This is a great young adult fantasy read! I really love the plot of this story. I’ve never read a story with this character type. Its got plenty of action and really pulls you in and keeps you wanting more. As the family is trying to stay alive, secrets are revealed that put them in more danger than before. The siblings go through so many hardships and just want to find a home after so much tragedy. Will the Blood Prince be strong enough to protect them all? I cannot wait to read book 2 to see what happens!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarla2022-08-24 23:11:032022-08-30 09:59:47The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – Review by Carla Clemmons
I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect when I first came across The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie. The synopsis was interesting and unique, and I just knew I had to read it and see what it was about. There are two parts, part one is from the perspective of Leo, part two is from his adoptive brother Cael’s perspective.
In the beginning the book is from Leo’s point of view, he is a Blood Prince, the most wanted mercenary in the Kingdom of Tominay. He is on a job, the target requests a death wish in her final moments, “Kill my kids for me after I’m gone.” This single moment breaks Leo’s concentration as he sees the faces of his five siblings pass through his mind. He has granted death wishes before, they were simple request to fulfill such as, burn my body after I am gone, but this wish weighed heavily on his mind as he questioned such a request. Since the death of his parents Leo has done everything, to provide for his siblings, until his nightmare comes true, one of his little brothers has the same powers as him. A bang on the door after an innocent night of siblings’ playing together turned dark when a stranger came knocking on their door, “All I do is put them in harm’s way. Every day we stay here I endanger them.”, Leo’s thoughts are pained as he handles the fourth stranger within the year to come looking for the mercenary with red eyes. An innocent family day into town to get pastry, his brother sees some boys playing kickball and joins in, they invite him to join in a game an hour later around the block and his older brother Cael gives him the okay feeling he’s old enough to give him a chance. One rule, be home by dark. Three hours have passed by Leo sits waiting for his brother to return, impatient and worried he begins to run with all he has. Heart pounding, he runs pass the old oak tree before stopping when he notices a figure sitting near it, his boss Mr. Vela. Heartless and cruel his boss has always dangled his siblings’ safety in front of his face. Leo’s little brother was arrested for trying to kill someone his eyes glowing gold. Willing to do anything to save his brother Leo agrees to Mr. Vela’s terms, in exchange for the location of his brother he will bring him into the “business” to work with him. Saying anything to get the location Leo runs with everything he can to save his brother. Willing to give anything he will save his siblings.
I found myself transported into the world the author created, as the oldest sibling I found my heart racing with Leo’s. His determination pure, he does what he must to provide for them and to protect them, not only from those who would hurt them but from seeing the darker sides of himself. The Blood Prince had me begging from the beginning for everything to work out for Leo and his siblings to be safe. For them to have a home free of fear.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Phippshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Phipps2022-08-24 22:55:352022-08-30 09:58:01The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – Review by Ayla Phipps
This is a book by an author that is new to me. I was pleasantly surprised by this awesome YA fantasy book. It was well written with amazing world building. The author did a great job writing the book so perspectives from different characters are shared. The characters were easy to relate to and you could feel how they were feeling. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves reading fantasy. I am looking forward to future books from this author in this series and hopefully other stand alone books.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2022-08-24 21:05:382022-08-30 09:56:51The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – Review by Betsy Melano
I don’t give 5 stars very often, but I really loved this book. It drew me in immediately and the world-building was fascinating. I found the characters interesting and felt invested in Lis’s journey from the beginning. Although it had some familiar tropes, I found it to be a beautifully written original story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shai Floreshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShai Flores2022-08-24 20:38:282022-08-30 09:55:46Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review by Shai Flores
Jester is an exciting fantasy that combines paranormal magic with performative illusions. Young adult and teen readers who enjoy magic tricks and circus skills will love this story! Lisette, who goes by the stage name Mirage, is struggling to survive in a competitive world of entertainers. Relying on every show to pay for her next meal, she is desperate for a more stable and lucrative gig. Unfortunately, there’s a lot standing between her and the coveted position of Queen’s Jester, including her talented and beautiful competitor Luc and the fact that her father killed the King. I particularly enjoyed how the dynamic between Luc and Lisette evolved over the course of the story. And there’s a great cast of supporting characters we meet along the way, such as the somewhat sleazy Del, and the mischievous young Cillian. This book gets five stars from me! Totally enchanting, I struggled to put it down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2022-08-24 12:47:052022-08-29 08:19:42Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
You definitely have to read these books in order. So, all these .5 in the book numbers and more than one prequel is doing my head in so let me try to get it straight.
