Category: Sci-fi

Book Review · Books · Fantasy · Fiction · Romance · Sci-fi · series

The Vessel of Ra ~ Catherine Schaff-Stump

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Title: The Vessel of Ra (Klaereon Scroll #1)
Author: Catherine Schaff-Stump
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Magic
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Date of Release:  September 12, 2017
Pages: 246
Format: Kindle (Provided courtesy of Publisher)

I requested this book because the synopsis was intriguing. The pace was a bit slow for me, but it was interesting. Once the pace picked up, boy did it! You have murder, magic, Egyptian mythology… INTRIGUE! BLOODY INTRIGUE!

The setting of Venice is beautifully described. I don’t tend to like books that have flashbacks, but this was so well done and it’s rare that the author gets it so right. It was amazing to see the thought process that went into everyone’s decision making, leading them to any particular moment.

Lucy is an amazing character and she’s a total badass. I loved her, even though at times she frustrated me. Carlos may have been my favorite character. There was something so pure about him, it made yippy want to protect him from all the dangers in the world. I’m still deciding on how I feel about Octavia. I loved her because she’s realistic, but I hate her because she’s realistic. Sign of great writing.

I can’t wait until the next installment!

Book Review · Books · Fantasy · Fiction · Sci-fi · series · YA

(Book Review) Slumbering ~ C.S. Johnson

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Title: Slumbering (Book One of the Starlight Chronicles)
Author: C.S. Johnson
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Fantasy, Sci-fi, YA
Publisher: WestBow Press
Date of Release:  March 28, 2015
Pages: 290
Format: Kindle (Purchased via Amazon)

Hamilton Dinger is your average 16 year old boy. Quite intelligent, athletic, popular, self-absorbed, “My parents are ruining my life!”, “I don’t understand why Gwen doesn’t want me?! I mean, I’m quite the catch!” As I said, your average teenager. Until a meteorite hits his town. Turns out Dinger, not so average!

The meteorite released the deadly seven sinister and they have broken out of their prisons. To sustain themselves, they need human souls. With Dinger’s abilities no longer dormant, can he overcome his narrowmindedness and willful ignorance to help save his city?

It’s entertaining, even though Hamilton drove me bloody bonkers. He was so into himself that he couldn’t see the bigger picture. You wanted to root for him, to end his willful ignorance once he realized the world needed to be saved, but we’re also talking about a 16 year old boy who has his life mapped out.

I thought this was entertaining, and I can’t wait to see where this goes.

Book Review · Books · Fantasy · Fiction · Sci-fi · series · YA

(Book Review) Blue Bloods ~ Melissa de la Cruz

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Title: Blue Bloods (A Blue Bloods novel , Book #1)
Author: Melissa de la Cruz
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, YA
Publisher: Hyperion
Date of Release: March 27, 2007
Pages: 302
Format: Paperback (Gifted by a Friend)

Earlier this year, a few friends of mine and I were having a spirited (yet hilarious) discussion about a particular author and her books. I will admit I was extremely critical of the author, the series, and anyone who thought the series was great, awesome, was in love with it… blah, blah, blah. Needless to say, when the biggest defender of said series recommended Blue Bloods, I was skeptical; praying not to be led astray. Well, I can say with full confidence… my dear friend, she was on the money!

What if vampires were among you? Could you tell? Would you be able to point them out? Would you believe your eyes if you saw something you knew to be impossible actually happen? In New York City, there’s a hip club that everyone who is anyone goes to. There we meet Schuyler, Oliver, and Dylan, three friends who go to THE prestigious private school in the city. By the night’s end, we got ourselves a murder mystery! When a popular girl is found dead outside the club, some cages get rattled. Who’s next? Is a specific group being targeted? Is anyone safe?

Jack knows something’s happening with the bodies popping up over town, but his memory is getting in the way. His twin sister, Mimi, is all about herself and her popularity. Bliss is the new girl from Texas. When she’s not with Mimi, she’s quite likable… and she really likes Dylan; which Mimi does not approve. And everyone is being secretive and cryptic. Just when you think you solved the mystery, you find out you’re not even close! Melissa de la Cruz does describe some things in great detail, which I’m sure can annoy some people, but I like it.

I do look forward to reading more in this series… especially since this book ends with a nice change of scenery. Italy, anyone?

18+ · Book Review · Books · Fantasy · Fiction · HEA · Romance · Sci-fi · series

Ruining Miss Wrotham ~ Emily Larkin

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Ruining Miss Wrotham
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Title: Ruining Miss Wrotham (Baleful Godmother Series, Book 5)
Author: Emily Larking
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Fantasy, Historical Romance,
Publisher: Emily Larkin
Date of Release: May 25, 2017
Pages: 486
Format: Kinde (Author)

How far would you go to find your missing sister? How much would you defy society norms in the name to find your sister? Eleanor needs to find her sister, Sophia, who ran off with a guy, creating such a scandal that her betrothal was abruptly ended. Now she needs help finding Sophia, but who can she turn to when every man in her life is domineering? On the flip side, what can you do when the only guy willing to help you is seen as a man of low morals in the eyes of society?

