ARC Review The Witch of Willow Hall by Hester Fox

In the wake of a scandal, the Montrose family and their three daughters—Catherine, Lydia and Emeline—flee Boston for their new country home, Willow Hall.
The estate seems sleepy and idyllic. But a subtle menace creeps into the atmosphere, remnants of a dark history that call to Lydia, and to the youngest, Emeline.
All three daughters will be irrevocably changed by what follows, but none more than Lydia, who must draw on a power she never knew she possessed if she wants to protect those she loves. For Willow Hall’s secrets will rise, in the end…

This book was dark and gloomy and even very sad at times. It had a slow moving plot, but as it progressed the intrigue and mystery increased and before long I could not put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next. I was enthralled. I was captivated by Lydia and all she was going through. I felt so deeply for her character. This is a book that forces the reader to feel. The reader will gradually realize that they are invested in what is occurring. I laughed with Lydia and I cried with her. I was shocked with her and at times I was angry for her. Yes this book has witchcraft in it, but the book does not revolve around the witchcraft. The family scandal is more center to the storyline, and what a scandal it was. This book is not for the younger reader, it is for a more mature, older audience, however it is a great read. Differnt from my usual, but as this author's debut novel she should be proud. I look forward to reading more from Hester Fox.  
I give The Witch of Willow Hall 4 out of 5 Stars

ARC Review: Wing Walker by M. T. Finnberg

After the Alliance bombed Swooning Moon, only the megalopolis Capitol survived under its blue dome. In the backcountry, among thousands of broken-down amusement parks, awaits a harsh world: dragon poachers raiding the air while gangs of youth pace the marshlands looking for magical items to sell for a few coins.
This book was interesting and moved at a pace I enjoyed. There was constant action among the characters and very little down time. The heroine was determined and unlike the protagonist in many novels was not constantly second guessing herself. I did feel there was a point where her goal changed and although it was never stated, the original purpose of her exploits were forgotten or at least she came to terms with reality, and adopted a new goal.  The magical element in this book was rather unique, and I liked it. It did not seem to merely copy or build on previous magical worlds, but was a new and unique magical system. I would like to learn more about it though. There was not enough explanation of how the gift was passed, does everyone have some ability, and was the heroine more than a singer? I hope these questions were intentionally left open for another book to answer. I also felt the book ended abruptly. There was so much suspense building up to the end of the book and I was so excited to find out how things unfolded, but the ending was abrupt and almost too neat. The world building was excellent. It was the highlight of this book. The world was very detailed, characters had depth, and there was a history detailed in the reading. If you are looking for a fun read I do recommend this book. I think the author has talent and is still developing this series. I would read a sequel and hope to get that opportunity.

ARC Review Lipstick Voodoo by Kristi Charish

On our recent vacation to the North Carolina mountains I needed a good read. I had requested this little beauty on Netgalley and it came through. This is an ARC review of a fun book.  I could not hike mountains  with my family, due to recent surgery, and it was just fine with me because this book kept me company. The author drew me in very quickly. I read a lot so I am accustomed to most types of magic, fantasy, supernatural and just plain extraordinary, but the world this author built was unexpected and kept even me guessing. I liked that I could not predict the ending, heck I had trouble predicting what was going to happen in the next chapter. You have to understand this is highly unusual. I can usually tease out a story-line by chapter 3 or 4. I really enjoyed reading the book. The main character was well developed as was her "best friend". The others were a little flat. I wanted to know more especially about certain characters. I am hoping Ms. Charish purposely left out some of these details so she can follow up with a sequel, which I would look forward to reading.  I think any fantasy reader would enjoy reading this little gem.

I give Lipstick Voodoo 4 out of 5 stars

ARC Review of The Immortal Gene by Jonas Saul

Awesome, edge of your seat suspense.  Also, very original science fiction.  This book was outside my normal comfort zone.  The author deals with controversial topics and repercussions.  At first, the point of view changes were disorienting, but as the book progressed, I liked the insight provided by the alternating first person POV.  A satisfying ending, but still left questions unanswered.  I cannot wait until the next book.

I gave this book 5 out of 5 Stars!

ARC Review of Chelela By Andrea B. Lamoureux

This book is unique, its not full of the same tired storylines.  This makes it a fun read.  There were some elements in the book that I feel restricted it to a more mature audience.  The main character goes through an ordeal that made me cringe for her, but the book was well written and I was able to empathize with her.  I will definitely continue the series.  Overall, this book has fantasy, magic, adventure, and love (but not sappy, sweet romance).  The main character was able to adapt and grow stronger as she conquers each new obstacle.  WOW!!  I've been looking for something original for a while, and this book was it.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars!