Morgan's Musings
Just my rambling, plus whatever book I've recently read!
Genres: #Fantasy, #YoungAdult Blurb: THE EARTH GIVES WAY TO THE SEA, THE SEA BOWS BEFORE THE WIND, THE WIND FEEDS THE FLAME, THE FLAME BURNS THE WORLD OF MAN DOWN TO THE EARTH. The sleepy town of White Halls harbors a dangerous secret. On a picturesque street, two houses down from a lovely little park, in a quaint little home with a wraparound porch, lives a family that seems rather normal. Sure, their twenty-year-old son, Xander, still lives at home, but he’s going to college and dating the leader of the schools top sorority. It’s all very… normal. However, when a man is miraculously saved from being hit by a bus, Xander’s life turns in to the living embodiment of the tornadoes he can suddenly create with a flick of his wrist. Whether he wants this gift or not, Xander must learn to use his new ‘super power’ quickly if he wants to survive. For his kind is a dying race, and when this sleepy town has a sudden influx of new, blonde, fire wielders, no one is safe, especially Xander. It doesn’t help that one of these blondes happens to be the most beautiful girl he has ever seen. Xander can’t deny the instant connection he feels to her so, when she tries to kill him, it certainly makes things complicated. My Thoughts: First things first, I thoroughly enjoyed this story! There were parts that didn't quite sit straight with me but, on the whole, I found this to be a great read. Xander is a twenty-year-old college student who doesn't know what he wants to major in. He is best-friends with Sean, and has some sort of weird relationship with Jessica, a sorority president. He lives at home and doesn't have a job. His life changes when he suddenly gains some powers over the Air. I loved the Elemental aspect of this book. No surprise to some of you, I'm sure. I thought the part that says only one Element can live on the earth at one time was a good one. I'm not completely sure why Fire is always cast as the bad guy but there you go. Sammy (a Fire Elemental) is a very intriguing character and I would love to learn more about her backstory. A lot goes on with her in this story and I can't wait to see where she goes next. This was an easy read that kept me turning the pages. Like I said, some of it didn't quite fit with the background/story but not enough to disrupt my reading. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves a YA/NA Elemental story! Jon Messenger (Born 1979 in London, England) serves as an United States Army Major in the Medical Service Corps. Since graduating from the University of Southern California in 2002, writing Science Fiction has remained his passion, a passion that has continued through multiple combat and humanitarian deployments. Jon wrote the "Brink of Distinction" trilogy, of which "Burden of Sisyphus" is the first book, while serving a 16-month deployment in Baghdad, Iraq.
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Genres: #Fantasy, #Romance Blurb: Trapped in a loveless marriage. Unable to find evidence of a prior marriage contract. Prince Killian Rhys searches for another way out. Beset by enemies within and without, Serena NicArryan struggles to find her way as the queen of the Dragon Fey without her love at her side. Fulfilling a role determined for her by the Dark Fey Elders, Katia Rhys fights to hold on to the one thing that can save her from oblivion … her marriage. Determined to see his line continue to rule the Kingdom of Illedria, King Mathias Rhys will do anything to see his son, Killian, fulfill his royal obligations, no matter who the boy truly loves. In the battle for true love, which side will win? My Thoughts: Dragon's Blood is the last book (so far) in this saga but it ends on one heck of a cliffhanger so I will be searching to see when (or if) the next book is due. Serena and Killian are still separated, Katia is pregnant with Killian's child, Mathias' health continues to rise and fall as he makes erratic decisions. I will be honest here. As much as I enjoyed this story, it didn't move along enough for me. Yes, there are parts where we take a hop, skip, and a jump but most of it is just "same old" but with different scenarios. We know Serena and Killian want to be together. We know they miss each other. We know the letters are a slice of hope to each of them. And we know that Katia will do what she has to to keep her child and save her own skin. I have thoroughly enjoyed the series and I really hope there is more to come. If there is another book, you can be sure I will be buying it. For now, though, it appears I am leaving Serena and Killian separated with apparently no hope. If you like fantasy then I have no hesitation in recommending this series. A lifelong California girl, Michelle Rabe tried the Hollywood thing but decided she preferred an author’s den to the actor’s trailer. She now lives in the Phoenix, AZ with her unhelpful author cat and a very understanding roommate.
Genres: #Fantasy, #Romance Blurb: Crown Prince Killian Rhys's life has been defined by duty for as long as he can recall. Duty ties him to a wife he does not love. Duty separates him from the woman he loves, a woman once believed to be beneath him. Duty holds him to the people he will one day rule. Can Killian break free of duty's chains before his wife binds him with more than vows? Will he find a path to his true love, or will duty wrap him in inescapable shackles? My Thoughts: Dragon's Soul is the second book in The Dragon Fey series and it continues where Dragon's Heart left off. In this one we see Serena fulfilling her role as Dragon Fey Queen, against all odds. It's not just those of different courts who don't want to see her rule. Killian has his hands full still with Katia and his father, although that took a darker twist! The scene has already been set in book one so reading this was like settling down with a comfy blanket and just being able to relax and enjoy the story as it unfolded before my eyes. The characters remain true to themselves, doing the best they can in difficult situations. This is a great addition to the series, carrying with it all the intrigue and betrayal as seen in Dragon's Heart. Thoroughly enjoyed by me and I look forward to book three. A lifelong California girl, Michelle Rabe tried the Hollywood thing but decided she preferred an author’s den to the actor’s trailer. She now lives in the Phoenix, AZ with her unhelpful author cat and a very understanding roommate.
Genres: #Fantasy, #Romance Blurb: Serena Harlowe always knew her place. A foundling placed with the tutor of Illedrian royalty, she grew to be a talented fighter. After rising to the rank of lieutenant in the royal army, she proves her worth and thwarts the attempted assassination of the man she loves. The selfless act will change her life forever and start a chain of events that will unlock her hidden past. My Thoughts: Dragon's Heart is the first book in The Dragon Fey Saga and I have to say, I was swept away with Serena and Killian. They have plenty of obstacles in their way and will do what they can to overcome them... just so long as their own foibles and stubbornness don't get in the way. The world-building is fantastic and the characters are all nicely rounded. Like or loathe them, they are real. For me, the essence of a good book is to enjoy every word and not even realise how long you've been reading it. This was Dragon's Heart. I didn't realise I had hit the end until there were no more words. I can't wait to see where it will go next, and luckily for me, I have book two all lined up and ready to go. If you enjoy #Fantasy #Romance with court intrigue, murder, betrayal, love, and passion, then I can definitely recommend this book! A lifelong California girl, Michelle Rabe tried the Hollywood thing but decided she preferred an author’s den to the actor’s trailer. She now lives in the Phoenix, AZ with her unhelpful author cat and a very understanding roommate.
Genres: #YoungAdult, #Fantasy Blurb: In a culture of cravats and corsets, a troubled sixteen-year-old stands out in her t-shirt and torn jeans. She takes the name “Memory” because hers are stolen, and she’ll do anything to get them back. Lost in a world not her own, where magic and monstrous fairies are real, Memory has enough to handle just trying to stay alive. Chased by wizard hunters, hunted by a dragon, stalked by a strange, handsome savage, despised by the fae and wanted by the king himself – everyone is after Memory, and she suspects it’s not just for her eye-catching outfit. Her forgotten past holds dangerous secrets that will change everything. Memory will fight to get back to a family and home she can’t remember but desperately desires, even at the cost of new friendships and romances. On the run with no name and no memories, she thinks she has nothing left to lose. She couldn’t be more mistaken. My Thoughts: Memory's Wake is the first book in the trilogy of the same name, and we meet a sixteen-year-old girl in the woods who has no memories at all. She has no idea who she is, where she is, or how she got there. Conveniently, Eloryn is close at hand, and not only saves her (for the time being) but also gives her a name in the meantime - Memory. There are parts of this book that I really enjoyed. However, there are also parts I didn't. The overall story is a good one, and there is a whole host of characters to support it and to move it forwards. Unfortunately for me, some of those characters had little to no relevance to me as their part wasn't clearly explained. This may be just a carrot on a stick for the next books, but it was one of the reasons I found myself losing interest in the main story. Likewise with the main characters themselves. There were parts to them that made them interesting and relate-able. And yet once again, other parts were inconsistent with their back-stories. I have enjoyed this book, and the illustrations are as magnificent as you would expect from this author, but I won't be continuing with the series. * I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book from the author which in no way affected my review. * Born in 1981 to Australian and Maltese parents, Selina lives with her family near Sydney, Australia. During her life Selina has found ancient Roman treasure, survived cancer, had knights joust at her wedding, earned a living from her art by age twenty-three, eaten every bizarre and wonderful food put in front of her, written numerous novels and painted hundreds of artworks.
