Tag Archives: Scifi

The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec – Review

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The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec – Review

 

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Description:
The lives of two women—one desperate only to save her missing sister, the other a witch destined to become queen of Norway—intertwine in this spellbinding, powerful novel of Viking Age history and myth from the acclaimed author of The Witch’s Heart.

Oddny and Gunnhild meet as children in tenth century Norway, and they could not be more different: Oddny hopes for a quiet life, while Gunnhild burns for power and longs to escape her cruel mother. But after a visiting wisewoman makes an ominous prophecy that involves Oddny, her sister Signy, and Gunnhild, the three girls take a blood oath to help one another always.

When Oddny’s farm is destroyed and Signy is kidnapped by Viking raiders, Oddny is set adrift from the life she imagined—but she’s determined to save her sister no matter the cost, even as she finds herself irresistibly drawn to one of the raiders who participated in the attack. And in the far north, Gunnhild, who fled her home years ago to learn the ways of a witch, is surprised to find her destiny seems to be linked with that of the formidable King Eirik, heir apparent to the ruler of all Norway.

But the bonds—both enchanted and emotional—that hold the two women together are strong, and when they find their way back to each other, these bonds will be tested in ways they never could have foreseen in this deeply moving novel of magic, history, and sworn sisterhood.

 

 

 

Review:

The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec is standalone historical fantasy that takes place in the Viking age.  We meet three young girls, two sisters (Signy and Oddny) and a best friend (Gunnhild), who are at the start 12 years old.  At their young age, the girls have no control over their fate as women, and though the three of them swear an oath to each other, and in a short time, a seer will change their lives. Gunnhild has a terrible relationship with her mean mother, and when she is offered to go with the seer, and learn magic, she leaves her home, not to been again for 12 years.

12 Years later, Oddny and Signy’s family is attacked by Viking Raiders, killing most of the residents of their villiage.  Oddny manages to escape, and Signy is captured by the Vikings. With her family dead, Oddny is determined to do anything to find her sister.  Gunnhild over these many years, has learned from her seer, how to use her witch magic and powers.  She and her mentor seer, try to fight off three other witches; knowing how powerful these others are.  Gunnhild and Oddny eventually find each other, and together they are committed to find out why this attack happened, and to rescue Signy. 

Gunnhild makes arrangements to go home, offering her services as a witch, protecting King Eirik, heir apparent to the ruler of all Norway. At first Eirik is not enamored with Gunnhild, until he sees she maybe able to help to him. I did enjoy the snarky relationship between Gunnhild and Eirik; as neither one of them liked each other. Time will change things for both Gunnhild and Eirik, as well as Oddny and Halldor. What I loved the most was the wonderful powers that proved women are capable of fighting this war; especially with their magic, powers, and strong bond between them.

What follows is an exciting, intense, emotional, non-stop action in the last half of the book, which had me unable to put the book down. The Weaver and the Witch Queen was a gripping, intensive, adventurous and fascinating mythology; so very well written by Genevieve Gornichec.  This was a fantastic read, and I loved the epilogue.  If you enjoy fantasy, you need to wholly read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Sweetwater & the Witch by Jayne Castle – Review & Giveaway

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Sweetwater & the Witch by Jayne Castle – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
If there’s something Ravenna Chastain knows, it’s when to end things. And after she almost winds up the victim of a cult that believes she’s a witch, it’s easy to walk away from her dead-end career, ready for a new start. But where to find a job that would allow her to use her very specialized skill set? The answer is clear: she becomes a matchmaker.

But even a successful matchmaker can’t find someone for everyone, and Ravenna considers Ethan Sweetwater her first professional failure. After nine failed dates, Ravenna knows it’s time to cut Ethan loose. But Ethan refuses to be fired as a client—he needs one final date to a business function. Since Ravenna needs a date herself to a family event, they agree to a deal: she will be his (business) date if he will be her (fake) date to her grandparents’ anniversary celebration.

