The Discovery of Magic by L. J. Evias
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an amazing story. I really liked the fast pace to it. The whole premise to the story was well done. It had a nice flow. The switch between times went smooth. I really liked the nice variety of characters and how they fit in. I really couldn’t put this one down. I can’t wait to see what’s coming next in book 2.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This story, War Bunny, is totally a different spin for me of what I normally read and I drifted out of my comfort zone as I definitely was intrigued by both the cover and the synposis of this book. I was surprised, in a good way, that this was an enjoyable story. Predator/Prey, survival of the fittest, love and getting past fear especially when you are made to leave your family due to being different and thinking in a different way.
In a post-apocalyptic world animals rule, but there are no humans…Anastasia happen to be the one that was ousted out of her own Warren, forcing her to start new. Why should a bunny become prey and feel the need to be ok with it. When an unexpected fate happens when prey overcomes and saves them-self over a know predator, what can possibly happen next. You know Mother Warren will be displeased believing you should be prey….
War Bunny is a story of growth, courage, fight for what right to overcome, and how society may see you even if the story based on animals. I am intrigued of what is to come in this series…
Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I thought the story started out pretty good. I felt it had a lot of potential. Petra was out to find out what truly happened to her brother. The premise of the story is good. It felt like there could have a bit more to it. It almost felt like a novella. This would have been great for the start to a series. I really enjoyed the detail in the story.
The Discovery of Magic by L. J. Evias
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a hefty book at over 500 pages long. It felt a little daunting before I started. The plot had me super interested though. VERY quickly after I started reading, I was hooked. I read this book much faster than I thought. I just couldn’t put it down. There is SO much in this book. So much detail, magic, drama, and the characters are wonderfully written. It is quite intense at times, but in such a good way. Despite being fantasy and including magic, it feels very real. You are transported into the characters world. What more can you ask for from a book, but to escape into it? I can’t wait to read future books in this series.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
War Bunny by Christopher St. John is an action-packed fantasy book with animals. This book reminded me of Redwall by Brandon Jacques. The book takes on war against rabbits and foxes. The humans are also Extinct. I love how this book focuses on how nature also hurts each other and how the world can be cruel. I love how Christopher wrote the main characters and how they are portrayed. This book is great for people who love apocalypse books but also action-packed fantasy books. Warning this book also has animals that die in it so if you don’t like animals dying, I do not recommend this book. So, grab some snacks maybe a drink and enjoy this page-turner of a book if you like it there are 2 more books in the series.
Stephen Rymer
10/2024
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
War Bunny by Christopher St. John is an action-packed fantasy book with animals. This book reminded me of Redwall by Brandon Jacques. The book takes on war against rabbits and foxes. The humans are also Extinct. I love how this book focuses on how nature also hurts each other and how the world can be cruel. I love how Christopher wrote the main characters and how they are portrayed. This book is great for people who love apocalypse books but also action-packed fantasy books. Warning this book also has animals that die in it so if you don’t like animals dying, I do not recommend this book. So, grab some snacks maybe a drink and enjoy this page-turner of a book if you like it there are 2 more books in the series.
Stephen Rymer
10/2024
Cam Creates a Hero by Dagmara Sitek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a cute story. It’s about a foster kid who dreams of building a robot hero to save kids for bad parents. It shows how to follow your dreams and not give up when things don’t go your way. I read this story with my daughter who really enjoyed reading it. This is the second book of Dagmara Sitek I have read and we really like the series
Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
With this being the first book I had picked up by this author, I wasn’t exactly certain what I was getting myself into. The cover grabbed my attention, and the synopsis piqued my interest. It took me some time to find my reading groove, but once I did there was no stopping! The author weaves a mesmerizing tale of ambition, destiny, and love set against a richly imagined fantasy backdrop. Petra is a phenomenal character as our determined heroine and feels compelled to go on quest. It ends up being not only about revenge, but a journey of self-discovery and courage. Once we were introduced to Rand, I was incredibly intrigued and the tension between him and Petra is unmatched. The characters are well-developed, the plot is gripping, and the emotional depth is palpable. If you’re looking for a tale of magical realism intertwined with romance and a bit of spice, you’ll enjoy this book. I highly recommend for fans of fantasy and romance alike!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The Discovery of Magic by L. J. Evias
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Great story. Very descriptive with interesting characters. The world building was fantastic. There was a lot of character growth. The interactions between the characters were good and described their thoughts and feelings really well. Great book for fantasy lovers who don’t want or like the graphic smutty stuff. I am looking forward to more books in the series.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Someone recommended this book to me. I did not know if I would like it. What a strong cast of fantastic characters. There is a great, easy to follow story line. I CANNOT wait to dive into book two! I was MARVELOUSLY SURPISED!!!!
