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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

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Alchemy of GlassAlchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars
Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett

Alchemy of Glass is a Historical Fantasy that will have you turning the pages till the end. I will be honest and say this book started out so slow and it took me a while to get into the story. I didn’t feel connected to the characters but it could be the mood I was in. I’m going to revisit reading this again at a later time. See how I feel about it then. The storyline flowed but seemed choppy to me at times. The hopping around got tiresome but understand why the story was doing it. I recommend reading this book if you enjoy Fantasy, Sci-Fi. I’m looking forward to rereading this and many more by this Author.https://itsybitsybookbits.com/f

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The Veil (The Veil Realms Series Book One) by Karli Rush – Review by Amanda Swindle

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The VeilThe Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Veil by Karli Rush is a dystopian fantasy following an earthquake that alters everything. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Selene traverses the chaos that is now her hometown. Next a haziness seeps in, but it is not like a typical fog or like anything anyone has ever seen. The sinister Veil is a place of nightmares, menacing creatures and screams of agony lurk therein. Rayden, Selene’s boyfriend is entrapped on the other side. Will Selene be able to save him…will she even be able to save herself? This book is full of non-stop action, twists and turns, and danger at every corner. The characters are believable and I love that the focus is on a strong female heroine. The scenery and the world that is pictured is nothing like we have seen before, somewhere between Earth and Hell. I love the descriptive scenes that put you into the plot and make you feel for the characters as they traverse this unknown world. I would say this is a fun read for anyone that enjoys dystopian fantasy.

reviewed by @zoltrixes
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The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Amanda Swindle

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The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett is a steampunk adventure with historical inspirations. The history and settings are very well done and the story is intricately woven to be believable and easy to follow. Simon Bell mixes up an elaborate elixir, created by another man, to cure his wife’s cancer, only it ends with deadly consequences. Upon taking the remaining dose, he discovers he is unable to die. This historical fantasy takes place across multiple timelines and touches on mythical ideas of immortality, alchemy, and mythology. I enjoyed this book overall but I do wish the characters were a little more in-depth, and the story took a different path at some points. It was a fun read in a genre I would not typcially read, and it did hold my attention, so kudos to the author.

Reviewed by @zoltrixes

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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Rose McCaskey

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Alchemy of GlassAlchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book could be read as a standalone but it would be better to read it after reading The Apothecarys Curse since it takes place after and does mention things from it. This one follows the future after the ending of Apothecarys. Gaelen finds that there are dire consequences to everything he did throughout his immortal life when using the Ouroboros. He must find a way to prevent the devastation the future faces. It’s full of adventure, loss, love, healing, and time travel. It’s a great read with good writing and description.

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

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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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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series Book #2) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Angela Hayes

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Alchemy of GlassAlchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 – 4 Stars

 

Alchemy of Glass is the second book in The Apothecary Series by Barbara Barnett. This follows on from what we started in Book one, and although it could be read as a standalone, I think you would really benefit from reading Book #1 first, as that holds a lot of important information that I think you should know in order to fully appreciate this story.
Here, the story weaves between the past and present, a wonderful blend of historical fantasy, with sci-fi/cutting edge science, romance, magic, mystery, intrigue, the supernatural, the Fae + fairy lore, immortality, drama, love, loss, emotion, myth/Celtic mythology, tension, difficult choices, high stakes, and is ‘more than first meets the eye’.
How could a small piece of broken glass thrust Galean into an adventure he could never have anticipated? Well, if you love historical fantasy mixed with sci-fi and adventure, then this engrossing story is one you should read and discover all the intriguing developments for yourself….

Happy Reading…

Thank you, Barbara Barnett!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Crystal Jimmo

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Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy RomanceDark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Good Golly Miss Dolly, this book was really good. I couldn’t put it down! The back and forth between the characters was spot on. I felt like I was there and eating popcorn waiting to see what would happen next, and who would say what. The story building and word building was phenomenal. Not omg in your face, but not mehhh whatever either. It was a good balance between both. I flat out consumed this book, and I seriously need more of Kristin’s books now. I felt so many emotions throughout the book, and there were times where I wanted to throttle the main characters, but then I would remember they’re still starting out on their adult journey since they are 18, and then I would give them a bit of grace. Bravo Kristin Bravo!

