Furyborn by Claire Legrand

Follows two fiercely independent young women, centuries apart, who hold the power to save their world...or doom it.

This book was a fun read. The plot and characters were outstanding. The world building was amazing! Two kingdoms, over a thousand year apart, and the story flows seamlessly! I was enthralled with the magical structure and the methods the author used to bind these two women together. As the story unravels, you begin to see how the characters are intertwined and its outstanding. The romance in this book is more of a back story for each of the ladies. However it is within these stories that this novel has its major flaw. The sexual scenes in this novel boarder on pornographic. They are not appropriate for the young adult audience this book is intended for. I felt slightly uncomfortable with the sexual explicitness contained in this book. It was a shame too, because the story line was strong and enthralling. There was no need to add this high level of sexuality into this story. There were also hints of bisexuality and homosexuality within this book. A skilled author and a good story, but these negatives will probably prevent me from continuing the series. I do not like watching porn, I do not want to read in in what is suppose to be Young adult fiction either. I caution any parents or educators, I do not recommended for teens. 
A quick note about the audio version of this book. If you decide to listen to this book, the narrator does an excellent job switching between the two story-lines, but because the book does constantly switch between two different women and their lives, you will have to devote more than the usual amount of attention to this audiobook. 
I give Furyborn 2.5 out of 5 stars
I give the audio version of this book 4 out of 5 stars

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father—an elusive European warlock—only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tag-along ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.

Maybe its the high school teacher in me, but I instantly loved this book. I was absorbed in Sophie's initial battle to fit in and to adapt to the high school life as paranormal as it was. Her magical twist just made the story even better. There were the mean girls, the nerds, the cool kids and the friendly kid. I loved it. Then there was this really interesting magical system all wrapped up in a school environment. Enter teacher mode! How cool it would be to be a teacher at a magical school. I kept getting caught up in that idea as I read this book Anyway Sophie has some real serious imperfections, but that makes her more realistic, and more likable. She may not be the perfect student, but she has a good heart. What's more, this school is diverse. There are shapeshifters, werewolves, fae, witches,  vampires, and even demons attending Hex Hall. So many supernatural ethnicities all within the pages on one book!!

I give Hex Hall 4.5 out of 5 stars

I give the audio book performance 4.5 out of 5 stars

Lady Renegades by Rachel Hawkins

Just as Harper Price starts coming to terms with her role as David Stark’s battle-ready Paladin, protector, and girlfriend—her world goes crazy all over again.

Overwhelmed by his Oracle powers, David flees Pine Grove and starts turning teenage girls into Paladins—and these young ladies seem to think that Harper is the enemy David needs protecting from.  Ordinarily, Harper would be able to fight off any Paladin who comes her way, but her powers have been dwindling since David left town…which means her life is on the line yet again.

Lady Renegades completes the Rebel Belle series. In many ways this book was more complete and less rushed than Miss Mayhem, however it in no way came close to the fun and excitement I felt when reading Rebel Belle. The book did end neatly, but almost abruptly. Everything tied up in a neat bow so to speak, but I felt there were still a few questions I wanted answers to. This book was more serious than the original, and although it was interesting, that level of seriousness this book  zapped some of the humor away. Overall this book is worth reading and I would recommend the investment. 

I give Lady Renegades 3.75 out of 5 stars

I give the audio version 5 out of 5 stars

Miss Mayhem by Rachel Hawkins (Book 2 in Rebel Belle Series)

Life is almost back to normal for Harper Price. The Ephors have been silent after their deadly attack at Cotillion months ago, and her best friend, Bee, has returned after a mysterious disappearance. Now Harper can focus on the important things in life: school, canoodling with David (her nemesis-turned-ward-slash-boyfie), and even competing in the Miss Pine Grove pageant.

Unfortunately, supernatural chores are never done. The Ephors have decided they’d rather train David than kill him. The catch: Harper has to come along for the ride, but she can’t stay David’s Paladin unless she undergoes an ancient trial that will either kill her . . . or make her more powerful than ever.

Like most second books this book was not as good as the first installment, however it was still a good book and worthy of reading. It filled in a lot of information about the characters and the relationships between the characters grew. The combo of magic and southern culture were still endearing and lend the book an unique perspective.  The book is action packed and never boring. However, be prepared, this book, like most second-in-the series-books ends in a cliffhanger. 

I give Miss Mayhem 3.5 out of 5 stars
I give the audio book 4.5 out of 5 stars

Motley Education by SA Larsen

Forget having a lively after school social life, Ebony Charmed is fighting to keep the entire afterlife alive.
Ebony’s less-than-average spirit tracking abilities are ruining more than sixth grade at Motley Junior High: School for the Psychically and Celestially Gifted. Her parents argue so much her dad's moved out. And, even though he’s scared of his own shadow and insists on bringing his slimy, legless lizard everywhere they go, Ebony wouldn’t survive without her best friend, Fleishman.
When Ebony’s Deadly Creatures & Relics’ project goes missing she learns her missing project is one of the keys to saving the spirit world.

