"Sword Catcher" by Cassandra Clare

In Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare, Kel is the body double of the prince.  When Kel meets the ruler of the underworld, he begins to question his role in life.  This is a good fantasy book with great characters, good storyline and lots of action.  I LOVED it!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Bear" by Julia Phillips

Bear by Julia Phillips is about two sisters who have a dream once they get off this island.  But one night the younger sister sees a bear and is enchanted by it!  Not everyone feels the same way.  Can the bear survive?  What does this mean for the sisters' plan?  I enjoyed this book.  The sisters were very good characters.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Iron Flame" by Rebecca Yarros

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros took me a long time to get through.  I liked the first book (Fourth Wing) in this series much better!  I liked the relationship building among the riders in Violet's squad and still liked the dragons.  Mostly it seemed this book centered on Violet and Xaden's relationship growing deeper.  I did not care for all the sex scenes.  The battles provided good action; however, I wasn't always clear about how the magic powers worked.  I really did not like the ending of this book at all.  I doubt if I will continue on with this series.  (Karen's review, 3 stars)

Gerard's review:

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros is the second in this series.  The first was Fourth Wing and I liked this one even better!  Violet has made it through the first year of war college to everyone's surprise including her mom and sister.  But the second year is going to be tougher yet.  Now the head of the college will test Violet in ways she has never been.  Violet and her gang are back!  But now war is coming and Violet must choose which side she will be on.  

I gave the Fourth Wing highest score I could and this book is even better!  I had so many emotions while reading this book.  The good news is that this is going to be a 5-book series.  You must read these fantastic books.  This is as good as it gets!  (5++ stars)   

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"Fourth Wing" (the Empyrian #1) by Rebecca Yarros

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros got my attention right from the start and kept it all the way to the end!  What a fantastic read if you like fantasy with dragons mixed with relationships.  Violet is a great character, the youngest in her family who finds herself in war college for dragon riders when she had her heart set on being scribe like her father.  Her mother, the commanding general, ordered her to go in the dragon rider quadrant against her wishes.  This book is all about her first year at the war college.  Violet is small, weak, doesn't want to fight but is also smart and clever.  

I loved this book because of the characters, the action, and the dragons.  Violet is an underdog who tries to overcome her weaknesses and beat the odds stacked against her.  She soon finds a target on her back because of who her mother is.  Violet is so nice and vulnerable that it was easy to root for her.  At some points, I cheered out loud and laughed out loud.  It had a lot of humor too!  I really enjoyed the connection with the dragons and Xaden is awesome!  So glad I can jump right into the second book in this series.  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

Gerard's review:
In Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, Violet wants to be a scribe, but her mom has other plans for her and is running the show.  Consequently, Violet goes to school to be a dragon rider and help defend her country.  Her sister and friends tell her not to do this.  Violet goes anyway because she does not want to live with wondering what if she had made it.  

This book is very good from early on.  It has a great storyline and plenty of action.  I'll have to wait a few months for book 2, but looking forward to it!  (5++ stars)

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"The Choice" (Book 3 of The Dragon Heart Legacy) by Nora Roberts

The Choice (Book 3 of The Dragon Heart Legacy) by Nora Roberts is mostly about budding romances and a wedding with only a couple battles.  I felt like the third book had a lot of filler in it and that the author was just stretching things out to get a 3-book series.  In spite of that, I still liked it.  I really enjoyed the dragon parts most.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

Gerard's review 3/26/24:
In The Choice (Book 3 of The Dragon Heart Legacy) by Nora Roberts, Breen is back in her homeland training for the battle that will soon come.  She is getting more powerful by the day, but will it be enough to defend her homeland for good?  This is the final book in the great Dragon Heart Legacy series.  LOVED the whole series!  (5++ stars)

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"The Becoming" (Dragon Heart Legacy Book 2) by Nora Roberts

I liked The Becoming (Dragon Heart Legacy Book 2) by Nora Roberts better than the first book in this series because it has a lot more action, the dog has a big role in it and Marco proves to be a very good friend--so much so that I like him in spite of his being gay.  There is also some romance in this one and actual battles! I hated to put this one down because it has lots of very cool scenes including when Breen actually gets her own dragon!  Riding on a dragon just sounds very cool!  The only downside to this book for me was the few sex scenes and gay guys kissing that I could do without.  Nevertheless, I look forward to reading the last book in this series and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to escape to another world for a while!  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

