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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Kerry Carr

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this fantasy adventure. The story had me gripped from beginning to end and the twists and turns kept me reading all the way through. The author does an amazing job of building the characters and especially our lead character Jana.

She is a young woman who thinks she is normal but boy is she wrong. When the queen is murdered secrets come out about her abilities that were kept hidden from her.
Now she needs to find a way to learn about who she really is and what her abilities mean.
At the same time someone is killing the royal family. Jana is a suspect so she must try to work hard to prove that she is innocent.
All along she is learning that people aren’t always who they seem to be and that not everybody can be trusted. As the story twists and the plot carries on we can feel the turmoil Jana feels when people she thought she can trust betray her.

Can she prove her innocence? Will she find the murderer and stop the killings?

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The Clockwork Witch (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 1) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Piper Foster

The Clockwork WitchThe Clockwork Witch by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In all honest I wanted to love this book. The premises is brilliant and I was looking forward reading it. I unfortunately couldn’t find connect with the characters and they had little substance to them. I will say the authors descrptive style was canny but would be better with a bit more embraliahment.

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Rayne East

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brilliant stand-alone YA fantasy mystery
This was an amazing YA fantasy adventure. The interwoven mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. The world building and depth of characterisation were exceptional. I connected with Jana and was quickly swept along with her journey. This is my first book from this author and it won’t be my last. Intriguing and suspenseful I can’t recommend this book enough.

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Angela Hayes

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

5 Stars

 

I have to say that I didn’t like this story…………..

………… I absolutely LOVED it!!!!!
The Mesmerist by Claire Luana is a spellbinding fantasy that swept me up on quite the adventure. I adore all of Ms. Luana’s books and eagerly await each new release, so I was beyond excited when this new book hit my Kindle. I had very high expectations for this book because all her previous releases have been so stellar, and I am happy to report that Ms. Luana definitely delivered the goods with this wonderful book. I really can’t find the words to do this story the justice it deserves, so I will just say that I can’t recommend this story highly enough and if you are looking at reading it, run and snap up a copy and dive in, you really won’t be disappointed!
Can’t wait to see what she does next!
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Claire Luana!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Etched in this Moment (Etched Series Book 1) by Calla Zae – Review by Jenni Bishop

Etched in this Moment (Etched, #1)Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a contemporary romance suspense story and the first book I have read by this author. There are plenty of emotions and drama, angst, and suspense, secrets and lies, pain and suffering, fear, heartache and so much more. The story is fast paced and full of chemistry that is off the charts in this insta love story. Throw in some danger and mystery, and a bit of action with a woman living in fear with no trust and a charming alpha male who wants to protect, and you have an emotionally charged story that you can’t put down.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Jenni Bishop

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Young Adult fantasy mystery story where the characters are well developed and there are many plots with twists and turns that keep you intrigued. The world building is rich, and the story is engaging and clever. With lies and deception, bloodshed, and magic, and much more with tangled plots in murder and mayhem. Becoming a Mesmer is going to be hard when she is trying to prove her innocence within a world that is corrupt and evil. This book is darker than the authors previous series, which adds to the mystery and intrigue. The author has left some threads unwoven which will undoubtedly lead to more books in this deadly compelling tale.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Etched in this Moment (Etched Series Book 1) by Calla Zae – Review by Ember Daley

Etched in this Moment (Etched, #1)Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well. That escalated quickly! I couldn’t stop reading. I’m sad it was as short as it was, and I personally feel like everything was rushed and that we missed out on so much goodness. BUT it is the first of the series, so I’m not going to harp. My first book by this author, very pleased with her writing style and characters. I’ll be here for book two!

