Book Review: "The Legacy of the Witch Hunter" by Matthius J. Diaz

 

Witches never died, they were only waiting…

A young student is bequeathed a villa in Berlin from his estranged dead uncle. The only catch: He has to spend the night before Halloween alone in the safety of his new mansion, and not open the door for anyone until sunrise.

He soon learns why.

The Grand Witch of the East has returned to complete her Last Ritual, and end the current age.

Discovering he is the last descendant of a blessed bloodline of witch hunters spanning ten generations, Robert Burmantel has to join a crackpot team to take on his family's arch nemesis. There’s wise-cracking sniper, Juan. Tech expert with a dark past, Salena. Sergei the monk; mighty with the pen and the sword. Leading them is over-the-hill Sigurd, who prefers a drink over responsibility.

Pulled suddenly out of his comfortable life, will Robert rise to the occasion and live up to his mighty legacy, or escape his duty and return to the state of mediocrity from which he came? - from Booksirens.com

I received an eARC from Booksirens.com and am providing an unbiased review.

Looking at the cover, and even after reading the story synopsis, I imagined this to be more situated in an older timeline - something like 1800's or something. However, this is much closer to modern times, which is why it is labeled an urban fantasy. I was fine with that, with either situation, as the plot just called out to me to be read. I'm adding in some speculation and comments that will surely be spoilers, so read at your own risk.

The story started out fairly okay. We have a bit of background on our MC (lives in Berlin), fancies get-rich-quick schemes, struggles with school, has no social life (basically). The typical loner hero-to-be story character. An eccentric uncle has left his estate to him, on the requirement he stay inside it Halloween all night. There he discovers his uncle carried the title of Witch Hunter. Story moves along and he meets his first witch (that first night) and then three other hunters. Story is moving along at an okay pace.

Then it stumbles. Cutting the tip of a finger off... immediately following the commands of someone you don't know, in your own new house. Just too much starting to make out MC sound like he obviously cannot do something without being told to do it. Much of the rest of the book is that way. There is much self-doubt going on, and finding out facts about these new hunter "friends". Let's not forget this Grand Witch of the East, that his uncle has hunted for years is coming to Berlin to bring about the end of the world by bringing a demon to it. Sigh. 

It took me a couple days longer to get through the book. Each time I picked it up and read some, I would just mentally shake my head and put it down for awhile. Overall, I love the synopsis of the story. I like how an 'unknown world' is eye-opening to the MC, and finding out he has a special power, well, kind of cool. There is a bit of romance starting between MC and one of the hunters (who happens to be a witch, which witch hunters live to hate/kill - see what I did there.... witch which witch). Overall I thought it really slowed down and became a word-count game to the author after about halfway. By the end of the story, I wondered if the Witch was ever going to be stopped, because it ddddrrrraaaggggssss. If somewhat felt like the author was trying to leave a possibility of future sequels...? But I don't see where that would really go, as the power he has is gone (allegedly) and evidently he is falling for a witch. Yeah. Pretty okay book, prolly a bit more young adult genre.

Book Review: "Devil's Ivy" by C. A. Martin

 

I was broken, until the day a gorgeous stranger invaded my life and declared I was his witch…

I never wanted any of this…

Heartbroken, with my life as a trainee surgeon in tatters, all I wanted was to crawl into a hole and die.

Then Kit darkened my door.

As devastatingly attractive as he is infuriating, he turned what was left of my world upside down, inside out and every which way but straight.

And he did it all with just seven little words.

You’re a witch, Fleur, and you’re mine.

I can’t believe it.

It’s a joke, it has to be.

And yet it all makes perfect sense.

My life had been ruined, but maybe there is a still chance for me.

A chance to overcome my demons and learn the truth about myself.

The truth about the ties of fate that have bound me to this man.

If our nightmares don’t destroy us first… - from Booksirens.com

I received this eARC from Booksirens.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the first book in this series and I will admit I was drawn to read this one due to the cover art. When I read the synopsis of the book, I thought, well, I will give it a shot. Overall the book is a pretty easy read. Starts out fairly slow, explaining our MC's background (failed superstar trainee surgeon, now hopelessly worthless). About midway we meet the sexy guy that claims he knows her, and that they are slated to be together because of magicke.

Okay, I admit I did not read the complete book. by midway, and this guy explaining magicke to a muggle, just didn't fit my vibe. I tried picking it up again after a couple days, but the story could not pull me in. I feel it is written easily to read and understand, my mind just didn't like some of it.

Book Review: "The Chaos Agent" by Mark Greaney

 Artificial intelligence leads to shockingly real danger for the Gray Man in this latest entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

A car accident in Japan.

A drowning in Seoul.

A home invasion in Boston.

Someone is killing the world’s leading experts on robotics and artificial intelligence. Is it a tech company trying to eliminate the competition or is it something even more sinister?

After all, artificial intelligence may be the deadliest battlefield gamechanger since the creation of gunpowder. The first nation to field weapons that can act at the speed of computer commands will rule the battlefield.

It’s an irresistible lure for most, but not for the Gray Man. His quest for a quiet life has led him to Central America where he and his lover, Zoya Zakharova, have assumed new identities. With a list of enemies that  includes billionaires, terrorists, and governments, they need to keep a low profile, but the world’s deadliest assassin can’t expect to hide out forever.

Eventually, they’re tracked down and offered a job by an old acquaintance of Zoya’s. He needs their help extracting a Russian scientist who is on the kill list. They reject the offer, but just being seen with him is enough to put assassins on their trail.

Now, they’re back on the run, but no matter which way they turn, it's clear that whoever's tracking them is always going to be one step ahead. Since flight’s no longer possible, fight is the only option left, and no one fights dirtier than the Gray Man. - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and providing an unbiased review.

This is the 13th book in the Gray Man series by this author, continuing the exploits of our MC, Court Gentry a.k.a. Sierra Six, as he eludes capture not only from the US agencies, but other world orders, mafias, et cetera. This time around, while trying to enjoy time together with his girl, Zoya, gets interrupted by someone from her past. Long story short, they are drawn into an event to keep anyone from allowing someone to use AI to arm the highest bidder.

I really like this character, and though having another story of his to read, it is starting to get a little old, as is our characters. The storyline is good, and very current to our times, so believable. If there are more books in this series, I would definitely read them, as I hate leaving an open ending, but am starting to think this MC needs retirement.

Book Review: "A Flame in the North" by Lilith Saintcrow

 

An elemental witch and her shieldmaiden journey into a world of ancient myth and unexpected destiny in this sweeping Norse-inspired epic fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Lilith Saintcrow.

The Black Land is spent myth. Centuries have passed since the Great Enemy was slain. Yet old fears linger, and on the longest night of the year, every village still lights a ritual fire to banish the dark.

That is Solveig’s duty. Favored by the gods with powerful magic, Sol calls forth flame to keep her home safe. But when her brother accidentally kills a northern lord’s son, she is sent away as weregild—part hostage, part guest—for a year and a day.

The further north Sol travels, the clearer it becomes the Black Land is no myth. The forests teem with foul beasts. Her travel companions are not what they seem, and their plans for her and her magic are shrouded in secrecy.

With only her loyal shieldmaid and her own wits to reply upon, Sol must master power beyond her imagination to wrest control of her fate. For the Black Land’s army stirs, ready to cover the world in darkness—unless Sol can find the courage to stop it.

They thought the old ways were dead. But now, the Enemy awakens… - from Netgalley.com

This e ARC was given to me from Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is a wonderful start to what I expect to be an epic story based on Viking imagined living, beliefs, and other mythological/religious lore. Solveig is our main character, that has a skill, similar to what we would call an elementist in the fantasy world, that marked her to train as a Volva (kind of a Viking shaman-woman) but her skill is stronger than has been seen for lifetimes. Do to an unfortunate death caused by her brother, she is sent as weregild for a year and a day with a group calling themselves the Wolves of the North. On their journey returning to the Wolves northern homes, she discovers one amongst them is Elven, and learns of other types of magic. She also learns that truly there is a great evil that is awakening again, and many believe her to be the one last hope to stop it.

Let's just say that when I started this book, I was riveted to it. I have read many of Saintcrow's works, and found them enjoyable, but this tops all of them - hands down. I also believe, that this is her best work to date. I found the reading to be very attention getting with the storyline, though there were parts that felt a bit wordier than needed to be. It is written in first-person, from Sol's point of view, and, like a person's thoughts, there is quite a bit of mental wondering, which I believe kind of adds to the writing style. In my opinion, they were many terms I believe to be Viking lore related, and the lifestyle portrayed, region and climate, all added to what I see as Viking lore. Also brought in is some of the Norse gods (Thor, Odin, et cetera) and some comments even of the 'robed ones' that preach their god that died on a cross, versus going to Valhalla. 

Truly one of the top books I have read this year, and I am so looking forward to the next one, and I am guessing a third as well. I found it easy reading, even good descriptions of many of the Viking terms used, and the inter-mixing of lore and beliefs.

Book Review: "Angel's Fire" by Paul Sating

 

Heaven's monster hunter has a new, dangerous job, and it's his biggest yet.

After slaying the behemoth, I earned myself the title of “God’s Sword” and some much-needed time off. I filled the quality 'me time' by reconnecting with my ex—and didn't screw it up! Great, right? Wrong! My time away simply gave those plotting against peace a chance to change their plan of attack.

The last six Bowls of Wrath are missing. Incompetent authorities, enigmatic truths about Yahweh, and the toxic deluge of the Second Bowl left the world in turmoil. Tens of thousands are dead as an otherworldly force drives the curse on.

The world is teetering on the brink of chaos and someone has to grab the apocalyptic problem by the horns. Who better than the Upperworld's grim Reaper, angel assassin, demon hunter, and all-around Mr. Fix It?

