Category: Fantasy - GRANT LEISHMAN

nomycha by raven corinn carluk

15/3/2019

Princess Cyryna has spent her entire life preparing for her future role - to lead her people in their battle against the Darklings. Cyryna is of the light, engaged in an eternal struggle against the forces of darkness, as led by the Dark Queen, Queen Valdis and her Valhamian subjects. Not more than once has pondered why the kingdoms cannot just live in peace but when duty calls and the Queen requests her return to the Kingdom, she knows she must do her duty. An encounter with a Valhamian Prince, Maksim, who surprisingly does not attempt to kill her in battle leaves her wondering even more why the two sides are fighting. The attraction between the magical Princess Cyryna and Maksim is so powerful and so telling for her that inevitably the pair must become lovers.
Together with her unlikely allies, Maksim and a giant Spirit Hound who is sent to protect her, Cyryna (Nomycha) enters into the ultimate battle, that to destroy her aunt, the evil, Dark Queen Valdis.
Full of magic and fantasy, Nonycha is a very readable and enjoyable fantasy novel. I particularly liked the way author Raven Corinn Carluk used the relationship between the two unlikely heroes, Cyryna and Maksim to raise the eternal issues of prejudice and bigotry. The hatred of people different from us is something either taught to us by those more senior in society or a learning experience hard-won on the battlefield. Yet, what we see in Nomycha is the belief that inherently we are all the same, seeking the same truths and the same happiness. As individuals it is possible to arise above societal bigotry and prejudice. This is definitely a message crying out to be heard in today's world.
I enjoyed this read and if you love magic, spells and fantasy, you undoubtedly will also. Nomycha is a solid, fantasy read well worth getting into.

You can check out Nomycha, along with the rest of Raven Corinn Carluk's extensive portfolio, here on Amazon:

the amethyst: the gemstone chronicles #2 by william l stuart

4/2/2019

The Amethyst (The Gemstone Chronicles #2) by William L. Stuart is a delightful epic fantasy that takes us, the readers, into the mythical land of Celahir, home of elves, giants and magic. Youngsters Aidan and Maggie along with their grandparents Nana and Beebop have visited this magical land before, when they helped the light elves search for the stolen four gemstones that make up the Elven Bow. This Bow allows balance and peace on Celahir, as well as creating a barrier between Earth and Celahir's realm, which ensures Earth is safe from the evil dark elves.
Episode one of this story saw the humans assist the good elves to discover the whereabouts of the first stone of the Elven Bow, the Carnelian. Now, though, the Dark Elf in the form of Naesse is causing havoc in Celahir and the barrier between there and Earth is breaking down. The team is summoned to help the elves again to find the next gemstone, the Amethyst. This time, the children's mother, Laura is roped into the adventure, as the humans set out for Celahir to find the stone and defeat the giant who is guarding it.
I found The Amethyst by William L Stewart to be an unpretentious and thoroughly enjoyable romp through fantasy world of the author's imagination. This novel is completely stand alone and there is no loss of enjoyment through not having read the first in the series (I haven't). I suspect Stuart's prime target audience is young adults and I have no doubt they will enjoy this tale immensely, with its youthful, brave and typically shy, young lead characters in Aidan and Maggie. I wouldn't dismiss it for adult readers though as it is a rollicking good jaunt through adventure and mystery. I think Stuart has hit the target spot-on with this tale and I look forward to seeing where the story leads now as they begin the search for the third stone of the Elven Bow. An excellent read and one I can highly recommend.

You can find The Amethyst, along with the rest of William L Stewart's Gemstone Chronicles saga, here on his Amazon page:

Vazdrag: Silver Tears Book 3 (Silver Tears Series)by Daniel J. Strait

21/1/2019

Reviewed For Reader's Favorite by Grant Leishman

Vazdrag: Silver Tears Book 3 by Daniel J Strait will take you on an epic fantasy journey through the author created worlds. This is the third book in a series that ultimately aims to discover and unite the five members of an ancient and mythical prophecy. In Vazdrag, three of the members of the prophecy are together; Nakiata (A Shadow of Thought – ‘SOT’ Master), Dravone (A Morphan – similar to a werewolf) and Ka’tia, their latest addition who is a Warrior Princess from Zondura. Together the trio seek the next member of the prophecy by entering “Black Doors”, which will take them to other worlds and galaxies. This particular Black Door on Zondura, however, has the trio lost and seemingly travelling in circles. Eventually, though, they emerge and will form alliances with various creatures, offering help in exchange for further information about the Prophecy.

