The Warrior's Seal is a novella that starts the explosive new series, The Tox Files. Action, history, ancient artefacts, the President's life in dangeThe Warrior's Seal is a novella that starts the explosive new series, The Tox Files. Action, history, ancient artefacts, the President's life in danger, and a mysterious toxin killing hundreds.
Cole 'Tox' Russell is a Special Forces operator. When the President is kidnapped, Tox and his team are tasked with his retrieval. But a deadly toxin is spreading and killing everyone in its path. Tox will have to determine if the two events are connected and how to stop the terrorist, keep from becoming infected, and save the President.
I enjoyed this novella. It is fast-pasted and has instantly likeable characters. I recommend reading this novella before starting Consipracy of Silence as it explains the lead-up events that set the scene and backstory for the first book in the series. But it might help to have Conspiracy of Silence on hand because you are going to want to drive straight in after reading this book.
I'm really looking forward to reading Conspiracy of Silence now, can't wait to see what happens next for Tox and Tzivia, and see how this series develops.
The Tox Files promise to be an exciting mix of adrenaline-filed action, ancient history and a touch of the fantastical.
The Warrior's Seal is a novella that starts the explosive new series, The Tox Files. Action, history, ancient artefacts, the President's life in danger, and a mysterious toxin killing hundreds.
Cole 'Tox' Russell is a Special Forces operator. When the President is kidnapped, Tox and his team are tasked with his retrieval. But a deadly toxin is spreading and killing everyone in its path. Tox will have to determine if the two events are connected and how to stop the terrorist, keep from becoming infected, and save the President.
I enjoyed this novella. It is fast-pasted and has instantly likeable characters. I recommend reading this novella before starting Consipracy of Silence as it explains the lead-up events that set the scene and backstory for the first book in the series. But it might help to have Conspiracy of Silence on hand because you are going to want to drive straight in after reading this book.
I'm really looking forward to reading Conspiracy of Silence now, can't wait to see what happens next for Tox and Tzivia, and see how this series develops.
The Tox Files promise to be an exciting mix of adrenaline-filed action, ancient history and a touch of the fantastical.
The Rosewood Hunt is a debut novel with plenty of drama, a touch of suspense, romance, mystery and billions of dollars - that have gone missing, obvioThe Rosewood Hunt is a debut novel with plenty of drama, a touch of suspense, romance, mystery and billions of dollars - that have gone missing, obviously.
When Lily Rosewood’s grandmother suddenly dies, she quickly learns that the Rosewood inheritance, the estate and her coveted space on the Rosewood Inc company board is not to be hers. And, it’s not to go to anyone in her family. Instead, she, her uncle and her cousin are left small gifts, a letter and told to get off the estate. But Lily’s grandmother loved a good mystery and so Lily sets out to discover what is behind her grandmother’s actions.
From invisible ink and secret passage ways, to bad guys and a band of unlikely allies, The Rosewood Hunt promises plenty of mystery drama and it delivers.
It’s extremely hard not to read and review The Rosewood Hunt without drawing comparisons between it and The Inheritance Games. A mystery, a grand house with secrets, a large inheritance, a group of teens forced to work together. Both stories have similar themes, but there are a few differences, the main one being our main character. Lily Rosewood is not the likeable protagonist I was hoping for. She is rich, entitled and often more upset about losing her inheritance than her “beloved” grandmother. Sometimes she remembers to feel upset. That just lessened my overall enjoyment.
Readers looking for a light and fun mystery will enjoy The Rosewood Hunt.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
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What a fantastic novel. Aces Wild combines heists and all the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, plus behind the scenes of what makes a casino run. You’dWhat a fantastic novel. Aces Wild combines heists and all the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, plus behind the scenes of what makes a casino run. You’d be right to think Ocean’s 11, but we also get a fantastic diverse cast and strong friendship themes.
Jack runs the underground blackjack club at his prestigious boarding school. It’s in his blood - his mother owns and runs one of Las Vegas’ mega hotels and casinos. But when the FBI go after her, Jack knows she’s been set up. He vows revenges but knows he can’t do it alone.
It’s hard to miss - because it’s in the title - but in case you did, all the main characters are asexual. Brought together through an online chat/support group, these characters find it a little bumpy to bring their online dynamic into real life. When Jack brings them to Las Vegas for help to seek revenge for his mother, he knows he’ll have to reveal the truth about his life. Fortunately, Remy seems to understand. If only Jack could figure out his changing feelings for them.
Aces Wild is an awesome novel that will fit perfectly on our mystery/thriller shelf and delight our readers.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
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When you laugh at the dedication and then snort laugh and fist pump at the end of the first chapter you know you are going to love the book and laugh When you laugh at the dedication and then snort laugh and fist pump at the end of the first chapter you know you are going to love the book and laugh a lot. Which is exactly how it went down reading Gideon Green in Black and White. Looking at the author, who is the author of some of my all time favourite and go-to humour novels, it’s no surprise that this book is funny. Like really, unexpectedly, dry-humour funny. But what was surprising was the mystery (very cool), sleuthing, totally platonic male-female best friend relationship (finally, yes!!) and cute but not attention demanding, just perfect romance.
I love it when you finish a book and just flick the last page (ebook) and sit and take a moment to soak in just how fantastic that story was. How completely it sucked you in. In my case my next task is to then add it straight to my library’s order list, though I’m not too sure if I will be putting it in my mystery collection or humour. It really could go both ways and will appeal to readers wanting either genre or even just readers who love a book with great characters and dynamic relationships.
There is so much to love about this book. Gideon himself. He’s not afraid to note how different he is and how this makes him extraordinary. He’s good at noticing details, at putting these clues together. It’s what made him a great detective as a kid and what makes him the perfect guy for the job his ex-best friend Lily has for him. Gideon is our narrator and his dry wit and unique, detail-observing perspective makes him an hilarious narrator. While a label is never given, what makes him so great at detective work can make relationships a little tricky, like connecting with his dad. Gideon’s relationship with his dad is one of the things I enjoyed the most in this book. They are different and they each struggle to understand the other. The love is there, though, and through all Gideon’s arrests (ah, yep, there are a few) and his dad’s harsh words, it is them learning to reach out to each other that is really powerful.
Then we have the mystery. I love YA mysteries that just make sense for teenagers to be investigating and Lily and Gideon working as journalists to uncover a trend Lily has noticed in the local crime rate is the perfect crime to solve, especially when things get interesting with a murder. It is intriguing.
The romance is the bonus extra in this book that is just the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae. Gideon and Tess just work and it’s great to see their relationship blossom, Gideon’s confidence grow and just how easy, sweet and authentic it is. Also without drama, which I totally adored.
Gideon Green in Black and White has to be one of my favourite books so far this year and one of my favourite mysteries. It’s unique (love the blend of humour and crime solving) and unputdownable. Can’t wait to add this one to our library shelves.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library...more
The third and thrilling conclusion to the Sky King Ranch series, Sundown continues the dangerous story of espionage, terrorism and a deadly virus.
You’The third and thrilling conclusion to the Sky King Ranch series, Sundown continues the dangerous story of espionage, terrorism and a deadly virus.
You’ll need to read this series in series order to make sense of the continuing story. While each book features a new romance, the threads of the mystery weave through each of the three books. Plus, the story of Colt and Tae started back in the previous book.
So far in this series the Kingston brothers have faced many threats. Now they face their biggest challenge. When the silent woman finding refuge in their home reveals her knowledge about a deadly virus that could be used as bio weapon and her role in preventing that, danger isn’t far behind. Tae has already been threatened, kidnapped, and almost strangled. She has survived a plane crash and the Alaskan wilderness. She’s reluctant to rely on Colt for help now. She knows it’s up to her to create a vaccine. Colt knew Tae was hiding something but is surprised at the level of danger that is following her. When Tae leaves, Colt is quick to follow and it’s lucky he does. Colt and Tae work together along with the Kingston brothers and some familiar faces to fend off the threat of a looming terrorist attack.
The threat of a deadly virus, the vaccine and Colt’s reaction to being exposed and resulting health conditions hit pretty close to reality as we continue to fight through Covid, Covid vaccines and reactions to this vaccine, so some people might find the contents of this book confronting, upsetting and a little close to home.
Warren brings her trademark suspense and romance mix to Sundown. Colt and Tae have some great chemistry and it’s perfectly offset against the many, many, many dangerous situations they face. There is no shortage of thrills. Faith and family are also woven in the story. Long time readers of Warren’s books will also recognise some familiar faces form other series.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
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I didn’t even know I was in the mood for a good suspense novel when I started Deadly Shallows but that’s exactly what I got.
Noah and his CGIS team arI didn’t even know I was in the mood for a good suspense novel when I started Deadly Shallows but that’s exactly what I got.
Noah and his CGIS team are called to the scene of a mass shooting on the Coast Guard base. He is dismayed to realise that Brooke, his sister’s friend and the woman he’d so dearly love to call more than friend, is a witness. As she races to help the other medics to tend the wounded, Noah and his team begin their investigation into who is behind the attack. When the sole surviving gunman shares something with Brooke, it puts a target on her back and soon the whole CGIS team are racing to piece together the threads of a case that just seems to get bigger and bigger.
I really enjoyed the investigation that drives the plot of this book. The body count and emotional toll is high but there is never a dull moment and the author does well to fit two romances, a whole lot of awesome team work and two very serious investigations into the story without anything feeling rushed or contrived. The suspense is great and left me quickly flipping the pages.
At first the romance seemed a little instant. I think that’s because many of the relationships start in the previous novels in the series and it’s been a while since I read the last book, so I had forgotten the characters and the lead-in to the relationships. But it makes sense for the plot. The characters already have a good relationship so them building that and falling deeply in love makes more sense in terms of what’s going on, including a massive investigation into a mass shooting, continuing connected murders, kidnapping and some pretty serious scenes. And by the end we have solid relationships with awesome chemistry between the characters. We also have two romances in this book, Noah and Brooke and Caleb and Austin. There are also pieces of a building romance between Logan and Em, so that is sure to feature in the next book.
I’d definitely recommend reading the Coastal Guardians in series order, just to keep all the characters straight and to get the most out of the development of the romantic relationships. I’m looking forward to the next book.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
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Another breathtaking romantic suspense novel from Susan May Warren. If the first book in this series took readers to Alaska, Sunburst is a celebrationAnother breathtaking romantic suspense novel from Susan May Warren. If the first book in this series took readers to Alaska, Sunburst is a celebration of Nigeria. From escaping terrorists to outrunning men intent on revenge, Nigerian weddings, secrets and a romance revived, Sunburst is the perfect mix of romance and action.
Ranger Kingston, former Navy SEAL, is on a mission in Africa to rescue his brother Colt. It’s the very last place he expects to find the woman who ran away with his heart. In the group of hostages is none other than Noemi Sutton. As they work together to escape capture and journey home, Noemi and Ranger have the time to work through what kept them apart all those years ago.
Warren pens such a captivating and engaging story. You won’t want to miss a moment of this thrilling book - neither the romance or the action.
We have some awesome romance tropes in this book - like a pretend marriage that quickly turns into a wedding. When Noemi poses as Ranger’s wife to keep him safe, she doesn’t realise her uncle will arrive on the scene and decide to throw them a proper Nigerian wedding. Ranger and Noemi go along with it. They say it’s to keep up their ruse and keep each other safe, but it is clear to the reader just how much they love each other and how scared they both are to share this love. Of course, the wedding is just the first step and by no means the end of the story. There are bombs to survive, terrorists to outrun, deadly plagues to decode and secrets that still sit between them. And chemistry. There is loads and loads of chemistry to wade through. A few kisses as well.
As book two in this series, the ending gives us a nice hook for book three, which will continue the overarching story thread that started in book one, and this delightful series about the Kingston men and the women they fall in love with.
I loved that this book gave us some character diversity (a black female main character!!!) which is so often missing in Christian fiction.
I can’t wait to continue this series with book three releasing later this year.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library...more
This Golden State is a delicious book that features mystery in a very realistic fiction style, sweet summer romance with a more serious side of familyThis Golden State is a delicious book that features mystery in a very realistic fiction style, sweet summer romance with a more serious side of family secrets.
The synopsis is vague. Poppy’s whole life is a little vague. She knows only what her parents have told her and lives by the rules they have set. Never use your name, don’t get close to anyone. Poppy, her sister and their parents have spent their life living off the grid and moving from town to town. Never staying long, always being ready to leave at a moment’s notice, taking nothing with them. For Poppy, it means never having friends, never getting far with her school work, never growing roots. But they must live that way if they are to stay together. Poppy doesn’t know what they are running and hiding from or who, just that her parents are scared and that it would be bad if they were ever caught. Really bad. So she follows the rules. But this latest move is different. Her mother is acting strange. There are mysteries surrounding the house they are staying in and her father seems even more on edge. But he does allow Poppy one luxury she’s never had before - access to a summer school. Finally, Poppy gets to see how well she can really do at something, to test herself and fall in love with the wonders of the world of mathematics. Then there is the mysterious boy who sits next to her in class who everyone seems to know but no one talks to. And then Poppy breaks the rules. It will have far reaching consequences and reveals truths she didn’t even know to look for.
This Golden State is the perfect mix of contemporary and mystery. The questions Poppy asks, her investigation, the scant details she pieces together made me want to know more, to question and investigate with her. The perpetual threat hanging over her head, the fear that one wrong move would bring down disasters, yet not really even knowing what that disaster would be, kept the tension and suspense high throughout the novel. What would happen next? Would this finally blow things wide open? What would happen to Poppy, to Poppy’s family?
Poppy’s math class is followed each day by a class on genetics and one day she sees a pile of genetics kits. She grabs one and ends up mailing it. It unleashes the change to finally discover who she is, who her parents are. As she starts to investigate, she is helped by her mysterious classmate, Harry. Harry too has secrets. He too keeps himself distanced from other and has a complicated family life. It works for Poppy. Finally, she can get close to someone without having to reveal anything about her family. They form a close friendship which turns into more. But their future is always in question and as Harry helps Poppy to uncover more about her family and why they are on the run, Poppy’s chance of a future, any future, is more and more in doubt.
This is a compelling book. On reflection, it should be slow as not a lot happens in the story and yet I couldn’t put it down and it feels so full of secrets, tension and what if’s that slow is not a word I’d use to describe it? It’s dramatic, romantic, sweet and made me question, what would I do? I’m going to love adding this to our school library collection.
I was left with so many questions. It’s a satisfying enough ending but still so many open threads. What happens next? I’d love a sequel just to see what happen. But maybe the unknown is the point!?!!
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library...more
I do love a good murder mystery and We Were Kings is a jolly fantastic murder mystery. Despite the elements of modern life (masks, hand sanitiser and I do love a good murder mystery and We Were Kings is a jolly fantastic murder mystery. Despite the elements of modern life (masks, hand sanitiser and YouTube) it has a very classic feel. Maybe it’s just because the mystery is in the past, or maybe it’s the setting and overall feel. Classic at its best.
Nyla has lived her whole life knowing her mother loves the woman sitting in jail more than she loves her. When Frankie’s death is pushed forward thanks to a new death penalty ruling, Nyla’s mother falls apart. When a journalist drops a clue that Nyla’s mother might not be who she has always said she is, Nyla decides to investigate and finds herself in the midst of a murder investigation. If she is going to save Frankie and find the real killer, she’ll need to be quick. But no one wants her poking around, especially not the real killer.
I kept guessing. Usually with mysteries, I suspect everyone and can then say I knew who was the bad guy or I have a pretty good idea early on, but We Were Kings kept me guessing, doubting and changing my mind. And the twist at the end was genius. Did not see that coming until just before it was revealed. Loved it. Actually, there were heaps of surprise twists and reveals that there lightly foreshadowed, but with so many other suspects and twists it was hard to predict what was coming.
I love this this book has two teens investigating a murder and it doesn’t feel contrived or strange that they, instead of the police, are doing the investigation. The set up is just perfect, and I also loved the addition of the video series. This is a years-old crime. The police did a terrible job or were paid off to do a terrible job. People have been fighting for years or trying to uncover information, but Nyla is uniquely placed and the time sensitivity means she can push and wrangle for details in a way no one has dared before. It does bring her into the spotlight and into harm’s way, as the killer as well as those politically placed to support the death penalty bill seek to silence her.
Nyla teams up with Sam early on in the book and theirs is a fantastic partnership. They are comfortable with each other, despite only just meeting and I love that they work together, support each other, banter, tease, hold hands and generally just investigate together. There were a few, oh my gosh are they going to kiss moments?!?, so the romantic tension was just hovering below the surface, but I think doing that would have pushed the timeline of the story and keeping it as more of a supportive friendship that could be more when they were not hunting down a killer made it so much more fun, realistic and kept the focus on the mystery. Again, genius.
There is so much to love about this book and love it I did. It’s one I’m going to enjoy sharing with my readers and an easy book to recommend.
Can’t wait to see what Court gives us next. I was a massive fan of her early novels. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library...more
If you enjoy books that will have you checking over your shoulder and keeping the lights on at night, then you’ll enjoy Life Life. A mix of romance, sIf you enjoy books that will have you checking over your shoulder and keeping the lights on at night, then you’ll enjoy Life Life. A mix of romance, suspense and mystery as the characters race to stay out of the crosshairs of a serial killer.
