Between Ink and Shadows by Melissa Wright 28 Apr 3:00 AM (yesterday, 3:00 am)

Between Ink and Shadows by Melissa Wright
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

We start right into the story. This sounded like a story that would be one I'd really enjoy. With the plot and the world. But... I didn't feel an attachment to Nim. I'm not for or against what she does. I was just listening.

The story idea is a great one. One that I'd love, and do love. But the writing doesn't feel my style.

It felt that the big moments and reveals were mentioned quick and then moved on from. I would have liked more feelings from Nim, physical descriptions with them and drawing the world more with them.

There's a romance, that I think could work. An enemies to lovers, but it fell short for me. I know Nim's attracted to magic but there wasn't much in way of getting to know each other to bring them together.

Overall, this felt like a well written draft that could be fleshed out a little more.

I'm sorry to say the story fell flat for me.

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Audio Book Review: Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent 24 Apr 3:00 AM (5 days ago)

Six Scorched Roses by Carissa Broadbent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I came into this a little nervous. This book is a novella and it's romance which can be a let down with shorter story length to hit what is needed to feel true and not rushed. So I had questions and worries...how will this work out? Quick and under fleshed out?

I am thrilled to share that I'm pleasantly pleased with this book from the story to the romance.

I liked Lilith from the beginning. She has a focus and a reason. I love that she's a scientist and has a few quirks too. She knows who she is and accepts herself. There's a sickness in her people, and she's determined to cure it. A strong responsibility to cure it as her father brought it on from their god.

I've listened to books 1 & 2 in this series and listening to this after book 2. So I've briefly met these characters in book 2. But I wanted to know their story. I liked coming back to meet them afterwards, getting a more intimate look at who they are.

The pairing connection builds in this novella beautifully and naturally. There's something that attracts the two together, and they build on it.

Something I loved with this novella is that there's other relationships that grow in this story, creating a well rounded world, characters, and story. It's more than a one dimensional move in the world, focusing on more than just love of one couple.

I love, love, love the sister moment we get. So heartfelt!

Well done. I really loved this creation.

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Audio Book Review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas 21 Apr 3:00 AM (8 days ago)

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I liked this book. There are many things touched on in it. The fae world building is beautiful here, and I know it's just started with there being numerous courts here. I feel there's a solid theme, there's so much more to love.

Why do I feel that theme?
Because we see Tamlin stifling Feyre. He's trying to change her into a person she's not. I know, they both dealt with some serious trauma under the mountain. But, sometimes two that are so damaged aren't good together. They aren't helping each other. And even when Feyre tried, Tamlin stepped back further. Please don't let love stifle you. Even if someone loves you, it might not be the right kind of love for you. That's important too.

Sarah's writing along with the narrators voice both work amazing together to grow the dynamic and difference in how Feyre feels when with Tamlin then with Rhysand. This is amazing to get that feel from them both. There's such a growth in the dynamic and difference between Tamlin and Rhysand and the situation with them and Feyre.

Rhysand... His court is like the land of misfit toys. lol. I love his close and personal court and friends. The personality that bursts from each of them. He lets his people be themselves. He's so very different than what he lets other courts see. And I really enjoyed this and seeing the hidden places. He's great for pushing Feyre to be herself and what she can be.

I have a few things I'm hung up on, questions in a way. The Surial. Why is it so easy for Feyre to catch and get information out of? There just seems to be more to this. And her sisters, at the end... Why keep creating allies? The terrible king knows it works, so why two times? A gift? I feel like there's more here too.

So, I'll be carrying on with the series. :)

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Audio Book Review: Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge 17 Apr 3:00 AM (12 days ago)

Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Book 2 left me worried for so many of Jade's friends. I found out about all I was worried about in this book.

Jade sneaks out from training on a rest day and the whole mission takes on a life of it's own from there. We bump into friends and find out who needs saving and where.

After the ending of book 2 and where we go in this book, I'd feel emotionally beat up if I was Jade. What she sees from Sienna (that girl should not be as strong as she is! Dang! I totally get the draw to the dark side) in what she does to people, and Jade's friends. It's looking like there's no getting ahead of Sienna or defeating her. But I'm glad Jade compartmentalizes and keeps going to do her best to get to Sienna. There's a lot to the dark magic side that we get to see.

Jade is still learning about her abilities and herself too. Her heritage is unique and I love the characters we meet with that heritage.

The arc of Sienna does come to a close here and how they deal with the debt bond between Jade and Desmond.

Where will things go from here? I feel Jade has some trauma healing to do along with figuring out what she wants to do, of course bake cupcakes but more too. We have a few spin off series with characters that come into contact with Jade and Jade has more in her future too. I look forward to listening to them all.

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Audio Book Review: The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent 14 Apr 3:00 AM (15 days ago)

The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Now that we have the answers to Oraya that I needed, this story is what I wanted. There's fighting for their lives, scheming, betrayal, connection, and love. A nice blend of it all.

Oraya really tortures Raihn, holding him responsible for what he did at the end of the previous book. But, his actions...seems to me were for the good. Oraya's just not seeing it as her heart's broken. The heart is a strong emotion. These two have ideas that are similar about what needs done with the citizens, they just aren't at the same page yet. And they don't know what the other's thinking or doing because there's something going on with the different fractions. Are either one even save in the castle?

I loved the way we got insight on Vincent's past and thoughts on Oraya. This was a nice touch with magics. And on her mother too. This fills in gaps for Oraya and for us too.

Will Oraya and Raihn find their way back to each other, alive? Or will the other vampire houses destroy them both? There's a lot mentally to work through for them both. We see passing of time as they do with the book broken in parts and the moon phases.

This feels to be nicely written for me. The blend of internal torment and heartache along with external dangers. There are many pieces moving and changing and different people with their own agendas. It all works together nicely for the characters to find friendships, loyalty, betrayal, and love.

I know this is Oraya and Raihn's stories, but I have questions about other characters. I'm looking forward to continuing the series and getting those stories through their eyes.

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Book Review: Antiphon by Ken Scholes 10 Apr 3:00 AM (19 days ago)

Antiphon by Ken Scholes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

REREAD THOUGHTS:
How did I forget some of these amazing things since I read this 15 years ago? And how has it been that long ago???

Wow. I'm blown away by this book once again. Definitely still a 5 star read. We see how deep the beliefs go, the prophecies and gospel. We dive deeper into everyone's lives as they travel through their part of events to accomplish goals. Goals they aren't even sure of yet.

This is a middle child book, book 3 of 5. We get answers and learn more as things get serious and close. I'm invested for the results. Who will pull through? Who are they? I'm looking forward to see how things come together.
~~~~~
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Oh, where do I start with this one. Ken has to have a metal mans memory for the wondrous things he does here. To remember all the little threads he starts, then we get to the new things created here. This book takes Fantasy to a whole new level with the old fantasy feel and mechanicals mixed in, then there are magicks in the mix and hints of gods and different worlds. This series is truly one of the most in depth mesmerizing epic fantasy reads I have been captivated by. The author is really talented.

So much is happening and every word is important to the story. The words could have so many different meanings to them when you start putting them together.

The story continues on in the lives of the characters as we go through the changes in the world. The chapters are broken in to separate Point of Views as in the previous two books, which helps greatly in getting all the information to you. And very well broken apart to understand each character.

Rafe - The captain of the ship was porting Gypsies to the Sanctorum Lux until he is visited by the Moon Sparrow used by the Francines in the past, to stop by an island. And is hijacked by metal men.

Rudolfo - Once certain of what his place was and what to do, now is unsure what he is to do with the world that is crumbling around him. He still works hard to help the refugees showing up at his lands and save the light, but at what cost to the Ninefold Forest. How much help can Rudolfo spare in this drastically changing world.

Jin Li Tam - is still having the dark horrible dreams, but not as often now with Jakob better. She finds a small silver mecroservitor sparrow trapped while she is walking in the woods. The mechanical sparrow is looking for Isaak.

Petronus - now living with the scars on his neck and over his heart is having dreams wanting to be heard and understood, but he just can't grasp them. Instead he wakes in cold sweats.

Winters - now living in a city for refugees by the library the mechoservitors are creating. She does paperwork but it seems as she has lost her faith, the old faith of her people. Waiting in this new life she is making, in the Ninefold forest, for Neb to return to her.

Vlad Li Tam - He and his few sons and daughters who where fortunate enough to be rescued have returned to they dreaded island, for six months now, to seek what they can of the Machtvolk who tortured them and have lived here. Vlad Li Tam still watches for the light he had seen in the water that day six months ago.

Neb - He is deep in the Churning Wastes with Renard, his guide. He has learned to survive and thrive here. But now he sees new visitors, to fast to be scouts of the Gypsies or even users of the black roots. But he still tries to decipher the response needed to the canticle of the silver crescent. Neb and Renard separate to carry out different deeds with the new visitors only to find trouble lays in front of him.

All these characters are shaken up and a little lost with how to respond to the whole situation and happenings of the last six months. And things are not getting better.

I did find myself getting lost in some of the story depth. It is amazing the depth of the manipulation of the characters. To try and piece it all together at times is hard to do, but I love trying to get there before Mr. Scholes.

There is a mixture of wizards and magics with science and technology in these books. Even the hints of Gods and different worlds. I would definitely suggest this captivating series to any fantasy reader who likes to get lost in the tangled webs of manipulation.

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Audio Book Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas 7 Apr 3:00 AM (22 days ago)

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Okay. Can I just sit right here, after this book and enjoy the peace? I listened to Throne of Glass series and I know what Sarah can do to her characters. And it hurts my heart.

Very much a Beauty and the Beast theme to the story with Feyre. The way she gets to Prythian, how Tamlin is, how they react to each other, and things aren't as they seem. Even through to the end. Now, there is some faery twists to the story, but the theme is strongly there.

The beginning was slower moving. Had I been reading instead of listening, it probably would have taken me a little longer to get through it.

Now, when Feyre gets a grip on herself and opens her eyes to what's going on around her and returns to help. Now, this is what I really loved. She gets in deep with the fae and makes a deal she's probably not up to par for. We see new deals made and how she gets through her three deadly tasks. It's tough and political games in play as we meet new people. And with fae, there's always a riddle. Did you know the answer to the riddle? I had a strong feeling that was the answer but wasn't 100% sure at the time.

The ending...I could comfortable have the ending right here. There are deals made and things that are yet to be answered, but it's NOT a cliffhanger ending. It's a nice ending that completes the story here. Now, onto the next books!

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Audio Book Review: Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge 31 Mar 3:00 AM (29 days ago)

Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book started right into action. I really liked this, though I thought the book was going to go another direction with this beginning. And we ended up somewhere else. So I hope these people we meet at the beginning will return (likely since we met them) in the future.

I love the interaction Jade has with everyone. We have our returning friends, Scarlett, Kett, Kandy, Desmond, and Gran. Along with a few others. ;) And we have a new face that I'm surprised at how she interacts with Jade. I actually love it because they both need someone who understands where they are emotionally at this time. (I'm going to reference the ending of book 1 here so you know, but if you haven't read, you don't get a spoiler.)

There's more going on with that debt bond....and will there be troubles with others? Oh this is interesting.

THE ENDING!! Gaaaaaaahh! Really!?!?! Why do this to me? Us? lol. I'm just so so glad that the next book is available because I am diving in as soon as I'm done typing this up. I knew there was something big with Jade's father. I did not think that. I loooooooove this! But, how we end. What about everyone?!?!

These books flow nicely in the writing and events. However, there was a distraction that I didn't understand happening. It didn't seem to fit for me. And then later everyone wants Jade to do something though she really doesn't want to. Then she finally decides to go. I didn't care for everyone fluffing her thoughts off here. Jade usually stands up for herself, but in these moments she isn't heard by others. I'm hoping others will start to listen to her more as she learns more about her magic in time.

Okay. Off to book 3. Because of reasons. (When you get here, you'll understand. So have book 3 sitting there waiting for you.)

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Book Review: A Wild Kind of Darkness by Skyla Dawn Cameron 24 Mar 3:00 AM (last month)

A Wild Kind of Darkness by Skyla Dawn Cameron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Skyla has turned this fantasy reader into a mystery, fiction reader.

Wow. I was super invested in this book for the characters and the cold case.

The books first draw for me was Waverly trying to get in to see the person she found at the end of the last book. (I don't want to give anything away!) She's as patient as she can be. I love Waverly because she's a damaged character with her own baggage, and trying to not sound like a creepy stalker. As we get to see this person, I am completely invested in what they have to share, offer, and how they are doing. Will they make it?

While we are waiting for hospital visitation times, we have a person who comes to Waverly with a cold case of a family member. The family was never allowed to speak of an aunt that was murdered with her boyfriend. It was too hard on the father. So, now that the father's passed away (of natural causes) the family would like to get some information on the case. Waverly accepts it, expecting to not really find anything with the age of the case.

I really enjoyed how Waverly found who she wanted to talk with and the "chats" they had. Waverly has a direct fashion about her and this makes for fun interactions. But, things start happening around Waverly. She finds another dead body. She's attacked. She puts it all together in the end. Great ending for this cold case! I had the twinges of thoughts, but didn't go that path so it was a nice surprise to see the ending. And the details are in the book, a couple of times, to fit with this ending.

There is also the over all elephant in the room... What happened to Meadow's body? Where's the murderer? This book doesn't give many details on it but we all have it in the back of our minds. We are waiting for our newest character to remember anything that happened to them...and maybe what could lead to Meadow's body. This is the mystery of the series arc, and I am looking forward to learning more as Waverly shares thoughts and bounces ideas off our new secondary character. I can't wait!

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Audio Book Review: Cupcakes, Trinkets, and other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge 17 Mar 3:00 AM (last month)

Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an urban fantasy read I really enjoyed. It has it's own personality, with the cupcake shop Jade (our main Female character) owns. And we have the classical pieces in it with werewolves or pack, vampire, and underpowered potentially more character that's learning all sorts of things.

It's a fun read with learning, betrayal, and more.

I love that Jade has her own thing that she does because she loves it and to relax, baking. Jade has her own personality. She knows who she is and is a little sassy when she's in tight positions, a reflex for her to stay calm. She is half witch and knows she's under powered. But things happen and people see other things. This book is from Jade's POV but we get the feel from what others say that there's more here, more to Jade.

There are murders happening and the leads the vampire, Kett, and were pack to Jade...because of the trinkets that are what she makes. Buuuut, there's something off about them. Someone's using her trinkets in these murders.

Jade is pulled into the dynamic of Kett along with Hudson and Desmond (pack). While searching for who the killer is, Jade will start to question who she is magically. She just attracts magical items, that's all. Right? Who's her father?

As things go along, things get darker and darker. Jade's unwilling to go along with the investigations, but she does because she feels a little responsible when her trinkets are found with the dead. With going along, Jade expands, learns, and grows in her strength and curiosity.

Who's behind all these deaths?
Sure, I saw who it was early on. But it didn't deter from the book for me. I really loved Jade and her interactions with everyone along with the actions of the story.

The writing flows nicely through the book, events leading to events along with leading us to who and why.

The audiobook is nice too. I found it easy to listen to and liked the narrators voice.

Will I continue the series? ABSOLUTELY! I already downloaded the next three books!

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Audio Book Review: Mind over Magic by Lindsay Buroker 10 Mar 3:00 AM (last month)

Mind over Magic by Lindsay Buroker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun listen for me. Morgen is out of her element, way out, and on an adventure. She's not backing down.

Morgen has inherited her grandmother's home and land just in time after going through her divorce and losing her job. The plan, to clean up the house and maybe sell it. When she arrives with her vizsla dog (I love this as I have a half vizsla dog!) Lucky, she's roughly greeted by a werewolf who threatens her. He's here to protect the land and Wolf Wood, that has magical properties. But when she gets to the house...she finds at her grandmothers... It's nothing like she expected. There's all sorts of witchy items, body parts in jars, old books, and wands. Wands around the root cellar.

Morgen is definitely out of her element with magic, witches, werewolves, and what else maybe lurking in the area. She's a tech person. But she has the family touch. She's a bit shy and even scared of everything. But she's not one to back down when she's pushed. And she gets pushed. Amar has become one of the few that helps her, and even protects her in time of need. She wants to help him too, for all he's done for her and not had to.

Morgen has to figure out what she wants to do. Is there a home to go back to? Or keep the land and stay?

Morgen has made a few enemies. But she's made one good friend. He'll help her and protect her. And I'm thinking this will bloom into something far more than friendship.

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Audio Book Review: Dark Arts and a Daiquiri by Annette Marie 3 Mar 3:00 AM (last month)

Dark Arts and a Daiquiri by Annette Marie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a relaxing series for me to enjoy.

Tori's a bartender in a mage guild's club. She's human and really shouldn't be here. But she's found the place and seems to fit in with the members. She's making some great friends.

This book is about Tori. We see more of her past with her family. She's got some history that she's had to work through and it surfaces with the case the guys, Aaron, Kai, and Ezra, ask her to help with. A young girl that was missing previously, is now bumped up to a true job to find her as she's suspected to have been taken by The Hungry Ghost. And The Ghost is powerful.

Tori doesn't seem to have boundaries in what she does. She steps into some trouble because she thinks maybe she can help this young girl, because no one came to help her. Tori pretends to have an ability, but she's just human. However, there are times I wonder if she's got a drop of something to her.

In her...trouble...Tori pushes and gets closer to The Ghost. This is interesting! He's interesting.

I had a feeling the story would turn as it did. (I can't say more, if you're curious you'll have to check it out!) And the big battle at the end, nice.

Tori has a way of making friends with so many. And her apartment roommate. lol. That's going to be fun!

I liked how this ended and look forward to seeing her as a stronger person in the coming books. :)

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Book Review: Canticle by Ken Scholes 24 Feb 3:00 AM (2 months ago)

Canticle by Ken Scholes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

REREAD THOUGHTS:
I love worlds that are built on layers. Layers in the characters, plot, world, and so much more. This book sends my brain into overdrive with all the sticky notes and thoughts on what will happen and why things are happening.

The world is as complicated as the whymer maze. It makes me think of the Mandala because everything affects so many people and events and world. Just an epic feel. People are doing and creating circumstances to for people into someone that will do things in the future. And there's something or someone happening in the background that may even be influencing the people doing the forming. There's always a fork in the road for everyone who influences who they are and impact others too.

Full range of life from birth to passing.

Battles fought, won and lost, and secrets learned and shared.

ORIGINAL THOUGHTS:
I have really been taken away by this series so far. There are going to be five books in all. The characters are well developed and you really get a feel for them all, even the ones you think may be the "bad" guy or girl. The world that is created in these first two books is amazing. You have different cultures, religions, believes and gods. All well done to give you just what you need to understand the rules and what is going on, yet enough to keep you with the feel of mystery.

I think Ken Scholes is an awesome author with an epic tale to tell. He lays the paths of possible ways the story could go, we just have to wonder if we are thinking the correct path. Just when you are on the right path you come to a fork in the road again. The story can change directions at any time, but the rules never change and the information is there to keep you on the correct path of thought, thus creating a great mystery adventure.

Being a second book of a series Ken has started us right into the next story. Not even 50 pages into the book and I was caught up with where I left off on the first book and full scale right into the middle of another great mystery of the Whymr maze in this amazing fantasy book.

This book has; mechoservitors ~ Kens' term for metal men, magick ~ which has limits, Gods ~ are a distant past but are there in the background, an ancient vendetta of two old families and ways of lives, and current people trying their hardest to find where there home is.

These books are amazing reads from the point of view of the characters. You learn so much in this way with the way Ken writes it. Very well done to understand what is going on, just pay attention to get the details.

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Audio Book Review: The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent 17 Feb 3:00 AM (2 months ago)

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a vampires meets gladiators blend of a book with a growing attraction and romance.

The beginning was a slow start for me. The first hour of the audio book had me wondering if I wanted to continue. But I did and I enjoyed the ending for it. Once we get into the competition. I'm held here wondering how Oraya, a lone little human, will fair in this competition and how she even thinks she'll make it against vampires that are stronger, faster, and have magical powers.

The main female character says repeatedly that she's human. But this brought up questions for me. How? Why? How did she get there and do that? We do get the answers in the end.

Then there's Raihn. Wow. He's much more than we would have thought. After a while I suspected but didn't know how the the author was going to connect it to make it happen. He's got so so much control for a vampire in this world.

I'm curious about the world. Is it really as Oraya has been told by Vincent, her father. There are others that have control and aren't tempted to have her blood. But she's worried and trained to not trust any vampire. Though there are a few vampires that aren't anything like Oraya expects or is told about.

Oraya learns a lot while in this competition. About herself. About vampires. And her father along with what she can do.

There was lots of fighting, blood, fighting, sexy, and romance.

Yes, I'll be picking up book two with the same characters.

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Audio Book Review: Shield of Fire by Keri Arthur 10 Feb 3:00 AM (2 months ago)

Shield of Fire by Keri Arthur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bethany may not want to be in the family business of relic hunting, but she sure fits into it. And she's meeting new people that can be great contacts and help in the future.

Bethany's powers are growing, and she's learning her limits. She has a great group surrounding her that can help with her missions. Lugh her brother, Mathi her ex, Cynwrig her current lover, and Elgin a current/new lover. Then she has Sgott who is in charge of the night IIT and like a step father to her. All will protect her, and she them.

With working for the Council, hunting for the hoard that went missing, Bethany has a lot to look for. The next on the list becomes a shield and rubies that are stirring destruction and loss with those who are wielding them. And the destruction and body count seems to be around Bethany.

Those that have the rubies and are using them remember Bethany, but she doesn't remember them. At all. Is there something more to this?

Oh, yes. You read that right above. Bethany has two lovers, and yes they know of the competition. See it all has to do with the elf group and pixie group. But they can have fun together, but maybe not more. So why not have fun while you're looking for the one to spend your life with?

Bethany is learning more with each use of the knives, the codex, and the eye. These are some powerful relics and mix that with her magic and heritage. She's one bad*ss pixie.

The world is rich with history and fables. Gods, fey, powers, relics, and unknown creatures. I love seeing the things that they find and how dangerous they are.

I do enjoy this series for Bethany growing stronger and is independent along with the magical that shows up.

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Audio Book Review: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros 3 Feb 3:00 AM (2 months ago)

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book continues on with battles, adventure, danger, loss, love, friendship bonds, and so much more.

Violet will be on the search for Andarna's kind. Xaden's battling his new obstacle and afraid of what he may do. Violet's determined to help Xaden on their planned adventure.

There's always battles to be fought and they always seem to know exactly where Violet and even Xaden are at. How is this? You'll find out as you read.

Then we head out on an adventure, in search of Andarna's family and information. What we find is so much more! We get to see the impact of parents on their children. And when things seem to be fun, be prepared for the worst.

Violet is becoming bolder. She doesn't want to be a leader, but dang this girl is a leader. She makes decisions, that she shouldn't make on her on, and acts on them. She's got a touch of diplomacy and brass with being of the mind of a scholar and the black leathers of the riders. Especially when all goes to sh*t, she pulls it all out. She may save the day with winning over or save the day with her blades, either way she's saving the day. Violet is great when she hones her focus on the topic. This comes through her even in the end of the book.

Xaden...he's such a lost one. He's so in love it hurts. His wit is great when it comes to things. Wait until you see him at dinner, you'll know when you get there. He's really helped Violet become herself over the last books. And Tairn with Violet, such a great strength for her.

We lose some of those we know. The venin aren't stopping and they are coming at them harder and harder, knowing the wards are weakening.

A few big turns in this book, were no surprise to me. I figured they would happen. Even in the end. Things could have been so much worse. I was kind of hoping for a further fall than we got. Or even had a back up fall that could have hurt too. This ending...this ending felt like it left us with a glimmer of hope. I laughed when I read it. Seriously, see this as a good thing. For reasons. If you'd like to chat, let me know and we'll talk.

I did listen to the audiobook of this, it's faster for me. And, I'm still not too thrilled with the narrator that's selected. She's not consistent with tones and accents for the characters. It makes it hard to differentiate people when she's speaking. I had to relisten to sections to figure out who was saying what. And I can hear when there's a seam in the recording as she picked up where left off or dropped in a section as the audio has a different tone to it. I'm listening because I can't read fast enough, but it's a struggle at times.

I'm thinking I want the books to have sticky notes in. And I want to pull together all the books at the beginning of the chapters. There's something there!

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Audio Book Review: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros 27 Jan 3:00 AM (3 months ago)

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I get the feel there's a blend of elements from Harry Potter series, Divergent series, and Hunger Games series in this story, with dragons added of course. Lots of danger, secrets, and groups.

This series has become a guilty pleasure for me. It's not ground breaking in it's storyline, plots, or twists, but I can relax and listen to the story with ease.

Violet is one I can see people getting tired of. What she tells Xaden to stop doing, she's doing to her friends. Eventually, she catches on. I understand that she doesn't want secrets, but with a revolution there will always be something that can't be shared. Things are happening so fast for them. And I love Rhiannon, Violet's best friend. She's an awesome friend and kicks butt. All those in Violet's group in Fourth Wing are pretty cool. Their interaction and responses to each other are fun. I do give Violet and her friends that credit, they have great quips back for things. They are learning to work as a team.

I found I liked this book a little more than the first because we get more details about the wards and world building is expanded here. I am one who loves seeing more world details and magic details. Although, there is one magic I am looking forward to learning more about.

Violet goes through a lot while still at the academy. There's teachers that are not on her side, and want to know what she knows. There's friendships and new enemies made through this book.

The ending... when it was all over and done, I felt like it was too quick with the ending. (If you've read or listened to the book, you'll know the part with Violet.) It was confusing when listening to it. I actually replayed it a few times to try to catch what happened. It felt way too fast. So I'm guessing the next book will spend time on sharing what happened and we'll learn about that. (trying to not spoil it for you.)

I still wonder about the War Academy. Like, what the heck did they think they were training for? What they were training and how was not going to help with the problem they knew was out there. They just thought they were safe and no worries. Arrogant, for sure.

