ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Jeffrey L. Kohanek for a riveting read! I just found another favourite!
5 darinARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Jeffrey L. Kohanek for a riveting read! I just found another favourite!
5 daring stars!!
Eye of Obscurance is the first entry in Fate of Wizardoms, a fantasy epic filled with magic, adventure, and intrigue. And what better way to start it than a prologue with a pretty cool magic duel, followed by a first chapter plunging you straight into a heist! And not an ordinary one that is, because the item sought after is a secret, enchanted amulet, hid in a place protected by magic spells and deemed impossible to break into. Until not one but two daring thieves try their luck at getting it.
One, a clever, creative and conniving to the extreme, professional thief - Jerrell Landish, whose legendary exploits force him to use the name Jace just to remain inconspicuous. And the other, a diminutive, agile, and daring acrobat called Rhoa, a little slip of a girl set out to accomplish an impossible mission.
Jace wants the amulet to fulfil a contract and complete the ultimate objective: Assassinate Wizard Lord Taladain, a man with the power of a god. In turn Rhoa needs it to fulfill a single, all-consuming desire: She would risk anything to see Lord Taladain dead.
Too bad neither one of them knows what the other intends! :D
Of course one manages to grab it but the other won't give up either. And their paths are bound to meet again in a fast paced action filled adventure that will make you want to drop all other plans and keep reading!!
Now don't you go thinking the tale is just that simple. We get to meet a princess too and also get to hear the story from her POV. Narine, daughter of the hated Lord Taladain, who recently graduated as a master wizardess, is also granted a major role in this story. She needs to navigate the palace's troubled waters with danger lurking at every turn. Her father and brother seek nothing but power - one would use her to strengthen his position, the other views her as a threat to his future.
And let me not forget the Maker - Rawkobon, son of Bawkobon, or Rawk for short for his companions, because the name's quite a mouthful. I'm not gonna tell you what he really is because I do not want to spoil. But I bet you're gonna love him.
These four separate threads of four misfits from completely different backgrounds are masterfully woven together into an irresistible tale full of magic, adventure and heart!
I found my lips curling up in a smile at Jace's shenanigans but also wanted to box his ears at certain times. Rawk's innocent way of seeing the world had me cheering in his corner from the very first moment I met him and Rhoa's story broke my heart! I couldn't help but admire Narine's ability to keep her composure at certain times when she was facing her male family members. And don't even let me get started on her bodyguard!! I'd really really love to have someone like Adyn at my back!! You don't wanna mess with that girl, boys! She's so awesome!!
Heartbreaking at times and uplifting at others, this riveting tale has all the marks of a fabulous read. Beautifully fleshed out characters, imaginative magic and unique occurrences, thumping adventure, fabulous character bonding and humour! No romance here, so don't expect it. This is after all, an epic fantasy adventure! :)
Every story has a beginning, a middle and an end. This tale is no different. However, where the telling begins is as important as the story itself. That and the art of the telling are the differences between a compelling yarn and one you might otherwise ignore. Take it from me my friends, Wizardoms: Eye of Obscurance is one compelling yarn!
If you like daring adventures the likes of those you find in Six of Crows or Foundryside, this is the perfect read for you! Hope you will love it just as much as I did!
Happy reading! :)
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
Merged review:
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Jeffrey L. Kohanek for a riveting read! I just found another favourite!
5 daring stars!!
Eye of Obscurance is the first entry in Fate of Wizardoms, a fantasy epic filled with magic, adventure, and intrigue. And what better way to start it than a prologue with a pretty cool magic duel, followed by a first chapter plunging you straight into a heist! And not an ordinary one that is, because the item sought after is a secret, enchanted amulet, hid in a place protected by magic spells and deemed impossible to break into. Until not one but two daring thieves try their luck at getting it.
One, a clever, creative and conniving to the extreme, professional thief - Jerrell Landish, whose legendary exploits force him to use the name Jace just to remain inconspicuous. And the other, a diminutive, agile, and daring acrobat called Rhoa, a little slip of a girl set out to accomplish an impossible mission.
Jace wants the amulet to fulfil a contract and complete the ultimate objective: Assassinate Wizard Lord Taladain, a man with the power of a god. In turn Rhoa needs it to fulfill a single, all-consuming desire: She would risk anything to see Lord Taladain dead.
Too bad neither one of them knows what the other intends! :D
Of course one manages to grab it but the other won't give up either. And their paths are bound to meet again in a fast paced action filled adventure that will make you want to drop all other plans and keep reading!!
Now don't you go thinking the tale is just that simple. We get to meet a princess too and also get to hear the story from her POV. Narine, daughter of the hated Lord Taladain, who recently graduated as a master wizardess, is also granted a major role in this story. She needs to navigate the palace's troubled waters with danger lurking at every turn. Her father and brother seek nothing but power - one would use her to strengthen his position, the other views her as a threat to his future.
And let me not forget the Maker - Rawkobon, son of Bawkobon, or Rawk for short for his companions, because the name's quite a mouthful. I'm not gonna tell you what he really is because I do not want to spoil. But I bet you're gonna love him.
These four separate threads of four misfits from completely different backgrounds are masterfully woven together into an irresistible tale full of magic, adventure and heart!
I found my lips curling up in a smile at Jace's shenanigans but also wanted to box his ears at certain times. Rawk's innocent way of seeing the world had me cheering in his corner from the very first moment I met him and Rhoa's story broke my heart! I couldn't help but admire Narine's ability to keep her composure at certain times when she was facing her male family members. And don't even let me get started on her bodyguard!! I'd really really love to have someone like Adyn at my back!! You don't wanna mess with that girl, boys! She's so awesome!!
Heartbreaking at times and uplifting at others, this riveting tale has all the marks of a fabulous read. Beautifully fleshed out characters, imaginative magic and unique occurrences, thumping adventure, fabulous character bonding and humour! No romance here, so don't expect it. This is after all, an epic fantasy adventure! :)
Every story has a beginning, a middle and an end. This tale is no different. However, where the telling begins is as important as the story itself. That and the art of the telling are the differences between a compelling yarn and one you might otherwise ignore. Take it from me my friends, Wizardoms: Eye of Obscurance is one compelling yarn!
If you like daring adventures the likes of those you find in Six of Crows or Foundryside, this is the perfect read for you! Hope you will love it just as much as I did!
Raw, gritty and compelling, this novella is one YOU HAVE GOT TO READ!
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Brutalized, traumatized, and c5 blazing stars and a heart-full of respect!
Raw, gritty and compelling, this novella is one YOU HAVE GOT TO READ!
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Brutalized, traumatized, and cast out, Annabelle has nothing for comfort save the darkness festering in her own soul. Nourishing the terrible seed of hatred planted by her attacker, she sets out to cauterize the wound. In the old American west, she ventures from one dirty, dusty town to another, doling out her own brand of justice, armed with nothing but a weaponized parasol. The blurb here gives you a pretty good idea what this story is about. And yet, when you start reading it, you'll discover so much more between the pages.
