The Emerald Tablet is a multi point-of-view, suspense driven mystery that delves into Greek and Egyptian mythology, with science fiction and fantasy t...moreThe Emerald Tablet is a multi point-of-view, suspense driven mystery that delves into Greek and Egyptian mythology, with science fiction and fantasy twists. Phew. It’s not a fast paced read, but it’s not a slow read either. The pacing fits with most epic fantasy books, and like them, encompasses you into its world.
With all multi point of view novels, there isn’t necessarily a clear cut main character. You see the events of the present from different characters. I’ve always loved this point-of-view for this very reason. Instead of a one sided look at a situation or scene, you get two or more, but each voice moves the story forward. Well done, this is quite tricky to accomplish and why there aren’t many stories that tackle this style.
Each character is unique, and each has strengths and weaknesses that are fitting and believable. Leoros is a kid whose parents traipse him around the globe. He has no real friends, and spends his free time in fantasy play. If I had to choose a main character out of them all, Leoros would fit the bill. He’s the kid from Earth, the one who heard the voice of Pythos, and walked through the pillar.
While human, he’s still unique, a prophesied child bearing a sacred mark. When he arrives in this strange world, he finds himself imbued with magic, but unlike the others, he’s especially gifted. But there is so much more that I don’t want to give away, and of course that is the fear of a book reviewer. You see, we want you to read it too.
Anywho, this is a great story for anyone who enjoys fantasy, science fiction, action, magic, and ultimate good vs evil stories. There is some romance, but it is lightly woven into the story. While the character of Leoros is rather young (13), I wouldn’t recommend this for younger adults. There is quite a bit of violence and some other adult themes that would be suited for an older teen to adult.
I went in blind, refusing to read spoilers or the opinions of other fans. For me this series has always been way better than the show will ever become...moreI went in blind, refusing to read spoilers or the opinions of other fans. For me this series has always been way better than the show will ever become, but I started watching the show long before I picked up the actual series.
With that said, I don't have years invested into the books, but I became hooked the moment I picked up my first Sookie Stackhouse novel, and read them straight through. For the past two years, I've picked up the books with increasing haste, and devoured them in a day. This time, I savored the story knowing it would be the last.
We all have our teams, and I'll leave mine out. The story itself in Dead Ever After was excellent. We have the Sookie we've all come to love, with her quirky, laughable sayings. She gets herself caught up in a few messes, though they are never really ever her fault. But the most enjoyable, for me, was having everyone back in the same book. I got to "listen" as all the past favorites came together for one last final hurrah.
Does Sookie get a HEA? Maybe she does, maybe it's just for right now, and we'll never know for sure. If you've fallen in love with crazy Sookie, and go into this book wanting to read her end, then pick it up and give it a read. This is her series as much as it is the author's series, and I knew that no matter what anyone else said (or thought) that I would read it for myself. (less)
Page upon page fills, with a combination of emotions and endeavors, as we follow Maddy on her journey. This story, for me, really hit home even though...morePage upon page fills, with a combination of emotions and endeavors, as we follow Maddy on her journey. This story, for me, really hit home even though I'm far younger than Maddy at my mere 31 years. It brought up a lot of the emotions, feelings I didn't know I still held for the period of my life when I too was separated. On that level alone, I felt a kinship.
The story takes you to places you may not want to face, and express feelings of healing sadness. At the root of the journey, that is the road Maddy embarks on, and without even realizing that's where she's headed. Separation, divorce ... they're akin to the stages of grief.
You move on eventually, but it's a battle, and one where you lose bits of your soul, your life in the progress. But Maddy proves to us that life doesn't end when the vows break and crack, bringing your heart and home tumbling down into chaos.
Her strength, though fictional, is a testament for women. Through good friends, loving (although at times over-bearing) family, and a lot of humor, Maddy shows us how to heal, how to breathe, and most of all, how never to give up on dreams.
I really, really loved this book. Even if you've never been separated, divorced, or married, the humor and uplifting story is enough to read it. However, if you've found yourself down those dark roads of life, this is a story for your soul.(less)
In depth world, wonderful and interesting characters, strong, active plot are all words to describe Fall of Sky City.
I love steam punk, I couldn't tel...moreIn depth world, wonderful and interesting characters, strong, active plot are all words to describe Fall of Sky City.
