The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was very emotional and I shed many tears as I read. Some sad and some happy. This woman endured many struggles and feats, and its a story that is well told and not to be forgotten. It has immense strength of a 1000 women type vibes, and its an emotional yet beautiful story in itself. I loved the book, but felt emotionally drained along the journey.
Taming of the Few by Christy Nicholas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was not at all what I expected it to be when I read the synopsis but it did not disappoint. There is a percentage of humans who have manifested powers which people are calling them the “Unhidden”. Since there is a higher percentage of the Unhidden manifesting in Ireland, that country is self dubbed as a safe haven for those who have powers.
The author writes from the point of view of each Unhidden who is staying in the same place on a farm. Though we do see the point of views of Anna and Max more often.
Anna is a quiet gym teacher who lives alone and keeps to herself. She has manifested water powers. A student discovered her powers by accident one day so the town ran Anna out. She saw a pamphlet of a place for her kind in Ireland and didn’t think twice about going. She is extremely anxious but with the help of others she starts getting more comfortable in her own skin.
Max, who is a war vet and functioning alcoholic can control the wind. He is a bitter old man who is used to being alone and it shows in how he talks to the others.
The group of Unhidden staying at the farm barely had time to even unpack when they are called to war. Normal humans want to eradicate the Unhidden.
What surprised me was the amount of racism and politics in this book, making this a unique point of view of magical beings. I was intrigued from the beginning of the book to the end and then some. I NEED to read the next installment when available!
