Book Review: "Nexus (Witchy Women)" by N. G. Avant

 

Four women. Four strangers. One prophecy that will change history forever.

Drawn to Salem by an ancient pull, four women arrive with no idea that fate has been waiting for them. Each carries a fragment of a forgotten bloodline, but it isn’t until they meet on their shared birthday that the truth is together, they are the key to rewriting history itself.

By the next blue moon, they must decide whether to embrace the power calling them or risk leaving the world shackled by the past.

Nexus is just the beginning and will be used as my Lead Magnet. It's a novella prequel that introduces the prophecy and the women bound to it. Four elemental novellettes will follow, each released slowly in the lead-up to the first full-length Witchy Women novel coming out on the blue moon in May 2026. Think of this as the doorway into a much bigger world! - from BookSirens.com

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

There have not been many times I have come across an author that puts out an 'origination' story prequel novella/novel before there are at least a couple books into the series. I am guessing at the request of the readers, to know how the characters came to be/meet/have powers, but it is what it is.

That being said, I am leery of reading this upcoming series. The premise of the storyline drew me in, and this being a prequel origination, I thought it might actually make me want to get the next book. Not so in this case. 

It is a novella. I know it is going to be short, and depending on how the author feels, there may be too much room to write (without getting into their main storyline) or too little to include all they want to, so they have to "trim" corners. That is sort of how I felt about this one. Things started off well, explaining how these four women all happened to be in the same city at the same time. Then things went kaput for me.

The writing style seemed rushed in trying to get as much main details into this story, and the conversations felt like they were written in a hurry. How the characters all conveniently find out about this ancestral heritage/connection and the whole idea of being to have/use magic as just accepted way too easily. By the end of the book, they all have powers, they realize they are related in some shape or form, and again, conveniently, their powers tend to match their lifestyle/employment. Well, that one makes sense.

Overall, I felt the idea was wonderful, and I am still a bit curious about how they will be using their powers, against whom/what. It might be enough for me to check out the first book when it is released. Otherwise, I felt the writing was too quickly undertaken, with no depth to characters, background information, and the 'hidden' purpose behind why now of all times they have come together. I think young adults would enjoy this better than I will, as it seems to be written more to that genre.

Book Review: "Sweet Fall" by Q. K. Petty

 

Every storm leaves scars. Some never heal.

The House of David has fallen—fractured, betrayed, and cast into the shadows of a world teetering on the brink of ruin. But amid the wreckage, Tennin Aiden Yeager stands with the last of his allies, determined to stop Seditio from finishing what they started.

As a new threat emerges in the form of Mary Denau, a chaos-seeker with a dark obsession, old enemies and unlikely allies collide in a final confrontation that will decide the fate of both the living and the damned. And when a mysterious child with blood tied to the relics enters the fray, every choice becomes a gamble between redemption and destruction. - from Booksirens.com

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

This is the fourth and final book in the "A Series of Four Seasons" series, and it wraps quite nicely. The final battle we have been awaiting between the House of David, and the Seditio does finally occur, and the result was one would expect - the supposed 'good guys' win. But the House is destroyed, where they had based, etc. all just gone. They end up creating a medical/research type center that is world renowned.

Again, this book did the character view split each chapter - which I dislike. Fortunately, I was able to read this book right after the previous one, so didn't have to re-think any of what was going on. I liked the ending, turning a more militaristic group into a research/medical one, that helps everyone around the world. The utopian ending, right? Still, it was a sluggish read, and I did find myself at a couple points skipping ahead a few pages to try to get something interesting to read.

Book Review: "Dark Summer" by Q.K. Petty

 

Betrayal burns hotter than any summer sun.

The Chattanooga Incident has left the House of David in shambles. Chaos ripples across the city, and the terrorist faction Seditio is seizing its moment to strike.

Haunted by loss and personal betrayal, Judge Eden Dowler is fighting to hold the House together even as trust fractures from within. When an old ally resurfaces with answers—and secrets—Eden faces an impossible truth: the traitor he’s hunting may be closer than he ever imagined.

