Now in My Bookbag: A Matter of Heart by Heather Lyons (A Fate Novel)

I have to say that, although I like this book, it has a bit too much angst for me.

As the Council’s newest Creator, Chloe faces accusations, hatred, and bullying.  She becomes someone almost unrecognizable in her indulgences and lies. This story is not truly a happy one, though it has its moments. The wreckage that Fate has caused in all lives involved is tragic, and the ending is both heartbreaking and infuriating.

This is definitely a complex story, and Chloe is a complex character whom Fate has treated cruelly. Author Heather Lyons delivers a solid second book for the Fate Series. It just does not quite reach the bar she set with A Matter of Fate. 4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Tirade (Heven and Hell #3) by Cambria Hebert

Tirade is written with a lot of action and a bit of emotional loss. There are a couple of sections that seem repetitive and drag by just a bit, but the story is well told and engaging. The character development of Heven is great. The growth into her destiny is well written.

There is still a story to be told about Ana and the island in her care. Also, the addition of Riley as one of the ancillary characters in the story creates the expectation that his character will also be further developed.

The story ends on a minor cliffhanger. It is just enough, however, to create the desire to know more. This book is a solid 4 of 5 stars.

Now in My Bookbag: Promises (Timeless Series Book 2) by Lisa L Wiedmeier

This is another well-written story in the continuation of Cheyenne’s journey. This one is a more difficult read because Wiedmeier does not spare the heartbreaking moments.

Cheyenne must learn the hard way that sometimes growing pains have expensive consequences. Her quest for the space to ‘find herself’ turns truly tragic and, just like that, the entire mood of the story changes.

Although Promises has a bit more angst throughout, this second book of the Timeless series is well told. I felt light, love, hope and the shell-shocked version of tragedy. This story is worth the tears I shed over it, and I gladly surrender many Kleenexes to the cause.

I am interested to see where the series goes from here.

4.25 of 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Toxic Part Two (Celestra Series 7.5) by Addison Moore

“They say death comes for you once and no more, and then you dissolve to bones, disintegrate from the memory of the world and cease to exist forever.” (Skyla Messenger, Toxic Part Two by Addison Moore)

This is a story about love, loss, destiny and death. Only one who is brave, strong, committed and pure as gold can face the fire. Only true love lends the willingness to sacrifice everything. Skyla’s life is very complicated and becoming more so as the series progresses. Her home life is crazy and produces some laugh out loud humor.

Although Moore crafts an intricate love life for Skyla, the level of angst is almost too much. I also feel that the amount of descriptive prose is lengthy enough to need additional editing. With an eye for paring down to the essential descriptions, Toxic can, I believe, be edited to one book.

Having said all of that, I did enjoy the ideas, the action, the humor, the concept of destiny and the heart of acceptance.

“This is the moment in my life for love and for death.” (Skyla Messenger)

Now in My Bookbag: Toxic Part One (Celestra Series #7) by Addison Moore

“My muscles twist in knots. My stomach claps together like an accordion full of bile. I gag and claw at his shirt as the life slowly chokes out of me.” (Skyla Messenger, Toxic Part 1 by Addison Moore)

Although this story does contain situations in which toxins are introduced to the body for the purpose of killing, there are also many things that poison without causing physical death. People and circumstances are toxic to attitudes, choices and the heart. 

Relationships are poisoned by secrets, and minds become suspicious because words are shot like arrows. Much like the body fights against toxins, characters fight to overcome, fear, doubt, misunderstanding and confusion.

This is a well told story, and it creates very real-feeling thoughts, feelings, attitudes and actions in characters who are steeped in the paranormal. This is a great addition to the Celestra series. However, this is only Part 1 of TOXIC. Hopefully Part 2 will be as well thought out.

Now in My Bookbag: Vex (Celestra Series #5) by Addison Moore

“Sometimes duplicity and treason are markers of the enemy, and sometimes, the failed intention of a masterful ally.”

Vex is an interesting study in behaviors and what motivates those behaviors. To what lengths will one go in order to protect the ones they love? Or to lay claim to a love that belongs to another?

In this book, trust is a malleable thing, as are feelings and intentions. Duplicity is not always a form of evil, but it is duplicity nonetheless. It seems that Vex is an appropriate name for this book, because each character is vexed partially or thoroughly all through the story... Skyla most of all.

This book is entertaining. There is humor sprinkled in here and there that, at times, is laugh out loud funny. The characters are more thoroughly developed and some become more complex. Per usual, the ending is a true cliffhanger, one that makes the heart drop and the stomach clinch. Moore certainly knows how to ensnare her readers so that the next book is purchased right away.

What happens next?

More Angst Than Action

Quinn’s story continues in Roots of Insight. Her dreams continue as she is drawn more and more to the gate. It seems Quinn is receiving breadcrumbs that lead to some undiscovered truth. This particular book shows just how much she loves the new ‘family’ she has on the other side. Unfortunately, her compulsion complicates her life on Earth in major ways.

In many ways, this book feels mostly like a bridge between Seeds of Discovery and Thorns of Decision. Quinn has no real insight. There is not a lot of action going on and the adventure factor is pretty low. It feels like Puttroff misses the opportunity to develop daring deeds surrounding the disappearance of Thomas. Roots is more angst than action.