Genres:
Young Adult, Paranormal

Blurb:
After her mother and grandparents die in a raging house fire, eleven-year-old Sarah Redbird ends up in the custody of her aunt and uncle. Six years later, Sarah discovers the fire may not have been an accident at all, but a deliberate act of revenge.

Sarah's family has kept the truth of their Native American heritage secret her entire life, refusing to acknowledge where they came from. But when a family that has direct ties to their past moves to town, Sarah's true identity is revealed.

What Sarah soon learns is that some secrets are better left unspoken. ​

My Thoughts:
THE SPIRIT KEEPER is the first book in the series of the same name that talks about Native American legends and the ability to control the elements but, for the most part, it reads as a contemporary.

I found this to be quite formulaic but also thoroughly enjoyable. You have the sweet sixteen - nearly seventeen, thank you very much - high school student who is bullied by the Queen B. A new guy arrives in town, liked by the in-crowd but he is too cool for that, and falls for our MC instead. There is insta-love - in just a month, they are declaring their feelings. BUT there is a reason for that. After all, a deep bond can be forged when someone is trying to kill you.

I read this in one sitting, gripped by the story. I loved the dialogue between Sarah and Priscilla. Shyla was a wonderful surprise, the power transfer suspected. This book left me feeling satisfied and yet still wanting more, which is always a good thing! I would have like a bit more about the Native American side of things, but hopefully, that will happen in future books.

I'm really glad I read this and have no hesitation in recommending it.

GENRES:
Dystopian, Romance, Young Adult

BLURB:
​Block it out. Impossible for Talia Lyons. When you’re a Mind Manipulator, it’s hard enough to block the thoughts of others, let alone your own.

Block it out. The pounding, siren-ready world Talia inhabits as she trains with her fellow Hunters, the country's top-secret covert operatives. The physical demands. The emotional toll.

Block it out. The secrets that Talia’s boyfriend is hiding. Talia’s unbidden feelings of frustration and annoyance toward her teammate, the Casanova of the compound. The wondering why she cares what he thinks.

Block him out. Ian Crane. The man behind the bloodshed marring Talia’s memories of her murdered parents. The man she’s determined to kill.

Block it all out. Focus.

Talented is an emotionally raw Dystopian Romance, about the life of a girl with extraordinary psychic powers, and what happens when a heart is torn between love and rage.

MY THOUGHTS:
TALENTED is the first book in the Talented Saga and there is so much I am looking forward to with this book!

First of all, we meet Natalia. Her psychic powers were awakened when she saw her parents murdered in front of her. She was taken in and looked after by a powerful family who helped her see her potential. She is now in a school, training to be a Hunter, and wanting revenge on her parents' murderer.

Right then, so... this was a great story that I was hooked into from the beginning. Talia likes her food and we get lots of descriptions of the various foods she eats. Plus, the world-building is full of differences between our world and Talia's, which really helps set the scene of a dystopian society.​

There is a love triangle in this book, and I really don't like those! Donovan is Talia's first love, her best friend and family. Erik is on the same team of Hunters as Talia, and has a bit of a reputation. Even before anything went down, I knew who I wanted Talia to be with. Whether that happens remains to be seen.

As for Mac, I don't like him. AT ALL. Simple as!

There is so much that goes on in this story - it is action-packed. I will be continuing with the series because there are answers I need... plus I need to find out about Talia/Erik/Donovan.

A great dystopian read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Genres:
Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Blurb:
Addison Sanders thought her life was already as complicated as it could possibly get.

Akori - Ancient people with time shifting abilities living in secret among the humans.

Sanders Family - Humans sworn to protect and hide the Akori.

What could be worse than getting stuck with a destiny like that? Tanner Sutherland is about to show her.

When a death in the Sanders Family leaves their power and secrets up for grabs, centuries old rumors begin surfacing. Far more sinister reasons for her family's involvement with the Akori than Addy ever could've imagined come to light. She learns the hard way that placing her trust in anyone could lead to disaster.

Betrayed by old friends and leery of new ones--she's left to cut through the lies and deception to get to the truth.

Find out why sometimes its better not knowing, and how much misery really does love company in Dissever - Book One of the Unbinding Fate Series.
​

My Thoughts:
Dissever is the first book in the Unbinding Fate series and hold onto your hats because you're in for a bumpy ride.

Addy has been trained to be the next Overseer of the Akori by working in a library with her grandfather for years. What does the Overseer do? Well, apart from move a magical castle to various locations, I'm not entirely sure. But anyway, she's also female, which throws a spanner into the works as the Overseer has always been male... so, what to do? Nothing, because her grandfather has told her it will be okay. Gage is an old friend who suddenly stopped being a friend, but now wants to be again. Tanner is a new friend with lots in common with Addy... maybe/possibly. These three carry the story as changes occur and new people arrive on the scene that Addy has no clue about.

I did enjoy this story but I found it to be convoluted and full of twists and turns. I have no idea who the prologue involved, even by the time I finished the book. I know it is a series but surely some questions can be answered in the first book?

My favourite characters were Gage and Tanner because they said what they meant, and they stood by it. Addy changed her mind and opinions way too often for me. There were other characters that stood out, and others I wanted to crush, so if engaging with characters is your thing, you will probably enjoy this book!

​On the whole, I enjoyed it. I finished it, which is always a good thing, but whether or not I carry on with the series, I haven't yet decided. 

Genres:
Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Historical

Blurb:
For generations the Incenaga Witches have been forced to use their power to fulfill the wishes of others until they are drained of their magic and left to die. Desperate to protect his infant daughter - the last surviving witch - Emmeline's father escapes with her to the forests where he vows to keep her hidden from the world and from the truth.

Sixteen years later, Emmeline is discovered and finds herself in the grip of a traitor who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, even if it means abusing her power until she dies. She is taken to a distant country and told she must marry the Crown Prince or her own country will be overtaken, its people slaughtered. But what sort of prince would marry a witch? And why would she be the difference between war and peace?

As she fights to regain her freedom, she is faced with a choice between a prince who offers a lifetime of security and a common gamekeeper who has no idea of her power, but offers his heart.

But who do you trust when your power can be used against you?

My Thoughts:
THE LAST WITCH is the first book in the Incenaga series, and we start off in the dark just as much as Emmaline is. We stay by Emmaline's side throughout, learning as she does about who and what she is, what she can do,​ and the dangers involved.

The idea behind the Incenaga Witches was brilliant, and allows us to see Emmaline as she comes to understand the power and the danger. I loved how it was something that could be used against her, and yes, I know that sounds odd! Trust me though, if you read it, it will make sense. I promise!

The world building, descriptions, and character building are all brilliant, leading to a slightly predictable but oh so enjoyable story that sets up book two excellently. 

This was a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed, and have no hesitation in recommending.

Genres:
​Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Blurb:
Sixteen-year-old Perdita Rivers has spent her entire sheltered life being told what to do. Lately, she’s felt ready for a change, and the universe seems to agree. Her new best friend’s brother is the boy of Perdita’s dreams. Literally.

Even though he plays hot and cold, she’s sure there’s more to it, but she’s kind of distracted by the sense she’s being followed - not to mention the rumours of wild animal sightings that seem to mean more to her new crush’s family than they should. Perdy’s on a mission to find the truth, but maybe the truth is the danger she should hide from, after all.​

My Thoughts:
​VERITY is the first book in the Cursed series and we start off with invisible Perdy, a sixteen-year-old on the fringes of her school, stuck in the middle of a strict father and a live-and-let-live grandmother. Perdita's life is about to change and she wants to know why.

I thoroughly enjoyed every word of this new series! The emotions - the extreme highs and lows of being a teenager - were perfectly written and explained... for the most part. I'm sure some of it was to tease you into the next book, which worked for me because that's what I've just gone and bought. In fact, I bought the box set just to make sure I didn't miss out.

If you are looking for a paranormal young adult book to sink your teeth into, then I can definitely recommend this one. With hormones, wolves, curses, it's got everything you could think of!

Genre:
Young Adult, Fantasy

Blurb:
Kassia is a 16-year-old girl just trying to have a normal life. This is somewhat difficult because she has the ability to inflict pain on others with her mind, which is why she was sent to a special institute for kids with various gifts. It is here Kassia met her best friend Mira.

Their lives will change forever after Mira is attacked and Kassia finds out her talent is much more powerful when she saves her. Little did she know that this act would attract the attention of demons.

Suddenly, she is on the run from them with her boyfriend, Mira, and a few of their close friends. Realizing she can’t outrun the demons, she seeks the guidance of a shaman. The shaman tells her the heart breaking news that the only way to protect her friends and the institute is through her own death.

Join Kassia on her journey of friendship, love, and the conflicts she must face to protect those around her.

The Ultimate Sacrifice is approximately 60,300 words.

The Ultimate Sacrifice is recommended for grade 9 and up.

The Ultimate Sacrifice is the FIRST book in The Gifted Teens Series. Roots and Wings is the SECOND book in The Gifted Teens Series. Unbreakable is the THIRD book in The Gifted Teens Series.

My Thoughts:
THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE tells a fast-paced story about what it is like to be born special, even amongst the different. Kassia had problems keeping her emotions under control. This is a bad thing because she is able to cause pain, and even death, just by thinking about it. She has her own little support group in her BFF Mira, Noe, Auralee, Zane, and her love, Daxton.

The title of the book sort of gives away the main part of the story, but like most good books, the fun is getting to that part. This IS fast-paced so you need to read it carefully and not skim, otherwise a month has passed and you missed the reference that told you so.

I found this to be a gripping story that engaged my emotions. It was incredibly well-written and I loved every word. This book is concluded nicely with a small teaser that will definitely leave you wanting more. Absolutely recommended by me.

Genre:
Young Adult, Fantasy

Blurb:
All eighteen-year-old Ri wants is to cure her adoptive father Samuel from his hallucination-inducing illness. Everyone in her village tells her it's impossible. But when she meets two newcomers in the forest--a gruff rogue with a vendetta against the gods and a charming fugitive with the power to travel through water--she'll be torn away from Samuel and swept across the sea to an oppressed city governed by a ruthless tyrant. Once there, she'll not only have to confront Samuel's unlawful past, but a vicious evil that threatens all mankind.

In this tale of bravery, friendship, and unexpected love, Ri must discover her own strength to save the men she cares for.

My Thoughts:
THE WATERFALL TRAVELER is the first book in The Waterfall Traveler series although I can't actually find the second book. This tells the story of Ri, an outcast in her village who loves and cares for Samuel, an elderly man suffering from The Sickness. She meets mysterious men in the Dark Woods and ends up being taken to a completely different place where all she wants to do is return home.

There are a handful of characters who assist her along the way - Bryce (the Waterfall Traveler), Carter (his future-telling friend), Katie (Carter's sister who has healing powers over plants), and Baxter (a guard in the valley they all come from). Carter was a character I didn't care for much to begin with but he grew on me and left me broken-hearted. Katie is a character who has the possibility to be strong but we don't really see much of her. Which leaves us with Bryce and Baxter and the love triangle you just know is going to happen before it does. There are a couple of twists at the end that you may or may not see coming.

Overall, this was a good read that was a tad slow in places, but then the pace picked up and it became enthralling once more. If you like young adult fantasy with a love triangle, then this just might be the one for you so long as you can ignore the sort of cliffhanger ending with no second book in sight.

Genre:
Young Adult, Fantasy

Blurb:
From a young age, Ayla has known her gift. Dedicated to become a Guardian of Childfey, she has spent her young years in the Temple, studying magic and ancient rites. There, she also learns about the mortal enemy of all Fey of the Light: the Reviled.

Gairynzvl is a Fey of the Light, abducted by the Reviled when he was young. Now, he is a Dark One; lurking in the shadows, lingering near Ayla.

After Gairynzvl commits treason against his own kind, Ayla listens to him when no others will - and the conflict that unfolds will change their world.

My Thoughts:
THE REVILED is the first book in The Dark Fey trilogy and we are introduced to a world where fairies exist. The Light fairies are the ones most people think of when you talk about fairies. But they have an enemy - the Dark Fey. Unable to procreate, they steal Light Fey in the middle of the night when they are at their strongest and light can't touch them. The Light Fey fight this by having lights in every room. Every year, more Light Fey are taken, never to return.

In this story, we have three main characters - Ayla, the main female (Light Fey), Marden, one of the main males (Light Fey), and Gairunzvl, the other main male (Dark Fey). From the onset you can see a triangle forming which I don't like. Ayla is a bit of an anomaly to me. She has a lot of power, immense empathy, and has been raised to use her powers to protect the Fey. However, in the face of danger, she seems to freeze every single time. Marden seems to be the perfect male, so obviously you think she won't end up with him. And Gairunzvl, he is the Dark Fey that has managed to keep hold of his "humanity" despite the tortures he has been put through. All the characters are well developed with their own sets of foibles and insecurities.

The world building is brilliant and the pacing is perfect for the story. There is no big battle like the Battle of Helm's Deep. Instead, it is more like Sam and Frodo trying to sneak around and do their thing.

It does end on a sort-of cliffhanger which really is just a teaser for the next book and designed to leave you wanting more. Trust me, it worked. All in all, this was a great read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

Genre:
#Historical, #Fantasy, #YoungAdult

Blurb:
​Many are called...
She alone can save the world and become Death's bride.

Cobweb Bride is a history-flavored fantasy novel with romantic elements of the Persephone myth, about Death's ultimatum to the world.

What if you killed someone and then fell in love with them?

In an alternate Renaissance world, somewhere in an imaginary "pocket" of Europe called the Kingdom of Lethe, Death comes, in the form of a grim Spaniard, to claim his Bride. Until she is found, in a single time-stopping moment all dying stops. There is no relief for the mortally wounded and the terminally ill....

Covered in white cobwebs of a thousand snow spiders she lies in the darkness... Her skin is cold as snow... Her eyes frozen... Her gaze, fiercely alive...

While kings and emperors send expeditions to search for a suitable Bride for Death, armies of the undead wage an endless war... A black knight roams the forest at the command of his undead father ... Spies and political treacheries abound at the imperial Silver Court.... Murdered lovers find themselves locked in the realm of the living...

Look closer — through the cobweb filaments of her hair and along each strand shine stars...

And one small village girl, Percy—an unwanted, ungainly middle daughter—is faced with the responsibility of granting her dying grandmother the desperate release she needs.

As a result, Percy joins the crowds of other young women of the land in a desperate quest to Death's own mysterious holding in the deepest forests of the North...

And everyone is trying to stop her.

My Thoughts:

COBWEB BRIDE is the first book in the trilogy of the same name. It is old-school fantasy with a touch of mythology thrown in for good measure. Some parts of it are quite graphic but then, that's what happens when you describe a battle with swords and arrows!

One of the things I really enjoyed about it is that Percy, the plain, unordinary, middle child, is the one who comes into her own. She makes no false images, she is what she is and she's okay with that. She is supported by a great cast of characters - some of whom may be just for this part but others, I hope, will be seen in the later two books.

There was one thing that jarred me though, and that was halfway through the book, Spain and France were mentioned. Up until that point, I had falsely assumed that this was a completely imaginary fantasy world. I guess next time I really should look at the map provided!

I found this to be a great story that has plenty of hooks for the next book. It doesn't go the way you imagine and that is perfectly fine by me. I love fantasy and being surprised raises it to a whole new level for me.

Absolutely recommended!

Genre:
#Young Adult, #Fantasy, #Romance

Blurb:
​To survive, one must slay.

Dragons have terrorized Julianna's village for generations. Nothing will stop her from succeeding in her first dragon hunt. Until she meets one, that is. He isn't what she was told to expect. Big, angry beast? No. Normal looking man?Um...yeah.

Ash is just as surprised by his first "dragon slayer." She's not big and tough. Sure, she's got a fire diamond sword--which she's very proud of--and some really uncomfortable looking armor, but her heart is bigger than she's willing to admit.

The war between their two races is only getting bigger and bloodier. Danger hides behind every bush, rock, and inn. As the two of them come together, they realize they have more in common than their leaders want them to notice. Together, Julianna and Ash might be able to discover what the real purpose of this war really is and find a way to stop it. For the sake of all their people: dragons and dragon slayers alike. 

My Thoughts:
Slayer is the first book in the Dragon Tamer series and I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Julianna is just naive enough to pull off her ignorance of what was actually happening. And Ash is just so sweet!! 

As for the story itself, you see the impact it has on both sides and the hurt Julianna feels when everything she once thought was true crumbles at her feet. I loved the twist with the swords and souls, especially since I was upset about Stone! Hopefully, he will be freed soon.

This is the first in the series so please don't expect everything to be tied up nicely because that just doesn't happen. What you do get is an ending fit for this part of the story that will leave you wanting more.

Absolutely recommended by me!​