Bridge & Sword Collection (Books #1-3 Plus Bonus Prequel Novel) by JC Andrijeski 5 of 5 stars

Bridge & Sword Collection (Books #1-3 Plus Bonus Prequel Novel) by JC Andrijeski

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great collection of the first three books and a prequel in this fantastic series by the author. A science fiction/fantasy of epic proportions it certainly is full of action and and drama - and 5 stars for all 4 full length books too. Here are my reviews of each book:

Rook
Allie is human and has always distanced herself from the Seers on the planet when a series of events occur that transports her from her normal life to being on the run from both her won government and a group of Seers called Rooks with a Seer called Revik. As part of that she learns that Seers are not like she was previously been told, that the world is also different than she understood, and her origins may not be as human as everyone thinks. Then her family get dragged into the war between different Seer factions and everything gets very personal - can Allie stop it and save her loved ones?

I loved this story. It had lots of drama, suspense and lots of twists and surprises in the story. You could empathise with Allie and what was happening to her even if you didn't understand why she couldn't commit at times. It was well written and everything was clear and easy to understand. Now I just need to know what happens next and will there be some time for happiness.

Shield
Allie is still trying to get used to the concept that she is now this being called "The Bridge" and all that it entails. Plus she is also trying to work out the rules around the culture of being a Seer and how that affects her relationship with Revik - problem is no one will tell her the rules so she gets it wrong and into trouble! Even worse the Rook she helped get into the White House in the US is gunning for a war with China. Then confusingly a mysterious child appears that could be Syrimne but he should be more like 100 years old not a child. Then he announces that Allie belongs to him and is his wife! Can it get any worse?

WOW - so many things happened in this story. There were lots of twists, turns and moments when you just had to go with it until it became clearer (a bit like it was for Allie herself). There were times of joy and happiness which must have been a pleasant relief for Allie and Revik, but then ultimately a lot of sadness which means I absolutely have to read the next in the series in order to hopefully see the return of some happiness and normalcy even for a while. The book was well written and I could definitely feel the emotions and experiences the characters were going through.

Sword
Allie is all alone after the loss of her husband and then finds herself thrust into the role of the official face and voice of the seers. She then desperately tries to stop the two worlds that she straddles from an all consuming war. Then she discovers that Revik is not dead as she thought but instead is on the other side of the seer race and is already fighting the war against humans. There is no way she can compromise with him on this, but she has to do whatever it takes to save him from himself and save them all.

Wow - plenty of twists, turns, and agendas that are so hidden you can't pick them out until they happen. I loved the way the politics between the various groups came into things and how that affected all of the characters and their actions. As usual for this author, it was well written and I could feel and empathise with all of the thoughts and emotions involved in the story. The ending is a complete surprise and also pretty kick ass. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book in the series now.

New York
Allie Taylor lives in a world with two races - humans and seers. These seers are enslaved by governments, corporations and the wealthy. They are psychic in nature and have a high sexuality. Allie is fascinated by these exotic beings even though she is never likely to ever meet one. Then her boyfriend's band has a gig in New York and seers are visible on the streets there. Whilst she is experiencing trouble with her boyfriend she observes seers being tasered, a terrorist attack and she seems to have a crazy stalker leaving her weird cryptic notes. She also finds that no matter where she is there is a tall black haired buy with the most amazing eyes. Then her trip becomes downright dangerous when a a strange religious cult that venerates seers targets her in a strange ritual which could prove fatal to her.

Wow – great story! I really enjoyed reading about this period before the Bridge and Sword World series started It certainly helped me understand some of what happens in the books and why certain things happen and why the main characters Allie and Revik behave the way they do. Everything was well written and made perfect sense. I could empathise with the characters and understand their feelings and motivations. If you have not read any of the stories in the series this is a perfect introduction.

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Review: Dark Harvest by Nazri Noor 5 of 5 stars

Dark Harvest by Nazri Noor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dustin Graves is a darkling mage and is now part of a group of scoundrels working for a rogue sorcerer and a teammate of a werewolf and a vampire. Dustin is also using a mysterious talking sword (who seems to be a bit bloodthirsty). When a doomsday cult appears and they come across 12 bodies life appears complicated enough but them an ancient god sends Dust on a lethal mission that he has to complete within 3 days or else he will die. (no pressure then!). Can he survive and complete the mission?

Wow - this book was full of action, drama, danger, betrayal, twists and turns. Throughout it had lots of great dialogue and snarky comments that made me smile. It was definitely a great example of urban fantasy and the world that the author created was very clear and easy to understand. The way the book ended definitely made me laugh - all I will say is it happens in a park and involves a finger. Well written and a delight to read - I can't wait to find out what happens to Dust next!

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Review: North's Nikk by Dale Mayer 5 of 5 stars

North's Nikk by Dale Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

North Dockter works for Legendary Securities and was a SEAL before he got frustrated and left. Now working he meets Nikki Beckwith who is a complete firecracker and not in the habit of sitting back and doing what she is told unless it all makes sense to her. However she had discovered someone smuggling drugs through her employer's warehouse and is now in danger - so it is North's aim to protect her after her grandfather requested help to do so. However she starts to think about returning back to the US after meeting North and realising the chemistry they have. Can North protect Nikki, find out who is behind the plot, make sure everyone else is ok all at the same time? In all that chaos is there any change for Nikki and North to explore what seems to be likely (if they were to see it) and give being together a chance?.

Wow - this had a lot of drama and excitement as the plot unfolded and and more and more happened. There were a lot of twists and turns as the story unfolded and they discovered more and more people who were involved. I love Nikki who was very feisty and very strong willed and confident yet seemed to not lose her femininity when it was really needed. Well written, it was a great example of the SEAL based romance genre and fit very well into the series based at Legendary Security.

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Review: Hyper by John A. Autero 4 of 5 stars

Hyper by John A. Autero
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

On Earth in 2061 a deadly epidemic strikes and in an attempt to save as many humans as possible they have to restart on another planet - the one chosen being Mars. However to ensure no one who is contaminated get to Mars there are a network of decontamination depots half way there to check all passengers and cargo first. Charlie and Linda Kennedy live a relatively quiet life on Decontamination Depot, D.D. 315 - Charlie looking after the technical aspects there like refuelling and Linda welcomes the guests and feeds them good food before they go on their way. However a whodunit then ensues as some people are murdered and the station has been programmed to self-destruct. Can Charlie protect Linda, work out who the murderer is and save the station?

This was definitely a classic whodunit set in space however I did find it hard to get into at first. What I can say for sure is that I did not see the ending coming and who the actual murderer was. I did like the writing style as it was clear and I understood everything that was happening. The characters felt real and were relate-able. There are some fairly graphic descriptions of the epidemic and the murders.

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Review: Markus by Solease M. Barner 5 of 5 stars

Markus by Solease M. Barner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Markus Black is a vampire and has been passionate about his work and building his business empire for years - nothing detracts him from that goal. However he is suddenly hit with an insatiable thirst for blood and sex and so his well ordered life starts to fall apart. Then he picks up a scent and his focus switches to finding the owner of that scent who he HAS to make his no matter what it takes. When he finds her Rachel Jones is a witch who is on the run with her two aunts from a coven intent on killing her - anything with a vampire is completely off her agenda - however when she meets him she cannot deny there is some kind of an attraction there. Will they manage to save each other or both perish?

I loved this story because it was a great merge between the witch and the vampire worlds. It was great the way Markus tried really hard to show restraint and to be the protector whilst trying not to be horribly overbearing, and it was great the way Rachel struggled with the fact that he was a vampire (traditionally hated by witches. There were a lot of different viewpoints and opinions in the story which definitely expanded the view of the Vampire's Thirst books and was a welcome change. Well written I enjoyed the writing style and the way the story was developed and built up as it progressed. Definitely recommended.

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Review: Condemned: A Vampire Blood Courtesan Romance by Julia Mills 5 of 5 stars

Condemned: A Vampire Blood Courtesan Romance by Julia Mills
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bonnie's brother has been imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit and is currently under a death sentence. She has been trying desperately to find a way to prove his innocence but he has never had a decent lawyer to prove that it couldn't have been him, so in desperation she tries the last resort - renowned lawyer Remy Newman, - however the price for his help will be her body and her blood - something that just revolts her. Can she make this deal with what she sees as the "devil" or will she let her brother die in prison?

This was a charming story in the Blood Courtesans group of stories that I think connected nicely with characters from earlier books in the Blood Courtesans books too (you do not need to read those first). The story had a good level of drama and danger and I loved that Bonnie was so feisty and strong. I lovely tale of love and a charming HEA at the end too. A great light read.

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Review: Realms and Rebels by C.M. Stunich by Eva Chase 5 of 5 stars

Realms and Rebels by C.M. Stunich by Eva Chase
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This contains the reviews for the stories I have read so far - I will add to it as I read more of them:

A great collection of books that is a complete bargain. Anyone who loves reverse harem needs to buy this.

Raven's Fall by Eva Chase 5 stars

This is a Novella set in the worlds and with a character from the "Their Dark Valkyrie series of books"
In this story featuring Odin's Raven Muninn is given the ability to change from a Raven into a Woman (if only she could master how to do that) and is pushed into another world in order to assess it for him and report back on how it is there.

I loved this novella and how it progressed into something that fit very nicely between books one and two in the series. It was well written and well told and can be read easily whether you have read the series or not (although it did add to my understanding of the end in book two).

