Review: Fallen Academy

 

Brielle Atwater isn't sure of much, but she knows a few things:

1. Having black wings is not normal.
2. Selling her soul to the demons was a mistake.
3. Lincoln Grey is the biggest *** she's ever met … but not falling in love with him might prove impossible.

When angels fell from the sky to war with the demons that ravaged Earth, their combined powers infected humanity. Now, the humans are assigned one of two fates, being either demon gifted or angel blessed.

After wings sprout from Brielle's back at her awakening ceremony, she's sure she's an angel blessed celestial. It's not until she sees black wings that she realizes something is terribly wrong. - Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: This book reminded me of the earlier days of paranormal romances. I haven't read one in quite some time. I loved Brielle and Lincoln's banter. There were a lot of a great relationships in this book: romantic and friendship. There is lots of action and danger.  This was such an entertaining read. I didn't want this book to end. I'm looking forward to the next book. 

Cover Thoughts: Strong

Source: My Library

Why I Read This: The summary caught my eye

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your public libraries.

Hand this to: readers who love paranormal romances and advise them to clear their schedule

Review: Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts

 About the Book:

A steampunk retelling of Cinderella.
Emmeline O’Shea is determined to save the world—single-handedly, if necessary. A strong voice for societal reform, she is the natural choice to deliver a key speech at the end of the International Shifter Rights Organization’s week-long Summit in Scotland.

But when a death threat arrives at Emme’s home, she is immediately placed into protective custody, watched over by none other than her personal nemesis, Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed. The two have crossed paths many times, with disastrous results, but now they will have to work together in order to reach the Summit before midnight of the last day in order to ensure legislation is passed to protect the Shifter community.

As unseen enemies close in around Emme and Oliver, they struggle to reach Edinburgh by any means necessary, only to find Emme’s vindictive stepsister, Oliver’s vampire brother, and a dangerous political minefield awaiting them in Scotland.

Even more difficult is their own refusal to admit that the fiery animosity that once burned between them might be turning into the heat of romantic passion. Could a straitlaced policeman determined to uphold the law and an outspoken activist willing to break the rules ever find true love? Or will all their dreams shatter like glass when the clock strikes midnight?

My Thoughts: While this is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this Cinderella retelling. I loved Emme's determination, her desire to take a stand, and her ability to use her voice. I loved the banter between her and Oliver. I love a good enemies to lovers trope. And I'm so curious about Maddie. I hope there's another book with her story next.

This book is great for lovers of paranormal, steampunk, feminist romances, Cinderella stories, and enemies to lovers tropes. Also a great book for your library's romance collection.

About the Author: 
  Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of seventeen published novels and numerous novellas, which span genres from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. In 2005, her work won the Utah Best of State award, and she received a Whitney Award for My Fair Gentleman. She has presented at numerous writing conferences and events since her first book was released in 1999. Nancy received a BS in Elementary Education from Weber State University. She loves to read, write, travel, and research, and enjoys spending time laughing with family and friends. She is married and the mother of three children.

Visit her at nancycampbellallen.com, on Instagram @authornancycampbellallen, on Facebook at nancycampbellallen, or on Twitter @necallen.

 Advanced Praise:

"Once again proving that genres are made to be melded, Allen puts a suspenseful twist on this enticing, steampunk retelling of Cinderella. Allen seamlessly integrates gentle romantic tension and nods to the original fairy tale with paranormal and steampunk elements and political intrigue. This is a fun, arresting break from reality.”

-Publishers Weekly

"Relocates a classic fairy tale into an imagined future packed with airships, automated carriages, vampires, and corsets. Nancy Campbell Allen’s lively reimagining of the Cinderella story features an empowered, outspoken heroine who’s driven by a vision of a more equitable, futuristic Britain."

-Foreword Reviews

Watch the Book Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL2lkJdtl9s

 Book Details:

Publication Date: 10/6/20 Paperback

ISBN: 9781629727370

Retail Price: $15.99

Page Count: 320

Proper Romance / Regency

Book Design: © Shadow Mountain

Cover photo: Butch Adams Photography; © photomaster/Shutterstock.com; ©  Westend61/Getty Images

Art Direction: Richard Erickson

Design: Heather Ward

Mini Review: Dark Days Club

 * Start of a new series *

Lady Helen will be presented to the Queen. She hopes that it goes well. Her family hopes that the Queen will not bring up her traitorous mother, and that her daughter will not suffer from the connection. The presentation goes well, despite the mysterious moment between the Queen and Lady Helen about her mother.

Strange things start happening around Lady Helen. A maid goes missing from their household. She draws the attention of a Lord with a disreputable reputation who claims a distant family connection. He tells her the world is full of demons and she's a demon hunter - just like her mother.

Lady Helen isn't sure what to believe, but once she witnesses a demon attack, her life will never be the same.  She searches for answers and understanding while trying to figure out how this will change her life.

My Thoughts: I didn't realize this was the start of a series - until the ending. And that left me disappointed. Why? Well - for one thing, the book was just shy of 500 pages. There was no real ending - just a new path for the main character.

There were so many questions left unanswered - I assume these will be addressed in the next book, but they were important questions. 

That's not to say I didn't like the book, because I did. It just took me a long time to read and I was frustrated at the end to learn there was more to the story and that big questions hadn't really been answered. 

I liked the heroine - even though she sometimes made poor choices given her circumstances. I loved the time period. I loved Lady Helen's relationship with her maid Darby. I didn't like her relationship with her brother. I love the combination of Regency with paranormal; it was well done. I'm looking forward to the next book (and those answers)

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic
Source: My Library

Review: Unbreakable

 * first book in a new series *

Kennedy's world crumbles when her mother dies. A few nights later, she would have died if not for the interference of two brothers. They broken into her house and rescue her before a ghost kills her.

They tell her she's part of their team - a team that's been training for most of their lives. Kennedy has no idea what they're talking about. Her mother never mentioned a secret society or demon hunting.

She's not sure she should believe the brothers. They take her in and introduce her to the group. And share their mission. The Legion's after pieces of a weapon that could destroy the world.

She can't figure out her talent that makes her part of the group, can't figure out who to trust, and can't figure out which brother means more to her. As much as she tries to help out, she doesn't understand the rules and almost gets everyone killed. Is she really one of them or is she just a hindrance. 

My Thoughts: The tagline hooked me Supernatural meets The Da Vinci Code in this action-packed paranormal thriller. And it's right. The Supernatural jumped out at me within the first few pages and I was hooked. I loved watching Kennedy come to terms with her new life and figure out the Legion. I liked the ghost-hunting along the way and how the group came together to find the pieces of the weapon. I liked the action and the danger from the ghosts. I liked watching hte group uncover clues about where the next piece was hidden. I loved the brothers, although I felt bad for them. I hope they can solve their differences. I liked the romantic tension. I really liked Priest and his talent. I like Alara. I can't believe the ending, it left me wanting the next book immediately! 

Cover Thoughts: It's ok.
Source: From the publisher
Book Publication Date: October 1st

Review: Indelible

Joy sees a mysterious cute stranger across the dance floor; someone she shouldn't be able to see. When he notices her, everything changes.  He attempts to make her unable to see him, but he fails.

Instead, he marks her as his property. Now, Joy sees monsters everywhere. They're giving her messages and she has no idea what's happening.

She soon learns she's supposed to give the messages to Ink. When he marked her, she became his property. Now she needs to pretend to care about him and to help him with his jobs. Joy must open her heart and make their relationship believable or it will be the death of both of them.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed the start of a new paranormal series. I really liked Joy and her family as they struggled with changes in their lives. I liked her BFF - their moments together were funny and relieved some of the tension. I liked Ink and his sister. She was a little over-the-top in a good way. I fully confess there were a few scenes that I had to skim due to my personal fear of knives. A fun read with a unique world and a great romance.

Cover Thoughts: Pretty and meaningful
Source: From the author for review
Coming Soon: July 30th

Review: Spell Bound

*end of the trilogy - some spoilers of the previous books*

Sophie wakes up in a strange place with her life in danger. There she learns about her family history and it's secrets.


She was her family's hope for fighting the Casnoff witches but Sophie's magic has been stripped. She can feel it still fluttering in her, but she can't access her kick-butt powers. 

 When her life's in danger, magic swells in her. It takes her a moment to realize that Elodie's inhabited her body. Through Elodie's magic, she can defend herself, change her appearance, and talk through Sophie.

With a war coming, Sophie must decide to wade through all the half-truths, lies, and family drama to see the truth. She can't do much without her magic, but there is a way to retrieve it if she has the courage. Will she find a way to recover her magic and defend all whom she loves?


My Thoughts: I ADORED this trilogy!!! It has great action, danger, friendship drama, and amazing romance. I love Sophie. I love Jenna. I love the moments between them. I love the moments between Sophie and Archer. But I also like Cal. It's a great love triangle and hard to choose between the two.  I loved the ending. I can't wait to see what Rachel Hawkins writes next! She's on my instantly read list.


Cover Thoughts: Love them but they don't really match the book


Source: My Library

Review: Die for Me

After the death of her parents, Kate and her sister move to Paris to live with their grandparents. Both girls are devastated by their loss. Georgia buries her grief and continues her life as a social butterfly. Kate on the other hand, hides out in her room until her grandmother forces her outside.

Kate starts spending her days at an outdoor cafe, with her nose buried in a book. The world of books make her forget her troubles. One day she spots a boy. He's adorable.

She can't get him out of her mind. Suddenly, she sees him everywhere. After a chance encounter at a museum, the two go on a date. The date ends up revealing more about Vincent than he desires.

He's not normal and neither is his live.

As Kate starts to unravel the pieces of information she discovers, she's not sure she wants anything to do with him anymore. She's also not sure she can give him up.


My Thoughts: The start of a new series shows the power of love, friendships tested, the bond of sisters, and danger. A new twist to the flood of paranormal books conveys the uniqueness of this story. I loved unraveling the mystery with Kate and understanding Vincent's world. I loved the sisters relationship - and how it changed because of their parents' death. I loved reading about Paris - I could almost picture myself walking down the street along with Kate. If you're a fan of paranormal romance - don't miss out on this book!

Cover Thoughts: This cover is different than the one on the ARC - which is a girl in a boat on the river wearing a blue dress - which matches a scene in the book. The new one (the red one) is gorgeous, but it doesn't match the book. It does however have a lovely view of the Eiffel Towel. I still like the old cover better:



Source: HarperTeen Comes out on May 10th

Goodreads