BOOK REVIEW: Age of Shadows (Song of Echoes #2) by R.E. Palmer

Age of Shadows

Series: Song of Echoes, Book 2)

Author: R.E. Palmer

Genre: Fantasy / Adventure

Publication Date: 24th December 2021

Book Description:

As Elodi strives to defend her realm against a new enemy threatening the north, Toryn discovers the dark secret that plunged Hope into despair, destined to live under a shadow of her own making.

But as both struggle in the face of overwhelming forces, the Archon demands all who can bear arms, rally to his cause.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

MY REVIEW

We're back for another whirlwind fantasy adventure with Toryn and Elodi as they do everything they can to protect their realm from dark forces. This sequel unveils the mystery surrounding the backgrounds of both our hero and heroine as they attempt to warn the Archon of the impending danger heading their way. With so much at stake and so many questions of allegiance, Toryn and Elodi have to determine who they can put their trust in as it turns out their foe might be a lot closer than they anticipated.

A lot of secrets are revealed in this book that sets Toryn and Elodi on paths that could crush their spirit and their faith in believing they can defeat the dark forces that has threatened to overpower the Five Realms. Things certainly are not what they appear to be. Having lost so much already and with the evil forces suppressing all the good left in their world, it will take a miracle for them to rid the Evil One from their world for good.

WHAT I LIKED

A lot of questions that were raised in the first book are answered in this sequel, which helped greatly in building these characters and making them more fully formed. I liked the mention of past characters that were much loved from the previous book but who didn't make it past the last battle. Though they were out of sight, they were not out of mind.

I also liked the ensemble of new characters that were introduced. Though some were underdeveloped, their presence was refreshing. Loved Eryn and her bickering band of sisters. I loved how they teased Toryn. There were some really enjoyable moments that put a smile on my face. For instance, the event where Toryn pretends he's asleep while listening to the girls throwing compliments his way, only to realise they knew he was awake the whole time and was just boosting his ego. The love/hate relationship that formed between Toryn and the sisters was a joy to experience. There are some great portrayal of powerful female role models in this book from Elodi and Eryn to the mysterious and unusual Hope, whose story arc in this was well portrayed. At times, you are left wondering if you can truly trust her as she often disappears and reappears, not knowing who she is or who her companions are. I loved the big reveal about her past and her background. She is quite the formidable character indeed. Toryn chose a fitting name for her, Hope, as she often did inspire hope in him when he most needed it.

Toryn went through quite the ordeal in this book. After surviving the catastrophe of the previous book, he had to evade various attempts on his life, coming very close to death on almost all occasions, and yet he still managed to have the spirit to keep on fighting. His likability factor from book one has soared. The unveiling of his lineage and power was exciting. Learning about his parents made things a lot clearer and helped to understand his character better.

Elodi too went on a journey of discovery in this book as her powers also started to unveil itself bit by bit. She's a powerful force to have as an ally. Though she doesn't quite feel like the leader her father was, she did well in sitting in his seat and defending Calerdorn. Even when it appeared all hope was lost after the event that took place at Calerdorn, she still stuck by her people and kept fighting to defend the realms.

In the previous book, I felt as though I should pick a favourite between Toryn and Elodi, and while I did connect more to Toryn's character in this book as I did in the previous book, I didn't feel the need to pick sides in this one. Although the two characters were apart, on their separate journeys, throughout the whole book, it felt as though they were connected, a symbiotic relationship of sorts, where two individuals with the same goal telepathically form a bond that draws them closer and closer together until finally they meet in the middle. In this book it almost felt as though one couldn't exist without the other, yet they were always apart. In the previous book, they felt so far apart, but in this one, though they journeyed separately, it was as though they were together emotionally, and I really liked how that was portrayed through their mutual goal to defeat the Evil One.

Some epic battles in this one that I will not be forgetting. Some of the descriptions were very vivid. I can still see Toryn hanging from that rope even now and him being sucked into another realm by the Nym. It was very visual indeed, and I loved it.

