William L. Stuart

author of The Gemstone Chronicles Series

elves

The Last Descendant (Sanyare Chronicles #1) by Megan Haskell – My Review!!

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The Last Descendant – My Review!!

The Last Descendant Cover

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, Pinterest, and Tumblr. Say hi and let’s start a conversation!

Riven (My Myth #1) by Jane Alvey Harris – My Review!!

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Riven – My Review!!

Riven Cover

Riven (My Myth #1) by Jane Alvey Harris showed up in my Goodreads recommendations. Intrigued by both the cover and the blurb, I added it to my TBR list. Read on for my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

Which reality would you choose? Seventeen year-old Emily’s dad is in prison for securities fraud and her mom’s strung-out on pain meds, leaving Emily to parent herself and her younger brothers and sister. She’s got things mostly under control until a couple weeks before Dad’s release, when voices start whispering in her head, and Gabe, the hot lifeguard at the pool, notices the strange brands engraved on her arm…the ones she’s trying desperately to hide. Emily doesn’t know how the symbols got there or what they mean. They appeared overnight and now they’re infected and bleeding. She’s pretty sure she’s losing her mind. Stress, insomnia, and her wounded egos drive Emily to self-medicate, which has to be why the nightmares from her childhood have resurfaced, why they’re commandeering her conscious even when she’s awake. It has to be why the fairytale creatures she created as a little girl insist they need her help. Triggered by the return of her childhood abuser and unable to cope with reality, Emily slips completely inside her elaborate fantasy world. She’s powerful in the First Realm, maybe even more powerful than her attacker. It would be so easy to stay there, to lose herself in enchantment…to lose herself in love. But something sinister lurks in the forest shadows. Emily soon discovers her demons have followed her inside her fairytale. They’re hunting her. With the help of the Fae, she frantically searches for the weapons she needs to defeat her greatest fears and escape back to reality before the man who tortured her can prey on her younger brothers and sister, too. Time is running out…

*Non-Explicit Trigger Warning: This book deals with the issues of child molestation and child abuse. 

What I liked:

Riven had many of the elements of classic fantasy. From the Fae, the First Realm, and the dragonflies in the real world, to the runes cut into her arm, the intrigue and magic made the story seem real. Emily’s substance abuse and her mother’s illness provided the perfect reasons to slip between worlds. The abuse noted at the end of the synopsis, though horrible and uncomfortable, wasn’t explicit and didn’t overtly dominate the story. Emily’s escape mechanism from the trauma did dominate the story and, by using fantasy elements to depict her protection, Jane Alvey Harris did an exceptional job handling the topic.

What I didn’t like:

At times, the story was difficult to follow, especially when Emily interacted with her siblings. Whether she imagined everything or if her siblings also saw what she saw was unclear at times. Gabe’s insistence to be included in Emily’s life (despite the fact it was explained late in the book) was a bit odd for me.

Overall impression:

Excellent characters, a good story, and memorable fantasy elements made Riven (My Myth #1) a book to read. Certainly not for early YA, this one suits older teens. The book handles a difficult subject well, but with the fantasy elements dominating the story, it is a good read. I recommend it to all older fantasy fans!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with Jane Alvey Harris: 

Find out more about the author on her Amazon Author page and her website. While you’re there, please consider leaving a review or a comment! I know Jane appreciates it!

Connect with me:

Find me on the socials and let’s connect! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Tumblr, and Pinterest. I look forward to meeting new friends!

The Bow of Destiny by P. H. Solomon – My Review!!

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The Bow of Destiny – My Review!!

The Bow of Destiny Cover

After a couple of science fiction books, I’m back to fantasy with The Bow of Destiny (The Bow of Hart Saga Book 1) by P. H. Solomon. This one comes from an Amazon recommendation and I’m glad they recommended it!

Synopsis (from the author):

Haunted by his past. Hunted in the present. Uncertain what is real.

This unique epic fantasy will keep you turning pages as Athson discovers his destiny is both inconvenient and unavoidable.

Athson has seen things that aren’t there and suffered fits since being tragically orphaned as a child at the hands of trolls and Corgren the mage who serves Magdronu the dragon.

When a strange will mentioning a mysterious bow comes into his possession, Athson’s not sure it’s real.