Annabelle's story will break your heart and gut you. Because she is not just a character in a little fantasy tale. She is every single woman that has once been abused and broken. And what's worse... "It's never really hard to find the victims. Like me, they have been ostracized, blamed for what they could not help. It's always the saddest when they accept the blame, as a good portion of them do."
Our Annabelle here is stronger than most women out there. She turns fear and shame into hatred and anger and becomes the savior she would have wished for herself. She has already lost her home and any hope of a good future, the moment her father called her a hussy and a liar and threw her out the door. And now she is determined to prevent as many other helpless women as she can from the very same fate.
In a vivid and compelling narrative, Elexis Bell gives us here a gripping and haunting glimpse at the evil and depravity that can lurk within the human soul, but also a powerful testimony to the fact that SILENCE HELPS NO ONE. The story will grab you by the scruff of your neck from the very first paragraph and won't let you go till the very last page. And trust me when I tell you that you won't be able to forget it very soon.
If you have been broken you have got to read this!! Because it shows you that it was not your fault!
If you are a victim you have got to read this!! Because it urges you to not be silent and afraid!
If you are one of those kindhearted people who stand up for all that's right in this world, you have got to read this!! Because it shows you what a huge difference it may make, to not turn a blind eye to the evils of the world.
I was silent for too long. But not anymore. No more blind eyes.
One part catharsis, one part harsh scream into the unforgiving wind, this story broke my heart!
You have got to read this! And stand with Annabelle for the abused and the broken, for the victims and the ostracized. See, Speak up, Confront those who turn a blind eye to all, the evils of the world!
To Elexis Bell for writing this: [image] My deep and heart-felt respect!
In a battle of life and death, even the smallest decision can have fatal consequences.
Now this is what I call One hell of a ride!!
I r5 brilliant stars
In a battle of life and death, even the smallest decision can have fatal consequences.
Now this is what I call One hell of a ride!!
I received this book as a gift from the author a little while back and was able to pick it up and start reading it yesterday evening. Evening became night and I didn't even notice how the hours flew until I turned the last page. I simply couldn't set it down. Thank you Andy Peloquin! This one went straight onto my shelf of favorites!
[image] Cerberus: Kill Order - cover art - image from the author's site - andypeloquin.com
Nolan Garrett is a ghost. A former elite Silverguard sniper, he had been among the best. That was before a grenade shattered his spine and bound him to a wheelchair. Now he is nothing but 'a shattered wreck and the hollow husk of the man he'd been. He'd cut off all the contact with everyone he knew - everyone from his old life - so they wouldn't have to see what he's become. What he'd been reduced to now that his purpose in life had been ripped away.'
Wrestling with the memories of who he'd been and what he'd lost is a battle he cannot win, without the help of something strong that helps him forget and dulls the pain. Whatever is available on the streets and he can afford. He's desperately trying to bury the past under a haze. Until one day, when things go too far and the only thing that Nolan can think of is: What a shitty way to die.
That day the past returns to him in a way that makes Nolan's jaw drop wide open. Because Cruella de Vil herself suddenly shows up and saves his sorry ass. No! Not that Cruella who wants to kill all those sweet puppies. But Tanis Jansssen, an old army comrade and former Silverguard. Over six feet tall and impossibly broad in the back and the shoulders, with arms that bulged with far more muscle than any human should possess, Tannis aka Cruella is one absolutely awesome woman that you can't help but adore. Blunt, direct and fuck delicate sensibilities is the Cruella way - and she rocks at it.
Tanis picks Nolan up and offers him a chance to have a purpose again. A chance to get back into action, and a specially-designed cybernetic suit that restores full mobility to his paralyzed legs.
'Where do I sign up?' is the only possible answer to such an offer as far as Nolan's concerned. Because the bounty is simply too good to ignore. The possibility of walking on his own again is just like a dream. One he never thought would ever be fulfilled.
Never mind that the mission felt shadier than a cloudy night and the name of the Bureau that wants it done sends chills down Nolan's spine. He had a purpose again. Gone was the helpless cripple that had been condemned to a wheelchair, the pathetic wretch Tanis had found. Armed, armored, with a mission and moving around, it was like the old Nolan Garrett had been resurrected.
But when the shadow op goes sideways, Nolan will be forced to decide: save his friend, or cling to his newfound ability to walk. A decision not at all easy to make. Especially since Nolan's cravings from his acquired habit still hold a huge sway on him. Their allure is too strong for Nolan to resist.
What he will choose and how it will all go down, I'm not gonna breathe a word on it. But know this. It will be one hell of a ride and you won't see it coming.
Cerberus: Kill Order is a thrilling, action-packed prequel to the Cerberus military scifi series and I have to just say WOW! It completely blew my socks off.
Smooth writing combines with kick-ass action scenes and the result is so unbelievably cinematic, that you can practically see the bullets flying and the scenes unfolding before your eyes. Believable and with a real feel, not the extra super hero stuff that makes one roll the eyes at times. And then we have the characters. Few but wonderfully developed. Tanis with her no nonsense attitude makes you want her in your corner from the very first moment you meet her. And if not then, I'll bet you, that will happen by the time she ends up chiding to be 'done with this wussy touchy feely stuff.'
And Nolan... Masterfully done. With him Andy performs a perfectly balanced dance on a razor blade. And he pulls it off like a charm. The way he describes Nolan's inner turmoil and his feeling ranging from shame and disgust to hope and determination... The way he lets us know how the addiction ravages not only the body but also the mind... Brilliantly done!
Cerberus: Kill Order is an edge of the seat, gripping and addictive tale that you won't be able to set down. And I am already itching to get my fingers on the sequel.
If you like flawed and hardened heroes, epic futuristic combat, and gritty intrigue, YOU HAVE GOT TO READ THIS!
5 bright stars for a destiny that's a matter of choice
I don't remember the last time I set all my plans aside to read one full series, one book after 5 bright stars for a destiny that's a matter of choice
I don't remember the last time I set all my plans aside to read one full series, one book after another, from cover to cover. I know I did that for Harry Potter Collection as well as for The Twilight Saga, but nothing afterwards caught my attention quite the same way. Until this series here. I flew through the pages from book 1 to book 3, practically spellbound. And I wish there was more!!!
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'From the time of your first gasping breath, your destiny was never up to you. Not because destiny is written in stone, but because great people are destined to do great things.'
Aspen has now been taken under the protective arm of the Magistrate and has reluctantly agreed to cooperate with the Inner Circle hoping to realize her radical visions for the Elementalist community. Everything seems well: she’s been traveling the world, rescuing cities from Terramantic temper tantrums, attending Elementalist conferences, and meeting powerful Asterian Officials around the globe. But political divisions are simmering among the Magistrate's Prelates and not everyone shares Aspen’s Utopian vision. The Magistrate’s grip on the Inner Circle is beginning to slip and Aspen finds herself thrust head first into a battle for survival, on the outcome of which rests the fate of the entire Asterian Community and much more.
