by Jasmyn | Jun 3, 2019 | Book Reviews, Readers, Science Fiction, Fantasy
I feel like this book is the real beginning of the world known as Shannara. The Legends of Shannara series starts after “our” world has ended and a small enclave of various races and creatures have taken shelter within a magical foggy shield. The world has been kept at bay as it crumbles under countless disasters, but this small group has lived in peace behind their magical walls, forming the beginnings of the kingdoms and regions I’ve grown to love over the vast Shannara series.
But the walls begin to crumble, and the outside world comes calling in a rather vicious and bloodthirsty way. Having been protected for so long, the people of Shannara are not prepared and don’t even really believe the scouts who spotted the intruders – and the invaders. The outside world has been struggling to survive, and the formerly sheltered valley looks like a place they want to call home as well.
I found a lot of those traditional fantasy elements that I love so much. A handful of people slowly becoming a small part of 5 or 6. Different races and regions coming together, trying to save a world that doesn’t even know (or want to admit) that it needs saving. Enemies and dangers hiding in plain sight and betrayal always a possibility with each new turn. By the end of the book, the lines have been drawn and many of the sides have been determined, but I haven’t even gotten to the big fight yet. Things are still being prepared, and you never know what could happen next.
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Title: Bearers of the Black Staff (Legends of Shannara #1)
Author: Terry Brooks
Genre: High Fantasy
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Five hundred years have passed since the devastating demon-led war tore apart the United States and nearly exterminated humankind. Those who escaped the carnage were led to sanctuary in an idyllic valley, its borders warded by powerful magic against the horrors beyond. But the cocoon of protective magic surrounding the valley has now vanished. When Sider Ament, the only surviving descendant of the Knights of the Word, detects unknown predators stalking the valley, he fears the worst. And when expert Trackers find two of their own gruesomely killed, there can be no doubt: The once safe haven has been made vulnerable to whatever still lurks in the outside wasteland. Together, Ament, the two young Trackers, and a daring Elf princess spearhead plans to defend their ancestral home. And in the thick of it all, the last wielder of the black staff and its awesome magic must find a successor to carry on the fight against the cresting new wave of evil.
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by Jasmyn | May 27, 2019 | Book Reviews, Readers, Romance
First of all, a warning. There is a rape scene in the book – mostly off page and handled as tastefully as one can handle that kind of trauma, but it’s there, and some people won’t be able to read it.
On to the review! Sam and Nick – DC’s favorite couple. As they prepare to get married, Sam finds herself investigating yet another high profile murder case. When it comes to light that a Senator has been sleeping with a member of the cleaning crew – and she winds up dead – Sam knows there’s more to the story than what first appears. Her gut rarely steers her wrong, and it’s absolutely correct in this one. She finds herself investigating several political figures – some in very high places.
But the murderer is convinced he’s untouchable and begins to make threats against Sam. Meanwhile, Nick is trying to plan their wedding and keep Sam safe. To top it all off, Sam’s ex-husband is back in the story causing problems again. Sam and Nick’s relationship really seems kind of settled in this one, so Marie has introduced a new romance that is so incredibly sweet.
Detective Gonzalez (Gonzo) has just found some incredibly exciting and scary news. He’s afraid that it will tear his new relationship with Christine apart. But they are both amazing people and you just know they are meant to be together. It was a lot of fun to have this couple finding true love – even though their story wasn’t the main event – it was prominent enough that it really stands out.
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Title: Fatal Consequences (Fatal #3)
Author: Marie Force
Genre: Romantic Suspense
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Politics can be murder…
Lieutenant Sam Holland has no sooner accepted Senator Nick Cappuano’s proposal than she’s back on the job. A woman has been found brutally murdered and evidence points to Henry Lightfeather, a senator and close friend of Nick’s. While Sam investigates, Nick stands by his friend–complicating his own bid for reelection, and causing tension between the couple.
As Sam’s investigation reveals a scandal that rocks the capital, Nick and Sam discover that the biggest threat to their future might be someone from her past….
Includes the bonus novella Fatal Destiny
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by Jasmyn | May 24, 2019 | Book Reviews, Readers, Romance
I really enjoyed the way the bear clan drama played out in Alpha’s Queen. With both sides of an arranged marriage not that interested in getting married, a clan on the brink of civil war, and a power struggle within the Alpha’s family, there is a lot going on. Lila Felix does a great job of tying it all together and using the political tension to show the hidden and overlooked strengths in Harrison and Atlas.
Harrison isn’t all that interested in becoming the Alpha of the Black Bears. He was a fun character once I got past his disinterest in all things clan related and his desire to forgo his responsibilities. I kind of get why he felt that way once I saw more of his family.
Atlas was a bit of a sacrificial lamb. A member of the lower castes that were threatening revolution because of poor treatment by the royals, she was supposed to mend fences with a marriage. But we all know that doesn’t usually work out. At first, she is torn between duty and following her heart. But meeting Harrison quickly changes her mind, and she finds herself neck-deep in the twisted politics and family drama that comes along with him.
There weren’t any really surprising twists or turns in this one. It was just a well-told story of two fated mates saving their clan while finding love.
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Title: Alpha’s Queen (Havenwood Falls #6)
Author: Lila Felix
Genre: Paranormal Romance
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Being the alpha’s queen is the last thing Atlas Belham has ever wanted. Yet here she stands, blindfolded and binding herself to a life with a man she’s never even met. All for the good of her people.
Harrison Xavier’s plans have never included taking a mate, ever. He’s perfectly happy to allow his cousin to assume his place as leader, especially as old feuds reignite and the Black Bear Kingdom teeters on the edge of revolution. But when he sees Atlas, his whole world shifts.
Life as a royal and in her new hometown of Havenwood Falls, where nothing is as it seems, test Atlas’s resolve, but it’s Harrison who tries her the most. It’s ultimately up to her to choose—freedom and independence for herself or peace for the kingdom.
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