Insatiable Darkness is Book 0.5 in the Vigilant series and the prequel to Caged Fire Book 1 both are EmVee’s story.
Unbreakable Darkness is Book 1.5 in the series, but actually takes place at the same time as the first two books. It is Dexter’s story and is actually the prequel to Scepter of Fire Book 2. I know there are other books but I will worry about them later. Hope this helps.
These books are YA paranormal supernatural stories mixed with fantasy and science fiction. There is adventure and suspense, betrayal and mystery, danger and sacrifice, paranormal beings/creatures and magic and much, much more in this fast-paced and action-packed tale.
Dexter finds himself staring Trouble in the face more than he likes but unfortunately it seems to find him where ever he goes. Now it’s time to face it head on he only hopes he survives to tell the tale.
It took me a while to get into the flow of these books but now I am intrigued.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2022-08-23 23:33:282022-08-24 10:17:36Unbreakable Darkness (The Vigilant Book 1.5) by LM Preston – Review by Jenni Bishop
This was an amazing read! I feel like I haven’t read a book this immersive in a while. The beginning was a little slow, and it took several chapters and some intrigue for me to really get invested but wow! I felt like I was right there with the siblings the whole time. The world building is just incredible in this book. The gorgeous cover drew me in but the immersive writing made me stay. I highly recommend reading this one if you’re a fan of fantasy! Slight trigger warning on blood, violence and some abuse though so be wary if you have those triggers. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rachel Mosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRachel Moss2022-08-23 21:37:462022-08-24 10:03:57The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – Review by Rachel Moss
Lisette spent most of her life learning parlour tricks in a world ravaged in magic. She was set to inherit her father’s magic but he ends up being executed for killing the king, and ends up taking the magic with him to the grave. She has one goal and will do anything to get it. Become the next Jester to the clean and join the higher ups she was meant to be a part of.
Unfortunately she has a rival competing for the same title, Luc, who has real magic. After Luc ruined one of her shows, she got revenge which resulted in a game of tag. They also have a very strong will they/won’t they vibe throughout the book
Eventually some evidence surfaces and it makes the Queen a suspect in the King’s murder. Lisette has a choice to make. What is more important to her? The goal she set for herself as a child, to be rich and famous or to clear her father’s name.
I really enjoyed this book. Lisette is stubborn, determined, strong and witty. I very much enjoyed getting to know her as a character. Luc, not so much. He was a pompous arse and I hated him from day one. He thought he was all that and a bag of chips, using his charm and looks to his advantage. Although after a while he becomes more human making him more likeable as time goes on.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Santana Hickshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSantana Hicks2022-08-23 19:51:352022-08-24 09:58:46Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review by Santana Hicks
I was quite entertained in the beginning of the book but at some part I became completely engrossed in it and unable to put it down. Time was irrelevant and I absorbed myself into this world. Brielle D. Porter is an amazing author, and I can’t wait to see what adventure she’ll take us on next!
Lisette is a determined female lead and her honesty with herself is definitely refreshing. Her father was known as the Kingkiller and she isn’t sure she will ever live it down, but she isn’t going to just sit idly by and deal with what life gave her. Her ultimate goal is to obtain the position of the Queen’s Jester but there are quite a few obstacles in her way. Will she be able to redeem her family name and win the crown’s attention, or will her career disappear in a cloud of smoke?