Everyone tells Aspen she is the One who is supposed to fix all that's gone wrong. She is the the so-called “Prophet”, revered, admired and feared. 'You have to do what you were meant to do Rowan. If anyone can fix this broken world, you can. I can't shield you from your destiny anymore.'
Of course Aspen resents it! 'Kismet, destiny, purpose... What ever happened to free will?' Not because she doesn't want to fight for what's right but because she's afraid. 'What if I fail?' But since fear never held our little lightning bolt back, she will grit her teeth and jump straight into the fray. [image] selenada hashtag on instagram - Aspen's hand with lightning
The pace of this last book was much faster than that of the previous installments and every single thing was upped. Tension, action, mystery, fun, feeling and emotion, everything was somehow MORE! It was one hell of a ride!!
Aspen's growth as a character is amazing! Beautifully written and so complex, 'powerful, yet vulnerable. Dangerous and in danger.' A heady mix! And she is so wonderfully complemented by a fabulous cast of secondary characters that you cannot help but love too!
Ori - sweet and funny and endearing, the lightning geek who'd make the best friend ever! Just be careful to not gift him any thesaurus. You'll probably regret it. :D Next to Aiden, Ori is my favourite.
Eileen, Ted and Sarah, each and everyone of them is so distinct and well defined. They make a wonderful addition to the story. The interaction between them will make you tear up at times and laugh out loud at others. Because it is impossible to not get misty eyed at touching gentleness between friends; or crack up a smile as Converse snickers sail over someone's head, or hit him square for not making a fast enough exit.
We do get a bit of drama too, as well as a little competition for our Pyromancer; but Aiden is Aiden - who could stand in his way?! That man is just too good to be true!! Sweet and funny, loving and supportive, understanding and gentle... He is every girl's dream!! I just love Aiden!!
And then there was the end! Holy Frigging Shirt!! That End!! It made me tear up and smile and feel so much!! Not perfect by all means, but just right!
This book, and series by extension is a roller-coaster ride of feelings and emotions! Gripping and addictive, it will grab you by the scruff of your neck and won't let go util you've reached the end. I highly recommend it to all fantasy lovers out there.
You have got to read this people! It is so so good! [image]
Ezaara reminded him of everything good in the world. Of innocence. Of loving family bonds. Of fun... Of warmth and friendship.
And this i5 brave stars!
Ezaara reminded him of everything good in the world. Of innocence. Of loving family bonds. Of fun... Of warmth and friendship.
And this is exactly what it reminded me of too!
A lovely tale that once you start, you simply cannot set down, Ezaara will charm the young audience for whom it was intended just as much as the older souls like me! Light and fast paced and yet full of meaning, as well as lots of heart-felt feeling; this tale will appeal to all the dragon-lovers out there, regardless of their age.
When Ezaara meets Zaarusha the Dragon Queen, she’s swept up in a blaze of color and they imprint, forming a deep bond. She must give up her home and family to become the new Queen’s Rider. Ignorant and unprepared, how can she possibly succeed?
Brought up in Lush Valley, where it’s a crime to even talk about dragons, Ezaara not only has to learn everything there is about her new dragon, but also do it fast enough to be able to face the ruthless general Zen who is readying for war. But if only that was all!!
Ezaara is plunged into a world of cutthroat politics and traitors in every shadow, a world where she is seen as nothing but an ignorant clod from a superstitious backwater. And to make matters worse, she is opposed and sabotaged at almost every turn.
Thank a nest full of dragon's eggs, she has a dragon master to rely on. One who will teach her all she needs to know about her new position of Honoured Rider of the Queen Dragon. Although rumors say she might be better off with the enemy.
As Commander Zens and his army of bestial tharuks march closer, razing villages and enslaving the people of Dragons’ Realm, Ezaara needs to determine who she can trust as well as take the proverbial bull by the horns and prove to everyone at the hold that she is worthy of the Queen Dragon who chose her.
Ezaara is a fast-paced adventure full of intrigue and edge of the seat action, complete with cheeky dragons and occasional dragonly grins. I absolutely loved it and once started, I couldn't set it down.
Despite this being the first in series, I would recommend that you read the prequels first. Bronze Dragon and Silver dragon will give you a proper base to easily grasp the conflict at the beginning of Ezaara. If you haven't read those, you may find yourself a little lost among characters, places and events in the very first chapters. But do not worry and keep flying through it! It will all become clear.
If you loved Pern, The Riders of Fire will be right up your alley! The deep bond in between dragons and riders, the fascinating intrigue and betrayal as well as the sweet young love are beautifully rendered on the backdrop of a well crafted world with remarkable magic, creepy monsters and fascinating cultures.
Dragon's bleeding fangs! You have got to read this people! It is fabulous!
From the time Trev Irvin discovered his sight, his life has been as he discontentedly grumbles, 'Nothing but smooth sailing.' He spe5 spooky stars!
From the time Trev Irvin discovered his sight, his life has been as he discontentedly grumbles, 'Nothing but smooth sailing.' He spends his Friday evenings sailing through the air and landing on his back while facing something that looked like the offspring of an improbable one-night stand in between a horse and a porcupine. He has been practically declared UK's foremost walking health-hazard and if any more people died in his company he suspects he'd be probably issued with a black robe and a scythe. He arrives at work battered and bruised, which doesn't really help his performance and the rotten cherry on top of a very mouldy cake is that even Barry is out-performing him.
So Trev finds himself on his final warning at SmoothMove estate agents. He’s been given a short time in which to convince the management he’s worth keeping on, and he can’t afford any distractions or slip-ups. Such as his ex-girlfriend Sarah calling him out of the blue to tell him that she’s being held hostage and needs his help, or a psychotic zombie with a soul-sucking lantern ambushing him in an alley - the infamous Mr. Smith. Sadly both those things happen within the space of twenty-four hours, and neither can be ignored.
Whoever this Smith was, he was as sane as a concrete chicken at a roller disco and if Trev was to outwit the half-decomposed psychopath he needed to think on his feet. Which was yet again a pretty difficult task for him to achieve, since he is already running on fumes. The fact that he goes through his morning routine like a sloth on tranquilisers should be enough of a sign that Trev needs a break. Unfortunately, the supernatural has other plans and Trev is yet again hurled head-first one seemingly hopeless situation after another.
'Granddad', Trev said. 'Do you get the feeling that there's a lot of shit going on in the background here that we know absolutely bugger-all about? And do you also get the feeling that the aforementioned lack of knowledge is going to bite us pretty badly on the arse sometime very soon?' 'Regrettably, yes.'
Trev needs to figure out a way to find Sarah, who’s been caught while trying to steal a dangerous item from its owner. But there are a number of other parties who also want the item, and they’re looking for Sarah too. To get to her first, Trev’s going to need the help of all his allies: his Granddad, a veteran Custodian; Oscar, the sardonic possessed cat; Agatha, the prudish Victorian ghost; as well as that of Miss Pine, the leader of the Werewolves'Self-Help Group and that of the aloof Druids. Against his better judgement, Trev's also going to need the help and resources of the Custodians themselves, which presents a problem. There’s a traitor in the organisation who wants Trev dead. And this might just be the opportunity they’ve been waiting for.
