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![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/dream-waters&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51zde4TLTcL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Wow! I loved Dream Waters: Book One of The Dream Waters Series by Erin A. Jensen. Patients Charlie, Bob, Nellie, and Frank's everyday life changes when a new patient, Emma, arrives. Charlie sees people "differently", while Bob just wants to see the TV. Nellie wants to rock her invisible child, and Frank yells that demons are coming. Emma seems nor...){kind=link}
Dream Waters
Book One of The Dream Waters Series (Volume 1)
Erin A. Jensen
2018 Bronze Medal
440 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Gail Kamer for Readers' Favorite
Wow! I loved Dream Waters: Book One of The Dream Waters Series by Erin A. Jensen. Patients Charlie, Bob, Nellie, and Frank's everyday life changes when a new patient, Emma, arrives. Charlie sees people "differently", while Bob just wants to see the TV. Nellie wants to rock her invisible child, and Frank yells that demons are coming. Emma seems normal, however. Even the psychiatrist believes Emma is different from the other patients. Emma's husband, David, is a key to Charlie's issues and this isn't shared until the end of the book. I kept trying to figure out the mystery behind each patient's presence in Charlie's dream world, and how the dream world and the real world connected. Charlie blends characters in both worlds to help them in the real world.
Dream Waters by Erin A. Jensen is set in a mental institution and provides a hook that keeps the reader coming back for more. I honestly could not put the book down. I felt like I actually knew the characters on a personal level because their lives were so well shared throughout the book. Erin A. Jensen is brilliant in mixing a dream world of one character to include connections to their real world of most of the other characters. I fully expect to see Dream Waters listed on a best seller list. It is that good. It's also the first in a series and I expect to read the others. I highly recommend Dream Waters to anyone who is fascinated by magic in a contemporary setting. Grab it now!
Wow! I loved Dream Waters: Book One of The Dream Waters Series by Erin A. Jensen. Patients Charlie, Bob, Nellie, and Frank's everyday life changes when a new patient, Emma, arrives. Charlie sees people "differently", while Bob just wants to see the TV. Nellie wants to rock her invisible child, and Frank yells that demons are coming. Emma seems normal, however. Even the psychiatrist believes Emma is different from the other patients. Emma's husband, David, is a key to Charlie's issues and this isn't shared until the end of the book. I kept trying to figure out the mystery behind each patient's presence in Charlie's dream world, and how the dream world and the real world connected. Charlie blends characters in both worlds to help them in the real world.
Dream Waters by Erin A. Jensen is set in a mental institution and provides a hook that keeps the reader coming back for more. I honestly could not put the book down. I felt like I actually knew the characters on a personal level because their lives were so well shared throughout the book. Erin A. Jensen is brilliant in mixing a dream world of one character to include connections to their real world of most of the other characters. I fully expect to see Dream Waters listed on a best seller list. It is that good. It's also the first in a series and I expect to read the others. I highly recommend Dream Waters to anyone who is fascinated by magic in a contemporary setting. Grab it now!
Recommend this book:
Song
The Manhunters Volume 1
Jesse Teller
2018 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite
Rayph Ivoryfist has been away from Lorinth for too long. A dark wizard has all but destroyed the magical, high security prison of Mending Keep, releasing the prisoners only to recruit them into his army. Their first objective is to assassinate the King of Lorinth, a man who’s declared Rayph an enemy of the kingdom. Rayph is already two weeks behind his enemy and has no chance of facing this foe alone. He gathers old friends to his side and sets out to recapture the prisoners of Mending Keep. Konnon is a reluctant bounty hunter and blade for hire. His need for money to purchase medicine for his daughter has driven him to desperation. When the king places a bounty on Rayph’s head, Konnon sees his chance to cure his daughter.
Jesse Teller has created a convincing world and populated it with characters that are endearing and relatable. Rayph is a hero you can’t help rooting for, while Konnon’s battle for money to help his child is heartbreaking. There were times when the rich backstory around the characters made Song: The Manhunters Volume 1 feel more like the second book in a series. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it happens often enough to be worth mentioning. I adored the almost flamboyant amount of magic use in Song, but found the rules governing the magical system a little unclear. That’s not to say that there are no limiting factors, or that the magic use is overpowering, just that the technicalities are unexplained. The final few chapters of Song reveal cunning plot twists. Song: The Manhunters Volume 1 is a witty and clever dark fantasy.
