What a fantastic book! This rating is more like a 4.7. I can not wait for the next one. This is the first time reading this author and will not be the last. This book takes us from a normal life to it being taken completely away in the blink of an eye. An earthquake opens up another world of aliens and other unworldly beasts. Life as Selene and Rayden is forever changed. We then get Sirius, and I can’t wait to read about him and his world. Fantastic read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rita Whitehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRita White2024-08-21 20:37:322024-09-27 11:18:07The Veil (The Veil Realms Series Book One) by Karli Rush – Review by Rita White
This is the first book in the Guardians of Camelot Series. This was a really enjoyable fantasy adventure. It was packed with action, twists, secrets, deceptions and finding your true place where you belong.
Morgan has grown up in London with her Aunt Nim. She’s always had magic but it’s very weak. She thinks of herself as a normal person. And even though her Aunt tells her stories about Camelot, and the fact she is a princess Morgan believes they are just stories made up to entertain her as a child. They couldn’t possible be true right?
When her Aunt Nim is attacked and killed Morgan is transported to Camelot. She is told she needs to fight to prove herself and regain her claim to the throne. But can she do it? Is she really this powerful witch everyone seems to think she is? Will her magic even work? And will she be able to overcome all the challenges and obstacles in front of her?
This was a captivating read that I couldn’t put down. I can’t wait to read more.
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 Carr2024-08-21 14:41:002024-09-24 20:06:11Her Sapphire Blade (Guardians of Camelot Series) by Sarah Biglow – Review by Kerry Carr
Her Sapphire Blade is the first book in the Guardians of Camelot series. It is an exciting portal fantasy that draws on Arthurian legends within a modern setting. Morgan lives in modern London, in a world where magic users are discrete but present in society. Her own magic is weak in comparison to those around her, but this changes when she returns to Camelot, a land she knows only from fairy stories.
I enjoyed the cast of characters in this book. I hope we get to see more of Taron and Talia in the rest of the series! Morgan meets many different characters as she navigates the tournament at the centre of this book, it will be interesting to see who comes back in the later books.
I found the tournament plot particularly enjoyable to read after watching lots of Olympic events this summer! It’s kind of like fantasy Olympics and reading those scenes felt like the tension of watching sports and hoping my favourite athletes did enough to get to the next level.
This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend it to fans of urban fantasy and mythology-inspired stories. I’m looking forward to the next book!
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'Sullivan2024-08-21 14:08:302024-09-27 10:38:57Her Sapphire Blade (Guardians of Camelot Series) by Sarah Biglow – Review by Francis O’Sullivan
Dark is the Wood is the first book in the Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales series by Kristin Ward. Gillian’s brother has caught the illness that has taken the lives of many. She heads into the Shadowlands to find a way to save him. Getting kidnapped was not what she had planned. The world building was really good, but I was a bit disappointed with the characters. I like a good enemies to lovers story, but there was more enemies than lovers in this book. There were several aspects that I think were rushed when they shouldn’t have been. Overall I do think this was a great idea, and a worthwhile read. I plan to pick up the next book and also check out what else Kristin Ward has to offer.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jamie Truexhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJamie Truex2024-08-21 03:05:382024-09-27 11:23:17Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Jamie Truex
Alchemist Gaelan Erceldoune is dying of the Plague in the 16th-century when he turns to an old manuscript passed down in his family for a cure. He gets more than he bargained for when not only does the strange remedy cure the Plague but also renders him immortal. A couple of centuries later, Gaelan is working as an apothecary in the downtrodden streets of London, when Dr Simon Bell persuades him to make a cure for his wife Sophie, who is dying of breast cancer. Unfortunately, the incorrect handling of the cure causes Sophie to die. In despair, Simon drinks the rest of the remedy, hoping to be reunited with Sophie in death, only to find himself unable to die, no matter how hard he tries. The story moves between modern day Chicago and Victorian London as Gaelan and Simon search for the manuscript that had been lost, in an attempt to find a way to reverse the effects and allow Simon to die. They try stay one step ahead of an unethical pharmaceutical company that wants to exploit Gaelan’s rapid regenerative properties for financial gain. This book has a steampunk vibe to it with elements of sci-fi, fantasy, romance, horror and thriller. It does start off a bit slow, but becomes engaging. The ending is a little open-ended, which allows for a sequel, but satisfying enough.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lucinda Morton-Phillipshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLucinda Morton-Phillips2024-08-20 20:23:512024-09-27 10:35:24The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Lucinda Morton-Phillips
This book was incredibly hard to put down. I felt like I couldn’t read it fast enough to know what was going to happen. The characters in this book were super relatable and well developed I almost felt like I know who they were and that they were real people. The story line flowed very well and went well together that it was easy to follow. There was just enough twists and turns into the book that it really kept me guessing into what was going to happen. Gillian would do anything for her brother, so when he falls ill to the sweeping illness that sweeps over the land, Gillian gets prepared to do anything to help him and bring him back to good health, even if that means to enter the forbidden shadowlands. This story really put a twist to the little red riding fairy tale, but it’s filled with so much adventure, twists and turns, witches, magic, action, dragons, fairy tales was an incredible read, highly recommended.
