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ArecRain (8 KP) rated Born Into Fire in Books

Jan 18, 2018  
BI
Born Into Fire
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review

An interesting story, to say the least. It was a different concept and I appreciate that. However, there were times when I didn’t understand what was going on. The beginning for instance. I know he controlled air, but the passage itself was hard to grasp. I wasn’t sure that what I was visualizing in my head is what the author intended.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, especially if you are looking for more erotica than story. While there was a plot, and it was fairly interesting, the sex heavily outweighed the story.

I suppose I am biased, however, since this novel was exactly up my alley. I love erotica, and I love stories that involve people who can control elements. Besides witches/warlocks, they are my ultimate favorite paranormals. However, if the author wasn’t skilled, I wouldn’t have enjoyed this story nearly as much. Despite the random scenes I found confusing, it was an enjoyable story.

_ Arec
<a href="https://rainythursdays.wordpress.com">Rainy Thursdays</a>
  
The Witches: Salem, 1692
The Witches: Salem, 1692
Stacy Schiff | 2015 | History & Politics
8
7.8 (5 Ratings)
Book Rating
Okay, so I am not usually one to read non-fiction books for fun. Honestly, I think this may be one of the first in a long time. But this one was really interesting.

If you know me, you will know I love history of witches. I just find it heartbreaking and interesting and I want to know all I can about it. This book is right up my alley. It explores not only the Salem witch trials of 1692, but also what led to those false accusations. It was fascinating.

I loved getting an in depth historical look at the New England coast and their various trials, not just in Salem. I would consider myself a fan of the witch trials. This book, I believe, is pushing me on the road to becoming a scholar. I want to find more and more about them. (Possibly even putting together my own research? Who knows.)

If you want a very well written and accessible history of the Salem Witch Trials, look no further than Stacy Schiff's book. Honestly, take a look.
  
Forsaken (Shadow Cove Saga #1)
Forsaken (Shadow Cove Saga #1)
J.D. Barker | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.3 (3 Ratings)
Book Rating
***NOTE: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Forsaken is a book partially based on characters and events from the Salem witch trials. Some of these events find their way into the latest novel by best-selling novelist Thad McAlister.

Throughout the story, the author allows you glimpses into the past via excerpts from Clayton Stone's journal, showing you important events that happened in 1692. These journal entries give you just enough information to keep you guessing and add to the suspense when you are reading about the present. There were some good twists and a nice salute to Stephen King (one of my favorites) that made this even more fun to read. This was a great stay-up-all-night-reading type of spooky story, and I recommend this book to any fans of horror novels, witches, or things that go bump in the night. I will also be on the lookout for book #2 of the Shadow Cove Saga, to find out what happens to Ashley and Rachael!
  
Blood Kissed (Lizzie Grace #1)
Blood Kissed (Lizzie Grace #1)
Keri Arthur | 2020 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
In a world where magic and science sit side by side, and powerful witches are considered necessary aides for all governments, Lizzie Grace is something of an outlier. Though born into one the most powerful blue blood witch families, she wants nothing to do with either her past or her magic.

But when she and Belle, her human familiar and best friend, open a small cafe in the Faelan werewolf reservation, she quickly finds herself enmeshed in the hunt for a vampire intent on wreaking bloody havoc. It’s a hunt that soon becomes personal, and one that is going to take all her skills to survive–that’s if the werewolves, who hate all things witch, don’t get her first.

I love Keri Arthur and have read almost everything she has written this is a reread for me as I needed to refresh myself for the second book. It did not disappoint full of action and pent up sexual frustration between characters. I love the fact she has Belle her human familiar . Recommended.
  
Devi (Matefinder #2)
Devi (Matefinder #2)
Leia Stone | 2020 | Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Contains spoilers, click to show
160 of 200
Kindle
Devi ( Matefinder book 2)
By Leia Stone

When Aurora found out that the vampires were after her blood to procreate, she thought she knew her mission. Take out the vampires and live happily ever after with Kai and their pack. But when the witches discover something about her, everything changes. Maybe Aurora doesn’t have as much control over her fate as she thought and sometimes allies become enemies. Aurora and Kai must defy all odds if their future is to end in happiness.




This is the second in this series and I loved it more than the first. We catch up with Aurora and Kai and get to see them married and mated fully despite everyone trying to capture or kill her. Leia writes a very easy to follow story as well as building her world and these characters up. They all have more depth than the first book. Aurora also goes on a spiritual trip of self discovery. Also the wolves are out of the closet so it will be interesting to see how the world responds!
  
We Fly Beneath the Stars [Audiobook]
We Fly Beneath the Stars [Audiobook]
Suzanne Kelman | 2022 | History & Politics
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is one of those stories that grabs you and doesn't let go until the last word ... absolutely gripping, full of tension and courage ... and based on a true story.

The book follows the lives of Nadia and Tasha, sisters who join the Russian Airforce during World War II and who become fighter pilots in the much-feared by the Germans and all-female squadron known as "The Night Witches."

Given inferior equipment and less training than their male counterparts as well as having to put up with their harassment all whilst trying to stay alive and get back safely following their night sorties over the advancing German army; this is a story of tremendous bravery however it also a tale of sibling rivalry, love, loss and choices.

The narrator, Lauryn Allman, was excellent; her voice totally immersed me into the story; one of the best I have come across so far and my thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to listen to and share my thoughts of We Fly Beneath the Stars.
  
Lords and Ladies (Discworld, #14; Witches #4)
Lords and Ladies (Discworld, #14; Witches #4)
Terry Pratchett | 1992 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.3 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
As a character, Granny Weatherwax first appeared in the third Discworld novel Equal Rites, which was about, well, Equal Rights for both sexes. She then re-appeared (and beacem the unofficial head of her coven) in both Wyrd Sisters (where the broad outline of the plot bears a striking resemblance to certain Scottish play) and Witches Abroad (fairytales as you've never heard them before!). This is thus the fourth Discworld novel to include her as a main character, this time taking its inspiration from another Shakespeare play: A Midsummers night dream.

In this, and unlike the Elves of most comtemporary literature (Elves = good), the Elvish race are a foe to be reckoned with! This quote from about half-way through sums it up:

'Elves are wonderful. They provoke wonder.
Elves are marvellous. They cause marvels.
Elves are fantastic. They creat fantasies.
Elves are glamorous. They project glamour.
Elves are enchanting. They weave enchantment.
Elves are terrific. They beget terror.
The thing about words is that meanings can twist just like a snake ...
No-one ever said Elves are nice.
Elves are bad.'
  
The Witches Prophecy (The Blue Flamed Witch #1)
The Witches Prophecy (The Blue Flamed Witch #1)
Janae | 2023 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
maybe not one for me!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.

My review for this book will be short, because, to be honest, I'm really not sure what I just read!

I'll summarise as best as I can though.

I liked that multiple people have a say. So we get to hear from all the important people.

I LOVED the sarcasm from everyone! Trouble, especially.

I did not like, and I think this was my biggest issue, that multiple names were used for the same person. I got a bit confused right at the prologue and I think that set the screen for the rest of the book.

Lots of paranormal themes: prophecies, soul mates, demons, witches and gods, and a rare one: reincarnations. I liked that.

But, like I said, the multiple names thing kinda threw for the whole book, and I'm still a little confused by it all!

Maybe not one for me, but I did finish it, so

3 stars

*same worded review will appear elsewhere
  
Guards! Guards! Discworld Novel 8
Guards! Guards! Discworld Novel 8
Tony Robinson, Terry Pratchett, Ben Aaronovitch | 2012 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.4 (10 Ratings)
Book Rating
When people ask which Discworld book to start with, I often tell them to skip the first two in the series (The Colour of Magic and The Light Fantastic), then ask in which direction their interests lie.

Reimagining of famous plays/fairytales? Try any in The Witches series.

Primarily murder whodunnits? The Guards.

Of which this is the first.

So this is the one to introduce the reader to Sam Vimes, Nobby Nobbs, Fred Colon and Carrot Ironfoundersson, as well as featuring a prominent role for The Patrician of Ankh-Morpork, and which would lead to perhaps the most-revisited characters in the entire Discworld series - I think Pratchett returned to the Watch a further 7 times, for a total of 8 such novels.

Quick google search: yes, 8 times. Only matched by the Wizards of Unseen University.

Anyway, this is the one that sees a secret society summoning a Dragon in the hopes of installing a puppet ruler to the vacant throne of Ankh-Morpork, before things go awry ...
  
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ClareR (5884 KP) rated The Leviathan in Books

Feb 3, 2023  
The Leviathan
The Leviathan
Rosie Andrews | 2022 | Fiction & Poetry, Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction/Fantasy
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
It’s 1643 and Thomas Treadwater has returned home injured from the Civil War. His father’s farm is in Norfolk, and his sister sent Thomas a letter, accusing their maidservant of bewitching their religious father. When Thomas arrives on the family land, it is to the sight of dead livestock, a sick father (a stroke), and a servant held responsible for both occurrences by way of witchcraft. Thomas doesn’t believe in witchcraft though, and decides to investigate what has happened for himself.

This beautiful story really does evoke the time: how women were regarded as witches if they knew too much, looked to beautiful, looked too ugly, or were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. I enjoyed reading about their thoughts on religion, philosophy and how the law worked. There was even a part for John Milton himself.

There are secrets galore, a shipwreck and a real leviathan. The menace seems to be constantly radiating off the page in this dark (and it felt to me) grey and damp time!

Recommended.