Recommendations and Reviews

The Forging (The Sword and the Flame Book 1) – My Review!

I wanted to read fantasy again, and I had my eye on this one for a while. Therefore, when I had a spot on the TBR, I added this one. Read on for my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

In a world where magic and the sword rule and dragons are forgotten, a band of friends find each other but can they overcome their own fears and trials in time to fulfill their destiny? Their adventure begins in The Sword and the Flame: The Forging. Before a weapon can be used, it must be forged in the fires of life.

What I liked:

The Forging is one of those fantasy books that makes you feel good! It has all the requisite elements – a quest, danger, sacrifice, peril, and the awakening of power. The characters, though, make this an enjoyable read for me. My favorite is Janessa, the Halfling. Her friend Viola, the apprentice Sorcerer, and Berek, a Barbarian add their own elements. The gargoyle Fech makes a great enforcer for Renard (the circus owner), and both of those are the evil in the story. All told, The Forging is a good read for all fantasy readers.

What I didn’t like:

With all the characters (I didn’t mention Galin the Dwarf, Mern the Sorcerer, and a few others), following the story is a bit confusing. Other than that, no complaints from me!

Overall impression:

The Forging is a fantasy book for all ages. Cool characters, an interesting quest, a magical barbarian, and lots of evil afoot make this a fun read. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Have you read The Forging (The Sword and the Flame Book 1)? What about any of C.P Bialois’ other books? If so, please consider leaving a review. Reviews let authors know what readers think about their work. And, if you want to know more about C. P. Bialois and his books, check out his Amazon Author page or his website. I know he will appreciate it!

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The Dark Levy by Alaric Longward – My Review!

The Dark Levy by Alaric Longward caught my eye as a recommendation on my Amazon feed. It’s definitely dark fantasy, but with an intriguing twist that grabbed me immediately. Read on for more!

Synopsis (from the author):

In this epic dark fantasy adventure story, Shannon and Dana visit their wise, old grandmother in Wales, and finally learn why their lives have been strangely tormented and cursed. There is a family secret, old as time itself, and that secret might kill them if they try to ignore their destiny. They also learn that there is a dangerous way to embrace that secret, because on that day, a harrowing creature of an alien world calls out for the few and the special, talented humans of the Tenth world. Our world.

Dana performs an irreversible murderous deed that opens the gate to the Jewel of the Nine, the world of Aldheim, and they meet the strange creature calling for them. In this world they find their true calling, their special talents, the truth of the gods and also a world of mystery, danger, and adversity. Shannon and Dana struggle with their previous relationship as one grows cruel and power-driven, while the other learns to value friendship. Much is demanded of Shannon, who struggles with her loyalties.

Despite the many dangers and their apparently hopeless situation in the brutal, mage-filled world of monsters and dragons, there is hope, for Shannon has special, coveted powers of healing, reserved for the chosen of the gods. If she perseveres, she can change the past and bring back even the gods.

But the price will be great.

What I liked:

The Dark Levy is a great dark fantasy read! Shannon is the vulnerable yet strong and unlikely heroine. Dana repeatedly shows her dark side and is ruthless. The supporting cast plays the important background role, providing conflict and shifting loyalties to enhance the story. And the gorgons are great antagonists. Norse mythology elements add  an extra layer  to the tale. All in all, an excellent fantasy read!

What I didn’t like:

My only complaints about the book are some parts seem repetitive and I found myself rushing through them.

Overall impression:

Despite my criticism above, Alaric Longward’s The Dark Levy combines all the elements of a great dark fantasy book. Action, conflict, impossible choices, and fantastic villains blend together to take the reader on an epic journey. If you read fantasy, put this one on your TBR!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Have you read The Dark Levy? What about any of Alaric Longward’s other books? Find out more about them on his Amazon Author page or his website. Visit, look around, and leave him a comment. Please consider leaving a review, too, since reviews let authors know what reader’s think of their work.

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A Fine Line: The Beginning – My review!!

I was looking for something different to read and A Fine Line: The Beginning showed up in my recommendations. Not normally a fan of Civil War era novels, I wanted to read this one as the blurb and the cover intrigued me. Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

This historical fantasy will take you on mystical journey with William T. Healthaway and the Crew one you won’t soon forget. William T. Healthaway, a Union soldier, fights in the battle of Pickett’s Mill. The battle is brutal and treacherous. However, however, William will soon learn that surviving this battle is only the beginning of his adventure. He is about to be thrown him into a whirlwind of preternatural happenstance and danger he and the rest of the Crew could never have dreamed possible.

The war awaiting them after their homecoming is one which has been raging for centuries; a war that will lead them into a world they never dreamed might exist. Unknowingly, the family will be plunged into a world of mystery, encountering intrigue, deception, death, temptation, and powers not of their world. With every miraculous power revealed will come a sinister evil. William and his Crew will find themselves in a world which defies every reality.

What I liked:

A Fine Line: The Beginning drew me in from the start. The battle scene, William’s injury, his vision of Caroline, and his rescue by Tyrone and Cecil, set the stage for the book. Add to it the powers Tyrone and Cecil possess, and the reunion of William’s war compatriots and all the elements are in place for this historical fantasy! The elements of good versus evil, temptation, redemption, and sacrifice all play important roles as the story unfolds. All told, a good read!

What I didn’t like:

At times, the introduction of the characters’ powers seemed forced. In addition, for a historical fiction piece, much of the interaction among the characters was more modern than the time setting would dictate.

Overall Impression:

A Fine Line: The Beginning was an intriguing and interesting read. Good characters, an ancient lineage, awakening powers, and the battle between good and evil kept my attention. I read this one quickly and look forward to reading the rest of the series.

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the author:

Have you read A Fine Line: The Beginning? What about any of J.C. Brennan’s other books? If you have (or will), please consider leaving a review. And, if you have a moment, stop by her Amazon author page or website and discover more about this talented writer! I know she will appreciate it.

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Like (or dislike) my review? Please let me a comment and let me know. If you want to connect on the socials, find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. You can email me at bill@williamlstuart.com, too!

The Calling (Gateway Book 1) – My Review!!

The Calling (Gateway Book 1) by Louise G. White caught my eye while browsing suggestions from Amazon. The blurb sounded good, so I decided to give it a read. Below are my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

On the run and hiding from ‘the suits’, Carolyn’s life is far from straightforward. After her mother and brother go missing in a most extraordinary way, (through a hole to another world which appears in the kitchen wall!), she is determined to track them down and bring them home. But life is never that easy! Rescued and protected by a group of unusual and likeminded ‘people’, Carolyn hones her magic and fighting skills. Whilst answering a ‘call’ to retrieve a human from another world she’s faced with a quick decision and ends up bringing a demon back with her. Little did she know what effect this demon would have on her.

What I liked:

Carolyn is a great character. Spunky, resourceful, and coming into her power, she answers the calling lethally. Once she meets Note, things get really interesting. The story moves along at a good pace, and the scrapes Carolyn and Note add a nice backdrop for their burgeoning romance. Ethan carries a torch for Carolyn (while trying to be the cool demon hunter) and Sean (the brooding mysterious one) add a depth to the character list. All this while Carolyn tries to figure out how to get her Mother and brother back from the otherworld. All in all, The Calling is good stuff!

What I didn’t like:

The first part of the book was confusing. Carolyn is dodging government agencies, answering calls, and killing demons, but it isn’t clear why. It frustrated me as a reader! I also thought the repeated sexual near misses between Note and Carolyn became too repetitive and detracted from the story.

Overall impression:

Once I understood what Carolyn was and why she was doing what she did, I liked The Calling. Carolyn’s character was easy to identify with, Note was a cool demon snake guy, and Sean was an excellent mystery. Despite the issues I listed above, I enjoyed the book and put the next two on my TBR list!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Louise G. White

Have you read The Calling? What about Louise G. White’s other books? If not, why not check them out and give them a try? And, while you are at it, stop by Louise G. White’s Amazon Author Page or her website and say hi! If you read any of her books, please consider leaving a review. I know she will appreciate it!

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How did you like this review? Leave me a comment and let me know. Connect with me on the socials on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. If you prefer, email me at bill@williamlstuart.com. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to the blog. I look forward to hearing from you!

Dragon Dreams – My review!!

It’s hard to believe 2017 is almost here. That means my final review for 2016 will be for Dragon Dreams (The Chronicles of Shadow and Light Book 1) by Dusty Lynn Holloway. Read on to find out what I thought about this fantasy novel!

Synopsis (from the author):

A prophecy of murder.

An elf hunted by dragons.

One man who risks everything to save her.

Nachal is a human that should not be having prophetic Dragon Dreams. But he does. Every night he dreams of an elf running through flames, trying in vain to outrun the Rebel Dragon Obsidian. Every night he sees her fall. Sees her eyes close. Feels her heart as it slows, and then stops. Every night, through the connection of the dream, he dies with her. It’s a spiral that he can’t control, and it’s slowly driving him insane.

Auri is an elf raised by a powerful human king not of her own blood. Left behind by the mother who perished far from the elven isle El`dell, she seeks to forge her life among the humans. Her journey takes her to the land of her heritage. To a place that holds both a haunting betrayal, and a miracle that just might save her life.

Together, they become embroiled in a conspiracy where destinies are intertwined, love is born in the fallout of ultimate sacrifice, and the only path to victory lies through the searing flames of dragon fire.

What I liked about Dragon Dreams:

Dragon Dreams has all the fantasy elements! Dragons, elves, a grumpy dwarf, romance, an epic quest, and the fate of a world in the balance make the story entertaining. I enjoy Nachal’s tormented character, Auri’s character is an interesting blend of human-raised elf and heroine-to-be, and the dwarf is the perfect foil to Nachal. Add Liran the Watcher (another elf) to the mix and the plot thickens. All this against the backdrop of the looming war with Obsidian and his forces. Plenty to keep me reading!

What I didn’t like about Dragon Dreams:

Dragon Dreams dragged in places, and the romantic interaction between Auri and Liran, and Auri and Nachal muddied the story. I think a little more backstory could help the book, too.

Overall impression of Dragon Dreams:

Dragon Dreams is a good start to the Chronicles of Shadow and Light series. Good characters, an interesting plot, a couple of surprise revelations, and the beginning of an epic adventure makes this a book to read!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the author:

Interested in reading Dragon Dreams or the rest of the Chronicles of Shadow and Light? Find out more about the series and Dusty Lynn Holloway on her Amazon Author page or her website! And don’t forget to leave a review when you finish!

Connect with me:

Thanks for spending part of your 2016 with me. I hope my reviews helped readers find new authors and books. I’ll continue in 2017, so stay tuned (and subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss a post). If you are so inclined, find me on the socials and let’s connect! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Or just email me at bill@williamlstuart.com! Happy New Year!!!