Review:  Dragon Rogue (Riders of Jade and Fire Book 3) by Melanie Ansley

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Rating: 4.75⭐️

Ever read one of those books that you just both wanted to scream at when you got to the end and still loved? Yes indeed. 

Welcome to Dragon Rogue, a book of storylines full of deception, betrayal, heartbreaking revelations and bloody violence that ends in a fight with shocking consequences. 

And it starts right off with violence. Jin and her jade dragon are sent off by the Empress, a shady character herself, to kill the Empress’s “evil enemy”, the blood-bonded traitor Mengkhis Lai, rider of a jade dragon himself. 

But things aren’t as simple as it seems. She’s fought him before and he’s let her live. And she’s been having fragmented dreams about her past and the Prince’s birth. It’s a labyrinthine narrative, full of false plots, intriguing stories about dragon natural history, and blood bonding. 

Even the ability to summon ghosts and what it means to the lifespan of the summoner, the author barely touches on the aspect of this element.  And it’s so fascinating and horrifying.

But all the tightly held secrets and connections that are being strung here, ones that feel more like chains than relationships, are the key. It’s well written, suspense filled, and realistic to the point of anxiety. 

Then comes that ending. Amazing. Now to wait until September. 

Fantastic series and great writing.

Highly recommended.

Cover Design: Get Covers

The Riders of Jade & Fire series: 

Night of the Black Dragon (prequel novella) 

Dragon Class #1

Dragon Flame #2

Dragon Rogue #3

Dragon Blood #4 – Sept 2026

Buy link 

        Dragon Rogue: A Clean YA Fantasy Adventure (Riders of Jade and Fire Book 3)

    

Blurb 

Some truths rewrite the past. Others rewrite your soul.

Jin was sent to kill a man while he dreamed.
Instead, she woke a nightmare.

As the empire’s most celebrated dragonrider, Jin thought her mission was simple: assassinate the blood-bonded traitor Mengkhis Lai before he could ever wake from his mage-induced sleep.

But events at the Well of Fire go terribly wrong. Buried with the man she was supposed to kill, Jin begins to question everything—especially when Mengkhis claims the empress meant for them both to die.

Escaping the Well is only the beginning. Injured and forced to publicly lie about killing Mengkhis, Jin must decide whether to trust the word of the man she was trained to destroy—or risk being silenced forever by the empire that made her a hero. When Jin is put into training with the Royal Veil, the empire’s secret police, Jin decides to uncover the truth behind the mission that nearly killed her, and put an end to Mengkhis once and for all.

But the deeper Jin goes, the more she suspects the empress’s motives. Jin uncovers plots, secrets, and a destiny far greater—and more dangerous—than she imagined.

Her enemies want her dead.
Her allies want absolute loyalty, even at the price of love.

And the one person who may hold the answers… is the one she must kill to earn her freedom.

Review: A Rider’s Guide to Dragon Healing (Dragons of Safe Haven #3) by Julia Huni

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Rating: 4 ⭐️

 I enjoyed the third story far better than the second, circling back to characters who are older, been worn and in many ways, damaged by their past histories, in the particular case, a shared traumatizing event, caused by one of the main characters. 

A Rider’s Guide to Dragon Healing sees the return of two characters who have had important roles and relationships with the main characters in this series.  

Sarai Lavigne,a Tier One Healer, is dragon rider William Ordell’s sister. Someone who is thought dead by the ruler and Kingdom they both have fled. William and his dragon seeking sanctuary and retirement on Safe Haven, a mysterious island magically hidden from others and inhabited by multiple otherworldly species that coexist together.  She has found her own way to a kingdom currently at war with the one they fled.  She’s a beautifully written, multi dimensional woman, thoughtful, intelligent, whose past life has left its wounds. 

Do I love her? Yes I do.  As much as retired war witch, Calantha Stormbringer, who’s now William’s wife.  The OG couple and story are great. 

Then there’s Tyge de Xerrist, a dragon rider and his wounded dragon Sundri, who have fled the same ruler and Kingdom as William to Safe Haven, seeking help for his dragon who’s in desperate need of healing. Tyge and Sundri have been betrayed and she’s been ordered destroyed. 

So Tyge should be a character we empathize with. But he has a problematic personality and backstory. He kidnapped Sarai previously in another story, and he’s a hot tempered bigot. He’s arrogant and insincere. So, even with a plot line that has him emotionally attached to his wounded dragon, Tyge is still his dragon’s and his own worst enemy.

