Review of Cry of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse

About the Book ~

Wife. Warrior. Lady of Two Worlds.

As war looms, will her power be enough to save the ones she loves?

Lady Selene Ravenwood has come into her full power as a dreamwalker -- a power greater than any in history. She embraces her new role as Nightwatcher, able to intercede for her people in the dream world, but the dark shadow of war draws ever closer. 

Working together, the Great Houses come up with a plan to secure the borders from the approaching Dominia Empire. But dissension, conflict, and suspicion threaten to destroy their tenuous treaty, and as the empire burns a path across their lands, Damien Maris starts to lose his ability to raise the waters, leaving the lands vulnerable to the empire's attacks.

The only one who can keep the Great Houses unified and restore her husband's power is Selene. But it will require that she venture deep into the dream world to confront the enemies of her past who will do anything to stop her power. Will it be enough, or will both worlds fall under the empire's might?

For more information about Morgan L. Busse and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

The only thing that grieves me about this book -- this series -- is the fact that it's finished! Wow, guys! WOW!!! I cannot rave about this EPIC conclusion to this EPIC series ENOUGH! Cry of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse is a captivating finale to The Ravenwood Saga!

The conflict with the Dominia Empire -- and amongst the Great Houses! -- comes to a chilling climax in Cry of the Raven! The breathtaking places we (Yes, we! I was with Selene and Damien. Don't fight me on this!) went and the heartbreaking battles we fought were spellbinding. The author's writing style is vivid without being unnecessarily flowery, allowing us to be thoroughly swept into the unfolding story. I also appreciated how the author didn't make everything perfect at the end. There was loss and pain and characters who are still (we pray!) coming to know the Light. It is raw, real, and right.

There are so many great messages in this book! Truly, it's like this story is the product of the House of Wisdom (in case you are wondering, it's House Vivek). For instance, as Selene embraces love and her calling as a Nightwatcher, she has to accept that using her gift means allowing herself to be vulnerable. Another nugget is Damien's struggle with letting go -- letting go of what he can and cannot control, letting go of grief, and letting go of his loved ones and committing them to the care of the Light. However, each nugget of wisdom works together to point to this truth:

Remember who, what, and -- most importantly -- for Whom we fight. Because He is always with us.

Five Stars ~ Cry of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse is phenomenal in its entirety! Cry of the Raven is the third book of The Ravenwood Saga. The previous books need to be read in order to understand the series conflict and see the fantastic character development in each book!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Spotlight for Brand of Light by Ronie Kendig

About the Book ~

There's a price on her head, and it has everything to do with the brand on her arm.

Tertian Space Coalition has blessed every planet in the quadrants with high technology, save one: Drosero. But in spite of their tenuous treaty with the ruling clans, TSC has plans for the backward planet. And they're not alone.

After a catastrophic explosion, Kersei Dragoumis awakens in a derelict shuttle, alone, injured, and ignorant of the forbidden technology that has swept her into a nightmare. The brand she's borne since childhood burns mysteriously, but the pain is nothing to that when she learns her family is dead and she is accursed of their murders.

Across the quadrants, Marco Dusan responds to the call of a holy order -- not to join them, but to seek a bounty. Gifted -- or cursed -- with abilities that mark him a Kynigos, a tracker sworn to bring interplanetary fugitives to justice, Marco discovers this particular bounty has nothing to do with justice and everything to do with prophecy. One that involves the hunter as much as the hunted.

For more information about Ronie Kendig and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts Based on a Four Chapter Sampler ~

Goodness!

Those first four chapters have left me feeling a little crazed because I have to wait until DECEMBER to finish the story!

Excuse me while I wail...

If you only know Ronie Kendig for her military fiction, you won't be disappointed! The author takes that same talent for surging action, layered characters, and realistic blackops and combines it with a story that screams Firefly and Stargate and every medieval movie that you've ever loved! Between the varied action and the skillful combination of space opera and medieval kingdom, those first four chapters have me hooked!

Bottom Line ~ I cannot wait to read the full, epic story! Brand of Light by Ronie Kendig is the first book in the Dorseran Saga! This thrilling story will release on December 3rd, 2019!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a four chapter sampler of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse

About the Book ~

Dreamwalker. Nightwatcher. Lady of Ravenwood.

Lady Selene Has Come into Her Family's Power.

But Has She Inherited a Gift or a Curse?

Lady Selene is heir to the House of Ravenwood and the secret family gift of dreamwalking. As a dreamwalker, she can enter a person's dreams and manipulate their greatest fears or desires. Soon after the gifting, however, Selene discovers that the Ravenwood women have been secretly using their gift to gather information or to assassinate those responsible for the fall of House Ravenwood to the Dominia Empire hundreds of years ago.

