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fortheloveoffictionalworlds's reviews
1351 reviews
The Lament of Sky by B.B. Wynter
4.0
Review was first posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
I received a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Actual Rating 3.5 Stars
It's been a while since I have actually read an Adult Fantasy book - and this one fell right in lap or rather my iPad because the author was awesome (or rather kind enough) to send me a copy of the eBook :D
“All she could see was her demise and it called out a tempting ruse, offering a suffering less potent than what sickened the living.”
The story is about Lilith - an amnesic silver haired woman who lives an idyllic life until it isn't idyllic anymore!
She discovers a whole new world exists and that Gods aren't even myths. She has to accept a whole new life but since she is stubborn she refuses to, at least for a little while! She finally does realise that if she wants to regain her memory, she need to go against the evil to save the world if she wants to save herself.
Honestly speaking it took me a while to get into the book because the writing style of this author is absolutely different - not bad different - but different. But once I did, this book became quite interesting.
The characters are themselves quite interesting - a little difficult to connect to the emotionally, but you do come to respect the characters and their trials.
The author has done a wonderful job of creating a fascinating world - a world that is so different yet infinitely similar to our own. Such a different style of writing but one that I slowly but surely fell in love with <3
While this is a perfectly good book - I think I read it at a wrong time. It had every chance of striking a chord within me, but sadly, it didn't. I wish I could point to pertinant issues in the book itself, but I can't - I think it's all me.
I do plan to revisit this book soon though! And maybe update my rating as well :D
I received a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Actual Rating 3.5 Stars
It's been a while since I have actually read an Adult Fantasy book - and this one fell right in lap or rather my iPad because the author was awesome (or rather kind enough) to send me a copy of the eBook :D
“All she could see was her demise and it called out a tempting ruse, offering a suffering less potent than what sickened the living.”
The story is about Lilith - an amnesic silver haired woman who lives an idyllic life until it isn't idyllic anymore!
She discovers a whole new world exists and that Gods aren't even myths. She has to accept a whole new life but since she is stubborn she refuses to, at least for a little while! She finally does realise that if she wants to regain her memory, she need to go against the evil to save the world if she wants to save herself.
Honestly speaking it took me a while to get into the book because the writing style of this author is absolutely different - not bad different - but different. But once I did, this book became quite interesting.
The characters are themselves quite interesting - a little difficult to connect to the emotionally, but you do come to respect the characters and their trials.
The author has done a wonderful job of creating a fascinating world - a world that is so different yet infinitely similar to our own. Such a different style of writing but one that I slowly but surely fell in love with <3
While this is a perfectly good book - I think I read it at a wrong time. It had every chance of striking a chord within me, but sadly, it didn't. I wish I could point to pertinant issues in the book itself, but I can't - I think it's all me.
I do plan to revisit this book soon though! And maybe update my rating as well :D
Beguiling Trickery by Chani Lynn Feener
5.0
The review was first posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Actual Rating 4.5 Stars
I received a digital copy of the book via the author in exchange for an honest review.
To be very honest, I have Uncle Rick to thank for my interest in mythology be it Greek or Egyptian or lately, Norse Mythology. So when I saw the author's post on Goodreads requesting for reviews - I basically without thought jumped on the bandwagon and never really looked back! :P
"Lying to liar makes for an interesting game."
Kenna has an ability - not a gift - but an ability to see in the future, but only about seconds into the future - not exactly the hotbed of activity nor is it useful. She has only two friends - Fiske, her best friend and his girlfriend, Parker.
"Last I checked, being superior, even in every way shape and form, did not necessarily make someone a god."
Everything changes when Luka enters the scene. He is arrogant, sarcastic little (not really) dweeb that you can't help but adore. He is rude, irritating, narcissistic know it all with a body that a hotness level of the sun! And he has the answers that Kenna need to understand what exactly is happening in her life.
"No one with hair this cool reads."
"No one cool enough to read needs to give a shit about their hair."
Kenna is an amazing protagonist.. She is not the simpering female who needs someone to hold her hand and walk her through life. She has been dealt with the harshest of hands, and yet comes out with her dignity and self respect intact. In fact, it is hard not to like her. She acknowledges that Luka is hot, yet seems to ignore that aspect when interacting with him (Girl, has amazing self - control! Just saying :P).
She has been dealt blow after blow and thrust into a world she doesn't understand nor she wants to, at first! Yet she shows incredible intelligence when dealing with each situation she is thrust into - from betrayals, to fights, to a curse that she doesn't have clue about!
"I introduced myself because of what you are. I stayed because of who you are. It's that simple."
Luka and Kenna's interactions are downright hilarious, not to mention adorable. They are amazing together - not because of their chemistry, but because they are the anti-thesis of each other. Besides, I give you one guess as to which Norse god Luka is supposed to be :P
The writing is perfect and I absolutely flew through the whole book in less than 3 hours (admittedly it was the middle of the night and there were no interruptions). The only problem is that the book ended on quite an ambiguous tone - which begs me to ask, Ms. Avery pleas tell me there is going to be a sequel, because if there isn't, I don't think you would want hordes of bookworms (lead by me!) camping on your doorstep :P
Actual Rating 4.5 Stars
I received a digital copy of the book via the author in exchange for an honest review.
To be very honest, I have Uncle Rick to thank for my interest in mythology be it Greek or Egyptian or lately, Norse Mythology. So when I saw the author's post on Goodreads requesting for reviews - I basically without thought jumped on the bandwagon and never really looked back! :P
"Lying to liar makes for an interesting game."
Kenna has an ability - not a gift - but an ability to see in the future, but only about seconds into the future - not exactly the hotbed of activity nor is it useful. She has only two friends - Fiske, her best friend and his girlfriend, Parker.
"Last I checked, being superior, even in every way shape and form, did not necessarily make someone a god."
Everything changes when Luka enters the scene. He is arrogant, sarcastic little (not really) dweeb that you can't help but adore. He is rude, irritating, narcissistic know it all with a body that a hotness level of the sun! And he has the answers that Kenna need to understand what exactly is happening in her life.
"No one with hair this cool reads."
"No one cool enough to read needs to give a shit about their hair."
Kenna is an amazing protagonist.. She is not the simpering female who needs someone to hold her hand and walk her through life. She has been dealt with the harshest of hands, and yet comes out with her dignity and self respect intact. In fact, it is hard not to like her. She acknowledges that Luka is hot, yet seems to ignore that aspect when interacting with him (Girl, has amazing self - control! Just saying :P).
She has been dealt blow after blow and thrust into a world she doesn't understand nor she wants to, at first! Yet she shows incredible intelligence when dealing with each situation she is thrust into - from betrayals, to fights, to a curse that she doesn't have clue about!
"I introduced myself because of what you are. I stayed because of who you are. It's that simple."
Luka and Kenna's interactions are downright hilarious, not to mention adorable. They are amazing together - not because of their chemistry, but because they are the anti-thesis of each other. Besides, I give you one guess as to which Norse god Luka is supposed to be :P
The writing is perfect and I absolutely flew through the whole book in less than 3 hours (admittedly it was the middle of the night and there were no interruptions). The only problem is that the book ended on quite an ambiguous tone - which begs me to ask, Ms. Avery pleas tell me there is going to be a sequel, because if there isn't, I don't think you would want hordes of bookworms (lead by me!) camping on your doorstep :P
A Jar of Dreams by Clarissa Cartharn
4.0
The review was first posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
Actual Rating 3.5 Stars
I received a digital copy of the book via the author for an honest review.
The blurb of this book sounds amazing - romance between a blind girl and a hitman? How awesomely different does that sound? I thought so too, and that's why I requested to review this book!
"I am not denying that I am not normal. But I am far from incapable."
Anne is an easy character to like. She has taken her blindness, not as a disability but has taken it has a part of her life and has, in fact thrived. She is living alone and has a good career as well. All she needs is someone to love, but she of course can't believe that anyone would ever want to want to take the burden of a blind girl - even though she has accomplished pretty much everything from shopping to even living together to even having a career!
"No one retires from being a murderer. And neither will you."
Now Eric, on the other hand, is an accomplished assassin. He is well known in the underground world for taking assignments to only kill bad people, which has made him unpopular. A botched assignment and a curious link to a past one, forces him to go on the run where he meets the girl who will change him for the better!
Honestly speaking, this is such an interesting concept and I was actually looking forward to reading it and I actually enjoyed it. The only issue I had was that while I perfectly loved Anne and Eric individually, they did not spark together romantically. I wanted them to, I really did, and if they had, this would have been a phenomenal book!
It had everything I like in a good book - the writing is point on, the characters, even the fringe ones were interesting to me, multiple POV's to make me understand what exactly or rather why exactly is something happening and best of all, a twist at the end of the book that made me stagger between commending the author to strangling her ( and no, I can't tell you the twist, because well Spoilers!!).
