Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was excited to see how the adventure continues. It is so easy to get sucked into this book. I enjoy reading how far Chloe and Quintus’ journey takes them!
Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed the mix of drama, adventure, and action! The two main characters were good. The ending left me eager to read the next book.
Order of Vespers by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A fantastic read that left me excited for the next book. A hard book to put down once you start. Excellent character development and growth throughout the book.
This book follows the story of Jasper in her journey to discover more about herself and her power. A girl from a small town in upstate New York. When something happens causing an uproar in her small and she is found at the center of it sets off a series of events. When news travels those who want and fear those that they are not like threaten her life.
This book shows how determination and tragedy can be used to make the world alternating changes needed. This book shows how feelings can cause changes and affect someone. In this story, you get to see how someone who is used to hiding finds out something shocking. What importance can a girl from a small town have on the world? How does someone trust anyone in a group full of assassins? Read this book to find out.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I would read the first book of this series first but read these books by Kay L. Moon. This book picked right where the last one left off. I was happy to get this book so I could see where Chole’s story was going lead. After reading this book it was good to see that she is still her old self but has grown. There is a love story inside this action-packed world. The first book is world building, and the second book builds off that world but really adds to the characters. I love how the characters will surprise you. I’m ready for the next installment to see where this story goes.
Misfortune of Song: An Irish Historical Fantasy Family Saga by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star
Misfortune of Song:Druid’s Brooch Series #5 by Christy Nicholas is the fifth book in Druid’s Brooch Series. This book has a little bit of everything from it being a historical fantasy to adventure, action,romance and heartbreak and betrayal. I found myself unable to put this Book down once I started reading. At times I felt like I was on a emotional rollercoaster ride with my emotions going up and down. Maelan is a man who cares for his granddaughter and tries to do his duty.His granddaughter Orlagh finds herself in love with a bard,he makes her feel like no one else does.She Hope’s and is determined that they will be. What does Orlagh’s future look like? Find out what happens next I highly recommend reading this book I look forward to reading more from this Author.
Misfortune of Song: An Irish Historical Fantasy Family Saga by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Misfortune of Song by Christy Nicholas is the fifth book in the Druid’s Brooch Series. This book can be read as a standalone and understood completely and enjoyed. This book is set in 12th century Ireland. Maelan is the head of his family and must look after them and assure that they make the best decisions. His granddaughter Orlagh is determined to not follow him and makes his life chaos. Can he keep everything together and protect his granddaughter?
This is my second read in this series and I am hooked. I enjoy both genres of historical and fantasy and this incorporates both well. The characters are well written and challenged in their lives. I can not help but get emotional at some of the things the author puts them through. I like the story and how it intertwines with the other books but is not essential to have the other stories to enjoy the individual book. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Chloe and Quintas, mortal and fae, back at it again to save the realm of Faerie from Portia and Julian, evil cold-blooded mortals who will stop at nothing to take over Faerie. With the help of Ludo, Mishti, and Shadow, Chloe’s dragon, Chloe keeps pushing through to save the people and return to the mortal realm to save her sister, Grace. If Chloe was clumsy before, she’s even more so now that she’s lost a foot, but that doesn’t stop her from discovering new creation magic methods and her apothecary practices to heal the land and themselves. The relationship between Shadow and Chloe, as well as Quintas and Chloe are growing stronger and stronger, with nothing to break their bond. Highly recommend! It keeps you on your toes in this fantasy adventure!
The Virus of Beauty by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What fun! This novel really revolves around the basis that sometimes things aren’t as they seem, and though you feel and believe in one thing, this doesn’t mean that you are right. Nor does it mean you are wrong. Truly, I felt as though the author was trying to nail down the point that you don’t have to let go of your beliefs just to take on part of someone or something else’s. You just need to believe in yourself and what you have within you to take on the world. At least, that’s this readers take.