As she becomes more entrenched in Ravenwood's dark past, Selene longs to find out the true reason behind her family's gift, believing that its original intent could not have been for such evil purposes, but she is torn about upholding her family's legacy - a legacy that supports her people. Selene's dilemma comes to a head when she is tasked with assassinating the one man who can bring peace to the nations - but who is also prophesied to bring about the downfall of her own house.

One path holds glory and power and will solidify her position as Lady of Ravenwood. The other path holds shame and likely death. Which will she choose? And is she willing to pay the price for the path chosen?

For more information about Morgan L. Busse and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Since finishing Mark of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse, all I want to do is scream and fangirl at its awesomeness!!!

CAUSE IT IS AWESOME!!!

I'll say that again before this review is done. Just warning you guys. Hehe.

Mark of the Raven has it all! Assassins. Secret powers. A fascinating world. Political intrigue. A slow-burn romance that is sure to be among my favorites. And a Light so pure and holy that it makes your heart dance!

When Selene's power arrives in all its fury and glory, her preordained life begins. But as haunting secrets and powerful hatred are uncovered, Selene starts to question whether she can really take up her family's mantle. The push and pull of her heart felt so REAL! She wanted to save her sisters and help her people, but she questioned whether she could do it at the expense of her own soul. She hungered for something more, for Light. When her own brokenness and darkness seemed to proclaim that she was too much of a monster to save, I felt chills. Who hasn't struggled with this very question? Selene's narrative was powerful, but I also loved Damien! His love for the Light sprung from the pages, and just like Selene, readers will feel it pulling them in for more!

The world building felt organic, making me ask questions and giving me answers in all the right places. I want to know everything about the Great Houses and the gifts, and I have a feeling even more game-changing secrets will come to light in the next book. But more than anything, Mark of the Raven asks the question, Am I worth saving? I believe readers will discover God's heart for them on Selene's journey to discover the Light.

Five Stars ~ Mark of the Raven is a spellbinding start to The Ravenwood Saga! I will be marking off the days on the calendar until Flight of the Raven releases on April 30th, 2019. I would definitely recommend reading the series in order due to spoilers and the fact that it is AWESOME!!!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Review of The Wounded Shadow by Patrick W. Carr

About the Book ~

The Final Battle over the Darkwater Has Begun. Will Anything Be Able to Stop the Evil Sweeping across the North?

The kings and queens of the northern continent lay siege to the Darkwater Forest, frantic to contain its evil. But rumors of gold and aurium have lured deserters and the reckless into its shadow, creating a growing army that can see in the dark and fight like the gifted. Desperate after the death and dissolution of their greatest ally, Willet and the rest of the Vigil seek the truth of what lies at the heart of the evil they face. They delve the mind of an ancient enemy and find an answer far worse and more unimaginable than they had feared.

But while they seek to understand their past and peril, danger stalks the cities of the north striking at the rulers of the kingdoms. As Willet and the rest of the Vigil search for answers, the Vigil is scattered with an ever-growing darkness around them. They must discover a path to keep their land safe or risk losing the world.
For more information about Patrick W. Carr and his books, check out his website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Darkwater Saga is over. And I'm sad. Much sadder than I expected to be. Don't get me wrong, I've immensely enjoyed The Darkwater Saga! But these books rooted themselves into my heart in a way I never expected. These stories grab you.

And they don't let go.

And I mean that in the best, non-creepiest way possible. Haha! ;-)

The Wounded Shadow was probably my favorite book of the trilogy! The battle over the ancient evil in The Darkwater Forest reaches a climax that will dizzy your mind with it's fascinating complexities. Patrick W. Carr has a gift for throwing a multitude of seemingly unrelated conflicts in the way of the characters as they work towards saving their world, but when those big reveals come, you realize that random conflict has a HUGE impact on the outcome of the story. The story is told through multiple perspectives, but Willet Dura's (the title character) perspective continued to be my favorite. Probably because he's good at the sarcasm, and I love a hero who can wield his sarcasm like a sword!!

Despite the bloody battles, malicious villains, painful loses, and daring escapades, I found the root message of this story to be about believing in the power of love - that you are loved. And no weapon is mightier! The beautiful ending tore me to pieces, but drove that truth home ten times as much!

Four Stars ~ The wonderful conclusion to this epic fantasy series is both perfect and bittersweet! If you're a fan of J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, or Donita K. Paul, then you'll want to check out this series! The Wounded Shadow is the last book in The Darkwater Saga. Note: you must, must, must read The Shock of Night and The Shattered Vigil respectively before reading The Wounded Shadow. Trust me. As sad as I am that this series has come to an end, I look forward to whatever Patrick W. Carr writes next because I know it will be awesome.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

 

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
 

Review of The Golden Vial by Thomas Locke

About the Book ~

When a hidden evil threatens to destroy the realm, a young orphan, untested and untrained, could mean the difference between victory and total defeat.