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Review: In Black We Trust: A Quentin Black Paranormal Mystery by JC Andrijeski 5 of 5 stars

In Black We Trust: A Quentin Black Paranormal Mystery by JC Andrijeski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Quentin Black is a psychic detective and together with his wife Miri they find themselves on the run from all the US government departments he used to work with as a coup is underway. So they are forced to flee the country as they try to work out who is behind this coup and make deals with their own enemy - vampires. When they return to Washington DC and the centre of the conspiracy Black starts to realise that he somehow needs to stop the architect repeating history in a really bad way. Can Black do anything to fix things?

Wow - this story was just full of intrigue, drama, action and passion. I loved the way this book pulled together so many elements that anyone who has read the Bridge and Sword World by the same author will recognise some characters, some mannerisms and some parts of the story (although reading it is NOT a prerequisite). The person behind the coup and their aims were a complete surprise that I didn't quite pick up, and it left a lot of questions that I'll need to wait for the next book in this series to tell me answers to. Well written and packed with twists and turns, this was a really enjoyable read.

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Review: The Krinar's Obsession by Melody Dawn 4 of 5 stars

The Krinar's Obsession by Melody Dawn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After the filed attack by the resistance Krinar Guardian Ralen is asked to go to Earth and protect Mia's best friend Jessie Lin in case she is used to get to Mia. However the protection details turns into an obsession and he continues to watch her after he should have stopped - he decides nothing will stop him taking her for himself (including her human boyfriend Edgar) - even if it destroys his career. So when she plans on introducing Edgar to her parents Ralen decides it's now or never and take her for himself. The question is can she forgive him or will he be wiped fr his actions?

This was a sweet novella that definitely had me smiling. Ralen was so focused and Jessie Lin was so determined not to give in to him because he was a K that they created a few comedic moments that had me chuckling slightly. I did find the ending to be a little rushed as I felt she made her eventual decision very quickly considering the circumstances. I nice light read that was well written and easy to understand.

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Review: Greyson by J.M. Walker 5 of 5 stars

Greyson by J.M. Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Greyson Mercer meets Eve when she is found in a wood by some members in his MC club and immediately feels something for her. Eve on the other hand is in a bit of a state physically and has clearly run away from somewhere (or someone) but has absolutely no memory. Greyson had been on his own for so long he was shut off emotionally but with Eve chipping away at him he was focused on a future with her - until she was ripped away from him but someone from her past.

Wow - we first met Greyson in the author's King Harlots MC Series but it was great to see him finally get a chance at happiness and the kind of future I think he deserved. I did find some aspects of the story a little far fetched but it certainly didn't detract from the overall story and I loved the strong sassy character of Eve who definitely made an impact on the whole MC Club even with no memory. This story definitely features graphic sex and violence descriptions so don't read this if you are looking for a gentle romance. Well written, I loved the way there were twists and turns in the story and it wasn't easily predicted.

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Review: The Illumination Query by Sarah Baethge 3 of 5 stars

The Illumination Query by Sarah Baethge
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ronald Carpenter is a zookeeper and is struggling to find some escaped creatures when a mysterious and secretive company called Eclipse however it then becomes clear that they use nefarious means and so he struggles with his conscience when they offer him a job earning more money - can he leave the job he loves and helps then to do something he feels is wrong? Nigel Hunter has a theory on how to give people the move amazing movement capabilities so Eclipse agree to repeating his experiment on himself in the lab however it has a dreadful effect of them taking him a prisoner and keeping him in the lab with the other test subjects. So when Roger and Nigel are pit against each other which one of them is going to win?

Wow this is a very dark science fiction story that certainly challenges the reader to suspend what they believe is normal. I liked the story but I did find the format of it being like a series of notes more than a little irritating as I got further through the story. I feel it would probably work better as a physical book and not as an e-book - I just struggled to cope with the different formats, the notes, the comments about not being a writing - they got a bit tiring towards the end. Well written and easy to understand even though I found it a bit strange.

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Review: The Vampire's Executioner: Book 1 in The Somerset Supernaturals Series by Isadora Brown 4 of 5 stars

The Vampire's Executioner: Book 1 in The Somerset Supernaturals Series by Isadora Brown
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Grant (just Lizzy as she insists) is a tops rated assassin working for the Nocturnal Defence Society (NDS) but then gets the sort of assignment she would certainly never volunteer for - being the bodyguard for Nikolai Dragulia who is due to inherit the crown and then rule over the Vampire society. Lizzy just sees him as a spoilt and arrogant prince that she is being sent to babysit - a complete and utter waste of her skills! However as she starts to analyse and investigate the people who as suspected to be behind the plot to kill him she concludes that this really is a big thing and could change everything about the vampire society. As for Nikolai feels he doesn't need Lizzy babysitting him as she might be gorgeous but she is irritating and has one hell of an attitude problem. However as it all becomes clearer and so many people are involved in this plot he realises she might be the only person he actually CAN trust.

