Soul Swallowers (The Shattered Sea #1)
“Soul Swallowers” follows Raze Anvrell who turns his back on his family and title after his commoner wife was murdered. He finds some peace working alongside a man who befriends him. But around Raze is political plotting, arranged marriages, slave trading, religious beliefs, and a witch. While I was captivated with Raze’s journey, I loved both Bel and Nellea’s stories. I connected with them both immediately and was rooting for their outcome. A unique aspect of this story was the swallowing of a soul stone or bringing a deceased person’s soul into your body. Having another person’s urges come out, such as fighting skills, empathy or cruelty, and blending that with their personality was fascinating. This is a well-written fantasy that’s infused with poetic descriptions, believable characters, and plenty of action. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series!
Ace Carroway and the Great War (The Adventures of Ace Carroway #1)
by Guy Worthey
Cecilia “Ace” Carroway is a 16-year-old pilot during World War One. Her story starts quickly with a thrilling air-battle, but Ace ends up a prisoner when her plane is shot down. That minor detail doesn’t seem to bother Ace, which is why I came to appreciate this character’s spunk. Ace is not only likable but way ahead of her male counterparts. Leadership seems natural to Ace and her much older POWs put their trust in her. This is an exciting read full of vivid details and humor meant for young adults, but I equally enjoyed it. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series!
By S. Burke
“Whatever it Takes” has mystery, romance, death, Hollywood, and a cruel serial killer, which, when all put together creates an engaging read! Andi needs a change and leaves her police career in New York to work in LA for the actor, James Kincaid to investigate the death of his wife. I immediately saw a connection between them and loved it. Their working relationship felt very natural, and I enjoyed the obvious attraction they had for each other, even though they didn’t act on it. Andi’s relationships with James’ driver, personal assistant, and accountant, with their stories, brought an extra depth–along with mystery and darkness. Andi’s search uncovered so much more than an accident. It was great being able to see the evidence unfold and guide Andi down an unexpected path, surprisingly connecting LA and New York. This insight of being thrust into the life of the rich and famous met with the grit of a New York cop was the perfect fit. Ms. Burke is skilled in getting into the heads of her characters and pulling readers quickly into their world. This is a well-written exciting, suspenseful thriller that will keep you up reading late into the night. I highly recommend it.
The Gate (Astral Conspiracy #1)
by D.L. Cross
I’ve been looking forward to this release and was impressed from the first page. “The Gate” is the beginning of the Astral Conspiracy Series, and I found it was like reading a movie it was so vivid. The characters felt very real including my favorite, Landon Thorne. He had theories others made fun of until they realized he was right. I connected with him staying true to himself and not allowing others to force change. With so much action and urgency in the story, it was hard to put down. I found myself saying more than once: “They don’t have time for this!” There was plenty of history and research mixed into the story that added another level of intrigue. Ancient Alien Theories fascinate me, so I was thrilled to find an exciting story with that woven into it. I highly recommend this well-written book, especially if you love aliens, the what-if scenario, action, history, theories, and characters you can grow to love–and hate!
Shadowed by Death: An Oliver Wright WW II Mystery (Oliver Wright WW II Mystery Book 2)
by Mary Adler
This is the second novel in the Oliver Wright Series set during World War ll in the Bay Area. I loved the first book, but I think I was drawn even deeper into this story. It’s 1944 and Oliver is tasked to protect a Polish speaker, Sophia. I liked the interaction between these two characters even though Sophia didn’t want Oliver as a bodyguard. As in the first book, I loved the relationship between Oliver with his dog, Harley, who had served in the war, too. Within that storyline is another narrative about a young girl trying to assist a friend’s dog Blue. I enjoyed seeing the world through Blue the dog’s perception and his devotion to the young girl helping him. This is not only a well-written story but well researched. I appreciated the attention to details and history that Ms. Adler infused into the story. What happened in Poland during the war is hard to accept and painfully real. It kept me awake late into the night thinking about human cruelty, apathy, and the brave heroes mixed in. “Shadowed by Death” can be read as a stand-alone or as a series. I highly recommend this book especially if you love mystery, suspense, action, history, and of course dogs.
by Sandra Cox
Shardai is a regal cat that ended up in the afterlife. He desperately wanted to get back to his human. This is a beautiful story of his rebirth as a feral kitten and journey. I fell in love with Shardai and was completely pulled into his world through his new, and old eyes. There were some heartbreaking moments, humor, and bravery. I was rooting for this cat and his new family. It’s a well-written page-turner that didn’t let up. I admit this had me teary-eyed at the end. If you love cats, you’ll appreciate this heartwarming story that can be for children or adults! I look forward to reading the rest of this series
by Young
This is a short excerpt from “Debauchery” but complete with the insight of a young gay man trying to be kind to a girl who’s interested in him. It was well-written, a quick read, and a great way to be introduced to this author.
Embrace your inner child by reading a good book! D.L. Finn
Excellent reviews, Denise. Thank you.
Thanks, John:)
I’ve read several of these and sometimes, a different book by the author. Sandra Cox is one–I loved the other book I read of hers so will give this a try, too. She’s quite a storyteller.
Hi Jacqui:) Everything I’ve read from Sandra Cox I’ve enjoyed! I love cats so this was a must read for me.
Great list of books, D.L.
Thank you Joan. I had a good reading month!
I’m both humbled and delighted by your review of Whatever It Takes, thanks so much, Denise. a review like this is such a great way to start my day. I have Mary Adler’s book 1 of the series coming up very soon on my TBR and am so looking forward to it. ,
I think its your best so far, Soooz:) You will enjoy Mary Alder’s series I’m sure.
Yay! Happy dancing. I’m so delighted you think that way. I’m planning on starting Mary’s series this weekend.
I always enjoy reading your reviews, Denise, I have read four of these and was entertained by each. Many congrats to the authors, and I wish you much more happy reading, Denise!
Thanks, Mae! I feel exactly the same about your reviews and have found several new books to read from them. Happy reading to you, too.
Wow, Denise!! That’s a lot of reading! I loved all of your reviews. Out of all of these, I have only read “Whatever It Takes.” I am intrigued by the others and have had my eye on Diana’s “Soul Swallowers” book for quite some time. Satci’s new book sounds like a fantastic read as well! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Jan! It’s so much fun being able to read books by so many talented authors, you included. Not enough hours in the day though! I believe you will enjoy both Diana and Staci’s books.
My twitter lit up with shock waves from this flurry of reviews! Thanks ever so much, Denise, for reading all these (including mine!) and then spending all that brain power to summarize them. I’m glad you liked adrenaline junky Ace Carroway, too! Furthermore, this batch of reviews was useful to me in a direct way, because my TBR list was getting lean, and now I know what to read next!
Best regards and wishes, –Guy
I’m a fan of Ace and look forward to reading more! It’s easy to write reviews when I enjoy what I’m reading:) Glad to be of help with your TBR list. Can’t go wrong with these authors. Happy reading, Guy.
Nice choice of books and compelling reviews Denise. Thanks for sharing. I envy your reading prowess. 🙂
Thanks, Balroop! I’m happy I’ve been able to read a lot lately:)
A great selection of reviews and books Denise. I’ve read Soooz’s books, which are so well written. I’ll add a couple of the others to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, Soooz’s book are always entertaining and well-written. I’m sure you will enjoy the books you’ve added, Lizzie:)
What a great collection of reviews, Denise. I have a couple (at least) of these on my ereader waiting for me. Can’t wait to get to them! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, Harmony. I’m always happy to share all the good books I’m reading:)
Great reviews, Denise. ♥
Thanks, Billy:)
You write such wonderful reviews, Denise. Thank you for sharing them with us. I have most of these in my Kindle. I’ll check out the ones that I don’t have and add them to my TBR list.😊💕
Thanks, Vashti:) I’ve been on a streak of really good reads lately! All enjoyable for different reasons.
Thanks Denise!
🙂
Thoroughly enjoyed Soul Swallowers and The Gate! A few of the others are on my reading list. Fantastic reviews, Denise!
You can’t go wrong on this list:) Happy reading Jacquie!
Denise, thank you so much for the wonderful review! I, too, love Suzanne’s books. Her writing is so beautiful and emotionally affecting. I also love Ace Carroway’s exploits. Wish she had been around when I was a child, but even adults can fantasize wanting to be her. I will be adding the other books to my TBR pile. Thanks you!
Your series has captivated me. Between being set in the bay area, where I was born and raised, I love the history and of course the dogs! All Soooz’s books are a great reads:) I think I’m going to get Ace Carroway for my oldest granddaughter birthday. She just found Harry Potter and I think she will love Ace as much as I did.
Thanks so much for including Shardai on your review list. You do so much for the writing community. It’s very much appreciated.
Happy to, Sandra:) I got quite attached to Shardai! I appreciate all you do, too.
I love seeing so many familiar authors! Your reviews are fantastic, Denise. Bravo to all. 🙂
It was a great group to read, Natalie:) Thsnk you!
Another month of impressive collection of reading and reviews, Denise. I have several of them in my Kindle lined up for reading. Thank you for sharing these excellent reviews.
Thanks, Miriam. It was a good month of reading. Haven’t had much chance to read books to review, lately. Been have on grandparent duty. All good books to read:)
My grandparent duty starts tomorrow!! Will be there for 11 days when my daughter and her hubby vacation for 8 days! Hope to get some reading done also, will take time off from blogging to reserve energy!
Enjoy your time, Miriam!
I will,Denise. Thank you!
A wonderful selection of books and reviews, Denise. I am reading Soul Swallowers now and enjoying it a great deal. I have Staci’s and Suzanne’s on my TBR.
Hi Robbie:) I really enjoyed the concept of the book. Happy reading!
Great reviews, Denise! My TBR list keeps growing with all these books that sound so intriguing!
Thanks Julie! I know what you mean about a growing TBR list, I will never catch up. Can’t go wrong with any of these books!
Hi Denise. Thanks for sharing another amazing collection of reviews. I agree that Soul Swallowers is terrific. Diana had such a brilliant concept with that. It’s also (to my experience) unique. That’s a huge achievement in itself.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of these. Hugs on the wing!
I’ve never come across the idea of soul swallowing either. Very unique and hard to find something that hasn’t been thought of already. Hugs on the wing right back to you, Teagan:)
This was a lovely blog ppost
Thank you, Tabitha 🙂