With the lines between justice and vengeance blurring, Eden forges fragile alliances to dismantle Seditio before they unleash catastrophe. But every step deeper into the shadows exposes new lies, and loyalty becomes a deadly gamble. - from Booksirens.com

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

This is the third book in the "A Series of Four Seasons" series, and though it had been awhile since I had read the previous books, I found some of my reading tastes may have changed. First, I have never been a fan of the switching character viewpoints on each chapter, and this book did more than two characters. I understand the fact that it helped explained what was going on in the background from other points, but would get somewhat confusing to me at times. War is coming to a head with the House of David and Seditio, and The House is losing. But you smell victory coming - just by the way tings sort of happen. We lose dome higher-ups in the House, and Seditio loses a lot of peons.

Overall the story line is interesting: a protective group keeping certain special items with "magical" powers from being in the public world. Though at times, it seems a bit much. Of course the 'evil' group that wants the power for themselves under the guise of freeing the power to the world of people and their corrupted governments. Sigh. The book started dragging a bit for me, and I worried about the fourth and final one.

Book Review: "Hourglass" by Daniel James

 

Two best friends. One living, one dead. Together they'll protect the borders between life and death.

Clyde Williams is no stranger to death, having lost his older brother and father in service to the US Marine Corps, and more recently, his best friend Kev to a liquor store hold-up. But Kev never stayed dead, and ghosts are something Clyde certainly has no experience with. And things only get stranger and deadlier for Clyde and Kev when Rose Hadfield, agent of Hourglass, knocks at their front door. Rose has some understanding of what it’s like to commune with the dead, and offers them the choice to train their untapped abilities, or remain under Hourglass’ scrutiny in the name of public safety.

Unbeknownst to either of them, they're about to embark on a collision course with an ex-KGB officer turned necromancer, the wealthy and morally dubious Cairnwood Society, and the horrific denizens of Erebus. They're about to learn that death is only the beginning. - from Booksirens.com

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

I actually came across another book in this series, and since I had not read the first, I saw it was still available to request for reading. However, once I started, I just could not continue reading it, so I admit, I did not finish the book. Though the plot of the story sounded somewhat interesting, the writing just made me feel like the author was trying too hard. We have a struggling comic book artist, with a dead best friend's ghost that "lives" with him. They can converse like normal people, and the ghost is slowly gaining some sort of telekinesis power as he is a ghost longer. There conversations are just... inane? I think that is the word I want. Then the ghost starts messing with people, like an evil streak. 

They get approached by a person from a secret organization that wants to bring them on, so they both just say yes, and go traveling with said person to the 'headquarters'. I know we need to get the story moving and giving some background as to how they get in this group, but it just felt too fake, rushed, and lacked a real feel to it.

Book Review: "Hellfire" by B. C. Hollywood

 

Past and present collide in a fiery tale of redemption, magic, and second chances.

Vincent Burke thought he'd already been to hell and back. He was wrong.

In the shadows of modern Dublin, Vincent Burke is a man haunted by his past and driven to the edge by grief. But when a reckless act catapults him back in time to 1800s Ireland, he discovers that his personal hell is just beginning.

Thrust into a world of dark magic and even darker intentions, Vincent encounters Siobhan, a young witch with powers that defy explanation. As the sinister Hellfire Club prepares a ritual that threatens Siobhan's very existence, Vincent must confront the demons of his past to save her from a fate worse than death.

In this desperate race against time, every choice comes with a price. With each step, the line between savior and monster blurs, and Vincent begins to question whether he's rescuing Siobhan or damning them both.

As past and present collide, Vincent and Siobhan find their fates intertwined in ways they could never have imagined. Can Vincent overcome his own troubled history to forge a new future, or will the flames of hell finally consume them both? - from Booksirens.com

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

This book plot sounded interesting to me, so I decided to request if I had the chance to read it. I did. I read. And I want more. Though the story starts off a bit slow, with seemingly repetitious recollections of a tragedy that our MC is dealing with the grief of, it finally gets somewhat into gear around the halfway point. Though not listed as part of a series, I think there is a possibility of a maybe a trilogy out of the starting story. I would be somewhat interested in the future plot plans for the MC and supporting character. 

Book Review: "The Begotten and Blessed" by Stella Hope

 

The monsters of legend are returning and magic may be the only hope.

Slinging drinks, breaking up bar fights with smelly conjured trolls, spying—it’s all in a day’s work for Esme Turner.

