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The Everlasting Circle (Everlast #3)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
<b><i>I received this book for free from Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.</i></b>
Well, it’s about bleeping time – okay, that probably sounds a tad bit rude (my language was totally in check).

Anyways, it’s been two – two! – years since the second book came out, and I’m kind of over the top excited to return to the world Juliana Haygert built several years ago.

The greatest thing Haygert provides at the very beginning of bringing us back to the world of Everlast is a recap of the first two books up to the point of preparing for war with Imha and Omi (among others). There’s also a lot of tension between Micah and Nadine from the second book carrying over to the final book, and I have to say… I don’t really mind the tension. After Micah got his own novella back in the Cup of Life, I kind of have a fondness for him and it was an absolute delight to take some peeks into Micah’s mind in The Everlasting Circle.

The last book in the Everlast trilogy brings a nice close to the entire series with a HEA and many, if not all, questions from the prior books answered.

<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/mini-reviews-part-1-emily-skrutskie-marie-lu-and-others/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
  
The Forgotten Kingdom (The Lost Queen Trilogy #2)
The Forgotten Kingdom (The Lost Queen Trilogy #2)
Signe Pike | 2020 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Better than book 1
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The opinions are entirely my own, and any quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.

The Forgotten Kingdom by Signe Pike is the 2nd novel in The Lost Queen Trilogy. To give a fair review, I read the first book, The Lost Queen.

This novel is told by 3 points of view, unlike the 1st novel, which had two. We continue to follow Langoureth and Lailoken and are introduced to Langoureth's daughter, Angharad.

The Forgotten Kingdom opens with Languoreth still locked in her chamber, awaiting news of her husband and son who have ridden to wage war with her brother, the love of her life, and the rest of the Dragon Warriors. While you could start reading the trilogy with this part, Pike beautifully sets up the world, allies, and enemies in book one. Reading it would give a clear understanding of the actions in book two.

Rarely does it happen, but I enjoyed this sequel more than book one. Pike's writing is detailed but not overly done. She built a vibrant world that is as magical as the characters within.

Unlike book one, the story could end after book 2, but with the introduction of Arthur to Merlin, who would want it to stop? Goodreads does not list a release date for book three.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 9/24/20.
  
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Book
Daughter of Smoke & Bone (Book 1)
By Laini Taylor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reread

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

When you start a book and realise you have already read it but continue because it was so good! Well this was better the second time round. All the emotions came flooding back and I love that a book can have that effect on you. Rereading Karou and Akivas story was just as enjoyable as the first time the world building and story is just beautiful. I really like this authors style.
  
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Book
One Enchanted Evening ( The Buckingham Hotel book 1)
By Anton DuBeke


London, 1936.

Inside the spectacular Grand Ballroom of the exclusive Buckingham Hotel the rich and powerful, politicians, film stars, even royalty, rub shoulders with Raymond de Guise and his troupe of talented dancers from all around the world, who must enchant them, captivate them, and sweep away their cares. Accustomed to waltzing with the highest of society, Raymond knows a secret from his past could threaten all he holds dear.

Nancy Nettleton, new chambermaid at the Buckingham, finds hotel life a struggle after leaving her small hometown. She dreams of joining the dancers on the ballroom floor as she watches, unseen, from behind plush curtains and hidden doorways. She soon discovers everyone at the Buckingham - guests and staff alike - has something to hide . . .

The storm clouds of war are gathering, and beneath the glitz and glamour of the ballroom lurks an irresistible world of scandal and secrets.

Let's dance . . .

Well I was not expecting that! I loved this book the only reason I put it down was to sleep! I never in a million years would have picked this book up as I’m not a huge fan of the author but it came to me through a surprise subscription and I’m so glad I decided to read it! Set in an era I adore with all the glitz and glamour as well as little dark little secrets of the characters that make them human. I really recommend this to anyone who likes 1930s drama settings.
  
Dragon Speaker (The Shadow War Saga #1)
Dragon Speaker (The Shadow War Saga #1)
Elana A. Mugdan | 2018 | Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Dragon Speaker (The Shadow War Saga #1) by Elana A. Mugdan
Dragon Speaker is the first book in The Shadow War Saga, and we have DRAGONS, people!!! You know how I love me a dragon, and Thorion is just perfect. I want him for myself, which sucks because he's already bonded with Keriya, and he's fictional! Still, you know what I mean!