WHAT I DISLIKED

The secret of the characters identities and their lineage may have taken a little too long to unveil, especially when some of the hints made it obvious before the truth came out. It wasn't disappointing when the secrets came out, but it wasn't always a surprise. There were some really great unpredictable reveals that I didn't see coming, which was great to experience, the situation with the Archon comes to mind right away (specifically regarding identity, not so much the nature of the character), but the hints did make it a little too easy to unveil others, so it took away some of the mystery, which was a great part of the excitement of these journeys.

Eryn and her sisters were very likeable, but I thought their characterisation was too similar. It was hard to distinguish between them as they appeared so much alike in disposition. It would have been nice to have seen some variation as I did find them to be likeable and entertaining.

I had anticipated more scenes with the Archon considering how often he was mentioned in this book. Given the fact that neither Toryn nor Elodi were one hundred percent sold on the trustworthiness of his character, I anticipated more scenes with him to better establish his allegiance and his character. It felt as though I wasn't afforded the opportunity to judge him on his actions and interactions with the significant characters. His portrayal was always through the perception of another. I did get a semblance of his personality when he disrespected Elodi by asserting his authority in her realm, but as he wasn't present, his presence wasn't felt. I found myself eager to know more about him towards the end of the book.

VERDICT

Another solid story from Palmer. It had adventure, magic, mystery and a good balance between plot-driven and character-driven storytelling. The ambience of this book was very much similar to the Lord of the Rings from the setting to the characters and their missions. Fans of Epic Fantasy will love this book and enjoy the thrilling journey it takes them on.

RATING

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Hunt Her by Kelly Finley

Hunt Her

(Come for Me, #2)

Author: Kelly Finley

Publication Date: March 24th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Suspense

Book Description:

Is the hottest love worth a lethal life?

Charlie Ravenel wasn’t supposed to fall in love on the job, not with the Sexiest Man Alive. But her record of following rules is shot to hell. As a bodyguard and former Marine, she’s ruthless at protecting women. As one with dark secrets, she was safe until she fell for him.

But how could she resist? He’s wanted by millions… yet he only pursues her.

Daniel Pierce is a sexy, A-list celebrity—a dream on the screen and a beautiful beast in bed. When Charlie walked onto set, this alpha male met his match and his greatest love. And… he met danger.

What threatens them more? A stalker intent on revenge? Crazed paparazzi and fans for the alluring couple? A past Daniel can’t tell her about? Or a haunt Charlie fears?

If they can survive it all, there is such passion and love between them, and a surprise future they must protect.

There’s only one problem—everyone is hunting her now.

HUNT HER, Book Two in the COME FOR ME series is a steamy, racy, romantic suspense novel featuring a kickass heroine who lets Hollywood’s sexiest man love her… despite the risk.

*This book is not for the fainthearted. This deep romance explores the dark theme of stalking.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Used and Bound: A Dark Romance Anthology

Used & Bound

Publication Date: March 22nd, 2022

Genre: Dark Romance

Book Description:

Driven by need, forced by desire.

Welcome to the dark and twisted world where these powerful men reside.

With their black souls and insatiable needs, they know what they want and will do everything in their power to take it.

Once they set their sights on a target, there’s no holding back.

Confined in a tangled web of deceit, these women must choose:

surrender or fight.

Used & Bound is a limited time collection of non-con, forced pregnancy dark romance stories from a variety of authors.

Authors:

A. A. DAVIES

Yolanda Olson

Selena michaels

YD La Mar

Demi Lane

Felicity Brandon

Vivian Murdoch

TL Mayhew

Kelly Kelsey

Brooke Summers

Sahara Roberts

J.M. Walker

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

***GIVEAWAY***

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by:

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Zealot by C. Vonzale Lewis

Zealot

(Blood and Sacrifice Chronicles, #2)

Author: C. Vonzale Lewis

Published by: Parliament House

Publication Date: March 22nd, 2022

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Book Description:

Nicole Fontane thought her demons were buried deep enough. She was wrong.

After barely escaping the blood bath of the Harvest ritual, Nicole and her vigilante compatriots learn that there are others practicing blood magick on Tulare Island.

Hired to rid the island of the remaining blood magick users, Nicole and her allies come face to face with The Better Day Church and the mysterious Young Family, whose nefarious behavior is well known on the island. The murky organization stirs old memories of a cult buried deep in the Louisiana bayou—flickers of Nicole’s traumatic past and the altar she barely escaped.

But when Nicole receives an invitation to the Young family’s private residence to attend a secret meeting with The Daughters of the Vine—an elusive sect of women led by Gavina Young—she knows there is no escaping her fraught history with cults.

The invite is clearly a trap, but it’s also an opportunity to take down the church. Nicole soon learns that the sickness lurking behind the walls of the Young family’s manor runs far deeper than the banal allure of blood magick. The church’s matriarch harbors a predatory interest in Nicole’s power—barely disguising her desire to harness it.

Nicole must unravel the mysteries of her newfound abilities, or her first job may be her last. Worst of all, she may end up on the altar again.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

BOOK REVIEW: The Traitor's Son (Path of the Ranger #1) by Pedro Urvi

The Traitor's Son

Series: Path of the Ranger, Book 1

Author: Pedro Urvi

Genre: YA Fantasy / Adventure

Publication Date: 26th September 2019

Book Description:

A kingdom in danger, a great betrayal, a boy seeking to redeem his father's honor. Will he succeed in exonerating him and saving the realm from an enemy in the shadows before it is too late for the whole North?

By the age of fifteen, Lasgol has endured a hard childhood and lives, cornered and hated, in a small village in the North. He is the son of the traitor, the man who betrayed the kingdom and tried to kill the King. His only companions are the mountains and the snow, ever-present in the region. Yet he refuses to believe that his father is guilty, in spite of all the evidence that points to the fact, even though the King himself was a witness to the betrayal.

Lasgol is determined to clear his father's name, and to do this he has only a single option: the School of Rangers, a secret place where the respected and feared defenders of the lands of the kingdom are trained for four years. Going there is insane, hate and death await him. But as the son of a Ranger, he is entitled to attend.

At the Camp he will find himself involved in political intrigues, disloyalties and murder. He will encounter hatred and fearsome enemies, but also a handful of friends, novices as much out of place as he is himself, determined to do whatever is necessary to pass the first year... without dying in the attempt.

Will Lasgol survive the first year of instruction at the Rangers' Camp? Will he find out what happened to his father? Will he be able to clear his name?  

Find out while you follow fascinating adventures with a group of characters you will fall in love with.  

The adventure begins right now!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

MY REVIEW

The book cover. That's what gravitated me towards this book. Then I saw the number of reviews, so I decided to read the blurb, which sounded interested. Then I saw that the book was available on prime, so I was sold. I put aside every other book in favour of this one as I had great expectations. I really wanted to love this book, but unfortunately, we can't always get what we want.

Some years after the death of his father, who was First Ranger of the Realm of Norghana and branded a traitor for betraying the kingdom and trying to kill the king, fifteen-year-old Lasgol Eklund is living as a servant boy of Ulf, a former soldier of the king's army. Always being reminded that he's the son of a traitor, Lasgol's life hasn't been easy. He's constantly picked on and has no friends. Despite the facts, Lasgol refuses to accept that his father was a traitor. When a stranger comes to the north village and grants Lasgol an opportunity to join the Corps of the Rangers of Norghana, he sees it as his only chance to prove everyone wrong and finally clear his father's name. The only problem is that everyone will know who he is and his life as a recruit would be even less favourable than it has been living with Ulf. With enemies on every corner, he might not even live long enough to accomplish his goal.

WHAT I LIKED

I'm always rooting for the underdog, so I formed an instant liking to Lasgol from the get-go. He's a trier. No matter how hard life gets, he brushes himself off and keeps pushing forward. He's a fighter. I liked his spirit and his determination. No matter what anyone said about his father or what the facts showcased, he knew his father and the person he was and nothing was ever going to change his mind. His father was always innocent in his mind, and he was going to do everything he could to prove it. Lasgol is a likeable character. He's been through a lot, and he still manages to keep his head up. It's hard to dislike a character with such determination and drive. I honestly think it's Lasgol that made me continue reading this book even when I felt like putting it down. I wanted to see how things would turn out in the end.

