If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, you’ll probably like this one. Danielle can see ghosts, but she has kept that part of her Seems like a fun series!
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, you’ll probably like this one. Danielle can see ghosts, but she has kept that part of her hidden ever since she told her parents after her grandmother died and then told her neighbors after their son died because their immediate reaction was to think she was crazy and put her into therapy. She has recently come into an inheritance which includes Marlow’s House, where the owner killed himself about 100 years ago. When she arrives, the house is in good repair, and Marlow is haunting the place. Naturally, she is the only one who can see him, but while she initially sees him as an annoyance, she gets to know him and realizes that he is probably stuck here because he doesn’t know how he died.
She decides to investigate his death, in part to help him “cross over”, but also because she wants to turn the house into a Bed and Breakfast and would like to better understand the history of the house.
I really like Danielle’s character, and Lily, her best friend, is also really funny. I don’t know how involved Lily will be in future books as she has a job to go back to once the summer is over, but I hope she will continue to make an appearance in future books.
Overall, this was a fun cozy mystery and I look forward into diving into this series.
Charlie and Bawb have definitely joined forces by this time, although not necessarily by their own choice. Without revealing any details, they are nowCharlie and Bawb have definitely joined forces by this time, although not necessarily by their own choice. Without revealing any details, they are now back on Earth, but at least a thousand years in Charlie's past. As you can probably guess from the title, he is now Dragon King Charlie, and never realized just how difficult it is to be King. I mean, it's probably better than being a slave, but being king requires way more responsibility and in some ways, more challenges. This story was fun and definitely was a mix of adventure, science fiction, fantasy, and historical fiction (think Camelot). While I think I still liked the second book more, this was a lot of fun, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the next book will bring! ...more
I definitely liked this one more than the first book. Yes, it's probably in part because Bawb shows up and I really wanted to know what happened to hiI definitely liked this one more than the first book. Yes, it's probably in part because Bawb shows up and I really wanted to know what happened to him after the last book in his series. I'm still not sure I'm correct about the timeline, but I think the last book of Bawb overlaps the end of Dragon Mage #1 and much of this one. I think the end of this book is probably where the last book of Bawb ends.
Either way, I love the blend of science fiction, fantasy, and magic. It's fun seeing our Earth technology through the eyes of their world and thinking it's evil (bad magic) or something to fear because it doesn't obey the rules of their world. For Charlie, it's fun watching him try to figure out their magic using his unconventional thinking. I love Charlie's friendship with some of the other slaves, and as I mentioned, I particularly loved it when Bawb showed up and all sides had to figure out what the heck was going on. The Zomoki is one of my favorite characters, and way things go a bit nuts with magic when she and Charlie connect is just so much fun. The stuff with the feces some might consider juvenile, but I loved it.
Overall, this is a fun blend of fantasy, sci-fiction, adventure, and humor and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!...more
I discovered this series because another series by the author, The Book Of Bawb, was one that I loved, and while the last book wrapped up sat3.5 stars
I discovered this series because another series by the author, The Book Of Bawb, was one that I loved, and while the last book wrapped up satisfyingly, it ended with Bawb running into Charlie which made me think I would be able to see more of Bawb, so I was excited to see this book on Booksirens. However, to be clear, Bawb does not show up in this book except in passing, and had I not also gotten the audiobook as a 3-book bundle, I would have been kind of disappointed and may not have continued.
I was not thrilled by Rika suddenly disappearing as I thought she would become a strong character that would be a nice contrast to Charlie's personality. Yet, knowing this author and what he did with Bawb's series, as well as Hozark's series, she would probably show up later.
In any case, this was a decent introduction to this universe, but if you weren't thrilled by this first book, I would suggest continuing as I enjoyed the next book much more! But I'm a sucker for dragons, especially dragons who are connected to a person.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Booksirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ...more
This was a very enjoyable collection of short stories, with two novellas and a number of shorter stories, some only a few pages long. The stories are This was a very enjoyable collection of short stories, with two novellas and a number of shorter stories, some only a few pages long. The stories are a mix of science fiction and fantasy and are sandwiched between the two novellas. The first of the novellas is Commander Annie and could be a "real" science fiction adventure or could purely be in the imagination of Annie. I like to think she's able to access the adventure and the world she visits through her imagination, but they are as real as Earth.
