Ula (Born of Shadows Book 1) by J.R. Erickson

Fantasy is a great genre for authors, even though it isn't my favourite genre to read, I did chose it to write 'Language in the Blood'. Reality sometimes doesn't allow you to take the story to where you want. I can see that J.R.Erickson had great fun creating her baddies the vepars; a sort of vampiric demon and giving her Abby awesome powers. It worked mostly and I enjoyed this book. 4 Stars.

I rather liked this book as it had plenty of action and pace. It is the first in an already 5 book series, so I didn’t mind the slightly abrupt ending as the author has put the first chapter of the next book in at the end as a taster. We have been introduced to a myriad of characters which we probably get to know better in the next book. This book is all about Abby and her growth, not just as a young woman finding her way in the world, but also the growth of Abby the inexperienced witch.  I thought that was nicely done as we first meet Abby, a rather mousy girl that rather runs away than stand up to her overbearing mother and boyfriend. Hiding out in her aunt’s lake house she finds that she isn’t alone and Sebastian is also hiding there to get away from some demons. A grisly discovery and some other forces, throw them together on an exhilarating and terrifying adventure. Well written if somewhat over done with flowery metaphors.  My attention was kept from beginning to end and had a few edge of my seat moments. Wouldn’t mind reading the next one.

The Severaine (The Forgotten Legacies Series Book 2) by K.J.Simmill

This is the second book in the forgotten legacies series. It was a while since I read book one, but a few chapters in it came flooding back. These books are quite complex but now more familiar with K.J.Simmills style and universe I found this book more enjoyable. I did give it 4 stars like the previous one as it was still a lot to take in. Lots of new characters and worlds and 600 pages, it is a big meaty read.

This book follows on from Darrienia and is the second book in the forgotten legacies. It was a while since I’ve read Darrienia but she puts handy reminders in so I got up to speed quickly. I think for this reason this book could be read as a stand-alone. Like the first book it is an epic fantasy adventure set in complex alternate universe. We meet up again with Daniel, but he has much changed. Plagued by nightmares caused by the events in book 1 he is a determined but troubled young man. On a quest with his friends Acha and Eiji to reseal the Severaine he encounters many dangers but also new allies. What I liked about this book is that nothing is clear cut. For instance is Daniel just sleep deprived, or are there really things lurking in the shadows? As with life, things are often varying shades of grey.

This would suit someone who likes a big, epic adventure full of strange new worlds, magic and mythical beings. It would not suit someone who likes a quick easy read at 600+ you need a good attention span as things change quickly and many new characters get introduced. Well written and plenty of action.

Dusk: Book 1 (Warrior series)

The following book I would still class as young adult, it contains no swearing but the romance is a little bit steamy without going into any explicit detail. I gave it four star as I liked the story, but thought the pace could be a bit quicker and scene descriptions a little sharper.

Dusk by Melanie P Smith on Amazon.com

When Alex Deveraux loses both her mother and father in a short space of time, she thinks her world has come crashing down. What she doesn’t know is that her family has tried to protect her from an even more dangerous world. She meets a whole host of people she didn’t even know that existed. What I liked most about this book (besides the action and romance!) is that the author has set this fantasy novel in a modern setting. I often get distracted when I read fantasy as the alternative universes some writers set their stories in can be very complex and bewildering. (Maybe you can tell that I wasn’t a big fan of the hobbit!) I could understand Alex as a woman. She not only has to deal with the loss of her father, but also the stress of organising the perfect funeral and making sure his company remains a successful one. Alex is a strong female lead, independent, successful as a business woman, but also vulnerable and complex.  Alex’s romance with Dimitri takes centre stage and even though it is lovely and pure, I could have maybe done with a bit more action and a quicker pace. (The fighting kind, I’m a big fan of clean fantasy) I also would like to know more of both her parents’ history, but that might be for another book. There are still a few blanks to be filled in and the fight with the vampires is far from over. Great start to a series.

 

Soul Survivor (Spirit Shield Saga Book 0) by Susan Faw

I read the first in this series a little while back. Thought it would be nice to take in the prequel as well before continuing. A five star for lovers of fantasy.

Soul Survivor (Spirit Shield Saga book 0) by Susan Faw on Amazon

I read Seer of Soul by Susan Faw first. When the prequel; Soul Survivor, (Spirit Shield Saga Book 0) came out I wanted to read that first before going onto; Soul Sanctuary, book 2 in this saga. This book takes you quite a long way back in time and stands therefore perfectly well on its own. It does explain a bit more about the magical world we find ourselves in. This is a time when godlings were still very much involved with earth and mortals. Sisters Artio and Helga create havoc when they start messing with the natural elements. Love, jealously and hatred are a dangerous combination when Godlings are involved. As in Seer of souls Ms Faw is poetic with her description of her magical world, but it doesn’t get in the way of a fast pace and exciting action. I’m glad I read the prequel and look forwards to continuing with Soul Sanctuary.

 

Paradox - Equilibrium (Book 4) (Paradox series) by Patti Roberts

As you might know, Patti Roberts is the talented lady that designs my book covers. What you might not, is that she is a great writer too. This is the forth book I have read in the Paradox series and they are getting better. Book 3 was a little slower, but this one picks up the pace ending on a few cliff-hangers. 5 stars.

Paradox-Equilibrium (Book 4) (Paradox series) by Patti Roberts on Amazon.com

This has been a riveting series so far and in this one we are getting to know some more about the other characters in Grace’s life as her story takes a back seat now and then. This is not a criticism as the other people in Grace’s life have back stories that would fill a whole other series, and they add plenty of action. Grace herself finally knows the truth and what it took to keep that truth from her. Angela was her deadpan amusing self when she showed her friend how she had created a home next door, even picking some suitable parents from a catalogue. The book ends on no less than two cliff-hangers and I just have to find out what happens next.  As usual, Patti puts her readers on the edge of their seats and leaves them dangling there, desperate for the next instalment.