Tabitha Tomala

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Haze

Erik is a boy plagued by his father's crimes. But despite the town whispering behind his back, he's found love and his life is steering itself in the right direction. Engaged to Erik, Eliza couldn't be happier. Until her sister begins to question Erik and Eliza receives a phone call from one of Erik's exes. But his ex is dead. Doubts begin to surface and they come crashing to the surface in a single act that will change Erik and Eliza forever.

Be ready to dive into turbulent emotions, lost love, and supernatural mystery when you pick up Haze by Rebecca Crunden. The characterization done throughout this book is out of this world. I was riveted by the character arcs as pieces of the puzzle began to unravel, and the past was peeled back bit by bit. The supernatural elements are subtle at first, growing as the characters began to discover more about the past.

If you are a fan of redemption arcs, then you will enjoy Haze. Readers will watch characters fall to their lowest points and fight their way towards becoming better people. There is also an overarching mystery that the characters try to solve as they relive past events. The focus of this book is not the fantasy element, but rather the character relationships and learning how to overcome tragedy.

I enjoyed every minute of this book! The back and forth between Erik and Eliza kept me glued to the pages. The tension and the conflict between these two characters were so heart wrenching. I needed to know if they could overcome their past. I highly recommend Haze to fans of romance and supernatural mystery.

They thought it was the end, they saved humanity. Until Dan realizes he forgot one zombie, and she’s broken free. Dan’s the only one left willing to kill the zombie, but he has no idea where she’s gone and it only takes a single scratch to spread. Meanwhile, Selena sees a strange person approaching her house. And she won’t realize until it’s too late, that the person is no longer alive.

The Dead Meat series is a refreshing take on the zombie apocalypse. Instead of jumping into a world already ravaged by zombies, or an overall mystery of how it all began, Nick Clausen takes you to the beginning. Day 1 explained their origins. Now welcome to Dead Meat Day 2 where Dan and Selena hunt down zombies to prevent the actual apocalypse from happening. It’s a task that should seem easy, after all the zombies are slow and unintelligent. But readers will quickly realize a single wrong move can cause a snowball effect of tragedy that two teenagers will struggle to rectify.

Written into the character’s stories are the emotions and challenges faced when they come to terms with what they must do. Dan may have killed zombies before, but it’s not easy, especially when the zombie is one of your own family members. And let’s face it, we’re only on day two. Selena is in a similar situation, but she still holds a shred of hope the people who are infected won’t turn. Until the realization strikes her that there is no saving the ones infected. And as emotional as these two characters are, mistakes are made.

Dead Meat Day 2 is just as gripping as Day 1. There is no time wasted and it jumps straight into the action. Readers will be swept up in the two teenagers' desperate journey. Racing from place to place, building the tension up with each moment. If you enjoy zombie stories, pick this series up!

Dead Meat Day 3 is an intense and nail-biting read. As the zombie population continues to rise, so too do the tight situations and close calls. And as the story shifts from containment to survival, the pace ramps up. Characters old and new will have to come to terms with their new reality. And while they continue to do all they can to contain the infection, it just might be too late this time.

Nick Clausen continues to add characters into the mix, expanding the reader's awareness of what is occurring at each new turn. William is introduced as a porter at the hospital, the same hospital that received its first zombie attack victim. While doctors and nurses are unaware of the danger, William knows from one glance what is about to happen. His mind quickly calculates the number of potential victims. And while most characters up until this point have taken a while to believe what is happening, William embraces the fact the zombie apocalypse is about to begin. He immediately goes into survival mode.

This was another grisly and entertaining read. Readers will be transfixed by the build-up of apprehension as the main characters race to find a safe haven. And just as it all seems to come to a head, readers will be dropped off on a cliffhanger demanded Dead Meat Day 4.

This review is also feature on Behind the Pages: Dead Meat

It started off as a normal day delivering papers, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. Thomas and his friends are trapped in a basement, with a hungry zombie on the other side of the only way out. Jennie is injured, and pretty soon they might have a zombie on the inside as well. With no weapons and no way to call for help, they're running out of time. How did it come to this?

Dead Meat drops you straight into the action. Tensions are running high and you'll immediately be invested in the characters and their situation. There is never a dull moment as Thomas does all he can to survive. Every time the characters even gain the higher ground, another obstacle is thrown in their way to ramp up the difficulty.

Nick Clausen successfully created a believable world and an engaging story within 187 pages. There is a perfect balance of drama and horror. The two story elements weave together to create an edgy and creative take on the zombie apocalypse. I will be reading the next book as soon as I can. I just have to know what happens! I highly recommend Dead Meat for fans of horror and zombies. You will not be disappointed.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Truth About Forever

After the death of her father, Macy retreated into studies and work, building a shell to hide behind to deal with his death. Similarly, her mother began to pick up more projects and refused to talk about what happened the day he died. But things are about to change this Summer. Macy makes the last-minute decision to work for the catering company Wish. Instead of meticulous schedules and predictable outcomes, working for Wish is chaotic and a bit...fun. Meeting new friends and breaking free of the shell she built for herself, Macy is going to realize that it is ok to let go and just be herself.