A high paced adventure with lots of twists and turns that you won't see coming, filled with snarky comments, witty banter and downright laugh-out-loud moments, this 4th installment in The Brackenford Cycle makes for a pretty cool and entertaining read. New elements and characters are added, old villains resurface and a downright awesome creep has the stage. I absolutely loved it!
If you're in a mood for some great Urban Fantasy with a touch of horror and more than a pint of first class supernatural, this is the perfect choice for you. In fact, I'd wager it is a MUST READ! and highly recommend it!
Damn! This book made me cry! It was so so beautiful!
5 shining stars full of longing!!
I wanted something to love. Something that would love me back.
In Damn! This book made me cry! It was so so beautiful!
5 shining stars full of longing!!
I wanted something to love. Something that would love me back.
In a world where music is magic, gifted by Eshalarion the Creator to help heal, keep peace and prevent natural disasters, Sarya dyr-Rusac is a respected arranger of musical magic rituals. Or was, better said, since she ended up in exile after a wedding ritual she wrote led to the very tragedy it was supposed to prevent. Having left the Skola of Music in disgrace, Sarya tries to make a living travelling from place to place but her chants are starting to fail. They are not only failing for her, they no longer have the power to control or prevent disasters all over the world. Scorching summers, bitterly cold winters, floods, droughts, plagues, bloodthirsty hostilities and so on; all these shake the world, unaffected by the chants that should control them.
With the disasters, haunting new music is brought by the wind - music that heralds terrible new forces at work, or forces so old they have long been forgotten. Music that no one but Sarya seems to hear.
The wind's lovely dreadful melody spoke clearly to her. It promised terrifying things to come. And since she was the only one who could hear the warning, Sarya takes it upon herself to unlock the mystery. And to do that she returns to the only place the answers can be found: the Skola she had fled from in disgrace. Back there, she needs to confront the mistakes of her past, as well as convince the Masters to trust her and allow her to dig up long-forgotten secrets and chants that they believe are best left forgotten. Not an easy task to do, since an orphan and former charity student like her, will never properly belong to or be accepted by the upper class forming the ranks of the Skola. Something that had been clearly pointed out even by Adan Muari, the talented singer who used to be Sarya's friend, sparring partner, and the man she can never have.
While trying to come to terms with all the above, Sarya faces yet another challenge, perhaps more significant than all the rest. A beautiful, nameless man in chains begins to appear in her dreams, begging her to sing the song she heard in the wind, the song that will set him free. And he makes Sarya feel! He makes her long and desire. He makes her question for the first time in her life, if she may truly be 'something that was of real worth'.
And here is where the plot thickens and the pace, though fast even before, picks up breakneck speed that doesn't relent till the very end. Sarya is plunged in a race against time, for the very future of the world, battling closed minds, prejudice, injustice and perhaps above all, her own pride. After all, pride is all a woman like her has left! Altruistic and compassionate to the core, Sarya's past mistakes had been done because she listened to her heart. She helped out, only to have people turn on her when everything went wrong. And she tried to do good, only to bring disaster both upon herself and on others. Now she is faced again with the same choice. Her heart is telling to release the chained man. But is he a god with the power to save the world or the power to destroy everything she knows and loves? And this time Sarya is determined to listen to the voice of reason too.
Told in a flawless and compelling prose, this tale is one for the heart. It is both plot and character driven but, at the same time, manages to convey a lot of feeling. Masterfully drawn characters will practically make you feel their pain and sorrow. Emotions jump out of the pages: 'hurt, helplessness, shame, resentment of a society ruled by customs, traditions and laws that took away all power from some people and gave it to others without regard to fairness and justice, dreams crushed and hearts broken..' - darkness and despair, this story has it all. And perhaps because of all this hurt and darkness, when lovers come together, walls are let down and trust given, we get some downright exquisite scenes.
Sarya's Song is a masterful balance of romance and fantasy, character development and action, as well as fictional and real-life feeling. And it is practically unputdownable from the very first page! You may have noticed by now that it's not all rainbows and flowers. It turns very dark towards the end and, as the author warns in the blurb, it also contains disturbing themes including memories of abuse and of child loss, violence including sexual violence, and mild to moderate sensual content. And I must make a note over here for yet another praise because these were so skillfully presented! Brilliantly done!
Wonderful in depth word-building gives you a proper fantasy world setting from both geographical and historical point and the magic system as chants to keep the world safe is bound to appeal to any lover of both fantasy and music. Because it is so beautifully presented!
Yes, the characters do go through hell and are able to get back to their feet by sheer will alone; the heroine is altruistic to the bone and the male MC is unbelievably handsome, patient and forgiving; but this is romantic fantasy after all! And despite the fact I usually resent perfect people, I really loved these two. Because they both weren't perfect after all, especially at the end.
If you're a hopeless romantic and fantasy addict like myself, you have got to read Sarya's Song! It is magic on a page!!
This is my first book by Andy Peloquin and it will definitely NOT be my last. It was recommended to me i4 badass stars for Strength and Courage!
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This is my first book by Andy Peloquin and it will definitely NOT be my last. It was recommended to me in the Indie Fantasy Addicts FB group, during my search for broken hero books and now I regret not knowing about it sooner. Because it was exceptional!
Why exactly you are asking? I really don't know if I'll be able to properly explain. [image]
But I'll give it my best shot so, let's get started [image]
Different, Not Damaged is a collection of short stories taking place in the world of Voramis. A fantasy world that is surprisingly like our own in certain aspects and completely different in others. A cruel world where life is cheap, while blood and pain abound. All the stories have something in common. Broken heroes. Disabled individuals suffering from different impairments or mental disorders. And their purpose is beautifully explained by the author himself in the foreword.
"That's the purpose of this collection of stories: to showcase physical, emotional, mental, and neurological disorders through a fantasy lens and bring them to light. By reading these short stories, you can understand more about what it means to live with these disabilities.
Everything in this book is real. Sure, the stories are fantastical (it's fantasy after all!), but the emotions, the feelings, the impairments and limitations are all based on the experiences of real life people. They've allowed me to use their stories to showcase what it means to live with disorders: our bodies, minds or psyches may not be the same as yours, but that only makes us different, not damaged."
In Strength and Courage we get to feel the anguish of a soldier fighting for courage in the face of fear. In Paint a Black Picture we get to experience the frustration of a voiceless child painting visions of death. The Goddess' Gift gives us the inner torment of a priestess divinely empowered to absorb others' pain And At Any Cost will make you feel the guilt of a thief desperate to escape the burden of his memories
Two bonus stories are also included A Life for a Life - where you will meet a killer with a deadly message plagued by a burden of guilt: the feared Hunter of Voramis. Here you will have to stop and wonder who the real bad guy is. And The Path of Vengeance where a broken warrior-priest on a mission of vengeance will make you realize the futility of an obsession.
