Science Fiction Fantasy – Author Gail Marie

Book Review – Androne by Dwain Worrell

I enjoyed this post-apocalyptic, military fiction, science fiction fantasy, story from debut novelist, Dwain Worrell. He created a compelling mix of suspense and intriguing characters. The concept was well executed and even though the plot was repetitive in some instances, this novel kept me reading until the end. It took me a while to warm up to the MC, but the ending solidified his character. Even with the ending feeling a bit disjointed, I felt like we didn’t need both the prologue and the epilogue. I’m bummed I have to wait until April 2024 for book two. (4/5 rating)

Book Review – Dark of Winter (Wild Haven 1) by Lizzy Prince

Checked out with Kindle Unlimited in July 2022. I chose this urban fantasy based in Maine as my first series by Lizzy Prince. I’m grateful I gave this lower review count a try, because I fell in love with Prince’s writing style and the Fae story that gripped the area and characters. Each book in this series follows a different couple from the island. Miri Wild is the female main character who returns to her family’s ancestral home within Wild Haven. Davis is our male main character who grew up on the island. I enjoyed watching them find each other and fight off the incoming darkness together. I’m obsessively hooked so I’ll likely be adding many of her books to my permanent collection. (4/5 rating)

Book Review – Dragon Mage (Rivenworld 1) by M.L. Spencer

Checked out with Kindle Unlimited 10/28/2021 and on my TBR for almost a year. I’m grateful I finally got to this since this epic fantasy was an addicting read. This featured the always majestic Dragons, world ending magic systems, and the ultimate evil villain we all love to hate. Spencer’s writing style had me living in Rivenworld without seeing her words on the page. This story was equal parts heartbreaking and compelling. Of course, I had to add this to my permanent collection. (4/5 rating)

Book Review – The Dawnhounds (Haven Realm Chronicles 1) by Sascha Stronach

This was my first book by Sascha Stronach, and I received this copy for free for an honest review. This story follows Yat Jyn-Hok as she performs her duties of a local policeman. She has been demoted to the night shift for the knowledge that she is gay. After she is murdered by members of her own police force, her body is resurrected, and she must wade through the tangents of old ancient magic and new betrayals. This was a cerebral read with high tech magic machines, intricate magic system, and a twisted plot of corruption that not everyone will enjoy. It was fun to learn the world’s layered history and politics through Yat’s eyes. I liked her supporting characters and the pirate angle of the story. If you decide to give this a try, just be warned that it will require more mental effort than usual on your part. (3/5 rating)

Book Review – The Queen of Cursed Things (The Serpents and Kings Trilogy 1) by S.M. Gaither

This was my first novel by S.M. Gaither, so I checked it out with my kindle membership first. Our female MC is Alaya, is a descendant of a banished serpent clan and born with the ability to wake them up. Our male MC, the Prince of a monstrous king who wants him dead, will do anything to gain power to stop his father. Together they plan to bring peace to the realm. The premise of this story is well executed with trust and betrayal, leaving Alaya unsure of who to believe wants to help her cause for peace. Gaither weaves an intimate web of deceit around the cast of characters that come together to save their world. I was intrigued by this world and their magic, and I am certainly invested enough to continue with this trilogy. (3/5 rating)

Book Review – Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher

This most recent release of Kingfisher’s is centered around our heroine and Princess and waiting, Marra. Her older sister is wed to an abusive Prince to secure the future of the Kingdom. When Marra discovers that her parents knew of his dangerous behavior and imply that she will take her place if her sister dies, she decides to save herself. Paired with a fairy godmother, and ex-warrior, a dog of bones, and a dust witch, they set out to save her sister and the Kingdom from a tyrant.
I am always surprised and how well Kingfisher can weave a story, even when it’s barely 250 pages. This stand alone is buried under a dark and succulent atmosphere that creates its own kind of fairy tale story. I loved watching Marra refuse to exist where everyone expected her to and choosing her own fate regardless of the cost. Few of us are brave enough to do that. I know I’m not the only one who would love to see a sequel for this in the future. (4/5 rating)