Excellent otherworldly adventure and thrilling romance
581233
This author makes me care about the characters. They are worthy, responsible, tenacious, or driven, enigmatic, funny without telling us. We experience events and emotions with them. I don't like it that I have to wait for the next one. If I were mean, I would take off a star for that. But I love this creative fantasy world and all of the characters. It's difficult to guess what will happen next! I would recommend this book because it's a worthy read. I'm 56 with a BA.
4280058
It was hard to choose one story out of all in the Other Worlds anthology. They all deserve their own reviews. But this is the one I chose for no particular reason. What a terrific story, built not just on ancient gods but their children. And its a combination of true love found, fast paced action, and the eternal battle of good against evil. Youre left wanting more and as luck has it Ms Thompson has that covered in a second and third book in the series. Ze, Kassia, Linq and Ledo are all awesome characters, not all good but with a little bad to spice them up. The world building is great but for me the story was character driven. And rightly so. This book, the entire series is well worth reading.
1579739
The author brings an exceptionally detailed world to life with a thoroughly engaging narrative and well conceived characters. Both exotic and familiar, the world described in this story is one you keep wanting to learn more about.  The action and plot move quickly, yet the characters take time to reveal their inner thoughts and motivations. Although a romance, there is significant adventure and action.  The heroine of the story, Annmarie, must adapt to a new, dangerous, and amazing world while discovering her own magical abilities, and while falling in love.  Great book for young adults and older.
3663006
The world Bartol creates in Inescapable is vastly different from typical paranormal romance, and the creativity with which she approaches the world of angels and the afterlife is absolutely fascinating.

Despite the fact that love triangles aren't my favorite thing in the world, Bartol's characters and story line were so compelling that I had to keep reading.

I highly recommend this book. It's exciting, different, and hard to put down. What are you waiting for?
2833966
I am always on the look out for fantasies featuring gay protagonists, better still if there is romance in it. When I read that Josh is writing one I could not wait for it to be released. Sure Josh has proven himself countless time in mysteries but what about fantasy? One thing I am certain is he will give us characters we would fall in love with regardless of the setting. And Josh has indeed delivered in Strange Fortune and much more. Now I know what a versatile, talented and imaginative writer he truly is. A rich alternate world of gods, magic, evil versus good and intrigues. A grand action packed adventure of gun fights, swords flashing and heart stopping escapades. A gripping plot and what a roller coaster ride all the way to the end. Last but not least a sweet and unforgettable romance. I could not stop reading or ask for more. And what is more romantic than the pairing of a soldier of fortune who scorns at the mystique and a otherworldly witch known for his madness. It is so easy to fall in love with the skeptical and gallant Major Valentine Strange and his vulnerable yet charming witch, Master Grimshaw. I want more of these two characters and hope Josh will deliver soon.
1795710
This novel swept me up and kept me interested right to the very last page. At first I tried to compare the writer's style to other well-known fantasy authors, but I haven't read a book in this genre for a very long time that has engaged me so effortlessly. The world Dirk Strasser has created in genuinely original and fascinating. The characters are just as fascinating, and I found their journey through the story very enjoyable to share. The story draws only slightly on classic fantasy themes to give the reader a sense of comfort as they are immersed into a rich world with characters so engaging that I really found it hard to stop reading. In fact, this was one of those books that I began to lament ending. The book is packed full of ideas that could spawn books in their own right, and the authors very direct writing style gave the plot a well-balanced sense of pace and immediacy that kept me interested.  Fortunately, 'Zenith' appears to be part of a series, so the adventure hasn't ended quite yet.
 I will be reading this authors other works, and if they are anywhere near as good as this one, I can tell I won't be disappointed. I easily give this book a five star rating. Thank you for the excellent read.
1002624
I am a fan of fantasy and adventure, so reading this book was right down my alley. I loved how the story established who the characters where while still building the plot. It was a killer cliffhanger at the end, which makes me want to read the second book even more, to find out if the rescue was successful, the future Anne has with her friends, and how she will come to reunited the Galdren people. If anyone enjoys adventures from a different world, I highly recommend reading this exciting and thrilling novel!
834615
Hinck breaks fresh ground in faith-based fantasy, seamlessly incorporating an ordinary woman-next-door into an extraordinary world where she must perform supernatural deeds in order to save a people she's never met. There are no royal bloodlines involved, no thrones to win, and no quest for a talisman. With only an unlikely set of allies and a hodge-podge of archaic and technological resources to aide her, the heroine must truly trust the One to have any hope of victory against overwhelming odds. Hinck's world-building is superb as we meet ethereal Singers and mind-bending Rhusicans, among an array of imaginative new people groups. Highly recommended for any reader who loves a good adventure tale, regardless if fantasy is their genre of choice. There is plenty here for any fiction-lover to relate to, as the storyline inspires the reader to see how an extroardinary God can work wonders through an ordinary person. In our everyday lives, we often encounter situations that place us into "another world," so to speak. Hinck's tale ministers comfort and encouragement to anyone moving into an unfamiliar and challenging place in their life.
4222656
This was an exciting story full of adventure, intrigue and colorful characters from page one. The author writes a tale of immense satisfaction to those who love this kind of read. I liked the story line and the thrilling romance between Torch and Calista. You have a man who will do everything in his power to obtain his goals even if it means doing something wrong.
I really enjoyed this book, but the only thing I can say about Torch is his name. A friend of mine named his dog Torch (funny for a man's name) but what do I know.
Torch is a man that knows his destiny and makes his stand because of a stone that makes it so. The man who took his rightful place must be dispatched and it takes time for Torch to go through so much. Calista is my kind of woman who is talented with a bow, knows how to defend herself and makes her self known she's no damsel in distress.
The romance between Torch and Calista is a slow going thing, but once it's gets going --watch out!
They bicker back and forth but the end will be a real loves that blooms and lasts forever.
Can Torch get his kingdom back, and will Calista trust him with all her womanly instinct?
You will just have to read and find out.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.
3243448
In Portals, the only thing you can count on to expect is the unexpected. Even non-science fiction fans will be pleasantly and unexpectedly surprised by their "encounter" with this book. The story, with it's equal blend of intense action and heartaching romance, will keep you on the edge of your seat for the entire ride. An unexpected hero and his accidental encounter with an alien world leads to an unlikely, but somehow perfectly right romance and a thrilling chase that will keep you white-knuckled and guessing until the very unexpected end. The well-developed characters and intricate plot immerse you in two very different worlds, linked by the universal emotions of hope and despair, the innate drive for survival, and the ultimate triumph of love. I highly recommend this book for readers who enjoy getting caught up in the wonder and excitement of a truly good story.
4353048
This book has it all : adventure, romance, archaeology, history, puzzles to be solved, some mysticism, lightening-speed travel jaunts across Europe, faith lost and found, good versus evil--it is a fun, mostly light read that was exciting and absorbing.  I got a little lost in all the symbolism, and how the pieces of the puzzle all fit together, but I see this as my own short-coming, not that of the book.  Renee D'Arcadia is a great heroine, honest, direct, super strong both physically and emotionally.  It is great to see a male author create such a wonderful female character.  Her hero, and ours, David Arturo, is strong, gentle, an almost ideal man--(with a few of the flaws most men seem to struggle with).  The other characters contribute just the right tension and fullness to the story.  This is a great accomplishment for a debut novel.
22607
This is a fabulous and spectacular adventure, full of wonders and choc full of ideas. Anybody who likes imaginative fiction, be it Harry Potter, Alex Rider or Artemis Fowl would enjoy this novel. I loved the characters, even the evil ones like the menacing Nathaniel Hade and the creepy misshapen Hood Twins. Joey is an excellent hero, plucky, decisive and resourceful, but Diana is no helpless heroine. She can take care of herself, even though she is unaware of the strange powers she possesses and exhibits them often by accident as she and her friends set out to uncover the secret of who she is. Tycho is a genius from whom no computer system is safe and Kim is a daredevil who often seems to be enjoying their escapades a little too much. There is drama and humour mixed in with the action, as Joey defies his busy and neglectful parents, Diana deals with her amnesia and Kim and Tycho put a brave face on life in the city orphanage. And there is horror when the truth behind Diana's identity is finally revealed. This is the sort of novel that would make a wonderful movie one day, especially with today's special effects. There are also hints at the end of questions unanswered that suggest the author is planning a sequel. If so, please hurry, I can't wait.
3261635
Shadow People is an exciting adventure into other worlds when a young couple purchase a house and find a hidden room. This strange room is a wormhole to other dimensions. They venture forth and meet alien beings and realize that they are connected to these aliens in ways too hard to comprehend. The couple who go on this adventure, Natalie and Gabe, find themselves and their world in great dangers from evil forces. They must draw power and strength from their past to survive.

There is more to this story than just aliens and good over evil. The author weaves a little mysticism and spiritualism into the tale that will keep the reader thinking long and hard after finishing the story. This is book 1 and just the beginning of more exciting adventures to come.
4154756
This is an exciting paranormal romance set in a magical fantasy world. Lots of love and romance, action and adventure, hot alpha supernaturals, a kickass storyline (well-written, of course), all of this surrounding a just-my-kind-of-kickass-sweet heroine. I loved it!
4525657
Filled with magical imagery and loveable characters who continue on their mission in the Otherworld. Hopeless romantics will enjoy the story as will action adventure seekers.
4961666
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Adventure
The prologue definitely had me hooked.  Who can resist the lure of Sir Lancelot?  Not I. We are then taken to modern day New York where we meet 14 yr old Abigail Thorne, who is doing battle against a terrifying, other worldly creature who can suck the life from humans.  We also meet Lourdes Reese, Abbeys mentor.  Both are hunters in the Kings Court, a world-wide organization made up of the descendents of the knights of the round table (Sir Lancelot, sigh!). This organization protects the human population (dociles) from powerful other worldly creatures, collectively known as Krims.  Abbey and Lourdie then travel to England for more training, where the pair also find budding romances.  Abbey at 14, doesnt recognize right away that her gamer friend, Louie, has a great crush on her.  Lourdie fights her feelings for Temple (Abbey refers to him as Mr. Hunky) tooth and nail!
This book was difficult to put down (I finished it at 2:30am) with all the action between training practice and the real fights against evil.  CK Dawn, you thrilled me, frightened me and made me laugh.  I liked all the foreshadowing of something that is terribly wrong.  This book was a wonderful adventure.  It has a spell-binding plot, well developed characters, great history lessons, fabulous settings and architecture, some drama and the beginnings of a love story.
I anxiously await the next book as I need to know if Lourdes and Temple get together and also to find out why the Nevra-Hsi (pronounced Nev ahh-sigh. A Glossary in the back is a great help) were able to enter our world, an event that hasn't happened since the time of King Arthur.  The Nevra-Hsi are the biggest, badass creatures in the Netherworld and they are served by the Krims.
3685800
I've already had the fortune of reading Lori Pescatore's Human Blend and this excerpt is a wonderful example of what makes this fascinating novel about a girl who is trying to begin a new life after escaping from evil men who have kidnapped her for her extraordinary powers such a delight to read.  An exciting, fast-paced paranormal fantasy that is a great story for both young adult and older readers, it offers a fun and easy-to-read thriller with romance and mystery, as well as some really interesting and more complex issues to reflect on.  I loved the unique premise of the story, the well-written and wonderfully developed conflict and the relationships between the characters and I'm eagerly looking foward to the sequel.