In the Midst of Omens by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a def read. Bailey’s writing style was perfect for this story. Sometimes the world building in stories will bore me, but this book was the opposite. She has such vivid descriptions I was able to imagine everything easily. Couldn’t this book down!
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Delicious Death is book 2 in the Madame Chalamet Series. I was very much looking forward to this book after reading the first one! Bryd came back with more wit, twists, turns, and of course, ghosty adventures. Overall I love supernatural mysteries, and this series has quickly become one of my favorites! Wholeheartedly cannot wait to jump into the next book!
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cori Cooper’s YA fantasy, One Quarter Villain, is such a fun, exciting, keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat kind of read. I fell in love with the characters, who are well-rounded, humorous, and fabulously flawed. I fell in love with the world building, the added elements of well-known fairy tales mixed in with unique and adventurous new places. The drama, secrets, friendship and family dynamics, touch of magic, and additional challenges kept me guessing until the very end. Maddy’s world, and her belief in only good or only evil (very black and white existence) is turned upside down when she learns she is one quarter Villain by blood. There is so much going on in this story, but it all flows well together and creates a one of a kind story that I couldn’t put down.
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
his story is by an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I enjoy their writing style as well as their creativity that make their characters pop off the pages. This is a well written story about Maddy. She is one that always follows the rules until she turns seventeen and a DNA test changes everything for her. Now she finds herself in a fairytale that she has always dreamed of. Will she have to make a choice to be a villain or the happily ever after she has dreamed about? I enjoyed her character and what she brought to the story. I felt for her in parts and way to go in other parts. She made the story easy and entertaining to read. There is great growth throughout the story with Maddy and the plot that made it hard to put down. I really enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend this book.
Review by @bjwagner
I wish I could read this over and over for the first time. I truly enjoyed every chapter. There are many life lessons that Maddy learns that make you think and consider your own actions. I definitely think this will be a book I suggest for my daughter when she’s older.
Maddy & Leo have such a fun friendship, and like in so many instances, they balance each other out perfectly. Maddy is thoughtful, serious and quieter where Leo is loud, spontaneous and silly. They truly are the best of friends.
Grams is so comforting and knowledgeable. Both by opening up about her own history and to help Maddy with what she is going through currently.
I look forward to reading more about Maddy and Leo and see where their relationship goes.
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first Time picking up a book by this Author Cori Cooper. What made me want to give it a try was the cover. It’s equally beautiful and mysterious. I couldn’t wait to start this YA fantasy. I was pleasantly surprised just how great this book was. With magic, Exhilarating adventure, wonderful characters, funny Romance, danger and twist and turns you can’t flip through this book fast enough. And Hey just because you have Villain blood doesn’t mean you’re gonna be a Villain , or well at least Maddys hopes that’s the case lol. I loved Maddy and Leo’s friendship, and I really enjoyed her crazy adventure to help him. I can’t wait to read more from this author and I hope she writes more from this world 🥰🥰🥰
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I adore Elinor! We are now in book 2 of the Madame Chalamet Mysteries series, Delicious Death. When Elinor attends the King’s Winter Feast, someone makes an attempt on the King’s life. Elinor, Dr. Charlotte, and Tristan try to find the culprit. This book has the same wit and fun as the first book. We get to see more of the friendship between Dr. Charlotte and Elinor. We also see more of the slow-burn romance between Tristan and Elinor and the issues that their class difference may cause. This is a well-written continuation of the series and can be read as a stand-alone story.
Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Children’s books are fun and great for our little ones. Soara, Lulu and Zanie are best friends. They spend their recesses together until Soara flies off on another adventure. Only rule is she must be back before recess ends. But when she spots butterflies, she gets side tracked. Can she find her way back to school? Will she get there before recess ends? Once again this author pulled out another fun story for our children’s enjoyment. The story was fun and opened up conversation and imaginations. Keeping our parents engaged in conversation with our little ones. Just one more grand story for us to have in our children’s library.
Review@cinful
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an entertaining story about a girl and the Beauty and the Beast story. I started off loving this. The flow and the characters were perfect. Maybe about half way through it seemed to slow way down. There was too much explanation and not enough movement. Then the story picked back up then slowed down again. So besides all that the story is cute. I really liked Leo and Maddy. They both do a good job and make the best of a bad situation. Secondary characters are plentiful. I really enjoyed Leo’s family and thought something might happen with all those kids and Itialian-isms.
Overall this book is creative. It has great moments that kept me turning pages.
