Marked by Fate

Marked By Fate #1

by Kristin D. Van Risseghem, Rhonda Sermon, Melissa A. Craven

Defined by Their Choices

A collection of Fantasy and Science Fiction young adult coming of age novels from New York Times, USA Today, International, Amazon bestselling and Award-Winning authors!!

This action-packed boxset is filled with teen warriors who encounter queens, witches, wizards, werewolves, shifters, angels, and gods. Follow genetically engineered soldiers, cyborgs, and robots discover magical hidden fantasy worlds, encounter mind-blowing dystopian lands, space stations, and galaxies they could never have dreamed existed while traveling through time into uncharted territories. Marked by Fate to complete these deadly and dangerous quests filled with nonstop action and adventure!

USA Today bestselling author, Kristin D. Van Risseghem
International bestselling author, Rhonda Sermon
Award-Winning author, Melissa A. Craven
International bestselling author, Kelly St. Clare
Amazon bestselling author, Raye Wagner
USA Today bestselling author, Ednah Walters
New York Times bestselling author, Erin Hayes
USA Today bestselling author, Siobhan Davis
New York Times bestselling author, Jamie Thornton
Award-Winning author, Debra Kristi
Amazon bestselling author, Sarah K. L. Wilson
Amazon bestselling author, Hilary Thompson
Amazon bestselling author, Ingrid Seymour
International bestselling author, Jeanne Bannon
USA Today bestselling author, Melle Amade
USA Today bestselling author, Lena Mae Hill
Award-Winning author, C. J. Anaya
International bestselling author, Jackson Dean Chase
Award-Winning author, D. L. Armillei
USA Today bestselling author, Emily Martha Sorensen
Amazon bestselling author, Amalie Jahn
Amazon bestselling author, Dionne Lister
Amazon bestselling author, Alisha Klapheke
USA Today bestselling author, Angela Fristoe
Amazon bestselling author, Meg Cowley

Genres: Fantasy, Anthologies, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Paranormal, Fiction, Amazon

6665 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2017

About the author

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https://www.kristinvanrisseghem.com/n...

USA Today bestselling and Award-Winning, Kristin D. Van Risseghem grew up in a small town along the Mississippi River. Currently, Kristin lives in Minnesota with her husband and a pomsky named Elise. She also loves attending book clubs, going shopping, and hanging out with friends. She has come to realize that she absolutely has an addiction to purses and shoes. They are her weakness and probably has way too many of both.

In the summer months, Kristin can usually be found lounging on her boat, drinking an ice cold something. Being an avid reader of YA and Women's Literature stories, she still finds time to read a ton of books in-between writing. And in the winter months, her main goal is to stay warm from the Minnesota cold!

Kristin's books are published by Kasian Publishing LLC.

Reviews

[Siobhan]

The Marked by Fate authors can be split into three distinct categories. The shortest category contains the authors I have read before: C.J. Anaya and Siobhan Davis. The longest category contains the authors whose books (be it the book included in this collection or another book they have written) are sitting on my to-read list: Ednah Walters, Rhonda Sermon, Kristin D. Van Risseghem, Raye Wagner, Kelly St. Clare, Sarah K.L. Wilson, Melle Amade, Hilary Thompson, Emily Martha Sorensen, Jamie Thornton, Erin Hayes, Meg Cowley, and J.L. Weil. The final category (only slightly shorter than the aforementioned) is the list of authors I had not heard of prior to Marked by Fate entering my world: Debra Krtisti, Ingrid Seymour, Jeanne Bannon, Amalie Jahn, Jackson Dean Chase, D. L. Armillei, Dionne Lister, Lena Mae Hill, Angela Fristoe, Alisha Klapheke, and Brandon Barr. Some of the authors changed which box they were sitting in when I read Marked by Fate: Origins, but prior to entering the Marked by Fate universe the above was true.

From the outset, I was excited by the Marked by Fate collection. As I’ve stated, there were a lot of authors I wished to read contained within the pages. My excitement merely grew, when I went on to read Marked by Fate: Origins. Whilst it is not necessary to read Origins, doing so certainly pulled me into many of the worlds. This meant, when I entered Marked by Fate, I had an idea of what to expect from some of the stories. Not all, but enough to know I was in for a good time.

Showcasing a range of authors, Marked by Fate is sure to have something for every fan of the young adult fantasy and science fiction genres. With so many different things being offered, it is possible to pick and choose which of the stories interest you – although, I really would recommend jumping into all the stories. It’s a great way to find new authors and series to love, and by the end I’m positive you’ll be grabbing more books by many of the authors.


Ratings thus far:

Runes by Ednah Walters: Three stars.
The Midnight Society by Rhonda Sermon: Two stars.
Swords & Stilettos by Kristin D. Van Risseghem: Three stars.
Birth of Legends, Phaidra’s Story Volume 1 by Raye Wagner: Two stars.
Becoming: The Balance Bringer by Debra Kristi:
Fantasy of Frost by Kelly St. Clare:
Teeth of the Gods by Sarah K. L. Wilson:
Sanctuary by Melle Amade:
Unreality by Ingrid Seymour:
Invisible by Jeanne Bannon:
The Healer by C.J. Anaya: Four stars.
The Clay Lion by Amalie Jahn:
Drone by Jackson Dean Chase:
True Calling by Siobhan Davis: Three stars.
Shock of Fate by D. L. Armillei:
Shift of Shadow and Soul by Hilary Thompson: Two stars.
Shadows of the Realm by Dionne Lister:
Trials of a Teenage Werevulture by Emily Martha Sorensen:
Doormaker: Rock Heaven (Book 1) by Jamie Thornton:
Unlikely Magic by Lena Mae Hill:
How to Talk to Ghost by Erin Hayes:
Magic Awakened by Meg Cowley:
Fate’s Legacy by Angela Fristoe:
Slumber by J.L. Weil:
The Edinburgh Seer by Alisha Klapheke:
Ella Dethroned by Brandon Barr:

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marked by Fate: Origins is a wonderful quick read to leave you excited for the Marked by Fate collection due out later in the year. The fifteen stories within this one will leave you excited to find out more about the worlds and characters soon to be introduced to us.

Whilst I gave the overall collection a four star rating, I found the stories to have earned a range of ratings from me. All were between three and four stars based upon how intrigued they left me in reading the connecting story in the final Marked by Fate collection, yet all were wonderful reads in their own way.

Without a doubt, I’ll be interested in reading Marked by Fate once it is released – these stories have left me with many questions, and I cannot wait to find out more about each of the worlds.

My individual ratings for each story:

Ninjas & Nephilims: Three-point-five stars.
Jonah's Curse: Four stars.
Emerge: The Catalyst: Three stars.
The Apple Rebellion: Four stars.
Brooke's Time Travel Notebook: Three stars.
Instinct: Four stars.
A Becoming Attribute: Three-point-five stars.
Unsweet: Three stars.
Kingsman: Three-point-five stars.
Before the Magic: Three stars.
Prince of Hawks: Three stars.
Hag's Hut on the Hill: Three-point-five stars.
Doormaker: Devil's Harvest: Three-point-five stars.
Wrath of Witches: Four stars.
I Want to be a Pirate: Four stars.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read some of the books that are part of this box set already. Below I share the list of books in this box set and share the summary of my review for the books that I read so far:

Runes by Ednah Walters

The Midnight Society by Rhonda Sermon

Swords & Stilettos by Kristin D. Van Risseghem

Birth of Legends, Phaidra’s Story Volume 1 by Raye Wagner

Becoming: The Balance Bringer by Debra Kristi

Fantasy of Frost by Kelly St. Clare - 4 stars
Fantasy of Frost was a great book and I really enjoyed it. I would recommend it to fans of the fantasy genre. The story is really good, with some mystery, intrigue and even a bit politics. There are some nice twists and I liked how the ending nicely set the stage for book 2. The characters in this book are great to read about and I just wanted to get to know them better. I liked the main character Olina and thought she felt realistic. I admired how she made the best of her situation. She also had some fears and flaws which made her feel more real and relatable. The world is unique and well thought out and I loved reading about the two different worlds. I can't wait to start book 2 in this series!

Teeth of the Gods by Sarah K. L. Wilson

Sanctuary by Melle Amade - 4 stars
Sanctuary was a great read! It gives an original twist on the shifter genre and it was an addictive read. I liked reading about this world, were shifters exist, but there is a lot of darkness too. The shifters have a dark and violent history, lots of rules and many shifters aren't likeable at all, but they did all have their own motivations and their actions made sense. But there are also some very loyal and caring shifters among them. This book had some great twists and I am eager to see how the story continues and to learn more about this world. I thought the world building was well done and it gave the world a unique feel. I liked the few dutch words the author used and how all types of animal shifter seemed possible. The characters were fun to read about, the world seemed unique and the story kept my attention. All in all a great read and I hope to return to this world soon.

Unreality by Ingrid Seymour

Invisible by Jeanne Bannon

he Healer by C.J. Anaya

The Clay Lion by Amalie Jahn

Drone by Jackson Dean Chase

Shock of Fate by D. L. Armillei

Shift of Shadow and Soul by Hilary Thompson - 4 stars
I picked this book up after I read a short story in the series that I enjoyed. Shift of Shadow and Soul was a great fantasy read. There are different types of magic, adventure, great characters, some action and a hint of romance. I liked Corentine who didn't have an easy life, but she fights for what she believes in. But Sy was my favorite from the two main character with how he came from a more privileged life, but choose to walk the hard path because he believed it was the right thing to do. I liked both characters and liked we got to know them and some of the side characters. And I liked the bit of romance that we got. The world building was well done, although I wanted to know about some things, we got little knowledge about so far. The Weshen magic seemed well thought out. I really enjoyed this book and hope to pick up book 2 soon. I would recommend it if you're looking for a good fantasy novel!


