Now in My Bookbag: In My Dreams, by Ciara Knight

 

Such a sweet romance, even though Charlotte and Brady are a bit more abrasive than Knight’s Riverbend characters, but inclusion of her previous characters offsets some of the grating feel. The world-building for this town takes place in earlier books. 31/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Bones of Odin, (Matt Drake Book 1), by David Leadbeater

I think that I was looking for something of an Indiana Jones adventure. While Leadbeater delivers shades of Indy, there are way too many ideas in this book... many of them are underdeveloped.

Drake is a very interesting character. It is unfortunate that his character is not further developed. Frey is a great foil for Drake, but Frey is underdeveloped. Regrettably, there are far too many other characters. It is difficult to remember who is who sometimes.

I had really hoped to like this book as a slight change of pace for me, but I just don't find it to be very enjoyable. 2 stars

Now in My Bookbag: True North, (Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter), by Nikki Jefford

I like this series by author Nikki Jefford. There are a lot of good ideas, characters that are interesting, and an engaging story. Overall, this series is good. I wish that the overall story arc was condensed into five books rather than the six.

Unfortunately, this book suffers from the “end of the line” syndrome that plagues some books. I feel that the last fourth of this book should have been included in book five, Whiteout. In fact, it would be great if Hunting Season, Whiteout, and True North could be edited down to two books, rather than three. Despite some very interesting plot points, there are parts of each of the three books that feel like filler.

There is not much character development in True North, other than that of Noel.

Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter is a good series, but I am not that impressed with this final book, (other than the aforementioned final fourth). 2 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Whiteout (Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter), by Nikki Jefford

I am conflicted about this book. I really like the plot progression, and feel that most of the book is filled with excitement and adventure. There is a lot of action, which I like. However, Aurora is still written as a character who is less physically able to hold her own, despite boot camp training and almost a year of vampire hunting. There is not a lot of character development, yet most of this book is character driven.

Having already finished this series, I wish that the final three books of the series, (Hunting Season, Whiteout, & North Star) were combined into two. I think that would produce two content-filled books with very little fluff. 3 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Hunting Season, (Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter), by Nikki Jefford

I am not as impressed with Hunting Season. There is too much fluff. There is too much made of planning to save Dante, when the simplest, most efficient plan is mentioned halfway through the book. Aurora already has all of the help she needs and a solid plan to pull off the rescue. Instead, this book’s plot becomes more and more convoluted the further it goes.

For me, this book is okay. I like the further development of the Noel character. I appreciate the level of self discovery and maturation experienced by Aurora. One of my favorite examples of this:

“Suddenly I felt bereft at all the opportunities I’d missed to drive out and see the belugas. I’d never once pulled over the check out a Dall sheep. They were just another thing I took for granted.” (Aurora Sky, Into The Wild: Location 3604 of 4536)

Having already finished this series, I can say that I wish the final three books (Hunting Season, Whiteout, and True North) were combined into two books, with most of the fluff removed. 2 3/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Love, (The Allure Chronicles), by Alyssa Rose Ivy

I like this book. The development of this story reminds me of Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll. Glendale even reminds me of the Cheshire Cat. The nonsensical characters are interesting, but I am missing further development of the original characters.

The Daisy issue is handled… mostly. Since this is the last book in the Allure Chronicles, I hoped to see more completion of Owen and Daisy’s story. One of the main plot devices, one that is listed as the major goal to reach, is not dealt with at all in the end. Taylor’s heart’s desire is ignored completely in the end. There is no effort at all to help Troy.

Other issues that need involvement of the Society are brought to light. This is a perfect way to progress the upcoming events… upcoming chronicles.

The unique feel of Love, by Alyssa Rose Ivy, has such a fairy tale feel to it. 4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter, Bad Blood, by Nikki Jefford

Author Nikki Jefford puts a lot of focus on metamorphosis in this book. So many changes. Everything diversifies with every decision made. It is so hard to keep up with what is going on, and who you have become. This is Aurora’s reality. As she tries to figure out who she is, everyone around her is changing, as well.

There is no wonder that Aurora spends this book in a perpetual state of confusion. Throughout the book, her character develops, matures, and moves toward the person she must become. She is not there yet.

I must say that I cried when Melcher made his decision about Tommy. Of all the cruel decrees from Melcher’s mouth, the one about Tommy is the heartbreaker. I hope that my heart doesn’t remain broken. 4 stars