Aspen Everlasting

Water splashed on all sides then took control of the tires. The car swerved right toward the river.
“No. NO. NO!” I turned the wheel toward the road. It didn’t work. Fast running water pulled the car into the flooded river.

Aspen Foster thinks she’s just a normal sixteen-year-old, but when her car’s caught in a flash flood, Aspen and her sister discover the superhuman strength they never knew they had.

Soon Aspen learns she’s not normal at all. She’s an Evermortal fairy, with powers beyond her wildest dreams. But the more Aspen finds out about her family’s past, the more dangerous her future becomes.

This riveting fantasy is full of action, adventure, and romance. Suspenseful and exhilarating!

My thoughts: This a fun story about what happens when a normal girl, and her siblings, find out they have super powers. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and found the story to be an imaginative one. I love that there are a lot of characters and thought that Kathryn did a fantastic job of bringing them to life, along with the world they wind up being a part of. Two thumbs up! This is a fun story for young adults and adults alike!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

A Shadow Bright and Burning

I am Henrietta Howel. The first female sorcerer. The prophesied one. Or am I?

Henrietta Howel can burst into flames. When she is brought to London to train with Her Majesty's sorcerers, she meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, young men eager to test her powers and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her. As Henrietta discovers the secrets hiding behind the glamour of sorcerer life, she begins to doubt that she's the true prophesied one. With battle looming, how much will she risk to save the city--and the one she loves?

My thoughts: I wasn't sure what I would think of this book, since I have read mixed reviews on it. I know that some others thought that the book didn't live up to it's potential, but those other reviewers have read a lot of books set in old England. I haven't. I thought that this book was interesting and feel like the next book will truly cement how I feel about the series. I feel like this one was a good start!
I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

Unblemished

Eliyana has always recoiled from her own reflection in the mirror. But what if that were only one Reflection—one world? What if another world existed where her blemish could become her strength?

Eliyana is used to the shadows. With a hideous birthmark covering half her face, she just hopes to graduate high school unscathed. That is, until Joshua hops a fence and changes her perspective. No one, aside from her mother, has ever treated her as normal. Maybe even beautiful. Because of Joshua, Eliyana finally begins to believe she could be loved.

But one night her mother doesn’t come home, and that’s when everything gets weird.

Now Joshua is her new, and rather reluctant, legal Guardian. Add a hooded stalker and a Central Park battle to the mix and you’ve gone from weird to otherworldly.

Eliyana soon finds herself in a world much larger and more complicated than she’s ever known. A world enslaved by a powerful and vile man. And Eliyana holds the answer to defeating him. How can an ordinary girl, a blemished girl, become a savior when she can’t even save herself?

My thoughts: When I first saw this book and the synopsis of the story, I just knew it was one that I would want to read and review. It was right up my alley: parallel universes, and unlikely heroine, magical creatures. The story is quite engrossing, though I feel like I need to wait to see how the next book plays out to fully give a review. I loved the twists in the plot and getting to know El. I feel like some things could of been better explained, which I hope will happen in the next book, since at times I was like "What?". I like that the plot and world is imaginative and there is a lot going on. If you enjoy fantasy style stories, then I think this is one you will like!
I received this book through Netgalley.

The Cursed Dagger

“‘And the Challenge?’ I said.
‘The Challenge will destroy you only you if you lose. Win, and I will walk away from the galaxy forever and leave your family in peace. It’s your choice. Sacrifice yourself for the ones you love, or live and watch them be sacrificed. What will it be?’”

Ian Quicksilver, heir to the Bankhirian throne, has two weeks to get Princess Arianna to fall for him in order to break the curse the magician Silivus has cast over Ian and Ari’s worlds. In the meantime, he still has to go to school, where he is all but invisible, and practice fighting tactics with his guardian, Corbin.

But something is wrong with Ari, and the closer she gets to Ian, the sicker she becomes. After a disastrous dinner that seals Ian as the worst date in the universe, Silivus hits him with a proposal: a winner-take-all challenge that would overrule his quest for Ari’s heart and free them from the curse for good—that is, if Ian can win.