Rayph Ivoryfist has been away from Lorinth for too long. A dark wizard has all but destroyed the magical, high security prison of Mending Keep, releasing the prisoners only to recruit them into his army. Their first objective is to assassinate the King of Lorinth, a man who’s declared Rayph an enemy of the kingdom. Rayph is already two weeks behind his enemy and has no chance of facing this foe alone. He gathers old friends to his side and sets out to recapture the prisoners of Mending Keep. Konnon is a reluctant bounty hunter and blade for hire. His need for money to purchase medicine for his daughter has driven him to desperation. When the king places a bounty on Rayph’s head, Konnon sees his chance to cure his daughter.
Jesse Teller has created a convincing world and populated it with characters that are endearing and relatable. Rayph is a hero you can’t help rooting for, while Konnon’s battle for money to help his child is heartbreaking. There were times when the rich backstory around the characters made Song: The Manhunters Volume 1 feel more like the second book in a series. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it happens often enough to be worth mentioning. I adored the almost flamboyant amount of magic use in Song, but found the rules governing the magical system a little unclear. That’s not to say that there are no limiting factors, or that the magic use is overpowering, just that the technicalities are unexplained. The final few chapters of Song reveal cunning plot twists. Song: The Manhunters Volume 1 is a witty and clever dark fantasy.
Recommend this book:
Darkened Demigod
Weapon of War
Dr Shawn H Phillips
2018 Honorable Mention
326 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite
Imprisoned, observed, goaded. This was the life the demigod had endured for over a decade. The people who held him sent a new observer; the others had met their end, more often by his hand, or more precisely, his thumb. This one he named Bookworm, and to him the demigod finally begins to divulge his secrets. He whispers of how a demigod is created, of sacrifice and of worship. This demigod had failed his people, failed to uphold the values they had expected of him, and he brought about the end. It had started so innocently, a desire to better the country, create a sustainable life, but allies became enemies, robbing him of his family, his motivations. But this had been his beginning, the time his power awoke. They need to understand him, to understand their kind. This demigod was the cause of the apocalypse, and now it seems he is the sole hope of the survivors.
There is a hint of American Gods within the pages of Dr Shawn Phillips’ Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War, specifically how worship creates power, although the mechanics take on a slightly different twist, making their own miracle interventions via a petition for prayer. The characters are well developed and their little mysteries and histories are slowly revealed as the characters gain depth and grow throughout the complex plot. Despite a steady paced start, you'll soon see a rise of momentum to create a super powered, dystopian science fiction tale. There are some fascinating ideas, and many of the scientific aspects are well explained, especially for those who know their stuff; clearly a lot of time, thought, and research was spent perfecting this aspect. This book has a bit of everything, from comedy to involved science and philosophy, not forgetting the occasional twist or surprise to keep the reader on their toes. If you enjoy a science fiction space drama, then this will certainly appeal, and as a bonus it also gives the reader a little something to think about themselves.
Imprisoned, observed, goaded. This was the life the demigod had endured for over a decade. The people who held him sent a new observer; the others had met their end, more often by his hand, or more precisely, his thumb. This one he named Bookworm, and to him the demigod finally begins to divulge his secrets. He whispers of how a demigod is created, of sacrifice and of worship. This demigod had failed his people, failed to uphold the values they had expected of him, and he brought about the end. It had started so innocently, a desire to better the country, create a sustainable life, but allies became enemies, robbing him of his family, his motivations. But this had been his beginning, the time his power awoke. They need to understand him, to understand their kind. This demigod was the cause of the apocalypse, and now it seems he is the sole hope of the survivors.
There is a hint of American Gods within the pages of Dr Shawn Phillips’ Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War, specifically how worship creates power, although the mechanics take on a slightly different twist, making their own miracle interventions via a petition for prayer. The characters are well developed and their little mysteries and histories are slowly revealed as the characters gain depth and grow throughout the complex plot. Despite a steady paced start, you'll soon see a rise of momentum to create a super powered, dystopian science fiction tale. There are some fascinating ideas, and many of the scientific aspects are well explained, especially for those who know their stuff; clearly a lot of time, thought, and research was spent perfecting this aspect. This book has a bit of everything, from comedy to involved science and philosophy, not forgetting the occasional twist or surprise to keep the reader on their toes. If you enjoy a science fiction space drama, then this will certainly appeal, and as a bonus it also gives the reader a little something to think about themselves.
