Tag Archives: YA

Tiger Queen by Annie Sullivan – a Review

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Tiger Queen by Annie Sullivan – a Review

 

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Description:
In the mythical desert kingdom of Achra, an ancient law forces sixteen-year-old Princess Kateri to fight in the arena to prove her right to rule. For Kateri, winning also means fulfilling a promise to her late mother that she would protect her people, who are struggling through windstorms and drought. The situation is worsened by the gang of Desert Boys that frequently raids the city wells, forcing the king to ration what little water is left. The punishment for stealing water is a choice between two doors: behind one lies freedom, and behind the other is a tiger.

But when Kateri’s final opponent is announced, she knows she cannot win. In desperation, she turns to the desert and the one person she never thought she’d side with. What Kateri discovers twists her world—and her heart—upside down. Her future is now behind two doors—only she’s not sure which holds the key to keeping her kingdom and which releases the tiger.

 

 

Review:

Tiger Queen by Annie Sullivan was a wonderful standalone fantasy that I thoroughly enjoyed. This was my first book by this author, and it will not be my last. We meet our heroine, Princess Kateri, immediately, as she has to fight her opponent every month in the arena of their kingdom, Achra.  If Kateri wins the battle, she moves that much closer to prove her right to inherit the throne, whenever her father steps down.   Kateri is a tough opponent for any person she has faced, and when she learns that her final opponent is her vicious trainer, Rodric, she knows she cannot beat him.  She later overhears Rodric telling his guards that when he beats Kateri, he will take over the throne, and eventually kill her after she gives him a son.  She realizes that her father was never planning to allow her to rule, and knows she has to find someone to help her before the next battle. If you are wondering where the title Tiger comes from, Kateri’s father would have a tiger attack the loser in many of those battles.

Achra suffers a water drought, and sandstorms, as they are close to the desert.  The king (Kateri’s father) has always blamed the young boys (Desert Boys) for stealing water, and the rationing continues to get lower, causing desperation among the kingdom.  Kateri grew up hating the Desert Boys, as they killed her mother and brother. But now she is desperate and makes plans to leave and find help by the one person who can beat Rodric.  

Kateri goes on a journey in the dangerous desert, and eventually will come across Cion, the leader of the Desert Boys.  At first Cion doesn’t believe her, but when she claims that she will help the boys, as well as the kingdom, since Rodric will attempt to kill them all, he will agree to help train her. 

Kateri will meet the young Desert Boys, and begin to change her perception of what she thought she knew.  She will learn of the lies told by her father, both about her and who really killed her mother, as well as the so-called drought destroying the people of Achra. Kateri begins to realize that her whole life was a lie, especially after her mother was dead.  It was fun to watch the change in Kateri from her hatred to caring about all the boys, especially Cion.  I also loved the hard training that Cion put her through in the desert, with all the dangerous and poisonous creatures. 

The last third of the book was very intense and exciting.  Kateri was a wonderful and strong heroine, gaining more empathy and compassion along the way, as well as slowly falling in love with Cion.  It was such a joy to see the changes in her.  But we had to hold our breaths, as we sat on the edge of our seat, while slowly everything began going wrong, and the people she began to care for were in danger.  I will not tell too much more, as you really need to read this book.

Annie Sullivan did an amazing job giving us this wonderful worldbuilding, and a fantasy that had a good ending, not being a cliffhanger, as this was a standalone.  Tiger Queen was a great read, as I could not put the book down.  It had a bit of everything; great heroine, wonderful secondary characters, intensive dangerous fighting and battles, bad villains and a slow built romance.   I suggest you read Tiger Queen, as I loved this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron – a Review

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Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron – a Review

 

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Description:
Magic has a price—if you’re willing to pay.

Born into a family of powerful witchdoctors, Arrah yearns for magic of her own. But each year she fails to call forth her ancestral powers, while her ambitious mother watches with growing disapproval.

There’s only one thing Arrah hasn’t tried, a deadly last resort: trading years of her own life for scraps of magic. Until the Kingdom’s children begin to disappear, and Arrah is desperate to find the culprit.