Shadows of the Realm by Dionne Lister

Trials of a Teenage Werevulture by Emily Martha Sorensen

Doormaker: Rock Heaven (Book 1) by Jamie Thornton

Unlikely Magic by Lena Mae Hill

How to Talk to Ghost by Erin Hayes - 4 stars
I really enjoyed this series and this book is the perfect way to wrap it up. We meet a new character Lita and while this is her story, it's also the conclusion to the series and the other character's stories. I really enjoyed seeing all the previous main character together again in this book and how they worked together to counter the threat to Neptune's World. The story also ties back to the previous books. It was great how this book blended everyone's stories, each character had a role to play in this final book and I think it was a great way to end up this series. I liked getting to know Lita and even though she hasn't been part of this group from the start I liked seeing how she got close to everyone. I also liked the bit of romance, there are some very sweet scenes between them. All in all this was a great end to the series and a great story. I really enjoyed it one and didn't want to stop reading!

Magic Awakened by Meg Cowley

Fate’s Legacy by Angela Fristoe

Slumber by J.L. Weil

The Edinburgh Seer by Alisha Klapheke

Ella Dethroned by Brandon Barr

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I decided to pick up this anthology as I already knew two of the authors in this set and was looking forward to getting a feel for some new to me authors. And after finishing this anthology I can say it was a great read. The two stories by authors I already knew were great and I discovered some new authors that I would love to read more of. I'll do a short review of each individual story and then a summary of what I thought of this collection overall.

Ninjas & Nephilims by Kristin D. Van Risseghem - 3 stars
This was an interesting introduction to this author's work. I felt like it gave a bit of a feel for the writing style of this author and for what this series is about. I did feel like the first two chapters were a bit impersonal, just summing up some key details about this characters life. The third chapter was my favorite as then it slowed down ad showed us one important scene. And I can only imagine how important and relevant that scene probably will be for the rest of the story. It did make me curious about book 1 and Zoe, who I think is the main character there? My guess is that the character from this story is one of the potential love interests. All in all this was a nice introduction to this author's work.

Jonah’s Curse by Rhonda Sermon - 3 stars
This one didn't quite work for me. It was just a sad piece of story and I didn't really like the plot point. It felt a bit off somehow to me. I just feel that situations such as that feel a bit contrived in books were the character has two choices, but both are bad. I just didn't like that he was forced to make that decision, it just felt wrong. And how is this the only way to cure this? And those death's still aren't his fault, but that of the evil guy. I did like how we got a bit of a feel for this world and learned some basic concept like the Midnight Society and those who opposes them and how it could be seen as a bit of a grey era as it's unclear who really is the bad guy, it's more two different stances on a topic. I am also curious who these characters are and how these events play a role in book 1.

Emerge: The Catalyst by Melissa A. Craven - 3 stars
This one's about a race of immortals, a prophecy and the main character of this story has to make a choice. But this is merely a bit of background story I think, while it felt like an important part of backstory it's more the set-up for the first book, which is the feel a lot of these stories seem to have so far. She learns some things and isn't quite sure if it is the truth and what to do with it. I kinda liked her conversation with The Scholar and I am curious what choice she ends up making.

The Apple Rebellion by Kelly St. Clare - 4 stars
This was one of the authors I already knew and having read the first two books in this series, I was really curious about this novella. It's a great prequel novella and I liked getting this extra bit of background information. It's well written and flows nicely. I think also for those who haven't read the first book it will be easy enough to follow along, although you'll know less of the world then. For fans of the series it's nice to get a bit more information of Olina's past and an important part of it. I really enjoyed this one!

Brooke’s Time Travel Notebook by Amalie Jahn - 3 stars
I am not really a fan of time travel, so I always have a bit trouble with time travel books and this story was basically a handbook for time travel. My issue with time travel made me enjoy this one a bit less, but I did really like how this was written. It's a bit like you're reading a book about time travel in that world. I think it was the notebook from a character basically about time travel. There's parts about the history and the rules and how you can get to time travel. And some notes from who I guess will be the main character in book 1? It was really cleverly done and I did like that part. I also thought the way it was written, the history or maybe the world building did make sense as far as anything involving time travel can make sense. I mean how people reacted when they discovered it how things progressed and then how things went wrong and they end up with rules. It just felt pretty realistically. So I am not a fan of time travel, but I did think this one was written in a fun way! I don't think I've read a short story like this one before, so it's definitely original.

Instinct by Melle Amade - 4 stars
This story had shifters and took place in the Netherlands!
Both those things immediately got my attention. I don't think I've read many english books that take place in the Netherlands, so it was fun to discover this one did. And shifters! This one had lots of different types of shifters, which was interesting. It was obvious this story is part of a series. While we get to know some details I also felt like some things weren't totally clear and things progressed pretty quick at times. But overall I really enjoyed this one and I just wanted to know more about these characters and the world as I liked the glimpse we got. This story really got me curious about this author's series. It's a bit angsty, which fit the tone of the story. And there's a potential for a love triangle, but I am not fully sure yet. It definitely got me curious about this series and I just discovered I actually already got a copy of the first book in this series when it was free, yay!

A Becoming Attribute by Debra Kristi - 4 stars
This one was a lot of fun! I liked the power of the main character and the cat! It was well written, the pace was good and I wanted to know what was going on with these characters. I did think the scene with her sister felt a tad rushed and a bit off how she reacted to it, but besides that I really enjoyed this story and it makes me curious about the rest of the series.

Unsweet by Ingrid Seymour - 3 stars
This one was okay. I thought the joke that was played on the main character wasn't really funny, although she didn't think so either. Somehow the whole scene felt a bit off and I thought it was a bit weird she used her powers for something like that if she didn't want to use them. Her powers did seem interesting though, but there are hints she has been through some difficult times because of it. This one just didn't catch my attention as much, but I did think the power of the main character was interesting.

Kingsman by Alisha Klapheke - 2 stars
Unfortunately this story didn't quite work for me. I didn't really care about the characters or got intrigued about going on. The main character didn't seem too likeable, but that's also because he was caught in a very difficult situation. He does something that probably ends up being bad in this book and while I get the dilemma between his loyalty and duty and what is right is probably going to be a main point of this story, I just couldn't bring myself to quite care about it from this story alone. I also found the Scottish accent at the start a bit overdone and it felt a bit jarring.

Before the Magic by Lena Mae Hill - 2 stars
The title seems fitting as this story has no magic or fantasy aspect at all, but I figure that comes later. This one reads more like the first chapter or set-up for a book, but without a hint of what's next I didn't really felt any curiosity about the plot. It's mostly just a very sad story about a 14 year old girl discovering her father is death and going through the motions afterwards. This series might be great after this, but I didn't really care for this short story in and off itself.

Prince of Hawks by Sarah K. L. Wilson - 4 stars
I really liked this one. The magic the main character had was interesting and I liked how the author wrote this story. You get a bit of a feel for the world, that makes me curious to know more about it and these people. And the twist at the end was a nice touch.

Hag’s Hut on the Hill by D. L. Armillei - 3 stars
I think was a deleted scene, but it was still easy to follow along even without having read the book. I didn't really understand the world, but from what I gathered there is the normal world and then another world. I also felt like I missed some info about the characters, but that makes sense as it's a deleted scene. But at the same time it was a scene that was easy to follow on itself with the info we got here.

Doormaker: Devil’s Harvest by Jamie Thornton - 3 stars
This was a pretty original story. The whole concept of the doormakers was unique and interesting, I just wanted to know more about how it all worked as it could be a tad confusing at times. But then the main character of this story doesn't quite know how it works either. While I liked the concept, the story was just okay. It's about a kid who gets himself into some trouble and it just felt like this was going to end badly. He made some mistakes, but I did feel like he meant well as he was trying to help his family. The story didn't fully grab me, but the concept of doormakers does have me curious.

Wrath of Witches by Hilary Thompson - 4 stars
This was a good one, it had some interesting character, some action and we got a glimpse of this world. It makes me curious about the world and I want to know more about. It was written nicely and I enjoyed the story. I also liked the characters and the whole story made me curious about this series.

I Want to be a Pirate by Erin Hayes - 4 stars
Having read almost all of the books in this series (I am currently reading the last book) it was awesome to see where it all started. It's a short and sweet story and it has so much significance to this series. It was really fun to get Neptune's story now, as he plays such a big role in this series. I liked how we got to know a bit more about his character and his interactions with this person he met and how it influences his live and also how he started Neptune's world. Great addition to this series!

My opinion of the set as a whole- 4 stars
Overall I really enjoyed reading this anthology. It was fun to discover new to me authors and the two stories from authors I already knew were great. Many of the authors in this set I would happily read more of. I added some new books to my to-read list already, discovered I already owned some books by the authors in this set and signed-up for some newsletters. There were two stories that didn't quite work for me and a few that were just okay, but also some that I really enjoyed and made me excited to read more by that author. I actually already started another short story by Melle Amade that I got from her website as I wanted to read more.

I had a lot of fun while reading this one and I like sets like these with short stories that introduce me to a bunch of new authors. I would definitely recommend this set, whether these authors are already familiar or not, I think these stories are great for all. And no mater what your preferences when it comes to fantasy, this book had a bit of everything, shifters, immortals, time travel, special gifts, travel between worlds and more. And while I prefer anthologies to box sets I have a feeling I probably will be buying Marked by Fate once it releases.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. Runes by Ednah Walters- 3 stars
It was an interesting plot line. The characters were ok but the MC kind of annoyed me. She was so into one guy and all of a sudden she is in love with a different guy. Overall, it is an interesting book and worth the read. Will I read book 2? Maybe but I have a list of other series that I want to finish first.