Ultimately, I really did enjoy the authors writing style, the descriptive way it was presented as well as our main character, Wilf and those that he comes into contact with shortly after a devastating loss. For so long he felt stuck under the feet of family members, and all of a sudden, he isn’t so much anymore. But that’s when things start to really get interesting. Honestly, I read this novel fairly quickly, and I really want to reread it again and take my time to fully immerse myself. Potentially will be back to right a more in depth review but very much look forward to more of this series and author’s work! On my To Read list for sure!
Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Chloe is a strong-willed apothecary hiding from the fae after a traumatic event in the Faerie realm when Quintas, a fae from her past, tracks her down in need of help. Faerie is under attack, and only Chloe has the creation magic possible to help stop the mortals from taking over the realm, hurting her own village townsfolk and family as well. She’s stubborn, smart, and tries her best to not give up when it comes to saving her loved ones. She may not be the strongest or toughest of heroines, but she certainly continues to do her very best. Plus there’s a sequel to this story too, so we can stay in this magical world Kay L. Moody created.
Misfortune of Song: An Irish Historical Fantasy Family Saga by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is full of magic, love, danger, action, and adventure. This book can be read as a standalone but I’m sure as soon as you read it you will want to dive right into the other books in this series. In this story we read about Maelan and his granddaughter Orlagh. Maelan just wants to protect Orlagh and get her to make the choices that he feels is best for her. Orlagh is a bit spirited and some of the choices she makes has great consequences which leaves Maelan having to make some difficult decisions in order to keep her safe. Will he succeed? This is a must read if you want to find out what happens in this wonderfully told story. The author does an exceptional job making this story come to life with her rich details and the way she weaves the story draws you in and keeps you entertained and turning pages to find out what’s going to happen next. I highly recommend this great story.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I had an inkling this book would leave me with a cliffhanger based on the previous book, but I’m not as upset this time around. It is better to read the book and series before this or you won’t understand certain references but the action can be enjoyed regardless of where you are in the series. This book doesn’t have as many references to previous books but they are there.
Chloe has definitely grown throughout this book. She is still a cluts and not very handy in a fight, but she is more willing to try. Her heartfelt attempts are still for others, but some of it begins to spark for herself and it’s wonderful to see her confidence strengthen. Quinn was a lot less enjoyable this book as his anger and prejudice take over his best qualities; but the slow burn between him and Chloe is a nice turn from the bleak mood of the novel. Faerie is dying from iron poisoning after the mortals have infiltrated it. It seems every direction they turn they are met with opposition and only by putting their heads together can they figure out a way to save Faerie.
The characters in this book are enjoyable to read even when they are being asshats. The scenes are detailed enough to envision it in your mind. The ending has me ready to see how things will progress with the next book.
Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was super excited when this book finally came out, and I was not disappointed with this second book to the amazing adventure of Chloe and Quintus. Chloe has come a long way in the last book trying to save the faerie from humas. The detail in this book made me feel like I was in the book watching from the side lines. This book had a lot of emotions, from excitement, the anticipation, laughter, sad, angry and everything in between it made for an excellent well put together book, that I just could not put down. Highly recommend this book with the fantasy, adventure element to this book.
Dream-Shifter by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow what a great fantasy book. I like finding different genres and this is quite a little gem. I like how the author takes the magical world and paints a wonderful story. The characters have a bit of complexity that brings depth to the story. I really like how there is a bit of drama as well as adventure. I really thought this was a good book and a little out of my genre selection but was very glad that I did read it. I will definitely be reading more from this author in future.
Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
View all my reviews
Misfortune of Song: An Irish Historical Fantasy Family Saga by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Misfortune of Song was another great read from the Druid’s brooch series! I have kind of dipped in and out of the series and haven’t read the books in order however the ones that I have read, including this one, have been really enjoyable reads. I find that I am instantly transported into the imaginative and creative worlds that this author has created. The characters are always well thought out and you find that you can’t help but want to see what happens to them in their story. There is a lot of action in this story which definitely kept my interest from beginning to end. I really enjoy historical fiction so it’s great that I can add this series to my collection of ones that I have enjoyed reading.
I would definitely recommend this book and the series, the authors writing is fantastic, very creative and the stories are definitely entertaining. I am definitely looking forward to reading the other books in the series!
