Jess Peters's Blog, page 28

Zodiac Academy 2: Ruthless Fae by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

This is the second book in the Bullies and Beasts series.

They tried to break us.

They almost did.

But we’re not going anywhere.

The Celestial Heirs think the stars are on their side. But they don’t know what’s coming. We have to be smart. Fighting them one on one isn’t an option so we have to be stealthy. Remaining under the radar won’t be easy, but if we pull it off, they’ll never suspect our involvement when their lives start falling apart.

Besides, they’ve already taken us to the brink of hell, what more can they really do?

This book was absolutely fantastic. The storyline picked up where it left off and continued to developed well and at a good pace. The characters are brilliant.

Tory and Darcy are the best. They have had such a hard time and especially at the end of the last book, but they came back fighting. I loved watching them get their own back.

The 4 heirs are still arseholes. I must say though that Darius and Caleb have had moments in this book which almost made me like them. Almost.

I think Tory’s relationships with them both have been interesting to read and see develop. I think she done right by picking Caleb over Darius though, and I think even then, she doesn’t doesn’t particularly like him and is just having a bit of fun.

Lance Orion and Darcy are the best thing to see in this book. Their forbidden relationship is the best. I just found myself willing Lance and Darcy and give in to their emotions. I love the way he kept being harsh to Seth over her blue hair. He totally deserves it and worse. I’m totally rooting for them both and I really hope we continue to see them both give in to their feelings and let their relationship progress.

I love the world building in this book. There is every beast and creature you could imagine in it and the descriptions really make them come to life. It’s brilliant.

The end was fast paced and exciting, an then it ended on a cliffhanger. I’m buzzing to know what happens next.

Overall, this series is fantastic and I think anyone who hasn’t read it is missng out on a little gem here. It’s exciting and fast paced, the characters are brilliant and the storyline is amazing.

I would definitely recommend it.

My rating: 5/5*

Dragon Fire Academy 1 – First Term by Rachel Jonas

This is the first book in the Dragon Fire Academy series.

Seriously? Four dragon warriors need to stalk my every move?

I get it. They think I’m dangerous, but I’m only on their island to learn. Not to destroy it.

This is another unfortunate side-effect of being the freak who descended from all three supernatural lineages. The bloodthirsty dragons, the destructive wolves, and the disloyal witches. Some believe that, when I transition in a few months, there’s a slight, teeny tiny chance I could unleash hell on the supernatural world. Call me crazy, but I’d know if I harbored that kind of power inside me.

… Wouldn’t I?

My entire life, all I’ve wanted was to be normal. Hence the reason I didn’t think twice about trading in my crown for a stack of books. I’ve got three terms on this island to prove the naysayers wrong, including my chaperones—Kai, Ori, Paulo, and Rayen.

These four are gorgeous, but also ominous as heck. Babysitting me has clearly taken their focus off something they’ve deemed more important. So, now they go out of their way to make my life a living hell, with hopes that I’ll give up and leave.

Thanks, guys.

You could cut the tension between us with a knife, but what’s weird is I don’t hate them all the time. There are even odd moments when I catch them watching me. And not in their usual “wish-you-were-dead” sort of way.

Even if I survive the academy, there’s still no guarantee these four and I won’t kill each other before graduation.

I enjoyed reading this book. The storyline was great and the characters were great.

Noelle was a great character. Whereas she may have been royalty, she didn’t act as such. It was refreshing to have such a strong, brave princess really. I liked how she was different because of her gifts. We saw glimpses of them as the plot progressed, and I’m looking forward to seeing more about them in the next book, especially after the ending.

The 4 dragon warriors were also great characters. They’re introduced as strong warriors who act like they’re better than everyone else, but as the story developed, we learn there is far more to them. Each one had their own personality and circumstance.

I liked how every so often we had a point of view from one of them. It was another view into the story which was needed, especially at the end.

The world building was brilliant in this book. The island is so different in their ways, but as Noelle learnt about it, we did too.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book. The storyline was great, the plot developed well and the characters were great.

My rating: 5/5*

V Games: Dead Before Dawn (The Vampire Games Book 3) by Caroline Peckham

This is the 3rd book in the V Games series.

After the explosive breakout on the Isle of Lidelse, Selena and Varick have made it to safety. But the Helsings are already plotting their revenge and will hunt them to the ends of the earth to have it. Selena must rely on new allies as well as old to remain safe, but trust is not a thing she finds easy anymore. Soon, she’s forced to decide whether to fight or keep running. But can she stay out of this war, even when whispers of a new game reach her ear? Can she continue to let the Hunters brutally kill girls for the sake of entertainment? Or is it time for her to rise up and put a stop to the games once and for all?

I loved reading this book. The story was great and the plot developed well. I loved the characters and the fact that they all got a point of view at times.

