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Recommend this book:
Demon Ember
Resurrection Chronicles Book 1
M.J. Haag, Becca Vincenza, Melissa Haag
2018 Gold Medal
240 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Aimee Carol Dixon for Readers' Favorite
Hell has come to earth. It began with tremors that grew in scale until the safety of a whole European town was at risk. Silence crept in with the aftermath, reports of animal attacks flooded social media, and then, when the whole world was watching… everything stopped. In just a few hours the world as Mya knew it was upended. And then the chaos reached the United States and the true horror began. Demon Ember by M.J. Haag, Becca Vincenza, and Melissa Haag is a spine-tingling read that’s sure to please mature readers who like their novels rife with zombie apocalypses and romantic tension.
The authors work together with an ease to be envied. Their choice to juxtapose the introduction of their apocalypse with a typical day for Mya made the experience more chilling. The buildup was amazing, and something that really impressed me was the authors’ ability to keep that eeriness going throughout Demon Ember. Only once was I not on edge when one of the Infected was nearby, and that was orchestrated by the authors as well. As Mya adjusts to the routine and travel with Drav, the mysterious and often unnerving “grey man,” I found it easier to relax to the same degree she did. Still, even with the comfort gleaned from Drav’s presence, there are plenty of jump moments. Not to mention that most of the comedy and outrage came, in equal measure, courtesy of Drav’s intense curiosity about the female form. By having him come from such a different world and giving him such a steep learning curve made the actual burgeoning tenderness between Mya and Drav more easily accessible to me as a reader. Full of unnerving implications and suspense, Demon Ember is a book I cannot recommend highly enough.
Hell has come to earth. It began with tremors that grew in scale until the safety of a whole European town was at risk. Silence crept in with the aftermath, reports of animal attacks flooded social media, and then, when the whole world was watching… everything stopped. In just a few hours the world as Mya knew it was upended. And then the chaos reached the United States and the true horror began. Demon Ember by M.J. Haag, Becca Vincenza, and Melissa Haag is a spine-tingling read that’s sure to please mature readers who like their novels rife with zombie apocalypses and romantic tension.
The authors work together with an ease to be envied. Their choice to juxtapose the introduction of their apocalypse with a typical day for Mya made the experience more chilling. The buildup was amazing, and something that really impressed me was the authors’ ability to keep that eeriness going throughout Demon Ember. Only once was I not on edge when one of the Infected was nearby, and that was orchestrated by the authors as well. As Mya adjusts to the routine and travel with Drav, the mysterious and often unnerving “grey man,” I found it easier to relax to the same degree she did. Still, even with the comfort gleaned from Drav’s presence, there are plenty of jump moments. Not to mention that most of the comedy and outrage came, in equal measure, courtesy of Drav’s intense curiosity about the female form. By having him come from such a different world and giving him such a steep learning curve made the actual burgeoning tenderness between Mya and Drav more easily accessible to me as a reader. Full of unnerving implications and suspense, Demon Ember is a book I cannot recommend highly enough.
Recommend this book:
Dark Desires
A Novel of the Dark Ones (Pure/ Dark Ones Book 3)
Aja James
2018 Bronze Medal
313 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
If you want romance with characters that share strong chemistry, have depth, and are sophisticated, then the third book in the Dark Ones series, Dark Desires by Aja James, is what you need. But there is more to the story than the romance: you’ll find exciting elements of science fiction and aspects of fantasy that add to the excitement of the drama. The Dark Ones' hunter, Ryu Takamura, never misses a target and he is ruthless. That is until he meets Ava Monroe, a gifted geneticist who may have the key to transforming the future of the vampire race. The moment he sees her, he knows he’ll break his professional code — he can’t kill her. But is she the right woman for his life and how can he handle her, the demons of his past and the enemies they are about to make?
Dark Desires is gripping and captures the sensual aspects of the story in a style that unveils deep emotions in the characters and that makes the conflict very strong. A hardcore killer who is also a vampire can’t resist his overwhelming attraction to a mortal. He has every reason to kill Ava, because Ava has the power to create deadly mortals from his kind, or her knowledge can. Here is the premise that makes this story irresistible. It’s a feral, terrific romance that works for its satisfying ending. Readers get to love the pair — Ryu and Ava — and they want to see what becomes of the chemistry between the two. Aja James weaves scenes that are focused and emotionally charged, allowing readers to feel emotions of the characters. I loved the writing, the steam, the realism that permeates the story, and the pacing. The setting is something else altogether and it is enjoyable how the author brings together the different elements of the story to create a very sensual read.
