Thursday, January 31, 2013

Escaping Shadows by Julieanne Lynch

Title:  Escaping Shadows
Author:  J.A. Lynch
Series:  Shadow World #2
Published:  December 27th 2012 by Vamptasy Publishing (first published December 10th 2011)
Page Count:  195
Genre:  Paranormal
Shelf:  Review Copy
Rating:  ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Giselle has barely had time to accept her new life, never mind the prospect of motherhood, but she finds herself, yet again thrown into chaos, only this time there is more than just her life at stake.
With vampires and shadow creatures vying for her life, can Giselle escape the darkness consuming her, or will she finally descend into the world of shadows?

My Review:

This was an extremely well written novel. Lynch’s mastery of the English language allows the reader to immerse themselves in the story without having to figure out what the author is trying to say. This story has a flow that is easy to follow. Even though each chapter is written from the perspective of a different character this does not break up the flow of the story, nor does it add any confusion as to who did what, or where they are.

The characters in this novel are quite unique. Lynch produces characters that cannot be compared to anyone. Each is developed to suit a specific purpose. You also get to know the characters. Some of them become much more than just figures on a page. I must admit, however, that there were times when I was just plain sick of the main character running away from everything.

I loved that there is a large mix of supernatural races working together. The conflicts in the novel are not between the supernatural races as is stereotypically found. They are between good and evil, with a great deal of conflict within one specific race.

As the 2nd novel in a series, I was quite surprised to find that it would be quite possible to read it as a standalone story. Obviously, the 1st story in the series gives a great deal of information regarding the background and the characters. However, this novel gives the reader enough information that the reader would not be confused should they begin the series with this installment. This is a novelty not found with many series, especially considering that this one picks up right where the first left off.

I did quite enjoy reading this novel and would not hesitate to recommend it to others who enjoy reading about the supernatural.

Buy your copy online here today.
Continue Reading...

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Flame Moon by K.J. Jackson

Title:  Flame Moon
Author:  K.J. Jackson
Series:  Flame Moon #1
Published:  August 3rd 2012
Page Count:  239
Genre:  Paranormal
Shelf:  Review Copy
Rating:  ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Skye Walters thought waking up on the side of a river with no memory was her biggest problem. She had no idea that the man who had saved her from drowning, the man she now depended on, Aiden, was more than mere mortal. A warrior of ancient.

No memory, nowhere to go, Skye stays in the mountain town, only to discover she herself, has unexplained powers. Her life, her destiny, are soon out of her control, as are her feelings for Aiden. The deeper Skye gets sucked into Aiden’s hidden world, the more the past, and who she really is, threatens her future, her love, her sanity.

My Review:

OMG!!! This is so cool. I can’t believe how intense the mythology behind this story was. I was completely taken by the twist on the Greek Pantheon and the brilliant explanation behind it. Jackson creates a whole new world based on a very, very old concept and immerses readers in it in a manner that cannot be beat.

The characters in this story are just amazing. They are all such complete people. Some of them may be a little off of their rockers, but that is just their personalities, not a lack of creativity on the author’s part. Each and every character is unique. They all have a back-story, complete and very interesting. These back-stories also mesh very well with their current characteristics and personalities.

The mountain forest in which this story takes place is very well developed. It is very difficult to write well about such serene and scenic locales, but Jackson manages it with a flourish. Her descriptions and writing style lend themselves to this. It also lends itself to the great deal of action and intensity in the story. Jackson does not give the audience a moments rest, keeping up the fast pace throughout.

I cried, I laughed, I loved. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this novel. I cannot wait until I can read the sequel.

Buy your copy online here today!
Continue Reading...

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Again by Diana Murdock

Title:  Again
Author:  Diana Murdock
Published:  June 8th 2010 by Diana Murdock (first published June 4th 2010)
Page Count:  240
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Shelf:  Review Copy
Rating:  ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

ONCE UPON A TIME…

LADY CATHERINE, a medieval noblewoman has it all: Beauty, wealth, and a handsome, valiant knight whose love for her knows no bounds. Though secretly holding out for a love that would consume her, she acquiesces her fate to wed this knight, a man she loves no more than she could a brother. But a chance meeting with a devastatingly handsome merchant shakes the very foundation of her world, compelling her to act and think in ways she never thought possible.

LOVE CAME BACK TO HAUNT HER…

ERYN REXFORD, a modern-day photographer, has everything many women dream of: Beauty, wealth, a sexy and successful husband, a career she loves, and a beautiful house nestled in a community of beach homes. But passionate love, the one thing she longs for, she learns to live without, until recurring dreams and visions spark memories of a life lived long ago and of a man whose love promises to follow her through time. Eryn recognizes a whisper of that promise in the eyes of a handsome stranger who stays close enough for her to notice, but not close enough for her to remember.

LOVE HAS NO BOUNDARIES…

Two women, born centuries apart, both accept lives of obligation and responsibility; lives without passion, with men who would claim them for their own. Until, that is, a chain of events complicates things in ways they never imagined, all because of one man’s love for a woman…a love that crosses through centuries to find her again.

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.


My Review:

Having never been a fan of novels that jump back and forth in time, I wasn’t too sure what to think about this novel from the synopsis. That said, Murdock took a bit of an off-kilter topic and wove it into a brilliant tale of love triumphing through the ages.

The novel itself jumps back and forth between the turn of the 16th century and the present day. Even with all of this time travel on the part of the reader, we experience two separate stories with very distinct correlations. The separation between the two stories never becomes muddied. I did spend some time at one point wondering which character in the past became which character in the present, but I found that it greatly increased my captivation with this novel.

The characters that grace the pages of this novel are amazing. Each and every one of them is lifelike, even the minor characters. They are all well rounded in a way that allows to reader to connect with them. Many of the characters evoke strong emotions in the reader, be they positive or negative.

The astounding imagery that Murdock employs in her writing brings her words to life without the need for long, drawn out descriptions. Both worlds were vividly real and very distinct while remaining true to the intended scenes. At times, I felt like I was walking along the cliffs with one character or jogging on the beach with another. Murdock’s way with words and writing style kept me captivated throughout this very well written novel.


Buy your copy online here today.


Continue Reading...

Monday, January 28, 2013

Dissever by Colee Firman

Title:  Dissever
Author:  Colee Firman
Series:  Unbinding Fate #1
Published:   December 10th 2012
Page Count:  305
Genre:  Young Adult Paranormal
Shelf:  Review Copy
Rating:  ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Addison Sanders is pretty comfortable spending her days with her grandfather at his centuries old estate, nestled in the snowcapped mountains. But all that changes when she wakes up to find the entire estate has been moved to a mysterious tropical location, right in the middle of a busy tourist town on the ocean.