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, #4)Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Secrets is a very fitting title for the 4th book in the Mafia Elite series. There was so much going on in this book that caught me off guard. It is action packed, and lots of surprised and twists. I loved it. While the book mainly focuses on Elena and Marco, there is added details to the other family members along the way. While you probably could read the book out of the series, I wouldn’t recommend it. They are all wonderful, and the characters and their stories overlap. The Five Families are all married into each other, in this new generation Chicago mafia series. The characters are great, and I love that the women are strong independent women, with an amazing support system for each other. At the same time, the men have a softer side that shows when around their sisters or wives. I can’t wait to finish the series, as I’m totally hooked.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Nite Fire: Chain Reaction by C. L. Schneider – Review by Emily Beehler

Chain Reaction (Nite Fire #2)Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Chain Reaction hits a new point in the Nite Fire series for Dhalia. In thin book Dhalia is faced with the fact that her power is evolving, and with it so will she. She is back at it with Detective Creed in solving murder cases, all the while still making sure to keep the detective off the trail of finding that supernatural creatures are real. We see just how corrupt the species have become from Dhalia’s home realm, and what measures they are willing to take in order to take and maintain power. There are many secrets revealed, which leave both the reader and Dhalia with questions. Another phenomenal book in the Nite Fire series.

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Wild Hare’s Daughter (Wild Hares) by Laura Koerber – Review by Lyndsay withey

Wild Hare's DaughterWild Hare’s Daughter by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow! From the first page I was hooked! I couldn’t put this book down! I absolutely loved how the story is laid out so you know exactly whose point of view you are following at every stage. Growing up in a small town, it always felt like you couldn’t ever have a secret because everyone knew everything but this story showed it is still possible not to know everything even if you think you do.

I will say there were many points in the story where I was shocked or thrown. It was not as predictable as I initially thought it would be! I loved it!

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1) by CJ Cartwright-Review by Amanda Kimble

Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1)Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Power Play: A Second Chance Hockey Romance (Astoria Bay Thunder #1) by CJ Cartwright

This is the first book I’ve read by the author. It won’t be my last by the author either. I can’t wait until the next book comes out. I hope to see more of Brynn and Levi. Power Play is the first book in the Astoria Bay Thunder Series.

Levi is making his dreams come true by playing pro hockey. The team gets fans to come down to shoot a goal and Mac is one of them. With the help of his teammates is he going to be able win her over? The quote I chose for Levi is: “If you boys are done stripping, maybe we can get to practice. No one is going to buy a fucking calendar from a team that doesn’t win. Unless you plan on asking the Kodiaks to come pose with you?”

Brynn is newly divorced and starting her dream. Only it’s not as easy as she thought it was going to be and she runs into an old flame. With her best friend’s help can she tell the guy she still loves him? The quote I chose for Brynn is: “Um, that’s great, Levi – but maybe less serial killer and more… soft? This is supposed to inspire feelings of lust or admiration… not fear.”

Highly recommended for Contemporary Sports Romance lovers.

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Nite Fire: Flash Point by C. L. Schneider – Review by Emily Beehler

Flash Point (Nite Fire, #1)Flash Point by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In Flash point the reader is introduced to Dhalia Nite, a lyrriken (dragon hybrid) that fled from her home realm, whose been living amongst human for close to a century. We fallow Dhalia on an investigation of murders caused by those like her, where simultaneously she is trying to understand why her kind is murdering, and brutally so, all the while making sure to cover up any notions that these murders could be supernatural. This becomes hard as she is joined in this investigation by Detective Creed, who to Dhalia’s detriment, wants nothing less than the truth even if is supernatural. What I enjoyed about this book was the powers that Dhalia has, and how she is able to feel and see into a persons perspective, which does come in handy when trying to solve a murder case. This book is a unique storytelling, with AMAZING world building, and complex characters. Flash point is only the beginning to an intriguing world of dragon hybrids, and Dhalia Nites story.

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Jo Frizzell

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book fascinated me from seeing the cover and reading the summary until the very end! I read the summary and immediately wanted to know everything. This author does an amazing job building the world and enticing their readers to want to be there. The characterizations and their development were truly fabulous! One of my favorite parts of reading any book is watching the relationships between the characters grow and change, and this author did a marvelous job drawing me in from word one!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Jamie Zabolotney

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book checked every box for me. I loved the writing, the characters, the fast pace and all of the drama! I couldn’t help but speed through this book.

Adrijana Mironacht had often dreams of visiting the capital city and seeing the palace, but rarely do dreams meet reality. Dazzled by her surroundings, she can’t understand her fathers reluctance to stay until she ends up in the dungeon. Her father must then explain to Adrijana that she is a Mesmerist, one who can read and manipulate others’ minds.

With each new intrigue, Adrajana is determined to find the truth of what is going on and clear her own name. Get this book, you will not be disappointed!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Kayleigh Allen

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is my first book by Claire Luana. I absolutely loved this story. There are so many twists and turns. The plot is also amazing. I fell in love after the first few pages. I normally wouldn’t read something like this, but I am so glad that I did because it is such a perfect story. I highly recommend!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Crystal Jimmo

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy cow Batman! This book definitely pulled me in from the first chapter! Just when you think you and Adrjiana have it all figured out, the author throws a curveball and everything you thought you knew was completely and totally wrong and now you have to question everything and anything. I enjoyed reading this fast paced book and wonderful writing. This author really knows how to pull you in. I connected with the characters and the story. I cant wait to read more by this author and see where else she takes me!

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Alexandria Richard

Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1)Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love me a good sports romance. Also a second chance and forced proximity romance.

I really enjoyed the role reversal that this author uses: I usually see the female as the one who knows who the other person is and is the one going after their love interest, but here Levi is the one who realizes who Brynn is and is the pursuer.

I liked that there was still a buildup of the chemistry between the characters rather than a “I used to love you as a kid, now you’re here, lets fall into bed” situation.

I love the sexy calendar fundraiser aspect to this story. Of the ones I’ve read that does something like that I found that this author did it the best. Also, I want that cabin in the woods for myself! Maybe Levi can make a guest appearance ;-P

I absolutely adore the side characters, with Tia and Bridger being the most prominent (oh the tension there!). I can’t wait to read their story (book 2) and how they find their HEA (this is romance, so a HEA— Happy Ever After— is expected). I also adored Xander and his gentleness. I can’t wait to read about him.

This book does mention characters from another book, and whets the appetite for that story., but that one is technically not part of this series. As this is the first book I’ve read from this author I’ll certainly be adding that to my TBR list.

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The View from Here by Leon Stevens – Review by Felicia Bates

The View from HereThe View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I don’t read many sci fi books but I stumbled across this novella and I figured with such a short page count, what did I have to lose? I wasn’t sure what to expect, as I was taking a chance on a new to me author but as I find more often than not, I was pleasantly surprised. This story was captivating from start to finish and left me craving more. The imagery and attention to detail did not go unnoticed and the characters were well developed. I enjoyed this brief escape from
reality!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Jordan Allen

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book absolutely deserves to be a New York Time’s best seller!

Adijana enters into a life she didn’t ask for when she goes to visit her best friend Simeon. Upon arriving the queen is killed. Adijana learns that she has power that may make the truth of the murderer become apparent. However, she finds herself in murky waters as she muddles through politics, deception, and her new found mystical abilities.

Claire Luana knocked it out of the park with this one! I found myself staying up until midnight and waking up at 4AM just so I could read this book. I couldn’t find the self control to put it down! Every page leaked with passion, murder, fear, and betrayal. I didn’t know who to trust or where the story would lead. The last hundred pages Claire wrapped it all up in a beautiful box and set it on our laps.

I am really sad this book is over! I wish I could read it again for the first time. I will be anxiously awaiting the second book!