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 Reimer2024-08-20 11:44:222024-09-27 11:24:36Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Jennifer Reimer
Selene Marley is a woman who owns a small shop in the town of Everton, near the Ozarks where she has a comfortable life and a partner in crime, Rayden Hendrix, the shop has some regular customers who peruse her natural herbal remedies and organic food. She has her future planned out with Rayden and it is everything she could want, security, love and happiness and maybe even a wedding, not to mention good friends and beautiful scenery.
One day, all that changes when a pearlescent veil splits the town into two causing earthquakes and destroying the homes and businesses in their street, but the most terrifying thing is when everyone is separated. All the women are grouped together and the men all disappear, never mind where the children have gone and so when Selene starts to become accustomed to the new life she is having to make, she discovers her resilience.
As the days pass and Selene learns more about the ones around her, she comes across hints of a world not unlike hers, but more progressive and with different flora, fauna and traditions, but just when she has lost hope of seeing Rayden again, he reappeared in a sorry state, beaten and bruised, but they are still grateful to find each other again.
As the ramifications of the veils appearance and their new lives sink in, can Selene and Rayden navigate this new existence while also keeping their sanity in tact? This is a sci-fi adventure where worlds collide and lives intertwine to create a present fraught with danger, in this emotional rollercoaster.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2024-08-20 02:32:402024-09-27 10:28:56The Veil by Karli Rush – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
Gaelan Erceldoune is an alchemist and is part of the scientific circles of Victorian London in which he meets fellow scientist Simon Bell, so when Simon’s wife falls ill with cancer and no other medical interventions working, he goes to see Gaelan who provides him with a last resort potion, however, it doesn’t work and a distraught Simon drinks what is left in hopes of joining his deceased wife.
Unfortunately for Simon, this doesn’t work and he wakes up a few days later and finds that he is changed and is no longer able to die! Fast forward five years and he hears of a patient in Bedlam, a hospital for the mentally infirm who resembles his own situation, however, when he finds out it is Gaelan, he is determined to ask questions and so he enacts a daring rescue.
As the years pass and the two physicians fall into a cycle of daily life, a pharmaceutical firm, Transdiff Genomics come across some diaries buried in what used to be Bedlam, and they begin to put prices together which should never have been unearthed and so Simon, Gaelan and a disgruntled Transdiff employee who questions their morals Dr Anne Shawe have to work together to stop certain information from landing in the wrong hands.
Can the intrepid trio do this all while Gaelan and Anne try to deny a growing attraction, or will life be changed forever more? This is a historical fiction which has some roots in reality, while creating fantastical elements throughout which will keep you on your toes throughout.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2024-08-20 01:35:512024-09-27 10:28:11The Apothecary’s Curse by Barbara Barnett – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
The Apothecary’s Curse starts out a bit slow but once you get invested in Gaelan and Simon’s life you can’t put it down. Gaelan has had an interesting life due to making a potion that has cursed him with immorality (and fast regeneration). Simon only wants to cure his wife of cancer but instead he is granted immortality instead of death. The book deals with many different time periods that all tie together wonderfully to give an exciting and refreshing story. At first I found it to be a bit confusing but once I started to put the pieces together I could not put it down. I felt a hint of ‘Interview with a Vampire’ feel to if due to the immorality factor. Instead this focuses on apothecary/ alchemy with a hint of the elixir of life or the alchemists stone. The ending is left open for another book which I anxiously wish to read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Callie Lunahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCallie Luna2024-08-20 00:07:252024-09-27 10:18:00The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Callie Luna
Simon Bell, a physician in Victorian London, is looking for something to cure his wife who has cancer. He gets an elixir made by the apothecary Gaelan Erceldoune that is meant to cure his wife, but it does the exact opposite. Beside himself and not wanting to live without her, Simon takes the rest of the elixir, however he has now become immortal. Five years pass when news reaches Simon of a man in the Bedlam Prison that has the same powers as he does. To his surprise is it Gaelan. Now they must hunt down Gaelan’s missing manuscript if they want to reverse this strange phenomenon. Those diaries are unearthed in the present day by Transdiff Genomics where Anne Shawe works. She and Gaelan have a connection that leads to shocking information coming to light. There is so much going on in this book but the author did an amazing job with the transitions between past and present. That is hard to do whist keeping the reader engaged and the story moving forward. Overall this was an enjoyable read and I can’t wait to start on the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlisa Wahtomy-Albahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlisa Wahtomy-Alba2024-08-19 22:48:142024-10-23 12:21:45The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
This book grabbed my attention simply with the unique cover, so my interest was piqued already. I hadn’t read anything by this author before, but the synopsis sounded promising which led me to dive right in. It took me a little bit of time to find my reading groove as it starts a little slower, but once it picked up, I voraciously read the entire book in one sitting. It’s evident how much research went into this magnificent story as the author expertly crafts a historical mystery with a theme of immortality throughout. The characters are absolutely astounding and relatable in this darker sci-fi read. If you are on the fence deciding whether to pick up this book or not, I highly recommend jumping in and losing yourself in a historical fantasy!
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 Kern2024-08-19 22:25:062024-09-27 10:17:31The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Shannen Kern
I haven’t been this excited about a new series in quite a long time! This is the first book in The Veil Realms series and the first I had read by this author. The cover is gorgeous and made me start reading before I even knew what it was about. Once I opened this book, I was transported to a hauntingly dystopian world where an earthquake devastates our main character’s hometown. Selene is, in a word, legendary. She is independent, tough, and overall, an admirable individual. The amount of time spent developing these characters is obvious as they certainly seem as real as the person sitting right next to me. The flow of the story is quick but still unfolds naturally without any choppiness to distract. I will be (impatiently) waiting for the second book in this series because I absolutely need more of this author’s writing!
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 Kern2024-08-19 22:07:162024-09-27 10:17:09The Veil (The Veil Realms Series Book One) by Karli Rush – Review by Shannen Kern
This book starts out with a sweet scene between Selene and her fiancé Rayden but quickly turns to all chaos. This book keeps your attention from the very beginning with so many twists and turns you might find yourself with whiplash but in a good way. The author makes you feel like you are right there with them. You will not be disappointed with this one of a kind book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Goodmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Goodman2024-08-19 21:28:492024-09-27 11:28:42The Veil (The Veil Realms Series Book One) by Karli Rush – Review by Heather Goodman
I read Alchemy of Glass as a second book to The Apothecary’s Curse, and like most series there is some overlap, but can overall be read as a standalone if that’s your thing. Also, this book picks up where the last one left off, so I preferred to read them as I did, so I already had a base understanding of the characters and their backstories, what happened previously, etc. Alchemy of glass is written in a dual point of view as well as the first which I’ve always liked. I enjoyed how well the author takes different genres and meshes them together seamlessly with well rounded characters. Give this highly entertaining book a chance.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Micalahhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMicalah2024-08-19 20:30:302024-09-27 11:28:13Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz
This book quick, exciting read is a mash up of mystery, historical fiction, science fiction, and it does all of these things well. Told in dual timelines this is well written and I didn’t have any trouble following the story. I enjoyed the characters and their quest to handle their immortality. Definitely one of a kind, creative subject matter.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Micalahhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMicalah2024-08-19 20:08:132024-09-27 11:27:40The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz
This book was so good. It was so very interesting being part of Gaelan’s journey in life and trying to understand what he had gone through during his many lifetimes made for a very enjoyable read. The story had many twists and turns with a really surprising ending that made the story even better. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Rushinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Rushin2024-08-19 19:48:072024-09-27 11:27:33The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Cindy Rushin
Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Jessica Stone
This is the first book in a new series I believe, or at least here’s to hoping we get more books because one is just not enough.
This book is about Gillian, who lives in a world that is trouble by a strange wasting illness that has taken hold of her younger brother. This story is about her journey to try and save him, but it’s a bit more complicated than that, to save him she must enter the shadowlands ruled by Dragon kind and trade her life for his. Gillian was not my favorite heroine right off the bat, but to say she grew on my is and understatement, her unwillingness to bend or break to give up in her pursuit to save her brother is what kept me rooting for her the entire book.
Roman, is Dragonborn and all he wants is to keep the peace and help his father accomplish his goals, that is until he meets Gillian and swiftly realizes that what his father wants and what he wants could be one in the same, but does Roman have it in him to take what he wants, even if it means evoking the wrath of his father? Roman is the epitome of daddy’s boy when this story start, just kidding, not really but he was very loyal to his fathers cause, which earns him brownie points in the sense of loyalty is hard to come by. But his growth throughout the book and watching him discover his own wants and needs is what really sold me on this Dragonborn hottie.
This was a fun book, that I can easily see being a pretty large fantasy series, with all the Dragonborn siblings in this book there is so much potential to have story’s for them and their found loves. I really enjoyed the spin this author put on this book making the Dragonborn world creators, I’ve never read a fantasy quite like this one, I see a lot of potential in future story’s for that little tidbit of information to come into play. Either way this author decides how to play it you can bet I’ll be right there eating her story’s up.
Dark is the Wood, Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series, Kristin Ward, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Fantasy, Jessica Stone, August 2024
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jessicahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJessica2024-08-19 19:32:252024-09-27 11:27:13Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Jessica Stone
Simon bell, our main character is absolutely desperate to cure his wife’s cancer to he gives her an elixir which was created in an ancient manuscript, but instead of curing her it kills her In the depth of despair and distraught he vecomes suicidal and he takes the final dose of the Elixer but instead of also passing away… he instead finds he can’t die!
This lends into a well done story where simon is desperate to find anyone else like him. He finally finds Gaelen and they both want to end their I mmortality and are searching manuscirpts and time itself for how to stop it.
A pharmaceutical entity hears about the immortal men and of course wants to get involved. Along with that team is a renowned geneticist Dr shaw. Simon and Gaelen are not fans of Dr Shaw and treat her quite poorly which seems to have foreshadowing that not treating her will backfire.h Tis book does start slow, but hang on as when it picks up you wont put it back down. You will be immediately hunting book 2!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa2024-08-19 19:30:152024-09-27 11:27:07The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Melissa Saxton
An enjoyable, engaging and intriguing historical fantasy novel that had me captivated throughout. Physician Simon and apothecary Gaelan first meet in Victorian London. Simon gives his wife an elixir created by Gaelan from an ancient manuscript, but instead of curing her cancer it kills her. A suicidal Simon then swallows the remainder hoping for the same result, but finds that he cannot die. Five years later and Simon learns that Gaelan also has regenerative powers and is a Bedlam inmate. They both conceal their immortality through the ages but remain hopeful of reversing the elixir if they can find Gaelan’s missing manuscript. In the modern-day a pharmaceutical company, Transdiff Genomics discovers diaries about Bedlam inmates being tortured. The scientists suspect a link between Gaelan and an unnamed inmate. Meanwhile, Gaelan and Genomics geneticist Anne seem to be powerfully drawn to one another. A revelation is made when they learn that Anne’s family has a connection to his manuscript. This is a dual timeline story which kept me hooked from start to finish. The descriptive narrative brought both past and present settings vividly to life, making me feel fully immersed in the story. I look forward to book two in this new series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2024-08-19 16:28:192024-09-27 10:15:56The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Jennifer Gordon
This is the first book on The Veil Series. This is a dystopian fantasy adventure which had me hooked from the beginning. The author has done a great job of creating a unique story and the way the author tells the story and builds the worlds really brings it to life. I love the main character Selene. She is a very strong, determined character who is set on surviving this strange realm she now finds herself in. Her journey isn’t an easy one. It is a fast paced dangerous journey as she has to battle time and again for her survival. Even when she thinks she can’t go on anymore she always finds the strength from somewhere.