The world building was lovely. I felt as though I was on the journey with Lasgol. I could picture the surroundings clearly. I liked the descriptive fight scenes also. I got a real Percy Jackson vibe, especially when Lasgol got to Ranger camp.

While the plot was a little simplistic, I liked it for that reason. It was straightforward and to the point. Nothing complicated, just a young lad trying to find his place in the world and giving himself a fighting chance by clearing the misconception everyone has about his father.

Lasgol's misfit group of friends were interesting and entertaining. They were somewhat underdeveloped and at times hard to relate to, but they played a part in making him feel as though he was a part of something. For someone who had no friends prior to joining Ranger camp, it was nice to see him bonding with like-minded individuals who were willing to stand by his side. I like that it wasn't an instant bond between the group and that the Snow Panthers had to go through many challenges and learn to work together to achieve their goal, one of which being to learn how to trust one another.

WHAT I DISLIKED

There were a lot of things that frustrated me as I read along and a lot of the times I contemplated putting the book down, but I'll keep the rant to a minimum. I understand that Lasgol's father was a traitor and because of that people might be untrusting of his son, but it was a little much to have to deal with everyone hating Lasgol merely for the reason that his father was a traitor. No one blamed him for his father's actions, but they used his father's action against him and hated him for what his father did. It would have been nice to have seen a variation of some sort rather than have everyone just hating Lasgol for the same reason. It just became a little predictable and tedious.

It was never really explained why Lasgol believed joining the Rangers would help him clear his father's name. What was the plan? How does joining the Rangers get him any closer to the truth? Honestly, I found Ranger camp went on far too long and didn't accomplish much in the way of Lasgol clearing his father's name since he didn't really do all that much when it came to the events that led to clearing his father's name. There was a lot of training to get through camp that I forgot the reason Lasgol joined Ranger camp in the first place. I'm uncertain as to why Lasgol thought he would be able to uncover the truth, especially when there had been no indication that he had any clues as to what he was dealing with. There wasn't much data collecting or planning conducted prior to Lasgol joining Ranger camp, so he didn't have much to work with. I understood his drive and reason, I just didn't get the means by which he planned to accomplish his mission.

What happened with the egg? I needed a little more to go on with this mysterious object. I get there are other books, but give me something to work with to satisfy my curiosity. Things became repetitive. I lost count of how many times we were told that Lasgol's father was a traitor in the first chapter alone. The cliched bullies was a little underwhelming, but then again, everyone hated Lasgol for the same reason, so it's expected that it would become difficult to differentiate one character from the other.

Okay, I'll stop there. The point is a lot of little things bothered me and made the reading experience not as enjoyable as I would have liked it to have been.

VERDICT

I had a lot of expectations for this one due to the great reviews, and while it was an interesting premise with a likeable character, it was just an okay read for me. I did like it. I just didn't love it.

RATING

Source: Amazon Prime

BOOK REVIEW: Adventures with Scarlet and Twinkle by Janice Ford

Adventures with Scarlet and Twinkle: 5 Happy Short Stories for kids About Scarlet, the Little Girl with a Big Imagination

Author: Janice Ford

Genre: Chapter Book

Publication Date: 15th February 2022

Book Description:

Scarlet was three years old when her parents gave her Twinkle, a pink, dazzling elephant.

She knew they were going to be best friends the minute she held her in her arms.

As young as Scarlet is, she has such a beautiful, wide imagination, which she often let’s run free.

She is also the adventurous kind. There are lots of fun moments of her and her best friend, Twinkle.

They have so much fun going in the treehouse, going to the park together, and everywhere!

Scarlet takes Twinkle with her everywhere she goes.

The two make an incredible, adorable pair, and Scarlet believes she can get through anything with Twinkle by her side. But just like everyone else, Scarlet has some sad days. Enjoy this amazing story of Scarlet and Twinkle, and read about their different adventures!

