Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved everything about this book. The magic, mystery and sass from Evaline kept me on the edge of my seat. This story takes place in London during a time when women are nothing more than property and magic was frowned upon. There are so many levels to this story and I cannot wait until book 2.
Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Such a nice quick read full of all the feels. Romance, suspense and some time travel. I was hooked from page 1, Roxanne and Claudette create a bond and it is all so well written you won’t want to put it down.
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Death & Mirrors is the first book in the All Things Dark & Deadly series. I was intrigued by the cover and synopsis of the story, and I was not disappointed. Evaline Wainwright is a delightful character, and she helped draw me into the story. I liked the nods to Alice in Wonderland and Sherlock Holmes. The mirror world concept was fantastic and helped guide the story’s fantastical elements. The story was a quick read. I am looking forward to reading more from this author and reading more from this series soon.
Enchanted In Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was definitely an enchanting read. There are some twists and turns in this story. I found myself unable to put it down once I started needing to find out what happens next. Roxanne moves in with Claudette to be her caregiver. Claudette wants Roxanne to finish writing the story that Claudette has started writing. There are many strange things happening in the house and Roxanne doesn’t know what to make of it. This author takes you on a journey with her writing. This book has friendship, emotion, romance, tragedy and more. I don’t want to give anything away. I will say that this was an original and enjoyable read that I think you will enjoy as well.
Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Twist on Romeo and Juliet. This book wasn’t what I was expecting, but in a good way! I love paranormal, so the celestial take on the story was a bonus for me. It is a MM romance with spice! Definitely grab yourself a copy and enjoy.
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first-time reading SF Benson’s work, and I was instantly curious while reading the synopsis I had several questions that drew my curiosity. Firstly, Evaline’s character being the daughter of occult archeologists and being a necromancer. Learning of the similarities yet differences between London and the mirror world Londinium was also interesting. Doctor Death and the mythical artifacts that could stop them.
London, January 1888. It is a time in which magic is common knowledge, but in order to practice freely, outside of your own home you must have a license. Even so not all have magical abilities which leads to many being against or having negative feelings towards those who practice it. Evaline starts out being desperate to reach out to her mother using her necromancer abilities, the sudden loss a year prior, left Evaline with no closure, all she had left was her mother’s journal that she had snuck out of her belongings when her father wasn’t looking. She shares her mother’s love of mysteries and feels the draw to solve even the most bizarre. Reading the journal one night looking for answers she comes across the notes of her parents last expedition in Egypt, when her mother was killed. They were on the hunt for a rare mythical relic, the Firestone, her mother journeyed into a cave believing the relic to be in there. Though she did not find the relic she instead found a mirror, “It wasn’t an ordinary looking glass, my dear. It was a gateway to another world.” Reading of the Firestone and then the strange woman visiting her father the next morning and mentioning the same relic, Evaline feels if her father won’t solve the mystery she will. Admiring Sherlock Holmes, she sets off for the woman when she leaves, often thinking to herself “What would Holmes do?” when she is unsure of the “right” thing to do next. Meanwhile, when Evaline and her beau find themselves suddenly in Londinium, an open world where magic is practice and used frequently in the open by those with it. A world in which magic is the least of worries, creatures of nightmares also exist, such as vampires and werewolves (untamable). Being out after night is highly dangerous and if out death is expected. In the search to find the Firestones location Evaline and her beau stumble across other mysteries including one involving the Madame Governor, the leader of Londinium. Which leaves them no choice but to be out after dark to hopefully get some answers.
The story was a slow start for me, learning the characters world, who they were. Though the more I read the more I was drawn to Evaline, personally feeling and agreeing with how she reacts to things. While the mystery became more in depth and sometimes leading to more questions about those around Evaline and her beau, I wanted to read faster to find answers. If you enjoy mystery with an underlying love story, then the world Ms. Benson creates in this book is sure to entertain.
Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Enjoyable paranormal story that had definite twists and turns…
As Roxanne grieves from a family tragedy, she helps to be a caregiver to a best selling author, Claudette….and Claudette’s wish is to spend her last days in her home. As Roxanne and Claudette bond…strange things start to happen as Roxanne discovers …. Music…mystery… but then start to realize there is another being.. who is this person?