When a cataclysmic earthquake hits Selene’s small town she finds herself transported to another place with beings that aren’t human. Now she is in a constant battle for survival against creatures she doesn’t know about and a world where reality as she knows it no longer exists. This is a story about overcoming adversity, striving to survive, and learning to function in a place that makes no sense at all. It is also a journey of discover for Selene, not only discover of the people and the place she now finds herself in but also a discovery of herself and finding out just how strong and resilient she can be when she has to be. I look forward to reading more in this series.
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 Carr2024-08-19 14:03:212024-09-24 20:05:16The Veil (The Veil Realms Series Book One) by Karli Rush – Review by Kerry Carr
This is the first time reading this author so I am excited to find out more about this storyline. So in this story, Selene has been focused on walking down the aisle with her finance, Rayden. Unfortunately, the days here on Earth have been shortened by the unknown life from another planet. They have come to take over the little town. There are dangers around every turn and no one really knows what will happen next. Read to find out what happens to the town, the people and Selene and Rayden as they try to figure out where they go from this once happy, serene place and now its very scary and vicious city. The Veil by Karli Rush My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first time reading this author so I am excited to find out more about this storyline. So in this story, Selene has been focused on walking down the aisle with her finance, Rayden. Unfortunately, the days here on Earth have been shortened by the unknown life from another planet. They have come to take over the little town. There are dangers around every turn and no one really knows what will happen next. Read to find out what happens to the town, the people and Selene and Rayden as they try to figure out where they go from this once happy, serene place and now its very scary and vicious city.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kirsten Berkebilehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKirsten Berkebile2024-08-19 08:59:042024-09-27 10:14:23The Veil (The Veil Realms Series Book One) by Karli Rush – Review by Kirsten Berkebile
I’m a fan of dystopians so I picked this one up with earnest. This isn’t your typical dystopian! It starts off tame, then all hell breaks loose and it’s on like you wouldn’t believe. The world building is superbly done and I could feel like I was right there, and the story weaved itself in a way you never could really predict what would happen next. Selene, the heroine of the story, is a badass. It’s a highly active narrative, full of curveballs, twists and turns that will keep you guessing.
The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett is a great historical fantasy series.
When Gaelan Erceldoune, a pharmacist, creates an elixir from an old book for Simon Bell, a physician, their paths cross in Victorian London. Designed to treat her cancer, it ends her life. Suicidal, Simon swallows the rest, only to discover he is unable to pass away. After five years, Simon is surprised to learn that Gaelan is the Bedlam inmate who is rumored to possess regenerative powers similar to his own. The two men keep their immortality a secret, but Gaelan’s missing manuscript holds the key to changing their state. The scientists at Transdiff Genomics, a contemporary pharmaceutical business, believe there may be a connection between Gaelan and an anonymous Bedlam prisoner after discovering diaries detailing the abuse of inmates.
