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A Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper – Review by Darian Vester

A Tale of Two CrushesA Tale of Two Crushes by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Honestly at first I thought the book was a little cringy. Now I did feel that her and Asher did have a good connection but still cringy. Do not let me saying that push you away from the book because it gets better! The characters are great; seriously the friendship was the best, Tenley was my favorite. Holland was a great main character, it was great that she could admit she enjoyed getting attention from both boys, who wouldn’t. I loved that she agreed about them acting like idiots, I was glad their “hotness” didn’t blind her in that area. And then I was so happy for her when she finally started to think about her own wants. Runway careers is such a cool idea, I wish my high school did something like this.
Overall the it’s a great read for younger readers/ya readers. It’s humorous, ambitious characters and a little romance. 100 percent recommend.

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Unmasking a Cowgirl (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Darian Vester

Unmasking A Cowgirl (Match Made in Montana Book 3)Unmasking A Cowgirl by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A good book to end the series with. I haven’t read book one, just two and three but even in book two I never thought of Abby being part of the Whittier family. I wanted to scream at all the towns people who were against her as soon as they found out who she was. And the entire time my anxiety was going thinking the lawyer was going to screw her over in the end, good news, he doesn’t. I’m glad her friends didn’t turn on her when she told them the news of her true identity. Not going to lie, I was on and off about Joe. Some parts of the book I couldn’t wait for them to be together and other parts I was like is this really the guy she’s going to be with? But I am glad they got there happily ever after. I recommend to all clean, slow burn, romance readers.

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Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Darian Vester

Fate, Frankincense & FuneralsFate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love finding books with shifters that aren’t the usual wolf and bear. This one has vultures, jackals and bats. I thought it was interesting that the vultures help send souls over into underworld. I would love to know more about the shifters and how their world works since vultures really can’t leave their city and I’m not sure if it’s all shifters or only that no one can marry a jackal and vulture. It’s all interesting. The story also includes romance and a little spice. I enjoyed the short story and am now trying to find the series to learn more about the world.

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Mr. Lucky (Trentbridge Crime Series Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Darian Vester

Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales #1)Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the book; to be honest at first, I felt there were too many characters, and up until a quarter way through the book each character kind of felt like a diary entry. I am glad to say that the writing changed and no longer felt like quick moments from the day.
I really liked James, I couldn’t believe how soon his wife and children were taken from him and it upset me that he honestly didn’t even do anything yet. Which leads you to Dave, the character you love to hate. Really, I was just hoping for someone to take him out, I wanted him to leave James alone.
I recommend the book to all crime reader lovers.

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Andrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco – Review by Darian Vester

Andrew's ArmorAndrew’s Armor by Jill Monaco
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great book for Christian families. I like that he’s not told to grow up and get over things like his friend making fun of him, but to believe in himself and believe in the lord and he will find his bravery again. The illustrations in the book are great, I just wish the wording was a little large. The book also includes a list of activists you can do with your child and some uplifting scriptures.

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Falling for a Star in the City (Stars in the City Series) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Darian Vester

Falling for a Star in the City (Stars in the City #2)Falling for a Star in the City by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m going to get the bad out of the way right away because I’m still a little upset about it, I was rooting for Paige and Viktor the entire book but when she started this whole love triangle thing and was saying “I love you” to both boys I was mad. It was messy and I was honestly thinking maybe she needs to be single and find herself because this wasn’t the drama I was looking for.
Other than that I loved the book, it’s great slow burn YA read. Paige’s life feels out of control since the death of one of her friends and I hope this book shows young readers that grief is different for everyone and it’s okay to go get help to work out how your feeling. I really liked Paige’s friends, they felt like a realistic friend group to me. I was team Viktor the whole way, I fell for him instantly and I love that he’s not a cocky “I’m the best” hockey player. Honestly I could keep reading about the two of them.
I recommend if you enjoy clean, YA romances. This book can also be read as a standalone.

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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Darian Vester

Alchemy of GlassAlchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The book started slow for me, many other readers have stated this can be read as a standalone, so I went into reading this as one. But I feel I should have started with book one, so if you haven’t as well, you should.
I enjoyed reading about the fairies, the book felt really creative and different which I enjoyed. I thought the characters were great and going into different time periods was cool; the ending was very sweet, and I liked how things ended for Anne and Gaelan.

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A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Series) by Ava Silvers – Review by Darian Vester

A Vampire in Disguise (Creatures of the Midwest Book 1)A Vampire in Disguise by Ava Silvers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was drawn to this book because I’m from the Midwest and was excited to finally see something about us. This book is a paranormal mystery, and I am here for it. I felt the story started off slow and that it took a while for clues but I did enjoy it. I really enjoyed the characters and liked how they all felt different. Overall I felt like the book was a good, unpredictable cozy mystery.

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Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Darian Vester

Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #2)Red by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this book without reading book one and I feel that it’s okay because the characters from book one are in this a lot but they’re you’re typical side characters so the story doesn’t feel confusing.
I like the modern take on little red riding hood, Lilly is very trusting and sometimes is helpful like when she met Ashley and other times it’s dangerous. I wish there was more involvement with the fairy godmothers, I like that they’re able to watch what’s going on and get these vibrations when something bad is going to happen, and I know its against their rules, but I wish they could have been able to interact with the characters more. I enjoyed the parts with Harry and Ashley, they have me wanting to go back and to read book one. Honestly, I felt George was full of himself but I am glad that he and Lilly get there happily ever after. I thought the friendship with Ashley and Lilly was very sweet and I hope we get to see more of them in the next book.

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In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Series) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Darian Vester

In the Midst of Omens (The Legacy of Gilgamesh Book 1)In the Midst of Omens by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

To be honest, I’ve never heard of Gilgamesh until now, I thought this was an interesting read and I enjoyed the characters. I liked that Gilgamesh had all these wives but when in the palace he told them that they didn’t need to consummate their marriage or even have children together. And I liked that though he was physically attracted to men he truly loved Shamhat, their marriage has everything but the sex. Gilgamesh’s characters grows, he stops worrying so much on the future and he tells everyone that it was Enkidu who killed Humbaba because he no longer cares about his legacy. I love when he’s ready to live in the moment. There’s Gods, friendship, action and romance, I recommend to all fantasy readers.

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Catch a Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Darian Vester

Catch A Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Book 2)Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you’re looking for a clean slow burn romance definitely check this one out, it can be read as a standalone and I started the series with this book but now I’m wanting to read the stories of our other characters. And honestly, I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen with Joe and Abby.
I’m not going to lie, at first I felt nothing between Stephanie and Ted, so I wasn’t sure if their slow burn was even going to work for me. But I did like the characters individually. I like that the author has us get to know them first before trying to push them together, but I do wish there was a little more of just them to help with their chemistry in the book. I did like that he cared for her, especially with the drama happening at school.
Overall I enjoyed the book and think romance readers will enjoy it along with the happy ending.

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Productivity is Power II: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig – Review by Darian Vester

Productivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other ProfessionalsProductivity is Power 2: For Creative, Business, and Other Professionals by Hillary Rettig
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I feel this is a good read for those who are trying to help their procrastinating ways. I like that right in beginning the authors speaks on mental health and advises to see a specialist, especially because sometimes our procrastination comes from struggling with a mental health disorder. The author includes in the book different strategies/exercise to try to help combat your procrastination, as someone with ADHD I kind of felt good about myself for already doing some of them on days I’m not letting my quasiproductive procrastination win. And there are some I need to keep in mind to try. I really like that she encourages to stop that inner bully that I know a lot of people have. I really enjoyed part 2 on perfectionism. My complaint with the book is when she’d state something and then say that she’ll go more on it in a different chapter. I didn’t feel the book was one to skip around in, so I felt that it wasn’t needed to include it’ll be talked about again later on. But other than that I think it’s a good read for those looking for a little extra help.

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Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi Series) by C.A. King – Review by Darian Vester

Evil Sushi (Evil Sushi #1)Evil Sushi by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I know we’ve all heard “don’t judge a book by it’s cover” but let’s be honest, the cover is the first thing that draws you in; and I feel that this one is lacking and might have pushed some people away.

I wasn’t expecting the book to be what it was, honestly, which I enjoyed. I know the blurb says not zombies, but I was expecting something similar at least. I think it’s cool and different how the author twisted this “breakout.” I liked the characters, I think Sally could use some work, I hope she has had some character growth in book two. I found Ned to be hilarious, he’s just your average, friendly, hillbilly but I like that he’s one of the main characters and that he’s going to be helping to end this thing. There’s humor, non-trusting government, a mysterious breakout, and an ending that leaves you wanting to read book two. This is such an entertaining and quick read that I believe sci-fi, dystopian, and maybe a little fantasy (magical realism) readers will enjoy.

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Kris & The Cowboys (The Adventures of Kris) by Art Blegen – Review by Darian Vester

Kris & The Cowboys: The Adventures of KrisKris & The Cowboys: The Adventures of Kris by Art Blegen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The cover kind of threw me off, I expected Kris to be a little older, but she spoke like a very young child. I’ve not read any of the other books so I’m not sure if her age is mentioned previously. Ignoring the cover, the story is great. I like that it teaches readers a little about riding horses in the beginning. I enjoyed Kris’s imaginative story about her and Buddy rescuing a cow. She meets some great characters, I really liked Jim the gold miner. I feel this story is great for horse lovers and young readers starting to read chapter books.

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Amese of Animalis (The Borosa Legacy Book 1) by MJ Murray – Review by Darian Vester

Amese of Animalis (Borosa Legacy, #1)Amese of Animalis by M.J. Murray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love the dedication in the book: To anyone who doesn’t have life all figured out. Neither do I. Let’s enjoy the journey anyway.”
This is such a great story for kids ages 10 and up, (even adults). Amese is 13 and I like that her personality showed her young but also mature when she needed to. I love that there is different magic in this story, we get to meet some other characters who are with earth, water, and air. Amese’s village is all about connecting with animals. I liked the lessons Amese has received with each animal, and I love that they have helped her start to find herself. It’s also pretty cool that she gets a marking of the animal (like a tattoo) after the lesson. Overall I feel if you love fantasy or want to introduce your kids into fantasy this is a great book to read. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

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Drag Me Down (Full Throttle Cyborgs Series) by Landra Graf – Review by Darian Vester

Drag Me Down (Full Throttle Cyborgs, #4)Drag Me Down by Landra Graf
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I went into this not reading the first three books of the series, I believe each book can be read as a standalone, but I enjoyed all the side characters, so I want to go back to read all their stories as well. I also thought it was so cool that they all live on Mars so I’m hoping book one has more about that. I felt no hatred between Drag and Bridget, again, that could be addressed in another book I will have to go back and find out myself. But I loved their chemistry and glad that their hated for one another didn’t last long. I liked that the story was fast paced, their living environment doesn’t feel like one where you can slow down anyway. The story made me feel a little like I was in the Fast and Furious on mars and recommend to readers who are into stories like that. It was a great and entertaining read.

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Code Dog by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Darian Vester

Code DogCode Dog by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a great story for young readers, I’d recommend for upper grade school levels-middle grade. Although Timmy questioned it, I did like the friendship with the children. They went on this adventure to find the time capsule together, even Beth who was very worried about their science project. I loved Cody and so glad that the kids involved her in the search for the time capsule. I like how the author included a way for the kids to communicate with Cody that wasn’t a gimmicky talking dog. The story ends with a happy ending and I know this is a stand alone but honestly I would love to see more adventures with this trio and their dog.

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Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Darian Vester

Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Book 1)Mistaken Identity by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I wish we would’ve known more about what all the Fitzgeralds did, maybe because I’m a nosy person, but we do get to see this guy be a villain for sure. That characters are great, the first interaction between Patrick and Evie is hilarious and I did feel a little something between them; this book does have a slow burn with their relationship which I enjoyed since they were able to focus on the case instead of just themselves. I fell in love with James instantly, funny best friends are the best. (I seen that book two stars him so I’m definitely going to need to read it). Overall I felt the story was original and I like that I wasn’t able to predict what was going to happen next.

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A Girl, Stuck (Found Families Series) by Kelly Elizabeth Huston – Review by Darian Vester

A Girl, Stuck (Found Families #3)A Girl, Stuck by Kelly Elizabeth Huston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Honestly I was judging this cover, it made me feel like I was going to be reading a historical novel, didn’t grab my attention at first. Once you learn where the cover is from you’re instantly all “ooooooo.” It’s great, I actually love the cover now. I really loved all the characters in the book, I wish there was a sequel just so I could get some more of Leo, he’s great. Definitely a ride or die friend. I felt an instant connection with Harry and Trey, I love them together, even with the small space no touching rules. Not going to lie my anxiety was going when Harry came home to Trubetzkoy but she came through with some bad ass moves that I wasn’t expecting. I don’t know how to talk about the ending without spoiling it. I wasn’t expecting it and then I was trying to figure out what I missed for her to have guess right and I didn’t see it at first. I will say, I’m glad there’s a happy ending, I think my only complaint is I fell in love with everyone I want more, I would love to see what happens when Harry moves away.

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Fuller Sight by John Stone – Review by Darian Vester

Fuller SightFuller Sight by John Stone
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

“Make your best choices and then forgive and love yourself unconditionally.”

This is a book that has you thinking about things in the end. I like that it’s Danny’s mother with him after he commits suicide. There are a couple moments of Danny’s life of him as a kid after his moms death to try to help you get a view of how things are but I preferred the moments we got to see leading up to that final day. The author also included past life moments, I’ll admit at first I was asking why is this here? But I found myself to really enjoy them, I like the idea of reincarnation and am glad that it was included near the end of the story. Thinking about the book, it is a little sad, everything that’s going on in their lives you can’t help but feel for Danny and Sam but the ending is kind of peaceful, I thought it was a good way to end the story. I recommend the book for readers who enjoy spiritual reads.

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Darian Vester

Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray)Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have fallen in love with Cray and his group of friends. My son is currently obsessed with foxes so we couldn’t wait to read about Hay. The story is easy for little ones to follow along and for young ones to read. It’s a great book to read if you’re wanting to go over rhyming words with kids. I enjoyed the illustrations and I’m sure kids will as well. I also liked the 8 tips to build courage by Misty Black in the end. Going over these plus the bravery from the book will also help kids wanting to encourage their friends or family.

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Perfect Office Pact (Perfect Romance Series) by Maria Jane – Review by Darian Vester

Perfect Office PactPerfect Office Pact by Maria Jane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a nice slow burn, clean read, romance. I feel Mira’s character started out strong; I really liked that she knew what she wanted, wasn’t going to take any crap, and pushed herself. During the half way point she really started to bug me and I felt she needed to get over herself. I enjoyed the other characters, Cade is great and I’m glad they developed a friendship. Usually having so many characters to keep up with bothers me but I felt the amount of characters interacting in the book was good and no one clashed to make it confusing. I really liked her friends and glad to see there are other books with her friends romances. I do wish there was more of the actual relationship of Mira and Declan but I am glad they got their happy ending. The short time we see them together I feel they had good chemistry so I’m not mad with the ending.

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Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Darian Vester

Beach Ball Blunder (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)Beach Ball Blunder by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a great book for kids to help them understand that accidents do happen and that it’s okay if they do but it’s better if we don’t lie about them.
The story is easy for Little’s to follow along and I think some will connect with Grey. It’s a good reminder for them that their friends (or family) will forgive them in these situations.
Like all the other stories, Erica Leigh did a great job illustrating.

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Sasha Smart by Shermaine Perry-Knights – Review by Darian Vester

Sasha Smart: Short Stories for GirlsSasha Smart: Short Stories for Girls by Shermaine Perry-Knights
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I would recommend this book to young readers around the elementary age. I think the illustrations are great at showing her anxiousness before the story and the outcome after. I really like the positive thinking this book brings; I also think this helps parents realize that even our young age children feel pressure to succeed in school. Overall, I think it’s great the book reminds readers it’s okay to relax and try again.

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Fade into the Night (Philly Heat Series) by Becky Flade – Review by Darian Vester

Fade Into the Night (Philly Heat series, #5)Fade Into the Night by Becky Flade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this without reading the others in the series, I tried to look into them and believe they can all be read as standalone. Saying that it Such a good read! I have been binge watching Criminal Minds lately so I was pretty excited when I seen he was working for the BAU. The story never dragged on, right from the beginning you knew what was going on. The characters never played games with their feelings, which I loved. It was all straight to the point: “I don’t want to be around you, you’re not trusted and I want you here.” With books like these I always find myself trying to figure out who the killer is and what is going to happen next and I’m always glad when I am wrong. I like the unpredictability of the book, it was definitely one that was hard to put down.

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Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Darian Vester

Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride RomanceDeja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It only took me a day to read this book. I couldn’t put it down, it’s definitely my favorite of the series. (Should I say so far? Is it possible there will be more with Lynn?)
There’s an instant chemistry with Miller and Maisy. Their relationship moved fast but it worked, it felt like I was reading characters who have known each other for years. Bear is awesome, I couldn’t help myself thinking who would name their kid Bear? But his personality is great and you just can’t help falling in love with this kid. I’m glad that Miller got along with him so well too. The family gets some closure with the Doctor and their father’s death and I’m really glad they got this, they needed this. My only fault with the story is the fire and the break in. I felt those were big things and them just being a fluke doesn’t sit right with me. Also, I know “don’t judge a book by its cover.” The cover looks great, I would pick this up in a store just looking at it, but that guy just doesn’t say Miller to me.
This is just a light, feel good story, it has a little spice but not so much that it takes away from the story.

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A New Day for Cray (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Darian Vester

A New Day For Cray (The Adventures of Cray on the Bay)A New Day For Cray by G. Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the illustrations in this book, the late sunset and seashells were my favorite pages. The story is great and teaches kids a good lesson, especially not waiting for something bad to happen to you before finally being kind to others. I don’t know other parents who have a pinching problem but I have met some who have kids to who like to bite and hit, I think this will be a great book for them as it shows all of Cray’s friends leaving him because they don’t like the pinching. I even like that the author included Fox telling Cray he doesn’t like him playing that way. The book is short and filled with rhymes that will help keep the attention of young children. Definitely a good book for teachers to read with young children.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Darian Vester

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve not read book one, Savage Lies, before reading the prequel, being 30 and reading a New Adult about teenagers doesn’t appeal to me but I really liked this prequel and it has me interested in book one. I hope the series explains more of Riley’s uncle, it just seems off to me that this guy bought her a “race car” but can’t help them. This is a nice short background about the characters that I’m sure everyone who has already read Savage Lies will love. I seen that Cole is the bully in book one and I’m not gonna lie, it makes me sad because I already really like him, not sure how I’m going to handle him being mean but I do look forward to how it all plays out.

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Hope For A New World (Gaia’s Voice Series) by Renee W Peek – Review by Darian Vester

Hope For a New World (The Hope Series Book 1)Hope For a New World by Renee W. Peek
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love the concept, I love that Gaia is speaking to them and that her speaking to them isn’t a new thing, it’s something that’s been going on (for some) for years. The author gives a character list at the beginning of the book which is great to be able to go back to check out but it did bother me a tad that there were so many. I feel it’s just harder to connect with a character when there’s so many POVs to keep up on.
I love how these people connect and work so well with each other, it was amazing when they saved the ship and I really liked the part of them needing to be outside with Adelphi for healing. With the bad blood between them and the military it was nice to see them be civil with each other. It was a nice spiritual community book.

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Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Series Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Darian Vester

Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny #2)Pursuit into Darkness by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I went into this book without reading the first book of the series. It was easy to catch onto things, I felt there was enough time between the books to not be confused about book two. I think I will go back and read the first book just to see if the author explains more about the vampires, I love reading the different types of vampires everyone comes up with. I like that these vampires do need blood, are fighting to not be killers, people know about them, and I really like that they get injured. They are out in the night and avoid daylight, I’m not sure exactly what daylight does to them, I’m assuming only weakens them since Julia was out during the day.
Speaking of, I couldn’t stand Julia. I really enjoyed the other characters, I think Rab was my favorite but Julia was just too selfish for me. I know she’s the main character but she really had to make everything all about her. I hope she gets better character growth in the rest of the series.
I was rooting for Samual since the beginning, I instantly liked his character, I’m not 100% on his and Valentinos relationship but like I said, I plan to go back to book one to get my unanswered questions. I like the cause of the resistance and he makes the book worth sticking around to read.

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