The Truth About Forever has a slow start. Sarah Dessen focused on building up Macy's relationship with her father to establish an emotional impact on his death, but this could have been done in fewer words. It took too long to reach the main storyline. Macy has enough lingering guilt and flashbacks of her father's death to make the reader understand her perspective without the extra at the beginning of the story.

Macy is not a strong female lead. She has a lot of development to accomplish in this novel, and it is a struggle the entire way for her to grow. There were quite a few moments where she let people walk over her and this didn't sit well with me. However, I do understand that this was the character and the emotions I felt over her choices were most likely the ones Sarah Dessen was aiming for.

The story was pretty linear, nothing that was too unpredictable. I thought the characters were believable and the situations they were in realistic, but the ending left too much out in the open. I didn't feel like it came full circle and there was no sense of closure. Not a book I would read again.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: January Moon

Jade and Adrian must wait until the January moon to become true mates even though their human and wolf halves are inexplicably drawn to one another. But other alpha males are lying in wait, wanting their chance at Jade, and emotions are running high. When Adrian loses his temper and attacks the supreme alpha's grandson, he can either face death or compete to win Jade under the January moon. As Jade races to stop a serial killer, she can't let herself become distracted by the pack's politics, or else she may not make it to the next full moon.

I love Jade's character. She is such an independent and confident woman. She knows what she wants and she refuses to let anyone stand in her way. But the politics and hierarchy in the pack are at constant odds with what she truly wants. As a reader, I channeled Jade's frustration as she tried to live her life her way, and constantly met opposition. She also feels so deeply due to her abilities and watching her emotions play out as she hunted for the serial killer created some wonderfully tense scenes.

January Moon ramps up the sexual tension and pack politics. Despite being an alpha's daughter, Jade's wolf recognizes that she must obey the supreme alpha, and he makes sure to put her into precarious situations. Jade has a fiery temper and doesn't appreciate being backed into a corner. Combine this with a serial killer who continues to escape her and readers will find themselves immersed in a book filled with intense action as Jade fights tooth and nail to get what she wants.

I highly suggest this book for readers who enjoy strong female characters. January Moon has the perfect balance of action, romance, and suspense. The relationship portrayed has the perfect balance of wants and needs, making compromises for one another and weathering whatever storms may come. Adults only for this one though, as some of the scenes are pretty passionate.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Layla's Song

Thank you to Paul McCracken for giving me a copy of Layla's Song in exchange for an honest review.

Michael left his criminal past behind him and started an honest life. But the one act he did to free himself, will put his family in danger. His daughter is kidnapped by his old gang, and they refuse to return her unless he pays a ransom. Michael has five days to come up with the money. His wife has left him and the only help he can find is his estranged brother. But will five days be enough time for the two of them to save Layla?

Paul McCracken chose the perfect structure for his story. Each chapter was another day Layla was missing and one step closer to her fate. Michael's actions became increasingly more risky and desperate as the days wore on, and it helped ramp up the tension the reader felt as the book raced to its conclusion. However, even though there was plenty of action and the allure of a dark past for the main character, there needed to be more development around the secondary characters.

Michael's wife is more of a stand in than an actual character. While the story doesn't revolve around their relationship, I would have liked to see more of her in the beginning. And more of a struggle with them trying to deal with Layla's kidnapping together. There was plenty of room for conflict between the two of them, but she left abruptly in anger. And Carl, Michael's estranged brother, is another character the reader doesn't know much about. Despite him being beside Michael for most of the story, the reader doesn't see below the surface of his character. I also found quite a few grammatical errors while reading. Unfortunately, when I encounter these, they do pull me out of the narrative.

Despite its downfalls, Layla's Song is a plot-driven story filled with gun battles and daring escapes. Michael isn't afraid to dive back into his past, and do whatever he has to save his daughter. And expect to be thrown some twists and turns as Michael tries to navigate the shifty waters of the criminal world. This is one book that will keep you on your toes.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Black Magic Sanction

Rachel is trying to keep her life as normal as she can despite being shunned. But every time she turns around, another person is gunning for her. She's come to terms with the paths she's chosen, but most don't believe a witch can walk the line between white and black magic and not be evil. To the coven of moral and ethical standards, shunning isn't enough. They would prefer Rachel to be tucked away in their prison and magically neutered. While they don't expect her to go quietly, they have no idea what they are in for when Rachel's team fights back. She's gained quite a few allies, and she won't go down without a fight.

Each book in The Hollows series continues to escalate the situations Rachel must face. Kim Harrison isn't afraid to put her in tough situations, and Rachel is going to have some heartbreaking and eye-opening experiences this time around. Black Magic Sanction is one of those books that makes you step back and realize just how much Rachel has progressed throughout the series. Having been through so much, the long term toll on her is reflected in her behavior and actions. But even with all the experience under her belt, nothing ever goes according to plan and Rachel might be in over her head this time.

There is never a dull moment in Black Magic Sanction. Some of the better known members of Rachel's team will take a back step, but this allows for a fresh mix of conflict and tension. Past and present characters will collide to force Rachel to make decisions on who to trust in the blink of an eye. I will never tire of The Hollows series. It has the perfect blend of action, romance, and humor to keep me reading as long as Kim Harrison keeps writing books in the series.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Ninth House

Alex's entire life has been haunted. She is constantly on edge as ghosts hover in her vision. Drugs keep them away, and to Alex, it is safer to be high than deal with ghosts no one believes she sees. Until one last hit takes her too far and she lands in the hospital. She wakes to find a representative from Yale University offering her a chance to rebuild her life and embrace the hidden world that no one else believes in. Alex enters the world of secret magic societies hidden at Yale. But while she may be around people who believe her, there is a darkness at Yale, one that will threaten to swallow her whole.

Ninth House is a murder mystery steeped in magic. It takes a little while to grasp what is going on. However, once readers become immersed in the world of magic, they won't want to surface again till the end. There is an overarching mystery of Alex's mentor disappearing. This plagues the reader as Leigh Bardugo drops tantalizing bits of story from his perspective before he vanishes. Combine this with Alex in the present dealing with his disappearance and trying to find out the truth behind a murdered girl on campus. Alex digs deeper into the truth surrounding the secret societies and creates a compelling story readers won't want to put down.

Alex is a character readers will want to follow. Her past is a disheveled mess. To see what she came from, and how the past has shaped her is worth the read. Being a survivor, Alex sees the world differently than her Yale counterparts, and it causes quite the stir. Alex will take the reader down roads that are filled with twists and turns as she struggles to embrace what she is and find out the truth.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Harrow the Ninth

Harrowhark's new life has come at a terrible cost. As she struggles to become what the emperor needs, her mind and body fight against her every step of the way. Alongside the other children of the undying emperor, Harrow is weak and expendable. She must watch her back constantly, or else be struck down. And time grows short as the soul of a long-dead planet stalks them, intent on killing the necromancer who ended its life. Harrow must fight through the insanity threatening to claim her and learn to embrace her full power before it is too late.

Harrow the Ninth takes a swift departure from the narrative readers knew in Gideon the Ninth. I expected some change, but I did not expect the twisted perspective this book was written in. The timeline is non-linear. Readers will experience flashbacks intermingled with what can be assumed as present times. Although with the narration it is hard to tell. Readers are going to have to put the pieces together themselves as Harrow's mental state is perfectly captured in the way the story is written. Are you confused? So is Harrow, and Tamsyn Muir is a daring and creative author to paint this entire book in a way that makes the reader experience what Harrow feels.

The way Harrow the Ninth is written can best be described as deliciously deceptive. This was a slower read for me as, as my mind was trying to put pieces of the puzzle together and make sense of what I was reading. But Tamsyn Muir's prose is gothic, dark and so emotional that I loved every minute of it. Her use of necromancy in battle is fascinating and the stakes are always high. By the time you reach the end, you will be left with a new understanding of the world and demanding the next book. Because while you may understand the world, the characters have so many more questions to answer.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Time of Contempt

Tensions run high as rumors of Nilfgaard's influence over the other kingdoms begin to cross the land. Sorcerers and warriors alike begin to choose sides, and those who try to remain neutral won't find it easy. Despite all Geralt has done, the number of enemies searching for Ciri continues to grow. And as skilled as Geralt is, even he is not invincible.

Time of Contempt has more politics than the previous novels. I'm not one for politics, but they do provide a good foundation for why certain characters are pushed in different directions. Though I will confess, with the number of characters and kingdoms mentioned, I can't remember any of them. I'm a reader who much prefers character development and action. The politics slowed the story down for me, but the moments when I was able to read about the main characters kept me turning the pages.

Ciri's past will be explained in greater detail, and the girl will receive plenty of page time. I enjoyed reading Ciri's point of view, even if it meant there was less of Geralt in this book. She is such an opinionated and fierce girl. She so badly wants to be independent and respected instead of viewed as a little girl. But Ciri will learn that with the independence she so badly craves, she will have to do things that will forever change her. It is one thing to learn how to defend yourself with sword and magic, but it is an entirely new experience to kill to protect yourself.

