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The WordSmithe

I love a good book! Young Adult, New Adult, Adult and nearly any genre. If it’s well-written, I’ll read it. And, I love to talk about what I’ve written.

 

I have a WIP–a new adult dystopian novel. I’m also exploring short fiction.

Find my reviews here, on Wordpress, on Tumblr, on Facebook (The Word Smithe), Goodreads.com, and Amazon.

 

If you’re an author and you’d like me to review your book, just drop me a line. I’ll be happy to read an ARC. I always give an honest review. And, even if I didn’t particularly go crazy for your story, I will stay positive. I believe something redeeming can be found in nearly every book.

Kite Dreams: A Review of A.M. Willard's "Fading Memories"

Fading Memories - A.M. Willard

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

For Mature Readers: 18+

 

I loved A.M. Willard’s Fading Memories. It was a delightful, page turner about finding and embracing true love. The story line had that familiar ‘boy next door’ feel with a twist on it.

 

There were some serious laugh out loud moments throughout the book. Many of them involved situations of utter embarrassment for the main character, Isabel Nichols (Izzie).

 

I loved the characters in Fading Memories. Dakota, the man next door, was my favorite and new book boyfriend. He was patient, kind, devoted to Izzie, and hot. He always knew the right thing to do or say. Just the kind of man women dream about (which Izzie did). I even loved Izzie. Her determination was admirable. She wanted to solve her own issues, but she lacked the self-confidence to really do so. Her weaknesses were so obvious, but Willard gave her room to grow (and she did). Another great character was the unseen one, Izzie’s father. Everything he did was in his daughter’s best interest (so he thought). I loved his words to Izzie (read the book and you’ll understand this). Izzie was surrounded by well-meaning friends who loved her to death and wanted to protect her fragile soul.

 

Fading Memories contains a few well-placed sexual references, but they are necessary to the story. They don’t feel like they were thrown in for the sake of having a romance.

 

Contemporary romance stories are like palate cleansers for me after reading a lot of heavy hitting, creepy stories. Willard’s novel was refreshing and did everything I needed in a well-crafted love story. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to read more from her.

Source: http://thewordsmithe.wordpress.com/2015/09/22/kite-dreams-a-review-of-a-m-willards-fading-memories

Poisoned Ivy

Ivy's Envy (Want & Decay Book 1) - Latashia Figueroa

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

Dark, creepy, and deranged describe this exceptional story!

 

The imagery was so vivid it leaped off the page. Ferguson’s use of language allowed me to feel and experience everything Ivy did. Granted, at the end of this story, I wish I couldn’t feel or see those things!

 

Ivy’s Envy is a well-written tale centered on a character who could be called Poisoned Ivy. She’s dark and dangerous, evil personified. There are no limits to what this person will do. But, there is such a thing as karma and she put plenty of bad karma in the universe. Unfortunately, Ivy got tangled in a web called Thomas. I won’t give anything a way. I’ll just say, payback is a b!

 

I couldn’t help wonder why Ivy behaved the way she did. Ferguson gave no indication in this novella as to what motivated the character. Perhaps that will be explored in a future book which I’d love to read.

 

The ending of Ivy’s Envy will not disappoint! It is shocking and makes you want to read more.

 

Overall, I enjoyed Ferguson’s story. The characters were interesting and the plot twist was stunning. I look forward to reading more from her.

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1396008411?book_show_action=false

Don't Make Dark Enemies

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

 

Christina Farley delivered another wonderful story in the second book in her “Gilded” series, Silvern. The main character, Jae Hwa Lee, is acquiring quite a reputation in the Spirit World. Drawing attention to yourself is not a good thing when it comes to demigods.

 

Farley brings back the same cast of characters–Jae Hwa, Marc, Michelle, Kumar, Lily, Haraboji and her Dad. She adds a new one, the god of darkness, Kud. He’s a serious bad guy. You’ll be torn, at first, between liking him and hating him. I’m sorry. I fell for Kud’s charms when he first showed up. Trust me, be on the lookout for this not so obvious god.