If you want romance with characters that share strong chemistry, have depth, and are sophisticated, then the third book in the Dark Ones series, Dark Desires by Aja James, is what you need. But there is more to the story than the romance: you’ll find exciting elements of science fiction and aspects of fantasy that add to the excitement of the drama. The Dark Ones' hunter, Ryu Takamura, never misses a target and he is ruthless. That is until he meets Ava Monroe, a gifted geneticist who may have the key to transforming the future of the vampire race. The moment he sees her, he knows he’ll break his professional code — he can’t kill her. But is she the right woman for his life and how can he handle her, the demons of his past and the enemies they are about to make?
Dark Desires is gripping and captures the sensual aspects of the story in a style that unveils deep emotions in the characters and that makes the conflict very strong. A hardcore killer who is also a vampire can’t resist his overwhelming attraction to a mortal. He has every reason to kill Ava, because Ava has the power to create deadly mortals from his kind, or her knowledge can. Here is the premise that makes this story irresistible. It’s a feral, terrific romance that works for its satisfying ending. Readers get to love the pair — Ryu and Ava — and they want to see what becomes of the chemistry between the two. Aja James weaves scenes that are focused and emotionally charged, allowing readers to feel emotions of the characters. I loved the writing, the steam, the realism that permeates the story, and the pacing. The setting is something else altogether and it is enjoyable how the author brings together the different elements of the story to create a very sensual read.
Recommend this book:
Wolf Hollow
Wolf Hollow Shifters, Book 1
Nikki Jefford
2018 Honorable Mention
415 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Wolf Hollow by Nikki Jefford is Book 1 of the Wolf Hollow Shifters Series, set in a post-apocalyptic world. Sasha, the alpha of the pack, is under huge pressure. As a pureblood, it is her duty to choose another pureblood to help repopulate the pack. Nobody is going to stand in her way – except for a half-breed. Tabor is half werewolf, half wizard, a dangerous mix in dangerous times. Magic is prohibited and to use his powers could mean being banished from the pack. Tabor is strong but, because of his heritage, he is left alone. He views the pack as being short-sighted, unwilling to bend the rules and Sasha is just the same. Or is she? Sasha is about to show the pack that she is nobody’s fool, raising her in Tabor’s estimation. Tabor would do anything for Sasha; he wants to claim her as his own and, although the purebloods are dying out, Sasha is struggling to deny her own attraction. Sasha has a fight on her hands – not just from the predators that are threatening her pack, but from the elders who won’t approve of a match with a half-breed. Will the heart rule or will she take the sensible route?
Wolf Hollow (Wolf Hollow Shifters Series Book 1) by Nikki Jefford is an interesting take on the werewolf genre. It has a dystopian feel to it and very strong characters. The only thing I struggled with was the lack of backstory; there was little to tell us how the pack got to the point where the story began. There are lots of twists and turns and plenty of action in this story. It felt at times like a typical love story, you could see where it was going, but then something would happen that threw a spanner in the works. There is a bit more to this story; although it is based on shifters, there are undercurrents of dealing with prejudice and hatred, alongside loyalty. There are a few scenes of nudity but nothing that would offend anyone. Overall, an enjoyable story, but I think there could have been a little more flesh to it – maybe the next book will shed some light?
Wolf Hollow by Nikki Jefford is Book 1 of the Wolf Hollow Shifters Series, set in a post-apocalyptic world. Sasha, the alpha of the pack, is under huge pressure. As a pureblood, it is her duty to choose another pureblood to help repopulate the pack. Nobody is going to stand in her way – except for a half-breed. Tabor is half werewolf, half wizard, a dangerous mix in dangerous times. Magic is prohibited and to use his powers could mean being banished from the pack. Tabor is strong but, because of his heritage, he is left alone. He views the pack as being short-sighted, unwilling to bend the rules and Sasha is just the same. Or is she? Sasha is about to show the pack that she is nobody’s fool, raising her in Tabor’s estimation. Tabor would do anything for Sasha; he wants to claim her as his own and, although the purebloods are dying out, Sasha is struggling to deny her own attraction. Sasha has a fight on her hands – not just from the predators that are threatening her pack, but from the elders who won’t approve of a match with a half-breed. Will the heart rule or will she take the sensible route?
