Tag Archives: Adventure

A Touch of Treachery (Section 47) by Jennifer Estep -Dual Review

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A Touch of Treachery (Section 47) by Jennifer Estep – Dual Review

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Description:
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS . . .
My name is Charlotte Locke, and I’m on a mission to capture my nemesis. As an analyst for Section 47, a secret spy organization, I use my magical form of synesthesia to track down paramortal criminals, but one villain keeps eluding me—Henrika Hyde.

Henrika claims to have answers about my father’s death on a Section 47 mission years ago, and she has also created a horrific new weapon capable of killing even the strongest paramortals, which makes her my number one target. Helping me is Desmond Percy, a powerful galvanist who is my partner both inside and outside Section 47.

Desmond wants to take Henrika down just as badly as I do, but our mission quickly goes sideways, and soon we’re surrounded by enemies on all sides with no idea whom we can truly trust.

A TROUBLING FUTURE . . .
The name Desmond Percy is well known inside Section 47, since I’m one of the organization’s top cleaners, aka assassins. Charlotte Locke and I have been tracking Henrika Hyde for months, and when we finally get a lead on her location, we jump at the chance to take down the weapons maker once and for all.

I’m determined to help Charlotte get the answers she is so desperately seeking, as well as taking my revenge on Henrika for killing my best friend.

But the deeper Charlotte and I dig into Henrika and her murky motives, the more dangerous our mission becomes. Henrika is playing her own spy game, and Charlotte and I are just the pawns she is using to achieve her own evil ends—caught up in a deadly legacy of treachery.

 

 

Barb’s Review:
A Touch of Treachery by Jennifer Estep is a Section 47 series. Refresher: Section 47 is a secret government agency that handles paranormal, terrorists, criminals, and have magical abilities.  Their job is to gather information to prevent attacks, casualties, as well as to protect the mortal world; especially against those who create dangerous weapons.

Charlotte Locke, our heroine, is an analyst, who is very good at her job analyzing various reports and files to find mistakes, patterns, and anything that looks like threats.  Charlotte also has some magical abilities, such as having synesthesia ability to sense danger and detect lies. Charlotte is determined to stop a powerful villain, Henrika Hyde; but importantly she wants answers as to who killed her father. Charlotte knows that Henrika knows the truth, and suspects Jethro Percy as the man who killed him.   Percy hates Charlotte, as her father was a Locke; but Desmond Percy is Charlotte’s partner and love interest.

Desmond, our hero, and also a Section 47 Assassin, who is considered one of the best; as he also has powerful Galvanist abilities, which he is able to use the energy around to prevent attacks as well as be able to heal.

Both Charlotte and Desmond are invited to Henrika’s mansion for a party, and they hope she will give them the list that Henrika has hidden, revealing all the names of Section 47.  They both attend, trying to make a deal to get the papers; and there are other people attending that are friends of Henrika, who are interested in the weapons that people want. Henrika is playing her own spy game, and being used as pawns, with Desmond being kidnapped, and Charlotte, despite Jethro firing her, she finds a way to save Desmond; with help from Joan and Gabriel.

When Charlotte gets a tip from Henrika, as to the truths about Jethro being part of her father’s death.  She puts together all information that will reveal Jethro’s past partnership with Henrika, and revelations will be revealed, leading information about all the terrible things, and money from the Locke family that Jethro stole.  This was a legacy that was a touch of Treachery.

What follows is an exciting, action filled, suspenseful story that kept me unable to put the book down. Charlotte was a great heroine, as she was not only smart & savvy, but unbeknownst to others, lethal with a weapon, since she learned from her father.  I also loved Desmond, as he was not only a sexy hunk, but also very confident with his ability; and was very much in love with Charlotte.  He was the one who needed to stop his father.

A Touch of Treachery is another wonderful addition to this wonderful and intriguing urban fantasy series. A Touch of Treachery was very well written by Jennifer Estep.  I loved both Charlotte and Desmond, and look forward to more on them in future books.   I suggest you read A Touch of Treachery, as was a great read.