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The Veil (The Veil Realms Series Book One) by Karli Rush – Review by Ayla Phipps

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The VeilThe Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My oh my. After more than two weeks of my best friend telling me I have got to read this book I finally got the chance to dive in. This is the first book I have read by Karli Rush and lordy it was a-mazing. I hate that it took me so long to get the chance to begin.
It all started with a quake, followed by a hunt and everything ran from there. It was just another day in a hard to find on a map town when Selene was gathering supplies for her shop and returning to work. A tremor made things fall then a quake that put a ravine down the middle of main street. When the hazy veil came in, she thought it would be sheer that her hand would go through it only to find it more like glass, a containment around half the town and her fiancé Rayden outside it watching. Screams, ghostly arrows, and a river of blood follow as she runs for her life. Suddenly the men are gone, the dead are gone and all that remains is running women and ghostly darts following them. The earth has rotated a hundred and eighty degrees opening to another dimension and the creatures that inhabit it.
Will Selene survive? Can she find her way back to Rayden? Has Sirius truly claimed her? From page one it had me hooked one moment it was five p.m. the next it was eleven thirty I couldn’t bring myself to put it down until I knew what happened and now, I sit and wait for book two. We need more. I need more.

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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Crystal Jimmo

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

I really enjoyed this book! I didn’t know that it was the sequel to “The Apothecary’s Curse” but I feel like I didn’t miss much. But, I think I will go back and read it and then reread this book. Other than that, this book was wonderfully done. I really enjoyed the science aspects, the history of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and the fantasy parts. Another reader said that this would fit in the dark fantasy genre, and I agree. It does get a little dark, but not super dark. I loved the back and forth between timelines, it was really well done, and I wasn’t left feeling like I was being jerked back and forth, the transitioning between timelines was well done. I’m super picky with my male main characters, but reading Gaelan’s story I felt connected to him, and I could understand his way of thinking. It was a mix of intelligence and emotional responses. This book might not everyone’s cup of tea, but it sure was mine and I’m glad I took a chance on it!

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Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

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Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy RomanceDark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so good!! The detail describing the dragon and stuff was so amazing! I could picture the beast changing forms so easily. Very well written. I can’t wait to read more!! This book is about a girl named Gillian. She lives in a land that has lost much of it’s history over time. The Shadowlands are a forbidden area that everyone fears and for good reason. When her brother’s life is in danger Gillian enters the Shadowlands to try and find a cure to a disease that has been plaguing the world for a very long time. She’s hunted as soon as she crosses the barrier. She’s saved but caught by one of the Great Dragon’s son. Held captive she learns as much as she can. She must get the cure and get back to her brother before he dies. Trying to break free doesn’t go as planned and she doesn’t want the future the Great Dragon is offering. Can she get away from the beast and his sons to get back to her brother in time? The cure could help so many if she can just find it! The more she learns the more she can’t help but wonder where in history everything went so wrong. Thawing towards the Dragon isn’t something she wants to do. Gillian must choose a path and either way a death is possible. What future will she pick and will she regret it, just like she did when she first stepped into the Shadowlands and was attacked.

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The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Kerry Carr

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The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the The Apothecary Series and wow what a way to start. This book has so many elements, from historical fiction, to danger, mystery, touches of horror and a little bit of sci-fi into the mix. The author has done an incredible job of creating a story which is unique and also captivating . Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down.
When the timeline changed from past to present I feared I may struggle with the change but the authors writing style made the switch easy to follow.
This is a story that spans a long time. It involves two men Dr Simon Bell and apothecary Gaelan Erceldoune.

When Simon’s wife is dying of cancer he reaches out to Gaelan to save her. So Gaelan uses a old manuscript to create a potion to do that.
When this fails and Simons’s wife dies he takes the rest of the potion in the hopes of following her into death. Unfortunately that didn’t happen. Instead Simon is forced to live an immortal life. Trying the reverse this curse he goes to the only other person who is in the same situation and is surprised to discover it is Gaelan.