But finding out that the bloodthirsty creatures of legend were returning wasn’t what Esme anticipated during her interrogation of a fiery-tempered leprechaun.

​In over her head against the burgeoning threat, Esme faces buried secrets, a leprechaun with too many tricks, and an alluring doctor who just might be a thousand-year-old Welsh demigod.

​When a man-eating pishacha captures her friends, Esme is pushed to her breaking point, awakening infernal powers and a new source of fear equal to the malevolent threat: herself.

​Failure is not an option. If she can’t learn to control her inner demon, those she loves will be the next casualties amidst the surge of monsters. - from Booksirens.com

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

This is the first book of a series called" Revival of the Fall" by this author. Set in a  modern day Seattle, we find our main character as a bartender in a society that does have magic. She is able to conjure trolls and animate them. Some of her friends are attacked, and she finds herself working for a secret society that is trying to keep Malevolents (bad creatures of myth) from killing innocents. She pairs up with a leprechaun who has Ifrit fire magic, and a one handed doctor, who may be  100 years old. Let's throw in, one of the bad guys that they meet is possibly his son... and oh boy...

I wasn't really into the story as much as I wanted to be. Our alpha female just seemed a bit ditzy and needy to me, compared to many other alpha female stories. I do like the story line, and the soft romance going on. The magic rules in this story world are pretty cool, and some mixtures of myth and stories of lore was interesting.

Book Review: "Mirror Reader" by Karen Duvall

 

When a god abducts her daughter, she’ll risk everything, including love, to get her child back.

Long ago, the real Alice in Wonderland used a spell to imprison Hawaii’s gods. Over a hundred years later, the gods are free and vowing revenge on her descendant and namesake, Alice Dodgson. One of them kidnaps Alice’s little girl.

Alice’s mirror magic is no match for the angry gods. She must ask for help from Keoki, the man who broke her heart… the man who unknowingly fathered her child.

Keoki is mirror-world royalty and is entitled by law to have sole custody of his little girl. As much as Alice still loves him, she can’t fathom a life without her daughter.

Alice and Keoki team up to search for the child, and face danger at every turn. They’ll encounter a lethal demigod, doppelgangers, ghostly night marchers, the Hawaiian pantheon, and maybe Alice in Wonderland herself.

But even if they survive the obstacles in their path, will their love prevail? Or will their secrets be too much to overcome? - from Booksirens.com

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

This was an interesting re-telling of the classic Alice in Wonderland story. It is set in a current time and of the regular world in the location of Hawaii. The main character, Alice, is a descendant of the original one, and is a mirror traveler - able to step into a mirror world of our time, which happens to be a Hawaii set back closer to the late 1800s. 

Without getting into too much detail, Alice is thrust into a 160 year old issue of the Hawaiian gods being entrapped by her great-removed ancestor, and their recent escape. One god in particular kidnaps her daughter, whose father is of the mirror-world, and our adventure takes off. There is a bit of lost-love being reunited, discovery of parentage, and family history throughout the storyline.

Overall the story was well thought out, though at times I felt the details of what was around them needed more description. This was a good tale, and is able to be read as a stand-alone.

Book Review: "Shadows of Olympus" by Deric Wagner

 

Modern renditions of epic legends.

As the lines between myth and reality blur, the ultimate test of heroism awaits those who challenge fate. In this modern retelling of the Hercules myth, New Illion becomes a battleground where ancient legends and contemporary life collide. Roland, a former ruler turned shapeshifting were-lion detective, prowls the dark streets of the city, burdened by the murder of his family and the loss of his throne. His quest for justice is driven by profound grief, and he is determined to uncover the truth behind his family's killer. His partner, Damaldi, a gunslinger cursed with divine luck, provides an unpredictable edge as they navigate a city where the supernatural is ever-present.

Their investigation into a series of gruesome murders at Yamamoto Industries reveals troubling connections. Executives are being killed in increasingly horrifying ways, each death hinting at a deeper, more sinister threat. As Roland and Damaldi dig deeper, they discover that gods and demons are manipulating mortal affairs, their ancient powers threatening chaos.

