Book Reviews

Arena by Karen Hancock

About the Book

Book: Arena
Author: Karen Hancock
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: April 16, 2022

A Journey She Did Not Choose Will Change Her Life Forever

Transported surreptitiously to a terrifying alien world, with limited resources and only a few cryptic words to guide her, Callie Hayes finds herself engulfed in a perilous battle for freedom – for her very life. After agreeing to participate in a routine psychology research experiment, she must unravel the mysteries shrouding her only route of escape or risk succumbing to the deadly deception of the Arena.

A mesmerizing journey through the treacherous terrain of a strange and terrifying world. A powerful allegory that will capture your imagination with its timelessness and aching familiarity. If you missed this classic, now is the time to enjoy the 20th Anniversary Edition of the Christy Award-winning novel, Arena, now in hardcover for the first time!

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Karen Hancock has won Christy Awards for each of her first four novels—Arena and the first three books in the Legends of the Guardian-King series, The Light of Eidon, The Shadow Within, and Shadow over Kiriath. She graduated from the University of Arizona with bachelor’s degrees in biology and wildlife biology. Along with writing, she is a semi-professional watercolorist and has exhibited her work in a number of national juried shows. She and her family reside in Arizona.

My Review

Arena
by Karen Hancock
Rating: 4/5

A modern take of Pilgrim’s Progress meets Hunger Games with aliens makes this book a fun and interesting story. One of my friends had recommended this book to me so when the opportunity came to review the 20th anniversary edition, I was excited to read what she was so excited about.

First, the new book cover is absolutely gorgeous. I had to preorder my own copy.
Second, the story starts off right away and hooks the reader. This sci-fi fantasy is thrilling and the world-building is ridiculously good. The story does stay fast paced and slow-paced at the same time. I don’t know how to explain it but it did take me a few days to finish the book.
Third, the characters are great. I got so frustrated with the main character, Callie, a lot but could definitely relate to her fears.
Fourth, the allegory is clever and super creative. I loved the author’s imagination and faith.

I can see why this book was a big hit and a classic. I found it a good read but maybe not as entertaining as I was hoping. It still gets 4 stars though because it is well written and a beautiful adventure story.

Highly recommend if you enjoy Christian fantasy with sci-fi and romance.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

More from Karen

Arena was not my first novel. The Light of Eidon was. In those days, however, Christian publishers were not interested in the fantasy genre because it had too much magic and wizards and such, despite the publication of the works of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. They were softening to science fiction, however, and thanks to Kathy Tyers, Randy Ingermanson, John Olson and others the door was opened in 2001 for what is called “speculative fiction.” Arena fit right in, and was published by Bethany House in 2002. It went on to win a Christy Award, which started the ball rolling for the Guardian King series. Three out of the four Guardian King books in that series also won Christy Awards, at which point I was the first speculative fiction author inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame in 2013.

I am thrilled to have Arena appear again in this 20th anniversary edition with a new cover and in limited-edition hardcover. Oasis Audio will also be producing the audiobook, for the first time, so it can be available for every type of reader.

Blog Stops

Inside the Wong Mind, April 30
For the Love of Literature, May 1 (Spotlight)
Rachael’s Inkwell, May 1
Beauty in the Binding, May 2 (Spotlight)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 2
Texas Book-aholic, May 3
Inklings and notions, May 4
For Him and My Family, May 5
deb’s Book Review, May 6
Locks, Hooks and Books, May 7
Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 8
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, May 9
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, May 10
Blogging With Carol, May 11
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 12
Through the Fire Blogs, May 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Amazon gift card and signed copy of Arena!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1d3bd/arena-celebraiton-tour-giveaway

April 30, 2022 by Kim Book Reviews Giveaway

Forever on the Bay by Lee Tobin McClain

Forever on the Bay JustRead Blog Tour Welcome to the Blog Tour for Forever on the Bay by Lee Tobin McClain, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Forever on the Bay
Series: The Off Season #6
Author: Lee Tobin McClain
Publisher: HQN
Release Date: April 26, 2022
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Clean & Wholesome

Safe harbor and new beginnings await on the Chesapeake Bay…

Pleasant Shores cop Evan Stone has worked hard to become a man of his word, overcoming the alcoholism that sent him down the wrong path in his youth. So when his late best friend’s sister asks for his help, he doesn’t hesitate. He promised he’d watch out for Cassie, and the cottage next to his will be a perfect short-term refuge for her and her dog. The other half of that promise—to stay away from Cassie romantically—is harder to keep.

Sheltered for years because of a childhood illness, Cassie is ready to reach for what she wants. And despite her family’s warnings and her own fears, Cassie’s heart wants Evan. As the return of his estranged son puts his sobriety to the test, Cassie and Evan are drawn together, finding strength through what they’ve each weathered. She knows Evan would risk anything to protect her, but are they willing to risk the price of loving, now and forever?

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lee Tobin McClain

Lee Tobin McClain is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels. A professor-turned-writer, she finds inspiration in her beautiful and brilliant daughter, her goofy goldendoodle, and her aptly named cat, Trouble. Learn more about her books at www.leetobinmcclain.com.

CONNECT WITH LEE: Website | Facebook | Instagram

MY REVIEW

Forever on the Bay
by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 6 in the Off Season series
Rating: 3.5/5

Having never read anything from the author before, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this story from Lee Tobin McClain. I have not read the previous books but that did not deter me from reading this one. It can definitely be read as a standalone.

I appreciate how the author is able to deal with real life issues regarding substance abuse and a father’s struggle with his estranged son. I appreciated the two budding romances too. I really enjoyed the relationship between Evan and Cassie despite the age difference. Their chemistry was great. The story was interesting (although a little slow in the beginning) and the ending was very satisfying regarding the mystery and suspense.

Highly recommend if you enjoy clean romance with suspense and family dynamics.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of the first five books in The Off Season series and a $20 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 25, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 2, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

April 26, 2022 by Kim Book Reviews Giveaway

Shadow Angel 3 by Leia Stone & Julie Hall

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About the Book

Title: Shadow Angel: Book Three
Series: Shadow Angel #3
Authors: Leia Stone & Julie Hall
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Release Date: April 21, 2022

I didn’t think there were any more surprises, but I was wrong.

My mission hasn’t changed, defeat Apollyon and free the souls trapped in the Netherworld, but everything just got a lot more complicated. I have a sister, my boyfriend’s a shifter controlled by my enemy, and now it’s not just my life that’s in danger, but my soul as well.

As the ruler of the Netherworld amasses an army, my to-do list gets stranger by the day.

Sneak into Shade City.
Get my boyfriend wings.
Find a lost realm.

But even if I manage to pull all that off, one burning question remains. How do I defeat an enemy I can’t kill without dying?

Purchase your copy here or read on Kindle Unlimited!

About the Authors

Leia Stone is the USA Today bestselling author of multiple bestselling series including Matefinder and Wolf Girl. She’s sold over two million books and her Fallen Academy series has been optioned for film. Her novels have been translated into five languages and she even dabbles in script writing. Leia writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance with sassy kick-butt heroines and irresistible love interests. She lives in Spokane, WA with her husband and two children. www.LeiaStone.com

Julie Hall is a USA Today bestselling, multiple award-winning author. She writes YA paranormal / fantasy novels, loves doodles, and drinks Red Bull, but not necessarily in that order. Julie’s daughter says that her superpower is sleeping all day and writing all night . . . and well, she wouldn’t be wrong. Julie currently lives in Colorado with her four favorite people – her husband, daughter, and two fur babies. www.JulieHallAuthor.com

My Review

Shadow Angel: Book Three
by Leia Stone & Julie Hall
Book 3 in the Shadow Angel series
Rating: 4/5

What a way to end a series! This was a whirlwind! I kept thinking that there wasn’t enough time to finish the series yet. I was pleasantly surprised by how the authors were able to bring closure while also introducing a new character and explaining more of the mythology. Did I feel the book ended too quickly? Yes. Am I excited for a spinoff? Definitely. Do I regret reading this series? Never. LOL. Please read this series in order or you will be lost. They are quick and easy reads full of action and intrigue and romance.

First, the book covers continue to be brilliant and beautiful.
Second, I liked reading about strong heroines at every corner. The authors are amazing at writing strong and intelligent female characters who are still relatable and even make mistakes at times. They feel what they feel but also aren’t afraid to go after what they want. They protect their loved ones without regret.
Third, I always love a good redemption story. From the very beginning, we (the reader) are rooting for Gage and cannot wait to see what happens next. His story advances quickly and I was happy to look behind the curtain for what happened with Cael.
Fourth, I again cannot wait for what comes next. I need the next part. And I always appreciate an epilogue.

PG-13 content.

Highly recommend if you enjoy YA urban fantasy with light vs. dark action and romance.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Also Available

Read my review of Book One here!
Read my review of Book Two here!

Giveaway

Enter for your chance to WIN a Shadow Angel paperback (winner’s choice) and $20 Amazon Gift Card! Giveaway is hosted by Julie Hall and ends on 4/26/2022 11:59 PM EST.

April 21, 2022 by Kim Book Reviews Giveaway

Inside the Wong Mind: Reading is my therapy

Hello. This blog is all mine and I will do my best to post what interests me and what books I read with honest reviews. I am a lover of good Christian fiction with a touch of romance, mystery, intrigue, humor, fun, etc. I invite you to join me as I read my way through books and life. I am currently pursuing my residency training as a family medicine physician!!! I have to carefully choose what I want to read for fun. My name is Kim and you are entering the Wong Mind.