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 really transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shadel Ayerbehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShadel Ayerbe2024-08-19 04:37:032024-09-27 11:30:47The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Shadel Ayerbe
The Veil is the first phenomenal book from the Veil Realm series by Karli Rush. From the first page you can tell how unique this book is. A truly original and refreshing read that you can absolutely lose yourself for hours. This author is new to me, and I was thoroughly invested straight away, often finding it extremely difficult to put it down. This book really has a bit of everything, and I loved it. I am definitely looking forward to seeing where this series goes!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Finn Cunninghamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFinn Cunningham2024-08-19 04:07:592024-09-27 11:30:36The Veil (The Veil Realms Series Book One) by Karli Rush – Review by Finn Cunningham
The Apothecary’s Curse is a historical fantasy that takes place across multiple timelines, includes immortality, alchemy, and Celtic mythology. It was interesting to follow the main characters immortality and the story behind them. It made for a slow read at first but then later the action sped things up. The multiple timelines and point of views help create a layered plot that keeps the reader engaged with the story. With the way this novel ended there’s sure to be a second.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Vaughnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Vaughn2024-08-18 22:54:382024-09-27 11:30:07The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Brandy Vaughn
Alchemy of Glass is truly a tantalizing take on many genre forms, including sci-fi, fantasy, mythology, love, and adventure. The way the story is woven together across different periods is remarkable and engaging, ensuring the reader doesn’t have a moment of boredom. The whiplash while reading was rewarding and enthralls the reader from the get-go. This is the second book, however reading it as a stand-alone didn’t hinder me one bit.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trishahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrisha2024-08-18 21:07:572024-09-27 10:13:33Alchemy of Glass (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Trisha Cargile
Blood and Ravens, is a dark paranormal romance, set in New Orleans, 1728. This is the first book in The Casket Girls series. It is the tale of forbidden love and a battle against a darkness that will consume them all. A.D Brazeau is an award-winning author, that writes fantastic dark romances with fairy-tale worlds. We are introduced to Greer, who is an orphan and has dreams about a dark knight. She wakes up on a ship, not knowing how she got there. Her last memory is standing on the corner of a street, and everything’s goes dark, until she wakes up on a ship surrounded by 40 other women. Theron, once a prince in the underworld, until something or someone gets him banished. Having made land, he must continue with the next phrase of his plans. Greer, will also risk everything for him and her friends. This is a beautifully written story with a paranormal and historical setting, set in the mysterious New Orleans. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I would most definitely recommend this to anyone that enjoys History and the paranormal, that has twists and turns throughout. Cannot wait to read book two!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00joanne ellishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngjoanne ellis2024-08-18 04:57:562024-09-27 08:46:48Blood & Ravens, The Casket Girls Series, A.D. Brazeau, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Paranormal, Romance by Joanne ellis
This is not my usual read, but I thought I’d try something different since the book description sounded intriguing. A lot of people skip the prologues of stories, but I started there, and I was hooked. Honestly, I can’t tell you what exactly grabbed me, but I was sucked into story and lost several hours watching it play out like a movie in my head.
I enjoyed the switches in time periods, getting glimpses of Gaelan’s past as he’s also navigating the present. It takes talent to be able to switch between past and present and not make it feel jarring to the reader.
The worldbuilding is excellent without being excessive, and the characters were interesting. This story is a mix of Gaslamp fiction, mythology, alchemy, and science, and would be a good read for people who love that type of blended fantasy.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Naomi McDonaldhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNaomi McDonald2024-08-17 21:05:392024-09-27 08:46:16The Apothecary’s Curse (The Apothecary Series) by Barbara Barnett – Review by Naomi McDonald
Dark is the Wood is a Young Adult, Dystopian, Romantasy novel with Witches, Dragons, and Dragonborn galore. Gillian, in desperation, to save her brother, ventures into the Shadowlands to hopefully find a cure for a sickness that is plaguing her people. It also had similarities to some older fairy tales like Red Riding Hood, a little Beauty and the Beast. Some tropes that I thought fit were definitely an enemies to lovers, found family, and forbidden love. I read a lot of fantasy and I can attest that sometimes it can be wordy, or hard to follow, but that wasn’t the case here. It was confident, well worded, immersive writing, with wonderful character development throughout. Enjoyed reading.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Micalahhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMicalah2024-08-17 07:03:212024-09-27 08:10:21Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz
I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting into with Dark is the Wood initially. But by the end, I could not put this down. Not even when I went to the gym! I was that person on the treadmill, kindle in hand, because I couldn’t stop reading it, but exercise is important. I would read a full-blown series in this world. I wasn’t ready to put this down, and I’m going to miss the characters!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brittanyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrittany2024-08-16 17:31:052024-09-27 08:08:40Dark is the Wood (Enchanted Tales with Dragon Scales Series) by Kristin Ward – Review by Brittany Angel
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