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popthebutterfly
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Adult Thriller
Recommended Age: 18+ (or younger if you have permission to read about graphic murder and rape).
Favorite Quote: “Because she had purposefully burnt the pads of her fingertips long ago, incriminating fingerprints left behind were never a concern.”
I was provided a free copy of this book by Karyn Rae/Karyn Rae Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my decision in anyway.
Tommy has been Dom Denarios’ consigliere for most of his life. Lena was sold between different men until landing behind a bar in a secretive nightclub. Hardy works for the government and is trying to arrest Chicago’s biggest crime bosses. How are all of these people connected? By State 51 of course! Together they will experience what few do and find truths that might be too unbearable to know. But in the end, will they fight it or will they accept it?
Did you ever watch The Sopranos? The Godfather? Pulp Fiction? Do you like organized crime and conspiracy theories? Well then we’d probably make great friends, but more importantly this is the book for you! This book is an interesting exploration at different conspiracy theories and at organized crime, with the most intriguing connection being between the two. It was one of those books I didn’t want to put down and I consumed the book in 2 days! The book had a very natural pace to it and I never felt like the book was lagging or was speeding through some of the more important details. The plot development was also excellently executed. I looked very critically at this area because the book does involve some sort of mystery and I like for mysteries in books to be solvable and not totally outside of the realm of possibility. That being said, while I can see how all the pieces fit for the most part (the book does seem to indicate that there will be a sequel maybe?) I don’t see the puzzle as unsolvable.
The characters were also very well developed and nothing between the characters was sped up for plot’s sake. Everything: the dialogue, the actions, and the way each character described their individual situations, felt natural. There were a few surprises, but upon reflection nothing felt out-of-character. The book was a very easy read and anyone, even if you know nothing about mob bosses and don’t know who Al Capone is, would be able to understand this book and it’s topics because the quality of writing makes the book very easy and fun to comprehend. The only flaw I can see in the book is that the book ends on a cliffhanger and I need more now!
Needless to say, I enjoyed this book greatly and I can’t wait to read more from this publishing agency! This book is coming out soon so stay tuned and follow Karyn Rae on Instagram (@karynraewrites) for more!
Genre: Adult Thriller
Recommended Age: 18+ (or younger if you have permission to read about graphic murder and rape).
Favorite Quote: “Because she had purposefully burnt the pads of her fingertips long ago, incriminating fingerprints left behind were never a concern.”
I was provided a free copy of this book by Karyn Rae/Karyn Rae Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my decision in anyway.
Tommy has been Dom Denarios’ consigliere for most of his life. Lena was sold between different men until landing behind a bar in a secretive nightclub. Hardy works for the government and is trying to arrest Chicago’s biggest crime bosses. How are all of these people connected? By State 51 of course! Together they will experience what few do and find truths that might be too unbearable to know. But in the end, will they fight it or will they accept it?
Did you ever watch The Sopranos? The Godfather? Pulp Fiction? Do you like organized crime and conspiracy theories? Well then we’d probably make great friends, but more importantly this is the book for you! This book is an interesting exploration at different conspiracy theories and at organized crime, with the most intriguing connection being between the two. It was one of those books I didn’t want to put down and I consumed the book in 2 days! The book had a very natural pace to it and I never felt like the book was lagging or was speeding through some of the more important details. The plot development was also excellently executed. I looked very critically at this area because the book does involve some sort of mystery and I like for mysteries in books to be solvable and not totally outside of the realm of possibility. That being said, while I can see how all the pieces fit for the most part (the book does seem to indicate that there will be a sequel maybe?) I don’t see the puzzle as unsolvable.
The characters were also very well developed and nothing between the characters was sped up for plot’s sake. Everything: the dialogue, the actions, and the way each character described their individual situations, felt natural. There were a few surprises, but upon reflection nothing felt out-of-character. The book was a very easy read and anyone, even if you know nothing about mob bosses and don’t know who Al Capone is, would be able to understand this book and it’s topics because the quality of writing makes the book very easy and fun to comprehend. The only flaw I can see in the book is that the book ends on a cliffhanger and I need more now!
Needless to say, I enjoyed this book greatly and I can’t wait to read more from this publishing agency! This book is coming out soon so stay tuned and follow Karyn Rae on Instagram (@karynraewrites) for more!
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy/Romance
Recommended Age: 15+ (magick and slight romance/some slight mature scenes)
Pages: 534
Author: Brindi Quinn
Amazon
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for promotion and review. This did not effect my review at all. Thanks Brindi!
I love authors that can write any genre well and Brindi is the only author I really know about who can do this. This book, which is a epic fantasy/romance book is amazingly well written. It’s very poetic and it flows beautifully. The plot, the world building, and the pacing are all done amazingly well. I love the world that Brindi created and she’s always been able to make it come alive in some aspect of my imagination.
The only thing I felt was slightly off was that I felt some of the characters weren’t that well developed and that their romance was a little weird, but I’m really picky in how I like my romances written so I think this was just my pickiness again.
Verdict: Beautifully well written without being too Lani Taylor esque and the world in it is unique and deserves to be read.
Genre: YA Fantasy/Romance
Recommended Age: 15+ (magick and slight romance/some slight mature scenes)
Pages: 534
Author: Brindi Quinn
Amazon
I received this book for free from the author in exchange for promotion and review. This did not effect my review at all. Thanks Brindi!
I love authors that can write any genre well and Brindi is the only author I really know about who can do this. This book, which is a epic fantasy/romance book is amazingly well written. It’s very poetic and it flows beautifully. The plot, the world building, and the pacing are all done amazingly well. I love the world that Brindi created and she’s always been able to make it come alive in some aspect of my imagination.
The only thing I felt was slightly off was that I felt some of the characters weren’t that well developed and that their romance was a little weird, but I’m really picky in how I like my romances written so I think this was just my pickiness again.
Verdict: Beautifully well written without being too Lani Taylor esque and the world in it is unique and deserves to be read.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from KidLitExchange and the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (dragon, journey, adventure, friendship and violence)
Pages: 438
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Magic. Mystery. Lore. Fates Awoken catapults readers into a journey inlaid with powerful beasts and ancient secrets. Picking up where Fates Aflame left off, this standalone addition to the franchise lets new adventurers dive right in, while previous fans can savor unexpected turns fueling a new tale. INCLUDES BONUS short story and illustration!
Ancient bloodmanes have declared war on Rayvenstar Castle. After Admiral Hawksford is summoned to help, she assembles a team and journeys to Alyssia to confront the threat. But when truth is distorted by fiction, and every attempt to gain information leaves her with more questions than answers, Valhara and her crew are left scrambling for a solution. Rampant beasts aren't the only menace. A stubborn king with a brash temper and archaic ways puts her under undue pressure. The Elemental Guardian's patience and powers are tested, forcing her to endure a shocking twist of fate...
Books in the Fates Aflame Series:
Fates Aflame Fates Awoken Don't miss the companion, all ages coloring book available separately (ISBN 978-0-9974485-2-8).
I am so so upset that I haven’t read the first book yet! One day! One day, because this book was pretty good! I loved the characters and the adventure. The plot moved smoothly and it was an amazing book with a dragon, other fantastical beasts, and friendship. The writing was also so well down, like this book wouldn't have been as good as it was without the writing.
My only concern is that the pacing in this book was a bit awkward in spots, but other than that it was pretty good!
Verdict: Don’t be like me, go read book 1 and then preorder this book ASAP!
Rating: 4/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (dragon, journey, adventure, friendship and violence)
Pages: 438
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Magic. Mystery. Lore. Fates Awoken catapults readers into a journey inlaid with powerful beasts and ancient secrets. Picking up where Fates Aflame left off, this standalone addition to the franchise lets new adventurers dive right in, while previous fans can savor unexpected turns fueling a new tale. INCLUDES BONUS short story and illustration!
Ancient bloodmanes have declared war on Rayvenstar Castle. After Admiral Hawksford is summoned to help, she assembles a team and journeys to Alyssia to confront the threat. But when truth is distorted by fiction, and every attempt to gain information leaves her with more questions than answers, Valhara and her crew are left scrambling for a solution. Rampant beasts aren't the only menace. A stubborn king with a brash temper and archaic ways puts her under undue pressure. The Elemental Guardian's patience and powers are tested, forcing her to endure a shocking twist of fate...
Books in the Fates Aflame Series:
Fates Aflame Fates Awoken Don't miss the companion, all ages coloring book available separately (ISBN 978-0-9974485-2-8).
I am so so upset that I haven’t read the first book yet! One day! One day, because this book was pretty good! I loved the characters and the adventure. The plot moved smoothly and it was an amazing book with a dragon, other fantastical beasts, and friendship. The writing was also so well down, like this book wouldn't have been as good as it was without the writing.
My only concern is that the pacing in this book was a bit awkward in spots, but other than that it was pretty good!
Verdict: Don’t be like me, go read book 1 and then preorder this book ASAP!
