The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After Leo’s parents die. As well as enduring black mail from his boss to be a mercenary to protect his siblings life. Leo finds a letter from his mother and they flee to find a better place to live. Everyone assumes Leo dies because of what they witnessed. Once Leo is back in the fold. They all have to flee once again.
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a way to start a new series. This is a well written and interesting fantasy story that drew me in right from the start. The story was detailed and imaginative. It was so easy to picture what was going on. I really found myself becoming invested in the characters and the journey they were going on. You could see them develop from one page to the next and it was great to see how they were moving forward.
I think this is a really strong start to a new series and a brilliant way for a new author to make her debut. This book has made me excited to see what is to come next.
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is one author to keep your eye on. She is now on my watch list.
The Blood Prince is an intriguing YA fantasy and I love the cover. It is written by Ayla Marie a young writer still in high school. It is also her debut novel. This is a great start and show cases her love for storytelling. She is a naturally talent writer. I found this story interesting and engrossing and couldn’t wait to turn the pages. Ayla is just as good if not better than some of the seasoned authors I have read.
Ayla has given us readers all the ingredients that make it a great read that not only has you glued to the pages but also your heart pumping. It is action packed with lots of danger and hidden agendas, drama with lots of twists and turns.
No spoilers here you just have to grab a copy and dig in. You will not be disappointed.
Even though it is a YA fantasy tale it should be read by anyone. I am nearly 60 and I really enjoyed it.
You go Miss Ayla and share more of your treasured stories. You have talent girl!
Now I need the second book.
Reviewed by @jennadb
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Nathan and Holly were so good together. What started as enemies soon turned to friendship and more. Holly was a strong and sweet girl and utterly loyal. Nathan was her opposite in a sense but being with Holly brought out the best parts of him. The secret Nathan holds turns out to be the best thing that could happen as it brings them together. Such a sweet story that I recommend for everyone
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
“Yeah, I’m so grateful for my fantastical heritage,” I say, sarcasm thick in my tone. His words send my thoughts back to the story of my ancestry I used to beg my parents to tell me. I am a descendent of a people who should not exist, a race of weaponized soldiers created to kill. During the Great War nearly a century ago, there were two fighting sides: the Allied Kingdoms and the Death Dancers. As the least gruesome tales go, the Death Dancers used to drink the blood of their enemies and walked into battle with red-stained mouths, growling like animals. They were ruthless, devious soldiers whose weapons were so advanced that one Death Dancer could take down ten of the Allied soldiers. Even with their supreme strength and wealth, they still wanted more land, resources, and power. They wanted to rule the continent. So, the Death Dancers created my people, an army of prisoners of all the kingdoms genetically modified to fight. We were made to be faster, stronger, able to resist pain. But with these strengths, we were cursed with endless sleepless nights and the ability to suffer and survive the most horrible injuries. The stories don’t tell much more than that, and my parents never offered any more real insight either. Their only words were a warning to me that my people are viewed as unnatural, so the kingdoms hunt us, no matter where we try to hide.
The Blood Prince is the first book in a new trilogy, and debut novel, by Ayla Marie. This is an engrossing story, which had me hooked right from the beginning. It is a fantastic start to the trilogy- which I can’t wait to continue. As a debut novel, this surprised me as it is really well written and quite polished. And if this is what we get from a debut author, I can’t wait to follow to see what the future holds for her, and her stories.
This is an action-packed YA fantasy with danger, drama, twists, powers, agendas, and much more. This is a flight from the demons of the past. Of being hunted. A fight for survival. A fight for freedom. A mercenary who is more than he seems. And that ending…. OMG!!!
Bring on Book #2!!!! I need to know what happens now!!!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Ayla Marie!
Reviewed by@angelahayes
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I took a chance with this book and I’m glad that I did. It had adventure, mysticism, bandits just to name a few. Leo and his siblings are on the run living in poverty, but Leo has made a name for himself, “The Blood Prince”. This has made some issues for the siblings, but when Leo finds out that his brother has the same power all bets are off and out the door. I loved reading this book although it was a little slow in the beginning but I’m glad I stuck with it. This author writes wonderfully creating this new story for all of us to see and read. I can’t wait to see what this author does with their other books!
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book that I have read from this author and let me tell you something I was not disappointed. I fell is love with this book, I had to finish the entire book in my sitting. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time. I recommend this book to everyone and anyone , you will not be disappointed. I hope and pray y’all fall in love with this book just as I had. Both the plot and characters were wonderfully written: it was like I was standing next to them experiencing everything they were in the moments. Now here’s a little bit about the book:
A mercenary with death following his every step…
Leo has been evading Lady Death’s grip his entire life. First, fighting in the merciless Tominese arenas, and then becoming the most feared mercenary in the country. The unnatural powers that have made him into a ruthless killer are the same that prohibit his very existence under the royal laws of Tominay. Though they will always be hunted, he protects his brothers and sister with his every breath because allowing death to take them away has never been an option.
Now they must run, or face their worst nightmares…
When Leo’s employer finds out his younger brother holds the same power that made him into an invaluable weapon, they must make a long-awaited decision: to stay and risk slaughter, or to flee their home in search of a new life.
Will they survive the journey, or fall fighting for their freedom?
It’s a battle for survival as the siblings chase the land of their people in the hopes of a better future. Though they try to outrun it, the demons of the past never cease to haunt them, and the trials of the future hold more terror than can be imagined. But will the journey truly lead to the salvation they crave, or walk them straight to the bloody end they fear?
I’m excited to see and read more of this authors books in the future.
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is amazing and recommend for anyone who loves mystery books. I was not able to put the book down unless I had finished it from the very beginning to the last word on the last page of the book.
Nikola Tesla’s top-secret lab, theft, murder, and a seventeen-year-old girl bound and determined to unravel the mystery.
The year is 1899. During her final year at Palmer High School in Colorado Springs, Cora Croft finds herself uncovering a mystery involving Nikola Tesla and his secret projects. After the loss of three important documents detailing new, ambitious devices and the unusual death of his previous assistant, Tesla is ready to pack up the lab and return to New York. Cora offers to help uncover who is behind the strange circumstances so Tesla can remain and finish his work.
With help from the charming Harrison, and life-long friend, Marshall, Cora toils against time, the elements and social constraints as she works to unravel the mystery, exposing more than one secret in the process.
I look forward to reading more books from the author in the near future.
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I couldn’t wait to continue reading this book, and it was a sorrowful moment once the last page ended. From the moment you start on the first page, you’re thrown into a beautiful yet dangerous world, extremely vivid to the reader. Leo’s love and need to protect his family, even as a middle child, screams loudly to the reader. This plot is one of my new favorites, and I’m adding this author to my watch list! Gotta keep an eye on her future books!
The Blood Prince, Ayla Marie, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Fantasy
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It’s okay really 3.5 stars for me. Well The Blood Prince is interesting. I’m not the biggest fan of the story concept, however that doesn’t take away from what the author has written. The author created an interesting world with enough detail that you can imagine yourself there in the story. At the beginning it was all over the place and I was slightly confused. As you get further into it the author cleans up a lot and the story itself gets more interesting and understandable.
Living in this different world’s poverty Leo is trying to take care of his siblings. He’s different and he knows it, he can call an essence that takes over his body. It turns his eyes red, numbs the pain, and makes him invincible in battle. It garnered rumors about him, gaining him the nickname of “The Blood Prince.” Everyone knows of him but don’t necessarily know who he is. When the bounty for his head has been doubled he realizes his family needs to leave Tominay. After finding a letter from his mother, they set off for Illena. Coming across many obstacles along the way, they persevered. Just one problem, it’s what they find once they get to Illena. Leo & Cael find themselves fighting for freedoms they are viewed as trash, even go as far as criminals based on author descriptions.
But there are golden-eyed people who are interested in them.
What could they learn from the outcasts?
Will these two brothers find a way to prove they aren’t who they are assumed to be?
Two of the many questions that come to mind once I got the Illena portion of the story. Which is also written better than the Tominay part of the story. Once the story moved to Illena, the book really started to peak my interest. Made me glad I tried something new, knowing how I felt at the beginning. A promising author that I look forward to reading other works in the future.
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The setting of the story takes us to 1899 in Colorado Springs, where we meet Cora Croft at the exact moment she comes across a dead body. This historical fiction novel pulls you in. 17- year old Cora Croft reminded me a few times of Anne of Green Gables. Cora is not the dreamer that Anne is, but Cora is not your typical girl of 1899. She’s got big plans as we learn, to go away to college, see places, and not settle. She sets out to be the assistant to a scientist that recently moved to town, and before long, someone is stealing documents, and another body piles up. Cora, Harrison, and Cora’s friend Wolf are set out to solve the mystery.
