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Lebrus Stone #1
Birthspell
He’s bad news.
Full of himself, brutally honest and arrogant.
Under that gorgeous mask is something dark and twisted, and he’s claimed me as his victim.
When orphan Crystal visits a great aunt she's just met in Blacksville, West Virginia, she sets some rules for herself:
#1 - Don’t get too close to anyone.
#2 – Don’t expect too much.
#3 - Don’t fall for the town’s bad boy like everyone else.
While she finds the last one frustrating, Crystal has no intention of giving into any weaknesses. That is until she’s told there’s a curse that’s been running through her family for generations, and it seems the one she needs to avoid is the key to bringing it to an end.
Now all bets are off. Only a single line separates her from the side of magical beings, and she’s crossing it.
But she learns rules are in place for a reason. The hidden world in the seemingly small and innocent town goes far beyond the one she knows and understands.
It’s a world where humans once visited and have been warned not to return.
Ever.
◆◆◆◆◆
On the outskirts of town, creatures roam the night, waiting for the One. The birth of her child…
When orphan Crystal Valdez accepts an invitation to stay at Thorncrest Manor in the small town of Blacksville, her fate falls into the hand of a dark and sinister world of covens and witchcraft.
She is unlike anyone else in the small town, and is struggling to come to terms with her new found powers and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But within the desolate cornfields, old plantations, and decaying graveyards of the forgotten land, secrets can’t stay hidden forever.
A spell cast two centuries ago will bring her face to face with the one she can’t deny but also her biggest challenge.
He’s been bound to her since birth. Too many fates count on their every decision.
But what’s worse? The pact in place to avenge Crystal? Or giving her heart to the enemy?
Full of himself, brutally honest and arrogant.
Under that gorgeous mask is something dark and twisted, and he’s claimed me as his victim.
When orphan Crystal visits a great aunt she's just met in Blacksville, West Virginia, she sets some rules for herself:
#1 - Don’t get too close to anyone.
#2 – Don’t expect too much.
#3 - Don’t fall for the town’s bad boy like everyone else.
While she finds the last one frustrating, Crystal has no intention of giving into any weaknesses. That is until she’s told there’s a curse that’s been running through her family for generations, and it seems the one she needs to avoid is the key to bringing it to an end.
Now all bets are off. Only a single line separates her from the side of magical beings, and she’s crossing it.
But she learns rules are in place for a reason. The hidden world in the seemingly small and innocent town goes far beyond the one she knows and understands.
It’s a world where humans once visited and have been warned not to return.
Ever.
◆◆◆◆◆
On the outskirts of town, creatures roam the night, waiting for the One. The birth of her child…
When orphan Crystal Valdez accepts an invitation to stay at Thorncrest Manor in the small town of Blacksville, her fate falls into the hand of a dark and sinister world of covens and witchcraft.
She is unlike anyone else in the small town, and is struggling to come to terms with her new found powers and a curse that has haunted her family for generations. But within the desolate cornfields, old plantations, and decaying graveyards of the forgotten land, secrets can’t stay hidden forever.
A spell cast two centuries ago will bring her face to face with the one she can’t deny but also her biggest challenge.
He’s been bound to her since birth. Too many fates count on their every decision.
But what’s worse? The pact in place to avenge Crystal? Or giving her heart to the enemy?
- GenresYoung AdultParanormal
311 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2020
70 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Miriam Khan
13 books106 followersMiriam is a former theatre actress and rock singer. She began writing novels in 2008 and released her debut series, The Lebrus Stone, in 2014 with Rogue Phoenix Press. In 2020 she chose to self-publish the series and other novels in the paranormal romance genre.
Her most recent tales were penned during the lockdown, one of which is her first thriller.
She didn't expect to write more books, but has had some of the most fun producing them.
Her most recent tales were penned during the lockdown, one of which is her first thriller.
She didn't expect to write more books, but has had some of the most fun producing them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 29, 2020
Thank you to Booksprout and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. As a note, this does not affect my opinions in any way.
Overall: 3/5 stars
Characters: 2/5 stars
Setting: 3/5 stars
Writing: 3.5/5 stars
Plot: 2/5 stars
I was very excited to read this book as its cover captured my attention from the moment I saw it.
We are introduced to Crystal - an orphan who at the age of 17 meets her greataunt. When her greataunt invites Crys to visit her, Crys accepts in hope to find out more about herself, her heritage as well as her parents. Only what Crys doesn't expect is to enter a village which isn't as welcoming as she hoped it would be.
In terms of the plot, I believe it was underdeveloped. The author had a great idea but I think she could have developed them more. The majority of the plot is based on suspense and the reader is fed with tiny bits f information. The overall suspense was captivating at the beginning of the book but as it continued throughout the book I think it became a bit boring.
When it comes to characters, the author introduced Crystal very well, making her a rather likeable character. However, I think that other major characters (like Cray or Seb) lacked development. Additionally, those major characters would disappear throughout the novel, then make their appearance, as if they were ghosts.
Overall, I think that this book lacked in terms of development, but I'm sure some else would identify it as an enjoyable read.
Overall: 3/5 stars
Characters: 2/5 stars
Setting: 3/5 stars
Writing: 3.5/5 stars
Plot: 2/5 stars
I was very excited to read this book as its cover captured my attention from the moment I saw it.
We are introduced to Crystal - an orphan who at the age of 17 meets her greataunt. When her greataunt invites Crys to visit her, Crys accepts in hope to find out more about herself, her heritage as well as her parents. Only what Crys doesn't expect is to enter a village which isn't as welcoming as she hoped it would be.
In terms of the plot, I believe it was underdeveloped. The author had a great idea but I think she could have developed them more. The majority of the plot is based on suspense and the reader is fed with tiny bits f information. The overall suspense was captivating at the beginning of the book but as it continued throughout the book I think it became a bit boring.
When it comes to characters, the author introduced Crystal very well, making her a rather likeable character. However, I think that other major characters (like Cray or Seb) lacked development. Additionally, those major characters would disappear throughout the novel, then make their appearance, as if they were ghosts.
Overall, I think that this book lacked in terms of development, but I'm sure some else would identify it as an enjoyable read.
May 23, 2020
3.5 stars
I did really like the novel in the beginning, I liked the first 20-30 pages and I was interested to see what was going on. I liked the descriptions that were used in the book. It was interesting and intriguing to read. The book covers are beautiful btw! I love the second book cover. It is so pretty.
I liked Cray the most. Quiet, brooding guys are always a hit, in my opinion. The second male interest seems kind of boring at times, he was interesting when we first met him, but then his role in the book became frequently scarce.
