literary_lioness's reviews
259 reviews

Witch Condemned (Blackwood Supernatural Prison Book 1) by Valia Lind

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

5.0

Inmate number 483285, or as she likes to call herself Cordelia “Cordy” Keller, has been convicted for the murder of her best friend. Of course, she is innocent. All she has to do is follow through on her plan to escape so she can find the true murderer and enact her revenge. 
 
That is until she throws a couple punches at a fellow inmate and ends up in isolation. Granted the irresistible warden assigned to her is an added perk, but it does put a damper on her plan, or so she thought. When he helps her escape, the attraction is not the only thing that gets heated.
 
Instantaneously become captivated by magic, adventure, mystery and a hint of romance in Valia Lind’s, Witch Condemned. A brilliant display, Valia skillfully articulates a story that grabs hold and does not let go, even after the last word of the final page. 
 
Include a lack of profanity, sexual content, and a minimal amount of spelling and grammatical errors and you have a book that is appropriate for all to enjoy. Without a doubt, a rating of 5 out of 5 stars is awarded. 
 
Given the series is called Blackwood Supernatural Prison, some readers may be affected by some of the following actions: false imprisonment, hand to hand combat, isolation, inmate number tattooed on arm, murder, betrayal, fugitive, blood, and shattered bones.
 
A pronounced start to The Blackwood Supernatural Prison Series, Witch Condemned, leaves readers wanting more, especially given the mind-blowing cliffhanger. 
 

Thank you to #WitchCondemned, #BlackwoodSupernaturalPrisonSeries, and #ValiaLind, for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 
Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net//post/witch-condemned-review
Worldwalker by Jamie Dalton

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adventurous dark 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? No

5.0

Adalyn loves her job working with the King’s chef in the kingdom of Pieruin. When she is asked to go out and find ingredients to await the arrival of the queen’s mother and sisters she does not hesitate. However, what she does not know is her whole world is about to change.
 
Discovering her ability as a worldwalker, Adalyn quickly becomes an asset to the kingdom. As more and more secrets are revealed, a motley crew made of two humans, a dwarf, an elf, and a ghost is formed. Can they come together to not only save the kingdom, but bring peace to all creatures as well?
 
Enter Pieruin a world full of secrets, allure, and surprises in Jamie Dalton’s Worldwalker. Jamie takes a typical fantasy world and flips it on its side. Through distinctive twists and turns and stunning imagery Jamie creates a world unlike any other. Leading her readers on an adventure one cannot easily predict, this story is tough to put down.
 
Focusing on character development to ensure a deep connection with her readers, the story does seem to move a little slow. Yet, overall, the characters are able to pull it through. Add in the absence of profanity and sexual content, and this story is recommended for fantasy readers of all ages. Therefore, as the book deserves, a rating of 5 out of 5 stars given. 
 
Classified as a dark fantasy, one may find some actions to cause distress. Please read with caution if effected by any of the following: being held under water, hand to hand combat, sword and knife violence, disappearance of loved ones, blood, murder, genocide, and slavery.
 
A novel of impressive measures, it is challenging to apprehend how this novel could be Jamie Dalton’s debut. Nonetheless, this is a tale you do not want to pass up. So, make sure to mark your calendars on February 22, 2022 for its release.
 
Thank you to #Worldwalker, #TheBanneretSeres, #JamieDalton, #MagnetrasPublishingLLC and #StoryOrigin for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy and give my honest review.
 
Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/worldwalker-review
Diary of an Angry Young Man by Rishi Vohra

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emotional informative inspiring fast-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

When Raghav was a boy, he suffered several tragedies that altered his young life. There were riots breaking out in front of his home, his mother passed away, he was consistently bullied, and worse of all, he was raped by one of his neighbors. 
 
Fast forward, and not much has changed in his adult life. He is unemployed, living with his emotionally abusive father, and struggling to find his purpose. That is until he meets Rani, a little girl living on the streets who just lost her mother to tuberculosis. Determined to save the young girl, he jumps into action only to be met with hostility. Will he be able to change the course of Rani’s life, or will it be the end for those Raghav is trying to protect?
 
Rishi Vohra brings instances most shy away from into the spotlight with Diary of an Angry Young Man. Inspired by true events, Rishi molds atrocities with a passionate tale. He takes his readers on a journey filled with chaos, fear, and defeat then transforms it into an exploration of kindness, friendship, and hope.
 
With an absence of spelling and grammatical errors, Rishi demonstrates his competence as a writer. Nonetheless, since borderline profanity, general descriptions of sexual abuse, plus references to religion are included, a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is awarded. 
 
This novel hits on numerous hardships some children in India are forced into. Therefore, please take caution if any of the following may cause distress: bullying, sexual harassment, poverty, riots, confinement, racism, physical and sexual abuse (both adult and adolescent), threats, stabbing, arrested, murder, drug and alcohol use, prostitution, asthmatic death, rape (adolescent and gang), street fighting, bombings, terrorist attacks, hostages, corrupt cops, police beatings, tuberculosis, amputation, orphans, homelessness, slavery, sale of children, mutilated and bloody bodies, missing person, abandonment, and gun and knife violence.
 
An exceptional story revolving around child innocence and the adults who take advantage. Diary of an Angry Young Man brings awareness that anyone can make a difference, all one needs to do is try. 
 
Thank you to #DiaryOfAnAngryYoungMan and #RishiVohra for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.
 
Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/diary-of-an-angry-young-man-review
Windbreak by Derek Alan Siddoway

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adventurous emotional fast-paced

5.0

Eva has never been one to sit on the sidelines. Yet, her uncles have put her there why she learns the rules of the kingdom. So, when the smelterborn threaten the Eastern borders, Eva itches to get on the battlefield.
 
Then when the unimaginable happens, Eva knows she cannot standby any longer. Leading her small band of friends and loved ones, she takes them on a journey she hopes will save them all. 
 
The final installment to The Gryphon Riders Trilogy, Derek Alan Siddoway’s Windbreak concludes the magnificent story. Adding emotional aspects to the adventure and battles spun throughout the trilogy, Derek is flawless with the ending. Ensuring no questions remain for his readers, Derek leaves no stone unturned.
 
True to his ability as an effective story teller, Derek keeps the interest flowing with non-stop action, as well as weaving mystery and enchantment within. Plus, with only a few instances of profanity, some slow-burn romance, as well as little spelling and grammatical errors, a rating of 5 out of 5 stars is given. 
 
As with the other books in the trilogy war is still the main plotline. So please take caution if affected by the following: mangled and bloody bodies, slavery, raids, ambush, murder, assassination, betrayal, foster care, prisoner of war, hand to hand combat, sword and knife fighting, and sacrifice.
 
An astonishing finish to The Gryphon Riders Trilogy, Windbreak is the heroic finale readers expected and more. 
 
Thank you to #Windbreak, #GryphonRidersTrilogy, and #DerekAlanSiddoway for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.
 
Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/windbreak-review
 
Review of the first book in this series, Windsworn, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/windsworn-review
 
Review of the second book in this series, Windswept, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/windswept-review
Windswept by Derek Alan Siddoway

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adventurous fast-paced

5.0

An official gryphon rider of the Windsworn, Eva looks forward to a routine. One that will give her time to process all that she has recently learned; including the truth behind her heritage. However, destiny has another idea.
 
When an enemy of war is captured, Eva learns of the possibility that her biological father is alive. Determined to find her father and bring him home, she takes risks that may end life as she knows it forever. Will she be able to locate her father and uncover the answers she seeks?
 
A continuation of The Gryphon Riders Trilogy, Derek Alan Siddoway’s Windswept is the perfect transition. Derek not only ties the ongoing story throughout the trilogy, but he expertly adds an underlying plot that keeps his readers hooked to the words on the pages. 
 
An adventure of battles both on the field and internally, Derek’s ability to compose an impressive storyline is apparent. Even though borderline profanity and a few grammatical and formatting errors are included, the amount is minimal. Therefore, a deserving rating of 5 out of 5 stars is awarded. 
 
As this story revolves around a war, there are certain actions that may cause one distress. Some of these actions include: mangled and bloody bodies, slavery, raids, thievery, murder, assassination, death during childbirth, betrayal, foster care, prisoner of war, kidnapping, child abuse, and banishment.
 
A tale of epic proportions, Windswept is an addition to the Gryphon Riders Trilogy that not only can stand on its own, but also keeps you craving more. Looking forward to reading how the journey ends in the final installment, Windbreak.
 
Thank you to #Windswept, #GryphonRidersTrilogy, and #DerekAlanSiddoway for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.
 
Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/windswept-review
 
Review of the first book in this series, Windsworn, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/windsworn-review
Windsworn by Derek Alan Siddoway

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adventurous mysterious 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

A black smith assistant to her foster father, Eva never imagined leaving her cozy home on the farm. When she heard of a gryphon egg being stolen from the gyr, she definitely never expected to come across it. 
 
Yet, when the young thief shows up in her barn claiming she is the rightful match of the egg, she realizes her destiny is much more than she anticipated. Will she be able to live up to the prophesy set before her?
 
Enter the magical world of Altaris and ride along with the gryphon riders in Derrick Alan Siddoway’s, Windsworn. A beautiful masterpiece of enchantment, Derrick showcases his ability to describe a vivid imaginary setting. He creates an atmosphere in which his readers not only visualize the landscape, but immerse oneself within. 
 
In addition, the storyline takes readers on a journey jam-packed with mystery, confrontations, rebellion, and a hint of romance. Nonetheless, borderline profanity throughout along with several grammatical and formatting errors, a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is given.
 
Please read with caution if any of the following may cause you distress: death during childbirth, abandonment, amputation, thievery, betrayal, foster care, mutilated and bloody bodies, murder, arrest, death penalty, and depression.
 
A breathtaking introduction to the fictional realm of gryphon riders, Windsworn is an adventure you do not want to miss. 
 
Thank you to #Windsworn, #GryphonRidersTrilogy, and #DerekAlanSiddoway for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.
 
Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/windsworn-review
The Night Shift by Alex Finlay

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mysterious tense 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

New Years Eve 1999, five young adults are brutally incapacitated in the breakroom of their workplace. Miraculously, one survived. 
 
Fifteen years later, two sisters and their manager are murdered in a recognizable fashion at their workplace. Leaving one survivor.
 
Could these two events be connected? Has the fugitive returned to strike again? 
 
Alex Finlay grabs his readers and does not let go in his novel The Night Shift. One easily gets lost within the pages as Alex showcases his ability to create an intense plotline geared to keep you guessing. 
 
Although Alex exemplifies his ability as a writer with little to no spelling and grammatical errors, the amount of profanity was highly overused. Unfortunately, this took away from truly being able to immerse oneself within the pages, ultimately resulting in a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
 
This story does include some graphic details that may cause one distress. Please read with caution if affected by any of the following: alcohol and drug use (including underage), bullying, depression, self-harm (including cutting), suicide, physical and emotional abuse, foster care, group homes, murder, mangled and bloody bodies, knife and gun violence, theft, indecencies with a minor, smuggling contraband, homelessness, abandonment, and abduction.
 
An edge of your seat, pure adrenaline rush, The Night Shift, is the definition of a page turner. Make sure to grab this thrilling mystery when it releases on March 1, 2022.
 
Thank you to #TheNightShift, #AlexFinlay, #MinotaurBooks, #StMartinsPress, and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy and give my honest review.
 
Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/night-shift-review
Jack of Spades: A World War Two Story by David Lucero

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adventurous informative medium-paced

3.0

In the years between 1938 and 1942, most of the world’s focus is on Europe and the war Adolf Hitler has reigned. Yet, at the same time German forces are also fighting the British for control of Africa. A battle most had written off, to Field Marshall Rommel aka The Desert Fox and Major Stirling aka The Phantom Major, the fate of the war will be determined by their actions. 
 
Enter the desert and ride along with both sides of the line in David Lucero’s Jack of Spades. A detailed look behind the scenes of what it takes to win (and lose) multiple battles as well as how they impact the overall war. David takes his readers on an experience from points of view most never have the ability to obtain; that of a soldier.  
 
Merging history within a realistic storyline, one struggles to decipher what is fact and what is fiction. However, during the first half of the book, the tale was hidden behind the specifics of the artillery and military tactics used. This led to a slow-moving plotline, which ultimately came together within the final pages. Incorporate the large amount of profanity utilized and a rating of 3 out of 5 stars is given.
 
Be that this story is in regards World War II, one should expect actions that are difficult to read. Please read with caution as the following may be triggering: mangled and dead bodies, scandal, deceit, betrayal, gambling, heart attack, buried alive, bleeding out, starvation, bombings, knife and gun violence, bullying, and murder.
 
An epic battle between two extraordinary military officers, Jack of Spades brings an aspect of World War II to the attention of all.
 
Thank you to #JackofSpades, #DavidLucero, and #YourBookAngel for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.
 
Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/jack-of-spades-review
Third Witch's the Charm by Valia Lind

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

4.0

In the six months since Cassandra “Cassie” Duke has moved back to Monroe Cove, she has solved two murders. Ready for a break, Cassie and her best friend, Penny, go on a much-needed vacation. Upon arriving they quickly find Finn and his brother, Dean, in the neighboring bungalow. Much to Cassie’s surprise, she finds this was a sneaky plan Penny had made.
 
Determined to relax, Cassie does let the addition of the boys to their girls’ trip interfere with her plans. However, a phantom within her dreams has other ideas. When she finds the man haunting her dreams dead in the pool house and Dean becomes a suspect, she concedes to her usual sleuthing. Will she be able to find the true killer and salvage her vacation?
 
Valia Lind intrigues her readers with the third book of the Crooked Windows Inn Murder Mystery Series, Third Witch’s the Charm. Yet again, Valia demonstrates her efficiency as a writer with a limited amount of spelling and grammatical errors. Plus, her elimination of profanity and sexual content allows this novel to be appropriate for the young, the old, and everyone in between.
 
However, this storyline moves a little slower than Valia’s other books in the series. Although reasonably paced, the story dried up a little in the middle. In addition, the mystery seemed a little too easy to figure out. Luckily, the characters pulled it all together in the end, but 4 out of 5 stars is the rating.
 
As this is a murder mystery, there are several actions that may cause one distress. Please read with caution if affected by any of the following: dead body, amnesia, scandal, deceit, betrayal, disappearance of loved one, heart attack, hauntings, flooding, hurricane, gash on head, bleeding out, blackmailing, thievery, gun violence, incarceration, and murder.
 
Overall, Third Witch’s the Charm is a continuation of Valia’s murder mystery series in which the main character finds her true self. Nonetheless, be forewarned as an unexpected development will leave you longing the November 2022 release of the fourth book.
 
Thank you to #ThirdWitchsTheCharm, #CrookedWindowsInnMysterySeries, and #ValiaLind, and #SkazkaPress for the opportunity to read an advanced readers copy and give my honest review.
 
Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/third-witch-s-the-charm-review
 
Review of the first book in this series, Once Upon a Witch, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/once-upon-a-witch-review
 
Review of the second book in this series, Two Can Witch the Game, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/two-can-witch-the-game-review
The Eighth Road by Joss Walker, R.L. Perez

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adventurous informative mysterious fast-paced

4.0

Sophia Thorne, is aware of her magical abilities. Forced to complete excruciating tasks her mother requires of her; she knows it’s the only way to keep her sister protected. Yet, how far will Sophia need to go to ensure her sister is safe?
 
Follow Sophia as she recounts the unfathomable actions of her mother as well as searches for answers left by her father in Joss Walker’s The Eighth Road. A prequel to the Jayne Thorne, CIA Librarian Series, readers get to see events from Sophia’s perspective. 
 
Nonetheless, there are a few instances of profanity. Add that to being a short story of only fifty-seven pages and the little bit of use seems slightly overdone. So, given these parameters a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is awarded.
 
An excellent addition, The Eighth Road supplies clarity to unanswered questions readers may be seeking from the first book of the series. 
 
Thank you to #TheEighthRoad, #JayneThorneCIALibrarianSeries #JossWalker, #RLPerez, and #TwoTalesPress for the opportunity to read this short story and give my honest review.
 
*Co-writer: R.L. Perez
 
Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/the-eighth-road-review
 
Review of the first book in this series, Tomb of the Queen, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/tomb-of-the-queen-review