Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Erica Shoebridge
Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Practically Pagan is a very accessible and wonderfully written book. DeBlassie guides us to find magic in the everyday, and to learn how to tune in to our inherent wisdom and intuition. She shares her journey to slowing down, discovering what nurtures or saps her energy, and how she’s found joy in charting her own path. Her voice is honest and gentle; it feels like a wise woman having a chat with you, inviting you to listen to your heart and live a life of intention. This book is a breath of fresh air in a world of Busy and judgement. I really enjoyed this work, and definitely recommend it for anyone who needs some inspiration for tuning in to joy and lightness in their life.
Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price by C. L. Schneider – Review by Alexandra Leith
Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Magic-Price is an epic fantasy. This is the first book in the series The Crown of Stones. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantastical journeys. My favorite epic fantasies are the LOTR series, the Hobbit and the Witcher. Which basically means I have pretty high standards with this genre, and Magic-Price DID NOT disappoint!
From the beginning Ian is in the thick of a losing war and he uses magic to do what must be done to stop it. However, using magic comes with a steep price and he must pay it. For 10 years Ian has been living with the guilt of his actions. Because of that he lives on the move and refuses to use magic. All of that quickly changes for Ian when he finds the woman he’s been bounty hunting. After this meeting Ian is forced onto a path that not only requires him to start using magic again, but to also face his past deeds.
To right his wrongs Ian must begin a journey into enemy lands with his two companions Jarryd and Malaq. Along the way they create a bond of friendship and face unimaginable burdens together. When the fate of the world rest in the trio’s hands they have to overcome all obstacles to save everyone.
This book was a page turner for me. I could not get enough. I absolutley loved it for the amazing world building and because the characters were written with great depth and intensity. I cannot wait to see what is in store for us in the next books!
The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price by C. L. Schneider – Review by stephanie nicole
Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
All I can say about this book is wow. This author has given us a fantastic plot, tremendous characters, and an incredible world. The way that the author introduces us to thos world is amazing. We see every little detail through Ian’s eyes, and the details the author gives us makes your imagination run wild. I also personally love how this author introduces the magic in this series. It was introduced slowly, and in enough detail that it developed with the storyline. I personally love fantasy novels, and this one is definitely in the top fantasy novels that I have read. So if your looking for a great new fantasy full of magic, a new land, and great characters then look no further and pick this one up today.
The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior Series Book 1) by Griffin Brady – Review by Kerry Baker
The Heart of a Hussar by Griffin Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is such an intricate and detailed story you can feel on each page how much thought and effort the author has put into it. For anyone who is a fan of this genre you really will blow away by this book. The story is well thought out and engaging. It feels like you go with these characters on their journey, as if you are there with them.
I was pulled into the story much more than i expected. The blurb hadn’t really blown me away but the writing did. This is a new author to me and what an introduction it was. K would highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next one.
A Cold Creek Christmas (Reigning Hearts, Book 5) by KG Fletcher – Review by Kerry Baker
A Cold Creek Christmas by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a brilliant holiday romance Book this is, and such a fantastic addition to the series. Although this is a short story there is so much going on. You really become invested in the characters and their story. This is the sort of book you just have to read in one sitting.
This author has easily become one of my favourites. I never hesitate to pick up one of her books as they are always so enjoyable. This book is the perfect example of that. A great holiday romance this really is worth your time.
