Tag: fantasy

The Scarlet Tanager (Annika Brisby: Book 3) by Emigh Cannaday

The Scarlet Tanager: Fantasy Paranormal Romance (The Annika Brisby Series Book 3) by [Cannaday, Emigh]

Publisher: Silver Poplar Press

Date of publication: August 17th, 2016

Series: The Annika Brisby Series

The Flame and the Arrow – Book 1 (review here)

The Silver Thread – Book 2 (review here)

The Scarlet Tanager – Book 3

Where to find it: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

“You’re part samodiva. I knew that when I met you. It’s in your blood to be distracted by beauty…and pleasure.” He turned to face her, taking in every sensuous curve of her female form. “You seem to have forgotten that it’s in my blood as well. Whatever shall I do to remind you?” 

Scandal. Blackmail. Obsession. It’s just another day if you’re a Marinossian. When Annika disappears without a trace, Talvi launches the hunt for his most infuriating rival yet–a doppelgänger. His only clues about the mysterious shapeshifter are from a government he’s increasingly at odds with. In exchange for access to their resources, he does the unthinkable and reveals Annika’s true nature. Time is short, but the list of names Talvi can trust keeps getting shorter. 

Back home at the family’s country estate, his brother Finn is blindsided when the missing redhead turns up covered head to toe with vampire bites and no recollection of how it happened. While his mother tends to her physical wounds, Finn’s given the task of restoring her memory…and he just can’t resist showing her his version of the truth. But playing mind games is like playing roulette–and someone’s luck is about to run out. 

You’ll enjoy this edgy & dark blend of New Adult Romantic Fantasy and Paranormal Gothic Romance if you’re a fan of Laurell K. Hamilton, Kresley Cole, Donna Grant, Charlaine Harris, Karen Marie Moning, Jeanine Frost, J.R. Ward, Sarah J. Maas and Lynsay Sands.

My review:

I was so excited when Emigh asked me to review The Scarlet Tanager. I loved The Flame and The Arrow and The Silver Arrow, so I knew that I would like The Scarlet Tanager. And oh boy, I wasn’t disappointed.

The book starts where The Silver Arrow ended, with Annika in the car with Stephan, a doppelgänger, after being kidnapped. There is a close encounter with a police officer, and when the chapter ends, they are on their way to Prague. Reasons unknown but it couldn’t be good. I was scared for Annika during this chapter because I didn’t know what was going to happen to her. The unknown in books scares me.

Back in London, Merriweather Narayanaswamy is called into the London embassy. She is demoted from her position in the embassy. Merriweather screwed up a lot of things. She failed to research Stephan’s, her PA, background. He then morphed into her and stole Talvi’s records, and that was how Stephan got a hold of Annika.

Things further go downhill for her when Talvi and Chivanni discover that Annika is missing. When he finds out that Merriweather was responsible for Stephan kidnapping Annika, he had his revenge. It involves a tied up, drunk elf, and a ton of sex toys. After this, Talvi is mentioned and sometimes makes an appearance during the book, but the focus goes to Annika.

What happened to Annika at the “farm” was disturbing. She was fortunate that Pavlo discovered who she was and let Konstantine know that he had found her. Pavlo cleaned her up, well the best that he could without wanting to drain her blood and waited for Konstantine and Yuri to arrive.

Speaking of Yuri, I can’t stand her. She is spoiled, selfish, and plays mind games with everyone. I didn’t like her in Book 1, was relieved that she wasn’t mentioned in Book 2 but Book 3, I wanted to stake her. She was plain nasty to everyone, including Konstantine, who for some odd reason loves her. Or does he? I have a feeling that for some reason, he is stringing her along. Just a feeling I get.

Konstantine and Yuri bring Annika to Yuri’s parents to be nursed back to health. Annika suffers physical and mental scars from her time at the farm. Asbjorn was tricked by Sloan (his daughter) to kiss Annika’s neck all better, and she stabbed him with a fork in the face. Yeah, ouch. She also has lost all her memory of Talvi.

Which brings us to Finn. Oh, Finn, why did you do what you did? I mean, I understand WHY but still, it was wrong. Paris was supposed to be a one-time thing!!! As Asbjorn said, Finn traded one addiction for another. That addiction happened to be Annika.

