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Recommend this book:
Witches
Runes, Volume 6
Ednah Walters
2015 Bronze Medal
372 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed By Tracy Slowiak for Readers' Favorite
Wow! I just finished reading Ednah Walters’ gripping book Witches, the sixth book in the Runes series, and all I can say is that I am impressed. What a great young adult read, full of intrigue, excitement, adventure, and yes, romance. This installment of the book follows the beautiful Raine Cooper, an immortal Seeress, as she traverses both the difficulties of high school drama at Kayville High, her relationship with the gorgeous quarterback, Torin St. James, and of course, all of the stresses that come from her decision to side against the Norns and with Valkyries and Mortal Witches long ago. Raine’s life is nothing if not complicated, especially when she has to figure out how to repair the battlegrounds and make sure that no Mortals have any memories of those dramatic events.
I loved this book! I had not read any other books in the Runes series, and I certainly will now, but I was still able to understand Witches with no problem. Ednah Walters is a phenomenal writer, and any young adult who enjoys fantasy, romance, or just a great read will love this book. This book kept me engaged from the beginning to the end, and once I started it, I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend Witches, and I cannot wait to read more in the Runes series. Ednah Walters, your books will be added to my ‘must be read’ list, and I sincerely hope you’re hard at work on your next book!
Wow! I just finished reading Ednah Walters’ gripping book Witches, the sixth book in the Runes series, and all I can say is that I am impressed. What a great young adult read, full of intrigue, excitement, adventure, and yes, romance. This installment of the book follows the beautiful Raine Cooper, an immortal Seeress, as she traverses both the difficulties of high school drama at Kayville High, her relationship with the gorgeous quarterback, Torin St. James, and of course, all of the stresses that come from her decision to side against the Norns and with Valkyries and Mortal Witches long ago. Raine’s life is nothing if not complicated, especially when she has to figure out how to repair the battlegrounds and make sure that no Mortals have any memories of those dramatic events.
I loved this book! I had not read any other books in the Runes series, and I certainly will now, but I was still able to understand Witches with no problem. Ednah Walters is a phenomenal writer, and any young adult who enjoys fantasy, romance, or just a great read will love this book. This book kept me engaged from the beginning to the end, and once I started it, I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend Witches, and I cannot wait to read more in the Runes series. Ednah Walters, your books will be added to my ‘must be read’ list, and I sincerely hope you’re hard at work on your next book!
Recommend this book:
Lorehnin
A Novel of the Otherworld, The Otherworld Series Volume 6
Jenna Elizabeth Johnson
2015 Silver Medal
335 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed By Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
In Lorehnin by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson, Robyn Dunbarre is about to start her sophomore year at college and is on her way to get an awesome business degree that will help her buy the Green Tea Leaf Café. Her life was on a steady roll until it was interrupted by the Otherworld. A demonic gang has made her their target and she finds no way out of the situation. That was until one deliciously handsome stranger saves her life and brings her back to safety, and now she cannot get him out of her mind.
That handsome stranger is Devlin O’Brolaigh and she does not want to tangle with him right now. The Otherworld is hot on her heels and they are not giving up. Devlin is there by her side to help her out and their attraction is getting hotter day after day. With her life threatened and out of control, Robyn takes a chance and gives in to her more rebellious side. Sure, this could turn dangerous, but it will be worth it if she could save her friends and maybe even fall in love with a handsome devil.
Paranormal romances are not usually my cup of tea. Lorehnin by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson was a nice surprise. The story line was great, but it was the female protagonist that attracted me. Robyn is smart, savvy, and actually really cool. She is a not usual damsel in distress and is not afraid to get her hands dirty and fight for her rights. A great novel if you like to read paranormal romance with a steamy hero and a savvy female protagonist. Thumbs up for a job well done.
In Lorehnin by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson, Robyn Dunbarre is about to start her sophomore year at college and is on her way to get an awesome business degree that will help her buy the Green Tea Leaf Café. Her life was on a steady roll until it was interrupted by the Otherworld. A demonic gang has made her their target and she finds no way out of the situation. That was until one deliciously handsome stranger saves her life and brings her back to safety, and now she cannot get him out of her mind.
That handsome stranger is Devlin O’Brolaigh and she does not want to tangle with him right now. The Otherworld is hot on her heels and they are not giving up. Devlin is there by her side to help her out and their attraction is getting hotter day after day. With her life threatened and out of control, Robyn takes a chance and gives in to her more rebellious side. Sure, this could turn dangerous, but it will be worth it if she could save her friends and maybe even fall in love with a handsome devil.
Paranormal romances are not usually my cup of tea. Lorehnin by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson was a nice surprise. The story line was great, but it was the female protagonist that attracted me. Robyn is smart, savvy, and actually really cool. She is a not usual damsel in distress and is not afraid to get her hands dirty and fight for her rights. A great novel if you like to read paranormal romance with a steamy hero and a savvy female protagonist. Thumbs up for a job well done.
Recommend this book:
Angels Dawn
Komali da Silva
2015 Gold Medal
232 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed By Charity Tober for Readers' Favorite
Angels Dawn by author Komali da Silva is a refreshing and thrilling young adult paranormal read. The story follows a young girl named Dawn Huntington. At the start of the story, all is right with the world as Dawn looks forward to having an amazing sweet sixteen birthday party. Life is good at throwing curve balls though, and Dawn’s perfect party is ruined and her life changed forever when she witnesses a terrible crime on the night of her party. Unable to turn her back on what she’s seen, and also having conflicting feelings toward two different guys, Dawn is forced to make hard choices. There are paranormal aspects to the book (can’t list without getting into spoiler territory) along with romance, mystery, conflict, betrayal, heartache and more. And WOW, what a cliffhanger ending! Can’t wait to read more and see what happens next.
I found Angels Dawn to be an ‘I can’t put this book down if I tried’ type of read. The author does a superb job of creating an intense, angst-driven paranormal storyline and I was hooked right from the start. Dawn is a very likeable heroine; I felt her dialogue and reactions to what was going on around her seemed realistic. She was strong-willed, but always tried to make the right choices. She faced so many hardships and obstacles; I was really rooting for her the whole time. Fans of young adult and paranormal genres are sure to find a new favorite author in Komali da Silva.
Angels Dawn by author Komali da Silva is a refreshing and thrilling young adult paranormal read. The story follows a young girl named Dawn Huntington. At the start of the story, all is right with the world as Dawn looks forward to having an amazing sweet sixteen birthday party. Life is good at throwing curve balls though, and Dawn’s perfect party is ruined and her life changed forever when she witnesses a terrible crime on the night of her party. Unable to turn her back on what she’s seen, and also having conflicting feelings toward two different guys, Dawn is forced to make hard choices. There are paranormal aspects to the book (can’t list without getting into spoiler territory) along with romance, mystery, conflict, betrayal, heartache and more. And WOW, what a cliffhanger ending! Can’t wait to read more and see what happens next.
I found Angels Dawn to be an ‘I can’t put this book down if I tried’ type of read. The author does a superb job of creating an intense, angst-driven paranormal storyline and I was hooked right from the start. Dawn is a very likeable heroine; I felt her dialogue and reactions to what was going on around her seemed realistic. She was strong-willed, but always tried to make the right choices. She faced so many hardships and obstacles; I was really rooting for her the whole time. Fans of young adult and paranormal genres are sure to find a new favorite author in Komali da Silva.
Recommend this book:
Chasing Shadows
Tala Prophecy - Volume 2
Tia Silverthorne Bach
2014 Finalist
318 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed By Danielle Urban for Readers' Favorite
Imagine you have been told that you are a werewolf hybrid who is destined to fulfill a legendary prophecy. Now you begin an exciting adventure into a strange new world you never knew existed and have to trust your life to complete strangers and prepare to fight for your life. In Chasing Shadows, Tia Silverthorne Bach creates a heroine that takes the reader along with her on a suspenseful and revealing adventure.
Twilight fans will love Chasing Shadows - Tala Prophecy Volume 2. Tia Silverthorne Bach has written a heart pounding, thrilling and fast-paced adventure story. The intoxicating and interesting world she created could easily transfer to the big screen. If you enjoy a paranormal romance with lots of high risk adventure, mystery, featuring a coming-of-age character then you will love reading Chasing Shadows. I was enthralled as events unfolded before me. I am now a fan and can't wait to read the next installment of the series.
Imagine you have been told that you are a werewolf hybrid who is destined to fulfill a legendary prophecy. Now you begin an exciting adventure into a strange new world you never knew existed and have to trust your life to complete strangers and prepare to fight for your life. In Chasing Shadows, Tia Silverthorne Bach creates a heroine that takes the reader along with her on a suspenseful and revealing adventure.
Twilight fans will love Chasing Shadows - Tala Prophecy Volume 2. Tia Silverthorne Bach has written a heart pounding, thrilling and fast-paced adventure story. The intoxicating and interesting world she created could easily transfer to the big screen. If you enjoy a paranormal romance with lots of high risk adventure, mystery, featuring a coming-of-age character then you will love reading Chasing Shadows. I was enthralled as events unfolded before me. I am now a fan and can't wait to read the next installment of the series.
Recommend this book:
Creepy Friends
Ronnie Stich
2014 Honorable Mention
175 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed By Gary Stout for Readers' Favorite
When thirteen-year-old Ally is confronted with what may be a ghost haunting her bedroom in Ronnie Stich’s new novel Creepy Friends, she does what anyone would do: she freaks out. After all, that just isn’t something that a normal girl who constantly struggles to fit in at school should have to put up with, is it? However, it seems she’s not the only one with this problem and Ally becomes unlikely allies with Kathy, the 'strange' girl at school, in order to discover just what is causing the loud bumps and bangs in the night. Together, they enlist Kathy's Aunt Marilyn and Mr. Walsh, a teacher from school, both of whom have a vested interest in the disturbances, at the same time trying to ignore the taunts of the rest of the school that they're both 'creepy.' Oh, and of course they need to prevent her parents from finding out what they're up to, all while struggling to solve the mystery.
Creepy Friends is an entertaining novella directed towards young adults, though children may also find it enjoyable. Catchy dialog, a fun plot, and memorable characters who suffer the typical angst of that age group carry the story along. The suspense ebbs and flows as the young women find plenty of obstacles in their path to solving the mystery. Along the way, Ally learns several of life’s important lessons to help her deal with school, her peers, her family, and even her view of herself. Overall, a fun read.
When thirteen-year-old Ally is confronted with what may be a ghost haunting her bedroom in Ronnie Stich’s new novel Creepy Friends, she does what anyone would do: she freaks out. After all, that just isn’t something that a normal girl who constantly struggles to fit in at school should have to put up with, is it? However, it seems she’s not the only one with this problem and Ally becomes unlikely allies with Kathy, the 'strange' girl at school, in order to discover just what is causing the loud bumps and bangs in the night. Together, they enlist Kathy's Aunt Marilyn and Mr. Walsh, a teacher from school, both of whom have a vested interest in the disturbances, at the same time trying to ignore the taunts of the rest of the school that they're both 'creepy.' Oh, and of course they need to prevent her parents from finding out what they're up to, all while struggling to solve the mystery.
Creepy Friends is an entertaining novella directed towards young adults, though children may also find it enjoyable. Catchy dialog, a fun plot, and memorable characters who suffer the typical angst of that age group carry the story along. The suspense ebbs and flows as the young women find plenty of obstacles in their path to solving the mystery. Along the way, Ally learns several of life’s important lessons to help her deal with school, her peers, her family, and even her view of herself. Overall, a fun read.
Recommend this book:
Dream Weaver
A Dark Young Adult Paranormal Fiction Novel
Su Williams
2014 Bronze Medal
326 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed By Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
If I could only use one word to describe Dream Weaver by Su Williams it would be SUPERB. Luckily I get to use more than one. Dream Weaver is an unusual tale, part fantasy, part paranormal, part romance, part horror and part supernatural. When you roll all those genres into one you have a book you can’t put down. I started reading this book yesterday afternoon and finished it around 3 this morning. I’m usually a very fast reader but I found I wanted to read slowly to savor the exquisite moments of pleasure this book offers.
Emeri Jewel is a seventeen-year-old orphan, and an emancipated young woman. She has faced a lot in her young life: the death of both parents, a stalker, and brutal rape. For many years someone has been watching over her. I suppose you could call him her special angel. Nicholas has tried to ease the nightmares and her pain; he’s done the unthinkable and fallen in love with her. Nicholas is a Cephar, a descendant of the Nephilim. The Cephar have special gifts and use them for good. But there are other descendants called the Rephaim. They also have special gifts but they follow the fallen angel, they crave power and they will do anything to get it. Nicholas is a Dream Weaver: he can manipulate the mind through dreams, and he can ease nightmares, clear one’s mind, and cause one to forget.
Dream Weaver is Su Williams' first novel. I certainly hope it is not her last. Dream Weaver could easily be expanded into a whole series of books. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, leading me to believe she has more books in mind. I’ve always been curious about the Nephilim and love the idea of an expanded series of books on the topic, even if it is all fiction. This is a series fans of fantasy will not want to miss.
If I could only use one word to describe Dream Weaver by Su Williams it would be SUPERB. Luckily I get to use more than one. Dream Weaver is an unusual tale, part fantasy, part paranormal, part romance, part horror and part supernatural. When you roll all those genres into one you have a book you can’t put down. I started reading this book yesterday afternoon and finished it around 3 this morning. I’m usually a very fast reader but I found I wanted to read slowly to savor the exquisite moments of pleasure this book offers.
Emeri Jewel is a seventeen-year-old orphan, and an emancipated young woman. She has faced a lot in her young life: the death of both parents, a stalker, and brutal rape. For many years someone has been watching over her. I suppose you could call him her special angel. Nicholas has tried to ease the nightmares and her pain; he’s done the unthinkable and fallen in love with her. Nicholas is a Cephar, a descendant of the Nephilim. The Cephar have special gifts and use them for good. But there are other descendants called the Rephaim. They also have special gifts but they follow the fallen angel, they crave power and they will do anything to get it. Nicholas is a Dream Weaver: he can manipulate the mind through dreams, and he can ease nightmares, clear one’s mind, and cause one to forget.
Dream Weaver is Su Williams' first novel. I certainly hope it is not her last. Dream Weaver could easily be expanded into a whole series of books. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, leading me to believe she has more books in mind. I’ve always been curious about the Nephilim and love the idea of an expanded series of books on the topic, even if it is all fiction. This is a series fans of fantasy will not want to miss.
Recommend this book:
Wraithsong
Desirable Creatures, Book I (Volume 1)
E. J. Squires
2014 Silver Medal
364 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed By Lisa Jones for Readers' Favorite
Wraithsong by E.J. Squires follows the journey of Sonia in her graduation year at high school. She had known she was different to other children from a young age as she had the ability to control others by her thoughts alone. After her father's death, her mom became very protective and said that all would be revealed on her eighteenth birthday. Her powers become stronger when she meets Anthony and she is warned to suppress her feelings although her urges become unbearable. As the story unfolds, Sonia is forced to trust Anthony when her mom is kidnapped. They formulate a plan to enter the invisible island of Wraithsong so they can save Sonia's mom with the help of trusted people, yet the plan is thwarted when Sonia is also taken. The race against time begins and so does the discovery of Sonia's mystery fifth power.
Wraithsong is the first book in the Desirable Creatures series by E.J. Squires. I must say that this book had me hooked from start to finish. What a wonderful imagination the author has with the ability to capture the reader within the first few pages. The plot and the main two characters of Sonia and Anthony were like a modern day Romeo and Juliet. The style and the creativity of this novel was on another level. I especially like the quotes at the beginning and the end which gave it an extra edge which was integrated well within the storyline. Overall, I would recommend this book as it captured my heart as well as my imagination.
Wraithsong by E.J. Squires follows the journey of Sonia in her graduation year at high school. She had known she was different to other children from a young age as she had the ability to control others by her thoughts alone. After her father's death, her mom became very protective and said that all would be revealed on her eighteenth birthday. Her powers become stronger when she meets Anthony and she is warned to suppress her feelings although her urges become unbearable. As the story unfolds, Sonia is forced to trust Anthony when her mom is kidnapped. They formulate a plan to enter the invisible island of Wraithsong so they can save Sonia's mom with the help of trusted people, yet the plan is thwarted when Sonia is also taken. The race against time begins and so does the discovery of Sonia's mystery fifth power.
Wraithsong is the first book in the Desirable Creatures series by E.J. Squires. I must say that this book had me hooked from start to finish. What a wonderful imagination the author has with the ability to capture the reader within the first few pages. The plot and the main two characters of Sonia and Anthony were like a modern day Romeo and Juliet. The style and the creativity of this novel was on another level. I especially like the quotes at the beginning and the end which gave it an extra edge which was integrated well within the storyline. Overall, I would recommend this book as it captured my heart as well as my imagination.
Recommend this book:
Semester Aboard
More than Magic
Elizabeth Kirke
2014 Gold Medal
394 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed By Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite
If you are looking for a fantasy story that combines popular themes like werewolves, vampires, wizards, and witches in a different way and is filled with unique characters, then Semester Aboard - More than Magic by Elizabeth Kirke is a book you should put on your 'to read' list.
Jen, who is on a moving campus, i.e. a cruise ship, for a semester learns a lot more than just what is on her timetable during that trip. One night she sees a group of other students on deck and something quite unusual happens that baffles Jen. The rest of the group notice her and from then on follow her around to make sure Jen tells nobody about what she saw. While they spend time with her, the strange group of students also notice something special about Jen - that she is more like them than like normal humans.
Elizabeth Kirke weaves a story about a variety of mythical beings in Semester Aboard and shows where they clash, where they work together well, where they need each other, and how there is no clear line between which kind of being is good and which not. Thankfully, this book is not one of those trashy vampire/werewolf novels that are cluttering book shelves in book stores these days. It's a delightfully different take on fantasy creatures and the friendships between the different characters are believable and touching. You start liking the characters and you get comfy with the book - it almost feels like you are part of the group and right in the middle of it. You simply do not want it to end!
I really hope that there will be a sequel. It would be so very interesting to see what else happens in the lives of all those characters and to read another beautifully written book.
If you are looking for a fantasy story that combines popular themes like werewolves, vampires, wizards, and witches in a different way and is filled with unique characters, then Semester Aboard - More than Magic by Elizabeth Kirke is a book you should put on your 'to read' list.
Jen, who is on a moving campus, i.e. a cruise ship, for a semester learns a lot more than just what is on her timetable during that trip. One night she sees a group of other students on deck and something quite unusual happens that baffles Jen. The rest of the group notice her and from then on follow her around to make sure Jen tells nobody about what she saw. While they spend time with her, the strange group of students also notice something special about Jen - that she is more like them than like normal humans.
Elizabeth Kirke weaves a story about a variety of mythical beings in Semester Aboard and shows where they clash, where they work together well, where they need each other, and how there is no clear line between which kind of being is good and which not. Thankfully, this book is not one of those trashy vampire/werewolf novels that are cluttering book shelves in book stores these days. It's a delightfully different take on fantasy creatures and the friendships between the different characters are believable and touching. You start liking the characters and you get comfy with the book - it almost feels like you are part of the group and right in the middle of it. You simply do not want it to end!
I really hope that there will be a sequel. It would be so very interesting to see what else happens in the lives of all those characters and to read another beautifully written book.
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