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Recommend this book:
SoulBreather
Book One of the Paranormal Fantasy SoulMist Series
Helen Garraway
2023 Finalist
342 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite
SoulBreather, the first in the SoulMist series by Helen Garraway, is the best sci-fi romance I've read in a very long time. It follows Mav, beaten and confused, as he tries to learn how he ended up in Eidolon without a soul. In Eidolon, Mav will discover who exploits the people and find out how children he found there were cast out, betrayed, and abused. But how will Mav, a fallen angel, be able to protect these children when hunted by one of his kind? Solanji is a soulsinger, a rare human who can touch and take souls and more. A seraphim forces Solanji to perform a risky task in exchange for releasing her brother imprisoned for stealing. Will Solanji succeed, and if so, at what cost?
SoulBreather by Helen Garraway is moving and gripping, with a perfect plot boasting the most incredible, cleverly crafted protagonists I've enjoyed in recent literature. It's a wonderful, utterly addictive series launch filled with detailed worldbuilding, sweet romance, and plenty of intrigue and adventure. I especially loved the romantic chemistry between Mav and Solanji and their determination for justice and to save others. I nearly devoured this brilliant tale in one sitting. Garraway's narrative is highly immersive and action-packed. I would recommend SoulBreather to all fans of paranormal fantasy and anyone who loves stories with heart, adventure, feisty heroines, and fallen angels.
SoulBreather, the first in the SoulMist series by Helen Garraway, is the best sci-fi romance I've read in a very long time. It follows Mav, beaten and confused, as he tries to learn how he ended up in Eidolon without a soul. In Eidolon, Mav will discover who exploits the people and find out how children he found there were cast out, betrayed, and abused. But how will Mav, a fallen angel, be able to protect these children when hunted by one of his kind? Solanji is a soulsinger, a rare human who can touch and take souls and more. A seraphim forces Solanji to perform a risky task in exchange for releasing her brother imprisoned for stealing. Will Solanji succeed, and if so, at what cost?
SoulBreather by Helen Garraway is moving and gripping, with a perfect plot boasting the most incredible, cleverly crafted protagonists I've enjoyed in recent literature. It's a wonderful, utterly addictive series launch filled with detailed worldbuilding, sweet romance, and plenty of intrigue and adventure. I especially loved the romantic chemistry between Mav and Solanji and their determination for justice and to save others. I nearly devoured this brilliant tale in one sitting. Garraway's narrative is highly immersive and action-packed. I would recommend SoulBreather to all fans of paranormal fantasy and anyone who loves stories with heart, adventure, feisty heroines, and fallen angels.
Recommend this book:
Mantle of the World Ruler
Book Two of the Lost Wells Trilogy
Kate Gateley
2023 Honorable Mention
648 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Mantle of the World Ruler is the second installment in the Lost Wells Trilogy by Kate Gateley. The trials and tribulations of Julia Harrison continue as she and Dom O’Brian try to recuperate after the onslaught of danger by Marcus Cassius Longinus. However, things slowly get better as Julia tries to control her Bearing magic and lay low in LA for the time being. Julia works hard to unlock her potential and the full extent of her powers, but it cannot come quickly enough. Cassius is hot on their heels and is ready to do whatever it takes to remove Julia from the equation. As Julia tries to master her power, she begins to sense a dark and dangerous Bearing magic wielder who could be far more lethal than Cassius. But Julia and her friends cannot ignore Cassius for long as he drums up something dangerous that can end magic users once and for all. They have their hands full, but can they stop him before it is too late?
I love it when the second novel in the series is far superior to the first one. This is a massive compliment because Ties of the Sovereign is one of my all-time favorite reads. Fantasy stories can be redundant and overdone, but not when Kate Gateley writes them. She works magic to build the most realistic yet fantastic world you can imagine yourself in. Julia’s world is something like that. The mystery oozes out of the pages as Gateley takes us through the motions and gives us a first-hand look inside her characters' minds. The narrative style is fantastic, and the pace complements Julia’s development through and through. While Julia isn’t so sure about her powers, Dom believes her irrevocably. He follows her lead wholeheartedly while providing her with the best support possible. Mantle of the World Ruler is a novel for adults, thanks to the passionate relationship between the protagonists and the constant action that demands our attention. I don't want to give away much, but I love the plot's complexity! I cannot praise this installment enough.
