book reviewers | Ad Librum Aeternam

** I received a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to HCC Frenzy and Hanover Square Press! **

Introduction

When I participated in Frenzy Presents: Fall Preview 2023 by Harper Collins Canada, What you are looking for is in the library by Michiko Aoyama caught my eye. Thankfully, we could request it—and so, of course, I did!

Speaking Japanese myself and loving their culture, as well as being a sucker for comfort and meaningful fiction reads all related to libraries and books, this book was one I couldn’t wait to read.

Not only was I NOT disappointed, I was also quite surprised in the best ways possible. This short story collection is deep, poignant, cozy, and worth the time spent reading for the sheer pleasure and comfort it brings as well as how unique it is.

Want to know what I think of it in detail? Keep reading! 😀

読書は趣味です.

– Reading is my hobby.

(Pronunciation in romaji: Dokusho wa shumi desu.)

The Positive Points

This book about reading and libraries is so sweet and comfy; it revolves around finding one’s place and happiness in the world. How to belong when you feel like you don’t. Truth is I was looking forward to resume reading this book every morning during a difficultly emotional week. It was part of a few good things of those days. Which, I find, quite sweet considering the themes of this book as being cozy, comfy, and finding one’s happiness and place in the world. This story is genuinely soft, warm, charming, meaningful, and satisfying. This book feels like a perfect read for autumn and winter (which I’m in now) with a hot cocoa or coffee, a blanket, sitting in your favorite spot! It’s cozy like autumn and winter; not an “easy read” like summer vibes. Both are great, but this one is special, in my opinion.

Moreover, this book is so real and genuine with thoughts and feelings of all sorts, including some we deem as negative or shameful. It's like a small sliding door into our inner worlds and private thoughts.

Also, I love love love that it’s just so Japanese in an easygoing, natural way. The food, the customs (bowing while saying goodbye), the behaviors, etc. (like the Hatori ward; Japan is divided in wards within prefectures), and Japanese words here and there written in romaji, are wonderful. I know the author is Japanese, but it could still be overexplained or not seem so natural, yet she writes in a compelling, flowing manner. You can’t help but go with the flow and just find it familiar and wonderful at the same time.

The author includes Japanese brands despite the presence of similar American brands—in the 4th story, there is the Croquis sketchbook mentioned. She could have used a “Canson sketchbook”, which is highly popular, but I loved that she went with the Japanese one. Everything in this cozy book is Japanese. So lovely! I wondered why she had said “Croquis sketchbook” as here we only say “sketchbook” for anglophones or “carnet de croquis” (notice de “croquis”? it’s French!), so I was confused as why she’d used the word “croquis” as there is no French in here book… I had a hunch it was for a brand, so I looked it up and indeed, it’s a popular sketchbook brand! The Croquis series is made by Maruman.

The Negative Points

Truth is you can’t like all main characters in the stories. And it’s okay; but they’re all so widely different, they’re believable. And obviously, there will be one you will like less than the others. For me, it was the fourth main character. However, it’s not a negative point per se as it means it’s well-written, but just know you might read one with a bit of groaning.

You know when you read through a series with multipov and you get to a chapter told by the character you just don’t like? Yeah, like that.

In the end, the 4th story is the one I liked least. Not because of the writing or the story itself, but because of the main character, Hiroya. That guy is soooooo annoying and stupid; Hiroya got under my skin, he grated on my nerves so bad. But it’s a good thing he did! Why? Because it shows the author is talented; otherwise, he would have just been bland, but no, she wrote him so well and consistently miserable and not very smart, that he annoyed me greatly. Kudos to the author for her skill!

The fifth story is satisfactory and works as a closure in many ways. Throughout the short stories, we meet a diverse cast of secondary characters and then we meet them again in the next story or the one after. And each time we meet one of them again, they provide us with an answer to one of the question their presence had raised in the story we first met them. Because yes, their impact or background or even future raises questions—you can’t help wondering about them as to why, how, what for, etc.—and it’s nice to get their answers peppered throughout the stories but with other main characters. The nicest touch though is how all the main questions—you’ll see for yourself ;)—are answered in the very last story. It brings the whole book to a good, satisfactory closure. Also, I think the age and meaning sought by the last character brings it to a closure too in its own way, since the first MC was a young adult, and the last one a retired man. It’s as though the book is structured as a overarching story instead of very separate short stories. In many ways, they all intertwine and affect the other, like in real life. It is beautiful, and I had never seen a short story collection be written in such a way: with a narrative arc in each, an overarching story, and side characters you meet and meet again through a different character’s eyes throughout the stories. And, bonus points for the answers you get gradually!

In Conclusion

Thanks to this short story collection being so comfy, sweet, about reading and libraries, and finding one’s place and happiness in the world throughout our lifetime, I give What you are looking for is in the library by Michiko Aoyama a solid rating of 5 out of 5 stars!!!

In addition to having a good time, I also found a new Japanese author to read! This is her first book translated into English, but I love it so much, I will definitely pick up her other books in Japanese!

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her page on Harper Collins website, you can also follow him on Amazon author page and Goodreads. You can also add What you are looking for is in the library to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.

The Way It Would Become by Amena Jamali: KU Book Tour & Book Review with Romance me with Books

Blog Tours, Book Reviews March 15, 2023 Leave a comment

Hello, folks!

So, I'm a Book Tour Stop for Romance me with Books for The Way It Would Become by Amena Jamali! Yay!

Truth be told, I thought an Epic Fantasy Romance was so enticing that I had to jump in the bandwagon.

Here we are! Enjoy my book review, and don't forget to visit the author's book tour page!

Goodreads (Add it to your shelves!)

Also, please note that all the tropes mentioned on this next graphic are true (and that is a big winning point for me!):

THE BOOK REVIEW

* I received an e-copy for free and I write this review willingly, without any compensation whatsoever. Thank you the Amena Jamali and Romance me with Books! *

This book is honestly SOOOOO my type!

It’s really, really captivating and immersive. The author’s language is astounding and just… The characters’ and locations’ names have an Arabic consonance, which I find quite pretty and different in fantasy. Given that the author is of Middle Eastern origins, it does fit, and I am glad she took that path of diversity.

As for her preface, I love that she admits this is a story of tragedy, but also of human resilience and how we must acknowledge and face truth—this way, prosperity and happiness will come. It’s beautiful, and true, in my opinion. She mentions The Way It Would Become is the first of five prequels to her seven-volume series already published. I’m all ears! (or eyes for reading, because this is not an audiobook in my case, but never mind!)

Mostly, it’s amazing and fun because the women in this book are not only warriors but leaders, too… which is surprising in most fantasy-based stories because it does follow a different path than the traditional medieval of the genre. I’m loving it so much! Plus, they have powers based off the land they live on—mind-blowing!

Furthermore, the main characters’ romance is soooo sweet!!! The guy, Naman (the king), is in love with his wife so bad and he wishes for her to feel at home in his kingdom. Meanwhile, she supports and defends him wholeheartedly, but she doesn’t seem to be in love with him. However, the simple fact that he is deeply fond of her, and she is extremely loyal to him is adooooooooooooorable! This dynamic is certainly one I find fascinating, and it’s so rarely used in fiction; and when it is, it is not often with loyalty or genuine care of the other person. So fascinating and engaging!

Lastly, I have stumbled upon no negative point in this story, which makes it all the more absorbing.

Frankly, I will read her whole series! It is captivating and different.

Because it makes me feel in a whole other world of wonders and strength (both power- and character-wise), I give The Way It Would Become a rating of 5 out of 5. This is one of the best fantasy stories I’ve read in a long time, so you can be certain I’m on my way to purchase her published series and will be on the lookout for this one’s upcoming releases.

Beginner’s Croatian with Online Audio: A Book Review

Book Reviews, languages June 28, 2021 Leave a comment

Hippocrene Books Website

By Aida Vidan & Robert Niebuhr

Genre: Non-Fiction, Language, Language learning, Travel
Number of pages: 369
ISBN: 9780781814089
Format: Paperback (MP3 online audio)
Publication date: March 24th, 2020
Publisher: Hippocrene Books
Type: Book, language learning book, language learning textbook

*I received a free physical copy in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given, and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to Priti Gress and Hippocrene Books!*

Introduction

I’ve been a fan of Hippocrene Books for a few years now, following them on social media and craving their books. As a polyglot, their books, both language learning guides and cultural books, seemed to be of quality and they’re quite varied. They cover languages rarely tackled by other language publishers, such as Croatian, Romanian, and Icelandic. I’m always looking for new resources and tools to improve my own learning, and I love exploring. So, when I contacted them, they kindly agreed to send me a few, including Beginner’s Croatian with Online Audio. I wanted to learn Croatian since I was fourteen years old (I’m double years old now… shhhhh), so it’s exhilarating to review this book for them. Plus, finding good quality Croatian language learning materials is hard, even more so in physical format.

A huge thanks to Hippocrene Books for sharing Beginner’s Croatian with me and helping my learning process! I discovered a great new resource, and definitely fell in love with their products.

Let’s break down its several qualities and few flaws together, shall we?

That way you’ll get a better idea to enhance your own language learning!

Let’s go!

Blurb

An affordable and modern guide to learn Croatian as a beginner from Hippocrene Books. It is made up of fifteen amusing lessons with colloquial dialogues, grammatical units, vocabulary and verb lists, and audio files in MP3 format (downloadable on their website). It features a History overview of Croatia, a bilingual glossary, declension tables, exercises and answer keys.

The Positive Sides

I’ll start with one of the best points about this book: the audio is free! And downloadable! Yep. No CDs—you get the audio files as downloaded MP3s, which is highly modern and useful as you can listen to them on your computer, iPod, smartphone, tablet, name it! Kudos to them! After which comes the price, which is very affordable for all the knowledge contained within its pages. Speaking of its pages, this is a quality book; its layout and format is well done, always followed. The language is excellent as I found no typos or mistakes, except in the Audio Track List at the end where it says “Dialgoue” instead of “Dialogue” a few times.

The cover is gorgeous and inspiring (look at it!), it makes you want to jump into it, much like with the language itself.

Also, the table of contents is really clear and even mentions what types of grammar explorations each lesson introduces you to.

Moreover, the historical introduction is priceless. It really helps understand Croatia and how it came to be. It also makes you travel a bit and connect with that country on a more personal level. The grammatical sections are clear, precise, and informative, and their instructions are clear and easy to follow and grasp. I love that there is an English-Croatian/Croatian-English glossary with the most useful vocabulary, a verb list with indications as to whether it’s a Perfective or Imperfective verb (trust me, you’ll be grateful this was included!), as well as declension tables (thank God for these!!! They’re life-savers what with cases and how to mark declensions in words), and a prepositions table!!! This is all so useful. I looooove when there is “extra” content (note: grammatical content) in such books. It makes my inner nerd (… more like the whole of myself, but shhh) thrilled!

Back to the free audio! The location of the audio files is made clear at the beginning (in the TOC) and on a single page at the end of the book. Also, the audio is fantastic! It’s high quality, sharp, and I love how in the vocabulary the woman will say one letter and word, and then it’s the man’s turn. We can hear both sexes! The dialogues are great, too! I love how natural they talk. The way the dialogues are used in audio is amazing. First, on one track, you have the dialogue said at a natural pace, but the words and expressions used are very much natural, what you’d encounter in a normal conversation with natives (wonderful info!). Then, on the next track, you have the same dialogue with pauses so you can repeat each sentence for practice! It’s brilliant!

As for the exercises, they’re very interesting as I had barely a headache while doing those—when exercises are hard or displeasing I get a migraine. Plus, they have answer keys at the end of the book, which makes it even more practical and useful. I love how varied the exercises are! We go from blank phrases to translations (whole paragraphs) to marking genders and filling in with the correct verbs. It’s different from most learning guides where you only have blank phrases and filling-in exercises. It made me so giddy! I loved two exercises in particular: translation and categorization! Translation is always fun (sue me, I’m a translator!), though daunting. But damn does it help to think in Croatian. As for the categorization exercise, I wasn’t sure about its effectiveness but I was proven wrong: it sears the words in your mind and you can recognize them afterwards.

Overall, I meant to study a few lessons throughout the book for reviewing purposes, but I loved it so much I found myself to be actually doing them progressively… So, surprise! I am now even more into my Croatian learning than I was before reviewing this language learning guide! Win, win!

The Negative Sides

My first negative side isn’t so much a flaw to me, but more of an acknowledgment that this could be lacking something for other Croatian learners. So, despite the gorgeous, colourful cover, there are no images and no colours inside the book. It might be too academic for some readers for it reminds me of high school and university textbooks. As for me, I don’t mind it as I love such straightforward books. I just wanted to mention it in case you find this an important aspect of your learning.

