Wolf Majick

Day 8 ~ Star~ The Atlantis Gene by A.G. Riddle

2020-05-12T22:00:00.008-07:00

Its hard to believe we've made it to day 8 of the Great New Reads Blog challenge. For today's Challenge we were tasked with finding a book with a star. I thought a little outside of the box and picked a novel with the Sun (our Star) on the cover. The Atlantis Gene.

The Atlantis Gene

by A.G.Riddle

5 Star

Summary:

In Antarctica, researchers discover a mysterious structure, buried in ice.

In a lab in Jakarta, an autism researcher identifies a revolutionary treatment that could change everything.

But these two incredible discoveries aren’t what they seem. They will set off a race to unravel the deepest secrets of human existence—and an event that could change humanity forever.

.

My Take:

This was a change of pace for me. I've been reading mostly serial killer series or Urban Fantasy but there was something about this one that seemed to draw me in. Set all over the world the characters uncover a plot that will change the human race. Fast paced and heart pounding the author manages to mix action with science and a little bit of mystery. It had the enjoyable feel of the DaVinci Code. Keeping you reading way into the night.

I didn't feel like the science was as heavy as a Crichton novel but there was just enough to make every thing seem plausible. I will admit that this was the first time I had heard about The Great Leap. So I did a little googling and its actually a really interesting. It makes you sit back and think, maybe if history repeats itself the X-Men might be in our future?

I think the sign of a good Science fiction novel is when it leaves the reader really thinking, and this one fits the bill. I can't wait to get to the next book in the trilogy!

#BookReviewBlogChallenge

Day 7 ~ Timeline by Michael Crichton

2020-05-09T19:43:00.002-07:00

Well here we are at day 7 of the Great New Reads Blog Challenge. For this Challenge I picked one of my favorite

time travel novels ;

Timeline by Michael Crichton

5 stars

Summary: In an Arizona desert, a man wanders in a daze, speaking words that make no sense. Within twenty-four

hours he is dead, his body swiftly cremated by his only known associates. Halfway around the world,

archaeologists make a shocking discovery at a medieval site. Suddenly they are swept off to the headquarters

of a secretive multinational corporation that has developed an astounding technology. Now this group is about to

get a chance not to study the past but to enter it. And with history opened up to the present, the dead awakened

to the living, these men and women will soon find themselves fighting for their very survival -- six hundred

years ago.

My Take:

The best thing about a Michael Crichton novel is the way he uses cutting edge scientific theories to spur

on interesting and believable story lines in a world that is just over the horizon from where we are.

Timeline follows a group of archeological students who find themselves with the opportunity of a lifetime. To travel,

through the magic of modern science, to the very time in France they are set upon studying. Since I have always

enjoyed the Medieval times and often fantasized what it would be like to live back then this novel was a real eye opener.

Crichton had an amazing nack to make scientific theories seem like reality. With this novel he takes it one step

further and really showcases how hard life was in the 1350's. Even things like the weight of the armor and swords

would be a huge shock for someone from modern day. This novel really made science and history come alive.

There is a movie "based" off the book but as is often the case the Novel is so much better. I was glad for the chance to

reread it! Special thanks to Great New Reads for another great prompt.

Day 6 ~ 400+ Pages ~ Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy b y Cassandra Clare

2020-05-06T06:11:00.004-07:00

Its time for day 6 of the Great New Reads Challenge, books that are 400 pages are more. 
This one makes the grade with 655 pages! I had mixed feelings about this book. First off 
it is more of a collection of stories that are tied together by the fact that Simon is at the 
Shadowhunter Academy and hearing the stories for the first time. I've actually had 
this one sitting in my TBR pile for a while but didn't pick it up until I finished Chains of Gold. 
I'm not sure if I would have enjoyed it more if I hadn't just read the other novel. 
Which was the best from the series I've read in a while.

Summary:

Simon Lewis has been a human and a vampire, and now he is becoming a Shadowhunter. 
But the events of City of Heavenly Fire left him stripped of his memories, and Simon
 isn’t sure who he is anymore. He knows he was friends with Clary, and that 
he convinced the total goddess Isabelle Lightwood to go out with him…but 
he doesn’t know how. And when Clary and Isabelle look at him, expecting 
him to be a man he doesn’t remember…Simon can’t take it.

My Take:
This novel meets us up with Simon who has lost his memory of the 
shadow world. Magnus has helped him out the best he could but
 Simon is still pretty clueless about everything, and everyone. In a
 quest to get his old memories back and prove himself he enrolls in 
the Shadowhunter Academy. Each chapter starts with Simon and
 what is going on with him but then delves into some type of 
flashback storyline. Each chapter could almost be read as 
individual pieces. Some of the stories were interesting. 
It was nice to get some back story on characters like the Inquisitor or
 meet James for the first time. Other chapters were just ok and I 
felt like the Simon plot line dragged a little bit. I still enjoyed 
the book but as far as a collection of stories I enjoyed the 
Magnus Bane Chronicles more. But I do love Magnus so I might be biased.

#bookblogchallenge #greatnewreads

Day 5 Blog Challenge ~ Rebel~ The Demons Song by Kendra Leigh Castle

2020-05-03T08:17:00.001-07:00

The Demon's Song by Kendra Leigh Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you enjoy a fallen angel with a bit of the wild side than this one is for you. I typically don't venture into angel fiction but I guess since these guys are fallen I can make an exception. A fallen Angel is the ultimate Rebel so the perfect choice for the day 5 challenge for the Great New Reads blog Challenge.

