Into the Aether: Part One and Two by T. C. Pearce

 

Synopsis:

A scared teenager, Lara must battle her own inner demons … while being stalked in her nightmares by an all-too-real monster. She has only two options: run or succumb.

A courageous woman, Cybil is doing her best to piece together a new life free of her abusive husband. She is cursed with confused glimpses into future events she may not be able to change—including her own death.

An honorable warrior, and the reluctant leader of her people, August must undertake the familial obligation of protecting a seemingly ordinary high school teacher. If she shirks her duty, then the world will fall to a preternatural tyrant in search of a long-lost weapon of immense power.

Their stories weave together to reveal a mysterious supernatural world that hides just beneath our own. As chaos swirls among and around them, the three women must put aside their differences and act together, or watch two worlds collide in a deluge of fire and blood.

Review by Patrick:

I was offered this book for free to review by the authors in the audio book format through audible.com. This was my first experience with audible.com, but not with audio books. I like the site and system, but that's not for this review.

This genre is right up my alley. I like the fantasy, hidden society, magical aspects of Into the Aether. Every author's take on magic, it's source, and it's cost is slightly different. The Pearces' view on magic using Aether is unique. I'm curious if it is the aether that allows the Cubi to ... do some of the stuff they do. They also redefined the Cubi, or Incubi and Succubi. For those worried parents whose children are reading this book that contains these beings, there are no sex scenes in this book... not even close. Maybe some flirtation and some romantic thoughts, but no sex. I also particularly liked the Mares. They seemed to have an interesting ability, that we probably don't see their full capability in this book.

I will have to say, the way this book was written was quite interesting. Each chapter starts with one or more characters and the chapter is written from their viewpoint(s). For the first four chapters, you get three different view points. Then you get some consecutive story telling from one group. If you can bear through the confusion of the different characters, they will all tell the same story, eventually. It may feel like you are reading three books in one, but they are interconnected. I do say I feel the need to reread the books to catch all of the intricate weavings in the early chapters.

The plot twists and turns in this book are crazy. And just when you think you figured something out, something else happens to through you for a loop again. I started reading this in the car on my way to and from work, but I ended up listening to a few hours near the end of the book in my living room. That's a high testament to the intense pace and thrill of reading this book. It's definitely a book worth reading.

A note about the audio book: Suzanne Elise Freeman did an okay job at narrating this book. You can tell by my desire to finish this book that she certainly doesn't get in the way of the story. I do, however, have a few complaints. When she's not speaking in character, it's pretty monotone. It sounds dry and not from the point of view of the chapter. Even in nonspeaking narration, I expect some emotion and flow to accompany the words. And then there is her interpretation of August. She made August sound flat and boring, no matter what her mood or temperament was. I thought, when I first heard her, that somewhere later in the book there would be some clue as to this flatness, but no. She sounded like an oracle who was never human or didn't know how to speak to one, not the powerful CEO of a company and leader that she was. This really bothered me, and lasted for the whole book. She's blind, not mute. One more small thing: her Irish and Russian sound very similar. (I probably couldn't do any better, but it's not my voice being recorded.) It will be interesting if the authors/publisher choose to keep her for the next installment, or if they will rotate out the vocal readers.

All in all, I'm glad my wife, and the authors, made me read this book. Fantastic! It was a good read, something new in magic and fiction, great plot and story, interesting characters with power and flaws. If I complain about anything it would be about the last chapter before the epilogue. There was no connection to the story, at all. I'm sure it sets up the next book, but it didn't even pique my interest yet. There was a new character, going through an event caused by some other characters in the book, but that was it. In my opinion, if it was needed for the next book, then it should have been in the next book, not this one. Other than that, it was great. There are some unanswered questions that have to be resolved, but I'm looking forward to them and their story. It will be great, I'm sure. For my review, I'm giving this book 4.5 stars.

Behemoth by Scott Westerfield

 Synopsis:

The behemoth is the fiercest creature in the British navy. It can swallow enemy battleships with one bite. The Darwinists will need it, now that they are at war with the Clanker powers.

Deryn is a girl posing as a boy in the British Air Service, and Alek is the heir to an empire posing as a commoner. Finally together aboard the airship Leviathan, they hope to bring the war to a halt. But when disaster strikes the Leviathan's peacekeeping mission, they find themselves alone and hunted in enemy territory.

Alek and Deryn will need great skill, new allies, and brave hearts to face what's ahead.

Review by Patrick:

If you haven't read my review of Leviathan, please read it first. It gives some background about what is going on generally.

This book continues the greatness started in Leviathan. Alek and Deryn are noticeably coming closer together, although there is a slight "love drama" later in the book. Don't worry, I think it all turns out alright in the end.

The main part of this book stays in one location: Istanbul. As we learned from the first book, the British (and other Darwinists) are definately not happy with the Clanker Powers, but as further evidence is seen, not all the Clankers are on the same page either. Istanbul, in this book, is the meeting of everyone. There's the British, the Austrians, the Sultan, the Germans, and even the Americans have a role to play. Then to through a kink in everything, you have the revolution. It's not quite the political read of a Tom Clancy, but we have a different audience.

The fantasy presents new elements in this book. There's the Bovril that hatched and attached to Alek. There are the elephant walkers, the Sultan's automaton, several encounters with Tesla cannons, and of course, the Behemoth itself. The world created by Westerfeld is not neglected in the imagination department. Seriously, it's amazing he has come up with this stuff.

The book ends on another cliff hanger. I have no idea how the story is going to end, or even if the British are going to win the war. (Remember, this is an alternate history.) I do know that I really want to read it, and look forward to the last book of the series, Goliath. Another 5 stars from me for this book.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

Synopsis:

Four adventurous siblings—Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie—step through a wardrobe door and into the land of Narnia, a land frozen in eternal winter and enslaved by the power of the White Witch. But when almost all hope is lost, the return of the Great Lion, Aslan, signals a great change . . . and a great sacrifice.

Review by Patrick:

This is one to the timeless classics of fantasy. When someone mentions fantasy, I think of Middle Earth, Krynn, and Narnia. The most popular and well known of The Chronicles of Narnia is The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, which in my mind, makes it one of the entry books into the fantasy world. I think this is a great book for young readers who want to get into fantasy fiction, or readers who want to try fiction for the first time.

This book follows after The Magician's Nephew, where the world of Narnia was created. Now we get to see what happened to Jadis who was left behind in Narnia. The four children get to explore and discover this magical land, ultimately attempting to reclaim the land back for good.

This book is definitely a kids story. It's main characters are quite young during most of the book, and the pace is very quick. Each chapter develops the story significantly. It's a good light book that will not take too much time to read.

There's so much to say about this book, and yet so much that doesn't need to be said. Just about everything in this book is wonderful, and it also makes you wonder what magic exists in our real world that we just have yet to find yet. I'm giving this classic 4.5 stars.

Up Next:

A Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis
Behemoth by Scott Westerfield

Review: Jett by Dana Pratola

    

Synopsis:

When a reclusive businessman takes an interest in Haven’s artwork, she knows it’s an answer to prayer. But Jett Cestone is an enigma with a disconcerting connection to the young women in his employ. He’s by far the most unusual man she’s ever met.
Haven is the most interesting woman to ever cross Jett’s path. But she’s too naïve and pure to learn what goes on in his home. Too bad he wants her more than he’s wanted anyone or anything in his life.

Review: Rating- 5
I had to take some time after reading this book so I could compose this review. I have never read a book that has made me feel the way this one did. I know I will not be able to do this review justice because this book is one you just have to read to understand why I have this massive book hangover.

It was a slow build that felt monotonous, but it really wasn't. It was slow and the climax was tame, but by the time it's over you realize Dana Pratola has made you feel. It was all too realistic and I think that's what made it feel monotonous. When I read I don't expect to read a book that feels like reality, yes I hope to be able to relate to the characters, but I always expect that little bit of unrealistic-ness to come through. The book does have a paranormal element to it, but Dana Pratola even made that feel normal.

The romance between Jett and Haven was phenomenal. This is a clean book, but it does talk about wanting to be with the other. The sexual tension was palpable!!! I was completely intrigued with Jett's paranormal side. I kept wanting to know more and more, which is what had me turning the pages. Plus, what he does with his gifts was interesting and tied in wonderfully with the book. I was surprised by the religious element to the book. I have never read a Dana Pratola novel so I didn't know she wrote Christian Fiction. I thought it was an interesting view and very tastefully done. If you don't like hearing about God then I advise you to read this novel with an open mind. It's too good to tell you not to read just take note that it is Christian Fiction.

This book has rocked me to my core. I don't know how I've never heard of Dana Pratola because she is fantastic. If you haven't read this series I highly, highly recommend you pick it up be on your way to your very own book hangover.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Into the Aether: Part One and Two by T.C. Pearce

       

Synopsis:

A scared teenager, Lara must battle her own inner demons … while being stalked in her nightmares by an all-too-real monster. She has only two options: run or succumb.

A courageous woman, Cybil is doing her best to piece together a new life free of her abusive husband. She is cursed with confused glimpses into future events she may not be able to change—including her own death.

An honorable warrior, and the reluctant leader of her people, August must undertake the familial obligation of protecting a seemingly ordinary high school teacher. If she shirks her duty, then the world will fall to a preternatural tyrant in search of a long-lost weapon of immense power.

Their stories weave together to reveal a mysterious supernatural world that hides just beneath our own. As chaos swirls among and around them, the three women must put aside their differences and act together, or watch two worlds collide in a deluge of fire and blood.

Review: Rating- 5
I cannot wait until this fall to have the next installment of this! Wow! This was a phenomenal novel!

I have to admit, the first half of the novel was a bit overwhelming, but I promise if you get through it you'll see what a beautiful piece of work this story is. Each chapter you're introduced to more characters which I kept thinking was too much to start with. I mean, we're introduced to Aaron, August, Phillip, Lara, Greg, Cybil, and Linda. That's a lot of characters! The only way this worked as well as it did is because each character was so unique, strong, and believable.

This story didn't fully capture my heart until chapter 10, which is when all the information about each of the characters finally begins to weave together. From there, as the chapters progress you're sitting there aching to find out what's going on. I greatly enjoyed how captivating and suspenseful this story is.

This is a hard review to write because the last half of this story has a lot of twists and turns that I can't spoil for you. I will say, I'm always skeptical about reading serials because they usually end at awful cliffhangers that have you wanting to hunt down the author and demand the next part... This story doesn't end in a cliffhanger. However, it does end with a few questions unanswered, especially that epilogue!

Overall, I enjoyed this story so much that I'm forcing my husband to read it next. I need someone to talk about how amazing everything wove together... it's really a piece of art!

I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Review: The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson

   

Synopsis:

Luke Carney has no idea what possessed him to move back to Shelter Springs, Colorado, to set up his veterinarian practice. His parents have long since left, the small farming community is on the brink of extinction, and only one close friend from his childhood remains--Taycee Emerson, his best friend’s little sister, who isn’t so little anymore.

Then there’s the matter of Shelter’s Bachelorette, an online reality dating show created to raise some much needed funds for the town.

Unwittingly cast as the bachelorette, Taycee wants out, especially when she discovers that Luke, her childhood crush, is back in town and will be one of the bachelors. To make matters worse, it's up to the viewers--not her--to decide which bachelors stay or go. And they all seem to like Luke.

Unwilling to let him break her heart again, Taycee launches a subtle attack on Luke’s good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. But she’d forgotten that Luke's an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she's up to, it means revenge.

Review: Rating- 5
Rachael Anderson delivers another great story with characters that are relatable, scenes that make you feel every emotion they're going through, and a couple you can't help but root for.

This book is about a small farm town going under. Taycee's best friend, Jessa, has organized a fundraiser called Shelter's Bachelorette. Taycee is the Bachelorette and she's in this game dating 21 guys, one of which is a guy she was in love with when she was a teenager, but he up and left and never thought to call and talk to her again. Over the past decade she's dated a lot of guys just to end it before it gets too serious.

When Luke becomes a contestant on the show Taycee knows she has to sabotage it so that she can protect her heart. As the game progresses there are a few guys who are promising candidates. Before long Taycee is mixed up in confused feelings and stuck in a game show with everyone watching her every move.

I really enjoyed the fun banter throughout, the sarcasm, and Luke's goading. I absolutely loved the epilogue! I wish there was a sequel where we see Taycee expand her florist business into her dream business.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Water so Deep by Nichole Giles

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Emma Harris is drowning on dry land.

No one knows what’s happening to her, and she’d like to keep her evolution from human to mermaid a secret, but the truth is getting harder and harder to hide. From her adoptive family, from her friends, and especially from the irresistible James Phelps.

Her time in the ocean is spent dodging a possessive merman, while her time on land is split between caring for her special-needs brother and squeezing in every last possible moment of human life. She soon realizes falling for James is unavoidable when he constantly comes to Emma’s rescue and somehow manages to see through her carefully constructed icy facade to the vulnerability she lives with every day. Everything about James makes Emma yearn for a life on land she just can't have.

When Emma’s brother disappears on her watch, James is the only person she trusts to help her save him. But even if they can save her brother, nothing can prevent her return to the sea. Whether she likes it or not, Emma is changing—unable to breathe without yielding to the tide—and it's only a matter of time before she's forced to surrender forever.

Review: Rating- 4.5
What did I just read?! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful story!

I take notes while I read so that I can write my reviews. I started out with this little note:
I love reading young adult books. I feel like they're about teenagers, but most of them are still relatable for adults. This was one of those books I thought was more geared towards the younger readers especially with lines like, "The sight of his flexed biceps made her insides go melty." Her insides went melty? Melty? I'm going to try and over look that.

Then I didn't make another note until this:
At 97% through the book I couldn't believe how much it changed. It was full on adult situations such as the problem with marrying the Merman, her missing brother, and figuring out huge life altering situations. I couldn't help shedding a couple of tears for the predicament Emma found herself in and how torn her heart was. I felt so bad for her. I felt bad for James, her family, everyone.

Now I've finished the book and had to take a bit to calm down. There were more than a couple tears shed. There might have been some ugly crying. What kind of ending was that? That was not a nice ending.

I know a lot of people are asking if there will be a book two and my guess is yes. There has to be. There are way, way, way too many questions unanswered. The story is really just the beginning. This book took the plot, the characters, everything and tied it over a tank of piranhas. We'll have to wait for the next book to see how they escape that predicament.

Overall, it was an excellent read! I absolutely can not wait to get my scaly hands on the next book!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.