But the trolls that soon pursue him are all too real and dangerous. And they serve Corgren and his master, the hidden dragon, Magdronu.

Athson is drawn into a quest for the concealed Bow of Hart by the mystic Withling, Hastra.

But Athson isn’t always sure what’s real and who his enemies are.

With Corgren and Magdronu involved, Athson faces frequent danger, his grasp on reality, and the reasons behind his tragic past. 

What I liked:

P. H. Solomon built a cool world! I related to the characters easily and I enjoyed their adventures. The actions scenes entertained me and the hint of romance between Athson and Limbreth added a nice element to the story. Athson and Hastra’s uneasy relationship gave an extra bit of intrigue.  The antagonists, Corgren and Magdronu, played their parts well and rounded out the story. The Bow of Destiny is a good fantasy book!

What I didn’t like:

Despite all the good things listed above, there were a couple of things I didn’t like. First, Athson’s reluctance to accept is destiny was repetitive. Similarly, Limbreth’s struggle to tell Athson the truth was repetitive.

Overall impression:

The Bow of Destiny (The Bow of Hart Saga Book 1) was a good book with lots to like. Good solid characters, good story, complex relationships, romance, and intrigue all combine for an enjoyable tale. I recommend this one to all fantasy readers!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with P. H. Solomon:

Find the author at his Amazon Author page or his website. Visit and discover more about The Bow of Hart series and maybe pick up a book or 3! While you’re visiting, please consider leaving a review or a comment.

Connect with me:

If you use the socials, connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Tumblr, and Pinterest. Say hi and let’s start a conversation! As always, shares and comments are always welcome.

Tainted Waters (Paranormal Peacekeepers Book 1) by Lucretia Stanhope – My Review

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Tainted Waters – My Review!!

Tainted Waters Cover

Tainted Waters (Paranormal Peacekeepers Book 1) by Lucretia Stanhope (a Goodreads recommendation) was a different fantasy novel and one that I enjoyed! The combination of elves, witches, and magic took new directions and was a lot of fun!

Synopsis (from the author):

Half witch. Half light elf. Welcome by neither. Alice is alone and desperate to fit in at her aunt’s coven when she embarks on a dubious quest for cave nettle.

Dark Elf. Decker is a leader running out of time. Isolated from the main cave system due to a hex making the water in his cave toxic, even the war his clan demands won’t save them.

The two must put aside centuries-old survival instincts and work together to save lives and preserve the fragile treaty between the coven and clan.

What I liked:

Alice was a plucky heroine with a different outlook on life than most of the other witches. Decker was a sufficiently evil foil, but he and Alice somehow worked together. Jasper played an important role in the story as well, but I can’t say much without spoilers. Suffice it to say the intrigue, action, and creepy parts of the book made Tainted Waters a most enjoyable read!

What I didn’t like:

I would have liked more on Alice’s background and why she was sheltered like she was and how she came to live with her mother. I also wasn’t that fond of how things ended with the witches. Other than that, not much to dislike!

Overall impression:

I liked Alice and Jasper and Decker became somewhat of likable by the end of the story. The witches weren’t too likable, but made for good characters. Alice’s journey to discover her magic so she could try to save the Dark Elves was a great background for the story. Lastly, the action and the story itself were entertaining! I recommend Tainted Waters (Paranormal Peacekeepers Book 1) for YA audiences and fans!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

Connect with the author:

Find Lucretia Stanhope and her books on her Amazon Author Page and her Facebook page. Please consider leaving a review, too! Reviews let authors know what you think about their work. It helps make us better writers.

Connect with me:

If you want to connect with me, find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Tumblr, and Pinterest. You can email me at bill@williamlstuart.com or leave me a comment on the blog. Subscribe to the blog, too, so you don’t miss a post!

Ring of Fire by Stevie Rae Causey – My Review!!!

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Ring of Fire – My Review!!

Causey Ring of Fire Cover

My TBR list is all over the place. I have fantasy, crime thrillers, dystopia, and more fantasy on the list. First up is Stevie Rae Causey’s Ring of Fire, the first of her two book series.

Synopsis (from the author):

What If Everything You Knew Was A Lie?

