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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and Rockstar book tours! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Van Helsing Academy
Author: Stacey O’Neale
Book Series: Supernatural Rehab Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 28, 2020
Genre: New Adult Paranormal
Recommended Age: 18+ (sexual content, language, slight violence)
Publisher: Phoenix Rising Publishing
Pages: 264
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Welcome to the Van Helsing Academy: a rehabilitation center for vampires, shifters, and witches who don't like to follow the rules.
Mina can't remember anything about the night she was attacked. All she knows is what she's been told: she got separated from her team during a mission and turned up two months later covered in cuts and bruises alongside two dead vampires.
After being blamed for their deaths, she is sentenced to three years at the supernatural rehabilitation center, the Van Helsing Academy.
As Mina searches for answers, lies are slowly unraveled and alliances forged. Soon she will uncover a secret plot that threatens to destroy her family legacy and ignite a war between the supernatural factions.
Review: This was a fun book! The writing was amazingly well done, the characters were well developed and the world building was sublime! I loved the world that this author built and I felt this was one of the most fun paranormal books I’ve read in a bit. It’s also a really short book and the pacing is super fast, so be prepared to start running when you read!
The only issue I had was that the romance took a bit to build up and it was a bit slower than what the plot was, which felt a little off, but it was still fun!
Verdict: Definitely recommend!
Book: Van Helsing Academy
Author: Stacey O’Neale
Book Series: Supernatural Rehab Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 28, 2020
Genre: New Adult Paranormal
Recommended Age: 18+ (sexual content, language, slight violence)
Publisher: Phoenix Rising Publishing
Pages: 264
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Welcome to the Van Helsing Academy: a rehabilitation center for vampires, shifters, and witches who don't like to follow the rules.
Mina can't remember anything about the night she was attacked. All she knows is what she's been told: she got separated from her team during a mission and turned up two months later covered in cuts and bruises alongside two dead vampires.
After being blamed for their deaths, she is sentenced to three years at the supernatural rehabilitation center, the Van Helsing Academy.
As Mina searches for answers, lies are slowly unraveled and alliances forged. Soon she will uncover a secret plot that threatens to destroy her family legacy and ignite a war between the supernatural factions.
Review: This was a fun book! The writing was amazingly well done, the characters were well developed and the world building was sublime! I loved the world that this author built and I felt this was one of the most fun paranormal books I’ve read in a bit. It’s also a really short book and the pacing is super fast, so be prepared to start running when you read!
The only issue I had was that the romance took a bit to build up and it was a bit slower than what the plot was, which felt a little off, but it was still fun!
Verdict: Definitely recommend!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher and Rockstar book tours! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Book Series: Pandava Series
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Indian main character and side characters!
Publication Date: April 7, 2020
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (slight violence, some scary moments)
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 412
Amazon Link
Synopsis: War between the devas and the demons is imminent, and the Otherworld is on high alert. When intelligence from the human world reveals that the Sleeper is holding a powerful clairvoyant and her sister captive, 14-year-old Aru and her friends launch a search-and-rescue mission. The captives, a pair of twins, turn out to be the newest Pandava sisters, though, according to a prophecy, one sister is not true.
During the celebration of Holi, the heavenly attendants stage a massage PR rebranding campaign to convince everyone that the Pandavas are to be trusted. As much as Aru relishes the attention, she fears that she is destined to bring destruction to her sisters, as the Sleeper has predicted. Aru believes that the only way to prove her reputation is to find the Kalpavriksha, the wish-granting tree that came out of the Ocean of Milk when it was churned. If she can reach it before the Sleeper, perhaps she can turn everything around with one wish.
Careful what you wish for, Aru . . .
Review: Holy cow this book was so good! I absolutely loved the characters, old and new, especially Sheela! My new fave next to Aru! I loved the world building and I loved how this group of heroines and heroes solved issued and fought together. The book was well written and fun, and it was well paced.
I didn’t really have an issue with the book at all. In a couple of spots, it was slow but that was to build tension. The book also ended on an absolute cliffhanger that boggled my mind. I need book 4!!
Verdict: Love this series!
