Reading Fanatic Reviews
All Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Paranormal Reviews
Stained Bonds by Helen Scott and Serena Akeroyd
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Stained Bonds*
Learning More about Father and the Sires
Marcella and the boys are back! We learn much about Marcella’s father and the four Sires. Many conflicts keep this book moving, and much space is given to RH fun. In fact, there might be a little too much as the latter; there seems to be a lot of it presented in very vivid detail. While I always enjoy the arc of the individual stories within this series, I’m always somewhat repulsed by the level of profanity in the books as I don’t really see a need for it; I think authors believe they need to do so to appeal to late-teen, early twenties readers. There were some issues with grammar, punctuation, and usage, including a dangling modifier right in the first paragraph. If you’ve enjoyed the other books in this series, you’ll most likely enjoy this one that looks deeper into the entire world of the series. If you are new to this series, you definitely need to start at book one because it does build book by book.
The Redemption of Evalisa Trooge by Lauren M. Flauding
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The Redemption of Evalisa Trooge*
Modern Spin on Classic Christmas Tale
This short story is a modern-day take A Christmas Carol. Instead of Ebenezer Scrooge, we have Evalisa Trooge. She is very much like the original with just a few modern spins. In this version, she redeems herself in multiple ways, personally, professionally, and romantically. But she does have a trip—mental and physical—to get there!
The book follows the standard format of looking at the past, present, and future. Realization builds for Evalisa. Because this book is so short, I didn’t feel like the backstories of each segment were fully realized. Sometimes, characters just seem to emote out of the blue. Some dialogue was a little clunky. There were definitely issues with grammar, punctuation, and spelling. But if you enjoy the themes of the original A Christmas Carol, you might enjoy this very short modern take on it.
Destiny of a Warrior by Mary Morgan
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Google Play, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, Indigo (Chapters)
Destiny of a Warrior*
Exquisitely Written Tale
This is the first book that I’ve read by this author, and I am completely blown away! She has a way of writing that pulls you right in and allows you to visualize this sometimes strange world that she has constructed so beautifully. She shows rather than tells, and we really get to know the characters and their struggles in an intimate way that feels real. The level of the prose is exceptional. It is lyrical and poetic but still accessible. The writing just flows and charms you so that you willingly follow the magical, fantastic journey. Rarely have I read such exquisitely written paranormal fantasy romance. I love, in this book, the blend of Irish mythology and stories with 1980s Scotland. Two of my favorite places to visit! Aiden and Rose came across as so real in their goals, motivations, and conflicts. Their chemistry was there in spades. The tension, both romantic and otherwise, was palpable and seemed true to the characters and the story arc. I read and review a lot of books, and this is one of the times that I actually went and bought several of the author’s books so I can continue to live in the world that she creates. Just exceptional. I am looking forward to more!
How to Lose an Alien in 10 Days by Fiona Roarke
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, Scribd, 24 Symbols, Mondadori, Angus & Robertson, Indigo (Chapters)
How to Lose an Alien in 10 Days*
How Do I Love This Series? Let Me Count the Ways!
This is the third installment of this delightful, humorous romantic sci-fi series that I have read. I continue to be absolutely charmed by this aliens-on-Earth series. In this particular installment, Cam—the chief security officer for the alien way station on Earth—meets an intriguing young woman when he goes just outside of Alien’s borders to a karaoke bar. This is his little secret getaway that he likes to do on occasion; close enough to home that he can be contacted if needed but a world away otherwise. Unbeknownst to him, this girl is actually a runaway from a spaceship that has just recently come to the way station. She wanted to experience a little bit of life on Earth and perhaps get away from her affianced. A marriage has been arranged for her, and she is not happy with the choice of groom.
As always in these books, there is a lot of delicious humor and wordplay. The romance really did seem to be ramped up in this one but in a believable way. I like how the heroine tests Cam to go beyond his gotta-play-by-the-rules mentality. The romance is a lovely one to follow, and given the circumstances as they get more and more complicated, it’s hard to see their way to a proper HEA. But that’s the fun of reading a romance! I so enjoyed these characters and their story. I am very much looking forward to my next trip to Alienn, Arkansas.
Grits, Gamblers, and Grudges by Paula Lester and Lisa B. Thomas
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Grits, Gamblers, and Grudges*
Skeleton in the… Basement?
I’ve enjoyed the two previous installments in this series, and this one was just as delightful. It’s got all the things that I love about paranormal cozy mysteries: a beleaguered heroine, quirky cast of characters, a small town that is more than it seems, a little supernatural flair to take it out of the ordinary, and a mystery that has a few surprises that make it fun to follow. Paige certainly had a rough go right from the start. Not only did she need to take out a loan for plumbing repairs, but the plumber finds a skeleton. An inspector comes out to look at the plumbing but discovers Paige has been living there in a commercial-only zone; she gives Paige two weeks to get out, or she’ll be fined and the bookshop closed. Could deceased Aunt Nora actually be responsible for the skeleton found in the basement of the bookshop? I enjoy the author’s writing style, as I can just slip right back into the world she has created as if I never left. Looking forward to more in the series.
