literary_lioness's reviews
261 reviews

Witch Awakened by Valia Lind

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

5.0

Usually, the last thing a fugitive wants to do is go back to the prison they escaped from. Yet, for Cordelia Keller, going back is the only option.

 

Part of a secret task force, Cordelia is assigned with locating ancient relics she is uniquely connected to. Knowing the fate of the world depends on her obtaining these relics before the evil King does, she cannot deny the pull she gets. She has already escaped once; she can do it again… or at least she hopes so.

 

Return to Valia Lind’s realm of magic, surprises, plotting, and desire in Witch Awakened. Propelling readers further into The Blackwood Supernatural Prison Series, Valia evokes an unpredictable adventure. 

 

Valia, also, ensures her story is appropriate for all readers. The nonexistence of profanity and sexual content emphasizes this aspect. In addition, she continues to showcase her proficiency as a writer with an absence of spelling and grammatical errors. Therefore, 5 out of 5 stars is the rating. 

 

Please read with caution as the series revolves around a supernatural prison, and some actions may cause distress. Some of these actions include: arrest, incarceration, fugitive, missing person, ambush, hand to hand combat, sword and knife violence, mangled and bloody bodies, poverty, murder, bombing, paranoia, betrayal, deceit, tornado, manipulation, gagged, torture, and protective custody.

 

The third addition to The Blackwood Supernatural Prison Series, Witch Awakened, continues to shock fans with never-ending twists and turns. Plus, per usual, a jaw dropping cliffhanger keeps them eager for more.

 

Thank you to #WitchAwakened, #BlackwoodSupernaturalPrisonSeries, and #ValiaLind, 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/witch-awakened-review

 

Review of the first book in this series, Witch Condemned, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net//post/witch-condemned-review

 

Review of the second book in this series, Witch Unchained, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net//post/witch-unchained-review

Witch Unchained (Blackwood Supernatural Prison, #2) by Valia Lind

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

5.0

Officially a fugitive, Cordelia has found herself part of a secret task force. Bound to an ancient relic in the form of a bracelet, it has been determined that her magic is the key to bring down the King. 

 

Racing from destination to destination, she needs to find the remaining relics while keeping under the radar and being sent back to prison. Not to mention the growing attraction developing between her and the prison warden that helped break her out. All she has to do is let go of her intuition and trust that she is in capable hands. No big deal, right?!?

 

Once again, Valia Lind consumes her readers in a world of enchantment, disbeliefs, scheming, and a slow-burning romance in Witch Unchained. A continuation of The Blackwood Supernatural Prison Series, Valia hooks her readers from the first sentence all the way to the last.

 

Another demonstration of Valia’s ability to write for audiences of all ages, one will not find any profanity or sexual content.  Plus, with a minimal amount of spelling and grammatical errors, a rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the result. 

 

Since the series is called Blackwood Supernatural Prison, please read with caution if any of the following may cause you distress: false imprisonment, pick-pocketing, thievery, dealers, smugglers, hand to hand combat, knife and sword violence, war, murder, betrayal, deceit, kidnapping, abandonment, and ambush.

 

The second installment to The Blackwood Supernatural Prison Series, Witch Unchained, ramps up the intensity. With yet another cliffhanger, this series keeps readers on their toes.

 

Thank you to #WitchUnchained, #BlackwoodSupernaturalPrisonSeries, and #ValiaLind, 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/witch-unchained-review

 

Review of the first book in this series, Witch Condemned, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net//post/witch-condemned-review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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