More Youth Graphic Novels

Check out these Graphic Novels!
All different kinds of reading levels.
So many different stories.

Meet Mika! Mika is a young explorer who faces familiar-yet-not-fully- known objects and obstacles around her house. Today’s newest challenge? The “gurgler” that spins, spews, whirrs, beeps, and even swallows things whole! But the gurgler isn’t as scary as it appears. With the help of her friends, Mika is able to rescue her frog from the malicious machine and learn that not everything is as scary as it may seem. Perfect for the youngest comic readers, Mika and the Gurgler is sweet, simple, and charmingly playful!

Kevin Lee is having a really bad week. Although he lives in a crowded Toronto apartment above the family’s alterations and dry-cleaning store, he mostly goes unnoticed. School isn’t exactly an oasis either—being one of the few Asian kids makes for some unwelcome attention. But when Kevin’s class plans a trip to Thrill Planet, a spectacular theme park, will he finally have a chance to turn his life around, or will it just be another day for Kevin Lee?

Mississippi, 1930s. Magic simmering beneath the surface, kept in check by unjust laws and societal expectations. But for six extraordinary women, the roar of enchanted engines and the thrill of the forbidden broom race offer a chance to rewrite their destinies.

Meet Billie Mae, captain of the Night Storms racing team, and Loretta, her best friend and second-in-command. They’re determined to make enough money to move out west to a state that allows Black folks to legally use magic and take part in national races.

Cheng-Kwan – doing her best to handle the delicate and dangerous double act of being the perfect “son” to her parents, and being true to herself while racing.

Mattie and Emma — Choctaw and Black — the youngest of the group and trying to dodge government officials who want to send them and their newly-surfaced powers away to boarding school.

And Luella, in love with Billie Mae. Her powers were sealed away years ago after she fought back against the government. She’ll do anything to prevent the same fate for her cousins.

“Brooms” is a heart-pounding graphic novel soaring with magic, friendship, and rebellion. It’s a Fast and the Furious with broomsticks instead of cars, a historical spotlight on struggles silenced by time, and a celebration of the indomitable spirit that dares to defy the odds. Buckle up, witches and dreamers, for this ride is about to take flight.

Evil creatures create chaos in Monstrocity in the second Olivia Wolf comic book!  Will Olivia and her Friends be able to save the city?

Something strange is happening in Monstrocity. It should have been dawn hours ago, but it’s still night. What is happening? Olivia, the werewolf girl, and her friends face evil creatures of the night to save the city and solve the mystery of the missing day!

Felix is a shy little beast growing up in a world where monster wrestling is the biggest spectacle there is. Lonely, and constantly bullied by the bigger monsters his age, Felix struggles to prove themselves and find their place in the world. Their fate is changed forever when a dare lands them on the doorstep of one of the scariest monsters in the whole world— Macabber Tails, one of the most famous monstering champions in history.

Felix wants to be big and brave and strong and tough, just like Macabber, and so they decide to do whatever it takes to not be a fraidy little monster anymore. Their unlikely journey together sends them to Macabber’s hometown, to the mountains of the colossal flame-wielding Kilnver—a monster able to make an army of knights out of just its own saliva—and to the lair of the dastardly Amaret, the monster that made Macabber the champion they are today.

Together they face some battles for their life, but not always in ways that are physical and by the end, Felix and Macabber may learn a thing or two about being tough.

Meet Really Bird, a small bird who lives in a large city park with his friends, Cat, Rabbit, and Pup. In each story, Really Bird finds himself really wanting something – to be bigger, to have his fair share, or to be a leader – to be really silly, funny, strong, cool, happy, or brave. And when he feels something, he really feels it. 

Review – Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

Author: Rebecca Yarros
Pages: 640
Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books
Date: November 7, 2023

Summary:
Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky.

Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves.

Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules.

But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year.

Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.

Review:
Holy saints..So many things were happening in this book that I did not even see coming. One page after another kept me on the edge of my seat of wanting to know what was going to happen.

I checked this book out from my local library.

There’s so much that happened in this book that I can’t form the words. I just kept reading and reading and reading. This happens and that happens. Violet trying to figure it all out and what to do. She survives so many things and never gives up. She does have a few moments of self doubt but she strives through it. She copes through so many events. I did like when she got to see the ghost of Liam. (Sorry if this was a spoiler for some!)

I loved Andarna attitude of sassiness and Tairn banter with Violet. Andarna’s secret was a surprise to me. I loved this! I’m hoping to know more about that in book 3! I will say Tairn’s saying to Andarna, ““We do not eat our allies. Find another snack.” That was hilarious!

The relationship between Violet and Xaden was up and down. I have mixed feelings about their relationship. I will admit Xaden is bad ass but he needs to work on his communication skills better. I will say Xaden writing a letter was cute! Something awesome about a handwritten letter with well thoughts in it. There were a couple spicy scenes between these two.

I am not a fan of Cat. That’s all I’m going to say but I know stories have to have some type of characters in it to make it more interesting.

Oh and still haven’t forgiven Dain yet. I still think he has a motive.

There is alot of information in this book on history and back stories which did not bother me. I know for some it did. 

I’m curious what is going to happen next. The way the ending went, the next book could go in many different ways. You bet I’m going to read the next book.

I know some people like to pick a part books but I’m just focusing on the things that I enjoyed and stayed fresh in my mind. Besides aren’t the cover on this book is amazing! I hope you get a chance to read this book. 

Review: LightLark by Alex Aster

I own a copy of this book!
I have the paperback version! It’s gorgeous!

Author: Alex Aster
Pages: 448
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Date: September 23, 2023

Summary:
Welcome to the Centennial.

Every hundred years, the island of Lightlark appears for only 100 days to host a deadly game, where the rulers of six realms fight to break their curses and win unparalleled power. Each ruler has something to hide. Each curse is uniquely wicked. To break them—and save themselves and their realms—one ruler must die.

To survive, Isla Crown must lie, cheat, and betray. Even as love complicates everything . . .

Review:
I picked this book up on my own. It was not because of the hype! Honestly I kept eyeing it in the stores. After a while I decided to give it a shot. Well it’s different! I can see how it can be similar to Hunger Games and not.

The realms and trying to fix curse and battles among everyone, it was all so fascinating and lot to take in! I had wonder why the curse went on for long as it did? Why wasn’t it done earlier? Was it because of Isa? I will say it was fascinating and fun to figure out what was going to happen next in the story. Who’s going to lie? Who’s the villain? Who has the romance? I will say I could see the story in my head happening but the some of the words the author used was different.

There were some aspects of the story that I did not see coming and some that I could totally predict.

This book is almost like part of the bigger picture. Shall I say this book is in the middle of the entire story. This book left me with questions to the beginning of how it went down with Grim and Isla. It also left the story open what is going to happen next.

I think Isla and Oro was a match than Grim. Just my opinion. We shall see what happens.

The whole point of reading this story was to see what happens to Isla. Am I going to get book 2 to read? Probably. I am curious to see what will happen with Isla.

I spy Fantasy/Action/SciFi Adventure Fiction

All of these look fun to read!
All of the covers are beautiful in person.
Let me know which one is your favorite!

Every year, thousands in the kingdom of Talin will flock to its capital twin cities, San-Er, where the palace hosts a set of games. For those confident enough in their ability to jump between bodies, competitors across San-Er fight to the death to win unimaginable riches.

Princess Calla Tuoleimi lurks in hiding. Five years ago, a massacre killed her parents and left the palace of Er empty…and she was the one who did it. Before King Kasa’s forces in San can catch her, she plans to finish the job and bring down the monarchy. Her reclusive uncle always greets the victor of the games, so if she wins, she gets her opportunity at last to kill him.

Enter Anton Makusa, an exiled aristocrat. His childhood love has lain in a coma since they were both ousted from the palace, and he’s deep in debt trying to keep her alive. Thankfully, he’s one of the best jumpers in the kingdom, flitting from body to body at will. His last chance at saving her is entering the games and winning.

Calla finds both an unexpected alliance with Anton and help from King Kasa’s adopted son, August, who wants to mend Talin’s ills. But the three of them have very different goals, even as Calla and Anton’s partnership spirals into something all-consuming. Before the games close, Calla must decide what she’s playing for—her lover or her kingdom.

Lady Gemma Ashbourne seemingly has it all. She’s young, gorgeous, and rich. Her family was Anointed by the gods, blessed with incredible abilities. But underneath her glittering façade, Gemma is deeply sad. Years ago, her sister Mara was taken to the Middlemist to guard against treacherous magic. Her mother abandoned the family. Her father and eldest sister, Farrin―embroiled in a deadly blood feud with the mysterious Bask family―often forget Gemma exists.

Worst of all, Gemma is the only Ashbourne to possess no magic. Instead, her body fights it like poison. Constantly ill, aching with loneliness, Gemma craves love and yearns to belong.

Then she meets the devastatingly handsome Talan d’Astier. His family destroyed themselves, seduced by a demon, and Talan, the only survivor, is determined to redeem their honor. Intrigued and enchanted, Gemma proposes a bargain: She’ll help Talan navigate high society if he helps her destroy the Basks. According to popular legend, a demon called The Man With the Three-Eyed Crown is behind the families’ blood feud―slay the demon, end the feud.

But attacks on the Middlemist are increasing. The plot against the Basks quickly spirals out of control. And something immense and terrifying is awakening in Gemma, drawing her inexorably toward Talan and an all-consuming passion that could destroy her―or show her the true strength of her power at last.

The dust may have just settled in the failed war of conquest between the Holy Vaalbaran Empire and the Ominirish Republic, but the last Emperor’s surrender means little to a lowly scribe like Enitan. All she wants is to quit her day job and expand her fledgling tea business. But when her lover is assassinated and her sibling is abducted by Imperial soldiers, Enitan abandons her idyllic plans and weaves her tea tray up through the heart of the Vaalbaran capital. There, she will learn just how far she is willing to go to exact vengeance, free her sibling, and perhaps even secure her homeland’s freedom.

They left Earth to save humanity. They’ll have to save themselves first.

It is the eve of Earth’s environmental collapse. A single ship carries humanity’s last hope: eighty elite graduates of a competitive program, who will give birth to a generation of children in deep space. But halfway to a distant but livable planet, a lethal bomb kills three of the crew and knocks The Phoenix off course. Asuka, the only surviving witness, is an immediate suspect.

As the mystery unfolds on the ship, poignant flashbacks reveal how Asuka came to be picked for the mission. Despite struggling through training back on Earth, she was chosen to represent Japan, a country she only partly knows as a half-Japanese girl raised in America. But estranged from her mother back home, The Phoenix is all she has left.

With the crew turning on each other, Asuka is determined to find the culprit before they all lose faith in the mission―or worse, the bomber strikes again.

I spy a variety of Fiction Books

Which one will you pick up today to read?

Sometimes you gotta toss your whole life into a burning dumpster to find what’s most important…

Beatrice Archer has always done everything she’s supposed to ―worked her ass off, ignored her non-existent personal life, and kept her mouth shut. Now she’s over it. The rat race, respectability…the underwire bras. She’s taking her life back. Starting with moving to Nowhere, Colorado to live life on her own terms.

Now Bea gives exactly zero forks. Beer for breakfast. Sugar for everything else. Baggy sweats and soft cotton undies FTW. Then a much younger and delightfully attractive cop is called to deal with her flagrant disregard for appropriate clothing outside the local diner (some folks just don’t appreciate bunny slippers) and Bea realizes there’s something missing from her little decathlon of decadence…and he might be the guy to help her out.

When it comes to breaking rules, Officer Austin Cooper is surprisingly eager to assist. He’s charming, a little bit cowboy, and a whole lot sexy. But Bea’s about to discover that breaking the rules has consequences. And all of the cherry pies in Colorado can’t save her from what’s coming…

Mariel Spark knows not to trust a demon, especially one that wants her soul, but what’s a witch to do when he won’t leave her side—and she kind of doesn’t want him to?

Mariel Spark is prophesied to be the most powerful witch seen in centuries of the famed Spark family, but to the displeasure of her mother, she prefers baking to brewing potions and gardening to casting hexes. When a spell to summon flour goes very wrong, Mariel finds herself staring down a demon—one she inadvertently summoned for a soul bargain.

Ozroth the Ruthless is a legend among demons. Powerful and merciless, he drives hard bargains to collect mortal souls. But his reputation has suffered ever since a bargain went awry—if he can strike a bargain with Mariel, he will earn back his deadly reputation. Ozroth can’t leave Mariel’s side until they complete a bargain, which she refuses to do (turns out some humans are attached to their souls).
 
But the witch is funny. And curvy. And disgustingly yet endearingly cheerful. Becoming awkward roommates quickly escalates when Mariel, terrified to confess the inadvertent summoning to her mother, blurts out that she’s dating Ozroth. As Ozroth and Mariel struggle with their opposing goals and maintaining a fake relationship, real attraction blooms between them. But Ozroth has a limited amount of time to strike the deal, and if Mariel gives up her soul, she’ll lose all her emotions—including love—which will only spell disaster for them both.

Lively widow Varina Palladino has lived in the same house in Wyldale, New Jersey, her entire life. The town might be slightly stuck in the 1960s, when small businesses thrived and most residents were Italian, but its population is getting younger and the Palladinos are embracing the change. What Varina’s not embracing, much to her ninety-two-year-old mother’s dismay, is dating. Running Palladino’s Italian Specialties grocery, caring for her mother, and keeping her large, loud Jersey Italian family from killing one another takes up all of Varina’s energy anyway.

Sylvia Spini worries about her daughter Varina being left all alone when she dies. Sylvia knows what it is to be old and alone, so when her granddaughter, Donatella, comes to her with an ill-conceived plan to find Varina a man, Sylvia dives in. The three men of the family—Dante, Tommy, and Paulie—are each secretly plotting their own big life changes, which will throw everyone for a loop.

Three generations of Paladinos butt heads and break one another’s hearts as they wrestle with their own Jersey Italian love stories in this hilarious and life-affirming ode to love and family.

When Lore was thirteen, she escaped a cult in the catacombs beneath the city of Dellaire. And in the ten years since, she’s lived by one rule: don’t let them find you. Easier said than done, when her death magic ties her to the city.
 
Mortem, the magic born from death, is a high-priced and illicit commodity in Dellaire, and Lore’s job running poisons keeps her in food, shelter, and relative security. But when a run goes wrong and Lore’s power is revealed, she’s taken by the Presque Mort, a group of warrior-monks sanctioned to use Mortem working for the Sainted King. Lore fully expects a pyre, but King August has a different plan. Entire villages on the outskirts of the country have been dying overnight, seemingly at random. Lore can either use her magic to find out what’s happening and who in the King’s court is responsible, or die.
 
Lore is thrust into the Sainted King’s glittering court, where no one can be believed and even fewer can be trusted. Guarded by Gabriel, a duke-turned-monk, and continually running up against Bastian, August’s ne’er-do-well heir, Lore tangles in politics, religion, and forbidden romance as she attempts to navigate a debauched and opulent society.
 
But the life she left behind in the catacombs is catching up with her. And even as Lore makes her way through the Sainted court above, they might be drawing closer than she thinks.

Belle Morte Review

Author: Bella Higgin
Pages: 336
Publisher: Wattpad Books
Publisher date: April 5, 2022
Bella Higgin: Twitter

Summary of the book:

There’s only one way out

Belle Morte. One of five houses where vampires reside as celebrities and humans are paid to be their living donors. While others came here seeking fortune, I came in search of my sister who walked into Belle Morte five months ago . . . and never walked back out.

Now that I’m here, the secrets about this world have proven to be much bigger than I ever anticipated. And lurking around every corner are shocking insinuations of what happened to my sister.

There’s only one person who might have the answers I need, and the undeniable pull I feel toward him is terrifying: Edmond Dantès―a vampire, and my mortal enemy.

The harder I try to resist him, the further I fall under his spell. And in one instant my life is irrevocably changed. My past becomes prologue and my fate becomes sealed behind these doors.

Belle Morte has spoken. And it may never let me go.

My Review on the book:
The cover caught my eye while I was browsing at the books in Target one day. I picked this book up to read the jacket cover to learn what the book was about. Vampires! Hey now….this is so my jam. I’ve been reading about vampires since elementary school so why should I stop now? The story itself sounded interesting and I wanted to see what would happen. I could not resist, I ended up purchasing the book!

Well….I’m biased because….it has vampires in it! The story itself was easy to follow and for me I had a hunch on what would happen next. Most of my predictions was right. I did not mind that. That’s what stories do, right? You get to figure it out or you get to yell at the story or fall in love with the characters right? Everyone reacts differently.

So back to the story……The vampires in the story need food so therefore they need blood donors who come to the house to get paid for their time, given food and clothing and boarding while at the house. The problem is that the humans have to sign contract and they cannot leave until the vampires say so. Some do not even get to leave. This can be seen as good and bad depending on how you want to break it all down. Most donors that sign want to go.

Enters: Renie Mayfield! She decides to sign up as a blood donor because she is on a mission to find her sister, June who was a blood donor and had not been heard or seen in a while. She is worried for her sister. Renie is not like the other blood donors who are enamored by the glamor of vampires. While she is there on her mission to find out what happened. While she is on her mission, Edmond Dantès comes into the picture. She sees him as the enemy but as her investigation keeps going, she realizes there is more to him than meets the eye. An attraction looms over Renie and Edmond but will it happen? Humans and vampires are allowed to be together…so whatever shall happen? Will there be consequences? Also will Renie stay to her mission?

Go pick the book up at your local library, bookstore or online store if you want to know what will happen. I thought the book was a fun, adventurous, and semi predictable read! I really liked it and you bet I’m picking up book two when it comes out. I want to see what will happen next with the drama, action and consequences.

Vampire books – I will love you forever. (Don’t be surprised if you ever see more of any kind of vampire books popping up on my blog!)

Review of Heir of Fire

 

Author: Sarah J. Maas Print Length: 568 pages Publisher: Bloomsbury YA Publication Date: September 2, 2014 Series:  Throne of Glass

Summary of the book:
Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak-but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life-and her future-forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?

 

Last night I finished this book!  Book three is done!  I really wanted to see what was going to happen with Celaena’s journey.  Well quite a lot happened in this book.  Some of it shocked and some of it made me want to read more and more and more.   I was up late reading this but it was so worth it.

 Did Celaena accomplish what she needed?

Well she must certainly did!  It took her a while to get to where she needed and boy she can kick butt.  Her power…..her strength..her weakness…it all connects.   Her real name is Aelin.  It took me a while to get used to that but it feels like she prefers Celaena.

Her past is mentioned more in this book which makes sense to me.  Pretty hardcore stuff Celaena went through.

I enjoyed the new character Rowan in this book who is similar to Celaena in a way and yet he is a bit more hard core.  Rowan had to help Celaena achieve her greatness.  Some of it was harsh and yet some of it was playful.  At first I wasn’t sure what to make of him but as the story goes on, I learned more about Rowan.  I am not going to tell you everything about him because you need to read the book.   There are reasons why Rowan is hardcore and such an amazing warrior.  Towards the end of the book, I can see him realizing to feel again which I believe is good for him.   I hope to see more of him in the future books.

While the book mainly focused on Celaena, it also had two other plots going on…well more like other events going on in different cities at the same time.  That’s how I saw it.  It took me about 6 chapters in to realize this.

Back to the town where Chaol and Prince Dorian.. more drama happens.  I could see Chaol trying to figure out where his loyalties lie.  Sooooo much is going on here.   Prince Dorian is even struggling with the concept that he has magic and friendship with Chaol and Celaena.  He even ends up falling for a healer named Sorcha which had sweet moments.

Aedion, the fierce general and Celaena’s cousin ends up meeting with Chaol and Prince Dorian.  More drama and action comes into place.  Everyone ends up making a decision which allows them to realize there is no turning back.

The other plot is all about the evil iron witches.  Gosh they are so brutal and scary. I would not want to mess with them.  Manon, ferocious heir to the Blackbeak witch coven is mostly covered in this plot about her strength to be a leader.   She is blood thirsty.

Somehow all these events are going to tie in with Celaena somehow I think.  We shall see….

Anyone else read these series?

What I Have Read

 

These are the books that I have read during the pandemic!  I have enjoyed them all.  Have you read these?

My whole world changed when I stepped inside the academy. Nothing is right about this place or the other students in it. Here I am, a mere mortal among gods…or monsters. I still can’t decide which of these warring factions I belong to, if I belong at all. I only know the one thing that unites them is their hatred of me.

Then there’s Jaxon Vega. A vampire with deadly secrets who hasn’t felt anything for a hundred years. But there’s something about him that calls to me, something broken in him that somehow fits with what’s broken in me.
Which could spell death for us all.

Because Jaxon walled himself off for a reason. And now someone wants to wake a sleeping monster, and I’m wondering if I was brought here intentionally―as the bait.

Author: Tracy Wolff

I had to read this book because — vampires!   It is so good….unexpected events!   I am so looking forward to book 2 this coming fall. 

 

 

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king’s council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for three years and then be granted her freedom.

Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her… but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead… quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Why did I not start this book earlier?  What is wrong with me……it is soo good.  I love how Celaena survives.  I enjoy how she thinks and how she slowly changes a bit each time.   She has quite a task to do in the first book here.   

 

After a year of hard labor in the Salt Mines of Endovier, eighteen-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien has won the king’s contest to become the new royal assassin. But Calaena is far from loyal to the crown. Keeping up the charade – while pretending to do the king’s bidding – will test her skills in an entirely new way. And it certainly isn’t the only point of confusion for the young girl. Because though she’s made her choice between Dorian and Chaol, the ways of the heart are never simple…

I had to keep going….yup!   Celaena won…and now she is doing something that will test her heart.  More adventures, more drama.   She is on a mission to find the truth.  Will she get to it?  Will she get peace? 

 

Eighteen-year-old Trinity may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her gift is the reason she’s been in hiding for years in a compound guarded by Wardens—shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her to enhance their powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with reports that something is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to trust Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

I reread this….so good!   I love the interaction between Trinity and Zayne.  Action, drama, and perhaps romance..  Trinity also learns quite a few things about how the outer world works and how Zayne works.   Even when Roth makes an appearance in the book is awesome.

Half-angel Trinity and her bonded gargoyle protector, Zayne, have been working with demons to stop the apocalypse while avoiding falling in love. The Harbinger is coming…but who or what is it? All of humankind may fall if Trinity and Zayne can’t win the race against time as dark forces gather.

As tensions rise, they must stay close together and patrol the DC streets at night, seeking signs of the Harbinger, an entity that is killing Wardens and demons with no seeming rhyme or reason. Forbidden to be with each other, Zayne and Trinity fight their feelings and turn to unusual sources for help—the demon Roth and his cohorts. But as deaths pile up and they uncover a sinister plot involving the local high school and endangering someone dear to Zayne, Trin realizes she is being led…herded…played for some unknown end. As anger builds and feelings spiral out of control, it becomes clear that rage may be the ruin of them all.

Book 2 : it is a must!  Just wow.  The ending had me wanting more.  Cliff hanger endings!!   Trinity and Zayne fighting against evil and learning about themselves in the process showed me that life is always about learning.    I love the interaction between Trinity, Zayne, Roth and Layla.   Even Cayman is funny as heck.  I want the next book now. 

Finished Reading

The Guinevere Deception
Kiersten White  
Series: Camelot Rising Trilogy :Book 1
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Date: November 5, 2019

What the book is about:
Princess Guinevere has come to Camelot to wed a stranger: the charismatic King Arthur. With magic clawing at the kingdom’s borders, the great wizard Merlin conjured a solution–send in Guinevere to be Arthur’s wife . . . and his protector from those who want to see the young king’s idyllic city fail. The catch? Guinevere’s real name–and her true identity–is a secret. She is a changeling, a girl who has given up everything to protect Camelot.

To keep Arthur safe, Guinevere must navigate a court in which the old–including Arthur’s own family–demand things continue as they have been, and the new–those drawn by the dream of Camelot–fight for a better way to live. And always, in the green hearts of forests and the black depths of lakes, magic lies in wait to reclaim the land.

Deadly jousts, duplicitous knights, and forbidden romances are nothing compared to the greatest threat of all: the girl with the long black hair, riding on horseback through the dark woods toward Arthur. Because when your whole existence is a lie, how can you trust even yourself?

My Thoughts:
I just finished reading this book!  The reason I picked it up is because I have read previous books by Kiersten White and the story intrigued me.   While reading this story, it  made me think of all the other previous stories regarding to Merlin, Arthur, Lancelot and Guinevere.   Some movies and television shows pop in my head while reading this book such as “First Knight”, “Sword and the Stone”, “Mists of Avalon”, “Merlin,”  and then there’s the “Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010).”    It’s a bit slower pace in the story, so be patient!  I liked it quite a bit and it kept me what would happen next.   I could also see how Camelot was describe along with the waters and forest.

Here are some of my thoughts on the characters:

Guinevere is a quiet young woman who had not been exposed much to the world.  So she was learning new things and also trying her best to be as she can be to Camelot.  She does confide in Arthur on and off which was nice to see.  I am not sure how the connection goes between the two yet.  She also confides in Brangian, her maid.  Her maid is a bit quirky in her own way.

Arthur reminds me of the good guy who has the heart to make hard decisions. He is that one guy who does does the best he can for his people regardless to his own happiness. He puts others first.  That’s a big thing to do.

Lancelot is quite the sword fighter and has a secret.  You will have to read to find out. I  do not want to tell you because it’s such a good surprise!

Mordred reminds me of the bad boy who is on the line of good and evil.  He could go either way.  He flirts with Guinevere quite a bit.  I think he has a bigger role to play in this series.  I look forward to see what happens.

Merlin.  I am not sure what to make of him. I get the sense he is fighting a huge battle and will not let anyone know about it because he’s afraid to lose them.  I could be wrong.  I am hoping he turns out to be on the good side of things.

Lady of the Lake is mentioned but not sure where she stands yet.  She has a connection to Merlin.

There are twists and turn in this story which made me crave it more.  I want to know what is going to happen in the next book because you know there is magic involved.  When there is magic there is always good vs. evil.  Will Guinevere protect Arthur and Camelot at all costs or will Arthur take the role instead?

Go pick up this book and give it a shot to see if you like it.

 

 

In the year 2020

The new year of 2020 has arrived…
So far I have read these two books, check them out!

Kiersten White

What the book is about:
Now that Nina has turned the Watcher’s Castle into a utopia for hurt and lonely demons, she’s still waiting for the utopia part to kick in. With her sister Artemis gone and only a few people remaining at the castle—including her still-distant mother—Nina has her hands full. Plus, though she gained back her Slayer powers from Leo, they’re not feeling quite right after being held by the seriously evil succubus Eve, a.k.a. fake Watcher’s Council member and Leo’s mom.

And while Nina is dealing with the darkness inside, there’s also a new threat on the outside, portended by an odd triangle symbol that seems to be popping up everywhere, in connection with Sean’s demon drug ring as well as someone a bit closer to home. Because one near-apocalypse just isn’t enough, right?

The darkness always finds you. And once again, it’s coming for the Slayer.

Why I read the book
I did read Kiersten’s first book which was Slayer.  You need to read the first one to continue with Chosen .  I am a fan of Buffy verse!  That is one of the major reasons why I read this book due to Buffy verse.  Kiersten picks off from where she left in  Slayer as Nina deals with a boatload of emotions, drama and action.  I squealed at some parts in the book because it keeps the Buffy world alive. Plus you never know who makes an appearance from the Buffyverse in this book!  Go check it out.

Nina Bocci

What the book is about:
Charlotte Bishop is out of options in New York City. Fired, broke, and blacklisted by her former boss, she’s forced to return to her hometown of Hope Lake, PA to lick her wounds. Although she’s expecting to find a miserable place with nothing to do, she is pleasantly surprised to discover it is bustling and thriving.

She’s only supposed to be in Hope Lake temporarily until she can earn enough money to move back to New York. She’s not supposed to reconnect with her childhood friends or her beloved grandmother. She’s not supposed to find her dream job running the local florist shop. And she’s definitely not supposed to fall for not one but two of Hope Lake’s golden boys: one the beloved high school English teacher, the other the charming town doctor.

With a heart torn between two men and two cities, what’s a girl to do?

Why I read this book:
Romance and family!  The cover caught my eye to be honest.  Those red leaves and cute feet.  Very eye catching!!  The main character’s story is quite interesting.  I just had to see what would happen with Charlotte’s job, family and relationships!   I am hooked.  Hope Lake is a place I want to visit.   There were a few surprises along the way that made me laugh and gasp.  Such a wonderful story of remembering love.   I’m ready to read more from this author.