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Links are Active Oct.3-7,2023

Alden and the Trash Truck

Dizzy’s Diary

The Mighty Pranksters of Bright Lives Academy

A Parent’s Struggle: Helping Kids Understand Alcoholism

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

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

Devil's Gun by Cat Rambo, A reprise

This is a sequel to You Sexy Thing.   I almost didn’t read You Sexy Thing due to the title.  I’m not particularly interested in sex in my sci-fi but it was just the name of the ship.  The ship is a self-aware ship that illustrates some of the current concerns about AI.   Some of the ship’s decisions are decidedly questionable.  It is a major character in the book.   Captain Niko and her mixed alien crew are trying to go on the offensive with the pirate Tubal Last.  They pair up with a con artist and paladin and go on a quest.

Rambo does a good job illustrating the success and foibles of interpersonal relationships.  Talon’s loss leads him into questionable behavior but is a good study of how grief can impact the logical decision-making process.  

There is action, deceit, and acceptance.

I enjoyed the book.

 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

Where Peace is Lost by Valerie Valdes

Kel is lost, not literally but figuratively.  She isn’t herself she is someone else.   Kel is confused about her role and misled by her emotions.  Her life before her exisiting, not living on Loth is lost to her.  Then a remanent of the Pale, the autocracy that has destroyed her reason for living, threatens her new home, and she feels the overwhelming need to protect.

The characters in the book are good but not as thoroughly defined as I would like.  Kel has depth as well as Lunna but the other major characters, Savvy and Dare could use more depth.  With that thought, this appears to be the beginning of a new series and it is certainly possible that the backstories will be told in future books.   I hope they will as I enjoyed the book.

There is action, violence, love, and treachery, What’s not to like?

I recommend the book. 

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