Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Such a fun read with a touch of everything within it. Drama, mystery, magic, offbeat humor, paranormal, and friendship.
You will fall in love with Gwen and appreciate her spirit and sassy attitude. This book was a great surprise that will capture your attention from start to finish.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The title of this book grabbed my attention right away. Also I’m a huge fan of all things paranormal, so I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled that I quickly became hooked with this story. This book has everything: snarky wit, vampires, witches, inheritance drama, a haunted mansion, werewolves, and a good old mystery.
Gwen Carter is the main character and I gotta say I love her sass. She returns to her hometown much to her chagrin, due to a mysterious inheritance matter. While trying to minimize her stay, she has another run of bad luck, as she witnesses a horrific murder. To make matters worse, she is a possible suspect. She deals with obstacles, sarcasm, ghosts, a handsome ex, and all things paranormal in this book.
This is my first time reading a book from this author and I enjoyed it. I think the main character is easily relatable to most readers and who doesn’t love a strong leading lady? You definitely get the feeling that if you knew her in real life, she would tell you how it is, straight forward, no BS but would never lie and act like she knows everything.
I enjoyed reading a fantastic story with a diverse set of characters and a beautiful atmosphere. I can’t wait to read something, anything else from the author.
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich by Carol McKibben
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich is the second book in The Silver Blood Knight Series by Carol McKibben. I don’t know why it has taken me so long to discover this author, because after reading this book I now realise that I have seriously been missing out. But I do wish that I had paid more attention when I purchased this and realised that it is the second book in the series. Because I think if I had read the first book before embarking on this adventure, it would have elevated my reading experience even more. So, I will definitely be going back to read ‘REIGN: The Assault of Lucifer Morningstar’ before continuing on with the rest of the series.
This is an engrossing urban fantasy, with plenty of action, adventure, danger, dramatic developments, shifter hybrids, wizards, magic, Lycans, paranormal beings, high stakes, sinister agendas, politics, corruption, good vs evil, and the very fate of humanity and the world hanging in the balance.
Let’s be honest though, Ms. McKibben already had me at ‘God’s own appointed knight’ and ‘hybrid vampire wolf’…… everything else was just a bonus from there.
Can’t wait to explore the rest of the series.
Happy Reading….
Thank you, Carol McKibben!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich by Carol McKibben
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an amazing way to spend my 33rd birthday. This is the was the first book I have read by the incredible Carol McKibben. Before this book I had never heard of her and was amazed by the amount of emotion I felt for the characters from the first page. Yes, this is the second book in this series, but it does not take away from the story. I didn’t read the first book before this one and didn’t feel that I was missing any information or details that would lessen the impact of the overall plot of this book.
The book starts with Reign having a vision, watching as the ritual that turned the president of Italy into a Lich. With his kindred Reign, James, Adam, and the Moretti brothers have been anointed by God as his warriors, to protect the Earth from evil. After a run in with several creatures from Greek mythology, the group begin to form a plan on how to rid Rome of the terror that is the Lich. The way the author combines so many different elements together to make one cohesive world is inspiring. Flowing nature like water from one instant to the next, the book has a seamless forward movement that doesn’t keep you waiting too long for answers. While also incorporating the main plot for the third book into the middle of the second book that keeps circling in the current goal as a mystery to handle next, after the lich is gone.
Will the group succeed in ending the Lich’s reign over Rome? Can they all make it out of the battle alive? What will happen to Zander? The author truly knows how to entrance the reader, you start the book and before you realize it you finish it craving more. I am beyond excited for the next book in The Silver Blood Series, Reign and the Evil Plagues. In the meantime, I will be going back and reading book one in the series. Also, as this was my first experience with this author, I didn’t know that she was known as the author who writes from a dog’s eyes. With that said the entire book I loved reading the little unconscious actions of Reign, such as randomly standing and spinning in circles mid conversation before returning to his place, never missing a moment.
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich by Carol McKibben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first book by this author which I look forward to seeing what is next for her. I enjoyed this paranormal story. The characters are fun, creative and added so much to the story. This is a fast paced story where there is action, magic, shifting and where evil is closing in on Heaven. Who will win this war? Will James and his friends come out the victors? I found this book to be fast paced and hard to put down. The characters pull you into their world with ease and turn pages fast. There is great growth of the plot throughout which makes the story easy to read. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.
Review by @bjwagner
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich by Carol McKibben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Interesting story. It’s hard to come in on the second book. I found Rein, the adorable wolf, quite endearing. The Z brothers are interesting. The plot felt very interesting. I can’t wait to read the next book. There are Sirens and Muses. It’s a really quick and neat read. I would recommend reading the first one. I felt a little lost coming in at this one but I will go back and catch up. I love the paranormal fantasy and this is really good.
