Tag Archives: fantasy

Bellevue by Robin Cook – a Review

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Bellevue by Robin Cook – a Review

 

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Description:
Twenty-four-year-old Michael “Mitt” Fuller starts his surgical residency with great anticipation at the nearly 300-year-old, iconic BELLEVUE HOSPITAL, following in the footsteps of four previous, celebrated Fuller generations. The pressure is on for this newly minted doctor, and to his advantage he’s always had a secret sixth sense, a sensitivity to the nonphysical which gradually plays a progressive role, especially as one patient after another assigned to his care begin to die from mysterious causes. At first he thinks it is just the ‘luck of the draw’, but as the numbers mount, he’s forced to think otherwise. As he struggles to find out why these people are dying while simultaneously having to deal with the unreasonable demands of being first-year resident, things rapidly spiral out of control.

Between fatigue, stress, and nerves, it’s no wonder that these first few days and nights of his surgical residency are tough ones. What is surprising, though, are the visions that begin to plague Mitt – visions of a little girl in a blood-stained dress, hearing bloodcurdling screams in the distance, and worse. As bodies mount and Mitt’s stress level rises, he finds himself drawn into the secrets of the abandoned Bellevue Psychopathic Hospital building, which to his astonishment still exists, defying demolition a few doors north of the modern Bellevue Hospital high-rise. Forcing an unauthorized entry into this storied but scary structure, Mitt discovers he’s more closely tied to the sins of the past than he ever thought possible.

 

 

 

Review:

Bellevue by Robin Cook is a suspense, horror, gripping medical thriller with a supernatural twist. We meet Michael (Mitt) Fuller, who starts his surgical residency with Bellevue Hospital; a three-hundred-year-old famous hospital in New York City.   He follows his earlier ancestors from many years ago; Mitt is a first-year intern; being sleep-deprived. The pressure brings upon fatigue, stress, and nerves, with the first few days being tough ones.

Mitt also has a secret sixth sense, and though he has done well working with the other residents, he begins to worry that all of his patients that he was assigned to, begin to die from mysterious causes. From the start, Mitt began to see visions from the past, such as a young girl in a blood-stained dress, as well as others who show up out of nowhere.  Things begin to spiral out of control, especially with all his patients ending up dead; as well finding himself drawn to the long-closed Bellevue Psychopathic Hospital. With this leading to a supernatural ghost element and Mitt finding himself anxious and stressed. Mitt tries to explain to his friend, who is also just starting out, and worries that he is being affected by his so-called visions.

Mitt will meet someone who also has visions, and learns more about what his ancestor did all those years ago.  Mitt will discover that he be more closely tied to the terrible scary things done by his ancestors.  Two of his ancestors were controversial; such as being opposed using anesthesia after it was widely accepted, and other also causing serious pain. Bellevue was a suspenseful, scary, thought-provoking, and tragical medical thriller. The last third of the book was very intense, with a number tragic events.  I will say that I was shocked with the way things ended in this book. Bellevue was well written by Robin Cook, but again, I did not like how this did end.  Overall, this was a good book, but the supernatural element changed drastically.  If you are a fan of medical thrillers, then you should read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Legacy of Chaos (Demonica Birthright) by Larissa Ione-review tour

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Legacy of Chaos (Demonica Birthright 2) by Larissa Ione-review & excerpt tour

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 3, 2024

The legacy continues…

It’s a gritty new world.

Three decades after the events of REAPER, the world is a different place. The secret is out. The existence of demons, vampires, shapeshifters, and angels has been revealed, and humans are struggling to adapt. Out of the chaos, The Aegis has risen to global power on the promise of containing or exterminating all underworlders, even if that means ushering in the End of Days.

Standing in their way is the next generation of warriors, the children of demons and angels and the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

See how they become legends in their own right.

Legacy of Chaos

Stryke, son of Shade and Runa, grew up a happy, well-adjusted incubus alongside his four brothers. A supergenius, he took an interest in science and technology at an early age, with a dream of joining NASA…until a moment of carelessness resulted in the death of his little brother. Unable to forgive himself and desperate to prevent a similar tragedy from happening to others, he started up his own anti-demon tech company and sequestered himself behind its walls. Now he’s a household name and one of the wealthiest people on the planet.

Cyan, a technomancer who works as a cybersecurity expert for DART, lost her best friend to a weapon designed by Stryke’s company. She’s hurt, angry, and wants revenge. So when an opportunity to work with Stryke on a project arises, she jumps at the chance to help DART and make Stryke’s life miserable.

At first, Cyan and Stryke butt heads about everything. But she soon finds that deep down, he’s desperately wounded and willing to sacrifice everything, including his family, to achieve his goals. Can she help him heal before he destroys himself—and everyone around him?

•••

REVIEW:What an amazing world! Legacy of Chaos is book two in the Demonica Birthright series, a spin off/second generation continuation of the original Demonica/Deliverance series. If you haven’t read the original series, I would definitely recommend doing so before dipping your toes into the Birthright series. There are many, many characters and storylines from the OG series that come into play, and a new reader may find themselves a little lost.

Onto the juicy parts! Our story focuses on Stryke (Shade and Runa’s son from the previous book) and Cyan. Stryke is a tech genius billionaire, living with the pain and guilt over the death of his youngest brother. He believes it is his fault and because of that has cut himself off from friends, family and love, throwing himself into his work determined to make things that will protect people and not harm them. When Cyan joins the team that has commissioned his company to make, he is less than happy, but what DART wants, they get.

Cyan is less than thrilled when she is assigned to work next to Stryke. She used to worship the ground the man walked on, and would have loved to be working side by side with him then. Now? Now all she wants is to get the job done and get as far away from him as she can. He builds weapons afterall, and one of those weapons took someone very important away from her. As a technomancer Cyan becomes a vital part of the building process and the two work together to build said weapon. During this time Cyan slowly starts to see another part of Stryke, one that has been questioning how she feels about him. She sees the pain and regret that he lives with, and all that he has done to try and redeem himself.

I was a little surprised with how much I really clicked with this book, although I shouldn’t be surprised. Stryke and Cyan gave me such grumpy/sunshine vibes, even though I wouldn’t call Cyan a sunshine character, she does have a much more positive outlook and tried to use that to help Stryke with his PTSD. The plot and story were easy to follow, but had a great intrigue and intensity that kept me engaged and ready for the next page. Cyan healed a part of Stryke that I think his character really needed, his vulnerability and fear mixed with his guilt about his brother was weighing him down so much, and with Cyan that was lifted. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store for us next!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

 

 