The ending of the book was so sad for Talvi, Annika, and Finn. I cried more in those 3-4 chapters than I did throughout the entire book. There are a few other storylines that get wrapped up by the end of the book except for Yuri’s.

How many stars will I give The Scarlet Tanager? 5

Why? This was a heart wrenching but great read. Normally there is a lull after the second book (and I know I said this in the review for The Silver Thread) but this book just keeps on going. No lull at all!!!

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex and some violence.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

Her Steamy Viking (Her Viking’s Desire: Book 2) by A.J. Tipton

Her Steamy Viking: A Paranormal Romance (Her Viking's Desire Book 2) by [Tipton, AJ]

Publisher:  Self Published

Date of publication: August 2nd, 2014

Series: Her Viking’s Desire

Her Fiery Viking – Book 1 (Review here)

Her Steamy Viking – Book 2

Her Winged Viking – Book 3

Her Rock Hard Viking – Book 4

Her Christmas Viking – Book 5

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

ATTENTION READERS: This is a sexy SHORT novella. Bite sized for your reading pleasure. 

A cursed Viking trapped in a watery prison. A modern-day witch digging into her past. What they discover could bring them together…or tear them apart.

Over a thousand years ago, Bram and his brothers were cursed. The Viking has spent centuries trapped in a Scottish loch as an invisible water wraith, despairing of ever breaking free. But when a gorgeous woman splashes into his world, Bram finally has a chance to make things right. 

Audrey is a tenacious witch exploring the grounds of her grandmother’s secret Scottish cabin. When she feels drawn to the beautiful waters of a nearby loch, she discovers she is not alone. Will her magic be enough to free her aqueous lover?

Her Steamy Viking is a hot paranormal romance novella. If you like smoldering love stories, magical adventures, and fun in the water, then you’ll love this standalone installment from the Her Viking’s Desire series. 

My review:

I went into this book with the expectation of it falling a little short from the first story. I am happy to say that I was proven wrong.

This book was great. Short but great.

Audrey had inherited a cottage on a remote island from her grandmother. She came to the island expecting a rundown cottage and finds a castle. After poking around for a bit, she decides to take a rowboat out onto the loch. While she’s out there, she decides, “Hey, isn’t it a wonderful idea to sunbathe naked in the rowboat.” Not thinking of splinters or people coming upon her while she is naked in the rowboat. She thinks, “It’s remote, and no one will be here, so let’s do it.” If I decided to sunbathe naked in a rowboat, I would get a splinter in my butt and a plane would fly over and get an eyeful. So glad that didn’t happen in this book.

Bram is a Viking warrior who has been cursed to be water because the witch that cursed him accused him of being spineless. The curse went like this:

I curse you to truly be the spineless puddle you are. Not until you prove the strength of your conviction and two households work together for your release, will my curse be broken.

So he spent a thousand years at the bottom of the loch until Audrey rows on by and disrobes. He immediately becomes aroused at the sight of her. Not getting laid for a thousand years will do that to a guy. When Audrey drops her necklace into the lake and dives after it, does he get a chance to make his move.

And oh boy, did he ever. Not going to go into the rest of the book but there oral sex (on both ends) and one explosive sex scene. I had to fan myself during those scenes. They were so hot!!

How many stars will I give Her Steamy Viking? 4

Why: The sex was out of this world and I loved that Bram was a Viking with a conscience. Audrey was pretty awesome too. She had spunk…lol.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex, sex, and more sex.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

The Delphi Effect (The Delphi Trilogy: Book 1) by Rysa Walker

The Delphi Effect (The Delphi Trilogy Book 1) by [Walker, Rysa]

Publisher: Skyscape

Date of publication: October 11th, 2016

Series: The Delphi Trilogy

The Delphi Effect – Book 1

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Goodreads synopsis:

It’s never wise to talk to strangers…and that goes double when they’re dead. Unfortunately, seventeen-year-old Anna Morgan has no choice. Resting on a park bench, touching the turnstile at the Metro station—she never knows where she’ll encounter a ghost. These mental hitchhikers are the reason Anna has been tossed from one foster home and psychiatric institution to the next for most of her life.

When a chance touch leads her to pick up the insistent spirit of a girl who was brutally murdered, Anna is pulled headlong into a deadly conspiracy that extends to the highest levels of government. Facing the forces behind her new hitcher’s death will challenge the barriers, both good and bad, that Anna has erected over the years and shed light on her power’s origins. And when the covert organization seeking to recruit her crosses the line by kidnapping her friend, it will discover just how far Anna is willing to go to bring it down.

My review:

This. Book. Is. Awesome.

Not kidding you, it is. I have been reading reviews that have been giving it 5-star reviews. Usually, when I see all 5-star reviews for a book and then read it, I end up not liking it. I am picky, but that’s another post. I am happy to say that this book lives up to its 5-star hype!!!

I loved Anna. She went through so much in her life. She learned rely only on herself and her best friend Deo. Her only constants in her life are Deo, Dr. Kelsey (her psychiatrist) and the spirits that she picks up. Yes, she picks up spirits. Dr. Kelsey labeled them as ibbur (for the good ones) and dybbuk (for the evil ones). They take up residence in her head until she can resolve their issues. Then they can go to the light, leaving her with their knowledge/experiences. Remember the scene from Ghost when Patrick Swayze takes over Whoopi Goldberg to reconnect with Demi Moore? It’s like that except Anna refuses to allow her ghosts to take over her body. Well refused until she picked up Molly at a homeless shelter. She then got caught up in something that she never expected would happen to her.

Deo has to be the best secondary character that I have ever read. He is loyal to Anna and over the top vibrant. What I liked is that he was questioning his sexual preference. He might or might not like women, and he might or might not like men, and he might or might not like both. The author chose to add it as an afterthought during one of Anna’s inner dialogues. After that, it didn’t come up again during the book.

The storyline for this book was great too. Molly wants Anna to talk to her grandfather and give him the name of the man who killed her mother. That way, he can start to look into her death (he’s a retired detective). But Molly’s grandfather, Jerome Porter, is a skeptic and refuses to believe Anna. He takes her phone, talks to her psychiatrist, and has her investigated. After a meeting with him, where she lets Molly take over her body for 10 mins, he is convinced that she is the real deal. When they were shot coming out of Dr. Kelsey’s, the story takes a huge turn.

The ending was bittersweet. There is an unexpected death of sorts, a reunion and the beginning of a road trip. The author did wrap up Molly’s storyline, but she left the other storylines wide open for book 2. Which I cannot wait to read!!

How many stars will I give The Delphi Effect? 5

Why? A fantastic fantasy/mystery that gets you hooked. I couldn’t put the book down. Seriously, I couldn’t. I read while I cooked, looked over homework, gave baths/showers, did dishes…..lol.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Teen

Why? No sex (just one kiss), violence, language. There is a pretty graphic description of Molly’s death and the killing of 3 kids.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Nemesis by Anna Banks

Nemesis by [Banks, Anna]

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends

Date of publication: October 4th, 2016

Series: Nemesis

Nemesis – Book 1

Ally – Book 2 (expected publication date is sometime in 2017)

Where you can find this book: Amazon|Barnes and Nobles

Goodreads synopsis:

The princess didn’t expect to fall in love–with her nemesis.

Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms. The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee from his grasp. She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king’s servitude.

Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens. The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention. But mistress Sepora will not be ignored. When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined.

Sepora’s gift could save Tarik’s kingdom from the Quiet Plague. But should she trust her growing feelings for her nemesis, or should she hide her gifts at all costs?

A thrilling futuristic fantasy in which the fate of the world’s energy source is in the hands of a prince and princess who are rivals, by the New York Times-bestselling author of the Syrena Legacy.

My review:

This book has been in my TBR pile since I heard that it was going to be published. When I got an ARC from NetGalley, I was pumped. I couldn’t wait to sit down and read it. When I did, I was utterly absorbed in the story.

I loved Sepora. She was ballsy. Who would fake their death, trudge across a desert, take on slave traders, save a half-fish/half girl cannibal and then escape from the royal harem? She would. She also had to hide the fact that she is a Forger of spectorium, a rare metal that all the kingdoms need. Not an easy task since she produces it like sweat, but she has her ways.

I liked Tarik and felt bad for him. He had just lost his father to and incurable illness called the Quiet Plague that is running rampant through his people. At the age of 18, he is responsible for running the kingdom of Theoria. Which is a considerable task but he has a hidden ace up his sleeve. He is a Lingot. A Lingot is someone who can tell if someone is lying just by listening to them. An advantageous trait to have for a Pharaoh.

I was thrilled that the Theorians were modeled after the Egyptians. I have a strange fascination with Egyptian mythology and love when it is used in a book. I am still trying to figure out what Sepora’s people, the Serbulians, are modeled after. I want to say Vikings, but I am not too sure.

Sepora and Tarik’s romance was a slow burn. There was an attraction, but neither one of them did anything until the end of the book. It worked for me because they were able to work on other aspects of their relationship.

Sethos is my favorite secondary character, followed by Rashidi and Cy the Master Healer. Sethos was the epitome of a 15-year-old, and I loved it. From wanting into the pharaoh’s harem to just being the annoying younger brother, it was awesome. I liked Rashidi because he was older and gave Tarik some sound advice and Cy the Master Healer because he was a 13-year-old prodigy. He was willing to everything and anything to stop the Quiet Plague.

The ending of the book, I didn’t like. While I understand what happened had to happen, doesn’t mean that I like it. Nothing was resolved, and that meant everything in Book 1 would be carried over into Book 2.

I want to add that I LOVE the cover of the book!!!

How many stars will I give Nemesis? 4

Why? I loved the plot and the characters. The only thing I really didn’t like was the ending (see above)

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age Range: Teen

Why: Very clean. No sex (just one kissing scene), no violence, no offensive language. Just some pretty descriptive scenes of the Quiet Plague

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Tanza (The Astor Chronicles: Book 2) by Amanda Greenslade

Tanza - epic fantasy novel (The Astor Chronicles Book 2) by [Greenslade, Amanda]

Publisher: Tigerace Books

Date of publication: September 2nd, 2016

Series: The Astor Chronicles – Book 2

Talon – Book 1 

Tanza – Book 2

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis:

Sarlice and I came to Tanza to escape from the Zeikas, and we were not prepared for a country on the brink of war. Where should our loyalties lie—to our home towns, to Tanza or to each other? 

The Zeikas have their fire magic, dragons and demons, but they lack the Kriite ability to communicate across vast distances using the waves. I know one thing—the skyearls will not give up Tanza without a fight. 

Soon I will have a skyearl of my own, and the miracle of flight along with it. I was slow to come into my powers in Jaria, but I was wrong to think Krii had no purpose for my life. They have a new name for me here in Tanza: Astor Talon.

‘Tanza’ is the second in “The Astor Chronicles”, a series of epic fantasy adventure novels for a new adult audience.

My review:

I enjoyed reading this book. It is a fantasy with a lot of action put in it and  is an easy read. This is a book that cannot be read alone. You need to read Talon first.

I had trouble understanding what was going on in the first couple of chapters. It seemed like Tanza immediately picks up where Talon left off. I was left to puzzle over what wavelengths were. I was confused and I do not like reading a book where I am confused.

I was thrilled that there is a glossary at the very end of the book. I was able to reread those chapters with a better understanding of what is going on. Also, kudos to her, including the glossary. It also had how to pronounce some of the names. I am a weirdo who likes to know how the names are said. I know I’m not the only one.

This book is filled with action, which started after Talon bonded with his skyearl. The Zeikas is an extremist religious group who are determined to kill anyone who doesn’t agree with them. Tanza is next on their list. Tanza is protected by a barrier. It does take the Zeikas a while before they succeed in breaching the barrier.

The battles in this book were impressive, on both ends. From the demons/conjurers/dragons on the Zeika side to the Anzaii/Rada-kin/skyearls on the Tanza side, the battles were epic. I couldn’t get enough of them.

The religious undertones of the book were right. Krii is, and I am going to assume this, like Jesus and the Zeikas are like Satan. The battles are a battle between good and evil, but the lines are blurred behind the Tanza lines too. There are extremists on both ends, and the extremists can cause a lot of harm (and they did in this book).

The ending of the book was a bit anticlimactic., I understood why the author wrote it this way. In no way did she end the battle between Tanza and the Zeikas with Tanza winning. They won one battle and drove the Zeikas away, for now. Who’s to say in the next book that the Zeikas will come back and take over the land?

I wasn’t expecting certain things to happen at the ending and was thrown for a loop when it did. But, thinking about it, there were huge red flags thrown up in the last chapters of the book. I shouldn’t have been that surprised.

How many stars will I give Tanza? 4

Why? A great fantasy book with well-written characters. If you didn’t read book 1, like me, I suggest you go and read it. If you don’t, then make use of the glossary at the end of the book.

