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Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors by C. L. Schneider – Review by Jana Lewis

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Smoke & Mirrors (Nite Fire #3)Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great story – full of fantasy elements and mystery throughout. I like how the author weaves various types of creatures, some that I have heard of and some that I have not, in a society where they hide almost in plain sight. Crimes that seem to be related draw Nite further into the mystery, blurring the lines of her world and ours. Some elements reminded me of The Silence of the Lambs but with dragons and fantastical creatures. I was a bit lost on some aspects of Nite’s relationship with some of the characters because I have not read the previous novels, but it was not something that ruined the enjoyment of the story.

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Exiled South by Harriet Cannon – Review by Jana Lewis

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Exiled SouthExiled South by Harriet Cannon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I found this to be an interesting story. As a lover of history, and the American Civil War, especially, discussion of Confederates who escaped after the war are very rarely discussed. Situations involving mixed-race offspring are not often discussed, either, but this story brings both situations into focus and exploration. The main struggle I had was just that the story was written fully in present tense, including sections that take place in the past. The majority of what I read is written in past tense so it’s just an adjustment on my part. But I do like how this story gave me a different view of the war that I didn’t know existed.

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The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Jana Lewis

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The Elements of the Crown (The Elements of Kamdaria, #1)The Elements of the Crown by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow – that was an awesome read! I can only describe it as reminding me of The Hunger Games and Avatar: The Last Airbender with several other twists and turns thrown in. This book literally sucked me in from the beginning. I love the use of the manipulation of the main four elements, while also modifying them for use in other ways. I struggled to put this down (a person does have to sleep!) and really enjoyed it. Talise and Aaden are great main characters to follow, each with their own secrets and struggles that held me through to the end. I can’t wait to read the sequel!

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jana Lewis

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The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran #2)The Book of Carraig by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! Great follow-up to The Cross of Ciaran and just as adventurous. I love the twists and turns that run throughout, and the continuation of the relationship by Ciaran and Caitlin as they visit Ireland. There is a great balance of heartache, new love, and danger with some great historical flashbacks. Who knew an archaeologist’s life could be so exciting! We meet new characters, all of which have their own personality and lend a lot to the story. I am sorry to see the series end but look forward to reading more books by Ms. Matthews!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jana Lewis

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Decisions and Possibilities (Notebook Mysteries #2)Decisions and Possibilities by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Light-hearted mystery featuring a young, spunky female investigator who isn’t afraid to stick her neck out. She can bake bread and decorate cakes then throw knives with accuracy. I found the storyline a good one and the network of characters a good solid group. It reminded me a lot of Miss Fischer’s Mysteries, but is appropriate for younger readers. I struggled a little bit with the writing style as there were disruptions of a “narrator,” that I didn’t quite understand. I have not yet read the first book in the series so it may be explained better there (I will have to read and find out!).

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Sweet Nightmares (The Dream World Chronicles Book 1) by Chynna Pace – Review by Jana Lewis

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Sweet Nightmares (The Dream World Chronicles #1)Sweet Nightmares by Chynna Pace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Suspenseful and entertaining book! I really enjoyed the twists and turns Sweet Nightmares had to offer. From the experiences of not knowing parents, to losing parents, moving to live with strangers who are family, and trying to make new friends in a new town, this story has it all! Some aspects I was not completely surprised but the way Ms. Pace weaves the story together was done in a great way. I never lost interest in the story and spent every available minute reading it. I can’t wait to read the next one.

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The Arsonist’s Handbook by L.A. Detwiler – Review by Jana Lewis

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The Arsonist's Handbook: A Gripping Psychological ThrillerThe Arsonist’s Handbook: A Gripping Psychological Thriller by L.A. Detwiler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was not sure what to expect going into this book but it was a very interesting read. It is a dark focus, filled with a lot of family dysfunction, but held a lot of questions. I related to most of the characters – as a teen with one parent who was never there, as a parent who would do whatever I had to if it kept my kids safe, and as a working parent who always seems to be tired. I do not identify with the arsonist, however (which is a good thing – you can stop dialing the police now). I enjoyed the twists and turns throughout the story and I like how all characters have a flaw, but are trying to make it through life. Some portions I had figured out about midway through the book, but most I did not…until the end. Overall, it was a great piece of work – very well thought out!

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First, We Kill All the Lawyers (Donovan Trait Series) by Seelie Kay – Review by Jana Lewis

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First, We Kill All the LawyersFirst, We Kill All the Lawyers by Seelie Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable read. It’s definitely a different spin on the vampire stories (and other creatures). I like how the format is not focused as much on the vampire, but more shows it as a complication in certain situations. I also enjoy how you get the perspective of the killer and it’s clear when her scenes come up. I enjoy the interaction and personality that comes through on various characters and how they can still act in a way that is “human.” Looking forward to reading the next one!

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The Cross of Ciarán (The Cross of Ciarán Book 1) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jana Lewis

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The Cross of CiaranThe Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. It started with a mystery from the beginning and didn’t rush through everything, but built up slowly and consistently. I love history and enjoy the little bits of Gaelic, Latin and Celtic history interwoven into the story. The idea is unique, from what I have seen so far, and a great spin looking at the past. I like the characters and can picture them clearly. A great read and I am looking forward to reading its sequel! I would even watch it as a movie or mini-series!

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The Web of Humanity by Maria Turchin – Review by Jana Lewis

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The Web of Humanity: A NovelThe Web of Humanity: A Novel by Maria Turchin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I could not put this book down! It grabbed me from the very beginning and I couldn’t do anything but think about it when I wasn’t able to read. I love books set in historical settings, especially WWII, and this held me throughout the entire story. Even when I thought the story was done, it wasn’t even close. Lots of twists, turns, mystery, laughing, crying and always wondering what was next. I especially enjoyed the viewpoint of German citizens during the war and it’s immediate aftermath. The descriptions pull me into Germany and light up my desire to get back into learning the language and visiting at some point. I can’t recommend this book enough.

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Sleeping Angel (Soul Connection Book 2) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Jana Lewis

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Sleeping Angel (Soul Connection, #2)Sleeping Angel by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As expected, this book did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book of the series, Peaceful Slumber, and this one was even better! I am thrilled to see returning characters and really liked the new characters and the web that entwined them. There were several twists and turns that I did not anticipate and it made for a great read – very hard to put down!

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jana Lewis

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The Lightning Horse (Empire at Twilight, #1)The Lightning Horse by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is not a time period I am familiar with but I found it entertaining and with some twists I did not expect. I appreciate the insinuations of violent acts or relations between people but without the details that I don’t want to read. The characters were easy to follow and their actions made sense. The political structure was somewhat familiar but not the same as we know in medieval times, for example, so it was a nice change. Some portions of the story I had figured out earlier on in reading, but there were a handful of twists thrown in that provided a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed the focus on family and how things come full circle. Overall, a great read!

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Peaceful Slumber (Soul Connection Book 1) by Nikki Lynn Barrett – Review by Jana Lewis

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Peaceful Slumber (Soul Connection, #1)Peaceful Slumber by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed reading this book. I like stories with a bit of paranormal and love mysteries. I also love the sarcastic banter between Scott and Zelda. While some events of the story were anticipated, there were several twists that I did not expect and it made the storyline thoroughly enjoyable. The basics of the story was unique, and made for an entertaining read. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes paranormal and mysteries.

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