“Let’s go inside where it’s safe,” Cyan said, turning back to Stryke.
“You go. I’ll catch up.”
She stared at him through the dense tendrils of fog that swirled in the space between them. “I’m not leaving you here alone.”
He didn’t look at her, but she swore he said something like, “I couldn’t save him.”
Not so distantly, a sound like something wet slithering on metal sent a chill up her spine.
“Stryke,” she said with growing urgency. “Let’s go.”
His head swung around, and she drew a sharp breath at the gleaming gold burning in his eyes.
“I can’t,” he growled. “It’s not safe.”
A warm wave of arousal washed over her, and instantly, she understood. “Did you bring your medicine?”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a crushed injector pen. “This contained four doses.” He closed his eyes. “Blade was right. I’m an arrogant asshole. I couldn’t save him.”
“Er…yeah.” He wasn’t making sense. None of this made sense. Maybe he was experiencing a nervous breakdown. Too much stress or something.
“You did everything you could for Ubundi,” she said calmly, but his eyes popped open, and he looked at her like he didn’t understand.
“Not Ubundi.”
Not Ubundi? What was he talking about?
Something in the fog snarled, and closer, something hissed. She decided to worry about whatever was wrong with Stryke later.
“Okay, we’ll deal with it inside.” He didn’t move, but he did open his eyes. Somehow, they glowed even brighter, a molten gold that made her feel like whiskey flowed through her veins. She burned in the best way. “Stryke.” She extended her hand. “We really have to go inside.”
The wrench clattered to the deck, but he still didn’t move. Fiery turmoil as violent as the stormy sea filled his expression, drawing her in with a sense of almost morbid fascination. She wanted to touch that fire. See how badly it would scorch her.
She stepped closer, her heart pumping so hard she could hear it over the roar of the wind. Desire fluttered in her belly, even as her brain screamed that they were in danger. Screamed that he was the danger.
“Come on,” she whispered, taking his hand.
His grip snapped closed on her wrist, and he wheeled them both around lightning-fast, slamming her against a huge tank. He pinned her wrists above her head and pressed his big, warm body against hers.
Teeth bared, his face inches from hers, he growled, a sound that relaxed her muscles and turned her core liquid. Oh, wow. So, this was why lust demons were so dangerous. Here they were in a situation that could get them killed, and all she wanted to do was strip off her clothes and let him do whatever he wanted to her. Right here. In the cold rain. Likely with demons stalking them.
“Go…inside,” he gritted, even as he pushed his pelvis into hers, the hard ridge of his erection making her instinctively roll her hips against it. He sucked in a harsh breath, and the gold in his eyes swirled.
“I’m not going in without you,” she said, her voice sounding more breathless than she’d like.
“Yes, you are.”
Did he understand what he was saying? Did he really want to send her away? What the hell was wrong with him?
Her lust turned to instant fury, something she was far more comfortable with around him. She jerked angrily out of his grip. “What is your deal? If you stay out here, you’ll get killed!”
“I know. But I won’t make it easy on them, and I’ll take out as many of those bastards as I can.”
Oh, gods. He was serious. He really was prepared to fight to the death. And he wasn’t even bothered by the idea. It was all just very ho-hum.
“Stryke, you don’t have to die. Come inside.”


 

Air Force veteran Larissa Ione traded in a career in meteorology to pursue her passion of writing. She has since published dozens of books, hit several bestseller lists, including the New York Times and USA Today, and has been nominated for a RITA award. She now spends her days in pajamas with her computer, strong coffee, and supernatural worlds. She believes in celebrating everything, and would never be caught without a bottle of Champagne chilling in the fridge…just in case. She currently lives in Wisconsin with her retired U.S. Coast Guard husband, her son, a rescue cat named Vegas, and her very own hellhounds, a King Shepherd named Hexe and a Belgian Malinois named Duvel.

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Born of Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

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Born of Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
The line between love and obsession has never been wider.

While Sera is finally free of Kolis and back with those she loves, not everything is calm. Memories of all she’s endured still haunt her, but Sera finally has hope for a future with the other half of her heart and soul. Nyktos desires, loves, and accepts every part of her—even the monstrous bits she still battles.

More than ever, Sera and Ash have everything under the realms to fight for, and Nyktos has no doubt Sera is fit to be the Queen of the Gods. But she must find that faith within herself if they hope to convince the other Courts to support them against Kolis and make Iliseeum and the mortal realm better, safer places for all.

But as Sera begins to piece together the importance of her bloodline and the true meaning behind the foreboding prophecy, it becomes clear that everything that has happened and is yet to come is much bigger than Kolis and his dark obsessions.

They cannot help but wonder exactly how much influence the Fates have had and what their ultimate goal is. What Sera does know for sure is that they can trust very few—including her.

A battle between the gods is brewing, and heartbreaking losses are imminent with the true Primal of Death strengthening. With a family of the heart willing to battle by their side, can Sera and Nyktos stop Kolis before he destroys the realms, or will it all disappear in a fiery inferno of blood and ash?

And the line between justice and vengeance has never been so thin.

