Book Review: Guilded Cage by Sherry D. Ficklin

Synopsis:

Masie, the flaxen-haired daughter of notorious boot-legger Dutch Schultz, returns home from boarding school to find her family in crisis. Her mother is dangerously unstable, her father's empire is on the brink of ruin, and the boy she once loved has become a ruthless killer for hire. To keep her family's dangerous secrets Masie is forced into a lie that will change the course of her future--and leave her trapped in a gilded cage of her own making. As she watches her world fall apart, Masie must decide whether to take her place in the hierarchy, or spread her wings, leaving the people she loves, and the life she despises, far behind her.

Review 

 

I've been looking for ward to the Canary Club books ever since I heard about them. It was refreshing to read get into something set in the roaring 20's, the time of pro-hibition and speakeasies. The characters are quite what you would expect from this setting, but SF immerses the reader so well into the lush penthouse and gilded night club. The pace is PERFECT for a novellete. I was never bored or waiting for things to happen. SF is one of my favorite authors and she doesn't disappoint. Except for the fact that this story is too short! Anxiously awaiting the next installment, and really excited that it's going to be with a different character.

Book Review: No Peace With The Dawn by E.B. Wheeler and Jeffery Bateman

No Peace With The Dawn

by

E.B. Wheeler

and 

Jeffery Bateman

 

 Synopis

In 1917, the Great War seems far from Logan, Utah. But soon it will change the lives of suffragette and mechanic Clara, Swiss-German immigrant and LDS convert Trudi, Marine Corps volunteer Reed, and Shoshone seeking U.S. citizenship Joseph. This novel weaves real events with compelling fictional characters into a sweeping tale of war, romance, self-discovery, and sacrifice.

Review:

 

I was pleased to receive an ARC of No Peace With The Dawn from Cedar Fort in exchange for an honest review.

The plot of this war romance quickly turns from lighthearted fun to a lot of deep emotional drama as each of the characters endures their own personal tragities and whitnesses the horrors of war. Each individual was interesting and easy to want to follow: Reed, a college student falls for Clara, a firey young woman that is quick to sacrifice for what she knows is right. Joseph is a Native American during a time when his people are not respected as citizens. He's desperate to prove his worth to his country. There is also Trudi, a Swedish girl who mirror's Joseph's plight.

One of the things that impressed me most, was that even though this book was written by two different authors, the voice and flow are completely streamlined and impossible to distinguish between two different writing styles. As this was my first time reading either of the authors, I completely forgot that the book was co-written.

No Peace With The Dawn was insightful, inspiring, and everything a historical fiction reader looks for. The romantic endeavors are pleasing but not the center of the meaty plot. Your emotions will be tied right along with each character and you will almost feel as though the experiences of war were your own. The ending felt like an exhale of a deep breath, since all of that tragedy does bring good things in the end.

5 stars

  *****  

 Amazon Link

 

 

 

 

Book Review: A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

A Game of Thrones

(A Song Of Ice And Fire #1)

by 

George R. R. Martin

Synopsis:

Summers span decades. Winter can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun.

As Warden of the north, Lord Eddard Stark counts it a curse when King Robert bestows on him the office of the Hand. His honour weighs him down at court where a true man does what he will, not what he must … and a dead enemy is a thing of beauty.

The old gods have no power in the south, Stark’s family is split and there is treachery at court. Worse, the vengeance-mad heir of the deposed Dragon King has grown to maturity in exile in the Free Cities. He claims the Iron Throne.

Review:

 

So I finally broke down and started the free trial of Audible, and now I'm like six months into the subscription. A Game of Thrones is the first book I downloaded because I've been curious about the book version of my favorite show for years now. I won't get too deep into this review, since so many people have read this book or at least watched this show. Instead I'll compare the first book to the first season of the show.

What was fun for me was watching the corresponding episode after I finished the equivalent of that episode in the book. After doing that, I realized the first season of the show pretty much follows the book. Besides a lot more insight into the character's thoughts and motives, there really weren't many changes or surprises that the show hadn't prepared me for.  The book is long, and also a bit slow, and honestly I'm not sure if I could have tolerated that if I wasn't already in love with these characters from the start. By the end of the book though, I'm positive I would have been hooked even if I hadn't already watched the show.

Throughout this experience, I've really come to appreciate Martin's voice. He writes splendidly in both male and female, young and old characters. He has that gift of revealing information as if you are there experiencing it yourself. And not to mention the world building and plot line. But if you watch the show, you know that already!

If you're already a show fan and looking for a casual book to listen to while you're driving or cleaning the kitchen, you should definitely give it a try. I appreciated that I could be a little distracted by my kid but totally understand what they were talking about once I got back to it. The side by side experience of watching the show and reading the books is incredible, not to mention revisiting your favorite characters that were sent to the chopping block. I'm definitely going to listen to book 2 after the new year. 

5 stars

* * * * * 

Book Review: Queen of Tomorrow by Sherry D. Ficklin

Queen of Tomorrow

(Stolen Empire Series #2)

by 

Sherry D. Ficklin

 

Synopsis

 

Sophie―now Catherine, Grand Duchess of Russia―had a tough first year at Imperial Court. Married at sixteen to Grand Duke Peter, heir to the throne, and settled in their own palace, things start to look up. As a new day dawns, Catherine thinks only of securing her future, and the future of their country, during one of the greatest political upheavals of her time. Fighting desperately against forces that try to depose the Empress Elizabeth and put the young Prince Ivan on her throne, Catherine soon finds herself in the middle of a war brewing between her beloved Prussia and her new empire. While navigating the fragile political landscape, she quickly realizes that she has only begun to discover the tangled web of deceit and infidelity woven over the lavish court of Oranienbaum Palace.

When a strange and delicate alliance forms between the young couple, Catherine glimpses a future of happiness, only to see it vanish at the hands of those who still seek to end her life―and prevent her reign. Out of favor with the empress and running out of options, Catherine must sacrifice her own innocence on the altar of Russia if she is to save the nation and herself. To survive, she will have to do the unthinkable, betray those closest to her and become something greater and more dangerous than she ever imagined she could be… a queen.

Review

I became obsessed with this series while reading Queen of Someday, which you can get get for free in the Kindle store. I got the paperback of Queen of Tomorrow for Christmas and I started it right away. (I actually finished the book weeks ago, but because I've had to focus on hitting my editing deadline, I've had zero time or motivation for reviews...or for anything else. Hopefully things will go back to a normal pace next week.)

Book #2 has all of the intrigue, history, and romance that I loved about the first one. Things were a little different this time around though. Peter's wrath gets more intense and there's some pretty dark stuff that readers will have to deal with. The story takes you back and forth between two castles and courts. I was surprised to find out I didn't want to leave Winter Palace as much. After reading the first book, it kind of felt like home.

There is great character development for our dear little Sophie. After the heartbreaking events in Queen of Someday, she is certainly hardened. She has a lot of tough decisions to make and there isn't always a "right one". After she is finally pushed to her breaking point, she resolves to do something I don't think anyone saw coming.

Ficklin's story telling is beautiful and brilliant, as always, and I didn't want this book to end. I think the only real problem I have with these books is that they're too short! I'm definitely getting the conclusion, Queen of Always, soon, so catch up to me and watch out for the review!

5 stars   

* * * * *   

Book Basket Giveaway!

Gryfyn Publishing is giving away an autographed copy of 

Kingdom From Ashes! 

This was one of my favorite books last year so I wanted to share the opportunity with everyone. In addition to winning a fantastic book, you'll also get a basket of goodies. 

*** Sign up for Gryfyn Publishing's VIP list to enter!***

(psst...That's how I got all the books in the Kingdom Saga for free!)

Good Luck!

 

Author Spotlight: Sherry D. Ficklin

Guess what!? I'm officially a #HACKER!