 

I love how the cast has evolved. Jae Hwa is incredibly strong, but despite all the dangers, friends and family always come first with her. How can you not love her for that? Marc has become a stronger protector with a new title. Michelle has morphed into a brave, wise friend. Kumar is not just book smart. I love Haraboji. He started out being very questionable in Book One. Now, it is obvious how much he loves his granddaughter and is concerned for her safety. Unfortunately, I’m still trying to like Jae Hwa’s father. He chooses not to believe in the Spirit World. At times he teeters between belief and disbelief. I suspect his grief over his wife has colored any possibility for him to believe those things unseen. Maybe if he had a guarantee of Jae Hwa’s safety, he’d change his mind.

 

I love how this story is developing. Be prepared, though. This installment will make you sad. But, stick with it. I promise you will be rewarded.

  

I highly recommend this inventive tale centered around Korean mythology.

Source: http://thewordsmithe.wordpress.com/2015/09/15/dont-make-dark-enemies-a-review-of-christina-farleys-silvern

Kicking Butt Far Eastern Style

Gilded (The Gilded Series) by Farley, Christina (March 1, 2014) Paperback - Christina Farley

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

 

I chaeg-eun nollaun! This book is amazing!

 

Christina Farley’s Gilded is an original fantasy based on Korean mythology. I love books that are inspired by different cultures and this one fills the bill over and over again. Although it’s not necessary to enjoy this story, I found a website which helped me pronounce the Korean words. I also Googled some of the items mentioned in the story, kimbap, hanboksamjoko and many more. Any book that does this for me is OUTSTANDING! Reading is learning….

 

The details in Gilded are so vivid. Farley interweaved imagery which helped me create every scene in my head. Reading this book was like taking an express trip to South Korea.

 

The characters were wonderful. I loved Jae Hwa, Marc and Haraboji (grandfather). Jae Hwa was self-assured and strong. But, she doubted her abilities. The girl was so talented in a kick ass kind of way. I think her doubt was her way of being humble. It would be too easy to brag about her skills.

 

Marc was the perfect Prince Charming with supernatural ability. I couldn’t help but love this guy. He stuck up for his beliefs and never wavered in his support of Jae Hwa.

Habeoji reminded me of Mr. Miyagi (“Karate Kid”). He came off as bristly as a Brillo pad but had a heart of gold.

 

I loved the story line of Gilded. It was unique and so creative. The mythological creatures and artifacts can be researched. I enjoyed learning about mythology and a culture I never considered before. I am looking forward to reading more of this series.

 

I highly recommend this book to everyone!

Source: http://thewordsmithe.wordpress.com/2015/09/10/kicking-butt-far-eastern-style-a-review-of-christina-farleys-gilded

Mankind on Self-Destruct

Gods of Anthem - Logan Keys

I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

 

Logan Keys’ Gods of Anthem is an amazing book—Marvel Comics meets “The Walking Dead”!

 

I’m not normally a fan of zombie themes, but this book is so much more. Zombies do play an integral role in Gods of Anthem, but the story isn’t really about them. It’s a tale about man’s obsession with power and control. This time, the power struggle is to create. More specifically, it’s the desire to recreate God’s work—designing bigger, more powerful humans.

 

The story begins with a staunch symbol of mankind’s self-destruction—the world we know has been transformed through an epic world war. And, the fall out of the war? Sickness. Not just any sickness, though. We’re talking cancer. And, the government’s answer is to isolate these individuals treating them until their bodies can’t take any more.

 

Enter our protagonist, Liza Randusky, a child prodigy. I loved this character. In the midst of hell, she fights to live another day. She evolves from being just another patient to a strong, capable survivor with ideas of a better way of life. I also loved Tommy. He’s the super hero thrown in with a cast of characters who have paranormal elements. He didn’t choose his fate, but he’s coping with it the best he can. Another favorite character was Jeremy. I loved him until I learned he altered things to create a different life path for himself. Then, I sympathized with him. And, Ms. Keys if you’re reading this, please fix him! I didn’t like what his father did to him. Bring back the Jeremy that Liza loves.

 

The villains are surprising in Gods of Anthem. Your jaw will drop, but you’ll recover. You’ll hate them just like any other villain hell-bent on a power trip.

 

I loved this book! It offered intrigue, action and some interesting plot twists. Reading about the cancer and its victims was difficult, I admit. But, stick with it. You’ll be rewarded greatly. Keys crafted a post-apocalyptic tale which could have been on the silver screen! The cliffhanger alone was worthy of a Hollywood hit.

 

I can’t wait to read the next installment.

Source: http://thewordsmithe.wordpress.com/2015/09/08/mankind-on-self-destruct-a-review-of-logan-keys-gods-of-anthem

An Emotional Roller Coaster

Next (Kiss Series Book 1) - Rachael Brownell

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

Oh. My. God. This book hurt to read. Seriously. It was so friggin’ good. The emotional roller coaster it took me on was tremendous. My heart ached after the first few pages. And, just when I thought I found a joyful moment it was ripped away. Some how I managed to read this story in ONE night.

 

Rachael Brownell delivered a unique story of love and life in Next. I felt every emotion Reagan, the main character, experienced. I came awfully close to picking up the Kleenex box more than once. Whew!

 

The characters in this tale…they floored me. I wanted to kick Luke for being a typical man. And, then he shared his feelings. Oh, man. If every guy shared feelings the way he did, well…let’s just say there would be women out there who wouldn’t be able to stand let alone walk (yours truly included). I didn’t know whether to admire Reagan’s fortitude or give the girl a ticket to the loony farm. Seriously, a ten year wait? Sorry, I’m not telling you what that’s about. You have to read the book. And, please read this book! I don’t want to be the only one whose heart stopped at each chapter. I have to mention Felicity. This is the roommate every girl wants. She is so unbelievably strong. If my life went the way hers did, I’d be a basket case. I loved Elliot. Ms. Brownell if you’re reading this, I did not like what you did with that character! I nearly lost it. Good thing no one was home when I read this book.

 

Next is not your typical romance story. It will grab you, pull your heart strings, test your emotions and give you an ending you’ll be happy with. Hats off to Rachael Brownell for such a great read! It’s my understanding that we get to read more about Felicity!! Yay!!

Source: http://thewordsmithe.wordpress.com/2015/09/01/an-emotional-roller-coaster-a-review-of-rachael-brownells-next

Dismantling Beliefs

Dismantling Evan - Venessa Kimball

I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

Dismantling Evan by Venessa Kimball is an extraordinary book. It is a heartfelt, emotional story about teenage mental illness. If you read this book and are not moved, you should check your pulse.

 

I loved the characters in this book, all of them–good and bad. My favorites, however, were Evan, Gavin, Nikki and Brody. Each one them had such an inner strength that was unrecognized. Evan was proud and willful. She wanted to believe in herself. She held tight to the idea that she was just a normal teen. It wasn’t until her mom finally shared her own secret that Evan opened up to the possibility that there was something extra in her personality. Gavin was another extraordinary character. He had an unexpected sensitivity that I loved. Nikki was awesome. She was a former member of a clique that rotated around a supreme mean girl. But, Nikki had heart. A huge heart. She rose above the clique and stood up for her beliefs. And, Brody….what can I say? There’s sorrow, tragedy, despair and a guy who just wants to be himself. I felt so much for him. It’s hard to put a word on the feelings.

