I think this is the perfect way to start off a new year of blogging!
It had been a while since I picked up a book that I absolutely could not put down! But, then I got three in a row. So, I had to share!
The first is THREE RULES by Marie Drake.
MY REVIEW:
It has been a long time since I picked up a book that I could not put down. I ignored housework, ate snacks and read until I reached the end. The author’s writing style reminded me of V.C. Andrews. The subject of this book is sexual abuse and I did not know until the end of the book when I read about the author that she is a survivor of abuse. The writing comes from someone who has experienced the pain, the horror, the guilt and trauma that sexual abuse brings. The author did a great job of concealing the true identity of the abuser until the very end of the book. I was shocked. She gets deep into the psyche of the victim. The nightmares, panic attacks and paranoia are depicted in a raw and honest way. This book is not for the squeamish, but it is a well-written compelling story that I hope will encourage victims of sexual abuse to speak up and break the awful silence! And never forget the three rules! I highly recommend this book.
Marie Drake is a member of the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB!
The next one is SERANG by C.S. Boyack
MY REVIEW:
This story was one that I couldn’t put down! I was intrigued by Serang’s character when she was introduced in The Voyage of The Lanternfish and it was great to learn her backstory. To say she faced hardships and trials would be putting it very mildly. At a very young age, after her father died, Serang’s mother left her on the steps of a monastery as she could no longer care for her. But after a few years, the new Emperor hellbent on destroying all of the temples sent soldiers to kill everyone and burn the temple. Rescued by a traveling monk, she came of age under the teachings of Master Yong. She learned to become a fierce warrior and her intuition grew. The way she received her master weapon, the Guandao was fascinating. Her journey to the Temple of the Wind and then through the caves was heart stopping. I also have to say there was humor scattered throughout the book, even though the overall theme was most serious. This book is fantasy at its best! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story and fabulous world-building!
I know the holidays are over, but this Christmas Holiday Novella would be a treat anytime of the year! Food For Poe was both entertaining and easy to read but be prepared for unexpected twists and events! I am a huge fan of this author, Mae Clair, and have read most everything she has written!
MY REVIEW:
I absolutely loved this novella! It started out as a sweet romance, but typical of this author, there was soon a ghost, a mystifying myth, and jaw-dropping magic. It is well-written and I read it in one sitting. I loved how the author wove these character’s lives together in a few short pages. But the twist came when a Changeling also appeared and some nail-biting pages followed. I won’t give the story away, I’ll just say how much I enjoyed it with all the twists and surprises. If you are looking for a romance with lots of added side plots, I highly recommend this novella!
I hope that if you haven’t read these books, you’ll pick them up if they appeal to you! Click on the book title to purchase!
All three sound amazing! My TBR is piling up, just added three more. Thanks for sharing, Jan.
Lol, Mark! If a Kindle can implode, mine surely will. 🙂 Oh, for more time to read! Thanks for stopping by!
I hear you. Time is not on my side, either.
Awesome reviews to share, Jan! I purchased Food for Poe during Christmas and look forward to diving in. Bravo to Marie, Craig, and Mae! 🙂
It was such a good story, Natalie! Thanks for stopping by!
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
Thank you for the reblog, Anita and Jaye Marie!
Jan, thank you so much for sharing these fantastic books through your excellent reviews here! I loved Mae’s book, so well-written and full of the unexpected! A holiday treat. The others interest me and my new list of books to read in 2020 is already growing! 😀😀
Lol! Mine too, Annika! I just know you will enjoy these books! Thanks for stopping by!
Reblogged this on Archer's Aim and commented:
Reviews for two Story Empire authors in this post…
Thank you for the reblog, P.H.!
You’re welcome.
Great reviews, Jan:) I added Three Rules to my TBR list. I’m looking forward to reading Serang very soon and I agree about Food for Poe, I reread a couple of weeks ago.
Yay! I know you will love Three Rules, Denise! Can’t wait to see your reviews of it and Serang!
Three great reviews, Jan. Thanks for sharing. I’ve read Food for Poe (and enjoyed it) and have Serang on my ereader waiting for me, and I’ll have to check out Three Rules too. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, Harmony! I think you would enjoy the other two books as well!
Your enthusiasm shines through, Jan. Gah, my kindle is getting chunky again. Ha ha. Thanks for the recommendations!
I’m happy to share good reads, Diana! Thanks for stopping by!
So excited that you enjoyed Serang, and shared your experience with your fans. I’ve also read Food for Poe, and while it isn’t quite my usual genre, I loved it. The cover of Three Rules appeals to me as it reflects three images in the artistic rule of thirds.
I seriously could NOT stop reading Three Rules. Long into the night when I should have been sleeping, I read until I reached the end! Food for Poe was so different than a typical romance. Leave it to Mae to throw in magic, myth, folklore, and Changelings. 🙂 I enjoyed Serang equally, but I knew I would. I was already invested in her character after The Voyage of the Lanternfish. I loved starting this year off with great reads!
Sound like you found some fun things.
These books sound great, thanks for sharing your opinion of them. The 2nd book I never would have just picked to read but it sounds very intriguing. I like to step out of the box if someone recommends a good book. The 1st and 3rd are books more like what I’d normally read but I’ve yet to read any of these authors.
I really enjoyed Serang, and even though it is a standalone book, I would recommend reading The Voyage of the Lanternfish before picking it up. Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment! I hope that you’ll give any of these books a try!
Wow, what a surprise and a pleasure to find Food for Poe among these wonderful reads, Jan. Thank you so much for including it. I’m delighted you found it engaging.
I’ve read Serang and thoroughly enjoyed it. Three rules sounds intense and compelling.
Cheers to all the authors, and many thanks for sharing!
I truly enjoyed Food For Poe, Mae. I read it in one sitting and loved all the unexpected twists to this romance! I’m happy to share and recommend it!
Jan- Wow you have started the year off on a high with books. I to just finished an amazing book. Bones & Lies Between Us by Marcy McKay.
Thanks to your amazing Sister, Linda, she introduced me to Marcy McKay’s extraordinary Copper Daniels in Pennies From Burger Heaven.
The 3 books you showcased, especially #1 & #3 intrigue me.
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Love you.
Yes, Tonya! I loved Pennies From Burger Heaven and in fact, it was at the top of my Top Ten List in 2016! I have Bones & Lies Between Us and can’t wait to start reading! Thanks so much for stopping by. Any of these books are highly recommended! Love you!
Super reviews, Jan. These all look terrific.
Thanks, John! I’m glad you dropped by!
😊
Wonderful reviews Jan. Thanks for sharing. I’ve read Marie Drake, her style is realistically intense.
I couldn’t agree more, Balroop! I have another book by her and am anxious to read it. Thanks for stopping by!