Nightblade

I'm putting up a post a couple days late because of sickness that infiltrated our house, (BOOOOOOOOO!) but I cannot begin to express my happiness that I found Nightblade by Garrett Robinson. I'm not even 100% sure how I discovered this tale, but Oh my heck! You'll see.

Rating: 4 (So so so close to getting an Oscar ready)
Whoo-hoos: 1 (Not bad at all. No need to get ice packs)

Loren will do anything to get away from her abusive parents, her scars and bruises attesting to her need to flee. She has only dreams of leaving until a wizard, on the run from constables, passes through her woods. She helps him escape capture and he agrees to bring her with him to the next city, but when Loren finds herself betrayed by the wizard she decides to make her own way to the village. She is both surprised and unprepared for the dangers that lie in front of her, but nothing prepares her for the response of the town. Getting on the bad side of several villains leaves her grasping her wit and intelligence with a ferocity that cannot be beat or removed. Gaining unlikely allies she manages to free herself from those wishing to do her harm and start on the path to learning just who she is. 

Such an incredible book! The way the different characters and plot lines are woven is nothing short of wonderful, playing on the feelings of the audience creating emotional bonds to the fictional people being read about. From wanting to punch Loren's father to bile rising when talking about a villain's antics, that connection is strong and played like a violin. Expect to gasp, cry, laugh, and cheer throughout the story. Though, it does slow down a little bit in the middle it picks back up making up for lost time, and the book ends up glued to one's hands. The world-building is utterly beautiful, making the words on the page disappear and thrusting the reader into the actual world and creating the need to answer the mysterious questions which arise. Thankfully this is only story one of a series as the desire to know more is strong and almost overpowering. Make sure you set a couple hours aside when you are about to jump into this tale as you'll want to finish it in one sitting!

To check it out on Amazon go here: Nightblade

Keep your tea as hot as your book!

Bayou Fire

Today I'm taking you down to New Orleans to talk about the incredible book Bayou Fire written by Sharon E. Cathcart. This book brings the heat and not just in the Gumbo! I am so happy I had the privilege of taking this journey and I think you'll love it too!

Rating: 5 stars (swoon worthy Oscar!)
Whoo-Hoos: 4 (it's steamy! OH my!)

As a travel journalist, Diana has the fascinating opportunity to explore and live in exotic and fun locations, but nowhere has piqued her interest as much as her current place- New Orleans. Though part of her intrigue is due to her inexplicable, suddenly recurring nightmares. The same ones she thought to be done, however, they hold more power for both her and the locals than she realizes, that is until she meets Amos. Meeting him causes her night terrors and her future to blend together to reveal the beautiful truth she's held this whole time. 

When the term "cajun spice" is mentioned, this book is what the person is speaking of. With an endearingly charming mix of personable characters and local food the reader can almost taste, it brings the flavour as well as the heat, and simply doesn't let up. Because of how well-written it is, one needs, NEEDS, to know what happens and can't put it down until the end. Curiosity about the perplexing nightmares and how they tie into the story creates all kinds of possibilities in a person's mind, though none are as magnificent as the truth. The people, and culture, examined are not mere 2-dimensional cardboard cutouts, but rather are intricately complex alive beings with rich accents, memories, and quirks. Truth be told, this is one of those stories that is wonderfully wrapped up at the finish, but the audience is extremely hesitant to close the cover on these new friends. Be prepared for the reread urge!!

To check this out on Amazon go here: Bayou Fire

Keep your tea as hot as your book!