Children of the Wild by Krysta Tawlks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 Stars
This is a fantastic introduction to fantasy for YA readers. There’s enough action and mystery to keep your attention and enough attention to detail to really draw you in. This was a well crafted book that can be read again and again. Loved it!
Grave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Well this series just keeps getting better and better. Makayla just keeps getting deeper and deeper into the mystery of what is going on at Grave Digger Academy and within the magical world. She is finding out the hard way who her real friends are and who she can trust. She is learning more about her family history and how it all plays a part in her current situation. The book is definitely a page turner and the author is doing as great job of keeping of keeping the audience engaged and wanting to find out what happens next! I can’t wait for book 5 to come out!
Grave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was very excited to continue the Grave Digger Academy series by C. A. King! The third installment did not disappoint. Many of the same characters return, but things are very different at the Academy with many students and faculty leaving. This book started out a little slower but I believe all of the information learned will be beneficial in the long run. We are introduced to more helpers and find out Makayla may be much more than she seems. The Crones have Makayla and the Academy in their sites and seem determined to bring both down. But, with many of her old friends missing this year, Makayla finds her own strengths and magic within her isolation. The same great world building is used and I’ve become so invested in the characters. I cannot wait for the fourth book!
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a fun way to get into the holidays this year.
This was truly a first for me, I love getting into the holidays with holiday reads but this is a first not being cozy holiday mysteries or romances.
This is an anthology with 11 stories including…
Searching for Thanksgiving by S.E. Smith
This is a fantasy with dragons and a touch of mystery . I loved the characters.
Twas the Fight Before Christmas by Pauline Baird Jones
A little romance, a little science fiction, this was a fun read.
Home for Christmas At Christmas by Candace Colt
Another interesting Science Fiction Holiday Romance, with a little guessing dare I say mystery to it.
Unwrapping the True Spirit by Electra Gajdos
This may be the closest in the anthology to the Holiday stories I am used to, gets behind the meaning of the holidays.
Wicked Beginnings by Stephanie Harrell
I love a good duel POV story, its really what I’ve been into lately. This was fantastic with great characters.
Seshka’s Gift by Eliza Sinclair
This was a fun fantasy adventure that is a prequel to a book, which I will have to read soon!
Christmas Trappings by Kendra Hatch
I never thought I would love a Christmas Story that included Aliens, but here I am loved this so much.
The Winter Queen by Cassandra Chandler
Paranormal Romance (?), I guess. I loved this story of the Winter Queen. Clearly I have been missing out never knowing such Holiday stories existed.
Retired, but not Forgotten by Natalie Palma
This is a cozy mystery, easy to read and very enjoyable.
Sunshine’s War by Jill Wallace
A very well written historical romance, I wish it never ended.
Magical Mayhem by Winnie Winkle
Halloween, Full Moons, and Magic. This was a fantastic Rom Com
Such a fun group of stories I never imagined myself reading but so glad that I did.
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A big collection of holiday stories with a mix of genre and holiday themes. The variety of themes and genres go from sci-fi, fantasy, magic, mayhem, holiday giving and generosity. I did enjoy reading the vast difference of stories in the holiday spirit with a twist. A great gift to give those sci-fi, fantasy and mystery genre readers! One of my favorites is the one where the Winter Queen in where Kris Kringle is in search of his Ms. Kringle, it brings warmth to the holiday romance tale. Stories are each unique to its theme and how its author draws their reader.
Children of the Wild by Krysta Tawlks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Each of us are born with differing traits that set us apart from each other. Elbert starts noticing things changing for him when he turns 14 years old. While his siblings seem completely normal, Elbert starts to notice feathers and a burning in his chest. What is his destiny? What is he to become as a person?
An enjoyable read with some points of humor along the way!
Sarge by Stuart Ledwith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sarge
By: Stewart Ledwith
This is a quick read that is a military story. I was pulled right into this story by the character of Sarge. This is related to the Story of Misson 3047, which I have not read, but I definitely will be adding to my TBR list. Sarge is a fantastic character who sucks you in from page one. I was highly invested into Sarge/TJ and wanted to see what would happen to him. This book shows the impact that one person can have on another. This was honestly a great read that I recommend!
