If you missed my title – TRIGGER WARNING. There are multiple scenes of explicit abuse and torture in this book, and very harsh situations throughout.
If you can get beyond your discomfort of the graphic scenes described, this book has some really great character development. The opening finds you watching Elizabeth Finley as she spies on the spies, curious about their reality. Once she meets Alex, her life takes a pretty dramatic turn. Liz’s character development is strong, and the author doesn’t sway too far into helpless damsel, as many books in this genre tend to do. You delve into her mind and begin to understand her as she undergoes some graphic torture scenes. She makes for a very beautiful heroine of the book and comes upon a big surprise in the end.
I just love reading authors new series. I am quite happy to read all supernatural and fantasy. This book was a great fit for that. I like the fantasy setting for this and the complexity. I like how the author has written the characters and how quite down to earth they are given the plot. I love the conflict in the book and how it builds for the main character.
Ian definitely is a character I can get into and also route for. I like how the author builds up the story and how the past is entwined. I look forward to the next book in this series.
This book was amazing, I really enjoyed so much. At first, I was really trying to figure out what was going on and thought for a second the book was going to go in a different direction then what it did. The way it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time and wanting to know what happened next, I just couldn’t put it down. There is a lot of abuse and sexual contact, so there very well could be triggers for someone that has been thou this, especially for a woman. But the way Liz handles herself and fights thou all that she is put thou and finds out with her family, she is such a strong and amazing woman. Macros love for her thou really shows her that she can overcome anything that happens or will happen to her. I’m so glad I picked this book and read it. The twists and turns the action and love story all in one. I so enjoyed this book and the story it told.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2021-11-19 22:41:482021-11-20 07:01:06Broken Chains by Karina Kantas – Review by Jennifer Reimer
This was such a good book. It definitely needs a trigger warning; there are graphic and detailed scenes of violence and sex. I was kept on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading this. Heart racing, wondering what was going to happen next. It was dark and twisty, with excellent attention to detail. The development of the characters was amazing. I enjoyed the writing style. My attention was quickly grabbed and held throughout the entire book. I really enjoyed reading this, and this author has a new fan. I can’t wait to read more.
Elizabeth Finely was planning and doing “research” for a book she planned to write about secret service agents. But she had no idea what trouble she was about to bring into her life. Liz faces many obstacles and is thrown into a very dangerous life. Becoming a secret agent will be way less dangerous than the life she has been kidnapped into. I love reading the dark mafia genera of books and this author had me hooked from the first page. The descriptive language and imagery were real. I felt like I was standing right next to Liz. I look forward to reading more books from this author and truly hope that there is a sequel to this book.
I’d like to start out by saying this isn’t for everyone, there are some very graphic scenes that can be hard to read. I personally loved this book. I really do enjoy it when a character who has been brought down to the bottom, has to rise up regardless of the situation and that’s exactly what Liz does. She overcomes every obstacle that’s thrown at her! This book was thrilling, the plot was so good and the twists were epic. Overall it was a fast pace, action packed adventure that I know you won’t be able to put down! I definitely give it 5 stars.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily McCoyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily McCoy2021-11-19 20:29:272021-11-20 06:57:12Broken Chains by Karina Kantas – Review by Emily McCoy
Broken Chains by Karina Kantas. If you know me you know I LOVE mafia book and this one was no exception. I loved every minute of it. This book is not for everyone because it is a dark romantic mafia book. Its the story of Liz who has been handed a crappy hard life but she has decided to make the most of it. She was singing in bars but decided to go to school and get a degree. As soon as she graduates she meets Alex and he offers her a job. It took him a few tries but she finally accepts the job not knowing what she’s getting into. Being a spy for the mob is very interesting and very crazy. Her first job she realizes she should have continued to sing. Liz is trying to come into her own and she’s realizing she can be very strong and rely on herself. There are some major triggers in this book so be prepared and also be ready to read all night long. It’s that good!
