Karen Kelley’s second book in the Planet Nerak series, Earth Guys are Easy, is a science fiction romance. I normally enjoy this sub-genre, but thiKaren Kelley’s second book in the Planet Nerak series, Earth Guys are Easy, is a science fiction romance. I normally enjoy this sub-genre, but this one didn’t work for me.
There are some laugh-out-loud moments, but they get repetitive. The plot is slim and predictable. The book is largely steamy scenes between Nick Scericino, an undercover cop, and Kia, an alien from the planet Nerak who came to earth to find her cousin Mala.
I am an outlier with my rating, so take a look at other reviews.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. --------------------------------- 1.52 rounded to 2 stars....more
In the second book of the Artillerymen series, Taylor Anderson brings amazing world-building and characterization to this action-packed and suspensefuIn the second book of the Artillerymen series, Taylor Anderson brings amazing world-building and characterization to this action-packed and suspenseful novel. It’s 1847 and almost a year after four ships carrying Americans heading to Vera Cruz, Mexico were caught in a storm and shipwrecked on an alternative Earth. Instead of fighting in the Mexican-American war, they are fighting for their lives against both monster animals and humans. This series is set in the same world as the Destroyermen series.
Lewis Cayce and his group of artillerymen, infantrymen, and mounted riflemen have made friends in the Yucatan and built an army. This also repulsed the Holy Dominion army that was intent on killing their new allies. However, a more radical cult of Blood Priests has arisen. They pursue power and blood sacrifices. Cayce understands that the only option is offense, not defense. Outnumbered and less diabolical, can courage, trust, and imagination outwit and overcome the enemy?
The characters are complex and come to life through their words, actions, movements, thoughts, reactions, and mannerisms. There are many characters and it will help to read the first book in the series to have a handle on the core characters ahead of this novel. It was especially enjoyable to see the significant growth in both the main and several of the secondary characters.
The plot twists and turns with some unpredictable moments in the story. Beliefs, worldviews, and prejudices come under assault. Many live in fear of sacrifice. Ultimately, this is a fight between goodness, light, justice, tolerance, and equality versus evil, darkness, sacrifice, and a class system. Despite there being many battles in this novel, there is adequate time for great characterization and world-building.
The book is moving and suspenseful at times, and violent and disturbing at other times. As the tale unfolds, this reader became mentally and emotionally involved with the characters as well as the story itself. The stakes were high and made this vivid and memorable novel a true page-turner for me in. Additional themes woven into the story include protecting others, politics, power, greed, gender roles in war, and relationships of all types.
Overall, this story is engrossing, intense, and impactful. This book has a high level of tension and foreboding. The Epilogue sets up the next book in the series. Those that enjoy alternative history military thrillers or the Destroyermen series will likely enjoy this novel. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Berkley Publishing Group –Ace and Taylor Anderson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 27, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-------------------------------- My 3.52 rounded to 4 stars review will be coming soon....more
With Raven Unveiled, Grace Draven brings readers an epic fantasy romance that has adventure, danger, romance, and suspense. In this third book in With Raven Unveiled, Grace Draven brings readers an epic fantasy romance that has adventure, danger, romance, and suspense. In this third book in the Fallen Empire series, she features Siora and Gharek. Siora was born with the ability to see and speak to ghosts. A predator is growing in power as it consumes the souls of the dead, and the ghosts need her help. She’s also on the run from an assassin. Gharek of Cabast was once the empress’s assassin. However, he is now a wanted fugitive. He’s pursuing Siora for personal reasons. Will Siora be able to defeat the ghost devouring entity? What will happen when Gharek and Siora meet?
Siora is barely tolerated by others even when they seek her out. She is kind, strong, and willing to help others even when it endangers her own life. She’s a character that readers will want to succeed in life. Gharek is fearsome, fascinating, cold, and calculating; except when it comes to his daughter. He places her safety, well-being, and protection above everything else. Both characters are dynamic and grow as the story progresses. Each transforms as events unfold. However, I didn’t fully buy into Gharek’s transformation. It seemed to happen too quickly. His actions were hard to accept. The minor characters are developed adequately for their roles. While less dynamic, they provide the support or conflict needed to keep readers interested in them. The author did a great job of weaving characters’ backstories into the tale without doing a data dump.
The story is well written with a deeply involved plot and vibrant characters. It’s well plotted and descriptive, but the pace slowed at times. The conflicts moved the story forward with some unexpected twists. The world-building is okay and the enemies-to-lovers romance trope almost worked. However, I wanted a little more of an ending. An epilogue would have helped. This action-packed novel features hatred, vengeance, forgiveness, power, redemption, respect, ghosts, evil entities, and more.