 

Sandy’s Review:

A TOUCH OF TREACHERY is the third instalment in Jennifer Estep’s contemporary adult SECTION 47 paranormal, urban fantasy series focusing on diner owner / paramortal analyst for Section 47 Charlotte Locke, and assassin/cleaner Desmond Percy. A TOUCH OF TREACHERY can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

SOME BACKGROUND: Paramortals make up approximately one percent of the world’s population, and most have hidden their magic from the ‘mortal’ world. Section 47 is a paramortal spy organization whose mission was to gather intelligence to prevent terrorist attacks but found themselves tracking those who use magic to commit their crimes.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Charlotte and Desmond) A TOUCH OF TREACHERY focuses on the investigation into CEO and founder of Hyde Engineering Henrika Hyde, a chemist who has invented a powerful weapon known as Redburn, in her war against the paramortal but at every opportunity, Section 47 agents Charlotte Locke and Desmond Percy find themselves in a losing battle, and our heroine is about to pay the price for the sins of the past. Charlotte and Desmond are both Legacy agents, children of Section 47 operatives, but a target has been placed on Charlotte’s back, and our heroine is determined to follows the clues and reveal the truth. Henrika Hyde is hoping to sell Redburn to the highest bidder, and our couple are last minute invites to the bioweapon auction.

The world building is complex and detailed as Charlotte and Desmond find themselves in a fight for their lives. From auctions to fundraisers, abductions and murder, betrayal and vengeance, Charlotte and Desmond struggle to accept the revelations at face value, in an effort to uncover the truth and the reality of the who, how and why. For fans and followers of the author’s books and series, the similarities to her Elemental Assassin series are numerous and recognizable.

The relationship between Charlotte and Desmond continues to be strong in the face of perceived betrayal and dysfunctional family dynamics. Several agents question the validity of their relationship, and the people in charge are determined to separate and dismantle any future together. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of powerful, energetic and sometimes questionable secondary and supporting characters including Henrika Hyde; Section 47 agents: liason Joan Samson, Gia Chan and Diego Benito; former Section 47 Agents Gabriel Chase, and Bryce Finkley, and Desmond’s father General Jethro Percy, head of Second 47 Board of Directors.

A TOUCH OF TREACHERY is a story of power and control, secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, mistrust and magic, acceptance and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is heartwarming; the characters are determined,desperate and charismatic.

Copies supplied for review

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Overture of Shadow (Muses’ War 1) by Wally Waltner-review

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Overture of Shadow (Muses’ War 1) by Wally Waltner-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 24, 2025

Light reveals, shadow conceals. What we illuminate, we become.

In Breheimen, artisans and craftsmen aren’t just respected. They are revered. The Muse-touched are individuals whose creativity seems divinely inspired, capable of conjuring beauty so profound it borders on the mythical. Their gifts shape culture, hold political sway, and define the kingdom’s identity—the very spirit of the realm.

But when Master Bard Dorian Silversong is summoned to the capital by his mentor, he walks into a world unraveling. That same mentor, the head of the prestigious Collegium Bardica, has been murdered. Muse-touched artisans are vanishing. And at the heart of it all lies a web of courtly machinations and unseen forces determined to twist the bond between creator and creation for malevolent ends.

What if the power to create was the greatest one of all?

•••••

REVIEW:Overture of Shadow begins with Master Bard Dorian Silversong having been summoned to the capital by his mentor, Sonoran. Upon his arrival at the capital, he is informed that his mentor and friend had been murdered a couple of days before. Dorian then makes his way to Lydian’s estate where she proceeds to tell him what has been happening in the capital.

Dorian and Lydian attended the Collegium Bardica together and had always been close friends and held Sonoran close to their hearts. The Collegium is where the Muse-touched artisans attend to master their particular area of expertise. When Lydian also tells Dorian that other Muse-touched artisans have vanished they vow to get to the bottom of what is going on.