And it makes him remarkably hard to connect with. I’m with Willam each time he talks to him about his racism/specism towards the islanders and inability to deal. 

The growth of the dragons , including Sundri, their communications and abilities is a joy. As is all the relationships building around them. 

However, I don’t think Huni made a case for Tyge’s character’s makeover here. It’s not credible in the short time frame that he goes from hardcore bigotry to total acceptance of the island’s character and history.  And that the dragons have been able to “talk” directly to their riders all along, which he’s absolutely slow to believe even given proof in front of him. 

So putting aspect aside a not so realistic scenario for Tyge’s redemption, I think it’s a very good story and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Eventually that nasty ol’ Kingdom will notice the dragons. Drama will be coming!

A real winner!

Cover design by David Drummond

Dragons of Safe Haven (4 book series to date):

A Dragon Rider’s Guide to Retirement #1

A Blacksmith’s Guide to Dragon-Rearing #2

A Rider’s Guide to Dragon Healing #3

A Guide to Mermaids and Mountain Trolls #4 – June 29,2027

Buy link 

        A Rider’s Guide to Dragon Healing (Dragons of Safe Haven Book 3)

    

Blurb 

The only thing harder than mending a dragon’s wing is softening his rider’s heart.

Tyge de Xerrist would rather face a Borgonne army on foot than trust his dragon’s life to a witch. But exiled to Safe Haven with Sundri’s wing torn to shreds, the surly rider is out of options.

Sarai Lavigne is a Tier One Healer who has spent years mending the wounds of war. She’s ready to save Sundri, but his rider is her most stubborn patient yet. Even as Sarai and Tyge clash over dragon-lore and ancient grudges, they must work together to get Sundri back in the sky and help Safe Haven’s dragon fire brigade come to full strength.

A cozy fantasy with a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance that won’t steam your glasses. Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes, A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic, and K.M. Shea’s Magiford books—a tale of scales, soot, and second chances.

IPH Media, LLC

Publication date

June 30, 2026

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Language

‎English

File size

4.6 MB

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Supported

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Print length

332 pages

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Book 3 of 4

Dragons of Safe Haven

Review: Shadowspell Academy: The Culling Trials (Book 2) by K. F. Breene and Shannon Mayer

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Rating: 4.5⭐️

The third novel in this portion of this series is excellent. Divided into two trilogies, the three books of The Culling Trials are coauthored by K. F. Breene and Shannon Mayer while the last trilogy is written solely by Mayer. 

So this completes the co-authored mini series, The Culling Trials, and it’s exciting, full of intrigue, surprises, really excellent twists, and leaves our mixed found family of paranormal friends graduating into their respective Houses , ala Harry Potter, and ready for their next chapter as first years. 

Wild and her small crew are headed into the final trials before they are sorted out by their magical abilities into their Houses. If they survive because someone is trying to kill them or just Wild before they can finish. 

And the mystery of their disappearing companions hasn’t been solved yet as a few more teenagers vanish from campus and the authorities have no answers.

Wild and every other person in her group shows realistic personal development as they face growing dangers and a killer that has targeted them. 

I really enjoyed this book, even as I debate going forward without Breene as a coauthor. Her influence in the writing here is clear.

I recommend reading this book as part of the mini-trilogy. Read them in the order they are written. 

Shadowspell Academy (6 book series)

The Culling Trials #1 through 3

Year of the Chameleon #4 through 6 written by Shannon Mayer

Buy link 

        Shadowspell Academy: Culling Trials (Book 3)

    

Blurb 

You Don’t Choose The Academy. The Academy Chooses You.

Being accepted into an elite school of magic, monsters, and assassins was not my idea of higher education. But here I am, fighting my way through the Culling Trials to claim my right to be taught.

As if the gauntlet-type physical and mental tests aren’t enough, people are going missing.

People that are my friends.

In a dangerous world where no one is as they seem, the golden rule is simple: Trust no one. They think we should just look out for ourselves. That we should leave the fallen behind and ask no questions.

They clearly think we’re idiots. I got this far by trusting my instincts, and I’m not going to back down now.

Those kids won’t be left to die.

Not on my watch.

Hijinks Ink Publishing

Publication date

June 11, 2019

Language

‎English

Print length

258 pages

Book 3 of 6

Shadowspell Academy

Review:  Dragon Class (Riders of Jade and Fire #1) by Melanie Ansley

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Rating: 4.75⭐️

Dragon Class, the first book in the outstanding fantasy series Riders of Jade and Fire by Melanie Ansley, is a book and series that I can recommend across the board for all ages. 

