The Blood Prince Review Spotlight

 

 The Blood Prince is the first book in Ayla Marie’s YA fantasy series, and readers who enjoy gripping storylines with engaging characters are not going to want to miss out on this book.

The Blood Prince cover lures readers in with a simplistic cover. In the top right and bottom left corners draping across this book’s cover appears to be a length of red fabric. Tucked into the bottom of it appears to be a ring or some other piece of jewelry. In between these fabric pieces are gray and dried-out leaves. Are these symbols of things that we will find in the story? Guess we’ll have to see.

As The Blood Prince begins to unfold readers are immediately introduced to Leo as he’s on a job. He’s on the prowl to fulfill his latest hit. His name is known and feared by many, but not his true name – Leo. No, his “street name” was given to him because of his eyes “The Blood Prince.” Loving the fact that we get the tie-in to the title so quickly in the story.

He’s a successful killer, so you’d think that his skills are in high demand. Well, they are, but he’s kept on a leash. All he wants is to be able to live in peace with his siblings, but that’s not to be the case. Due to his secret, and the fact that his kind and others like him are “outlawed” by the king, he lives with the threat of death hanging over his head all the time.

If it weren’t for that one fact he’d probably be able to demand more pay for what he does. However, instead, he finds himself exploited and taken advantage of by the man who “hires” him as a mercenary/hitman. It’s heartbreaking to know the kind of squalor that he and his siblings are forced to live in.

With all of them living their lives as best that they can with only each other, things seem fine. Until they’re not. Author Marie is going to set up a scene with the siblings in town, and you are immediately going to know that something is about to go wrong. It doesn’t take long for things to go left (as we knew they would) and chaos erupts.

Their fragile peace? Shattered and destroyed forever. But The Blood Prince just keeps getting better. Because now is the time that secrets are coming to light. The truth about who Leo is coming out little by little, but the big reveals? Those are later on in the story.

The Blood Prince focuses heavily on Leo as he is the main character and focus of the story. But you get scenes that include his siblings, and when they find a new place...it shifts to his siblings. Cael is one of the other characters who will gain the spotlight when tragedy strikes the family. What is it exactly? Well, it’s something major to create a “forced” shift to another character in the story. Curious? LOL! Then grab this book!

Moving forward The Blood Prince does continue to shift POV between three characters. It’s nice to get some new ones, though I would have liked a few chapters with the younger sister of Elana’s. She would have brought some freshness to the story in the form of her kindness. However, as it is we get to see Elana evolve and develop. Unfortunately, we’ll also see the devolution of the relationship between the siblings as one appears to lose himself to “brainwashing.”

The Blood Prince is an engaging YA fantasy novel that gives readers just enough details to keep them engaged without taking it to the point of being too much for younger readers. There is violence in this story, but it’s not overdone or overly bloody. You get just enough to stimulate your imagination to piece together images of what is going on.

Readers are going to enjoy how realistic the characters are and how truly engaged in the story you will become with each turn of the page. The deeper the story goes the more intrigued you will become at why certain characters are treated better than others. There is history there, and some of it has been twisted, but the truth will win out. We get the backstory in certain places, and we get a bit of a history lesson as well. The more that is revealed in The Blood Prince, the more you’re going to become eager to discover what takes place in book two.

The Blood Prince is going to end on a cliffhanger. Readers who don’t like cliffhangers...it’s okay! LOL! It will just make sure that this book sticks with you so that you go grab book two! LOL!

The Blood Prince is a fantasy novel for readers who like fantasy novels, but lean more towards low fantasy. This is an engaging story, and you’ll look forward to all the twists, turns, revelations, and what comes next.

Pros:

• Page-turner
• Engaging
• Interesting characters
• Dynamic situations

Cons:

• None of merit

The Healer Academy Review

 The Healer Academy is the first book in Marinda Misra’s Healer Academy series. This series will depict the story of a young girl as she discovers exactly who she is. She’s been shunned all her life and told by the people of her village that she’s “cursed.” However, that is all a lie, and the truth? The truth is going to come out and it is going to be something truly shocking.