All, this was overshadowed by a lackluster romance between Anne and Eric - they were too cute together - no passionate fights, no irrational jealousy, no passionate making up, nothing, nada (yes, i realise what kind of high expectations I have put on my real life relationships but can you blame me? I gots lots of fictional boyfriends to live upto!) - but it isn't a bad thing, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Except the romance, everything about this book was spot on! I can't wait to read more from this author! (:
Actual Rating 3.5 Stars
I received a digital copy of the book via the author for an honest review.
The blurb of this book sounds amazing - romance between a blind girl and a hitman? How awesomely different does that sound? I thought so too, and that's why I requested to review this book!
"I am not denying that I am not normal. But I am far from incapable."
Anne is an easy character to like. She has taken her blindness, not as a disability but has taken it has a part of her life and has, in fact thrived. She is living alone and has a good career as well. All she needs is someone to love, but she of course can't believe that anyone would ever want to want to take the burden of a blind girl - even though she has accomplished pretty much everything from shopping to even living together to even having a career!
"No one retires from being a murderer. And neither will you."
Now Eric, on the other hand, is an accomplished assassin. He is well known in the underground world for taking assignments to only kill bad people, which has made him unpopular. A botched assignment and a curious link to a past one, forces him to go on the run where he meets the girl who will change him for the better!
Honestly speaking, this is such an interesting concept and I was actually looking forward to reading it and I actually enjoyed it. The only issue I had was that while I perfectly loved Anne and Eric individually, they did not spark together romantically. I wanted them to, I really did, and if they had, this would have been a phenomenal book!
It had everything I like in a good book - the writing is point on, the characters, even the fringe ones were interesting to me, multiple POV's to make me understand what exactly or rather why exactly is something happening and best of all, a twist at the end of the book that made me stagger between commending the author to strangling her ( and no, I can't tell you the twist, because well Spoilers!!).
All, this was overshadowed by a lackluster romance between Anne and Eric - they were too cute together - no passionate fights, no irrational jealousy, no passionate making up, nothing, nada (yes, i realise what kind of high expectations I have put on my real life relationships but can you blame me? I gots lots of fictional boyfriends to live upto!) - but it isn't a bad thing, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Except the romance, everything about this book was spot on! I can't wait to read more from this author! (:
Dreamer by Amy Reece
4.0
Review was first up on For The Love of Fictional Worlds as part of the Blog Tour organised by IndieSage PR on July 7th :)
Actual Rating 3.5 Stars
Dreamer starts off with Ally in Ireland to meet with The Seers, to understand the manifestation of Ally's powers, which is quite honestly more powerful than anyone has ever seen!
Ally also has been dreaming of a kidnapping - whether it's hers or just a premonition, it remains to be seen! Ally finally though grows up in this book - courtesy of character growth! :D
Jack is still his own adorable self - and their relationship actually matures! It is satisfying to see Ally and Jack in a mutually respectful and dependent relationship. It is the introduction of Remy that has me faltering. He is an enigma to be honest and I found myself scared that this would end up as a love triangle ( I hate love triangles and no, I am not telling you what happens - that would be being mean :P).
But the plotline though failed to grip me as Seeker's did! Oh it was quite interesting and satisfying on it's own - but it still failed to "wow" me! I have a feeling it wasn't the fault of the author or the book itself but mine! I had been on an erotica binge to be very honest and it took away the pleasure of this wonderful book!
I have a feeling if I do end up reading this one again (which I have a feeling I will!) - my rating just might go up!
Actual Rating 3.5 Stars
Dreamer starts off with Ally in Ireland to meet with The Seers, to understand the manifestation of Ally's powers, which is quite honestly more powerful than anyone has ever seen!
Ally also has been dreaming of a kidnapping - whether it's hers or just a premonition, it remains to be seen! Ally finally though grows up in this book - courtesy of character growth! :D
Jack is still his own adorable self - and their relationship actually matures! It is satisfying to see Ally and Jack in a mutually respectful and dependent relationship. It is the introduction of Remy that has me faltering. He is an enigma to be honest and I found myself scared that this would end up as a love triangle ( I hate love triangles and no, I am not telling you what happens - that would be being mean :P).
But the plotline though failed to grip me as Seeker's did! Oh it was quite interesting and satisfying on it's own - but it still failed to "wow" me! I have a feeling it wasn't the fault of the author or the book itself but mine! I had been on an erotica binge to be very honest and it took away the pleasure of this wonderful book!
