Smoke and Spells by Ryver Knight

An intriguing and fun story to read about coming of age. I think Knight does an excellent job of hooking readers and drawing them into the world of the characters. Easy to read and follow.

The Outcasts: The Blood Dagger: Volume 1 by Misty Hayes

The second book by Misty Hayes that I have read and it's equally entertaining. A good book to read on the weekend!

Shield & Shade by Misty Hayes

I did not realize this was a spin off of an existing trilogy. Much like Mortal Instruments or the Shadow and Bone that have trilogies and duologies that are seperate, but yet really connected, this book started out with references to the trilogy that I had no basis for. That being said I was confused at first but pressed on. I guess now the task is to go back and read the trilogy so I get a better foundation of this spin off series. Over all the story is interesting and worth reading

Blood of the Lily by S.D. Huston

A good blend of folklore and fantasy, gods and goddess from various cultures. The story is easy to read, easy to follow and draws the reader in. I recommend this book for a good weekend read.

Saving Vengeance by Cece Louise

This is meant to be a prequel to a series and as such to give a backstory of some of the characters and help fill in the series and flesh out some of the characters as far as their past, their decisions, ect. However, this almost read like the start of the book that suddenly ends leaving you a little unsure of what just happened and what to think about it. I guess, honestly, my thoughts are a bit torn on this matter. The story was unfolding, it was good, then BAM! it's over, it felt sudden, and forced. But....I am diving into the series. Let's see how this unwinds in the totality of the series. Can't be judge an entire series on one prequel.

The Lies She Wore by C.C. Hansen

Trigger warning of abuse for this book - just to start out. This book deals with a difficult subject matter which may be hard for some readers to handle. As always with the topic of abuse there is an element of heartbreak and even at times anger. It is difficult to understand abuse at the hands of those who are meant to love us. The characters are rich and well developed. The reader is quickly drawn in.

Beginnings by M.H. Elrich

A companion book to this author's series. This book offers a set of short stories that offers insights into the beginning of the different races in her other books. It reminds me of Holly Black's book like this. I think it is a great set of stories and adds depth and richness to the existing works by this same author. Certainly worth the read - even as a stand alone; but certainly if you are a fan of this author's works.

Fortress of the Lost Amulet by Michael Webb

Found family, adventure, and discovery. This first in a new series is a page turner, and when the last page is turned the reader is left wanting more. The rest of the story will be eagerly awaited. It is the type of story that if a completed series would be binge-worthy read.

Light of the Unhallowed (Parthenian Legends) by Luna Fox

This book in the series takes the reader back to the beginning - when magic was not known, or known very little. The characters are rich,the world building is excellent. An enjoyable and exciting read.

The Shadow Spinner by Eric Kao

This is a great, easy read. I always enjoy sarcasm and wit in characters mixed in with the action and mystery. I think this series is off to a great start and can't wait to read more.

Sentinals Banished by Helen Garraway

This book has characters you will become invested in - and their story will have you tied in. This book ends and the reader is left thinking that the end came too soon, that the story still has so much more to it. I suppose that is what makes a good series.

Shifters of Caerton (Complete Boxset) by H. B. Lyne

I really wanted more from this series after reading the description. However, I found the main character ( a female lead) to have a terrible angsty, angry attitude. She seemed to whine a lot and fight against the pack about different ideas and actions. At times the books were extremely slow and other times I was lost as the plot didn't seem to shift so much as it seemed to change completely. Al this being said - I have read other things by this author and really liked them. So....maybe it's just me at this particular time reading this series. And, maybe, considering that I have liked other things by this author I need to re-visit this in the future. And if my opinion changes at that time I will amend the review. Received as a review copy from StoryOrigin

The Silver Dragon by S. McC

Best friends who face all sorts of situations together. This story is enjoyable and easy to read.

The Cursed Princess by Alexa H. Michaels

The main character is not likeable - her attitude is terrible and this sets this book up to be extremely hard to read. I understand the reasoning, I also understand that there are characters we don't like but even in some of the dark fantasy I have read (where the MC is quite unlikeable for the most part) I understood the thoughts of the MC, and even while unlikeable they were relatable, and somewhat likeable (meaning there was something that was redeemable). I assume this character's redeeming qualities will show up more in the following books. ??? IF not this series will be very quickly sent to the DNF shelf. Other than that the story was good.

Dark Affliction by Everly Haywood

This leaves you wanting to know what happens next! Excellent world building, great characters. This is worth the read.

The Princess' Pauper by Anna del C. Dye

A kingdom taken and a young crown prince displaced - and without proof of his claim to the throne. A strong princess with no husband, an ailing father, and tradition that will not allow her to rule without a man by her side. The stage is set for an epic story of courage, betrayal, love, and victory. Will Krilil and Zinnia get what each of them want? Will they be able to come together to save two kingdoms?

Blossom and Bone by Mary E Jung

Pacing of the story is okay. Writing is okay. Plot is okay, characters are above okay but not excellent. Overall the read is easy, plot is good enough to keep interest. This is not a book I would add to my physical bookshelf. It is also not one that I would read again. Once is enough, but it's not terrible. It was a good break from the dark fantasy and high fantasy books I've been reviewing lately. I guess I just had hopes for more.

Boy with No Name: Abandon the City of Nightmares (A Threads of Dreams Side Story) by K.A. Wiggins

I have not read the prequels, this is the first of this series that I have read. That being said, I will be completing this series! Excellent writing, great character development.

Vampires' Daughter by Kristen S. Walker

I guess, maybe because I am this parent.....I don't care for the book as much as I otherwise would have. I am all for stories about finding one's self, coming into one's own. I felt that the story centered around a girl who had strict parents (but were otherwise loving, their restrictiveness being for her ultimate protection) who felt the need to not once but multiple times go against them. Is this a story about fighting the restriction of loving parents, coming to age, defining oneself, fighting evil? When your friends put you in a terribly dangerous situation and you become marked by the unseelie (your enemies) and your parents save your but - tell me why you'd purposefully continue down the same path yet again. Are the parents that bad, if they moved this rebel across the country to try to keep her safe? I know plenty in real life who turn their backs on their rebellious children. Yet her parents don't. I don't really know how to feel about this book to be honest. But not because of the author's writing ability. Not because the story was lacking. Not for any reason good enough to review it lower than a 3. It's all a personal preference. I don't glorify rebellion that leads a person into harmful situations, rebellion from a protective environment into recklessness. Rebellion must be for a reason that is for the betterment of others (i.e. rebellion against tyrannical leaders, rebellion against terrible captives, an oppressive system, ect.) So I suppose the premise just bothers me on a personal level. On all other levels this book is enjoyable, the characters are good, the pacing is acceptable, the story line is well thought out, the world building is also good.

Trial of Thieves by Jon Cronshaw

There are authors...then there is Jon Cronshaw, an author that so immerses you into his world and story telling that your invested in the characters. Fedor's story is continued in this dark fantasy. The personal struggles are evident. The guilt, regret, maybe even shame....it weighs on Fedor. This author does an excellent job of world building. And your heart can't help but be drawn into the characters as you experience their struggles, their loyalty to one another, the way they stick together and face the things that come their way. The life of an assassin who doesn't want to be an assassin - what a paradox, what a conundrum, what an issue. The tension is evident and real. Thank you for the review copy from StoryOrigin