Vulnerable and weakened by grief after a terrible loss, Hyam has been struck by a mysterious illness that threatens to claim his life. Seeking to help Hyam and restore the realm, Queen Shona travels to Hyam's remote hometown to find answers and offer aid.

Dally has always had abilities far beyond those of a normal human--far-seeing and magic come naturally to her. Before the arrival of Shona and her army, Dally had always kept her abilities secret. But with an ancient evil bearing down on her village and the fate of the realm hanging in the balance, the orphaned servant girl steps forward to do what no one else can. Will the battle claim more than Dally is willing to give?

For more information about Thomas Locke and his books, check out his website here!

My Thoughts ~

The Golden Vial will devastate and enchant you, and this epic story of good versus evil is absolutely a book worth reading! Thomas Locke's lyrical prose will suck you into this world quicker than you can turn the first page. Trust me.

Something happened... We'll call it an event because I don't want to give away any spoilers. An event occurred in The Golden Vial that devastated me, and I will NEVER get over it!!! Why? I have my reasons. ;-) The story ends with one of the cunningly crafty endings that leaves you with more questions than answers, foaming at the mouth for another book. Alas, I think this is the end of the series... *whimpers*

While Dally's point of view came out of another dimension, I actually rather loved it! Despite the devastation of The Event, Dally proved to be such an awesome character. She suffered great loss and painful trials, and I loved seeing Dally discover her purpose in life as well as a new kind of family in some of our favorite characters from the previous books.

Four Stars ~ The Golden Vial proves once again that the world readers are immersed into in the Legends of the Realm Series is one every fantasy reader should discover. The Golden Vial is the third book in the Legends of the Realm Series, and I'd recommend reading the previous books, Emissary and Merchant of Alyss respectively. Fans of J. R. R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, Donita K. Paul, and Patrick W. Carr would enjoy this series.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Any questions? Check out my Disclaimers Page!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Review of Unraveling by Sara Ella

About the Book ~

What happens when happily ever after starts to unravel?

Eliyana Ember doesn’t believe in true love. Not anymore. After defeating her grandfather and saving the Second Reflection, El only trusts what’s right in front of her. The tangible. The real. Not some unexplained Kiss of Infinity she once shared with the ghost of a boy she’s trying to forget. She has more important things to worry about—like becoming queen of the Second Reflection, a role she is so not prepared to fill.

Now that the Verity is intertwined with her soul and Joshua’s finally by her side, El is ready to learn more about her mysterious birth land, the land she now rules. So why does she feel like something—or someone—is missing?

When the thresholds begin to drain and the Callings, those powerful magical gifts, begin to fail, El wonders if her link to Ky Rhyen may have something to do with it. For light and darkness cannot coexist. She needs answers before the Callings disappear altogether. Can El find a way to sever her connection to Ky and save the Reflections—and keep herself from falling for him in the process?

For more information about Sara Ella and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Oh. My. Gosh.

I'll say it again. Oh. My. Gosh.

Utterly amazing can't begin to describe Unraveling, Book Two in the Unblemished Trilogy! From swoony romance to horrendous betrayals to unicorn jousts to mythological places, this story literally has it all. READ IT!!!

Okay, I need to get this out in the open. When it comes to who El should be with, I'm #teamky all the way. But I love Joshua. Joshua. So in a way, I'm #teamjoshua, or rather #happyendingforjoshua. I'm hoping my sneaking suspicion about his Happily Ever After is right. I love to be right. ;-)

Speaking of sneaking suspicions! Once again,  Sara Ella taunts us with wonderfully delicious twists and turns. Although, I was very proud of myself for deciphering a few hidden clues. 'Twas not easy! Unraveling contains the superb world building we were introduced to in Unblemished - a world that never ceases to amaze me!

In the midst of this enchanting world, Sara Ella touches on topics like redemption, determining true love, and the power of good versus evil. The result leaves readers breathless since this incredible story is just a beautiful reflection (Like what I did there?) of the True Story.

Five Stars ~ Utterly, brilliantly amazing! Since Unraveling is the second book in an intricately complex series, you totally need to read the first book, Unblemished, before you slink between the pages of Unraveling. The third book, Unbreakable, releases May 1st, 2018!!! *wails* *makes tea from her own tears* *gags* *eats brownie instead*

I received a copy of Unraveling by Sara Ella published by Thomas Nelson from BookLook Bloggers. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. She is a youth leader at her church, and loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.