Seasons of Sorcery anthology

Kindle Edition, 370 pages

Published November 13th 2018 by Brightlynx Publishing

Fantasy romance/UF

for review

My Thoughts and Synopsis

WINTER'S WEB BY JENNIFER ESTEP

An assassin at a renaissance faire. What could possibly go wrong? Everything, if you’re Gin Blanco. This Spider is trapped in someone else’s icy web—and it seems like they don’t want her to leave the faire alive . . .

The story was ok and all, but, I have only read one Gin book and that was ageeees ago. I never read more. And I did feel like fans would love this so much more. While I was all, ok she is an Assassin. I guess those are her friends and BF. So she kicks some ass and saves the day

A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET

A malevolent spell strangles the kingdom of Leathen in catastrophic drought. Prince Daric must break the curse before his people starve. A once-mighty goddess trapped in a human body might be the key—but saving his kingdom could mean losing all that he loves.

This was a nice fantasy romance. Leathen grows up with the former Goddess of Spring. Oh I would have liked more of that. I know that this was only a novella, but still! This would have been a great book.

The country is dying. Can Leathen and Rain save the day? There are baddies trying to stop them and well obvi these two will have feelings for each other. Took them long enough!

Nice story

THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY

As unofficial consort to the High Queen, former mercenary Harlan Konyngrr faces a challenge worse than looming war and fearsome dragons. His long-held secrets threaten what he loves most—and he must make a choice between vows to two women.

I know I often say that everything works as a stand alone, but here, well you really should read the rest.

As for what happened...FINALLY! OMG I HAVE WAITED FOR THAT. Happiness is something all should have.

Also, when will we meet Jenna again? Is she still alive? Arghhhh

A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN

The stretch of sea known as The Gray rules the lives of those in the village of Ancilar, including widow Brida Gazi. In the aftermath of an autumn storm, Brida discovers one of the sea's secrets cast onto the shore—a discovery that will change her world, mend her soul, and put her in the greatest danger she's ever faced. 

I did not expect that and I did learn something I always wondered about, well at least Draven came up for one explanation lol.

I have read a story set in this world before, or two? Interesting little town and now it is Brida's turn, a widow, to find something and oh I can not say too much! Spoilers.

Like maybe there is some romance *whistles*

Conclusion:

Two of these are stand alone and worked great as that. Another one does work on it's own, but I feel you get more for your money if you know the series. And the final one really should be read in its series. How else can you love Harlan and Essla!

Audio: Phoenix Unbound - Grace Draven

Audio CD, Unabridged 14 h

Narrator: Katherine McEwan

Expected publication: September 25th 2018 by Penguin Audio

Fallen Empire #1

Fantasy romance

Own

My Thoughts:

I'd say that the best part was the last 3 hours. Then it got really exciting, and there was death, war and destruction. All the good things in life. Ohhh good stuff, good stuff! Yes there the book was great, but the other 11 hours were good. And hey, good is good! Good means I will read more and so on. But after having listened to those last 3 hours, then I do wish the rest of the book could have been that great.

Gilene's village are a bunch of d#cks! I get it, I mean you do save others! But they should like worship the ground you walk on then the rest of the year. Why she had any loyalty to them *grinds teeth*

The Empire was a nasty bunch of people. The Empress needs to be beaten with her own entrails. What a sick piece of dung she was. It's not said but I sure wondered how many women were killed every year. Innocent women burnt. Death to the Empire!

Then there was Azarion. The things he has gone through these last 10 years! Poor man. Now wonder he lusts for vengeance. I say, go for it! Make that person pay!

SO yes. He takes her away because she is his only chance for freedom (not counting death). Obviously they will fall in love, but it takes time, which is understandable. He does kidnap her so he can reclaim his birthright. And she is all, but I must return to my village so I can be burnt and raped again next year! Oh girl, you need to stop protecting those dang villagers!

I must say, I did not exactly feel the romance. I only felt it on the last page. There I understood that they loved each other. I guess I would have wanted a bit more...before.