Recommend this book:
, a high fantasy by Vashti Quiroz-Vega, starts with Book I: Heaven, where Lilith and her fellow angels reside in the bright realm of Floraison. Their life is peaceful but not entirely carefree, as God has set many rules for them. Lilith is not fond of the rules. She likes to manipulate others, and the gift ...){kind=link}
The Fall of Lilith
Fantasy Angels Series Volume 1
Vashti Quiroz-Vega
2018 Honorable Mention
502 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
The Fall of Lilith (Fantasy Angels Series), a high fantasy by Vashti Quiroz-Vega, starts with Book I: Heaven, where Lilith and her fellow angels reside in the bright realm of Floraison. Their life is peaceful but not entirely carefree, as God has set many rules for them. Lilith is not fond of the rules. She likes to manipulate others, and the gift of sight that she received from God fuels her desire for divine power. She’s the catalyst for the rebellion against Him. In Book II: Earth, Lilith and her defeated angels are banished to Earth and their angelic forms are changed. Personally, I prefer book two’s development and intensity. I was more intrigued about what the fallen angels would do next and how they would cope with their new surroundings.
The overall effect of The Fall of Lilith is that it spins an engaging and fresh perspective on the biblical tale of creation, making it a story you can get swept into. Despite its theme, I don’t find it preachy. Instead, as a fan of the fantasy genre, it appeals to me, particularly with the incorporated concept of vampirism and the undoing of Adam and Eve. Characterization is impeccable and character development is distinct, complex, and makes readers invest in them emotionally. You might find yourself lamenting that it’s over too soon, but the great thing is that more can be expected from the Fantasy Angels Series. On the whole, this is a commendable and imaginative work from Vashti Quiroz-Vega.
The Fall of Lilith (Fantasy Angels Series), a high fantasy by Vashti Quiroz-Vega, starts with Book I: Heaven, where Lilith and her fellow angels reside in the bright realm of Floraison. Their life is peaceful but not entirely carefree, as God has set many rules for them. Lilith is not fond of the rules. She likes to manipulate others, and the gift of sight that she received from God fuels her desire for divine power. She’s the catalyst for the rebellion against Him. In Book II: Earth, Lilith and her defeated angels are banished to Earth and their angelic forms are changed. Personally, I prefer book two’s development and intensity. I was more intrigued about what the fallen angels would do next and how they would cope with their new surroundings.
The overall effect of The Fall of Lilith is that it spins an engaging and fresh perspective on the biblical tale of creation, making it a story you can get swept into. Despite its theme, I don’t find it preachy. Instead, as a fan of the fantasy genre, it appeals to me, particularly with the incorporated concept of vampirism and the undoing of Adam and Eve. Characterization is impeccable and character development is distinct, complex, and makes readers invest in them emotionally. You might find yourself lamenting that it’s over too soon, but the great thing is that more can be expected from the Fantasy Angels Series. On the whole, this is a commendable and imaginative work from Vashti Quiroz-Vega.
Recommend this book:
The Gypsy Thorn
An Evening Bower Prequel
Sherry Rentschler
2018 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Michelle Randall for Readers' Favorite
Long ago the city of Atlantis thrived, but jealousy between factions caused its demise and destruction. Three people thought they were going to survive and they carried out the Great Book. This book contained the legends of their land and all lands, but the survivors were not meant to be, and the Phoenix, who had left Atlantis years before after the death of her mate, found and destroyed them. As the angel of death watched, for he could not intervene, he realized that the great prophecy was beginning. Drahomira would become a key to the prophecy, and the angel of death watched over her until the time for the prophecy. The Gypsy Thorn is the story of the life and trials of Drahomira from her birth and transformation into an upire, or vampire, until modern day. The story spans centuries and accounts for so much time and history. Author Sherry Rentschler weaves a story that gives the background to the coming Evening Bower series that is full of history and events, yet stands alone as the story of Drahomira's coming of age.
The Gypsy Thorn is the prequel to the Evening Bower Series, and as such it fills in the time from the beginning of the story until the present day, when the prophecy is occurring. Author Sherry Rentschler is able to give a lot of history and events that readers will probably need to know for the Evening Bower series. At the same time, she has made this book the coming of age story of Drahomira, her life and growth into the vampire Queen that she is destined to become. Since this is a prequel, to say that it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger is moot; readers already know that the story is to continue and the best parts are yet to come. Drahomira is an intriguing character. She has so many layers, and is complex yet simple. This is definitely a book that fans of vampires and angels will enjoy. Betrayal, backstabbing, and deceit all play large roles in this novel, and in the coming of age of Drahomira, who can she trust and is there really anyone on her side at all?
Long ago the city of Atlantis thrived, but jealousy between factions caused its demise and destruction. Three people thought they were going to survive and they carried out the Great Book. This book contained the legends of their land and all lands, but the survivors were not meant to be, and the Phoenix, who had left Atlantis years before after the death of her mate, found and destroyed them. As the angel of death watched, for he could not intervene, he realized that the great prophecy was beginning. Drahomira would become a key to the prophecy, and the angel of death watched over her until the time for the prophecy. The Gypsy Thorn is the story of the life and trials of Drahomira from her birth and transformation into an upire, or vampire, until modern day. The story spans centuries and accounts for so much time and history. Author Sherry Rentschler weaves a story that gives the background to the coming Evening Bower series that is full of history and events, yet stands alone as the story of Drahomira's coming of age.
The Gypsy Thorn is the prequel to the Evening Bower Series, and as such it fills in the time from the beginning of the story until the present day, when the prophecy is occurring. Author Sherry Rentschler is able to give a lot of history and events that readers will probably need to know for the Evening Bower series. At the same time, she has made this book the coming of age story of Drahomira, her life and growth into the vampire Queen that she is destined to become. Since this is a prequel, to say that it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger is moot; readers already know that the story is to continue and the best parts are yet to come. Drahomira is an intriguing character. She has so many layers, and is complex yet simple. This is definitely a book that fans of vampires and angels will enjoy. Betrayal, backstabbing, and deceit all play large roles in this novel, and in the coming of age of Drahomira, who can she trust and is there really anyone on her side at all?
Recommend this book:
Curses of Scale
S.D. Reeves
2018 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Curses of Scale by S.D. Reeves is a journey of magic and self-discovery. Teenager Niena has one dream: to attend an elite college to become a bard. Just as a dragon awakens and terrorizes the land, Niena takes advantage of an opportunity and runs away, but this decision takes her on a course of action she isn't expecting. She finds herself on a journey through a fey realm, where she discovers magic and a startling secret about her destiny. She's to slay the dragon and save those she loves, but when she kills the dragon she's cursed to become it. As she flees through the land, she's trailed by her grandfather, Oberon of the fairies, and the future husband she won't meet for years. Unsure who she can trust, Niena relies on her strength and her dreams to save her future.
Niena's grandfather refuses to let her go to college or to become a bard, so the second she sees an opportunity she takes off and embarks on a personal quest. She ends up in a magical world that's beyond what she's imagined but she also discovers a darkness in her destiny. She's not like the usual heroine and doesn't set out to make a big change; instead she just wants to follow her dreams and becoming a hero just falls into place. Oberon is a big personality with motives that are left as a mystery until the end. He's got a playful quality in the way he talks with taunts and riddles, a certain amount of madness about him, and is a little bit mischievous and dangerous. But he helps connect the threads together, playing a key role in how events unfold. He also provides a lot of humor, especially seen when he tries to bargain with Calem and suggests the payment option of pickles. S.D. Reeves twists several threads together, but slowly all the threads of the story come together. Curses of Scale is a coming of age tale with a lot to say about life and taking charge of one's destiny in the search for independence.
Curses of Scale by S.D. Reeves is a journey of magic and self-discovery. Teenager Niena has one dream: to attend an elite college to become a bard. Just as a dragon awakens and terrorizes the land, Niena takes advantage of an opportunity and runs away, but this decision takes her on a course of action she isn't expecting. She finds herself on a journey through a fey realm, where she discovers magic and a startling secret about her destiny. She's to slay the dragon and save those she loves, but when she kills the dragon she's cursed to become it. As she flees through the land, she's trailed by her grandfather, Oberon of the fairies, and the future husband she won't meet for years. Unsure who she can trust, Niena relies on her strength and her dreams to save her future.