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich: The Silver Blood Knight by Carol McKibben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich (The Silver Blood Knight Book 2 by Carol McKibben
Reign: The Rise of the Lich is the second book in The Silver Blood Knight Series and is a Paranormal Vampire story that will have you turning the pages till the end. This is a new author to me and I’m definitely going back and reading the first book in this series but im also going to check out her other series as well. This may be a short story but its packed with action, suspense, magic, knights, and corrupt politicians and so much more. The characters are developed, yet unique in a very interesting way. The plot is just as unique as the characters and keeps you turning the pages while on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what is going to happen next. Get ready as John and his heavenly friends fight the fight of their lives against the reanimated creatures that are unholy. Good verses Evil. Who will win this battle and become the Victor? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading many more books by this author.
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich: The Silver Blood Knight by Carol McKibben
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
REIGN: The Rise of the Lich: The Silver Blood Knight is the second book in this refreshing series. Unfortunately, I didn’t pick up on this until I was nearly finished this book. Carol is a new author to me, and I really enjoyed her work. Unfortunately, it is a very short story.
The characters are very well developed and interesting, and the world-building is intriguing, and the plot is original and unique. I enjoy a good paranormal tale one where you get lost in the story and invested in the characters and REIGN: The Rise of the Lich is just that.
James and his band of Heavenly friends are in a fight for the souls of on earth against reanimated unholy creatures. It is a fight of their lives. Where a battle against good and evil meet once again. Who will be the victor?
This tale has lots of suspense and a great storyline has twists and turns I didn’t see coming and is action-packed. You will be glued to your seat as you turn page after page.
Magic, Knights, a hybrid vampire wolf, a teenaged wizard, Lycans, corrupt politicians, mythological predators are what you will find in this gripping tale.
Not only will I have to go back to the first book, but I will be going back and start at the beginning of her vampire stories.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Undying Light by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Intriguing
This is the first book in The Stella Maris Series and I really enjoyed it. It was slow in parts but as this is the first book there was a bit of a foundation to lay. Once the pieces started to rally into place the momentum builds. We are still learning so much about the characters and Kaela is still unaware of so much. With mystery, danger and trust issues the story is left on a bit of a cliffhanger.
I am now very keen to check out book 2. Recommend.
They are Italy’s only hope.
James, God’s own appointed knight, a hybrid vampire wolf, a teenaged wizard, and a handful of kindred Lycans are the only barrier that stands between all of Italy and its destruction.
The corrupt politician, Matisse, has spent decades transforming himself into a Lich. Now that he can raise the dead, he leads masses of undead warriors across Italy, intent on killing every living soul in their path.
As heaven’s small band struggles to stop the Lich and his unholy soldiers, other mythological predators arise, determined to destroy James and his friends.
With evil closing in on every side, will Heaven win?
Click here to view the Book Trailer for REIGN: The Rise of the Lich (The Silver Blood Knight Book 2 by Carol McKibben
Award winning author Carol McKibben has written 14 novels. Her two vampire mystery series, Snow Blood and Moon Blood, are narrated predominately by a wolf or dog. Carol also writes paranormal romance with her daughter Stephanie under the pseudonym of Penn Scripter. Together they have created The Demon of Reginhart and The Reincarnation of Charlie. When she’s not writing, you’ll find Carol training or showing her dressage competition horses.
You can check out Carol’s books at www.carolmckibben.com and Penn Scripter at www.penscripter.com or on Amazon and your favorite vendor.
Undying Light: The Stella Maris Series Book 1 by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story is told from multiple POVs. While that may not seem important to some it is for many. While I am not a multiple POV fan on the normal everyday read this story was wonderfully written. It had all the things we expect from fantasy based stories. Great storyline, twists and turns and a line that shouldn’t be crossed but ultimately is. All in all I spent a very enjoyable afternoon with this book.
Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal is a rich and wonderful paranormal story. I really enjoyed the twins Jacqueline Duval and Angélique Laforge. The twins are strong and brilliant. I also love the historical setting of Nineteenth-century France. There is something for everyone’s paranormal desires. This story is fun and well thought out. I had a lot of fun with this book.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book! The characters are intriguing and vibrant. The world building is good. The only thing that could have been better is having some of the backstory fleshed out a bit more. But even so, I was so into the story that I kept turning the pages. The snark, sass, and witty banter throughout the book is amazing.
The author wrote a phenomenal main character in Gwen. She’s real and gritty. She’s tough, but deep down, she cares. It’s a great balance of strong and soft.
Ash… swoon. I need more Ash!
And that ending. Why is the next book not out yet, lol???
Overall, a stellar read!
Messenger by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book two of the series. I really liked this book. You should read in order, to know who is who and to know the story of the characters.