Unfortunately, the vocabulary, verb and greetings lists aren’t included in the audio. I would have loved it as sometimes we’re not sure how to pronounce those either, mostly the vocabulary. And especially in the beginning of our learning.

Lastly, the instructions for some exercises are not clear and precise enough, such as blank logical answers with no prior “logic” nor hints.

These last two points are really what I think could be improved in future editions of this language learning guide in terms of learning: more audio files and clearer instructions for exercises.

In Conclusion

All in all, thanks to this wonderful language learning guide, Beginner’s Croatian with Online Audio, I can now identify specific words in the songs and videos I watch and already remember two handfuls after only two lessons! It’s an excellent teaching manual for self-taught language learners and all kinds of language learners. For these reasons, and for the sometimes unclear instructions, I give this beloved book a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5. If you want to learn Croatian, I highly recommend this book. Don’t miss out on it or you’ll miss the opportunity to learn fast and well with pleasure!

If you want to learn more about Hippocrene Books, you can visit their Web site, you can also follow them on Instagram. You can learn more about the authors and their impressive credentials on Aida Vidan's official Harvard page and on Robert Niebuhr's official Arizona State University page. You can also add Beginner's Croatian with Online Audio to your bookshelves on Goodreads.

Who Might The Giveaway Winner Be?

Blog Tours, Giveaways May 15, 2021 Leave a comment

Hello, folks!

We have a winner for my very first giveaway! It was for an ecopy of Bloodlaced, the first book in the Youkai Bloodlines series, by Courtney Maguire. You can read my review here.

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As a loyal reader of mine, Casthavian won the ebook via electronic draw to ensure fairness.

He's already been notified of the results, and I will send him the ecopy kindly offered by the author and Pssst… Promotions! as soon as I receive it.

I hope you all enjoyed the opportunity to participate in this giveaway. It sure made me happy!

I am confident Bloodlaced, a feudal Japan LGBTQ dark paranormal romance with vampires and demons, will delight Casthavian!

And what about you, dear reader?

Rest assured, you can always purchase an ebook or paperback copy at these retailers:

Amazon.ca

B&N

Kobo

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this deliciously dark and immersive book. And I thank you all for this amazing giveaway!

Now, go and read! Pick up a cup of ocha (おちゃ) and sit on a tatami (畳) and happy reading, loves!

See you next post. *kisses*

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Courtney Maguire is a University of Texas graduate from Corpus Christi, Texas.
Drawn to Austin by a voracious appetite for music, she spent most of her young adult life in dark, divey venues nursing a love for the sublimely weird. A self-proclaimed fangirl with a press pass, she combined her love of music and writing as the primary contributor for Japanese music and culture blog, Project: Lixx, interviewing Japanese rock and roll icons and providing live event coverage for appearances across the country.
Her first novel, WOUNDED MARTYR, is a 2019 RWA® Golden Heart® Finalist in the Contemporary Romance: Short Category.

You can find her on social media: Facebook, Twitter or at www.courtneymaguirewrites.com

Love the Youkai Bloodlines Series? Keep an eye out for Blood Bound, coming in Spring 2022.
Worried you might miss it? Join Maguire's Reader Group, Courtney's Coven: https://tinyurl.com/3yuh2vxc or sign up for her newsletter at the bottom of her website: https://www.courtneymaguirewrites.com/about to make sure to keep up to date on your favorite characters.

Bloodlaced: A Book Review

Blog Tours, Book Reviews May 7, 2021 Leave a comment

54802989. sy475

Courtney Maguire's Website

By Courtney Maguire

Genre: Fiction, Romance, LGBTQIA, Historical, Historical romance, Dark paranormal, paranormal romance
Number of pages: 314
ASIN: B08HW5ZRTH
ISBN: 9781648980152
Format: eBook (Kindle, Kobo, Nook), paperback
Publication date: September 29th, 2020
Publisher: City Owl Press
Type: Book, Novel, Series, First in a series

*I received a free ecopy in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given, and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to Courtney Maguire, Let’s Talk Promotions, and Psst… Promotions!*

*Don't miss out on the ecopy giveaway for Bloodlaced here.*

Introduction

This was how I was approached with the opportunity to review this book: “Courtney Maguire's latest M/M dark paranormal romance, Blood Pact. Blood Pact is book two of the Youkai Bloodlines Series, and following its predecessor (and Author Shout Reader's Pick) Bloodlaced, this novel is once again set in a fictional world of a feudal Japan where monsters belong only in tales whispered in the dark–until they come creeping from the shadows.”

An M/M, dark paranormal, romance, Youkai, feudal Japan, monsters… What is there to say expect “YES, PLEASE! (ONEGAI SHIMASU!)”?!

It was exactly what I love about books, and honestly, I wasn’t disappointed. In fact, I was enthralled, highly entertained, and I fell in love unabashedly with this series.

To know how it happened, let’s go through this review together, shall we?

Blurb

Kanjin hardly view their servants as human. Even less so when they are different.

Asagi is different. Both a man and a woman.

In the wake of his failure to protect a boy he saw as a son from their abusive master, Asagi is sold into the house of a young nobleman, Mahiro, who is the opposite of everything Asagi has ever known—gentle, kind, and generous.

Mahiro bonds with Asagi and their friendship blooms into a deep and profound love. But when Asagi is poisoned out of jealousy, Mahiro reveals himself to be youkai, a demon who feeds on blood, and he has no choice but to turn Asagi to save his life.

Asagi awakes reborn, strong, and eternally youthful. But the price for Asagi’s new life is high.

The blood of the innocent.

Just as Asagi’s trust in Mahiro falters, the boy he failed to protect, now a man, reappears.

New master, same threat.

With both a literal and proverbial monster at the door, Asagi must decide what it means to be human to protect what he loves most.

Content Warnings: physical abuse, sexual abuse (off-page), self-harm, blood, graphic violence

The Positive Sides

My introduction into the Youkai Bloodlines series was with the very poignant and exciting first chapter. I FELT there with Asagi and Goshujin-sama, and the little boy. I was on the tatami with Asagi. I’ll be bold and declare it’s one of the most captivating first chapters I ever read.

The darkness of this book is delectable what with demons, vampires, and many more dangerous topics (please be aware of the trigger warnings in the blurb above!) I’m a sucker (I swear this pun wasn’t intended!) for such darkness in stories. While the story is dark in itself, the main character is something else in more ways than one. I love how Asagi is lovable and different… But you’ll have to read to learn how ;). It’s just special and fun! Something unique I had yet to read about—in a certain way, I mean.

Also, I LOVED the relationship between Asagi and the little boy he tries so hard to protect. I mean… how sweet, and… Well, you’ll have to read it. 😉 But it’s fun to see how it comes back to bite him in the a**. As for the romance, well… The romance and survival game between Asagi and Mahiro is something I live for. Here’s my heart, thank you. ❤

What about the writing? Well, it’s so seamless I read it effortlessly. I had that strange but highly pleasant feeling of “not reading”… I didn’t have to “concentrate”, it was just so fun and well-written. Because this is a compliment, it doesn’t mean it’s easy nor simple writing, it means it’s so well woven with good cultural inserts and the characters jump off the page into your heart, that it was as though the story was put directly into my head, you know? Highly enjoyable!

And lastly, if there’s something I squealed and fangirled over was her knowledgeable use of the Japanese language and precision of the culture. There’s even a Japanese glossary, YES! As a polyglot who speaks Japanese, all these details about the language and the culture, *correct* details, make me so happy and giddy! I would just have enjoyed if there were kanji and kana (Japanese writing systems) in the glossary as well as romaji (Japanese pronunciations in our Western writing). It would have been a nice touch, but I know this is quite complex to do. Still, I am thrilled she included a glossary!

A bonus: look at that cover! JUST LOOK AT IT. BE MESMERIZED. It is gorgeous, ominous, so faithful both to the story and the culture explored in this book. Honestly, I just want to print a picture of it and display it on my bedroom wall. It features pretty much everything I love in a story and in general. :3

The Negative Sides

…… None? I loved everything about this book! Mostly Asagi, and it’s rare I love main characters, but he’s so charming and kind. And the paranormal is so fun and dark! A gem.

So, really, nothing negative to report, haha.

(I’d still love the kanji and kana in the glossary though, just for my personal amusement.)

In Conclusion

Now, frankly, would it be a surprise to say I am giving this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars? No, it would not. I know. But it's worth it, trust me! If you enjoy dark paranormal stories, vampires, an angsty bittersweet romance, anything related to the Japanese culture (hmmm, does sushi count here?), a seamless reading experience, and a completely magical world with lovable characters that sweep you off your feet, please, do pick Bloodlaced up.

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You can find her on social media: Facebook, Twitter or at www.courtneymaguirewrites.com

Blog Tour for Blood Pact – Exclusive Excerpt & Giveaway Announcement

Blog Tours, chit-chatting with Cat, Giveaways May 6, 2021 Leave a comment

Hey, folks!

Today is blog tour day for Blood Pact by Courtney Maguire on Ad Librum Aeternam, yay!

I was fortunate enough to be offered review copies of Bloodlaced and Blood Pact, the first two books in the Youkai Bloodlines series. Stay on the lookout for my upcoming reviews. You can now find my review of Bloodlaced here.

Meanwhile, have fun reading the excerpt exclusive to my blog and you, my dear readers, and make sure to read until the end for the giveaway!

Publisher: City Owl Press (May 4, 2021)
Releases on: May 4, 2021
Genre: LGBTQIA Dark Historical Paranormal Romance
Language: English
ASIN: B091V1P3FT
ISBN: 9781648980831

Amazon: http://mybook.to/BloodPact
B&N: https://smarturl.it/Youkai2BN
Kobo: https://smarturl.it/Youkai2Kobo
City Owl: https://smarturl.it/Youkai2CO
Add it on Goodreads: https://tinyurl.com/3b3jec53

Panic clenched in my chest as he turned away from me again. “Bakayarou!” I flung the curse at his back like a stone, and he flinched as it struck between his shoulder blades. “You act like you care about me. You treat me gently and help me when it’s convenient and easy for you. But when it matters, you’re just like the rest of them.”
My hurt poured down my face in fat drops. My heart pounded in slow, painful beats as if my blood had turned to sludge. I realized then that I was wrong, that I’d believed my own fantasy and let it blur and mix too much with reality. I’d been waiting, wanting, yearning for the confession I’d heard from so many others and he’d never give me. I was just a geisha, a beautiful thing to push back against the ugliness, and now I was wasting what could be my mother’s last moments begging for something that was never mine to have.
Tension rippled through Sakurai-han’s back, and he whipped around on me again. He covered the distance between us in two long strides. Before I could react, he took my face in his hands and crashed his lips into mine, hard and possessive. He walked me backward until my back was against the wall, the entire length of his body pressed against mine.
My mind went blank, aware only of the solidness of his chest and the scrape of his teeth. Little fires ignited under my skin. A whine slipped past my lips as he pushed deeper, and I gave in, first in increments and then in one great rush that left me weak and boneless.
He backed away just enough to allow me to breathe, and his eyes filled my vision, those eyes that so enthralled me, pupils blown wide and rimmed in white. Desire spiraled through me, hot and desperate. A few ragged breaths, and I pulled him in again, fingers tangled in his long hair. I drank him down in deep gulps that only left me wanting more. I could have ended there, existing only on his lips and in his arms.
He grabbed my wrists and pressed them against the wall over my head to force some distance. He stared at me, cheeks flushed and lips swollen. Strands of his hair still clung to my fingers like spiderwebs, like we could never come apart no matter how hard we tried.
“There’s no going back,” he said, face stern though his voice shook. “I will be a part of you.”
My eyes burned, and I blinked rapidly to keep the tears at bay. “I have nothing to go back to.”
“It feels like dying.”
“It’s only a matter of time before Yamaguchi comes for me.” I swallowed down a sliver of fear, and it caught in my throat like splintered glass. “I’d rather die in your hands than his.”
He took a deep breath but didn’t move. His heart tapped a fast rhythm against my chest. I leaned forward just enough to brush my lips against his. He made a low sound like a purr, and I strained against his hold as he deepened the kiss, a momentary tease of teeth and tongue before moving down my jaw. My breath caught as he nipped at the tender place just below my ear and flicked his tongue over the vein beneath it.
“Do you want it?” he whispered against my skin.
I could barely get the word out between gasps as he trailed featherlight kisses down the line of my neck. “Yes.”
“Tell me again.” His voice shook. “Tell me you’ll stay with me forever.”
“Yes, yes. Please. I want it.” His breath against my damp skin sent a spiky heat cascading through my body, and it gathered low in my belly. I arched toward him and dropped my head back. I almost forgot what I was there for. Man or monster didn’t matter anymore—I only wanted him. I allowed myself to give into the fantasy, and it bloomed with delirious joy.
He tugged me even closer until there was no space left between us, his lips pressed to the column of my throat. My toes curled as he traced the vein with his tongue, followed by the graze of teeth and a sharp sting. A fiery sensation started at his lips and cut through my very core. Not quite pain, not quite pleasure. My head swam as something was sucked, dragged, pulled out of me.
Another sensation, this one slower, softer, started at his hands and flowed over me like a warm rain. My muscles relaxed. My mind went soft. Any fear I had dissolved and washed away, replaced with peace and complete trust. I would give him everything, my heart, my life, my soul. It didn’t matter if I died because I would be with him, a part of him. I wept, not from sadness, but from release.
He let go of my wrists and hooked one arm around my waist as my strength waned and my knees gave out. He cradled my head with his other hand as he lowered me to the ground. It was almost tender, the way he brushed my hair away from my face and wiped the tears from my cheeks. His features blurred as my consciousness wavered. I thought briefly of the girl I’d seen him with earlier, how she crumpled at his feet. Did she feel this, too? This complete and total surrender to his power?
“Drink, Hiro.” He teased my lips open with his thumb and sealed his over them. Thick, coppery liquid filled my mouth. Blood. I choked on it at first, my body convulsing reflexively beneath him.
The first swallow was like a burst of light. All the pleasure, all the heat of our passionate embrace returned and redoubled. My vision instantly cleared. My muscles came alive once again, and I wrapped my fingers in his hair, hooked my leg around his waist. My ears rang with the sound of our hearts, and I took in everything he gave me, my tongue fighting his for every last drop.
Finally, he released me, and I lay gasping on the ground. My skin lit up. My body burned as if every cell was turning itself inside out. It wasn't pain or pleasure, but something entirely new. I writhed as my body remade itself, screaming as this new sensation coursed through me. I fell into darkness deep as a well, wondering if I had made a terrible mistake.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Courtney Maguire is a University of Texas graduate from Corpus Christi, Texas.
Drawn to Austin by a voracious appetite for music, she spent most of her young adult life in dark, divey venues nursing a love for the sublimely weird. A self-proclaimed fangirl with a press pass, she combined her love of music and writing as the primary contributor for Japanese music and culture blog, Project: Lixx, interviewing Japanese rock and roll icons and providing live event coverage for appearances across the country.
Her first novel, WOUNDED MARTYR, is a 2019 RWA® Golden Heart® Finalist in the Contemporary Romance: Short Category.

You can find her on social media: Facebook, Twitter or at www.courtneymaguirewrites.com

Giveaway Details!

Now, now, what about that giveaway, Catherine?!

Here it comes!

Dear readers, as a thank-you for being loyal readers of mine, you can enter my very first giveaway in order to win an e-copy of Bloodlaced, book one of the Youkai Bloodlines Series. That's right!

This would be a perfect introduction into this marvelous Japan-inspired story with vampires!

Okay, but what are the rules, Catherine?!

Well, pretty simple: there are three steps.

1- Follow my Twitter account: @CatGV6

2- Follow my Instagram account: @catherinegv

3- Send me an email stating your name and account handles (so I can verify you're following me) to catherinegv.writertranslator@gmail.com OR send me a DM on either platform (Twitter or Instagram) and tell me your handles. 🙂

NO UNFOLLOWS ALLOWED! This giveaway is for my readers and followers. Be honest.

Also, if you don't have one or both accounts, no worries, just send me an email stating which post of mine is your favorite and why. 😉 That way, everyone gets a fair chance!

I invite you to follow the author, Courtney Maguire's social medias, too. 🙂

Lastly, the giveaway deadline is on Friday, May 14^th at 9 PM EST. Plus, I'll use a fair automatic generator to decide who's the winner. No cheating here! The winner will be announced on all my social medias on Saturday, May 15^th.

Oh, and since it's an e-copy, INTERNATIONAL IS OKAY! 😀

Don't forget to follow the rules! I wish you all the best of luck and a HUGE THANK YOU FOR READING ME SO LOYALLY!

Love y'all.

See you next post. 😉

A Dash of Romance: A Book Review

Book Reviews April 28, 2021 Leave a comment

Paullett Golden's Web site

By Paullett Golden

Genre: Fiction, Romance, Historical, Historical romance, Regency romance, historical regency
Number of pages: 231
ASIN: B08BJFSBHS
ISBN: 9781735236001
Format: eBook (Kindle), paperback, audiobook (iTunes)
Publication date: July 20th, 2020
Publisher: Self-published
Type: Book, Anthology, Novella, Flash fiction collection

I received a free ecopy in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to Paullett Golden and BookTasters!

Introduction

I’m not an avid romance reader… In fact, I dislike that all books have strong romance storylines. So, I read a few per year, and they must be different from the get-go. When I was offered by BookTasters to review A Dash of Romance by Paullett Golden, the charming cover caught my attention as well as the clever, sweet title. I read the blurb and… A regency-era romance with a lie surrounding their marriage, a big misunderstanding, and a young woman strong enough to write in those times?

Sign me up! I mean, yes, please, let me read this!

Let me tell you it didn’t simply meet my high expectations of a romance book… it exceeded them!

So, here’s my review and why you should totally give this book a read!

11 GIFs All Book Lovers Can Relate To | Edmonton Public Library

Blurb

With quills and fantasies, they write their future.

Percival Randall lives an uncomplicated life of luxury, as he likes it. Not even an ultimatum requiring marriage can tip the scales. A conniving young lady who compromises his name to force a betrothal, however, is an impediment to happiness Percival must confront.

Abigail Walsley dreams of publishing novels rather than marrying dashing heroes. An unexpected proposal and a subsequent Banbury tale tumble her into a betrothal with a man she has never met. Following her dreams proves a challenge with a marriage of inconvenience on the horizon.

This is the love story of Percival and Abigail, two dreamers who write their love story one scene at a time.

From second chance romances to mistaken identities, experience A Dash of Romance in this collection of one short novel and fourteen bonus flash fiction pieces.

The Positive Sides

First, let’s talk about the unusual format of this book. It’s an anthology featuring a short novel with a collection of flash fictions. I found it rather interesting! I enjoyed that there was a novel and that there were several flash fictions accompanied by drawings. It felt like a big treasure followed by smaller but amusing discoveries in the same world. Quite uncommon but highly enjoyable.

As for the writing, the choice of words is precise, and immersive in that era and each situation. Plus, several sentences were fun and well-written. I particularly loved this one, which, I think, is very reflective of an author with her characters and of a romance as well: “The good knight needed her as much as she needed him.” I’d say Miss Golden hit two birds with one stone here.

Moreover, the characters are charming, lovable, hilarious, strong, clever, and multidimensional. I loved them dearly and even believed in them as though they’re real, which I bet in the author’s heart and mind is true as well as mine now that I’ve read this great book. Also, I love that Abigail, the main character, is a writer herself. And she is part of a ladies’ literary society where the ladies talk about real writing issues and weaknesses, such as characters being one dimensional. It was wonderful to see our reality as writers and authors reflected in this book and I laughed. Speaking of Abigail, I love her strong and flawed personality with good values and feminism for her time. She’s also got a lot of courage as well as a head on her shoulders. Her father, the vicar, is charming and loving. As for Percival, her dandy knight, he’s hard to resist, funny, gentleman, but he’s got his own flaws which make him even more rounded as a character and intriguing… It’s like you’re discovering a new layer of him with each chapter.

Lastly, I curled up in bed with my Kobo every night and often told myself I’d read this book for fifteen minutes only because I was too tired… and each and every time I found it was an hour later!!! This is a huge compliment because usually I barely read for fifteen minutes when I’m that tired (and I have been exhausted these last weeks due to university and personal events) but this book had me hooked, laughing, smiling, and enjoying the moment. As pure and simple as this may be.

The Negative Sides

Alas, there is one negative point. I noticed that when Percival meets Abigail, he finds her drab… But in the next chapter when he talks to her, she’s suddenly interesting and charming. But then, this goes back to a reasonable balance in the following chapters… It was confusing and offsetting on the moment. However, it was not essential enough to take away a star or even a half star.

In Conclusion

As I mentioned, the single negative point isn’t worth taking a star off this delightful book, which leads me to giving it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars for all its amazing positive sides! It made me smile, laugh, stay up late to get to the next chapter! But most importantly, it made me stop aching for a while, made me forgot I cried a lot at night just while reading it, and it gave me friends I couldn’t wait to get back to as well as their misfortunes… or were they fortunes in the end? 😉

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her Web site, you can also follow her on her Amazon author page and Goodreads. You can also add A Dash of Romance to your bookshelves on My Book Pledge, Goodreads, LibraryThing, and Storygraph.

Yellow Wife: A Book Review

Book Reviews February 13, 2021 Leave a comment

Simon & Schuster Canada

By Sadeqa Johnson

Genre: Fiction, Historical

Pages: 288

ISBN: 978-1-9821-4910-9

ASIN: B08BZFTB1Y

Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook (Kindle, Kobo, Nook), Audiobook

Publication date: January 2021

Publisher: 37 Ink/Simon & Schuster

Type: Book, Novel

*I received a free paperback copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada and Sadeqa Johnson!*

Introduction

What do I have to say about Yellow Wife? Here, summarized: I… Well… my feels… I just… Wow!!!

Résultat de recherche d'images pour "shook gif"

Okay, wait a minute now! Let me explain my reactions better. Please do proceed by reading my review and I promise it will make sense.

Blurb

Pheby Delores Brown, a teenage slave on a plantation in America in the 1800s, has been cherished above all others and promised freedom by her master at 18 years old. A tragedy strikes, and Pheby is sold by the mistress who hates her, sent to a slave jail and thrown into a life she never wanted. A life where she’ll have to be smarter than she ever thought she could be and play everything to survive, for herself and her loved ones. Will she see freedom or ensure it for those she loves by paying the ultimate price?

The Positive Sides

If you want a moving read, this is the book for you! So many harsh realities that are so poignant they made me stop reading for hours at a time, sobbing, because I felt so much for them. This is not a flaw, it’s a compliment! It’s been so long I was THIS invested in characters and their stories, I mean in such an emotional perspective that sobs were wrenched from me. There is also one of the most realistic death scenes I’ve read. Ever. And it’s just soul-crushing but so well written.

The writing is beautiful, elegant, and yet the vernacular and language of the black people are so real I can hear them in my head exactly like they would talk. Quite a talent to write so differently! I believed in their dialogue, and I enjoyed reading it so much. Professionally and passionately done, kudos to Sadeqa Johnson! As for Pheby, the main character, was strong, brilliant, affectionate, a survivor through and through. Awesome woman! I’d have done the same in her situation. Now, what about the story? Wow. Special, moving, motivating, inspiring. Strong. And the other characters? Loving, resilient, interesting, true, all of them. The mothers? So real, so touching.

It’s an extremely important read! So important I feel it changed me in some way. I can’t tell you how I’m not quite sure yet, but I feel different. Although I was never racist (I’m into languages, cultures, translation, and all of that good stuff), it still broadened my perspective. If you want to be moved and come out changed, even if only a little, please, read Yellow Wife. Everyone should read this book to know what truly happened, the horrors black people, slaves, went through. Unimaginable. Yet so real. I’m sorry for all of them. This book does something magical. It moves you, so poignant I never read anything like it; it’s raw, honest, true. It’s a women’s story, of love, sacrifice, slavery, reality, survival… It’s everything gripping. If it were for me, if I had enough money, I’d purchase a copy and distribute one to EVERYONE, but since I’m not rich, my words will have to suffice. But mark them. I always think high schoolers should read this in class due to its importance and its eye-opening nature. Please, READ THIS BOOK! shoves it in your face with passion

Reading this book, I was crying, sobbing, moved, and I wanted to reach out to all the past slaves and just… hug them, let them feel the love. Tell them they were strong and beautiful and they MATTERED. I would have offered my help, but I know they could save themselves. Black people are strong, but I’m always here for you if you need help or a discussion. I know you’re heroes too and survivors, but I wanted so bad to be their friend. Stop this cruelty. Make it right. I’m so glad things have improved, but they could still get better. I support you! HERE’S MY LOVE TO YOU! It was even harder reading this book because my family is a direct descendant of a slave woman… it’s in my roots though I am white. But I can’t deny it nor never would want to. That woman who gave birth to my family is history, she’s important, she mattered. That’s why I’m talking about it here. Also, my dear female cousin is mulatto, like Pheby the MC, and damn do I love her. Always have since I was a child and saw her for the first time. Sometimes I would read the book and see my cousin in Pheby’s stead and I would be so furious and utterly disgusted. I’m glad she’s safe. I’m glad she’s thriving. I’m glad I know her. I want you all to be safe, to tell your stories loud and clear I’ll lend you my hand when you want it, but I know you can do it on your own, heroes and heroines. You go, girl, you go, boy. And you go, non-binary. I believe in you.

I will definitely purchase a copy for my “Favourites” shelf in hardcover, because it deserves to be there. It marked and changed me positively. I don’t know how yet, but I feel it within. It’s strong; this book tore me apart and stitched me back together again. I never sobbed nor cried so hard throughout a single book, but I feel fixed somehow? I loved this journey I went on with Pheby, though my heart was ripped from my chest oftentimes. This is not only the best book I’ve read lately, it’s definitely in my top 10 EVER. It had such a huge impact on me. I’m grateful to have read it. I feel like I’ve matured, like I’ve learned and shared something. I never read a book that I thought was “important” in terms of meaning or change… but this one? It’s the one I call IMPORTANT. Please, make all the difference you can by reading it and shouting about it on social media.

Just read it, okay? Sadeqa Johnson is a glorious author, and I’ll definitely await her upcoming books.

The Negative Sides

I couldn’t find any, except that it’s a true story. Hear me out! I’m so sad this story is based on real events because the characters were immensely mistreated. I just… My heart goes to them. But the book? The book is one of the most poignant and its effects deep and long-lasting that I have ever read.

In summary, you want an imperfect book? Skip this one. You want perfection, love (in all its meaning), strength, and history? Don’t ignore Yellow Wife!

In Conclusion

For all the emotions and the positive change it produced in me, and the truth it conveys so well, I would give Yellow Wife a rating of 10 out of 5 stars! Unfortunately, I can’t. So I’ll give it a full rating of 5 excellent stars out of 5! This book is perfect in many ways, with all its special characters and the strength emanating from it and the love, but it’s most definitely perfect in my heart. I could talk for hours about this book, but this review will have to do. But if we meet, trust me, I’ll talk about it. Thank you so much Simon & Schuster Canada for sending me this most perfect book! It made a great and positive impact on me and I will never forget your kindness of agreeing to send this new reviewer of yours such a marvellous book. Miss Sadeqa Johnson, all my praise! I’m so glad Mary Lumpkin followed you back home that day so you had to write this book. Thank you.

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her Web site, you can also follow her on her Amazon author page and Twitter, as well as Facebook, Instagram and Goodreads. Plus, don't forget to visit her publisher, Simon & Schuster. You can also add Yellow Wife to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.

Red Hood: A Book Review

Book Reviews August 20, 2020 Leave a comment

(Copyrighted by Catherine Girard-Veilleux, 2020)

Kobo

By Elana K. Arnold

Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fairy Tales & Folklore, Adaptations, Retellings

Pages: 368

ISBN: 9780062742353

ASIN: B07S9S2SDV

Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook (Kindle & Kobo), Audiobook, Audio CD

Publication date: February 25, 2020

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Type: Book, Novel

*I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to Balzer + Bray, Harper Collins Canada, and Edelweiss+!*

Introduction

As for an introduction, I wanted to start in a very mature and serious way: WHERE WAS THIS BOOK WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER?! IT’S EXACTLY WHAT I WISHED FOR ALL THIS TIME! I NEEDED IT!

Now that this main thought and raw emotions have been made clear, how about we explore further together the reasons why I feel this way towards this book?

Blurb

This story, told in second-person point of view, follows Bisou Martel. She lives with her grandmother, whom she calls Mémé, and dates a wonderful boyfriend, James. But on homecoming night, Bisou finds herself fighting a wolf… but instead of a wolf in sheep’s clothing, she finds a wolf in men’s clothing. She will learn truths about her heritage, her loved ones, and make strong friendships all while navigating her love life, her womanhood. All for the sake of living life on her own terms, and vanquishing wolves that hide in plain sight.

Oh, what courage you have.

All the better to end you with.

The Positive Sides

I've been yearning for such a book for so many years! WHERE WAS IT WHEN I WAS A TEENAGER?! So I would know I wasn't alone with such a dark imagination… Love, love it! I kept reading and reading and wanting to find out and pushing away my much-needed sleep. Do I regret it? Not a drop!

Thank you LOADS for this ARC. It's my new baby. YIS! Now, why is it my new baby?

First of all, it is MARVELLOUS. It's so rich in terms of vocabulary, darkness and raw emotions! I loved the ongoing theme of blood, pretty well done and ominous. The characters are also something I appreciated. Particularly the main character, Bisou—I really love the depth and intensity of her worries, fears, and thoughts, as well as the honesty and truth of her character. Plus, I love that she calls her grandmother “Mémé” instead of “Mami”. Just like mine. And her strong but kind and open-minded and loving description of Mémé reminds me so much of my own! I felt for this character right away. Sue me. Bisou’s female friends really made me smile and feel warm inside; all that camaraderie, all that friendship! Lastly, James, Bisou’s boyfriend, is so kind, gentle, and understanding. He’s precious!

As for the writing, can I say fabulous? The second-person POV is so refreshing and unique. It also draws you into the dark easier such as when she or you are assaulted in the woods. It is gripping and very well done. It made me realize I would love more novels like this. Moreover, the descriptions are enough, precise, and very poignant. You get to know everything you have to and it touches you. Love this style. It is not crowded, just beautifully done. The way you remember things is awesome, artistic, and gripping, too. The flashbacks are artfully brought about and done. As well as all the intense emotions we feel with Bisou and her situations. I feel them so deep in my heart. And dun dun dun… What an amazing surprise! We get the awesome Mémé’s POV, too. I was thrilled and read it in one go! Since this is a retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood”, should I say “I devoured it”?

I adore how dark and mature this book is. It even tackles womanly periods, assault, sex, and STDs. And I loved the raw fight where Bisou didn’t have time to look good and her dress fell off her. So rarely done and so very realistic. Something that struck me with great positivity is the girl’s periods. The deal of periods in YA always amazes me because it is unfortunately so rarely tackled. But it is a reality for girls, one new they must learn to navigate. This book made me feel content about this aspect of womanhood. Sexuality is present, too, and while sex makes me personally unease, I think it’s a good move to insert it in a YA book (with such respect, too!) Indeed, there’s even a full sex scene with proper words used and respect. Then, Bisou admits to her grandmother she had sex with her boyfriend, James, and Mémé informs Bisou about how she can decide for her own body. It’s awesome and great, an awesome model for young women and teenagers who wonder about sex and/or none ever told them about respect of their own body and so on. It was brilliantly tackled! I would recommend it to all teenagers (yes, boys, too) so they can get a better understanding of what having sex/making love means. Now, let’s talk about how the gore and dark issues, topics, and descriptions are perfect! Oh, and don’t forget this story is highly feminist <3!

Here’s my favourite quote (it hit me hard with truth): “It’s that we need men to stop becoming wolves.” (p. 243, hardcover)

The Negative Sides

Sorry, none. Next?

In Conclusion

Honestly? I loved it so much I purchased my own hardcover copy (see above picture) because I wanted it on my favourite collection shelf, and it’s never leaving this house. Ever.

This is the book I yearned and waited for when I was young (and even today). I needed to read something dark, feminist and thrilling for a young fantasy readership. Red Hood bumped up in my list of all-time favourites to the top with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Finally, Arnold wrote the book little me needed. That I still need. It will stay with me always, and I hope it can fulfill a young girl’s (or boy’s) desires, unfortunately considered weird and different. We’re not alone.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Miss Arnold! You reached out to a deep part of me and made me feel understood. I will never cease coming back to Red Hood.

For all these reasons, I give Red Hood a rating of 6 out of 5 stars. What? I can’t go above 5 stars? Just watch me! Okay, fine, but I still give it the highest rating possible, good? Perfect!

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her Web site, you can also follow her on Twitter, her Amazon author page and Goodreads. You can also add Red Hood to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.

Ochre Dragon: A Book Review

Book Reviews July 17, 2020 Leave a comment

Genre: Fantasy, High Fantasy, Fiction, Sci-fi

Pages: 436

ISBN: 9781627473934

Format: Paperback, eBook (Kindle)

Publication date: December 27th, 2018

Publisher: Tom Bird Retreats, Inc.

Type: Novel, Series

Introduction

When I saw that beautiful cover with three women and a dragon (a dragon, so great!) who all looked powerful and intriguing, I knew I wanted to review this book. I was kindly granted my request, but alas I don’t think this book fulfilled all of its promises. At least to me.

Read on to find what worked and what didn’t!

*I received a free ecopy in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to BookTasters and V. E. Patton!*

Blurb

On three distant worlds, three women journey towards their destinies. Before they started out, all three made a choice – to forget they share a single soul.

In tech-ruled post-Crack Earth, where magic doesn't officially exist, project manager Ali's humdrum life under the crumbling Melba Dome is becoming weirder by the day. Her fingers keep glowing, a snarky dragon takes up residence in her head, and people she thought were her friends keep trying to control, kidnap or assassinate her. To top it off, she can't figure out why her previously perfect memory is suddenly full of holes.

Meanwhile, on Heavens Gate, where magic and science have forged an uneasy alliance, research analyst Merindah is desperate to save her dying planet. What she lacks in magical ability, she more than makes up for in ambition, which comes in handy as she navigates family politics and feral deities. But when an impatient and not-so-extinct dragon begins to help her solve the puzzle of the Yarran journal, she realises her magic might not be as weak as she'd thought.

Finally, on Reverie, where magic rules unfettered, a young orphan becomes burdened with tainted magical gifts. Dee is alone, trapped in a waking nightmare. When she finally surrenders to the voices in her head, her out-of-control magic unleashes her dragon and propels her onto a path that could unravel the fabric of time and space.

Three women, three worlds – and their time is running out. Unless Ali, Merindah and Dee can reunite and unlock the secret of the Timegates in a single year, all is lost. They must each make unimaginable sacrifices to become the Key, the Gatekeeper, and the Fire who will save the Cosmos – or ignite Armageddon.

First though… they need to teach their soulmate dragons who's in charge!

The Positive Sides

The beginning of this book includes a beautiful, enchanting creation story. It’s magical and the most imaginative story I’ve read in a while—it’s intriguing. As for the writing, it is evocative with an enhanced vocabulary. Something I just crave! The descriptions are lengthy, detailed and crisp, which make them easy to picture. I love that we get clues and answers to a character’s situation from the other characters! All is connected very well, including the subplots. Wow! Another thing worth mentioning is that the women are older than what we usually see, too. Nice touch!

What about the characters? Well, first of all, I was surprised and delighted by the women run the planet of Heavens Gate. Such a good feminist take! It’s refreshing. Ali is so relatable to me anyway, what with her imagination and escapism, and also because she’s considered a weirdo. I loved her right away, then more and more. Plus, I connected so much with Merindah’s ambition. She was interesting to read. The bond between Ali, Merindah and Dee is so fun to unfold and discover!

But what really stood out to me, besides the graceful language, is the fantastic world-building. If you want to be transported out of this world, choose this book! The notions, concepts, and customs of the peoples we meet in this book are so different from ours. It’s a bit hard to grasp at first, but then you read and feel out of here. So pleasant! (Yes, this is escapism at its best, no regrets.)

The Negative Sides

This being said, if you want an easy read, look elsewhere. Everything sounds complicated and jumbled together. Moreover, the characters’ desires, thoughts and actions are overexplained. We often understand them from the context and their reactions, but now the author uses several paragraphs to explain them to us. It’s boring, and it also feels like she wants to cram the information in our head lest we forget. I found myself disconnecting from the story a lot. There is action and intense moments, but I fear it’s not enough.

In Conclusion

While the sheer idea, amiable characters and intense world-building made for a fun ride, the writing itself is too telling and explicative, it and weighs on the story instead of lifting it. Thus, I give Ochre Dragon a rating of 3.5 stars out of 5. I still recommend it to fantasy and world-building lovers, and even more if telling in stories doesn’t bother you. I think you’ll enjoy this read. But I’m not sure I’ll continue this series. Still, I’ll remember this book as having the best world-building I ever came across so far.

Cheers!

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her Web site, you can also follow him on Amazon author page and Goodreads. You can also add Ochre Dragon to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.

*Please note this book review contains affiliate links. This means I receive a percentage off your purchase, but it doesn't cost you anything more should you buy the book via my links! Thank you.*