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Merissa (12066 KP) rated A Destiny Reborn (Prevent the Past #2) in Books
Apr 28, 2023
A DESTINY REBORN is the second book in the Prevent the Past series. This time, instead of going back to 2035, we go even further and land in 2002. Claire and Cyrus have very little and only each other to count on. So what do they do?
Well, Claire gets kidnapped, for a start. And does she need rescuing? Hell no! This beauty rescues herself with a pair of fingernail clippers (absolutely inspired!!!) She is a total badass in this book and I loved her for it. I also loved how protective over her Cyrus was. Even when he denied her, it was only because he wanted the best for her. I'm just glad Claire wore him down and helped him realise just what he'd be missing.
Once again full of plot twists, there was one that made me sad - the one about Claire's daughter. Claire thought she was doing something amazing for the timeline - and she did for Marie, but when it came out just exactly how her daughter would help in the future, it broke me a little. I'm sincerely hoping Ms Hefner will pull another rabbit out of the hat and give me a different version!
I can't wait to read the final in this trilogy to see it all come together. A brilliant addition to the series.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 27, 2023
Well, Claire gets kidnapped, for a start. And does she need rescuing? Hell no! This beauty rescues herself with a pair of fingernail clippers (absolutely inspired!!!) She is a total badass in this book and I loved her for it. I also loved how protective over her Cyrus was. Even when he denied her, it was only because he wanted the best for her. I'm just glad Claire wore him down and helped him realise just what he'd be missing.
Once again full of plot twists, there was one that made me sad - the one about Claire's daughter. Claire thought she was doing something amazing for the timeline - and she did for Marie, but when it came out just exactly how her daughter would help in the future, it broke me a little. I'm sincerely hoping Ms Hefner will pull another rabbit out of the hat and give me a different version!
I can't wait to read the final in this trilogy to see it all come together. A brilliant addition to the series.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Apr 27, 2023
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Liar by Nicola Lowe in Books
Jun 14, 2022
LIAR is the first book by this author I have read and, if she continues with the trilogy as she wants to, it won't be the last! I don't usually read demons/angels but something about this blurb pulled me in, and I'm so very glad it did.
I read a lot of PNR so am no stranger to insta-love. But in this case, Ben rubbed me the wrong way from the very beginning and I couldn't say why as he appeared to be perfectly nice. Anwir, on the other hand, is not a nice demon. He is selfish and treats others very harshly. He changes when he meets Amber. Does that make up for his past? No, not at all, but it does show there is a chance for change.
I would have liked a bit more about the personalities of the three main characters. The focus appeared to be on hair/eye colour etc., more than other attributes. There are also other parts that appear to have been left open-ended so I'm really hoping to have my questions answered in future books.
Overall, this was a great read that kept my attention. I can't wait to see where things go next. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
I read a lot of PNR so am no stranger to insta-love. But in this case, Ben rubbed me the wrong way from the very beginning and I couldn't say why as he appeared to be perfectly nice. Anwir, on the other hand, is not a nice demon. He is selfish and treats others very harshly. He changes when he meets Amber. Does that make up for his past? No, not at all, but it does show there is a chance for change.
I would have liked a bit more about the personalities of the three main characters. The focus appeared to be on hair/eye colour etc., more than other attributes. There are also other parts that appear to have been left open-ended so I'm really hoping to have my questions answered in future books.
Overall, this was a great read that kept my attention. I can't wait to see where things go next. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2204 KP) rated Once Upon Another Time in Books
Apr 7, 2022
A Second Magical Remix of Fairytales
Lena is small for a giant, but she is still ready to participate in her first Ritual of the Spark ceremony. However, when she does go, things don’t go the way she thought they would, and she finds herself running to visit her friends in the Cursed City. Meanwhile, Jin, a genie in training, finds himself on a mission for his current master, the Golden King. The king is trying to capture the Last Knight, the leaders of the rebels, and his current hiding place is supposed to be the Cursed City. What will happen when both Lena and Jin get there?
I’ve been reading author James Riley since his first book came out, and when I found out he was returning to that world for a new trilogy, I was thrilled. This book stands on its own, although there are a few references to things from the earlier books. We alternate chapters from Lena and Jin’s points-of-view, so we get to know them both well. I liked them and several of the other characters here. The further into the book I read, the more I was hooked on the story as the characters faced more obstacles. With that ending, I’m glad the next is coming out this fall. The target middle grade audience will love this series, and anyone looking for a fun take on familiar characters will be glad they picked it up no matter what their age.
I’ve been reading author James Riley since his first book came out, and when I found out he was returning to that world for a new trilogy, I was thrilled. This book stands on its own, although there are a few references to things from the earlier books. We alternate chapters from Lena and Jin’s points-of-view, so we get to know them both well. I liked them and several of the other characters here. The further into the book I read, the more I was hooked on the story as the characters faced more obstacles. With that ending, I’m glad the next is coming out this fall. The target middle grade audience will love this series, and anyone looking for a fun take on familiar characters will be glad they picked it up no matter what their age.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Sink or Swim: Part One (Aria & the Seven Seas, #1) in Books
Nov 15, 2022
Aria's back... and she's TROUBLE!
SINK OR SWIM is Aria's story. Well, the first part of it at least. We first met her in the Wildeward Academy series but you don't need to have read those - although I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you do!
Aria is happy with her life Topside, performing with her band and getting sustenance that way. When she is summoned back to the Deep, she has no idea what's going to happen.
Oh, man. What a start! Aria is a blast, always has been, always will be. I couldn't figure out just how she would settle down, but Ms Blythe hasn't let me down! Instead of one mate, Aria is going to have multiple. They'll need each other too, to keep her appetite fed.
It's not all fun and games though, oh no. We have assassination attempts, political intrigue, slimy want-to-punch-them-in-the-face characters, as well as our wannabe Royal Pod. We've met two for sure, probably three of the heirs, and I'm hoping we meet the others soon.
A brilliant start to the trilogy with a favourite character of mine from Wildeward. I really need to read them again! I think I'll finish Aria's story first though. Do I recommend this book? You betcha! Absolutely loved it and can't wait for more.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Aria is happy with her life Topside, performing with her band and getting sustenance that way. When she is summoned back to the Deep, she has no idea what's going to happen.
Oh, man. What a start! Aria is a blast, always has been, always will be. I couldn't figure out just how she would settle down, but Ms Blythe hasn't let me down! Instead of one mate, Aria is going to have multiple. They'll need each other too, to keep her appetite fed.
It's not all fun and games though, oh no. We have assassination attempts, political intrigue, slimy want-to-punch-them-in-the-face characters, as well as our wannabe Royal Pod. We've met two for sure, probably three of the heirs, and I'm hoping we meet the others soon.
A brilliant start to the trilogy with a favourite character of mine from Wildeward. I really need to read them again! I think I'll finish Aria's story first though. Do I recommend this book? You betcha! Absolutely loved it and can't wait for more.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
ClareR (5726 KP) rated The House with the Golden Door in Books
Dec 13, 2022
Amara’s story in The House with the Golden Door picks up where The Wolf Den ended. Amara now lives in a house provided by her patron, Rufus, and she must cater to his every whim, even though she’s a freed woman. He provides all that she needs to live - without him, she may as well return to the Wolf Den.
But Amara feels a responsibility to free or buy the friends she has left behind.
I loved the world building in this book. And even though she’s supposedly free, she is still constrained by her sex and status. Being a woman doesn’t seem like much fun at any point in history. Whilst Roman women may have had more rights than many others, I struggled to see any advantages. Whilst I live reading about history, I have NO wish to travel back in time. Only men could do that in relative safety, I think. And I’m happy with my antibiotics and my rights, thanks!
So Amara decides to work with her strengths, and continues to sing for money with Victoria and two slaves that she buys with the help of a friend.
It becomes apparent though, that Rufus is becoming bored with Amara, and she starts playing a dangerous game.