Summary:
The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. At least, that's how it seems to Sofia Rivera when her attempt to help a friend ends in a blood-soaked confrontation with creatures that aren't even supposed to exist. With a group of rogue vampires determined not to leave a single witness to their violence hot on her heels, Sofia finds herself saddled with an immortal bodyguard—Phenex, the fallen Angel of Song.

While the vampire king roots out the corruption threatening to take down his underworld kingdom, Sofia will have to deal with a fallen angel whose dark beauty is often at odds with his ornery nature. Slowly, Sofia and Phenex give in to the strange attraction neither can deny. And as the darkness closes in around them, Phenex begins to wonder whether even the wickedest Fallen might find his own happy ending...and his heart.
My Take:
I enjoyed the world That the author has created and it is an excellent set up for a continuing series. I liked the club being the gateway to a supernatural underground community. I also enjoyed that Sofia is a strong character. We meet her as she sneaks into an exclusive club to help find her friend and then runs to her aid when she is truly in need of help. Maybe because shes a nurse she feels like shes seen everything and that why she handles everything in stride. Phenex makes for an intriguing leading man. He is the fallen angel of music who got himself kicked in, and out, of hell. He seems a little afraid of making a real connection but thats half the fun. Overall the characters had interesting back stories and some steamy connections. Truly a fun read.

Blog Challenge day 5

Day 04- Blog Challenge ~ Family ~ An Alternative History of Britian

2020-04-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

An Alternative History of Britain: The Tudors by Timothy Venning
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For all of you following along today is day 4 of the Blog Challenge and todays theme was Family. A novel that makes you think of strong family ties. I know this may seem a little out of the box but nothing says family ties to me like the Royal family.

Summary:
Continuing his exploration of the pathways of British history, Timothy Venning examines the turning points of the Tudor period, though he also strays over into the early Stuart period. As always, he discusses the crucial junctions at which History could easily have taken a different turn and analyses the possible and likely results. While necessarily speculative to a degree, the scenarios are all highly plausible and rooted in a firm understanding of actually events and their context. In so doing, Timothy Venning gives the reader a clearer understanding of the factors at play and why things happened the way they did, as well as a tantalizing view of what might so easily have been different. Key scenarios discussed in this volume include: Did the pretenders Lambert Simnel and Perkin Warbeck ever have a realistic chance of a successful invsasion/coup? If Henry Fitzroy, Henry VIII s illegitimate son, had not died young, might he have been a suitable King or at least Regent on the King s death? What if Edward VI had not died at 15 but reigned into the 1560s and 70s? How might the Spanish Armada have succeeded in landing an army in England, and with what likely outcome?

My Take:

Anyone who knows me personally knows that I have a deep fascination with the Tudor Dynasty. This novel takes an interesting twist. Timothy Venning goes through and step by step explores what might have happened if fate had fallen a different way. Every possible time line is explored. From what would have happened if Arthur Tudor had lived to possible suitors for Henry's daughters. Essentially we get a glance at alternate time lines. For those readers who are not up on their Tudor history this was a great way to learn some history. To explore alternate possibilities you have to have a basic understanding of what really happened.
This was a nice break from all the crime serials and an enjoyably educational time travel experience. I'm really enjoying the Blog Challenge by Great New Reads. What a fun way to keep Quarantine interesting!

Day 03 ~ Blog Challenge Golden Classics ~ Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski

2020-04-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well its time for our Day 03 in the Great New Reads Blog Challenge Golden Classics. For today I chose Blood of Elves Published in 1994

Summary:
For over a century, humans, dwarves, gnomes, and elves have lived together in relative peace. But times have changed, the uneasy peace is over, and now the races are fighting once again. The only good elf, it seems, is a dead elf.

Geralt of Rivia, the cunning assassin known as The Witcher, has been waiting for the birth of a prophesied child. This child has the power to change the world - for good, or for evil.

As the threat of war hangs over the land and the child is hunted for her extraordinary powers, it will become Geralt's responsibility to protect them all - and the Witcher never accepts defeat.

The Witcher returns in this sequel to The Last Wish, as the inhabitants of his world become embroiled in a state of total war.

My Take:
Although this is book one in the series I started with the prequel novel The Last Wish. SInce I am not typically into high fantasy I'm glad I started with the other novel first. This story starts of with Geralt and Ciri together and training. But their world is changing. And they can't avoid it for ever. Big Pros to this novel is that we get to experience some of the training techniques of the Witchers and of course travel the land and meet some interesting characters. The Cons are that if you haven't read the Last Wish, I feel like you might be a little confused. I did prefer the shirt story style of the last wish in comparison to the continuing epic one.
Overall its a great story which I enjoyed it just had a slightly diffrent feel than I was expecting.

Special Thanks to Great New Reads for hosting this challenge.

There's a Book for That: A Bibliotherapy Event

2020-04-24T02:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday night I had the pleasure to "participate" in the Boston Book Festivals online event There's a Book for That: A Bibliotherapy Event . This event was advertised on Facebook and booked through EventBrite.

From the Event Page : Join bibliotherapist Ella Berthoud and bartender Nick Petrulakis for an evening of cocktails and timely literary "prescriptions."

My Take:
I jumped at the chance to join in this event being someone who has always turned to reading in times of trouble as much as in times of joy. There is something wonderful about being able to escape from our world and imerse yourself into someone elses. Author Ella Berthoud helps people through different life issues by subscribing books that fit the situation. I personally love this idea. Ella, who is located in England, offers session with clients either in person or online. Perfect for everyone who is quarantining right now.
Ella answered a few questions including one about staying focused on reading which I thought was helpful. Both sugestions involve reading aloud. One was to read aloud to yourself. Another was to read to someone else. Either a relative, pet or even a friend via a Skype or Zoom.
Nick Petrulakis then came on to give us some helpful drink suggestions.
Overall this is a fun and interesting way to spend the afternoon. I will be keeping my eyes out for future Boston Book Festival Events.

Stillhouse Lake ~ Rachel Caine

2020-04-23T16:13:00.000-07:00

Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, I was totally impressed by this book. I typically don't choose first person naratives so for me to enjoy this novel is saying alot.

Summary:
Gina Royal is the definition of average—a shy Midwestern housewife with a happy marriage and two adorable children. But when a car accident reveals her husband’s secret life as a serial killer, she must remake herself as Gwen Proctor—the ultimate warrior mom.

With her ex now in prison, Gwen has finally found refuge in a new home on remote Stillhouse Lake. Though still the target of stalkers and Internet trolls who think she had something to do with her husband’s crimes, Gwen dares to think her kids can finally grow up in peace.

But just when she’s starting to feel at ease in her new identity, a body turns up in the lake—and threatening letters start arriving from an all-too-familiar address. Gwen Proctor must keep friends close and enemies at bay to avoid being exposed—or watch her kids fall victim to a killer who takes pleasure in tormenting her. One thing is certain: she’s learned how to fight evil. And she’ll never stop.

My Take:
I found this novel while looking through Amazon for a novel set at the water for the OWLs reading challenge. Since I've been in a crime serial reading soree I figured this was a good choice. Maybe its because I am a mother so I can really feel the distress and determination of the mother. There is something truly primal about this mothers need to protect her children. This novel also explores the truly disturbing aspect of humanity, not just the serial killer fans but the vengful public who want to make his innocent family "pay".
The author does an excellent job keeping your adreneline running all the way till the end. Making this an excellent first book for a series I can't wait to finish! For those of you with Kindle Unlimited this novel is currently free to read.

Blog Challenge Day 02 Travel/Vacation - Wild Card ~ Rachel Vincent

2020-04-22T03:30:00.000-07:00

Wild Card by Rachel Vincent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I found out today's Blog Challenge theme was Vacation and Travel I knew I needed to get this review ready! Wild Card follows Kaci and Justus as they make an exciting trip to Las Vegas, to out run a murder charge. The road trip almost ends up as a long time Island vacation but of course there are a few detours and a murder trial to attend..

Summary:

Kaci Dillon is a man-eater.

She’s grown up on the fringes of shifter society, hearing the whispers. One desperate act as a starving, terrified child has made her the first tabby in history with no romantic prospects. But whatever. Eighteen is too young to get married anyway. Still, when she stumbles upon an opportunity to get away for a few days, who could blame her for seizing it?

Justus Alexander is screwed.

Confined to the South-Central territory, awaiting trial for crimes he committed as a traumatized, newly infected stray, Justus has discovered that the tribunal already intends to vote for the death penalty. He has no choice but to run. Too young to touch the trust fund that could finance his escape, he’s betting on a big win at the poker tables—until Kaci, his secret crush, catches him sneaking out and demands that he take her with him to Las Vegas

My Take:

This is the third novel in Rachel Vincent's spin off series. For those of us who are fans of the original series this novel gives us a chance to check in with some old favorites and see how they are doing. I also enjoyed how these three novels are linked allowing us to have contact with some of the newer characters as well. You could read this book as a stand alone but I did reread the original series before starting this new one. Just to refresh my memory. The shifter society Vincent has created is expertly done. I've always enjoyed the way she pushes the society to equality but in a believable way. It would make sense that a society of shifters would have strict codes of secrecy or they wouldn't have survived this long. It also begs to reason the whole group would be a little sexist, sense female equality has been a battle for a long time.
To balance that we have some strong willed modern female leads. Each book in this series follows one tabby in her search for love, respect and independence. This novel follows Kaci who has spent the last few years being raise by Faythe and Marc since being found alone and in cat form in the Montana
Wilderness.
Kaci is all grown up but unable to escape the stigma that comes with being a Man Eater. Feeling alone and pretty down on herself she decides to hitch a ride with Justus who is headed to Las Vegas for a little pre-trial Vacation. Little does Kaci know this is going to be the trip of a lifetime!
I really enjoyed this novel. It was fun and exciting with a dash of romance. A perfect read to keep you up late into the night.

#BookReviewBlogChallenge

Check out Great New Reads for info on the blog challenge and to check out some other great books.

Last Girl Standing ~ Lisa Jackson and Nancy Bush

2020-04-21T20:14:00.002-07:00

Last Girl Standing by Lisa Jackson and Nancy Bush
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was excited to read this ARC from Netgalley. The first Lisa Jackson book I ever read was one that she and Nancy Bush had done together. After that I managed to score a whole slew of Lisa Jackson novels and I've enjoyed everyone.

Summary:
First they were five. Then they were four. Who's turn will it be next?

New York Times bestselling Sisters of Suspense join forces for a gripping novel about a clique of popular girls whose high school friendship is marked by a tragedy that continues to haunt them decades later

My Take:
This one did not disappoint. Suspenseful till the last moment. The main characters are the mean girls from high school everyone loved to hate. Although this story is filled with small town secrecy and big time trouble. There was a level of intensity from each of the First Five, which can be hard to maintain with so many characters in play. I think the authors have done an excellent job building believable teenagers who are so wrapped up in their emotional lives that can't truly see whats going on around them. It also shows how sometimes tragedy shapes a community more than anyone might realize.
As the storyline heats up you realize things are even crazier than you thought.I promise you this one will keep you guessing till the very end.

Circle of Desire ~ Keri Arthur

2020-04-19T03:30:00.000-07:00

Circle of Desire by Keri Arthur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has been sitting in my digital TBR pile for far to long! Lucky for me I got a great deal on a used Kindle Oasis and now I can clear my digital TBR shelf. I received the digital copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

Summary:

In ten years of working for the Damask Circle, shapeshifter Katherine Tanner has never come across anything that goes after kids the way this monster does, and she has never met anything that does to them what this thing does. And it’s not something she wants to confront. But with the Circle’s resources stretched to the limits, she’s given very little choice. The last thing she needs is interference from a cop who has no idea what he’s up against.

Ethan Morgan’s niece is one of the missing children and he has every intention of not only defying the odds and bringing her back alive, but of catching the monster behind these kidnappings and bringing her to justice. Even if he has to break every law in the country to do it. And he's willing to use anyone and everyone to achieve those aims--even a crazy woman who claims to be a witch.

Forced to join forces, Ethan and Kat are drawn to each other, but fight their feelings as they struggle to uncover clues that will lead them to the monster’s lair and battle a seemingly endless supply of zombies and other dead things determined to stop them. But time is ticking away and both know the monster behind these kidnappings rarely keeps her victims alive for more than seven days. And four of those have already gone.

But the greatest threat to Kat might not come from the forces of darkness gathering around them, but from the man she is beginning to love.

My Take;

Being the 3rd book in the series it took a few chapters for me to catch up with what was going on. After that the storyline moved in a well paced way. Mixing action scenes with steamy romance. The first few encounters with Kat and Ethan are a little rough. There isn't the romance and longing you would usually expect in this kind of fantasy. The casual nature of their relationship does begin to change for the better and you end up with a good read.
There is also a new and interesting supernatural predator. I wish we had been able to spend a little more time with the Mara. Learning about the creature. Maybe I've been just reading too many crime serials. This really wasn't that kind of novel. Worth the read but I do think you'd be better off starting at book 1.

Blog Challenge Day 01~ Dreams and Ambitions ~ Dressage for the Not-So-Perfect Horse

2020-04-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Book Review Blog Challenge Day 01- Dreams and Ambitions
Alright here we go. For today's installment in the blog challenge I've decided to go with an equestrian self help book. Since I am still recovering from a broken ankle this is the perfect time to expand my craft through reading.

Dressage for the Not-So-Perfect Horse: Riding Through the Levels on the Peculiar, Opinionated, Complicated Mounts We All Love by Janet Foy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary:
Thousands of riders pursue the sport of dressage across the globe, and the majority do so on a budget and with the horse they already have, or quite simply, the one they can afford. This means riders daily face the challenge of mastering one of the world’s most esteemed equestrian pursuits on horses that may not be bred specifically for the task, or even if they have been, may not be top prospects for any number of reasons—behavioral quirks, conformational impediments, age or soundness issues, you name it.
International dressage judge, clinician, and riding coach Janet Foy has ridden many different horses in the course of her riding and horse training career—different sizes, shapes, colors, and breeds—to the highest levels of dressage competition. Now she has compiled her best tips for training and showing the horse you have (or the horse you love, despite his “faults”) through the levels. With lists of the common “imperfections and evasions” experienced when riding movements—from simple transitions and leg-yield to zig-zags, tempi changes, and piaffe— followed by training tips and creative ways to “perfect” the “imperfections,” riders are bound to discover countless ways to apply Janet’s advice in their dressage pursuits.

My Take:
Easy to understand and logically broken down this book de-mistifies some of the more confusing "basics" that many people struggle from. Myself included.
I chose this book beacause the title really grabbed me. As an equestrian I am always trying to do things better. With more feel, or more accuracy, more impulsion or more control. Since my own horse would often prefer a lesiorly trail ride to flat work in the ring, finding new ways to engage his brain (and body) is of the utmost improtance. Just like people horses have diffrent learning styles and behaviours. Understanding your horse and diffrent methods to help your horse understand you can make all the difffrence in training.
I'll be honest with you. I have often found Equestrian non fiction to be kind of dry. Not nesecarily hard to understand but just hard to relate to. That is really where this one stands out. Each step is broken down and explained in an informative but relatable way. If you start at the begining and work your way through you can easily see the building blocks to each movement . If you are a more experienced rider or if you are thinkong of resolving just a certaian problem you can quickly find the chapter that interests you. I often enjoy learning how other instructors teach the basis since I teach beginners. Either way I'm sure you will learn a lot and be ready to put it into practice. Once we all get out of quarentine.

There is also a second book that focuses on training which I hope to pick up in the near future.

Special Thanks to Great New Reads for picking such a good topic for today!

#bookreviewblogchallenge

OWLS readathon update

2020-04-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Well here we are more than half way through April so I figured it was time for an update.

I have finished the following "courses" and submitted my Tomes

Transfiguration - Night of the Billionaire Wolf by Terry Spear
Muggle Studies - Thicker than Blood by Mike Omer
History of Magic - Capturing the Last Welsh Witch by J.M. Davies

Now on to finish ;

Divination - Wild Card by Rachel Vincent

I also have a few I haven't found books for yet

Astronomy - read at night

Charms- White cover

Potions- under 150 Pages

Herbology- Tittle starts with an I

DADA- Set at the sea or the coast

Care of magical creatures- Beak on the cover

If you have any suggestions I'd love to hear them!

Interested in joining all the fun? Check out the Magical Readathon page. There is still plenty of time!

