Unwanted at home, Molly goes to work for the king of Westria as a humble scullery maid. She arrives at the castle with no education, no manners, and a very disturbing secret: She sees visions, and those visions always come true.

One day, while she's working in the king's great hall, young Prince Alaric passes by. Molly finds him unbearably handsome—but also unbearably rude. But what does it really matter? She'll probably never see him again.

In time Molly is promoted to polishing silver and is given a priceless royal treasure to work on: the king's great ceremonial hand basin. But there's something odd about it. The silver warms to her touch, a voice commands her to watch and listen, and then the visions appear. They tell the story of a dreaded curse that has stalked the royal family for years. There have already been deaths; soon there will be more.

As tragedy after tragedy strikes the royal family, Molly can't help but wonder: Will the beautiful Alaric be next? Together with her friends Tobias and Winifred, Molly must protect the prince and destroy the curse. Could a less likely champion be found to save the kingdom of Westria?

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A month or two ago, I snuck into the library to see what they had on their giveaway shelves. I had heard that they were doing a purge of their children's book section and I was curious. I didn't expect to find much, but man, I hit the jackpot! Old Nancy Drew books, a bunch of other books, and this gem. I took so many that I had to make two trips to my car. I'd feel bad if I hadn't put hundreds of books on those shelves over the years for people to enjoy. Anyway...

The Good:
Great characterization. Each character had their own personality, their own viewpoints. The story itself was also very entertaining with little twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Since this book was written for middle grade readers, I was happy to see that nothing was so complex that a child wouldn't be able to dig into this book and enjoy hours of happy reading.

The Bad:
The beginning of the book felt a little slow, but that's very short lived.

The Summary:
While written for middle grade fantasy fans, I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it so much that I went on Amazon to find the other books in the series. I'll be picking them up soon and will hopefully be reviewing them as well.  The library's loss was certainly my gain.



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In Desdemona and the Deep, the spoiled daughter of a rich mining family must retrieve the tithe of men her father promised to the world below. On the surface, her world is rife with industrial pollution that ruins the health of poor factory workers while the idle rich indulge themselves in unheard-of luxury. Below are goblins, mysterious kingdoms, and an entirely different hierarchy.

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I need to start out this review by thanking my friend, Russell, for sending me this book in a care package a few months ago. He thought I'd like it and he was right...now, let me tell you why.

The Good:
Desdemona herself. I love a good bad girl...and Desdemona starts out as the type of character you love to hate. She's rich. She's clueless. She's a prissy, spoiled heiress. Then, somehow, over the course of the book, you come to love her. She changes and maybe changes you a little bit in the process.

Then, there's the world building...not just one world, but three. It's a lot to ask of an author, but each one was its own reality and completely believable.

The Bad:
It felt a bit rushed. I understand that this is a novella, but I wanted just a little bit more to it.

The Summary:
If you're looking for a really good read that won't take you long, will pull you in and maybe even leave you a little bit breathless, then I recommend this book. I just found out that the author has at least two other books set in this world and I'm going to go wishlist them right now.






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The year is 1882 Scotland, and the auld alliance betwixt king and fey has long been forgotten. Men of science, backed by barons of industry, push the boundaries of technology. When Sir Walter Conrad discovers a new energy source, one that could topple nations and revolutionize society, the race to dominate its ownership begins. But the excavation and use of this energy source will have dire consequences for both humans and fey. For an ancient enemy stirs, awakened by Sir Walter's discovery.

Outcast half-fey Effie of Glen Coe is the Empire's only hope at averting the oncoming disaster. Effie finds herself embroiled in the conflict, investigating the eldritch evil spreading throughout the Highlands. As she struggles against the greed of mighty lords and to escape the clutches of the queen's minions, her comfortable world is shattered. Racing to thwart the growing menace, she realizes the only thing that can save them all is a truce no one wants.

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I feel like it's been quite a while since I read a fantasy novel so between that urge and the fact that this one was Gaelic in nature, I couldn't resist picking it up.

The Good:

The Bad:

The Summary:

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Cover Art

I like to pretend I’m just another immigrant trying make her way in New York City…but I’m not.