As the world disintegrates, Rev Carver must hold together a shattered reality. Will his newfound reason to fight keep him alive through the monumental task of restoring balance to a world on the brink of annihilation? -from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

Rev Carver is back for book three, and he is not a happy camper! Being one of the oldest (and best) Reapers, plus the assassin of the Angels, is not an easy job. Especially when you are trying to get back with the love of your life, and enjoy some time off. But Rev has a tendency to always help others, plus it *is* his job. So again he faces a huge behemoth-type monster that is ravaging the coastlines of the world, trying to stop what the second bowl of wrath has started. Add in trying to figure out who is actually the thief and causing all this ruckus - it's a long work day.

Sating again makes reading an enjoyable pastime for me. His novels are easy to read and understand as he has created the character world that explains easily, including the angel-magic, and unfortunately, the politics that we see in life. Rev Carver is nothing but a big teddy bear that doesn't want to be acknowledged as such, and makes for somewhat predictable reactions throughout the story, but ends well each time. I expect to see a few more books in this series.

Book Review: "A Dark and Rising Tide" by Debra Castaneda

 

When a massive storm surge hits the central coast of California, the ferocious surf destroys buildings, floods streets, and washes up something sinister from the depths of the Monterey Bay.

Peter, a retired state lifeguard, knows the water better than anyone. Carla, owner of a beach-side restaurant, is still mourning the loss of her son in a boating accident. While both love their quaint small town with spectacular views, their personal lives are as complicated as the changing weather forecasts.

After a mysterious creature in the water kills two men, Peter and Carla are plunged into a living nightmare as a massive tidal surge traps them and their friends in a battered, unstable building.

While the storm rages through the night, they discover something horrifying swims between them and escape, just waiting to attack anyone within reach.

They need to make life or death decisions to survive.

But first, they need to make it to morning. -from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is the third book in Castaneda's Dark Earth Rising series (which can be read as stand-alone novels) and is stated to be inspired by true events. That is enough for me to not want to go swimming in coastal waters, that's for sure. As one can determine from the book cover, this is a tale that includes some sort of tentacled sea life. As a large hurricane-type storm beats the coastline of this small village, a handful of people need to survive the storm surge, as well as the sea-life it brings to visit.

I have enjoyed each of these three novels from this author, as each takes place in a different locale, inspired by an urban tale in that area. This one happened to deal with squid-like creatures that seemed to be overtaking humans, and showing signs of intelligence. Throw in a simple romance that grows through the story, and you have a nice read. The book read easily, and seemed realistic enough to happen as written (excluding the who creatures thing). Look forward to reading more from this author!

Book Review: "The Olympian Affair" by Jim Butcher

 

For centuries the Cinder Spires have safeguarded humanity, rising far above the deadly surface world. Within their halls, aristocratic houses rule, developing scientific marvels and building fleets of airships for defense and trade.

Now, the Spires hover on the brink of open war.

Everyone knows it's coming. The guns of the great airship fleets that control the skies between the last bastions of humanity will soon speak in anger, and Spire Albion stands alone against the overwhelming might of Spire Aurora's Armada and its new secret weapon--one capable of destroying the populations of entire Spires.

A trading summit at Spire Olympia provides an opportunity for the Spirearch, Lord Albion, to secure alliances that will shape the outcomes of the war, and to that end he dispatches privateer Captain Francis Madison Grimm and the crew of the AMS Predator to bolster the Spirearch's diplomatic agents.

It will take daring, skill, and no small amount of showmanship to convince the world to stand with Spire Albion--assuming that it is not already too late. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

This is the second book in 'The Cinder Spires' series by Jim Butcher. It has been awhile since I read the first one, so the it took a bit at the start to pick up on what had transpired. A bit of time has passed since the first story, and this one finds us with many of the same characters. The war between spire-states is starting to escalate, and this book is more centered around what is going on around the Olympian Spire. 

I have always enjoyed Butcher's books (Dresden Files and Codex Alera series) and this series has been enjoyable to read as well. I do like the world-building and character development employed, as well as his easy-to-read writing style. I am looking forward to reading more in this series, as I am sure there will be at least one more book (I hope).

Book Review: "Fortress of Crows" by Daniel Colter

 Another blood-thirsty thriller set during the Crusades! For fans of Ben Kane, Conn Iggulden, Robyn Young, Bernard Cornwell and Christian Cameron.

A scroll worth killing for…

The Judean Desert, 1186

Finn of Struan, a Templar knight, has orders to find the Copper Scroll, a relic describing where priceless treasures from Solomon’s Temple were hidden away.

He is also charged with protecting a relic hunter, one who procures religious relics, as she unravels the tangled web of clues held in the ancient text.

But rival relic hunters also hunt the scroll. And their leader, Le Scélérat, the Evildoer, will stop at nothing to get it.

Greed rules the hearts of many, turns friend against friend, and Finn’s quest soon becomes a bloody fight filled with deceit and death.

Will he and his loyal Brothers survive murderous enemies? Can Finn complete his quest?

