Tabitha Tomala

Being a cleaner may not be the most glamorous job, but Opal loves going through abandoned properties and searching for items to sell. Although lately she’s been down on her luck, scrounging for anything to help her dwindling bank account. When her latest property comes with a body included, Opal knows she should just walk away. But something tells her the deceased owner may be hiding something worth a lot of money. After all, not every person uses unique magical markings to protect their house. But as she digs deeper into the truth, another interested party surfaces. One willing to do anything to claim what’s hidden.

The world of Minimum Wage Magic is fascinating. The Detroit Free Zone, otherwise known as DFZ, is a living city. Filled with its own magic, it also has a soul. GPS is a must in DFZ as at any point the city can decide to move the buildings around and grow new ones! Rachel Aaron did a great job capturing the life of the city and its personality through the eyes of the characters. While it isn’t exactly sentient, it certainly has its own opinions.

Minimum Wage Magic leans on the sleuthing side as Opal searches for clues to what she hopes will be her next big score. There’s some action to keep the plot moving, but for the most part, it deals with character interactions and building the world of DFZ. A personal mystery is layered into the main plot as well, slowly revealing who Opal is and to who she owes money. This adds a nice level of tension throughout the story as Opal has a set due date for her next loan payment.

Opal and her AI Sybil are quite the team as they investigate. Programmed to keep her well-being in mind, Sybil is the constant reminder to do the safe thing. However, as readers will soon find out, through the hilarious back and forth dialogue between the two, Opal doesn’t always listen to the safe choice. And Sybil has quite the personality built into her allowing her to voice opinions on Opal’s actions.

The one downside I found to the story was the romantic tension. Opal being fully invested in her goal was oblivious most of the time. And the character who was interested in Opal wasn’t the best at voicing their feelings. While this fit with their personalities, when the story began to draw the romantic interest into focus, it didn’t quite fit in. I do hope to see what develops between the two as the story continues.

I will say though, being a Shadowrun player, the number of Easter eggs in Minimum Wage Mage made my role-playing heart sing. From the political and corporate overload dragons to the verbiage and slang used. I loved being able to view a world I’ve been immersed in as a player come to life in a completely new way.

This is marketed as a spin-off series, but have no fear, you can read Minimum Wage Magic without any of the other books. If you're a fan of urban fantasies and a science fantasy world, give it a try.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Tower of Swallows

Ciri has taken up a life of banditry, earning a name for herself and her gang. But being notorious criminals comes with a price. Ciri's carefree life comes to a violent end as she is captured and forced to fight for her life. Meanwhile, Geralt still searches for Ciri, plagued by nightmares and guilt. He journeys to find the Druids, believing they will lead him to Ciri. But along the way, he will find there is a price on his head and those that seek to collect the reward will carve a bloody path to receive their coin.

Now that all the political maneuvering has taken place in Baptism of Fire, we're finally able to focus on the characters once more. Immediately you are thrown into Ciri's storyline and all she has been through since the events of the previous book. The Tower of Swallows will show you some of the darkest parts of Ciri's journey, and her ultimate breaking point. But from that low dark place, she will rise to take up the sword and carve out the path to her destiny.

Now there were parts of this book I found hard to read, and not due to politics this time. Some of the ideologies and focus on sexualization turned my stomach. At the same time, I recognize that these elements were used to show the darker sides of history and certain characters, but I still felt it was unnecessary.

The storytelling itself was a bit disjointed, but I did like the idea of viewing Ciri's story from a mix of primary and secondary characters. Listening to it on audiobook was a bit hard. There is no clear distinction between the alternating viewpoints until suddenly you find another character making comments on the situation. But I have a feeling that was done on purpose and I would have felt the same reading the physical book.

The Tower of Swallows returned The Witcher series back to its roots of action and adventure. Despite its downfalls, I enjoyed once again seeing the characters struggle towards their goals and the comedic relief of Dandelion. I hope the final book, Lady of the Lake, does this series justice.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Gamble: Two Lives Away

Thank you to Z Jeffries for providing me with a copy for an honest review!

Chase and Harla may be decades apart, but they are both fighting for the same cause. To end the game. Stolen from his time, Chase is forced to participate in a futuristic version of the game. His captors refuse to divulge any information and sedate him as they please. And in their original timeline, Harla is caught between enemies fighting for her life and those she cares about.

Dealing with two different timelines can be tricky. Especially if they are happening side by side in a narrative. But when you have advanced technology, it makes things a bit easier. As readers follow Chase in the future, he can watch games recorded in the past. And of course, he's going to watch the very game he was stolen from. Z Jeffries keeps readers on the edge of their seats, pulling Chase and the readers away from the past events at pivotal moments. Readers are left wondering what has happened to the characters and if they even survived. You can't help but continue reading, driving forward with the need to know what happened.

Gamble: Two Lives Away is an important book for Chase. He's come a long way since book one. He's loved, lost, and gained new insight into who he is as a person. When all his control is taken away by a mysterious person named the Gatherer, he fights all the more to do what is right. And as he sees the future laid out before him, he realizes things have to change.

With each new addition to The Hide and Seek Chronicles the stakes are raised. And separating the two best players in the game makes it all the more challenging to bring down the game. But readers are left to wonder if Chase is forced to fight in the future, is it even possible to end it? Harla and Chase certainly aren't willing to give up and it will be an action-packed ride to watch them try and beat the odds.

And as if the book wasn't already good enough, Gamble: Two Lives Away will have startling revelations for readers. I certainly didn't see some of the twists. I love this series. The tech keeps evolving, characters are forced to push past their limits and I am constantly amazed at what Chase and Harla can accomplish.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Million Dollar Demon

The Hollows are dissolving into chaos as the new master vampire, Constance, sinks her fangs into Cincinnati. Uprooting witches, demons, vampires, and all other denizens, she's staking a claim on the territory for her camarilla and leaving hosts of people homeless. But the citizens of the Hollows won't go down without a fight. Rachel finds herself among those tossed onto the streets and what starts as a joke curse to needle Constance, evolves into a war. And at the end of their conflict, Cincinnati will either have a master vampire, or a master demon overseeing the city.

Million Dollar Demon will push Rachel to new magical heights and open her eyes to the possibilities around her. For most of the series Rachel has relied on Jenks and Ivy, but this time Ivy is wrapped up in vampire politics and out of the picture. Rachel and Jenks will team up with an assortment of characters as they clash with an unhinged master vampire. The chemistry and comradery experienced in this book bring it to a new level of enjoyment. Now don't get me wrong, I love Ivy and the way she plays an important part in the team, but Kim Harrison is shifting the series in a new direction. We knew it had to happen at some point. Rachel, Ivy, and Jenks have been evolving as characters and heading in this direction for quite some time. But have no fear, this story is just as entertaining as the previous novels.

Kim Harrison never fails to put her characters into challenging situations, forcing them to change plans last minute and improvise. The conflict and tension are so well written, drawing both characters and readers into the moment. But despite all she faces, Rachel will never change who she is or what she fights for. She will never cross the line so many are pushing her to cross. And that is one of the core reasons I love her character. Despite all the stress, pressure, and internal torment, Rachel does what is right. She may make mistakes, she may second guess herself, but at the root of it all, she is a good person and does her best for those she loves.

I've said it so many times and yet I'll say it again and again. The Hollows is my absolute favorite urban fantasy series. The characterization is remarkable, the plot is constantly evolving and twisting in ways you can't predict, and the world-building is so incredible. If you love urban fantasy, you have to give this series a try.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Come Tumbling Down

Welcome back to The Moors my fellow readers. Where lightning holds power and the dead come back to life. Jill has stolen Jacks' body in her obsession to become a vampire. And the OCD Wolcott twin now stuck in Jill's body is slowly going insane. Unless Jack can reclaim her body, she will die her final death. It's time for the wayward children to embark on another quest.

Seanan McGuire has added even more diversity into her series by including characters that use their own form of ASL. I love how each new book adds to the inclusive cast of characters. Wayward Children encompasses people from all walks of life. And as you immerse yourself in this fantastical series, you also see how the various worlds accept people for who they are.

We all know the Moors to be dark and foreboding. But the cast of characters that find themselves questing in this Frankenstein inspired world are unique. How can you not laugh at Sumi's nonsense logic in a logical world? And how about Cora's innocent and wary attitude when approaching anything new? Combine that with Kade's leadership and dedication, alongside Christopher's familiarity with the undead in his world of Mariposa. I couldn't help but laugh at their antics as they compared the Moors to their versions of weird versus normal.

Come Tumbling Down was another terrific addition to the Wayward Children series. I love the intense dark fantasy undertones, and the imagination that goes into each of these worlds. The ties of friendship or rivalry that bind all these children together are so craftily written. I never want this series to end.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Seraphina's Lament

Sarah Chorn's writing is as beautiful as it is devastating in Seraphina's Lament. The world's heart is dying, the people are starving, magic is fading away and the Gods are about to break what little is left behind. It is in no way a light-hearted story. But through poetic prose, the devastation that readers witness turns into something else. You can't help but follow along. Every single character is pushed to their breaking point. And when they implode, it is breathtaking.

From the first page, readers will be immersed in a terrifying world where the government has stripped everything outside of Land's Reach to nothing. And while their leader believes he is doing everything in his power to make things better, he is slowly killing everyone. His obsession with success blinds him to what is happening. He doesn't care, as long as his city is perfect in his eyes. And yet, while he strives for perfection, his slave Seraphina is never far from his side, an example of what his fury can bring.

Seraphina's body is broken. Pain is her everyday companion. And it is the price she paid for her brother's freedom. A woman capable of fire magic, and to all appearances beaten down. But you cannot contain fire forever. She is a slow-burning match, waiting for her moment to strike back. And as the Gods infest a chosen few with uncontrollable magic those who have been beaten down will rise again.

This novel is full of complex characters, each tortured by their past mistakes and current failures. Everyone is fighting for what they believe in and to save a dying world. But hope is a rare and deceiving emotion. Seraphina's Lament is a book fans of grimdark need to read. You will not be disappointed.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Bookish and the Beast

Bookish and the Beast is a geeky retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I picked this up to take a break from the heavier themed books I've been reading. This is a light-hearted, easy-to-read young adult novel. And the geekiness Once Upon a Con is known for, shines just as bright in this latest installment.

Rosie's life inexplicably changed when her mother passed away. College looms over her head as high school days are swiftly coming to an end, but she doesn't know what to do. She feels lost, drifting through each day. Until an accident leaves her face to face with Vance Reigns, the actor for General Sond in the newest Starfield movie. And while it might have once been her dream to meet him, the reality is he is a jerk.

Once Upon a Con does such a wonderful job portraying how fandom brings people together and helps them through life's hardest times. Rosie loves Starfield and the memories it brings of her mother. And true to style, it also shows the flip side of the fandom. This time readers will witness how the tabloids can bring an actor down. Vance deals with the pressures of gossip and poor choices made public.

I wouldn't say this is the best retelling, but Vance's behavior towards Rosie can certainly be described as beastly. Some may say he was too harsh, but Vance is in a difficult spot and angry at the world. I thought his part to play as the beast was great. However, I did expect more of a gradual decline in his behavior as the two began to know one another. It seemed rather abrupt when he went from the beast to realizing his mistakes and trying to be better.

I was not entirely comfortable with the portrayal of Gaston. Garret constantly pursues Rosie about homecoming despite her telling him no multiple times. While she stood her ground, there were moments where she felt she had to go with him. Why? If she doesn't want to go, and she has made it clear to the boy and her friends it is a no, why internalize saying yes? It was a mixed message that left me unsettled.

I have enjoyed the Once Upon a Con series, despite some of its downfalls. And I hope Ashley Poston will release a new one to continue the series.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Crystal Eye

For ten years Dusk has toiled away in the mines. His thoughts of freedom and escape long beaten out of him. When he discovers a hidden cavern in the mines, his life has the chance to change. Daring to take a gem from the bones of a long dead dragon, he hides his prize from the slave masters who would take it away. And when the next chance for escape arises, he finds a new sense of hope and seizes the moment. Dusk must choose who he trusts wisely as he pursues a life of freedom. His path will be plagued by dark encounters and powers he never imagined existed.

While it has a slow start, as the plot progresses, The Crystal Eye reveals itself to be a solid fantasy novel. The world-building and lore are framed as stories and children's tales told to Dusk by a fellow character named Lex. But have no fear, there are no large bouts of exposition. Blake R. Wolfe keeps the stories contained as easy to understand pieces and Dusk's enthusiasm to learn more about the world makes it all the more entertaining. He constantly questions the information he takes in. Dusk has such a thirst for life, it's hard not to smile at his wide-eyed view of the world, learning all he can.

There are some points where the rising action and resulting conflicts didn't quite line up. Specifically, in the earlier chapters, I wanted to see Lex and Dusk struggle more in their journey. I feel like some parts were played a bit safe, and could have built up the intensity. However, stick with it. The latter half of the book picks up in intensity and I have a feeling book two is going to be even better.

That being said, I'm a big fan of stories where characters reach their lowest points and struggle to make their life better. The Crystal Eye is the perfect example of such a story. Dusk has a lot to learn on the road. Watching him grow confident in himself and his abilities was rewarding. I truly enjoyed the character development and watching Dusk learn the complications that come with forging a friendship. I can't wait to see what is in store for the characters next.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Test of the Twins

Using Crysania as his shield, Raistlin enters the abyss in search of the Dark Queen. Heedless of the wounds Crysania takes in his stead, Raistlin's only goal is to kill Takhisis and ascend to Godhood. Meanwhile, Tas and Caramon have traveled forward in time and lay witness to the devastation left behind. But as they journey back to save the world, they will find it isn't only Raistlin at fault. Kitara has once again taken up the mantle of Highlord, eager to earn her piece of power.

Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman have shown readers the damage codependency can create when one side no longer needs the other. Readers have witnessed Caramon at his darkest moments, battling to reclaim his life. And while he has come a long way since Time of the Twins, the struggle is far from over. Pitted against one another, Raistlin and Caramon will engulf the readers in a tension filled storyline, rife with action and heartbreak.

Raistlin's character has always fascinated me. He can be so cruel, yet he will perform small acts of kindness for those who are looked down on. Throughout Test of the Twins, as he makes darker and darker decisions, you keep hoping there is something left behind of the character you once knew. He wraps the reader around his finger, bringing to life a conflict of emotions. I found myself questioning why I was drawn to Raistlin. And yet still as I read, a part of me hoped he would find what he was looking for, even if it meant the end of the world.

And amongst all the tension and conflict, lighter moments are thrown in to draw the reader back from the edge. Tasslehoff has a more prominent presence in Test of the Twins. And you can always count on good old Tas to bring humor. He has a heart of gold and does everything he can to help his friends. His antics will win you over from the moment he steps on the page.

Revisiting this trilogy was such a delight. The characters are wonderfully crafted. And the storyline is filled to the brim with complex relationships, swords and sorcery, as well as timeless world-building. If you haven't given Dragonlance a try yet, what are you waiting for?

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Serpent & Dove

Louise le Blanc fled her coven and took residence in the one town she thought she'd be safe, Cesarine. Hiding in plain sight, Louise gave up her magic and became a street thief. But the atrocities of the Church will never let her forget she is a witch. The Chasseurs hunt any who would dare show magic in the city, and she is reminded time and again why she must never use her power. But when a public incident involving Louise and Chasseur Reid Diggory threatens to bring embarrassment to the Church, they will find their fates woven together. Bound by marriage, witch and Chasseur must find a balance, and Louise will have to be ever so careful.

Serpent & Dove is one of those books I picked up and put down time and time again at the bookstore. The cover lured me in, the premises sounded interesting, but I was worried it would fall into the repetitive young adult tropes. Then I received it as a secret Santa gift and decided to give it a try. And I am glad I did.

Do not expect a magic heavy story. If anything the magic accents the storyline instead of being the main focus. Yes, Louise is a witch, but using magic in Cesarine is a death sentence. In this world, magic evokes a smell that is impossible to miss. However, Louise is not defenseless without her magic. She has a sharp wit and survival instincts that save her in some of the most precarious situations.

Reid is set in his ways, as can be expected, and watching Louise unnerve him time again with her behavior is hilarious. While he tries to be in a constant state of control and seriousness, Louise breaks out into bawdy tavern songs and embarrasses him for the fun of it. With the two being complete opposites, it makes their story all the more entertaining. And Shelby Mahurin has a knack for putting her characters in compromising situations, ramping up the tension, and switching points of view in the next chapter, leaving you to wonder what happens next.

The romance in Serpent & Dove takes an extremely long time to develop, as it should. Most of the tension and conflict built into the story does not surround the relationship, but the outside forces opposing Louise. And by the time the plot starts to edge the two towards one another, there is enough history between them to make it work. I loved every moment of it, and I am not the type to root for romance in a novel.

Serpent & Dove is a well crafted story of enemies to lovers. There is a little bit of everything mixed into the storyline, daring heists, action, friendship, sisterhood, proof that love can be a powerful magic all it's own and so much more.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Test of the Twins

Using Crysania as his shield, Raistlin enters the abyss in search of the Dark Queen. Heedless of the wounds Crysania takes in his stead, Raistlin's only goal is to kill Takhisis and ascend to Godhood. Meanwhile, Tas and Caramon have traveled forward in time and lay witness to the devastation left behind. But as they journey back to save the world, they will find it isn't only Raistlin at fault. Kitara has once again taken up the mantle of Highlord, eager to earn her piece of power.

Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman have shown readers the damage codependency can create when one side no longer needs the other. Readers have witnessed Caramon at his darkest moments, battling to reclaim his life. And while he has come a long way since Time of the Twins, the struggle is far from over. Pitted against one another, Raistlin and Caramon will engulf the readers in a tension filled storyline, rife with action and heartbreak.

Raistlin's character has always fascinated me. He can be so cruel, yet he will perform small acts of kindness for those who are looked down on. Throughout Test of the Twins, as he makes darker and darker decisions, you keep hoping there is something left behind of the character you once knew. He wraps the reader around his finger, bringing to life a conflict of emotions. I found myself questioning why I was drawn to Raistlin. And yet still as I read, a part of me hoped he would find what he was looking for, even if it meant the end of the world.

And amongst all the tension and conflict, lighter moments are thrown in to draw the reader back from the edge. Tasslehoff has a more prominent presence in Test of the Twins. And you can always count on good old Tas to bring humor. He has a heart of gold and does everything he can to help his friends. His antics will win you over from the moment he steps on the page.

Revisiting this trilogy was such a delight. The characters are wonderfully crafted. And the storyline is filled to the brim with complex relationships, swords and sorcery, as well as timeless world-building. If you haven't given Dragonlance a try yet, what are you waiting for?

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Rogue Protocol

When we first met Murderbot the GrayCis Corporation attempted to kill Mensha and her crew. And once again the company is trying to cover up shady business deals. With the news of Murderbot's disappearance reaching a wider audience, it makes the decision to help Mensha and her public battle against GrayCis. After all, if the news explodes with the truth about the corporation, they'll forget all about a rogue murderbot, right?

Sometimes you don't realize what you're missing until you witness someone else experience it. The introduction of Miki as a character was the reality check Murderbot needed. Miki brought to the pages a life Murderbot never imagined a bot being able to live. As Murderbot tried to identify and process newfound emotions, you couldn't help but feel for it as a new realization began to take place. And while the new feelings put them in multiple uncomfortable situations, it also paves the way for further character development. Not to mention Miki's personality was adorable and the perfect counterbalance to Murderbot.

Rogue Protocol shows how hard it is to break free of the cycle you've been living almost your entire life. Murderbot was fit into a box. Everyone around it believed it was only good for one thing. Follow orders and kill when necessary. This novel is a pivotal turning point for Murderbot. And as it forges a new path, Martha Wells shows the growing pains and self-doubt that Murderbot's previous life has inflicted on it. Whether it's through a split-second reaction or the fear of being touched by a human, Murderbot has been subconsciously scarred.

