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ClareR (5885 KP) rated The Ghost Theatre in Books
Sep 10, 2023
The Ghost Theatre was one of those books that had me heading straight to Google. I was looking up “Aviscultan religion”. It doesn’t actually exist, but it sounds like it should.
Shay is an Aviscultan, but she is distracted from her home and way of life when she meets Nonesuch and his fellow young thespians at the Blackfriars theatre. She falls in love with him, neglects her failing, blind father, and eventually becomes something of a celebrity when she uses her ability to predict the future for Queen Elizabeth I. Soon, all wealthy Londoners want to see her, and the owner of Blackfriars theatre realises he can make some serious money out of Shay.
This is an exciting story with lots of running-across-rooftops-action, but I thought the real magic was in the descriptions of the narrow London streets, the smells, sights, the people and the animals. The descriptions of the birds, especially that of Devana, Shays falcon friend, truly expressed the wonder and reverence that Shay and her fellow Aviscultans had for all birds - and frankly, I can’t see what would be bad about a belief such as this!
The fact that a rebellion could be stoked by a guerrilla theatre group - a Ghost Theatre - showed the power of art, theatre and stories.
This is a mesmerising book; I was completely immersed in the birds, the magic and the dark London streets. And I didn’t want it to end.
Highly recommended.
Shay is an Aviscultan, but she is distracted from her home and way of life when she meets Nonesuch and his fellow young thespians at the Blackfriars theatre. She falls in love with him, neglects her failing, blind father, and eventually becomes something of a celebrity when she uses her ability to predict the future for Queen Elizabeth I. Soon, all wealthy Londoners want to see her, and the owner of Blackfriars theatre realises he can make some serious money out of Shay.
This is an exciting story with lots of running-across-rooftops-action, but I thought the real magic was in the descriptions of the narrow London streets, the smells, sights, the people and the animals. The descriptions of the birds, especially that of Devana, Shays falcon friend, truly expressed the wonder and reverence that Shay and her fellow Aviscultans had for all birds - and frankly, I can’t see what would be bad about a belief such as this!
The fact that a rebellion could be stoked by a guerrilla theatre group - a Ghost Theatre - showed the power of art, theatre and stories.
This is a mesmerising book; I was completely immersed in the birds, the magic and the dark London streets. And I didn’t want it to end.
Highly recommended.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Wages of Sin ( Cin Craven book 1) in Books
Mar 13, 2022
46 of 230
Book
Wages of Sin (Cin Craven Book 1)
Jenna MacLaine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dulcinea Macgregor Craven is the only child of a wealthy English viscount. She is also a natural witch, one of a long line of Macgregor witches on her mother's side. When her parents are killed in a carriage accident, Dulcie doesn't think her life can get much worse. Then an old childhood friend returns to the country a little bit differently than he left and vows that nothing will stop him from possessing her and her magic.
In a desperate attempt to save her life, Dulcie summons a trio of vampires called The Righteous to her aid. With the help of The Righteous and four human friends, Dulcie attempts to thwart her enemy's plans to capture her and use her magic for his own evil purposes.
Even as she falls in love for the first time, Dulcie realizes that she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to save the world.
I absolutely loved this book historical fiction meets urban fantasy just couldn’t put it down. Dulci is brilliant and I love the Righteous especially Justine. Not what I was expecting at all. As Dulcie becomes CIN she develops more and into a much stronger character and female lead! I’m hoping to learn more on the werewolf “woof” in the next book.
Book
Wages of Sin (Cin Craven Book 1)
Jenna MacLaine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dulcinea Macgregor Craven is the only child of a wealthy English viscount. She is also a natural witch, one of a long line of Macgregor witches on her mother's side. When her parents are killed in a carriage accident, Dulcie doesn't think her life can get much worse. Then an old childhood friend returns to the country a little bit differently than he left and vows that nothing will stop him from possessing her and her magic.
In a desperate attempt to save her life, Dulcie summons a trio of vampires called The Righteous to her aid. With the help of The Righteous and four human friends, Dulcie attempts to thwart her enemy's plans to capture her and use her magic for his own evil purposes.
Even as she falls in love for the first time, Dulcie realizes that she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to save the world.
I absolutely loved this book historical fiction meets urban fantasy just couldn’t put it down. Dulci is brilliant and I love the Righteous especially Justine. Not what I was expecting at all. As Dulcie becomes CIN she develops more and into a much stronger character and female lead! I’m hoping to learn more on the werewolf “woof” in the next book.
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Nov 27, 2022
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Oleander (Poison Garden #1) in Books
May 27, 2022
OLEANDER is the first book in the new Poison Garden series. I did have to double-check it was the first book though, as I kept feeling as though I had missed something. Saying that, the concept of the world - with witches, seers, and shepherds - was explained brilliantly, giving me the hierarchies of said sections without giving it as an info dump.
This is first and foremost a mystery that just happens to be set in a world where magic exists and the main culprits somehow happen to be connected to magic. I won't say anymore as I don't give out spoilers.
