BOOK REVIEW: The Search for Synergy by Brett Salter

The Search for Synergy

Series: The Talisman

Author: Brett Salter

Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy / Adventure
Publication Date: 31  May 2017

Book Description:

"The Search For Synergy" is the first book in The Talisman Series by author Brett Salter. It follows the exploits of two middle-school boys, Rome Lockheed and Julian Rider, as they transition from normal kids into epic warriors fighting for the existence of the Earth realm. Rome is secretly a fire dragon from the Den of Volcana placed under a spell which hides his true form. Julian is an oddball, up-and-coming knight with a case of the "try-hards". Together, they perform an ancient pact which bonds their lives and souls forever. Under the tutelage and guidance of an eccentric, local librarian, Mr. Jones, the two learn of an impending invasion from an archaic evil desperate to invade from the other side of The Void.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

This story centres around 13-year-old Rome Lockheed who isn't quite what he appears to be. After accidentally setting fire to his neighbour's tree and being spotted by Julian Rider, a fellow pupil from his school, Rome discovers that he's a fire dragon, placed under a spell to appear human, and Julian is his knight. After learning of an ancient dark force trying to break through The Void and invade Earth, Rome and Julian have to figure out how to achieve Synergy, a ritual that will bond them together to awaken their full power, enabling them to fight the dark forces.

This book was full of adventure and mystery. The story was straightforward and the characters likeable enough to leave an impression. I especially liked the relationship that developed between Rome and Julian. I enjoyed the banter between them. Right from their first interaction, you could tell that their bond would be strong, one of loyalty and admiration on both sides. I think it was the heart of the story for me, seeing how these two different characters complemented each other and worked together to overcome their adversaries. The dialogue and the characters' actions sometimes made them appear younger than they actually are, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, it was just very noticeable. I would have liked other characters to stand out more as it's only Rome and Julian that captured my attention and kept me engaged.

I'm a sucker for Arthurian legend, so the connection to this story was fun to read. The battles were decent, I must say. The story went by rather quickly. I loved the action, but I would have liked a little more in the way of backstory of how certain things came to be rather than having something mentioned momentarily. I believed it would have helped more with character development.

Overall, an enjoyable story with a lot of action. With a good edit, I think it would do well among middle schoolers.

VERDICT:

Rating: 3 Star

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Now I Found You by Mila Oliver

Now I Found You

Author: Mila Oliver

Publication Date: July 20th, 2021

Genre: Adult Suspense / Thriller

Book Description:

Seven years ago, Kate Hartfield’s little sister disappeared.

An ordinary summer day of fun at the lake turned into a nightmare when young Emily Hartfield suddenly could not be found. When badly battered body parts were discovered three days later, the investigation concluded that they were Emily’s and the case was closed as an accidental drowning.

Now Kate has returned to her hometown in the Catskills for the first time since her sister’s death, for a work retreat. While at her boss’s lake house, she briefly spies a familiar face.

It’s Emily.

She’s all grown up, but Kate knows her sister’s face better than anyone. The sighting reignites the doubts Kate has always had, and forces her to revisit all the mysterious circumstances that surrounded that day. As she desperately tries to track down the girl she saw at the lake house, Kate discovers shocking secrets from the past, confronts her own guilt from that day, and becomes obsessed with uncovering the answer to one question.

What really happened to Emily?

Buy Links:

Amazon | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Tempest by C.J. Campbell

Tempest

(The Veil Chronicles, #1)

Author: C.J. Campbell

Publication Date: August 31st, 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy / Romance

Book Description:

To unearth the truth, she must embrace the legend within.

For eighteen-year-old Lexi, freedom is a luxury. She’s spent her life evading capture for a genetic gift that feels more like a curse. Her bulletproof immunity and monstrous disfigurement is of great interest to a secret organization, but they aren’t the only ones. A cryptic tip alerts Lexi that something else hunts her–something darker.

Desperate to enjoy her life before it’s too late, Lexi leaves the protective cocoon her parents created for her and signs up for art classes at her local college. There she meets Conner, who is confined to a wheelchair, and they become friends who are willing to share each other’s secrets. But a chance encounter with Connor’s foster brother Killian changes everything.

Killian shares the same mysterious secret within his blood as Lexi. Their fateful meeting sets off a chain reaction of catastrophic events that exposes the terrifying truth–Lexi is a celestial queen of a bygone race. Connor is their last royal heir, and Killian is a half-breed abomination hated for his very existence. With Connor kidnapped by an ancient god determined to rid the world of the stain of humanity, Lexi and Killian find themselves under the protection of the secretive Order of Kings.