The Witcher series continues to provide an engaging story and characters that I can't help but enjoy. Geralt has such a different relationship with each of his companions, and I love the diversity in how he behaves with them. I also enjoyed seeing them all together for the first time in this novel. Readers will not be disappointed as the storylines begin to come together for a remarkable journey.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Dragons of Winter Night

The world is more divided than ever, and evil is swiftly gaining ground. The dragon highlords continue their conquest to destroy any town that refuses to follow the Dark Queen. The companions will have to once again embark on a quest to bring light back into the world. But this time they must part ways, some never to see each other again. They will search for artifacts of the past that may give them the advantage they need. But to succeed they will have to overcome their own limitations and stay true to what they believe in. Even if that means making sacrifices.

Years ago, when I first read Dragons of Winter Night, the time jumps confused me. Some major events that propel the plot forward are summarized rather than written out in detail. Dragonlance is an immense world, and the stories that are skimmed over in this novel, are brought to light in full-fledged novels of their own. I appreciate the fact that the authors recognized the need to separate these stories. Of course, readers new to this series will undoubtedly stare at the pages and try to figure out what in the world they missed as I did. Hang in there, the story is well worth sticking around for.

With each addition to The Chronicles, the world of Krynn continues to grow. This time around readers will learn about the three magical orders and what governs them. Readers will also be introduced to the gnomes. I like to think of them as the engineers of Krynn. They are written in a unique way, and I found it fascinating how they think and talk. Trust me, read it and you will understand!

And then you have the Knights of Solamnia. Sturm has never been a favorite character of mine due to his viewpoints and attitude. But as readers learn more about the Knights, they will also come to understand why Sturm behaves as he does. And those who were not his biggest fan in the first novel will come to appreciate him and what he is willing to do for those he cares about. Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman never fail to create remarkable characters.

There is always a healthy dose of tension and mystery surrounding the companions and their journey. Diving into the world of Dragonlance is ensuring that you will be entertained for many many books. Magic, dragons, romance, adventure, all this and more is contained within Dragons of Winter Night.

This review is also featured at Behind the Pages: Of Myth and Shadow

A huge thank you to Blackthorn Book Tours and Matthew S. Cox for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Demonic worshipers seek sacrifices to appease their Lord, searching for the child that will bring their salvation. A dark elf fights against the prejudices of her people, searching for her place in the world. A half-elf wanders the land, searching for acceptance. A knight of the crown begins to question himself and the laws he swore to uphold. A bandit king seeks retribution for a past betrayal. An elven girl is a witness to a darkness she never thought she would face. And amidst it all is a cunning evil that stalks them, weaving in and out of their lives driving them closer together as it threatens to engulf them. Welcome to Of Myth and Shadow by Matthew S. Cox.

There are so many different races and cultures incorporated into Of Myth and Shadow. Laying down the foundation of the world takes a little time, so I urge readers to keep turning the pages as each character slowly comes into focus with their hopes and ambitions. Once everything is established readers will have a fantastical world, they can't help but become immersed in. I loved the diversity in magic systems and the wealth of creatures that made appearances throughout this tale.

Readers who enjoy conflicts and high emotions will devour this book. Page after page is filled with the hopes, dreams, and ambitions of each character. And readers, I do hope you enjoy side quests because Of Myth and Shadow is filled with them. Each quest enhances the readers' views of the main characters and propels them towards their goals.

Contained within these pages is everything a fan of fantasy could hope to see. Stories of redemption, political intrigue, and even a healthy dose of romance. Matthew S. Cox also writes epic battles and does not make light of the grisly details. As combatants' cross swords, wit and magic readers will be on the edge of their seats awaiting the outcome. I do suggest mature audiences for this book due to some of the graphic details and adult scenes present in the book.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Sword of Destiny

Geralt does not believe his life is led by fate. But despite his adamant denial, each short story in this collection shows how fate continues to intervene in his life. Whether he chooses to believe in it or not. In this collection of stories, Geralt will find out that his destiny is not as escapable as he wants it to be. Despite the choices he makes in life, there will always be a way that destiny weaves his path back to its original design. And when he forces destiny's hand too many times, there will be dire consequences.

Sword of Destiny is the second set of short stories that takes place before Blood of Elves. The main set of secondary characters that accompany Geralt on and off throughout his journeys are given more depth in these stories. They also highlight key moments in Geralt's life. Even though The Last Wish and Sword of Destiny were published after Blood of Elves, I highly suggest reading them before you start the core series. Sapkowski writes in a way that makes the reader put together the pieces of character relationships and history. Reading the two short story collections will provide new readers with a better foundation to carry on into the main series.

As I venture deeper into the world of The Witcher, I am becoming more and more entranced by the world and Geralt. He's such a realistic character in how he behaves and questions himself. At one point he held an internal monologue about awkward feelings of attraction. I was amazed at the exposure to such raw emotions and it made him all the more endearing to me. And he can be such a stubborn character. Watching him fight against the inevitable provides a wealth of conflict and entertainment. Especially when Yennifer and Dandelion are thrown into the mix.

The Witcher series is filled with memorable characters and a fantasy world bursting with lore. There is so much still to discover with this series, and I can't wait to dive into the next book! I took a side quest into the short stories, now it's time to continue my main journey!

This review is also featured at Behind the Pages: Come Join the Murder

A huge thank you to Blackthorn Book Tours and Holly Rae Garcia for including me in the book tour for Come Join the Murder. I was provided a copy in exchange for an honest review.

What can a mother do when she loses her husband and son? After a trip to the beach turns deadly, Rebecca is left wandering a house filled with memories and silence. The police have found no answers, and she is left trying to pick up the pieces of her life alone. She finds herself searching for the person who took her family from her. But the paths it will lead her down are dark and unforgiving.

James was there the night her family was last seen but is determined to keep quiet. Having recently lost his job, he will do anything to make money. Growing up he learned to take what he needed, and he will do whatever he can to keep a roof over his mother's head. Even if it means killing a few people along the way.

Holly Rae Garcia's characters will send a chill down your spine. The choices they make due to the desperation they feel will leave you haunted. Rebecca and James face their own hardships with a gritty determination, forcing them both to make rapidly declining decisions. And yet they both believe what they are doing is best for themselves and the ones they love. Come Join the Murder shows what happens when desperate people are put in tough situations that end up breaking them.

I couldn't help but feel for Rebecca as her grief tore her apart. I wanted answers just as badly as she did, even if I didn't agree with her actions. Rebecca's increasing need to know what happened in her family's final moments drove the story forward at a rapid pace. With each turn of the page, Rebecca's hope grew that one day she would have her answers and find the person who took her family away. Even if that hope is founded in dark intentions layered in guilt.

On the other hand, James' story was sinister and dark from the start. A man who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, his mind was always on the next prize. James' story made my skin crawl as he developed a taste for murder, and he began to take greater risks. Money was his greatest motivator, and the more he thought people had the more determined he was to take it from them. His warped perception of the world set him on a collision course with Rebecca, creating both a riveting and disturbing story. I can't wait to see what else Holly Rae Garcia writes!

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Dragons of Autumn Twilight

Dragonlance holds a special place in my heart. Dragons of Autumn Twilight introduced me to the world of high fantasy, and I was hooked from then on with the fantasy genre. I finally decided it was time to reread this series and give each book a proper review.

Years ago, the companions went their separate ways, vowing to return to their home of Solace with stories of their adventures. But the Solace they return to is not the one they left. A war brews on the horizon and Hederick the Theocrat has taken over the town. As the companions gather at the Inn of the Last Home, they will find the town filled with tension and dread. But they will also find a chance encounter with a woman from the plains, that will forever change their paths in life. And they just may change the fate of Krynn as well.

There is such a wide cast of characters in this novel, and each of them helps create the range of emotions readers will feel as they embark on their quest. Flint and Tas will keep readers laughing as they banter back and forth. Raistlin will cast a serious and foreboding mood, making readers question motives and intent. Sturm will fill readers with the stern and honorable thoughts of the Solamnic Knight order, while Tanis is conflicted and trying to discover who he is. And the list goes on. But despite having such a wide cast of characters, it's easy to stay on track and the authors do a wonderful job balancing their time on the page.

When I first read Dragons of Autumn Twilight, I was amazed at the world-building. Mind you this was way before I even knew what world-building was! (Think late 90's early 2000's). But I became enamored with the lore of Krynn. Margaret Weis and Tracey Hickman weave into the story so many different aspects of the world such as heroes from the ancient past, tales of Gods and Goddesses, as well as multiple races and cultures. There is so much to the Dragonlance world and Dragons of Autumn Twilight paved the way for so many stories based in this beautiful world.

I highly encourage fans of the high fantasy genre to dive into Dragons of Autumn Twilight. While you won't find long drawn out battles, or heavy political influences like some of the more modern-day high fantasy, it is such a fun read! And if you want to know anything about the world or certain characters, there is a wealth of information in other series/books in the Dragonlance world.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Blood of Elves

The Witcher, Geralt, has taken in a young girl named Ciri. She is the last of her royal line. Her family lay slain by the Nilfgaardians in the battle for Centra. He takes her to Kaer Morhen, the home of the witchers, to protect her and train her in their ways. But she is the first female to be trained by the witchers, and she is more than just a normal girl. Rumors start to spread that she is alive and political powers begin their search for Ciri. Geralt does all he can to protect the girl and prevent her from falling into the wrong hands. There is a power deep within Ciri, one that can be used for good, or evil.