Addy is forced to untangle a web of lies and secrets spun over centuries, ultimately putting her at the center of a power struggle a millennia in the making.

With her grandfather gone and the power and secrets of her family up for grabs, placing her trust in anyone could lead to disaster. The guy who’s never so much as given her a second glance is suddenly by her side through it all, leaving her questioning his motives. Betrayed by old friends and leery of new ones—she’s left to cut through the lies and deception to get to the truth.

Addy discovers that sometimes its better not knowing and misery really does love company in Dissever—Book One of the Unbinding Fate Series.

Also available in the Kindle Store - Bonds are broken and new
connections are forged in Sanctify—Book Two of the Unbinding Fate Series.


My Review:

Just picture it, living in an estate that can just up and move every few years, allowing you to experience the world without the need for packing and moving. That would be absolutely amazing. It’s just too bad that nothing is ever quite as simple as it seems.....

Firman takes her audience and drops them right in the middle of the action from page one. There is barely a moment when something is not happening. The type of action range from action packed fighting scenes, to emotional turmoil, to friends simply hanging out on the beach. The author’s flowing writing allows the reader to flow from one scene to another with ease. Transitions are natural, not forced or jumpy. Don’t get me wrong. I did spend a great deal of time wondering what was going on, or what would happen next, but that is part of the beauty of this novel. You are lead forward not only by the action of the story but by the need to discover things along with the characters.

I love the characters in this novel. Each is well developed and strong. They do not necessarily agree with each other, nor did I always agree with their choices but they were ideal for this novel. Each and every one had a background and a future. I also enjoyed how their backgrounds all intertwined in ways that they could not have imagined. They also were all able to work together despite all odds and their differences. I grew to love a great many of these characters and cannot wait to revisit them in future novels.

I would love to meet the author and give her a big hug thank you. There is an ending to this novel. It is the beginning of a series, and at the ending you can tell that there is more to come, but you are not left sitting on a ledge waiting for the next installment. I truly appreciate the extra effort that goes into giving this work a conclusion, while leaving the story open to further installments.


Buy your copy online here today!
Continue Reading...

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Delusions by Christina Smith

Title:  Delusions
Author:  Christina Smith
Series: The Affinity #2
Published:  September 7th 2012 by Createspace (first published June 15th 2012) 
Page Count:  360
Genre:  Young Adult Romance
Shelf:  Review Copy
Rating:  ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Can Fate be wrong? When all signs point to a certain someone, do you just blindly follow whether you like them or not? What if that person turns out to be someone you hate? Could Destiny be so cruel?

Lisa Miller is a typical seventeen-year-old, busy with family, work, friends and...revenge. Her last summer in high school should be spent having fun. But ever since Logan Tate played a prank on her two years ago, she doesn't have much of a social life, instead, spending her free time trying to get even.

Unfortunately Logan's not making it easy for her; he's trying to convince her that he has changed. But she is not fooled by his charming personality, and stunning good looks. No one can change that drastically.

Things aren't much better at home. Ever since her father left a year and a half ago, she refuses to speak to him, causing tension with her mom and sister.

As if she didn't have enough problems, someone is sending prank emails and phone calls, mysteriously knowing about the dreams she's been having. Who would do such a thing, and how could they know?


My Review:

Wow, I have tears in my eyes and am giggling like a school girl who just spoke to her first crush all at the same time. This novel was great. It was about real people, with real lives, dealing with real issues, and then some. Smith takes the well known concept of soul mates and tweaks it to bring it forward in a new light that doesn’t seem quite as farfetched as many concepts that I have seen. It fits perfectly with the lives of real people, and doesn’t require much of a supernatural element whatsoever.

I must say, Smith’s character development in this installment of the series far exceeds that of the original. Every major character in this novel has a back-story. You know who they are and why they are that way. You also learn a great deal more about some of the characters from the original story as well. The characters also display emotions appropriate to their circumstances. They stick to their decisions when appropriate and compromise (eventually) when it’s called for. The characters in this novel are also quite likeable. They all have their quirks but you never want to throw a pillow at any of them to shut them up. It’s brilliant.

Smith’s writing remains as real as ever in this installment. It is the realism in her writing that draws you so far into the work. She describes things as they are in the real world. There are no illusions or metaphors. Her pages are not full of symbolism. It is completely real, and yet you can still picture it as if you were there.

This book held me captive throughout. I thoroughly enjoy Smith’s work. Even within this series you can already see the evolution of her writing style. She is definitely an author to follow.


Buy your copy online here today!!!

Continue Reading...

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Full Disclosure by Eric J. Gates

Title:  Full Disclosure
Author:  Eric J. Gates
Published:  April 24th 2012 by Amazon KDP
Page Count:  466
Genre:  Suspense
Shelf:  Review Copy
Rating:  ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads: 

For over sixty years they kept a secret.
The biggest secret in the history of Mankind.

Now a dying town finds itself on the front lines of a
covert war, when the President makes a Full Disclosure.

A nail-biting thriller that asks the question: Should the public be told?


My Review: 

Not only is this story itself full of suspense, but Gates’ method of writing keeps you on the edge of your seat. He uses short, concise sentences to set the mood at times, and switches to longer, more flowing sentences to tone down other scenes. This author grasps not only the power of words but also the power of sentence structure within the novel. He manages to bring absolute chaos to life so that you feel like you are living it with the characters.

Personally, I don’t generally like stories that jump around from place to place and time to time. Gates, however, uses this method to add to the mystery, suspense, and urgency of the tale. The way that it is laid out, he avoids muddying the time and place for each event. Everything is kept clear & separate, avoiding confusion on the part of the reader. The short chapters really help with this.

I loved that Gates uses the correct terms for attack measures & countermeasures, individuals & their positions, etc. It makes the novel seem much more realistic. If Gates were to write the same novel using vague, flowery, or incorrect terms it would have lost a great deal of impact on the audience. It’s very hard to focus on the story when what is registering to the reader is that the scene doesn’t make sense with the story or is undetailed. The terminology and details used helps lead to the fact that you are almost immediately caught up in the conspiracy theory of the novel. You’re constantly wondering what’s really going on and “what if” and “who is he really?”