Once upon a time, on the night of a full moon, in a small country town in Australia a girl was born with a vast imagination. She was given the name Selina, meaning “Moon”, named after the moon that shone that night. As a child Selina loved to read. Her favourite stories were those of myth and magic, princesses and fairies. She soon learned she had a greater love than reading when she would spend countless hours staring at the illustrations in these books, ignoring the stories told in words in preference of the stories shown by the artworks. She would study each brush stroke, marvelling that any human hand could create such beauty. The images enchanted her, bewitched her, and filled her head with magic and romance. Having always enjoyed drawing, Selina began to create artworks of her own ideas of fantasy inspired by the illustrations in her fairytale books, with goddesses, fairies and enchanted creatures. She grew up continually trying to improve her art and create that same magical feel and sense of adventure she knew as a child. Many years later, Selina’s artwork has been warmly received by lovers of fantasy all over the world. Selina still resides in Australia, being self employed in painting her ideas of fantasy and selling her own artwork and handcrafted gift designs. In her spare time, Selina enjoys cooking, urban homesteading, spending time with her husband and daughter, and all things geeky. BLURB: I have only ever wanted a normal life. A life where I could have friends, go on dates, have a career, you know, the boring stuff. But, what if my life was never meant to be normal? What if I was meant to be extraordinary? My fate was put on hold the day I was born, but all of that changed when I met Brogan. He made me feel things I didn't know possible, and awoke something I didn't know existed. He set my fate back into motion. My name is Alya, and this was when my life really began. This book contains sexual situations and some strong language, so 18+ is recommended. It is the first book in the Aurelia Chronicles series. MY REVIEW: Queen of the Fireflies is the first book in the Aurelia Chronicles, and if you're expecting a new world straight away, then prepare to be disappointed. 99% of this book take place on good old Earth! Alya has just split up from her boyfriend and decides to spend the summer with her mother. Whilst she's there, she meets Brogan and they have a hot, summer fling. They both know it has an expiry date on it, but neither are prepared to stop seeing the other before they absolutely have to. This is NOT at young adult fantasy as there are some very steamy bits in it. They are an essential part of the story though and I loved every scene. It is heartbreaking, joyful, hopeful, and sad - the perfect blend of summer romance for a young couple. It does end on a cliffhanger though, so fair warning! I can't wait to continue with this series, and have no hesitation in recommending it. Rinna Ford is a Southern girl that lives in the Midwest USA. She lives with her amazingly sexy husband, two adorable daughters, a lazy dog, and a skittish cat. She loves sushi, music, and getting packages in the mail (much to her husband's dismay). Rinna Ford is the pen name the author uses to write the stories that float around in her head.
BLURB: An epic journey. If the Seventine are released, will anyone survive? Some days Abigail wonders why she gets out of bed and then she remembers; it’s her job to save seven worlds. No biggie, right? Not to mention the breaking of her melding bond with Brace seems to have destroyed more than just her heart. She’s hurting all the way to her soul. All she can do is focus on the tasks at hand, and with this in mind she sets out to find the remaining half-Walker females. The next world is Nephilius: a warrior planet. The inhabitants – Angelica – value fighting, bravery and honor above all else. Abigail planned on competing in their tournament, but in her weakened state she knows that she’s no match for them. The need for a true warrior brings Brace back into her life, and Abigail has no idea if she’s strong enough to prevent their bond reforming. Sure, he doesn’t remember her, but they are and always will be mates. Therefore Brace possesses a fundamental need to protect her. And right now her own instincts are screaming at her to ease the pain inside by throwing herself into his arms. Abigail knew it was going to be a massive sacrifice, but for the sake of everyone’s lives she needs to be strong enough to stay the distance. MY REVIEW: NEPHILIUS is the fifth book in the Walker Saga, and we finally start to see some answers. The wait has been worthwhile as I have spent time connecting with the characters. It's not all over though, oh no. We've been given a small teaser, but there is so much more to go, and only two books left to do it in. I'm happy to say that the triangle between Lucas-Abby-Brace might be sorting itself out - thank goodness. You know triangles aren't my thing, but because Lucas wasn't around all the time, it made for easy reading. Now it seems like he will have his mate after all, just not the one he thought. This was still a hard read though. Abby is lost without Brace, but is having to put on a brave face. Not only that, but she has to go to Nephilius to find the half-Walker, who turns out to be Delane. I agree with Abby's thought that it will be good to have a warrior half-Walker with them. All of them are turning out just fine, even Fury who I didn't much like in her book! Excellently written, leaving you with a cliffhanger as well as the explanation. On the back of this book, which was my last one, I just had to buy book 6. Now I just need to save my pennies for the last book. Look out for that review next month! Absolutely recommended!!! AUTHOR BIO:
Jaymin Eve is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and sci-fi novels filled with epic love stories, great adventures, and plenty of laughs. She lives in Australia with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and a couple of crazy pets. To date, she has sold close to two million ebooks, and still can't believe that she gets to create fantasy worlds as a job. For action, adventure, romance, and a guaranteed HEA, start one of her series today. BLURB: An epic journey. If the Seventine are released, will anyone survive? Three of the Seventine are free and Abigail is running out of time to gather the half-Walkers for the final battle. And on top of that Lucy reveals her latest vision: Abigail must break the melding bond with Brace; if she doesn’t, everyone will die. But is there one hope for them? New information from the Walker gathering reveals that there may be a ritual to return the Seventine to their prison. But they need four half-Walkers. And with the Regali half-Walker crowned the Queen-of-the-beasts, she might be the hardest to convince. Abigail has her best chance to save the worlds and her bond with Brace. But will she make it in time? MY REVIEW: REGALI is the fourth book in the Walker Saga, and this one ripped my heart out, tore it into shreds, and stomped all over it! Such an emotional book, or maybe it's me that is the emotional wreck. I certainly feel that way after finishing this. Ria is our fourth half-Walker, and she packs an extra oomph because she is also half nature spirit. There is a tranquility about Ria that comes across in every word, every action. Just the same as in Crais though, most of the action takes place elsewhere. This is book four, and I am still loving every piece of the puzzle that comes Abby's way. I found this to be just as well-written as the previous books, and loved how my emotions were pulled from me. These characters seem real, and I am with them for their hurts and triumphs. The pacing is smooth, and the story is gripping. With highs and ultimate lows to engage the reader all the way through. I will be unable to forget the Horror Room, or Quarn, or Brace, for a long time! Am I recommending this book? You betcha! But start from First World - trust me, it will make this adventure so much more! AUTHOR BIO:
