FANTASTIC HOPE by Laurell K. Hamilton and others

Publisher: Berkley

Date Published: April 2020

ISBN:9780593099209

Science Fiction, Fantasy
Print
Reviewed by Gabrielle (meingee@yahoo.com)

Weblink: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/611815/fantastic-hope-by-edited-by-laurell-k-hamilton-and-william-mccaskey/9780593099209
Obtained via publisher
Rating: 4 Hearts

 FANTASTIC HOPE is a wonderful collection of stories from a great group of authors. They are full of science fiction and fantasy themes. So many different ideas and worlds are brought to the reader with these stories. You are able to enjoy stories full of things from zombies to omegas and many more wondrous things from these worlds.
I truly enjoyed all of the stories and would find it hard to just pick one as a favorite. This collection does contain a story by a few of my favorite authors and it was the drawing point for me. I am glad this collection caught my eye as I now have a few more authors to continue to enjoy. As a whole this is a good collection of stories. Each story pulls you in and keeps you engaged all the way to the end. There are many different characters and worlds to get lost in. Some stand out a bit more than others and some will have you wanting to visit their worlds in more depth. One particular story for me was from the Anita Blake series. I loved getting the quick look into that world again and seeing the characters that I know deal with a situation that may not require a whole book. Alongside that story you get many other ones with strong characters and plots. There is so much to enjoy from paranormal to fantasy in these stories. I loved the creativity in the worlds and the characters that these authors have encompassed these stories with.  This anthology is a great way to delve into some new authors. I was excited to see authors like Hamilton and Briggs contribute to this anthology and was pleased to get to enjoy many new authors. These stories are well written and keep your attention. Some will even have you longing for more.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

STAR DANCE by Samantha Cayto

Publisher: Pride Publishing

Date Published: December 2018
ISBN: 9781786517005
Contemporary, Fantasy, Gay, Paranormal, Science Fiction, Vampires
eBook
Reviewed by: Gabrielle(meingee@yahoo.com)

Weblink: https://www.pride-publishing.com/book/star-dance
Obtained via publisher
Rating:3 hearts

Brenin does not think that he will survive much longer. The monster that keeps him prisoner continues to abuse him and soon he imagines he will see his last breath. When a chance to escape is given to him Brenin grabs it and runs but has he just found another monster or is Malcolm truly a man that will save him? Malcolm has sat this war out but when his captain needs him, he does as asked. Malcolm never imagined finding Brenin and just what the boy will come to mean to him. Can the two find a way to heal from their pasts and the common enemy?

I liked Brenin and Malcolm more and more as the story goes on. Watching their relationship take shape made for a good read and it seemed like the fight with Dracul really was just a second thought. Malcolm is a good and honorable man who would rather hurt himself than let any kind of harm come to Brenin. The young man is stronger than he realizes and begins to heal with the help of Malcolm. Together they learn to deal with their pasts and fight for their future. Brenin is smart and It was nice to see him find a way to get what he wants and not let his abuser win. Along with seeing Malcolm and Brenin find their way we also get to see the good guys come and bring the fight to Dracul.

This is an interesting addition to this series, but it seemed like it was more of a filler book to introduce other characters and to move certain relationships along as we wait for their books.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

A WISH UPON THE STARS by TJ Klune

Mass Market Paperback?

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Date Published: November 28,2018
Genre: High Fantasy
Audio Book
Reviewed by Gabrielle (meingee#yahoo.com)
Weblink: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/a-wish-upon-the-stars-by-tj-klune-10278-b
Obtained via publisher
Rating: 4 Hearts

It has been a year since Sam has left all that he knew and loved to go into the forest and learn magic from the Great White.  Now Sam has returned as a wizard, but he is afraid of the reaction he will get from those that he left behind. Sam did it all for them to help save those that need it and to try and heal from the pain and betrayal he suffered. Sam has always flown by the seat of his pants and continues to do so as he figures out just where he belongs and how to defeat the Dark Wizards. The time has come for Sam to step up and fight for what is right and to take back what was lost.

As strong as Sam is from the time he spent in the woods he still needs help in the fight against the Dark Wizards. I loved seeing all the characters come together in this time of need. They are an interesting bunch from a half giant and a gay hornless unicorn to wizards and dragons and all that comes in between. No matter their differences they all are fighting against one common enemy and look to Sam and the dragons for help. This story is full of outrageous and over the top characters that will endear themselves to you right from the start. Sam has gone through so much to get where he is now and faces the hardest struggles of his life. I loved Sam and his band of mischief makers and I could not wait to see what crazy thing they would do or say next. As much as this book had me laughing out loud it also pulled on my heart strings and made me cry at times.

This book grabbed my attention right off the bat and is full of emotions. The author does a good job of bringing you into this world, you can feel the pain and the happiness that Sam and the others go through. Narrator Michael Lesley brings everyone to life nicely. Each of the characters are distinct and different and their personalities shine through. If you enjoy a little Monty Python thrown into your magical fantasy than this book is for you. Sit back and let the glitter fly and enjoy yourself.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

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SPIDER by Aurelia T. Evans

Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
Date Published: November 2018
ISBN:9781786864369
Genre: Erotic romance, Paranormal, Horror, Fantasy
E-book
Reviewed by: Gabrielle(meingee@yahoo.com)
Weblink: https://www.totallybound.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=70483
Obtained via publisher
Rating: 4 Hearts



Elizabeth has been through hell and back. When she ran away from her religious cult family, she ran right into the arms of evil but eventually found her way back to her family. A simple outing with a misplaced wish has Elizabeth in a place that she believes is worse than Hell. Yet the ones that she seeks solace with are more like the hell she endured while away from her religious cult family. Can a jinni and his circus truly help Elizabeth face her fears and find a way to stand on her own? Can the creatures from nightmares be the ones who will help save her?

Once again, I was pulled into the wondrous world of the Arcanium Circus. Elizabeth is a strong-willed woman even though she perceives that her will is and has always been taken from her. As she figures out just where her heart lays and how she fits in Elizabeth begins to fight against and dismiss her fears. With the help from someone that she never thought she would look to help her, Elizabeth may just find her strength. I loved seeing Elizabeth come into her own and find the truth about herself. Elizabeth must decide on who her true enemies are and who she will trust to keep her safe. It was interesting to see her father make an appearance and his reaction to the circus and I hope that he shows up in the series again.

This is book six and the author has kept this series fresh and entertaining. In Elizabeth’s story we are also introduced to someone who just might give Bell a run for his money and I am eager to see what will happen next in this world.

This is an objective review and not and endorsement of this book.


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SWEET CLEMATIS by R. Cooper

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Date Published: November 27, 2018
ISBN:9781640808188
Genre: High fantasy/Urban Fantasy
E-book
Reviewed by: Gabrielle(meingee@yahoo.com)

Weblink: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/sweet-clematis-by-r-cooper-10001-b
Obtained via publisher

Rating: 4 Hearts

Clematis has always hidden his true self for so long now that he does not know what to do when everything comes crashing down on him. He has watched Flor from a distance all this time and when the two begin to form a friendship Clematis begins to feel his emotions again and no matter how hard he tries to fight it his emotions are spiraling out of control. Will the two find a way to a common ground or is it already too late for Flor and Clematis? Can they figure out just what their relationship is and look towards a future?

I enjoyed this newest story in the Beings in Love series. Flor and Clematis have each played a big part in this series as supporting characters and it was nice to see them get their own story. This book shows a whole other side of Clematis that explains just why he is the way he is. We also see Flor in a different light as he and Clematis begin a new kind of relationship. Seeing the two find their way was a beautiful read. Their story is full of emotions and revelations that turn their world upside down. I loved seeing their true personalities start to shine through as the story goes on. It was nice to see some characters from previous stories included in this book. They are part of Clematis and Flor’s world and continue to play a part in this series. I loved seeing the friendships and camaraderie between everyone. The love is evident in the way they all interact with one another and the care that is taken when Clematis needs it. The author continues to keep this series fresh and entertaining with each new story. I truly enjoyed Clematis and Flor’s story and am excited to see what will come next in their world.

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.


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