I love steam punk, I couldn't tell you why, but it's become a favorite sub-genre of fantasy. Perhaps it's the geek in me, falling in love with the technology, Eco-systems, and so forth. Fall of Sky City brought a lot of that to the table, with magic to boot. But what I really loved most of all were the creatures, and the idea of symbiosis that occurred with the Families. It didn't matter if it was land, sea, or the air, they worked and developed relationships with these creatures. The Hands were the complete opposite, and much like the world we know today.
The Queens ... love them or hate them, they had realism. Greed, strife, follow or die attitudes ... through history we've witnessed these types of rulers, although we really only see Nix in this book, I do think we'll see more in the next book. But back to Nix, she rules with an iron fist. Fall to her feet or die, that's her motto, unless of course you are a highly gifted or unique Mark. Then she'll break you until your world, your existence is to serve her.
Synn is barely a man when he watches his father die at the hand of Queen Nix. Even though he's too old for proper training, she wants him for his Mark and other, more well ... reasons. Over the course of a year, she starves him, beats him, and tortures him until he can take no more and gives in. At least that is what she believes, and that is all that matters to Synn as he begins to attend school, and eventually leads him to make friends with two other captured Families children. But they aren't kids anymore, they've grown up under Hand rule, but secretly they plot their escape.
From here the story really blooms, and unfolds into a wild adventure for Synn who must first learn who he is, and then find the faith within himself to lead his people, and friends, in the Fall of Sky City.(less)
Tin God is a touching story laced with pain, betrayal, murder, and a whole lot of suspense-packed mystery. Once i started, I couldn’t put it down as I...moreTin God is a touching story laced with pain, betrayal, murder, and a whole lot of suspense-packed mystery. Once i started, I couldn’t put it down as I followed the hectic, and at times Jerry Springer-ish life of Jaymee and her equally messed-up family.
Jaymee is a girl trying to make a life for herself and saving up to try to find the daughter she was coerced into giving up seven years ago. During this time, she only confided in two people: Lana and the town whore.
Lana died years prior. It pains Jaymee, but everyone assumed it was a stranger-murder. That is until one of Jaymee’s bosses ends up dead. She looks an aweful lot like Lana, and she’s killed the same, ritualistic way. But it’s not enough, it’s all circumstantial, and the police don’t bat an eye. So when a letter show’s up on Lana’s widows door step. It serves as the missing link. Until someone else dies. Three deaths and one major secret. Can the truth come out, will anyone believe Jaymee (essentially the town nut job) when she finally lets the secret out? Can she find the proof she needs before the killer strikes again?
Wow. Like I said, I couldn’t put this one down. I started reading it this morning and before I knew it, I was sucked in. Excellent writing and a great story with a good dose of forbidden romance tucked in. I loved the end. The true end, aka, last few pages, but the whole of the story kept me engaged and wanting more. But the kicker, the real kicker comes when the bad guys are all revealed for what they are and the roles they play. That I will not give away, BUT even I didn’t see it coming. (less)
A Scholar's Journey: The Divine Tempest is right up the ally with epic fantasy. It combines the aspect of a quest, fantasy creatures, battling foes, a...moreA Scholar's Journey: The Divine Tempest is right up the ally with epic fantasy. It combines the aspect of a quest, fantasy creatures, battling foes, and the search for the underlying truth. But there is a major catch. This all transcends within the period of one day. In many ways, it reminds me of watching a season of 24, where each episode was one hour, and one season made up the entire span of a day.
The first thing to note, when reading, is do not to skim over the glossary. The races, hierarchy, and all that jazz are laid out in the beginning. Commit it to memory, or you might find yourself a little lost, at first. As the story progresses, you won’t need to look back like I did, so learn from my mistakes!
The story itself is rather unique. I read a lot of fantasy (all sub-genres) and the world is of the utmost importance. My immediate response is to keep an eye open for holes in the structure; I couldn’t find any in The Divine Tempest. The world really comes to life in both description and imagery right before your eyes.
The characters are both interesting and unique. My favorite(s) quickly became the twins, for their ability to speak up for what they believed in, but I don’t want to give too much away. Perhaps the most perplexing was Penndarius Greyson. A man with high intelligence, but not a single paper trail that spans beyond the past two years. Finally, well not really, we have Soren Luna Mortalitas, the troubled man of intense fighting skill who swoops in to save the day on repeated occasions.
Together this unlikely duo of brawn and brains embarks on a quest of gigantic proportions. They fight not only foes, but within themselves. Their world is under threat, their very existence may soon prove to be but a whisper of a dream. But they only have a single day to find the source, stop it, and whoever is behind it before the day ends.