I’ve already read through to the end of third novel and can say this one is very beautifully written series, so well executed and developed that each story exceeds the one prior to it. 

Melanie Ansley, an amazing author I’ve discovered with this book and series, has taken historical figures and history as well as included some of China’s mythology and legends into her world building and characters. 

The Tang Dynasty, its Empress Wu are  facts she drew inspiration from and Aadan is modeled on a Prince Narsieh, who fled to China in 650’s with his father from Persia.  So many of the elements here are based on things that actually existed in China’s “golden age”.  It’s these layers of authenticity that add such richness and depth to this series and to the characters that exist within it. 

The names are in the Chinese language order. Last names come first and what English speakers call first names are listed last when the full name is given. FYI. 

Wang Kway Jin is our main character and she’s a standout among the multitude of similar dragonrider characters and series. The a storyline where Jin, a thief of unknown origins, steals a treasure that’s revealed to be a dragon egg. When it hatches, she and the rare jade dragon, form an illegal bond just before they are caught.

From this point, both Jin the lowly thief and Rayden, the rarest of dragons, fight to retain their bond while navigating the labyrinth of imperial Chinese societal laws and a Empress’s secrets and tightly controlling nature over her power, which includes Jin and her dragon’s future. 

There’s an academy aspect to this, which layers in much of the history of the culture and current political landscape. It’s done so well that we feel a part of Jin’s character as she scrambles to survive in this new complex and dangerous world she’s living in and totally unprepared for. 

The cast is as well executed as every main character. All the personalities continue to evolve and show development as this complicated narrative changes and gives us more secrets and expands into new territories and political disputes. 

Persia, trade agreements, and the lack of dragons outside of the realm as well as how mages are educated and horrifically “created” to help channel their energy.  It’s finely defined, broad in its reach and rich in its design. 

But the emotional heft is beautifully carried by Jin and Rayden in a tightly held dynamic that the reader is absolutely connected to. 

And the more she grows into her role, the darker the she situation becomes. 

Just an incredible story and a cast of fantastic characters. A series that will deepen in the complexity and just get better and better. 

Highly recommended for all lovers of fantasy and dragons. 

Cover Design: Get Covers

The Riders of Jade & Fire series: 

Night of the Black Dragon (prequel novella) 

Dragon Class #1

Dragon Flame #2

Dragon Rogue #3

Dragon Blood #4 – Sept 2026

Buy link

 Book 1 of 3: Riders of Jade and Fire 

Blurb 

A thief without a future.

A dragon born for kings.

A bond that could ignite an empire.

In the shadows of the Tang Empire, Jin survives by stealing from the rich and keeping her head down. Until a single reckless heist binds her to Rayshan—a rare jade dragon destined for royal blood alone.

The bond should have been impossible.

Instead, it marks her as a threat.

Faced with a brutal choice between a lifetime in the mines or competing in the Dragon Class trials, Jin is thrust into the deadly world of the empire’s elite dragon riders.

But dragons choose warriors. Nobles. Men.

Not thieves. Not girls.

As deadly rivalries ignite and dark secrets stir within the palace walls, Jin is drawn into a dangerous world of court intrigue, where a charismatic prince with a talent for manipulation seems determined to keep her close—and a fierce foreign dragon rider understands her in ways no one else can.

But while the Dragon Class trains for glory, unrest is spreading across the empire. A ruthless Minister of War will do anything to see Jin fail, and beyond the empire’s borders, a growing darkness threatens to drag the realm into chaos.

If Jin loses control of the power growing between herself and Rayshan, she could lose far more than her place in Dragon Class.

And if she survives, she may become the spark that sets an empire ablaze.

Perfect for fans of dragon rider academies, slow-burn romantic tension, fierce heroines, and epic fantasy steeped in imperial intrigue. Dragon Class is ideal for readers of “Fourth Wing”, “Eragon”, and “The Lunar Chronicles.”

“An exciting adventure that sinks its teeth into you and doesn’t let go.”

“The most well-written dragon rider book I have read!”