This story was very good, parts were heart breaking…love ..loss…mysterious…
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I do enjoy a good mystery novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed the paranormal and magical aspect that this one introduced. The beginning of the novel, we learn of Evaline is a necromancer, and the daughter of an important man, one who only wants to keep him and his daughter safe, and ensure that she will be taken care of in the manner she has become used to. Little does he know, she has ore of an interest in making a difference and helping people, than she does staying safe and being a ‘proper’ lady.
This rabbit hole was one that brought great entertainment to this reader, the character development and world building was extremely well done, and there were a few different side story lines to the main plot that brought on laughter, gasps, and applause for how strong a female lead she is. Of course, being the first installment, the end of this leaves many questions, and I for one, am very excited to follow Evaline and Del wherever their narrative may take them. Don’t hesitate to pick this gem up!
Death & Mirrors by SF Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dealing with a loss of a friend can be hard but what happens when you are magical. Not being trained correctly can lead to consequences. Mother was going to help but she can’t now and father’s denied me that chance. What happens when a spectre comes to light. What happens when two worlds collide. Fergus is described in the mirror but Delbert. Legends, magic and mirrors to another world what more can you want. I can’t wait to read the next instalment of this series.
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is my first book that was written by the author S.F. Benson, and I cannot wait to read more of her writing! The book is definitely a unique and peculiar twist/retelling of Alice in Wonderland, just with witches, magic, and necromancy with hint of Sherlock Holmes! Who would not love fantasy, magic and detective work all in one book?! Death & Mirrors is a fascinating story with paranormal elements, magic, family issues, mysteries that need a detective, and also some romance. Setting takes place in the late 1800s in London, as well as the corresponding mirror world Londinium (which is also known as ancient London roughly 40AD). The main character Evaline is a necromancer and an aspired detective who wishes to apprentice under the great Sherlock Holmes. She is whisked away to help solve a mystery about a creature/person who was given the name Doctor Death as well as the task of finding a myth of a gem called the Firestone, which she will need in order to defeat this monster. I love the litter easter eggs from Alice in Wonderland, for example, Evaline falls through to a mirror world that is very different but also very much alike her world, just like Alice fell down a rabbit hole to Wonderland. I thoroughly enjoyed Evaline’s character dynamics as she is headstrong, outspoken and very curious. The book does end on a cliffhanger, so I cannot wait until book two is released!
Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have never been a fan of Romeo and Juliet. Forbidden love is sexy but for it to end in tragedy? Not my cup of tea. But this novel was FANTASTIC! Forbidden love and enemies-to-lovers all in one package! Banter, wit, fun, high stakes, and did I mention the sexy men with celestial powers that fall in love?! You HAVE to read this one!
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
To say I am excited for the next book is a complete understatement! The story line of this book was exhilarating and, as a huge Disney fanatic, was a successful, unique, and intriguing retelling of Alice in Wonderland. It had magic, fantasy, quest, anything you can imagine relating to those words – this book hit all those marks. The mystery factor of this book was A+. As I said at the beginning, I cannot wait to read the 2nd book in this series!
Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Enchanted in Time was a book I did not want to put down. The characters pulled me in straight away. Even though I knew the direction the book was going and had it figured out early, I still enjoyed reading it. There is a bit of a twist toward the end. I got really confused for a bit, along with the characters, but things were sorted out. I love the creativity of the story. Time travel books are usually pretty confusing to me, but this one was well written. I was happy with the ending, and it tied up all the loose ends. Not your average love story, highly recommend.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If you are a fan of the following pick up this book now. Magic, Historical Fiction, Fantasy and of course a quest.
I loved this book from the first page and I hope you will to Lets Discuss…
In this book we find ourselves in London England in 1888. We meet Evaline our main character. She is untrained in magic, but does her best to summon her mothers shade who she misses dearly. Accidentily summoning her mothers shade is how our story begins.
