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Merissa (12861 KP) rated Leviathan's Song (The Boundlands #1) by Elsie Winters in Books
Aug 5, 2022
This is the first in a series and I can't wait to see what happens next between Sidney and Jordan!
LEVIATHAN'S SONG is the first book in The Boundlands series, and we start off where two worlds combine. Elara is a golemancer and tinker. She is small in height but big in competency. She first meets Levi when she hears him busking and she can hear the lure in his voice. When her life gets complicated, Levi is the one who is there for her - along with friends both new and old.
I loved every word of this story! The world-building is fantastic, leaving you in no doubt about what it means to live in the Void. Each character could easily stand by itself, but they do so much better together.
I also loved the slow-burn build-up between Elara and Levi. Yes, the attraction is instant, but it takes them time to act on it, down to Levi's reluctance more than Elara's! You find out the reasons why, plus how difficult it is for both of them. Stressful circumstances make them realise just what it is they have, and from then on, it's full-steam ahead. I loved that they took that time and had a relationship built on more than s*x.
This is the first in a series and I can't wait to see what happens next between Sidney and Jordan! A fantastic start that I highly recommend.
** 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 loved every word of this story! The world-building is fantastic, leaving you in no doubt about what it means to live in the Void. Each character could easily stand by itself, but they do so much better together.
I also loved the slow-burn build-up between Elara and Levi. Yes, the attraction is instant, but it takes them time to act on it, down to Levi's reluctance more than Elara's! You find out the reasons why, plus how difficult it is for both of them. Stressful circumstances make them realise just what it is they have, and from then on, it's full-steam ahead. I loved that they took that time and had a relationship built on more than s*x.
This is the first in a series and I can't wait to see what happens next between Sidney and Jordan! A fantastic start that I highly recommend.
** 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 (12861 KP) rated The Remembering Tree in Books
Oct 3, 2022
THE REMEMBERING TREE tells a story of magical healing and a belief in God, although it is not overly religious. When Gemma's husband dies, she is left alone, with just her fifteen-year-old daughter. Shortly after, her grandma dies and she is left a home, plus money for renovations, so they move there. Once at Moonstone House, things fall into place and Gemma realises things are not always as they seem.
Although this is listed as supernatural suspense, I would also add romance to that. Whilst not the main part, it does help and support the story move along.
I found this to be a quick and easy read, with the story pretty much going in the direction I thought it would. There are a few coincidences that raised my eyebrows as it seemed rather too easy, but that may just be me.
I was also left with a couple of questions - the main one being why wasn't Gemma named after a jewel? She named her daughter one, and it's what her family was known for, but she wasn't and it never explained why. I wanted to know!
I am probably in the minority here but the last part - the final ending, if you like - didn't do anything for me. In fact, for me, it actually took away from the story. I had enjoyed it up to that point but then felt a little let down.
All in all, this was a great read that I enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending if you like cosy mysteries with a romantic element.
** 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!
Although this is listed as supernatural suspense, I would also add romance to that. Whilst not the main part, it does help and support the story move along.
I found this to be a quick and easy read, with the story pretty much going in the direction I thought it would. There are a few coincidences that raised my eyebrows as it seemed rather too easy, but that may just be me.
I was also left with a couple of questions - the main one being why wasn't Gemma named after a jewel? She named her daughter one, and it's what her family was known for, but she wasn't and it never explained why. I wanted to know!
I am probably in the minority here but the last part - the final ending, if you like - didn't do anything for me. In fact, for me, it actually took away from the story. I had enjoyed it up to that point but then felt a little let down.
All in all, this was a great read that I enjoyed and have no hesitation in recommending if you like cosy mysteries with a romantic element.
** 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!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Blackbird Rising (. The Witch Kings Crown book 1) in Books
Feb 16, 2022
29 of 230
Book
Blackbird Rising ( The Witch Kings Crown book )
By Keri Arthur
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A modern fantasy novel inspired by the King Arthur legend...
For hundreds of years, the Witch King’s sword has been buried in stone awaiting the next hand to draw it.
Many have tried. None have succeeded.
Gwen is the last in a long line of De Montfort witches whose duty it is to protect the sword of all power. But when she returns to King Island to perform the blessing, a mysterious pulse of blue light tells her that someone has attempted to draw the sword. Before she can investigate any further, demons attack. She only survives with the help of a mysterious stranger who disappears as quickly as he appears.
