Wild Reverence: A Novel by Rebecca Ross

Book Except:

" Set in the world of the gods first introduced in Divine Rivals, #1 New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Ross delivers a sweeping, beautiful adult novel filled with tension, romance, and dark secrets.

True love is more divine than any ruthless god.

Born in the firelit domain of the under realm, Matilda is the youngest goddess of her clan, blessed with humble messenger magic. But in a land where gods often kill each other to steal power and alliances break as quickly as they are forged, Matilda must come of age sooner than most. She may be known to carry words and letters through the realms, but she holds a secret she must hide from even her dearest of allies to ensure her survival. And to complicate matters . . . there is a mortal boy who dreams of her, despite the fact they have never met in the waking world.

Ten years ago, Vincent of Beckett wrote to Matilda on the darkest night of his life—begging the goddess he had befriended in dreams to help him. When his request went unanswered, Vincent moved on, becoming the hardened, irreverent lord of the river who had long forgotten Matilda. That is, until she comes tumbling into his bedroom window with a letter for him.

As Fate would have it, Matilda and Vincent were destined to find each other beyond dreams. There may be a chance for Matilda to rewrite the blood-soaked ways of the gods, but at immense sacrifice. She will have to face something she fears even more than losing her magic: to be vulnerable, and to allow herself to finally be loved."

Title:  Wild Reverence

Author:  Rebecca Ross

Publisher:  Saturday Books

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

'Wild Reverence' By Rebecca Ross

My Review:

'Wild Reverence' was an enjoyable read that may bring a few tears. The story offers poetic writing, yearning, and a magical system that keeps the reader turning pages until the end.

Matilda and Vincent were authentic in their romance. Pick up this read to see what it took for them to find their way back to each other. Be ready for a good love story.

Oct 20th Net Gallery The Hobbit Encyclopedia Kindle Edition by Damien Bador (Author), Vivien Stocker (Author), Coralie Potot (Author), Dominique Vigot (Author)

 Book Excerpt:

"An indispensable and comprehensive guide to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit covering all the characters, places, and objects included in the seminal book that first introduced the world of Middle Earth.

The prequel to The Lord of the Rings (1954) and The Hobbit (1937) is a vibrant work that first introduced us to the world of Middle Earth and set up the fantasy world that would be built upon at greater length in Tolkien's later books. Peter Jackson's trilogy of films based on this single work has helped to create a new generation of Tolkien fans.

In this vast, wide-ranging volume are detailed entries on all the characters, creatures, and places encountered in the story and others on the languages, sources of inspiration, and iconic objects and events.
 
Richly illustrated with original color drawings, this indispensable guide will allow you to explore Middle Earth in greater depth, decipher the Dwarves' alphabet, and discover the legendary sources of Tolkien's inspiration.

Title: The Hobbit Encyclopedia
Authors: Damien Bador, Vivien Stocker, Coralie Potat, & Dominique Vigot
Publisher: Frances Lincoln
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
"The Hobbit Encyclopedia" by Various Authors above.

My Sentiments:

The Hobbit Encyclopedia was quite interesting. It told us about the characters [with my favorite ones being Bilbo Baggins, Galadriel, Gandalf, and Legolas, to name a few]. It continues to its Peoples and Creatures and the Languages and writing systems that will keep one's interest as you turn the pages for more. This encyclopedia will be fantastic with all its illustrations, especially if you are into the Hobbits story and the Lord of the Rings series. I recommend you pick this one up.

Thank you to NetGallery for this copy.

Sucker for Love (Succubus Book 2) Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

 Book Excerpt:

"A Dark And Delicious Tale From The Mind Of Jade Jones

At first glance, Taboo comes off as a perfectly normal guy, albeit a very attractive one – handsome, charismatic, and alluring, all in a dangerously sexy way. However, he is anything but ordinary. The son of a powerful Succubus, Taboo is a rare Sanguinarian vampire with an eternal and unquenchable thirst for blood. When he sets his sights on Charm, a bad girl from the hood full of attitude and spunk, the vampire doesn’t know what he’s in for. Left to fend for herself at a young age, Charm had no choice but to land on her feet, cleverly conning her way through life in order to take care of herself and her younger brother. But things go south when she cons the wrong guy, never imagining in her wildest dreams that her victim could actually be a real vampire."

Title: Sucker for Love
Author: Jade Jones
Publisher: Jade Publication
Series: Succubus Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Sucker for Love" by Jade Jones

My Opinion:

'Sucker for Love' was a good read and followed up from book 1, where one will not want to put it down until the end. The characters were all well-developed, from Taboo, Charm, Chinning, Inari, Aneese, Dani, and Lavish Thompson, to name a few that gave the reader quite an exciting read. What will Taboo do when he finds out where he came from instead of what he had been told all of his life? What was the instant attraction that Taboo had for Charm when he first met her?

To get these and many other questions answered, just pick up this good read and see how well this author brings it all together by the end.

Under His Spell 2: The Finale Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

Book Excerpt:

"Shy, Tru, Trace, and the gang are back for the riveting final installment of "Under His Spell." Emotions are flying high after the death of a loved one, and the brothers are intent on making that responsible pay. But will the cost of vengeance be a price higher than they're willing to pay? Find out if love will prevail in this gripping, fast-paced finale."

Title:  Under His Spell 2:  The Finale
Author:  Jade Jones
Publisher:  Jaded Publications              
Series:  The Finale
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating:  Four
Review:

"Under His Spell 2" by Jade Jones

My Speculation:   

After reading the first part of 'Under His Spell,' I did find that "Under His Spell 2" did answer some of the questions that were leftover from the first read.  With was had happened to Trace, Shy, Tru, Nyla, and Grandma Rose, one could see that there was hurt all around and that something would have to be done.  How will the two brothers deal with it?  Will there be any spells used?   This is where I say for Bishop, Lovely, Phantom, and Luther lookout because something is coming for each of you.  I don't want to say anymore other than pick up this finale to see how this author brings it all out to the reader.  I will say I was a little surprised at the end of the epilogue in how everything turned out.  

Under his Spell Kindle Edition by Jade Jones

Book Excerpt:

"

Coronavirus, Flu, a common cold. What do all these things have in common? Germs.

Shy is a professional author who spends her time weaving worlds full of wonder and romance. But when her well of inspiration seems to run dry, she jumps at the chance to start afresh. Her search takes her away from the fast-paced Los Angeles lifestyle and into the heart of New Orleans. However, there's more to it than meets the eye.

Shy's secret struggle with mysophobia – a rare condition that makes her pathologically afraid of germs and contamination – makes life in the city extremely difficult, and she hopes that a change of scenery will help her overcome her fears.

In New Orleans, Shy meets Tru, a slick bad boy with a foul mouth and smooth moves. He's a hoodoo charm salesman by day, and cons and swindles his way through town by night.

Although Shy and Tru are polar opposites, love finds away, and they end up falling for one another. But nothing good comes easy, and their relationship is tested time and time again as they navigate through stormy waters full of deranged exes turned stalkers, personal baggage, secrets and lies, and even murder."

Title:  Under His Spell
Author:  Jade Jones
Publisher:  Jaded Publications                     
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Under His Spell" by Jade Jones

My Speculation:

Whether it's an urban fiction or a fantasy, this author knows how to keep her readers wanting even more.  I enjoyed the story featuring Shy, Tru, and some other very intriguing characters that will not prevent one from turning the pages to see what is coming next. By the end of this story, we will be left with quite a quantum of things [cliffhangers] that have happened, and hopefully, we will see next in part two to see its outcome. This will be some story of the issue of Grandma Rose and her grandsons.   

Onyx: Tales of a Blackened Soul Kindle Edition by Deidra D. S. Green

Book Synopsis:

"When she walks, time moves under her feet.

With a single step, Onyx Querette Acerant travels through time and space, the ancient and the new, the past and seemingly forgotten spaces that only the supernatural can touch. Like her psychically gifted sisters, Onyx moves in the shadows, thriving in darkness, changing the fates of those the ancestors deem worthy."