King Bastard (A Dark Sparrow Novel Book 6) by India Kells – Review by stephanie nicole
King Bastard by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was both very sad for me and a relief at the same time. While I didn’t want this wonderful series to end, I couldn’t wait to see how things played out for these wonderful characters. Just like the previous books in this series this book is addictive and full of suspense, romance, tension, danger and oh so much more. While this book can be read as a standalone u highly recommend reading the whole series, as it helps build the bigger picture. Lazarus is the oldest brother and he has vowed to protect his brothers, and keep a last battle from them. Then Sasha comes into play and Lazarus must not only keep his brothers safe but also the woman he loves. Will Lazarus be able to keep everyone safe and live his life with the woman he loves? Or will their father win this final battle? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley – Review by Rebecca Hill
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have enjoyed this series so much. This book is about another Mafia boss, Stefano. His own father is sadistic and abusive. Some of the incidents of abuse are hideous and hard to read. Even growing up so mistreated, Stefano is still capable of love and treating people well. Emiliana has always loved him, but Stefano has refused to acknowledge his feelings for her in order to protect her from his father. Emiliana is amazing all on her own. She has refused to let anxiety and ptsd over being kidnapped keep her from living her life and loving Stefano. I loved both of their stories and really enjoyed this book!
Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite Book 3) by Amy McKinley- Review by Laura-Jane Minnie
Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the mafia elite series and once again we get a strong sexy dominant male named Stefano Rossi. He is madly in love with Emiliana but they have to keep their love secret as as his dad is an evil sick bastard who would do anything to keep his son in check and that includes hurting those close to him. Emiliana has already been hurt and Stefano is on the hunt for the snake who put her in danger in the first place. I absolutely loved this book.
THE BOX (HER THREE IMMORTALS BOOK 4) by HAZEL STORM – Review by Amy Brennan
The Box: A Greek Myth Paranormal Romance by Hazel Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am sure I am not the only one that isn’t ready to say goodbye to Raef, Aroz, Grey, and Vanessa, and certainly not Pretty Kitty, and Gorgonita. These novels not only have transported me to another realm, or two, or three, but they’ve also allowed me to live a very sexually healthy life vicariously through these Immortals. From page one, the author really allows for the reader to become engulfed in the story as it unfolds, holding their breath, and hoping for certain outcomes. Vanessa is the ultimate heroine, and she deserves all that she is bestowed, we all need a little Vanessa to get us through the tough times, I think!
I really couldn’t tell you which of these are my favorite, as they are all very high on my ‘to be read again’ list. I did thoroughly enjoy getting to visit Tartarus, and finally meeting Typhon, certainly gave the novel a different spin on how the characters fare in dire situations. For a finale in a series, I do have to say this wrapped up all potential loose ends very, very well, and didn’t leave much to be desired. I have my fingers, toes, and everything else crossed that eventually, a spin off from this series comes to pass. The fights, the love, passion, and all other emotions brought out by this series are going to be missed. If you haven’t read the first three, get to it, and I guarantee, you won’t be disappointed. Highly recommend!
The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price by C. L. Schneider – Review by Heather Goodman
Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a perfect blend of magic, suspense, action, and romance. It draws you in from the very first and keeps you guessing until the very last page. I can’t wait to read the next book to continue the journey with Ian. Be prepared to fall in love with the characters and feel for even the antagonist.
Diabolical Sword (The Charm Collector Book 1) by Melissa Erin Jackson – Review by Anna Hirsch
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Diabolical Sword (The Charm Collector Book 1) by Melissa Erin Jackson
4 Stars
This is a fantastic paranormal novel that will keep you interested from start to finish. It has a bit of everything; intrigue, danger, mystery and magic. The world that this author created is fascinating. Magical cities hidden behind veils, side by side with our cities here on earth. It’s quite interesting. The story takes place in a city called Luma as we follow our main character, Harlow Fletcher. Although she works outside of the law, she collects charms for bounty, she’s one of the good guys. Like most women, she’s attracted to pretty things and on her latest raid, she grabs a beautiful sword. This is where the adventure begins! The sword has a mind of its own and gets her into heaps of trouble.
I thought the characters were cool. Aside from Harlow, my favourite has to be the sword. The action made the storyline flow well and kept me wanting more. This was a fun book to read and I’m really happy that it is a series. I can’t wait to read part two!
