eBook

Sneak Peek: The Invocations

By Krystal Sutherland

Coming soon on January 30, 2024

First impression: (5 / 5)

I had the opportunity to read the first few chapters of The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland. From the first page of the Prologue I could tell I was going to really like this author’s style of writing, with beautifully detailed descriptions and an air of mystery. The book follows 3 young women, each who has a connection or interest in magic for their own reasons. Each of these characters seems to be in some sort of trouble, so I feel like it’s too soon to tell how much I’ll like these characters. Either way, it seems like some big things will be happening, and I’m interested to see where this story is heading.

Sneak Peek: The Name Drop

By Susan Lee

Coming soon on September 12, 2023

First Impression: (5 / 5)

I had the opportunity to read the first few chapters of Susan Lee’s upcoming book, The Name Drop.

From what I’ve read so far, I think this is a book I would enjoy reading. The 2 main characters are very different from each other, but they also each have a realness to them that I like. So far the book flows well and felt like something I could easily get lost in for hours. I was honestly sad for the First Look to end – I would love to continue reading this story!

August 17, 2023 by danimae1981 eBook Fiction First Impression Young Adult 0

All the Dead Shall Weep

By Charlaine Harris

Coming soon on September 5, 2023

(3.5 / 5)

All the Dead Shall Weep is the 5th book in the Gunnie Rose series, and since it continues the stories of Lizbeth and Felicia, the previous books should be read first. That said, it’s been several months since I read the previous books, and I didn’t have much trouble following what was going on since the author gave little hints and reminders of things that had happened previously.

In general, I’ve really enjoyed reading this series, but this book was probably my least favorite. It doesn’t mean it was a bad book, it just didn’t seem to have the adventure and excitement that the previous books had. There was very much an “air of sadness” throughout the book- right from the start we learn that Lizbeth recently miscarried a baby and Eli has been distant, then Eli (and his brother Peter) are gone for most of the book. With the love interests gone, there isn’t much of any romance in this book. There was a little bit of adventure, but most of the story took place in Lizbeth’s hometown of Segundo Mexia. Honestly, a lot of the book felt like we were waiting around to see if Eli would come back and wondering what was going on with a mysterious militia. There’s more excitement in the end, but honestly this whole book feels like it’s leading up to bigger things that haven’t happened yet. And I just don’t feel like there was a lot of character development over the course of the story, though there is growth in the relationship between the sisters. I enjoyed the book well enough since I like the characters and world that was built from the previous books. But I’m hoping there will be a book #6 that feels more like the previous books and dives into some of the things that weren’t wrapped up in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for the free advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed in my review are completely my own.

August 15, 2023 by danimae1981 eBook Fantasy Fiction 0

Sneak Peek: I Loved You in Another Life

By David Arnold

Coming soon on October 10, 2023

First Impression: (3 / 5)

Another sneak peek, this time of I Loved You in Another Life by David Arnold. I was able to read the first several chapters. Unfortunately it turned out not being my cup of tea.

The writing in this book has a poetic feel to it, though the indirectness makes it feel a bit confusing. Evan’s chapters are in first person while Shosh’s are in third person which was a bit too jarring for my taste. Then there was a chapter about a couple in the past that appears to parallel the main story, but after several chapters the main characters haven’t even met yet. Overall it just had a depressing feel to it. I could see this book being one that some people might love, but it’s just not for me.

July 13, 2023 by danimae1981 eBook Fiction First Impression Young Adult 0

Sneak Peek: A Multitude of Dreams

By Mara Rutherford

Coming soon on August 29, 2023

First Impression: (4 / 5)

I had the chance to read the first three chapters of A Multitude of Dreams, which releases next month. This young adult fantasy has a post-apocalyptic feel since it takes place a few years after a deadly disease broke out.

So far I have found the two main characters likable. I especially like that, even though written in 3rd person, there is a different feel in the writing between the chapters for each character. I’ll admit to feeling a little overwhelmed at all the characters we meet in just the first two chapters, but I think I’ll be able to keep it all straight. I really like the premise behind this book and think I would enjoy reading it.

July 12, 2023 by danimae1981 eBook Fantasy Fiction First Impression Young Adult 0

Sneak Peek: Bittersweet in the Hollow

By Kate Pearsall

Coming soon on October 10, 2023

First Impression: (4 / 5)

I was able to read the first few chapters of the upcoming book, Bittersweet in the Hollow. I was sad to come to the end of the first look, because I would love to continue reading this book. It has a small-town fantasy feel, but it takes place in present-time so it feels very much like it could be taking place in the real modern world. There’s a distinct feel of mystery and unease that made me want to keep reading, with legends of a Moth Man and a child who mysteriously disappeared years ago.

So far I like the main character, Linden – she feels relatable, and her special ability to taste others’ feelings is portrayed well. She is experiencing amnesia about events that happened a year ago, and the flashes of memories she has already have me building my own theories as to what might have happened.

The writing of the book flows well and kept me engaged and interested in the story. I was able to breeze from page to page, not wanting to put it down until I reached as far as I could go. From what I’ve read so far, this book shows great potential, and I look forward to reading the complete story! I’ve already applied to be an advance reader through NetGalley, so fingers crossed that I get approved!

July 10, 2023 by danimae1981 eBook Fantasy Fiction First Impression Young Adult 0

Sneak Peek: Thieves’ Gambit

By Kayvion Lewis

Coming Soon on September 26, 2023

First Impression (5 / 5)

I had the opportunity to read a sneak peek (the first 7 chapters) of Thieves’ Gambit, and this is definitely a book I’d like to continue reading!

This book pulled me in from the first chapter, which drops us straight into a heist. I never expected to like a character that’s a thief, but Ross, the protagonist, feels relatable and I really like her so far. This book looks like it will be filled with action and thrills. From what I’ve read so far, this definitely seems like a book I’ll really enjoy.