2. The Midnight Society by Rhonda Sermon- 5 star
(read previously) I loved this book. It is a unique spin on time traveling. This book pulled me into the story and didn't let go. I was intrigued by the two warring sets of time travelers because you could almost see both points of view. The ending was totally unexpected and I can't wait to read book 2 because I am dying to find out what happens next.

3. Swords & Stilettos by Kristin D. Van Risseghem - 4 star
The cover is beautiful and draws the reader in. Then you open the book and get totally drawn into the plot. I had a lot of trouble putting this book down. I loved the characters and enjoyed the story immensely. Book 2 will definitely be added to my TBR.

4. Birth of Legends, Phaidra’s Story Volume 1 by Raye Wagner: 3 star
This one is harder for me to rate than the others so far. On one hand, I have never read a book with a sphinx in it so that had me interested. On the other hand, the story didn't hold my attention as much as the previous ones. Overall, it was an enjoyable first sphinx story for me.

5. Becoming: The Balance Bringer by Debra Kristi: 2 star
This book is really slow. I really had to push myself to finish it. There wasn't anything really wrong with it, it just didn't interest me. I couldn't connect with the characters. However, I did enjoy the augmented reality items thrown in. The map of her town (with all the places talked about in the story labeled) and the Triune chart were really quite interesting. They really give the reader some insight into the town and the characters.

6. Fantasy of Frost by Kelly St. Clare: 3 stars
This book had such an interesting world that the author created. I absolutely loved the map included with the augmented reality box set, Marked by Fate. I really wanted to like this book more because the world building was so good. The plot, however, didn't play out as well. It was moving fast and then in the middle it slowed down a lot. Then the plot just seemed to fall apart. At that point, the author lost me. The first part of the book was so good and I had such high expectations and they were sadly not met. Will I read book 2? I am torn because there are a lot of series where book 2 has blown book 1 out of the water. Will this author be like that or will book 2 fall flat again? I will add it to my TBR and give her one more chance.

7. Teeth of the Gods by Sarah K. L. Wilson: 2 star
This book is ok. I couldn't connect with the characters very well. I couldn't find much of a reason to like any of them. The plot had potential but with unlikable characters I just couldn't get into it. I will not be adding this series to my TBR.

8. Sanctuary by Melle Amade:5 stars
I absolutely loved this book!! I love that there are so many types of shifters in this book. The characters are easy to connect with. They are so likable. There is definitely a lot of action in this book. I just couldn't put it down and I stayed up all night reading it. Who needs sleep when you've got a good book, right? I will definitely be adding this series to my TBR.

9. Unreality by Ingrid Seymour:5 star
I loved this book. I was immediately drawn into the story and I didn't want to put it down. I loved the characters. This book had everything. There was mystery, romance, psychic visions and mind control. You could almost feel the fear. I would definitely read something else by this author.

10. Invisible by Jeanne Bannon:3 star
This is a quick easy read about a bullied teen. The book is well written and I enjoyed it. The characters were interesting and their antics entertaining. I like that the MC grows emotionally and learns to love herself over the course of the book.

11. The Healer by C.J. Anaya: 5 star
I absolutely loved this book. I was immediately pulled into the story. I loved the characters. I have a suspicion that the prophecy isn't quite as they are telling her. I have a lot of questions, especially after Angie told her little secret. I think there is a lot more to it and I can't wait to read book 2 to find out. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and I hated having to put it down to read books for my challenge groups. This series is definitely going on my TBR for the near future.

12. The Clay Lion by Amalie Jahn: 5 stars
I really felt connected to the characters, especially Brooke. Her grief almost comes off the page as you read. Branson seems like a fun brother to have and Charlie just seems so sweet. I love time travel books but this one is different. The characters can't travel to any time, only a small part of their past. This book is heart-breaking but yet uplifting at the same time. You can really feel for the characters and what they are going thru. I really enjoyed this different look at time travel.

13. Drone by Jackson Dean Chase:3 star
I like that the cover really doesn't give you much of a hint at what is to come. The title doesn't do it justice. The characters are ok. I kind of felt bad about Cage. He seems to be stuck in the middle of Zan and his father. Zan & Vikka are ok characters but I didn't feel much of a connection to them. I did feel somewhat sorry for Vikka because of how callously they treated her family. There is so much going on and the secrets make it more complex. There seems to be a bigger problem at the end but it is very brief and not well explained. I am guessing that is left for the next book. This was an interesting book. There are lots of secrets. Overall, it was a good way to spend an afternoon.

14. True Calling by Siobhan Davis: 4 star
(previously read) I love the concept of this book. I certainly wouldn't want to live on either planet but it makes for a very interesting read. There is a lot happening in this book on both planets. Of course, there is a cliffhanger ending leaving you want more because this is just the beginning.

15. Shock of Fate by D. L. Armillei: 3 star
Van is kind of superficial and has a lot of growing up to do. She is definitely not my favorite heroine at all. Her best friend is also very superficial. Some of the other characters are ok. I did like that you got a lot of background info on the MC. I just didn't like her much despite all the insight into her and her life. This book is full of adventure. I loved the magic thrown in and the world building is definitely well done. I think my favorite part might have to be the Minotaur. I really loved his story and how he got into his predicament. I enjoyed this story despite not liking the MC very much. If the MC had been more likable, I think the story would have been so much better. However, it was not a bad story and I enjoyed the adventure.

16. Shift of Shadow and Soul by Hilary Thompson:2 star
The title and cover is what drew me in. I really thought I would like this book. Honestly, I didn't like the characters. I couldn't connect with them at all. The story just annoyed me. The whole book talks about how they want to get their magic back but anyone that is caught using magic is banished. That just doesn't make any sense to me. I couldn't get interested in the book. The characters annoyed me and I just wasn't interested. This book was definitely not for me.

17. Shadows of the Realm by Dionne Lister: 1 star
This book disappointed me. I liked the idea of humans bonding with animals. This had me curious and intrigued. It could have been such a good story. However, that was not the case. The first section of the book was a jumbled mess. Then the middle got better. I was almost thinking it might get better. Then it went back to being a jumbled mess again. There were too many points of view which isn't always a bad thing when done well. This wasn't. I spent most of the time thinking what was the point of this story. There wasn't any. The characters fell flat. There was no word building or character building. It was just an information dump of boring, disjointed facts. I pushed through the book when I really had no interest. I wanted to DNF this book so badly.

18. Trials of a Teenage Werevulture by Emily Martha Sorensen:3 star
Considering all of the different creatures in this book, I was a bit disappointed. The story just didn't keep my interest. It was ok but it was missing something. If it had been longer and the reader got to know more about the characters and their history, it may have been much better. I doubt I will read book 2 of this series.

19. Doormaker: Rock Heaven (Book 1) by Jamie Thornton:4 star
I really enjoyed this book. It almost had a Sliders or Quantum Leap feel to it. I felt bad for Maella as everyone was mad at her for being she was. The poor girl was struggling to control her 'gift' and she didn't know who she could trust. There is so much action in this book and I can't wait to read book 2.

20. Unlikely Magic by Lena Mae Hill: 4 star
(previously read) This book drew me in from the beginning. I liked the twins and even Zora but I really disliked their mother. Why would she treat one twin differently from the other? The ending was very unexpected and left me with more questions than answers. I hope book 2 will clear up some of those question. I am definitely intrigued.

21. How to Talk to Ghost by Erin Hayes: 5 stars
This book was super fun. I really loved it. There were mermaids, witches, shifters, demons, djinns and ghosts. They are all brought together by a weird set of circumstances or you may call it fate. The characters are well fleshed out. I found myself rooting for this motley crew of paranormals to defeat the demon. I loved this little adventure and I would definitely read more by this author! I missed the augmented reality in this one ; )


22. Magic Awakened by Meg Cowley: 4 star
The cover is beautiful and the title/series name drew me in immediately. Emrys might be my favorite character, I mean who doesn't like a talking cat? Morgana is definitely not what I expected in this book. Arthur is a bit one dimensional as we do not learn as much about him. This is a very different look at Morgana and Arthur. I like that she was a strong character. I also liked that Arthur stood up for her and realized that she didn't mean for any of that to happen. I love the note from Morgause & the song that plays at the beginning of chapter 7. The augmented reality really brings this story to life. I would love for it to be longer and a deeper plot.

23. Fate’s Legacy by Angela Fristoe: 4 star
I really enjoyed this. I am intrigued by this start of a new series. There is so much left to learn that I want to know more. The different types of Vitares are quite interesting but they all seem to believe different things. They can't all be right. The truth has to be somewhere in the middle. I am definitely ready to read more of this series. My only disappointment so far is the augmented reality not working.

24. Slumber by J.L. Weil: 4 star
Two of my favorite types of books are fairy tale re-tellings and dystopian books. This book is both and I love seeing them mixed together like this. There is just something about this book that intrigues me. I can't wait to read book 2 and see what happens next.

25. The Edinburgh Seer by Alisha Klapheke:3 star
The cover is pretty and the title only hints at the story. The characters are ok. I really didn't feel much of a connections to them. I wish I could say I even have a favorite but I don't. The plot idea could have been good but the book just didn't keep me interested. Honestly, I fell asleep twice while trying to read this book. I finally just decided to plow my way through. Overall, it was an ok book but not one of my favorites. I was a bit disappointed because the plot idea had potential. It just didn't live up to it.

26. Ella Dethroned by Brandon Barr: 2 star
This story was ok. I just couldn't get into the story. There was nothing wrong with it. It just didn't really interest me. This was another one that I didn't have the augmented reality for but I am not sure it would have helped.