You may know of my family from stories of an older age. Across all nations, all cultures, my family was once worshipped as gods, cursed as demons and shunned as otherworldly creatures.

Reality? I am shen, but the worst kind of shen there is.

One who would rather pretend to be human than to rule them.

One with no magic.

One hunted by the immortal monster that killed my parents.

And now, I just discovered how grandma found us refuge in America, how she thought she could save me.

She betrothed me – to a dragon.

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When I first came across this book, I had no idea what a shen is. I'm still not 100% sure, but what I am sure of is that I read this book and I have opinions.

The Good:

The Bad:

The Summary:

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When Aidan and Maggie find a fairy cross while rock-hunting with their grandfather, it's just an oddity. But when they discover there is an elf imprisoned in the stone and set him free, they and their grandparents, Nana and Beebop, are attacked by Dark Elves and forced to flee to the magical world of Celahir.

In Celahir, Findecano - the elf the children freed from the fairy cross - leads them on a quest to recover gemstones stolen from the Elven Bow by the Dark Elves. Without the restoration of the gemstones to the Elven Bow, the balance between good and evil in Celahir - and the human world - could tip toward evil.

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I very much love a good fantasy book and feels as if it's been ages since I've read one. When I came across this book, I snatched it up. The bonus? It's book one in a series of four. You guessed it. I also love a really good fantasy series.

The Good:

The Bad:

Descriptions - The book got a bit repetitious at times and yet, at others, descriptions that should have come far earlier in the book were left until nearly the end.

Characters - While I really did enjoy most of the characters, I found Aidan a bit disconcerting at times. Don't get me wrong, I know that 14 year old boys can be headstrong and will at times do just what they want and not necessarily what they were told, but Aidan did this on a frequent basis and as someone who is represented as loving and respecting his grandparents, his actions didn't often back that up.

The Summary:

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In the war between darkness and light, everyone has a shade of gray.

Taylor Lane knows who she is and what she’s meant to do. As the creator of humanity, it’s her task to stop her sister Lilith before she goes through with her quest for vengeance. If she doesn’t, humankind will be annihilated. Her best bet to stop Lilith is to secure the celestial rose, the source of all light, but Lilith won’t give up the fight easily.

When Taylor has to choose between saving her love Lucian and fighting Lilith and the darkness that threatens to overtake the world, her destiny becomes the hardest choice she will ever have to make.

Can Taylor save both her lover and the world? Or will she have to sacrifice one to save the other?

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I was lucky enough to have Annalee send me the second book in her Celestial Rose series and honestly guys, I know this is the beginning of the review, but I have to tell you that I've already been on Amazon looking to see when the third book is going to be released.

The Good:

The Bad:

The Summary:

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The life of a young princess is turned upside down when she discovers her parents are evil despots. How far will she go to end their reign of terror?

Liralexa Abbingdon, heir to the throne of the Kingdom of the Nine Regions, lives a charmed but confined life. One fateful day, she discovers a portal next to a well on palace grounds. Unable to control her curiosity, she travels to the Step Region where she meets five teenagers. They tell her the king and queen are tyrants who levy excessive taxes. When the regions can't pay, their children are taken away to fight to the death at an event called the Strages. Believing her parents are kind and honorable rulers, she haughtily refuses to believe them. On her 17th birthday, she attends the Strages for the first time and is disgusted as she watches young people her age suffer and die as excited crowds cheer them on. The remorseful princess returns to the Step Region and falls for the Governor's son Malthus. The two meet almost every day. When he is taken away to fight in the Strages, she is forced to make a terrible choice.

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I have quite a few books sitting on my Kindle that have been waiting who knows how long for me to decide to read them. To be honest, I picked this one at random. I don't remember buying it. I don't remember how I even heard of it, but there it was...

The Good:

The Bad:

The Summary:

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Who or what is Taylor Lane?

Most people go through life unaware of the war between light and dark raging just beyond their field of vision. They live blissful, ordinary lives, but that is a luxury Taylor will never have. With a single birthday wish, she is thrown into a war between Eve's angels and Lilith's demons.

Bestowed with the magical ability to control light and adorned with the sight of supernatural races, Taylor is forced to fight for her own survival. Then Lucian, her shadowy protector, enters her life and heart. But there’s something dark inside of him: he’s a vampire, the original Dark One.

With her mother murdered and a hideous beast out for her blood, Taylor has no choice but to put her faith in Lucian and go to war as she tries to unravel the mystery of who she truly is.


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I fell in love with this cover as soon as I saw it. How could I not? It's absolutely gorgeous and reminds me of The Tether Saga book covers. I know you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover,but it's this cover that had me approaching the author. Luckily, she said sure and here we are!

The Good:

The Bad:

The Summary:

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The messenger's ghostly words tickled her ear and caused the shaking to cease. Mariella's eyes snapped open. The flame of fear was immediately snuffed out and replaced by something that burned even hotter-the spirit of power, tempered by love, directed by a sound mind. She lifted her chin and stared at the wall of churning blackness. It was then that the lightning struck. She basked in its power, for the lightning was hers. It is here in the depths of the mountain and the heights of the stars that the saga ends. One way or the other, it ends.

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This is it! The end of The Ameron Chronicles! I can't believe that it's already over! I read this entire series in less than two weeks and now I'm bummed that there wasn't the next book in the next series to pick up by these two authors.

What did I like? What didn't I like is probably a better question. Every time I had a moment I was picking up this book. I had to know what was going to happen to all of the characters that I had come to know and to love. Would the two couples end up together? Would they defeat the bad guy(s)? Would they save the kingdom of Ameron? Would the chosen reclaim their lands? What role does the baby from an earlier book have in the future of this kingdom?

So many questions and I'm happy to report that most of those were answered. If I have one complaint, it's that not all of my questions were answered. The authors had assured me that this was the complete tale but based on this final book and especially the epilogue, it's clear that there were intentions to either have another book or to launch another series. I sincerely hope that's the case because it's going to bother me for ages that I don't know some of these answers.

Just like my other reviews, I can't help but tell you to bug these authors. Get this series and then "harass" the authors into writing additional books because you're going to want to know the answers that I want to know. The easiest way I've seen to reach the authors is via their Facebook page. Don't hesitate to buy the entire series at once. Heck, the holidays are coming. If you know of a fantasy lover, this would be a great gift!


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Battling evil does not develop character, it reveals it! That is easy to say when evil is not in front of you, darker than night and as numerous as roaches in a slaughterhouse.

The Quest of Ameron is the fourth installment in the Ameron Chronicles series. It is an epic saga that brings you to the distant past and far future in the blink of an eye -- a till filled with swords, sorcery, and advanced science that will make you question what you thought you knew.

Rejoin Thomas, Hank, Mariella, and Thierry as they reveal their character through quests that will change them--and Ameron--forever.

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When I said that the action picked up in book 3, I wasn't joking. What I didn't realize is that it wouldn't slow down any in book 4. I want to say a billion wonderful things about this book, but the problem is that I read each of these books back to back to back, etc. They've all blended into one amazing tale.

I do recall one little thing that made me sigh and not in a good way though. At one place in the book the authors list a group of "evil men in history" and they listed a fairly recent president. My one and only thought was way too soon, history will tell what kind of person/president they were but when this book was written, it was far too soon to make that kind of judgment call. I truly believe in honesty in writing, even in fantasy, but putting your own political beliefs into a fantasy novel was a bit cringe worthy for me.

That being said, it was one sentence in a good sized narrative. It won't stop me from going back and re-reading this series by any means. If you haven't read started this series yet, what are you waiting for? Contact the authors via their Facebook page and insist that they sell you some books!



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The sensation he felt walking through the passage was disturbing. The expected tingling flowed through his body as the mysterious blue light glowed about him. He tensed his muscles, but, as before in the upper catacombs, there was no pain. Thomas couldn't help but wonder at the nature of this magic... The epic adventure continues in The Princes of Ameron as Thomas fights to save his own life and the lives of strangers he has grown to cherish. Hank, his brother, struggles to keep the threads of darkness from his mind and to understand the awesome power laid at his feet...a power no man has the right to wield. Both men, blessed by the One and haunted by personal ghosts, strive to walk the path thrust before them...until a twist of fate allows them to choose another. In the sequel to The Heir of Ameron, the kingdom of Ameron falls deeper into the clutches of the evil Shanta Raau whose cryptic intentions and brutally dark armies leave an entire nation reeling in chaos. The two brothers, both with the only legitimate claims to the throne, are expected to deliver the realm from spiraling into the pit of darkness. Unfortunately, neither brother has any desire to wear the crown. One will have no choice.