Niena's grandfather refuses to let her go to college or to become a bard, so the second she sees an opportunity she takes off and embarks on a personal quest. She ends up in a magical world that's beyond what she's imagined but she also discovers a darkness in her destiny. She's not like the usual heroine and doesn't set out to make a big change; instead she just wants to follow her dreams and becoming a hero just falls into place. Oberon is a big personality with motives that are left as a mystery until the end. He's got a playful quality in the way he talks with taunts and riddles, a certain amount of madness about him, and is a little bit mischievous and dangerous. But he helps connect the threads together, playing a key role in how events unfold. He also provides a lot of humor, especially seen when he tries to bargain with Calem and suggests the payment option of pickles. S.D. Reeves twists several threads together, but slowly all the threads of the story come together. Curses of Scale is a coming of age tale with a lot to say about life and taking charge of one's destiny in the search for independence.
Recommend this book:
Holy Remedy
The Invisible Conflict Chronicles Book 1
J. G. Martins
2017 Gold Medal
150 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Holy Remedy by J.G. Martins is Book One in The Invisible Conflict Chronicles, an epic tale with a stunning historical setting around the 13th century. It is a period when the quest for power and superstitious beliefs are very strong. The Magyars have barely recovering from the invasion by the Mongols, working hard to rebuild their kingdom. It is at this time that a deadly disease hits the Baron Levente, the regent of Eger. For Bishop Konrád, it’s a curse. Unless a cure is found quickly, the Baron will die. A cure has been found, but it is located in the treacherous deeps of the Bükk Mountains and only one man can beat the odds to reach there, the Baron’s own pupil and knight, Rodger Clement. Can he make it to the heart of the mountain and be back in time to save his master?
There is a lot to enjoy in Holy Remedy, a tale set against the backdrop of one of Europe’s great cultural crossroads and melting pots, Hungary, with lush vegetation and strange beliefs. I couldn’t help thinking about the witch-hunting that took place in this land hundreds of years ago. The story features great and compelling characters and a lot of action and fighting. The plot is well conceived and readers are treated to many twists and surprises as they turn the pages. J.G. Martins writes beautiful dialogues and they play a powerful role in enhancing plot and character development. The dialogue flows naturally and merges with the wonderful descriptions to create great beauty in the work. This is a novel with great historical elements, a gripping plot and a huge conflict. Martins definitely takes readers to an historic age and across dangerous lands.
Holy Remedy by J.G. Martins is Book One in The Invisible Conflict Chronicles, an epic tale with a stunning historical setting around the 13th century. It is a period when the quest for power and superstitious beliefs are very strong. The Magyars have barely recovering from the invasion by the Mongols, working hard to rebuild their kingdom. It is at this time that a deadly disease hits the Baron Levente, the regent of Eger. For Bishop Konrád, it’s a curse. Unless a cure is found quickly, the Baron will die. A cure has been found, but it is located in the treacherous deeps of the Bükk Mountains and only one man can beat the odds to reach there, the Baron’s own pupil and knight, Rodger Clement. Can he make it to the heart of the mountain and be back in time to save his master?
There is a lot to enjoy in Holy Remedy, a tale set against the backdrop of one of Europe’s great cultural crossroads and melting pots, Hungary, with lush vegetation and strange beliefs. I couldn’t help thinking about the witch-hunting that took place in this land hundreds of years ago. The story features great and compelling characters and a lot of action and fighting. The plot is well conceived and readers are treated to many twists and surprises as they turn the pages. J.G. Martins writes beautiful dialogues and they play a powerful role in enhancing plot and character development. The dialogue flows naturally and merges with the wonderful descriptions to create great beauty in the work. This is a novel with great historical elements, a gripping plot and a huge conflict. Martins definitely takes readers to an historic age and across dangerous lands.
Recommend this book:
The Grey Eyed Storm
The Occuli, Book One
Christie M. Stenzel
2017 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite
The Grey Eyed Storm by Christie Stenzel is the first book in the Occuli series. Remy Verbetta had been just twelve years old when her mother, Emmery, had taken her own life. Her nine-year-old sister, Makayla, had vanished without a trace soon after. On her eighteenth birthday, Remy is not only given a necklace which her mother had always worn, but also discovers (after sleepwalking to her mother’s grave) that she is one of the seven varieties of Occuli, easily identifiable by eye color, each with a variety of powers which can affect others as well as the elements around them. As an additional birthday gift, Remy receives a bodyguard from her cousin, Ruby, in the form of a boy, Zias, whom Remy had been having dreams about for quite some time. At school, Remy finally meets the new boy in town, Drake Cook, and cannot help but be startled by his eyes; it is never good to know that a Reaper has arrived. Unable to determine whether Drake is good or evil, and trying to decipher her mother’s and her grandmother’s memories, Remy finds herself in a race against time to figure out who she can trust in order to save her kind from obliteration.
Without a doubt, The Grey Eyed Storm is one of the most in-depth and entertaining paranormal books I have ever read. Christie Stenzel’s introduction to the Occuli series leaves me desperately wanting more and I look forward to reading the rest of the series when it is released. Living in a spiraling world of heartache after her mother and sister are both gone, the main character discovers on her eighteenth birthday that nothing in life is what she thought it to be. As her powers come into effect and she finds out who and what she truly is, Remy spins through a pinwheel of emotions that strike without warning, making her wonder whether or not she is going crazy. Each of the characters is well-written and brings an important element to the story as a whole, whether good or evil. I fully enjoyed The Grey-Eyed Storm and recommend it to all die-hard lovers of the paranormal who enjoy mystery, humor, romance, adventure and excitement in a mind-bending tale of magic which eclipses all others.
The Grey Eyed Storm by Christie Stenzel is the first book in the Occuli series. Remy Verbetta had been just twelve years old when her mother, Emmery, had taken her own life. Her nine-year-old sister, Makayla, had vanished without a trace soon after. On her eighteenth birthday, Remy is not only given a necklace which her mother had always worn, but also discovers (after sleepwalking to her mother’s grave) that she is one of the seven varieties of Occuli, easily identifiable by eye color, each with a variety of powers which can affect others as well as the elements around them. As an additional birthday gift, Remy receives a bodyguard from her cousin, Ruby, in the form of a boy, Zias, whom Remy had been having dreams about for quite some time. At school, Remy finally meets the new boy in town, Drake Cook, and cannot help but be startled by his eyes; it is never good to know that a Reaper has arrived. Unable to determine whether Drake is good or evil, and trying to decipher her mother’s and her grandmother’s memories, Remy finds herself in a race against time to figure out who she can trust in order to save her kind from obliteration.
Without a doubt, The Grey Eyed Storm is one of the most in-depth and entertaining paranormal books I have ever read. Christie Stenzel’s introduction to the Occuli series leaves me desperately wanting more and I look forward to reading the rest of the series when it is released. Living in a spiraling world of heartache after her mother and sister are both gone, the main character discovers on her eighteenth birthday that nothing in life is what she thought it to be. As her powers come into effect and she finds out who and what she truly is, Remy spins through a pinwheel of emotions that strike without warning, making her wonder whether or not she is going crazy. Each of the characters is well-written and brings an important element to the story as a whole, whether good or evil. I fully enjoyed The Grey-Eyed Storm and recommend it to all die-hard lovers of the paranormal who enjoy mystery, humor, romance, adventure and excitement in a mind-bending tale of magic which eclipses all others.
Recommend this book:
Champions of the Dragon
Epic Fallacy Book 1
Michael James Ploof
2017 Bronze Medal
322 Pages
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Champions of the Dragon by Michael James Ploof is the first book in the Epic Fallacy trilogy. In every generation, five are chosen by the Most High Wizard Kazimir to be the Champions of the Dragon. The five chosen are unlikely companions: Murland is an apprentice that always dreamed of being a great Wizard, but has failed to successfully cast a spell. Gibrig is a Dwarf suffering from Humanism, and doesn't have the heart to harm anyone. Brannon is a Prince refusing to bend to his father's will, and give up his love for the warrior Valikimir. Willow is an ogre with an unsustainable appetite, strength, and a past victory of defeating a crocodile. Sir Eldrick is an alcoholic knight, formerly banished from the kingdom after being caught with the queen. Little do they know that this quest is a fool's mission, not to defeat a dragon and claim heroism, but to be fed to it.
Michael James Ploof brings to life a vast array of characters, making each one different with flaws, strengths, and quirks. Ploof breaks several fantasy stereotypes with charm and cleverness, allowing each character to be sympathized with, and spending every scene growing the characters. The villains are very ominous and mysterious, a perfect fit for the world of eccentricities. Not a lot is learned about their motivations, but it's clear that this is only the beginning of everyone's stories. Each of the “champions” is an outcast trying to find his way, and their differences tend to clash with each other, but as the story unfolds, the more they become a team. Champions of the Dragon is a delightful satirical treat, with humor, emotion, outrageous moments, and eccentric characters that come to life off the page.
