Magic by Any Other Name by Alison LevyMagic by Any Other Name by Alison Levy

Ivy is in an abusive home and has to escape.  Her best friend is a Wood Nymph named Mei-Xing.   Together they escape Hazel the horrible, Ivy’s abusive mother. On the run they find themselves helping others who are also in horrible situations. 

This is not a kid’s book as some of the violence is graphic.  The other addresses situations with plenty of action and anguish.   There is a wealth of fantastic creatures who exhibit some very human characteristics, fears, and behaviors.  

I really enjoyed the book and look forward to the next volume.

 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

A Parent's Struggle: Helping Children Understand Alcoholism

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Vengeful Realm, Book 1 of the Scales of Balance

Vengeful Realm, Book 1 of the Scales of Balance

Complex plot and characters necessitate careful reading to avoid getting lost.   In a Romanesque setting a religious conflict is thoroughly intertwined with political intrigue.    An abandoned son, Laeden, works to gain notice of his father the kind.  The current queen is plotting against the king.   Zephyrus is a pawn for some god, not sure which one.   In other words, this book may require you to take notes. 

Due to the complexity of the book, I found myself unable to get into a rhythm reading it as I kept retracing my steps to find out who someone was and how they related to the plot.   I am a fan of magic and enjoyed that aspect grisly as it was.

If you are into intricate this may be the book for you.   I never was able to establish a flow but that may be me.   It seems well written. 

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned

Traitor of Redwinter by Ed McDonald

My recollection of this series wasn’t the whiny nature of Raine.   The book was good, a great follow-up to Daughter of Redwinter.  However, the whining was so incessant that I put the book down several times when I couldn’t stand the self-pity wallowing that Raine did.  The book had plenty of action to go with the whining and an appropriate amount of plot twists to maintain my interest.

The level of treachery and self-abuse was high.   It was hard to find a protagonist that wasn’t flawed and that brings a higher level of authenticity to the story.  Realistically the whining provided authenticity as well.  Having spent some time as a guidance counselor in both a junior high and senior high school, I can attest that whining can approach Olympic levels on some occasions.  

I enjoyed the book, I recommend it, and I look forward to the next book in the series.

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you click on a purchasing link below.#CommissionsEarned