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Etched in this Moment (Etched Series Book 1) by Calla Zae – Review by Skylar Daniels

Etched in this Moment (Etched, #1)Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Etched in this Moment by Calla Zae is my first book by the author, but it’s definitely not going to be my last. It had me engrossed from the first paragraph and I wasn’t able to stop reading it until the very end. Tia and Theo meet by chance, but that very moment changes everything in their lives. Sofia finds it hard to trust again and Theo is driven to keep her safe. Their relationship progresses fast but it suits them very well. This story will absolutely amaze you with its brilliant plot, fascinating characters, and beautiful romance. It has everything, angst, suspense, mystery.

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A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters) by Marianne Rice – Review by Angela Shirley

A Hundred Wishes (Band of Sisters)A Hundred Wishes by Marianne Rice
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gina has steadily been putting her life back together from the tragic roadside bomb from her army days. Gina is comfortable with showing herself from behind a computer but when she gets close to Bryce someone who is prepared to get inside the walls she has built up.

This story was heart warming and engaging, the characters were well developed and I related to Gina’s character and her reluctance to involve herself with Bryce in the beginning. Although she has scars on the outside of her body the ones on the inside are more powerful and more deadly.

The story was well developed and you are gently woven through the backgrounds and the present day for both of the main characters, the secondary characters also add a depth to the story which is great to read. I can’t wait to read more books by this great author.

Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright – Review by M Policicchio

Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1)Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright

5 out of 5

I love hockey and I love steamy romances. This book brings those two things together in a wonderful story of second chances and finding the one.

Brynn Mackintosh is starting over. Brynn needs to find a place where she can be happy and escape the past. Brynn has decided to follow her dream of becoming a fine art photographer but she finds that it isn’t as easy as she thought it was going to be. On a chance, Brynn takes a job that offers to double her normal fee. At this event she meets Bridger, a man that will help change the course of Brynn’s life.

Levi Fawkes has been playing for the Astoria Bay Thunder for ten years. He is the team captain and resident man of mystery. Levi is always ready to help out with the many charities that the team funds. When a promotion between one of the charities is combined with a radio contest winner, Levi is brought face to face with the one that got away, the one he walked away from when he was 18, the one he has missed and longed for everyday since.

Can Levi explain what happened when he left? Can Brynn forgive Levi? Can the ghosts of Brynn’s past haunt her future with Levi? Is there any hope?

The cast of characters starting with Brynn, Bridger, Levi and Tia are fun and enjoyable. I can’t wait for the next book. I love the way the stories are interwoven and will be a part of each other’s stories. The author is amazing at making you feel each character’s emotion. The details in the descriptions paint vivid pictures, like the photo shoot in the shower or with the lumberjack! Jump into this series now! Don’t wait. It is going to be one helluva ride!!

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Allyson Ware

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I honestly do not even know where to begin. I knew I would enjoy this book from reading the synopsis, but I had no idea just how much I would enjoy it. There are twists and turns in every corner of this novel. I think my jaw dropped, at minimum, five or six times while reading it.

If you are a fantasy lover, like myself, then you will adore this book. You will also love Adrijana and the adventure she gets sucked into at 17 years old. I know I will not be able to go into detail without spoiling the book, but just trust me on this and read it.

Review by @aware

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Kerry Baker

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author has done it yet again. Every time I pick up a book by this author I think there is no way she can possibly create something as good as the other books. And every time I am proven wrong! This book was absolutely brilliant. I was pulled straight into the story and could not stop reading until I had finished. I always find this authors stories to be so vivid and imaginative. I was fully invested in Adrijana’s journey and couldn’t wait to see how everything would play out.
This is such a well written and exciting story. I would highly recommend it to everyone!

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The View from Here by Leon Stevens – Review by Whitney Morrison

The View from HereThe View from Here by Leon Stevens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m actually very surprised by how much I enjoyed this novella. It really had a way of pulling me in and I devoured it very quickly. It was such an interesting time going with Thomas on his very different hike. Then we meet April and things just keep on getting more interesting and captivating from there. I just overall loved it! Highly recommended if you enjoy science fiction.

