Jem's review of ABOVAM by Karen Tomlinson

Wow!

That word just sums up this whole book for me! But I feel this book deserve a whole lot more than just one word to describe it. So let me give you my thoughts on A Bond of Venom and Magic by Karen Tomlinson and hopefully once you've read this you'll click the link below to buy your copy.

I was lucky enough to be given an early copy of this book to read, and boy how lucky am I because if there is just one book in your life that you need to read, then this is it! This book is one of the best books that I have read in a while. Not only is it a breathtaking story, but it is very well written and edited.

This book grabbed me right from the very first few pages, and you just know that when a book does that you won't be able to put it down until you've consumed it all in one sitting, which is exactly what I did. ABOVAM has it all, action, fantasy, adventure, one hot, brooding, swoon worthy fae male and a building romance that'll have you begging for more.

Diamond, who is our main character is the perfect heroine. Yes, she is young and naive, but she has led a very sheltered and protected life until she is suddenly thrust right into the action and dangers of her world. I think she actually grows and adapts very well, especially with all the secrets she suddenly discovers about herself.  Towards the end of the book I think she'd really started to become a strong woman, rather than just a naive girl and I'm really looking forward to seeing more of her character development, flaws and all, as really that's what makes the best characters in books that they're not all perfect and I think Karen Tomlinson has written some great characters.

Hugo (the brooding, swoon worthy fae) is a complex character and I can't wait to discover more about him in future books. I found myself wondering at points during the book, do I like him? By the end I'd made my decision and I can see the reasons he is the way that he is and that a lot of his actions are because he is protecting himself and those he cares deeply about. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next with him, Diamond and a lot of the other characters too.

The world building in this book is another thing that has been well perfected. This really is one of those books where you can imagine yourself right in the action. I could clearly see the scenes and surroundings in my minds eye whilst reading and it really did transport me away to another world. That cover is also an exquisite piece of art and really catches your eye. I can't wait to have the paperback copy of this book and to place it right there on my bookshelf so I can see it everyday.

This book gets the full five stars from me for enjoyment, character and world building, fantasy (guys, how could I forget to mention there are dragons in this book, my favourite), action and romance. What more could you ask for?

I think I am still recovering from the book hangover reading this gave me, but to me that's the sign of a good book because it drew me in to its pages and embedded itself firmly into the depths of my mind that I won't forget it. I'm now impatiently awaiting the next book, and even though I know that'll give me another book hangover, it's more than worth it for having the chance to read something so amazingly beautiful and awesome. Seriously, buy this book now and step into it the wonderful treasure that is A Bond of Venom and Magic.

Buy links:

Amazon: http://mybook.to/ABOVAM

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile/w/a-bond-of-venom-and-magic-karen-tomlinson/1123805544?ean=2940153020051

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/search?Query=A+Bond+Of+Venom+and+Magic+%28Karen+Tomlinson%29&ac=1&acp=a+bond+of+venom+and+magic

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/636282

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/a-bond-of-venom-and-magic/id1114129973?mt=11

Britt's Review of Elementals: Prophecy of Shadows by Michelle Madow

Howdy doodlie Luvbugs!

I haven't been reading a ton lately as real life has gotten all complicated! But, our very own JemDazzle motivated me to read Michelle Meadows Elementals Series :).

I'm part of an amazing Facebook group called Myth 101, full of AMAZING readers and authors. Michelle happens to be one of them. I've had her book for awhile and have been intrigued just as long; there's just not enough time in life to read all the books I want too. Thankfully, I made time because this book was awesome.

I've often seen Michelle describe her writing as "fast". And it's true, it's a solid, well written fast paced story. I feel that the time spent on character building and imagery is perfect. You forge a connection to each character, and really get to know them.

" Witches are real. They're descendants of the Greek gods.

Nicole Cassidy is a witch descended from the Greek gods... but she doesn't know it until she moves to a new town and discovers a dangerous world of magic and monsters that she never knew existed.

When the Olympian Comet shoots through the sky for the first time in three thousand years, Nicole and four others -- including mysterious bad-boy Blake -- are gifted with elemental powers. But the comet has another effect -- it opens the portal to another dimension that has imprisoned the Titans for centuries. After an ancient monster escapes, it's up to Nicole and the others to follow a cryptic prophecy in time to save the town... and possibly the world."

The story flows well, and any time jumps in the plot are perfectly placed. Writing unnecessary filler would have completely ruined the way this book is written. I love Michelle's take on the mythology of demi gods, and the dilution of blood creating witches as it gets weaker. It's a fresh spin, with traditional history; a blend of amazing proportions <3. 

I'm in a hurry to get to Amazon and buy book 2, so let's get on with the details, eh? If you don't want spoilers, your best bet is just to take what I've already said and go buy the book. The rest of this review isn't for you ;).

I compared this books romance sections a lot to the romance in the Dragonian Series. Well at least in the beginning. And, not because both male leads are named Blake >.< the fact that Blake has a girlfriend, and she's a T total bitch. That Nicole is the shiny new girl in town and turns out to be special. That both Blake's are bad boys with good hidden beneath their outward reputations. 

The similarities don't bother me. I loved both stories, and they were told differently enough to establish a completely different train of thought in the Authors :D!

Blake seriously needs to shit or get off the pot. Don't say you plan to do something and then wait.. Ugh! I could kick his perfectly scultpted ass. (No Michelle doesn't provide pictures.. I just imagine it would be amazing!) But other than his avoidance to do what he knows he has to, he's an amazing male lead :). They all have to have at least one flaw right? His girlfriend doesn't get a name.. She is here to for known as Crotch-cricket. Anyways she's spiteful, and definitely enjoying being on the wrong path. Michelle done a good job of writing a bitch you love to hate.

Our heroine Nicole goes through some crazy amazing things, and takes them on the chin & keeps on trudging. Ya know what I mean? She's got the resilience, and the open mind not to break. She's stronger then she knows.

I have my theories about their Professor. He just has a shady undertone to me. My heart was screaming for Nicole to take the book of shadows home with her. I was so disappointed when it was left with Darius.

Anyways like I said.. Drooling for Book 2 so keep your eyes open to see what I think tomorrow!