From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great fantasy book with lots of twists and turns. Many moments where my stomach was in knots and my palms sweaty! I thought the book flowed well and was easy to get in to! The author has a unique way of painting a picture that transports you right as if you’re there. It was a great book and I enjoyed losing myself in it for a while!
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Maia and Fig are playing by the water when Maia’s imaginary friend shows up. Maia’s friend is a mermaid named Trezzie. Trezzie finds something in the water and through creative work together finds a way to magnify the item in order to see what it is.
This was a fun story, I liked that it teaches you how to use simple things to solve a problem. Has directions at the end of the book which is great for for reading and activity plan for young readers.
Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a quaint little coloring book and would be great for a rainy day. I think it would be brilliant for children and adults alike. After all even adults like to color. The drawings are well done and look easy to fill in. Not my normal review but I am an equal opportunity reviewer. I just wish my children were a bit younger but I am sure they would have liked to color one or more of the pictures. I plan on doing a couple myself. Give it a go and let your inner child out.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonatJ
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Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have always loved coloring and Dainty Damsels mixes two of my favorite things. Growing up I was a huge Lisa Frank fan, and this book takes that love and brings it to a more adult feel and mixes it with my favorite holiday Halloween. Mixing both simple and complex designs this book is an enjoyable moment to slow down and enjoy the simple creativity of coloring. As a mom of two little boys, I don’t always have a moment to do something time consuming for myself. Being able to sit down for 10-15 minutes and color one of these beautiful designs by J. N. Sheats helps me decompress and bounce back for the next round of questions and allows some creative quiet moments with my boys as we enjoy coloring together.
Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have always loved to color and loved Halloween. With Dainty Damsels, I get the combination of both. All pictures are adorable and fun to color. There are no difficult patterns to try to stay in the lines with. It is great for all ages. Each picture is unique.
I prefer a slightly bigger challenge than what Dainty Damsels offers, but since that is my personal preference, it does not take from the rating. I still had fun coloring it.
Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am an avid adult coloring type of soul person, and I live for Halloween each and every single year. So when I saw this beautiful cover, I was very intrigued. I loved the design, and the cute very artistic pictures. I look forward to coloring these! Each one, you can tell a lot of love, time, and work went into them! I think a mix of markers and colored pencils will make this pop for what they are meant to be!
DO not pass this beautiful book of coloring Halloween images up! To color, will be a treat!
Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Crafty, cute and creative
This is a delightful colouring book that would appeal to all ages. The characters and scenes are cute but mature and imaginative. The pictures are drawn to allow for creativity with different mediums, colour and lines. I really like the addition of the check page at the start to ensure that colours don’t bleed through to other pages. A book that will inspire hours of fun.
Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a great Halloween collection from this very creative and talented artist. This is filled with wonderful drawings of fun, querky and varied characters for you to colour and create with. This is definitely a collection you need to purchase today!!
Dainty Damsels: Halloween Collection 2022 by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an adorable coloring book! The pictures are artfully drawn. I want to get out my markers or colored pencils out and start coloring. They are perfect for glitter pens. I love the cute cartoony images. This is the first time I’ve seen this product and I’m going to be looking for these collections. I’m always looking for fun coloring books to help destress. A new favorite that I’ll recommend
̩͙̩̩̥͙̩̥̩ ⑅ RELEASE BLITZ ⑅ ̩̥̩̩̩̥͙̩͙ˊˎ
A creative mind trapped in a world of reality Jackie Sheats expresses herself in anyway that she can. From illustrating and writing to dancing like a mental patient while preparing dinner. Living in Maryland with her logic driven husband, their six cats, the dog, and a tank full of fish, Jackie spends her free time doing the backlog of housework. A movie junkie, video game addict, and lover of romance novels, she lives life under the idea that “if you don’t know how to do something, go learn it!”
Rebel of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
OMG!!! Rei is everything. I love this entire series. Rei has excellent character development, she finally finds her place in the world. I am just in awe of the whole series. Fingers crossed for another book.
Rebel of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the sixth book in the Vigilant series, counting the lead in books to each main book. The lead in book for Rebel of Fire is Break the Darkness. We are now following the third sibling Rei, her adjustment to Newport, the Void. Picking up where the lead in ended Rei has survived the accident but is in bad shape, she was near death when arriving to the hospital afterwards.