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Romance Mystery
Recommended Age: 16+ (murder and intrigue. Just kidding, it’s a sweet romance story with some slight mature content).
Pages: 411
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: You’ve seen the messages. You’ve solved the mystery.
But there’s more to this story than it seems.
Find out what was really happening behind all those e-mails and texts – from the minds of the five suspects themselves.
This book explores the points-of-view of Hunter, Declan, Matthew, Randy, and Sean in the days leading up to – and during – the messages seen in I’m Not a Stalker. But beware! Not everything is as simple as it may have seemed.
Originally published in a beta version as a series of separate companion books on Wattpad, this book presents the five males’ POVs in a unique and unconventional way, revealing an altogether-different perspective on the original story. Told in narrative format (not texts and messages as the original), this story delves deeply into the lives of some of the most popular characters from I’m Not a Stalker, and contains never-before-seen chapters and insights not included in the original publication on Wattpad.
I’ve not fully read the first book in this series, but I have seen that it’s wrote in mixed media format. While I kinda wish this was wrote in the same manner I feel that this was a cute book overall. The writing was well done and the characters were pretty well developed.
However, I feel that the book was a bit repetitive at times and that the pacing was a bit too slow for me personally. I also felt that the book was a bit too long for my tastes and that it could have been solved sooner, but overall it was really good.
Verdict: A romantic mystery tie in for the first book. Read right after the first book!
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Romance Mystery
Recommended Age: 16+ (murder and intrigue. Just kidding, it’s a sweet romance story with some slight mature content).
Pages: 411
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: You’ve seen the messages. You’ve solved the mystery.
But there’s more to this story than it seems.
Find out what was really happening behind all those e-mails and texts – from the minds of the five suspects themselves.
This book explores the points-of-view of Hunter, Declan, Matthew, Randy, and Sean in the days leading up to – and during – the messages seen in I’m Not a Stalker. But beware! Not everything is as simple as it may have seemed.
Originally published in a beta version as a series of separate companion books on Wattpad, this book presents the five males’ POVs in a unique and unconventional way, revealing an altogether-different perspective on the original story. Told in narrative format (not texts and messages as the original), this story delves deeply into the lives of some of the most popular characters from I’m Not a Stalker, and contains never-before-seen chapters and insights not included in the original publication on Wattpad.
I’ve not fully read the first book in this series, but I have seen that it’s wrote in mixed media format. While I kinda wish this was wrote in the same manner I feel that this was a cute book overall. The writing was well done and the characters were pretty well developed.
However, I feel that the book was a bit repetitive at times and that the pacing was a bit too slow for me personally. I also felt that the book was a bit too long for my tastes and that it could have been solved sooner, but overall it was really good.
Verdict: A romantic mystery tie in for the first book. Read right after the first book!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and then I bought my own copy. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: July 2nd, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (some violence, some mature content)
Pages: 340
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Imara’s life is finally going the way she’s always dreamed. Until her sister is taken hostage by crazed fanatics, forcing her into a fight she wants no part of.
A hundred years in the future, Imara’s evolved senses as a truth seer give her an advantage over the obstacles ahead. But her gift is also a curse: years of baggage weigh heavily on her shoulders.
Imara descends into the catacombs, leading a rescue mission for her sister and the other hostages. Secrets are uncovered at every turn that threaten to tear the group apart and soon it’s not just the lives of the hostages that are at stake.
When Imara finally understands what the fanatic kidnappers are planning, she’s forced to make a choice that will change her life forever.
I really loved this book! I felt that it was a fun fantasy sci-fi book that kept my interest throughout the novel! The characters were intriguing, the plot was well developed and interesting, and the pacing was on point! The world building was also amazing and I really feel like I was immersed in this world!
However, I do feel that there were some issues with the book. I felt that the characters didn’t really develop that much and the reader was told stuff about them rather than shown. I also felt that the Imara had it unusually easy throughout the book. She doubted she would be able to see past illusions, but seemed to have no issue at all. I feel that if the character had some issue or struggled it would have been more relatable to the reader.
Verdict: I can’t lie, I love this book.
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: July 2nd, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (some violence, some mature content)
Pages: 340
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Imara’s life is finally going the way she’s always dreamed. Until her sister is taken hostage by crazed fanatics, forcing her into a fight she wants no part of.
A hundred years in the future, Imara’s evolved senses as a truth seer give her an advantage over the obstacles ahead. But her gift is also a curse: years of baggage weigh heavily on her shoulders.
Imara descends into the catacombs, leading a rescue mission for her sister and the other hostages. Secrets are uncovered at every turn that threaten to tear the group apart and soon it’s not just the lives of the hostages that are at stake.
When Imara finally understands what the fanatic kidnappers are planning, she’s forced to make a choice that will change her life forever.
I really loved this book! I felt that it was a fun fantasy sci-fi book that kept my interest throughout the novel! The characters were intriguing, the plot was well developed and interesting, and the pacing was on point! The world building was also amazing and I really feel like I was immersed in this world!
However, I do feel that there were some issues with the book. I felt that the characters didn’t really develop that much and the reader was told stuff about them rather than shown. I also felt that the Imara had it unusually easy throughout the book. She doubted she would be able to see past illusions, but seemed to have no issue at all. I feel that if the character had some issue or struggled it would have been more relatable to the reader.
Verdict: I can’t lie, I love this book.
Disclaimer: I received a free book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: May 27, 2018
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended Age: 15+ (romance, forceful love)
Pages: 194
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: “Sil says I have a problem with authority. I say Sil’s a twit.”
Forced to live in the mortal world, tasked with an impossible mission, it is the end of the world for spoiled Prince Wayst. Exiled from the underworld, Wayst’s only hope of getting home is to make an affectionless girl fall for him.
If only he didn’t want to kill her so badly.
Love and hate have never been more deliciously cynical, in this dry-humored tale of lust, murder, and romance.
Again, I really love how Brindi can make up anything from the top of her mind. I love that she makes these very unique scenes and characters. I also really like how well developed all her characters are and how solid each story is.
However, I felt really uneasy reading this book. I don’t like the cliché of making someone fall in love with them and the act of making someone fall in love with someone else is really gross to me. I felt really sick by the storyline and it just made the book really repulsive to me. However, that’s a personal opinion and other than that I felt the story was pretty decent.
Verdict: Meh.
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: May 27, 2018
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended Age: 15+ (romance, forceful love)
Pages: 194
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: “Sil says I have a problem with authority. I say Sil’s a twit.”
Forced to live in the mortal world, tasked with an impossible mission, it is the end of the world for spoiled Prince Wayst. Exiled from the underworld, Wayst’s only hope of getting home is to make an affectionless girl fall for him.
If only he didn’t want to kill her so badly.
Love and hate have never been more deliciously cynical, in this dry-humored tale of lust, murder, and romance.
Again, I really love how Brindi can make up anything from the top of her mind. I love that she makes these very unique scenes and characters. I also really like how well developed all her characters are and how solid each story is.
However, I felt really uneasy reading this book. I don’t like the cliché of making someone fall in love with them and the act of making someone fall in love with someone else is really gross to me. I felt really sick by the storyline and it just made the book really repulsive to me. However, that’s a personal opinion and other than that I felt the story was pretty decent.
Verdict: Meh.
Disclaimer: I received this e-book from R&R Book Tours for a tour. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Tea With Rasputin
Author: Rolf Richardson
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: mystery, thriller, romance
Publication Date: July 22, 2020
Genre: Mystery
Recommended Age: 18+ (sexual content, gore, slight violence, language)
Publisher: Gold Wind
Pages: 281
Synopsis: It’s 1992 and during a routine layover in Anchorage Alaska, Greg Wilton (a First Officer with British World Airways) disappears without trace.
Back at airline HQ near Heathrow, Mr Halford, Head of Security, is tasked with finding someone to investigate Greg’s case. His team are working to capacity and no one can be spared. So he scrapes the bottom of the barrel and assigns recent recruit, Terry Jackson to the investigation.
Fresh out of training school and awaiting his first posting, Terry flies to Alaska, brimming with enthusiasm at being trusted with such a mission. There he discovers Wilton rented a small plane while on his layover and both are now missing. His last contact appeared to be with Coral, a waitress at the crew watering hole, The Golden Nugget, so with her help Terry sets out to find the missing airman.
Their quest appears to be hopeless, because Alaska is huge, but they do not give up. The action moves to Hong Kong, Miami, Oxford (England) and finally St. Petersburg for Tea with Rasputin, a ten year globe-trotting saga with many twists and turns.
Join Terry in his investigation, where intrigue, suspense, mystery, humour and even a little romance lie in wait.
Review: This was an ok book. The book did well to keep a creepy vibe throughout it and the book was full of thrilling and mysterious moments. The book did well with the world building as well and the character development was ok.
However, I felt like the pacing was a bit too slow for my liking and the mystery was predictable in my opinion.
Verdict: It’s a good mystery book.
Book: Tea With Rasputin
Author: Rolf Richardson
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: mystery, thriller, romance
Publication Date: July 22, 2020
Genre: Mystery
Recommended Age: 18+ (sexual content, gore, slight violence, language)
Publisher: Gold Wind
Pages: 281
Synopsis: It’s 1992 and during a routine layover in Anchorage Alaska, Greg Wilton (a First Officer with British World Airways) disappears without trace.
Back at airline HQ near Heathrow, Mr Halford, Head of Security, is tasked with finding someone to investigate Greg’s case. His team are working to capacity and no one can be spared. So he scrapes the bottom of the barrel and assigns recent recruit, Terry Jackson to the investigation.
Fresh out of training school and awaiting his first posting, Terry flies to Alaska, brimming with enthusiasm at being trusted with such a mission. There he discovers Wilton rented a small plane while on his layover and both are now missing. His last contact appeared to be with Coral, a waitress at the crew watering hole, The Golden Nugget, so with her help Terry sets out to find the missing airman.
Their quest appears to be hopeless, because Alaska is huge, but they do not give up. The action moves to Hong Kong, Miami, Oxford (England) and finally St. Petersburg for Tea with Rasputin, a ten year globe-trotting saga with many twists and turns.
Join Terry in his investigation, where intrigue, suspense, mystery, humour and even a little romance lie in wait.
Review: This was an ok book. The book did well to keep a creepy vibe throughout it and the book was full of thrilling and mysterious moments. The book did well with the world building as well and the character development was ok.
However, I felt like the pacing was a bit too slow for my liking and the mystery was predictable in my opinion.
Verdict: It’s a good mystery book.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Adam Exitus: Book One
Author: Nicholas Abdilla
Book Series: Adam X1
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: sci-fi lovers
Publication Date: March 2, 2017
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Old Mate Media
Pages: 218
Synopsis: “Why did they kidnap me? I’m not rich. I don't have a lot of family to extort. I have certainly not been a police officer long enough to make any enemies. But instead of waking to the incessant ringing of my alarm clock back in my small city apartment, I awoke in the dirt. In the jungle. Naked. What is happening? Where are their demands?
Then I found her; beautiful and graceful, without a mark to show for her life trapped here. Wherever here is. How did she survive in this jungle? In fact, how is she keeping me alive? 14 days now, she has hunted, caught, cooked and provided without ever saying a word. She has listened to everything I’ve said, but never responds. Is she in on it? Am I in some weird experiment, or is it all a dream? But it can’t be a dream, because I keep having terrible nightmares. About bright lights, and pain, and figures at my door their voices in my head. Of jumping off cliffs, being eaten by monsters and hanging myself. How can you have such vivid nightmares inside a dream?
Then there is the X, tattooed on my head. Who kidnaps someone and then tattoos an X on their forehead? What’s it all mean? I’ve had enough! Tomorrow I’m taking control and repaying my debt to this girl. Tomorrow I escape.”
Review: Another book I had to DNF. The book is interesting, but it’s weirdly written and the world building isn’t well done in my opinion. The book also has issues with character development.
Verdict: Not for me, but maybe for you!
Book: Adam Exitus: Book One
Author: Nicholas Abdilla
Book Series: Adam X1
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: sci-fi lovers
Publication Date: March 2, 2017
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Old Mate Media
Pages: 218
Synopsis: “Why did they kidnap me? I’m not rich. I don't have a lot of family to extort. I have certainly not been a police officer long enough to make any enemies. But instead of waking to the incessant ringing of my alarm clock back in my small city apartment, I awoke in the dirt. In the jungle. Naked. What is happening? Where are their demands?
Then I found her; beautiful and graceful, without a mark to show for her life trapped here. Wherever here is. How did she survive in this jungle? In fact, how is she keeping me alive? 14 days now, she has hunted, caught, cooked and provided without ever saying a word. She has listened to everything I’ve said, but never responds. Is she in on it? Am I in some weird experiment, or is it all a dream? But it can’t be a dream, because I keep having terrible nightmares. About bright lights, and pain, and figures at my door their voices in my head. Of jumping off cliffs, being eaten by monsters and hanging myself. How can you have such vivid nightmares inside a dream?
Then there is the X, tattooed on my head. Who kidnaps someone and then tattoos an X on their forehead? What’s it all mean? I’ve had enough! Tomorrow I’m taking control and repaying my debt to this girl. Tomorrow I escape.”
Review: Another book I had to DNF. The book is interesting, but it’s weirdly written and the world building isn’t well done in my opinion. The book also has issues with character development.
Verdict: Not for me, but maybe for you!