**If you are sensitive about race-related issues or opposing religious views, this book may not be for you.
**This is the finale of the Blackened Soul Series and does not end on a cliffhanger.

Title:  Onyx:  Tales of a Blackened Soul

Author:  Deidra D. S. Green

Publisher:  D.D.S.G                               

Series:  Tales of a Blackened Soul Book 4

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Onyx" Tales of a Blackened Soul by Deidra D. S. Green

My Rationalization:

Well, all that is left to say is that this 'Tales of a Blackened Soul' consisted of a total of four stories that will definitely keep your attention all the way till the end.  Please remember that this story will jump from the past to the present [back & forth].  The way I present this review many questions will be asked but to get the answers you will have to pick up this read "Onyx."

This last story was about Onyx who just happened to be another spirited sister with the gift of being a time traveler [past & future]. When Mama Bah gets all four of these sisters together...as she calls them her daughters...London [Midnight-visions], Sable [Telekinesis], Ebony [healing], and Onyx [time traveler] I will say will the world be ready for them?  You will see from the stories that they were truly 'some badass beautiful black women who were powerful.'

As the story starts out it seems like their will be someone else named Damien who used the cat-o-nine-tails to be able to function.  Now, how will that turn out for him in the story as he has been sent looking for Sister Mina?

As the story continues on this author brings in another character Leyssa Gaelle who was running away from her master.  Now, what was that all about?  How will Mama Bah get help for Leyssa who was a lost daughter that needed to be rescued?  What will happen when she calls for the sisters [daughters] to help?   

The story continues on with Lance Billups [investigator] from Atlanta, Ga. wanting to help Jeremiah in the situation he was in.  Now how will that turn out? Also, how will the situation with Diamond Washington turn out? This had happened in an earlier series by the hands of ... Now that the Tunstall's were all in jail how will this turn out for them?

Now we see that Leyssa is in New Orleans having been saved by Mama Bah's spiritual daughters, what is next for her? Why was Leyssa still sad about her family she has left behind?  Again when Mama Bah calls on her daughters and they come.  Will they be able to help Leyssa in the saving of her family & friends from that horrible master?

As the story picks up we find Sister Mina calling on London [Midnight] for help.  Will London be able to get to Sister Mina in time?  

Moving on we find the four sisters are together and knowing they had a task to do.  Will they be able to fulfill their jobs with there dealings with three boys, two police officers and oh yes that Marlon Sr?  

Back on Birch Street in New Orleans with Mama Bah the daughters are back and realizing that Leyssa needed help for her family from the Jefferson plantation some 400 years ago, so what will come of this?  Now, think of this plantation the land that was now where Mama Bah owned. Anyway, as the story continues Mama will have a problem with a certain person named Maza.  Now, how will that all turn out?  

The daughters will now want to help Leyssa who was free but still bound to the plantation where her family was located and this will be quite a scene to read about as the story goes back in the past. As you continue to read one will see how well it will all come together in the end and will there be justice served?  I know the answer to that but you will just have to read it for yourself to find out.  

I know I have said a lot about this story and asked a lot of questions that you the reader will only get the answers from the read that this author provides so well in the story.  All of the questions will be answered and so much much but to get it all from these daughters you will need to pick up the entire series of the 'Tales of a Blackened Soul' to get the true message that is delivered so very well by this author.

Here is the whole series of Tales of a Blackened Soul:

Midnight
Sable
Ebony
Onyx

Please read them in order and you will not miss a thing that happened in each one of the stories. Yes, I indeed enjoyed them all.

Ebony: Tales of a Blackened Soul Kindle Edition by Deidra D. S. Green

Book Synopsis:

"The power of life and death lay in the palm of her hand. With a single touch, Ebony Saintizaire could heal you or kill you, depending. 

As the daughters of Mama Bah that came before, Ebony didn’t choose her gift; the gift chose her. However, keeping her supernatural ability a secret proved difficult in a battle of good versus evil; light versus darkness, ascension versus damnation. Which side would Ebony choose or had that decision already been made?"

Title:  Ebony:  Tales of a Blackened Soul

Author:  Deidra D.S.Green

Publisher:  D.D.S.G.       

Series:  Tales of a Blackened Soul

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five
Review:

"Ebony:  Tales of a Blackened Soul" by Deidra D. S. Green

My Rationalization:

We are presented with another 'Tales of a Blackened Soul' which featured Ebony [healer] and her mom Anaica along with other characters such as Mama Bah [priestess], London [vision], and Sable [moving things]  to name a few. The thing about London, Sable and Ebony were that they all had special gifts. It was quite interesting when they were able to work together as it was for London and Sable to achieve a certain goal.

 You will be given a lot of information about Ebony with her mom Anaica.  The story will take on several themes that will be covered from those horrible Tunstall's who was into sex trafficking, to police brutality, This is where we find Lance [former cop] who now worked for the Reynolds Private Investigations was taking on a case that had been turned over to him by his employer that involved two black boys Shemar and Jeremiah who had been beaten badly by some crooked cops.  What will Lance have to do to help these boys?  By the end of the story, we
Mama Bah doing her thing at bringing people together we will also be given another character of interest Damian Fitzpatrick.  So, I see we will have to pick up the last series to get the rest of these stories to see how this author brings it all out to the reader.  

I will say there will be lots going on in this story from good to evil so you will just have to keep up and I would definitely suggest if you haven't read the rest of this authors series of 'Tales of a Blackened Soul' please do.  It will make it a lot easier to understand what has gone on before and how all of these characters connect so very well to each other.  

Silken Scales (The Chameleon Effect Book 1) Kindle Edition by Alex Hayes

Book Synopsis:

"Idris Williams has perfect pitch… the ability to recognize notes and play them back perfectly by ear.
With his musical talent, confidence and great looks, he was practically born to be a rock star. There’s just one problem. His overbearing father is determined to control his destiny and music isn’t on the agenda. For Idris, there doesn’t seem to be a way out…

— Until he morphs into a monster.

Cadi Rhoswen has finally found a safe and loving home…
Then a malicious high school jock turns her whole world upside down. The next thing she knows, she’s wandering the streets in the middle of winter. Alone.

— Until she finds a beastly boy hiding out in an abandoned nightclub called the Thorny Rose.

To change Idris back into his sexy human self, Cadi must reveal a secret she’s been holding close to her heart for as long as she can remember. A secret that will pit them against a deadly army and change their lives… forever."

Silken Scales is a modern-day Beauty and the Beast retelling and the first novel of the Chameleon Effect series.

Title:  Silken Scales

Author:  Alex Hayes

Publisher:  Shaking the Trees Press                       

Series:  The Chameleon Effect Book 1

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating:  Four

Review:

"Silken Scales" by Alex Hayes

My Rationalization:

This was quite an enjoyable imaginary and fun sci-fi read that will keep you turning the pages that deal with Cadi and Idris struggle growing up.  This YA read deals with 'aliens/humans and teenage angst' with Cadi who is an outcast with Idris who is popular but not happy both who have been bonded together from birth.  It was an interesting read in how this author brings them together in the well-written story.  By the end, the reader will be given a good  'fun urban fantasy with telekinetic, musical, shapeshifting teenage aliens.'  I will say that I did enjoy most of the characters in this magical imaginative story and even when some things seemed a bit confusing the reader will still definitely keep one captivated from the reading.  

Sable: Tales of a Blackened Soul Kindle Edition by Deidra D. S. Green

Book Synopsis:

"When you’re born in darkness, light is unfamiliar. Darkness is safety and serenity. Darkness is home. 

Sable liked the darkness. It was the only thing she knew; the only thing that comforted her when everything and everyone else failed. 
Sable Pierre Sansaricq had a powerful gift. She didn’t choose the gift; the gift chose her. Sable was born in darkness, but people who wanted to highjack her gift, drug her into intrusive light. Sable didn’t like that. 

She would make them pay for that… all of them." 

This is the second book in the Tales of a Blackened Soul Series.
** If you are sensitive to race-related topics, highly sensitive to opposing religious views this may not be the book for you.
** This book does end in a cliffhanger

Title:  Sable:  Tales of a Blackened Soul

Author:  Deidra D. S. Green

Publisher:  D.D.D.G.          

Series:  Tales of a Blackened Soul

Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean

Rating: Five

Review:

"Sable:  Tales of a Blackened Soul" by Deidra D. S. Green

My Rationalisation:

This was the second book in the Tales of a Blackened Soul Series that continues on with Sable who likes darkness.  However, the story also continues on somewhat from the last series, Midnight where it dealt with London's remarkable gift [third eye]. I did enjoy how this author was able to bring in Sable as well as London who also had remarkable gifts. Now, how were their gifts different from each other? I found the characters in these series very well defined as well as some being intriguing.  

With Sable, the reader will find that her powerful gift wasn't one she chooses but a gift that chose her.  From Sable's birth to Dr. Weinstein trying to get into her gift to finally, in the end, receiving a letter about her mother.  What will happen as Sable travels to New Orleans and meets Mama Bah along with London at 8888 Birch Tree Lane?  Will Sable and London finally learn about their mothers from Mama Bah?  

To find out how this entire story will come to a certain ending, I would suggest that you pick up the first series and then go on to the second one in order to keep up with this incredible story that seems to continue on and on.  I am sure by the time the reader gets to the ending of the whole 'Tales of a Blackened Soul series' [4] the readers will get one heck of a good series read.  

ISA: Gift of the Baloma Kindle Edition by Perri Forrest

Profile:

15k word short story.

"A fantasy tale created from a myth that derives from the Trobriand Islands (today officially known as the Kiriwina Islands). Isa is the beautifully tortured soul who has never known love, and who has pretty much traveled through life alone. When tragic circumstances lead her into the depths of the sea, she has no idea what her fate may hold, and thus prepares for worst.

However, as in life, sometimes we have to go through our very worst to get to the place we were destined to be. Such is the case with Isa. Just when she thinks all is lost, she meets Chief Topileta, headman of the villages of the dead, and an unexpected love affair ensues. As Isa will soon find, nothing in her life stays peaceful for long, and before she knows it, she is separated from the only person to ever care for her.

When tragedy strikes and Isa finds herself awake after two years of falling into a deep sleep, she is surprised to find that all thoughts are still with the man she has not forgotten. But has he forgotten her? Will he come for her? Will she find love again?"

Title: ISA: Gift of the Baloma
Author: Perri Forrest
Publisher: P. F.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"ISA: Gift of the Baloma" by Perri Forrest

My Thoughts....

I enjoyed this short fantasy entertaining read of a 'beautiful love story' that gives the ready a lots of twist and turns before the story ends. What will happen after Isa awakens 'after two years of falling into a deep sleep?' Now that Isa has known of love after being with Chief Topileta will she find love that she has always wanted? Will Chief Topileta be able to find her after he leave to look for Isa?' To get this whole story you will have to pick up "ISA: Gift of the Baloma" to find out the rest of this beautiful told story that will only leave you wanting more. 

Sword and Shield (The Legends of Aewyr Book 2) Kindle Edition by Holland C. Kirbo

Profile:

"Lakyn has foiled Xarkuhl's attempt to kidnap the young Catalan prince. Now, she and all of Ceredwyn wait with bated breath, knowing the right hand of Maal, the dark god of Hael, prepares his assault on the continent of Perravia. 

Lakyn and Reuel draw closer, but the waiting game wears on her. Tensions swell, and Lakyn chafes at being caged, but Reuel and Nolan fear the lengths to which Xarkuhl will go to neutralize her, and they refuse to allow her outside the city of Kaelin without an immortal guard. While she grapples for independence in a world gone mad, Lakyn discovers things are not always what they seem. Deceptions mount, and her core beliefs are shattered when she finds a secret religious text hidden in the chapel of Kaelin Castle. If its teachings are correct, Maal and The Three, the gods worshipped by Aewyr, aren't gods at all but archons of Elyon, The Most High, and Aewyr has been led horribly astray. Lakyn reels from her discovery and struggles to reconcile fact from fabrication. She's rocked further when Reuel suggests she's the Bright One of prophecy—the savior who will save them all.

As Lakyn discovers more about her true identity, she meets resistance from the one she trusts most. When Maal's forces make their move, truth becomes stranger than fiction, enemies become allies, and Lakyn's world will never be the same."

Title: Sword and Shield
Author: Holland C. Kirbo
Publisher: Illadian Publishing, LLC
Series: The Legends of Aewyr Book 2
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Sword and Shield" by Holland C. Kirbo

My Thoughts....
I enjoyed reading 'Sword and Shield' as this author really knows how to hold your attention will all that is going on in her read. This is the second series with 'Flame In The Night' being her first one that continues on into this one. The characters from Lakyn, Reuel, Nolan, Adofe, Petrine, Giselle, Kollin, Finn, Galen to many more will keep your attention as the 'independence in a world has gone mad as their will be some discovery that things are not always what they seem.' I liked how 'deceptions mounts' and yes Lakyn chore of beliefs will be greatly challenged. Secret will be found where the 'Most High, and the Aewyr have been led astray.' How will Lakyn take it when she is suggested to be the 'Bright One of prophecy-the savior who will save them all.' What will happen when Lakyn discovers 'her true identity?' You will really have to keep up with this story because there will be so much going on! How will this be a changing world as Lakyn discovers the 'truth becomes stranger than fiction and the enemies become allies?' Will Lakyn be able 'to redeem Myndon on Aewyr?' To get all of these questions answered you will have to pick up "Sword and Shield" and see what will happen.

Be ready for a story that will be full of it all from some romance, suspense, lots of action and emotions that will keep you turning the pages to see what will be coming next. Then at the end you will have to wait for more from this author's book 3 as we 'follow Lakyn, Reuel, and friends on their quest to save Aewyr and the ones they love.'

A Flame in the Night (The Legends of Aewyr Book 1) Kindle Edition by Holland C. Kirbo

Profile:

"She alone has the power to stop Maal, the dark god of Hael, from destroying her world. Can she trust her powers and guard her heart, or will she lose herself to the flames?

In the land of Aewyr, the immortals stand as mankind’s last hope against Maal and his supernatural army of darkness, but the immortals have their limits. The kingdom of Ceredwyn watches and waits, praying for a savior. When eighteen-year-old Lakyn Trahearne annihilates a zuhl by immolating him, she’s not the only one stunned. Such power has never been granted by the gods, even to immortals. She’s young, and by all accounts, she's human, and her powers are beyond comprehension. Ceredwyn may have found its champion. 

The immortal Reuel is assigned to train Lakyn. He both infuriates and strengthens her, while everything about Lakyn stokes Reuel’s buried pain and rage. Still, he can’t stay away. Together, they are electric and explosive, a precarious combination given Lakyn’s unstable powers.

Nothing and no one have stopped Maal’s steady advance. But Lakyn's powers have awakened, and love and loss are potent fuels within her. When Maal’s forces threaten the Ceredwyn royal family, Lakyn and Reuel must set aside their friction to protect the ones they love . . . if Lakyn can control the untamed powers within her and stand against the darkness that threatens them all."

Title A Flame in the Night
Author: Holland C. Kirbo
Publisher: Illadian Publishing, LLC
Series: The Legends of Aewyr Book 1
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"A Flame in the Night" by Holland C. Kirbo

What a good intriguing fantasy read the "A Flame in the Night" was that will keep your attention turning the pages to see what was coming next especially for Lakyn . The author's style of writing was well done being so full of descriptions in the fantasying world along with some very unique characters who had some unique positions and experiences. What will happen when Lakyn's family is attacked, journey with her sister and nephew to a new place and start training to control the powers that control her? What was up with the nightmares that Lakyn had suffered from since childhood? Who and why were the Maal and his army out to get this family [especially the baby]? I liked the interest that seemed to be their between Lakyn and Reuel, however, will anything come of it? To find all of the answers and so much more you will have to pick up "A Flame in the Night" to see how well this story comes out for Lakyn. 

I will say all of these characters as they are well presented in the this story will show their 'histories, gods, immortals, battles and myths' as the reader will be drawn into this first series of 'The Legends of Aewyr' and will definitely leave you wanting more.