Whisper by Kay Ross
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
3 – 3.5 Stars
Whisper is the first book in The Entian Curse series by Kay Ross. I was drawn to this book by the fascinating cover, and then got hooked the moment I read the blurb. This is definitely a very original premise…. Ms. Ross had me at ‘sentient curse’…. but the story proved to be even more creative than I had even imagined, in a good way.
This story is brimming with imagination and creativity- pulling me into an interesting fantasy full of adventure, drama, emotion, sorcerers, magic, and complex characters, who continued to develop and grow over the course of the story.
Whisper is a sentient curse- who interacts with the world through inhabiting ‘hosts’…. But Whisper is so much more than a ‘simple’ curse- and as the story evolved, I couldn’t help but become fully invested in ‘it’ and all the developments.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Kay Ross!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oooo, this one will sneak up on you. While this is the first book, I have read by Bree M. Lewandowski I can promise its just the beginning of a beautiful future. This is a slow burn but is a mix of so many things in one, fantasy, romance, some spice, and of course mystery and so much more.
Petra goes to the royal city for one purpose and one purpose only, to discover the truth about her brother’s sudden death and clear his name so that his memory can be free. Things don’t start out the greatest but one moment of breaking the rules to get some fresh air and sit upright sets everything in motion. In one night, she is suddenly in the courier robes she had been working towards, delivers not one but two scrolls, given two rewards and meets the captivating Captain Rand. She adds vows to herself for things such she wants to achieve, such as getting her friend Winfred out of the washing house and away from the “Pod”. When an ancient incantation links Petra and Rand’s fates together everything begins to shift.
Who is responsible for her brother’s death? What does her fate with Rand mean for them? The slow beginning builds up so much of the world and where Petra enters it. Going through her integration into the Cloistered City and trying to rise while searching for answers. The sudden end made my heart drop and my soul weep a little as I wanted more. No, I need more. Sending out all the good vibes into the universe that Bree will make this at least a duology to give us more, to answer the questions left in our minds and to see how Petra and Rand evolve after what’s happened.
Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski is a good book for slow-burner fans but has adult content. The book is a great fantasy read that has spice. The setting is like an old-fashioned story. The main character’s brother was killed while people were distracted because he was her sacrifice. The main character was really romantic. There were some parts in the story that made me question what was happening. This book will keep you intrigued until the very end of the book.
Stephen Rymer
10/2024
Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After Petra’s brother is announced as dead by supposedly killing himself, Petra takes it upon herself to find out the truth. She does not think he would do that. She goes to the Cloistered City to follow in her brother’s footsteps. Petra slips into the role as a courier and tries to discover more about her brother’s time here.
She meets Rand, a captain in the Shivalry. He seems different from the rage filled fighters that the Shivalry normally have in their ranks. Petra is instantly intrigued by his unique eyes and can’t seem to get him out of her mind since meeting him. In the middle of the Festival of the Late Harvest Moon, Rand brings Petra to a magical garden where Petra accidentally bonds the two together using an ancient incantation.
The pair need to work together and get used to a new life together even though they are from completely different places. Will love prevail or will the empire find a way to destroy them.
I really enjoyed Petra and Rand as characters. The author did a wonderful job with the character growth of both, together and alone. The way they built the world made it come to life. I also really enjoyed the internal monologue.
I honestly think the author could potentially write a second book with these characters. There are some loose ends and the world is big and interesting enough to continue on.
