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.

The Unborn Hero of Dragon Village by Ronesa Aveela

I've been reading a few fantasy novels of late and I'm reading another one soon. This is not my favourite genre so it needs a lot of action to keep my attention. This one moved at a good pace and had plenty of action to keep me entertained. The Slavic and Bulgarian myths were unfamiliar to me, but it didn't get in the way of the story and all the mythical beings were explained. (Dragons and mermaids are familiar to us all.) An entertaining 5 star read.

Unborn hero is a magical adventure story that is steeped in Bulgarian and Slavic myths. A young boy, Theo, sets out on a quest to rescue his sister, when she is kidnaped by a dragon. Along the way Theo is helped by a Samodiva (a young woodland nymph) and many other magical beings that inhabit Dragon village. I like the central character of Theo as he is a modern boy who is used to having a mobile phone at his fingertips, rather than surviving in nature. We understand his struggle and his journey into self-discovery. This is a book that will appeal to both boys and girls as it is filled with adventure and magic. Many positive messages can also be taken away from this story such as; together you’re stronger and that love is a more powerful force than hate. There are some gruesome and violent scenes so it might not suit the very young reader, but it certainly entertained this older reader.

Trading Darkness: A Dark Fairytale by Lisa Hofmann

Because the previous book was a short story, you are getting two book review from me today.(Plus it is raining otherwise I would have been for a long walk along the beach!) This is a dark fairy tale that I enjoyed very much. Maybe a little adult for a very young reader but I think this can be enjoyed by readers of about 12 and over. 5 stars.
Click on the picture to take you to Amazon.

This is a magical fairy tale that starts against the back drop of a witch hunt in 1650’s Germany, and is loosely interwoven with the story of Rumpelstiltskin. It is a dark fairy tale dealing with the dilemma of a father who has to give one of his daughters away to save his fiefdom and family. He picks one but cannot reconcile himself with that decision. I liked this book very much. Even though it is a fairy tale, many of the characters have to deal with very real human emotions, dilemmas and live with the decisions they’ve made. I loved the character of Louisa, so vulnerable and innocent, but she shows real grit when she finally gets to take her own decisions and finds her place in the above world. I’m glad Lisa Hofmann has followed a traditional route and readers who have grown up with the Grimm brothers and Hans Christian Anderson will feel right at home. But I’m sure the generation that has grown up with Harry Potter will love this too. Well written and moving at a good pace throughout, I can recommend it.

The Return of the Pumpkins by Lacey Lane

It has been a while since I reviewed Revenge of the Pumpins, so it was about time I reviewed the follow up. It is FREE on Amazon. I enjoyed this book too and the ending was great. I gave it 4 stars.

The Return of the Pumpkins is a nice little horror short. It follows on from the short story Revenge of the Pumpkins but it can be read on its own as Lacey Lane fills us in on the events that went before. A family brutally murdered and a boy, Peter left with horrendous injuries. We catch up with Peter many years later as he tries to put his live back together in a mental institution. This book mixes sweet young romance as Peter meets Sue, a fellow inmate, with horror as we edge towards the inevitable gory climax. This book was well written and held some surprises. Short and enjoyable.

Destiny of Kings: Epic Heroic Fantasy Series (Covenant of Grace Series Book 1) by Fiona Tarr

I was a little worried when I started reading this book as one of my least favourite genres is Christian fiction. Reading on I found myself swept up in a fantasy adventure that didn't feel too biblical. I enjoyed this and will probably get the next instalment of this series. A five star read that is currently free!

Fiona Tarr has taken the familiar story of David and Goliath, but retold it in a contemporary fashion. I’m not overly knowledgeable on the Bible, but I think some characters are added for dramatic effect and to flesh out others, to give them more of a back story. I enjoyed this book very much as I’m not a huge fan of Christian fiction and this book is more about the character of David, the boy and the man he is becoming. Religion is there but is thankfully not too in your face. The character Jezebel is both sexy and menacing and we become to understand why her name is still used to describe a woman of loose morals. The book is well written and moves at a good pace throughout. This mix of adventure, fantasy and well drafted characters will appeal to a broad range of readers and I recommend it. Christian fiction fans might have a problem with the dark magic and the sexual promiscuous character of Jezebel, but I found it fitted with the story and enjoyed every last page. Looking forwards to the next book; Seed of Hope.