From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was such a good one! It was a dark and Suspenseful YA that pulled me in from page one. I didn’t want to put this one down. Such a good start as a debut novel and I will be looking for more by this author in the future!
Happy Reading!
Grave Digger Academy II by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this author for all they create and write, I have been reading books by them for quite some time now. This book installment in this specific series, was one I could not wait for! It was very much worth the wait!
I loved the first one with the paranormal aurora, the characters, and everything to do with the academy! This one I loved just as much. It was so awesome reading about MaKayla again and her friends, with studies and games to participate in, as well, as something less than kind is lurking in the academy walls. The book gave a lot of action, suspense, as well as intrigue. I couldn’t put this down, I was constantly wanting to know what would follow! I have always admired this author’s writing style, and how they bring the story to life. No confusion, everything makes sense and comes together well! Great installment to the series! Loved it!
Great addition to the series, and I cannot wait to see what will happen next! This series as well as author, does not disappoint! Very much recommend this book, series, and author! Must read on all accounts!
Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 2 in the Vigilant Series. I would highly recommend reading these books in order so you get the full understanding of the characters and the story. You definately need to read Unbreakable Darkness which is the book before this one and the start of Dex story.
After find out in the previous book that his whole life is a lie he now has to fight to find a way to escape the people who don’t want him free and to live life on his own terms.
Along the way he will face life changing dangers and discover some things he never knew. With friends old and new showing up it becomes hard for Dex to know who he can trust and who is going to be against him.
This story is full of mystery, danger and feelings of teenage angst that keeps the story moving at a fast pace. The way the author leaves the story sets it up perfectly for the next book and I can’t wait to read it.
•*•
•*••°• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •°••*••*••°•
Gravediggers actually do the digging. Grave Diggers, however, keep buried bodies where they belong—six feet under.
It’s Makayla’s second year in the paranormal academy system, and she isn’t returning alone. No one made the honour roll last semester, and the coveted transfer position was withheld. It’s a good thing, too—GDA needs participants for the inter-academy face off. A win could bring back prestige and funding the institution so desperately needs. A loss, however, would close its doors forever.
This year’s students are about to learn there’s more to their Academy than meets the eye. Something isn’t right about the competition. It smells of the rot and decay only a freshly unearthed corpse could cause. Lucky for them, death is right up their alley.
About C.A. King
I was diagnosed with clinical depression after the loss of my mother, father and husband within three years of each other; all to cancer. 24/7 in-home care, coupled with the loss I felt, left its mark on my psyche.
Depression takes up a lot of my life. Reading and writing are the only things I have found that help (in connection with regular medication), even if only for a short time. To escape to a different world can make a big difference in my mood in real time.
To put things in perspective, when I was at my lowest point, I couldn’t open mail, talk on the phone, or even drive to the store. Walls of sadness surrounded me. As they closed in, tears would fall. There didn’t need to be a reason or trigger.
People ask me why I started writing. My answer is simple: I wanted to create a world into which other people with similar problems could escape. I wanted to share the one place that had helped me for many years.
I have always said that as long as one person finds a little bit of happiness out of my books, I am, in my opinion, an accomplished author. The same is true for every writer out there. Please don’t ever let anyone tell you different.
I read books as well as write them and have visited the worlds many different authors have created. Those worlds not only make me feel better, but give me the strength to face real life again. I want to thank everyone who writes—I want them to know they are making a difference.
Fast forward to today…
C.A. King, USA Today Bestselling Author has over 60 books available across multiple fantasy sub-genres.