Night of the Billionaire Wolf ~ Terry Spear

2020-04-16T05:50:00.001-07:00

Night of the Billionaire Wolf by Terry Spear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another win for Terry Spear! If you look back into some of my old reviews you'll learn I am a big Terry Spear fan. So I was very excited when I got the chance to read the ARC from Netgalley and the publisher for an honest review. If you are looking for romance and an upbeat story line she never lets you down. I also have always enjoyed the world she has set up for her wolves. The Lupus Garou shift seamlessly between wolf and human, mate for life, and have strong family bonds. They also tend to be pretty honorable (at least the main characters) so overall they are almost always likable. I've always though if shifters could exist in our world it would have to be more like that. If there was some moon obsessed magical killers running around human would have hunted them into extinction years ago.

Summary:
It's not easy being a billionaire, a wolf shifter, and a woman...

Lexi Summerfield built her business from the ground up. But with great wealth comes great responsibility, and some drawbacks Lexi could not have anticipated. Lexi never knows who she can trust... Even on vacation, Lexi has a hard time trying to relax. And for good reason―the paparazzi are dogging her, and so is someone else with evil intent.

Then Lexi meets bodyguard and gray wolf shifter Ryder Gallagher, who's also vacationing at Redwood National Park. When the two run into each other on the hiking trails, and then serendipitously rescue two bear cubs, Lexi feels safe for the first time in she can't remember when. But secrets have a way of surfacing... With the danger around Lexi escalating, Ryder will do whatever it takes to stay by her side...

My Take:

This book centers on Lexi a smart and wealthy female wolf who has had her world turned upside down after the death of her mom and loss of her dad. Not just dealing with the running of her business but also trying to weed through a sea of suitors who are only after her money. Lucky for Lexi she manages to cross paths with a wolf who is more interested in protecting her and things heat up.
I don't want to give any spoilers but I was excited to meet up with some characters from previous books. Having been a long time reader its nice to have a touch base with some old friends.
If you enjoy paranormal romance this is a great read.

Blog Challenge~ Day 00

2020-04-15T06:22:00.000-07:00

Today is the opening day of the Great New Reads Blog Challenge. Today's challenge was to find a book that brought you joy. I grew up with a deep love for Arthurian Legend. After watching almost every movie about King Arthur a friend recommended this book. Once I started it I honestly could not put it down. This is one of the only books I have found myself rereading over and over again.
Special thanks to Great New Reads for picking such a fun topic to start.

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazingly written, makes you feel like this is the true story of King Arthur. This is one of my all time favorite books. Coming from me that is saying a lot. The characters are vibrant and well written. The story-line makes sense of the old legends. If you enjoy a fractured fairy-tale this one is well worth the read.

Destiny of the Witch ~ J. M. Davies

2020-04-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Haunted soul-shifter, Ella Masters’ destiny is to defeat her nemesis, the Morrigan, and save mankind, but since when does destiny ever play fair?

Wolf Majick Reviews is happy to take part in the book tour for Destiny of the Witch

by J.M. Davies

Destiny of the Witch

The Rise of Orion Series

Book Four

J. M. Davies

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: J. M. Davies

Date of Publication: April 10th, 2020.

ISBN: ISBN-9798620706396

ASIN: B085D8KJGG

Number of pages: 247

Word Count: 77,293

Cover Artist: Gabrielle Prendergast

Wolf Majick Reviews received a copy of the novel in order to give an honest review and take part in this tour. You can enter for your chance to win a copy! Make sure to scroll down after my review to check out some information about the author and an excerpt of the novel.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Giveaway

5 ebook copies Destiny of the Witch

Summary:

In the thrilling climax of the Rise of Orion series, the stakes are higher than ever before as Ella Masters risks everything to fulfill her destiny. As the last Welsh witch and soul-shifter, she has battled many enemies, but none as malevolent as the Morrigan. The devious goddess is determined to destroy not only her, but mankind as well.

Betrayed by her lover Marcus Drayton, an agent for the security team Orion, and facing impossible odds Ella must find the strength to fight her deadly adversary—alone.

Marcus is desperate to save Ella. In a daring and calculated move, he surrenders himself to the Morrigan to prevent his soul mate from clashing swords with the harbinger of death. But has he underestimated what’s at play? When the seductive goddess, manipulates him—her true agenda in this twisted game is revealed.

With the world a battlefield and the very balance of nature under threat, will Ella and Marcus defeat their foes? Will destiny keep them together or tear them apart?

My Take;
4 Stars

This novel picks up with the continuing story of Ella and Marcus. If you have read the previous novels you are probably hoping for a happy ending but they still have some danger to get through and some mysterious forces to overcome. The character development is stronger in this novel than in the first novels. With good pacing for the chapters and just the right amount of steamy to keep your heart racing. Theres also some good action of the non sexual nature. Who doesn't love an out of control Goddess? I do think you would get the most out of the story line if you started with the first novels.

About the Author:

J. M.Davies, Jen is the author of The Rise of Orion paranormal romance series as well as several contemporary and YA fantasy novels under the name, Jennifer Owen Davies. Jen’s novels are available worldwide in Ebook and print format. In 2014, she was signed with Secret Cravings to write the Children of Annwn fantasy series and in 2018 signed with Limitless Publishing to write the Bound by Love series. Jen is also an indie author producing and publishing work of her own.

Jen loves to create realistic and flawed characters who deserve a happy ever hopefully providing a satisfying read.

J. M. Davies, Jen, is originally from Wales in the UK, but now lives with her family in a small town in New England close to the city of Boston, the coast, and the mountains. Both countries are huge sources of inspiration for her writing. Since she could read, Jen has enjoyed an eclectic taste in books, but loves all thing's romance, and from her love of the written word stemmed the desire to create her own satisfying stories. Although, a shortie at only five feet tall, she has a big heart and hopes that is evident in her storytelling.