I seriously can’t wait until the third part of this trilogy. You just know that there’s going to be a pretty BIG event coming up (Vesuvius, anyone?!), and I’m desperate to know how this all plays out.
Highly recommended.
But Amara feels a responsibility to free or buy the friends she has left behind.
I loved the world building in this book. And even though she’s supposedly free, she is still constrained by her sex and status. Being a woman doesn’t seem like much fun at any point in history. Whilst Roman women may have had more rights than many others, I struggled to see any advantages. Whilst I live reading about history, I have NO wish to travel back in time. Only men could do that in relative safety, I think. And I’m happy with my antibiotics and my rights, thanks!
So Amara decides to work with her strengths, and continues to sing for money with Victoria and two slaves that she buys with the help of a friend.
It becomes apparent though, that Rufus is becoming bored with Amara, and she starts playing a dangerous game.
I seriously can’t wait until the third part of this trilogy. You just know that there’s going to be a pretty BIG event coming up (Vesuvius, anyone?!), and I’m desperate to know how this all plays out.
Highly recommended.
41 of 230
Kindle
Secret of Magic: Rebels & Spies ( Academy of Falling Kingdom book 2)
By Marisa Mills and Drake Mason
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The good news: I miraculously survived a would-be fatal fall.
The bad news: A demon helped me do it.
The worst news: Prince Alexander saw everything.
Reverie is supposed to be paradise -- but the power holding the floating city aloft isn't holy; it's demonic. Now demons are attacking my classmates -- and I think they're targeting me. If we can't find the source behind the attacks, the entire kingdom could be in danger of falling from the sky.
And Alexander knows I'm a fraud.
I came to Reverie to steal something. Now I need Alexander to steal something, too. Because he has one thing I never will; the trust of the king.
But can I convince him to exploit his father's trust to save his people? Or will Alexander tell the world who I really am?
The Secret of Magic is a young adult fantasy adventure full of monsters, murder and romantic intrigue. Fans who enjoyed Rachel Carter’s Black Mage series and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy will love this sprawling magic academy!
I loved it! From surviving the fall to the very last chapter I found it interesting and just wanted to keep reading. I knew her true identity it was kind of obvious I was just willing it along until Wynter found out too! Looking forward to seeing where they all go from here.
Kindle
Secret of Magic: Rebels & Spies ( Academy of Falling Kingdom book 2)
By Marisa Mills and Drake Mason
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The good news: I miraculously survived a would-be fatal fall.
The bad news: A demon helped me do it.
The worst news: Prince Alexander saw everything.
Reverie is supposed to be paradise -- but the power holding the floating city aloft isn't holy; it's demonic. Now demons are attacking my classmates -- and I think they're targeting me. If we can't find the source behind the attacks, the entire kingdom could be in danger of falling from the sky.
And Alexander knows I'm a fraud.
I came to Reverie to steal something. Now I need Alexander to steal something, too. Because he has one thing I never will; the trust of the king.
But can I convince him to exploit his father's trust to save his people? Or will Alexander tell the world who I really am?
The Secret of Magic is a young adult fantasy adventure full of monsters, murder and romantic intrigue. Fans who enjoyed Rachel Carter’s Black Mage series and Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy will love this sprawling magic academy!
I loved it! From surviving the fall to the very last chapter I found it interesting and just wanted to keep reading. I knew her true identity it was kind of obvious I was just willing it along until Wynter found out too! Looking forward to seeing where they all go from here.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Vital Found ( Evelyn Maynard trilogy book 2) in Books
Dec 28, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
215 of 250
Kindle
Vital Found (The Evelyn Maynard trilogy book 2)
By Kaydence Snow
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Bradford Hills feels more like home than any other place Evelyn Maynard and her mother lived while on the run. But with everyone reeling from the violent clash between Variants and humans, her new home doesn't feel safe any more.
Navigating four increasingly complicated supernatural bonds in secret doesn't help. Ethan and Josh can't keep their hands off her. Tyler is supportive, but continues to keep her at arm's length. Alec has both saved and destroyed her yet seems oblivious to the turmoil he's caused.