The dates for past events are also correct. Gates uses reality as a basis for his fictional tale, and he does it correctly. Stories that start in this vein have such potential to let the audience down if the facts are incorrect that it is a real risk to take this route. I definitely commend Gates as an author that takes the time and puts in the extra effort to do so. I also need to thank him for taking the time to double check these facts. It greatly added to the enjoyment of the novel.

Gates also manages to create a variety of different characters. Some of them you get to know quite well. You know their history, their friends, their likes, and dislikes. Others you barely get to know at all. They remain a mystery to the reader. There is one character whose real name I still do not know. It’s brilliant. Based on his job, this would be the reality for that character. Gates develops each character in a way suited to their position in the world and in the novel.

Overall I was excessively surprised throughout the novel. Gates combines detail and writing style to create a thrilling ride for his readers.


Buy your copy online here today!





Continue Reading...

Friday, January 25, 2013

Fated Dreams by Christina Smith

Title:  Fated Dreams
Author:  Christina Smith
Series:  The Affinity Series #1
Published:  July 30th 2012 by Createspace (first published March 1st 2012)
Page Count:  370
Genre:  Young adult romance
Shelf:  Review Copy
Rating:  ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Do you believe in true love? Sarah Samson doesn't until she meets hers. But for Sarah, meeting the guy of her dreams comes with a price.

On the outside Sarah looks like she has it all--friends, a loving family, and a hobby she's really good at. But if you look closer, Sarah's keeping secrets from everyone in her life, even...Lucas. From the very first time they bumped into one another, she has felt drawn to him. He makes her feel like she's found something she never realized was missing. Life would be perfect if it wasn't for the constant feeling that someone is following her. She feels a presence everywhere she goes, work, home, even...in her dreams.

Sarah suddenly finds herself wrapped up in a dangerous mystery that started eighty years ago involving two tragic deaths. After several attempts on her life, she and Lucas realize they must solve it before history repeats itself. 
My Review:


One thing that I absolutely love about Smith’s writing is how personal it is. Everything that is written is so realistic that you cannot help but be drawn into it. Nothing has to be set up to make you believe in the story, you believe in the story because of everything that is put into it.

Smith has a way with words that allow you to picture exactly what she is seeing while writing. Some of the scenery is breathtaking, and you can just imagine line dancing with the characters in a small town diner. There is such realism in everything. Even though this story is paranormal in essence, the characters and scenes are very real. Some of the scene breaks are a little jumpy, but then you feel like you’re in a high school cafeteria where 12 things are going on all at once and you’re trying to be in on all of them.

It was very nice to see a teenage character that was able to balance school and a part time job. It helped make you realise that these characters were real. They weren’t from the top strata of society, yet still managed their lives and were able to find happiness within the insanity of life. I also loved that he parents in the novel cared. They ensured the safety of their children and held them accountable for their own actions. It was a novelty that I so rarely find in current novels.

The introduction of sex into relationships was masterfully done as well. The two main characters walk a fine line while waiting for both parties to be ready to take the leap. Their relationship is built on trust. Intimacy comes second. Even though they are both very committed to one another, no one assumes that sex is a requirement of the early relationship.

One thing that I would have enjoyed was a bit more character development. Each of the main characters fits their role quite well; however, I feel that I do not know very much about them. Some of the minor characters have a much stronger back-story than the two main characters do. The main character, for example, always sticks to her guns, sometimes to the point of pigheadedness, which you can relate to. However, we never find out why she is this way. It is in no way detrimental to the storyline, but it is always easier to connect to a character that you know.

As a whole, this novel was able to grab me and didn’t let go throughout the entire story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It even evoked a few girlie giggles from me while I was reading, to the enjoyment of my coworkers in the lunchroom.

Buy your copy online here today!!!


Continue Reading...

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Interview with A.J. Wiliams ~ Giveaway

Lets take a few moments to chat with A.J. Wiliams about her book Bounty for Hunter and about her upcoming novels.

Q: How did you get started writing? Was there a single catalyst or a series of events?
           I started writing poetry around nine or ten. It was really my grandfather who inspired me to write. Coming from Arizona to Missouri I was made fun of because I talked different and fast. Most kids and some teachers could not understand me. After holding onto all of it I broke down one day. It was then that my grandfather sat me down in the kitchen with a plate of cookies. He slid across the table a journal and said "write it down kid."
          He knew how upset I was and saw that it was eating away at me. I wrote every day. about the sun, my dog, my cat, missing the hot air of Arizona. I wrote about people not liking me and having a hard time. It was the one place that I felt safe enough to pour out all my emotions.

Q: Why do you write?
           I write for the love of telling a story. Who doesn't like to hear a good story. A great story or even a good story can take away the stress, worry or pain of the day. It is like opening a present on Christmas morning and seeing that you got exactly what you wanted. I want to give that to people. As my mother gave that gift to me

Q: Who are your biggest supporters? How is your family with your writing?
           My husband for one. He has my back no matter what. He said do it, if that is what you want. I support you babe. Which is the truth. He supports me and I really could not be doing this without him.
          Second are my parents. My parents have always told me that I have a gift, and all I needed to do was sit down and harness it. Without their encouragement as a child I don't know if I would have ever stepped up

Q: Is there anyone who is opposed to you writing professionally? How do you deal with that?
            Oh I am sure there are people that oppose it but I don't worry about them. There will always be people that don't agree or oppose what you do in life. However, I have taken the steps in which I hope to protect myself. I write under a pen name as I have an active working husband and two small kids. I don't want, what I write to affect them in a negative way. However, for those that do know who I am, it is a simple of support or don't support. If you don't support me don't' talk to me about what you disagree with in my writing. They lost that right. Harsh maybe but I have to be able to protect not just myself but my family as well

Q: Sex in novels can be a very controversial topic. How do you feel about writing it? Do you find that it stereotypes your work or your audience?
           Sex period is controversial. Who doesn't talk about it though. Who we sleep with, who we kiss. I think that is one of the major reasons sex is so controversial because we are closed up about it. Sex is something that is wonderful, when it is with the right person, regardless of gender. I truly believe we should be more open about it, but then again sex in novels might lose the shock and awe factor that most crave :)
            I love writing it. Writing a sex scene allows the character for me to either become closed off or open and expressive. It is the same with having sex in real life. Well, I say that because that is what I personally believe. Yet other might disagree.
            Everyone has a take on their idea of what sex should be in books, but the same thing could be said about fairytales. A fairytale informs our daughters that a price will save her, but that is not real life. There is no guarantee that a prince will come. Nonetheless, writing an adult book that involves sex there is a guarantee that sex is either going to be great, or fall completely apart. That does happen in real life.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about Bounty For Hunter?
            Oh yes. I love Bounty for Hunter. I wrote so of course I would say that lol. Yet that is not the reason why. In Bounty for Hunter, you meet Keylee who went through something traumatic and instead of allowing that pain to consume her, she marched forward breaking the rules to match what she needed and wanted. Because of her past Keylee is bent on catching bad guys by becoming a bounty hunter against the wishes of her two older brother.
          Hunter is a laid back type of guy, successful, handsome and loves his only family his sister. When Hunter stumbles into a situation with dirty cops and is blamed for a cop's murder, he jumps his bail to hide. Keylee is hired to protect Hunter from those that are after him.
          I love the story as it offers action, suspense and love.  

Q: What inspired you to write this novel?
            My inspiration actually came from watching a movie with my four and a half year old. She asked me why the good guy did something bad. It was a great question and one I answered in truth informing her sometimes good people do bad things just like bad people do bad things.
          The next day I had this whole idea of a bad ass girl who went around saving those that were good from bad situations. Of course the story line changed but my message of the story was clear.  

Q: Are the characters of Hunter and Keylee inspired by anyone in particular?
            I used a little of everyone I knew for my characters. I love combining personalities of my friends and family to create these character.   
          I love star trek and grew up watching it so of course I wanted her to have that. I fit her somehow.
          Hunter was a little different I took traits of my husband and a couple of my friends to create him.

Q: Can you give us a bit of a sneak peek into Bounty’s End, your upcoming release?
           Of course I can. I don't want to give away a lot but here is a paragraph. I won't tell you where in the story it take place but it is a great spot

"Honestly honey, the shit you do, sucks.  All I try to do is talk to you when I see you.  When I start walking your way, you get this frighten look in your eyes and you bail. I have to hunt you down just to get you to look at me let alone tell me no to every date I have asked you on for the last six months.  See, I would take that personally but in all reality, it just makes me want you more.  Now we can figure out what your problem is together or I will figure it out for you.  Either way, there is no way in hell I am backing away from you now."
Um, wow.
Wen could feel her anger rising.  How the hell did this happen?  She was all warm and fuzzy and suddenly he flipped her switch and now she was about to blow.

"Listen you Neanderthal, you do not get to tell me how I behave.  I know how I behave and I am nice and polite."
"Wen, just shut your  mouth because all you are doing is not only lying to me, but also to yourself.  Lying is not healthy for you or good for your soul sweetheart."
"Oh my god. Seriously Thomas, I think you should just let me out now and I will walk the rest of the way because if you open your mouth again it better be to tell me just how sorry you are for being a pompous ass."

I hope that was a good taste for you to look forward to Bounty's End coming soon


Q: Do you have anything else planned after the release of Bounty’s End? Does Alek have an upcoming story? We need to know. Everyone loves a mysterious Alpha male.      

Why yes I do.

          Bounty's End is about Thomas. Book 3 is about the hot Greek golden god Alek who with Tess weaves a trail that is going to be explosive. Book 4 is about Jefferson the ever elusive always hiding brother of Keylee and Thomas. In book 4 we find out the truth of what happened 5 years ago that caused him to close off and cancel his engagement with Eva


For further information on A.J. Williams and her upcoming publications, visit the following sites:


Also, watch here for future interviews, reviews, and giveaways with A.J. 








Check out Bounty for Hunter on Goodreads.    

Also, view my review.

And buy your copy online here.

Also, enter below to win 1 ecopy of Bounty for Hunter.
Available in mobi, epub, or PDF format
You must be 18+ years of age to enter. 
Good luck to all entrants.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Continue Reading...

Friday, January 18, 2013

Riverbend by Andrea Goodson

Title:  Riverbend
Author:  Andrea Goodson
Series:  The Riverbend Trilogy #1
Published:  October 5th 2012 by Andrea Goodson Books
Page Count:  100
Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Rating:  ★★★★★


Syopsis from Goodreads:

Nestled deep in Northwest Pennsylvania, amongst the thick forest of the Allegheny Mountains, is a quiet community named Kennerdell. The area is rich in Native American and European settlement history with few inhabitants and a charming culture. Growing up there was simple for 22 year old Lena Woodruff, full of happy memories and long, playful summer days spent by the nearby Allegheny River. Being the daughter of an Archaeology Professor, she was enamored with the beauty, peace, and history that surrounded her. Lena could have grown up to be an average, well-adjusted woman. But there has been a darkness within her for the past seven years, since her father’s tragic death. After managing to escape far away to Thomasville, Georgia for the past two years, Lena is forced to return home to visit her family. Upon her arrival, Lena had hoped to come clean to her mother, have a short visit and return to her secluded life, apart from her family, in Georgia. However, she is greeted by much more than she expects. She is haunted by the memories of her father's death as well as her self-destructive behavior in the years following. She struggles with guilt and regret for the pain she feels she has caused her family and loved ones. Her mother is loving and supportive and, although Lena appreciates those qualities, the pressure of living up to a standard and the recollections of her previous life prove unsettling and are too much for her to bear. Lena is quickly thrown into a web of mystery, inner conflict, grief, self-worth, love, and trust. Riverbend, book one in the three part series, exposes the beginning of a shocking mystery for Lena that could ultimately change written history. She teams up with one of her neighbors, longtime friend Will Sundback, and they begin an adventure together. But someone else is lurking about, following Lena, and keeping tabs on her every move. Who is this person and what do they know? Will Lena be able to allow herself happiness, solve the mystery surrounding her father’s work, and be able to free herself from the pain that plagues her?


My Review:

Ok, so I definitely did not leave my chair once while reading this novel. It was brilliant. I fully admit that I spent the 1st chapter wondering “what the hell happened in the past” but the rest of the book kept me captivated within its pages. Goodson has a way with words and manages to work mystery and intrigue into her work without it becoming apparent.

The descriptions and settings in this novel are great. They are real places that you feel like you could visit, or have visited. She uses her descriptions in a way that you can picture the setting for the novel very clearly. At the same time, she never gets longwinded or boring.

I think what really got me with this novel was the fact that the historical, anthropological, and archaeological facts present in the book are based in reality. Goodson took the time to research this before writing. It is not simply made up information that she tries to pass off as fact. She weaves an amazing tale around these facts, but what they are is still fact (with a twist or two, of course).

