Book Review: The Miracle Prince - The Raven's Veil by William Edmonds

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Miracle Prince

Subtitle: The Raven's Veil

Author: William Edmonds

Genre: Science Fiction/Children’s Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes

Available: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09685SLPF

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This is the second book where we follow Alaric and his friends. Again, there are surprises abound and lots of action and suspense. When Alaric, Lucy and Laurence visited The Giant’s Causeway in the first book, they caused the Raven’s Veil to tear. Now Alaric can hear his father speak to him. What dangers and surprises lie in wait for the friends in this book?

What I liked about the book:

The book was fast-paced and action-packed.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book I’ve read by this author and it follows on from the first in the series well.

What books could this be compared to and why?

Although this book has elements of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, it is not quite in the same category. It’s a good book, though, and enjoyable enough.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	Yes
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Alaric Swift has been hearing strange voices all summer. But this is just the start.

As Alaric starts his second year at Oakwood School for Nephilim, tensions rise on Harramore, and a mysterious sickness spreads around campus. Gnomes, cyclops, students—no one is safe. Then, delving deeper, Alaric and his friends discover this may not be a disease at all, but something far more dangerous.

Now, Alaric must again embark on a perilous adventure to save Harramore from the clutches of evil. And as dark secrets are revealed about the island, he and his friends will need their powers more than ever. Because should they fail, they may just lose themselves.

‘The Raven’s Veil’ is the gripping second instalment of The Miracle Prince series, which fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson are bound to love.

About the Author:

 

Book Review: The Miracle Prince: The Power of the Pearl by William Edmonds

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Miracle Prince

Subtitle: The Power of the Pearl

Author: William Edmonds

Genre: Science Fiction/Children’s Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56593794-the-miracle-prince

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This is a nice book for older children and teenagers. In places, it is reminiscent of Harry Potter and the author seems to have borrowed a few ideas from those books.

Meet Alaric, a boy who is moved from foster home to foster home by his social worker Mr Solomon. But all is not as it seems and accidents make it necessary for Alaric to move to the next home.

His last foster carers pose an unexpected challenge and soon Alaric finds himself discovering who and what he is slowly.

What I liked about the book:

The book was fast-paced and action-packed.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The book was enjoyable in its entirety.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and I understand the next in the series will soon be released.

What books could this be compared to and why?

Although this book has elements of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, it is not quite in the same category. It’s a good book, though, and enjoyable enough

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	Yes
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like books like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Three teenagers accused of stealing the world’s most valuable object.

A real thief with dangerous intentions.

Can they stop the thief and save the world before it’s too late?

 

An absolute must-read for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson!

 

Thirteen-year-old Alaric Swift lives a tough, lonely life. He’s never known his parents, nor had any friends.

However, everything changes after his adoptive parents attempt to eat him, and he’s taken to live on the magical island of Harramore. The reason? Alaric is the son of the most powerful being to have ever existed—the King Guardian, Rei.

So begins a magical adventure as Alaric learns to master hidden extraordinary powers, meets creatures beyond his imagination, and gets caught up in a plot to steal the world’s most dangerous object, the Golden Pearl.

The Power of the Pearl is a captivating opening to the Miracle Prince series and a page-turning debut.

"Edmonds mixes dark fantasy with a coming-of-age tale that is sure to excite young readers. His intelligent writing style and creative world-building make for a fantastic story...perfect for ages eleven through fourteen, but great for older teens, too." - Reedsy Discovery

 

★★★★★ "William Edmonds’ novel, The Miracle Prince: The Power of the Pearl, will have Harry Potter fans and those who love C.S. Lewis’ adventures in Narnia enraptured from beginning to end. The author has developed a compelling plot that grips the reader from the very start." - Readers' Favorite.

About the Author:

 

Book Review: Old Baggage by Toni Kief

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Old Baggage

Subtitle:

Author: Toni Kief

Genre: Adult Fiction

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29440173-old-baggage

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This is a very believable book and the author appears to have done her research.

Meet Libby (Elizabeth), a sixty-five year old woman, who finally takes control of her own life. She has lived with her abusive and alcoholic husband her entire adult life and has planned her escape for most of that time. All through her adult life she has saved her money and stacked the evidence in a trusty old pink suitcase.

When she finally makes her escape she goes through all the insecurities, scares and tries to build a new life for herself. Will she be successful or will her husband find her and drag her back?

What I liked about the book:

The book was very believable and I believe many women who have a history of domestic abuse will be able to relate to Libby on many levels.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

When Libby continues to fight her insecurities.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book I’ve read by this author but I believe she has written lots of other books too.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book tackles the important issue of domestic abuse and offers hope for a way out. It’s never too late to try. I have not read any book like this before.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like stories about emotive issues that feel like they are based in reality, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

It took most of her life, but Elizabeth Donovan has finally had enough. Years of a difficult marriage, she has finally fought back. She had no choice but to leave the life behind and face the secret from her youth. The old life doesn’t want to let go, as she stumbles into the mystery that involves her deeper than she ever could imagine. Old Baggage is the overdue coming of age for a woman learning to stand on her own.

About the Author:

Toni Kief, a small town Midwestern nomad from a family of high spirits and laughter. Presently in the Northwest, she plans to stay for the view, trees and friends. Her life story includes years in Insurance as an adjuster in Florida and Washington state. A longtime civil rights activist, she shares stories about lunches with politicians, leaders, and artists. Toni’s defines her genre as OA –older adult. She continues to gathers stories prime for embellishment in unlikely situations. Toni is one of the founding directors of The Writers Cooperative of the Pacific Northwest. Sharing more information and short stories at www.tonikief.com.

Book Review: Confronting Fate by Zana Wilder

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Confronting Fate

Subtitle: (Wolves of Fenrir Watch, prequel)

Author: Zana Wilder

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 0

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58300834-confronting-fate

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Tavey and Liz aren’t looking for love or a partner. Liz is only interested in one-night stands. Both are shifters and at first glance incompatible. Will they fight their attraction and will Tavey concentrate on his role within the pack?

What I liked about the book:

It was fast-paced and difficult to put down.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

When Tavey shows his sensitive side.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book in the series. I couldn’t wait to get the prequel to this book too and this should possible be read prior to the first in the series. I can’t wait to read the next in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book compares to some of the other shifter romances I’ve read but is good quality.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe if 18+
Adult	Yes

 

If you like stories about shifters, witches and vampires with some steamy scenes, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

A stand-alone short novella in The Wolves of Fenrir Watch Series, Confronting Fate is the perfect short prequel to Luna Ascending.

 

How can an intelligent, kind and compassionate beta wolf like Tavey fall for a manipulative, cold cougar? Will she break him with her antics or will he find what he's looking for - something more than a blond bimbo with eyes for any man?

 

Contains mature content and is recommended for 18+ due to explicit language and sex scenes. Please be aware some readers may find triggering - makes reference to rape although does not occur, nor is it described in the book.

About the Author:

Zana Wilder is a part time author with a full time life and loves every moment of her writing. Specialising in romance with a paranormal twist Zana enjoys surprising her readers at every turn.

Book Review: Luna Ascending by Zana Wilder

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Luna Ascending

Subtitle:

Author: (Wolves of Fenrir Watch, #1)

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series? Possibly best read after the prequel.

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58077490-luna-ascending

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

This is an entertaining and fast-paced read. Freya doesn’t appear to be anything special. Still, she captivates the attention of the heir of the most powerful shifter’s community. She has escaped the abusive home she grew up in and now likes her quiet life. But what surprises lie in wait for her and how will they change her?

What I liked about the book:

It was fast-paced and difficult to put down.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

When Freya discovers things about herself she never knew and how she deals with the new-found knowledge.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book in the series. I couldn’t wait to get the prequel to this book too and this should possible be read prior to the first in the series. I can’t wait to read the next in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book compares to some of the other shifter romances I’ve read but is good quality.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe if 18+
Adult	Yes

 

If you like stories about shifters, witches and vampires with some steamy scenes, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Human, Witch, Shifter, or Hybrid

 

Who will come out on top?

 

Freya's life is bland, mundane, just how she likes it... until two men walk into it and refuse to leave.

Two very different men who both inhabit very different, sinister worlds, and who both want her; her body and her mind. She has to choose – the elegantly charming aristocrat with a shady family and an unhealthy obsession for her, or the dangerously rugged man who claimed she was his, and now hates her more than his worst enemy.

 

Aaron is the alpha-heir to the most ruthless wolf-shifter pack in the country. His pack needs him to take a Luna and take control. He needs a Luna, and fast. Since he believes fated-mates are a thing of myth he has no problem with an arranged marriage. So he's unprepared for a mere human to waltz in and disrupt his precious plans by making him fall for her. However, once he's sure she's his absolutely nothing, not even her betrothed, will stop him from taking her.

 

Contains mature content and is recommended for 18+ due to explicit language and sex scenes.

About the Author:

Zana Wilder is a part time author with a full time life and loves every moment of her writing. Specialising in romance with a paranormal twist Zana enjoys surprising her readers at every turn.

Book Review: A Trunk Full of Tales by Elizabeth Grimes Brown

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: A Trunk full of Tales

Subtitle:

Author: Elizabeth Grimes Brown

Genre: Short stories

Part of a series?

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33655928-a-trunk-full-of-tales

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

A collection of amazing and entertaining short stories. A wide range of different genres, there certainly is something for everyone. I loved them all.

What I liked about the book:

A wide range of short stories that made you want to keep turning the pages.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The wide range of different stories, all entertaining.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This author has written several other books and the ones I’ve read so far have made me a fan.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a great collection of short stories.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Possibly
Adult	Yes

 

If you like short stories that tell a complete story, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

A collection of stories ranging in length and genre, but each with a tale to tell.

'An American Drive' - A romantic journey cut short.

'The Escape' - Does the bright light spell safety or danger?

'Time Slip' - Trapped by a change in time.

'Mind Games' - A cruel trick of nature.

'The Premonition' - Can a horoscope predict the future?

'Eavesdropping' - Overheard on the bus 'I found a body on the road'

'Life in a Bottom Drawer' - Life-story of previous residents revealed through items found in a chest of drawers.

'Doppelganger' - Identity theft not always good face value.

'Is the grass greener?' - Should she be happy with what she's got, or pursue her colleague's dream?

'The Runaway' - Appearances can be deceiving, just like the defiant runaway, Katy.

About the Author:

Born into a small parish in the Dock Road area of Liverpool in 1941 at the height of the ‘big blitz’ I, like many children born around that time, learned to make our own fun through escapism. Pretending or story-telling became part of our daily lives.

 

After being employed in some menial jobs, and while raising my family and working for 23 years as a bank clerk, I was always keen on being creative, be it dressmaking, decorating or art. There were a few successes along the way: I won a home make-over competition in a national newspaper in the year 2,000. A piece of my art was hung in the local library as part of an exhibition, and to add to my repertoire, at the grand age of fifty, I achieved my bronze, silver and gold in tap-dancing, ta-da!

 

It was only on retiring that I decided to enroll in a creative writing course. After 2 years and a grade 1 and 2 accredited by Lancaster University, I applied and gained entry to a BA Creative Writing degree at Edge Hill University. Unfortunately, due to home and family commitments, this exercise was cut short.

 

I have been treasurer of our local Writers’ Group for many years and have gained knowledge, experience and confidence through public readings. I have had some success with acceptance for Puffin books and short stories in a couple of anthologies, and while taking part in a letter-writing venture for the ‘Liverpool Sea Odyssey’ to commemorate the centenary of the sinking of the Titanic, my two letters were among the hundred selected to be fired from a cannon at the culmination of the event.

 

I have three novels and a book of short stories published with FeadAread.com, and in addition to the paperback version, I now have all of my work available on Amazon Kindle.

 

You can follow me on my Elizabeth Grimes Brown Author page on Facebook or elizabeth0141@twitter.com

Book Review: The Escape by Matthew Slater

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Escape

Subtitle:

Author: Matthew Slater

Genre: Crime/Thriller

Part of a series?

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56850032-the-escape

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Meet Bryan Wattson, criminal kingpin. He thought he had it all. That is, until he is convinced by his business partner to take part in a drug deal. One that has been orchestrated by his partner as an act of betrayal. During the deal, he is shot and left for dead by his partner. Following his arrest, he is given a 30-year sentence. All he wants is revenge on his old partner.

When he is broken out of jail 10 years after his incarceration, he is finally free to take his revenge. But, will this take his freedom or even his life?

What I liked about the book:

The book was action-packed and I couldn’t put it down.

What I didn’t like about the book:

Somehow I wondered how it could be that there wasn’t a massive search for Bryan. His escape appeared a little too easy.

My favourite bits in the book:

The unexpected twists and turns.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

I understand this is the first book by this author.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a great thriller.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Possibly
Adult	Yes

 

If you like crime and action, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

A drug deal, a betrayal, and a monumentous fall from grace.

 

As criminal kingpin of Sovereign City, Bryan Wattson has everything: money, power, and the sense of invincibility that goes with it. But after a botched drug deal leaves him betrayed by his former business partner, shot and left for dead, Bryan is sentenced to thirty years in prison, After breaking out ten years later, Bryan learns the hard way exactly how enormous square one really is. With this second chance, Bryan has only one thing on his mind: getting revenge on the man who betrayed him.

About the Author:

Book Review: Twisted Obsession by Lucy Appaddoo

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Twisted Obsession

Subtitle: (Friends In Crisis Book 2)

Author: Lucy Appadoo

Genre: Crime/Thriller/Suspense

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Can be read as stand-alone

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54677488-twisted-obsession

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

I read this series out of the usual order as I read the third book first. Fortunately, this series allows you to do so as the books are stand-alone within the series. The earlier books are, however, referenced within the next ones, so I benefitted from reading the first book before this one.

In this book, we meet Liz, a young social worker. Although she had a great upbringing, she ended up in an abusive relationship ten years earlier. Now, her abuser is set free from prison. Who is stalking Liz? Is it her previous boyfriend or someone else? Will the stalker get to her?

What I liked about the book:

The book was action-packed and I couldn’t put it down.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The unexpected twists and turns.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book in the Friends in Crisis series. Although I read the third book before the first and second, I couldn’t stop myself from returning to the third again after and re-reading it again. It was as good the second time around as the first.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a great thriller with romance mixed in. It’s not quite in the same league as the Karen Rose books, but it isn’t far off.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Possibly
Adult	Yes

 

If you like suspense, crime and romance, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Will a twisted obsession from the past smother the flames of new love before it starts?

 

Liz Randiza, a dedicated social worker, has hardly recovered from an abusive relationship when she meets Matthew, the handsome brother of her client. While all her instincts tell her to stay away from him, there’s something in Matthew she just can’t resist, and she falls for him. A mistake she will soon regret.

 

The real nightmare begins when Liz’s ex-boyfriend is released from prison and the unresolved issues in their relationship begin haunting her. She is pulled deep into a web of terror and anxiety. Soon, her worst nightmare becomes reality and everyone in her inner circle, including Matthew, may be in danger. People around her begin dying, and Liz realises that she and Matthew will be next.

 

Twisted Obsession is the story of a helper who becomes a victim. It’s the story of a past that never leaves you alone. And the only question remains is whether Liz and Matthew live long enough to get their happy ending.

About the Author:

Lucy is an author of romantic suspense, historical fiction/coming of age, short story thrillers, and non-fiction books. She is also a Registered Counsellor/Wellness Coach, and works as a Rehabilitation Counsellor for the Australian Government.

 

Lucy enjoys reading romantic suspense, romance, thrillers, crime novels, family/historical drama, and sagas. She has enjoyed travelling to exotic places such as Madrid, Mauritius, and Italy, and draws on these experiences in her creative writing.

 

Lucy’s favourite authors include Kendra Elliot, Christiane Heggan, Theresa Ragan, Tara Moss, Nicholas Sparks, Adriana Trigiani, Erica Spindler, and James Patterson (to name a few).

 

Lucy’s interests include meditation, exercising, journal writing, reading fiction and nonfiction texts about writing, coaching, and counselling, ongoing professional development, spending time with her husband and two daughters, and socialising with friends and family.

 

Check out more about Lucy at her website: www.lucyappadooauthor.com.au

 

If interested in her holistic health and well-being blog, coaching services, and non-fiction books, check out her website: www.holisticallylucy.com