Recommendations and Reviews

The Phantom of Faerie Mountain – My Review!!

Goodreads is one of my recommendation generators and I’m glad it directed me to The Phantom of Faerie Mountain (The Red King Trilogy – 1) by E. M. McIntyre. Read on for my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

A telepathic dog. An ancient prophecy. Two devious faeries. 14 yr old Abby Fletcher must unravel their connection when she is thrown into a world of unknowns after receiving a mysterious message from a frightening beast: The Red King must set me free. Determined to discover the meaning of this puzzling phrase, Abby sets off to explore a nearby Scottish mountainside in search of clues. What Abby doesn’t realize, however, is that it’s not a matter of where she will find her answers but when. Whisked back to the early 14th century, Abby must find the courage to solve the mystery of the Red King and save not only herself but a group of powerless captives wrapped up in a faerie plot.

What I liked about The Phantom of Faerie Mountain:

This was an excellent read. I liked the characters and the interactions among them. Abby made a great spunky heroine, Rory had an interesting heritage and played the budding romantic interest, and Finlay, the telepathic dog, was a nice complement. Mavis and Tavis (the faeries trying to free their brethren from captivity) were sufficiently evil (but somewhat amusing) antagonists. Part time-travel story and all fantasy, The Phantom of Faerie Mountain was an enjoyable book!

What I didn’t like about The Phantom of Faerie Mountain:

The one thing that bothered me about the book was the movement of Finlay through time. Not a big deal, and certainly didn’t detract from the story, but I wanted to know how he did it.

Overall impression of The Phantom of Faerie Mountain:

I thoroughly enjoyed The Phantom of Faerie Mountain by E. M. McIntyre. While not an intense time-travel story, it uses the device to place Abby where she needs to be to pursue her quest. I liked the characters and story and recommend this one to anyone who enjoys a quick read and a fun fantasy book!

My rating:

5 Stars

Where you can find the author:

 Connect with E.M. McIntyre on her Amazon Author Page or her website. Please consider leaving a review!

Where you can connect with me:

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Please feel free to connect with me, leave a comment, or drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com.

The Hawk in Winter – My Review!!

I can’t believe it. My first review of 2018! This time it’s The Hawk in Winter (Rise of the Hawk Book 1) by Bekah Clark. It hit my TBR list after a Goodreads recommendation and it was a great choice! Thank you Goodreads!

Synopsis (from the author):

Maevan, Korla, and Renna, three devoted sisters, have been trained all their lives how to defend themselves, hunt, and strengthen their minds by their mother, Queen Xenya. What they didn’t prepare for was separation.

Many years ago, Queen Xenya of the First House was forced to flee her throne to the icy land of Cardea. Now the rogue queen, Shaezen, has demanded Xenya’s eldest daughter, Maevan, return to the ruling city of Traven. Alone.

Mae loves her home and family but understands the necessity of her placement within the palace of their enemies. Her mother has been preparing Mae and her sisters for the return of the First House to power their entire lives. Something no one could prepare Mae for is the sheer evil of Queen Shaezen and her many devious plans. Mae must find a way to survive her time in the palace while dealing with an evil queen, romance, betrayals, religious fanatics, and court life.

What I liked about The Hawk in Winter:

The Hawk in Winter was a good start to the series. Xenya and her family were excellently developed characters. Shaezen was a great villain and I sympathized with Mae as she had to endure the many trials put upon her. Romance and a royal pairing clash as part of the story and the plot, though it developed slowly, was good. All told, I thoroughly enjoyed the book!

What I didn’t like about The Hawk in Winter:

Just a couple of things bothered me in the book. First, as I mentioned above, the plot developed slowly. Secondly, the assassin introduced late in the book seemed oddly out of place with the rest of the cast. I suspect Bekah Clark wanted to create a despicable character (which she did) but for me it just didn’t fit well.

Overall impression of The Hawk in Winter:

The Hawk in Winter (Rise of Hawk Book 1) was an excellent fantasy book. Filled with romance, intrigue, and action, the story held my attention. I identified with the characters and Shazaen met a fitting end. This is a book I recommend to any fantasy reader. If you need to load up a new ereader, add this one! I look forward to reading the rest of the series!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

Connect with the author:

Where is The Hawk in Winter on your TBR list? I hope it’s near the the top! After you read it, please consider leaving a review! I know Bekah Clark appreciates every review she receives. Visit Bekah Clark’s website and Amazon Author page to find out more about her and her books!

Connect with me:

Since you’re here reading this review, leave me a comment. I’d love to know what you think. And, if you like, connect with me on the socials. I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest! Stop by and say hi! Let’s talk books!

Darrienia – My Review!!!

I’ve had my eye on Darrienia (The Forgotten Legacies Series Book 1) by K. J. Simmill for a while and it was a great way to end my reviews for 2017! Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

It is said that the past always returns to haunt you. Yet some forgotten pasts have whispered names and a debt for collection. Dangerous curiosities stir a hidden darkness, one that patiently waits to seize control.

The subtle periphery between dream and reality is in peril and those chosen must face the evil behind this looming disaster. But lurking in the shadows, guiding their hand, lies the true threat and a hidden agenda.

Will they discover the truth in time? Or will those who should be heroes, become nothing more than the pawns of evil?

What I liked about Darrienia:

Darrienia had many things I like to find in fantasy novels. The world building was amazing, the characters well-developed, and the book provided plenty of action, mystery and a grand quest. The intricate plot referenced Greek mythology and the quarrels among the gods, while it kept me guessing about what would happen next. All in all, an excellent fantasy!

What I didn’t like about Darrienia:

At times, Darrienia left me confused as to whether the characters were in the dream world or not. The length of the book also made it a tad difficult for me to keep up with everything that happened. Neither of these things detracted from my overall enjoyment of the novel.

Overall impression of Darrienia:

When you read this book, be prepared for an excellent though long read! The intricate plot, interesting characters, the intrigue surrounding Zo and Marise, and the quest make this a fantasy that I highly recommend!

My rating:

5 Stars

Have you put Darrienia (The Forgotten Legacies Series Book 1) on your TBR list? If so, awesome! If not, don’t wait! And, when you finish the book, please consider leaving a review. I know K. J. Simmill will greatly appreciate it! Don’t forget to visit her Amazon Author page and her website to find out more about the author and her books!

While you are visiting, take a moment to connect with me on social media. I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Don’t be shy! If you enjoyed my reviews or any of my other posts, feel free to leave me a comment or email me at bill@williamlstuart.com!

The Ghost Chronicles 2 – My Review!!

I read the first The Ghost Chronicles by Marlo Berliner recently (and gave it 5 Stars in my review) and immediately added The Ghost Chronicles 2 to my TBR list. I wasn’t disappointed!

Synopsis (from the author):

What’s there to fear if you’re already dead?
Plenty.
Michael and Sarah now know for certain, there is a destination after death.
They also know they better find their way out of the afterlife fast, before the devil claims Michael’s soul.
What they don’t know?
Before they can get to heaven…
they may just have to go through hell. 

What I liked about The Ghost Chronicles 2:

As with the first book, we join Michael as he and Sara try to find their way and their individual purposes so they can move on from their ghostly existence. We learn more about each and Tom’s role begins to take shape, although his frequent unexplained disappearances got to be annoying. I enjoyed the characters’ development, the story, and how they reacted to different trials. Will Michael and Sara move on or will they discover why they are still here? Will they give in to their passion? You’ll have to read The Ghost Chronicles 2 to find out!

What I didn’t like about The Ghost Chronicles 2:

In spite of the elements listed above, the story dragged in places, with a few repetitive scenes. The slow spots didn’t detract from the book much, but it made it a little less enjoyable and I found myself skimming through a few of the battles.

Overall impression of  The Ghost Chronicles 2:

I liked the book and I was quickly drawn into Michael and Sara’s limbo world. The Ghost Chronicles 2 kept me guessing how it would evolve and the roles Michael, Sara, and Tom would play. If you enjoy paranormal romance and ghostly shadow worlds, read this one!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

Connect with Marlo Berliner:

Do you have your copy of The Ghost Chronicles 2 by Marlo Berliner? If not, what are you waiting for? Once you read it, please consider leaving a review and share it with your friends. I know the author will appreciate it! Surf on over to her site or Amazon Author page to her book and learn more about her!

Connect with me:

While you are surfing around, why not leave me a comment on this review (or any others)? I appreciate it too! I also look forward to connecting with new friends on social media. I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Stop by and say hi!

The Ghost Chronicles – My Review!!!

Although paranormal books are not usually high on my list, Amazon recommended The Ghost Chronicles by Marlo Berliner. I’m glad Amazon did! Read on for my thoughts.

Synopsis (from the author):

Can Michael get to heaven before the devil gets him first, and if it means leaving Sarah is he sure he still wants to go?

Michael Andrews had everything – a loving family, a great girlfriend and a promising basketball career. That was before the accident that took his life. Now, he’s a ghost, wandering among the living, struggling to understand why he’s stuck. All he wants is to move on.

That is until he meets Sarah, an attractive young girl who died just as tragically as he did. The only trouble is falling in love and binding oneself to another soul is forbidden, for it may keep one or both of the souls bound to earth for longer than they should be.

To make matters worse, there’s also a danger in going too far with Sarah, because the “joining” of two souls in the afterlife is also strictly forbidden and they don’t know what will happen if they do go that far. Each time they touch they can feel the boundaries of their energies slipping perilously into one another.

Things get even more complicated as Michael learns he’s being pursued. Demons are after him because he’s a marked soul, a soul the devil wants very badly for some unknown reason.

So, maybe falling in love in the afterlife isn’t such a good idea.

Inspired by the legend of a haunting at the Angel of the Sea bed and breakfast in Cape May, NJ.

What I liked about The Ghost Chronicles:

The Ghost Chronicles was an interesting book. Paranormal to be sure, the novel deals with the death of Michael, his inability to move on from a limbo-like state, and his budding romance with Sara (another ghost who can’t move on). Michael’s character and his struggles drew me in and the mystery around Tom and his frequent disappearances added a nice element to the story. Michael’s family’s grief and the impact of his death seemed real. Michael and Sara’s relationship was a nice romantic addition. Overall, an excellent read!

What I didn’t like about The Ghost Chronicles:

Despite everything I liked, The Ghost Chronicles dragged for me in places, especially when Michael visited his home after his death and his repeated encounters with the demons trying to capture him. I thought there could have been fewer demon battles.

Overall impression of The Ghost Chronicles:

The Ghost Chronicles by Marlo Berliner was an excellent read! Well-written, filled with characters easy to relate to, nice bits of romance, plenty of action, and enough mystery and intrigue to keep me turning the pages. I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys paranormal romances!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Is The Ghost Chronicles on your TBR list? If so, please consider leaving a review. If not, why are you waiting? Please don’t forget to stop by Marlo Berliner’s Amazon Author page and website to find out more about her and her books!

Connect with me:

If you have time, leave me a comment on this review. If you don’t have time for that, email me at bill@williamlstuart.com or connect with me on the socials. I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. I’d love to know what you think about my reviews!

Finding the Fountain of Youth – My Review!!

Another recommendation from Amazon in this week’s review. Today, it’s the fantasy novel Finding the Fountain of Youth (Shattering Effects of Time Book 1) by C. A. King.

Synopsis (from the author):

The Shinning boys have always followed the straight and narrow path through life – never deviating from the course for the greater good, but never fully applying their abilities to fight for it either. That all changed the day their younger sister became the victim.
The problem: the villain they have to face to save her is time itself.
The only possible solution: a handful of myths about artifacts believed to have the ability to reverse the grip of time.
Their one lead sets them on a quest to find an ancient civilization of Mermaids to unlock the secrets of the Fountain of Youth. What they discover along the way is more than they could have ever anticipated. The three boys will come face-to-face with their own demons as they are forced to make a choice. What price are they willing to pay to save their sister?

What I liked about Finding the Fountain of Youth:

Finding the Fountain of Youth had many of the elements I like in a story, good characters, an epic quest, a villain or two, and intrigue. Jessie and Nadine provide the romantic element, the professor is both unlikable and mysterious, and the search for the mermaids to save the brothers’ sister is a good quest. The book had plenty of action and I particularly enjoyed the voyage to recover the treasure chest. Overall, a fun read!

What I didn’t like about Finding the Fountain of Youth:

Despite all the good things listed above, the story dragged in spots. Additionally, a better explanation of the brother’s magic would have improved the story for me.

Overall impression of Finding the Fountain of Youth:

Finding the Fountain of Youth (Shattering the Effects of Time Book 1) by C. A. King was an enjoyable book. A good story, nice elements of romance, mythology, and fantasy, along with lots of action kept me entertained. I would recommend this one to fantasy readers everywhere.

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the author:

Have you found Finding the Fountain of Youth by C. A. King? What about her other books? If you have (or plan to), please consider leaving a review! Don’t forget to visit C. A. King’s Amazon Author page and her website to discover more about the author.

Connect with me:

While you’re at it, consider leaving a comment about this review, drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com, or connect with me on the socials! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. I look forward to meeting new friends!