The characters are also heartwarming. You have a main character that is afraid to love because she lost her father coupled with her high school sweetheart who will still do anything for her. You can’t beat that, especially when Goodson takes the time to develop her characters into real people. I was, of course, left with the question “what is Richard’s deal?” Is he up to something or is he simply a skeazebag?

Buy your copy online here today!!!

Continue Reading...

Thursday, January 17, 2013

The Gods of Asphalt by H.E. Ellis

Title:  The Gods of Asphalt
Author:  H.E. Ellis
Series:  The Gods of Asphalt book 1
Published:  Aug. 22/11
Page Count:  358
Genre:  Young Adult Contemporary Fiction
Shelf:  Review Copy
Rating:   ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Fearing he’s doomed to follow the same life path that defeated his father, a promising high school basketball star leaves home to make his own way only to discover a fate worse than failure: success.

Seventeen year-old Sawyer Hayden is the younger of two brothers who, having been raised by their truck driving father and bounced around the country at the whim of their flighty, non-maternal mother, decides enough is enough, he wants to put down roots and get into college. A gifted athlete with less than stellar grades, Sawyer sees a basketball scholarship as his only way in. With time running out he breaks away from his family in order to finish his senior year with his retired roadie grandfather, Gus.

It isn't long before Sawyer wins a new best friend and a sweet spot on the Varsity team. But life in his father’s hometown isn’t as easy as he imagined, and Sawyer finds himself faced with the same romantic challenges that forged his father’s destiny. Does he follow his dreams and pursue the college future within his reach, or does he throw it all away for a shot at love?

My Review:

Right from the first page Ellis drops his audience into an emotional rollercoaster that does not let up until the final word of the novel. Twists and turns abound in this extremely realistic, very vivid journey through the life of a teenage boy who cannot come to grips with the forces driving his life.

The characters and setting of this novel were both very well developed. These were people that you wanted to, or felt like you already did, know in your real life. You wanted to root for them, or against them, depending on which characters were involved. They were not flat characters either. Each of them was well rounded and lifelike.

There were some very intense moments within this story. Ellis grabs a hold of the English language and twists it in such a way that the audience is kept riveted and feels exactly what the character is feeling. That said, there were also a great deal of moments when I found myself laughing out loud, rather uncontrollably at times. The author manages to use words to evoke very strong emotions in the reader.

On this surface this novel is about secrecy driving a family apart, but it is also about truth bringing them back together. Although it is a gripping tale it also contains a great deal of realism regarding difficulties within families. The characters need to learn to accept others and themselves the way that they are. There is a great deal of fighting, both verbally and physically, between the characters in this novel. There are also a large number of “bro-mance” moments that counteract them.

I quite enjoyed the fact that each chapter had a song assigned to them. These songs complemented the chapters that they were associated with. Picturing or listening to the song enriched the chapter, giving it a deeper meaning.

Above all, what I found the most interesting about this novel is reading about high school and high school relationships from the perspective of a guy. It was interesting to see how a situation that I would have reacted to in one manner was dealt with very differently.

This book as a whole was very well written. It kept me captivated while grounded in reality. The author did not need to use any supernatural forces to keep me tied to these pages. I will definitely be checking out future works by this author in the near future.


Buy your copy online here today!

Continue Reading...

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Strong Blood by Dale Ibitz

Title:  Strong Blood
Author:  Dale Ibitz
Series:  Last Moon Rising Series #2
Published:  October 1st 2012 by Createspace
Page Count:  260
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy
Shelf:  Review Copy
Rating:  ★★★★★


Synoopsis from Goodreads:

The war between nature's gods continues to rage on Eyidora and Haley, descendant of the Air Eyid, struggles with her own battles.

She's mired in a battle with Ian, the Fire Eyid descendant, over the lost Eyid stones. She needs the stones to stop the war, and he needs the stones to destroy Eyidora. She knows where the Land Eyid stone is hidden, and she races to Tamoor to find it before Ian does.

Haley still doesn't trust Tuggin, the stone-faced Eyidoran assigned to protect her. As a Menta witch, he's adept at lying, mind-control, and killing. Even though Haley is starting to believe that Tuggin may be serving more than one master, she continues to battle her feelings for him, never sure which duty he feels most inclined to serve.

But Haley's biggest battle of all comes when she meets Luke and Telsa, twins with undeniable strength. Haley invites them to join her on her mission to find the Land Eyid stone. Has she put her trust in someone who may be just as dark and dangerous as Ian, the descendant of Fire himself?


My Review:

In her brilliant follow up to Fire in the Blood, Ibitz continues with his mastery of the English language and with her well developed mythology to create a work that is difficult to beat. Her descriptions make this world vividly real.

The mythology that we learn about in the first novel of the series is further developed here. We find out a great deal more about the lands and their relationship with the gods. We also find out about the connections between the demi-gods and their place in the hierarchy of the world. As with many other mythologies, the goal is to reach a balance.

The characters continue on their quest to save not only their world, but the universe while battling with issues that are all too commonly faced in our teenage years. The reality of these situations brings to light the similarity of all peoples. This is made abundantly clear through the main character. She is such a realistic teenager, right down to the way that she talks and thinks. She battles through feelings of inadequacy and through trust issues on a daily basis. Even during the times that you feel she is being difficult or somewhat naive you cannot help but feel for her and see where she is coming from.

Throughout this installment I did find myself right alongside the main character, questioning the intentions of the characters. I began to wonder who was really on which side of the battle. There is a veil of mystery throughout this novel that pulls you further and further into the action and deception. I found myself rooting for certain characters and wondering what on Eyidora others were up to.
This novel leaves you perfectly situated to dive into the next installment in the series. Ibitz manages to finish the novel in such a way that you cannot help but need to read the next installment, but giving this one a conclusion of sorts. She does not leave us mid action sequence, nor do the characters reach the end of their quest. By the end of the novel, all I was left muttering 2 things to my dogs: (1) wow; and (2) where’s the next installment?


Buy your copy online here today!


Continue Reading...

Monday, January 14, 2013

Bounty for Hunter by A.J. Wiliams

Title:  Bounty for Hunter
Author:  A.J. Wiliams
Published:  December 12th 2012 by AJ Wiliams
Page Count:  78
Genre:  Romantic Suspense
Shelf:  Review Copy
Rating:  ★★★★


Synopsis from Goodreads:

Keylee isn’t your typical bounty hunter. She’s young, petite, and has a Doberman pinscher as her personal bodyguard. Just as Keylee returns to town from a month long assignment, she’s asked to protect a man named Hunter, who has jumped bond and is on the run from other bounty hunters and the police. The mere fact that she knows who Hunter is and why the police are after him, places her life at risk. Now, Keylee has a limited time to save Hunter and herself.

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.

My Review:

This was definitely a cute little novella. No, scrap cute, let’s go with racy. This was a racy little novella. Willaims takes your typical Alpha male romance novel, flips it around backwards and keeps you on your toes for the duration of her writing.

Throughout the novella you get some very vivid visuals. Wiliams’ descriptions will knock your socks off. Her characters are also extremely well developed for a novella. The main characters are all well rounded people considering the brevity of the work itself.

All in all this was a very well written story. Wiliams managed to keep me captivated throughout the entire story. I especially loved the fact that she included just enough information to ensure that you knew exactly what was happening without having to skim over anything else.

Buy your copy online here today.

Continue Reading...

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Interview with Courtney S. King & Giveaway

Courtney S. King is the author of the recentlt released self-help/non-fiction book How to Survive High School:  A Girl's Guide to Making A's, Decoding Guys, and Living Life.


Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My favorite colors include every shade of pink. I love writing, reading, and eating desserts. I didn’t realize my right thumb was wider and shorter than the left until I was nine years-old. Artists I like listening to include Washed Out, Adele, and Pogo. When I’m not writing, I enjoy spending time with loved ones.

Q: What is something that you feel makes you stand out from the crowd? What makes you unique?
With writing, I like to delve into fiction as well as non-fiction. I think writing in both genres makes me unique as an aspiring author.

Q: Do you have a life motto? Would you share it with us?

I don’t have a motto, but I believe when you work hard and persevere, you can achieve anything you desire. I believe in never giving up.

Q: Do you enjoy reading a lot? What is your favorite genre of books? Do you have an all time favorite book?

I love reading and some of my favorite genres include contemporary, thriller, and paranormal YA, non-fiction, and memoirs. I have too many favorites to name.

Q: Who is your biggest supporter?

My family and my boyfriend are my biggest supporters. They provide encouragement, books on story crafting, and personal knowledge about writing when I need it.

Q: Why did you begin writing? What, if anything, was the catalyst that got you started?
One of the earliest short stories I wrote was about my Barbie dolls traveling to Florida. I was eight years-old and loved the feeling of creating a fictional world for inanimate objects. As I’ve grown as a writer and a person, I’ve expanded my stories to include realistic events and characters. I love being able to take a piece of everyday life and make into another world.

Q: What is your favorite place to write? Can you describe it for us?

My favorite place changes constantly. Sometimes I will write two chapters in three different rooms throughout the day. When I’m writing my thoughts can’t stay still, and well, neither can I.

Q: Do you have any writing rituals? Is there anything that you always need to have with you when you write?

Before I write, I will complete a creative writing prompt. The exercise helps with my creativity and flow of consciousness when working on a novel or self-help guide. I also listen to excessive amounts of music and create playlists for manuscripts.

Q: Do you have any tips for those who would like to begin writing professionally?

Read and research popular and educational literary works. You’ll gain knowledge on how to improve your writing style and develop unique plots. If you plan on self-publishing, find reputable companies that will aid in your book’s publication. Edit and revise your first, second, and even tenth draft as much as possible. Writing takes time, energy, and motivation, but it’s worth it in the end. Lastly, visit author web pages and read their bios/blogs about their writing techniques and journey to publication. They’re helpful, inspiring, and sometimes delightfully funny.

Q: What inspired you to write How to Survive High School: The Girl’s Guide to Making A’s, Decoding Guys, & Living Life?

When I was fourteen years-old everything seemed dramatic and momentous. I experienced issues with friends, academics, and low self-esteem. Many of the issues I later overcame with the tips in How to Survive High School. Much of the advice is common sense, but when you’re dealing with self-hatred or bullying, your emotions can get the best of you. The advice within the guide will help teen girls experiencing or who may experience similar situations.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from the book? Does it have a special meaning for you?

One of my favorite quotes from the book is, “People like you when you love yourself. Learn to trust your instincts before conforming to the opinions of others.”

It has a very special meaning to me since I’ve struggled with self-acceptance in the past. I find that when I really support myself and acknowledge my good qualities, other’s opinions of me don’t affect me. A huge part of truly living is not being afraid to do it and loving yourself is the key to making it happen.

Q: What is the number one thing that you wish someone had told you while you were coming into your own during high school?

I wish someone told me high school is just a blip on the radar of existence.

Q: What’s next for you?

Currently, I am writing a thriller young-adult novel and a subversive fairytale novel with contemporary elements.

Learn more about Courtney S. King on her website.

Here's a little bit about her new book which was released Jan 6/13:

How to Survive High School: The Girl’s Guide to Making A’s, Decoding Guys, & Living Life offers tips and practical advice for getting through the ups and downs of high school.

The guide includes tips for:

*Overcoming Low Self-Esteem and Building Self-Confidence

*Navigating Peer Pressure and Making Friends

*Finding Your Path and Direction

*Organizing for School, Academic Achievement, & Much More!




And now for the fun part:  Enter to win 1 of 5 PDF copies of How to Survive High School: A Girl's Guide to Making A's, Decoding Guys, and Living Life by entering below!!!!!!!  


Continue Reading...

Friday, January 11, 2013

Fire in the Blood by Dale Ibitz

Title:  Fire in the Blood
Author:  Dale Ibitz
Series:  Last Moon Rising Series #1
Published:  July 11th 2011 by CreateSpace (first published 2011)
Page Count:  236
Genre:  Young Adult Fantasy
Shelf:  Review Copy
Rating:  ★★★★★


Synopsis from Goodreads:

Global warming is playing havoc on Earth, and when 17 year-old Haley tumbles to a parallel world, she discovers that Earth’s issues stem from a war between the Eyids, the gods of nature. Because her necklace is a stone that holds the power of the Air Eyid, Haley is called upon to stop the war

But Haley has a problem. Actually, two problems. One named Tuggin, and one named Ian.

Both lie to her. Both have secrets. And neither are who they say they are. With her stone of power, Haley’s forced to make a choice that will decide the fate of all the worlds. But who should she trust, who should she fight, and who is the one with fire in his blood bent on betraying them all?

