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Sophia (Bookwyrming Thoughts) (530 KP) rated Spark in Books

Jan 23, 2020

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Spark has such an awkward tension at the beginning, but it is so worth the reading in order to see all of the characters grow by the end of the story. All of the characters in the Advanced Drama class - Quin, Dylan, Cass - are considered to be outsiders compared to their classmates at Verona High. But when Quin's mother decides to revive the old Avery Theater, Quin and her drama class members are all placed in roles they aren't actually comfortable with.

Overall, I love the magic Schindler weaves into her latest book, blending fantasy and contemporary seemlessly and bringing theater to life.

<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/blog-tour-spark-by-holly-schindler-arc-review-and-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>

Kudos

Hiraeth

Morgan Sheppard

9.3 (3 Ratings) Rate It

Book

Ellis Clarke has never felt at home anywhere, always feeling a sense of nostalgia for somewhere that...

Contemporary Romance Fantasy Dragons

Monster Manual (Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition)

8.4 (33 Ratings) Rate It

Tabletop Game

A menagerie of deadly monsters for the world’s greatest roleplaying game The Monster Manual...

dungeons and dragons roleplay rpg dnd d&d 5e

Hazel (1853 KP) rated Immortal Writers in Books

Dec 17, 2018

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review 

Words are the most powerful form of magic. Jill Bowers creates a unique fantasy concept in this soon to be published adventure novel. When Immortal Writers begins, the genre is similar to many contemporary novels: characters living normal day-to-day lives. Eighteen-year-old Liz has just landed back in her hometown after touring to promote her new novel, the next in a popular fantasy series that won her the Best Young Fantasy Award. All she wants is to return to her apartment and go to bed, so being kidnapped was not part of her plan. Especially not being kidnapped by the formidable William Shakespeare.

What Liz and readers both learn next is a brilliant, awe-inspiring idea. Imagine that all the world’s most famous authors were immortal and lived together in a magical castle manipulated by the science fiction novelists. That is what Liz suddenly has to come to terms with. Although she is only young, her books show so much potential that she is already initiated into the Immortal Writers. But it is not only legendary writers inhabiting this fortress. When an author becomes immortal, their characters become real. Liz is shocked to come face to face with the handsome hero of her story as well as a few of her supporting characters. However that is not all that has crossed over into reality.

As well as the goodies, the evil characters have also been brought into the world. Kenric, Liz’s antagonist, has hidden himself nearby with hundreds of dragons. He wants dominion over the entire planet and the only person that can stop him is Liz herself. So begins an adventure of learning to use magic, sword fights, dragon attacks and inevitable, heart wrenching causalities.
As a writer, Jill Bowers has not quite got the level of standard that the top authors have achieved. This is evident from the lack of description and awkwardness of the prose throughout the first few chapters. Once the storyline is well under way it becomes a lot easier to read; whether her writing improves is debatable, but her imagination captures the readers attention and provides a thoroughly entertaining narrative.

It is not solely the plot, characters and action that will stay in readers’ minds – the overall concept is fantastic. Who would not want their favourite authors to live forever? I would love to meet a William Shakespeare who has adapted himself to modern day living. Even more exciting is the possibility of meeting fictional characters. Each reader is bound to start daydreaming about which of their most loved books they would like to become real. How great would it be to meet Harry Potter, or see a unicorn, or eat some chocolate made by Willy Wonka, or… the possibilities are endless.

Immortal Writers is the first novel in a series so there will be more books that focus on this amazing idea. From the preview at the end of this copy, it appears that the following book will be about different authors/characters, therefore will provide a whole new outline to wrap our heads around.

Fantasy fans should definitely seek out this series. The writing may not exactly be up to par, but the general storyline is unquestionably worth it. Encompassing, contemporary, adventure and romance genres, Immortal Writers is an incredible fantasy story based in the “real” world.

Kudos

Merissa (13521 KP) rated Naked Choke (More Than A Cowboy #1) in Books

May 23, 2023

I will start this review by stating that it takes something to get me to read and review Contemporary. I don't know why, but I'm more Paranormal or Fantasy. However, something about this synopsis caught my eye and I decided to give it a go. I am very glad that I did!

To start with, Emory is in her late 30s and has all the doubts that go with that, especially when she is out in the field for the first time in a long time. Stuck talking to someone she has absolutely no interest in, she is more than happy when the man who caught her eye before, comes to her rescue.

On the surface, Gray and Emory probably don't make the most obvious couple. However, I loved their every interaction as they melded together in more ways than one. They completed each other perfectly, which set my sappy heart racing!

Fast-paced, romantic, hot, and with a dash of mystery and suspense thrown in, this is one contemporary novel that hooked me from the first page, much to my surprise and delight. I will definitely be reading more of Vanessa Vale's work - just in the name of research, of course 😉

Absolutely and definitely recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 24, 2016