Or will Templar bones rot in the bleak wastes of the Judean? - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided by Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

It has been a short time from the end of the first book in this series. Some of the characters from the first book have been reassigned to other sectors/divisions, but our main character is pretty much still doing what he was originally. This time, new orders have come down for his men to accompany some relic hunters, whilst also being chased by some evil goons,

At first I was a bit hesitant to start on this story. Why would the Templars want to help relic hunters? Ohhhh, right. The Templars were moneylenders, and everybody likes gold, except our main character. Either way, he has his duty to follow, thus he does. This is the first time we see how it might have been being in close contact with females for the Templars. As one would expect, there become some strong emotional feelings, that God and Duty must make our MC abstain and be the solid character he is.

World building was as good as the first book, though I think this one centered more in a certain area. The caverns I have no clue about, and the story about the Jews and Romans fighting there... no idea if true or not. Sounds very possible though. Again, there is plenty of action going on, and loss of lives, and injuries that seem impossible to overcome. Definitely was still a good read, and I would look forward to future books in this series.

Book Review: "Brotherhood of Wolves" by Daniel Colter

 

Join the Brotherhood in a thrilling adventure set during the Crusades! For fans of Ben Kane, Conn Iggulden, Robyn Young, Bernard Cornwell and Christian Cameron .

The enemy strikes from within…

Jerusalem, 1177

The Holy City is in Christian hands and the Sultan Saladin has vowed to retake her, whatever the cost.

Two faiths are warring over sacred ground. It is within this feverish hotbed that Finn of Struan, a young knight dedicated to the Templars, is stationed.

Finn’s world unravels when his mentor, Robert of Saint Albans, murders a brother in cold blood. Worse, Robert joins the Devil himself — Saladin.

The foul deeds stain the Templar name and Finn is tasked with killing Robert, a man with a mind sharper than any sword.

But as Finn slips into enemy territory, he finds the hunter has become the prey…

As Templar fights Templar for control of the Holy City, can Finn avenge his dead comrade? Will the Brotherhood prevail?

Or will Saladin’s army emerge victorious? - from Goodreads.com

This is the first book in this new series. My attention had gotten caught on the second book, and decided I needed to go back and read the first one so I would be lost in possible story references. I am not usually one for historical type fiction (mystery or fantasy) but do love what feels to be a good action novel, as this book turned out to be.

Pretty much this whole story seemed believable, like it was recorded in a scroll and recently found. World building was authentic to my knowledge of the middle east areas in the late 1100's, and the Crusades were happening. Even my basic knowledge of Templar lore seemed to cover all facts. Though, there isn't much regarding Templars in the story, as our characters are sent on a mission 'undercover'. Overall I thought it very well-written and found it to be a very enjoyable read.

Book Review: "Fear the Wolf" by Stefanie Gilmour

 

Since she shifted into a werewolf, Alex was terrified. Of the man who attacked her—then of herself.

If her inner wolf breaks free again, people could die, and she’ll be the one hunted.

Alex struggles to keep her savage passenger caged, but life doesn’t make it easy. The Committee ruling the supernatural community would punish her for the slightest misstep. A group of zealots are targeting supernatural beings of all kinds. Worst of all—some people are just jerks.

For help, she relies on her best friend Emma, a wizard and the only person she trusts with her secret. But Emma has her own secret: Mitch. He’s twisting her into someone unrecognizable… and he may be inflicting the same treatment on other vulnerable supernatural citizens.

To save Emma, Alex must make alliances with wizards and werewolves alike, face the Committee, unravel deadly conspiracies, and confront her own worst fear—herself. - from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided through Booksirens.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

This is the first book of a shifter series by this new author. The plot description sounded interesting enough, I decided to request it for review. I was not completely disappointed. 

The story follows Alex, aged in her 20's, as she tries to keep the wolf in her contained, afraid it comes out, she will hurt people. While doing this, trying to keep a job, and hiding under the radar of the supernatural Committee, who govern the Supes. Unintentionally, she drags herself into a larger mess, that it seems only she can help clean up.

Overall the story wasn't bad. I enjoyed learning about the characters that revolve around the MC. There isn't a lot of background story to our MC, but it comes out in bits and pieces as the story progresses. There isn't much about the backgrounds of the supporting cast. Worldbuilding was fine, as scenes were easily pictured, and seemed consistent with the timeline and urban-ness of the story setting.

Our MC has several conflicts that almost follow each other with no break in between, and it makes the story drag a bit. I could understand how overall, they all lead to the same conclusion, but I felt like the author was trying to shove too many conflicts into the story. I don't recall specifically which ones could have possibly been omitted, as if I remember correctly, they all introduced something/someone/some group/some-something that the author wanted to be sure the reader knew. It just felt like "c'mon, really? That much conflict?" and my attention would wane a bit.

Aside from the couple small issues I noted, I did enjoy the story, and would be interested in reading future books in this series - I'm always curious where the author(s) go next. 

Book Review: "The Moonshine Messiah" by Russell W Johnson

 

As if being a woman sheriff in the West Virginia coal fields wasn’t tough enough, Mary Beth Cain’s life is complicated by the fact that the local hillbilly crime syndicate is run by her mother, Mamie. It’s an association that, along with Mary Beth’s head-busting ways, has her staring down a corruption investigation when she gets a surprise visit from Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Connelly.

Twenty years earlier, Patrick was Mary Beth’s high school sweetheart, but they broke up because Mary Beth couldn’t cut the loose ties she maintains with her villainous family. Now Patrick’s worked out a deal to wipe Mary Beth’s slate clean if she’ll just do one thing: arrest her brother, Sawyer, who is the cult leader of a booming anti-government militia that’s been giving the Feds headaches.

It’s an offer Mary Beth refuses until Sawyer’s followers blow up a federal courthouse and G-men start swarming into town, preparing for a siege of the commando’s compound. Suddenly Mary Beth is tasked with trying to head off a bloody, Waco-style massacre and the question isn’t whether she should arrest her brother, but if she can do it in time. - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This story was a bit of a hidden gem that I found (my thought anyways) in the Netgalley gallery. After reading it, I had to look up the author and see if there were any other works he has completed. Unfortunately, the sources I used showed only this one story, and what a story it was! The writing style reminds me of Craig Johnson (Walt Longmire series) telling a tale about a sheriff in the backwoods of West Virginia. Not a big thing, unless you throw in family ties to a 'mountain mafia', and a few rumors of the sheriff using those connections.

Either way, the story is very well told, and I felt like I was 'in the action' as I read it. I also found it quite hard to put down the one night I had to do so. Character backgrounds were good, and the world building was on-spot for what I imagine those small towns and area would be for WV. There were a couple misdirects in the story that caught me, and making the ending come out better than what I thought would happen. Definitely would read more from this author, and almost would like this to become a series if there is somewhere for the stories to go.

Book Review: "Across the Sorrow Sea" by Anthony Ryan

 

THE SORROW SEA—THE MOST FEARED REGION IN ALL THE FIVE SEAS—PLAGUED BY STORMS, PROWLED BY A MURDEROUS PIRATE KING, AND HOME TO INHUMAN TERRORS.

Continuing their quest for the Seven Swords, legendary warrior Guyime and his companions must brave these perilous tides to find the mythic Spectral Isle, where once a demon named Lakorath was captured by a sorcerer of great power. Here ancient plans will be unveiled and the secret purpose of the seven demon cursed blades may finally be revealed…

Continuing the saga of The Seven Swords, Across the Sorrow Sea is a fast-moving tale of seafaring adventure and dramatic revelations from the New York Times bestselling author of the Raven’s Shadow and the Covenant of Steel trilogies. - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the fifth installment in this quest for the fabled Seven Swords. I was a little disappointed it was so short, but truly loved being able to re-visit this world. I feel like there is going to be seven tales to finish this quest, but I could be wrong. Either way, I really enjoyed characters getting more background filled in, and though the story's world seems vast, it is like discovering just a section of it each time a story in this series comes out. Looking forward to the future stories.

Book Review: The Witch and the City by Jake Burnett

 

Trapped in a place of infinite forgetting, a witch must remember how to love.

The prison-city of Osylum floats in the midst of an endless abyss. The reclusive Lady rules it; distant, inscrutable, and never seen. Her will is imposed by the Wardens, eldritch creatures who tend to the convicts’ needs but also ruthlessly purge anyone who tries to escape.

Osylum’s newest inmate, the witch Oneirotheria, has no memory of who she is, where she came from, or why she is imprisoned. Instead, her mind is a mess of spells and lore and other people’s voices. The city mirrors her internal confusion; a jumble of broken buildings covered in hundreds of snippets of graffiti.

As Oneirotheria re-assembles her own shattered past (aided by a few inmates of dubious intent), she learns she may hold not just the key to escape, but the intertwined secrets of the city’s origin and a lost love that transcends countless lives. - from Booksirens.com

I received this eARC from Booksirens.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This was a different find for me. I usually would skip it fairly fast, but for some reason the synopsis sounded somewhat interesting, and after reading an excerpt, thought I would try reading something a little different than my normal material. The writing style was easy to read and understand, though for some reason it stood out as 'different' but I could not pinpoint as to what made it feel that way. Overall the story was interesting, and I felt it was interesting. I would more than  likely try other works from this author.

Book Review: "Truth in the Smoke" by S. P. Neeson

 

You're Fae. I could feel the magic when I walked in the door.

When a famous actress says this to me, I’m torn between thinking she’s insane and asking her for more details. But she leaves before I can do either and when I try to find her the next day, she’s dead and I’m left with more questions than before.

Why did she come to me? Why was she killed? Who did it? And was she crazy or did she know something I don’t?

I can try to forget it ever happened and move on with my life or I can break into her house, and the scene of her murder, to investigate.