I'm looking forward to where this journey finally ends. This is only the first book!(less)
I loved the concept and I'm a major fan of fantasy. The story was original, and I found imagery superb. You really feel as if you are walking among th...moreI loved the concept and I'm a major fan of fantasy. The story was original, and I found imagery superb. You really feel as if you are walking among the Kin and that always makes for an awesome read.
What you can't tell from the cover or blurb, is that this is a multi-person point of view novel. They are a personal favorite of mine because you see so many different angles, and when they finally come together it's akin to watching fireworks.
With that being said, I think the blurb doesn't do this story enough justice. Written for YA, but I think this book can span multiple ages too. It combines and crosses urban fantasy with what felt like a more medieval setting that really brought an interesting feel to the story. As a kid I always wondered what it would be like for the current me to go back in time, that is where Silver Sphere takes you, except you visit a whole nother world instead :) I look forward to future works from the author.(less)
I couldn't put it down and I can't wait to read the first book. I literally spent all day reading this, and I'm in love with the writing, story, and h...moreI couldn't put it down and I can't wait to read the first book. I literally spent all day reading this, and I'm in love with the writing, story, and hold nothing back approach. The action, the suspense, and the sexual tension (and release) were executed perfectly.
I did stumble through the first few chapters though, I didn't have the chance to read the first book. This is more my fault, but I wouldn't recommend reading it out of sequence. I'm still new to the angels vs demons in a literary sense, so a lot of the terms were new for me. A more seasoned reader, I think, would be fine.
With that being said, I think the author painted the world in a dazzling manner. The characters were real to me, so real that I felt their emotions. At times I was moved by their struggles, and there were a few times were I even wanted to reach through the pages and smack around Japheth, Michael (tons there), and even Rose. Of course i wanted to kick some demon/vampire butt too.
I look forward to reading the first in this series, and if all books (printed or not) are like this one, well the author has made a new fan for life. (less)
Quirky, funny, and fast paced PNR are among my favorites and Liz Schulte always manages to deliver all three. You'll get sucked in and when you're don...moreQuirky, funny, and fast paced PNR are among my favorites and Liz Schulte always manages to deliver all three. You'll get sucked in and when you're done, you can't help but want more.
Selene is a witch with a past she doesn't even realize she's missing. The whole mystery revolves around her forgotten memories that she would rather leave in the past. After all she has the perfect life, with good friends, a successful business, and a charming, safe fiance that she adores. Who would want to leave all that behind?
Cheney, that's who. When this mysterious, yet delicious pops into her life, Selene feels threatened. He acts and talks like he knows her, but she has no idea who he is. When her friends can't even see him, it adds to her suspicion. But when her Grams is attacked, all the perspective in the world won't prepare her for what she will learn, face, and live through as she continues on her journey.
Half-elf, half-human Selene will need to chose between the perfect and safe life of what her humanity knows, or jump into the unknown to save the people from the tyrant King that just happens to be Cheney's father, and something else, but that would be a spoiler :P
It's smoking, sexy, and full of paranormal/UF fun. If you enjoy this genre, then pick this baby up. I can't wait to read the next book.(less)
This has been the most difficult book to review for me this year because it's the final chapter of Tasman and Michael. I've cried, laughed, and feared...moreThis has been the most difficult book to review for me this year because it's the final chapter of Tasman and Michael. I've cried, laughed, and feared for this couple throughout the series, and they've become like friends. Saying good-bye is difficult, but nonetheless I knew Tawdra wouldn't disappoint us.
Her pages filled with the rebuilding of the dream that Michael and Tas once shared before she shattered it to pieces with her restless drive. But the adventure isn't over, not when every time they kiss poor Tas breaks out in blisters (or sets trees on fire!)She has to learn to control these new powers before she literally turns the passion into an inferno.
But that's not all. She also receives an invitation to join others like herself. The group claims they use powers for good, but after all Tas has faced she doesn't know who she can trust. To please her parents, and with the hope that they can teach her control, Tas joins up with some interesting characters. But when Nell's father is accused of murder, all bets are off and she's thrown into the heart of a bitter, ugly, and old feud that rivals anything she's ever faced.
If you've followed along with this series, you'll love the conclusion. I still want more, but I was tickled pink by the ending.
I've had the pleasure to follow along with this series from the beginning and each book keeps getting better. This one is one of my favorites as we re...moreI've had the pleasure to follow along with this series from the beginning and each book keeps getting better. This one is one of my favorites as we really see Tas blossom from the scared, quiet girl and really come into herself.