It was a good book. And when it ended I checked news for the next one at once, but arghhh, no blurb! I want to know if the next book is about them or someone else!!!!!

Conclusion:

Fire, destruction, mayhem, and two people slowly falling in love

Narrator Katherine McEwan

She did a good job, though I felt she sounded a bit too young. She would be a good fit for YA fantasy, but when you speak of rape and torture, well, then maybe a bit more mature. Still, excellent job,

Blurb:

A woman with power over fire and illusion and an enslaved son of a chieftain battle a corrupt empire in this powerful and deeply emotional romantic fantasy from the USA Today bestselling author of Radiance.

Every year, each village is required to send a young woman to the Empire's capital--her fate to be burned alive for the entertainment of the masses. For the last five years, one small village's tithe has been the same woman. Gilene's sacrifice protects all the other young women of her village, and her secret to staying alive lies with the magic only she possesses.

But this year is different. 

Azarion, the Empire's most famous gladiator, has somehow seen through her illusion--and is set on blackmailing Gilene into using her abilities to help him escape his life of slavery. Unknown to Gilene, he also wants to reclaim the birthright of his clan.

To protect her family and village, she will abandon everything to return to the Empire--and burn once more.

Anthology review: Amid the Winter Snow

THE DARKEST MIDNIGHT, by Grace Draven

The mark Jahna Ulfrida was born with has made her a target of the cruel and idle all her life. During the long, crowded festivities of Deyalda, there’s nowhere to escape. Until a handsome stranger promises to teach her to save herself…

THE CHOSEN, by Thea Harrison

In her visions, Lily sees two men fighting for her tiny country’s allegiance: the wolf and the tiger, each deadly, each cunning. One will bring Ys chaos and death, one a gentler path—but she’s destined to love whichever she chooses. The midwinter Masque is upon them, and the wolf is at her door…

THE STORM, by Elizabeth Hunter

When her soul mate died in a massacre of the half-angelic Irin people, Renata thought she’d never feel happiness again. She’s retreated to the snowy Dolomites to remember her hurts—until determined, irrepressible Maxim arrives to insist on joy, too. And before she can throw him out, they discover a secret the Irin have to know…

THE SNOWS OF WINDROVEN, by Jeffe Kennedy

As a blizzard threatens their mountain keep, the new Queen Amelia of the Twelve Kingdoms and her unofficial consort Ash face their own storm. Ash knows a scarred, jumpy ex-convict isn’t the companion his queen needs. But when a surprise attack confines them together in their isolated sanctuary, the feast of midwinter might tempt even Ash into childlike hope… 

ebook, 431
Expected publication: December 12th 2017 by Brightlynx Publishing
Fantasy romance
For review

My thoughts:

The Darkest Midnight by Grace Draven

Oh it took me a while to realise where the story took place. It has been too long since I read that awesome book of hers! And this takes place in the same world, but another country.

I like Jahna, I felt sorry for her too, but she was great and knew what she wanted. To be a chronicler, you go girl.

And yes it is a romance, even if there is not a lot of romance. Just a dance between two people, but there will be  a happy ending even if I could not see it. But then, oh perfect for sure.

The Chosen by Thea Harrison

I never did see that other suitor, disappointed. But yes Lila meets the Wolf, they flirt. They will try to save her kingdom and live happily ever after. Nice story, nice setting and i would like more from this world.

Though her country sounds weak, sorry but true. No wonder someone wants to conquer it.

The storm by Elizabeth Hunter

Man meets woman, fall in love, and the story takes forever to end. 15 years! Damn he never gave up. I liked the story and the world, but at the same time it felt a bit too long. Maybe cos I had to charge the battery and it was uncomfortable, lol.

Jeffe Kennedy

I had not realise how much tension there was still between Ami and Ash. I mean I knew they were not married, I knew why, but poor Ash. I get it, half blood, ex convicts do not marry queens. And that is why this story was so needed, these two needed a conclusion. So what we have are two people, tired, and just wanting to be with each other but arguing instead. All while midwinter draws close. Oh and the kids are hilarious!

