Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was wonderfully unexpected. I really enjoyed every minute of it. I love the world this author has created. The characters were well developed. I felt like I was there. I highly recommend it.
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was like a Dungeons & Dragons campaign gone horribly wrong and I loved every second of it!
Harlow, a charm collector, was only doing what she does best, find magical items and ‘re-home’ them. After a fellow collector gets caught for contraband magical items, Harlow decides to loot his trove before the Collective will take it for themselves. (Collective is basically the government of this magical hub) In the other collectors treasure room, she finds many magical items to loot including a pretty shiny sword that catches her eye.
Harlow some how activates the sword and it awakens. Having a mind of its own, the dragon scale sword imprints on Harlow and wants her help to find out where it came from. Unfortunately, the sword goes on a murdering spree. Once the collective gets wind of this sword, they are pulling out all the stops to make Harlow be an enemy of the public. With Harlow now on the run, she has no idea who she can trust, where to go, where the sword came from, why it chose her?
Throughout this book, we follow Harlow on her crazy adventure filled with magic, murder, mystery and so much more. I would definitely want this author to DM one of my future D&D adventures!
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I can’t say enough good things about this book, amazing ! I decided to read it because it sounded good and I liked the cover. Overall it was funny and kept me reading, I just had to know how it would end. You will not regret getting this book. I can’t wait for the next one.
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this one. New fantasy series always catch my attention. This one caught me with the title, Diabolical Sword. Does that not just sound like some fun action to you? The story did not let me down. From the beginning descriptions of getting the message to her descriptions of life between normals and fae life, the story gives such a unique view to life (even being fictional). I’m naturally a curious person and this book makes me want to jump down rabbit holes wanting to learn more. The action among the main character and the supporting characters was very well-written. It flowed together nicely. No glitches or uncomfortable hiccups. Again, the descriptions made it really easy to picture in your head. A very unique and orginal story. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author. Highly recommend.
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This story had a slow start. There was a moment where I wondered if I it was going to be this slow throughout the book but it picked up and stayed there.
There are so many things to enjoy about this book. A strong female lead. For me personally I enjoyed that she is a minority. I enjoyed the community of magic that the fae built. It was awesome learning about the different magic people, and the humans who knew of magic.
This book was filled with action, drama, mystery, and tragedy. Plus every Magical creature you could think of from dragons to witches to pixies. It’s very diverse and everyone can find something to enjoy.
I’d recommend this book to everyone that loves urban fantasies or fantasies in general. We can all use a bit of magic in our lives.
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What an introduction to a new author! This book was so easy to get straight into. I loved the main character, she was so relatable and engaging. Her story was such an exciting one to read and I loved the world that she is part of. I thought there was a lot going on in the book and the author did a great job of managing it all. This book definitely has me looking forward to seeing what is to come next.
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this urban fantasy story. It is definately a story that you start and get completely immersed in. Even though the story is fantasy containing magical items and supernatural beings the author does an amazing job of making the story feel very realistic. The story is a gripping adventure from start to finish.
Harlow’s jobs is to collect magical items and charms which she then sells on. However when she goes on one trip to collect things she is drawn to a dragons sword and Little does she know the power inside will change her life.
The sword itself is alive and will being more trouble to Harlow that she expects.
When the police turn up at her door questioning her about a murder she is shocked but had no knowledge. That is until the sword arrives home covered in blood.
How is Harlow going to prove her innocence? Can she control the sword or will she just be at the mercy of it? Can Harlow escape her pursuers or will the sword be her complete undoing?
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This fantasy is hilarious, action-packed, and a really good time. Harlow is a smart and interesting young woman, who despite her career, has a good head on her shoulders and wants to see justice prevail in the world. The sword she stumbles across becomes “imprinted” on her (think baby duck) and she quickly develops an affinity with it. It is like an adorable murderous puppy, loyal to Harlow but quick to anger, and just as quick to exact vengeance on those who threaten it or Harlow. It often puts her into very real danger as she becomes blamed for the crimes it commits. But there is more at play here, and as Harlow tries to figure out what the sword is ultimately seeking, she uncovers more and more strange events happening in the town of Luma. Something in the Collective isn’t the way it seems, and danger is lurking. Is the government being truthful about the safety of the city? Are the boundaries as sturdy as they are purported? As she discovers more and more of the underbelly of the city, and the risk to her life increases, Harlow has some decisions to make about what to do with her discoveries.
Reviewed by @ericalorraine
View all my reviews
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Diabolical Sword (The Charm Collector Book 1)
By Melissa Erin Jackson
5-stars
Wow!!! What an amazing read!! This was my first book by this author but it won’t be my last, I cannot wait to continue with this series asap!!
This fantasy read has it all, it’s action-packed, complex, entertaining, intense, dynamic and surprisingly witty. I was intrigued and captivated right from the beginning, I loved all of the detail, the many characters, the original storyline honestly, I loved everything about it. I read it in one sitting as I just couldn’t bring myself to put it down, I just couldn’t get enough of this storyline.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking for their next one of a kind read!
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a bumpy road for me and I love fantasy.
One of those love it or do not finish type of stories.
I must say I almost gave up but I didn’t and it was all worth it.
This is a new fantasy world that I would have never thought of.
So imaginative and original.
I loved the magical sword angle.
We have a female lead that brings a sexy to the mysterious fantasy world.
This story was very well rounded in the end and I understand now why it is dragged out,
The world that this author created is so structured and detailed that I am hooked.
This was a good read, however, long for my taste as a new reader of this author
If you are new to fantasy you will find this a hard read it doesn’t pick up right away but my recommendation is keep going if you start.
It has a mysterious twist that was very unexpected and I am sure there is more to this story.
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
How have I not heard of this spectacular author before?! This work of urban fantasy was absolutely amazing! This is my favorite genre, and I am picky about what I like. This book blew me away. It has everything I could ask for and then some. Harlow is a great main character. She is strong and smart, but also has a huge heart. The other characters throughout this book are also phenomenal and really help round out the story. The sword is my new favorite character.
Then there is the story itself. The author has gone to great lengths to add as much detail as possible and it really shines through. It is not too much, just enough to make you feel like you are there. It is such an original story and concept, while feeling like it could actually happen. I could not put it down and tore through it as quickly as possible. Who needs to eat or sleep when you are immersed in such a great book?
If you are a fan of strong female main characters and urban fantasy, this book is for you. I am quickly going back o see what else she has written, I am now a huge fan.
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a fun read! Easy and a page turner with no lack of excitement! I really enjoyed this fantasy novel and would definately reccomend if you are looking for a light read with less of the heavy drama! The plot was excellent and i really enjoyed reading the book! Definately reccomend!
Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
From the very beginning this book has your attention and questioning what in the world is going on and what happened?! I really enjoyed this book. Lauren’s character is so real and entertaining to read what she goes through throughout the chapters. Each chapter keeps you guessing and thinking hard about the situation. Keeps you on your toes until the very end! I definitely recommend this read and can’t wait to read more.
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an original and wonderful Paranormal Urban Fantasy mystery story. The author’s narrative was fun and entertaining yet perilous and dangerous and with the great world building it drew me in. With lots of action and intrigue, mystery and magic, deceit and lies the story will have you totally engrossed. There is a cast of interesting characters and the story is unique. I loved the Heroines sense of self and worth and sassiness and I especially loved that the sword was a character and had a fiery spirit all of its own. There is a lot going on in the story but the author has pulled it all together nicely.
I am eager to read more in this series!
Reviewed by @jennadb
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Diabolical Sword is the first book in The Charm Collector series by Melissa Erin Jackson. What a wonderful start to a new series this proved to be. I love a great urban fantasy- and this proved to be all that and more. Highly original, intriguing, and imaginative- this story ticked all the boxes for me. Let’s face it though, the author had me at sentient sword! Colour me intrigued!!! Then add a cast of quirky and interesting characters, fantastic world building, magic, crime, mystery, adventure, danger, shifters, sorcerers, drama, humour, action, agendas, and the paranormal- and this book turned out to be quite a fun and exciting story.
I highly enjoyed this first instalment and can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the series.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Melissa Erin Jackson!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book has a lot in it but the author took so much time to put all or the details in this story that it would be impossible for you to be confused. Both her main characters as well as her supporting characters were both brilliant and described in immense details. Our main character Harlow is so relatable, she’s just a girl trying to keep her life together in the best way she knows how. She’s had some tough breaks but she’s doing the best she can. In the long run it is a very interesting, entertaining, and exciting read. Harlow is witty and sarcastic, which makes for excellent dialog with supporting characters like Caspian and Zander. So if your looking for a new series to start this week then definitely pick up this first installment.
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Daughter of a bounty hunter and a charm collector, Harlow is an amazingly strong character. The author really did a stand out job of adding all the details you could possibly need to this story to flesh out every character, even the character of the sword itself. This original story line is action packed and wouldn’t let me go even after I had read the last page! I look forward to what I am sure will be more harrowing adventures in the next chapter with Harlow and the Sword! If you are looking for an original, fun, mystical, magical adventure with beloved characters who are strong, witty and charming, look no further as this book has it all!
Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lauren is a struggling Stenographer who becomes desperate for free lance work. She ends up taking a job with her ex husband and she dreads the very idea working for him. A job is a job though, so she pushes through. She is reporting on the biggest murder trail in the town, but it’s not her job to prove a man’s innocence. Against her own judgment she starts looking into the case a bit more. She ends up discovering things about her past that she wishes she hadn’t. Will she be able to prove who the real killer is? Will the real killer find her before she has a chance to save the man on trial? Her search has put many people in the line of fire and with a second death, she knows she’s running out of time. Will she put a stop to killer or will the killer put a stop to her! If you like mystery crime thrillers you have got to read this set! I haven’t read to many myself, but I will now! I hope for a book three!!
Reviewed by: @jaimie0459
Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Lauren is working freelance at the moment taking depositions and then takes a job helping out her ex husband in court. How bad can that be right? The trial is for a hot murder case and she has to report on it. As Lauren is going through the trial she thinks that they may be trying the wrong person. The story unravels as she finds out about her mother and why her father kept her leaving such a secret.
I cant wait to read more from these author she kept me entertained and guessing.
Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Shadows of Doubt: A Crawford Mystery by Merissa Racine is a very interesting story. I really like Lauren and her fun way of getting into the trouble she finds as a court reporter.
I was slowly pulled more and more into this story, wanting to see how things would turn out. I thought Lauren was such a good man character. For me, she brought the story to life and added so much to it. She was engaging throughout and just a likable character.
The book is full of twists and turns, which really keeps you involved in the book. This is a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this paranormal story. This is a well written story that is full of magic, shifters and fantasy. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the characters. Harlow is a charm collector, add that to being the daughter of a bounty hunter you have a great, strong character. She is my favorite of the story. She just made the story for me. This is a fast paced story that is engaging which I had a hard time putting down. I enjoyed how relatable, unique and creative the characters were. I highly recommend picking this book up and finding out what happens to Harlow as she finds herself on the run and trying to prove her innocence. I really enjoyed the growth of the plot and characters throughout the story. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you made it to this book hopefully you read the first one titled, “Silent Gavel” first. The book can be a standalone but it ways make more sense if you read the first one before this. You can get a better feel for the characters and understand why things are happening as they are.
In this second installment we once again follow Lauren Besoner as she tries to rebuild her life after past events left her with too much trauma and needing to seek professional help. This time she is doing freelance work after leaving her last post of official court reporter due to the fact that she could not see working under her ex-husband Tony. She gets called in to report for a deposition of contested mental capacity of the chief of police’s mother regarding the ranch and all her assets. Shortly after she receives a call because the report is no longer needed to to the death of Ms. Archer. The police arrest a suspect quickly but after talking to her friend Dominick Lauren believes that once again the police have the wrong person. Lauren gets called in to be court reporter for her ex-husband in the case as the official reporter is on maternity leave. From the start things are not adding up for Lauren and she decides to do some sleuthing because she believes justice is owed and won’t rest if someone innocent is locked up. Throughout this book things about Lauren’s past are brought to light and she must learn that they do not define her, and she shouldn’t be judged for the actions of others. In this case is Lauren right about the accused? Can she make it through this trial without getting put on another killers hitlist? Put your sleuthing hat back on for this installment to see if you to can figure out who the killer is in time!
Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
There is something to be said about an author who can make a necessary yet often overlooked court stenographer job and turn it interesting. This was a homerun by the author as an intriguing whodunnit with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster.
We start out meeting Lauren Besoner an extremely likeable and relatable character who finds herself in a bit of a jam after finding Judge Murphy’s body. Once again thrust into drama that she has tried to avoid since divorcing her ex-Tony. She now finds herself the primary suspect in the middle of the murder investigation by detective Sam Overstreet and his boss chief of police Ray Newell. She knows she didn’t commit the murder but now she must launch her own investigation since the police do not seem to be looking at anyone else. Is she being set up and if so by whom? What will happen if the killer believes she is getting to close to the truth? Can Lauren make it out unscathed or become victim number 2? This book will leave you on the edge of your seat with many predictions on who the killer might be. Can you figure it out before the police do? Read this book to see just how good your detective skills are!
Great mystery and suspenseful story. Keep my on the edge of my seat, did not want to put the book down. Written well, enjoyed being pulled into the story with the authors use of great detail. Legal thriller with lots of twist and turns, with a dash of romance.
Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great mystery and suspenseful story. Keep my on the edge of my seat, did not want to put the book down. Written well, enjoyed being pulled into the story with the authors use of great detail. Legal thriller with lots of twist and turns, with a dash of romance.
Great flowing story line. Page turner, will keep you on the edge of your seat. Legal thriller, with lots of twist and turners. Love story with mystery and action packed pages.
Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great flowing story line. Page turner, will keep you on the edge of your seat. Legal thriller, with lots of twist and turners. Love story with mystery and action packed pages.
Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An intriguing and engaging murder mystery thriller, and once again the author had me gripped from page one. I enjoyed being back with Stenographer Lauren Besoner, and in this story she goes from reporting the words in a murder trial to trying to prove that the man on trial is actually innocent. Lauren is reporting on the biggest murder trial that Crawford has ever seen and the judge also happens to be her cheating ex husband, Tony. Lauren’s instincts are that the wrong person is on trial for the murder, and she soon has to decide whether to put her job and her life at risk to ensure that justice is served, or carry on and say nothing.
Lauren decides to discover the real murderer and when a second murder occurs she realises that there is more to the case than even she thought. As she searches for the truth secrets from her own past are exposed, but she’s determined to find the real killer. This legal thriller had me fully immersed, as the courtroom setting and all its drama was brought vividly to life by the authors knowledgeable and descriptive narrative. Lauren is once again a realistic and likeable main character who brings the story together. The exciting storyline and plot twists kept me guessing until the end as to the identity of the killer. This was a real page turner of a read and I really hope there will be a third book in this series.
Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery, crime thriller which had me hooked from page one. Court stenographer Lauren Besoner has returned home to Wyoming hoping to put her broken marriage behind her. Lauren’s newfound stable life comes crashing down around her when she arrives to pick up Judge Murphy for work, only to discover her murdered in her own home. After calling the police and answering routine questions Lauren realises that she has become their prime suspect. Her case is not helped by the fact that there seems to be a link between the dead judge and Lauren’s cheating ex husband. Lauren is determined to prove that she is innocent even if it means solving the case herself. In trying to track down the killer, Lauren puts herself at risk of becoming their next victim.
I was gripped by this fast paced novel, the murder, crime storyline was full of suspense and the plot kept me guessing until the end. I loved Lauren as a main character and felt she brought the story together. The characters and setting were brought to life by the authors descriptive narrative, and you could tell that the author has a background in the legal profession by the small details she’s added which made the story have a very real feel to it. I felt immersed in the story and was happily turning the pages late at night to discover the killer’s identity. A great first book in a new series, and I look forward to book two.
Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Stenographer Lauren Besoner is back and this time she is working freelance, but she is desperate to earn some money, so when an opportunity comes up to report on murder trial in her own home town of Crawford, she jumps at the chance. The only drawback is that she has to work with her ex husband and she isn’t looking forward to that in the slightest, she only hopes that she can put her negative feelings aside so that she can do her job successfully.
As she arrives at the courthouse ready to set up, she has to go to her old office and with it her ex colleague, who seems to be as useless as before, however, eventually, she sorts out the paperwork, powers up and connects her machines. She is surprised to hear who the victim and accused are and how quickly it has been brought to trial and as the testimonies start, she is wondering whether they have accused the right person.
The more she thinks about it, the more things start to not add up and as she starts to investigate further herself, she is more than sure of her convictions, especially when a second murder occurs. As she asks her own questions and puts together her own evidence, she has to ask herself whether it is really worth jeopardising her job to prove somebodies innocence and are the secrets it is dredging up from her past life going to remain hidden to all but her?
Will Lauren be able to convince anyone of her way of thinking, or is she going to find herself another heap of trouble? This is another thrilling mystery full of hidden truths and contentious behaviour which will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Much like the first book, this one is just as engaging. The characters are as well-crafted and written as they were in the prequel, and the story keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. There was the same amount of depth and research that went into this book as in the first. I spent no time being bored with this book—it was all non-stop thrills and intrigue. I didn’t want to stop reading! The chemistry between the characters and the turns along the way make for a very entertaining story. The fact it can be read as a standalone is simply a bonus.
Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The book immediately draws you in. There is no other way around it—it’s a real page-turner from the word ‘go’. Lauren is an interesting character; honestly, her reactions to the events in the book are just incredibly realistic. It’s easy to lose yourself in the story. The portrayal of police work was engaging (though I’m not sure how accurate it is—I’ve never dealt with the police before!). It was just a fantastic example of suspense and intrigue to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I give this book 4 stars and a place on my Re-read shelf.
