I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

A Sky Unbroken by Megan Crewe is the conclusion to the Earth & Sky Trilogy. I can honestly say I was quite pleased! **Please Note that if you haven’t read the previous series there are minor unavoidable spoilers ahead** I placed the recap of book two in spoiler tags for you, read at your own risk!

Spoiler

After Earth was destroyed, Sky and the rebels are taken into custody. The rebels are interrogated and released on good faith while Sky receives an implant and is placed in a new Earth Studies exhibit.

Sky is one of those characters that I don’t really know how I feel about. Her transformation from the first book to the last is almost a complete 180. She started the series broken and she ends the series a strong, brave young woman. She fights for her friends and her family. She will not be something to throw away by the Kemyates but a force to be reckoned with.

And Win...I love that the author decided to write in his POV too. We didn’t get much of Win in The Clouded Sky but he is a central character during the last book. The chapters alternate POV between him and Sky. I liked Win from the first book and I still do. He’s kind, passionate, and quirky. These quirks of his are endearing and humanize him. Like Sky, his character has also gone through a major shift. He started the series as an explorer, trying to prove himself to the rebels. Now he takes a leader role, holds fast to his beliefs, and the passion he had he channels into action. I could just kiss him!

During the last book, the author set Sky up in a bit of a love triangle. Thankfully that is resolved during this book fairly early and I think you’ll be happy with the results. I know I was!

The plot focuses on a couple of things but to avoid spoilers I’ll be brief ;) The main plot (and series arc) has focused on the Kemyates view of Earthlings. Sky with Win and the rebels set out to change that view. Their goal is unity, I mean they are all humans so why not?! There’s a ton of actions, plotting, suspense and of course a few surprises. I really couldn’t sit the book down!

Overall A Sky Unbroken is a fantastic conclusion to the series AND the ending is left open so maybe we’ll hear more from these characters(?). One can only hope! If you enjoy young adult, fantasy, and science fiction, than this book is for you…just make sure you read the whole series!

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore was a fantastic addition to the Graceling Realm. It takes place 9 years after the death of King Leck in Graceling. Bitterblue is queen and her kingdom is still recovering from the devastation brought to it by her father.

I adored this book! I honestly think I liked it the best of all of them and that’s saying a lot. Bitterblue fascinated me. She was just as broken as her kingdom from what her father did. She was burdened with such guilt and confusion. Yet she was strong throughout. She held her ground for what she believed. While I felt at the beginning of the story she was immature and selfish, as the story progressed she became selfless and brave, fighting for kingdom and the truth of what her father wrought.

I LOVED getting to see the other characters come back. Katsa and Po were just as great this time around as the first. I loved them both and I love them even more now! Their love for Bitterblue is as strong as their love for each other. They protect her when they can and are teaching her to be a queen her people can be proud of. I love it!!!

And Giddon…I LOVE him!! He was briefly introduced in Graceling as a contender for Katsa, but once she left the Middluns he was forgotten. He comes back in this book as a member of the Council and I just love him!! Can I be honest that I ship him with Bitterblue? He’s so….sweet that’s the word I’m looking for. He’s gentle with her without taking away her power. He becomes her confidant and friend in the midst of such trouble and the only one she promises to never lie to.

Saf…Saf is a robber from Lienid that Bitterblue meets when she sneaks out of the castle. He’s kind to her, but she doesn’t trust him completely. He’s a graceling, but doesn’t know his grace. He steals but doesn’t explain why. And he seems to not want her to be a spy for the queen. I didn’t entirely trust him either, but his character brought revelation and growth to Bitterblue.

The plot really focuses on Bitterblue’s fight for her kingdom. She learns very early in the book that someone is lying to her, but she doesn’t know who. The lies involve her people, her kingdom, and the devastation her father caused with his lies. Now someone is trying to stop the truth from coming to light. Bitterblue is determined to stop them and find out the truth so that her kingdom can heal. Really the story is about a girl becoming a woman, a queen. She’s coming into her own strength and the author does an amazing job of conveying this.

Overall this is my favorite book of the series! While the other books focused on a strong heroine, there was also a strong romance component. Not so with this book. Bitterblue does have a bit of tryst, but it isn’t the main focus. The main focus is on her and her becoming the queen she is supposed to be. It really is an epic story! The author does a beautiful job of tying all three books of the series together (yep Fire and the Dellians make a brief appearance!). If you enjoy epic fantasy, young adult fiction, this is the book for you.

Halloween Magic & Mayhem by Stella Wilkinson was a cute, easy read about a girl becoming a witch. When the clock strikes midnight on Emily Rand’s 16th birthday, she discovers that her aunt was right. She’s a witch and there’s a ghost in her bedroom. So begins her hilarious first day.