She uncovers something worse. The long-imprisoned Demon King is stirring. And if he rises, his hunger for souls will bring the world to its knees… unless Arrah pays the price for the magic to stop him

 

 

Review:

Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron is her debut novel and the 1st book in her YA fantasy Kingdom of Souls series.  We meet our heroine, Arrah from the start, who comes from a family of powerful witchdoctors in Central Africa.  Arrah has prayed all her young life for some kind magic ability, which all the rest of her family has; once again, as she is tested with other children, she has no magic. 

Soon Arrah learns that many of the young children in her city have disappeared, and to her dismay she suspects her mother, the Priestess, of having something to do with it. Arrah is desperate to find out the truth, and begins to learn about the demons and other species at war with each other; and the plan to help the Demon King, who has been imprisoned for many years, escape and wreak havoc on the world again.

Arrah’s mother arranges to have a demon impregnate her, a sister will be born, who ages quickly to be the same age as Arrah.  This is fantasy ?   The sister, Efia becomes ultra powerful, and in time very evil, destroying everything she touches.  

Arrah, who is a very good heroine, will soon realize that she is destined to save everyone, and is willing to sacrifice her life to do so.   Arrah and her friends, especially Rudjek, her love interest and the son of the leader, will eventually help her fight the evil, but will they survive?

I did have mixed feelings about all the details that did drag the book a bit, but that happens a lot in first books of fantasy series.  I am hoping that Barron continues the flow with less details in the future books. To say too much more about the story would be spoilers, and the last half of the books picks up dramatically, and I do not want to ruin it for you.

Arrah turned into a very strong and tenacious heroine, and I really liked Rudjek and their friends.  It was nice to see how much Arrah loved her father, and watched him come under the power of her mother, but it is Efia who will need to be stopped or the world as they know it will end. Kingdom of Souls was a tense, at times dark story, with much death and destruction.  There were many battles, as well as POV’s from the gods.   Rena Barron wrote a very imaginative and dark story (less details please), especially being her debut novel. I look forward to seeing where Barron will take us in the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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IF YOU DARE & The Dare Series (1-3) by Shantel Tessier-Review tour

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IF YOU DARE & The Dare Series (1-3) by Shantel Tessier-Review tour

IF YOU DARE
The Dare Series #3
by Shantel Tessier
Release Date: August 26, 2019
Genre: contemporary, YA/NA, dark romance

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

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

The game was over. The dares were getting old, and the secrets were piling up faster than the bodies.

But someone had other plans. They wanted to paly a new game.

Becky Holt was the love of his life until he found out what she was hiding. Now he wants to seek his revenge in the most daring way.

Deke Biggs has always been a shark. He’s not afraid to kill, and he’s about to become her worst nightmare.

But there’s a new player, and she plans on taking everything, no matter what the cost.

Try to beat him- If You Dare!

Who will win and who will lose?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: *Rubs hands together to savor the moment* I knew it was coming, but I wasn’t ready for it, and booklover, neither are you.

If You Dare is the third in the Dare Series by Shantel Tessier and it packs a bunch right to the gut! Drama, secrets, sex, violence, fighting, action, welcome back to the GWS series.

Shantel has pulled me into a dark, wonderful place I never want to leave. We welcome back all the best, Austin, Cole, Deke, Becky and even Demi to this violent adventure.

Now in Texas Deke and the rest of the gang are trying to move on to bigger and better things, the friendship between the guys is now stronger than ever and their connection infallible.

Becky goes balls to the wall crazy, takes her hatred towards her sister and holds it close to her chest and finally seeks out her revenge, but would the cost be too much? There are twists and turns to this story I was totally blindsided by, but WOW what a way to go!

This series is crazy and amazing and a read I would recommend with caution, but to all my book friends.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah L

 

 

Prologue:
DekeDeath Is A debt we are all born owing.It is something that money can’t buy nor can it be traded.

You can’t bargain for more time. When it’s up you accept it like a fucking man.

I’ve never been afraid to die. Or to love, for that matter.

Aren’t they the same?

You surrender to a fate you have no control over.

You don’t get to choose when or how you die, just as you can’t choose when and who you fall in love with.

Some couples get a happily ever after while others are toxic for one another.

My love was like that.

She lied; I believed every word.

I hurt her; she forgave too easily.

It was a vicious circle of deceit and sex wrapped up in a pretty black bow. Neither one of us could quit.

I wrapped my hand around her throat, and she begged me to breathe.

