Now in My Bookbag: Warrior, (A Relentless Novel), by Karen Lynch

This is the perfect companion book for the Relentless Series. Told from Nikolas’ point of view, it is written as a seamless comparison to Sara’s point of view.

Author Karen Lynch adds so much depth and complexity to Nikolas’ character. It also adds extra layers to the world-building that is already imaginative and well-written.

Lynch’s creation of Warrior is a great decision that certainly enhances my reading experience. Well done. 5 stars

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: 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: 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: Luke's Dream (a Judgement of the Six Companion Novel), by Melissa Haag

What an exciting addition to the Judgement of the Six lexicon! This companion series is fascinating, and adds so much to the series.

Luke and Bethi are great characters, and an awesome couple. It is very interesting to dig a little deeper into Luke’s personality, motivations, and love. Author Melissa Haag does much to further develop the one dimensional Luke, from (Un)Wise, to the complex character, in Luke’s Dream.

Haag weaves a truly cohesive companion to Bethi’s story with the addition of Luke’s Dream. It is a page-turner, and I couldn’t put it down. 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: 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: 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

Again in My Bookbag: Inescapable by Amy Bartol (Premonition Series #1)

As many times as I have read this book, I should be ashamed that I haven’t done a review before now.

Inescapable kicks off the Premonition series in style, giving birth to an extremely popular world by author Amy Bartol. She builds fantastic characters with whom I develop a deep connection.

I love Evie. Her backstory has already made her independent, smart, caring and open-minded. Russell is sweet and kind, with a big heart. Reed is more than he seems, and becomes better understood as the story progresses. They are but three of the wonderfully written characters.

The first time I read this story I laughed, cried, and found it impossible to put down. Now, a couple of years and several rereads later, I am stilled moved and entertained by this spellbinding book. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Uncloaked by Wendy Owens (Fairy Tale Confessions Story #1)

What an intriguing and unique take on the Little Red Riding Hood story. It is so well imagined and well written. The characters are striking in their personalities, backstories and motivations. This fairy tale is indeed twisted in the roles played by its characters, the introduction of a paranormal element, and the inner monologue provided for Ruby, the red riding hood for an older audience. Owens does a fantastic job in this re-imagined fairy tale, and this story deserves 5 stars.

Now in My Bookbag: Priceless – The True Story of Rumplestiltskin by Sarah J. Pepper (Fairy Tale Confessions Story #6)

Pepper’s twist on Rumpelstiltskin is very clever. She takes concept and characters from the original story and completely shakes them up. Most of the story is the very definition of a love/hate relationship. She shows that, even in the world of Rumpelstiltskin, life is rarely just black or white.

The ideas are fresh and exciting. The storytelling is fascinating and has a great flow. The ending is unexpected and truly freeing. This is an engaging, twisted tale. Pepper really delivers a well written read. My Bookbag rates this story at 5 stars.