Conclusion:

I liked the xmas feel, even though there is no xmas since 3 of 4 takes place in fantasy world. But hey people celebrated before xmas and that is what they do here. Midwinter celebrations. I liked it.

Cover

Nice

Anthology: Teeth long and sharp

A collection of tales sharp and pointed.

IVORIES by Aria M. Jones - Eleanor resents the afternoons sacrificed to piano lessons and a disagreeable teacher who gloats over her failures and humiliations. Today, it’s Mrs. Lundemann’s turn for a sacrifice of a very different nature…

NIGHT TIDE by Grace Draven - Something hunts the surf at night, luring villagers to their deaths with a lullaby of sorrow and the torture of nightmares. Blessed with the gift of water-sight, Zigana Imre senses the presence of an ancient predator possessing a taste for human flesh sweetened by grief. With the help of a child of earth, she will battle a spawn of the sea to protect a loved one and save a man who will one day save a world. 

THE NOISE OF FUR by Jeffe Kennedy - The first time, it came at night…

In the forest, a Thing prowls, picking off members of young Raven’s tribe. If they flee their home, they face starvation. If only Raven can answer the question of what kind of fur makes that noise.

VENETRIX by Antioch Grey - A merchant and a poet come to the City, seeking justice for the murder of a relative, and if justice cannot be found, they will have revenge. They collude with vampires, negotiate with mermaids, share ale and meat pies with gargoyles and navigate the prisons, waterways and court system of a city ruled by a Master possessing long life and even longer teeth.

The City will make you a fortune, or it will kill you, but it will always change you.

THE VAMPIRES OF MULBERRY STREET by Aria M. Jones - Living the simple life in small town Indiana, Mrs. H has everything she could possibly ever want: a cozy house, peace and quiet, and a garden that is the envy of Mulberry Street. But when sinister outsiders disrupt the tranquility of her neighborhood, it might be time for her to come out of retirement and take up tools more deadly than pruning shears and a trowel.

VOICE OF THE KNIFE by Mel Sterling - Biologist Charles Napier doesn’t mind getting lost in a Florida swamp—it’s part of a scientist’s job. Logic and training will get him out safely. Except lurking in this swamp, there’s a monster Napier’s science can’t explain...a lonely, exquisite, desperate monster.

My thoughts:

This anthology has a couple of novellas in it. Scary? Not really. Just you know, stories. With some creepy paranormal vibes.

IVORIES by Aria M. Jones

A kid hates playing the piano. And something strange will happen during the lesson. To be honest I am still not sure what happened. I must have missed something.

NIGHT TIDE by Grace Draven 

I liked this one. Something is out there in the water, our heroine has water sight or what it was called, and something needs to be done. We also learn about her village and family. But there was one thing that rubbed me the wrong way, certain feelings she had. It just made me dislike her at the end.

THE NOISE OF FUR by Jeffe Kennedy - The first time, it came at night…

There is something hunting in the forest killing. What is it? 

I was reading and noticed 3 names that means Raven in other languages, so I checked, and yes it was a theme. I liked that, very cool. Nice twist too.

VENETRIX by Antioch Grey 

It has promise, but it went on too long. Which is a weird thing saying about a novella. I just wish they had cut to the chase. But the world was interesting and it would be a good fantasy novel.

THE VAMPIRES OF MULBERRY STREET by Aria M. Jones - 

This one was a bit, what is happening? The whole X thing came around so what? Anyway vampires, a nice old lady next doors. What will happen?

VOICE OF THE KNIFE by Mel Sterling - 

This one had a really slow beginning, but then it picked up as the guy goes further into the swamps, and there is something there...there it did get interesting.

So yes, not scary. Just paranormal stuff with no happy endings. Bad things will happen, bad things are out there and want blood. Some good, some got better. As always then.

Interesting stories .