I truly enjoyed reading this young adult novel by A.D. Brazeau, my first that I have read by A.D. I found it easy to read, and the story flowed well, which made this an easy one to come back to. The story kept me interested. I found the characters likable. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a quick and enjoyable read.
Reviewed by @tandyk
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this fantasy adventure. The author does an amazing job creating the world and the characters. It is a story that will grip you and doesn’t let go. I love the relationship between the family and the loyalty that they have for each other no matter what situation they find themselves in.
Leo is the main character well follow and this is his story. After losing their parents Leo has vowed to protect his brothers and sister no matter the cost. He works as a mercenary to earn money to keep his family fed. He had a rare gift which his boss exploits to the max. When Leo’s boss realises he isnt the only one in his family with this gift, Leo and his family need to make a decision. Stay and risk certain death or leave and have a chance of a better life.
What follows is a journey as they travel away from everything they know to hopefully be free. But this journey isn’t easy and when they are still hunted down by the people they left behind it leaves you wondering whether they will ever find peace at all or is the whole family destined to be hunted and targeted until one or all of them is dead.
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a feast for the eyes and soul literally. I loved how good and intelligent the writing was. I was very much hooked, and intrigued as I read. I could not put this gem down. Very much enjoyed it.
What I enjoyed very much was the character development. Leo came a long way from when I was first introduced to him. He stood for many things, family, independence, and honor. He was strong willed. But even the strongest of us have our weak points. I loved the relationship he had with his bother. Quite commendable. Outside the family love, enjoyed the epic danger they faced together. The descriptive uses of the words by the author really made a visual effect strongly on myself as the reader. The book had its intense moments and moments where it held you in deep suspense. I was in anticipation through out my reading, Loved it truly from start to finish. I look forward to reading more by this author!
Amazing book which held a very intelligent story and well dine writing. For sure not one to be passed up for any cause. I highly recommend this must read book. Do not pass it up! Well wroth a read! Loved it!
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༻BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE༻༻
A mercenary with death following his every step…
Leo has been evading Lady Death’s grip his entire life. First, fighting in the merciless Tominese arenas, and then becoming the most feared mercenary in the country. The unnatural powers that have made him into a ruthless killer are the same that prohibit his very existence under the royal laws of Tominay. Though they will always be hunted, he protects his brothers and sister with his every breath because allowing death to take them away has never been an option.
Now they must run, or face their worst nightmares…
When Leo’s employer finds out his younger brother holds the same power that made him into an invaluable weapon, they must make a long-awaited decision: to stay and risk slaughter, or to flee their home in search of a new life.
Will they survive the journey, or fall fighting for their freedom?
It’s a battle for survival as the siblings chase the land of their people in the hopes of a better future. Though they try to outrun it, the demons of the past never cease to haunt them, and the trials of the future hold more terror than can be imagined. But will the journey truly lead to the salvation they crave, or walk them straight to the bloody end they fear?
Ayla Marie is a Canadian high school student whose love for fantasy started when she was twelve and hasn’t dulled since. She will read any book you put in front of her—textbooks do not count—especially when they have action packed storylines and a romantic subplot that makes you want to read as fast as you can, while wishing it would never end. Though writing, reading, and studying take up most of her time—or all her time according to her younger brother—she always manages to find space in her schedule to play some soccer and hang out with friends and family. Her goofy dog and two cats are her biggest fans, and though she could have done without the constantly interrupting barks and meows, she loves their annoying presence very much.
The Blood Prince is her debut novel, but she plans to write many more, deepening her love for writing and literature with every page.
Insatiable Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Sports, Mystery & Body Parts… OH MY! This is a short story that is fast paced and I think the author did a good job writing it. The main characters are good ones and I loved following their story and seeing where this huge mystery was going. I am looking forward to more by this author in the future!
Happy Reading.
Insatiable Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Insatiable Darkness was a great first book in the Vigilant series. It left me wanting more and more and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. There is a cliffhanger so beware, however it made me NEED to continue with the series. The author has a great writing style and she led us into the characters in a way that made us learn who they were and their prevalence to the story. I really enjoyed and will be grabbing what else is out in the series asap! A great thrilling ride to settle in and solve the mystery!
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story is set in Colorado Springs. Nicholas Tesla’s time in Colorado Springs is a key component of the story. The protagonist is a teenage high school girl. A budding romance ensues between two amateur detectives. The ending is a surprise!