When Penny Carlton is forced to make an emergency landing during a medial evac flight, she doesn’t expect to find herself the target of a dangerous serial killer. But that’s exactly what happens when a storm takes out her tail rotor blade and she sets out on foot to find help. It’s the perfect night for an escaped prisoner. Dark, wild and stormy. And a helicopter might be the perfect ride out of there. That’s exactly what FBI Agent Holt Satterfield must prevent. With danger closing in and time running out, Penny and Holt team up, because surviving this night is not the only danger they will face as they race to track down this serial killer before he claims more victims.
This story was genuinely creepy. There are just enough details to feel scared and creeped out and raise the stakes pretty high.
Penny and Holt have met and casually dated before they meet again on the stormy hillside fighting off a serial killer. It’s the perfect continuation of their romance and I liked that their relationship had some backstory rather than having them build everything for the first time. It also left more room in the story for details about the case. The time they do spend together is a chance for them to explore their history and build trust. They have both saved the other’s life a few times and will have to do so again if they want to stay alive.
Both Holt and Penny’s backstory introduce a range of themes and even an extra murder case into the book. Holt must finally face the truth about why his sister is in jail for murder and Penny shares her childhood trauma and why she kept her past a secret from Holt. Penny also has a great group of friends, friends who also have secrets from their past. I hope it is these friends that we get to know better in the next few books in this series.
I expected this book to be more about search and rescue and was rather delighted when it turned into a crime novel, with serial killers and crime scenes. I didn’t see the last twist coming (love when they surprise me!) and there are enough bad guys and evil to really keep the characters on their toes.
Also, I adore the cover. So pretty. Such a contrast to some of the scenes we get in the story. The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library...more
I do so love it when my favourite authors are consistent in their writing. And Susan May Warren has to be one of the most consistent at writing amazinI do so love it when my favourite authors are consistent in their writing. And Susan May Warren has to be one of the most consistent at writing amazing, thrilling, romantic novels. I know when I open a SMW novel that I can sit back, relax (or tense up, because let’s face it, those characters are about to be tested to their very limits) and just enjoy.
Another new book from another new series by Susan May Warren and she brings all her excellent storytelling, epic plots and relatable characters. Plus that romance we know and love.
Dodge Kingston left Alaska after his heart was broken and his actions broke his family. Now he’s back. Under duress. His father has been in a plane accident and Dodge has to return to hold the family business together. What once was his dream now seems to taunt him. Especially when he runs into Echo Yazzie. The girl who broke his heart. Echo still lives in Alaska with her dad, trying to keep him from getting thrown in jail or worse in his drive to protect the local wildlife. When one of Echo’s friends goes missing, along with Echo’s dog team, Echo sets out to search for them. But she’ll need Dodge’s help and this time, they might be facing more dangers than just the blizzards, rogue grizzly and tension between them.
Sunrise is full of thrills, spills and chills. The rugged wilderness of Alaska make the perfect backdrop for this story. Dodge is a pilot, ex-military and full of regrets. Echo, despite working as a guide in one of the harshest places on the planet, plays it safe. She lives with her father and a whole lot of what-ifs. What if she never gave up on what she once had with Dodge? What if she never broke his heart? What if she finally one day ran the Iditarod? What if her mother had never left them? Both characters and hurting and it’s the perfect time for them to revisit their past and their relationship.
As always, the secondary characters are integral to the story. Both Echo and Dodge’s fathers are complex guys who bring drama and great strength and wisdom to the story. We have a few appearances from characters from Warren’s previous books. And there is a lot more to uncover about Dodge’s brothers, who, if the last part of the book is any indication, will feature in the next book in this series. I’m looking forward to continuing this romance and adventure-filled series.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library...more
I’m not entirely sure if I am super impressed with this book, super annoyed or impressed that it both intrigued me and annoyed and horrified me at theI’m not entirely sure if I am super impressed with this book, super annoyed or impressed that it both intrigued me and annoyed and horrified me at the same time. Can one be so conflicted about a book? I’m going to lay out the good and the annoying.
These Deadly Games is a thriller that leads its main character Chrystal on a wild game that very quickly turns deadly. No end of twists, puzzles, dares and tasks the might seem innocent but quickly turn deadly. This mystery thriller is high stakes and there are some very serious consequences.
For Chrystal, her focus is completely set on winner a spot in her friends’ esports team. The prize money would ensure her family could stay in their home. But when she receives a text with an image of her younger sister tied up with a message - complete the dares or she dies. Chrystal must decide - her sister or her family’s future? Can she do it all and make sure her friends never learn the truth?
These Deadly Games raises the issues of online safety in a really creative way. My gosh I was not expecting the explanation of how it all worked and that very last twist was a big surprise. I think that’s highly relevant for teens of today’s world and a great aspect of the book. It also makes the concept realistic, as sometimes YA mystery books struggle to find that balance between authentically teen and “yeah, a teenager is never going to actually be doing THAT!”.
These Deadly Games is clever, shocking, exasperating, thrilling, tense and honestly just insane. I think the lengths Chrystal goes to are hard to believe. But I also have to admire, grudgingly, her determination and guts. Because, man I would have just gone to the police. Like, at the start.
Annoying. Chrystal. That is all. Seriously? Can you be that cold hearted and ruthless and yet still try and convince me (and everyone else in the book) that you are not? And that I maybe, sort of believe that maybe, instead you are really just stupid. Or clever? Aghghggh!! I don’t know. I think I spent 89% of the book in utter disbelief and 99% of the book screaming (out loud, not just in my head, ask my family) at Chrystal that she was an idiot.
So, this one is a mixed review from me but I think our teen readers will enjoy it.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own....more
The Hawthorne Legacy is the brilliant and thrilling sequel to The Inheritance Games by the incomparable Jennifer Lynn Barnes. It is perhaps no secret The Hawthorne Legacy is the brilliant and thrilling sequel to The Inheritance Games by the incomparable Jennifer Lynn Barnes. It is perhaps no secret that I ADORE her writing, complex characters and skill for piecing together a compelling plot that twists, turns and endlessly surprises.
Once again, Jennifer Lynn Barnes has crafted a novel that is totally addictive and she makes me like - nay love - things I usually hate. Like love triangles. Of course, it is a love triangle involving two Hawthorne boys and a girl who doesn’t have time for either of them, so what’s not to love. But the romance is really just a small part of the book. We readers are taken on a thrilling ride as Avery recovers from the news she received in the last book. One puzzle might have been solved, but there are so many more still to unravel.
DNA tests, fund raising galas, new unexpected relatives, deadly attacks, high school, and secret vaults. Avery and Jameson team up to uncover the secrets of the past and how they relate to Avery’s current position as the beneficiary of the Hawthorne vast estate. Avery gets to explore a little bit more of her inheritance, including a nice snowy hideaway. There isn’t much time for relaxing or skiing, though, as Avery races to stay ahead of the people who want her dead, the people who want her silenced and the clues that seem never ending.
I love that Max, Avery’s best friend, is given a bigger role in the book. She joins Avery at Hawthorne house and she is the perfect loyal, steadfast and lighthearted relief to the Hawthorne brothers’ brooding, mesmerising intensity.
Okay, let’s talk about that love triangle. I love, love, love what Jennifer Lynn Barnes does to explore the relationships Avery has with both Jameson and Grayson. It didn’t go down as I was expecting, and for that I am grateful. It was honest, real and surprising and I loved it.
The Hawthorne Legacy could be the end of The Inheritance Games series or it could equally be the stepping stone for the another book. I am happy to say I am content with (read: LOVED) the ending (unlike a certain other series I won’t name that didn’t get properly ended…cough, cough…The Fixer…cough, cough). But, of course, I would love to return to Avery and the Hawthorne brothers. I would never tire of their banter, puzzle solving, competitiveness and opulent world they live in. And Max and Xander….just saying….
Brilliant. Amazing. I can’t wait to hand this to my mystery readers at school. I know they will be desperate to get their hands of it. For those new to the series, you must absolutely read the books in series order. The launch of this second book is the perfect opportunity to promote again the fantastic series opener, and indeed all of J.L. Barnes’ books.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
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What would you do if you found out your father was the worst kind of serial killer? How would you act when you have to come face-to-face with him for What would you do if you found out your father was the worst kind of serial killer? How would you act when you have to come face-to-face with him for the first time. This is a gritty and dark novel, but didn’t quite sit right with me.
Scarlet’s life is forever changed when two FBI agents arrive at her door. It turns out, the father she never knew is actually on death row for a string of murders and other crimes. Now, dying, her father has one last request. If he can speak with Scarlet, he’ll reveal the locations of the bodies of the other women he killed. Thrown into a world of serial killers, media storms and cold cases, Scarlet must reconcile who is she now that she knows everything she once knew about her life, including her own name, is a lie.
