Tabitha Tomala

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Only Pirate at the Party

The Only Pirate at the Party is the inspiring story of Lindsey Stirling. While some of her hurdles in the music industry are well known, she'll also reveal internal struggles she's overcome in her journey to success. Readers will watch as she transforms throughout the book, forging her path in the music industry. She's not your average performer. The sincerity and humor she brings to this memoir are heartwarming.

Lindsey Stirling's music is just as unique as her personality. Readers will have a chance to see her journey through childhood and the family driven relationships that helped cement her values. She is a genuine down to earth person and reading about how deeply she cares for those close to her is enlightening. If you are part of her tour crew, you are treated like family. And there are plenty of stories within this memoir that will make you laugh at the antics on tour.

But along the way, there will also be the occasional people who spark insecurity and doubt in her mind. And there will also be some surprising reveals about fellow performers who look down on Lindsey Stirling. Some even put her into challenging situations that made her question her worth as a musician. It angered me how petty certain individuals could be. Music is such a unique experience to listeners and there is such a wide variety available. It doesn't matter what genre of music is played, not everyone has to play a certain way. Music allows people to embrace their creativity and be who they are through their songs.

If you enjoy memoirs or are a fan of Lindsey Stirling's music, grab a copy of this book. This is a quick and entertaining read, filled with memorable moments. And if you have the chance, grab the audiobook version of The Only Pirate at the Party. Lindsey Stirling herself narrates and brings an added depth of emotion to each chapter.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Legacy of Bones

Children found with the gift of magic are taken from their families and trained at the Sacara Institute. The Crimsons travel from town to town testing children. If a child even has the smallest inclination towards magic, they are bound and locked in cages to be transported to their new life. And if a family dares to intervene they are brutally beaten. When Keely, past the age of testing, shows a gift for healing magic, the family she resides with gives her up to the Crimsons. Meanwhile, her brother Gera journeys home after finishing his apprenticeship as a blacksmith, to discover his sister has been taken. Together, he and his brother Dax will hunt down the Crimsons that took their sister and discover there is much more at stake than the lives of one woman.

Legacy of Bones starts off a bit slow, taking time to build up the plot and characters. But readers will find the extra attention spent on the finer details is well spent. There are a lot of pieces at play, between backstories, politics, and hidden motivations. Together all of these elements create an entertaining story filled with sibling tension, haunted pasts, and startling revelations. This first novel lays down the foundation of a truly epic story for many books to come.

But even with the attention to detail, there were some parts of the story that didn't quite line up. From the start, Dax is introduced as a troubled character. His backstory is built to showcase his guilt and the alcohol he uses to drown it out. He overcompensates when he is sober and makes some pretty poor decisions. He grows increasingly irate and angry as the story progresses. And up until his final defining moment I was on board for this character development. The combination of guilt and alcohol can make a person do horrible things, but his final appearances in the first novel left me confused and wondering what I may have missed. I also felt that there were a few groundbreaking moments mentioned in the later sections of the story that could have used a heavier build up even if it may have slowed the story a bit after the initial world-building.

However, Kirk Dougal created a story filled with political tension that kept pace with the main plot. Politics in a fantasy world can lead a story into lulls as armies mobilize and back door deals take away from the main focus of a story. Not in Legacy of Bones. In between the story of Gera, Dax, and Keely, there are chapters dedicated to building the antagonists of the story. Readers will witness the cruel nature of the Crimsons and the lengths they will go to achieve their ultimate goals. And while the readers may not fully realize what those goals are just yet, the situations the Crimsons create and partake in show the readers something evil is looming on the horizon.

There is so much at work in the background of this novel and so many different paths this story can take. Give this book a try if you enjoy the dark fantasy genre and novels that slowly reveal hidden histories and truths.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Hidden Power of Fucking Up

The Try Guys have created a guide to taking chances and making mistakes. You'll learn how jumping out of your comfort zone can lead to inspiration and a boost in self-confidence. And you'll learn that sometimes things don't turn out the way you expect them to and it's ok. It just means you need to try again and do it in a different way. Learning what works best for you, is part of the experience.

I think fans of The Try Guys will absolutely love this book. I highly recommend the audio because each of The Try Guys reads their own sections. Hearing their humor and personalities really made the lessons stand out. Will people who haven't heard of The Try Guys enjoy this? Ned, Keith, Eugene, and Zach each have unique personalities and perspectives of life. I think just about anyone can connect with at least one of the guys. And their approach to giving advice is different from other self-help books.

The greatest part about this book is that The Try Guys don't just give you advice. They use their advice throughout the book to show how real-life examples work. Is it hard? Absolutely. They dive into some of the most insecure areas of their life and talk about how they feel during the process of their try. The Try Guys also don't gloss over the difficulties they have each faced in their lives. The challenges of work/life balance, being comfortable in their physical appearances, the dynamics of their families, there is a myriad of topics available for readers to learn from.

Not only do they venture into different tries, but they also have no problem complaining about them and explaining why they may not work for them. This truly is a book about mistakes. Not every decision you make is going to be a good one. That's the course of life. But just because you made a mistake, doesn't mean the next time you try something it will be bad. Just keep trying, and you'll find some amazing results.

I loved this book. The humor each Try Guy brought into the narration was fantastic. While self-help books can be educational they tend to also be dry. This is educational and entertaining at the same time. I was laughing at their antics while also enjoying the lessons they were sharing. I would read another book by The Try Guys in a heartbeat.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Hidden Power of Fucking Up

The Try Guys have created a guide to taking chances and making mistakes. You'll learn how jumping out of your comfort zone can lead to inspiration and a boost in self-confidence. And you'll learn that sometimes things don't turn out the way you expect them to and it's ok. It just means you need to try again and do it in a different way. Learning what works best for you, is part of the experience.