Take a peak into the life of a three year old and her stuffed doll—learn a lesson or two!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

MY REVIEW

Another fun set of short stories from author Janice Ford that will teach children a handful of helpful life lessons about sharing, friendship, being responsible and making good choices. On this journey, we are introduced to Scarlet and her pink toy elephant, Twinkle, as they venture outside their home to visit the nearby park, climb their treehouse and enjoy many more adventures.

Scarlet is a clever and imaginative child with a curiosity for life. I liked that she sought out her parents for assistance whenever she got stuck on a task. While her parents allowed her to have a semblance of independence, she understood their role and knew when to ask them for help. Although Scarlet is a mature six year old, I was a little concerned by the fact that her parents let her go to the park alone, albeit it was close to their house, stating that she should return home before it got dark. As I said, she's a wise child, but she is still just six years old. It just didn't bode well with me. Apart from that, I liked how the stories unfolded. There were some valuable lessons to be learned.

VERDICT

Scarlet is a very caring and bubbly child, and I loved her little adventures with Twinkle. A very enjoyable read. The book reads as though it is for preschoolers, but given that it's a chapter book with a sufficient amount of text and not many pictures, I would say it would garner attention from kids aged between 5-7 years old.

RATING

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Moon Madness by Sabrina Silvers

Moon Madness

(Dirigo Pack, #2)

Author: Sabrina Silvers

Publication Date: March 19th, 2022

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

A wolf on the edge, deadly shifter political games, and an unexpected attraction.

Sloane Wyman is haunted by her past and she’ll let nothing get in the way of her future. She’s vowed to defend her pack as long as there is breath in her lungs.

Benedict MacKinnon can’t trust the beast within. Not since it burst forth and nearly cost him everything. But, when his brother and mate are accused of murder, he’s willing to put everything on the line. Benedict must stand before the Supreme Council in their defense, even if it costs him his life and future.

Lying and scheming enemies eager to see him spiral out of control test his resolve at every turn. Sloane, as his back-up, is more of a hindrance than a help thanks to the unwanted primal attraction that leaves his inner wolf rumbling.

As they become targets in a game they don’t know the rules, and the clock ticks down on their deadline, can they outsmart their enemies? Will they allow themselves to unite via the mate bond? Or will their attempts to save those they love meet a bloody end?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Hot Girl Summer by Sonia Palermo

Hot Girl Summer

Author: Sonia Palermo

Publication Date: March 14th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Sophia DeLuca is over casual hook-ups. Between her sister’s eating disorder, her track record of falling for fuckboys, and a lifetime of being written off as a shallow flake, “failure to launch” may as well be her middle name.

Under false pretences and a fake name, she meets Danny Pearce, an obnoxious musician on the opposite end of the millennial spectrum. Danny is cocky, rude, and a contender for fuckboy of the year.

After a series of serendipitous encounters and a secret gig, Sophia unexpectedly falls for Danny. But when he is faced with his own demons, Sophia must reclaim her power and forgive the past, or risk losing the only thing that’s real.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - A Warm Rainy Day in Tokyo by Kana Wu

A Warm Rainy Day in Tokyo

Author: Kana Wu

Publication Date: March 31st, 2022

Genre: NA Romance

Book Description:

Bella Bell lives a perfectly ordinary life with a perfectly ordinary office job in suburban California, where she longs to break free from her perfect sister’s shadow. So when Little Bear Café chooses her to train its new franchisee in Tokyo for the summer, she jumps at the chance.

But even a dream come true can get complicated. From the moment she steps on the plane, she annoys her pompous, handsome seatmate, insults her apartment manager, and gets caught up in her new neighbors’ drama. And everywhere she turns, she keeps running into the arrogant stranger from her flight—and she can’t seem to get him out of her head.

Ryo Yamada is at the top of his game: a high-powered job, no shortage of potential girlfriends. But his life is turned upside down when his family asks him to return to Tokyo for good because of his sister’s failing health. And now he finds himself avoiding his childhood friend whose feelings he doesn’t return. And bumping into the irritating, pretty redhead from his flight—who may not be so bad after all. The last thing he expects is to fall in love.

