Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book. Makayl’s second year at the Grave Digger Academy proved to be just as adventurous as her first year. I loved watching all of the students grow in their magic. I have read other books by this author and I have enjoyed them all. This series is really good and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal stories.
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gahh!! The gang is back together!! Book one of the Grave Digger Academy Series was pretty great and what compelled me to continue on with the series. I LOVE a good series! The author did amazing in book two just as well as book one. You may very well read this book as a standalone, but would you really want to though??! Really glad I gave this series a read. Loved the characters, and loved the continued story from book one. I enjoy this authors writing so!! Most certainly looking forward to the next book in the series!!
Nightfall in Deptford by L.E. Towne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed Nightfall in Deptford. It is a unique time travel historical paranormal/fantasy tale where the story is in two different time periods and years but goes back and forth between 1593 London and current Philadelphia. A playwright, a Homicide Detective, criminals, fae and shifters are only some of what you can expect in this tale.
I was so captivated with this story that I didn’t realise that it is actually the fourth book in the series. I suggest going back and reading them in order. I didn’t really feel I missed out as I was reading it but will go back and start at the beginning.
L.E. is a new author to me and I was engrossed with her narrative and world building. The story is made all that more interesting as one of the characters is a real historical figure.
Tam is a fixer but to do what she does best she must travel through time. Now she must choose love or keeping the time line of the future intact. What would you do when it comes to love?
I am looking forward to reading more by this author.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Makayla is back for year two at the Grave Digger Academy, she spent the end of last year segregated from her friends and dealing with all the snide remarks and open stares alone was tough, it wasn’t any easier when she was at home for the break, her brothers taunted her and her parents pretty much ignored the fact that she wouldn’t be changing Academies, nobody would be, the transfer position was withheld completely, so when she returns to the Academy, she is pleasantly surprised when her friends come up to see her at the entrance.
As the new year starts, the usual rules and regulations are set out, but before she can unpack, Makayla is summoned to the head mistresses office, she is expecting the usual warnings and being told to stay out of mischief, but what she doesn’t expect is to be thrown into the team for the inter academy face off this year, but then again, between the choice of that with her freedoms returned, or the Academy becoming a jail with a full complement of guards, Makayla knows which choice she will make.
The face off is between all the paranormal academies and the winners receive prestige and funding, both of which the Grave Digger Academy desperately needs, but they never seem to make the cut, they are hoping that this year will be different. The new year two teachers are introduced and classes are well underway when the team for the inter academy face off are chosen, it just so happens that Makayla’s friends are chosen to join in as well, but not knowing what they will come up against, they can’t really plan much, but Makayla has plans of her own.
When the Games roll around and the Academies players are in place, something seems wrong, it smells of rot and death and all journeys lead to the same place, no matter who travels or where they were originally heading and Makayla knows that this spells bad luck, but how bad could it get? In a world where mythical creatures and monsters abide and the Grave Diggers are the only ones holding them at bay, what new dangers lie in store for the group as secrets are revealed and truths realised in this fantasy adventure which will keep you on your toes throughout.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the Grave Digger Academy series, and you definitely need to read the first book to know what is happening in this one. It picks up where book 1 left off.
I enjoyed this story, but it felt rushed. The timeline was a a bit confusing as there are jumps in time that are not clearly explained, especially at the beginning. As it got closer to the end, it improved and things made more sense. I still wish we got more of a sense of the day-to-day routine of the school and got more insight into other characters.
I enjoyed the inter-academy games, and adored the squirrel antics!
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was so excited to read this book after reading the first one. I love the continuation of the story. I felt like this book gave me a better understanding of the main character. This was a fun, entertaining read. The author knows how to keep you hooked throughout the book. Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Nightfall in Deptford by L.E. Towne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series is amazing! Very fast read and I love the story line, even though I read it out of order!
Everything you need in a story; conspiracy, judgement, love, action, time travel, and so much more!
You’ll meet Tam who isn’t your ordinary every day detective in Philly, instead she’s got a secret second life that she’s been dealing with since the age of 15. You’ll also meet all of her friends that help her through everything that she has to face. In this book, Tam gets sent back to 1593 and has to deal with life during that age. The smells, the work, the norm back then is way different than what she’s used to.
Curse of the Elf Lord by Heidi Vanlandingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Émilien Elasalor concentrates on his brother and sister in law’s disappearance, knowing that he probably won’t be able to lift the curse so he can be with his wife, Hel.
This is a story about an Elf who has been cursed to have the body of werewolf? Sign me up cause I would have never thought of that.
The two finds themselves at odds when they have to work together.
I really enjoyed this novel, it was really captivating even though I didn’t read the first novel, I wasn’t confused at all. The writing style I really liked to. It didn’t take me long to be engrossed in the story.
I didn’t see anything online about a third novel but I would love to read about Émilien and this world.
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Once again the Gave Digger Academy is full of adventure and shenanigans.
It’s Makayla’s second year attending the Grave Diggers Academy and they need participants for the inter-academy games. Win or lose, they are in for more than expected!
I thoroughly enjoyed being back in this world! The magic just keeps getting better and the school setting is fun and full of excitement. We see more of Makayla’s family and I’m falling for the different characters all over again!
Definitely recommend!
Now for book number 3.
Curse of the Elf Lord by Heidi Vanlandingham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
Curse of the Elf Lord is the second book in the Kingdom of Elf Lords series. It is a wonderful romantic fantasy with lots of suspense. Heidi has incorporated and Norse mythology into this series and it enriches the intrigue. There is plenty of action and danger, magic and adventure, emotions and drama.
With elves, shifters and characters of all types, this tale will keep the pages turning just waiting to find out what is going on. Add in many twists and turns and you have a thrilling and suspenseful tale.
As I said about the first book and it also applies to this book the beautiful descriptive narrative, intricately woven threads, and great world-building leads to a tapestry of enjoyment.
I eagerly await the next book.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was definitely not sure what to expect when I decided to read this book, but I am very happy I did! I thought the author did a great job of keeping the book grounded in reality, while also adding in fantasy piece in a way that felt realistic. I absolutely adored the relationship between Hassan and his niece Kassia, they had a cute relationship and their interactions were always fun, even when there was danger present. I thought that the relationships between all of the characters were well written and getting to see the character development in Hassan and Yasmine was awesome to see. The title of the book did confuse me initially, but after reading the story and getting to see the significance between Hassan and Yasmine, I thought it was a very sweet title. I definitely couldn’t put the book down and if you like fantasy, action, and a lot if humor, this is a great book!
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This author is new to me, but I am pleasantly surprised by his whimsical writing. It didn’t take but a page to get into this book and that in and of itself is a difficult feat.
Ice Dance starts out focused on Hassan who is playing the waiting game outside of his family’s house on holiday, weighing his options of not going or just sucking it up and putting on a somewhat happy face. He is creative and not exactly what he “should” be in this world. Once Yasmine enters his life, he is smitten and wants to know more about her…but maybe more than he bargained for. Will they survive this magical world filled with danger, or are they in over their heads?
This was such a fun read for me! It made me gasp and giggle throughout the story. I highly recommend it and can’t wait to see what the author is up to next.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This isn’t your typical fantasy book, it is way, way more than that. Hassan has such a huge character development throughout the story and the way the author relates the characters culture into the book has helped me understand more than what I thought I knew. This book is very relatable from the emotions that characters feel in the book. The way the author wraps the fantasy around the adventure peeks your interest and keeps you turning the pages. It really helps by putting the fantasy into reality, if that make sense. The flow from normal to fantasy is breath taking. The creatures in the story were so well written that it makes you feel like they really could exist in the world today. This is not my normal genre but I am very thankful that I stepped out of my comfort join because this book hit on some feels that I didn’t know I was missing. It is a must read for anyone looking for an escape.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another young adult book that hits the spot. I loved this book from beginning to end, and it’s a message that everyone can relate to in someway.
Baxter went through the good and the bad like any kid does. Raised by a single mom and a dad who was no more than mystery he began to question the “what if.” From there A mysterious djinn, a bit of dark magic, adventure mixed with suspense, and some good friends take this story places you will not want to miss
The Virus of Beauty by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Virus of Beauty is the first book in this unique YA fantasy. With magic, witches and wizards this tale will delight those who love all things magical. It is fast-paced and action-packed with beautifully imagined magical realms, danger, mystery and suspense. The characters are likable and well-developed.
