Crown's Shield by Frost Kay

Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.5/5

Sage has been discovered by Tehl and Sam. Despite escaping the castle, she isn't free, and she must continue to make sacrifices to ensure the safety of her family and her country. In this installment, Sage is named liaison between the rebellion and the crown. She fulfills her role as best she can until the rebellion makes a demand that changes everything...

This series has a way of drawing you in. At this point, I am totally invested in the characters and the storyline. In the first book, Sage proves herself to be a strong and independent yet reasonably kind and vulnerable person. At times, her recklessness and stubbornness are a bit irritating. In this book, we get just a few glimpses of her inner self again, and she is truly fascinating. She has a strong sense of duty, which compels her to do things - that she abhors - for the greater good. And she has talents and charisma that others are attracted to. However, in reality she is totally broken. She does not know where she belongs, and (like Sam - which is why they understand each other so well) she has been playing a role for so long that she does not even know who she really is, other than that she loves her family and her country and would do almost anything to protect them.
Some of the elements of this series are a little hard to swallow - they feel a little artificial. Sage is sort of a larger-than-life heroine who can scale buildings, manipulate people with feminine wiles, win any sword fight, and still look like a Victoria's Secret model (ok that last one might be an exaggeration). The bottom line is that she isn't a particularly nice person (not that you would expect her to be after all she's been through), yet everyone seems enamored of her. Her temper is a little too hot - she throws daggers at people with little to no provocation. I will be interested to see her character growth throughout this series. She's clearly trapped and not really handing it well.

(viewspoiler)SPOILER The major twist of this story does feel a little forced. The rebels demand that Sage marry Tehl in order to sign a peace treaty and avoid a civil war. The rebels' treatment of Sage is really just mind-boggling to me. On the one hand, they all seem to adore her. But on the other hand, they have a tendency to just exclude and use her. I am not certain why they would have thought that a marriage would be the best way to secure peace. Although, for the sake of the plot, it makes for a really great story. And the fact that Serge/Rhys suggested it and then abducted Sage at the end of the story might mean that it will be explained better later on.
I can understand why Sage would not like Tehl, although so often throughout the series I have just been saying, "Come on, girl, just give him a chance!" My prediction is that they will become good friends. They seem to actually have a little bit of fun with their charade of a marriage throughout the book, even though both would be loath to admit it. END SPOILER 

I was glad to see more of Rafe in this book, as well as Sam. I am wondering where Sam's story is going to lead. Some of the revelations about him were a little shocking. Marc's presence was missed, as was Gav's to some extent. I'd love to see more of them.
I LOVED the addition of Lilja and Hayjen, though, and I am looking forward to Siren's Lure so much.

Overall, a good read. Despite the semi-questionable plot devices, the book is written really well. I am looking forward to the next one :-)  

Purchase the books in the series by following the links below: 

Book 1: Rebel's Blade
Book 2: Crown's Shield
Siren's Lure (A part of the Fire and Fantasy UF set)

Dark Experiments by Lana Campbell

Genre: Paranormal romance/mystery
Rating: 4.5/5

Tiffany Peebles has just gotten a job as an IT tech at a small OBGYN vampire clinic. Her dear friend, Christian is one of the doctors there. Their chemistry has been off the charts for many years, and they both know that eventually they will have to figure out how to define their relationship, especially since they will be working closely together. As if their relationship issues were not stressful enough, a series of miscarriages occur at the clinic, and the doctors scramble to figure out what is causing them before more deaths occur...

I accidentally read this one before the first book (Forever and a Night), but it ended up not being a problem. I was able to follow along well, and I had no problem feeling an investment and a love for the characters.
I really LOVED this book. It's quite long, but it was written well (despite the fact that the editing/proofreading could have been better) so I didn't become fatigued with reading it: I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened! I was truly fascinated in particular by the addition of faith into this book. Christian, Tiffany, and her family members talk about God, salvation, prayers, and faith in general throughout the book. This is something totally unique - I have never encountered a vampire book like this. Generally, vampires are treated as abominations in literature. In some places (like Buffy) they are actually demons that have inhabited the bodies of dead people. I love it when authors do unexpected things!
There were other things in the book also gave a fresh take on the genre - vampires are actually able to have children, they mate for life, and blood bonding between mates unlocks a few notable powers.
This story had romance, mystery, and intrigue! I was really on the edge of my seat as the book progressed. I kept second guessing myself, and I was surprised with how things turned out. The single aspect of this book that I didn't enjoy as much was the sex scenes. I really liked Christian and Tiffany's relationship in general, though! 
I have the first book, so I will definitely be reading that one asap.
AWESOME job, Lana Campbell! <3

