literary_lioness's reviews
260 reviews

adventurous fast-paced

4.0

Jay just turned eighteen and her powers are really starting to become more and more difficult to suppress. Yet, with the constant threat of being captured by the state and forcibly changed into a Reader, she knows something needs to be done. Surrounded by the support of her two best friends, Stitch and Cassie, along with her brother, Sammy, they take off in search of the mythical Interland. With their intuition and the stories told to them as their guide, will the Interland truly be a saving grace?

Gary Clark’s The Given is the first of The Interland trilogy. Gary surrounds the reader with explicit imagery and details ensuring the world within is all that is seen. Although largely focused on character development, the nuances, mystery, and adventure keep the pages turning.

Aside from borderline profanity and a few spelling and grammatical errors, there are little aspects that took away from a perfect rating. Nonetheless, personally specified parameters permit a 4 out of 5 stars.

Overall, a fabulous introduction to the world of “The Given”, and looking forward to continuing on the journey with Jay, Sammy, Stitch, and Cassie.

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

Blood Brothers by Donna Jean Picerno

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fast-paced

4.0

What would you do for those you love?

Sarah loves her husband, so when his organs start to fail, she knows she has to find a donor. When she finds out about a secret half-brother, she does not let the fact that he is in prison for murder stop her.

Dylan was convicted of a murder he claims he did not commit. When Sarah comes along to ask for his blood, he knows he has to take advantage. Striking a deal: his blood in return for a lawyer, he finally has hope that the truth will be revealed.

In Donna Jean Picerno’s Blood Brothers, she demonstrates how love can prevail when going through the depths of despair. A story with borderline profanity, little to no sexual or religious content, and a few spelling and grammatical errors, a quick and enjoyable read was created.

Although categorized as a suspense romance, this book leaned more towards romance than suspense. This led to expecting a situation to turn dicey and ended with some disappointment. Additional suspense would have amplified the storyline and resulted in a higher rating. Therefore, 4 out of 5 stars is given.

Yet, this tale is not all sunshine and roses, so please use caution if triggered by any of these events: leukemia, stem cell donation, heart attack, murder, incarceration, car accident, mental illness.

All things considered, a novel depicting how there is always a silver lining when the clouds seem too dark. To see it, you just need to focus on faith, family, and love.

Thank you to #AuthorsXP, #BloodBrothers, and #DonnaJeanPicerno, for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

Against the Glass by Linda M. Habib

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emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

4.0

Doctor Candance “Candy” Madeleine has broken many barriers and accomplished her goal of opening her own in vitro clinic. Considered an expert in the field as a reproductive endocrinologist, her road to victory was not an easy one.

Raised in a home of an overbearing Catholic traditionalist and educated by the strictness of nuns, Candy put all her energy into entomology, the study of bugs. Even with her mother’s constant badgering to get married and give birth to a girl in the month of January, a family tradition going back thousands of years, she kept to her studies. That is, until that one night in 1966, when everything changed.

Follow Candy on her venture through life from a sheltered child to a woman able to break free in Linda Habib’s Against the Glass. Rooted with history behind the evolution of abortions, infertility, and woman’s rights to their own bodies, this story produces heartbreak, compassion, and joy. Expertly written with little to no spelling or grammatical errors, and not one word of profanity, Linda demonstrates her talent as an author.

Yet, there were times the history interfered with the plotline. This made selected areas seem to drag and resulted in some struggle. However, in the end the characters pulled it through. All in all, a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is given.

None the less, this story does reveal details that could be very traumatic for some. Please use an abundance of caution if triggered by any of these events: physical and emotional abuse including that of a minor, abortion (both legal and illegal), hysterectomy, miscarriage, misogynism, sexual harassment, molestation, alcoholism, drug use, depression, and suicide attempts.

Overall, a captivating overview of the history of women’s rights to their own bodies wrapped in the intrigue of one woman’s struggles, courage, and strength. A must read for women everywhere.

Thank you to #AuthorsXP, #AgainstTheGlass, #LindaHabib, and #femePress for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

Content Warnings

Faction of Time by Tilly Tiason

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adventurous challenging dark slow-paced

3.0

Grumbled, a time archivist, has been best friends with Roue, a Satural Lily, since they were little. As time moved forward, Grumbled’s feelings grew, but unfortunately, Roue’s did not. So, when Gara comes around, and steals Roue’s attention, Grumbled comes up with a plan to get Gara out of the picture.

Yet, The Father of Time, Khronos, has other plans. Claiming to be Grumbled’s biological father, he tells Grumbled of a prophecy in which Grumbled is to kill Gara, saving the world from ultimate death. When Gara is kidnapped, and Roue resolves she is going to find him, Grumbled decides to go along. Will Grumbled risk losing his best friend to save the world?

Filled with monstrous adventure, trickery, deceit, and sacrifice, Tilly Tiason’s Faction of Time is a whirlwind. Not only is the reader swept into a world of mythical creatures and lands, but she puts a twist on the known tales and creates all new characters smothered with intrigue.

None the less, the plot line was difficult to follow. The scenes jumped around a lot and there was a lot of pointless rambling. In addition, there were more than enough uses of profane language and the grammatical errors were distracting. In the end, a rating of 3 out of 5 stars is awarded.

Although written in a world of fantasy, some events referenced are things related to our world. Therefore, please take caution if triggered by any of these events: murder, violence, alcohol use, gruesome descriptions of dead bodies, and suicide.

Overall, a fantasy filled with an interesting concept and lots of twists and turns. However, it could have been better organized to create a more unforgettable story.

Thank you to #VoraciousReadersOnly, #FactionOfTime, #TillyTiason, and #Bowker for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review

Heart of a Runaway Girl by Trevor Wiltzen

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

Blue River is a small town powered by a white supremacist and drug ring leader. Able to instill fear in most of the residents, he utilizes them to complete his bidding. Consequently, when a girl is brutally murdered and her Black boyfriend is accused, no one thinks twice, except Mabel.

Mabel is a waitress who met the girl, Karen, and her boyfriend, Winston, the same night Karen was killed. Initially driven by her “gift” of being able to read people, she feels Winston was setup. Determined to prove his innocence, she starts her own investigation. Will she be able to figure out the truth before it is too late?

Addressing some difficult issues, Trevor Wiltzen effectively portrays how the actions of one can produce change in The Heart of a Runaway Girl. Although, unknown if the intent, he cleverly infused the issues within an entertaining mystery novel. Resulting in a quick read, this book is proficiently written, with limited profanity along with minimal spelling and grammatical errors.

None the less, there were times the story seemed a little monotonous. Although pulled through to the end, the plot line slowed throughout the middle. Therefore, a rating of 4 out of 5 stars is given.

Please note, there are references to the following triggers: murder, rape, alcohol and drug use, drug addiction, drug overdose, physical abuse, lynching, racism, and suicide. If triggered by any of these, please use caution.

All things considered enjoyable for any mystery thriller enthusiast and a perfect introduction to the world of Mabel. Eagerly awaiting her next investigation.

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

Content Warnings

Canary and the Mothman by Emory Moon

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challenging dark emotional sad 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? It's complicated

3.0

At the tender age of five, Jesse Ridge was a working man. Stripped of his childhood by his abusive Granny and Uncle he was forced to help with the family business of making moonshine. In an attempt to keep his mother, brother, and cousin safe, Jesse knew he had to stay silent. After four years of never-ending assault, Jesse had had enough, and ran away. Hoping to escape, he soon realizes leaving your past behind is not an easy task.

Follow along as Jesse confronts battle after battle in Emory Moon’s Canary and the Mothman. Based on true events, this story is difficult to comprehend the truth that lays underneath it. This book is a testament to an unrelenting show of courage, determination, and strength through times of not only war and depression throughout the world, but within one’s home and mind.

Although an immersive read from the beginning, the plot gets a little confusing towards the end. The timeline starts to jump around plus the viewpoints of other characters come in to play, making the story line a challenge to follow. There is also moderate sexual content, as well as a few spelling and grammatical errors, resulting in a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.

Keep in mind, this is not an undemanding read. There are numerous descriptions of horrific acts that occur within the pages that can be difficult to read. These acts include: sexual and physical abuse between adults and minors, murder, alcohol and drug use, depression, suicide, and racism. If triggered by any of these, please take caution, as a vivid and lucid picture is presented.

Overall, a chilling rendition to the repercussions an adult can face from living in an abusive childhood from the perspective of a male. Kudos to Emory Moon for relaying this issue and bringing it to the forefront.

Thank you to #VoraciousReadersOnly, #CanaryAndTheMothman #EmoryMoon and #FowlBirdPublishing for the opportunity to review this book.

Content Warnings

Miller Avenue Murder by Nenny May

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challenging mysterious medium-paced

3.0

Murders just do not happen in small town, Tillamook. Yet, when a fifty-year-old woman, was found stabbed and strangled to death in her home, the town gets shook.

Rachel Olson is the lead detective on the case. Being only her second murder investigation, her colleagues wonder if she is up for the task. Determined to prove she is the right woman for the job, she has numerous obstacles, or dare she say people, that keep getting in her way. Will she be able to solve the case before others within the community screw everything up?

In Miller Avenue Murder, Nenny May writes from the different perspectives of several characters impacted by a murder. Nenny cleverly showcases how the actions of one can impact another, causing a ripple effect throughout. Not only does this type of writing keep readers on their toes, it throws every one of their theories out the window.

None the less, confusion arose given the number of characters being followed. At times, the storyline was difficult to comprehend due to the constant changes in character views. In addition, an overuse of profanity, moderate sexual content, plus grammatical, spelling, and formatting errors, led to a challenging read. Therefore, a rating of 3 out of 5 stars is awarded.

Caution is recommended for the following triggers: murder, prostitution, adultery, alcohol use, schizophrenia, depression, postpartum depression, hallucinations, misogyny, assault.

In a nut shell, a great mystery with an ending you never saw coming.

Thank you to #VoraciousReadersOnly, #MillerAvenueMurder #NennyMay and #SleuthPress for the opportunity to review this book.

Content Warnings

Lin Su Yoshimura - The Days of Darkness by Jc Walker

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adventurous dark tense 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? It's complicated

3.0

Lin Su Yoshimura was labeled a half-breed given her father’s Japanese heritage and her mother’s Chinese. Seeking her place within the two communities, she turned all her strength and energy into her martial arts training. By the time she was seventeen, she had mastered techniques in Kung Fu, Samurai, and Bushido. She finally felt there was a light at the end of the tunnel, but the world had different plans.

JC Walker takes his readers on an inside look of what it takes to run a drug trade operation in Lin Su Yoshimura - The Days of Darkness. It is apparent due diligence was completed to ensure accuracy not only within the drug cartels, but military practices and procedures as well as martial arts trainings. The amount of detail expressed through the pages made the reader feel they were a part of the action.

Yet, the detail does paint a gruesome picture. Walker does not hold back when it comes to the gory intricacies of the heinous crimes. Nor does he restrain on the amount of profanity his characters utilize. In addition, there is moderate sexual content, inconsistencies throughout the timeline, slight references to Buddism, plus some grammatical, spelling, and formatting errors. Therefore, a rating of 3 out of 5 stars is given.

Please note, given the content is heavily ingrained with crime, caution is recommended for the following triggers: gang bangs, miscarriage, drug addition, gun violence, murder, kidnapping, bullying, alcoholism, sex trafficking, physical abuse, and racism.

Overall, a fast-paced action packed read, recommended for anyone interested in an inside look into drug related crimes and everything that goes along with it.

Thank you to #VoraciousReadersOnly, #LinSuYoshimuraTheDaysOfDarkness #JCWalker and #GrooveProductions for the opportunity to review this book.

Content Warnings

Gutter Mage by J.S. Kelley

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adventurous fast-paced

4.0

Rosalind “Roz” Featherstone is known as the Gutter Mage of Drusiel, but do not let her hear you calling her that. A detective, of sorts, Roz solves problems within the magical community; although most of her clients pay in barter, but who’s counting? When her best friend, Lysander brings about the prospect of a high paying job she accepts it. As memories from her past intertwine with clues of the case, she wonders if she will be able to break it, or if it will break her.

Hidden behind the crass of the main character’s reputation, an eccentric, tough, yet deeply loving character is brought to life in J.S. Kelly’s The Gutter Mage. The quirky banter alone keeps the reader interested. Throw in a fascinating rendition of mages, deception, plus adventure and this book quickly becomes difficult to put down.

None the less, there is an abundant amount of crude, raunchy, and profane language throughout. Add in several spelling and grammatical errors, and the rating of 4 out of 5 stars is given.

Be aware, there is smoking, drinking, and drug use described within. There is also some sexual content included, although the details are left to the reader’s imagination. If triggered by any of these actions, please take caution while reading.

All in all, a must read for anyone who enjoys losing themselves in the wonder of magic, mystery, and mayhem. Cannot wait for Roz’s next situation.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #GutterMage and #SagaPress for the opportunity to voluntarily review this book.

Content Warnings

Inseparable by Simone de Beauvoir

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inspiring medium-paced

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

5.0

At the age of nine, Sylvie met Andrée. New to the school, Andrée was a wonder to Sylvie and quickly a friendship bloomed. Raised within the early 1900s, societal and family influences are ingrained into their everyday lives. Throughout the years, the girls turn toward each other as they try to make sense of it all. A bond tightly woven; they are “inseparable”.

Loosely based on true events between Simone de Beauvoir and Elisabeth “Zaza” Lacoin, the bond these two girls shared jumps off the page. Eloquently written with intense descriptions and emotion, this novel is unlike any other.

Given the time frame and the girls’ upbringing within Catholicism, there is much reference to faith and beliefs. However, this is not a religious story as the references are in regards to the struggles and pressures the girls go through. Hence, a rating of 5 out of 5 stars is given.

A quick read detailing the importance of friendship, this is a must read for any female. Whether you are coming of age, tackling the never-ending daily tasks, or relishing in your memories, you cannot pass this one up.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #Inseparable and #Ecco for the opportunity to voluntarily review this book.

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literary_lioness's reviews 260 reviews

literary_lioness's reviews
260 reviews