As tensions between Variants and humans continue to escalate, dark and dangerous secrets keep creating seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Who's kidnapping Vitals?
What was Evelyn's mom running from?
Will it ever be safe for Evelyn to go public with her true identity?
More deadly answers are coming, whether she's ready for them or not.
It was good!! This is the second book and mainly concentrated on Evelyn’s relationship with each of the men in her bond and getting them so they were all synced up! She’s trying to deal with this as well as finding a friend, finding out more about her mother which also reveals who her father was! Then dealing with betrayal on top of it all. Lots going on to keep you interested plus we finally get those scenes that have caused so much sexual frustration between the group. Highly recommended.
Kindle
Vital Found (The Evelyn Maynard trilogy book 2)
By Kaydence Snow
Once read a review will be written via Smashbomb and link posted in comments
Bradford Hills feels more like home than any other place Evelyn Maynard and her mother lived while on the run. But with everyone reeling from the violent clash between Variants and humans, her new home doesn't feel safe any more.
Navigating four increasingly complicated supernatural bonds in secret doesn't help. Ethan and Josh can't keep their hands off her. Tyler is supportive, but continues to keep her at arm's length. Alec has both saved and destroyed her yet seems oblivious to the turmoil he's caused.
As tensions between Variants and humans continue to escalate, dark and dangerous secrets keep creating seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Who's kidnapping Vitals?
What was Evelyn's mom running from?
Will it ever be safe for Evelyn to go public with her true identity?
More deadly answers are coming, whether she's ready for them or not.
It was good!! This is the second book and mainly concentrated on Evelyn’s relationship with each of the men in her bond and getting them so they were all synced up! She’s trying to deal with this as well as finding a friend, finding out more about her mother which also reveals who her father was! Then dealing with betrayal on top of it all. Lots going on to keep you interested plus we finally get those scenes that have caused so much sexual frustration between the group. Highly recommended.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Whispers of the Walker ( The Gateway Trackers book 1) in Books
Oct 11, 2022
184 of 230
Kindle
Whispers of the Walker ( The Gateway Trackers book 1)
By E. E. Holmes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s been several years since Jess and Hannah Ballard foiled a cataclysmic prophecy that could have destroyed their fellow Durupinen, an ancient clan of women who allow spirits to cross between the worlds of the living and the dead. The girls swore, after the devastation and chaos they endured, they would never get caught up in the inner workings of the Durupinen again.
They were wrong.
After breaking the code of secrecy and facing the judgement of the High Council, Jess and Hannah have no choice but to become Trackers, working to take down those who would exploit the spirit world for profit or power. Their first assignment takes them into the deep South, where Jeremiah Campbell, a self-proclaimed spiritual guru, lures wealthy and desperate devotees with promises of a deeper connection with the dead. As the girls go undercover, it soon becomes clear that Campbell is not merely the con artist they suspected him to be, and that they, and the spirit world they are sworn to protect, are once again in unimaginable danger.
It was good! We pick up with the same characters from The Gateway Trilogy and if you haven’t read those I highly recommend especially before starting this series. It was slight drawn out in a few places but it was good to see where they have all developed. I’m hoping this series is as good as the first this book is definitely on the right track.
Kindle
Whispers of the Walker ( The Gateway Trackers book 1)
By E. E. Holmes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s been several years since Jess and Hannah Ballard foiled a cataclysmic prophecy that could have destroyed their fellow Durupinen, an ancient clan of women who allow spirits to cross between the worlds of the living and the dead. The girls swore, after the devastation and chaos they endured, they would never get caught up in the inner workings of the Durupinen again.
They were wrong.
After breaking the code of secrecy and facing the judgement of the High Council, Jess and Hannah have no choice but to become Trackers, working to take down those who would exploit the spirit world for profit or power. Their first assignment takes them into the deep South, where Jeremiah Campbell, a self-proclaimed spiritual guru, lures wealthy and desperate devotees with promises of a deeper connection with the dead. As the girls go undercover, it soon becomes clear that Campbell is not merely the con artist they suspected him to be, and that they, and the spirit world they are sworn to protect, are once again in unimaginable danger.