Dorian and Lydian make their way to Sonoran’s estate, which was bequeathed to Dorian upon Sonoran’s death, it does not take long for the two of them to stumble upon things that upend everything they thought they knew about the Muse-touched.

As they set out to uncover the truth, there are several things that must be investigated head on. One being the attraction that has always been there………………Second being their beliefs that being Muse-touched was a blessing for everyone who was chosen.

Overture of Shadow is a well written fantasy tale that slowly lures you into the story. The world building is second to none and leaves the reader being able to see, in their mind’s eye, a landscape that is intriguing and beautiful. The secondary characters, especially Mixolydian (Mixie for short), are very well written. Mixie’s character development leaves you hoping that she features prominently in the next installment. If you are a fantasy fan, you will surely enjoy this world full of intrigue created by Waltner. Well done, Wally Waltner!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie

 

GOODREADS / Amazon Author Page/ Raconteur Press/

Wally Waltner is a genre fiction author and storyteller whose work blends the grandeur of epic fantasy with the pulse and punch of pulp-era adventure. His stories explore the transformative power of creativity—where art and imagination aren’t just themes, but elemental forces that shape worlds, destinies, and the people caught between them.

Born and raised in rural South Dakota, Wally’s roots are grounded in wide skies, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the quiet stories that unfold far from the spotlight. That upbringing taught him the value of listening closely—to people, to landscapes, and to the myths that live just beneath the surface of everyday life. It also fed an active imagination, where a discarded pipe fitting becomes a ray gun, the bed of a rusted-out pickup truck becomes a sailing ship’s deck, and a fallen tree becomes Excalibur.

Wally holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Saint Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he studied brass performance, voice and composition. Though his creative medium has shifted from music to the written word, the rhythmic sensibility and harmonic structure of his early training continue to shape his storytelling today. Whether orchestrating the politics of a fallen kingdom or the inner lives of Musetouched heroes, Wally brings a composer’s discipline and an artist’s intuition to every tale.

His fiction is often set in richly textured worlds like Breheimen, a kingdom where creativity is more than expression—it’s power, and sometimes peril. Drawing inspiration from bardic traditions, psychological archetypes, and the high-stakes drama of pulp narratives, his work celebrates both the beauty and the burden of imagination.

Muses’ War: Overture of Shadow From Wally Waltner and Raconteur Press

Beyond the page, Wally has spent his career as a leader in the management consulting world, where he helps organizations solve complex problems through clarity, structure, and strategic insight. That same mindset flows into his writing, where story architecture, character purpose, and thematic resonance are treated with the same rigor he brings to transformation programs and executive leadership.

Amongst other things, Wally is a certified Kansas City Barbecue Society judge, a volunteer leader for Paizo Publishing’s Organized Play Program, and a worship musician for his local church.

Wally lives in Kansas City with his wife of 33 years, Mechelle — his steadfast partner in life and creativity — and they are the proud parents of a grown daughter who continues to inspire them both. With plans to relocate to North Texas in the near future, Wally is looking forward to planting new roots, meeting new readers, and finding new stories in the heat, hum, and cultural crossroads of the Lone Star state. Whether he’s exploring broken kingdoms, guiding reluctant heroes, or unpacking the strange bargains that power human ambition, Wally Waltner writes with a storyteller’s grace, a strategist’s mind, and a heart full of wonder. His goal is simple: to craft compelling, creative stories that stay with you long after the final page

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The Inheritance by Ilona Andrews – a Review

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The Inheritance by Ilona Andrews – a Review

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Description:
We are at war. The interdimensional invasion brought us unimaginable suffering, but it also awoke talents slumbering deep within us, a means to repel and destroy our enemy. Every day new gates open, leading to breaches filled with monsters and valuable resources. If you are a Talent, your country needs you. The world needs you. Be the hero you were born to be.

Adaline is a Talent. Ten years ago, she had a happy marriage and a job she loved. The invasion shattered both. Now she works for the government, searching the breaches for magic metals and medicine to help Earth repel an interdimensional enemy. Two kids, one cat, bills, benefits, mortgage and school tuition…Risking her life became routine.