Daniel J Strait has taken considerable time and effort in this series in creating worlds and creatures that are unique to him, as a writer and I would congratulate him for that. The read is interesting and exciting at times as the trio battle to overcome the obstacles, deceptions and warlike characters placed in their way on this journey. The latent sexual tension between the two female characters (Nakiata and Ka’tia) and the single male, Dravone was palpable and at times riveting. For me, this was one of the highlights of the writing, since, for me, character often trumps adventure. For lovers of the genre, however, there is plenty of action, along with great character development. Vazdrag: Silver Tears Book 3 is a good, solid read and any fan of epic fantasy is bound to enjoy it. I’m sure, like all good series, reading from the start is desirable, but this can be read as a standalone. I am intrigued enough to wonder how Book Four will develop as the team look for the next member of this prophecy. It’s a recommended read.

You can take a look at Vazdrag plus the rest of this series, here, on Daniel J Strait's Amazon page:

heartless (the kings #3) by alena des

12/1/2019

Heartless (The Kings #3) by Alena Des was an interesting change for me, from the usual vampire fare. This story is so much more than that, mixing several different styles of magic and fantasy. Riley is a man on a mission - to regain his heart, that Lucifer has seized from him. When Riley, who is the son of a sex Goddess and used to woman swooning at his feet, meets Oriana, he is enchanted by her and shocked at his inability to make her lust after him as most women do. Together they form a formidable team as they battle to survive in the midst of a Vampire war and the relentless hunt of Lucifer for Riley.

I was captivated by the characters in this story. I especially liked Oriana, as a female lead, who was strong, independent and successful, but still a woman, in every way. I thought author Des did a marvelous job of weaving different strands of the story together into a single narrative. I'm assuming, since this is noted as The Kings #3, that this is a series, but you certainly wouldn't be able to tell that just from reading this book. It is a standalone and thoroughly readable story in its own right. Perhaps the best tribute I can pay to this author is to say how seamlessly she melded the different strands of magic and fantasy together into a single story. I can highly recommend this read and am definitely motivated to check out other books in this series and by this author

You can find Heartless, here, on Alana Des' Amazon page:

dark serenade (montenegro #2) by estela vazquez perez

2/1/2019

Dark Serenade (Montenegro, #2) is a continuation of the story of Victor Montenegro, from a well-to-do and influential Californian family, who gets more than he bargained for when he travels to New Orleans to escape a broken heart. Montenegro, a devil-may-care, treasure hunter is caught up with a group of vampires in New Orleans and discovers to his horror, what vampirism and demons are all about.
You do not have to have read Book 1, to enjoy this dark and mysterious tale, but I have and this is just a continuation of the wonderful story and beautiful language of author Estela Vazquez Perez. Perez very definitely has a way with words and her books are a delight to read, as the stories just trip off the tongue and draw fantastic mind pictures for the readers. At its heart, this series is very much a story about unrequited love and the pain that goes along with living forever, as a vampire, combined with the inability of a vampire to consummate true and lasting romantic love with another person. The characters from the first book are still there, but this book focuses very much on the life of Montenegro, after he returns to California and comes to terms with the idea that he is now an abomination and will live forever, but can never find true and lasting love.
I am generally not a great reader of vampiric fantasy, but Perez not only makes her characters real and the reader empathetic to them, she weaves a beautiful story as she goes. I cannot wait for the next iteration of this series to see where Perez takes these characters that I have come to adore.
Dark Serenade is an excellent read and one I can highly recommend.

You can find Dark Serenade here on Estela Vazquez Perez's Amazon page, along with the rest of her superb stories.

vath's legacy (The rufino factor book 4) by joshua Rem

2/1/2019

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Vath’s Legacy (The Rufino Factor: Book 4) by Joshua Rem is the continuation of a fantasy series by this author. Rufino is a Vampire who inhabits the world of Ch’ulu and is on the hunt for his missing mobile coffin, which was beneath a cart that he has now lost. It is the eve of the Winter Solstice and the humans are celebrating the arrival of the fat man in the red suit, which for Rufino means cookies left out for the jolly man, that he, Rufino, can steal to feed his sweet tooth. Despite his small size, Rufino has performed many acts of heroism over the years and he has a strong moral compass to guide him in what is right and wrong. The beautiful, mysterious, and greatly feared, druid-sorceress, Kiralyn Frostwhisper is both Rufino’s greatest nemesis and his deepest fantasy. Unsure and uncertain of his own attractiveness to Kiralyn, he takes what little affection he can from her, when it is on offer. It is Kiralyn, though, he must unite with and work with if the evil Vath Legacy is to be overcome and defeated.

This story, Vath’s Legacy (The Rufino Factor: Book 4) was a real eye-opener for me, as a reader. Used to fantasy tales full of weird and wonderful creatures who partake in epic battles, author Joshua Rem has scaled that back and focused very much on the characters and their development, especially the characteristics of their makeup that make them do what they do. Rufino is not your typical vampire at all. He cares about doing the right thing and appears not to have an amoral bone in his body. Deeply attracted to Kiralyn, he cannot believe that she could possibly find him attractive and this constant seeking of her approval plays a large part in the story. I am aware that this book is part of a series, but you don’t have to have read any of the other offerings to truly enjoy this book. What this story did make me want to do, was to read more of this series and of this author. I think that’s the greatest compliment a reviewer can pay an author of a series. Vath’s Legacy is a tale of the underdog, battling against prejudice and seeking acceptance for who he is, as an individual, rather than who he is as a race or a species. The parallels to society today are clear and noticeable. I would describe this book as Fantasy with a heart and soul. I can highly recommend it.

You can find Vath's Legacy, along with the rest of Joshua Rem's work, here on his Amazon page:

empty threat (the black pages #1) by danny bell

28/12/2018

In Empty Threat by Danny Bell the reader is taken on a journey through a universe of different worlds and multiverses. When socially awkward, admitted book-nerd, Elana Black discovers she has the power to enter the world of the books she reads, she has no idea what this power will ultimately mean for her and her closest of friends. It is only when she connects this power to a childhood friend who claimed the same powers, as a child, and was ultimately certified as insane, does she realise that she may, in fact, not be alone in the world with this power.
The author takes us on a voyage of discovery as Elana begins to understand the breadth and depth of her magical powers along with the responsibilities and dangers these powers possess. Once Elana realises that the worlds inhabited in stories may not be as fictional as she first thought, all bets are off and the dangers to Elana from those who don't want her to utilise those powers, increase a hundred-fold.
The author has done an excellent job with Elana's character development. She is portrayed as atypical of many of us who love to read and escape into fiction - socially awkward, incredibly shy and introverted, with just a few very close friends. We watch, as Elana emerges from her shell and begins to understand and adapt to the strange new worlds that have opened up for her. She may well still be full of doubts about herself, but every experience and trial she undertakes makes her stronger, more independent and surer of her place in the scheme of things.
The premise of the story is unique enough to make it stand out for that reason alone, but Elana's journey through the multiverses and of self-discovery lifts this story above your average fantasy adventure. A very good read and one I can highly recommend.

You can find Empty Threat, here on Danny Bell's Amazon page, along with his latest work.

death is for the living by j.c. steel

16/12/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Death is for the Living by J C Steel is an epic vampire fantasy that takes the reader on a journey from the Caribbean, all over the world, as Cristina Batista and her partner Jean are caught up in vampire machinations that reach to the very peak of vampire society. Cristina and Jean are part of a team of vampire hunters who roam the Caribbean, on the yacht Artemis, looking for and destroying vampires as they go. Both of them, though, have pasts that are perhaps not compatible with the idea of Vampire hunters. Christina was almost changed several years earlier, but somehow was able to stay human and Jean indeed, was a Vampire, changed several Centuries ago, until a witch gave him the power to become human again. Both, for different reasons have great motivation to kill the most powerful vampire in the New World, but their journey will be fraught with danger, fear, and an extreme sense that this may be the end of both of them.

In Death is for the Living, we find a different type of vampire tale that helps to lift this book above the ordinary vampire-hunting stories. Author J C Steel’s style is relaxed and readable, dropping little nuggets of information about the backstories of both Cristina and Jean as the reader progresses through the book. The conflict and suspicions between the characters, especially those of the hunters, who although on a common mission, with a common purpose, but who don’t know each other that well, is one of the highlights of this story. Steel does a good job at defining the two main characters and their relationship, which is both somewhat co-dependent but also extremely loving and beautiful at times. The character of the renegade vampire de Vallejo and the witch Mama Gale could have been fleshed out more full, in my opinion, as a reader. I was certainly left wondering more about these two. Still, this is a solid, readable Vampire fantasy, with the promise of more to come in future iterations of this story.

You can find Death is for the Living, along with all of J.C. Steel's work, here, on his Amazon page:

challenges of the gods by c. hofsetz

28/11/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Challenges of the Gods by C Hofsetz is a fantasy/science fiction adventure that takes us into the author created world of Pangea, Pangea exists in the minds of its inhabitants and can only be visited when asleep. Here, in this quasi-heaven exist the Gods and their messengers. When Mike discovers himself in Pangea, he is confronted with the realisation that his beloved Earth planet is under threat and he has been chosen by the Messengers to be the one to ensure that his planet and civilisation endure. Unfortunately, in order to achieve that, Mike must destroy another Earth planet and its population that exists in this multiverse and is the equivalent planet to his own. Somehow Mike must battle his moral qualms and act decisively to save civilisation, but what he doesn’t bank on is his inherent morality and the relationships he develops on this new world, to interfere with his decision making.

The basic construct of Challenges of the Gods was uniquely exciting to me, as a reader. The initial little twist that was revealed over Mike’s origins was enough to suck me into the story completely. Author C Hofsetz has created a twin reality, that at times threatened to spill over into confusion. The idea of one mind, with two different bodies, depending on where Mike was, had the potential to be confusing to the reader, but I thought the author did an excellent job of keeping the narrative on track and the reader informed. The character of Mike was well written and his relationships and interactions with his friends Ravi, Jane and the others was the key to a good story and a thought-provoking read. Many of the issues faced by Mike were not dissimilar to those being faced today, with blind obedience to a cult-like personality figure being uppermost of those. I thoroughly enjoyed this fresh and exciting read and can highly recommend it to all lovers of fantasy and science fiction.

You can find Challenges of The Gods by C. Hofsetz here, on Amazon. It appears to be his debut novel, which makes it all the more impressive.

blood ties (noble of blood #2) by a.l. Wright

27/8/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Nikkola is a Noble Princess, but she understands little of that, she only knows what her father Dartein has told her of her heritage and the life she was born into when her father fled the palace nineteen years earlier to escape the terrible grief of her mother’s death giving birth to her. Nikkola understands she is special and has magical powers but is loath to share this knowledge with her father or her protector, her father’s best friend Victor. Blood Ties: Noble of Blood Book 2 by Alicia Lynn Wright presents us with a fantasy world where the immortal nobles are charged with protecting and saving the humans from the predation of marauding goblins. Thousands of years ago, three warlocks led by Nikkola’s grandfather, The Patriarch, believed they had destroyed the goblins and their evil leader for good, but it appears the goblins are now re-gathering to strike again and Dartein must reconcile with his father, join forces with him and the other two warlocks to defeat the goblins again. Nikkola must learn and understand the powers she has been born with in order to fulfil the prophecy that she is the one who will save the world.

I found Blood Ties: Noble of Blood Book 2 to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. As a fantasy, it is short and as part of a series, does leave the reader hanging and thirsting for more knowledge and information, but nonetheless, the story holds together extremely well. Author Alicia Lynn Wright has created characters that are believable and easy to identify with. Even the immortal nobles are not immune to many of the flaws of humanity. The human girl, Friesa who becomes best friends with Nikkola adds a normality to the magical, immortal story, which I found refreshing. What I did particularly like, about this story, were the use of common and easily readable names, rather than the difficult to pronounce and to differentiate names, so many fantasy authors seem wont to use these days. The writer’s style is simple, straightforward and easy to read, which makes it so much more enjoyable and easy to follow. As a second book in a series and despite not having read the first book, I could quickly grasp and follow the story and its history with excellent references to the past scattered throughout the tale, by Wright. I would happily read book three now, to see where the battle against the evil Deep Dweller heads, for these characters.

You can find Blood Ties: Noble of Blood #2, here on A.L. Wrights Amazon page:

For the Love of Maude (The Dear Maude Trilogy #2)by Denise Liebig

23/7/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

For the Love of Maude: The Dear Maude Trilogy Book 2, by Denise Liebig takes up again the adventures, through time, of our young hero, Emily. After graduating from college on a scholarship provided by The Evergreen Foundation, Emily is required to work for the corporation for a minimum of four years after graduation. What Emily discovers to her shock and horror is that The Evergreen Foundation is a front for an group that has conquered the barrier of time travel, but even worse they are using time travel to alter the past and help their clients to manipulate known events to their strategic and financial advantage. After meeting, falling in love and marrying Dell, another time traveller from a different organisation, Emily escapes The Evergreen Foundation, by faking her own death and then hiding in the past, always on the run and just one step ahead of discovery. As a young girl, Emily’s hero was her Great-Aunt Maude and after discovering Maude’s journal, she uses it to inspire her to overcome the very real fears and doubts her life on the run have instilled in her.

I have read Book One of this series and although it is not essential to do so before reading Book Two, it will give the reader a much more thorough grounding in an area that at times confounds understanding (not just for the reader, but also for the characters of the story). Time-travel, it seems has been “done to death” in books, but occasionally an idea and an author can lift the story above the “same-old, same-old” and Denise Liebig is just such an author, in the story, For the Love of Maude: The Dear Maude Trilogy Book 2. What I truly love about this unique concept of the past and future is that the issue the forms the basis for most time-travel stories; “the time-travel paradox” is addressed in such a fascinating way. Even the main characters themselves, Emily and Dell, confess to not truly understanding how this whole time thing works and what are the consequences of meeting their earlier selves, or indeed how their can be several different versions of themselves, in different time periods. I loved this and found it so thought-provoking. Beyond all else, this book is a fantastic action/adventure/ romance and the time-travel is merely an adjunct to a fantastic story. I can highly recommend this book and cannot wait to read the third instalment and find out how it all ends for our Dell and Emily.

You really should pop on over to Amazon and take a look at For the Love of Maude, plus the rest of Denise Liebig's fantastic Maude trilogy, here on her Amazon page.

the shadow minds journal by kia carrington-russell

9/7/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

It is 2986 and the world is now inhabited by an uneasy alliance of witches, demons, angels and the poor, unimportant and weak humans. The city of Shabeah is ruled, with an iron fist and ruthless violence by the Lord Demon himself, Lord Haymen. Until her death, Vivian Lair was a simple, fun-loving human who was deeply in love with her partner, but now she has been reborn, she is contracted to no less than seven demons who reside inside her and she is one of Haymen’s elite Guardians whose ultimate job is to do whatever their master bids. This is the violent, evil and terrifying world presented to us by author Kia Carrington-Russell in her fantasy The Shadow Minds Journal. Vivian’s job is to help maintain the uneasy alliance between the demons and the angels and to destroy demons who have been determined to have broken that treaty. When she is accused of murdering an Angel, she comes into contact with the powerful Angel of War, Gabe, and begins a journey that will ultimately allow her to discover who she really is.

This is the second Carrington-Russell book I have had the pleasure of reading and this author is definitely one who grows on you. In The Shadow Minds Journal, there is a noticeably darker and more sinister tone than the first book of hers that I read. Vivian, as a lead character is beautifully drawn, with her extreme confidence and arrogance, perfectly softened by her beginning realisation of who she may actually be. The sexual tension in the story was definitely a highlight, as a reader, and the actual sex scenes themselves were realistic, exciting and satisfying. The conflict in Vivian’s mind between her fealty to Haymen and her unexpected and unwanted connection to the angel Gabe, creates excellent tension in the narrative, which the author exploits to the fullest. The ending allows for the next iteration of The Shadow Minds Journal and a short preview of the next book in the series just teases the reader to want to explore more. Demons, Witches, Angels, have all been done to death in recent years, but I found Carrington-Russell to have a new, fresh and exciting handle on the genre. Well worth a read, this one.

Do pop on over to Amazon where you can find The Shadow Minds Journal plus the rest of Kia Cariington-Russell's extensive portfolio, on her Amazon page.

rooms of ruin (blood of the isir book 2) by erik henry vick

2/7/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Hank Jensen, his wife Jane and their son Stig, were at some time in the past, scooped up from their quiet life, at home in Western New York and transplanted into a weird and frightening multiverse, ruled over by the Dark Queen. Hank and his disparate group of followers and friends must somehow find a way home, whilst avoiding the infamous Dark Queen whose sole purpose seems to be to destroy the Jensen team, a group that includes her own sister. In this, Rooms of Ruin (Blood of the Isir Book 2) by Erik Henry Vick, they are searching for a way to the Rooms of Ruin, where it is possible they can restart the process that brought them to this place originally. The Dark Queen, however, will harry them every step of the way, with every conceivable trap, a traitor, and awful some horrifyingly gruesome creatures, under her control. Hank and his friends are in a race for their very lives.

There are #epicfantasy’s and there are #EPICFANTASY’S. Rooms of Ruin (Blood of the Isir Book 2) by Erik Henry Vick is definitely in the category of #EPICFANTASY both in terms of its length and its depth. I am not a big fantasy reader, but despite not having read the first book in this series, the author drew me in immediately and the six-fifty pages of this epic novel, just flew by. There is a little adjustment to be made, as a reader, not having read the first book, to try to come to terms with situational reality of the setting for this novel, but the warmth, the humanity and the subtle use of sarcasm and wit, by the author, just draws you in and keeps you reading. The fight scenes are violent and vivid, but for me, the best parts of this book are the dialogue between the members of the team, especially the interaction between the wives and their husbands; it had me chuckling continually, at the lines. The imagination of and the world created by the author has to be admired. I am always in awe of excellent fantasy authors and Vick is definitely in that category. I highly recommend this book and by association, this series.

Do definitely pop on over to Amazon and take a look at Rooms of Ruin, plus the rest of Erik Henry Vick's amazing works, on his Amazon page:

the onyx ring: book 2 of the family relics series by tanya miranda

18/6/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

The witches and sorcerers have been in constant conflict for Millennia. When sorcerer Caderyn married witch Finna, centuries earlier, the union was meant to unite the two groups, but instead mistrust and enmity between the Clan and the Coven, saw Finna flee with the couple’s child Agatha, forever cementing the war between the two competing bodies and also heralding the unleashing of the unstoppable Gregorn dragons who will ultimately decide the epic battle between the Clan and the Coven. This is the world presented to us in the epic fantasy The Onyx Ring: Family Relics Book 2 byTanya Miranda. Brother and sister Logan and Jasmyn are direct descendants of Finna and Caderyn. Jasmyn is the recipient of Finna’s magic and Logan has just been chosen as the heir to Caderyn’s magic. Pitted on possible opposite sides of this eternal struggle, both siblings must come to terms with who they now are and what their roles will be in the future. When one of the Clan’s survivors, Kean plans to usurp control from Caderyn and Logan, the siblings must fight for their lives.

Although this is book two in the series, it is not essential for a reader to have read book one, although I would encourage it. It did take me some time to place all the characters in their correct order and chronology and I’m sure had I read book one first, it would have been so much easier. That having been said, The Onyx Ring: Family Relics Book 2 does stand alone as a very readable fantasy tale. Author Tanya Miranda has given us a fast-paced, exciting story, with an excellent backstory and the potential for even more in the future. Jasmyn, as the lead character, is everything you can expect from a heroic female lead and yet is beautifully softened by her angst over her younger sister’s untimely death and her desire to return in time to undo what has happened to almost destroy both her Coven and her brother’s Clan, over the centuries. I particularly enjoyed the reflective moments of the characters, especially those who had lived for centuries, such as Caderyn, as the author took the opportunity to reflect on man’s innate nature and whether conflict was indeed his natural state. Miranda has a natural story-telling ability and I can definitely recommend this book to fans of the fantasy genre, or just plain action/adventure fans.

You can find The Onyx Ring: Book Two of the Family Relics Series here on Tanya Miranda's Amazon page:

Bind Not the Heart: A Windflower Saga Novella (The Windflower Saga Book 7) by aleksandra layland

7/6/2018

Reviewed for Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Aleksandra Layland’s Windflower Saga Novella’s give us an insight into many of the characters that may appear only briefly in her series based around the mythical kingdom of Kimbria and the Ansgar bloodline that has played such a big part in ruling that kingdom. Bind Not The Heart is one such novella, where we meet the twins Ermitrude and Ermen. Lady Ermitrude enters the convent and becomes a Nun, Sister Ermitrude. What follows is a life dedicated to teaching and to bringing education to the far-flung reaches of the kingdom, especially the rural areas where children have no access to schooling. Her twin brother Ermen, likewise takes Holy Orders and becomes a Monk and also a teacher. Through the fascinating lives of these two educators we meet many of the other characters of the Ansgar line and have the opportunity to place them in their appropriate area within this long-running and prolific saga, across many generations. As well as instructing each new generation of Kimbrian’s, both Ermitrude and Ermen will have a profound effect on the royal lineage and those who are part of the special world that is the Ansgar bloodline.

Author Aleksandra Layland has built a wonderful social and cultural history in the Kimbrian/Ansgar stories, one which traverses many generations. The novella’s, such a Bind Not The Heart, give the avid reader of her works an expanded dimension to characters who may well have just been merely mentioned in passing, in previous stories. I am in awe of the author’s ability to keep the massive genealogical tree in order and understandable for the reader, especially given the repetitious use of identical or very similar names, as is the Kimbrian tradition. I have only read one of Layland’s other books thus far, but even then I continually found myself noting a character’s mention and realising I’d come across that particular character before. The author has produced an easy-to-read, fascinating product that surprisingly doesn’t require you to have read any of her other works, to enjoy and understand it. I love the way she weaves ideals and social mores into her character’s stories. In my mind that is the mark of a good storyteller – one that can make a reader think and ponder, on the choices and beliefs of the characters. Aleksandra Layland is such a storyteller, in my mind – high praise indeed, for what is proving to be an excellent series.

Be sure to pop on over to Amazon and take a look at Bind The Heart, plus all of Aleksandra Layland's prolific portfolio, on her Amazon page:

far endeavor: A windflower saga novella (the windflower saga book 9) by aleksandra layland

25/5/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Far Endeavor: A Windflower Saga Novella by Aleksandra Layland takes us on a journey through time and adventure as we follow the travels of three siblings; Lord Branimir Rongo, plus his sister and brother, as they set sail to find antiquities worth studying, for the University where they all either teach or study. This hazardous journey will open up new horizons for all three siblings and will change their lives forever. Especially for Branimir, whose original quest for manuscripts will change to a search for his history and that of his family and clan. Born of the Kimbrii, the indigenous people, Branimir and his siblings are typical of his people, a mixture of the white and the dark. Their skin may be dark, but their eyes give away their heritage. Layland has created herself an entire uncharted world here, where dangerous voyages on small boats are required to find and explore ancient cultures.

This is a novella and as such relatively short, but I found it fascinating and it drew me into this culture and world that Aleksandra Layland has created covering a broad span of stories. The writing is simple, yet endearing and draws you into the story beautifully as she explores the heritage and birth-right of these three siblings, as they set out on what was supposed to be just a simple voyage of archaeological interest, but would instead turn into a life-changing journey for all three of them. At its heart; Far Endeavor; A Windflower Saga Novella is a romance, and a very acceptable one at that, but scratch the surface and you find much more. The author’s dry and sometimes wicked sense of humour comes through in her characters, as does the subtle, but very real, commentary on racism, sexism, war, and social mores that are equally as relevant in our world as they were in Lord Branimir’s. I have not previously read any of Layland’s work, but if nothing else, this book opened up a world of possibilities, for me, as a reader. I was impressed by this work and would encourage readers to take a look at her entire Windflower series, as I will indeed be. This is an excellent read.

Absolutely do pop on over to Amazon and check out Far Endeavor, along with the entire Aleksandra Layland collection:

monsterland reanimated: monsterland series book 2 by michael okon

17/5/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Monsterland Reanimated, Book Two of the Monsterland Series by Michael Okon picks up from the first book, after Monsterland has been destroyed (or has it?). The world’s leadership is gone, the world economy has collapsed and in Copper Mountain, the site of the US Monsterland, Wyatt, his step-father Carter and his mother and brother must try and figure out what to do next. The town is isolated and all services have ceased, but Carter, a policeman, is determined to rally those who are left and try to organise some sort of civil society. Lawlessness is rampant though and worse than that, there is still something happening at Monsterland. It seems that Monsterland creator, Vincent Konrad is not quite as dead as everyone supposes. He and his faithful sidekick Igor have plans to take over and rule the world, with his army of living mummies. So starts a frantic race against time to stop the evil Vincent from succeeding.

I had not read the first Monsterland novel, but really it is not necessary to have done so, before reading Monsterland Reanimated. Author Michael Okon gives us the backstory very well as events unfold in the new story. I would never have believed a novel about zombies, shape-shifters, and monsters in general, would captivate me quite the way this one did and that is a real credit to the author. I found his writing style and dark humour, with some subtle and not so subtle pop culture references to be immensely enjoyable to read. Despite the fact that this is a book that delves into the darkest, most evil places in our hearts and is full of blood, splatter and gore, it is also a story that highlights and celebrates the most redeeming features of humanity. I particularly enjoyed the interplay and the developing relationship between Wyatt and his step-father. For anyone who has been part of a blended family, the emotions and feelings will be evident. This is a fun, enjoyable read and not just for fans of the genre. I was pleased to see a third book is in the works and I know fans of Michael Okon’s work will be pleased about that.

Do pop on over to Michael Okon's Amazon page, where you can see both the Monsterland books, for yourself.

the rainmaker (saga of the chosen book 2) by Petra landon

20/4/2018

Editorial Review for the Author Resource Centre
Prepared by Grant Leishman

The Rainmaker is the second book in the Saga of the Chosen, of a planned four book series that delves into the world of the Chosen, the hidden group amongst us who possess the ancient powers of magic. This is the third Petra Landon book I’ve been fortunate enough to read and every one improves on the last. This truly is the best part of being a reviewer; watching indie authors find their niche, whilst growing and developing, as writers, within it.

Rainmaker, first and foremost, is a continuation of the story unveiled in the first book; The Prophecy. Unbeknownst to us mere mortals, magic beings live amongst us, their one guiding dictate is to never do anything that may reveal their existence to humanity. All Chosen are not created equal, though, with there being four distinct and separate groups who avoid each other like the plague. The Shifters (or as we probably think of them – the werewolves) comprise a group that live rigidly dictated lives, where fealty to the Clan Leader and loyalty to their pack is paramount above all else. The Wizards are a disparate group, split by politics, personal ambition, and greed. The Originals, who see themselves as above all, have very little interest in, or concern for, the other Chosen. Finally, we have the lowest and most scorned of the Chosen – the Vampires, who are generally reviled by all.

A prophecy made by a powerful wizard/mage some twenty-five years ago is beginning to come to fruition, with the re-emergence of a woman, long thought dead; Lady Bethesda. Her desire to unite her three daughters, from three different fathers, to claim power over the Chosen world, has thrown the most unlikely of allies together in a desperate attempt to stop the prophecy from coming true. Were-Alpha Protector, Raoul Merceau, gathers around him a collection of Wizards, Originals, Shifters, and even the odd Vampire, to try to expose Lady Bethesda’s evil plan for what it is and to stop her. The key to the whole drama, however, may lie with an unassuming, young Level 2 Wizard, Tasia Armstrong who holds some deep and powerful secrets very close to her chest.

To say that Petra Landon has created an amazing array of multi-faceted and fascinating characters is an understatement. Despite the characters all being “otherworldly” to some extent, they are incredibly believable and identifiable. The character development is superb. The stars of this story are undoubtedly Tasia Armstrong, Were-Alpha Protector Raoul Merceau, and, for me, typically English Were-Alpha, Duncan Hawthorne. However, the supporting characters; Hawk, Sienna, Jason, Franciszka, et al, are equally well developed and interesting. The sexual tension between Raoul and Tasia is electric and although hinted at in The Prophecy, it now becomes a full-blown reality in The Rainmaker. Will they… won’t they, is a question I couldn’t stop wondering throughout the length of this book. This story is so much more than a fantasy adventure; it is a beautifully put together story about life, choices, morality, loyalty, and decisions, set in a fantasy world.