Writing Rooster Media

Publication date

October 25, 2023

Accessibility

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Language

‎English

Print length

408 pages

Book 1 of 3

Riders of Jade and Fir

Review:  The Dragon’s Thief (Rise of the Golden Dragons Book 1) by Shelby Hild

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Rating: 3.75⭐️

The Dragon’s Thief (Rise of the Golden Dragons Book 1) is the first book in a dragon rider’s trilogy by Shelby Hild, another new to me author. This review is going to be used for all three books as it’s about the series as well as the book as I’ve finished reading all the novels.

It’s a fantasy series I quickly read through in one day, each novel a flows through into the next. There’s little romance, some action sequences, political intrigue and lots of drama.

There’s some similarities between The Deagon’s Thief and another well known series. Hild starts each chapter of every book with  ‘writings’ from a current dragonrider who’s using the history of her country as her thesis.  

The focal point of her thesis is the hidden history and heroism of Quincy Durand, the rider of the Golden Dragon, Ezsearo, transcribed from historical records. 

Which makes these chapter “notes” a bit of spoilers for the storylines that follow as we already know what happened. 

I enjoyed Quincy as a young female character. This has the same elements as many other fantasy/dragonrider/academy tales. There’s adversity from higher status students and their parents to a low born person such as Quincy, and her circumstances. But it’s handled pretty well by her character as she adjusts to her new role.

There’s some interesting elements and also some aspects that I found worked against the characters and the overall series. 

The fantasy storylines, the dragon friends, the shards, the otherworldly creatures, all nicely balanced together. I would have liked to have read more about the fairies, wyrms, and different creatures here but unfortunately an underdeveloped political plotline becomes the main series thread. 

While Quincy’s character development moves forward from oldest sibling role helping with her family in her father’s absence to a teenager alone in an academy with a small dragon, learning to cope with political pressures and societal problems, a war on the horizon. Then onto assassin and spy and rider of a golden dragon. Her struggles to find her way feel credible. Especially when dealing with the turmoil within her family and the damage done by her leaving.

The potential for this to have been a better executed or even better developed series is here, imo. Hild did quite a few things that kept that from happening. 

In a story about a dragonrider and her dragon, that dynamic and relationship is oddly absent from a majority of the series.  It’s mostly about Quincy, her off on a variety of missions, leaving her dragon behind. Or having him go somewhere else. Her communication with him is actually less than it is with other dragons. She flies with him, but it’s brief scenes and the descriptions are underwhelming. Which really negates the reason most people are reading this. The dragons , the draw , are maybe a tenth or less of the story.

There’s a weird plot twist about a magical transporter mirror (which took my mind off to warped Disney aspects) and a really weak Queen and King main characters who never believe anything they’re told and left many a SMH moment.

And then curious and repetitive word choices by Hild who can’t find another word for blue eyes other than cerulean. The Queen is constantly looking at you through her “cerulean” eyes, in her many moods. Ditto the King. Maybe their son too. Let’s just say its overuse was noted. Other strange things like Quincy saying “career path “ was just jolting.

And having the villain be sent off to become someone else’s problem rather than actually dealing with someone responsible for the deaths of bonded young people and their dragons to say nothing of the war and the deaths and destruction that caused? That taught nothing. But definitely on par with the weak rulers and the way the narrative is set.

Finally, Hild’s story has disappearing characters like Yohm, Mithy and others who play main roles, and fade away at the end, only to be mentioned in a sentence and be dismissed. 

All these things, positive and negative, are present in each book. The odd, repetitive words, the lack of dragon time in the plot sacrificed to a storyline about a weak Queen and her problems, and just overall narrative choices that kept this from being a better series.

It’s a good series but with notable flaws.   If you want a YA fantasy series with a side order of dragons, check it out. 

Cover design by Sabrina Watts of Enchanted Ink Studio

Rise of the Golden Dragons – 3 books:

  • The Dragon’s Thief’ #1
  • The Queen’s Assassin #2
  • The King’s Spy #3

Buy link 

 Book 1 of 3: Rise of the Golden Dragons 

Blurb 

After a chance encounter with a mysterious stranger in the woods, a simple farm girl is faced with a desperate dilemma. 

Quincy Durand had never planned to become a thief. With her parents both missing, when her younger brother is mortally wounded it falls on Quincy to find a way to save his life. She discovers a possible solution, but the price for help is high: she must steal a dragon’s egg from Dravonya’s acclaimed Silver Wings Academy.

When the egg unexpectedly hatches during the escape, it’s no longer just her brother’s life that hangs in the balance but hers as well as she must prove herself more than just a failed thief.