 

 

Review:

Born of Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the conclusion of her Flesh and Fire series. Refresher: Born of Blood and Ash is a prequel to her wonderful Blood and Ash series, taking place thousands of years prior to that series. Seraphena (Sera) Mierel, our heroine, was born to be an assassin, fulfilling her part in a deal made by her ancestor all those years before, as she has trained to be a powerful weapon. Nyktos (Ash) saves her life, and he takes her to his home, to become his Consort. Sera and Nyktos/Ash were so great together, with their chemistry off the wall, and in time, all of his people cared about Sera and her abilities.

As Sera reaches her Ascension, she will develop new skills, such as intuitions; as she returns to her family becoming the True Primal of Life. Sera, as the Queen, begins to put pieces together, especially what is behind the foreboding prophecy; with both Sera and Ash trying to convince the other courts to help stop Kolis. We learn quickly that Sera is now pregnant, with two boys; and Ash is happy and thrilled to be able to have children.  But first they need to find a way to get Kolis to entombed.

Kolis plans to take control Sera and Ash, which leads him to kill Sera’s entire family and her town. Everyone is dead, and Sera mourns the loss of her stepsister, wife, mother; leading Sera to lose control and destroy others.  Sera finds solace from Ash, who together will eliminate those close to Kolis.  She kills Veses, and Attes kills his brother, Kyn, as they needed to die.  The final battle to lock, and entomb Kolis away for centuries, was deeply intense. The Star that was intended to free Sotoria was stolen, as Calum hid it away, to be used centuries into the future.

We did get to see how Sera and Ash helped the ones they trusted to become new primals of those in other courts.  Attes plans to go into stasis to rest, passes his court to Lailah. Aios and Belle were great together, with Belle having her own court. Penellaphe also ascended.  I loved Reaver and Jadis, as they were cute; but I loved Nektas from the start to finish.  We also got hints leading into Poppy and Cas, with Sotoria being reborn.

 What follows is an exciting, emotional, sexy, intense, and romantic adventure, that had a number of reveals giving us clues of what is yet to come.   Sera is a fantastic and amazing heroine, being powerful, strong, courageous, determined and fierce. I also loved how much Ash loved Sera. Jennifer L. Armentrout gives us another very good story, with a bit slow early on, but the last third was awesome.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy purchased

 

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BAD DEMON (Hell on Wheels 1) by Sherliee Gray-review

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🧡BAD DEMON (Hell on Wheels 1) by Sherliee Gray-a review🧡

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /  Apple Books​

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 21, 2024

It was Fern Honeycutt’s eyes that gave her away. Not witch. All demon.

Her coven saw her as an abomination, handing her over to pure evil.

She escaped, but a lone female is an easy target. When breeder scouts start hanging around her store, the only way to protect herself is to break the rules she swore to uphold—adding a whole new problem.

Relic, an emotionless and arrogant hellhound, witnessed those crimes and now he’s stalking her. But the unpredictable beast is the only thing standing between her and mortal danger, so Fern chooses the lesser of two evils and plays dirty, forcing him to protect her.

However, the sinfully handsome Relic isn’t easily controlled. He surrounds her with a quiet dominance and easy affection that’s breaking through her pain—and as hard as she tries to protect her heart, he’s even more determined to claim it…

•••••••

REVIEW: BAD DEMON is the first instalment in Sherilee Gray’s contemporary, adult HELL ON WHEELS, dark, erotic, paranormal, fantasy series-a spin off from the author’s THE THORNHEART TRIALS series. This is six hundred year old, Hellhound Relic, and witch/ demon Fern Honeycutt’s story line.

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

Told from dual first person perspectives (Fern and Relic) using present day and memories from the past, BAD DEMON follows the building relationship between Hellhound Relic, and witch/ demon Fern Honeycutt. Fern Honeycutt has spend most of her life imprisoned, tortured and experimented upon but in an effort to discover the truth about her family and her past, Fern finds herself ‘paying’ someone else to find the information. Hellhound Relic is struggling with the woman who claims to be a witch, a witch who is more than she appears to be but someone is targeting our story line heroine, and Relic has proclaimed himself guardian and protector of the woman with whom he will fall in love. When the past refuses to let go, Fern is once again pulled into the nightmare that was once her life, a nightmare that refuses to stop.

