The Nightmare Virus By Nadine Brandes

The Nightmare Virus

by Nadine Brandes

Publisher: Enclave Escape

ISBN: 979-8886051308

First, I thought the cover was amazing, then I thought the idea of the story was fascinating, so when the author had a launch team, I signed up asap! I'm so glad I did! She sent me the ebook for review.

Summary:

Some viruses go after the body. But the Nightmare Virus goes after the mind.

When dream technology goes wrong, a virus spreads across the globe, trapping people in a universal dreamscape. They call it the Nightmare Virus.

Cain Cross is determined to find a cure . . . if he can decipher his brother’s chicken-scratch formula notes. But when he gets infected, he has only 22 days until he’s trapped in the mental prison forever. Now, every time he falls asleep, he must fight in a Nightmare Arena until he earns his freedom to live in the “new world” that exists only in the mind.

Then he finds a way to manipulate the Nightmare—to change it by mere thought.

Forced to navigate a world of nightbeasts, mistblades, and half-truths, Cain turns his focus to survival. When the Emperor offers him a LifeSuPod—and access to a cure—in exchange for a dangerous favor, Cain thinks he’s found a way out. But Cain’s new power threatens to take him on paths that jeopardize his very soul.

Will he continue searching for a cure, or will he swear allegiance to the Nightmare? And the bigger question might be . . . will he even have a choice?

My Review:

Ok, this story was... so original! So cool! So surprising! Yes, I had an idea of what the story was about, but you really can't grasp it all until you dive in. 

We meet Cain who is sucked into this dreamscape that his brother has been in! The nightmare they've been working to find a cure for. The thought of losing awake time day by day for 22 days until you no longer wake was such an interesting concept. With each passing day you lose time to do everything you need AND find a cure!

I really liked the character of Cain. Even at my age he seemed so relatable. I think young adults (who this is geared towards) will really connect with him in his thoughts and emotions. This was also an exercise in seeing how people react to different situations, and I felt like the author really showed that as Cain entered the Nightmare world the first time.

In this dreamscape, things happen so quickly and wildly, it's hard to know what's going on, how to react, and who to trust. It's a good reminder for us to be discerning, especially when we're in unfamiliar circumstances.

We meet so many characters throughout the story. Stranna is one of those characters. I'm not going to say much about her, other than I really liked her. I know, I'm totally vague booking, but if I say anything it'll spoil it for you! HA!

There's 100% parallel between darkness and light. How light shines in the darkness. That there is a great deceiver. And we all have a choice to make! Of course, that leads me to my next point and my favorite one, the author really didn't mince words. Our hope is in Jesus. There's nothing else. Everything else leads to eternal death. You can't do it on your own, but God can equip you. Man, the author just does it so amazingly in this story! Yes, it's sci-fi ya fantasy, etc, but God is still who He is! I loved it!

This is another one of those stories I just want to immediately talk to everyone about where we get to talk about all of the details and bring out all of the spoilers!

About the Author:

Nadine Brandes once spent four days as a sea cook in the name of book research. She is the Carol-Award winning author of Wishtress, Fawkes, Romanov, and the Out of Time Series. Her newest release is The Nightmare Virus and her inner fangirl perks up at the mention of soul-talk, Quidditch, bookstagram, and Oreos. When she’s not busy writing novels about bold living, she’s adventuring through Middle Earth or taste-testing a new chai. Nadine, her Auror husband, and their Halfling children are building a Tiny House on wheels. Current mission: paint the world in shalom.

Rip Tide By Lisa T. Bergren

Rip Tide

by Lisa T. Bergren

Publisher: Enclave

Series: Oceans of Time

ISBN: 979-8886050981

Medieval time period has quickly become one of my favorite time periods to read! So much adventure and emotion. I read the first book in this series, Estuary, and couldn't wait for book two. In the meantime, I read the author's Rivers of Time series that comes before this one. It was fantastic! The author sent me her book for review!

Summary:

The trap is set, and time is slipping away.

