Tag Archives: fantasy

Review – Defy by Raine Thomas @Raine_Thomas

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MY REVIEW

I have been reading a lot of murder stories, which are some of my favorites, but when I read Defy by Raine Thomas, I was more than ready for a change of pace. I am familiar with the Estilorians because I have been reading the series and lovin’ every minute of it. You might not get the fullest enjoyment of the story unless you begin at the beginning with The Prophecy, but I read it out of order and was hooked.

The pain was unimaginable.

…and that was the opening sentence. I was immediately hooked….again. 🙂

  • Defy: To challenge the power of; resist boldly or openly; to defy parental authority.

And that is how Tate ended up alone in the jungle and met Zachariah and Nyx. Poor Zachariah. You might think poor Tate because of the way Zachariah treats her, but he doesn’t know any better and he fights the attraction he feels for her.

The world that Raine Thomas has created is richly developed and the characters are sure to grab at your heartstrings. I love that the Estiloreans no longer have feelings…you know, like us humans. It made me think of Lucifer and how he had to learn what it meant to be human…and so do the Estilorians.

I loved walking step by step with Tate as she was forced to grow up. The characters that surround her have their parts to play and I loved getting to know them.

Even though it had been a while since I read the earlier books in the series, everything came back to me quickly. That only happens when I loved the stories so much they stuck in my head, whispering in my subconscious, saying, READ MORE. I am happy to say that I will, because Raine Thomas made sure I have the rest of the series on hand.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Defy by Raine Thomas.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS

Seventeen-year-old Tate is about to make her parents’ dreams come true. Unfortunately for her, their dreams foretell her death.
Eager to explore more of the Estilorian plane and prove her abilities, Tate goes against her parents’ wishes and leaves the area of protection surrounding her home. Her choice puts her on a deadly path…one that leaves her alone, severely injured and battling for her life.
Her possible savior arrives in the form of Zachariah, a male who has removed himself from Estilorian society for more than fifty years. Fighting an unexpected connection to Tate, he must decide whether saving her life is worth destroying his.
As Tate struggles to find a way home, she ends up drawn into a dark Mercesti plot involving multiple murders and a powerful ancient artifact. With the unpredictable Zachariah as her only source for aid, she’ll soon find out if her abilities are strong enough to help her defy her Fate.

  • Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Paranormal, Science Fiction, Supernatural, Young Adult
  • 286 pages, Kindle Edition
  • First published April 28, 2012
  • Series: Firstborn Trilogy (1) Estilorian (4)

ABOUT RAINE THOMAS

Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of more than 20 bestselling romances spanning contemporary romance, Sci-Fi romance, and YA fantasy romance. She’s a hopeless romantic with a background in the fields of mental health and wedding planning…two areas that intersect far more than one would think. She’s also a book fiend, grammar nerd, and editing Red Queen, depending on who you ask.

Be sure to follow Raine on BookBub (https://www.bookbub.com/profile/raine…) to be among the first to learn of any sales, and hop over to her website for your first free read!

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MY RAINE THOMAS REVIEWS

The Prophecy (Daughters Of Saraquel)

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#booksfromthebacklog – Bottled Abyss by Benjamin Kane Ethridge @bkethridge

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Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

If you would like to join in, swing by Carole’s Random Life in Books.

Amazon / Goodreads

GOODREADS BLURB

Herman and Janet Erikson are going through a crisis of grief and suffering after losing their daughter in a hit and run. They’ve given up on each other; they’ve given up on themselves. They are living day by day. One afternoon, to make a horrible situation worse, their dog goes missing in the coyote-infested badlands behind their property. Herman, resolved in preventing another tragedy, goes to find the dog, completely unaware he’s on a hike to the River Styx, the border between the Living world and the world of the dead.

Long ago the Gods died and the River dried up, but a bottle containing its waters still remains in the badlands. What Herman discovers about the dark power contained in those waters will change his life forever…

  • Genre: Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Fiction, Horror
  • 332 pages, Kindle Edition
  • First published June 1, 2012 by Redrum Horror

Goodreads Ratings: 3.49 293 ratings 81 reviews

I added Bottled Abyss to my TBR on 3.14.13. I love the intriguing cover and have to find out if he locates his lost dog. I love books with animals in them. How about you?

