Blog - K. Weikel

Crown of Death by Keary Taylor Book Review

7/1/2024

Summary:

Years of bad luck have made Logan Pierce a little bitter, but it all goes from bad to worse the night she witnesses two immortal beings rip a man’s head off with their bare hands.

Her life is wrecked overnight by a single man—Cyrus, who seems to think she’s someone important in his bloody world. But they won’t know the truth until she’s dead, and he’s very anxious to help her get there.

But Logan isn’t going down without a fight. She makes him a deal. She will die, but first he must spend a month getting to know her, a month to change his mind. What she doesn’t expect is a month filled with displays of incredible wealth, spontaneous trips across the country, and unbelievable acts of immortal power. And as Logan spends her last days with Cyrus, she stops seeing the monster and begins to see a lonely, broken man she can’t walk away from. If she isn’t careful, it won’t just be her life she loses at the end of the month, but her heart as well...

My Review:

Great resurrection of this series (pun intended). I love Logan and her personality, and I remember being intrigued by Cyrus in the HOR series. I'm so glad we get to see him *possibly* have a happy ending in this spinoff (because I assume there's a HEA, but not expecting one because I like unpredictable).

I love the dynamics with past characters and how Cyrus reacts to their names or presence, particularly Alivia. I kind of can't wait for that drama to unfold, should there be any, especially after reading Garden of Snakes, which was a lot more tame than the rest of this series.

I'm excited to continue. On to the next!

Garden of Graves by Keary Taylor Book Review

6/30/2024

Summary:

The King has arrived in Boston. Lexington confessed to a crime he didn’t commit to save Elle’s life. Now she’s summoned the one and only person who can spare him, but it comes at a dangerous confessing every one of her secrets to the King. That she is the one who has been curing the Bitten, and who the true father of her unborn child is. Trying to do good comes with unforeseen consequences—a cured Bitten, one who should have just walked away and tried to forget, wants revenge. The cycle must stop, and the only way to do it is to expose all vampires to the world. The decree has been made, the fate of Charles Allaway is sealed; he will die. But first they have to find him. No more hiding, Elle is ready to take her fate, and that of her child, into her own hands

My Review:

I loved the ending to this book and all the heartfelt things between Lex and Elle. I was really hoping for something like what happened in the end, so that made me so happy :)

I do wish there were more povs throughout this part of the series, especially because Elle is kind of out of the action for the most part. I really think it would have benefitted from more Lexington chapters throughout, especially since there are so many characters and moving pieces to the story, rather than just the last chapter.

All in all, great ending to the series, and I enjoyed reading it :)

Garden of Snakes by Keary Taylor Book Review!

6/24/2024

Summary:

Elle has survived twenty-three years as a human surrounded by vampires, but her mortality has never been a disadvantage until now. Trapped in a basement, she’s waited to make her escape and get home to Boston.

There will be no forgiveness for what Charles Allaway has done, this is the end of his House, and Ian and the House of Martials won’t rest until he’s dead.

With a well-practiced poker face, Elle just wants to pretend nothing has happened, but Lexington sees the truth: she’s not okay and she’s still in danger. There is a Hunter from Court in town, and he’s taking out the Bitten and anyone tied to them…especially whoever has been curing them…

My Review:

I really liked this book, it was a solid second. Forgetting about how quickly they fell for each other, it was nice seeing Elle and Lexington grow closer and bond over what happened to her. I appreciate her taking time to grieve and knead through her trauma, and I loved the conversation with Lexington that finally broke through to her. I do wish though that we’d get re-descriptions of the characters because this series has SO MANY. I know that was one of my complaints about HOR. But even still, I enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next.

Garden of Thorns by Keary Taylor Book Review

6/23/2024

My Review:

It’s been a while since I read the House of Royals books, and I was hoping for a bit more of a reminder in the beginning of this one since I’ve forgotten almost everyone and a lot of what happened before.

