An Emotional, Beautiful Trip to Shadowlands
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Cherise Sinclair's storytelling gets better and better with each book.  The relationship between Master Raoul and Kimberly was touching. The dark plot was handled carefully, with love and trust shown to bloom in the midst of despair. Also, adding Master Sam was provocative and quite interesting to see how an older, more mature Dom thinks and interacts with subs. Overall, it was a thrilling, emotional, and wonderful reading experience.
1464113
The story of Thrall's adventures while assisting the Bronze Dragonflight is nothing short of amazing.  Thrall will take you back to memories from older books that Ms. Golden has written and alter them in such agonizingly exciting ways.  It's an intense emotional ride that makes you pang for the peace and self realization that Thrall desperately seeks.  it'd recommended for both the Horde who should appreciate their former Warchiefs powers even more, and for the Alliance who needs to realize that the Horde are not all monsters.

Excellent read, would definitely recommend it.
3060945
Not only was this an awesome journey with Prince Maric, Loghain, Rowan and everyone else involved, but what I REALLY loved about it is how it puts a very clear, interesting and even understandable perspective on Loghain's reactions/actions in Origins. I despised him in the game even while knowing in the back of my mind there were reasons for his paranoia and extreme behavior. Now we have a very clear picture of just what Ferelden faced (and he, Maric and the woman he ultimately loved) in the hands of the blood-sucking Orlesians. It honestly made me a little uncomfortable at first to feel that understanding and compassion towards Loghain simply because of my strong hatred of him from Origins, but what it comes down to is this: just like in "real life", we are all shaped and formed by the experiences we go through - whether we want to admit it or not. Our thoughts, views, opinions and actions are VERY RARELY based on blind reasons. Once we understand that about ourselves and each other, perhaps more compassion can occur and, ultimately, more change. With all of that being said, I loved this book. I can't wait to jump into the following ones and gain even further insight into the characters, Ferelden, Orlais and perhaps all or a majority of Thedas.
2181409
This was one of the most magically beautiful books I have read this year or possibly ever. The words were lyrical and in some parts it utterly destroyed me. Its one of those stories where you feel so many emotions that its just so difficult to fully explain. I felt like a tornado, all twisted up inside. At times I was reading with a huge smile and others crying quietly to myself. When the Moon Was Ours was definitely a rollercoaster ride, but one I would gladly take again.

It would so easy to just summarize the story as being about four beautiful and manipulative white girls who will stop at nothing to steal something from the quiet odd girl. Sure, thats kind of where the plot takes the reader, but this story is about so much more! Its about secrets, those kind that you try to hide even from yourself, self discovery and acceptance.

Miel struggles with who she is and remembering her life before she was found in the aftermath of a flood. Multicoloured roses grow from her wrist, but she isn't sure how she feels about it. Sam, her best friend, isn't sure who he is. He struggles with his body and his place in the world. What he does know is that he loves Miel more than anything else in the world. Miel and Sam  Honey and Moon as they were often referred to  were just so beautiful. I wanted to hug them so many times!

Where this book shines is in its handling of gender issues. I have never read a book where the topic is written with such skill and brutal honesty. Yes, I have read books in the past that discuss transgender characters, but it felt like thats all the character was. Here, the characters aren't forced into one box. All facets of their personality and lives are explored.

I highly recommend reading the Authors Note at the end of the story. Like the book, its highly emotional and carefully crafted. It provided insight into how the book was written and the inspiration behind it. I found it extremely touching.

You really need to read this gorgeous book! I rated it five stars, but could have easily given it more. The writing, the charactersit does something to you. Seriously, my heart is still recovering. Its going to be so difficult to pick up another book after finishing this one.
3613575
The Shadowed Path is a book that quickly pulled me into a vivid Roman Empire-like world, immersed in dark fantasy elements. Two nations on the brink of war, and between them a place all its own; the Shadowland. Here it is the waystalkers, inhumanii connected to the earth, who are at one with its darkness. But on the outside of their world, they are slaves to humans who they cannot kill. The rules change when the enemy bends some of these lethal waystalkers to their advantage, and Marcus and his companions barely escape alive.

Marcus didn't want to get sent away from his comfortable, rich life to join a merchant caravan on a such a treacherous journey.  On getting out of the Shadowland four years later, he finds nothing remaining of the life he left.  When things begin to escalate violently in his search for answers, his quick-wits, calm demeanor and fighting skills gained from the Shadowland make him an awesome character to follow.

When Sheena joins the story, she goes from a woman in despair to one bent on vengeance.  Her shattered mind due to the traumatic loss of her family gives her character an even more suspenseful edge, particularly when she aims her vengeance at Marcus.

I'm curious to see what happens next with Marcus and Sheena and how the waystalkers will further play out. A great deal of the four years in the Shadowland has yet to be revealed as well, as the imprints it has left on Marcus and his friends are significant. Great characters, story, and action, makes this a series I will be following closely.
3059687
This book is gonna hit you in the feels and it packs a powerful punch!  Nolan and Analisa's story is a two sided coin with both good and sad. Even though you know what's coming, it still hits you really hard. There's not a lot of MC action in this one but the Night Horde still plays a key role. It was nice to catch up with Nolan though because he's a great character and so deserving of love.
2381832
Wow!! You know that feeling you get after a you have had a freakingtastic awesome  experience.  That's what I am feeling right now after having read the latest in the land series. Absolutely love the storytelling of this MASTER of litrpg.
2178347
I actually read Warrior Reborn, the second book in the Guardians of Eden series before I read Betrayal's Shadow. As I was reading WR, I found myself wanting to know more about the trials Turen and Mia were forced to endure. Betrayal's Shadow did not disappoint. With just the right combination of intrigue, action and romance, I easily fell in love with the characters and the story.

LeMoyne crafts powerful characters and even as she throws devastating and terrifying trials at them, she still manages to pull them through. By the time you reach the last page, you feel completely satisfied.

I cannot wait to dive deeper into The Guardians of Eden series as she releases more books. The characters she's introduced us to in book one and two have really touched my heart and feel like old, familiar friends I'll want to revisit again and again.
684415
*This review was originally posted on book blog Will Read for Feels

There is no way Im going to be able to be objective about this book. I just had so many emotions invested in it that its hard to stay even remotely coherent. Yes, fandom will do that to you, but I often find that when a series has gone into the double digits in terms of book count, I end up having favorite reads and liked it but don't reread it at least once a year reads. I have the niggling suspicion Crimson Death is going to be one of the former.

First off, not only is this an Edward book (and hes been my favorite character apart from Anita from the very start of this series), but it also fills a void I hadnt consciously felt in the series until it started to fill with each chapter I read. And thats the issue of Damien who, for much of this series, has been a second-tier supporting character at best and a footnote at worst. Anitas vampire servant and the third in her triumvirate with top sweetie and leopard to call Nathaniel is the one character who has such strong metaphysical ties to her that dying could drag her into death with him but who has precious little airtime as far as this series goes. That we are finally getting to meet him truly, but also that we are finally getting to see this triumvirate in action, is pure pleasure. And the cherry on top? More Nathaniel, who makes moves that might not be completely unexpected, but who managed to shock me more than Id expected in the ways he shows hes grown in this novel.

Secondly, a number of metaphysical conundrums and circumstances Ive been wondering about come into play in this novel, and Im always thrilled to learn a little more about the world my imagine lives in each time I revisit an Anita Blake book. Im trying not to give too much away, but lets just say that certain questions about the aftermath of a significant victory in a previous book have started to be answered. I also got to satisfy some of my curiosity about the Harlequin who now serve Anita and Jean-Claude, as well as legal issues around supernaturals in Europe, which was particularly sparked in book 24, Dead Ice.

Third is an element that has nothing to do with my attachment to the series. I just plain enjoyed the clusterfudge of crises Anita had to deal with in this readand let me warn you, its a humdinger. So if you're looking for a quick, light read this is not it, not the least because there are over 70 chapters to it. If it puts anything into perspective for you, most audible books I get span 8 to 12 hours in length, but Audible pegs this at a whopping 24 hours! Anyway, to get back to my point, there was a cool little mystery, action to satisfy the hothead in me, and added love issues that needed to be addressed. Seeing my favorite heroine tackle the tasks set before her was just fun.

If youve never read an Anita Blake book before, I wouldnt say Crimson Death is the one to start with. But if you like a book that gives you emotional and intellectual puzzles as well as shows you a rollicking fun time, you're going to want to read this, or at least start reading the first few books in the series. And if you're even casually an Anita Blake fan? Well, you need to one-click this and set aside a day or two to read it because you're not going to want to put it down!
2102971
It's amazing to see Sagara on her game. I was worried she was losing her touch, since the Elantra series is really starting to meander and naval-gaze. (I'm still reading it though. I think she just needs to end it) But she's putting out this new series at the same time and it's such a breath of fresh air! So she definitely CAN still do strong, poignant writing. This new story is interesting, and enthralling, and heartbreaking. I was crying while reading this on the subway. And not just the end, I'm talking throughout the book. Yes, there's a supernatural adventure plot, but this is really a story about human connections and grief. Real, REAL grief. It's amazing. I've already read and loved the second book as well. I'm looking forward to the final one.
3938975
This was the first book I've read written by Zoey Ellis, and it definitely won't be my last! I found the world of Cailyn and Drocco to be a rich and multifaceted place. It was a visceral journey for me that, at times, felt so real I worried that Drocco and the Lox would come storming in. Now there were times that I was taken aback by what transpired while he was torturing her, but when Drocco started trying to woo his mate, he seemed almost tender and loving. But before that, he was cruel to her until he got some answers to his questions about where the other Omegas went. The ending--WOW--left me wanting more, but so worried for Cailyn that in a way I don't want him to get her back. But then I could feel Drocco's despair and wish that Cailyn would have never left. I'm eagerly anticipating the second book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy, but then I bought a copy myself because I enjoyed it and want the opportunity to re-read it.
4811817
4.5 stars

Dark Triumph picks up where Grave Mercy left off, and the reader is now viewing the transpiring events through the eyes of Sybella, another of Mortain's assassins. Thrust back into the hell that is her father d'Albret's household, we follow Sybella as she must overcome not only her present struggles, but the deep and haunting troubles that mark her past.

Robin LaFevers tackles some pretty heavy issues in Dark Triumph that are not for the faint of heart, such as sexual abuse, attempted suicide, and inbreeding. Now, before you cringe and decide that you're never ever reading this book, let me clarify that the author does an exemplary job of confronting these darker issues without too much graphic detail. With this series being set in 1400s Brittany, these are things that young women such as Sybella would have struggled with, and I commend LaFevers for not shying away from these issues. And after going through such horrific things, Sybella is ultimately able to overcome her despairing past and accept that, despite her circumstances, she is worthy of love and happiness. It is a wonderfully written and poignant story of loss, despair, and the will to continue when all you want to do is give up. It's ultimately a story of hope.

And on a lighter note, who seriously doesn't want to read about nun assassins?! That idea, in and of itself, is so ridiculously awesome that it alone is worthy of giving this book a shot.

SPOILER AHEAD!

One last thing, I can't even begin to tell you how happy I was that The Beast was the chosen love interest in this story. There is no heartbreakingly handsome knight in shining armor that rides in with all his goodness and perfection to save Sybella. The Beast is not a beautiful sight, but his heart is good, and his determination in proving to Sybella that her past does not define her or his feeling for her was so heart warming I could hardly stand it. Both characters are drawn to battle and justice, and neither are perfect. But together they kind of are.
1678018
I will warn you now have the tissues handy because this book had me ugly crying. It's so heartbreaklingly beautiful. Some parts are just so sad that it rips my heart and the tears just start flowing. Then you have such beautiful moments that just melted my heart. Alexander when he talks about what happened to him I had to pause because it's so tough to read through and I had tears blurring my eyes. It's amazing that he even functions, but when Gwen and her kids come into his life it's a truly beautiful thing. What he also brings to that little family is so beautiful. Lives are forever changed because of a snowstorm. The epilogue is just perfect because how far everyone comes and what they to go through they deserve that ending.  Prepare for one emotional ride, but one so worth the read!
2710005
Dreams of Gods and Monsters is one of those books that inspires conflicting reactions upon finishing it, the overwhelming love of the previous two books predisposing us to adore this final book as well, but even with our desire to love at its highest, we find ourselves perhaps less enthused upon finishing than we might have hoped. Reading this final book is a bit like watching a chess match without a full understanding of the rules, well aware each move on the board is leading up to either victory or defeat, but our ignorance keeps us from emotionally engaging in the epic battle of strategy.

Much the same way, Ms. Taylor spends nearly the entirety of this impressively substantial final installment moving pieces around her board, but where the first two books felt like an intimate game between she and us as readers, Gods and Monsters sees our single chessboard expanded to include so many more, and the sheer enormity of the expansion leaves us feeling slightly adrift. New players are introduced, and with them comes enormous implications for Karou, Akiva and the rest of their ragtag group. Suddenly, the final battle we were prepared to face in this last book is rendered nearly insignificant as the shadow of the new threat creeps into clarity. Were left then with an end that is in fact a beginningunarguably fitting given Karou and Akiva have called themselves a beginning all along, but also a bit frustrating after everything the characters have been through in this series.

All of that being said however, Dreams of Gods and Monsters is as gorgeous a story as its predecessors, Ms. Taylors writing achingly beautiful and her characters the stuff of cherished memories. The core characters of Karou, Akiva, Zuze, Mik, Ziri and Liraz carry this tale even when the tying together of disparate plot threads slows the pace to a near crawl, the six of them acting as emotional anchors who keep us tethered to this world and its questionable fate. Overall, beloved fans of the series will undoubtedly be pleased with some of the truly stunning moments Ms. Taylor paints on page, and I certainly cant wait to see what her astoundingly imaginative mind has in store for us next.

Rating: 3.5/5
4042462
This book takes you on an emotional journey that is sometimes painful, sometimes joyful, but beautiful throughout.
2824263
Jack Boniface is battling his demons, not just the self imposed kind, these are real and inherited. Loa are wild exiled spirits and one of them, Umbria, had been bonded, by Darque's sister Sandria, to her lover and Jack's ancestor, Marius Boniface, the first Shadowman. Marius was able to, with the help of his love from Sandria, have some semblance of control over the Loa spirit and thus control his Shadowman persona. Even though Jack has been to the deadside and back, and faced Darque and other demons, perhaps the greatest battle is within himself, and if not for the faith of possibly the last person that cares for Jack, he may lose not just his sanity but his life. A crippled man from Jack's past also plays a major part which may help him control this spirit.

Shadowman Volume Four: Fear, Blood and Shadows contains issues#13-16, finds new direction with writer Peter Milligan, who is joined by artist Roberto de la Torre, and together they present a more darker and grittier continuation of Jack's origin as Shadowman, that I feel will become much more appreciated as the years go by. Milligan has expanded upon what has happened in past volumes to help further present Jack's struggle along the road that hopefully will one day see him successfully take on the mantle of the Shadowman. Jack has lost himself in a haze of memory blanks where people are turning up dead and it has gotten so far out of control that even the senior abettors believe him to be a lost cause, like others in the past who haven't found what it takes to control the bloodlust of the Loa spirit. They try to recruit junior member Alyssa, who has shared Jack's journey since his awakening, into helping them subdue Jack. Jack receives indirect help from Punk Mambo, a voodoo Priestess, who instructs him to find his inner peace, and direct help from a very confused Alyssa who believes that like his ancestor, Jack must also have love in his life to successfully control the Loa spirits.

I really enjoyed this story so much it deserves the five stars I am giving it, as Milligan has masterfully brought many loose ends together to finally see us arrive at the beginning of hopefully the very start of Jack's self control as Shadowman. Roberto de la Torre's artwork compliments the dark essence of this story of Jack's struggle beautifully. I stated that I believe that this volume will become more appreciated in time, and I believe this because we see the origins of not only of the inner struggle Jack has faced and will continue to face, but also of the connection he has with Alyssa, which I look forward to seeing evolve one way or another into the future. May this title soon find it's groove and move from strength to strength.
3768689
Unleash the Storm is electrifying, emotional, intense, raw.

Simply put, genius.

I cant put my finger on it. It created a feeling in me that I don't think can ever be recreated. Its beautiful and awe-inspiring. Annette Marie has created something that transcends any words I can think of. It sucked me back into Pipers mind from the beginning, spinning a tangled web of story lines that kept me riveted throughout the entire book. My emotions were twisted: I cried, shivered, laughed, and smiled my way through the chapters. It left me feeling emotionally drained. When I finished it, a tremendous sadness came over me, because it was over. It was finally over.

The story starts out with Ash, Piper, and the rescued draconians on the run from Samael  in the Underworld. The long journey is taking a toll on all of them, and they are exhausted. But when Piper sees something that could connect to Ashs mysterious roots, the two of them decide to investigate - alone. As they explore, they accidentally stir up an ancient power, which ends up changing Ashs future.

Through it all, I felt like I was right there, feeling Pipers pain, seeing Ashs beautiful draconian face. I could picture Zwis adorable little body, and the fierce elegance of the dragons. I had to fight to read through tears during the emotional scenes, and I held my breath during the mind-blowing fight scenes.

And the ending. It was tear-wrenching, yet I loved it. It left me satisfied, yet it had enough hanging in the air for me to lie awake late at night and just dream about Ash and Piper, staring at the ceiling and smiling.

Well done. These five books will be my favorite series for many, many years to come, and will be reread countless times. I know they will forever hold a special place in my heart.

As I said before Unleash the Storm is genius.

I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.