As the new café opening and the end of Bella’s time in Tokyo draw near, Bella and Ryo grow close—until they discover their circumstances may tear them apart. Can they find their way back to each other for good?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble

Blog Tour Spotlight - Sparks and Shadow (Rising Elements Book 1)

Everly, a homeless bicycle messenger who can see monsters, finds herself transported to a new world and must join a band of rebels to get home before war breaks out…

By Ceara Nobles

Sparks and Shadow, YA Fantasy, Riverside Press, 246 pp.

Seattle is full of monsters, and I’m the only one who can see them.

I’ve spent the last 17 years (AKA my whole life) pretending I can’t see the monsters who disguise themselves as humans. I may not have a place to live and my best friend may be moments away from getting in too deep with the city’s most dangerous drug lord, but I’m rolling with the status quo.

That is, until I save my arch enemy’s stupid life and find myself in a warehouse full of monsters.

Next thing I know, I’m in Monster Land (AKA not Seattle) and up to my ears in monsters, magic, and inevitable mayhem. If I want to get home, I have to join a band of revolutionaries and stay alive long enough to get back through the portal before war breaks out.

This’ll be a cinch.

Sparks and Shadow is a modern, action-packed YA portal fantasy featuring Fae mythology, magic, and slow-burn romance. This is the first book in the Rising Elements series.

Book Information

Release Date: March 4, 2022

Publisher: Riverside Press

Kindle eBook: ASIN: B09HRFLWSW; $3.99

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

First rule of surviving Monstrous Seattle—don’t let them know you can see them.

As far as I knew, I was the only one who could. Sure, some of the monsters interacted with humans, but they wore some sort of illusion. Sometimes, if I squinted and tilted my head to the side, I could almost see the disguise too. It flickered, shimmering in front of their true form like a mirage, and gave me a splitting migraine if I focused on it for too long.

I reached the door of the warehouse as Peter whipped around the corner. He swerved, narrowly avoiding my abandoned bike, and swore viciously when he saw me. Normally I would’ve given him the middle-finger salute with a cheeky grin, but my stomach was too busy trying to claw its way out of my throat.

Leave, I urged him silently. Get out of here before it’s too late.

The warehouse door swung open. The hinges screeched like they hadn’t been used in at least a hundred years. I turned away from Peter to face the monster standing in the doorway. It was at least eight feet tall, probably male, with blue skin and jagged tusks that extended from his canines and down past his chin. My eyes automatically rose to his face, well above mine.

I realized too late that his illusory face was much lower. The face of a handsome red-haired man shimmered in the middle of the monster’s massive chest.

I’d just broken rule number one.

 

Ceara Nobles is a Utah-based author of romantic suspense and fantasy novels. She graduated from the University of Utah in 2016 with a B.A. in Computer Animation, then realized she hated it. Now she spends her days juggling her side hustle as a line editor and her true love of authorship. When she’s not busy writing, you can find her chasing her toddler, road tripping with her hubby, or hiding in bed with a chai and a good book.

Her latest book is the YA Fantasy, SPARKS AND SHADOW.

Visit her website at www.cearanobles.com or connect with her at Facebook and Instagram.

Sponsored By:

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Remnant by Rachel Blake & Amilia Quinn

Remnant

(Doms of Master's Inc., #1)

Author: Amilia Quinn & Rachel Blake

Publication Date: March 1st, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Suspense

Book Description:

I should walk away from Montana Soltin content with the knowledge that I saved her from the Theophilus Killer. However, when I discover she’s found solace at the bottom of a bottle, I make her an offer she can’t refuse.

A distraction from her addiction.

As her sobriety buddy, I’m more than happy to use my dominance to entice her submissive nature, but I soon find myself looking at the possibility of a life I never thought I would have the privilege of knowing.

But when Master’s Inc finds information that suggests the Theophilus Killer wasn’t the head of the monster, I can’t help but wonder how safe she really is.

I saved her once so why do I feel such a strong need to do it again?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo