Tag Archives: Fantasy

Review of Lexi Rees’ Eternal Seas

Eternal Seas: The Relic Hunters book #1

The Blurb:

Such a small parcel shouldn’t cause experienced smugglers much trouble, but this parcel is far from normal.

Lost and scared after a violent storm, Finn and his sister, Aria, take shelter on a remote island. They discover the parcel contains a relic belonging to a long forgotten people. Locked inside are powers which will change their lives, and the world, forever. As Finn realises his connection to the relic, a vision strikes him – but what does it mean? Who should they trust? And if they decide to follow their hearts rather than their orders, will they manage to deliver the relic in one piece?

Chased across the seas as they try to solve the mysteries within the parcel, the fate of this ancient people depends on them. Finn and Aria must choose between what is right and what is easy – and time is running out …

Genre: Dystopian Fiction / Fantasy / Children’s Book
Published by: Matador

My Review:

My children and I loved this tale of adventurers, Finn and Aria. Both characters capture the imagination as the quest and their unique role within it unfolds. Pippin – the small girl with a big personality – was a great addition to the cast of characters too.

Their world is brought to life through descriptive language that is aptly used to hold the focus of middle-grade readers. Finn and Aria’s abilities (and Aria’s bow and arrow) hooked my children in as they willed them to fulfil their potential within the story.

Having short chapters it is an ideal read for younger confident readers, and as a story to share.

Eternal Seas is a brilliant introduction to the fantasy genre and stepping stone for future readers of books like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. I loved the fact it had a futuristic setting but also harked back to an earlier time of magic and the reemergence of these powers.

As a parent, I thought it was a great read for my children – it has all the potential to become a classic, and as a teacher, I could see how I could use this book to discuss and inspire writing about imaginary worlds. I look forward to the next book.

About the author:

 

Lexi Rees grew up in the north of Scotland but now splits her time between London and West Sussex. She still goes back to Scotland regularly though.

Usually seen clutching a mug of coffee, she spends as much time as possible sailing and horse riding, both of which she does enthusiastically but badly.

Her first book, Eternal Seas was written on a boat; the storm described in it was frighteningly real.

Discover more about Lexi and her work here: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram |

 

Thank you for the great read, Lexi. My reviews are added to Amazon Uk and Goodreads. Xx

Guest Review of Berni Stevens’ Immortals of London series

I am delighted to say that my teenage daughter enjoyed Berni Stevens’ Immortals of London series so much she has written a guest review.

Dance until Dawn by Berni Stevens
#Immortals of London book 1

The Blurb
Do you Believe in Love After Life?
At 25, West-End dancer, Ellie Wakefield should be having the time of her life. The only problem is, ever since waking up in a leaky cellar belonging to three hundred year old vampire, Will Austen, she’s been very much dead. And to make matters worse, she’s since found that an aversion to blood and a fear of the dark aren’t very helpful – especially when you’re a fledgling vampire.

William James Austen has fallen hard. He’s spent the last year loving Ellie from afar and now he’s finally able to be truthful about who and what he is. As the most powerful and revered vampire in London, he’s used to getting what he wants. But this time, Will might just have bitten off more than he can chew.

Genre: Fantasy / Vampires
Publisher: Choc Lit

Review:
I like vampire books and I am just starting to get more into romance reads and so this appealed to me (also I saw it on my mum’s blog and asked her to get it for me!). I found this book really good. I liked Ellie because she was a strong character and not easily lead. The setting was good and the storyline was interesting. I’d recommend it and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.

Click to buy the book.

Revenge is Sweet by Berni Stevens
#Immortals of London book 2

The Blurb:
Hell hath no fury like a vampire seeking revenge …

Life hasn’t been exactly normal for Ellie since she became a vampire. Although joining the legion of the undead was always going to take some getting used to, even if you are the partner of Will Austen, the Elder of London.

But when Daniel, a fifteen-year-old fledgling vampire, unexpectedly turns up at Ellie’s and Will’s Highgate home, things start getting very strange – and more than a little scary.

Events take a devastating turn as a mystery troublemaker leaves behind a trail of carnage – and it soon becomes clear they will stop at nothing to get the Elder’s attention, even if it involves hurting the person he cherishes the most …

But when it comes to Ellie, Will Austen is the wrong vampire to mess with.

Genre: Fantasy / Vampires
Publisher: Choc Lit

Review:
I really enjoyed the second in this series. The characters and their relationships continued to develop well. There were new characters too, who added to the creative ways death was introduced. I especially liked the unexpected ending. I’d love this series to be made into a film!

Click to buy the book.

About the author:

Berni Stevens lives in a 400-year-old cottage with her husband, black cat, four goldfish who think they’re piranha, and occasionally her son when he comes back for some TLC. She trained in graphic design, and has worked as a book cover designer for over twenty years.

Her love of paranormal fiction began at school when she first read Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and she’s been a fan of the fanged ever since. She is on the committee and the book panel of The Dracula Society – a literary society for fans of gothic literature and film.

Dance Until Dawn, a paranormal romance, was Berni’s UK debut with Choc Lit, published 7th April 2014. Revenge is Sweet, the sequel, was published in eBook format on 12th July 2016. Now the third novel in the trilogy is well under way, with a story that centres on a lovelorn werewolf!

Berni has several short stories published in various anthologies; romantic, gothic and sometimes just plain fantasy!

Find Berni Stevens on Twitter and Facebook.

Thank you for your great reviews Amelia x

Reviews are added to Amazon UK and Goodreads.