February Reviews
How to Love Your Elf by Kerrelyn Sparks
Paranormal Romance – Feb. 25th, 2020
4 ½ stars
How to Love Your Elf is the fourth novel in a continuing Embraced series. (Although technically the name has been changed. It is the first in the new Embraced by Magic series since it is now being printed by another publisher.) However, this novel can easily and pleasurably be read as a standalone. Fresh and inviting, Kerrelyn Sparks enchants readers as this series follows young orphans who each are ‘embraced’ with unique, magic powers.
In this book, Sorcha has the destructive power to control fire. But she is frightened of her lack of control so chooses not to use it. She is also afraid to love deeply and be hurt. She has vowed only to care for her fellow orphaned sisters. But fate has different plans when she discovers her destined mate is a white haired, lavendered eye man. Soon Sorcha begins a grand adventure when she is kidnapped! There she meets a mysterious Woodsman. A man who is also embraced and can manipulate wood. Sorcha can't but be drawn to his elven beauty. But it is his kind and heroic heart that makes her heart race. However, Sorcha is emotionally torn. For the Woodsman does not physically match her destined mate. But soon Sorcha has deeper matters, as they both work to save elves and humans from war. Will Sorcha throw caution to the wind? Embrace her powers and let herself fall in love?
Sorcha’s character is very likable. She has a deep, caring heart but is afraid to open herself up to love. When she is kidnapped, she finds herself being challenged in how she feels and how she thinks. I loved reading her transformation as she became more confident and open. When she meets the elves her viewpoint of their supposed 'dangerous' character is proved false. Especially with their leader, the handsome and magnetic Woodsman. He is a dashing and romantic Robin Hood like hero. Saving his people from the greedy and power hungry against near impossible odds. I liked how this book took the time to create genuine and charming characters. I also like that it also never gets too dark but always seems that there is some way for the heroes to prevail. The Woodsman is noble, brave and almost too good to be true. Although he is tough. He is also noble and never unkind. The only thing is that most of Sorcha’s other sisters from past books are already romantically settled and the author does feature them. But they do not interfere with the storyline and will only make readers curious to read more of the series if they haven’t. But for those already in love with this series the final installment will be coming out this August. I can’t wait!
Dragons, Elves and Magic. Oh my! What a wild ride!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Imaginary Numbers by Seanan McGuire
Urban Fantasy -Feb 25th, 2020
4 stars
As the ninth book in the InCryptid novels, this book is best read as part of the series. The series follows the intrepid Price and Baker families. Families tied together by their hero complex to save life forms that are not human from the extermination of the Covenant of St. George.
Sarah Zellaby was adopted into the Baker family and calls the Prices her cousins. Sarah is not human but a species from another planet called cuckoos. Cuckoos look very similar and have the ability to mind control other humans. They are notoriously dangerous since they only look out for themselves and have no sense of morality. But Sarah was taken in by a cuckoo living with humans who taught her to respect humans and other life forms so she does not use her powers to hurt others. In a prior book Sarah was mentally injured when she saved her cousin Verity Price. It is now five years later, and she is testing herself by journeying by herself to visit her relatives in Oregon. But what happens when she meets more cuckoos and they threaten to harm her family? Can Sarah overcome her damage and save them all?
This book was an interesting look into characters that have been more secondary in the series. The author focuses on Sarah but also another extension of the Price family. I enjoyed reading the build up to the budding romance between Sarah and Artie Price. The author delves in each of their point of views and gives insight into their particular Cryptid talents. As a fan of the series, I have loved the wild imagination and world building. Particularly the different Cryptids such as the Aeslin mice. However, this book seemed to start very slowly before it picked up pace. Then suddenly in the middle created another unexpected plot. Almost like two stories combined together. Sarah journey to see her cousins and Sarah’s journey once she meets her cousins. Because of this the book felt a little jarring. Also, the author has recently been leaving her books at a cliffhanger. After reading three hundred sixty-four pages with Sarah to suddenly leave the ending unresolved made me feel cheated as a reader. While the writing is solid and I was entertained by the new characters this book left me feeling oddly flat.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Sword of Fire by Katherine Kerr
Fantasy – Feb. 18th, 2020
4 stars
As the first in a new series set in a familiar world of Deverry, fantasy fans will enjoy an intrigue filled adventure. As two courageous heroines fight for justice despite challenges against several powerful forces pitted against them.
Alyssa is a young student in Aberwyn. She comes from merchant/commoner blood and has a fine mind. But tragedy strikes when her mentor, a renowned bard named, Cradoc, starves to death at the gates of the city. Cradoc was protesting the unfair treatment of the common folk in the nobility led justice system. He hoped to change the laws but the Aberwyn King ignored his pleas. Now Alyssa and the public are outraged and grief stricken. Thankfully Ayssa has a good friend in the daughter of the king. Her name is Dovina.
Dovina aspires to be a scholar. She cares more for books than court intrigue. But that does not mean she is well versed or not able to work her way within the devious courts. With Dovina as her ally Alyssa hopes to obtain an ancient precedence which my pave the way toward social change in Aberwyn. But the nobles like being in control and Alyssa soon find herself constantly on the run from danger. With the help of a mysterious silver dagger as her protector, she has everything to lose and everything to gain.
This book is really in the genre of a YA fantasy. While terrible incidents occur, it does not focus on gory details nor does it get too intimate with the main characters relationships. This book centers more on the two idealist female characters and their journeys. One through intrigue and one through pure physical and mental will power. Both hope to make change in a male dominated political world filled with injustice. Although it is set in Katherine Kerr’s world Deverry. This is a new series and it is unnecessary to have read her previous books to understand the complexities of this magical world. The author does a wonderful job of giving the feel of a fantasy type medieval world that is both familiar and different enough to fascinate. I enjoyed reading each of the heroine’s trials. While Alyssa is the main focus, I actually found Dovina more interesting as she is particularly clever and cunning. I also enjoyed reading about the silver daggers. Mercenaries for hire. Men who made one mistake and were dishonored. Now they work in a dangerous job that is unappreciated and reviled. Their hidden pasts make them mysteries just waiting to be unraveled. While they are generally distrusted by the population, not all deserved their fate as some were unfairly dishonored. (Which makes them great tragic figures. Readers will be bound to hope they find redemption and justice.) I look forward to reading more of this series and I hope Dovina will be featured more prominently in the next book!
Sword by Fire is more adventurous than gritty. A fun, idealistic escape from reality.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Jeweled Fire by Sharon Shinn
Fantasy- Feb. 4th, 2020
4 stars
Previously released in hard cover, Jeweled Fire is finally available in paperback format. It is the third book in the four book series about four women from a special land called Welce. In Welce everyone has an Elemental Blessing or affinity to one of the five elements. And some have powerful magics that go with them!
Corene is the daughter of King and is blessed with the affinity for fire. Impulsive, courageous and temperamental she goes against her father’s wishes and smuggles herself onto a ship bound for the country of Malinqua. She hopes to begin a new life where she has the chance to marry one of the ruler’s three nephews who are in contention for the throne. But the land of Malinqua is more than she expects, and the court is far from hospitable. Fortunately, Corene finds surprising friends in this foreign land. But anyone who appears to be close to throne seem to die unexpectedly. When she and her friends discover a dead body, Corene realizes she must step in to try to save them. But with few resources can she even save herself?
As the third in the Elemental Blessing series the author dives right into the story which will make it difficult for new readers to undersand. But as a reader of the first book in the series, this reader did not have trouble following the storyline. Corene is a temperamental and somewhat spoiled princess. Her mother is beautiful but a calculating woman who only cared how Corene could further her interests. As such, poor Corene has had to forge her own way without any gentle guidance. When she discovers a chance to become a queen in another nation and perhaps create a new life. She grasps it. Her courage, willingness to learn and openness to new friendships slowly changes her. Reading Corene’s metamorphosis was enjoyable. This story is exploratory as Corene learns about herself and her new surroundings. It also has mystery and a dash of romance. The court politics and intrigue are suspenseful as it seems there are schemes and deceptions everywhere.
Hugely entertaining and full of lush imagery these characters stayed with this reader long after it was finished.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Moonbreaker by Simon Green
Fantasy - Feb. 4th, 2020
5 stars
Moonbreaker is fast, furious, and frantic!
The Droods are a family of secret agents who are driven to protect their family and save the world. And Eddie Drood may be one of the most famous. But Eddie has a problem. He has been poisoned and there isn’t any cure! A man named Mr. DOA (who happens to be himself from an alternate universe) is responsible. His alternate self, named Edmund, is clever and bent on destroying all the Droods. But Eddie feels it is his final mission to stop Edmund. However, finding Edmund proves difficult. As Eddie and his dangerous girlfriend Molly hunt for Edmund they find themselves following a trail of destruction. But when Edmund steals a book that may hold a key to unlimited power can Eddie and Molly stop him before poor Eddie’s poisoned body collapses?
As the eleventh in the Secret Histories series, this book does assume the reader has a prior knowledge of the hero. It cannot easily be read as a standalone. Moonbreaker is a rare treat and worth the effort. It seamlessly blends action, humor and the fantastic to create a world of endless possibilities. The author’s imagination and creativity knows no bounds. This reader was constantly amazed by the story line, characters and snappy repartee. If you can imagine a world where James Bond has a powerful suit of armor that can change into anything he wants, meets mythical creatures and fights crazy villains with flair and humor. Then this series is for you. The end is surprising and one of the best I’ve read in the genre. As Molly and Eddie spend his last hours together it was bittersweet, and I enjoyed meeting Eddie’s parents. Although it was previously published three years ago, it is still as fresh and as inviting as the first time I read it. And my favorite in the series!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
January Review
Titanshade by Dan Stout
Fantasy –Jan. 28th, 2020
4 ½ stars
Titanshade is a gritty detective novel with surprising twists -sure to delight mystery and fantasy fans.
Carter is a middle-aged detective with a chip on his shoulder. While he used to be a rising star a grave 'mistake' put his career into a downward spiral. Although his investigative skills are top notch, his penchant for belligerence and questioning authority keep him persona non grata at the precinct. But a recent murder of a Squib diplomat puts a high-stake negotiation at risk. All detectives are pulled to solve the mystery, including Carter. He is also assigned a new partner to keep him on his best behavior. A young newbie named Ajax. Ajax is also a species called Mollenkampi which generally doesn't like humans. As the pair try to get along for the good of the city tensions run high and Carter seems stuck in the middle. When a young woman Carter cares for gets put in the crossfire Carter must muster all his sleuthing skills to solve the case before she is becomes another victim. But the powers against him may be more than his battered mind and body can handle.
Titanshade is a detective novel first, the fantasy is the seamless backdrop. The author makes the reader feel that they are immersed in a real world that is familiar but with enough ‘alien’ to make it extra intriguing. Titanshade is a desperate city on the brink. Its economy depends on oil but the oil wells are running dry. Carter seems mired in the down-trodden drug addicts, sellers as well as the pimps and prostitutes where people are trying to make a living in a miserable world. While he is an honest cop who pretends not to care. He seems to stick out his neck for people with a bum deal. Carter appears to want to isolate and punish himself from demons that have not quite been revealed in this first book of the series. The addition of his new partner brings a new dynamic to the story as Ajax is a steadying hand that Carter comes to respect. I thoroughly enjoyed this detective mystery especially the red herrings which made the reader never quite sure what was happening until the last forth of the novel.
Timeless and gritty this mystery set in a superb fantasy world that readers will want to revisit.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Wild Country by Anne Bishop
Fantasy –Jan. 28th, 2020
4 ½ stars
Wild Country is a standalone spin off from the Others Universe. Here, the author has created a burgeoning new community called Bennett. A town where the Elders, who control the land, are allowing humans to inhabit again. However, it is with the understanding that Bennett will only be under the leadership of an Others or the terre indigene. But as new humans settle what follows is the inevitable: strife, envy and violence. However, there are humans who want to live peacefully with the Others, among them is a young female police officer named Jana. She is hired as a deputy under Virgil Wolfgard, a wolf shifter who has no love for humans. The ultra violent, Humans First groups killed most of his pack and his wife. Now the Sherriff of Bennett, he and Jana will have to learn how to depend upon each other. When a dire threat comes in the form of a clan of criminals, they will interrupt the fragile community’s balance. Jana and her other human friends must help the Others before the Elders forcefully take back what is theirs.
This novel will entertain fans of the series. Jana is a spirited heroine who does not seem to fear the Others as much as she should. It was fun to read how she and her new dog integrated with the Sheriff’s pack and became part of them. It was also enjoyable to read how a new town was slowly building itself -as the Lakeside Courtyard was already established when Meg Corbyn arrived. The humans and Others interactions are what make this series great. The Others have straightforward needs and are often confused by human euphemisms or niceties. Their outlook is in many ways childlike –which is not a bad thing! Although this story is marketed as Jana as the main character. She is actually one of several main characters that vary from humans, Others and even villains. The varying point of views never gets confusing but I do admit that there were Other characters which I would have liked featured more. (I hope that the author explores Bennett with another book!) Since life is tough and the Elders are all powerful the fight for survival can be grim as unworthy humans are culled from the pack. But this novel seemed a bit more violent than prior books.
Laced with humor and darkness, this gritty new Others novel will keep you spell-bound until the very end.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs
Urban Fantasy -Jan. 28th, 2020
4 1/2 stars
Mercy Thompson is a coyote shifter, auto mechanic extraordinaire and mate to the Alpha of the local werewolf pack in the Tri Cities. Recently she vowed to protect the area they live in. Unfortunately, humans and other supernatural beings are taking her up on her promise! First there is an invasion by a violent goblin, then there are strange zombie goats and finally a human family is being targeted by supernatural powers. Making protecting the Tri Cities a full-time job. To make matter worse, a new and deadly witch coven wants to move into their area and they are not averse to using dark magic. And Mercy soon finds how ugly and evil black magic can be. Especially, when they see Mercy as an obstacle they would love to remove! Without her usual back up, Mercy finds herself on the defensive and trying to scramble and find a way to protect everyone she loves. But will she figure out in time or will her pack and those around her pay the price?
This book was a solid read and enjoyable read. However, it didn't feel as long or as complex as prior books in the series. The beginning of the book starts out slowly as Mercy and a couple of the pack are investigating a possible goblin murder. This is followed by a montage of events that seemed that they would occur in the normal life of Mercy living in the Tri Cities. It does get until about a fourth way through the story that I felt that something nefarious is happening in the Tri Cities. That is when the book really starts to pick up. My favorite sections are how Patricia Briggs goes back to Mercy's roots as an auto mechanic and adds Zee’s presence to the story line. Zee has been an integral character to Mercy but thus far his past and powers have always been somewhat mysterious or in the background. I enjoyed reading him getting to show off some of his serious skills along with his son Tad. This book also tackles a darker side of magic as the black coven creates slaves to do their bidding. There are also some surprises as Adam's witch friend, Elizaveta, is more than she appears. The best things about this book are the secondary characters I can’t wait for the author to explore them more. Their newest pack member, Sherwood has some powers that even he is unaware of. And Larry the King of the goblins makes appearances that made me wonder if he will become a larger player in the Tri Cities. I only hope that Aiden will play a larger part in future books.
A superb new addition to the Mercy Thompson series I only wish it hadn’t ended so fast.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
The Secret Chapter by Genevieve Cogman
Fantasy Jan. 7th. 2020
4 ½ stars
The Secret Chapter is the sixth book in the magical Invisible Library series. Lovers of whimsical and imaginative fantasy like Harry Potter will find this slightly more adult themed series laods of fun!
Irene is a Librarian. A woman who can use words like magic. Her special skills as a thief saves worlds. But this time its personal. When she discovers that she needs to obtain a special book to save a world that inhabits those she cares about. But the man who owns that book wants something in return. She and her partner Kai find themselves in an unlikely position of working for this collector of rare items. He has put together a team to steal a painting for him. A painting that is impossible to steal But Irene soon discovers there is more to the painting than it’s age. It has secrets of its own. One that could change history.
Genevieve Cogman is a master storyteller. Her vivid character jump off the page. This group of thieves that the mysterious collector, Mr. Nemo put together with Irene and Kai are deadly and experts in their field. Fae and Dragons are bitter enemies. Both trade bitter insults and some have bigger grudges. To make things more complicated someone on the team is Kai’s relative and they don’t like each other at all! How will these hostile personalities work together? In a fun and outrageous way!
As Irene and Kai try to work with their new team they seem the straight men or foil to rest of the funny and outrageous characters. I especially liked that book revealed more about Kai and the Dragons. Imaginative and fast paced. I didn’t want my journey with them to end. Even if this is your first trip to the Invisible Library series the author makes it easy to jump right in an enjoy her characters.
A joyful, wacky fantasy adventure.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
November Reviews
Where Winter Finds You by J.R. Ward
November 28th, 2019
4 1/2 stars
This special Christmas romance set in the Brotherhood world is pure magic!
Trez's history has been a rough. But when he suddenly seems to find happiness with his destined mate, tragedy strikes. Selena is taken from him by a rare disease. Alone, he contemplates death. However, his brother has hired a new waitress named Therese. Trez is struck by how closely Therese physically resembles Selena. Drawn to her, he wonders if he has a second chance. Trez pursues her but soon comes to realize she is different. Therese is her own person. Unlike Selena, she is not a sheltered vampire. She is an independent woman with her own desires. But Trez can't help the deep attraction to Therese despite knowing this. His heart feels that there is something between them. But what will Therese do when she discovers Trez is using her as a substitute? Is this really a second chance at love or a just another disaster for Trez?
Trez has been featured as a strong secondary character who must watch his love die in a terrible, debilitating way. Heartbreaking, I cried buckets of tears for him and Selena. When I discovered Where Winter Finds You, was about him, I had to get it. However, I wasn't sure how Trez could possibly find love again! The attraction between Trez and Therese is intense and they seem meant to be together. But how does his history with Selena fit in? I loved their scenes together and how Therese transforms and matures. Everything thing about this novel is fantastic and while not as in depth as her usually novels, fans will definitively enjoy it. My only quibble was that the ending or explanation of their romance seemed a bit forced. I'm used to J.R. Ward creating super complex and angst-y novels. This book seemed more of an appetizer, although a very tasty one! This book is shorter, which is why I believe it is being sold as a paperback unlike the usual hardcover.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Unnatural Magic by C.M. Waggoner
Fantasy- Nov. 5th, 2019
4 ½ stars
C.M. Waggoner is an utterly unique voice. In Unnatural Magic she has created a shining new light in the fantasy genre.
Onna is a female blessed with a genuine aptitude for wizardry but her sex prevents her advancement despite her many skills. When she is denied entrance to a nearby, premier magic school, she does not get discouraged. Onna instead decides to travel to the sorcery filled city of Hexos where she hopes to learn magic. By happenstance she soon finds herself embroiled in solving a series of troll murders and meeting new friends.
Tsira is a misfit. Half human and half troll. She has never really fit in. Tsira decides to find her own place and moves away intent on making money and a name for herself. One day she finds a nearly dead human man and rescues him. To their surprise they become great friends. But when a troll is killed Tsira is bent on vengeance. Tsira finds herself following clues to the city of Hexos and the unlikely help of wizards.
This novel is completely captivating. It has some surprisingly dark moments but also light and funny sections, too. Onna and Tsira are very realistic characters. They are very different from the stock characters we usually read about in the fantasy genre. I found myself seeing through their eyes and becoming fascinated with the world they live in. The author has created trolls which are only vaguely based on what most readers would expect. Their intelligence, society and life-style are very original and absorbing. The more I learned about trolls. The more I wanted to know. I feel humans could take tips from them!
The novel starts out slow but in a good way. As it describes the world and the challenges each main character faces within their small world. Both main characters push the norms of their society and widen their horizons. The magic was also interesting as it was slightly different view from the usual wizardly. I enjoyed the author’s take on trolls and magic and how she bent traditional writing on them and gave them her own twist.
Highly entertaining and completely captivating. I enjoyed this imaginative new world and look forward to more novels featuring trolls. (I hope!)
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Novice Dragoneer by E.E. Knight
Fantasy- Nov. 5th, 2019
5 stars
This spectacular dragon saga by E.E. Knight is a thrilling read for adults as well as young adults. It follows the epic journey of an orphan with no status named Ileth. Poor Ileth has no money and no friends. But on one magical day she meets a friendly female dragoneer and her dragon. During this brief encounter Ileth was overwhelmed by their kindness. Ileth is filled with dreams of dragons. For the dragoneer invited Ileth to come to her fortress called the Serpentine when Ileth grows old enough to apply there.
Years pass and Ileth finally makes the long trek to the Serpentine only to discover she is late and their doors have been barred against her. But Ileth is determined and despite being told to leave she stays at their front gates hoping to be let in. There she struggles without food in the rain and cold for days. But her perseverance wins through as she is finally allowed entry and a chance to become a novice at the Serpentine. But Ileth’s low status and lack of skill puts her at a huge disadvantage. And the dragoneer who invited her has died. Without a mentor or a wealthy background can she still graduate and become an apprentice dragoneer?
What struck me immediately after finishing this book is how emotional and intricate it was. There were many hateful villains and some kind friends. But Ileth’s noble heart and perseverance made her a heroine to remember. Her triumphs against seemingly impossible odds plus her pluck and ingenuity made this book a clear winner.
This novel was a fantastic look into the dragon world. I was just as mesmerized as Ileth when she met her first dragon! The dragons are extremely intelligent and I actually wanted more interactions with them than Ileth’s interaction with other human characters! Ileth has a kind heart and a stubborn will. Readers can’t help but root for her. I liked that although Ileth is poor she doesn’t see herself that way. I’m happy that this book appears to be the first in a series of a least three books. (Novice, apprentice and dragoneer.) My favorite character besides Ileth was Lodger. A dragon which I wish I knew more about. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club