The most unlikely person in Rei’s mind nurtured her back to health, protecting her, feeding her, caring for her. Finally waking up she was angry, glimpses of memories from the accident and the following weeks came and went. Fueled by two missions, one to find her family and the other to be free of her contract to Megan. I personally found Rei the most relatable of the Lewis siblings, she loves completely even if too quickly but she values life and love. The most affectionate in the family she always needed to have physical touch with those she loved, always hugging her family members even if they didn’t want to, they tolerated her affection. Though she is the smallest in the family she is stronger and fiercer than anyone ever thought. Runt is what he called her since they met only now it no longer held a tinge of pain within her it was affectionate in nature. Everyone she thought was becoming a true friend ended up working for the one person she vowed to stop. Manipulation was a powerful thing and when your one of the very beings keeping the Void open your untouchable. Asher goes against Megan’s demands falling for the one person she told him he couldn’t have. The events of the lead in book feed so much of this book, I don’t want to give anything away. Asher had been alone since the age of three, his mother killed, and his father taken prisoner by the Overlord, his only purpose was to free his father. Rei coming to Newport changed all of that, he still had his purpose, but they found each other drawn to each other, even when dating others. No longer able to fight what they felt inside they fell for one another but couldn’t drop the walls within them. Only after feeling broken did Rei truly find her power. Asher finally breaking his walls allowing himself to feel. Their missions suddenly meant nothing when the consequences were discovered. Megan had arranged for Asher to bond another for a power play, but he broke that deal, so Megan had to send another in his place to complete the mission.
Will the Lewis family ever be whole again? Who took Asher’s place in Megan’s plan? Will they ever be free of their contracts? If you love amazing world building, character revelations and growth the Vigilant Series is for you the author never disappoints with each new perspective you get deeper immersed into the world of the Void. I can’t wait to read the next book Sword of Darkness, to see Reece, Rei’s twin brothers’ perspective of the move from New York to Newport, and how he fits into the already amazing story.
Rebel of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Rebel of Fire is the third book in the Vigilant series by L.M. Preston. It’s a fantastic addition to the series, building on what we have previously experienced, while diving deeper into things, building a bigger picture of what is going on through all the action-packed adventure. This series just gets better with each new instalment, keeping my intrigue set on high, and always leaving me anticipating the next addition.
This is a wonderful Young Adult fantasy adventure- including paranormal, supernatural, and sci-fi elements, as well as lots of action, mystery, drama, danger, emotion, magic, secrets, family dynamics, challenges, agendas, and discoveries.
This story is again from Rei’s point of view, so I really recommend reading the previous book/s before starting on this one, to give you all the important backstory, character information, and other intriguing details which will help you to better appreciate this story, as well as the series as a whole. Plus, don’t forget that the books build on each other, all adding to the bigger picture being painted- and you won’t want to miss that.
Bring on the next instalment!!!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, L.M. Preston.
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love almost anything to do with a paranormal series, but this one was kinda unique. I couldn’t put the book down! I enjoyed every page. I look forward to picking up the next instalment! Highly recommended to any paranormal lovers out there!
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the series and it flows into the second year at Grave Digger Academy. Makayla is starting to find her way, she’s got the most extraordinary helpers a witch can get! This is also the year for the Inter-Academy games! To show school spirit, Makayla and her friends are competing with all of the other academies.
This YA series is great for people of all ages! The story line is great and flows from one book to the next!
Definitely recommend!
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book put me in mind of harry potter (which I looooove harry potter) and then in the very next page it put me in mind of divergent (again one of my favorite series). The way that C.A. writes truly drew me in from the very first page. The way that Makayla is portrayed as the main character is on point the entire book! I will definitely be reading the next book! I already have it in my library for kindle!
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book! Reminds me of what I read back in high school. It’s not a book I’d typically pick up nowadays, but I’m glad I gave this one a shot! A genie and a wish? Count me in right? Should know there’s got to be a catch to everything lol. And you never really know how good you have it in life until things change. Love the characters, the plot, all of it! Love the writing and it kept me interested since the first chapter! So interested that I finished the book in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
To start, the Dedication is very sweet. The author found a way to not leave anybody out on accident. Haha!
The author is extremely talented when it comes to world building and making you see what they see. The story is very reminiscent of a certain famous magical world mixed with the TV version of The Magicians (but not near as gritty), but still something all its own and creative. Makayla is spirited and spunky, which always makes for a fun protagonist to follow. I can’t wait to start the next novel in the series!
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I got a Harry Potter meets Percy Jackson vibe off of the beginning of this series. It’s awesome. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books.
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Makayla’s first day of a supernatural academy is not going according to plan. She is sent on a wild goose chase where nothing makes sense. This witch is worried, she doesn’t think she will make it into the schools of her choice because she has a problem. Her magic won’t work! She is sent to Grave Digger Academy, the place nobody wants to go. She will learn to keep the dead where they belong. Join her on her journey of finding friendship, secrets, and herself!
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
5 Stars out of 5 Stars
This Is a great YA book that will grab your attention. The main character is relatable and pretty interesting. Her experience on the first year at the Academy is so interesting and have some fun moments. I love the little details of the story that make all fall together. If you are looking for an interesting paranormal/ fiction book this is definitely the one. I’m definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It’s simple. Gravediggers dig the graves while Grave Diggers keep the bodies buried.
No one wants to end up at Grave Digger Academy. So when MaKayla’s other choices in the paranormal academy system refuse her entry, the only thing on her mind is finding a way out. Of course, it’s not going to be that easy.
This was a fun, quick read about a young witch who just wants to find a way to fit in to the paranormal world. MaKayla is the only daughter in a family of bright sons and is trying to prove her worth when it seems her powers aren’t ready to shine.
Grave Digger Academy is her first year and with all the normal teenager drama comes a little more than they all bargained for. I loved this book and I’m so excited to get started on book 2 and see what happens in MaKayla’s next year! I think my only complaint is the timeline seems to run a bit fast.
Grave Digger Academy by
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was a fun interpretation of the world of witches. I enjoyed meeting the main characters and following them as they learned about themselves and where they fit in the madcap world they are a part of. The main character, Makayla, is funny and interesting. It was a joy to travel with her on this journey to discovering her magic and how she fits into the magical world. I have read other books from this author and was not disappointed with this book. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
While young adult fantasy books are not my typical “go-to”, I do enjoy them from time to time (diehard HP fan here🤗). I chose this book based on the quick synopsis I read and was NOT disappointed! It quickly sucked me in and had me staying up well past my bedtime trying to get further and further into it.
Quick backstory: there are 4 paranormal academies and Grave Digger Academy is staged as the last resort if the other 3 deny you. Makayla, the youngest of 7, is sent here. While she’s focused on ways to be able to transfer out upon the end of her first year, she learns why is she there and so much more about herself. As you read the book, you begin to bond with Makayla as you are engulfed in finding out what new secrets she will discover about herself and her classmates.
Definitely do NOT pass this one up! I’m off to start on the second book of the series and cannot wait!!
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amazing book! I was hooked from the very beginning. I love how all the aspects the author used in this book work together perfectly. I could not put it down at times. From the characters to the plot, I wanted more. I highly recommend this book.
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Makayla gets ready to attend her first year at an academy, but she doesn’t know where she is going at first. You put in your top three selections, and if none of them agree to take you, then you end up going to Grave Digger Academy. While attending her first year, she ends up making friends, enemies, and even frenemies. I love her personality. She also finds clues about her family ancestry. I immediately got the second book as soon as I finished! Thank you for making this story!
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this fun, witty, paranormal read from the get go!! Honestly the cover was fire 🔥 and is what compelled me actually to give the synopsis a read to then later reading the book!! LOL I am very glad I did too!! The world the author created was nothing short of amazing and loved the character Makayla she created even more. It was most certainly full of surprises && had many twists to keep you reading. May be read in one sitting quite quickly. Actually an overall GREAT start to a wonderful series. Can’t wait to read more on the academies second year and Makayla’s adventures whilst attending!!
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A really good take on the magical school style of novel for teens. This one focuses on when a student goes into their chosen school through some arcane ritual. We follow Makayla as she winds up at the disreputable Gravedigger academy. Through her studies, some rumors and the other students she finds out some secrets of the school, her world and about herself and family. I felt this was a really good take on a concept that can be hard for authors to do well without being repetitive. King manages to hit it out of the ballpark though!
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. KingI haven’t read a good YA book in quite some time and this was a good start! To start: The only reason for 3 stars is because I feel like there was a LOT going on and it was a little clunky trying to connect everything.
Now what i liked: I liked the premise of kids attending magical academies- and the way they discover which academy they have been accepted too was super neat. The staff were interesting with varying personality, and the familiars were super cute. Makayla is your typical teen- mischievous, curious, and loves to break the rules! Thomas might be my favorites of the side characters- he had some of the funniest lines (and who doesn’t love squirrels?) There’s a little bit of drama but nothing too earth shattering. If you like magical academies and a quick read- give this one a read friends!
I will be reading the next for sure!
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King is a fun, fast paced, ya, paranormal read that you don’t want to miss. This series gives you a Harry Potteresque feel as you learn magic with the witch, Makayla and her unique friends.
When Makayla gets denied by her top three paranormal academies she is sent to the academy that no one wants, GraveDigger Academy. It’s here she meets a unique group of individuals, some who become friends while others are better left as enemies. Makayla faces a lot of unique twists, turns, and challenges in this book.
Personally I loved being immersed in this new world of magic. This series has everything you want in a ya paranormal book such as: action, humor, interesting characters, great world building, and an interesting storyline. I’m really glad I found this book and I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.