Each of the stories is grim, dark, bloody, heartbreaking and with a compelling message. And that is not all! It get's better! [image]
Because of the particular way in which they are told, they are bound to leave a mark.
Andy Peloquin is a brilliant writer. His deep insight into human nature, as well as profound knowledge of disabilities are accompanied by a perfectly flowing prose and exquisitely gory scenes. Fully fleshed characters having to make downright brutal choices in different yet equally compelling situations, turn this little short story collection into a compelling read. Especially due to the callousness of the world Andy describes, because it strongly resonates with the reality we all face.
Dark, bloody, grim and gritty, this is not a book for the faint of heart, It is one for those of us who are not afraid to look inside. It is a shout for humanity to be more humane! An eye-opener for those who have failed to see. Different, not damaged. - take note, remember, accept and understand!
This author has my full respect and admiration for his brilliant way of making us see the darker side of human nature through the filter of kick-ass fantasy. [image]
'I'm afraid, sir, that I am of the opinion you are quite insane.' ...'There was never any debate on that score. Mad as a hatter, old man.'
A nice ad'I'm afraid, sir, that I am of the opinion you are quite insane.' ...'There was never any debate on that score. Mad as a hatter, old man.'
A nice addition to the Brackenford Series, this short novella gives readers a little insight into the head of the infamous Ezekiel Barker.
Told from his perspective, this story has a different tone from the rest of the series. Not as funny and funky and a lot darker. Ezekiel Barker is after all, a killer in every sense.
Set free after being kept for years on a tight leash by a ruthless master, preserved in a cryogenic state and defrosted only at need; Barker now struggles with a heavy conscience and tries to find absolution at the bottom of a bottle. Except that absolution doesn't want to be found and, to make matters worse, he is suddenly forced to choose in between being handed over to the Custodians and accepting a bizarre job for an insane amount of money.
With no choice left but to accept the shady deal, Barker needs to set the bottle aside, get himself together and get moving. After all, he'll need all his wits about him since the whole scheme is absolute madness.
Faced with an opponent who's mad as a hatter, Barker will need to confront his own conscience and make a choice. Turn tail and flee in the face of past mistakes and a seemingly useless future; give up the fight and let it all go; or grab the bull by the proverbial horns, gritt his teeth and press on.
For those of you who haven't read any of Nick Moseley's books, this short story can be read as a standalone. But you will enjoy it a lot more after having read the first 2 books in The Brackenford Cycle. And it does not provide you with a clear taste of this author's writing. This one is much darker than his other works, and by far not as funny. It also set down a few key elements for future books.
I did enjoy the change in pace and style and am now looking forward to the next book in series. Fingers crossed it will have Ezekiel Barker in it! He'd make a nice addition to team Trev. Especially in bringing the smart-mouth down a notch or two. :)
5 brave stars full of longing! For one of the best books I've read this year.
I love you. Be strong. I love you. Be strong. [image] art @za-ra-h on t5 brave stars full of longing! For one of the best books I've read this year.
I love you. Be strong. I love you. Be strong. [image] art @za-ra-h on tumblr.com
How far would you go to save the one you love? Would you face your greatest fear and risk losing your life in the gamble? What would you sacrifice to make sure he's happy? Would you even risk your very heart and soul?
Charlotte, an ordinary young village girl, never expected to end up crawling through the sewers stark naked, to break her younger brother out of the Duke's dungeon. A pretty desperate plan especially since, after reaching his cell and being able to unlock it, she finds no way for both of them to flee. Luckily for them, the Cloaked Shadow needs to fulfill a contract that very same night in the very same dungeon.
The most feared criminal in the kingdom, Fawkes, the infamous Cloaked Shadow, has made his career breaking into prisons for any contract with a large enough purse. He takes advantage of the kingdom's impending revolution by playing both sides of the conflict. Each rescue contract he fulfills turns a tidy profit. Of course the naked lass pleading for her brother in the dank dungeon has nothing to reward him with. And yet, Fawkes finds he cannot leave her behind.
The brother is saved and in hiding, but the Duke suspects foul play and his men ruthlessly kill Charlotte's mother as a result, while Charlotte barely escapes with her life. And ends up on the run, alongside The Cloaked Shadow. As his informal apprentice and criminal-in-training, Charlotte is swept up in a dark and dangerous adventure that will not only blur her sense of right and wrong, but also endanger her life and break her heart. [image] Ready To Fight by jamesdesign1 on DeviantArt
They simply stood frozen in the moment, two warriors acknowledging the fire and skill they both shared.
On a wonderfully crafted background of a kingdom in turmoil, Taylor Hobbs gives us here a gripping dark tale full of feeling, enacted by compelling characters that practically jump of the page. Hope and despair, longing and love, anger, fear and guilt... this author brilliantly renders each and every feeling through two of the most remarkable characters I have ever met. Not because they are magically special and badass, but because they are real.
Fawkes with his fighter's heart and anguish, broken in ways Charlotte couldn't fix. Scarred and imperfect. At times full of an anger so deep that not even fear of death can overpower it; and at others, breaking down under such agony and devastation, that you cannot help but want to reach out through the pages to offer him any comfort you can. A ruthless assassin who would slit a highwayman's throat and then use the same knife unflinchingly for supper later that day. But also a gentle gentle companion who would let a woman break down in his arms and stand still holding her tight for as long as she needs it. He is one of the most complex characters I have ever encountered.
And then we have Charlotte. Sweet and gentle Charlotte. Compassionate and kind but at the same time just as ruthless as the toughest assassin. [image] dropdeadcoheed - deviantart Charlotte is so complex and real! Both strong and vulnerable; brave despite being afraid! She is one of those characters you easily identify with and root for.
I read this book in one day, not wanting to set it down. Not even while I was cooking. I just had to know what Charlotte would do and got so swept within the story that I forgot to stir in my pot and ended up burning the dinner!
This tale made me angry at the injustice Charlotte had to face. It made me tear up at both her anguish, as well as that of Fawkes. And don't even let me start with the way the two supported each other because that was so heartfelt and wonderful!!
"This is going to hurt," she whispered to him. But I have to do it. It's the only way to save you. I know right now you probably don't want to be saved, but it's in my hands. And I'm selfish. I don't want you to die."
Charlotte is a role model for not only what each and every woman can become, but also what each human should do. The best for those you love, regardless of what you need to sacrifice in return. Because after all, that's what true love is.
If you love Romantic Fantasy with flawlessly described emotions and masterfully build characters, do give this book a try! Who knows, you might enjoy it just as much as I did.
Happy reading Bookdragons! And may you always have the strength to bravely fight the shadows and step into the light!
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
One does not choose the path that in the end one treads
I fell in love with Janet Doolaege's mesmerising prose while reading The Road th5 winged stars!