She stabbed me in the heart and demanded I bleed.

She might as well have been fucking poison, but I would have drunk her anyway.

That was the kind of obsession I had for her.

I knew how it would end-total devastation.

A war zone of Broken bones and bleeding souls.

I should have hated her, but that’s the funny thing about love-it’s out of your control.

Even when it leaves you with two black eyes, you beg for more.

People are afraid of the unknown, but I’ve never feared death, and love was no different.

She was going to destroy me, and I was going to let her. It was a game that could only end one way-a slow and torturous death.

 


 

____________

I DARE YOU
The Dare Series #1
by Shantel Tessier
Release Date: April 27, 2018
Genre: contemporary, YA/NA,dark romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /

ABOUT THE BOOK:

What do you do when the devil has you in his sights?

You show him that you can play his game.

Austin Lowes is new to town. She’s running from a mom who hates her to her dad who cares nothing about her. Only a few months and she will be free, or at least, that’s what she hopes … until she meets him.

Cole Reynolds is the devil disguised as a man. He wants her fear, he wants her blood, and he wants her soul.

Just a little game, he says, I dare you.

Will Austin survive him, or will she lose herself and the game?

Secrets are revealed and justice will be served, but at what cost?

Who survives and who doesn’t?

••••••••

REVIEW: First and foremost; trigger warning, this is violent and bloody, if those types of things are hard on you, read at your own risk.

As a first-time reader to Shantel Tessier I was unprepared for the raw emotion that comes through in her writing.

Austin Lowes is the new girl in the city, with a crazy Mom who hates her Dad and a life she just wants to be free of. It took me a few chapters to really get into her character, she comes off as wild and ballsy but also crazy as all get out. I think that is why he character works so well with Cole.

Cole Reynolds is the guy you hate, but secretly think is hotter than the sun, but boy oh boy is he a freaking nutter. Cole is obsessed with blood, control, violence and fighting and soon Austin. When they first got together, I thought they were going to kill each other, but instead? Well instead their sexual chemistry ignites into something I never would have expected.

Austin is the only badass willing enough to take on Cole, and lordy does she take him on. From fighting, sexy hot scenes that wet your knicker to ones that may be just a touch too much, this is a page turner for sure.

My all time favorite of this book;

“I wanna watch tears roll down your beautiful face because I think you’re gorgeous when you cry. I wanna see blood on your flawless skin because you look like a priceless piece of work. And I wanna look down at you while you’re on your knees because you want to please me. I wanna make you a beautiful, broken doll, Austin. All mine to play with. All mine to fuck. All mine to destroy.”

Can you feel that?! I sure did and what an amazing read it was!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah L

_____________

I PROMISE YOU
The Dare Series #2
by Shantel Tessier
Release Date: April 26, 2019
Genre: contemporary, YA/NA, dark, romance

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

It was supposed to be a game.
I Dare You.
We bought her in ’cause I wanted to play with her.
Destroy her.
But plans change and she got caught in the cross fire.
Then I did something far worse. I fell in love with her, but she doesn’t know I still have secrets.
Ones that could rip us all apart.
We’re sharks.
Raised to hunt and kill.
We take what we want without asking.
We’ve never needed permission before, so I’m not about to start now.
You think you know everything, but we’re about to do what we do best and prove you wrong- I Promise You!

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: The Second in the Dare series, this doesn’t pick right up where the first left off, but close enough that I would recommend reading the first one.

Cole is going nuttier than a fruit cake, looking for revenge, Austin is in major health trouble and someone ends up dead. I’m not one to post spoiler because I personally don’t think it’s cool. The group is divided, Cole is a mess in every-since of the word, but who wouldn’t be after his friend’s betrayal.

Tension is thick in this book throughout the entire of the story, lies are revealed, secrets told and what comes from it will shock everyone to their cores. Some parts where harder than other for me to follow due to the way the flashbacks come and go throughout the book, but in the end, I really enjoyed the story. The dark, violent Cole finally comes to his senses and manages to start treating Austin the way she DESERVES to be treated. This for me, made this book. Epic, suspenseful, action packed and sexy, everything I like in a book topped with a hottie to boot. As a side notes-I really hope Deke has a story coming, love the name, love the character and his story is just starting to burn, I can feel it.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Shantel is a Texas born girl who now lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma with her high school sweetheart, who is a wonderful, supportive husband and their two daughters. She loves to spend time cuddled up on the couch with a good book.