We have family drama, war, love, magic, and dragons. Secrets are shared and things are learned.

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Audio Book Review: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros 20 Jan 3:00 AM (3 months ago)

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I can see why many are loving this book.

I enjoyed the war school. It's dangerous and deadly for the students. The way events unfold and Violet is creative with how she does things is neat. And there's the steam burn to a romance.

The book is interesting and flows. I found the events were predictive, which the writing leads to right to what will happen. That's okay for me. It's a fun light read for me.

I enjoyed the characters. They stay to their character. And dragons. I do love me my dragons.

The school is a dangerous place. It's interesting how they teach the young adults coming in. This is breaking them down and building them into who the country wants them to be. Maybe a few will remain who they are at their core, but they will be more too.

Violet is one who thought she'd be a scribe, working in the library with the tombs she loves. She has the scribe background thanks to her father. But now she's learning to be a dragon rider. And maybe she's one to make changes as well. Violet's father...with the book he left her, I've wondered if he was with the revolutionary side as well... Will we find out in the future?

I listened to the audiobook. It worked great for me at work. Though, I will say I struggled figuring out when things were thought, spoken, and mentally spoken to another. At times this was something I couldn't differentiate.

I will carry on with the series as I'm curious to see how things go with everyone from here. At the end of this book, I have my predictions. We'll see how events go on if it'll change for me or now. :)

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Book Review: The Killing Beach by Skyla Dawn Cameron 13 Jan 3:00 AM (3 months ago)

The Killing Beach by Skyla Dawn Cameron
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm not usually a fiction reader. But I couldn't pass this one up. I'm so glad I read it!

Waverly has a past that was in the spotlight... when her sister went missing with a serial killer in her home town. It's something she's not really gotten over. Especially when the Detective working the cases, and one that Waverly was attracted to, went missing as well.

Waverly became a private investigator and has never forgotten her sister or the detective.

When dead mean start washing up on the coast of her home town lake, Waverly is drawn home. Even to just make sure the detective she was drawn to all those years ago wasn't one of them. Or was, to close out that mystery. Then, when she stumbles across a body on the beach...

Waverly places her cards and information where it's to be seen and hopes to be hired to investigate the cases. Waverly gets drawn into the case more than she expected. Can she solve the case or will more men wash up on the beach?

I have a main character type, and Waverly hits all the points. She's damaged, determined, and independent. Strong woman on her own. Even though she won't admit it, she does care.

I enjoyed Waverly's interaction with her family. Families aren't perfect and when there's a tragedy as big as theirs, it's hard to continue as things were. The dog was a nice touch. That was a little fun.

I'm looking forward to reading this series. I've already received the next two books! :D

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Audio Book Review: Dungeon Lord: Otherworldly Powers by Hugo Huesca 6 Jan 3:00 AM (3 months ago)

Dungeon Lord: Otherworldly Powers by Hugo Huesca
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There's always something new to do in games, especially if you're a Dungeon Lord. And Kharon has deals with others you can help with...

Ed is working on upgrading his haunt when Kharon asks...throws him through a portal to help a female thief. And comes face to face with undead and a wraith along with other thieves that now want him dead. This side excursion will bring bigger troubles to Ed's doorstep, and threaten those that have become his friends.

Everyone thinks that Dungeon Lords are bad people. But Ed is one of the exceptions, most of the time. Ed's creating new bonds with creatures and people that aren't usually associated together, and more than not are enemies. This is interesting to see how they can work together and become stronger.

It's something to see how Ed, unlike other Dungeon Lords, is showing his people how to grow and be better and even defend themselves. It all comes to fruit in the end too.

Kharon returns in the epilogue to give us the breakdown on a few things that happened. This is interesting.

I enjoy the adventures Ed and his minions go on and what they've created. Ed has a creative mind and does things a little differently. In listening to the audiobook I feel like I get a feel for Ed's personality along with all the characters. I look forward to listening to more books in this series. I'm looking forward to more of Ed's craftiness.

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Audio Book Review: Space Academy Miscreants by C.T. Phipps 16 Dec 2024 3:00 AM (4 months ago)

Space Academy Miscreants by C. T. Phipps
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How far will others go to get Vance to help affect politics on other planets with his new promotion to High Protector?

We are back in the saddle with Vance as we venture on. Others have moved on or moving on to great places. In doing so, we have the whole crew back together fighting with Vance. Darn, they are all such loyal friends, or...they want to see what crazy Vance will pull off again. lol

We learn A LOT in the first few paragraphs and through the first chapter! Case Gordon has a mess for Vance to take care of and... Vance learns of his daughter, who is very likely in trouble. This sparks Vance into action, which might also be a trap. But he's going.

Even though this series is set in the far future (fantasy future) in space, I love that Vance has an attraction for pop references and space and more for the 1980's, 1990's, and more. Vance loves the oldies! And so do I. There's many here I get and some I think I miss. lol. There's even a reference drop to another of C.T. Phipps's series, a universe where guys named Gary are single most important person. lol. And, Major Tom.

As always, action, fun, and quick funny lines are to be had with the book. A little drama mixed in too.

