Recommendations and Reviews

I found Knightmare Arcanist (Frith Chronicles #1) by Shami Stovall on bragmedallion.com, home of award winning indie books. I read the blurb and was intrigued by the concept. I bought it and added it to my TBR list. Here is my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

Gravedigger Volke Savan wants nothing more than to be like his hero, the legendary magical swashbuckler, Gregory Ruma. First he needs to become an arcanist, someone capable of wielding magic, which requires bonding with a mythical creature. And he’ll take anything—a pegasus, a griffin, a ravenous hydra—maybe even a leviathan, like Ruma.

So when Volke stumbles across a knightmare, a creature made of shadow and terror, he has no reservations. But the knightmare knows a terrible secret: Ruma is a murderer out to spread corrupted magic throughout their island nation. He’s already killed a population of phoenixes and he intends to kill even more.

In order to protect his home, his adopted sister, and the girl he admires from afar, Volke will need to confront his hero, the Master Arcanist Gregory Ruma.

What I liked about Knightmare Arcanist:

Aside from the book’s concept of bonding with a mythical creature, I truly enjoyed reading the story. Volke is a nice character, beaten up a little bit by life, but nonetheless loved and cherished by William and his best friend and adopted sister Illia. Illia, too, is an interesting character, with her own challenges. To watch them persevere through their trials was entertaining, as was the growth of their respective eldrin. The supporting cast added tension and conflict to the story and the meeting with Gregory Ruma was a great conclusion to much of it, though it set the stage for much more. Overall, a great read!

What I didn’t like about Knightmare Arcanist:

The repetitive nature of Volke shifting into a combined character with Luthair (his Eldrin) got a little boring. I thought Addy’s character could be developed more. Other than that, no complaints!

Overall impression of Knightmare Arcanist:

The unique concept, intrigue, budding (or not) romances, and the pursuit of Gregory Ruma made for a good story. The character growth and the plot twists and turns added much to the story and kept me turning pages. I’d recommend this one for anyone who enjoys a good fantasy read!

My rating:

5 Stars!

Connect with Shami Stovall:

Find Shami Stovall on her Amazon Author Page, her Goodreads page, or her website. Find all her Frith Chronicles books as well as her other works. Leave a comment, a review, and maybe buy a book or five!

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I love to read and review Indie Authors (since I am one myself) and I find many of the books I read at BragMedallion.com (two of mine are there, too). The Covenant Within by R.A.R. Clouston is one of my finds. Here are my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

Most people dream, many experience déjà vu; some believe in reincarnation. But what if it really was possible to relive the lives of your ancestors?

American CEO, Jack Sinclair, is tormented by dreams of people he doesn’t know and places he’s never been, making him wonder if he is going insane. A phone call from a psychiatrist in Edinburgh wakes him out of another dream. She tells him that his estranged twin brother has committed suicide. Filled with mixed emotions, Sinclair travels to the Orkney Islands off northern Scotland to attend the funeral and soon discovers troubling circumstances surrounding his brother’s death.

To uncover the truth, he journeys into the shadowy world locked behind the veil of consciousness via what the psychiatrist calls genetic memory. This vast ancestral inheritance is passed down through DNA and surfaces only in dreams, déjà vu, or visions of past lives. With the doctor’s help, Sinclair relives dramatic events from his distant past and discovers a dark secret about his family that traces back to the hill called Calvary. Throughout, he is pursued by unknown killers; and by another force of evil from which he cannot escape: the beast of his onrushing insanity.

What I liked about The Covenant Within:

The concept of genetic memory intrigues me and, when I saw it was a major part of the book, I had to read it. I enjoyed the way it was incorporated into the story and provided a great way of showing Jack Sinclair’s family history. I also liked the twists and turns and mystery of who was trying to kill Jack. The romantic element added nicely to the story. Overall, it was an entertaining book!

What I didn’t like about The Covenant Within:

Jack Sinclair’s temper tantrums and his inability to express his feelings were too predictable. In addition, I thought more background on his brother would have helped the story.

Overall impression:

I liked The Covenant Within! The genetic memory theme, along with the memory episodes reliving Jack’s family story kept me turning the pages. If you like mysteries, thrillers, and a bit of science, this might be a book for you!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with R.A.R.Clouston:

Visit R.A.R. Clouston’s Amazon Author page, his Goodreads page or his website to discover his books and more about the author!

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I reached the end of the Rise of the Hawk series by Bekah Clark when I read The Vulture in Fall. Here are my thoughts on the fourth and final book!

Synopsis (from the author):

Trelaren’s influence has spread across Aemonsha, leaving chaos and destruction in his path. Maevan must rise to the challenge of running a kingdom and vanquishing the dangerous threats assisted only by Torrell.

While Maevan fights for all of Aemonsha, Granada is struggling to rule Cardea and protect the Frozen Fortress. With the enemy fast approaching Granada believes she can either be a great leader OR a woman in love; can Sol convince her she can be both?

As Korla and Renna arrive at the Summer Palace, so does the news of Aemonsha and Trelaren’s army. Coran and Meirei are forced to decide whether to flee the Summer Palace or stay and fight; even if it means risking their unborn child.

Will Maevan fulfill her destiny by becoming the queen her mother would be proud of and vanquishing Trelaren, or will she succumb to the dangerously powerful telepath altering Aemonsha forever?

What I liked about The Vulture in Fall:

I enjoyed the finale. There was enough action to keep me interested and the intrigue surrounding Trelaren’s treachery added a lot to the story. The relationships that grew throughout the series all resolved at the end (though I won’t say how), and the outcome of Maevan’s battle with Trelaren was satisfying. Overall, the book had excellent characters, good action, and was a good story.

What I didn’t like about The Vulture in Fall:

My only complaint about the book was that it focused more on the romance and personalities than it did on the resolution of the underlying conflict. Not enough for me to take away a star, though.

Overall impression of The Vulture in Fall:

The Vulture in Fall (Rise of the Hawk #4) was a satisfying end to a great series. If you like fantasy with a healthy dose of romance, The Vulture in Fall, along with the first three books of the Rise of the Hawk series will fit the bill!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with Bekah Clark:

Find Bekah Clark on her Amazon Author Page, her Goodreads page, or her website. Stop by and check out all of her books, including The Vulture in Fall. Buy a few and don’t forget to leave a review when you finish!

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Here’s my review for the third installment of Bekah Clark’s fantasy series Rise of the Hawk. I enjoyed the first two books, so read on for my thoughts on The Peacock in Summer!

Synopsis (from the author):

It has been just over three years since Xenya became queen of Aemonsha. Things are progressing within the kingdom, but there is still unrest. Xenya is hopeful that a new school curriculum will help the next generations understand and follow the leadership of the First House.

Maevan and Raikar are happily married and closer than ever. The only thing more they could wish for is some privacy! Meirei couldn’t be happier ruling the Second House with Coran by her side and her best friend Kolton as head of security. Although, after three years, the two men are still unsure of each other. Korla and Jorgan are on the brink of wedded bliss and join Renna and Kai, who reunite happily after three long years when plans to visit Coran and Rei turn into an unexpected side trip.

While everything appears happy and near to perfect, danger is lurking under the surface. The unrest seems to be growing through seemingly unnatural means. Will the family be able to unearth who is behind the unruly citizens and remain strong when tragedy strikes?

What I liked about The Peacock in Summer:

As with the first two books, I enjoyed how the characters grew as they aged. Xenya is a good character with a nice devious side. Maevan and Raikar continue to irritate each other (in a good way) and Maevan’s sisters are growing into formidable women. Lots of intrigue and subplots make this an entertaining book, though I’m not sure how I liked the cliffhanger ending!

What I didn’t like about The Peacock in Summer:

While there wasn’t as much blushing in this book, Korla’s constant interference with Renna’s romance got a bit repetitive. Other than that, nothing to complain about.

Overall impression of The Peacock in Summer:

I enjoyed The Peacock in Summer! Familiar characters, romance, intrigue, and a cliffhanger ending (not sure I liked it), made this an excellent read. If you enjoy fantasy, read this series!

My rating:

4.5 stars (rounded to 5 stars)

Connect with Bekah Clark:

Find Bekah Clark on her Amazon Author Page, her Goodreads page, or her website. While you’re there, discover her many books (and maybe buy a few). Consider leaving a review or a comment, too!

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I wanted to read something different and found Shoot ‘em Up (Maisie McGrane Mystery #3) by Janey Mack. Not my usual fare, but an occasional thriller or mystery hits the spot. Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

The mob’s running guns—and her family’s running wild.
 
Meter maid turned undercover cop Maisie McGrane managed to survive her first sting operation with just a few minor stab wounds—and some lingering emotional scars. An assassination attempt on the mayor brings the ATF and DEA to Chicago, and they’re counting on Maisie’s underworld connections to help them infiltrate and cripple a cartel running guns and drugs into the city. But she won’t be going it alone. The DEA’s hand-selected charismatic hard-case Lee Sharpe as her partner and protector. And he’s taking his assignment seriously . . . in every way. But with her meddling Chicago PD family threatening to expose her true identity at any moment, Maisie will have to scramble to stay one step ahead of them, the cartel, and her new partner before her cover is shot.

What I liked about Shoot ‘em Up:

This was my introduction to Maisie McGrane (yes I should have read the first two books prior to this one) and it was enjoyable! Maisie is an amazing character (despite her more than occasional drug use) who gets into and out of a number of precarious situations. If you like crime and mystery, coupled with a strong female protagonist, give Janey Mack’s Shoot ’em Up and the rest of the Maisie McGrane series a try!

What I didn’t like about Shoot ‘em Up:

As mentioned above, the drug use was a bit much for me, and some of the violence was gratuitous. Those detracted from the story for me.

Overall impression of Shoot ‘em Up:

All told, I enjoyed my first encounter with Maisie McGrane in Shoot ’em Up! Lots of action, lots of violence, and more scrapes than you can imagine kept me turning the pages. Like crimes thrillers? Read this one!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 stars)

Connect with Janey Mack:

Find Janey Mack on her Amazon Author page, her Goodreads page, or her website! While you’re there, pick up your own copy of the Maisie McGrane books (and don’t forget to leave a review after you’ve read them)!

Connect with me:

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The Raven in Spring – My Review!!

A while back, I read the Hawk in Winter (Rise of the Hawk #1) and gave it 4.5 Stars (Rounded to 5 Stars). I enjoyed the start to the series. I added The Raven in Spring (Rise of the Hawk #2) to my TBR list. Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

With the Rogue Queen vanquished, the rightful queen sits on the throne! Queen Xenya now must prove to the people that she is the queen they deserve. With all her daughters safe, Xenya can lead the people back to the path Kaelen laid out for the people of Aemonsha.

Maevan is thrilled that her mother is once again queen and in Traven, but doesn’t know what to do with her feelings for Jorgan and her mysterious rescuer turned bodyguard Raikar. Her formerly betrothed, Coran, has banished himself to the icy lands of Cardea to sulk. Although she is safe and well protected, Mae can’t shake the sense that someone wants her dead.

The Second House has always declared they are neutral in the fight between the First and Third Houses, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Antara, the current ruler of the Second House, cares only for power and retaining her lands no matter the cost. Her daughter Meirei is not as malleable an heir as Antara would like. Jorgan and Meirei have always banded together against their mother’s iron-fisted ways, as much as possible. Meirei is determined to rule the Second House her own way and is desperately tired of her mother’s abuse.

Everyone has a destiny, let’s hope they all survive to see it.

What I liked about The Raven in Spring:

I enjoyed the story and how it built on the first book. Plenty of romance, lots of intrigue, and threats to Xenya’s throne made the book flow well and entertained me. The characters, especially Xenya’s daughters, continue to grow and move into new (and sometimes surprising roles). Overall, a good fantasy read!

What I didn’t like about The Raven in Spring:

My only real complaint about the book was Maevan’s constant blushing. It was fine the first few times, but it seemed to be a too frequent event and was mentioned much too often.

Overall impression of The Raven in Spring:

Despite the blushing scenes, the book was a good story. As mentioned above, there is plenty of intrigue, romance, and action to keep you turning pages. If you like fantasy with a dash (or more) of romance, read this one!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Bekah Clark:

Find Bekah Clark on her website, Amazon Author page, or her Goodreads page. While you are there, find all her books and maybe buy a few! And don’t forget to leave the all-important review when you finish reading a book!

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