bchristian541's reviews
205 reviews

Heart of the Forest by Shaquilla Lunsford

adventurous dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Thatch is the prince of the forest who, like his brothers, is inflicted by a dark curse. Ember is left with her abusive father after her mother and brother left her behind. One thing leads to the next and Ember finds herself in the arms of Thatch. The prophecy states the Princess of Fire can cure the Prince of the Forest's curse. Is Ember this princess the prophecy speaks of? Is Thatch even able to love past the darkness? Find out in Heart of the Forest.
I did not want to put this book down. I was hooked from the beginning. The characters are relatable and loveable. The setting is beautiful and the writing makes the reader feel as though they are in the story as well. I cannot wait to read more of the Nature Kingdoms.

Forsaken Secrets by Olivia K. Moto

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Kaiya has suffered tragedy when her uncle unexpectedly passes. Thinking it was her fault, Kaiya strives to protect her aunt by putting herself in danger to gather the funds needed to pay a loan. A loan that a cruel woman is in charge of. Add in mysterious Eli and even more mysterious Lynk, and you have a wild ride of emotions, danger, adventure, and more.
The characters and their feelings are believable. The story is written gorgeously. I cannot wait to read more.

The Silent Bride by Shalini Boland

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Alice Porter is about to marry the man of her dreams, until she walks down the isle and the man at the alter is a complete stranger to her. Convinced that this man isn't her Seth, she panics and calls off the wedding. She doesn't recognize him or his parents but everyone around her tells her that it's them. If this isn't Alice's Seth, then who is it and where is the actual Seth?
This book has many twists and turns. Alice is in an almost constant state of panic. It gets slightly annoying but I'd imagine it's realistic. I would have chosen a different title for the book because Alice is nowhere near silent, but I did enjoy the read. The end is surprising. 

Rise of the Phoenix Queen by Shaquilla Lunsford

adventurous dark hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Silivia, Ghost, Ty, and Teslia are now headed to the heart of the city so Silivia could claim her throne, only it isn't going to be that simple. A corrupt queen is currently on the throne and she wants Silivia to prove that she's the rightful heir by completing trials only the true heir would be able to complete. New enemies, new friends, surprises, and adventure make up the sequel of this series. Plus, Silivia finally figures out whether Ty or Ghost is the own that has her heart. You won't regret picking up a copy of this engaging read. It will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. I can't wait until the third book is released.

After the Fall of the Dragon King (Special Edition) by Shaquilla Lunsford

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Silivia is awoken to disaster striking her home and her sister being taken. Full of confusion, she finds herself in the world of her dreams, except she realizes what she thinks was her imagination is real. Now she is caught between two polar opposite males and the pressure of finding out who she really is. Does she find out who she is? Can she save her sister in time? And which male wins her heart, the safe warrior or the brooding King of Shadows? Pick up a copy of 'After the Fall of the Dragon King' to find out.
I loved every aspect of this book. The descriptions are gorgeous and make me feel like I'm in the world with the characters. The characters are unique with realistic emotions. I cannot wait to read the next in the series. 

Shaedes of Power by Jenny Grimes

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Opal and her friends are tasked with exploring the human realm when a flirtatious male human is attacked by a dark creature. The band of friends are summoned back to the faerie realm where they whisk the injured human with them. Darkness has fallen throughout the realms. Relationships form, lost family is found, and tragedy strikes left and right. 
I loved this book and the characters. There were so many twists and turns and I didn't want to put it down. I absolutely devoured this book. It is beautifully written and full of surprises. I can't wait to read more from this author.

'Salem's Lot by Stephen King

dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Strange things are occurring in Jerusalem's Lot, Maine. Dark things. A  hodge-podge group of people form together to try to defeat this darkness, only it's worse than they could ever imagine. It's a race against time before they are the next victims of the darkness.
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. The descriptions were beautiful. I felt like I was a part of the story. The feelings were real and the characters were believable. I enjoyed learning more about a character from The Dark Tower series as well. It kept me at the edge of my seat.

Styx & Stones by January Foxx

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Persephone is sick of being the good girl that always follows the rules. Then she receives a coin from across the Styx River from none other than Hades himself. She decides to cross the river and ends up enjoying her time there but her mother is not as enthused. 
A spicy retelling of Hades and Persephone that had me on the edge of my seat. I loved every bit of it. 

Open for Interpretation: A Doctor's Journey into Astrology by Alicia Blando

informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

Go on an adventure with a doctor with a passion for astrology. Alicia Brando tells about her life as a MD and how astrology opened her up to more options. This book is full of insight and information. It is interesting and intriguing. It can be somewhat boring in places and I wish it had more of a guide on how to get into astrology but other than that it is a good read.

Your French Kisses by Lauren Blakely

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Reid and Marley meet on a get-away to Paris and after just 5 hours of knowing each other, they are in love. Reid lives in Londan and is trying to expand his design business. Marley lives in New York and is going to business school. Is this just a fling or is it more?
This novella is so cute. It is a fast read and all ends meet. I absolutely loved it.