So this book was just okay for me. Definitely not a favorite, but it did have it’s perks. Emily is a funny adolescent. She’s a self-centered, as most are, and totally clueless about her heritage. She makes many mistakes in this short novella but she was refreshing none-the-less.

Peter is her ghost. He’s been trapped in her house longer than he can remember and he asks for her help to cross over. He’s funny, a bit odd, and kinda has a Casper moment with Emily.

Besides Peter however the other characters were bland and 2-dimensional. There was no depth to them and they really didn’t add to the story. Even Emily’s crush is just labeled as hot and oh he smiled at her. Really?!

Overall the novella was cute, but again there wasn’t much depth, hardly any world-building, and besides Emily and Peter no one else stood out, except for maybe Bob her familiar. Honestly if this book wasn’t free on Kindle I probably wouldn’t have read it. If you enjoy clean, young adult, urban fantasy than you may like it. If you read it, let me know what you thought!

I received an eARC of this book via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Many Christians (especially women) know the story of brave Hadassah, entering the throne room of the king unannounced to save her people. She is an icon in biblical history, a legend passed down through the generations. In Esther by [a:Rebecca Kanner|5310434|Rebecca Kanner|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1344283127p2/5310434.jpg], she is seen in a new light. She is given more than just a pretty face. She is given free will, stubbornness, and a fighter’s courage. She is both brave and frightened at the power she wields, but wield it she does in this beautiful retelling of the biblical Queen Esther and her mark on history.

The author does something fantastic with this book that I’m not sure I can describe. She weaves the biblical account with what is known in history. This is done so seamlessly that the book flows and gives a beauty to the characters and their world. Does she take some liberties? Absolutely! But none so great that it alters the meaning of Esther’s story or her contribution to history. In the author’s note, she says:

Becoming queen is no easy task. I’ve never been satisfied with the assumption that many come away with after reading the Book of Esther: the king made Esther queen because she was beautiful. With hundreds of beautiful girls for the king to choose from, a girl would have been foolish to rely solely on her beauty. Esther is smart enough to quickly win the favor of Hegai, and smart enough to listen to him.

The author humanizes Esther in a way that makes her both real and relatable. At the tender age of 14, she is stolen from her home by the king’s Immortals and taken to the palace to be either the king’s new wife or one of many concubines. She had no hope for herself, save that she did not want to be just another concubine. She does what she must to survive the harem during the one year purification. Then wisely listens to Hegai as he instructs her on how to behave during her night with the king. Her emotions are raw, as any girl her age would be. She’s rash in her decisions, but quick to learn from not just her mistakes but the mistakes of those she counts as friends. Esther is fierce, loyal, and devoted.

In addition to Esther, the author creates an amazing cast of characters. Some are mentioned in the biblical account, others are fiction. These characters come to life in a way that is sorely lacking in other books I’ve read. I could hear the anguished cries of virgins their first night in the harem. I could picture the leer from Ammon during Esther’s first meeting with him. I could hear the plea in Erez’s voice for forgiveness for what he has done. These are not characters I will forget anytime soon!

But perhaps my favorite character aside from Esther herself was the king, Xerxes. Xerxes is depicted as a very lonely man, grieving for his queen, and placing his trust in the wrong men. My heart broke for this king as does Esther’s. He is harsh and can be cruel, but he can also be gentle and kind, even loving in his care for her. Can you tell I fell in love?! My heart broke time and time again for him and Esther, for their differences, for their misunderstandings, but ultimately for the love that neither dared say to the other.

The plot follows the plot of the biblical account. Ammon orders the destruction of the Jews and it is up to Esther to stop it. I loved the build up to this. I knew it was coming as I have read the Book of Esther many times, but the story isn’t just about this main plot. It really focuses on Esther, who she is and what molds her into the queen of legend. When she questions her ability to fulfill the task God has given her, her servant Ruti says:

God chooses cowards to be brave, barren women to give birth to prophets, passionate men to be patient, and a man who stutters to command his people through the desert.

Overall Esther is one of the best books I’ve read this year. The author depicts the characters in such a relatable manner that it is hard not to fall in love with them. Her ability to weave the Book of Esther with historical facts while still remaining true to the original is no easy task and she does it beautifully! If you enjoy historical fiction, romance, and intrigue, than this is the book for you.

I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content in this review.

Please note that if you HAVE NOT read the previous volume there are unavoidable spoilers in this review.

Can this series get any more intense?! Really?! Can it?!?!?! Gildemer Volume 2 by A.S. Oren picks up right where volume one ended. Koi has come to blows with Mirabelle and Etu about Gabriella more than once during the first volume, but at the end Koi begins questioning why he is attracted/drawn to Gabby so much. He shouldn’t want her, “she’s nothing but a servant.” Gabby is just thankful to still be alive, that Number One (aka Koi) hasn’t punished her for dressing above her Branch. Now she’s confused. He says one thing to her, but his actions say another. And Etu….he’s nothing like what she expected him to be. Gabby must learn how to navigate the world she’s been thrown into as it may cost more than just her life.

Gabby has quickly become one of my all-time favorite characters., even if she’s a bit confused and naive at times. She’s honest, loyal, and devoted to those she cares for, those she feels that she owes, and those she works for. Even after she learns something shocking about her former master, Gabby still has a hard time believing the truth, her devotion runs so deep. Not only that but she’s out to prove herself. She CAN be the perfect servant, Koi doesn’t have to punish her or anyone else for that matter. AND she’s not afraid to fight for what she believes is right….at least as long as it will not hurt anyone. She’s willing to sacrifice herself, but not others. And I LOVE this about her!

Koi….bless him! Prince Koi struggles this volume. He has a lot on his young shoulders. Etu has challenged him out right in front of the rest of Branch one and their servants, Mirabelle is threatening to end their arranged engagement, and now….now he has to deal with his ever evolving feelings for the servant girl who tricked him (aka Gabby). He will one day be king, yet his father promises that one mistake and he will remove that title and give it to his yet to be born siblings. I respect Koi’s devotion to the crown and his kingdom, even if he is a bit blind to the pitfalls and laws. I love his naivete, it’s endearing and brings the human out in him. But I adore his wildness which he doesn’t show on the outside. The guy is a humakat (part-human, part-cat) and those beastial qualities come out in his thinking, his protectiveness, and even in his confused feelings for Gabby. My heart breaks just a little for him.

And Etu :::happy sigh::: I’m more than a little smitten with Koi’s younger half-sibling. He’s kind to Gabby, he offers her so much and asks very little in return. He shows her through actions that he believes the kingdom needs to change and I have a feeling he means it! Yet I’m not sure I can trust him. During this volume and a trip to the market place, he shows that he has a darker side. He’s treading the line of the law and errs on the side of breaking it more often than not. I’m afraid he may be getting himself and Gabby in over their heads.

Unfortunately…or maybe fortunately (?) Gabby gets all tangled up in this love triangle….or would it be a square….or maybe a better word for it would be a cluster? I don’t know. Let’s just say all those multiple, possible love interests cash in during this volume of my new favorite series. So needless to say this creates a very confused and flustered Gabby. And rightly so! I wouldn’t know who to be with either. So many gorgeous guys!!!

If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it again….I’m in LOVE with this series! Gildemer has become one of my favorite treats that I look forward to every month! It’s like watching your favorite TV show play out on the pages as A.S. Oren introduces you to new characters, new scenarios, yet still stays true to the characters that have been introduced. Having read her other series Spearwood Academy I’m a little on the leery side no trusting anyone as any of the characters have the potential to turn on Gabby. And we can’t have that!!!!

Overall I highly recommend this series to anyone that likes to be kept on their toes, loves fantasy with a hint of science fiction, and a cleanish romance.

I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Blood Tree: Silver Edition by Scarlett Dawn is a fantastic new world about the light and dark fae and a mother/daughter duo who must learn to navigate that world. This special edition of the series contains Kenna’s and Juliet’s story along with a bonus short story told from their mutual friend Susan’s point of view.

The story begins with Kenna, Juliet’s daughter. She thought her mother was crazy with all her rules and paranoia until one night Juliet sends Kenna away with the instructions to follow the music and the white roses to safety. Yet there was music and a path of white roses that led Kenna right into the realm of the light fae! At the age of 13, she didn’t know that this was where she descended from. I like Kenna, even if she is a bit misguided. She knows who she is and what she believes and no one is going to tell her differently. She loves, she hates, and she follows all the rules laid out by her mom and the light fae with no question, but maybe a bit of impatience.

Part two of the story is Juliet’s story. It explains why she is an outsider and who Kenna’s father is. Juliet is a strong character and easily likable. She was raised a Light Elf, followed all the rules, until the night of her Blood Tree. Celebrating she has a one night stand, unfortunately that one night stand happened to be a Dark Elf. So Juliet’s life is upturned. She is forced to leave the only life she’s known by her parents who she thought she could turn to. She is now going to live in the human realm as a single mother AND she has to keep the father a secret. Juliet is a devoted mother, whose sole focus is protecting her daughter and ensuring she is Light.

The last story is Susan’s. She grew up with Juliet, she was her best friend until the night she took her out to party and she wound up getting pregnant by a dark elf. She owed Juliet and Juliet cashes in when her daughter Kenna stumbles into the light realm. Susan quickly becomes Kenna’s friend as well, loving her as she did her mother. Susan is spunky and a rock to the two lead ladies so I really enjoyed reading her story.

The plot of this series focuses on the Juliet and Kenna. They are unique to the fae and their love for each other knows no boundaries. Juliet will do anything to protect her daughter even going into self-imposed exile. Kenna will do whatever she needs to keep her mother happy and safe. In addition to the mother-daughter dynamic, there is quite a bit of steamy romance. Kenna has Julius, the leader of the light fae. Juliet has Kenna’s father (sorry no spoilers from me!), and Susan has her own crush.

Overall I really enjoyed this book! It’s a fast read with a page-turning pace. I enjoyed all three ladies’ points of view. And the world-building…phenomenal! However please keep in mind that this is new adult paranormal romance and there are quite a few steamy scenes. So sorry! No kiddos please. If you enjoy new adult, fantasy, paranormal romance, than this is the book for you!

I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

Hope's Deceit by Angela McPherson picks up the morning after the events of Hope's Decree. Please note that if you have not read book one of this series, there are minor unavoidable spoilers in this review. Trinity has just been rescued by Blain and Morpheus from being tortured by Melia. Feeling betrayed by one of their own, the Watchers pour in to Blain's home and start to plan. None feel Trinity has what it takes to fulfill prophecy, and Trinity is out to prove them wrong.

So I love Trinity! She is just a teenage girl who wants teenage things, but when faced with the fate of the world she rises to the challenge. She is stubborn, a fighter, and no longer the scared girl we saw at the beginning of the series. Melia's actions changed her. Her thinking is a bit darker, but her motivation rocks! She will do whatever it takes to save her friends, her family, and Blain.

Blain...oh my!! So in the first book, he wasn't really my favorite character. He was too-straight laced and by the book. He expected so much out of Trinity and refused to give into his feelings for her. In this book, after nearly losing her, he can't get enough of her. There's only one problem....remember that black blast at the end of Hope's Decree? Yeah...let's just say that comes back to bite them all!!! Blain is just as overprotective of Trinity as he always has, but he is also struggling with this darkness that threatens to consume not just him but everyone he cares for.

The plot of this book really focuses on the Watchers and Rogues and the prophecy surrounding Trinity. There are so many twists and turns in the book that your head will spin so be prepared for that! No one is who they seem to be and it leaves Trinity on guard, not trusting anyone, even Blain. She questions everything, as she should, and ultimately she kicks butt. She has no reservations when it comes to defending those she loves and in this book she really starts to come into her powers. It's fabulous :D

Overall I really enjoyed this book! So why 4 stars and not 5? Well, it starts off a bit of a hot mess. There's a lot of action and a lot of dialogue that I really had a hard time following. By about 20%, I could follow it easily, but in the beginning I kept going back to be sure I hadn't missed a page. Now this may be because of how long it's been since I read the first book. I really needed a good refresher of the characters. If you enjoy young adult romance, fantasy, and a bit of mythology, than this is the book for you!

I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.

So I’m a huge fan of Scarlett Dawn and she never ceases to surprise me! Gargoyle her novella in the Woodland Creek series left me reeling! It was like nothing I’ve ever read and while parts HORRIFIED me, I couldn’t stop reading!!!

After nearly falling to her death in a druken stupor, Kennedy Kirk’s eyes are opened to the shifter world surrounding her in Woodland Creek. She’s a human surrounded by supernatural beings that admittedly hate humans. Her life is constantly in danger and yet she perseveres through it all. I like Kennedy. She’s brutally honest and not much scares her, not even the hunky mayor.

Issac Stone, the mayor of Woodland Creek, is a gargoyle, raised to hate humans and feels superior to the other shifters. He’s cocky, arrogant, and on a whole new level of manipulative creep. I’ll be honest I didn’t think I’d like him at first. I mean during the prologue of the book he contemplates pushing Kennedy of the clock tower, granted she’s holding onto his private parts while she hangs over the edge, but still. She didn’t know he was alive! But I digress, Issac takes his job as mayor seriously. Investigating and putting himself at risk to save his town.

The plot revolves around this chance encounter between Issac and Kennedy after some magical pulse creates a…um…hmm…how do I explain what happens?! I don’t know if I can so just trust me and read it! Someone in Woodland Creek is tampering and playing with dark magic. This magic is effecting all the residents in not a good way. Something has to be done, they have to find who is causing it and Issac may need Kennedy to help him do it.

Overall I was impressed with the author’s ability to keep me guessing and surprising me at every turn! Seriously I don’t know how she came up with this story but it is definitely not one that I will forget anytime soon. I do feel I should warn you that this is a new adult book with some very steamy sexual scenes and strong language, so over 18 only please. If you enjoy paranormal romance, than definitely check out this book!