‘Rhapsodic’ (The Bargainer, #1) by Laura Thalassa

5 stars!

With her series of 5 books, ‘The Unearthly,’ Laura Thalassa has managed to combine many different types of supernatural beings into one coherent YA love story between supernatural soulmates and the devil that seeks to tear them apart.  (‘The Unearthly’ reviews here.)

‘Rhapsodic’ is an equally well-written NA fantasy book set in the world of Thalassa's ‘The Unearthly’ series, though there are no cross-over characters.  For this adventure, we follow Callypso through time spent at Peel Academy, the elite supernatural boarding school on the British Isles, and onward to adulthood.  As a young woman, she made several (hundred) deals with The Bargainer, a gorgeous, infamous, and seemingly all-powerful otherworldly being.  ‘Rhapsodic’ takes readers back and forth, between 16-year-old Callie and 24-year-old Callie, and her dynamic relationship with The Bargainer.

Sirens and fairies and magic and snark!  If you enjoyed the YA supernatural ‘The Unearthly’ series, you’ll love this!  

All books mentioned in this post are currently available as part of the Kindle Unlimited program.

‘Griffen: Shadows of the Mirror Realm’ by A.J. Blakemont

3.5 stars

This paranormal fantasy novel jumps right in with an action scene, and follows up shortly after with details of how our narrator, Griffen, came to be who and how she is.  In author A.J. Blakemont’s world, Simulacra exist – “doppelgangers, ghostly twins, the harbingers of death” – complete with immortality and various skills and abilities.  They are trained, organized, and deadly.  Fantasy readers, hold on tight and enjoy the ride.

I voluntarily reviewed this book provided by NetGalley.

'Griffen' will be available on February 4, 2017.

‘The Princess Companion: A Retelling of The Princess and the Pea’ (The Four Kingdoms #1) by Melanie Cellier

4 stars for this lovely retelling of The Princess and the Pea.  Born and bred to a family of woodcutters in the forest, Alyssa never imagined she would become a Companion to twin 11 year old princesses.  She finds their older brother, Prince Maximilian, mysterious, intriguing, and handsome.  Even the lady Queen Eleanor has a history.  Come spend an afternoon in Cellier's charming fairy tale.

Currently available on Kindle Unlimited.

‘Ever the Hunted’ (Clash of Kingdoms #1) by Erin Summerill

4.5 stars

‘Ever the Hunted’ is the story of a witty and resourceful teenage girl as she discovers more about her childhood best friend (Cohen), herself and her parents. 

Author Erin Summerill has skillfully outlined cultural details and histories of two neighboring kingdoms.  Narrated by our main character, Britta Flannery, readers are kept unaware of several big reveals until Britta learns them herself.  Though the first portion of the story involves Britta hunting down her handsome childhood friend, who has been accused of her father’s murder, the duo quickly team up and pursue the real killer.  On the way, they learn more about the opposing kingdoms and endeavor to prevent war.

‘Ever the Hunted’ is blissfully devoid of insta-love, love triangles, and whinny gals who need saving.  I highly recommend this book to YA and fantasy readers.

I’ve voluntarily reviewed this book.

'Ever the Hunted' will be available on December 27, 2016.

‘How I Found You’ by Gabriella Lepore

3.5 stars

‘How I Found You’ is a tale of soulmates who have found each other in this lifetime due to a prophecy involving Rose.  As a witch, Oscar has the ability to find people and things that he holds dear in his heart, and he is the only witch who was able to find Rose, because of their connection.

Rose plans to have a quiet summer vacationing with her Aunt, Uncle, and their new baby.  Little did she expect two witches to move in and to find her soulmate.  Though this does explain the nightmare that repeats itself each night.

While ‘How I Found You’ was not the best YA novel I’ve read this year, it was indeed a good read.  Recommended for YA paranormal romance readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of ‘How I Found You.’

'Defining Justice' (Threats of Sky and Sea #0.6) by Jennifer Ellision

This ‘Threats of Sky and Sea’ novella takes place before the start of book 1, however, I recommend reading book 1 first, for greater understanding and appreciation.

This novella reveals Prince Caden's break from his father's ideology of ruling and the start of his movement to protect citizens of Egria.  A must-read for ‘Threats of Sky and Sea’ readers.

Thanks to author Jennifer Ellision for providing an electronic copy in exchange for an honest review.

‘Fall of Thrones and Thorns’ (Threats of Sky and Sea #3) by Jennifer Ellision

5 magical stars!

A gripping conclusion to the trilogy, ‘Fall of Thrones and Thorns’ picks up where 'Riot of Storm and Smoke' left off, immediately after the exciting cliffhanger-reveal.  Young barmaid Breena Perdit has come a long way from the cozy Bridge and Duchess Inn hidden away in small town Abeline.  She has learned much about her ancestry and her ability to Wield/Throw her Element of water.

‘Fall’ begins on the shore of Nereidium as Bree, Prince Caden, and their companions escape the clutches of evil King Langdon of Egria.  Whatever peace the group finds, it cannot last long as Shaker-created earthquakes pose a serious threat to the peaceful island.  After time spent learning Nereidium history and customs, and learning more about themselves individually, Bree, Caden, and Aleta lead the group back to Egria, to secure the safety and future of both Egria and Nereidium.

This action-adventure tale is told from multiple perspectives, including Bree, Caden, and Aleta.  The story remains clear to follow thanks to author Jennifer Ellision’s skilled writing.  Feelings and relationships between characters are believable and feel real as they develop.  As characters discover truths about themselves and grow internally, the progressions make sense and feel natural.

I highly recommend the ‘Threats of Sky and Sea’ series to any reader who enjoys magic, court intrigue, YA and fantasy.  These page-turners are captivating and thoroughly enjoyable!

‘Fall of Thrones and Thorns’ will be available on September 27, 2016.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

‘Breathe In’ (Threats of Sky and Sea, #0.7) by Jennifer Ellision

5 stars!

This ‘Threats of Sky and Sea’ novella takes place before the start of book 1, however, I recommend reading book 1 first, for greater understanding and appreciation.

This is the tale of Lady Corrine, Duke Ardin’s wife, how she met Ardin, how he stole her breath away, in the romantic sense, and what happened such that Corrine and Bree never met.  A must-read for ‘Threats of Sky and Sea’ readers.

Currently available for free as part of the Kindle Unlimited program.

‘Sisters of Wind and Flame’ (Threats of Sky and Sea 0.5) by Jennifer Ellision

5 stars!

This ‘Threats of Sky and Sea’ novella takes place before the start of book 1, however, I recommend reading book 1 first, for greater understanding and appreciation.

‘Sisters of Wind and Flame’ is the tale of Lady Katerine and her twin sister, Elena, and how they came to be in the King of Egria’s service.  We follow the events that led up to Ekaterina changing her name to Katerine, and get to see more of Bree’s Da.  A must-read for ‘Threats of Sky and Sea’ readers.

Currently available for free as part of the Kindle Unlimited program.

‘Riot of Storm and Smoke’ (Threats of Sky and Sea #2) by Jennifer Ellision

5 stars!

'Riot of Storm and Smoke' picks up immediately where ‘Threats of Sky and Sea’ left off, in the middle of the action and is just as captivating and easy to get into as ‘Threats.’  Told from the dual perspectives of Bree and Caden, we follow each of their paths as the King reacts to his missing prisoners.

Strap in tight, ‘Riot’ is every bit the action-adventure that ‘Threats’ is.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.