In the end, there was more to the story than I expected. I should know that by now, but still taken with the whole ending with the how and who.

BONUS:
We have a short story added to the end of this book! :D Thank you!

NOBODY'S FOOL
Vance's mission, to golf in a golf outing. And win.

When Vance and Shelly get here, Vance suspects something more is happening. Especially with the lifeform that appears to be sentient and yet it's in slavery positions. Vance's crazy notions bring us to a quick mystery to be solved. Always fun seeing the view Vance has of things...making something where others see nothing. And it's usually right.

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Lamentation by Ken Scholes 9 Dec 2024 3:00 AM (4 months ago)

Lamentation by Ken Scholes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a re-read for me. It's been a number of years since I read it and I wanted to get back to the books so I can read the last one, which I've had on my shelves for far too long.

I have loved diving into this world and being reintroduced to the characters. The ones that are in the wrong are found. And those who have good intentions are found too.

But...are they created by another? Influenced into who they are and what they do?

There's an interesting play in the background of this book that has me curious and searching for what's related and connected.

The world is just opening up to us and there's so much more to come. We have just started to peel back the layers to learn what's happening. And many characters are seeing this is going deeper than they ever could have imagined.

Neb is one of my favorite characters. Along with the strong Jin Li Tam. These two overcome some great events and knowledge, all to grow into stronger people. Petronus is one who sees and knows more than we could imagine. I'm looking forward to seeing what he will share with us in the coming books. All the characters really. They all are starting to put things together and there's more here than meets the eye.

Such great writing. I love the crafting that's gone into creating these characters and world. This is the first book and I look forward to digging in deeper with the characters.

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Audio Book Review: Echoes of the System by Carrie Summers 25 Nov 2024 3:00 AM (5 months ago)

Echoes of the System by Carrie Summers
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Devon has a number of things happening in game, like finding Stonehaven and then a new boss arrives that only she can solve, while also dealing with people in person. Emerson has asked if she wants to move to his area, she has a surprise visitor that's not really welcome, and her friends want to meet. A lot for someone that's not really a people person.

I love the beginning! I took a break between books and the author did a great job of weaving past events into the story happening. Because the characters are all still a little shellshocked. Great catchup with not retelling the story. It all plays into what's happening now.

The game world and characters created there are amazing. I love how the NPC's have become friends and important in everyone's life, especially for Devon.

This is a great story of events and happenings for the characters in game and in life. I loved the way it was all done. This book ties a lot of things up. Almost a finally, as there's not another one. (Yet?) We still have the looming possible threat of more demons, but in a game there's always something to come.

This series is definitely worth a listen or read.

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Audio Book Review: Outcast by Lindsey Sparks 18 Nov 2024 3:00 AM (5 months ago)

Outcast by Lindsey Sparks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book is Kat in hiding yet drawing attention from the Senate to find her. She learns about a disease that's been released on the humans by the kids that were in the lab she and her clan destroyed. Can she find a cure for those that are sick?

This book had more to it that felt like the story continues. There feels to be one direction with the story, not much in side stories to fill things out. We do have Kat finding "love" and happy for a moment. This is tied to the overall events and in the end felt convenient to me. Or maybe it's leading to a love triangle... That feel is potential as well.

The fight scenes felt a little better in this one as we get to see more in fights.

I felt there was something that happened that was a convenience for the characters.... Like how did one character get sick and another that is sick can be around people then... Again, I have to go listen to these sections again (if I can find them) to get answers. It's kind of vague whether one character touched anything or not to get sick.

I wanted so much to enjoy this series, but it just doesn't feel like it's for me. I'm sure others are loving it though.

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Audio Book Review: Ink Witch by Lindsey Fairleigh (Sparks) 11 Nov 2024 3:00 AM (5 months ago)

Ink Witch by Lindsey Sparks
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm going to try the next book too. The book is good. The main character, Kat Dubois, is in essence my kind of main character. She's a loner and has a past that....well, could land her in jail if she was human and people knew.

Kat's a Nejeret, which is a demi-god(dess). She has done work for the Shadow Senate that she's trained for and used as a weapon. Her and her kind are long lived and don't age. With that, she's going to be around for a long time remembering her past.

So why is the book just good?
I felt like Kat came to a couple quick realizations that didn't seem to be lead up to in the events that happened. They were talked about, but didn't feel like the events in her life really made her see what someone else was telling her. Just like she was taking that persons word as her a-ha moment.

I'm one who enjoys a good fight scene. I felt like the fight scenes weren't detailed out enough or last like they should for someone who's to have her experience. I'm hoping more will come and this first book, being short, is the beginning to lead us into what's to come.

I did learn this is a series spin off from another. I'll have to go pick up that other series and see if it helps place some things that Kat was talking about in her past in this book. Though, I'm afraid that series is more a romance urban fantasy.... We'll see in the future.

This book does start the series arc for what's happening to her clan people and children. This is going to lead to so much more.

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