Gwen and her grandmother, Moscelyne, soon discover that minor gateways into Darkside—the traditional home of both demons and dark elves—are being forced open by magic. Even worse, someone is now sending demons after the Witch King’s heirs.
As vital artifacts are stolen by Darkside and the deaths draw altogether too close to home, Gwen and Mo—with the help of old gods and an ancient order of knights once thought dead—scramble to unravel the clues and stop the murderous would-be king from claiming the crown.
If they fail and the wrong hand draws the sword of power, he can unlock the main gateway into Darkside and unleash utter hell onto an unsuspecting and unprepared England....
Another of Keri Arthur’s books I just just loved. King Arthur inspired based in England with some brilliant characters. Finished it quite quickly and can’t wait to start the next! Although it’s been added to a very long tbr pile 😂
Book
Blackbird Rising ( The Witch Kings Crown book )
By Keri Arthur
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A modern fantasy novel inspired by the King Arthur legend...
For hundreds of years, the Witch King’s sword has been buried in stone awaiting the next hand to draw it.
Many have tried. None have succeeded.
Gwen is the last in a long line of De Montfort witches whose duty it is to protect the sword of all power. But when she returns to King Island to perform the blessing, a mysterious pulse of blue light tells her that someone has attempted to draw the sword. Before she can investigate any further, demons attack. She only survives with the help of a mysterious stranger who disappears as quickly as he appears.
Gwen and her grandmother, Moscelyne, soon discover that minor gateways into Darkside—the traditional home of both demons and dark elves—are being forced open by magic. Even worse, someone is now sending demons after the Witch King’s heirs.
As vital artifacts are stolen by Darkside and the deaths draw altogether too close to home, Gwen and Mo—with the help of old gods and an ancient order of knights once thought dead—scramble to unravel the clues and stop the murderous would-be king from claiming the crown.
If they fail and the wrong hand draws the sword of power, he can unlock the main gateway into Darkside and unleash utter hell onto an unsuspecting and unprepared England....
Another of Keri Arthur’s books I just just loved. King Arthur inspired based in England with some brilliant characters. Finished it quite quickly and can’t wait to start the next! Although it’s been added to a very long tbr pile 😂
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post
Aug 20, 2022
Merissa (12861 KP) rated Academy Arcanist (Astra Academy #1) in Books
Oct 17, 2022
A great start to a series that returns me to a world I love.
ACADEMY ARCANIST is the first book in the Astra Academy series. If you have read the Frith Chronicles, then you will be familiar with this world of Arcanists and Eldrins. I loved that series, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one and I wasn't disappointed!
Gray and Sorin are fantastic characters; twins that are very different from each other but share a deep brotherly bond. At thirteen years old, Gray is attacked in his dreams but his parents don't believe him. A professor from Astra Academy saves him and he spends time with her in his dreams, learning about the Arcanists. When he is fifteen, he and Sorin head to the Academy, desperate to find an eldrin of their own. But when he meets Professor Helmith, Gray knows something is wrong. This isn't the same professor he met in his dreams.
I loved this story! It's a long one but I read it in one sitting as I was literally unable to move at the time. It took me all day but I loved every word and was swept away in the story. The supporting characters all have their own foibles and quirks, and I look forward to learning more about each of them as the series progresses. It is well-paced, giving you plenty of action as well as quiet times to process just what's going on.
A great start to a series that returns me to a world I love. I can't wait for more. 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!
Gray and Sorin are fantastic characters; twins that are very different from each other but share a deep brotherly bond. At thirteen years old, Gray is attacked in his dreams but his parents don't believe him. A professor from Astra Academy saves him and he spends time with her in his dreams, learning about the Arcanists. When he is fifteen, he and Sorin head to the Academy, desperate to find an eldrin of their own. But when he meets Professor Helmith, Gray knows something is wrong. This isn't the same professor he met in his dreams.
I loved this story! It's a long one but I read it in one sitting as I was literally unable to move at the time. It took me all day but I loved every word and was swept away in the story. The supporting characters all have their own foibles and quirks, and I look forward to learning more about each of them as the series progresses. It is well-paced, giving you plenty of action as well as quiet times to process just what's going on.
A great start to a series that returns me to a world I love. I can't wait for more. 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!