Children of the Wild by Krysta Tawlks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Children of the Wild (Children of the Wild Series) by Krysta Tawlks is a young adult fantasy
In a quaint early 20th-century farm town, young Elbert enjoys his ordinary life with his ordinary family. Or so he thinks. One day, a burning sensation digs into his chest, gentle breezes chafe his skin, and water stings. Soon, feathers sprout across his body. He discovers magic in the hills, and mighty creatures lurking near the river. And Elbert might be one of them. But only he can decide whether to grow the magic spark within himself or let it snuff out. This poignant story follows a boy struggling with self-doubt and grief, and the ones who give him hope enough to break a curse.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.
Doombringer : A LGBTQ Dark Fantasy Tale by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Doombringer by Marcel Liemant is a great Fantasy book
Oden Treaty has lost hope. With his wife recently buried and his village marred by battle, he’s determined to shield his daughter from their looming fate. So when the skies blacken with the final war, Oden will risk blood and bone for the power to save his child’s world. Lured by a prophecy into the magic-laden mines, the desperate father uncovers the secret to their salvation. But with sorcery eroding his body to dust, Oden fears he may not live to save all he loves.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a perfect holiday book to get into the paranormal spirit with! There are 11 different stories from a variety of authors that give you exactly what you need. Each story is so well written, I felt they gave me plenty to connect with the main characters in each story. Witches, aliens, shifters and more, with lots of action, romance and adventure. I’m definitely glad I picked up this book. It’s not your typical Hallmark Christmas movie. I recommend this collection of short stories.
The Befallen by Cambria Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was captivated by this story. It is a fantasy adventure where the battle between good and evil rages on. But what makes this story so magical for me was Sloane. Despite her disability, despite everyone’s opinions of what she can and can’t do, despite her own self doubts and fears she constantly pushes herself forward to find a way to save the people around her. Her strength and faith shine so bright through this story it was beautiful.
When she returns to her village she finds that it has been destroyed by the Befallen. Now she finds herself alone and in need to find a way of stopping the Befallen before they can strike again.
But her journey won’t be a easy one, there are dangers in the outside world she never knew existed and then she has to convince people that what she is telling them is true and not just a myth and a story.
When she meets Sir Tolvar he is reluctant to believe her story. He has his own demons to deal with and believing this story could lead him even more down the wrong path. BUT what if what Sloane says is true, this could he his chance to redeem himself.
So together they set out to find the secrets of the Befallen and find a way to destroy them but what happens when some obstacles have both of our hero’s doubting themselves and their abilities.
Will good win over evil this time or are the odds just stacked to high against them.
This book was captivating and the character growth throughout the story was great. The author’s writing was so good that I felt like i was actually there going on this quest with Sloane and Sir Tolvar.
It is a great fantasy adventure.
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A festive anthology of eleven original stories by different authors which will get you into the holiday mood. This anthology is a mix of stories so has something for everyone, romance, fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal, mysteries and more. In ‘Searching for Thanksgiving’ by S.E. Smith, the youngest dragonlings are on a mission to find Thanksgiving. Whilst in ‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas’ by Pauline Baird Jones, Doc is not a fan of Christmas and is happier fighting than singing carols. Cassandra Chandler’s, ‘The Winter Queen’, sees a human man and a fae women come together, but he will have to melt her cold winter heart. ‘Home for Christmas’ by Candace Colt is a heartwarming paranormal romance where love and being together at Christmas are the best gifts.
‘Magical Mayhem’ by Winnie Winkle, is a fun and chaotic story featuring ‘Keeper’ Cleopatra O’Keefe. Stephanie Harrell’s ‘Wicked Beginnings’, is a steamy romantic story of missed chances, lingering love and mistletoe. Aliens are trying to stop Christmas in Kyndra Hatch’s ‘Christmas Trappings’. ‘Seshka’s Gift’ by Eliza Sinclair, is a story of dark forces and danger at the Mageguild Academy during the Harvestmoon. Whilst ‘Sunshine’s War’ by Jill Wallace, is a heartwarming story of love between a couple on different sides of a war.
