Week 51 Reviews: Blades of Magic, Blades of Illusion

From Goodreads:
It is not a peaceful time in the Algardis Empire. War is raging between the mages and seventeen-year-old Sara Fairchild will be right in the middle of it.

She just doesn't know it yet.

Sara is the daughter of a disgraced imperial commander, executed for desertion. Sara is also the best duelist and hand-to-hand combatant in Sandrin. She lives quietly with her family's shame but when challenged about her family's honor, her opponent inevitably loses.

On the night she finds out her father's true last actions, she takes the Mercenary Guilds' vows to serve in the emperor's army. Using her quick wits and fierce fighting skills, she earns a spot in the first division. 

There she discovers secrets the mages on both sides would prefer stay hidden. Dark enemies hunt her and soon it's not just Sara questioning the motivation behind this war.

While fighting mages, blackmailing merchants and discovering new friends, Sara comes across something she's never had before - passion. The question is - can she fight for her empress against a mage who might unwittingly claim her heart?

This is year one of the Initiate Wars. Sara is hoping it doesn't become the year she dies. 

From Goodreads:
Sara Fairchild, duelist and combatant, is out for vengeance. Her father was betrayed. Her mother is dead. All she has left is her desire for revenge and a quest for answers.

Now a member of the Mercenary Guilds' elite guard, she fights on the front lines of her empire's first civil war. But Sara’s priority isn't winning the war for the crown or empire. It's finding out the true circumstances of her family's downfall while keeping one mild-mannered scholar alive.

As emotionally detached as she is from everyone around her, Sara can't seem to shake the stubborn affection of her one friend. When she stumbles upon the secrets of the leadership of the Empress's highest command in the field, Sara will be forced to decide how deep her loyalty is to the crown…before they kill her off and everyone else standing in their way.


Secrets aside everyday on the warfront is a life under threat from the ultimate enemy and yet as Sara quickly finds out, darkness resides on both sides of the war lines.

My Review:
Oh, it was so great to read these books! While I desperately want the last book in the Courtlight series, it was so great to be introduced to Sara and her world! She's a warrior, and her family's been beaten down, but they're not out yet! Very different from Ciardis!

Sara was pretty bad ass, she's been training as a warrior for basically her whole life. And then tragedy strikes and her father is killed as a traitor and Sara's life is turned upside down, though this book starts after the fact.

She has a justifiable anger towards the world, and it fuels her. Her journey is in no way easy, and it's just beginning-at first, survival. And then her mom is killed and then it's justice/revenge. It wasn't easy to read because it was hard for Sara, but it just pulled me in to read!

The beginning of Illusion, I was right there with Sara, of the unfairness of what had happened. Given her mission, it would've been better to let that simmer below the surface, especially since it weakened her position. But yeah, Sara has integrity like that!

Loved these books, and I can't wait to see where Sara's journey will take her next!

Author: Terah Edun
Series: Crown Service #1, 2, Algardis Universe #1, 2
Read: December 18th, 18th, 2017
Source: Ebook.bike, Author for Review
Reason Why: Love her books, and they're Historical Fiction 2017 Books and a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2017 Books!
Publisher: Terah Edun
Published: March 31st 2014, December 17th 2017

Blades of Magic:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Blades of Illusion:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Week 46 Reviews: Born of Illusion, Born of Corruption, Born of Deception

From Goodreads:
Anna Van Housen has a secret. 

A gifted illusionist, Anna assists her mother, the renowned medium Marguerite Van Housen, in her stage show and séances, easily navigating the underground world of magicians, mediums, and mentalists in 1920's New York. As the illegitimate daughter of Harry Houdini—or so Marguerite claims—sleight of hand illusions have never been a challenge for Anna. The real trick is keeping her own gifts secret from her opportunistic mother. Because while Marguerite's own powers may be a sham, Anna possesses a true ability to sense people's feelings and foretell the future.

But as Anna's powers intensify, she begins to experience frightening visions of her mother in peril, which leads her to explore the powers she's tried so long to hide. And when a mysterious young man named Cole moves into the flat downstairs, introducing Anna to a secret society that studies people with gifts like hers, she is forced to confront her past and rethink everything she's ever known. Is her mother truly in danger, or are Anna's visions merely illusion? And could the great Houdini really be her father, or is it just another of Marguerite's tricks?

From Teri Brown comes a world bursting with magic, with romance, and the temptations of Jazz Age New York—and the story of a girl about to become the mistress of her own destiny.

From Goodreads:
Returning to the atmospheric and mysterious Jazz Age world of Born of Illusion, Teri Brown's Born of Corruption is a 64-page companion digital novella about what happens when New York City's most notorious socialites, mobsters, and bootleggers get together for a larger-than-life scavenger hunt . . . and someone gets killed.

Cynthia Gaylord, a vivacious blonde flapper and the niece of one of the most infamous mob bosses in New York City, loves scavenger hunts, and the one she's putting together for her best friend Anna's going-away party is going to be the swankiest one ever. But then, Anna Van Housen is no ordinary friend. She is reputed to be Harry Houdini's illegitimate daughter and a magician of the first order—and she possesses psychic powers.


Before Anna leaves for a European tour with her vaudeville company, Cynthia throws open the doors of her Gramercy Park mansion for a giant bash, but when one of the guests turns up dead, Cynthia and Anna must join forces to discover the truth. Who is the mysterious dead man? And which of Cynthia's guests could have killed him? Cynthia's relatives in the mob? Or someone related to the Society for Psychical Research, a shadowy group with a dangerous history? Cynthia and Anna have to find out who done it before the coppers are called in . . . something both Cynthia and Anna are eager to avoid.

From Goodreads:
Budding illusionist Anna Van Housen is on top of the world: after scoring a spot on a prestigious European vaudeville tour, she has moved to London to chase her dream and to join an underground society for people like her with psychic abilities. Along with her handsome beau, Cole Archer, Anna is prepared to take the city by storm.

But when Anna arrives in London, she finds the group in turmoil. Sensitives are disappearing and, without a suspect, the group's members are turning on one another. Could the kidnapper be someone within the society itself—or has the nefarious Dr. Boyle followed them to London?

As Cole and Anna begin to unravel the case and secrets about the society are revealed, they find themselves at odds, their plans for romance in London having vanished. Her life in danger and her relationship fizzling, can Anna find a way to track down the killer before he makes her his next victim—or will she have to pay the ultimate price for her powers?

Set in Jazz-Age London, this alluring sequel to Born of Illusion comes alive with sparkling romance, deadly intrigue, and daring magic.

My Review:
I loved reading these books! I haven't read much in set in this time period that I can recall, so yeah, that was a very nice setting! And then New York and London? Two pretty fantastic cities! Add in interesting characters and amazing writing, and you have some pretty incredible books!

I have read the first book before, and I enjoyed it a lot. But reading these books all together was even better, because the little things, and the bigger things, just came together for some pretty great storytelling! Everything was just so much fuller and complete, you know?

I really enjoyed Corruption, because a) it was pretty awesome being in someone else's head, seeing Anna from the outside, and b) scavenger hunt with a murder mystery! Cynthia was an interesting narrator, and I really enjoyed being in her head!

It was a bit strange reading Deception, because Anna was basically in another world. And there was almost an entirely new cast of characters, and more with the society and politics and such. I loved the mystery, there were a number of little pieces, and pieces that I totally didn't know that they would come into play! So great, and I really enjoyed how it all ended!

This series was spectacular, and I enjoyed reading it a lot!

Author: Teri Brown
Series: Born of Illusion #1, 1.5, 2
First Read: September 4th, 2013
Read: November 15th, 15th, 15th, 2017
Source: Ebook.bike, Bought, Edelweiss
Reason Why: Enjoyed the first book so rereading, and they're Historical Fiction 2017 Books and Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2017 Books! And Born of Deception is a End of Series 2017 Book and a WoW Book!
Publisher: Balzer + Bray, Epic Reads Impulse
Published: June 11th 2013, May 6th 2014, June 10th 2014

Born of Illusion:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Born of Corruption:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Born of Deception:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Week 44 Reviews: An English Bride in Scotland, To Marry a Scottish Laird, The Highlander Takes a Bride, Falling for the Highlander, Surrender to the Highlander

From Goodreads:
The first in a new historical series set in the Highlands of Scotland, from Lynsay Sands, the New York Times bestselling author of the Argeneau vampire series and countless historical romances.

Annabel was about to take the veil to become a nun when her mother suddenly arrives at the Abbey to take her home… so that she can marry the Scottish laird who is betrothed to her runaway sister! She knows nothing about being a wife, nothing about how to run a household, and definitely nothing about the marriage bed!

But from the moment Ross MacKay sets eyes on Annabel, he is taken with his shy sweet bride… and the fact that she's blessed with lush curves only makes him utter his own prayers of thanks. But when an enemy endangers her life, he'll move the Highlands themselves to save her. For though Annabel's not the bride he planned for, she's the only woman he desires… 

From Goodreads:
New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands returns to the Highlands of Scotland in her hottest new historical romance yet!

Highlander Campbell Sinclair is no stranger to battle, so when he sees a lad attacked by bandits, he jumps into the fray. He didn't count on being stabbed. Grateful to the boy for nursing him back to health, Cam offers to accompany Jo safely to his destination. But when he accidentally comes across the lad bathing in the river, Cam discovers that Jo is actually Joan...with the most sinful of curves.

Joan promised her mother that she would deliver a scroll to the clan MacKay. But traveling alone is dangerous, even disguised as a boy. When a Scottish warrior lends his aid, she is more than relieved...until he surprises her with lingering kisses and caresses that prove her disguise hasn't fooled him. As their passion ignites, will the secrets of the scroll force a wedding...and lead to a love she's never known?

From Goodreads:
A bold, seductive laird meets his passionate match in a scintillating Highland romance from New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands...

Sword fighting, swearing, and riding astride come naturally to Saidh Buchanan. Simpering and holding her tongue—definitely not. Raised alongside seven boisterous brothers, Saidh has little interest in saddling herself with a husband... until she glimpses the new Laird MacDonnell bathing naked in the loch. Though she's far from a proper lady, the brawny Highlander makes Saidh feel every inch a woman.


She has an angel's looks, a warrior's temper, and seeks out his kisses with wanton eagerness. Little wonder that Greer is intrigued by his comely guest. When reckless desire overtakes them, he's more than willing to make an honest woman of her. But Saidh is the target of a hidden enemy, and Greer faces the battle of his life to safeguard the woman he wants above all others. 

From Goodreads:
Lady Murine Carmichael has known her share of bad luck. But when her debt-ridden half-brother tries to sell her off in exchange for a few Scottish horses, it's the final straw. If keeping her freedom means escaping through harsh countryside alone, so be it. She has barely begun her journey when she lands an unlikely escort—the brawny Highlander who just refused to buy her virtue.


Dougall Buchanan was disgusted by Lord Danvries' shameful offer, but Murine herself tempts him beyond measure. Even bedraggled and dusty, the lass glows with beauty and bravery. Dougall wants to do more than just help her flee. He wants to protect her—with his life and his heart—if she'll only let him. For Murine may be pursued by a powerful foe, but nothing compares to the fiery courage of a Highlander in love. 

From Goodreads:
In New York Times bestselling author Lynsay Sands' captivating romance, a lass targeted by an unknown foe is saved—and seduced—by a bold Highlander...

Edith Drummond owes her life to Niels Buchanan and his brothers. Waking after an illness to a castle overrun by rugged Highlanders is disconcerting, but so is learning that she's slowly being poisoned. Niels insists on staying by her side, and Edith soon discovers that even more dangerous is her wild attraction to the fierce warrior.


Niels has never met a more courageous—or enticing—woman than Lady Edith. The idea of such a bonny lass being forced to enter a nunnery is more than any red-blooded Scotsman could bear. He'll gladly marry her himself. But while sweeping her off her feet is easy, it'll take all his skill to defeat her family's relentless enemies, and convince her to surrender to his sweet embrace. 

My Review:
This series was so freaking amazing! I just loved reading all these books about these different couples, it was just a pleasure! They all had these intriguing mysteries, while at the same time, captivating romance and a lot of humour!

It's mentioned, in book 2, that Saidh had 8 brothers. But in the next book, her own, she had 7. We find out why there's a difference in Surrender, book 5, and it's really quite sad. I don't believe that he's dead though, because it would be so great if he could have his own book, or something! That'd be so fantastic!

One thing about these books, is that they do repeat a lot. Like, there's a lot of accidents that might have been on purpose, trying to kill them. Almost every book, the hero has to manage an unconscious heroine and a horse. It was funny, but it did happen for most of these couples!

The bad guys in these, their unmasking came a surprise a lot of the time! Like, in book 3, I thought it was her cousins first husband's relative, because his reaction was why they made it look like they were robbed or something. So there were some very clever bits of plotting!

These books were just so fantastic, loved watching these couples find happy endings, and I can't wait to have more Buchanan brothers find happiness!

Author: Lynsay Sands
Series: Highlanders #1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Read: October 28th, 28th, 28th, 30th, 31st, 2017
Source: Bought, Ebook.bike, Edelweiss
Reason Why: Love her books so much, and they're Historical Fiction 2017 Books and Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2017 Books! And Surrender to the Highlander is a WoW Book!
Publisher: Avon
Published: June 25th 2013, June 24th 2014, July 28th 2015, January 31st 2017
Expected Publication: January 30th 2018

An English Bride in Scotland:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

To Marry a Scottish Laird:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

The Highlander Takes a Bride:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Falling for the Highlander:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Surrender to the Highlander:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Week 43 Review: A Treacherous Curse

From Goodreads:
Members of an Egyptian expedition fall victim to an ancient mummy's curse in a thrilling Veronica Speedwell novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries. 

London, 1888. As colorful and unfettered as the butterflies she collects, Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell can't resist the allure of an exotic mystery—particularly one involving her enigmatic colleague, Stoker. His former expedition partner has vanished from an archaeological dig with a priceless diadem unearthed from the newly discovered tomb of an Egyptian princess. This disappearance is just the latest in a string of unfortunate events that have plagued the controversial expedition, and rumors abound that the curse of the vengeful princess has been unleashed as the shadowy figure of Anubis himself stalks the streets of London.

But the perils of an ancient curse are not the only challenges Veronica must face as sordid details and malevolent enemies emerge from Stoker's past. Caught in a tangle of conspiracies and threats—and thrust into the public eye by an enterprising new foe—Veronica must separate facts from fantasy to unravel a web of duplicity that threatens to cost Stoker everything. . .

My Review:
This book was so fantastic! These past two mysteries dealt with Veronica, and her family. This book, the focus was more on Stoker, given that it's his ex-wife and ex-friend who are part of the mystery, so that story fully comes out in this book!

I've read other books with an Egyptology slant to them. Add to that all the wonderful things I love about this series, and this book was so intriguing! I loved the mystery, and meeting these characters, the Tivertons, and the others! So interesting!

Since Stoker was a suspect, more in the way that he was the only enemy of John de Morgan, rather than they actually thought he killed him, well, that was an interesting complication! There were a ew moving parts, and I loved how they all came together, it was just so great! 

One thing that I absolutely loved about this book, were the lines that Veronica used against Caroline, they were real zingers! And Caroline unequivocally deserved them! Some weren't used against Caroline, but against her opinions, and that was just great, like that last one! A bit chilling, and so awesome! Oh, plus, the Curiosity Club! Loved the developments there!

This book was, in its entirety, amazing! I just loved reading it! Can't wait for the next book!

Author: Deannan Raybourn
Series: A Veronica Speedwell Mystery #3
Read: October 21st, 2017
Source: NetGalley
Reason Why: Love her writing and this series, and it's a Historical Fiction 2017 Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2017 Book, and a WoW Book!
Publisher: Berkley
Expected Publication: January 16th 2018

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Week 42 Review: House of Furies

From Goodreads:
After escaping a harsh school where punishment was the lesson of the day, seventeen-year-old Louisa Ditton is thrilled to find employment as a maid at a boarding house. But soon after her arrival at Coldthistle House, Louisa begins to realize that the house's mysterious owner, Mr. Morningside, is providing much more than lodging for his guests. Far from a place of rest, the house is a place of judgment, and Mr. Morningside and his unusual staff are meant to execute their own justice on those who are past being saved.

Louisa begins to fear for a young man named Lee who is not like the other guests. He is charismatic and kind, and Louisa knows that it may be up to her to save him from an untimely judgment. But in this house of distortions and lies, how can Louisa be sure whom to trust?

Featuring stunning interior illustrations from artist Iris Compiet, plus photo-collages that bring Coldthistle House to chilling life, House of Furies invites readers to a world where the line between monsters and men is ghostly thin.

My Review:
This book was fantastic! It was dark and creepy, and that beginning, saying that she works for the Devil, yeah, shocking! I had to know how that all came to be! When I was reading this book, I didn't know if it was a series or not, and I'm glad it is, so we get more!

First off, I have to say, this is the first book I've read where the main character shares my name. Sure, there's been the odd book that had a character named Louisa, but this is the first time that character is the main character, and it was so freaking strange, almost like they were talking to me! And now writing this review, it's like I'm talking in 3rd person about myself! So freaking weird!

The way this book was told, with the creepy pictures, and excerpts from the book Louisa was reading just before the creature/being they was being talking about, we find out which of the character is also like them. So that was really interesting! 

The world of Unworld, was so interesting! And how there's the Devil, but he isn't how we perceive him, I really hope we get to really know how he actually is! The book drawing murderers to it, that's so interesting, and I can't wait to see it play out again! And to see these characters again!

This book was really fantastic, and I can't wait for book 2!

Author: Madeleine Roux
Series: House of Furies #1
Read: October 15th, 2017
Source: Edelweiss
Reason Why: Sounded really great, and it's a Historical Fiction 2017 Book, Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2017 Book and a WoW Book!
Publisher: Harper Teen
Published: May 30th 2017

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Week 41 Reviews: Lord John and the Hellfire Club, Lord John and the Private Matter, Lord John and the Succubus

  

From Goodreads:
Outlander character Lord John Grey finds himself in 19th-century London investigating the death of a red-haired man. Soon he is mixed up in the affairs of Sir Francis Dashwood and his notorious Hellfire Club.

From Goodreads:
In her New York Times bestselling Outlander novels, Diana Gabaldon introduced millions of readers to a dazzling world of history and adventure — a world of vibrant settings and utterly unforgettable characters. Now one of these characters, Major Lord John Grey, opens the door to his own part of this world — eighteenth-century London, a seething anthill of nobility and rabble peopled by soldiers and spies, whores and dukes. Great Britain is battling France for supremacy on three continents — and life is good for a soldier.

The year is 1757. On a clear morning in mid-June, Lord John Grey emerges from London’s Beefsteak Club, his mind in turmoil. A nobleman and a high-ranking officer in His Majesty’s Army, Grey has just witnessed something shocking. But his efforts to avoid a scandal that might destroy his family are interrupted by something still more urgent: the Crown appoints him to investigate the brutal murder of a comrade in arms, who may have been a traitor.

Obliged to pursue two inquiries at once, Major Grey finds himself ensnared in a web of treachery and betrayal that touches every stratum of English society — and threatens all he holds dear. From the bawdy houses of London’s night-world to the stately drawing rooms of the nobility, and from the blood of a murdered corpse to the thundering seas ruled by the majestic fleet of the East India Company, Lord John pursues the elusive trails of a vanishing footman and a woman in green velvet, who may hold the key to everything — or nothing.

The early days of the Seven Years War come brilliantly to life in this historical mystery by an author whose unique and compelling storytelling has engrossed millions of readers worldwide.

From Goodreads:
Set in 1758, the story finds Lord John in Prussia serving as the English liaison officer to the First Regiment of Hanoverian Foot. Briefly stationed at the town of Gundwitz with a group of English and Hanoverian soldiers, Major Grey is at first skeptical when he receives reports of a local succubus victimizing a number of men and murdering a Prussian soldier. Accompanying the town Buergermeister to a graveyard in his search for the creature's resting place, Grey stumbles upon the corpse of an English soldier, which only feeds the superstitious fears of the soldiers and townspeople. While attempting to solve the mystery, Grey tries to navigate his perhaps-mutual attraction to the dashing Hanoverian Captain Stephan von Namtzen, as well as to deflect the advances of the beautiful young widow Louisa, Princess von Lowenstein, at whose castle both men are staying. 

My Review:
It may have taken me 3 years, but I finally got around to reading these books! Yeah! I'm really happy with that, because yeah, my head is weird, and I really want to read more of the Outlander series, but I can't until I finish this series because it takes place during the timeline of Voyager! Yeah.

I really enjoyed being in Lord John's head. It was different then being in Claire's, he has a different perspective, he's gay in a time where some of the punishments seem to be whipping and such. He's a pretty important character for both Voyager and Drums of Autumn, so really enjoyed these stories!

Hellfire Club was really short, but it was a great introduction to this series! This takes place after he's left Jamie in the service of the English family, so he's still pretty fresh in John's mind. But he has a lot to do, mysteries to solve and being a soldier and all that.

I really enjoyed the mysteries in each book. There were deaths in each one, and while they had different levels of impact-a guy who he was going to meet, a possible spy, fellow officers, they were all really interesting to watch him investigate and solve them!

These stories were really fantastic, and I can't wait to finish the rest of this series!

Author: Diana Gabaldon
Series: Lord John Gray #0.5, 1, 1.5
Read: October 9th, 13th, 13th, 2017
Source: Ebook.bike
Reason Why: Love the Outlander series! And it's a Historical Fiction 2017 Book and a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2017 Book!
Publisher: Seal
Published: 1998, October 4th 2005, January 1st 2004

Lord John and the Hellfire Club:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Lord John and the Private Matter:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars

Lord John and the Succubus:

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars