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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Jo Frizzell

Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing! Azreya’s journey to accept herself and save her people was absolutely beautiful! I love the relationship between Azreya and Tecuani, as she learns to accept everything about herself, the byplay between them was stunning! Her ability to discern trustworthiness was something that I think many of us wish we could have in the day to day, and the relationship she builds with Cocotetzin after she trusts him is amazing. Going on her journey with her, I found myself hoping for success for her, and saddened when things didn’t always go as planned. If you enjoy stories with a basis in mythology, I would definitely recommend this one! Also, if you enjoy learning words in a different language, the glossary of Aztec words of Nahuatl is so interesting and I loved being able to learn new things!

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Heather Watson

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first-time reading M. K. Harkins, and I was a little worried at first. The whole Cinderella story line wasn’t my favorite. I was glad to keep reading past that. Even though it had the same line it had a lot of twist and turns. I would really love to hear Harry’s song to Ashley. I liked all the details in this story. The hint of things going on this book were not telling but they all come together in the end. Ashley and Harry’s story can’t end here and I am ready to read more by this author.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Emma (Notebook Mysteries, #1)Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I truly loved this book, as being an avid Sherlock Holmes lover and being born and raised in Chicago, I was very much drawn to this novel and all it gave. I loved the author’s writing and descriptive skills!

Emma was a wonderful lea heroine. Really loved her attributes and do or do do not, there is no try attitude. She was resilient and strong. A great role model in fact. I loved her quest for the truth no matter what it took! The book was a good read as the author really played on time frames and descriptive words. I felt I was transported to the time of this book and where it took place in Chicago. It was a trip I certainly enjoyed. The action fell short of nothing but the best. I was gripped and held and turning pages, felt I was aside Emma in her mystery beforehand trying to figure things out before it was too late! Wonderful, fun and light heart feeling read! I really enjoyed it! Look forward to reading more in the series and partaking in Emma’s adventures and mysteries! Loved it!

Great first book in a brand new series. I know Emma will lead many more mysteries that are at her feet, and strive to be the best intelligent sleuth that she can and is! Very much high recommendation for this must read book!

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Carrie Reed

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Short, but packed full! I really enjoyed this book, I love reading about paranormal style school settings. It is sad to see Makayla so worried in the beginning because all her brothers got into very prestigious schools but she ends up at Grave Digger Academy, which to her family’s standards is the bottom of the barrel. The aspect of her being the 7th child in the family so she has a special ability the rest of her family doesn’t, is such a fun addition because now, necromancy is introduced and to the witching world she lives in that is a taboo subject. After her first year at school it seems like she is going to be in for a wild ride, with her new found powers, the enemies she has made and the danger she was thrust into immediately after arriving. I can’t wait to see what is in store for her next.

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Amelia Stansell

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved this book. It is the first one in the series. It is a retelling of a classic with a twist. I cannot wait to read the next ones. Ashley your normal high school girl doesn’t have time for drama or anybody, she just wants to finish senior year. Her home life isn’t the greatest. Her stepmom bought a mortuary and spend the money that should be Ashley’s, her stepsisters are the worst.
Pop sensation Harry James has been ordered to go to high school or go to jail. He lands at Ashley’s school. He runs into her at her house when he ducks into the mortuary to hide from fans. Her stepsisters only want Harry for the fame. Along the way the two fall for each other. Can a bit of magic help them get the ending they both deserve?

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Devon Pulliam

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series Book 1)Ashes by MK Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A modern day Cinderella story. I actually forgot till the last few pages this book involved fairy godmothers working behind the scenes for Ashley to find happiness again and even fall in love.

When Ashley saved pop singer Harry from his fans I knew he was her knight in shining armor! He still wanted to hang with her even after sitting in a mortuary with her while she did makeup on a dead person! Then the High School “mean girls” thrown in and you have modern day high school! I love the spunkiness of Ashley and her attitude to just not care that got stronger at the end. Her telling her step sisters off made me laugh!

I loved the friendship Laura and Ashley had and the connection they had with the boys to. It felt relatable and real. Laura’s mom was the first to really notice there was an issue with Ashley’s step mother and living situation.

Truly you will have to read this book to fall in love with the main characters and the story!

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Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Bethany Rucker

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ashley Adams has shut herself off to people and the world around her. Harry James is a misunderstood popstar. Ashes is a cute Cinderella style story with its own cute little fairies twist. Will the fairies be able to do their jobs correctly? Will Ashley open up or keep her heart hidden and locked down? How will her stepmom and stepsisters affect her life? So many questions, that will all be answered in this story. This book was very fun to listen to and follow. Can’t wait to pick up the next story in this series.

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Ashes By M.K. Harkins Review By Cheyenne Huffman

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ashes is a bittersweet, modern retelling of the classic fairytale Cinderella.