After narrowly escaping arrest, Luciana Betarrini hurtles back to medieval Italy. Once there, she and her brother, Domenico, must decide how far they’ll go to be part of the family, and if they’re willing to risk their lives to hunt down an assassin.

Meanwhile, Lady Tiliani Forelli’s family has disappeared in enemy territory. Fearing for their lives—and secretly hoping to cross paths with the Fiorentini she loves—Tiliani goes to Firenze intent on either rescue or seeing justice done. Yet a trap is closing around them all. 

Together, the Grecos and Betarrinis must find the Forellis’ nemesis and force him to confess to his role in the murders. They assume he has slipped into the serpentine streets of Firenze to evade them. But will they find him in time to save the Forellis?

My Review:

There is a reason so many of us love this family! In between book one and book two of this series I listened to the audiobooks for the River of Time series. To say I became an even bigger fan of the connected characters would be putting it mildly!

All of the beloved characters from Estuary are back in Rip Tide. It starts right where book one left off. Tiliani, as well as Nico and Luci, are set on rescuing Marcello, Luca, Gabi and Lia. Not surprisingly, things don't go as planned. One wrong move, choices made here or there, the timing... every choice the characters make send the story spiraling in a new direction. It's definitely fast-paced and never a dull moment. 

Tiliani still doesn't want to marry Aurelio, but he seems to have a new spark in his eye toward her. It's clear he wants peace between their castellos. Ercole, from book one is intent on there being no peace and continues to manipulate the other rulers. Whew, his deceitfulness knows no bounds.

Luci and Nico are still trying to find their way in this new life they've been brought into with Gabi, Lia, and Adri doing their best to help them adjust. Luci and Giulio are still testing their feelings to see if what they're feeling is real. It's so interesting to "see" the difference in how they both approach it. Luci comes at it with a 21st century mindset, which doesn't exactly pair well with a 14th century Guilio.

The castellos and families always seem to be in constant battles, waiting for the tip of the war iceberg to show up. Just when it seems like peace is at hand, love can begin, or decisions can be made on whether the twins stay in the 14th century, a skirmish occurs or the family is attacked. 

One of the things I enjoyed most about this story is how deeply Luci feels the family bond is with the She-Wolves and their family. They've all welcomed the twins into their fold, something they've sorely lacked most of their lives it seems. The story is a good reminder of what family & community truly is and how different it is today in modern times.

There is a strong thread of faith in this story and a strong push to trust the Lord in everything, no matter the circumstances. I appreciate how the more mature ladies in the story are always there to encourage the younger ladies towards faith.

The worst part of this story? Waiting for book 3!!!

About the Author:

Lisa T. Bergren is the author of over seventy books spanning a variety of genres, from children’s picture books to women’s historical fiction to supernatural suspense and time travel. She lives with her husband and three gradually-graduating-from-the-nest young adult children in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For more information, see LisaBergren.com.

Estuary By Lisa T. Bergen

Estuary

by Lisa T. Bergren

Publisher: Enclave

Series: Oceans of Time

ISBN: 9798886050462

If you're going to judge a book by it's cover, you'd do well choosing that option with this book! I definitely wanted to read it, but when the author shockingly reached out to me offering her book for review, I was floored. I definitely didn't say, "No," so she sent me her book!

Summary:

Can a family bond stand the test of time?

Lady Tiliani Forelli is the epitome of the She-Wolves who raised her, an adept archer with a mind of her own. It is long past time for her to wed, but she deems each young lord who comes to bid for her hand lacking. With battles upon their border, and rumors of war growing louder on every front, Lady Forelli’s decision could secure her kingdom’s peace…or bring about its destruction.

Centuries later, history major Luciana Betarrini takes a summer job alongside her twin, Domenico, as a period actor at Castello Forelli in Italy. As incoming college seniors, this might be their last chance to spend meaningful time together, so she’s soaking up every minute. But when Dom’s theory that their lost Bettarini relatives have traveled through time becomes potentially real—and they might be able to follow—Luci fears they’ll be forever divided.

