Book Reviews, Thoughts, and Random Interesting Ideas

Halfway Unwrapped – My Review!!

I love the Halfway Witchy series by Terry Maggert. I read the previous four books and happily added Halfway Unwrapped (Halfway Witchy Book 5) to my TBR list as soon as Terry Maggert released it. Here are my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

Something stinks in Halfway, and it isn’t a rotting pumpkin.

As Halloween grows closer, monsters begin emerging from the ground. Their beastly purpose is unknown to Carlie, but not to a group of tourists who have come to Halfway for the holiday. The visiting women look innocent, but bad things are happening wherever they go and their trail leads back to the one place that Carlie never wanted to see again.

From the depths of a toxic spring danger will break free again, and this time, there’s more than just the town of Halfway at stake. For Carlie, Gran and Wulfric, the most important event in the history of their lives is just around the corner, but they don’t know it yet, and neither do the strangers who would tear Halfway apart in the name of black magic.

Some things won’t stay buried, but with her charms and a shovel, Carlie will bury the past once and for all.

What I liked:

Like the rest of the series, Halfway Unwrapped feels like a visit to an old friend. Carlie, Gran, Wulfric, and the rest of the recurring characters are warm and familiar and out to protect Halfway in their unseen ways. The adventure is good, the writing excellent, it has great pace. Overall, an entertaining read!

What I didn’t like:

Despite all the good things in Halfway Unwrapped, I had a few issues with the book. First, the story seemed a little disjointed to me and didn’t flow as well as the others in the series. Secondly, the threat to Halfway was odd and the connection between the mushroom men and the strangers didn’t make much sense to me. Lastly, the ending, though unexpected, felt rushed.

Overall impression:

All in all, I enjoyed Halfway Unwrapped (Halfway Witchy Book 5) by Terry Maggert. The familiar characters, good writing, and unexpected ending made it a fun read, though I didn’t like it as much as the previous books. If you’ve read the rest of the series, pick this one up. If you haven’t what are you waiting for?

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Terry Maggert:

Find Terry Maggert on his Amazon Author site or his website and discover not just his Halfway Witchy books but also his other novels. While you’re there, leave a review or a comment, and pick up a book or ten!

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Boston Metaphysical Society: A Storm of Secrets – My Review!!

Steampunk is an interesting genre for me. Part science fiction and part Victorian era, it provides a great backdrop for Boston Metaphysical Society: A Storm of Secrets by Madeleine Holly-Rosing. Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

Politics and power. Demons and spirits.

When ex-Pinkerton detective Samuel Hunter married Elizabeth Weldsmore, the heir to one of Boston’s Great Houses, he knew his life would change forever, but he never expected the return of Elizabeth’s psychic abilities.

Not only do they have to keep it a secret, but Elizabeth must learn quickly how to master them. For a psychic in a Great House is a political liability which her father, Jonathan Weldsmore, knows only too well.

As the Great Houses jockey for power, the three of them must contend with treachery, subterfuge, and potentially a new demonic threat, in this political and supernatural thriller set in an alternate-history Boston of 1890.

What I liked:

I really liked the story. Samuel and Elizabeth are a great couple and the secrets they keep are fodder for the story. The paranormal aspects of Elizabeth’s gift move the tale along, and Samuel’s clashes with her over her secrets add intrigue. In addition, Jonathan’s interaction with the Great Houses and all the machinations surrounding them, plus his attempts to control Samuel and Elizabeth gives the story a lot of depth. Overall, a most enjoyable read!

What I didn’t like:

Despite all the good things in Boston Metaphysical Society: A Storm of Secrets, there was a lot of description of the clothing and the steam-powered vehicles. While I understand the clothing and the mechanized aspects of steampunk are important to the theme, there was too much of it in the story for me.

Overall impression:

Boston Metaphysical Society: A Storm of Secrets was a good book! Good characters, lots of action, paranormal gifts, Great House intrigue, and a sacrifice at the end all add up to a steampunk novel that I enjoyed. I recommend it to all steampunk fans and to anyone who might be interested in the genre!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with Madeleine Holly-Rosing:

Did you know Madeleine Holly-Rosing writes graphic novels? Well, if you visit her website or her Amazon Author page, you can find them and more. While you’re there, please consider leaving a review or a comment!

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I’m on the socials. If you are, find me and connect. I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Say hi and let’s start a conversation! And don’t miss a post. Subscribe to the blog!

2121: Twilight’s Last Gleaming – My Review!!

