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The Traveler (The Traveler, Book 1) by Deborah Dugan – Review by Ayla Eddy

The TravelerThe Traveler by Deborah Dugan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a unique Sci-fi fantasy story. It is a story like none that I have ever read before. The author did wonders with creating their own take on how first contact with extraterrestrial happened. There were a number of ways things could have gone in the story, but many times I found that my guesses for what would happen next was not right. I was left wanting to continue reading to know what would be happening next. Had I met the Traveler in the same way I would have had a totally different reaction than Tristan. I highly enjoyed this read. I am most definitely looking forward to continuing this series. If you are reading this review and still trying to decide I would encourage you to stop hesitating and jump into this sci-fi fantasy adventure!

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Apocalypse Thoughts (The Pox Series Book 5) by Kendra Griffin – Review by Ayla Eddy

Apocalypse ThoughtsApocalypse Thoughts by Kendra Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Simply Amazing. This book is a fantastic read about the possible end of the world. It is not the run of the mill apocalypse story with Hollywood zombies. It is a fresh view on how a sudden pandemic can turn humans into “zombies” or as the book calls them “Hyenas”, which are mutated humans with lethal bite as opposed to rotting walking dead bodies. Kella along with her little brother Huck and cousin Jumper are carrying vital CDC information along the Appalachian trail. Technology is down leaving them to travel the journey to hopefully save the world. Through the story you get a sense of each character and their relationship with the other characters. They are relatable and so easy to connect with that you don’t want to put the book down. I for sure did not want to stop reading once I started this book. I cannot wait to continue on reading this series.

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The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior Series Book 1) by Griffin Brady – Review by Ayla Eddy

The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior, #1)The Heart of a Hussar by Griffin Brady
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first read by this author and generally not my taste in genre of historical fiction but this book drew me in. I was surprised at how much this book stole my interest in the story. I did not want to stop reading it. With a setting in Poland there was a decent amount of language foreign to me, but over the course of the book I feel like it got easier to read. The characters were unique and well written. I could not help but feel connected to them. The world itself was crafted well allowing me to feel like I was right there with the characters watching from the sideline. The adventure, romance, and history in the story keep you hooked. I cannot wait to continue the story with the characters I have grown attached to in the second book in the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a page turning story.

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price by C. L. Schneider – Review by Ayla Eddy

Magic-Price (The Crown of Stones, #1)Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The author of this book has created a story about magic, adventure, action, and suspense. The world in which the fantasy takes place is well written. It has a unique magic system in place. It has unique characters throughout the story. Ian Troy is a character that just feel for him whether in a good way or a bad way depending on parts of the story. He is not your average main character that ends a war and becomes the hero. In order to end a war that has gone on long enough he uses The Crown of Stones which left only him alive. A guilt he has to live with knowing how many he massacred, including his Queen. He is left like a drunk trying to stay sober in the years following. But he cannot hide from the world forever and eventually gets caught back up into the adventure.

The story keep me turning the pages wanting to know what would become of Ian. It was my first read by this author and I enjoyed the experience this author’s story gave me. I am looking forward to reading more of this series and more from this author in the future.

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Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan BOOK 1) by Anise Storm – Review by Ayla Eddy

Conveniently Yours (Titans Of Manhattan #1)Conveniently Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everything Caspian has worked for is within reach, but his uncle has left a little more work for him if he wants to keep the company. Stay married for a whole year and find true love or stay single and lose it all. How hard can it be to find someone to marry him for a year? Enter Paisley whose life has just hit rock bottom. Evicted and broke with medical responsibilities for her mother in the hospital in coma. There seems to be no hope for her until she runs into an old friend. Both characters are stuck in a hard place with the other one having the means to remedy their situation. Caspian can be married for a year and Paisley can have her financial troubles taken care of. What could happen in a full year of being together? Could it turn into true love or could it turn into disaster?

I do not usually read the romance books but this one might have single handedly drawn me over to this genre. The book was hard to put down. I connected with the female lead of this story easily. It made me stuck always wanting to know what was going to happen in the next chapter. I will definitely be reading more books by this author and cannot wait to continue on in this series she has written.

