Monday, April 17, 2017

‘Girls Made of Snow and Glass’ by Melissa Bashardoust

5 enchanting stars!

'Girls Made of Snow and Glass' is the best Snow White re-telling I've ever read. This is an amazingly clever re-imagining of the Step-Mother's motivations and history, and her relationship with the King and the young Princess. 

Debut author Melissa Bashardoust captivates with vivid descriptions and open emotions, alternating perspectives between Queen and Princess. 

An absolute gem. Beautifully done!

I voluntarily read an Advanced Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘Girls Made of Snow and Glass’ will be available on September 5, 2017.

Thursday, April 13, 2017

‘The Rise of the Dawnstar’ (The Avalonia Chronicles #2) by Farah Oomerbhoy

In ‘The Last of the Firedrakes’ (review here) we saw main character Aurora as she became aware of the magical realm of Avalonia, and all the fairies, mages, and other mythical creatures that exist.  She was thrust into a foreign world with political upheaval, a complicated family history, and had her first flirtation with a boy.

In ‘Rise of the Dawnstar,’ we follow Aurora as she meets new allies, new boys, and learns more about her Fae abilities.

The Avalonia Chronicles are page-turners through and through, and their slight similarities to the Harry Potter series and King Arthur legends only made me want to keep reading. Recommended for any YA or fantasy reader.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘The Rise of the Dawnstar’ will be available on April 24, 2017.

Friday, April 7, 2017

‘Golden’ (Golden, #1) by K.M. Robinson

Some books begin in the middle of an action scene and then elaborate on characters and circumstances as they go. Others begin in the middle of an under-cover operation and the narrating character explains to the reader their motivations and circumstances, and the book can still be enjoyable. Sadly, Golden failed to adequately draw me in, as readers are not given enough details of the circumstances, and we do not come to know the characters all that well.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

‘Hook: Exiles of the Realm’ by Adrienne Bell

4 stars

There’s the magical Fae realm ruled by King Oberon, there’s the Underworld, ruled by Hades, and then there’s Earth.  When notorious thief, Captain James Hook, gets himself exiled from the Fae realm, along with four other fairy-tale themed law-breakers, he hatches up a plan to get them all sent back.  Even if his scheme involves magical relics, a witty mortal lady, and Hades himself.

Recommended for fans of fantasy and paranormal romance.  Please note that this tale is *not* a spin on Peter Pan.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

Monday, April 3, 2017

‘Descendants’ by Rae Else

3 stars

“Descendants is the first book in the Young Adult, Urban Fantasy trilogy: The Arete Series.”

With ‘Descendants’ author Rae Else has created a mythology of sorts with the actual descendants of Medusa and similar mythological creatures.  Intriguing story-line; carefully planned out and well-written.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘Descendants’ will be available on April 12, 2017.