And what a charming read it was! Putting a modern spin on classic fairytales can go either way, depending on how it’s done, but this book delivered very well!

You follow Ashley Adams who is just trying to make it through high school, graduate, and get away from her stepmother and step sisters. When her father passed away he left a trust fund to her, however, her stepmother has put some stipulations on her receiving it. Ashley must graduate on time, work at the funeral home, and much more!

Insert Harry, the prince- or prince of pop in this story- sent to Redmond High for part of his probation he is instantly drawn to Ashley from the moment he sees her, and Ashley.. well she finally has found someone she relates to. Things are about to get interesting. 😉

I don’t want to give any spoilers so that’s all I’m going to say, but definitely worth the read if you’re a fan of retellings.

I found it was a sweet, swoon-worthy take on a classic and the romance progressed more naturally than most fairytales which was a bonus! The cute plot, great characters, and an overall great retelling.

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Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Kayla Octaviano

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ashley and Harry are just two high school students trying to make it through the last 6 months of their senior year. Except Ashley works in a funeral home with her crazy step mother and evil step sisters, and Harry is a famous pop star sent there on punishment. This is not just another Cinderella story. There are intense plot twists that keep you hooked into this story up until the last word. Read this book, because I can’t wait to read the next one!

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Lauren West

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love the mix of all the modern day Cinderella tales! Some are sweet and some are spicy! This is a teenage semi-sweet version with lots of chemistry and angst. Ashley and Harry are great together, and it’s a cute retell.
Every Cinderella has her day and this Ashley’s. It’s quite the wild ride, but lovable all the same!!

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Scepter of Fire (Vigilant #2) by LM Preston – Review by Angela Hayes

Scepter Of Fire (Vigilant, #2)Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

Scepter of Fire is the second book in the Vigilant series by L.M Preston. This book is again from Dex’s point of view- so I highly recommend reading the previous books, especially Unbreakable Darkness (Book #1.5), as it/they contain important information that will help you better appreciate this story (and the series, as a whole). This book builds on what we learned previously, giving us a bigger picture of events, so far.
It is an action-packed YA fantasy with the plenty of the paranormal, supernatural, sci-fi elements, adventure, mystery, drama, danger, emotion, discovery, betrayal, agendas, tension, choices, challenges, intensity, and magic.
Dex’s life was turned upside down when his father uprooted their family and moved to this small town, which has changed everything he thought he knew. But fate hasn’t finished testing him yet, and this book sees him face more life threatening challenges…. And make a few new discoveries along the way.
This series is getting better and better the further we go…. next please!
Happy Reading!

Thank you, L.M. Preston.

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Daryian Lucas

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4/5 Stars
This book is a retelling of the Cinderella and it’s pretty interesting. As an adult reading it, I had to remind myself that this book is meant for YA to not be too critical of it. This retelling of the classic story was one I haven’t seen before. It features a famous high school student and a student who works at a funeral home. I do think that it’ll be interesting to see how book two can continue on the story with the way this book ended. I’m not sure how the ending can be concluded in book two when the focus is on different characters. But I am interested in seeing!

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Scepter of Fire (The Vigilant Book 2) by LM Preston – Review by Anastasia Dodson

Scepter Of Fire (Vigilant, #2)Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was great! This whole world the author wrote has me pulled in and I didn’t want to come out. It was a Paranormal story about Dexter and his search for his family book. I really liked Dexter and I definitely felt for him because his life was awful at some points. His story was action filled and I am excited to read more in the series!!
Happy Reading!

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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Barbie England

Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

One of the things that I really enjoy about illustrated works is comparing the mental picture the words give me with the illustrations. While reading Azreya, Aztec Priestess I found myself looking for those depictions. The world building Ms. Copeland provides is top-tier, and the illustrations add to this reading experience. I think the passion the author has for legends behind the Aztec people is on display through this story. Azreya has a mark on her arm at birth that her people think signifies she is cursed. She goes to live with a respected spiritual leader, but will his intentions prove to be good? As Azreya learns more about the spirit inside of her, who she calls Tecuani, will her mission to save her people be successful? You have to read the story to find out!

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Sheri Schrader

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grave Digger Academy is the first book in the Grave Digger Academy series. I always enjoy books by this author and this one did not disappoint. Makayla did not get into the first three schools she applied for and is now at Grave Digger Academy. This is the bottom of the barrel of anyone’s choice of school.
I really enjoy the character Makayla and look forward to seeing how she develops in this series. I also enjoyed the antagonist to her character.
This book is a fun, quick read. I look forward to reading the other books in this series soon.