Overall, this fantasy is gripping, heart-breaking, and thought-provoking. The high stakes and smooth writing made it a page turner. While it’s the first novel I have read by this author, I believe it would have been even better if I had read the first two books in the series first. I believe they would have provided more details on the world’s view on magic and the state of its politics. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Berkley Publishing Group – Ace and Grace Draven provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 08, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
---------------------------------------------- My 3.44 rounded to 3 stars review will be coming soon....more
With Daughter of Redwinter, Ed McDonald brings readers an epic fantasy that has excitement, danger, and suspense. In this first book in the RedwinWith Daughter of Redwinter, Ed McDonald brings readers an epic fantasy that has excitement, danger, and suspense. In this first book in the Redwinter Chronicles series, he introduces Raine, the main character, and does a fantastic job of building a world that is unique.
Raine can see all of and speak to some of the dead. However, this dangerous ability comes with a death sentence if others learn of it. She left her mother’s home, joined a cult, and through one act of kindness, has changed the course of her life and many others. The injured woman she rescues left Redwinter, the fortress-monastery of the Draoihn, warrior magicians intent on retrieving what she stole from them.
Raine’s mother did not like her and did not treat her well. When a group including three sooth-sisters gives her an opportunity to join them, she does. Then things go wrong and Raine learns that even an act of kindness can have consequences. She thinks she wants power so she won’t have to be afraid and so she can have true freedom. However, is this what she really wants?
Raine is a main character that readers will want to succeed in life. She tries to do the right thing, but isn’t always successful and she seems to be full of self-pity at times. However, she’s a dynamic character who changes and grows as the story unfolds. Both her attitude and outlook on life evolve throughout the book as actions take place. The other characters are less dynamic than Raine, but nevertheless vibrant, providing support or conflict to keep things interesting. A list of the many characters and a description of pieces of this mystic world are at the back of the book. I thought this would have been more helpful at the beginning so readers know they are there.
There’s a lot of time spent introducing the characters and some of their back-stories as well as world-building, but that’s not unusual in the first book in a series of this magnitude. However, there is a lot of introspection by the main character that slows the pace as times. There are action scenes, especially at the beginning and the ending, but the middle section could have been more potent. As readers become acquainted with the characters, both good and bad, it becomes clear that there is much more going on than the theft of an artifact. The author weaves themes of grief, empathy or its lack, domestic abuse, community, murder, magic, death, ghosts, fear, duty, honor, secrets, greed, friendship, and politics into this great start to the series.
Overall, this fantasy is gripping and thought-provoking. The high stakes and smooth writing made it a page turner. While it’s the first novel I have read by this author, I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you enjoy epic fantasies with great world-building, an unusual magic system, and a diverse set of characters, then you may enjoy this novel as much as I did.
Macmillan-Tor/Forge – Tor Books and the author provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for June 28, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ...more
Every Cloak Rolled in Blood by James Lee Burke is the fourth novel in the Holland Family Saga series. Categorized as a crime novel and as a paranoEvery Cloak Rolled in Blood by James Lee Burke is the fourth novel in the Holland Family Saga series. Categorized as a crime novel and as a paranormal mystery, it brings to life rural Montana, and specifically, eighty-five-year-old novelist Aaron Holland Broussard. Aaron is having a tough time accepting his daughter Fannie Mae’s death. When two young men are on pace to a life of crime, he tries to set them on a different path in her memory. However, the community is full of drugs, violence, murder, and more. His only ally seems to be a young state police officer with secrets and mystery surrounding her. With both evil spirits and the ghost of Fannie Mae entering the story, Burke has crafted another riveting book.
The author combines clear physical descriptions of the characters with their shortcomings and strengths. Facing evil that is not abstract, Aaron is a compelling character that is flawed, but wants to do the right thing. His loneliness, grief, and courage stand out to me.
The author painted vivid descriptions throughout the book that helped me easily picture the people, places, and actions. However, the sheer amount of it slowed the pace of the book substantially. The battle between good and evil was clear and fought on multiple levels. There was one thing that was not neatly wrapped up enough to satisfy me that I can’t describe here without spoilers.
Several themes run through the story line including social justice, racism, drugs, murder, grief, and much more. Overall, the book was complex and suspenseful. It mixes fiction with events that have occurred in the author’s life. It demanded my attention from start to finish.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster and James Lee Burke for a complimentary ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently scheduled for May 24, 2022. ...more
Upgrade by Blake Crouch combines genetic engineering science fiction with a techno-thriller. Logan Ramsay and his partner Nadine Nettman work for Upgrade by Blake Crouch combines genetic engineering science fiction with a techno-thriller. Logan Ramsay and his partner Nadine Nettman work for the Gene Protection Agency (GPA). They are with a SWAT team looking for an illegal genetics laboratory. Logan is the first one in the basement. An explosion causes shrapnel to puncture his hazmat gear. He wakes up on the hospital infected by a virus; one designed to modify his genetic structure. The virus soon disappears and Logan returns to work. However, he is noticing changes. His bone density increases and he’s getting smarter with better concentration and a photographic memory. With this as a starting point, I believe it’s better if readers go into this with little knowledge of what is to come.