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The Spotlight Is On Disillusioned by Brianna Sugalski @xpressotours

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Disillusioned
Brianna Sugalski
(A Lay of Ruinous Reign, #2)
Publication date: October 8th 2024
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

As she settles into her throne, Lilac finds herself in the midst of preparing for her coronation ball, fully intending on keeping her promise to Kestrel. But when the faerie king is absent at her Accords meeting, a ghoulish messenger arrives in his place with a new demand: Intercept a traveling market headed to the shores of Brest and bring him the arcane chest they carry.
Despite Adelaide’s unexpected cunning and a powerful warlock at their side, the heist ends in tragedy, and Lilac is forced to make an impossible decision. Together, she and Garin must navigate the sanguine magic that has bound her to him, as news spreads of France encroaching her eastern duchies.

Garin’s restraint is further tested when Lilac is propositioned by an emperor who will fortify her defense against France’s attempt at annexation–and allow her to keep her sovereignty–in a marriage ceremony by proxy. The threat of Lilac’s overthrow infuriates him, almost as much as the mysterious entity lurking beyond the shores, or the thought of losing her to a ruler who would fall victim to his wrath if he dared lay a finger on her.

His beloved. His Lilith. His thrall.

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Author Bio:

Brianna Sugalski is the Vampire Romance/ Dark Fantasy author of the Ruinous Reign series (previously known as the A Lay of Ruinous Reign series). She spends her free time creating TTRPG characters who scarcely get played, so they go in her books, and prefers exploring the more ominous—disenchanting, if you will—undertones of romance, legend, and the arcane.

Sugalski is also a developmental editor specializing in #OwnVoices SF/F, Sword & Sorcery, and Romantic Fantasy, an occasional student of The Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic, and a member of the Medieval Academy of America.

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King’s Back In Draco (The King Series) by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff @MimiJeanRomance

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Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I have been reading Mimi Jean Pamfiloff’s work for some time now, and I am excited to share another one of her stories with you. Draco is a dark fantasy and we do meet some familiar characters, though the book can stand alone.

Whether in Hell or on Earth, the characters can find love.

Normally her books are laugh out loud funny amongst the chaos and ruin her characters create. Draco is different, dark and moody. That threw me off a bit, but Draco is still worth the time spent with him as he struggles to be with the woman he loves, no matter what.

King is not someone to be messed with, but I feel Draco is up for the task.

Sometimes, Piper can’t tell the difference between fact and fiction, present and past. Will she run to Draco…or away from him.

Draco was one hell of a story and I dare you to come along for the ride.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Draco by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff.

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Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

From New York Times bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes Draco, a standalone dark romantic fantasy about a man fated to end the world and a woman fated to stop him.

DRACO
Approaching my thirtieth birthday, life seemed a the perfect job, a girlfriend I adored, and endless possibilities ahead.

Then I woke up. Trapped in a grimy cellar, my body frail, and my love vanished.

Determined to break free, I succeed. But then the grim truth my entire reality is a fabrication, and I’ve been branded as the catalyst for the apocalypse. Why me?

I refuse to accept my fate, but how do I stop it when every move I make only brings me closer to becoming death’s henchman?

PIPER
When a mysterious man showed up at my door, looking to rent a room, I knew I should turn him away. He wasn’t only good looking, which my live-in boyfriend wouldn’t appreciate, but there was something off about him. Still, I couldn’t say no.

Then things take a dark turn when he claims he’s seen me in his dreams and wants me to explain why. He seems crazy. Or is he?

Because strange stuff starts happening, including the unshakable feeling that I know this man from somewhere. I think…I think I’m meant to help him.

But why does every instinct scream to run? And why can’t I resist getting closer?

  • Genre: Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural
  • 266 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published May 13, 2024 by Paper & Silver Inc
  • Series: The King Series

ABOUT MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF

MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a New York Times bestselling author who’s sold over one million books around the world. Although she obtained her MBA and worked for more than fifteen years in the corporate world, she believes that it’s never too late to come out of the romance closet and follow your dreams.

Mimi lives with her Latin lover hubby, two pirates-in-training (their boys), and their three spunky dragons (really, just very tiny dogs with big attitudes) Snowy, Mini, and Mack, in the vampire-unfriendly state of Arizona.

She hopes to make you laugh when you need it most and continues to pray daily that leather pants will make a big comeback for men.

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MY MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF REVIEWS

MY M O MACK REVIEWS

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One Sentence Review – Matt Archer: Monster Summer @KendraHighley

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Want to meet Matt Archer. Here’s your chance to get acquainted for FREE.

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Matt Archer: Monster Summer by Kendra Highley is definitely titles correctly as the crew sets out to eliminate the last of the monster dingoes and the battle makes this novelette so intense, making me want to read more about Matt and his motley cast of characters.

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Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

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Original – Review – Invocation by Aileen Erin @aileen_erin #Invocation #NetGalley

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MY REVIEW

My name is Samantha Catherine Lopez, and I am Nephilim. This is my story.