My favorite stories were Commander Annie, Katelyn and the Hummingbird, The Soul of the Forest, and the second novella (and last story), Nawry the Noodlebeast, which read more like mythology to me, although not any mythology I've ever heard of.
I've read books from this author before, but the other books were very much Star Trek-inspired science fiction with anthropomorphized animals (cats, dogs, birds, etc.). This was a nice mix of stories and I enjoyed seeing a different side to the author's imagination. While not every story grabbed me the way my favorites did, I enjoyed reading all of the stories in this collection. I can easily recommend this collection to lovers of science fiction and fantasy. If you want a sense of how this author writes, this would be a good place to start.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ...more
I loved this story! I love retellings in general, and have read at least one other retelling of Alice, but this has probably been my favorite. To begiI loved this story! I love retellings in general, and have read at least one other retelling of Alice, but this has probably been my favorite. To begin with, I think the author did a great job capturing the humor, feeling, and imagination of the original, and made this feel like a real sequel. The story takes place after the original two books, when Alice's sister and friends have become tired of hearing her stories and she's starting to feel out of place in her world. Thankfully, her dear cat has never tired of hearing her stories, so when she ends up on this adventure, she can't wait to eventually get back and tell her cat the new stories.
What I loved about this sequel is that it was a lovely combination of Lewis Carroll and Ian Fleming, both of whom are favorite authors of this author. Alice's presence has been requested by the King and Queen of Hearts to act as a spy to help them retrieve something important. She meets many previous characters and I love how true to the originals they were. The ending left me feeling very satisfied and wanting further adventures!
I would highly recommend this sequel to any fans of the original story. It's cleverly done and has its own enjoyable story. I hope the author will definitely write another adventure!
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ...more
I listened to this book, and I think the only thing that would have made it better would have been if I had the illustrations and map as I li4.5 stars
I listened to this book, and I think the only thing that would have made it better would have been if I had the illustrations and map as I listened to the story of Wander's travels. The audiobook was narrated by Kirby Heybourne and he did an excellent job. There were many places where the story read more like verse and listening to Kirby's narration really brought it alive for me.
And its heart, this is a story of survival, as a wolf pup is born and then learns the ways of the wolves from his loving parents. However, during an invasion by another wolfpack, Wander loses his way and ends up traveling miles from where he was born. A wolf is not meant to be alone and we learn about what he has to do to survive, including teaming up with a Raven for a time. In the end, he ends up in an area that has not seen wolves for many years and is able to make his home there with another solitary wolf.
I love that this story was inspired by a real wolf who ended up traveling miles from where he was born (he was tracked by biologists, I believe). He and another wolf ended up starting a new pack in an area that had not seen wolves in generations.
I think this would be an awesome book for fans of The One and Only Ivan, or Pax. This definitely makes me want to read Perry's other books, probably starting with Into the Wild. I discovered this book because one of my students recommended it, so I'm so glad he did! Highly recommended!...more
This was a heartbreaking book with teens as the primary audience. I believe this is the YA version of the adult memoir, The Choice, and after reading This was a heartbreaking book with teens as the primary audience. I believe this is the YA version of the adult memoir, The Choice, and after reading this, I would be very interested in reading The Choice. However, I would caution more sensitive readers as Edith describes many of the horrors that she experienced in many explicit ways. Still, I think if they can handle it, it is important for teens (and adults) to know what actually happened during this horrendous time period and to stand up when we see things moving in that direction. This is definitely feeling relevant to me right now (I'm from the US) as we prepare for the 2024 elections.
The style of this book felt almost as if the author were stepping away from what was happening, particularly when things got intense or traumatic, and while it made it easier to bear, it also took me out of the intense emotions. During some of those scenes, I almost felt like I was watching a silent movie about what was going on. I'm wondering if this is because this book is geared towards younger readers, and if the style is different in the original book. I will definitely be checking it out, in any case.
This was a "short read" but I definitely took my time with it, reading only a couple of chapters at a time. I think this would perfect for a high school English or history class. Because of the difficulty of some of the content, I wouldn't recommend it for middle school.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a satisfying conclusion to what seems like a sub-trilogy in the bigger universe. Many of the immediate plot points are somewhat resolved, incThis was a satisfying conclusion to what seems like a sub-trilogy in the bigger universe. Many of the immediate plot points are somewhat resolved, including the story of the all-powerful hive mind, original Bob's favorite sentient beings, and the slow-developing love story between Bridget and Howard. Also included are what happens to Earth and the responsibility the Bobs feel towards the ultimate well-being of humanity, whether or not some of them deserve it. I am really glad Taylor wrote the first three books as a mini-trilogy, and while I am looking forward to continuing in the series, I may wait just a bit before the next(?) subseries is complete because I hate having to wait in the middle of a series for a book to be written. Thankfully, Taylor appears to be quite prolific in his writing, although he seems to have his hands in multiple projects. Still, this seems like a good time to take a pause in this series and perhaps take a peek at some of the other things that he's written.
The audio was wonderfully done and if you're into audiobooks, I can definitely recommend it. ...more
What can I say, but that I'm a sucker for these books. I've been following this author since I discovered her in November 2020 on Book Sirens. The firWhat can I say, but that I'm a sucker for these books. I've been following this author since I discovered her in November 2020 on Book Sirens. The first book and series I ever read was written under the name L. E. Horn, and was the Nightshifter series, set in Ottawa, Canada. It's been years since I've read that series, so I don't remember if it has any connection to this Warrior Hearts series, even if from a peripheral standpoint, but it definitely involves Dires and Sabers, which are found in this series. I have this vague memory that Cara might have been in that series, but I could be wrong. There is also a series that takes place in space (Darkon Rising) that involves alien abduction and Gryphons.
In any case, if you haven't read any of these books, each series can be read completely alone, although within each series you have to read them in order because the earlier books tend to end on a cliffhanger. But there is a bigger story that is woven through each of the series, so if you want the full experience, you should begin with the Warrior Hearts series and then the Warrior Hearts Academy series one, and finally this series. Each of these books is a reverse harem book, with the female being the alpha and the males connected to each other through her. The males may or may not be romantically involved with each other (each grouping is unique to themselves). The other thing is that as each series has progressed, you've seen more harems with mixed species.
But no matter which series or book, these are books that I tend to binge in long spurts So that I tend to read them in one or two sittings. To me, this makes these books wonderful, because I clearly have a hard time putting them down. But I also love that despite the terror, pain, or trauma that these characters experience, we're guaranteed a "Happily Ever After" by the third book. This means that I am doubly appreciative that this author tends to mostly finish the trilogy before releasing the first book, with maybe 2-3 weeks before releasing the next book, and then the next. So I am never left completely hanging because I HAVE to find out what's going to happen to these characters.
This series focuses on Bree, who was a character in the previous trilogy who ended up choosing the wrong side, but for the right reasons. This trilogy is sort of her arc of redemption, although it is not an easy path. While the destined mates revolve around Bree, the story is told from various points of view as the other mates slowly make their way to Bree. Particularly unusual about this harem is Caliel, but I'll leave that story for when you read the book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from Book Sirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ...more
An excellent and satisfying conclusion as usual, with an ending that leaves us open for another trilogy or two!
I've said it in my review of the previAn excellent and satisfying conclusion as usual, with an ending that leaves us open for another trilogy or two!
I've said it in my review of the previous book, but I always find it hard to put these books down and I love that the author chooses to complete the majority of all the books in each series before she releases them one at a time, but within a short period of time. Every time I read these books, and it doesn't matter how long they are, I end up bingeing them, wanting to know how the author will give the main characters their HEA ending. I also love that she brings in beloved characters from previous books so that we can see how they are doing.
I loved how they were able to find a way for Caliel to be part of the group, but in a way that wasn't just in her head. I loved how each of them had their strengths to bring to the table and that Bree was the lynchpin that held them together. And I loved how Cara always seems to know more than she's letting on, but she lets things mostly move along naturally. Yes, she occasionally will give a nudge when needed, but for the most part, she's wise enough to know it's best to let Fate do what Fate will.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ...more
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