An interesting dark fantasy with a tortured protagonist. Ian Troy fears the power his body can wield, and has attempted for many years to drown out the calling to release it. He is shamed by how uncontrollable his magic can be, and has paid dearly at the times it has taken over him. Having white-knuckled through the temptations for a decade, he stumbles into a battle which thrusts him back into the world of magic. I liked getting to know this unlikely hero, the pieces of dark and the pieces of light. The plot has plenty of battle scenes with armed combatants, and a nefarious villain to be rooted out. Lots of twists and turns in the plot as Troy is forced back to answer for his past sins and to stop future ones. A solid book that will have you turning the pages as fast as you can.
This book is not at all for everyone but if you are In for a very bumpy ride with a character you can’t do anything but root for this is it. From the very beginning I knew I’d like this book. I just have a thing about the main character going through heck and back and still seeing light at the end of the tunnel when all they should see is darkness. This author wrote some very difficult scenes but they were very well done. That may sound a little weird but I really liked the writing style and the fact that the impossible situation Liz deals with aren’t sugar coated. It’s a well written book and if I could give more than five stars I’d happily do it but I’ll settle for huge five stars. Highly recommended!
The story was phenomenal. It grabbed me in the prologue and didn’t let me go till the end. It was a great take on magic. It can’t be used without a price, something living has to die. I haven’t heard of that take before that I remember. That part alone had my interest.
The story line was great also. Ian Troy is a Shinree soldier. He has the magic for battle, yet is kills everything and everyone around when doing it. This type of power is hard to control.
Troy is running from his past. But now he has to go back to battle for his nation. But after vowing to never use his magic again, after a terrible loss, will he be able to help??
The narrator was on point with changing his voice and tone for each character. It made the story worth listening! I would love to listen to more books read by him.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Colleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Colley2021-11-18 18:57:002021-11-19 07:36:09The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price AUDIO BOOK by C. L. Schneider – Review by Stephanie Colley
This is my first book by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I liked it. This book has a little bit of everything; secret service, mafia, romance, action, and brutality. It was a good story that starts a little slow, but when it gets going it’s a page turner! Heads up if you have any triggers though, this book may not be for you.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenny Seehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenny See2021-11-18 17:43:502021-11-19 07:30:36Broken Chains by Karina Kantas – Review by Jenny See
This is not my first audible by this author but it is one of my favorites. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the narrator’s different tones of voices for the characters. I also enjoyed how engaging they made the story. It is a fast paced story that took me on an adventure that I had to know more about. This is a story about magic, fantasy, and mystery. This story has action, excitement and meaningful. Ian Troy is addicted to magic, born to be a slave and his magic is used only as it serves the purpose of other people. What will happen when he meets a beautiful assassin? When he comes face to face with his own power, what will he do? I really enjoyed this audible. I can’t wait to listen to the next book in this series. I highly recommend this audible.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2021-11-18 06:11:492021-11-18 07:54:58The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price AUDIO BOOK by C. L. Schneider – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Broken Chains has just become one of my top favorite dark romance books. This author does a great job making the story come to life. This mafia romance is not for anyone who is not used to Smutty violent books. Liz Finley is such a relatable character that the author did amazing on. Usually I cring half way through a mafia story like this one but Karina Kantas does a great job not making the main character too whiny or conceited like you see most female characters in this type of genre.
This book is absolutely not for the faint hearted. This is a dark and intense story that at times is honestly a little hard to read. But the darkness and depravity actually just makes it so much better. This book really sinks its claws in deep and refuses to let go even after the last page. I found myself thinking about this book long after I had finished reading it. The book is full of triggers so if this is something that is a factor then I would definitely think hard before picking up this book. If you do, however, it is completely worth it!
Wow. I don’t think I have a read a story quite like this one for a while. Not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. With very descriptive events, violence, explicit sex scenes, you are getting a whole lot thrown at you all at once. What it didn’t lack was dramatics. With some sizzling escapades and constant energy, this is a story you cannot put down. Well written, attention grabbing goodness. The story was a fair paced one, and it was pretty unique. The context was original and something I have not read a lot of. Not quite the way this one is written anyway. I loved the different writing style and loved what the story represented. It was extremely dramatic and a really great read. I managed to get lost in it and that isn’t something I can do just for the sake of finishing a story. It has to be a good one. This story was. 4 stars.