One does not choose the path that in the end one treads
I fell in love with Janet Doolaege's mesmerising prose while reading The Road through the Woods a little while back. So I decided to try one of her children's books too. The Story of an Ordinary Lion was my choice and I wasn't disappointed! This re-telling of the legend of St Jerome, told by the lion himself, is a fable meant for readers of all ages. And it was FABULOUS!!
Since I have also chosen it for one of the read-alouds I regularly do for children of all ages here in my place, I'm going to make this review a little special and include in it the thoughts and reactions of the children who listened to it - a group of 20 little adventurers between 6 and 14 years of age. :)
Now I know what you'll all think, because the children and I thought exactly the same. :D And our ordinary lion set the question into words: "But how can you be a lion? Lions don't have wings."
As it turns out however, Leo Alatus explains: "Absence of proof is not proof of absence. And your statement that no lions have wings is invalidated by the fact that standing here before you is one lion with wings." I have to admit we had a cartload of questions here. What does that mean? What does it say? :) I asked the little ones to try and give themselves the answer. Because that's the best part in a read-aloud. Listen and learn and talk about it!
'Just because you think flying lions don't exist it doesn't mean they really don't exist! It's just that you don't know about it!' was one of the answers I got. And just because you keep saying Santa doesn't exist doesn't mean he doesn't exist either! was another. Now try arguing with that. :D But the answer I loved most came from a little older child: 'It means that when you cannot really prove that you are right, you should not keep saying you are right. cause you might be wrong you know.'
Now here was the part where the reactions were mixed. Some of my braver adventures were wishing to also be able to pet a lion that way, while others firmly stated they would run for their lives the instant they saw him. :) But every single one of them was in awe of Father Jerome's kindness and courage!
Of course Leo finds the task to be lowly and not worthy of a lion like him, but he loves father Jerome and agrees to do it! And it doesn't really help that Rebecca is a very smug donkey. She brays and kicks and complains and makes unflattering remarks about the tuft at the end of Leo's tail. The banter between the two kept the children laughing all the way through!
Leo and Rebecca settle into a daily routine and all goes well at the monastery, until the day Rebecca disappears! No one knew what had happened to her and everyone blamed Leo! he didn't do his duty to protect Rebecca. And even worse than that... he must have eaten her!! That is what everyone believes! Everyone in the story that is, and perhaps some of us, but my little adventurers were in Leo's corner from the very beginning. 'He didn't eat the donkey!!' was the unanimous consent.
Whether the little ones were right or not, I'm not going to tell you. You're gonna have to read this to find out! :D What I will tell you though is that we all had a whole load of fun reading this charming story to the end! Leo's adventures made us roar with laughter but also think about what makes us better human beings. Don't be harsh in judgement, don't blame and condemn without proof, and above all, be humble and kind!
Reading for and with children is one of the most beautiful experiences a book-lover like me can ever have. Because children's enthusiasm to a good story is irresistible! Their simple joy ... catching! And when the book and story live up to their expectations, the way this one did, that is when the real fun begins!! They will laugh and sigh and Oh!! and Ah!! Complemented with the wonderful illustrations by Paolo Santoro, and the fabulous book trailer from YouTube, my read-aloud for The Story of an Ordinary Lion was a complete success. Every single little one loved it! And they asked for more! We will be reading another Janet Doolaege story before long
'Surely, it is better to strive for perfection, not mere excellence. Perfection, brother, is not of this world."
In a flawless charming prose, this author delivers an exciting tale that is an absolute pleasure to both read and listen to! I highly recommend it to all little adventurers out there! May you find it just as exciting as my own group of adventurers did! Happy reading! :)
and remember... This is the story of an ordinary lion. But what is an ordinary lion after all?
Addictive, spellbinding, electrifying! The Lightning Conjurer is an exhilarating adventure from cover to cover!
You know those r5 lightning hot stars!!
Addictive, spellbinding, electrifying! The Lightning Conjurer is an exhilarating adventure from cover to cover!
You know those rare books that, once you open and start reading you simply cannot set down until you've turned the very last page?! This book is one of them!
[image]
Three years ago, Aspen (as she calls herself) awoke alone in an empty cabin in the forest, not knowing her name, where she came from, or where she was. Since then, she’s been forced to live entirely off the grid, without gas, internet, or electricity. Not because she couldn't have gotten any legal papers, but because one key instinct forced its way through her mental haze from Day One: Don't attract attention. Don't let them find you.
And if you were wondering how Aspen looks like, here she is, the girl on the cover: [image] image from The Lightning Conjurer - twipu.com
Since Aspen is hiding and mostly getting by, she lives an unsurprisingly and unrelentingly dull life. Until the day a tornado appears out of nowhere and knocks down a truck that was about to run her over. It could have been a fluke of nature, especially since Aspen herself can't explain where it came from, but then her fireplace suddenly explodes while she sits brooding in front of it, and the icy water in her tub suddenly turns steaming hot, just when she was wishing for a hot bath. So Aspen can't help wondering if she either has malevolent poltergeists haunting her, or she's turned into a hallucinating lunatic. Perhaps both.
The cherry on the incredulity cake is set at the college class she’s auditing, when the associate professor, Aiden, has a problem with her from the moment she sets foot in the lecture and confronts her. She panics, causing the ceiling lights to burst in a shower of sparks and runs off home only to find herself followed by an angry professor who accuses her of spying. And the fact that Aspen is determined to use her cast iron frying pan to bash his head with, only makes him laugh out loud. Why would an Electromancer use a frying pan for self-defense? he asks? And this is how Aspen finds out what she really is! As Aiden explains, she is like him - an Elementalist; someone who can wield one, maybe two, of the five Elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Lightning. But there’s something very remarkable about Aspen – she’s the first Elementalist in centuries who can wield all five, catching the attention of an ancient organization called the Asterian Order. [image] image from The Lightning Conjurer - twipu.com
The Asterian Order promises to help Aspen out with everything. From documents to money and help in learning about her powers. It could be the answer to everything, if Aspen would only trust it! For the first time in the three years she can remember, Aspen starts finding clues about her past and despite being terrified and unsure of what she'll find, she is dead set on getting answers. Since The Asterian Order seems to be the best lead, she allows herself to be courted by them. And this is how her adventure really begins. With powers let out of control and sparks flying! No. Not romantically that is! But literally, like this: [image] image from The Lightning Conjurer - twipu.com
In a beautifully flowing prose, Rachel Rener gives us here a mesmerizing fast-paced adventure with a unique take on elemental magic and a superb female lead. I loved Aspen and her build-up as a character. She isn't one of those cool heroines who know and are able to do everything from the very beginning and this is exactly what makes her both real and wonderfully written. She is afraid and alone and insecure. She is hungry for affection but aware that she may not be considered "worthy of attention". And despite all that, she gathers her courage and grabs the proverbial bull by the horns!
Yes, by the end of the book you may end up considering her the most badass Elementalist in modern history, but her journey to achieve that status is what makes her real special! [image] 'biker babes wallpaper' - portal.agileit.com
I've read The Lightning Conjurer in one single session, glued to the pages and spellbound. And right now I'm diving straight into the sequel, because I want more!!