Logan is a nice person that has had a rough time of it during the last few years, but he has a loving wife and daughter. He hates his job, but doesn’t know what else he would do. He’s the son of Miriam Ramsey who killed millions when a genetic experiment went wrong. His character experiences extreme growth in many ways during the course of book. The other characters provide support or opposition and include law enforcement, military personnel, co-workers, and family members.
The story is engaging and suspenseful, keeping me turning the pages. There is a lot of information about genetics, but that is something that interests me. The plot is shocking and the action amazing. This is a science-based thriller set in the future and it has some unexpected twists and turns. My one quibble is that there is some slower pacing in the middle of the book. It doesn’t last long and maybe readers need that breather before the astonishing second half. Themes include genetic engineering, experiments, family, trust, betrayal, and much more.
Overall, this was an entertaining, appealing, and somewhat scary novel when one thinks about the possibilities of what can go wrong with genetic engineering. There are some pivotal stressful and emotional times. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine and Blake Crouch provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for July 12, 2022.
-------------------------------------------------- Review to be posted around June 28, 2022 (per publisher guidelines)....more
The Flower & The Blackbird by Liane Zane is the second book in the Elioud Legacy series and the second one that I have read by this author. The auThe Flower & The Blackbird by Liane Zane is the second book in the Elioud Legacy series and the second one that I have read by this author. The author brings action, attraction, and suspense to a new paranormal romantic suspense urban fantasy espionage thriller. The novel is largely set in France, Italy, and Albania with some side trips to Croatia and North Macedonia.
Until six months ago, Anastasia “Stasia” Fiore led a double life. She’s an intelligence officer in Italy’s foreign security service plus she was running off-the-books missions with friends Olivia and Beta to take down predators. During a mission, she learned that she has angel blood, making her an Elioud. When she’s asked to help the Art Squad track down a stolen Rembrandt painting, the assignment becomes complicated when she encounters Miro Kos, a Croatian Elioud she met six months ago.
Stasia and Miro are characters a reader can root for and have depth. Stasia is intelligent, excellent at hand-to-hand combat, and finds trusting others to be difficult. Miro is a great fighter, intelligent, and doesn’t think he can handle being betrayed again. He also has a dark past. There is a wide variety of characters that play roles in the ensuing action and provide the necessary support or conflict including several characters from book one of the series. Some are charismatic and others enigmatic which make Stasia’s decisions even harder.
The opening is strong and intriguing that pulls the reader in. The prose was compulsively readable, well-written, and engrossing. Despite being fast-paced with plenty of action interspersed with some time to get to know the main characters, it is also vividly descriptive without slowing down the pace. I didn’t want to put the book down. The ending is dramatic, with lots of tension and suspense. While there isn’t a large cliffhanger, there are threads that have set up the next novel in the series.
Overall, this was an enjoyable and entertaining read. Themes include art theft, con men, supernatural abilities, betrayal, jealousy, friendship, trust, designer drugs, secrets, romance, and much more inside a story line of good versus evil. I am looking forward to reading more books by this author. If the above sounds like something you would enjoy, then I recommend that you check it out.
Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of this novel and the opportunity to read and provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. The publication date was August 31, 2021....more
Jonathan Maberry’s foray into epic dark fantasy is a fantastic start to a new series. It features Kagen Vale, the captain of the palace guard and protJonathan Maberry’s foray into epic dark fantasy is a fantastic start to a new series. It features Kagen Vale, the captain of the palace guard and protector of the royal children of the Silver Empire. One night when he is off-duty, the entire imperial family is killed and the empire is in ruins throughout all of its nation states. Kagen feels abandoned, heartbroken, and haunted. He turns to alcohol and vows to kill as many of the enemy as he can until he can kill the Witch-king of Hakkia who will soon be crowned emperor. His rage fuels him as he wanders the lands and gathers allies.
Kagen is a strong character with plenty of good qualities, but also many flaws. However, he initially isn’t very likeable. His petulance, guilt, and rage consume him. Can he find a way to regain his balance and overcome magic and sorcery?
