Shining Sea

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28135071-shining-sea?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=WCa23Am5V1&rank=2

Falling in love shouldn’t feel like drowning.

Seventeen-year-old Arion Rush has always played the obedient sidekick to her older sister’s flashy femme fatale—until a mysterious boating accident leaves Lilah a silent, traumatized stranger. As her sister awaits medical treatment with her mother, Arion and her father head to his hometown in Maine to prepare a new life for them all. Surrounded by the vast Atlantic, she finds solace in songwriting, her only solid ground.

Unexpectedly, Arion blossoms in the tiny coastal town. Friends flock to her, and Logan Delaine, a volatile heartthrob, seems downright smitten. But it’s Bo Summers—a solitary surfer, as alluring as he is aloof—that Arion can’t shake. Meanwhile, Lilah’s worsening condition, a string of local fatalities, and Arion’s own recent brushes with death seem ominously linked…to Bo’s otherworldly family. As Arion’s feelings for Bo intensify and his affections turn possessive, she must make a choice. How will Arion learn to listen to her own voice when Bo’s siren song won’t stop ringing in her ears?

I am finding this book difficult to review, there was nothing wrong with it, just wasn’t really for me. It was a bit slow, a bit boring, I thouhgt there would be more fantasy. The pacing was a little all over the place. It jumped around a lot and I felt that it was missing some information. Books often jump time for the story, a few days here, a couple of weeks there, but here is felt disjointed.

It’s probably better suited for people who enjoy romance as the main genre, where as I prefer it as a side genre. The characters were fine, but none shone for me, they were all lacking a little for me.

Overall it was fine, but not a book I would rush back to.

3 out of 5 stars

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ARC Review: The Rose Princess

In a kingdom of fairies and dragons, Talia is reassuringly normal… until she isn’t. Plucked from her quiet town and thrust into a life as heir to the throne, and betrothed to a powerful duke, she must face up to a terrifying question: what if the curse is real? What if she really is destined to be trapped in eternal sleep?

Duke Caradoc has spent his whole life dominated by his mother, the fierce Duchess of the Northern Wastes. But when he meets Talia, betrothed to him since childhood, he knows that his mother’s lust for power has gone too far. The curse must be stopped… and the answer might lie in Caradoc and Talia’s mysterious dreams.

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book booksirens in exchange for an honest review

I loved this book, for the most part. I got engrossed and read it in a couple of days (for a chef that’s quick!) It was well paced, clearly a sleeping beauty retelling but there was a lot of originality. I loved the setting, it seemed like a beautiful Queendom. I loved the powerplays and found all the politics interesting.

Talia was a great MC, she was hadn’t seen most of the kingdom so she discovered along with the reader. I did like how we got Caradoc’s POV a few times. I also love the forest, was a very interesting concept.

The ending baffled me, the final battle happened so quick, it was over in less than half a page. It felt so under whelming. The whole book was leading up to this and it was such a let down. Also the final scene with Rhys was so out of left field, Talia had never showed an ounce in evil then she did that, just felt wrong.

Overall I really enjoyed this book. I have already bought the second one in the same setting, let’s hope it’s as good.

4 out of 5 stars

ARC Review: A Curse of Ash and Embers

A dead witch. A bitter curse. A battle of magic.

Some people knit socks by the fire at night. Gyssha Blackbone made monsters.

But the old witch is dead now, and somehow it’s Elodie’s job to clean up the mess.

When she was hired at Black Oak Cottage, Elodie had no idea she’d find herself working for a witch; and her acid-tongued new mistress, Aleida, was not expecting a housemaid to turn up on her doorstep.

Gyssha’s final curse left Aleida practically dead on her feet, and now, with huge monsters roaming the woods, a demonic tree lurking in the orchard and an angry warlock demanding repayment of a debt, Aleida needs Elodie’s help, whether she likes it or not.

And no matter what the old witch throws at her, to Elodie it’s still better than going back home.

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book vie edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

I love any book that has a curse in it, so the title grabbed me straight away and I couldn’t wait to read it. It did not disappoint. It was fun, lots of magic and curses, with friendship and mystery thrown in for free. Dee was a great main character, her instincts served her well, she didn’t let poeple cloud her judgements, she made her own mind up.

I loved the idea of the witches, the way we learned about Gyssha was very unique and clever. I would have liked a little more on her, but you never know there might be more in the next book, which I have already bought and cannot wait to read. There were a couple of characters at the start that I would to be reintroduced to, I feel like they were to big to only appear for a chapter then never again.

If you like books with magic and wonder then this book is for you, the pacing is good and there is always something excting going on.

4 out of 5 stars

ARC Review: The Seeds of Power

Her unique skills keep her safe. Until her greatest strength becomes her fatal weakness.

Princess Christal of Larrochar learned long ago that to marry was to risk her life. At twenty-eight she’s resolutely unwed, trusted assistant to the King’s Cultivator and an expert in rare plants.

Then, to her horror, she receives a marriage proposal she can’t refuse. All Prince Daire of Caldermor cares about is elan—the mysterious golden beans that bring his family untold wealth and power. If Daire wants Christal, elan must be at the root of his interest.

Christal’s father would sacrifice her to discover elan’s secrets. The Calderrans would kill to keep them secure. To save herself Christal will need every kernel of knowledge she’s ever gleaned. And the support of Kiran Randsen, elite soldier turned Calderran bodyguard, who may be something even rarer than elan—a man she’d trust with her life.

The Seeds of Power is the first book in the Elan Intrigues fantasy romance series. If you like strong heroines, chivalrous heroes, natural magic, and life-or-death stakes, then you’ll love this powerful historical fantasy by award-winning author Jilly Wood.

Review

I received a free copy of this bookvia booksirens in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this book would be more fantasy based, so if you go into looking for magic, and a book full of fantasy you will be disappointed. But if you looking for a book that a historical feel, that has great characters and lots of court intrique, you will be pleased.

It was an intriquing take on a plot that seems to be quite common these days. A princess who is set to marry off for advantage, yet she doesn’t want to. I liked that this did not follow the normal set of rules, although I had worked out early on what was going to happen. It did not stop me enjoying it any though.

Christal was a great main character, she let her past get in her way sometimes but it gave her depth. I want to know more about the Elan plant/ seed, that is the part I was really interested in.I am guessing it will be explained more in the next book, although I do not think I will be reading it. I found that for me ending was good enough.

This book is heavy on romance and lots of love for family. There was a little bit of friendship but Chrital didn’t seem to have any friends, which I didn’t find odd until now, it wasn’t like it was because she was a princess, it was just never mentioned in any context.

Overall a slow paced book full of interesting characters.

4 out of 5 stars

Queen of the Warrior Bees

One misfit girl and 50,000 bees. Together they must change the world. As the Mages of the Citadel fight amongst themselves and prepare for war against the Forest, Mielitta, a despised servant, has her own battle to face. Bastien and Jannlou, the boys who terrorised her as a child, have grown into their status as Mages and she cannot escape them forever.

In desperation, she flees to the forbidden Forest and its dangerous attractions. Her scent angers thousands of bees and, although she survives their attack, she has changed. A strange bee symbol glows on her thigh and her senses are altered. She learns that her connection with bees enables her to summon their aid and gives her the power to shift shape.

This new-found bond works both ways and the bees need Mielitta’s help as the rift widens between Forest and Citadel. Can one girl and a colony of bees reunite Man and Nature, or is the split irreversible?

Block Nature out and she’ll force a way in.

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

First of all. the cover is amazing. I foudn this book very good to begin with but was soon quite confused and feeling like I didn’t understand what was going on fully. It was very all over the place. Explantions needed expanding. But other than that I quite enjoyed it, was fun and full of wonder. I did find the scene with bee sex very odd, it wasn’t needed in my opinion.

The allegiences changing happeded too quickly. I was getting whiplash. I do not think I will be continueing with the series.

3 out of 5 stars

The Great Snapping Turtle Adventure

“Ain’t it a beaut?” said the old woman…

When Fred takes stepsons Max and Charles to Elliott Island for a day of crabbing, none of them are expecting to encounter anything out of the ordinary. But all bets are off when you drive out that long narrow road to the End of the World.

An old woman gives them a giant snapping turtle to sell, and their day gets weird. And when they stumble across the same woman’s gravestone–with her death date inscribed, but hidden in the ground–their trip becomes stranger still.

As every answer leads to more questions, what starts as a “Boys’ Day Out” becomes an adventure that will not soon be forgotten.

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is described as a mystery, but I honestly did not get that from this book at all. It was well written and a nice family adventure of sorts. Would be a nice read for younger readers, it’s something I would have read in primary school.

The characters were good although they seemed younger than they were meant to be. It was a little slow for my personal preference but for the age range it is aimed at it’s perfect.

Overall it was a fun mix for family values and fun adventures.

3 out of 5 stars

Second Growl (Lycan Academy #2)

I’m irresistible to the Volkov brothers. I can’t choose just one.

Hi, I’m Nora Blessing, and I’m a wolf shifter. Last summer, everything I believed about reality took a shift. I was bitten by a wolf. Turned out my fear of rabies was unfounded. I had much bigger things to worry about. Like turning furry and eating little fluffy forest creatures.

But I’m not all alone. As well as whoever that wolf was who bit me, there’s a whole academy full of wolf shifters learning how to be themselves in a modern world. And despite my mediocre performance in high school, the Lycan Academy considers me worthy of a full-ride scholarship to their hallowed halls. I’ve survived the first semester—well, I haven’t seen my grades, yet, but I’m alive. And after being attacked by a terrifying demonic entity, I appreciate the fact I’m still breathing I’ve learned how to shift without everyone seeing me naked. Big plus. The four hottest guys in school seem to have me in their sights. Not typical Nora stuff.

I thought I’d adjusted pretty well until an outbreak of chaos revealed layers of mystery and possibly horror in my new school. Something or someone is loose in the halls and on the grounds, endangering all my new friends, and focusing on me in particular. What is it about me that is attracting all the crazy?

I wish I knew. Because I’m scared.
And I can’t just go home.
I’m a wolf. I belong with other wolves.

Review

I found this a little bit lacking in the beginning. It just did not have the flow the first one did. It just felt the author was trying to create as much action and drama as quickly as possible. I am glad the romance is going slow since it’s an odd situtation and I am not sure I am liking the reverse harem side of it. Just doesn’t seem normal to me.

I will be reading the third one since there is many unanswered questions. I am still perplexed at the school and lack of authority, the students seem to be able to get away with just about anything, even murder doesn’t seem to be being investigated properly.

3 out of 5 stars

All the King’s Traitors

Over a thousand years have passed since the first Godstones ripped through the skies and mangled the earth. With their fall came centuries of chaos and destruction, but also immense power.

Power that separates humans from Gods.

Now, in the Kingdom of Azanthea, two adoptive brothers flee from unjust conscription.

A fugitive struggles to truly be free.

A double-crossing warrior must choose where his allegiances lie: with his wife or with his daughter.

A traitorous heir to the Kingdom’s throne roams the lands in search of an army to call his own.

A prodigy in the House of Historian competes in a grueling trial to prove her loyalty.

And one God-King rules over them all.

Review

I recieved a free copy of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn’t sure of this book when I first started. But after a couple of chapters in I was hooked. The idea of the godstones was a fantastic concept. I found it very interesting and loved the setting. It was well thought out and I found myself wanting to visit there ( a sign of a great world for me).

The characters were great, I found that each one brought somethign new and exciting to the story, but I thought there was too many POV’s. I found a little disorrianted at times. I would have also liked an indication at the beginning of chapters which character was the MC, especially since they sometimes travelled together. I loved the varied backgrounds and personalities.

The God-King was a character I would like to know more about, he obviously spread fear throughout the kingdom but since he hadn’t been seen in a few years in seemed a little odd to me. I am hoping for more in the next book.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and read it quite quickly. I am very much looking forward to the second one andhoping it’s out soon. The ending shocked me, me it’s not very often there’s a twist that I did not see coming (without out making me angry) This was a small but very interesting twist.

4 out of 5 stars

 

Review: Eight Will Fall

In a land where magic is outlawed, eight criminals led by seventeen-year-old Larkin are sent on a mission to kill an ancient evil that plagues their kingdom. Descending into an underground realm full of unspeakable horrors, Larkin and her party must use their forbidden magic to survive what lies in wait, teeth sharp and jaws deadly.

As she fights for her life, Larkin finds a light in Amias, a fellow outlaw with a notorious past. Soon Larkin and Amias realize their fates are entwined. The eight of them were chosen for a reason.

But as the dangers multiply and her band of felons are picked off one by one, Larkin must confront a terrible truth: They were never meant to return.

Review

I recieved this from fairyloot. I am not sure I would have picked it up otherwise, but I am glad I did. It was unlike anything else I have ever read. In a good way. I liked how the empaths could gather emotions and use them as magic, it’s a clever idea and was portrayed well.

The story was easy to follow and very entertaining. I honestly had no clue where we were being led, which is very unusual. I thought the characters were interesting and I liked hearing their stories.

Larkin was a great MC, she was often centre of the action which suited her charcter and I really enjoyed seeing things from her perspective.

Most of the story took places in one place (it was a big place , but still) since there was always something to discover it was very interesting.

I would highly recommend this book.

4 out of 5 stars

ARC Review: A Jot of Blood

Adolescence is hard enough, but add magic to the mix and things have a way of getting complicated in a hurry. Even at Coventry Academy, one of the best schools in the world for the magically inclined, some ‘gifts’ mean nothing but trouble. What do you do when anything—your clothes, your food, the accidental brush of a fingertip—can instantly reveal the dark secrets of your closest friend … or, worse, a mortal enemy?

Coventry may have been Lire Devon’s haven since she was a little girl, but there are some who despise and even fear her rare clairvoyant power. Now, after years of simmering resentment, Lire’s nemesis, a sorceress with beauty, status, and well-connected friends, has thrown down the gauntlet. The challenge will push Lire’s resourcefulness to its limits and beyond—to a place where arcane dangers lurk and the price of power is knowledge too excruciating to bear.

Warning: The contents of this book include one surly werewolf, a snarky invisible prankster, and enough indelicate language to make a succubus blush.

Review

This was very different than  I expected. I also enjoyed it much more than I was expecting. I really like Lire as a character, she was fun, grew well as a character. Cal and Zach were great too, I loved their introduction, it was fun and unique. I really enjoyed finding out about the different kinds of magic. I thought the way Lire learned more about her powers was well done and has got me wondering what else she can do.

The mystery was good, it kept twisting and turning, keeping me guessing. I want to know more though, I want to know more, I am very much looking forward to the next book. The conflict between Lire and the popular girl (cannot remember her name) was interesting, seemed like jealousy on the popular girls part.

Cal, was a great character, I can see him being a very popular book love interest. He is strong and fun and a great friend. And yes he sounds like a catch.

I will be reading the next book in the series. And raving about this book to anyone who will listen.

Want a book with magic, werewolves, vampires, fun, excitement and a lot of mystery, go on pick this up you won’t be disappointed.

4 out of 5 stars

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