The world building focuses on the building relationship between Fern and Relic. Relic knows Fern is his mate but he suspects Fern is not ready to accept a Hellhound as her happily ever after. As Relic slowly seduces our story line heroine, Fern struggles with the possibility everything about Relic is a fabricated lie.

The relationship between Fern and Relic is that of fated mated but Relic bides his time with the woman that calls to his soul. Fern believes she has magically seduced the man that calls to her heart therefore everything they shared is based upon a lie. The $ex scenes are intimate and provocative without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The secondary and supporting characters are magical and powerful . Several characters and couples cross over from the author’s THE THORNHEART TRIALS series, as well as the introduction of a number of witch/ demon hybrids: Fern’s great grandmother Agatheena, Phoebe, Sutton, and Hellhounds Lothar, and Jagger. The requisite evil has many faces.

BAD DEMON is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, magic and madness, acceptance and love. The action packed premise is dark, dramatic and twisted; the characters are dynamic, sensitive and determined; the romance is fated and spicy.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

Follow: Website / Goodreads  / Facebook / Instagram / Amazon Author

Sherilee’s always had a big (some say warped) imagination, and as a kid scared herself conjuring up horror stories full of ghosts and other terrifying creatures. She never dreamed of actually writing down any of those wonderful imaginary people or places, not until many years later when her sister introduced her to the wondrous world of romance novels, and her very large book collection.

She’s pleased to say, she still has the big imagination… only now her characters are chasing their happily ever after.

Sherilee Gray is a kiwi girl and lives in beautiful New Zealand with her husband and their two children. When she isn’t writing sexy, edgy contemporary and paranormal romance, searching for her next alpha hero on Pinterest, or fueling her voracious book addiction, she can be found dreaming of far off places with a mug of tea in one hand and a bar of Cadburys Rocky Road chocolate in the other.

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The Shadows Rule All by Abigail Owen – a Review

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The Shadows Rule All by Abigail Owen – a Review

 

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Description:
King Eidolon has taken everything.

My throne, my Shadowraith, and even my kingdom. I am a queen with no one to rule, and a tattered army that’s not even mine. And hope is fading fast.

Now the shadows who once tormented Reven live within me, hissing and wheedling—and enticing me to betray my friends. Which could be deadly for us all. Because without the wraith I fell for, without Reven, I am all shadows…and no light.

And the Alignment is almost upon us—the culmination of centuries that have fueled a vengeful king’s festering rage.

We’re outnumbered. We’re underpowered. And even if we could unleash the trapped goddesses, they could destroy the kingdom and everything in it.

 

 

Review:

The Shadows Rule All by Abigail Owen is the final book in her Dominions series. Oh my…. Final book in this trilogy, and I’m going to miss it 😞 

I loved reading the storylines, watching Meren grow into a real kicka$$ character. Faced with challenge after challenge, she never gave up, although it did come close a few times!! 

This book picks up from book two. Can you read this one without reading the first two? You could, but I think you’d be missing out on two fantastic books, and there is information that I felt pertinent to the story (but that’s just my opinion.) 

So many characters have come and gone in this trilogy, some I’ve cried over, some I shrugged and moved on…. But all were integral to the story, one was a filler, everyone had their role to play. 

Meren and Reven have become one of my favourite couples. Their relationship hasn’t been easy, they’ve fought one another and against this world to be together. And in this book, it’s still no easy task! 

Eidolon is still a force to be reckoned with! Although on the ropes, I still wouldn’t count him out just yet! (And I did feel a little sad for him in the prologue 🤫) 

The action is nonstop, the pictures in my head were painted so clearly due to the details given by this author. She creates a world you just want to live in, sights and sounds play like a movie in my head. (In fact at some point I’m going to grab the audios.)

Betrayal/suspense/mystery and battles will have you hard pressed to put this book down until the last page! Friends can’t always be trusted! Allies can turn against you, and even family needs to be watched! 

