literary_lioness's reviews
259 reviews

Girls of Flight City by Lorraine Heath

informative inspiring 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? No

4.0

Jessie was never your typical female and her love of flying was what kept her going in life. Yet, she always wanted more than just flying; she wanted to teach others how to love it as well. So, when she found out the airport near her home was going to be a training center for Royal Air Force cadets, she knew she had to become an instructor… no matter the prejudices.  

 

Rhonda, on the other hand, used her femininity to her advantage. A flirt to the core, she always grabbed the attention of the males. Yet, the men at the air base soon realized how invaluable she truly was when they saw her train the cadets in the simulator.

 

Kitty had yet to learn a lot about life. Enthralled with the cadets and naïve to the realities of war, she quickly found herself immersed in the glamour of it all. However, when she opens her heart, she never expected how quickly she would learn the hardships of not only what war can do, but how to move on within the new knowledge.

 

Inspired by true events between the British Air Force and the United States during World War II, Lorraine Heath’s Girls of Flight City brings a fictional story to life. Through the eyes of two sisters and their best friend, one is quickly absorbed in the nuances of an alliance that was meticulously kept secret. Throw in a little mischief mixed with some love, and Heath entices her readers to want to learn more.

 

Between a narrative that keeps the pages turning, relatable characters, a hefty amount of profanity, a couple instances to sexual tension, and minimal spelling and grammatical errors a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is given.

 

A novel focused on the resilience, courage, and strength within not only the military, but those that support them, Lorraine Heath’s Girls of Flight City is an astonishing tale recounting history.

 

A book involving events concerning World War II, please read with caution as the following may cause some unease: betrayal, war, death of parent/sibling, missing persons, bombing, smoking, alcohol consumption, depression, arrest, imprisonment, amputation, wounded/killed in action, unconsciousness, abandonment, homesickness, claustrophobia, air raid, gun violence, plane crash, Pearl Harbor, rationing, affair, divorce, infidelity, prisoners of war, widower. Prison camp, Nazis, execution.

 

Thank you to #GirlsofFlightCity, #LorraineHeath and #HarperCollinsPublishing for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Learn more about the No.1 British Flying Training School Museum by visiting https://www.bftsmuseum.org

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/girls-of-flight-city

Lost in Dara by Robert Barrett

adventurous fast-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

Jack has always struggled to fit in and his white eyes never made it any easier. Add his sisters’ medical conditions, with the need to protect them, and school expulsion was the least of his problems.

 

So, when their dad moves them to his hometown, Jack and his sisters expect the same ridicule they have always experienced. Unfortunately, this was the case until they found a secret room in their house. 

 

Curious of the items found within, Jack and his sisters are thrown into another world, where his sisters are considered remarkable and Jack is still an outcast, or is he…

 

Embark on an astonishing journey into a world of magic, intrigue, and exploration with Lost in Dara. The first in Robert Barrett’s The Kaleidoscope Chronicles, one is quickly immersed into the turmoil of three siblings whose extraordinary bond allows them to continually elude those wishing them harm.

 

Geared towards young adult readers, Barrett ensures his book can be enjoyed by all. A lack of profanity, sexual content, and spelling errors along with minimal grammatical errors confirms his intent, resulting in 5 out of 5 stars.

 

Kicking the series off with a bang, Robert Barrett’s Lost in Dara, sets the tone of The Kaleidoscope Chronicles. With this book releasing July 7, 2024, readers will be anxiously awaiting the continuation of this invigorating adventure.

 

As with most books relating to issues of young adults there may be instances that may be alarming to some. Please read with caution should any of the following effect you: physical fight (including bloody nose and bruising), bullying, suspension, expulsion, death of parent, self-harm, medical conditions, prosthetic, ridicule, unconsciousness, blindness, broken bones, arrest, bound wrists, prisoner, betrayal, thievery, depression, sword fights, mercenaries, homesickness, attempted murder, fugitives, war, alcohol consumption, drugs, and banishment.

 

Thank you to #LostinDara, #TheKaleidoscopeChronicles, #RobertBarrett and #BrewsterPublishing for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/lost-in-dara

Asbury High and the MisTaken Identities by Kelly Brady Channick

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

4.0

Ready to get back to the routine of a typical high school student; Maddie, Cornelious, Carly, and Pilot are anxious to start their sophomore year. Between athletic championships, budding romances, and homework, they have enough on their plates. Nonetheless, when money begins to disappear from fellow Asburians’ bank accounts, the foursome gets swept into the nuances of solving another case. 

The teenage sleuths of Asbury return to solve another conundrum in Asbury High and the MisTaken Identities. The third book in Kelly Brady Channick’s The Asbury High Series, she delivers yet another enticing story. True to a young adult mystery, there is a lack of profanity as well as religious and sexual content.

However, the inaccuracy in regards to spelling and grammar disturb the riveting plot line, bringing down the rating to a 4 out of 5 stars.

A novel created for detective enthusiasts alike, Kelly Brady Channick’s Asbury High and the MisTaken Identities keeps one wanting more.

As with any whodunit, there may be some events that may cause one distress. Should any of the following have a negative effect for you, please read with caution: identity theft, sabotage, thievery, bullying, gang, physical altercations, alcohol consumption, hacking, fraud, slashed tires, bribery, arrest, retaliation, bias, breaking and entering, entrapment.

Thank you to #AsburyHighAndTheMisTakenIdentites, #AsburyHighSeries, #KellyBradyChannick and #PurpleMilkPublishing for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/asbury-high-and-the-mistaken-identities

*Please note, although can be read as a standalone, to fully obtain the top experience intended, this series is best read in consecutive order.

Review of the first book in this series, Asbury High and the Thief’s Gamble, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/asbury-high-and-the-thief-s-gamble-review

Review of the second book in this series, Asbury High and the Parcels of Poison, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/asbury-high-and-the-parcels-of-poison-review

Asbury High and the Parcels of Poison by Susan Schafer, Kelly Brady Channick

adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Their first year of high school is finally complete, and the Asbury foursome are looking forward to a summer of relaxation and hanging at the beach, including dining at their favorite pancake and taco establishment. 

 

But when a new pancake house and a series of illnesses threaten to close down their favorite restaurant, their relaxing summer is quickly replaced with their own investigation. Will they be able to figure out the truth before an icon of their small town is gone forever?

 

Maddie, Cornelious, Carly, and Pilot are at it again in Kelly Brady Channick’s Asbury High and the Parcels of Poison, the second book in The Asbury High Series. Clear of any profanity, religious content, or sexual references, this mystery is meant for readers of all ages. 

 

Unfortunately, though, the grammatical errors along with several spelling mistakes are a little distracting. This caused one to lose complete immersion in the plotline resulting in 4 out of 5 stars.

 

An amusing and engaging story, Kelly Brady Channick’s Asbury High and the Parcels of Poison, is a great addition to the Asbury High Series.

 

Should any of the following be stressful to you, please take necessary precautions: physical altercations, deceit, arrest, slander, bullying, thievery, break-ins, stolen car, gangs, vandalism, claustrophobia, food poisoning, respiratory arrest, sabotage, losing sight, health code violations, hospitalization, paralysis, gun violence, hostages, assault.

 

Thank you to #AsburyHighAndTheParcelsOfPoison, #AsburyHighSeries, #KellyBradyChannick and #PurpleMilkPublishing for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/asbury-high-and-the-parcels-of-poison-review

 

Review of the first book in this series, Asbury High and the Thief’s Gamble, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/asbury-high-and-the-thief-s-gamble-review

Asbury High and the Thief's Gamble by Kelly Brady Channick

mysterious fast-paced

4.0

Madeline Isabella Lydia Natalie Cecilia Petrozza, also known as Maddie, moved to Asbury in the second grade. When the town bully makes himself known by picking on a classmate, she stands up to him and quickly creates a bond with Carly, Pilot, and Cornelious.

 

Seven years later and the dynamic quartet is still an unbreakable crew. Looking forward to their freshman year at Asbury High, homework and who is dating who seems like the most drama they will encounter. Yet, when a string of break-ins occurs in their little town, high school rapidly becomes the least of their worries.

 

The first of the Asbury High Series, Kelly Brady Channick’s Asbury High and the Thief’s Gamble keeps one guessing. Within the pages, readers find a plotline complete with numerous unknowns along with quirky characters one is bound to connect with. Add in a lack of sexual and religious content as well as only one instance of profanity and the pages keep turning. 

 

Although the characters keep the storyline moving, there are several moments that seem unnecessary and drag the pace down a bit. Include various spelling and grammatical errors and a 4 out of 5 stars is given.

 

Kelly Brady Channick’s Asbury High and the Thief’s Gamble is a pronounced introduction to the town of Asbury and its residents. 

 

Please read with caution if any of the following may be difficult for you: bullying, broken bones, physical altercations, thievery, hacking, deceit, cheating, gangs, break-ins, alcohol consumption, expulsion, exploitation, divorce, repossession, manipulation, arrested, incarceration.

 

Thank you to #AsburyHighAndTheThiefsGamble, #AsburyHighSeries, #KellyBradyChannick and #PurpleMilkPublishing for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/asbury-high-and-the-thief-s-gamble-review

At Dusk by Jennifer Snyder

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

It was a typical college day racing through the nearby woods. Well, typical for a vampire anyway. Ethan was always searching for his “thing” that made him stand out from the rest of his vampire friends, but he could never quite pinpoint what that was. Then he saw her…

 

Holly felt she had finally found a safe haven at university, but that quickly changed when a member of her previous pack found her. If Ethan hadn’t stepped in when he did, she would have been killed. Yet, werewolves and vampires cannot coexist… or can they?

 

Available only through subscribing to her newsletter, Jennifer Snyder’s At Dusk is a testament to her craft. An alluring plot line, lovable characters, and exquisite spelling and grammar, this standalone has it all.

 

However, a perfect 5-star rating is slightly depleted as there are several instances of profanity. Add in a couple general descriptions of sexual activity and a 4 out 5 stars is the end result.

 

A great depiction of Jennifer’s writing style, At Dusk is a great introduction to her work. Or, if already familiar, consider it another outstanding book added to her ever-growing repertoire. 

 

Although this story is categorized as new adult, some actions may be disturbing to some. Please take note of the following: Physical altercations, murder, drug and alcohol use, homelessness, revenge, bounty, suicide, death on a campus, stabbing, ambush, head injury, stalker, betrayal, hands tied, deceit, traitor.

 

Thank you to #AtDusk, and #JenniferSnyder, for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/at-dusk-review

Cousin Calls by Zeb Haradon

dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

“You don’t know me… but we’re cousins.” These words brought Harold to a bar where, apparently, he is not the only one to hear these words. After agreeing to buy drinks for the fellow patrons, he quickly learns of the “curse” associated with a simple phone call.

 

An anthology of five science fiction stories, Zeb Haradon’s Cousin Calls is a trip, to say the least. Beginning with a very disturbing chili recipe, to a bathroom smeared with feces, and ending with a psychedelic visit, this book is not for the faint of heart. Add in the vulgar language combined with several lewd sexual acts and a 3 out of 5 stars is substantial.

 

Yet, one cannot help to praise Zeb. His out of the box thinking and wild imagination makes for a very interesting read. Taking real world experiences, Zeb twists the issues we all face and creates an otherworldly venture. 

 

A mind-bending story filled with satire, obscenity, and ridicule Zeb Haradon’s Cousin Calls is extraordinary.

 

Please read with caution if any of the following may cause you distress: smoking, drinking, drug use, scam, pandemic, strippers, depression, deceit, PTSD, eviction, abuse, racism, narcissism, heart attack, arrest, incarceration, addiction, rapists, gun violence, paranoia, shop lifting, murder, bigotry, slavery, termination, garnished wages, unemployment, prosthetics, anxiety, memory loss, black lung disease, divorce, mania, chronic illness, STI, STD, seizure, brain tumor, comatose, hallucinations, sabotage, Nazis, migraines, pornography.

 

Thank you to #CousinCalls, and #ZebHaradon, for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/cousin-calls-review

Being Untwisted by Michael Spiritfair Marty

slow-paced

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

3.0

Hypocrisy. “The practice of engaging in the same behavior or activity for which one criticizes another or the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform” (Wikipedia, 2023). 

 

Christians are said to believe in Jesus Christ as their savior. They are taught to live a life as close to Jesus as possible following two very simple rules: 1) Love God, 2) Love others. So why are there so many hypocrites living on this earth? 

 

In Michael Marty’s Being Untwisted, he, along with eight of his coworkers from the radio station KLUV, dig into this very question. Through multiple essays, written from each of their perspectives, they challenge everyone (Christians and Gentiles alike) to ask themselves if you live a life of love. 

 

Given the almost perfect spelling and grammar, along with the limited amount of profanity and sexual content, one would think this would be an interesting read. Regrettably, this is not the case. The whole book can be summed up in a few words… we are all hypocrites, if you filter living through love, a better world will be the result, so get to it and be the change needed. Toss in a large dose of betrayal at the end, and a generous 3 out of 5 stars is given.

 

Overall, Being Untwisted could have been a great source of self-reflection and deep theoretical insight. Unfortunately, the story never got close to reaching that mark.  

 

Please note, many aspects of wrongdoings are mentioned within the pages. Therefore, if any of the following may cause concern please read with caution: alcohol consumption, sexual exploitation, rape, murder, betrayal, theft, adultery, homelessness, abuse, malnutrition, gangs, drugs, prostitution, war, hypocrisy, corruption, incarceration, depression, divorce, AIDS, suicide attempts, anxiety.

 

Thank you to #BeingUntwisted, and #MichaelMarty, for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/being-untwisted-review

Targets by Jes Drew

adventurous fast-paced

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

4.0

The Masters have been caught. All that is left is to get through the trial and The Rogers and Company can finally get back to a life without running. Yet, why is Emily experiencing all these freak accidents that almost take her life? Is there someone else out there trying to finish what the Masters’ started?

 

Follow along as Emily, with her family and friends, concludes her summer of chaos in Jes Drew’s, Targets. The final installment of The Castaway Trilogy, Drew never ceases to bring the unexpected and keep her readers enthralled. Complete with her usual lack of profanity and sexual content, along with her Christian faith at the forefront, this story is made for the young, old, and everyone in between.

 

Though the storyline is intriguing, the technicalities of writing bring the rating down to a 4 out of 5 stars. Spelling and grammatical errors overtake the ability to fully absorb oneself into the story. Plus, the multiple narratives and constant scene changes affect the capability to track all that is happening. 

 

Nonetheless, Targets is a thrilling, fast-paced adventure which will keep you guessing. As the resolution to The Castaway Trilogy, Emily’s attraction for trouble is finally brought to an end. Or is it… 

 

Please read with caution if any of the following may cause distress: shipwreck, castaway, incarceration, court trial, protective custody, execution, lynching, run aways, tax evasion, orphan, mugging, drowning, hurricanes, kidnaping, sleepwalking, paranoia, alcohol consumption, tornado, gun violence, assault, hostage, night terrors, slander, slavery, poisoned dart, excruciating pain, hallucinations, comatose, depression, prejudice, assassination attempt.

 

Thank you to #Targets, #TheCastawayTrilogy, #JesDrew, and #BoosBooks for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/targets-review

 

Review of the first book in this series, Castaways, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/castaways-review

 

Review of the second book in this series, Fugitives, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/fugitives-review

Fugitives by Jes Drew

adventurous 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? It's complicated

4.0

Emily is beyond grateful to be off The Island and back at home with her family. Although her PTSD is the worse it has ever been, she is ready to get back to a sense of normal. She just wishes her parents understood the dangers that may have followed her from The Island; instead of thinking it is all her imagination. Then, she quickly realizes you should be careful what you wish for…

 

Yet again, Jes Drew takes readers on an adventure in the second book of The Castaway Trilogy, Fugitives. Traveling through Europe, Drew brings Paris, Belgium, and Milan to life through the lens of a scared, yet determined, teenage protagonist. Tie in suspense, a smidgen of romance, along with unfailing faith and the pages keep on turning.

 

However, the amount of spelling and grammatical errors is somewhat distracting. Add in a bit of repetitiousness and a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is awarded.

 

All in all, Jes Drew’s Fugitives satisfies the appetite for an intense, fast-paced escapade with a wholesome and refined story.

 

Please note, as Emily and her family trudge through most of Europe, they run into endeavors that may cause one distress. These may include: PTSD, isolation, slavery, gun violence, break-ins, kidnapping, betrayal, abandonment, lynching, assault, missing persons, sleepwalking, night terrors, fugitives, bribes, Nazis, thievery, torture, hostages, incarceration.

 

Thank you to #Fugitives, #TheCastawayTrilogy, #JesDrew, and #BoosBooks for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/fugitives-review

 

Review of the first book in this series, Castaways, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/castaways-review