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reading this book series is like watching Perry Mason and I love it. The developing relationship between Madame Chalamet and Duke de Archambeau is amazing. A lot of books of this genre tend to have the main characters falling into bed immediately and I like this teaser slow burn going on. It was obvious in the beginning that there was attraction so it is nice to see it starting to go somewhere. As for the plot line of the rest of the story I was pleasantly surprised to find out who “did it”. I can’t wait to read the next one.
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What does every busy career woman want…. just a brief moment to themself, and unfortunately Elinor can’t seem to catch a break! This is the question Elinor seems to be asking herself as she and her friend Charlotte head to the countryside for a few days of r&r. It seems to be that Elinor finds herself in a predicament and that is when a funny…. not so funny thing happens on the way to this place of rest and relaxation. Elinor finds herself in a situation doing what she does best, getting into other people’s business to try to solve the mysterious death that has fallen in the path of her restful days.
Elinor finds an irritating individual in her way and the Duke is making sure that he tries to solve the mystery before Elinor has a chance to!
Byrd Nash is a new author for me, and she didn’t disappoint one bit! I found myself lost in the world of Madame Chalamet’s mystery. Apparently, this is volume 2 in the series, and I wasn’t lost one bit with the detailed descriptions that Byrd put into her writing. I definitely plan on going back and reading the first volume in the series and I really look forward seeing what else Byrd brings in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries!
There is so much more to this book, and I don’t want to post any spoilers, so why don’t you pick up a copy and find out for yourself what happens!
Mary Espinoza, June 2024
One-Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
One Quarter Villain is a wonderfully written YA Fantasy that once I started reading I couldn’t put it down till I finished. I absolutely love the cover I can’t stop staring at it. This is a fun fast paced YA Fantasy about Maddy. She’s always following the rules and making the right decisions. That is until her seventeenth birthday. Her grandmother gave her a DNA test . Oh things she discovered from that one test will amaze you. Maddy now has to decide what is the right choice now? I don’t want to give anything away so I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. This may be aimed for kids ages 10-18 but others will enjoy reading it just the same. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
2.5 – 3 Stars
Flying At Recess by Lois Wickstrom is a cute children’s fantasy story with a ‘flying adventure’, friendship, school recess fun, and interesting & colourful illustrations.
The illustrations are really cute and beautifully colourful – bringing the story to life. They really held my grandchildren’s attention.
We follow Soara as she takes to the skies during recess at school. Her friends Lulu and Zanie get a bit worried when she hasn’t returned by the time they need to be back in class. Will Soara make it back safely?
The story was cute, even if it doesn’t make much sense to me – as no ‘reason’ was given for Soara’s ability to fly. Was she daydreaming? Or does she have ‘magical/superpowers’? And if she does have ‘powers’ why not take her friends along for the fun? Why leave them behind? I just felt like the story was ‘unresolved’- but my 3-year-old grandson and granddaughter seemed to like it nonetheless.
Happy reading…
Reviewed by @angelahayes
In the Midst of Omens by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I first read this book I was a little leery sine I don’t read MM very often, but I’m really glad I picked up this book. The chemistry between Gilgamesh and Enkidu was absolutely beautiful. It is by far my most favorite LGBTQ+ book to date. The healthy polyamory that is depicted between Gilgamesh and his wife Shamat and her relationships made me absolutely weep for joy. Those two are a forced to be reckoned with. I have never heard the story of Gilgamesh, so reading this book was very interesting! Although that cliffhanger at the end???? Definitely took me out. I loved, and laughed and absolutely wanted to throttle the characters a few times in the book, but what good book doesn’t make you want to do that? The word and character building was phenomenal and I can’t wait to see how it ends!
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
One Quarter Villain by Cori Cooper – Review by Karrie Sears
At first I didn’t think I was going to get into this book. After about 3 chapters it was growing on me, then when the fairy tale twists started coming into the book, I was hooked. It was a whimsical play on all the fairy tales I grew up reading. By the time it realized I was at the end of the book, I wanted more. I cannot wait to see what Cori Cooper does with Maddy and Leo in the future. The surprised realization by Leo at the end had me giggling when he figured it out.
Definitely a wholesome easy read for YA fans.
One Quarter Villain, Cori Cooper, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Fantasy
Karrie Sears June 2024
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this charming and entertaining mystery novel by Byrd Nash. The story is a delightful blend of humor, intrigue, and ghostly encounters, set in a beautifully described 18th-century French setting. The author’s description of the French setting, including the lavish feasts and opulent surroundings, is mouthwatering and immersive.
Elinor, the protagonist, is a refreshingly different detective. Her skills as a medium and her ability to communicate with the dead make her a compelling and intriguing character. The witty banter and dialogue between Elinor and Tristan is clever and engaging, with a delightful playfulness that adds to the story’s charm.
One thing I didn’t enjoy as much was some sections of the book feel a bit rushed, while others drag on for too long. A more consistent pace would improve the overall flow.
In the Midst of Omens by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a very interesting book. I dove into it because the synopsis sounded interesting and the cover was beautiful. I was not disappointed. i found the story kept me totally engaged. I had never heard of of this myth so this was quite new. The Beauty and the Beast retelling was cool. The characters were quite fascinating. There’s a bit of everything in here. It was a entertaining read.
What a great, wholesome read. This is the second book in the Madame Chalamet series. This book takes us on a trip to another high ranking person where his estate is featuring all the guest and a food competition among 4 different chefs. The king gets poisoned during this time. Madame Chalamet is getting better with her trade and with her detective work helping the Duke. Could we be seeing a glimpse of a love between Madame Chalamet and the Duke? The end of this book teases of this so we shall see in the next book if the comes to fruition. Can’t wait to start book 3!
Spirit Guide by Byrd Nash
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the third book in this series which I enjoyed just as much as the previous two books. I have enjoyed reading this author’s books from the first one I picked up. I enjoy their writing style and their ability to pull me into the character’s world with ease. They keep me turning pages fast to the end. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. A story about Elinor and her ghost talking skills. She is determined to find out who killed her father. She takes you on a journey of mystery and one you don’t want to miss. I enjoyed her character and what she brought to the story. This is an easy and entertaining story to read. There is great growth throughout the plot and characters. I really enjoyed reading this book and I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend reading this book
Review by @bjwagner
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash. This is such a fun book. I loved the first one so I knew I would enjoy this one as well. Its the story of Elinor who is a ghost talker in the 1800’s and her best friend is a doctor and a woman which is unheard of in that time. Both Elinor and her best friend are looked at as oddities in their time. Elinor is beside herself with excitement because she got an invitation to the Winter Revel’s where Chef’s compete. She is dreaming of all the food she is going to eat. During this event someone tries to kill her father, the King. The Duke who is sweet on Elinor helps her try to figure out who is trying to kill her father. When the prime suspect ends up being one of Elinor’s favorite chef’s she knows she has to prove his innocence. Will she find out who the real killer is before its too late? Read this fun fantasy, ghost read to find out!
Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love this book because you get to know the backstory of one of the main characters in the other books. This gives you a deeper dive into Troy’s life and past. It keeps you going until the very end. The great thing about this book is that it could also be a stand alone book and still have all the magic, suspense, action, and humanity you need in a book. This author always has a way with words that keeps you enthralled until the very end.
Troy: A Crown of Stones Origin Story by C. L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Troy is a Shinree, a magic user who is bound to the nation of Rella, he is a soldier and uses his magic both defensively and offensively, but he is an outcast, as are the rest of his kind and this is all because of the magic and the price he pays for using it, his inherited addiction to it and the consequences of when he uses it and all Shinree are cursed with the same addiction. Due to this weakness, his kind have been enslaved by the others and although Troy is given some freedoms, he is still enslaved as well, he was brought up to be a weapon, skilled in swordplay and with the belief that he can save the entire realm of Mirra’kelan and bring an end to the war which has beleaguered them for generations and at the tender age of seventeen, he goes to join in the army and engage the enemy with all of his skills.
Unfortunately for Troy, reality comes crashing down on him when he enlists and for the next year he is belittled, insulted, demeaned and humiliated at all times and called a “Witch” by his fellow soldiers, he is ostracised and becomes a solitary being suffering in silence and accepting things for what they truly are, he is not an essential part of the war effort, he is merely tolerated by those around him. Another factor charging his apathy is that the warrior Queen Aylagar heads the army and albeit she is breathtaking and an elite fighter, she also holds the same opinion of Troy as everyone else and so she has a stranglehold over his magic and his ability to restrain himself from using it, he resists the temptation and need to use and can only relieve his addiction at her say and that is more than difficult to obtain.