There are lots of loose ends that need tying up. There are moments that need to be explained. And there are still loved ones to be rescued! And the author does all that and more! 

I don’t want to give too much away, but be prepared for 🤧 and 😱 moments. I’d also say that this book is a little darker than the previous two, there is a warning at the beginning of the book. 

I really enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend it and the previous two. It’s definitely an adventure I’ll be revisiting at some point. 

Reviewed by Julie 

Copy supplied by Author

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Magic Unmasked/ Magic Undaunted (The Grimm Files) by Delta James

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MAGIC UNMASKED/ MAGIC UNDAUNTED (The Grimm Files 5 & 6) by Delta James

Magic Unmasked
The Grimm Files 5
by Delta James
Genre: adult ,contemporary, erotic, paranormal, fantasy romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 23, 2024

A ruthless fae enforcer and a shifter must unite to save their worlds—even if it means crossing enemy lines.

Lillith Silverwing is a formidable fae enforcer sent by the High Council to retrieve the elusive Duvall sisters—four powerful fae warriors whose magic could alter the fate of realms. Her mission should be simple, but everything changes when she crosses paths with Ronan Rousseau, a brooding sabretooth shifter scarred by a past marred by fae treachery.

As the last of his lineage, Ronan harbors a deep-seated hatred of the fae. Yet, an unexpected spark ignites between him and Lillith, challenging everything he thought he knew. When Lillith uncovers a rebellion that threatens to unleash chaos upon both the fae realm and the mortal world, she realizes that Ronan might be the ally she desperately needs. Together, they form an uneasy alliance to protect the sisters and unravel a conspiracy that runs deeper than either of them imagined.

Torn between her loyalty to the High Council and her growing feelings for Ronan, Lillith must choose where her true allegiance lies. Can she defy centuries of duty to follow her heart? And can Ronan overcome his prejudices to embrace a love that could heal his wounds?

••••••

REVIEW: MAGIC UNMASKED is the fifth instalment in Delta James’s contemporary adult THE GRIMM FILES paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is fae enforcer Lilith Silverwing, and sabre tooth tiger shifter Ronan Rousseau’s story line. MAGIC UNMASKED can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspective (Ronan and Lilith) MAGIC UNMASKED continues to focus on Fae High Council’s determination to take down the powerful Duvall sisters-four fae warriors whose magic and power are considered dangerous and in demand. Hired to bring in the Duvall sisters, fae enforcer Lilith Silverwing finds herself with an unwanted partner, sabre tooth tiger shifter Ronan Rousseau, who is also, taking aim at the magical fae but all is not as is appears to be, and our couple will quickly discover there is corruption within the Council, and the attacks against the Duvalls may be a bi-product of power and control.

The relationship between Ronan and Lilith begin when both are targeting the Duvall sisters. Ronan will soon realize Lilith is his fated mate but Lilith refuses to accept the shifter as her happily ever after. The $ex scenes are limited but provocative.

The secondary and supporting characters include the Duvall sisters-Geneva, Savannah, Phoenix, Catalina, their aunt Maeve, as well as Fae leader Zephyr Windchaser, High Councilor Oberon Whisperwind and Morrigan.

MAGIC UNMASKED is a quick read; a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, magic and mates, acceptance and love. The fast paced story is enchanting and entertaining; the romance is seductive and fated; the characters are magical and desperate.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
Magic Unleashed
Magic Unbound
Magic Unrestrained
Magic Unlimited

Copy supplied for review

__________

MAGIC UNDAUNTED
(The Grimm Files 6)
by Delta James
Genre: adult ,contemporary, erotic, paranormal, fantasy romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 6, 2024

She’s the realm’s most wanted rebel. He’s her ex and the High Court’s most formidable enforcer. He’s decided he wants her back.

In the mystical outskirts of New Orleans, where the Whispering Woods guard ancient secrets, Elyria leads a daring rebellion against the tyrannical High Court of the fae. Once a princess of this opulent realm, she now fights to protect the lesser fae from a sinister threat—mysterious disappearances that hint at dark magic and treachery within the Court itself.