Will I reread? Yes but after I read book 1

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes but will also suggest reading book 1 first

Age range: Adult

Why: No sex (but there is mention of rape and the threat of rape in the book) and lots of violence.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Errant Spark (Elemental Trials: Book 1) by Ronelle Antoinette

Errant Spark (Elemental Trials Book 1) by [Antoinette, Ronelle]

Publisher: Self published

Date of publication: July 1st 2016

Series: Elemental Trials, Book 1

Errant Spark – Book 1

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

How can you afford to risk it all for love when your life is not your own?

They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer, but In Egalion’s Imperial court, you can’t tell one from the other…especially when they change at the flip of a coin. Behind the luxury and splendor lies a realm of treachery where cloak-and-dagger political maneuvering threatens to destroy the peace of two thousand years. 

Twenty-five-year-old Battlemage Jex Xander has a mouth that frequently gets him into trouble, while in contrast, Enari Namelum speaks not at all. When Jex becomes the target of a faceless curse-slinger, Enari, the girl he has protected since the day they met, must now protect him. A string of ritual human sacrifices coupled with Jex’s growing inability to keep his feelings (and hands) to himself only serve to complicate matters. Amidst the mounting chaos, passion and romance should be the last thing on their minds, but life and the Goddess seem to have other ideas.

In a world as enticing as it is perilous, love, danger, and magic will collide, leaving lives irrevocably changed. The events of a single summer stand to change the course of more than just the kingdom of Egalion and the ones dismissed as pawns may yet prove to be the most important players.

“Errant Spark” is the hush before the storm, the last deep breath before the plunge. The flint has been struck and it’s possible the whole world might go up in flames…because love in the Imperial court is as dangerous a thing as backroom politics and jealousy can be as much a driving force as silver and gold.
***
Fantasy? Action? Romance? Yes! This romantic fantasy novel by Ronelle Antoinette is a broad, epic, sweeping fantasy with more twists and turns and ups and downs than a wild roller-coaster! The first installment of the Elemental Trials series is one of those books that really is so much more than what the blurb can convey. Described as “surprisingly complex and visionary” by one reviewer, “Errant Spark” will leave you mesmerized from the first page to the last. 

Hailed by Amazing Stories Magazine’s Ricky L Brown as “a simple story about interesting characters with just enough romance and magic to make it work. […] Errant Spark is as complex as George RR Martin, with a world that is well-suited for conniving and cavorting. Rest assured, there is plenty of sex and violence, but not as raw and stabby as the aforementioned works. It’s more like a big kid’s version of a fairy tale.

Recommended for:
•Mature teens and up
•Fans of epic fantasy and romance
•Those looking for characters they want to eat…or take home and enjoy
•Readers who can appreciate a gorgeous tapestry of magic, myth, and mayhem
•Connoisseurs of fine love stories that complement the plot and that ‘slow burn’
•Lovers of surprises, twists-and-turns, and well-placed, necessary supernatural elements
•Anyone looking for sex, magic, love, fantasy, and a story that will sweep you away
•Those who don’t mind staying up all night so they can turn that final page

My review:

I am a huge fan of fantasy. About 90% of the books I read (and don’t review) are fantasy. When I was approached by to read Errant Spark, I was very excited and couldn’t wait to read this book.

I wasn’t disappointed at all.

The book starts with meeting Jex Xander, a battlemage, and his mentor, Eryk, the High Mage. Jex has a reputation of being somewhat of taking many ladies and men into his bed. He is a bit of a manwhore, and I loved it. The threesome scene was hot.

He is pursued by Sarene, the middle daughter of the Tor and Torina of Egalion. I didn’t like Sarene at all. She was rude and a spoiled brat.

The book jumps to Enari Namelum, a mute orphan who lives at the Cyrilan Temple. She is training to be a kvinna under the tutelage of Vasi de’Curande, the Master Apothecary of the Temple. She is shunned because of her exotic looks and her aversion to being touched. People say that she looks like a Vintyri (think Fae) and her muteness keeps her isolated from other people.

Vasi and Enari have been summoned to the Imperial Palace to assist Tora Aelani with the birth of her child. While crossing the plains, they are met by Jex, who has come to escort them across the plains. When Jex meets Enari,  there is an instant attraction. Note that I said instant attraction, not instalove, big difference!! Jex falls ill and almost dies on the journey home. The relationship was off while Enari and Vasi nurse him back to health.

Then the book gets good. Mysterious deaths are happening in the palace, around the same time Jex is brought in. Jex and Enari have sex and connect on a deeper level. I loved seeing that. The High Mage is brought into the investigation of the deaths.

There is a heartbreaking death that I didn’t see coming, a birth and a couple of revelations that did surprise me. One I did guess at but the other one, well it took me by surprise.

How many stars will I give Errant Spark? 4

Why? While a great high fantasy novel that kept my attention, I had issues with some of the titles and terms. If there was a guide, it would have been great. Other than that small issue, a great read.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why? sex scenes (including a threesome) and violence

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Agrathias by Conor Nicholl

Agrathias by [Nicholl, Conor]

Publisher: 

Date of publication: August 5th, 2016

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis:

900 years ago, Dogane fell at the hands of Ubinion and Ramas. That day, the people rejoiced to the heavens, which had finally removed its dark veil and given them the warmth they deserved for so long. Since then, nearly everyone had forgotten the power that almost tore Agrathias apart.

…

But Ubinion and Ramas had always warned of the corruption they were never able to completely rid the world of. A corruption that now allows one sorcerer the chance to rule Agrathias…forever…

My review:

This book was fantastic, and I loved reading it.

Agrathias starts with a mystery man sitting in a tree, surrounded by monsters called Arcams. He is full of grief and guilt over leading them to his village and the death of his sister. The chapter ends with a battle between him and the Arcams. This unknown man is a sorcerer and he controls ice. He did take out a ton of Arcams before being captured.

The next chapter, Arone is approached by a strange man and is demanded to give back what is his. Arone does what any sane person would do being confronted by a weirdo, he turns around and leaves. But he gets attacked by a strange guy and injures him with fire, which startles Arone. At this point, Arone’s brother shows up and they head to the village to let the mayor know.

The mayor gives Arone an egg-like object and tells him to head to the capital to talk to the king. Before that could happen the Arcams attack the village. While Arone is helping defend, he is told to find his parents by their friend. He witnesses the destruction of his village and the death of his brother while escaping.

Arone is grief-stricken. He makes it to the city and sees the king, who has the same reaction that the mayor had. The king put Arone up at a tavern and has him meet his sorcerer, Tyris.

Arone discusses magic with Tyris. He can’t understand where his fire magic comes from. That night, he goes back to the tavern and realizes that his egg-like object has hatched, and it is a baby griffon. He tells Tyris, who advises him on how to handle a griffon.

After that, the book gets epic. Arone, Aine, Akadi, Abnoba, and a motley crew that they pick up in their adventures. I loved Lupercus and Gunnolf’s characters. Kathara, I didn’t care for her. She was too prickly for me to like. Urana’s and the Ragmar’s characters weren’t gotten into until almost the very end.

The adventures that crew went on were epic and very well written. I felt that I was in a quest with them all.

I did feel bad for Dogane. While he was evil, he didn’t start that way. He was made that way by being abused by a tutor that his father hired. He did try to tell his father, and his father looked the other way. It was heartbreaking reading that but it explained a lot.

The ending of the book was fantastic. All the storylines were ended. But there are still unanswered questions that will be explored in the next book. I would love to know, what happened to Arone’s parents? Are they still alive?

How many stars will I give Agrathias? 4

Why? A great, well-written fantasy novel. This book takes you away to a land where magic is the norm, griffins are real and friendships that are forged are forever.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range? Teen

Why? To be honest, I would have no problem with my 11-year-old daughter reading this book. It is very clean (no sex, no swearing) with minimal violence.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Her Fiery Viking (Her Elemental Viking: Book 1) by A.J. Tipton

Publisher:

Date of publication: September 12th, 2014

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Erotica, Contemporary

Series: Her Elemental Viking

Her Fiery Viking – Book 1

Her Steamy Viking – Book 2 (review here)

Her Winged Viking – Book 3 (review here)

Her Rock Hard Viking – Book 4 (review here)

Her Christmas Viking: Holiday Magic – Book 5 (review here)

Where you can find Her Fiery Viking: Amazon | Audible | B&N | AbeBooks | Alibris | Kobo |

Goodreads Synopsis:

Mikkel just might be too hot to handle. He’s an ancient Viking, cursed with immortality and the compulsion to burst into an uncontrollable ball of fire when enraged. After centuries of tragedy, Mikkel fears the fury within him and the danger he poses to anyone he lets too close.

But when Joanna, a smart, sexy engineer angry at the world, explodes into his life, Mikkel can’t resist her smoldering allure. Has the time finally come to let someone in and embrace the fire? Or will their fiery passion scorch these lovers?

This mature romance includes incendiary bar room shenanigans, harrowing kidnapping, high speed car escapades, and a love strong enough to heal even the most damaged of hearts.

NOTE: Each book in the “Her Elemental Viking” series stands on its own and can be read in any order.

Note to self…..do not read erotica A) in public and B) next to a very nosey older woman. The older woman was reading over my shoulder, during a pretty explicit sex scene; she gasped and said, “You should be ashamed of yourself, reading stuff like that” My reply “You shouldn’t be reading over my shoulder, you old bird” (I reserve the right to make what I said more PC). Seeing that I was at Miss B’s orthodontist appointment, probably not the place to read this type of book, she shouldn’t have been reading over my shoulder. Oh well, lesson learned.

Mikkel is this super hot demolition expert over a thousand years old and has an awful anger management problem. He bursts into a fireball when he gets angry (which is quite often). The book starts with him banging a secretary in his boss’s office.

Joanna (also known as Jo) is a female engineer with a huge anger management problem. She has more of a hair-trigger temper than Mikkel. Put it this way, on the first day of her new job, Joanna tasers someone and manages to alienate her new boss. I think she is my book soul mate.

For a short story, this book did pack a lot into it. The author wasted no time in having Joanna and Mikkel hook up. In the bathroom of their favorite bar after getting spent. After that, it was a fuckfest. But I did learn that Joanna developed anger management issues after her sister was murdered. Mikkel’s, well, I am not going to go too much into that.

The ending was pretty good, too-full of action, no sex, but action where there was fighting, etc.

I would recommend Her Fiery Viking to anyone over 21. There are language, violence, and explicit sex scenes.

If you enjoyed reading Her Fiery Viking, you will enjoy reading these books:

The Silver Thread (Annika Brisby: Book 2) by Emigh Cannaday

The Silver Thread (Annika Brisby, #2)

Publisher: Black Feather Publishing

Date of publication: November 3rd, 2012

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Fairies, Fae, Paranormal, Elves, Adult, Magic, Vampires, Urban Fantasy, Fiction

Series: Annika Brisby

The Flame and The Arrow – Book 1 (review here)

The Silver Thread – Book 2

The Scarlet Tanager – Book 3 (review here)

The Darkest of Dreams—Book 4 (review here)

Song of the Samodiva—Book 5 (review here)

Purchase Links: Amazon | Audible

Goodreads Synopsis:

“You know, my parents didn’t give me much advice about relationships, but my mother told me that we should never go to bed upset with one another.” Talvi reached am arm out to invite Annika to curl up against his chest.

“Aww, that’s a sweet thing to say,” she said as she cozied up in the crook of his arm. “What did your dad tell you?”

“He said to make sure the sofa was comfortable, just in case.”

Talvi Marinossian has slain maenads and fought off vampire attacks, but nothing has prepared him for getting involved with one of these forbidden ‘Modern Girls’. When he finally tracks down Annika it’s obvious that she’s changed since her recent adventure in his homeland. It’s also clear that she’s not ready to embrace the next chapter in her life. He tries to persuade her to open up to him, but she finds it difficult since he won’t even explain how he earns a living, why he has a secret cell phone, or the reason he keeps another woman’s handkerchief in his pocket.

Instead of relying on Talvi to help her adjust, Annika delves into her music and her job, and it isn’t long before the new lovers find themselves completely out of sync with one another. Just when they start to find their rhythm, Talvi is called away on business and whisks Annika off to Paris for what is supposed to be a working vacation. But one bad decision leads to another, and the chaos that ensues may cost someone their life.

I can’t even begin to tell you guys how excited I was when Emigh approached me to review The Silver Thread. I was fangirl excited. I squeed like a young girl at a One Direction concert when I saw the email from her. I had reviewed The Flame and The Arrow and enjoyed reading them, so I had high expectations for this book.

I wasn’t disappointed.

The story begins with Talvi and Chivanni at Talvi’s family’s house. They are discussing trying to find Annika after she is pulled through the portal. Talvi is also mourning the loss of his sister, Yuri, well, what he considers a loss. Yuri was turned into a vampire by Konstantin.

After about 3 months of searching, Talvi finds Annika in Portland. She was living with her brother Charlie and his best friend, James. She had been depressed. The only thing she was doing was playing with her band, drinking, and going to bed. That’s it. When Talvi shows up, it’s like a switch has been thrown. She was thrown out of her depression.

This is where the book turned good. Instead of having an adventure, the author chose to examine Talvi and Annika’s relationship. Sure, they were married, but they were strangers. When they started living together, they found out that they were different. I hated that Annika came off as jealous for a few chapters.

Talvi was not good at communicating outside the bedroom. He never talked to Annika unless it was to be a smartass. I didn’t blame Annika when she starts questioning her relationship with Talvi.

I wished that Annika could figure out who she wanted. It drove me nuts when she was seesawing back and forth between Talvi and Finn. Her time with Finn in Paris was, interesting. I am glad the author went the way she did with the storyline.

The sex was as good in the first book. Just as toe-curling and just as hot!!!

I will say that I was a little disappointed that Yuri only made one appearance. Also that she seemed to change from the first book. I got very sad about that.

The ending was great, and I didn’t see the twist coming. It came out of the left field and left it wide open for a 3rd book.

I would recommend The Silver Threat to anyone over 21. There is graphic sex, violence, and language. There are also scenes of drug use.

If you enjoyed reading The Silver Thread, you will enjoy these books:

My Fair Assassin(Paranormal Misfits: Book 1) by C.J. Anaya

Publisher: C.J. Anaya Publishing LLC

Date of publication: March 26th, 2016

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fairies, Fae, Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Magic, Novella, Urban Fantasy

Series: Paranormal Misfits

My Fair Assassins—Book 1

My Fair Traitor—Book 2

My Fair Imposter—Book 3

My Fair Invader—Book 4

My Fair Princess—Book 5

Where you can find this book: Amazon | AbeBooks | Alibris | BetterWorldBooks

Goodreads synopsis:

NEW AND EXTENDED VERSION

It’s not everyday a teenage girl is singled out for assassination.

Crysta has come to accept the fact that she is freakishly different. Her shocking white hair, creepy powers, and weird eating habits have prevented her from fitting in with her various foster families. Now that she is fully emancipated and providing for herself, she hopes that life will settle down and become something halfway normal.

Her hopes are shattered when a dangerous man with lethal intent breaks into her apartment, but this enticing stranger isn’t what he seems. Is he here to kill her or protect her from others who will?

My Fair Assassin is a romantic short story with elements of paranormal and urban fantasy woven in for an entertaining read. It also touches on social issues involving personal self-esteem and acceptance. Adults and teens alike will enjoy getting lost in the pages of Crysta’s story as she finally comes to accept who she is…or rather what she is.

When I started reading My Fair Assassin, I was “meh.” Who would be OK with a strange guy appearing in their apartment and announcing he was there to kill her? Not me. I would be running around the apartment, screaming my fool head off. Crysta was laid back about it. Once I got past that first chapter, the book gets much more interesting.

I liked Crysta’s character. She looks different, is a vegan, and she has powers. She is down-to-earth, funny, and sarcastic. She suffers from poor body image. She filed her ears down to fit in and dyed her hair blonde. I felt sad when she explained why she did that. It reflects what teenagers are going through in today’s society.  As a teen girl’s mother, it is refreshing to see these issues addressed.

Jareth is a hottie. Think of a male version of Crysta but with more powers. I didn’t like that he knew everything and let it trickle down to her. Considering her self-esteem/trust issues, it was a wise choice, and you could tell how much he cared about her.

I didn’t care for the Instalove BUT it went well with the story. Jareth had Instalove first. It made sense. You need to read the story to understand what I am saying.

The ending was interesting. Things came out that surprised me. One of those things, I figured out as soon as Jareth appeared in Crysta’s apartment. The other main thing surprised me and made me sad for Jareth.

I would recommend My Fair Assassin to anyone over 16. There is some violence, mild language, and some kissing.

If you enjoyed reading My Fair Assassin, you will enjoy reading these books: