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

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: 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:

Now in My Bookbag: The Sicarri Hired Gun Serial 1-4, by A. J. Bennett & Julia Crane

This is a violent, intense, erotic, paranormal story. It is hot, steamy, and action packed. Most of the scenes are really graphic.

I really enjoyed the plot and the emotional drama. However, the descriptions and verbiage used in the sex scenes were a bit repetitive, and that bothered me. I wished there were different expressive terms and phrases used. Some ideas were underdeveloped.

There were surprise twists… some of them a little out there. The ending could have been more in keeping with the tone of the rest of the book, but the story was mostly enjoyable.
3 1/4 stars

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: Reckoning (Book #2 in The Dominion Saga), by S.J. West

Continuing in her exploration of the Watcher world, author S.J. West adds Reckoning to the second trilogy of Malcom and Anna’s story.

I like the way that West uses consistent themes that tie all of the Watcher sagas and series together. The first is destiny, which ties all of the Watcher books together, across time and dimensions. Each character and plot device plays a part in the overall grand design. The potential for redemption is another theme that spans the entirety of the Watcher universe. This book also draws heavily on Helena’s need for love and acceptance, especially by her father, and the consequences due to a the lack thereof. Jealousy, a problem with which Lucifer dealt for several millennia, is Helena’s driving force.

I do not particularly care for the way that West tries to develop so many different characters. I think that the main characters’ developments are hindered by the attempt to deepen so many. I am also not a fan of books written in multiple POVs. I don’t mind two, but a multitude of voices becomes a bit too divisive in a book that is under 300 pages.

I like the way that West ends the book. It is not necessarily a cliffhanger. Instead, it is a situation that requires me to imagine the many potential implications. It makes me think. I can appreciate a story that can do that. I am looking forward to the release of Enduring, the final book in this saga. Reckoning gets 4 stars from me.

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: Rogue (Book #3 of the Relentless Series), by Karen Lynch

What a fascinating story idea! The girl from the coast of Maine is transformed into an excellent leader, an amazing fighter, and a woman in her own right. Author Karen Lynch does an amazing job developing Sara’s character, and her powers, throughout this book.
To a much lesser extent, Nikolas’ character also grows during this book, more so than either of the previous two books. His love for Sara is so apparent… even when he has to learn what loving someone entails.

Of the new characters introduced in this book, my absolute favorite has to be Eldeorin. He is outrageous, caring, unapologetic, loyal, and so much more. Sara needs his help, much more than she realizes at first.

The most genius thing about this story? The awesomely unexpected twist at the end. There is no way that I could have seen that coming. It caps off an extraordinary book. I wholeheartedly recommend this series. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Refuge (Book #2 of the Relentless Series), by Karen Lynch

This next step in Sara’s journey begins with her feeling like she doesn’t belong… like she will never measure up. She eventually makes friends, meets long-lost relatives and makes progress in training. Still, there is so much that sets her apart.

I really love this book. There is a vast amount of emotion evoked, both happiness and sadness. Experiencing Sara’s pleasure as she spends time with her animals brings a smile to my face. Feeling the warmth of first love makes my heart remember. There are parts of this book that make me ugly-cry. Lynch delivers moments of tear-jerking, heartbreaking anguish.

This book has so much pulse-pounding action and excitement. Sara learns a lot about harnessing all of her powers, giving her the tools to hold her on in a fight. Every so often there is a flash of laugh out loud funny. This book provides a lot of great new characters, and surprising betrayal.

Author Karen Lynch provides a well-told story that provides everything a great book should. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Relentless, by Karen Lynch

This book is interesting, captivating, and well-written. With a decidedly different take on the traditional vampire hunter books, it commands your attention, making it impossible to put down.

Sara is not your typical heroine, nor is she a typical Mohiri. She is so much more than anyone realizes. She faces down dangers, and does everything she can to protect her family and friends. Nikolas is a legendary Mohiri warrior who has made it his mission to protect Sara, and bring her home to the Mohiri stronghold. Of course, these stubborn personalities clash.

What do I find so interesting about this book? Author Karen Lynch provides action and excitement while still delving deep into the psyche of Sara. There are so many layers to this story, mostly because Sara is a complex character.

The ending is fabulous, and worthy of the caliber of this story. I highly recommend this book to readers who love paranormal, supernatural, and/or vampire hunter readers.

