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.