Review: The Humility of Humans by Chrys Cymri 5 of 5 stars

The Humility of Humans by Chrys Cymri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

C of E vicar Penny White has known about the magical country of Lloegyr for some months now and yet in many ways, it feels like years. She has become used to living alongside dragons, gryphons, werewolves, and a snail shark (to mention just a few) and is even married to dragon Raven. On a trip back Raven is attacked by men in a helicopter and they only just make it back to safety. As part of that trip, Penny made some major decisions to face the consequences of her actions with all parties - marrying Raven has certainly complicated her relationship with the Church and Bishop Aeron plus there’s renewed danger from Cadw ar Wahânas the secretive group takes new action against those who dare to find love outside their own species. Now it is becoming clear that the British government is rounding up all refugees stuck there from Lloegyr and putting them into detention centres and her family have had to go into hiding. It seems that the rat kings are involved if only she can work out how. Can she find a way to save everyone she loves?

This was the last book in the series and was certainly full of plenty of revelations and we finally managed to work out a few things. I loved the way that the final resolutions in the story all centred on how people could be trusted to do the right thing and that people power was far more important than the opinions of those in power and their hidden agendas. I felt quite tearful at the end of some well known and loved characters as well as punching in the air with delight at the way that some parts of the drama ended (especially around one of the major buildings in central London. I loved the way it ended although I am also heartbroken that the series has ended. Well written, easy to read and understand. Surely this has to be made into some kind of a film as I can see some of the messages in this being great for children to see and experience (as well as all the fantastic creatures).

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Review: The Business of Bees by Chrys Cymri 5 of 5 stars

The Business of Bees by Chrys Cymri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

C of E vicar Penny White has known about the magical country of Lloegyr for 18 months now and yet in many ways, it feels like years. he has become used to living alongside dragons, gryphons, werewolves, and a snail shark (to mention just a few) which has turned out to be a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it has been an absolute joy with many memorable moments to cherish, but on the other, it has been a major challenge, plus since the closing of the thin spaces between the worlds she is stuck there with no way to communicate back home. She had hoped that her friends would understand that the occasional glass of red wine or tot of whiskey were all part of her coping with the multitude of events in her life including her work with the not-weres at Saint Raphael’s which while rewarding play havoc with her stomach. Then she has a decision to make - stick with longtime friend dragon Raven or accept the marriage proposal from werewolf Llewellyn back at Saint Raphael’s. Decisions have to be made when she receives a delegation of gryphons who have flown across the Atlantic from the Daear equivalent of the United States of America to ask for her help in convincing honey bees to return back to Earth. Can she handle all of this and not touch a drop of drink let alone will she succeed with this new mission?

I really enjoyed this story which contained plenty of soul searching and analysis of others as well as herself on top of some action as part of the story. Throughout it all, Penny while struggling with her own dilemmas, managed to do her best to find a peaceful solution to the problems that she was drawn into through no fault of her own. Whilst it might on the face of it strike you as a story with a strong a religious angle, it is still a very enjoyable read as the common themes of love, respect and seeking joy in everything that affects you. I loved the way her relationships with the core characters in the series developed further and I was totally thrilled with the events at the end of the story - I just hope that the Bishop doesn't ruin things. Well written and very enjoyable, it is much easier to read this if you have read the earlier books in the series (which I recommend as great reads).

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Review: The Weariness of Were-Wolves by Chrys Cymri 5 of 5 stars

The Weariness of Were-Wolves by Chrys Cymri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Penny's life is complicated. The humans who are stuck in Lloegyr are in need of homes, food and jobs, Search dragon Raven is starting to want to know if they have a future together, were-wolf Llewelyn wants them to be more than just partners in the ministry, Clyde has a calling to become a priest (which is not universally accepted) and Penny gains responsibility for a warren of were-rabbits. Is it any wonder she has the occasional glass of whiskey to cope with it all?

Penny was certainly busy in this story. It was great to see her as very human in this one and that she can be just as susceptible as anyone else. Lets of drama and excitement in this one and I feel her relationship with Raven met a turning point at the very end - one that I sincerely hope brings them both happiness in the next book in the series. Well written and very enjoyable, this was a joy for anyone who loves stories set in fantastical worlds with dragons, unicorns, etc. Very much recommended.

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Review: The Nest of Nessies by Chrys Cymri 5 of 5 stars

The Nest of Nessies by Chrys Cymri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After her breakup with Peter can Lloegyr ease her pain? Possibly although Raven is at a monastery fighting the Noble Leader's spirit's influence so not as available as she would like. Then a nest of nessies have a missing UK submarine and the government want her help to get it and the crew back. Then a ded merwoman turns up in a killer whale's pool in a park, the killer whale is not what he seems, the archdruid wants to cash-in on her promise and asks for refuge for a winged unicorn and the vampires in her church would prefer to be naked at meetings. It's enough to put a person over the edge which all comes to a head when it becomes apparent that the submarine commander is very interested in the thin places they travelled through on their journey home. Can Penny make all the right decisions, rescue or return everyone in time, and work through all the problems in her own life?

I loved this story with was full of drama, danger, twists and turns as Penny tried her best to work through the politics and preferences of all the different races and nations she encountered (including her own). Through all of that, Raven stood by her and did everything he could to help her through all of the various problems. Sklar did all she could to help in the church which culminated in her ordination as a priest. I loved the importance of family and the protectiveness Penny had for all creatures and her loved ones which remained steadfast no matter the problems she encountered. Well written and very enjoyable, you really need to start this charing series and lose yourself in this world of fantastical creatures.