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Book 2! I'm so glad that I went back and bought the other 4 books in this series. Book 2 had me reading every single chance that I got. The plot has just enough twists and turns that I feel as if I'm learning things right alongside the characters. The series is quickly becoming a history lesson within what's currently happening within the kingdom. The characters are starting to discover who they are and their roles. The Christian themes were stronger within this book but even if you don't share those beliefs, it shouldn't take you outside of the story. Honestly, I can't get enough of this series. If you'd like to check it out, contact the authors via their Facebook page. Unfortunately, I think that direct from author is the only way to get your fingers on this series.

It's my hopes that once the drama with their publisher is resolved, they'll have the rights to these books and will re-issue them. These could do very well. I'll be keeping my eyes open for a website or further information for sure!


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As the kingdom of Ameron draws nearer to crisis, Thomas, the privileged son of a powerful lord, and Hank, the son of a humble farmer, are each called to a quest. Thomas must follow the king's wizard to a mysterious chamber filled with artifacts and writings that he does not understand. Hank is recruited to help with agricultural efforts to save an entire region from famine. What Thomas and Hank do not realize is that their destinies are entwined in ways they could never anticipate. As each learns more about himself, his past, and his family, the purposes of their lives are no longer clear. Thrust into an ancient conflict involving wizards and immortals, Hank and Thomas slowly and separately learn their value and their place in the world. In The Heir of Ameron, Thomas fights to survive as his wizard guide's motives become more and more suspect. Hank faces manipulation, seduction, and betrayal as he strives to restore economic prosperity to Ameron's capital. As the forces of darkness descend on Ameron, will these two very different men realize their connection and what must be done to restore peace to the kingdom? The Heir of Ameron is a richly detailed fantasy adventure, taking readers into a world of magic, intrigue, politics, and history.

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Wandering the aisles of Gen Con, Roger and I were called over to a table filled with books. I had just said that I wasn't stopping by book tables because my "to read" stack was already out of control. Knowing just how hard it can be to get people to stop though, I couldn't turn away from someone trying to get our attention.

I'm really glad I followed that instinct. The tale we were told about these folks' publisher is enough for me to be glad that I have Nick to do the publishing on our books. It was also enough to get me to purchase book 1 of this 5 book series.

I had only read a couple of chapters before I had decided that I needed to buy the other four books the following day. I didn't want to have to risk not being able to find them later if I decided that I wanted them. Let me tell you why...

The characters - Each one as unique as anyone not in a book and each one having something that draws you to them.

The plot - Continually moving but it never feels rushed and at the same time, it never felt as if it dragged.

This book kept me reading from page one to the last page. If I have any complaint it's that the book takes on a religious tone towards the end. I don't blame the authors for not pitching it as a Christian book, but the publisher doesn't list it as one which threw me off when it became a bit in your face. This didn't stop me from picking up book 2. If you like fantasy that is somehow a mixture of past and future, I suggest you contact the authors via their Facebook page. This book is well worth you taking a chance on it.


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Nenji lives a quiet life, but with a longing for adventure. Barely considered royalty, her life is uprooted when the Dragon King sets out to eliminate the threat of the Lorac Family revealed by prophecy. Nenji has to learn quickly about magic, politics, and herself as she takes on the roles of young lady, witch, and queen. Princess Nenji is a gripping novel. This fantasy story revolves around a young 14 year old girl, mages, royalty, dragons and creatures you never even imagined. This book gives new insights about justice and mercy, coming of age, and the power of a family's love. It is a quick read, both exciting and refreshing. You will be continually surprised at how the plot unfolds. The author has been called a creative genius, and this book is unlike any other book you have read.

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Last week, I introduced you to Dani and the Dragon. Princess Nenji is set in that same realm. Heck, she's part of the same family as Dani. This book takes place after the events in Dani and the Dragon, although I believe it was written prior.

While I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as I did Mr. Carroll's other book, I very much enjoyed it. In fact, I read it in one sitting. That says a lot for a book. I loved the glimpses of characters that I had grown to love in the other book and the first thing I did upon completing it was to go to the author's Goodreads page to see if there were other books in this series. Unfortunately, there are not. I really wanted to find out what happened with all of the amazing characters that the author has put together.

If you're a lover of magic, dragons, fantasy, and princesses that can more than hold their own, I strongly suggest that you pick up Mr. Carroll's two books. It's been a long time since I've enjoyed an author so much.

Edit: The author has changed his pen name to Simon Driscoll. For information on how to find his books, check out his web page.


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Coming of age isn't easy for a homeless orphan girl. But when Mages, Kings, and Dragons all want to control her destiny, she must uncover her past to find her future.

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I'm not going to lie to you. This book has been sitting on my shelf for far too long. That's what happens when you fall apart and have to put yourself back together. Things get set aside for far too long...but in some ways, it makes them that much more awesome when you pick them up again.

In this case, I had no idea what to expect from this book. I picked it at random from a stack when I knew I was going to be spending a lot of time sitting around while the youngest child performed with his steel drum band. Turns out that it was a really good random book choice!

All of the characters in this book are really well written. Dani is a character that you can't help but get attached to. With every step of her journey, you're right there with her. Though the book is fantasy, you believe that all of these things have happened or are happening to her. The writing is just that good. The story progresses at a steady pace and you're caught up in the world of royals and dragons and one girl who is just trying to figure out what's right for her.

Would I recommend this book? Yep. Totally. Go and get it. It's a great read and another one that I couldn't put down.


Edit: The author has changed his pen name to Simon Driscoll. For information on how to find his books, check out his web page.



I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own. 
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For eleven years, the Earth has been recovering from the supernova flare, but in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, a new threat has arisen, a bandit horde brutal enough to send Helen Black, the independent minded horse doctor and rugged survivor of the Star Time to seek help from the Austin City Guards. Only James Fuller, son of the despotic Mayor, has his own priorities, with no time for the pretty, but rude and outspoken girl he'd met only once before, when they were children. The fate of the city and all its people depended on what he could do with a handful of troops, broken machinery with empty fuel tanks -- and the obscure and puzzling words of the city's infallible fortune teller. The Techno civilization was gone, but would everything descend into the horrors of the Hunters Cult, or would this be the start of a bright new future? Helen and James were the keys to it all.
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When I picked up this book, I had no idea what to expect. I'd recently finished Mr. Melton's "Follow That Mouse" and while I enjoyed it, this book didn't seem to be of the same type of book. Guess what! It wasn't!

I can't recall when or if I've ever read a book that was futuristic but at the same time wasn't filled with advanced technology. It was really interesting to see how people were living without the modern technology that we so often take for granted. It made me chuckle to think about how people get on me about how many cookbooks I have when everything is available online. In this book, there was no internet. I guess I'd be doing a bit better than some, huh?

If I have one complaint about this book, it's the ending. I don't want to give anything away so I'll just say that it felt a bit forced. Other than that, the character development felt honest and seeing some people turn to bad while others did what they could to help others felt real. It wasn't until I reached the end of the book that I discovered that this was actually book two in the series. I'm going to be looking for the other books in this series so I can let you guys know if you should pick up just this one or the whole set!

As for this book, I can say... Yes! If you come across this book, pick it up and check it out! I don't think you'll regret it.



I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Dot Comal loved her home town, although the Utah ranching community of Ranch Exit was too small to call a 'town'. She had her horse, Pokey, and her father to care for, and Ned from the next ranch over was comfortable to be around when he showed up on his motorcycle. But things were changing. The animals, and even her father, were showing signs of a growing irrational rage. Only Watson Winekia, the old Paiute shaman claimed any knowledge of what was happening, but he was too old and he expected Dot to heal the valley. She was at a loss, until a strange mouse led her to bigger secrets than she'd ever imagined, hidden below her feet. She had to wield mysteries hidden for decades quickly, before her home town and everything she loved was wiped off the map Hang on to your reality, because Henry Melton, award winning author of the YA adventures Emperor Dad and Lighter Than Air, takes us on an adventure just on the other side of the line into fantasy.

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If you recall, I've reviewed a couple of other books by Henry Melton and I pointed out that he was better suited writing full novels versus short stories. It turns out that I was right! In my first foray into his full length novels, I was pleased to discover that not only did this book hold my attention, it had me picking it up every time I tried to put it down.

This book is a great blend of small town, sci-fi, and fantasy. I loved the aspects of magic mixed with science. When I finished it, my first thought was to wonder whether or not there had been a sequel written to this book. Unfortunately, I didn't find anything that indicated that there was. So, I guess you'll just have to read this one and if you enjoy it, write the author some fan mail asking him to tell all of us what happens next!



I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.
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Bullies. Friends. Boys. Shakespeare. Demonic Dogs. Evil Spirits. You know, Sixth Grade.
Sixth grade is hard enough. When the school bully is on your case because you got the lead in the play instead of her, when the cutest boy in the whole class might actually like you but never makes a move, and when your dad is an alcoholic and you have to cook, clean, and take care of your little brother, the last thing you need is more trouble.

But Sally Prescott has more trouble than she ever imagined when she starts having strange dreams of demonic dogs, magical keys, and a wolf-headed spirit bent on her destruction. Her best friend knows a secret that may help, but she refuses to tell, claiming Sally made her promise not to.

As Sally's dreams start bleeding into reality, she realizes she is the only who can save her family. With a little bit of magic and a lot of determination, she'll get one chance to change her destiny and theirs. If she succeeds, she'll solve her problems at home and at school. If she fails, she'll lose everyone she ever loved.

Turns out sixth grade is tougher than she thought.

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If you've been keeping up with my reviews lately, you'll know that John is one of my new favorites in the Kingdom of Writing. I loved the first two books of his that I read and this one only falls slightly short of those.

Let me start by saying that I loved the characters in this book. I could connect with younger versions of myself and those that I know. I think that everyone will be able to see a bit of them in one of the characters within the book. Each one has their own personality and is well developed.

Here's my problem though. This book is supposed to take place during the sixth grade and these are not sixth graders. As mom to two teen boys, I'm frequently reminded of what happens during these years and I think that this book would have been much better set during the ninth grade. There is nothing like early high school drama and angst. Things like classes performing Shakespeare also would fit better into this not to mention the kissing and dating. I know that things are more progressive now, but I still don't know many parents who allow their 12 year olds to date.

My only other complaint? The story is really well written, but the reader is left not knowing why this entire thing happened to Sally. In their world is it normal for giant dogs to pop out of your dreams and into reality?

Other than that, I loved this book. The story is interesting and held my attention all the way through. I could sympathize with Sally's home life and problems. I absolutely loved her best friend, even if she was more than a little big gung ho at times. John is an incredibly talented writer and I promise that if I get my fingers on any more of his books, you'll be seeing reviews for them!



I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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Nine contestants. One crown. Destiny awaits.

Garrick Tremaine was happy with a simple life as a soldier. But a mysterious dream has drawn him to Twin Falls, where the duke has died with no heir. A competition to claim the throne is open to anyone, but to win it, an aspirant must answer an incomprehensible riddle. Convinced it is Garrick's destiny to rule Twin Falls, his new friend, the oddball magician, Liliana Gray, pushes him to enter the contest.

But Garrick isn't the only one seeking the crown. A sanctimonious sorcerer, a hard-headed general, and a conniving criminal all aim to succeed the duke, and a disgraced elder from a foreign city has secret knowledge that may thwart them all.


As the contenders close in on the mysterious Blessing of the Fey, a goblin invasion, a dark god, and an enigmatic puppet master pulling strings from afar all stand in the way, and Garrick's destiny may actually be to die -- an unwitting pawn in A Contest of Succession.

An epic fantasy that continues the saga begun in The Sword and the Sorcerer!

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.....and we're back with book 2 of the Usurpers Saga! I don't know if it's possible, but I liked this book even better than the last one! Spoiler...book 3 is still being written and it's killing me! Hurry up, John!