She had gone into the dimensional gates hundreds of times. She was always well protected. This time everything goes wrong. Now Ada is trapped in the labyrinth of alien caves unlike any other. Her only companion is a scared German Shepherd named Bear. Together they must uncover the breach’s secrets and escape, because Ada promised her children that she will come home.

The future of humanity depends on it.

 

 

Review:

The Inheritance by Ilona Andrews is the first book in their new series, Breach Wars. We are at war. Every day new gates open, leading to breaches filled with monsters and valuable resources. Beyond the breach entrance there is a miniature dimension that links to the hostile world.

Adaline Moore is a 40-year-old single mom (2 kids) who developed a talent that allows her to see and analyze minerals and other resources in the rift worlds. She works for the Federal government, breach assessor who looks out for various objects of value. She is the mother of two, strong and very smart. 

The other thing that happens is that humans have figured out how to shut the breaches down. Since they only have 3 days to get out before the anchor is damaged. Adaline’s team discovers gold and a huge deposit of adamantine, which turned out to be an attack from those monsters. An incident leaves her in the breach alone with only a dog, Bear for company, as she is driven to survive so she can get back home to her children. She had gone into the dimensional gates hundreds of times. She was always well protected. This time everything goes wrong.

During her attempt to survive, her and Bear find themselves under attack often, and both need to survive by eating food from the dead monsters; with both inheriting new abilities.  They are trapped in the labyrinth of alien beings, but Ada knows they need to uncover the breach secrets in order to escape. I will say I loved Ada and Bear.

Elias, the guild master of Cold Chaos, has been determined to find the truth of what happened.  He knew that the two people who escaped, might be hiding the read truths of how they did survive.

The Inheritance was an exciting, tense story of survival, monsters and breaches.  I really adored how Ada and Bear were so good together.  The Inheritance was very well written by the Ilona Andrews duo (Ilona and Gordon Andrews).   I look forward the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied

 

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The King’s Bow (The Great Lighthouse 1) by Jamie Roe-review

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The King’s Bow (The Great Lighthouse 1) by Jamie Roe-review and guest post

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date JUNE 20, 2025

Thick fur, hungry fangs and sharpened claws. On Tamuz, it’s hunt-or-be-hunted, and Asher is a vegetarian…

Asher has spent his life running from responsibility. But when tragedy strikes and the Rabbethi kingdom is threatened by a bloodthirsty horde, he discovers there’s nowhere left to run. With his people fractured and their survival uncertain, Asher must become the one thing he has always feared – king.

His only hope to re-unite the kingdom lies in an ancient weapon lost to time, said to grant its wielder a fragment of divinity. Accompanied by Cara, a cunning and skilled agent of the Vulpen Queendom, Asher must travel to distant lands, put his trust in foreign leaders and enter the domain of ancient enemies. Though conflicting loyalties and natural instincts set them at odds, the two must work together to outpace a more primal and ravenous force than war itself.

However, a high priestess has her own designs for the weapon – and Asher’s blood. If she succeeds, an even darker force will rise, threatening to consume all of Tamuz. Asher soon learns that claiming the artefact is only the beginning, and the price of failure could doom not only his people but all of Tamuz.

With the crown heavy upon his head and the fate of the world in his paws, Asher must choose: become the leader his people need or let the world be swallowed in blood and shadow.

•••••

REVIEW: I’m going to admit, I’m not sure what I was expecting. I had a conversation with a friend who said it reminded them of “Rocket”, from Guardians of the Galaxy. So with an open mind and with some in trepidation I opened the kindle….

In “The King’s Bow,” the author crafts a captivating tale that plunges us into the vibrant yet perilous world of Tamuz. With its rich tapestry of anthropomorphic characters and high stakes, the story revolves around Asher, a reluctant character who must step up in the face of dire circumstances.

