Now in My Bookbag: Lorelai, You'll Never Die

I was taken in by Lorelai’s gritty journey. The collection of short stories combined to provide a mostly cohesive book. I developed a respect for the evolution of her character and appreciated the imagination of the quest. I wished that the scene from the train had been incorporated somehow into the end of the book. It would have made more sense to me.

There were some of the stories that seemed as though they did not belong with Lorelai’s journey, at all, and they detracted from the flow of the book. I wished that they had been saved as seeds for future projects by author Laura Konrad. 3 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: On Dublin Street by Samantha Young

This is a good book that is engaging and, at times, exciting. Young’s story about Jocelyn, an emotionally stunted woman, is very well-told.

Jocelyn is very good at staying numb and detached from anything meaningful. Upon meeting Braden and Ellie on Dublin Street, she finds that her walls are not as impenetrable as she thinks.

The progression of the book is, at times, a bit choppy as it jumps in time back and forth. In the end though, it does not hinder the evolution of the story.

This is woven well and makes for a stirring read. Young explores a few of the many definitions of emotional suffering.  It is thought provoking in its examination of loss, and the potential effects of that loss. Young’s storytelling captivates and enchants until the end.

This is a 4 star book and is highly recommended.

Now in My Bookbag: Dawn (The Dire Wolves Chronicles Book #3 and Series Finale) by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Dawn brings the conclusion to The Dire Wolves Chronicles. It is here that we learn the fate of Gage and Mary Anne. There are also new characters, as well as the return of some ancillary characters from previous books.

While I am glad to finally learn the outcomes for Gage, Mary Anne, and Hunter, I am left with several questions regarding the outcomes for some of the other characters. I am hoping that future chronicles will include some of the answers to those questions.

I am thoroughly pleased with the storytelling by Ivy. She has a truly magical touch in the creation of paranormal creatures who exist in a ‘normal’ world. Her well written books draw you into the story and make you forget for a while that her characters are fictional.

I recommend the entire Dire Wolves trilogy, including Dawn (despite the questions invoked). 

I rate this book 4 stars. I rate the trilogy 4 1/2 stars.

Now in My Bookbag: Cursed (Book One of The Watchers Trilogy) by S.J. West

This review is long overdue. I realized yesterday that, though I have rated this book in the past, I never actually did a written review of this series. This gives me the awesome excuse to read these books again.

West does an excellent job telling the story of Lilly Rayne Nightingale and her introduction to the paranormal world of the Watchers. Lilly is a strong, compelling character with a kind heart and an abundance of love and friendship within her circle.

Characters from Lilly’s circle, (including Will, Brand and Malcolm), bring reminiscence, romance, friendship and heat. They also come with secrets. Lilly’s best friend Tara is tough, funny and loving. These characters are all lovable, and their different personalities flavor the Watchers’ stories in a very enticing way.

The story is well written and complex. With precision, West weaves together a fabric of new adulthood, new love, mysteries, thrills and an exciting new paranormal world.

This read is thoroughly enjoyable, and I highly recommend it.

Although it is listed as a Young Adult book, I would classify it more toward Coming of Age or New Adult due to some mature content.