Champions of the Dragon by Michael James Ploof is the first book in the Epic Fallacy trilogy. In every generation, five are chosen by the Most High Wizard Kazimir to be the Champions of the Dragon. The five chosen are unlikely companions: Murland is an apprentice that always dreamed of being a great Wizard, but has failed to successfully cast a spell. Gibrig is a Dwarf suffering from Humanism, and doesn't have the heart to harm anyone. Brannon is a Prince refusing to bend to his father's will, and give up his love for the warrior Valikimir. Willow is an ogre with an unsustainable appetite, strength, and a past victory of defeating a crocodile. Sir Eldrick is an alcoholic knight, formerly banished from the kingdom after being caught with the queen. Little do they know that this quest is a fool's mission, not to defeat a dragon and claim heroism, but to be fed to it.
Michael James Ploof brings to life a vast array of characters, making each one different with flaws, strengths, and quirks. Ploof breaks several fantasy stereotypes with charm and cleverness, allowing each character to be sympathized with, and spending every scene growing the characters. The villains are very ominous and mysterious, a perfect fit for the world of eccentricities. Not a lot is learned about their motivations, but it's clear that this is only the beginning of everyone's stories. Each of the “champions” is an outcast trying to find his way, and their differences tend to clash with each other, but as the story unfolds, the more they become a team. Champions of the Dragon is a delightful satirical treat, with humor, emotion, outrageous moments, and eccentric characters that come to life off the page.
Recommend this book:
A Wizard's Forge
The Woern Saga Book 1
A.M. Justice
2017 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
A Wizard's Forge by A.M. Justice is the first book in The Woern Saga, a fantasy that has elements of a thriller and sci-fi beautifully knit into its fabric, a compelling tale of war, kidnapping, revenge and redemption. Many years ago, a crew of explorers got stranded on a faraway planet and formed a civilization of their own. Over the years, there have been wars, marauders, slavers and warriors. The young Logkeeper, Victoria, falls prey to kidnappers who sell her into slavery. As a slave, she experienced all forms of torture, including sexual abuses and other forms of psychological trauma. She was named Kara by her ruthless Master, Lornk Korng. When she successfully escaped, she did so with a vow to avenge herself. Would she get her chance for revenge?
A Wizard's Forge is a masterpiece and readers will love the way A.M. Justice explores her characters. Victoria is very compelling. Her experience of slavery completely transforms her and she develops a powerful zeal for revenge. But there is something else that happens to her — she loses the courage to love because she is continually haunted by the gruesome experience of being held prisoner and violated. Her decision to save the prince when he gets captured is an act of bravery that marks a turning point in her journey towards self-giving and inner freedom.
This is a wonderful tale with a mesmerizing setting and a fantastic plot. The author has a powerful imagination that brings to life actors that readers can easily relate to. There is a lot of action throughout the story and it reels with great intensity. The complex, intricate plot will have the reader turning the pages. This is one of those books that keeps readers awake into the late hours of the night. It is spellbinding.
A Wizard's Forge by A.M. Justice is the first book in The Woern Saga, a fantasy that has elements of a thriller and sci-fi beautifully knit into its fabric, a compelling tale of war, kidnapping, revenge and redemption. Many years ago, a crew of explorers got stranded on a faraway planet and formed a civilization of their own. Over the years, there have been wars, marauders, slavers and warriors. The young Logkeeper, Victoria, falls prey to kidnappers who sell her into slavery. As a slave, she experienced all forms of torture, including sexual abuses and other forms of psychological trauma. She was named Kara by her ruthless Master, Lornk Korng. When she successfully escaped, she did so with a vow to avenge herself. Would she get her chance for revenge?
A Wizard's Forge is a masterpiece and readers will love the way A.M. Justice explores her characters. Victoria is very compelling. Her experience of slavery completely transforms her and she develops a powerful zeal for revenge. But there is something else that happens to her — she loses the courage to love because she is continually haunted by the gruesome experience of being held prisoner and violated. Her decision to save the prince when he gets captured is an act of bravery that marks a turning point in her journey towards self-giving and inner freedom.
This is a wonderful tale with a mesmerizing setting and a fantastic plot. The author has a powerful imagination that brings to life actors that readers can easily relate to. There is a lot of action throughout the story and it reels with great intensity. The complex, intricate plot will have the reader turning the pages. This is one of those books that keeps readers awake into the late hours of the night. It is spellbinding.
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