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61393565-dream-shifter” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Dream-Shifter” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1656957162l/61393565._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61393565-dream-shifter”>Dream-Shifter</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331633.Lois_Wickstrom”>Lois Wickstrom</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5092661600″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Lois did another knock out wonderful book! This is aimed for I would say tween years but even as an adult it was super cute and really easy to follow.<br />Gwendolyn is an aspiring journalist, well when she’s woken up abruptly she changes into what ever she is dreaming about. Well suprise! She’s woken up and she’s an ELK! Now Gwendolyn has to figure out how to shift back to herself, but also learn how to be what she shifts into, but as an elk in hunting season this could be a little dicey. This is a journey Gwendolyn has to learn how to adapt to this new form.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
Mis-Spelled: Book One of the Stellaluna Chronicles by T.H. Leatherman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a great young adult story written by a new author to me. The main character is an individual that you cannot help but cheer for and wish that they were your own best friend. I was immediately drawn into this story and could not put it down. There were so many plot twists and turns that I was on the edge of my seat. There were a couple of occasions where I laughed until I cried. My family was looking at me like I was crazy so I would explain what was going on to them. In fact, my brother has now asked to read the book because he was entertained by what I was telling him. I highly recommend this book whether you are a young adult or an adult. It was so good. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Misfortune of Song: An Irish Historical Fantasy Family Saga by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a new author for me, and I must say the writing was beyond exceptional. I could not get enough of the characters or story that was stitched together. Honestly, I was mesmerized all the way.
I had not read the previous books in the series, but I certainly am going to be going back to read the rest. This could be read as a stand alone, but I know I will appreciate reading the others. What I enjoyed very much was the strength of family and the characters. I felt for both Orlagh and Maelan. Both had different aspects and ways of life. Both wanted what was best for Orlagh (her grandfather and herself.) The story develops at a quick pace. I enjoyed the input of fae into the novel as well. I found the story full of engagement, and had its own spell on me, I was in suspense many times throughout my reading. I must add the author is fantastic at descriptive writing of the lands and what the characters see, You truly feel your looking through their eyes! Wonderful read, most definitely had its spell over me! I truly felt the heart of it!
Wonderful read that I wish I got to enjoy sooner than later. I will be sure going back to read the other books as well as more by this gifted author! Highly recommend this must read book/series/author!
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Original
A different style of book that I would not normally pick up but it was a great read! A fantasy adventure that is intriguing and has a story that is layered with descriptions, smattered with paranormal and dashed with humour. The characters were interesting, with Hassan and Jasmine having to find their way and to survive. A great read for lovers of fantasy adventures.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
So this book is definitely an interesting book. Like, not in a bad way, but it’s definitely like nothing else I’ve read before. It is full of humor though, and it’s a whirlwind of action that moves quickly and takes the reader on a ride for sure. I did enjoy it, and it’s perfect for this colder weather and fits right in with the holiday if you’re someone who enjoys “seasonal” reading. Definitely give it a try!
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read by Vik Azeem. I originally picked this book because of its unique ethnicity as not many books are based on Pakistani American families. The synopsis intrigued me, so I decided to try something new. The number of relatable details that the author gives to their world pulls you into the world they have created and made you imagine the looks or hear the calls. Thinking of his mother “She glanced at me like a scolding Thanos.” Being a Marvel fan that line was one of my first laughs that lightened up the mood of the book and made you curious what was coming next.
Hassan is currently 24 years old with an older brother named Amir that is 8 years older. His brother is married with a 10-year-old little girl named Kassia, which Hassan enjoys and even offers to babysit now that she is no longer a baby. While his brother’s life seems to be perfect with success and a family Hassan is reaching new lows that he didn’t know where possible. Unemployed for four months already Hassan is running low on savings and is starting to worry about what he is going to do next. His mother wishes he would return home and go to law school like his older brother, but he enjoys living in the city an hour away and having his own life. Christmas eve and Hassan is sitting in his apartment, after receiving one of the most overly annoying telemarketer calls, “your cars extended warranty”, Hassan is acknowledging that the holidays make being single depressing. Accepting that he is beginning to experience loneliness Hassan is determined to break out of his habits and try and pick up his life. Its only when he meets Yasmine a week later that he is no longer sure what is the right way to go.