 

June 30, 2022

Language

‎English

Print length

332 pages

Book 1 of 3

Rise of the Golden Dragons

Review:  Shift Happens (Shifter Lords Book 10) by S. E. Babin

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Rating: 5⭐️

Shift Happens takes S. E. Babin’s fantastic Shifter Lords urban fantasy series into its second section with Moira taking the lead as the main character for the last (I think) group of stories. 

And honestly, Moira’s journey looks to be dark, emotionally devastating and absolutely heartbreaking in many of its major elements. Things only hinted about in Evie’s storyline are peeled back, starting here. 

Dark, horrifying, damaging abuse done to Moira as a child by her mother. Mental, emotional and overwhelmingly physical trauma that made her who she is today. Then there’s the recent magical extras that being god touched has given her and the devastating events that occurred during Evie’s finale.

Moira’s development has been linked with Evie’s journey to Evie becoming the Queen of Fae. It’s folded in her complex relationship with Evan, one of the Lords that now plays a key role in her life.

Moira’s called on by the Lords, including Evan, to investigate a mysterious case of dark magic happening on the territory that is now being run by Soren, an ex of Moira’s .

Shift Happens is a dark and fabulous tale. It reveals much about the past of the main characters and sets in motion some terrifying storylines for the books going forward. 

I didn’t think anything would be able to top Evie’s finale but Moira’s arc might just do it. 

Amazing narrative storytelling and fabulous character development. Highly recommended. 

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords (14 book series):

Shift of Heart #1

Shift of Morals #2

Power Shift #3

Shifting Winds #4

Shifting Resolve #5

Shift of Rule #6

Shift of the Wild #7 

Goddess Shifting #8

Final Shift #9 – finale to Evie’s story 

Moira’s story begins 

Shift Happens #10 

Shifting Allegiance #11 – July 11,2026

Shift of Shadows #12 – Nov 17,2026

Karmic Shift #13 – Dec 15,2026

Shift of Fate #14 – March 2,2027

Buy link 

 Book 10 of 14: Shifter Lords 

Blurb 

Moira is a new power player in a world of hungry paranormals, but she’d rather be curled up with a blanket, ignoring the world.

Unfortunately, the Shifter Lords have other plans for her.

Moira still works at her best friend’s flower shop but also serves part-time as a magical consultant for both the fae and the Lords. Her cases run the gamut from investigating petty crimes all the way to working in close proximity to the Lords as they track down rogue shifters.

But when she’s asked to take a case working with Soren, an infuriating Lord she has history with, Moira refuses, only to find out the case they’re investigating involves someone from her past. Reluctantly, she accepts the gig, only to start sabotaging Soren around every corner.

She holds no loyalty to anyone these days, and certainly not to someone who’d stab her in the back with the least provocation. But when the case proves more difficult than she anticipated, and she and Soren get in way over their heads, they must find a way to work together or die.

When it turns out Soren is hiding a very unique talent—one that ensures they could survive what’s coming after them—Moira must learn to trust her enemy and hope he’s not still mad about that teeny tiny time she stabbed him in the back…

A slow-burn paranormal romance, with sharp banter, and high-stakes supernatural intrigue.

Oliver Heber Books

Publication date

June 23, 2026

Language

‎English

File size

3.7 MB

Print length

247 pages

Book 10 of 14

Shifter Lords

Review: The Kutherian Boxed Set 1: Books 1-11: Kutherian Gambit  By Michael Anderle

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Rating:4⭐️

CONTENTS /Books Included 

Death Becomes Her 

Queen Bitch 

Love Lost 

Bite This 

Never Forsaken 

Under My Heel 

Kneel or Die 

We Will Build 

It’s Hell to Choose 

Release the Dogs of War 

Sued for Peace

I have reviewed books 1-4 and then said, I am just going to binge it the easiest way possible.  That’s a collection of books, and luckily with such an extensive series of novels that Michael Anderle put out 3 collections but he also wrote a 4-book series that is a necessity for Collection 2 as their events are of utmost significance to each other. 

That’s the series that focuses on vampire Michael and his adventures on earth as he attempts to make his way to Bethany Anne. Those four books happen within the same time line as the second Collection. 

That author is a busy writer as this goes from 2014 to 2024, maybe even past that. 

Here it’s centered around Bethany Anne, her journey to becoming the Queen Bitch, the organization she establishes and the battle to escape to space. 

The novels are all quick reads, flowing naturally one into the next with all the high stakes and adventure energy of the early Buck Rogers movies. Or maybe the Adam West Batman tv series. 