The story is interesting but it runs on. The plot is intriguing, but it needs to be explored more in depth. The story reads very slow, unfortunately. The writing is beautiful, sometimes it can seem more amateur but overall, the descriptions are fantastic. I love the way things are described. It creates a visual for the reader without overwhelming us.
I did really like the novel in the beginning, I liked the first 20-30 pages and I was interested to see what was going on. I liked the descriptions that were used in the book. It was interesting and intriguing to read. The book covers are beautiful btw! I love the second book cover. It is so pretty.
I liked Cray the most. Quiet, brooding guys are always a hit, in my opinion. The second male interest seems kind of boring at times, he was interesting when we first met him, but then his role in the book became frequently scarce.
The story is interesting but it runs on. The plot is intriguing, but it needs to be explored more in depth. The story reads very slow, unfortunately. The writing is beautiful, sometimes it can seem more amateur but overall, the descriptions are fantastic. I love the way things are described. It creates a visual for the reader without overwhelming us.
September 20, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the YA Bound Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Birthspell by Miriam Khan is a different approach to explain why a kid is an orphan.
What is happening to Crystal at Thorncrest Manor?
Crystal Valdez
Crystal Valdez is our main character and the one we follow on this crazy journey. She seemed like a good character at the beginning when she was at the orphanage. Still, once Crystal accepted the invitation to Thorncrest five months later, Crystal is an entirely different person. I don't know how to explain it, but she goes from being a decent character that wants to get away from the place she was put into and living on her own. After she meets her long lost great aunt and goes to check out her heritage, Crystal changes from being a decent character to being a boy-crazy person. Once again, I don't know how to explain, but she didn't seem like someone that grew with the story.
Sebastian
Sebastian, Seb, is the first boy that Crystal meets at Thorncrest Manor. He isn't someone that say her great aunt or her kids usually hang out with, but he is someone that Crys normally would. Seb is new in town and is living on his own. He likes Crystal and Seb seems to be a decent guy even if he goes away a lot. I don't get what he's connection is to Crystal. Seb didn't grow either, I don't think.
Craven Locke
Craven, Cray, Locke, is Crystal's aunt's middle child. He is weird. I don't know how to explain to this guy as he doesn't talk to Crystal much, but she's kind of obsessed about him. Cray is in Crystal's dreams, which is the only time he seems to speak to her. Except it's weird. I don't know how to explain this whole thing.
Three Stars
I am giving Birthspell by Miriam Khan three stars. My whole problem with this book is that the plot summary doesn't match what we are given in this story. At the end of the book, I'm left with more questions than answers and still haven't fully wrapped my head around it. Ms. Khan, I think, needs to go back and maybe try to figure out this story a bit better. I didn't think many plot points got resolved, or I think even some of them got reworked. It's just a very confusing story.
Other Books in the Series
What is happening to Crystal at Thorncrest Manor?
Crystal Valdez
Crystal Valdez is our main character and the one we follow on this crazy journey. She seemed like a good character at the beginning when she was at the orphanage. Still, once Crystal accepted the invitation to Thorncrest five months later, Crystal is an entirely different person. I don't know how to explain it, but she goes from being a decent character that wants to get away from the place she was put into and living on her own. After she meets her long lost great aunt and goes to check out her heritage, Crystal changes from being a decent character to being a boy-crazy person. Once again, I don't know how to explain, but she didn't seem like someone that grew with the story.
Sebastian
Sebastian, Seb, is the first boy that Crystal meets at Thorncrest Manor. He isn't someone that say her great aunt or her kids usually hang out with, but he is someone that Crys normally would. Seb is new in town and is living on his own. He likes Crystal and Seb seems to be a decent guy even if he goes away a lot. I don't get what he's connection is to Crystal. Seb didn't grow either, I don't think.
Craven Locke Craven, Cray, Locke, is Crystal's aunt's middle child. He is weird. I don't know how to explain to this guy as he doesn't talk to Crystal much, but she's kind of obsessed about him. Cray is in Crystal's dreams, which is the only time he seems to speak to her. Except it's weird. I don't know how to explain this whole thing.
Three Stars
I am giving Birthspell by Miriam Khan three stars. My whole problem with this book is that the plot summary doesn't match what we are given in this story. At the end of the book, I'm left with more questions than answers and still haven't fully wrapped my head around it. Ms. Khan, I think, needs to go back and maybe try to figure out this story a bit better. I didn't think many plot points got resolved, or I think even some of them got reworked. It's just a very confusing story.
Other Books in the Series
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Birthspell by Miriam Khan.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
September 20, 2020
ARC from NetGalley
1.5 stars
Well, I mean it was sort of interesting in a baffling kind of way. Nothing really happens. We follow an orphan's move to the home of long lost family and then we sort of meander around for a while until it's over. Nothing overtly magical occurs. There is brief mention of fantasy creatures towards the end. There is some allusion. There is a whole lot of confusing fucking dialogue, holy fuck.
I shall paste my notes:
21% and I need to start marking down the shit that doesn't make sense.
"There was a gaudy fence behind it, painted a lubricious black, with a barrage of tiny bubbles that were salient on my hands to feel like barbed wire."
Was this written with google translate? Am I high right now?
"Her golden hair shone as if it had been spun from pure tulle or silk." Tulle like the really tacky foofty tutu shit? Can you spin fabric into thread? I don't think that's how spinning works.
"She had a voice not to be trusted. I sensed that the moment I'd seen her; the way she watched Cray with a calamity and dispensable joy." Wat?
"You're quite the resolve."
"We were all sitting around the table in our usual places, except Marselle was beside Dru, which left me farthest from the others, listening to her jabber on and on about her visit to the Sahara Desert and the many strange things that happened when she probably just forgot to take her Valium." Yes, I often hallucinate when I forget to take a sedative.. >>.>>
Okay so Seb is turned off by the chicken but had a burger with her days ago?
"Isobel was no better, just a bias accomplice to his sapid ways." Dafuq am I reading.
"...what with the widow's peak in his corn silk hair and plume symmetrical features standing out to demand your attention."
""I think he's..." He stopped rifling through his bag to think. "Uncontrollable," He said with a passionate detest."" A passionate detest?
"His tone was too weak to be atoned as accurate." This author has a word-a-day calendar, and it has been used for evil.
What the fuck? "My body zinged with a longing that trilled in my veins, flooding me with a need to be distinguished, kept above the harness of a crazed desire to be held."
"Whatever he felt for me with little degree or worth, it couldn't be forced, pushed or exceeded to my advantage." I feel like I'm reading mad libs.
