Morgan's Musings
Just my rambling, plus whatever book I've recently read!
#BookoftheMonth - A Bond Of Venom and Magic (The Goddess and the Guardians #1) by Karen Tomlinson23/6/2020 Genres: Epic, Fantasy Blurb: Magic awakens. Darkness stirs. The Wraith Lord is hunting. The war raging in the South seems a remote danger for seventeen-year-old Diamond Gillon until her home is brutally attacked by the Wraith Lord’s monstrous hunters. Catapulted into a terrifying new world where legendary beasts arise, magic is condemned, and half-blood fae like her have no rights, Diamond is inexplicably drawn to her saviour. But Commander Hugo Casimir is a ruthless elite guard owned by a cruel, immortal fae queen who will murder her own people for magic. As she sinks deeper into Hugo’s world, Diamond’s circumstances become ever more perilous, for the Queen desires her magic and covets the very same prize as the Wraith Lord. To discover who she truly is, Diamond must escape the Queen’s clutches—before her fate, and that of The Eight Kingdoms, is sealed in shadow and chaos. Will Hugo prove to be her friend, her protector, or an enemy not worthy of her trust? A Bond of Venom and Magic is an epic fantasy tale, ideal for mature Young Adult readers. Fans of Sarah J Maas and Leigh Bardugo will love to discover this spectacular new world steeped in dragons, monsters, and armoured winged warriors. My Thoughts: A Bond of Venom and Magic is the first book in The Goddess and the Guardians series and it starts off with the reader immediately in the midst of the action. Armoured Winged Fae, hounds from hell (or similar), fights to the death, it's all going on. This was a great introduction to this world and I really have high hopes for Hugo and Diamond but it did start to grate on me, just a tad, with their lack of trust and miscommunication. Now, I get it. I really do. I wouldn't trust someone who worked for the enemy under those circumstances either BUT we hear of this connection between them and how Diamond really believes Hugo this time but then it all changes and we're back to hating him. This detracted slightly from the story for me and I do hope there is less of this in the future books in the series. Saying that though, I think that was my biggest gripe. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can't wait to delve back into Hugo's world sometime in the near future. Karen Tomlinson is a USA Today Bestselling Author, who writes all genres of fantasy books.
Karen adores books and will read any that catch her eye. She was whisked away by fairies as a child, has been a dragon rider and grew up learning to fight. (This bit's true!) She likes nothing better than an epic fantasy full of romance and hot warriors. Karen lives in Derbyshire, England, (think Mr Darcy territory) with her husband, twin girls and her dalmatian, Poppy. When she is not busy writing, reading (or eating cake and drinking coffee) Karen likes to keep fit with practising karate, walking in the hills, or dancing around the kitchen with her earbuds in and singing badly! Join Karen's mailing list to receive free stories, writing updates and hear about her crazy life. Sign up here ➜ https://www.subscribepage.com/karentomlinson She loves to connect with her readers and you can find her on: www.karentomlinson.com. Follow her on: Facebook [email protected]. Facebook group-Karen Tomlinson's Silver Guardians. Twitter-@kytomlinson Instagram-@karentomlinsonauthor
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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.
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.
All books now available through #KindleUnlimited!
#Epic #Fantasy #Myth_and_Magic #Contemporary #WomensFiction https://www.amazon.com/Morgan-Sheppard/e/B0166FMNWU 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.
A dark re-telling of the old tale, where Red Riding Hood isn't so little, and mightn't be so good after all. The villagers call her Red. It's the colour of her lips, her cloak, and the blood that stains her when she returns from the woods. The villagers call her Red for many reasons, but most of all, they're too afraid to call her what she really is. Witch. But when a wolf stalks the village, Red might be the only one who can save them from the beast...the beast who hunts her. Red races against the three days until the full moon to uncover the wolf's identity, find out what he wants from her, and save herself. To hell with the village, Red just wants to save herself. That's what good witches do. Hunted is a twisted take on the old tale, with some magic sprinkled onto a young woman's journey to find herself in dark times. First in the FEARED FABLES series. Contains adult content and possible triggers. Formally titled 'Red Run'. HUNTED is the first book in the Feared Fables series, and in this one we meet Red, her wolf, and please don't forget her Grandmother!!! This tale is told first person, present tense, so you are with Red/Ella as she goes through her days, helping villagers, making discoveries, and trying to live her life. I loved that she was so independent, and helped those less fortunate than herself. A few parts of the story were a tad unclear to me - such as which wolf attacked the neighbour, and why? After all, it appears they have both been in the village for years without any mishap. And the relationship with Red - lie or real? This is just me being picky though, and wanting more. Apart from those small things, the story was very well told, and rich in detail. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and look forward to reading more in the Feared Fables set. Definitely recommended. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Isla Jones is a vicious supporter of the 'unlikable heroine' (though, she isn't fond of the term). Whether her female protagonists be wicked, cruel, cowardly, cunning, strong, or weak, Isla loves them all. She finds it admirable to see the likes of badass female characters that can kick the butts of ten grown men at once without so much as breaking a nail, but finds that it's a bit on the unrealistic side. So when her characters can fight, it's realistic, and when they can't, they find other ways of getting what they want. "Misplaced love" is a concept that fascinates her, and one that (shock!) only applies to women! So don't be surprised if you read a female character's love for her animals or friends to be stronger than her love for children or RIs.
Isla writes in English, not any variations of it (US, Australian). One minute she's swimming in the world of Zs, lost in daydreams, tapping into the minds of her characters. Then, she's reading folklore and decides to write a series of unfortunate tales. Never fret, though. Isla Jones is a fast writer. Her record for amount of books written within twelve months is...twelve! One a month. Though, their quality mightn't be something to brag about, as Isla is an avid hater of editing. So, if you find yourself tempted by an Isla Jones series, but don't want to wait the yearly traditional time frame between books, don't worry! The series will be finished before you can put on a party hat and celebrate Hogmanay! To ask a question or for more information, please go to the author profile at Goodreads, or contact her at islajoneswriter.wordpress.com Growing up in Colorado Katie always knew she was different. She has unique abilities to see and understand the aura of colors depicting a person’s emotions and intentions. She knows that whatever gave her the ability to see auras also created the plaguing of visions from other worldly places. After the death of her adopted parents, Katie tries to live a normal a life. A life that is shattered when she is attacked by a monster that unleashes an unknown magic within her. Her reality is further altered when the warrior from her visions emerges from another dimension. Now hunted by the monsters, she must flee to a new world far beyond her imagination. There she is thrust into a realm of secrets, magic, and ultimate power. Katie’s arrival in the new world creates chaos among the reigning powers. She must learn the secrets that surround her and harness the magic within her or she will not be ready to fight the rising darkness. If she can’t fight it, all will be lost. Unbound is the first book in the Alderash series, and all I can say is... GIMME MORE!!! This is an amazing story, with well developed characters who you will learn about as you read. Whether you like them, or loathe them, there is something here for everyone. The situations are believable (within a fantasy range!) and so well written. Our main female is not some weak female, some damsel in distress. Oh hell no. She is one kick-ass woman, who knows when is the right time to kick up a fuss, and when it is right to go with the flow and figure it out later. Katie has a lot thrown at her in this story, some of it obvious, some not. She deals with it as best she can, and honestly? She has far less breakdowns than I would in that situation! And I loved her for it. The hints are there for the romance, but how they solve the problems is something I can't wait to find out. This book is a great allrounder. I thoroughly enjoyed every word, and I can't wait to see what happens next. This is an author to follow, that's for sure. Definitely recommended by me. Thank you for joining me on this amazing adventure as I create an Epic Tale, that will bridge our world to theirs.
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