Facing both human and supernatural adversaries, Roland and Damaldi must prevent a catastrophe of mythic proportions. With the fate of New Illion—and potentially the world—at stake, they must confront the ultimate challenge and stop the impending disaster. - from Booksirens.com

This eArc was provided by Booksirens.com and I am giving an unbiased review.

When I started reading this requested book, I had quite a few mixed feelings. A ruler of a large city of mixed population (shifter, human, etc) is arrested for murder (of his own family), claims it was magic-induced control of his mind, avoids a sentencing - other than you have to serve as a Warden (special police) in the same city he ruled, for an undetermined length of time. Conflict of interest much? Well, let's add in that as the story flows, we find out gods are involved, and doing their own manipulations, as well as the daemons. So everything is flipping nuts, and this guy is feeling guilt and remorse, as he was trapped in his body when he killed his family, yet has not gotten a chance to try to find the one who manipulated him. Oh, and let's hook him up in this Warden department, as more ofa detective, than a street patrol, because, hey - who needs training? His partner, oh, this guy is all Wyatt Earp with his two six-shooter handguns on the hips, and ensemble like Bat Masterson with an Earp mustache. 

But, once I got into the story, it was easy to overlook all this (it is fiction we are reading, right). There are always parts of hero stories that we know will happen: heroes almost never die, always win in the end, etc. This tale is not much different. His partner is a, for better terms, a "Luck" creature, and there are so many others that just happen to have a particular 'skill' or magic when the hero needs it. Overall, the tale was a good read, and since it is labeled as a chronicle, I am sure to be watching for the next one.

Book Review: "The Cartographer's Return" by Lisa Maria Koenig

 

Years have passed since the cartographer Soread from Greenwood has left Snowcreek. Now he returns, driven by trust towards the Lord and the Lady of Eridris and accompanied with secrets he wishes to keep. - from Booksirens.com

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

This is the second novella in 'The Cartographer's Travels" series, and is also a fairly quick read. The tale takes place approximately 17 years after the first tale, and starts with our traveling map-making elf returning to the neighboring lands of his home after all this time. Again, he is wounded physically, though not as bad as the first time. Makes one wonder how clumsy this elf must be.

Either way, this one was a bit slower to read than the first one, as it delves more into the elf's inner turmoil and feelings (ewww, feelings). Obviously there is loads of guilt, anger, resentment, pride... the list just goes on, and flips around each paragraph. I tried to step back from the directness of it all, and saw that this seemed more of a tale of reuniting friends, one full of angst, etc, and one that is just open and loving, that share their burdens with each other.

Not sharing the ending, but from what I read, I don't see any future novellas about Soread coming in the future, though I admit, I always could be wrong.

Book Review: "The Cartographer from Greenwood" by Lisa Maria Koenig

 

In a stormy night, a strange elf stumbles through the doors of Lord Aeglas' manor in Snowcreek. He is injured and it is not his love for drawing maps that has driven him out of his home for many years. Will he learn that he has to fight for what is dear to him or will he continue his travels and avoid the arguments awaiting him at home? - from Booksirens.com

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

I actually came across the second novella of this small series (two books) prior to this one, but saw this one was available to be read and reviewed so requested it as well. Thankfully, both came, so I did not have to read out of order. Though each could be a stand-alone (I believe enough information is given in the second one to cover any possible missing plot).

I really liked the synopsis of the storyline: a wondering elf into neighboring lands, harboring inner feelings that prevent him from returning home to family. Here in this land he finds compassion and friendship, which erodes at his inner feelings, but in the end, we find it is not enough. Let's add in that this elf draws maps, very exquisite maps, and regardless of his wounds received, thus bringing him here, takes little time to recover. It is a novella, and some parts (to me) dragged on a bit longer than needed. I did find myself occasionally wishing this could be fleshed out into a longer tale, maybe including some of his traveling background. Overall well-written, easy to read, and looking forward to the second novella.

Book Review: "The Others" by Evette Davis

 

Beneath the fog of San Francisco lurks a hidden world that controls our fate.

Much as she wishes otherwise, superstar political consultant Olivia Shepherd was born a powerful empath. It’s a legacy she walked away from long ago—but when she wakes up one morning to find Elsa, a tenacious time-walker, standing in her kitchen, she realizes she can no longer ignore her gifts. She is quickly plunged into the hidden world of powerful “Others” and drafted to work for the Council, a shadowy organization that summons the fog to San Francisco to obscure their involvement in human affairs.

Complicating matters further is Olivia’s new love interest, William. A centuries-old vampire, William is far too jaded to take an interest in human affairs—but Olivia no longer has the luxury of remaining impartial. As shocking details from Olivia’s own past emerge and her role in the Council begins to take shape, will she rise to the challenge of her destiny? - from Booksirens.com

This eARC was provided by Booksirens.com at no cost and I am providing an unbiased review.

This is listed as the first book in 'The Council Trilogy' by Davis, and I feel it may turn out to be a nice series. The story synopsis interested me enough to test out the book, which I found to be entertaining. As with many books, I felt there was some fast movement regarding character acceptance of magical entities, and that they have a special power. I think it was mostly to keep the story moving along at a fairly decent pace so as to not lose the reader.

Worldbuilding was pretty plain, as it takes place in what seems to be a present-day type San Francisco. There wasn't much as to magical theory, of how it appears to work in this story, but most seems to be based on mythical creatures we know of and their basic powers (i.e. vampires with mesmerism, werewolves changing shape). The MC seems to accept abnormal situations, people, and just information about her self, without questioning anything, and seems to quickly "move ahead" in this magical world. Overall, I did find the book entertaining, and I would love to see where this series tends to go in the next part.

Book Review: "The Spore Queen" by Debra Castaneda

 

Forest. Fungi. Family secrets.

Reporter Maria Hart ventures into the depths of Nils Forest chasing a news story about a violent storm, but she never returns. Within months, four other people will also disappear in the woods.

Tech mogul David Eager lives at the forest’s edge. He is haunted by Maria’s disappearance, and something more. Fungus is common in the foggy woodland, but now it’s behaving in unnatural ways, creeping onto his property and into his dreams.

Maria’s friend, Amy Matthews, hears strange rumors about Nils Forest and, motivated by a dark secret, decides to investigate for herself. It’s no easy task. The terrain is notoriously rugged. But Amy is cunning and determined to find her former roommate, dead or alive.

Amy’s not alone. Maria’s mother, desperate for answers about her daughter, joins the search.

Together, they journey into the heart of Nils Forest where they make a chilling discovery—there’s a new fungus in these woods, and it has transformative powers. As they push deeper into the trees, they uncover a terrifying, mind-bending force. Her name is The Spore Queen. - from Booksirens.com 

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

This is another installment into the 'Dark Earth Rising' books from this author. Admittedly, after having read the others, I was a bit disappointed in this particular novel. Though the story follows the general idea of the Earth retaliating in a strange fashion against humans, this one didn't feel the same. The ending was different, as to events that happened that leads one to believe a mysterious disappearance (or possible destruction) of the malignant force of nature, whereas this time, it was not only supported by followers, but assisted in flourishing. Does this mean a possible follow-up novel, that expands on this particular storyline? Not sure, but would be interesting to find out.

Book Review: "The Chronicles of Earth" by C L Jarvis

 

Edinburgh, 1785. A kidnapped geologist. A bombshell new theory.

George Stephens is weeks away from receiving his medical degree, but he doubts he'll make it as a physician in a crowded, competitive marketplace. Instead, he hopes Professor Joseph Black's friend, James Hutton, might get him a job in his chemical manufacturing works.

But before he has a chance to suggest this, Hutton is kidnapped. The eccentric geologist was about to deliver his bombshell treatise on the true age of the Earth, threatening to upend conventional beliefs about the universe and man's place in it.

Getting Hutton back pits George, Black and friends against a fanatical opponent who will stop at nothing until Hutton's dangerous theories are buried. If George wants to survive long enough to graduate, he'll need every ounce of his courage and skill. - from Booksirens.com 

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

This is the third novel in the Edinburgh Doctrines series, and hopefully not the last. Again the story revolves around a couple of professors and a student of theirs that is learning Phologiston (an early word for what many of us would call magic). This particular adventure includes a fellow professor that is kidnapped, a geologist. Jarvis has again created a story placed in an earlier version of Scotland, complete with what I would consider appropriate dress, speech, and lifestyles. Looking forward to what I believe was hinted at, a fourth book in this series.

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: "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: "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 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.