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: Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter, Northern Bites, by Nikki Jefford

There are interesting kinetics at work in this book. Unlike the first book in the series, this book is jam packed a lot of action, and a rather complex relationship dynamics involving several different characters.

Jeffords does a better job of story development in this book. The plot is deep, steady, and a study in contrasts. The dangers are greater, and there is a natural flow.

There are new characters who help with the centuries old backstory. Existing characters are further developed, though not as much as I would have liked. The complex character relationships are well-written, never crossing the line into confusion.

I like this book. I think it is better than book one. 4 stars

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

I find this story entertaining and enjoyable. I can see touches of Buffy the Vampire Slayer in Aurora, but there is a genuine imaginative creation here as well.

The book certainly starts with a bang, and takes a Twilight Zone type turn from there. The progression of the plot is, at times, a bit erratic. There are some elements that seem extraneous. The main story holds its own without them.

The main characters are well conceptualized, some mysterious and/or creepy. Aurora is smart, sassy, and funny. However, she is a little slow figuring out situations sometimes. Fane is a somewhat tragic hero. The feeling that I get from him is that he is good to the core. I can’t help but wonder whether or not the others within this orbit are who and/or what they seem.

I look forward to digging into book two. 3 1/2 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Intrigue, (Infinitus Billionaire Book #3), by E.B. Walters

This book is completely engrossing. Walters has written yet another steamy romance with heart.

Even the most solitary,  independent people need love. Players with a huge heart, like Rod, deserve to find their other half, the one who completes them like no other. As for Terri, no one can run from the past forever. At some point, the right one will sneak in, steal their heart, and accept their secrets. Walters is masterful in crafting the backstory that connects Terri to Rod. The plot is developed in a very well thought out manner.

I remain amazed at the skill with which Walters can weave all of the elements of a story into such a cohesive, compelling read. She never disappoints. She certainly brings the heat, passion, and all consuming love to her books, and I can’t wait to get the next one in my hands. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Forgotten Mountain, (The Collectors' Society Book #3), by Heather Lyons

Grief… hope… elation… devastation… forgotten…

These are just five of the words that are descriptive of The Forgotten Mountain. Author Heather Lyons delivers an intricate continuation of The Collectors’ Society tale. While I feel that the book is a bit longer than necessary, I still find it very enjoyable.

Most of this book takes place within an unexplored timeline. Although interesting, I miss the connections to the Society as a whole. I do enjoy the level of action, at times, within this adventure. I am bothered by a certain a plot device. While it moves the story toward a certain goal, it makes no sense for a team that is usually technologically prepared.

The characters, as always, are fascinating. I am particularly enamored with the Twelfth Wise Woman. The usual characters remain complex and entertaining. Among them, I am most impressed with Jack Dawkins, the Artful Dodger. Lyons does an amazing job developing this character, and she truly brings a three-dimensional quality to him.

It is safe to say that the cliffhanger at the end of this book is mind-numbing. It will not soon leave my mind. 4 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Hidden Library, (The Collectors' Society Book #2), by Heather Lyons

I am still enamored with this story, that began in The Collectors’ Society. There are a few things in The Hidden Library that impede the absolute love I feel for book one.

Book two is a lot to take in. There are so many different elements included, it is difficult to hang on from one switch to another. However, I can truly say that there isn’t a dull moment.

There are very few further developments in the characters, but they are already pretty complex. I think that they were very well written from the start, (Book #1).

I do really like this book. It is a page-turning read. I recommend continuing this series with The Hidden Library. 4 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Collectors' Society, by Heather Lyons

I love this book. It is original, imaginative, and well thought out.
The concept is amazing, and the plot is so appealing. I am beyond enchanted with this world created by author Heather Lyons. I can’t wait to start book #2, The Hidden Library!

These characters are ‘frabjous!’ I am completely taken with Alice. She is brave, fierce, and incredible! I am in love with Finn. He is completely swoonworthy. He is also brave, as well as kind, considerate, and loveable. In fact, all of the characters are detailed, complex, and interesting.

I have found a new series to feed my reading addiction, and it is The Collectors’ Society.

5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: 1983 Cruel Summer, (Love in the 80's), by Amber Lynn Natusch

This is a good novella. While some of the plot follows a somewhat standard design, (i.e. woman scorned, stuck in town she hates, forced to get a job, runs into first love), there are facts added throughout the story to make it belong solely to Natusch.

I like these characters. Braxton and Izzy, were cruelly manipulated apart many years ago. The circumstances surrounding that manipulation are creative, imaginative, and maniacal. The truth, once revealed, fractures everything Izzy thinks she knows about her past.

Braxton is a broken man without access to the one girl he will always love. He has a secret that, once told, he hopes will draw her to him once again. Izzy (also broken) has a terrible secret, one that she hopes will never come out. She should know better in a town this size. You know what they say about people in glass houses.

The interaction between the characters is enlightening. The ending is exciting and revealing. I think that the second half of the book is more interesting than the first, and it definitely helps the rating. 3 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Dollhouse in the Crawlspace

This book is well written and has every element needed to create a captivating novel.

Amnesia, double identities, secrets, lies, and an evil genius… It is impossible to put this book down. The characters are complex. The story is imaginative and compelling.

This would be a 5 star book but for the unresolved ending. I have a deep seated need to know what happens next.
4 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Torn (Book #2 of the Wicked Trilogy), by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This is an excellent follow up to Wicked. The story is more intense and exciting. However, it is a seamless continuation.

The ongoing story of Ren and Ivy is fascinating. Tink becomes an even more entertaining character as he reveals his extraordinary secret. I really love these characters. Author Jennifer Armentrout does a great job leading them through conflict toward an unexpected resolution as they run the race to stop the Prince of the Fae.

I am truly looking forward to the final book in the trilogy, (Brave), in the summer of 2017.
5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Torn (Book #2 of the Wicked Trilogy), by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This is an excellent follow up to Wicked. The story is more intense and exciting. However, it is a seamless continuation.

The ongoing story of Ren and Ivy is fascinating. Tink becomes an even more entertaining character as he reveals his extraordinary secret. I really love these characters. Author Jennifer Armentrout does a great job leading them through conflict toward an unexpected resolution as they run the race to stop the Prince of the Fae.

I am truly looking forward to the final book in the trilogy, (Brave), in the summer of 2017.
5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Dark Elements Series, by Jennifer L. Armentrout, on Audible

I have been captured by the world of audiobooks. Listening to the personification of each character is like receiving a whole new perspective. Of course, my enjoyment of the audiobooks depends greatly on the narrator and their ability to bring each character to life. The narrative should keep each character's voice separate from the other characters, not allowing one voice, or accent, to bleed into another.

In the case of The Dark Elements, narrator Saskia Maarleveld has a bit of trouble keeping  the character voices defined. She also changes some character voices throughout the series.
For example, Roth has a mostly normal voice, but the essence of the voice changes unexpectedly. Whether growling, or whispering, the voice should be recognizable as his. The same problem exists with the voice of Zane. While I realize that an individual's voice sometimes changes in modulation, the tone of the voice used should still sound like the same character.

This is a problem throughout the three books, and it effects all the male voices, except Grim. Maarleveld does a wonderful job with his voice, and it makes all the difference in conceptualization.
For the most part, she does an excellent job with the female voices, and I have to say that all of the male voices do sound decidedly male. If she works a bit more, focusing on consistency for each characters voice, she has the potential to become very good.

About the story... listening to the story again, I noticed a couple of inconsistencies, and a couple of things that required a huge stretch of the imagination. Though I didn't notice these while reading the series, they became obvious to me once I listened to the story.

Overall, I give the narrator 3 stars, and the Dark Elements series 4 stars

The Dark Elements Series is written by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, Available at Audible.com

In My Bookbag: Hidden Wings, by Cameo Renae

I just noticed that I have no BlogSpot written review of Hidden Wings, by Cameo Renae. I am incorporating my existing Goodreads review, from 2014, to remedy this oversight.

This is the fantastic book that starts the phenomenal Hidden Wings Series. Drama and romance go hand in hand to make this an excellent read. The writing is imaginative and very well done.

Author Cameo Renae brings the wonderful characters, and exceptional story, to life. This is an awesome YA read that I highly recommend. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Elsker Saga, by S.T. Bende (Full Set, Including Books 1-3 + Novella)

I am glad that I decided to get the entire set of The Elsker Saga. This enabled me to read straight through the entire story without loosing the flow.

I always enjoy books steeped in Norse mythology. I have developed a keen interest in it. Author S.T. Bende does not disappoint in her interpretation and storytelling.

I love her characters. Kristia is the ultimate representation of choosing to do the right thing, no matter the cost, and Bende does a phenomenal job in her character development throughout the saga. To a lesser extent, Bende does a good job in developing Ull’s character, taking him from a lonely stick-in-the-mud, to a god with an open heart and a reason to really live. The ancillary characters are great, and the villains are truly evil.

Bende knows how to create a fascinating story, with a well-imagined world. It is compelling and worthy of binge reading. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Feudlings in Flames (Fate on Fire Book 2), by Wendy Knight

I enjoyed this book and its continuation of the story began in Feudlings. The progression of the relationship between Ari and Shane, including the bumps in the road, was interesting. Even more interesting was the dynamic of feelings between Charity and Hunter. The bombardment of twists provided by author Wendy Knight was compelling, and the action was exciting. This is a great YA read. 4 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Feudlings (Fate on Fire Book 1), by Wendy Knight

This is an interesting story of friendship, forbidden love, and dynamic forces. I like these characters, and find the book enjoyable. The read flows pretty well.

Author Wendy Knight does a wonderful job in her character creation. Charity and Hunter are relatable and lovable. Ari and Shane are powerful forces to be reckoned with. Nev and Livi are vibrant and charismatic friends. They are great characters who add much to the story. The bad guys are truly vile.

The story is a good read, with nice use of plot devices. This is a satisfying YA book.

Now in My Bookbag: The Bells of Herkimer, by Natalie Merheb

This book has been on my TBR list for a while. I truly wish I had read it sooner.

I am a huge fan of this work. It is imaginative, suspenseful, and well-told. Author Natalie Merheb has created characters that are truly interesting. The story itself brings me back to my love of Nancy Drew, only this book feels so much more sophisticated… perfect for the older reader. I really could not have predicted all of the great twists and turns.

I highly recommend this read, however I am currently unable to find this book available from any retailers. 4 3/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Master (Arrow's Flight Book #3), by Casey Hays

Master finally reaches the destination, the climax, of the Arrow’s Flight story. Both Kate and Ian learn what it means to have faith in something beyond themselves. The kindness of strangers, the call to their souls, and the realization of truths drive this book. I feel that this work, more so than the previous two books, develops naturally… without feeling forced. The story is well written and inspiring. It comes complete with love, friendship, family, faith, and action. It is also a cautionary tale about the potential results from trying to play God.

I hope that there is a follow-up book soon. I need to know what happens next. 4 1/2 stars