Eli is not only confused about her role in the seer community but also about which man she likes. Obviously, as a reader, I had my own preference but it took her quite some time to figure out which one she liked and, even then, it was because of someone else telling her who he was.
If you like character-led paranormal mystery, with a slow-burn romance simmering in the background, then this may be the book for you! I enjoyed it; I'm just not sure if I will continue with 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is first and foremost a mystery that just happens to be set in a world where magic exists and the main culprits somehow happen to be connected to magic. I won't say anymore as I don't give out spoilers.
Eli is not only confused about her role in the seer community but also about which man she likes. Obviously, as a reader, I had my own preference but it took her quite some time to figure out which one she liked and, even then, it was because of someone else telling her who he was.
If you like character-led paranormal mystery, with a slow-burn romance simmering in the background, then this may be the book for you! I enjoyed it; I'm just not sure if I will continue with 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, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (12934 KP) rated Cursed (Beholder, #1) in Books
Jun 8, 2023
Christine Bauer takes you to a new world, where magic is (roughly) divided into two - Creator and Necromancer. When Elea's best friend is dying, she finds out that not only will she lose her best friend but she will also be the next victim. She has five years to learn all she can, to have a chance to beat Viktor, the originator of the curse. Fear can be a great incentive though, and she does succeed. Now, all she has to do is beat Viktor and she will be free of the curse. Simple, eh?!
This is primarily a Fantasy tale, with magic and misuse of the same, throughout the book. I loved how the Sisters of Zelle were described, and the necromancer/creator magics were opposite and yet complementary if given the opportunity. The characters, whether they were good or bad, were all believable and well-rounded.
There is a hint of romance between Elea and Rowan, but it most definitely takes second place in the main story.
Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this is a wonderful start to a new series and I look forward to returning to the Beholder world! 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!
May 17, 2016
This is primarily a Fantasy tale, with magic and misuse of the same, throughout the book. I loved how the Sisters of Zelle were described, and the necromancer/creator magics were opposite and yet complementary if given the opportunity. The characters, whether they were good or bad, were all believable and well-rounded.
There is a hint of romance between Elea and Rowan, but it most definitely takes second place in the main story.
Well written, with no editing or grammatical errors that I found, this is a wonderful start to a new series and I look forward to returning to the Beholder world! 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!
May 17, 2016
ClareR (5885 KP) rated The Story Spinner in Books
Jan 18, 2025
This is only the second Barbara Erskine book I’ve read, and the combination of history and magic connecting characters across hundreds of years really appeals to me. I don’t know whether this is a narrative device that Erskine uses often, but I love it.
This novel is set in a period of history that I know nothing about. Everything was new, interesting and exciting. I know little of the Romans in Britain era. I wasn’t aware that Welsh princesses were married off to Roman generals - like Elen, from the land of the Silures, in 382AD. She has quite some story, stretching from Wales to the Roman Empire.
Cadi is a writer in 2024, and when she hears marching feet in the lane outside her cottage but sees nothing there, she finds she’s able to see the story of Elen as she writes it down. There’s something in the meadow behind her house that connects the two times - but time is running out. Someone is trying to take Cadi’s peace and sell the land to build on. And the story will be lost.
I loved the historical detail in Elen’s time, and the excitement in Cadi’s. Elen’s story is pretty exciting too, to be fair. It amazed me just how much she was able to travel around Europe and further afield. This book is pure escapism, and I loved it. History, magic - what more do you need!
This novel is set in a period of history that I know nothing about. Everything was new, interesting and exciting. I know little of the Romans in Britain era. I wasn’t aware that Welsh princesses were married off to Roman generals - like Elen, from the land of the Silures, in 382AD. She has quite some story, stretching from Wales to the Roman Empire.
Cadi is a writer in 2024, and when she hears marching feet in the lane outside her cottage but sees nothing there, she finds she’s able to see the story of Elen as she writes it down. There’s something in the meadow behind her house that connects the two times - but time is running out. Someone is trying to take Cadi’s peace and sell the land to build on. And the story will be lost.
I loved the historical detail in Elen’s time, and the excitement in Cadi’s. Elen’s story is pretty exciting too, to be fair. It amazed me just how much she was able to travel around Europe and further afield. This book is pure escapism, and I loved it. History, magic - what more do you need!
The Ruby Dragon Prince (Omega Fairy Tales #1)
9.0
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Once upon a time, in an enchanted kingdom of captive omega princes and jeweled dragon alpha...
Fantasy Fairy Tales Omegaverse MM Romance
Hazel (1853 KP) rated Teagan of Tomorrow (Legend of Rhyme, #3) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review </i>
They may have defeated the evil sorcerer, but the twins have found themselves in even more trouble. <i>Teagan of Tomorrow</i> is the third book in Jaime Lee Mann’s<i> Legend of Rhyme</i> fantasy series for children. Previously Asher and Ariana have helped to banish a powerful, wicked man, however in the process have been transported to the year 2015 – more than a couple of centuries into the future. Back in Coraira the rulers and fairies are desperate to locate the twins, but before they get a chance a curse befalls them, putting them into a deep sleep and removing all magic from the realm.
This third installment introduces a new character that is key to the plot. Teagan is a twelve-year-old girl living in a foster family in 2015. Readers learn that her parents died when she was young, however it is not revealed how or whether this is relevant to future books in the series. Although she never meets them, after Asher and Ariana find themselves nearby, Teagan starts experiencing odd things that could only be explained as magic… if magic existed.
The story is quite amusing to begin with as Asher and Ariana not only find themselves in a world they no longer understand, they have crashed straight into a reenactment of their own lives. Since magic ceased to exist, Coraira and the twins have become a legend that most people regard as a children’s fairytale, which they like to act out as a way of attracting tourists. The way the twins react to their surroundings produces a humorous comparison between the past and the twenty-first century.
As the story progresses it becomes clear that Teagan is a descendant of the twin’s family, and is their key to returning home. If only it could be as easy as it sounds. Before Asher and Ariana get to meet their youngest family member, Teagan accidently gets herself transported into Coraira.
Being only one hundred pages, <i>Teagan of Tomorrow</i> does not have room to resolve this disastrous situation. Readers will have to wait for the next book to be published to find out if the twins ever make it back home, and discover what happens to Teagan.
As with the previous two books, <i>Teagan of Tomorrow</i> is written in a language suitable for older children to understand. The author has kept the story short and to the point, making it easy to follow. The downside to this is it lacks description with dozens of pages containing only dialogue. This makes it harder to appreciate the setting and unique magical concept that Mann has invented.
The risk with a series of books is in going too far with the storyline. Sometimes there is a point when the story should end, yet the author perseveres on. I worried that this would be the case with this series. Except for the twins going missing, things could easily have finished at the end of the second book. The introduction of Teagan in<i> Teagan of Tomorrow</i> however gives a whole new concept to the original fantasy narrative. Instead of the same characters using the same magic, to defeat the same types of evil, surrounded by the same types of mythical creatures, Teagan provides a contemporary observation on the already familiar setting. The way the author leaves events at the end of the book will make the reader yearn for the next story, thus making it a success.
They may have defeated the evil sorcerer, but the twins have found themselves in even more trouble. <i>Teagan of Tomorrow</i> is the third book in Jaime Lee Mann’s<i> Legend of Rhyme</i> fantasy series for children. Previously Asher and Ariana have helped to banish a powerful, wicked man, however in the process have been transported to the year 2015 – more than a couple of centuries into the future. Back in Coraira the rulers and fairies are desperate to locate the twins, but before they get a chance a curse befalls them, putting them into a deep sleep and removing all magic from the realm.
This third installment introduces a new character that is key to the plot. Teagan is a twelve-year-old girl living in a foster family in 2015. Readers learn that her parents died when she was young, however it is not revealed how or whether this is relevant to future books in the series. Although she never meets them, after Asher and Ariana find themselves nearby, Teagan starts experiencing odd things that could only be explained as magic… if magic existed.
The story is quite amusing to begin with as Asher and Ariana not only find themselves in a world they no longer understand, they have crashed straight into a reenactment of their own lives. Since magic ceased to exist, Coraira and the twins have become a legend that most people regard as a children’s fairytale, which they like to act out as a way of attracting tourists. The way the twins react to their surroundings produces a humorous comparison between the past and the twenty-first century.
As the story progresses it becomes clear that Teagan is a descendant of the twin’s family, and is their key to returning home. If only it could be as easy as it sounds. Before Asher and Ariana get to meet their youngest family member, Teagan accidently gets herself transported into Coraira.
Being only one hundred pages, <i>Teagan of Tomorrow</i> does not have room to resolve this disastrous situation. Readers will have to wait for the next book to be published to find out if the twins ever make it back home, and discover what happens to Teagan.
As with the previous two books, <i>Teagan of Tomorrow</i> is written in a language suitable for older children to understand. The author has kept the story short and to the point, making it easy to follow. The downside to this is it lacks description with dozens of pages containing only dialogue. This makes it harder to appreciate the setting and unique magical concept that Mann has invented.
The risk with a series of books is in going too far with the storyline. Sometimes there is a point when the story should end, yet the author perseveres on. I worried that this would be the case with this series. Except for the twins going missing, things could easily have finished at the end of the second book. The introduction of Teagan in<i> Teagan of Tomorrow</i> however gives a whole new concept to the original fantasy narrative. Instead of the same characters using the same magic, to defeat the same types of evil, surrounded by the same types of mythical creatures, Teagan provides a contemporary observation on the already familiar setting. The way the author leaves events at the end of the book will make the reader yearn for the next story, thus making it a success.
Shimmer and Shine: Enchanted Carpet Ride Game HD
Education and Games
App
Preschoolers learn basic math concepts on an enchanted carpet ride with Nick Jr.’s mega-popular...
Shimmer and Shine: Enchanted Carpet Ride Game
Education and Games
App
Preschoolers learn basic math concepts on an enchanted carpet ride with Nick Jr.’s mega-popular...