Okay, stop laughing. You're right, I can barely remember my password for my email, BUT, I did sign up for the Digital Horizon blog tour, book #3 in the #HACKER series. Which means...I got an exclusive interview with the author Sherry D. Ficklin!

This is super exciting. You remember how much I raved about her book Queen of Someday from the Stolen Empire series. (Review of Queen of Tomorrow coming later this week) Well I had to check out her YA contemporary series #HACKER. The first book is Playing With Fire and it's currently FREE in the Kindle store. Catch up to me because I'm going to read book #2 soon and book #3 will be released on 2/8/216!

Sherry D. Ficklin

 

 

 Sherry is a full time writer from Colorado and the author of over a dozen novels for teens and young adults including the best selling Stolen Empire series. She can often be found browsing her local bookstore with a large white hot chocolate in one hand and a towering stack of books in the other. That is, unless she's on deadline at which time she, like the Loch Ness monster, is only seen in blurry photographs.
Sherry also writes New Adult fiction under the pen name Ranae Glass and is a contributing writer for fangirlish.com. You can find her at her official website, www.sherryficklin.com, or stalk her on her Facebook page www.facebook.com/sherry.ficklin. 

Get started on this series for Free!

Your most popular series' Stolen Empire and #HACKER are in completely different genres. When writing, was it difficult to switch from historical fiction to YA contemporary?

It wasn't has hard for me is it is for everyone else. My mind is always spinning off in new directions, so each project is decidedly different from the last. I'ts a VERY hard way to build a fan base though, because they are so different. But I don't think i could just write one type of story over and over. 

The main character in the #HACKER series, Ferris, is a military brat. Did you have a similar type of childhood?

 

I did, as a matter of fact, the locations in the book are all places I've lived myself. Though, I'm roadkill on the internet and terrible at programming stuff. I had a WONDERFUL group of talented people helping me with the research in those scenes. 

 

Ferris is very tech savvy, obviously. Did that aspect of her character require a lot of research or do you have a similar skill set?

So much research. Farris is sort of a blend of myself at that age and a handful of people far more tech savvy than myself. 

In your book Queen of Someday, the first book in the Stolen Empire series, there are links to commentary videos at the end of every few chapters. Such a neat feature! Do you have plans to do that for any other books?

 

 

What we discovered with that (and I LOVED doing it BTW) was that it made the files so big that older readers couldn't open them. At the end of the day, it was decided that if I ever do them again, it will be hosted on my website as opposed to in the digital files, for the sake of file size. 

 

How do you balance the busy life of a full-time writer while taking care of your big family? 

Badly! I have a Life Planner and it helps keep me on task, helps me sort of portion out my time. The best part of my job is that  have the luxury of always putting my family first. If one of the kids has the flu and i miss a week of writing, I'm not getting fired. A lot of people don't have that option. 

If you were locked in overnight in a fully functioning amusement park, what's the first thing you would do?

Ok, so fun story. When I was in High School we lived a few miles from an amusement park. So one day my best friend and I ditched school (I'm a TERRIBLE example here) and went down. Only it was like ten in the morning and the place was a freaking ghost town--maybe a handful of people in the whole place. So we rode the big roller coaster till we puked, then rode it some more. I'm bad at making good choices, lol.

What's a typical writing day like for you?

It varies, but I always start with 30-45 minutes on the treadmill and then some tea and music. Helps me get into the right mindset to start my day.Right now I'm writing on my new top secret project which is set in the 1920's, so there is lots of swing and jazz happening. 

What advice to you have for aspiring writers?

Don't quit. It's the hardest thing you will ever do, finishing a book. But just keep pushing. Even if every page feels like crap, just get it done. Because once you've done it once, it becomes easier and easier and you get better and better. 

What's next for you after the third #HACKERS book?

Well, there's still 3 more in the #HACKER series, so I will be working on those over the next year, we're hoping to release book 4 in the winter 2016. But I'm taking a short break to work on The Canary Club and a paranormal novella serial I'm going to be releasing this summer. Basically, just lots and lots of writing. And i wouldn't have it any other way!