Jen has been married for twenty-three years to her greatest supporter. She is mom to four boys, an adorable rescue hound called Ella, and a feline called Kitkat. When she isn’t writing paranormal or contemporary romance, Jen manages a local romance only book club called ‘Babes with Books’. She loves discovering old treasures at yard sales and revamping them, watching Grey’s Anatomy, walking on the beach, cooking, biking and when there’s time the gym. She loves to chat to readers and below are some ways to stay in touch with the latest news about her books and competitions. If you haven’t read any of Jen’s book sign-up for her newsletter, and you’ll receive a free book!

Website http://www.jenniferowendavies.com/

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Blog https://welshjensblog.blogspot.com

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Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/Jennifer-Owen-Davies-YA-J-M-Davies-Adult-1421409368089313

Excerpt:

Ella spun around, facing a bloody battle scene. Chaos surrounded her and for a moment, she froze, unsure what to do. Marcus was at the edge of the beach, fighting several monsters, and the cats from the island were jumping on the creatures’ backs and clawing at them, only to be tossed aside. Ghostly skeletal and sinewy figures swarmed the wedding party like ants, wielding swords and brandishing axes and slicing down those in their way. The creatures dragged thick swirls of mist from the ocean, making visibility patchy at best. The moans and yells grew louder.

When a one-armed corpse hollered and lunged at her with his silver blade held high above his mottled head, Ella launched into action. Luckily, with her attacker’s reduced eyesight, his aim sucked, and he missed, giving her time to duck out of the way. The sudden movement ripped the delicate seam of her dress, revealing her stash of weapons strapped to her legs. Grabbing her knife from the holster secured around her thigh, she twisted around, ready to fight back, but hesitated for a second, unsure where to stick her weapon into the boney carcass to cause maximum damage. A silver breastplate covered the creature’s chest.

Cries and roars surrounded her. Ella couldn’t believe the chaos and plunged the knife into the monster’s side, where pink muscle and torn flesh hung loose. The creature wailed but managed to grab her throat and squeezed it tight. His sharp skeletal bones tightened, shutting off her air supply, stealing her breath. Blinking to stay awake, she watched as a blurry figure grabbed the decomposing form. In one fluid motion, he snapped the creature’s neck and ripped the head off, dropping it to the ground. Heaving in a lungful of oxygen, she didn’t have time to respond as Roman, the prince of vampires, whisked her off the ground to stand next to Isabella on the wedding dais. The vampire pulled her in close and hugged her tight.

“I should’ve known…” she said, still catching her breath. “I detected a foul scent earlier. It smelled like a dead body,” Ella said. Being a soul-shifter, one of her talents was to detect other creatures by their scents. She crouched low with her small blade out in front, backed against Roman, Isabella, and several vamps as the fog swirled around them.

“That monster would’ve killed you, Ella. How the hell did they get through the wards?” Isabella asked.

“I would like to know the answer to that,” Roman yelled.

“The wards were set up so no one would get inside…” Isabella shrieked.

“Well, the undead are definitely here and they weren’t on my guest list. These creatures don’t abide by normal rules. They are deadly assassins who’ll keep coming until they have achieved their goal. The only way to kill them is to sever the head. Nothing else will work. But for us to do that, we need to be able to see them. Now would be a good time to use your unique gifts to get rid of this infernal mist!” Roman hollered.

“You think I haven’t already tried?” Isabella replied.

The prince switched his gaze between the women and the battlefield, obviously weighing up the odds. Ella tilted her head, calling out for the spirits to help to disperse the fog that blanketed the ground.

“You need to leave. There’s too many of them,” Roman shouted. He nodded at one of his guards. The vampire grabbed hold of Isabella’s arm, but she struggled in protest.

“I’m not leaving. You can’t ask me to, Roman. This is my fight too. This is our wedding.”

Roman kissed her on the lips and without another word, Isabella vanished, along with the guard. The prince flicked his gaze over at Ella. “Don’t look at me like that. After all, she’s hardly dressed for a fight, and the creatures have weapons that destroy our kind. You shouldn’t be here either, not in your condition, but I suspect you would protest as much as Isabella. Fortunately for you, I have no authority where you’re concerned. But tread carefully, my feroce guerriero.”

Book Review Blog Challenge

2020-04-09T07:40:00.000-07:00

What better month than April to participate in another reading challenge? This one is hosted by Greatnewreads.com and starts on April 15th. Its similar to the OWLS challenge where you pick a book based on the theme picked by the host. Check out the website for all the rules and entry. There is even a few prizes! Entry is open till April 25th so make sure you stop by.

Thicker Than Blood ~ Mike Omer

2020-04-08T08:08:00.001-07:00

Thicker than Blood by Mike Omer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Available June 23, 2020

The best one in the series!

I received this novel from Netgalley for an honest review. I was really excited to get my copy. Since I really enjoyed the first two in the series I dove right into the third installment and I was not disappointed.

Summary:
A murderer who drinks his victim’s blood? FBI profiler Zoe Bentley and Agent Tatum Gray thought they’d seen it all, but this young woman’s barbaric murder is especially hard to stomach.

They didn’t expect to work this case. But vampirism aside, the murderer’s MO is identical to that of Rod Glover—the serial killer who’s been pursuing Zoe since childhood. Forensics reveals the murder to be his work, but not his alone; desperate to fulfill his sick purpose, he has taken on an equally depraved partner.

Zoe’s own frustration grows after another woman turns up dead and drained—and another goes missing. Time is running out: Zoe knows her own death will be the climax of Glover’s sinister play, which has been unfolding for twenty years. To stop Glover and his vile partner, she’ll need to plunge deep into their motives; but this means drawing ever closer to becoming another casualty of a dark, dark thirst.
My Take: **SPOILERS**

We find ourselves on the hunt for the ever slippery Rod Glover. Back in Chicago chasing leads Zoey and Tatum find themselves back in the thick of things with another strange serial killer. I try not to write too many spoilers as a rule but be warned here come a few.
When it becomes clear that the killer(s) are interested in blood drinking Zoe makes contact with the head of Chicago's Vampire scene. I found this plot line intresting on a personal note because a few years ago I was also able to interview a practicing Vampire who was originally from New York and had helped start the New York Vampire scene. As a Urban fantasy lover I also enjoyed that this took place in Chicago the home of some of my favorite Vampires (Chicago Land and Mercy Thompson) so it seems the place to write about Vampirism.
This novel wasn't really about Vampires though it was just an interesting line of questioning. A peak into another lifestyle most people wouldn't even know exsisted. The heart of the novel is the hunt for the Killers and the dissociative breakdown of the blood drinker. Having read many psychological thrillers I felt that the author did an excellent and believable job with Glover and the blood drinker. I enjoyed the realness of the FBI not being able to bust down every door and hack every computer. This isn't an episode of Criminal Minds and that makes the scene much more real for the reader.
The pacing was done well and I didn't feel any lagging moments or weak plot points. Truly a fantastic novel and probably the best FBI novel I have read in some time.

In case you were interested heres the link to my Interview with Vlad from a few years ago.

Interview with a Vampire, No really

2020 Magical Readathon OWLs

2020-04-01T14:53:00.001-07:00

I'm very excited to take part in this years Magical Readathon! I think this is a really fun idea to keep people motivated this month while we are all dealing with the COVID-19. I'll Post the link at the bottom of the page but essentially you don't need to fill anything out. Just pick the OWLs you want and read your books. After your finished you can add your finished books to the list. How could it be easier?

2020 Magical Readathon

Audible review ~ In the Darkness ~ Mike Omer

2020-03-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

In the Darkness by Mike Omer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second installment in the Zoe Bentley series and it left me wondering when we would get the next one! I did this one as an audio book from audible and I am now at least over the badly done Boston accent.

Summary:
A forensic psychologist fights a mental war against two serial killers in this disturbing thriller from Mike Omer, Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestselling author of A Killer’s Mind.

An online video of a girl clawing at the ceiling of her own grave could be the worst thing FBI forensic psychologist Zoe Bentley has ever seen. Perhaps even more disturbing is the implication of the video’s title: “Experiment Number One.”

Zoe and her partner, Special Agent Tatum Gray, work as fast as they can to find the monster behind the shocking video, but soon another one shows up online, and another girl turns up dead. Meanwhile, a different murderer is on Zoe’s mind. Rod Glover has been tormenting her since childhood, and his latest attack is a threatening photo of himself with Zoe’s sister. As Glover’s threats creep toward action, Zoe’s torn between family and duty.

Zoe must think fast to prevent another murder. With her own family’s safety on the line, Zoe feels she’s never been in more danger. And while she’s always known her job could send her to an early grave, she always assumed she’d be dead first

My Take:
I enjoyed this one even more than the first. I love Tatum's grandfather! He is hysterical. I think his character really humanizes the story. He also adds a break to some of the more intense portions of the novel. And there are plenty of those. This was a couldn't stop listening kind of story. The summary gives away some of whats going to happen but even so the story was still intense.With a few hold your breathe moments thrown in there.
In answer to my own earlier question the next book in this series will be available to purchase from Amazon on June 23rd. I've decided this time I will do the paperback since the Boston accent is really hard to listen to. I'm not sure why people think it needs to be so thick. Having grown up right outside of Boston I promise you we don't sound like that. Anyways you can bet I'm going to pre-order the paperback this week!

Magic Binds ~ Ilona Andrews

2020-03-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was glad to get caught up with this series. I've been so busy that I haven't had a chance to keep up with all of my favorite series. I have not kept up with the side stories or the Curran POV books so I may have to revisit those after the series is finished.

Summary:
Mercenary Kate Daniels knows all too well that magic in post-Shift Atlanta is a dangerous business. But nothing she’s faced could have prepared her for this…

Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar…

Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.

The odds are impossible. The future is grim. But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules…

My Take:
This one did not disappoint. Kate was as a** kicking as usual. Even as she is trying to become a little more "normal". Of course calm does not last long in Atlanta and the former Beast Lord probably wouldn't be too happy with no minions to oversee. Fast paced and intense. The authors explore the relationship between Kate and her Dad which I for one have been waiting to learn more about. We revisit some characters we haven't heard from in a bit. Theres also some new and interesting magic. Gotta love the magic. Add into that some excellent shifters and you've got yourself a novel you will want to read till its done, no matter what time it is. It looks like this series is going to come to an Epic and interesting end. Now on to Magic Triumphs!

Avenging Adam ~ Jodi Burnett

2020-03-27T13:21:00.001-07:00

Avenging Adam by Jodi Burnett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lately I've been bouncing between FBI dramas and Urban Fantasy. I received this ARC to read and give an honest review.

Summary:
While hiking in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, FBI Special Agent Kendra Dean and her K9 partner, Baxter, stumble upon a dead body stashed in the woods. The discovery changes both of their lives forever.

Special Agent Rick Sanchez hunts a serial murderer who is targeting women on a multi-state killing spree. Kendra Dean, an agent Rick met on a joint mission six months ago, has found the most recent victim. Rick and Kendra once shared a tempting chemistry but time and miles made their spark a distant memory.

Now, thrust together to solve a deadly case, Rick and Kendra rekindle their attraction only to find their personal demons are even greater obstacles than their geography. It’s hard for Kendra to see around the chip she carries on her shoulder as she works to prove herself in a man’s world. Rick harbors a debilitating guilt over a past failure that holds his heart prisoner and he’s terrified to love again.

The serial killer sets his sights on Kendra. With her life in the balance, she and Rick must deal with their issues. Will they be able to admit their feelings and embrace their growing intimacy before it’s too late?

My Take:

This is the first in a new series by Jodi Burnett. I think if you like Lisa Jackson novels you will enjoy this novel. An interesting balance between romance and murder. There is a definite emotional connection between the two main characters and enough of storyline to keep the reader invested in it.
There is also the serial killer to contend with. The creepy factor is definitely high with this guy. Religious serial killers always give me the creeps. It could be because the first serial killer movie I ever watched was Seven. Or maybe its just too many episodes of Criminal Minds.
I think the author did a good job working between the chemistry of the main characters and the primary story line. Overall it was a good read and easy to get through. I will be on the look out for the next one.

5 star ~ TV Show Review ~ Containment

2020-03-25T18:51:00.000-07:00

Well here we are, everyone enjoying some time at home. What better time to check out a few new shows on Netflix? This weeks pick was Containment which originally aired on the CW in 2015. Of course with whats going on in the world its made its way to the top of the recommendation list.

What its about:

Based on a Belgian TV show named Cordon Containment follows a deadly virus outbreak in Atlanta. At first it seems like things will be contained but it doesn't take long to figure out everything has gotten out of hand.

My thoughts:

I enjoyed this show. The acting was solid and believable. There were a few predictable moments but the emotion always felt real. There was plenty of suspense and not a ton of gore, thankfully. I won't lie, there were some tearjerking moments as well. If your looking for happily ever after this is not the show for you.

Chain of Gold ~Cassandra Clare

2020-03-18T17:18:00.001-07:00

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm not sure where to start. Currently I am non-weight bearing de to a severely broken ankle so when I realized that Cassandra Clare had a new book out I was ecstatic! Over the past year I have done a fair amount of audio books but I knew this one had to be done old school. Thanks to Amazon it landed at my door just a day or two after publication.

Summary:
Welcome to Edwardian London, a time of electric lights and long shadows, the celebration of artistic beauty and the wild pursuit of pleasure, with demons waiting in the dark. For years there has been peace in the Shadowhunter world. James and Lucie Herondale, children of the famous Will and Tessa, have grown up in an idyll with their loving friends and family, listening to stories of good defeating evil and love conquering all. But everything changes when the Blackthorn and Carstairs families come to London…and so does a remorseless and inescapable plague.

James Herondale longs for a great love, and thinks he has found it in the beautiful, mysterious Grace Blackthorn. Cordelia Carstairs is desperate to become a hero, save her family from ruin, and keep her secret love for James hidden. When disaster strikes the Shadowhunters, James, Cordelia and their friends are plunged into a wild adventure which will reveal dark and incredible powers, and the true cruel price of being a hero…and falling in love.

My Take:

Having been a fan of this series for many years I was excited to see that this next trilogy is going to follow the children of two of my favorite characters, Tessa and Will. For fans of the Infernal Devicesit is great to "see" some of our favorite characters again. I also loved having Magnus brought in as well. He really links all of the series together in such an interesting way.
At the heart of this story is teenagers moving into adult hood. In their world of demon hunting and political intrigue there is still the same core issues we all go through. Love and loss, betrayal and forgiveness, growing up to see that are parents aren't perfect.
The characters were all interesting and had depth. A few of the plot points were a little predictable but overall this novel had some great storytelling that leaves the reader wishing it was 2021 already.

Audible review ~ Body of Proof

2020-03-10T10:18:00.001-07:00

Body Of Proof by Darrell Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Summary: A woman disappeared. A man was convicted. Case closed?

Body of Proof, a true crime podcast, examines the many unanswered questions surrounding the disappearance and death of Suzanne Pilley in Edinburgh in 2010 and the subsequent conviction of David Gilroy. Journalists and TV producers Darrell Brown and Sophie Ellis spent two years investigating the case and spoke exclusively to David Gilroy, who was convicted of murdering Suzanne Pilley and disposing of her body. Sentenced to life in a Scottish prison, Gilroy maintains his innocence. Although police believe they have the right man, key components of the prosecution’s case are missing: there is no body of the victim, no witnesses to the crime, and no physical evidence (no DNA, CCTV video, or murder weapon).
My Take :
This was more of an Audible Drama than a book. Recorded in similar fashion to a true crime TV show you'd see on BBC. I found the whole story just a little crazy. Maybe its because I'm from the US. Or maybe I have more faith in our justice system than I thought. Either way its pretty interesting to me that they could convict someone of murder with no blood, forensic evidence or body. Essentially they have some circumstantial evidence and a guy no body likes. I found it so interesting I recommended it to a few friends so we could discuss our takes on the case. If you want a real life head scratcher this is a good one.
As for my own opinion After all of the evidence I feel like he did do it. But not at all the way the prosecution said he did. I think as a juror I would have had to vote not guilty just because the complete lack if evidence leaves too much reasonable doubt. This is one of those things that we will hopefully hear an answer to years later.
There is actually a large amount of internet web pages devoted to the case so you can look up the info for yourself if your interested.