Book: Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Book Series: Pandava Series
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Indian main character and side characters!
Publication Date: April 7, 2020
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (slight violence, some scary moments)
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 412
Amazon Link
Synopsis: War between the devas and the demons is imminent, and the Otherworld is on high alert. When intelligence from the human world reveals that the Sleeper is holding a powerful clairvoyant and her sister captive, 14-year-old Aru and her friends launch a search-and-rescue mission. The captives, a pair of twins, turn out to be the newest Pandava sisters, though, according to a prophecy, one sister is not true.
During the celebration of Holi, the heavenly attendants stage a massage PR rebranding campaign to convince everyone that the Pandavas are to be trusted. As much as Aru relishes the attention, she fears that she is destined to bring destruction to her sisters, as the Sleeper has predicted. Aru believes that the only way to prove her reputation is to find the Kalpavriksha, the wish-granting tree that came out of the Ocean of Milk when it was churned. If she can reach it before the Sleeper, perhaps she can turn everything around with one wish.
Careful what you wish for, Aru . . .
Review: Holy cow this book was so good! I absolutely loved the characters, old and new, especially Sheela! My new fave next to Aru! I loved the world building and I loved how this group of heroines and heroes solved issued and fought together. The book was well written and fun, and it was well paced.
I didn’t really have an issue with the book at all. In a couple of spots, it was slow but that was to build tension. The book also ended on an absolute cliffhanger that boggled my mind. I need book 4!!
Verdict: Love this series!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Unscripted
Author: Claire Handscombe
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: April 4, 2019
Genre: Romance
Recommended Age: 18+ (some sexual content, romance)
Publisher: Unbound
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Nobody is a bigger fan of actor Thomas Cassidy than Libby is. Nobody. That's why she's totally going to marry him.
She is going to write a novel, name the main character after Thom, and find a way to get it to him. Intrigued and flattered, he will read it, fall in love with her prose, write to her and ask to turn it into a movie. She will pretend to think about it for a week or so, then say, sure, but can I work on it with you? Their eyes will meet over the script, and fade to black. It is a fail-proof plan.
Except for the fact that he is a Hollywood star – not A list, perhaps not B list, but certainly C+ – and she is, well, not. Except for the fact that he lives in America. Except, too, for the teeny tiny age gap. Not even twenty years! Totally overcomable. All of the obstacles are totally overcomable. It's all about determination.
Review: Overall, this was a good book. The world building was pretty good and the plot was intriguing. The characters were also enduring for the most part.
However, I felt like the pacing was too slow for my tastes and beyond that the book had some pretty unbelievable parts. The book was good, but I didn’t click with it well.
Verdict: Good, but slow.
Book: Unscripted
Author: Claire Handscombe
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: April 4, 2019
Genre: Romance
Recommended Age: 18+ (some sexual content, romance)
Publisher: Unbound
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Nobody is a bigger fan of actor Thomas Cassidy than Libby is. Nobody. That's why she's totally going to marry him.
She is going to write a novel, name the main character after Thom, and find a way to get it to him. Intrigued and flattered, he will read it, fall in love with her prose, write to her and ask to turn it into a movie. She will pretend to think about it for a week or so, then say, sure, but can I work on it with you? Their eyes will meet over the script, and fade to black. It is a fail-proof plan.
Except for the fact that he is a Hollywood star – not A list, perhaps not B list, but certainly C+ – and she is, well, not. Except for the fact that he lives in America. Except, too, for the teeny tiny age gap. Not even twenty years! Totally overcomable. All of the obstacles are totally overcomable. It's all about determination.
Review: Overall, this was a good book. The world building was pretty good and the plot was intriguing. The characters were also enduring for the most part.
However, I felt like the pacing was too slow for my tastes and beyond that the book had some pretty unbelievable parts. The book was good, but I didn’t click with it well.
Verdict: Good, but slow.
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Rise of the Hearts: Rebirth
Author: Antoine Bonner
Book Series: Rise of the Hearts Book 2
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: January 26, 2019
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: BookBaby
Pages: 108
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Months have passed since Nate has met Traeh, the deity of love with the pink heart-shaped irises. He's gotten used to his new powers she has given him and feels invincible, at least until someone predicts he's going to die a violent death. Nate becomes cautious and takes a break from his hobby of killing disloyal cheaters and gold diggers to avoid any unnecessary trouble. But trouble finds him because of his past actions and forces the hand of a powerful foe, pushing him to his limits and forcing him to deal with his inner demons.
Review: Another book I had to DNF at 15%. I felt like this book had a lot of potential, the short story was intriguing, but the book is jumpy and disjointed. The book doesn’t flow well and is confusing. I’m not sure if this is a translation or not, but it seems like a badly translated book. I’ve read translated books before and they’ve been amazing, but if this one of them then the translator did a bad job.
Verdict: Not for me.
Book: Rise of the Hearts: Rebirth
Author: Antoine Bonner
Book Series: Rise of the Hearts Book 2
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: January 26, 2019
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: BookBaby
Pages: 108
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Months have passed since Nate has met Traeh, the deity of love with the pink heart-shaped irises. He's gotten used to his new powers she has given him and feels invincible, at least until someone predicts he's going to die a violent death. Nate becomes cautious and takes a break from his hobby of killing disloyal cheaters and gold diggers to avoid any unnecessary trouble. But trouble finds him because of his past actions and forces the hand of a powerful foe, pushing him to his limits and forcing him to deal with his inner demons.
Review: Another book I had to DNF at 15%. I felt like this book had a lot of potential, the short story was intriguing, but the book is jumpy and disjointed. The book doesn’t flow well and is confusing. I’m not sure if this is a translation or not, but it seems like a badly translated book. I’ve read translated books before and they’ve been amazing, but if this one of them then the translator did a bad job.
Verdict: Not for me.
Disclaimer: I received this e-book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Kingdom Cold
Author: Brittni Chenelle
Book Series: Kingdom Cold Book 1
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: February 14, 2019
Genre: YA Fantsay
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 278
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Attempted murder, that's how sixteen-year-old Princess Charlotte's engagement starts. It seems like the only thing she has in common with Prince Young of Vires is their mutual discontent.
When her kingdom's attacked, Charlotte's parents renegotiate her hand in marriage to a handsome stranger with a sinister plan. With the people Charlotte loves dying around her, and her kingdom's future at stake, the only person she can turn to is the prince she betrayed. But, should she save her kingdom or her heart?
One must fall.
Review: I had to DNF this book at 15%. I couldn’t connect with the characters and it didn’t feel like the book had a clearly defined plot. It’s also incredibly slow.
Verdict: Not for me.
Book: Kingdom Cold
Author: Brittni Chenelle
Book Series: Kingdom Cold Book 1
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: February 14, 2019
Genre: YA Fantsay
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 278
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Attempted murder, that's how sixteen-year-old Princess Charlotte's engagement starts. It seems like the only thing she has in common with Prince Young of Vires is their mutual discontent.
When her kingdom's attacked, Charlotte's parents renegotiate her hand in marriage to a handsome stranger with a sinister plan. With the people Charlotte loves dying around her, and her kingdom's future at stake, the only person she can turn to is the prince she betrayed. But, should she save her kingdom or her heart?
One must fall.
Review: I had to DNF this book at 15%. I couldn’t connect with the characters and it didn’t feel like the book had a clearly defined plot. It’s also incredibly slow.
Verdict: Not for me.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Training Tutor
Author: Tabatha Shipley
Book Series: Kingdom of Fraun Book 3
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, slight violence, slight sexual content)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 243
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The war has been fought and Fraun has been rebuilt in the council's image. On the surface, the kingdom's problems are gone. But Sarcheda's new king has no blood of his realm, earning his seat on a technicality. A technicality citizens will not ignore.
Has Tutor helped to save Fraun only to have Sarcheda tear it apart again?
Review: This book series continues and I thought this was a good book. The book still had compelling characters and amazingly detailed world building. I had just as much reading this novel as I did the first two and it was just as light and easy to read as the second one. The book was also well plotted!
However, I felt like this book was a bit slower in plot than the first two. This one wasn’t my fave among the first two, but it was still good. I just wish there was a bit more going on in it, but that’s just preference.
Verdict: Still a great series!
Book: Training Tutor
Author: Tabatha Shipley
Book Series: Kingdom of Fraun Book 3
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, slight violence, slight sexual content)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 243
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The war has been fought and Fraun has been rebuilt in the council's image. On the surface, the kingdom's problems are gone. But Sarcheda's new king has no blood of his realm, earning his seat on a technicality. A technicality citizens will not ignore.
Has Tutor helped to save Fraun only to have Sarcheda tear it apart again?
Review: This book series continues and I thought this was a good book. The book still had compelling characters and amazingly detailed world building. I had just as much reading this novel as I did the first two and it was just as light and easy to read as the second one. The book was also well plotted!
However, I felt like this book was a bit slower in plot than the first two. This one wasn’t my fave among the first two, but it was still good. I just wish there was a bit more going on in it, but that’s just preference.
Verdict: Still a great series!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the author! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Primal Instincts
Author: Peter Gulgowski
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: LGBT characters, m/m romance
Publication Date: May 8, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, romance)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 211
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Bred for entertainment, designed for war.
Nick Davis awoke in a facility with no recollection of how he got there. Memories of his life before this moment are few and blurred. Now, his survival depends on his ability to shapeshift into a wolf for a televised battle to the death known as The Primal Battle.
His prison—the Institute.
His directive—to be a ruthless hunter.
But where does humanity fit into the merging of science and media?
Desperate to unravel the mysteries of his past, Nick uncovers a sinister secret the Institute would kill to keep hidden. They think they know him down to the very code of his DNA, but true power lies in the unpredictability of freewill.
To survive the Institute, he must play their game. Yet Nick knows the cost may be too high. Can he fight the animalistic rage of his genetic programming to cling to the human roots he knows exist within him? Or will what’s left of his humanity be lost to the allure of violent chaos?
Review: The book was good overall. The characters were well developed and the world building was well done. The plot was intriguing and it kept me interested throughout the novel. I like the storyline overall. It’s unique and definitely for the Hunger Games and Red Rising lovers out there.
However, while I liked the LGBT representation I did feel like it was a bit forced. They weren’t the ideal match and their continued romance felt like it existed for the sake of existing. The ending was also rushed and very open ended, so possibly there’s another book in store but I’m not sure. I also didn’t like the slow pacing of the novel and I think the book could have pulled off a faster pace. Also, it’s a really short book. I think it could have been better if expanded.
Verdict: A good book!
Book: Primal Instincts
Author: Peter Gulgowski
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: LGBT characters, m/m romance
Publication Date: May 8, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, romance)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 211
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Bred for entertainment, designed for war.
Nick Davis awoke in a facility with no recollection of how he got there. Memories of his life before this moment are few and blurred. Now, his survival depends on his ability to shapeshift into a wolf for a televised battle to the death known as The Primal Battle.
His prison—the Institute.
His directive—to be a ruthless hunter.
But where does humanity fit into the merging of science and media?
Desperate to unravel the mysteries of his past, Nick uncovers a sinister secret the Institute would kill to keep hidden. They think they know him down to the very code of his DNA, but true power lies in the unpredictability of freewill.
To survive the Institute, he must play their game. Yet Nick knows the cost may be too high. Can he fight the animalistic rage of his genetic programming to cling to the human roots he knows exist within him? Or will what’s left of his humanity be lost to the allure of violent chaos?
Review: The book was good overall. The characters were well developed and the world building was well done. The plot was intriguing and it kept me interested throughout the novel. I like the storyline overall. It’s unique and definitely for the Hunger Games and Red Rising lovers out there.
However, while I liked the LGBT representation I did feel like it was a bit forced. They weren’t the ideal match and their continued romance felt like it existed for the sake of existing. The ending was also rushed and very open ended, so possibly there’s another book in store but I’m not sure. I also didn’t like the slow pacing of the novel and I think the book could have pulled off a faster pace. Also, it’s a really short book. I think it could have been better if expanded.
Verdict: A good book!
Disclaimer: I received an arc from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Colossus of Roads
Author: Christina Uss
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: MG Contemporary
Recommended Age: 10+ (traffic!)
Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books
Pages: 224
Amazon Link
Synopsis: "Traffic is a puzzle with one correct solution. And I've got to solve it!"
Rick has been studying maps and traffic patterns for years, and devises solutions to improve Los Angeles' notoriously terrible traffic that he calls his Snarl Solutions. He has big ideas, but not enough resources-- until his artistic friend, Mila brings him to a Girl Scout meeting.
Every week at Miss Diamond's art studio, the scouts paint recycled traffic signs with their own designs. The signs will be hung all over Los Angeles to beautify the city with art. But Rick, The Colossus of Roads, has ulterior motives . . . He will restore the signs to their original glory and find a way to install them strategically to rectify the traffic. Anything can be hung with duct tape!
But of course, it's not that easy. SPLAT (Stop Poor LA Traffic), BLAM (Bike-Loving Amazing Mamas), and the TCD (Traffic Calming Division) have their own methods of curing the city's dilemma and will undermine Rick's efforts however they can.
Will Rick be able to clear the notorious traffic problem on Sepulveda Pass in time for his parents to deliver Polish food to the movie studio and land the catering contract they need to keep their company afloat?
Review: Overall, I thought this was a great book. The characters and well developed and engaging, which is super important in a middle grade book. The main character is funny and has severe motion sickness. I also loved the theme of community and coming together to make something better. I felt like the writing was well done as well. I also liked how it showed a kid with a bit of an unusual hobby. I think it shows kids to go after what they want to do, no matter if others are doing it or not.
However, I did want more world building in the book and I felt like the pacing was a bit slow for me.
Verdict: A good book for kids!
Book: The Colossus of Roads
Author: Christina Uss
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: MG Contemporary
Recommended Age: 10+ (traffic!)
Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books
Pages: 224
Amazon Link
Synopsis: "Traffic is a puzzle with one correct solution. And I've got to solve it!"
Rick has been studying maps and traffic patterns for years, and devises solutions to improve Los Angeles' notoriously terrible traffic that he calls his Snarl Solutions. He has big ideas, but not enough resources-- until his artistic friend, Mila brings him to a Girl Scout meeting.
Every week at Miss Diamond's art studio, the scouts paint recycled traffic signs with their own designs. The signs will be hung all over Los Angeles to beautify the city with art. But Rick, The Colossus of Roads, has ulterior motives . . . He will restore the signs to their original glory and find a way to install them strategically to rectify the traffic. Anything can be hung with duct tape!
But of course, it's not that easy. SPLAT (Stop Poor LA Traffic), BLAM (Bike-Loving Amazing Mamas), and the TCD (Traffic Calming Division) have their own methods of curing the city's dilemma and will undermine Rick's efforts however they can.
Will Rick be able to clear the notorious traffic problem on Sepulveda Pass in time for his parents to deliver Polish food to the movie studio and land the catering contract they need to keep their company afloat?
Review: Overall, I thought this was a great book. The characters and well developed and engaging, which is super important in a middle grade book. The main character is funny and has severe motion sickness. I also loved the theme of community and coming together to make something better. I felt like the writing was well done as well. I also liked how it showed a kid with a bit of an unusual hobby. I think it shows kids to go after what they want to do, no matter if others are doing it or not.
However, I did want more world building in the book and I felt like the pacing was a bit slow for me.
Verdict: A good book for kids!
Disclaimer: I received this book from an owlcrate box! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Author: Lewis Carroll
Book Series: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Book 1
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: November 26, 1885
Genre: Children’s Classics
Recommended Age: 10+ (violence, slight gore, scary moments)
Publisher: Public Domain Books
Pages: 96
Amazon Link
Synopsis: After a tumble down the rabbit hole, Alice finds herself far away from home in the absurd world of Wonderland. As mind-bending as it is delightful, Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel is pure magic for young and old alike.
Review: For the most part this was a cute tale. The world building was fantastic and whimsical. The characters complex and well developed. The book is full of great writing and I can see why a lot of people love this story and how it’s maintained its popularity year after year.
However, I can’t read this book without thinking of Lewis Carroll’s inspiration for the book and it creeps me out to no end. Sometimes people are able to put that behind them when they read books by controversial authors, but I couldn’t for this read and it made reading this book hard.
Verdict: Ehhh not my fave.
Book: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Author: Lewis Carroll
Book Series: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland Book 1
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: November 26, 1885
Genre: Children’s Classics
Recommended Age: 10+ (violence, slight gore, scary moments)
Publisher: Public Domain Books
Pages: 96
Amazon Link
Synopsis: After a tumble down the rabbit hole, Alice finds herself far away from home in the absurd world of Wonderland. As mind-bending as it is delightful, Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel is pure magic for young and old alike.
Review: For the most part this was a cute tale. The world building was fantastic and whimsical. The characters complex and well developed. The book is full of great writing and I can see why a lot of people love this story and how it’s maintained its popularity year after year.
However, I can’t read this book without thinking of Lewis Carroll’s inspiration for the book and it creeps me out to no end. Sometimes people are able to put that behind them when they read books by controversial authors, but I couldn’t for this read and it made reading this book hard.
Verdict: Ehhh not my fave.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Rockstar Book Tours! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Dark Awakening
Author: D.L. Blade
Book Series: Chosen Coven Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: March 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, romance)
Publisher: Fifth Element Publishing
Pages: 252
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Get ready for a new kind of witch—she’s about to save humanity.
Haunting secrets, witches, vampires, werewolves, love, betrayal, & twists you won’t see coming!
Mercy’s life has devolved into a string of bad events. A brutal beating that nearly stole her life, a dangerous stalker lurking in the shadows, and a car accident, where the man who rescued her disappears right before her eyes.
But this man who she thought was a hallucination, tracks her down at a nearby cove, and claims they were once in love from another time. Another century. But Mercy has no memory of this world he shares, and instinctively doesn’t trust him. He also reveals to her a life-changing secret—she’s an ancient witch, vampires are real, and she's destined to destroy them.
There’s also the troubling discovery that her blood is lusted after by the undead, and a sadistic vampire leader sets his eyes on her, and will stop at nothing until he takes Mercy as his own.
Mercy needs to fight. Fight for her life, fight to discover the truth, fight to remember who—or what—she really is before it’s too late.
Review: This was an ok book for the most part. The book had an interesting plot and the world building was well done. The book seemed very interesting from the get go and the plot was the reason I kept reading the book.
However, the romance and the characters felt really flat and uninteresting. The characters didn’t feel like they were anything more than the paper they were wrote on and nothing really made them stand out from one or the other. The book is also very slow paced.
Verdict: It was an ok read
Book: The Dark Awakening
Author: D.L. Blade
Book Series: Chosen Coven Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: March 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, romance)
Publisher: Fifth Element Publishing
Pages: 252
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Get ready for a new kind of witch—she’s about to save humanity.
Haunting secrets, witches, vampires, werewolves, love, betrayal, & twists you won’t see coming!
Mercy’s life has devolved into a string of bad events. A brutal beating that nearly stole her life, a dangerous stalker lurking in the shadows, and a car accident, where the man who rescued her disappears right before her eyes.
But this man who she thought was a hallucination, tracks her down at a nearby cove, and claims they were once in love from another time. Another century. But Mercy has no memory of this world he shares, and instinctively doesn’t trust him. He also reveals to her a life-changing secret—she’s an ancient witch, vampires are real, and she's destined to destroy them.
There’s also the troubling discovery that her blood is lusted after by the undead, and a sadistic vampire leader sets his eyes on her, and will stop at nothing until he takes Mercy as his own.
Mercy needs to fight. Fight for her life, fight to discover the truth, fight to remember who—or what—she really is before it’s too late.
Review: This was an ok book for the most part. The book had an interesting plot and the world building was well done. The book seemed very interesting from the get go and the plot was the reason I kept reading the book.
However, the romance and the characters felt really flat and uninteresting. The characters didn’t feel like they were anything more than the paper they were wrote on and nothing really made them stand out from one or the other. The book is also very slow paced.
Verdict: It was an ok read