My favorite series of the year so far!

 Get the first book FREE!

Book Review: The Black Mage: Apprentice by Rachel E. Carter

The Black Mage:

Apprentice

(Book 2)

 

by 

Rachel E. Carter

 

 

Synopsis

 

  She survived a trial year at the Academy, but that was just the easy part…

Now sixteen-year-old Ryiah is an apprentice of Combat, her school’s most notorious faction of magic. When she finishes she will be a mage, but in order to do so she has to survive four years with a training master she hates and her old nemesis, Priscilla. To make matters worse the unwanted attraction Ry feels for her sometimes-friend-sometimes-rival Prince Darren is at an all time high –even though he is betrothed to the very girl she can’t stand.

Really, the only bright spot to Ryiah’s new life is the time she spends with her friends, including an older apprentice named Ian, who she finds herself thinking about quite often.

Just when things start to get comfortable they take a turn for the worse. An apprentice is killed in a rebel attack and several mages end up dead. Unwittingly, the apprentices find themselves in the midst of a budding unrest between Jerar and its northern neighbor, Caltoth. For Ryiah the impending conflict means many things, but as her apprenticeship draws to a close she finds her biggest problem at home.

Unfortunately for her, Darren’s not going anywhere.

Review

 

Since reading First Year, the opening book in the The Black Mage Series, I've been anxious to get back to Ryiah and her struggle to move up the ranks at the mage academy. Apprentice does not disappoint. All the little snags and hang ups that I complained about with the first one are gone, and replaced with characters you love to hate and ones you relentlessly root for.

I was pleasantly surprised from the very beginning. The story opens in a refreshing setting not often used in fantasy stories. Instead of spending the entire year at the Academy, the apprentices travel back and forth all over Jerar. There's not much filler to the story, like I found in First Year. Hardcore action, which includes exciting mock battles and dangerous ambushes, is only interrupted for key plot points and heart wrenching angst.

There's no way around it. Ryiah is an angsty girl. A tough, resilient, pain casting, blade wielding girl, but a girl who often lets her heart over rule her head, nonetheless. It's easy to love Ryiah like you would a close friend, but I found myself "arguing" with her a lot. - Just as Ella, her actual best friend does, so I feel like my opinions have some merit. ;) But Ryiah is her own woman and has to make her own mistake. Lucky for you, you have a front row seat through all the drama with Darren. I told her many times, "Girl, if you don't get your head on straight, you're going to be singing along to a lot of Adele in your future. Trust me." Needless to say, Ella and I are anxious to see how things turn out.

You can tell when an author pours their entire self into a story. As a reader, I have no choice but to really feel for the main character, even if I don't always agree with her. Rachel E. Carter has such a voice that she puts you right in the story and makes you feel as if you're decked out in training gear with weapons right next to the other characters. Among all the action and heartache of Apprentice, something dark was brewing up for book three, Candidate, (now available) and I'm definitely not going to miss it!  

 

 5 stars

* * * * *

Book Review: Redemption From Ashes by Megan Linski

Redemption From Ashes

(The Kingdom Saga #3)

by

Megan Linski

Synopsis

Her destiny will cost her everything.

It has been three years since Queen Bennua last saw the devil himself flee her borders, and her kingdom warily stands watch. Sahrahn has fallen into chaos, with rumors of countries being flattened at the wrath of Akshalad, the great eagle who seeks to devour the souls of men. Cities burn, entire communities are slaughtered, and Bennua’s faith in Alshams’ is shaken to its core as she witnesses cruelties beyond all imagining. Guided only by blind faith, Bennua finds that she is to play a crucial role in a great battle between djinn, men, and angels, a fight that will determine the fate of the world. Carrying the future of Sahrahn, Bennua’s only hope is not revenge...but redemption.

Review

I was really excited to get the third book in the Kingdom Saga. I couldn't read it fast enough. Seriously, so many annoying day to day interruptions! The end of each chapter made me sigh and say, "How am I supposed to go back to work/cook dinner/reenter society now? This story, especially the epic ending, kept me up at night wondering what was next for our brave queen.

That said, DO NOT READ THE REST OF THIS REVIEW UNLESS YOU'VE READ THE FIRST TWO BOOKS.

*~*~*~*~* SPOILERS *~*~*~*~*

Everything seemed golden in Sahrahn when we last saw Bennua and Zahid, except for the ever present threat of Rukuh's revenge on the sizzling horizon. Redemption opens after three quiet years have passed without so much as a dark cloud. When a devastating curse is uncovered, Bennua realizes that darkness is quickly closing in on all she holds dear.

I really appreciated the depth of this story. Bennua is pretty much stripped of everything except her faith, and that is all she has to guide her through the third book. The internal dilemmas Bennua faces mirror those of modern times; things her readers can definitely relate to. Linski also gives a new twist on spiritual warfare with magic, monsters, and djinn.

The plot unfolds quickly with one surprise after another. One thing that I really liked, was that when the characters had to get from one place to another, there wasn't a whole chapter on the journey there. I think that really kept the pace going. 

Bennua, Zahid, Shadi, and Nuri are so fleshed out, I sometimes catch myself thinking about them as if they are real people. I love Bennua. I don't always agree with her decisions and the way she handles situations, but I find myself "counsoling" her as I would a friend. And Zahid. Oh, Zahid! Ladies, as if we didn't have enough of a reason to swoon over him! In this installment, he will put all of your other fictional crushes to shame. I promise. By the third book, Linski's characters are like old friends, the kind you wish you could take out and go with on vacation.

Redemption From Ashes is the best in this ground breaking series, and you would be a fool to miss it. Keep an eye out for #4, Prince of Fire coming early next year. From what I hear, it's a game changer. Can't wait!  

5 stars

* * * * *

 

Book Review: Queen of Someday by Sherry D. Ficklin

 

Synopsis

Before she can become the greatest empress in history, fifteen-year-old Sophia will have to survive her social-climbing mother's quest to put her on the throne of Russia - at any cost.

Imperial Court holds dangers like nothing Sophia has ever faced before. In the heart of St. Petersburg, surviving means navigating the political, romantic, and religious demands of the bitter Empress Elizabeth and her handsome, but sadistic nephew, Peter. Determined to save her impoverished family - and herself - Sophia vows to do whatever is necessary to thrive in her new surroundings. But an attempt on her life and an unexpected attraction threatens to derail her plans.

Alone in a new and dangerous world, learning who to trust and who to charm may mean the difference between becoming queen and being sent home in shame to marry her lecherous uncle. With traitors and murderers lurking around every corner, her very life hangs in the balance. Betrothed to one man but falling in love with another, Sophia will need to decide how much she's willing to sacrifice in order to become the empress she is destined to be.

In a battle for the soul of a nation, will love or destiny reign supreme?

*** Rant ***

I'm very conscious of the fact that I read a lot of the same, closely linked genres. Because of that, every few books or so I try to mix it up and read something a little more contemporary. Something without a pretty girl in a dress on the cover. With this past week being Halloween, I decided to read something paranormal. I had my heart set on werewolves, so I searched my kindle for that among my endless list of free downloads.

I must have started a dozen books and nothing caught my attention. NOTHING...except some pretty chapter layouts that didn't seem to fit with the quality of writing. Finally, I got so fed up, I decided to break my rule and start a book I've had my eye on for months.

And you know what? I'm so glad that I did. Life is short, and ain't nobody got time to waste reading something of mediocre quality and that doesn't interest them. I'm a mom, and an author myself, so I'm not giving up my daughter time or writing time for something that doesn't give me chills.

Yes, I read a lot of fantasy, especially YA, historical fiction, and romantic fantasy. Magic excites me. I love exotic worlds and quirky characters. I wish more than anything I could enroll in Hogwarts and spin around in frilly dresses all day long when I'm not off on some epic adventure. Most other stories just don't do it for me, okay? I like what I like and I can't escape it.

My point is...I tried. I tried to read something different, but it didn't work out. From now on, I'm not going to trudge through something just for the sake of variety. I'll continue to explore other genres, but my favorites will always be my favorites. I don't care if I'm dorky. 

***note: I'd still like to get my werewolf fix. If you have any suggestions, let me know!  

Review

 

A couple of my blogger friends really liked Queen of Someday and when I went to check it out I found out it was FREE on Amazon! (at this date, it is still currently free)

I completely devoured this book. I took long lunches at work, put the kid to bed early, and kicked my husband out of the bedroom when he started wrestling with the dog in my reading space. Sherry D. Ficklin is amazing in every aspect. She gives the reader just the right amount of imagery and intrigue to keep reading to find out what happens next. One of the most important things to me in a novel is the narrative. And this author nailed it! Her voice is so captivating, I would seriously read about her describing a slice of pizza she was eating. 

The main character, Sophie, is headstrong and a bit conniving at times, but smart enough to know when to reign in her feelings. Her driving force is her need to protect and secure her family's future (like most historical fiction female protagonists) but also her growing desire for love and companionship. Boat-loads of romance in this book, as Sophie is a teenager and daydreams about every dashing young man she meets. Not really my kind of thing, but like I said, because of Ficklin's storytelling magic, I would read pretty much anything she put on paper. And in honesty, I can't really blame Sophie. I remember being the same way when I was 16. Maybe I liked this book so much because it brought back the excitement of young, tragic love.   

 A few disgruntled readers argue that this story has no plot. I disagree. Though the plot itself was subtle, lacking any disasters or sword fights, the pages turned uncontrollably. I did find one teeny snag in the ending conflict, where I was like, "Yeah, but she could just fix "that" by doing "this". But you know what? I love this book so much I don't even care. I just went with it. Oh! And did I tell you the best part?? At the end of every few chapters, there are little one minute videos of commentary from the author! Brilliant! This really gives the readers a more personable experience and insight into the true history of Cathrine the Great. I hope more authors start doing this if the concept applies to their book.

If you haven't guessed already, I'm definitely going to read the entire series. In fact, I put all three paperbacks in the series on my Christmas list. If I don't find them under the tree, I'll be soooo disappointed.

Queen of Someday is a beautiful, tragic love story, filled with satisfaction. It's a great guilty pleasure to curl up with on a cold evening with a cup of your favorite cocoa. Ahhh....   

 

5 Stars

* * * * *

Character Interview - Zahid from 'Fallen From Ashes'

Zahid 

from

Fallen From Ashes

by 

Megan Linski

 

 

 

Hello everyone! It’s me again, Remy Injay, indie book reporter. Today we’re interviewing the totally hot (and drop-dead gorgeous) prince of thieves Zahid from the novel Fallen From Ashes, #2 in the highly-anticipated Kingdom Saga! How are you doing today, handsome?

Try to keep your drool off the table, miss. I’m a married man now.

That’s right! (Obnoxious moaning of women in the background). Now now, ladies, we can’t ALL get to him. Though I wouldn’t mind a turn...

Anyway.

Anyway! In the last book, Kingdom From Ashes, you and your beautiful wife, Bennua, went on an exotic adventure throughout the desert and saved the kingdom from an evil warlord. What’s different in #2?

There’s lot more of our culture to be experienced than the first time around. Readers who want to see a mythical side of our world have the chance to be transported into a realm of monsters and magic. There’s djinn, dragons, and all sorts of perils we have to face. If you liked the adventure of the first book, and the feeling of being transported to an exotic land, this takes you even further into that experience.

So you’re keeping the 1001 Arabian Nights theme going, correct?

I uh...I have no idea what that is.