Note: When I purchased this collection, the augmented reality feature worked. However, I put it aside for a few years to work on some other books and series that I wanted to get done. When I came back to it, the app was no longer active so the augmented reality feature no longer worked. I feel that the group/publishing agency should have made some effort to find a new app and then fix the AR features and update the book. Readers paid for the book and therefore expect the features inside of it to work.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marked by Fate is an anthology of 25 stories. It Includes paranormal, fantasy and YA. This is a bit of a longer book so it took me a while to read. Each book is unique and interesting. I don’t think I really have anything negative to say about any of them. There is a book in the collection by the late Ednah Walters called Runes and it was my first book by her and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well written. And I will definitely seek out other books by her.
How to Talk to Ghosts by Erin Hayes was up my alley with a girl who sees and talks to Ghosts. Love these kinds of books. I really liked it.
Shift of Shadow and Soul by Hilary Thompson is creative unique and imaginative. I loved the way she brought that world to life.
Unreality by Ingrid Seymour was great! I love psychics in stories so this was up my alley of faves as well.
The Healer by C.J. Anaya is interesting and the first like it I have read. I enjoyed it a lot.
These are just 5 of the 25 books in the anthology. I didn’t write about all of them but there is a lot of writing talent in this anthology. You won’t be sorry purchasing this book. There is something in it for everyone.

4 star rating!!

[Cali Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing collection of short stories filled with danger, excitement, mystery, intrigue, adventure and heart pounding action that has you griping the edge of your seat as you read. Each unique world is entertaining and through provoking it also makes me want to read each series included now. Loved every last mini visit to all of these magical worlds.

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing collection. While I’ve already previously read a number of the contributions (all uniformly enjoyed - see below), there are tons of stories that are new or new to me. I’ve only read six of those new or old but new to me stories so far and found them uniformly excellent. Based on these alone this anthology is a steal, and that’s ignoring that there are a large number of other new stories remaining that I suspect I will equally enjoy.

I very highly recommend this anthology.

Here are the reviews of those contributions that are new or new to me. (See below for reviews of the others.)

Birth of Legends (Phaidra’s Story) - Volume 1 of The Sphinx Book 5 by Raye Wagner (A new and wonderfully written book in the author’s fantastic The Sphinx series with its great blend of Egyptian and Grecian mythology and classic fairytale, Phaidra the Sphinx just wants a chance for friendship and tenderness - and love and passion, but she’s barred by a Curse.)

Unreality by Ingrid Seymour (Meadow Bright has kept her psychic abilities locked away for 12 years ever since helping to solve the brutal murder of her Mom, but now those powers have returned as it looks like the wrong person was sent to jail and the real killer is loose and killing classmates.... thrills and suspense ensue in this wonderful paranormal tale.)

Fates Legacy by Angela Fristoe (Willow Maya has been on the run seemingly forever without knowing why - then funds out that it’s because she’s a Queen, if aliens living among us in Earth a and, of yeah, she’s marked for death - but at least Liam the assassin is s hot guy...)

The Edinburgh Seer by Alisha Klapheke (The start of a truly fantastic new series, set in an alternate, modern-day Scotland, where rebellion is in the air against the English King and his allied Campbell led “kingsmen” oppressors and “sixth-sensers” - ghost talkers, “threaders” able to sense threads of emotion linking people, “seers” who can could touch a thing and see a memory, and “dreamers” who can dream the future, and more - are being suppressed.)

Ella Dethroned - Song of the Worlds, Prequel by Brandon Barr (This exciting story introduces Ella, the former ruler of her Realm, now hunted by the king's assassins and trying fulfill a mission given her by the gods with the aim of her champion Rathan.)

Drone - Beyond the Dome Book 1 by Jackson Dean Chase (Vika Raymer, former worker drone now escaped now escaped super-soldier thanks to being forcibly experimented on by secret genetic engineering program, is on the run and pursued by both New World Plutonomy and the Revolution that opposes them ... lots of excitement guaranteed.)

How to Talk to Ghosts - The Cotton Candy Quintet Book #5 by Erin Hayes (ghost talker Lita, her estranged dad who wants her help grabbing an aquarium left behind by her dead uncle Neptune and, oh yeah, her dad’s real goal is to fulfill an ancient conspiracy to take over the world, and he will stop at nothing to achieve this .... weird, but in a really fun way)

Magic Awakened - Morgana Chronicles Book 1 Meg Cowley (an alternative version of Camelot where Morgana Le Fay isn’t who you expect and Uther Pendragon fiercely suppresses magic ... very very cool)

Since I separately reviewed all of the stories id previously read, I think that the easiest thing to do is just provide the kindle links to those reviews (all of which were positive, 4 or 5 stars):

Swords & Stilettos, Book 1 by Kristin D. Van Risseghem (https://www.amazon.com/review/R29D3QK...)

Teeth of the Gods - Unweaving Chronicles Book 1 by Sarah K. L. Wilson (https://www.amazon.com/review/RZ2R29L...)

Sanctuary - Shifter Chronicles Book 1 by Melle Amade (https://www.amazon.com/review/R3RLMUN...)

The Healer Book 1 by C.J. Anaya (https://www.amazon.com/review/R23JJZX...)

True Calling, Book 1 by Siobhan Davis (https://www.amazon.com/review/R3BEG24...)

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A number of authors participated. My favorite is Siobhán Davis. True calling is a captivating read that had me hooked from the first page. Since reading true calling I have read every book Siobhán has wrote. It still sits close to my heart. Highly recommend.

[Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given an ARC by one of the authors in exchange for an honest review.
First let me say that I am really enjoying this collection. I spend so much time trying to find my next read that having so many good stories in one place is pretty awesome. Here's what I've read so far but I plan to update more as I go.

Fantasy of Frost by Kelly St. Clare:5 Stars
I love this book. I've read it prior to this anthology and still can't get enough. The world building was detailed and entrancing. The characters are written so that I felt emotional ties to them early on. I love Olina and her strength. This is a fantastic read.

Teeth of the Gods by Sarah K. L. Wilson: 4 Stars
This was a very interesting plot. When I began this I thought I'd figured out basically what was going to happen however this story took a sharp left 2/3rds through and turned into something entirely different. I was pleasantly surprised with where it led. I would've given this 5 Stars if there was some actual growth from Tylira. I wasn't a fan of her arrogance and immaturity.

Runes by Ednah Walters: 2.75 stars
I've wanted to read this for so long because I love mythology of any kind. Unfortunately it was a miss for me. There were so many contradictions and unrealistic moments. I think the theme of this weighs heavier on the young love side than the magical side.

The Midnight Society by Rhonda Sermon:3.5 Stars
I really liked this. I haven't dabbled much with time travel stories but this has me wanting to check out more. I liked Cate which is refreshing. The plot was far from predictable and there was some humor sprinkled throughout. I can't wait to read more from this author.

Becoming: The Balance Bringer by Debra Kristi: 3 Stars
This was an ok read. I couldn't quite get into the first third of the story and never really felt that connection with Ana. I did like the idea of this other "world" and how it was introduced however it was hard to understand everything that was going on with the few explanations that occurred. The ending was much better and I would like to read more.

Sanctuary by Melle Amade: 3 Stars
High school student Shae learns that there is much more to the world than she ever could have imagined. Set in a shifter world this story started off pretty slow for me then picked up in the end. I think those who loved the Twilight series would really enjoy this as the characters

Unreality by Ingrid Seymour:4 Stars
Abilities and a murder mystery to be solved? Right up my alley! I really enjoyed how this flowed. I'm a big fan of a story that makes the reader think.

Invisible by Jeanne Bannon:4 Stars
I don't think this is something that I would've read had I not read this collection. Bullying was an interesting way of an ability to spark. Considering the things young girls deal with today, I think it was pretty awesome that if was tackled in this genre. I liked experiencing Lola's growth. I had some issues with the story but not so much that kept me from enjoying it.

The Healer by C.J. Anaya: 4 Stars
First off, I like that Hope's abilities were present at the start of the story and she knows how to use them. Secondly, the application of said abilities (I trying not spoil things) was prettt cool. I like both Hope and Tie and the way this story progressed. I can't remember if I've ever read anything with Japanese ties so that was pretty cool too. There were some slow parts but it was an overall good read.


Magic Awakened by Meg Cowley: 3 Stars
This story unraveled at a good pace. Morgana discovers that there is more to her black hair and blue eyes than she could've imagined. She becomes thevward to a king who despises magic and learns her own capabilities under his nose. The only thing that kept me from liking this more was that Morgana was niave and gullible.

Swords & Stilettos by Kristin D. Van Risseghem:RTC
Birth of Legends, Phaidra’s Story Volume 1 by Raye Wagner:RTC
The Clay Lion by Amalie Jahn:
Drone by Jackson Dean Chase:
True Calling by Siobhan Davis:
Shock of Fate by D. L. Armillei:
Shift of Shadow and Soul by Hilary Thompson:
Shadows of the Realm by Dionne Lister:
Trials of a Teenage Werevulture by Emily Martha Sorensen:
Doormaker: Rock Heaven (Book 1) by Jamie Thornton:
Fate’s Legacy by Angela Fristoe:
Slumber by J.L. Weil:
The Edinburgh Seer by Alisha Klapheke:
Ella Dethroned by Brandon Barr:
Unlikely Magic by Lena Mae Hill:
How to Talk to Ghost by Erin Hayes:

[Kalli Kounavong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Marked by Fate, but I also have mine pre-ordered and I'll tell you why. Not only are the books in this collection AMAZING!!!! I'm not even joking...seriously AMAZEBALLS!!! You're going to find TONS of new favorite authors. I went nuts hunting for the next books in many of these authors' collections. They are so EPIC!! Don't be put off by their names, either. I almost didn't read a book in this collection due to it's name (*ahem* Swords and Stilettos) but that actually turned out to be one of THE BEST books in the collection thus far. I'll be honest, I haven't made it through the entire collection yet. I'm still reading. But release day is tomorrow and you all NEED to know exactly how seriously amazing this series is. I thought the first book in this was my favorite, Runes, (RIP Ednah Walters, the amazing and talented author who wrote Runes.. You will be forever missed!! <3 ) But then I got to the next one, Midnight Society. And I was completely blown away!!! Rhonda Sermon wrote a world and I got lost in it. When it was over, it was like I had lost something and I was scrambling to find it!! I scoured the internet trying to find book 2!! I finally asked her and it turns out, book 2 will be available for pre-order soon. Then I found Swords and Stilettos. I almost skipped it. Who names their book that unless it's a weird book about teenage angst and the worst issue is hair products, nail polish, and rich girl drama?!? I was SO WRONG!!! I CAUTIOUSLY gave it a try. Something just told me to. I was never more glad I did than that moment as I got further and further into the book. I went from "uhhhhhh, I dunno" to "OMG YEAH!!! THIS BOOK IS AWESOME!!!". I mean, there's Angels, faeries, werewolves, what more could you want?!? I'll be moving on and reading more. But why else was I so excited about the book you ask? Have you heard of AR? No?!? OMG...Augmented Reality!!! Marked By Fate will use state of the art Augmented Reality technology to bring this groundbreaking boxset to life!!! You could have the experience of a lifetime, find new favorite authors, AND MORE, all for a LOW (temporary) price of 99 cents!!! Who can beat that?!?