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Wendy Wary

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a sweet take on a romance that comes together despite seemingly impossible obstacles. There’s an element of fairy magic, but most of the story isn’t about fairies or magic, so that part was a bit confusing as to why it was included in the story at all; however, I’m guessing perhaps there’s more to that in future books. The fairy/magic element didn’t take away from the overall story, either, though, so it’ll be interesting to see that develop a bit more into the storyline. Despite that, it was beautifully written and the characters are easy to fall in love with or hate. Worth a read, for sure!

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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Wendy Wary

Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Laced with Aztecan culture, this story is about a little girl born with a mark of a goddess of darkness that scares her family into giving her up to a Shaman, who promises to help guide her to control the beast he’s certain lies within. Treating her with kindness and helping her to tame her emotions serves its purpose until his true intentions are revealed and she escapes on a quest to save her people. Through unleashing her inner “beast,” Azreya also learns to trust herself and the goddess who has shown her favor. This was a fascinating tale that brought to life some insights to a long lost people.

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Scepter of Fire (The Vigilant Book 2) by LM Preston – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Scepter Of Fire (Vigilant, #2)Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this author with all that exists within my soul! I love this series that they have created and brought to life. This one I found explained things I had wondered about, and everything tied together perfectly!

The book is an amazing read. If you want to enjoy a strong character development along with fantasy and action as well as paranormal, then this is a book not to be passed up! I must say start with the previous story in this series. I really loved getting Dexter’s story, his side of things, it was a fun imaginative read and it held me till I reached completion! I enjoyed Dexter, his character development on its own. Who he was in the past, is not who he is anymore in the present. I really valued his worth and how strong bis heart is and was. The book was gripping and full of intrigue! Loved it all the way through! Couldn’t put it down!

Love this author and all books that they create and bring to life. This was no different. Cant wait to read the next, as I know I am in for a treat as well! Highly recommend this must read book/series/author!

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Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Kerry Baker

I loved this book when I read it for the first time. It felt like such a fresh and imaginative way to retell a classic tale. So when I saw the audio book version I just knew I had to give it a try, and it was definitely worth it! I felt like I become so much more involved and invested in the character and the story. I found myself getting lost in the narration and pulled into the familiar story once more.

I enjoyed the fact that it really does feel like a new way to reinvent Cinderella, a story that has been told time and again. The author has done a brilliant job of making the story their own and the audio book brings that to life. This is a great book to try today.

Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Misti Maggio

Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Azreya, Aztec Priestess, is a great book for ages 12 & up. I truly enjoy this author and her writing style. Azreya is a unique and likable character. The story was well written and flowed beautifully. The illustrations just helped bring the book to life.
Reviewed by @mimimadge

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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Mercedes Jones

Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is not normally a book that I would read but it was great! Azreya is the warrior princess you didn’t know you needed. Join her on an adventure unlike any other. From a young age, she is said to be a demon and her family fears for her. She is sent to live with a shaman to get her power under control. She lives there for a long-time learning all that she can. When a twist happens, she sets out on her own to help the Aztec people. Will she be able to keep her “demon” under control and save her people or will the Spanish take them all down?
Well written and gives such vivid imagery even without the provided pictures.

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Lisa Helmick

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a wonderful YA story. I Loved that this is a play off of Cinderella. The characters are lively and I could empathize with them because they are so realistic. I liked that Ashley worked in a mortuary and lives with evil stepmother. How different yet Intriguing. Harry I was prepared not to like but somehow the author made me change my mind. I ended up really enjoying his kindness and thought process.

The ending give an implication that there will be another story either more of these two or another couple. Either way I will check it out. The writing is easy to read and flows very nicely. This is filled with drama, cliques an surprises. I enjoyed every second.

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Amy Brennan

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read a handful of novels by this author, and she has yet to disappoint. Her ability to bring the characters to life, and to have the reader feel as though they are standing inside the world of the characters, is something to cherish. I was very much looking forward to reading this series, as one of my favorite television shows has the same sort of feel and antics so I dove head first. And came up for air at the end of this novel, that same day. It appears that this is something that a few readers so far have done. Devoured it.

All families have secrets, and much to Makayla’s dismay, she discovers more and more throughout her stay at Grave Digger Academy, through her own research, and the information presented to her through other characters. The way she handles and stands up for herself is wonderful, and she is a strong, independent female character that I look forward to experience further adventures with. I cannot wait to jump into the next installment, which will likely be this weekend. Goosebumps, shivers and laughs have me highly recommending this experience, well done!

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Scepter of Fire (The Vigilant Book 2) by LM Preston – Review by Jenni Bishop

Scepter Of Fire (Vigilant, #2)Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Make sure to read these books in order and especially read Unbreakable Darkness book 1.5 in the series. It is Dexter’s story and is the prequel to this book Scepter of Fire which is book 2.