This carefully constructed magical world is in turmoil as the conflict and politics between witches and wizards continues. Add in a dangerous and deadly virus and 16-year-old Wilf must confront that which he does not want to.
Those that love YA fantasy will like this book so grab a copy and dig in.
Reviewed by @jennadb
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༻ PREORDER ༻༻
Chloe remains in Faerie, but she’s only supposed to stay long enough to defeat the bloodthirsty mortals who are trying to claim the land for themselves. But now she’s not so sure she wants to return to the mortal realm, especially when the devastatingly handsome fae, Quintus, keeps asking her to stay.
Even worse, defeating the mortals becomes more difficult by the day while their numbers continuously grow. She also learns exactly why they want the land. As a mortal herself, it’s hard to disagree with them. But they can’t take Faerie unless they steal it from the fae.
Alliances blur when Chloe realizes both sides deserve what they seek. But only one of them can win.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem is an original urban fantasy that swept me up into quite a fun adventure. This is the first book that I have read by this author, so I was curious about what the story might hold, so I took a chance and clicked a copy, and set off on this fun adventure.
The story is woven around an unemployed accountant, Hassan, who has come to a bit of a cross-roads in his life. He’s unemployed, about to become homeless, is a little jaded, and feels like his creativity is being stifled. Then, unexpectedly, he meets Yasmine who is like a fresh breath of air to his stagnant life. He becomes entranced by her free-spirited energy. But things aren’t quite what they seem as he is soon to learn. New Year’s Eve turns his world upside down and introduces him to a world he never knew existed outside of storybooks. With magic, different realms, portals, paranormal beings, secrets, danger, drama, friendship, family, banter, action, and dangerous foes- this story really comes to life quite vividly. I loved the sprinkling of humour throughout the storyline as it added an extra element of fun to the whole experience.
The story is well-woven, detailed, and descriptive- with some clever world-building. Vik Azeem has a bit of a lyrical feel to their writing which suits the magical realism of the storyline. I enjoyed the story and look forward to exploring more of this author’s work in the future.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Vik Azeem!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hassan is a unemployed accountant who is about to lose his apartment and disgrace his family. No one knows about his work status until his mom and dad start getting letters at their home. Then, Hassan is scrambling to make sure that no one else knows he’s been struggling for over 4 months. Afterall, he comes from a very successful family and he doesn’t want to look bad.
After a night at a bar waiting on his friend Anthony, and a time slot for the open mike comedy night, Hassan meets Yasmine. All of a sudden, his life will never be the same again. What are those green footprints that keep showing up??
This is a new-to-me author who I really enjoyed!
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a great sequel! It picks up where the first one ended, so you will definitely want to read these in order. I was excited reading the second one because I wanted the story to pick up a bit more and I wasn’t disappointed! Some of the things that left me confused in Book one were answered so I did enjoy this one a bit more because of that. I’m really enjoying this series so far and can’t wait to read the 3rd installment!
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Grave Digger Academy II is the second book in the series, and sees Makayla return to the school no one really wants to be at for another year. This series is best enjoyed in order, so do start with the first book! It’s perfect for YA and teen readers who enjoy the magic school trope.
In this book, Makayla and her classmates have to dig deep for whatever enthusiasm and affection they can summon for their school in order to succeed in the Inter-Academy Games. They had all hoped that by the start of their second year they would have transferred to pretty much any other school and now they have to prove themselves against the students who got into those schools in the first place.
This is an exiting continuation of the series! Makayla has a lot to learn, and there are plenty of mysteries to unravel. Makayla is still coming to terms with what she’s learnt about her family history, and trying to get more information to help her understand this past and how it impacts her.
It was good to see some more of Makayla’s brothers in this book! Caz and Tye are interesting characters, and it’s fun to get more family moments.
This book gets five stars from me. It’s an enjoyable series, I’d definitely recommend it!