The Viper’s Bloodline Awakened: The Fifth Book in the Urban Fantasy series The Gods’ Scion by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
- The Viper’s Bloodline: Awakened is the 5th book of the series, and having only read this one, I feel as if I can’t truly do the series justice. However, I will say that this was a very fun read. And though the beginning felt slow, to me, I feel this was mostly due to my not having read the first 4 books. If you enjoy a book full of drama and angst, I believe that this series would be a good recommendation. I’m considering going back to read the rest of the series, after which I would update my review. Really enjoyed it the dark fantasy aspect and the characters were fun to read, though I didn’t personally relate. The story would be really great for you get readers, but it was still very enjoyable.
Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
Bree has woven a tangled web of secrets and lies in this dark themed fantasy romance. This world is not a simple world it is full of armies and battles, ancient spells, myth and forbidden magic, emperor’s, slaves, ancient prophecies and ancient gardens.
Petra’s life was nothing to rave about but now she had a reason to go beyond it a vow she made. Finding the truth, the reason for her brother’s death and there is only one way to do that. What she didn’t expect was to come face to face with destiny and her fickle ways. She now finds herself inadvertently tied to one Captain Rand Tsenturian of the Third Shivalry. Will Petra find the answers behind her quest, or will she be disappointed?
Captain Rand Tsenturian is bound to the Cloistered City he had no idea one mysterious woman would change all that. A woman who is looking to get herself killed if she wasn’t careful. But what she does stuns him.
When I came upon the ending I wanted more. I felt robbed. There was so much more that could be explored and fleshed out. I also have unanswered questions, I felt things were left unresolved like why there were not punishments for particular crimes/events, because I wanted justice, I wanted consequences to be doled out. I wanted ar$es to be kicked.
Reviewed by @jennadb
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! What a fantastic unique read! I was taken away from the first page and it was hard to put it down until the end. It is rated for YA but I enjoyed reading it as an adult since it is so well written. Anastasia is a bunny that gets kicked out of her warren for being sick in the head. She questions why bunnies have to give up their lives to predators in the name of their God Dah. The viewpoint changes from a variety of the animals including the predators. The post apocalyptic world is fun since there is a lot of pieces that the author has included. Since it is set in the perspective of animals we get pieces of information about how the humans died also know as the Dead Gods. The lead up from the start of the story to the end is incredible it had me rooting for Anastasia and all the other prey animals for fighting back. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!
This is the first time that I read from this author. I hard a time getting into the book at first, as I got further into the book it. It felt like Whisper is a good thing but created for all the wrong reasons. The idea of giving someone control over myself seems like weird but that is apparently how a curse works. I am still trying to figure out what happens to the King. Can a curse really save a nation? I know that it can destroy one but save it, that’s a bit of a stretch or so it seems.
Whisper by Kay Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first time that I read from this author. I hard a time getting into the book at first, as I got further into the book it. It felt like Whisper is a good thing but created for all the wrong reasons. The idea of giving someone control over myself seems like weird but that is apparently how a curse works. I am still trying to figure out what happens to the King. Can a curse really save a nation? I know that it can destroy one but save it, that’s a bit of a stretch or so it seems.
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Having lived all her life in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, author Bree M. Lewandowski incorporates all aspects of her life in her writing. A ballet dancer at a young age, continuing to teach ballet through her career as an author, she often turns to the tumultuous world of dance to find threads of a story. In love with classical literature, her writing not only pays homage to the style of writers like Dumas and Hugo, she also believes in creating main characters who are larger than life. Yet, struggles with body image, mental and emotional health, and the strained relationships so many have also play in and out of Lewandowski’s writing. In the end, all these attributes combined, she loves to tell a love story.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4 – 4.5 Stars
The jaws of the fox snapped shut where Anastasia’s head had just been, the right canine tooth catching the tip of her long left ear. A lick of pain raced down her ear and her heart banged against her ribs. The fear burn rushed through her, and her powerful legs hurled her forward. The fox’s jaws closed again, so close to her neck that she could feel the hot breath.
Heart hammering, the brown yearling rabbit flung herself through the small bushes and over the dead leaves and twigs. The fox came behind, paws casting up a welter of leaves and dirt. His eyes were bright, his teeth shone. Anastasia heard his excited whine rising over his harsh breathing.
Why had she left the area near the warren, again? Why couldn’t she be obedient and follow Warren Mother’s commands?
War Bunny is the first book in the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John. This might have been the first book that I have read by Mr. St. John- but after finishing this book in one sitting, it definitely won’t be the last time I dive between one of his covers.
This book is refreshingly original- but also gave me some ‘Watership Down’ vibes- which I love. Here, Mr. St. John depicts a postapocalyptic world where humans have been wiped out, and now the animals rule the planet. But the way their world is ‘governed’ makes Anastasia start to question things- such as why rabbits have been relegated to being prey- why not more? But rocking the boat leads her to being cast out of the community, where her battle for survival, and adventures begin.
This is a fantastic tale- a YA fantasy with dystopian elements, action, family, friendship, honour, politics, agendas, societal structure/class, culture, community, staying true to yourself, journey of discovery, a coming of age, intriguing world building, wonderful characters, drama, danger, and more.
There is also a detailed map at the beginning of the book, which really helps to put everything in perspective and helped me visualise where everything was, so much more clearly. I LOVE a good map!
I can’t wait to continue the series with ‘Summerday’ (Book #2) and ‘City of Oom’ (Book #3), which are both available now. A fourth book will be released next year (2025).
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Christopher St. John!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Whisper by Kay Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 stars
Unconventional indeed. Weird and fascinating, you bet. Quirky and unique, YES. Sign me up. You had me at sentient curse. I must say I have never read anything quite like this. The premise is brilliant! It is an original, and remarkable tale. I was determined to see where it would go. I love when I come across something new, fresh, and intriguing and that is what Kay has done. A sentient curse.
This complex yet simple tale has thrown the normal fantasy genres out the window and twisted them to create its own.
Whisper is young, naïve, and growing but which way will it truly go? The character development was spot on. The story is set in one day, so the pace was quick but definitely never lacking.
I cannot recommend this book enough. With curses, conspiracies, sorcerers, death, hope, there is much to discover but I will not be sharing in any spoilers. It is that good that you need to find all that there is for yourself.
Reviewed by @jennadb
To be a Fae Rogue by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have read a few books from this author and she always keeps you on your toes. This has become one of my favorite fantasy series of this year. This is the fourth book of the realm chronicles series. I was so excited to read this book that I stopped everything and started to read it immediately. I would read the other book in the series so you know the backstory of the main characters. I read this book in only a few hours. I can’t wait to read the final book.
Queen Titania has given up everything to protect her people. She knows that she also has to stay hidden from Sonia. Titania realizes that Sonia is becoming more powerful in the human realm. She needs some help when things get even worse. Titania decides to team up with the vamps and the witches which she thought would never happen. They all come together to make a plan to try to save all supernatural beings and her Foster. Will Titania’s plan work as she stays hidden or will it be too dangerous?
review by @heatherbass
The Discovery of Magic by L. J. Evias
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic Series) by L. J. Evias. This is a rather lengthy young adult fantasy read. Its over 500 pages so be prepared for a long read. It’s the story of young Alice who is a great archer and she is trying to convince her parents to let her compete for a scholarship that is highly sought after. While competing Alice and her friends somehow enter another portal and all kinds of strange things begin to happen. The story is full of challenges, mazes, mysteries, magic, mages, friendships, trust issues and more as Alice and her friends try to find their way back home. Alice is very much the teenage girl that is moody, wild and doesn’t think before she acts which can be problematic in lots of situations. Alice has to determine who she can really trust and if her friends are really her friends. When and if they find their way back home will they still be friends? Read this amazing young adult fantasy to find out!
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is such an interesting story and a unique way to approach it. Even though the story is completely different, it gave me the same vibes I got from reading things like Animal Farm, Lord of the Flies and Hunger Games. And that was just from the description, so I knew I was in for a great read.
The author has clearly given a lot of thought to this story and it shows in the way it was written. Every part of it was well developed and the story really drew me in. For me, this was an unexpected read but one I enjoyed from start to finish. I am looking forward to the others in the series.
War Bunny: Book 1 of the War Bunny Chronicles by Christopher St. John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the War Bunny Chronicles. This was a really interesting read, set in a time where humans are extinct and animals have free rein over the world. As a lover of Watership Down I jumped at the chance to read another story about a family of rabbits and their struggle for survival.
My heart cried for Anastasia. Just because she was different and didn’t want to follow the beliefs of the warren she was told she was sick in the head and thrown out of her protective family warren to find her way on her own. The family she had were scared of who is was because she didn’t want to tow the line she wanted to live not just become food for prey.
When she now finds herself kicked out and alone she realises she needs friends to survive.
This is a story about different species coming together and finding a safe space where they can live in harmony.
This is a moving story with links to our world today. It includes issues such as religion, family dynamics and hierarchys and learning to be strong enough to go against things trying to keep us oppressed.
The unique twist of this story being about animals but with them dealing with issues we find ourselves deal with made this story really unique and enjoyable. I look forward to reading more.
To be a Fae Rogue by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Titania is back, but she is no longer the Queen of the Fae, that title died with her the day she fought the dragons and Sonia and the whole kingdom is still in mourning, but she has her cabin in the woods and the one Fae whose love is still true to her, to keep her company. Unfortunately for Titania, a simple life tending animals and fixing up her cabin is not enough and she decides that she must find a way to help her Kingdom.
She is still worried about Sonia and when she finds out that everything she went through and lost to fight her still may have all been for naught as she finds that Sonia left a parting message with the witches that the upper realm of the humans is still in grave danger and that she is more powerful than anyone could ever imagine. Titania knows that she needs to help stop her before she turns on the Fae realm, knowing that most likely the only thing stopping that is the fact that she is dead, to Sonia at least.
This is where Titania has to make a decision, try and save both her Kingdom and the upper realm from the shadows and continue to help the witches stop Sonia and deal with the ramifications, or stay under cover in secrecy and live a simple life with her love? This is another whirlwind adventure while unraveling a mystery and holding on to love, faith and hope in the darkest of times.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
The Viper’s Bloodline Awakened: The Fifth Book in the Urban Fantasy series The Gods’ Scion by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The queen has a child that is the next in line for the throne, however, a supposed son of the deceased crown prince has come out of the shadows and laid his claim to the throne. Nothing will stop him from taking what he feels belongs to him by right. The queen will need to do everything in her power to stop him from succeeding. Who can she turn to for help? While the world building and characters were great I do have to agree with a lot of others by saying that you should definitely read the other books in this series first. It did take me a little bit to decipher exactly what was happening, who the main players were, the relationships between characters, and what everyone’s role was to the plot. Once I picked that up it was smooth sailing from there.
The Viper’s Bloodline Awakened: The Fifth Book in the Urban Fantasy series The Gods’ Scion by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the fifth book in the urban fantasy series The Gods’ Scion. Since I started with this book I was confused a little bit especially trying to remember who was who but I quickly got it all lined out. I definitely recommend reading the first four books first as there are a lot of things that happened that are referenced in this book but nonetheless it’s a great book. It’s mythology, gods, war, and magic set in modern times. It’s got a lot of action, drama, secrets, betrayal, revenge and loving relationships. I liked most of the characters and their journeys. I liked the world Winnifred Tataw created and ‘m definitely going back and reading the other books.
The Viper’s Bloodline Awakened: The Fifth Book in the Urban Fantasy series The Gods’ Scion by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Vipers Bloodline by Winnifred Tataw is book five of The God’s Scion Series. I want to start by saying that I was not aware this was the fifth book when I picked it up, so I would definitely recommend reading in order, or you’re gonna be just as confused as I was! However, despite the confusion, this was a very good fantasy read that definitely captured and held my attention! There’s twists and betrayals everywhere you look, with plenty of drama and lots of conflict! I look forward to going back and reading through the first four. This being my introduction to the author, I was thoroughly invested!
To be a Fae Rogue by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have really enjoyed this fantasy series – fae, magic, goblins, vampire, and so much more! The main character in the series, Queen Titania, is dead. Or at least all but a few of her closest and most trusted guards think she is. She is hiding out in a cabin and staying hidden from Sonia to keep her people safe, or at least she hopes to. She is staying away from the witches and the upper realm because she doesn’t want to be detected. Quinn has been named king but she is missing her family fiercely and doesn’t think her parents should have had to lose all of their children. Queen Titania is tough, she is a fighter, and she is going to do everything in her power to keep her realm safe from the darkness that seems to be coming. I cannot wait for the final book of the series! Each book has been better than the one before so I’m sure the final will be amazing!