There’s werewolves, vampires, secret societies, government agencies, crazy space ships and AI beings along with genetically modified humans doing battle with magic and robots and aliens. Bloodshed, deaths, sometimes by the thousands, but it’s removed from any real emotion or connection with those events as we don’t know or haven’t built up any foundation for a real cause to be engaged with anything happening here. It’s all very one dimensional. All actions sequence scenarios. Which is fine because that’s what you are expecting.

All framed out by an action packed, fast paced adventure narrative that’s just short of a “KAPOW” and a “BAM” and an Emperor Ming. 

 Highly entertaining, and I find myself blowing through them like narrative Bon bons. 

Space exploration that’s fun, not taking too seriously but highly enjoyable. 

All the books are listed above. 

Cover by Gene Mollica and Sasha Almazan

Boxed Sets: The Kutherian Gambit/Endgame Saga:

  • Kutherian Gambit Boxed Set 1: Books 1-11
  • Kurtherian Gambit Boxed Set: Books 12-21 + Kurtherian Endgame Book 1 *
  • The Kurtherian Endgame Books 2-11 

Must Read w/ Collection 2:

  • *The Second Dark Ages Boxed Set: The Complete Series-4 books (Michael’s series)

Buy link

 Book 1 of 3: The Kurtherian Saga Boxed Sets 

Blurb 

Her time is running out. His reign is coming to an end.

The UnknownWorld is on the cusp of gaining a new Queen, one who sees humanity in shades of gray. But will this world accept her? With her special-ops team and a legacy of secrets, Bethany Anne must untangle the web Michael leaves behind.

As she steps into her new role, the question isn’t just whether she will survive but whether the UnknownWorld will splinter under her reign or unite in unforeseen harmony?

Dive into The Kurtherian Saga with the first 11 books of the bestselling urban fantasy-meets-scifi series!

—

Die young or live forever. What’s your choice?

Bethany Anne Reynolds isn’t your typical government cold case investigator. Known for her fiery temper and creative cursing that would make even the battle-hardened blush, her pursuit of justice is borderline obsessive…

And now, with her own life ticking away due to the same rare blood disorder that claimed her mother, her fight for the defenseless becomes even more urgent.

Her last hope? A world-weary vampire. Michael, bound by his legendary inflexible honor, has ruled the UnknownWorld with an iron fist for over a millennium. Exhausted and on the brink, he finds in Bethany Anne a fire that could reignite the supernatural world—or destroy it.

As Michael prepares to pass his mantle, he wonders: in choosing Bethany Anne, is he saving his world or thrusting it into deeper chaos?

The UnknownWorld is on the cusp of gaining a new Queen, one who sees humanity in shades of gray. But will this world accept her? With her special-ops team and a legacy of secrets, Bethany Anne must untangle the web Michael leaves behind.

As she steps into her new role, the question isn’t just whether she will survive but whether the UnknownWorld will splinter under her reign or unite in unforeseen harmony?

Unleash the power of choice and change humanity’s destiny.

Included in this boxed set:

  • Death Becomes Her
  • Queen Bitch
  • Love Lost
  • Bite This
  • Never Forsaken
  • Under My Heel
  • Kneel Or Die
  • We Will Build
  • It’s Hell To Choose
  • Release The Dogs of War
  • Sued For Peace

Unleash the power of choice and change humanity’s destiny. Click ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Read for Free’ to join Bethany Anne’s epic journey!

NOTE: This boxed set contains cursing. Perhaps humorous cursing, but cursing nevertheless. If this offends you, I don’t suggest reading these books.

LMBPN Publishing

Publication date

June 1, 2024

Language

‎English

Print length

2857 pages

Book 1 of 3

The Kurtherian Saga Boxed Sets

Review: The HighFire Crown: (Blood Magic Book 1 ) An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure by J.T. Lawrence 

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Rating: 3⭐️

This was a book I saw advertised on FB, maybe that was a clue. I have had some good finds that way but by 55% of the story, I’ll admit I was struggling to continue reading. Each chapter, especially from the middle on when I saw Jax’s character development stays basically where it was at the beginning, I’m wavering between a DnF and keep page flipping. 

It comes down to the main character, Jax, a magical woman whose powers are channeled through her emotions, primarily from her pain. 

