Scan barcode
bchristian541's reviews
198 reviews
Lost And Found by Amy Shojai
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved every moment of Lost and Found. After escaping one trauma, September Day is thrown into another trauma involving her sister and nephew. September must endure fear, stress, and danger to save her family. Lost and Found is full of twists and turns. The characters are relatable and the feelings are very real. I can't wait to read more of this series.
Euphoric Wonderland: An eclectic collection of Psychedelic Poetry to stimulate the senses and open the mind by Ryan M. Becker
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
I am typically picky of my poetry, which makes me less likely to pick it up. After looking at this book's name and cover, I knew I had to give it a chance, and I'm glad I did. Picking up this book is like going on a melodic adventure while tripping on some feel goods. If you are looking for a fun and quick read, give Euphoric Wonderland a chance. It had me hooked from the beginning and I did not put it down until I was done.
Messenger by A.L. Morrow
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Messenger, the sequel in the Star-Crossed Celestials Duet, follows Messenger Cyrus after his love Watcher Jace was exiled from their community. Heartbroken, Cyrus starts searching for Jace, but his search proves to be dangerous to him when dark forces intercept Cyrus. Hiding away, Jace hears of the events and thinks that Cyrus is dead. Jace decides to return to the community to find that Cyrus is a live and that there are plans to change the community, worse than ever before. Now, Cyrus and Jace must decide whether they should save each other or save the community. Which one will they choose? Find out in Messenger.
The sequel greatly compliments the first in the series. The characters are still loveable and relatable with relatable feelings. The story’s evolution keeps the reader on the edge of their seat and mystery after mystery keeps the pages turning. The love between Cyrus and Jace is almost palpable through the pages. AL. Morrow does an amazing job of describing the world in a way that the reader feels as though they are there with the characters.
If you are looking for a suspenseful romance with a fantasy element, look no further. Messenger will keep you hooked until the very end. Make sure to pick up a copy of Watcher, the first book in the series, for a more enjoyable experience with Messenger. Just as a warning, there is some content that may be sensitive to some readers. Such content is described in the Author’s Note. Overall, I love this duet.
Magic-Borne by C.L. Schneider
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ian has paid a price due to his addiction to magic and has scars from it. The resistance has fallen, and lives were lost. Ian Troy is now in hiding. From hiding, he tries to save his people but there is a problem. His powers have betrayed him and every spell he casts he is in danger of becoming more of a beast. Will he be able to end the spell that is trying to end him? Will he be able to save his people once and for all? Find out in Magic Borne.
The characters are diverse and loveable with relatable feelings. Behind every uncovering is a new mystery just waiting to unfold. The entire series is enjoyable and each book flows into the next smoothly. The magic in these books is unique and interesting. Twists, turns, magic, mystery, adventure, suspense, this series has it all.
I highly suggest picking up The Crown of Stones series. It will leave you wanting more up until the last page.
Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Ian Troy was captured and tortured by his enemies. Drugged to keep his magic suppressed, Ian Troy is broken. Even though the Shinree are no longer slaves, they are living in fear and are nowhere near free. Ian is starting to find that he is not who he used to be and strives to find the truth behind his connection to the Crown of Stones. Can Ian help his people not live in fear? Does he ever find the truth, or does he allow his magic and addiction to be his undoing? Find out in Magic Scars.
The second installment is full of loveable and relatable characters as well. The story unfolds with no confusion and is a stronger piece of writing than the first. Readers will go through Ian’s trials and tribulations with him while feeling the feelings he has.
I highly suggest picking up the Crown of Stones series. The stories are riveting and make you want more. I cannot wait to find what happens in the third installment.
Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Shinree is a group of people that have an affliction to magic. Their magical spells can be deadly, which is why they are bred as slaves. Drugs are used to suppress their magic. Shinree, Ian Troy, is the descendent of soldiers and fights to end the war against the Langorians. When all else fails, Ian turns to the Crown of Stones against orders. The Crown of Stones is an instrument of power. Unknowing of the true nature of the Crown, Ian uses it to end the war but has a price to pay. A decade later, Ian is a bounty hunter and tries to put it all behind him. Ian is then targeted by an old enemy Shinree and is forced into using his powers once again, being pushed to race to control of the Crown of Stones once again. Is Ian able to regain control? Does he overcome his fear of his own powers to save the land of his people once again? Find out in Magic Price.
Magic Price is full of fun and loveable characters with relatable feelings. It is full of action, adventure, suspense, and fantasy. The story unravels smoothly and leads to the reader wanting more. At times, the story became slightly confusing, but it does all come together at the end.
Overall, I highly suggest giving Magic Price a try. It is a grand fantasy read with twists and turns and a cliff hanger. The confusion will go away as the story unfolds.
Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
Set in 1665, Streets of Shadow follows the plights of Kenna, a fifteen year old girl who discovers that her sister has been murdered. To save her own life, she runs to her grandfather’s property. While on the run, she is captured and brought to Edinburgh and is locked within a narrow alleyway. This is only the beginning of her struggles. She is then accused of leaving a plague-filled house and is forced to stay within the gate. Will she be able to survive? Will she find the justice her sister deserves? Find out in Streets of Shadow.
The characters are relatable as is their feelings. The tale is intricately woven and is full of twists and turns. It is a historical fiction with realistic events. This book had me hooked from the first page and held my interest all the way until the end. It kept me guessing and surprised me with every turn. Rebecca Bischoff has a way with words that makes her readers feel as though they are in the story themselves.
I highly suggest picking up a copy of Streets of Shadow. There are so many twists and turns that make this book hard to put down. If you are looking for a historical fiction read with some mystery intertwined, look no further!
Emissary by A.L. Morrow
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Emissary is a standalone novel, or it could be used as a prequel to the Star Crossed Celestials series. Emissary follows Kai, an emissary of death. An error on his part caused his love to perish which pushes Kai to want to redeem himself by taking on a task. The target he was tasked to find is Byron Black who has fought for his life for as long as he can remember. Kai unexpectedly falls in love with Byron and together they search for who is trying to end Byron’s life. Is Kai able to push his task aside in order to save the one he loves? Find out in Emissary.
Emissary is full of twists, turns, and loveable characters with relatable feelings. I could not put this book down. It grabbed me from the beginning. The scenery depicted makes you feel like you are living the story with Kai and Byron.
Full of action, mystery, and romance, Emissary is a must read. It is a great prequel to the Star Crossed Celestials series, or even as its own novel. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Manipulator's War by Elise Carlson
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
So much occurs in Manipulator’s War that I am afraid to give anything away. To start off, nonbinary Ruarnon is trying to prove that they are worthy to be king. While a supposed peaceful visit with the neighboring king threatens Ruarnon’s life, a group of four students on a field trip stumble upon a portal into a different realm. Manipulator’s War is a current, traveling-between-realms science fiction novel. Although many events occur, each event winds up being a twist of what is expected. This novel will keep you guessing.
Manipulator’s War is full of characters with relatable feelings. You feel as though you are in the story with them with descriptive scenery. With the jumping between realms and the different characters, it can become confusing if you are not paying close attention, same with the use of “they/them/etc” for Ruaranon. I would have to make sure that the novel is mentioning Ruarnon themselves and not the company that they were with as well.
Overall, I enjoyed Manipulator’s War. I enjoyed how diverse the characters were and the descriptors that went along with each scene. If you are looking for an action packed science fiction novel with relatable characters look no further.
The White Knight Cowboy by Stacy-Deanne
hopeful
fast-paced
4.0
Nineteen-Year-Old black maid, Lovely Jo, is running for her life when her mistress accuses her of killing her master. Innocent and afraid, Lovely Jo runs to the only person she feels as though she can trust, a 40-Year-Old white cowboy by the name of Dusty. Dusty has always been attracted towards Lovely Jo and Lovely Jo has always felt the same. Do Dusty and Lovely Jo end up falling in love? Is Lovely Jo’s name ever cleared? Find out in The White Knight Cowboy.
This short story is full of loveable characters and relatable emotions. It is a quick read and a sultry romance. I do feel as though it was missing something, which is why I did not give it 5-stars, I just cannot put my finger on to what it is missing.
Overall, I enjoyed The White Knight Cowboy. If you are looking for a quick romance, give this short story a try.