If this is Brielle D. Porter’s debut novel, watch out world! She is bound for amazing things. She has written an incredible magical tale and I’m excited to see more from her. You won’t be disappointed with this original otherworldly book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2022-08-23 19:45:342022-08-24 09:57:41Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review by Shannen Kern
Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire is the fourth book in the Forerunner Series of Viking fantasy books. It’s definitely worth reading the books in order, although this book does open with a recap of the series so far. The story follows members of a family who are having adventures across the Viking world. As the title suggests, Kara is in Ireland getting caught up in conflict between Christian and Pagan communities and trying to prove herself as a Shieldmaiden. Her older brother Cub finds his skills as a linguist as useful as his fighting skills in France. The story jumps between perspectives, with youngest brother Finn connecting the dispersed family with his vardoger abilities. It can be frustrating at times to jump to a different part of the story just when you’re getting engrossed, but then it keeps you reading until you return to that character! I particularly like all the historical and geographic detail in this book. It’s great getting to see what different areas might have been like at the time, with information such as trade and governing systems coming through the story. We even know who washes and who doesn’t (poor Sorven, living the unhygienic life outside the law…) This is a five-star read for me. I’d recommend it for fans of action-packed historical stories. It’s great for older teens and young adults (and older adults too…). If you’re new to the series, though, do start with Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse to get to know the characters and enjoy the story in order.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2022-08-23 19:34:222023-08-05 14:40:43Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
This was a new author for me but was recommended by a close friend’s daughter. She knows I love young adult books and thought I would enjoy this one as well. She was correct. I highly enjoyed it. Let me first say that I loved the wonderful world building that she created. It was perfect and had me fantasizing it was an actual real place to visit. I found the characters to be relatable especially as a child that helped raise my siblings with frugal means. There were a few spots in the story that I though were missing details that were needed to be told, but once I got to the end of the story I realized that unless she changes her mind there will be a follow up book that should answer any questions I had left. I hope that this is the case. Really good book and I highly recommend it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Karen Pearmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaren Pearman2022-08-23 14:32:222022-08-23 15:23:33The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – Review by Karen Pearman
Jester by Brielle D. Porter is a fun read that takes you to Oasis, a city similar to Las Vegas with its gambling, street shows, and majestic atmosphere. This is a YA book, but be advised it does have a few more mature topics like showgirl costumes, and being groped just to name a few. That being said I would recommend this book for a more mature teen.
I really enjoyed this book which is filled with action, competition, magic, enemies, romance, and so much more. We get to see Lisette (Mirage) tell her story and experience things through her eyes. She is left on her own after her father is executed for murdering the king. Despite not having magic to rely on she uses her quick wit and determination to thrive to become a contestant in the deadly competition to be chosen as the highest-ranked magician in the world, the Queen’s Jester. Her biggest rival is Luc, a guy who processes real magic. Their rivalry is one for the ages.
I’m so amazed that Jester is Brielle D. Porters’ debut novel, because it is a wonderfully written tale for the ages. She is definitely a author to watch out for.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2022-08-23 11:41:232022-08-23 15:19:32Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review by Donya Pedigo
This is book two and honestly, I couldn’t have enjoyed it anymore then the first one. It starts off right away with not even remembering what was going on. And when troy finally starts to remember, he try’s very hard to put it all together. The author wrote this incredible book of kings, fighters, magic, betrayal, war, evil, and so much more that I could not put it down and just had to read to know what was going to happen to our wonderful characters. Magic users in this book use to be the ones that ruled, but people got scared and so they feared the Shinree and tried to do anything to control them, including drugging them. This book kept me reading and, on my seat, the whole time. But so did the first book in this amazing trilogy. Can’t wait to read book three to know what will happen. Great book, recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2022-08-22 23:08:402022-08-23 15:13:55The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Jennifer Reimer
Ian Troy has been captured, tortured, and drugged. The king and his father are at the center of him forgetting who he is and what all he has done. After he’s rescued and presumed dead by the latter, he slowly comes back to himself and what he finds isn’t to his liking. He has to come to terms with the things that he has done and also what has been done to him in order to find the power within himself to thwart the king and his father’s evil plans. Can he find his friends and keep them safe before they can be used against him? Can he find out how to harness the power of the crown of stones before his father?
This is a pretty intense book. Ian does some really awful things. Granted, some of them are not completely his fault, but he still has to pay the price of them. I feel like the author did a good job of walking him through coming to terms with who he is and what he’s done. He had to make some hard choices and pay for them. In a world where everyone seems to be out for themselves, Ian Troy seems to always be thinking of others more than himself. Thankfully, he has loyal friends that stick with him through the horror and violence.
Just so other readers know, there are several scenes that are explicit.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Desiree Ottingerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDesiree Ottinger2022-08-22 16:15:562022-08-23 15:11:03The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Desiree Ottinger
I am really enjoying each and every book in this series, this one included. They all seem to add to much to the series as a whole and yet stand out as a single book. I loved the main character in this particular story. He carried it for me and I really connected with him and his journey. The story was exciting and gripping from the moment you start reading. I struggled to put it down once I had started reading. So much seems to happen in this book, I was swept away by it all and loved each and every moment. This is a really strong series I am thoroughly enjoying it all.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2022-08-22 15:19:062022-08-23 15:09:14Unbreakable Darkness (The Vigilant Book 1.5) by LM Preston – Review by Kerry Baker
Misfortune of Vision is the fourth book in Christy Nicholas’ Druid’s Brooch series. The series follows a brooch as it is passed through the generations, giving powers to whoever is in possession of it. Each book is set at a different point in history, mainly in Ireland. At the time when Misfortune of Vision is sent, Christianity has become the main religion in Ireland. Orlagh, whose visions and medical knowledge have been helping her community for decades, is being treated with suspicion by a church that is desperate to assert its dominance. It’s nice having a protagonist who is quite old. Orlagh knows her time is running out and wants to ensure that she passes her knowledge and the brooch on to someone suitable. We see her struggling with tasks, relying on others for help, and being drained by the work that she must do. We also see her thinking about how her body is changing as she ages and mourning the friends and family who she has outlived. I also like that Declan, another major character, is a musician. His knowledge of songs from a variety of traditions adds some extra interest to the book! For me, this is another five-star book. Nicholas paints a vivid picture of the times and places in which her books are set, and yet again I feel like I’ve been transported back in time. It’s so informative and well researched, with an exciting fantasy side that fits in to the setting. I would definitely recommend it to fans of historical fantasy, especially if you’re interested in Celtic history and traditions!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Francis O'Sullivanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFrancis O'Sullivan2022-08-22 15:18:282022-08-23 15:08:55Misfortune of Vision (The Druid’s Brooch Series #4) by Christy Nicholas – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie. I loved this book. This is the story of Leo who is a Blood Prince because of blood that flows thru his eyes when he has a mission to complete. He is the right hand man of one of the cold blooded crime lords. Problem being its illegal to have blood eyes in Tominay where he lives. If he is caught with blood eyes it is immediate execution! Leo has had to provide for his sibling for most of his life so he did whatever it took to feed them and take care of them. When Leo’s boss approaches him about his knowledge of Leo’s brothers super powers and he wants his brother to join them. Leo has always been fearful of this. The brothers soon embark on a crazy dangerous adventure full of danger, demons, power and fights. Will they survive the whole ordeal? This book will keep you flipping pages til late in the night.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2022-08-22 08:35:542022-08-23 15:05:03The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – Review by Tausha Treadway
This book was my first read by this author. I was intrigued by the fact that we share a name and had to pick up this book to see the world within the pages. It is very rare I encounter someone that I share a name with. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will pick up future books by Ayla Marie.
The storyline of The Blood Prince was interesting to read. The characters were well developed. Leo, one of the main characters we meet in the beginning, appears to be more of the villain of the story, but by the end his portrayal changes. On the run from both the past and the future Leo and his siblings try to find a better future. Will the past sink its hooks into them and keep them burdened by it? Will the future they run from win or will they be able to create the better future they seek? Pick up the book to find out for yourself. You won’t regret it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Eddyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Eddy2022-08-22 07:34:322022-08-23 15:04:41The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – Review by Ayla Eddy
Wicked Treasure is the second book in The Charm Collector series by Melissa Erin Jackson. This is an action-packed urban fantasy- with an engrossing and original storyline full of intriguing developments, imaginative touches, wonderful world-building, quirky/interesting characters, friendship, magic, witches, mystery, adventure, danger, drama, humour, the paranormal, fun, and excitement. Oh, and did I mention a sentient dragon sword- yes! so very intriguing!!! A wonderful second addition to the series and I can’t wait to see where we go from here! Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2022-08-21 23:44:382022-08-23 15:01:49Wicked Treasure (The Charm Collector Book 3) by Melissa Erin Jackson – Review by Angela Hayes
As a debut novel, this book was well written with varying levels of intricacy. While it does take some time to unravel the strings of some characters it is fascinating to have several stories within one story.
Lisette has only one dream, to become the Queen’s jester. After all it seems to be one way out of the poverty life her father’s acts placed upon her along with the disadvantage to not having the family magic. Luc is also competing to become the Queen’s jester and is Lisette’s fiercest competitor. Yet as you unravel their tales and they grow closer to each other and closer to the competition more secrets are revealed. Will these secrets lead Lisette to her fame or familial redemption?
In some books it is clear to identify the villain of the story and the heroines. But not in this book, you root for some and find out you don’t like them as much in the end. While at times the buildup is slow, the cast of characters is diverse and captivating. The author does a beautiful job weaving together the different character backgrounds into one masterful tale full of mystery and intrigue.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vanessa Wattshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVanessa Watts2022-08-21 19:25:172022-08-23 14:56:27Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review by Vanessa Watts
This book will have you hooked from the very beginning.
In Oasis it is all about being Jester. A great honor to work for the queen herself. But everyone has a different motive for wanting the position. Let’s meet our main cast shall we…
Lisette/Mirage – daughter of the late Judge who was executed for murdering the King. She wants this position to get away from the stigma and make a path for herself.
Luc- the competition. A great street performer who takes every opportunity to be a thorn in Lisettes side. Though later in the book we find out that he is in fact the bastard child of the late King and wants the Jester position to prove the Queen killed his father.
Yasmin- A really good friend. A pet trainer and magician herself. She helps Lisette get close to the Queen and they become friends. Though we see in the book Lisette does not know how to handle that.
Cillian – Lisette’s trainer and friend. Owner of a cat and a bookshop (Both things I love that made him my favorite character hands down). Blackmailed by Lisette to give her his magic they quickly become friends with great back and fourth banter.
The Queen – Though she comes off as the grieving widower. We see that she is very smart and highly underestimated. And just like everyone else she has a plan of her own.
In the book the Queen and her seekers have come to Oasis to find a new Jester and nothing goes according to plan. There is betrayal, magic, and lies in the air as everyone is looking out for themselves or so it seems.
Things I loved about this book. Strong Female Lead. Quick paced read. Great Friendships. Happy Ending.
I’m just going to say this because I believe it needs to be said. This book did not need a romance angle. and it is the one thing I truly did not like about this book. That and the fact that I wanted Lisette to continue to have her Father’s magic so she could have a relationship with her brother and maybe even father as they are take away from her unjustly. Also the ending did seem a bit anti-climatic.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shavon Bownhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShavon Bown2022-08-21 17:52:332022-08-23 14:51:55Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review By Shavon Brown
The Blood Prince offers a strong story line, a hooking plot, twists, drama, family, and more! It promises fantasy, hierarchy, and an overall addicting read that will captivate you until the very end. Let’s put it this way, you’ll definitely want to stick around and wait for book number 2 so you can get your fix again with these characters. Be ready to get thrilled by another world, setup perfectly for your imagination.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trishahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrisha2022-08-21 09:47:002022-08-23 14:36:10The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – Review by Trisha Cargile
Unbreakable Darkness is Book #1.5 in the Vigilant series by L.M Preston. It is actually set before the events in Book #1, Caged Fire. This story is from Dex’s point of view- but also adds to the growing ‘bigger picture’ of the series, so far. This book is also the prequel to Scepter of Fire (Book #2). Dex’s life was turned upside down, and his big football dreams went up in smoke, when his father moved the family from New York to a much smaller city. He seems to be a magnet for trouble, soon finds himself in jail. Things just seem to slide downhill from there. But what a journey of discovery he is thrust into… This continues the intriguing YA fantasy series with action, adventure, mystery, the supernatural/paranormal, drama, danger, family, emotion, discovery, love, and intensity. Bring on Book #2! Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2022-08-20 23:02:182022-08-23 07:56:27Unbreakable Darkness (The Vigilant Book 1.5) by LM Preston – Review by Angela Hayes
Wicked Treasure is an original Paranormal Urban Fantasy mystery story. Melissa’s story telling is fun, entertaining yet fraught with perils and danger. There is lots of action and intrigue, mystery, magic, lies and deceit and adventure. This book picks up where the first one ended so I do recommend reading these books in order.
The fantastic world building drew me in and had me totally engrossed. I love me a good supernatural paranormal story and this one is unique and a little thrilling that made for an exciting tale. I love the sassy Heroines Melissa writes.
Magic, witches, the Collective, swords, treasure and mythical creatures are what you can expect in this book. The characters are quirky and have unique personalities. As with the first book I especially loved that the sword was a character and had a fiery spirit all of its own. There is a lot going on in the story but the author has pulled it all together nicely.
Harlow’s story continues in this book along with the story of her best friend Kayda. Harlow is on the run wanting to find the mystery behind the dragon sword. Kayda has been left behind to deal with the Collective who is creating chaos and trying to close ranks and hope that their secrets are not revealed. Kayda is not happy and thus her story unfolds.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2022-08-20 20:38:082022-08-23 07:31:18Wicked Treasure (The Charm Collector Book 3) by Melissa Erin Jackson – Review by Jenni Bishop
This was a great story! And a great continuation of this series. While there is a very detailed prologue that explains the events up to book 4, I still highly recommend reading the first 3 books to get the full experience. This was a very enthralling book, and very detailed like the other 3. I really enjoyed getting to read more of Kara! She is definitely a favorite character of mine by this point. I can’t read to read the next book! This series is definitely moving up on my book lists as a favorite!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rachel Mosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRachel Moss2022-08-20 20:21:482022-08-23 07:30:55Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Rachel Moss
This is the third book I have read by LM Preston, and I still find myself transported to her world. Unbreakable Darkness is technically the third book in the vigilant series. While the first two books Insatiable Darkness and Caged Fire take place at the same time as this book, they are from the perspective of Dexter’s older sister EmVee.
While Unbreakable Darkness is like Insatiable Darkness, it is the prequel of Dexter’s story after the family moves to Newport Rhode Island. We first meet Dexter on his first day at a new school, back in New York his 6’4” frame was considered one of the largest students, the students male and female in Newport made him feel average sized. Dexter is the second oldest in his family after EmVee, with twin younger brother and sister Reese and Rei. The first day of school goes from bad to worse when his sister Rei texts him needing help that led to him getting pulled over and arrested by Detective Whalen. When his father Max arrives to pick him up the Detective offers to let him go with no charge if he will agree to being an informant at the high school for him. Students have been disappearing since the end of the previous school year and all through the summer, with no leads the police are concerned. The top athletic students continue to go missing without anyone filing police reports. Months go by and Dexter feels he is finally getting the chance to achieve his dreams. He is on the football team working towards being an elite, promised it would lead to a pro football career after high school. Falling head over heels for London, his mentor Grady’s little sister. Only now he is beginning to question everything about the town of Newport, his girlfriend is keeping secrets linked to the cuts and bruises that appear and disappear all over her body. He witnesses unimaginable events in the woods, vampire looking creatures, one of which he “kills”, giant hybrid spiders with female torsos and faces, told that if they survive making it out of the woods back to their cars they move on to the next stage. Numerous warnings begin making him think he is not crazy that he should be questioning things but his hunger to be a pro footballer is all he wants in the world, and he would do anything and everything he can to succeed in the initiation process.
I cannot wait to read the next book to learn the rest of Dexter’s journey in Scepter of Fire Book 2 of the Vigilant Series. LM Preston’s ability to build the story and characters is beyond amazing. Several characters overlap between the first two books of EmVee’s POV but this book builds on them, we learn more about them and how they are weaved into every one’s story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Phippshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Phipps2022-08-20 19:48:212022-08-23 07:30:32Unbreakable Darkness (The Vigilant Book 1.5) by LM Preston – Review by Ayla Phipps
Book one, Diabolical Sword, felt like both introduction and teaser of the world where magic exists. Not only does magic itself thrive in a city, but there are supernatural forces – and beings – that have and use it. I fell in love with the series within the first few chapters of the first book, so when I had the opportunity to read this, the second of the Charm Collector series, I jumped on it. And I’m so glad that I did! Wicked Treasure is the continuation of Harlow’s story with the added mix of her best friend, Kayda’s, point of view. Harlow, her sword, and the illusive Caspian are on the run, attempting to solve the mystery of the origins of the sentient sword…one thing leads to another, and our heroine finds herself in yet another precarious situation. Meanwhile, Kayda’s left in Luma to handle the fallout- and something she never expected to have to deal with. The concept behind the draken is so intriguing to me, so I’m thrilled that the author decided to expand on them just a bit in this book. Kayda struck me as a fierce-warrior in book one, but we get to see a little more complexity from her in the sequel. The characters, even the side characters, in these books feel so alive and well-written that the entire story practically weaves itself into your imagination. Now I’m trying to be patient and wait for the next book, but I have a feeling – just like with this one – that the third book will be worth the wait!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Gonzalezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Gonzalez2022-08-20 14:56:382022-08-23 07:27:46Wicked Treasure (The Charm Collector Book 3) by Melissa Erin Jackson – Review by Amanda Gonzalez
This is book 1.5 of the Vigilant Series. And just like the previous books in the series it is a great paranormal story that will keep the reader gripped.
In this book we follow Dexters story. Since moving with his family things seem to be going from bad to worse. Dex always seems to attract trouble and it seems moving to a new place hasn’t changed that. However things start to take a dangerous twist when he gets involved in things he doesn’t understand and starts to unravel secrets he shouldn’t know about.
Add to this a romance, a murder mystery where kids are going missing and a plot twist that involves something wrong with the football team and cheerleaders and a magical ring and this book becomes one read you can’t put down. This story is told through Dexter’s eyes and his reactions to the situations happening around him.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2022-08-20 14:10:402022-08-20 14:42:51Unbreakable Darkness (The Vigilant Book 1.5) by LM Preston – Review by Kerry Carr
Ian Troy has been enslaved for being a magic user. But, before that he was a soldier. Great story full of twists, you never know what will happen next. Can’t wait to read the entire series.
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