 She considers herself extremely lucky to do what she does while getting to work from home. Going to concerts and the movies are just a few of her favorite things to do. She hates coffee but loves wine. She and her husband are both huge football fans, college and NFL. And she has to feed her high heel addiction by shopping for shoes weekly.

 Although she has a passion to write, her family is most important to her. She loves spending evenings at home with her husband and daughter, along with their cat and dog.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShantelTessierAuthor/

Readers group: Shantel’s Sinful Side – https://bit.ly/2l9EUBJ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Shantel_Tessier

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shantel_tessier/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7086716.Shantel_Tessier

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2KKeTpa

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/shantel-tessier

 

 

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Announcing Trouble by Amy Fellner Dominy – a Review

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Announcing Trouble by Amy Fellner Dominy – a Review

 

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Description:
I may know everything there is to know about baseball, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. Or like him. Garrett Reeves: sidelined player and the embodiment of everything I’ve learned to hate about baseball. He’s gorgeous, he’s cocky, he’s laser-focused on getting back in the game, no matter the cost.

When he convinces me to call games alongside him, our chemistry heats up the booth. We’re good together, whether I want to admit it or not. I’m finding that I like baseball again, but even worse, I’m liking Garrett. A lot.

But when he has to decide between our future and a new shot at his dreams, I know baseball will win out every time. 

Disclaimer: This Entangled Teen Crush book has tons of hilarious banter, lots of sexual tension, and a hero who will throw a wild pitch right at your heart.

 

 

Review;

Announcing Trouble by Amy Fellner Dominy is a cute, fun summer read for any sports fan.  This book has everything the disclaimer states and then some.  There was even some of the usual teenage angst thrown in to provide just the right amount of drama to carry the story to its end. 

I really liked our main couple Garret and Josie.  They were fun, exciting, full of energy, head strong and charming. These were two characters who very much complimented each other and brought a nice balance to their adventure.   Their scenes were fun, comical at times and even heart breaking.  Both had different aspects/issues in their lives they had to deal with and come to terms with in order to move forward in their relationship.  They were backed by a strong set of secondary characters who helped to provide more insight to each of their background stories, and move Garret and Josie’s adventure along.  At the root of their story and the main theme that brings them together and eventually holds them together is their love for the game of baseball.  For any baseball fan you’ll find you get sucked right into the baseball scenes cheering on the Cholla Wildcats just like Garret and Josie are doing from the announcers booth at every game. This is how the two meet. Josie can’t handle the terrible job that Garret’s colour commentator is doing so she just barges in to the announcers booth and pretty much tosses him out. Thus Josie and Garret’s adventure begins on a very comical note.

It was nice to watch Josie get back to the sport she loved but tried to tuck away because of her dad. As she begins to realize she still loves the sport, she realizes she needs to come to terms with why she decided she didn’t like baseball anymore, how her dad leaving her and her mom altered her view on baseball and life in general has shaped her into who she currently is.  As if that isn’t enough to deal with for a teenager she also is coming to terms with admitting she’s falling for a baseball player/announcer and isn’t sure she can trust Garret and his feelings for her. This part of the story is heartbreaking at times and full of emotions but written extremely well and with great care.  Josie isn’t the only one dealing with emotion, growing feelings and decisions to be made.  Poor Garret with is injured arm but still wanting to get back into the game he loves has his stumbling block moments but never gives up.  His character had such a charm about him you couldn’t help but like him and I loved how he recruited everyone he possibly could to help him convince Josie to not give up on them as a couple.

Being a sports fan, and especially a baseball fan I really enjoyed Announcing  Trouble by Amy Fellner Dominy.  Her characters were real and likeable with a realness to their story, choices and decisions they were faced with.  I have to say I really liked Josie’s friend Mai.  She had me cracking up throughout most of the book as she was clueless about the sport of baseball. I’m sure we all have that one friend who isn’t into sports, and I was totally able to relate to Josie and Mai’s friendship for that reason alone.  Ms. Fellne Dominy has hit one out of the park with this one!

 Until next time everyone, happy reading.

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

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Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout – a Review

 

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Description:
Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

 

 

Review:

Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the first book in her new Harbinger series, which is a YA fantasy paranormal story.  This is a spin off from Armentrout’s Dark Elements series, which I have not read, but this read very well without reading the previous series, but if I have time, I need to read that series. Storm and Fury revolves around Wardens (Gargoyles) and Demons

We meet our heroine, Trinity Marrow, who is 18 years old, and has lived most of her life among the Wardens, who are protectors of the human race against the demons.  Trinity has hidden abilities that only a select few know.  She is a trueborn (half human, half angel), and can see ghost and spirits, as well as being very powerful.  Trinity has trained to fight since she was young with the Wardens, and is just as good or better than some of them. Misha, one of the Gargoyle wardens is her protector and is bonded to her.  Trinity makes a wonderful heroine, as she is not only strong, smart, independent, confident, but she also has to deal with an eye disease that slowly degenerates.

Zayne, our hero, is part of another Warden group that come to visit to ask for help; since someone is killing Wardens and Demons.  Zayne quickly becomes interested in Trinity, because she doesn’t fit with the other people at their complex; since he has no idea what Trinity is.  There is an immediate attraction between Zayne and Trinity, which neither understand, especially when Zayne says there is a familiarity about her.  In a short time, Zayne and his group will discover the truth about Trinity and after an attack at the compound, they will offer to protect and help her, since Misha was kidnapped and Trinity is determined to find him.

What follows is a wild exciting intense action-packed adventure, with a number of surprising twists. I loved Zayne and Trinity together, even if it was slow burn, since Zayne has a past love that went awry (part of previous series); but once they allowed themselves to succumb to their feelings, it was combustible. I also loved the secondary characters, especially Peanut (a ghost), Roth, Layla, Dez, etc.

Storm and Fury is a fantastic start to this new series revolving around Gargoyles, Demons, Angels and Ghosts, as well as the wonderful & sexy romance between Zayne and Trinity.  Trinity continuing to grow into her powers was great, and I cannot wait to learn more in the future books.  Jennifer L. Armentrout once again gives us a fun, heartwarming, romantic,  as well as intense action filled story that keeps us on the edge of our seat.  I look forward to the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Discoucia/Gemenicia by Nicholas Lovelock – Review Tour

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Discoucia/Gemenicia by Nicholas Lovelock -Reveiw Tour

Discoucia
(A Victorianish Fairytale / Discoucia #1)
by Nicholas Lovelock
Genre: YA, Steampunk
Release Date: June 29, 2017

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Revolution, romance and technological wonders are all in a day’s work for the decorated hero of Avalonia, Sir Arthur Pageon.

An acclaimed explorer and inventor, Sir Arthur Pageon takes his unofficial role as defender of the realm of Avalonia very seriously. A fantastical world, Avalonia is home to the Discoucian Monarchy, as well as monstrous creatures and secretive academies for the highly gifted.

Upon returning from his most recent exploits aboard on his personal flying galleon The Nostradamus, Pageon is treated to a hero’s welcome and celebratory procession through the streets of Avalonia’s capital, Evermore. Little does Pageon know he’s being followed by a mysterious group known as the Purple Guard, whose devious leader is his estranged sister, Queen Lily Pageon of Harrha Island. Fiercely intelligent, Lily specialises in dastardly technological inventions with the aim of bringing down the Discoucian Monarchy so that she may reign as its dictator. However, the heir to the throne is one Princes Josephine Oladine, whose youth and royal position masks her role in the Discoucian Secret Service.

Joining forces, Princess Josephine and Sir Arthur’s adventures will take them across the whole of Avalonia — from the fog-bound shores of Karga, to the secret underground shanty town beneath the frozen prison of Icester, south to the verdant city of Proceur and from there to the affluent Starfall Academy — in their quest to foil Lily’s revolutionary

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: Reading the back cover I was a little intrigued. A new author is always a risk, but I fired up my kindle and dived in …..

Sir Arthur Pageon is an adventurer and an explorer. He invents in his spare time, but he’s also a guardian (an unofficial one) he guards the realm from creatures that would do them harm.

But coming back from his latest adventure he’s followed by a mysterious figure (we find out later that his sister has sent spies to watch Arthur)

Josephine is heir to the throne of Avalonia, but it’s under attack from Queen Lily Pageon (yes Arthur’s sister) she wants Avalonia under her rule, and will do anything to get it. So Josephine and Arthur join forces in a bid to stop Lily. (We also find out that Josephine is a type of secret agent for the royal family, so is capable of handling herself).

They travel through Avalonia and into many other regions, searching for a way to thwart Lily. (how? You’ll have to read to find that one out)?

We meet a variety of people (including the only crew member of Arthur’s flying galleon) and we meet a few Godesses (who I’m sure will play a major role in the next book).

I’ll have to admit, the writers style is very different to what I’m use to reading. It does jump around, and everything is minutely detailed?but once you get a few chapters read, you get inside the author head. It’s very descriptive and very well written. And I’m reminded of a movie I watched a little while back “Stardust” with flying ships and double dealings.

Copy supplied for review

? Reviewed by Julie B

________________

Gemenicia
(A Farewell To Epics / Discoucia #2)
By Nicholas Lovelock
Genre: YA, Steampunk
Release Date:May 30, 2019

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

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The second part of Arthur and Jo’s strange adventures throughout the land of Discoucia, and a time when Archie the Water Goddess has made the ultimate sacrifice to rid the world of her nemesis, Cordelia Paradise, the Fire Goddess.

However, things rarely go to plan and Arthur finds himself at war with Archie’s hidden agenda rather than the insane task that he has to help Archie complete.

Hidden around Discoucia in its sixteen major cities are sixteen gems that Archie must collect before a year is up. If she wins then Cordelia will disappear to another dimension and not return until she agrees to stop causing forest fires, volcanic eruptions and droughts.

Team Archie has Arthur and Jo, who both have the understanding that by collecting these gems a natural order can be brought back and maybe Jo’s father will get well again. Team Cordelia has Alicia May, who has a talent for becoming anyone and a deep malicious streak; and Iren, who has a fanatical hatred for Archie, which Archie herself doesn’t like to talk about.

Along the way they meet old friends and old enemies, as well as Archie having to perform miracles without the use of divine power. From the murky ruins of Tanalos to the haunted corridors of Ashin Dance Academy, the frozen caverns of Icester and the verdant streets of Proceur, the adventure will take them around Discoucia and beyond, unless Cordelia and Alicia May can stop them first…

•••••••••

REVIEW: After reading the first book (Dicoucia A Victorianish Fairytale) which I throughly enjoyed, I happily dived into the second book.

Jo and Arthur have to race through sixteen cities to find sixteen gems (this will help another character to defeat her enemy) and they don’t have long to find them.

Archie (a man’s name for a woman took me a little time to get use to) needs Jo and Arthur to help defeat Cordelia (a goddess of fire) Archie is in fact the goddess of water. To banish the goddess of fire will take time and certain gems (of which Archie has neither) but Archie also has a hidden agenda (do you find out??) so instead of finding gems, Arthur is caught up in Archie’s schemes.

The race to collect the gems is continually thwarted by another couple of characters (Iren and Alicia) they serve Cordelia and will do anything in order for Jo, Arthur and Archie not to collect the gems.

The writing is the same style, but as I read the first book, I knew roughly what to expect.

So who wins ? Cordelia the fire goddess? Or Archie the Water Goddess? For that answer your going to have to read the book ?

Copy supplied for review

? Reviewed by Julie

Nicholas Lovelock lives in a small village in Oxfordshire and has already published Discoucia, the first part of the Alavonia Series which spans multiple novels set to be released in the future. He enjoys riding around the countryside as well as illustrating his own works, as can be seen in his second novel Gemenicia. These Illustrations in stark black and white provide a glimpse into the world of Alavonia and how he sees it, as well as showcasing the different locations and characters that make up the Alavonia series universe.

He is a keen musician capable of playing the electric guitar as well as the acoustic and the piano, often trying to play like his musical heroes David Gilmour, Jimmy Page and Jeff Lynne. His coin collection has transformed from a hobby to a passion and obsession as he attempts to collect one of every issued coin in Great Britain. He is over halfway in that respect collecting such treasures as a 1675 Charles the Second Crown and an extremely rare Edward the Seventh Half Crown of 1905, and has begun metal detecting in an effort to tick some boxes in the Hammered Coinage section.

His love of Steampunk literature and cinema has been with him from a young age when he first saw the film ‘Wild Wild West’, sought out the original series and discovered a world of fantasy that he has painstakingly tried to pay homage to in his novels, to bring the wild west to an English setting and to create something that has never been done before.

History has always been a major passion of his as he makes many references in his literature, from characters whose personalities resemble those of eccentric historical characters or monarchs. The ability to change history through literature was one of the things that attracted him to become an author in the first place, to create similar timelines and put a unique spin on the mundane.

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Kingsbane by Claire Legrand – Review & Giveaway

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Kingsbane by Claire Legrand –  Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Rielle Dardenne has been anointed Sun Queen, but her trials are far from over. The Gate keeping the angels at bay is falling. To repair it, Rielle must collect the seven hidden castings of the saints. Meanwhile, to help her prince and love Audric protect Celdaria, Rielle must spy on the angel Corien—but his promises of freedom and power may prove too tempting to resist.

Centuries later, Eliana Ferracora grapples with her new reality: She is the Sun Queen, humanity’s long-awaited savior. But fear of corruption—fear of becoming another Rielle—keeps Eliana’s power dangerous and unpredictable. Hunted by all, racing against time to save her dying friend Navi, Eliana must decide how to wear a crown she never wanted—by embracing her mother’s power, or rejecting it forever.

 

 

Review:

Kingsbane by Claire Legrand is the 2nd book in her YA Fantasy Empirium series.  When we left off in Furyborn, Reille Dardenne managed to come through her trials to prove that she is the Sun Queen, though we knew from the start that she was indeed the Blood Queen, and gave birth to a girl; a baby she handed off to Simon ( a young boy) to bring her to safety, away from the evil angel, Corien. 

Eliana Ferracora is in fact, Reille’s daughter (1000 years after her death), and she is just learning about her powers and who her mother really was.  In Kingsbane, we continue the story in the past about Rielle prior to her death, leading up to her being the Blood Queen.  In the present, Eliana must learn to how to use her powers, as well as accept her destiny to save the world and be their savior as the Sun Queen.

To understand a bit better the theme of this series:  Many years prior to Rielle’s time, there was a Prophecy that claims sometime in the future the evil angels locked away for centuries will return and wreck havoc across the world, and two women will rise; one made of Blood and the other of Light. A Queen of Blood and Destruction and a Queen of Light and Salvation; hence the Blood Queen and the Sun Queen.  Kingsbane continues the two pov’s of the past with Rielle, and the present with Eliana.

Rielle continues her journey to prove to she is the Sun Queen, and in doing so must collect the castings of the saints. Wherever she goes, she has her love and the future king of Cedaria, Audric and her trusted friend (and secret angel), Ludivine traveling with her.  I really liked them in Furyborn, as they are what holds Rielle together, to prevent the evil Corien from pulling her to his side. The evil Corien was very powerful, not only a voice in Rielle’s head, but also appearing to her in her dreams.    I also adored her Dragon, Altheria.   But Rielle has her issues controlling her anger, when she is faced with others not believing in her, causing more dissent.

Eliana continues to grow into her power, accepting with each passing day that though she has her mother’s powers, but she is not evil, and is indeed the true Sun Queen.  I loved Eliana, even though she may have been stubborn, she eventually was ready to rise up and help all those she loved.  In time, she was a tough and terrific heroine, and was willing to put her own life on the line to save others. 

There were a wonderful cast of secondary characters for Eliana too; Simon, Remy, Zahra, Navi, Harkan, and those who began to believe in her.    Kingsbane was an intense and wonderful continuation of this fabulous trilogy, with a major surprise twist at the end.  This can be considered as a cliff hanger; making it a difficult long wait for the final book in this trilogy.  Kingsbane was another excellently written book by Claire Legrand, with quite a few surprises that had us holding our breaths, as well as leaving us hanging.    Now we wait impatiently to see if the Sun Queen will rise up and save them all.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Claire Legrand is graciously offering a paper copy of KINGSBANE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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The Queen’s Resistance by Rebecca Ross – a Review

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The Queen’s Resistance by Rebecca Ross – a Review

 

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Description:
Finally, Brienna is a mistress of knowledge and is settling into her role as the daughter of Davin MacQuinn, a disgraced lord who returned to Maevana to reclaim his house. Though she’d just survived a revolution, one that will finally return a queen to the throne, she faces another difficult challenge. She must prove herself trustworthy to the MacQuinns. But as Queen Isolde Kavanagh’s closest confidant, she’ll have to balance serving her father’s house as well as her country. And then there’s Cartier, a wholly separate but desirable factor in her new life.

Aodhan Morgane, formerly known as Cartier Évariste, is adjusting to the stark contrast between his pre-rebellion life in Valenia as a master of knowledge and his current one as the lord of a fallen house. During his castle’s restoration, he discovers a ten-year-old boy named Tomas, whose past and parentage are a complete mystery. So when Cartier’s former pupil Brienna is as taken with Tomas as he is, he lets his mind wander—what if he doesn’t have to raise him or his house alone?

As the Lannon trial rapidly approaches, Brienna and Cartier must put their feelings aside to concentrate on forging alliances, executing justice, and ensuring that no one interferes with the queen’s coronation. But resistance is rumbling among the old regime’s supporters, who are desperate to find a weakness in the rebels’ forces. And nothing makes a person more vulnerable than deep-seated love.

 

 

Review:

The Queen’s Resistance by Rebecca Ross  is the 2nd book in her fabulous The Queen’s Rising Duology .  I couldn’t wait to read this book, as I loved the first book The Queen’s Rising.  Once again, I am in awe of Rebecca Ross’ fantastic storytelling in a wonderful YA fantasy world, especially for an author whose debut novel was in that first book.  I loved The Queen’s Resistance.

The Queen’s Resistance picks up a short time after the end of the Queen’s Rising, where the revolution has successfully ended to be followed by a massive rebuilding.  Our heroes that helped win the war, Brienna (our wonderful heroine), Cartier (our hero), Isolde (the new Queen), Davin MacQuinn & Luc MacQuinn ( Brienna’s adopted family) meet to determine the other houses if they are true allies or enemies from the then evil King.  With Isolde’s coronation upcoming, grievances are being asked from the surviving families to determine who besides the evil king will be executed for their terrible deeds.  While decisions are being made, each of the families will return to their rightful Home after hiding for 25 years. Brienna goes with her father and brother to their house, with many of those who served MacQuinn also returning.  Wheras, everyone is happy to have the MacQuinns back, there are some who resent Brienna.  That will change over the course of time, but it makes Brienna uncomfortable listening to the whispers; but some of the maids will openly accept her and help her. Cartier, who is now known by his true name as Aodhan Morgane, returns to a house that has fallen apart, but those who are loyal to the Morganes, will also return to help bring the house back to its glory.  A young boy, Tomas, is found hiding in the house, and Cartier will take him in; he will play a major part in this story.

As the families of all the houses return to their rightful homes, there are still other houses that were loyal to the Lannons, and cannot be trusted.  Though the revolution is over there are still enemies at these houses that are determined to stop Isolde from being Queen of Maevana.

This was such a wonderful heartwarming story, as each of them try to rebuild their lives and homes from the horrific deaths and tragedy years before.  I loved Brienna, as she continues to be a terrific heroine, as well as a wonderful friend and consultant to Isolde, not to mention her romance with Cartier.  But the danger is not over, as betrayals will put lives on the line.  Allies and loyalties must be confirmed, and enemies dealt with before the coronation to ensure safety for all. 

What follows is an exciting, intriguing, action packed, and heartwarming adventure that will have Brienna in the middle of betrayals, deception and twists that will have us holding our breaths.  As we raced to the climatic finish, the final half of the book was intense and heartbreaking, as we could not put the book down.  I will say I loved the ending that was written so well by Ross, as it was very heartwarming, with love and happiness.  Brienna was such a great heroine, and her romance with Cartier was wonderful. I loved Isolde, the new Queen, and her connection to Brienna. Ross also created some wonderful secondary characters.

The Queen’s Ressistance was a fantastic, fascinating, page burner adventure in a magnificent world that I would love to continue.  I cannot tell too much more, as it would be major spoilers.  You need to find out everything for yourself.  I loved every moment of this book, with its amazing characters, history, family, war, and love.  Bravo to Rebecca Ross for this wonderful journey.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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