Colonel Ridge Zirkander isn’t the model of military professionalism—he has a tendency to say exactly what’s on his mind, and his record has enough demerits to wallpaper the hull of an airship—but as the best fighter pilot in the Iskandian army, he’s used to a little leniency from his superiors. Until he punches the wrong diplomat in the nose and finds himself issued new orders: take command of a remote prison mine in the inhospitable Ice Blades Mountains. Ridge has never been in charge of anything larger than a flier squadron—what’s he supposed to do with a frozen fortress full of murderers and rapists? Not to mention the strange woman who shows up right before he arrives…

 

Sardelle Terushan wakes from three hundred years in a mage stasis shelter, only to realize that she is the last of the Referatu, the sorcerers who once helped protect Iskandia from conquerors. Their subterranean mountain community was blown up in a treacherous sneak attack by soldiers who feared their power. Everyone Sardelle ever knew is dead, and the sentient soulblade she has been bonded to since her youth is buried in the core of the mountain. Further, what remains of her home has been infested by bloodthirsty miners commanded by the descendants of the very soldiers who destroyed her people.

 

Sardelle needs help to reach her soulblade—her only link to her past and her last friend in the world. Her only hope is to pretend she’s one of the prisoners while trying to gain the commander’s trust. But lying isn’t her specialty, especially when the world has changed so much in the intervening centuries, and if Colonel Zirkander figures out who she truly is, he’ll be duty-bound to sentence her to the only acceptable punishment for sorcerers: death.

 

Review 5*

 

This is the first book in the Dragon Blood series. I loved it!

 

Colonel Ridge Zirkander is a wonderful character. I really liked him. In fact, I have a bit of a book boyfriend crush on him. I love his irreverence and dry wit. It reminds me of the way Richard Dean Anderson portrays Jack O'Neill in Stargate SG1. He is one of the best pilots in the Iskandian army. He is charming, though irreverent, and his flying skills are in great demand, but due to an event that sees him punching a diplomat he has been given new orders and sent to prison mine in the Ice Blade mountains as the new commander. The mine contains crystals that power their dragon fliers - planes that are designed to look like the dragons that once lived millennia ago. When he arrives at the mine, he is confronted by an unusual sight - a woman wearing a summer dress in the middle of winter.

 

Sardelle Terushan is also a wonderful character. I liked her a lot. She is a sorceress and a healer. When her home, where the Referatu lived came under attack, she found refuge in a mage stasis chamber. There she stayed until she woke three hundred years later, when she was found by a couple of miners. Determined to locate her soulblade, Jaxi, but struggling to come to terms with the amount of time that's passed, she finds herself confronted by the challenge of hiding her powers in a world that detests magic users, and her attraction to the new mine commander.

 

This story is a mix of steampunk and fantasy. I started to read and didn't put it down until I finished it. I found myself completely hooked from the first page. I love the world-building the author has done to bring this book to life. I also love Jaxi, Sardelle's soulblade. She is a young sorceress who died due to illness, but before dying, her soul was magically placed within a sword. Soulblades bond with their handlers until their handlers die; guide or assist them when needed, then either bond to a new handler or allow themselves to die when they no longer wish to serve. Jaxi is six hundred years old, but because she died young she has a decidedly teen outlook at times, with sarcasm being one of her tools, as well as an irreverence for a person's privacy. I love her witty banter, some of it had me giggling.

 

Iskandia is at war with Cofahre, a rival nation that is determined to take over Iskandia. The Cofah use dirigible type balloons to fly over the ocean, thus the steampunk feel to the story. The Iskandian pilots fly planes that are shaped like dragons but remind me of the old-fashioned planes from the early 1900s - lightweight - though with a mix of propeller and thrusters which reminds me of the Harrier jets that use something similar sans the propeller. The author has mixed these two to create something unique. As the story progressed, I found myself looking forward to seeing how it all played out.

 

Ridge and Sardelle make a wonderful couple and their chemistry is instantaneous. I love how the author wove their love story together with action filled sections that kept me on the edge of my seat. The magical owl is uber scary! There are a couple of scenes between these two that are a little steamy but not explicit. I must admit that I felt a little sorry for Ridge at times, as he gets two for the price of one in this relationship, but he seems to take things in his stride. I reached the end of the book and immediately went and purchased as many books in the series I could, as well as pre-ordered the next book in the series which was due to be released. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Deathmaker, as soon as I can.

 

Lindsay Buroker is a new author to me. I love her fast paced writing style, and the flow is wonderful too. I haven't read any of her other books before, however, she has found a fan in me. I am looking forward to reading her other book series as soon as I can.