After that Evaline uses her mothers journal to follow the clues to see if she can figure out what happened to her and if she can reverse it. We travel with Evaline as she faces the challenges of an unsupportive and scared father, and many other challenges that I don’t want to spoil for you. (so do yourself a favor in read this awesome book.)
Along her journey she meets Delbert, a wannabe detective, The Governor, Mr. Culpepper and many other characters that keeps this story funny, fast paced and very interesting from start to finish.
WARNING: THIS STORY DOES END ON A CLIFFHANGER SO YOU WILL WANT TO PICK ITS SEQUEL UP, DEATH & SHADOWS: A: THINGS DARK & DEADLY. BOOK 2, AS SOON AS YOUR FINISHED WITH BOOK 1. ENJOY!
Just like that a new YA series begins. This is a fun and intense story to read. Get your teens reading as well. There are times when I just don’t feel like reading so I let Audio do it for me.
WOW!!! Zoey has been told all her life she took off in the middle of the night. In Fact she was reminded of that event for many years to come. Until a visitor shows up and the real story comes out. So what happens next? Well read on and keep turning those pages, because you don’t want to miss the outcome of this fantastic series. This author had me hooked on her book before I finished the first chapter. The story is fast paced and will keep you drawn in. Her characters are relatable as read their part in this series. I hope the next book comes out soon as I am waiting to see what happens next.
Review@cinful
Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Watcher is the first book in the Star-Crossed Celestials Duet by A.L Morrow. It takes ‘Romeo & Juliet’ and gives it a bit of a twist. This retelling comes with a MM paranormal romance and celestial spin which was definitely an extra element of interest for me. It’s full of fantasy, forbidden love, banter, humour, action, drama, celestials, demons, tension, and agendas.
I don’t want to give too much away and spoil it for you, because if you love your retellings with some fantasy and a sexy twist- then you are definitely going to want to read this story for yourself.
The story is set to continue in the next instalment…. Can’t wait! Bring on Book #2!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, A.L. Morrow!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Romeo and Juliet story that has angels and demons AND promises a happily ever after?! I cannot wait to see how this story goes… Jace sounds like mister all powerful, mysterious in his pain and struggle.. but to see him go on the defense of those being hunted is amazing.
I love how strong and protective a character Jace is with whoever he’s around. Even when he’s with his lovers, he tries to distract them from their pain and help them. Genuinely wants to do better for them than those who came before.
Cyrus is just brilliant, smart, and intelligent. He has that way about him. Everyone loves being around him, and when he and Jace meet they are amazing together.
Like any good romance novel, there’s just the right amount of drama, charm, and action to keep me going. I definitely love this book, and I look forward to the next!
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Never more have I wanted to fall down a rabbit hole or jump through a mirror! Branson brought this fantasy story to life in ways no one else could! This strange world that is introduced vividly stuck with me as I read through. Each chapter brought a new element of excitement with the unknown of what is next. Gaslight fantasy is very new to me, however it makes for a very interesting read.
Evaline was a great MC and her plight to prove herself and live her life as she chooses made me fall in love with her character all the much more. As she explores in this unknown place trying to help take down Doctor Death you see her in her element. Every character introduced and encountered along the way bright such life to the story. The mix of magic, mystery, and suspense made it difficult to even attempt putting the book down.
Quinn McNamara
Blood. Death. War.
A dynasty destroyed.
Leaving me as the ultimate prize.
I’m an unmated Omega Wolf. A Princess. And destined to rule. But the remaining Alpha Princes all want to claim me, their brutal methods terrifying and cruel.
I’ve spent the last century running, hiding in places where no one would think to look.
Only he found me. Prince Kieran, the most powerful shifter of them all.
Our game of hide and seek has come to an end.
It’s time for me to submit.
Or to die fighting.
Kieran O’Callaghan
My little trickster escaped me once. She indulged in a dangerous game of chase throughout the Sectors, but I’ve finally found my prize.
Poor little darling thought I valued chivalry and courting. I’m an Alpha Prince. I take what I want, when I want it, however I want it. And her sweet blood beckons the predator within me to destroy all her dreams of a happily ever after.