This is classed as young adult, but to be honest, I think 'some' young adults might be a bit confused as this world is complex, to say the least. Personally, I loved it, but then I'm as far from a young adult as you can get!

Keriya is fourteen, and hasn't had an easy time of it. Her village is superstitious, to say the least, and she has no magic, which makes her lower than low to them. When she goes on her vision quest, she is helped by Shivnath, their Dragon God. Shivnath tells Keriya what she must do, but gives no clues as to how to do it. This leads to an amazing story as Keriya tries to figure just who she can trust, and what she should do. She is helped by Fletcher, her best friend, and Roxanne, someone who got dragged into it by accident. It was great to see these relationships change and alter as the story went on.

There are romantic elements to this story, but it definitely takes second place behind the main part of the story. Plus, she's FOURTEEN!!! This was an amazing story that I devoured, and I can't wait to read more. Absolutely recommended by me.

* 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!
  
Flawed Angel (The Fall #1)
Flawed Angel (The Fall #1)
J. J. Dean | 2020 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
162 of 200
Kindle
Flawed Angel ( The Fall book 1)
By J.J. Dean

When war breaks out between the angels, Luna Grayson finds herself with a one way ticket to exile. Thrown off her pedestal next to her creator and banished to live her eternal life among the humans she so admired, Luna crash lands on Earth as punishment for refusing to choose between God and Lucifer.

Since her banishment, Luna has lived through multitude of eras, trends and countless changes the world has made since Falling. She's also spent most of her existence on Earth alone, her café owning best friend and Brutus the horse sized dog her only exceptions.

Content on blending amongst the flawed humans with her only friend by her side, it comes as a huge surprise when her life is invaded by four angels all with an agenda: to finally make her choose. With another war on the horizon, the angels are sent from both sides to convince her to pick between Heaven or Hell, the four angels tasked with coaxing Luna to their side. Only, they didn't consider that Luna's first choice would be her only.

Luna's life on Earth quickly finds itself threatened by outside sources, both good and evil determined to drag the fallen angel to their side. Despite their efforts, Luna is determined to remain on Earth, for the humans aren't the only beings who are flawed. And Luna is perfectly happy being a Flawed Angel.


I really really enjoyed this book! It had a good strong female lead some super hunky men and sexual tension you could cut with a knife! The writing style flowed so nicely! I enjoyed the whole heaven and hell fighting for her support especially now she’s become more powerful. I think as the series goes on it will get a lot better!
  
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Merissa (11651 KP) rated Elemental Claim (War of the Myth #1) in Books

Feb 27, 2018 (Updated Jul 3, 2023)  
Elemental Claim (War of the Myth #1)
Elemental Claim (War of the Myth #1)
Miranda Grant | 2017 | Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
9.0 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
Elemental Claim (War of the Myth #1) by Miranda Grant
ELEMENTAL CLAIM is the first book in the War of the Myth series. It starts off action-packed and remains the same throughout. Told from multiple points of view, we gain insights into the human world, the gods, the WALL, elementarists, descendants, angels, hellhounds, you name it and it is probably in here. It starts with a case of mistaken identity, a 'Mission Gemini' if you will. Emma soon realises that she doesn't really know her sister that well after all. Still, her protective instincts as an older sibling remain in full force, so she will do all she can to save her - even if that means allowing Rogan and his friends to kidnap her.

As I said, this book is full of action and doesn't stop. Emma slowly grows into her powers, but there is definitely still room for more. There are other characters in here that I would love to know about. Xeno, for example. She is the angel only a few years from falling. Her health is failing, and her powers waning. And then suddenly, towards the end of the book, she starts healing. What?! I need to know more. What caused her health to degenerate in the first place, and why is she now healing? And will she and Hunter ever get together? Seriously, I need answers!

This was a well-written book, although there were a few spelling errors that jolted me when I read it. Nothing major, just examples like wanning instead of waning, or severe instead of sever. Certainly not enough to spoil the flow of the story, but enough for me to notice. On the whole, this was a brilliant book, with great world-building, and lots of characters to like, love, or loathe. Absolutely recommended by me, and I can't wait to continue with the series.

