literary_lioness's reviews
259 reviews

Castaways by Jes Drew

adventurous 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? It's complicated

4.0

Emily Rogers is your typical teenage girl, or so she thought. Moving from one city to the next, following her family’s business ventures is her normal. Sure, when her family decides to move to the other side of the pond, she is not ecstatic about it, but she sucks it up and goes along with the plan.

 

So, when the cruise ship she is traveling on drowns into the depths of the ocean, she is forced to embark on an expedition which reveals her true self. Stranded on a deserted island with her two younger cousins, and a boy she just met, she learns there is much more than what meets the eye.  

 

Jes Drew captivates her readers with the first book of The Castaway Trilogy. Written through the eyes of an adolescent female; the nuances, quirks, ramblings, and downright humor keeps one continually desiring more. 

 

Although there are several spelling and grammatical errors, this does not interfere with the understanding and quick pace of the story. Even the Christian references add a humbling presence within the pages. Nonetheless, a 4 out of 5 stars is the result.

 

Emily and her friends are involved in some very daunting and horrific experiences. Please read with caution if any of the following may cause you discomfort: betrayal, groping, mugging, physical harm, drowning, panic attacks, PTSD, suicidal habits, torpedoes, sinking ship, depression, sleepwalking, seizures, rejection, death of parents, quick sand, paranoia, hypothermia, hurricanes, claustrophobia, slavery, lynching, gun violence, and Nazis.

 

If you are looking for adventure, mystery, and plenty of surprises, then Jes Drew’s Castaways is for you. An excellent introduction to The Castaways Trilogy, this is one you do not want to overlook.

 

Thank you to #Castaways, #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/castaways-review

The Dark Inheritance by Liane Carmen

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

Becky and Jules are at it again, only this time instead of dealing with their own issues, they have become “The Investigation Duo”. Driven by their passion to help others, they built a detective agency focused on connecting long lost (or even unknown) relatives through DNA testing. 

 

Their first case involves an inheritance that will only be distributed once all blood heirs are found. A seemingly easy task for the pair, it turns in to anything but when their leads keep ending up dead…

 

A stimulating story, Liane Carmen elates readers with The Dark Inheritance. An intense mystery keeping one on their toes while also weaving in the tenderness of true friendship, Liane cultivates a novel that maintains a steady turn to the pages. 

 

Intwine her attention to detail, and finding spelling and grammatical errors becomes a daunting task. Yet, profanity is a consistent addition to this tale, resulting in a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

 

As with most crime mysteries, some actions may cause one distress. Please read with caution if affected by any of the following: cancer, death during childbirth, divorce, depression, abandonment, adoption, negligence, wrongful death, migraines, life support, aneurysm, work accident, paralysis, affair, abortion, deceit, betrayal, paranoia, prison, hit and run, alcohol and drug consumption, estrangement, bar fights, theft, dementia, failed invitro fertilization (IVF), earthquake, break-in, alcoholics anonymous (AA), anxiety, missing person, homicide, murder, stabbing, warrant, zipline accident, binding, attack, gun violence, kidnapping, carbon monoxide exposure, amnesia, or abuse.

 

An exhilarating tale, The Dark Inheritance hooks readers and keeps them turning the pages with bated breath.

 

Thank you to #TheDarkInheritance, #TheInvestigationDuoSeries, #LianeCarmen, and #SunshinePublishing for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/the-dark-inheritance-review

 

Review of the first book in this series, Where the Truth Hides, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/where-the-truth-hides-review

 

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

Where the Truth Hides by Liane Carmen

emotional informative mysterious fast-paced

4.0

Becky and Jules knew from the moment they met they would be friends forever. Creating a bond like no other; time nor distance has been able to pull them apart. Now adults, they turn the page to reveal the next chapter; they just never expected what comes next… 

 

An exuberant tale, Liane Carmen keeps readers guessing in Where the Truth Hides. Combining the intricacies of realistic occurrences with a plethora of what-ifs, Liane creates a riveting story around connections found through DNA testing. 

 

Add in the minimal spelling and grammatical errors, and one will read cover to cover without a thought of putting it down. However, a considerable quantity of profane language results in a less than perfect rating. So, a 4 out of 5 stars is awarded.

 

Please read with caution if any of the following may cause you distress: adoption, car accident, anxiety, invitro fertilization (IVF), infertility, memory loss, mood swings, personality changes, flooding, hurricane, abandonment, deceit, betrayal, heart attack, silent stroke, dementia, paranoia, break-in, Alzheimer’s, IV sedation, thievery, depression, gun violence, bullying, alcohol and drug consumption, affair, phobias, binding, murder, jail, or hostage.

 

A suspenseful thriller, Where the Truth Hides is a novel that grabs hold and does not let go. 

 

Thank you to #WhereTheTruthHides, #TheInvestigationDuoSeries, #LianeCarmen, and #SunshinePublishing for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/where-the-truth-hides-review

Some Kind of Comfort: A Coming of Age Adventure by Gary Clark

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

Charley wants to fit in. Correction, Charley NEEDS to fit in. She is willing to do almost anything it takes to be acknowledged at her high school, no matter the cost. Even if her anxiety becomes so bad and she runs away, a little embarrassment is worth the overall acceptance. That is until her body can no longer tolerate the abuse, and she dies. 

 

Experience Charley’s inner thoughts as she navigates through her life in Gary Clark’s Some Kind of Comfort. A head on approach, Gary tackles the stigma surrounding mental stability, while encompassing a story complete with wonder, discovery, and even love.

 

Yet, there was something missing. Instead of empathizing with the characters’ angst, fear, loss, anger, love, and other feelings, there seemed to be a disconnect. The words on the page did not evoke an emotional correlation, they were just words on the page. In addition, an overuse of profanity interfered as well. 

 

This story includes actions that may occur while facing struggles with mental illness. Please read with caution if the following may cause you distress: panic attacks, phobias, self-harm (including cutting), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), abandonment, anxiety, physical abuse, assault, sexual harassment, heart attack, anorexia, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, adoption, psychiatric ward, bipolar, alcoholism, foster care, missing loved one, suicide, sexism, attempted rape, school shooting, tinnitus, narcissism, coma, overdose, hallucinations, car accident, and death of parent.

 

A commendable accomplishment, Some Kind of Comfort articulates the inner battles many must combat when facing our own mental health. 

 

Thank you to #SomeKindOfComfort, #GaryClark, and #GCLBooks for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/some-kind-of-comfort-review

Prospects by D.L. Howe

emotional 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

Catlin does not expect much. Within her short amount of time on this earth, her life is surrounded with non-stop tragedy. Toughened up from living on the streets and panhandling just to squeak by, she never imagined how one little meeting could change everything. 

 

Logan has it all figured out. A graduate from two highly prestigious universities and son to a Kansas City Star mogul, he has his future all planned out. Well, he thought he did. Apparently, a single story can change one’s trajectory… who knew?

 

D.L. Howe expresses how love can conquer all in Prospects. Based on an ever-knowing storyline where two people from different sides of the tracks come together in an epic romance, D.L. turns her tale into something unlike any other. Through knowledge of her hometown mixed with an understanding of a sport some have never heard of, D.L. articulates an emotional story complete with passion, ambition, friendship, and incredible correlations. 

 

In addition, she reveals an admiration and dedication to her trade with a limited amount of spelling and grammatical errors. Yet, this is not a novel for the faint of heart. Explicit sexual content, which does not leave much to the imagination, along with a vast array of vulgar and profane language leads to a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

 

Please take caution if any of the following may cause you distress: homelessness, shoplifting, loitering and solicitation, alcohol and drug consumption, domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, robbery, murder, gun and knife violence, job termination, school dropout, prostitution, attempted rape (with minor), self-defense, bloody body, foster care, panhandling, in vitro, deceit, and betrayal.

 

The first of the Tattoo Trilogy, Prospects invites readers into a domain of fierce loyalty, unrelenting triumph, and ultimately compassion.  

 

Thank you to #Prospects, #TattooTrilogy, and #DLHowe for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

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

Samhain & Stretch Marks by Lisa Manifold

lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

Florry loves living in the small town of Lost Springs, Kansas, even if being a divorcee is looked down upon. Since her children are grown and her ex-husband has moved on to his new wife, Florry was free. Looking forward to her new lease on life, she could not wait to get started. That is until a bracelet permanently attached itself to her arm and she began talking to a ghost.

 

Lisa Manifold offers an intimate glance into Florry’s past in her novella Samhain and Stretch Marks. An interesting concept, Lisa dives into the nuances and particulars one must go through to become an Oracle, conveying a bit of clarity for her readers. 

 

She also exhibits her knack to be a competent writer, with no sexual content and a limited amount of spelling and grammatical errors. Yet, the quantity of profane language, although borderline, was distracting. Plus, the story did not flow well; the timeline was confusing leaping from one event to another. So, a rating of 3 out of 5 stars is the result. 

 

However, given the story is a prequel, it may be better received if read after the original series. Will need to reassess when completed.

 

A few actions may cause discomfort, so please read with caution if affected by any of the following: divorce, alcohol consumption, arrest, deceit, betrayal, and bullying.

 

A prequel to The Oracle of Wynter Series, Samhain and Stretch Marks, explains how Florry came to be. 

 

Thank you to #SamhainAndStretchMarks, #OracleOfWynter, #LisaManifold, #OceanTopPress, and #PWFBookClub for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/samhain-and-stretch-marks-review

Angelica Rising by Shannon Grey

adventurous 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

Mikey and Sky have taken off to research who, more precisely, what he is. 

 

Jared teams up with the exterminators in exchange for help in finding Angelica. 

 

Whilst Angelica is being trained, by her capture, to fulfill her destiny. 

 

Will these friends be able to go back to the way things used to be, or will the faith of the world weigh on their shoulders once more?

 

Shannon Grey increases the intensity in Angelica Rising. A supernatural battle of wits, Shannon leads her readers down many different paths, resulting in an outcome that is impossible to predict. Weaving the thoughts of her four main characters, the connection she creates is astonishing.

 

In addition, a minute amount of profanity and sexual content is within. Yet, this is unfortunately depleted, as a surge of spelling, grammatical, and formatting errors obscure the content. Therefore, a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is given. 

 

Please read with caution if affected by any of the following: gun and knife violence, drugged, memory loss, bound and gagged, prisoner, murder, deceit, deception, torture, hallucinations, atrophy, hand to hand combat, suffocation, kidnapping, war, orphan, mangled and bloody bodies, thievery, protective custody, betrayal, paralysis, burning flesh, claustrophobia, missing, explosion, assassination, decapitation, abandonment, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity.

 

The second segment in the Hunted Magic Series, Angelica Rising satisfies devotees with a thrill they have come to expect. 

 

Thank you to #AngelicaRising, #HuntedMagicSeries, and #ShannonGrey, for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

*Please note to fully obtain the top experience intended, this series is best read in consecutive order.

 

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

 

Review of the first book in this series, Illegal Magic, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/illegal-magic-review

Illegal Magic by Shannon Grey

adventurous 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

Jared has heard of the exterminators, everyone has, but he’s never seen them in person. That is until a magic user is found in a suite above the café him and his friends happen to be sitting in. Next thing he knows there is an explosion quickly followed by gun fire and chaos. A rogue knife strikes Angelica. He cannot let her die, so he does the only thing he can, he saves her life… with magic.

 

Accompany Jared and his friends in Shannon Grey’s Illegal Magic. A tale revealing a hidden heroism, this story demonstrates how amazing outcomes can be achieved if you just believe. Capturing her readers with a mix of exploration, introspection, camaraderie, devotion, and a dash of tenderness, Shannon supplies an exciting read.

 

Furthermore, a limited amount profanity and no sexual content is included; delivering a novel suitable for teenagers and adults. Yet, the skipping amongst characters can be a little difficult to follow at first, but soon an understanding develops and the story quickly becomes the focus. However, several spelling and grammatical errors are present so a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is awarded. 

 

Some actions within may cause you distress. Please read with caution if affected by any of the following: explosions, gun and knife violence, mangled and bloody bodies, murder, arrest, torture, slavery, deceit, prison, poison, felony, death sentence, orphan, forgery, protective custody, electrocution, fugitive, sedation, bound and gagged, assassination, tornado, oppression, burning flesh, and terrorism.

 

The first season on the Hunted Magic Series, Illegal Magic fills fantasy fanatics with the magic, mystery, and mayhem they desire. 

 

Thank you to #IllegalMagic, #HuntedMagicSeries, and #ShannonGrey, for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

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

Shadow Heist by Kit Hallows

adventurous dark fast-paced

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

4.0

What do you get when you cross a sacked detective, with a talking sword, an inebriated bruiser, a drug dependent slayer, and a perplexed magician? An ace of a combat team.  

 

Abadare Glynt is struggling to make ends meet. A year after being fired from the organization, he cannot seem to catch a break. So, when a well-known criminal lord wants to hire him to acquire a music box for twenty grand and a crew, he figures why not? He’s at rock bottom, only way to go is up, right?!?

 

Kit Hallows attracts readers with a mish mash of characters in Shadow Heist. With a delivery of non-stop action, idiosyncratic mockery, and unforeseen obstacles, Kit brings a wide array of conflict to a seemingly mundane task. The result of which is a storyline that keeps dark fantasy enthusiasts rolling with laughter, cringing with fear, and turning those pages.

 

He also shows his proficiency as a writer with a shortage of spelling and grammatical errors. In addition, there is no sexual content. However, the amount of profanity was excessive and overshadowed much of the story. Therefore, a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is given.

 

Please take caution when reading if any of the following may cause you distress: violence (gun, knife, and sword), mangled and bloody bodies, job termination, alcohol and drug consumption, murder, deceit, betrayal, prison, hand to hand combat, abduction, bomb, decapitation, assassination, kidnapping, psychotic break, weapons dealers, migraines, gangs, blackmail, human trafficking, poison, bank foreclosure, stalker, arrest, money laundering, homelessness, house fire, paranoia, depression, and thievery.

 

The beginning of The Nightkind Series, Shadow Heist, is an introduction to a force in which fans cannot help but be enthralled with.

 

Thank you to #ShadowHeist, #TheNightkindSeries, and #KitHallows, for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

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

Big Jim by David Lucero

adventurous informative medium-paced

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

4.0

We’ve all heard of them; whether it be through films, news broadcasts, or celebrity endorsements. An African safari is a wonderous and breathtaking experience everyone should have on their bucket list. Yet, is it all just fun and games? Are there no repercussions?

 

Join James “Kubwa Jim” Peck, his best friend, Caesar Wilde, and their crew of native askari and wapagazis through the African terrains. Experience the thrill of the hunt, the dreariness of cropping, the banter of competition, and the chaos throughout. 

 

David Lucero delivers a reality check to his readers in Big Jim. Through the minds of an American hunter, a local medicine man, a travel journalist, and several villagers, David reveals some of the truths behind living in Africa. Utilizing his talent for storytelling, David entwines sought facts into an awe-inspiring adventure keeping his readers not only informed, but captivated.

 

The initial influx of characters can be slightly overwhelming, but that quickly fades as the story unfolds. Plus, there is a lack of sexual content and no spelling nor grammatical errors were found. There is, however, a significant amount of profanity. So, a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is awarded. 

 

As this book contains multiple encounters between man and beast, the following actions may cause one distress: alcohol consumption, poaching, mangled and bloody bodies (both human and animal), arrest, adultery, bullying, malaria, dengue fever, tick fever, decapitation, and snake bites.

 

A stunning and eye-opening exploration, Big Jim brings new light to the African Safari.

 

Thank you to #BigJim, #DavidLucero, and #YourBookAngel, for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

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