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Of Sea and Stone (Secrets of Itlantis #1)
Of Sea and Stone (Secrets of Itlantis #1)
Kate Avery Ellison | 2014 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I won't give you a rundown of the story, you can get that from the synopsis. However, what I will say is that the author has done a simply amazing job with her characters. They are all incredibly 'life-like' and have their own temper tantrums and foibles. Aemi is real - she's not larger-than-life or superhero material. She's a girl in a hard situation that gets worse before it gets better. She has her doubts, her hopes, her fears and her dreams.

I have to say that amongst the characters you are supposed to like, there isn't one that I don't; all the characters that you are meant to dislike, I do. To be drawn into each and every character in such a way makes it wonderful for the reader. Yes, some readers might want to make their own minds up but for me, to be able to connect, like or dislike and empathise with the characters means that the author has done an amazing job of making them come alive for me.

The plot is well-written and well-paced. Questions are asked throughout the book and most of them get answered when the timing is right. There are still some questions left for the next book, By Sun and Saltwater. Aemi herself, Nol, Kit, Lyssia, Tob, Merelus, and Mella all have stories still (I hope!) to tell which I need to read.

Recommended to all Fantasy fans of any age.
 
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

September 10, 2016
  
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Morgan Sheppard (951 KP) created a post

Sep 21, 2022 (Updated Sep 21, 2022)  
And it's LIVE! Happy Release Day to me.

The ebook is available now in the #KU program. Apologies if you are waiting for the paperback and hardcover versions. Amazon are taking their time with those.

A kingdom in mourning… Six Princes turned dark in their grief… One maiden holds hope to save them.

Selene, the Swan Herder for the kingdom of Melthkior, once filled her days in the company of the Royal Family. She grew up as a companion for the Princes of the kingdom, and they enjoyed close friendships. But when the Queen died during the birth of her sixth son, everything changed. The King fell into mourning, and the Princes turned dark and cruel in their grief.

Now, as a maiden, Selene must endure the brutal mockery and abuse from those she once called friends. Her only allies are her beautiful swans and those on the kitchen staff who love her. Until the mysterious Conway appears and seems determined to be a part of her life.

Conway is fascinated by the girl with the silver hair and dismayed by how she is treated. He welcomes her into his heart, and Selene slowly begins to trust what she feels is real.

Can Conway show her a different way of life, or will she stay stuck in a cycle of suffering? And when the Gods become involved, a curse strikes the six Princes of Melthkior. Will Selene choose to help them, or leave them to their fate?

#FairytaleRetelling
#BrothersGrimm
#WelshGods
#Fantasy
#Romance
 
Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60580281-sealed-with-a-curse
Smashbomb Link: https://smashbomb.com/s/sealed-with-a-curse
Universal Purchase Link: https://books2read.com/SealedwithaCurse
     
The Testament of Gideon Mack
The Testament of Gideon Mack
James Robertson | 2007 | Fiction & Poetry
10
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Funny, weird, well written, brilliant (0 more)
Nothing (0 more)
Gideon meets the Devil and he's not quite what he expected
This was a really good read. The novel is written in the style of a memoir and is pretty convincing. There are layers and layers of myths and legends throughout the novel and truth and lies become so merged that the reader is left wondering about the clarity of the protagonist and the statements and evidence of the editor and journalist who represent the story. The novel explores the life of Gideon Mack, who, like his father become a minister of the Christian church. Gideon however, has no real faith in god until his accident leads him on a journey of discovery in which he claims he meets the devil.
I thought the description of the devil was excellent and the significance of the shoes has baffled me a little, however, it may be the old, 'What is it like to walk in my shoes', I am undecided. I thought the book was well written and kept me hooked until the end. Good plot, good narrative voice and convincing read.