Tag Archives: fantasy

Book Review: The Sapphire Legend, Part II by E. L. Tenenbaum

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The Sapphire Legend, Part II by E. L. Tenenbaum

A Fantasy Novel published by Melange Books – Fire and Ice Ya (01/09/16)

Summary:

“If you don’t go now, then you never had a right to sit with them to begin with,” (Kindle Location 1451).

Sapere’s tribe has finally settled into their new semi-stable home in the Wild when Sapere and Venatore find the Great Blue Waters and evidence of their sister tribe. They must warn the other tribe of the danger of the Pliz and maybe, just maybe, they will be offered refuge and a safe place to regrow their tribe. But after all the upheaval and strife they’ve been through, will the tribe follow Sapere once more?

Keywords:

Tradition, Tribes, Death, Fighting, Survival, Wild, Forest, Camp, Powers, Friendships, Family, Hunting, Loss, Training, New Beginnings

My Review:

Such a great read! This is a book that both boys and girls should read and would love to read! Sapere is a role model and the author shows how Sapere thinks in all sorts of trying situations. How does one become a leader? What is it like to have heavy responsibilities? Just read this series!

Sapere was strong and even when she doubted herself, she was able to step up and take her rightful place. The scene where Sapere wasn’t sure she should sit with the men of the new tribe, even though she’s earned it was such an amazing moment. Yes for women everywhere!

This world in the Sapphire Legend may not be perfect, but seeing what characters do when presented with tragedy and the chance to be better people is what kept me reading. This is a book and this is a series that will teach you something and leave you as a better person for having read it. A fantasy for everyone.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This novel was published by Melange Books – Fire and Ice Ya on January 9th, 2016 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information:

E.L Tenenbaum’s Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Book Review: The Sapphire Legend, Part I by E. L. Tenenbaum

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The Sapphire Legend, Part I by E. L. Tenenbaum

A Fantasy Novel published by Melange Books – Fire and Ice Ya (08/27/15)

Summary:

“Kindness can make us weak, but it can also give us the strength to face another day.” (Kindle Location 3145).

In Sapere’s tribe, some families are gifted with supernatural abilities that pass from father to son. Sapere, a girl about to be married, has never told anybody that she inherited her father’s gift. On the day of her wedding, the tribe is attacked and she must use her abilities to help the survivors find refuge in the wild forest that borders her village. The Wild harbors its own dangers, but will the village’s traditions follow them into the wilderness or will they be able to forge a new life?

Keywords:

Tradition, Council, Tragedy, Death, Fighting, Fleeing, Wild, Survival, Forest, Predators, Camp, Injuries, Powers, Friendships, Family, Destruction, Gender Differences, Hunting, Loss

My Review:

This book is my favorite type of fantasy novel. I was in the mind and heart of the main character- living and breathing every catastrophe and every triumph with her. The story was strong and told well. The tale was fascinating and full of action and adventure. The world was new and intriguing, but still familiar. I couldn’t put down this story of destruction, hope, and new traditions.

Sapere was a relatable character, even though she has a power unlike others. She has a gift that, as a female, she’s not supposed to have. How Sapere uses her gift and how it sets her apart from the rest of her people, even those with other gifts, makes for a fascinating read. Sapere is not your average ‘chosen one.’ She is her own person.

This book even had romance and friendship. The story was realistic and kept me at the edge of my seat.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This novel was published by Melange Books – Fire and Ice Ya on August 27th, 2015 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information:

E.L Tenenbaum’s Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Book Review: The Fair & Foul (Project Gene Assist Book 1) by Allie Potts

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The Fair & Foul (Project Gene Assist Book 1) by Allie Potts

A Science Fiction/Fantasy Novel published by Axil Hammer Publishing (11/4/15)

Summary:

Juliane is a PHD scientist who wants to change the world with her algorithms. Everything she loves in life centers around her work and being recognized for what she’s done. When her career is everything to her, will she be able to set aside her pride to continue working on collaborative projects where she won’t get the credit she’s due?

Keywords:

Cyberpunk, Genetic Engineering, Female Main Character, Science and Technology, Technological Advances, Body Modification, Evolution, Progress, Vision, Future, Workaholic, Lack of Empathy, Romance, Love, Lust

My Review:

This novel reminded me of the dangers of advancing too fast as a species with technology, like the story in the Mind Space Series by David Moore. The Fair and the Foul reminded me a lot of the Mind Space Series due to its time jumps in the story to show the breadth of the technological advances.

The ending was a bit abrupt, but I was so glad all the hints were fully explained. I wouldn’t have understood what was really going on without the big ending reveal.

The way the technology was referenced was a bit over my head, but I really enjoyed its grounding in real technology and the fact that the scientists seemed to really know what they were talking about.

What gripped me most about this book was the depth of the relationships between the characters and the complexity of these relationships. Juliane’s constant struggles as a top female scientist in a male-driven environment were fascinating and unfortunately very true.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

This novel was published by Axil Hammer Publishing on November 4th, 2015 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.50

Links for more information:

Allie Potts’ Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Book Review: Falling From Grace (The Gift of Grace Book 3) by Esther Jones and Frog Jones

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Falling From Grace (The Gift of Grace Book 3) by Esther Jones and Frog Jones

A Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Novel published by Sky Warrior Book Publishing, LLC. (02/12/16)

Summary:

“We’d been re-branded from “summoners” to “reality terrorists” overnight in order to give the politicians a bigger gavel.” (Page 8).

Robert and Grace freed Andrea from her centuries’ long slavery to Cythumau in Book 2, Coup de Grace, but is she really free? Though it has only been several decades in this weave, she has been away so long and in captivity so long that being human is now something foreign. But when someone takes a bullet for her, she will have to step up to protect him, right? Meanwhile, Robert is trying to live a normal college life, but summoning keeps getting in the way of his plans. At least, that’s what he tells himself. Robert is still the cause of his own undoing, but with Grace gone, he will have to lead the Spokane Grove out of trouble all by himself. Unless, that is, Andrea is willing to help.

Keywords:

Summoning, Magic, Danger, Big Beasts, Escape, Fighting, Police, Damage, Power, Runes, Blood, Hunting, Organization, Politics, Hiding

My Review:

The main focus of this book was on Andrea. The way she processed and thought about everything going on around her was fascinating. Her thoughts were thorough and interesting and quite logical. She is a character with quite the background story to overcome, but she doesn’t always make the sympathetic choice, sometimes her past overwhelms her. Andrea’s perspective was super cool and though I miss Grace, I fell in love with Andrea quickly.

Robert continues to get himself and others into trouble and then has to get them out of trouble. This time, however, the trouble has built up beyond what he’s capable of handling. Or has it? Calling on all resources, Robert will stop at nothing to keep those he loves safe.

Rick the Cornuprocyon continues to amuse in this book and has a decent role to play. The mind link between him and Robert is explored a bit more and is fascinating as an aspect of world building. Summoners and their abilities are also so very, very interesting as world building goes. The rules! The possibilities! Such a cool concept to watch unfold in a world where not everyone is a Summoner and not everyone wants to be.

This novel was published by Sky Warrior Book Publishing, LLC. on February 12th, 2016 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.50

Links for more information:

Frog and Esther Jones’ Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Book Review: Snow Flower: Arara’s Tale (Flower’s Fang) by Madison Keller

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Snow Flower: Arara’s Tale (Flower’s Fang) by Madison Keller

A YA Fantasy Novella published by Hundeliebe Publishing (12/21/14)

Summary:

“…she wasn’t content with always being the under-dog just because she’d been born small.” (Kindle Locations 897-898).

Arara doesn’t want to go to school where she’s bullied and belittled by the confident and large alpha pup, Kerka and his followers. Arara has a special ability to hear others’ thoughts, but that won’t help her win any fights. Until she finds out she has another special power, she does everything she can to avoid going to school, but she could use a lesson or two in paying attention and following directions.

Keywords:

Dog-like people, power struggle, underdog, magic, secrets, standing up, fighting back, runt, misfit, skill, mind-power

My Review:

It’s so interesting to see a society where fighting is not only allowed, but encouraged. Since this is a society that is based on dogs/wolves, this makes sense, since alphas must establish themselves and everyone knows their place in the pack. Not so with underdog Arara. Though she is destined to be an omega, she wants to be an alpha-guard. The only hope she has to win such a high placement in the pack is through her newly discovered ability to use her mind.

Arara is hard to like at the beginning of the story. She’s impulsive, scared, reckless and can’t get her act together. She doesn’t listen or follow directions, even from her father whom she loves. She whines and ultimately acts like a very young pup. Cue the lesson, which she ignores because of her own stubbornness. She won’t take bullying sitting down, but she knows she can’t beat the bigger, stronger, and arrogant Kerka. But will getting back at him make her feel better? Will it solve all her problems? Arara has to learn the hard way that anyone can be a bully and that it’s not best to get revenge. I loved how Arara was able to finally take the lesson of the story to heart by the end of this novella.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and this is an honest review.

This novel was published by Hundeliebe Publishing on December 21st, 2014 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 3.50

Links for more information:

Madison Keller’s Website

Goodreads

Madison Keller on Facebook

Book Review: Stone Alliance by Emily Bates

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Stone Alliance by Emily Bates

A YA Fantasy Novel published by Amazon Digital Services LLC (02/19/16)

Summary:

Rustav returns home with an idea of how to save his land from corruption and war. If he can unite the peoples of the land and the legends, they might have a chance to overthrow the corrupt King and the infiltration of the island demons.