Lexi believes she’s been thrown into a world of myths and legends, but things are not as they seem. Lexi becomes convinced the Order is keeping dangerous secrets that threaten not just her but all of mankind.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Elite Starfighter by Grace Goodwin

Elite Starfighter

(Starfighter Training Academy, #3)

Author: Grace Goodwin

Publication Date: August 17th, 2021

Genre: Adult Romance / Science Fiction

Book Description:

Two friends have disappeared playing Starfighter Training Academy. No one cares because it’s just a game. Right?

I know something is wrong. Messed up. Completely off. And no one is paying attention.

My BFFs went missing after beating the hottest new multi-player game on the planet, Starfighter Training Academy. They won. They celebrated. They vanished. So what’s the girl left behind supposed to do?

Beat the damn game, that’s what. Find out the truth, even if that includes being recruited to fight in an alien war, lusting after the hottest alien I’ve ever seen, and marching into a battle there’s little chance of winning.

I will find my friends. I will learn what the heck is going on. And I will kiss the alien hunk I’ve been staring at for weeks.

Watch me.

Buy Links:

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

Cover Reveal & Giveaway - Angelbound by Christina Bauer

Angelbound: German, Russian, Spanish and Chinese issues

(Angelbound Origins, #1)

Author: Christina Bauer

Genre: YA Fantasy / Paranormal

Book Description:

“Like Shadowhunters…A binge-read book series!” – DesiRae, Goodreads

Eighteen-year-old Myla Lewis is a girl who loves two things: kicking ass and kicking ass. She’s not your every day quasi-demon, part-demon and part-human, girl.

For the past five years, Myla has lived for the days she gets to fight in Purgatory’s arena. When souls want a trial by combat for their right to enter Heaven or Hell, they go up against her, and she hasn’t lost a battle yet. But as she starts her senior year at Purgatory High, the arena fights aren’t enough to keep her spirits up anymore. When the demons start to act weird, even for demons, and the King of the Demons, Armageddon, shows up at Myla’s school, she knows that things are changing and it’s not looking good for the quasi-demons.

Myla starts to question everything, and doesn’t like the answers she finds.

What happened seventeen years ago that turned the quasi-demons into slave labor? Why was her mom always so sad? And why won’t anyone tell her who her father is? Things heat up when Myla meets Lincoln, the High Prince of the Thrax, a super sexy part-human and part-angel demon hunter. But what’s a quasi-demon girl to do when she falls for a demon hunter? It’s a good thing that Myla’s not afraid of breaking a few rules. With a love worth fighting for, Myla’s going to shake up Purgatory.

“This book is so wonderful. It’s filled with action, mystery, and a forbidden romance. Who doesn’t love that?” – Angelic Book Reviews

Angelbound Origins

In which Myla Lewis kicks ass and takes names

1. Angelbound

2. Scala

3. Acca

4. Thrax

5. The Dark Lands

6. The Brutal Time

7. Armageddon

8. Quasi Redux

9. Clockwork Igni

Perfect for teen and young adult readers who want their book series to deliver: badass world building, angels, demons, paranormal romance, fresh themes from contemporary fiction, LOL romantic comedy, gods and goddesses, dark fantasy, strong girls and women as heroines, themes about loners and outcasts, the best laughs in humorous literature, general coming of age whackery, and (most importantly) truly unusual epic fantasy.

Buy Links:

Books2Read

About the Author

Christina Bauer thinks that fantasy books are like bacon: they just make life better. All of which is why she writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates

Author Links:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Blog | Twitter

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Living Sword 3 by Pemry Janes

The Living Sword 3 – The Burden of Legacy

(The Living Sword, #3)

Author: Pemry Janes

Publication Date: August 6th, 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description:

Leraine has finally returned home, but the welcome is not as she imagined it. Tension is rising within the Mochedan Federation as many advocate for an end to the long peace and a return to the glory of war.

She sets off to the most important festival of the Mochedan, hoping to preserve the peace for at least a little while longer. Eurik joins her, to help his friend and to finally find the answers about his parents he’s been chasing since he left the island.

What they find is theft, murder, and a conspiracy to end their world.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Cover Reveal - Disavow by Bella Di Corte

Disavow

Author: Bella Di Corte

Publication Date: November 5th 2021

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

He was my only oath.

Aniello Assanti was a monster dressed in a gentlemen’s suit.

He was everything I should’ve feared and run away from. A walking nightmare. He belonged to an organization that valued money over life; power over free will; codes over love.

And if that wasn’t enough of a deterrent, he was strictly forbidden.

I, Rosalia Lombardozzi, solemnly vow…no fraternizing with the men who belong.

I worked for the same organization, and even with that oath forever marking my tongue, I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. Something existed between us that not even the fire of disloyalty could turn to ash.

Some called it obsession. I called it love.

The world we lived in called it an act of betrayal. To disavow meant certain death.

When the heart takes an oath, though, it is more sacred than any vow spoken—it’s the one thing worth living and worth dying for.

Buy Links:

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

About the Author

Bella Di Corte has been writing romance for seven years, even longer if you count the stories in her head that were never written down, but she didn’t realize how much she enjoyed writing alphas until recently. Tough guys who walk the line between irredeemable and savable, and the strong women who force them to feel, inspire her to keep putting words to the page.

Apart from writing, Bella loves to spend time with her husband, daughter, and family. She also loves to read, listen to music, cook meals that were passed down to her, and take photographs. She mostly takes pictures of her family (when they let her) and her three dogs.

Bella grew up in New Orleans, a place she considers a creative playground.

She loves to connect with readers, so don’t hesitate to email her at belladicorte@gmail.com if you’d like to reach out.

Author Links:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bookbub

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BOOK REVIEW: Song of Echoes by R.E. Palmer

Song of Echoes

Author: R.E. Palmer

Genre: Fantasy / Adventure
Publication Date: 12 July 2021

Book Description:

‘All that has gone before is woven into the Song; joy, sorrow; kind acts and cruel acts; creation and destruction. Past, present, and what has yet to come, make themselves known — if you know how to listen.’

For three hundred years, the people of the Five Realms have lived in relative peace, protected by their great leader, the Archon. Yet, far to the north, in the frozen lands beyond the Draegalen Trench, the Ruuk stir, driven by a rising evil, long believed banished from the world. But rumors questioning the Archon’s ability to defend the realms once more, persist.

Elodi, the Lady Harlyn, uneasy in her new role following the death of her father, and Toryn, a farmworker and outsider in his village, must discover a way to fight an enemy that all but defeated their ancestors.

Song of Echoes is the first book in this epic fantasy series.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

This novel certainly had the Middle-Earth, Lord of the Rings tone flowing throughout. Certainly an epic high fantasy with well-developed characters and an engaging story. Dark forces that had defeated previous civilisations are once again stirring, causing a major upheaval for the people of the Five Realms. In order to have a fighting chance at defeating their enemy, Elodi must find her footing and believe in herself in order to become the leader she was born to be and Toryn has to discover who he truly is in order to harness the power that lies within.

I have to say, I love the cover. It was very eye-catching and it did the job of piquing my interest. As much as I thought the characters were engaging and full of life, I found I was more excited about the plot and discovering how it was all going to unfold. The suspense and mystery kept me reading. Not everything is what it appears to be, and with a lot of unanswered questions surrounding the characters and their background, there's a lot left to be unveiled. Impressive world-building. The author certainly did a good job in bringing the story to life and making you feel as though you were involved in the adventure. There were moments I thought lost momentum and where I found my interest waning slightly, but the pace would always pick up again, so the urge to skip certain scenes didn't last long. There's a lot more to explore in this series about its main characters, the leader of the Five Realms and the threat they're up against, so I anticipate more adventure ahead, one of a wilder and darker nature perhaps.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story. Our two leading protagonists, Toryn and Elodi, were very engaging and they both carried their stories well. Fans of high fantasy would thoroughly enjoy this one.

VERDICT:

Rating: 4 Star

Source: Author

Cover Reveal & Giveaway - Blood Slave by CEE BEE

Blood Slave

Author: Cee Bee

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

I’m not a screw up. I just have issues with anger. And shopping. Maybe some gambling.

Fine. I’m a hot mess.

And I’m not the only one in my family with impulse control issues, either. After all, that’s how my father ended up owing big money to the Russian mob—Dad simply couldn’t resist taking some cash that wasn’t his (and saddling me with his debts). To make matters worse, my little sister, Sasha, falls sick as hell with a mysterious blood disease. As a result, I’ll do almost anything for extra cash, from 

running surveillance gigs to competing in wet bikini contests. Shoot me now.

At last, the chance for some mega cash arrives. Cue the angelic choir! It’s a job with Caelin Vass, the so-called king of Empire Investments. Vass is Scottish royalty, smoking hot, and a manipulative tyrant to anyone on his staff. Rumor is, he’s also a powerful vampire who seduces twenty-somethings like me, turning us regular humans into blood slaves who’ll do anything for his bite.

Yeah, right. Vampires. Like I believe in that B-S.

All of which is why I commit to a short-term surveillance gig with Vass. As we gamblers say, you can’t skip easy money. I’ll get my cash, pay off all debts, and run for the hills. And if the Scotsman ever tries to get bitey for some reason, then he’ll learn I can take care of myself in a big way.

The more I think about it, the more I’m certain that my plan is bulletproof. That is, unless vampires are real…

Not a fan of the serialized format? BLOOD SLAVE will also be released as an ebook in December, 2021. 

