Recommendations and Reviews

The Temple of Paris – My Review!!

I like to read stand-alone books, but I prefer series. A series allows me to invest in the characters and they become familiar friends who tell me their story. I read the first book of The Quicksilver Legacy series (The Riddle of Prague), and when The Temple of Paris became available, I added it to my Kindle!

Synopsis (from the author):

American teenagers, Hana and Alex, travel to Paris on a mission to save the people they love. They have to decode an obscure message to find the only woman on earth who can help them. They soon discover unexpected allies — a quirky detective with a crystal dowser and two young Italians studying in the City of Light. When a mysterious dwarf stalks Alex and sinister characters from the past reappear, Hana questions the truth about their newfound friends.

The first lives Hana and Alex need to save may be their own.

What I liked:

As I mentioned above, I invested in Hana and Alex as they pursue the elixir. Hana is looking for a way to help her mother and Alex is trying to save his sister’s life. The new characters, Roberta and Gio, the crazy detective who knows Alex’s father, the mysterious dwarf, and David (introduced in the first book) lend action, intrigue, and surprises to the story. I also liked the way Nadja shed light on the history of the immortals and how and why things are as they are in the current time.

What I didn’t like:

While I liked the information that Nadja’s story provided, it was a little hard to follow as the narration shifted. Other than that, I had no complaints.

Overall impression:

I liked this book as much or more than the first book of the series. There is plenty of action, interesting backstory, questions answered, new questions raised, and a great ending to the book. I recommend The Temple of Paris to anyone who enjoys excellent YA reads!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

If you want to know more about The Quicksilver Legacy series, visit Laura DeBruce’s website. If you read any of the books in the series, consider leaving a review. I know Laura DeBruce would appreciate it!

Connect with me:

Have a comment on this review? Leave me a message or connect with me on social media. I can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. You can also email me at bill@williamlstuart.com. I love to get feedback on my reviews  and meeting new people. As always, shares are appreciated!

Trinity: The Battle for Nevaeh – My review!!

I read the first two books of this trilogy (and gave them both 5 stars). When David Wind released Trinity: The Battle for Nevaeh, it hit my TBR list immediately. Read on for my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

Concluding the opening Trilogy of the Tales Of Nevaeh series, Areenna of Freemorn and Mikaal of Tolemac bring together the ten dominions for one last battle against their ruthless enemy. The Dark Masters threaten to annihilate the Nevaens, wiping humanity from the face of the earth, unless Areenna and Mikaal can find the mystical power that is Nevaeh’s salvation
To save their world, and their people, they must go where no one has gone for 3000 years: below the Island—deep beneath what used to be Manhattan. As the days grow darker, they search to find deliverance for their people, and become what has been prophesied—the Trinity of power. To accomplish this, they must first discover the third pillar of their powers.
Time is running out. Can they build the Trinity in time to save humanity from extinction?

What I liked:

Areenna and Mikaal are like old friends who continue to grow and amaze as they pursue their destiny. Adding to their mystique is Neleh, the third part of the Trinity puzzle, another compelling character. The Dark Masters are a great counterpoint of evil throughout the series, and their invasion of Nevaeh makes for an excellent backdrop for the story. I liked the revelation of what lies below Manhattan, and what (or who) the Eight are. The book links all the elements of action, intrigue, battles, and mystery together and brings the series to a satisfying conclusion.

What I didn’t like:

I would have liked more on Neleh, and the People. As important as the character was to the book, I know more about some of the minor characters than her. Similarly, I would have liked to know how The Eight fared after the final battle.

Overall impression:

As with the first two books, I enjoyed this one! The familiar characters, a few surprises, good battles, intrigue, and the great conclusion made this as good as the others!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Want to know more about Trinity: The Battle for Nevaeh or the other books in the Tales of Nevaeh series? Visit David Wind’s  website or his Amazon Author page!

If you read any of the books, please consider leaving a review. I know David Wind would appreciate it!

Connect with me:

Do you want to comment on this review or contact me? I can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads, or email me at bill@williamlstuart.com. As always shares and comments are appreciated!

The Stone Gods by C. B. Pratt. My review!!

I read the first book of the Eno the Thracian series by C.B.Pratt and thoroughly enjoyed it. Since I enjoyed it so much, I made room for the second book in the series, The Stone Gods, in my TBR list. Here is what I thought about the second installment!

Synopsis (from the author):

Eno the Thracian is a hero for hire, solving other people’s problem for a profitable fee. In the second book of the series, Eno angers the Great God Pan and is forced to leave his native Thrace for somewhere more ‘civilized’ where the God of the Wood cannot follow him. The High Priest of Amun in Thebes, Egypt, needs his help but is fuzzy on the details, except that several heroes have already perished after taking on the job. It’s possible that civilization has dangers than nature never holds. Still, it’s a living…if not for long.

What I liked:

Despite Eno’s dangerous lifestyle, the book moves in a light-hearted manner. Eno angers Pan and decides it would be a good time to take a job in Egypt. His adventures, including a journey with the Pharaoh, make for plenty of action, humor, and entertainment. Add to the mix the beautiful Naunet (his job in Egypt), and it’s an enjoyable read!

What I didn’t like:

I couldn’t find much to dislike about this book, except that it ended! Luckily, there are three more books in the series!

Overall impression:

As with the first book of the Eno the Thracian series, the second book, The Stone Gods, was an entertaining read. Filled with action, adventure, Greek Gods, and a hero for hire, The Stone Gods is a great read! I recommend it for everyone!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

Connect with C. B. Pratt on her Amazon Author Page or on her website at cynthiapratt.com. If you read The Stone Gods (or any of the Eno the Thracian books) please consider leaving a review. I know C.B. Pratt would appreciate it!

Connect with me:

Leave me a comment and give me feedback on my review. I’d love to hear what you think! And, let’s connect on social media. Find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. You can also drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com. In addition, keep up with all my posts and subscribe to the blog!

Deception (Powell Book 3) by Bill Ward – My Review!!

I do like a good thriller, and Deception by Bill Ward, fits the bill (no pun intended). Read on to see what I thought about the book! 

Synopsis (from the author):

The Americans aren’t happy with the changing political climate in Britain. Elements of the CIA and MI6 enter into a conspiracy to help shape the thinking of the British public.
Meanwhile ISIS has a plan to bring terror to the streets of Britain.
Powell is caught in the middle when he offers help to a former lover, whose life is in danger. Soon it becomes evident, someone will stop at nothing to see them both silenced.
Unsure who can be trusted, Powell must act to save the lives of his friends and right a terrible wrong.

What I liked:

The book started with a bang and didn’t let up until the end. The idea that government agencies would work to influence the public’s opinion in a nefarious way harkens back to any number of scandals, and makes it believable. Powell and the other characters were believable, too. With plenty of action, good characters, and an entertaining storyline, I liked Deception!

What I didn’t like:

I had a little trouble with the idea that the Americans could run such a complex operation in Britain, but once I accepted it, the story worked. I thought the demise of Lara was too predictable, as well.

Overall impression:

Deception by Bill Ward was an entertaining read. Good action, good characters, and a believable plot makes this a book to add to your TBR list! My only regret is that I picked up the third book in the series…now I have to read the first two!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the author:

Find out more about Bill Ward, the Powell series, and his other books by visiting his Amazon author page!

Connect with me:

Please feel free to leave a comment on my review or connect with me on social media on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to the blog!

Dangerous by Lorrie Farrelly showed up in my Amazon recommendations. Though it isn’t my normal genre, the book is a Readers’ Favorite selection, so I decided to read it.

Synopsis (from the author):

Dangerously burned-out, ex-LA cop Cam Starrett imagines his new job in a small, central California town will be a haven from the tragedy, grief, and anger that have shattered his heart. His battered soul cries out for peace and quiet and merciful boredom.

Instead – during his very first day in the new town – he fires a gun, delivers an unusual baby, and hauls a passionate young woman into his embrace for a kiss of pure, scorching hunger. Shaken, he’s left stunned, perplexed, extremely hot and bothered – but not one bit bored.

Despite her training as a school guidance counselor, Meredith Hayden secretly admits that people – especially men – baffle her. Confused and embarrassed by her reckless abandon in the arms of dangerous-looking Cam Starrett, she resolves to keep him at a distance, tempting and torturing them both all the more.

But when they uncover an escalating pattern of bigotry and violence that threatens the lives of everyone in the community, Cam and Merry face an ordeal that will test not only the limits of their courage and trust, but also the true depth of their passion.

What I liked:

Some of the things I look for in a good book are well-developed characters, an enjoyable story, and enough twists and turns to keep me interested. Dangerous had them all! The story starts with Cam losing it as a LA cop and goes from there. Merry and Cam have a smoldering flirtation, a fire provides the backdrop for a mystery, and the community pulling together in the face of tragedy adds the twists and intrigue. All told, Dangerous is an excellent story!

What I didn’t like:

I thought some of the background was too stereotypical. More information about the mayor and his family relationships, especially between the mayor and his wife, would have helped and added to the story. Other than that, no complaints from me!

Overall impression:

Dangerous by Lorrie Farrelly is well-written, well-paced, and an interesting read. The characters are well-developed, the romance hot, and the story moves along nicely. Read this one if you are a fan of romance!

My Rating:

5 Stars

Connect with the author:

If you read Dangerous by Lorrie Farrelly, consider leaving a review. Lorrie will appreciate it! You can find Lorrie Farrelly on her website or her Amazon Author page, so check them out!

Connect with me:

If you want to connect with me, drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com or find me on Twitter, Facebook, and  Goodreads! Let me know what you thought of my review!! Don’t miss a review or a post! Subscribe to the blog!

Halfway Bitten by Terry Maggert

This is the third book of Terry Maggert’s I’ve read and the second of the Halfway Witchy series. The first book of the series, Halfway Dead garnered a 5 Star review from me, so the second book of the series, Halfway Bitten had a lot to live up to. It succeeded!

Synopsis (from the author):

The circus came to Halfway, and they brought the weird.

When clowns, vampires, and corpses start piling up in town, Carlie has to break away from her boyfriend, Wulfric, to bring her witchy skills to the table- or grill, as the case may be.
When the body of a young woman washes up in the lake, it unleashes a spiral of mystery that will bring Carlie, Gran, and Wulfric into a storm of magical warfare. Spells will fly. Curses will rain. Amidst it all, Carlie will make waffles, protect her town, and find out if a man from the distant past can join her in happy ever after.
With love and honor at stake, Carlie has no peer.

What I liked:

Carlie and Gran are wonderful familiar characters that I just enjoy. The first person narrative is done well, with just the right mix of snarky commentary and conversational storytelling. The premise of the book is the appearance of creepy clowns, vampires, and the circus come to town. The battles that Carlie and Gran fight, the passage of power and knowledge from Gran to Carlie, and the interaction with the ghosts make this an excellent read!

What I didn’t like:

I thought the book could have used more Wulfric. He plays such an important role in the book, but I didn’t get enough backstory on the character. Other than that, not much to complain about!!

Overall impression:

Halfway Bitten by Terry Maggert was a great entertaining read! Filled with witchy magic, cool characters (even the French Canadian ghost), sacrifice, and a satisfying conclusion, I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of witchy fantasy!

My rating:

5 Stars!!

If you read the book, please consider leaving a review! It’s always great for an author to hear from readers!

Connect with the author:

Find Terry Maggert on his website or on his Amazon Author Page, too, to discover when the third installment of the series is coming and discover his other books!!

Connect with me:

Like my review? Please leave me a comment about it! Don’t like the review? Leave me a comment and let me know how I could improve it. If you don’t want to comment here, you can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads. You can send me an email, too, at bill@williamlstuart.com. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to the blog!!