One day, Queen Aylagar launches a mission deep into the enemy territory and requires volunteers, she then pick Troy out as the final member of the group, however, as the mission is explained, Troy knows she is holding back something, so when she asks to speak to him alone after the others leave, he knows that something important is going to happen, but whether that is based in pleasure or pain, he does not know. However, it is a mixture of both when he is charged with a mission which could turn the tide of the war and prove that he is the weapon he was forged to be, but will he be successful in his assignment, or will he fail and instead prove exactly what the others think of him as a selfish and useless creature with an addiction? This is an adventure across nations with twists, turns, darkness and light within where insurmountable odds clash with determination as you follow along this action-packed prequel you will not want to miss.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
Troy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Troy is the prequel story to The Crown of Stones trilogy. This story was the perfect lead-in for the series and is a story that I highly recommend whether you have already started reading the series or this is your first time reading it, then definitely do not skip this book. It is full of thrilling battles, suspenseful missions, magic, and many opportunities for showing kindness where none is thought to exist between the different races. In this prequel, Queen Aylagar sends out a group to fulfill a secret mission, hand-choosing the men and women she deems fit for the special mission she direly needs to be completed before it’s too late. Little does the team know that there is a side mission to be completed by the Shinree, Troy, that only he can do, as the only magic user in the group. This chosen group is an odd mix of different races, none of which seems too keen to be traveling together, but they will all need to put their fears and hatred aside to do the bidding of their queen. I love how suspenseful this story is, there is always something unexpected happening, and it keeps you on your toes. It’s such a page-turner, that you won’t want to put the book down once you begin reading. After finishing this book, I’m now inspired to go back and re-read the entire trilogy once again, C. L. Schneider’s books are awesome! Happy reading everyone!
@Brandy Rymer
06/2024
Flying at Recess by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Flying at Recess is a story as we follow Soara along with her friends Zanie and Lulu as they have fun activities during their recess break at school. Soara not only gets to enjoy having fun with her friends but she also gets to fly!! What fun.
This story is very engaging, colorful illustrations that bring the story to life and fun to read. For ages 4+8 years or even the young at heart can enjoy this story as they read to the little ones!
Troy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read several books by this author, and The Crown of Stones series was one of my favorites to date! Once I saw the prequel had been released, I scooped it up immediately. The author has a superlative ability to craft an amazing storyline with incredible attention to detail. There is a delicate balance between overloading details to the point where it becomes difficult to keep up or feels heavy. This story flows smoothly without heaviness or confusion. The character development is superb, and I loved getting to know the complexity within Ian Troy. If you enjoy the fantasy genre with plenty of action, magic, and sophisticated world-building, hesitate no longer. This will knock you off your feet and introduce you to a phenomenal series!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Vague Directions: Into the Woods by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’ve read a couple of books by this author before. This one was a little bit different than the others I’ve read. It is enjoyable but not my favorite.
I think this short read could have been better by leaving out the paranormal part of it or by making the story longer. Either could have led to some improvements with the story. Still a good read though!
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205512297-troy” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Troy (The Crown of Stones)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1705503229l/205512297._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205512297-troy”>Troy</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7704723.C_L_Schneider”>C.L. Schneider</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6576856018″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
If you have been waiting on the back story of Ian Troy, here it is! Ian is part of the army that protects Tells Kingdom. Under order of the queen his time is made unbearable. Everyone is scared of his power and what he could possibly do. One day Queen Aylagar hand picks him and four other men for a special mission deep in enemy territory. She also gives him his own special mission to kill the opposing King to end the war. Will he be successful or has the Queen sent him on a mission designed to fail? Troy is as action packed as its predecessors. Once again this was great story telling.
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Troy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Troy was a great read. The character and world building is great. The detailing was great. Troy was a page turner for me. The author pulls me in from the very first page to the very end. If you like the fantasy genre, I highly recommend reading Troy.
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Troy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This whole series is such an epic story. I really enjoyed getting to read more about Troy’s life. This novel helps provide us with some insight into how Troy became what he was in the later years of the series. This author created a very vibrant world and I really loved revisiting it. I highly recommend this whole series to everyone who loves fantasy epic stories.
Troy by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the prequel to The Crown Of Stones Trilogy. After reading those and falling in love with Ian Troy’s story I couldn’t wait to read this book and re enter his world. This is a amazing fantasy adventure filled with danger and action packed. I loved this story because it gives us a deeper insight into Ian Tory’s life and the torment and persecution he suffered because of who he is.
Ian Troy is Shinree who was allowed to keep his magical abilities where all other Shinree babies were given medication to stop them. The king has placed him in the army to protect the Tells Kingdom.
Under the orders of the Queen, she makes his life unbearable. Nobody trusts him and everyone is afraid of what his magic can do.
Troy goes through the wars fighting constant battles and always feeling like an outsider. That is until the Queen wants to send him on a mission along with 4 other people to enter enemy territory to save her spy.
However there is a twist. The Queen has also sent Troy a secret mission of his own, to find and kill the King Draken to stop the war.
If Troy can completely this mission will everyone around him start to respect him? Is this a suicide mission that the Queen has sent him on? And if he fails what will happen will he lose his life or just his freedom? But at the end of the day does he even have freedom?
This is a very action packed story which is gripping and I couldn’t put it down. Ian Troy’s character is really dark in the Trilogy and now I understand why because of everything he has gone through previously.