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Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J Berger Illustrator: KC Snider – Review by Ayla Eddy

Mom, Is There a Santa Claus?Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J. Berger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a coming of age story based around the concept of Santa. The author introduces a new way of approaching the subject on if there is a Santa Clause. The story is a cute experience between a mother and her son over the topic. She recruits him over into being a Dream Keeper. Which he takes to heart with his little brother. Keeping the magic alive for his younger sibling. I adore the new take on the holiday season. It is a book that I will be reading to my children when they begin to ask the same question.

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Diabolical Sword (The Charm Collector Book 1) by Melissa Erin Jackson – Review by Ayla Eddy

Diabolical SwordDiabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The writer created an amazing urban fantasy book that is like no other. The world is well developed allowing the reader to imagine what is going on as the story develops. The main character Harlow is daughter of a bounty hunter and a charm collector. This natural eye for rare pieces comes in handy for Harlow. It is this trade of hers that sends her into a dangerous adventure. A stolen treasure that proves to be more of a pain than a joy sends our main character on the run with the sentient sword. Can she prove her innocence with the murderous weapon at her side?

This was my first read by this author and will definitely not be my last. I was hooked from the first page and struggled to put it down. With a wonderful world, unique characters, and a plot that keeps you hooked this fantasy story checks all the boxes.

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The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Ayla Eddy

The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria, #1)The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Elements of the Crown is the first book in the Elements of Kamdaria by Kay L Moody and is a combination of four novellas: Ice Crown, Wind Crown, Dust Crown, and Flame Crown. It is a story about a girl named Talise who came from the farthest reaches of the Kamdaria where the criminals reside, the Storm. No one leaves the storm unless they can shape elements and become a Master Shaper. Ten years of training at an elite academy for a chance to compete before the Emperor for the title of Master Shaper. For a girl from nowhere she has more skills than anyone in her training until Aaden arrives at her academy to train for the last year with skills that rival her own. The story follows these two main characters who have both trained for this moment. Who will be the chosen by the Emperor? What fate does that really entail for them next?

The story was a page turner that kept me reading to find out what would happen next. Trying to figure out the motives and next moves for the different characters was a continuous cycle from start to end. It kept me hooked with all the plot twists. Her character and world building were great. I enjoyed this book and cannot wait to continue reading with the next book.

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Stranded (Cetacea Chronicles Book 1) by Feather Chelle – Review by Ayla Eddy

Stranded: Cetacea Chronicles Volume 1Stranded: Cetacea Chronicles Volume 1 by Feather Chelle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stranded by Feather Chelle is the first volume of the Cetacea Chronicles. It is a book that teaches while sharing an underwater adventure about the creatures within the story. It is an enjoyable book for young readers. The writing is descriptive to give the reader a good visual of what each creature looks like as well as the location they are at. Cherish and her Pilot Whale family suffer from both a mysterious illness and shark attack. When it seems like there is no escape the Dolphin Riders save the day? I could not stop reading once I started. After reading this story I wish magical island of Cetacea was real and that I could visit it!

Feather did a wonderful job of writing a fictional work that also teaches along the way. I would definitely recommend this book to young readers as well as parents and teachers.

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Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Ayla Eddy

Ashes of AldyrAshes of Aldyr by Russell Archey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archeyis the first book in The Obscure Throne trilogy. This was my first read by this author and it will not be my last. The world they create with their writing draws you in from the first page to the last page. I could not put the book down as I just needed to know what was going to happen next.

The story starts off in the middle of action in an event known as “The Rupture” giving the reader a sense of what they are reading. The characters are as unique as the tale itself. As you read you get different views that all lead back to the original event. What was once done in the past to seal away darkness behind 55 seals, but now those many of those seals are broken and the fate of the world is in danger. It is a dark fantasy that does not disappoint.

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Journeys Through TimeSpace (Journeys Through Book 2) by James Talisman – Review by Ayla Eddy

Journeys Through TimeSpaceJourneys Through TimeSpace by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Journeys through Timespace is the second book by James Talisman in his Journeys Through series. Like the first book it takes you into the Multiverse on a wild adventure. To defend Earth ancient artifacts must be obtained. Acquiring them is no easy task. The three friends must use new skills in order to accomplish their way through this adventure. Time traveling in both directions with life or death obstacles to overcome. It is easy to imagine the characters and how their bond as friends is. The need to kept reading to find out what happens keeps you from putting the book away. Will Earth win?

