Book Reviews

Book Review: Storm Siren by Mary Weber

Storm Siren
by Mary Weber
Rating: 4/5
Book One in the Storm Siren Trilogy
Thomas Nelson – Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic | General

There’s just something about the first book in a series by a new author that is so fun and exciting to be a part of. Meet Nym, a 17-year-old slave who is living in Faelen, a kingdom at war with Bron. Not only is she a slave, she also has insane powers that she can’t control — she is an Elemental and she should not even exist since there has never been a female Elemental before. As an Elemental, she can influence the weather depending on her moods, but she can’t control her powers. Probably one of the last of her race, she is an anomaly and a self-proclaimed murderer. When a woman of importance sees her powers in action, she immediately buys Nym and has Eogan train her to control her powers. Caught up in a political war, Nym is Faelen’s secret weapon if she can learn to control her powers.

After seeing that this book was nominated for a 2014 award, I knew that I had to read it — YA and by Thomas Nelson? Count me in. I looked the book up and found it was available at my local public library! Woohoo! I had it put on hold for me and was able to go pick it up and read for FREE. I do love a good library find.

I absolutely loved this book. The story is fast-paced and exciting. I loved all of the fantasy and magical aspects of the story. I wish Nym and Eogan were real. HAHA. I enjoyed Weber’s world building and am definitely excited to read more. Of course, the ending had me running to read the ARC for the next book, Siren’s Fury, which comes out next month; it also does not disappoint (review to come).

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun, exciting, young adult read with fantasy and magical elements.

May 16, 2015 by Kim Book Reviews featured

Book Review: No Place to Hide by Lynette Eason

No Place to Hide
by Lynette Eason
Rating: 5/5
Book 3 of Hidden Identity Series
Revell – Fiction | Romantic Suspense

As a former police officer and detective, Jackie Sellers knows how to handle herself and solve mysteries. What she wasn’t prepared for was seeing a childhood friend’s face across the TV screen saying he’s a terrorist and wanted by the FBI. Ian Lockwood would never do anything like that–would he? Only when Jackie decides to speak with him for herself, will she be able to tell what’s going on; however, she gets the surprise of her life when she breaks into his house and all hell breaks loose. Soon she and Ian are on the run and trying to discover the truth about what really happened before it’s too late and more people get hurt. Can they find a way to exonerate Ian before the real terrorists find them? Who can Jackie trust with her life? Will Jackie’s former feelings for her childhood crush get in the way and jeopardize their mission to prove his innocence?

There’s always something so exciting about Eason’s writing. I absolutely love her books. They have everything in them – action, mystery, suspense, romance, humor, and faith. I love the way she expertly weaves everything together in a way that hooks the reader immediately. I could not put the book down and always look forward to more stories from the author. I really enjoyed getting to know the main characters and loved some of the back stories that gave insight and depth. I found the characters very relatable and likable. Eason is so good at getting the reader caught up in her world and keep the reader guessing at who the real villain is.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romantic suspense thriller that they won’t want to put down!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

May 14, 2015 by Kim Book Reviews

Book Review: From the Start by Melissa Tagg

From the Start
by Melissa Tagg
Rating: 5/5
Book 1 of the Walker Family Series
Bethany House – Fiction | Contemporary Romance

Kate Walker has been feeling like a washed up screenwriter of romantic TV movies. Even after winning one Emmy, she feels like she hasn’t written something real, something important, something that makes a difference. Her last relationship broke her heart and she’s been super cautious ever since. When her late mother’s charity organization offers her the writing opportunity of a lifetime, she accepts but she needs a new gig to cover her expenses. When a tornado hits her hometown of Maple Valley, she drives home to help out her dad and other siblings with repairs. She meets her brother’s good friend and a former NFL quarterback, Colton Greene, who is still recovering from a career-ending injury. Colton is dealing with his own demons from his tragic past but is still willing to stay and help Kate’s dad with repairs. When Colton discovers Kate is a writer, he enlists her help to ghostwrite the memoir his agent says he needs in order to stay in the limelight. Is this an answer to prayer for both Colton and Kate? Even though Colton promised Kate’s brother everything would be strictly business, can they deny the attraction and find a way to make their relationship work?

I absolutely adored this story! From the very beginning, I was hooked and needed to read more. Her characters were full of faults and fears that the reader could identify with. I really enjoyed a story with a very prominent faith aspect woven throughout. This story would definitely make a great movie in my opinion. I am definitely excited to read more from the author regarding the Walker family series. I laughed, I cried, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this beautiful story of finding love, acceptance, identity, and peace.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a clean, fun romance with a hint of mystery.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

April 29, 2015 by Kim Book Reviews