Asher’s journey from a carefree vegetarian to a potential king is filled with growth/self discovery and danger! The author explores themes of responsibility, leadership, and the complexities of loyalty. The contrasting dynamics between Asher and Cara, the skilled agent from the Vulpen Queendom, is rather vast, that brings tension, but as they begin to cooperate, they have a better understanding of one another.

The story is rich with descriptions that almost make you wish you were there. The landscapes are rich and detailed, the scenes are so lifelike that I had to blink twice in order for me to realise I’m in the chair at home, and not in the village/battleground or anywhere near Tamuz!

The high priestess with her own agenda adds an intriguing layer to the story, heightening the stakes as Asher races against time to secure the ancient weapon. You get the feeling that she’s either hiding something, or she has her own agenda! 🤔

The plot twists are good, just enough to keep me on the edge of my seat. The realization that the quest for the artefact is just the beginning of Asher’s challenges keeps the story from getting too boring, and the looming threat of a darker force adds an sinister undertone, making Asher fully aware of the consequences that will come if he fails!

I still kept expecting the characters to “shift” into humans! So for me, it took a little longer to connect with the characters.

The author creates a world where friendships, betrayals, and the burden of leadership collide, making this an interesting read.

I am wondering where the next book will take us.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B

Social Media: Goodreads/  Website/  Instagram /Facebook/  Bluesky Social

I’m currently giving the ebook version of THE KING’S BOW  for free on Amazon between 8th – 12th. Free Amazon eBook

I’ve always been a fan of fantasy, no matter what form it took, whether that be films, novels, or video games. Even when I was little, I would write small fantasy stories about werewolves, dragons and knights. No one would see them, but I always had so much fun writing them. Films like The Lord of the Rings were a massive inspiration for me, as were video games with strong narratives. It’s why I became a video game designer: to tell stories in a way that people could become a part of them. With games, that’s easy, but immersing a reader is a challenge I love to tackle, with detailed scenery, deep worldbuilding and genuine emotions.

I started this story during lockdown. It began as a very traditional fantasy, featuring my equivalent of elves and dwarves, as well as many gods. That eventually changed to anthropomorphic races instead, but one thing that remained was the enclosed world and what lay at its centre, the Great Lighthouse. That was something I knew I wanted, something that made the world my own. The map underwent numerous iterations, right up until publication! But the lighthouse was always at the heart of it all.

The anthropomorphic character idea came, no surprise, from my love for animals, specifically the woodland creatures found in my home of the British Isles. Combine that with my love for walking, talking animals that stems originally from my love for Disney’s Robin Hood. The natural abilities and instincts of such a wide range of species offer a great deal in terms of how the people of my world interact with each other, and how cultures could potentially evolve around them. This led to interesting developments I never expected when I first started writing, such as the Rabbethi people being the only “prey” race among a world of predators. A total accident, but it led to some really interesting interactions between certain characters, and became a driving point for one in particular.

I like to plan VERY loosely when I write. I have key moments in mind that I’m driving my characters towards, and a few bullet points within chapters to help steer them towards these key moments. But in general, I love letting the story emerge naturally on the page. I love how the characters reveal to me what they’re going to do next and how they feel about what’s happening to them. I know how a character thinks and what their goals are; then I just think, “What would they do next?”. Sometimes I’m utterly shocked at what they decide to do, and I absolutely love it.

The King’s Bow was around 4 years in the making. It was an absolute joy to write, and I’ve learned so much during the process. My writing has improved tenfold since I started, and I’ve learned many valuable lessons that I’ll take with me into the sequel. You can stay up to date on my progress by visiting my website www.jamieroe.com and signing up for my newsletter.

I hope you’ll join me on this journey!

Jamie

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Rebel in the Deep (Crimson Sails 3) by Katee Robert-review

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Rebel in the Deep (Crimson Sails 3) by Katee Robert-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date MAY 20, 2025

Nox has been steadfastly working for the rebellion for years. They don’t ask for much in return, except for one crucial condition: their ex, the noble Bastian, stays as far away from them as possible. To say things ended poorly between them is an understatement . . . and it’s the only relationship Nox has never quite recovered from.