Wolf Hollow (Wolf Hollow Shifters Series Book 1) by Nikki Jefford is an interesting take on the werewolf genre. It has a dystopian feel to it and very strong characters. The only thing I struggled with was the lack of backstory; there was little to tell us how the pack got to the point where the story began. There are lots of twists and turns and plenty of action in this story. It felt at times like a typical love story, you could see where it was going, but then something would happen that threw a spanner in the works. There is a bit more to this story; although it is based on shifters, there are undercurrents of dealing with prejudice and hatred, alongside loyalty. There are a few scenes of nudity but nothing that would offend anyone. Overall, an enjoyable story, but I think there could have been a little more flesh to it – maybe the next book will shed some light?
Recommend this book:
Endohuman
Love Vs Duty
Nick Dream
2018 Honorable Mention
316 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite
In Endohuman: Love Vs Duty by Nick Dream, 18-year-old Adam Vanolf was raised by his grandfather to be the protector of good against evil. His mission must be kept secret and placed above everything as he tries to fit into society and live a normal teenage life. His loyalty to the mission is tested by his teenage hormones, which could destroy everything his grandfather has been preparing him for his whole 18 years. This could put the entire human race in danger. However, everything he has been raised to believe comes under question when history repeats itself, leaving two teenagers missing and the whole town on edge. Adam is desperate to find his missing schoolmates, but will he be able to handle the revelation behind the kidnappings? Just when he thinks he now knows the truth, his whole world turns upside-down one more time, revealing yet again that things are not always as they seem. Will Adam be strong enough to place the mission above his personal desires? And, what is the actual truth about his mission anyway?
Endohuman: Love Vs Duty by Nick Dream is a truly captivating read that takes you inside the head of a teenage boy as he deals with battles no one his age, or even older, should have to deal with. You will be glued to the pages as you attempt to understand Adam's mission, how it all comes together, the ultimate role of all those around him in the mission, and how he balances it all with the challenges of teenage life and mortal society in general. The character development is fantastic and Adam's inner turmoil and emotional conflict as he tries to balance his Endohuman life and his life among the mortals are especially captivating to follow.
In Endohuman: Love Vs Duty by Nick Dream, 18-year-old Adam Vanolf was raised by his grandfather to be the protector of good against evil. His mission must be kept secret and placed above everything as he tries to fit into society and live a normal teenage life. His loyalty to the mission is tested by his teenage hormones, which could destroy everything his grandfather has been preparing him for his whole 18 years. This could put the entire human race in danger. However, everything he has been raised to believe comes under question when history repeats itself, leaving two teenagers missing and the whole town on edge. Adam is desperate to find his missing schoolmates, but will he be able to handle the revelation behind the kidnappings? Just when he thinks he now knows the truth, his whole world turns upside-down one more time, revealing yet again that things are not always as they seem. Will Adam be strong enough to place the mission above his personal desires? And, what is the actual truth about his mission anyway?
Endohuman: Love Vs Duty by Nick Dream is a truly captivating read that takes you inside the head of a teenage boy as he deals with battles no one his age, or even older, should have to deal with. You will be glued to the pages as you attempt to understand Adam's mission, how it all comes together, the ultimate role of all those around him in the mission, and how he balances it all with the challenges of teenage life and mortal society in general. The character development is fantastic and Adam's inner turmoil and emotional conflict as he tries to balance his Endohuman life and his life among the mortals are especially captivating to follow.
Recommend this book:
The Traitor's Bride
Keepers of Xereill Book 1
Alix Nichols
2018 Finalist
275 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The Traitor's Bride by Alix Nichols is the first book in the science fiction romance series, Keepers of Xereill. Convicted without a trial for cowardice and sedition - a heavy and improbable transgression for one who previously has had praise lavished upon him as a hero - Lord Areg Sebi is publicly whipped to the roaring delight of an overly enthusiastic crowd. But there are a handful who are disgusted by the display, and one of them is Etana Tidryn, a female with the ability to potentially save his life. Whether or not she's willing to take the risk and has the courage to elevate herself from her lowly status in a caste of latent untouchables is another matter altogether.
