January Book Reviews

"Insight" by Jamie Magee - Part of the 'Insight Series' - Free - www.insightjamiemagee.com

3.5 out of 5 crowns

Features a beautiful evocative cover. Recommended audience young adults.






"Land of Shadows" by Jeff Gunzel - Part of 'The Legend of the Gatekeeper series' - Free

2.5 out of 5 crowns

There are several mature even grotesque scenes in this book, one of which within the first chapter that made me walk away from it for an entire week in disgust. Once you push through that you are faced with characters that make little sense, are continuously forced to jump back and forth through several views, which is most often badly done. Surprises are not surprising. Contradicting statements and skimpy world/character building round out the book. Not recommended to anyone but mature audiences who are not avid readers. It's only saving grace is the beautiful cover and the fact that its free.

"Ever Shade" by Alexia Purdy - Part of the 'A Dark Faerie Tale' series - Free -  www.alexiaepurdy.blogspot.com


3.5 out of 5 crowns

Recommended audience: young adults.
A relatively new spin on the fairy world. Has a few unique and very interesting spins that could make it a marvelous offering but fails in unbelievable character building and decision making by our heroine.



"Hidden" by M. Lathan - Part of the 'Hidden' series - Free - www.mlathan.com

4.5 out of 5 stars

The simplistic cover hides a sparkling gem of urban fantasy. Set in an alternate future after a world war between humans and magical kind, 'Hidden' follows the tale of orphan Leah/Christine. We follow along as she struggles with who she is, where she came from, and what she's truly capable off. The only downside to this rather unique new tale was the myriad proofreading errors. Recommended for adults and young adults. Caution some sexual situations but nothing too serious or graphic.

"Lost" by M. Lathan - Part of the 'Hidden' series - .99 cents - www.mlathan.com





4.5 out of 5 stars

I was excited for the second installation of the 'Hidden' series and was in no way disappointed with this can't put down addition. Christine and Nathan's relationship is deepening and heating up even as she explores the depths of her powers and reclaims her past. In this book she learns the grass isn't always greener on the other side.  Recommended for adults and young adults. Caution some sexual situations but nothing too serious. Again there are several areas where a little extra proofreading would have come in handy.