Merissa (12861 KP) rated Thorn of Secrets (My Darkest Secret #2) in Books
Jan 25, 2022 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)
THORN OF SECRETS is the second book in the My Darkest Secret series and we return to Madi's life as she tries to continue after the events of book one. And you REALLY need to read that for this one to make any sense.
Both Madi and Justin have someone else, and yet their bond refuses to be broken. They ignore it, or put it under the heading of 'family relations' but it is obvious that isn't what it is, and you read to find out just when they both stop fighting the inevitable.
Madi is determined not to let what happened with Jackson ruin her life. She is in college; Justice is being raised with a loving mom and family on hand to help, and Madi meets a new man, Chauncey, who allows her to feel comfortable.
Once again, told from Madison's perspective, you are with her through every situation, every emotion. As with the first book, this deals with some heavy topics so please be aware if you have any triggers. We reunite with old characters as well as meet new ones. You see Madi in different situations, although her inner core doesn't change.
There were parts of the book that didn't do anything for me - some of which are personal preferences, and some I felt had no bearing on moving the story forward - but overall, I enjoyed the story and felt it to be a good continuation of Madi's story.
** 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!
Jan 25, 2022
Both Madi and Justin have someone else, and yet their bond refuses to be broken. They ignore it, or put it under the heading of 'family relations' but it is obvious that isn't what it is, and you read to find out just when they both stop fighting the inevitable.
Madi is determined not to let what happened with Jackson ruin her life. She is in college; Justice is being raised with a loving mom and family on hand to help, and Madi meets a new man, Chauncey, who allows her to feel comfortable.
Once again, told from Madison's perspective, you are with her through every situation, every emotion. As with the first book, this deals with some heavy topics so please be aware if you have any triggers. We reunite with old characters as well as meet new ones. You see Madi in different situations, although her inner core doesn't change.
There were parts of the book that didn't do anything for me - some of which are personal preferences, and some I felt had no bearing on moving the story forward - but overall, I enjoyed the story and felt it to be a good continuation of Madi's story.
** 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!
Jan 25, 2022
Merissa (12861 KP) rated Pass (Shattered Pawns #1) in Books
May 21, 2021 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)
PASS is the first book in the spin-off series Shattered Pawns that follows on from The Diviner's Game. Although this is the start of a brand new story, it does follow characters and situations from the previous trilogy, so I would absolutely recommend you read that one first!
Right then, onto Pass. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I adored seeing old favourites and learning how they are getting on. And meeting new ones for the first time - I looking at you, Anni! The story is compelling and moves along at a fair pace, keeping the reader's attention from the first word to the very last. So why only 4-stars, I hear you ask. Let me tell you.
Tio - Auggie - Luca
Although the scenes with them were incredibly well written, I just didn't connect with them. Auggie was probably the closest I got. Tio drove me insane 99.9% of the time, and Luca just accepted EVERYTHING! I mean, really? I know I'm going to be in the minority with this, but it is my opinion.
On the whole, though, this was a brilliant story. I want more from Qis and Monet, plus Anni and Charon. I honestly can't wait to see where Ms Cody will take me next. Just because I didn't connect with these characters doesn't mean I don't want more - from either the series or the author!
4-stars is still a 'very good' rating so I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book but, once again, I would recommend you read the previous trilogy first.
** 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!
May 21, 2021
Right then, onto Pass. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I adored seeing old favourites and learning how they are getting on. And meeting new ones for the first time - I looking at you, Anni! The story is compelling and moves along at a fair pace, keeping the reader's attention from the first word to the very last. So why only 4-stars, I hear you ask. Let me tell you.
Tio - Auggie - Luca
Although the scenes with them were incredibly well written, I just didn't connect with them. Auggie was probably the closest I got. Tio drove me insane 99.9% of the time, and Luca just accepted EVERYTHING! I mean, really? I know I'm going to be in the minority with this, but it is my opinion.
On the whole, though, this was a brilliant story. I want more from Qis and Monet, plus Anni and Charon. I honestly can't wait to see where Ms Cody will take me next. Just because I didn't connect with these characters doesn't mean I don't want more - from either the series or the author!
4-stars is still a 'very good' rating so I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this book but, once again, I would recommend you read the previous trilogy first.
** 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!
May 21, 2021
Merissa (12861 KP) rated Swiped By My Dad’s Best Friend (Thrust Into Love #1) in Books
May 20, 2021 (Updated Jul 26, 2023)
SWIPED BY MY DAD'S BEST FRIEND is the first book in the Thrust Into Love series and is unashamedly sweet and sexy. This book belongs in the warm and fuzzy section as there is only a little bit of angst and a helluva lot of smiles!
Coop doesn't want to be in college but he doesn't want to disappoint his dad either. This leads to two very unhappy people who drift further apart. Trace is an old friend who was accused by Coop's dad of having an affair with his wife. So that makes for a very messy situation when they meet for the first time - and Trace doesn't do messy!
Think again, Trace! Because it turns out he does do messy where Coop is concerned. He will stand tall and help his boy, no matter what. And I loved every word! These two are fantastic together. I really felt for Coop who tried to please so many people but felt like he was coming apart at the seams. And Trace, bless him. He is prepared to do anything for Coop.
This book sped by and I finished it way too soon. I was completely engrossed in their relationship. The good thing for me is that it is the first book in a series so that means there is much more to come. Simon's turn next, and I can't wait!
A brilliant book that I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
May 20, 2021
Coop doesn't want to be in college but he doesn't want to disappoint his dad either. This leads to two very unhappy people who drift further apart. Trace is an old friend who was accused by Coop's dad of having an affair with his wife. So that makes for a very messy situation when they meet for the first time - and Trace doesn't do messy!
Think again, Trace! Because it turns out he does do messy where Coop is concerned. He will stand tall and help his boy, no matter what. And I loved every word! These two are fantastic together. I really felt for Coop who tried to please so many people but felt like he was coming apart at the seams. And Trace, bless him. He is prepared to do anything for Coop.
This book sped by and I finished it way too soon. I was completely engrossed in their relationship. The good thing for me is that it is the first book in a series so that means there is much more to come. Simon's turn next, and I can't wait!
A brilliant book that I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending.
** 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!
May 20, 2021
Merissa (12861 KP) rated Prophecy of the Mayan Undead in Books
Jan 5, 2021 (Updated Aug 7, 2023)
PROPHECY OF THE MAYAN UNDEAD is most definitely a book of two halves. I won't go over the blurb again as it explains the story quite well.
In the first half, Keisha and Yuri, along with their friends, Casimiro and Apolinar, are trying to stop a centuries-old vampire from taking over her mind and causing her to hurt innocents. You find out the whys and wherefores, mixed in with non-stop action and enough steam to melt your Kindle without taking away from the story. In the second half, although Keisha and Yuri still play a huge part, Niu Ying is a new character, along with Frank. These two also have a massive role in the forthcoming events.
I loved how it all blended together and gave me all the information I needed to understand the overall story arc. Keisha is intelligent, unashamedly so, and Yuri makes no bones about finding her mind attractive. Casimiro and Apolinar I wanted to dislike, simply because of their attitudes at the beginning. However, once they met Keisha, I couldn't help but like them and applaud their efforts to help.
The pacing was smooth, with action and love scenes mixed nicely together. The world-building was what you would expect from a paranormal/erotic/science fiction mix, and nothing stood out to me as being 'wrong'.
All in all, this was a great escape from reality and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
* 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!
Jan 5, 2021
In the first half, Keisha and Yuri, along with their friends, Casimiro and Apolinar, are trying to stop a centuries-old vampire from taking over her mind and causing her to hurt innocents. You find out the whys and wherefores, mixed in with non-stop action and enough steam to melt your Kindle without taking away from the story. In the second half, although Keisha and Yuri still play a huge part, Niu Ying is a new character, along with Frank. These two also have a massive role in the forthcoming events.
I loved how it all blended together and gave me all the information I needed to understand the overall story arc. Keisha is intelligent, unashamedly so, and Yuri makes no bones about finding her mind attractive. Casimiro and Apolinar I wanted to dislike, simply because of their attitudes at the beginning. However, once they met Keisha, I couldn't help but like them and applaud their efforts to help.
The pacing was smooth, with action and love scenes mixed nicely together. The world-building was what you would expect from a paranormal/erotic/science fiction mix, and nothing stood out to me as being 'wrong'.
All in all, this was a great escape from reality and I have no hesitation in recommending it.
* 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!
Jan 5, 2021
The Captain's Woman (The Thompsons of Locust Street #4)
Book
Meet the Thompsons of Locust Street, an unconventional family taking Philadelphia high society by...
American Historical Romance