I'm still in this world and mulling over this tale despite having finished The Traitor's Bride some time ago. Alix Nichols is a powerhouse writer with descriptive scenes and world-building without the usual information dumps often found in the genre. It helps that the story has genuine, palpable, delicious sizzle to it, which is also exceptionally well done. As it's a part of a series I was prepared for the cliffhanger. What I wasn't prepared for was the scramble that ensued after finishing to jump into the next book immediately. Luckily, book two, The Commander's Captive, has already been released...so...as soon as my husband falls asleep... I would absolutely recommend this series to anyone looking for science fiction that delivers both the fantasia of a new world and the heat of a searing romance packed into one creative punch. This was an easy five-star rating for me as the story and writing are divine.
The Traitor's Bride by Alix Nichols is the first book in the science fiction romance series, Keepers of Xereill. Convicted without a trial for cowardice and sedition - a heavy and improbable transgression for one who previously has had praise lavished upon him as a hero - Lord Areg Sebi is publicly whipped to the roaring delight of an overly enthusiastic crowd. But there are a handful who are disgusted by the display, and one of them is Etana Tidryn, a female with the ability to potentially save his life. Whether or not she's willing to take the risk and has the courage to elevate herself from her lowly status in a caste of latent untouchables is another matter altogether.
I'm still in this world and mulling over this tale despite having finished The Traitor's Bride some time ago. Alix Nichols is a powerhouse writer with descriptive scenes and world-building without the usual information dumps often found in the genre. It helps that the story has genuine, palpable, delicious sizzle to it, which is also exceptionally well done. As it's a part of a series I was prepared for the cliffhanger. What I wasn't prepared for was the scramble that ensued after finishing to jump into the next book immediately. Luckily, book two, The Commander's Captive, has already been released...so...as soon as my husband falls asleep... I would absolutely recommend this series to anyone looking for science fiction that delivers both the fantasia of a new world and the heat of a searing romance packed into one creative punch. This was an easy five-star rating for me as the story and writing are divine.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/pure-healing&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Pz7wbm9YL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Pure Healing" by Aja James is a paranormal romance. It is initially slightly confusing in that the book starts with Sophia, the Queen of the Pure Ones, as the narrator but she soon becomes a secondary figure as the rest of the book focuses mainly on the relationship between Rain, the healer, and Valerius, an immortal Protector. There has been sexu...){kind=link}
Pure Healing
A Novel of The Pure Ones
Aja James
2018 Finalist
339 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Stephanie Dagg for Readers' Favorite
"Pure Healing" by Aja James is a paranormal romance. It is initially slightly confusing in that the book starts with Sophia, the Queen of the Pure Ones, as the narrator but she soon becomes a secondary figure as the rest of the book focuses mainly on the relationship between Rain, the healer, and Valerius, an immortal Protector. There has been sexual tension between them for over a decade but finally Valerius asks to become her consort and help regenerate her powers by allowing her to feed on his blood and his body. But he is not to fall in love with her. Valerius suffered brutality in the past and is full of self-doubt and is handicapped by his fear of intimacy. Rain also is constrained by her past but somehow between them they achieve fulfillment. The counter-plot runs alongside, centered on Sophia, a student at Harvard, who makes friends with the mysterious Ere, a teaching assistant, but you have to wonder if there is more to him than meets the eye. And in the background is an impending war between vampires and the Pure Ones. Vicious attacks by vampire assassins are taking place all too often.
This is a very intense, gritty book that really grips you. The author creates an intriguing yet overtly dangerous world. As with all series starters, there is quite a lot of groundwork to cover to set the scene for all the action that is to come, in this book and later ones. However, Aja James keeps the pace moving and keeps our appetites whetted. Plenty of questions are raised and issues touched on that are still to be resolved. In short, you’ll be hooked!