I have a feeling if I do end up reading this one again (which I have a feeling I will!) - my rating just might go up!
Undercover with the Earl by Robyn DeHart
2.0
I received an eARC of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I had really high expectations of this book. When you have the blurb that mentions a country born girl impersonating the Queen of England - that just keeps your interest piqued since not many historical romances would focus on such an idea.
But this book fails in it's execution. While I don't have any problems with the writing - the plot itself is predictable, the chemistry between Bennett and Evelyn lacks the sizzle required to keep the reader's interest in their relationship and the characterizations are forgetful.
The rating that I have given is purely for the author herself - she does try oh so hard to make sure that everything works in this book, but when the characters and the plot itself won't support her, there isn't much that she could ever do.
I had really high expectations of this book. When you have the blurb that mentions a country born girl impersonating the Queen of England - that just keeps your interest piqued since not many historical romances would focus on such an idea.
But this book fails in it's execution. While I don't have any problems with the writing - the plot itself is predictable, the chemistry between Bennett and Evelyn lacks the sizzle required to keep the reader's interest in their relationship and the characterizations are forgetful.
The rating that I have given is purely for the author herself - she does try oh so hard to make sure that everything works in this book, but when the characters and the plot itself won't support her, there isn't much that she could ever do.
Miss Goody Two-Shoes by Charlotte Hughes
4.0
I receive an eARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was pure gentle romance - only romance because there wasn't much of mystery or suspense in it (I have to admit I need a little suspense to compliment the romance, but that's just me!) and gentle because this was a book that reminded of the pure romances that I used to first read in Mills and Boon!
The plot of the story was different - an ex - convict (falsely accused) and a woman who gave him hope via her letters (which he never answered, btw! So rude!).
Kane is a man who has had a bad past - a past that prejudiced the jury to convict him for a crime that he did not commit. He is used to people judging him for his past and doesn't really expect anything from his life - except a peaceful existence now that he is out of prison. And he believes that it would be in a town where the woman who was his salvation in prison, lives.
Mel, on the other hand, is a simple woman. She lives at home with her father, is dating a man with a daughter - because all she wants is her own family to love and take care of. When Mel starts writing to convict for a Church program, she doesn't expect anything to come out of it, especially since he never wrote back. The last thing she expects is for him to turn up in her town, in her father's shop.
The relationship between Kane and Mel is cute - there is attraction there but it is more of "I feel safe and accepted with you" than "I want to burn of the sheets of the bed, with you" - and that is what makes the story work. Basically, The characters themselves, even secondary characters are perfectly placed. Every single one of them had their place in the story without stepping on to other's feet.
Basically, in total, a book that I definitely enjoyed reading, and an author I look forward to reading more from!
This book was pure gentle romance - only romance because there wasn't much of mystery or suspense in it (I have to admit I need a little suspense to compliment the romance, but that's just me!) and gentle because this was a book that reminded of the pure romances that I used to first read in Mills and Boon!
The plot of the story was different - an ex - convict (falsely accused) and a woman who gave him hope via her letters (which he never answered, btw! So rude!).
Kane is a man who has had a bad past - a past that prejudiced the jury to convict him for a crime that he did not commit. He is used to people judging him for his past and doesn't really expect anything from his life - except a peaceful existence now that he is out of prison. And he believes that it would be in a town where the woman who was his salvation in prison, lives.
Mel, on the other hand, is a simple woman. She lives at home with her father, is dating a man with a daughter - because all she wants is her own family to love and take care of. When Mel starts writing to convict for a Church program, she doesn't expect anything to come out of it, especially since he never wrote back. The last thing she expects is for him to turn up in her town, in her father's shop.
The relationship between Kane and Mel is cute - there is attraction there but it is more of "I feel safe and accepted with you" than "I want to burn of the sheets of the bed, with you" - and that is what makes the story work. Basically, The characters themselves, even secondary characters are perfectly placed. Every single one of them had their place in the story without stepping on to other's feet.
Basically, in total, a book that I definitely enjoyed reading, and an author I look forward to reading more from!
Mortal Musings by Aria Glazki
4.0
Review will be up as part of the Blog Tour hosted by Indie Sage PR on the 24th of August <3
Don't forget to stop by on For The Love of Fictional Worlds :)
Don't forget to stop by on For The Love of Fictional Worlds :)
Charade (Sabby Carlyle book #1) by Kristy Douglas
4.0
This review was first posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds
I received an eARC of the book via the author in exchange for an honest review.
You know what prompted me to respond to this wonderful author's review request?