If you like magic and adventure, superb characters and a great slow burn romance, this is the perfect book for you! You have got to read this people!
Copy received by the author in exchange for and honest review.
5 What do you want the most in the world stars!!
This book is a work of art! And just likCopy received by the author in exchange for and honest review.
5 What do you want the most in the world stars!!
This book is a work of art! And just like each and every work of art, it will appeal to some, but not to others. I am one of those who felt drawn to it and thoroughly appreciated it.
Let me just start by saying this: if you're looking for a light and fluffy time travel romance with lots of smut and cheesy relationships, don't waste your time with either my review, or this book! You've got to look elsewhere to find that! This story is for the old souls! For those who want meaning and beauty within the pages of their books! For those who don't shy away from the grittiness of life and human nature and do not rush to condemn a broken soul!
'Sonder(n): the realisation that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complete as your own.'
Sonder Village somehow ended up at the very bottom of my received ARCs pile and I got to read it very late. Trust me when I say I regret not having laid my hand on it sooner! It is exceptional!
Remy, our MC, is an artist. A painter in a 'mid-life crisis' who, after loosing her artistic inspiration decides to throw everything in the wind and 'escape'. Escaping is what Remy does best. First from her family who never understood her, then from her marriage that had become stiffing and lastly, from her career. Now don't you go thinking Remy was a saint or damsel in distress who had to endure the worst in life. Quite the contrary if I may dare say so. She had been loved and cared for, and never been abused. It's just that she was never able to fit in. And particularly because of that fact, Remy is difficult to like. I personally found it very hard to really care for her for a while. Until I really got to know her and until the author masterfully allowed me to see that Remy is each and everyone of us! How many of us feel that life could be so much more? How many of us settle because we lack the courage to throw caution to the wind and follow a dream? How many of us know with absolute certainty what they really want from life?!
Fate, or perhaps a bit more than that, gets Remy to a small village in northern Spain, located near the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage path renowned for miracles.
'Be mine, the village whispered. I can give you everything you've ever wanted. The desire Remy felt was intoxicating. It dug into the deepest recesses of her heart and turned her inside out. She couldn't have walked away from it even if she wanted to.' Needless to say, Remy feels compelled into purchasing what could be the worst real estate investment of all time. And she starts fixing it up, rebuilding the ruins of both her village and her life.
But the property is special and holds dangerous secrets dating back to a Galician military coup in 1846 that refuse to stay buried. And strange things happen around it. Remy stumbles upon Bieito, a local fisherman who seems to have the key to her artist's block. But there is a timeless quality about Bieito and more often than not, the two of them don't seem to be on the same page, much less the same book. And it doesn't help that Remy suddenly speaks in perfectly fluent Spanish (which she had never learnt), or the door to her cottage is suddenly bright red (when no one was there to paint it). To add to the mystery building around Remy and convince her that her sanity had completely vanished, weird accidents happen and Remy finds a picture of a woman that could be practically her sister, in a old book from the 1800s.
Unwittingly, Remy is thrust into a past that no one else can see, smack down in the middle of a military coup, with no escape back to her own time. The newly discovered nitty-gritty existence, forces Remy to test both herself and her newly developed relationship with Bieito; to see if all of it is real, or a mere fantasy. Without upsetting a delicate historical balance, she has to come to terms with what she really wants!
But every wish has a cost! And there's always a price to pay! It just remains to be seen if the price is worth it!
In a flawless prose, on the background of hauntingly beautiful descriptions of a small Spanish village and other wonderful places like the Camino de Santiago, Taylor Hobbs delivers a gritty story of real people and real life choices, with a deep insight into human nature. [image] Camino de Santiago - FlightNetwork.com
She gives readers a smart romance with a profound meaning.
'What do you want most in the world?' This is one question that stayed back with me long after turning the last page of 'Sonder Village'. And it may stay with you too!
A solid read for all those looking for a good romance and much more! I highly recommend it. Happy reading! :)
The sequel of Worlds with Ruby, this second installment in the Ferris Wheel Stories continues Ruby's adventures in the afterlife.
Ruby5 timeless stars
The sequel of Worlds with Ruby, this second installment in the Ferris Wheel Stories continues Ruby's adventures in the afterlife.
Ruby had completed her task as a Traveler and found her place of rest. But her old life, her old death, had not finished with her. She had grown restless and started to crave more. After all, eternity wasn't about rest, it was about work. And she had work to do.
Pulled back into the land of the Wheel, Ruby discovers a dark secret surrounding Travelers and the worlds they save, a secret that threatens to break her. And at the center of it all, is none other than her very own Angel of darkness, Damen. Only that Angel of darkness no longer conveyed all that he was and had done.
This time, her journey as a Traveler is different; darker than ever and terrifying! Of all the oddities of death, this might possibly be the strangest. Though in an afterlife of strange giving concrete rankings was nearly impossible.
And the stakes are a lot higher. The Wheel itself is in danger of collapsing and Ruby is forced to ask herself: Could the afterlife die? What happened if she failed her assignment?
She is again pulled from one world into another; one more wondrous than the other; and each and every one of them in danger of being destroyed.
The flying island was my favorite and I somehow picture it like this: [image] Floating island by Anna Nadolynna-Harris - paintings and prints ArtPal
And the hourglass the most haunting, because of it's meaning!
"Sands of time, sands of life, sands spin fast until you're out of time." [image] Death by Choice - Freedomwriter13059 Wattpad
In a race against time, Ruby must cling to hope despite despair as Sometimes reality is bleak and you have to feel that oppression to be able to appreciate the beautiful moments, which far outweigh the dark.
And she has to put up a good fight for the worlds she's come to care about and the people she loves. Because: Sometimes good people make mistakes. And sometimes you may need to tell a dead man to just relax and breathe, to keep him from tipping over the brink into insanity.
Even more haunting than it's sequel, this imaginative little story will keep you at the edge of your seat from the very first page till the very end. Vivid and evocative, this is one of those tales, that will stay with you long after you turned the last page. After all,... life or death... we might as well make the most of it and see what we can do to help while we're at it.
It grabbed me from the very first page and I just couldn't stop reading till I reached the very end!
Trev needs to sacrifice his Sunday, his traditionaIt grabbed me from the very first page and I just couldn't stop reading till I reached the very end!
Trev needs to sacrifice his Sunday, his traditional day of rest, to help out his grandfather and investigate a suspected supernatural incident in a graveyard. The Custodians’ resources are spread thinly and Trev finds himself roped in to help, despite his reluctance to go anywhere near the spooky shit. Because if he doesn't keep involving himself, the supernatural will hopefully leave him alone. Or so Trev hopes!! [image] Pinterest - Cemetery Creepy Graveyard | Spooky Scary Things
The job should be easy since Trev even gets a mighty sidekick: Oscar, Granddad’s black and white tomcat who offers to accompany him as guide and helper. Unfortunately, nothing is as it seems and this time, the duo may have bitten a tiny bit more then they can chew.
