Tabitha Tomala

From fires to natural disasters, New Orleans has been rebuilt numerous times. And with each tragedy, ghosts have remained caught in the Veil. Everywhere Cassidy steps, the veil pulls, and stepping through provides a confusing mix of past events. But it’s not just the ghosts she has to worry about this time. A harbinger of death has caught onto Cassidy’s trail and seeks to bring her to the other side.

The history and chilling tales of New Orleans come to life as Cassidy and Jacob navigate their way through the French Quarter. Dodging death at every turn and searching for a way to escape the harbinger’s notice. But it has a way of finding Cassidy no matter where she turns. When Lara advises her to find the secret society tied to studying the Veil, readers will begin to learn more about the abilities Cassidy possesses. The information Cassidy gains is fascinating and serves to spin together a larger world picture.

And let’s not forget Victoria Schwab’s ability to fully immerse readers in each moment Cassidy and Jacob experience. The slow creeping dread as Death brushes by, a hair's breadth from reaching Cassidy, or the crippling tragedies Cassidy finds herself reliving in the Veil. Each encounter serves to plunge the reader further into the dark side of New Orleans, and the risks Veil Walkers take each time they crossover.

But it isn't all ghosts and tragedy. Despite all it has faced, the city of New Orleans also embraces life. While there are many high-tension moments strewn throughout Bridge of Souls, there is also a subtle reminder that life goes on. The culture of New Orleans is beautifully woven into the story, from the architecture to the festivals they hold.

Like the previous two novels, I enjoyed every minute of Bridge of Souls. There are just enough creepy elements blended with ghostly history to keep me invested in the story. And the characters are wonderful to follow as they endure ups and downs in their friendships with each new challenge they face.

Thank you to InD'tale Magazine for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

When Margrete’s arranged marriage is announced, a small shred of hope blossoms. Count Casbian may be as bad as her abusive father, or he may be her chance at a better life. She’s willing to take the chance if it means escape. But as the wedding day dawns, pirates attack and capture Margrete. Bash, King of Azantian, seeks to ransom her away for a powerful item her father stole. At first resentful of her capture, Margrete does all she can to escape. Until she finds out the truth of her father’s deception. It’s not just her life on the line, it is the world itself. And something is calling out to Margrete, a whisper of terrible power.

Margrete has learned well to keep her outspoken side hidden. If she speaks even one word out of line, her father is quick to retaliate. He is an oppressive and controlling man, willing to do anything to achieve his goals. However, despite all she has endured, Margrete remains strong and willful. When Margrete is taken captive, her true self shines brilliantly. Bash and his companions have their hands full as Margrete lashes out at them. She has a fighting spirit no man can tame. And no matter what obstacles stand in her way, she is willing to face them if it means protecting those she loves.

Margrete is a powerful example of independence and inner strength. However, there were times she discovered things a bit too quickly. For example, when the court seer of Azantian was introduced to Margrete they were physically described. No other information was given. Margrete immediately knew they were a seer, and there was not enough information within the context of the story to support her claim. She was correct, but I could not understand how she came to her conclusion. There needed to be a bit more build-up and subtle cues to make Margrete’s discoveries believable.

The Girl Who Belonged to the Sea incorporates Gods and magic but remains focused on developing Margrete’s relationships. The love and devotion she shows her younger sister are heartwarming. The harsh and violent relationship with her father will set a reader’s teeth on edge. And the risky relationship she develops with Bash will leave readers apprehensive and wondering in which direction it will go. Tension is laced within Bash and Margrete’s relationship, and the consequences of their actions are constantly hanging over their every move. With such a mix of emotions on the page, readers can’t help but feel the need to know more.

This first book in the Azantian Trilogy sets a strong foundation for future stories. The magical elements and lore woven into the story provide a wonderful accent to the storytelling and characters. The Girl Who Belonged to the Sea is a book for readers who enjoy romance and relationships between strong-willed individuals.

This review is also feature on Behind the Pages: A Lust For Blood

Thank you to R & R Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

There is a raging bloodlust within Oriana. Each time the full moon rises it breaks free and any within her reach become victims. Cursed to relive the horror again and again, Oriana has surrounded the town of (name) with a magical forest. But demon hunter Garren has found his way through, learning of the demon who hunts each full moon. Now Oriana must hide her true nature from Garren or else be struck down. And all the while a thought lingers in the back of her mind. If Garren was able to make it through the forest, is she truly trapped?

A Lust For Blood carries readers through both the past and present as Oriana and Garren's stories are told. There is an allure the characters feel towards one another as they each hold onto closely guarded secrets. The mysteries surrounding them are just as enticing to the reader as they are to the characters. And there is no doubt that Orianna and Garren begin to feel a physical attraction.

But as their pasts came to light, I wish there had been more detail behind Oriana's. Her backstory is steeped in betrayal and tragedy. But while readers will discover the origin of her curse, the reasoning behind it remains unclear until almost the end of the book. I needed more pieces to put into place as Orianna struggled with her affliction. Characters from her past would appear and force her into claiming victims. Without the reasoning behind it all, I found the actions of the characters confusing and disjointed.

However, K.C. Smith did a fantastic job describing Oriana's struggle with the curse. Each transformation was a battle and the emotional turmoil brought intensity to the story. The grief and guilt Orianna faced down after each full moon was heart-wrenching. Watching Orianna's curse take its toll on her mentally brought the readers closer to the character and the hope that somehow, someway the curse could be lifted.