What can I say? I’m really good at bad ideas. - from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided to me through Booksirens.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is one of my favored types of reads: decent storyline, quick-moving, and overall a fairly fast read. Add that there will be at least a couple more books (if not more) in the series, it's even better. This starts out as a regular PI being hired to find something story, and then it starts getting interesting, as the PI here, doesn't know anything about 'other races' - meaning fae, etc. From there it gets a little far-fetched (as many stories these days do) with such a headstrong main character jumping head-first without knowledge of whom she might be against, just to 'right the wrongs' that have happened. 

Overall, it was a good read, and I look forward to the next book in the series. I may even look up the author for other works that may have already been written. There is some slow romance growing/blossoming/happening that doesn't get over-detailed. There some fantasy races involved, but best, it's a murder mystery, with huge complications.

Book Review: "Runes of Battle" by G. N. Gudgion

 Adelais is on the run.

And the kingdom of Galmandie has never been more dangerous.

In every town square, people whisper of a girl who brought down lightning on her enemies. The king has placed a huge price on Adelais’s head and sent troops to hunt her down.

Adelais flees high into the mountains. But winter is closing in and she cannot hide for ever.

Far to the north, there is a chance of escape. Her homeland has risen in rebellion against Galmandie. To reach freedom and safety, Adelais must cross many miles of hostile territory with inquisitors and royal soldiers always close behind.

If she is captured, Adelais will be burned as a witch. But if she learns to control the storm of magic within her, she could be the spark that sets the whole country aflame.

Packed with intrigue, action and warring gods, The Rune Song Trilogy is perfect for fans of Robin Hobb, Mark Lawrence and Andrzej Sapkowski. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was provided to me through Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is the second book in the Rune Song Trilogy and continues the tale after the first book. I was not a huge fan of the first book, but I wanted to see where the author would take us in continuing this journey. Again this was written telling the story from the viewpoint of at least three people (a style I do not care for) and for me, the beginning was hard to get involved with in reading. I place some of that blame on me due to my preferences of single-person versus multi-sided tellings. I felt lost and had to put it aside for awhile. Coming back to it a second and third time, I just could not keep myself interested in the tale.

I am only giving this story a 3-star rating due to that I did not finish it. I did somewhat enjoy the first book, and feel this could be a good tale if only I could stay focused on the tale, and not how it is being told.

Book Review: City of Bones" by Martha Wells

 

Before Martha Wells captured the hearts of MILLIONS with her Murderbot series, there was Khat, Sagai, and Elen, and a city risen out of death and decay…

The city of Charisat, a tiered monolith of the Ancients’ design, sits on the edge of the vast desert known as the Waste. Khat, a member of a humanoid race created by the Ancients to survive in the Waste, and Sagai, his human partner, are relic dealers working in the bottom tiers of society, trying to stay one step ahead of the Trade Inspectors.

When Khat is hired by the all-powerful Warders to find relics believed to be part of one of the Ancients' arcane engines, he, and his party, begin unravelling the mysteries of an age-old technology.

This they expected.

They soon find themselves as the last line of defense between the suffering masses of Charisat and a fanatical cult, bent on unleashing an evil upon the city with an undying thirst for bone.

That, they did not expect. - from Netgalley.com

This eARC was given to me through Netgalley.com and I am providing an unbiased review.

This was a bit different than what I expected when I requested to read this book. Definitely set in a world not like earth, or possibly a dystopian future. Khat, our main character, is of a race that many in the larger city-kingdoms consider beneath them. However, he has certain 'skills' that allow him to find relics and seemingly instinctively find their purpose and value. He ends up somewhat partnered up with the apprentice of a high level magistrate, and discovers he is the product of a race the Ancients created to withstand not only the changes in the world, but the battle from others in a distant other-world.

I have always enjoyed Wells' books, and this is not not I would toss aside. I felt it started off somewhat slow, but I understand the character and world setting had to be built in order to make the story understandable. It is a stand-alone read, so no worries about having to read multiples, or worry about the order.

Book Review: "Obsidian Murders" by Nicole Fox

 

A journalist who's kinda weird. A 500-year-old detective. Two young women dead from magic.

Tessa O'Hara is tired of people thinking she is crazy. Growing up sensitive to the supernatural and deemed mentally unstable by every therapist she’s ever seen, Tessa moves to Washington D.C to start fresh. But when there are two murders in her neighborhood that reek of magic, she's a bit freaked out and utterly regretting her decision to become a semi-functioning adult.

Seeking aid from a vampiric detective, a grumpy house faerie, and several local Wiccan covens, she is determined to use her abilities to help. But Tessa and her new friends are at a loss when the case abruptly goes cold with no leads or suspects.

Can Tessa help find the killer before another woman is found dead? - from Booksirens.com

I received this eARC from Booksirens.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the first book in a new series from this author, and it wasn't bad at all, in my small opinion. I believe this is the first work put out (though the author pen name, Nicole Fox, could be found to a different person, this work is not accredited to) and can be read as so. The plot is fairly easy to follow, and overall is a nice, fun , easy read for the day. IT is your overall vampire/human relationship, and throw in a couple weird things - oh! and add that you hope future books in this series will fill in all details, piecemeal, about the main characters. In short, the usual that seems to be put out every three months in this genre.