Jace is a Watcher and Cyrus is a Messenger. Cyrus does not want to give up everything he has worked for and so he lets Jace go, he soon realizes that was a big mistake. Cyrus betrays his kind to protect his enemy and he must pay. The Messengers leave him for dead. Jace finds out and breaks his pact to make sure Cyrus is okay.
Do they find each other and reconnect? You’ll just have to read to find out.
Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was. an interesting read, set in 1800s Paris, but complete with automatons, robots, and other futuristic technologies. One of my favorite aspects of this book is the twin sisters, Jacquie and Angel play off each other well, one being an artist/musician and one loves tinkering with metal in her workshop. It takes both of them, with their unique skill sets, to solve the issue of ending an engineered war.
I appreciated the use of French language peppered through the book, but appreciated the translator built into my Kindle. This added to the atmosphere of feeling like you were in 1800s Paris.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Holy wow. So, this is the first book I have read by the incredible Reggi Dupree, and I am so sad it took me six months to find this gem. This is by far one of my favorite books of the year. Gwendolyn Carter is the last member of her matriarchal bloodline. While that could be viewed as a good thing to some considering the stunning house and fortune to change her entire life, Gwen is not an average person.
Forty-fifth birthday, the curse that had claimed the lives of every woman in her bloodline at a young age was rumored to end if you made it past your forty-fifth birthday alive. Only she is shot in the back and killed but she’s from Hoodoo, Texas and death isn’t one of those black and white finalities. Twenty-seven years ago, at the age of eighteen Gwen had been forced out of her hometown, accused of murdering one of her best friends. Now summoned back for a mysterious inheritance and a promise to her mother after he second death, to return to Hoodoo and find answers. Twelve hours, that’s how long she allotted to being back in the town that threw her away nearly three decades earlier. A catch to keep her legacy intact leads to her having to live in the family home for six months to receive her inheritance, seems simple enough, right? Her first love Carlos, who betrayed her, is now the sheriff. The man Ash that she met just before she was shot suddenly appears in Hoodoo. Duncan her best friend that forced her into a blood vow to keep his dark secrets, whose lies written in his journal led to her being accused of murder and ran out of town haunts her everyday since his death when they were eighteen. He warns her that he wasn’t the only one lying to her back then that she needs to know the truth to protect herself, and now the evil has returned and is near his sister Rita and his mom. Needing her help, he begs for her to listen if afterwards she’s done with him, he will leave her alone for good if she listens.
Carlos warns her that Ash isn’t what he claims, but what is he? Her new home holds the history of her family, but will she survive long enough to discover its truths? What is “the Evil” and why is it back? The world the author creates sucks you in, with its wonder, mystery, and humor. While the cover drew me in, making me curious about the boots, the synopsis had me ready to jump into the pages and discover the truth for myself. From start to finish this book keeps you on your toes and I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this amazing series, Conjure Ink. Also, I am going to have to go back and read the novella Hoodoo Heaven, the prequel of Return to Hoodoo, when she meets Ash.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gwendolyn Carter had been called back to Hoodoo to sign inheritance papers. She hasn’t returned to the town that she left twenty five years prior after being released of murder charges. Only to her dismay the only way she will receive her inheritance is by staying in what she feels is a monstrosity of a home Azure House. She has garnered the attention of her once love and now the sheriff of Hoodoo, Carlos. Unfortunately everyone still believes that she killed here best friend Duncan, and unfortunately for Gwen she sees ghosts and Duncan has been following her for years. Things are just getting started for Gwen as she will soon realize her true nature and her true family while also battling evil. She has the help of her family and friends, Kyle and Ash who are far beyond what they seem.
Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a paranormal fantasy novel with hints of mystery, intrigue, adventure and of course drama thrown in. This author really knows how to create an elaborate world narrative and bring her characters together. If you are looking for your next suspenseful supernatural escapade look no further. I will definitely be back for more when the next book drops!
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A snarky, incredible, remarkable and powerful leading lady. A great setting and one heck of an amazing storyline. What more could the reader ask for? This book was equal parts fantasy and mystery (and sass from our main character, Gwen). It gave the sense of slowly sucking you in until you were so enthralled you couldn’t put it down. This is definitely worth the read!
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gwen Carter is asked to return to Hoodoo Texas to claim her inheritance, however it involved more than signing papers during an overnight trip but rather her staying in the family house. It is bad enough that she can see ghosts and communicate with the dead especially at the most inopportune times, but now she has another gift that she must get accustomed to using. Hoodoo is not the typical friendly down home Texas town, Oh No! It is filled with paranormal creatures and witches that run the entire town. How can Gwen even think about returning to her hometown after being driven away for a crime she did not commit? Are the deaths that are currently taking place in town related to the crime in the past she was accused of? Will she learn more about her past and grow into her gifts or throw her hands up and walk away? Wonderful main character so full of sass and fire! I just adore Gwen as she moves headstrong into her inheritance and cannot wait for more! The story was easy to read and kept me turning pages as fast as I could. The excitement doesn’t give up from page one to the end and is such a fun read. It was so easy to visualize the characters and the town. A definite must read!
Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A very intriguing story !! Carefully thought out, planned and executed. A little pg13 romance, mystery, and magic really served this reader well.
I enjoyed the twists and turns including the ties between the main characters. It all turned into a beautifully thought out plot maintained with a great amount of detail. Linking past to present giving a deeper understanding of each character.
I thoroughly enjoyed the end; experiencing the girls as children in their father’s presence was heartwarming.
In the end I finished the story hoping for a second to see how the love stories all turned out. Maybe it’s the hopeless romantic in me, but that feel. That feeling is how I define a good book.
.•°*°•. PREORDER .•°*°•.To save her dying sister…
Lillian Milano channels energy from the healthy to heal the sick, which makes her an incredible nurse. But her gift puts Lillian and those she loves in danger from an organization that will stop at nothing to exploit her talent. When her sister becomes gravely ill, wealthy computer genius Tristan King is the one man with enough vitality to save her sister’s life. But being near him threatens to expose her secrets and destroy the walls she’s built around her heart.
She bargains with a billionaire.
Tristan doesn’t believe in the supernatural and is wary of emotional entanglements. But his beloved mother is dying, and his lying ex-fiancée won’t leave him alone, so he strikes a deal: In exchange for his help, Lillian must pose as his date for a hospital fundraiser. As the pair work together to save their loved ones, they confront a spiraling web of secrets that threatens their growing feelings for each other. The choices they make will either destroy their lives or heal their hearts.
Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This novel in the genre of speculative steampunk is set in 19th century France. Deal creates world-building with rich details and descriptions that really brought the whole story to life. The characters are interesting and well-developed. The plot and subplots keep you on your toes as we are taken along the characters journey in an exciting world.
Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story grabbed my attention right away and kept me hooked till the end. This is a speculative steampunk fantasy with mystery, history, historical fiction, secrets, high stakes, the paranormal, supernatural, action, danger, suspense drama, emotion, and so more. I found it to be quite interesting, with wonderful world-building and details and descriptions that really brought the whole story to life. This a very well-developed and extremely put together story, along with the characters that I really felt like I was right there in the story with them. The characters get into an adventure full of mystery as they scramble to try to stop a war. What ends up happening makes for a fun read, and all the adventure kept me turning the pages to see how everything would play out in the end. This book was a must read, and I was glad I was able to pick it up.
Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story grabbed my attention right away and kept me hooked till the end. This is a speculative steampunk fantasy with mystery, history, historical fiction, secrets, high stakes, the paranormal, supernatural, action, danger, suspense drama, emotion, and so more. I found it to be quite interesting, with wonderful world-building and details and descriptions that really brought the whole story to life. This a very well-developed and extremely put together story, along with the characters that I really felt like I was right there in the story with them. The characters get into an adventure full of mystery as they scramble to try to stop a war. What ends up happening makes for a fun read, and all the adventure kept me turning the pages to see how everything would play out in the end. This book was a must read, and I was glad I was able to pick it up.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Such a fun read. The characters were fun, especially Gwen. The story had a good flow which made it an easy read. I enjoyed the snark, and found myself smiling throughout the book. It ended with questions unanswered, so I am looking forward to reading the next book. I typically don’t like the cliffhanger style, but I did like this one.
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Honestly where do I even start?! This book was such a refreshing and exciting read. I loved the MC and enjoyed how the author wrote this novel! It was such an easy and great read and I cannot wait for more books from this series! The plot was great and I could not put it down! A really good book, one of the best in a while I’ve read!!!
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am so glad I picked up this book! This is the first book in this paranormal series, and I am here for it. I can’t wait to get to the next! I love a well-written, independent woman main character, and Gwendolyn Carter does not disappoint. This book is a quick read but well-paced as it kept me hooked and satisfied all the way through. This is a vibrant, entertaining story, and I will be running to get book number two. Five stars and highly recommend this author.
Undying Light by Aurora Wildey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Taela almost lost her life. Fortunately, she was saved by Terran, but he’s gravely injured. Taela shows her trueself and helps heal him. Seth comes in after sensing her, and now she has two men. They don’t like each other, but they both want to protect her. It’s a really great read!
Return to Hoodoo: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel by Reggi Dupree
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Gwen Carter is an amazing character in this series! She has to return to her hometown Hoodoo, TX. While there, there is drama friendships, relationships, and more. I can’t wait for the next book! So much more to be done! 🙂