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem. This is such a fun fantasy, romance. Its the story of Hassan who is unemployed as a accountant and feels like he’s a failure to his family. Needing money badly he decides to enter a stand up contest at a local bar. He meets Yasmine a beautiful young lady and sparks fly. When she seems to blow him off he is heartbroken. He has a dash of good luck and thinks he’s about to get a job when it ends up being people wanting information about Yasmine which he doesn’t know because he doesn’t really know her. Yasmine ends up being a Princess from another realm and people are after her. Hassan of course gets roped into the mess and is up to his eyeballs before its over. This is a fast paced story that makes you feel like you are in Pakistan and the other world Hollow-Maid. I truly enjoyed this read and think you will too!.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a delightful surprise. It wasn’t what I was expecting at and I loved that it took me on a journey. This is an entertaining story that had me laughing throughout. The characters were perfect for the book and I was completely engaged by them.
This is a new author to me and I was completely taken by their writing style. I cannot wait to discover more.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was magical in each and every way. I was mesmerized as I read, and lost within all that it held. The story flows ever so nicely, has strong descriptions, and spot on character development.
This story was a wonderful book that was very easy to relate to. It was impacting as it could be with the characters and the story line. The story was realistic, yet the fantasy and the take with the story was very much full of intrigue. Yasmine was a wonderful character as well as Hassan. She was strong willed, but there was more to her than meets the eye. Hassan-I loved the talk and use of his culture in the story. It really made his character, and the story beautiful in every way. The story took an adventurous turn I did not expect at first glance, the fantasy role was amazing. The writing was wonderful. I loved this book!
This was a book that mesmerized me for all that it was and all that it contained. I could not put it down. Very invested with the characters. Defiantly a must read! For sure, I highly recommend this book and author!
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am immediately going back now to start book 1, this was such a good, fun and interesting book.
MaKayla is going into her second year at Grave Digger Academy, and like her, no one was able to transfer out. The inter-academy games are this year and the Academy HAS to win to keep their doors open, so it’s probably better to already know each other. The games start and it becomes obvious quickly that something strange is happening. (As I have not yet read book 1, a lot felt a bit strange but it was all very interesting and fun)
Very cool writing, very cool read, and I’m looking forward both to year three as well as learning a bit more about the characters in book 1!
View all my reviews10/10/22
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this fantasy adventure. The author does an amazing job with the character and how they mix fantasy with modern day makes this a story that is magical. I also loved the way the author uses the culture that Hassan is born into in a way that makes it easier for a reader to understand why he is struggling with the choice of doing a job that is high paid or doing something he loves that allows him to be the creative person he is.
I also love the connection and attraction between Hassan and Yasmine.
I love that Yasmine encourages Hassan to be anything he chooses and when she opens up her world to him that’s when he really comes alive.
However this story isn’t all sweetness and magic. There is a danger that surrounds Yasmine and when Hassan goes to a ‘job interview’ and meets Victor that danger becomes more obvious and very real.
As New Years Eve approaches Yasmine introduces Hassan to a world he never believed existed and turns his life from a boring daily struggle to one of excitement, danger and magical beings that only live in books and nightmares.
Will they be able to escape the people trying to get Yasmine? More importantly will Hassan be able to survive the night?
It was an amazing adventure, there were twists in the story I didn’t see coming and it kept me glued to see what the author would come up with next. It was a very captivating read that I couldn’t put down.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fantastic story! Hassan took us on the ride of a lifetime in this urban fantasy tale. I found it intriguing, engaging, exciting and quite enthralling. The characters were developed to be the most delightful creatures out of your imagination. That doesn’t mean good but just fanciful. The storyline was such a surprise because I wasn’t expecting an urban fantasy (nope, didn’t read the synopsis.) I loved the flow. You went from normal story right into the fantasy. Great job and I look forward to reading more from this author. New author to me and a new favorite. Highly recommend
The Virus of Beauty by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This fantasy was definitely different from the normal fantasy that I typically read. But it was different in an amazing way. Centered around a coming of age character with plenty of amazing support characters, magic, witches and more I simply couldn’t put this book down. This book was just perfect it was fast paced, and intriguing while the plot was full of originality and a uniqueness. So if you need a new read then look no further then this one
Curse of the Elf Lord by Heidi Vanlandingham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~Elf Lord Kingdom~
This is the second book in the Kingdom of the Elf Lords series. The author continues this saga with the very loved characters heavily dipped in Norse Mythology. In my opinion, this story is very well-developed, and a little less confusing (for me) than the first book. All of the background has been set for us to fully enjoy the 9 worlds and characters in them. Very gripping uniquely spun fantasy that transports you once again into a realm you wont want to leave anytime soon.