There is a great twist in the story, that I didn't see coming! And the mystery kept me on my toes till the very end.
The highlight of this short read however, was the Trev-Oscar banter. I swear these two could crack up the most serious reader with their insults and retorts!
'Trev, is it offensive if I call you a drooling moron?' Oscar asked. 'I'd be quite offended, yes. 'No, no', Oscar said. 'I was asking if drooling morons would be offended at being compared to you.' [image]
Now would you blame Trev for considering punching "the furry little chap"?! ‘Call me a “furry little chap” again and I’ll crap in your cornflakes,’ growled Oscar
A short, fun and supernatural-action-filled read that nicely complements the events of Location, Location, Damnation. This will also give first time readers of Nick Moseley a good taste of what his series is like.
I highly recommend it to all lovers of Urban Fantasy in search of a good read. Happy reading! :)
This one went straight onto my shelf of Favourites!
5 spooky stars!
This book picks up the story two months after the events of Location, Location, DamnThis one went straight onto my shelf of Favourites!
5 spooky stars!
This book picks up the story two months after the events of Location, Location, Damnation. And over these two months, the whole "having a bad day" concept had been taken to a new level for Trev. And the number of beings who seemed to want him dead felt disproportionately high. It was just plain unfair if you ask Trev! :D
Despite the agreement Trev had supposedly made with the spooky stuff: "I leave it alone and it leaves me alone." The spooky keeps clinging to his heels!!
A vampire granny with a roundhouse kick that would have had Chuck Norris nod with approval [image] tries to throw him out a window!
The Custodians, the United Kingdom’s supernatural police force, keep him under close scrutiny and to add the cherry to his 'bad-luck streak cake', a creepy dead witch made out of mud predicts his death in the next few days. And she is known for not being wrong! [image]
To escape his predicted death sentence, Trev gets mixed up with druids and tries out a pretty cool system called Greenweave; has to fend off assassins, mad scientists and even supposedly dead legendary fighters. Of course he gets to meet again Mrs. Pine's self-help group of werewolves, whose leader openly implies that Trev is a coward shirking his responsibilities. it wasn't a nice accusation to have levelled at you. Especially when Trev had the terrible feeling that it might be accurate.
Is our bloke here perhaps developing a conscience? And if that is the case, will he act on it? The decision is not an easy one to take for our Trev, since he also unwittingly falls into the claws of a ruthless vampire, who, beneath a jolly-posh fellow exterior was as warm and cuddly as a velociraptor with haemorrhoids-
Of course Trev gets help again from his trusted companion Oscar - the world's most sarcastic cat and the banter between the two is even better than that in book 1!!
'Trev's already a black belt in mun ching pai' said Oscar. And to Trev's irritation, the cat proves himself to be impossible to insult, laughing off any abuse! [image] Kudos to Oscar for bringing Trev down a notch or two!! I just love this awesome cat!!!
Written in a fast paced narrative, easy to read and difficult to set down, this second instalment in the Brackenford Cycle will grab you from the very first page and keep you hooked till the very end. Thrill, suspense and fast paced action in a properly spooky and equally terrifying setting, peppered with great humour and at times downright hilarious situations and dialogues, Hangman's Pond, is the perfect choice for anyone in need of a first class bookish entertainment!
I highly recommend it to all Urban Fantasy fans in search of something to meet all expectations. Hope you will enjoy it just as much as I did! Happy reading! :)
My first book by Ilona Andrews and I found myself another favorite!!
Take one sentient inn that is real magic, thinks for itself and looks as if "a My first book by Ilona Andrews and I found myself another favorite!!
Take one sentient inn that is real magic, thinks for itself and looks as if "a medieval castle and a Southern-belle antebellum mansion had a baby and it had been delivered into the world by a gohtic wedding-cake decorator." [image] The Gertrude Hunt Bed-and-Breakfast - image from the book
one lovely innkeeper with a sweet little guard dog called Beast [image] Dina Demille and her little Beast - image from the book
Beware though! Underestimate them at your peril! Especially if you see Dina taking hold of her broom or Beast baring her little fangs!! These two would kick a werewolf's butt all the way into the tallest tree! :D
One very sexy werewolf with a temper. (since we were talking about them! :)) [image] Sean Evans—the alpha-strain werewolf - image from the book
And one absolutely hot vampire to whom you'd better make sure never to give coffee! Or do so at your own peril, if you wish. :) [image] Arland the cosmic vampire soldier - image from the book
Add in a smart, vicious, and lethal enemy, with wicked claws and deepwater teeth that has begun to hunt at night....
Snarky comments and laugh out loud scenes, along with a full pint of supernatural of the best quality you can find, a heavy dose of action and a full shot of fabulous imagination...
And there you go! The perfect recipe for an AWESOME read to grab you from the very first paragraph and keep you hooked until the very end!
I wish I would have read something by Ilona Andrews sooner!! And if you haven't either, better grab one their books right now! I'll bet you won't regret it! They are fabulous! Happy reading! :)
What?! Everyone here talks about the no-nos! I chose the granny instead. :D
Mason is a librarian and a certified bookworm. He spe4 crazy granny stars!!
What?! Everyone here talks about the no-nos! I chose the granny instead. :D
Mason is a librarian and a certified bookworm. He spends his days from dawn to dusk with a book in his hand. And everyone knows there is a problem with reading too much. Somewhere, along the way, Mason stopped living in the real world. I expected happily ever after out of every situation and when I didn't get it, I'd just read another book. I finally decided somewhere along the way that people are disappointing. It's true, people suck, especially if you never give them a chance.
As I was saying, Mason is a bookworm, perfectly content with his job of librarian, because you know... lots of books!! He is gay and lives with his granny.
Now you have got to love Gran! Let's get things straight though, the old girl is no picnic. She rides a Harley, drinks like a fish, and is the most homophobic gay person I've ever met.
Gran tries her best to bring her grandson out of those books he reads and into the real world but not even her tenacity succeeds. Until Mason meets Shane!
Shane is the polar opposite of Mason. An active health freak who looks after his body, Shane is big and sexy and has Mason tongue tied fron the very beginning with his no-nos. And no! I'm not going to spoil and tell you what that is! You're gonna have to read for yourself to find out. Suffices it to say that their first encounter had me laughing my head off.
True to the note at the beginning: Now let's see how I learned to put down my book, look around at the real world, and fall in love. This story describes Mason's struggle to get out of his familiar boring routine and take a chance in pursuing Shane.
Peppered with funny dialogues and snarky comments, this tale will have you smiling several times over.
He'd cheated on me with the regularity of a Swiss watch (if Swiss watches were soul-sucking back alley whores.)
Or I decided it was time to go home and cut my tongue out with the rustiest pair of scissors I could find.
And yeah! You have got to love a guy who openly admits: Thanks for the penis, God. I don't have the balls to be a woman.
There were a little bit too many mentions of private parts in here for my taste, but if you don't mind that, and are ok with lots of hot scenes, this will be a clear cut 5 star read for you.
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