The Vigilant series is YA paranormal supernatural stories. Mix in some fantasy and science fiction and you have this adventure where suspense, betrayal and mystery, danger and sacrifice, paranormal beings/creatures and magic will lure you in. The story is action packed and fast-paced.

In this book we see Dexter trying to fix things he did in the past. Once again it is time to face things head on and hope he can save the others.

The ending of this book sets us up for the next.

It took me a while to get into the flow of these books but now I am enjoying it.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Scepter of Fire (The Vigilant Book 2) by LM Preston

・ 。゚☆: *.☽ .* :☆゚. BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 。゚☆: *.☽ .* :☆゚.
Scepter of Fire (The Vigilant Book 2) by LM Preston
Genre – YA, Multi-Cultural, African American, Fantasy
Page Count – 296
Cover Designer – Molly Phipps

Dexter didn’t like being a pawn. It seems life was taking him there though. He and his father never saw eye to eye, but being captured and tortured for his father’s mistakes gave Dexter too much to think about. First, the girl he lost; he’d never forget what they did to her. It changed him, and made him see the small city where his father moved him was a prison for magicals, the damned, and now him. Too bad, the creator of the Void didn’t realize they would be better off if they’d set him free, because now he was fighting for his life, and someone he’d have to hide his feelings from to protect, not just from those that want to drag them back, but from himself—a vigilant. (Get the series: Book 0: Insatiable Darkness, Book 1: Caged Fire, Book 1.5 Unbreakable Darkness and coming Winter 2020 Break the Darkness)

Read other books in the Vigilant series: Insatiable Darkness, Caged Fire, Unbreakable Darkness, Scepter of Fire, Break the Darkness.

~ AMAZON ~ BARNES & NOBLE ~ APPLE BOOKS ~ KOBO ~ SMASHWORDS ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Scepter of Fire (The Vigilant Book 2) by LM Preston

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Scepter of Fire (The Vigilant Book 2) by LM Preston

L.M. Preston, a native of Washington, DC. An avid reader, she loved to create poetry and short-stories as a young girl. She is an author, an engineer, a professor, a mother and a wife. Her passion for writing and helping others to see their potential through her stories and encouragement has been her life’s greatest adventures. She loves to write while on the porch watching her kids play or when she is traveling, which is another passion that encouraged her writing.

Author Interview with LM Preston

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Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King Reviewed by Jasmin Slagle

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Makayla didn’t get into the paranormal school she had hoped for. Nope not even close, she got into the Grave Digger Academy. She will learn how to keep the dead…. Dead. I really relate to Makayla as a misfit myself. I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of the series.

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Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Jenique Bornman

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When an author does a fairytale retelling it can go wrong or like in this case it can go AMAZINGLY RIGHT.

This modern day retelling of Cinderella was done with respect to the original. The storyline took some twists from the original that just made this book even better then I thought it would be.

Be warned there is some heartwrenching parts that will make you ugly cry. But it’s totally worth it.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Jess Engel

Emma (Notebook Mysteries #1)Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A delightful, easy read! I really enjoyed this historical, cozy mystery following amateur, teen sleuth, Emma. Set in the late 1800s in Chicago, this story gives the reader a rich history and insight to the time and provides great setting and cases for Emma to discover.

The character and story development were excellent. Emma is an independent, compassionate, and lovable character. Though the story begins with great loss, her resilience shines through. This action packed and often unpredictable cozy mystery is highly recommended. I will be picking up the rest of the series!

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Makayla is the main protagonist in this story. At first you feel bad for her because she has failed to join any of the higher caliber academies, the last one of all her least favorite, is her only chance. Trying to get her way out of the Grave Digger academy she doesn’t learn much, until she has no choice but to learn. This story was wonderfully written, and it blew me away. The author set everything up wonderfully and it just kept going. There were no awkward lulls in the book, and you didn’t feel pushed to get through the story. You could read it at your own pace, and still get sucked into the story. I can’t wait to see what book 2 brings to this wonderful series!

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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Betsy Melano

Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although I wouldn’t say I’m a history fan, I’ve always enjoyed reading historical fiction. I picked this book to see if my kids would enjoy reading it. I’m glad I did read this book and would recommend it to teens, especially if they enjoy paranormal stories.
Azreya was born with amber eyes and her family is scared she has been cursed due to a deformity or marking on her arm. Her parents travel with the infant Azreya to meet the shaman Nukpana for help. Nukpana sends them away with a promise for Azreya to be brought back to him when she is around 3 or 4 years old so he can begin training her and see what skills she possesses to become an asset to the city in the future.
What a great way to start a book, to get the reader interested with the birth of Azreya and how her parents react to her differences. The book is well written and I think most readers would connect with the characters fairly quickly.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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