Full credit to the author for creating a thrilling and edgy novel. It had the atmosphere of a good crime novel, but solving the mysteries isn’t a focus of the book. This is Scarlet’s story and what it is like to discover you are the daughter of a serial killer. It’s about her rebelling against her mother’s protective control over her life, only for her to finally understand what promoted that protectiveness. It’s about her anxiety and finally learning to accept that. It’s about finding her voice. It’s about her falling in love. And it’s about living and being true to herself, even if her father’s past is horrible.
However, there were a few things I did not enjoy about this book.
I’m not sure the necrophilia in this book was necessary to the plot, let alone the details it goes into. If you don’t know what necrophilia is, don’t look it up. Trust me. You don’t want to know. Yes, I get how the author wanted to make Scarlet’s father appear as evil and as horrible as possible, but honestly it came across as only being there for shock value. There were so many other parts to this book, how many girls he killed and his character alone that carried the narrative and the whole necrophilia thing just felt excessive. The book is written as if targeted to a young teen audience but the content does not fit that at all. It made a book I’d have been happy to hand to all my high school readers, something that I’ll think twice about recommending. Every other part of Scarlet’s father’s past and character is done well. He is terrifying, made even more so by the way he can come across as charming.
I was intrigued by how Scarlet aims to take the focus off her father and onto the victims by making a film about them. My initial reaction was shock. Maybe it was well intentioned but if I put myself in the shoes of the family of a victim, no way would I want her butting in. But, as always, Scarlet makes it all about her. And, as we only get to see one interview and no details about the victims, this remains lip service in the book that says it’s important we talk about and care about the victims but that it itself remains entirely focused on the serial killer and not the victims. Opportunity missed there, I think.
While the story is about Scarlet and her working through of the events she is faced with, Scarlet self medicates with excessive amounts of drugs and alcohol. I got tired of the amounts of times she was high. Again, I’m not sure what this lent to the plot, as learning to make better decisions or find better coping strategies didn’t seem to be a focus of her character growth. A lot of the start of the book is all about her rebelling against her mother’s protective control of her life, which is explained when her father being a serial killer is revealed, but Scarlet still pushes against the boundaries. And gets high. Multiple times. And that got old.
Overall, an intriguing book but there are some excellent examples out there in this genre that I will be recommending over this title.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library...more
Ace of Spades is heartbreakingly devastatingly yet as I was reading I knew that this is the reality for so many people and young people. It is thrilliAce of Spades is heartbreakingly devastatingly yet as I was reading I knew that this is the reality for so many people and young people. It is thrilling, twisty and kept me guess right up until the last page. My main concern was how on earth the author could give me a satisfactory ending that was still realistic and boy, did Faridah deliver. Absolutely superb.
I was on the edge of my seat while reading this and often had my head in my hands and heart in my mouth. All the emotions and all the feels. Honestly, it wasn't an easy book to read but oh my gosh it is such a powerful and reflective book of our current political and social landscapes.
Ace of Spades is a thriller, a mystery and realistic novel all in one. It's #Diverse #OwnVoices #ReadWoke and every other on trend hashtag you could want. It's gut punching and shows just how much resilience and strength it requires for people to survive in a society that seeks to destroy them. Ace of Spades is a debut novel and my gosh it is impressive.
Devon and Chiamaka are on opposites sites of the popularity hierarchy. Devon is shocked to find himself selected to be part of the school council. But it's just the first shock, when Aces, starts to send anonymous text messages that contain secrets Devon and Chiamaka are desperate to keep hidden. Other students also become targets, but Aces continues to feature Devon and Chiamaka in the destructive texts. The two reluctantly team up to find out who is behind the texts and why they have been chosen as targets.
The book continued to throw surprise after surprise. But the best surprise was that ending. My gosh that just saved the whole book for me and took me from utter despair to a place of righteous anger and a sincere level of respect - both for the characters and the author.
This needs to be on the shelf of every school library.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own....more
Duplex is the companion novel to Lost and Found. It continues in the same vein - a mix of realistic fiction with a mystery twist. Again, the characterDuplex is the companion novel to Lost and Found. It continues in the same vein - a mix of realistic fiction with a mystery twist. Again, the characters have micropowers - like superpowers but too small, insignificant or useless to be deemed super. They are pretty unique and cool, though.
Duplex is a book that takes a while to read. I enjoyed sinking into its slow pace. That’s not to say nothing happens in the story - it does, everything from guys attacking with guns to fake FBI attempted kidnappings. There’s just a lot of space for inner dialogue and time between events. Time for introspection and relationship building. There’s also just time for great writing and descriptions, a feature of Card’s work.
Life changes for Ryan when he finds his dad has moved out and is dividing their family home into a duplex. Soon, Ryan is sleeping on the couch (he doesn’t have a bedroom anymore) and the rooms on the other side of the new walls and staircase house the Horvat family. Ryan meets Bizzy Horvat at school. She can meet his sarcastic wit and quick jibes like no one he’s ever met. When Ryan reacts so quickly and without thought to a bee in Bizzy’s hair (much like he reacted to a bee that stung his sister), he is approached by a guy who claims to discover people who have micropowers. Ryan’s quick reflexes are apparently a micropower and it turns out that Bizzy and her mother also have micropowers and there are a group of people who will stop at nothing to kill the Horvat family. So, Ryan’s quick responses might just come in handy.
I adored Lost and Found - the first of Card’s micropower novels and highly enjoyed Duplex. While the characters have powers, they sit just outside the realms of possibility, so the books in no way read like fantasy or paranormal novels. The books are a mix of relationships - both romantic and familial - and mystery.
The voice of the characters and the way they speak is highly unrealistic, but it’s also highly enjoyable. Maybe because you’d never find such eloquent language and turns of phrase in your average high school - certainly not in my school - is why this book was so much fun to read. There were a couple lines I thought might be a bit insensitive around Ryan’s reaction to being thought gay - wasn’t sure where his reaction was coming from. And I’m not many teen guys are super focused on their life goal to be married and have kids. However, Ryan’s journey from intelligent, sarcastic teen to responsible and caring young adult was insightful. His conversations with his dad are those every young man needs to have. And I loved how Ryan eventually stood up to his friend, called him out on his bullying behaviour and demanded change.
A strange book, but one I certainly enjoyed. I hope there are further novels in the micropower world.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library...more
The Hawthorne Legacy is the brilliant and thrilling sequel to The Inheritance Games by the incomparable Jennifer Lynn Barnes. It is perhaps no secret The Hawthorne Legacy is the brilliant and thrilling sequel to The Inheritance Games by the incomparable Jennifer Lynn Barnes. It is perhaps no secret that I ADORE her writing, complex characters and skill for piecing together a compelling plot that twists, turns and endlessly surprises.
Once again, Jennifer Lynn Barnes has crafted a novel that is totally addictive and she makes me like - nay love - things I usually hate. Like love triangles. Of course, it is a love triangle involving two Hawthorne boys and a girl who doesn’t have time for either of them, so what’s not to love. But the romance is really just a small part of the book. We readers are taken on a thrilling ride as Avery recovers from the news she received in the last book. One puzzle might have been solved, but there are so many more still to unravel.
DNA tests, fund raising galas, new unexpected relatives, deadly attacks, high school, and secret vaults. Avery and Jameson team up to uncover the secrets of the past and how they relate to Avery’s current position as the beneficiary of the Hawthorne vast estate. Avery gets to explore a little bit more of her inheritance, including a nice snowy hideaway. There isn’t much time for relaxing or skiing, though, as Avery races to stay ahead of the people who want her dead, the people who want her silenced and the clues that seem never ending.
I love that Max, Avery’s best friend, is given a bigger role in the book. She joins Avery at Hawthorne house and she is the perfect loyal, steadfast and lighthearted relief to the Hawthorne brothers’ brooding, mesmerising intensity.
Okay, let’s talk about that love triangle. I love, love, love what Jennifer Lynn Barnes does to explore the relationships Avery has with both Jameson and Grayson. It didn’t go down as I was expecting, and for that I am grateful. It was honest, real and surprising and I loved it.
The Hawthorne Legacy could be the end of The Inheritance Games series or it could equally be the stepping stone for the another book. I am happy to say I am content with (read: LOVED) the ending (unlike a certain other series I won’t name that didn’t get properly ended…cough, cough…The Fixer…cough, cough). But, of course, I would love to return to Avery and the Hawthorne brothers. I would never tire of their banter, puzzle solving, competitiveness and opulent world they live in. And Max and Xander….just saying….
Brilliant. Amazing. I can’t wait to hand this to my mystery readers at school. I know they will be desperate to get their hands of it. For those new to the series, you must absolutely read the books in series order. The launch of this second book is the perfect opportunity to promote again the fantastic series opener, and indeed all of J.L. Barnes’ books.
The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.
Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog Madison's Library...more
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