The Marked by Fate team is Kristin D. Van Risseghem, Rhonda Sermon, Kelly St. Clare, Raye Wagner, Ednah Walters, Erin Hayes, Siobhan Davis, Jamie Thornton, Debra Kristi, Sarah K. L. Wilson, Hilary Thompson, Ingrid Seymour, Jeanne Bannon, Melle Amade, Lena Mae Hill, C. J. Anaya, Jackson Dean Chase, D. L. Armillei, Emily Martha Sorensen, Amalie Jahn, Dionne Lister, J.L. Weil, Alisha Klapheke, Angela Fristoe, Meg Cowley, Brandon Barr

[Ola Adamska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Birth of Legends, Phaidra’s Story Volume 1 by Raye Wagner: 5 stars
I was really eager to read this one. Raye Wagner once again took us for a journey in Sphinx universe.
Finally, we see Phaidra's story - A Theban Sphinx. What was going on in Her Life? How life in the monster body made her bitter.
Join Phaidra and Priska in that amazing journey.
This one is not so YA as other books in the series.


Teeth of the Gods by Sarah K. L. Wilson: 5 stars
This read was amazing! If not a need to sleep I would finish it in one day, not two!
The world was created very carefully, with details like - royalties, positions, kingdom, rituals - I can only tell that t was an amazing journey that I will repeat for sure in the future! At the beginning, the reader is overwhelmed by titles and who is who to Tylira, but when that pass you will find a great pleasure in this book!
Main character Tylira is a girl that has lived in isolation of the palace for about 18 years and she wants to enjoy her life, but what if she would have to abandon her life, position? Will she do it and if so what will be the cost of it? For sure you won't be disappointed by this book!
Relations are complicated and I welcomed this with a YAY! in my head. Tylira is a character that grows during the book to change something as she gets to know herself and obstacles! There was also Rusk, a boy/man that won my heart by his attitude and his way of being! For me, he was the most enjoyable character in this book.
Magic is something that I was expecting indefinitely another way, and I was delighted by the form of it as I always like to find new concepts!
This is a must-read for YA fans, fantasy fans!
I can't wait to read book 2!


Unreality by Ingrid Seymour: 5 stars
This book was great.
The plot follows smoothly and gives you some hints that would play with you during reading!
Nothing is White or Black. That made this read even better.
Highly recommend!

Shift of Shadow and Soul by Hilary Thompson: 4 stars
This was one of the best Fantasy series book 1 I have ever read: Great world, full blood characters, some feelings (but not love in particular).
Corentine is a girl from a family that has strong magic, but in her time all of it is consider as BAD. And she has it. What will happen when someone discovers it?
Add to it First Son that also possess magic. Both of them banished by their own people.
Join them on their journey!
What I didn't like at all was adding by the author MM thing (almost at the end of the book). I would like to be warned about high sensitive topics


How to Talk to Ghost by Erin Hayes: 5 stars
A page-turning and exciting end of the series. The main character here is Lita. A niece of Neptune. She has a Secret - she can see and talk to ghosts. Ryan is a ghost that accompanies her for almost all the time.
What will happen when everything will be revealed - each girl Power and some past? Will they manage to stop the end of the World? Is Lita's father what he seems?

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Marked by Fate is a wonderful collection of young adult, fantasy and science fiction stories from some incredibly talented, best-selling and award-winning authors. I was so impressed with the quality and variety of stories that make up this anthology. There is such great value to be had by purchasing this set, because there are 26 fantastic stories to immerse yourself in- all for the cost of just one book. Most, if not all of these stories have been published individually by the authors, before being added to this collection. The books are quite varied -from fantasy, science fiction, supernatural, paranormal, young adult, dystopian thriller, post-apocalyptic, and even a little Mythology. There is such a diverse range of storylines, characters and worlds within this books pages. There are angels, demons, shifters, banshees, aliens, Morgana LeFay, Sphinxes and even a Werevulture….and sooooo much more. We follow along as prophecies are unraveled, trying to save the world and prevent Armageddon, then explore some Greek and Egyptian Mythology, dive into some fairy-tales with a twist, open doors, face danger, survive, follow destiny, stand up for oneself, get a close up look at psychic abilities, encounter varied magical abilities, and even time travel (just to name a few).
I had heard of and read the work of some of the contributing authors, but so many were new to me- which I find exciting because I get an introduction to their work and style of writing. Adding new authors and books to my reading list is always a welcome experience.
I really recommend this book to anyone who loves any of the genres, subject matter or types of characters listed above- there really is something here for everyone. Be prepared to lose yourself for a few days!

Reading this book was such a wonderful, and captivating adventure! Thank you, to all the contributing authors!

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I have only read Fate's Legacy by Angela Fristoe, so my review is primarily based on that story. However, I am familiar with quite a few of the other authors in this collection, so I feel pretty confident that there are other stories I will enjoy in this collection and that I could recommend this collection to friends.

Fate's Legacy is the first book in an exciting new young adult speculative fiction series. It's being marketed as science fiction, but it has more of an urban fantasy/paranormal romance feel. If you're expecting scientific rationale for the events in this story, you're going to be disappointed. It's a fun read, but it does require quite a bit of suspension of disbelief.

This is definitely what I classify as a "popcorn" book--something light to read for pure pleasure. It's got a great story hook and a fast pace that kept my attention (I missed my stop when I was reading this on the bus). The characters were fun to get to know, though they occasionally made some very foolish decisions. These are teens after all, and their behavior was somewhat understandable given what was going on in their lives, but it still made me groan in frustration a couple of times.

If you dislike cliffhanger endings, you might find the ending frustrating. It is, however, a great setup for Book 2, which I look forward to reading.

The language was pretty clean, there was no sexually explicit content, and although violent situations were described, there were no graphic depictions. This should be suitable for a wide audience who enjoy speculative young adult fiction.

[Dawn Daughenbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star

Marked By Fate :A Young Adult Science Fiction Collection with Augmented Reality :Read,Watch Listen.The new ultimate reading experience  by :Kristin D.Van Risseghem,Rhonda Sermon,Kelly St.Clare,Raye Wagner, Ednah  Walters,Erin Hayes Siobhan Davis, Jamie Thornton ,Debra Krsiti,SarahK.L.Wilson,Hilary Thompson, Ingrid Seymour, Jeanne Bannon,Melle Amade ,Lena Mae Hill,C.J.Anaya,Jackson Dean Chase,D.L.Armillei,Emily Martha Sorenson,Amalie Jahn,Dionne Lister,J.L.Weil,Alisha Klapheke,Angela Fristoe,Meg Cowley, Brandon Barr,

 

Marked by Fate is an amazing anthology  by a group of amazing authors.I enjoyed this collection of 25 short s stories some of the authors are new to me and some I'm familiar with. Each story is different some are science fiction  ,fantasy, some are magical, we get encounter with just about any life form including, werewolf, ahifters,robot and angels.Ypu will go on a journey with these characters and some ypu feel like your in the story with them.Out of this collection ypu will definitely have a few favorites that's for sure. Some 9f the stories will throw yoy with the twist and turns ,have you on the edge of your seat. I'm quickly becoming a huge fan of Anthologies,.I highly recommend this collection of some great stories by a amazing group of authors..

[Kim Shofner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good place to start if you're wanting to branch out. It's got young adult, paranormal, action, and some romance. Definitely a good collection of short stories. I can't really pin point a favorite story. Each one had its highlights. There were a few I liked better than others but all were still worth the read.

[Joanne H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an array of stories. Loved reading about time travelers, the good and the bad, spirits and ghosts. What is reality, what is hell? Devils versus angels, super powers over magic. Invisibility over being seen. Doors that open to? Wolves to witches with sorcerers and vampires. Always on the outlook for someone who has a vendetta. Always, always look behind you! Great writers - great stories! Love all of them.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome set of books that has you from the first book. What a collection of authors to make this so wonderful. Don’t miss out.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of Unreality and enjoyed it. I am now looking forward to reading the rest of the boxed set.

[Steph Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have so far read two of the 25 novels included in this boxset, and cannot fault the selection and the price!

My reviews so far:

Magic Awakened - Meg Cowley

*I received a free ARC of this book. My decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Before I start my review, I just want to note that the ebook of this novel has all sorts of cool special features, which I am utterly unable to access as my Kindle is practically Arthurian itself! It sounds amazing though, so I thought I’d share the blurb for you here:

Enjoy the added features of this special edition, which allow you to enjoy bonus content right from your reading device. See bonus character artwork. Listen to a siren’s song. Experience behind the scenes like never before, thanks to Augmented Reality technology. Immersive Fantasy™; bringing fantasy worlds to life.

As it is, I will have to stick to reviewing old-school style, as my technology is not so much ‘Augumented Reality’ as it is ‘fancy-looking rock’. Luckily it turns out that Magic Awakened is my favourite of all the Meg Cowley books I have reviewed so far (see the links at the end), even without the enhancements!

The story is set in Arthurian Britain and tells the tale of how a young Morgana (Morgan Le Fey) first came to Camelot, to Uther’s guardianship, and to her magical powers.

Whilst the characters and the general plot direction will be very familiar to any fans of Malory, the BBC series Arthur etc, the focus on Morgana shifts the story to a different perspective and adds a fresh viewpoint that makes the story new and exciting. Seeing Morgana’s motivation through fresh eyes allows the reader to understand and empathise with her actions; even if we believe them to be ultimately misguided.

It is clear that Morgana’s decision-making is based on immature logic and partial knowledge of events, but what is fascinating is that the reader is also left in ambiguity as to which direction she ought to go. As Morgana is pulled between the conflicting loyalties to Morgause and Uther, in their long-standing dispute, the reader is also unsure as to which of them is ‘right’, and also which, if either, of them has Morgana’s wellbeing in mind rather than just their own stake in her fate.

In Morgana we have a strong, female lead who is thoroughly isolated and suppressed (often with kindness and good intentions). She longs to be wild and free, similar to Merida in Disney’s Brave, but is smothered by the opulent life she has been gifted, her despised and dangerous magical abilities, and the complete lack of anyone she can fully trust.

Even Emrys, who initially seems to be the traditional loyal companion and wise advisor turns out to be shrouded in secrets and mystery, so Morgana truly has no one but herself to guide her through what are clearly deep and dangerous times for an innocent young sorceress.

I am really excited for this series, and hope it will be a long-running one. I can thoroughly recommend this novel to any adult or YA readers who are fans of legends and myths told with a twist on tradition.

***

Shift of Shadow and Soul - Hilary Thompson

*I received a free ARC of this book. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*

Well, I have to hold my hands up here. When I first started this book I thought it was ‘just another’ teen/YA fantasy adventure. Don’t get me wrong, I love a well-written book of any type or genre, but there can be a tendency to the formulaic in some cases: young orphan misfit discovers their magic/skill and embarks on an adventure as ‘the Chosen One’ to save the world and pick up a standard romantic partner along the way.

This is not that book!

My first hint that something was different was in the character of Reshra. He is introduced as the typical spoilt rich brat, using women like slaves and conniving against his brother. With Sy in the mix we had our standard good brother, bad brother and it was so obvious that kind Prince Sy would be the Charming who swept our irascible, independent Coren off her feisty feet and into a princessy swoon.

Nope.

After red herring-ing us with the traditional set up, Hilary Thompson suddenly gives us a small switch into Resh’s point of view, and suddenly he isn’t the bad guy we saw through Coren and Sy’s eyes. He still has his faults, but he is a complex character and his motivations cannot be dismissed: in fact it becomes quickly obvious that despite his view on women (cemented by cultural norms) his stance on war and leadership may not only be reasonable, but much more what their people need in an upcoming time of war than his terrified General father or kindly Sy who puts his personal desires ahead of his duty.

This finely nuanced character development not only continues, but builds throughout the novel. Not just Resh, but every character is layered, individual and believable. Sy and Coren refuse to follow the romantic pattern we readers identified for them, Coren fails to fall at anyone’s feet and instead shows a fairly unabashed appetite for getting the job done herself (and a bit of a violent streak!), Resh is a sly, conniving, spoilt, loyal softie who sees to the heart of problems and quietly smoothes the path for his loved ones when it is in his best interests to see them stumble.

The character I am least fond of is the General because to me his actions are completely unfathomable. I see that he’s making decisions out of fear: fear of change, war, defeat. But he is clearly fully aware of the need to ‘breed’ Weshen magic back into his people, but then condemns and banishes anyone who shows the slightest sign of it! I’m not sure how he achieved General status because as a war plan that ranks right up there with ‘let’s just charge them with pointy sticks across an open field and hope their tanks malfunction’! It makes absolutely no sense.

In addition to the expert characterisation the book as a whole is exceptionally well-written. The plot is exciting, complex and well-paced; the setting is easily visualised; the creatures are unique and fascinating, and the magics are different but well-defined.

In short there wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this book and you can look out for a review of book 2 in the future because I have to find out how this one ends!

***

[amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of the best book box sets you can get! Even if you just read it for one or two of the authors that you already know. The others are just a great!

Unreality - Ingrid Seymour

Suspenseful. Dark. Riviting.

I finished this just after midnight, holy crap! The book just got to that point where you don't want to put it down. Even if you can barely see and can only keep one eye open.

I had my suspicions early on who the killer might be. But there were so many moments where I doubted myself and my sleuthing skills. The twists and turns were right on point. They made you keep reading just so you could see what was going to happen next. To see if you were right about certain people.

I loved the characters. Everything was really well thought out. I really cannot find one thing to complain about. I feel I should point out too that I read the prequel to this in the Marked by Fate: Origins boxset. It didn't give anything away, but you learn a little bit more about the three main characters that you don't see in Unreality.


It's worth a read.

Trust me, I'm the Doctor.

*If you get that last part, we should be best friends!*

[Samantha Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marked by Fate
Anthology
4 stars

Marked by Fate is an overall 4 stars book. Several authors have contributed to this anthology.

Runes (Book #1) by Ednah Walters
Raine doesn’t believe in the paranormal, she is feisty and speaks her mind. Torin St. James is the sexy bad boy and is devoted to Raine. This has mythology, teenage romance and so many twists and turns.
The Midnight Society by Rhonda Sermon
Cate thinks she is going insane, she is reliving every day the same but differently. She meets Austin, Rose, and Rafe, members of an order called the Midnight Society. This storying is very entertaining and a thrill ride on every page.
Swords & Stilettos, (Enlighten #1)by Kristin D. Van Risseghem
Zoe is almost kidnapped with her best friend Kieran. Shay enters, Shay and Kieran save them from being kidnapped. But, the bodies of the kidnappers just disappear. This begins the journey of Zoe learning she is part of a prophecy.
Birth of Legends by Raye Wagner
Enjoy the legends of gods and goddesses, read about Olympus that still exists. Meet the elite group of hunters, Demigods that are killing monsters.
Fantasy of Frost, (The Tainted Accords #1) by Kelly St. Clare
Entered the world of Olina, a teenage girl, who has been living in an isolated tower, suffering from her mother’s abuse. Prince Kedrick has developed a deep bound with Olina, will this save her?
Teeth of the Gods, (Unweaving Chronicles Book #1)
Tyira has lived in isolation but still grows as a character, she has to enter the Spirit World to complete her journey. Following the ancestral guides to travel through the world safely.
Sanctuary: A Dark Urban Fantasy (Shifter Chronicles Book #1) by Melle Amade
Shae has anger issues and she goes to the one place that she feels safe, the sanctuary. She used to hang out with her friends at the sanctuary but they have since abandoned her. Shae’s friends are very different, can she solve the reason for the change?
Unreality by Ingrid Seymour
Meadow uses her ability to solve her mother’s murder since then she has kept her abilities shut down. But, murders are happening again will she open that the door again?
Invisible by Jeanne Bannon
Lola Savullo is bullied and despised by her peers, she discovers that she can become invisible. But, then something happens that makes her stand up for herself.
The Healer, (Romantic Fantasy Book #1) by CJ Anaya
Hope Fairmont is a healer, possibly from an ancient prophecy. Two newcomers add to her mystery, she must discover her past to survive the present.
The Clay Lion, (Clay Lion Series, Book #1) by Amalie Jahn
If you knew at 18 years of age you could go back in time to a place within your lifespan, would you? Brooke has that opportunity, but can she go without making changes?
Drone, (Beyond the Dome Book #1) by Jackson Dean Chase
Vikka Raymer has gone from a weak girl to a super soldier. She escapes from the program, Vikka must find her way and learn to control her new power.
True Calling (The First True Calling Novel, Book #1) by Siobhan Davis
Ariana Skye doesn’t remember some important people in her life, the government sanctioned the memory erase. So can she ever discover the truth?
Shock of Fate, (Anchoress Series, Book #1) by D. L. Armillei
Would you like to use a tree to travel? Vanessa Cross was supposed to be spending her vacation time on the beach, not fall through a magical portal.
Shift of Shadows & Soul (Soul Shifter, Book #1) by Hilary Thompson
Corentine lives in a divided world, so many people suffering losses, including the loss of her twin. Trying to move through the different lands, mystery, and magic to figure out who to trust.
Shadows of the Realm, (The Circle of Talia, Book #1) by Dionne Lister
This story will lead you on an amazing journey with the wonderous nature of dragons.
Trials of a Teenage Werevulture, (Book #1) by Emily Martha Sorensen
Lisette is not happy with her animal she is changing into, she didn’t want to be a werevulture. She must endure many trials which helps her mature and accept the species she is becoming.
Doormaker Rock Heaven, (Book #1) by Jamie Thorton
Maelia is a doormaker, she is growing up trying to discover what is true and what are lies, as she opens the doors to nowhere.
Unlikely Magic (A Dark Fairy Tale Adaptation: Girl Among Wolves, Book #1) by Lena Mae Hill
Stella still dealing with her father’s sudden death is shipped to a forest encampment. Stella has to deal with the downright creepy and her family secret “lunar meetings.”
How to talk to Ghost (The Cotton Candy Quintet, Volume #5) by Erin Hayes
Lita is an unusual teenage girl, she can see ghost and talks to them. Can she help her ghostly friends and save the world?
Magic Awakened by Meg Cowley
Morgana is a ward of the King of Albion, she is thrown into the court life in Camelot. She fights to get her independence back and to find where she belongs.
Fate’s Legacy (The Vitares Chronicles Book #1) by Angela Fristoe
Willow has been running with her parents all her life. She finds her parents have left without her and she is alone until Liam tells her everything.
Slumber Beauty Never Dies (Book #1) by J.L. Weil
Dash stumbles upon a red-headed beauty, Charlotte, she has been sleeping for a while. Charlotte and Dash begin an adventure to stay away from the new government, The Institute.
The Edinburgh Seer by Alisha Klapheke
The characters are amazing, they are talented but are very flawed. This story has it all romance, intrigue, and rebellions, step into this story and enjoy the adventure.
Ella Dethroned (Song of the Worlds) by Brandon Barr
Ella is the former ruler of her Realm, must hide from assassins sent to kill her. She only has a trusted soldier, Rathan, who has sworn to protect her.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC copy from Jamie Thornton in exchange for an honest review

Read: Devil's Harvest by Jamie Thornton

Wow. The Devil's harvest is the prequel to Ms. Thornton's Doormaker series.

The prequel left off with a cliff hanger that really needs to be answered. Really, the idea is great and I want to explore the doormaker's world much more. With more world building and character development! Esson is an interesting character that leaves me wondering what happened to him, and where his fate is now sealed.

Hopefully, I can read more of the short stories within "Marked by Fate: Origins anthology" soon. And off course, get my hands on the full doormaker novel!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for a review

An amazing collection of short stories. Wonderful and engaging writing. With wild and lovable characters who leave you hungry for more.
Fantasy, adventure and action with every page. A must read for all those with love magic mayhem and tons of adventure.
Impossible to pick a favorite, run out and get a copy of the box set.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great box set of 25 fantasy & science fiction stories (5 brand new) by a wonderful group of authors! Below are three selections from this set to give you an example of the awesome stories they have compiled for us here! Note that if you purchased the Special Edition, they are including “Augmented Reality technology” where you read, listen, and watch bonus content “to bring the characters and story to life around you.” I’m not sure how it works, but I can’t wait to give it a try!

>>> Reviewing “Trials of a Teenage WereVulture” by Emily Martha Sorensen <<<
One of my favorites . . . The family was gathered closely around Lisette. It was the time for her turning, shifting into the were-creature she was destined to be. Thirty-five werehawks – an impressive number -- had programmed the turning stone, so she was pretty sure she was guaranteed to shift into her werehawk form. Her wings erupted from her shoulders! Her feathers started to come out. But, strangely, the color of the feathers wasn’t quite right? The family discussed what sub-species she might be, waiting for her to fully shift so they could see for themselves. With a final push, her bird form emerged – and the family backed away in horror! Only her grandfather was brave enough to step forward to give her the bad news. She was a vulture!

Being so different from her family members, Lisette looked into joining a Rarity clan of different kinds of shifters that don’t fit in. But all is not as it seems! Lisette has to grow up and make some tough decisions. Is she ready for that? Can she put others ahead of her own desires? Is she ready to save her city?

The author gives us this delightful story with her characteristic humor! The story line is whimsical and clever. Lisette is a typical self-interested teenager who has to face the difficult task of not fitting in. From start to finish, the reader will be drawn into her story, with plenty of laughter along the way! You will absolutely love this one. It’s a definite keeper!

>>> Reviewing “My Fair Impostor” by C J Anaya <<<
Crysta, a Fae princess, woke up with all the symptoms of flu and no memory of her identity, side effects from “severing the link” – whatever that meant. It supposedly had something to do with the fact that an assassin sent to kill her had tried to use a magical link to do so. Now she struggles to regain those memories. Things are not right. She gets glimpses of memories that would contradict all she has been told – but then those memories disappear.

The pacing of this story was wonderful and will keep the reading deeply involved as events play out. Will Crysta discover what she needs to know in time to save the Fae? Or will she be led down the wrong path and not fulfill her destiny? This well written book is definitely one you will want to read! I highly recommend it!

>>> Reviewing “Unreality” by Ingrid Seymour <<<
The search party of neighbors and friends is growing anxious as they search for Kristie in the Claremont Canyon Preserve. She had gone jogging there in the morning, but being diabetic and skipping breakfast, she could need some help about now. All morning, Meadow has kept her mental barriers up, protecting her from the overwhelming emotions of others. No one but her family knows of her abilities. But she won’t use them anymore. Not after what happened with her mom. Yet her dad looked at her in a beseeching way as if trying to ask her if she could do more to find Kristie. But she can’t; she won’t. Just the thought makes her sick.

Finally, looking into her dad’s eyes again, Meadow takes a deep breath and begins to lower her mental barriers which she had locked down for 8 years now, since she was 10. But pictures of everything that has been on this path, events that have taken place, all things a tree has experienced since it was a sapling, all of this flashed in her mind and she couldn’t focus. She heard a scream that could have been Kristie, but she wasn’t sure. And she was dizzy and sick and overwhelmed with the assault of too much input. With great difficulty, she raised her mental walls again. She couldn’t help this way. She just couldn’t.

This was a very well written book that painted a vividly clear picture for the reader. It felt as if the reader was actually there in the search party. What happened to Meadow’s mother 10 years ago? Will her powers, held back for so long, now compel her to open up and see what happened to Kristie? And does whatever happened mean that Meadow herself may be in danger now from a murderer in her past? Definitely grab this book and experience the suspense as the author pulls us into this frightening tale!

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unreality was both fascinating and a bit of a disappointment at the same time.

I thought Meadow's psychic powers were interesting enough, with how when she got into her visions to find context clues --- what she calls 'bygones' --- that led to finding Kristie's body in the woods. It didn't read like an extensive, elaborate ability, like say, Eleven from Stranger Things. But Meadow's abilities focused on using them like how a detective uses evidence and hard work to get what they want. She had also used her abilities to discover her mother's murder as a child, which I can't imagine how terrifying and awful that feels. That was why she had built a protective wall around herself not to use her abilities unless absolutely necessary.

The Good...Meadow and Nicolas! Book Relationship Goals! 

One thing I did like was the relationship between Meadow and her best friend Nicolas. Their slow-burn love story, going from friends to lovers, was possibly the most heartwarming I've ever read. Now granted, Meadow had started looking at Nicolas a certain way a few chapters in, but when he'd finally confessed his feelings for her...it was so sweet!! That scene killed me because Meadow's mind was half-focused on the information she'd found in his room about her powers and finding Brianna. But I was screaming outloud, "Girl!!! Forget about your missing friend right now and focus on this amazing best dude of color who loves you FOR YOU!!" But then, she'd admitted her feelings back later on, and my heart burst. Also, she had noticed certain things about him, like how he doesn't like being called "Nico" or "Nic". Their whole relationship was just so touching and wonderful.

The Bad...Meadow basically had to work around her loved ones in order to find and save her friend from danger.

One thing I didn't like was how her Uncle George, cousin Leonardo, and her father were so adamant on her not using her abilities to find her friend Brianna, who goes missing. I really did not like how every male is telling Meadow how she should be when she’s the MOST POWERFUL ONE of them all. She has the best power out of all of them --- her father knows of her powers, but he himself does not have them, I think they skipped a generation; Leonardo also has these psychic abilities, but his is more focused on persuasion/compulsion. I didn't think Uncle George had abilities of his own, but he too knows about his niece and son's. But anyway, I still didn't like how Meadow basically had to work around her loved ones in order to find and save her friend from danger. If she wasn't going to learn her abilities from her family who knows the world itself, how was she supposed to learn? Leonardo had taught her some things, but I didn't find him very reliable since his powers are based on persuasion and not visions.

Another thing that creeped me out was how Leonardo claimed to see Meadow. I got the feeling that he had maybe liked her as more than family (they're cousins), but that only looked hella creepy and weird, given that they're family. There could have been some kind of incest going on, if Ingrid Seymour could have taken it there. But just the fact that Leonardo had kept pestering Meadow to stay away from Nicolas, I sensed a lot of jealousy from him, which was both creepy and borderline obsessive.

The Ending...WHUT... 

And that ending...what in the world was that??! It basically ended with Leonardo, Meadow and Nicolas fighting and hang-gliding in the air, Meadow knocked Leonardo out with a rock, with Leonardo's body disappearing. The police couldn't find the body, so they just let Meadow's dad out of jail, Uncle George goes through an easy trial to get life in prison? Huh?! So there's no hint that Leonardo could come back? What if he does come back? Will Meadow's powers become more controlled and stronger? We need answers! This is a short story part of an anthology, so I don't think there will be a companion series or book coming soon. However, I'd be interested to know about what the future holds for Meadow, Nicolas, her father, and Leonardo.

Final Verdict: Good but wanted more.

All in all, this was a very good read, but I wish some things were executed and explained more, to make the story come to a full circle. It was pretty character-driven, so if you're into going into the supernatural world that's more internal than external, this would be a good one for you. I have not read the rest of the Marked by Fate anthology box set, but if it's any good, please let me know so we can discuss. 

From my book blog, PoetryBooksYA.