Let the Princes enjoy their Royal V-Wars.
As long as they bow to me as King of Blood Sector, I won’t intervene.
Besides, I have a new pretty little Omega to tame. It’s time to put a crown on her and make her my queen.
Author’s Note: This is a standalone dark shifter romance with Omegaverse themes. Kieran is an unapologetic Alpha Prince and Quinn is a feisty Omega Princess. It’s a match made in literal hell where the antihero is the king.
Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a great story! When I read Romeo and Juliet in high school, I didn’t like it because in the end, what started as a beautiful love story was just a tragedy. I know that tragedy is a real life thing, but I read to escape real life, so I don’t necessarily want to read something with an unsatisfying ending like a true Shakespearean tragedy. This was a fabulous take on a classic that held more emphasis on romance than tragedy. I enjoyed the fact that it was queer as well. I will definitely be continuing to find more by this author, and reading the next installment of this story!
Enchanted in Time by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A well written story of love, romance, new friendships, helping each other through grief, tragedy, and so much more! I enjoyed reading this story from the start. Roxanne is taking on the roll of caregiver to Claudette a well known author. Not only does Claudette need some help getting around her house, she asks Roxanne to ghost write her next story which is personally important to Claudette. What Roxanne didn’t expect was finding an attic room where she meets Philip (a ghost?) and realizes Claudette’s book is a story based on real life people Claudette knew.
The story is easy to read, the characters are wonderfully written, and it sucks you in so you want to keep reading until the end. I enjoyed the book very much and would recommend it to friends.
Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This amazing paranormal read really blew me away. The writing was simply perfect, with plenty of twists and turns that made this paranormal read unpredictable. The characters were amazing, the chemistry was sizzling, and let’s not forget the forbidden romance. This is the first time that I have read anything by this author but I will definitely be looking for more.
•°•
•°• AUDIO BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •° •°•
For fans of STORM AND FURY and MORTAL INSTRUMENTS. The Ascended Guardians series is a supernatural thrill-ride that never lets up.
It’s been over ten years since fifteen-year-old Zoey Taylor wandered away from her family home in the middle of the night. Or so she’s been told, repeatedly, by her mother—but the only thing Zoey knows for sure is that when her older brother, Corinth, found her in the woods, safe and unharmed, she returned with a crippling fear of the dark and no other memories from those lost days—except strange flashes of sharp teeth and red-flaming hair.
Since that time, she’s become a star pupil and is on track to graduate early … if, and that’s a big IF, her overprotective family doesn’t get in the way of her dreams first.
But when one of the wealthiest, enigmatic philanthropists on the planet—Gabriel Stanton—shows up on her doorstep on Thanksgiving Day and reveals the truth about what really happened to her all those years ago, it completely shatters her perception of the world.
And the story isn’t anything like what she’s been told.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Shield & Shade (Ascended Guardians Series Book 1) Audiobook by Misty Hayes
Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Shield & Shade (Ascended Guardians Series Book 1) Audiobook by Misty Hayes
Misty Hayes has always had a thing for escaping headfirst into fantastical books. This is what led her to start writing her own adventures down. As someone who has spent a long career in law enforcement, Misty loves strong female protagonists. Misty also loves to create characters who possess spirit, wit, fire, and humor. She also directs short films and claims to have been bitten by the traveling bug (not mistaken for a radioactive spider).
Misty is a bestselling Young Adult fantasy author with three published novels in The Blood Dagger trilogy. THE OUTCASTS has received recognition for a Literary Titan award, IndieBRAG Medallion, 2018 solo medalist of the New Apple Literary Awards in YA Fantasy, and 2019 2nd place winner of the North Texas Book Festival in YA Fantasy.
When Misty isn’t filming or roaming the planet or diving into another novel, she’s spending time at home in Texas with her myriad of nieces and nephews in tow.
Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An awesome adventure story! I absolutely adore Jace. I love a good twist on a classic story. Flawless story with great subplots and background stories.
