Taming the Forest King

Taming the Forest King was nothing I expected it to be at all. Magic, mythical creatures, and battles was what I imagined.

Tevra is the Colonel of the light Calvary and earned her rank through her skills and sheer determination. Sent by the king to an outer forest province Tevra is horrified to see the Governor living like a royal while the common people starve. Taking matters into her own hands Tevra quickly seizes control and learns the way of the forest people.

Taming the Forest King was different but it is hard to say how it was different. I really liked Tevra, she had flaws but none of them were annoying. She was just blind to a lot of things that did not involve warfare. Even though I read and enjoyed the story I am hard a bit hard pressed to say what the story was actually about. Despite that I never felt like I was reading filler. It was a fun read and I would consider reading other works by Claudia J. Edwards.

The Dark Days Club

The cover is what drew me to The Dark Days Club so I downloaded a sample. The sample was a couple chapters and I was immediately drawn into the story. I had to learn more about Lady Helen.

Helen is intriguing and enlightening character. I love her spirit, despite her overbearing uncle she is determined to make her own choices and remain free. Having reached the eighteen Helen is to presented to the Queen and announce her coming out in society. Fearful of her mother's shady reputation Helen is shocked when the queen gives her unsettling news about her late mother.

The writing was a pleasure to read. I loved every word and the intricate word building. All the characters had lovely personalities with flaws, development, and clear differences between them all. I cannot wait to start The Dark Days Pact.

Wings of Arian

Wings of Arian was not totally what I expected it to be. What drew me in was the lovely cover, minus the snake of course.

Kiora is the main character and I was a bit confused at the start as to what was going on with things. The story starts in the middle of Kiora's training so I was a bit lost as to what Kiora was doing at the start of the book. I did some growth with Kiora as she learned to embrace the magic in her and her job as The Solus. Having lived her live in a sheltered valley Kiora is not overly sure of her destiny but she knows she wants to do what is right for the people who look to her. 

Emane is the crowned prince and used to everyone falling all over themselves to grant him his every wish. His father takes pride in the fact that his family line has no magic. It is to Emane's horror and his fathers that Emane is destined to the be protector of the Solus. Going into combat for someone is not so bad but doing it for Kiora, a girl he cannot stand, is a true test. 

Kiora's and Emane's relation was a bit of a struggle to read at times. It felt like it changed around a lot and quickly. One moment they hated each other and the next they were hugging. It just felt a bit far fetched. I did see a few typos and a few words missing letters but it did not take away from the story. I personally met the author and she told me about the stories so I know this was her first book. I could tell it was a first attempt at writing but I was also able to see how the writing evolved over time and smoothed out. I hope to see further improvement in the rest of the series.

Dangerous

Dangerous was a random pick on my Nook. I have mixed feelings about the story, I did not overly love it but I was unable to stop reading.

Ria loves being a fire magic user and it is her first year at a prestigious magic school. Everything is going perfect for Ria including her super hot boyfriend who happens to be a water magic user until suddenly Ria starts losing control of herself as the first symptoms of magic disease start to appear in her life.

The love circle part is bugging me a lot. Ria is playing two boys and I do not like that at all. Her emotions change way too quickly for my taste and it seems a bit unbelievable at times. Other then that part I did enjoy the story and  I am curious to know more. I will get the second book eventually.

Echoes of Communism

Echos of Communism was a blind impulse buy, I saw the sticker that declared it was by a local author. I knew little of what the story was about when I started it but I was quickly hooked.

Ileana Johnson Paugh talks of her life growing up in Romania under socialism as she dreams of coming to the US and being free. The story is true and tells the truth about the failing attempts at socialism. I actually felt like Ileana was sitting in my living room talking to me for most of the book. The story read smoothly and was interesting. At times parts were repeated a bit too often for my liking but I do understand that Ileana was trying to make a point. Throughout the story Ileana is brutally honest and points out similarities she sees between the US and communism. In several ways the story was eye opening and other ways it just reaffirmed things I already believe. 

If you struggled to read about politics or the brutal truth of what is happening in the world Echoes of Communism most likely will upset you. If you are curious about how people living with socialism survive and some of the key signs of it Echos of Communism would be an interesting read.  

An Uexpected Wish

An Unexpected Wish was a free book for Barnes and Noble readouts. The cover was so cute I had to give it a try. Plus I love a good period romance.

Anne felt like a typical character, the oldest she was left to take care of her two younger sisters when her brother threw them out. Putting her hopes on her beautiful younger sister Anne works at setting up a match that will get them out of the poor house. In order to escape the stress of her life she walks the Fairy Steps and finally makes a local superstition come true, reaching the top without touching the sides. Unable to resist Anne makes a wish for a handsome and rich husband for herself. Feeling silly she starts to fall apart when the men in the town begin to court her unexpectedly.

I would have liked to see a bit more humor, moments felt repeated and overused at times. It was a cute idea just a bit too much filler in it for my taste personally. It did not hold my attention enough that I will pursue the stories about the younger sister's finding love. The intimate scenes were too much for my at times as well.

Harry Houdini Mysteries: The Dime Museum Murders

Harry Houdini Mysteries: The Dime Museum Murders was an impulse buy from the local bookstore that closed down.

The story is told completely from the point of view of Harry's brother Dash. Since no one is really aware of being an escape artist Harry works at a dime theater and is not the most popular act. Frustrated by his lack of success Harry is thrilled when the police summon him to help explain a locked room murder. Mistakenly confused as to thinking the police want help in solving the crime Harry eagerly rushes to scene only to learn he is wanted because his name sounds similar to a toy makers. Undeterred Harry decides to solve the mystery himself and unmake the murder.

Even though Dash was telling Harry's story Dash was my favorite character. He comes off as the more practical brother and his character was interesting. Having worked hard all his life to better himself Dash is extremely appreciative of his circumstances in life. All in all I enjoyed the story and I am grateful I bought the whole series on a whim.