Thursday, September 20, 2018

The Queens Wings by Jessica Thorne

‘I was born to fly,’ I told my brothers. But it isn’t true. I was born to be a pawn in the great game of royal houses, married to someone – anyone – my family deems suitable. If I’m lucky, he’ll be my own age and bearable. If I’m very lucky, he’ll be someone who understands my need to fight, and to fly...


Bel, born to nobility, would do anything to spend her days alongside her brothers – soaring through the heavens in her beloved flyer. She’s faster than any of them, but she knows her days in the skies are numbered.
When a surprise attack on the palace lands Bel’s father on the throne, her life is forever changed. In order to secure her father’s empire, Bel must travel to a distant land to marry the recently widowed young ruler, Conleith.


But Bel’s new home is less than welcoming: compared to the refined ladies at court, Bel seems like a wild woman, and assassination attempts, treason and mystery threaten her at every turn. With a growing attraction to Con, her life is further complicated by the attentive leader of her bodyguards – a warrior called Shae whom she has loved since childhood…
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Hello again! So todays' review is an upcoming novel set to release in late November 2018. The Queens Wings is a Sci-Fi Fantasy Romance fit for those who love Star Wars, (or at least those who enjoy space travel, and alien life forms) have an itch for something akin to Game of Thrones, but enjoy the flit of romantic undertones ( well ... under and overtones.)

We get to meet Bel, or Belengaria, as we find her true name is, on her home world of Vairian. A strong people they are. Warriors, in a galaxy where most want peace. Looked down upon by most as barbarians who only desire war. We get to meet her briefly before her world is ripped apart, throwing her into a future she had never imagined for herself, but as the warrior she is, she faces this new battle head on, as best as she can.

Honestly, I read 78% of this book( according to my kindle app) before my tablet died and I was forced to stop reading for the night. I resumed it the next morning with a full charge, and let me tell you, I am in love with this world. Thorne does an incredible job and bringing life to the worlds we visit in The Queens Wing. The history she adds in and the culture she had created for each one is dazzling and so easy to slip into and imagine that you are there among the beautiful greenery of Anthaeus. She brings to life the tech of the realms as well, each distinct and flavored, hinting to the culture that created them.

Often you can fall into a pattern when reading, where you can guess everything that is going to happen. This is not one of those books. The surprises throughout this book are truly surprises, and it is what kept me hooked and gripping my tablet for 4 straight hours when I should have been sleeping after 1. I know I've said this before for my favorite female protagonists, but Bel stays true to herself through the entire book, even when she didn't know who that was. Her personality stayed the same, while her ideas and thoughts morphed; as they should; as she grew into the story. 

The Queens Wing is a novel that I feel most could enjoy. Battle and war, love and loss, fear and fire and triumph and loyalty. From teens to adults, and across several genres, this book has something for everyone. 

Pages :  353, but it feels like more, in a good way. 

You can order it here on Amazon!

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OK! So About Jessica Thorne..  Its a penname for the wonderful Ruth. You can find her at http://www.rflong.com , on Goodreads and Twitter under Jessica Thorne, she also has a presence on T
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Monday, September 17, 2018

Betrothed to The Dragon by Kara Lockharte


I like to pretend I’m just another immigrant trying make her way in New York City. You’d recognize the story I tell my human friends: fleeing persecution, a desperate relative brings baby me to America with nothing more than the clothes we wear. Hard work, study and persistence brings prosperity and now I’m on the cusp of starting my museum curatorship career. It’s not the entire truth. Though my family may look human, we are not. We have been called many names, gods, demons, fae, yokai, rakshasas, but we are shen, the wielders of Earth’s magic.We sought asylum in America to escape an immortal monster the Devourer, who is determined to find and eat the magic of every last shen in this world, including me.Even though I am the worst sort of shen, a shen with no ability to use magic. My grandmother’s magic can no longer to protect me.And now, just now, she tells me about the bargain she made with the dominant non-human power of New York to save me.Marriage.To a DRAGON.Monster or not, magic or not, there’s no way I’m marrying a man — a dragon, I don’t know. Even he turns out to be the sexiest panty-melting hunk of a suit I’ve ever seen. Absolutely not. I mean it. Seriously. 
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This is not a book for kids. Just throwing that out there. It is a story of one womans search for safety while and evil being that can destroy worlds is after her, and her subsequent fall into love (and the arms of) her betrothed, a Dragon. It is a harrowing adventure full of magic, and monsters, and detailed fight scenes, and sex. There are lots of twists, some that i guessed ahead of time, and others that took me completely by surprise.

If you aren't into the the sex part, (Or are really wanting the sex part) you should know that there are only 2 major scenes where sex actually happens, as well as a few smaller scenes that involve light foreplay. The major part of this book is the action and the storyline. And let me tell you, Kara has some stuff hidden up her sleeve for this series. She has added some background that has just been hinted at, and I cant wait to see what she does with it.


It is on the short side, I read it in one night. But its fast paced, and a page turner for sure. I'm looking forward to reading the second one here in a few nights (assuming its about the same length as this one.) 

Overall, if you are looking for something new, this could be a god place for you to start!


Pages : 134 

Can be found on Amazon Here for your Kindle, or using Kindle Umlimited.

Sunday, September 16, 2018

The Real Witches of New England by Ellen Evert Hopman

Reveals the origins and history of the New England witch hysteria, its continuing repercussions, and the multilayered practices of today’s modern witches 
• Shares the stories of 13 accused witches from the New England colonies through interviews with their living descendants 
• Explores the positive role witches played in rural communities until the dawn of the industrial age, despite ongoing persecution 
• Includes in-depth interviews with 25 modern witchcraft practitioners, interwoven with practical information on the sacred calendar, herb lore, spells, and magical practices 
Exploring how the perception and practices of witches has evolved and expanded over the centuries, Hopman also includes in-depth interviews with 25 modern-day practitioners from a variety of pagan faiths, including druids, wiccans, Celtic reconstructionists, and practitioners of the fairy faith. Emerging from their insights is a treasure trove of practical information on the sacred calendar, herb lore, spells, and magical practices. Bringing together past and present, Hopman reveals what it really means to be a “witch,” redefining the label with dignity and spiritual strength.

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Ok, so first off, as a Pagan, I was super interested in getting my hands on this book. As someone who is married to a history buff, I was even more excited. Now being that I have read a lot on this subject out of curiosity and a craving for how someone like me could have had to live before the 1st amendment, I did still learn some new things from this book. 

On top of providing essential information for any practitioner on our history, it also gives some unique looks into the ritual practices of some more famous modern day practitioners of various faiths. While there are a ton of books written by various authors on their own practices, you are usually get only 1 view per book. The Real Witches of New England gives us multiple views, and to me that is very important to include when speaking on a lifestyle that is so diverse. 

This book has obviously been well researched, and considering that its a historical text, it reads almost like any other book you could pick up. The interviews and the stories presented inside give it that "novel" feel while still keeping it all very informative.This makes it easy to read and makes it a must have for all practitioners, history buffs, and anyone with a piqued curiosity.

Pages : 400

It comes out on September 18th 2018 guys! And you can get it on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, or you can find it at your local bookstore using IndieBound.

Saturday, September 15, 2018

The Gender Game by Bella Forrest

"A toxic river divides nineteen-year-old Violet Bates's world by gender.
Women rule the East. Men rule the West.
Welcome to the lands of Matrus and Patrus.
Ever since the disappearance of her beloved younger brother, Violet's life has been consumed by an anger she struggles to control. Already a prisoner to her own nation, now she has been sentenced to death for her crimes.
But one decision could save her life.
To enter the kingdom of Patrus, where men rule and women submit.
Everything about the patriarchy is dangerous for a rebellious girl like Violet. She cannot break the rules if she wishes to stay alive. But abiding by rules has never been her strong suit, and when she is thrust into more danger than she could have ever predicted, Violet is forced to sacrifice many things in the forbidden kingdom ... including forbidden love.

In a world divided by gender, only the strongest survive..."

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Opening this book, (well tapping it open) I was really excited to jump right in it. On top of it being the first book I've read for pleasure since school has started up, it was also the first book I got with my Kindle Unlimited subscription, so it had double the hype to live up to; and let me tell you, it did not fail. I finished this thing in 2 days, and am writing this within the hour of finishing because it is that good. 

Now this series has been out for a bit, (this first book originally releasing in September of 2016, with the last in the series releasing July 2017) so some of you may have already read it, but if you haven't then you should! (The whole series is out so no waiting on a book release! ) It is dystopian, being set in the future where, after having to start over, the men and women had different ideas on how to run things...

Our main character here is Violet Bates, a 19 year old women who has been fortunate (???) enough to be born in Matrus, the peace loving city state ran by women. Men here are submissive and if they aren't, then they don't get to stay. The opposite being true for its counterpart, Patrus, where violence isn't necessarily looked down on. 

Its a fair paced book, each important character is unique with their own quirks and ideas. Violet herself is very true to herself, even when her life could be on the line, and while that gets her into trouble, it also helps her out. 

This first installment (out of 7!!!) gives us the basic background we need to understand some of the choices that our heroine and her companions make throughout the book. While she isn't set out to save the world, I have a feeling she may just change it!

It is rated Teen/YA, and contains kidnapping and violence in detail, and implied violence and rape. That being said, I would still be ok with my 13 and 16 year old sisters reading this, as it is all done in a very structured and careful way. 

Pages : 418

You can find the whole series HERE on Amazon.

Friday, September 14, 2018

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

"As an orphaned child, Jane Eyre is first cruelly abused by her aunt, then cast out and sent to a charity school. Though she meets with further abuse, she receives an education, and eventually takes a job as a governess at the estate of Edward Rochester. Jane and Rochester begin to bond, but his dark moods trouble her. When Jane uncovers the terrible secret Rochester has been hiding, she flees and finds temporary refuge at the home of St. John Rivers. Charlotte Bronte’s classic tale of morality and social criticism takes on an entirely new life in this Manga Classic adaptation of Jane Eyre."


The tale of Jane Eyre as told by Charlotte Bronte and illustrated by UDON entertainment. Part of the Manga Classics series, this novel brings Jane Eyre to life. Closely following the original book, ( but missing our Mr Rochesters favorite descriptor of dear Jane) it does a wonderful job at showcasing this truly beautiful work in a new light, making this long ( and for some, hard to read) novel accessible to those of us who enjoy some pictures, and maybe not 500 pages of words. This version hits on all the major scenes and themes from the original book. It keeps Jane's personality, independence, and strong will and let's it shine through.

Personally I found it a little fast, but I understand that they are trying to fit a large novel into the size of a manga; and that's not easy! Having read Les Miserables and The Scarlet Letter in this same format, you kind of get a feel for how the structure of the book has to change only so slightly to accommodate.

This novel is great for any reader. If this is your first time or your 20th time reading Jane Eyre, this adaptation is a great choice.

Page Count: 329 ( But it's mostly pictures I promise <3 )

Your can find it HERE on Amazon for Kindle, Paperback, or Hardcover!

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Good Morning! So I know i just posted the other day about being back, YAY! And in that post I mentioned having just started a kindle unlimited account to keep books on my phone ALL THE TIME. Well I love this idea and will totally be using it, but I highly enjoy reviewing ARCs. Something about being able to read a book before its released is so exciting! So I am now on Booksprout too!

I will be adding all relevent info to the main page.  I'm still new to it but it doesn't seem to have profile pages that are accessible to readers, but that's ok! Ill be posting all my reviews here and on my bookbub and goodreads pages. I would love to add my reviews to Amazon, buy unfortunately I don't buy enough stuff from them to qualify?? So that's a thing.

Anyways!!!! If you are wanting me to review any upcoming book, shoot me a comment, message or other and let me know! I'm sure i'll be able to find a copy somewhere! <3

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Draw Manga: Step-by-Steps, Character Construction, and Projects from the Masters by Sweatdrop Studios

Inside Draw Manga, 140 color illustrations and easy-to-follow directions are divided into three sections: basic tutorials; how to turn raw ideas into finished comics; and projects from the masters, with exhaustive detail on producing professional-grade artwork.
Draw Manga covers not only traditional media such as colored markers, pencils, and watercolors, but also computer-generated manga. And there's advice on special techniques for drawing the distinctive eyes and hairstyles that are the genre's hallmark, as well as on character creation, developing a first sketch, using color and motion, sequencing, pacing, and more.
In Draw Manga, professional manga artists reveal their secrets for drawing individual character elements and creating an effective manga character!

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Draw Manga is divided into three parts. 1.) Basic tutorials 2.) Creations and 3.) Projects.

Part 1 Is a very quick descriptions on how to draw heads, eyes and other body parts. It is not kidding when it says BASIC tutorials. They are quick, and definitely not for the beginner as the book describes. Part 2 is supposed to be step by step creations. This part of the book is to put what you learned in part 1 into action. But its not step by step. In fact it is mostly talking about what is implied by the drawing vs how to draw it (how confident the character looks because of where his head is tilted). Once again this part is not for beginners.
Part 3 the projects. They seem like more complete version of part 2. Having backgrounds added in and shading. Very much not beginner friendly.

i would guess that it is maybe in the "Advanced Beginner" category, because it does expect you to know some stuff already, and it doesn't take the time I would have liked to explain everything. Me being a Non-Artist, I was hoping to gain something from this book, but I mostly got frustrated. The first sketch they expect you to do after Part 1 is a full body and face.

This Isn't to say this book is bad, as I don't believe it is, but, it isn't one I would have picked up had I known its contents ahead of time, and it probably would have been that book that sat on my shelf forever not being read, or being given to a little cousin who can draw better than me..... >.>

It is something I could see as useful for those who have some general skills in art and who have some previous knowledge with drawing Manga. I like this book as it is, if it wasn't marketed as a beginners book.

Pages : 128

Can check it out on Amazon Here 

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Hello! And So sorry!

Hello everyone, I'm back! I know I took quite the hiatus recently and would like to apologize for that. With school starting up for both me and my biggest little, it has been crazy! The only books I've had time to read have been some that I don't recommend (unless you are majoring in Business and Accounting then they could be useful! XD).

Anyways, up until now I've been using Netgalley as my primary source for books to review. I will continue to use them as long as they let me( hopefully none of my ARC publishers are mad at me for taking so long.) But I just got Kindle Unlimited! So I will be reviewing books found there as well to fill up this blog!

So if there is anything you would like me to read PLEASE don't hesitate.

Love you all!💙💗💚💛💜❤

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