I think fans of The Try Guys will absolutely love this book. I highly recommend the audio because each of The Try Guys reads their own sections. Hearing their humor and personalities really made the lessons stand out. Will people who haven't heard of The Try Guys enjoy this? Ned, Keith, Eugene, and Zach each have unique personalities and perspectives of life. I think just about anyone can connect with at least one of the guys. And their approach to giving advice is different from other self-help books.

The greatest part about this book is that The Try Guys don't just give you advice. They use their advice throughout the book to show how real-life examples work. Is it hard? Absolutely. They dive into some of the most insecure areas of their life and talk about how they feel during the process of their try. The Try Guys also don't gloss over the difficulties they have each faced in their lives. The challenges of work/life balance, being comfortable in their physical appearances, the dynamics of their families, there is a myriad of topics available for readers to learn from.

Not only do they venture into different tries, but they also have no problem complaining about them and explaining why they may not work for them. This truly is a book about mistakes. Not every decision you make is going to be a good one. That's the course of life. But just because you made a mistake, doesn't mean the next time you try something it will be bad. Just keep trying, and you'll find some amazing results.

I loved this book. The humor each Try Guy brought into the narration was fantastic. While self-help books can be educational they tend to also be dry. This is educational and entertaining at the same time. I was laughing at their antics while also enjoying the lessons they were sharing. I would read another book by The Try Guys in a heartbeat.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

When Pippa decides to focus on the deaths of two teens in her town for her Capstone Project, she has no idea how drastically it will change her life. As Pippa begins to revisit the case and dig into angles the police left unturned, she will uncover startling truths about the people she thought she knew best. And someone in town wants her to stop searching for the truth. Someone willing to kill to keep their involvement buried.

Pippa is a girl who remains focused on her task and makes sure to analyze everything she can. And while she considers the implications, she's willing to take risks to prove her point. Her character was fascinating to follow as she chased down leads and connected information. It's refreshing to read about a female character who doesn't let attraction derail her priorities. And while there certainly is a crush brewing for Pippa as the story progresses, the plot remains steadfast on Pippa investigating for her project.

I also appreciated the writing style of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. Mixed within the narrative are sections of Pippa's notes, interviews, and evidence she is compiling for her project. This gives readers a chance to look over all the information as the story progresses. Even with the wealth of information, I could never guess what came at the end. And the amount of twists and turns Holly Jackson threw into the story kept me engrossed.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder is a great book for fans of murder mysteries. Especially if you like diving into the investigative side and chasing down leads. While this book isn't necessarily action-packed, it is faster paced due to the intermittent conflicts and intensity that arise throughout Pippa's investigation. There is certainly never a dull moment and every time you think you've solved the mystery, Holly Jackson will throw another piece of information your way to make you question everything. I can't wait to see what crime Pippa tries to solve in the next book!

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Lady of the Lake

Ciri has traveled to an elven world. One that appears to be a place of tranquility, but hides a terrible history. Time does not exist in this world and Ciri must escape. For the elves want something from Ciri, something she is not willing to give them. And with each denial, their darker sides begin to show. Meanwhile, Geralt has never stopped searching for Ciri. Even if it kills him he will pursue the girl and try to bring her to safety. Destiny has much in store for the characters of the Witcher.

Ciri's character development had me worried at the start of this novel. The tough take no-nonsense witcher girl began to backslide. She never seemed to use her experience and skills to think of ways to escape. As the story progressed, I started to see the Ciri I knew she was, and yet many of her choices confused me. The number of times she tried to give her body away instead of fighting or attempting infiltration was shocking. It also left me feeling a bit disgusted that this theme of giving yourself away was used. I did have to stop reading this book about halfway through and branch off to other novels because I was so frustrated. If this weren't the last in the series I would have most likely DNFed this book.

I will say though that Andrzej Sapkowski is thorough when creating villains. As each adversary appeared, both old and new, their wickedness was written into every part of their character. From their ideologies to their despicable thoughts and actions, it was clear how malicious their intent was. And not every villain was the sword-wielding, action prone type. Some hid in the shadows and manipulated behind the scenes, or used their misguided wants and needs to redirect the protagonists. However, I wish more time had been spent with the protagonists versus the antagonists.

When the protagonists were on the page their parts were fast-paced and engaging. However, the majority of this tale returns to politics and backdoor deals. There was also an emphasis on building up minor characters readers met in previous books and giving them a completed character arc. But when it came time to end the character arcs of the protagonists, and even some of the secondary characters close to the main storyline, their endings were cut short and some even glossed over. After such an epic journey throughout this series, I expected more out of the last book.

Does Lady of the Lake tie up the Witcher series? Yes, it does bring everything to an end, whether well developed or not, and it gives readers information that has never before been revealed. Certain pieces click into place and you'll find yourself thinking back over the previous books and rethinking certain scenes or characters. I just wish our heroes had been given more page time and certain areas of the writing style allowed for a more detailed plot for everyone.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Taking Baby for a Walk

Thank you to Henry Roi for providing me with a copy for an honest review!

Bree-Anna does not come from a happy home. Her mother spends her nights with various men and her brother likes to play mean tricks. On the morning of her friend's birthday party, she decides to take her baby doll for a walk to her friend's house. She isn't quite sure where the house is, but she has a good guess which direction to walk in. But along the way, a man pulls over to the side of the road and offers to drive Bree-Anna to the birthday party. Choosing to trust a stranger, she steps into the car and is abducted.

Taking Baby for a Walk is not for the faint of heart. As a child who has grown up in a neglectful home, Bree-Anna uses her baby doll to project emotions. This alone broke my heart because you can see the way she is treated at home reflected in how she treats her doll. But when she is abducted, Bree-Anna's experience is terrifying to witness through her eyes.

Please be aware there is violence toward Bree-Anna. This is a hard story to follow because of the emotional weight it carries. While Taking Baby for a Walk has an overall dark tone, the writing style does not become grotesque or over-detailed. If it did I would not have been able to finish it. Kathryn Gossow has tackled a disturbing and horrifying subject with deft writing skills.

As the investigation for Bree-Anna's disappearance ensues, different storylines will weave together showing how various families involved with the young girl are interconnected. Seeing other families struggle with their burdens and come to terms with what has happened to Bree-Anna allows readers a break from the intensity of Bree-Anna's point of view. It also creates a balance of tension and suspense as scenes are cut short and readers are left hanging on the edge waiting to see what has happened.

If you enjoy thrillers with heavy emotional scenes and loads of suspense, Taking Baby for a Walk should be your next read.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Ascension Machine

Thank you to Rob Edwards for providing me with a copy for an honest review!

Grey has been jumping from one place to another, stealing just enough to get by and taking up the odd job now and then. Until his latest theft lands him in front of Mirabor Gravane. But Gravane isn't going to turn him into the authorities. Instead, he offers Grey a job. One that seems a bit too easy. If Grey pretends to be Mirabor long enough for him to slip away from his parent's watchful eyes, he'll give Grey a large payout. And while Grey knows there must be a catch, he decides to take the job. Little does he know, he's about to join the Justice Academy in Gravane's place. A college for superheroes.

Grey is such a great character to follow. Even though he's been conning and stealing his way through life, he isn't inherently a bad person. He just doesn't know any other way to live, until he mistakenly ends up at the Justice Academy. While Grey tries to keep himself separate from the other future heroes, he is drawn into their friendship. After living so long alone, Grey finally can find a place to call home and people he can count on. Of course, there is the small matter that he is currently living a lie which brings wonderful tension into the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed how Rob Edwards allowed Grey to remain in character. It gave Grey time to reflect on what he was doing and develop into a better person. Not to mention it provided some comical mishaps and showcased his ability to think quickly. The overall tone of The Ascension Machine is animated, allowing readers to become engaged in a fast-paced and fun story. Amidst the good-natured friendships and interactions, there is also everyday school pressure and the occasional villain to take down. These superheroes in training have a wide range of abilities and skills, and they are not afraid to use everything they have to save people.

My favorite character, however, was Gadget Dude. He was a character of few words, but through body language and brief moments of dialogue, Rob Edwards created a character just as influential as the rest. For the most part, he tinkered with parts and created gadgets as the rest of the group held conversations or tried to plan their next move. I loved how Gadget Dude was front and center with the group despite being so quiet.

The Ascension Machine is a story suitable for the younger crowd, but can just as easily be enjoyed by adults. It is filled with humor, as well as strong themes of friendship and acceptance. With a wonderful mix of characters and personalities, there is never a dull moment. I am eager to see where the next story takes our heroes.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Truth & Other Lies

While Loki may be the god of chaos and lies, he yearns for some semblance of trust and belonging among his fellow gods. Even if that means he must manipulate situations in his favor. Yet despite all he does, Loki is constantly treated as an outsider and scorned. Little does he know a prophecy stands between them. Then Loki encounters Sigyn, a woman whose power of fidelity is fit for a god. Enchanted by her, Loki can't stay away. And as he pursues Sigyn, weaving his way into her life, he moves closer and closer to the prophecy. A long-buried truth will surface, and Loki finds that he will do anything to stay by Sigyn's side.

At his core, Loki is such a complex character, to begin with, and the way Lyra Wolf portrayed him was done exceptionally well. From the start, readers are introduced to the family dynamic between the gods and it is tenuous at best. Witnessing the utter detachment the gods have towards Loki and the scorn they inflict on him, it's no wonder he causes mischief and chaos. Yes, he does cause some of it with his actions, but there is a deeper reason they all scorn him. One that will unfold as the story progresses.

Loki is a wonderfully moral grey character. Readers will understand his actions, even if they do not always agree with them. There were times Loki thought his idea was the only good way to solve a problem and it would leave you at the edge of your seat waiting for the inevitable fallout. It was endearing to watch him weave his way into Sigyn's life, taking small steps to build trust even if some things he did were backhanded. It was also a bittersweet reminder of what he couldn't achieve with the gods.

I listened to the audiobook of Truth & Other Lies and Casey Eade did a fantastic job narrating. Her voice breathed life into the characters and added to the overall tone and emotion of the story. The depth of range Casey Eade has is phenomenal. Each new character had a new accent and a new voice. No two characters sounded alike and their voices were consistent throughout the entire audiobook. It truly brought another level of entertainment to the story.

Truth & Other Lies is a book that left me craving more. I have to continue this story and know where it goes. The characters are so well done, the story so involved and emotional, I just can't get enough of it!

Julie and Sam have planned everything. Where they will live, where they will go to college, and all the little details that go into building a future. But the night Sam dies in a car accident, Julie gives up all hope for any future without Sam. Drowning in grief, Julie refuses to attend his funeral and sets herself on a path to forget everything. Until one night Julie calls Sam, desperate to hear his voice once more. And he picks up.

You’ve Reached Sam has the potential to be a powerful story about overcoming the loss of a loved one. And at the start of the novel, I loved the concept of Sam and Julie maintaining their connection beyond the grave. But the emotional connection wasn’t always present for me. Julie’s relationship with Sam is shown through flashbacks and moments where Sam and Julie reminisce over the phone. I wish there had been more of a foundation for their relationship. Watching the slow build-up of love and the sudden loss of it would have made a heavier impact.

However, the repercussions of Julie missing Sam’s funeral and the subsequent memorials for him made a huge impact on the story. Every character who had a connection to the couple shared their various opinions on Julie’s actions. And many in their own grief mistook her suffering as negligence. Witnessing Julie navigate through her various relationships and struggle to come to terms with her impact on them was complex and well done.

Sam’s phone calls showed firsthand how Julie was in denial over his death. How she wanted so desperately to never lose him. But the magical realism of the phone calls didn’t follow the flow of the story. It wasn’t just Julie’s progression through grief influencing them. Sharing her secret seemed to have the greater impact. Each time she gave a piece of her secret conversation away, it became harder to reach out to Sam. And yet Julie wasn’t moving forward to closure as quickly as the phone calls were. The ending left me wanting for more, and wishing for a tidier closure.

If you are looking to see if this type of fiction is right for you, pick up You’ve Reached Sam. It does not go as deeply into the stages of grief as some other YA novels, and you’ll be able to see if it is something you’d like to continue reading.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: All This Time

Kyle and Kim have been together since middle school. To Kyle, there can be no one else but her. But on the night of their graduation, Kim decides to call it quits. After so many years together, she wants to find out who she is on her own. And as Kyle realizes he may lose the one person he planned to spend forever with, a car crashes into them ending Kim's life. Kyle is forced to face the horrific truth that Kim is gone.

All This Time is a book steeped in emotion. Kyle experiences such profound grief and guilt over Kim's death. And it doesn't help when his splitting headaches cause flashbacks of the accident or trick him into hearing Kim's voice. Everyone grieves in their own way, and experiencing Kyle's emotions throughout his recovery breaks your heart. But despite everything Kyle goes through, and no matter how low he feels, there is some way or some person that instills hope in him. Even if it is just the smallest little inkling of hope.

But Kyle truly learns to live again when he meets Marley. A quiet girl who's lost her sister and silently grieves. When a chance encounter makes Kyle and Marley cross paths at the graveyard it leads them into a new friendship. Kyle learns how to communicate his own emotions by helping Marley and it was the heartwarming balance needed for such a tragic story. Everything Kyle felt towards Marley, the confusion, the guilt, the need to move forward, felt so real. Readers will be poised on the edge waiting for Kyle to accept his new path in life and allow himself to be happy once again.

And if you enjoy books that throw twists into the plot you never see coming, All This Time should definitely be your next read. The twist completely threw me. I had to stop reading for a minute to process what happened. Then I needed to know where the story would take the characters, and how in the world all the pieces lined up.

All This Time was such a great read. There were so many different elements that kept me reading. It isn't just a story about love and loss. It's about moving on and realizing life can be unpredictable. Sometimes the paths we see ourselves walking aren't the ones we end up on. And it's ok to change what we want to do and where we want to go. I will be sure to read every book Mikki Daughtry and Rachael Lippincott write.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Smoke & Mirrors

Dahlia and Creed have one hell of a case on their hands. The dismembered pieces of multiple species have been left exposed on Sentinel City's riverbank. And a discovery this large is going to be impossible to hide. As Dahlia begins searching for answers, she will uncover more than just another serial killer. Caught between hiding supernatural evidence, and telling the truth Dahlia will find that her choices may have deadly consequences.

Nite Fire is one of those gritty murder mystery series that isn't afraid to show the brutal side of humanity. Add to that the monstrous side of the story where the writing can take readers down darker corridors and add that extra edge with fantasy thrown into the mix. Each book pulls readers further into the world of hidden monsters. And with each new mystery readers reveal truths about the world and what dwells within it.

Not only is the world building spot on, the character dynamics are excellent in this series. C. L. Schneider takes such care developing each character from one book to another. This time around Dahlia and Creed will spend more page time together. Watching them work on their differences was intense. While they do not always see eye to eye, they work well as a team when they allow the other to actually squeeze in behind their tightly erected walls. And Dahlia's walls are starting to crumble one by one. Whether it is by choice, or by having no other options left. But instead of running, Dahlia is putting her foot down and forcing herself to figure out how to make everything work.

Smoke & Mirrors is filled to the brim with close calls and unexpected revelations. The team is going to take some hard hits this time around. Dahlia's web of lies is going to catch some of those she holds dear, and her actions will decide what their fates will be. This conflict driven story is filled with suspense and will leave you wanting more.

Around the world, Winterset Hollow is a book cherished by countless people. When a group of fans earn ferry tickets to Addington Isle, they jump at the chance to visit their beloved author’s residence. It’s Barley Day, after all, a day of celebration in the Hollow. But for some this Barley Day will be their last. And they will soon find, that the precious book they all hold so dear, was crafted from blood and lies.

Winterset Hollow is a book that leans heavily on the literature side of writing. Settings are described in great detail, making sure to explore each room and area the characters enter. The vocabulary used is flamboyant and emphasizes the use of complex sentence structure. And there is a large amount of buildup and foreshadowing. It is a book that takes a while to move the plot forward as it spends a good amount of time building up each character and the essence of their position in life.

While Winterset Hollow has an extremely slow start, once the hunt begins it does pick up the pace. Though I do wish the sudden aggressiveness of the antagonists was more of a surprise. Foreshadowing was used a bit too much to send red flags to the readers, and I knew something was coming around the corner. Even the way the hunt began was a bit anticlimactic and the first death wasn’t quite unexpected. And while the hunt was intense and nerve-wracking, there were moments where long descriptions cut into the flow of the story and disrupted the pacing. But I will say, Finn, is a terrifying creature to have chase you. He is merciless and cruel. The perfect example of embodied rage and long-held grudges.

And then there is the overarching question of why? Why were these creatures so many humans loved across the world these tattered bitter versions of themselves? The slow reveal and the ensuing journey of discovery our three main protagonists underwent to piece this together was well done. Each new part of the puzzle they discovered was more disturbing than the last, and the final reveal of it all was well worth the wait. I also enjoyed the way the writing style jumped from one perspective to the next, allowing readers a full view of all the motivations and happenings of the story. This version of the third-person point of view was executed well and enriched the overall emotional impact of the story.

Would I compare this to Redwall? No, no I would not. This was pitched to me as a horror version of Redwall and it most certainly is not. The writing style is vastly different and even the origin of the characters in their Hollow is more akin to Watership Down than Redwall. Winterset Hollow is its own brand of dark fantasy, filled with complex characters and haunting revelations. If you enjoy novels that take the time to dive into motivations and develop an intricate set of characters and situations, give Winterset Hollow a try.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: An Altar on the Village Green

Horrors are taking over villages one by one at an ever-increasing rate. Where once Lances of the Chained God would combat the evil encroaching the land, they have either become lost to the madness the horrors bring or given up. But there is one Page that seeks to become a Lance and carry on their duties. Having read countless tales of the prior Lances, he feels that he can carry on their legacy and help save the world. But as he picks up his sword as a Lance and dives into his first horror, he will struggle to combat the madness that surrounds him. And with each death he will unveil hidden truths about his heroes, only to discover some weren't what they seemed.

An Altar on the Village Green is one of those books that asks you to put the pieces together as you read. Just enough information is given to slowly reveal the horror the main protagonist experiences to discover the truth. You will most likely be confused as the story shifts focus from time to time, but stick with it. When the pieces come together, you'll never want to put this book down.

Nathan Hall's writing is phenomenal. You'll be engaged in the thrilling struggle to free one of the many villages from Horror. There are many avenues evil has taken hold of the village, but our protagonist must find the true source and destroy it. But what happens when you slaughter countless people you think are the source of evil, only to find you were wrong? Imagine the emotional toll it takes and the doubt it places in your mind. And then picture the knowledge that death cannot free you from madness. Each death starts the cycle of madness over and over and over again. The only true freedom is finding the initial cause of the horror.

As a gamer, I never considered what it would be like for a character I'm playing to die and respawn again and again. To have to repeat the same path and try something different each time to achieve success. An Altar on the Village Green brings this detail so often overlooked in games to startling clarity. It truly is a horror all its own to have to experience death multiple times just to learn how to achieve success.

This is an intense book. Not only is An Altar on the Village Green a brilliant dive into the fantasy genre, the notes of horror woven within the story give it an overall darker tone that accents the narrative. Readers will experience firsthand everything the protagonist is feeling and the doubts wedging themselves into his mind as the majority of the book is written in the first person. But in between failed attempts to banish the Horror, third person slips in to reveal the lives of past Lances. And their tales reveal hidden truths and falsifications the world has blatantly trusted as truth.

Every chance I could I sat down to read this book. It has been a long time since a book has captivated as much as An Altar on the Village Green. Fantasy readers, you have to pick this up and give it a try. And if you enjoy tales that walk on the darker side of the genre? This is perfect for you.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Rhapsodic

Imagine being fifteen and standing over the corpse of a man you just killed. It doesn't matter that Calypso did it out of self-defense. Every way she sees it, her life is ruined. But then an idea comes to her. One that is as dangerous as it is tempting. If she cuts a deal with the Bargainer, she'll owe him a favor but he'll clean up the mess. Taking the chance she calls the Bargainer. And as she frees herself from one problem, she starts down a path leaden with more. And each time she calls the Bargainer, she gains another favor owed. Until the day the Bargainer comes to collect. Whatever he wants as a favor, she won't be able to say no.

As a character, the Bargainer is the right mix of darkness and hero to make him attractive. He is still a rather controlling man which does not garner my attention, but his other traits made him more tolerable. Calypso on the other hand is a conflicted character, who both appreciates and hates her abilities as a siren. She stood her ground in most situations and while she wasn't always successful, she did everything within her power to try.

Rhapsodic is a paranormal romance, so the focus is going to be on relationship development over plot. But I thought it had a good underlying story, I just wish there had been a bit more time spent on certain scenes. Each conflict resolved itself rather quickly but did end on an action-heavy note. Being immersed in each moment I wanted to see it create a longer-lasting emotional pull. The overall resolution to these conflicts would have felt more satisfying this way. I also thought it would be a good moment for characters to show how much they cared for each other through actions as well as the dialogue within the story.

Now let's talk about resolution. While the overarching plot and mystery resolved itself, it was another abrupt end. In the final battle, I would have loved to see more back and forth to allow the Bargainer time to shine and show off his abilities. I also wanted to see more discussion and story surrounding the fallout from the main conflict. However, even though there was an abrupt end to it all Laura Thalassa did leave behind an enticing hook. Calypso has some interesting developments that are left wide open to develop in the next book.

Will I read the next book? That is up in the air at the moment. I do want to know how Calypso is going to recover from her ordeals in Rhapsodic. And I'd like to see some secondary characters come back to learn more about them. While I am not a romance reader, I did appreciate the magic and supernatural elements of this book. If you enjoy stories that focus on romance accented with fantasy this is the book for you.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Saber

Any time I pick up a book by Alexander Christion I know there will be brutal battles of epic proportions. This time Shefa goes toe to toe with Saber, a being once favored by the emerald mistress but has since been thrown into disgrace. When Shefa unknowingly grants Saber the one object that can return him to his full power, he unleashes a monster on the world. Saber sets forth with the power of a red dragon to conquer Fuumashon and kill as many as he can in the process.

There is no mercy in Alexzander Christion's writing. He will pull no punches and unleash the full force of evil on his characters. Blood flows freely as Saber manipulates and slashes his way into the kingdoms. And while Shefa does not want to kill citizens, if they stand with Saber he will cleave through them. With two powerful forces on the board, when they finally meet on the battlefield buildings will fall and sparks will fly. You know when you go to watch a monster movie like King Kong vs Godzilla just to watch two monsters level cities in their ongoing feud? Picture that, but with a sword and sorcery angle. However this time, Shefa may have met his match.

As intense as the battle scenes are, it took a little while for the story to push Shefa towards Saber. It was a good tactic to build up and show the vileness of Saber, but I wish it had been executed a bit differently. One scene, in particular, depicts a battle Shefa is thrown into the middle of with a race of people that don't have an impact on the story. I was also a little confused at the mention of new abilities. I would have liked a little bit of an overview to fully grasp how they worked.

But even with these stumbling blocks, as a fan of dark fantasy Saber contained everything I look for in the genre. Brutal battles, intense life or death moments, and the overall tone of anguish. The characters are each so unique and the powers they wield are devastating. If you enjoy fantasy books focused on combat, give Saber a try.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Fugitive Telemetry

A human has been murdered on Preservation Station, and of course one of security's first assumptions is that Murderbot did it. But Murderbot would know better than to leave the body out where people could find it. And while station security doesn't trust Murderbot, they'll soon realize if they have any hope of finding the killer, they're going to have to at least try to work with it. It's not like Murderbot wants to work with them either, but if it keeps Mensah safe Murderbot will do just about anything. Ok, maybe not anything, but most things.

After reading Fugitive Telemetry, I can honestly say, give me an entire series about Murderbot solving murder mysteries and I will be one happy reader. Seeing Murderbot in combat action is great, but watching them sleuth around the station is a whole new level of entertainment. By now we all know Murderbot doesn't like talking and this new adventure is going to make them do a whole lot of it. And would it really be a Murderbot story if it didn't contain sarcastic comebacks and snarky internal thoughts?

The beauty of this novella was watching Murderbot earn respect and a myriad of trust from humans. Of course, Mensah's crew knows to trust Murderbot, but everyone else judges it by sight alone. And Murderbot even managed to sneak in some nonsarcastic dialogue. Having Murderbot along for the mystery, not only showed the humans how their thinking can be flawed, but it also showed Murderbot how working together with humans can help iron out anything it may miss in its analysis.

I also appreciate the fact that Martha Wells doesn't treat being an introvert like a character flaw. Instead, she embraces it and shows how it can be an asset. Murderbot uses its processing power to see things from every possible angle before forming a conclusion and it isn't rash in its decisions unless forced to be. Murderbot won't ever be comfortable working with a group, but it is learning how to handle these social interactions and the possible benefits from them.

Fugitive Telemetry was another fantastic addition to the Murderbot Diaries. Each book takes Murderbot's character development a step further and I can't wait to see where the next adventure takes it. I can't recommend this series enough to fans of sci-fi stories!

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Magical Midlife Meeting

Jessie has come a long way from the woman readers first met. She's found herself a quirky and loveable family and is willing to put her life on the line to protect them. Her magical abilities have blossomed and while she isn't a master of her powers yet, she can certainly pack a magical punch. And along her journey, the mage Elliott Graves has constantly tested her and threatened all she holds dear. It's time to meet the mage and prove to him her true power. And after witnessing the death of one of her team at his hand, Jessie is out for blood.

She's been beaten, battered, and kidnapped, but Jessie is ready to put her foot down and show the world the power she contains. Magical Midlife Meeting allows readers to witness the team working as a unit and putting their training to the test. Yet would it be the Ivy House team if they didn't have mishaps and quirky humor thrown into the mix? Wait till you read about the armor they wear. You'll be laughing and cheering them on as they stun their enemies with unconventional tactics.

I do wish there was more time spent with the team fighting other magical users. With the amount of focus spent training and building up to this moment, the actual time spent harnessing all their potential was overshadowed by the romance plot. I get it. The romantic tension surrounding Jessie has been a near constant backdrop from book one. Now that her relationship is realized, the romance is starting to take the front seat. As much as it makes sense for her character, I wish there was more writing to support the rest of the story.

Each book in the Leveling Up series has been a fun read. Jessie is a great character to follow and brings to light how life doesn't end when you hit midlife. There is so much left to do, all it takes is the courage to reach for it.

Barish-Estranza corporation has set its sights on a planet where colonization didn’t go as planned. Their plan is to persuade the colony to join work camps under the false belief of a better life. But Murderbot, ART, and crew hope to find the colonists and prevent them from signing their lives away. When Barish-Estranza realizes the team's intentions, they pull every underhanded tactic to claim the colonists. Willing or not.

I absolutely enjoyed the portrayal of how stress eats away at someone’s primary functions until they’re allowed to relax and take a break. With the stress of an entire colony’s hope hovering over the team, Murderbot worked quickly, pulling in all team members to create a solution. And as time ticked by, the stress levels increased. When they finished their best efforts, Murderbot was exhausted and ready for a reboot.

Martha Wells has an amazing way of showing readers the complexities of human emotions through the eyes of Murderbot. As Murderbot struggles to come to terms with past trauma, its input and performance rating dwindle. Second guessing itself, and making mistakes, all of this takes place as Murderbot begins to realize what is affecting its actions. But knowing the cause (emotions, ick!) and working through those pesky emotions, are two entirely different things.