Review by @AnnaHirsch
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Kissing Darkness (Dark Spell Series Book 5) by Isra Sravenheart – Review by Lorrene Huisman
Kissing Darkness by Isra Sravenheart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I could not get enough of this book as I read through, it was amazing and I truly feel I got so much out of this amazing. I cant not find the dear words to express who exquisite the writing was. It was amazing to simply put it into one word! The author truly gave us as readers a lot, the enjoyment was beyond words!
This book really gave me a lot as I read through. Besides the contrast of characters, I loved the telling of the light and dark. If we succumb to either what would happen? I found it was really intriguing to read about both sides. So many stories fight for the light, you don’t really get the clear picture of the darkness within all of us, so that really made this book amazing from my point of view!
I will be going back to read the prior books in the series for sure! There is a lot of things I want to be filled in about, and find out more details on. I know there is much more to Isra! She was a character that simply is amazing with lots of wonder. I was so lost into this world the book resided in, I loved every moment of it! I could not get enough truly. It was so good, I will recommending this book to everyone!
Amazing and wonderful read and very much a stellar universe to be a part of. The author did a freaking amazing job at this book and the characters. The writing still blows me away, though I have completed this wonderful book. I say this is a must read, I recommend it with all within my soul! Loved it!
MURDER OFF ROUTE 82 (Eve Sawyer Mystery Book 3) by Jane Suen – Review by Lorrene Huisman
Murder off Route 82 by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This mystery contained very much pure enjoyment. I was drawn and hooked early on. There was a lot of questions rising from me as I read through, though my suspicions were often wrong I found. Which added to the intrigue of course. Loved the personalities of the characters, they were so real and well made!
The mystery and those who surround it did bring on a lot of suspense, I found you were getting a lead in the story then something else pertaining happened and you were lead to think other wise. The author did an amazing job in creating this engaging story. I was very happy and impressed as I read through! What I loved truly beside the wonderful characters, was that nothing really was what it seemed.
My engagement in the story was literally me being on the edge of my seat. I could not get enough of this story and the characters, all the way to the end , I could not put this gripping book down! I needed the facts and to see how this story would turn out! Amazing read!
Loved this mystery. It was different than most I have read, and the writing was amazing as well! The author is defiantly talented at getting the reader in and keeping them interested as well as working their inquisitive minds as they read This was a must read, highly recommend this rare gem of a book!
Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Karen Pearman
Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This wasn’t quite the book that I was expecting to read. I was expecting a fiction work of art to magical living, but instead found out I was reading an actual guide to practicing magic. I found this to be quite an informative read. In fact, I would label this as a self-help guide. The author does a great job of helping to “guide” you in the world around you and how to help find the magic in yourself. This is not a magic guide that is going to teach you spells but teach you how to find the magic within. The author wove a lot of her own personal stories into the book to help show you how to make yourself happy and healthy. While not what I was expecting to read or something I would usually pick up, this was a great read into myself to help me find some inner peace.
The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price by C. L. Schneider – Review by Stephanie Seeber
Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Ian Troy, a Shinree, was born and raised to protect the Rellan people. The Shinree have been enslaved for a long time by using a drug to suppress the ability to use magic. The Shinree people would become addicted to using magic and became a threat to others by pulling the life force (friend and foe alike) out of everything around them while using their magic. As the Rellan army and the future of Rella seems lost Ian finds the Crown of Stones amidst the battle and against the orders of the Rellan queen, he uses it to end the war killing everyone around him, including the queen and all of the Rellan soldiers. Ian hides the Crown of Stones to prevent him or anyone else using the power of the Crown. Ten Years later he is still trying to cope with that decision by isolating himself. He is forced to use magic again when he runs into an unlikely assassin and they Crown has been taken and the lands he has tried for so long to protect is in danger once again.
I really wanted to enjoy this book. The thought of it was intriguing and I was interested in where the story would take. However, I had a really hard time being engaged in this book. It wasn’t that nothing was happening because there definitely was a lot of things going on throughout the book, but I struggled to not fall asleep every time I started reading this book. It didn’t really start engaging me until the last few chapters. This is the first in this series and I will probably not continue which is kind of disappointing.
I am sure there are a group of people that would enjoy reading this book. I read a lot of books and different genres and this one just was not for me. It took me much longer than normal to read. It took well over a week which is very unusual for me even being 500 pages.
Thief of Magic (Shadowed Minds Book 1) by Bree Moore – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor
Thief of Magic by Bree Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Thief of Magic (Shadowed Minds Book 1) by Bree Moore
5-stars
I was instantly intrigued by this book just based on the cover, it was stunning and completely called to me, and the story itself was absolutely incredible! This was one of those books that I read in one sitting as I couldn’t bring myself to put it down as I was fully immersed in the storyline.
This author writes with so much detail, from the most miniscule thing to the really intricate scenes, the magic, the emotions and the explanations for all the important details of everything in between. Nothing is left to the imagination and I love that, the picture this author painted was so entertaining.
I cannot wait to read more from this author asap and would highly recommend this book.
The Colors of Darkness by Feather Chelle – Review by Megan Watson
Colors of Darkness: Ability Awareness Activity Book by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The whole time I was reading this book, all I could think was ‘this would be a wonderful book to read to children!’. The activities are fun and definitely have a way of making you think and appreciate how blessed you really are. I, especially appreciated the diagrams with the Braille as well as ASL hand gestures for the alphabet. Kudos to the author for deciding to view their inability to see as a challenge instead of a disability! It is always nice to have been given a reason to truly think about what life could be like.
Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As someone that was looking for a little bit of more magic in my daily life, I thought that this book was a must read. I was not disappointed with the insight and advice the author gives throughout the book. The book is full of practical advice on how to incorporate magic into your everyday living by doing small things. She explains to us that there is magic in the everyday things that we might overlook and tells us to seek joy and experience magic in the things that we might otherwise take for granted and consider boring. She teaches us how to connect with ourselves, practice self-care and live a life of joy. As the author says after all, true magic is in the everyday. And yes, it truly is.
I loved reading this book and how the author laid things out in such a simplistic manner. It was very easy to read and very well laid out. It was a nice reminder to not take life for granted and to just find joy in the moment. We all need to slow down and experience joy in the little things that we do, savor the moment and live life. I found it was also helpful to learn about other methods of self-care that were a little bit different than the typical ones that you hear about all the time like lighting scented candles or having a relaxing hot bath. I will be taking this advice to heart and practicing magic in the moments that each day brings. This is a must read for anyone that’s just looking for a way to slow down and bring joy back into their lives.
View all my reviews @Tara JohnsonBarnes
Black Canvas by Laura Rossi – Review by Shea Gilkerson
Black Canvas by Laura Rossi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was such an awesome read, even if you aren’t regularly a psychological thriller fan. It is dark, it is beautiful, it is about the different parts of ourselves and who we want to be. There are many moments when it feels obvious what has happened, but you get more nuances and details and find yourself at a loss for guessing the story, over and over.
Control makes people do crazy things – sometimes to seek control, sometimes to let go of it. Aria’s story is so wonderfully woven that you won’t stop thinking about it after you’ve completed the book. This book is about the different parts of her and the occurrences that have led to the telling of her story. The author filled this book with so many excellent zigs and zags, I didn’t want to put it down.
Diabolical Sword (The Charm Collector Book 1) by Melissa Erin Jackson – Review by Megan Watson
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Harlow Fletcher is a magical charm collector in a world similar to ours with magical creatures out in the open. At some point, a portal switch was accidentally flipped and magical creatures (namely deemed “fae”) as well as humans were transported to each other’s worlds. It has been long enough that the world has adjusted and created hubs or citiesof mundane / magical properties.
What Harlow does isn’t exactly considered legal and is definitely the risky type that balances on the edge of trouble or safety. She ends up “collecting” a sword that has a mind of its own and the world she knows is sliced to shreds.
The world building of this story was so new for having creatures I’ve read about over and over. I definitely appreciated the futuristic feel to it and the book starts out with enough detail it’s like it jumped off screen.
A Cold Creek Christmas (Reigning Hearts, Book 5) by KG Fletcher – Review by Bethany Leigh Rucker
A Cold Creek Christmas by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
During this story, Amber Tatum transforms from someone who despises Christmas because of her rocky past to someone who ends up coming around and finding her Christmas spirit. Gio, an out-of-town baker, moves to Cold Creek with his 6-year-old daughter to take over his Nonna’s/Grandmother’s cafe. When Gio and Amber meet, conversation comes easy, and it’s like they have known each other for years. Gio knows some things about Amber thanks to his grandmother, but when he meets her, he really wants to get to know her better. This story follows their lives through the holidays, and all the good and bad. I have not read any of the other books in this series, but I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of them! If your looking forward to a good clean read, then this story is for you.
The Crown Of Stones Magic Price by C.L. Schneider Review by Michelle Marlow
Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a little out of my comfort bubble as I typically strive for fantasy with a female driven main character. I am so glad I decided to try something new out!
Ian Troy being that he is a bounty hunter and so grief stricken I love him. He really did give me some of “The Witcher” vibes but more emotion driven. The world building in this is fantastic and the characters aren’t many I have come by!
You could feel every character’s emotion and tell they truly meant how they felt. And It was a never ending ride of true action fantasy.
I read it fairly quickly and cannot wait to pick up the next!
Review by @michellerenee6590
The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price AUDIO BOOK by C. L. Schneider – Review by Dani Honeycutt
Astounding performance and a great book
Overall 4 out of 5 stars
Performance 5 out of 5 stars
Story 4 out of 5 stars
I fell in love with the various voices of the actor. He did a fabulous job making this audiobook relaistic and knowing when a different character was speaking. That makes an audiobook 100% better because of the performance. The book was packed with adventure, thrill, and passion. The twists and turns in the storyline kept me listening for hours. I just couldn’t stop. There is something happening in every single chapter. I never thought it would turn out the way it did. I can’t wait for book 2!
Review by @danihoneycutt
The Colors of Darkness by Feather Chelle – Review by Kerry Carr
Colors of Darkness: Ability Awareness Activity Book by Feather Chelle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really informative look at the world from a blind person’s perspective. It was interesting to read about the varying degrees of blindness and how each one affects the person differently. The author suggests activities for people to try to give them a sense of what it is like to be blind and after trying a couple myself it really gives you a new perspective and shows you how your other senses work together to compensate for the lack of sight. Overall I found this an enjoyable and interesting read and I think it would be a good way to explain to children about blindness through the activities suggest in this book.
The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior Series Book 1) by Griffin Brady – Review by Kerry Carr
The Heart of a Hussar by Griffin Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a brilliantly written historical story. The author does an amazing job of transporting the reader back to that time in history. The author’s descriptions and story building makes the action really realistic. You actually feel like you are on the battlefield. The characters are well developed also. Jacek is such a strong character, determined on his path and very mature that you often forget he is only 22. Likewise Oliwia is a very strong and determined character but in a different way that Jacek while he is determined to risk in the ranks of his career, her determination lies in the protection of her younger brother.
Jacek is a soilder and one the best. His sights are set on progressing his military career and getting some land for himself. He doesn’t have time or the distraction of romance, or so he thought.
When Jacek and his soldiers rescue a young woman called Oliwia and her brother, Jacek didn’t realise the impact this woman would have.
However Oliwia has secrets of her own and things seem to be piling up against the couple that makes their love unable to happen.
With lies, betrayal, the heart of a soldier and the love of a woman this story will have you gripped.