Insatiable Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was my first book by this author, but it is far from the last! Insatiable Darkness was a short but thrilling read. I have a feeling I am going to devour this entire series right after this review. EmVee had no idea what she was getting into at her new town, but surprises lurked in every corner. Being a strong female athlete comes with its disadvantages yet her new school appears to have some individuals up for the challenge. Will this finally be a place she fits in and finds a suitable partner? I enjoyed all the twists and turns during this rollercoaster story. It is fast paced so I didn’t even have time to guess what happens next. Heading to get the next book now!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
Mystery…Intrigue…Murder. Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau has this and so much more to keep you turning the pages. So grab your favorite beverage and curl up with this murder mystery that will not disappoint.
Set in Colorado Springs in 1899, Cora Croft is finishing her last year at Colorado Springs High School. As a young female interested in continuing her education, her teacher recommends she volunteer to be the new assistant of famed Nikola Tesla. As she embarks on the journey of assisting with intriguing scientific discoveries, Cora gets pulled into solving the mysterious death of Tesla’s previous assistant and finding his missing documents.
Cora is such a well written character. She is full of inquiry, strong-minded and intelligent. Author Brazeau did a great job imagining these characters and found a way to make the story flow in a quick and interesting way. As the mystery unfolds, you are rooting for Cora and hoping she can help solve the mystery and continue to grow in the process.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who wants to go back in time, solve a mystery and go on a great ride in the process.
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this YA historical mystery novel, which had me hooked from start to finish. Set in 1899, in Colorado Springs, seventeen year old Cora Croft is in her final year at Palmer High School. She finds herself uncovering a mystery involving Nikola Tesla and his secret projects. Tesla is ready to pack up his secret lab and return to New York after the mysterious death of his assistant, and the theft of some important documents. However, when Cora offers to help him uncover who is behind these events, in order for Tesla to stay and complete his work he agrees.
Cora along with friends Harrison and Marshall work together to unravel the mystery, and discover secrets along the way. Cora has to deal with time, the elements and social constraints, and then she discovers that she is in danger. This was a fast paced story with an exciting storyline and plenty of plot twists, which kept me happily turning the pages. I loved the characters, especially the likeable and relatable Cora, and I felt that I was alongside her uncovering the clues. The historical details really brought the era to life along with the real life Tesla.
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Maryn Belling
Welcome to Colorado Springs. Home to sparkling landscapes and barely a generation of history. Our completely relatable Miss Cora Croft – academic hopeful and hopelessly short of her mother’s example of corseted grace – would rather walk in the snow than be beholden. Amid the usual challenges for a lady of her age, social status, and upbringing, Cora tussles with calculus, physics, and gender roles.
Set 40 years after the gold-rush, the attraction of new residents to Colorado Springs is for medical reasons (consumption & tuberculosis). The railroad’s depot (Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe) constructed in Colorado Springs in 1917 is alluded to through character presence, but the town is still foot-traffic, horse, and buggy propelled.
With Pike’s Peak watching over the town and its inhabitants, Nikola Tesla watches over his experiments with physics. Despite the integral presence of physics and calculus in the workings of Tesla’s lab, readers needn’t possess specific knowledge of either topic.
The greater mysteries for Colorado Springs’ inhabitants are untimely deaths. Miss Cora’s scientific mind works through the myriad pieces to reveal the truth.
Murder in the Lightning Room, A Historical Mystery, A.D. Brazeau, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Historical, Mystery, Maryn Belling, July 2022
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Murder in the Lightning room by author A.D. Brazeau takes place in Colorado Springs in the late 1800’s and focuses on a teenager named Cora Croft. In the blink of an eye, Cora’s life goes from completely normal, to trying to solve murders and locate stolen documents of Nicola Tesla’s work. With the help of her friend Marshall and Harrison, a boy she cannot seem to get rid of, she tries to piece together clues that were overlooked by the police. But will the information they have found lead them to the perpetrator, and find justice for the victims?
From the very first page, I was completely enthralled in this story. I loved the characters; their personalities matched the timeline so well. The setting of Colorado Springs was beautifully descripted to the point that I felt like I was there, smelling the snow and fresh air along with Cora. I also loved how some of the history and personality traits of Nicola Tesla were accurately entwined. I adored Cora for her bravery and stubbornness, especially when it came to Harrison Byrne. All in all, Brazeau writes beautifully in this story and I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a fast paced, cozy mystery. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
Twilight’s Spy by K.M. Wray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
YA fantasy adventure story
This intriguing quick read is book 1.5 in the Twilight Realm series. The author creates a fantastical world with elves, magic, adventure and even dragons. There is a unique flavour to the writing that I enjoyed and kept me engaged from start to finish. I am looking forward to continuing this series.
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a really great young adult story. It is a historical fiction story which includes loads of elements such as mystery, Suspense, murder and danger. The author does an amazing job of mixing fiction with historical reference especially with regards to Nikola Tesla’s secret labs and the experiments that were conducted.
I love the main character Cora Croft. She is a very determined young woman who isn’t going to settle for a life of marriage as is normal for that time period. She is determined to make something of herself so when this mystery happens she will stop at nothing to solve it. What she doesn’t realise is how dangerous trying to unravel these secrets can be and how much danger she places herself and her friends Harrison and Marshall in.
This mystery will keep the reader hooked from beginning to end and the history references make this a really unique story.
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the best book I have read by this author. It does NOT disappoint in any way! I absolutely love how the author centers it around Nikola Tesla and his research, and the historical importance of his competition with Thomas Edison. It adds a bit of tension to the mystery! It starts out hot, and immediately you dive into trying to find out who stole Tesla’s missing papers, research, documents. Very fast paced book, which I love in a mystery. This is definitely in my top 5 of historical fiction books. While I did guess who the culprit was before it was revealed, it was still not a solid guess. But it did not deter me in any way from continuing reading the book.
The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Imagine, everything you do and live for, is based on a lie. The need to portray it, to protect it, to believe it, is vital. The daily fear your secret will be found, or worse…told! Shared with the world and all you every wanted to do was bury it deep. It would be an exhausting life full of fear and stress. Then imagine, when you THINK you have it under control, your nightmare becomes a reality and someone finds out. Can you trust her? Can you believe she will follow through with her word and keep it safe? You know you can’t, because it’s only a matter of time before your betrayed. Yet, something inside yearns for something real and honest and true. So what will you do?
Find out what Nathan does, in “The lie that binds.” The suspense, the adrenaline, the teenage angst. Take a ride through this wild journey with him and Holly. You won’t regret it!
Twilight’s Spy by K.M. Wray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I truly love a great fantasy story and this was definitely one. This YA Fantasy is something that will appeal to all ages and anyone who loves a good elven adventure. Yarissa was a strong and amazing character, and I felt a connection from chapter 1. As she ventures into the Night Realm she becomes everything she did not think she could be doing things she did not believe she could do. She will be taken upon an amazing magical adventure with plenty of laughter, action, excitement, and life lessons attached. This tale brought to life is not one that should be missed!
Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder in the Lightning Room is an interesting YA murder mystery set in the past. The story line is set in 1899 and is well-developed and the world-building is done well. The characters are interesting and the mystery of the tale drew me in.
This intriguing fast-paced tale is full of mystery and secrets, danger and murder, suspense and gripping tension along with a dash of romance.
I enjoyed the historical information and the research AD based on Nikola Tesla the engineer and physicist and his work.
Cora is steadfast and headstrong and loves mysteries and solving puzzles so it’s a no brainer for her and friends when Tesla has problems. But she needs to beware in her search for answers!
A good read for YA fans of historical fiction and murder mystery.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Twilight’s Spy by K.M. Wray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5/5 Stars
Twilight Realm has easily become one of my top three fantasy universes. This is my 2nd book by the this author and in the series and I was not disappointed. The writing in this book is so descriptive I can seriously see the scenes playing out as I read. I love that there isn’t any difficult language to understand even though this is fantasy. I like how easy to read, get entertaining this book was!
Twilight’s Spy by K.M. Wray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This second book of this series was fantastic and I highly recommend to read this series in order. If you are a lover of YA Fantasy like I am definitely take a leap and dive in to this story of magic, elves and adventure!
Yarissa wants to a be a warrior and finished up her training and wants to become one of the Elites, but ends up being a spy and on a mission to find a missing princess. Her journey, though not easy, but finds herself trapped in the Night Realm. Yarissa is a fighter, has to use her magic in ways and I loved that about her character… strong and a survivor. Will Yarissa survive the Night Realm while trying to find a missing princess?
I cannot wait to see how this series continues!! Totally Enjoyable!