Selena has been great. She has become such a strong character, especially after everything she has been through. Her relationship with Varick has been great to see and their ending was a great satisfying one.

Cass and Jameson have also been great characters. I loved watching their interactions and I’m totally routing for them. I’m looking forward to reading about them in Wolf Games.

Mercy was a brilliant addition. I love how her character has developed. Getting in her head was what took this book to the extra level for me. She really is the odd one in her family and it was enjoyable to see her truly be herself in the end. I’m also looking forward to reading Hunter Trials.

Overall, I really enjoyed this series and would definitely recommend it. The storyline was brilliant and the characters were great. It has been an enjoyable read.

My rating: 5/5*

V Games: Fresh From The Grave (The Vampire Games Book 2) by Caroline Peckham

This is the second book in the Vampire Games series.

Selena Grey has faced death and won. Freedom awaits so long as she can let go of the last thing that ties her to the island where the V Games were held. But despite the fact surviving has always been her priority, suddenly, she finds herself torn between her head and her heart.

Meanwhile, the Helsings are about to host a brand new game on the Isle of Lidelse where blood and money rule above all else. But when Selena finds out a devastating truth that puts her loyalty to the test, will she find the courage to go on? Or will she retreat from a life she never wanted, even if that means giving up the one person her heart beats for?

I’m thoroughly enjoying reading this series. I’ve never had any interest in Vampire books until I discovered Caroline Peckham, and I’m sure glad I did.

This book is exciting, well paced and action packed and with great characters.

I love Varick. He has all the Vampire instincts and is a monster, but with Selena, he becomes something more. His willingness to protect her is enjoyable to read and its good to see their relationship develop.

Selena herself is a great main character. She has a good heart and tries to help everyone.

These second games were even more exciting to read than the first, especially towards to end. I liked how the plot developed. The new characters introduced added to the storyline well.

Overall, I’m really enjoying reading this series. I’m looking forward to the next book and seeing how the plot develops further. I would definitely recommend this series.

My rating: 5/5*

The Demise (A Bubo Series Novella)

The Demise (A Bubo Series Novella) is out today and only 0.99 on Kindle.

Paperbacks are also available

Alongside its release, The System (The Bubo Series Book 1) will be free this week. (12th-16th)

Both boths are available in all worldwide Amazon sites and available on Kindle Unlimited.

Why not go and check them out or share the word with your friends!

The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells

The War of the Worlds was one of the first and greatest works of science fiction ever to be written. Even long before man had learned to fly, H.G. Wells wrote this story of the Martian attack on England. These unearthly creatures arrive in huge cylinders, from which they escape as soon as the metal is cool. The first falls near Woking and is regarded as a curiosity rather than a danger until the Martians climb out of it and kill many of the gaping crowd with a Heat-Ray. These unearthly creatures have heads four feet in diameter and colossal round bodies, and by manipulating two terrifying machines – the Handling Machine and the Fighting Machine – they are as versatile as humans and at the same time insuperable. They cause boundless destruction. The inhabitants of the Earth are powerless against them, and it looks as if the end of the World has come. But there is one factor which the Martians, in spite of their superior intelligence, have not reckoned on. It is this which brings about a miraculous conclusion to this famous work of the imagination.

This book is a classic. I like the film but you can’t compare. That was Americanised.

I absolutely love Jeff Waynes Musical War of the Worlds and recently went to the Immersive Experience in London. It made me think that it’s time I read the book and see how it compares.

I can see the connections and events which inspired Jeff Waynes musical. The story is a classic and an original sci-fi book. I love the fact it is British based as well.

I can only imagine what people at the time thought when this came out.

I would definitely recommend this book to any sci-fi lover. I only knocked a star because of the writing at times. Considering it was written in the 1800s, it is an easy read. But you can tell it written in the old days.

My rating: 4/5*

The Demise (A Bubo Series Novella)

My novella is complete and up for pre-order now on Amazon for 0.99.

UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VZ67NYL

US:

It’s a prequel to my novel, The System (The Bubo Series Book 1), although I believe it can be read as a standalone.

If you don’t fancy reading it then sharing it with anyone who might would be amazing.

Here’s the blurb:

2045.

Everything was as it should be. Leah was worried about her upcoming exams and her future, when everything went wrong.

Alone. Confined.

They made it seem like it was all nothing to worry about until she saw it with her own eyes. Death seemed imminent at any moment.

With her two best friends in tow, will she ever make it to her family inside the Safe Zone or will she die trying?

Unravel Me (Shatter Me book 2) by Tahereh Mafi

This is the second book in the Shatter Me series

They want to find me. I will find them first.

Juliette has escaped. She has found the headquarters of the rebel resistance – and people like her. People with gifts. She is free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam.

But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch. Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

I enjoyed this book and found it better than the first. The storyline develops and the plot moves at a good pace.

Juliette is a good main character. She has so much power and yet she doesn’t know how to use it. She finally starts coming into her own in this book. She gains in confidence and bravery.

Adam, however, was starting to annoy me in this book. I found him quite selfish. He may be trying to look after Juliette, but she was actually better off without him. She only gained in confidence when he wasn’t there. He holds her back and is actually quite needy.

Warner is the reason I have given this book the rating I have. I absolutely love him. We see the real him in this book and get to see more into his background and upbringing. He may have done some horrible things, but you can see and understand why he has. The last third of the book, I just fell in love with him. He, for me, made this book what it is.

It was nice to see the others abilities. Everyone was unique in their own way.

Overall, I would recommend this series. The storyline is good and enjoyable. I would also recommend it just because of Warner.

My rating: 5/5*

Finch Merlin and the Fount of Youth by Bella Forrest

This is the 10th book in the Harley Merlin series, and the first of Finch Merlin.

What’s a guy gotta do to appease an evil god?

It’s been a year since Katherine tried to take over the world, and Finch Merlin is itching to do something other than odd jobs for Erebus, God of Darkness. Erebus promises he’ll free Finch of his servitude after he completes one final task—finding the Fountain of Youth.

Finch has no idea why Erebus wants eternal youth, since the guy is already an immortal being. All the secrecy makes Finch uneasy, but he has no choice but to obey.

He knows he’ll get by with a little help from his friends, namely his old pal Garrett, who’s still dealing with the whole “being resurrected” thing. There’s also Ryann, Harley’s foster sister, now a regular at the San Diego Coven. Whenever she’s around, Finch feels butterflies in his stomach. Or maybe it’s just a bad case of indigestion.

Together, they’ll infiltrate the flashy world of the magical elite in search of a rare artifact, one that will help them capture a poltergeist—the angry ghost of famed adventurer Ponce de León.

Finch’s adventures have only just begun, with plenty of old and new friends… and foes.

I really loved reading this book. I was so happy when I saw that the previous book wasn’t the last, and it’s nice to see these books follow Finch’s adventures.

Finch is a brilliant character. After the events of the previous book, it’s nice to see what has been happening 1 year on. We got to see glimpses of all the other characters, and we’ve seen how the Coven has been. Ultimately, we see what Finch is having to do to please Erebus.

I liked Garrett having a role in this story and a point of view. They were once best friends, and it was nice seeing them both try to rekindle that. It was also nice to see how he is coping after having died and been brought back again.

Saskia was a brilliant addition to the story. She has the spark that Tatyana has, but had her differences too. Her teenage ways were a great contrast to the others.

Overall, I love these books and would definitely recommend them. This book brought a new plot and a new view on things. I’m really looking forward to the next.

My rating: 5/5*

V Games (The Vampire Games Book 1) by Caroline Peckham

This is the first book in The Vampire Games series.

Three things are about to change my life forever…

#1 I’ve been kidnapped to enter a terrifying televised game.

#2 Vampires exist and they’re hungry as hell.

#3 Varick Cartwright is the most terrifying creature I’ve ever met…but he might be the only one who can save me from what’s about to happen.

I’ve been forced into the V Games with twenty four other girls from prison, and now I have no choice but to fight for my life in a week long event.

I’m already a black-hearted killer, but can I be a survivor too? And do I even deserve the freedom this twisted game could offer me if I win?

On this hellish island, one of my captors frightens me the most. He’s a deadly vampire, like those out in the game. And yet, this one’s different. There’s a twisted darkness brewing in him, but for some reason he’s the only one here who gives me hope.

The island is hungry.

The Helsings have placed their bets.

It’s time for me to play the V Games.

I really enjoyed reading this book which was a pleasant surprise to me. I normally avoid vampire books as they don’t seem to appeal to me, but I decided to try this one out after reading Zodiac Academy.

The storyline was great, the characters were great and it ran at a fast exciting pace.

Selena was a great main character. She was imprisoned for defending herself and her mum. Everyone saw her as a killer, but didn’t believe the circumstances. From that she’s then kidnapped and thrown into the madness on this island having to yet again, defend herself. Her courage and bravery was brilliant. She kept wanting to help others, even when her own life was at stake.

Varick was also a great character. He may be a vampire, but he had emotions to him as well. I enjoyed seeing his character develop into the one we see at the end. His relationship with Selena was enjoyable to read.

I liked how the vampires were described. It was too over the top, nor was it too unbelievable. It was just right for me. The vampire aspect also didn’t sway the story from the main plot as well. Selena and her journey in the games was always the central aspect.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. There was plenty of excitement, as well as some twists and turns. I would definitely recommend it and I’m looking forward to reading the next.

My rating: 5/5*