Mantle of the World Ruler is the second installment in the Lost Wells Trilogy by Kate Gateley. The trials and tribulations of Julia Harrison continue as she and Dom O’Brian try to recuperate after the onslaught of danger by Marcus Cassius Longinus. However, things slowly get better as Julia tries to control her Bearing magic and lay low in LA for the time being. Julia works hard to unlock her potential and the full extent of her powers, but it cannot come quickly enough. Cassius is hot on their heels and is ready to do whatever it takes to remove Julia from the equation. As Julia tries to master her power, she begins to sense a dark and dangerous Bearing magic wielder who could be far more lethal than Cassius. But Julia and her friends cannot ignore Cassius for long as he drums up something dangerous that can end magic users once and for all. They have their hands full, but can they stop him before it is too late?
I love it when the second novel in the series is far superior to the first one. This is a massive compliment because Ties of the Sovereign is one of my all-time favorite reads. Fantasy stories can be redundant and overdone, but not when Kate Gateley writes them. She works magic to build the most realistic yet fantastic world you can imagine yourself in. Julia’s world is something like that. The mystery oozes out of the pages as Gateley takes us through the motions and gives us a first-hand look inside her characters' minds. The narrative style is fantastic, and the pace complements Julia’s development through and through. While Julia isn’t so sure about her powers, Dom believes her irrevocably. He follows her lead wholeheartedly while providing her with the best support possible. Mantle of the World Ruler is a novel for adults, thanks to the passionate relationship between the protagonists and the constant action that demands our attention. I don't want to give away much, but I love the plot's complexity! I cannot praise this installment enough.
Recommend this book:
Proud Pada
The Last Lumenian Book 3
S.G. Blaise
2023 Bronze Medal
250 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Proud Pada is the third book of The Last Lumenian series by S.G. Blaise. After invoking the Bride's Choice on Callum, Sybil Lilla's perfect wedding day turns upside down when Callum's older brother Sachary is found murdered. Callum's father, Caderyn, ruler of the Teryn Praelium, reluctantly takes Lilla, Callum, and their friends to the monastic Pada world in search of the killer, following the traces of Acerbus-infused technology. However, upon their arrival, they soon discover a brewing animosity between the Tier One factions that could spell danger. When Caderyn goes missing, Lilla is left with no choice but to take it upon herself to identify the culprits and bring them to justice before the entire Praelium descends into civil war. But with multiple factions as suspects, will Lilla be able to stop the one pulling the strings?
Proud Pada is a seamless blend of high fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery. Author S.G. Blaise takes little time in getting things moving and puts the reader into the midst of the action from the get-go. There are several surprising turns of events in the plot to immerse readers in the pages, and you will find yourself hard-pressed to put the book down before finishing it. Lilla has a diverse circle of friends, and their banter and quick back-and-forth add a sprinkling of humor to the narrative. Lilla is immensely likable as the main protagonist, which makes her relatable to readers. All in all, a stellar entry into an epic fantasy saga that I will recommend to all fantasy lovers.
Proud Pada is the third book of The Last Lumenian series by S.G. Blaise. After invoking the Bride's Choice on Callum, Sybil Lilla's perfect wedding day turns upside down when Callum's older brother Sachary is found murdered. Callum's father, Caderyn, ruler of the Teryn Praelium, reluctantly takes Lilla, Callum, and their friends to the monastic Pada world in search of the killer, following the traces of Acerbus-infused technology. However, upon their arrival, they soon discover a brewing animosity between the Tier One factions that could spell danger. When Caderyn goes missing, Lilla is left with no choice but to take it upon herself to identify the culprits and bring them to justice before the entire Praelium descends into civil war. But with multiple factions as suspects, will Lilla be able to stop the one pulling the strings?
Proud Pada is a seamless blend of high fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery. Author S.G. Blaise takes little time in getting things moving and puts the reader into the midst of the action from the get-go. There are several surprising turns of events in the plot to immerse readers in the pages, and you will find yourself hard-pressed to put the book down before finishing it. Lilla has a diverse circle of friends, and their banter and quick back-and-forth add a sprinkling of humor to the narrative. Lilla is immensely likable as the main protagonist, which makes her relatable to readers. All in all, a stellar entry into an epic fantasy saga that I will recommend to all fantasy lovers.
