The Deadly Veil by Nelson Mckeeby

Princess Nazira is meant to rule the country with her husband after they have an heir. But her family has been conspiring her whole life to keep her from what is rightfully hers, and she knows that once her child is born, unless she has succeeded in maneuvering enough of the pieces in this game of politics in her favor, she will be killed and her father will continue as the Dominar, denying her child their rights. Things appear to be stacked against her in this game of political intrigue, but if she plays the game right, she may yet manage to survive and see herself on her rightful throne.

I received a review copy of this book and enjoyed reading it. This book is a sequel to On other Shores, and while the first book told the story of her husband, this book is her story. She begins as a young girl, who is too soon forced to grow up if she intends to survive this political landscape and have the life she both wants and deserves. She must learn the game of politics and finding allies quickly, or else will soon find herself dead once her child is born.

I enjoyed seeing her grow and learn. She is a strong, independent character in a world where it was intended to be nothing more than a means to an end. Instead, she is attempting to change the game in her favor. And watching her try to outsmart those who have been at the same game far longer was quite interesting. I think anyone who enjoys stories with strong female characters, foreign cultures and religions, as well as fantasy political intrigue will enjoy reading this book.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

Nobody is Safe by October Kane

In the town of Quill Point, a Rot God has begun to be woken by the town’s mayor, who is seeking ultimate power for himself. Beyond the town, the effects of this emergence is being felt around the world as people fall victim to the helpless feeling it spreads. But there are a few who refuse to give up, seeking to help others and to both find and save their loved ones who are trapped within Quill Point, being tortured and killed by the monsters who have taken control.

I read a review copy of this book, and it is every bit as creepy and dark as the previous two books were, but in this one, we begin to see a tiny sliver of hope at times, showing that just maybe, not all is lost or without hope. Yes, there are monsters and evil god-like beings who can’t seem to be hurt, but is that really all there is to the world any longer? Many seem to have given in to despair and are simply seeking to stay alive as long as possible, but not everyone believes this. The question remains, though, how do you fight against a supernatural force that can create hellscapes while forcing everyone to labor in them, completely believing the reality that is being presented to them by the monsters? 

This book, like the previous ones in the series, I would describe as a cross between Steven King and the Twilight Zone. It is extremely creepy and disturbing. And be warned, there is also a great deal of violence and gore in this book as well as in the series. (As is true of most horror novels.) There is also a psychological aspect of the horror the monsters in this book use against humanity, playing on the known fears and tropes that we are all familiar with, especially when it comes to the different aspects of said monsters. I found the realization of these differing monster tropes quite revealing about what each monster’s domains and potential downfalls might come into play later on in the series, and am looking forward to discovering if I am at all right about what I suspect will be coming in future books. Only time will tell if I am correct in what I think might happen or if the author surprises me by taking the story in a completely different direction.

I believe anyone who enjoys horror novels, scary and creepy stories, especially ones with a psychological aspect should enjoy this novel. I would, however, suggest that if you have not yet read the first two books in the series, that you read those before starting this one so that you won't miss out on any of what has led up to this point. I will definitely be watching for the next book to be released, as I have been enjoying reading this series so far.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

The Person who Hated People by Steven Paul Leiva

C.D. Beekman is a University History Professor. He has written a number of books and knows a great deal about history. It is his passion, and something he is very opinionated about. He has a rather blunt personality and says what he thinks on any subject, and he values intelligence and learning above almost everything else. Most people do not appreciate his demeanor, but when he meets, falls in love with, and marries Trudee, she slowly helps him to find ways to better tolerate those who annoy him or who grate upon his nerves. And though he may not feel that he has changed, many of those around him marvel at the fact that she has found a way to turn him into someone at least a bit more considerate others' feelings. When Trudee lies dying, he promises her that he will try to be nicer, even to those he considers fools or idiots. And along the way, he becomes known as “Mr. Nice Guy,” even though he still considers himself someone who hates people.

I received and read a review copy of this book. And as with Mr. Leiva’s other books, I needed to think about this one for a while before I was able to understand what I believe was actually happening in this story. From my perspective, I suspect that C.D. is on the autism spectrum, as some of those I know who are autistic do not always understand that those they are speaking with see their responses as somewhat blunt and uncaring. Others may not realize that they are not trying to offend, they are merely stating the facts of a matter as they see them. It is this type of behavior that leads me to believe that C.D. Beekman may have been on the autism spectrum, even if he and those around him may not have ever known it. (Those who are autistic can still be highly intelligent, and if they have never been tested for autism by a professional, it isn't always obvious that they are actually autistic.)

On his own, C.D. was not a social being, preferring to spend his time alone in a library researching for historical books he was writing, but he loved his wife (who was a very social person who enjoyed being around a variety of people) and thus he also spent more time around others. And it appears he learned from her how to allow others to see the side of him that she saw, the kind and generous man. The man who cared. And while on some level he may have only actually cared about others because his wife did, he wanted to keep her happy, even after she died. And so, he did his best to be the kind, friendly, nice guy that she had helped him to present to the world around him.

I don’t believe that he ever actually hated all people. I believe that he did not truly understand people, and they did not truly understand them. And that was why he usually came across as a grumpy, unfriendly individual. He always did care about some of those around him, but not everyone knew how to bring that side of his personality to the surface where everyone could see it. And while he often claimed he hated people, I believe it was more frustration and a lack of understanding than hate.

When he became known as Mr. Nice Guy, he had never truly changed who he was, but those around him instead looked at him from a different perspective than they may have before. And while, yes, some of it was due to his trying to follow Trudee’s dying wish, I think that on some level, she wanted him to see the world and those around him the way she did. Many things can appear completely different when looked at from a new point of view

And that only really explains the first part of the book. After that, there are quite a few twists and surprises in the story. And once you get to the end, you will likely be just as amused by the events that followed his becoming “Mr. Nice Guy” as I was. Especially when you see how the story ends. (Hint: I certainly didn’t see the ending coming. It was a complete surprise to me.) 

I truly enjoyed reading this book. Mr. Leiva’s books always show a unique view of people and the world that I don’t often get to see. His books truly make me stop and think about what he is trying to say before I am able to describe any of them to others. You might find different messages within his books than I did, but I think that is one of the things that makes his stories so enjoyable. The message within the story does not necessarily jump right out at the reader, but it sticks with them long after you finish the book. And the more you consider the story, the more you discover hidden within it. Highly Recommended.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

Poison or Protect Written by Gail Carriger Narrated by Suzanne Lavington

Lady Preshea Villentia is an Assassin who was trained at an unuual finishing school that no longer exists. (If you’ve read some of Ms. Carriger’s other series, you’ll know what I’m referring to here.) And she has one last assignment to complete before she will be released from her indenture. After that, her future and any assignments she takes on will be of her own choosing. But before that can happen, she must complete this one. It seems an easy enough assignment, though this one does not involve any killing. But what happens when she meets a Scotsman during this assignment who both sparks her interest and causes her to fear the desire she begins to feel for him.

I listened to the audiobook version of this novella while I was working in my garden and enjoyed it. Having read several other books in this universe, I was already familiar with many of the characters mentioned in this story, and knew the background behind how Preshea had been trained. The character voices were well done and easily distinguished from every other character in this audiobook, I enjoyed listening to the story as I worked in my garden.

I do need to warn you that this story involves some sexual encounters, and thus may not be the most appropriate of books for younger readers. It does involve both men and women as well as women who prefer the company of other women. So you will have to decide if you feel this book is right for you. While not extremely graphic, there are a few scenes that may not be appropriate for younger readers/listeners..

I enjoyed seeing the main character, who had a very colorful background story, begin to discover that not all men were only interested in their own desires, and that some men actually cared whether or not their partner was enjoying their time together as much as they were. This book was set during a time period where women were often married off by arrangement rather than for love. Actual love was something she, and many other women were not fortunate enough to find. It was simply not a consideration when it came to arranged marriages.

If you have read (or listened to) any of the other books set within the Parasol Protectorate universe, then you will enjoy this book. I would also recommend it to anyone who enjoys steampunk romances with more than a little bit of a “spicy” nature to them.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

Realm of Crows by Angelina J Steffort

Ayna has escaped from the traitor crow and the king who have been trying to claim her for themselves and found her way back to her mate, friends, and family. They have allies to help defeat their enemies, but will it be enough? Can they actually succeed against the drug that even the slightest contact with will temporarily remove their magic abilities? Are there enough people willing to fight with or for her? Or will Ephegos manage to kill Myron, fulfilling the bargain he made with the Crow God, Shelak, to force Anya to become his mate instead of Myron’s. With more hidden traitors surrounding them, is there truly hope for their success, and will they be able to find a new home and create a kingdom for the surviving Crow Fairies and any who would choose to join them?

I received and read a review copy of this book, and wow, it does not disappoint. This book will take you through the full range of emotions, from joy and hope to despair then back again multiple times. This book made me both tear up and smile at different times. It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I do not want to give anything away to those who have not either read this book or the earlier books in the series, but I will say that if you have read any of Ms. Steffort’s other books, you will want to read both this book and the previous ones in the series. (I would recommend reading them in order if you don’t want to be lost, however.) It is the perfect ending for this series, as well as a potential starting point for a new one (though that last is only my opinion, as I have no idea whether or not the author will decide to write more about any of the characters who were in this book or not, but I hope that she will.)

Anyone who has read any of Ms. Steffort’s other books, whether from this series or her other series’ will enjoy this book. Anyone who enjoys stories about different types of fae, and their interactions with humans, those who enjoy a romantic fantasy series that takes you through the entire range of emotions, as well as those who enjoy stories about magical creatures, a war that includes their gods, or just a well written fantasy novel will likely enjoy this book. Recommended.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

On Other Shoresby Nelson Mckeeby

Javier al-Rasheed is a sailor who secretly married the Princess, which has her father understandably very upset. With his wife's help, Javier manages to escape being killed by her father and becomes the captain of the tea merchant ship Remarker. He and his wife have a plan that will (hopefully) end with his returning home to free her from being under her father’s control. As the mother of the heir, she is meant to rule the land with her husband. But will either of them survive long enough to allow that to happen when it is clear that her father does not wish to give up his power as the country's ruler?

I read a review copy of this story and enjoyed it. The adventures of Javier and his crew as they travel around the ocean include trading to earn a profit as tea merchants and rescuing stranded sailors as well as others from natural disasters. I enjoyed reading the stories of everyone they encountered along the way. It gave a very unique view into the lives of the people living on the various islands in the Halo. The life of a sailor isn’t easy in this world, but it is a necessity if one wishes goods from islands other than your own. So, many men and women from all social statuses and from all lands often decide to choose a life as a sailor. Each of them has a unique story to tell, and many of them are shared in this book.

The most interesting one seems to be the one that we learn during the course of the book about Captain Javier’s history. We are given hints and clues about him and his main companion, known as Devious. The two have been together for many years, but there is a big twist at the end involving them both that may leave you stunned. It is certainly one that took me somewhat by surprise. But if you want to know what that twist is, you’ll have to read the book, as telling you anything more about it would spoil the ending. I am looking forward to learning what will happen in book two of this series.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.

Scripts and Empty Crypts by Trixie Silvertale

Ghostma has sold the movie rights to Mitzy’s story and they intend to film the show using the actual bookstore. The problem being that Ghostma signed the contracts in Mitzy’s name without telling her about it, and now they have no choice but to allow the filmcrew to film inside of the building, despite there being sections of the bookstore that the general public aren’t allowed to know about. In the midst of this, the election is nearing that will either return Erick Harper to the position  of Sheriff or allow Paulson to continue on, doing things her way while resenting any help offered from Harper-Moon investigations. And to top things off, you guessed it, there is a murder involving the movie crew.

I received and read a review copy of this novel. And as you might expect, I enjoyed it, just as I have the previous ones in this series. There are quite a few twists and turns involved in this cozy mystery that will keep you guessing all the way until the end. This book has the vibrant characters that we have come to love from the Mitzy Moon Cozy Mysteries and the Harper-Moon series. It is every bit as entertaining as the previous books, and while it is a quick read, it is a very fun one as well. I know that I enjoyed it a great deal.

This book ends with a twist that can be pretty easily anticipated if you're a regular reader of any of the Mitzy Moon and Erick Harper books, but that will affect this series as it goes forward, And I for one, can’t wait to see what will come next. (I really don’t want to spoil the ending for you, so if you want to know what I’m referring to, you’ll just have to read the book yourself.)

I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys reading Cozy Mysteries, Paranormal Cozy Mysteries, or who has enjoyed any of the other books involving Mitzy Moon, Erick Harper, and Ghostma. You won’t be disappointed.

Amazon requires me to state that I have an Amazon Associates account that I use to generate the links to the books on their website. Purchasing something after following those links will earn a few pennies for me off the sale, though as of yet I have not earned anything from my Amazon Associate links.