Purchase the series here:
Book 1: Forever and a Night
Book 2: Dark Experiments
Book 3: Deadly Secrets (coming September 2017)

The Vrai Domicile by Courtney Ruggles

Genre: Dystopian

Rating: 5/5

Q wakes up in a dark room. She remembers going into the muerte. People had taken their masks off and she was going to be a martyr. It turns out, they decided to keep her alive in order to use her influence to bring the people back into submission. She and B are allowed to be together, but the cost is high. She must decide if she can live with manipulating the people back into blindly following the elders or if she is willing to sacrifice it all to free them.

This series is just so heartbreaking, partly because (as with most dystopian novels) the people in it almost seem familiar. They have been making the choice for so long to trade their freedom for safety/a roof over their heads/free meals, and those in power are more than willing to manipulate them because of that. On the surface, their lives are ok. Money isn't exchanged, their every need is provided for, they get enough food, they aren't subjected to hard physical labor. In the last book, Q was married off to a Guerrier and started experiencing some abuse, which was unfortunately sanctioned by the elders. But because of her grandmother, she understood that just because the elders said it was acceptable, that didn't mean it was. Because of her grandmother - one of the only remaining people living who had experienced the outside - she had dangerous ideas about individuality, fresh air, and love. The man she loved had taken her outside to feel the sun on her face, and they had taken off their masks together. She was willing to sacrifice her own life in order to show the people of the sixth domicile just a tiny bit of that freedom. She thought she had succeeded.

Throughout the book, she is emotionally and mentally tortured by a system (elders) who know just what strings to pull to make her compliant. This book is very disturbing, and the ending isn't a happy one. I am eager that there are going to be more books because I want to see this resolved.
I do think it is important for people to read books like these. Freedom is important, but it does come with consequences. All of us have to ultimately make the choice to be free or to be compliant. We have to be watchful that those freedoms are not eroded by those in power who know how to manipulate us.

Purchase the books in this series by following the links below:
The Sixth Domicile
The Vrai Domicile
The Sauvage Domicile

VRES: Digital Quest by Zoe Adams

Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4.5/5

Felix and Erica are beta testers for a new virtual reality game. As hard-core gamers, they have been training for this for years. They know what to do, how to level up, and how to create a fun gaming atmosphere. They plug in and begin the experience, meeting friend and foe - and each other. Their relationship gets off to a rocky start. Soon they have to decide whether or not to trust one another. Not all is as it seems in this virtual reality world...
This book is a really great exploration of what gamers have been dreaming of for years - virtual reality! The imagery was really well done. I loved how the author added the details about gameplay - the feel of the weapons, the difficulty of the quests, and the interaction with both real and computerized characters. I play World of Warcraft, and my husband and I have often talked about how much of an amazing experience VR would be. One of the first things that really struck me was that Erica was able to immerse herself in the game and just wail on some creepy, awful guys who were harassing her. It was really fun to watch her be someone else (at times, kind of a jerk to Felix) because it was clear that the game was her escape. Her life, as readers come to find out, was a not pleasant one.
The evolution of Felix and Erica's relationship was awesome to watch.
Thank you for this fun VR book, Zoe Adams!

Purchase this book here:
VRES: Digital Quest

Waiting for Gideon by Kristy Nicolle

Genre: Fantasy/Romance (Short story)
Rating: 5/5
Patience is a recently graduated art student working at Dairy Queen. During one particularly crummy shift, a handsome stranger comes in and orders a Blizzard. After some shenanigans ensue with a couple of creepy villains, Patience and Gideon leave Dairy Queen in his Mustang. Patience quickly learns that Gideon is not a normal person... They spend an exciting evening together, and the rest is history.  

Kristy Nicolle is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors ever. I absolutely adored "Something Blue," a dystopian romance, so I joined her group and started following her on Facebook. It turns out that Something Blue was sort of an anomaly for her, and she has this whole other mermaid universe going on!
I have the first three books of the Tidal Kiss Trilogy, but I have been bogged down with so many other things that I have not had time to sit down and read them. When she released this prequel, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to get an introduction to the series.
I was not disappointed! Kristy has such an amazing talent with words. Gideon and Patience are very likable, and you immediately find yourself drawn in and rooting for them. I don't know anything about how their story turns out apart from the "present day" scenes, but the promise of the heartbreak, adventures, and struggles to come is really wonderful. I am even more eager than ever to begin reading the main series. I know Kristy has put a lot of thought into the universe, and I am excited about "diving in." :-)

