A Vampire Named Allison by Nick Savage

Allison has been having a rough time. Many of her friends and family have been murdered, and her boyfriend Connor is being framed for the most recent murder. Connor has gone into hiding while he seeks to find a way to prove that he wasn’t guilty. It doesn’t help that Allison’s best friend Scarlet was among those killed, though in her case, it’s a bit more complicated than just her having been murdered And that is only some of what is happening in this book.

I read a review copy of this book and really enjoyed it. This is a complex fantasy series with what I feel is a rather unique approach to paranormal entities such as werewolves, vampires, and fairies. This book does deal with quite a few serious subjects, such as murder, loneliness, feelings of abandonment, depression, alcohol abuse, and suicide. So please be aware of them should such subjects be triggering for you.

There is a lot going on in this book, and while many of these themes are on the dark side, there are happy moments as well. Overall, I found the story to be entertaining, happy at some times, depressing at others, but there were good reasons behind everything that happens in this story, and I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in this series to see what will happen next.

This book did end on a rather upsetting cliffhanger, and we’ll unfortunately have to wait on the release of the next book before we learn the aftereffects and fallout from that character’s actions. Looking back, the signs for what takes place were there but it was so unexpected that I didn’t truly see the signs until the event took place. Unfortunately, I can’t go into any further detail about it without including some major spoilers. And as much as I want to talk about it, I do not want to give away anything important. I will say that if you are at all invested in these characters, the ending of this book is going to hit you where it hurts.

If you like complex fantasy novels that are loosely based on real world issues, stories about supernatural creatures, and books that are highly emotionally charged then you will want to read this book, especially if you have read the previous books in this series. If you have not yet read the previous books, I would strongly suggest that you read the previous books in this series first as you are likely to feel a bit lost and confused on a number of things if you haven't. 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.

"The West Haven Undead" by Nick Savage

This is the third book in the West Haven Undead series. And it does not disappoint. Another among their group has died, and the young group who have not been aware that Legends existed—let alone that they were Legends themselves —are all struggling with how to deal with their loss. But now they have someone and something else to focus on. There is a new drug on the streets that poses a great threat to their ability to remain hidden. And both the drug itself and the people behind it need to be dealt with.

I read the previous two books in this series and really enjoyed them. This story is one that draws the reader in and leaves you wanting to know more. I had a hard time putting it down to sleep at night. While it answered a lot of the questions I had after the end of the previous book, it left me with even more questions that I need answers for. I love the concept that this book is based on. The idea that Vampires, Werewolves, and others are not supernatural beings, but that they are simply people who have an autoimmune disease that causes them to sometimes appear as what people call Vampires, Werewolves, or others.

I do need to warn you that this book ends leaving you with a couple of very big questions that won't get answered until book 4 is released, which I believe will be in 2024. I know that I'll be waiting to find out what happens in that one, and if you've been enjoying this series so far, then I expect that you will enjoy this book and be waiting patiently with me for the next one too.

If you enjoy stories about Vampires, Werewolves, Fairies, and other unusual creatures, then you will enjoy this book. But I strongly recommend reading the first two in the series if you don't want to feel a bit lost.

This book may also be available through:

https://books2read.com/u/boXrVL

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 Never Mage" by Anjelina J Steffort

Sanja has been living in the care of the Fairy King. For all appearances, she is a prisoner, kept there as part of an agreement between the Fairy King and her unwanted husband. But while actually a prisoner in name only, life there is far from free, though she has family & friends that she is able to spend some time with, they are no safer than she is. And if most knew that she did not actually consider the King a threat to her safety, all those she considered friends would be put in danger from multiple sources. And While the King may be Sanja’s friend, there are few other fairies that the same could be said about. There is danger around them all, and only time will tell if a way can be found to keep them all safe from the dangers they currently face.

This was an interesting story. Sanja & Rogue are growing closer, but there are still many secrets that are slowly unfolding throughout this book. It kept me guessing as to what was really going on between them. There is a lot happening in this story, and though we learn much of it, this story is not over yet. And with the way this book ends, I am very interested in learning what will happen in the next book. I don't want to spoil the ending, but I will say that it has me really wondering how the characters are going to find their way out of the most recent problem they have managed to fall into, as it, once again, feels like an impossible situation to escape.

I received a review copy of this book, and really enjoyed reading it. Ms. Steffort has woven a complex story that draws the reader in. This book does have a couple of sexual scenes, but they are an important part of the story and are not something that could have been left out without changing the entire tone of the book. Also, there is some violence, but again, it was also necessary for the story. I feel that I should  also warn you that this book ends leaving the reader desperately wanting to know what happens next. I know I’ll be looking forward to seeing how the characters find their way out of this problem.

If you have enjoyed her other books, you won't want to miss this one. Recommended.

This book may also be found through the following:

https://books2read.com/u/mdqM95

Amazon requires that I post notice on my page that I have an Amazon Associates account. When you use the links provided on this page to take you directly to their page, if you then buy something, it allows me to potentially earn a few pennies from the sale. I chose to become an Amazon Associate so that I would have access to their links. I feel that it is a helpful thing to be able to link this page directly to the book you are reading a review about. But as of yet, I have never earned anything (in my 6 years of posting these reviews) from this service. 

"Double Double Royal Trouble" by Trixie Silvertale

After the witch who makes the cursed candies that trap magical creatures, causing them to remain bound to the Renaissance Faire is found dead, it seems that things are happening quite at a rapid pace and great changes are in store for everyone. Not only does this murder need to be solved, but there has been a dragon spotted flying at night, and no one knows who it is. Also, there is a possibility that the curse could actually be broken, which would allow everyone to stay or go if they chose. But not everyone is sure they want the curse to be ended. Many of them have been trapped in the Faire for centuries and no longer know how to survive outside of it. Could one of them be the murderer? And can the curse actually be broken or are they all doomed to remain trapped there forever?

I received a review copy of this book. It was the final book in this multi-author, combined-world series. And it was a fantastic way to end the series, though I personally would love to read about what some of the characters will do next. This book was fast paced and the type of book you just don't want to put down. I really enjoyed reading it, as well as all the previous books in the series. The characters have been fun to read about, and I am only sorry to see this series end, even knowing that it had to eventually.

If you've read the previous books, have visited a Renaissance Faire, or enjoy reading cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, then I believe you will enjoy this book. While I know that I’ve not said much about the story itself here, I am trying to be very careful about not giving away too much and spoiling the ending, which makes it very difficult to say much of anything that doesn’t include spoilers. The main character is Coriander, the recently crowned queen of the fairies, but all of the characters that I've come to love also play a large part in this story. And that only makes it even better. As I said above, it's a great ending to a very fun series.

This book may also be available through the following:

https://books2read.com/u/4DDq6Q

"So we Stay Hidden" by Nick Savage

Vampires, Werewolves, and more. In West Haven, it seems that they secretly live among the humans. But the reason behind why they keep their true natures hidden isn't because they are evil. In fact, other than having a medical condition that makes them what they are, most people don't know that they aren't human. And just like anyone else, their lives are just as difficult at times, with the same highs and lows as anyone else. They may be different, but they are not the monsters some think they are.

I am going to start off by recommending you begin this series with book 1, "Us of Legendary Gods" as I believe a new reader might feel a little lost if they don't. That said, this book was just as enthralling as the previous one. Someone is hunting the Legends, but why seems to be the question. 

If you enjoyed the first book in this series, you'll want to read this one. The twists and turns will keep you wanting to know more. Parts of this story are as heartbreaking as the previous book was. This one doesn't end on as much of a cliffhanger as the first book, but it will leave you wanting to read the next one. 

One thing hasn't seemed to change though, and that is that people, whether what one might consider "normal", human, or monster, really aren't all that different from each other. But more often than not, all most of them seem to see are the differences rather than the similarities.

If you like stories involving Vampires, Werewolves, or other beings, and that are as much about who they are as the story is about what they are, then give this series a try. I don't think you'll regret it.

This book may also be found through the following:

https://books2read.com/u/bwBBaZ

"The Wizard if Menace" by Erin Johnson

When a singer at the Faire is murder by Excalibur, the sword belonging to King Arthur, Laidey's cat familiar, Mort, is soon blamed for the murder, and if she can't find the actual killer, it's almost certain that he will be executed. And at the same time, it seems that if they can find a way to summon an unknown descendant of the person who had cast the curse that had doomed all of them to remain trapped in the Renaissance Faire, it may be possible to end the curse, freeing them all.

This was a fun cozy mystery. The link to the  Arthurian legend, made me smile. (I've always been partial to King Arthur stories.) There were several interesting twists along the way in this story that kept me trying to solve both the main part of the story, as well as the secondary story, both of which intertwined beautifully.

I received a review copy of this book and have enjoyed not only this one, but all of the previous books in this multi-author, shared-world series. If you have enjoyed any of the previous books in this series, enjoy cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, or Renaissance Faire themed tales, then you will enjoy this book. I'm looking forward to seeing if, in the next book, the residents of the Faire can break the curse and go their separate ways, or if they will remain trapped for the remainder of their days.

This book may also be available through the following:

https://books2read.com/u/b5wwXG

"The Triumph of the Fairy Queen" by Gemma Perfect

Elsie has again been captured and kidnapped by Hardy, the man who had sought to find a way to take her rightful place as the kingdom's ruler. Unfortunately, things hadn't gone as he’d planned, and now his intent remains unclear, as killing her will clearly not win him the crown. So what exactly is he planning on doing with her?

This was the third and final book in the Fairy Queen Trilogy, and in my opinion, the best of the three books. With all that Elsie had to face and overcome, I found myself in tears at several points. I also couldn't put this book down. It was a quick read, but a very good one. (There is a lot that I would like to say, but I’m afraid that it would spoil too much of the story for anyone who has not yet read it, and they deserve the chance to experience for themselves all the emotional ups and downs provided within this tale.)

This book and series is a great suggestion for anyone who enjoys young adult fantasy novels, with this one in particular for anyone who enjoys having their heartstrings tugged while reading.

"The Fall of the Fairy Queen" by Gemma Perfect

Elsie and the others have won their rebellion against the forces of her cruel step parents. They are no longer a threat and as the only living heir, she will be the queen. But it appears that the question now seems to be will she actually get to be the queen and ruler or will Hardy continue to win the hearts of the people and find a way to have them declare him their king instead. Elsie knows he has killed before, so the question in her mind is more about how long before he no longer needs her around and finds a way to have her killed without implicating himself in her murder.

This book begins exactly where the first book ends. And not needing the setup or explanations that are necessary in any first book of a series, the pacing of this story was much quicker, and there was much more action happening overall.

I definitely enjoyed this book. The story kept me hooked all the way to the end, and was difficult to put down at night. I believe that it will appeal to anyone who enjoys stories with a bit more emotional conflict than there was in the first book. Though like book 1, it will likely also appeal to those who enjoy reading tales involving fairies.  I am looking forward to seeing what happens in book 3.

"Rise of the Fairy Queen" by Gemma Perfect

On Elsie's 16th birthday, she is finally released from her captivity at the castle. She is being sent for a political marriage overseas to a prince she has never met. She has not been allowed outside of her room for years, and the only person she has in her life is her handmaid, Meg, who was locked up with her.

But on her way to meet her future husband, Elsie learns the truth about what has been happening within the kingdom at the hands of her step parents, and she realizes that her homeland & people need saving from the atrocities being enacted upon them. And so she returns to her homeland, determined to find a way to help free her people.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was very different from the other tales of fairies that I have read. At times, the main character seems a little too trusting of the new people she meets, but then I have to remember that she is still young herself, and very naive with regard to other people's motives and their selfish desires.  Without having had any sort of life experience, how is she supposed to react to people who appear to only want to help & keep telling her that she can trust them? Naturally she is going to want to trust the people who appear to be helping her.

I enjoyed the chance to see this innocent young girl find her way in the world, learning to defend herself, and growing into the queen she wants to become. I think this is a story that will be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys reading twisted fairy tales and other young adult fantasy stories.