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Review: Taryn's Hunt: A Gryphon's Story by Chrys Cymri 4 of 5 stars

Taryn's Hunt: A Gryphon's Story by Chrys Cymri
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gryphon and Police Inspector Taryn is very proud of her record which shows that even with her small sie she can capture the most hardened criminals. However, when her Superintendent gives her a human male as her partner, Peter has to prove to her that he is capable of actually being her partner as they look into a series of suspicious deaths. Can they get to the bottom of this mystery?

This is a short story covering how Peter met his working partner Taryn before the Penny White series of books. It was a delightful story showing how there can be doubts between the occupants of the two worlds and how they can be thrown aside as they learn how to trust each other. A good read if you needed an introduction to the world featured in the series.

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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: The Vengeance of Snails by Chrys Cymri 5 of 5 stars

The Vengeance of Snails by Chrys Cymri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Penny's life has certainly not been dull since finding out about the country of Lloegyr where magical creatures live and she is a liaison between her diocese and the country. Her household has expanded to include a family of gryphons, a snail shark (who sing's hymns) and she sees her fried Raven regularly (who is a dragon). She does have one large secret - she is the one who killed the mother of Clyde (the snail shark) with a shovel and has never told him. However the mystical country does have dangers - in Fact Penny's brother James is still recovering from an incident. This book is the story of Clyde, his interaction with the other snail sharks in Lloegyr and what happens.

Wow - this book was very dramatic and contained a large amount of drama and action. There was so much danger in places but Penny was her usual self and her faith helped her to remain fearless. She kept her humanity and determination to make sure that all creatures were treated the same and that there were no underclasses. It was lovely to read some of her conversations with the various creatures that were not behaving the way she thought was right and fair. Peter became her fiance and struck me as a bit of an enigma not having the same values as Penny - so I'm still going to hold out for the home that she will end up with the person who truly loves her - Raven. Great read that will keep you as addicted as I was.

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Review: The Marriage of Gryphons Chrys Cymri 5 of 5 stars

The Marriage of Gryphons by Chrys Cymri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Penny White is a parish priest but is also a liaison between the human world and the parallel magical world of Daear where supernaturals are the norm. She has to balance her time between the two worlds, while looking after her parish, her brother James, a small snail shark called Clyde, working with her gryphon Associate Morey and trying to fit in time for her boyfriend Peter. Then her friend Dragon Raven goes missing and she has to go to the Arctic and try to find him before something unthinkable happens. Then Morey announces he is engaged to be married to Taryn and in the process of proving his worth to marry her they all have to be in danger - especially James. Can she keep everyone safe and keep the peace?

Wow - this book (3 in the series) contains lots of drama, danger, twists and turns that they all need to navigate and come out the other side safely. The trials in order the marry Taryn were interesting and very detailed in what they involved and I could definitely imagine that kind of society having something like that. The book contained some parts that definitely had parallels in the human world in our history and it was nice to understand just how young their society was and it was clear that it had not established the same behaviours as our own. Well written and with detailed descriptions meant it felt like I was there experiencing the same things as they were. A great read.

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Review: The Cult of Unicorns by Chrys Cymri 5 of 5 stars

The Cult of Unicorns by Chrys Cymri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Penny White is a rural vicar in England who has only in recent months learned about the realm of Lloegyr in the parallel world of Daear where fantastical creatures from her imagination speak Welsh and live a Christian Life that she is a liaison to. However life is complicated - on the one side she has a connection to the dragon Raven who takes her out on exciting excursions, the on the other is the police Inspector Peter who is just as obsessed with Dr Who as she is. In the Lloegyr realm Unicorns are seen as the wise arbiters between the faces but when humans appear in Northampton with injuries like those you can imagine are caused by a long horn Penny has to get involved and investigate before it turns into something bigger.

Wow - this second instalment didn't disappoint as it contains as much excitement, drama and danger as the previous book did. I loved the little love triangle between Penny, Raven and Peter which almost felt like it was being settled at the end of this book but I feel it will completely change dynamic in the next story. I loved the descriptions of the various types of fantastical creatures, their environment and features which all combined to give me a clear picture in my mind of what and who where in the story. After the events of the previous book I just wanted to give her brother a hug and tell him that it would be alright. Can't wait to read the next book now.

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Review: The Temptation of Dragons by Chrys Cymri 5 of 5 stars

The Temptation of Dragons by Chrys Cymri
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Penny White is a rural vicar in England who came across a dragon fatally injured in a RTC and was asked to give him the last rites - little did she know that it would signal a change in her life that would turn it upside down. She now has been introduced to a world she only dreamed of, a Gryphon called Morey for a companion and her younger brother returned from New Zealand to contend with. Add to that having to negotiate with a cannibalistic family, running from snail sharks a handsome dragon called Raven and a handsome police inspector who is also a sci-fi junkie and is it any wonder she has to turn to red wine and single malt whisky? Can she navigate this complex parallel world, it's customs and an errant younger brother and keep her sanity?

Wow - this was an amazing parallel world that was carefully crafted by the author in this story. Penny was eccentric but very easy to sympathise with in so many ways as she went from event to crisis to resolution in this roller-coaster ride. I found myself on this journey with her to a crazy new life that I'm sure many of us wishes we could have for real. I loved the way real life would impose itself into the new world she was now part of. Everything is setting the scene for a great love triangle between her, Raven and Peter. I know which one I want her to choose.

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