[Jean Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runes by Edna Walters.
OMG!!! This was such an amazingly fantastic novel. Ms Walters was a truly gifted writer. She has certainly left her mark on the Sci-fi/Fantasy world. Runes is a great way to start the Marked by Fate Anthology.
Ms. Walters is a masterful tale teller. Her plot intriguing, refreshing and new. I love her characters which are painted in vivid reality. Ms. Walters was able to draw me in and keep me interested right up to the very amazing and zinging end. Loved it, Loved it, Loved it!!! Edna will certainly be missed.
The Midnight Society, by Rhonda Sermon
Writing Time Travel can be confusing. But, Rhonda Sermon makes it look easy. The Midnight Society is another amazingly terrific tale. The characters are really well developed, the plot is fast moving, interesting and relatively easy to follow. I really loved this novella.
Swords and Stilettos, by Kristin D. Van Risseghem
Heaven And Hell are at it again in the fast paced, action packed novella Swords and Stilettos.
Ms. Van Risseghem has created a wonderfully real world. She has detailed every character in this book and makes each one come to life in their own way. the characters are engaging and the take on Hell’s war with Heaven is original I absolutely love the fact that Zoe has a normal family. Mom And Dad are both there and the little sister is a little too good to be true, but, unlike so many YA novels, there isn’t any abnormal family drama. I really like that aspect. This was a great read and very fitting for this anthology.
Birth of Legends - Phaidra’s Story, volume 1 The Sphinx, book 5 by Raye Wagner
Birth of Legends, Phaidra’s Story gives a more detailed, in depth look at what could have happened. Raye Wegner creates an ancient land that could have been Earth’s past and, she does it with so much accuracy and detail that you are drawn to that very time and place. This is a fascinating look at the beginning of time for the humans on Earth. It does leave one wondering exactly who is the monster and who is not.
Becoming, the Balance Bringer, by Debra Kristi
Debra Kristi writes a world that is full of magic. She gives us the power of love and family in a vivid and full story.
Fantasy of Frost - The Tainted Accords, by Kelly St. Claire
Wow!!! What an amazing introduction to what will be an amazing trilogy. At least if this sample of Kelly St. Claire's writing is any indication. Ms. St. Claire has written an amazingly complex and intricate world, populated by intricate and complex people. She really knows how to set the hook and reel you in. Fantastic book!!!
Teeth of the Gods, by Sarah K. L. Wilson
OMG!!! what can I say about Teeth of the Gods By Sarah K. L. Wilson? It is a fabulous story filled with amazing descriptions of faraway places, colorful people and a alif or death plot. Ms. Wilson is a great writer and this story of incredible places and heroic people is a fantastic five star read.
Sanctuary, by Melle Amade
Another winning book in this amazing anthology. Sanctuary by Melle Made is an amazing shifter story. Full of drama, angst and an amazing twist at the end.
This is just a few of the many reasons I love this Anthology!! If I could give it more than five stars, I would. What an amazing collection of short books. Love it! Love it! Love it!

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing collection of fantasy books, and although I have only read two of them so far, I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of them!

review of Trials of Teenage Werevulture by Emily Martha Sorensen

Shifters, fairies, dragon... whatever this author decides to write about, I am in for reading it. Fast.
Lisette is a teenage girl from a family of werehawks, about to be turned. But her turning does not end the way she imagined, and instead of being turned to werehawk, she ends up being werevulture. A rare species of werevulture, to be precise. So, she ends up with no clan, what bothers her, and when she gets the offer to join the Rarity Clan, her hopes go up. However, something feels off, and Lisette is determined to unravel the secrets the leaders of the Rarity Clan, Rodrigo and Loretta, are trying to hide. But this investigation is dangerous and may end up very badly.
Humorous, sometimes sarcastic, and totally thinking-like-average-teenager story, enjoyable and fast, that you will be able to read in one sit. Not exactly a typical shifter story, with unique heroine facing sometimes really odd problems. Despite the targeted age group being certainly younger than I am, the book is enjoyable for everyone, with the light and humorous language and fast development. And I loved the lead characters with their weirdness and oddity. Both Kegan and Lisette were speaking to me and I felt connected to them almost immediately.
Great and fast read, and certainly recommended. I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily provide my opinion.

review of Sanctuary by Melle Amade
Amazing suspenseful paranormal tale full of action and drama.
Shae is living in a small town together with her family -cheerful, supporting dad, sweet little brother Henry and distant mom, struggling for control and trying to keep her ever-present rage at bay After a long summer without her friends, she is looking forward to their return, only to find out everything has changed and their friendship seems shattered. Shae feels betrayed and lonely, and experiencing strange things lately, when she suddenly becomes a part of supernatural world she had no idea about for sixteen years. But her joy from being a part of shifter community is short-lived and the lives of her family and friends are at stake.
Very well-written story, fast pacing and full of adventure, driven forward by curiosity and raging emotions of a teenage girl. I loved the plot development, the book was so easy to read. I also pretty much liked the characters. Shae's actions are truly understandable and she is easy to feel for, impulsive, curious and caring, lost in the pile of new knowledge and information. Zan and Aiden were two characters I could not decipher my feelings for, since I could understand the motives of their behavior but did not like the way they handled the situation. I even liked more the darkness surrounding Callum, and I had faith in him even if he looked like a traitor. Nevertheless, the most amazing in this bunch of rebels is Roman, with his shifter self and smartass attitude. He simply enlightens my mood everytime he appears on the scene.
Great book, and I am looking forward to the next installment.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Talk to Ghosts by Erin Hayes is book five in her The Cotton Candy Quintet. Lita is a teenage girl who can see ghosts and communicate with them. After her mother died things changed for her and her dad. He became more work driven and didn’t care what he had to do to get ahead. As Lita is working on her homework upstairs a phone call comes in with some news. Her great Uncle Neptune has passed away and her father sees a prime opportunity to strike and takeover the Uncle’s aquarium. When they get to Jacksonville for the funeral some familiar faces pop up from an incident that happened back in Houston. Lita crosses paths with some of the mermaid actors in her great Uncle Neptune’s mermaid troupe. Some of the girls are less than pleased for Lita and her father to be there, and for good reason. He quickly makes it known his reason for being there – to take over the aquarium and make it his. Thanks to a few hitches, things seem to be going his way. There is no will to speak of because of Neptune’s foresight to hide it. Neptune intended for one of his mermaid’s to inherit the aquarium but without a will that leaves the door wide open for Lita’s dad to strong arm his way into possessing it. Lita decides to side with the girls to help them locate the will and find out where it is so that it can pass into the rightful hands. Things will not be easy especially when evil makes its presence known to all. Ghosts are not being able to cross over and their souls are living in torment. Can Lita, with the help of Ryan and her new friends, save the world from the evil that wishes to destroy it all?
How to Talk to Ghosts is the first book in the Cotton Candy Quintet that I have read. The books can be read as standalones so this book was very easy to read and follow along with what was going on. Lita is a well done character in my opinion. She faces a lot in this story but she doesn’t let it keep her down. She forges ahead. What I really appreciate about her as a character is that she doesn’t fall apart when things get hard. So many characters tend to start out strong but then when they face a crisis then they tend to fall apart and melt. Lita doesn’t do that. Lita grasps what is at stake and moves forward to help and save those that she cares about. I absolutely enjoy several of the surprises in this story. For me, each one of the little surprises kept me, not only engaged in the story, but I fully intend to go and read the other stories in this series.
There was only one thing that I did not like about this story but only because it just seemed so unfair. The story is so well done though and I loved it very much. The twists, the surprises, the reveals of the various characters (for those of us who have not read the stories) it all comes together and makes such a successful story.
I have read several stories before by this author and this is one that I would say ranks up in the top favorites. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. This book has been professionally edited and is very well done. I will be going back and reading the other books in this series. I look forward to reading more from this author in the very near future.

[Naomi Valkyrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far one of the best anthologies I have read to date. There are twice as many stories in this one than in most, AND they are full length novels, not short stories. One should note that even though they are full length novels, they do have cliffhangers.

A few of my favorites in this anthology are:

Runes by Ednah Walters
I enjoyed the weaving of Norse mythology into this story. When a mysterious guy moves in next door, Raine is drawn to him but there seems to be something dark around him too. As Raine starts investigating she discovers that the people closest to her are keeping secrets. Raine finds herself in danger, but her mysterious neighbor ends up saving her life.

Birth of Legends by Raye Wagner
I loved this story. The author does a wonderful job of bringing the experiences and personality of the Sphinx alive. Phaidra is cursed by Apollo into the form of the Sphinx. As a result of her form, Phaidra is shunned by humans. The one thing Phaidra wants more than anything is to be loved. Will she ever find someone who can love her in spite of the curse?

Fantasy of Frost by Kelly St. Clare
This is a fascinating story. From birth Olina has been forced to wear a veil. She has never even seen her own face. Her mother, the leader of her world, has given her dire consequences if the veil is ever removed and anyone sees her face.
Prince Kedrick, from the royal family on Glacium, arrives on Olina’s world in an effort to have peace between the worlds. He is taken with Olina and they become close quickly. One day he asks to see her face. What happens from there will take courage and strength to endure.

Teeth of the Gods by Sarah K. L. Wilson
Tylira is the ninth daughter of the leader of her people. She’s never really expected to be anything special since her powers haven’t even manifested. And, she’s tired of her hum-drum life of routine and repetition. She longs for adventure.
One should be careful what they wish for. Tylira’s entire life changes when she finds out she’s been chosen to be chained, literally, to an enemy general for the remainder of her training. In a final, headstrong attempt to take control of her life, Tylira makes a bold move to participate in the popular race for the Teeth of the Gods. Nothing can prepare her for the journey she has rashly set herself upon.

Unreality by Ingrid Seymour
At the age of 5, Meadow was able to help solve her mother’s murder through psychic abilities. It was so traumatic that Meadow cut off her abilities for many years in an attempt to keep from being overwhelmed by visions.
Meadow is now a senior in high school with a great future ahead of her, when suddenly her world is turned upside down. One of her classmates goes missing. After searching and searching, Meadow’s father suggests that she should use her gifts to help locate the missing girl.
At first Meadow is reluctant, but she decides that she would not be able to live with herself if she could have helped. What she finds in her visions brings the past back in vivid color. As she follows the clues she discovers a horrible truth and seeks to rectify her previous mistakes.