I would recommend A Lust For Blood to readers who enjoy a relationship based on instant attraction with a hint of forbidden love. This is a fantasy romance novel, with a mix of folklore as well. While it is not necessarily a fast-paced novel, it will keep readers attention with the mystery of Orianna's curse and her bloodlust free days running out.

The night of the dragon approaches and Yumeko’s enemies hold all the pieces needed to summon it. And while Kage has control of his body once again, even teaming up with the oni Hakaimono may not be enough. Time is running out as Yumeko, Kage, and their companions race to Iwagoto to stop the summoning. But a hoard of demons stands between them and their goal. When they meet the yokai from Yumeko’s dreams, an unlikely ally may be the help they need, but it will come at a terrible cost.

Some readers may be enticed to continue reading for the developing character relationships, but the Japanese lore continues to pull me into this world. And Julie Kagawa doesn’t fail to introduce new demons and information in this final novel. Each battle is skillfully drawn out, weaving in new experiences for the reader and creating devastation in their wake as the characters near their final destination. But I did find the romantic side of the story took away from the action.

While there is an even mix of romance and battle to appease various readers, some of the relationships developed rapidly in Night of the Dragon. Albeit the characters are marching off to battle, and not all may survive, but romance made from desperation does not interest me. Especially when there is a large build-up and apprehension for an ensuing battle, and the romance is placed right before it all comes to a head, putting everything on hold. I found myself wanting to skip ahead to the battle scene.

However, everyone’s character arc wraps up by the end of Night of the Dragon. For some, their endings were predictable but no less entertaining to witness. Others I felt went against their base nature readers have grown to know from book one. It is a bittersweet ending as sacrifices are made, but the conclusion for some breaks the emotional weight of losing characters readers have come to know and love. The ending did feel as though Julie Kagawa was afraid to layer on more heartache for the readers.

Night of the Dragon was filled with Japanese lore, epic battles, and surprising revelations. Even if some of the relationships felt rushed, the dialogue between characters helped propel the story forward. The ending did feel a bit drawn out, and I felt the focus should have remained on overcoming the Master of Demons, but the subplot had to come into play by the last book. If you enjoy Japanese folklore and typical young adult romance I’d still give this one a try.

Thank you to K.R.R. Lockhaven for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Over time Azure’s enjoyment of running an Inn alongside her father has waned. His racism towards anyone not human is taking a toll on her patience. And when the new governor arrives spouting his bigoted words of “Humans First” her father embraces the message. Disgusted Azure casts her father aside, but as the ship bearing him begins to leave Azure is racked with guilt. And while she soon finds herself aboard the governor's ship his constant verbal attack against nonhumans grates against her nerves. Something must be done to stop him.

There is quite the cast of characters Azure will meet as she embarks on her quest to save her father from the governor’s misguided notions. My favorite of them was the marauders. A team of seafaring folk who search the seas for people to help instead of people to pirate. They are a team who love to tell tales and sing songs. And while their humor can be a bit juvenile, they have good hearts.

The worldbuilding aspect of The Marauders, the Daughter, and the Dragon needed fine-tuning. There are many moments of exposition as characters tell their stories, and not all of them seemed relevant to building relationships or moving the plot. The magic system also needed some work. As the story progresses, readers will learn about different types of magic from fellow characters and cultures, but it is more of a surface explanation. There was a lot of potential for cultural learning moments and worldbuilding.

K.R.R. Lockhaven does a fantastic job creating an evil and bigoted antagonist. Governor Pratt is a despicable man who influences and manipulates people into rising against anyone who is not human. During his time on the page, readers will definitely feel resentful towards him and urge Ellery on in her quest to bring him down.

The Marauders, the Daughter, and the Dragon is a tale for readers who enjoy various types of upfront humor and a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas. And while the main antagonist is vehemently against nonhumans, Ellery’s message of acceptance and friendship for all beings far outweighs it. With magic, dragons, humor, and pirates, there is sure to be something for everyone who enjoys a fantasy read.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Girl Island

Thank you to Kate Castle for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

With the loss of her father, Ellery is left to take care of the family farm alongside her brother and sometimes functional mother. When she earns an athletics scholarship to attend a private school, it's an opportunity she can't pass up. But when the plane crashes on an island en route to the school, Ellery is stranded with a group of fellow students. And while some are convinced rescue is right around the corner, Ellery realizes it won't be so easy. As days turn into weeks, tempers rise and the fight for survival will bring out the darkest parts of each student.

The dynamics between characters were phenomenally written. Readers will bond with certain characters throughout the story and grow to resent others. The variety of personalities propelled the story forward as the harsh reality of survival forced them each to contend with their strengths and weaknesses. And for some, realizing their limitations encouraged them to strike out at those who were more tuned to survival. Kate Castle created a blend of characters that will hook readers in and create a wonderful blend of emotional tension.

Ellery was able to read situations extremely well and pick up on personality traits that would cause trouble. While this gave her an advanced warning, she didn't always know exactly what to do. When the power struggles began, and tension escalated, the drive to continue reading grew. Ellery was extremely level-headed, but as time passed readers could see the toll living on the island took on her and the other survivors. And knowing how her family still grieved the recent loss of her father, Ellery's emotional response to her situation was amplified.

Girl Island is an intense blend of apprehension and suspense. The reader will never know what is lurking around the corner and what new challenges will arise. While the environment plays an integral part, the relationships between the characters will be the key to their overall state of mind and survival. This is a novel for those who enjoy a fast-paced survival tale with plenty of drama and harrowing experiences. I loved this novel!