Kagen is not the only one that wants to kill the Witch-King. The nun Miri and a fifteen year old girl Ryssa manage to escape the capital city. What role, if any, will they play? Another nun, Mother Frey, and her cabal of friends have plans as well. But can any of them succeed or is all lost? Who is the Witch-King that came from nowhere and is so enigmatic with a veil covering his face? The characters are well drawn and unforgettable.
Maberry’s writing is always great, but his world-building in this novel was fantastic. There was a strong sense of time and place causing me to feel transported, as though living the events alongside the characters. There was a balance between cultural elements, historical events, and action that made the reading experience an immersive one.
The book ends with more of a cliffhanger than I would have liked. While the epilogue helped, there are still a lot of unresolved threads for future books in the series. Themes include different cultures and religions, battles, heroes, how history can be altered or slanted by those recording it, treatment of the defeated and dead, magic, sorcery, and much more.
Overall, this was suspenseful and action packed with compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. It’s an impressive start for the first novel in a new series. I’m looking forward to reading the next one. If you are looking for a dark epic fantasy with twists, action, and a few surprises, then this is one you may want to check out.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Jonathan Maberry provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 10, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
-------------------- My 4 star review of this epic dark fantasy will be posted 3-4 days after it appears in Mystery and Suspense Magazine....more
With The Starless Crown, James Rollins embarks on an epic fantasy that brings excitement, danger, and suspense to an adventurous journey that inclWith The Starless Crown, James Rollins embarks on an epic fantasy that brings excitement, danger, and suspense to an adventurous journey that includes some unusual allies and some common enemies. With this first book in the Moon Fall series, he introduces the four main characters and does a fantastic job of building a world that is unique.
Nyx is a gifted seventh year student at the Cloistery of Brayk. She is also nearly blind and having dreams and nightmares. Rhaif is a thief who was betrayed by his guild. He is now a prisoner assigned to work in a chalk mine. Prince Kanthe ry Massif is the second born twin of King Toranth. Graylin sy Moor, a former knight and friend of the king, has been exiled for 10 years. How do these diverse characters on the run meet? Will they learn to trust each other as they face both old and new enemies and uncover ancient secrets?
The main characters have depth and are brought to life in this novel. They have weaknesses that challenge them, but also strengths emerge when least expected. Each one experiences growth over the course of the story. One of the many things that stands out for me is that the secondary and tertiary characters are also very well-developed. The point of view changes between the four main characters. While their stories and actions start out separately, the author gradually brings them together. This takes a skillful writer to pull it off and keep readers interested. Rollins succeeds.
There’s a lot of time spent introducing the characters and their back stories as well as world-building, but that’s not unusual in the first book in a series of this magnitude. As readers get acquainted with the characters, both good and bad, it becomes clear that there is even more going on than the journey. Evil, greed, the desire for power, and treachery are abundant. Will those that want to save the world survive and finish their quest? The world-building is remarkable. From the creatures that inhabit the Crown to the magic systems and the land itself, Rollins introduces readers to a fantastic new world. As in his thrillers, he includes science, historical secrets, and suspense. Themes include bullying, murder, torture, jealousy, betrayal, suicide, actions people will take in search of knowledge and power, grief, hope, sacrifice, and much more.
Overall, this book was an action-filled fantasy quest that is gripping and thought-provoking. The high stakes and smooth writing made it a page turner. While it’s the eighteenth novel I have read by this author, it is the only fantasy novel I have read by him. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy epic fantasies with great world-building, an unusual magic system, and a diverse set of characters, then you may enjoy this novel as much as I did.
Macmillan-Tor/Forge – Tor Books and the author provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for January 4, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ...more
In Dark Tarot, Christine Feehan brings danger, suspense, romance, and action to her latest book in the Dark paranormal romantic suspense series. SIn Dark Tarot, Christine Feehan brings danger, suspense, romance, and action to her latest book in the Dark paranormal romantic suspense series. Sandu Berdardi, an ancient Carpathian who puts honor above everything else has spent his life hunting vampires. He hasn’t been able to find his lifemate who would keep him sane. But as hope has dwindled, a voice communicates with him telepathically. Adalasia Ravasio reads tarot cards and has been trained since childhood to fight demons. Their journey together has risks and rewards. How will they fare?
Sandu and Adalasia are attracted to each other. Both have strong personalities and both can fight well. Sandu’s natural reaction is to protect and shield Adalasia, while she is independent, thinks for herself, and is used to making her own decisions. Trust must be earned and compromise is needed for their success. I quickly connected with the main characters and this added to my reading enjoyment. The secondary characters provided balance, opportunities for humor, support, and conflict. I hope some of them have their own story in future books in the series. Several characters from former books show up as well, which lends continuity to the series.
The novel is set in contemporary times in a variety of locations including California, Montana, Washington, France, Brazil, Peru, and Italy. Therefore, it’s a journey rather than a set location and takes place over a longer period of time than many in this series. The author does a great job of world-building in each location, transporting readers seamlessly.
The plot was somewhat straightforward with high stakes and lots of risk. The significant amount of danger and action kept me fully engaged and made this a true page turner for me. This is a riveting story with protagonists that I liked and cheered on as their journey progressed and became ever more dangerous and unusual. It contained the elements that I love in this genre of books. The book delivers on escapism through attraction, friendship, family, romance, action, and love while also tackling serious issues including secrets, trust, stressful situations, honor, having the courage to do what’s right, duty, loyalty, battling evil, and selfless sacrifice for others.
Overall, it was suspenseful, full of danger, and action-packed. The subplots tied together well, the main characters were strong and the ending was bittersweet. If you enjoy thrilling paranormal romantic suspense novels, then I recommend you check out this series.
Berkley Publishing Group and Christine Feehan provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 9, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ...more
Hearts of Chaos by Kira Brady is a paranormal romantic suspense novel that is the third book in the Deadglass series. Lady Lucia is betrothed to EHearts of Chaos by Kira Brady is a paranormal romantic suspense novel that is the third book in the Deadglass series. Lady Lucia is betrothed to Emory Corbette, the shifter clan leader. But evil wants to rule their world. Will humans and shifters unite to fight the evil that wants to rule both their world and the underworld.
Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with the main characters. The pacing seemed slow and I kept setting the book aside. The danger, intrigue, and romance didn’t live up to my expectations. There are the usual setbacks, misunderstandings, and lack of communication.
Overall, this book didn’t pull me into the story line and keep me engaged. However, there are many readers who have thoroughly enjoyed it. If you think you might want to read it, check out some of those reviews.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
A Terrible Fall of Angels by Laurell K. Hamilton is the first book in the Zaniel Havelock urban fantasy / supernatural suspense / paranormal policA Terrible Fall of Angels by Laurell K. Hamilton is the first book in the Zaniel Havelock urban fantasy / supernatural suspense / paranormal police procedural series. She builds a new world for readers to marvel and explore. Detective Zaniel ‘Havoc’ Havelock has the ability to communicate directly with angels. He is now part of the Metaphysical Coordination Unit. From the age of seven, he was trained as an Angel speaker, but an event when he was around twenty caused him to leave the College of Angels. After spending time in to the military, he is now a police detective. Havoc is called to the scene of a murder. There’s no doubt that there’s evil, but is it the evil between human beings or is it the work of a demon, or is it something else?
We get insight into Havoc’s character during the course of the investigation. He is strong of faith, courageous, and kind, but past events affect how he views himself. There’s inner discourse that helps the reader understand what he’s thinking and feeling. Many other characters in this novel are woven into the story line in a way that makes it easy to keep track of them. They either provide support or conflict and I expect several of them to gain depth as the series continues.
This is the first series by Ms. Hamilton that features a male main character. Additionally, he is married, but has been separated for six months as they attend couples therapy. They have a three-year-old son. Will Zaniel and his wife reconcile and will romance be added to the genres that this series encompasses?
Between and during action scenes and investigations, this novel spends a significant amount of time world-building. Now that we have that understanding, I hope those descriptions aren’t covered in quite as much depth in future books in the series. It is very much a good versus evil world, but there are other important themes including marital issues, friendships, how events affect relationships, different religious and belief systems and how they can work together, and much more. One thing it didn’t have was the steamy scenes that are common in the Anita Blake and Merry Gentry series.
Overall, this book was an entertaining and thought-provoking paranormal police investigation with strong religious and belief overtones. It is definitely a departure from the previous series written by this author in many ways. However, she continues to bring great characters, entertaining and unique story lines, action, and suspense together in her novels. The book has a great first sentence and quickly pulled me into this new world. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This is my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. Publication date was August 17, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ...more
Paige Crutcher brings suspense, heartbreak, magic, and hope to her debut novel The Orphan Witch. Persephone May has been lonely all of her life. SPaige Crutcher brings suspense, heartbreak, magic, and hope to her debut novel The Orphan Witch. Persephone May has been lonely all of her life. She was abandoned at six weeks and grew up in group and foster homes. Baffling things happen around her so she doesn’t stay long anywhere. At thirty-two, she is still frequently moving from place to place. When she displays power accidentally, Persephone knows it’s time to travel again. On her way to somewhere, she gets an email from a person she met a year ago inviting her to Wile Isle, North Carolina. That’s where she heads. But things aren’t as they seem. Who can be trusted? Has she found a place to belong or is this just another nightmare visit?
Persephone is definitely someone you want to find happiness, friends, and a sense of belonging. But much stands in her way, including a 100-year-old curse, a family feud, and much more. She has a lot of character depth and shows significant growth over the course of the novel. The secondary characters have varying goals that keep the story fresh and provide some surprises. It was easy to connect with multiple characters.
The author did a great job of transporting me to this community with believable, but complicated world-building. The setting is largely contemporary, with one chapter set 100 years earlier and a few visits to other worlds, times, or dimensions. I did want the contemporary town to be better described. Other than that, the imagery was extraordinary. Persephone’s odd powers are unique and lend another dimension to the well-written story. Time walking and the Library for the Lost provided unique avenues for the story to unfold.
Despite being somewhat slow in a couple of places, it kept my interest. After about halfway, the action picks up and the suspense and danger builds. Close attention to the detail is important to understanding everything that is occurring. Themes include loneliness, family, family history, sisterhood, feuds, curses, power, greed, subterfuge, love, heartbreak, death, sacrifice, epic clashes, strength of character, and finding one’s place in the world.
Overall, I enjoyed this original and atmospheric novel. It was an entertaining book that was emotionally intense and pulled at this reader’s heartstrings and had a few twists along the way. If you are a fan of suspenseful stories about witches with a fight between good and evil, then you may want to check out this novel. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Paige Crutcher provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 28, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ...more
The Sight by Chloe Neill can be classified as an urban fantasy or a supernatural suspense novel that has a little romance in it. The author bringsThe Sight by Chloe Neill can be classified as an urban fantasy or a supernatural suspense novel that has a little romance in it. The author brings more than just your standard story of New Orleans, Louisiana after the Veil that divides paranormals and humans fell.
Claire Connolly was infected with magic when the Veil fell and is now a Sensitive. If her secret is discovered she’ll be locked up with other paranormals and humans with magic. She is a Sensitive and could become a wraith without control so she works to prevent that. Bounty hunter Liam Quinn discovered her secret, but didn’t turn her in. Now a cult has formed with the goal of eliminating all paranormals, humans with magic, and even humans that get in their way.
Both Claire and Liam are reasonably well developed and have their strengths and weaknesses that make them relatable. The secondary characters have varying degrees of depth. It will be interesting to see which ones show up in the next novel.
The plot is truly a good versus evil struggle with lots of action as well as some political intrigue and much more. The world building is fantastic and gave me a great sense of time and place. I felt transported there, living the events with Claire. The ending is a partial cliffhanger. However, this novel is much more. It also has themes of family, friendships, leadership, relationships, politics, bigotry, love, freedom, hope, kindness, and acceptance or non-acceptance of those that are different than oneself.
Overall, this book was engrossing, entertaining, and full of suspense. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you enjoy urban fantasies and supernatural suspense, then this may be the next series for you. I recommend reading the novels in order.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
Sorrow’s Twin by Rory Surtain is a coming of age paranormal fantasy and supernatural suspense novel with a medieval-like setting. Our protagonist,Sorrow’s Twin by Rory Surtain is a coming of age paranormal fantasy and supernatural suspense novel with a medieval-like setting. Our protagonist, Ara Storm, is eighteen or nineteen and the youngest of the Vigils for the Realm of Colivar. He and his detachment are based in Maidenhall, Colivar’s capital city. The kingdom is plagued by demonic attacks and Ara is learning how to eliminate them.
When Ara’s Storm Company joins that a Vigil Thorn in the jungles on the eastern border, the situation is worse than expected. Vigil Storm must confront a clan of heretics and their demonic overlords. What ensues is not for the faint of heart.
While Ara works to fight the dark forces, he also finds that darkness is not entirely external. For one so young, he has faced much danger, but his internal struggles seem to be as important to handle. His back story and inner struggles for acceptance and happiness serve him well as his external struggles increase in this novel. He is likeable and compelling and grows because of the internal and external challenges he faces. Some of the secondary characters had major roles in this third novel in the series, especially Enricata (Cat) Ramsey, Cynan Black, and Lynda Snow. Their characters definitely grew in depth over the course of the tale.
The plot is truly a good versus evil struggle with lots of action as well as some political intrigue and much more. The world building is fantastic and gave me a great sense of time and place. I felt transported there, living the events alongside Company Storm. My biggest quibbles with this novel is that Ara is on his own for much of this story and didn’t communicate his plans to his team. Additionally, the pace slowed down in a few places.
I was happy to see that the short sections in the Bar Sinister in the Infernal World that were so prevalent in book one were significantly reduced in this one as well as book two. While this novel is dark, it does have hope amidst the action and drama. While filled with demons and assassins, it also has themes of family, friendships, leadership, relationships, love, will, and hope.