Martha Wells continues to impress me with the way Murderbot is portrayed. And as much as I love the characterization that takes place, the plot is just as good. No time is wasted introducing a new cast of characters with each novella. And there is plenty of action and suspense to go around. I cannot get enough Murderbot!

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Of Honey and Wildfires

Shine oil is a valuable commodity controlled by one company. It can restore food, provide light and power, and also heal the wounded. Shine Company owns the land this oil is taken from and through it owns the people that reside there. Arlen Esco, heir to the Company, takes a journey to Shine Territory seeking adventure. But the harsh realities he finds will forever change him. The lives of those who work for the company are not as picturesque as he imagined.

Residing in Shine Territory, Cassandra grows up among ridicule and hatred. While the family she lives with does the best they can for her, it is impossible to hide the fact she is the daughter of an outlaw. One that has caused problems not only for the company, but the people forced to work for it to survive.

Be prepared, Of Honey and Wildfires is going to grab your heart. The prose is poetic and steeped in emotion, painting vivid imagery every step of the way. I found myself sinking into this world, never wanting to leave. I highlighted line after line on my Kindle, saving so many quotes. This book is a lyrical masterpiece, and the characters are just as powerful as the writing style.

While the book mainly focuses on Arlen and Cassandra, another character named Ianthe sneaks in chapters from time to time. Through their eyes, the reader experiences what it means to live in the shadow of Shine Company and how it has changed their lives. Each of them will face uncertainties and hardship, immersing the reader in an intricate story about love, loss, and family.

Sarah Chorn has created characters with true depth and complexity. And while the plot is nonlinear, each chapter is perfectly placed. The world unfolds across the pages, each chapter adding another layer to the experience that is Of Honey and Wildfires. Not to mention she has somehow mixed third and first-person points of view in a way that makes the story all the more captivating.

Of Honey and Wildfires is one of those books that I will be talking about for months, attempting to make everyone I know read it. Seriously, go buy this book or download it on Kindle Unlimited, you will not be disappointed. Meanwhile, I will be sitting, waiting for the sequel to release because you can be sure I already pre-ordered it.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Cuts that Cure

A big thank you to Blackthorn Book Tours for providing me a copy of The Cuts that Cure for an honest review.

Alex Brantley slogged through medical school, working long hours until he reached the point of burnout. But still, he persisted thinking everyone in his chosen profession felt the same way. Until he reached his breaking point and walked away from being a surgeon. Now loaded with college debt, Alex decides to start life over in Three Rivers as a science teacher. But his past isn't ready to let go of him. And one of his new students, Henry Wallis, is hiding a dark secret. One that may pull Alex down if he isn't careful.

The Cuts that Cure is a book unafraid to explore the dark sides of humanity. Readers will meet a cast of characters who harbor darkness within, and unleash it in various ways. This is not a book for those easily disturbed. Arthur Herbert is adept at balancing between multiple viewpoints and crafting a story that is as disturbing as it is compelling.

There were some points where characters had large bouts of exposition through dialog. Not all of the information seemed relevant to the story and slowed the progression down a bit. But once the characters finished talking they generally ended up in high-intensity moments that propelled the story forward once again.

And just when I thought I knew the main plot for The Cuts that Cure, Arthur Herbert threw a twist I never saw coming. It was like pulling the rug out from beneath my feet, and I stared at the pages wondering where the story could possibly go. But of course, I had to keep going, I had to know what else was in store for the characters. And the surprises kept coming, the story constantly shifting in new directions making it an unpredictable, but enjoyable read.

The Cuts that Cure is a book full of surprising twists, suspense, and some quite disturbing situations. If you enjoy psychological and medical thrillers, give it a try.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Artificial Condition

Murderbot is determined to find out the truth about its past. It's heard about the horrific tales of a mining massacre but thanks to the company wiping its memory, can't remember what happened that day. Was the mining incident an accident, or did it want to kill all those humans? Posing as an augmented human, Murderbot takes on a security job for a group of researchers in order to reach the mines. But helping them claim their stolen research isn't going to be easy. And as Murderbot searches for answers in the mines, it will discover a lot more than it's past.

Artificial Condition picks up right where the previous novel left off. Murderbot is trying to pass for an augmented human while it plans a route to the mines. Along the way, it encounters a sentient transport bot that it deems ART. If you thought All Systems Red was hilarious, wait until you read about ART and Murderbot trying to figure out humans. Between Murderbot's knowledge from watching TV and ART's ability to run searches and compound data quickly, they help each other understand human social cues and body language.

The evolution of Murderbot as a character is so clever. Bit by bit Murderbot's outlook of the world and those within it is expanding. And it's not only humans it's learning about, but other AI as well. Murderbot is guilty of putting AIs into categories based on type, even though it's a unique individual. Of course, that is until ART comes along and rewrites how Murderbot views its own kind.