My Review:

Holy Cow!!! I can’t believe how caught up I was in this book. I admit that at the beginning I had a chapter or two wondering where this novel was headed, but then I could not put the book down. Ibitz has a writing style that immerses you into the action of the story. I wanted to run out and help the characters with their various trials. His descriptions make all of the different areas of the realm seem so real. Everything flows together to create a dynamic reading experience for his audience.

There is an entirely new mythology developed with this story. It comes complete with gods and demi-gods vying for power. Each god has their own realm within the world that is not only symbolic. The lands ruled by these gods each has distinctive features marking them. Ibitz’s very interesting explanation of global warming definitely gives you something to think about.

I absolutely loved the characters. They are all well developed and seem like real people. Oh, some of them are mysterious, not giving away too many details, but they are not flat characters. Ibitz also manages to develop characters that give off a definite creepy vibe. His characters face real world dilemmas while on their very interesting journeys. The main character is constantly fighting against a feeling of not belonging anywhere, which is something faced by so many teens. She also learns that being yourself and staying true to your beliefs is more important than being accepted by the so-called “popular” crowd. I definitely felt for her when she was rejected by one of the “hall gods”, but was still left wondering if maybe, just maybe, they might get together in a future novel. The dialogue was also very appropriate for the various characters. I absolutely loved the fact that each of the Eyidoran races have their own distinctive speech patterns.

I cannot believe how well put together this novel was. Ibitz is an amazing storyteller and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every page. I cannot wait to read the next installment. Strong Blood, here I come.
Buy your copy online here today!

Continue Reading...

Thursday, January 10, 2013

With my Body by Jo Briggs

Title:  With my Body, Omnibus Edition
Author:  Jo Briggs
Series:  Rekindled #1-4
Published:  November 30th 2012 (first published October 26th 2012)
Page Count:  281
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Shelf:  Review Copy
Rating:  ★★★


Synopsis from Goodreads:

Model, Elle Benedict is young, beautiful and headstrong. When she overhears billionaire, William Dexter insulting her integrity, it leaves her deep attraction to him in tatters.

As William stumbles over himself to repair the damage, he pursues her intensely, and begins to draw her into his private world. They embark on a relationship, consumed by love and desire, awakening feelings neither had experienced before.

But not everything is perfect. Jealousy and misunderstandings allow a so-called friend to seek out the cracks in their relationship and use them to manipulate and interfere, intent on ruining a little boy's life before he has even drawn a breath.

Seven years of euphoria to the depths of a dark abyss of pain awaits them.

Their journey is a carefully woven story thread of murder, paternity, jealous lovers and family members, and misunderstandings.

Can their love be rekindled?

My Review:

While reading this novel I was flipping back and forth between 3 emotional states based on the current action. There were some heartbreaking moments, some admirably heartwarming moments, and some “oh wow” moments. I must admit that during the bulk of the story the heart wrenching moments far outweighed the rest and I found myself wondering how in the world this story could end well. Briggs surprised me by turning everything around for a happy ending.

With her writing style Briggs makes this novel flow nicely from scene to scene. She leaves no unexplained sequence gaps that the reader must figure out. She has some very beautiful scenes that you feel like you could walk into. Many things are described in detail for the reader. She also gives all of the necessary details while leaving the remainder for the reader to imagine for themselves.

The main characters are all very interesting. They are quite diverse. Although many of them come from similar stations in life, their various backgrounds lead to differing characteristics. I thoroughly enjoyed the fact that the triplets are not simply copies of each other. These characters also interact well with each other, and you can see the real emotion that builds and flows between them.

I think that this novel’s largest downfall was that the author tried to span too large of a gap of time while providing all details to the reader. By trying to provide an 18 year synopsis for the lives of the characters there were parts that were skimmed over in the barest detail which were not necessarily important to story development.  That, and I really do not understand where the book's title fits in.  It has me a bit perplexed.

Overall, this novel was a bit of a roller coaster, but I did enjoy reading it. 

Buy your copy online here today!




Continue Reading...

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Operation Dark Angel by Pam Funke

Title:  Operation Dark Angel
Author:  Pam Funke
Series:  The Four Horsemen Series #1
Published:  February 6th 2012 by Publish America
Page Count:  304
Genre:  Christian Fiction
Shelf:  Review Copy
Rating:    ★★★★


Synopsis from Goodreads:

The world is in complete and utter chaos. ""Operation Dark Angel"" is a military operation designed to bring about world peace...or is it? General Alexander Ludlow is the man in charge of bringing about peace and serenity for not only the United States, but the entire world. But will it really bring an end to the turmoil, violence, and hatred as he was told by the voice? Who is the voice? What is its true nature? Nicolaitanes Balac is quickly gaining political power; power that no single man should ever be given. Just who is Nicolaitanes Balac really? Why is the whole world looking to this man to solve all of their problems? How did one man become in charge of the entire world? What's to become of mankind?


My Review:

I am always somewhat nervous when I pick up a work classified as Christian Fiction. I find that many authors of the genre get very “preachy” throughout their novels. This story does not preach at its audience. It is full of God, the Devil, and biblical quotes, but they serve to progress a gripping story. She had me captivated from the first chapter.

Funke has an amazing grasp of the English language. She uses this to craft amazing descriptions and locales. Funke manages to jump from character to character and locale to locale without the story ever becoming confusing or difficult to follow. Based on the facts given, I found myself making assumptions only to realise that they did not mesh with the action of the story. This novel definitely kept me on my toes throughout. Everything seems so real that you feel like you are living an absolute nightmare. Ironically, this book also brought out a very selfish thought – I love being Canadian. Even the Devil won’t bother to blow us up.

 I love the fact that the historical and geographical facts contained in this novel are correct. The author bases this work of fiction in reality, and ensures that she does it correctly. Her grasp of bio-weaponry is also on par with reality. Funke does not just make up facts to fill her pages. That said, she also works some very unique concepts into this novel, such as the notion of a unified religion to end war.

In this story large scale warfare becomes personal. Because Funke’s characters are so well developed you know all of those involved. It is no longer just a news broadcast that you can turn off and this tears your heart to pieces. Not only are the characters well developed and memorable, each in his or her own way, but they also have names that you can remember so that you are not constantly wondering who did what and where. My only issue with any of the characters is that at times the speech of some of the characters becomes slightly forced, but it still flows well.

Miracles and catastrophes are at the forefront of this novel to an extent rarely seen. However, it is not a “fluffy” read that you just breeze through without thinking. This novel makes you think a lot and pulls you deep into the action. At the end, I was left wondering what symbol everyone kept seeing and when I could read the next installment to find out.

