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blodeuedd's review
3.0
WINTER'S WEB BY JENNIFER ESTEP
An assassin at a renaissance faire. What could possibly go wrong? Everything, if you’re Gin Blanco. This Spider is trapped in someone else’s icy web—and it seems like they don’t want her to leave the faire alive . . .
The story was ok and all, but, I have only read one Gin book and that was ageeees ago. I never read more. And I did feel like fans would love this so much more. WHile I was all, ok she is an Assassin. I guess those are her friends and BF. So she kicks some ass and saves the day
A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET
A malevolent spell strangles the kingdom of Leathen in catastrophic drought. Prince Daric must break the curse before his people starve. A once-mighty goddess trapped in a human body might be the key—but saving his kingdom could mean losing all that he loves.
This was a nice fantasy romance. Leathen grows up with the former Goddess of Spring. Oh I would have liked more of that. I know that this was only a novella, but still! This would have been a great book.
The country is dying. Can Leathen and Rain save the day? There are baddies trying to stop them and well obvi these two will have feelings for each other. Took them long enough!
Nice story
THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY
As unofficial consort to the High Queen, former mercenary Harlan Konyngrr faces a challenge worse than looming war and fearsome dragons. His long-held secrets threaten what he loves most—and he must make a choice between vows to two women.
I know I often say that everything works as a stand alone, but here, well you really should read the rest.
As for what happened...FINALLY! OMG I HAVE WAITED FOR THAT. Happiness is something all should have.
Also, when will we meet Jenna again? Is she still alive? Arghhhh
A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN
The stretch of sea known as The Gray rules the lives of those in the village of Ancilar, including widow Brida Gazi. In the aftermath of an autumn storm, Brida discovers one of the sea's secrets cast onto the shore—a discovery that will change her world, mend her soul, and put her in the greatest danger she's ever faced.
I did not expect that and I did learn something I always wondered about, well at least Draven came up for one explanation lol.
I have read a story set in this world before, or two? Interesting little town and now it is Brida's turn, a widow, to find something and oh I can not say too much! Spoilers.
Like maybe there is some romance *whistles*
Conclusion:
Two of these are stand alone and worked great as that. Another one does work on it's own, but I feel you get more for your money if you know the series. And the final one really should be read in its series. How else can you love Harland and Essla!
An assassin at a renaissance faire. What could possibly go wrong? Everything, if you’re Gin Blanco. This Spider is trapped in someone else’s icy web—and it seems like they don’t want her to leave the faire alive . . .
The story was ok and all, but, I have only read one Gin book and that was ageeees ago. I never read more. And I did feel like fans would love this so much more. WHile I was all, ok she is an Assassin. I guess those are her friends and BF. So she kicks some ass and saves the day
A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET
A malevolent spell strangles the kingdom of Leathen in catastrophic drought. Prince Daric must break the curse before his people starve. A once-mighty goddess trapped in a human body might be the key—but saving his kingdom could mean losing all that he loves.
This was a nice fantasy romance. Leathen grows up with the former Goddess of Spring. Oh I would have liked more of that. I know that this was only a novella, but still! This would have been a great book.
The country is dying. Can Leathen and Rain save the day? There are baddies trying to stop them and well obvi these two will have feelings for each other. Took them long enough!
Nice story
THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY
As unofficial consort to the High Queen, former mercenary Harlan Konyngrr faces a challenge worse than looming war and fearsome dragons. His long-held secrets threaten what he loves most—and he must make a choice between vows to two women.
I know I often say that everything works as a stand alone, but here, well you really should read the rest.
As for what happened...FINALLY! OMG I HAVE WAITED FOR THAT. Happiness is something all should have.
Also, when will we meet Jenna again? Is she still alive? Arghhhh
A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN
The stretch of sea known as The Gray rules the lives of those in the village of Ancilar, including widow Brida Gazi. In the aftermath of an autumn storm, Brida discovers one of the sea's secrets cast onto the shore—a discovery that will change her world, mend her soul, and put her in the greatest danger she's ever faced.
I did not expect that and I did learn something I always wondered about, well at least Draven came up for one explanation lol.
I have read a story set in this world before, or two? Interesting little town and now it is Brida's turn, a widow, to find something and oh I can not say too much! Spoilers.
