A little late posting here but just wanted to share that Smashwords is having a Read an Ebook Week where you can download an ebook from their site for a discount or for free. There are tons to choose from including Aeva: The Last Hope. This book is currently free but only until March 11th.
Aeva: The Last Hope is a story about an ex-pilot named Rowen Teschner who just wants to move on with his life after being discharged from his prominent position. On top of that, his newly wedded wife was taken from him by an alien general named, Krane Altontaur. Teschner wants nothing to do with the general or his ex-wife, but the more he fights it, the more he’s pushed to return to face his enemy.
NOTE: This is a space opera sci-fi with military action and a touch of real-life romance that both men and women will enjoy. It’s rated 18+ with mature content.
Title: Gold Spun Author: Brandie June Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult Published: June 8th, 2021
Date finished: September 17, 2021
Gold Spun by Brandie June is a Rumpelstiltskin retell about a 17-year-old girl named Nora who finds herself in a mess after rescuing a fae. The fae gifts her with a golden thread and promises to return to her every time she calls upon him. Excited about this golden thread, in her haste, Nora comes up with a plan to make money using it. This captures the attention of the prince who tells her if she could spin a room full of straw into gold, he’ll marry her. If not, she’ll pay a heavy price.
It’s been a long time since I read Rumpelstiltskin, so I had to search it up and brief through it. Gold Spun follows the storyline somewhat but with slightly different characters. I like the idea of the fae and the way he was portrayed. He felt likeable, yet you couldn’t really tell if he was trustworthy, so there was a mysterious edge to him. The prince at first seemed cocky and full of himself, but he turned out likeable. His affection for Nora made him protective and supportive and a real gentleman. As for Nora, I liked that she was always quick on her toes. She doesn’t give up and she has so much love in her for her family and the villagers. However, I also found her a bit childlike. I think she was meant to be intelligent and brave and was supposed to play it down, but I didn’t get that. I wanted her to be a little more mature for someone who was responsible for a lot of things.
The overall story was enjoyable. I love retells and Gold Spun did an excellent job with it. I found the love triangle just so cute. Also, Ms. June’s writing style is flowy and smooth and makes you want to keep reading.
Who should read this book: All lovers of retells, love triangles, and fairytales. This was a truly fun read with magic, faeries, royalty, and everything you could ever ask for in a fast-paced young adult fantasy romance story.
Note: I was given this book to read and review but the opinion is purely my own.
Title: For the Wolf Author: Hannah Whitten Genre: Fantasy, Grimdark Year Published: June 2021
Date finished: May 12, 2021
For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten is a dark fantasy about a forest that takes from the living. The main character is a nineteen-year-old girl named Red who has a special power within her and she’s afraid to hurt family with this power she doesn’t think she can contain. The forest is where she thinks she could do more to help her family and the town’s people. Secondary characters are her sister and the Wolf.
At first, I thought this was going to be a retell about Red Riding Hood, but it is far from it. The only thing similar to that story is pretty much Red’s crimson cape. However, there are other fairytales that are depicted in this story in a sort of retell, such as Beauty and the Beast. It’s done well with its own unique twist, so it keeps you curious.
Overall, I thought it was a good read. It’s slightly on the fast-paced side with some excellent world building. At times I felt Red appeared a little younger than her age, so I wasn’t super clear if this was going to be a young adult novel or not. About halfway through, it was clear it wasn’t young adult just by the writing style and the grimdarkness of it.
Who should read this book: If you’re into fairytale retells or just fairytale style stories, this is for you. There is magic, romance, friendship, family. There is also a love triangle but it’s subtle and done very well, I’d have to say.
Note: This book was sent to me for free to review, but the opinion is purely my own.
Title: The Looking Glass Author: H.L. Sudler Genre: Contemporary Romance Year Published: March 2021
Date finished: April 14, 2021
This was a quick and short read. It’s a story about love and coming to terms with a friendship. I really enjoyed it. Wasn’t expecting to read something like this but I liked the characters and the way the story ended. It’s a well written story.
Since it’s a really short read and I don’t want to give anything away, let’s just say, the author did an excellent job with the surprise.
Who should read this book: As mentioned, it’s a short story, so it’s worth a read. It’s an eye opener and may challenge you to really see life from a different perspective.
Note: I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, but the opinion is purely my own.
Title: Dark Lover Author: J.R. Ward Genre: Urban Fantasy, Erotica Year Published: 2018
Date finished: March 10, 2021
Dark Lover by J.R. Ward is an urban fantasy erotica romance about a vampire named Wrath who was asked to turn a half human half vampire woman into full vampire. Before he even considered doing the job, he’d already fallen in love with her. There’s more to the story but this is basically what I got out of it.
The romance came on quickly. There was no doubt between Wrath and the woman. The erotica was subtle. I’ve read erotica where the erotica was the focal point. Not so in this story. There’s a relationship.
Overall, I enjoyed it. This was my first urban fantasy vampire romance novel. The only other vampire story I read was I Am Legend by Richard Matheson, but it was in a totally different genre (sci-fi apocalyptic dystopian) so the two can’t be compared. Dark Lover was a fun and fast paced read. What I liked most about it was the relationship. It was refreshing to read something in the romance area where the couple didn’t fight with each other. Wrath was very protective and a gentleman—something I haven’t read in a long time where romance is part of the plot.
Who should read this: If you’re into romance/erotica romance, hot and steamy guy, and a world where vampires are the norm, this is for you. The writing is excellent and easy to read. It’s the kind of book you want to escape into.
Title: The Mask Falling (Book 4 of The Bone Season Series) Author: Samantha Shannon Genre: Paranormal Sci-fi Year Published: 2021
Date finished: February 7, 2021
The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon is the fourth book in the paranormal sci-fi, The Bone Season Series. After her recovery, Paige Mahoney finds herself working for a new group of people in what is known as the Domino Program. In her quest to learn more about the events to come, she takes the chance and goes against the group’s directives. Chaos ensues both in her choices and events she wasn’t aware of. The story ends in a cliffhanger.
I enjoyed this book. I also really liked that Warden was in the background. Initially, I wanted more of him, but I think Ms. Shannon sprinkled enough of him that it didn’t feel too overpowering or not enough. It was perfectly done. There were quite a few new characters thrown in that really helped move the story along. There were also characters from the previous books that I was happy to see again.
Who should read this book: Anyone who’s into paranormal sci-fi/fantasy, romance, action, dystopian societies. It’s a great book to escape to with excellent world building and unique characters. Even if you’re not into paranormal, I think you’ll find this book enjoyable.
I won The Whispers of War by Julia Kelly on Goodreads. I read Kelly’s other book, The Light Over London a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. Her writing style is superb and really puts you into the story. She also has fabulous covers. They depict the era so perfectly. I can’t wait to get started on this one.
From My Corner of the Universe 