There is a well-established balance between viewing Murderbot’s internal struggles and the outside forces working against the team. Action and emotion combined to create an engaging story. System Collapse was another phenomenal addition to the Murderbot Diaries. With each new book, Murderbot’s awareness and understanding increases. And each story shows readers a bit more of the world and how the corporations work within it.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Orchid Farmer's Sacrifice

A big thank you to R&R Book Tours for providing me a copy for an honest review!

All Feng has known is a life of prosperity and privilege. He may lead his father's pike unit, but he has never seen a battle. When Feng and his friends are ambushed on the road he will suddenly find a price on his head. And his family will do nothing to save him. Forced to run, Feng will discover unlikely allies and hidden agendas. As he learns the true intention of those who pursue him, he will have to make decisions that will cost lives. Suddenly the spoiled child of a general will find himself in the middle of a war.

The Orchid Farmer's Sacrifice is heavily influenced by Chinese history. And while there are fantasy elements incorporated into the story, what drew me in were the various martial arts introduced. The poisoners by far were my favorite. It takes a tremendous amount of skill for the Venom Sect to use poisons as they do. While they are considered dishonorable because they use dirty tricks, I saw them as survivalists who would do anything to defend themselves and those they loved.

Although I do wish the leader of Venom Sect, Red Cobra, had been more true to her role. When first introduced she was phenomenal in battle. Red Cobra threw herself into the thick of battle and tore apart her foes. She was presented as a strong woman with an exceptional amount of battle prowess and intelligence. However, some of her choices later on in the story made her less cunning and seemed to only drive the plot forward. And her sudden romantic interests did not seem believable.

But where Red Cobra seemed to decline, Feng took center stage as a compelling character. When readers first encounter Feng, he seems to be all talk. However, you'll quickly learn that where his martial skills may be lacking, his mind makes up for it. Fred Yu showcased Feng's quick thinking through brilliant tactical skills. At the worst of odds, Feng is creative enough to find a way to surprise his enemies. And while he may not always win, you can be sure his enemies will be severely hurt in the process. However, do not mistake him for a cold stone killer willing to sacrifice anyone. Every loss of life Feng tries to circumvent and if he fails to do so is forever regretful.

I recommend The Orchid Farmer's Sacrifice for fans of military and historical fantasy. This novel is a wonderful blend of humor, romance, and action. Those who enjoy stories involving Chinese war tactics and culture will be sure to enjoy the read.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Dragons of the Dwarven Depths

Dragons of the Dwarven Depths picks up right where Dragons of Autumn Twilight left off. The companions and escaped refugees are trying to survive in the valley. But danger is never far away. All it will take is a single dragon to fly over the valley to discover them and Winter is fast approaching. The group is left with the choice to stay, or attempt a journey to Thorbardin and plead with the dwarves under the mountain for help. As the companions split up to find safe passage for the refugees, they will encounter ancient magics, stubborn dwarves, and lost artifacts.

Back when I first read the Chronicles I always wondered what happened directly after Dragons of Autumn Twilight. I felt like a large piece of the story had been pushed to the side. And while I still may not know why the authors chose to skip a section of the adventure, I am glad to finally be able to read about it.

Journeying once again with the companions was a breath of fresh air. The writing style felt a bit more modernized and there was a better balance struck between characters. I enjoyed seeing Tika's point of view more often. She was portrayed as less of a damsel in distress, though her age did factor into decisions she made. However, she struck off on her own in this tale and began to realize as an individual what she was capable of.

The battle scenes flowed much better. The characters each had their time to shine and Raistlin's magic was used more often. I feel like now that the characters have been written about so many times, the ability to articulate their strengths in battle really came through. The dialogue also felt more on point and I'll always enjoy an adventure where Tas and Flint share quips back and forth.

Having read about the dwarves under the mountain, but never diving into the side stories surrounding the cataclysm or the dwarven kingdoms did not hinder my enjoyment of this book. I did feel like the history lesson on each clan was a bit much, but it all goes into the massive world-building that encompasses Dragonlance. Flint does have a large portion of this tale focus on him and Tas, and every moment is wonderful. The friendship they share (though Flint will adamantly refuse to admit their friends) is one of comical mishaps and witty banter.

I do advise you read the Chronicles and Legends trilogies before diving into this one. Knowing what's to come in the future adventures adds a depth of understanding to the plot and actions of the characters. I highly recommend this for fans of high fantasy tales. The lore of Krynn and the depth of complexity these characters hold is sure to keep you reading and rereading for years to come. I know it certainly has kept my attention for years.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Dragons of the Dwarven Depths

Dragons of the Dwarven Depths picks up right where Dragons of Autumn Twilight left off. The companions and escaped refugees are trying to survive in the valley. But danger is never far away. All it will take is a single dragon to fly over the valley to discover them and Winter is fast approaching. The group is left with the choice to stay, or attempt a journey to Thorbardin and plead with the dwarves under the mountain for help. As the companions split up to find safe passage for the refugees, they will encounter ancient magics, stubborn dwarves, and lost artifacts.

Back when I first read the Chronicles I always wondered what happened directly after Dragons of Autumn Twilight. I felt like a large piece of the story had been pushed to the side. And while I still may not know why the authors chose to skip a section of the adventure, I am glad to finally be able to read about it.

Journeying once again with the companions was a breath of fresh air. The writing style felt a bit more modernized and there was a better balance struck between characters. I enjoyed seeing Tika's point of view more often. She was portrayed as less of a damsel in distress, though her age did factor into decisions she made. However, she struck off on her own in this tale and began to realize as an individual what she was capable of.