When tragedy strikes Ian’s family and Ari’s illness worsens, Ian must find a way to rise to the challenge, stop a rampaging dragon, and save the day before time runs out for both of them.

My thoughts: This book was a delightful sequel to Ian Quicksilver! I like that there is a lot of humor involved, in addition to it being a science fiction YA novel. The characters are a lot of fun as they navigate being alien, while living on earth as humans for their lives up to the point of the first book. Ian is endearing as he struggles to win the heart of Ari instead of just coming out with it and telling her that they were betrothed at birth and she is stuck with him.;) The ending leaves readers looking forward to the next book!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Sigil in Shadow

One lie saved Ellary’s life, but another may cause her to lose it. With just a few simple words, Ellary goes from poverty to nobility—and lands right in the middle of a society that will soon crumble under the weight of hierarchy. The only way to survive is to assume the role that she was never prepared for, or her future will rest at the of tip of a blade.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this fantasy/other world style novel very much! There are a lot of twists and turns to the plot that are not summed up in the synopsis, which is always nice.;) The characters were well written and life like. This is the first book that I have read by Constance, but I am sure it will not be the last, since I found it quite enjoyable and will be looking for her fantasy series that she has big plans for.;)
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

The Time Key

Stanley is a widower who has spent the last 6 years living with the loss and regret of losing his wife and daughter, drowning his sorrows in a bottle. One the night he decides to end it all, he becomes a hero instead, saving a man and becoming the keeper of the time key. With the ability to travel through time, he now puts himself and those close to him in harms way.
This was an interesting story, since it mixes time travel and fantasy. The characters are unique and interesting, and the plot has some unusual twists. If you enjoy time travel and surprising stories, then I recommend you pick this book up!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Samara's Peril

Jaye L. Knight’s newest novel, Samara’s Peril, has been released!
Samara’s Peril is the third book in the Christian fantasy series, Ilyon
Chronicles. Read about it below and be sure to check out the other blog stops on
the tour by visiting the official tour page. Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!





About the Book

When news arrives that Emperor Daican has been in contact with his chief war strategist, it
signals potential doom for the country of Samara. Determined to intervene, the resistance in
Landale, headed by Lady Anne, embark on a covert mission in hopes of unearthing further
information. However, a shocking discovery leads to complications no one could have foreseen.


Armed with their newfound knowledge, they set out for Samara to warn the king. War is
inevitable, and they must face two desperate battles—one on the walls of Samara’s great
stronghold, and the other on the battlefield of Jace’s heart, where victory might only be
achievable through great sacrifice.

Available now on Amazon, Barnes
& Noble, and iBooks!

Add to Goodreads

 

About the Author

Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author,
homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed
with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and
courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer
hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of
Wisconsin.



You can connect with Jaye on her website,
blog, Facebook, Google+, Twitter,
and Etsy.









Share in the excitement of the release and enter to win a themed giveaway pack! Prizes
include an autographed copy of Samara’s Peril, a John 3:16 necklace by FaithWearDesigns, and a green
wire dragon bookmark by Wirelings!
(Giveaway is open to US residents only. Cannot be shipped internationally.)

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt:
“I think she’s in love with you.”
Kaden shot Trev a dark look in answer to his amused tone and grin. Though Jace tried, he
couldn’t hold back his own amusement, even if it was at Kaden’s expense. He was just glad he
wasn’t the one Tina had set her sights on. He wasn’t equipped to handle that awkward situation.
Kaden grumbled under his breath and sat down hard on his bed, where he flopped back
against the pillow.
Aaron leaned casually against the doorframe. “She’s quite a talker.”
Kaden scrubbed his hands over his face and released a low groan. “If I have to hide in this
room the whole time we’re here, I’ll lose my mind.”
“Not as fast as you would out there.” Aaron gestured over his shoulder, earning a chorus of
chuckles.
Grabbing the pillow, Kaden chucked it at him. “A lot of help you are.”
As Aaron bent down for it, Rayad returned to the room from meeting with Anne and Kyrin.
The mood changed immediately, and Jace straightened. He needed to know about Kyrin. He
hadn’t slept well last night, not knowing for sure if she was safe. How could he protect her if he
couldn’t even be on the same floor as her?