Gerard's review 3/23/24:
The Becoming (Dragon Heart Legacy Book 2) by Nora Roberts finds Breen in the homeland training for the battle that is coming.  She brought her friend, Marco, and her faithful dog, Bollocks.  I thought this was even better than the first book of this series!  It has lots more action and the storyline kept me turning pages quickly.  I look forward to Book 3!  This is a GREAT series!!  I highly recommend it!!!  (5++ stars)

Book 1 review--The Awakening

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"Divine Rivals" by Rebecca Ross (Teen Fantasy--Letters of Enchantment #1)

In Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross, there is a war in progress and Iris is in the middle of it.  Her mom is not doing well, and her brother who joined the army is missing from the front lines.  Iris writes letters to her brother to try to combat her worries.  Little does she know this will take her on a life-changing adventure.  This book was even better than I expected!  It has a great storyline and characters I cared about.  There are lots of emotions with this book as well.  Do not miss this one--must read!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Destroy the Day" by Brigid Kemmerer (Defy the Night #3)

Destroy the Day by Brigid Kemmerer is the third and final book of the Defy the Night series.  The second book was Defend the Dawn.  This is a great ending to a great series.  I absolutely loved most of the characters and all the adventure and action that was in this one.  I enjoyed following the romance between Corrick and Tessa and how Corrick matured and changed along the way.  The characters in this series were so well developed and I loved the interactions among them all (except for Harristan and Quint--I could do without the gay storyline).  This is one I had a hard time putting down and loved the ending and how everything was explained and brought to an end.  I highly recommend this series!  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

In this book, Harristan is trying to regain his leadership as King, but he will need help!  Can he get it in time?  This book is narrated by Harristan, Corrick and Tessa.  I enjoyed the parts by Corrick and Tessa most.  This one was okay but needed a bit more action for my taste.  I liked the first two books in this series better, although this one does have a good ending.  (Gerard's review 2/5/24, 4 stars)

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"A Far Wilder Magic" by Allison Saft

In A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft, Margaret wants to kill the Halo aka a fox, and claim all the fame and the money that goes with it!  However, according to the rules, she cannot do it herself.  She needs a helper.  Who will she get and will she be the one to kill the fox?  I thought this book was pretty good.  I enjoyed the two main characters and the Trouble, the dog, storyline was good.  I also liked the ending.  (Gerard's review, 4 stars)

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"Blood Sworn" by Scott Reintgen (Book 2)

Blood Sworn by Scott Reintgen is the follow-up book to Ashlords.  The race is over and now the war has begun.  The three main characters are back:  Pippa, Adrian and Imelda must now work together for the better good of the country.  Can they and will they save their country?  This book was better than the first with fast action and lots of twists and turns.  (Gerard's review, 5+ stars)

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"Ashlords" by Scott Reintgen (Book 1 in series)

Ashlords by Scott Reintgen is teen fantasy about horse racing.  It is time for the race with 11 horses and 11 riders.  Three riders (Imelda, Pippa and Adrian) have a lot at stake.  You will have to read the book to find out what that is.  This book gets off to a slow start, but once the race begins, it more than makes up for it!  It is easy to follow.  I really enjoyed the three main characters and liked it because it has lots of action.  Now it is on to Book 2.  (Gerard's review, 4.5 stars)

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"Immortal Longings" by Chloe Gong

In Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong, Princess Calla has been in hiding for five years.  She killed her parents and now she plans to kill the king of her country.  However, she must win the annual games to get a chance to meet with the king.  If you loved HUNGER GAMES, then this is the book for you.  It has good action with a good storyline and a great ending!  I look forward to Book 2 of this series.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Flamefall" by Rosaria Munda (Book 2 of Fireborne Series)

Flamefall by Rosaria Munda is the follow-up book to Fireborne.  This story is told by Annie, Lee and Griff.  They each have to deal with problems of loyalty and honor to their homeland.  When the battle takes place, can they all survive?  Good stuff.  This is better than Fireborne!  There is more action and the stage is set for the final book of the series.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Fireborne" by Rosaria Munda

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda is told by Annie and Lee.  They have been friends since childhood, but now war is coming and their friendship will be tested like never before.  Can they lead a revolution?  This is good stuff.  Annie is a great character and drives this book.  This is book 1 of 3 and I look forward to reading the next two.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"Finale" by Stephanie Garber (Book 3 in Caraval Series)