It was good! We pick up with the same characters from The Gateway Trilogy and if you haven’t read those I highly recommend especially before starting this series. It was slight drawn out in a few places but it was good to see where they have all developed. I’m hoping this series is as good as the first this book is definitely on the right track.
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Starfolk Falling (The Starfolk Trilogy #2) by Martha Dunlop in Books
Jul 21, 2022 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)
STARFOLK FALLING is the second book in The Starfolk Trilogy and we continue where book one left off. Amelia is still shouting loudly about Soul Snatchers, whilst Jonan, Beth, and the others try to contain the madness.
We learn more about the history and pasts of each of our characters, and figure out just how they worked together - or were supposed to! We are also introduced to new characters who have big roles to play, even if one of them isn't that old.
Amelia is fraying slightly at the edges, which is fair enough considering the torment she is putting others through. I still love Bill and love how he is making her life as miserable as possible! Roland goes through a lot in this book. I'm keeping my fingers crossed he works it out AND Beth is able to help Layla!
Just as much intrigue and suspense in this book but, for me, it flowed a little better. I was able to get lost in the story much quicker than in book one. Maybe it's because I already had the background of the characters. I don't know. All I know is I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the final! Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Jul 17, 2022
We learn more about the history and pasts of each of our characters, and figure out just how they worked together - or were supposed to! We are also introduced to new characters who have big roles to play, even if one of them isn't that old.
Amelia is fraying slightly at the edges, which is fair enough considering the torment she is putting others through. I still love Bill and love how he is making her life as miserable as possible! Roland goes through a lot in this book. I'm keeping my fingers crossed he works it out AND Beth is able to help Layla!
Just as much intrigue and suspense in this book but, for me, it flowed a little better. I was able to get lost in the story much quicker than in book one. Maybe it's because I already had the background of the characters. I don't know. All I know is I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the final! Highly recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* 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!
Jul 17, 2022
Merissa (12066 KP) rated Bishop to Knight One (Diviner's Game #1) in Books
Feb 12, 2021 (Updated Aug 3, 2023)
BISHOP TO KNIGHT ONE is the first book in the Diviner's Game trilogy. We enter the world of myth and magic, with Naiads, Nymphs, Obsidites, Telepaths, you name it.
Deejay takes in the unwanted sons of his sisters but ends up taking in step-sons too. One of these is Matt, supposedly human. Both Deejay and Matt fight their attraction as inappropriate in both the human and non-human worlds. Things come to light that show a ten-year difference will mean absolutely nothing as the years go by.
I loved their slow-burn, hot as hell, romance. This book is simply outstanding and had me gripped from the very beginning. I have my own list of characters that I like and dislike but will admit to being shocked with a twist at the end of this book. I really hope it is explained further in subsequent books as I really don't want to dislike this character, but his actions make me question!!!
I found the pacing to be perfect for the story, with plenty of action and romance to take me from page to page. There is intrigue, betrayal (maybe), curses, and fights. It's all here and I loved every single word.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to continue the series. Bring it on!
* 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 12, 2021
Deejay takes in the unwanted sons of his sisters but ends up taking in step-sons too. One of these is Matt, supposedly human. Both Deejay and Matt fight their attraction as inappropriate in both the human and non-human worlds. Things come to light that show a ten-year difference will mean absolutely nothing as the years go by.
I loved their slow-burn, hot as hell, romance. This book is simply outstanding and had me gripped from the very beginning. I have my own list of characters that I like and dislike but will admit to being shocked with a twist at the end of this book. I really hope it is explained further in subsequent books as I really don't want to dislike this character, but his actions make me question!!!
I found the pacing to be perfect for the story, with plenty of action and romance to take me from page to page. There is intrigue, betrayal (maybe), curses, and fights. It's all here and I loved every single word.
I highly recommend this book and can't wait to continue the series. Bring it on!
* 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 12, 2021