But now the rules have changed. Siobhan, the rebel leader, has emerged from hiding to tell Nox that Bastian’s been taken captive and the secrets he holds tight are in danger of being revealed. The fate of the entire rebellion now rests on Nox and Siobhan’s ability to rescue Bastian from a Cŵn Annwn ship.

Saving Bastian is only the start of their hardships, as the trio is tracked by ferocious pirates across Threshold. And Nox’s complicated relationships and entanglements with Bastian and Siobhan put not only their life at risk but their heart on the line.

••••

REVIEW:REBEL IN THE DEEP is the third ( and final?) instalment in Katee Robert’s adult CRIMSON SAILS erotic, fantasy adventure series. This is Nox, Bastian and Siobhan’s story line. REBEL IN THE DEEP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise including menage and same sex situations, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from three first person perspectives (Nox, Bastian and Siobhan) REBEL IN THE DEEP focuses on the ongoing rebellion against the Cwn Annwn. Nox is the captain of the ship Audacity, and a visit from Siobhan finds Nox facing the woman who is now in love with Nox’s ex but all is not well. Bastian disappeared months earlier, and Siobhan needs Nox’s help to rescue the man whom they both love. Bastian is the prisoner of Morrigan and the Cwn Annwan, but Morrigan is about to find herself facing a familiar foe, the woman who is about to come into the powers with the blow of the horn. With the rescue of Bastian, Nox and her crew go in search of a mythical horn, in an effort to ensure a ‘call the wild hunt’.

The world building is complex and detailed as Siobhan must face the reality that is her heritage and history. Nox struggles in the face of their possible death, a sacrifice to save the people they love. Bastian is caught between the two people with whom he has fallen in love but the reality is less complicated when they offer Bastian a chance at a happily ever after.

The relationship between Bastian, Nox and Siobhan is fraught with heart break and love. Bastian broken Nox’s heart to return to his homeland and accept the mantle of second in line but Bastian found himself on the run with Siobhan, one year later, once again breaking the heart of the woman he left behind but reconnecting with Nox means the journey to war, as the crew of the Audacity is on a mission of which they may not survive. The $ex scenes contain scenarios of menage and same $ex situations.

There is a large ensemble cast of magical, colorful and energetic secondary and supporting supernatural characters including shifters, vampire, selkie, witch, and elemental pirate. Most of the characters have some sort of magic, magic that wanes with the use of power.

REBEL IN THE DEEP is a story of magic and mayhem, power and control, betrayal and vengeance, love and acceptance. The character driven premise is intriguing and entertaining; the romance is fated and seductive; the characters are desperate and determined.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

HUNT ON DARK WATERS
Blood on the Tide

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Katee Robert learned to tell her stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her 2015 title, The Marriage Contract, was a RITA finalist, and RT Book Reviews named it ‘a compulsively readable book with just the right amount of suspense and tension.”  When not writing sexy contemporary and romantic suspense, she spends her time playing imaginary games with her children, driving her husband batty with what-if questions, and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse.

Connect with Katee at: Website | Facebook | GoodReads | Instagram

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The Gaius Realm: Echoes of Choice by JW Frederick & TL Hughes

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The Gaius Realm: Echoes of Choice by JW Frederick & TL Hughes-review & excerpt

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 11, 2025

Aiden and Leia thought they’d live happily ever after… until his superpowers knocked her into a coma.

Romance, superpowers, and psychology come together in The Gaius Realm: Echoes of Choice. Aiden’s desperation to gain control of his powers leads him into the heart of a hidden war, and he discovers that both sides of the conflict know more about his powers than he does. New revelations force him to make an impossible choice with far-reaching consequences.

All Aiden wanted was a life without superpowers. A life with Leia. But, depending on what he chooses, there may not be much of a life left to go back to.

•••••••

REVIEW: I wasn’t sure I’d like this at first. It’s been a while since I’ve read a book with an established couple. Usually it’s a second chance or a new relationship. There isn’t a lot of blurb to read, so it felt like going in blind.

