Trial by Sorcery Review Spotlight

 

 Trial by Sorcery is the first book in Richard Fierce’s Dragon Riders of Osen series. This book follows a mildly handicapped character who must face the challenges ahead of him if he has any dream of becoming a dragon rider like his father.

Trial by Sorcery is sure to capture readers’ attention with a large red dragon dominating the cover with a brave dragon rider astride it’s back. In the background is a city as the pair soar over top perhaps in flight to a fight that they intend to win. Is the soldier pictured our main character to be? Or is this another soldier who has earned the right to be called dragon-rider? The only way to find out? Dive deep into this story.

Trial by Sorcery is the first book that we have read by Richard Fierce, but it quickly reminded us of another author who tells a similar style story. Author Fierce depicts Eldwin’s story, and Eldwin has a handicap. His right arm and hand have been brutally crushed. While mangled he can still utilize his hand, but things are harder for him.

This reminds this reader of Sarah K.L. Wilson’s Dragon School series. The difference? Author Wilson’s character has a handicap of the leg. Both of these authors create challenges for their characters, but it appears that author Fierce takes enough of a different route to create some familiar similarities but enough difference to make his own story truly unique.

Eldwin’s father died fighting in the war. His sacrifice was honored by his family being granted the title of “noble.” That’s not all they got, but what good is land if it is useless? So, Eldwin makes the choice to make the journey to the city to take his shot at becoming a dragon rider...like his father.

There’s a lot going on behind the scenes though. Author Fierce will be quick to point out another character that will catch not just your eye, but Eldwin’s as well. Who is this girl? The only clue we’re going to give you about her is this – pay attention to the things that she says. For commoners...it’s strange talk, which will be your first clue that there is more to her than meets the eye.

Trial by Sorcery is an interesting novel, but the pace of it will move pretty quickly. This book contains some obvious plot elements that we the readers will see coming a mile away. While the character(s), unfortunately, will be blindly walking into trouble. How will it all shake out? You’ll have to read to discover this for yourself.

There will be, of course, dragons. Do they get to take the center stage? Not in this book. In this book, Eldwin, and his new female friend, will be the focus of it all. That and the foreshadowing of a bigger danger looming ahead of them all. The mystery element of what’s to come is a large driving force of this story.

Don’t get too comfortable though with how things appear. Author Fierce is sure to drop in a surprise twist or two that you just won’t see coming. Sadly, these will only take place closer to the ending, but since this book is part of a series/serial it makes sense.

Yes, just as this book is getting good...BAM! The ending comes rushing up at you like a runaway freight train. There’s no stopping that. We’re sure that even Eldwin wishes that he could stop the way that things are going, but at least he has a touch of foresight to plan ahead and prepare himself somewhat.

Where are things going to go from here? Well, we’ll have to wait and see. Do we have any intention of continuing this series? The short and dry of it is...yes. Eventually. For the time being, we will just to have patiently wait to find out what happens next. Not because the next book isn’t available! Because it is! It’s just simply this – for this reader...funds are tight...and for us to purchase book two...it has to be a financially sound decision, and at this time...it’s just not.

Readers who enjoy fantasy novels with looming evil returning, fantastic dragons, and strong characters...don’t miss out on this book or series. We’re sure that you’re going to enjoy it!

Pros:

• Engaging Characters
• Engaging storyline
• Dragons
• Twists and surprises

Cons:

• Not enough character development and detail

4.5 out of 5 stars

Shadow Gaze Review Spotlight

 

We're celebrating the release of Shadow Gaze by Yara Gharios this week! Available on September 19th! 

Shadow Gaze is the first season of the Silver Series by Yara Gharios. Shadow Gaze compiles the first three serials from the original, and publishes it all together for readers who prefer to read serials in one big book so that they get a better experience. At first glance of this book's cover, you get the sense of paranormal, drama, with a mix of fantasy mixed in. The character displayed looks like a real bad-a$$ and someone you'd be interested in learning about. Question is - does the author deliver on what the cover hints at?

Shadow Gaze had a rocky start for this reader. You get back and forth chapters between past (so many years into the past) and present day. Initially, I didn't get the premise of the "past" chapter. It paints the picture of when Silver aka formerly Shiloh, crosses paths with Levi and Quinn. As you read this first chapter, you learn a few things about Levi and Quinn. But it's not long before Shiloh (soon to change her name to Silver) enters the picture. She's being hunted, and her hunters? Are hot on her heels. 

What happens next? Well, it's bizarre. There is no explanation for what happens, but Levi does what he believes is the right thing. Quinn on the other hand...is more reserved. The author gives no indication as to why Quinn is more reserved and hesitant to help, but you just have to sit, wait, and hope for an explanation to come. 

When the story shifts to the present day, it feels like there is a bit of a disconnect. I say this because there was nothing to connect the first chapter to the next one. So, I decided to take a step back from the book for a minute and come back to it. Once I did that, the story actually started to flow better for me. 

Silver is an interesting character, but you're going to have to be patient in learning about her past, who she is and much more. The author gives these facts in small pieces to keep you coming back. When the blurb says that Theresa or "Reese" is strange...believe her. This girl gets kidnapped, and rescued and is just way too calm for it all. She's too excited! LOL! Most people would be traumatized, but she bounces back with the enthusiasm of a pre-teen. I honestly forget that she's supposed to be attending college with how she acts. 

There are some elements that don't make sense about this book. Theresa's quick desire to trust Adam. Silver deciding to along with the decision to allow him to come along? Why is there no skepticism? Why doesn't Silver fight the suggestion instead of just giving an incredulous look to Theresa and then caving? This is just in the first few chapters. It's a touch bizarre. I know it's meant to lead up to more later in the book/series, but regardless...it's a real headscratcher. 

This series has potential, and so it will be interesting to see where it all leads and how things continue to unfold when it comes to Silver and her "new" friends. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

Thank you to the author, Yara Gharios, and R&R Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book. I look forward to what comes next. 

                                                    Shadow Gaze (Silver Series Season 1)

Publication Date: September 19, 2023

Genre: Urban Fantasy

⭐Supernatural Beings
⭐Bad-A$$ Female MC
⭐New Adult
⭐Forced Proximity
⭐Grumpy/ Sunshine

Shadow Gaze is the first season of the Silver series, which combines the first three episodes, already digitally published, as well as an exclusive bonus episode titled Rebirth.

Set before the timeline of the main series, Rebirth follows the titular Silver in the early days of her life as a supernatural. Shedding her human identity, she starts over at her skinwalker friends’ sanctuary for supernatural runaways where she has to navigate complicated new relationships while mastering her mysterious powers. Meanwhile, back at the estate, Adam struggles to come to terms with his own supernatural existence and adapt to his horrifying new reality.

Series Overview

After months of captivity, Silver ran away from the evil vamphyr that had turned and imprisoned her. Shedding her old identity, she went into hiding and spent years in training. Knowing full well that her old Master has been looking for her, she has been preparing herself for the day when she would go back to her old prison and carry out her revenge.

However, nothing in the world could have prepared Silver for the hybrid and the human that were forced into her life one day. The hybrid, Adam, could report her back to her old Master at any time, but their shared history puts them on the same side—for now. Tolerating the human, on the other hand, presents a huge challenge.

Bubbly, energetic, and raging with excitement about everything supernatural that she discovers, Theresa has the complete opposite reaction a normal human should have to the secret world of vamphyrs, werewolves, and skinwalkers. At first, Silver was intent on keeping the girl safe, since she made it her life’s mission to protect humans. But the girl’s overactive imagination and string of never ending questions are a constant headache and keep derailing Silver’s plans.

Nevertheless, no matter how much Theresa pesters her, the one thing Silver will never reveal to anyone, least of all her two unwanted stowaways, is the secret behind her having silver pearls for eyes.

Available Here!

About the Author

Lebanese writer Yara Gharios has been making up stories for as long as she could remember. She was a double–major undergraduate student studying both Translation and English Literature. Under the pen name Sahar Ghayar, she wrote several novels in her free time since she was 11 but didn’t actively pursue publishing them yet. In 2016, she graduated from the University of Leeds with an MA in Writing for Performance and Publication and started working as an Analyst.

After a small publishing house came across one of her stories, written in French intermittently when she was 13 to 15, they signed her for a one–book–deal. She released her first novel at 17 in her home country through traditional publishing. It was only when “Masked SheWolf” garnered some attention at online reading websites that she considered self publishing.

Yara Gharios

Book Tour Schedule

September 18^th

http://rrbooktours Kick-off

https://www.instagram.com/nvl_reads/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/niks.bookshelf/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/fathomsamidstthelines/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/samanthainfantasyworld/ - Feature

September 19^th

https://www.instagram.com/creepylilbookworm/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/TheWoollyGeek - Review

https://tarasbookishblog.home.blog/

https://www.instagram.com/tees_corner_ - Review

https://www.thesexynerdrevue.com – Feature

September 20^th

https://www.instagram.com/katslovesbooks/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/bookish_lady_night/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D – Review

https://starsbooksandtea.com/ - Review

September 21^st

https://www.instagram.com/Thatsmutbookbabe - Review

https://www.instagram.com/squeakeysundergroundlibrary/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/booked_by_megs/ - Review

September 22^nd

https://www.instagram.com/books_and_ashley/?igshid=MmIzYWVlNDQ5Yg%3D%3D – Review

https://www.instagram.com/mommyandherbooks/ - Review

https://www.instagram.com/theoriginal_b00k_nerd/ - Review

https://bookwormbunnyreviews.blogspot.com/ - Review

Book Tour Organized by R&R Book Tours

Succubus Hunted

Succubus Hunted is book four in L.L. Frost’s Succubus series and things are getting intense. While Adie has finally hit her stride with her men, a new danger in town threatens all of it. An old demon “friend” of her men is in town and he’s not one to be trifled with. But there’s more…Adie is quick to warn her cousins of the lurking danger from the demon, but few seem to take her seriously. Now, Adie’s problems are being compounded with the addition of Hunters in the area. Somehow they have found her and decided to target her. Adie is in a fight…not just for her life…but for those who are closest to her.

Succubus Hunted contains the serials for Succubus Harem 16-22. Adie is confronted with danger from the Hunters and the Librarian gives her a clue to her salvation. The planning process begins, but the guys really don’t want her anywhere near the action. It’s a tangled web being woven by the characters. Tally’s men are more deeply involved in this book as Adie is trying her best to stay a step ahead of the danger that stalks her.

I like that she actually focuses more on this book on the more important issues. Now, I’m not saying that she doesn’t still have a few childish moments of being overly jealous. I honestly appreciate that there are fewer incidents with this book because it shows that she’s growing as a character. I understand…mildly…one scene of where she has a major dose of jealous outrage, but when the practicality is explained…it seems so obvious. I was a bit torn with that scene, but I honestly did end up feeling that she was once again overreacting to an extent. She’d made her point, but then she continued to push the situation instead of getting a grip.

This book/collection of the serial is darker than the previous books. Adie is faced with some hard decisions that will bring about changes to her. There was one moment where I got teary-eyed when tragedy strikes. The author really brings a lot to the table with this book from the seeds of love growing bigger, to the shock of loss and betrayal. Then Adie putting on her big girl britches and really beginning to understand that…sometimes…certain steps must be taken…for the love and safety of all.

I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. The character development and growth are well done. The characters really shine with this book and the author expertly closes the chapter on this section well. But, while the author wraps it up in a nice neat package it doesn’t stop me from wondering…what will the backlash be for the choices that were made? If you’re like me…you’ll be eager to read the next serial and/or books to find out what happens next. This is one hard to put down series, so if you’ve read this far…I encourage you to continue and pick this book up. Adie is becoming a true force…I’m eager to see where the author takes her next.

Succubus Mission

And so Adie Boo Pond’s (mis) adventures continue in L.L. Frost’s third book compilation of her Succubus series. Succubus Mission contains Succubus Harem serials 11-15. Adie is being faced with quite a bit as the serial gains even more traction and Adie is thrown into some serious situations that she honestly wasn’t expecting. The hag snags her and shoves a mission on her, but with a carrot of her own…a book to help her get stronger. How can Adie resist that? Her relationships with the guys are growing and developing further, but there are going to be some hiccups along the way and one big one that could threaten to derail her relationship with one. A new “player” or two is in town as well and Adie is about to find her very existence in danger.

Succubus Mission hits the ground running and hyper speeds readers along as they follow Adie’s struggles to grow as a demon. She’s learning new things about herself and the one who helped raise her. While the author focuses on Adie growing as a character, the author shows the growth of Adie’s little cupcake shop and her fellow characters. I love how much of Torch and Tac we get in this book. As I stated before in a previous review, I absolutely adore Tac. Torch, Adie’s little ignis demon is absolutely delightful and after the whole debacle with him, I’m glad that Adie really doesn’t hold any fear towards him. Instead, she’s attentive and learns from the previous situation and how things go out of control.

I can easily say that this book is balanced with humor, steamy, soft moments, and danger. There were some moments in this book of where I literally laughed out loud. One of my favorite scenes is, of course, with Tac when he decides to be “helpful.” Once again…I’ll say it…I’d love to have a “cat” like him. LOL! Some of the situations that Adie finds herself in are humorous, but then there are some that will have you on the edge of your seat. I like that Adie shows a bit more maturity with this book, but she still has her “childish” moments and tantrums. I understand a couple of them, but at the same time, I want her to handle them better.

Now, if you’ve read this serial/series then you know that this book ends on a major cliffhanger as Adie has a nasty revelation dropped on her concerning some recent issues she’s started having at the bakery. If you’ve NOT read the serial/series…get ready because the ending will have you scrambling to grab the next book or serial to learn what happens next. All I’ll say is this…Adie’s problems are beginning to build, and either she’s going to prepare and survive or she’s going to lose this fight.

I have to say that this book is the best one yet of the series and so I’m rating it 5 out of 5 stars. Things are getting intense and I’m looking forward to what the author brings next. Adie started out as a “broken” succubus, but she’s slowly coming into her own and healing what has been broken inside her. The sky is the limit if she can just survive the next twist Fate has thrown her way.

Succubus Bargain

Succubus Bargain by L.L. Frost is the compilation of the first five serials in her The (Un)Lucky Succubus series. This book is perfect for readers who enjoyed the serials but want to be able to read them all in one large book and thoroughly enjoy them from start to finish. Readers get to experience Adie’s beginnings all the way to the bargain being made with the three demons and the acquiring of her bakery that will be her dream.

Adie Boo Pond, succubus, a new demon to the human plane, but the last thing that she wants to do is to drain down a human. All she wants to do is bake treats in a bakery, soak up the energies that humans give off as they indulge and live a happy life. Too bad fate has a different plan for her. Adie seems to get herself into quite a bit of trouble from the beginning. Hence why the author coins the phrase (Un)Lucky succubus. Adie has her lucky moments, but it does seem like…she has more Unlucky moments.

Adie is a fun character, but really immature in how she handles several situations. She’s starved for energy more often than not, but when she gets energy she burns it like she has a fresh source to truly feed on. Of course, the demons that she becomes roommates with have no qualms telling her that she’s incompetent for a demon…and a succubus. Yeah, it sounds like the same thing and on a level it is, but there are degrees/levels to this and they are quick to point that out as well. A succubus would take the energy the guys have with fewer qualms than Adie and a demon would know how to properly negotiate deals.

Now, while Adie does annoy me with her immaturity I can’t put the whole blame on her. Honestly, how can you fault someone when they have been set up to fail? Adie isn’t the only sex demon in town, and I like that the author keeps things interesting with Adie’s cousins. I have to admit that I’m intrigued by the one who is the most dangerous. Is it wrong that I want to know more about her? Haha! She really does intrigue me because of how much she scares all of the others.

Plus, the guys have a giant demon cat!!! I want him! Granted he could probably eat me and have no qualms doing so, but still!! I love cats. LOL! The characters are well done overall. The author does a good job showing that while the guys may be destruction demons they are not immune to thinking with their LOWER heads more than their top heads. Most of the situations well done, but there are a few that I felt were a bit of a stretch. It is fiction though so I honestly can’t say that it “stretches the imagination.”

Adie stretches my patience at times, but there is a method to the madness. It’s the groundwork to show her development as a character in the future books because if she has nowhere to grow and develop…where would the story go? Not very far that’s for sure. These book blends – hints of romance, steamy temptations, humor, and drama to create a delightful concoction that will leave you wanting more. This book is a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars. Adie annoys me with her immaturity and at times frivolous naïve nature, but as the pieces come together to show her the truth…I know there is hope for her yet. If you like a good reverse harem novel and enjoyed the serials but didn’t want to wait to read them then this book compiling the first five will be the perfect fit for you.

Succubus Studies

Succubus Studies by L.L. Frost is the second book in her The (Un)Lucky Succubus serial/series. This book picks up where book one left off with Adie working towards her dream of opening up her bakery and dealing with the three men that she now calls roommates. Of course, they aren’t the first thing giving her a headache when the book starts. Remember Julian? Well, he’s up to some mischief and Adie needs him to cooperate. Too bad she doesn’t seize the moment to strike a bargain with him so that everyone wins all the way around. Things start getting amped up in this book, which I absolutely love, and bring on the steamy! Adie is growing and beginning to become what she is meant to be piece by piece, so bring on the entertainment!

Succubus Studies sees Adie beginning to grow as a character. Don’t jump ahead here and think that she lets go of some of her childish behavior because she still clings to certain things for a while, but she’s beginning to develop and better understand exactly how things work. Adie is multi-tasking on various fronts. She’s struggling to truly embrace who and what she is, so she’s visiting the library and trying to learn, but as the librarian tells her…until she learns…TRULY learns how to be a demon…she’ll not be able to understand the books that are there. I mean…let’s be real…she’s already discovered through all of her hard work that the demon language translated to Latin, translated to English just doesn’t work. I can only imagine the type of headache that must be to try and decipher what’s been translated into something that makes sense.

I like how things are beginning to develop between her and the guys. Plus, the author is adding in quite a few new characters and I’m excited to see where things go. Is it fair to say that I’m a touch jealous of Tally? She’s one of the characters that get added into the series. She can go and eat people’s dreams and learn the skills that they have. I want that ability! LOL I’m also really liking the introduction of the imps. The author portrays them as completely innocent and malleable which is to the liking of both Julian and Adie, but if it Adie isn’t careful it’s going to create some bigger problems for her down the line.

This book takes things up a notch with the introduction of danger that could shake the worlds of all characters involved. I like to think of the situation that presents itself as a “moment of enlightenment.” I honestly can’t help getting annoyed with Adie when she wants to get offended behind honest truths though. She already knows she’s lacking, so why get offended when the further dangers of your ineptness are pointed out? She’s growing, but she still has a ways to go.

At the end of the day, this book elevates further on the first and brings in some twists and some much desired steamy as well. I scowl when Adie wants to whine and huffs like a child, but I have to applaud when she puts on her big girl britches and buckles up for what must be done. She’s seeing what she can truly be and I look forward to her embracing it in the coming books. I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

The Offer: Succubus Harem Book 1

The Offer is the first installment in L.L. Frost’s The (Un)Lucky Succubus series/serial. These short installments will follow Adie’s journey as she strives to accomplish her dream of owning a bakery and being able to sustain herself on the human plane without harming humans but living in harmony with them.

Adie is a young succubus who has a problem…she’s not good at BEING a succubus. She won’t take from humans and drain them down and she can’t get back to Dreamland where she came from to feed either. Talk about big problems right? Since she has refused to feed she’s starved herself to the point of where she might be in big trouble, but she’s hopeful that a little “pick-me-up” will help get her through her meeting with a bank for a loan. What she doesn’t expect are two “chance” encounters with two powerful demons that will set in motion a series of chain reactions that are going to change her life.

The Offer is short, sweet and leaves readers on a cliffhanger. Adie is made an offer and it’s one that she flat out refuses. But when you get to the end…you’ll see what she’s really up against. Now, let me remind readers…this book is a SERIAL. At this time, the author has created a second version of this series with 1-5 of the serials compiled inside it and she also has an omnibus with the first three books collected inside it as well. So for those who want a good deep dive story then those would be better choices for you to read.

The Offer as a serial is a delightful little treat for those who don’t have a lot of time to read and want something short and sweet to dive into. It will of course leave you wanting more, but that’s the point. Right? I am rating this short treat 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s a good starter  for the series and shows a lot of promise for what is to come.