In honesty, I did enjoy it though, more than I do most books that seem to randomly appear every few months from some "big" writer with a psuedo. There were a few issues with the use of tense in the writing (it is an ARC) but otherwise I did find it a nice distraction for the day.

Book Review: "An Inheritance of Magic" by Benedict Jacka

 

The super-rich control everything—including magic—in this thrilling and brilliant, contemporary fantasy from the author of the Alex Verus novels.

The wealthy seem to exist in a different, glittering world from the rest of us. Almost as if by . . . magic.

Stephen Oakwood is a young man on the edge of this hidden world. He has talent and potential, but turning that potential into magical power takes money, opportunity, and training. All Stephen has is a minimum wage job and a cat. 

But when a chance encounter with a member of House Ashford gets him noticed by the wrong people, Stephen is thrown in the deep end. For centuries, the vast corporations and aristocratic Houses of the magical world have grown impossibly rich and influential by hoarding their knowledge. To survive, Stephen will have to take his talent and build it up into something greater—for only then can he beat them at their own game. - from Netgalley.com 

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

Before I say anything, I am a big fan of the Alex Verus series that this author has blessed the reading world with, so starting a new series, with a whole new concept of magic, was basically a no-brainer to request to read. Thankfully, I was chosen, and am so happy!

This first book in what looks to be a good series, has our main character in a pit of depression. Well,  he's stressed, living paycheck to paycheck, in bare minimum housing, sulking in the memories of a mother that abandoned him , a father that taught him a little magic then disappeared, and he is alone (except for a cat) in the world. From there, that chance encounter opens his eyes more to the real world around him, and a glimpse of how those with magic tend to be in powerful positions - family or otherwise. Thus begins his immersion into this new world, learning more about magic than he could even guess at before.

Jacka's writing style ahs always been easy to read, and flows well in the tale he weaves. This version of the magic system is so different than the Verus series yet different from so many other writings, it is like a new concept. I don't know how to describe it, but to me it seems to make sense, and I am curious about certain effects, which may come out in future books. Though the world building and description were good, I felt a little out that there was not much going to the description of the main character. Maybe it is something that will be expanded on later, but we do have the bare bones and was enough to enjoy the tale.

Book Review: "The Immortal Detective" by D. B. Woodling

 

Sometimes being immortal makes you wish you were dead.

Detective Celeste Crenshaw has survived her parents’ grisly murders, grueling and gender-biased police training, a battle with rogue vampires, and even her own death. While immortality might seem a dream come true, can she accept the strings attached?

Celeste spends the onset of her immortal life within the Hollow Earth, where ancient vampires known as The Elders hone her supernatural powers, but little do they know, Celeste isn’t wholly committed to granting eternal life to those deserving, regardless of her promise.

Upon a return home to her immortal lover, and the Kansas City Detective Squad, she battles mortal foes, not so unlike the demonic undead. And when a fellow detective falls victim to a murderous gang member, and her lover delivers a shocking ultimatum, Celeste not only faces gut-wrenching decisions but also the wrath of the Elders. - from Booksirens.com

I received this eARC from Booksirens.com and am providing an unbiased review.

When I initially came across this book, I thought it could be pretty interesting. Get some fantasy fiction going with vampires, that have a little bit different creation story and powers. Toss in some police work and crimes - could be a good fantasy, crime, thriller, vampire story. Well, it wasn't too bad of an idea.

At first, I felt kind of lost, as I was not aware there is a previous book that covers some details that were mentioned in this book. So I was putting it off to the writer's style, and was not going to be pleased if it was this 'detail empty' throughout the whole story. I liked some of the creation of a vampire, and how they obtain some of their powers process. A bit humorous of who these Elders were, but it is what it is. By the time our main character gets back to the regular human police force, and has a couple criminals apprehended, I was starting to lose interest. These Elders training her, assisting her when she is stressed at her job, making her into some super-cop idea...I just ... nah. So I skimmed the remaining part of the book, and probably lost much of what story there might have been.

I truly did like the concept of Vampirism and it's creation. Cover art looks nice, too. If this had been titled noting it was a second book in a series, or of a story world, I probably would not have requested to read it, as I had not even heard of the first story. 

Book Review: "The Innocent Sleep" by Seanan McGuire

 

For one bright, shining moment, Tybalt, King of Cats, had everything he had ever wanted. He was soon to set his crown aside; he had married the woman he loved; he was going to be a father. After centuries of searching for a family of his own, he had finally found a way to construct the life of his dreams, and was looking forward to a period of peace—or at least as much peace as is ever in the offing for the husband of a hero.

Alas for Tybalt and his domestic aspirations, fate—and Titania—had other ideas. His perfect world had been complete for only a moment when it was ripped away, to be replaced by hers. Titania, Faerie’s Summer Queen, Mother of Illusions and enemy of so many he holds dear, has seized control of the Kingdom, remaking it in her own image. An image which does not include meddlesome shapeshifters getting in her way. Tybalt quickly finds himself banished from her reality, along with the Undersea and the rest of the Court of Cats.

To protect his people and his future, Tybalt must find the woman he loves in a world designed to keep her from him, convince her that he’s not a stranger trying to ruin her life for no apparent reason, and get her to unmake the illusion she’s been firmly enmeshed in. And he’ll have to do it all while she doesn’t know him, and every unrecognizing look is a knife to his heart.

For Tybalt, King of Cats, the happily ever after was just the beginning. - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the 18th book in the October Daye series, and closely follows the previous installment, not just in story, but in release date. This tale is told from Tybalt's point of view, of the events we read about in book seventeen.

Overall, I liked this telling of events versus the previous one. There was so much going on 'behind-the-scenes' whilst Toby was ensnared and trying to figure out the enchantment Titiana had done. This truly helped round out how involved the actual story was happening. 

With the release of this eARC, there was also a small novella of characters in the same story world.

McGuire has done a wonderful job at continuing the story in this series. I always fear that this 'newest' book will be its last, but so far it has not been true. I am always pleasantly surprised when I hear a new one is coming out, and I wonder where will we go on this ride. 

Book Review:"Sleep No More" by Seanan McGuire

October is very happy with her life as the second daughter of her pureblood parents, Amandine and Simon Torquill. Born to be the changeling handmaid to her beloved sister August, she spends her days working in her family’s tower, serving as August’s companion, and waiting for the day when her sister sets up a household of her own. Everything is right in October’s Faerie. Everything is perfect.

Everything is a lie.

October has been pulled from her own reality and thrown into a twisted reinterpretation of Faerie where nothing is as it should be and everything has been distorted to support Titania’s ideals. Bound by the Summer Queen’s magic and thrust into a world turned upside down, October has no way of knowing who she can trust, where she can turn, or even who she really is. As strangers who claim to know her begin to appear and the edges of Titania’s paradise begin to unravel, Toby will have to decide whether she can risk everything she knows based on only their stories of another world.

But first she’ll have to survive this one, as Titania demonstrates why she needed to be banished in the first place—and this time, much more than Toby’s own life is at stake. - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the 17th book in the October Daye series, and again, I'm just loving this series. I had thought after the last book, that we may have reached the end of line as far as this story could go, but again I am surprised. I enjoyed this look at how things could have been for October if things had been different growing up. I wonder how difficult some of the writing may have been, to take this well-established character, and write of them as a complete opposite of them self, yet, still being driven to be one's self, though hidden behind 'magic'. Truly a well-written tale, and I hope, hope, hope to see more in this series. I'll add I also enjoyed the novella at the end of the eARC, about a couple other supporting characters viewpoints of events at about the same time of the story.

Book Review: "Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands" by Heather Fawcett

 When mysterious faeries from other realms appear at her university, curmudgeonly professor Emily Wilde must uncover their secrets before it’s too late, in this heartwarming, enchanting second installment of the Emily Wilde series.

Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore who just wrote the world’s first comprehensive encyclopaedia of faeries. She’s learned many of the secrets of the Hidden Ones on her adventures . . . and also from her infuriatingly charming fellow scholar Wendell Bambleby. 

Because Bambleby is more than brilliant and unbearably handsome. He’s an exiled faerie king on the run from his murderous mother and in search of a door back to his realm. And despite Emily’s feelings for Bambleby, she’s not ready to accept his proposal of marriage: Loving one of the Fair Folk comes with secrets and dangers. 

She also has a new project to focus on: a map of the realms of faerie. While she is preparing her research, Bambleby lands her in trouble yet again, when assassins sent by his mother invade Cambridge. Now Bambleby and Emily are on another adventure, this time to the picturesque Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they may find the door to Bambleby’s realm and the key to freeing him from his family’s dark plans. 

But with new relationships for the prickly Emily to navigate and dangerous Folk lurking in every forest and hollow, Emily must unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors and of her own heart. - from Netgalley.com

I received this eARC from Netgalley.com and am providing an unbiased review.

This is the second book in the Emily Wilde series, continuing the adventures of a college professor that is collecting data about things fae. The story starts off a short time from the ending of the first book, where it was revealed Brambleby is a faerie king and has proposed marriage to Emily. So with this in mind, they are off to the Alps to try to find a nexus to map Faerie, and try to find the kingdom Brambleby is from, to stop the plans of his family.

Overall this was an enjoyable story. Written in a way that was somewhat professor-ish (loved the footnotes and etc throughout) yet easily understood. It definitely is a different look at a story of fae, and their interactions with normal folk. The characters have gotten some more depth to them, though in Brambleby's case, I was sort of ...meh. He seemed more absent-minded and not 'paying attention' as he had in the first tale. I kind of lost interest in the other half of the main character. Emily's character was quite has again shown her to be solid-minded and self-sufficient, even with trying to follow fae etiquette, and the constant wheedling of Brambleby and his marriage proposal. Well written tale I would recommend for anyone.