Awards include:
Hamilton Spectator Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author category 2017 & 2018 & 2019
Brant News Readers’ Choice Award: Best Local Author 2017
Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards: Best Novella/Short Story 2017 Silver medal
2017 SIBA Awards – Best Novella
2017 SIBA Awards – Best New Adult
2018 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards: Gold Medal in the Fiction – Supernatural genre
2018 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards: Bronze Medal in the Fiction – New Adult genre
2019 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Fiction – Supernatural genre
2019 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Young Adult – Fantasy – Urban genre
City of Brantford Featured Artist February 2020
Burlington Post Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Cambridge Times Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Burlington Post Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2021
Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Whew, this is Dex’s version of the paranormal mystery series of the Vigilants. This is one series that you want to read in order. Dex is in it deep in this one. With the help of some new and some old friends, he ends up on an adventure to find answers. Mystery, drama, and the paranormal make for one of the best YA paranormal series you’ll find out there. I picture it as a contemporary take on the battle for good and evil. Even as an adult, I eagerly wait for each new book this author puts out. Her writing is fresh, new and relevant. The characters all have personalities that are relatable. The athletes, though paranormal, sound like some of the jocks I knew in high school. Go ahead, you know you want to read this one. Click that button.
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Grave Digger Academy by C. A. King is book one in the Grave Digger Academy series. Though I’m not much into paranormal books, this was the perfect intro book for anyone. It was light and fun to read, quick and easy to follow. Makayla is going into her first year at a paranormal school. There is a lot of pressure since she is the seventh child and only girl. Makayla however ends up at the lowest of the low schools and it surprises everyone. Although it was not a choice of hers, it seems the school chose her, leading into a family secret that not even her father knew about. Gravediggers dig the graves, but grave diggers keep the bodies there. I’ll be interested to see how Makayla uses her abilities moving forward. The story is full of surprises, twists and interesting character development. I really enjoyed it from the beginning and look forward to the rest of the series!
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is amazingly written. The details and the historical events that are written about really make you feel like you are there with the characters. I did not read the previous books in this series and you don’t necessarily have to do that but I would highly suggest it. I feel that if I had read the previous ones first, I would be more connected with the characters and the story does progress through each book. Just something to think about before starting this book. The characters are easy to connect with and the adventures that they go on make you feel like you are right there with them. I don’t think I can do the writing style justice. It is amazing the way the author is able to describe things and the amount of detail that is given, is just WOW!!! The multiple perspectives given during the book also helps to bring you further into the story line. The action, suspense, fantasy world, and that is not even the personal emotions you will feel, like heartache, love, and laughter; had me not wanting to put this book down. The author does give a synopsis of what has been happening in the other books and does an amazing job of helping the reader try to keep the names straight of all the characters. I would still suggest reading the other books first. I can only imagine the connection to the story line and characters you would have having started at the beginning. This book did not disappoint and has maybe given me a new genre to discover. I will definitely go back and read the rest of the series. You will continue to turn the pages to see what happens next and before you know it the book will be finished, leaving you wishing for more.
Reviewed by @bbohls
Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~ The Crown of Stones #2 ~
This is the second book in the Crown of Stones series by C.L. Schneider. It took me entirely too long to pick up the second book in this series, but thank goodness I did!!! Ian is back with a vengeance and I am right there with him. He is on a quest to restore all that was lost, and get back what was taken from him.
Ian is one of those lone-wolf type characters that is both real and unique at the same time. He is a tortured soul you just can’t help but root for, he remains true to his character and is a steady rock amidst so much chaos that is occurring in his realm. Now that he has finally come one step closer to understanding the pain and terror he has gone through, it is his turn to become the hero, albeit unwillingly. But he’s not entirely alone, as he rallies together with others who can come behind him on his quest.
A little bit of horror, some violence, spectacular fight scenes, well detailed use of magic and it’s elements, real struggles and awesome character interactions. This series has it all! Thank you to the author who continues to provide awesome tales to devour.
Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is by far one of the best series I have ever read. The amount of creativity and originality that went into creating this book is amazing. I could not put it down. I fell asleep reading it and picked it up as soon as I opened my eyes. I rejoiced in the small victories and hurt when Troy experienced the losses. I felt a sense of pride as his character evolved and he embraced who he was (lineage) while maintaining who he wants to be (better than his father and all the leaders focused on being the most powerful). Especially after what he went through in prison. I was completely shocked with learning about the door opener Lirih. The characters are so greatly written that any loss felt like I lost them. I highly recommend this book. It’s full of action, steam, love, and magic.
Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This action packed YA fantasy is book two in the series and it is by far the best one yet. This book is once again told from Dex’s point of view so if you haven’t read book one or book 1.5 then I would recommend reading those two first. But this book really is the best of the series it’s full of action, tension, betrayal, magic and so much more that it will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. So if you want a good new series to read make sure you run out and pick this one up today.
Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars is the second installment in The Crown of Stones trilogy and it is amazing! With the action, drama, and fantasy, there isn’t anything the author left out.
Ian Troy wakes up not only wondering where he is but WHO he is. As his memory slowly seeps in with bits and pieces of what has happened, he questions what kind of person he really is. His purpose is to fix the Crown of Stones, but what he uncovers may be more than he can handle. Will he be able to successfully repair this and heal what has transpired amongst his people or will he be rendered useless?
I think C.L. Schneider created an absolutely stunning realm in this series. I cannot wait to grab the last installment of this trilogy to see where we end up. This is one of the best fantasy books I have read this year!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ian Troy has gone through so much already with book one! Now he has to go even further to help out his friends! There is trial and error with his magic as his scars increase with learning more truth. This one is still fully packed with great adventures and drama. How far will he go? Take a shot, but make sure to read the first book to follow this one!
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was exciting from the moment I started reading. It is a fast paced, YA fantasy story that really caught my attention. I loved how easy it was to engage with the story developing, and the characters it brought to life. I found myself pulled into the story and could not put the book down.
The Djinn lore is always something that has fascinated me and I loved seeing it brought to life on these pages. The author has created such and interesting and captivating story that is suitable for a range of audiences. I would highly recommend you read this book!
Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a great follow-up to Crown of Stones: Magic Price, for sure! Beginning a few years after the first book ends starts with Ian in prison with no memories. The twists and turns going throughout the story as Ian tries to finish work from the first book and regain his memory are paced really well. They make the book unpredictable but still enjoyable. Little bits of history, compassion, friendship, battles, and sneaking around keep the story moving forward. And, for those interested, some pretty intense sex scenes, as well. I look forward to reading the next one!
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Starting this book, I was having a hard time following along, I re-read the first couple pages at least 3 times, so I decided to just push through and hope that it was not going to be important for further reading. I should have just kept reading from the start and not went back at all because everything would start making sense soon enough.
I appreciate the magical world that C.A King created. Instead of one magical school C.A.King created several so students can hone in and focus on their individual talents.
Grave Digger Academy was a fun easy read, could easily read in one sitting. I really appreciated that it was a paranormal read that didn’t focus on a love triangle, there were no distractions with romantic relationships at all for this book.
4 out of 5 stars and the only reason I am giving it a 4 and not a 5, I wanted more! I would have gladly read 500 pages in book one. I am excited to see how the story continues with the books that follow.
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an awesome start to what is sure to be an amazing series! I am here for all things paranormal and books like this! This book was well written, well thought out and such an attention grabber. I was sucked in and could not put it down! Will definitely be reading every book I can find for this series!!!
Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A different experience for Ian Troy in this second book of The Crown of Stones Series! Ian Troy has been captured by King Draken and drugged. Ian must figure out a way out of the prison he’s been held in and find a way to keep his friends safe!
This book is a bit darker than the first book in the series. The interaction between Ian and his friends seem a bit strained. They find ways to work through the friendships.
Overall I really enjoyed this second book and felt connected to Ian Troy with the struggles he endured. It was even harder to set the book down to get stuff done around the house.
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
From Brick & Darkness is a wonderfully written YA / Fantasy that once you start reading there’s no putting it down until you’ve finished. To be honest I wasn’t real sure to expect going in but man I’m glad I decided to give this book a shot. For being this authors debut novel the bar has been set very high and I look forward to reading many more books by this author in the future. This is a fast paced story that is packed with action, adventure, magic, mystery, suspense and so much more. Get ready to be taken on quite the adventure with Dax and remember things aren’t always as they seem Be careful what you wish for because you may get more than one bargained for. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. There is a couple of twists that I absolutely didn’t see coming. If you’re a fan of YA and fantasy then this is a book for you .
Kara Shieldmaiden of Eire by Jay Veloso Batista
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed reading this fantasy story. This is the fourth book in this series. I highly suggest reading the previous books before this one to help your enhancement of this series and this author. This is a well written story about Thorfinn and Kara.and their adventures of kidnapping and battle. They are great characters who make the story easy and entertaining to read for me. They are connectable and keep the story engaging. A fast paced story that is not lacking for adventure and is hard to put down. They have great growth and great plot growth throughout the story. I really enjoyed reading this book and had no problem picturing myself on their adventures. I highly recommend reading their story and finding out what happens with them this time around.
Review by @bjwagner
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first time reading a book from this author and I’m so glad I took the chance! The author pens a story that is original, captivating, and addictive! I wish I had more time to read it all at once! Harlow is going through her own trauma from missing her parents, and refusing to follow in their footsteps. She decides to make her own way, which leads to her own level of trouble. This magic sword she steals chooses her and takes her captive, and then brings a world of hurt to her life. Harlow fights hard for her life and ends up on the run. With every turn of the page I was on the edge of my seat as this amazing a story developed! Now on to book 2!
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After just finishing book 1 of the charm collector series I dove right into Wicked Treasure as soon as I could help it! The author once again does not disappoint! This story is very entertaining from the start as the drama between Harlow and her friends really stirs up the controversy of the book giving it even more depth. As the story with the mysterious sword begins to build, Harlow embarks on what ends up being a failed vacation with Caspian, and is once again in trouble! It’s amazing what she goes through in this story. I’m thirsty for more from the author and will get into her other book series as well!
COMING SOON Murder and mayhem are old hat to Tam Paradiso. Time travel? That’s a new one.
On May 30, 1593, playwright and monster hunter Christopher Marlowe is destined to meet his demise amid a nest of spies and criminals. No one can change that, not even his love, Tam Paradiso, a homicide detective in present-day Philadelphia.
But something has gone wrong. The final days of Marlowe’s life have deviated from their destined course, corrupting the proper flow of time. Aided by visions from her sister, Isabelle, Tam travels back to 1593 to rescue Marlowe from the infamous Tower of London. She takes banished fae warrior Theo North, her former lover, as supernatural back-up.
To fix the timeline, they must plot Marlowe’s escape from the impenetrable White Tower, unravel the political conspiracy against him, and battle a vicious shifter with a role to play in his death. But even should they succeed, Tam will have no choice but to abandon Marlowe to his predestined tragic end, or risk destroying the future.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Wicked Treasure: An Urban Fantasy Mystery (The Charm Collector #2) by Melissa Erin Jackson
Another fantastic read by the author. Wicked Treasure is the second book in The Charm Collector Series and hot dang. This book is amazing and I couldn’t put it down.
Kayda is Harlow’s best friend and is worried sick about her friend. She isn’t sure what Harlow has gotten herself into, but she’s not a rat. She won’t give her friend up even if it costs her everything. The quote I chose for Kayda is: “You want me to rat out my best friend and anyone she might know to … you?”
Harlow is still with her friend and still has the sword. Things are going to get interesting and she isn’t sure what to make of all of it. She isn’t sure what is going to happen to her and now she isn’t sure if she’ll see her loved ones again. The quote I chose for Harlow is: “Probably. But, honestly, Kay. I know it was shitty of me to ghost you. You’re my favorite person on the planet. I couldn’t let anything happen to you. And then … it sounds like trouble found you anyway. Someone broke into your apartment?”
Highly recommended for Fantasy lovers.
Diabolical Sword by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Diabolical Sword (The Charm Collector Series #1) by Melissa Erin Jackson
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Diabolical Sword is a great introduction to The Charm Collector Series. I will be looking forward to the next book in the series.
Harlow is a Charm Collector and she makes a killing off a dragon sword. When she finds that she can control the sword she finds that life is becoming difficult. The quote I chose for Harlow is: “Uh …sword? Mr. Sword. Are you going to kill me? My nerves are shot and if there’s no chance of escape, I’d like to know. I could polish off the last of the vodka in my freezer so I won’t feel it when you slaughter me.”
Highly recommended for Fantasy lovers.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book. Once again, this author has made an incredible story with dragons, swords, mysteries, magic, mystical creatures, and so much more. I absolutely find it entertaining to get back stories on all the characters and this did not disappoint, I love knowing them on a different level to understand the characters and why they do things or the reasoning behind something. I really couldn’t put this book down; it was so well written, and everything once again flowed into one another that it was easy to read. highly recommend this series.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book of The Charm Collector series and it is just as thrilling as the first. Full of excitement and magical creatures and items, I could not put this down.
The book is set shortly after Harlow leaves the city with the cursed sword from the first book. This time we see some of Kayda’s point of view. Kayda and Harlow have been best friends for years so when Kayda finds out that Harlow left the city, sword in tow, with one of the most known “bad guy” Caspian Blackthorne, to say she is pissed would be an understatement. With only a little note delivered by messenger bird, Kayda is left alone to worry about her bestie and why she wasn’t asked to help.
With the help of Kayda’s crush Henri and the witch Welsh, she finds out more than she was planning. Especially about the so-called “Collective” and the veil that is slowly thinning more and more.
Meanwhile, Harlow and Caspian are on the run. They work together to try to find the root of where the sentient sword came from. Where there is magical treasure also lies magical and supernatural enemies to overcome.
This book is by far more action packed than its previous. I was intrigued by Kayda in the first book. She was fashionable yet badass. So when the book started from her point of view, I was immediately excited. I loved getting to know all of the characters more as time went on. I absolutely cannot wait for book 3!
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It took me a bit to get into this book, but I enjoyed the supernatural/fantasy mix. It is a very detailed and thorough world. This follows Kayda and Harlow’s stories that are full of drama, friendship, and adventure. Some of my very favorite parts involve the sword, quite a few of them made me chuckle. I enjoyed how expansive the world is and always love dual points of view. If you are into the paranormal fantasy genre, this is the one for you!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ever since reading the first book in this series I couldn’t wait to devour more. So the minute that the second book to this series hit my Kindle I had to download it and open it immediately. But what I was not prepared for was the for the second installment to be even better then the first. The cover is just breathtaking, the story was full of magic, mystery, adventure, friendship and so much more that I simply couldn’t put it down. The only downside to this book is now I have to wait for out author to write book three.
Wicked Treasure by Melissa Erin Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I had aa little trouble getting into this book. I wish I had read the first one so I could better understand this novel. It has a lot of drama and fantasy creatures in it which is right my ally. This novel shows a lot of friendship and what one will do for loyalty, Melissa does well with the writing the two different stories, Kayda’s and Harlow’s point of view gives you a better understanding of both characters. Get ready for adventures reading this novel. I would read these in order to better understand what is going on but great read.
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Short, but packed full! I really enjoyed this book, I love reading about paranormal style school settings. It is sad to see Makayla so worried in the beginning because all her brothers got into very prestigious schools but she ends up at Grave Digger Academy, which to her family’s standards is the bottom of the barrel. The aspect of her being the 7th child in the family so she has a special ability the rest of her family doesn’t, is such a fun addition because now, necromancy is introduced and to the witching world she lives in that is a taboo subject. After her first year at school it seems like she is going to be in for a wild ride, with her new found powers, the enemies she has made and the danger she was thrust into immediately after arriving. I can’t wait to see what is in store for her next.