5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Heroes, by Ednah Walters

Heroes are not born. They rise out of love and duty.
What if you have to choose? Book 2 of Eirik Trilogy continues the story of a god and a Mortal girl… price will change after release

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.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon http://bit.ly/Heroes-Kindle
Amazon UK http://bit.ly/Heroes-KindleUK
iBooks http://bit.ly/Heroes-iBooks
B&N http://bit.ly/Heroes-BN
GooglePlay http://bit.ly/Heroes-GooglePlay
Smashwords http://bit.ly/Heroes-Smashwords
Kobo http://bit.ly/Heroes-Kobo

*USA Today Bestselling Author Ednah Walters is a multi-published author of four different series–her Norse-mythology-based bestselling YA Paranormal romance series, RUNES(YA-Paranormal Romance) and Nephilim THE GUARDIAN LEGACY-(YA fantasy romance).

She also writes contemporary romance under E. B. Walters. The Fitzgerald Family series started with SLOW BURN. There are six books in this series. Her new USA Today bestselling series, INFINITUS BILLIONAIRES. Impulse (book 1) was published in January 2015. Indulge (Aug 4th of 2015).

*Join her mailing list at http://bit.ly/EdnahsNewsletter or visit her athttp://www.ednahwalters.com to stay up to date with her new releases*

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

PreOrder Links:

Amazon http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderKindle

Amazon  UK http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderKindle-UK

iBooks http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderiBooks

B&N http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-BN

GooglePlay http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-GooglePlay

Smashwords http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderSmashwords

Kobo http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-Kobo

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: Soulless, by Sarah J Pepper

I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Much is made during the book about Piper being the mirror image of Declan. So too, this story is the mirror image of a traditional fairy tale. Though the title is Soulless, each of the aforementioned characters are written to have a softer side… the remainders of a soul. This element gives each of these characters a polarity of their own

Making reference to other fairy tales, author Sarah J Pepper twists them into the mix, some more successfully than others. I believe the book might be more cohesive with fewer of these fairy tale twists, so the flow of the story gets lost in a couple of places.

Without revealing too much of the story, I will say that much of the book is well thought out and imaginatively written. 4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Awakening, by S.J. West

This book was a great read. Author S.J. West perfected the seamless transition from the previous Redemption Series to this Dominion Series. Awakening, Book One, continued the story of Anna and Malcolm in such a consistent manner. Their love story, family, and mission to improve the lives of the down-worlders, remained flawlessly connected to the end of Redemption, (the final book of the Redemption Series).

The book was well proofed and well edited. The flow was very good, and created effortless reading. The dialogue was well done, and the plot lines made perfect sense.

This story was so interesting, with enough twists to keep me guessing until the very end. There were so many surprises, it created a compulsion to keep reading. I had to know what happened next. I read straight through and was completely blown away by the ending. I immediately wanted the next book in the series.

5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Wings of Vengeance, by Cameo Renae

When I learned that author Cameo Renae planned to add a book to her Hidden Wings Series, I was both excited and worried. I was in love with the idea of spending more time in the world of Emma, Kade, and the rest of their family and friends. I was also fearful that an any addition to the story might fail to meet the very high standards already set by the Hidden Wings Series.

I was thrilled to find that Wings of Vengeance met, and exceeded, the bar previously set.

This story was centered around the strength given through the love of family and friends. It also focused on finding one’s own courage and power. Finally, it highlighted the strength of love versus the debilitating effects from hate.

There were triumphs and tragedies. I faced several emotional moments during the course of the book. Renae’s masterful storytelling had not diminished in any way, and I found myself absorbed into a fantastic addition to the Hidden Wings Series.

5 Stars 

Release Day for AWAKENING, by S.J. West (The Dominion Series, Book #1)

Author S.J. West has given us generations of worthy Watchers, and their loved ones. In addition, she has let us inside the Brotherhood that many share.

The newest series extension for the beloved Watchers, The Dominion Series, begins today with the release of AWAKENING.   *At the end of the release info, there is a list with exactly the recommended reading order.*

 While Anna and Malcolm anxiously await the birth of their twins, the universe is besieged by the complications of bringing a corporeal version of Hell into being. As Empress and Emperor of Cirrus, Anna and Malcolm must also deal with the politics of trying to unite those who live in the down-world with the pampered citizens within the cloud cities. Anna quickly learns that changing the way people think can be a daunting task, especially when the princes of Hell attempt to thwart her plans at every turn.

With many of the cloud cities under the tyrannical control of high-ranking demons and princes of Hell, Anna and Malcolm must find a way to force them out of power if the world is ever going to experience real change.

With her new War Angel army ready and willing to do whatever she asks of them, Anna realizes she has the means to take out anyone who stands in her way. Yet, war isn’t what Anna wants. God gave her the War Angels to help advance the human race to the next level in their evolution and to help solve the chaos Helena is causing around the universe.

As Anna gets to know some of the War Angels on a personal level, she begins to understand that they aren’t only there to help her. They are also there to learn what it means to live among humans and adapt to a new way of life. She quickly discovers that they may be angels, but they are far from perfect. Built as machines of war, these particular angels are finding it difficult to adjust to life on Earth. They seem to have as many triumphs as failures, but both Anna and Malcolm attempt to guide them when they stumble. Their assimilation with humanity is vital to God’s plan.

Purchase Link:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Dominion-Book-S-J-West-ebook/dp/B01990X3WS/

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Reading Order of Watcher Books by Series:

The Watchers Trilogy (Ages 13+): Cursed, Blessed, Forgiven

The Watcher Chronicles (Ages 17+ due to mature content and themes): Broken, Kindred, Oblivion, Ascension

Caylin's Story (Ages 13+ - Can be read by younger readers without having to read the Watcher Chronicles): Timeless, Devoted

Aiden's Story (Ages 17+ due to mature content and themes)

Alternate Earth Series (Ages 17+ due to mature content and themes): Cataclysm, Uprising, Judgment

The Redemption Series (Ages 17+ due to mature content and themes): Malcolm, Anna, Lucifer, Redemption

The Dominion Series (Ages 17+ due to mature content and themes): Awakening (January 26, 2016), Reckoning (Spring 2016)

About the Author:

Once upon a time, a little girl was born on a cold winter morning in the heart of Seoul, Korea. She was brought to America by her parents and raised in the Deep South where the words ma'am and y'all became an integrated part of her lexicon. She wrote her first novel at the age of eight and continued writing on and off during her teenage years. In college she studied biology and chemistry and finally combined the two by earning a master's degree in biochemistry. After that she moved to Yankee land where she lived for four years working in a laboratory at Cornell University. Homesickness and snow aversion forced her back South where she lives in the land which spawned Jim Henson, Elvis Presley, Oprah Winfrey, John Grisham and B.B. King. After finding her Prince Charming, she gave birth to a wondrous baby girl and they all lived happily ever after.

Follow Me:

My FB Page:  https://www.facebook.com/sandra.west.585112?fref=ts

Watchers Agency: https://www.facebook.com/groups/watchersagency/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6561395.S_J_West

Website: http://www.sjwest.com/

Twitter: @SJWest2013

Now in My Bookbag: Forged in Ice, by Alyssa Rose Ivy

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I am a huge fan of this author and her storytelling skills. I am happy to read more of James and Ainsley’s story. They are an interesting and engaging couple. It is great to visit Belgard once again. This well-devised kingdom is one of my all time favorite fantasy locations. It has been since I read The Afterglow Trilogy, also by author Alyssa Rose Ivy.

I can appreciate her efforts to blend together the world of The Forged Chronicles/Afterglow Trilogy with the worlds of her other Chronicles. I love the idea of the crossover, however I feel like some of the flow of information feels forced.

It is a huge undertaking… the blending of all of Ivy’s many Chronicles. I am sure that it is very difficult to plot the story lines to do so. I know that Ivy’s storytelling skills are excellent, so I am looking forward to a more easy-going flow with the next installment. 3.75 stars

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

“Everything is dictated by the nebulous yet all-important Fate.” (Chloe Lillywhite, A Matter of Fate)

Author Heather Lyons has created an awesome world hidden within the world I know. Her imaginative story, (about Magicals, Fate and the importance they play in all the worlds), provides a fascinating escape.

After drawing me in, Lyons provides me with lovable characters, an enchanting story and the most interesting love triangle I have ever read. I am drawn to Chloe from the very beginning… her designated title of Creator, her feelings of being smothered, the unexpected situations in her life, and the angst she experiences combine to make her a character ruled by Fate. Her journey is complex and engaging… from cover to cover.

Jonah and Kellan are also very interesting and complex characters, and their importance to Chloe’s journey can not be overstated. So many other characters, of varying importance, help Chloe along the way.

“Fate may suck sometimes, but in other instances, it can be so wonderful that I would get down on my knees and offer thanks if I could.” (Chloe Lillywhite, A Matter of Fate)

Lyon definitely showcases her masterful storytelling abilities in A Matter of Fate. Well done… 4 1/2 stars

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