Recommend this book:
The Edge of Life
Love and Survival During the Apocalypse
Lena Gibson
2023 Silver Medal
299 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Lena Gibson’s The Edge of Life: Love and Survival in the Apocalypse features Kat and Ryan. Kat is a schoolteacher who lost her husband two years previously. Every weekend, she drank away her pain. Her best friend Nick suggested that she go hiking with him, his partner, and his friend Ryan. Kat agrees. After several successful hiking trips, Nick tells Ryan and Kat to go hiking together while he goes on a trip for work. After two weeks, Ryan and Kat received a message from Nick telling them to go on vacation. Knowing this was a warning, they prepared for a long trip. The day before they were to leave, the media released a warning of the imminent impact of an asteroid. Kat and Ryan’s trip to South Dakota has now become a fight for survival.
Lena Gibson depicts the realistic struggles Kat and Ryan faced. The mass hysteria after the media release was easy to envision. Kat and Ryan were fortunate to get their supplies early. However, this quickly falls apart when the broken pieces of the asteroid impact all over the world. The after-effects are devastating, and violent gangs, volcanic ash, and impassable roads are just some of the problems they have to navigate. I liked the updates from Nick’s study of the asteroid. They added an ominous tone at the beginning of the story. It described every moment in vivid detail, which captivated me. The transitions between Kat and Ryan were seamless. I found the approach to a worldwide disaster unusual. A disaster rarely occurs without the main characters’ plans getting them to safety. Readers who enjoy original dystopian stories with a growing romance will enjoy The Edge of Life.
Lena Gibson’s The Edge of Life: Love and Survival in the Apocalypse features Kat and Ryan. Kat is a schoolteacher who lost her husband two years previously. Every weekend, she drank away her pain. Her best friend Nick suggested that she go hiking with him, his partner, and his friend Ryan. Kat agrees. After several successful hiking trips, Nick tells Ryan and Kat to go hiking together while he goes on a trip for work. After two weeks, Ryan and Kat received a message from Nick telling them to go on vacation. Knowing this was a warning, they prepared for a long trip. The day before they were to leave, the media released a warning of the imminent impact of an asteroid. Kat and Ryan’s trip to South Dakota has now become a fight for survival.
Lena Gibson depicts the realistic struggles Kat and Ryan faced. The mass hysteria after the media release was easy to envision. Kat and Ryan were fortunate to get their supplies early. However, this quickly falls apart when the broken pieces of the asteroid impact all over the world. The after-effects are devastating, and violent gangs, volcanic ash, and impassable roads are just some of the problems they have to navigate. I liked the updates from Nick’s study of the asteroid. They added an ominous tone at the beginning of the story. It described every moment in vivid detail, which captivated me. The transitions between Kat and Ryan were seamless. I found the approach to a worldwide disaster unusual. A disaster rarely occurs without the main characters’ plans getting them to safety. Readers who enjoy original dystopian stories with a growing romance will enjoy The Edge of Life.
Recommend this book:
Flames of Lethe
Lethe Chronicles I
Lexie Talionis
2023 Gold Medal
386 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
Lexie Talionis’s Flames of Lethe is the first book in the Lethe Chronicles. Josephine and Christopher awaken without knowing where they are. Both lacked clothing and didn’t remember anything but felt they knew each other. Deciding they needed to look for water, Christopher leads Josephine across the glowing sand. Josephine realizes she isn’t thirsty, hungry, or tired after they traveled for several hours. She attempts to engage Christopher in conversation but his hostile reaction shuts her down. When the sun comes up, Josephine feels like she is on fire. Weeks later, they enter a dark area and find a gate. When the sun comes up, Josephine finds Christopher is unable to move and she burns her hand trying to drag him into the shade. The pair are allowed past the gate by guards. Separated, both learn that society is nothing like they expected.
LexieTalionis's creation is dystopian in nature. Josephine appears meek and easily upset in the beginning. Christopher’s hostility to her made me wonder what their relationship with each other was prior to being stranded in a glowing desert. Before arriving at the gate, I began to empathize with Christopher as he showed his personality was much softer toward Josephine. I understood why he tried to seem tough to prevent Josephine from becoming hysterical. The city they entered was hostile toward women. Adam’s appearance caused an unpredictable turn in the story. He knew something about Christopher and Josephine. The narration is through Josephine’s perspective until the end, where Adam's and Christopher’s views are briefly given. I hoped Christopher and Josephine would overcome the harshness of the city somehow. The conclusion shocked me completely. I recommend Flames of Lethe to dark romance fantasy lovers who enjoy intricate plot twists.
Lexie Talionis’s Flames of Lethe is the first book in the Lethe Chronicles. Josephine and Christopher awaken without knowing where they are. Both lacked clothing and didn’t remember anything but felt they knew each other. Deciding they needed to look for water, Christopher leads Josephine across the glowing sand. Josephine realizes she isn’t thirsty, hungry, or tired after they traveled for several hours. She attempts to engage Christopher in conversation but his hostile reaction shuts her down. When the sun comes up, Josephine feels like she is on fire. Weeks later, they enter a dark area and find a gate. When the sun comes up, Josephine finds Christopher is unable to move and she burns her hand trying to drag him into the shade. The pair are allowed past the gate by guards. Separated, both learn that society is nothing like they expected.
LexieTalionis's creation is dystopian in nature. Josephine appears meek and easily upset in the beginning. Christopher’s hostility to her made me wonder what their relationship with each other was prior to being stranded in a glowing desert. Before arriving at the gate, I began to empathize with Christopher as he showed his personality was much softer toward Josephine. I understood why he tried to seem tough to prevent Josephine from becoming hysterical. The city they entered was hostile toward women. Adam’s appearance caused an unpredictable turn in the story. He knew something about Christopher and Josephine. The narration is through Josephine’s perspective until the end, where Adam's and Christopher’s views are briefly given. I hoped Christopher and Josephine would overcome the harshness of the city somehow. The conclusion shocked me completely. I recommend Flames of Lethe to dark romance fantasy lovers who enjoy intricate plot twists.
Recommend this book:
Chasing the Darkness
Cassie Sanchez
2022 Finalist
294 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Chasing the Darkness is an action-packed epic fantasy novel written by Cassie Sanchez. After the sudden death of King Valerie at the hands of a Fire Spectral, Watch Guard Commander Drexus Zoldac forms a group of elite Hunters who target Spectrals - people with magical abilities - of all kinds. Amongst his recruits is twelve-year-old Jasce Farone, an orphan who, under Drexus's mentorship, turns into the vengeful and murderous Angel of Death, Azrael. When Drexus infuses Azrael with a dangerous serum to grant him Spectral abilities, Azrael becomes even more powerful and unpredictable, leading to the Hunters betraying him. He finds himself rescued by two Spectral siblings named Kord and Kenz, alongside whom he sets off for revenge against his former employers. However, they must destroy Drexus's serum before he creates more abominations.
Filled with action, intrigue, romance, and betrayal, Chasing the Darkness is a wild fantasy ride that keeps your eyes glued to the page. Author Cassie Sanchez weaves an intricate tale of power, revenge, and redemption that fans of epic fantasy will find thoroughly entertaining. The plot moves at a breakneck speed with twists and turns that keep you firmly engaged in the narrative. The characters have well-developed arcs and diverse personalities. Azrael particularly undergoes a significant amount of change as different plot events put him to the test. He experiences a constant battle between his Angel of Death persona and being Jasce Farone, which is well-portrayed. I also enjoyed his relationship with Kenz. I would recommend Chasing the Darkness to readers who love epic fantasy novels.
Chasing the Darkness is an action-packed epic fantasy novel written by Cassie Sanchez. After the sudden death of King Valerie at the hands of a Fire Spectral, Watch Guard Commander Drexus Zoldac forms a group of elite Hunters who target Spectrals - people with magical abilities - of all kinds. Amongst his recruits is twelve-year-old Jasce Farone, an orphan who, under Drexus's mentorship, turns into the vengeful and murderous Angel of Death, Azrael. When Drexus infuses Azrael with a dangerous serum to grant him Spectral abilities, Azrael becomes even more powerful and unpredictable, leading to the Hunters betraying him. He finds himself rescued by two Spectral siblings named Kord and Kenz, alongside whom he sets off for revenge against his former employers. However, they must destroy Drexus's serum before he creates more abominations.