Right..deep breathes...

I honestly enjoyed this book more than I did the first book, if that's even possible. I saw someone say the one thing that they didn't like about this book was the fact that there were no male/male relationships in it. That startled me because honestly, it wasn't something that jumped out at me. It wasn't a main plot point in the first book. It was just one of those things. This couple happens to be made up of two guys. No biggie.

This book is made up of an entirely new set of characters except for Liliana (I love that name so much!) and Vicia. We truly get to see the person that Liliana is as she steps into one of the main roles and we get to dislike Vicia even more in her role. I loved so many parts of this book but it's hard to talk about them without giving away plot points. Let's see...the characters in this book are just as well developed as the ones in book one. You really feel as if you know them and as if you're watching everything happening.

If I had one complaint it's that the Liliana (I'm assuming it's her) on the cover is not the way she's written in the book..or at least not in my mind's eye. Still, that is seriously picking at lint to find something. The storytelling kept me reading, even when perhaps I shouldn't be. I cannot suggest this series of books any higher. Honestly, I'm hoping that I get to read everything that this author has ever put into print.



I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own. 
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He wanted his father’s love. What he got instead will change the world.

Gothemus Draco – world’s most powerful sorcerer – is dead. Locked away in his tower are the tools for total domination of every city-state in the Known World. The person who possesses them can become a king, and everyone, it seems, has a claim – his warlord brother, the fairy from whom he stole a powerful artifact, even the sorceress who murdered him.

But the man who shaped the balance of power through wizardry isn’t done playing games with world politics. Just because Gothemus is dead doesn’t mean he doesn’t still have plans. Against all understanding, his magic lives on after his demise, preventing anyone from breaking into the tower.

Meanwhile, he’s left a gift for his son Calibot – Wyrmblade. The legendary dragon sword makes its wielder nearly invincible, and Gothemus has enchanted it with all sorts of new abilities.

But Calibot wants nothing to do with Wyrmblade or his father. He’s a poet with a powerful patron, and he’s been estranged from his father for years. All he desires is a peaceful life of composing verse and to one day marry the man he loves – a former soldier and advisor to the duke.

He may have no choice, though. Gothemus decreed Calibot should retrieve his body and lay him to rest. All signs point to a mysterious destiny Gothemus designed that Calibot cannot avoid.

With only the aid of his true love and his father’s inept apprentice, Calibot must leave the safety of his life at court and venture to the stronghold of those who murdered Gothemus, retrieve the body, and return it to his tower. Everyone with a stake in the future of the Known World will try to stop him, and Calibot must take care he doesn’t lose his life . . . or his soul!

THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER is a full-length fantasy novel by the author of the Wolf Dasher series. Set against a backdrop of magic and dragons, of betrayal and greed, it is a story of one man’s journey to lay his father – and his inner demons – to rest.
Where do you start with a book that absolutely blew you away?

When I picked this up, I didn't have any real expectations. Then, I couldn't put it back down. I kept reading and reading and sighing when I did have to put it down to go do something. Let's try to break this down a bit before I just start drooling over how great of a book it is. Lets go with a Top 4 reasons I loved this book:

1) While set in a world of fantasy, it tackles modern day "issues" such as gay marriage, dysfunctional family relationships and whether or not one sex is better than another to rule...and it does it in such a way that it ties perfectly into the story and yes, sets a great example of how things should be.

2) Imagery - I love when I can pick up a book, read it, and be completely transported into the story. The author does an incredible job of pulling you in and making you feel as if you're right there witnessing everything that's happening.

3) Characters - holy wonderful characters, Batman! From Vicia (the bad guy) to Calibot (the good guy) and everyone in between, each character is incredibly unique and individual. Don't let that make you think that they're shallow or only surface characters because they're not! Each one is fully fleshed out and seems like a real person.

I could go on and on about how great the writing is, how as an editor I was thrilled not to see it filled with grammatical mistakes, etc, but I won't. I'm going to stop right here and let you guys go out and pick up your own copy so you can see just what I mean when I say that this book is totally fantastical and amazing!

Oh! And come back next week for my review of the second book in this series!



I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts, comments, and opinions are my own.

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