"All the world's a stage and Sabby Carlyle is the best dressed actress on it."
This line in the blurb! Let's face, we bookworms are snobs, and tend to look down upon a female protagonist who is
1. Not a nerd.
2. Not shy or awkward.
3. Considers herself not beautiful, when in fact she is.
4. Has absolutely no fashion sense.
So when I read the blurb and it talked about a girl who is NOT a nerd, NOT shy and/or awkward and DEFINITELY NOT a fashion disaster, I definitely had to read this book!
This book starts off with action - with Sabby ignoring her grandmother's call only to find out that she was murdered the same night Sabby refused to pick up her call. Setting her on a guilt trip, she decides to focus on catching her grandmother's killer!
This brings her on the path of FBI Agent Nathan and the Jewel Thief, Nightengale he has been hunting for long! You have a wide array of characters apart from the two men above - because of course you would have those two "arch enemies" within a few feet of each other ;) - the doorman, who is Sabby's support system, an imposter jewel thief who is actually responsible for the murder, a slimy jewel fence, the plucky dorm-mate and the usual snobbery of the elite.
Sabby decides to conduct her own investigation into the murder of her grandmother - not because she is dissatisfied with the FBI Investigation, but because she needs to be proactive in order to assuage the grief and guilt she feels!
This book is brilliantly written - it is fast paced, with enough twists and turns that would leave your head reeling, but definitely in a good way! I have to admit, I did see the love triangle coming my way. But while it was a minor annoyance, the major issue I had with the book was Sabby's fickleness - the fact that she herself did not understand which of the guys she had more serious feelings for made this wonderful sassy girl a little less relatable!
Yes, I get that you can be confused about your feelings and that you do not always need to know exactly what is going to happen, or whom you will end up with - but as a reader I need closure, or at least a semblance of a direction in which I can find the aforementioned closure. Yes I also know that this is only the first book in the series, but damn it, I would have liked a little sense of direction with the romance.
But the mystery was perfect - Sabby was brilliant and so totally sassy that had me mentally remembering her lines, just so I could use them in real life :D
So yes, I would definitely be reading (needing!) the second book soon, 'cause let's face, we all know, I am not really the patient sort :P
I received an eARC of the book via the author in exchange for an honest review.
You know what prompted me to respond to this wonderful author's review request?
"All the world's a stage and Sabby Carlyle is the best dressed actress on it."
This line in the blurb! Let's face, we bookworms are snobs, and tend to look down upon a female protagonist who is
1. Not a nerd.
2. Not shy or awkward.
3. Considers herself not beautiful, when in fact she is.
4. Has absolutely no fashion sense.
So when I read the blurb and it talked about a girl who is NOT a nerd, NOT shy and/or awkward and DEFINITELY NOT a fashion disaster, I definitely had to read this book!
This book starts off with action - with Sabby ignoring her grandmother's call only to find out that she was murdered the same night Sabby refused to pick up her call. Setting her on a guilt trip, she decides to focus on catching her grandmother's killer!
This brings her on the path of FBI Agent Nathan and the Jewel Thief, Nightengale he has been hunting for long! You have a wide array of characters apart from the two men above - because of course you would have those two "arch enemies" within a few feet of each other ;) - the doorman, who is Sabby's support system, an imposter jewel thief who is actually responsible for the murder, a slimy jewel fence, the plucky dorm-mate and the usual snobbery of the elite.
Sabby decides to conduct her own investigation into the murder of her grandmother - not because she is dissatisfied with the FBI Investigation, but because she needs to be proactive in order to assuage the grief and guilt she feels!
This book is brilliantly written - it is fast paced, with enough twists and turns that would leave your head reeling, but definitely in a good way! I have to admit, I did see the love triangle coming my way. But while it was a minor annoyance, the major issue I had with the book was Sabby's fickleness - the fact that she herself did not understand which of the guys she had more serious feelings for made this wonderful sassy girl a little less relatable!
Yes, I get that you can be confused about your feelings and that you do not always need to know exactly what is going to happen, or whom you will end up with - but as a reader I need closure, or at least a semblance of a direction in which I can find the aforementioned closure. Yes I also know that this is only the first book in the series, but damn it, I would have liked a little sense of direction with the romance.
But the mystery was perfect - Sabby was brilliant and so totally sassy that had me mentally remembering her lines, just so I could use them in real life :D
So yes, I would definitely be reading (needing!) the second book soon, 'cause let's face, we all know, I am not really the patient sort :P