Now in My Bookbag: Forged in Light, (The Forged Chronicles Book 4), by Alyssa Rose Ivy

This conclusion to the Forged Chronicles uses a very interesting plot to create a good, but unexpected, end to the series.

The story development is imaginative. The approach used by Ivy, to tie up the series’ loose ends, is clever.

The is not a lot of further character development in this book, as most of that is covered in the previous three books in the series.  4 1/2 stars

I would highly recommend re-reading the first three books prior to reading Forged in Light. Because of time constraints, I failed to do so, and I was a little lost from time to time as a result.

This book is recommended for New Adult, and older, readers.

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: 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

A Blast From the Past in My Bookbag

Author S.J. West never fails to deliver a well-constructed story. She has an uncanny gift for world-building, and The Redemption Series is no exception.

I find Anna to be a fascinating character, and I LOVE Gabe. West puts a lot of imagination into the developing relationship between Malcolm and Anna.

This book moves the series along nicely. 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: 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: Forged in Fire, by Alyssa Rose Ivy

I really love all of the chronicles by author Alyssa Rose Ivy. Though the Forged Chronicles are not my favorite, I do like the way they tie in to The Afterglow Trilogy… also by Ivy. She provides a great dose of fantasy to go along with the paranormal elements found in all her chronicles.

I like the characters that Ivy creates for the Forged Chronicles. These characters, perhaps more so than the other chronicles, are studies of light and dark… especially James. Motives are murky, as yet, for most of them.

The more of the story that is revealed, the less obvious the eventual outcomes. This book ends with a major cliffhanger, and I have no clue where the next book may lead. The writing is imaginative and intriguing.

That is what makes these Forged Chronicles so compelling. There is no telling what may happen next, for the story or it’s characters.  4 stars

This book makes me think of this song, by Linkin Park:

In My Bookbag: Kindred, (The Watchers Chronicles, Book 2), by S.J. West

I will admit that I used to be one of those star-only reviewers. The first, (and second and third), time I read this series, I didn’t give any of my books the review that I should.

Kindred is a great book, eliciting a wide range of emotions. The first of which is a renewed emotional connection to the only one who can ease her broken heart (see book #1). This book delivers revelation,  comfort, and grief from loss… all in the first chapter. I have to say that I shed some tears.

I find the search for other vessels to be very interesting. I love that Jess feels so close to Chandler, because he adds the light into her life that has been missing since she lost her mother and father. I think that his seemingly charmed life actually gives her hope.

The Jess/Mason relationship follows the pattern of most romantic relationships found in literature. There is love, break-ups, crying, misunderstanding, and enlightenment. There is no surprise, but it is a satisfying element of the story as a whole.

This book has heartache, happiness, loss, love, and a crazy twist at the end. It is a really good read, and I recommend it. 4 1/2 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: The Other Side of Gravity, by Shelly Crane

It was so easy to get drawn into this book. Sophelia’s story was very interesting and engrossing, her journey was extremely heart-wrenching and tear-jerking. Learning about her destiny was fascinating. I loved meeting Maxton, and learning just the kind of man he was, and I thought the fact that he and Sophelia learned to trust each other was remarkably well written.

There were several grammar problems that should have been found during the proofing, but they did not detract that much from the flow of the story. The cliffhanger at the end of the book made me desperately desire the next of the series. This was the amazing beginning of this sci-fi, fantasy story.

4 3/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Clockwork Princess, by Cassandra Clare

This is one of my favorite ugly cry books. It is also an exemplary novel and a perfect ending to the Infernal Devices Trilogy.

The story is full of love, in all its forms. I adore these characters and, after reading this trilogy so many times, consider them friends and family. They are complex and completely relatable, even though they are fictional. I am so invested in these characters that elements of the story are heart-wrenching still, after all of this time.

Author Cassandra Clare builds a believable Shadowhunter world in the midst of 1800’s London. I always feel transported there, every time I read it. I will always recommend this trilogy as one of my favorites. 5 stars

The correct reading order of this trilogy is as follows: Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, Clockwork Princess.

Available March 15th!! Pre-Order NOW!!

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Heroes are not born. They rise out of love and duty.

But what if you have to choose?

Eirik wants nothing more than to show Celestia—the Witch who pulled him out of the darkness—that his feelings for her are real, but his parents expect him to avenge a wrong done to his family. To make matters worse, Celestia is moving on and is already dating another guy. Then Eirik discovers she is the key to accomplishing his goals. Caught between love and duty, Eirik will do whatever it takes, including getting up close and personal with Celestia, to get his way.

Celestia is convinced she is drawn to Eirik because of the bond created by the dragon’s kiss, so she pushes him away. But when he comes to her for help, she is once again thrust into his world, where things are never what they seem.

From Earth to the realms of the gods, betrayal follows them and help comes from unexpected sources. But when the time comes for Eirik to choose, will he fulfill his duty or follow his heart? Everything rests on his shoulders as the wrong choice may lead to Celestia’s worst fear—the rise of the Harbinger of Death.

Now in My Bookbag: Depravity (A Beastly Tale Part 1) by M.J. Haag

I am in LOVE with this enchanting, imaginative retelling of the classic story of Beauty and the Beast.

This story is well-written, the characters are complex and the book is an absolute page turner. Once I started this read, I could not stop.

I was drawn into Benella’s story and found her life, and family dynamics, completely fascinating. The connection between her and the Beast is captivating, even though the Beast is a slightly disturbing character who has much to learn from Benella.

The book is engrossing and the ending leaves me screaming for more. I wish Part 2 was already here!

Now in My Bookbag: Crossroads (Crossroads Saga #1) by Mary Ting

Overall, I liked this book. It took me a short while to become immersed in the story and connect with the characters though. The flow in the beginning was a bit confusing, with information revealed in a haphazard way.

Once the story began to flow comfortably, I began to enjoy getting to know the characters. The story also became much more engrossing. The action sequences were heart pounding and the revelations truly surprising.

I grew to really like Claudia as the main character. However, my favorite character by far was Gamma, and I loved the admiration and affection she shared with Claudia. Though I loved Michael, I found his character to be somewhat of an enigma and felt sure that future books might reveal shocking information about his past.

The paranormal elements of the story notwithstanding, this book was really a romance… complete with the gifting of hearts and souls (and all of the other gushy stuff). The book was a study in what it means to be soulmates. I felt that overall this book rated a light 4 stars.

Now in My Bookbag: Blooms of Consequence (The Dusk Gate Chronicles #4) by Breeana Puttroff

I really enjoyed this book and felt like the magic of the first book, Seeds of Discovery, was back. There was action, adventure and sheer determination of will. There was romance, love, loss and Quinn, the woman at the center of it all.

I was so excited to read this book and found that every page I turned felt like a continuation of this odyssey. I was so proud of Quinn. She was everything a heroine should be. William was, as ever, her Prince Charming. His love gave her strength. The families I loved, just as in Seeds of Discovery.

I felt that this series was perfect for a young adult reader.

This book created the conclusion of this story arc. There are additional stories to continue the saga including a follow up novella, A Christmas Rose, that occurs a few months after the conclusion of Blooms of Consequence.

Now in My Bookbag: Seeds of Discovery (The Dusk Gate Chronicles Book 1) by Breeana Puttroff

This book is very enjoyable and a treat for the imagination. There are many elements reminiscent of children’s fairy tales, though it is written for the young adult audience. It also provides an escape into a fantasy world for those in older demographics who enjoy the occasional light read from the YA genre.

The characters are very likeable, with one exception, and adventures are fun. Quinn, the main character, has a very inquisitive nature and feels compelled when there is a mystery to solve. William, another primary character, is an enigma. She can not control the urge to figure him out. There is even more to William than Quinn can image.

She is blown away when she discovers the truth. A whole new world, Eirentheos, opens before her. Quinn’s time with William’s family creates a lasting bond, and she is introduced to a side of him that she has never seen before.

Puttroff weaves an entertaining, fantastical tale of stepping into the imagination only to find that it is real. Through the content in Quinn’s dreams, and the hint that William’s parents are privy to some underlying knowledge, Puttroff creates a whisper of coming plot twists and revelations. This is a delightful read although, due to a specific plot point, this story is appropriate only for the older end of the YA spectrum and up.