Filled with action, intrigue, romance, and betrayal, Chasing the Darkness is a wild fantasy ride that keeps your eyes glued to the page. Author Cassie Sanchez weaves an intricate tale of power, revenge, and redemption that fans of epic fantasy will find thoroughly entertaining. The plot moves at a breakneck speed with twists and turns that keep you firmly engaged in the narrative. The characters have well-developed arcs and diverse personalities. Azrael particularly undergoes a significant amount of change as different plot events put him to the test. He experiences a constant battle between his Angel of Death persona and being Jasce Farone, which is well-portrayed. I also enjoyed his relationship with Kenz. I would recommend Chasing the Darkness to readers who love epic fantasy novels.
Recommend this book:
 and the uncharted adventures here are often between the sheets. Sunny takes her job onboard the Ignisar seriously, ensuring the pleasure-see...){kind=link}
Love in the Time of Wormholes
A Second Chance Sci-fi Romance
Jess K Hardy
2022 Honorable Mention
278 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Dr. Jordan Alexander for Readers' Favorite
Love in the Time of Wormholes by Jess K Hardy is a delightful, fast-paced, and warm-hearted rom-com set on an interstellar pleasure craft. Think Star Trek with a super sexy heroine named Sunastara Jeka (Sunny) and the uncharted adventures here are often between the sheets. Sunny takes her job onboard the Ignisar seriously, ensuring the pleasure-seeking guests are catered for, no matter what their desire. She and her crew interact with humor and steamy passion and display the full range of human emotions - even with the artificial intelligence bots onboard. I love how Jess K Hardy weaves a dramatic socio-political backstory as we cheer for Sunny’s happy ending with Freddie, a spunky one-night stand that returns as a crew member. Love in the Time of Wormholes is entertaining with unsuspecting plot twists and many moments of laughter.
Jess K Hardy subtitles the book: A Second Chance Sci-fi Romance and that’s exactly what you get. After five years working onboard the deep space pleasure cruise, Sunny appears wild and crazy on the outside, yet has deep unprocessed emotions on the inside. The author introduces all manners of characters in the right place at the right time to aid Sunny’s personal development, process the loss of her child, and provide Sunny with an opportunity to find love again. The intergalactic connections sit nicely alongside human vulnerabilities that persist no matter where the planet or what the time period. We can all benefit from a little more love. Let’s hope Sunny thinks so too and takes her second chance before it floats off to a distant galaxy. Take a chance on Love in the Time of Wormholes and you’ll enjoy a great sci-fi rom-com with funny and unique characters and an engaging story.
Love in the Time of Wormholes by Jess K Hardy is a delightful, fast-paced, and warm-hearted rom-com set on an interstellar pleasure craft. Think Star Trek with a super sexy heroine named Sunastara Jeka (Sunny) and the uncharted adventures here are often between the sheets. Sunny takes her job onboard the Ignisar seriously, ensuring the pleasure-seeking guests are catered for, no matter what their desire. She and her crew interact with humor and steamy passion and display the full range of human emotions - even with the artificial intelligence bots onboard. I love how Jess K Hardy weaves a dramatic socio-political backstory as we cheer for Sunny’s happy ending with Freddie, a spunky one-night stand that returns as a crew member. Love in the Time of Wormholes is entertaining with unsuspecting plot twists and many moments of laughter.
Jess K Hardy subtitles the book: A Second Chance Sci-fi Romance and that’s exactly what you get. After five years working onboard the deep space pleasure cruise, Sunny appears wild and crazy on the outside, yet has deep unprocessed emotions on the inside. The author introduces all manners of characters in the right place at the right time to aid Sunny’s personal development, process the loss of her child, and provide Sunny with an opportunity to find love again. The intergalactic connections sit nicely alongside human vulnerabilities that persist no matter where the planet or what the time period. We can all benefit from a little more love. Let’s hope Sunny thinks so too and takes her second chance before it floats off to a distant galaxy. Take a chance on Love in the Time of Wormholes and you’ll enjoy a great sci-fi rom-com with funny and unique characters and an engaging story.
Recommend this book:
Psycho Shifters
An enemies-to-lovers romance
Jasmine Mas
2022 Bronze Medal
330 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Psycho Shifters: An Enemies-To-Lovers Romance is the first book in Cruel Shifterverse by Jasmine Mas - a paranormal romance with a twist. This is a reverse-harem novel written for adult audiences. The story follows Sadie, a young alpha in a world where women are never alphas. Done living under the thumb of other people, she decided to join three other alphas and train for the war against the Fae Queen. Living with three men is difficult, but living with three men who despised her for being who she was is impossible. These 6.5 feet hulking men were tough nuts to break, but Sadie didn’t come this far to just cave in. They think she is not worthy, but they haven’t seen her shifter form yet, and once they do, they will know they are messing with the wrong alpha.
The setting of Psycho Shifters is fantastic and so is the worldbuilding. I have read plenty of omegaverse novels and this one is unique. I love how resistant and resilient Sadie is. She wants to appear stronger than she is, but she is often surprised by her actual strength. She has PTSD because of Dick (aptly named) yet Sadie is determined to move forward and live a better life than before. Cobra, Jax, and Ascher are rude, jerks, and absolute menaces. I have to be honest; I didn’t like any of them particularly because they are the perfect definition of “big, burly, and brute.” However, after reading till the end and that final scene, I believe Jasmine Mas made them this way to leave room for growth and development in future novels. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Psycho Shifters: An Enemies-To-Lovers Romance is the first book in Cruel Shifterverse by Jasmine Mas - a paranormal romance with a twist. This is a reverse-harem novel written for adult audiences. The story follows Sadie, a young alpha in a world where women are never alphas. Done living under the thumb of other people, she decided to join three other alphas and train for the war against the Fae Queen. Living with three men is difficult, but living with three men who despised her for being who she was is impossible. These 6.5 feet hulking men were tough nuts to break, but Sadie didn’t come this far to just cave in. They think she is not worthy, but they haven’t seen her shifter form yet, and once they do, they will know they are messing with the wrong alpha.
The setting of Psycho Shifters is fantastic and so is the worldbuilding. I have read plenty of omegaverse novels and this one is unique. I love how resistant and resilient Sadie is. She wants to appear stronger than she is, but she is often surprised by her actual strength. She has PTSD because of Dick (aptly named) yet Sadie is determined to move forward and live a better life than before. Cobra, Jax, and Ascher are rude, jerks, and absolute menaces. I have to be honest; I didn’t like any of them particularly because they are the perfect definition of “big, burly, and brute.” However, after reading till the end and that final scene, I believe Jasmine Mas made them this way to leave room for growth and development in future novels. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Recommend this book:
Dream of Dragons
Dragon Tails
Aja James
2022 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite
In Aja James’s Dream of Dragons, the Jade Emperor has summoned Ere, Sorin, and Rui to the palace. Shifu, the emperor’s emissary, advises the group that they are going on a quest to find The Jewel of Dreams. A time limit and other barriers make the quest more dangerous. Rui quickly finds Ere to be too garrulous but believes his bonded mate, Sorin, could make a capable warrior. Rui catches the interest of Wolfe during a tavern brawl. Upon discovering the trio is traveling to Caerleon Castle, Wolfe and his traveling companion, Tristan, offer to join them. Along the way, the normally unfeeling Rui begins to feel an attraction to Wolfe. This bothers her, as she realizes they will most likely become advisors in the tournament held at Caerleon Castle. The prize, called The Dragon’s Eye, was a jewel, and Rui’s group believed this was what they needed to complete their quest. Likewise, Wolfe wanted the jewel to get vengeance.
While Dream of Dragons is a fantasy novel, Aja James made every character’s thoughts relatable. Rui was a loner, yet she had an inner conflict with wanting to be with Wolfe. Wolfe was the same way, and while he lacked remorse for his past, he still didn’t understand what it was about Rui that drew his attention. There were humorous parts in the book, with Ere being the one that could make witty remarks, especially in the face of a dangerous opponent. The time setting was during King Arthur’s reign, and I found the accounts of the various knights and royalty accurately written. I found the in-depth details of the tournament to be intense, and I felt like I was sitting in the stands cheering for Rui and Wolfe. The ending had me on a roller coaster of feelings. One moment I was saying “No!” but the next I was saying “Yes!” For adults who have an affinity for the Dark Ages involving sorcery, quests, epic fantasy battles, and dragons, this book is the perfect fit.
In Aja James’s Dream of Dragons, the Jade Emperor has summoned Ere, Sorin, and Rui to the palace. Shifu, the emperor’s emissary, advises the group that they are going on a quest to find The Jewel of Dreams. A time limit and other barriers make the quest more dangerous. Rui quickly finds Ere to be too garrulous but believes his bonded mate, Sorin, could make a capable warrior. Rui catches the interest of Wolfe during a tavern brawl. Upon discovering the trio is traveling to Caerleon Castle, Wolfe and his traveling companion, Tristan, offer to join them. Along the way, the normally unfeeling Rui begins to feel an attraction to Wolfe. This bothers her, as she realizes they will most likely become advisors in the tournament held at Caerleon Castle. The prize, called The Dragon’s Eye, was a jewel, and Rui’s group believed this was what they needed to complete their quest. Likewise, Wolfe wanted the jewel to get vengeance.
While Dream of Dragons is a fantasy novel, Aja James made every character’s thoughts relatable. Rui was a loner, yet she had an inner conflict with wanting to be with Wolfe. Wolfe was the same way, and while he lacked remorse for his past, he still didn’t understand what it was about Rui that drew his attention. There were humorous parts in the book, with Ere being the one that could make witty remarks, especially in the face of a dangerous opponent. The time setting was during King Arthur’s reign, and I found the accounts of the various knights and royalty accurately written. I found the in-depth details of the tournament to be intense, and I felt like I was sitting in the stands cheering for Rui and Wolfe. The ending had me on a roller coaster of feelings. One moment I was saying “No!” but the next I was saying “Yes!” For adults who have an affinity for the Dark Ages involving sorcery, quests, epic fantasy battles, and dragons, this book is the perfect fit.
Recommend this book:
The Hunted
Vampire Navy SEAL: Sam & Layla Book 1
S.B. Alexander
2022 Gold Medal
286 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Hunted is a work of fiction in the paranormal romance, suspense, and interpersonal drama subgenres and was penned by author S.B. Alexander. It was written for the adult reading audience owing to the use of explicit language and the presence of sexual content throughout. Part of the Vampire Navy SEAL series of romances, this enemies-to-lovers tale focuses on Layla, a vampire hunter who is well-practiced at her job. But when she lays eyes on the muscular bloodsucker Sam Mason, everything changes. Layla needs his help to save her sisters, but can she keep her conflicted feelings for him under control, or will Sam get everything he wants from her?
Author S.B. Alexander certainly knows how to pitch a romance to keep her readers turning page after page. To begin with, this is a highly intriguing crossover combination where military precision in battle combines with supernatural deadly forces to produce some really exciting action scenes and a solid character basis for Sam. From there, Alexander’s intricate portrayal of the tough and hard-edged Layla, and her journey as she slowly loses her inhibitions around the tempting vampire SEAL, offers readers a chance to really sink into the tension all around her. So when the pair finally come together, the payoff is all the more enjoyable and emotive in all the right ways. The dialogue was also a strong point of The Hunted, serving to give a clear sense of the characters whilst also cutting in with some very slick humor and strong romantic themes. A highly recommended read for PNR fans everywhere.
The Hunted is a work of fiction in the paranormal romance, suspense, and interpersonal drama subgenres and was penned by author S.B. Alexander. It was written for the adult reading audience owing to the use of explicit language and the presence of sexual content throughout. Part of the Vampire Navy SEAL series of romances, this enemies-to-lovers tale focuses on Layla, a vampire hunter who is well-practiced at her job. But when she lays eyes on the muscular bloodsucker Sam Mason, everything changes. Layla needs his help to save her sisters, but can she keep her conflicted feelings for him under control, or will Sam get everything he wants from her?
Author S.B. Alexander certainly knows how to pitch a romance to keep her readers turning page after page. To begin with, this is a highly intriguing crossover combination where military precision in battle combines with supernatural deadly forces to produce some really exciting action scenes and a solid character basis for Sam. From there, Alexander’s intricate portrayal of the tough and hard-edged Layla, and her journey as she slowly loses her inhibitions around the tempting vampire SEAL, offers readers a chance to really sink into the tension all around her. So when the pair finally come together, the payoff is all the more enjoyable and emotive in all the right ways. The dialogue was also a strong point of The Hunted, serving to give a clear sense of the characters whilst also cutting in with some very slick humor and strong romantic themes. A highly recommended read for PNR fans everywhere.
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