Keywords:

Forest, Demons, Escape, Struggle, Legend, Country, Leader, Corrupt King, Heir, Adventure, Identity, Past, Future, Friendship, Loyalty, Love, Brave, Resistance

My Review:

I loved how this book two picked up right after where book one left off for a fluid continuation of the story.

Everything is ramped up in this book! There is more fighting, more strategy, more devious plots, more action, more fantasy, more creatures, more distress, etc.

This book featured POV changes between Dantzel, Rustav and Caleb, which I loved. Dantzel continues to grow into her role as strategist and fighter. Rustav grows much more in this book to develop into a leader, but he continues to make choices that lead to severe consequences and tension. Ayre is back and reveals what his true motives are. Caleb really has grown in this book as well, as he is now an able-bodied fighter who wants to be involved in the action.

The romance between Dantzel and Rustav continues but doesn’t overtake or sideswipe the main plot of this book.

There is much to learn and love from this series and I can’t wait to read more from Emily Bates!

This novel was published by Amazon Digital Services LLC on February 19th, 2016 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.50

Links for more information:

Emily Bates’ Website and Blog

Goodreads

Twitter

Book Review: Illusive Echoes (The Greatest Sin Book 4) by Lee French & Erik Kort

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Illusive Echoes (The Greatest Sin Book 4) by Lee French & Erik Kort

A Fantasy Novel published by Tangled Sky Press (06/28/16)

Summary:

“I do not require coddling.” He sighed and turned away from her. “You’re so difficult.” (Kindle Locations 2568-2569).

Chavali is tasked with finding the killer of her friend and recovering the cat statue he was supposed to deliver. Was Harris just a friend to Chavali? She will have to work out her feelings amidst the new mission that proves more complex than it at first seems.

Keywords:

Fantasy, Clan, Family, Loyalty, Prophesy, Seer, Close-Knit, Sacrifice, Strength, Evil, Friendship, Mystery, Thriller, Healing, Leadership, Illusions, Betrayal, Intrigue, Gangs, Connections

My Review:

Again and again in the Greatest Sin Series Lee French shows the reader an intriguing and wonderful character in Chavali. Chavali is wise, logical, skilled, stubborn, attuned to the nuances in human behavior, and just a little bit antisocial. She is a fascinating character.

The mystery in this fourth book, as in the previous three Greatest Sin books, was complex and multi-layered. I was not able to figure out all the twists and turns, but they kept me engaged in the story and the mystery.

Two characters were missing from most of this book. Harris showed up briefly only to be murdered and I really can’t wait to see more of him and his relationship with Chavali. Karias also had a minor role in this book and I really love his character and can’t wait to get more from him in future books as well. I’m waiting patiently for Colbi, Karias, and Chavali to have an in depth heart to heart.

Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this story in exchange for my honest review.

This novel was published by Tangled Sky Press on June 28th, 2016 and is available on Amazon here.

 

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.50

 

Links for more information:

Lee French on Facebook

Lee French on Twitter

Book Review: Coup de Grace (The Gift of Grace Book 2) by Esther Jones and Frog Jones

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Coup de Grace (The Gift of Grace Book 2) by  Esther Jones and Frog Jones

A Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Novel published by Sky Warrior Book Publishing, LLC. (02/19/14)

Summary:

Grace Moore is the interim director of the Spokane Grove of summoners and must convince the other Groves that she deserves to keep her position. Some are very eager to replace her. Grace does what she has to do to protect her apprentice Robert and the good people of Spokane. When her contact in the local police clues her in that someone has reopened the mall investigation from book one, she must act. Robert is also living under the radar, but he hasn’t forgotten the girl he left behind in Cythymau’s world in book one. After graduating from high school, he will go on to college, right? Or is Robert powerful enough and trained enough as a Summoner to go after the poor trapped girl?

Keywords:

Summoning, Magic, Danger, Fighting, Police, Damage, Power, Runes, Blood, Organization, Politics, Teacher, Learning, Graduation, Teenager, Hiding

My Review:

It took quite a few chapters to get pulled back into the Summoner’s and Grace and Robert’s stories. Much of the beginning of this book was taken up with Grace’s trip to Vegas and her attempt to be political, gain support and more members for the Spokane Grove. Meanwhile, back in Spokane, Robert is going to school and biding his time until graduation. Not much is going on. The slow start, however, was made up for by the epic second half of the book. The buildup and perfectly paced climax kept me at the edge of my seat. I absolutely loved the ending.

The tie-ins for this book were very clever. Anytime Cythymau showed up, he was a true villain. He was the right amount of clever and evil without being overwhelming.

Robert’s relationship with Grace was stretched to the utmost in this book. Robert had to grow as a Summoner and a person to make the right choices, but he doesn’t always make the right decisions. He is human after all. I wish I could have read about the incident in December. I’m sure it would be interesting and show a lot about Robert’s growth as a Summoner and a person.

The humor was more on par in this second book, but I missed much of the foodie aspect in this book that was present in book one.

This novel was published by Sky Warrior Book Publishing, LLC. on February 19th, 2014 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.50

Links for more information:

Frog and Esther Jones’ Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Book Review: Grace Under Fire (The Gift of Grace Book 1) by Esther Jones and Frog Jones

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Grace Under Fire (The Gift of Grace Book 1) by  Esther Jones and Frog Jones

A Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Novel published by Sky Warrior Book Publishing, LLC. (10/11/12)

Summary:

Summoning isn’t legal, but it’s done all the time under the nose of the public and the police. Summoners work to maintain balance in the world and make sure nothing nasty gets through the Weave that separates worlds. Grace Moore is an average Summoner sent to investigate the mass murder of a group of summoners in Spokane. Why Grace? Because she’s good enough and everyone else is busy. And did I mention it was dangerous? While in Spokane, Grace encounters the source of the murders, a rather large nasty beast that almost kills her and wants to eat Summoners and soak up their power. At the last minute, the beast is distracted by an unusual power burst and takes off, straight toward a crowded mall. Meanwhile, Robert Lorents is enacting petty revenge using Summoning and Grace has to save his butt. As a Summoner with loads of potential, perhaps Robert is the key to saving Spokane from the big nasty.

Keywords:

Summoning, Magic, Danger, Big Beasts, Escape, Fighting, Police, Damage, Power, Saxophone, Teen Crush, Foodie, Runes, Blood, Hunting, Organization

My Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed the juxtaposition of a high school boy and a mid-thirties hippy chick. Both main characters, Robert and Grace, were well defined and full of their own personalities. It was super neat to see how each character viewed themselves and each other through the POV changes between chapters.

The world and rules for Summoning (magic) were very well defined. There were plenty of explanations for how the Groves functioned and what the Weave was and the ins and outs of Summoning. Summoning was unique enough for magic to be intriguing every time it was defined and every time I saw it in action.

The climax was phenomenal and perfectly timed.

My only critique is that many of Grace’s one-liners fell short and I did not find her as humorous as she was supposed to be written.

This novel was published by Sky Warrior Book Publishing, LLC. on October 11th, 2012 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.75

Links for more information:

Frog and Esther Jones’ Website

Goodreads

Twitter

Book Review: Sara Supernatural-Half a World Away by Tiffany Belcher

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Sara Supernatural-Half a World Away by Tiffany Belcher

A Middle Grade/YA Fantasy Novel published by Tate Publishing (01/19/16)

 

Summary:

Sara is back! She has lots of plans for a summer full of fun with Chris, her magical partner from book one, but alas his family is moving him across the world. An intriguing set of twins Sara’s age moves into Chris’s house and they want to be friends with Sara, but there’s something altogether not right about these two girls. Chris told Sara not to use her magic while he’s away, but she can’t just sit on her butt and do nothing when the twins and Jessica gossip behind her back about her. She must get to the bottom of what is really going on.

 

Keywords:

Magic, wishing, powers, female main character, lessons learned, school, immaturity, selfishness, greed, fitting in, twins, mysterious neighbors, evil plot, friendship, invisibility

 

My Review:

The best part of this story was the mystery with the twins that was continued throughout the book. I wanted to understand what was going on and I was super ready for the big reveal at the end! The twins were dynamic and kept changing their tactics. They were odd, yet almost fit in most of the time. They were socially awkward until they did something exactly like a teenager would, like gossiping and spreading rumors about Sara’s friends.

I loved how Sara was uncertain about the twins. She didn’t just believe their intentions and words, but she didn’t completely disregard them as friends. She kept them at arms’ length the entire time, taking what they said with a grain of salt, just like the clever teen she showed us she was in book one. But Sara isn’t perfect and her fault lies in trying to solve all her problems herself, getting deeper and deeper into trouble.

Sara’s two friends were also well written. The story had less of Chris than book one, but I didn’t mind because I was caught up in the mysterious twins and Sara’s rapidly growing problems.

I was surprised at the amount of dropped and missing words in this book. More than a handful of articles were missing from sentences, but the writing was still very readable, despite these typos.

This novel was published by Tate Publishing on January 19th, 2016 and is available on Amazon here.

 

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.25

 

Links for more information:

Tiffany Belcher’s Website