Tag: indie author

Book Review: Fear the Flames (Fear the Flames #1) by Olivia Rose Darling

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Rating: ★★★★☆
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 586 pages
Author: Olivia Rose Darling
Publisher: Self published
Release Date: November 19th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Princess. Prisoner. Runaway. Queen.
Elowen Atarah, Princess of Imirath, came into the world like a firestorm made flesh. A princess with a link to five dragons should have been a blessing to her kingdom, but her blessing became her curse. The little girl in shackles became a knife wielding woman with a thirst for retaliation.
Now, Queen of Aestilian, a secret kingdom she forged through strength and survival, Elowen needs a way to feed her rising population. She never thought she would have the force to take on Imirath, but when the snarky Commander Cayden Veles of Vareveth, her father’s enemy kingdom, offers her a deal she’s been dreaming of for years, how can she not take it? Even if he ignites her temper like no other, nothing unites two begrudging allies more than a common enemy.
The pair of them, along with three accomplices, will navigate their partnership, politics, and attempt to pull off the greatest heist their world has ever known. Five people, all united through revenge, will have to transcend the odds stacked against them and infiltrate “The Impenetrable Castle” if they want to reap their rewards before someone reaps their souls. Putting aside their differences to accomplish a common goal because everyone knows…vengeance is a promise signed in blood.

WHAT A DEBUT.

I have been waiting to get my hands on this book and it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved this.

For a book that does have a good bit of violence the romance was SOOOOFT. And I loved it!! It was this great contrast against the larger story. I loooved Cayden and his protective ways while always making sure Elowen saw her worth. Elowen was an amazing character on her own. I loved that she was infallible and demanded communication. She strove for support and the loyalty she has to revenge the wrongs done to her. Top notch chemistry between the them and an awesome storyline.

And I LOVED the friendships!! They added such depth to all of the characters and I loved how they worked together towards their goals. All the action and politicking, twists and turns. I did not want to put this down.

The dragons are a slow burn aspect on this one (but will be present in the next book much more!!). I look forward to seeing where this series goes.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: 3-4 open door
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, battle and war themes, torture, mentions of sexual assault (recounted), torture, physical and weapons violence

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Book Review: All Tricked Out (Wayfair Witches #13) by A.A. Albright

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Rating: ★★★
Audience: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Length: 254 pages
Author: A.A. Albright
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: March 4th, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

When a white rabbit asks for Wanda’s help, she’s hoping for an easy case. It’s just a missing magician, after all. But things in the Magic Hat aren’t all that they seem.

Soon, Wanda is not only trying to track down the rabbit’s lost magician, but she’s also trying to solve a murder.

The Magic Hat is a club on an unusual street, a street with no name. This unnamed street isn’t in a magical enclave, and yet it feels incredibly special. Are the residents human, or are they supernatural? And can the answer to that question help Wanda and her team solve the case?

MISSING SOMETHING.

As always, I do enjoy this series. This had a lot of talking bunnies and magic tricks galore. Fun aspects, especially added with the Queen of the Fae. I think there’s something building here that I need more of!

What was a bummer was that there wasn’t any outside focus on the series arc. This felt very inward about this ONE murder mystery and not on Wanda’s larger story. And I’m always looking for that because it’s one of my favorite tidbits (is it bad I’m still team Will????).

ANYWAYS. Quick read, finished in a day and got a few good smiles out of it. And a big craving to make an apple tart.

Overall audience notes:

  • Paranormal Cozy Mystery
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: medium

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Book Review: The Reigning and the Rule (Surviving Time #2) by Calia Read

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Time Travel Romance
Length: 479 pages
Author: Calia Read
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: November 17th, 2018
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Étienne Lacroix and I had a fire I thought would never die.
Our love was timeless.
An irreversible decision sent me back to the present day with a family I barely recognize, but I am determined to find a way back to Étienne.
I can survive time. But I can’t survive life without him.
Time bends to no one’s demands, so I must fight with everything I have to return to the past. However, I am terrified that the past I once knew might not look the same, and the man who once called me his surviving trace will no longer be waiting for me.

Time bends to no one’s demands but sometimes love does.

OH THE DRAMA.

I still stand by this series could have probably been one book, maaaaybe two. But I just finished book two and I’m invested enough to see this through to the end.

This did once again, go outside my spice comfort level (didn’t affect my rating but wanted to note). Things once again get steeeeammyyyy. So if that’s your thing, here ya go!

I liked that there was a bit more explanation behind the magic working with Serene as she goes back and forth between time. I like having a general explanation of the rules of the world and this gave me more answers I was seeking. I love the historical aspects and seeing how things continue to change as Serene makes life changing decisions around and around.

That ENDING was wild. I have a million plus questions and NEEEEEED to know where it goes so I’m hoping to get back to finish this series ASAP. This book is a bit long, yet it does have a decent pace that will keep you moving. And if you love high angst moments, this delivers on them.

Ovearll audience notes:

  • Time Travel Romance
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: multiple open door; high explicit
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: gun violence, near death experiences, loss of life, mentions of domestic abuse

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Book Review: The Blameless (The Blameless #1) by E.S. Christison

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: MG Fantasy
Length: 300 pages
Author: E.S. Christison
Publisher: Wildling Press
Release Date: July 7th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Briana, Princess of Predonia, has lived a happy and sheltered life. Then, in a single night, her kingdom is overthrown and centuries of peace are abruptly shattered. Fleeing for her life as her kingdom burns, Brie is rescued by Flinton, Derek, and Kove, three powerful protectors who pledge to teach her how to fight and use the powerful magic that has awakened within her. Brie finds sanctuary in the mountain stronghold of the Blameless, people who receive magical gifts from the gods after performing acts of unparalleled selflessness. Among them, Brie’s grieving heart slowly learns to live and laugh again. With the help of her new friends, she strives to master her growing powers so she can avenge her family, take back her place as the rightful heir to the throne, and free her people from the clutches of a tyrant. But can one girl change the tides against an evil that has conquered an entire kingdom?

Thank you to the author for sending me a gifted copy.

SOLID MIDDLE GRADE.

I know this isn’t my usual fantasy grade level, but I was sold on the idea and I think it is great for this age group. Keeping that in mind as I read led to a good reading experience and I’m excited for book two.

Briana, our lovely FMC, was wonderful. I loved that she acted and responded appropriately for her age group, but that it also didn’t bring on any annoyance. She’s going through a lot of growth and processing very hard things. I also loved that she wasn’t immediately good at everything, I liked seeing her learn new things and how to handle her power.

Her found family group was full of the kindest souls. I loved seeing them all together and enjoyed the lighter dynamics they brought to the table. There’s great father-like figures and friends Briana’s age that she’s able to connect with.

I enjoyed the plot and getting some snippets of the antagonists point of view to see inside his mindset too. There’s plenty of action and moments that keep those pages turning.

Overall audience notes:

  • Middle Grade Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: none
  • Violence: low-moderate
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of family, small battle themes, weapons, physical and magical violence

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