Jaymin Eve is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and sci-fi novels filled with epic love stories, great adventures, and plenty of laughs. She lives in Australia with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and a couple of crazy pets. To date, she has sold close to two million ebooks, and still can't believe that she gets to create fantasy worlds as a job. For action, adventure, romance, and a guaranteed HEA, start one of her series today. BLURB: An epic journey. If the Seventine are released, will anyone survive? The possession of Abigail’s mate has left their melding bond in tatters. But she has no time to grieve, the deadline still looms to collect the half-Walkers. Together with her friends she ventures to Crais, the red land of the two suns. From the moment they step into the scorching heat, they’re surrounded by rock and death. And with limited time and oxygen they will have no second chances to figure out the secret to this planets survival. And then, when she thinks all hope is lost, the Seventine make her an offer she can’t resist. But will her chance to save Brace be the catalyst that destroys the worlds? MY REVIEW: CRAIS is another jewel in the crown of the Walker Saga! Although Fury is annoying as anything, she does mellow as the book progresses, and she understands more about Abby. As for Abby, she is heartbroken at the beginning of the book, and for good reason. However, with Lucy sticking to her side, Abby does what she can for everyone. There are a multitude of new characters this book that kept my attention. We have Colton and Magenta, the Wolf Twins, and Dune - who rides a Dragoona. Dune was definitely needed to soften some of Fury's (very) rough edges, but it came good in the end. It is nice to see Lucy gaining strength (although she was no weakling in the beginning), and I really want to know what happened with Samuel. I'm not sure if I want her to be with him, or Colton, so I'll just keep my options open! Another great story that continues with the world-building. Excellent characters, and I can't wait to continue with this Saga. Absolutely recommended by me. AUTHOR BIO:
Jaymin Eve is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and sci-fi novels filled with epic love stories, great adventures, and plenty of laughs. She lives in Australia with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and a couple of crazy pets. To date, she has sold close to two million ebooks, and still can't believe that she gets to create fantasy worlds as a job. For action, adventure, romance, and a guaranteed HEA, start one of her series today. BLURB An epic journey. If the Seventine are released, will anyone survive? Book two in the Walker Saga follows Abigail and her friends as they tame the world of Spurn. ‘Go to Spurn,’ she was told. Oh, and by the way the planet is ninety-five percent water and the inhabitants are hybrid fish. Of course, no one seems to care that Abigail can’t swim. Surprisingly, jetting off to a water planet is not the weirdest thing to happen this week. But she’s on a deadline to the find the first half-Walker girl, as the very essences of the seven worlds are starting to unravel. And with each Seventine release the chaos richochets further. Of course, with her Walker energy causing havoc and the savage Spurns ... well, it’s safe to say nothing so far has gone to plan. And on top of that a bombshell she did not see coming. Secrets are revealed and loyalties challenged but with her best friend and soul mate by her side, can she really lose out? MY REVIEW: SPURN is the second book in the Walker Saga, and we continue with Abby and Lucy as they try to conquer another world. Spurn is not at all what they expected, especially as Abby has 'fun' swimming. Throw in a Stalker Walker (yes, I stole that from Abby), mutant sea monsters, Lucas and Brace, and Abby has her hands full. We meet Talina in this story, and she is a gentle, introverted character. That is, unless you try to hurt her loved ones, and then she will go full on typhoon on your ass! She hasn't had it easy, but is a wonderful character that I had fun getting to know. I am LOVING this series! Seriously!!! It is full of action, quick paced, quick-witted, and full of emotions (both good and bad). I read each book, thoroughly loving each story, and yet wanting to move onto the next one, just so I can continue with the story. Fair warning - one major heartbreak in this book that I did NOT see coming, even with the warnings. There were others too, but this one knocked me out of my boots. Now I definitely need to read Crais... and hope that Ms. Eve isn't going to keep me in suspenders until the last book! Absolutely definitely positively recommended! AUTHOR BIO:
Jaymin Eve is the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and sci-fi novels filled with epic love stories, great adventures, and plenty of laughs. She lives in Australia with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and a couple of crazy pets. To date, she has sold close to two million ebooks, and still can't believe that she gets to create fantasy worlds as a job. For action, adventure, romance, and a guaranteed HEA, start one of her series today. |
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