William L. Stuart

author of The Gemstone Chronicles Series

fantasy adventure

Aerenden: The Zeiihbu Master – My Review!!

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I read the first two books of the Aerenden Series by Kristen Taber and enjoyed both. I added Aerenden: The Zeiihbu Master (Aerenden # 3) to my TBR list after finishing Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance. Here are my thoughts!

Zeiihbu Master Cover

Synopsis (from the author):

Separated and on opposite sides of the kingdom, Nick and Meaghan face different pursuits which could change the balance of power in Ærenden forever.

While Nick trains the villagers as soldiers, Meaghan and a small rescue party venture into Zeiihbu to find Faillen’s young son before Garon can use the boy’s power to destroy those still fighting against his rule.

Everyone knows Meaghan could be on a suicide mission, but when Nick stumbles upon a secret concealed in one of the southern villages, he realizes Garon might not be Meaghan’s greatest foe. The enemy most likely to kill her is someone who has also promised to keep her safe.

What I liked:

As with the other Aerenden books I’ve read, this one didn’t disappoint. Megan and Nick are still working through their relationship, but this time far apart from each other. Megan and Nick both grow characters and leaders, while the turmoil in Aerenden grows in turn. The intrigue surrounding the prophecies and their interpretation added a nice background to the story. Overall, Aerenden: The Zeiihbu Master (Aerenden # 3) is an excellent addition to the series!

What I didn’t like:

My only issue with the book is that Cal seems to be stuck as a character and overreacts to every situation.

Overall impression:

Good writing, good characters, and a great story all combine to provide a fun fantasy read. If you enjoy fantasy, try Aerenden: The Zeiihbu Master (Aerenden # 3)! Of course, you’ll need to read the first two books, too, just to make sure you know the entire story!!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with Kristen Taber:

Find Kristen Taber on her Amazon Author Page, Goodreads Page, or her website. Find out what she up to and more about her books. While there, consider leaving a review or a comment and maybe buy a book or two!

Connect with me:

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and Pinterest. Say hi and let’s connect!

Time to B.R.A.G. a Little (again)!

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My readers recall that The Gemstone Chronicles Book One: The Carnelian won its first award from IndieBrag when it received the B.R.A.G. medallion in 2015. This past October, I submitted Book Two: The Amethyst and guess what? It won as well, so it’s time to B.R.A.G (again)! I could not be prouder!

B.R.A.G. The Amethyst Cover

What is IndieBRAG?

As a refresher, IndieBRAG, home of award-winning independent authors, awards the B.R.A.G. medallion. B.R.A.G. stands for Book Readers Appreciation Group and has as its mission is to discover talented independent authors and give their work the attention and recognition they deserve. According to their website, all books brought to their attention are subjected to a rigorous selection process. They screen the works to ensure they meet minimum standards for quality and content. If the book passes the screening process, IndieBRAG makes the book available to a global group of readers, who can select the book based on the genre.

B.R.A.G. Medallion:

IndieBRAG only awards 20-25% of the submissions a B.R.A.G. medallion, indicating the book is well-worth readers’ time and money. Now I have two! I plan to submit Books Three and Four at some point in the future and hope to have the entire series listed on the website just as The Carnelian and The Amethyst are!

In the market for good independently published books? Visit the IndieBRAG website and see what interests you. I’m reading a fellow B.R.A.G. medallion author’s book now and they are excellent! I’ll bet you can find your favorite genre there, too. As always, if you read a book, please consider leaving a review! It doesn’t take long. Your feedback is appreciated and welcomed by the authors.

Connect with me:

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Tumblr. Visit my Amazon Author page or find me on the IndieBRAG site. Stop by, check out The Gemstone Chronicles, and say hello!

Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance by Kristen Taber – My Review!!

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Not long ago I read Aerenden: The Child Returns (Aerenden #1) by Kristen Taber and gave it 4.5 stars (rounded to 5 stars). I added Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance (Aerenden #2) to my TBR list and now, it’s time for my review!

Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance Cover

Synopsis (From the author):

The Mardroch army hunts the new King and Queen, destroying villages in its wake. And Meaghan and Nick, training for battle in a remote section of wilderness, are far from safe. Danger hides in shadows and behind innocent faces. Allies become foes. Each day is a fight to survive. But in the end, only one threat matters. And it’s a threat they never see coming

What I liked:

As with the first book, I enjoyed the story. Meaghan continues to grow as a character and her relationship with Nick gets more complicated with each passing day. I also liked the way different powers manifested themselves in the individuals who possess them. The battle scenes entertained me. Lastly, the story flowed well and kept me turning pages. Overall, an excellent read!

