Review: Dauntless

Dauntless by Dina A. Sleiman is the first in the Valiant Heart series. I've never heard of this author before, but when I saw this cover I knew I had to read it! It intrigued me, and I was not disappointed. She is a masterful writer. The characters were so well written, the plot was page turning, and the dance of outlaws against the law was a heart stopping, mesmerizing read.

Lady Merry Ellison used to live a wonderful until the King ordered the death of her parents and everyone in their village. Now just plain Merry she leads the children still alive deep into the forest where she teaches them all her tricks from acrobatics to sword play and bow and arrow. They become known as the Ghosts of Farthingale Forest to everyone else. But then they made a big mistake. A life changing one.

Timothy Grey, the Baron of Greyham's ninth child, is now the scribe of Lord Wyndemere. In the two years he has been there, he has already gained the trust of his employer. When Wyndemere leaves Timothy in charge of the castle while he visits the King, Timothy pledges to find the ghosts and bring them to justice. But what he finds is not at all what he expects. Or should I say who he finds...

This book was a spectacular, engrossing read. I finished it in a couple of days because I had to. lol The best part of the book was the characters and plot, but there were some things I didn't like near the end of the story. I don't want to say too much because it would be a spoiler so let me just say it was unbelievable how they portrayed a pivotal part (the healing). Also I didn't like how they thought stealing was ok since God didn't mind because he understood why. If they left those two things out, I would highly recommend this story, but I don't agree with that. I could think of other things they could have done, but then it wouldn't be such an exciting story so... lol

I was given this book free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Two Renegade Realms

Two Renegade Realms by Donita K. Paul is the second book in the Realm Walkers series. This second book was a better written and more enjoyable story than the first one. It wasn't as kiddish to me. I hated how it ended, though! I'm going to have to wait how long for the third book?! lol Joking aside, it did end pretty decently. It tied up everything from the story and only kept us hanging just enough to want the next one in the series. ;-)

It's been two years since the last book, and Cantor has been off on adventures ever since. With no success at finding Ahma and Odem, he feels inadequate and insecure in his realm walker role. Then he is sent on a mission to find Bixby and Dukmee. Once he locates them, he finds it slow going to save the world from the Lymen Invasion when multiple distractions and missions keep coming up. Will they be able to figure out the mysteries surrounding the invasion? And what about Ahma and Odem? Where have they been for the last three years?

Cantor is my favorite character in the book. There is more to him than meets the eye, and I can't wait to hear more about him in the next book. Cantor keeps trying to fight his attraction to Bixby because he fears it will distract him from the Lymen invasion. But poor Bixby is the one who gets hurt in the process. Bridger, the dragon, is as funny and silly as ever, but I do wish Cantor would accept him already! They've been together for three years! Isn't it time for the temper tantrum to be over now... lol  Dukmee still irritates me because his brilliance makes him come off as arrogant and aloof.

Chomountain is an interesting addition to the story. He's a much more likable character compared to Dukmee, but I am confused by him. I think he's supposed to be kind of like an Elijah in the story, but I'm not sure. It wasn't explained well at all. Cantor, Bridger, and Bixby continue to be my favorite characters, and I can't wait to see how their story will come together in the end. Overall, it's a fun, enjoyable read. :-)

I was given this book free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Shadow Hand

Shadow Hand by Anne Elisabeth Stengl is the sixth book in the Tales of Goldstone Wood series. I have loved all her books and was so excited to read this! But... I didn't really enjoy it. I was shocked actually. I hated how all the characters jumped back and forth. Not only was the story line vague, but it was very confusing. There were just too many story lines and main characters. Plus, I am really tired of never getting to read the finished story of anyone! Well, the first one about Princess Una got completed, but all the other characters we know and love have been left behind in a labyrinth of other stories. I did love reading about Lionheart again. He is one of my favorite characters. But I wish she would finish his and Rose Red's story!

It's Lady Daylily's wedding day, but when she received a letter from Prince Foxbrush she couldn't take it anymore and ran away into the Wood Between. Torn and bloodied by the creatures found there, she lays as one dead. Sun Eagle has been stuck in the Wood Between for thousands of years. He finds Daylily and takes her under his wing, but he doesn't have her best interests at heart. Sun Eagle takes her down a path to a Southlands of old. Confused and bewildered by everything that has happened, Daylily does as he bids her.

Foxbrush is determined to save Daylily without any help from Lionheart, but he didn't count on the craziness of the Wood Between. Without knowing it, Foxbrush is following the right path through the Wood when he meets a strange creature who is little child and grown woman mixed into one, Nidawi the Everblooming. She sees the path he walks and leads him to the gate to Southlands, but it's not a Southlands he knows. He stumbles upon the Eldest's husband who helps him reorient himself, and it is there that he hears of a red haired woman that fits his intended's description. How did Daylily end up here, too?

I wanted to read about Foxbrush and Lady Daylily, but this story made me like them less. It was way too dark and vague. Not to mention strange. Needless to say, this is my least favorite story in the series, and I'm hoping the next book is much better.

I was given this book free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Dragonwitch

I can not even tell you how excited I was that I got approved to read Dragonwitch!!! It's the fifth book in "The Tales of Goldstone Wood", and I'm already super excited for the sixth book! To say I love Anne Elisabeth Stengl's books is a gross understatement. haha Seriously, though this is one of the best fantasy series I have ever read. If you haven't read any of her books, you need to buy them or check them out of the library because I'm telling you, you won't regret it! The descriptions, the cultures, the whole world is so different, and it entranced me from the very beginning. I just love the unique twists she puts on things. On to the review. :-)

Lady Leta of Aiven has never met her betrothed, Lord Alistair who is the future king of Castle Gaheris. She journeys to the castle as per her father's command, and once there realizes they would never be a good match. When she meets the castle Chronicler, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him. But behind his gruffness, sorrow and myriad insecurities battle for supremacy. Who is the Chronicler really?

Alistair has been having horrible nightmares and has been unable to rest because of them. As he battles with his sanity, a gate begans to open between the faeries and mortals that lets in horrible creatures. They come seeking only one thing - the rightful heir.

Starflower is back in her homeland again, but this time her country is ruled by what the people call the goddess but is really the dragonwitch. For years the dragonwitch has been searching for Etanun's sword, and she is determined to secure it before it can kill her a third and final time.

Of course, Eanrin is in this book, too. ;-) His character is too funny, and he keeps me wanting to read. If you have read the other four books, then this book won't disappoint you! It is still as adventurous and engaging as ever. And if this is the first book you've read in this series, you'll fall in love with her mythical, magical lands. I was eagerly turning the pages to see how all of the conflict was going to be resolved. I love the well-rounded, realistic characters, and the addition of more new characters alongside Starflower and Eanrin. But I have to say... I really what to know when those two are going to get together!!! And the characters from Moonblood, too. Maybe soon. :-)

I was given this book free from NetGalley as long as I review it. I am not required to give a positive review.

*Dragonwitch will be available July 15th!*