The author delivers suspense, disappearances, and of course strained familial bonds. In this tale you have shapeshifting, different creatures like; Fae (and dark Fae), wolves, undead, among many others. Of course… there is romance, in a sort of enemies/lovers way and secrets relationships.
Our beloved Emilian being forced to do what he doesn’t want to do, but is obligated to do over and over again. He is easily one of my favorite characters, and I’m always shocked by his choices, he’s not the easiest man to read.
Can Emilien and Hel work together long enough to save the very fabric of the nine worlds, or will they let their humanity lead everything to ruin? Can Shalendra ever find it in herself to accept her destiny and forgive her father? I wasn’t disappointed, and will need to read the next in this series to find out!! In addition to that there are so many other stories by Heidi Vanlandingham I’ve found I may need to add to my reading list. Thank you so much for such an excellent continuation of this series, what a thrilling read!!!
Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson
Hassan is a Pakistani-American conflicted between pursuing his creative passions and fitting in with his culture. He’s also unemployed and days away from being evicted. Then he meets Yasmine, a mysterious bar-hopper with a keen interest in psychology. As enigmatic as she is, Hassan is enthralled with her
He soon learns Yasmine has a dark secret that will put both their lives at risk. As the night of New Year’s Eve unravels, he’s introduced to a world of magic, portals, wise-cracking trolls, and dangerous enemies beyond his wildest fears. The only question is, will he survive to see the new year? Ice Dance is a comedic urban fantasy inspired by swashbuckling adventures of the past.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
Vik Azeem was born in Alexandria Virginia. He’s been writing since he was a teenager and grew up on both R.L Stine and Christopher Pike Books. He currently resides in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Outside of writing, he also does a movie podcast called the Movie Fellas which can be found on all podcast platforms. Ice Dance is his fourth book, and his other novels can be purchased on Amazon as well.
Nightfall in Deptford by L.E. Towne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Tam Paradiso is a woman on a mission and she will stop at nothing until she sees it through to the end, there is only one complication, it involves time travel and that is something she is not familiar with, hunting monsters and aiding supernatural beings, yes, but time travel no, but hey, there is a first time for everything. Meanwhile, Christopher Marlowe is being delivered to the White Tower in London in 1593 after being summoned there from a visit to a friend, he has no idea who is behind taking him there, but he understands what he is being charged with, all he knows is that he must get word to Tam so that she doesn’t try anything reckless to help free him.
You may ask what has spurred this new challenge in Tam’s life and that is the change in the details of the death of her lover Christopher Marlowe, a fellow monster hunter and the love of her life, so with the help of friends and family, she prepares for a journey like no other to correct the timeline and stop the drastic changes it is causing. As she ties up the loose ends in her other occupation as a Detective in modern day New York to take some vacation days, she has to bring allies into the fold, only some of which know the whole story, but she cannot risk anything more than she already is by telling them where she is really going. However, as usual things do not go smoothly and Tam’s sister Isabelle plays a key role in the journey, as does her ex-lover Theo North who has to accompany her in order for the two of them not to stick out any more than they know they will.
When they arrive in Marlowe’s time, the try and work out who is behind the accusations and so start to dig into the backgrounds of any clues Marlowe has left them, but the further they dig, he more tangled a web they find and time is running out for them all, especially when they have to battle a key witness of Marlowe’s death who also happens to be a shifter, but will they solve their puzzle and get Marlowe out in time, just so he can die the death he was supposed to? This is an adventure which is full of political intrigue, time travel and the supernatural, in this race against time which will have you on the edge of your seat throughout.
Reviewed by @roxsannel