literary_lioness's reviews
260 reviews

The Liberty Box by C.A. Gray

adventurous 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? It's complicated

5.0

A well-known journalist of the nation, Kathryn “Kate” Brandeis is known to report the whole story. At least that’s what she thought she did. When the death of one of her former roommates hits her desk, she becomes aware of the truths behind The Republic. Quickly thereafter, she starts seeing things for what they really are and her whole world falls apart, literally.

 

Consume yourself into a realm of epic dystopian proportions in C. A. Gray’s The Liberty Box. A spectacular use of imagery, a world built on mind altering characteristics rapidly immerses the reader. Include the emotional impacts felt through the two main character’s point of view, and the story becomes one you do not want to end.

 

A book intended for young adult readers, profanity and sexual content are excluded, making this novel appropriate for any age. Plus, with little to no spelling and grammatical errors, this book deserves the 5 out of 5 stars given. 

 

A bit of warning, as the series is a trilogy, this volume does end in a cliffhanger. However, with the remaining volumes already released, instant gratification can be received. So, make sure to obtain the second volume, The Eden Conspiracy, and let the journey resume.

 

Thank you to #VoraciousReadersOnly, #TheLibertyBox, #CAGray, and #WanderlustPublishing for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/the-liberty-box-review

The Collective by Alison Gaylin

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Camille Gardener is a grieving mother having lost her fifteen-year-old daughter, Emily. Even after five years, she still cannot seem to move on as her now ex-husband, old friends, and latest therapist had recommended. But how can she move on, when justice never prevailed? When she finds an online community of mothers in similar situations, she begins to find hope. Will the help provided from these women finally give her the answers she so desperately seeks? 

 

Quickly get swept away in a whirlwind of grief, retribution, deceit, mystery, and crime in Alison Gaylin’s The Collective. An enthralling tale of unpredictability, this novel not only keeps you guessing but takes psychological game play to another level. 

 

Although competently written with minimal spelling and grammatical errors, the amount of profanity used does affect the rating. Therefore a 4 out of 5 stars is given. 

 

Some triggers include: alcohol and drug use (including underage), overdose, rape, depression, suicide, manipulation, and murder. Please be cautious if any of these may cause distress.

 

In the market for a suspenseful, psychological crime thriller? Then mark November 2, 2021 on the calendar, to grab this book when released.

 

Thank you to #SceneOfTheCrime, #BookClubGirls, #NetGalley, #The Collective, #AlisonGaylin, and #WilliamMorrow for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

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

Two Can Witch the Game by Valia Lind

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

5.0

Penelope “Penny” Sharks is the owner of Penny’s bakery in Monroe Cove. So naturally when time comes for the town’s annual bake-off, Penny heads the coordination of the event. When appliances in her kitchen start going haywire for reasons she cannot explain, she turns to her best friend, who just happens to be a witch.

 

Cassie has been back in town for a month and has already had to deal with being haunted by a ghost until she solved the murder. Anxious, to ignore her magical abilities she is excited to get back to interior design. Yet, when a dead body is found behind Penny’s bakery, her magic and investigative skills are brought to the forefront once again.

 

Cassie, Penny, Finn, Dean, and Auntie Grace are back in the second book of the Crooked Windows Inn Mystery Series. As expected, Valia Lind continues to engage the reader with another mystery that keeps you guessing in her story, Two Can Witch the Game. Throw in the nuances and comical banter between characters (yes, even the cat) and you have another hit. 

 

With profanity and sexual content excluded, and limited spelling and grammatical errors, a perfect rating of 5 out of 5 stars is righteously awarded. 

 

Looking forward to December 31, 2021 when the series continues in the third book, Third Witch’s the Charm.

 

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

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/two-can-witch-the-game-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

Once Upon a Witch by Valia Lind

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

5.0

Cassandra “Cassie” Duke is an interior designer in Chicago. At least she was until her magic got in the way and she was fired. Feeling defeated, she moves back to her small hometown of Monroe Cove and into her Auntie Grace’s Crooked Windows Inn.

 

Hoping to settle her magic and reset her ambitions, she looks forward to relaxing and taking things slow. However, her magic has other plans. When a local, Mabel, dies at the inn Cassie is haunted, literarily, by the deceased. Will Cassie be able to solve the case before time runs out or will she be haunted forever?

 

A true testament to the definition of a cozy mystery, Valia Lind’s Once Upon A Witch is spot on. Not only does the story keep you on your toes while trying to figure out “who done it”, there is also a quirkiness to it that keeps you laughing as the pages turn. Throw in the wonders of magic, and dare to say it, a little romance, and this introduction to the Crooked Windows Inn Mystery Series has you hooked.

 

Written without any profanity, sexual content, plus few spelling and grammatical errors, this novel is perfect for any reader. A rating of 5 out of 5 stars is the least this book deserves.

 

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

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/once-upon-a-witch-review

Angels Out of the Dark by J.S. Peck

dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

4.0

Lester and Lucy, known in Las Vegas as The Black Samaritans, are the owners of a soup kitchen. Used as somewhat of a cover, the kitchen helps them find girls trying to get out of the grasps of sex and drug trafficking. Yet, to keep their animosity intact for the safety of these girls, they cannot be involved with the day-to-day aspects of the girls’ recovery. That’s where the angels come in.

 

No, not the down from the heavens, wings on the back, halo over the head type of angels. These angels came out from the depths of hell to protect and provide. 

 

Enter the mind of Tiffany as she and her fellow “angels”, Betsy, Linda, and Missy assist Sue-Ling in her escape from the torment of her pimp, in J.S. Peck’s Angels Out of the Dark. A gripping tale of determination, courage, self-worth, and love, Peck brings the issues of the dark, dangerous, and twisted world of human trafficking to light whilst keeping it entertaining.

 

Although expected due to the content surrounding human trafficking, quite a bit of profanity is used. Yet, given the aspect from a survivor’s view, there is very limited sexual content. Therefore, a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is awarded. 

 

Nonetheless, please take caution as horrendous acts are mentioned which may cause some distress. These include: drug use, detox, prostitution, physical and sexual abuse, assault, rape, abduction, starvation, sex rings, sex auctions, sex trafficking, abortion, depression, and gun violence.

 

Overall, a story of overcoming tremendous hardships through the influence of willpower, friendship, and compassion. 

 

Thank you to #VoraciousReadersOnly, #AngelsOutOfTheDark, #JSPeck, and #BejeweledPress for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

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

The Dark: Interland Series Book #3 by Gary Clark

medium-paced

4.0

Once again, darkness threatens the Islands of The Given. Only this time it is not only The Readers who bring the threat, but an ancient myth coming to reality. A true battle between good and evil; light versus dark. Determined to keep her family and friends safe, Jay believes she is the only hope of defeating The Dark. Will she have enough strength to destroy the darkness, or will the darkness destroy her?

 

In the third book of The Interland Series, The Dark, Gary Clark continues to exemplify his skill as a writer. His words paint an elaborate picture of a fantastical world. Plus, his attention to detail brings a story for all ages with no profanity and limited grammatical and spelling errors.

 

Yet, this tale was a little bit of a letdown. Unlike the previous books in the series, the story did not encompass the twists, turns, intrigue, and mystery. The narrative seemed to continue to repeat the same actions over and over with no results. This resulted in a slow-paced storyline, and a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. 

 

All in all, the third book of The Interland Series, should be seen as the transitional story from the distinctive battles of Island 8 to the loftier confrontations within all the Islands. 

 

Thank you to #The Dark, #GaryClark, and #GCLBooks for the opportunity to read the advanced readers copy and give my honest review.

 

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

 

Review of the prequel book in this series, The Reader, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/the-reader-review

 

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

 

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

Missed Me by Trevor Wiltzen

fast-paced

4.0

Mabel is overwhelmed with running her diner and motel, plus trying to spend time with her boys and niece. She wants to say “no” when she is asked to help with a missing girl case, but her heart aches for the girl and her mom. 

 

Using her skills as a private investigator, she links eight missing girls to the drug lord, Larson. Collaborating with the DEA to rid Larson and his crew from the town, she ends up becoming a target. Will she be able to find the girls and provide the evidence needed to bring Larson down or will he destroy her and everything she loves?

  

Once again, the town of Blue River is brought to life in Trevor Wiltzen’s Missing Me. Bursting with immense imagery, the reader is absorbed within the second book of the Mabel Davison Series. Captivated to continuing “watching” the story unfold, the pages keep turning.  

 

Although written with several instances of profanity, given the character’s personalities, it does not take away from the novel. Nonetheless, a rating of 4 out 5 stars is given.

 

Set in a scene of numerous illegal activities, please take caution as some actions may cause distress. These triggers include: Alcohol and drug consumption, racism, white supremacy, assault, rape, abduction, suicide, and gun violence.

 

Overall, an enthralling second book to the Mabel Davison Series. Make sure to mark your calendars and grab this book when it releases on October 18, 2021. 

 

Thank you to #BookSirens, #MissedMe, and #TrevorWiltzen for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

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

 

Review of the first book in this series, Heart of a Runaway Girl, can be found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/the-heart-of-a-runaway-girl-review

The Bookseller of Dachau by Shari J. Ryan

emotional hopeful fast-paced

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

5.0

Matilda and Hans have been best friends since they were four. Living in the same apartment complex for thirteen years, they built a love for each other that could never be broken. That is until the Nazis came and forced Hans and his family to move out.

 

Grace is an architect at a firm where she grew up in Boston. With her mom passing away and her dad leaving her for another family she struggles to find her place. Then a package arrives from a law firm in Germany and everything changes. 

 

In The Bookseller of Dachau, Shari J. Ryan engages the reader from the first sentence. A story within a story filled with so many emotions ranging from love, to betrayal, hope, and even heartbreak. Shari’s use of words and descriptions grabs the reader and does not let go. Even after the story ends, you will want to know more.

 

Proficiently written without any profanity nor spelling or grammatical errors, this is a book that deserves an impeccable rating. Justly earned a 5 out 5 stars is awarded.

 

As with most novels regarding the Holocaust, inhumane treatment of Jews is portrayed. Please take caution as some events are difficult to grasp. 

 

All in all, a beautiful love story enfolded in the anguish, courage, and determination within the historical tragedies of World War II. 

 

Thank you to #NetGalley, #TheBooksellerOfDachau, #ShariJRyan, and #Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/the-bookseller-of-dachau-review

The Devil's Breath by Tom Hogan, Melanie Mulhall

dark emotional mysterious sad fast-paced

4.0

A murder has occurred. A normal event given Auschwitz is known to be an extermination camp. Yet, this effects the Kommandant directly as it was his lead accountant that was killed. Desperate to find the killer he turns to two people he never thought he could ever rely on, Jews.

 

Tom Hogan intertwines the innerworkings of the Nazi regime with the intrigue of a murder mystery in his book, The Devil’s Breath. With a focus on the mystery aspect, Tom was able to bring the historical factors to the forefront without taking away from the entertainment value. This unique aspect allowed the reader to learn about the Holocaust while engaging them to keep turning the pages.

 

Due to several profane words a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is awarded. However, given the atmosphere of the story and the neglect shown towards the main characters, a little profanity should be granted. 

 

As with most novels regarding the Holocaust, a gruesome picture of inhumane treatment, both in life and death, of prisoners is portrayed. Please take caution as some events are difficult to grasp. 

 

Overall, a compelling murder mystery wrapped in the historical tragedies of World War II.

 

Thank you to #BookSirens, #TheDevilsBreath, and #TomHogan, for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

 

Original Post found at: https://www.literarylioness.net/post/the-devil-s-breath-review

Interland by Gary Clark

adventurous fast-paced

5.0

It’s been two years since Jay, Stitch, Cassie, and Sammy entered the Interland. As the outside world continued to fall to the Readers, the Given felt safe within its walls. Then when Cassie and Rueben do not return from their mission as runners, reality of their possible extinction sinks in. Determined to save her friend, Jay and Stitch leave the safety of the Interland in order to save Cassie. However, the Readers have other plans. Will Jay be able to save her friends and all the Given, or is this the beginning of their demise?

 

Once again, Gary Clark brings the world of the Given to life in his book Interland. The second book of the Interland Trilogy, Gary continues to create epic imagery, fantastic characters, and unexpected twists. Mixing Fantasy with Mystery, this is one that was difficult to put down.

 

With little to no profanity, sexual content, and spelling and grammatical errors, there is no reason to not award a perfect score. Therefore, a rating of 5 out of 5 stars is given to this incredible story.

 

Unlike the first book in the trilogy, there a few events that may cause alarm in some readers. Please take a bit of caution if triggered by amputation, prosthetics, or depression. 

 

Another novel within the Interland Trilogy that went above and beyond. With November 20, 2021 marked on the calendar, the release of the third and final book in this series is anxiously being awaited.  

 

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

 

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