An introvert after my own heart, Murderbot is a character I cannot get enough of. I am eager to see how else Murderbot will evolve as the series progresses. If you haven't tried the Murderbot Diaries yet give them a try. They are fast-paced sci-fi reads that are filled with action, sarcastic humor, and great storylines.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Unhinged

Alyssa has chosen the human realm over Wonderland. But there is a certain netherling that refuses to let her go. Morpheus invades her dreams every night, showing her glimpses of Wonderland and tempting her to return. Morpheus claims Wonderland is falling apart without Alyssa, but he is a devious trickster and she refuses to believe him. But when traces of Wonderland begin to appear in the human realm, it becomes harder to ignore the signs. Soon Alyssa will find herself fighting for not only Wonderland but the human realm as well.

After reading Splintered, I was ready for another dark and beautiful tale. But to my surprise, Unhinged was slower to progress than the first novel. Alyssa is filled with internal conflict and does not want to tap into her netherling side. She is determined to leave the magic and chaos behind. Due to Alyssa's steadfast attempts to avoid Wonderland, much of Unhinged focuses on a more typical young adult story. Senior year uncertainties, finals, prom, peers gossiping, etc. Granted there is some chaos thrown into the mix of a magical sort, but nothing that I expected.

However, A.G. Howard did a wonderful job keeping the emotional intensity between Jeb and Alyssa alive. I loved their scenes together and the energy they brought to the pages. And while they do have mundane obstacles to overcome with their relationship, adding Morpheus into the mix ramped up the tension. And he is not afraid to stir up trouble. He will pull out all his tricks and riddles in an attempt to lead Alyssa down darker roads.

And despite the slower pace, some landslide twists came about from Unhinged. While I could guess a few, others caught me completely by surprise. I do wish there had been more of the dark chaos which initially drew me into this series, but I recognize Unhinged for what it is, a setup book. I know how intoxicatingly dark this series can be, so I am willing to give it another try and read book three.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Unhinged

Alyssa has chosen the human realm over Wonderland. But there is a certain netherling that refuses to let her go. Morpheus invades her dreams every night, showing her glimpses of Wonderland and tempting her to return. Morpheus claims Wonderland is falling apart without Alyssa, but he is a devious trickster and she refuses to believe him. But when traces of Wonderland begin to appear in the human realm, it becomes harder to ignore the signs. Soon Alyssa will find herself fighting for not only Wonderland but the human realm as well.

After reading Splintered, I was ready for another dark and beautiful tale. But to my surprise, Unhinged was slower to progress than the first novel. Alyssa is filled with internal conflict and does not want to tap into her netherling side. She is determined to leave the magic and chaos behind. Due to Alyssa's steadfast attempts to avoid Wonderland, much of Unhinged focuses on a more typical young adult story. Senior year uncertainties, finals, prom, peers gossiping, etc. Granted there is some chaos thrown into the mix of a magical sort, but nothing that I expected.

However, A.G. Howard did a wonderful job keeping the emotional intensity between Jeb and Alyssa alive. I loved their scenes together and the energy they brought to the pages. And while they do have mundane obstacles to overcome with their relationship, adding Morpheus into the mix ramped up the tension. And he is not afraid to stir up trouble. He will pull out all his tricks and riddles in an attempt to lead Alyssa down darker roads.

And despite the slower pace, some landslide twists came about from Unhinged. While I could guess a few, others caught me completely by surprise. I do wish there had been more of the dark chaos which initially drew me into this series, but I recognize Unhinged for what it is, a setup book. I know how intoxicatingly dark this series can be, so I am willing to give it another try and read book three.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: All Systems Red

Murderbot has hacked its own governor module. Technically it doesn't have to listen to anyone or follow any program commands. But it does have to keep up some semblance of functionality so the company doesn't find out it's been hacked. When Murderbot is rented by a team of scientists, it will encounter humans that have never worked with a SecUnit before. And just when it thinks the contract is going to be a boring one, the unexpected happens. Suddenly Murderbot will find itself doing a lot more than watching the scientists dig up soil samples.

Murderbot's personality is fantastic. Picture a robot who knows it has a job to do, but would rather sit and watch soap operas all day. Begrudgingly Murderbot follows commands from the scientists, but it ignores all system commands. And every chance it gets, Murderbot is dissing the corporation that owns it. Martha Wells does clever world-building through Murderbot's sarcastic remarks. Painting the corporate ruled world that does everything as cheap as possible for the readers to see.

Martha Wells also brings a new perspective to artificial intelligence. Instead of hearing about the doubts and fears from humans, readers have a chance to see through Murderbot's eyes. It's not comfortable being around humans. It would rather stay in the cargo hold than socialize. Its entire purpose before hacking itself was to be a security robot. But with Doctor Mensha's team, it will be forced to come out of its shell and may just find that some humans aren't so bad.

Packed within less than two hundred pages is a story that will grab you from the first sentence. The evolution of Murderbot was fantastic. The sarcastic humor was undeniably hilarious. And it all came together to create a world I crave to see more of.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Lineage

Desperate for a job, Nicole ends up working for Tribec Insurance But something is off about the company. Nicole keeps seeing evidence of magic, yet no one is owning up to using it on the employees. As she starts to investigate the family and the magic they may use, she discovers their roots are steeped in blood magic. And it may be too late for her to escape their plans.

The writing style of Lineage was easy to follow and fast-paced. Though the plot did not focus on magic as heavily as I imagined it would. From the description and the initial story build up, I assumed Nicole would be spending more time at Tribec and diving into the mystery around the company. There were moments of tension as Nicole began to research the possible magic Tribec used, but she never focused on it long. And any time Nicole spent at Tribec was filled with her brooding over how bad the job was and becoming confrontational with every employee she encountered.

Nicole is a fierce and independent woman, but she is also extremely judgmental. When seeing people for the first time she judges them based on their weight and appearance. She is also a shallow person who doesn't want to be bothered listening to friends when they are having a tough time. She would rather sleep with any available man and continue to embrace bad habits. Between her promiscuity and lack of character development, I did not connect with Nicole at all.

There were many opportunities for the story to ramp up the conflict and tension, but the storyline was a slow burn. And despite many instances where the characters should have seen what was wrong, the writing made them ignore the situations. If there had been more reacting instead of dismissing the danger the story would have kept my attention better. This is not a series I will be continuing.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: American Demon

Our favorite witch is back in the kitchen cooking up complex spells and risking her life for those she loves.

Rachel may have saved the world, but her work is far from over. Something is hunting people in their sleep, forcing them to attack their loved ones. And true to form, the I.S. is keeping a hush on the finer details that could help solve the case. When Rachel is pulled in by the FIB to help they immediately try to pin it on the demons. Disgusted Rachel refuses to aid them, but that doesn't mean she isn't going to do her own thing.

If you haven't had a chance to reread the series before starting American Demon, have no fear because Kim Harrison did a brilliant job working in memories and flashbacks for Rachel to bring to light for the readers. While this does slow the start down a bit, the combination of memories brings back some of the most important and memorable moments of the series. And it also shows how much these characters we know and love have grown.

There is a sense of ending, even as the series begins anew. Rachel, Ivy, and Jenks have gone through so much, and they have to rebuild their lives after the events of The Witch With No Name. And rebuilding doesn't necessarily mean things are going back to how they were. But American Demon sets the stage for new character dynamics as Kim Harrison tosses in new faces and personalities to entice readers. And given her track record with the previous books, I have no doubt these characters will be just as complex and entertaining as the main cast.

As you read through American Demon you will be thrilled to see the chemistry between Trent and Rachel is in full force. I love how they work together and have honed their skills in magic to feed off of one another. They are such a good team, and I never want to see them part. Their relationship is as complex as it can be, but they do everything they can to work through the hardships and forge on. And the insecurities Rachel feels are so emotional, you can't help but encourage her to believe in her happiness.

Filled with action, magic, romance, and kickass characters, American Demon was a fantastic journey back into one of my favorite series. I'm excited to see where this new path takes Rachel, Trent, Ivy, and Jenks.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: War of the Twins

Narrowly escaping the cataclysm, Raistlin, Caramon and Crysania find themselves one hundred years in the future. Faith in the old Gods has declined and any who dare to openly worship Paladine may just find themselves labeled a witch. With no other choice, Crysania and Caramon must aid Raistlin in his quest to conquer the Dark Queen. But history is not so easily swayed, and Raistlin soon finds he is walking in the exact footsteps of Fistandantilus.

Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman are masters at creating complex characters. As the story progresses Raistlin, Caramon and Crysania will all undergo tests of faith. They will be pulled to the edge of what they can handle, fighting against the despair and darkness that lurks in each of them. The road is never easy, and some will find themselves thinking and doing things they never imagined.

War of the Twins also explores the complexities of love. Be it the love of a sibling, a friend, or a more intimate relationship. Most novels paint love as an emotion that is easily identified and fought for, even if there are some pitfalls along the way. However, War of the Twins shows how love can be buried within actions and dragged to the surface due to certain situations. It shows all the messy angles of love, and how other emotions and situations can weave together to paint an illusion of love that is confusing to the characters.

And true to style, Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman weave in the lore of Krynn throughout the story. As the characters relive history, readers will experience firsthand the actions that lead up to pivotal points in Krynn's past.

Action, adventure, magic, expert worldbuilding, and extraordinary characters, make War of the Twins a must read for high fantasy fans.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Bottled

Thank you to Carol Riggs for providing me with a copy for an honest review!

Adeelah Naji has been trapped as a genie for a thousand years, fulfilling the greedy wishes of her masters. All she wants is to return to her life with the one boy she fell in love with, but her life of servitude has torn them apart. And as much as she disdains the life she has been entrapped in, it would be worse to fall into the hands of a man named Faruq. To be his genie would mean aiding him in murder to extend his life. For centuries she has barely escaped him, but her luck is about to run out.

If you've been following my reviews, then you know I am a stickler for character development. Adeelah has a long way to go when you first open Bottled. She's a girl pining after her lost love and has reserved herself to being a genie. But as Carol Riggs takes you through each of her masters, you slowly watch a spark grow within Adeelah. And watching her realize the potential she had within herself was worth every page.

But Adeelah isn't the only character that brought this book to life. Adeelah's master Nathan was a fantastic character to pair up with her. The chemistry between Nathan and Adeelah was pure fun to follow. Through Nathan, Adeelah had the chance to learn how to form friendships and enjoy life. The awkwardness she felt while adjusting to modern society was cute, and I can see many teens connecting to her attempts at social interaction. But despite her struggles, Nathan and his friends never once made her feel unwelcome. They strived to bond with her and bring her into the fold.

This is a great book for teens interested in fantasy novels. There are great themes found throughout the novel. And there is everything a young fantasy reader could hope for: action, magic, a little love, and a lot of entertainment.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Bottled

Thank you to Carol Riggs for providing me with a copy for an honest review!

Adeelah Naji has been trapped as a genie for a thousand years, fulfilling the greedy wishes of her masters. All she wants is to return to her life with the one boy she fell in love with, but her life of servitude has torn them apart. And as much as she disdains the life she has been entrapped in, it would be worse to fall into the hands of a man named Faruq. To be his genie would mean aiding him in murder to extend his life. For centuries she has barely escaped him, but her luck is about to run out.

If you've been following my reviews, then you know I am a stickler for character development. Adeelah has a long way to go when you first open Bottled. She's a girl pining after her lost love and has reserved herself to being a genie. But as Carol Riggs takes you through each of her masters, you slowly watch a spark grow within Adeelah. And watching her realize the potential she had within herself was worth every page.

But Adeelah isn't the only character that brought this book to life. Adeelah's master Nathan was a fantastic character to pair up with her. The chemistry between Nathan and Adeelah was pure fun to follow. Through Nathan, Adeelah had the chance to learn how to form friendships and enjoy life. The awkwardness she felt while adjusting to modern society was cute, and I can see many teens connecting to her attempts at social interaction. But despite her struggles, Nathan and his friends never once made her feel unwelcome. They strived to bond with her and bring her into the fold.

This is a great book for teens interested in fantasy novels. There are great themes found throughout the novel. And there is everything a young fantasy reader could hope for: action, magic, a little love, and a lot of entertainment.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Witch With No Name

Through the years Rachel has grown in power and skill. She's gotten herself into and out of some of the toughest situations and faced down countless adversaries. And now is the time for her to take all that she has learned and put it to the test. Rynn Cormel wants his soul and to get it he will do whatever it takes. It doesn't matter that Rachel just saved the undead vampires in Cincinnati. Cormel will kill whoever he has to in order to force Rachel to bind his soul to him. But she has to find it first.

The Witch With No Name was a phenomenal book. No one was safe and it was a hell of a ride to find out each person's fate. There were some unexpected turns and carefully crafted words to make your heart stop. Rachel drew on everything she had to navigate the numerous obstacles thrown in her path. But even with all her power and abilities, sacrifices had to be made.

Remember back in Dead Witch Walking when Ivy asked Rachel to save her soul if she died her first death? Kim Harrison brought the series full circle by making the main plot device finding and retrieving an undead vampire's soul. Given that The Witch With No Name was intended to be the last of The Hollows, this was a brilliant way to end the series. Kim Harrison never lost track of the initial spark that created her world. She brought back most of the characters we've met in the series, but in a way that didn't crowd the book And almost everyone finished out their character arcs.

I think the best thing about this series has been that Kim Harrison never loses sight of what's important to her characters. They've grown so much over the years, but still, captivate me just as much as they did from the start. Despite the heartaches and setbacks they have encountered, they pick themselves back up. The Witch With No Name highlights the ties that bind each character and the lengths they will go to protect their loved ones.

I am so happy The Hollows has continued. And now, I can't wait to read American Demon.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Witch With No Name

Through the years Rachel has grown in power and skill. She's gotten herself into and out of some of the toughest situations and faced down countless adversaries. And now is the time for her to take all that she has learned and put it to the test. Rynn Cormel wants his soul and to get it he will do whatever it takes. It doesn't matter that Rachel just saved the undead vampires in Cincinnati. Cormel will kill whoever he has to in order to force Rachel to bind his soul to him. But she has to find it first.

The Witch With No Name was a phenomenal book. No one was safe and it was a hell of a ride to find out each person's fate. There were some unexpected turns and carefully crafted words to make your heart stop. Rachel drew on everything she had to navigate the numerous obstacles thrown in her path. But even with all her power and abilities, sacrifices had to be made.

Remember back in Dead Witch Walking when Ivy asked Rachel to save her soul if she died her first death? Kim Harrison brought the series full circle by making the main plot device finding and retrieving an undead vampire's soul. Given that The Witch With No Name was intended to be the last of The Hollows, this was a brilliant way to end the series. Kim Harrison never lost track of the initial spark that created her world. She brought back most of the characters we've met in the series, but in a way that didn't crowd the book And almost everyone finished out their character arcs.

I think the best thing about this series has been that Kim Harrison never loses sight of what's important to her characters. They've grown so much over the years, but still, captivate me just as much as they did from the start. Despite the heartaches and setbacks they have encountered, they pick themselves back up. The Witch With No Name highlights the ties that bind each character and the lengths they will go to protect their loved ones.

I am so happy The Hollows has continued. And now, I can't wait to read American Demon.