Darlington Woods by Mike Dellosso

So I just finished reading Darlington Woods by Mike Dellosso. While it’s not his debut novel, it’s the first one that I’ve read by him on the suggestion of a friend, and I’m glad that I did read it. This is definitely an edge of your seat thriller that will keep you wanting to find out what happens next. While I found the ending to be a bit anti-climactic, it was still a definitely well-written novel and I can’t wait to read more of his books.

Darlington Woods follows Rob Shields as he heads to Mayfield, Maryland a few months after the deaths of his family. He had just inherited a house from his great-aunt and figured that he would check it out before trying to get on with his life. Once he arrives in Mayfield, it seems that the townsfolk are a bit wary and curious of him as he explores the house and the small town, ending up at Mary Jane’s diner to get something to eat. Afterward, strange events start to unfold with the appearance of Wax Man along with dreams that seem to be real. Something is drawing him into the woods to search out a small town called Darlington, which seems to be frozen in time along with more townspeople that are even more wary than those in Mayfield, most likely due to the fact that they’re haunted by beings called darklings that can easily mimic a woman’s scream and only come out at night.

What happens next can only be found out by reading the book, but it is definitely worth the read and I definitely recommend it to all of my friends!

 

The Heir War by Jill Williamson

“The Heir War” by Jill Williamson is the second part of her new epic fantasy series. In part one, we’re introduced to a variety of characters, including Wilek, Trevn, Mielle, and Charlon. In this second installment, we continue the events of Darkness Reigns as Wilek and Kal travel to Magonia in search of a rune translation while Trevn and Mielle try to keep their relationship under the radar while investigating events at the palace.

While in Magonia, Wilek and Kal end up splitting up and Wilek is kidnapped by Charlon, a Magonian mantic, for reasons that are explained later on. Kal continues his search for a rune translation while trying to survive in the harsh country in the midst of the Five Woes. Meanwhile, Trevn at the palace learns of a plot to rid Armania of the Armanites in favor of their religion of Rob and in his search to find out who’s responsible, he hears of a Prophet who will be able to help.

Without spoiling too much of this amazing story, let me be the first to say that it is definitely an edge of your seat thrill ride that will keep you wanting more. I would definitely recommend this book and author to all of my friends!

I received an advance copy of the novel from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 

Curio by Evangeline Denmark

  In this debut young adult steampunk novel by Evangeline Denmark, we meet Grey Haward, a tall strong girl who tries her hardest to to not stand out by working in her grandfather’s hardware shop. Doing her best to follow all of the rules set before her, she can’t help but wonder if she needs to take the potion that the Chemists dictate that everyone take since both her father and grandfather don’t require it.

Then everything changes one night when her best friend, Whit, is caught trying to protect her and she witnesses his punishment. What follows is an exciting story as she Grey discovers secrets and new locations that she didn’t even know exist as she works toward freeing Whit and ending the Chemists rule.

Since Evangeline Denmark is the daughter of one of my favorite authors, Donita K Paul, I expected much from her and I can’t say that I was disappointed. I enjoyed every minute of this book and I can’t wait to read more from her! I thought that the style was very gripping and engaging and I didn’t want it to end. Here’s to hoping the next book comes out sooner rather than later.

I received a free copy of this book through http://booklookbloggers.com in exchange for an honest review.

 

The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

In “The Golden Braid” by Melanie Dickerson, we’re introduced Rapunzel, who longs to learn to read even though it’s not allowed for women in medieval times. She’s also constantly on the move since her mother refuses to let her get close to any man since, according to her mother, they cannot be trusted. When they finally end up moving to a large city, Rapunzel hopes and dreams that she’ll finally be able to learn to read, and it appears that her dream will come true when Sir Gerek comes into the picture after Rapunzel rescues him from danger.

Will Rapunzel finally achieve her dream to learn to read or is this just a ploy by another man who her mother believes cannot be trusted? This book is full of surprises and it’s a nice change from the traditional damsel-in-distress tale that most of us are familiar with. Melanie Dickerson has yet again given us readers a welcome new view to a traditional fairy tale and I look forward to see what else she has to bring in the future.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

 

Darkness Reigns by Jill Williamson

In Darkness Reigns by Jill Williamson, we’re introduced to the Kingdom of Armania as well as Rosar Echad and his family. Unlike other monarchies, the eldest is not entitled to the throne and the princes Janek and Wilek are waiting to see who their father will declare as Heir, while Trevn couldn’t care less. While Armania experiences disaster after disaster that many believe are the result of the gods being displeased, we’re introduced to the other four realms as well, who have their own problems and gods.

All of the characters are very well-written and the story itself just pulls you into it. There’s a wide variety of characters from those who are supposed to be likable (Mielle, Trevn) to those who are completely distasteful (Janek). While the premise of this first book is kind of dark, it does leave you a glimmer of hope that things will end up okay in the later parts of the story.

Overall, I found this book to be very well-written and while I’m a relative newcomer to Jill Williamson’s books, I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the rest of this story. I thought that it was a edge-of-your-seat page turner and since the only time I really had to read was while I was on the bus heading to work, I was disappointed each time I had to turn off my tablet and stop reading. I would definitely recommend this book to all of my friends and I look forward to reading more from Jill Williamson!

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy for free in exchange for an honest review.

 

Hiding Places by Erin Healy

 “Hiding Places” by Erin Healy tells the story of 11-year-old Kate Whitby and her family at the Harrison Lodge in Evergreen, Colorado. While the book has a slow start, it’s almost necessary considering just how many characters and story lines need to be fleshed out. On the one hand, there’s Kate and her family at the lodge, while on the other hand, there’s Charlie and the Fox in Denver after a robbery gone wrong.

Even with the slow start, the book was still an awesome read and it finally got to the point where I just couldn’t put it down. Kate is a likable and naive character who longs for her family to spend more time and attention with her instead of what their usual activities are. Charlie is a homeless man who you can’t help but feel sympathy for him, especially when he’s blamed for things and forced to go on the run, leaving people who he cares about behind. Things finally converge at the Harrison Lodge and it’s all the family can do to prevent things from completely falling apart as they realize just who is important in their lives.

Murder, suspense, a bit of espionage; this book almost has it all. The book picked up quickly as things started to converge on Evergreen and it became an edge-of-your seat thriller as you wonder just what will happen next. I would definitely recommend this book to all of my friends and I hope that all of you will give it an opportunity.

I received this book for free from BookLook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

 

Fairy Tale Romance Collection by Melanie Dickerson

Melanie Dickerson’s “Fairy Tale Romance Collection” comprises of 5 separate novels, which are all basically a retelling of popular fairy tales, including Sleeping Beauty and Snow White.  The five books in this collection are “The Healer’s Apprentice” (Sleeping Beauty), “The Merchant’s Daughter” (Beauty & the Beast), “The Fairest Beauty” (Snow White), “The Captive Maiden” (Cinderella), and “The Princess Spy” (The Princess and the Frog).  One thing that was interesting in the books that I had read is that you see some of the same characters and places in some of the later novels, bringing a sense of continuity to the collection.

In “The Healer’s Apprentice,” we meet Rose who had just been appointed as a healer’s apprentice in Hagenheim Castle, where she eventually has to tend to the wounds of a future duke under her protector’s watchful gaze.

In “The Merchant’s Daughter,” we meet Annabel, who’s stuck as an indentured servant to a man who’s rumored to be beastly and terrifying.  Will she be able to get through to the real man inside, or will she be stuck in a terrible bind?

In “The Fairest Beauty,” we meet Sophie, who is desperate to escape from her step-mother’s jealousy and is eventually rescued by a young man named Gabe who is from Hagenheim Castle (first seen in “The Healer’s Apprentice”). What happens next in this novel is a gripping tale that will keep you reading until the very end.

In “The Captive Maiden,” we meet Gisela, who is wanting to attend the ball that the boy she has daydreamed about for years is throwing.  When she is able to attend, only the reader will find out what surprises she’s in for.

In “The Princess Spy,” we meet Margaretha, who is a romantic and searching for the man who’s destined to be her one true love.  Will she find what she’s looking for, or will things go drastically bad for all involved?

While I wasn’t able to get through all five novels (only finished the first couple of them), I do plan on finishing out this collection as soon as I’m able and I would definitely recommend this author to my friends based on how much I enjoyed the books that I have finished.  Girls (and possibly some boys) of all ages would enjoy reading this collection since, while based on popular fairy tales, it puts things in a different spin and seems like a brand-new story.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Two Renegade Realms by Donita K. Paul

“Two Renegade Realms” is the second book in the Realm Walkers series by Donita K. Paul.  It continues the story of Cantor and Bixby, along with Dukmee and Cantor’s dragon constant, Bridger.  Three years have passed since the events from the first book, and the companions are now on a mission to locate the fabled Chomountain after they learn that he might still be alive, just imprisoned somewhere.  Time is of the essence since they are also trying to prevent their realm from being invaded, despite the fact that they had been close to success previously. With twists and turns, Ms. Paul has once again weaved a story that readers of all ages would immensely enjoy!

I’ve read almost all of Ms. Paul’s other books, and I am a huge fan of her story-telling.  This novel fit with what I was expecting and I am looking forward to any other book that she writes, as well as hoping that she continues the Realm Walkers series since I can’t wait to find out what happens next!  I would definitely recommend this book to all of my friends, especially those who enjoy fantasy fiction.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Palace of Darkness by Tracy Higley

 Palace of Darkness is a stand-alone novel in the Lost Cities novels by Tracy L. Higley.  Set in AD 106, it follows a single mother named Cassia and her six-year-old son, Alexander, as they try to find someplace where they’ll fit in and no longer be destitute.  Fleeing to the great city of stone, Petra, Cassia hopes that they’ll be greeted by loving family and that everything will be as it should be… but it’s not.  Due to circumstances beyond Cassia’s control, she loses her son and is forced to eventually realize that she’s unable to save Alexander on her own.  She’ll need help from the followers of the Way.

This story also follows Julian, a young man who is running from everything he knows in an attempt to get away from the plans that God has had in store for him and to get away from the persecution of the church in Rome.  Fleeing to Petra, he tries to start over but God definitely has different plans for him and soon he finds himself trying to lead the church in Petra by learning to serve.

Overall, this was an excellent read and any fans of Christian historical fiction should at least give it a try.  I’ve read other books by this author and I’ve been impressed by each and every one of them and look forward to reading more.  This is a definite must read for anyone who enjoys learning more about ancient civilizations as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Mindwar by Andrew Klavan

“Mindwar” by Andrew Klavan is an edge of your seat thriller that will keep you guessing about what will happen next. It’s the first book in a new trilogy set around Rick Dial, a former high school quarterback who was left disabled after a car accident. Instead of facing everyone about what had happened, he disappeared into his bedroom and essentially into video games, where he discovered a whole new set of talents.

But those talents didn’t go unnoticed, and he was soon contacted by government agents who wanted him to enter a new digital reality called the Realm to help save the country from a madman, but whatever happens to Rick in the Realm happens to him in real life so it’s NOT just a video game.

This book was an amazing read centered around our own modern times so it was easy to get into and I would recommend it to all of my friends who like thrillers. The characters are likeable and easy to relate with in some aspects, and the view of new technology is awesome. Since it is the first book in a new trilogy, I was disappointed when I got to the end and realized that I’d have to wait who knows how long for the next book to come out. Here’s to hoping that that wait won’t be for TOO long!

This book was given to me for free through BookLook Bloggers, a division of Thomas Nelson Publishing, in exchange for my honest review.