Could Yasmine be Hassan’s perfect match, that all the dating apps failed to find him? What is Yasmine’s darkest secrets and how will they affect Hassan? The author pulls you in with a relatable character with references to real world culture or situations while also knowing the perfect moments for a pick me up. I found the Ice Dance an interesting read that I couldn’t put down. I look forward to reading more work by Vik Azeem.
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good read! I enjoyed the ethnicity of the characters and just the vibe of the book in general. It was easy to get lost in and also easy to read. The characters were very enjoyable and the story was interesting and held my interest. My only complaint was the lack of connectedness to time, and some of the conversations were a little hard to follow. Other than that I really enjoyed this book! I’m excited to read more from this author in the future!
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5/5 Stars
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Ice Dance is a lovely read and I look forward to more by the author. The book draws you in and keeps you hooked.
Hassan is used to not celebrating the Christmas holiday. Sure he gets with family, but this year is different. He is no jobless and about to be homeless. Can he figure something out before it’s too late? The quote I chose for Hassan is: “With the movie, I’m just thinking. If I knew the person I loved was alive, I would have done anything I could to visit them. She could have brought him a pizza or something.”
Yasmine isn’t exactly from this realm. In her realm she is a princess and she witnessed her father’s death. Now the one wanting to take over is chasing her. The quote I chose for Yasmine is: “Yes. The Red Kingdom refused to honor me as the queen until I turned twenty-one. It’s an age-old rule. Vincent understood this and set the wedding to be held right after my birthday. Once we are married, he will be king, and the Red Kingdom will again share their resources. That is horrible news for Hollow-Maid. Things are already bad and will only get worse.”
Highly recommended for Fantasy lovers.
Order of Vespers by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow. What an amazing start to an action packed series. The author did a fantastic job with building her characters and bringing them to life. She pulled me in from the very first explosion and kept me wanting more with every page. Can not wait to see what is in store for Jasper and Jordy and the rest of the circle members.
Misfortune of Song: An Irish Historical Fantasy Family Saga by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Misfortune of Song is the fifth book in the Druid’s Brooch Series by Christy Nicholas. This is a historical fantasy- with action, adventure, magic, paranormal elements, drama, romance, mystery, humour, young love, challenges, heartbreak, betrayal, danger, battles, bargains, and fantastic world building. I have said it before, and I say it again, I really love the attention to detail and vividly descriptive storytelling that Ms. Nicholas excels at- it brings her stories to life and makes them very realistic, believable, and entirely immersive. As with the other books in this series that I have read, this is really well written, intriguing, and engaging. The story pulled me in and kept my attention right from the beginning. The character/s are complex, fully realised individuals who were cleverly crafted- with interesting and quirky natures.
I haven’t read the books in this series in sequence- instead picking books by random- thankfully each book is able to be read as a standalone. Having said that though, if you love a great fantasy with lots of historical elements, then you would most definitely enjoy the other books in this series as well- and after reading one, you will probably want to explore more/all.
In this book we meet Maelan and his granddaughter Orlagh, who live in Ireland in the 12th century. Maelan is determined to protect his granddaughter, even from herself, as well as fulfil his duty to chief, and uphold the family name. Orlagh is a little headstrong and impulsive, and tests all the boundaries he tries to impose. But choices are made, and the consequences are quite disastrous. Maelan must decide what he is prepared to do in order to save her? Can he succeed? What happens? You really should read the story and discover all the intriguing details for yourself- it’s well worth your time!
Thank you, Christy Nicholas!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
This book is magic, romance and comedy all bundled into one delightful tale. Hassan is relatable and the writing immediately draws you in. It’s takes you on an adventure that you hope will never end. Fantastical fantasy!