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

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Feb 27, 2018
  
The Shadow Reigns (Witch-Hunter, #2)
The Shadow Reigns (Witch-Hunter, #2)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The second part of the Witch-Hunter series.

The world has been thrown into darkness by the Shadow Witch&#039;s revolution. The witch-hunters are scattered, but still strong. The race is now on to gather allies and win the war.
New enemies will arise; loyalties will be pushed to the limit. And an important question will be answered: can a witch-hunter that practices magic ever be trusted, or will he be persecuted?
It is said that &#039;love conquers all&#039;, but this twisted love must stay secret, locked away with the past.

The Shadow Reigns is the sequel to book 1 The Shadow Rises in K.S. Marsden’s the witch hunter trilogy.
In the second instalment of the Witch-Hunter trilogy we find the world dealing with the catastrophic aftermath of the witches’ revolution. The remaining witch-hunters and the army form an alliance to plot the downfall of the powerful Shadow Witch and her followers.
I really like what the author has done with the plot twists in this one.
Hunter is embracing his newly realized anti-magic abilities. Hunter and his companions are searching for MMC survivors.
I found this one witty but also gritty.
The characters are so engaging and can just picture them in my mind.
The story and plot so well done and kept me on the edge of my seat!
Loved also the descriptive imagery of the landscape and also the magic.
Such a wonderful book.
Highly recommend reading!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
  
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Descent ( Immortal chronicles book 1)
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
109 of 230
Kindle
Descent ( Immortal Chronicles book 1)
By Sloane Murphy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Six hundred years after The Outbreak, the human population stand side by side with the Fae & the Vampyrs to stop the Demon King from starting a second Dark War.
Seventeen year old Adelaide Tate is in her last year of the Academy, with her eyes set on becoming part of the Red Guard.
Who cares that no female has ever joined?
When a dark force develops an unhealthy liking for her, Adelaide needs to fight for her life and figure out what makes her so different from the others.
Betrayal. Fear. Anger.
She must overcome it all in order to turn her world the right way around again.
Adelaide has one choice. Accept the help offered to her by Xander Bane, or face the Demon Hoard alone.
One thing is for sure. The descent will be bloody.

That had me totally engrossed it was a cross between Lauren Kates Fallen and the House of night series by PC Cast. I really enjoyed it. It had me remembering how much I enjoyed this YAs. It may not be perfect but I found it really enjoyable and looking forward the next book. The only thing stopped it being a 5⭐️ was I saw the ending coming!
  
Allegiant (2016)
Allegiant (2016)
2016 | Action, Romance, Sci-Fi
The third film in the popular “Divergent” series is here and will follow the pattern of recent book based films of splitting the finale into two films. In “The Divergent Series: Allegiant Part 1”, we catch up with Tris (Shailene Woodley), and Four (Theo James), shortly after the events of the previous film.

The wall has been opened and residents seek to leave the city and see what lies beyond. This is cut short when a power grab arises as Four’s mother is putting people on trial for supporting the last regime and executions or a common place as mob mentality has arisen.

Risking it all, Tris, Four, and a few companions make a daring brake and discover a wasteland beyond the wall before being taken in by a seemingly ideal community under the leadership of David (Jeff Daniels). It is learned that via sophisticated technology, they have watched Tris and the others as well as their society for ages as they were conducting a social experiment to undo evils of the previous world which lead to war.

Tris is highly prized as she is seen as genetically pure and David hopes to find out why and how so it can be replicated for the betterment of humanity. Naturally things are not always as they appear and before long, Tris, Four, and the others are forced to pick sides especially with a civil war brewing back at home.

The movie has some decent visuals but relies on the characters to carry the film. In many ways this is the downfall of the film as Woodley simply does not emote and James is very one-dimensional. Only Miles Teller and Jeff Daniels show any real or sustained emotion throughout the film.

There is also the matter of plot holes such as a society which amazing surveillance technology but they could not see a fairly obvious and common effort used during the finale of the film.

The movie is setting up the finale which hopefully will bring some advancement and satisfying closure to the series and characters. For now the film is a flawed but at times entertaining entry which should keep fans happy until the final film arrives.

http://sknr.net/2016/03/18/divergent-series-allegiant-part-1/