Occasionally, I like to read a bit of dystopia. Because of this, Amazon sends me recommendations in the genre. My latest dystopian recommendation was 2121: Twilight’s Last Gleaming (Revolution Book 1) by Karl J. Morgan. Here are my thoughts.

Synopsis (from the author):

Is America’s future in the hands of a fourteen year-old boy? Jack Kennedy is growing up in a nation destroyed by a corrupt, uncaring government. While the elites live in splendor in their domed city centers, the masses live in squalor and poverty. Farmers struggle to survive in walled villages to protect themselves from the terrorists and gangbangers who ravage the countryside. The elderly are banished as there is no will or money to support them. The promise of our country has become a dystopian nightmare where life is hard and hope is an illusion.

Until now, Jack’s life has been good. When his best friend ventures to the nearby Ottumwa Free City to look for his former coworkers, Jack hitches a ride and discovers our president’s horrific secret. The truth is revealed in the slaughterhouse, and their lives will never been the same again.
In this fast-paced action thriller, Jack and his friends and family must fight the most violent and terrifying forces of man and nature to stay alive. If they succeed, perhaps there is hope for all of us; if not, we are doomed and America will be forever lost.

What I liked:

Karl J. Morgan did a good job of blending hopelessness and hopefulness into a thrilling book. Jack Kennedy and his girlfriend Alexis are teens forced to fight for their lives and perhaps for a better future. The horrors they and the rest of the US face make for some creepy moments, and the picture painted in 2121: Twilight’s Last Gleaming is grim to say the least. Abe, a former Marine, was my favorite character, though Jack and Alexis are good, too. Overall, I enjoyed the book.

What I didn’t like:

I thought a few of the battle scenes were overdone. In addition, some of Abe’s skills were over the top. Lastly, the teens’ parents seemed more disconnected than I thought they should be.

Overall impression:

2121: Twilight’s Last Gleaming (Revolution Book 1) has plenty of action, good characters, and moves quickly. The battle scenes provided an excellent picture of the state of the United States in the dystopian setting. I have to warn that there is strong language throughout, so this one is for older teens and above. If you like dystopian novels with an underlying current of hope, read this one!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Karl J. Morgan:

Discover more about Karl J. Morgan and his books on his website and his Amazon Author Page. While you’re there, please consider leaving a review or a comment and maybe buy a book or two!

Connect with me:

I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Say hi and let’s start a conversation! And don’t miss a post. Subscribe to the blog! I look forward to meeting new friends!

The Last Descendant – My Review!!

I found The Last Descendant (Sanyare Chronicles #1) on Indie Brag, a site that showcases the best of Indie Authors. After reading the blurb, I added it to the TBR list. Here’s my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

Raised in a realm where humans are no better than slaves, Rie Lhethannien has struggled for decades to earn a meager post in the High Court messenger service. Even training as an elite fighter isn’t enough to earn the respect she craves. Scorned by the high elves who rely on her loyalty, Rie’s closest allies are the fierce carnivorous pixies who travel by her side.

When she’s attacked on a routine delivery by assassins from the enemy Shadow Realm, Rie’s martial prowess keeps her alive…and frames her as a traitor. Facing execution at the hand of an unmerciful high elf king, Rie must forsake her oaths and flee into enemy lands to prove her innocence. The secrets she uncovers may threaten more than her honor or even her life…for war is looming in the nine faerie realms. 

What I liked about The Last Descendant:

The Last Descendant has all the great fantasy elements. Rie, a human coming into unknown powers, intrigue, battles, magic, elves, a forbidden realm, and a quest to uncover the truth. What more can a fantasy reader ask for? In addition, it’s a well-written and well-paced book. For fantasy lovers, it’s a series to keep them occupied. Well done, Megan Haskell!

What I didn’t like about The Last Descendant:

I’m not asking for an info dump, but more background on the Shadow Realm would help. I’m sure it comes out in the subsequent books, though, so I’ll have to wait.

Overall impression:

As with all the books I’ve read with Indie Brag Medallions, The Last Descendant (Sanyare Chronicles #1) is well-written and entertaining! Good characters, nice battles scenes, intrigue, and a touch of romance make it a book worth reading! I recommend this one to anyone who likes fantasy!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with Megan Haskell:

Find out more about Megan Haskell and her books on her website or her Amazon Author page! While you’re there, please consider leaving a review or a comment (and maybe buy a book or two)!

Connect with me:

I’m always interested in meeting new friends. Find me on the socials on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Say hi and let’s start a conversation!