Azreya, Aztec Priestess is a book for YA’s aged 12 plus. It is a mishmash of paranormal/fantasy, historical fiction, legend and mythology. With shamans, monsters and gods there is a little bit for every YA paranormal fantasy lover.
It is a novel with illustrations done by Matt Maes that help bring the story to life.
Tricia’s passion for the subject matter shines through in the narrative.
It is a journey back in time when the Aztec were thriving but impending doom has been foreseen. Little is known about them and their ways but Tricia helps us learn more about them as we journey along with Azreya who is fighting to help her people thrive and survive.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2022-08-23 23:25:042022-08-24 10:17:17Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Jenni Bishop
This was an amazing read! I feel like I haven’t read a book this immersive in a while. The beginning was a little slow, and it took several chapters and some intrigue for me to really get invested but wow! I felt like I was right there with the siblings the whole time. The world building is just incredible in this book. The gorgeous cover drew me in but the immersive writing made me stay. I highly recommend reading this one if you’re a fan of fantasy! Slight trigger warning on blood, violence and some abuse though so be wary if you have those triggers. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rachel Mosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRachel Moss2022-08-23 21:37:462022-08-24 10:03:57The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – Review by Rachel Moss
This book really baked the cake and ate it! I love anything wit mythology and legends, and this book really came to life as I read. THE book was visually enlightening as well as amazing words that brought the story to life. Was a quick read for me, that I was completely immersed in! Impossible not to enjoy it!
Interesting story and plot,that quickly took off. Azreya was quite the character, easily someone you would look up to for all the qualities she possessed. The illustrations were amazing as well! I found they were a great addition to the story and as things developed! I was completely immersed with curiosity and longing to know more as I read! Perforce writing and perfect story line. It was an adventure and I am glad I got to take part in it! The book was a wonderful intrigue read, and journey worth taking! I truly loved it!
Wonderful complex story and writing by this gifted author. This book was a wonderful and intriguing treat for me! High recommendation from myself! For sure a must read, that must be enjoyed!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorrene Huismanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorrene Huisman2022-08-23 20:31:462022-08-24 09:59:54Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Lorrene Huisman
Lisette spent most of her life learning parlour tricks in a world ravaged in magic. She was set to inherit her father’s magic but he ends up being executed for killing the king, and ends up taking the magic with him to the grave. She has one goal and will do anything to get it. Become the next Jester to the clean and join the higher ups she was meant to be a part of.
Unfortunately she has a rival competing for the same title, Luc, who has real magic. After Luc ruined one of her shows, she got revenge which resulted in a game of tag. They also have a very strong will they/won’t they vibe throughout the book
Eventually some evidence surfaces and it makes the Queen a suspect in the King’s murder. Lisette has a choice to make. What is more important to her? The goal she set for herself as a child, to be rich and famous or to clear her father’s name.
I really enjoyed this book. Lisette is stubborn, determined, strong and witty. I very much enjoyed getting to know her as a character. Luc, not so much. He was a pompous arse and I hated him from day one. He thought he was all that and a bag of chips, using his charm and looks to his advantage. Although after a while he becomes more human making him more likeable as time goes on.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Santana Hickshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSantana Hicks2022-08-23 19:51:352022-08-24 09:58:46Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review by Santana Hicks
I was quite entertained in the beginning of the book but at some part I became completely engrossed in it and unable to put it down. Time was irrelevant and I absorbed myself into this world. Brielle D. Porter is an amazing author, and I can’t wait to see what adventure she’ll take us on next!
Lisette is a determined female lead and her honesty with herself is definitely refreshing. Her father was known as the Kingkiller and she isn’t sure she will ever live it down, but she isn’t going to just sit idly by and deal with what life gave her. Her ultimate goal is to obtain the position of the Queen’s Jester but there are quite a few obstacles in her way. Will she be able to redeem her family name and win the crown’s attention, or will her career disappear in a cloud of smoke?