I wish the romance was a bit more drawn out; it happened too fast for me. I wanted to see more dilemma from Lexington, you know, since he’s immortal and she isn’t.

I missed this world and characters, though, and I was excited to dive back in. Can’t wait for the next.

Summary:

It’s easy to blend in and disappear on the streets of Boston. Elle Ward has finally taken control of her own destiny—away from the dark shadow of her family’s reputation. Putting her botany and chemistry degree to work, she’s the successful owner of her own apothecary. But she lives by a secret identity. Curing innocent Bitten in the basement, she flies under the radar, risking her life, and risking punishment from King Cyrus.

But being raised in this world means she can never truly get away from the Houses and their politics. She lives under the rule of the House of Allaway, and Charles is out to avenge the brutal murder of his twin: a sister for a sister.

Elle has fought tooth and nail to claim her own life, and she’s not about to let it be ripped away. But her brother demands a Born move in to protect her, someone who knows how the enemy thinks. Elle has live in a House with Lexington Dawes before, but she’s no longer a fragile girl, and he’s not the bitter, sarcastic man she remembers…

The House of Royals world continues with Garden of Thorns.

Archmage Introductory to Magic by Christopher Dodson Book Review

6/10/2024

My Review:

My gosh, that ending…

We watch the kids grow into adults and as they become increasingly flawed. The politics in this book grow increasingly tense, creating more intrigue to see how the story ends.

It’s going to be weird, the next book, without a certain character we’ve stayed with since the beginning, and I can only imagine what kind of chaos their death will bring.

I love the new characters we’ve met, and there are a lot of actions that are waiting for repercussions for the next book. In that note, I hope Freya gets what she deserves.

Great book! Can’t wait for the next.

Summary:

Unravel the secrets of ancient magic in a land ripe with adventure. Join Sol in this new land and learn about the different mancing magics.

Sol, her people, and the other tribes have arrived on the new land and are looking for a new place to call home after losing their last home. It took them only a short time to find a place to start building their new kingdom. With the Kiran, Arrowood, and Aquanites working together in the grueling process of constructing a castle along with other necessities in their new kingdom, they, along the way, will discover mancing magic. With learning many different types of mancing magic, some may run the risk of being corrupted by their obsession with these types of mancing magics. Being in an unfamiliar land, uncovering the magic within the land, and a slew of other challenges. Sol is doing everything she can to create a better life for herself and her people.

In a realm where magic is both savior and destroyer, which path will you choose?

Book review! The Slumbering Gods: The Earthborn Saga Vol. VII by Steven Bissett

6/9/2024

My Review:

What a rollercoaster of a book. I think the ending made this my favorite in the series so far, and it almost had me crying. I love these characters and the sheer level of creativity one needs to create a universe this expansive. The pacing is perfect for a book about war in space, making it feel kind of like a chess match.

We finally get to learn about Krancis and his backstory, and I loved every word of it. Bissett is so good at making my jaw drop at this point, I look forward to the little twists and turns he throws at us—but they’re never out of pocket. It always makes sense, or it always has something to do with the path these characters are on.

I love the conversations and characters. They’ve truly all come a long way, and they are so well-rounded. I loved this whole book and everything about it, and can’t wait for the next.

Summary

With the dark lord of despair on the move, is there any hope left in the galaxy?

Khelmatoth has been stopped from attacking Earth. But that has only forced him to turn his attention elsewhere. The rest of the empire lies bloodied and broken after the war with the Devourer. Can it stand another assault?

The heroes of the Earthborn are in a race against time to find a way to stop the ancient warlord from corrupting the entire Milky Way. His evil priests are everywhere, whipping new slaves into his cult with each passing day. But the exhausted empire has no way to fight back against such an onslaught. Their only hope lies in a desperate gamble which may destroy the entire universe.

Travel beyond the bounds of reality itself in book seven of the Earthborn Saga!

