“Frost Fyre” is a poetry collection of mythology, whimsy, darkness, and love. There’s an abundance of imagery, which includes winter and the moon, that drew me in. There’s a Cinquain section towards the end which I enjoyed, but I loved the poems dedicated to the author’s husband layered with love and passion. I felt the stories within the poems which intrigued me. I’m eager to explore more of Ms. Rogers books.
Journey to the Rainbow’s End: A Drag Queen’s Odyssey
“Journey to the Rainbow’s End” is a reflective, insightful, fictional-reality told through poems and short stories. The story felt like I’d found his personal journal because the writing was so intimate. I could relate and empathize to the pain, confusion, and hope that came through the words. As I read, I began to contemplate the exquisiteness of rainbows. It’s the blending of colors that make the rainbow so special. Mr. Stepnowski’s book shows his readers how beautiful every person is and needed to make the rainbow of humanity. This is a journey to acceptance that was not only heartbreaking, but inspiring and a beautiful voice that needs to be heard.
Tortured Soul (Medici Protectorate Book 4)
by Staci Troilo
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the Medici Series. “Tortured Soul” is the finale, and I was sad to see it come to an end. This book’s focus was on the final Brother, Coz, and Notaro sister, Toni, and their connection. The relationship felt very real with their baggage, especially Toni’s self-image issues. Watching the couple navigate from what was expected of them, to what they felt was intriguing. I enjoyed Coz’s development as his unique power revealed itself. The history and Italian culture mixed in with the action and romance made it hard to put down. This is a well-written steamy romantic-adventure that I suggest you read from the beginning, to fully enjoy the outcome. I highly recommend this book and series. I look forward to more from this author.
Body Armor (Medici Protectorate Series, #3)
by Staci Troilo
The Medici Series continues with the focus on one of the brothers, Nico, and, Donni, a Notaro sister that the brothers are assigned to protect. I loved Nico’s inner struggle throughout the story especially when it came to Donni. Nico is the brother’s computer genius and more in his head than the others. The very question as to what was real or magic and his own will was intriguing. It was the perfect match for Donni and her willingness to go after what she wanted. The small details when the group ate or relaxed added another dimension to the story and wove the Italian culture throughout. This is a well-written exciting thriller and steamy romance. I’m heading off to read the final book and can’t wait to see how it all ends!
The Silver Horn Echoes: A Song of Roland
by Michael Eging and Steve Arnold
This is a historical fiction book based on the epic poem “The Song of Roland.” I read this poem in my literature class in college, so I knew the time frame and some of the history surrounding it, which helped me dive right in. Although I’m not a huge fan of war and battles, this story had my attention from the first chapter. It is well-written, and the attention to detail and history was outstanding. There’s plenty of power grabbing, gory battles, love, betrayal, murder, and honor. “The Silver Horn Echoes” is not my normal genre to read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you love history, knights, war, political/religious intrigue, and bravery, you’ll enjoy this tale.
Watch for two special blog posts this week:)
Embrace your inner child by reading a great book! D.L Finn
Look like super books for sure.
Thanks. John they were!
😊
I’ve read all of Flossie Benton Rogers Witchfae series, but didn’t realize she had a book of poetry out. I’m sure it’s exceptional.
And I positively LOVE Staci Troilo’s Medici Protectoate Series. I’ve read all of them, but 3 and 4 are my absolute favorites, especially Body Armor, which features Nico, my absolute favorite brother in the book. I love his combination of analytical genius, loyalty, and underlying passion. Staci knows I’m besotted, LOL.
Great reviews, Denise. Congratulations to all the authors featured here.
After reading the poetry I knew I need to read the Witchfae series.
I can see why Nico is your favorite brother, I’m a fan, too! Its great series with so many strong personalities and something for everyone!
Thanks Mae:)
Thanks so much, you two. You can’t know how it warms my heart to hear the stories and the characters resonated with you.
Thank you so much for including Frost Fyre in your reviews, Denise! I’m thrilled to be here.
I was happy to, Flossie, and look forward to reading more of your work!
Thanks for the mention, Mae! I hope you enjoy the poems when the time comes.
You’re a busy lady! Good books, methinks! ♥♥
What an eclectic collection, Staci. There are several that sound really good to me. I’d completely forgotten about Song of Roland. It would be nice to revisit it.
Hi Jacqui! Yes, it is a varitey of genres. It was fun to revisit Song of Roland again in a new format. Thanks:)
I have Staci’s books but not all. Loved them. I’m really interested in Michael Eging’s book. Thank you for your insights Denise.
Thank you, Mary glad it helps you. You will love all of the Medici Series. Silver Horn was out of my genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Welcome. Your reviews always drives me to buy books that sound awesome!
Thanks for the kind words, Mary.
Welcome Staci!
I love Staci’s books. Have not read those by the other authors but they sound interesting.
Hi Joan:) I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Staci. Yes, they were all interesting for sure!
Thank you both. I really appreciate it.
Wow, Denise! You amaze me at the number of books you are able to read each month! These all sound amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Jan. I give up.some sleep to do it, but its so worth it. They were all good:)
Another great month of book reviews, Denise, again with various genres. I enjoyed your reviews.
Thank you. Miriam! It was another good month of reading definitely.
Yes, you’ve done a good job reading so many books.
Great reviews, Denise! Your support is much appreciated.
Thank you, Linda! I’m happy i get to read so many great books:)
Big fan of Staci and Flossie’s Denise-fabulous reviews!
Thank you! I was already a fan of Staci, but now fan of Flossie, too!
Thank you for the kind words, Denise!
Thanks, Jacquie!
Denise, thank you so much for the reviews. It means the world to me that you connected with the characters and the culture in those books. That series will always be near and dear to my heart, and the fact that others enjoy it is icing on the cake.
On another note, these were all great reviews. And the cover of Frost Fyre is fabulous.
I not only enjoyed the characters and Italian culture but the exciting storyline, too:) Yes, that cover pulls you in. Thsnks, Staci!
Staci, I love your work and am so glad you like the Frost Fyre cover. Great to be here with you and the others, thanks to the very supportive Denise!
🙂
I marvel at your prolific reading skills Denise and so many different genres! Thanks for sharing the reviews. They really help in picking up a book of our choice.
Thanks, Balroop:) I do enjoy getting to read:) Glad the reviews can be of help!
Hi, Denise! Great reviews! Congratulations to the authors! I have three of these books in my Kindle and I can’t wait to get to them and I’ll add the others to my TBR list. Thank you for sharing. I’m very intrigued. 😀 xo
You have some fun reading ahead Vashti:) Thank you!
A great selection of books, Denise. I have one of Staci’s books on my TBR, it is written under a pen name though.
Thanks Robbie:) I just finished a book under her pen name and it was a great read.
Great reviews, Denise! I’m reading Body Armor right now; loved the first two, and can’t wait to get to #4 (then again, it’s the end of the series, so maybe I’ll wait so it doesn’t end so quickly 😀 )
Thanks, Julie! I know you will enjoy both of them. Yes, you want to know what happens, but don’t want it to end either:)
More awesome reviews, Denise! Your support for fellow authors is amazing. Cheers to all! 🙂
Thank you, Natalie:) I’m lucky to be able to read so many great stories!
Thanks D.L. I enjoyed reading your comments on each of these novels. I thought you wrote beautifully about Forrest Stepnowski’s ‘rainbows’ – very poignant. I’ve also decided that I had to put all four of the Medici Protectorate Series by Staci Troillo on my TBRList. I’m not much into ancient battles, knights and betrayal, but then, I do enjoy historical fiction. In fact, all the books you mention here, are worthy to be read.
Thanks, Maretha! It was a great group of books to read. Lots of variety between poetry, romance and a story based on The Song of Roland:) Happy reading.
Hi Denise. I enjoyed reading your insights on Staci’s marvelous works. I agree wholeheartedly. You’ve intrigued me about the others. Hugs on the wing!
Thanks Teagan! Hugs back:)