What I didn’t like:

 Like the first book, I thought Meaghan and Nick’s relationship was too choppy and undefined. Other than that, no issues for me.

Overall impression:

Aerenden: The Gildonae Alliance (Aerenden #2) was a good continuation of the series. It built on the previous book and revealed a few new characters. With good battles scenes, intrigue, and a little bit of romance, the book kept me entertained. If you like fantasy, this is one to read!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with Kristen Taber:

Find Kristen Taber on her Amazon Author Page, Goodreads Page, or her website. Find out what she up to and more about her books. While there, consider leaving a review or a comment and maybe buy a book or two!

Connect with me:

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Tumblr. Say hi and let’s connect!

Milestones – or a Few Accomplishments over the Last Seven Years!!

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Milestones!

Milestone the first:

Today’s post marks a number of milestones! What milestones, you might ask? The first significant milestone is that August 12 marks seven years since The Gemstone Chronicles Book One: The Carnelian publication date! Since that day,  The Carnelian picked up an Indie BRAG Medallion and a Readers’ Favorite Bronze Medal. I’ve published the other three books of the series, attended many festivals and books signings, spoke at schools, and learned more than I ever thought possible about writing. I’ve met amazing authors, reviewers, and book promoters. I keep writing (can you believe three WIPs?) and hope to publish my fifth book (the start of a new series) in 2020.

The Carnelian Cover Milestones

Though I haven’t hit the bestsellers list yet, I am eternally grateful to each and every person who took the time to read one or all of the books. My favorite author moment came from a teacher (and former classmate). She told me she struggled to get a student to read. When she told the student she knew an author (me), and maybe he would read my books. I sent her a set. She reported back to me that he loved them and has become a voracious reader! That makes it all worthwhile!

Milestone the second:

I also celebrate reaching the 15,000 Twitter follower milestone! Writing The Gemstone Chronicles made me aware of the various avenues of social media and, after trying most of them, settled on Twitter as my main social media platform. I know it isn’t a huge following, but I continue to grow it and I hope I’m providing some assistance to other authors out there.

Milestone the third:

The final milestone I’m marking is that this post is my three hundredth blog post! That’s right! This blog started on August 12th, 2012 to announce The Carnelian’s publication. What a long but interesting journey it has been! I’ve written posts about my books, book promotion sites, gemstones, duct tape, conspiracy theories, and many book reviews! I’ve even slipped a few posts about submarines and my time in the Navy. I like to post my book reviews and maybe give a fellow author a bit of exposure. I hope my posts reflect my rather eclectic interests both in the different genres I review and the occasional foray into my hobbies and interests.

As always, I’m humbled and grateful for everyone’s continued support and for the readers who’ve taken time to read my books and read and comment on my blog posts. Though I can’t thank all of you personally, please know how much I appreciate you and will try to continue to provide enjoyable content!

Connect with me:

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Tumblr. Say hi and let’s connect! Don’t miss a post either. Subscribe to the blog!

Myths of the Mirror by D. Wallace Peach – My Review!!

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Myths of the Mirror – My Review!!

Myths of the Mirror Cover

Who doesn’t like dragons? For me, a fantasy novel with dragons will always have a place on my TBR list! When I received the recommendation for Myths of the Mirror (Dragon Soul Quartet #1) I added it to my list. Here is my review!

Synopsis (from the author):

In the distant mountains of the Mirror, exiled skyriders fly dragons in the old Way, merged in flesh, blood, and bone. Twenty years past, they fought for the freedom of the valley’s dragons … and lost.

Imprisoned in the stone lair, the captive dragons beat their webbed wings and thrash serpentine tails. They tear their flesh and batter their bodies against the black bars of their cells, iron grating against iron. The once peaceful creatures howl, tormented by spine and spur, their fury matched only by their despair.

Treasa, the daughter of exiles, seeks the secrets of a hidden past and a father she never knew. Gifted with visions, she glimpses pieces of years long lost and a veiled future that only raises more questions. The dragons visit her dreams, laden with contradictions that tear at her heart—for one day she sails in unfettered flight, her arms thrown wide, and the next she writhes in tortured darkness, desperate to be free.