What Ethan fails to mention is that attending the business function is a cover for some industrial espionage that he’s doing as a favor to the new Illusion Town Guild boss. Ravenna is happy to help, but their relationship gets even more complicated when things heat up—the chemistry between them is explosive, as explosive as the danger that’s stalking Ravenna. Lucky for her, Ethan isn’t just an engineer—he’s also a Sweetwater, and Sweetwaters are known for hunting down monsters…

 

 

 

Review:

Sweetwater & the Witch by Jayne Castle is the 15th book in her Ghost Hunters series.  Having read the previous book in this series, I looked forward to reading this new book, even though I had not read the earlier books.   One day, if time ever allows, I might go back to some of those books This takes place in Illusion Town within Harmony, which is a colonized alien world, and the underground maze in Illusion Town, has weird paranormal activity/hallucinations, with many people never escaping.

We meet Ravenna Chastain, our heroine, at the start, when she was captured by an evil cult, who considered her a witch; Ravenna actually was a profiler for the police. She managed to use some of her fire ability to escape, with the police finally arriving to arrest the cult members.  Ravenna decided that she did not want to continue working at this dangerous job, and moved to Illusion Town and became a matchmaker. 

Ravenna has a well-known client, Ethan Sweetwater, and wasn’t having any luck in finding a good match, with 9 unsuccessful tries.  When she tries to offer him a refund, he turns her down, and insists she find him someone else; with one last match, Ethan convinces her to be his fake date to an event, and she can monitor what he does wrong.  While waiting for Ethan to arrive for their date, a former date forces his way in and attempts to kill her, with her using her fire witch ability to stop him, and Ethan arriving in time to send the unconscious man elsewhere for the police to find him.  Ethan alerts Ravenna that the Guild Boss, needs him to do some espionage, and she is thrilled to help.

Slowly, the chemistry between them escalates, even if Ravenna denies her feelings, since matchmakers are not allowed to date a client.  Ethan, already knows he is falling hard for Ravenna, as she is the one for him.  I absolutely loved Harriet, the dust bunny, who is always with Ravenna and Ethan; they were a wonderful threesome.  ?  The danger escalates for Ravenna, as well as Ethan’s attempts to stop a dangerous enemy trying to gain control; both of them recognize that they are indeed a match, with sizzling chemistry between them.

What follows is an exciting mysterious, intense and romantic story, with a fantastic couple in Ethan and Ravenna, and little Harriet. There is a lot of non-stop action, as we race to the climax, with lives on the line.  To tell too much more would be spoilers, and I do not want to ruin it for you.

Sweetwater & the Witch was a very good paranormal mystery, great world-building, lots of fun, especially between Ravenna and Ethan, as well as Harriet.  I really loved Ravenna and Ethan together.  I enjoyed this story, which kept me glued to my kindle.  Sweetwater & the Witch was very well written by Jayne Castle.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

“You can’t dump me,” Ethan Sweetwater said. “I’ve got a contract with this matchmaking agency. You owe me one more date.”

“To be clear,” Ravenna said, “I am not dumping you. I am trying to explain that I cannot help you.”

“I don’t believe it. When my nephew Jeff recommended you, he said you have the eye.”

“Your nephew met me one time, and that was several months ago, when I was doing criminal profiling, not matchmaking. This work is quite different.”

Actually, it was not all that different, she reflected. It turned out that criminal profiling had a lot in common with matchmaking. The emotional drivers were key.

“Maybe you’re not trying hard enough,” Ethan suggested. That was nothing less than an insult.

“I am a professional, Mr. Sweetwater,” She said coldly. “ I assure you I have given your case my closest attention. In fact, all four of us here at Ottoway, including Ms. Ottoway herself, have gone through the files several times trying to find good matches for you.”

She did not add that there were only two reason Ethan Sweetwater—aka the client from green hell—was still on the books. The primary one was the contract. It stipulated that he was to receive a minimum of ten matches. The second reason, of course, was that Bernice Ottoway, the proprietor of Ottoway Matchmakers, was desperate not to lose such a high-profile client. The Sweetwater name carried a lot of weight, not just in Illusion Town but throughout the four city-states. A successful match for a member of the notoriously private clan that controlled a huge chunk of the amber market would give Ottoway a major promotional hit. It also would do a lot for her career, Ravenna thought. Sadly, a successful outcome did not appear to be in the cards.

“We will be happy to refund your money and refer you to another agency,” Ravenna said. Mentally she crossed her fingers. Bernice Ottoway never returned a client’s money if she could help it, but surely she would understand that Ethan Sweetwater was a hopeless case.

“I don’t want to waste my time starting from scratch at another agency,” Ethan said. “I was assured that here at Ottoway the process would be efficient and professional.”

“It would have helped if you had been more forthcoming on the Ottoway questionnaire,” Ravenna said.

“Don’t try to blame this on me, Ms. Chastain.” I’m the client, remember? The customer is always right.”

He was standing in front of her desk. He reached down somewhat absently to scratch Harriet behind her ears. The dust bunny was in the process of rearranging the pens in the tray. She paused to chortle appreciatively. Ravenna stifled a groan. She and the entire staff at Ottoway might have a problem with Ethan, but Harriet’s relationship with him was just fine. Uncomplicated, she thought. Unlike me.

“I must tell you that, according to the after-action reports I received from the nine dates I arranged for you, your dating technique leaves something to be desired,” she said.

“There you go, blaming the client again. If I’ve got a technique problem, you should help me fix it.”

“Ethan adjusted his black-framed glasses, turned away from the desk, and crossed the office. He took a stance at the window overlooking the quiet residential street.

She liked watching him move, Ravenna thought. He reminded her of a specter-cat, all prowling grace and elegant strength. He had the eyes to match. They were a dark amber gold and infused with the cold heat of controlled power—the eyes of an apex predator. The amber stone in his gold signet ring was the same color.

Eyes like Ethan’s probably made some people nervous, she thought. Maybe that was the reason he chose to wear glasses. Or maybe he thought they went with the rest of his persona.

Excerpted from Sweetwater and the Witch by Jayne Castle Copyright © 2022 by Jayne Castle. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.

 

 

 

 

Jayne’s Publisher, Berkley is offering a hardcover copy of SWEETWATER & THE WITCH to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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5. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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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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The Untold Story by Genevieve Cogman – a Review

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The Untold Story by Genevieve Cogman – a Review

 

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Description:
In this thrilling historical fantasy, time-traveling Librarian spy Irene will need to delve deep into a tangled web of loyalty and power to keep her friends safe.

Irene is trying to learn the truth about Alberich-and the possibility that he’s her father. But when the Library orders her to kill him, and then Alberich himself offers to sign a truce, she has to discover why he originally betrayed the Library.

With her allies endangered and her strongest loyalties under threat, she’ll have to trace his past across multiple worlds and into the depths of mythology and folklore, to find the truth at the heart of the Library, and why the Library was first created.

 

 

Review:

The Untold Story by Genevieve Cogman is the 8th and possible final book in her fantastic historical fantasy, Invisible Library series. Refresher:  Irene Winters, our heroine, is a Librarian and a professional spy for the mysterious Library; which collects all kinds of important works of fictions from different realities.  Irene is one of the best there is, having very powerful abilities as a librarian to use to protect and defend; she has great abilities using her voice (special language) to do amazing things, such as open or lock doors, make people do what she says, drop books down on attackers, disable bombs, etc.

In The Untold Story, we finally get answers to many questions, especially who are the true origins of the library.  The story starts when Irene finally gets Lord Silver (Fae) to agree to the Fae, Dragon, Human charter, and returns home.  Irene is quickly sent on a mission to find and take down the traitor, Alberich (who is her biological father); she is secretly ordered to play rogue from the library.  In a short time, as she with the help Kai, her lover (Dragon), Vale (best detective), Catherine (Fae apprentice), to find the villian, Alberich, as well why the worlds are disappearing.  Along the way, secrets are unveiled, the danger is intense, and a conspiracy needs to be unraveled.  Who can Irene trust?

What follows is an intriguing, exciting, intense, action filled adventure that pits Irene and her friends in danger quite often. The group try to find clues, but walk into a trap, as everything falls apart, and Irene must deal with Alberich, and keep her friends safe.  From start to finish, the action was nonstop all the way.  To say too much more would be spoilers, and that would ruin it for you; especially with this possibly being the finale.

The Untold Story was a fantastic amazing, fun, exciting story, that was very well written by Genevieve Cogman, and kept me glued to my seat until the wonderful finish. Irene Winters was a wonderful fantastic heroine, smart, savvy, brave, and loyal.   The end was a wild climatic finish, which if it is the finale, was very well done

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Fire Bonded by M.A. Abraham – a Review

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Fire Bonded by M.A. Abraham – a Review

 

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Description:
Lyra and Raine live on a mountain, next to a ski resort where they teach snow sports on a daily basis. It’s a perfect foil for two Ice Elves who are Guardians of the last portal. Things get interesting when Telion and Riven arrive to escort the two women who are their Life Mates to the Elven Empire. There they find that not only is the portal weak, but inaccessible. As things turn from bad to worse, they are left with no choice but to travel to the deep north to find Pianth. They are about to find out this is the least of their concerns, for even when they finish with their task, they learn the Elven Empire is preparing to go on a move that is bonded by fire.

 

 

Review:

Fire Bonded by M.A. Abraham is the 4th novella in her Elven Sentinel series.  The previous novellas do read very well as a stand-alone, as enough information is given early on.   Refresher:  The Sentinels are elves who were sent to live secretly in the human world, and as the parents pass, the children step forward. These elves (pretending to be human) are scattered all over the world to watch over and protect the portals across the land to prevent anyone entering the Elven Empire.   In Fire Bonded, we get to see the last of the elves who were responsible to keep an eye on the portal.

Lyra and Raine are the two final elves (fire elves), and they live near a ski resort to teach skiing.  The first of the Sentinels who arrives to greet them, is Telion and he is Raine’s Lifemate.  Shortly thereafter, Corolon arrives and meets his Lifemate, Lyra.   The men have been sent by Lothrail to rescue the remaining girls, get the books needed, and return to Elven Empire.   But things are not going to be easy, since the portal has weakened, and a major threat has their eye on them.

Arya, a powerful demon, survived the attack of her leader in the last book; and now with information that he left her, and learning how powerful she really is; she is determined to find those who have the ability to enter the portal to a magical world.

Corolon, senses the demon following them, and tries to get the four of them to find the books and leave.  However, Arya was not to be denied, and holds them hostage, with a gun pointed at one of the ladies, and the men are protective of their Lifemates.    What follows is an intense battle to protect themselves from the evil threatening their lives, and find a way to return home.  Arya was an evil villain, not to mention very powerful.  Will Lothrail be able to help them escape, and what happens if Arya manages to enter the portal to the Elven World?

Fire Bonded was an exciting and excellent ending to this series.  I did enjoy the four main characters, as they were fun, and accepting their Lifemates.  As always, I love seeing Gabriella, even if it’s for a very short period.  If you have not read the earlier books, I suggest you start with the first book (Earth Bonded), in order to fully understand.  Fire Bonded was very well written by M.A. Abraham.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

 

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Fated Blades by Ilona Andrews – a Review

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Fated Blades by Ilona Andrews – a Review

 

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Description:
At first glance, the planet Rada seems like a lush paradise. But the ruling families, all boasting genetically enhanced abilities, are in constant competition for power—and none more so than the Adlers and the Baenas. For generations, the powerful families have pushed and pulled each other in a dance for dominance.

Until a catastrophic betrayal from within changes everything.

Now, deadly, disciplined, and solitary leaders Ramona Adler and Matias Baena must put aside their enmity and work together in secret to prevent sinister forces from exploiting universe-altering technology. Expecting to suffer through their uneasy alliance, Ramona and Matias instead discover that they understand each other as no one in their families can—and that their combined skills may eclipse the risks of their forbidden alliance.

As the two warriors risk their lives to save their families, they must decide whether to resist or embrace the passion simmering between them. For now, the dance between their families continues—but just one misstep could spell the end of them both.

 

Review:

Fated Blades by Ilona Andrews is the 3rd book in their Kinsmen series.  I am a big fan of Ilona Andrews (Ilona and Gordon Andrews), as I have read all their books, and always loving each of their series.  Fated Blades is a fascinating sci-fi paranormal story, that takes place on the planet Rada; with ruling families in control.  The families are Secare, which gives them unique enhanced genetical abilities (bodies that with mental thoughts can bring out from their arms, swords, blades, shields and other weapons) that make them unbeatable. The top three secare families (Baena, Adler and Davenport) compete against each other and consider themselves enemies, and never deal with each other.

When Matias Baena, our hero, and leads his family, he gets a surprise shocking visit.  Ramona Adler, our heroine, is the leader of her family, and she is the surprise visitor.  They both will learn that their significant others have betrayed them, wiping out each of the families’ assets.  Despite the intense family feud, Ramona and Matias team up to find their significant other and reclaim the stolen assets.

Ramona was a fantastic heroine, able to stand up and equal Matias’ abilities; she is strong, savvy, smart, compassionate, and powerful.  Matias is the quiet type, totally in control of his family; he was a bit cold early on, but that changes fast, as he recognizes how good Ramona is.  With the danger and evil forces in front of them, they made a great team, which increases in a short time, when they began to trust each other. I loved when they synchronized their dance fight scenes, making them know each of the moves to destroy the enemy. The fighting scenes were exciting and amazing, as it was fast and furious throughout each battle, with them risking their lives to save the families. Because of all the action and details, this is a difficult story to review, especially without ruining it for you. 

Fated Blades was a fantastic story, that was exciting, intense and keeping me glued to my kindle. Matias and Ramona were so great throughout the entire book, and slowly the chemistry began to sizzle between them.   Ilona Andrews once again gives us a sensational story, so very well written, with two wonderful heroes, great world building, and very good secondary characters.  I devoured this book in less than a day.   If you are not reading Ilona Andrews, you are missing one of the best authors.

Reviewed by Barb

Owned copy

 

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Guild Boss by Jayne Castle – Review & Giveaway

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Guild Boss by Jayne Castle – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Welcome to Illusion Town on the colony world of Harmony—like Las Vegas on Earth, but way more weird.

Living in this new, alien world doesn’t stop the settlers from trying to re-create what they’ve left behind. Case in point—weddings are still the highlight of any social calendar. But it’s the after-party that turns disastrous for Lucy Bell. Kidnapped and drugged as she leaves the party, she manages to escape—only to find herself lost in the mysterious, alien underground maze of glowing green tunnels beneath Illusion Town. She’s been surviving on determination and cold pizza, scavenged for her by a special dust bunny, when help finally shows up.

Gabriel Jones is the Guild Hunter sent to rescue her, but escaping the underground ruins isn’t the end of her troubles—it’s only the beginning. With no rational reason for her abduction, and her sole witness gone on another assignment for the Guild, whispers start circulating that Lucy made it all up. Soon her life unravels until she has nothing left but her pride. The last thing she expects is for Gabriel Jones to come back to town for her.

The Lucy that Gabriel finds is not the same woman he rescued, the one who looked at him as if he were her hero. This Lucy is sharp, angry, and more than a little cynical—instead of awe, she treats him with extreme caution. But a killer is still hunting her, and there aren’t a lot of options when it comes to heroes. Despite her wariness, Gabriel is also the one person who believes Lucy—after all, he was there. He’s determined to help clear her reputation, no matter what it takes. And as the new Guild Boss, his word is law, even in the lawlessness of Illusion Town.

 

 

Review:

Guild Boss by Jayne Castle is the 15th book in her Harmony series. I have not read the previous books in this series, but it did read well as a standalone. This takes place in Illusion Town within Harmony, which is a colonized alien world, and the underground maze in Illusion Town, has weird paranormal activity/hallucinations, with many people never escaping.  

Lucy Bell, is a weather channeler, and at an after-party, she is kidnapped and drugged.  She finds herself in the underground of glowing green tunnels, mysterious hallucinations, unable to see reality or escape. Lucy befriends Otis, a dust bunny, who loves pizza, and he bonds with her bringing her pizza to help her survive. 

Gabriel Jones is the Guild Boss who comes to her rescue, and brings her & Otis out to freedom.  Gabriel is immediately sent on a new assignment, and Lucy is sent to the hospital to recover. Unknown by Gabriel, Lucy was sent to a mental hospital and put through weird treatments to make her forget, and soon after her life falls apart.  Whispers started that there was no reason for her abduction, no witnesses, and everyone felt she made it all up; with those saying she partied hard & was on drugs, and everyone avoided her.  Lucy, having lost her credibility, has a low paying job, and her dust bunny, Otis, who is always with her, getting pizza often.  I really love Otis, who was adorable, and lots of fun.

After two months, Gabriel returns from his mission, decides to look up Lucy to see how she was doing.  In a short time, Gabriel believes Lucy’s version of what happened, with her being kidnapped. Once her life is threatened again, Gabriel is determined to find the person who is trying to kill her, as well as redeem her shattered career. Gabriel hires Lucy to work together with him to discover the who and why of a possible conspiracy. 

What follows is an exciting mysterious and romantic story line, with a fantastic couple in Gabriel and Lucy, as well as our adorable Otis.  There is a lot of action, as we race to the climax, with Gabriel and Lucy using their powers to defeat the enemy.  It was nice to discover all what Gabriel can do, as well as Lucy’s weather channeling abilities.  Guild Boss was a very good paranormal mystery, with a number of surprises along the way.  I do feel that I missed a few things, not having read the previous books, but overall, I did enjoy Guild Boss, which was very well written by Jayne Castle.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jayne’s Publisher, Berkley is offering a hardcover copy of GUILD BOSS to ONE (1) lucky commenter 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.

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

3. Follow Jayne Ann Krentz on Facebook.

4. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

5. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from November 16 to 20, 2021

 

 

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Vengeance Has a Daughte‪r‬ by M.A. Abraham – Review & Giveaway

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Vengeance Has a Daughte‪r‬ by M.A. Abraham – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
She was born to right a wrong and to serve justice. Torn from her deceased mother’s womb she knows what is expected of her even before she takes her first breath. Her quest for vengeance starts as a child and determined to see her task to the end, she acts as opportunities present themselves. She is Naranda, daughter of Mysteria and Trance, last of the Royal line of Dragon.

Strafe is the strongest of the Drakes, the bravest and the one everyone looks towards to rebuild their empire. To do this he brings Ranish to his side to advise him, for he was closest to the throne before the Royal line was decimated. With Ranish comes news of a hidden daughter of the House of Dragon, and Drakaina hiding from both man and beast to stay safe. In helping Ranish to find his niece, Strafe becomes guardian to hundreds of orphaned Drakaina that only reluctantly pay him homage. To them, Naranda is their beloved Queen, for she alone is of Royal blood.

In a bid to strengthen the power of the throne and, to do the right thing, Ranish hopes to bring these two powerful Dragon shifters together to create a lasting dynasty. Can he do it? Will they take one look at each other and see only an enemy? Or, will they find a love that has been missing in their lives since the days when Mysteria and Trance lit up the skies with theirs?

 

 

Review:

Vengeance Has a Daughter by M.A. Abraham is the first book in her new Drakaina series. I wasn’t sure what to expect when starting this new series, but I was pleasantly surprised at how different this was coming from M.A. Abraham.  I am happy to say that I loved Vengeance Has a Daughter, which was exciting, with an amazing heroine.

This story starts off with a bang, where a group of hunters have murdered an entire family suspected of being Drakons (Dragons).  A couple passing through the area comes across the massacre, and much to the woman’s surprise, a pregnant woman lies near death, and pleads with the woman to cut the baby out of her and save her life.  She then takes the baby girl and becomes the child’s mother. The child grows up, knowing she must find those who killed her family (her real mother and father (Royals) talked to the baby before their deaths, and she learns all about what is needed to be done). When she turns around 11, her adoptive parents are murdered by the same group of hunters, who are looking for the girl, who they suspect killed one of theirs.

Kaina (one of the many names she assumes along the way), slowly befriends other young girls, who are alone and also Drakina; as they recognize that she is of royal blood, and she is their queen.  The girls, and one human ‘mother’ work at homes of the wealthy, cooking and baking; and Kaina finds more of the evil hunters to eliminate in her determination to act out her vengeance.

What follows covers many years, where Kaina teaches her girls, and in time many will find their true mates.  But Kaina will not allow herself to accept any mate, until the last hunter is destroyed. During those years, Kaina’s uncle Ranish tries desperately to find her (his sister was Kaina’s mother), and each time when he manages to telepathically talk to her, she brushes him off.  As the years move on, the Dragon King, Strafe is also bent on finding Kaina, since he has followed Ranish’s obsession, and suspects that perhaps this young lady, who all the other Drakina’s protect as their Queen, is possibly his mate.  There is so much going on, especially as Kaina is a fantastic, smart, tough heroine, and to tell too much more would be spoilers.

Vengeance has a Daughter is a terrific, fascinating story, with a fabulous heroine, and was beautifully written by M.A. Abraham.  I loved Kaina, and many of the young girls who stayed with her, as well as the original woman who took care of them, teaching them how to cook and bake; not to mention the many Drakon men who were able to finally find their mates among the Drakiana woman whom Kaina trained. Vengeance Has a Daughter is the start of this new series, and I for one cannot wait to see what Abraham has in store for us.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied by Author

 

M.A. is graciously offering an e-copy of VENGEANCE HAS A DAUGHTER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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