The Healer Academy piques readers interest with a beautiful cover. The cover shows the close up face of a young girl with violet eyes. Behind her are trees while in her hands are glowing blue lights floating all around her. All of these are hints and clues of what the reader can expect to find in this story.

The Healer Academy tells the story of young girl named Kailin. Kailin has been raised all her life in a small village near the Holy Forest. Her life hasn’t been easy due to her heritage. The villagers believe that she is a “bastard” child and that her mother had a child out of wedlock. So they treat her with disdain and shame her at every turn. The only person that she appears to have is her aunt Beredith. But Kailin’s opportunity is coming – with the entrance exam to the Healer Academy.

The Healer Academy gradually draws readers in with hints of Kailin’s capabilities. She’s a truly capable healer on her own thanks to her aunt’s skill. While Kailin may be skilled, she is, unfortunately, prone to a touch of panic. This will cause an issue during the exam, and her one chance to advance to another level in life...is going to be taken away from...based one...simple...mistake.

Kailin’s quest is unfortunately going to be derailed, but the chance won’t be completely gone. Instead, her aunt will push for her to go with a Healer. But instead of being a student, Kailin will be a servant. This is not the way that Kailin had hoped to reach the Healer Academy, but she will discover more and more as time goes by.

The Healer Academy is an engaging YA fantasy novel that pulls readers in with hints of magic here and there throughout the story. This book wouldn’t be classified as “high fantasy” where magic is “essential” to the storyline. The Healer Academy is more of a “low fantasy” novel at this time. Who is to say what the future will hold when it comes to the magic levels, but for now, this is the case.

Kailin is a multi-faceted character. She shows some good character development throughout the story. She goes from being a scared child to a strong young woman a little bit at a time. There are some in the story who could seriously care less about her. She’s a Peasant girl who has come to the Academy to be a servant. Simple. Cut and dry. Right? But she’s more than that and capable of much more.

Kailin seems to have a tendency to get herself into trouble, but each time it leads to something more. She experiences various situations and in the process learns new things about not just herself, but the powers that she possesses. One thing is for certain – Kailin doesn’t truly want these powers. Why? Well, they scare her. Once you dive into this story you’ll get a better understanding as to why she fears them.

There are moments in The Healer Academy that Kailin will probably try your patience. LOL! She’s very vocal at times, and despite the fact that she is supposed to be a servant she hardly behaves like one. Kailin is not alone in this story. She makes friends with some of the other servants, and a girl that she grew up with goes from friend...to former friend. That “friendship” falling apart is rather sad to witness.

The overall storyline is engaging and is sure to keep readers page-turning as we wonder what is going to happen to Kailin. She’s made it to the Healer Academy, but she’s a servant. She’s working there instead of having the opportunity to study and learn more. Add in that she has caught the eye of a “notorious” Noble known for and that alone spells trouble for her. Why exactly? Well, you’ll have to read to find out.

The Healer Academy has it’s twists and surprises packed into places where you’re not going to expect them. Author Misra reminds readers that the peace that is found in this story is tenuous at best. War is brewing, and the land that Kailin lives in is preparing bit by bit. Men below the station of Noble are being rounded up, and the lower people...are beginning to fight back.

The story doesn’t simply stay at the Healer Academy though. While the majority of it is, the author takes readers to Kailin’s home, and then to another place that is supposed to be neutral ground. Kailin is really going to have her hands full with all of the drama that she will be experiencing throughout this story.

Hoping for some romance? Well, you’re definitely going to get that. Since this is a YA novel, the romance will be kept clean. There will be some hints of “more” between some characters, but there won’t be anything that takes place on page. As for anything happening between Kailin and any boy, things will be kept to just kissing for now. Who knows what the future will bring as the story continues to progress.

The end of this first book doesn’t have a cliffhanger. So, for readers who absolutely hate those...smile. LOL! The Healer Academy comes to a nice neat close with all seeming to be well with Kailin for the time being. Everything is far from perfect, but for the moment she’s happy and things are looking up. Who’s to say what will happen in book two.

Pros:

• Good storytelling
• Engaging storyline
• Nice attention to detail
• Page-turner

Cons:

• None of merit

4.5 out of 5 stars

 

Island of Forever Spotlight

 

Welcome to the book tour for The Island of Forever by Jeremy Harrison. This one has all kinds of Peter Pan vibes, and mythical creatures!

The Island of Forever

Expected Publication Date: June 18, 2024

Genre: YA Fantasy/LGBTQ+

🌴Coming-of-Age

🌴First Love

🌴Hidden Identity

🌴Chosen One

🌴Friends to Lovers

🌴Peter Pan Vibes

🌴Fairies and Merman

He’s his own worst enemy—and their only salvation.

Seventeen-year-old Max Greenfell grew up hearing stories about the Island of Forever—a beautiful paradise of intrigue and magic that was once controlled by a destructive shapeshifter who killed everything in his path. When monsters roamed its sandy shores, and the island’s magic began to dwindle, a hero emerged to overcome the evil and restore the land.

But all good stories have an end—and fairy tales are just that—or so he thought.

When a strange storm sweeps through his town, Max finds himself washed upon the shores of the fabled utopia. Faced with bullying and overwhelming anxiety at school, he finds solace in the island’s allure, creating a better reality to confront. But his arrival has disrupted the world’s balance, threatening to unleash the shapeshifter once more.

With help from a snarky merman and a pistol-wielding fairy, Max must embark on a dangerous adventure to ensure the island’s safety. Returning home will be a challenging journey, requiring him to confront his deepest emotions, confide in his closest allies, and survive an encounter with his greatest foe: himself.

PREORDER ON AMAZON

Heroes of the Empire: The Cavalier Spotlight

 

We’re thrilled to share the first novel in the Heroes of the Empire series, The Cavalier by Israh Azizi! Read on for more details!

                                                Heroes of the Empire: The Cavalier #1

Publication Date: November 22, 2022

Genre: YA Fantasy

"For Fans of An Ember in the Ashes"

She calls the Empire home. He pledges to bring its downfall.

Death is Velamir’s close acquaintance. As a student in the Chishman academy, he cannot escape the brutal war. When he’s sent on a mission with three fellow academy cadets, Velamir returns to the Empire, the land of his birth. Calamity befalls the group as they trek through enemy territory, and Velamir learns a part of his past that makes the mission far more personal. Burdened with the deaths of the unavenged and the chance of losing his own life, Velamir must decide if revenge is worth the cost.

Natassa knows her role well: The silent and obedient girl. The one who looks away from the torture her father, the emperor, inflicts on the Empire’s inhabitants. The princess. But she’s a shackled prisoner, and somewhere under the mask is a spark of rebellion. When she learns of her father’s intention to marry her to a man she loathes, Natassa crafts a risky plan of her own—one dangerous enough to get her killed.

Two searching hearts. Two perilous paths. Velamir must find the courage to face his past and Natassa must find the strength to face herself before the war consumes them both.

Want to read my thoughts on this book? Click here to check out my review! 

GET IT HERE

About the Author

Israh Azizi resides in the land of ten thousand lakes with her family and five cats. Since she was a little girl she has been a lover of words and fanciful tales. It was her dream to one day share a story of her own with the world. With sheer determination, lots of love, and a decent amount of caffeine, she managed to make that dream come true. Besides reading and writing, she has a dizzying number of hobbies, some of which include bossing around her younger siblings, experimenting with new baking recipes, and playing board games with her family and close friends. When life’s plot twists don’t cross her path and her fingers aren’t dancing across the keyboard building a fantastical adventure, she can usually be found in a quiet corner with a good book and a steaming cup of coffee.

Israh Azizi

A Storm Rises Review

A Storm Rises is the first book in Rose Garcia’s new series, Bloodline Legacy. Readers who are looking for an upper YA/New Adult series to dive into will absolutely find this fresh series worth checking out.

The first thing that readers will notice when they first glance at this book will be the sword that takes up the majority of the cover. Wreathed in blue light and puffs of magic, it is sure to draw the eye and pique the interest of many a reader. This fantasy series whispers that there is more to be discovered within it’s pages. The sword is a key element that will take some time to be discovered later on in the story.

A Storm Rises begins the story with a prologue that will detail the loss of a particular character. While there is a loss, author Garcia also shrouds in shadows the child that comes from this tragedy. If you pay attention though you’ll see other minute clues that will aid you as you delve deeper into the story. While the prologue is filled with waves of sadness, it is not the end. It is merely the beginning of what is to come.

As this story pushes forward readers are taken in a different direction than what one would expect. We say this because the characters we were introduced to first were royals. So then, why are we in a completely different place that in no way resembles a palace? What happened? Well, the author wants readers to meet Mateo Vela. He is a lowborn – part fae, part human. He and others like him are looked down on by the royals. Truth is...they are struggling. Sickness is ravaging their people, and help is hard to come by.

But Mateo has made a decision to join the Summit Range Hunt. If he wins? It will mean blessed help for his family. He’s thinking about the Hunt that he has managed to earned a place in. He strongly believes that he has a good chance at winning it. What he doesn’t know is that should he lose? There will not be any second chances. Why? Well, the rules have changed...and they’re not in anyone’s favor, but those who are in power.

As A Storm Rises progresses the story alternates between chapters that focus on Mateo and chapters that focus on the Princess, Avalynn Stromm, daughter of the High King. As you read more about Avalynn and her family, you’re quickly going to develop a severe dislike for the King. The Stromm bloodline has a rather dark history that swirls around a quest for power and the desire to hold onto it no matter the cost.

While the day of the Summit Range Hunt draws closer things quickly begin to shift and change. There is a change in the lineup for the contestants, deals are struck behind the scenes, threats are made, and alliances are struck. Mateo is going to find that sublanders are despised by almost all the people and he’s going to have quite the challenge ahead of him. Of course, you can expect that he’s not going to let that dim his determination.

A Storm Rises isn’t an action-packed novel, but it will do a decent job at keeping readers engaged in the storyline. The back-and-forth between Mateo and Avalynn is interesting to say the least. Avalynn has been taught to look down on those deemed beneath her. Yet now, her father has tasked her with the job of making sure that Mateo comes in last. Should he come in last it will mean more than just that his family goes without the help they so desperately need.

A Storm Rises has many secrets written in that author Garcia has expertly hidden throughout the book. For the majority of the book, the story will focus on Mateo and Avalynn simply fighting to survive the hunt. Secrets between the contestants will come out, and one by one they will fall. An exciting element of the story surrounding the hunt will be that despite Avalynn’s edge she’s still going to struggle. This fact adds another level of intrigue to the story.

Readers hoping for romance will absolutely find it. The romance angle in A Storm Rises moves pretty quickly. It is a true “enemies to lovers” trope though without the “instalove.” It is simply that the two characters fall for each other rather quickly. Is there more to be found in the romance angle? The answer is yes, but it’s left up to the reader’s imagination with a discreet fade to black moment with just a hint of where things lead.

It’s the final chapters of this story that will truly kick things into high gear. The quest for the truth and answers will be on! Author Garcia has hidden the truth’s revelation for the end and it is going to truly surprise you! So get ready, because you’ll be eager for what the author has in store for you. These are twists that, odds are, you won’t see coming. A few things you’ll have figured out, but the rest will definitely come as a surprise.

While the characters aren’t the most engaging, the storyline manages to make up for that for the most part. Readers who prefer when the title of the book ties into the storyline will be disappointed that this is not the case for this book. A Storm Rises blends together touches of modern or familiar aspects with old world elements. Though it’s safe to say that the story leans more toward old world with just a few elements of the familiar/modern.

A Storm Rises ends on a mild cliffhanger. Author Garcia will leave readers with questions as to what comes next. This book absolutely ends with an interesting twist that will have readers patiently waiting for book two to find out how things unfold from there.

Pros:

• Interesting storyline
• Twists
• Romance
• Magic
• Secrets

Cons:

• Lackluster characters
• Rushed romance

Cover Score: 8.9

4.5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to the author, Rose Garcia, for the opportunity to read and review this book. We look forward to what comes next.  

Storm of the Seven Sins Review Spotlight

 

 The finale is here. The conclusion for Eva’s and Ari’s story has come, and it one that you’re not going to want to miss out on. Readers who have enjoyed this upper YA coming of age series will not want to miss on how it all ends.

True to form Storm of the Seven Sins will captivate readers with it’s gorgeous cover. The swirls and whorls help tie it to the rest of the series. While the cage and the key? Those are hints at what is contained within this book’s pages. The butterflies streaming out and flying free? A subtle wink and nod to the ending that readers can expect.

Storm of the Seven Sins picks up where book two, Siege of the Seven Sins, left off. The Executor? Has escaped. Those who were tasked with guarding him? Drugged, which points to only one who could have possibly done this. But he’s not the only one on the run. The Bellators who accompanied him and survived have also made good their escape. Now...chaos reigns.

Everyone knows the dangers that swirl all around them, but it stops none of the posturing. It also doesn’t stop any of the political gaming either. The Executor must be stopped by any means, but some deals will only be struck if certain parties stand to gain from it. Ah, the joys of politics. Yes? LOL!

Where Siege of the Seven Sins was packed with unrelenting chaos and upheaval, Storm of the Seven Sins slows things down quite a bit. Wondering just how much do things slow down? Well, this book shifts to a lower gear by focusing more on the drama between Eva and Ari. Ever since the Panther Prince came onto the scene things have been more than a little tense between our star-crossed pair.

The drama continues to unfold on a myriad of levels. You have Eva struggling with what she is, who she is, the politics of her situation, and the list just goes on and on. Then you have Ari. He’s tied himself to Eva as her familiar, but he truly loves her. All he wants is to love her in every way possible, but he can’t fight the differences between them. It’s a sticky situation that they find themselves in. How will this shake out?

Now, add in the other skuma. Oof. The drama with these “royals? Yeah, that is next level. LOL! Author Colin does a great job demonstrating how these particular characters have been set up high on a pedestal. They have been treated like royalty because of their abilities – their DNA. If it weren’t for that they’d be like all the rest. However, because of it they have been made to believe that they are better than rest and have acted accordingly.

Storm of the Seven Sins focuses heavily on Eva as she goes out of the frying pan and into the fire. It seems at certain moments that she just can’t win. However, it’s quite a few of her own brash choices that land her in hot water quite often.

Readers are going to appreciate how author Emily Colin paints Eva, Ari, and many of the other characters throughout this story. The characters are written so well you would think that they were real. Somewhere out there truly living their lives and doing the best that they can for themselves and each other.

While the majority of this book isn’t action packed, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t drama scattered throughout the story that will keep you page-turning to find out what happens next. Author Colin teases readers into a lull here and there, but then punches up the drama that quickly pulls you to the edge of your seat.

Since this is the final book in this series, readers are sure to expect an epic battle. Right? Because we all know the Executor is not going to go quietly into that long good-night. So, what is going to happen? Can you expect a big fight worthy of this series? The simple answer? - You better believe it!

We were concerned that we were going to get a “flash in the pan” and that then the author would wrap things up. You know how it goes. Some just don’t know how to write a good fight scene, so they skim over it and jump to something more “tantalizing.” Thankfully author Colin knew exactly what her characters needed and readers wanted.

Hoping for a happy ending? Well, you’re going to get it...and you’re not. True to form, this story stays as realistic as possible giving readers a mixed bag of a conclusion. You win some...you lose some. So, go ahead and grab the tissues because you’re going to need them.

While this is the end of Eva’s and Ari’s story, there is still the potential for more. Author Colin does drop hints that this could be the final story in the world of the “Seven Sins” but there is always the hope that we might be able to revisit these characters one day. We’ll just have to wait and see for now...and cross our fingers...and hope. LOL!

It has been a fun ride, an enjoyable series to have been able to read. Readers who enjoy fantasy novels with a touch of dystopian elements, then this is the series to delve into.

Pros:

• Engaging storyline
• Page-turner
• Realistic characters
• Epic battle
• Twists and surprises

Cons:

• None of merit

Cover Score: 9.8/10

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Emily Colin, for the opportunity to read and review this book & series. We look forward to what comes next!  

Siege of the Seven Sins Review Spotlight

Did you read Sword of the Seven Sins by author Emily Colin? Did it leave you craving more of Eva’s and Ari’s story? Are you eager to find out what happens next? Well, we’ve got good news...book two? You’re not going to want to miss it. Clear your schedule, because you won’t be putting this book down until you reach the last page.

Siege of the SevenSins will captivate readers by first enticing them in with the gorgeous cover. The beautiful whorls are back, but the flowers take on a more prominent position. The blade has been replaced with bolt or arrow which will pique your interest as to what lies inside. Don’t wait too long...there is much to be discovered inside.

Siege of the SevenSins by Emily Colin picks up where Sword of the Seven Sins left off. Eva and Ari managed to escape the Commonwealth and find the Brotherhood...well, what remained of them after the bombing. The romance between Eva and Ari is blooming, but will it be allowed to truly bloom and grow? Or will a demand come that the love be stifled and snuffed out for the sake of the “future” of all?

Eva is keeping secrets. Secrets that she believes will make Ari look at her differently. It’s all thanks to the information that the Executor told her before she escaped. Is what shew as told true? Could he have been lying to her for his own gain? The answer is – it’s possible. But what if he’s not?

Author Colin starts the story off with Eva finding herself in quite a predicament. But it doesn’t stop there. The clock is ticking for her. Her shifts? They’re coming whether she wants them to or not. But she needs a familiar. Someone who will help ground her and give her what she needs. But the danger is hunting them. Persistent as ever the Bellatorum will not back down.

Siege of the SevenSins is action-packed from beginning to end and author Colin doesn’t stop there. No, this author packs in the angst, the tension, and the heartbreak. You’re going to find yourself on the edge of your seat more often than not wondering – “What is going to happen next?!” “Will Eva truly let got of Ari like this?!”

When it comes to page-turners this book is one you don’t want to miss out on. The back and forth between Eva and Ari light these pages on fire. You get a front-row seat to their drama as Eva struggles with her own desires, and what she feels is the right thing to do. Ari fights to keep the girl that he loves in his life even as she tries to push him away.

The pages of Siegeof the Seven Sins are going to fly by as you devour this book. The author weaves in backstory in poignant places of this book. Readers will get to see the contrast between the Commonwealth and the place the Brotherhood call Vik. The Commonwealth is reflected and shown as stark and stringent. While Vik is shown as something that readers will find familiar and relatable.

In Siege of theSeven Sins readers will get more of the fantasy element that is sparser in Sword of the Seven Sins. Readers will get the introduction of mages, small bits of magic, introduction of new characters, and unique revelations that will keep you coming back for more.

The development of the characters truly helps this storyline move and the characters themselves shine. Author Colin works to help the characters develop and become more than just words on a page. With each word written they come more alive. Readers get Eva’s vulnerability as she struggles with the weight that has settled on her shoulders. She asked for none of the things that she is being faced with, but she shoulders it all with few articulated complaints.

There are moments when we want to be disappointed in her because of the choices that she chooses to make...the choices that she’s willing to make. Yet, we can’t. How strange is that? Ari definitely pushes her buttons though. He pushes all around him as he strives to stay by her side. All he wants is to stay by her side no matter what.

While the characters might be safe for the time being, you’re constantly going to be on edge. You’re going to have the sense that danger is closer than it appears. The big question – “When is the shoe going to drop?” “When will the enemy strike?” “Will it come from within?” “Will it come from the direction...the path that Ari thinks?” “Or will it come from another?” So many questions, right? Hang on to them.

In this book’s pages...there are secrets waiting to be unearthed. Author Colin will drop hints here and there, but the big reveal? It’s waiting still to be discovered. Make sure to keep a hand on your jaw, because it’s going to want to hit the floor.

Where book one ended on a soft cliffhanger, book two is going to leave you with questions, suspicions, and eager for answers. You’ll be chomping at the bit to get your hands on book three.

So, with that being said...what are you waiting for?? This book is waiting to be devoured and book three will be there waiting for you when you’re done. Readers who enjoy young adult, coming of age fantasy novels will not want to miss out on this series.

Pros:

• Page-turner
• Great character development
• Engaging
• Twists
• Secrets

Cons:

• None of merit

Cover Score: 9.6

Overall Book Score: 9.8 

5 out of 5 stars

Thank you to the author, Emily Colin, for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next! 

Sword of the Seven Sins Review Spotlight

Sword of the Seven Sins is the first book in Emily Colin’s The Seven Sins series. With the tagline “In a world ruled by sin, love is a dangerous game.” This book whispers a promise of intensity that will not be denied.

The first thing you see when you look at this book is the stunning cover that will quickly grab your attention. You’ll find yourself lured in by the whorls, the gorgeous flowers, and the blade that takes center stage along with the title of the book. All of it comes together to will you to pick it up and open it.

What will you find inside? You’ll discover a world reshaped by climate change, the greed of power, and the life the world once knew...is no more. Author Emily Colin will weave together a story that will keep you page-turning to the end packed with twists and surprises, and a simmering romance that will keep you coming back for more.

Sword of the SevenSins begins The Seven Sins series by introducing readers to the FMC, Eva. When we meet Eva she is a young girl. She’s ten years old and about to witness her first execution. Little does she know the part that she will soon play in the death of the condemned man.

It’s not long after her introduction that you quickly get the sense that there is something truly different about Eva. She’s not like the other children around her. You won’t be the only one who notices this difference though. There is another who notices, and they draw attention to her due to this. Cue ramping up of tension! So soon in the book, too!

This is just the first step in what is to come concerning Eva’s life and future. Sword ofthe Seven Sins doesn’t stay long in her youth and quickly jumps ahead seven years. The time for changes in her life are now at hand. She’s already set her sights on a particular path for herself, but that choice...will not be allowed. Another path has been decided for her, and she will be made to walk that path...and see how well-suited for it she is.

Sword of the SevenSins focuses mainly on Eva, but in her first chapter, there is hinted that another character will play a part in her life. You’ll quickly know who this character is because of a subtle interaction. Who is this other character? His name is Ari. He chose the path of an enforcer, a guardian, what some would even call...an assassin. He is a bellator – skilled fighters who are the guards, the enforcers, the death dealers of this new world.

He’s drawn to Eva. He doesn’t know why, but there is a connection there between them. She in turn is drawn to him, but they both know the risks. The regular ways of life are no more. Physical contact of certain types is viewed as a sin. Certain emotions? A sin. It’s literally tread carefully or you’ll be accused, condemned, and punished for a sin.

The big question you’re surely asking? Where is this going? Well, wait until Eva joins the bellatorum. You’re going to be thinking one thing – “Surely she’s going to struggle with this, right?” Well, the author throws in quite a lot with this character to keep readers on their toes. But we’re not the only ones who are kept on their toes.

When it comes to this book, once you start reading, you’re going to be lured deeper and deeper into the storyline. It will be hard to put this book down as you delve deeper for answers to brewing questions. What makes Eva so unique? Where are these brewing emotions going between her and Ari? What will be the consequences should they be caught?

Eva is absolutely a strong character. She holds her own throughout the story and will surprise you more than once. Author Colin has embedded more than a few secrets throughout this story. They’re like little treasures for readers to discover that will egg you to dig deeper and learn more.

There was one particular twist in this story that had us literally saying “Bloody hell.” LOL! No, we don’t always say this, but in this one particular moment...it fits perfectly. But the twists and edge-of-your-seat drama doesn’t end there. Let’s just say that this author knows how to tell a story, and it shows!

Sword of the Seven Sins is an “upper YA” fantasy novel. You get hints of fantasy here and there. Not a lot but just enough to remind you that this is a fantasy novel with some “modern-day” touches here and there to remind you of the world that once was. It all blends together to create a unique story that you’re going to want to keep coming back to.

Now! Does this book end on a cliffhanger? A mild one. You get some answers to some pressing questions, and then you’re left with a nice romance scene that whispers of more to come. Author Colin is going to build some anticipation as to what is to come next, so stay engaged and be sure to grab book two!

Pros:

• Engaging storyline
• Tons of drama
• Subtle romance
• Twists
• Page-turner

Cons:

• None of note

Cover Rating: 9.5

Overall Book Rating: 9.8 (5 out of 5 stars)

Thank you to the author, Emily Colin, for the opportunity to read and review this book! We look forward to what comes next!  

A Heart of Onyx Flame Review Spotlight

 “You’re dangerous.” He whispered and his eyes darkened. “You have no idea.” And I swung against his block with all my strength.

Welcome to the tour for Lina Ravenhill’s brand-new book A Heart of Onyx Flame! Read on for more details!

A Heart of Onyx Flame is a YA fantasy romance novel by Lina Ravenhill. Brace yourself to be dropped into this story, much like the FMC as she has to discover where she is and try to find a way back home. Of course, nothing is that simple, and she's going to find that out a little at a time. But what's she going to do when she accepts a task to help protect one of the students? It's not going to be easy, but if it's her only way of having a chance at getting back to her own world...then it's what she's going to have to do. 

When A Heart of Onyx Flame begins you're literally dropped into the middle of things, just like the main character, Bohdana, and really aren't going to have much of a clue as to what is going on. She's disoriented and confused and understandably so. What she quickly learns is that she has been transported to another world altogether and that she is nowhere near home. Of course, things only keep going from there because she's at a school. Let's just say that...she's far from pleased with her circumstances. Understandably so to be honest.

It's never fun to be dropped into the middle of things, but that's exactly what's going on. Bohdana struggles to deal with the reality of her situation. She's gone from a major fight that she was in the middle of, to a school where girls are expected to learn "menial" tasks to become "good wives" and the boys get to learn how to fight, the art of war, and other things deemed important for them to learn. Well, the warrior in Bohdana is not about to be made to wear dresses and learn how to sew. 

You are quick to get the sense that she's a tough cookie and determined to find her way back home. Cue up her getting into some nasty situations because of how uninformed she is about this new world. Of course, the author is quick to show not just her but us as the readers as well that there is much to be aware of concerning this new place. Magic? It's around, but it's not exactly appreciated per say by all who call this place home. Not everyone is equal.

When she's approached to help protect a student, she takes it, because it's the only way she's told she'll be able to get home. Her charge though is an aloof student who is quick to point out...that they don't need or want her help. Too bad they're going to get it regardless. LOL! 

This story is a touch slow-moving in the beginning. The story takes a minute to gain it's footing and really engage the reader into what is going on. This is in part to how it all begins and there not really being much of a background to build on. The author does go back and fill in some gaps as to how our main character ends up where she does, but you're going to have to wait a little bit before that scene surfaces. 

The back and forth between Bohdana and her new charge is interesting. She's constantly faced with bullies herself and even steps in frequently to help other students who are in need of some help. It's nice to see and to watch her as a character. She creates quite the collection (unintentionally) but it's humorous nonetheless. 

The deeper the story goes the more interesting it becomes and the pace even begins to pick up the more you become engaged in the story. Piece by piece the story comes together revealing what is going on and why she has been chosen to help protect this particular student. While no one else at the school may claim to know, there is definitely something going on that points to something huge on the horizon. 

Despite the bumpy start of this book it's a good novel to check out and gives readers a nice amount of fantasy and romance to keep you coming back for more. 

4.25 out of 5 stars

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

A Heart of Onyx Flame: A YA Shifter Academy Romance

Publication Date: January 3, 2024

Genre: YA Fantasy

🧡Sweet Romance
🧡Shifters
🧡Dark academy
🧡Strong characters
🧡Alpha FMC
🧡He falls first
🧡Enemies to Lovers
🧡Dark Secret
🧡High Fantasy
🧡HEA

Step into a world where the line between predator and prey is blurred.

At the mysterious Shifter Academy, where hidden desires and forbidden secrets reign, a young human girl finds herself entangled in an alluring and dangerous alliance with a brooding, enigmatic fellow student.

As their passions ignite and unearth ancient prophecies, she must navigate the treacherous halls of power and learn that love might be the most perilous transformation of all in a world of unfathomable darkness.

Available on Amazon

About the Author

Lina Ravenhill lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Ben. Lina writes messy, funny, and action-filled paranormal romance, fantasy, and suspense. Vampire romance, dragon quests, and witches are simply more fun to write than the plain, normal stuff.

Lina’s first title, Aforetime, is a long-time project, that turned out to be both a pleasure to write and a huge pain to put together.

Lina loves music, especially classic rock, and Lana Del Rey, of course. She enjoys watching a good movie and rereads at least one Jane Austen novel a year.

Lina Ravenhill

Book tour organized by

R&R Book Tours