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Santana Hicks

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The concept of this book was very interesting. The main character, Adrijana, lived a poor life with her father longing to live in the city where the royal family lived. Little did she know her wish would be granted but not in the way she thought. Adrijana was always able to see peoples emotions but she didn’t really think anything of it. When her and her father went into the city to deliver a herb to the queen, she is found to be an undeclared Mesmerist. Her powers were suppressed and she had no idea. The two royal Mesmers take her in to train her. Overnight, Adrijana’s life is turned upside down.

Someone is killing the royal family one by one and Adrijana is trying to get to the bottom of it with the help of the other two Mesmers in the royal court. Nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted.

This book was filled with suspense and mystery with a splash of romance. I would love to look into some more works from this author. This book has for sure been my favourite read thus far in 2022.

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The Mesmerist by Claire Luana – Review by Amanda Swindle

The MesmeristThe Mesmerist by Claire Luana
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was unfamiliar with this author and decided to give it a chance based on the synopsis and very glad I did! The story is so captivating and engaging, the characters well written and the plot had me wanting to stay up into the late night hours reading! I appreciated how down to earth and relatable the characters are, and the growth they show throughout. Adrijana is the main focus, and the Royal Family is being targeted, one after the other. Now she has to figure out the who and the why. With the help of some magicians that can control thoughts and emotions, the story intensifies. This is one of those “I never expected to like this, but what the heck” books turned into “OMG, I LOVE THIS” and definitely not sorry to have grabbed The Mesmerist. I will be looking into more works by this author, definitely worth the chance!

Reviewed by: @zoltrixes

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Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Whitney Morrison

Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder #1)Power Play by C.J. Cartwright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing!

I loooved this story so much! Brynn and Levi couldn’t be anymore perfect. I’m so happy they got thrown together for a second chance and it was a wild ride to be on. I loved everyone from the Astoria Bay Thunder team and I’m so excited to read all the stories we’ll get from it. If you are in the mood for a fun second chance romance this is definitely the right book for you!

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley – Review by Tausha Treadway

Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, #4)Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, book 4) by Amy McKinley. So Amy McKinley is one of my very favorite authors and this series has not disappointed! I LOVE it! This is the continuing story of the Elena Caruso and her Italian Mafia Family. In the last book Elena has been in hiding for a long time and the secret is out that she is still alive. There have been so many changes in the Family that she can hardly keep up. Chicago Mafia Boss Marco La Rosa has been roped into an arranged marriage with Elena and he’s all for it but he has to convince her and keep her from getting killed. Elena has secretly been in love with Marco but he had been with the love of his life but she had died several years prior. He didn’t think he could ever love again but Elena has changed that. Their chemistry is electric and if they can both stay alive they may actually make an arranged marriage work! Read Savage Secrets to find out if Elena survives!

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The Clockwork Witch (The Clockwork Chronicles Book 1) by Michelle D. Sonnier – Review by Vanessa Watts

The Clockwork WitchThe Clockwork Witch by Michelle D. Sonnier
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love all things having to do with witches and magical beings so I was absolutely excited to give this book a try. This book lived up to all expectations having read it in two days or mostly nights. I do not recommend reading this late because you will definitely get sucked in and may find yourself losing sleep over having to find out what happens next.

We start out meeting Arabella the seventh daughter of a seventh witch who has seemed to do nothing except embarrassing her extremely gifted witching bloodline. Called a brown bud for lack of revealing any magical talent or affinity whatsoever it seems the heard prophecy may not be about Arabella at all. This all changes when for the first time Arabella is around working machinery and she sees the glow which is the tell tale sign of magical ability. As she now must prove to her family what she can do with her technomancy power and now her future seems more uncertain than before. Will the council acknowledge this new magical power or will it result in Arabella’s death if she cannot manifest other normal abilities?

This book is a force to be reckoned with and unfortunately my good nights sleep was the loser. From the world Ms. Sonnier builds to the characters she describes and their interactions are phenomenal. This is an amazing book written by an amazing author and I for one can not wait to read the second book in this series!

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