In ‘Retired, but not Forgotten’ by Natalie Palma, a rather grumpy ex-homicide detective is paired with an extremely cheerful PI when a string of crimes occurs during the Christmas season. Electra Gajdos, ‘Unwrapping the True Spirit’, sees a billionaire weapons inventor discovering true magic of the holiday, after forgetting to buy his mate a present. I ‘binge read’ this anthology as I thoroughly enjoyed each story and was fully immersed in each one. A great weekend read to get you into the holiday spirit, which ever one it may be.
Children of the Wild by Krysta Tawlks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Children of the Wild is the first book in the Children of the Wild series by Krysta Tawlks. This is the first book that I have read by Ms. Tawlks, so I really didn’t know what to expect going into the story. But Ido love a great YA fantasy, so I happily jumped in and set off on the adventure.
This is an easy story to read- it is fairly light-hearted- offering a tale of self-discovery, magic, family, friendship, adventure, secrets, facing your fear, emotion, overcoming obstacles, a quest for the truth, mystery, dealing with self-doubts, finding your true purpose, and some dramatic developments.
I thought this was a charming read, and I will certainly be keeping an eye out for more from Ms. Tawlks in the future.
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Krysta Tawlks!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Festive Fates Anthology is a collection of eleven engrossing stories by eleven talented authors. These authors all have different styles and approaches to their writing- but each one is unique and individual, adding its mark to the overall anthology. These authors have come together with a common purpose- to get us in the festive spirit, set the mood ready for the holidays.
We have a variety of stories, from sweet to spicy – we get sci-fi, fantasy, contemporary romance, paranormal, adventure, mystery, history, and more. We meet a variety of leading characters as each of the stories are cast with wonderful characters who easily pull you into their tale, getting you invested in them and the outcome of their story, and keeping you immersed the whole way through.
All the stories are set around the holidays, and while most are set around Christmas, Halloween and Thanksgiving are also represented.
So, find a comfy spot and settle in for a wonderful reading experience…
The Anthology contains:
–Twas the Fight Before Christmas By: Pauline Baird Jones
Delilah Oliver Clementyne “Doc” has to make it through Christmas celebrations with the family- ugly sweater and all. She is a tough cookie, but this is a Christmas she won’t soon forget- especially when Santa and his elves enter the scene. This romantic science fiction story makes for an entertaining read, bringing action, adventure, family, love, courage, and opening your heart.
–Home for Christmas At Christmas By: Candace Colt
“It never got old. If she lived to be a hundred, Rhea Tanner could never be jaded by the mind-blowing experience of cruising among the stars. The panoramic view out the window of the Xigard 200 was beautiful, of course. And mesmerizing. And always scary. As she stared into the endless universe, her thoughts turned to her family on Earth. It was Christmas— another one she’d missed with them.”
This is a great sci-fi paranormal romance with a sweet story, fantasy, witches, Christmas, and family. With the arrival of another Christmas, being so far away from home has Rhea feeling particularly homesick. Little does she know that her man has a big surprise planned. But will things turn out the way he planned? Will Christmas wishes come true? You really should read all the sweet details for yourself.
–Unwrapping the True Spirit By: Electra Gajdos
This is a story about finding the true meaning of the season. With family dynamics, drama, mischief, pranks, mayhem, and things going awry- we follow as the Keen family learn what’s truly important.
–Christmas Trappings By: Kendra Hatch
Christmas Trappings is a fun Sci-fi story with plenty of hijinks, family, aliens, humour, capers, the joys of the holiday season, and more. What happens when alien ‘friends’ take it upon themselves to save their human family from the ‘dreaded’ Santa Claus. Alex has his work cut out for him if he has any chance of salvaging Christmas for his family.
–The Winter Queen (A Court of the Yuletide Fae Prequel) By: Cassandra Chandler
OMG- this is such a sweet story. Giving a new perspective on the Winter Queen folktales. We get pulled into Kris Kringle and the Winter Queen’s story- and I was entirely captivated the whole way through. I didn’t want it to end. So, I was excited to see that it is part of a series which I will definitely be diving into asap.
The Winter Queen is the prequel to A Court of the Yuletide series. It is a sweet paranormal romance with a completely charming storyline that you won’t want to miss!
–Retired, but not Forgotten (A Madison Law Prequel) By: Natalie Palma
Retired, but not Forgotten is the prequel to the Madison Law series. It is a fantastic cozy mystery, with some edgy/darker tones that made the story even more intriguing. Madison is a medically retired police detective turned PI, who gets pulled into a missing persons case that leads to more than she bargained for. With drama, danger, tension and more- this story packs a lot into a small space. I have not read any of Ms. Palma’s stories before, so I was excited to dive into this short story and get a taste of what she can do. I love that this was a mystery- and really loved meeting Madison Law. I can’t wait to continue the series and see what else she gets up to. One of my favourites from this collection.
Sunshine’s War By: Jill Wallace
This is an historical romance set during WWII. We go on a journey of finding love unexpectedly in the most challenging of situations, promises made, hope, and emotion. Will the promises made during harrowing times be kept- or are they just words spoken in the heat of the moment?
Wicked Beginnings By: Stephanie Harrell
Another of my favourites of this series. This is a fantastic contemporary romance with an age gap, boss/employee attraction, chemistry, secret desires, a Christmas party, revelations, a grumpy/sunshine factor, a plus size FMC, tension, drama, and interesting characters. It is told from a duel POV, which gives the story an extra element of interest- as we get to see things playing out from both the MC’s perspectives. Highly recommended.
–Magical Mayhem (Boogie Beach and The Record Series Prequel) By: Winnie Winkle
This is the prequel to Boogie Beach and The Record series and is a very entertaining urban fantasy. Set during Halloween this story brings magic, shenanigans, spice, humour, fun, paranormal beings, and so much more. Cleopatra O’Keefe is forced to work on the night of her 21st birthday- which she isn’t too happy about. But add in the fact that her cocktail mixing skills have got to be on point, and serving the magical community attendees, puts extra pressure on Cleopatra to not mess things up. Being a Keeper means she has responsibilities she can’t ignore. What is a keeper? Does she manage to not mess things up? How Does the night turn out? You really should read all the fun details for yourself.
“Halloween is coming up, Patra. This year, it’s falling on a full moon which means a night of absolute insanity. Either the holiday or the moon are already crazy; stick them together and it’s an epic mashup of magical mayhem. I need help, so starting immediately, you’re training on the magic side. Be prepared to recite cocktail recipes, hazards, and cleanup procedures at the drop of a hat. Screw up and you might die. So don’t.”
“Billy! That’s my twenty-first birthday! My real one, I mean. Sadie’s throwing me a party. I…”
Serious brown eyes stared me down. “Did you take an oath and accept your role?” “Well, yeah, but,” my voice dribbled off.
–Seshka’s Gift (Mageguild Academy Prequel) By: Eliza Sinclair
This is the prequel to the Mageguild Academy series, which I will definitely be exploring after reading this engrossing morsel. Seshka and Rexi set off on a tour of the city. But what should have been an easy exercise takes a dangerous turn, thrusting the pair into a high-stakes adventure. This is a great little fantasy with magic, mages, a battle for survival, being put to the test, intrigue, and more.
–Searching for Thanksgiving (A Dragonlings of Valdier Novella) By: S.E. Smith
This charming fantasy has all the ingredients needed to keep me flipping the pages to find out how everything plays out.
-Fantasy
-Dragonlings
_Adventure
-A quest to find Thanksgiving
-Shifters
-A little drama
-A sprinkle of mystery
-A touch of mayhem
-A pinch of the unexpected
All combined to make a fun read.
All the stories are so engaging, with wonderfully written plots, and well-developed characters. I have read books by several of these talented authors before- but most of the authors were new to me… so I was excited to not only read the contributions by the authors I knew and loved, but also to get an introduction to the authors who are new to me.
So, settle down for some wonderful reading. There’s definitely something here for everyone!
Happy Reading…
Thank you to all the contributing authors!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Hope For A New World by Renee W Peek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an interesting start to the series. The subject matter of the end of the world has a unique slant. It was intriguing with all of the spiritual and energetic connections between the characters, planets, and animals. The environmental and indigenous theme also made the sci-fi story more interesting!
Doombringer by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Heart stopping bone burning story from start to finish. Before stumbling upon this book, I had never heard of the talented Marcel Liemant, but his name is certainly one added to my list of favorite writers. Every day is a good day for a dark fantasy and today that was Doombringer. The incredible cover pulled me in, but the mystery held me from page one.
Oden has had a lifetime of pain and loss but now he faces the greatest fear. The Mages of the Red Hunger are getting closer by the day, the smoke fills the air with doom and the end of all that they know. Since the loss of his wife, he has spent every day protecting his daughter, Penny, from the dark truth of the world around her. Sadly, doing so has led to him bolting hundreds of crystals into his bone pushing him closer to Ash Bone. Hearing from Kimri, that there is a creature in Havoc Mountain that could win the war for them a chance encounter hearing the creature leads him to hunt for it. To hunt for a hope at life after the Mages reach their village. Finding the Havoc wasn’t easy, and the collapse of a cavern leads the other miners to think he is gone but a final push for a chance for his daughter to live sends him fighting for life not only for her but for the people of Shard Moure. The mountain erupts as lava flows toward the village the mages nearing by the moment as Oden heads back into the dark tunnels to find hope in the creature. With the hope that Magdela the Wise was telling the truth that he was somehow connected to the creature as his only comfort that he could find it again, and that it would help.
What will happen when Oden comes face to face with Havoc? Will the Ash Bone take him before he saves them? The author’s creativity is beyond anything I have read in a long time. Their world so alive that in the darkest moments I found myself gasping for air or holding my breath that it wasn’t too late. While the story is only told from one perspective you feel that emotions and fear of all of those that Oden holds dear, his daughter, his best friend, everyone left in the village. He fights to save them all, even willing to give his life if only for a chance to succeed, to survive the war. I desperately hope the author continues this world. On the last page I found myself excited and ready for more of this world, more of Oden’s fight and what will come next.
Doombringer by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A short quick read but it had my attention. Not my typical genre I go too, but I throughly enjoyed it. A well written dark fantasy tale with magic and monsters! It sucked me right in and I know it will for you too. I recommend this!
Doombringer by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a wonderful fantasy novella. It was truly a quick read but a powerful read. I loved the depths of what Oden, a father, would go for his daughter. The world building was top notch. And representation is so important! I cannot wait to see what else this author does.
Doombringer by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I hadn’t read anything by this author before, but the cover alone drew me in. Once I read the synopsis, I knew I had to give it a go, and I’m so glad I did! I dove into this book and didn’t come up for air until the end. While this is a rather short read, I feel like the author did an outstanding job providing enough detail to satisfy any questions I had. I absolutely loved the gray LGBTQI+ heroes in this book and definitely want to see more like them! I highly recommend picking this quick read up as you won’t be disappointed. I am on my way to pick up more books by this author right now!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Doombringer by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a short and quick read and I hope there is more to come. I want to know more about Oden’s wife and what happened before the time period of this short novel. I want to know more about the magic and more about what happens now. Oden is the main character and he works in a mine in Havoc mountain trying to find lucent crystals full of magic. He has infused many of these crystals to his body and is also doing a spell called Brillious so his daughter Penny can’t see the truth of what is happening to the small town. The town is going to burn again unless he can figure out what is happening and how he can fix it. Tinnor is his best friend and will sit and listen to his ideas but isn’t sure if he can believe him. This one was a short and quick read and I will be keeping my eye out to see if more is to come.
Doombringer : A LGBTQ Dark Fantasy Tale by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This as an interesting, intriguing, dark fantasy that was so well worth the read. A war is coming, and Odin does everything he can to protect his daughter, a war against the Mages. The way the Odin respects if daughter and the strengths and power she carry’s and lets her be that powerful daughter of his. This book was filled with so much going on that it was hard to put it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. The story line and building of characters was incredible and really kept my attention. I highly recommend this book.
Grave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the Grave Digger Academy series. I really recommend reading these books in order so you get the complete picture and complete understanding for the character.
This author is one I am always excited to pick up as I am never disappointed and am always taken on a paranormal adventure that I’ll never forget.
Makayla is returning back to Grave Digger Academy for her 3rd year. But just like the previous years it isn’t going to be easy for Makayla. When she arrives at the academy with her brothers who change their schools to protect her she automatically knows something is wrong.
After all the hype around the Academy Makayla expected the school to be busy so why was it so quiet?
When she notices that some of her friends and teachers haven’t returned she knows she needs to find out what is going on. But can she succeed in getting to the truth without the aid of her helpers? And how dangerous will things become for her when she tries to uncover the truth.
With people questioning whether she is on the side of good or evil she is in a race against time to find the missing people while also keeping herself safe.
Will she be able to survive the 3rd year at Grave Digger Academy?
This is a YA paranormal adventure which is full of twists and turns. It is a fast paced story with great character development. I can’t wait to see what else the author had in store for us with this series.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53734015-grave-digger-academy-iii” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Grave Digger Academy III” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1591010893l/53734015._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53734015-grave-digger-academy-iii”>Grave Digger Academy III</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6993053.C_A_King”>C.A. King</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6019293951″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
The third book in the series and I have been waiting to find out what has happened with Makayla, and once again the author has not let us down.<br />The story continues to evolve and is a little grittier and darker than the previous 2 but the plot and characters continue to evolve.<br />The Academy itself has had a turn around and is now where everyone wants to go but there has been a hold on transfers, and all who wanted to transfer out were allocated placements at other academies. So on return Makayla finds things very different. Rules are sharper and even the head mistress is being held under strong views from the Crones.<br />Can Makayla work within the new tough rules and make her way towards her destiny.<br />Another amazingly written book.<br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>
Grave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
We’re back for year 3 and it just might be the last year at Grave Digger Academy. After last year, it’s a wonder there’s anyone left at this specific school, but what can you do when they refuse to let you leave.
While some things are best left buried, it’s impossible to keep anything hidden long when there is no one left to trust.
Makayla starts out this story with the start of term. It’s year three and maybe this year they’ll actually learn something, but when she arrives with two of her brothers in tow, it seems like things are getting grimmer at Grave Digger Academy.
I enjoyed book three just as much as the first two! It’s fast paced, and quick to follow. My only complaint is how quick it ends! Onto book Four!
Grave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is not a standalone book. You need to read the first two in order to understand the backstory of what is going on in this one.
After reading the first two and loving them, I found book three to be somewhat slower. It took me a little bit to get into it because there’s not a lot of action happening up until about chapter twenty. BUT, you need all the information in this story for what is coming in book four.
That being said, I enjoyed the addition of new helper characters, and Makayla learning how to use her tools. And, as always, I enjoyed the unique interpretations of magic and worldbuilding. I feel like the slower pace of this story is building up to something intense for the next book.
Looking forward to continuing the series!
Grave Digger Academy III by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the third installment of the Grave Digger series and while you can read it as a standalone, I’d definitely recommend reading the books in order, as a lot happens that you don’t want to miss out on. C.A. King has written this amazing, enjoyable YA paranormal series that encompasses not only magic, secrets, and dangerous adventures, but fun to get to know somewhat quirky characters.
Book three has Makayla returning to GDA for her year three with her brothers in tow as her protection detail. They feel they need to watch out for her, especially after her year-two trials and tribulations. But Makayla realizes things are amiss right off the bat, with missing entities and people. Is GDA safe? What happens when more people start disappearing? Will Makayla herself be next if her brothers aren’t allowed to stay with her? Will she be left all alone since her unique group of friends seems to have bailed on her, or will she encounter others to help her along the way? Can she solve the mystery, stay safe, and make it to her year four at GDA, or will the shadows close in as people question whose side she is truly on? Find out these questions and more in the fast-paced magical tale!
I’m so glad I found this series and can’t wait to see what happens next! Be aware going into this series that these books often end on cliffhangers that leave you salivating for more answers, adventures, and just plain great writing!
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An collection of original Christmas tales
*Twas the fight before Christmas- an alien/earthling Christmas party. This short story was engaging and fun.
*Home for Christmas- paranormal/alien Christmas story about family and forgiveness.
*unwrapping the True Spirit – This short Christmas story is about remembering that Christmas is about more than just physical gifts.
*Christmas Trappings – what happens when aliens find out about Santa Claus? Hilarious antics- that’s what. Alex and Beth gave their hands full when their resident aliens hear the story of Santa Claus and take on the role of self-appointed protectors.
*The Winter Queen – the enchanting story of Kris Kringle finding his magical Mrs Kringle.
*Retired but not forgotten – when a case needs solving and you have to put up with the too cheery Christmas spirit of a partner – what’s a girl supposed to do?
*Sunshine’s War – when 2 people who should not have an attraction do, not even war can keep them apart.
*Wicked beginnings- This is Jareth and Hazel’s story. It was a great read with both of them skirting around the obvious.
*Magical Mayhem – Christmas for the supernatural is Halloween. This is the story of a snarky Keeper who needs to navigate the most celebrated night in the magical community.
*Seshka’s gift – Magical Academy with danger and battles.
*Searching for Thanksgiving – dragons and cat-shifters on an adventure to find the magic that is Thanksgiving.
I enjoyed every book in this collection. Each was well written and bought an individuality that was endearing. Highly recommend!
Doombringer by Marcel Liemant
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Doombringer is a dark LGBTQ fantasy story that was intriguing and I really enjoyed the story.
Magic, crystals, secrets, war and fate brought this story together of Oden and what is to come. Knowing a war is coming with the Mages of Red Hunger upon the village of Shard Moure, Oden will do anything to protect his daughter, especially after losing his wife. The village is scared….but destiny steps in…..but will it be enough for everyone in Shard Moure to survive…
Will Oden be able to protect his daughter….
Definitely read and find out. This is a very well written fantasy I am looking to more future stories from this author.
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is such a great way to get into the holiday spirit if you aren’t already or to embrace the holiday spirit more than you already are. This is the collaboration of 11 short stories all centered on the holiday spirit. I wasn’t quite sure what to think when I started reading because of the different authors. Each author has their own writing style and even though this book is composed of short stories, I just didn’t know if it would flow like it a normal book. I was incredibly impressed. The book flowed from story to story but it also had the feel of the same author writing each story. It was a really quick read because of the short stories. I felt like I was on an adventure and making new friends with each story. I highly recommend this book if you are looking to just get lost in a story but maybe not have the time to commit to a full book. These short stories allow for you to leave and come back. I however, couldn’t put it down and kept reading till it was on the last page.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
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Hope For a New World by Renee W. Peek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I wasn’t sure what to expect as this was my first book by this author, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a beautiful blend of sci-fi and fantasy. Something I very much appreciated was the names and descriptions of the characters at the beginning of the book. Books play like movies in my head so to have the cast set out from the start earned many brownie points from this reader! The characters are all very relatable and had me very invested quite quickly. The author goes into great detail about the world and the scenes which truly pulls you into the experience fully. I can’t think of anything I would change in this book and I can’t wait for the next in the series! I highly recommend picking this up if you love sci-fi and/or fantasy because this checks both boxes!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