However, there are major consequences to the decisions she makes. She learns that they affect more than herself as she rips apart lives, breaks hearts, and almost loses herself in the process. Can she come back from it? That is the question we're left with as we see her fall and make mistakes, but only time will tell if her restless behavior will be her ruin.(less)
The story captivates you and pulls you in. Listening to Sea Fangs brought me back and reminded me of the old radio shows I used to listen to. This is...moreThe story captivates you and pulls you in. Listening to Sea Fangs brought me back and reminded me of the old radio shows I used to listen to. This is due to the story telling style, and not the quality of the audio, which I found to be superb.
The upside to the audio is that i can do other things while I follow along. This story still managed to disrupt my life, and I lounged around as the story unfolded. I didn't want to do anything but listen, and that isn't normal for me.(less)
Heaven's Night is a fictional story about the Archangel Sariel and his fall from the grace during Lucifer's war on heaven.With each page turn we are b...moreHeaven's Night is a fictional story about the Archangel Sariel and his fall from the grace during Lucifer's war on heaven.With each page turn we are brought deeper into the turmoil as the spheres fall to the Legion of Satan and few stand up to fight against them, including the Archangels who await God's order to strike their former brothers.
This was Sariel's plan too, after all he holds the greatest gift, his faith. But when his beloved soulmate perishes and a child is endangered he must chose between his faith and love for God, and doing what he feels is the right course of action: saving the child from the wrath of Lucifer. Sariel chooses to fall, and with him we are thrown into turmoil, death and decay as he battles against foes and even himself to finish his quest.
Sariel makes choices and decisions that he's never had to before. During these dark times he finds his own voice and with his fiery sword he paves a path of destruction in the name of God, whom he feels has left him. yet even in his darkest hours, he finds his faith and the strength to press on.
I couldn't put this one down. I'm a sucker for fantasy, and this take on the war is superbly written. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy, and I look forward to reading more.(less)
This is an easily addictive series that follows Lil Falcon on her journey as the wielder of the Kris Dagger, and the prophecy that surrounds it. This...moreThis is an easily addictive series that follows Lil Falcon on her journey as the wielder of the Kris Dagger, and the prophecy that surrounds it. This book picks up a few months after where Betrayed The Guardian Legacy 2 left off. Lil, Bran and the gang are up to their usual antics, but instead of demon hunting they are taking care of the list. But something happens to her powers. The kris dagger blends with Lil and she alone becomes a walking weapon of immense power.
The demons summon a force greater than even the Cardinals have ever dealt with. But when demons, neutral and evil, begin to disappear more questions are asked than answered. It becomes clear that nowhere is safe when Lil is attacked, and her memories of the past few months are wiped clean. When the same begins to happen to those on the list, it becomes clear that it is a fight against time and a force they were never prepared to face.
Will the team be able to restore the balance, reverse the blending, and save themselves before they are caught? Will the demons, neutrals, and Guardians be able to band together to fight for their survival? Ah, you have to read it to find out.
Wow. I don't read a lot of YA, but I was blindsided and sucked into this series. Even though I still haven't the first (I swear I will as soon as I have an opening), I tell you I'm following this one to the very end. I love Lil and Bran to pieces. I actually think they are my favorite couple, and their support and love for one another is inspiring. Furthermore, the love they have for family (including their friends and humans) runs deeper than I would have imagined. What these two are willing to risk to save them (and each other) is heart-touching and moving.
I have nothing but praise for the author. I love the world she has built and the characters that live in it. They are the type that you can connect with easily, no matter how old you are, because there is a strong sense of realism even when in a fantasy based world.
I can't wait till the next one is released. I'm biting nails. I NEED to know what happens next. Bravo!
*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions still remain my own.
Beautifully written Urban Fantasy that revolves around the Nephilim. Now I have not read the first in the series, though I plan to soon. I was able to...moreBeautifully written Urban Fantasy that revolves around the Nephilim. Now I have not read the first in the series, though I plan to soon. I was able to follow along just fine without any real pressing questions.
I really found myself liking Lil. She is strong, caring, and full of compassion. There is no quick judgement, even when her father tries to plant deceit in her mind or Bran does *something*. It doesn't mean she doesn't feel anger or hurt, but she understands especially when it comes to Bran.
Onto Bran, I felt a connection with him, and talk about a book crush. But pressing beyond the mental image I saw a man who was often torn between his love for Lil and well his love for Lil (no spoiler, sorry).
At the heart of these two characters is a wonderful plot that engages the visual mind. Lots of fighting, and swooning moments. I look forward to reading both the first, and third book. (less)
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