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ALTERATIONS TRILOGY: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal Will by Jane Suen – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Alterations Trilogy: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal WillAlterations Trilogy: Alterations, Game Changer, Primal Will by Jane Suen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a set of captivating sci-fi thriller novels. Why would someone agree to be implanted with a mind-controlling chip? The concept of the plot is intriguing and suspenseful. I feel like the books can be read as stand-alones but would recommend reading them in order. There is definitely plenty of twists and turns in the Alterations trilogy! Lilly, Gigi, and Ellen POV’s add to the plot as we experience how the chip effects each one of them. Still not sure if I like or hate the brilliant doctor…

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Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Nicole Thompson

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Writer, Mary Blackwehl, and Illustrator, Gabby Correla, have created an enchanting, delightful pirate story in their book, Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait, which follows the tale of Half-Pint Porky as they take their first steps towards attending big kid school. It is the ideal book for helping children comprehend the progression from being a little kid to a big kid. My 4-year-old grandson simply loves it! The illustrations are vibrant and wonderfully captivating, enhancing the narrative even further.

Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Hanging Softly in the Night (Detective Nick Larson #1)Hanging Softly in the Night by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A murder mystery with engaging characters and a suspense filled plot. I was hooked on the step-by-step of investigation by Detective Larson and the complexity of his life. Each character is fleshed out with careful thought, as well as how they fit in the story. The gripping thriller of a serial killer transfixes the reader to the page. I love how the author gave the reader all of the acronyms at the beginning to help understand the lingo! This is the first time I’ve read anything by this author, and I look forward to more!

Review by @bilberrysweet

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Emma (Notebook Mysteries, #1)Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book one in The Notebook Mysteries series and the third book I’ve read in the series. The story starts in the preface sometime in the future, where the narrator (we aren’t told the name) is deciding to write a book, but doesn’t know where to begin. After going through the collection of notebooks, she decides where to start the story. Throughout the book the reader is interrupted by the narrator and Dear-one as she’s writing the story. This is an interesting way to tell the story of Emma. Even though each book can be read as a stand-alone novel, this book gives the majority of backstory of the characters, as well as more details into setting. The author also includes recipes mentioned in the book. German chocolate cake wasn’t made the way it was made when I was young. I felt more pulled into the historical time in this novel. It was a nice cozy mystery for the young adult genre!

Review by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn

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Fractured Worlds: Courage in the Apocalypse by Courtney Konstantin – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Fractured World: Courage in the Apocalypse CollectionFractured World: Courage in the Apocalypse Collection by Maira Dawn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an absolute read for dystopian lovers! I have a spot for dystopian stories with characters that show us what humans can endure birth good and bad. This collection doesn’t disappoint. I was hooked from the first story and couldn’t put the book down! Each segment gives you different scenarios that could potentially be the downfall of modern society. I’m hooked!

Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, September 2022

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Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner book 4)Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book four in the Forerunner series. The Preface chapter gives you the background information from the other books up until this point in the series. There are maps of Eire (Ireland) and The North Way (Norway) at the beginning to help orient the reader to place. Woven into the story are real figures and places from Viking-era history even though this is a fantasy novel. This was a daunting read for myself due to not reading any of the previous books in the series or fantasy writing, however, Bautista writes with excellent vivid imagery in each scene. He uses details consistent with the time period and weaves Viking culture and mythology throughout. This makes the story believable and real to the reader. If you like Norse mythology, Viking history, with an unpredictable adventure, this is the story to read!
Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, September 2022
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Tale of a Body Thief (Rovena Silvex Book 1) by Kristy Centeno – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Tale of a Body Thief (Rovena Silvex chronicles Book 1)Tale of a Body Thief by Kristy Centeno
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has some excellent world building that enhances the story. Although I’m not familiar with the demon hunter sub-genre within the fantasy genre, there was wonderful description to help the reader follow along. The main character, Rovena, has depth and an attitude to match that I found likeable. Once I started reading, I wanted to know more about this world of demons and hunters. The hierarchy became clearer for me and I was able to visualize what the characters looked like. I appreciate how the author took the time to paint a word picture of the story setting. Even though this isn’t my go-to genre, I’m looking forward to more books in this series!
Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, July 2022
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