We have the romance, we have paranormal (well it’s not normal to have a superpower, right?) and the psychology part? Well it got me thinking well after the last page….

Really well written. The plot gets you engaged and the characters keep you reading to find out more.

Told from Aiden’s point of view. He keeps his talent/curse to himself, only close family and Leia know the truth at what Aiden can do. His powers react to emotions, so even he gets upset, things happen! Aiden needs to keep calm.

Poor Leia is in a coma! (Not a spoiler, it’s in the blurb😉) and it’s all Aiden’s fault! How? Do we find out? (We do) And will she ever wake up?

Aiden’s powers begin to grow, and so does his confidence, but he’s still unwilling to share what he can do.

Something different and totally unexpected.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

At least nothing’s broken—this time.
“Is it safe to assume you did this as well?” he asks.
I hesitate before giving a dry, “Yeah.”
Dr. Larson presses his lips together, swallowing as he surveys the scene again.
“Did you… not appreciate the work of our overpaid interior designers? I’ve always thought this room had some weird feng shui myself, but I can’t say I understand your stylistic choices either.” He strokes his chin, his eyes narrowing as though he’s analyzing an abstract painting at an art gallery.
“I didn’t try to… It just happens sometimes.”
His tone shifts, the sarcasm vanishing. He turns to face me fully, his expression serious now. “So… you have an active LET, and you can’t control it?”
My head drops. I inhale deeply, trying to fill my lungs with enough air to keep out the truth I’ve avoided admitting. When I finally let the breath go, it takes the last scraps of hope I had for a normal life along with it.
I worked so hard to keep my powers a secret for so long. I had a few slip-ups, but the only people who really knew were my parents, my brother, sister, fiancée, and best friend. I trust Dr. Larson enough to answer his question, but still… where is this going to go once I tell him?
“No… I can’t control it.”
His expression sharpens with the curiosity of his relentless scientific mind. That curiosity is exactly what I wanted to avoid because I know it leads to a question that I do not want to answer.
“The details of Leia’s accident have always been somewhat vague to me,” he says slowly, his voice quieter. “Now I understand why. ARL has agreed to send a specialist, but he’ll need all the information relevant to Leia’s injury in order to diagnose and effectively treat her condition.” He pauses, his gaze locking onto mine. “Aiden, I have to ask you—what really happened that night?”

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Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs – Review & Giveaway

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Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
In the supernatural realms, there are creatures who belong to winter. I am not one of them. But like the coyote I can become at will, I am adaptable.

My name is Mercy Thompson Hauptman, and my mate, Adam, is the werewolf who leads the Columbia Basin Pack, the pack charged with keeping the people who live and work in the Tri-Cities of Washington State safe. It’s a hard job, and it doesn’t leave much room for side quests. Which is why when I needed to travel to Montana to help my brother, I intended to go by myself.

But I’m not alone anymore.

Together, Adam and I find ourselves trapped with strangers in a lodge in the heart of the wilderness, in the teeth of a storm of legendary power, only to discover my brother’s issues are a tiny part of a problem much bigger than we could have imagined. Arcane and ancient magics are at work that could, unless we are very careful, bring about the end of the world.

 

Review:

Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs is the 14th book in her wonderful Mercy Thompson series. I am a big fan of this series, and its heroine, Mercy Thompson.  It is always fun to spend time with Mercy and Adam, and their pack. Refresher:  Mercy has always been independent, and she continues to surprise many as she always manages to find a way to outsmart her enemies, who constantly underestimate her.  Mercy is strong, savvy, smart and a coyote shifter, but it is her love for Adam that makes her very loyal to the pack also; she will do anything to protect those she loves. 

Winter Lost picks up not too far when the last book ended, with Mercy still feeling the effects of what the Soul Taker did to her. She still hides some of the symptoms left over, but those close to her still try to find a way to heal her. When her brother Gary shows up, they discover he has been cursed. The local frost giant Ymir is called in to find out why Gary was cursed, but he tells them his other brother, Hrimnir created the curse. Mercy and Adam embark on a journey to Montana to find the person behind the curse, to help her brother.  