Oh, right. Sorry. No culture exchange between worlds. I heard there was a new man catching Bennua’s eye. Huh? HUUUHHH?

You have a lot of nerve asking that question, Remy.

What, I can’t pry?

If you read the book, you wouldn’t even think of being so rude. The last few chapters had the fans sending death threats to the author for weeks.

Ouch! Harsh! ...So she picks the other guy?

...I’m going to stay my patience and complain to the author later about this, Remy. All you need to know is the epic romance is going to continue from Book 1 onto Book 2, but it’s a lot less fairy tale. Real life hits Bennua and I, and I guess I have to be honest and say we don’t cope with it well.

So what’s the verdict then, from the fans?

All the author will tell me is it’s quite an emotional ride for them. The few people on her team that have read it already have very strong feelings for it. I suppose it’s a book that gets a response from you. I know I paid the price heavily for it.

DOES THAT MEAN YOU’RE SINGLE?!?!?!

I love Bennua.

Right. Of course you do. Anyway, that’s a wrap! This is Remy Injay, signing out, and make sure to grab a copy of Fallen From Ashes by Megan Linski, out October 10th! 

 Find 'Fallen From Ashes' Here

Book Review: Fallen From Ashes by Megan Linski

Fallen From Ashes

 

by 

 

Megan Linski

(The Kingdom Saga, Book #2)

Synopsis 

 Queen Bennua has grown into a powerful ruler. With her new laws encouraging rights for both men and women, Haya-Maa has grown from a small city into a prosperous nation. Engaged to Zahid, the handsome Raider Prince, it would seem the young Queen is ready to lead the desert of Sahrahn into paradise.

But not all are so eager to follow the new Queen. A short time into her rule Haya-Maa erupts into civil war, rebels opposing the idea of a woman in power. With no other option Bennua must embark on a quest to find her missing friend, Toshana, who could hold the key to ending the bloodshed. Yet as her journey wears on Bennua discovers her title as Queen powerless against the wrath of gods and the wars of men. At her breaking point, Bennua finds the only way to save her country and defend her people...is to offer a devastating sacrifice.

Review

If you've yet to read book #1, Kingdom From Ashes, take a look at my review and see why I gave this story 5 stars. I've been anxiously waiting to read more about Bennua and the Raider Prince, so I was delighted when an ARC from Grypyn Publishing showed up in my inbox.

I actually finished this book awhile ago, but I've put off doing the review because I have trouble finding the right words to describe how much I love this series! The setting is so unique that I feel as though I'm being whisked far away every time I settle down to read it. Somehow I've managed to become obsessed with Bennua and Zahid the way most people obsess over celebrity couples.

Fallen From Ashes opens with their wedding and celebrations. It was quite satisfying to witness these two finally get the happiness they deserve. But the honeymoon ends abruptly when royal duties send them off on a dangerous adventure and their marriage is put to the ultimate test. On their journey, they meet up with some intriguing characters and a lot of the unexpected. Turns out the desert of Sahrahn is littered with mythical beasts and dangerous magic. The newly weds not only have to battle monsters, but also their differences in personality and faith - all while trying to keep the peace during a civil war! It's fantastic. A great story.

The only thing that annoyed me a little bit was the fact that Bennua and Zahid could have avoided so much brooding if they would have just TALKED TO EACH OTHER! At one point, I wanted to whack the two of them upside the head. Then again, I can't say that I'm not guilty of the same thing sometimes.

This book took such a toll on me emotionally. While I was reading it, I went from squealing, to biting my nails, to screaming, and then making anonymous death threats to the author. I've finally recovered and I can't wait to read Redemption from Ashes, due out this winter. Megan Linski instantly captivates the reader and holds them prisoner in this desert paradise. I devoured this story and am desperately craving more.

5 Stars

* * * * *

 

Megan Linski is looking for reviewers for Kingdom From Ashes. That means you'll get to read the book for FREE!! I highly recommend it. Contact her through gryfynpublishing@gmail.com