Jacob Rundle's Blog, page 2

February 19, 2019

Hunted in the Valley Book Review

Title: Hunted in the Valley

Author: C.R. Pugh

Genre: Sci-fi/Dystopian

Pages: 356

Book Blurb: At age sixteen, Ravyn has been running all her life. First, from her home and family in Terran, then from General Wolfe, who wants, more than anything, to exploit her biggest secret. Escaping into the infamous Old Sequoia Valley, Ravyn cannot trust anyone. She mustn’t seek friendship. She can’t allow herself to grow close to anyone. But then Ravyn meets Thorne, a young commander from a different clan. He and his Warriors have travelled into the Old Sequoia Valley to rescue castaways. Though Ravyn tries to keep her distance, they are inescapably drawn to each other. When Thorne discovers Ravyn’s secret, can she overcome her demons and learn to trust again or will she spend her life forever on the run?

Rating: 5/5

Cover: A

Review: I enjoyed the story very much. I like a story that isn't afraid to have more than one protagonist.

Ravyn and Thorne were great characters; they were well developed. And their banter....loved it. So, Ravyn is seeking refuge from General Wolfe, who is a terrifying character. Ravyn and Thorne meet up, and they decide to join forces. From the moment they join forces, they

The world that C.R. Pugh created was also very well written, and it kept my attention the entire time. The story takes place in the Sequoia Valley; a place of intrigue and danger. The world building is fantastic, and I felt as though I was actually in the story, which freaked me out at moments.

There was the right amount of action and dialogue. C.R. Pugh wrote a great novel, and everyone should check this novel out!

It gets an 5/5 rating from me. I canNOT wait to read the second novel!

The cover gets an A. It’s visually stunning, and Ravyn on the cover pulls you in. I love the amazing blue/black contrast.

You can follow C.R. Pugh on Twitter https://www.twitter.com/AuthorCRPugh or her personal website at https://www.authorcrpugh.wixsite.com

***IF YOU WANT TO GET A COPY, CLICK ON THE COVER ABOVE, AND IT’LL TAKE YOU TO AMAZON. YOU DON’T REGRET IT!*** Hunted in the Valley (Old Sequoia Valley #1) by C.R. Pugh
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Published on February 19, 2019 14:11 Tags: book-review

Kingdom of Ash and Soot Book Review

Kingdom of Ash and Soot (The Order of the Crystal Daggers, #1) by C.S. Johnson Title: Kingdom of Ash and Soot

Author: C.S. Johnson

Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy/Romance

Pages: 299

Blurb: In an age of political unrest and racial divide, one girl's search for truth will determine the future of her kingdom.

   Prague, 1870 

   For the last ten years, nineteen-year-old Eleanora Svobodová has worked as a servant in her stepmother's household, dreaming of the day she will be free to live life on her own terms. 

    But when her estranged grandmother, Lady Penelope, comes to Prague on behalf of Queen Victoria, everything changes. Throughout Bohemia, a string of murders and secret whispers hint at a larger coup, and Lady Penelope, as the leader of the Order of the Crystal Daggers, an ancient order of spies and soldiers that protect kingdoms and their rulers, is determined to discover the perpetrators. When she offers Eleanora the chance to help her prevent the kingdom from falling apart, she is hesitant to trust her. And while joining means freedom from her stepmother and protecting the people of Prague, Eleanora knows her life will never be the same--or her own. 

   Can she find a way to be free and still do the right thing? Or will joining the Order only lead to disaster?

Rating: 4/5

Cover: A

Review: I have a lot to say about this novel. There is nothing bad to say for the first half of this story. The characters were strong and relatable, the story held my attention the entire time. The pace was perfect, and I flew through the chapters with ease. I had high hopes since the story is based in Prague.

Eleanora is a strong character, and I can relate to things that she had gone through. Her perseverance was admirable.

However, the last half of the story, I found that my attention wasn't held firmly the whole time. I will say though...the ending...GREAT, but leading up to that point, I was disappointed. I still give this story 4 out of 5 stars.

There are little too much politics for me in the story. So, since I’m not political, my attention wavered.

And, I do question the integrity and importance of the Orders of Crystal Daggers.

The cover gets an A. Eleanora is centered and beautiful. The typography is stunning and attention grabbing. I do highly recommend this story to everyone.
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Published on February 19, 2019 14:05 Tags: book-review