"She could have cured a donkey of the jitters or a windsurfer of heights."
"He wasn't looking at me, and there was no please attached, but I wasn't expecting miracles, so I took it like a kitten being tempted by a sky rocket." Jesus christ on a cracker.
"And as difficult as it was to digest, I accepted it with a satisfaction that guaranteed a ramification of further doubts." Oh yeah?
Okay I might need to adopt this term: "Still I couldn't help look at Cray's reaction to every provocative move that she made to lure him into her crabby clench."
"It intrigued me to learn how not only his eyes, but mine too, were the focus of one's attention, that they changed, that neither of us were responsible for the reaction it impaired them to become."
I cannot count how many times I stopped, shook my head and said "what the fuck" while I read this book. The above is only a smattering. Truly it was partially the wtfery that kept me reading. It was almost comical. Scratch that, it was comical. So yeah, there you have it.
1.5 stars
Well, I mean it was sort of interesting in a baffling kind of way. Nothing really happens. We follow an orphan's move to the home of long lost family and then we sort of meander around for a while until it's over. Nothing overtly magical occurs. There is brief mention of fantasy creatures towards the end. There is some allusion. There is a whole lot of confusing fucking dialogue, holy fuck.
I shall paste my notes:
21% and I need to start marking down the shit that doesn't make sense.
"There was a gaudy fence behind it, painted a lubricious black, with a barrage of tiny bubbles that were salient on my hands to feel like barbed wire."
Was this written with google translate? Am I high right now?
"Her golden hair shone as if it had been spun from pure tulle or silk." Tulle like the really tacky foofty tutu shit? Can you spin fabric into thread? I don't think that's how spinning works.
"She had a voice not to be trusted. I sensed that the moment I'd seen her; the way she watched Cray with a calamity and dispensable joy." Wat?
"You're quite the resolve."
"We were all sitting around the table in our usual places, except Marselle was beside Dru, which left me farthest from the others, listening to her jabber on and on about her visit to the Sahara Desert and the many strange things that happened when she probably just forgot to take her Valium." Yes, I often hallucinate when I forget to take a sedative.. >>.>>
Okay so Seb is turned off by the chicken but had a burger with her days ago?
"Isobel was no better, just a bias accomplice to his sapid ways." Dafuq am I reading.
"...what with the widow's peak in his corn silk hair and plume symmetrical features standing out to demand your attention."
""I think he's..." He stopped rifling through his bag to think. "Uncontrollable," He said with a passionate detest."" A passionate detest?
"His tone was too weak to be atoned as accurate." This author has a word-a-day calendar, and it has been used for evil.
What the fuck? "My body zinged with a longing that trilled in my veins, flooding me with a need to be distinguished, kept above the harness of a crazed desire to be held."
"Whatever he felt for me with little degree or worth, it couldn't be forced, pushed or exceeded to my advantage." I feel like I'm reading mad libs.
"She could have cured a donkey of the jitters or a windsurfer of heights."
"He wasn't looking at me, and there was no please attached, but I wasn't expecting miracles, so I took it like a kitten being tempted by a sky rocket." Jesus christ on a cracker.
"And as difficult as it was to digest, I accepted it with a satisfaction that guaranteed a ramification of further doubts." Oh yeah?
Okay I might need to adopt this term: "Still I couldn't help look at Cray's reaction to every provocative move that she made to lure him into her crabby clench."
"It intrigued me to learn how not only his eyes, but mine too, were the focus of one's attention, that they changed, that neither of us were responsible for the reaction it impaired them to become."
I cannot count how many times I stopped, shook my head and said "what the fuck" while I read this book. The above is only a smattering. Truly it was partially the wtfery that kept me reading. It was almost comical. Scratch that, it was comical. So yeah, there you have it.
July 30, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Birthspell is about Crystal – aka Crys – who is an orphan. She is set to move out of the orphanage and live on her own when her aunt by marriage, Isobel, discovers her. Isobel invites Crys back to her ancestral house at Blacksville. Crys had lost her parents and an aunt at a very young age and wants to know more about her family and parents. She starts having weird visions and dreams while she’s staying at Thorncrest Manor. She’s also unexplainably attracted to Isobel’s son Craven, who likes to be called Cray. But he is rude and keeps ignoring her. On her first day out, she also meets Seb, who seems to be the perfect gentleman. And then there’s the family curse which says that every woman will give birth to a daughter and then die. Is this what happened to her mother? Will she be able to figure out what really happened to her parents? Who will she choose? Cray or Seb?
I loved the cover. I think it’s gorgeous. The book started off really well. The first few chapters are the best part of the book. The scenes set in the orphanage have been done well. My heart went out to Crystal when she was always singled out as the odd one at the orphanage. She does not have any friends either. When Isobel comes along, Crystal’s yearning to be loved is quite evident. But my favorite character in the book was Eve. Crystal finds a friend in Jess while at Blacksville. Eve is Jess’ grandmother. Her no nonsense character was refreshing to read about.
Unfortunately, that’s all I liked about the book. My main issue with the book was its poor editing. There were a lot of grammatical errors which made my reading experience not so memorable. The second issue was the disconnect between scenes. There was no natural flow to the events. Crystal would be out picking fruits with Jess one moment and in the next she’s at Jess’ house with Eve. The next moment she’s arguing with them for no apparent reason and then in the next she’s back home. It was quite confusing to me. I felt that a lot of things happened in the book but most of it did not make any sense. I was hoping to have at least some of my questions answered by the end.
I also felt that some of the scenes are missing in the book. For eg: I really couldn’t understand why Crystal felt close to the house help. Crystal sees one of them in a motherly nature but there was no incident to justify this feeling. Then there is the insinuation that Crystal has suffered a trauma in the past due to which she keeps fainting and losing time. But we do not get any kind of explanation for this either. The book also ended abruptly. My copy has all the 3 books in one file. So I didn’t even know the book had ended until I turned the page. But yes, it did end with a murder.
Even though the book has all of these issues, I still feel the plot is decent enough. It has all the potential to be a good book. The book just needs good editing, a natural flow to events and good character development. I’m sure if these are done, then it would be an enjoyable read. I’m hoping at least some of my questions will be answered in the second book.
