Don't Know What to call this...

Queen of Zazzau by J. S. Emuakpor is one of those books that I did not quite know what to do with because the premise intrigued me. I thought it would take place somewhere in Africa or around that area, but my problem is that I have no clue if the world was supposed to be real or fictional. I had no evidence if the story was supposed to be historical or made up. I ended up DNFing at 31% on my Kindle because after a specific character's death I could not give a damn about the characters. The first 10% of what I read was action (like she was given a quest in the first chapter). However, it petered off rather quickly and left me wondering with what the heck I was reading and thinking oh god how am I going to make it to chapter fifty. I made it to section 13, and that is when the book lost all meaning for me, and I was going to cry if I had to read another chapter.
Things I liked about the book was the whole War God, and the main character is the reason the world is going to end in war.
Warning: Do not read if you are a prude like me or cannot handle vivid sex scenes. If you can manage that kind of thing, then you will love this book. The sex scenes were often and so vivid they had me blushing and wondering what the heck I was reading.
1/5 stars

Werewolf Pleased

Night of the Hidden Fang by T. James Logan is an incredible book. I fell in love with the characters and the world from the very first page. It is one of those books that does not disappoint, and if you pay attention to the small details, you will be able to figure things out before the main character does.
I loved the premise around the book, and it is sort of like a werewolf apocalypse, so if you are into that kind of thing, then this is the novel for you.
I would highly recommend this book.
5/5 stars.

Mixed up Fairytales

Snow White Learns Witchcraft: Stories and Poems by Theodora Goss is a love-hate book for me. I love the stories, but I wished there was more to the stories. I kept feeling like the stories were incomplete, but I loved all the characters. It's complicated.

4.5/5 stars.

Horror or Humor?

Selected Stories: Horror and Dark Fantasy by Kevin J. Anderson is not what I would call horror. Trust me I cannot read horror stories and I blitzed through these. They were most definitely dark, but it's also witty. If you are into a quick read with dark humor than this is the book for you.

5/5 stars

Demons Lie or Humans?

Demons Lie by Sherry Ficklin is an adorable read. I want to wrap Ben up in a bubble sheet and tissue paper before putting him in a box and placing him high on a shelf. The author can have him back when she agrees to not kill him. Ugh, I fell in love with the characters the moment I met them especially Ben. I will not spoil it, but you must read this book to understand what I mean about a tasteful way of doing a sex scene between characters. I laughed so hard over Aria's discomfort. My only criticism is that there was a perfect opportunity to use the condoms at the beginning of the story and the author never took it. I could not put it down.

5/5 stars.

Nighthawks by Jeremy Flagg

Nighthawks by Jeremy Flagg is a wicked, wicked book. One good guy tries to stop the evil from coming and ends up creating it instead. There are more twists and turns in this book than a roller coaster. I did not want to put this book down. Definitely, recommend this book.

5/5 stars.

Short, but Incredible

The Blood of Four Gods and Other Stories by Jamie Lackey is phenomenal. I fell in love with all of the stories and characters. It's a quick read that does not disappoint magic fans or lovers of mythology. Definitely one for the bookshelf.

5/5 stars.

Faery Disappointing

Daughter of Light and Shadow by Anna McKerrow sounded terrific with a Faery King and witches. However, it took 40% of the book to reach the point where Faye meets him, and it was so full of disappointment for me. I was hoping for mischievous faeries, but yet again it is not until near the end of the book that you get some mischief. As for the witches, I was hoping for more magic or something. Maybe that's my problem: I expected too much with this book.

However, if you love erotica, this book is for you. It was mostly one awkward sex scene after the next. Why do authors think putting moist in a sex scene is going to work? There were quite a few moists and ripe being used in the sex scenes.

I'm feeling generous 3/5 stars.

The Lies Have It

This is an ARC from NetGalley courtesy of Simon & Schuster for an honest review.