Like maybe there is some romance *whistles*
Conclusion:
Two of these are stand alone and worked great as that. Another one does work on it's own, but I feel you get more for your money if you know the series. And the final one really should be read in its series. How else can you love Harland and Essla!
timitra's review
4.0
Rated 4.5 Stars
Winter's Web by Jennifer Estep- Rated 3.5 Stars
Winter's Web was action packed and had a dry humor to it that I liked. This was my first time reading this author and I look forward to reading a full length story by her.
A Wilderness of Glass by Grace Draven- Rated 4 Stars
A Wilderness of Glass is about two unlikely beings falling for one another. They are so very different yet the same. I enjoyed going on this journey with these characters.
A Curse For Spring by Amanda Bouchet- Rated 4.5 Stars
This is my first time reading this author and it won't be my last because I loved her story. There was adventure, sexy times, love and a whole lot of magic.
The Dragons Of Summer by Jeffe Kennedy- Rated 4.5 Stars
Ursula and Harlan were the first characters of this author's that I read and fell in love with, so it was great reconnecting with them and catching up with them like old friends. The Dragons Of Summer focuses on Harlan's background which put a lot of things into perspective story arc wise as well as giving you a full measure of the man. I loved this story and can't wait to see where the author takes it next. Fans of the series will definitely love this novella.
Seasons Of Sorcery is a magic filled volume with action, adventure, fascinating worlds and love in the most unlikely of places. I definitely recommend it to Fantasy lovers.
Copy provided by author
Winter's Web by Jennifer Estep- Rated 3.5 Stars
Winter's Web was action packed and had a dry humor to it that I liked. This was my first time reading this author and I look forward to reading a full length story by her.
A Wilderness of Glass by Grace Draven- Rated 4 Stars
A Wilderness of Glass is about two unlikely beings falling for one another. They are so very different yet the same. I enjoyed going on this journey with these characters.
A Curse For Spring by Amanda Bouchet- Rated 4.5 Stars
This is my first time reading this author and it won't be my last because I loved her story. There was adventure, sexy times, love and a whole lot of magic.
The Dragons Of Summer by Jeffe Kennedy- Rated 4.5 Stars
Ursula and Harlan were the first characters of this author's that I read and fell in love with, so it was great reconnecting with them and catching up with them like old friends. The Dragons Of Summer focuses on Harlan's background which put a lot of things into perspective story arc wise as well as giving you a full measure of the man. I loved this story and can't wait to see where the author takes it next. Fans of the series will definitely love this novella.
Seasons Of Sorcery is a magic filled volume with action, adventure, fascinating worlds and love in the most unlikely of places. I definitely recommend it to Fantasy lovers.
Copy provided by author
alexperc_92's review
5.0
I loved the anthology so much! I enjoyed especially Amanda's and Grace's stories too! The settings are amazing, the characters realistic and this cover is stunning!
melissasfandomworld's review
5.0
4,5 stars for this awesome fantasy anthology!
WINTER'S WEB BY JENNIFER ESTEP 4****
A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET 5*****
THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY 4,5 ****
A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN 5*****
Full reviews on all these short stories are to be found on my blog:
CLICK HERE TO GO TO MY BLOG
WINTER'S WEB BY JENNIFER ESTEP 4****
A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET 5*****
THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY 4,5 ****
A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN 5*****
Full reviews on all these short stories are to be found on my blog:
CLICK HERE TO GO TO MY BLOG
chllybrd's review
WINTER'S WEB BY JENNIFER ESTEP
All my favorite Elemental Assassins characters in a short story? Heck yes!!
Trouble follows Gin wherever she goes, but in WINTER'S WEB we got to see someone else be the center of an assassination attempt for once. I enjoyed this little peek into one of my favorite worlds and look forward to seeing what kind of trouble Gin and her friends will get into next.
A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET
This was a cute romance with in a neat fantasy world.
I like both main characters and was rooting for them from the beginning. The plot was unique and flowed nicely. I would read more.
THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY
I have not read this series and didn't know if I needed to to be able to enjoy this short story, so I chose not to read THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER at this time.
A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN
A WILDERNESS OF GLASS was different, but in an interesting way. I am not familiar with Draven’s Wraith Kings world, but was assured by other reviews that this installment was a good standalone and it was. I didn't feel like I was missing anything and never felt lost.
The relationship that developed between Brida and Ahtin was believable and I liked that there was a bigger plot to the story beyond the romance. I think I will look into the authors other books.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
All my favorite Elemental Assassins characters in a short story? Heck yes!!
Trouble follows Gin wherever she goes, but in WINTER'S WEB we got to see someone else be the center of an assassination attempt for once. I enjoyed this little peek into one of my favorite worlds and look forward to seeing what kind of trouble Gin and her friends will get into next.
A CURSE FOR SPRING BY AMANDA BOUCHET
This was a cute romance with in a neat fantasy world.
I like both main characters and was rooting for them from the beginning. The plot was unique and flowed nicely. I would read more.
THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER BY JEFFE KENNEDY
I have not read this series and didn't know if I needed to to be able to enjoy this short story, so I chose not to read THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER at this time.
A WILDERNESS OF GLASS BY GRACE DRAVEN
A WILDERNESS OF GLASS was different, but in an interesting way. I am not familiar with Draven’s Wraith Kings world, but was assured by other reviews that this installment was a good standalone and it was. I didn't feel like I was missing anything and never felt lost.
The relationship that developed between Brida and Ahtin was believable and I liked that there was a bigger plot to the story beyond the romance. I think I will look into the authors other books.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
mdlaclair's review
5.0
I really just read this for the Grace Draven short story. But it was very good.
alexiachantel's review
4.0
A great anthology with some new characters and some old favorites.
A CURSE FOR SPRING was a welcome surprise that nearly brought me to tears, a great reminder to get back to Bouchet's writing. THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER was incredible since I've been a fan of Ursula and Harlan from the beginning of the Twelve Kingdoms series (dreamy sigh and a gasp of fright). And A WILDERNESS OF GLASS and WINTER'S WEB are great examples of their authors talents.
Bonus: this GORGEOUS cover! I read this on my kindle but I have to order a paperback copy for my bookshelves!!
A CURSE FOR SPRING was a welcome surprise that nearly brought me to tears, a great reminder to get back to Bouchet's writing. THE DRAGONS OF SUMMER was incredible since I've been a fan of Ursula and Harlan from the beginning of the Twelve Kingdoms series (dreamy sigh and a gasp of fright). And A WILDERNESS OF GLASS and WINTER'S WEB are great examples of their authors talents.
Bonus: this GORGEOUS cover! I read this on my kindle but I have to order a paperback copy for my bookshelves!!
audiobookmel's review
4.0
Review originally posted at BooksOfMyHeart.net.
Winter’s Web by Jennifer Estep
I had fun with this short story with Gin and the gang at a Renaissance Festival. Of course Gin can’t go anywhere without getting into trouble. I think fans of the series will enjoy this story, although you don’t have to read it to continue the series. I’m not sure if people who haven’t read Elemental Assassins will enjoy it as much. I just think they might not understand the world and the magic that exists in it well enough. I do think people who don’t know Gin will enjoy the story, just not as much as fans of the series.
A Wilderness Of Glass by Grace Draven
I’m not at all familiar with this author or this story. It was an interesting story. It follows Brida Gazi a widow in a small town. She now tries to help out her brother and sister-in-law who have several kids. She also helps harvest seaweed. Then she comes across something she’s never seen before.There is also someone who is stalking her.
This was a nice short story with some romance and suspense and a lot of paranormal. I would be interested in learning more about this world.
A Curse For Spring by Amanda Bouchet
This is a stand-alone story. I have read Amanda Bouchet before. I liked her stories. This is another nice short story. Prince Daric is desperate for rain for his lands. There have been nothing but droughts since he was born. His parents are selling off pieces of their assets to get water from bordering kingdoms that have water. He was begging his goddess, Braylian, for help from her cauldron. Then a humanoid figure shows herself. Daric’s father pulls her out of the cauldron and she becomes flesh and bone. She is named Rain, since everyone kept asking her to make it rain.
This is a story of hardship, sacrifice and love.
The Dragons Of Summer by Jeffe Kennedy
This story follows Harlan Konyngrr from Dasnaria. He was also the hero of third book of The Twelve Kingdoms, The Talon of the Hawk. He is now the unofficial consort to Queen Ursula. However, he hasn’t shared everything with her. He has a secret in his past.
This story brings the fans of The Twelve Kingdoms series up to date with all that we’ve learned in The Chronicles of Dasnaria. Or, at least what Harlan knows from that series (there’s a lot he doesn’t know).
This is another story I think fans of the series will enjoy more than people who haven’t read the series. This world Jeffe Kennedy has created is pretty complex, and it is hard to get a full grasp of it in a novella length story. Not to mention, there is a lot of build up to this point.
Overall
I had a great time with all four of these stories. I got to read from two series I love, a new story from an author I’ve enjoyed and a new-to-me author. If you like fantasy stories, I recommend this anthology.
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
Winter’s Web by Jennifer Estep
I had fun with this short story with Gin and the gang at a Renaissance Festival. Of course Gin can’t go anywhere without getting into trouble. I think fans of the series will enjoy this story, although you don’t have to read it to continue the series. I’m not sure if people who haven’t read Elemental Assassins will enjoy it as much. I just think they might not understand the world and the magic that exists in it well enough. I do think people who don’t know Gin will enjoy the story, just not as much as fans of the series.
A Wilderness Of Glass by Grace Draven
I’m not at all familiar with this author or this story. It was an interesting story. It follows Brida Gazi a widow in a small town. She now tries to help out her brother and sister-in-law who have several kids. She also helps harvest seaweed. Then she comes across something she’s never seen before.There is also someone who is stalking her.
This was a nice short story with some romance and suspense and a lot of paranormal. I would be interested in learning more about this world.
A Curse For Spring by Amanda Bouchet
This is a stand-alone story. I have read Amanda Bouchet before. I liked her stories. This is another nice short story. Prince Daric is desperate for rain for his lands. There have been nothing but droughts since he was born. His parents are selling off pieces of their assets to get water from bordering kingdoms that have water. He was begging his goddess, Braylian, for help from her cauldron. Then a humanoid figure shows herself. Daric’s father pulls her out of the cauldron and she becomes flesh and bone. She is named Rain, since everyone kept asking her to make it rain.
This is a story of hardship, sacrifice and love.
The Dragons Of Summer by Jeffe Kennedy
This story follows Harlan Konyngrr from Dasnaria. He was also the hero of third book of The Twelve Kingdoms, The Talon of the Hawk. He is now the unofficial consort to Queen Ursula. However, he hasn’t shared everything with her. He has a secret in his past.
This story brings the fans of The Twelve Kingdoms series up to date with all that we’ve learned in The Chronicles of Dasnaria. Or, at least what Harlan knows from that series (there’s a lot he doesn’t know).
This is another story I think fans of the series will enjoy more than people who haven’t read the series. This world Jeffe Kennedy has created is pretty complex, and it is hard to get a full grasp of it in a novella length story. Not to mention, there is a lot of build up to this point.
Overall
I had a great time with all four of these stories. I got to read from two series I love, a new story from an author I’ve enjoyed and a new-to-me author. If you like fantasy stories, I recommend this anthology.
**Book was provided to me by the author. This review is my opinion and was not requested or provoked in anyway by the author.
redhairedashreads's review
4.0
4.25 stars
My overall rating is the average of the following story ratings.
Winter's web by Jennifer Estep: 4/5 stars
A very piratey adventure for Gin and Owen. I enjoyed this story and I love when we get to see Owen fight for his lady.
A Wilderness of Glass by Grace Draven: 4/5
I really liked this mermaid story. It was interesting and I would love to read more.
A Curse for Spring by Amanda Bouchet: 5/5
Wow. This was my first time reading Amanda's work and it was so good. I loved everything about this story. I want more now.
The Dragons of Summer by Jeffe Kennedy: 4/5
I have never read the series that this short is from but it didn't matter. This was written so well that I pretty much understood everything that was going on and had no problem following the storyline. Overall I really enjoyed this story and want to read the series now it was so good.
My overall rating is the average of the following story ratings.
Winter's web by Jennifer Estep: 4/5 stars
A very piratey adventure for Gin and Owen. I enjoyed this story and I love when we get to see Owen fight for his lady.
A Wilderness of Glass by Grace Draven: 4/5
I really liked this mermaid story. It was interesting and I would love to read more.
A Curse for Spring by Amanda Bouchet: 5/5
Wow. This was my first time reading Amanda's work and it was so good. I loved everything about this story. I want more now.
The Dragons of Summer by Jeffe Kennedy: 4/5
I have never read the series that this short is from but it didn't matter. This was written so well that I pretty much understood everything that was going on and had no problem following the storyline. Overall I really enjoyed this story and want to read the series now it was so good.