"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 Awakening" by Nora Roberts (Book 1-The Dragon Heart Legacy)

The Awakening by Nora Roberts is about Breen who lives in two different worlds, ours and Talamh which is magical.  She was born in Talamh and is part human and Fei but her mother raised her in our world and Breen was never aware of have any magical power.  Her father went back to Talamh when she was quite young.  Now in her 20s, she discovered her mother was investing Breen's money that was sent by her father.  Breen took control of that money, and went to Ireland in search of her father.  Then things really get crazy!

This starts out kind of slow with all the world building and introduction of many different characters, but the adventure is worth waiting for.  The last third of this book really picked up for me when Breen learns how to use her magical powers and trains to fight.  I loved the ending of this book and look forward to continuing on in this series.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

Gerard's review 3/13/24:
In The Awakening by Nora Roberts, Breen has a rough life, holding down three jobs to make ends meet.  Her mom does not like her and her dad left her when she was little.  One day she comes across a bank account in her name which she knows nothing about.  Her dad opened it for her and has been adding to it over the years.  She is rich!  She decides to go to look for her dad in Ireland.  So begins an adventure that will change her life!  

This is really good!  It's a fun-filled book that had me turning pages.  I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series!  (5++) stars)

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"Tribulation Force" by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins (Book 2 of Left Behind Series)

In Tribulation Force, the book 2 of the Left Behind Series, Buck and Rayford both accept unusual jobs they never suspected they would have.  Two witnesses preach at the wailing wall in Jerusalem and the romance between Chloe and Buck progresses.  Carpathia gets more powerful and the tribulation begins.  This book was interesting and moved along a little faster than book 1.  I liked it all right but will take a break from this series which is pretty heavy to read a fantasy series.  I do plan to continue in this series later.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

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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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"Where the Dead Sleep" by Joshua Moehling (#2)

In Where the Dead Sleep by Joshua Moehling, Packard is the law in this small town.  Not that he wants to be, but somebody has to do it.  Now a murder takes place and he has to figure out who did it and why.  There is no shortage of people who could have done it; but one thing is certain.  Whoever did it wants it to stay unsolved.  This has good action and kept me turning pages.  There is a cliff-hanger ending though, but there will be a next book.  (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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"LEFT BEHIND by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins (Series #1)

LEFT BEHIND by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins is the first book in a series about end times based on scripture.  When people mysteriously disappear, Buck, a journalist is assigned to write about the different theories people have.  Rayford, a pilot, thinks maybe his wife was right all along about needing a personal relationship with God and that this is the rapture she was talking about a lot lately.  Her and their son have both disappeared leaving him and Chloe, their daughter.  He contacts their church, hoping someone is there and meets with a pastor who was also left behind because he hadn't been a true follower of Jesus.  

I liked the parts in this book about Rayford and his family, but the journalist parts I got a little bored with, although they all do tie together.  I heard a lot about this series but never read it so when I saw the whole series at the Parma Heights senior center, I decided I would read it.  I liked this book all right.  It's certainly thought provoking.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

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"The Housemaid's Secret" by Freida McFadden

The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden is a good mystery with twists and a great ending!  I enjoyed this book and liked the short chapters that flew by.  It's about a housekeeper who gets mixed up in trying to help a woman escape from her abusive husband, but finds out what she thought was all wrong.  This book is filled with deceit, relationships, and vengeance.  At one point, nothing made sense but as I kept on reading, it all became clear.    (Karen's review, 5 stars)

Gerard's review 1/5/24:
In The Housemaid's Secret by Frieda McFadden, Millie needs a job in the worst way.  When a very rich man offers her a job as a housekeeper, she takes it.  The only thing is that she cannot open the door of the room that his wife is in.  Will she open that door?  What would she find?  Millie has secrets of her own that better not get out.  This book is really, really good with a fantastic storyline!  It kept me turning pages right to the end.  Must read this one!  I loved it!  What a great book to start off the new year.  (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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"Killer Instinct" by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (The Naturals #2)

Killer Instinct by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is the second in a series about five young teens who each have a special ability to solve crimes.  In this one, a serial killer is on the loose and needs to be stopped.  This was pretty good.  I liked how all the teens had to work together to figure out how to stop the killer.  It has a good storyline with good action.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

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"One of Us Is Back" by Karen M. McManus (Book 3)

One of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus is the third book in the One of Us Is Lying series.  The whole gang is back and looking forward to a fun summer until one of them goes missing.  This is pretty good.  The characters were brought out well and the storyline kept me engaged.  It has good action with a nice finish.  This book has been made into a TV series on Peacock.  Unfortunately, I do not have it, but if I did, I'd be watching it.  (Gerard's review, 5 stars)

Click on links below to read my previous reviews of books in this series:

One of Us Is Lying

One of Us Is Next

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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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"The Winners" by Fredrik Backman

The Winners by Fredrik Backman is the last of the three books about Beartown and its hockey team.  Beartown and their rival, Hed, still hate each other.  Beartown is really good and plans to shut down Hed from playing hockey again.  There is so much stuff that goes on in this that it would take too long to explain it all.  I will just say I got to know the characters very well.  I think this is a great series and this book is as good as the first two--Beartown and Us Against You.  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)  

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"Mr. Macky Is Wacky!" by Dan Gutman is about President's Day (Book 15 in My Weird School Series)

Mr. Macky Is Wacky! by Dan Gutman is Book 15 in My Weird School series.  It is a funny book about a school celebrating President's Day.  I enjoyed this one because it made me laugh.  It is actually somewhat informative because teachers and students share facts about some of the presidents.  (Karen's review, 4 stars)

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My Weird School FAST FACTS Series by Dan Gutman

Explorers, Presidents, and Toilets by Dan Gutman is a FAST FACTS series book that I found extremely interesting and filled with fun facts about U.S. history.  I learned new things in an enjoyable way and highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about U.S. history, including the history of toilets!  (Karen’s review, 5 stars)

Dogs, Cats, and Dung Beetles by Dan Gutman is a FAST FACTS series book I found to be informative and funny!  It is filled with interesting fun facts about all sorts of animals as well as some jokes throughout the book.  I especially enjoyed the chapter on presidents’ pets.  Arlo and Amanda both alternate sharing facts in a fun way.  I highly recommend this book to any animal lover.  (Karen’s review, 5 stars)

Sports by Dan Gutman if a FAST FACTS series book I found to be interesting and funny.  Arlo and Amanda both alternate sharing facts as in the other books in this series.  Most sports are covered, but I noticed pickleball was not included. I especially liked the baseball and basketball facts, but enjoyed the whole book.  I liked that at the end it encourages kids to search the internet for their own weird facts about a subject that interest them.  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

Dinosaurs, Dodos, and Woolly Mammoths by Dan Gutman is a FAST FACTS series book that I skipped because I just am not interesting in reading about dinosaurs and other extinct animals.  I included it here because it is part of this series.

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"Dr. Brad Has Gone Mad!" by Dan Gutman (My Weird School Daze #7)

Dr. Brad Has Gone Mad! by Dan Gutman is about a counselor who does some testing on AJ to see if he is a genius and should be transferred to a different school for the gifted and talented.  Of course, AJ does not want to change schools.  He faked being hypnotized and later tried hypnotizing Andrea.  Things went really crazy from there.  

This book was okay, but did not enjoy it as much as the others by this author.  It didn't seem as believable so wasn't as funny.  (Karen's review, 2 stars)

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Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer (the first of a series)

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer is told by two people--Tessa and Corrick.  Tessa is a young girl who wants her kingdom to take better care of the poor people.  She wants things to change.  Corrick is a young man who rules his kingdom with his brother.  They have a bond between them and both have a desire to improve things for their people.

This book is really good!  I loved both of the main characters and it has good action as well with a great story line including an early surprise that my wife nor I saw coming!  I look forward to book 2 in this series.  (Gerard's review, 5++ stars)  

Karen's review, Oct. 27, 2021:

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer was an enjoyable read for me.  It is a fictional read about Prince Corrick and his brother who rule over the land of Kandara.  People are dying from an illness that is throughout the land and medicine is scarce and hoarded by the elite.  Tessa mixes the ingredients that Wes brings to her to make medicine and together they deliver it to the poor in need during the night.  Wes saved her life once and she loves him.  When a revolution breaks out, everyone is in danger!

I liked this book because although it is primarily character driven, there was enough action to keep it interesting.  I really liked the two main characters, Corrick and Tessa.  Corrick is the king's justice who is fighting his own personal battle.  (4 stars)

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"A Vow so Bold and Deadly" by Brigid Kemmerer (The End of a GREAT series!)

A Vow so Bold and Deadly is the third and final book in the Cursebreaker series.  I loved this series very much!  It is fantasy with some magic but also very relatable characters and lots of character development and interaction among them.  This last book centers mostly on Grey, Harper, Rhen and Lilith.  There is lots of action, and relationship developments.  I hated to see this series end, but loved the ending!  (Karen's review, 5 stars)

 

A Vow so Bold and Deadly is the third and final book in the Cursebreaker series.  Both my wife and I enjoyed this entire series very much!  Rhen and Gray are getting ready to go to battle against each other.  I do not want to give any spoilers, but I will tell you that the women have a lot to say and do in this book, especially Harper.  The ending kept me turning pages as quickly as I could!  This book is a great finish to an awesome series!  (Gerard 1/25/21, 5++ stars) 

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"Beyond Hope's Valley" by Tricia Goyer

Image from Goodreads

Beyond Hope's Valley by Tricia Goyer is the last book in the Big Sky series about Mari's two marriage options.  Will she choose the good Amish man she grew up with or leave the Amish way for Ben, the man who captured her heart?  Ben pursues his music career in this book and Mari moves back to Indiana to help her brother and Naomi during Naomi's pregnancy. 

This book dragged a bit for me.  It seemed it could have been wrapped up quicker.  It became kind of repetitive and tiresome for me.  I did not like this one as well as I did the others. 
(Karen's review, 3 stars)


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"Along Wooded Paths" by Tricia Goyer

Image from Goodreads

Along Wooded Paths by Tricia Goyer is an enjoyable read about an Amish girl who has two men romantically interested in her.  One, is Aaron, the Amish man she grew up with in Indiana, and the other not Amish, Ben, who serves an Amish community in Montana.  During her time in Montana, she discovers God in a new way and realizes that even people who are not Amish can be close to God!  She begins to question some of her traditions she grew up with and does a lot of thinking.  This is book 2 of The Big Sky series.

I enjoyed this book very much.  The characters were well developed and were very believable.  It was also interesting learning some things about the Amish I hadn't known before.  I liked that the reader got to know Ben's and Aaron's thoughts and not just Marianna's.  I felt for the characters as I read.   
(Karen's review, 5 stars)

Teaser from page 15, Loc. 249-50:  But the closer he got, the more he questioned if that would be the case.  Had the distance ruined any chance of the love he'd once counted on?

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