While the Dragon’s Away by Joynell Schultz
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While the Dragon's Away*
Growth and Evolution in This Installment
Roommate issues, which start the novella, are the least of Ruby and Ty’s problems in this book. Ruby doesn’t only have to balance her human concerns but also magical ones. Secrets are revealed as Book 2 delves deeper into the world acknowledged in Book 1—and these will have an impact on Ruby and Ty’s future. This book asks questions that I’m looking forward to future ones answering, particularly about the magical realm that Ty is a part of (and Ruby is to a certain degree). Ruby seems more grown up in this book, and her relationship with Ty continues to evolve. Magic, when used, appears to have consequences that can’t always be foreseen.
As I’ve come to expect from Ms. Schultz’s work, the world of this book is fully imagined and well described, yet she doesn’t overburden the narrative with too much at once. At this point, we’re only getting glimpses of the full extent what magic means and the mostly unseen magical realm, but it is enough to tantalize and make you wonder about the full extent of it all. I, for one, am looking forward to the next installment of the series.
Color of a Soul by Katherine McIntyre
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Color of a Soul*
Can She Find Her Soulmate Before It’s Too Late?
Jason is at a tourist location on Lake Ontario that was supposed to have been a special getaway spot for him and his near fiancee, but she broke up with him. Unfortunately, the place they were to stay has a no-refund policy, so he decided to take the romantic vacation by himself. Here, he meets Kelsey, and they fall into a surprisingly easy and empathy-provoking conversation. She is quite unlike any other woman he’s met, but that is an understatement! She’s not a woman but rather an undine. She has come from the Otherworld and only has a few days left on Earth before she must go back to her Realm because she has been unsuccessful in finding her soulmate. To remain on Earth, she needs to join with another soul.
Some writing in this was a little awkward, but still the author was able to convey the feelings of both of these characters convincingly. I can sense how Jason was at a true crossroads in his life, not only losing his girl but his job as well; it was fun to see him perk up and come alive in his discussions and interactions with Kelsey. For our heroine’s part, it was lovely to see her unfolding wonder as she began to realize that Jason had potential to be the one, first in his acceptance and understanding and then in his obvious growing affection. The author did an excellent job describing the scenes and the settings—I felt like I could visualize them—though I wished at the end that she had given a little more detail on the exact undine-soulmate process that had to take place. I think that could have been fascinating to read if it were like the other well-done descriptions. I loved that first scene with the pixie!
I felt like this story needs a little more conflict and tension because the middle was mostly just delightful scenes between the hero and heroine. Still, though, I did enjoy these characters and their story. I like that the author has a brief epilogue that shows how they fare.
Aliens and Androids by J. J. Harlan
Available at Amazon
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Aliens and Androids*
A Fun Little Collection of Very Short Stories
This is a very short collection of six short stories that all have science fiction themes. The first story is super short, just a few pages that can be read in a few minutes. I will have to say that the last line of that first one did make me laugh out loud. While none of the other stories did, I did find them fun, quick reads. It would seem that aliens and Androids are much like us! Both good and bad. There were some issues with grammar, punctuation, and spelling. But overall, these stories were just fast bits of fun.
Force Majeure by Ashley Barner and Jennifer Sanders
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Force Majeure*
Magical Quirky Cast… and Mystery
The book begins at the reading of the heroine’s grandfather’s will. She, her brother, and her sister are all his heirs, each getting a generous stipend from his business. But Hulda receives his house, which she silently understands means that she is to take over his position in the community—running a group of witches! But before things get too far, a storm forces an unlikely group of characters together.
The authors have done an excellent job of creating a cast of quirky characters. I have a hard time choosing which of the van Dusen siblings I like more. They’re each distinct and add a unique perspective to the twists and turns of the plot. Parts of this book felt very realistic, but it had a magical overlay that made it so much more than regular day-to-day life. I like how at the end the authors left so much open. What will be the next adventures for this group? I am interested in finding out.
Skarlit is No Fool by Isadora Brown
Available at Amazon
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Skarlit is No Fool*
Is the Danger from the Big, Bad Wolf?
Skarlit has been chosen as the one from her village to deliver medical supplies to a wealthy realm called Roses. It is said to be an honor, yet no one has ever returned from it alive. The only way to this realm is through a forest where a wolf lives that is believed to attack and kill the person sent. Skarlit knows all about the dangers because her grandmother was chosen four years ago and never returned. Skarlit does meet the wolf in the forest, but what happens to her there is just one of the surprises in this book.
If you read the first book in this series about Alice, you will be pleased to revisit Robin, Maryanne, and the Merry Men in this book. They provide a safe way station for Skarlit in the middle of the Emerald Forest.
The first part of the book and the underlying backstory did feel a bit derivative of The Hunger Games. It is also a twist on Little Red Riding Hood. I didn’t think that the premise was set up correctly. It just seemed unbelievable that the people in Skarlit’s village would continue to send people on the same path through dangerous woods when these people never came back. The author did state that going via the forest with the only way through, but if you have an understanding of typical geography, this seems unlikely. Or if it had to happen this way depending on topography, why wouldn’t the village set up some more protection than a single person going through the woods? If these supplies are so vital to Roses, why wouldn’t they give protection? Of course, some of this is answered at the very end of the novella, but the shaky setup made it hard for a suspension of disbelief. Some of the secrets that are revealed at the end are shocking, but they aren’t given any real basis in the early part of the story, so they don’t seem inevitable, as shocking moments in literature should be.
This novella is rather short and ends abruptly. I wonder how it actually all does turn out for Skarlit with her new reality and the new person that has become vital to it.
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