When they meet Hrimnir, he explains that Gary had stolen an important artifact; in retaliation, he has brought a major blizzard to the hotel, where a wedding will take place.  No one can leave the resort until the artifact is returned, or all will die.  Mercy and Adam go to stay at the hotel and try to find the artifact; while there they meet a host of supernatural beings, such as fae, vampires, wolves, etc. We also learn about the myths and traditions, such as the wedding, as well as end of the world threats.  I did like some new characters, such as Liam (Fae), and Grandmother Spider, who was a great addition, with her magical abilities.

What follows is an exciting, non-stop, tense, action packed adventure that captivated me from start to finish.   Winter Lost was a tense, exciting, wild, pulse pounding climax. To tell too much more would be spoilers, which would ruin the story. 

Winter Lost was a page turner, and so very well written by Briggs, with so much action throughout. I loved every moment of it.  I love Adam and Mercy together, as they have a wonderful bond.  This is a fabulous series.  If you have not read the Mercy Thompson series, and love paranormal, shifters, wolves; it is time to start reading this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Patricia’s publisher has graciously offered a paper copy of WINTER LOST to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Glitches of Gods (Playspheres 1) by Jurgen Jojo Appelo-review

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Glitches of Gods (Playspheres 1) by Jurgen Jojo Appelo-review

ebook only 99¢ USD Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au / B&N Hardcover

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 7, 2024

Julien, the AI genius, craves freedom, but the gods wield total control. In this ominous world, will his android bring hope and salvation or yet more death and destruction?

Julien feels utterly miserable. Creator of the AI that killed his father, the brilliant engineer deftly evades work on the world’s first human-level android, dodging the off-chance of snuffing out more lives. Instead, Julien much prefers bickering with his virtual assistant, crafting memes with his quirky friends, and shagging dates across a broad spectrum of genders. Yet, due to a maddening jump across timelines, he grudgingly faces his greatest dreads: raising a family and leading his team to win the AI race.

Drowning in new duties, Julien aims to avoid a second AI disaster. But when a mysterious, technological infection wreaks havoc on the city, Julien flip-flops between shielding his loved ones and leading his team as he battles it out with broken machines, idiot protestors, and a rather sinister cat. Learning he got himself involved in a war between gods, should Julien save his new family or finish his team’s android to prevent an AI apocalypse?

•••

REVIEW: GLITCHES OF GODS is the first instalment in Jurgen ‘jojo’ Appelo’s adult PLAYSPHERES sci-fi, fantasy series focusing on Artificial Intelligence AI, virtual reality VR, virtual assistant VA, robots, gods and goddesses.

Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including AI genius Julien, GLITCHES OF GODS focuses on a series of technological failures or glitches that may or may not be a deliberate act of sabotage or one of many moves in a game of war. Julien is an embattled AI genius in the wake of the death of his father that he blames on himself but when several ‘glitches’ alter the timeline on more than one occasion, and Julien is the only user aware of the changes, our hero must uncover the truth including the appearance of several gods who are taking too much of an interest in the downward spirals, and a radical group of anti-AI who are taking aim at Julien. As the world continues to reboot itself, death and destruction cycle, codes are rewritten, and Julien must unravel the mystery with the help of a sentient AI.

Set approximately thirty-five years into the future, GLITCHES OF GODS is a blend of The Matrix™, Reboot™, Upload™, Simulant™ and a little bit of Men in Black ™ as well as any number of futuristic story lines focusing on multi-verses, the rise of artificial intelligence and the downfall of society. From body modifications, to androids, AI controlled cars and appliances, nothing is safe from attack.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including several members of Julien’s team of computer savants, and Orec, the anomaly that ‘guides’ our story line hero.

GLITCHES OF GODS is a detailed, complex and dramatic story line blending futuristic possibilities with a fantastical cast of illuminating characters as the author builds a world unlike any other.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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