My thoughts: I was thrilled to have the chance to review this title, as I have been wanting to read Jaye's stories for a while now and just haven't made the time. It seems like having a deadline, like reviewing the story, is the best way for me to make the time.;)
Once I actually had the title, though, I did worry about it being the third book in the series, with my not having read the two previous stories. While I know it would of made me appreciate this book all the more, Jaye does a wonderful job of telling the readers just enough of the previous books to keep one from getting lost, while still making you want to go back and read the previous books to know more.
I fell in love with this story from the get go! The characters are wonderful and I love the depth of the message of God's love. The story is in the fantasy genre and is set in an interesting world of rebellion and dragons. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Merchant of Alyss

Life for Hyam is bittersweet. Admired by the citizens of Falmouth for his heroic rescue mission, he cherishes these peaceful days with Joelle by his side. Yet grief over the loss of his magical skills during the great Battle of Emporis threatens to engulf him. Sometimes he even wishes he had never known magic at all.

When Hyam comes into possession of an ancient Milantian scroll, he is thrilled to feel the surge of power that courses through him whenever he touches it. But what he discerns in the text could mean war. He embarks upon another journey to determine its true meaning and forestall any attack. But as Hyam is seeking answers, he is unaware that the merchant of Alyss is seeking him . . .

My thoughts: I actually wasn't sure what to expect with this book, since the first one was good, but sometimes the sequels fall flat. That was not the case! I like that the story moves along at a nice, steady pace, and that they bring back some of the characters from the first book. I thought the characters were well written and I like the pace of the story. It is a wonderful addition to one's fantasy shelf!
I received this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review.

Shadow of Angels by L. G. Rollins

About the book: After the forest dwellers destroy her home and kill her father, Aerbrin sets off on a journey to find the truth about her people, her kingdom, and the mysterious Zaad stone that contains a power she never imagined. Magic and mystery join forces in this intriguing fantasy world. Full of shifting alliances and twists you won't see coming, it's a can't-miss read.

My thoughts: This story is a fun combination of epic tales and legends, with it's own delightful twists. I feel right into the story from the get go, as Aerbrin deals with the tragedy of losing her father, the mystery of why she is still alive, and a new city full of threats and intrigue. If you enjoy fantasy style stories, or are looking for an interesting tale with lots of twists and turns, then I highly recommend this book!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

The Shock of Night

When one man is brutally murdered and the priest he works for mortally wounded on the streets of Bunard, Willet Dura is called to investigate. Yet the clues to the crime lead to contradictions and questions without answers. As Willet begins to question the dying priest, the man pulls Willet close and screams in a foreign tongue. Then he dies without another word.

Willet returns to the city, no closer to answers than before, but his senses are skewed. People he touches appear to have a subtle shift, a twist seen at the edge of his vision, and it's as though he can see their deepest thoughts. In a world divided between haves and have-nots, gifted and common, Willet soon learns he's been passed the rarest gift of all: a gift that's not supposed to exist.

Now Willet must pursue the murderer still on the loose in Bunard even as he's pulled into a much more dangerous and epic conflict that threatens not only his city, but his entire world--a conflict that will force him to come to terms with his own tortured past if he wants to survive.

My thoughts: Even though I enjoyed Patrick's first series, I wasn't sure what to expect with this one. I was pleasantly surprised! While I think it was a bit darker then his first books, it had a lot going on and I found the mystery of the story to be fascinating. Which was good, since the reader doesn't get all the answers to questions that arise at the beginning right away.;) Some of them you have to wait for, which is hard!
I love the depth of the story and characters, and look forward to reading the next book in the Darkwater Saga.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Out of the Ashes

When Ashelandra’s father dies, she ends up a servant in her own house, instead of the Baroness she was supposed to become. But Ash’s secret sorcery could be the key to winning back her home and following her heart to a future she never imagined. This fantasy-infused Cinderella story puts a magical twist on a classic tale. Riveting and original, it’s a spellbinding read.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this story immensely! While it was inspired by the story of Cinderella, and is somewhat of a retelling of the old story, it is still very original and so much fun. The main character is quite like able from the get go, with her mischievous streak and knack for magic. I like how the story is told over the span of several years, making it seem fuller and adding quite a bit to the depth of the characters.
If you enjoy fairy tale stories, then this is the book for you!
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Benotripia

Discover the land of Benotripia–where adventure is around every corner. Now you can own Mackenzie Wagner’s debut fantasy series in one complete volume. Written when Mackenzie was in middle school, this thrilling series is perfect for middle grade readers. Join Roseabelle, Jessicana, and Astro as they use their magical powers to battle the Darvonians and save their home!


My thoughts: I wasn't sure what to expect when I realized that the author of this series was so young.;) I was pleasantly surprised with how well she writes and how imaginative the series is! McKenzie does a fabulous job of bringing to life her fantasy series set in the magical island of Benotripia, bringing to life the story of Roseabelle and her friends as they fight evil and look to save their island from the Darvonians. This is an excellent series, especially for young readers! (though, it can be enjoyed by all ages).
I received this book from Cedar Fort in exchange for my honest review.

Ian Quicksilver

Nerdy foster kid Ian just found out it’s up to him to save the galaxy. But the only way he can do it is with help from the hottest girl in school, Arianna—who doesn’t remember that she and Ian are exiles from another planet—or that they’re betrothed. So . . . that’s awkward. Funny and full of twists, this is one sci-fi adventure you won’t want to miss!

My thoughts: This is a fun, quirky story of a scrawny high school boy who comes to discover that there is more to him than just being an unwanted kid in the foster system. As he finds out more about his quest to save his home planet, he discovers that there is more to him than anyone could imagine.
I liked this story! It is a quirky one, but I mean that in a good way, since it is nice to have a story that isn't terribly predictable. Ian is both funny and awkward, but kind of loveable at the same time. I found this story to be quite imaginative! The only warning I will put on it is that there is some mild language. Oh, and that it leaves you wondering what will happen next!;) I look forward to the next book!
I received this book from Cedar fort in exchange for my honest review.

Homecoming

Kerana is being sent to Earth to begin her duty as an Eldurian. Hers are a perfect people, without flaw and without sin, never experiencing the fall of man. Created by God to shepherd His people on Earth, they remain in the shadows, unnoticed. Kerana looks human, speaks like them, and has been taught to act like them. Above all her mission is to serve the humans.

Arriving on Earth, Kerana meets Eli at school. He is an ordinary human, with a father suffering from alcoholism, and a past that threatens to ruin his life. A star scholarship lacrosse player, Eli has to forget his true passion and live in a shell that doesn’t let anyone in. Until he meets Kerana. They find themselves intertwined in a connection that neither can quite explain. When this connection puts the two of them in danger, they find comfort and protection from each other. When Eli discovers that there is more to Kerana than just her stunning looks and grace, the Eldurians and their home planet of Eden may not remain a secret for very long.

My thoughts: I never know what to expect from new authors. Sometimes it is a lot of hype, only to disappoint, while other times the quality of the story and characters blows me away. This book falls into the latter category! From the get go, it pulled me in, as the reader is introduced to the Eldurians, a race that lives in Eden and serves as guardians to the humans. When Kerana is sent to earth for her time as a guardian, things change for all of Eden.
I like the concept of another race, and I think that Kate did a fabulous job of making them unique and explaining their differences from humans. I like the little peaks we get into their lives and how they interact with humans. This is a fun, sweet story that is great for a variety of ages, since it is nice and clean. I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy! I appreciate that it leaves off where you wonder what happens next, but this part of the story wraps up nicely.
I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.