My Review:

Estuary is actually a quick read, but I was on full time grandma duty which lent very little time to reading for the whole week.

Having only read the author's contemporary stories, I wasn't sure what the transition to fantasy would be like. I know she's written in this genre in the past, I just hadn't read it. Turns out, the author is one of those people who can smoothly transition from one genre to another.

While this would probably be considered general fantasy, I think it fits well with ya fantasy. Really, anyone who enjoys the genre and time travel will want to pick it up.

In present time we meet Nico and Luci, college age siblings, who are in Tuscany for the summer. They know about some family members who disappeared, but none of the family knows what happened. Their search leads them to some crazy times ahead!

Then we're immediately thrust into 1372 Toscana where we meet Lady Tiliani Forelli and her family. It was impressive to see this time and place come alive through the author's writing! You could feel the tight bond the family had even though they were a mishmash of members. I really loved seeing them through Luci's eyes. It's that tightness one dreams of when they've never had it.

SO many things happen along the way through the story. The family and those who live at the castle are on the brink of war. Events keep popping up to throw the Forelli into a bad light to the cities around them. People being held for ransom, forbidden love, new love, the wisdom and strength of the She-Wolves, and hard choices come up for each of the characters. There's also a pretty fascinating twist with some of the family members.

Thankful that there's a good thread of faith in the story and the wisdom shared by Gabi and Lia with Tiliani and Luci.

The only cruddy part of this book? Having to wait for the story to continue in the next one! The end is one heck of a cliffhanger. GAH!

About the Author:

Lisa T. Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than 40 books, with over 3 million copies sold. Her time is split between managing home base, writing, and working at Rocky Mountain Rustic, a business she runs with her husband, Tim. Tim’s a worship leader and sculptor/artisan. They have three kids and make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

War Of Torment By Ronie Kendig

War of Torment

by Ronie Kendig

Publisher: Enclave

Series: The Droseran Saga

ISBN: 979-8886050387

I was incredibly excited to be on Ronie's launch team once again for this series. While I received an ARC ebook, I purchased the hardcover for my personal library. This series is one of the most amazing ones I've ever read!

Summary:

The time for peace is over—now he demands vengeance

They followed him back. Against his will, against his intention. Now enemies threaten from every direction. Amidst it all Marco Dusan struggles to lead his people, to help them survive, even mayhap win the war. He will take any advantage to even the odds. But only after tragedy strikes does he learn just how much he’s willing to sacrifice.

He’s not alone. Droserans fight as one, united against the offworlders—Symmachians who covet their planet. With the aid of unexpected allies, the Droserans battle on longer than anyone could have anticipated. Yet they cannot win. And the Faa’Cris, those supernatural warriors, fair of face and fierce of mien, do nothing.

But not all have turned their backs. After a bitter year of pain and loss, Kersei Dragoumis navigates a new heritage, ever intent on defending her people. Like her, light-years away from the Quadrants and even farther from the girl she thought she was, Eija Zacdari must come to terms with a new role. Or, rather, with an ancient one. And her success or failure may determine back in the Quadrants who lives and who dies.

In the end, Marco will have vengeance for the torment brought by this war. No matter the price. Not even if the price is his soul.

My Review:

War of Torment. Was. Epic! This series will live in my heart forever. I will warn you right now, my review won't do this ANY justice. And I'll say, I'm tearing up just thinking about it all over again. I supposed I could stop there and you'd know exactly how I felt about it.

Drosero is under attack and everything is sheer insanity. There are so many lives and storylines entwined together it takes a moment (several chapters) to remember what's going on - if you haven't read the books one right after the other. Kudos to the author because how she kept everything straight is beyond me.

I knew going into this that I was going to be gutted with emotion and all I'd want to do is race to the end. But in that same vein, I wanted to take as much time as possible to savor my first read. As I passed the halfway mark, there was no turning back. Putting down the book went against everything in me. When I did put it down, all I could think of was, "WHAT is happening while I'm gone?"