Kindle Edition 276
Published October 4th 2016
Paranormal, fantasy
For an honest review

For Crown and Kingdom - Jeffe Kennedy and Grace Draven

A duo of fantasy romances

Out tomorrow

Dafne Mailloux, librarian and temporary babysitter to the heirs to the High Throne of the Twelve – now Thirteen – Kingdoms, finds it difficult to leave the paradise of Annfwn behind. Particularly that trove of rare books in temptingly unfamiliar languages. But duty calls, and hers is to the crown. It’s not like her heart belongs elsewhere. But how can she crown a queen who hesitates to take the throne? 

My thoughts:

I know this was your story Dafne, but I was all about the rest and the whole omg, will they never be able to marry? No one is having babies!

Saaaaaaaaaaaaaadness! And since the next book is about Dafne, that is just, sad you know. No one gets to share their love, well except for Andi. No one is having babies, except for Ami. Now I am sad. 

Now when I have that off my chest. This is about Ursula having doubts, others having doubts about her taking the High Crown (to me it would be better if everyone took care of their own business and cut the high stuff.) And it's about who will take over after her.

And it is about seers making hints that maybe Dafne has a future too. Yay, I can not wait. Especially since book 4s blurb sure seems interesting. No, it has nothing to do with that premise that I love, fine, yes it has everything to do with that premise.

(edit, reading this later and I have NO idea what I am talking about)

This is mostly a talking and thinking story. Trying to put the kingdom back together. I just want everyone to be happy though.

Kindle Edition
Expected publication: May 31st 2016
The Twelve Kingdoms #3.6
Fantasy romance
For review

The stories are told in whispers, even after so long:  of a man whose fair rule soured when he attained eternal youth.  Imprisoned by a sorceress wife in a city out of time and place, he has passed into legend.  Few believe in him, and fewer would set their hopes on his mercy.  But Imogen has no choice.  To break the curse that’s isolated her since birth, she’ll find the Undying King—and answer his secrets with her own…

My thoughts:
This should so have been a book! I mean, the ending, was a solid ending, BUT there is danger and I am all then what? More!

Imogen is the daughter of a witch, who is dying, and with her last breath the witch sends Imogen to find the Undying King.

I liked Ceneda, he was so amused by this strange woman showing up in his dead city and calling in a debt.

Duh, of course they start to fall for each other. I liked hearing his story first, that would be quite a book, but I am sure I would not like him. Now, he has mellowed. A bit. And Imogen was so nice. They fit each other well.

But alas there is danger too!

Should totally be a book, or another novella.

Good

Ebook, 150ish pages
Expected publication: May 31st 2016
Fantasy romance
For review

..............................................

Ok so that was that duology, but I have this other Kennedy book, that I did review in an anthology, but well here it is again since I had it here to fill space when I did not have the above novella yet, but I then I got it today and read it, and well why delete the other one.

A Story of The Twelve Kingdoms

Nix is nothing. The Princess Natilde—her former waiting woman—attacked her on the journey to wed Prince Cavan, stripping her of everything and taking her place. With no serving skills, Nix becomes a goose girl. Perhaps if Nix keeps her promise never to reveal who she really is, Natilde won’t carry out her vile threats. Prince Cavan entered his arranged marriage determined to have a congenial, if not loving relationship with his future queen—for the sake of both their kingdoms. But, his wife repels him more each day and he finds himself absurdly drawn to the lovely Nix.

With broken vows, anguish and dark secrets between them, Cavan and Nix struggle to find the magic to restore what’s gone terribly wrong… if it ever can be. 

My thoughts:

First, I read this in an anthology so this review is short! Cos I had a lot of other books to talk about.

It was really good and all, but I just read another retelling of the goose girl (like last week), so I was never surprised.

But Natilde is a bitch! And go Nyx!

This takes place in the twelve kingdoms world, but has nothing to do with that trilogy.

ebook
Published March 7th 2016 by Brightlynx Publishing
The Twelve Kingdoms #3.5
Fantasy
Own

Master of Crows - Grace Draven

What would you do to win your freedom? This is the question that sets bondwoman, Martise of Asher, on a dangerous path. In exchange for her freedom, she bargains with her masters, the mage-priests of Conclave, to spy on the renegade sorcerer, Silhara of Neith. The priests want Martise to expose the sorcerer's treachery and turn him over to Conclave justice. A risky endeavor, but one she accepts without hesitation--until she falls in love with her intended target.