Rated Magus 10, a scale from her first Council kidnapping, she’s been crafted by Lawrence as an unappealing mess of a paranormal being. A private investigator of paranormal cases, once hired, by her methods, she doesn’t actually investigate anything. Instead she accepts intense, highly charged case after case, then without actually sitting down and thinking about each one of them and prioritizing the work, she just runs off. 

No research into her cases or investigative work that would make her credible. Instead plunging into dangerous situations, often turning things worse instead of better. The people who have hired her end up worse off in every instance. She ends up constantly being caught, beaten up, losing objects or breaking things she was supposed to find. And is always surprised when things go sideways. Or that people she trusted are not trustworthy. Every single scenario is full of TSTL moments where, at least me, starts flipping pages even faster. 

“I don’t understand,” I said again”

That’s a constant refrain from Jax. And I’m on Chapter 37. I’m thinking I don’t understand why I’m still reading this book. 

Honestly I kept thinking surely she has some plausible plan in mind, nope. Or backup. Again no. She’s the mindless equivalent of the ball in a pin-ball machine, endlessly ricocheting around the table. As it is, I’m sympathizing with Jax’s client’s when they look at the unmitigated disaster she’s made of their lives and cases, threatening her when the damage she’s left by not paying attention or getting things done or even making the right decisions, have left death in her wake. And theirs. 

Are we supposed to be on her side? Really? I have run into several authors who craft their characters in this manner and it always leaves me astonished. Give me a well written competent, ingenious , intelligent person, no matter what gender, who is capable of researching and investigating their cases, with or without any magical abilities. And I’m happy. In other words, a well thought out, multi dimensional, intelligent person. 

And giving them a ghostly companion (who they often berate for cleaning their apartment, oh no, and a magical albino ferret, neither of which has any background history or foundation to them), doesn’t enhance her character. It’s empty layering for her the most part.

There’s some interesting aspects to this story. Outside of how she wields her powers, there’s also the facts that the world’s magical and non-magical realms are divided into floors accessible by a elevator, humanity is one floor, otherworldly beings and creatures and their realms are on others.  I guess the world is flat? Idk It’s a neat idea , although not exactly new, that needs further exploration here. And all the magic is done with Latin words. And wands. “Illumino”.

Btw, going back, at Chapter 26, Jax has just now remembered she’s got two prior important cases to be solved, one of which is for her best friend about the death of that friend’s neighbor who just happened to Look Oh no. SMH

So , I’m not going further here. I just can’t with characters like this. I have zero tolerance for them and their stories. 

If you do, here’s a series for you. 

Blood Magic: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (Complete 6-Book Series) (6 book series):

The HighFire Crown (Book 1)

The Dream Drinker (Book 2)

The Witch Hunter (Book 3)

The Ember Isles (Book 4)

The Chaos Jar (Book 5)

The New Dawn Throne (Book 6)

Buy links:

Single book – see below 

        The HighFire Crown: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure

    

 Book 1 of 6: Blood Magic: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (Complete 6-Book Series) 

Blurb 

It’s a case she can’t refuse.

Spell-slinger. Vampire-slayer. Magical albino ferret-rescuer.

Meet Jacqueline Denna Knight, the best wizard detective in the city.

Jax turns vampires to ash and pain into magic. She also has a knack for finding things. So when a distraught—and obscenely wealthy—elf calls Jax at midnight to hire her for an intriguing job, she grabs the opportunity with both hands…

But what Jax doesn’t know is that this case is going to unravel her life. She’ll get tangled up with a host of intriguing characters, most of whom are not who they appear to be.

As Jax speeds down a path toward the most powerful vampire clan in the country, she’ll have to put everything on the line.

Will she be able to use her unique brand of magic to save the Realm?

This complete Blood Magic series contains the following books:

The HighFire Crown (Book 1)

The Dream Drinker (Book 2)

The Witch Hunter (Book 3)

The Ember Isles (Book 4)

The Chaos Jar (Book 5)

The New Dawn Throne (Book 6)

Fire Finch Press

Publication date

August 28, 2024

Language

‎English

Print length

288 pages

Book 1 of 6

Blood Magic: An Urban Fantasy Action Adventure (Complete 6-Book Series)

Review:  Knead for Speed (Tales from the Dragon Diner #2) by Lindsay Buroker

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Rating:4.5 ⭐️

“Did you bring any special weapons with you?” Rylana asked. 

Sylin held up her shovel. 

“Oh, that’ll be vastly effective. Entire ballads have been written about noble warriors who slew dragons with garden tools.”

And yes, we’re back in the town of Tranquility where it’s anything but tranquil. Things are going awry, there’s a curse that’s been loosened upon the town, several mysteries afoot, and the Fae Queen looks to be coming to town, a real threat to Rylana’s friend, the lone warrior elf, Sylin, hiding in town.

Knead For Speed is a highly entertaining, well written fantasy action adventure story. It’s got a dragon family whose interactions with each other is dysfunctional and dramatic, including our main character, Jildarin, who just wants to be an inspired chef and run his restaurant, the Dragon Diner. If only his mother and brother will leave him alone. And his bookkeeper/partner too.

But there’s more things happening here. Gnomes and trolls and fae and exes abound with plots. 

It’s fun, an extremely slow burn relationship, and terrific storytelling. 

My only slight issue was with how the element with Rylana’s ex was handled. For me it didn’t make sense , especially given their history. But that was the only aspect here.

If you enjoy a cozy fantasy, and dragons as well as other mythical creatures, this is the book and series for you. Read them in the order they are written. 

Tales from the Dragon Diner (3 book series to date)

Calculated Whisk #1

Knead for Speed #2 

Morel Dilemma #3 – Aug 31,2026

Buy link 

 Book 2 of 3: Tales from the Dragon Diner 

Blurb 

As the bookkeeper and new co-owner of the Dragon Diner, Rylana Avandar is determined to see the business become successful. Despite an inauspicious beginning, her partner Jildarin—founder, chef, and dragon—has come to trust her, and she doesn’t want to disappoint him.

But when a troll curse and an ancient secret threaten Tranquility, Rylana will have to do a lot more than crunch numbers. If she and Jildarin can’t figure out how to appease the troll gods, the diner and the entire city could be doomed.

Lindsay Buroker

Publication date

June 25, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

310 pages

Book 2 of 3

Tales from the Dragon Diner

Review: Windwalker (Forbidden Flight Book 1) by H.G. Chambers

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Rating: 4.5⭐️

Windwalker, the first novel in the Forbidden Flight YA fantasy series by H.G. Chambers, is my first introduction to this author. What a fantastic read this book is.

It reminds me of the time I found my first dragonrider story by Anne McCaffrey, although this reads for a younger audience. 

The world building is deeply layered with a remarkably beautiful desert landscape that lends a sense of awe and credence to the story and dangers of the life lived there. What I really love is that the author created a unique main female character and group of people that are themselves a part of the landscape, desert clan and a community that has been created by the desert landscape its dwelling within.  That includes its religious and societal structures. 

Furthermore, the story of a young girl, Kiva, who believes that she deserves to become a Windwalker, someone who bonds with the fierce flying sentient creatures known as Kiraeen, against the clan’s rules, is unusual in many respects. 

In some instances you would expect to see a character like Kiva isolated, without support against the clan rules that say only men can become Windwalkers. However, this story is slowly built around how Kiva’s family rallies the community, especially the women, to support her.

It’s emotional, full of a range of scenes that reflect the family’s struggles with Kiva’s journey to Kiva herself as she grows through her bond and then the dangers that come with it.

Each character, whether human or mythical creature, is beautifully written, detailed in every aspect. They are believable and beings the reader can connect with.

This story just flows from beginning to end. And I am quickly heading to the next novel. 

Highly recommended, and a lovely change from dragon and Dragonriders.

Cover Design: vividcovers

Windwalker Series: 

Forbidden Flight #1

Order of the Red Sons #2

Bonds of the Forsaken #3

Buy link

 Book 1 of 3: Windwalker 

Blurb 

They say no woman can touch a kiraeen and live.

Kiva intends to prove them wrong.

In the harsh deserts of the Miralaja, the legendary Windwalkers rule the skies, bonded to deadly flying beasts known as kiraeen. For generations, only men have been allowed to attempt the proving trials and join their ranks.

When tradition denies her the chance to become a Windwalker, she sets out to prove that skill, not birth, should decide who earns the sky. Defying centuries of law could cost her everything: exile, disgrace… even death.

But some rules exist for a reason.

And the bond between rider and kiraeen is far more dangerous than she ever imagined.

If Kiva wants to survive the skies, she’ll have to risk everything — because once a kiraeen chooses you, there is no turning back.

Perfect for readers who love dragon rider stories, fierce heroines, and epic desert fantasy.

April 23, 2018

Language

‎English

Print length

273 pages

Book 1 of 3

Windwalker