Finale by Stephanie Garber is the third and last book in the Caraval series.  In this one, Tella and Scarlett both get into trouble when they let their hearts over rule their heads.  Jacks is up to his usual trouble making ways.  All three books were outstanding and this has a great finish to the series!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"The Ballad of Never After" by Stephanie Garber

The Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber is the sequel to A Broken Heart.  In this, Evangeline tries to find a cure for her husband, Apollo.  It will not be easy!  People are willing to stop her.  Can she turn to Jacks for help?  Can she trust him?  This book is even better than the first one with lots more action, new characters, and lots of twists and turns.  What an ending!  Can't wait for book 3 coming out in October.  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Once Upon a Broken Heart" by Stephanie Garber

In Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber,  Evangeline learns the love of her life will marry her stepsister, Marisol!  To stop this from happening, Evangeline turns to the wicked Prince of Hearts for help.  She makes a deal with him in exchange for his help and how it all plays out makes up this novel.  I thought this book was really good!  I liked the storyline which was unique as well as the characters, especially Evangeline and Jacks.  The ending was perfect!  I enjoyed the Caraval series by this author and this one is good as well.  On to book two of this three-part series.  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Fairy Tale" by Stephen King

In Fairy Tale by Stephen King, Charlie, a young teen boy, becomes the caretaker to an old man when he falls from a ladder.  Charlie and the man's dog, Radar, get along great.  Before the old man dies, he tells Charlie to listen to a tape under his bed.  What is on the tape is what this book is about.  I thought this book was really good--vintage King.  It has great characters and a good storyline.  I also loved Radar and the ending!  The dog was in it a lot!  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)

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"Forging Silver Into Stars" by Brigid Kemmerer

Forging Silver into Stars by Brigid Kemmerer is a fantasy book about two kingdoms, loyalty and magic.  Emberfall is led by Rhen and Harper, Syhl Shallow led by Grey and Lia Mara.  Rhen and Grey are brothers, Grey is a magesmith and the people of Syhl Shallow are afraid of his magic so a faction called the Truthbringers is plotting to kill him.  Most of the story is about Jax and Callyn, friends from childhood, who live near woods in Briarlock which is part of Syhl Shallow but a good distance from the palace.  Callyn and her younger sister run a bakery and Jax, a cripple, is a blacksmith who works for his father in a forge near the bakery.  They both owe lots of taxes and are pretty delighted to find an easy way to earn more silvers.  Are they committing treason though?  Can they trust Alek, the one who pays silvers.  Is Tycho, the king's courier, telling the truth?  Does Tycho really care about Jax and does Alek really care about Callyn?  

This seemed slow to me at the start because I was just finished Defend the Dawn which I loved so much I hated to see it end.  This is a story about trust as was Defend the Dawn.  Decisions must be made about which side to take.  Can Jax and Callyn maintain their friendship if they take different sides?  Most of this book is about inner struggles and choosing sides, determining who to trust.  The characters are all interesting and I loved the action in the last quarter of the book.  It was fast-paced and fun seeing how everything was coming to a head.  I could have done without the gay relationship, but enjoyed the book other than that.  I also loved the ending!  I recommend this one to any Brigid Kemmerer fan.  I'm sure there will be more in this series and look forward to them.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)  

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Loved "Defend the Dawn" by Brigid Kemmerer -- Full of Adventure

1.    

In Defend the Dawn by Brigid Kemmerer, Tessa and Corrick set out on a journey to get much needed medicine for their kingdom.  This story is told by Corrick and Tessa.  I like them both.  The author does a great job of character development!  The interaction among the characters if fantastic!  The action comes near the end and is really good.  I would have liked more action earlier on as well.  All in all, I give this one 5 stars.  (Gerard's review) 

Karen's review 3/9/23:
Defend the Dawn by Brigid Kemmerer is Book 2 in the Defy the Night series and I LOVED it!  It has adventure, lots of fighting, great banter among the characters, politics, and some romance.  This one focuses on both King Harriston and his chief justice, Corrick.  About half way through, each gets their own storyline and both are very good.  Tessa and Quint are both great supporting characters too.  This one is hard to put down and I hated that it ended with two cliffhangers.  It definitely makes me anxious to read the next book in this series, Destroy the Day.  (5 stars)

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