Buy your copy online here today!



Continue Reading...

Voodoo by Samantha Boyette

Title:  Voodoo
Author:  Samantha Boyette
Published: September 10th 2012
Page Count: 80
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Shelf: Review Copy
Rating:  ★★

Synopsis from Goodreads: 

It starts with a car crash.

Alyssa Jacobs wakes up in another world, lost and disoriented. When she meets Stephen she learns she's in Crescent, a mysterious world of nightlife, mobsters, and magic. The two band together in hopes of finding their sisters and a way back to the real world they only vaguely remember.

Inspired by the CD Voodoo by Alexz Johnson, this young adult novella is a quick romp through adventure and mystery.

My Review:

This novella begins with a brilliant portrayal of a car crash victim coming in and out of consciousness. Boyette has an amazing grasp of the subject and the portrayal was very real. It was also very well written. The sections flowed together nicely, without gaps and jumps. The story itself was also quite different. It had the potential to keep the reader captivated had it been further developed.

Unfortunately, you do not get to know very much at all about the characters. Even given the fact that it is a novella, the reader should get some feeling as to who the character is. I also cannot picture the world in which the characters found themselves. There was a lack of physical descriptions in this novella. Those descriptions that were present were phenomenal, allowing you to picture the subject perfectly, but in general, descriptions were lacking.

Buy your copy online here today.

Continue Reading...

The Goldenwealth Light by Scott McCloskey

Title:  The Goldenwealth Light
Author:  Scott McCloskey
Series:  The Traveller of Ord #1
Published: November 20th 2012 by Scott McCloskey
Page Count: 249
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Shelf: Review Copy
Rating:  ★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

What do you do when a magic spell tries to cast YOU?

Theodore Nathan Ellsworth must be the only kid on earth who hated winning the lottery. His peaceful junior high life was turned upside down when his once-loving parents shipped him off to a stuffy prep school where bullies pick fights with him every day. Add in Marie, his overachieving little sister who loves to tease him, and it's no wonder Theo would rather escape into his beloved fantasy novels than read that fresh copy of the Wall Street Journal that's waiting for him at the breakfast table every morning.

When Theo dodges a crabby librarian and borrows a strange book he found deep in forgotten aisles at school, he's whisked away to a world that's not like anything he's ever read about before. There are a lot of important lessons to be learned in this strange land, like how many hooves an escarot has, and NEVER to stare at a reflectia tree! The good news is, it's a time of peace and prosperity for all. The bad news is, everybody's calling Theo a Traveler of Tarad Ord, sent to restore the balance between good and evil. But if the world is already good, then what team is he supposed to be playing for?

With the promise of high adventure and the fate of an entire world on his shoulders, Theo learns he'll need to grow up fast if he's going to protect Marie and survive for long in the Gossamer City, capital of the Goldenwealth Light of Quaylund!

...but you know what the worst part of all is? Theo's little sister can cast magic spells, but he can't. That just sucks.


My Review:

If I were to describe this novel in one word, that word would be cute. It is 2 fairytales all rolled into one: the modern day fairytale of becoming nouveau riche, and the stereotypical fairytale of a hero on a quest for the princess. Yes, it is a story with a real quest and a very creative travelling fellowship.

This novel was extremely well written. McCloskey’s words flow together to paint a brilliant picture for his audience. It progresses seamlessly from scene to scene and from character to character. It is entertaining for an audience of all ages but is geared towards young teens. It was a brilliant escape from reality and the usual.

The land of the Goldenwealth was very well laid out. The differences in the areas that were visited was apparent without becoming overbearing. You also get a feel for the political and social workings of this land. In some ways it reminds me of the European Union or the United Nations. The development of this land goes all the way back to a very clear and entertaining mythology of their gods and creationism.

The different races that play key roles in the novel are also described in such a way that you can picture them as they are meant to be. You do not need to fill invent characteristics or locales to fill in any gaps throughout this novel. The main characters, coming from a variety of these races, are all well developed and rounded. 

All in all, this was a very entertaining first installment in the series. I hope to revisit this mystical, magical world and read the rest of the books shortly.


Buy your copy online here today!


Continue Reading...

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

All That We See or Seem by Tempest C. Avery

Title:  All That We See or Seem
Author:  Tempest C. Avery
Series:  The Dreamer Trilogy #1
Published: Tempest C. Avery via Smashwords
Page Count: 216
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Shelf: Review Copy
Rating: ★★★


Synopsis from Goodreads:

Lily Bryg is a seventeen year old witch. She doesn't always know what that means, or how to control it, but she does know that to most, it paints a pretty little target over her forehead. If that's not bad enough, Ronan an evil king who believes she's his soul mate has been stalking her in her dreams. Should she fight Ronan and risk everything, or give up her freedom to possibly save her friends?

And what about Larkin, the attractive shape shifter who sparks a strong sense of deja vu within her? He claims they knew each other in her past life, but how could she trust something she can't remember? Dodging witches, demons, faeries, dragons, and much, much more, the Four are just beginning to realize that having power comes with a lot of responsibility. And sacrifice. But one question stands out among the rest, haunting Lily through out the nights and days. Should she fight Ronan and risk everything, or should she give up her freedom to the gorgeous, yet wicked, king in order to possibly save her friends?


My Review:

Avery is one of those storytellers who can bring an entire world alive with her words. She keeps you captivated throughout the story. I could barely put the book down at all. 

The stellar cast of characters in this novel are real teenagers. They talk and act their age while learning that they must fight for more than just themselves. You live with them while they struggle to come to grips with who they are now, who they used to be, and what they must do. You feel excited, nervous, and curious alongside the characters, wanting to know more about what’s happening. The characters became so real to me, that at times they brought tears to my eyes. Of course, other characters were just plain creepy. Very vivid, but creepy.

Avery works in depth descriptions into her story without them getting long or drawn out. She manages to bring her world to life with her words. And what a world she brings to live. The author combines multiple different mythologies into one whole new exciting world.

Despite the Avery’s magnificent world is broken up by a scattering of grammatical errors throughout the novel. Without these, I would have given the book a higher star rating. There are just enough that it can distract you from the story itself.

I will definitely still be following the Dreamer Trilogy through until the end as the story kept me captivated throughout. Avery has a definite way with words and has a knack for storytelling that I am eager to see develop throughout the series.

Get your copy online here today.
Continue Reading...