Book Review: Radiants by David B. Coe

Dede has a secret that she’s been keeping her whole life. After a traumatizing event, she’s successfully pushed down the part of her that makes her unique, that is, until now. See, Dede can force her own consciousness out of her body and into others, essentially turning them into a puppet. And she’s going to be learning to use it a lot, apparently.

4/5 Stars 325 Pages Published October 15th 2021 by Bell Bridge Books

After using her power at school to protect and get revenge for her her friend Kyle from bullies, she comes home and tells her mom. Little does she know that her family will change forever, from that day on. Hunted down by the government, Dede and her little brother Miles are eventually separated from their mother and forced to work alone to save everyone involved, including themselves. They’re on the run, because if they stop, they’re facing incredible tests from the government to essentially map out every aspect of their unique abilities. At whatever the cost.

A good book, ,they story was more about finding yourself and staying strong in tough situations. From sticking up for your friends, to being blamed for murder and finding out your little brother’s powers, you have to do what you know what’s right, even if it’s scary and hard to achieve.

I enjoyed the book, but it’s not my new favourite. That being said, I would read more from the author in the future. It was written very smoothly, and suitable for readers fourteen an up, due to violence. Check it out if you think it would be something you’d like!

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Thanks for reading! Hope you’re doing well, and staying happy. What power would you want if you could choose?

Book Review: Paradigm by Helen Stringer

5/5 Stars 396 pages
Published July 13th 2013 by Mediadrome Press

In a fully established yet still broken down post apocalyptic world, Sam has been alone for a long time. Full of gut wrenching action and badass characters, this book easily became my new favourite. Very different beginnings and endings, the story is seamlessly blended in the middle. If you like post apocalyptic, young adult, science fiction books, this might be just what you need to pick up next.

Sam’s only friend in the world is Nathan, a boy he picked up one day about the same age as him. He usually has rules about not doing those things, but I think it has to be a lonely life, and it weighs down on him a lot. So now it’s just two teens fighting to survive day to day, until they decide to go into the city for supplies to trade, so that they can keep travelling. On the way they meet Alma, an insanely strong warrior badass teen girl who just happens to save Sam’s life. But there’s more to Sam than meets the eye, after all. He gets really bad headaches being in the city and just around a lot of people in general. The pills that he takes to suppress them would knock anyone else out. And maybe just also the fact that he can create a mini EMP from his own body.

These events, among many, many others, really set the pace for the entire book, making each chapter more intriguing than the last. Once I started it, I knew very quickly that it was going to be something that was perfect for me. There was just something about this book that made me obsessed with it, you know? Reading it just made me feel really good, through the good times and the bad, violent times. This book really just had a spark to it.

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My favourite characters were, of course, Sam, Alma and her razor blade hair, Carolyn Bast just because of how evil she was. and of course, the old man living in the abandoned observatory. Something about him really just speaks to me. Overall, I really just enjoyed this book thoroughly. The beginning and the end are so different from each other. You really think it’s headed in one direction, and it pulls you in the complete opposite way. What more could you ask for? Definitely one of my new favourites, and if you’re looking or an amazing spin on the classic “Teen finds out he’s different and has to save the world” story, this will be perfect for you too!

If you’d like to grab a copy for yourself, you can here!

Thanks for reading! I hope you’re doing well!

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Cover Reveal: Kingdom of Sirens and Monsters by Tara Quinn

Kingdom of Sirens and Monsters
Tara Quinn
Publication date: January 5th 2022
Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, New Adult, Young Adult

“Mirror, mirror, in the shell that thy lay, Who is the fairest in Odyssey Bay?”

On the island of Odyssey Bay, a wedding day looms—and Coral will do anything to stop it.

Since their mother died, twin sisters Coral and Kendra were raised solely by their father. But since Melody came along, their father has been swept into a blinding, whirlwind romance that Coral fears will end in heartbreak and loss.

It feels like nobody but Coral can see Melody’s true nature—she’s wretched, power hungry, controlling, and clearly desires to obtain their island resort and family wealth. But Kendra adores Melody, and her father is smitten, leaving Coral the sole sceptic.

Then Coral meets Lysander—a mysterious, handsome stranger who returns her surfboard after it’s lost in a storm. Lysander knows things about Melody, about Coral’s dead best friend Maya, and about Coral’s mother.

When Melody’s true and terrifying nature is revealed, Coral has no choice but to escape to an unknown world beneath the sea—where ancient magic, family secrets, and power she didn’t know she possessed awaits…

A Snow White meets The Little Mermaid retelling.

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Author Bio:

Tara Quinn is a fairytale retelling author with a love of blending contemporary worlds with fantasy.

When Tara isn’t writing, she’s binging chocolate and The Office–neither in moderation–and fantasising about long train rides through the countryside and trips to Greece.

Tara’s stunning debut young adult fantasy, KINGDOM OF SIRENS AND MONSTERS, a double retelling where The Little Mermaid meets Snow White, is will be released in January 2022.

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Book Blitz: Code (Isan #4) by Mary Ting

Code
Mary Ting
(Isan, #4)
Published by: Vesuvian Books
Publication date: April 20th 2021
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult

Behind enemy lines, new soldiers will emerge, and unexpected heroes will rise.

Ava is a prisoner. And she is not the only rebel held hostage at ISAN’s secret compound. As she plans an escape, the lives of the rebel prisoners are in her hands, along with those she thought were dead.

Rhett and his team desperately search for Ava while one of the Remnant Council joins forces with another network looking for the creator of the Helix serum. And time is running out. Mr. Novak has been secretly creating an army called CODE, and what he plans for Ava will mean a permanent end to the rebels–and her.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

I should have landed on him, but instead I dropped to the floor on my hands and knees like a wounded deer. An electrical sensation zapped through my middle and wrapped around me like invisible arms, holding me in place. Hundreds of needles pricked me all at once.

Excruciating pain seared from head to toe. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t even blink. I had been wounded many times on missions, but nothing I’d felt in ISAN compared to what had just hit me.

Immobile, a foot from my monster of a brother, I’d never felt so vulnerable. My muscles simply shut down. A whimper escaped me, but it could have been only in my head. Worse, a tear slid down my cheek. I felt humiliated beyond measure.

“Aw, sis. Are you crying? Does it hurt?” Gene took his hand out of his pocket and showed me a metal trinket, a circle about the size of his thumb.

“I thought it was best to have it handy in case you lost control.” He came dangerously closer and lowered, his warm breath brushing the shell of my ear. “Now you know, sis. I can contain you. You might want to show me some respect if you don’t want to be on the ground, helpless and weak. I might accidentally hurt you. We don’t want that do we?”

Oh, the pain. Every tiny movement—every blink—hurt so much.

He ran a knuckle down my cheek to wipe away another teardrop, and then grazed his index finger slowly across my neck, savoring my weakness.

“Next time it won’t be so soft,” he said. “You should get some rest. You look like hell.”

I screamed in my head. Peering up under my eyelashes, I watched him walk toward the sliding door. I wanted to rip out his throat, stomp on his heart, but I couldn’t move. Even a fraction of movement felt like a knife slitting deeper into my spine.

I couldn’t win. At least not this time. But I would find a way. There had to be a way.

Gene’s back to me, he held up that metal circle trinket and clicked. Just as the door blended into the wall, he released me. I thumped my head on the tile floor and wept for Brooke and the rebels who had died because of my stupid mistake.

Groaning, I crawled like a worm, my knees and elbows digging across to get to the rug, each movement agony. I refused to lie on the cold ground like I was nothing.

I’d never felt so small. No—I had, when my foster father beat me. Where was he now? Locked up. That would be Gene’s fate, too.

Just you wait, big brother. Just you wait. Karma is a bitch.

Author Bio:

International Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Mary Ting writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers all over the world. Her books run a wide range of genres: science fiction, fantasy, and swoon worthy stories. Her storytelling talents have won her a devoted legion of fans and garnered critical praise.

Mary was born in Seoul Korea and resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two dogs—Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Becoming an author was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, she retired from teaching after twenty years.

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Cover Reveal: Worn Out Places by R.H. McMahan

Worn Out Places
R.H. McMahan
Publication date: September 1st 2021
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult

I can’t answer that question. I can’t tell him I’ve spent my whole life trying to disappear. I can’t tell him that I was born a drug addict. Or that I’ve been in foster homes so terrible I wished I didn’t exist. And I can’t tell him that last year ended any ambition I had to make it somewhere better in this world.

Drug addict parents. The foster care system. Living on the streets of New York City.

Zoie Cruz is used to an unflinching world that takes without giving back. But at seventeen she isn’t used to Northern Michigan, a family that wants her to succeed, and sobriety.

Everything changed on Christmas morning last year. Her social worker calls it a tragedy and her weekly Narcotics Anonymous meeting wants her to open up. All Zoie wants is to be left alone to get high.

When she meets local golden boy Dean, he’s determined to pull Zoie out of her darkness. And she’s determined to keep her walls sealed shut.

In a whirlwind struggle to stay clean, Zoie’s secrets can only stay hidden for so long.

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Author Bio:

R.H. McMahan a.k.a. Mickie is a Puerto Rican and Irish YA/NA author. She was born and raised in Chicago – and yes she thinks it’s important that you know that. In June of 2020, she graduated with a BA in English Lit and Creative Writing and is currently pursuing her MFA in Creative Writing.

Mickie dreamt of becoming an author since she started telling stories on the playground in first grade. Ever since then it is rare to find her without a notebook and a pen. Her book baby, Worn Out Places, debuts on September 1st and she cannot wait to share it with the world.

If she’s not writing she’s doing other creative things like singing, dancing, and drawing.

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Review: Mercurial by Naomi Hughes

5/5 Stars 412 pages
Published March 16th 2021

A breathtaking story of finding your own way despite abuse, religion, and frankly, just what everyone else is doing, Mercurial is truly unlike anything I’ve read lately. Set in a world where magic metal runs through people’s veins, very unlikely friendships and relationships bloom, and all of this wrapped together makes for an amazing book.

Following a boy named Tal, who’s sworn his life to protect a woman he despises for her violent and frankly just evil actions, The Destroyer herself, telling her own story after losing her memory in a disastrous train accident, and Tal’s sister Nyx, who’s fighting every day doing all she can after losing her brother to his oath, these characters are truly amazing in their own rights. Very different from anyone I’ve ever know, and gone through horrible traumas themselves, they really blossom in this book, and mixed together with the enchanting setting, I really couldn’t get enough of this story.

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Not only were the characters amazing and the setting amazing, but the actual plot of the story just drew me in immediately. It wasn’t boring for a second, and even in the downtimes where most of what was happening was talking, or a vision, or something like that, I was hooked. I finished this book in two days, and it’s just one of those stories where I wished I could read slower, because now it’s over way too soon and I’m left with a hole inside me where this book fits perfectly. The ending was not my favourite, but only because I wish there could have been more, but it was satisfying enough to not let it knock down my rating.

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Overall, my favourite character was probably either The Destroyer herself, Helenia, or Tal, but because I can’t choose between them all, it’s impossible to pick one. All of these characters were very different from each other, but each brought very different and important things to the story and I’m very thankful for them. I would recommend this book to anyone who’s a full fledged fantasy addict, someone who likes stories with very light romance, but still packed full of action, or even someone just starting out in the fantasy genre. I think it’s perfect for anyone over the age of sixteen, because there are some graphically violent parts. But most of all, I think if anyone picked this beautiful book up with it’s beautiful cover, I think that they would enjoy it. Because I know I did, and I need it for my own collection.

If you’d like to grab a copy, you can here!

And if you’d like to keep up with the author on Twitter, you can here!

Thanks for reading! And if you have metal in your veins, don’t be afraid to show it!

Book Blitz – Giveaway & Excerpt: In Command (Aunare Chronicles 2.5) by Aileen Erin

In Command: An Aunare Chronicles Novella
Aileen Erin
(Aunare Chronicles #2.5)
Published by: Ink Monster LLC
Publication date: February 23rd 2021
Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult

Amihanna di Aetes is used to fighting, surviving, and relying on her strength to get through the hard times. She thought the worst was over when she accepted her engagement to Lorne ni Taure, the High King of the Aunare, and claimed her place as the future High Queen.

It should be easy to slide into her new role. How hard can it be living in luxury with your soulmate after growing up alone on the streets?

But the more she learns about the Aunare and their politics, the more she realizes that the true test of her strength is just beginning.

Amihanna di Aetes is in for the battle of her life if she wants the Aunare to accept her.

*In Command is a 65K novella that takes place between Off Balance and On Mission (Books 2 & 3 of the main Aunare Chronicles). The series can be enjoyed without reading this story, but you can’t enjoy this story without reading the series.

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—

EXCERPT:

“Almya. I’m not wearing—”

A throat cleared, and I didn’t even turn around. “Roan. Best friend or not, I’m going to murder you if you keep coming in here.”

“Not Roan.”

I glanced over my shoulder. Lorne.

He was leaning against the edge of the door, watching me with his aquamarine gaze that seemed to see through me. My heart picked up, and I could feel myself giving him a stupid grin, but I couldn’t stop it. “Hey.”

“Hi.” His gaze ran down my body and slowly back up, heating every inch of me. “As fashion-forward as I usually am, I think it’s probably best if you find something else for the meeting. Quickly.”

I turned back to Almya, who was still smiling—although now it looked too forced—and holding out two dresses for me to choose from.

She held one out a little farther, giving it a little shake. “This one would look lovely on you, and it’s perfect for the—”

I shook my head. “If you would just listen to me—”

“Amihanna. My love,” Lorne said softly. “I’ve been standing here for a moment, and I heard more than enough about what’s going on. The thing to remember—”

“Is that I hate dresses,” I said to Almya, hoping that she would listen. “Hate. Dresses.”

“That’s not what I was going to say.”

I turned to him, annoyed and struggling to remember that I wasn’t annoyed at him. “What?”

“The thing to remember is that you are the future queen. Not Almya.” He gave her a short, pitying glance before focusing on me again. “You decide what you do, what you say, what you wear.” He slowly walked toward me as he spoke. “So, put something on already.” He brushed a quick kiss on my lips.

Author Bio:

Aileen Erin is half-Irish, half-Mexican, and 100% nerd–from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband in Los Angeles, and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.

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Book Blitz Giveaway & Excerpt: The Awakening (A Guardian of Spirits Novel) by Kaylee Johnston

The Awakening
Kaylee Johnston
(A Guardian of Spirits Novel)
Publication date: February 19th 2021
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

Not everyone wants magic.

In a world where humans hate witches, there’s no one who hates them more than Jameson Tyler – they are the reason his mother and little sister are dead. Then one morning, he wakes to find those he’s hated for his entire life are now his only hope to understanding his new identity, his new life…as a witch.

Jameson has to get to the witch’s side of town – a place he’s never been and has loathed his entire life – and give up everything he’s ever known before the Witch Special Forces (WSF) captures him. On top of avoiding the WSF, when his new Headmistress attacks him, things get even more complicated.

He must accept his new fate and life before being killed, letting the Magical Community fall into the wrong hands. Can Jameson put his hatred aside or will he let his prejudice destroy them all?

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

“Earth to Jameson!” Michael yelled at the top of his lungs. It caused Aaron and Jenna to look over to where we were standing. Something inside of me clicked and I took off like a shot, racing towards them. My anger continued to build as my mind raced.

Witches. On the human side of town. Witches. Here. Right here. How dare they? How dare they!

As I reached Aaron and Jenna, they were scrambling to grab their backpacks and run. I grabbed Jenna’s backpack strap and pulled, causing her to let out a yelp. As she was jerked back towards me, I reached out and grabbed her. My hand wrapped around her neck.

She gasped and dropped the backpack. The weight surprised me and I looked down at it, swinging in my hand. I looked back up at her. She was clawing at my hand, her face full of panic. Her eyes were wide and staring at me. I stared back. My fingers clawed into her neck.

I’m doing it! I’m going to kill a witch!

“You’re killing her! Let go!” Aaron yelled at me. He ran up to me, yanking on the arm holding the backpack. I glanced at him, my focus still on Jenna.

“Jameson! Let go of her!” Michael yelled. He sprinted up beside me, panting heavily.

“Why?” I asked, turning to look at Michael.

“What do you mean why? You’re going to kill her!” Michael stared at me in disbelief.

“So?” I replied. I couldn’t get myself to care about the consequences that would fall on me. All I cared about was revenge.

“Jameson, look, man. I know you. You don’t want this. Your mom wouldn’t want this,” Michael said, trying to reason with me. I looked at him, tears in my eyes.

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Book Birthday Review: Fire and Cinder (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #6) by Christina Bauer

Who could have guessed another Fairy Tales of the Magicorum book would be out so soon after the last? Not me! But I’m excited for it nonetheless. I couldn’t wait to see what our heroes would get up to this time, and wasted no time starting it, especially after the events of the last book. If you know me, you know I fully enjoy this series. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick read to break up the other books on your schedule, and doesn’t usually disappoint.

4/5 Stars 265 pages Published February 23rd 2021 by Monster House Books

Following Elle, Agatha, Alec and Jacoby in this book, we find Elle in her house eating pizza to cope with the loss of her boyfriend, Alec, who’s been transported into a magical gemstone prison by an evil fae. She feels like she can’t control her magic enough to go and save him, but knows she needs to do something, and in the meantime, she needs to take care of herself too. But after that, she accidentally sends herself back in time to see her mom and her in her childhood home. This sets off a chain of events that also sets the pace for the rest of the book.

Agatha, on the other hand, just wants to go back to her normal life but without her mother and sister, before she found out all the things she didn’t know about herself and her ties to the fae world, like the fact that she’s the last of a missing species and the only one who can save their world. She doesn’t mind the new obsession that Jacoby has developed with her, though, she even has started to like having him around. But she would never tell him that, of course.

The boys however are kind of backup characters for this book. I feel like the spotlight is mostly on the girls, occasionally showing what the boys are thinking to help the story move along. I really enjoyed reading this, and the ending! Wow. That’s all I have to say about that, this is a no spoiler review blog after all. But let me tell you, when the action starts, it really all goes down at once. Will he girls be able to save the fae world and the people that they care about? You’ll have to read to find out!

Photo by Olya Kobruseva on Pexels.com

This was a very easy and relaxing read for me, and I really enjoy getting thrown back into this series whenever there’s a new book out. The writing is funny and quirky, lots of silly little jokes tossed in there to liven it up, but when it comes down to it, there really are some important and serious things that happen in this book and those don’t take away from that. I think this was a very nice addition to the series, an I’m hoping for more Bryar Rose appearances in the future, maybe even another book from her point of view. And did I even say anything about how beautiful this cover is? Because I think it’s my favourite for the series so far! Like always I love the characters because of how silly and realistic they are despite their magic abilities and the obvious differences between our worlds, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

If you’d like a copy, you can grab one here!

And if you’d like to keep up with the author, you can here on Twitter!

Thanks for reading! If you haven’t checked out my spot on the blog tour for this book, there’s an excerpt and all the book information you could possibly need here!

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Cover Reveal: Gulf of Deception (Gulf Shores Mysteries #1) by Kelly Ann Hopkins

Gulf of Deception
Kelly Ann Hopkins
(Gulf Shores Mysteries, #1)
Publication date: March 8th 2021
Genres: Mystery, Young Adult

Fort Myers Beach has it all: sun, sand, music…and murder.

On the cusp of her high school graduation, Lily Harmony needs to figure out how to break it to her lawyer parents that she doesn’t want to follow in the family footsteps and go to law school—especially with her band in high demand on the Fort Myers beach scene. But when her father is killed inside his office and their mother accused of his murder, Lily and her estranged sister Annabelle know the police have the wrong person.

Clues are hard to come by until a mysterious man hands Lily a flash drive and warns her the information contained on it might get her killed. As Lily works to unravel what the files and pictures mean, a stunning discovery reveals the murderer might be closer than she thought.

With the help of her gamer BFF and a drone named Felix, Lily and her sister scour the Everglades for connections to her father’s killer. But what they find hidden in the canopy of cypress tress is more dangerous than they ever imagined—a long-lost secret worth millions.

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Author Bio:

Kelly Ann Hopkins is the author of Misled (coming 2021) and Buried Beneath (coming 2022). She spends her days as a high school librarian and creative writing teacher, where she challenges her students to read with abandon. When she’s not creating perilous adventures for her characters, she is dreaming of her next trip to the Florida Gulf Coast. Kelly lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, two children, and too many books.

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