Marco... where do I even start with him? My emotions towards him were all over the place. I was sad for all he'd endured through the first three stories. I was overwhelmed by his love and devotion for Isaura. I was furious - FURIOUS - of his treatment of not only Kersei, but also those around him. You ever want to reach into a story and shake a character? That was me with Marco!

With Isaura and Kersei, I know in my previous reviews I've been fully in camp Team Kersei, but I truly ended up loving Isaura. The author has raked my heart over the coals with these two. Isaura's grace and gentleness shines through once again. And poor Kersei, she's always been so strong-willed, but has been "trying" to do better - make more adult choices and it's not easy for her. Same, Kersei, same.

Of course, Tigo and Jez are fully present. Their banter is some of my favorite throughout. I just love them together. They have a LOT to go through and I was clinging to them tightly. Same with Reef and Eija. Initially I forgot what was going on in their storyline, but it came back rather quickly after I got my bearings. Their "relationship" was so difficult because you can tell there's something there, but because of Eija's touch, Reef struggles with his feelings and thoughts.

There are layers upon layers to WoT. If you want a book that takes you on an emotional roller coaster, this is the one & the series for you! No way to be prepared for how all of it unfolds. The author had me second guessing everything I thought I "knew" was going to happen. On top of that, I can guarantee you that you'll want to join a support group specifically for this book.

With the end of this series, I finally understand why people's lives are changed by a book or a series. This one has done it for me. I will talk about it forever and ever. Was I surprised that a space opera, fantasy series is what got me? Yes, but anyone who reads it will completely understand.

About the Author:

Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic & Starbucks runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share—sometimes—with Benning the Stealth Golden. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Calor By J.J. Fischer

Calor

by J.J. Fischer

Publisher: Enclave

Series: The Nightingale Trilogy

ASIN: B0B48QKM26

I wasn't actually planning on reading this ARC I received from Enclave publishing, but when I decided to do a reading challenge, I figured this one would be a good fit. As part of the street team, they sent me the paperback ARC for review.

Summary:

What if you could edit memories with a single touch?

The world-that-was is gone, lost to everything except living memory . . . but remembering comes at a terrible price. Sixty-two years after the apocalypse, a new society has emerged from the ashes of the old world where highly valued memories are traded and nostalgia is worth dying—and even killing—for.

Enslaved by a cruel master, Sephone Winter is forced to use her rare ability to manipulate memories to numb the darkest secrets of the ruling aristocracy.

Then Lord Adamo appears, speaking of a powerful relic capable of permanently erasing memories and recovering Sephone’s own lost childhood. But not everything about the young lord is as it seems, and soon Sephone must choose between helping Lord Adamo forget his past or journeying deep into the land of Lethe, where the truth about who she really is might finally be revealed . . . and a long desired future restored.

The Nightingale Trilogy is a fantasy transformation of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved 1843 tale The Nightingale, with echoes of the myths of Hades and Persephone.

My Review:

Calor was such a spectacular story! I went into it without having a clue as to what it was about simply because the cover drew me in.

We learn from the prologue that Sephone and Dorian (Lord Adamo) meet when she's a wee girl drowning in a canal and he saves her. Then we meet her again when she's older and ready to escape being held by Cutter. 

Sephone can see & experience things from other people's minds. It was such a fascinating idea to be able to do that, but then immediately realized how awful it would be. As we get to know Sephone more and the world in which she lives, this apocalyptic world comes to life through the author. 

We meet Dorian again when he arrives at Cutter's tavern. We also meet one of my favorite characters Lady Jewel. He is man devastated from his past and is trying to get away from the pain. Sephone begins to have feelings for him and is willing to help ease the hurt in his mind, but he refuses. They end up setting out to find the relic that can help them both, but it's nowhere close to easy.

We also meet Cass, who, on the surface is superficial and only cares about one thing, the next woman who he can conquer. I think this may have been the one piece to this story I wasn't a fan of because it alludes to his one night stands and womanizing. His story unfolds at the same time as we learn more about Dorian and Sephone. He actually endears himself to me as time went on.

And for real, let's talk about Bear and Bas. These two fellas might be the bodyguards, but I just loved them. Brooding, protective, and loyal. How could anyone not love them as characters?

This world that the author creates came alive for me as the story progressed and with the cliffhanger of an ending, I was kicking myself for reading it before book two was already out. This is the type of book that will have you clamoring for more immediately!!

About the Author:

J. J. Fischer

J. J. Fischer’s writing dream began with the anthology of zoo animals she painstakingly wrote and illustrated at age five, to rather limited acclaim. Thankfully, her writing (but not her drawing) has improved since then. She is a clinically-trained psychologist but no, she cannot read your mind. When she isn’t killing defenseless house plants, pretending she can play the piano, eating peanut butter out of the jar, or memorizing funny film quotes, she and her husband David are attempting to prevent their warring pet chickens from forming factions and re-enacting Divergent. Honestly, it’s a miracle she finds the time to write any books.

Dust By Kara Swanson

Dust

by Kara Swanson

Publisher: Enclave

Series: Heirs of Neverland

ISBN: 978-1621841265

Kara Swanson is a new-to-me author. I love the cover of her book Dust and the premise of connecting to the story of Peter Pan! I couldn't help but purchase the hardcover! Now I'm ready for book two, Shadow!

Summary:

The truth about Neverland is far more dangerous than a fairy tale.

Claire Kenton believes the world is too dark for magic to be real—since her twin brother was stolen away as a child. Now Claire’s desperate search points to London… and a boy who shouldn’t exist.

Peter Pan is having a beastly time getting back to Neverland. Grounded in London and hunted by his own Lost Boys, Peter searches for the last hope of restoring his crumbling island: a lass with magic in her veins.

The girl who fears her own destiny is on a collision course with the boy who never wanted to grow up. The truth behind this fairy tale is about to unravel everything Claire thought she knew about Peter Pan—and herself.

My Review:

What a fun story! While I liked the story of Peter Pan like the average Jane, I was never really drawn to the story. This story has given me a new interest, which I wasn't expecting!

I was a little bit lost at the beginning of the story, but as I started to get more and more involved it began to make sense and came together. Maybe I was just distracted.

We start off getting to know Claire. She has a strange skin condition that's made life difficult since she was little. On top of that, her brother, Connor, has been missing for years. She gets a lead on him thanks to a friend and she's off on an adventure to try to find him in London.

Once there, she dives right into the search and starts causing an upheaval. She also meets Peter Pan, who she can't stand, but he misleads her from the start as to his identity. I love how the author gave such depth to Peter and (Tiger) Lily as we get to know them. It is so creative to make characters from the original telling into somewhat "new" ones so they're contemporary.

As the story unfolds we begin to see how important Claire is to everyone from Neverland, but we don't know why or how. On top of that, more mysteries come up! It propels us to want to know more. Who is Claire really? Why is Peter Pan and everyone else from Neverland on Earth, but can't get back to Neverland?

I have so many questions so I'm immediately starting book 2. I listened to the audiobook, but also have the hardcover. The narrator did a great job.

About the Author:

As the daughter of missionaries, Kara Swanson spent her childhood running barefoot through the lush jungles of Papua New Guinea. Able to relate with characters dropped into a unique new world, she quickly fell in love with the fantasy genre. The award-winning author of The Girl Who Could See,Kara is passionate about crafting stories of light shattering darkness, connecting with readers, and becoming best friends with a mermaid—though not necessarily in that order. Kara chats about coffee, fairy tales and bookish things online (@karaswansonauthor) and at karaswanson.com.

Dream Of Kings By Sharon Hinck

Dream of Kings

by Sharon Hinck

Publisher: Enclave

ISBN: 9798886050080

Having been a long time fan of Sharon Hinck, I was excited to learn about her newest release! Being blessed to be on her launch team, I was sent an ebook ARC of Dream of Kings!

Summary:

The Future Never Sleeps

In the glacial nation of Norgard, Jolan the Dream Teller serves every seeker, whether peasant or high lord. Though she loves using her gift, she struggles to navigate the corrupt and dangerous court and the jealousies of the Guildagard. 

When an old man’s nightmare imparts a dire warning, Jolan realizes her entire nation is in danger. But before she can sound the alarm, she is betrayed by the guilds and sold into slavery in a rival kingdom far to the south. As a slave in a foreign land, at first Jolan can’t see beyond her singular focus: return home to warn Norgard of the coming calamity. After facing new dangers, making new friends, and forgiving old wrongs, she must fulfill the purposes the Provider has set before her. 

Only then can she face a decision that could cost her the man she loves, her calling, and her freedom—all to save a people who abandoned her.

My Review:

What a fantastic story!! Sharon Hinck does such a fantastic job in this genre. I absolutely loved Dream of Kings!

So, I'll admit that it took a little time to realize that Jolan's life has parallel lines to Joseph's in the Bible. It's subtle initially. You probably won't realize it at first, but there was a spot where a light bulb switched on and it all became clear. When that happened I looked forward with eagerness to see how the rest of the story was similar.

Jolan is traded to a far away country and watching her struggle to accept her new reality is hard, but seeing glimpses of the Lord (Provider) gives many moments of hope. There are so many ways Jolan is relatable. We all struggle with trust and faith in our walks with God. He has also gifted us in different ways like Jolan. She's able to interpret dreams. 

As she's trying to figure out a way to get home, as with Joseph, she's called upon to interpret dreams. I'm telling you, it makes me giddy thinking about Jolan's story in light of Joseph's. 

I also loved this world that the author has created. From the colorful ribbons in the sky, to the different nationalities, and to the various lands, it all comes alive through the author's writing. We see how idols are worshipped and how hard it can be for Truth to break through to stubborn hearts.

And can I just say how refreshing it is for a ruler's wife to show kindness? So often, these women are portrayed as evil and ruthless, and while I'm sure Lily is a master manipulator (I mean, wait until you read her storyline) this character wasn't that way! I also loved the dynamic between Jolan and Siverlon. She's her sometimes awkward self and he's, well, the king. I can't forget Kamor! He's a man's man, a warrior, and the king's right hand man. I thoroughly enjoyed his character.

I know it's a standalone, but I'm wishing it was a series! I'm not ready to leave this fantasy world because it was so enjoyable.

About the Author:

Award-winning author of The Sword of Lyric series, Sharon Hinck writes “stories for the hero in all of us” about women on extraordinary adventures of faith. Her novels are praised for their authentic characters, strong spiritual themes, and emotional resonance. For her latest series, The Dancing Realms, she drew on her experience as a ballet teacher, dancer, and choreographer.

Blood Secrets By Morgan Busse

Blood Secrets

by Morgan Busse

Publisher: Enclave Escape

Series: Skyworld

ISBN: 979-8886050004

After being so thoroughly drawn in by book one, Secrets in the Mist, I was thrilled to join the launch team for book two in this duology. 

Summary:

Not everyone wants to see the world saved . . .

Time is running out. Cities are being engulfed in the Mist and humanity is on the brink of extinction. Theo believes he has found a way to stop mankind from Turning, but he doesn’t know how to alter Cass’s unique blood into a cure. Or if it can even be done.

Meanwhile, Cass struggles with the idea that she is possibly the savior of the world—a world she is not sure is worth saving.

From the Winchester manse to the steel city of Decadenn, there is something more chasing Cass than the House of Lords or the masked man who can walk in the Mist. Soon she must decide if she will use her blood to save mankind or let those who only care about themselves perish.

My Review:

I was excited to dive back into the Skyworld series with Blood Secrets after the cliffhanger of Secrets in the Mist! I couldn't wait to learn what happened with Cass and Theo.

This was an interesting read. While I've read almost all of Morgan's books, they all have the same "feel" in them. This one seemed different somehow. I can't quite put my finger on it, but it felt like it was missing something. I like that she does duologies like this one because we don't have to wait for a 3rd book for the conclusion.

What I liked about this book is that Cass struggles with knowing she can help everyone from becoming a Turned, but the way she and others have been treated over the centuries, she questions if she wants to even help. Luron is just as creepy in this story as he was in the first one. He tries to lure her to his way of thinking and in a way, it makes sense. Readers will be able to see the gray area between good and evil as these two struggle with the future.

Theo once again plays the hero, and one we can all count on! I think we can all agree that when someone is in power and they truly care about others, we want them to come out on top. Too bad others in power don't want the same thing!

I never realized how much of a fan I would be of the steampunk genre until I read Morgan's books! She's able to bring that world to life and have it all make sense. There are a number of tense scenes that had me quickly swiping my ebook pages!

If you're a fan of this genre, don't miss out on this whole series! Skyworld will come to life for you through Morgan's writing.

About the Author:

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of the Follower of the Word series, The Soul Chronicles, and The Ravenwood Saga. She is a three-time Christy Award finalist and winner of both the INSPY and the Carol Award for best in Christian speculative fiction. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel. Visit her online at www.morganlbusse.com.

Shadow Of Honor By Ronie Kendig

Shadow of Honor

by Ronie Kendig

Publisher: Enclave

Series: The Droseran Saga

ISBN: 978-1621842347

I never thought I'd be a space opera fan, but this series has made a believer of me! I am on the launch team for book three and was given an ARC ebook for review, but I also purchased my own copy.

Summary:

The war he fears may be the very one he’s been called to start.

Held captive, tortured by monsters of a nightmarish alien race, Marco Dusan clings to a final goal: keep these beasts from the Quadrants, even if it means orchestrating his own death. But his dreams betray that singular design. In them his bonded calls to him across lightyears. Does he leave her to fight Symmachia alone, or risk bringing an unwinnable war to every planet in the Quadrants?

On board the alien dreadnought, Eija Zacdari flounders, torn amidst military machinations, prophecies, and an inexplicable bond with one of the fearsome creatures who have imprisoned her friends. Only by uncovering the truth about an ancient conflict now shrouded in deception will she find her place.

Faced with her true identity, Eija sees her purpose snap into focus, and she realizes the war Marco fears may be the very one he has been called to start.

My Review:

If you're a fan of Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, Star Wars, and Star Trek you're going to want to make sure The Droseran Saga is part of your collection! This series should be in the same list as those other stories! Shadow of Honor continues this fantastic series.

With book three we're taken back to the Quadrants. We have three different main storylines and locations happening through this story. The first is with Isaura and Kersei, the second with Marco and Eija, and the third is with Tigo. They all move smoothly from one chapter to the next while we wait with bated breath for them all to be together fighting the enemy!

The entire story was a constant sensation of heart stopping moments. Talk about holding your breath during the intense moments, I'm not sure how I made it through without an oxygen tank! lol There were a LOT of surprises, but things are starting to make sense as we dive more into this Saga.

There's SO much going on with this story I won't be able to cover it all. And if I did, there were be spoilers galore. We want to avoid that.

We'll start with Isa and Kersei. Isa is a strong character who tries to stand in the stead of her husband, Marco. Kersei, y'all, my heart still goes out to her. I have a soft spot for her and have since book one. Her feelings are still raw with all that's happened in a short period of time. Both of these women go through SO much in this story.

Then there's Marco, Eija, and Reed. They've jumped far away from everything they know and what they encounter and learn along the way is mildly mind blowing. I felt so bad for Reed because he's just and Eidolon trying to complete the mission they started. Marco is still the incredible character we've come to love in this series. His main goal, to save his people and get back to Isaura. Eija... well, her story really unfolds in this story!

Lastly, there's Tigo. He's with the Faa'Cris training men to fight. He's still a cloud of frustration walking around on two legs. His story is also one that unfolds in an interesting way! Jez, too. How book two ends with a shock of who she is spills into book three and we get to know her and her sisters better.