 

Due to scenes of a sexual nature (though not explicit) and some violence, I do not recommend this book to younger readers. However, I highly recommend this book (and series) if you love steampunk, paranormal romance, low fantasy and epic fantasy genres. - Lynn Worton

On a research mission in one of the most remote regions of the world, former Navy SEAL Eric Slade and Dr. Anna Fayne are caught in a mysterious storm. Catapulted through a rift in space-time, they are marooned on a lost world. Struggling to survive and desperate to find a way home, they must confront the dangers of this savage land—a dark wizard and his army of undead—a warrior queen and her horde of fierce Neanderthals that stands against him—and a legendary treasure with the power to open the gateway between worlds, or to destroy them all: the Eye of the Storm.

 

Review 3*

 

This is an intriguing science fiction / fantasy story. I really enjoyed it.

 

Dr. Anna Fayne is an intriguing character and I did like her. However, I felt she was under-utilised in the story and was not as developed as she could have been. She is an anthropologist working for a non-profit research and natural history organisation. When the body of a neanderthal is found in a remote area of Kyrgyzstan whilst the rescuers were searching for a plane that crashed/disappeared in the area, she finds herself on a dangerous adventure into an unknown world, along with an ex-Navy Seal and a group of other scientists.

 

Eric Slade is also an intriguing character. However, I didn't like him much at first. He is a typical alpha male, with a tendency towards arrogance. An ex-Navy SEAL, he is now a paranormal investigator on TV. Sent to cover the expedition into the mountains to investigate where the neanderthal came from, he finds himself trapped in a strange world where danger threatens in every corner.

 

I received a complimentary print copy of this book from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review.

 

I love reading fantasy novels, so when I was contacted about reading this book, I jumped at the chance. This story is told through the eyes of several characters. And what intriguing characters they are. Threya is the new queen of the land of Tulkoras. Kerr is a servant to Threya and is afflicted with leprosy; I really liked this character and I felt sorry for him for several reasons. Azreth is Threya's priest/dragon keeper and has his sights set on ruling Tulkoras himself. Tarquin is known as the wizard of the black sun and has the ability to control the black fire/flames that create the storm anomalies on Earth. He is an enemy of the Tulkoras people. He also has the ability to use the flames to bring the dying back to life. However, they are more like vampires (though they don't drink blood), or reanimated corpses, and become immortal.

 

I found this story to be an intriguing mix of science fiction and fantasy. So why the three stars? As I was reading the story, I found similarities to Jules Verne's 'Journey To The Centre Of The Earth', though there were differences too. The world building was interesting and it had a mish-mash of different elements, from prehistoric animals to sword-wielding warriors and futuristic-though-long-abandoned buildings filled with technology created by the 'founders'. The black sun seems to be a portal to/from various different worlds and transports animals and people from either different worlds or dimensions, and they end up trapped on the planet. The 'founders' either abandoned the planet or were killed millennia ago, so the buildings are all that remain of them. At one point, I wasn't sure where the story was heading. However, I found myself intrigued enough to keep reading. The plot has several twists and turns that I didn't see coming, and I was taken on a roller coaster ride of emotion. There is action, adventure, danger and romance within the pages. Some of the scenes felt a little 'dry' though, especially the ones with Anna and Tarquin. I don't know if this is because they were both scientists (of a sort), so I didn't feel any connection to them. In fact, the only characters that seemed to have a connection that sparked any emotion in me was the friendship between Eric and Kerr. Eric and Threya's relationship didn't seem to have the romantic spark or even any heated passion either. I didn't feel it, even though they obviously were in lust. The ending seemed a little anti-climatic after a huge battle between Azreth and Kerr, and it left me wondering if there will be another book or not, as it concluded in a vague manner that had me feeling rather let down. Having said that, if there is another book, I would consider reading it.

 

Frank Cavallo has written an interesting and intriguing science fiction story. I love his fast paced writing style, and the flow was wonderful. However, I felt that his characters needed more depth to them. Some of the dialogue was a little clunky in places too. Nevertheless, I would consider reading more of his books in the future.

 

Although there are scenes of a sexual nature, they are not explicit and fade out. Nevertheless, I do not recommend this book to younger readers or those of a nervous disposition due to the use of violence and bloodshed that may affect some readers. I do, however, recommend this book if you love science fiction/epic fantasy. - Lynn Worton

Two of Scottish romance’s most loved authors have joined pens to write a thrilling new time travel series filled with passion, danger, and intrigue. These never-before-published novels will sweep you to Scotland’s Highland Heatheredge, where magic is real, time is relevant, and there is no escape from desire…

 

Men are disappearing in the Highland crofting village of Heatheredge. The authorities suspect foul play, but without signs of violence—or bodies—they can’t prove a thing.

World champion swordsman Cailean Ross is living the fantasy of a lifetime as the victor of Heatheredge’s medieval reenactment Gathering. But when the fantasy turns into reality, swordplay becomes a fight to the death and he finds himself among the ‘missing’ statistics.

 

Julianna Mackay flees a man she fears is an evil wizard and literally runs into handsome Cailean Ross. Cailean defends Lady Julianna from her attackers. Together, they set out in search of the key to a six-hundred-year-old curse that can only be broken in medieval Scotland.

 

When the veil of time is lifted, Cailean and Julianna find that love may not be enough to save them or those they hold dear.