If this is Brielle D. Porter’s debut novel, watch out world! She is bound for amazing things. She has written an incredible magical tale and I’m excited to see more from her. You won’t be disappointed with this original otherworldly book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2022-08-23 19:45:342022-08-24 09:57:41Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review by Shannen Kern
This was a new author for me but was recommended by a close friend’s daughter. She knows I love young adult books and thought I would enjoy this one as well. She was correct. I highly enjoyed it. Let me first say that I loved the wonderful world building that she created. It was perfect and had me fantasizing it was an actual real place to visit. I found the characters to be relatable especially as a child that helped raise my siblings with frugal means. There were a few spots in the story that I though were missing details that were needed to be told, but once I got to the end of the story I realized that unless she changes her mind there will be a follow up book that should answer any questions I had left. I hope that this is the case. Really good book and I highly recommend it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Karen Pearmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaren Pearman2022-08-23 14:32:222022-08-23 15:23:33The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – Review by Karen Pearman
I was so drawn into the book right from the start. Azreya is a compelling and compassionate character that shows strength and bravery. She is dedicated to the Aztec people and would do anything in her power to ensure they succeed and flourish. Her path is unique and full of unexpected challenges. Wonderful all around. Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend, Tricia Copeland, Matt Maes, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Mythology, Native American
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Codi Parhamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCodi Parham2022-08-23 14:04:082022-08-23 15:21:22Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Codi Parham
Jester by Brielle D. Porter is a fun read that takes you to Oasis, a city similar to Las Vegas with its gambling, street shows, and majestic atmosphere. This is a YA book, but be advised it does have a few more mature topics like showgirl costumes, and being groped just to name a few. That being said I would recommend this book for a more mature teen.
I really enjoyed this book which is filled with action, competition, magic, enemies, romance, and so much more. We get to see Lisette (Mirage) tell her story and experience things through her eyes. She is left on her own after her father is executed for murdering the king. Despite not having magic to rely on she uses her quick wit and determination to thrive to become a contestant in the deadly competition to be chosen as the highest-ranked magician in the world, the Queen’s Jester. Her biggest rival is Luc, a guy who processes real magic. Their rivalry is one for the ages.
I’m so amazed that Jester is Brielle D. Porters’ debut novel, because it is a wonderfully written tale for the ages. She is definitely a author to watch out for.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2022-08-23 11:41:232022-08-23 15:19:32Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review by Donya Pedigo
I really enjoyed this book. I love books based on mythology and legends from different countries. It is sad that Azreya had to go through what she does with her family, especially her parents. Being so advanced due to her being “cursed” with the demon Tepeyollotl, she can understand everything that is said and done around her from an early age. She knows she has to leave her parents and she knows there is a possibility that the demon will overtake her and destroy, but it seemed to me her parents and unfortunately Nukpana teach her how to tame the best inside. Nukpana, wow, I despise him so much, his thoughts and actions are evil, I don’t like to hope for anything bad to happen to anyone, but this fictional character, I did. When her glimpses of the future come to fruition, I sat reading with my lips pursed in a “take that” and “you should have listened” form. I hoped that every king and person Azreya encountered, that she shared her reading of the future with, were looking back and wishing they would have listened. I was happy with the ending. Azreya did lose her family but gained a new one, and it seems like and I hope she is happy.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carrie Reedhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarrie Reed2022-08-23 09:23:132022-08-23 09:23:13Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Carrie Reed
I found this story to be very interesting and quite intriguing. Azreya is a mythological story of a priestess who grows up to watch over her people. She leads an amazing life and has many challenges. The facts included by the author help to understand the story. It feels like South American folklore/mythology. The writing keeps you wanting more because you find yourself waning to know what’s going to happen next as Azreya undergoes tests. The illustrations fit well into the story. This author is one of my favorites as she tries many new things. I hope she does more this way. I will be using this book as reading with my kiddo’s schooling as he gets older. Well done, loved it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-08-23 06:34:352022-08-23 15:15:44Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Shelly Kittell
This was a truly captivating read! I really enjoyed this take on Cinderella. Reading different interpretations of fairy tales is always fun, seeing how the author decides to change it up or make it more modern. From the prologue to the epilogue, Ashley’s story is one that we’ve read or seen more than once, in various retellings of Cinderella, but it is by no means the exact same. The bones of the story were recognizable, but the rest of the body of the story was truly unique and beautiful. Ashley and Harry’s relationship was tested for sure, but isn’t everyone’s? If you enjoy reading modern fairy tales, this is definitely a must read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jo Frizzellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJo Frizzell2022-08-23 03:24:472022-08-23 15:14:55Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Jo Frizzell
At the age of three, Azreya is placed in the care of a shaman, Nukpana, who promises to protect her. Servitude to the man who vowed to keep her dark side from emerging seemed a small price to pay until a special client visits. But Azreya’s inner compass clashes with Nukpana’s wishes and her rage boils over.