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Marauders, the Daughter, and the Dragon

Thank you to K.R.R. Lockhaven for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Over time Azure's enjoyment of running an Inn alongside her father has waned. His racism towards anyone not human is taking a toll on her patience. And when the new governor arrives spouting his bigoted words of “Humans First” her father embraces the message. Disgusted Azure casts her father aside, but as the ship bearing him begins to leave Azure is racked with guilt. And while she soon finds herself aboard the governor's ship his constant verbal attack against nonhumans grates against her nerves. Something must be done to stop him.

There is quite the cast of characters Azure will meet as she embarks on her quest to save her father from the governor's misguided notions. My favorite of them was the marauders. A team of seafaring folk who search the seas for people to help instead of people to pirate. They are a team who love to tell tales and sing songs. And while their humor can be a bit juvenile, they have good hearts.

The worldbuilding aspect of The Marauders, the Daughter, and the Dragon needed fine-tuning. There are many moments of exposition as characters tell their stories, and not all of them seemed relevant to building relationships or moving the plot. The magic system also needed some work. As the story progresses, readers will learn about different types of magic from fellow characters and cultures, but it is more of a surface explanation. There was a lot of potential for cultural learning moments and worldbuilding.

K.R.R. Lockhaven does a fantastic job creating an evil and bigoted antagonist. Governor Pratt is a despicable man who influences and manipulates people into rising against anyone who is not human. During his time on the page, readers will definitely feel resentful towards him and urge Ellery on in her quest to bring him down.

The Marauders, the Daughter, and the Dragon is a tale for readers who enjoy various types of upfront humor and a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas. And while the main antagonist is vehemently against nonhumans, Ellery's message of acceptance and friendship for all beings far outweighs it. With magic, dragons, humor, and pirates, there is sure to be something for everyone who enjoys a fantasy read.

Cassidy Blake knows what it's like to pass into the world of the dead. The Veil reaches out to her, calling for her to witness the final moments of ghosts trapped in time. Alongside her ghost best friend, Jacob, Cassidy navigates both the worlds of the living and the dead. When her parents have the opportunity to explore haunted cities for their new TV show, Cassidy tags along. But their first destination, Edinburgh, Scotland is a city filled with unsettled spirits. When one known as the Red Raven catches sight of Cassidy in the Veil, she fixates on stealing Cassidy’s life to walk among the living once more.

Cassidy is a character filled with curiosity about the unknown. And while her parents spin tales of ghosts to entertain their viewers, there is a difference between believing in the old stories and Cassidy being able to see ghosts. Jacob on the other hand is ironically a ghost who does not enjoy scary situations. But being Cassidy’s best friend means he’s along for every single encounter with fellow spirits and has to hear about the chilling tales from Cassidy’s parents. Jacob’s quips and smart remarks certainly help to break the tension at key moments throughout the story.

As they ventured from one haunted site to another, Victoria Schwab painted the picture of a historical and haunted Edinburgh in wonderful detail. Being able to observe Cassidy’s parents filming their haunted TV show allowed readers to be introduced to ghost stories from Edinburg without using large drops of information. They are just enough detail for Cassidy when she traversed the veil to see the spirits. And oftentimes her parent’s stories would start the ramp-up of tension that would then amplify as Cassidy witnessed firsthand the ghosts they spoke about.

City of Ghosts is the perfect starting point for young readers and even adults who are interested in ghost stories. There is just enough of a spooky feeling and close encounters to draw readers in but not overwhelm them. Cassidy's friendship with Jacob also has a wonderful comedic relief and their back and forth banter adds a charming touch to the story. This is a fast-paced, enjoyable read and a great series to start during October. I highly recommend this to fans of ghost stories.

As a witch, the conservative Irish town Dayne resides in would never accept her let alone her reverend father. Dealing with the fallout of her bisexuality being revealed is hard enough. Every day she is tormented with whispers and rumors at school. If her witch nature were to be exposed, it would be even worse. Her saving grace is the family of witches who have accepted her as their own. But the town will soon have more than witches to worry about. A serial killer named The Butcher has begun killing women. And Dayna may be next.

The family dynamics in Witches of Ash and Ruin reminded me of Practical Magic. I loved how easy going and heartfelt the Callighans were with Dayna. Their use of magic and communion with nature was wonderful to read about. They were always ready with tea, or a treat when Dayna was having an off day. In general they were there to comfort her and make sure she was ok. And despite Dayna’s father being a reverend and admently against witchcraft, they never spoke ill of him. They were a sharp contrast to the second witch family introduced into the story, the Kings.

The Kings brought to the story a bitter and grim side to witchcraft. Their coven leader was quick to strike out at her witchlings should they disobey her. Grandma King was also willing to dip into the darker side of magic to make sure her goals were attained. With such contrasting views on magic, having the two covens work together towards a common goal created a wonderful mix of events.

While the witches were well flushed out and their histories explained, the antagonists of the story needed a bit more information. I understand to some extent The Butcher plot line needed to keep an air of mystery. But from the start readers learn there are three brother’s behind the serial killings. I would have liked to see the three brothers working together and interacting more. Readers did gain a sense that they did not generally like each other, but a bit more showing would have been a great way to build up tension. They did receive their own chapters, but they were far less in comparison to the witches.