Purchase the series by following the links below:
Waiting for Gideon
The Kiss that Killed Me
The Kiss that Saved Me
The Kiss that Changed Me

Transient Echoes by J.N. Cheney

Genre: Dystopian Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Rating: 4.5/5

Mae and John thought Terry died when the Ortego building was destroyed. Mae gets the opportunity to go back to the site a few years later, having convinced the brass that she wants to recover some of the technology. She really wants to find out what happened to Terry. John, who is in the military, comes to join her where she and her team are camping. Will they be able to find out what happened to Terry before the project gets shut down?
Meanwhile, on an unknown planet, Terry is struggling daily to survive. He is in an alien place with alien food, plants, and wildlife. He discovers the ruins of some sort of civilization, but no people. He wonders if variant killed this planet as well. Will he be able to survive this place? Will he ever have any hope of getting home?

The sections in this book about Terry's adventures on the unknown world were what made this book phenomenal. The author did a great job of creating an alien world with its own unique elements.
I was less impressed with the sections about Mae and John. In particular, they are supposed to be dating, but we don't get to see any romance or much of anything between them. They are almost the same as in the first book. Mae just has more authority and training. Their tireless efforts to get to the anomaly in the basement of the Ortego building are important, but they are not as exciting as what is going on with Terry. It's still an excellent book!

Purchase the series using the links below:
Book 1: The Amber Project
Book 2: Transient Echoes
Book 3: Hope Everlasting
Book 4: The Vernal Memory

The Turning by Phil Price

Genre: Paranormal Thriller
Rating: 5/5

Jake and Katherine are living in a new home and have a new baby girl. Jake's parents have moved closer to him, and they are all hoping to live their lives in peace. The danger and adventures from Lickey Hills and Amatoll Forest are just memories now- or so they think. Unfortunately, Elias is not done with them yet. He comes back to wreak havoc and stir up their lives. Jake has more to lose now than ever, and he is thrust back into the mayhem.

Without spoiling anything, I'll just say that this book was a ride! I felt like the beginning of this story was a bit more stable than that of the first book (Not as much jumping around with characters and time periods.) It's not a mystery - it's a thriller. Since the characters are established, we get a more in depth look at them. The interactions with Jake and his family were just great. We also get to see a few different kinds of people in Amatoll (the Cravens and the evil evil people on an island that even Elias wants to stay away from). The forests have continued to mutate and are now filled with ghosts and wraiths. Jake is more knowledgeable about what needs to be done with the vampires now, but they also know what he is capable of. It's not about Korgan anymore, it's about revenge.

I loved this book, and I can't wait for the last in the series!

Purchase the books in the series here:

Book 1: Unknown
Book 2: The Turning
Book 3: (Coming Soon!)

The World Between the Trees by C Freeland

Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 5/5

Jake and Ryan have visited their special spot in the forest often as children. They know that it's a unique and wonderful place, but they don't know how special it is. Years later, it's been forgotten by Ryan, even though Jake has asked his brother to return with him. When Jake goes missing, the family is beside themselves with grief, thinking that they will never see him again. One day, someone shows up at their doorstep, claiming that Jake has sent him to find Ryan. Ryan and Shiloh, the boys' Jake and Ryan have visited their special spot in the forest often as children. They know that it's a unique and wonderful place, but they don't know how special it is. Years later, it's been forgotten by Ryan, even though Jake has asked his brother to return with him. When Jake goes missing, the family is beside themselves with grief, thinking that they will never see him again. One day, someone shows up at their doorstep, claiming that Jake has sent him to find Ryan. Ryan and Shiloh, the boys' best friend, decide to follow the strange tall man into the forest, thinking that the risk is worth a shot if they can find Jake. Where has Jake gone? Is this strange ethereal place they visited as children real or just part of Jake's and Ryan's imagination? When Ryan and Shiloh pass over to the other world, they are immediately thrown into a thrilling adventure with witches, shape-shifters, giants, and more. They must be careful who they trust, and they must do all they can to fight the evil that is spreading throughout this new world. First of all, this book is incredibly well written! It really drew me in from page one. I read a lot of books, and I will just say that this author is very talented. There are wonderful descriptions throughout the book that help paint a beautiful picture. The characters are genuine. The universe is well thought out. I can see this author really going places - I was so super impressed! This is an awesome piece of literature. I would highly recommend it to anyone! There is a lot more that could be done with this universe (I am hoping to see more books after this, but even if it's not turned into a series, this is an author to watch. I might just be one-clicking all of her books!) (

Unknown by Phil Price

Genre: Paranormal/Mystery
Rating: 5/5

Around the world, in different time periods, people are going missing. Jake Stevenson, who has just lost his wife and child, becomes involved in an investigation concerning several of the missing people - most notably a man named Guzman whose fingerprints have been found at the scene of a violent murder. The only problem is, Guzman would be over 80 years old now. As Jake delves more into the mystery, he is transported to another world with creatures he never knew existed. There is a lot that goe Around the world, in different time periods, people are going missing. Jake Stevenson, who has just lost his wife and child, becomes involved in an investigation concerning several of the missing people - most notably a man named Guzman whose fingerprints have been found at the scene of a violent murder. The only problem is, Guzman would be over 80 years old now. As Jake delves more into the mystery, he is transported to another world with creatures he never knew existed. There is a lot that goes on in this book, especially in the beginning. It is a little confusing and hard to piece together until you get a few chapters in. At that point, it becomes clear that there are many seemingly unrelated things that tie together. There are lots of characters and lots of points of view, but the character development is still great. The supernatural elements are well thought out, and there is plenty of intrigue, suspense, and horror. Despite the fact that my time is so limited, I found myself thinking about this book a lot and wanting to sit down and read it. I actually read it semi-simultaneously with the second book, The Turning, and it ended up being ok! (Some spoilers but not anything too bad). Great job, Mr. Price! Purchase the series by clicking on the links below: Book 1: Unknown Book 2: The Turning Book 3: (Coming Soon!)

Host by Erin Lee

At the end of Alters, Lola is out of Rosewood, thinking that her alters have merged into one personality. She misses them, but she is in the process of trying to move on with her life outside of the mental institution. In Host, she wakes up one day with foggy memories of one of her alters (Clare) having resurfaced. They only tricked her into believing that they merged. They now want to experience life outside Rosewood to the fullest...
In this installment, Lola and her alters have a larger variety of experiences. She gets reacquainted with her family, and she learns about the Internet and all it has to offer. Her experience is so disjointed because all of the alters are eager to get their turn in the real world. Lola is more confident, but she is also confused and fearful that her family and her doctors will discover that her alters did not merge and send her back to Rosewood.
The experiences of the alters when they take turns controlling Lola's body are quite heartbreaking. Since two of the alters are male, this causes some nasty name-calling and even some physical abuse at one point. Other people whom she or the alters confide in treat her like a "freak" in some instances. She does have several people who are truly kind and supportive, which is really wonderful. There are some revelations about her family in this book that put things in an entirely different perspective as well.
In this book, where Lola is "free" for the first time in 30 years, we see more how people with mental illnesses are received, and it is truly heartbreaking. This is a wonderful series, and I look forward to the next installment!

Purchase the books in this series by following the links below:
Book 1: Alters
Book 2: Host (Coming August 26)
Book 3: Merge (Coming September 9)

Alters by Erin Lee

Lola has 7 other people sharing her body. As a woman living with DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder), Lola's alters take turns controlling her (the Host's) body. She has been in a mental health facility for around thirty years, and she remembers only bits and pieces. These personalities are not figments of her imagination; they are real people trapped inside of her with their own memories, thought processes, desires, and ideas. The personalities have meetings and eventually decide that they have to get Lola out of Rosewood at any cost...

Before I read this book, I knew almost nothing about DID. I knew the disorder only by the old name: Multiple Personality Disorder. This book was truly educational for me because (and I am ashamed to admit this) before this book, if someone were to have told me that they had multiple people living inside of them, or they said they were someone else one day, I would immediately have written them off as insane and not taken them seriously at all. It blows my mind that this actually happens to people. The psychology behind it makes sense - a new personality can be born during a traumatic time to help the host cope.
The detail of this book is one of the things that makes it so great. The personalities literally talk about how much physical space inside of Lola's body that they have to move around in. They theorize about why they are there (reincarnation?) and they wonder about what will happen if they merge into one personality. They keep secrets from one another. They interact in such a believable and organic way. There's not just a whole lot of actual action that happens - it's mostly conversations within Lola's mind. But it's truly fascinating. They are real!
This book will stretch your mind!
As others have pointed out, it's not a particularly short book, but it feels short because it really draws you in. Well worth the read for anyone of almost any age! Well done, Erin Lee!

Purchase this book (and the other two in the series) by clicking on these links: (Not an affiliate link :-) )

Book 2 - Host (Coming August 26)_
Book 3 - Merge (Coming September 9)