Mordecai Black is known amongst the ton for his affairs with well-known ladies, but the one woman he wants only knows him by his reputation, but not the man. He is a man of means with a heart of gold. And is in love with Eleanor. Can they find Sophia and recognize they are meant for each other?

Another outstanding story that I just could not put down! I finished this book in one sitting. The writing was great along with amazing story telling. You were on the edge of your seat waiting on information on Sophia while hoping love blossomed. Truly amazing!

Book Review · Books · Fantasy · Fiction · HEA · Romance · Sci-fi · YA

Daughter of Lions ~ Catherine Banks

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Title: Daughter of Lions
Author: Catherine Banks
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Paranormal, YA, Fantasy
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Date of Release: June 26, 2015
Pages: 276
Format: Kindle (Kristin D. Van Risseghem)

Shifters, lions, love triangle, oh my! Victoria just cannot catch a break! Being a teenager has always been tough, but try being a teenager of an alpha lion… and you’re a hybrid. Sigh… Add a mom who just can’t deal with what you are and you don’t fit in with any crowd. Throw in Brandon, the hottest werelion you have ever seen and Victoria’s world is all topsy turvy! Victoria is spending Spring Break with her dad and her life gets a little more interesting. There’s a bat-shit crazy wolf, Bob, who truly believes she belongs with him as his mate. Brandon becomes her protector. Throw in Michael, a childhood friend and Victoria has a huge decision to make. Who is to be her mate?

There is so much going on, but the part that slightly annoyed me about Victoria was the constant “No one will want me because I’m a hybrid.” I completely understand her gripe, but it felt like it was on every page. I didn’t mind the love triangle, I was fine with Victoria’s choice either way since they were both great guys. The writing wasn’t bad, but there were a few typos… nothing major. While I was satisfied with the ended, I wasn’t thrilled with how we got there. Some things could have been explained that weren’t, but it would have made the story feel like it was dragging. Overall, I enjoyed the story.

Book Review · Books · Fantasy · Fiction · HEA · Romance · Sci-fi · series

Wondering Sight ~ Melissa McShane

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Title: Wondering Sight  (Extraordinaires, Book 2)
Author: Melissa McShane
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Historical Romance, Fantasy
Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press
Date of Release: January 19, 2017
Pages: 322
Format: eBook (Publisher)

This is the second book in the series, and what I like is that it’s not a sequel to Burning Bright. It’s its own story and while it’s not technically a stand alone, it gives just enough backstory for you to keep up. This didn’t have quite the same world building as the first story, but it’s still enjoyable.

The War of 1812 is over and we meet Sophia Westlake, who has been dismissed from the British Navy under questionable circumstances, one might say. Sophia is a Seer. She doesn’t have visions, per se. She has Dreams. In the Dream in question, she saw Lord Endincott, a local popular politician, embezzling funds from the Army. He was able to disprove her Dream and he’s been tormenting Sophia ever since. She is determined more than ever to restore her reputation, but she has very few allies and one very powerful enemy. In her quest to restore her stellar reputation, she stumbles across something interesting. A counterfeit ring! Enter Mr. Rutledge. He has been keeping a close eye on Sophia from a distance. Mr. Rutledge has been tasked with ending the counterfeit ring before any further damage can be done. He’s going to need some help, but Sophia is reluctant. With each encounter with Lord Endicott, Sophia is positive he’s in charge of the counterfeit ring and is obsessed with proving it. Will Sophia get her justice, or will she become the person she hates to get revenge?

It was a nice game of cat and mouse with a hint of romance. The banter between Lord Endicott and Sophia, plus Mr. Rutledge and Sophia were great. For me, it may have been the best part of the book. It had a pretty strong storyline, it just felt like something was missing. I would very much like to see where the series goes from here. (Click the cover to purchase the book.)

Book Review · Books · Fantasy · Fiction · HEA · Sci-fi · series · YA

Arrows & Angels ~ Kristin D. Van Risseghem

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Title: Arrows & Angels (Enlightened Series, Book 0)
Author: Kristin D. Van Risseghem
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Publisher: Kasian Publishing LLC
Date of Release: March 31, 2017
Pages: 146
Format: Kinde (Author)

My introduction to Kristin D. Van Risseghem was fantastic. This is the prequel to Swords & Stilettos (Next in line to read, thank you very much!) This is the story of Kieran, a guardian angel, who is charged with finding and protecting the special young girl who will stop a war from happening. You don’t know when the girl will be born if she isn’t already. All you know, you’re not the only one looking for her. The Devil’s minions are after her as well and they are causing a bit of mayhem. Can Kieran find her before the monsters, and will he be able to protect her?

Kristin D. Van Risseghem reminded me what it was like to get attached to characters. Kieran is an engaging character and you understand and feel all the conflict and turmoil he feels in this situation. Through Kieran, you meet some really interesting characters who you want to know more about, and hopefully are in future books. I look forward to reading the next installment! (Click the cover to purchase the book)

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.