The battle scenes flowed much better. The characters each had their time to shine and Raistlin's magic was used more often. I feel like now that the characters have been written about so many times, the ability to articulate their strengths in battle really came through. The dialogue also felt more on point and I'll always enjoy an adventure where Tas and Flint share quips back and forth.

Having read about the dwarves under the mountain, but never diving into the side stories surrounding the cataclysm or the dwarven kingdoms did not hinder my enjoyment of this book. I did feel like the history lesson on each clan was a bit much, but it all goes into the massive world-building that encompasses Dragonlance. Flint does have a large portion of this tale focus on him and Tas, and every moment is wonderful. The friendship they share (though Flint will adamantly refuse to admit their friends) is one of comical mishaps and witty banter.

I do advise you read the Chronicles and Legends trilogies before diving into this one. Knowing what's to come in the future adventures adds a depth of understanding to the plot and actions of the characters. I highly recommend this for fans of high fantasy tales. The lore of Krynn and the depth of complexity these characters hold is sure to keep you reading and rereading for years to come. I know it certainly has kept my attention for years.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Paladin Unbound

Sacrifices are being made to bring back the power of a God. But if his power sweeps across Evelium, evil will coat the land and death will surely follow. When Umhra and his companions take on a quest to find those who have gone missing, they will uncover a host of horrors. But it is only the beginning for Umhra. He must embrace powers he has suppressed and hidden in order to stand against the growing tide of evil.

Umhra's character has so many conflicting angles. His personality truly shows how being different can cause someone to fold into themselves and keep away from the general populace. While he isn't the most self-confident character, he certainly makes up for it in his willingness to help his companions. As readers become immersed in the story, they'll be able to see how honorable and kind-hearted Umhra is and the internal struggle he fights every step of the way.

The beginning of Paladin Unbound builds up Umhra's unease with his orc heritage. His band of fellows has all seen the disgust people share for those of their kind. And yet as they journey into town for a job, they encounter very little conflict over who they are. There are a few brief moments where people admit their disgust at orcs, but these encounters do not allow the tension to build. As much as Umhra does not want to cause a scene, I would have liked to feel more emotion and unease brought into these scenes to really make them stand out.

Jeffrey Speight is a master at developing settings. Each time the characters entered a new area special attention was taken to highlight even the smallest of details. Readers will feel as if they are right alongside the characters taking in each moment. There is also a wealth of information given to the histories of the world and the character's backgrounds. Although I do wish the information were broken down into smaller chunks, it allows readers a full view of each character.

I recommend this for readers who enjoy dialogue driven stories. Emphasis is made on the adventuring side of this tale and the bonds between characters. This does make the story slower in pace, but no less entertaining. And if you are a fan of Dungeons and Dragons you will feel as if you are embarking on a new campaign.

Dorte is desperate to find her sister a cure. The small scratch Rikke has is growing worse as time passes. But her medical equipment is out of town. If Dorte can make it past the military blockades, she can run the tests and find a cure. Time is running out, and the infection rate is rising. Dorte is sure she can find a cure for Rikke before she advances. But if she can’t, she'll risk the infection spreading to another town. Meanwhile, Dan receives a desperate call for help from his father. He’s more than willing to leave the safety of Holger’s house to rescue his father, but in doing so he’ll unknowingly lead another threat straight to him and his companions.

With each new addition to the Dead Meat series, Nick Clausen flawlessly adds more characters. Each one is woven into the storyline with ease. Each new point of view is incorporated in a way the reader will never doubt or question. Whether it's old schoolmates, long-lost relatives, or past acquaintances. And with this round of characters, the professionals are starting to make an appearance. From doctors to the military, the world is opening up to the readers and allowing them to see how people outside the core group are reacting to the world falling apart.

As each day passes, the stakes are raised. Safety becomes harder to find, and the number of trustworthy people decreases. With the growing crisis, the worst in people begins to show. New villains rise to the forefront, showing the brutality some can inflict to secure a roof over their heads. Readers will find themselves emotionally invested in the characters' well-beings, urging them to survive despite the quickly growing challenges. Dead Meat Day 4 is another fast-paced and intense dive into a dystopian world.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Iron Crown

Fenn never imagined he would wake up in the middle of a bog with a looming dragon spirit nearby. To make matters worse his memory is gone. When Calidra and Jiysel find him wandering the forest alone, he realizes they may be his only hope of finding out what happened. As they begin their journey, the companions will find Fenn isn't alone. Countless people are turning up without memories. An evil once thought banished is returning, bringing with it vicious magical creations impervious to normal weapons. To find answers Fenn will have to uncover a remnant of the past that may bring about the downfall of the land.

The lore of the Dragon Spirits series captivated me. I loved how dragon spirits were created from nature growing its own magic. Each spirit readers encounter is different as they are direct reflections of natural magic. My favorite was Alnothen, a dragon spirit of the forest whose scales and horns matched the deep colors of foliage. She even grew moss and mushrooms along her body painting the picture of a mobile forest in my mind. And the dragons all have different personalities and ambitions as well. I hope the next book explores more about the spirits' desires as readers only begin to touch on the focus of what they truly want.

The characters themselves felt a little less developed. Pivotal turning points for some characters weren't as well written as I would have liked. Part of this I believe was due to the dialogue not quite matching the emotional tone of the settings. Fenn in particular would focus on subjects outside of the main plot point. Even though he would have an inner monologue berating himself for not focusing on the task at hand, it still threw me out of the overall set tone. There were also some consistency issues I found as the story progressed involving the dragon curses.

However, I still enjoyed The Iron Crown. Woven within the world-building is an overarching mystery sure to keep readers turning the pages. There is wonderful lore, engaging combat scenes, and heartfelt companionship. This was a fun and easy read with surprising twists thrown along the way.