Ice Dance, Vik Azeem, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, New Adult, Fantasy
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really enjoyable book. Hassan was a really laid back kind of hero but as reading the story the reader had to root for him and cheer as he battled through all the challenges and obstacles he came up against. The story kept my attention and I especially liked the jokes that were in the book cause I am a sucker for bad jokes,as I am always telling them myself. I enjoyed this author and I look forward to seeing more from them.
Misfortune of Song: An Irish Historical Fantasy Family Saga by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is an excellent addition to the Druid’s Brooch Series. The story was easy to get into and the characters were written nicely. This could be read as a stand alone but the other books in the series are just as great and I would highly recommend them.
Almost all of the characters in this book got on my nerves or did things that made me hate them. In saying that, it really made the book all that much more interesting for me. I wanted to read on to see how each person would react to the different situations they were thrown into.
Orlagh is a fool, chasing after a love that wasn’t even there in the beginning just because of one kiss. Temuirr is a promiscuous man that can’t hold a solid relationship which, leads to his sister Yana always exasperated by the situations he gets himself into. Orlagh finds out that her grandfa is arranging a marriage for her with a man from their village, she denounces her grandfa’s care to live on her own and follow her love for Temuirr. Temuirr is surprised and taken aback, he realizes he is in too deep with this woman and may have to court her for real.
Eolande is Orlagh’s best friend, and my favorite character. She always has Orlagh’s back and is a fae that was cast out of her world because she fell in love with a mortal. She follows Oralgh in her quest to track down Temuirr to watch over her and keep her safe. Maelan, Orlagh’s grandfa and Eogan, Maelan’s best friend, go out on a search to find Orlagh and bring her home as well as to her senses regarding the traveling bard, Temuirr. Maelan makes many very terrible decisions regarding his granddaughter in the form of kidnapping her and ruining her relationship with not only Temuirr but him as well.
I don’t want to give away too much more information, but there is some stuff that goes down towards the end and really makes for a nice ending to the book. I did enjoy this book and can’t wait to look into more books from this series.
This book had my attention from start to finish!!! If you have felt alone and yet surrounded by people, this book is for you. Jasper Lee Andrews (the Main Character) shows you how to survive/disappear from those who are out to hurt you or even worse kill you. Jasper’s world is turned upside in a matters of hours. She goes from being a part of a family of five to an orphan after the Order kills her family. With the help of some new “friends” she is able to get the revenge she has desperately needed. I can’t wait until book two comes out!!!
Order of Vespers by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book had my attention from start to finish!!! If you have felt alone and yet surrounded by people, this book is for you. Jasper Lee Andrews (the Main Character) shows you how to survive/disappear from those who are out to hurt you or even worse kill you. Jasper’s world is turned upside in a matters of hours. She goes from being a part of a family of five to an orphan after the Order kills her family. With the help of some new “friends” she is able to get the revenge she has desperately needed. I can’t wait until book two comes out!!!
Ice Dance by Vik Azeem
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hassan has been going through the struggles of life after losing his job. His best friend pressures him into attending comedy night at a local bar, where Hassan meets Yasmine. Yasmine is everything he ever wanted. Things seem almost too good to be true for Hassan when Yasmine gives him her number, except it is not a phone number. A week later, Hassan starts to give up on Yasmine, when he gets a phone call for an interview, except it is not an interview. It is an interrogation. Yasmine is on the run and the interrogator is looking for her. Hassan barely makes it out alive, with the help of Yasmine, but now he is in deep danger for the girl he has fallen in love with. Will they escape? Find out in Ice Dance.
Ice Dance is a whimsical read full of action, thrill, romance, and comedic relief. All the characters are relatable, and the descriptions are vivid. This book will keep you engaged until the very end.
If you are looking for a fantasy story full of magic, romance, and comedy, look no further and pick up a copy of Ice Dance.
Weep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and seeing where life would take Mercy and Sherry. The author has a way of telling the story of La Llorona in a magical and mystical manner that makes it intriguing and not as frightening as some other stories about La Llorona have been depicted. This is the second work of Marie DeBlassie I’ve read but the first longer workof hers and should definitely be categorized as magical realism. If you enjoy that genre or reading about young women explore life and themselves despite what they are told then you will definitely enjoy this book.