Another character I would have liked to see more of was Samuel. Obsessed with The Butcher, Samuel tracked the serial killer for years. His knowledge was a great way to add him into Dayna’s story. Not to mention the history the two characters had. While he wove in and out of the story, he never received a resolution by the end. His character sort of faded into the background right at a pivotal development point. I wanted to see the results of his discoveries and how they affected him as a person.

Witches of Ash and Ruin is a great novel if you enjoy stories of witches and Celtic mythology. It is marketed as a standalone novel, but the story arcs don’t really come to a conclusion by the end. I hope to see a sequel to this novel as I am invested in the characters of this world.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Dead Meat Day 9

The world is growing desperate as the zombie population continues to rise. Without a scientific cure, the threat of nuclear war has arisen. But Dan and company aren't willing to give up. They are determined to find a way to cure the world and avoid all out war.

The clock is ticking as the story progresses and the characters face ever growing challenges. Not only are the zombies increasing in number, but so are the humans who have given in to their darker sides. For some, it's easy to push aside their morals when faced with what seems to be an incurable disease. To them, ridding the world of zombies is seen as heroic instead of nefarious. Readers will be held in suspense as Dan and the others encounter these shady characters. After all, if the world is cured they would go back to being villains. And they certainly can't have that happen.

Right up until the end Nick Clausen keeps the reader guessing as to which direction the story will go. While Dan, William, and the rest have a good idea of how to end the apocalypse, there's no telling if they will be able to accomplish their goals in time to halt the military. There is a sense of urgency as the characters race to save the world, ramping up the tension and keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

I do wish Iver would have been given a bit more page time. His situation was precarious at best as he struggled to save himself and the little boy left with him. The scenes they have are certainly nail-biting, but I would have liked to see it drawn out a bit more. And while the story came full circle by the end it felt like it wrapped up a bit too quickly.

Overall I enjoyed the Dead Meat series. The episodic storytelling played into the plot and gave readers something to look forward to with each new book. There was a promise of ever-increasing stakes, world-building, and intense characters. I'm sad to see it come to an end.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Witches of Ash and Ruin

As a witch, the conservative Irish town Dayne resides in would never accept her let alone her reverend father. Dealing with the fallout of her bisexuality being revealed is hard enough. Every day she is tormented with whispers and rumors at school. If her witch nature were to be exposed, it would be even worse. Her saving grace is the family of witches who have accepted her as their own. But the town will soon have more than witches to worry about. A serial killer named The Butcher has begun killing women. And Dayna may be next.

The family dynamics in Witches of Ash and Ruin reminded me of Practical Magic. I loved how easy going and heartfelt the Callighans were with Dayna. Their use of magic and communion with nature was wonderful to read about. They were always ready with tea, or a treat when Dayna was having an off day. In general they were there to comfort her and make sure she was ok. And despite Dayna's father being a reverend and admently against witchcraft, they never spoke ill of him. They were a sharp contrast to the second witch family introduced into the story, the Kings.

The Kings brought to the story a bitter and grim side to witchcraft. Their coven leader was quick to strike out at her witchlings should they disobey her. Grandma King was also willing to dip into the darker side of magic to make sure her goals were attained. With such contrasting views on magic, having the two covens work together towards a common goal created a wonderful mix of events.

While the witches were well flushed out and their histories explained, the antagonists of the story needed a bit more information. I understand to some extent The Butcher plot line needed to keep an air of mystery. But from the start readers learn there are three brother's behind the serial killings. I would have liked to see the three brothers working together and interacting more. Readers did gain a sense that they did not generally like each other, but a bit more showing would have been a great way to build up tension. They did receive their own chapters, but they were far less in comparison to the witches.

Another character I would have liked to see more of was Samuel. Obsessed with The Butcher, Samuel tracked the serial killer for years. His knowledge was a great way to add him into Dayna's story. Not to mention the history the two characters had. While he wove in and out of the story, he never received a resolution by the end. His character sort of faded into the background right at a pivotal development point. I wanted to see the results of his discoveries and how they affected him as a person.

Witches of Ash and Ruin is a great novel if you enjoy stories of witches and Celtic mythology. It is marketed as a standalone novel, but the story arcs don't really come to a conclusion by the end. I hope to see a sequel to this novel as I am invested in the characters of this world.

Thank you to Ariel Paiement for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Gwen may have escaped Oblivion but they will not stop hunting for her. Gwen prepares herself for the fight ahead, ever conscious of the empty space beside her as Sheppard continues his battle inside Oblivion. The rare moments they have together, make her yearn for the day it will all be over. Meanwhile, Sheppard is forced to play Oblivion’s game. Rising in the ranks may give him insight into Oblivion’s plans, but it comes with a cost. And when Oblivion’s latest idea to retrieve Gwen uncovers startling truths, Sheppard’s hard pressed to keep both Gwen and the Coalition safe.

Gwen has come a long way from the girl readers first met in Shadow’s Dissident. While there are still moments her immaturity comes into play, she’s taking chances and doing what she can to help the Coalition. The main focus of Gwen’s interactions remains on her relationship dynamic with Sheppard and on anyone she interacts with that may threaten it. While potential rivals for Sheppard created a good source of tension, I would have liked to see how Gwen and Sheppard interacted with people who didn’t pose a threat to their relationship. Their lives are rarely easy, but letting them sneak in a few moments of happiness with others would have been a wonderful way to round out their characters.