Kala’s people have been at war with the Mystics, a group of magical beasts and beings, for as long as she can remember. It was Mystics who killed her parents. Or so she thought.
When an elf saves her life, Kala’s whole world is turned upside down. The line between right and wrong blurs as she finds herself falling in love with the enemy.
Hiding their affair isn’t easy, and when Kala confides in the wrong person, a new war ignites. Can their love unite their people, or are their people doomed to repeat the past? 

What I liked:

Ring of Fire had much to like. First, Kala’s character was easy to identify with and her relationship with Azlyn (the elf who rescued her from her kidnapper) was a great backdrop for the story. Cazlyn, Azlyn’s nephew was a great character. Nice world building and the inclusion of the other races added depth to the tale. Overall, I enjoyed the book!

What I didn’t like:

Some of the book was slow to unfold and was predictable at times. Other than that, no complaints from me!

Overall impression:

Ring of Fire by Stevie Rae Causey was an entertaining read. It had enough twists, turns, and intrigue to keep my attention. With solid characters, good storytelling, and a touch of romance, I would recommend this one to anyone from tweens and older who enjoy a good fantasy!

My rating:

4.5 Stars (rounded to 5 Stars)

Connect with the Author: 

Find Stevie Rae Causey on her website or her Amazon Author Page and find out more about her books!

Connect with me: 

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Tumblr, and Pinterest. You can also drop me an email at bill@williamlstuart.com or leave a comment. I’d like to connect with new friends!

Ruins on Stone Hill (Heroes of Ravenford, #1) by F. P. Spirit – My Review!!

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Ruins on Stone Hill – My Review!!

Ruins

I went back to my fantasy roots for this review. As with many of my recent reads, this one came up on my Amazon recommendations, so I decided to read Ruins on Stone Hill (Heroes of Ravenford, #1) by F. P. Spirit. Here are my thoughts!

Synopsis (from the author):

It has been nearly one hundred and fifty years since the end of the Thrall Wars, when the four dread Thrall Masters wreaked devastation across the land of Thac. The world has been relatively quiet since, but dark things have started to rise again around the little seaport of Ravenford. Monstrous bandits stalk the woods to the west, huge creatures terrorize farms to the north, and a dark presence has taken up refuge in the ancient ruins to the south.**

The town’s only hope may lay in four newcomers: a fearless young warrior with blades of fire, an elven wizard as deadly to his friends as his enemies, a cynical halfling who just may be an assassin, and a quiet gnome whose very touch can heal. Banded together with the tall warrior, Titan, and her mercenary companion, the novice heroes set out to confront these creatures of darkness. Yet they quickly find they are facing more than just a few rogue monsters, for there is a greater force behind them all.

From eerie woods to underground caves to haunted ruins, the young heroes encounter terrifying monsters, creatures of the night, and demonic sorcery. Can they stand against the forces of darkness, or will they too fall prey to the evil that has targeted Ravenford.

What I liked:

Ruins on Stone Hill took off with a bang and the action was good throughout. The heroes prove themselves as stout companions and great friends. Joined by Titan and her companion, the band best monsters, mages, and trolls while dispensing their own brand of justice. Plenty of sword and sorcery action, short interesting quests, and touches of romance made the book an enjoyable read!

What I didn’t like:

My chief complaint about the book was the overuse of certain words like smirk and snuck. Rarely did a character smile or grin, but they smirked a lot. Besides using snuck in the narrative, a few other grammatical errors jarred me out of the story.

Overall impression:

Despite the issues listed above, I enjoyed Ruins on Stone Hill (Heroes of Ravenford, #1)! Plenty of action, cool quests, interesting monsters, and enough magic kept me reading. I would recommend this one to any fantasy reader!

My rating:

4 Stars

Connect with the author:

Are you reading Ruins on Stone Hill by F. P. Spirit? If not, do you plan to read it? If and when you do, please consider leaving a review! Also, plan to visit F. P. Spirit’s Amazon Author page and his website to find out more about the Heroes of Ravenford series!

Consider with me:

While you are visiting and reviewing, leave me a comment about the review. Consider connecting with me on social media, too! I’m on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Tumblr, and Pinterest. You can also email me at bill@williamlstuart.com! Don’t be shy!