The detailed elements that make up this entire book show how well the author has thought out this full story. How she created this entire universe, the Draegis, the languages, the intricate storyline is a credit to her skill! She has brought the Quadrants to life and has made this world one the reader can't help but care about.

This has become one of my favorite all time series and while I'm excited for book four, I'm also not ready for this series to be finished. I have become a huge fangirl of the series and want it to go on & on!

About the Author:

Ronie Kendig is a bestselling, award-winning author of over thirty books. She grew up an Army brat, and now she and her Army-veteran husband have returned to their beloved Texas after a ten-year stint in the Northeast. They survive on Sonic & Starbucks runs, barbecue, and peach cobbler that they share—sometimes—with Benning the Stealth Golden. Ronie's degree in psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Secrets in the Mist By Morgan L. Busse

Secrets in the Mist

by Morgan L. Busse

Publisher: Enclave Escape

Series: Skyworld

ISBN: 978-1621841876

Being an avid Morgan L. Busse fan I knew I needed to give her Skyworld series a try. When she gave the opportunity to join her launch team for Secrets in the Mist I was front and center. So glad I was! I was sent the ebook for review.

Summary:

What’s lurking in the Mist is the least of their worries…

In a world where humanity lives in the sky to escape a deadly mist below, Cass’s only goal is survival. That is, until she finds a job on the airship Daedalus as a diver. Now she explores ruined cities, looking for treasure and people’s lost heirlooms until a young man hires her to find the impossible: a way to eradicate the Mist.

Theodore Winchester is a member of one of the Five Families that rule the skies. Following in his father’s footsteps, he searches for the source of the Mist and hopes to stop the purges used to control overpopulation. But what he finds are horrifying secrets and lethal ambition. If he continues his quest, it could mean his own death.

The Mist is rising and soon the world will be enveloped in its deadly embrace, turning what’s left of humanity into the undead.

My Review:

Wow! That's where I'd like to start with Secrets in the Mist!

I just finished listening to the author's steampunk series The Soul Chronicles and was excited to get started with this one. Can I just say I feel like she has cornered the market on Christian steampunk?! She's got me hook, line, and sinker!

She's created such an incredible and believable world that it came to life as soon as I started reading the story! Don't you love how you can feel such emotion for a character even when you've only just met them? That's how I felt for Cass. She's left alone in her world to fend for herself and thankfully finds herself on an airship that honestly, I would've loved to get a ride on and I don't even like flying!

We also meet Theo, from one of the rich families, who lives on the sky islands. And I have to admit, I'd love to try out one of his zippers. Lots of flying machines! While he may be from one of the Five Families, he has more of a care for those trying to survive below and those who suffer the purges.

I love how Cass ends up on the Deadalus. The captain becomes one of my favorite characters. He gives her a sense of family, belonging, and purpose. He also gives her more insight into Elaeros - this world's name for God. It's incredible how the author is able to weave the important faith element into her story! She seems to have a natural ability to be a diver and creates quite the reputation for herself.

Now, I totally get zombie vibes from this story and yes, it's super creepy when they show up on the scene. Those who end up in the mist, the Turned, are obviously my least favorite part of the story. I mean, who wants the divers being attacked? Imagine diving into unknown (and sometimes known) territory not knowing if you'll have a quiet day to retrieve artifacts or if you'll be shooting up Turned left and right!

The writing was so good in this story that my only problem is, the ending is such a HUGE cliffhanger, how am I supposed to wait patiently for the next book?!

About the Author:

Morgan L. Busse is a writer by day and a mother by night. She is the author of the FOLLOWER OF THE WORD series, THE SOUL CHRONICLES, and THE RAVENWOOD SAGA. She is a three-time Christy Award finalist and winner of both the INSPY and the Carol Award for best in Christian speculative fiction. During her spare time she enjoys playing games, taking long walks, and dreaming about her next novel. Visit her online at www.morganlbusse.com.