The only way they can reverse this curse is to find Gaelan’s missing manuscripts however that will not be a straight forward thing to find. With powerful people also looking into the past and the missing manuscript could this finally be the end of Gaelan’s secret existence? When diaries are unearthed with details about a inmate will they lead them to Gaelan’s door. And what will happen if they find the manuscript? Will another connection in the search for it leave Simon and Gaelan to destruction or the salvation they are hoping to find.

I was so captivated in this story that I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

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The Veil (The Veil Realms Series Book One) by Karli Rush – Review by Jamie Truex

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The VeilThe Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoy dystopian books and I really liked the cover if this book. I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into but I thought The Veil was a new take on dystopian stories. It was really interesting in my opinion. I also really liked Selene’s character. The writing took me some time to get used to. I felt like there were a lot of “extra” words and a bit chaotic. However, I would still recommend this book. I think it’s worth it and am looking forward to finding out what comes next.

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Alchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett- Reviewed by Stephanie Dulac

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Alchemy of GlassAlchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alchemy of glass is book two in the apothecary’s series. This is the first book that i have read by this author. I did not read book one in this series but i was still able to follow along with it, but as good as this book was i wish i would of started with book one so me personally would recommend you starting from the beginning. I loved this book, A historical fantasy read that takes you away. I loved the plot it keep me engrossed the whole time not to mention Gaelen i just loved reading about her. Once i picked this book up i was unable to put down. I Look forward to reading more book by this Author and reading more about Gaelen’s adventures. Thank you to the Author for writing a wonderful read.
@stephaniedulac25

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The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series Book #1) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Angela Hayes

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The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

The Apothecary’s Curse is the first book in The Apothecary Series by Barbara Barnett. This story had so much going on, with historical fantasy, some darker tones, sci-fi elements, a steampunk vibe, some horror themes, mystery, suspense, a quest, secrets, supernatural elements, immortality, destiny/fate, and plenty of drama.
Two men, an elixir, immortality, and an ancient manuscript led to a thrilling adventure. The author has crafted a very detailed and descriptive tale, full of texture and vivid imagery. It is a very original story with some clever touches that made for an intriguing read.
Looking forward to ‘Alchemy of Glass’ (Book #2).
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Barbara Barnett!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Veil (The Veil Realms Series Book One) by Karli Rush – Review by Darla Yocom

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The VeilThe Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book seriously started out cute and calm, then all hell broke loose. Get ready for non stop trials and twists for the closeted badass main character, Selene. In the beginning, Selene is happy with her life and her man, Rayden. On a day that started out normal as usual, it quickly spun into something beyond chaotic. The world shook, she witnessed the immediate death of a coworker and lost contact with Rayden.

Quickly Selene realizes that she must make a run for safety and finds herself and another young lady having to hide from what they assume are Warrior type beings that are taking women hostage. She wonders why she has not seen any males taken.

You’ll find yourself emerged into the strangest circumstances that will give you creepy underground tunnels and bunker vibes with a twist. Combat training, underwater competitions, a disgusting choice for delicacies for sustenance and so much more.

The dystopian aspect of the world building reminded me a bit of Mad Max, maybe a bit of hunger games and the scary bits of every single horror book by the king of horror. You will be highly entertained, scared and a bit grossed out from page to page. I think all fans of this genre will find themselves staying up a bit late to finish up one more chapter as long as the lights stay on!

I give this 4 out of 5 stars.

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Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Chelsea Pletcher

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Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy RomanceDark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dark is the Wood, a spin on Beauty and the Beast and Red Riding Hood, drew me in from the first chapter. The author does an excellent job with storylines, character development, and world-building. This fantasy novel, with witches, dragons, and other magical creatures, takes you on a fantastical journey. It’s 100% worth the read, it gives ACOTAR vibes!