Each character in Light’s Insurgent is complex and thought-provoking. Ariel Paiement has created a cast of main characters with such a depth of emotional burden, that readers can’t help but sympathize with them. Vivianna in particular balances on the fine edge of control. Her ability to function due to her emotional state is a major adversary in this novel. Oblivion has taken so much from her and continues to demand more. The choices Vivianna is forced to make in order to help the Coalition eat away at her mind. But she continues because there is no other way. Vivianna’s struggle tore at my heart as she fought to stand and fight despite all she faced.

Light’s Insurgent is a dialogue-driven narrative. It’s a story of revolution and all the risks and sacrifices that come with it. While there are brief mentions of the settings and character abilities with light and shadow, the focus remains on the challenges each character faces and the horrors of Oblivion. This is a novel for readers who enjoy light sci-fi and character focused stories.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Heir of Memory and Shadow

Kaernan Asthore's seeker ability allows him to find lost loves. But not every love story ends happily. Guilt plagues Kaernan after a seeking assignment turns deadly, and wishes nothing more than to be rid of his ability. When his father signs him up for a commission to help Lady Adallia Pahame find her lost love, he finds himself hard pressed to say no. Accepting the mission he hopes it will be simple, but as he and his companions begin their journey, they will quickly realize there is more at hand than one lost love.

Heir of Memory and Shadow expands on the world introduced to readers in the first novel Heir of Amber and Fire. Readers will be immersed in a kingdom filled with magic and mystery. Kaernan's ability is vastly different from tracking down dragons, but the journey is no less enjoyable. There will also be a few returning characters from the previous novel who will provide a balanced mix of humor and seriousness to the team dynamics. As they embark on their journey to find Adallia's lost love, the group will keep readers entertained as they encounter magical challenges and formidable foes. There will be a few unexpected turns along the way that will make readers rethink what they have encountered along the way.

Kaernan is one of my favorite character types, complicated with a good heart. He does all he can to make the right decisions for his companions, but he is a reluctant leader. Kaernan doubts his choices due to the tragedy of his last commission. However, as the story progresses and he gains trust in his travel companions and abilities, Kaernan's personality and confidence grow. Witnessing a character come into their own and begin to believe in themselves is a wonderful journey.

The amount of tension in this novel is just enough to draw the reader in, but there's also this sense of camaraderie and positive intentions among the characters that help ease any situation. Heir of Memory and Shadow can be read as a standalone novel, though it does bring a bit of a spoiler to light from book one, honestly the first book will be just as fun to read knowing what happens. I encourage readers who enjoy fantasy novels to give this one a try!

Thank you to Susana Imaginario for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Were the Gods to answer every prayer, the worlds they resided over would fall to ruin. However, one dryad’s final prayer draws the attention of a goddess. And in doing so traps the goddess Psyche in her mortal body. Now a Wyrd, Psyche, must find the true purpose behind her imprisonment. But as she wanders the world she is trapped in, she will find that the God of Time has been forcing worlds to collide. And she isn’t the only God trapped.

Wyrd Gods was beautifully written. Susana Imaginario’s use of language created an enchanting and captivating world for the characters to reside in. Each scene is laced with emotional detail and dreamlike in quality. The way she seamlessly blended multiple pantheons of gods into one concise and intricate story took a great amount of skill. And the characters are multilayered. Each has their own agenda and desires. Sometimes they may coincide with one another, but each will be out for their own personal gain.

That being said, I am not as familiar with mythology as I most likely should be to read this novel. The various pantheons and clash of gods confused me. If I understood their backgrounds and histories more clearly, it would have been easier for me to digest the various names appearing on the page. The main players in the story were recognizable to me such as Loki, Odin, and Hades. But there were many names of demigods and titans I did not know. I do believe if I had a better grasp of their wants and needs from mythology I would have been able to understand the concept of their desires better in the novel.

The audio narration of Wyrd Gods is just as beautiful as the writing. Sarah Kempton flawlessly captured the personalities and emotions of each character. And as she began narrating the contest of wills between Psyche and Ileana I found myself entranced. I highly recommend listening to this on audiobook. It will draw you in all the quicker as the narration adds another layer to the world-building and characterization.

Wyrd Gods is a wonderful read for those who enjoy mythology. Especially if mythology from various cultures captures your interest. There are many characters to remember, but as the story progresses you’ll grow to know each and every one of them. There is plenty of mystery and political tension within the story to keep readers engaged and guessing right up until the very end.

Thank you to Escapist Tours for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Taken from her family at a young age, Kerelle was raised in the PsiCorps and trained to be their weapon. As a class three telepath and class three telekinetic, she’s called in to destroy targets and strike fear into opposing populaces. Kerelle has no choice but to obey, the collar around her throat is SysTech’s insurance. And if she complies with SysTech’s orders, she is free to do as she wishes. Until she finds out when a high enough price is paid, even class three psionics can be sold off to be servants of the rich. When her lover Galhen is sold, escape become Kerelle’s main goal. If she frees herself, she can free Galhen as well.

The characterization in The Stars Within was so well crafted. Through a clever mix of flashbacks and current events, Kerelle’s emotional state is depicted in startling detail. Despite the lies, she tells herself to sleep at night, the guilt and horror at what she must do creep into her mind. And as her anchor, Galhen is the loving support she needs. Together they help each other keep the negative feelings at bay. The way their romance was softly brought into the picture and built throughout their short time together was heart-wrenching. And when the two are pulled apart, readers will be cheering Kerelle on as she quests for freedom and a reunion with Galhen.

I loved the way the story was told. Short bursts of scenes drew me in and painted each new situation. There was just enough information presented to fully immerse me into the dark and militaristic lifestyle Kerelle lived. Despite Kerelle being on campaigns for months at a time, Lena Alison Knight made sure to highlight only the most important scenes. There was no time wasted reaching the emotional impact of the campaigns and how they affected Kerelle’s future outlook.

While The Stars Within sets a darker tone it is a fast-paced read. There is a touch of political tension as the story progresses, but it serves more as a background element to accent the choices Kerelle makes. The true focus of the story remains on Kerelle and her struggle against SysTech's control over her. Her mental battle against losing Galhen and contending with all SysTech throws at her is a gripping tale. I cannot wait to see what happens next. The Stars Within is a great novel for fans of soft sci-fi novels with military sci-fi and space exploration mixed in.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Wyrd Gods

Thank you to Susana Imaginario for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Were the Gods to answer every prayer, the worlds they resided over would fall to ruin. However, one dryad's final prayer draws the attention of a goddess. And in doing so traps the goddess Psyche in her mortal body. Now a Wyrd, Psyche, must find the true purpose behind her imprisonment. But as she wanders the world she is trapped in, she will find that the God of Time has been forcing worlds to collide. And she isn't the only God trapped.

Wyrd Gods was beautifully written. Susana Imaginario's use of language created an enchanting and captivating world for the characters to reside in. Each scene is laced with emotional detail and dreamlike in quality. The way she seamlessly blended multiple pantheons of gods into one concise and intricate story took a great amount of skill. And the characters are multilayered. Each has their own agenda and desires. Sometimes they may coincide with one another, but each will be out for their own personal gain.

That being said, I am not as familiar with mythology as I most likely should be to read this novel. The various pantheons and clash of gods confused me. If I understood their backgrounds and histories more clearly, it would have been easier for me to digest the various names appearing on the page. The main players in the story were recognizable to me such as Loki, Odin, and Hades. But there were many names of demigods and titans I did not know. I do believe if I had a better grasp of their wants and needs from mythology I would have been able to understand the concept of their desires better in the novel.

The audio narration of Wyrd Gods is just as beautiful as the writing. Sarah Kempton flawlessly captured the personalities and emotions of each character. And as she began narrating the contest of wills between Psyche and Ileana I found myself entranced. I highly recommend listening to this on audiobook. It will draw you in all the quicker as the narration adds another layer to the world-building and characterization.

Wyrd Gods is a wonderful read for those who enjoy mythology. Especially if mythology from various cultures captures your interest. There are many characters to remember, but as the story progresses you'll grow to know each and every one of them. There is plenty of mystery and political tension within the story to keep readers engaged and guessing right up until the very end.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Dead Meat Day 8

Civilization has collapsed. Allies turn against one another in a last-ditch attempt to save themselves. The zombie apocalypse has very nearly wiped out all of humanity. But there are still a few who hold onto one last thin thread of hope. And they are willing to risk their lives to try and save the world.

Dead Meat Day 8 brings the plot back to the origin of the zombie apocalypse as Dan searches for a cure. Readers will finally have confirmation if all their guessing and theories are in fact true. Alliances will be formed and a final desperate battle will begin. Characters readers have met throughout the series will begin to make appearances, wrapping up their arcs as the series nears the end.

The focus of Dead Meat Day 8 shifts away from relying on action and combat situations. While zombies and antagonistic humans are still present threats, a new type of horror makes its way into Nick Clausen's writing. A psychological aspect comes into play as characters experience the burnout associated with trying to survive.

But this book is no less entertaining than the previous novels. There are still twists and turns readers won't see until the scenes are played out on the page. And Nick Clausen is able to spin the constant background threats in different ways to keep readers enthralled. He will also introduce a new threat, seamlessly weaving it into the storyline to raise the stakes one last time. I am excited to see where this series will end and who will be left standing.

As a direct sequel to Mariel of Redwall, Mariel and Dandin’s story continues in The Bellmaker. When Mariel and Dandin come upon endangered creatures in Mossflower Woods, they immediately jump to save them. Upon doing so they discover Gael Squirrel King has been besieged by the foxes Silvamord and Urgan Nagru. Meanwhile, in Redwall Abbey, Mariel’s father Joseph the Bellmaker dreams of Martin the Warrior. Warned of the danger his daughter faces, Joseph gathers a team of Redwall creatures to aid Mariel.

Brian Jacques introduces new twists on villains in The Bellmaker. Foxes are a known adversary of Mossflower creatures, but never before has a Foxwolf appeared. Urgan Nagru thrills in the hunt. His blood-curdling howls he unleashes strike terror into his prey. A chill raced down my spine hearing it on audiobook. The Foxwolf prides himself on tactics and his determination to win. Mariel, Dandin and their companions will be hard pressed to escape Urgan Nagru’s clutches. Readers will be pulled into the challenges Nagru and his mate throw at the heroes.

Another known adversary to the creatures of Mossflower Woods are sea rats. When their pirate ship is stolen, sea rats Slipp and Blaggut find themselves wandering Mossflower Woods. When they stumble on two lost dibbins, they find themselves escorted to Redwall Abbey. No one is happy about their presence, but the creatures of Redwall are willing to give them a chance. While the two plot and plan to steal treasure from Redwall, readers will be surprised by the actual outcome of their endeavors. Brian Jacques deviates in a way I never would have expected.

The Bellmaker is a tale to be enjoyed by all ages. While there are battles, Brian Jacques writes in a way that minimizes the details and yet still engages readers. There is no doubt creatures fall in battle, but the story doesn’t focus on these moments. Instead, Brian Jaques allows readers to understand how the heroes feel about their actions. They do not enjoy the act of violence, but when there is no other choice they must defend themselves.

Each Redwall book explores what it means to be a hero. And each hero finds themselves aided by wonderful creatures they call friends. Despite the hardships that are present within The Bellmaker there is also a healthy dose of humor, friendship, and action. Lives may be lost, but there is always the presence of hope coursing through the story. I enjoyed the new take on different creatures, showing that despite all the lore and worldbuilding present in the Redwall series, there is still much left to discover.

Joanne, David, and their combined team of Wardens and Djinn face off against their greatest foe. But who said facing the end of the world has to be done without style? Aboard a luxury cruise ship, they race against a hurricane arrowing straight for Joanne. But it isn’t just the hurricane they have to worry about. Joanne’s not herself lately. Contaminated by the very power they fight against, she’s losing the battle against it. And when Joanne snaps, she’ll take everyone down with her.

Rachel Caine doesn’t hesitate to up the stakes with each Weather Warden book. Cape Storm is no exception as innocents are thrown directly into the line of fire. Time is ticking and the wardens don’t have the option of waiting for all passengers to leave the ship before setting sail. Not to mention the threat Joanne herself presents to the team. Every one of her actions could be laced with deceit and she wouldn’t even know.

Relationships are strained as trust gradually disintegrates. Harsh realities will rise to the surface, forcing characters into corners they cannot escape from. Rachel Caine made a wise decision by adding in passengers without powers. With all the tension thrown into the mix, they were a great way to defuse situations. It also gave Cherise time to shine as she wooed them into coercion and fangirled over some of their more famous passengers. Cherise is such a fun character and is just the personality to balance out the team.

And despite the series nearing an end, there is still a healthy dose of world-building thrown into the story. New revelations about the use of powers and ways to block them arise. And new enemies and lore crop up, throwing twists into carefully laid plans. There is never a dull moment in Cape Storm. Readers will be enthralled from page one and demand answers from the final novel Total Eclipse.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Dead Meat Day 7

Iver and his companions thought the safest place would be on an island. But the dead do not need to breathe underwater. Zombies begin to horde en masse around the houses of survivors, barricading them in. Panic rises as food and ammo run short. Meanwhile, Dan and William are on a desperate trip back to Denmark. There may still be a way to end the apocalypse. Time is ticking and the number of survivors grows ever shorter.

Readers will soon learn Nick Clausen does not hesitate to take well-known characters out of the equation. It's all too easy to be lulled into a false sense of security as characters survive close calls. But as the world continues to fall apart, they will have to make split-second decisions. And those decisions will not always be the best ones. Be prepared to have your heart strings pulled as you read Dead Meat Day 7.

From the start, Dead Meat Day 7 immerses readers in a fast-paced action heavy story. There is barely time for characters to think about what happens next let alone the reader. And as each new situation rolls into the next it brings the storyline ever closer to where it all began. Simultaneously it also shows the increasingly horrid conditions other survivor groups are left to contend with. The fate of the world rests on the decisions of a few, and readers will be glued to the page waiting to see what happens next.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Immoral Origins

Thank you to Black Tide Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Unable to hold down a job, Jake Barnum steals what he can to provide for his ill brother. But the bills keep racking up. When he meets a woman posing as Marilyn Monroe an interesting offer is put on the table. The chance to join an organization called The Desire Card. A place where no matter what a client desires, they make sure it comes true. But what happens when those desires cross the moral line? How far will Jake go to make sure his own desires come true?

Down on his luck, Jake Barnum sees his golden opportunity with The Desire Card. At first, it seems like an easy enough job. But as his ambition grows, and his relationships become entangled within the Card, the complexities surrounding him grow. Jake's path becomes darker and darker, as he compromises his morals. Each new crime he convinces himself is justified, burying it all under careful lies he tells himself. Not to mention the payout is higher the dirtier the job. Readers will witness Jake slowly transform from a misguided man into a hardened criminal, willing to do just about anything for money.

Within The Desire Card, members earn their way into a celebrity mask. And once they don the mask, it becomes their identity. The duality shown by each character is frightening to behold. People down on their luck embrace their new persona with a near obsession. And while readers witness it firsthand with Jake, they also have the chance to see what is happening to others from Jake's point of view. It is chilling to see Marilyn Monroe's darkness and her unwillingness to embrace her past. She does all she can to leave it behind and at times seems unhinged. And as she crawls deeper into the darkness, she drags Jake along for the ride.

The characterization done in Immoral Origins was astounding. Lee Matthew Goldberg paints such a vivid picture of Hell's Kitchen in the late 70s. From the settings to the culture and all the walks of life within Hell's Kitchen. There are also songs incorporated into the narrative. Listening to them as the scenes unfold adds another level of entertainment to the story. Combine this with a well-written narrative and engaging characters, and readers will be sure to enjoy this dark thriller.

Full review on the way!

Captured by a cult for nefarious reasons, the King of the Dream realm lies within a crystal prison. Morpheus bides his time, denying the cult even the sound of his voice. After all, what is a human life to one of the endless? But as Morpheus waits for his chance to escape, his realm is collapsing. When at long last the moment of escape arrives, Morpheus finds he has much work to do. Revenge is only the beginning of his tale. Morpheus must collect his stolen tools, rebuild the Realm of Dreams, and capture his freed nightmares.

The audiobook for The Sandman was remarkable. While the story is primarily dialogue-based due to its origins as a graphic novel, there was no confusion or lack of detail evident in the audio recording. The settings were created by a combination of ambient sounds and vocal clues from the characters within them. And the voice acting was so well done, bringing the various characters and creatures to life with unique dialects and accents. There were some moments I found it hard to understand certain characters due to their way of speech, but it made them feel all the more authentic.

The Sandman is not a tale for those faint of heart. Neil Gaiman spares no details as he dives into the dark side of humanity. From humans that will create nightmares to amuse themselves, to the nightmares themselves that use humans for entertainment. There are many facets of savagery and violence shown. Morpheus does what he can to amend the wrongs brought to those undeserving. However, if anyone so much as crosses Morpheus or brings harm to innocents, he will not hesitate to bring about his form of justice. Some may even find themselves living an eternal nightmare.

A few plot lines are left hanging in the balance by the end of this collection. Any story with planned sequels should have some amount of mystery left to solve. But there are characters introduced early on who did not quite line up with the story direction. For instance, there is the universe’s attempt at creating a Sandman when Morpheus is imprisoned. The new hero is a mortal who puts villains to sleep for a swift capture. But as Morpheus’ story progresses, the Sandman fades away. In later chapters, Morpheus takes up the title instead. I hope to see some of the loose ends tied up in later volumes. There is much left to explore in the world of The Sandman.

While I am not a graphic novel reader, I enjoyed the tie-in to the DC Universe. Fans of DC will certainly enjoy the cameo appearances of familiar characters. The Sandman is a thrilling and fast-paced adventure into the heart of humanity’s darkness. With much lore left to discover and a cast of characters yet to be fully realized, I look forward to the second audiobook.

Ferhago the Assassin has set his eyes on Salamandastron. He is convinced treasure lies within the mountain’s depths. His son tricks Mara and her friend Pikkle into leaving the safety of Salamandastron to use as leverage. But Ferhago will find that the young badger and hare are not so easily kept captive. Meanwhile, across Mossflower Woods, Martin the Warrior’s sword is stolen from Redwall Abbey by members of Ferhago’s crew. Samkin the squirrel and Arula the molemaid set off to retrieve the Abbey sword, inevitably crossing paths with Mara and Pikkle. Together they must find a way to aid Salamandastron.

It was refreshing to see a squirrel wielding the sword of Martin the Warrior. The heroes of Redwall have all been mice up until Salamandastron. As each woodland creature has its own way of approaching situations, having a squirrel's perspective was a welcome change. Samkin is a skilled marksman but does not put his talent to good use. He and Arula are often found shooting arrows as pranks and landing themselves in trouble. But when Martin's sword is stolen, he and Arula do not hesitate to track down the thieves. And in doing so, they will overcome their mischievous ways and find themselves on their paths to becoming heroes.

While Redwall Abbey is an integral part of Salamandastron, the focus stays rooted in the characters tied to the mountain. Ferhago is a devious foe, willing to play the long game to win. He has many tricks up his sleeve and could care less if he is dishonorable in his victories. The solidarity and determination of the Salamandastron squad will encourage readers to cheer them on and weep alongside those who lose companions. The battle of good versus evil ensues as heroes young and old rise up against their vermin foes.

And while this time around no one is seeking to capture Redwall Abbey, a new unexpected threat lies in wait for the peaceful creatures. A sickness begins to spread, one that Brother Hollyberry has nothing to cure. And while it seems as if another plot would overtax the storyline, it gives readers a respite from the battles taking place at the mountain. Building a new form of tension as creatures succumb to the sickness awaiting the discovery of a cure.

Salamandastron breaks the mold of the previous Redwall books and yet still immerses readers in a wonderful tale filled with heroes, quests, and found family. The fifth book of the Redwall series provides a healthy dose of Redwall lore, wholesome adventure, and great characters. Readers will be sure to enjoy this fast-paced installment of the Redwall series.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Dead Meat Day 5

Millie knows it's only a matter of time before the infection spreads. She's seen the scratch on her mother's boyfriend. But there is nowhere to go. Trapped on a ferry bound for Sweden, Millie does all she can to contain the impending zombie outbreak. But people all over the country are trying to escape, and inevitably the infection will spread.

The Dead Meat series has captured a zombie outbreak in startling detail. As readers enter Day 5 it's clear widespread panic is settling in. No matter what the news may say, people are beginning to realize just how much trouble they are in. And as they try to flee the center of infection, more and more mistakes are made.

Nick Clausen never fails to introduce new scenarios and character types. This time around readers are introduced to a group of friends eager to see a real zombie. But the inebriated trio soon finds that high-fiving a zombie is not the best idea. And as they deal with the consequences of their actions, more innocents are infected in the process.

And every story eventually ties back to the core group of characters fighting to survive. As more and more storylines merge into theirs, a diverse cast of characters is formed. Each with their strengths contributing to their survival. Although some may be better off left to fend for themselves. Not everyone has the group's survival first and foremost in their mind. Some simply are looking out for themselves.

Dead Meat Day 5 is a story of humanity's downfall. Readers will be immersed in a dystopian world, crumbling around the characters at an increasing rate. And with each passing day, the page count grows as more details are added in to show how damaged the world is becoming. Readers who enjoy fast-paced zombie reads, pick up this series.