading the series in order. There is a war approaching between the dragons, the fae and humankind, and the buildup has been ongoing for several installments.

SOME BACKGROUND: The DARK KINGS is a spinoff from Donna Grant’s DARK WARRIOR series which in turn is a spin off from Donna’s DARK SWORD series- all set in the Highlands of Scotland. The Dark Fae and their King Taraeth, along with the Ulrik the Silver Dragon King and his uncle Mikkel have declared war on the Dragon Kings by exposing the dragon’s existence to humankind. The last wars between man and the world of the paranormal saw a great loss of life on all sides-but Ulrik wants revenge against King Constantine of the Dragon Kings; Mikkel wants to become King of the Silvers, and the Dark Fae want the Dragon’s hidden weapon and to rule Scotland and the rest of the world. FIRESTORM overlaps with Donna’s new spin off series THE REAPERS who may be a potential ally with the Dragons Kings in their war with the Dark Fae.

Told from several third person perspectives including Devon and Anson BLAZE runs parallel to several other recent Dark Kings story lines including FIRESTORM ( #10), and picks up shortly after the events of SMOKE AND FIRE (#9). Like Kinsey Burns (Smoke and Fire) Devon Abrams works for the tech company Kyvor, and unbeknownst to our story line heroine, Kyvor has plans for Devon Abrams. Enter Brown Dragon King Anson, who has been assigned, along with Kinsey Burns and former MI5 agent Esther North, to keep an eye on our story line heroine. What ensues are Anson’s attempts to persuade Devon to search for the truth about Kyvor’s involvement in the upcoming inter-species war, and the building but forbidden relationship between Anson and the woman with whom he will fall in love.

BLAZE reveals much of the backstory and history of the war between the Dragons and the humans that led to the eradication of most of the dragons that once dominated the world. We are one step closer to learning the identity of Rhi’s Dragon King-the man that destroyed our heroine’s heart but a Dragon King who may have been duped by a rival for his love. BLAZE also brings Mikkel to for forefront of the Dragon King’s search for the truth, and Ulrik is hoping to take down two dragons in the war with the Fae.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several couples that cross-over from Grant’s Dark Warriors and Dark Swords series that begins the build-up to a final show down between the Dragon Kings and the Fae. The Reapers, once again, make a cameo appearance but their presence is limited to Rhi’s acknowledgment of Daire’s existence.

BLAZE is a captivating, revealing, and encouraging look at Dragon Kings and the women they love. The premise is intense; the characters are energetic and colorful; the romance is fated and seductive. There are some scenes of violence that may not be suited for all readers.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

About the author

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter SignUp / Tumblr / Pinterest / GoodReads

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The Crow of Connemara by Stephen Leigh – a Review

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The Crow of Connemara by Stephen Leigh – a Review

 

The Crow of ConnemaraAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository / BAM

Description:
THE CROW OF CONNEMARA is a contemporary Celtic fantasy set primarily in Ireland. Picking up threads from ancient Irish mythology and folktales, this story is fantasy, drama, and tragic romance all at once, a tale caught in the dark places where the world of ancient myth intersects our own, where old ways and old beliefs struggle not to be overwhelmed by the modern world.

Colin Doyle is third generation Irish-American musician, whose interest is traditional Irish music. Maeve Gallagher is an Oileánach, an ‘Islander’ on Ireland’s west coast, outcasts treated with suspicion and disdain by the locals, who think them responsible for wild and strange happenings in the area. Colin’s and Maeve’s lives will soon intersect and intertwine. Colin will discover that Maeve has been involved with his family for far longer than seems possible, and Maeve will have to make a life-or-death choice in order to achieve what she wants for her people.

 


Review:

The Crow of Connemara is a contemporary Irish fantasy, with Celtic lore, and Fae mythology. This story is a romance tragedy of modern day and old time myths. Colin Doyle is our hero, who is pressured by his family to get his degree, even though his only interest is his Celtic music, and desire to go to Ireland. Colin dreams of this Irish woman, who calls to him in his visions. When his father dies, Colin decides to follow his heart and go to Ireland.

While joining other musicians playing his music in pubs, Colin with meet the woman of his dreams. Maeve Gallagher shows interest in Colin, but he finds the townsfolks do not like Maeve or her friends that live on the local island. The Oileanach’s are resented by the town, marked as outcasts, feared as witches. In a short time, Maeve and her friends are told they need to leave the island or they will be forced out.

Maeve and Colin’s relationship grows slowly, and we the reader learn quickly that Maeve is indeed more than anyone knows. This is where the fae mythology involving all the members of the island, goes into more detail as to who they are, and what is Colin needed for.

This is modern day contemporary story, with a romance that is doomed. I like Colin, but I thought that Maeve was a fascinating character. I enjoyed the mythology, and learning about them. I also love anything that takes place in Ireland.

Stephen Leigh did a wonderful job doing the world building of this story, though it was a bit slow early on as we learned more about the Oileanach and the island. It was an exciting and interesting ending, leaving me wondering if there would be another book, or we are to use our imagination.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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The Thing about Weres (Mystwalker #2) by Leigh Evans-a review

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THE THING ABOUT WERES (Mystwalkers #2) by Leigh Evans-a review

The Thing About Weres

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 30, 2013

THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER

In the never-ending saga that is my love-hate relationship with Robson Trowbridge, I, half-Were Hedi Peacock, have had a change of heart. Ever since I shoved Trowbridge through the Gates of Merenwyn, I’ve been the leader of the pack—hard to believe, right? The thing is: I’m half-Fae. So even though my Were side is ready to heed the call of the wild, the other part of me is desperate to take flight. And much as it pains me to admit it, life without Trowbridge is really starting to were me down…

I AM WERE, HEAR ME ROAR.

To make matters worse, the wolves of Creemore want my blood—and the North American Council of Weres wants me dead. So I’m just counting the days until Trowbridge returns from the other realm…and comes to my brave rescue…and becomes my alpha mate. Wishful thinking? Of course it is. But given all the mess I’ve been through already, what’s the harm in doing a little bit of daisy-plucking? Besides, Trowbridge owes me bigtime. A girl can dream.

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REVIEW: THE THING ABOUT WERES is the second installment in Leigh Evan’s paranormal MYSTWALKERS series focusing on a centuries old war between the werewolf and the Fae.

This particular installment begins approximately six months after the happenings in THE TROUBLE WITH FATE and once again finds our heroine, Hedi Peacock ruminating about the problems she faces as a half-were/have Fae hybrid with the ability to walk through dreams. As a ‘mystwalker’, Hedi is able to walk through dreams and in doing so is able to communicate with people on the other side which will eventually present a bigger problem when she visits a world in between and discovers the truth about her family and the war.

The writing style continues to be descriptive. The memories and flashbacks, as well as the ‘mystwalking’ (both current day and memory) become overwhelming at times-as though there were three to four storylines following the same path.-and in this the premise was slow to build.

Once again, the characters continue to be flawed but more so than any of the others is our heroine Hedi. She was difficult to like at times because she continuously placed her family, friends and mate in danger. She refused to follow orders; she had difficulty believing what she saw over what she believed to be true and in this, she questioned everything and everyone. But I must add, there were many opportunities throughout the story where the truth of certain situations could have been revealed and many of the difficulties, deaths and even accusations could have been avoided-than again-we would not have had a storyline to follow if that were the case.

The relationship between Hedi and Trowbridge (her mate) is acrimonious at times but more so because of Hedi’s reluctance to believe she is the bonded mate of the pack Alpha and the pack’s reluctance to accept Hedi as the Alpha’s mate. As a hybrid (half Fae/half Were) neither species is willing to welcome Hedi with open arms and her actions make is more difficult than most.

The series is told from Hedi’s POV using memories, flashbacks and ‘mystwalking’ dream sequences and present day. But the story in focus got ‘bogged down’ in the details and revelations seen through the dreams and memories and, this was a bit of a problem. Again, there is graphic detail with complicated relationships; violence, death and more torture.

THE THING ABOUT WERES is a complicated storyline that focuses on the trials and tribulations of two species who have been at war for a very long time: the true nature of discrimination and speciesism is rife with prejudism and the inability to see beyond the myth and the lore passed down through generations. If you are a fan of paranormal/urban fantasy storylines, rich in detailed and graphic descriptions of two species at war, then this series is perfect for you.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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