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Her Sapphire Blade (Guardians of Camelot Series) by Sarah Biglow – Review by Karrie Sears

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Her Sapphire Blade: An Arthurian-Inspired Portal Fantasy Novel (Guardians of Camelot Book 1)Her Sapphire Blade: An Arthurian-Inspired Portal Fantasy Novel by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reimagining of Camelot and King Arthur. While I’ve not been on who’s typically read books on this subject I was much intrigued on this book. I will definitely say, it was a fantastic read. I finished it in 24 hours. I didn’t want to put it down. Morgan is great character showing strength and perseverance with everything she endured in only a couple of weeks time span. Aunt Nim’s “bed time story” wasn’t just a fairytale after all.

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Her Sapphire Blade (Guardians of Camelot Series) by Sarah Biglow – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Her Sapphire Blade: An Arthurian-Inspired Portal Fantasy Novel (Guardians of Camelot Book 1)Her Sapphire Blade: An Arthurian-Inspired Portal Fantasy Novel by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved how this is a crossover tale into Camelot. It’s well written and quite exciting. The FMC is quite a strong character. I found I didn’t want to put it down It’s an entertaining tale that many fans of Camelot may like.

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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Alchemy of GlassAlchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a fascinating continuation. This is really an odd scifi with a time-traveling theme that pulls you in. You’ll want to read book 1 first to really understand. Don’t get me wrong, you can read it as a stand alone, it just helps clarify some things. I found that this storyline is so unique that I was jumping right back in. Intriguing characters with such a quirky and unique story really made for an entertaining read.

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The Veil (The Veil Realms Series Book One) by Karli Rush – Review by Callie Luna

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The VeilThe Veil by Karli Rush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Veil was an adrenaline filled story from start to finish with plenty of twists and turns. Selene is ripped away from her life and thrust into a completely unknown world with an alien race, after climatic events. I highly enjoyed how original the story was and enjoyed reading how Selene would overcome the challenges she is faced with. It remained me of War of the Worlds. It is a survival story with an unknown alien threat. I was confused when the perspective changes without warning a few times throughout the story. Overall it is worth the read and look forward to the next book in the series.

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The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Hannah Porter

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The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First time reader of this author Barbara Barnett. I found the cover very intriguing. I had to give it a go. Although historical reads aren’t my top fave, this book had so much more than just that. It also has romance, fantasy,and mystery. I was happy I started reading this story.Barnett’s strength lies in her detailed and immersive world-building. The historical setting is meticulously researched, creating a vivid and authentic atmosphere. The characters are well-developed, particularly the protagonist, whose internal struggles and moral dilemmas add depth to the narrative. The dialogue is sharp, and the interplay between the historical and fantastical elements is handled with skill.i cant wait to check out more of this author and more of this world.

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Her Sapphire Blade (Guardians of Camelot Series) by Sarah Biglow – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Her Sapphire Blade (Guardians of Camelot)Her Sapphire Blade by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first delightful book in the Guardians of Camelot series by Sarah Biglow. It is a well-developed and imaginative paranormal romance tale with witches, warriors, fae, dragons, royalty, portals, and more.
“Her Sapphire Blade” is the story of Morgan, an urban fantasy mixed with Arthurian myth—a legendary figure Arthur and Camelot to be exact. Morgan is anything but a typical woman. Amongst all the madness, Morgan has strength, smarts, and hope but little magic. Anything and everything she does can and will go wrong. She must learn who she is and how to wield her magic. She is a very entertaining character, and I enjoyed seeing her come into her own.

An exciting and intriguing journey is what you will find between these pages as Morgan returns to a place that she has known as only legend, to a realm she once belonged. There are many perils along the way in this action-packed adventure—betrayal, deception, threats, danger, secrets, lies, drama, but there is also love, mischief, and a little mayhem.
Sarah has done a fantastic job weaving this wonderful tale and drawing readers into this magical world.
This was a great start to the series. I look forward to seeing what this talented author does next. Beware: there is a cliffhanger.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Alchemy of GlassAlchemy of Glass by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alchemy of Glass Barbara Barnett
4 – 4.5 stars
I recently finished reading The Apothecary’s Curse and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I decided to read Alchemy of Glass. Barbara weaves a narrative that spans multiple periods, including the 1800s, the present, and the future. The book combines romance, historical fiction, fantasy, mythology, and sci-fi, all driven by well-developed and intriguing characters into one exciting tale.
The story follows Gaelen’s journey as he discovers a piece of glass that leads him on a quest across different time periods to save humanity. This intricate tale skilfully balances light and darkness. Despite all he has done to her, can Gaelen get Dr. Anne Shaw to help him on his quest? If you enjoy mystery, history, sci-fi, and the supernatural, Alchemy of Glass is a perfect fit.
In summary, Alchemy of Glass intertwines cutting-edge science and ancient Celtic mythology, merging fairy lore with the challenging choices faced by Gaelen as he strives to prevent a catastrophic future.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Jennifer Crain

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

Barbara Barnett’s Alchemy of Glass is an enchanting blend of fantasy, science, and myth, intricately crafted to captivate readers who revel in imaginative storytelling. Set against the backdrop of the mystical Eildon Hills, Barnett draws readers into a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are intriguingly blurred.

Barnett’s narrative seamlessly weaves Celtic mythology with elements of modern science, creating a tapestry of intrigue and wonder. The notion of glass as both a physical and metaphorical conduit between worlds adds a unique and compelling dimension to the story. Gaelan’s quest to navigate this surreal journey while confronting his own past and future is both poignant and thrilling.

The pacing of the novel keeps readers engaged, with its richly detailed world-building and well-developed characters. Gaelan’s internal struggles and the external challenges he faces are portrayed with depth, making his journey both a personal and universal exploration of destiny and choice.

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Her Sapphire Blade (Guardians of Camelot Series) by Sarah Biglow

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╔═✨•*•🌟•*•✨ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ✨•*•🌟•*•✨══╗
Her Sapphire Blade (Guardians of Camelot Series) by Sarah Biglow
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Fantasy Witch
Page Count – 282

Cover Designer – Deranged Doctor Design

Despite her family’s witchy history, Morgan’s life in modern-day London has always been depressingly normal. True, her aunt has always insisted that Morgan is the lost heir to Camelot, but that idea is entirely laughable. She can’t even cast the simplest of spells. And when her magic fails to protect her loved ones, Morgan is certain she’s not meant to be a witch.
Until a stranger appears on her doorstep, insisting that she has a destiny to fulfill in a kingdom she always believed was fantasy.
The moment she steps through the portal into present-day Camelot, the connection to her magic she’s longed for snaps to attention. Even still, she’ll need to master her skills if she has any chance of taking back her throne.
She arrives on the eve of a tournament of magical champions in honor of Prince Arthur’s impending coronation. Barely able to gain entrance to the challenge, Morgan must best witches, fae and dragons for her chance to take on Arthur.
But even if she makes it to the final bout, proving her claim to the crown could cost her everything. Is this destiny worth risking her life for?

~ AMAZON ~ BARNES & NOBLE ~ KOBO ~ GOOGLE PLAY ~ APPLE BOOKS ~

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USA Today Bestselling author Sarah Biglow is a lawyer, tv addict, wife and mother. Born and raised in suburban Connecticut, she now lives in Massachusetts with her husband and son. Sarah has a passion for magical worlds and strong female characters. She enjoys the whondunnit of a cozy mystery and the world-in-peril drama of urban fantasy. Because she couldn’t write just one thing, she has split off her work and you can now find all of her cozy mysteries published under the penname S.E. Biglow.

Author Interview with Sarah Biglow

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Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett

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〰️ 💫 〰️ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 〰️ 💫 〰️
Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Historical Fantasy
Page Count – 411
Cover Designer – In House Start Media
In the catacombs of an ancient ruined monastery, hidden away in the Eildon Hills of Scotland, a land of myth and mystery–the place where immortal apothecary Gaelan Erceldoune found sanctuary as a lad– Gaelan discovers a journal, apparently written by his old friend Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, chronicling an adventure into the Otherworld, a land of fairy castles and filigree trees hung with Spanish moss.
Falling from the journal’s pages, a small piece of glass, which Gaelan recognizes as a fragment long missing from a stained glass panel he’d created a century earlier. When the opalescent glass seems to come alive in his hand, Gaelan is suddenly thrust into strange world far from the fantastical dreamscape Conan Doyle describes.
Alchemy of Glass weaves a tale magical as spun glass and terrifying as a shattered mirror, drawing upon cutting edge science and the most ancient of Celtic mythology, intertwining the magic of fairy lore and the harsh reality of difficult choices, returning us to the world of Gaelan Erceldoune as his past, present and future collide.