Geralt is one of those characters that took a while for me to connect with. Having read The Last Wish, I knew a bit about Geralt's personality, and I was a bit on the edge whether or not I liked this series. However, this book won me over. Not only does he have a fierce dedication to protecting Ciri, but Geralt lives by his own code. He doesn't kill if he doesn't have to. I also love how sarcastic he is to people who try to prove they are smarter than him. He waits for them to prove themselves wrong and isn't afraid to embellish the fact afterward.

Andrzej Sapkowski has created a unique hero in the witcher series. Geralt certainly doesn't view himself as the hero type and he is a man of few words. He lets his actions speak for themselves and is fierce in his protection of Ciri. His nickname of white wolf shines brightly as he does what he can to defend her. And when he becomes angry, you'll know because that isn't something he hides.

The world-building done in Blood of Elves is subtle but effective. Andrzej Sapkowski doesn't bog the reader down with unnecessary details. He gives just enough so readers can form their own connections to keep the plot steadily moving forward. He also cuts off the story abruptly and left me needing to know what happens next! I can officially say I am a fan of this series, and I cannot wait to see what happens with all the characters.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Kaji Warriors Shifting Strength

The Gridiron will test a Kaji's strength in battle. It will strip them down and take away what innocence is left. But it is also a chance for Atae to become a citizen of the Kaji Empire and achieve her goals as a warrior. In order to compete, Atae must make it through the Sula Academy Tournament. But the purebred Kaji see her as weak because she is a hybrid and cannot hold a battle beast form. Atae is determined to prove herself. She will fight alongside her pack in the Sula Academy Tournament and go down swinging if she must.

I will admit this book started off a bit slow. There was a lot of upfront world-building and explanation of politics. But don't let that stop you! Once you read past the foundation of the world, sit tight, and get ready for intense action and nail-biting scenes. In the Kaji world, strength and skill in battle is everything. Their entire culture is built on their abilities to take down foes. Atae is a headstrong and prideful girl, who is determined to show everyone that being a hybrid does not slow her down.

Atae's character development throughout this book was brilliantly written. She is a solid character and a strong warrior, but no warrior is perfect. There are doubts seeded deep within that surface when the unexpected happens. Atae is no exception. As the obstacles begin to rise up around her, she must learn that strength isn't just physical, but mental as well. And amidst the mental struggles she faces, Atae will also learn how to work with her pack to achieve their mutual goals.

Kelly A Nix isn't afraid to put her characters through tough situations. Each battle is a brutal struggle and forces the characters to face their weaknesses. As Atae battles each new challenge, you will be on the edge of your seat, eager to race to the finish of each chapter to see what happens next. And the descriptions are so detailed that you can't help but feel like you are alongside the other Kaji watching the tournament unfold.

By picking up a copy of Kaji Warriors: Shifting Strength, readers will enter a world of shifting beasts and intense battles. Atae is determined to prove herself a true Kaji warrior, and she will let nothing get in her way. I highly recommend this for fans of sci-fi. I cannot wait to see what happens in book two!

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: White Witch, Black Curse

Rachel is beginning to heal, yet her memory remains scattered. Brief flashes keep surfacing, and she's determined to remember what happened the night her lover was murdered. But a new predator stalks the streets of the hollows, and Rachel must put aside her personal quest for revenge. The I.S. has decided the death of a FIB agent is not worth their time investigating, even if it may have been Inderland related. It's up to Rachel and the team to assist the FIB and tag the new creature. But the odds are stacked against them. And as Rachel begins to stir up the magic needed to bring it in, she might need something stronger than an earth charm. Can she remain a white witch and stir curses at the same time?

Kim Harrison's characters have so many layers to them. I love the complexity that forms each of them. Rachel's moral debate hovers in the background of this entire novel as she tries to do her best for the people she helps. She wants to embrace her strengths and use her abilities for the greater good. But society isn't willing to overlook the fact she has smut on her aura, and without even knowing Rachel, absolute strangers treat her like garbage. Rachel's plight is the fantasy version of what happens in the real world, where people judge a person for their looks instead of their actions. I connected with Rachel on so many things she had to face throughout White Witch, Black Curse.

But not only does Rachel have to deal with disapproving strangers, she also has to withstand the disapproval of her brother Robbie. Robbie who has been living on the west coast for years and doesn't have a clue what Rachel has been dealing with. Let's face it Rachel's life doesn't exactly leave room for family dinners. And when Robbie flies in for a visit and sees that Rachel's life is a bit chaotic, he is quick to judge.

Hit from all sides with doubt, Rachel knows she can at least fall back on Ivy and Jenks to support her. Each of them carries their own burden, but together they hold each other up even when the worst hits them. When this series first began, Rachel was an inexperienced witch who stumbled into a lot of her jobs. Despite everything she has dealt with, she is quickly becoming a confident and capable character. She will do anything for the people she loves, and she is a worthwhile character to follow.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: White Witch, Black Curse

Rachel is beginning to heal, yet her memory remains scattered. Brief flashes keep surfacing, and she's determined to remember what happened the night her lover was murdered. But a new predator stalks the streets of the hollows, and Rachel must put aside her personal quest for revenge. The I.S. has decided the death of a FIB agent is not worth their time investigating, even if it may have been Inderland related. It's up to Rachel and the team to assist the FIB and tag the new creature. But the odds are stacked against them. And as Rachel begins to stir up the magic needed to bring it in, she might need something stronger than an earth charm. Can she remain a white witch and stir curses at the same time?

Kim Harrison's characters have so many layers to them. I love the complexity that forms each of them. Rachel's moral debate hovers in the background of this entire novel as she tries to do her best for the people she helps. She wants to embrace her strengths and use her abilities for the greater good. But society isn't willing to overlook the fact she has smut on her aura, and without even knowing Rachel, absolute strangers treat her like garbage. Rachel's plight is the fantasy version of what happens in the real world, where people judge a person for their looks instead of their actions. I connected with Rachel on so many things she had to face throughout White Witch, Black Curse.

But not only does Rachel have to deal with disapproving strangers, she also has to withstand the disapproval of her brother Robbie. Robbie who has been living on the west coast for years and doesn't have a clue what Rachel has been dealing with. Let's face it Rachel's life doesn't exactly leave room for family dinners. And when Robbie flies in for a visit and sees that Rachel's life is a bit chaotic, he is quick to judge.

Hit from all sides with doubt, Rachel knows she can at least fall back on Ivy and Jenks to support her. Each of them carries their own burden, but together they hold each other up even when the worst hits them. When this series first began, Rachel was an inexperienced witch who stumbled into a lot of her jobs. Despite everything she has dealt with, she is quickly becoming a confident and capable character. She will do anything for the people she loves, and she is a worthwhile character to follow.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: City of Lost Souls

Sebastian and Jace have been bound by Lilith's blood magic. Their minds have begun to align with one another, sharing each other's beliefs. And to make matters worse, one cannot be harmed without the other sharing their pain. While the Clave sees Jace as expendable and will do anything to rid the world of Sebastian, Clary and the others are desperate to find a way to separate the boys. But time is against them as they try to find a near impossible solution.

Clary is once again racing to save Jace. But while the first time I read this book, I devoured every page, this time around it took me a bit longer to finish reading. The themes were too similar to the earlier novel, and it felt like a repeat of what I'd just read. City of Lost Souls does take a markedly darker turn and starts to push on some taboos that made me feel awkward reading. In that effect it was well written and hit all the buttons it meant to. However, the secondary characters and subplots that create the City of Lost Souls overtook the actual plot.

There is much less emphasis on Jace and Clary, and a lot more relationship drama with every other couple in the book. I don't need to know what every single couple is doing. There are characters that are barely seen yet I can tell you exactly how their relationship is doing. I want more world-building; I want more background and story outside of relationship troubles.

I was happy to see the Iron Sisters, though I do wish more time was spent with them. Readers are only allowed a glimpse into their culture and beliefs. They seemed sharp-witted and fastidious in their ways. But then again, I don't really know because their scene was so brief in comparison to the vampires, werewolves, or even the Silent Brothers in earlier novels.

City of Lost Souls was missing the conflicts and tension the earlier novels displayed so well. The relationship filler also needed to be cut back to allow the main plot to progress at a better rate. Too many stories were told within the pages of this book. I think for some it would have been best if they had their own separate novel.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Ender's Game

The Buggers tried to destroy the human race, now it is time for the humans to strike back. Ender is only six years old when his training begins. Taken from his family he is placed in battle school, where the teachers will spare him no mercy. He is thrown up against impossible odds and given nothing. Isolated and afraid, Ender must endure whatever is thrown at him and learn to adapt. The teachers will do anything they can to mold Ender into the perfect commander, even if it costs him his sanity. And while Ender endures the harsh realities of battle school in space, his siblings Peter and Valentine begin to unleash their own plans for Earth. Ender isn't the only genius of the family. Together, Peter with his violent and quick mind and Valentine with her ability to manipulate, plan to bring the Earth under their control.

Orson Scott Card has taken children and made them so believably intelligent, that the reader never questions their motives. I could hardly remember that Ender was only six as he learned to master self-defense and tactical analysis. And let's not forget Peter and Valentine who begin to play the politics of earth and warp how the citizens of different countries view one another. All so they can gain the upper hand and control the tide of war and reform.

The characters are truly what makes this story shine. I'm not one for heavy politics. Unfortunately, most of Peter and Valentine's motives didn't interest me. But that isn't to say they weren't well written. Peter and Valentine play well off of one another, and within them, the reader can see why the government allowed their mother and father to take another chance at having Ender as a third child. Together Peter and Valentine are just as influential as Ender but in different ways. Which is the entire reason Ender was promoted to battle school when Peter and Valentine were not.

Ender is the entire reason I finished this book the first and second time. Watching him grow and adapt to the new situations he was put in kept me reading. Ender endures quite a bit of cruelty and readers will watch it break him down and reforge him into a stronger yet damaged new person. He is a survivor and if there is a way to beat the system, he will do his best to find it.

Ender's Game is a worthwhile science fiction read. It is heavy on politics, but the science fiction elements and characters carry the story. I am intrigued to continue this series to see where it goes.

Jorge P. Newbery has created a guide on how to overcome the hard patches in life. The moments when things start to fall apart or grow difficult are what he calls burn zones. He describes both his personal and business burn zones that he has experienced in life. Jorge's narrative carries the information in an easy to understand and engaging manner. He doesn't hesitate to expose some of his toughest burn zones and how he managed to pursue despite the obstacles against him.

This book also gives readers a good insight into the risks they may be taking. It is always best to look at all angles before jumping into new endeavors. This is something the author himself doesn't always do and admits that he learns from his mistakes. But no matter what life throws at you, there are ways to continue to grow and reach for the next investment. Reading this book just might help you achieve what you've been reaching for.

The full review can be seen at Online Book Club: Burn Zones

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Outlaw Demon Wails

Someone is summoning Al out of prison. And once they are done with him for the night, they release him to hunt down Rachel. After an explosive reunion in a charm shop where Al nearly kills her, Rachel is stuck hiding on holy ground when the sun goes down. Unless she figures out who is summoning Al, she will either be stuck hiding on holy ground or dead. To protect herself and those she cares about, Rachel is going to have to make a trip to the ever after. And knowing Rachel, her plan is not going to go the way it should.

The sixth book in The Hollows series shows a marked difference in the way Rachel handles herself. She's realized her faults, both personal and professional, and she is trying to make positive changes. Unfortunately, life likes to kick her while she is down, in the most messed up and magical way possible. Watching Rachel try to overcome her boundaries and forge herself into a more confident and mature person is both rewarding and frightening. The amount of heartbreak and deception she has had to experience to reach this point is beyond what a normal person would be able to endure. But this is Rachel, the fiery redhead that kicks first and asks questions later. She will fight with all she has and then some.

The Outlaw Demon Wails also tackles the subject of loss and how to recover from it. Rachel struggles to come to terms with her loss, and the guilt that accompanies wanting to move on. As her heart struggles to understand what it wants and needs, readers, can connect with the conflicting emotions that rifle through Rachel's mind. Readers will also see the parallel with Rachel's mother as she realizes what her mother went through losing her father years ago, and how it broke her.

This is my second read of The Hollows, so while I know what is going to happen, but I still love the setup Kim Harrison has done. The flashbacks that tantalize fans into trying to figure out the puzzle before Rachel can. And the utter desperation I remember feeling, wanting Rachel and Ivy to exact their revenge as soon as possible. And the slow burn as we realized that once again, we have to wait for a resolution.

Seriously, if you haven't started The Hollows and you love urban fantasy, pick up this series. Rachel may start off as a bit of an airhead, but it just makes her character development all the more satisfying as the series continues. Hands down this will always remain my favorite urban fantasy series.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Esme's Gift

Esme's mother lies in a coma. The only way to wake her is to make a magical elixir, but using it comes with a high cost. If it isn't mixed correctly, Esme may lose her mother forever. Esme must master her gift to look back in time to save her mother. She must find all the ingredients as she races against the clock. But gifts are running wild now that the balance of Esperance has been restored. And there's a new boy in town that brings back awful memories of Nathan Mare. Can Esme find all the ingredients in time? Or will she once again lose her mother?

Esme will travel to new areas of Aeolia, expanding on the world-building Elizabeth Foster so artfully crafted in the first book. Readers will be swept away by the magic as Esme faces her toughest obstacles yet. But she isn't alone. Best friends Daniel and Lillian will be right beside her, lending their strength and the use of their newfound gifts.

While the first book hinted at why Esme and her stepmother, Penelope, didn't get along, Esme's Gift expands on her stepmother's behavior. Readers will see how Penelope acts towards Esme and her true intentions. I am glad that Esme had the world of Aeolia to turn to when things took a turn for the worst at home. Though I felt bad for Esme as her father refused to believe Esperance was real, I found comfort in the fact that she had a group of friends waiting for her in Aeolia who would do anything to help her.

I could not put this book down as Esme and her friends found themselves in new situations that forced them to grow as characters. There was so much more tension and conflict as they learned about Aeolia's dark past and faced down new challenges. And all the while there was a clock ticking in the background as Esme's mother continued to fade away. Rest assured, readers will find a mix of action, adventure, and mystery in this novel.

And there is so much left to tell of Esme's story! I can't wait for another addition to this series!