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Death & Mirrors is the first book in the All Things Dark & Deadly series. It’s a captivating fantasy story full of magic and mystery. References to Alice in Wonderland and Sherlock Holmes indicate that these are significant influences on the book, and it shows!
Evaline is grieving her mother, and trying to piece together the archaeological expedition that led to her mysterious death. She’s also coming of age, and coming into her full powers, without the guidance and support of her mother.
There’s plenty of great world building here, with both a sort of historical urban fantasy setting and the weird and dangerous mirror world. Both settings are engaging and immersive, with details that bring them to life.
This book will appeal to fans of fantasy mysteries and Victorian/Edwardian settings. If you’re someone who goes for every “dark re-imagining of Alice in Wonderland” you can get your hands on (which I totally am I even went to the theatre last week to see one!) you will love this book! It gets five stars from me.
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Set in a time where women are seen as possessions and inferior to men, we get to see a forward-thinking heroine looking for a chance to live the life she’s always dreamed of. I normally stay away from historical fiction, or fantasy in this case, because I prefer the freedoms of our current time; however, I deeply enjoyed reading this book. The strength of the main character and her tenacious attitude kept me focused from the start. Then there’s the fantastical and paranormal aspect to the book that I found so unique and refreshing! I also loved how everything started to fall into place as the story went on and the mystery began to unfold. I’m looking forward to book two!
Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Watcher (Star-Crossed Celestials Book 1) by A.L. Morrow
4 Stars
This is a special twist on the tale of Romeo and Juliet. Not only is it male on male but angelbound as well. This story is filled with action, love, danger and revenge. A love forbidden between a Watcher and a Messenger. A story filled with angels and demons. Jace is a direct descendant of the first fallen angel, the reason he is constantly hunted. Cyrus is the handsome messenger who comes to Vegas only wanting peace between all celestials. Neither one expected to fall in love. This book is an adventure not to be missed.
Note: For mature audiences only due to explicit sexual encounters.
Review by @Anna Hirsch
View all my reviews
Watcher by A.L. Morrow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amazing read. I lovey my paranormal books, that is something I can not hide at all but this one really did justice I found. Unpredictable read, astonishing writing, and amazing character development. I could not put this one down. I was hooked, and I needed more by the time I reached the end!
Great character development and use of writing by a talented author. Jace and Cyrus seemed so different, btu the chemistry they both had was undeniable. The mutual attraction was spot on. I loved their moments together. Against all odds they found the ground that they wanted to share. Especially loved the LGBT story line Highly support that of course. There was a lot of action and danger for this forbidden romance. Loved this book, when I finished, I wanted so much more! Loved it!
The book was a trip, that was very much wroth taking. I loved the strong descriptions the author used as well. I loved the author, and I loved this book. I highly recommend! Do not pass up either!
Death & Mirrors: All Things Dark & Deadly, Book One by S.F. Benson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Death and Mirrors
All Things Dark and Deadly: Book 1
By: SF Benson
Review By: Susan Ratchford
5 Stars
Sherlock Holmes meets Alice in Wonderland in this delightful supernatural mystery! Evaline Wainwright just wants to be able to practice her magic and detective skills in peace and live in a world where she can marry for love. When her father, acclaimed occult archaeologist, pushes for a betrothal to their neighbor who is 10 years her senior, Evaline is less than pleased. Especially when a childhood friend Delbert catches her eye. Everything changes one night when a robed stranger begs her father for his help to find a mythical artifact of great power. Thirsting to prove herself as a detective, Evaline follows this stranger, farther than she ever thought possible. Into the Mirror World where she learns of the hideous creature by the name of Doctor Death and the danger both their worlds are in!
This book was so much fun! I will be looking for the next book in the series ASAP! The mix of magic and detective skills made the story so engaging. The characters are well written and relatable. Evie and Delbert’s relationship is so genuine you can’t help but smile at how supportive they are with each other’s dreams. The whole story just has a really great voice and tone. The narrative is emotionally gripping, suspenseful, fast-paced, and wonderfully whimsical! Everything you want in a mystery and then some! I highly recommend this book!