With the demon just under the surface, she has no choice but to flee, only to find her own family refuses to take her in. Still unable to stand by and witness her people’s demise, Azreya pursues a quest to enlighten them. She faces many challenges—not the least of which is the monster hiding under her own skin.
Can Azreya control her inner beast and convince her people to break from age-old patterns, or will the Aztecs be vanquished by the enemy?
Journey back in time to unlock the secrets of the Aztec.
This book contains the manuscript, maps, illustrations as well as bonuses like images of the handmade drawings that were used to create the cover and other images in the book.
Tricia believes in finding magic. She thinks magic infuses every aspect of our lives, whether it is the magic of falling in love, discovering a new passion, a beautiful sunset, or a book that transports us to another world. An avid runner and Georgia native, Tricia now lives with her family and four-legged friends in Colorado. Find all her titles from contemporary romance and fantasy, to dystopian fiction at www.triciacopeland.com.
MATT MAES
Matt Maes of Quantum Keyhole Studio is a Mythical Painter and Creative Educator. His mission is to enhance the creative aspect in as many lives as possible. He aims to create art for people who share his love of myth and creativity. He’s driven by an urge to pursue joy, excellence, wisdom, and meaningfulness in everyday life, and invites everyone to join in the dance. Some of his favorite ways to share his craft are through festivals, workshops, newsletters, streaming media, live painting, or connecting with new people along his travels. He and his romantic partner, Helena, have created ‘Immersive Art Meditation’, a deeply focused art-centered experience through the lens of guided meditation. He invites you to join in exploring worlds of wonder within the doorways of our spirits.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Azreya-Cover.png1200824itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-08-23 00:04:262022-09-06 21:55:13Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes
The family parties are planned, the baking’s completed and all that’s left is to decorate the trees. What could be left to do but enjoy the holidays? Events conspire to change their plans however when a simple delivery reveals a deadly stranger. Things are further complicated when a friend of Emma’s asks for help to investigate a reported haunting at his family’s mansion. Deadly events come together right before the holidays can be celebrated.
This was a nice easy read for me as I get ready for the upcoming school year! I love the modern-day retelling of fairy tales and this did not disappoint me in the slightest! This book reminds me a lot of the Cinderella Story movies from my childhood, particularly the first one with Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray.
I love the character of Ashley, I particularly admire how strong she stays despite all of the issues she faces in her life. The character of Harry was different from other ‘Prince Charming’ characters I have read in the past, dealing with plenty of his own issues and I loved reading the chapters in his point of view.
I also love how the side characters and villains were written, each character given a good amount of detail into their lives. I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with in the next book in the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kayla Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKayla Kearney2022-08-22 18:24:582022-08-23 15:12:05Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Kayla Kearney
The author does not disappoint once again in book 4 of the Notebook Mysteries series! These stories are incredible as you continue to discover more about Emma, the main character. Emma goes through so many suspenseful and challenging issues that very quickly you are in shock with each turn of events. The historical nature of this story, in addition to the imagery in the author’s writing makes you feel as if you are right there in the 1880’s experiencing the cultural and even climate changes. Emma develops her love interest all the more in this book in the series, so it is not only packed with lots of twists and turns, but it gives the romantic side as well! I could easily see this in a movie. I am looking forward to the next book in the series next month and I can’t wait!!!!
I am really enjoying each and every book in this series, this one included. They all seem to add to much to the series as a whole and yet stand out as a single book. I loved the main character in this particular story. He carried it for me and I really connected with him and his journey. The story was exciting and gripping from the moment you start reading. I struggled to put it down once I had started reading. So much seems to happen in this book, I was swept away by it all and loved each and every moment. This is a really strong series I am thoroughly enjoying it all.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2022-08-22 15:19:062022-08-23 15:09:14Unbreakable Darkness (The Vigilant Book 1.5) by LM Preston – Review by Kerry Baker
Emma and crew are back, building relationships and solving mysteries. This one is in 1887 and starts off with a bang. Emma and Jeremy are building their lives together and growing together as a couple. They are so sweet, so well written, and I love that Emma is a strong young female lead and Jeremy is an adamant supporter of her.
Going from chasing bank robbers, train crashes, murder, missing spouses, sabotage and child endangerment to feeling unsure of Jeremy’s mothers intentions once they meet and scouring the papers for cases because Emma is bored seems like a big range of topics. However, as with the rest, Emma and her world is beautifully written, has great leads, wonderful descriptions, excitement, excellent relationship building and is all tied together and delivered with a bow. These books stay on your mind until you can devour the whole thing.
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie. I loved this book. This is the story of Leo who is a Blood Prince because of blood that flows thru his eyes when he has a mission to complete. He is the right hand man of one of the cold blooded crime lords. Problem being its illegal to have blood eyes in Tominay where he lives. If he is caught with blood eyes it is immediate execution! Leo has had to provide for his sibling for most of his life so he did whatever it took to feed them and take care of them. When Leo’s boss approaches him about his knowledge of Leo’s brothers super powers and he wants his brother to join them. Leo has always been fearful of this. The brothers soon embark on a crazy dangerous adventure full of danger, demons, power and fights. Will they survive the whole ordeal? This book will keep you flipping pages til late in the night.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2022-08-22 08:35:542022-08-23 15:05:03The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – Review by Tausha Treadway
This book was my first read by this author. I was intrigued by the fact that we share a name and had to pick up this book to see the world within the pages. It is very rare I encounter someone that I share a name with. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will pick up future books by Ayla Marie.
The storyline of The Blood Prince was interesting to read. The characters were well developed. Leo, one of the main characters we meet in the beginning, appears to be more of the villain of the story, but by the end his portrayal changes. On the run from both the past and the future Leo and his siblings try to find a better future. Will the past sink its hooks into them and keep them burdened by it? Will the future they run from win or will they be able to create the better future they seek? Pick up the book to find out for yourself. You won’t regret it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Eddyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Eddy2022-08-22 07:34:322022-08-23 15:04:41The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – Review by Ayla Eddy
Overall I liked this book. I really liked the story idea of twisting a classic fairytale. I was drawn to this book because I love twisted fairytales and the cover is beautiful. Parts of it were a little awkward, but I would definitely read more by this author, especially if they were more twisted fairytales!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shai Floreshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShai Flores2022-08-22 01:46:352022-08-23 15:02:43Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Shai Flores
As a debut novel, this book was well written with varying levels of intricacy. While it does take some time to unravel the strings of some characters it is fascinating to have several stories within one story.
Lisette has only one dream, to become the Queen’s jester. After all it seems to be one way out of the poverty life her father’s acts placed upon her along with the disadvantage to not having the family magic. Luc is also competing to become the Queen’s jester and is Lisette’s fiercest competitor. Yet as you unravel their tales and they grow closer to each other and closer to the competition more secrets are revealed. Will these secrets lead Lisette to her fame or familial redemption?
In some books it is clear to identify the villain of the story and the heroines. But not in this book, you root for some and find out you don’t like them as much in the end. While at times the buildup is slow, the cast of characters is diverse and captivating. The author does a beautiful job weaving together the different character backgrounds into one masterful tale full of mystery and intrigue.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vanessa Wattshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVanessa Watts2022-08-21 19:25:172022-08-23 14:56:27Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review by Vanessa Watts
This book will have you hooked from the very beginning.
In Oasis it is all about being Jester. A great honor to work for the queen herself. But everyone has a different motive for wanting the position. Let’s meet our main cast shall we…
Lisette/Mirage – daughter of the late Judge who was executed for murdering the King. She wants this position to get away from the stigma and make a path for herself.
Luc- the competition. A great street performer who takes every opportunity to be a thorn in Lisettes side. Though later in the book we find out that he is in fact the bastard child of the late King and wants the Jester position to prove the Queen killed his father.
Yasmin- A really good friend. A pet trainer and magician herself. She helps Lisette get close to the Queen and they become friends. Though we see in the book Lisette does not know how to handle that.
Cillian – Lisette’s trainer and friend. Owner of a cat and a bookshop (Both things I love that made him my favorite character hands down). Blackmailed by Lisette to give her his magic they quickly become friends with great back and fourth banter.
The Queen – Though she comes off as the grieving widower. We see that she is very smart and highly underestimated. And just like everyone else she has a plan of her own.
In the book the Queen and her seekers have come to Oasis to find a new Jester and nothing goes according to plan. There is betrayal, magic, and lies in the air as everyone is looking out for themselves or so it seems.
Things I loved about this book. Strong Female Lead. Quick paced read. Great Friendships. Happy Ending.
I’m just going to say this because I believe it needs to be said. This book did not need a romance angle. and it is the one thing I truly did not like about this book. That and the fact that I wanted Lisette to continue to have her Father’s magic so she could have a relationship with her brother and maybe even father as they are take away from her unjustly. Also the ending did seem a bit anti-climatic.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shavon Bownhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShavon Bown2022-08-21 17:52:332022-08-23 14:51:55Jester by Brielle D. Porter – Review By Shavon Brown
The Blood Prince offers a strong story line, a hooking plot, twists, drama, family, and more! It promises fantasy, hierarchy, and an overall addicting read that will captivate you until the very end. Let’s put it this way, you’ll definitely want to stick around and wait for book number 2 so you can get your fix again with these characters. Be ready to get thrilled by another world, setup perfectly for your imagination.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trishahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrisha2022-08-21 09:47:002022-08-23 14:36:10The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie – Review by Trisha Cargile
Unbreakable Darkness is Book #1.5 in the Vigilant series by L.M Preston. It is actually set before the events in Book #1, Caged Fire. This story is from Dex’s point of view- but also adds to the growing ‘bigger picture’ of the series, so far. This book is also the prequel to Scepter of Fire (Book #2). Dex’s life was turned upside down, and his big football dreams went up in smoke, when his father moved the family from New York to a much smaller city. He seems to be a magnet for trouble, soon finds himself in jail. Things just seem to slide downhill from there. But what a journey of discovery he is thrust into… This continues the intriguing YA fantasy series with action, adventure, mystery, the supernatural/paranormal, drama, danger, family, emotion, discovery, love, and intensity. Bring on Book #2! Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2022-08-20 23:02:182022-08-23 07:56:27Unbreakable Darkness (The Vigilant Book 1.5) by LM Preston – Review by Angela Hayes
This is the third book I have read by LM Preston, and I still find myself transported to her world. Unbreakable Darkness is technically the third book in the vigilant series. While the first two books Insatiable Darkness and Caged Fire take place at the same time as this book, they are from the perspective of Dexter’s older sister EmVee.
While Unbreakable Darkness is like Insatiable Darkness, it is the prequel of Dexter’s story after the family moves to Newport Rhode Island. We first meet Dexter on his first day at a new school, back in New York his 6’4” frame was considered one of the largest students, the students male and female in Newport made him feel average sized. Dexter is the second oldest in his family after EmVee, with twin younger brother and sister Reese and Rei. The first day of school goes from bad to worse when his sister Rei texts him needing help that led to him getting pulled over and arrested by Detective Whalen. When his father Max arrives to pick him up the Detective offers to let him go with no charge if he will agree to being an informant at the high school for him. Students have been disappearing since the end of the previous school year and all through the summer, with no leads the police are concerned. The top athletic students continue to go missing without anyone filing police reports. Months go by and Dexter feels he is finally getting the chance to achieve his dreams. He is on the football team working towards being an elite, promised it would lead to a pro football career after high school. Falling head over heels for London, his mentor Grady’s little sister. Only now he is beginning to question everything about the town of Newport, his girlfriend is keeping secrets linked to the cuts and bruises that appear and disappear all over her body. He witnesses unimaginable events in the woods, vampire looking creatures, one of which he “kills”, giant hybrid spiders with female torsos and faces, told that if they survive making it out of the woods back to their cars they move on to the next stage. Numerous warnings begin making him think he is not crazy that he should be questioning things but his hunger to be a pro footballer is all he wants in the world, and he would do anything and everything he can to succeed in the initiation process.
I cannot wait to read the next book to learn the rest of Dexter’s journey in Scepter of Fire Book 2 of the Vigilant Series. LM Preston’s ability to build the story and characters is beyond amazing. Several characters overlap between the first two books of EmVee’s POV but this book builds on them, we learn more about them and how they are weaved into every one’s story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Phippshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Phipps2022-08-20 19:48:212022-08-23 07:30:32Unbreakable Darkness (The Vigilant Book 1.5) by LM Preston – Review by Ayla Phipps
This is book 1.5 of the Vigilant Series. And just like the previous books in the series it is a great paranormal story that will keep the reader gripped.
In this book we follow Dexters story. Since moving with his family things seem to be going from bad to worse. Dex always seems to attract trouble and it seems moving to a new place hasn’t changed that. However things start to take a dangerous twist when he gets involved in things he doesn’t understand and starts to unravel secrets he shouldn’t know about.
Add to this a romance, a murder mystery where kids are going missing and a plot twist that involves something wrong with the football team and cheerleaders and a magical ring and this book becomes one read you can’t put down. This story is told through Dexter’s eyes and his reactions to the situations happening around him.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2022-08-20 14:10:402022-08-20 14:42:51Unbreakable Darkness (The Vigilant Book 1.5) by LM Preston – Review by Kerry Carr
Ashes is a spin on a classic, Cinderella. Ashley works in her step-mother’s mortuary, not because she wants to but you know how that goes. Then, the charming bad boy pop star, Harry James, stumbles into her high school. Awesome take on Cinderella. I adore the characters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jasmin Slaglehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJasmin Slagle2022-08-20 11:09:092022-08-20 14:36:22Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series Book 1) by M.K. Harkins Reviewed by Jasmin Slagle
Ashes was cute! Another twist on “Cinderella.” I’ve read this author before and I like what is done with the fairytale we are used to. The spin the author puts on it. I encourage everyone to check this author out. Now for a little back story. Ashley, your girl next-door type. Unfortunately she has an evil stepmother and two evil stepsisters. Still a minor and left in her stepmother’s care whe. Her father passed, Ashley is just trying to get through her senior year. This way she gets her trust, leaves for college, and never has to return to the wretched funeral home run by her stepmother. Seems easy, right? Not so fast because stepmonster Veronica wants to get her hands on Ashley’s trust. Only for her to be successful at that is sabotage. Harry, a fallen rockstar, who has been banished by the courts to finish high school in a secluded Washington State town to make up for crimes past. Never did he expect to meet the one person who would turn his life upside down. Ashley is a breath of fresh air, unfortunately nobody wants them together. It’s even been as far as to be court ordered as a stipulation of his probation. Will Ashley and Harry survive? Does Veronica succeed? Like I said early on, this author does a nice job of putting twists on the everyday fairytale. This book as well as the others written are highly recommended!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Beverly Place-Finniehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBeverly Place-Finnie2022-08-19 22:37:412022-08-20 14:26:57Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Beverly Finnie
Ashley doesn’t believe in love due to all she’s been through. She’s lost both of her parents before her high school career is even over. She is left with her stepmother and stepsisters who want nothing more than to take the last of what she has left, the inheritance her father left her. The fairies see this and decide they need to step in and turn things around so that Ashley can have her happily ever after. When superstar Harry James is ordered by the courts to either attend public school or spend time in jail he ends up at Ashley’s school. Of course every female in the school flocks to him like a moth to a flame, but Ashley keeps her distance. As the social outcast of the school how would she ever stand the chance of getting his attention? And how will the magic be cast without breaking and of the rules the Queen Godmother and those before her are sure to enforce?
This was the first book I have read by this author and I truly enjoyed it. A modern twist on a classic that we all know and love.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlisa Wahtomy-Albahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlisa Wahtomy-Alba2022-08-19 22:08:212022-08-20 14:25:51Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
This is definitely one of the better retelling of Cinderella that I have read. I was hesitant to give it a go at first but I am glad I did. The characters were brilliant, they really made the book for me. Their connection was instant and believable. I loved watching the connection grow as the story developed. I thought the book was well written. Easy to read but caught my attention. This is a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2022-08-19 16:07:132022-08-20 14:15:30Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Kerry Baker
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