Great Reads For You

Hello all!

As you know I'm an author (plug) but I also read many many books, not only because I think it essential to do so as a writer but also to help other independent authors - yes, I understand the struggle.

I've read all kinds, both good and not so good, however, here I want to share some of the best and recommend you read them too...yes, I appreciate your long lists but please give these a chance, you won't regret it (in my opinion) :)

I still haven't been able to work out how to add pictures to this blog, so please click on the links for further information.

Here they are:

3 by Maria Savva

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

My review:

I am already a fan of Maria Savva and look out for anything new she's written, and I'm never disappointed.

This collection, although short, is thought provoking, clever and even chilling.

I don't give spoilers but will say that each of the three tales is worth reading, the writing itself drawing in the reader to want more. I loved the characters, which were believable and realistic.

Cleverly done - another hit in my opinion.

*

Guardians of the Word series by Jolea M Harrison

Chosen
Myth
Telepath
Legend
Union
Seer
Adept
King

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

All are fabulous and I'm currently reading the last in the series (#8 King). Although the first one (Chosen) is free on Amazon, be warned that, like me, you will be compelled to buy the rest!

Here is my review of Chosen (#1)

I loved this story from beginning to end! The start of a series concerning twins Dynan and Dain, this tale delves into the mysterious and amazing world that is filled with both magic and technology, mystery and suspense, good versus evil.

It's very well written, and crammed with detailed and realistic characters - some good, some bad - with an immense back story of mythical proportions.

What can I say about the story without giving spoilers? Nothing, but I will say that this book is highly recommended, and for those who love fantasy will adore it.

I am reading book #2, Myth and you will be as hooked as me to see what happens amongst the creativity and limitless imagination of this author.

As they say, a must read!

*

Lost & Forgotten by James R Paddock

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

My review:

I loved this story from beginning to end, written extremely well (apart from the typos and spelling mistakes) so well that it hooked me from the start and pulled me along the stream of twists and turns and bends enough that it was not easy to breathe - just as one thing was solved, along came another problem.

A tale of two sisters, one where we see the horrors of cruelty, the delight of togetherness and how the bonds of family should never be underestimated.

Filled with believable characters, some likeable, others not, however the intertwining of them all within the plot made this book a definite page turner.

*

Tarinel's Song by Ron Glick

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

My review:

I was given this book by the author for review.

As I've read other works by this author and enjoyed them, especially the Godslayer Cycle, I knew I this tale would be one I'd like. In fact I loved it!

Again immersed into the world of gods, mages and magic, it is a magnificent story, with interesting and believable characters and rich descriptions, all entangled within mystery and suspense.

It is difficult to say much without giving away anything that would spoil the enjoyment for others. But I will say that this book is truly amazing and a fabulous read, so well written that I didn't want it to end, despite it being a lengthy piece.

Highly recommended to those who love a great fantasy story, filled with wonderful imagination.

I look forward to the next installment.

*

Books one and two in the Godslayer Cycle by Ron Glick

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

My reviews:

I was given this book to review by the author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes, it was lengthy, but that only heightened the wonderful development of the story through fabulous writing.

The characters were rich and three dimensional, building gradually, as did the fantastical world - very, very good.

Themes such as magic, power, greed, selfishness, loneliness, selfishness and love spur on the tale and hooked me throughout. Old gods, new gods, humans, dwarfs...so many similarities to what they want out of their worlds...

I don't give spoilers but will say that this story is rich in the telling and well worth reading.

And yes, I do want to find out what happens to these amazing characters.

***

I was lucky enough to be given this by the author after I'd read book one - this next installment is excellent and I think even better than the first because it not only delves deeper into the story as a whole but also into the wonderful, realistic characters (good and bad).

This tale is woven with the matrix of mystery, myth, magic and mayhem and I loved every minute of it, being hooked from the start. Its 'worlds' are rich in description yet realistic enough so that anyone could believe in their existence, while the plot continues to become entwined within suspense and an undeniable sense of wonder.

I don't give spoilers, but will say that book number two is a must read and highly recommended for fantasy lovers everywhere.

The problem is waiting for book three

*

Hitori by Nicholas Forristal

Some back story to the Chronicles of M (another fabulous series)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

My review:

I was given this book by the author for review - and I loved it, as I have all the other books connected to The Chronicles of M.

This tale is rich in the telling, very well written and a wonderful background story of Hitori and how her warrior status is earned - the sword is particularly intriguing.

It is full of magic, enchantment, danger and mystery, with fabulous descriptions in a world brimming with mythical and monstrous enemies. Brought into this life by a god...oh, no, I don't give spoilers!

I loved this story from beginning to end and was hooked from the first page. A definite must read and highly recommended.

*

The Holdout by Laurel Osterkamp

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

As a reviewer as well as an author, I was lucky enough to be given this book to review - fabulous!

The style of writing hooked me at once and I immediately liked Robin, even if at times she seemed younger than her age. However, I thought the dynamics of the story brilliant, while she engages with family, contestants and jurors, while trying to combat her insecurities.

The plot is very realistic and extremely enjoyable. Themes such as justice, love and revenge colour the tale to a wonderful degree and...hmm, well, I never give spoilers but will say that this book was surprisingly good, as I don't usually read this kind of story.

Yes, excellent and highly recommended - I will certainly want to read more by this author.

*

Heron Park by C.K. Raggio

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

My review:

I was given this book by the author for review and wow, I'm still reeling!

This story is gritty, graphic and gory yet written so well that it drew me in immediately and didn't let go even when finished. It is filled with believable and realistic characters - good and bad - suspenseful and 'edge of the seat' stuff that brings the reader right into the action...fast heartbeats and all.

I don't give spoilers but will say that this tale is not for those with a weak heart or bladder, but for those who love a fantastic crime novel that delves into the evil side of man and the complexities of the human heart.

*

There are two books so far in the Cass Elliot series by Gae-Lynn Woods - The Devil of Light and Avengers of Blood - book are wonderful reads.

The Devil of Light by Gae-Lynn Woods

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

My review:

What a fantastic story with great, realistic characters and a wonderful plot. It had me hooked so much that my usual lack of sleep became even less! It is a long book, but that only gives it credence into the detail and magnificent writing.

I don't want to give spoilers but will say that I would recommended it as a fabulous crime novel of the highest calibre - and yes, I'm already reading book 2 in the series. The problem will be waiting for more.

A definite, must read!

***

Avengers of Blood by Gae-Lynn Woods

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

My review:

I loved this book from beginning to end, where familiar characters deal with the evils of human behaviour. Another great crime novel and even though not all questions are answered regarding the main characters, the story is satisfying and I'm looking forward to finding out more about Cass & Co.

Brilliant, extremely well written and highly recommended.

*

Well, that will do for now...fabulous reads and I feel lucky that sometimes I even get to read for free!

Thanks to all and my your writing flow and you become bestselling authors - and me please :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...and good wishes to all whatever you celebrate at this time of year.