Fallen from Grace: A Fight for Light Crossover novel by Nikki Landis

Paranormal YA romance is a very popular genre and there are many books out there being devoured by I would think many women. It isn't my favorite genre, probably a bit too old and cynical now. However I do read all genres (apart from erotica) so I try and be objective and judge based on story, characters and quality of writing. I think this book would appeal to the YA market, but the story was a bit sugary sweet at times. Four stars.
Click on the picture to take you to Amazon.

This is a very romantic story about a seemingly normal girl and the angel that falls in love with her when she is involved in a car crash. Emily thinks she has her future all planed out. She is in college and has a loving fiancée in Jarrod, but in an instant everything changes. She sees the car she is in heading straight into a truck and thinks she is going to die. A gorgeous angel in the shape of Bash saves her, and she too falls in love.

Both parties have a monumental struggle on her hand. Emily needs to find a way to break up with her fiancée Jarrod who she loves and cares deeply for. Bash needs to decide if he wants to go against the will of God and become involved with a mortal. Meanwhile the forces of evil have seen something in Emily too; a beautiful pure spirit and they want her soul.

This story is very romantic and you get swept along by Emily and Bash’s impossible romance. There is also some creepy dark action as the death dealer and the reaper start coming after Emily. If I had one criticism it would be the amount of hugs and kisses, it was early on clear the characters had a great affinity towards each other. I’m probably more of an action girl. Well written and a good standalone addition to a series which I believe counts about 10 books. Great for fans of romance and paranormal, suitable for YA.

Ghost of London (The Future of London book 3) by Mark Gillespie

You might have read my reviews of L2011 and Mr Apocalypse by Mark Gillespie and seen that they both got 5 stars. I really enjoy these books and when I saw that part 3 was coming out I immediately put my order in for a copy. The third instalment didn't disappoint and also gets 5 stars.
Click the picture to take you to Amazon.

Discovering this writer and the future of London series has been one of my reviewing highlights of this year. As soon as part 3 was released I hot footed it to amazon to get a copy. So is it on a par with the previous two books? I think so. As before there is plenty of action and some nail-biting moments when the ghosts come on the scene. A truly terrifying gang that once a year hunts for its human food, from the amazing front cover you get a good image of what they look like. What makes this series so much fun is that it has it satirical roots firmly in our times. Social media and sensationalist TV productions are all lampooned. If I had one quibble with this book would be that it was too short. But having checked, it has 229 pages about the same as book 2, I just managed to devour it in record time. The book ends on an open note, so I hope Mr Gillespie is busy penning number four in the series.

Brinwood and First Love (Vampirica Book 1)

This time another two freebies, but appart from being at the time free they are as different as night and day. Brinwood is a rather brutal short story of a cult taking over a town in America. It feels post-apocaliptic in it's kill or be killed dark mood. Vampirica however is firmly in YA territory with a sweet and innocent romantic story line. Brinwood I gave 5 stars, mainly because I loved the ending. First Love (Vampirica Book 1) I gave 4 stars. It was well written, but frankly this genre has been done to death and it didn't surprise or blew me away.
Just click on the pictures to take you to Amazon;)

Brinwood by R.K.Gold
When Casper hears of his brother’s death, he is determined to return to Brinwood to save his mother and sister. He was banned from Brinwood by a religious cult that has taken over this town, and he knows his return will put him in mortal danger.

This is a great post- apocalyptic novella. It is only 77 pages but as I picked this up on a free download I didn’t mind it being short, it has everything it needs; a beginning, a cracking ending and plenty of action in the middle. It was well written and the writer managed to draw a convincing universe and some believable characters I cared for. Recommended.
 

First Love (Vampirica Book 1) by Aria Sparke

A young girl and her mother move to the town of Wicklow after her father’s death.  As she struggles with High school, her rapidly falling to bits mother and her own sadness, she finds that running is the only thing keeping her sane. One night whilst out for a run, she thinks she sees a woman being assaulted.  A very attractive boy; Flynn, comes to her aid and convinces her otherwise. Slowly Lily will discover that nothing seems as it appears in gloomy and rainy Wicklow and that she is surrounded by dangerous creatures that don’t like the light.

This is an entertaining paranormal young adult read. It will appeal to the fans of the twilight series and YA paranormal romance. It is a well written, exciting story that kept me entertained from start to finish. It is another different take on the vampire genre and a good introduction to the series.

Bad Blood by Max Power

You might be familiar with this writer. This is the third book I have read and reviewed by Max Power. It is my favorite so far. Expect to see a few more as this writer had a free promotion on all of his work, so I'll get round to the other 2 that are sitting on my kindle. (I'm such a sucker for freebies!)
A well deserved 5 star. Click on the photo to take you to Amazon.

This is my third book by Max Power and my favourite so far. Even though the two previous books; Little Big Boy and Darkly Wood, were very different to this thriller set in the USA, I recognise the writer’s distinct style. Mr Power uses a clever ploy to keep the reader interested. At the end of the chapter we are often left with a tantalising clue or cliff-hanger. As long as the action and the revelations keep coming this works well. Bad Blood had me engrossed from start to finish as the plot took me in several unexpected directions. I loved the part where the action was taken to Dublin, as here we got to see the lighter and more humorous side of the writer this is also the moment when things start to fall into place. I enjoyed the banter at the car hire desk. This is not a comedy however and there are some very dark and gruesome moments in this thriller, but it is the characters and strong story that makes this such a riveting read. Recommended.

The Indigo Rebels by Ellie Midwood

As you know, historical fiction and non-fiction are my favourite genre. I've read and reviewed Emilia by Ellie Midwood a few weeks ago, and it impressed me. I was therefore keen to get this book and it didn't disappoint. A well deserved 5 star. Click on the photo to take you to Amazon.

This is the second book of Ellie Midwood I’ve read and I’m rapidly becoming a big fan. Here are the four reasons why; Historical fiction is my favourite genre and you can always tell if a writer has done her research and Ms Midwood’s has. Secondly she writes a great female character. I absolutely loved Giselle. Intelligent but nihilistic she is not above causing a stir and using people to her advantage. At the same time she is full of life and charming. You have to admire her gut and courage as she becomes involved with the resistance even if it was initially for a thrill.  Thirdly the writer has a very engaging style that keeps you entertained and reading. And the last reason is the most important for me. I don’t like writers who portray history as black and white. Germans are baddies/French are goodies. Things are never that simple and people are rarely pure evil. I liked that she pinpointed the fact that the Wehrmacht were soldiers and often ordinary decent citizens that just did their duty, compared to the SS and Gestapo, which were idealistic fanatics capable of horrendous atrocities.

Great story with some nail-biting action and believable complex characters. Recommended.