From the opening pages, I was immediately drawn into Samantha’s world. Aileen Erin seamlessly wove together a tale of good and evil that made it hard to look away. The characters came to life, even when they were dead. I love that Samantha runs towards danger and faces her fears, knowing it’s the right thing to do.

I have read books with paranormal creatures, heavenly and demonic creatures, and the humans they walk among, but Invocation is an original take on a familiar story line.

Invocation is a fast paced thriller that took my breath away and had me clutching my ereader, white knuckled, on the edge of my seat, devouring words before they could devour Samantha. She has friends all around her, but going to Hell and facing her father is something she must do alone. Talk about family problems….her father is a fallen angel and he wants her in Hell with him.

When Samantha and her father come face to face and her strength falters, who will reach out and bring her home?

At first I thought this could be a stand alone, no series book, but I was so glad to find out it’s not. I want more and I want it now!

I would like to thank Aileen Erin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Invocation.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

From USA Today Bestselling Author, Aileen Erin, comes an all new action-packed, romance-filled, paranormal series.

There are three things I know without question. One, demons are real. Two humans make awful mistakes that get them in demonic trouble more often than you’d think. And three, I’m the only one who can help them.

I straddle the line between the mortal and spiritual realms every day. People might think they’re two different places, but they’re not. They lay on top of each other. It’s messy, and that’s why so many people need my help.

Since I was little, I’ve been called all kinds of names—unusual, abnormal, even insane. Which is fitting since they keep throwing me in to mental facilities. I’ve been in and out of them my entire life.

But no matter what people say, no matter what I’m risking, I will always help those in need.

Because there’s an endless war carrying on all around us, every minute of every day. One that can’t be seen by mortal eyes. But I can see it, the spiritual battle for mortal souls, and I’m working hard to make sure my father is on the losing side.

My father—Astaroth, Satan’s general—is why I can do this. He’s why I’m not normal. I hear him, whispering my name at night, his taunts echoing through the spiritual realm. He’s hunting me, and I know the day will come when I must face him again.

Every portal I open could be the one that finally pulls me back to Hell, and I wonder if I will brave enough, strong enough, good enough to fight him.

My name is Samantha Catherine Lopez, and I am Nephilim. This is my story.

**Fans of the Alpha Girls series will love this new series set in the same world, with a few familiar faces. 😉 BUT you DO NOT have to have read a single word of the Alpha Girls series to enjoy Samantha’s story.

  • Genre: Angels, Demons, Fairies, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural, Werewolves, Young Adult
  • Format: 414 pages, ebook
  • Published: March 19, 2024 by Ink Monster, LLC

ABOUT AILEEN ERIN

Aileen Erin is half-Irish, half-Mexican and 100% nerd-from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband, daughter, and mischievous mini bernedoodle in Texas, and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.

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One Sentence Reviews for Tina Leonard & Robin Bridges @Tina_Leonard @robinbridges

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The Unfailing Light (Katerina, #2)I won a hardcover of The Unfailing Light by Robin Bridges a long time ago and am just getting around to reading and reviewing it.

This is one of those books that is hard to rate because it is Book II and I don’t have Book I or III, so I don’t get the full story, BUT the more I read, the more I enjoyed the story and the more I became involved with the characters, wishing I would have had the entire series and read from the beginning.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 3 Stars

Burned by a Kiss (Star Canyon #1).I won two books in the Star Canyon series, paperback novellas, by Tina Leonard.

I wasn’t expecting a lot from this quick read, because romance and ‘westerns’ are not high on my reading list, but we do have a little bit of romance and a little bit of mystery, the characters steal the show, and I would love to know more.  🙂

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos  2 Stars

Branded by Fire

I am so glad I had Branded by Fire hanging around because with each novella I read, the more I become involved with the family, the more I wanted to know what the heck is going on, get involved in their simple romance, become a part of their tight knit family, and the more I get the know them, the more I want the mystery solved and for them to have their happy ever afters. 🙂

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 3 Stars

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#BooksFromTheBacklog – Matt Archer: Monster Summer by Kendra C HIghley @KendraHighley

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Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

If you would like to join in, swing by Carole’s Random Life in Books.

Amazon / Goodreads

GOODREADS BLURB

In this companion short-story to Matt Archer: Monster Hunter, fifteen-year-old Matt Archer finds himself in the Australian Outback on the trail of his latest targets…and hunting hyper-intelligent, mutated Dingoes is not his idea of a great summer vacation.

Making things more complicated, Matt’s Uncle Mike–aka Major Tannen–is his C.O. for this mission. To Matt’s consternation, the major’s new fiancée, Captain Julie Hunter, is also along for the trip.

