The King's Guard is a novela that takes place before we meet Elisa. It is Hector's story. It was good to see that Hector's loyalty, leadership, and stThe King's Guard is a novela that takes place before we meet Elisa. It is Hector's story. It was good to see that Hector's loyalty, leadership, and strategic mind were in place well before he became commander of the royal guard. This is also a story about Prince Rosario's birth and parentage. This short-story is perfect for fans of Hector and Prince Rosario's characters.
Merged review:
The King's Guard is a novela that takes place before we meet Elisa. It is Hector's story. It was good to see that Hector's loyalty, leadership, and strategic mind were in place well before he became commander of the royal guard. This is also a story about Prince Rosario's birth and parentage. This short-story is perfect for fans of Hector and Prince Rosario's characters....more
A Broken Blade is the first installment in this fantasy world full of magic, spies, assassins and a totalitarian royal court. This world of elves, faeA Broken Blade is the first installment in this fantasy world full of magic, spies, assassins and a totalitarian royal court. This world of elves, fae, mortals and halflings was developed with many layers that created an impressive reading experience. I saw this tagged on goodreads as young adult but I viewed this one as at least new adult due to heavy themes. I really enjoyed it. ...more
The Empyrean series delivers a solid 2nd book with major surprises, multiple action sequences, more romance than the first, and another exciting cliffThe Empyrean series delivers a solid 2nd book with major surprises, multiple action sequences, more romance than the first, and another exciting cliffhanger. But, overall it was way too long. When my journey through this story was at 95%… with only 5% left… the audiobook still had 1.5 hours remaining. It’s the book that never ends. Good thing I was enjoying it! ...more
An underestimated heroine who proves them all wrong, disability representation, enemies to lovers romance, and a severe cliffhanger ending that makes An underestimated heroine who proves them all wrong, disability representation, enemies to lovers romance, and a severe cliffhanger ending that makes you search for the next book immediately! The new-adult romance scenes are easy to skip over if so wished but are very detailed if that's your thing. This book is incredibly fast-paced which I love, it allows you to literally fly through the pages. Film rights have already been purchased and it’s scheduled to be a 5-book series.
4 stars versus 5 because the over-hyped marketing. It's indeed a great book but not as earth-shattering as all the influencers will have you believe.
Thank you to my sister for recommending Fourth Wing and letting me borrow her copy....more
Syrens and mermaids are probably my favorite mythological creatures, and I prefer them murderous and mysterious. In my perspective, they represent theSyrens and mermaids are probably my favorite mythological creatures, and I prefer them murderous and mysterious. In my perspective, they represent the rage of all women who remain underestimated time and time again because of their perceived fragility in mind and body. There is something unexpected simmering underneath that delicate beauty. You better watch out!
In Meraki, the syrens are dangerous and have the ability to bring even the greatest to their knees. I loved this and would have liked to see even more of this aspect. A few sea monsters make appearances, adding intense action sequences to this young adult novel full of mythology, fantasy-specific politics, and of course a romance. It’s a quick, fast-paced read with a sequel all ready to go if you so wish. Indie books for the win!!...more
This book is like a Cirque du Soleil show. The words are magical and the characters & timelines are layered on top of one another so that there is alwThis book is like a Cirque du Soleil show. The words are magical and the characters & timelines are layered on top of one another so that there is always something to experience in every scene. But... I was bored and I HATE to say that because there are so many impressive elements.
It goes without saying that I'm in the minority here. Maybe it was a mood thing or an audiobook thing... maybe it was a writing thing. 3 stars isn't bad - I absolutely acknowledge the talent involved in creating this book. It just wasn't memorable enough to justify more from me as a reader....more
In Between Two Seas, author Cerece Rennie Murphy has written 4 short stories that speak to the black experience related to oppression, rage, excellencIn Between Two Seas, author Cerece Rennie Murphy has written 4 short stories that speak to the black experience related to oppression, rage, excellence, and power. But most of all, the overcoming of everything this wicked world lay in their path. The writing is excellent and the mix of genres ensures quality entertainment while making you think, which is the very best kind of reading experience in my opinion. Absolutely check it out!...more
Holly Black's The Folk of the Air series is proving to be satisfying and engaging for the majority of its readers. No matter your age, this ongoing faHolly Black's The Folk of the Air series is proving to be satisfying and engaging for the majority of its readers. No matter your age, this ongoing fantasy story is well-worth the read...and the wait for the next installment(s). I didn't find any filler in this 2nd book which is a rarity for YA these days. Very excited to continue the series!
My favorite quote: “Power is much easier to acquire than it is to hold on to.”...more
There is a tiny handful of authors I trust with the erotica I read and Tiffany Reisz is at the top of that list. She gives equal dedication to all comThere is a tiny handful of authors I trust with the erotica I read and Tiffany Reisz is at the top of that list. She gives equal dedication to all components within her novels which allows every character, every plot and subplot, every witty line and underlying theme, and yes, every delicious sexual encounter to be worthy of the readers entire investment. She has many popular works in her bibliography, but her name became even more well-known when 2017's The Red hit the masses. With such an addictive story and well-deserved success, readers (and apparently publishers) needed more! The Rose is Reisz's answer to their call.
Spoiler contains my spin on the book synopsis: (view spoiler)[Now a series, this second installment is set in England two decades after The Red. Mona's 21-year-old daughter Lia is secretly running an escort service. Is it any surprise that Malcolm's notoriously rakish influence continues? But when the source of her teenage heartbreak betrays her further by blackmailing her with this information, she must find big money fast. Enter artifact collector Augustine “August” Bowman who very much wants the Rose Kylix, a wine cup dated to 500BC, which Lia's father gifted to her on her 21st birthday. August makes outlandish claims about the magical powers associated with the kylix cup and he can prove it. Lia agrees to sell to August under a week's worth of conditions that will benefit them both. And so begins another collection of erotic adventures. Only this time, it's Greek mythology, and it's freaking amazing! (hide spoiler)]
Erotic romance meets mythological re-imaginings, The Rose could only come from the mind of Tiffany Reisz. Written to work as a standalone, this installment will perfectly satisfy readers new to the series as well as existing fans. Well-researched, funny, and delightfully creative, once you enter this dream world of goddesses, gods, and Godwicks, you won't ever want to wake up. Check it out!
Note: There is an identity mystery of sorts floating throughout this book. It will likely be no mystery at all to you as the reader even though it takes our heroine quite some time to make it to the big reveal. I believe it's spelled out for the reader intentionally. Who wants to be mentally distracted when there's so much fun to be had? I foresee this being a possible criticism so just wanted to put in my 2 cents.
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Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of The Rose. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing. Source: NetGalley Author: Tiffany Reisz Publisher: Harlequin - MIRA Genres: Erotica Pub Date: April 16, 2019...more
Muse of Nightmares is the second installment in Laini Taylor's young-adult fantasy duology titled Strange the Dreamer. This series is original, uniqueMuse of Nightmares is the second installment in Laini Taylor's young-adult fantasy duology titled Strange the Dreamer. This series is original, unique, highly complex, and it features Taylor's gorgeous writing style. Admittedly, I enjoyed the first book more than this second, but it was still good and a must read for fans of this ongoing story. I highlighted many relevant and lovely quotes, and I continue to be in awe of Taylor's imagination. However, in my opinion, this second book feels very long-winded in sections, filled with words and not a whole lot of scenes that move the story forward. Laini Taylor fans already know this is not necessarily a bad thing. Afterall, Taylor's words are her talent, but in this case, I felt the drag big time. It is my genuine hope that this is my isolated experience and that other readers fully enjoy this much anticipated sequel from one of the world's greatest storytellers of all time. ♥
My favorite quote: “For an instant, at least, they seemed one and the same, as though all anguish exists in the same deep well, no matter what loss or misfortune leads us to it. We might be at odds, hate each other, and desired each others destruction, but in our despair, we are lost in the same darkness, breathing the same air as we choke on our grief.” ...more
Note: The Mermaid is a reimagining of P.T. Barnum and his 1840s Feejee Mermaid hoax and not a retelling/reimagining of The Little Mermaid.
I tend to haNote: The Mermaid is a reimagining of P.T. Barnum and his 1840s Feejee Mermaid hoax and not a retelling/reimagining of The Little Mermaid.
I tend to have a hard time enjoying reimaginings/retellings of actual historical figures...especially when they're not portrayed in the best light. But this is where the author made a wise choice. She incorporated fantasy/mythology so even though a name may be familiar, it's part of a world that doesn't entirely exist. Christina Henry reimagines popular characters in the most engaging ways. Historically, she has focused on fairytale characters, twisted them on their heads, and made some successful horror out of them. In The Mermaid, there is no horror here. There is love, loss, history, and admirable soapboxes about women's choice/independence and harmful religious zeal.
This story focuses primarily on the mermaid "Amelia" herself with Barnum and his associate Levi Lyman being secondary characters. Overall, I fully enjoyed this book. I didn't know much about Barnum and his fake mermaid to begin with, so I enjoyed this as a fresh piece of fantasy/fiction versus an intentional reimagining; however, I've since researched a bit about the various hoaxes Barnum exhibited and can respect this as the reimagining it is.
I would recommend The Mermaid for fans of historical fiction with a bit of fantasy entwined, and would highly encourage existing Christina Henry fans to set aside expectations based on her previous work. Also, while P.T. Barnum is not portrayed as a villain, he is written as a businessman consumed with dollars and the bottom line with moderate to little regard for the safety and health of those in his employ. I don't have a personal opinion on the man since I've never met him, haven't completed my own research, and I take hearsay with a grain of salt. If you think this portrayal would not negatively impact your enjoyment, I'd say go for it. Enjoy!!
My favorite quote: “Women who did what they liked instead of what other people wished were often accused of witchcraft, because only a witch would be so defiant, or so it was thought.”...more
“Nice things don’t happen in storybooks. Or when they do happen, something bad happens next. Because otherwise the story would be boring, and
“Nice things don’t happen in storybooks. Or when they do happen, something bad happens next. Because otherwise the story would be boring, and no one would read it.”
The Cruel Prince is the first installment in Holly Black's young-adult fantasy series titled: The Folk of the Air. I found it to be fast-paced and incredibly engaging with a storyline I am eager to follow. The many, many characters to follow gave me a little bit of trouble, but it may not impact you at all. Definitely a winner in terms of YA that appeals to many ages. Check it out!
My favorite quote: “The odd thing about ambition is this: You can acquire it like a fever, but it is not so easy to shed.”
Chosen One is the sixth installment in Scarlett Dawn's new-adult fantasy series titled: Forever Evermore. This one fell in the middle for me. There weChosen One is the sixth installment in Scarlett Dawn's new-adult fantasy series titled: Forever Evermore. This one fell in the middle for me. There were things I loved and things that annoyed the hell out of me. Ain't life full of contradictions.
Loved: -Caro winds up 40 years in the past (not a spoiler) and I so enjoyed seeing some of the other characters in their younger years. Realizing that many of the characters had already met Caro in the past gave me a reason to go back to the fourth and fifth installments and re-read sections when they all met "for the first time" in the present day. That was a lot of fun and I loved that their present-day reactions to Caro took on new meaning now knowing all the details. -I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know some of the elders a bit more. The character count is rapidly rising and I am surprisingly able to remember who everyone is. That's a huge compliment to the author.
Annoyed: -In my perspective, plot direction is severely lacking in this novel. I mentioned this in my review for the fifth installment too hoping with every ounce of my being that this sixth book would make sense of it all. In my opinion, there just wasn't enough story to fill an entire novel and there were huge chunks of what felt like filler to me. Entertaining filler, yes, but after a while I felt that I was just reading scenes that weren't taking the story anywhere...and with a multi-installment fantasy series, you have to keep it moving forward. -My consistent complaint with Caro's saga has been no resolution as to identifying the romantic interest. Well, he is identified in this one just to be put back in question with Dawn's trademark cliffhanger. Speaking of romantic interest, Caro and her main romantic interest in this installment have a hate-filled relationship. Admittedly, it was cute as first, but it got old real quick. Like eyeroll old. -There are significant formatting issues and distracting scene shifts that needed a chapter separation or at least some kind of segue but this may be confined to the ARC edition I received so I won't go into further detail as hopefully this will be resolved in the final ebook.
If Scarlett Dawn's "saga" pattern continues then the next book should feature a new heroine and new prodigies but I don't see how this is possible as Caro's story does not yet feel complete. This concerns me a great deal as a loyal follower of this series and knowing first hand the storytelling talent Ms. Dawn possesses. Regardless, I will continue to read from this amazing author. She has brought me so many laughs, tears, and quality entertainment in general. If you have never experienced this author's work, there's no better time to start!
Thank you to the following for permitting me access to an advance reader's copy (ARC) of Chosen One. This generosity did not impact my honesty when rating/reviewing. Source: NetGalley Author: Scarlett Dawn Publisher: Escape Publishing Pub Date: December 4, 2017...more
7/28/17: I picked up The Queen and the Cure again to finish it after some encouragement and the convenience of using it for a challenge in my favorite 7/28/17: I picked up The Queen and the Cure again to finish it after some encouragement and the convenience of using it for a challenge in my favorite goodreads group. The writing and the romance/romantic longing were beautiful but the fantasy element unfortunately has yet to capture me as a reader. It's still a dropped series but at least no longer a DNF and never a dropped author ♥
7/20/17: Sadly and regretfully, I just can't follow the amazing Amy Harmon into the fantasy world of Jeru anymore. I didn't love The Bird and the Sword and I'm not finding any connection or love for The Queen and the Cure either. It's a DNF and a dropped series for me. Definitely not a dropped author though! Amy Harmon is one of my forever favorites! If you've never read her, you must check her out!!!
Re-read Review: 6/6/2017 ★★★☆☆ After receiving some private messages and strong encouragement and motivation from trustworthy goodreads members, I decidRe-read Review: 6/6/2017 ★★★☆☆ After receiving some private messages and strong encouragement and motivation from trustworthy goodreads members, I decided to do my re-read sooner rather than later. Yes...I did my re-read the very next day. I figured the story was fresh and I was doing yardwork rather than paperwork so my change in multitasking duties may make a difference. For me, it did. I actually was able to follow the characters and chain of events, as disjointed as they may be at times. But I was less confused. It was still a really weird fantasy world and set up but I feel much better about my reading experience this time around and feel safe to continue on to the next installment, which I don't plan to do soon, but at least I retract my decision to totally drop the series. My favorite parts of this book were the ones that included Roland (the gunslinger) and Jake together. Parts got downright emotional there. The ending introduces the official "Dark Tower" and provides a segue for the next book. I'm thankful it made a bit more sense during this next-day re-read but such a bizarre storyline still couldn't get more than 3 stars out of me. The moral to this review: Don't allow much distraction while reading The Gunslinger, because all sorts of new characters come and go, Roland (the gunslinger) journeys near and far, and if you miss one thing, it's going to feel a lot more confusing than it already is. Check it out.
Original Review: 6/5/2017 ★★☆☆☆ I'm thinking this is a case of "it's not you, it's me" but I had a lot of difficulty remaining engaged in this story. It was bizarre and confusing, but I'm wondering if there was a major element I missed somewhere that would have made it all easier to follow somehow. I am dropping the series for now but may consider trying to re-read this first installment at some point down the road to see if the second time really is the charm. I liked the characters King created and would really like to see the whole thing meld together for me. Regardless of this reading experience, I am excited about the upcoming adaptation to the screen and will definitely be watching.
My favorite quote: “It was strange how some of childhood's words and ways fell at the wayside and were left behind, while others clamped tight and rode for life, growing the heavier to carry as time passed.”...more
“You’re a storyteller. Dream up something wild and improbable,” she pleaded. “Something beautiful and full of monsters.” “Beautiful and full o
“You’re a storyteller. Dream up something wild and improbable,” she pleaded. “Something beautiful and full of monsters.” “Beautiful and full of monsters?” “All the best stories are.”
One of the world's greatest storytellers writes a book about a storyteller. [image] Strange the Dreamer is the first installment in Laini Taylor's young-adult fantasy duology titled Strange the Dreamer. This book was so good. I experienced a bit of confusion once in a while which I think caused me to sadly feel this book's length, but the writing...the complex world building...the magical descriptions of determination and courage and first love and longing...it all made up for it. Entirely original and beautiful, the story of the ultimate underdog turned legend in a time of gods and monsters. It was great. Check it out.
My favorite quote: “Life won't just happen to you boy, he said. You have to happen to it.”...more