Tag: Peyton Reynolds

March 2026 Wrap-Up

Personal Highlights from this month:

  • Week of March 1st through March 7th:
    • On March 4th, Mr. Z was honored by our local Rotary Club with a Student of Distinction award. He is our 2nd child to get this award. Miss B got it in her junior year.
    • Miss R got her 2nd treatment of braces on March 5th. She was very sore and unhappy about the bite bar they put on her back teeth.
    • Mr. Z attended the first of two robotics competitions over the weekend. The first one is taking place in Carrabus County.
  • Week of March 8th through March 14th:
    • Miss B and Miss J moved into their first apartment!! BK took the day off (and it was already no school for Miss R and Mr. Z), and we moved them in!!
  • Week of March 15th through March 21st:
    • Mr. Z had a cough that had been lingering for a week, so I took him to the doctor. I thought he would have either bronchitis or a sinus infection. Nope, he had pneumonia. We caught it right at the beginning, so that was good!!
    • Miss R addressed a bullying issue at school. I’m not going to get into it, but a boy had been physically and verbally going after her. She talked to the assistant principal, and it was dealt with.
    • Miss R also had a St. Paddy’s Day dance at school on Friday.
    • Miss R, Mr. Z, BK, and Miss R’s BFF went to see Project Hail Mary. Her science class has been reading the book (finished it on Friday), and her science teacher wanted the entire 6th grade to see the movie. He rented out the theater, and the tickets were only $5 per person. I declined to go because I hate watching movies after reading the books.
  • Week of March 22nd through March 28th:
    • Miss R had to go back to the Dr on the 24th. She had been complaining of a blocked ear since Friday. She had an ear infection that didn’t clear up after she had a sinus/ear infection at the end of February/beginning of March. Hopefully, this antibiotic (not amoxicillin) will do its job. This is the first time in the 20 years I have been a mother that amoxicillin didn’t clear up an ear infection.
    • We got the financial aid packet from App State for Mr. Z. Not going to say how much he has to pay (if no scholarships come through), but it’s a lot….sigh.
    • Miss R broke her wire on her top braces, so off to the orthodontist we went to get it fixed.

Books I Read:

  • The Legends of Dhanen’Mar series:
    • Seeds of Betrayal (Book 4.2): This is Sewyn’s story, which explains why she took the actions she did. I did not like Sewyn, and reading this book made me dislike her even more. None of the main characters from the other books are even mentioned (except for Devlin and Taleb, but not by name). I am very curious about how Adrienne’s storyline is going to progress and who the heck Brienne was!!
    • Legacy of Blood (Book 4.4): Finally, we get the story about Qyn’s parents and how they met!! This book didn’t disappoint. I loved Serena’s spunkiness, and Kain didn’t disappoint at all. I also liked that they introduced the major players I expect to see in the upcoming books. There is also a huge twist (and it is huge) regarding Serena’s pregnancy and what happened afterward. All I have to say is that Serena is one of the strongest characters in this series.
    • Dreams of Mist (Book 4.6): This is Qyn’s story. It takes place immediately after the events of Path of Stars. I have a feeling that there is going to be a huge face-off between Qyn and Serena. There was a brief face-off between them that ended in Qyn’s favor. I also loved that the author got more into his due’foi’beni talents. I am also very curious about Lora. She is unbelievably shy and disfigured (until they get her to a Master Healer), but Qyn is taken with her. A possible romance? Oh, and the mystery of Brienne was answered, and it was HUGE!!
    • Binds of Fate (Book 5): Where do I even start? This book was insane. Devlin is forced to flee Aralexia after the events of Paths of Stars. Taleb realizes that his actions have consequences. Synna and Knoxx arrive in Kohtala with the children (after the events of Dreams of Mist). Lora and her brother are left in Kohtala, and Vivienne is first taken to the city of Revenge and then to Aralexia, where she is placed with Raegan. The Jennites are preparing for war in the North, so Baelin, Taleb, and Madi head there. Meanwhile, Flynn finally gets the Amethyst but at a huge price. He delivers the Amethyst to Synna and Qyn in Kohtala, where they prepare for another battle with Sweyn. But this battle has consequences, and a main character is caught up in it. But a very important lesson is learned, and adjustments are made in time for another attack. This attack takes out another key player (for good, I hope) and tests the Amethyst against the Emerald. Meanwhile, the war in the North is amping up, and Taleb is doing his best to avert it. Baelin does his best to kill Rydin (in battle and through subterfuge) but is thwarted by Rydin’s double Chaos. The Emerald is brought to the North and unleashed on the Jennite army. Half of the army gets a deadly plague, and the other half is left alone….thanks to Rydin’s double Chaos. There is another huge twist in the storyline that made my jaw drop when it was revealed. The book ends with a jaw-dropping revelation and a plan to go find the curse-maker. Oh, and there was a hint of who Flynn is, and one of the main clues was the weapon he carried.
    • Coils of Eternity (Book 5.2): This book takes place 200 years before the series begins. This is also Cryslyn’s story. What got me is that Cryslyn wasn’t a piksie in this book. She was a normal (well, normalish) 15-year-old girl who lived on the run with her mother. The reveal that she was a shapeshifter didn’t surprise me; there were hints in the previous books. I was a little surprised at the end of the book. The explanation for the situation that kept her in Piksie form was sad. But, also sad is what her mother did to Dain. I am looking forward to seeing where he turns up in future books. I also wonder if Cryslyn will ever shapeshift back to her human form.
    • Tangle of Thorns (Book 5.4): This long-awaited book is about Rydin’s younger sister, Andora. It explains the circumstances behind her death (starting with a unicorn). There was a lot more than her just dying. Andora had foreseen her death and the future, including Rydin meeting Madi and Madi becoming one of the central figures in the quests for the Catalyst Stones. She also gave Rydin a list of names. These names were of the men who assaulted her right before her death (there were twelve). And Auguries of Dawn starts off with Rydin finishing that list. But it also shows that Rydin knew he had to meet Madi and that he was instrumental in everything that would happen. That, I did not see coming.
    • Trail of Masks (Book 5.6): So, this book is set towards the end of Binds of Fate. Callan is sent to Vernon to rescue Adrienne, but he first has to complete a task for Vernon’s king: assassinate the assassins who are targeting the king. Then he can go do what he was sent to Vernon to do. Meanwhile, Garitt Simig (the last surviving royal after his family was killed in O’Kada) meets with Vernon’s king to discuss a possible alliance. He also meets up with Knoxx, who is carrying the Amethyst. They are told to go help Callan (whom they don’t like) rescue Adrienne. And there is also the issue of Tossani, who tortured Callan and Tishan. Adrienne is staying with him, and Callan is itching to get revenge. I was very satisfied reading this book because of the ending of two of the villains. For now, there are 3, with one temporarily out of commission.
    • Labyrinth of Myths (book 6): This is the last full book in the series. Unfortunately, the author died before she could complete the series. And again, a lot happened. So here it goes!
      • Qyn dreamwalked into the past with Brienne. He learns about them
      • and their creation, which surprises him. It involves a captive cursebreaker, a coded codex, and a secret that changes everything.
      • Rydin and Cryslyn search for the current cursebreaker and his protector. When he finds them, he learns that Cryslyn is a shapeshifter who has been stuck in piksie form for over 200 years. Rydin is blown away by that revelation and by how young Cryslyn is (she just turned 15 in Coils of Eternity). He convinces the cursebreaker to return and destroy the stones.
      • Callan, Dego, and Tishan are in Vernon and seeking to assassinate the fake Tassoni. They also decide to take out the other two baddies while they are there and to get the Sapphire. Tishan grabs the Sapphire but drops the Amethyst.
      • Taleb decides to correct his mistake of turning down the crown. But he does it in a gruesome way that terrifies his people.
      • Garrit is crowned the king of O’Kada and vows to avenge his people.
    • Crown of Thieves (book 6.2): Set five years before Auguries of Dawn, this novella follows Flynn—a character whose true identity is shrouded in mystery throughout the series, finally revealed in this book. Flynn is actually Aharon Shai, son of the royal guard’s captain in Ceja. Exiled for nearly killing his father, Aharon returns at the request of his best friend, Prince Neco, and arrives to find chaos. The elderly king forces his twelve children to fight to the death to determine the next ruler. Aharon, horrified, is compelled to protect Neco and his betrothed Aya (Neco’s sister), plunging himself into the violent contest. The author also explores how he became Flynn, which I enjoyed.
  • Mystic Stones Series by Kayla Curry:
    • Obsidian (Book 1): I was on the fence about this book for 90% of the book. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Instalove (Ava/Tom and Ava/Jesse). I also wished there had been more discussion of how the lack of Internet access was affecting the world (there were comments). I wasn’t a fan of how Ava’s secret was told (and the fact that there was exactly one hint before Jesse dropped that bomb). I did like that Ava turned into a badass boss girl towards the end (after finding out everything) and served Tom a little bit of justice. It was a different type of paranormal romance, and I’m not sure I’d read it again.
    • Ruby (book 1.5): This book is just a rewrite of book 1, except from Tom’s POV. The author condenses everything, which makes this book a very short read.
  • Black Rebel Riders MC Series by Glenna Maynard:
    • Grim: The Beginning (Book 1): Grim was a fast read, but man, it was all over the place. I normally don’t comment on anything like this, but this book seriously needed some editing. I also couldn’t stand the Instalove between Red and Grim (I hate Instalove). And the violence was insane. Even the ending was a cluster. I mean, how did the baby survive being shot in the womb? So many unanswered questions.
  • Through Your Eyes by B.J.S. Bal: This book was confusing AF. It was a time-travel/science-fiction/romance (well, kinda) that was all over the place. The storyline did kinda get on track later in the book. To be honest, the end of the book was the best part because the main character took the villain and “took care” of him, which effectively changed the future and changed the book (if that makes sense).
  • Highlander Heat Series by Joanne Wadsworth:
    • Highlander’s Castle (Book 1): This book is what I call a fluff book (and I enjoy fluff books). A fluff book is one where the plotline is super easy to follow, the characters are unremarkable, and I can breeze through it without worrying about missing anything. I enjoyed the book’s time-travel angle (wishing on a Faerie Flag was awesome). I also liked that the author used real-life landmarks/historical figures and items to make the book feel more authentic. I look forward to the rest of the series, either free or on Kindle Unlimited.
  • Let It Be Series by Barbara Speak:
    • Let It Be Me (Book 1): This book was slightly more serious than the previous book I read. The main female character, Arianna, was involved with something that caused her family to up and leave Baltimore. Her step-dick (my favorite phrase in the entire book) was very abusive to Arianna (mentally, emotionally, physically). There are several scenes of graphic abuse in the book. The main male character, Canyon, was her savior in every sense. He figured out pretty early in the book about the abuse. The book did a 180 after the barn fire that killed almost all of Canyon’s breeding stock (that drove me to tears). It was finally revealed what happened that made Arianna’s family pack up and move to Montana, and, to be honest, I wasn’t expecting it. I also wasn’t expecting the book’s outcome or ending!! I will definitely be looking for the other books to either be free or on Kindle Unlimited.
  • Montana Promises Series by Vella Day:
    • Promises of Mercy (Book 1): For a menage book, this got pretty deep. The main story was focused on Amber and her menage relationship with Cade and Stone. But there was a secondary storyline that focused on mercy killings occurring at the hospital where Amber works. I do want to warn that there are graphic sex scenes that include some light bondage.
    • Foundation for Three (Book 2): This book focuses on Zoey, Thad, Pete, and their relationship (yes, this is another menage book). Like Promises of Mercy, this book got pretty deep. Zoey is a therapist who counsels hospital workers. There is a murder, and Zoey is put in the killer’s crosshairs because of what she knows. There is also a secondary storyline surrounding Thad’s job (he’s a detective) and gangs. There are some pretty intense sex scenes. The author also made the characters very relatable (well, to a point; I’ve never been in a menage relationship, but I get what Zoey and Thad went through with Pete). There was also a very sweet conclusion to Amber, Cade, and Stone’s story towards the end of this book, along with a hint of what will happen to Zoey, Thad, and Pete.
    • Montana Fire (Book 3): This book focuses on Jamie (whose boyfriend in book one was behind the mercy killings) and Max (an ex-cop turned arson investigator whose family was killed in a fire set by a drug dealer). The romance started off slowly because both Jamie and Max had trauma from their previous relationships. Another factor in the relationship taking its time was the attacks/threats against Jamie. But once Max and Jamie were forced together, the sparks ignited. From about midway through the book on, there was a ton of sex. But the author didn’t forget the storyline and had Max protect Jamie and identify the terrorist cells. There was also, at the end of the book, a very sweet update with Amber, Cade, and Stone; a surprise for Jamie, a trip for Zoey, and a hint at who the next book was going to be about.

Reading highlights from the month

  • Continued the Legends of Dhanen’Mar series from February. I wasn’t expecting it to take me as long as it did to get through the series. But that said, the series is excellent, and I was savoring every book.
  • I stopped doing my monthly post featuring what books I got for free. It was getting time-consuming.

Monthly Playlist (I use songs featured in the book, if there are any, along with a playlist generated by ChatGPT).

Featured Song of the Month

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?—March 16th, 2026

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet and share what you have been and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organize yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit, comment, and add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and was then hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at The Book Date.

What I am Reading Now

Before assuming the identity of Flynn Fajen and fleeing to the eastern continent, Aharon Shai returns to his native lands of Ceja following a two-year assignment in the west. Upon arriving, he is alarmed to discover the royal family caught in the midst of a perilous tangle as they vie for rulership of the realm.
Incited by the king himself, his majesty’s dozen children have been tasked to prove their worth as well as their cunning by emerging as the final remaining heir, unwilling participants in a challenge where victory awards the crown and failure means death. Betrothed to one royal sibling and the closest of friends with another, Aharon is quick to immerse himself in the treachery, deceit, and viciousness swirling about the palace, while striving to protect those he cares for regardless of the cost.

What I am reading Monday and Tuesday:

It turns out the first guy I date in a long time is a vampire. Not just any vampire, but an important one who is determined to help his vampire-run company take over the world. They’ve already started phase one by taking out all modern technology with a virus that spreads to any device connected to the internet. Of course, they haven’t revealed their identity to the public yet, but my fellow islanders are already panicked as our isolation makes food scarce. How do I know Psytechs plan before all the other humans of the world? Well, that date I mentioned ended up kidnapping me and attempting to turn me. Before escaping, I learned as much as I could about what they were and how they were taking over. Their Deprive humans of technology, let us twist in the wind, then force us to give our blood freely in exchange for virus blockers. My Load up with obsidian, use it to kill the vampires taking over our island, and take the virus blockers by force. Of course, finding out that I’m not exactly human can mess up any agenda.

Tom’s obsession with Ava began long before the events of Obsidian. The client that catches Ava’s eye happens to be a powerful leader of the Psytech corporation. She doesn’t think he’s interested in her other than to poach her from Herrick-Peyton so she can work at Psytech. Little does she know, Tom’s interest in her runs much deeper. This short story companion to Obsidian (Mystic Stones Series #1), shows the point-of-view of both characters at a pivotal point in their relationship. This story can be enjoyed before or after reading the novel of Obsidian. Previously released in 2012. Now remastered.

WWW Wednesday: March 11th, 2026

WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words.

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

Here is what I am reading, what I recently finished, and what I plan to read from Thursday to Wednesday.

Let me know if you have read or plan to read any of these books!!

Happy Reading!

What I am currently reading:

Forced to live a life of concealment in Jennen, Andora Kale dreams of Dhanen’Mar and the freedom it provides to those like her. Born to Destiny, she knows her only chance for a normal life—perhaps for survival itself—relies on one day reaching those southern lands.
But recent visions seem to imply her Patron has a different fate in mind for her, a fate both shocking and devastating. But one, should she have courage enough to accept it, with the potential to alter numerous upcoming events and bring hope to the entire eastern continent.

*Author’s Note: Although a prequel to the main series, this story is best read after volume 5, Binds of Fate.

What I recently finished reading:

A prequel set 200 years before the main timeline.

For her entire life, Cryslyn Rogim’s very existence has been shrouded in mystery. Why were she and her mother always fleeing into the night? Who was her father? Was something hunting them, and if so, why?
Having now reached her fifteenth birthing-day, Cryslyn is determined to finally learn these answers. Setting out to claim her Secondary Patron, she takes the first step toward her destiny, a fate both unforeseen and unimagined.

What I plan on reading Thursday through Sunday:

While the war between Jennen and Dhanen’Mar wages on to the west, affairs in Veron reach a critical stage. Waylaid by a task handed down by Veron’s king, Callan Ashe must hunt and eliminate a dozen of his fellow assassins before pursuing his own mission, rescuing the young diviner Adrienne Savannon and seeking revenge on the enemy.
Traveling from the battle-torn country of O’Kada, Prince Garitt Simig also arrives in Veron, hoping to forge a unity with King Arvello. After reuniting with Knoxx Alvik and learning he carries the Amethyst Stone, they ally with Callan and devise a plan meant to confront all gathered enemy forces and determine the fate of the realm.

In the wake of tragedy, the ruling powers of the east convene in an effort to attain unity. With numerous threats mounting against them, they turn their sights to stabilizing the continent before these forces have the chance to converge.

Returning to the Spindle, Qyn seeks answers from the past to give hint to the future, while Taleb takes harsh measures in an attempt to repair some of the damage his actions have caused. In Navosa, Rydin seeks the curse-maker but discovers a hidden stratagem now thousands of years in the making, a design that holds the potential to influence all future matters involving the Catalyst Stones.

Before assuming the identity of Flynn Fajen and fleeing to the eastern continent, Aharon Shai returns to his native lands of Ceja following a two-year assignment in the west. Upon arriving, he is alarmed to discover the royal family caught in the midst of a perilous tangle as they vie for rulership of the realm.
Incited by the king himself, his majesty’s dozen children have been tasked to prove their worth as well as their cunning by emerging as the final remaining heir, unwilling participants in a challenge where victory awards the crown and failure means death. Betrothed to one royal sibling and the closest of friends with another, Aharon is quick to immerse himself in the treachery, deceit, and viciousness swirling about the palace, while striving to protect those he cares for regardless of the cost.

It turns out the first guy I date in a long time is a vampire. Not just any vampire, but an important one who is determined to help his vampire-run company take over the world. They’ve already started phase one by taking out all modern technology with a virus that spreads to any device connected to the internet. Of course, they haven’t revealed their identity to the public yet, but my fellow islanders are already panicked as our isolation makes food scarce. How do I know Psytechs plan before all the other humans of the world? Well, that date I mentioned ended up kidnapping me and attempting to turn me. Before escaping, I learned as much as I could about what they were and how they were taking over. Their Deprive humans of technology, let us twist in the wind, then force us to give our blood freely in exchange for virus blockers. My Load up with obsidian, use it to kill the vampires taking over our island, and take the virus blockers by force. Of course, finding out that I’m not exactly human can mess up any agenda.

WWW Wednesday: March 4th, 2026

WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words.

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

Here is what I am reading, what I recently finished, and what I plan to read from Thursday to Wednesday.

Let me know if you have read or plan to read any of these books!!

Happy Reading!

What I am currently reading:

When Dhanen’Mar’s home city of Destiny comes under multiple threats, a divination leads Qyn Rojek to finally return to the place of his birth. Arriving at the Spindle, he quickly finds himself confronted with the long-hidden secret of his origins, as well as the deeper truth of his due’foi’beni talents and responsibilities.
Tasked with defending the city from the dark ambitions of his aunt, the invulnerable diviner Sweyn Savannon, Qyn begins a journey meant to at last reveal his destiny.

What I recently finished reading:

When her granddaughter Serena is abducted by a crew of foreign pirates, Lady Danetria appeals to the warlords for aid. Desired for her diviner skills, all fear that if Serena isn’t rescued before arriving at the distant shores of Swythe Island, she will be lost to them forever.

Deployed on his first official assignment, Kain Rojek isn’t anticipating much trouble—or excitement—to arise from the task of recovering the stolen diviner. But once separated from his fellow warlords, he soon finds himself mired in a web of conspiracy none had foreseen. Forced to navigate his way through fatal enchantments, a rebel uprising, and the darkest corner of Swythe Island politics, Kain will finally come to discover that the only end to his quest may cost him everything.

What I plan on reading Thursday through Sunday:

Following the events of the Spring Banquet, matters in Aralexia become increasingly unstable as alliances splinter and loyalties threaten to unravel. Forced to flee the royal city, Flynn sets out after the Amethyst Stone, while Qyn and Synna prepare to confront the powers of the Sapphire and Emerald in Kohtala.

In the north, the warlords gather to defend against the Jennite army, now posed to invade. Forewarned with the knowledge of two prophecies, one recently discovered in O’Kada and the other spoken by the invulnerable diviner Sweyn Savannon, Taleb desperately seeks a way to halt the battle, even as Baiel forms his strategies to meet the numerous threats. With both the Catalyst Stones and Dhanen’Mar now at risk, enemies begin to converge, and ultimately force a result that will alter the very world itself.

A prequel set 200 years before the main timeline.

For her entire life, Cryslyn Rogim’s very existence has been shrouded in mystery. Why were she and her mother always fleeing into the night? Who was her father? Was something hunting them, and if so, why?
Having now reached her fifteenth birthing-day, Cryslyn is determined to finally learn these answers. Setting out to claim her Secondary Patron, she takes the first step toward her destiny, a fate both unforeseen and unimagined.

Forced to live a life of concealment in Jennen, Andora Kale dreams of Dhanen’Mar and the freedom it provides to those like her. Born to Destiny, she knows her only chance for a normal life—perhaps for survival itself—relies on one day reaching those southern lands.
But recent visions seem to imply her Patron has a different fate in mind for her, a fate both shocking and devastating. But one, should she have courage enough to accept it, with the potential to alter numerous upcoming events and bring hope to the entire eastern continent.

While the war between Jennen and Dhanen’Mar wages on to the west, affairs in Veron reach a critical stage. Waylaid by a task handed down by Veron’s king, Callan Ashe must hunt and eliminate a dozen of his fellow assassins before pursuing his own mission, rescuing the young diviner Adrienne Savannon and seeking revenge on the enemy.
Traveling from the battle-torn country of O’Kada, Prince Garitt Simig also arrives in Veron, hoping to forge a unity with King Arvello. After reuniting with Knoxx Alvik and learning he carries the Amethyst Stone, they ally with Callan and devise a plan meant to confront all gathered enemy forces and determine the fate of the realm.

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?—March 2nd, 2026

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet and share what you have been and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organize yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit, comment, and add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and was then hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at The Book Date.

What I am Reading Now

Before the events of Auguries of Dawn, diviner Sweyn Savannon refines her strategies for the upcoming tumult. Granted foresight of the legendary Catalyst Stones, she awaits their reappearance in the world while gathering a host of powerful allies.

At last given sight of the location of the Sapphire Stone, Sweyn now knows that the time to put all her plots and schemes into motion has finally come. Determined to see all of Dhanen’Mar become a sanctuary for Destiny, she stands ready to unleash whatever destruction is necessary to see out her dark objectives.

*Author’s Note. This is a prequel to the main series and not a standalone story, and is best read after the 4th volume, Path of Stars.

What I am reading Monday and Tuesday:

When her granddaughter Serena is abducted by a crew of foreign pirates, Lady Danetria appeals to the warlords for aid. Desired for her diviner skills, all fear that if Serena isn’t rescued before arriving at the distant shores of Swythe Island, she will be lost to them forever.

Deployed on his first official assignment, Kain Rojek isn’t anticipating much trouble—or excitement—to arise from the task of recovering the stolen diviner. But once separated from his fellow warlords, he soon finds himself mired in a web of conspiracy none had foreseen. Forced to navigate his way through fatal enchantments, a rebel uprising, and the darkest corner of Swythe Island politics, Kain will finally come to discover that the only end to his quest may cost him everything.

* Author’s Note
This is a prequel to the main series. While designed to be read between volumes 4 and 5, it can be enjoyed at any point in the series.

When Dhanen’Mar’s home city of Destiny comes under multiple threats, a divination leads Qyn Rojek to finally return to the place of his birth. Arriving at the Spindle, he quickly finds himself confronted with the long-hidden secret of his origins, as well as the deeper truth of his due’foi’beni talents and responsibilities.
Tasked with defending the city from the dark ambitions of his aunt, the invulnerable diviner Sweyn Savannon, Qyn begins a journey meant to at last reveal his destiny.

*Author’s Note
This is not a standalone story and is meant to be read between volumes 4 & 5 of the series.

Feburary 2026 Wrap-Up

Personal Highlights from this month:

  • The ice storm at the end of January continued into a snowstorm (11 inches of snow!!) the first week of February. That meant Miss R and Mr. Z had almost 2 weeks off from school (they did have 5 remote days).
  • Week of February 1st through February 7th:
    • 1. Other than having no school until Wednesday and a 3-hour delay on Thursday and Friday, nothing much happened.
  • Week of February 8th through February 14th:
    • 1. Miss R had an orthodontist appointment, and she is getting braces!! She is scheduled to get them at the beginning of March, and out of all three kids, her treatment plan is the shortest (20 months). They are being careful because of her bonded teeth and won’t be adding brackets to those until almost the end of treatment.
    • We went to The Oddities and Curiosities Expo in Charlotte. It wasn’t what I expected (I was expecting more oddities and less shopping), but I had a good time. Miss R got a henna tattoo, and Mr. Z got a steampunk-style pocket watch.
  • Week of February 15th through February 21st:
    • Miss R finally got her hair done on the 16th. She got it cut to her shoulders, layered, and had streaks of red put in. It’s kinda like a peek-a-boo dye, with the red only showing fully when she flips her head upside down.
    • Mr. Z got chosen for our Rotary Club’s Student of Distinction award. It is a luncheon happening in the first week of March.
    • We had a come-to-Jesus moment with Miss R about her grades. Her grades dropped drastically (from a B to a D in math and from a B to an F in science). She was warned by the Student Council (she’s the secretary) that she would be dismissed if her grades weren’t raised by the end of the quarter. We also told her that she would have to earn certain privileges (working at the barn and riding lessons were not included in that because the barn owner is working with us on this). That night, she turned in all of her missing math and science work (and showed us the paperwork that she needed to turn in).
    • Miss R also started tutoring math on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is going on until May.
  • Week of February 22nd through February 28th:
    • Remember when Miss R’s grades (see above). Well, she was able to pull both subjects up to C+’s (77 in math and 78 in science). She earned the right to go to her BFF’s house to play (she couldn’t leave the yard).
    • On February 22nd, Miss R worked at the barn all day (from 10:30 to 3:30). She was helping her instructor tack up/untack for lessons (for beginners and those who still needed help tacking up). She was also helping during the lessons, and when her instructor had a more advanced lesson, she went to the barn and helped the owner. She helped with feeding, turning out, refreshing water, catching (two of the horses decided to go on an adventure by breaking down their fence), and mucking out stalls. She was exhausted when she got home.
    • Miss R was also invited to her instructor’s daughter’s barn in Virginia next weekend (Fri-Sun). There was a dressage clinic the instructor was attending, and she thought that Miss R and another girl (Miss A) would enjoy it. Plus, the instructor said that she would teach Miss R how to load and unload horses (they are bringing two horses up and bringing two horses home).

Reading Highlights from this month:

  • I read and finished the Dangerous Royals series by Annika Martin (Dark Mafia Prince, Wicked Mafia Prince, and Savage Mafia Prince). The series was OK, but some of the plotlines were a little much. But overall, I enjoyed the series and plan to read books associated with it.
  • I read the first book in the Singularity series by Susan Kaye Quinn (The Legacy Human). I enjoyed reading it, and the time into robots/AI taking over the world was interesting. I also found the whole ascending into a robot/AI/human hybrid a little creepy. I will continue reading the series if it goes on KU.
  • I read and finished the Agnes Barton Paranormal Mystery series by Madison Johns (Haunted Hijinks, Ghostly Hijinks, Spooky Hijinks, Hair-Raising Hijinks, Ghastly Hijinks). This was a cute, but predictable, series. I will warn, though, that this series is a continuation of another series (Agnes Barton Senior Sleuths Mystery). I suggest reading that series first. It will reduce confusion when relationships are mentioned without backstory.
  • I read the first book of the Archaic series by Regan Ure (Archaic). It was interesting, and I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
  • I am working on the Veils of Destiny series by Peyton Reynolds.
    • Auguries of Dawn (book 1): I read this book in 5 days, which is rare for me. The author’s world-building is amazing. She includes a glossary and a map at the beginning of this book that explain the world, how time runs in this world, and the castes (these are also in the other books in the series).
    • Tides of Fortune (book 2): Again, another excellent book. Usually in the 2nd book in a series, the author lets the storyline meander a little. Not in this book. I was hooked from the beginning to the end. Also, the author did not hesitate to kill off main characters. There is also a huge secret (and plot twist) revealed towards the end of the book that explains a lot (and it is tied into the death of several main and secondary characters).
    • Veils of Destiny (book 2.2): For this book, the author goes back in time to book 1. There are events in book 1 (the heist at the manor, the pegasi, and the riot) that are further explained. It is also revealed who is behind those three events and why this person is being forced to commit the crimes.
    • Shadows of Illusion (book 2.4): In this book, which takes place towards the end of book 2, Tishan and Callan are sent to another kingdom to investigate who has the Sapphire stone and how it ties into the riots that are happening. But Tishan and Callan take on a side quest that has some deadly consequences. I liked seeing Callan in his element. That man is danger personified. I also am kinda shipping him and Tishan together. I was not expecting what happened, though, and my heart broke when he gave Tishan advice on how to deal with what was going to happen.
    • Web of Portents (book 3): Another amazing read!! There was a focus on the diviners (which I loved) and on the espionage happening in Aralexia. Devlin Alvik sends Rydin off on his own but puts a bug in his ear about Callan and Tishan, who were captured at the end of Shadows of Illusion. He also sends Flynn and Sabian to retrieve the Amethyst stone, but they are competing with another thief who has been blackmailed into getting it. And he sends Knoxx and Synna to O’Kada to get intel on Leija Idrees (who has Magic as her birth and chosen). Meanwhile, Madi goes to the War Keep to meet with Qyn and tell him the truth about his parentage. She is also to tutor him in his emerging Destiny powers. But Madi isn’t safe there. Brother Jord is determined to thwart her. Also at the keep is Taleb, who now knows what everyone else does: he is the heir to the crown. He is also continuing his training with Bail, including his second trial. Meanwhile, Oliveah stays in Aralexia to help Devlin with his court intrigue. The book ends on a cliffhanger, but that made me more excited to read the other books.
    • Shades of Death (book 3.2): This book takes place shortly after Reagan helps Rydin escape Aralexia. In a very stunning turn of events, the author introduces Rydin’s partner and his SON!!! Rydin, who knows that an armed conflict will be happening and the village that they live in is in the way, begs his partner to leave. He gives her a couple of jumping stones and promises to meet up with her. But after he leaves, a fire decimates her house, and the jumping stones are lost. I have a very bad feeling that something bad is going to happen to her and their son. Anyway, Rydin jumps to Jennen, where he has been exiled. There, he finds that Callan hasn’t returned and clues the Jennen king into what is going on with the Catalyst stones. Soon after, he jumps to Veron and begins investigating Callan’s disappearance. When he gets there, he finds a country in turmoil. The new king and queen, along with their loyal knights, are holed up in the castle/forced underground. Given permission to search for Callan, Rydin soon finds that he and Tishan are being held captive and tortured by Cobain Tassoni, who is trying to take over the country. There are a few chapters where the author explains exactly how they are being tortured. She also reveals that Callan has fallen in love with Tishan (and vice versa). I am not going to go into the rescue much, but it was awesome!! There was blood, there was guts, there was a very angry Thief and an assassin who had zero shits left to give. It was glorious and very cathartic to read. The author ends that part of the story with Cobain getting the shit kicked out of him by Tishan (and her recovering the Diamond), but Cobain gets away. I cannot wait for that rematch.
    • Meanwhile, Flynn, Sabian, and Cryslyn are on the island where the Amethyst stone is being held. There, they meet up with Aris Sylvain, who is badly injured. They are being led through a labyrinth by the ghost who built it. But there is a special caveat when they arrive at the place where the Amethyst is being held. Blood must be spilled to release the Amethyst. During the journey through the labyrinth, Aris tells Flynn and Sabian that his daughter (now 4) was kidnapped by Leija Idrees and was being used as leverage against him. If he doesn’t arrive with the stone, she will die. The book ends, again on a cliffhanger.
    • Sea of Omens (book 3.4): Knoxx Alvik and Synna Dacyn have arrived in the capital city of O’Kada. Because they used up most of Synna’s magical reserve, and she needs to rest, they get rooms at an inn, and Synna sleeps. Meanwhile, Knoxx sets out to explore the city using his mage power, invisibility. It is when he is invisible that he meets Kai, whose mage power is to see magic; his sister, Lora, a diviner who uses flame and ash; and Prince Garrit Simig, who can transform into anyone and is looking to stop Leiga Idress, his half-sister. Knoxx and Synna discover that Kai and Lora were held captive with other people in a house by Leiga. One of those people is the young daughter of Aris and a mysterious guest, who Synna hopes is her missing mentor, Villian. While Synna and Garrit are doing research in the Royal Library, Knoxx and Kai are trying to find the house where Kai and Lora were held hostage (they also get a message from Lady Danetria, who includes a reading/warning for Garrit). After finding the house and Kai saying that there are enchantments on it (which can be easily broken through), they meet back up with Synna and Garrit. They plan to break into the house, rescue whoever is inside (hoping Villain is still there), and flush Leiga out. Telling Kai and Lora to meet them at the docks in an hour, Garrit, Synna, and Knoxx go to the house. After breaking in and incapacitating Leiga’s uncle, they find Aris’s daughter and no one else. Knoxx soon realizes that a jumping stone has been activated, and it will bring Leiga to them. He tells Garrit to take the girl and get on a roof (knowing that Synna will have to use her magepower to control water). After he leaves, Leiga arrives, and a very epic battle takes place. When it is over, the city is in ruins, and Leiga leaves, but she is badly drained. Synna is drained also. Knoxx, the young girl, Lora, Synna, and Kai take a rowboat back to Aralexia, leaving Garrit to deal with the fallout.
    • Path of Stars (book 4): Callan and Tishan arrive in Aralexia, bloody and beaten. Devil meets with Prince Luken at the castle and then meets with Callan and Tishan at Reagan’s old apartment. He debriefs them and learns that Callan will be returning to Jennen to try to avert a war. Tishan, on the other hand, wants to go with Callan but is afraid of how they would treat her (Jennen’s do not like people with Birth or Choice Magic).

Books I Read:

Monthly Playlist (I use songs featured in the book, if there are any, along with a playlist generated by ChatGPT).

Featured Song of the Month

Buzzword Cover Challenge 2026—February

Prompts I finished in February

Cover featuring damage—Rips, tears, burns, water damage, general wear etc.

Looks like glass is shattering on the cover

Cover featuring a border/frame—May Prompt (Books with a design around the edges of the book cover, creating a frame or border. Can be a solid colour, or decorative.)

The frame is the shield around the girl in the middle of the cover

WWW Wednesday: February 25th, 2026

WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Sam at Taking on a World of Words.

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?

What did you recently finish reading?

What do you think you’ll read next?

Here is what I am reading, what I recently finished, and what I plan to read from Thursday to Wednesday.

Let me know if you have read or plan to read any of these books!!

Happy Reading!

What I am currently reading:

Before the events of Auguries of Dawn, diviner Sweyn Savannon refines her strategies for the upcoming tumult. Granted foresight of the legendary Catalyst Stones, she awaits their reappearance in the world while gathering a host of powerful allies.

At last given sight of the location of the Sapphire Stone, Sweyn now knows that the time to put all her plots and schemes into motion has finally come. Determined to see all of Dhanen’Mar become a sanctuary for Destiny, she stands ready to unleash whatever destruction is necessary to see out her dark objectives.

*Author’s Note. This is a prequel to the main series and not a standalone story, and is best read after the 4th volume, Path of Stars.

What I recently finished reading:

As the winter season draws to a close, the royal jester hastens to refine his strategies and prepare the royal city for the fight ahead. Now teeming with both allies and enemies, Aralexia itself sits posed to become a battleground as a truth buried more than twenty-five years is at last ready to be revealed.
To the north, Callan and Tishan return from Veron and find their loyalties tested as the situation between Jennen and Dhanen’Mar takes a menacing turn. Determined to prevent the two realms from seeing open confrontation, the assassin undertakes a dark mission in order to head off a war.

What I plan on reading Thursday through Sunday:

When her granddaughter Serena is abducted by a crew of foreign pirates, Lady Danetria appeals to the warlords for aid. Desired for her diviner skills, all fear that if Serena isn’t rescued before arriving at the distant shores of Swythe Island, she will be lost to them forever.

Deployed on his first official assignment, Kain Rojek isn’t anticipating much trouble—or excitement—to arise from the task of recovering the stolen diviner. But once separated from his fellow warlords, he soon finds himself mired in a web of conspiracy none had foreseen. Forced to navigate his way through fatal enchantments, a rebel uprising, and the darkest corner of Swythe Island politics, Kain will finally come to discover that the only end to his quest may cost him everything.

* Author’s Note
This is a prequel to the main series. While designed to be read between volumes 4 and 5, it can be enjoyed at any point in the series.

When Dhanen’Mar’s home city of Destiny comes under multiple threats, a divination leads Qyn Rojek to finally return to the place of his birth. Arriving at the Spindle, he quickly finds himself confronted with the long-hidden secret of his origins, as well as the deeper truth of his due’foi’beni talents and responsibilities.
Tasked with defending the city from the dark ambitions of his aunt, the invulnerable diviner Sweyn Savannon, Qyn begins a journey meant to at last reveal his destiny.

*Author’s Note
This is not a standalone story and is meant to be read between volumes 4 & 5 of the series.

Following the events of the Spring Banquet, matters in Aralexia become increasingly unstable as alliances splinter and loyalties threaten to unravel. Forced to flee the royal city, Flynn sets out after the Amethyst Stone, while Qyn and Synna prepare to confront the powers of the Sapphire and Emerald in Kohtala.

In the north, the warlords gather to defend against the Jennite army, now posed to invade. Forewarned with the knowledge of two prophecies, one recently discovered in O’Kada and the other spoken by the invulnerable diviner Sweyn Savannon, Taleb desperately seeks a way to halt the battle, even as Baiel forms his strategies to meet the numerous threats. With both the Catalyst Stones and Dhanen’Mar now at risk, enemies begin to converge, and ultimately force a result that will alter the very world itself.

A prequel set 200 years before the main timeline.

For her entire life, Cryslyn Rogim’s very existence has been shrouded in mystery. Why were she and her mother always fleeing into the night? Who was her father? Was something hunting them, and if so, why?
Having now reached her fifteenth birthing-day, Cryslyn is determined to finally learn these answers. Setting out to claim her Secondary Patron, she takes the first step toward her destiny, a fate both unforeseen and unimagined.

Beat the Backlist 2026—February

Prompts I finished in February

Fave Author Rec

Let the games begin—about or featuring gaming, a specific game, or a competition

The main character competes in the creative Olympics

Title starts with “L“—book title starts with the letter “L“

BFF’s—features 2+ best friends as main or important side characters

Agnes and Eleanor are the BFF’s

Novella Sweet Spot—between 150-200 pages

Book is 191 pages

I like ’em chonky—more than 542 pages

Book is 546 pages

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?—February 23rd, 2026

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet and share what you have been and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organize yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit, comment, and add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at The Book Date.

Jen Vincent, Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee of Unleashing Readers decided to give It’s Monday! a kid-lit focus. If you read and review books in children’s literature – picture books, chapter books, middle-grade novels, young adult novels, or anything in those genres – join them.

What I am Reading Now

As the winter season draws to a close, the royal jester hastens to refine his strategies and prepare the royal city for the fight ahead. Now teeming with both allies and enemies, Aralexia itself sits posed to become a battleground as a truth buried more than twenty-five years is at last ready to be revealed.
To the north, Callan and Tishan return from Veron and find their loyalties tested as the situation between Jennen and Dhanen’Mar takes a menacing turn. Determined to prevent the two realms from seeing open confrontation, the assassin undertakes a dark mission in order to head off a war.

What I am reading Monday and Tuesday:

Before the events of Auguries of Dawn, diviner Sweyn Savannon refines her strategies for the upcoming tumult. Granted foresight of the legendary Catalyst Stones, she awaits their reappearance in the world while gathering a host of powerful allies.

At last given sight of the location of the Sapphire Stone, Sweyn now knows that the time to put all her plots and schemes into motion has finally come. Determined to see all of Dhanen’Mar become a sanctuary for Destiny, she stands ready to unleash whatever destruction is necessary to see out her dark objectives.

*Author’s Note. This is a prequel to the main series and not a standalone story, and is best read after the 4th volume, Path of Stars.

When her granddaughter Serena is abducted by a crew of foreign pirates, Lady Danetria appeals to the warlords for aid. Desired for her diviner skills, all fear that if Serena isn’t rescued before arriving at the distant shores of Swythe Island, she will be lost to them forever.

Deployed on his first official assignment, Kain Rojek isn’t anticipating much trouble—or excitement—to arise from the task of recovering the stolen diviner. But once separated from his fellow warlords, he soon finds himself mired in a web of conspiracy none had foreseen. Forced to navigate his way through fatal enchantments, a rebel uprising, and the darkest corner of Swythe Island politics, Kain will finally come to discover that the only end to his quest may cost him everything.

* Author’s Note
This is a prequel to the main series. While designed to be read between volumes 4 and 5, it can be enjoyed at any point in the series.