Now Ebony and Fleishman must battle beasts from Norse mythology to retrieve her project before spirits are lost, the Well of Urd dries up, and Ebony loses all hope of reuniting her family. But someone lies in wait, and he has other plans…including creating a new world of spirits without them in it.

This is a great middle school or even advanced upper elementary read. Students will enjoy watching Ebony grow from the underdog to the hero. She may be a late bloomer, but like many middle school students, that does not mean she is not very special.  The Norse Mythology in this book is well researched and would make for a good book to read as a class if you wanted to lead into, or even read along with a section on Norse Mythology.  

Either way students will enjoy the humor and the horror held in the pages of this book. 

4.5 stars out of 5 stars for Motley Education

4 out of 5 stars for educational content

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Sweet, Southern, Sassy, and of course magical powers!?!?  Living in the south and loving magical based novels, I had to give this book a try. I was not let down. The historical and mystical magical world of the Paladins combines with the charming etiquette of a southern belle and creates something that has never been done before. Yes this is a Young adult novel, so it revolves around teenagers, but they do include adults in their saving ventures and even so who can fault a high school teacher for enjoying a bit of YA every once and a while.  This book "is a pearl" and the best part is there are sequels.

I give Rebel Belle 5 out of 5 stars
I give the audio book 5 out of 5 stars   

Truthwitch by Susan Dennard The Witchlands #1

In a continent on the edge of war, two witches hold its fate in their hands.
Young witches Safiya and Iseult have a habit of finding trouble. After clashing with a powerful Guildmaster and his ruthless Bloodwitch bodyguard, the friends are forced to flee their home.
Safi must avoid capture at all costs as she's a rare Truthwitch, able to discern truth from lies. Many would kill for her magic, so Safi must keep it hidden - lest she be used in the struggle between empires. And Iseult's true powers are hidden even from herself.

Unique magic structure, amazing world building, beautiful characters, add a pinch of romance and a lot of adventure and you have Truthwitch. I am not a fan of reading books just because they are all hyped up, but after lots of positive reviews I gave this one a shot, and WOW! I  was not disappointed. This book is beautiful, from the cover to every line inside. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting world or someone coming off a book hangover. You will not regret it if you take the time to read this gem!

I give Truthwitch 4.5 out of 5 stars
I give the audio performance 5 out of 5 stars

Windwitch by Susan Dennard A Witchlands Novel

After an explosion destroys his ship, the world believes Prince Merik, Windwitch, is dead. Scarred yet alive, Merik is determined to prove his sister’s treachery. Upon reaching the royal capital, crowded with refugees, he haunts the streets, fighting for the weak—which leads to whispers of a disfigured demigod, the Fury, who brings justice to the oppressed.
When the Bloodwitch Aeduan discovers a bounty on Iseult, he makes sure to be the first to find her—yet in a surprise twist, Iseult offers him a deal. She will return money stolen from him, if he locates Safi. Now they must work together to cross the Witchlands, while constantly wondering, who will betray whom first?
After a surprise attack and shipwreck, Safi and the Empress of Marstok barely escape with their lives. Alone in a land of pirates, every moment balances on a knife’s edge—especially when the pirates’ next move could unleash war upon the Witchlands.

This is a book with a beautiful love story, but it is just as much a book about friendship, determination and finding one's self. This is the second book in the series with Truthwitch being the prequel.  The readers are given a better understanding of the magic structure of this kingdom as well as the political makeup of this world. The characters are better filled in as well. Like many second books this book was designed to give additional details and to extend the plot of the first book. I can say I am very excited to read the third installment! 

I give Windwitch 3.5  out of 5 stars
I give the audio performance 5 out of 5 stars

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

Fire (Graceling book #2) by Kristin Cashore

It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. The young King Nash clings to his throne while rebel lords in the north and south build armies to unseat him. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves and lawless men.
This is where Fire lives. With a wild, irresistible appearance and hair the color of flame, Fire is the last remaining human monster. Equally hated and adored, she had the unique ability to control minds, but she guards her power, unwilling to steal the secrets of innocent people. Especially when she has so many of her own.
Then Prince Brigan comes to bring her to King City, The royal family needs her help to uncover the plot against the king. Far away from home, Fire begins to realize there's more to her power than she ever dreamed. Her power could save the kingdom

This book had a lot to live up to. Book one in the Graceling series was a beautiful adventure and I absolutely loved the book. It is important to note that although this is the second book written in this series it is actually a prequel to Graceling. You can however read them in any order and still fully comprehend both books.  It is always stressful starting a sequel, will it be a wonderful continuation or a let down? Fire is written in the same world, but about a completely different set of characters, and I was not disappointed. It was an amazing tale. The world building was expertly continued from book 1, but with additions and more background information added from another part of this magical land. The characters were woven with details that made them seem real and almost palpable. None were too perfect, each one had struggles and issues to contend with, good and bad struggling within and they had to decide which would dominate. The royal family was realistic even in this fantasy setting and the entire plot was believable as well as exciting. I thoroughly enjoyed re-entering this world and could not wait to read the third installment Bitterblue. Again my major problem with this series is the authors casual approach to sex and negative view on traditional marriage as constricting and confining. This theme was most prevalent in book 1, but there was some evidence of it in this book as well. 

I give Fire 3 out of 5 stars
I give the audio Performance 5 0ut of 5 stars

The Hundredth Queen by Emily R. Queen

As an orphan ward of the Sisterhood, eighteen-year-old Kalinda is destined for nothing more than a life of seclusion and prayer. Plagued by fevers, she’s an unlikely candidate for even a servant’s position, let alone a courtesan or wife. Her sole dream is to continue living in peace in the Sisterhood’s mountain temple.
But a visit from the tyrant Rajah Tarek disrupts Kalinda’s life. Within hours, she is ripped from the comfort of her home, set on a desert trek, and ordered to fight for her place among the rajah’s ninety-nine wives and numerous courtesans. Her only solace comes in the company of her guard, the stoic but kind Captain Deven Naik.
Faced with the danger of a tournament to the death—and her growing affection for Deven—Kalinda has only one hope for escape, and it lies in an arcane, forbidden power buried within her.

I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand there is beautiful writing, excellent world building, well defined characters, romance, fantasy, bravery, and of course magic. On the other hand there is slavery, sexual slavery, polygamy, and murder. However, I feel the good balances the bad and the author never condones the negative. It is just presented as the culture of the world these people live in. The evils in this book are never portrayed as acceptable, but as obstacles the heroine has to  overcome if she is to survive. She is strong and smart. The protagonist adapts, she is not a weakling whining and complaining about her plight, but a character we are able to watch grow and evolve into a brave and likable young potential queen. Each chapter is exciting, leaving the reader wanting to know what is going to happen next, and in spite of the obvious negative connotations toward the treatment of women, the author counter balances this with strong female roles, and relationships throughout the story. 

Due to some of the more intense graphic scenes in this novel I would not recommend it for younger readers. There are gory fight scenes and more talk of sexual involvement than I would recommend for children. This book is for a young adult audience and higher. 

I give The Hundredth Queen 4 out of 5 stars

The Book Jumper by Mechthild Gläser

Amy Lennox doesn't know quite what to expect when she and her mother pick up and leave Germany for Scotland, heading to her mother's childhood home of Lennox House on the island of Stormsay.
Amy's grandmother, Lady Mairead, insists that Amy must read while she resides at Lennox House—but not in the usual way. It turns out that Amy is a book jumper, able to leap into a story and interact with the world inside. As thrilling as Amy's new power is, it also brings danger: someone is stealing from the books she visits, and that person may be after her life. Teaming up with fellow book jumper Will, Amy vows to get to the bottom of the thefts—at whatever cost.

This book has one of the most beautiful covers I have ever seen! It is also based on a premise that I am in love with, and what bibliophile would not be, the ability to jump into books and interact with worlds and characters sounds amazing. However, sadly this book had so much potential left untapped. The characters were not well developed and the plot never seemed to go anywhere specific. There were a few times I felt the story was gaining momentum, but then it just fizzled out. Then the ending felt unfinished, like no real final decisions were made. I had hoped for more from such a lovely book based on such a fascinating concept, but it just proves the old adage you can't judge a book by its cover. 

I give The Book Jumper 2 out of 5 Stars
I give the Audio performance 4 out of 5 stars

Strange Practice by Vivian Shaw

Meet Greta Helsing, fast-talking doctor to the undead. Keeping the supernatural community not-alive and well in London has been her family's specialty for generations. Greta Helsing inherited the family's highly specialized, and highly peculiar, medical practice. In her consulting rooms, Dr. Helsing treats the undead for a host of ills - vocal strain in banshees, arthritis in barrow-wights, and entropy in mummies. Although barely making ends meet, this is just the quiet, supernatural-adjacent life Greta's been groomed for since childhood.
Until a sect of murderous monks emerges, killing human and undead Londoners alike. As terror takes hold of the city, Greta must use her unusual skills to stop the cult if she hopes to save her practice, and her life.

This book was delightful.  It was a completely different view on the supernatural realm. Who is going to to treat sicknesses in the supernatural world? Dr. Greta Helsing, and she takes her practice very seriously. The book is charming. It is so unique! There is a mystery and even a dark cultist murder, but there is also humor and several sweet moments in the book. Romance does not really enter this book. there is a bit of a casual interest, but it is casual interest at best.  This book's characters have issues, each have things that need focusing on and none have the time to deal with romantic affairs at the moment, I mean crazy cultists are trying to kill them.  If you are looking for a twist on the normal version of the paranormal this is a great book. I highly recommend the book. The characters are endearing and you may even decide you want a ghoul family to move into your basement!

4.5 out of 5 stars for Strange Practice

5 out of 5 stars for the audio book  

The Heart Forger by Rin Chupeco

In The Bone Witch, Tea mastered resurrection―now she's after revenge...

No one knows death like Tea. A bone witch who can resurrect the dead, she has the power to take life...and return it. And she is done with her self-imposed exile. Her heart is set on vengeance, and she now possesses all she needs to command the mighty daeva. With the help of these terrifying beasts, she can finally enact revenge against the royals who wronged her―and took the life of her one true love.

But there are those who plot against her, those who would use Tea's dark power for their own nefarious ends. Because you can't kill someone who can never die...

War is brewing among the kingdoms, and when dark magic is at play, no one is safe

This book is one of those rare sequels that is better than the first installment in a series! The writing was better and the storyline was soooo much better. More exciting and Tea seemed more mature. It is almost like the first book set the stage, and now the author felt we were ready for the real story. The character relationships are so dynamic, and I am not one who enjoys dark heroes, but somehow I find myself loving Tea. I am enthralled with her passion and feel compelled to support her. She has been through a lot, grown so much, and is making the tough decisions to protect those she cares for, and even as she does things she is not proud of, she is trying to hurt as few as possible, all while being in control of herself and her davea.  An awesome book and I cannot wait for the next installment to be released!!!!

I give The Heart Forger 5 out of 5 stars
I give the audio content 5 out of 5 stars

Note: if you are having difficulty with the switching perspectives (past to present) the audio version of this book uses different male and female voices for the Bard and Tea helping sort out the different time perspectives and greatly enhancing the book. 

ARC Review Siren's Lure by Frosy Kay

Lifewas black and white for the pirate captain until an innocent ruins everything by blundering into her life. She should've let the handsome stranger drown, he'd seen too much. But something stays her hand and she reluctantly saves the human, risking the one thing she's protected all her life. 

A secret that could destroy an entire race.

When I requested this book from Netscape, I did not realize it was a part of a series. It is actually book 2.5 is the set. However, I was able to read it and follow the story without having read the other books in the series and enjoyed the short, but dark tale. It did not have the chronology and detail I would have liked, but again this is a novella and an in-between book in a series. It did detail an interesting story and develop characters very well. If you enjoy mermaid tales, magical storys, and/or just great story telling you would enjoy this story. It was good enough to make me want to read the rest of the series.

I give the Novella Sirens Lure 4 out of 5 stars

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.
Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.
Think you have read all the books and tired story lines there are out there when it comes to dragons. WRONG! This book does an excellent job of creating a new world, with new rules for dragons. It is amazing!! Dragons can take on human shape, and with that comes messy human emotions. Needless to say inter-species relationships with humans and dragons are forbidden, enter our protagonist. She has so many issues to juggle and she has to do it from her new post working at the palace. She has extraordinary gifts, but has to be wary or her origins may be discovered.
This YA Fantasy has it all Mystery, intrigue, magic, romance, and of course dragons!

I give Seraphina 5 out of 5 stars
I give the audio performance 5 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.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug. What she does not expect is to fall in love with the handsome prince Po.

This book is one of my favorite high fantasy books. Katsa has a lot of self-loathing in the beginning of the novel, but as the book progresses, she begins to find out more about herself and her grace. There is so much more to her and her gift than she originally gave herself credit for. Watching as the heroine grows and blooms into a stronger and more independent woman was an exciting experience. Enter the handsome Prince, the fun romance, and the very well developed magical system and you have the recipe for an enchanting magical experience. 

The world building for Graceling was excellent, Characters were very well developed and complex. If you ever want to enjoy a really excellent audio book this novel is read by several actors, with multiple voices for the various characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book. 

Spoiler Alert :....................My only negative about this book was that personally I wish Katsa had been willing to marry Prince Po. I am very traditional and I like happy marriages. Even if they had to travel and be apart at times, I think the book could have been better if the brave heroine had not been so afraid of the permanence associated with actual marriage. They both determined they wanted a relationship, and that relationship is beautiful, so why not make it legitimate?  Guess I am old fashioned.

4 out of 5 stars for Graceling
5 out of 5 stars for the audio book