This is a tale of politics, intrigue and ultimately of love. I loved the attitude that Lizzy had although I was surprised there were no complaints about her to her management. I enjoyed the major politics between the various vampires as lets be honest what else are they going to do with such a long lifespan. Well written and easy to understand. A pleasant read.

** Please note - this book was originally published as An Education in Royalty.

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Review: Talon by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Talon by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Talon Lore was a SEAL and has been recovering since 2 years ago his squad's truck was deliberately rerouted over an antitank landmine where one died and the other 6 suffered life changing injuries. Badger Horley (one of the team) realised it was deliberate later plus family members or loved ones of the team have died in accidents (that appear in retrospect to not be) and so they are now investigating it. As part of the investigation Talon has to go and see the sister of his best friend and tell her his was murdered not in an accident. Clary Witcher was his girlfriend until she issued him and ultimatum and he chose to stick with the Navy. Now he has to see her after 10 years plus he needs to try and keep her safe. From Clary's point of view she has never forgotten Talon and has not been able to move on even though she had married. She is now divorced but knows if love won't make him stay then she will face danger on her own.

Gosh - as with all of these stories it was a roller-coaster of emotions, action and progress on the search for the person behind their comrade's death and the murders of their loved ones. The book went from emotional moments, to danger, drama and action. The one thing you will definitely be able to say about this book is that you cannot be be bored . There were a few surprises and twists/turns which also kept the interest going in the story. It well written and everything thing was well written and explained to the reader. I enjoyed the way it ended and it was great to have a summary of where they were with the mystery and what they intended to do next.

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Review: The Vexation of Vampires by Chrys Cymri 5 of 5 stars

The Vexation of Vampires by Chrys Cymri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Penny comes to the end of her time in Lloegyr so has to renew her life as the village priest back in England while still being the liaison between the two countries. Clyde is with her and he needs to heal from the wounds he willingly received while they all get used to her new deacon who is also a vampire. Then of course she needs to talk to Peter to make some decisions before their wedding. However she has some major distractions from Lloegyr - Raven is still not right, there seems to be a camp fr snail sharks in the back garden, the UK government wants her to work out why vampires are trying to migrate to England and she still has not had the discussion with Peter. Can she cope with everything or will something have to give?

I loved this story. It had so many parallels with the world we currently live in - prejudice, refugees, protectionism, overreactions to name just a few. Maybe this book could be suggested reading for politicians? As for the situation between Penny and Peter - it's on track to be the way I've really wanted it to be (and that is all I'm going to say). The writing was to a good standard and everything was clear and easy to understand. I loved the way that the characters felt real (they were not perfect and had flaws) and had their own unique personality. I even found a few parts of it funny so expect to be surprised at times too.

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Review: Zondura by Daniel J. Strait 5 of 5 stars

Zondura by Daniel J. Strait
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nakiata and Dravone go through the black door they encountered at the end of the previous book and immediately find danger themselves in Zondura and in danger in the throne room of the Prowess. They fight their way out of the castle and start an epic journey taking help wherever they can as they continue on their quest.

This episode of the story has continued to be an epic tale where they cross a new world and meet all sorts of fantastic creatures and peoples. All of the different lifeforms were very clearly described and had their own very unique behaviours and looks. I loved the way that the relationship between Nakiata and Dravone developed and wonder if there will be some sort of romance between them as the story unfolds? Everything moved towards the next part of the story as it ended as they went through the next black door. This is definitely developing into a great story. Well written I really loved reading it.

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Review: Call of Darkness: Book 2 in The Vampire Pirate Saga by Isadora Brown by Rebecca Hamilton 5 of 5 stars

Call of Darkness: Book 2 in The Vampire Pirate Saga by Isadora Brown by

Rebecca Hamilton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kelia Starling is pretending to be Sightless which means she is a servant washing dishes, mopping floors - you get the picture. While she does all of that she is investigating the murder of her father by the Society and is also doing a favour for Drew Knight to find a woman called Wendy Parsons who they believe is a captive of the Society. Then she discovers that her father had set up a forced breeding programme between Shadows and the Sightless and it appears she has just been enrolled in it.

This certainly had plenty of drama, intrigue, twists and turns as Kelia navigated her way through all the theories, facts and events to find the truth. I found myself really gunning for her and wanting her to find all the answers she was looking for. Clearly told and well explained it was easy to understand everything although I do think you have to read the first book in the series first - this is not one that you can pick up from a later book.

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