Hexborn (The Hexborn Chronicles Book 1)
by A.M. Manay
I loved Ms. Manay’s November Snow Series. I wondered if a new story line could rival that…yes it could. In fact, it could even surpass it. I found myself drawn deep into “Hexborn”. Shiloh grew up considered unclean by the population even though the laws against her kind had disappeared. Shunned, she was being educated to use her strong magic. Dealing with illness and deformity she develops an inner grace and strength. Suddenly when her teacher dies Silas arrives to bring her to the King’s court. Silas seems the perfect villain and I love the relationships she builds in court. Then there were surprises along Shiloh’s journey that she answered with her heart. I admired that about her. The flashbacks were skillfully used so the reader could understand how things developed. What her body lacked, her fortitude made up for. I’m hooked on the magical girl with pink hair and eyes. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book. If I could give this more than five stars I would. It may be a YA, but it’s for adults, too. I highly recommend this book!
By Mark Bierman
I knew the topic going into reading this fictional book: child trafficking. Mr. Bierman shows the reader the process, including how children are kidnapped from their families–or the worst when their families sell them into slavery. The poverty and greed that uses children…I have a hard time absorbing that and worried this would be a hard read for me, but it wasn’t. The storyline centers on two American men doing missionary work in Haiti. A young girl is kidnapped, and they start on a journey to find her. The story’s told through different characters, which held my interest as they became interwoven. The action is non-stop and I had a hard time putting it down. I was fully invested in the characters and had a range of emotions from joy to sadness. This is a book that can make you think about an unpleasant subject, while being a good fictional story that entertains. I can easily recommend “Vanished” especially if you love action and the depth of a thought-provoking subject put together.
My appreciation and thanks goes out to: Wendy, Staci, Sandra, and Suzanne for offering your blogs next month to help celebrate The Button’s release:)
Starting next week, and the whole month of September, my weekly blogs will focus on The Button and its upcoming release! (I’ll still be doing the Fall Edition of “Books That Changed Me” on 9-22)
The Button is now available for pre-order: Amazon Link
Embrace your inner child by reading an amazing book! D.L. Finn
Two great reviews on books I have waiting on my ever growing TBR list. I love books that tackle difficult subject matter and do it well within the framework of fiction, and am looking forward to reading both Hexborn and Vanished. Congratulations on the upcoming release of “The Button”, Denise. I’m delighted to be hosting your release day on my blog.
My TBR list keeps expanding…even after I declare I won’t add anymore until I caught up
Lol. I’m sure you will enjoy both books. I will watch to see what you think of them. Thank you Soooz! I am very grateful for your support during the release:)
😊My pleasure, Denise!
These both look like good reads, Denise! I’ve got Mark’s on my TBR list, and now I have another–Hexborn sounds intriguing!
Hi Julie! I think you will enjoy them both for different reasons:)
I loved the first November Snow book and have the rest of the series in my TBR. Now it seems I’ll need to add another. Best wishes to both authors on what sound like wonderful books.
And I’m happy to host you anytime.
Hi Staci! If you liked the November Snow book you are going like this too:) Shiloh is a character that has lingered with me after I finished reading.
Thank you Staci…you have my gratitude! And I am happy to host you anytime, as well!
Look forward to your weekly blogs on THE BUTTON next month, Denise! 🙂 eden
Thank you Eden! Should be a fun month:)
I enjoyed the November Snow series, too. I’ve been seeing a lot of buzz about Hexborn and it sounds great. Vanished sounds very intense as well.
And congrats on the upcoming release of The Button! I would be more than happy to host you on my blog. If you’d like to do a post, just give me a shout. I’m looking forward to reading your new book!
Hi Mae:)
I heard the same buzz about Hexborn too and had to check it out. I think you will enjoy it. Vanished was very intense and eye opening, too.
Thanks Mae, I will email you. I look forward to your thoughts on “The Button”.
Super reviews, Denise.
Thanks, John:) It was some good reading.
I’ll bet. 😉
These are both great reviews. When Mark Bierman was a guest on a RAVE WAVES show, I bought the book that day. I still haven’t read it, but I know it will be compelling. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Jan! It was a very compelling, exciting and eye opening read. I am sure you will like it even with the difficult subject it deals with. It gave me a lot to think about. Thank you Jan:)
Denise, I am in the process of reading Hexborn and I think you are revealing too much. So I will not finish your take on it until I have actually read it. I think all we need to know is that you liked it and why. Thanks.
I thank you for your input on the review and made a couple of corrections where it could have been leading in the spoiler direction. I always attempt to be careful in regards to spoilers, so I appreciate you pointing it out if I missed that. Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy the book Shirley as much as I did.
A lovely review, Denise. Also wishing you huge success with The Button. Hugs.
Thanks Teagan:) Hugs back.