Silhara of Neith, Master of Crows, is a desperate man. The god called Corruption invades his mind, seducing him with promises of limitless power if he will help it gain dominion over the world. Silhara struggles against Corruption's influence and searches for ways to destroy the god. When Conclave sends Martise as an apprentice to help him, he knows she's a spy. Now he fights a war on two fronts--against the god who would possess him and the apprentice who would betray him.

Mage and spy search together for a ritual that will annihilate Corruption, but in doing so, they discover secrets about each other that may damn them both. Silhara must decide if his fate, and the fate of nations, is worth the soul of the woman he has come to love, and Martise must choose continued enslavement or freedom at the cost of a man's life. And love. 

My thoughts:

I compared. I know! Silly silly me. But I had just read Radiance, and I loved the banter and easy comradeship between the two characters. While here, I compared and found it not as good.

Silhara was kind of an a-hole a lot of the time.

Martise was meak. Ok so yes she was a slave, but then at times she talked back. if she truly was a slave that would have gotten her beaten before. She kind of went from timid to extreme. Oh and worst spy ever, she did not even try.

The worldbuilding was missing.

I am all negative now. But the characters were still interesting. The story still good. I just compared, and compared. 

I did like the God bits, or Gods. That was interesting.

Conclusion:

A light fantasy romance with the emphasis on romance, and a bit of passion. So yes good, but not as good as Radiance. See, still comparing! 

Cover

Good

ebook, 276 pages
Published July 13th 2009 by Amber Quill Press
Master of Crows #1
Fantasy romance
Own

Radiance - Grace Draven

Brishen Khaskem, prince of the Kai, has lived content as the nonessential spare heir to a throne secured many times over. A trade and political alliance between the human kingdom of Gaur and the Kai kingdom of Bast-Haradis requires that he marry a Gauri woman to seal the treaty. Always a dutiful son, Brishen agrees to the marriage and discovers his bride is as ugly as he expected and more beautiful than he could have imagined. 

Ildiko, niece of the Gauri king, has always known her only worth to the royal family lay in a strategic marriage. Resigned to her fate, she is horrified to learn that her intended groom isn’t just a foreign aristocrat but the younger prince of a people neither familiar nor human. Bound to her new husband, Ildiko will leave behind all she’s known to embrace a man shrouded in darkness but with a soul forged by light. 

Two people brought together by the trappings of duty and politics will discover they are destined for each other, even as the powers of a hostile kingdom scheme to tear them apart. 

My thoughts:

I liked the humour in this one. The things they said to each other made me snort.

He thought she looked like a boiled mollusk. Her smile reminded him of a horse. Her eyes freaked him out. She said she would have clobbered him if she met him in the night. His smile was the stuff of nightmares and he looked like a dead eel. LOL.

Now you go all whaat? But trust me it was funny! You see they came from different races. So to him she was a pink ugly thing. And to her he was a grey monster. But they talked even if they found each other hideous. They tried not to smile too much (cos that was scary). They liked how the other person was on the inside. You have to love that. They found each other's company soothing. They had their nicknames for each other in good spirit. And they fitted so well together, they just had to get past the ugly exterior first.

Two countries. A prince from one, a niece of a king from each other. Marry. Try to like each other. Two cultures that are different in every way, and the food stuff again made me snort. They have a long way to go and it was hardest on Ildiko because she is the one that has to live in this new country where that race are up at nights cos the sun hurts their eyes. I liked her spirit, and I loved his acceptance.

But there are dangers too. Everyone is not happy with this alliance. And in the shadows there is a bigger threat. One that made me go all noooo! at the end. The next book will be brutal on my poor feelings. I just know it! My poor feelings!

Conclusion:

It does end well, but yes that evilness on the horizon. I do wonder how it all will play out. I'd recommend it to romance and fantasy fans. It's so amusing

Cover

ok

Kindle Edition, 297 pages
Published January 13th 2015 by Grace Draven
Wraith Kings #1
Fantasy romance
Own