"Pure Healing" by Aja James is a paranormal romance. It is initially slightly confusing in that the book starts with Sophia, the Queen of the Pure Ones, as the narrator but she soon becomes a secondary figure as the rest of the book focuses mainly on the relationship between Rain, the healer, and Valerius, an immortal Protector. There has been sexual tension between them for over a decade but finally Valerius asks to become her consort and help regenerate her powers by allowing her to feed on his blood and his body. But he is not to fall in love with her. Valerius suffered brutality in the past and is full of self-doubt and is handicapped by his fear of intimacy. Rain also is constrained by her past but somehow between them they achieve fulfillment. The counter-plot runs alongside, centered on Sophia, a student at Harvard, who makes friends with the mysterious Ere, a teaching assistant, but you have to wonder if there is more to him than meets the eye. And in the background is an impending war between vampires and the Pure Ones. Vicious attacks by vampire assassins are taking place all too often.
This is a very intense, gritty book that really grips you. The author creates an intriguing yet overtly dangerous world. As with all series starters, there is quite a lot of groundwork to cover to set the scene for all the action that is to come, in this book and later ones. However, Aja James keeps the pace moving and keeps our appetites whetted. Plenty of questions are raised and issues touched on that are still to be resolved. In short, you’ll be hooked!
Recommend this book:
Alawahea
The Azellian Affairs, Book One
Sara L. Daigle
2017 Bronze Medal
478 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Michelle Randall for Readers' Favorite
Tamara is working to finish her college degree at a time when it has been discovered that there are other planets out there with life on them, and in fact ambassadors have been sent and received for over 50 years. This year is going to be different as the Azellian ambassador has proposed having a sort of foreign exchange program at the University, with four Azellian students coming to Denver to study for the year. Tamara is excited because her grandfather had been the ambassador to Azelle years ago, and she is interested in learning more, even if her grandmother is having a hissy fit about it all. The thing is that there are secrets in Tamara's life and past that are on a collision course with the Azellian students, and nothing is ever going to be the same. Alawahea: The Azellian Affairs is the first book in a series that introduces the reader to another culture and begins the story of interactions, fears, differences and similarities. Author Sara L. Daigle has created a story that is captivating and realistic, the fears and prejudices that are projected towards the Azellians are the same fears and prejudices that we, as humans, project on anyone we don't know much about, and the problems it can lead to are enormous.
Alawahea: The Azellian Affairs is the first book in a new series that looks to be both entertaining and thought provoking. All the characters were so well written and developed that, as a reader, I felt a connection to them each from the start, and it was easy to get caught up in the story, and following them and wanting only the best for each one. Author Sara L. Daigle has created an environment that is so realistic and believable that you feel like you are part of the story as the reader. I think this is a great book for all readers. A book that causes the reader to look at preconceived prejudices, and how we think and treat someone slightly different than ourselves, is much needed and should be read by many people. Will it change attitudes? Maybe of a few, those open to understanding, and that in and of itself is worth the read alone.
Tamara is working to finish her college degree at a time when it has been discovered that there are other planets out there with life on them, and in fact ambassadors have been sent and received for over 50 years. This year is going to be different as the Azellian ambassador has proposed having a sort of foreign exchange program at the University, with four Azellian students coming to Denver to study for the year. Tamara is excited because her grandfather had been the ambassador to Azelle years ago, and she is interested in learning more, even if her grandmother is having a hissy fit about it all. The thing is that there are secrets in Tamara's life and past that are on a collision course with the Azellian students, and nothing is ever going to be the same. Alawahea: The Azellian Affairs is the first book in a series that introduces the reader to another culture and begins the story of interactions, fears, differences and similarities. Author Sara L. Daigle has created a story that is captivating and realistic, the fears and prejudices that are projected towards the Azellians are the same fears and prejudices that we, as humans, project on anyone we don't know much about, and the problems it can lead to are enormous.
Alawahea: The Azellian Affairs is the first book in a new series that looks to be both entertaining and thought provoking. All the characters were so well written and developed that, as a reader, I felt a connection to them each from the start, and it was easy to get caught up in the story, and following them and wanting only the best for each one. Author Sara L. Daigle has created an environment that is so realistic and believable that you feel like you are part of the story as the reader. I think this is a great book for all readers. A book that causes the reader to look at preconceived prejudices, and how we think and treat someone slightly different than ourselves, is much needed and should be read by many people. Will it change attitudes? Maybe of a few, those open to understanding, and that in and of itself is worth the read alone.