Vampires of the Daemonverse

1. Blood Slave – See it on Kindle Vella

2. Blood Lust

3. Blood Thirst

4. Blood Guilt

5. Blood Line

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

About the Author

You may know me as Christina Bauer, author of more than 35 books including the popular Angelbound series. Normally, I focus on young adult epic fantasy, but some older readers want steamy scenes where the door doesn’t shut, if you get my meaning. So I’m thrilled to announce my new alter ego, CEE BEE (in all capital letters because why not?) I can’t wait to share this new adventure with you!

Be the first to know about new releases from CEE BEE by signing up for her newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/CEEBEE-news

Author Links:

Blog | Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Newsletter

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - On Mission by Aileen Erin

On Mission

(Off Planet, #3)

Author: Aileen Erin

Published by: Ink Monster LLC

Publication Date: July 27th, 2021

Genre: YA Dystopian

Book Description:

“Action adventure, space drama, political schemes, and just the right hit of romance has this series turning into an absolute must-read. Whether you think you’re a fan of sci-fi or not I’d urge you to give this series a try….” – Angela, Pooled Ink Reviews

From USA Today Bestselling Author Aileen Erin comes the fourth book in the Aunare Chronicles

Amihanna di Aetes has finally accepted her place in the Aunare world. In a matter of weeks, she’ll be their High Queen, but no matter how hard she tries, she finds that she’s always doing the wrong thing. At least that’s what the High Council keeps telling her…

There’s only so much rejection a girl can take, which means she’s spending her afternoons trying to get out of High Council meetings. And yet, every time she leaves the council room, she sees the disappointment on her father’s face, and worse, on Lorne’s face. It pains her, but she can’t say what they want her to say.

The council is refusing to see the truth. War isn’t just upon the Aunare – they’re about to lose.

Training her guards to invade Earth is a much better use of her days. She spent too much time hiding, obeying, forcing herself to do what she had to do to survive.

She’s used up all her pretending and can only be who she is. A fighter. A leader. A warrior.

When SpaceTech attacks the Aunare colonies, she’ll do what needs to be done –she’ll fight to defend the Aunare alone if she has to. Because Amihanna is a di Aetes. She’ll never give up. Not until SpaceTech is dismantled and Jason Murtagh is dead.

Amihanna isn’t the queen the Aunare want. But she is the queen the Aunare need.

Buy Links:

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

BOOK REVIEW: What Wonders Do You See... When You Dream? by Justine Avery and Liuba Syrotiuk

What Wonders Do You See... When You Dream?

Author: Justine Avery, Liuba Syrotiuk

Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publication Date: 17 October 2019

Book Description:

The day has ended. Hasn't it been splendid? But now, it's time--to be sure--for an entirely different adventure.

This is an invitation to a new nighttime ritual, a going-to-bed book that reminds us all that bedtime can be the most wonderful time of all...

The spellbinding style and alluring rhythm of Justine Avery's writing are brought to life by Liuba Syrotiuk's dreamlike watercolor illustrations to inspire children and adults to set aside the day's excitement and drift into the adventure of sleep itself.

What Wonders Do You See... When You Dream? encourages calm and creativity, relaxation and imagination, and welcomes young and old alike to the blissful, magical time of bedtime.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

This was a very charming and whimsical read indeed. Loved the rhyme scheme throughout and the illustrations were appropriate and fitting to the theme of the story. I would definitely recommend this as a bedtime read for kids, to show them the wonders and joy of sleeping and all the possibilities that come with dreaming. What I especially liked was that the story incorporates routine for preparing for bedtime, such as brushing your teeth and putting on your pyjamas. Kids would be able to relate to this and it may also be a useful tool to implement routine for those with bedtime difficulties.

An engaging and adventurous read that I recommend for kids aged between 4-7.

VERDICT:

Rating: 4 Star

Source: Own copy

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Flash Point by Luna Joya

Flash Point

(Legacy Series, #5)

Author: Luna Joya

Publication Date: June 29th, 2021

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

Banish the demon, stop the prophecy, and do not fall in love. Easy, right? Yeah, not so much.

Mina Donovan is a woman of many talents. Fire elemental, psychic, Legacy witch, magical asset for an FBI paranormal task force…she does it all. Her latest struggle? Not crushing on her sexy best friend. Logically, she knows they can’t be together. Too bad her heart has never bothered with logic.

The friend zone is the last place pyro expert Josh wants to be with Mina. Not that he has any choice in the matter. A witch hunter falling for a witch? Not smart. He’ll just have to learn to ignore his attraction to the gorgeous woman who already owns so much of his heart.

If Mina and Josh have any hope of finding their way to happily ever after, they’ll have to banish an all-powerful demon and take down an evil magical organization. Oh, and they’ll also have to figure out how to stop the prophecy that warns a dragon will consume Mina.

It’ll take more than magic to fix this supernatural dilemma.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK