An amazing read with a strong character lead.
927623
Kel Kade is a fresh new look in the fantasy world. He writes his story as a magician flourishes his wand,  in an epic story that will grip you to the very end!
4372901
When I read the first few pages I knew I could settle seriously into an entertaining read. The characters are strong and the portrayal of life in the eyes of two rebellious girls is spot on. Both characters push the boundaries throughout so there is never a dull moment, punchy, gutsy, though provoking with some brilliant insights all topped off with an unexpected twist. Loved it.
4432007
I loved this book! This is the first in a series, and was a very strong start for Mr. Holmes. The book is a real-world combination of magic and imagination juxtaposed with the realities of death and loss, and I think would be tremendously helpful for anyone dealing with loss (as we all eventually do). The dialogue and monologue between the characters was strong and made you care about their thoughts and emotions.  Mr. Holmes characters are sympathetic and relatable, and the story pulls you in immediately. I enjoyed Hannah and her internal dialogue with her dog, Guss humor, and the stoic portrayal of her father with just a hint of dad jokes. This is a story to get involved in now before the entire series comes out. I hope it gets made into a movie!!
3826453
This book blew my mind.  I could empathize with both the protagonist and the villain.  The complexity of character development is outstanding.
4419267
I could not put this book down. The characters are well developed and I love how they are eventually connected in some way or another. Tough choices had to be made in this book by some of the leading characters and that just adds to the readers emotions. Can't wait to start the next book and see what the future has in store for Turk and Sean and their crew.
1414461
This is a book that has characters you can root for. I couldn't put it down because I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants an excellent read.
551699
This book held my attention from start to finish. I liked the lead character most of the time and got to know and believe in all the others along the way.  I had such empathy for the lead character; in my mind she had become a real person and I rooted for her, even when it was hard to like her. Great book and I will follow this author from now on.
4210176
Such an exciting book! Nile is a great protagonist--strong, confident, brave and a little reckless. The author's world building is fascinating. The descriptions of the ships and tasks on board were so realistic. The supporting characters were unique, interesting and were great allies and antagonists. Domenic is a character I would love to know more about--he's mysterious, honorable in a murky situation, proud yet fair. Catsper is an interesting mix of strength and loyalty. I really want to know more about these characters back stories. Good character chemistry. Liddell writes such strong and intriguing female leads. She did much the same in The Cadet of Tildor and this is book most worthy to follow that spectacular debut. Please tell me the sequel is coming soon!
637027
David James has done an incredible job with Light of the Moon. From the very beginning the interaction between Calum and his mother set the stage for characterization that does not disappoint. Not only did I find myself invested in Calum and Kate (the book's main characters), but I found I had a strange affinity for the supporting characters as well, especially Tyler.

There is an entire race of villains, which I'm sure will get expanded on in the next books. Of particular interest was the Bloodletter, who feels the most imminent and threatening.  He definitely satisfied my desire for a strong  and believable antagonist.

Calum's perspective, itself, was sort of new and exciting for me.  David writes Calum as a guy who is very in tune with his emotions--for once we have a guy who isn't afraid to feel or express those feelings. This played well into Calum's unique personality (in light of who he really is), and gave us an interesting perspective into both Calum's character, and the author's life experiences.

The plot moved quickly, and was full of enough twists to keep me interested. After I finished the book I emailed the author demanding the next one. Yup, David turned me into one of THOSE readers...
116580
I was given a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

omg, this book was incredible, strong characters with a great story to keep you reading. Sean and April's story is very good, it has some twists and turns and it was a delight to see what direction they would take. You must read the books in order or you will be missing out on so much, After reading Perfectly Equipped I couldn't wait to dive into this one. It's to really give this a review without giving away to much info. The plot twists really capture you and draw you into the story.
1036972
I loved this book. Everything in this book was connected in believable ways, so don't discount anything. The pacing, plot, and characterization are top notch. I stayed up late to read this and ended up in tears because I cared so much about what was about the characters. I can't wait to read the other books in this series, I can't wait to see how Sydney Rose's past comes back and how she deals with it. Sydney is both a strong and fragile creature that has a habit of questioning her (and your) humanity. Amazing read!
4878838
I had no prior knowledge of the book, it was the title and cover that captured my attention, strong, confident and potentially epic. I was not disappointed. I can only hope now, that the next books continue the great writing and development of this, for if they do it will surely be an epic series. The author has allowed the time to let us enjoy the characters first real adventure of growing up and the experiences that shape who he will become. Written with depth of setting and characters, with a very likeable main character, it was an easy connection to make, you soon find yourself being taken away. Many times I would find myself daydreaming when I wasn't even reading it, looking forward to getting back there. It felt like a trusty friend to have this to read as long as I had it. It's a great story with the feeling of an old tale that captures your attention, slowly building up to something magical. I look forward to reading the next book very much. A great surprise.
292853
I downloaded "Lady of Devices" because I desperately needed something new to read, and it was free. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. The lead character, Claire Trevelyan, is already an unusual young woman of her times because of her interest in science and mechanical things. But when her father takes his own life rather than face his debts, her resources are put to the test. She makes friends of the street urchins who rob her during her escape from the mob who want their money back from investing in her father's company, rescues a hen, and triumphs over assorted villains. The fast-paced plot keeps you on the edge of your chair from the first page to the last. Even better, Claire is a strong female character that I am not ashamed to share with my granddaughters. Character behavior and language are suitable for almost any age.
2051028
It has been a long time since I sat down and read a book in a matter of hours. I finished this in two sittings only broken up by silly things like sleep and work because it was a fascinating read.
Mark Haddon does an impressive job creating his narrator, Christopher, a 15 year-old boy with Aspergers syndrome. The boys view of the world is both sweet and heartbreaking. His intelligence and innate charm wins you over immediately, even though he has never left his block on his own and cant stand the color yellow.
This story provides a window into a mind that is both brilliant and fragile. You root for him and empathize with his desire to solve a the murder of a neighborhood dog, all the while seeing his life spinning out of control around him. Following Christopher through this tale is bit like listening to a young Spock or Sherlock Holmes, albeit a hero who screams when touched and occasionally has issues with toilets.
This book made me think, and got me to see the world from a different perspective. That is the best kind of novel and a rare treat. I recommend it highly, to anyone with a child with special needs, and even more so to those who dont. The novel leaves you feeling that we could all use a little more compassion, a plan, and someone who will hold out their hand and say I love you, even if its from a safe distance.
2886463
I think the characters should be mentioned first because they are absolutely awesome. Penryn is a strong and great female lead, her mother is schizophrenic but still has depth and personality and just adds to the dark, and horrific world Susan Ee created. Her sister gets taken early so we don't see her much, but Penryn's memories paint a very admirable picture of her crippled sister. You can't help but hope that Penryn will be able to rescue her. Raffe is great. I love his sense of humor and Susan just piles on the intrigue and mystery as Penryn observes and tries to question him about his life and world. He's not just a side character, Susan gives us glimpses of his story which is really a whole another world.

I actually passed this book up the first time I saw it, can't even remember why but if you're thinking about doing the same... don't! This book surprised and horrified me at every turn. It's not predicable at all and the main character is not perfect, meaning she doesn't magically get herself out of everything like some books. She makes mistakes which often leads her into a worse situation that has you wondering how she will carry on. I love the way Ee details what Penryn is thinking and how she feels. She's a very human character and quite admirable. I never for once though to myself, "are you dumb?" or "typical teenage girl!". She is as mature as it gets and so it's hard to see why this book is classified as young adult.

The book is very gory, horrific, and dark. The apocalyptic world Ee depicts is not a pretty one and I would say is quite accurate. I love that Ee did not soften the blows of the horror and depressing world by simply creating a happy ending, there is always a twist when you think one is coming.

A lot of young adult books lay on the romance at every chance but this book does a fantastic job of not making that the focus; there are no sex scenes and I believe only one actual kiss scene. I actually love the way Ee did the "romance" aspect, there really isn't one. It is suggested, and  kind of presented in a what-if way  but never acted on. Penryn is very down-to-earth and so naturally does think about the what-ifs, but always stops herself. Ee allows the reader to dream on with Penryn in those moments. The characters' interest is often shown only in the small actions they do. All the characters seem to understand there isn't room for happy ending lovey dovey stories in this world, but that doesn't stop them from occasionally feeling something for another.

Absolutely fantastic book, I immediately had to start on the second one and stayed up all night trying to finish it. The book is actually a little short in the amount of pages, but it really does not seem short when you're reading it. It feels like there were three times the pages there were.
I normally never write reviews but I loved this book so much I had to write one. I have a new favorite series!
3905391
What makes this book so good is that the leads are not what I expected.  Heroine Genevieve de Renalt is vulnerable and brave.  She is unafraid of her emotions and even though she has had a scarred past, is doing everything she can to make her present and future better.

Hero Bevan MacEgan is also a wounded character.  He has lost his beloved wife and child and has put his heart away forever.  Furthermore, he has lost his lands to Normans due to his inattention because of his deep grief.

These two meet early in the novel.  Genevieve is running from her abusive fianc and Bevan initially has the opportunity to save her but cannot because he must protect his men who are arming an assault to capture his former castle, now occupied by Genevieve and her horrible fiance.  Genevieve's Norman family has dowered the castle to her.  Bevan despises the Normans.  They killed his wife.

Later Bevan is captured by Hugh, Genevieve's fianc when he attempts to rescue Genevieve.  Genevieve is a very strong character and does not fall apart after a beating by Hugh but manages to rescue Bevan and his brother.

They take her to their family's estate and there Genevieve begins the slow process of healing both physically and emotionally.  Bevan is softening toward her.  He is aware that Genevieve controls his lands and the sensible thing to do is to marry her so he can regain his holding but Bevan is stubborn.  He just won't let go of his first wife's memory.

Fortunately Genevieve is patient and determined.  She, more than he, is the logical one in the relationship and this was a refreshing change.  She sees the big picture while he focuses on his grief and resentment.

There are several good twists and turns in this novel.  Genevieve is really the star of this story and she holds her own in every way.
3016710
I surprised myself with just how much I truly enjoyed reading this story and I was captivated by the author's ability to draw me in with her clearly detailed story telling abilities. The story was well paced and the characters were strong. This author definitely took the time to make sure everything was cohesive and I look forward to reading more of her work.