With a continuation from the first book James does it again with drawing you into the pages. The world building along with the characters is amazing. You won’t want to put this book down either. I cannot wait for the next book. This genre is not my usual read, but I find myself highly immersed in this series.

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Journeys Through SpaceTime (Journeys Through Book 1) by James Talisman – Review by Ayla Eddy

Journeys Through SpaceTimeJourneys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman

Journeys through Spacetime is the first book by James Talisman in his Journeys Through series. It is a fantasy book that takes you through the Multiverse of time and space. The characters are diverse and unique as you follow them through the different POVs and worlds within the book. You can feel the passion that James has for writing through the words on every page. The adventure written in the pages draws you in. Which side will win?

This was my first read by this author and it was a book outside my normal realm of reading. It is a book that is not the quickest read, but letting the details sink in is worth it as it helps fully ground you in the story. I am excited for the next book in the series. If you are looking for a page turning cannot put the book down read then this is one is for you!

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Entwined (Stone and Cinder Book 1) by A.L. Morrow – Review by Ayla Eddy

Entwined: A Cinderella Retelling (Stone and Cinder Book 1)Entwined: A Cinderella Retelling by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Entwined by A.L. Morrow is the first book in her series entitled Stone and Cinder. It is a retelling of the Cinderella story like none before. It follows the common tale with a number of twists and expansions beyond the original story. The characters are diverse without betraying the stereotype of wicked step mother to an unfortunate girl. There is Prince Callum with his husband and Ashling who is the Cinderella of the story. A ball is to be held by the Prince and monsters lurking in the Kingdom outside.

This book was my first read by this author and I am looking forward to the next installment of Stone and Cinder. The books contains a combination of relationships m/m, m/f, and m/m/f so joy everyone may enjoy. I however fully enjoyed the story and would recommend it.

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite, book 1) by Amy McKinley – Review by Ayla Eddy

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

No Way Out (Mafia Elite Book 1) by Amy McKinley was a captivating book from the first page. The book is filled with developed characters that keep you wondering what they will do next as the story plays out. It is my first read and not going to be my last read by Amy McKinley. The way she writes her characters it is easy to feel for them whether is it pity, hate, or love. I simply could not put the book down. I just had to keep reading to find out more.

Lilliana is a mafia princess, but not your average one. She is a strong female lead that is determined, skilled, and not a damsel in distress. With a rough life that holds no escape except as a pawn to ensure her father’s power. She has a group of girlfriends that are more like sisters to her and always there to support her. Under her father’s care she is nothing more than a pawn to be played at the right time for his selfish desire for power. She wants nothing to do with being his bargaining chip, but how will she find freedom? Trading one caged life for another to a man of his choosing? Or is there another way?

Life changing events for the ever-cruel Brambilla boss set a new start to things in the mafia world. Enter assassin Matteo Trambino the guise Max takes on with his plan of his own devised to save her from her dangerous father. As the new bodyguard to Lil, he witnesses firsthand the life the mafia princess lives. It drives him even more to follow through with his mission, even if parts of that may be changing as the story progresses. Will he succeed in what he has been sent to do or will he fail?

An amazing read that I would recommend to anyone!

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Hazard in Hawaii (A Doctor Danger Mystery BOOK 1) by Heather Silvio – Review by Ayla Eddy

Hazard in Hawaii (A Doctor Danger Mystery Book 1)Hazard in Hawaii by Heather Silvio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hazard in Hawaii by Heather Silvio is the first book in her series A Doctor Danger Mystery. It is a paranormal mystery book that is a fast, but good read. From the beginning of the story she hooks you in with the start of a curious mystery that the main character Sarah is on the way to investigate. Off to Hawaii to solve a mysterious death with her empath abilities and knowledge in mythology. A man has an unexplained death after heating up with no response to medical intervention. Now another man, a relative to her boss’s friend, is facing the same unknown illness. Reading the adventure as Sarah takes over the investigation and searches for the answer was a thrilling read. She touches on the culture of Hawaii while mixing in the supernatural world. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

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The Girl and the Raven (The Girl and the Raven series) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Ayla Eddy

The Girl and The RavenThe Girl and The Raven by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Girl and the Raven by Pauline Gruber is a captivating YA paranormal romance. With the death of her mother 16 year old Lucy’s world is turned upside down. Moving states away to live with her uncles in Chicago her world only gets more twisted around. She discovers that she isn’t just a human teenage girl, but half-witch half-demon. These secrets open a new and dangerous world for Lucy. If the normal teenage problems of losing a parent, starting at a new school, and crushing on the good looking neighbor were not enough, the magical world being added into the mix sure is enough to keep Lucy busy. New friends, old friends, family, and a boyfriend what more could a girl ask for? Danger lurks near as Lucy learns more about herself. Stranger attacks and choices must be made. A unique story that hooks you from the first page and keeps you reading. I found it hard to put the book down and cannot wait to read the next book in the series. This is my first read by Pauline and I can guarantee it will not be my last.

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The Girl and the Gargoyle (The Girl and the Raven Book 2) by Pauline Gruber – Review by Ayla Eddy

The Girl and the Gargoyle (The Girl and the Raven, #2)The Girl and the Gargoyle by Pauline Gruber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Girl and the Gargoyle by Pauline Gruber is the second book in The Girl and the Raven series. Just like the first book, which I recommend reading first, this one draws you into the story from the first page. I did not want to put it down. Continuing from the end of the last book Lucy is still living with her Uncles in Chicago and dating Marcus, a half-demon half-gargoyle. Trying to live her life as a teenager of the supernatural world is no easy feat especially when trying to keep her secrets from school friends. Jude, her demon father, has forced her to start training to harness her demon powers. Her boyfriend’s family is in town with their own agenda that will affect everyone. More adventure, love, friendship, hidden agendas and twists to keep you reading. I cannot wait to continue the story to find out what happens next for Lucy in book three.

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BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero – Review by Ayla Eddy

Boy ReleasedBoy Released by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read the first book and fallen in love with the different characters that JD Spero captured in the multi point of view telling in the first book I could not wait to read on to see what happened to them. I would recommend reading Boy on Hold first. The story takes place ten years after the conclusion of Boy on Hold and is told in similar multi character point of view. Tyler is released from rehab at the psychiatric ward, Hen is now 17 about to receive his inheritance from Sally Hubbard, and Marcella has moved the family to the Blue Palms Motel, her new business. An unfortunate event occurs at the Motel involving Marcella and this time Tyler is the only witness. The old saying “The past comes back to haunt us” rings true as Tyler is turned into a suspect due to his past. Marcella knows the truth, but proving her son innocent is not an easy task.

The book is well written and draws you in. I simply could not put the book down. The depth of the characters feels real allowing you to relate to them. Though they are fictional they could easily be real people with real struggles of today. JD Spero captures the struggles of mental illness, schizophrenia in this case, on both individual and the family in her books.

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Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by Ayla Eddy

Boy on HoldBoy on Hold by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Boy on Hold by JD Spero is a captivating book that reels you in from the first chapter. A seven year old Hen sets out to find himself a pet hedgehog in the middle of the night, but not just any night as it was cabbage night. A night of tradition pranks. One prank gone drastically wrong next door to the Trout family while Hen is outside making him the only witness. The story revolves around this crime that has taken place. Hen’s older brother Tyler is arrested and his mother Marcella shocked. As a single mother working hard to raise her boys this is a blindside. It couldn’t be her son. Told in different points of view you gain a true connection to each character from little innocent Hen to hard-working loving mother Marcella and to the mental illness plaguing Tyler. As the tale unfolds will the truth come out on who done the crime so foul?

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The Forsaken: Wraith by Martin Ferguson – Review by Ayla Eddy

The Forsaken: WraithThe Forsaken: Wraith by Martin Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Forsaken: Wraith by Martin Ferguson is a book that draws you into the fantasy world written in its pages. Alena’s world is upturned at the loss of everything she was born to; her family, her home and her name. From one life into another she is raised by The Guild, but must face a trial alone to become a true member. Sent out to find her place she returns victorious as a Slayer. She is then sent out on an adventure which places her in the service of the Scared. With determination and a drive to not fail she sets out on her quest with a unique group of individuals. A journey with unexpected twists, danger, monsters, and evil. It was a page turning story that kept me wanting to know what would happen next. I could not put the book down. This is the first book of the Hidden Realms of Centuros series and I cannot wait for the next book.

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