When Captain Hunter disappears during a routine scouting trip, it’s up to Matt to help his uncle find her before it’s too late.

Goodreads Ratings: 4.10 249 ratings19 reviews

I added Matt Archer: Monster Summer 3.14.13, but had grabbed a copy on 1.30.13. I’m not sure what made me grab a copy, but I do like the cover, love the paranormal, and it will be a quick read, at 41 pages.

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Cinderella Retelling Review – Only Until Midnight by Michael B Chikondi @M_B_Chikondi

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MY REVIEW

I don’t read a lot of fairy tale retellings, but when one comes my way by an author I enjoy, bring it on. That is the case with Only Until Midnight by Michael B Chikondi. It’s always fun to see what kind of spin an author can put on an oft told tale and Michael did a great job.

The mice running around the house added a fun touch.

There is not a lot to say on a subject that has been written about so much, but Michael added this and that, making the story his own. The Prince…that was nice touch, even though I had immediately caught the twist.

A quick, fun story that is sure to entertain, and it left me with a smile on my face.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

There are battles in this world which most people never see.

Sometimes the need to preserve our spirit, hope and dignity is the trial that we face, and love just the prize. This is one such tale.

Retelling the classic fairytale, this story focuses not on the quest to win the handsome prince, but on Cinderella before the ball, and the reality of life with a narcissist – the stepmother in whose ‘care’ the young girl is left after she becomes an orphan.

How does a person maintain their optimism and their sense of self in a hopeless situation that they cannot control, when even other people living in the house cannot see what is going on right under their noses? Some conflicts are fought over many years, lost and won without anyone knowing that a war was happening at all.

Only Until Midnight is at once a return to the traditional values of the fairytale and an unflinching look at the reality behind it, making the magical princess more relatable than ever as a woman in an impossible situation.

  • Genre: Fairy Tales and Folklore, Fantasy, Fiction, Romance
  • 193 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published April 15, 2024

ABOUT MICHAEL B CHIKONDI (from Amazon)

Michael B. Chikondi is not to be trusted, but the creature agrees to a meeting in its burrow. We enter with trepidation, given that the thing has no doorbell. As we crawl through the narrow tunnel, gored out by its own teeth, by the texture, we hear what can only be described as a hacking cough.

“Can we approach?” we call.

“No soliciting.” the voice returns.

“You sent for us; you told us to ask you questions. You know, for promotional reasons.”

“Ask.” the dread voice responds.

“Alright, who are you?” we try.

“A creature of mist and shadow, half-mad, I used to go out, I did, and know those…humans. Not now, not since…the pen.”

“You found a pen? That’s why you became a writer?” we ask, now terrified, trying to gauge how fast we can leave the burrow. The photographer has already left us, chewing off his own watch, caught on a tree root.

“Yes, but now…I hunger…”

We are not proud; we turn tail and flee, before it can leave its den. We aren’t paid enough to get a full bio. We can only pray someone buys its books, so that the thing never comes out on its own.

Ed. What the hell is this? This isn’t what we requested. Just some nonsense and an artist’s rendition of what one of my people saw before he contracted rabies? Eh, whatever. Plenty more writers in the sea.

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MY MICHAEL B CHIKONDI REVIEWS

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Books From The Backlog – Matt Archer: Monster Summer @KendraHighley

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Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

If you would like to join in, swing by Carole’s Random Life in Books

My last Backlog post was in April of last year, but I am determined to mine through my TBR and clean it up…a bit.

Amazon / Goodreads

GOODREADS BLURB

In this companion short-story to Matt Archer: Monster Hunter, fifteen-year-old Matt Archer finds himself in the Australian Outback on the trail of his latest targets…and hunting hyper-intelligent, mutated Dingoes is not his idea of a great summer vacation.

Making things more complicated, Matt’s Uncle Mike–aka Major Tannen–is his C.O. for this mission. To Matt’s consternation, the major’s new fiancée, Captain Julie Hunter, is also along for the trip.

When Captain Hunter disappears during a routine scouting trip, it’s up to Matt to help his uncle find her before it’s too late.

  • Genre: Action and Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural, Short Story, Young Adult
  • 41 pages, ebook
  • First published October 3, 2012 by Smashwords
  • Series: Matt Archer, #1.5

Goodreads Ratings: 4.10 – 247 ratings – 19 reviews

I added Matt Archer: Monster Summer by Kendra C Highley on 3.14.13 but got it as an Amazon freebie on 1.20.13. Why did I add it you ask? Just look at the fabulous cover, then add in the blurb and I am caught…hook, line and sinker.

How about you? Does that cover make you want to visit the Australian Outback?

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  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!