 

Dismantling Evan makes you stop and think. I’ve always felt that not enough is done for those who struggle with mental illness. It doesn’t discriminate affecting people from all walks of life, gender, and age. Kimball has done a fantastic job bringing to light a topic many people like to sweep under the carpet. When it comes to the mental stability of teens, denial seems to be the accepted policy. It’s easier to put it off on hormones or simply being a teen. Not always true as this book illustrates. Kimball even shines a light on bullying, another taboo topic. Bullying alone is bad enough, but bullying those who are walking a tight rope trying to maintain stability is just wrong. Thank you Venessa Kimball for such a profound book!

 

Don’t get me wrong. Dismantling Evan has its message, but there’s so much more. This is a story with humor, the joys of a first romance and the strength that comes from good friends. You will laugh and you might just cry reading this wonderful story.

 

Source: http://thewordsmithe.wordpress.com/2015/09/01/dismantling-beliefs-a-review-of-venessa-kimballs-dismantling-evan

Ancestral Revenge

 

I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

I found Vicki Leigh’s Catch Me When I Fall to be hauntingly brilliant! It hooked me from the very first page.

 

The characters in Leigh’s story of Nightmares and Sweet Dreams stayed with me long after I closed the book. This well-written imaginative story had beautiful, well-developed characters. My favorites were Daniel and Kayla. Their emotions bled right off the pages. Their emotions triggered the sympathy button for me. I felt bad for all the Dreamcatchers and Dreamweavers and how they came into existence. Seth and Tabbi stuck out for me. Such noble actions from those two. You have to love them.

 

Leigh did a wonderful job on creating creepy, evil villains. Thankfully, I am not prone to Nightmares (even I did I’d want Daniel as my Dreamcatcher…read the book!), and was able to sleep after reading her book before bed.

 

Catch Me When I Fall is such a creative book. Are you familiar with dream catchers? No. Go to this page to read a little: Click for info on dream catchers

 

Hopefully we’re on the same page. Now, you can understand the creativity behind Leigh’s book. Even the cover reminds me of a dream catcher. Brilliant!

 

I highly recommend Catch Me When I Fall! There’s hold your breath action, intrigue and even a serious plot twist. I had the same reaction Daniel had when the twist happened. Oh, and there is romance…duh! I loved this book and can’t wait for the next one.

Cursed at Birth

Peace Piper: Soul Warriors Book 3 - Allie Burton

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

Allie Burton’s Peace Piper was another enjoyable read! The more I read into this series the better I like it.

 

The protagonist in this installment was not immediately likable. Piper had honorable motives, but she lived with the enemy! By the end of the book, I was pulling for her. She deserved a happy ending. I loved how the love interest, another shabti soldier named Math, wasn’t completely trusting in Piper. He knew there was something about her, but he guarded his heart and needed to be sure of her intentions. A nice break from Xander and Falcon (if you don’t know who they are, stop and read books one and two).

 

Burton continues to spin a fantastical story involving real Egyptian artifacts. She has taken full license to craft her take on their mythical backgrounds and it’s engaging.

 

I loved that the plot was more risky in this installment of the Soul Warriors series. A life was at stake instead of simply helping the world avoid catastrophe. Putting a name on that one life made Piper’s situation more endearing.

 

Ms. Burton if you’re reading this, I want to know more about Piper and her heartless father.

I highly recommend Peace Piper! There’s another installment in this story coming….

Source: http://thewordsmithe.wordpress.com/2015/08/25/cursed-at-birth-a-review-of-allie-burtons-peace-piper

A Creative Take On Good vs. Evil

The Redeemer (Celestial Book 3) - Kimberly Lewis

I received an ARC through Goodreads R2R in exchange for an honest review.

***Mature Content***



Kimberly Lewis’ The Redeemer is a highly imaginative book full of intrigue. This well-written tale blew me away. It challenged my thinking on common religious doctrine. It opened my mind to possibilities.

Don’t get hung up on the fact there is graphic sexual details. If you look past those, you’ll find a heartfelt story of love, redemption, and good vs. evil.

I loved how Lewis played the “what if” card to the hilt. Imagining Lucifer as a fallen angel who should be sympathized is brilliant. The relationships between the characters defy standard conceptions, but I loved them. My favorite was the ‘take no prisoners’ Beth. Her persona is bigger than her petite stature. She confounds the men in her life. After they’ve had the chance to calm down, she usually gets her way. Lewis did a magnificent job in creating extremely strong, sensitive women. Both angels and humans are incredibly determined females who care strongly for those in their lives. My other favorite character was Lucifer. Religious doctrine teaches us he is a fallen angel—evil and rebellious. As an angel he would be handsome (not the mythological beast seen in movies). Lewis took the idea of a handsome fallen angel and spun a character who is the master of deception and mesmerization into a sympathetic, caring persona. Brilliant on her part! I also loved Samyaza. Do your research. He was a fallen angel. Lewis took this idea and created a character who was remorseful but didn’t regret standing up for his belief. Man!

The story of The Redeemer is so creative. It touches on ideas I’ve seen in the tv series, “Dominion” but explores those ideas in such an in-depth way. Parts of this story are so humorous while others will leave your jaw swinging in the wind. I have to applaud Lewis in giving details (I’m not talking merely sexual) so real you would think she met an angel.

This book is not for the pessimist. It will intrigue you. It will cause you to look things up (i.e. Samyaza, Samael and Lilith). If you’re open to it, your mind will crawl with possibilities. Step out of your box and be prepared for a mind bending read. If you read to music, throw on some modern classical (I have a playlist). I can’t wait to read the next book!

Source: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1338133647?book_show_action=false

Ancient Addiction

Tut's Trumpet - Allie Burton

I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

I really liked Allie Burton’s Tut’s Trumpet! My two favorite things about the book? Her continued reference to Egyptian mythology and the characters she’s created.

 

My favorite character is Aria York. I imagined her as the dorky kid in high school. She was a musician who embraced her art two hundred percent. It was her strength. Music allowed her to hide from the world. Burton sprinkles musical references throughout this book–brilliant! Aria’s persona develops right along with the story. By the end of the tale we’re left with a strong character we want to read more about. Her love interest, Falcon, wasn’t the clueless kid like Xander (Soul Slam–if you want more info, you’ve got to read the book). He’s strong–physically, mentally and emotionally. He only shows his weakness towards the end of the story.

 

Burton brings back villains from Book One–Jeb and the Society of Aten goons–and adds a new one, the Magical Order of Crucis. Once again, its an obsession with power that causes villains to do the stupid things they do. Tut’s Trumpet has bad guys who will gladly dance with evil in order to accomplish their goals.

 

I was happy to see Xander and Olivia make a reappearance. They have gotten wiser and are completely in charge of the Soul Warriors. Remember the shabti and their transformation? I won’t give anything away. I’ll just say they play a big role in Tut’s Trumpet.

 

As I said earlier, Burton references Egyptian mythology in this book. Most books that mention mythology usually stick to Roman and Greek. It is refreshing to read another culture’s mythology. (Yes, to diversity!) Egyptian mythology just happens to be my favorite. Tut’s Trumpet mentions the god Horus and Howard Carter’s discovery of many artifacts (1922). There’s a brief note about the history at the end of the book.

Although the plot is the usual ‘hero on a quest’ story, Burton has put some unique spins on the idea. You won’t be bored reading it.

 

I found Burton’s book to be creative with well-developed characters who explore the realms of good vs evil and love vs hate. I highly recommend it to everyone.

Egyptian Avengers

Soul Slam: Soul Warriors Book 1 - Allie Burton

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

Soul Slam by Allie Burton is a unique, well-written story. It’s the first time I read a paranormal centered around Egyptian mythology (one of my favorites).

 

The characters are fantastic in this story. Two kids meet totally by accident and find they have a lot of things in common. I loved Olivia. She didn’t start out as the atypical strong protagonist. Olivia had to grow into that role (maybe with a little help from a certain Egyptian pharaoh). Her journey included a disillusioned young man, Xander. He was prepared, so he thought, to assume a lofty title. When plans changed, he also had to grow.

 

The villains in Soul Slam were definitely evil. They were hell bent on their own agendas. Fitch, X and their goons didn’t care who got hurt. This story was about power and how you can use it for good or evil. Well, the bad guys completely embraced the dark side.

 

I truly enjoyed Allie Burton’s writing style. I highly recommend reading Soul Slam. You won’t be disappointed.

Source: http://thewordsmithe.wordpress.com/2015/08/13/egyptian-avengers-a-review-of-allie-burtons-soul-slam

Pos-i-tute-ly Outstanding

The Diviners - Libba Bray

Libba Bray’s The Diviners is a brilliantly awesome historical paranormal! It is creepy and well-written with very strong imagery. This epic tale was very well-researched and included snippets of all of Bray’s efforts.

 

I loved the characters! My favorites were Evie, Theta, Memphis, Sam and Jericho. Evie was the perfect protagonist. She was strong with tons of spunk and moxie. She was surrounded by a cast of complex, well-developed characters. Theta, Memphis and Sam were tortured souls with survival instincts embedded in their DNA. The epitome of tortured souls was Jericho who was simply a victim of circumstance. He never asked for the life he was given, and Evie accepted him just the way he was.

 

Bray ingeniously worked in so much research in every detail. The nightlife in Manhattan and Harlem, the buildings and even the fashion at the time. She even placed a thread of steampunk in this tale. I won’t divulge how she did it. I don’t want to give away any of this fabulous story.

 

Mind you The Diviners is a lengthy tome. Nearly 600 pages, but it’s so worth the read!

 

My favorite passage in Bray’s imaginative story was delivered by Will, Evie’s uncle: “There is no greater power on this earth than story….People think boundaries and borders build nations. Nonsense–words do. Beliefs, declarations, constitutions–words. Stories. Myths. Lies. Promises. History.”

 

Simply outstanding!

 

The second book, Lair of Dreams, is due this month.

Source: http://thewordsmithe.wordpress.com/?p=849&preview=true&preview_id=849

Alien Teen Avengers: A Review of M.H. Soars’ “The Phoenix Shadow”

The Phoenix Shadow (Arcadian Wars Book 2) - M. H. Soars

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

Book Two in the Arcadian Wars, The Phoenix Shadow by M.H. Soars, was a delight!

 

This installment in the lives of a group of teens from a far away planet and their Earth charge was much better than the first one. The Prophecy of Arcadia had an interesting plot that kept me intrigued. But, The Phoenix Shadow took the story line and added more drama, more action and more plot twists. I got so caught up in the story that I didn’t want to put the book down.

 

I’m not a big fan of alien tales which have disfigured creatures or fantastical beings with odd characteristics. You won’t find any of that in M.H. Soars’ books. Her stories are well-crafted stories that explore ‘what if’. Scientists are constantly searching for life on other planets. And, thanks to Hollywood, our concept of aliens runs to the fantastical. Soars kept it realistic by creating human type characters who live on a planet not like Earth, but dependent upon our resources. And, just like Earth, the inhabitants of this foreign planet have major issues with race and government.

 

I loved the characters in The Phoenix Shadow especially Samantha and Matt with their on-again off-again relationship. Fortunately, Soars delivers more than a YA story with the stereotypical love triangle. This romance has a group of teens struggling with love while fighting to save their planet and Earth. It makes for some serious laugh out loud moments. Think of a house of superheroes (Batman, Superman, Thor) with their female counterparts (Wonder Woman, Black Widow, Elektra) all in love with each other. Funny moments!

 

My favorite character was Durgin. In the first book, he was mysterious and not very nice. In The Phoenix Shadow we get his story and he transforms into a likable character who has a heart and only wants to do the right thing. Joining him in the battle of human rights (or should it be Arcadian rights?) is Lucas. I loved his story and would love to read more about the boy who wasn’t supposed to exist.

 

I really liked the story idea. Yes, there’s a protagonist who discovers she has powers. And, yes, there is a quest. But, Soars delivered a few twists. Everyone is powerful and learning the extent of those powers. And, the quest? It’s called a bond and involves soul mates. What makes this story work is the family angle. The protagonist, Alexia, learns to embrace her family regardless of how that family came to exist. The theme runs throughout The Phoenix Shadow and makes the story a worthwhile read.

 

I highly recommend picking up a copy. If you haven’t read The Prophecy of Arcadia, be sure to read it first. 

Source: http://thewordsmithe.wordpress.com/?p=790&preview=true&preview_id=790

Happy Book Birthday: "Bound By Duty" by Stormy Smith

Bound by Duty - Stormy Smith

Bound by Duty synopsis

Amelia grew up in a world of half-truths. She knows she’s an Elder, but has no idea what that means. Her father reminds her daily that she must maintain control, but he refuses to explain why. Even worse, she’s betrothed to the prince of the Immortals and doesn’t even know his name.

 

Finally breaking free to live a few normal years at a community college, the last thing Amelia expects is to find her best friend in a cheeky southern girl, or fall for a self-assured human who sees her for who she is, not what she will become.

 

As she learns more about herself, Amelia realizes the line between love and duty is a thin one. As her power continues to increase exponentially and her questions are slowly answered, Amelia must make the ultimate choice. The question is, will her head win the battle, or her heart?

 

My Review

I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

Stormy Smith’s Bound By Duty was a captivating well-written modern fairy tale! It had the prince, the evil queen, a hunter and an innocent (not!) young girl. Everything a good paranormal fairy story should contain.

 

I fell in love with Bound By Duty after seeing the cover. I was hooked from page one! I literally had to force myself to stop reading because I would have finished it in one day. I didn’t hesitate picking up Book Two, Bound By Spells. 

 

The characters were well-developed and very interesting. My favorites were Amelia, Aidan and Bethany. Each character brought something different to the party. Amelia was the strong, naive protagonist who had no idea of her heritage nor what her destiny was really about. Aidan was the sexy, good guy who reminded me of a Timex watch. The guy could take a beating and he kept on coming back for more. And, Bethany was the spunky pageant queen full of Southern charm.

 

I highly recommend Smith’s Bound By Duty. She delivers a different twist on the usual magic and shapeshifter tale. There’s suspense, romance and a great plot!

Source: http://thewordsmithe.wordpress.com/?p=728&preview=true&preview_id=728&preview_nonce=82fc57d79e&post_format=standard

The Tough As Nails Misfit

By C. C. Hunter Reborn (Shadow Falls: After Dark) - C. C. Hunter

I loved reading C.C. Hunter’s Shadow Falls After Dark: Reborn. This time I got to learn more about Shadow Falls resident Della Tsang, the mixed race vampire.

 

Once again I was delighted with a well-written story that has an intriguing plot mixed with a good dose of humor. I actually found myself liking the tough as nails Della. The young vamp is hiding a world of pain behind a tough shell. Hunter introduced new characters for readers to love, Jenny and Chase. Jenny is another chameleon who reminds me of a young Kylie. Chase is a drop dead handsome vamp who comes to camp and disrupts Della’s life. Throughout the book I routed for Team Chase simply because he had a better understanding of Della. But, Steve has no qualms or conditions for liking Della which is always a great thing for her.

 

I was happy to meet up with many of my favorite characters in Reborn especially Burnett and Holiday. Theirs is a very special relationship which definitely challenges the headstrong vampire.

 

The only thing I wasn’t happy with in this book was it left questions at the end. Fortunately, I have the sequel to Della’s story. I have a feeling Hunter will finally let readers know why her father is so distant to the young vamp.

Source: http://thewordsmithe.wordpress.com/2015/07/16/the-tough-as-nails-misfit-a-review-of-c-c-hunters-shadow-falls-after-dark-reborn