This book was absolutely phenomenal! While it had a rollercoaster ride of emotions it was truly exceptional! Karina Kantas is amazing and her hard work shows in this book! While it may not be for everyone it really was so well written and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I was completely engulfed by this book and read it from cover to cover. If you like dark romances and don’t mind some more controversial stuff in print this book is one you DO NOT want to miss!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00April McCoyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngApril McCoy2021-11-15 21:28:502021-11-16 07:44:16Broken Chains by Karina Kantas – Review by April McCoy
Genre – Epic Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Fantasy Adventure
Listening Length – 17 hours and 47 minutes
Narrated by: Joey S. Bosco
Cover Designer – Alan Dingman
All he wanted was to end the war. Fate had other plans.
Ian Troy is one of the Shinree, a fallen race born with an addiction to magic. Enslaved and drugged to suppress their deadly desires, the Shinree live to serve their masters. After years of forced combat in Rella’s long, brutal war, Ian is desperate for peace. With defeat imminent, he defies orders and wields the Crown of Stones, an ancient relic of untold power. Ignorant of the artifact’s true nature, he ends the war, but pays a terrible price.
A decade later, Ian is still running from the blood in his veins and on his hands. Curbing his cravings with wine and regret, he struggles to forget. But when a fateful encounter with a pretty assassin brings him down that dark path again, Ian’s addiction is awakened–and denial is no longer an option.
With the realm he gave up everything to protect once more in jeopardy, Ian becomes embroiled in a violent race for control of the Crown of Stones. As the deceptions unfold, his path becomes clear: to save the realms, Ian must embrace the one thing he fears most: his own power.
Magic-Price is the award-winning first installment in The Crown of Stones trilogy.
C. L. Schneider is an award-winning author of dark epic and urban fantasy, including The Crown of Stones Trilogy and the Nite Fire Series. Born in a small Kansas town, she resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley Region with her husband and two sons. To learn more about the worlds Schneider creates, please visit www.clschneiderauthor.com or connect with her on social media, where she is an active part of the indie author community.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/COS-1-Audio-Cover-1.jpg12001200itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2021-11-15 00:02:572022-05-07 13:29:46The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price AUDIO BOOK by C. L. Schneider
All he wanted was to end the war. Fate had other plans.
Ian Troy is one of the Shinree, a fallen race born with an addiction to magic. Enslaved and drugged to suppress their deadly desires, the Shinree live to serve their masters. After years of forced combat in Rella’s long, brutal war, Ian is desperate for peace. With defeat imminent, he defies orders and wields the Crown of Stones, an ancient relic of untold power. Ignorant of the artifact’s true nature, he ends the war, but pays a terrible price.
A decade later, Ian is still running from the blood in his veins and on his hands. Curbing his cravings with wine and regret, he struggles to forget. But when a fateful encounter with a pretty assassin brings him down that dark path again, Ian’s addiction is awakened–and denial is no longer an option.
With the realm he gave up everything to protect once more in jeopardy, Ian becomes embroiled in a violent race for control of the Crown of Stones. As the deceptions unfold, his path becomes clear: to save the realms, Ian must embrace the one thing he fears most: his own power.
Magic-Price is the award-winning first installment in The Crown of Stones trilogy.
C. L. Schneider is an award-winning author of dark epic and urban fantasy, including The Crown of Stones Trilogy and the Nite Fire Series. Born in a small Kansas town, she resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley Region with her husband and two sons. To learn more about the worlds Schneider creates, please visit www.clschneiderauthor.com or connect with her on social media, where she is an active part of the indie author community.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/MagicPrice-COVER-1.jpg1200830itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2021-11-15 00:01:322022-05-07 13:30:07The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price by C. L. Schneider
This was an interesting and thrilling 4 star read. This was my first book from this author and I wasn’t sure what to expect. It did take me just a little bit to get pulled into the story. But once I got further in I couldn’t put it down.
Liz was watching and writing things she shouldn’t have been about MI5. When she finds herself talking to Alex there is something about him that is intriguing to her. She decides to change her career and go to school. She is doing very well and when she is close to graduating, is approached by Alex again and offered a job. There is a cringe worthy moment when she goes on her first job, there is a twist and she is put through some severe torture. There is another twist when she gets a coded email, how does this person know who she works for?
Things get more intense as the story moves forward. I will warn that if you have triggers then this would not be the book for you. There are several moments that I found myself cringing. We get violence, torture, mystery and so much more in this read. All of the characters added a great element to the story. This was an intense thrilling read and I look forward to reading more from this author.
This is a very dramatic read it is so detailed that it became a little hard to finish but I did and it was amazing. This book is an adventure from the very beginning. Always dependable when it starts in a coffee shop. Steamy is an understatement and there is violence. We have a female lead and she goes through the battle of life and love. Will she ever be safe or happy that’s the question. Im not giving it away but it is ACTION packed. Each chapter introduces a new point of view or situation and we go deeper into the web of lies secrets and violence. This book is five stars it was hard to read because of the content but if you can handle sex and violence you will love this beauty. This is my first time reading this author and they are good.
Wow! This is a pretty intense story! Definitely not for the under 18 reader. I came into it thinking it would be a spy thriller. It was so much more. Liz was a singer who should have stuck with that job. She met a man who offered her a job as a spy and it went downhill from there. Nothing was as it seems. I can’t really tell you a whole lot more or it will spoil it. The plot is so well-written. The action starts in the prologue and just hooks you in. You are then taken for a wild ride with Liz. The characters are all so profound and deceptive yet deep. The ones that truly care about Liz, you’ll find yourself feeling suspicious about. Lack of trust feels like a main theme here. But this book definitely gets your heart thumping. I’m going to definitely recommend it to those who like strong action. Liz survives some very hard things. I would give it 10 stars if I could.
It is a dark, dark, dark tale but sooooooo good. It is full of graphic scenes of sex and violence so don’t read if it may cause triggers. This is a riveting and compelling tale is the third book in the series by this author. OMG, this series started out with a bang and each book has continued to be the same way. This story is a dark mafia romance suspense and there is everything you could think of to make this tale an outstanding read. With danger and violence, secrets and lies, intrigue and darkness, angst and fear, intrigue, and sizzling chemistry it pops off the page and keeps your heart pumping and you don’t know whether to sit or stand as you enter the darkness to seek out the enemies. He is waiting for his time to come to claim what’s his and the woman he loves. She has become a part of the darkness when she was betrayed. Not even their enemies will see them coming. It was be killed or sign her life away to the Devil himself. Reviewed by @jennadb
Wow just wow! This book literally had me hooked, this book was a intense read, but needless to say I enjoyed the heck out of it. It has its moments of twists and some what dark, but it was compelling naturally in its town way. Overall, it was a powerful story, and it was one that deeply impacted me! Well done!
I picked this book, knowing what it was about based upon the story and the summary. I was not expecting (or maybe I should have) the emotional feelings this book brought to light. It was more than i thought it would be, but deeply added to the story. I read on and realized why the author had set up things that way. Needless to say I was very impressed for this book and the story, yes as I have said was dark at times but yet it was as powerful as a lightening bolt, and a story that will stay with you, for a long time!
For me Liz, was an amazing character. Someone who literally has gone though Hell and and back over and over again, and just wants her ticket the heck out of there With the way her life style is, could that ever be a possibility for her. She goes through a lot in this novel, she has hopes and dreams like I believe any of us do, but can she actually achieve what she wants and feel the emotion of what is known as freedom? She was intense and powerful with her mind, and she was very resilient. I loved that. I enjoyed her story, and what she did and had to undergo to get to the end finale. This was a intense book, but also was so freaking good and addictive. I could not put it down! Seriously a gripping must read for sure!
*****FOR SOME READERS THRE IS SOME MOMENTS OF THIS NOVEL WHERE THERE IS INTENSE ABUSE. THERE IS SOME MOMENTS THAT AS MUCH AS THEY ADDED TO THE STORY SOME VIEWERS MIGHT FACE WELL TIGGERS OR BE UNCOMFORTABLE. SO SENDING MY HEADS UP AS A READER!******
This book was a great freaking read for me. i love a book that can keep me so addicted as well as filled with such intense emotion I can not even consider to put this one down. there are some of the moments that I do label as intense that some readers may not like, but for me they made the story what it was. Gripping, Intriguing, and real. Very REAL! I loved it and I will for sure be reading more from this author, that is a simple question with he answer of YES! I highly recommend this book, if your someone like me who loves a book with twists, and suspense moments full of emotion, you will enjoy it as much as me!
This book was a really good read… it made me think and was throughly a curl up on the couch in your fave blanket with soft music playing in the background and a hot cup of something!!!! The characters are very well written and you get sucked into the goings on from the very beginning!!! Can’t wait until the next book comes out!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00LaBeccah Davishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaBeccah Davis2021-11-12 14:55:552021-11-12 21:36:25Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by LaBeccah Davis
I enjoyed this dark mafia romance story that I enjoyed from beginning to end. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed her writing style as well as her attention to details. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the characters who kept the story engaging and entertaining to read. The growth of the plot and characters made the story hard to put down. This is a story about Lily and finding herself and the strength to accept who she is but the question still remains is she strong enough to break the chains? I enjoyed what she brought to the story and the suspense part of it. She is a strong character that has quickly become my favorite. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next to the most wanted woman in the world.
Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey is the First book in the Obscured Throne Trilogy. This dark fantasy is filled with expansive details of a world recreated. You can easily visualize this unfamiliar place and quickly become immersed into the struggles of those trapped in the horror. Truly a unique tale.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Collierhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Collier2021-11-10 11:26:512021-11-11 07:56:18Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archey – Review by Michelle Collier
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Marlowhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Marlow2021-11-10 09:50:232021-11-11 07:54:37Ashes of Aldyr by Russell Archery Review by Michelle Marlow
Genre – Dark mafia thriller, Dark romance, mafia thriller
Page Count – 117 pages
That one meeting had caused an avalanche of fate to clash with a dangerous destiny that forced Liz Finely to become the most wanted woman in the world. Stalked by three deadly mafia bosses, Liz has to learn to survive. Passed from one brutal hand to another, tortured, and abused, it’s her blood, her name, which lands her in trouble each time.
Now it’s up to Liz to find the strength to accept and become who she’s meant to be, and finally, break the chains that bind her.
Karina Kantas is a prolific author of 14 titles. Including the gritty MC thriller series, OUTLAW and the exciting YA fantasy duology, Illusional Reality.
She also writes short stories and when her imagination is working overtime, she writes thought-provoking dark flash fiction.
There are many layers to Karina’s writing style and voice, as you will see in her flash fiction collection, Heads & Tales and in UNDRESSED she opens up more to her fans, giving them another glimpse into her warped mind.
When Karina isn’t busy working on her next bestseller, she’s a publicist, author manager and VA. She’s also the host of the popular radio show, Author Assist on the Artist First Radio Network and host of the YouTube show, Behind The Pen. With two podcasts, Narrations by KK and Behind The Pen. She’s an award-winning author and filmmaker.
Karina writes in the genres of fantasy, MC romance, Young Adult. sci-fi, horror, thrillers and comedy, romance, PNR, dystopian and erotica, dark mafia romance.
This book drew me in from word one! I was captivated by the stories of the different characters, and couldn’t stop reading because I really wanted to know what came next. The world is so original and I can’t say I wanted to be there because it’s scary, but I wanted to know why everything was happening and understand what was going on in the world. I just really didn’t want to stop reading and can’t wait to see what happens next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jo Frizzellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJo Frizzell2021-11-08 19:34:072021-11-09 14:30:17Ashes of Aldyr (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 1) by Russell Archey – Review by Jo Frizzell
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