Birthspell is about Crystal – aka Crys – who is an orphan. She is set to move out of the orphanage and live on her own when her aunt by marriage, Isobel, discovers her. Isobel invites Crys back to her ancestral house at Blacksville. Crys had lost her parents and an aunt at a very young age and wants to know more about her family and parents. She starts having weird visions and dreams while she’s staying at Thorncrest Manor. She’s also unexplainably attracted to Isobel’s son Craven, who likes to be called Cray. But he is rude and keeps ignoring her. On her first day out, she also meets Seb, who seems to be the perfect gentleman. And then there’s the family curse which says that every woman will give birth to a daughter and then die. Is this what happened to her mother? Will she be able to figure out what really happened to her parents? Who will she choose? Cray or Seb?
I loved the cover. I think it’s gorgeous. The book started off really well. The first few chapters are the best part of the book. The scenes set in the orphanage have been done well. My heart went out to Crystal when she was always singled out as the odd one at the orphanage. She does not have any friends either. When Isobel comes along, Crystal’s yearning to be loved is quite evident. But my favorite character in the book was Eve. Crystal finds a friend in Jess while at Blacksville. Eve is Jess’ grandmother. Her no nonsense character was refreshing to read about.
Unfortunately, that’s all I liked about the book. My main issue with the book was its poor editing. There were a lot of grammatical errors which made my reading experience not so memorable. The second issue was the disconnect between scenes. There was no natural flow to the events. Crystal would be out picking fruits with Jess one moment and in the next she’s at Jess’ house with Eve. The next moment she’s arguing with them for no apparent reason and then in the next she’s back home. It was quite confusing to me. I felt that a lot of things happened in the book but most of it did not make any sense. I was hoping to have at least some of my questions answered by the end.
I also felt that some of the scenes are missing in the book. For eg: I really couldn’t understand why Crystal felt close to the house help. Crystal sees one of them in a motherly nature but there was no incident to justify this feeling. Then there is the insinuation that Crystal has suffered a trauma in the past due to which she keeps fainting and losing time. But we do not get any kind of explanation for this either. The book also ended abruptly. My copy has all the 3 books in one file. So I didn’t even know the book had ended until I turned the page. But yes, it did end with a murder.
Even though the book has all of these issues, I still feel the plot is decent enough. It has all the potential to be a good book. The book just needs good editing, a natural flow to events and good character development. I’m sure if these are done, then it would be an enjoyable read. I’m hoping at least some of my questions will be answered in the second book.
July 12, 2020
Birthspell
Miriam Khan
The Lebrus Stone Series
Fantasy Young Adult
Crystal Valdez is an orphan who has a dark past that is shrouded in mystery. She lost both her parents and an aunt at a young age and feels alone in the world. Then a woman appears claiming to be her great aunt and invites her home to the ancestral home. When Crystal arrives things begin to happen around her, weird unexplainable things. On top of that Crystal finds herself feeling attracted to not one, but two very different guys. One seems perfect, but for some reason she finds herself drawn to the other boy more. The boy she dreams about almost every night. What is the mystery surrounding Crystal and is someone out to harm crystal or is she going crazy?
I really enjoyed this story.It is a bit slow in spots but if you just keep reading it is worth it. I loved Crystal. She has been alone for so long that she is a very strong independent person.even while seeing ghosts and having horrific nightmares she doesn’t fall apart and run away. Instead she stands her ground to find out what is happening and to find out more about who she is. Her “family” is an interesting blend of characters that make the story seem more real. You have the mother who is sophisticated, but strange at the same time. One minute she is sickly sweet and the next she is terrifying. Next is the older brother who is just a huge jerk. Then you have the little sister who is so sweet and bubbly and the only one who seems to be truly happy to have Crystal in their home. Lastly is the first love interest Craven who is the town hotty and bad boy. He’s the type of guy we are all told is trouble and to stay away from, but we find ourselves wanting anyway. The rest of the characters in this story are also unique which is nice to not have cookie cutter characters who all just blend together so you can’t remember who was who.
I loved the concept behind this story of a long ago curse. The supernatural aspects of this story were also intriguing. I loved how there were a variety of different creatures in this story, not just one type.
Unfortunately there were a few things that were hard for me with this story. I felt like at times the author bounced from one thing to another and it took me a few minutes to figure out what happened. I also felt like there were still a lot of questions at the end. I would have liked to know more about the curse and the powers that were referenced in the description of the book.
I did enjoy this story and will continue with the rest of the story. I recommend this to those who love the supernatural. I also recommend that those who read this are the patient type since you will need it since this story slowly gives you answers and leaves you with more.
I received a free ecopy of this book from Netgalley for my honest opinion.
Miriam Khan
The Lebrus Stone Series
Fantasy Young Adult
Crystal Valdez is an orphan who has a dark past that is shrouded in mystery. She lost both her parents and an aunt at a young age and feels alone in the world. Then a woman appears claiming to be her great aunt and invites her home to the ancestral home. When Crystal arrives things begin to happen around her, weird unexplainable things. On top of that Crystal finds herself feeling attracted to not one, but two very different guys. One seems perfect, but for some reason she finds herself drawn to the other boy more. The boy she dreams about almost every night. What is the mystery surrounding Crystal and is someone out to harm crystal or is she going crazy?
I really enjoyed this story.It is a bit slow in spots but if you just keep reading it is worth it. I loved Crystal. She has been alone for so long that she is a very strong independent person.even while seeing ghosts and having horrific nightmares she doesn’t fall apart and run away. Instead she stands her ground to find out what is happening and to find out more about who she is. Her “family” is an interesting blend of characters that make the story seem more real. You have the mother who is sophisticated, but strange at the same time. One minute she is sickly sweet and the next she is terrifying. Next is the older brother who is just a huge jerk. Then you have the little sister who is so sweet and bubbly and the only one who seems to be truly happy to have Crystal in their home. Lastly is the first love interest Craven who is the town hotty and bad boy. He’s the type of guy we are all told is trouble and to stay away from, but we find ourselves wanting anyway. The rest of the characters in this story are also unique which is nice to not have cookie cutter characters who all just blend together so you can’t remember who was who.
I loved the concept behind this story of a long ago curse. The supernatural aspects of this story were also intriguing. I loved how there were a variety of different creatures in this story, not just one type.
Unfortunately there were a few things that were hard for me with this story. I felt like at times the author bounced from one thing to another and it took me a few minutes to figure out what happened. I also felt like there were still a lot of questions at the end. I would have liked to know more about the curse and the powers that were referenced in the description of the book.
I did enjoy this story and will continue with the rest of the story. I recommend this to those who love the supernatural. I also recommend that those who read this are the patient type since you will need it since this story slowly gives you answers and leaves you with more.
I received a free ecopy of this book from Netgalley for my honest opinion.
July 11, 2020
This book is clearly the start of a much larger series, giving you lots of hints and clues throughout, but not yet building the full picture yet.
Crystal is an independent girl who has bounced around in the system after losing her only known relative (after losing her parents). With little by way of family knowledge, she is as shocked as anyone when a seemingly rich mysterious relative shows up to connect with her. Though not related by blood (and only by marriage - that's important to not get skeeved out later on), they develop an off camera relationship that lends itself to Crystal spending some time with her at her "manor." It's there that she meets a very random assortment of characters, most notably the "bad boy" Cray.
Crystal has clearly got some baggage and it's only made worse by her new family, some crazy overbearing actions, mysteries, nightmares, creepy attics, ghosts, and a crush on Cray. Oh, and there's a random kid in the woods that she also might crush on when she's not being pulled by the weirdness and bizarre behavior that makes up Cray. Characters keep popping up all over the place in this seemingly small town, and I can tell that we are building to something... but we don't get there. Should I be rooting for Crystal to discover more about her family? Should I be rooting for her friend to hook up with the aggressively mean housemate? I was utterly conflicted and found it hard to get on a team to pull me through this book. I hope that there are better and more concrete things for Crystal in the future.
Crystal is an independent girl who has bounced around in the system after losing her only known relative (after losing her parents). With little by way of family knowledge, she is as shocked as anyone when a seemingly rich mysterious relative shows up to connect with her. Though not related by blood (and only by marriage - that's important to not get skeeved out later on), they develop an off camera relationship that lends itself to Crystal spending some time with her at her "manor." It's there that she meets a very random assortment of characters, most notably the "bad boy" Cray.
Crystal has clearly got some baggage and it's only made worse by her new family, some crazy overbearing actions, mysteries, nightmares, creepy attics, ghosts, and a crush on Cray. Oh, and there's a random kid in the woods that she also might crush on when she's not being pulled by the weirdness and bizarre behavior that makes up Cray. Characters keep popping up all over the place in this seemingly small town, and I can tell that we are building to something... but we don't get there. Should I be rooting for Crystal to discover more about her family? Should I be rooting for her friend to hook up with the aggressively mean housemate? I was utterly conflicted and found it hard to get on a team to pull me through this book. I hope that there are better and more concrete things for Crystal in the future.
June 29, 2020
I really try to go into books not expecting too much. This book though, had me excited. The description alone was enough to have me pumped to read it.
The characters were interesting. The plot sounded solid. After getting into reading it, and finishing the book it left me disappointed. It was like the entire book was the first chapter. The whole book seemed to set the stage, but never really explain anything.
This orphan crystal, goes to live with a long-lost sort of relative, and her children. She meets two guys. Nothing is what it seems. Crystal has nightmares, etc. the book leads to paranormal, but also, leaves you wondering if crystal isn’t just crazy. All of these unexplained things happen, that seem to make no sense, and when they do, crystal seems to think they don’t.
The prophecy is the description isn’t really mentioned. The stone, or birthmark, or whatever, is only mentioned in passing.
I feel like this book really has potential, but seemed to lack focus on getting to the point. It was kind of confusing.
It does have potential. There are some great ideas, and some great characters. There are fantastic settings. It just needs more to get the reader to understand what is actually going on in the small town it’s set it.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The characters were interesting. The plot sounded solid. After getting into reading it, and finishing the book it left me disappointed. It was like the entire book was the first chapter. The whole book seemed to set the stage, but never really explain anything.
This orphan crystal, goes to live with a long-lost sort of relative, and her children. She meets two guys. Nothing is what it seems. Crystal has nightmares, etc. the book leads to paranormal, but also, leaves you wondering if crystal isn’t just crazy. All of these unexplained things happen, that seem to make no sense, and when they do, crystal seems to think they don’t.
The prophecy is the description isn’t really mentioned. The stone, or birthmark, or whatever, is only mentioned in passing.
I feel like this book really has potential, but seemed to lack focus on getting to the point. It was kind of confusing.
It does have potential. There are some great ideas, and some great characters. There are fantastic settings. It just needs more to get the reader to understand what is actually going on in the small town it’s set it.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2020
I received this book as an Arc copy. World building was incredibly well done, and character building was exceptional as well. The storyline and plot line were well-thought-out and developed. The story follows a young girl named Crystal who is surrounded by mystery regarding her parents, and the people that know the truth in the matter are not talking. Crystal has a power that is hidden deep within her, and it is not awakened in the first book you will have to read books two and three to find out what the mysterious power will be, and have the mystery solved. This book has fast-paced action, and once you begin it it is very hard to put it down. I highly recommend this book if you love mysteries, thrillers, fairies, not being able to put a book down until you come to the end, and fast-paced action. I absolutely love this book so much so that I bought books two and three. I do not usually pay this much for a book let alone two books, and actually they are not price that high I usually just don't pay that much. What can I say I love this book so much that I had to have the following books. I do not know if this is a trilogy or if it's a series that will continue past three books. I hope it has more than three books, because I just absolutely loved the storyline and plot line of this book.
July 1, 2020
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot)
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
------------
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes if Ms. Khan begins to write in other genres -- this book made me realise that I'm just not into YA / NA romance. Even when I like Ms. Khan's ideas / writing.
Would you recommend?: Yes -- If you enjoy YA / NA romance, then IMO you'll enjoy this book. :-)
----
Pros:
Interesting plotline.
Good characters.
--
Cons:
N/A
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
------------
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes if Ms. Khan begins to write in other genres -- this book made me realise that I'm just not into YA / NA romance. Even when I like Ms. Khan's ideas / writing.
Would you recommend?: Yes -- If you enjoy YA / NA romance, then IMO you'll enjoy this book. :-)
----
Pros:
Interesting plotline.
Good characters.
--
Cons:
N/A
July 28, 2020
Wow so there’s a lot in this book and you meet a lot of new people
Crystalla aka crystal is a orphan who moved to her aunts but her aunt died - so she had to live in a group home sort of. Not the nicest or friendliest of places but she has a lovely boss
Her aunt only by marriage saw a photo of her and recognised her as she looks like her mum.
The aunt is weird and has serious mood swings. I was actually a little scared of her
Crystal has very intense nightmares which I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat each time as I wanted to learn more
There’s creepy attics and mysterious locked rooms and draws. More secrets than the secret garden lol
You meet lots of people like Jess and the homeless guy who seriously confused me. There’s ghosts and creepy stories of ancestors.
Cray - hmmm now i wasn’t sure if I wanted to root for him or not :/ yeah he has the looks and bad boy type but he was so full of himself.
Loved the idea of a old curse and seriously just want to know more as there’s many questions unanswered
Defiantly worth a read and I can’t wait to read the next book !
Crystalla aka crystal is a orphan who moved to her aunts but her aunt died - so she had to live in a group home sort of. Not the nicest or friendliest of places but she has a lovely boss
Her aunt only by marriage saw a photo of her and recognised her as she looks like her mum.
The aunt is weird and has serious mood swings. I was actually a little scared of her
Crystal has very intense nightmares which I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat each time as I wanted to learn more
There’s creepy attics and mysterious locked rooms and draws. More secrets than the secret garden lol
You meet lots of people like Jess and the homeless guy who seriously confused me. There’s ghosts and creepy stories of ancestors.
Cray - hmmm now i wasn’t sure if I wanted to root for him or not :/ yeah he has the looks and bad boy type but he was so full of himself.
Loved the idea of a old curse and seriously just want to know more as there’s many questions unanswered
Defiantly worth a read and I can’t wait to read the next book !
September 25, 2020
It’s been a while since I’ve read a paranormal so I couldn’t wait to read this one with a broody bad boy in it. It was a bit slow in spots, but it kept me captivated enough to finish it.
A love triangle involving an unsuspecting heroine, a rich and angsty bad boy, and a charming homeless boy. The question is who is her protector and who is there to harm her?
Crystal grew up in a group home thinking she had no family to speak of…until Aunt Isobel showed up and invited her to Thorncrest Manor in the small town of Blacksville, West Virginia. What she finds is a wealthy family of strange and rude relatives who want to run her life and a number of locals who know more about her past than she does. Add in realistic nightmares full of danger and mayhem and you have a magical mystery that leaves you hanging at the end.
Overall, this is a mysterious and odd story with a supernatural vibe full of unusual events, freaky visions, and bizarre characters. If you like paranormals that will leave you guessing with a cliffhanger ending, give this book a try.
Thank you to Ms. Khan for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
A love triangle involving an unsuspecting heroine, a rich and angsty bad boy, and a charming homeless boy. The question is who is her protector and who is there to harm her?
Crystal grew up in a group home thinking she had no family to speak of…until Aunt Isobel showed up and invited her to Thorncrest Manor in the small town of Blacksville, West Virginia. What she finds is a wealthy family of strange and rude relatives who want to run her life and a number of locals who know more about her past than she does. Add in realistic nightmares full of danger and mayhem and you have a magical mystery that leaves you hanging at the end.
Overall, this is a mysterious and odd story with a supernatural vibe full of unusual events, freaky visions, and bizarre characters. If you like paranormals that will leave you guessing with a cliffhanger ending, give this book a try.
Thank you to Ms. Khan for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
August 2, 2020
3.5/5
I recieved this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! All opinions are my own.
It’s a really interesting story. This first book in the series goes a bit slow but I enjoyed it a lot. I’m officially hooked to the mystery! I’ll read the rest of these books because I read this one pretty fast and I’m intrigued.
Crystal doesn’t know a lot about her past or her family. She’s an orphan and when a mysterious great aunt appears to tell her about her side of the family that she’s never met, she’s intrigued and agrees to go with her to meet the rest of them. She then tries to discover more about her parents while trying to get to know these people.
I have so many questions and very few answers after reading this book. But that only makes me want to read the next one soon.
The mystery in here develops a bit slow and doesn’t tell you much. But the writing and the characters are great. I’d wish there were more fantastic elements or more explanations for them but as a first book I think it’s okay.
I recieved this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! All opinions are my own.
It’s a really interesting story. This first book in the series goes a bit slow but I enjoyed it a lot. I’m officially hooked to the mystery! I’ll read the rest of these books because I read this one pretty fast and I’m intrigued.
Crystal doesn’t know a lot about her past or her family. She’s an orphan and when a mysterious great aunt appears to tell her about her side of the family that she’s never met, she’s intrigued and agrees to go with her to meet the rest of them. She then tries to discover more about her parents while trying to get to know these people.
I have so many questions and very few answers after reading this book. But that only makes me want to read the next one soon.
The mystery in here develops a bit slow and doesn’t tell you much. But the writing and the characters are great. I’d wish there were more fantastic elements or more explanations for them but as a first book I think it’s okay.
October 30, 2020
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review!
The concept behind Birthspell is clever and there are lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed the gothic suspense driven moments and would have loved more of them!
When we meet Crystal she's in a particularly vulnerable situation and is unsure of where her life will take her. I enjoyed her spirit and enthusiasm although I was desperate for her to demand more answers or to leave.
I enjoyed the little tidbits we get into the history of the house and Crystal's mysterious new family.
I couldn't decide how I felt about Dru. I think people make a lot of allowances for her because of her age. I also had similar issues with Cray and Seb. I do like a broody lead but both are kept pretty mysterious and I would like to see them developed and explored more in the next instalment. Ugh Luke!
The end took a turn I really wasn't expecting but it's always nice to be kept guessing! I'd love to explore the attics - no way could I resist!
3 Stars in my Sky!
The concept behind Birthspell is clever and there are lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed the gothic suspense driven moments and would have loved more of them!
When we meet Crystal she's in a particularly vulnerable situation and is unsure of where her life will take her. I enjoyed her spirit and enthusiasm although I was desperate for her to demand more answers or to leave.
I enjoyed the little tidbits we get into the history of the house and Crystal's mysterious new family.
I couldn't decide how I felt about Dru. I think people make a lot of allowances for her because of her age. I also had similar issues with Cray and Seb. I do like a broody lead but both are kept pretty mysterious and I would like to see them developed and explored more in the next instalment. Ugh Luke!
The end took a turn I really wasn't expecting but it's always nice to be kept guessing! I'd love to explore the attics - no way could I resist!
3 Stars in my Sky!
May 19, 2020
*** I’m volunteering to review this arc ***
This book had some good and interesting characters. It was a little dragged out, but other then that it was pretty good read. Crystal was a child of the state. She was told her parents died in a accident. She became a child of state when her aunt died in a fire. She learns that she does have family. She goes to visit them and finds that she is attracted to two guys. Craven she seems to have the strongest connection too and then there’s Sebastian. She has been seeing and having nightmares since she came to the manor. There is something going on and she has decided that she needs to figure out what It is. Will Crystal be able to figure out what is going on? Who will she decide to go with Craven or Sebastian? She will be learning something’s about her family’s history and that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book had some good and interesting characters. It was a little dragged out, but other then that it was pretty good read. Crystal was a child of the state. She was told her parents died in a accident. She became a child of state when her aunt died in a fire. She learns that she does have family. She goes to visit them and finds that she is attracted to two guys. Craven she seems to have the strongest connection too and then there’s Sebastian. She has been seeing and having nightmares since she came to the manor. There is something going on and she has decided that she needs to figure out what It is. Will Crystal be able to figure out what is going on? Who will she decide to go with Craven or Sebastian? She will be learning something’s about her family’s history and that.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2020
I was drawn by the cover and the description of the story and while the story has potential to be pretty great, the description of the book doesn’t really match the book. Its always fun when there’s a love triangle, mystery, paranormal stuff going on and this book has it all three and more but it needs some work. For more than half of the book, it felt really slow and all over the place. Character intros could have been done in a different way and having backgrounds for those characters would add for us to connect.
Another element in the book is mystery. I was intrigued to see where the plot was going, I felt way too lost a lot of time. For example, I couldn’t understand why Isobel was so obsessed with finding something medically wrong with Crys. It wasn’t until I read the third book that I understood a lot of what was going on.
Again, the story has a lot of great concepts and huge potential. It kept me interested enough to read up to book 3.
Another element in the book is mystery. I was intrigued to see where the plot was going, I felt way too lost a lot of time. For example, I couldn’t understand why Isobel was so obsessed with finding something medically wrong with Crys. It wasn’t until I read the third book that I understood a lot of what was going on.
Again, the story has a lot of great concepts and huge potential. It kept me interested enough to read up to book 3.
December 20, 2020
Mercilessly and hopelessly enthralled, and I loved every second of it!
**Presented with an ARC from the author via StoryOrigin in exchange for an honest review.**
There’s so much to Birthspell that I’m not quite sure where to begin. It is a book that holds you from the first page, a mystery that unravels slowly and yet keeps pace so eloquently that you’re not quite sure if you’re following the clues or if the clues are following you.
A long lost family of cousins living in a small town steeped in generational mysteries in a house that seems both haunted and alive in its own right. You’re kept on the edge of your seat and guessing until the very end. This is definitely a book that I know I will be reading again!
With a voice similar to Kendare Blake, Gayle Forman, and Brittni Chenelle, if you’ve enjoyed Anna Dressed in Blood, Girl of Nightmares, If I Stay, or The Gifted Fae Academy Collection, you will love this book!
**Presented with an ARC from the author via StoryOrigin in exchange for an honest review.**
There’s so much to Birthspell that I’m not quite sure where to begin. It is a book that holds you from the first page, a mystery that unravels slowly and yet keeps pace so eloquently that you’re not quite sure if you’re following the clues or if the clues are following you.
A long lost family of cousins living in a small town steeped in generational mysteries in a house that seems both haunted and alive in its own right. You’re kept on the edge of your seat and guessing until the very end. This is definitely a book that I know I will be reading again!
With a voice similar to Kendare Blake, Gayle Forman, and Brittni Chenelle, if you’ve enjoyed Anna Dressed in Blood, Girl of Nightmares, If I Stay, or The Gifted Fae Academy Collection, you will love this book!
July 6, 2020
Birth Spell by Miriam Khan
I found the premise of this story very intriguing and I was keen to start reading it. However I found the going a bit slow and a bit predictable at the beginning. I just wasn’t drawn in by the characters. But the more that I read the more I enjoyed it!
The story is about a young girl who has grown up in a group home after her parents died at a young age. She then is found by a mysterious and rich Aunt because she had her photo in the paper, She ends up moving to the town and meeting the family she didn’t know about and odd things start to happen to her and she discovers a shocking secret about her heritage.
At times the book feels a bit drawn out, and the has a few confusing moments, but on the whole I enjoyed it!
I would recommend this book for anyone interested in the younger end of YA fantasy/paranormal genre.
3/5 ⭐️
I found the premise of this story very intriguing and I was keen to start reading it. However I found the going a bit slow and a bit predictable at the beginning. I just wasn’t drawn in by the characters. But the more that I read the more I enjoyed it!
The story is about a young girl who has grown up in a group home after her parents died at a young age. She then is found by a mysterious and rich Aunt because she had her photo in the paper, She ends up moving to the town and meeting the family she didn’t know about and odd things start to happen to her and she discovers a shocking secret about her heritage.
At times the book feels a bit drawn out, and the has a few confusing moments, but on the whole I enjoyed it!
I would recommend this book for anyone interested in the younger end of YA fantasy/paranormal genre.
3/5 ⭐️
July 29, 2020
Birthspell is a little outside of my wheelhouse, but I was excited none the less to read it. The description had me so intrigued, but I unfortunately my hopes were set a little too high. I went into the book expecting a page turner, and the first couple chapters were exactly that, but after that things got a little confusing. The storyline bounced from one thing to another, and the main thing that drew me in (the curse) isn’t mentioned much and there’s so many unanswered questions.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand this is the first book in a series and I obviously wasn’t going to get all the details in this book, but it still felt incomplete. I needed a little more fluff/detail about what was going on and it would’ve been so much better for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Don’t get me wrong, I understand this is the first book in a series and I obviously wasn’t going to get all the details in this book, but it still felt incomplete. I needed a little more fluff/detail about what was going on and it would’ve been so much better for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2020
I think “slow and meandering” might best describe the book. It started off well, but started to get confusing. Crystal Valdez is an orphan with a mysterious past. She lost both of her parents at a young age and feels isolated and alone. A woman claiming to be a relative takes her to the ancestral home where strange, unexplainable things start to occur around Crystal.
The story line is interesting but there was no real flow to what was happening. It jumped around. Things should have been developed a bit more. The descriptions were well done and detailed enough to make things feel real. But unfortunately it dragged in parts and many things did not make much sense, almost as if parts were missing. It was not a comfortable read, but I do think it could be improved if an editor and/or Beta readers had a look at it.
The story line is interesting but there was no real flow to what was happening. It jumped around. Things should have been developed a bit more. The descriptions were well done and detailed enough to make things feel real. But unfortunately it dragged in parts and many things did not make much sense, almost as if parts were missing. It was not a comfortable read, but I do think it could be improved if an editor and/or Beta readers had a look at it.
August 17, 2020
Crystal who has lost her parents and has been left to the state to raise cant wait to leave get and apartment and start college but all those plans get disrupted she has family in Virginia and what a strange family they are. This story has some intriguing turns with Crystal trying to navigate her feelings for two boys and her every worrisome fears strange dreams and a underlying evil just waiting to capture her when she's not looking. This story has allot of secrets its got that creepy feel were you wonder can Crystal trust anyone and her family may not be so caring after all. So I find this book interesting it dose have some slow parts and places were one scene dosen't transition well into the next but the basic mystery of what's going on still leaves me wanting to read more.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
August 24, 2020
*I received this book from YA Bound Tours for my honest review*
The premise of this book was really interesting and I enjoyed the world-building and mystery of it all. It gave off The Covenant vibes, if anyone remembers that movies, mixed with Sabrina. I really enjoyed the build-up and am interested in learning more of what happens to Crystal and this town.
The only problem I had with the book was that it was sort of your typical, he's a bad-boy and treats me like dirt, but I love him anyway type story. While I agree that does happen, so I'm not saying it's realistic, I felt it was a little forced on the character and didn't quite make sense with everything she had been through.
All in all, if you like mystery, YA, supernatural, and paranormal fantasy, I definitely recommend this book. I read it all in one sitting as I kept wanting to learn more!
The premise of this book was really interesting and I enjoyed the world-building and mystery of it all. It gave off The Covenant vibes, if anyone remembers that movies, mixed with Sabrina. I really enjoyed the build-up and am interested in learning more of what happens to Crystal and this town.
The only problem I had with the book was that it was sort of your typical, he's a bad-boy and treats me like dirt, but I love him anyway type story. While I agree that does happen, so I'm not saying it's realistic, I felt it was a little forced on the character and didn't quite make sense with everything she had been through.
All in all, if you like mystery, YA, supernatural, and paranormal fantasy, I definitely recommend this book. I read it all in one sitting as I kept wanting to learn more!
October 18, 2020
This book had so much potential and I really wanted to love it! The cover is beautiful and drew me in. The blurb was intriguing and promised so much more than the book delivered. The characters were not well developed and the action/plot was lacking. Maybe the second book is better, but this book needs a good review by an editor and beta readers. It's just a hot mess at this point and I hope the author is able to either re-write it and/or have a good editor go through and suggest changes to make this book reach its potential. I generously gave it three stars in the hopes that it gets a revamp, but if it doesn't, then this would only be a 1 1/2 star book at best and I can't recommend it as is. Thank goodness I received an ARC of it as I would never pay for this level of chaos in a book.
I received a free copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a free copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
August 1, 2020
I struggled on where to put my ratings. The blurb pulled me in and the beginning held so much potential. Now don’t get me wrong it wasn’t wasn’t bad it just could have been more.
I found in the beginning being pulled into Crystals life, it was well perceived and easily formed a picture in my mind. After she meets her aunt things in the story start to feel all over the place bouncy and confusing. The characters were almost like little blips that would pop in and out and not give us a real sense of who they are.
Honestly with a little bit more development and smoother transitions in scenes this could have been so much more. I had to start book 2 just to try and understand what I exactly didn’t understand in book 1.
***I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout, all thoughts are my own and freely given***
I found in the beginning being pulled into Crystals life, it was well perceived and easily formed a picture in my mind. After she meets her aunt things in the story start to feel all over the place bouncy and confusing. The characters were almost like little blips that would pop in and out and not give us a real sense of who they are.
Honestly with a little bit more development and smoother transitions in scenes this could have been so much more. I had to start book 2 just to try and understand what I exactly didn’t understand in book 1.
***I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout, all thoughts are my own and freely given***
July 31, 2020
The Lebrus Stone is an amazing start to a brand new series, bringing a whole new take on our mythical creatures (are they really only imaginary though?) to the table. Fans of Stephanie Meyers "Twilight" series and Patrica Briggs's "Mercy Thompson" series will fall in love with this book by Miriam Khan, and keep an eye out eagerly for the next book in the series.
Two things I loved about this book, were that there was no real foul language, and the violence, compared to most books today, is minimal. And given this book was written for new adults, those could go either way.
If you like books about witches and other creatures of the night, I strongly suggest you give this book a try. It's not your typical book, and you definitely won't be disappointed!
Two things I loved about this book, were that there was no real foul language, and the violence, compared to most books today, is minimal. And given this book was written for new adults, those could go either way.
If you like books about witches and other creatures of the night, I strongly suggest you give this book a try. It's not your typical book, and you definitely won't be disappointed!
August 1, 2020
“Birthspell” I got into this book really quickly, like within the first 20 or so pages and I really wanted to see what was going to happen. I thought it was a story that I could get into and I did though I have had a hard time connecting with the Main Character Crystal. Even by the end of the book, the connection I hope to feel for a character just wasn’t there. The story is what kept me engaged & reading … Lost Family, the loss of family & a Family Curse? Intriguing!
There are some clear editing issues and that was very distracting for me as a avid reader and lover of the written word. There also seemed to bits missing or not explained well enough this story was good just needed more love & care in reads to editing.
There are some clear editing issues and that was very distracting for me as a avid reader and lover of the written word. There also seemed to bits missing or not explained well enough this story was good just needed more love & care in reads to editing.
July 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this book.
I must say, it did take me a little while to get into, which could have been the result of my own restless mind, but I’m glad I stuck with it. Very interesting characters, and great settings. An intriguing storyline, and enough twists and turns to keep me interested. Crystal is a great main character and I really liked her, I really liked her story too! Okay, there were a few things along the way that were a bit confusing, but that just added to the overall feeling of mystery. Yes, I am happy I found this new-to-me author.
I must say, it did take me a little while to get into, which could have been the result of my own restless mind, but I’m glad I stuck with it. Very interesting characters, and great settings. An intriguing storyline, and enough twists and turns to keep me interested. Crystal is a great main character and I really liked her, I really liked her story too! Okay, there were a few things along the way that were a bit confusing, but that just added to the overall feeling of mystery. Yes, I am happy I found this new-to-me author.
August 10, 2020
This series is about Crystal. She's on a path to finding out what lies in her families past. This is a delicately paced set. Each book has to be savoured like a glass of fine wine. Crystal is slowly growing up and uncovering lies and deceit. There's;s romance and Crystal needs to make some hard choices. This is a slow reading book series. Takes you a bit of time to really get into the storyline but worth the effort.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2020
The story has potential I just think there are way to many questions and not enough answers in book 1. The pacing is slow and tedious at times - there are hints to the paranormal or that something is off about the family but they are very vague hints and no reveal at all. Book 1 also ends on a cliffhabger which wouldnt be horrible if I had gotten some answers. I do believe a good editor could make this a more thrilling read
August 10, 2020
I wasn’t to sure when I started the first book, it made you wonder what was going on and why, glad I did not stop reading as I enjoyed the second and third book. Lots of twist and turns in this book with a few surprises along the way. Supernatural Happenings with a few scares thrown in for good measure. I would recommend this bookset.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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