Stryker patrols the borders of Luminara with growing unease. Disturbed by traces of forbidden magic and haunted by memories of Elyria—the fiery rebel who once held his heart—he begins to question the very orders he’s sworn to uphold.

When their paths cross once more, Elyria and Stryker uncover a rogue human mage’s devastating plan to wield a weapon capable of unraveling the fae realm’s very fabric. Forced to join forces, their simmering attraction reignites, blurring the lines between past and present.

As battles rage and alliances crumble, Elyria must confront her past and make an impossible choice: trust the man who could betray her or risk losing everything to save a world that has forsaken her.

•••••••

REVIEW: MAGIC UNDAUNTED is the sixth instalment in Delta James’s contemporary adult THE GRIMM FILES paranormal, fantasy romance series. This is former fae warrior of Celestia Elyria Knightshade, and griffon shifter/ warrior for the Fae Stryker Landry’s story line. MAGIC UNDAUNTED can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for cohesion and backstory.

Told from dual omniscient third person perspectives (Elyria and Stryker) MAGIC UNDAUNTED follows the search for the truth. Approximately one year earlier, Fae Warrior Elyria Knightshade was banished from the Fae realm of Celestia but she has never stopped hunting those determined to hurt the Fae but when she comes face to face with the man she once loved, Elyria is determined to prove she is not the betrayer the Fae Council has led them to believe. Enter griffon shifter and warrior Stryker Landry. Stryker has been assigned to search for the source of the powerful black magic, magic that is using and abusing the Fae but working alongside the woman he loves forces Stryker to prove he can be trusted in the face of perceived betrayal to our story line heroine. As Stryker and Elyria begin their search to uncover the source of the magic, old feelings pull our couple together in the face of darkness and death.

The world building continues to focus on black magic, and a possible betrayal from within the Fae Council. Someone is wreaking havoc, taking aim at the Fae on Celestia, all the while aiming for a complete control.

The relationship between Elyria and Stryker is one of second chances but Elyria struggles in the face of her banishment and the lack of support from the man she once loved. Stryker has faithfully stood by the Fae Council but within days of reconnecting with Elyria, the blinds are slowly lifted revealing a darkness no one suspected. The $ex scenes are intimate and impassioned without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to several members of Elyria’s rebel alliance including her second in command Finnian, as well as the return of Lord Oberon; and Savannah, Phoenix, Geneva and Catalina Duvall, banished members of the Fae.

MAGIC UNDAUNTED is another story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, magic and mayhem, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic; the rekindling romance is impassioned; the characters are dynamic and desperate.

Copy supplied for review

Reviews by Sandy

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Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

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Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes – a Review

 

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Description:
A shunned princess. A reluctant king.
A marriage that could save both their kingdoms . . . but destroy their hearts.

Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. Her chronic illness makes her a liability to the crown, and she has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things.

When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice.

Though not eager to take a human bride, King Vor is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement.

So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?

When disaster strikes and the marriage alliance is compromised, Faraine suddenly finds herself forced to take her sister’s place . . . regardless of her new husband’s desires. Can she find a place at Vor’s side as his queen? Or is his heart forever closed to the woman who deceived him so cruelly?

Passionate and alluring, Bride of the Shadow King is an arranged marriage tale with dual point-of-view (his and hers). It’s perfect for fantasy fans looking for a touch of spice to go with the sweet in their next swoony, slow-burn romance.

 

 

 

Review:

Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes is the first book in her new Bride of the Shadow King series.  We meet Princess Faraine, who is the oldest daughter Of King Larongar of Gavaria; as she has been banished to a convent, since her father was not able to arrange a marriage by the groom.  Now her younger sister, Ilsevel is refusing to marry King Vor of Mythanar, and Faraine is called home from the convent to calm her sister and convince her to wed the man her father wants her to marry. 

King Vor agrees to wed princess Ilsevel, because he needs human magic to save his kingdom; as King Larongar is determined to get Vor to help protect their own kingdom.  Faraine is on her way home, and she and her brother are attacked; King Vor with his team comes to their rescue. In a short period, as they head to Gavaria, with them having an instant connection, as their attraction is strong. King Vor is eager to take a human bride, as he is willing to do what is needed to help his people. When he meets the lively and talented, Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement; with the blessing of King Larongar.

When disaster strikes, and Ilsevel and her younger sister, are both killed in an attack by Gavaria’s enemy. King Larongar is determined to keep the marriage alliance, with Faraine now being forced to take her sister’s place; as a mage helps to change Faraine face to look like her sister. When she travels with Lyria to become King Vor’s new wife, as his Queen; she continues to wear a veil to keep her facial change. The wedding night approaches, with Vor and Faraine succumbing to their sexual feelings.  But Vor will discover the truth about Faraine, and all hell will break loose.

Bride of the Shadow King was a very good romantasy, with a slow burn and forbidden romance; which had magic, deception, betrayal, sacrifice and death.  The finale was a wild intense ending, leaving us with so many more questions. Bride of the Shadow King was very well written by Sylvia Mercedes.  Though there was some bad scenes as we got closer to the end, I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley – a Review

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Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley – a Review

 

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Description:
In the underground Fae realm, only the strongest and most ruthless have power—but a young human woman forced into a life of servitude is about to change everything.

Kenna Heron is best known in her village for being a little wild—some say “half feral”—but she’ll need every ounce of that ferocity to survive captivity in the cruel Fae court.

Trapped as a servant in the faeries’ underground kingdom of Mistei, Kenna must help her new mistress undertake six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If she succeeds, her mistress will gain immortality and become the heir to Earth House. If she doesn’t, the punishment is death—for both mistress and servant.

With no ally but a sentient dagger of mysterious origins, Kenna must face monsters, magic, and grueling physical tests. But worse dangers wait underground, and soon Kenna gets caught up in a secret rebellion against the inventively sadistic faerie king. When her feelings for the rebellion’s leader turn passionate, Kenna must decide if she’s willing to risk her life for a better world and a chance at happiness.

Surviving the trials and overthrowing a tyrant king will take cunning, courage, and an iron will… but even that may not be enough.

 

 

Review:

Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley is the first book in her new The Shards of Magic series.   I loved this book from start to finish, and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. We meet our heroine, Kenna Heron, who is human, and every 6 years the Fae, 4 women are selected to live a life of luxury within the faerie land of Mistei. Kenna’s best friend was one of those selected, and she goes out of her way to follow the selected, only to find out their lives are in danger; with the 4 missing, Kenna becomes trapped in Mistei to become a handmaiden to the heir of Earth House.

Kenna slowly becomes close to Princess Lara, especially trying to help her survive the dangerous and deadly trials, which each house will need to complete the six trials, to get immortality and magic. Each of the faerie houses are, Fire, Earth, Light, Illusion and Blood. Kenna was strong, in her ability to fight others secretly for Lara, using her cunning intellection in facing grueling and magical tests, as well as monsters; but her sentient dagger was her strongest ally, talking to her mentally; and always needing blood from the victims. 

Kenna will find herself caught up in a secret rebellion against the sadistic King Osric.  She begins to have strong feelings for the rebellion’s leader, Drusten, Fire Prince, which will change as we get closer to the end.  Void Prince, Kellan early on managed to get Kenna to discover the secrets he wants to know about; though as truths are revealed, the real culprit becomes a dangerous enemy. This was a very dark story, that is filled with twists, romance, intrigue, betrayal and an evil cruel King.

Servant of Earth was a fantastic story that kept me unable to put the book down, with an exciting plot that had friendship, rebellion, spice, alliances, politics, danger, magic and secrets. Servant of Earth was so very well written by Sarah Hawley.  Kenna was a fantastic heroine, helping to survive the trials and finding a way to overthrow the evil king.  I cannot wait for the next book.  I suggest you read Servant of Earth, as it was a terrific read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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