These Lies Will Kill You... This Lie Will Kill Us... This Lie Will Kill You by Chelsea Pitcher needs a murder mystery for itself. It is one of those books I love to call "the dine and dash" books. How can you have a murder mystery dinner and no dinner or food anywhere?
As you can tell from the crossed out words I had a hard time getting the title straight because I feel like it misrepresents the book. There is more than one lie in this book so which lie is going to kill you? You is typically referred to as the reader in the writing world. It would have worked if the story was written in the second person, but that could just be me being picky.
My biggest annoyance with this book is there was not a lot of suspense hence the dine and dash. I knew who the killer was the moment I read that character's POV because the character reminded me so much of Judge from Melissa Marr's Made for You spoiler alert: Judge is a killer and a psychopath.
I loved Juniper and Gavin and was shipping them so hard, but I am still confused about this one tiny blip in the relationship if they even have one. I am still unclear about most things in that book.
I only have two criteria for murder mystery books: 1) it must be believable and 2) it has to have me on the edge of my seat and biting my nails to the quick.
Well, I knew who the killer was so there went the murder mystery. It is actually obvious who the killer is and it makes me so sad. The author actually does not do much to dissuade the audience from thinking it could be the other characters because one lives by guilt, one is "dead" before the party fully begins and I will not say much more because all you have to do is read it and you will see what I mean about it.
Also, the summary had me thinking people were going to die so I was waiting for people to die, but only three characters you meet die and two of them are not exactly the main characters.
I will give the author points for Doll Face though because I was totally wrong about that one on all counts, but right at the same time. Like I said it is complicated and you have to read it to understand what I mean.
It is a book I will buy when it comes out, but it is not the greatest murder mystery I have ever read.

3.5 stars

A fractured Fairytale Found

How to Fracture a Fairytale by Jane Yolen is kind of disappointing. I came into that book expecting fairytales not mostly editorial notes and then sticking the poem at the end. It kind of lost the whole meaning and beauty of poems.
I would have liked it better if the poems were at the front of the book in a section and then the notes from the author about the poem and what fairytale it is supposed to be about at the back of the book.
It could just be me but I like using my imagination when reading poems because I could not see what the author said she was writing about.
That being said I did like a couple of poems, but I wanted more because by the time I got into it and understood how the structure was. The poems need to stand out a bit more because I thought it would all be editorial notes and the stories would be at the back, but no.
I love fairytales and I was hoping for more instead of being 97% in and thinking you had just started reading the book.
I finished it in 10 minutes so if anyone is looking for a really short book this would be perfect for you.
3.5 stars

Paranormal Phenomena

     Thank you, NetGalley for letting me read Flynn Nightsider and the Edge of Evil by Mary Fan. The cover is gorgeous and I am not going to lie it made me pick the story, but the story idea intrigued me as well. My only regret is that it took me so long to actually start reading the book.
     The characters are phenomenal and there was one plot twist that while I saw it coming I did not see the whole thing. Well done, Mary Fan, that was the one twist I did not see it coming and it made the book so much richer because of it. The story is incredible and it has my faith restored in books.
      It is a must-have for paranormal lovers. It has enough romantic interest in it without being overbearing and I am speechless over how amazing this book is.
     Do not just take my word for it and go find a way to read this book (Just make sure it's legal).
10/10 stars.

Outrun the Wind... Nope

I normally never say this but unless you want a really bad story with no plot then do not read Outrun the Wind by Elizabeth Tammi. Obviously, I did not read the summary close enough because from the title I got the impression it would be a cheap, cheesy,  cr*ppy, cliched romance novel and I was desperately hoping to read that kind of thing. However, the only thing I was right about was the cr*ppy part.
It ended up being a Greek retelling, but it is the worst one I have ever read. Let's just say when I talked about it to people without saying anything about the actual title they knew exactly what book I was talking about even though it was all in a negative light.
I gave up reading it after the description of Apollo. Don't tell me he looks otherworldly. Do not ask me what the plot was about because I could not tell you.
I'm being generous with giving it a 1.5 star.

A Magical Tale

For anyone who loves fairytale retellings then Owl Eyes by Molly Lazer is the book for you. This book did not disappoint. Finally a story that pokes at the idea of the shoe being the perfect fit but falls off her foot.
Full of bloodmagic and adorable characters that will melt your heart. This is a Cinderella retelling everyone should add to their shelves whether electronic or physical.
Jack and Nora have such great chemistry and I was rooting for them since the moment I met them. Only two words can sum up what you need in the novel and those are: that ending.
5 out of 5 stars.

The Mirror and the Mountain by Luke Aylen

Another novel with an idea that enthralled me but I couldn't make it very far in the novel. I don't know if it was the copy I had or if the book was supposed to be written like that but from the very beginning it felt like we were halfway into the novel without much of an explanation for how we got there.
1.5 out of 5 stories.

Twice Dead by Caitlin Seal

The idea of the book was amazing. Who wouldn't want to read a book about a person who dies twice? However, it was not one of those books that held my attention or made me feel like I'd starve of air if I did not read it.
Some of the details were amazing, but I got lost over who was supposed to be who. Nayla was an okay character I just wished she was not so dependent on her father. Her need to not be left by her father kind of wrecked the whole novel for me.
1.5 out of five stars.

Ally by K. Eason: the third book

I made the mistake of thinking this was the first book. It is not which probably explains why I was a bit confused about some things. The opening sentence was amazing and had me hooked, but then came all the names and beings and all the swearing. I don't mind a bit of swearing from time to time but this was a lot of swearing. I feel like one almost needs a list of all the characters and every name you come across in this book just to keep it all straight. I had no clue how to pronounce half the names and got confused on who was who and what being was important to whom.
I feel like a lot could have been clarified if I had read the first two books. If you love a fantasy, somewhat dystopian (to be honest have no clue what to call it) with lots of swearing then this is the book for you.

Arthurian Lore?

Legendary by LH Nicole is an odd combination of Arthurian lore, Greek mythology, and Skaespeare. In the summary, people will get the impression that it's solely King Arthur and Aliana is the key to everything which is true for the most part. Until you read about Pegasus (something I had to ask countless people if it was part of the Arthurian lore and I was just too blind to see it) and Queen Titania (The Faerie Queen in Shakespeare's play).
I had a hard time buying that I was in Avalon after that little introduction. I still have no clue what the heck any of the Greek mythology had to do with King Arthur and Aliana. I liked the knights well enough but hated that they were all super hot with no physical flaws or flaws of any kind.
I'm curious enough about what Merlin and Lancelot are hiding from the rest of the group and would like to continue reading the series.
The cover is gorgeous and the summary left more than desired. I just hope that maybe the odd combination will eventually make sense.

Emerge: The Awakening.

Emerge: The Awakening by Melissa A. Craven is a refreshing take on Immortals. Thank you for making it that they can die if they reach their limitations. I fell in love with the characters from the beginning especially Allie and Aidan. They are adorable and I want them to be together I actually got mad and almost threw my Kindle across the room when I read that he sensed his Complement. I really feel like they would make the best couple.
There are a lot of characters and sometimes I got the nicknames mixed up and thought it was a new character but it wasn't obvious. Still confused over why some words were underlined. I don't know if it was for emphasis or some secret message. If it's a secret message it makes no sense.
This is one of those series where I can't wait to buy and read the rest of them. Well done Melissa A. Craven for making me care about all of the characters and making each character flawed.
100% recommend this book.

Fallen Saga by Lauren Kate

For those that adore fallen angels and a Gothic vibe, you will love Lauren Kate's Fallen saga. It begins with Fallen where we are introduced to our main heroine, Luce. She believes she is going crazy when she imagines being in another student, Daniel's arms. Impossible, right?
The saga takes you through twists and turns which will delight all Twilight fans. I love this saga so much except for the ending of Rapture. It felt like the author just wanted to finish the series and so decided that would sum it up. There are so many plot holes in the ending. It's so good the saga I don't want to spoil anything because you can still experience first read love.
If you have not read these books and love: fallen angels, the Twilight saga, gothic vibes, curses, shadows... then read the books.
Spoiler alert: if you watched the Fallen movie I promise Luce isn't so weird in the books nor is she suicidal in any way. Just lovestruck and crazy like you will be after you read these books.

Enchanting the King: A Sleeping Beauty rendition

Enchanting the King by E. D. Walker is one of those books where you can only enjoy it if you're into the super sappy romance that just might have you cringing. The summary sounded incredible, but the writing leaves a lot to be desired. I almost died laughing after reading about the wild stallion being temper. it actually brought me back to the first adult novel I ever read when I was 13 except this book is mildly better as it doesn't go into details and the description doesn't lie about what it's going to be about. I really wanted to root for Aliénor but she's one of those characters that get too coddled by men. If this kind of thing tickles your fancy then, by all means, this is the book for you.

Our Dark Stars: An Interesting Space Story

Spoiler Alerts: Our Dark Stars by Audrey Grey and Krystal Wade is one of those story's where you need to pay attention to details. I overlooked the fact that the dates were different until Will did research on Talia. Although, you do think exactly like Talia that things are going to work like she remembered them. The writing was nearly flawless there was just the bit with the piano where it says Will's perspective only to have it switch to Talia's halfway through which is the only time that happens.
I will admit for some of the novel it felt like something that had been done countless times but there's only so many different things that can be done with space. For all the space nerds out there I'm sure you'll understand the lingo but as it stands I had no clue what half of it was so couldn't exactly picture it.
The characters were cute and it wasn't until near the end that I started loving more of the characters than just Will. If you are a fan of the Lunar Chronicles, Star Wars and other space movie/novels with lost princesses, dashing male interests (although Will kind of wins with being half mock, half human) and characters that don't really give a damn then Our Dark Stars is the book for you.

Olympian Challenger by Astrid Arditi: The Winner

I have 100% fallen in love with Olympian Chanlleger by Astrid Arditi. Hope, Gabriel, Amy, Kieron and the rest of the gang are loveable from the start. Gabriel isn't too over the top gay which I love immensly. Hope is a Bella Swan but at least she can admit Kieron revolves around her life unlike Bella. As for Kieron, let's just say he has been added onto my list of fictional boyfriends.
   Can we please discuss the ending? You don't do that. You cannot end it like that. Now I need to know if he always knew about it or if he somehow discovered he could do it.
    If you have not read this book then you need to so I can discuss it with someone because it is one of those books I could not put down. Also, the cover is goregous so a shout out to whoever made it. If you are like me and love Greek Mythology you will not be disappointed.

Song of Blood and Stone by L. Penelope

For once, there is a little give and take between the love interest in L. Penelope's Song of Blood and Stone. I love that both Jack and Jasminda rescue each other rather than the man always saving the girl. There were some parts of the book that was predictable although I still enjoyed the book as a whole.
My favorite part of the book was the collected fairy tales at the beginning because they feel like you could actually find them in a bookshelf in this fantasy realm or the real world. Part of me wishes there was a map at the beginning of the book because I got lost on where we were supposed to be in the book.
I'd recommend this book if you enjoy fantasy or magic. If you are interested in books with a different type of character then this is the book for you.

That Kind of Book...

Sirens by Simon Messingham is one of those books where if you like arrogant men who think themselves a god it's right up your alley. I have tried several times to read it and get past chapter one but it is one of those books that holds every pet peeve I have when reading.
I tried to love Anthony but he lost me the moment I was introduced to him because I cannot stand those characters that use the word "perfect" or "god" as a description. Also disliked the opening sentence because telling people you hate telling people is the equivalent of telling.
It is not my kind of book and I wished I could give a better review of it but the first chapter already had me feeling like what the heck am I reading and try as I might it could not hold my interest.
Like I've said if arrogant men who feel the need to dominate and change women are your thing it'll be the perfect book for you.

A Bond of Venom and Magic: the best fantasy I've read in a long time

     Where do we begin when talking about A Bond of Venom and Magic by Karen Tomlinson? It is one of the best fantasy novels I've read in a long time and has me suffering a book hangover. I forgot what it felt like to have the "one more chapter" syndrome, but oh, Lunaria did it feel good.
     Hugo and Diamond are out of this world and I fell in love with them from the spot. There are no words to describe how amazing the book is except askfajdswnjfke (if you can understand fangirl speak).
     The world building was amazing and the characters were unique. There were a few grammar errors in it but that's just me. My only negative response to the book is that I wished Diamond was a bit more independent and Hugo didn't rescue her all the time. Although, I do love that they at least try to stop themselves.
      The cover was the first thing that caught my eye it is a thing of beauty and I wished more cover would look like it.
      Cannot wait for the rest of the books in the series I feel like it's going to be an amazing ride and escape from reality.