The Rainmaker perfectly fulfils the bill as an Epic Fantasy. It is long, for sure, at 657 pages, but those pages just fly by as you are transported into a world that is familiar, yet so very different to the world we know. Set principally in San Francisco, The Rainmaker will draw you in and not let you go. This book is definitely one of my reading highlights for this year and an early contender for the Annual Grunter Awards.

I can give no greater accolade to Landon than to say I was devastated when the story ended and I wait with baited breath for the third instalment of this amazing series; The Siren. Get writing Ms Landon… please! What a winner The Rainmaker is.

Absolutely do pop on over to Amazon and take a look at The Rainmaker along with Petra Landon's other two superb books. They are all fantastic - I know, I've read them all.

Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Sagacious Sapling (Orville Wellington Mouse #5) by tom hoffman

1/4/2018

Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman

Tom Hoffman takes the reader into his wonderful fantasy world of Orville Mouse in his series of Orville Wellington Mouse Adventures, the latest of which is Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Sagacious Sapling. Orville Mouse, his best friend (and maybe girlfriend?) Sophia Mouse embark on another adventure through space and time, on this occasion, with his faithful companion Proto and the assistance of a rather unusual tree, we come to know as the Sagacious Sapling. There is trouble afoot in Muridaan Falls, when Orville and Sophie begin to experience some time flips, which they soon discover are the precursor to a massive time shift about to hit them resulting from an enormous explosion some hundreds of thousands of years ago. Somehow, the intrepid band of metaphysical adventurers must travel back in time to the prehistoric, jungle world of Ferus and prevent the explosion from ever occurring and releasing the Great Thaumatarian Time Wave, before it reaches their world and plunges them back into the past, some five thousand years.

Orville Mouse and the Puzzle of the Sagacious Sapling is my first foray into the work of Tom Hoffman and indeed his fantasy world of Orville Mouse. This book is the fifth adventure involving these characters and although it is not necessary to have read the previous books, it is always an advantage, I feel, to read a series in order. As a reader, once you get your head around the idea that this story is a fantasy adventure and indeed the two main characters are actually mice, the characters, their foibles and traits very definitely do grow on you. Orville and Sophia are truly sweet and adorable characters, but much of the humour and enjoyment I derived from the story came from the two offbeat characters, Proto (a robot of sorts) and of course, Leaf, the sagacious sapling. I loved the way they analysed Orville’s jokes and tried to replicate the humour themselves. The idea of logical thinking, programmed, machines beginning to adapt and understand humour while not novel was definitely intriguing. Hoffman has probably targeted the Orville Wellington Mouse sagas at the Young Adult market, but to be perfectly honest, I would suggest there is nothing in this book that would preclude it from being read at a younger age and also by older readers. It is a good, old-fashioned, swashbuckling adventure tale, whose two protagonists just happen to be a couple of mice. It was an excellent read and I would definitely recommend it.

Do pop on over to Amazon and check this very good book out, plus take a look at Tom Hoffman's full collection:

the infinity mantle (lore of arcana #1) by elaina j davidson

9/3/2018

Some authors write fantasy, Elaina J Davidson writes epic fantasy and she does it with the care and aplomb of a true master of the craft. Her books are usually wide, sweeping tales of fantastic worlds, amazing creatures and terrifying magic and sorcery. The Infinity Mantle, the first book in the Lore of Arcana series, is just such a book. It brings us the worlds of Valaris and Ardosia, both threatened by the evil Darak Or Margus. To battle this universal evil, Davidson brings together an ensemble cast of humans, guardians (Immortals) and even the greatest ruler of them all, the original being that ruled both Valaris and Ardosia from the very beginnings of sentience.

This story is massive in its scope and one thing I appreciated from the author, especially given that this is the first book in a series, was the time she spent to introduce and understand the principal characters in this strange new world. Too often fantasy authors leave us, the reader, to flounder along wondering who is this character and why is he/she reacting this way. Davidson takes the time to build her world, to set the scene and to explore her characters. I applaud her for this.

Once the adventure starts, the action is fascinating and beautifully written. We are able to follow the various arcs of the story and relate one to the other, which is the sign of a superb writer, which Davidson certainly is. I particularly liked the emotional nature of the interactions between both the humans and the humans to the immortals. There was always a deep feeling of mistrust and fascination between the two groups, which was wonderfully played by Davidson. The principal character (if there can even be one in such an ensemble cast) Rayne of the Mantle was perfectly complex and riddled with issues, especially identity issues. I look forward to exploring more of these fascinating characters in the next few books in this series.

Davidson is both prolific and talented as an author and I would certainly place her high up in the list of indie authors I have read and as a fantasy author, she is up there with the very best. An author to follow for sure. I highly recommend The Infinity Mantle, if fantasy is your genre - and even if it's not, I suggest you give this one a crack.

Do pop on over to Amazon and take a look at The Infinity Mantle, plus all of this prolific author's portfolio.

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