Overall, this book was engrossing, entertaining, and a good addition to the story line. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you enjoy dark fantasies and supernatural suspense, then this may be the next series for you. I recommend reading the novels in order. There is background information that is necessary for the full enjoyment of each succeeding novel.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
The Physicians of Vilnoc by Lois McMaster Bujold is the eighth book in the Penric and Desdemona series. Bujold brings great characters and world-bThe Physicians of Vilnoc by Lois McMaster Bujold is the eighth book in the Penric and Desdemona series. Bujold brings great characters and world-building to this suspenseful fantasy. Penric (Pen) is a temple sorcerer and shares his body with a 200-year-old chaos demon he has named Desdemona (Des). In return, Des gifts him with powers as a Temple Sorcerer and the knowledge she has gained over her lifetime. A mysterious illness breaks out at the army fort guarding Vilnoc and General Arisaydia (Pen’s brother-in-law) asks him to use his medical skills to aid the sick. Is it a contagion or contamination? Can magic even help?
Pen and Des are a somewhat odd duo, but the interactions between them sets a great tone. Pen’s family dynamics are also evolving and it will be exciting to see how that grows in future books in the series. The characters are complex and definitely people you can root for and their goals and motivations are well-drawn.
The plot is suspenseful and generally fast-paced. The prose is well-written and entertaining. Bujold does a great job of world-building and this book is no exception to that. Some readers may have a problem reading about a potential plague with everything that has happened and still is happening with Covid-19. However, I was immediately drawn into the situation and was trying to help Pen solve the cause of the illness. Can it even be cured? What is its source? Will Pen succumb to the illness?
While this short novel (or long novella) doesn’t have as much in the way of action as most of the author’s books have, it is suspenseful and gives Pen a different type of challenge. It also shows how stressful the situation can be for medical personnel as well as those that are sick and their families. Additional themes include religious dynamics, family, collegial respect, superstitious fears, magic, fatigue, stress, and suspicion of those that are different from oneself.
Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable novel that reminded me once again why I enjoy reading books by Bujold, one of my favorite authors. I look forward to reading more of this series and recommend it to those that enjoy well-written fantasy. While the book worked for me as a standalone, it would likely be even better if the series is read in order. I recommend that readers start with book one of the series to get the most entertainment out of the novels.
Many thanks to Subterranean Press and Lois McMaster Bujold for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently expected to be July 31, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ...more
In City of Time and Magic, Paula Brackston brings a well-written and entertaining mix of historical fiction, fantasy, time travel, romance, and suIn City of Time and Magic, Paula Brackston brings a well-written and entertaining mix of historical fiction, fantasy, time travel, romance, and suspense. It is the fourth book in the Found Things series and readers will benefit from reading the series in order as there are references to events in previous books. The novel is set in and around Marlborough, a market town in the English county of Wiltshire in contemporary times and 1878 London.
Our protagonist, Xanthe, and her mother Flora live in Marlborough above their antique store, The Little Shop of Found Things. Xanthe has found that she can time travel to address injustices, an ability known to a few as Spinning. Objects sing and whisper to her to let her know when and where she is needed. At the end of book three, the main mission was accomplished, but there was a major cliffhanger. This book starts two weeks later with Xanthe feeling betrayed and worried about a friend. When three objects sing to her, she isn’t sure which one will take her on the mission she desires.
Xanthe has gained some confidence in herself and her ability to understand what the found objects need her to do. However, she is still learning what it means to be a Spinner able to travel to other times and places. She shows tremendous growth during the course of this fourth novel. The secondary characters provide the emotional support that Xanthe needs at this stage of her understanding of Spinning. They also bring realism to life through their quirkiness, hobbies and personalities. The antagonists’ motivations are as believable for 1878 as they are today.
Paula Brackston does a great job in giving the reader a sense of both time and place, and her descriptions help the reader to travel with Xanthe. The story has history, mystery, suspense, danger, deceit, uncertainty, secrets, villains, hope, friendship, sorrow, grief, love, duty to family, and much more. The author brings history to life with an entertaining story that is suspenseful, dramatic, and emotional. Be prepared for the imagery to engage your visual, tactile, auditory and olfactory senses.
Overall, it was compulsively readable, full of some surprising twists, and provides a believable historical atmosphere full of danger. This engaging combination fully delivered on the promise of its premise and opening scenes. The subplots tied together well, the main characters were strong, and the ending was explosive. Readers that enjoy time travel mixed with suspense and history will likely enjoy this novel.