The lair’s black-garbed riders sense the dragons’ growing savagery. Yet Conall longs to grasp their power, to subdue them and soar. He will endure the reek, filth, and terror of the lair to earn his right to fly. With a heart encased in steel, he masters the weapons of compliance to see his will done. At the cost of the woman he loves.

Then, a curved talon rends flesh and dragon scale, rattling against white ribs. Blood falls like rain and the world shifts. Treasa and Conall must decide who they are and what they stand for. Thus the battle for the dragon soul begins again. Alliances form, old myths are revealed, and new myths are born.

What I liked:

First, I enjoyed this book! The imprisoned dragons fueled much of the story and intertwined everyone’s lives and actions into a great story. The characters were good, the writing flowed smoothly, and the story had a nice pace. Romantic elements abounded throughout the book, which only added to the depth of the tale. All told, Myths of the Mirror (Dragon Soul Quarter #1) was an excellent book!

What I didn’t like:

The only thing I didn’t like in the book was the ongoing lack of communication between Treasa and her mother. I can’t really say much about it without adding spoilers, so you’ll just have to read the book and make your own decision.

Overall impression:

Myths of the Mirror (Dragon Soul Quartet #1) by D. Wallace Peach had all the elements for a great fantasy novel. Good characters, a downtrodden dragon population, romance, intrigue, and a good plot line made it a book I truly enjoyed. If you like fantasy, try this one!

My rating:

5 Stars

Connect with D. Wallace Peach:

Find D. Wallace Peach on her Amazon Author Page or her website. Check out the entire Dragon Soul Quartet and discover more about the author and her books!

Connect with me:

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Tumblr. Say hi and let’s connect. If you don’t want to miss a post, subscribe to the blog!

The Scholar: The Genoa Chronicles, Book 1 by J.J. Anders – My Review!!

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The Scholar: The Genoa Chronicles, Book 1– My Review!!

The Scholar Cover

I admit that I’ve not really listened to an audiobook in its entirety until I received an Audible gift certificate. I chose The Scholar: The Genoa Chronicles, Book 1 by J.J. Anders and narrated by Marnye Young as my introduction to audiobooks. Read on for my review.

Synopsis (from the author):

Anna is clearly different from others. With obvious physical differences and powerful abilities, she’s never quite fit in…anywhere. Having no knowledge of her parents, she sets out to discover her true origin. On the run for most of her life, she’s become a master at eluding capture, even a little cocky, you might say. When a sticky situation forces her hand, she hitches a ride with a wizard, who whisks her away to another world where, according to him, she’d been exiled from as a child. This new magical place seems oddly familiar as Anna discovers powerful enemies and treasured allies on her quest for answers. The dangerous journey thrust her headlong into the arms of Kriston, who finds himself caught between sworn-duty and insatiable curiosity.

What I liked:

First, I liked the story. Anna had some great adventures and met many interesting characters and creatures. The rock trolls were my favorite, though the huge horses were a close second. Secondly, I enjoyed Marnye Young’s narration. The various voices she used impressed me.

The book has many of the classic fantasy elements like a quest, cool creatures, adventure, and a touch of romance. The Scholar: The Genoa Chronicles, Book 1 moved along briskly and had enough action to keep my interest. Overall, a good book.

What I didn’t like:

I didn’t find the audiobook format to be a favorite. While Marnye Young did a great job narrating the story, I missed putting my own imagination into the story. The story itself, though entertaining, seemed a bit disjointed to me and jumped around more than I liked.

Overall impression:

The Scholar: The Genoa Chronicles, Book 1 audiobook was entertaining and beautifully narrated. Although I didn’t enjoy the audiobook as much as I would an ebook or physical copy, it made a couple of flights enjoyable. As far as the story goes, it’s a good one! If you like fantasy, give this one a try!

My rating:

4 Stars for the book

5 Stars for the narration

Connect with J.J. Anders:

Find J. J. Anders on her Amazon Author Page or her website. While visiting, consider leaving a review or a comment, and maybe buy a book or two!

Connect with Marnye Young:

Find Marnye Young on her website, check out the books she’s narrated, and maybe pick one up for your listening pleasure!

Connect with me:

Find me on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, and Tumblr. Say hi and let’s connect. And don’t miss a post. Subscribe to the blog!