Recommend this book:
Beyond Every Mirror
Anachronistic Dimensions Book 1
Christine Church
2017 Honorable Mention
378 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Beyond Every Mirror: Anachronistic Dimensions Book 1 by Christine Church is the story of a man and how his life is affected by his reflection and what he sees in the mirror. Only his reflection in mirrors reveals something far more sinister than you can even imagine. Dane Bainbridge is the kind of a man women desire. He is strong, bold and very handsome, so it makes for women to want him, men want to be him, and Dane thrives on that. He has everything that people envy, but what he truly wants is love. Only, the woman he loves and wants does not exist, except in mirrors. He has been seeing one woman in mirrors all his life and he has no idea if she is real or not. He only knows that he wants her. Meriah is the woman Dane sees in mirrors. She lives in a dimension beyond mirrors. Her world is kept alive with the blood of one mortal, Dane. His blood and his strength are keeping her world alive. But this means Dane has to suffer in every way, and he is miserable because he loves someone who he can never have.
This was definitely a different kind of science fiction romance. I have to admit, I have never read anything quite like it and I loved it. Brilliant and well written. Superb!! Also, I love the cover. I loved Dane, his charm and his attitude. He was strong and that is his main characteristic. He was also very intelligent and that was a surprise to me. He didn’t wait for clues to appear and he didn’t wait for an epiphany to hit him like magic. I can’t wait for the next novel in the series because this one just blew me away. And the writing style of the author was amazing. She handled the characters, and the two dimensions really well. I loved it!
Beyond Every Mirror: Anachronistic Dimensions Book 1 by Christine Church is the story of a man and how his life is affected by his reflection and what he sees in the mirror. Only his reflection in mirrors reveals something far more sinister than you can even imagine. Dane Bainbridge is the kind of a man women desire. He is strong, bold and very handsome, so it makes for women to want him, men want to be him, and Dane thrives on that. He has everything that people envy, but what he truly wants is love. Only, the woman he loves and wants does not exist, except in mirrors. He has been seeing one woman in mirrors all his life and he has no idea if she is real or not. He only knows that he wants her. Meriah is the woman Dane sees in mirrors. She lives in a dimension beyond mirrors. Her world is kept alive with the blood of one mortal, Dane. His blood and his strength are keeping her world alive. But this means Dane has to suffer in every way, and he is miserable because he loves someone who he can never have.
This was definitely a different kind of science fiction romance. I have to admit, I have never read anything quite like it and I loved it. Brilliant and well written. Superb!! Also, I love the cover. I loved Dane, his charm and his attitude. He was strong and that is his main characteristic. He was also very intelligent and that was a surprise to me. He didn’t wait for clues to appear and he didn’t wait for an epiphany to hit him like magic. I can’t wait for the next novel in the series because this one just blew me away. And the writing style of the author was amazing. She handled the characters, and the two dimensions really well. I loved it!
Recommend this book:
The Underground
Second Edition
Roxanne Bland
2017 Finalist
374 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
In The Underground by Roxanne Bland, the reader is introduced to an underworld with a mix of vampires, werewolves, elves, shapeshifters and witches. It is in this community that Kurt, the ruthless vampire, rules and no one dares to challenge him. Parker Berenson, a powerful werewolf, lost his love to Kurt and still holds a grievance against him. Now, working under him, nothing could be sweeter than to mastermind the downfall of a heartless vampire who has stolen the love of his life. One is pulled into an enchanting world, a society with all sorts of creatures, and the conflict in this story drives the plot in dramatic ways.
There is a lot in this urban fantasy for fans looking for an exciting and delightful read. What pulled me in was the compelling cast of characters. From the very beginning, the reader already gets the feeling that the characters are well-imagined. I also enjoyed the originality in the plot and the setting is a place readers would really want to peek at — beautifully constructed, and rendered vivid with detailed descriptions. Roxanne Bland has a way of holding the reader’s attention by weaving scenes that are emotionally charged and action-packed, focusing on a plot-driven conflict that is irresistible. The Underground features the finest writing, punctuated by lovely, insightful passages and descriptions. The novel is well-structured to have the reader turning the pages. There are many moments when the reader expects a denouement, but the author introduces yet another twist that invites them to turn to the next page. This book was exciting and immensely enjoyable.
In The Underground by Roxanne Bland, the reader is introduced to an underworld with a mix of vampires, werewolves, elves, shapeshifters and witches. It is in this community that Kurt, the ruthless vampire, rules and no one dares to challenge him. Parker Berenson, a powerful werewolf, lost his love to Kurt and still holds a grievance against him. Now, working under him, nothing could be sweeter than to mastermind the downfall of a heartless vampire who has stolen the love of his life. One is pulled into an enchanting world, a society with all sorts of creatures, and the conflict in this story drives the plot in dramatic ways.
There is a lot in this urban fantasy for fans looking for an exciting and delightful read. What pulled me in was the compelling cast of characters. From the very beginning, the reader already gets the feeling that the characters are well-imagined. I also enjoyed the originality in the plot and the setting is a place readers would really want to peek at — beautifully constructed, and rendered vivid with detailed descriptions. Roxanne Bland has a way of holding the reader’s attention by weaving scenes that are emotionally charged and action-packed, focusing on a plot-driven conflict that is irresistible. The Underground features the finest writing, punctuated by lovely, insightful passages and descriptions. The novel is well-structured to have the reader turning the pages. There are many moments when the reader expects a denouement, but the author introduces yet another twist that invites them to turn to the next page. This book was exciting and immensely enjoyable.
Recommend this book:
 by Dominique Kristine centers on Princess Ysolde Westbrook, a spinster duchess and the adopted daughter of King Aldemar, Hindera’s monarch. Her mother, Tegau, had left to rejoin the Marcogh tribes, leaving Ysolde behind with her adopted father, step-siblings, and vindictive stepmother Queen Rhon...){kind=link}
Shadows for a Princess
Trials of Terraina Book 1
Dominique Kristine
2017 Bronze Medal
355 Pages
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Romance - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
Shadows for a Princess (Trials of Terraina, Book 1) by Dominique Kristine centers on Princess Ysolde Westbrook, a spinster duchess and the adopted daughter of King Aldemar, Hindera’s monarch. Her mother, Tegau, had left to rejoin the Marcogh tribes, leaving Ysolde behind with her adopted father, step-siblings, and vindictive stepmother Queen Rhonwen. She is loved by the commoners, but despised by most nobles as she’s considered an outsider who gives too much charity to the derelicts. Ysolde bravely stands against an arranged marriage, assassination, and abduction plots, while discovering love, new allies, and finding the truth about the people who plot against her.
The story is both character and plot driven, with a fantasy world-building filled with fey beings and magic as its background. Action, suspense and romance elements are well balanced, although I gravitated more to the first two aspects of the story. Ysolde is easily likable, a compassionate and prudent princess who always strives to better the lives of the poor, while ignoring the complaints from prudish nobles and dismissing rude suitors from her home. The gallant female knight Rae, brothers Etienne and Laurent are my favorite characters, including Etienne’s cunning friend, Adrienne.
The plot has a good pace and wraps up in a satisfying conclusion that opens the way for the sequel. All in all, Shadows for a Princess offers a compelling story and a solid start for the Trials of Terraina series. Readers who are fans of Game of Thrones will love the substantial storyline and its vivid characters.
Shadows for a Princess (Trials of Terraina, Book 1) by Dominique Kristine centers on Princess Ysolde Westbrook, a spinster duchess and the adopted daughter of King Aldemar, Hindera’s monarch. Her mother, Tegau, had left to rejoin the Marcogh tribes, leaving Ysolde behind with her adopted father, step-siblings, and vindictive stepmother Queen Rhonwen. She is loved by the commoners, but despised by most nobles as she’s considered an outsider who gives too much charity to the derelicts. Ysolde bravely stands against an arranged marriage, assassination, and abduction plots, while discovering love, new allies, and finding the truth about the people who plot against her.
The story is both character and plot driven, with a fantasy world-building filled with fey beings and magic as its background. Action, suspense and romance elements are well balanced, although I gravitated more to the first two aspects of the story. Ysolde is easily likable, a compassionate and prudent princess who always strives to better the lives of the poor, while ignoring the complaints from prudish nobles and dismissing rude suitors from her home. The gallant female knight Rae, brothers Etienne and Laurent are my favorite characters, including Etienne’s cunning friend, Adrienne.
The plot has a good pace and wraps up in a satisfying conclusion that opens the way for the sequel. All in all, Shadows for a Princess offers a compelling story and a solid start for the Trials of Terraina series. Readers who are fans of Game of Thrones will love the substantial storyline and its vivid characters.
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