St. Martin’s Press and Paula Brackston provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for November 16, 2021. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ...more
The Scarred Man by Rory Surtain is a coming of age paranormal fantasy and supernatural suspense novel with a medieval-like setting. Our protagonisThe Scarred Man by Rory Surtain is a coming of age paranormal fantasy and supernatural suspense novel with a medieval-like setting. Our protagonist, Ara Storm, is eighteen and the youngest of the Vigils for the Realm of Colivar. He and his detachment head to Maidenhall, Colivar’s capital city. The kingdom is plagued by demonic attacks and Ara is learning how to eliminate them.
While Ara soon learns of dark forces in Maidenhall and works to fight them, he also finds that darkness is not entirely external. For one so young, he has faced much danger, but his internal struggles seem to be as important to handle. His back story and inner struggles for acceptance and happiness serve him well as his external struggles increase in this novel. He is likeable and compelling and grows because of the internal and external challenges he faces. The secondary characters had varying degrees of depth, but were sufficient for the story line.
The plot is truly a good versus evil struggle with lots of action as well as some political intrigue and much more. The world building is fantastic and gave me a great sense of time and place. I felt transported there, living the events alongside Ara.
I was happy to see that the short sections in the Bar Sinister in the Infernal World that were so prevalent in book one were significantly reduced in this one. While this novel is dark, it does have hope amidst the action and drama. While filled with demons and assassins, it also has themes of family, friendships, leadership, relationships, love, will, and hope.
Overall, this book was engrossing, entertaining, and a great addition to the series. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you enjoy dark fantasies and supernatural suspense, then this may be the next series for you. I recommend reading the novels in order. There is background information in book one that is necessary for the full enjoyment of book two.
Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
Serpentine by Laurell K. Hamilton is a supernatural romantic suspense story with some domestic drama added for spice. It is the twenty-sixth book Serpentine by Laurell K. Hamilton is a supernatural romantic suspense story with some domestic drama added for spice. It is the twenty-sixth book in Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. This time, the main setting is in the Florida Keys where Anita’s friend and colleague U.S. Marshal Ted Forrester is set to marry his long-time love, Donna. This is supposed to be a vacation for Anita, Micah, and Nathaniel. However things don’t go to plan. Between a new form of lycanthropy, resentment among the wedding party members and missing women, this is anything but a relaxing vacation.
This book focuses on relationships for a large part of the book. Whether it is Anita’s relationships with the many men and women in her life, the relationships among the bridal party members, or friends growing apart over time; there is a lot of domestic drama. The last 25 percent of the book has the more traditional action that many expect from this series. I felt this was a welcome change. It shows how Anita and those in her life are struggling to make enough time in their lives to balance work and personal relationships. This actually made her feel more relatable.
There are some very steamy scenes full of joy, playfulness, and shared humor. But there are also violent, horrible scenes, interspecies disputes, grief, hurt feelings, desperation, revenge, love, magic, abductions, and much more. Overall, this book was a study of complicated relationships until the last 35 – forty percent or so when it became a lot more suspenseful, action-oriented, and fast-paced.
I have read all of the books in this series up to this point and can’t wait to start the next one. They are best read in order as there is a lot of background and character development that builds over time. She brings great characters, entertaining story lines, action and romance together in her novels.
I own a digital copy of this novel. This is my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are not biased in any way. ...more
The Lightning Knight by Sean P. Valiente is a fantasy novel that transported this reader to another time and world. To me, this was a coming-of-agThe Lightning Knight by Sean P. Valiente is a fantasy novel that transported this reader to another time and world. To me, this was a coming-of-age epic fantasy. The author hooked me with the first sentence and the pace didn’t let up until I finished the book. It includes many typical fantasy elements with knights, quests, dragons, elves, tournaments.
Our protagonist, Oliver Quartermaine, is sixteen years old and after the summer tournaments he and his friends Yokel and Roc will be attending their final year of instruction and education at the Institute. After these five years, attendees are expected to do something with the knowledge they attained and the connections they’ve made. However, Oliver has yet to decide what to do with his life. While Oliver shows some growth over the course of the book, he definitely has flaws and some growing up that is needed. As a reader, we see different aspects of his personality during downtime and stressful times and everything in between.
The plot is well done with lots of unknowns and some twists. One of the fascinating things about this book was the interactions of the characters as the stakes got higher. Will you be surprised by some of the events? The ending was somewhat less than satisfactory, leaving many threads for the next book in the series. There are some violent battle scenes and themes include depression, racism, honor, friendship, greed, family, grief, guilt, power, sadness, anger, hope, romance, sharing, death, secrets, and much more.
Overall, this book is engaging, entertaining, and suspenseful. This is the first novel in The Knights of Nine series and the first book that I have read by this author. I definitely want to read the next book in the series. If you like suspenseful epic fantasies, then you may enjoy this one as much as I did.
I received a digital copy of this book from the author in a Goodreads Giveaway. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
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