 

Review 5*

 

This is the first book in a new historical time-travel romance series written by Tarah Scott and Sue-Ellen Welfonder. I am a huge fan of Tarah Scott's books, so when I found out she was co-writing this series with Sue-Ellen Welfonder, I became curious and decided to give this book a go. I am glad I did because I loved it!

 

Cailean Ross is a modern day professor who also happens to be a world champion swordsman. I wasn't sure if I liked him at first as he came across as conceited and a little full of himself. However, as the story progressed I began to like him more. He has the soul of a warrior. When he finds himself mysteriously sent back in time during a reenactment in the Scottish village of Heatheredge, he is torn between finding a way home and staying with the woman he has come to love.

 

Julianna Mackay is a wonderfully strong female character. In a time of male dominance, she fights every day for her independence. She is incredibly strong willed and determined. When she literally runs into the broad chest of Cailean Ross after fleeing for her life, she never expected to have any feelings towards him. But as danger threatens to tear them apart, she can no longer deny her attraction.

 

I don't read many historical time-travel romances. However, I just had to read this one. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, I was unable to purchase a copy. Instead, thanks to Prime, I was able to borrow this book through the lending library. As soon as I had downloaded it, I began reading. I was quickly swept up in the tale, which is told through the eyes of both Cailean and Julianna and gives the reader an insight into their thoughts and feelings. I have never been to a medieval reenactment, so was intrigued by how the village of Heatheredge prepared for the event by placing false fascias over the modern looking buildings and shops.

 

This story took me on a huge adventure into the past, with danger following not far behind. I must admit that I liked meeting a few of the other characters too, though one or two not so much. I liked Lennox, Julianna's brother. He too is a warrior and a kind and just man. However, I took an instant dislike to Val Ross and another character called Crowe. As the story unfolded I found myself holding my breath in places and sitting on the edge of the seat in others. There are kidnappings, sword fights and a mystery surrounding how or why Cailean was transported back in time. The romance between Cailean and Julianna is touching at times. I must admit that, having read a few of Tarah Scott's more racier books, I was expecting a little more in the way of heat between the two. I'm not saying that those scenes were not devoid of heat, only a little more subdued than I had expected though no less explicit. Other readers may not have the same response. Nevertheless, I enjoyed watching their relationship grow. Cailean's character also grows throughout the story and I enjoyed watching him settle into the 14th Century as if putting on a glove. He truly is an old soul. The description of both the present and the past were vividly written and I felt like I was actually there, standing next to Cailean or Julianna and seeing exactly what they saw. In fact, I became so emersed that I forgot I was even in modern day England and not 1395. It was a little jarring to the senses when I finished the story, let me tell you!

 

The story does end on a small cliffhanger, but this only left me itching to get my hands on the second book, which is told through the eyes of Lennox and Ginny (Cailean's sister) to see what happens next.

 

Tarah Scott and Sue-Ellen Welfonder have written a fantastic historical time travel romance. I love their writing style which is fast paced and entertaining, and the flow is wonderful too. Since Tarah Scott is already one of my favourite authors, I will have to add Sue-Ellen Welfonder onto my list too. I am looking forward to reading more of both authors' books in the future.

 

Due to scenes of a sexual nature that are rather on the explicit side and some bad language, I do not recommend this book to readers under the age of 16. I do, however, highly recommend this book if you love historical, time travel or contemporary romances. - Lynn Worton

My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 unicorns - I loved it!!
** Received ebook for free via Story Cartel for an honest review

Okay when I saw the cover and the blurb, I thought it was the perfect book to read with my son who is 12. The cover says adventure with a scary pig, sword, and game controller on it, and even attracts boys who aren’t interested in girls. :)

I started reading this with my son, but only got to chapter 3 before he went to bed. I continue on and finished the story but will go back and read it again with him. My son loves it so far and was sort of mad that I was going to keep reading it without him until I said I would still read it with him. He would rather I do the reading with silly voices and attitude for each character.

This is my first time reading M.E. Sutton’s work, and I loved it. Her writing is fantastic to just get sucked into the story much like Jaycee was sucked into her game. Jaycee is a spunky 8th grader who has to deal with all the cruelty of kids in school because she is not exactly like them. My son really related to that part of the story with Jaycee because like her, he is not popular or athletic. Kids pick on him, and I always try to tell him kids are cruel and that it is not just him being picked on (even though I despise it happening at all). So this story is perfect to help him see this and to just be himself, smart & witty like Jaycee or Lyla and everything will be okay as long as he doesn’t give up. This is a fantastic read to inspire kids against giving up as well as keep their imaginations going because I totally see my son imagining this happening to him as he runs through the house with his sword (could be anything from wrapping paper roll to a stick) noises like he is in a sword fight. I can't wait to finish reading it with him & continuing the series.

I highly recommend this story to anyone with middle graders girls or boys. Take time to read with your kids and use silly voices because they still love it in middle school as much as they did when they were 5 :)