~ AMAZON ~

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Barbara Barnett is the author of three books,  including  the award-winning The Apothecary’s Curse, a finalist for the prestigious Bram Stoker Award for a debut novel. She is an editor-at-large and former publisher and executive editor of Blogcritics (blogcritics.org), an Internet magazine of pop culture, politics, and more, for which she has also contributed nearly 1,000 essays, reviews, and interviews over the past decade. Always a pop-culture and sci-fi geek, Barbara was raised on a steady diet of TV (and TV dinners), but she always found her way to fiction’s tragic anti- heroes and misunderstood champions, whether on TV, in the movies, or in literature. (In other words, Spock, not Kirk; Han Solo, not Luke Skywalker!) Her first  book,  Chasing  Zebras:  The  Unofficial  Guide  to House, M.D. (ECW Press), reflects her passion for these Byronic heroes, and it was inevitable that she would have to someday create one of her own in Gaelan Erceldoune, hero of both The Apothecary’s Curse and The Alchemy of Glass.

 

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The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Mandy Ott

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The Apothecary's CurseThe Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Barbara Barnett is a first time author for me so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was surprised, in a great way! The Apothecary’s Curse combines fantasy, myths, science, and history into an fascinating story spanning centuries. The story follows Gaelan and Simon as they traverse the world, as immortals. Written from dual time periods, this book is well-written and seemed carefully researched. The world building is amazing, full of visuals of Victorian London and present day Chicago. The characters are realistic, believable, and oddly lovable. The connection between the past and present is palpable and engrossing in The Apothecary’s Curse. The story started off a little slow, but the pace quickly picked up and I couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to read more by Barbara Barnett.

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Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Lucy Machard

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Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy RomanceDark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This author definitely knows how to pull the reader in! I was hooked on the first page as the world building started to take off. Kinda started to go more to a hover between 3.5/4 stars towards about 30% of the book- it’s a nuanced thing, but I felt like there was both too much detail, and not enough detail. We were getting a lot of important details about the emotions, thoughts, and feelings of the characters, but I personally didn’t feel like we were getting enough detail about the world around us and around them. It felt very show-but-don’t-tell. I personally feel that with a little extra editing and pizazz, this would have made an amazing high fantasy-esque novel. I still really really enjoyed it, and I can’t wait to see what book two is going to hold!

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Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Amber Howard

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Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy RomanceDark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 ⭐️ but really it’s more like 100/10. This book was so freaking good. I read it in one sitting. I could not put it down. I love a strong female lead and Gillian measured up.

The best part of this story was the depth of each character. There was so much more to them than just good, bad. Getting to know and understanding each character was refreshing. Even the “bad” characters had you understanding their need, pain and loss.
I do not know if there will be a sequel or not but there are so many questions that I need answers too. The other witches who hid, do they know what happened? Can they feel the change? Is Marius truly the last dragon? I have a ton of other questions but they would be spoilers and I don’t want to ruin it for everyone else. But do yourself a favor and read this book!

***Side note****
This is indeed part of a series and I am ecstatic. Rushing over to read the sequel now.

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Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series Book #1) by Kristin Ward – Review by Angela Hayes

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Dark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy RomanceDark is the Wood: A Young Adult Fantasy Romance by Kristin Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 – 3.5 Stars

 

Dark Is the Wood is the first book in the Enchanted Tales With Dragons series by Kristin Ward. It is a YA romantasy (romance/fantasy) with dragons, witches, magic, action, adventure, agendas, emotion, chemistry, high stakes, family, and dramatic developments. It has a definite ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ fairytale vibe, with the added lure of dragons.
When Gillian’s brother succumbs to the wasting illness that sweeps the land, she is prepared to do whatever it takes to restore his health- even if it means entering the forbidden Shadowlands. And so, her adventure begins….
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Kristin Ward!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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