Blog - K. Weikel

Book Review: Rise of the Mage by Keary Taylor

7/31/2024

My Review:

I usually don't read books with witchy stuff like this, so good thing it ended up not technically being witchy stuff, lol. But I love Keary Taylor's books, so I needed to give this one a try. And I'm glad I did.

The characters are raw and real, and I love the discovery of magic and abilities, and I'm excited for more. The twists and turns were great, especially one toward the end. I have a few theories, but I guess I'll have to see if I'm right!

Great read, and can't wait for the next.

Summary:

My academic life at Alderidge University was meant to be predictable. As the daughter of acclaimed professors, lecture halls were my childhood playground. Little did I know that the pages of my future were about to be irrevocably rewritten the moment Nathaniel Nightingale entered my life.

His scar-laden hands told me he had a haunted past. But when I discover the truth about his secret studies, I learn that violent history extends generations. His ancestors were hunted and hanged for that they could do. And when he learns my own family lines go back to the Salem witch trials, he invites me to join in his experiments with the arcane and academic—the resurrection of magic.

It isn’t just our clandestine studies bringing us together. Nathaniel is a mystery to unravel, but with every shared secret and stolen glance, I find myself craving more than just his whip smart mind. Which will burn me first? The magnetic pull of dangerous love, or the reckless practice of the ancient arts?

Neron Wars by Keary Taylor Book Review!

7/27/2024

Book Review: Born Free by Keary Taylor

7/21/2024

My Review:

I loved the ending to this. Everything wrapped up nicely, and I loved the involvement of the Royals. I loved the two of them tethering themselves to one another, in life or death.

Ultimately, I enjoyed this series a lot more than expected, and interweaving magic with vampires was brilliantly done and wonderful to see. Loved it, and, as always, I can't wait for more books by Keary Taylor.

Summary:

The Chicago Night Council has been working for decades to make this city a safe haven for our kind, but the person who could tear it all down just showed up on our doorstep. Orlando Badillo bears the answers to Roman’s past, but finding a long-lost relative isn’t a blessing when he brings with him a lineage we never expected and a duty Roman never asked for.

If Orlando uncovers the truth about our actions within the city, it will unleash chaos that could prove fatal for us all. It’s a game of diversion, false stories, and clandestine meetings, but when I fall pawn to this dangerous dance on eggshells, Roman must strike a deal with the person he’d most like to behead right Sebastian. Emotions were raw before, but things have changed, and now Sebastian’s accusations are manifesting into reality.

I never saw it coming, but somehow, I’ve fulfilled Archer King’s last prophesy. Roman and I would have gladly killed each other at one point, but that all changed when we became the keepers of one another’s deepest secrets. Our bond has grown, defying all odds. For the first time, I've discovered soul-binding authenticity and true emotional intimacy with the most unexpected partner.

Love and loyalty come in many dangerous forms. How far does allegiance stretch when your heart has been broken? Who can you truly trust when the danger puts everyone you’ve ever cared for in mortal peril? The city’s future teeters on a knife’s edge, and someone will have to step forward to protect it, even if it means paying the ultimate price.

The Tides of Retribution by Steven Bissett Video Review

7/20/2024

Book Review: Born Wicked by Keary Taylor

7/19/2024

My Review:

FINALLY, we have Roman. And that ending??? Is that…?

So glad some things were tied up here, although I wish finding the antidote was a little more work, but I also don’t care, and am glad it was found. Love the stuff with Roman and the buildup for the ending.

Can’t wait for the next.

Summary:

My life has never been simple or easy, but now it’s gone completely haywire. I severely underestimated how much Sebastian was juggling, and now that he’s gone missing, it’s all landing on my shoulders. The hospital, the blood trade, and a position on the council—they’re all mine now, whether I’m ready for them or not.

Things get infinitely more complicated when the Superintendent of Police launches an investigation into Sebastian’s disappearance, and I’m her primary suspect. She thinks I killed Sebastian so I could take everything I now have.

Even more? She fully believes Roman and I were having an affair, and we offed him so we could be together. And it’s getting near impossible to convince anyone any different. Relationships change. The person I once feared most in this city is now the one I trust most. How many times can you save someone’s life before everyone thinks you’re in love with him? How many times until you start to question if the rumor is that far from the truth?

I have a ward full of comatose vampires who are relying on me to find a way to wake them up. The entire supernatural population of Chicago is at risk. I do not have time to land in jail. This wicked heart of mine needs to stop making my life so complicated.

ARC Review: Archmage: Tribal Wars by Christopher Leigh Dodson

7/13/2024

Curse of the Nautilus by Ralynn Kimie Book Review and Kickstarter Unboxing!

7/13/2024

Born Chaos by Keary Taylor Book Review

7/13/2024

My Review:

This book was a rollercoaster and I enjoyed every second of it. The emotions were raw and real, and I love the reveal at the end with Juliet’s power. It’s easy to keep up with the characters and distinguish them from one another because of the emotional ties we get to have with them. Can’t wait for the next one!

Summary:

Despite Archer King’s prophesy, I’m moving forward with my life. I’m not about to let the ravings of a murderous psychopath dictate my future.

Things are almost perfect. Almost. But I’ve lied to Sebastian in the past, and now he’s having a hard time trusting me. He’s getting a little paranoid about who I’m with and where I’m going. Fires are bound to start when two broken people who are willing to go too far for each other, no matter the cost, fall in love.

Then a vampire comes into my emergency room—sick. Vampires don’t get sick. We’re left without answers when he slips into a coma, and he’s not the only one. One by one, the population is falling, and we don’t know what’s causing it. We’ve run every medical test in the book, but is this a supernatural illness, or the work of another sinister gifted?

I thought I was looking down the path of a smooth, happy future. But this world is constantly changing beneath my feet. And if life has taught me one thing, it’s that you never know who you can trust, including yourself.

Archmage: Tribal Wars by Christopher Leigh Dodson ARC Review

7/13/2024

Summary:

In this magical land, a truce was made between the tribes that call it home—until Sol's death, a beloved ruler from the Kiran tribe. Sol’s death set in motion a spiral of events that might change the course of the world and the tribes that live in it.

Different people reacted to Sol's death. Some tried to rebuild a dream in Sol’s image, while others were consumed with hatred and the desire for revenge. Will the tribes go to war, or will peace prevail over them? Loyalties, alliances, and friendships are all tested when deciding what outcome will triumph.

The choice that is chosen could change the course of the different tribes. This new Archmage story is filled with magic, world-building, and a threatening war. What will happen in this action-packed story?Join another book of the captivating series of Archmage that will leave you at the edge of your seat!

Book Four of the Archmage Series

My Review:

The ending of the last book gave me pause when it came to starting this next book. Even still, I picked it right back up and was not disappointed. The merged kingdoms have their fair share of problems, issues, and uphill battles--not to mention a war that breaks out.

The fight scenes were well done, and I enjoyed most of the characters and being inside their head. The politics are just as great as the previous books. This one readies the reader for everything to come in the next books in the series, and I can't wait to see what happens then. It's like everything's in its place, and this is the jump-off point for a new adventure.

Great read, can't wait for the next.

Out Today! Underdogs: The Artificial

7/12/2024

It's finally out, the fifth book in the Underdogs series! Thank you to those of you who preordered Esme's story. I didn't think I'd enjoy writing it as much as I did, and I hope you fall in love with the character and you sympahtize with her situaion. I'm so excited to hear what you think. Get it on Amazon (link below) or you can purchase the ebook right here from my website!

Born Savage by Keary Taylor Book Review!

7/11/2024

My Review:

I was so excited to dive into the next book. The ending balances on a razor blade and I’m excited to see where things go. I’m still rooting for Roman, but still am enjoying the story with Sebastian. On to the next one.

Summary:

I’m finally settling into my new life in Chicago, but now the man who hates me most in this city knows my new secret. It seems like they just keep stacking up. I can’t tell anyone about who, or rather, what my mother was, or the entire supernatural world will have questions I don’t have answers to. So, for now, I just have to trust that Roman will keep his mouth shut.

It’s time to move on. I can’t be with Mason, but it’s time for my apprenticeship with Dr. Sebastian Vincent to begin, and he’s not simply the smooth flirt I thought. For the first time in my life, I’ve met someone who knows pain and trauma in the same way I do, and it’s hard not to look at him with a fresh perspective. No one has ever really understood me, but sometimes it feels like we are two sides of the same coin.

This is Chicago though, and nothing can stay “normal” for too long. A woman who was declared dead a year ago just wandered back into the hospital and whispers a word that sends chills through every member of the Night Council: necromancer. If that’s true, if that’s how this really happened, why did he come to Chicago, and who is he really looking to bring back from the dead? There are a lot of dangerous people buried in this city.

Now that I’ve found people I care to protect, I’m about to learn just how savage I can become to keep them safe.

The Investing Teen Solution by Growth Mindset Publishing Review and Unboxing!

7/10/2024

My Review:

This book condenses a lot of good information about money, including investing, saving, and retirement. It breaks it down into bite-sized pieces so it's understandable to someone who's never dipped their toes into the subject of money management. It even includes an activity or two to help solidify the reader's understanding in the subject.

I loved the comparisons and metaphors when it came to various subjects. These complicated ideas or notions would be explained by using, for example, game mechanics/tropes. It's perfect for teens, or anyone who wants to learn the basics of money management.

It kept me engaged throughout and I learned some good lessons from this book. Highly recommend.

Note: Contains AI images

Summary:

Want to be wealthy in the future? Then you need to start your investment journey NOW!
Do you dream of a future of financial freedom… of never having to worry about money or not having the funds for the things you want?

Perhaps you listen to the adults around you worrying about money or talking about financial concepts you can’t quite get your head around, or wonder how it all works.

Don’t panic!

The world of money is peppered with so much complicated jargon that it’s easy to get turned off before you’ve even begun to understand the basics… but those basics are essential if you want to achieve the wealth you dream of – and the good news is that it’s not as complicated as it seems.

The secret is to get ahead of the game NOW and find out how money works so you can grow your wealth and make sure your future is a financial success story.

To do that, you’ll need an engaging tutorial on the mysterious (and incredibly exciting!) world of investment… You’ll need to get to know what all that jargon means in a way that makes complete sense and doesn’t tie your brain in knots…

Born Reckless by Keary Taylor Book Review!

7/9/2024

My Review:

Enjoyed this spinoff of the Descendants Universe, but I was kind of hoping it left off where Crown of Bones did. Either way, I'm enjoying it and the interesting new information presented.

I don't like witchy stuff, but thankfully it's more like powers than spells and stuff. For the most part. So far.

I appreciate the difference in Juliet compared to the other girls fronting this vampire universe, although I wish she played her cards a little closer to her chest with loverboy, considering her backstory.

All in all, I look forward to what else this series has in store, and I absolutely love cliffhangers or huge questions posed at the ends of stories.

On to book 2.

Summary:

"You can’t turn someone into a vampire, at least not the kind we are. You have to be born this way.”

I thought I was being noble when I put myself between my best friend and the switchblade of a mugger. Turns out Elena could have split the guy in half with her bare hands, and she did while I bled out on the sidewalk.

It should have been game over, but I woke up with newfound strength and a terrifying craving for that sweet, sweet smelling liquid pumping through your veins. Too bad my first taste ended a woman’s life and gained me an enemy who swears to make me pay.

Enter Mason Godfrey, Elena’s brother. He’s given me an ultimatum. Go back to my life, back to my medical residency, and most likely be hunted down—or come away with them to Chicago and start over. The golden, still-human prince of the city is impossible to resist. Despite the herd of eligible and eager bachelorettes who would rather see me dead than on his arm, his eyes keep lingering on me. Neither of us has forgotten that one magical night we had, right before my first life ended. Where does this lead, now that I’m a vampire and he isn’t?

They say Chicago is a safe haven for our kind, but it is nothing like I expected. This new life is filled with luxury and money. There are galas and vampire night clubs, enchanted tattoos, and a council of powerful immortals. But I must never forget. Despite this glamorous second chance at life, I’m still being hunted. And time is ticking until I make a reckless move. Because it’s what I do.

Crown of Bones by Keary Taylor Book Review

7/8/2024

Summary:

The time for blood has returned.

Logan’s biological father has been building an army to rise against the Crown, to challenge Cyrus and Sevan for control over the vampires, and their voices will be heard: every one of them is a rightful Royal.

He is not the only one who is tired of hiding in the shadows. Other family members lost their lives trying to bring all vampires into the spotlight, to show the world what they are capable of. With this many descendants, with this much bad blood, this will be a war fought with enemies new and old. This is the same war the King and Queen fought over a thousand years ago. It will be a battle to the death to keep the vampires’ secret.

But time has always been Sevan’s greatest enemy, and now it is running out in every way. The Crown, the safety of the humans and the world, Logan’s time with Cyrus…

It all comes to an end in the finale of the Blood Descendants Universe.

My Review:

An amazing ending to a thrilling story. I think this has surpassed my former favorite by Keary Taylor, Branded. The characters were raw and real and emotional, and I enjoyed every second of it. I was hoping it would end the way it did, thanks to Garden of Graves’ ending, and I loved seeing the aftermath after everything kind of… exploded.

Amazing series. Enjoyed every moment.

Archmage: Introductory to Magic by Christopher Dodson Video Review

7/7/2024

Crown of Ruin by Keary Taylor Book Review

7/6/2024

Summary:

Logan has returned to Roter Himmel. Once a peaceful haven for the Royals, it is now a kingdom of chaos and distrust. The people may love their queen, but she has never ruled them on her own.

Sevan has seen Cyrus work miracles long ago, and learned his methods herself. His curse has sustained stronger than death before but the visage of Cyrus’ demise is undeniable. Still, Logan refuses to believe this is the end. Cyrus keeps appearing to her in strange dreams, rambling that she must prepare—that the day is coming when night will rule the day.

While the entire world of vampires watches, Logan will take on the weight of the crown, the certainty of impending change, and the threat of war.

They all should have known better than to test her. She’s had multiple lifetimes to prepare for this…

My Review:

Another great installment for this series. I love knowing (or at least remembering the basics) of the history and the past stories in this universe. It deepens my connections to everything happening and moments the characters have while interacting.

The depth of love Logan/Sevan and Cyrus feel and express is the best romances I've read in a while, and it's so heartwarming to read about, especially when I'm familiar with this kind of end-all love in the real world.

I love the politics in these books, and that Logan is at the heart of it all. This feels like one of the most complicated and well-executed plotlines Keary Taylor's ever come up with, and I'm here for it.

I have one more book, and I'm excited to see how this all wraps up.

How I Rate Books for Book Reviews

7/5/2024

Simple Financial Wealth by Growth Mindset Publishing Unboxing and Review

7/4/2024

My Review:

This book is short, sweet, and to the point. It contains valuable information, alongside some really cool metaphors and similes having to do with music and concerts, which struck a chord with me--pun intended.

I learned a lot from this book, and it had several examples on what programs/apps to use, alongside great advice and tips. It had some things I learned a long time ago, but I'm so glad I was able to read about them again to refresh my memory.

Great read!

Summary:

Prevent stress, hardship, and the fear of your future. Ensure your peace of mind and secure your golden years by embracing a smart financial strategy!
Retirement seems light years away when you're young, carefree, and wrapped up in the whirlwind of life.

“I'll do it later.”

“I'll start planning my financial future when I make more money.”

“I'm too young to think about retirement.”

These are the excuses you may make to avoid dipping your toes in the deep waters of money management.

Some people wait eternally for that promotion or salary bump…. Others believe that the government's got their back…. Then there are those who simply find investing daunting, and would rather avoid it altogether than risk making a wrong move.

But guess what? Time has a sneaky way of catching up.

Out Today! Go (Book 2 of Stop; Go)

7/3/2024

It's been a long time coming, but Go is officially released! I rewrote this book 4-6 times trying to get it just right. I hope you enjoy Cass/Cassandra's stories and all the chaos it includes. Get it on Amazon (link below) or purchase the ebook directly from my shop.

There are also two versions for the paperback (hardcover coming soon): full color and black and white. I did color because I used a few in the original document. There's a black and white version (B&W) to keep the price low for you, if you don't want to pay the extra money for color.

Go does include some artwork/photomanipulations I made in Photoshop.

Thanks so much for your support!

Crown of Blood by Keary Taylor Book Review!

7/2/2024

Summary:

This is not the first time Logan has died. This is not the first time she has fallen in love with Cyrus. Logan is not even the first name she has been given.

Logan fell irreversibly in love with Cyrus, but she needs time to cope with the ramifications of his choice, one made thousands of years ago. She needs time alone to piece herself together. She has to face the woman who brought her into this immortal world. And the feeble attempt on Cyrus life doesn’t sit right with her. She wants answers—who tried to kill him and why?

Past sins are never easy to forgive, but as memories surface, staying away from Cyrus begins to feel impossible. There are a million reasons she’s fallen for him, over and over. Through everything, Cyrus has fought for her, death after death.

A love like this has never been seen before. And love has never been this complicated.

My Review:

I loved seeing the budding relationship, and the complications of the politics within this book. This is by far the best series Keary Taylor's crafted so far. I love the characters and the depths we reach with them, including Alivia and Ian. The flashbacks are magnificently done, like a movie, and transitions are perfect. I loved every moment of this, and I can't wait for the next book.