Serena Flowers and the Cursed Ruby by Ella English Book Review

6/1/2024

My Review:

This book was creative, unique, and interesting. I enjoyed it, although a few words I don’t believe should be in a children’s book.

I love zombies and I love mermaids, and this was a really creative way to mix the two. I wish there was more description with surroundings, and sometimes it felt like the scenes underwater suddenly switched to being out of the water. It would pull me out of the story.

I love, love, loved the jokes told. This book was funny and quirky. I enjoyed it.

Summary:

When the Tide Turns, the Merblood Rises...

In the quaint, windswept town of Madderly Bay, twelve-year-old Selena Flowers' dream of a peaceful life shatters as an eerie voice echoes in her mind, a reminder of the nightmarish encounter that awaits her beneath the waves: "Just relax. You can breathe easily. I’ve got total control over you."

Selena, newly arrived from the bustling streets of London, finds herself in a gothic mansion teetering on the edge of a coastal cliff, her mother Fiona's strange inheritance. But their new beginning turns into a chilling adventure when an undead mermaid, Faustina, crashes through Selena's window, heralding a descent into a dark, hidden world.

The once thriving zombie merkingdom beneath Madderly Bay, now a forgotten abyss, is Faustina's haunting domain. Cursed to eternal youth, this zombie mermaid queen is driven by a lonely, venomous desire to expand her ghostly army. When Fiona begins to show signs of a ghastly transformation, Selena knows the curse has found its newest victim.

Faustina's power stems from a mysterious ruby necklace, an artifact of untold magic and menace. Its dark magic can turn the tide of fate, offering salvation or doom. As Selena grapples with bullies at her new school and the complexities of a small town riddled with secrets, the necklace becomes her only hope to save her mother from a watery, undead fate.

With the help of her new friend Chloe, Selena embarks on a perilous quest to uncover the necklace's hidden past and its current whereabouts. The journey takes her deeper into Faustina's world—a world of betrayal, ancient curses, and underwater lairs.

As the clock ticks and Fiona's transformation accelerates, Selena must confront her deepest fears. Plunging into the murky depths, she faces off against Faustina in a heart-stopping struggle for the necklace. In this underwater chess game, every move could be her last. Will Selena retrieve the necklace and reverse the curse, or will she become another lost soul in Faustina's mermaid kingdom?

As Selena's story unfolds, she discovers that the true power lies not in a ruby's glow, but in the strength of her own heart. In a final, breathtaking climax, Selena must decide the fate of the necklace, balancing the weight of its power against the safety of those she loves.

"Selena Flowers and the Cursed Ruby" is a tale of magic, courage, and the unbreakable bonds of family. It is a story that reminds us that even in our darkest hours, there is always a glimmer of hope.

...For in the Depths of Despair, a Hero Rises.

Archmage: Search For A New Home by Christopher Leigh Dodson Book Review!

5/30/2024

My Review:

While on the way to new land, the kids traverse the hardships of living on the ocean. They encounter dangerous creatures, including a serial killer, having to grow up quickly.

Sol takes on even more of a leadership role in this book, now that the children's parents won't be meeting them on the island. I loved reading thoughts from each character, and the skepticism from Destin, especially. Seeing that not everyone agrees with one another makes this book more realistic and entertaining, creating problems and issues to resolve.

The arc with the serial killer on board was super interesting and added a lot of tension. It led to a heart-wrenching moment that had me almost in tears because it was well done. I enjoyed every moment of this, and can't wait for the next.

Summary:

After fleeing their volcanic island, three tribes—each devastated after suffering horrific losses—find themselves trapped together on a vast seagoing ship in search of a new land to inhabit.

Sol, in particular, is having a hard time after the death of her parents. She’s thrust into the role of leader long before she thought she was ready. She must overcome her grief to lead not only her people but those of the other tribes as well.

Sol’s new role is perilous, balancing the many conflicts among the tribes alongside the unexpected problems that arise at every turn.

With so many challenges, can Sol and her tribe ever set foot on a new place to call home? And can so many fights between the tribes ever be laid to rest? Will Sol reach her goal of uniting the tribes peacefully?

Join Sol and the three tribes on their adventure at sea while searching for their new home. Get your copy today and and embark on a fantastical adventure that will test their resolve, strength, and unity. The fate of their world hangs in the balance – will you be there to witness their journey?

Book review! Archmage: Farewell to the Old World By Christopher Leigh Dodson

5/26/2024

My Review:

I love the world and characters in this book. Sol and Robin are well-rounded, and the weight of their engagement within politics on the island and keeping peace is well done. I loved seeing things from all angles, and it helped me grow acquainted with the hierarchy and belief system.

The Nox are interesting. Dipping our toes into their territory was cool to see, and I can’t wait for more in the second book, considering Kali has been built up to be a prominent figure in the story this series is telling.

The impending doom of the volcano was as well paced as the entirety of this book, and the tragedy was almost tangible toward the end as we saw it take out characters we’ve come to know and love. This journey Sol, her family, and the two boys she loves has just begun, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.

Summary:

Embark on an adventure of magic, fantasy, prophecy, and destiny…

A Kiren Princess named Sol has the unpredictable power to look into the future, and a vision comes along one day that has the power to change her whole life and that of all the people around her. From this moment on, a multitude of unusual happenings will be heading her way.

Wrapped up in inter-tribal conflicts and risk, Sol’s world has suddenly transformed itself into one of adventure, involving the exploration of a magical island that may soon disappear forever.

Join Sol in her foray to save the people around her while captive in this magical world.

Curse of the Nautilus by Ralynn Kimie Book Review

5/23/2024

My Review:

I really enjoyed this book. It's a shining example of how to have a great plot AND meaningful/impactful romance and relationships. I've seen quite a few books lack in one place or the other, and that would really pull me out of it. Although a bit graphic sometimes, it still wasn't as graphic as other books I've read (scenes I don't enjoy).

I lived in Hawai'i for a few years and did most of my "growing up" there, as I like to call it, back in middle and high school. This book brought me right back to that time, and it made me miss the culture, honestly.

I loved the pantheon and the relationships between the gods and goddesses, and feeling the justified rage and fury coming from certain characters gripped me. There were parts that made me uncomfortable, parts that should make everyone uncomfortable, but things in my past gave it more... umph, so to speak, for me.

I loved reading this villain origin story, and I look forward to book 2 if it ever gets written. I'll definitely be scouring Kickstarter for it, as well!

Summary:

There was once a sea witch with powers that rivaled Poseidon himself.

When she challenged him for his throne, he killed her, and her magic was locked away in a nautilus shell lost in the dark ocean depths.

Sought after by many, none had the power to wield it.

Until now.

Villains are not born. They're made.

This is a modernized 'Hawaiian meets Greek' mythology-inspired prequel fairy tale of a Sea Nymph and the Prince of the Atlantic.

Anela is a 26-year-old sea nymph in Hawai'i. Still nursing a broken heart from a former flame, she keeps others at an arm's length away so no one can hurt her again. Her life is turned upside down when her mother brings home a man brought to the Hawaiian Islands by raging storm, whose presence in the Pacific angers the shark gods, but pleases her younger sister, Malia. Hi'iaka, her mother, insists on protecting him from them and Anela is determined to find out why.

Triton is a 28-year-old prince of the Atlantic Ocean. Charming and handsome, yet arrogant and self-serving, he only really has one goal on his mind: get back home by any means necessary. When his plan goes south and someone is severely hurt, he reconsiders that he may be stuck as a land dweller forever. Forced to be in the company of beings he hates most, he has to stop playing life like a game before someone gets killed.

Please check the trigger warnings.

Rising Up by Jackson Liva ARC Book Review!

5/18/2024

My Review:

I was so invested in Greg's relationship. The way Serena is done is conflictingly reflective of seemingly a good portion of our population. I loved the different philosophers, books, and spiritual ties to what was happening in Greg and Serena's relationship.

Both characters (not to leave out the awesome side-characters) were well rounded and believably flawed. They were both toxic in their own way, but in my opinion, it was more on Serena, considering her hot and cold nature. Due to her manipulation and Greg's rose-tinted glasses, they formed this kind of co-dependency with one another, and grew addicted to the attention and the moments that connected them physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Throughout the book, I gave both characters quite a bit of leeway--as one should for anyone they're just getting to know. But as Greg started understanding where his heart truly lied, I began wishing for him a better relationship, both for him and his little boy. Serena, on the other hand, was extremely flippant and impulsive, which, in my opinion, is fine, as long as you know how to communicate and you and your partner understand no one deserves to be in a non-communicative or verbally abusive (or abusive in general) relationship. No one deserves to be manipulated, but I think, even with time, Serena might never come around to being a better communicator, or attempt to work through her past trauma to give herself the care she needs to treat herself and others better.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book. It's always interesting to see politics and mental disorders weaved into storylines, and this one did really well with it.

Summary:

Can toxic relationships that leave your head spinning be a catalyst for healthy change?

Serena and Greg are the perfect match: she’s a sexy, fun, charismatic yoga instructor, and he’s a laid-back regular joe with a heart of gold. And their whirlwind romance lifts them to dizzying new heights. But when the presidential election throws the country into a deep political and cultural maelstrom, one of the couple’s personalities suddenly splits in two.

Stuck in the midst of escalating psychological attacks, a steady stream of gaslighting and lies, as well as a mysterious disappearance on a tropical vacation, their tumultuous relationship slowly begins to reveal sinister secrets that bind the two together – secrets that expose lifelong wounds, as well as eerie parallels to America’s relationship with its president.

Only by rising up to their inner demons and following the guidance of their Higher Selves will both they – and their country – stand a chance of finding true peace and happiness.

Step into a deeply authentic and emotional novel that artfully weaves together astute political commentary, insightful reflections on psychological abuse, and a striking yet sympathetic picture of toxic codependent relationships.

Book Review: The Guardians of Fate | The Earthborn Saga Vol. VI

5/10/2024

My Review:

Now that the Devourers are defeated, there's an overwhelming sense of buildup from the past two books, but not in a way that has you asleep--it has you on the edge of your seat.

You watch each character grow, and in this book, we learn some more things about Krancis and the Dark Realm as it reaches in and through its new warriors and oracles. We meet new characters, and get to know more about the Light Realm as well, which I think's really cool.

With each book, The Earthborn Saga ramps up its stakes, and Bissett shows off his ability to control a complicated timeline while keeping it understandable and interesting. The lore is constantly being built upon, and that's such a rewarding feeling when you've been able to keep up with it. New and old information are introduced in a fashion that keeps you engaged and excited for more.

I can't get enough of these characters, and I'm so excited to see where the next book goes. I'll impatiently be waiting for it to come out!

This series is easily becoming one of my favorites. Definitely check it out when you get the chance.

Summary:

Darkness Threatens. Has the end of days arrived?

The galaxy breathes a sigh of relief with the Devourer's demise, only to recoil in terror at the return of Khelmatoth. Banished eons ago, this dark god and his legion of nightmarish followers threaten to extinguish the newfound hope of humanity.

As mighty Sentinel falls prey to Khelmatoth's wrath, the empire scrambles to defend Earth against an invincible foe. The last bastion of hope lies in awakening the giants of lore, dormant since the dawn of time.

For eons, Khelmatoth's return has been foretold, his dark servants lying in wait. Now, as Sentinel narrowly escapes annihilation, humanity faces an existential threat unlike any before.

As worlds fall and darkness encroaches, the hope of billions rests on awakening ancient guardians, slumbering giants of creation. Guided by a mysterious force, the race against time begins to forge an alliance capable of confronting Khelmatoth's might.

With Earth in the balance, advanced technology and ancient powers collide, challenging the very essence of reality.

Dare to stand against the encroaching doom in book six of the Earthborn Saga.

Book Review: The Crusade of Vengeance | The Earthborn Saga Vol. V

5/6/2024

My Review:

I think this book has made my jaw drop the most. The plot twists and surprises keep me glued to this story, not to mention the relationships between the characters.

I feel like I've watched them grow from book one. Hunt feels softer, Gromyko is learning humility, and even Welters and Pincheon are learning to get along with people. I can't wait to see Mafalda, Keelen, and Karnan grow as well.

There are some moments that are absolutely heart-wrenching, and I commend Bissett for the sheer ability to have this many moving parts and still keep it in line. The story's well paced, with action to break up dialogue and nuance that will have you thinking about more than just war, but friendship, family, and your place in the universe. Just like the others, this book is thought-provoking and intelligently insightful, and I simply can't wait for the next installment.

Loved it.

Summary:

The tides are turning, but is it enough to save humanity?

When the Empire’s last gamble pays off, the Devourer's end finally seems inevitable.

Armed with Adler fighters and Sentinel's devastating cannon, the Devourer's reign of terror might be on the brink of ending.

But the colossal enemy has one last trick up its sleeve and is spreading a devilish evil across the Empire in a desperate bid at victory. Armed with city-sized masses of stinking Devourer flesh, these psychic nightmares that consume life are being warped in from deep space to wreak havoc on the Empire's core worlds.

And even as Rex powers Sentinel's cannon to obliterate the Devourer's latest monstrosities, a darker evil waits in the wings, a force that dwarfs all other threats.

Advanced weaponry meets arcane entities and the very fabric of the universe hangs by a thread.

Prepare to confront the real enemy in book five of the Earthborn Saga today!

Neron Skies by Keary Taylor Review!

5/4/2024

My Review:

Really enjoying this series so far! It's fast-paced and real and I can't wait to read more. The dialogue is perfect, and the conflicting emotions within Nova don't just disappear after a chapter or two, but they alter as she learns more about what and who she is. You watch her and the side characters grow in real-time, and I'm excited to learn more about their new companion. On to the next one!

Summary:

Dominion has Nova’s face and Reena’s name—Cyrillius will use and kill them if they’re caught. But being on the run in space isn’t so bad, Nova’s always wanted a different life, and she’s got it now.It started with a rumor, that the Bahiri still exist—peaceful worshipers of the Nero and Neron. After what happened on Korpillion, Valen told Nova to find them, and to stay away from him. So that’s where the wanted crew aboard The Corsair is headed, across the entire galaxy to the G sector. Nova wants answers about what she did and how it’s possible.She’s in denial. About what she might be. About where her heart lies. She knows Valen Nero is a bad man, so why is he the only one who fills the hollowness in her chest? Why does she ask him to keep his promise: I will come for you, Nova. And when he does, she’ll learn the truth about him, and what happened to shape him into the man he is today.

Neron Rising by Keary Taylor Review

5/1/2024

My Review:

I've always loved Keary Taylor's books, and this one is no different. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, and I loved the world she's come up with. Nova is bright, intelligent, and has her flaw: ruled by her emotions. I resonate with her desire for something exciting in her life, and immediately regretting wishing for it once something exciting does happen. Because it's earth-shattering and world-bending.

I loved everything about this first book, and I can't wait for the rest of the series.

Summary:

“I…am nothing.”
He takes a step forward, shaking his head twice, with absolute conviction. “You’re not nothing, Nova.”

In the Eon galaxy, Dominion controls any planet with solid Neron deposits, and Nova just found out they’re coming for hers. Korpillion isn’t supposed to have any Neron—the galaxy’s purest form of energy—but Nova Ainsley has been working with the owner of a secret mine for months, building highly illegal weapons that can wield Neron. She wants off Korpillion, and selling these weapons will buy her and her father a ticket to another planet in the galaxy.

Neron is incredible on its own, but there are those who can wield it to their will, granting them the ability to read minds, see the future, and destroy worlds—the Nero. But this is a galaxy where they are ceasing to exist, and Dominion owns the last one in the known universe, using him to take over and destroy billions of lives.

An encounter with the last Nero shows Nova her future: it’s with him. She will stand by his side one day, her fingers laced through his, love and adoration in both their eyes, a dark queen to his evil, pawn king.

Fate or destiny, Nova will do whatever it takes to change their future, and that of the galaxy.

Book Review: The Tides of Retribution by Steven Bissett | The Earthborn Saga Vol IV

4/29/2024

Review:

This book highlights all the characters, and I feel like Hunt takes a step back to let them shine.

The moments between our OG crew and other characters they meet are wonderful, especially the playful or fun ones. Tense moments are well done, and the creativity stays consistent with the rest of the series so far. I found my jaw dropping at plot twists, and I was on the edge of my seat for the fight scenes. I've realized I'm the kind of person to enjoy one-on-one fighting over dogfights, but that's on me, and not the book. The dogfights scenes are well done, I just prefer/enjoy the melee combat moments.

Above all, I loved this book. It's on par with the third book, in my opinion, and it feels like it's setting up a lot of stuff without dragging. I love, love, love the revelation about the Devourers and what they're doing with those they take prisoner. It's super cool and unique.

On to book 5!

Summary:

Will the Empire crumble under the weight of betrayal and invasion?

As the galaxy is besieged by the merciless Devourers and treacherous Fringers, one ship and one man stand as humanity's final hope.

Can the enigmatic Rex, a master of shadowy psychic powers, and the massive warship, Sentinel, keep the relentless enemy at bay?

Rumors of alien infiltration and psychic omens shake the Empire to its core. Can Rex and Sentinel hold the line long enough for Krancis’ new experimental weapon to be deployed against their enemy?

As the hive-minded Devourers grow bolder and more ruthless by the day, the Empire finds itself fighting battles on multiple fronts. Eliminating high-level operatives providing intelligence to the parasite becomes as crucial as protecting the Empire's teeming population centers.

Venture into this colossal clash, where an alien hive mind, the Imperium’s internal enemies, and the ticking clock that marks humanity’s doom converge. Witness as Krancis' innovations offer a glimmer of hope, Rex pushes his psychic gifts to the limit, and the Devourers edge closer to ultimate victory over humanity.

Ready to discover what surprises await humanity?

Immerse yourself into the intrigue of book four of the Earthborn Saga today!

Deluge: The People That Melt in the Rain #1 by Carolyn Watson-Dubisch and Mike Dubisch

4/28/2024

My Review:

I love the creativity of this short comic-style story. People who melt in the rain due to a town-wide curse? Frogs falling from the sky? The town of Deluge is a curious place, and I would love to read more. I know the next one comes out in a few months, and I look forward to reading it.

The artwork is well done, and I appreciate the color palate. It's calming, and adds to the whimsical nature of these insane things happening.

All in all, I loved these first chapters to this series, and I can't wait for more.

Summary:

12 year old Laura was just a normal girl from Seattle when her mother decided to move to a mysterious town in the mid-west. The moment they arrive in their new home hundreds of frogs rain from the sky. Her quirky new neighbor has a house full of knickknacks and odd tiny creatures beckoning from the shadows, and there's a terrible curse on the town that makes every summer storm a life threatening event. Welcome to the town of Deluge.

The Woebegones: ALEASHA by A. Noel Biddy

4/17/2024

My Review:

This is my favorite book in this series. I simply could not hate Aleasha, for she was just trying to survive and protect/take care of her children in an unforgiving world. This book also was the clearest to me to read, and it was really humbling to remember I live in the US, where freedom of speech, individuality, and religion are a norm, not to mention the way women are treated.

There was only one part of the book that I found unnecessary, and rather we it wasn’t in there, but compared to the other books, I believe this one is the most tame, and the best paced. I couldn’t put this one down, and it got secret reactions from me, because I cared about these characters more than in the other books.

I also loved that everything came together in this last book for me, and I was putting puzzle pieces of characters from the other books together as I read, which was a really cool mental activity.

4.5 stars.

Summary:

Set in the war-torn and poverty-stricken area of Jeddah the Residence daily struggle is a nightmare they hope will one day find an end. And while the agony is relentless, this troubled tale of The Woebegones follows Aleasha. A nurse whose commitment to the wounded is faultless but it's her deep fascination with death and morbidity that allows her striking personality to come alive. But once at the summit of her contentment a tragedy snatches at Aleasha’s heart causing her focus to be outraged by a crime that ruins her family. One that is perverse and has Aleasha clasped in such an unlawful and unforgivable state as she is forced to face the universal storms of her individuality, her role as a mother and of course the examination of life when horror is faced.

The Woebegones: MARY by A. Noel Biddy

4/16/2024

My Review:

I'd like to start out by saying I love the way this is formatted. It starts at the last chapter and ends with the first. I feel like this kind of story worked extremely well with this formatting, as it kept me more interactive with this story than the others.

Now the rest.

This book made me feel sick quite a bit. There were paragraphs or even pages I'd entirely skip over because my stomach and heart couldn't handle what was happening. It was sickening to me. This is almost as dark as dark can get, and not in a fun way, in my opinion.

This book needs a slew of trigger warnings, and I had to read or do something out between bouts of reading this one to clear my head and remove certain images from my mind.

All in all, A. Noel Biddy does a fantastic job at creating deplorable and flawed characters. These books are like train wrecks you can't peel your eyes from at times. I do appreciate the parallels in each book, and the line about the chainsaw made me laugh out loud, considering what happened in Franky, and it was nice to have some answers about the debit card and who Natasha was in Persephone.

I'm sure it'd be interesting to read this in the proper order, but I cannot bring myself to reread this book. I can see where its self-proclaimed "offensiveness" might come from, but for most of the books in this series, it's more of a disgust for situations, characters, or chapters in my opinion.

Summary:

This tale in The Woebegones series follows the glamorous, divine, holy, sophisticated and backward character of Mary who believes that her purity can bring peace to the world. And though her dreams are righteous as she pursues the path as a pageant Queen, along her way her faith, purity, and indeed her character are tested to the brink. And it is when she plunges into the heart of darkness that her true power is found which causes the underworld of filth to take heed of the virgin who is so naturally gifted in being the force to be reckoned with that invites all unnecessary evils to face that are shocking, perverse and deeply disturbing.

Kids Book Review: Saving the restaurant by Mazal Danto

4/15/2024

My Review:

4.5

Cute and super colorful! I wish a few of the images were more dynamic or had different angles, but the story is great. I love that when Leah had an idea, the adults listened and expanded upon it, instead of shooting her down because she's a kid. This helps kids build confidence in themselves and their ideas. Loved it.

Summary:

Discover a fun story about saving a family business!
Ben and Leah both love their parents’ restaurant. But something isn’t quite right. When the siblings overhear their parents talking about having to close down the business, Ben and Leah know they have to act fast to save it.
There’s one problem – they know nothing about running a business. Luckily, their wise aunt might just be here to save the day…
Containing a delightful lesson about business, entrepreneurship, and simple financial ideas, this wonderful children’s book uses a fun story to teach kids about these important concepts. Perfect for children aged 5-10, it initiates important discussions and piques kids' curiosity in the world of business.
Book details:

Perfect for all ages, especially 5-10
Introduces kids to important business and financial concepts
Great for bedtime stories, group readings, and one-on-one
Ideal for budding entrepreneurs!
And more!