Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Chains of Gwyndorr by Joan Campbell

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading.

Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Chains of Gwyndorr (The Poison Tree Path Chronicles #1) by Joan Campbell.

Book Beginning

A figure slipped from the Rif'twine Forest in the predawn glow. One bony hand gripped a gnarled walking stick, the other a box wrapped in oilskin. His dark cloak camouflaged him as he hastened across the narrow stretch of land between the forest and the towering walls of Gwyndorr. But he knew first light was approaching.

Friday 56 (56% on my Kindle)

Nicho carried the box, wrapped again in its oilcloth covering, back to the cart, where they concealed it in the foot space.

About the Book

Secret schemes. Stolen magic.

Trapped behind Gwyndorr’s towering walls, Shara longs to unlock the secrets that surround her. She believes the Cerulean Dusk Dreamer is the key. The power rock gives vivid dreams of the past and future but it also has a dark side.

Its forces lay siege to her future, tightening her chains. In seeking help, Shara rekindles a forbidden friendship with Nicho, the Lowborn lawbreaker facing banishment to the Rif'twine Forest.

Together, Shara and Nicho must thwart the plans of their enemies. But what if the power they unleash is an even greater chain than what they’ve come to bear?

What have you been reading lately? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Review: Cat Got Your Diamonds by Julie Chase

About the Book

Grandeur and opulence are everything in the famed New Orleans Garden District where pets are family and no bling is too big. Opening Furry Godmother, pet boutique and organic treat bakery, is Lacy Marie Crocker’s dream come true--until the glitter gun used to make her Shih Tzu tutus becomes a murder weapon. And Lacy becomes public enemy #1.

Now Detective Jack Oliver is hounding Lacy, and her Furry Godmother investor wants out before his name is tarnished by association. To make matters worse, a string of jewel heists with suspicious ties to the murder case has New Orleans residents on edge. To save her dream, Lacy must take a stand, put her keen eyes to work, and unravel what really happened at her shop that night. But can Lacy sniff out the killer cat burglar in time to get her tail-raising designs on the catwalk?

Witty and whimsical, Cat Got Your Diamonds, the first in a new cozy series by Julie Chase, will be the cat's meow for fans of Rita Mae Brown and Miranda James.

Amazon / Goodreads

Barnes & Noble / Kobo

My Review

Four Stars

When a man is murdered outside Furry Godmother, Lacy Crocker's pet boutique and organic treat bakery, and her fingerprints are all over the murder weapon, Lacy takes it upon herself to clear her name and investigate the crime herself. Detective Jack Oliver is not pleased, to say the least, with her nosing around the investigation, threatening to arrest her for obstruction if she doesn't stop.

I've heard a lot of great things about this book, so I was excited to read it. It totally lived up to my expectations. It's set in New Orleans, so I really enjoyed that. I'm an animal lover, so I loved Lacy's unique occupation. What an awesome idea for a business! The back and forth between Lacy and Jack was super amusing and one of my favorite aspects of this story. The mystery was really well done. I had a fleeting thought, a niggling of suspicion, about the culprit, but I decided it couldn't be that person, so I moved on to other suspects... Boy, was I wrong, lol!

Cat Got Your Diamonds was a great cozy mystery filled with lots of laugh out loud moments. I highly recommend this for any lover of cozy mysteries!

Favorite Quotes

A girl could get lost in those eyes if they weren't accusing her of murder.

In southern law, the “respect your mama” rule was followed closely by the “behave because you represent your family name” rule.

To learn more about Julie Chase, visit her website, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Waiting On Wednesday: Awakened (The Soul Chronicles Book 2) by Morgan L. Busse

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that highlights upcoming eagerly anticipated releases.

This week I'm featuring Awakened (The Soul Chronicles Book 2) by Morgan L. Busse releasing November 14.

About the Book

The monster has awakened.

After her escape from the Tower and from her father's experiments, Kat Bloodmayne wakes up to discover the dark power inside of her has grown stronger. Now more than ever she needs to find the doctor who holds the key to healing her, but the only one who can help her find him is Stephen Grey, the very man who betrayed her.

Stephen Grey cannot change the past or what he did to Kat, but he will do everything he can to help her now. But will Kat let him? Or will his transgression be too much to overcome?

Time races against them as they travel with sky pirates through harrowing storms and across the war-torn country of Austrium in search of the doctor who can cure Kat. But can he cure what is broken inside of her? Or will the monster inside of Kat consume her soul?

Why I Need It

The first book in this series, Tainted, was SO GOOD and it seems like I've been waiting FOREVER for the sequel. I'm so excited to find out where this story leads to next!

What book are you eagerly anticipating? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Review: Charging the Darkness (The Uncloaked Trilogy Book 3) by J. Rodes

About the Book

You were not saved for this... 

They tore the veil. Now the country is ripping apart. The captive Uncloaked have been freed, and the people now know the dark truth. A rebellion against the Party has begun. But a question lingers among those who are safely hidden in the Refuge—what will happen to their broken nation? Secrets and shame, resentment and hatred shake the divided country.

In the turbulence of the fallout, Braxton Luther finds himself in a new kind of battle. Eliza Knight is back, but her heart is not the same. They will be put through the ultimate test as they struggle with the fact that Eliza has the chance to save many, but only if she chooses to do so. Seeing her wrestle with doing what is right only adds to Braxton’s regrets, and when he finally tells her the truth about her capture, they discover how painful betrayal can be.

Ultimately, she gets to choose. They all do. Every survivor who somehow managed to outlive the cruelty of the Party must choose——what will they do with what they believe?

Braxton’s and Eliza’s answers could change the fate of the shattering nation.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Review

Five Stars

What will you do with what you believe?

I couldn't wait to start reading Charging the Darkness and to find out how this trilogy would end! Goodness... I don't even know where to begin! I'm afraid to say too much and accidentally spoil something, but... wow! This whole series has been magnificent and Charging the Darkness was a fantastic conclusion.

There was never a dull moment and I couldn't read it fast enough. There were twists and turns and shocks that I did not see coming! This story is told from three different point of views and I enjoyed getting to see the events through three different sets of eyes. These characters have gone through so much. Watching their journey, their growth, and their strength in the midst of such deplorable situations was very inspiring.

This series has been a wake-up call and a great reminder to stand up for what you believe in and, even if it's not the popular choice, to stand up for what's right. I hope everyone will give this thought-provoking dystopia series a chance. If you haven't picked it up yet, drop everything and grab yourself a copy. You won't regret it! The Uncloaked Trilogy is one of the best dystopia series I've ever read and I can't recommend it enough!

Embrace the light. Chase the darkness.

I received a copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

To learn more about J. Rodes, visit her website, Facebook page, and Twitter.

Top Ten Tuesday: Unforgettable Characters

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.

The topic for this week is Ten Books That Feature Characters ___________. So I thought I'd share Books with Unforgettable Characters.

1. Charlie Lionheart from The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischoff

Charlie... sigh... so swoonworthy! He's my favorite leading man of all time. He's such an admirable guy... there are no words...

2. Annabel Lee from Annabel Lee by Mike Nappa

From the very first sentence of this book, I knew there would be no other character quite like Annabel. She has a very unique "voice" and I loved reading from her perspective. She's one of the most likeable and unforgettable characters I've ever read about.

3. Mama Bliss from The Raven by Mike Nappa

Mama Bliss is something else! She's one of those characters that's really hard to describe. You've just gotta read this story.

4. Romulus White from From This Moment by Elizabeth Camden

There is no leading man quite like the dapper and dandy Romulus White.

5. Quentin Vandermark from Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

Quentin was surly, argumentative, and just an all around grump, but I couldn't help rooting for him.

6. Woody from These Healing Hills by Ann H. Gabhart.

Woody, also known as Jabber jay, is an incredibly likeable guy. He's the type of character that will brighten anyone's day.

7. Chji from Conspiracy of Silence by Ronie Kendig

Chiji is a big source of wisdom and a great friend to main character Cole 'Tox' Russell.

8. Joe and Hugo from Huntress and Warfare by Julie Hall

I can't say much about either one of these characters because it'd be BIG spoilers, but they are AWESOME!

9. Willow from the Out of Time Series by Nadine Brandes

Willow's such a strong, resilient, and unique little girl. The strength and bravery she shows during the course of these books was very inspiring.

10. Archie from The Wishcraft Mystery Series by Heather Blake

Archie, the parrot who has a movie quote for every situation, is HILARIOUS!

Who are some of your most unforgettable characters?

Week in Review: September 18-22, 2017

Week in Review is where I recap posts from the previous week and preview what's to come.

Monday, September 18

The Pursuit of Lady Harriett by Rachael Anderson: Blog Tour: Review+Giveaway

Tuesday, September 19

Top Ten Tuesday: Books on My Fall TBR List

Wednesday, September 20

Waiting On Wednesday: Kill Zone: Ten Deadly Thrillers

Thursday, September 21

Review: Love's Eternal Breath (Eagle Harbor #4) by Naomi Rawlings

Friday, September 22

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Assaulted Caramel by Amanda Flower

Coming Up Next

I've got a review for the conclusion of The Uncloaked Trilogy (so good) and a review for a fun cozy mystery set in New Orleans. For Top Ten Tuesday, I'll be sharing some Unforgettable Characters. And, as always, I'll have my weekly Waiting On and Book Beginnings/Friday 56 posts.

What have you read this week?

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Assaulted Caramel (Amish Candy Shop Mystery #1) by Amanda Flower

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading.

Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Assaulted Caramel (Amish Candy Shop Mystery #1) by Amanda Flower.

Book Beginning

"I still can't believe you left!" Cassandra Calbera shouted into my ear. "They're making the announcement Monday. You have to be here!"

Friday 56 (56% on my Kindle)

I glanced around. There were still a few people walking around the town square - an English couple and some Amish women out for a stroll. All evidence of the farmers' market was gone. "Let's not talk about it out here."

About the Book

Sometimes you need a sweet tooth to take a bite out of crime . . .

Bailey King is living the sweet life as assistant chocolatier at world-famous JP Chocolates in New York City. But just when Bailey’s up for a life-changing promotion, her grandmother calls with news that her grandfather’s heart condition has worsened. Bailey rushes to Harvest, Ohio, where her grandparents still run Swissmen Sweets, the Amish candy shop where she was first introduced to delicious fudge, truffles, and other assorted delights.

She finds her grandfather is doing better than she feared. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for a local Englisch developer, whom Bailey finds dead in the candy shop kitchen—with Jebediah King’s chocolate knife buried in his chest. Now the police are sweet on her grandfather as the prime suspect. Despite the sincere efforts of a yummy deputy with chocolate-brown eyes, Bailey takes it on herself to clear Jebediah. But as a cunning killer tries to fudge the truth, Bailey may be headed straight into a whole batch of trouble . . .

What have you been reading lately? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Review: Love's Eternal Breath (Eagle Harbor #4) by Naomi Rawlings

About the Book

The bestselling Eagle Harbor Series continues with Book 4, Love’s Eternal Breath.

Lindy Marsden once dreamed of having a husband, a house, some children, and maybe even a sewing machine. But since she grew ill five years ago, those dreams have become too much to hope for. Now she just wants to provide for herself and help the abandoned children she found living in the woods until their father returns… and avoid doctors for the rest of her life. Their medicine never leads to any good, and she has the scars to prove it.

Seth Harrington loves being a doctor, but treating patients in the small town of Eagle Harbor is nothing like working at a prestigious Boston hospital, especially with the other doctor in town trying to steal Seth's patients. When he's called to treat a reluctant woman, Seth finds Lindy Marsden's fiery dislike for him rather insulting. He has the ability to help her, but she wants nothing to do with him. Until she shows up on his doorstep one night...

When the plight of a young abandoned boy brings Seth and Lindy irrevocably together, Seth finds himself in the most difficult situation of his career. His expertise can help him heal the sick, but will his love be enough to soothe Lindy's wounded soul?

Come visit the rugged yet beautiful coast of Lake Superior and the remote historical town of Eagle Harbor that readers can’t get enough of.

Eagle Harbor Series--Where Love Finds Its Anchor
Book 1: Love's Unfading Light (Mac and Tressa)
Book 2: Love's Every Whisper (Elijah and Victoria)
Book 3: Love's Sure Dawn (Gilbert and Rebekah)
Book 4: Love's Eternal Breath (Seth and Lindy)
Book 5: Love's Constant Hope (Thomas and Jessalyn)
Book 6: Love's Bright Tomorrow (Isaac and Aileen--winter 2018)
Prequel Novella: Love's Violet Sunrise (Hiram and Mabel)
Short Story: Love's Beginning (Elijah and Victoria)

Amazon / Goodreads / Barnes and Noble / Kobo

My Review

Five Stars

Love's Eternal Breath was another wonderful addition to the Eagle Harbor Series. Just when I think there's no way to top the previous books, this one comes along and proves me wrong. I was completely captivated by it, never wanting to put it down.

I've been very curious for Seth and Lindy's story. Seth's such a caring guy, doing his absolute best treating the residents of Eagle Harbor. It's impossible to not fall for him. He's trying to find his way in a town that already has a doctor, albeit one who's drinking problems, old way of doctoring and thinking are more likely to do more harm than good. And then there's Lindy. She's a very compassionate person, helping others even at the detriment of her own health. Lindy has breathing problems and doesn't trust any doctor. In her experience, they only bring more pain and more trouble. It was absolutely heartbreaking reading about her past. Seth and Lindy have great chemistry and it was great watching them grow and learn to trust one another.

I found all the medical history fascinating. We've sure come a long way since the nineteenth century. The 'procedures' some of the so-called 'doctors' performed were gut-wrenching to read about.

I fall more in love the town of Eagle Harbor and the characters who call it home with each successive book. I can't wait to read the next one! I highly recommend this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

To learn more about Naomi Rawlings, visit her website and Facebook page.

Waiting On Wednesday: Kill Zone: Ten Deadly Thrillers

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that highlights upcoming eagerly anticipated releases.

This week I'm featuring Kill Zone: Ten Deadly Thrillers by Various Authors releasing October 3.

About the Book

Espionage, hacking, police procedural, international crime and intrigue, covert action, spy, secret police, revenge, snipers...and so much more! Ten brand-new, never-before published novellas of suspense, intrigue, and thrills from ten bestselling Christian thriller authors, all packed into this one anthology. KILL ZONE is available for a limited time only. Read new stories by

Rick Acker

Christy Barritt

Patricia Bradley

Braxton DeGarmo

Luana Ehrlich

Heather Day Gilbert

Heather I. James

Robert Liparulo

Jordyn Redwood

Jan Thompson

SECRETS
by Rick Acker
Everyone has secrets. Silicon Valley billionaire Scott Sherman’s could forever change three women’s lives—and possibly much, much more.

THE WRECKING
by Christy Barritt
A car crash on a lonely road turns into a nightmare for Andie Meadows when she’s abducted by a serial killer. When the killer begins his terror again years later, she’s the only one who can help the FBI find him before he strikes again.

REVENGE
by Patricia Bradley
Murder becomes a case of mistaken identity at a remote drug rehab. An old threat resurfaces, and Andi Hollister finds herself in the crosshairs of a killer.

TEN SECONDS TIL…
by Braxton DeGarmo
An explosion kills three well-known thugs, and Detective Seamus O’Connor is assigned to a task force to assist the FBI with the investigation. When two more explosive devices target criminals who have escaped justice, the hunt turns its focus on finding a vigilante. But when O’Connor starts getting close, the vigilante begins to hunt him.

ONE STEP BACK
by Luana Ehrlich
When CIA intelligence officer Titus Ray attempts to recruit an Iranian nuclear scientist in Tehran, he puts himself in the crosshairs of the Iranian secret police and triggers a series of events leading to deadly consequences.

UNDERCUT
by Heather Day Gilbert
When Marine sniper-turned-lumberjack Zane Boone finds himself in the crosshairs of vengeful terrorists, will he be able to protect Molly McClure and save his own heart in the process?

BURN TIME
by Heather I. James
Charlotte finds herself at the end of a prison term for committing a felony against a man who deserved it. Upon her release, she finds that he is coming after her. Not for revenge but because he believes she has something of his, something that could put him away for life and topple a criminal enterprise.

FULL DRAW
by Robert Liparulo
After a lifetime of obsession, a vast fortune, and countless murders, Anton Talisen is on the brink of unleashing a powerful, ancient secret against mankind. Hutch has three days to stop him.

MALICIOUS INTENT
by Jordyn Redwood
Bestselling thriller author Lexie Sloan’s life upends when people close to her wind up dead, mirroring the plots of her award-winning novels.

Why I Need It

There's so many great authors in this collection! Can't wait to read this!

What book are you eagerly anticipating? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books on My Fall TBR List

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and The Bookish.

This week is I'm featuring Books on My Fall TBR List.

Written in the Dust by Christina Coryell

All This Time by Melissa Tagg

Blue Ridge Sunrise by Denise Hunter

The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck by Bethany Turner

Dangerous Illusions (Code of Honor #1) by Irene Hannon

A Dangerous Legacy by Elizabeth Camden

Charging the Darkness (The Uncloaked Trilogy #3) by J. Rodes

Awakened (The Soul Chronicles #2) by Morgan L. Busse

Renegades by Marissa Meyer

The Language of Thorns by Leigh Bardugo

What books are on your Fall TBR list? Leave a comment below and let me know.

The Pursuit of Lady Harriett by Rachael Anderson Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

The Pursuit of Lady Harriett by Rachael Anderson

When wills clash and hearts collide, who will reign victorious?

Termed an Incomparable during her first London season, Lady Harriett Cavendish is beautiful, spirited, and confident, capturing the attention of a great many suitors. Unfortunately, they all failed to capture her attention, and she concluded the season as unattached as she’d begun it.

Only weeks prior to her second season, Harriett encounters Lieutenant Christopher Jamison while visiting Tanglewood Manor. Recently returned from war, the lieutenant is everything that Harriett’s previous suitors were not. He’s arrogant, ungentlemanly, irritating, and challenges her at every opportunity. When he goes too far, Harriett decides that it’s time to turn the tables on him. But as she sets out to put the lieutenant in his place once and for all, she discovers there is more to him than meets the eye, and when it comes to matters of the heart, she has no control whatsoever.

My Review

I'm a huge fan of Rachael Anderson and am always excited when she has a new release. She's a master at writing engaging clean romance, so I couldn't wait to start reading The Pursuit of Lady Harriett. It did not disappoint! I was captivated from the very beginning to the very end and had such a fun time reading it. This book definitely kept a smile on my face throughout the entirety of the story.

Lady Harriett is constantly irritated by Lieutenant Jamison and his antics, but at the same time, inexplicably drawn to him. Lieutenant Jamison finds great delight in pestering Harriett. He constantly seems to one-up and outwit her, which further infuriates her. They're at odds a lot, but their chemistry is off the charts. The back and forth banter between them was so entertaining and provided many laughs. There were many heartwarming moments, too.

The Pursuit of Lady Harriett was a wonderfully delightful, feel-good romance that I highly recommend! Even though this is book three in the series, it can be read as a standalone just fine.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.

EXCERPT

Harriett looked at what remained of the cake. Appar-ently, he didn’t intend to finish it off after all, so she collected their forks and stood. “Forgive me for saying so, but you look quite done in, Chris. If you do not go up to bed now, you will probably fall asleep here. Only imagine what Mrs. Caddy might say if she discovers you here with the mostly-eaten cake. For your own sake, you ought to retire. I will do my best to tidy things up.”
Before she could move away from him, he grabbed her hand and guided her to sit back down, keeping hold of her fingers. “Not so fast, my lady. I meant it when I said that I’m in desperate need of the distraction that only you can provide. Thus far, all I have done is burden you with my troubles.”
“I do not feel at all burdened, sir.” Indeed, Harriett suddenly felt breathless and somewhat giddy. The effect this man had on her was something of a wonder.
“Sir?” he asked. “I thought we were beyond that.”
“I thought so as well, but you only just called me ‘my lady.’”
He frowned and blinked as though he hadn’t realized he had. “Forgive me, Harry. I fear my exhaustion has muddled my thinking.”
This time, she did not let the name slide. She snatched her hand free and frowned at him. “Obviously it has.”
He laughed—not a tired attempt at a laugh, but a real one filled with the richness that warmed her straight through. Only this time, it did not bother her at all. In fact, it felt wonderful, almost like a compliment.
“I knew you’d come through for me,” he said, leaning close enough to touch shoulders with her. “You have no idea how much I needed to laugh or how good that felt. I could honestly kiss you right now.”
Harriett tried her best not to blush or appear astonished by the suggestion—he had obviously made the comment in jest—but when his smile widened into a devilish grin, she knew she’d failed. He leaned in closer, and his gaze wandered briefly to her mouth before returning to her eyes. She could smell vanilla and lemon and a hint of something else—leather perhaps? A delightful pulse whipped down her arm, and she was hard-pressed not to shiver.
“Admit it,” he said. “You have missed me.”

Author Rachael Anderson

A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

Website / Newsletter / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 10/1/17

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Week in Review: September 11 - 16, 2017

Week in Review is where I recap posts from the previous week and preview what's to come.

Monday, September 11

Review: These Healing Hills by Ann H. Gabhart

Tuesday, September 12

Top Ten Tuesday: Throwback: Childhood Favorites

Wednesday, September 13

Waiting On Wednesday: All This Time (Walker Family #4) by Melissa Tagg

Thursday, September 14

Review: Deadly Proof by Rachel Dylan

Friday, September 15

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Fatal Mistake by Susan Sleeman

Saturday, September 16

Speculative Saturday: Review: The Brightest Fell (October Daye #11) by Seanan McGuire

Coming Up Next

I've got two historical fiction reviews coming up. The first one is a regency romance that will also have a giveaway! (So exciting!) The second is the fourth book in a wonderful series set in 1880's Michigan. Top Ten Tuesday will showcase some books on my Fall TBR. And as always, I'll have my weekly Waiting On Wednesday and Book Beginnings/Friday 56 posts.

What have you read this week?

Review: The Brightest Fell (October Daye #11) by Seanan McGuire

About the Book

New York Times-bestselling October Daye faerie series • Hugo Award-winning author Seanan McGuire • "Top of my urban-paranormal series list!" —Felicia Day

Contains an original bonus novella, Of Things Unknown!Things are slow, and October “Toby” Daye couldn’t be happier about that.  The elf-shot cure has been approved, Arden Windermere is settling into her position as Queen in the Mists, and Toby doesn’t have anything demanding her attention except for wedding planning and spending time with her family.

Maybe she should have realized that it was too good to last.

               

When Toby’s mother, Amandine, appears on her doorstep with a demand for help, refusing her seems like the right thing to do…until Amandine starts taking hostages, and everything changes.  Now Toby doesn’t have a choice about whether or not she does as her mother asks.  Not with Jazz and Tybalt’s lives hanging in the balance.  But who could possibly help her find a pureblood she’s never met, one who’s been missing for over a hundred years?

               

Enter Simon Torquill, elf-shot enemy turned awakened, uneasy ally.  Together, the two of them must try to solve one of the greatest mysteries in the Mists: what happened to Amandine’s oldest daughter, August, who disappeared in 1906.

               

This is one missing person case Toby can’t afford to get wrong.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Review

Five Stars

There is no book I anticipate more every year than the new addition to the October Daye Series. In THE BRIGHTEST FELL, Amandine, Toby's mom, is back with a seemingly impossible demand for Toby - find August, who's been missing for over a century. Easy, right? NOT! With no leads, nothing to go on, and owing Amandine nothing, Toby refuses. Well... that doesn't go over too well. To force Toby's compliance, Amandine kidnaps a couple of Toby's loved ones. Now the stakes are too high for Toby to fail.

There was one part in the first chapter (I won't spoil what) where I was laughing so hard I was literally crying. SO FUNNY! I haven't laughed that hard in awhile and even now, thinking back on it, I can't help but chuckle. But in typical Toby fashion, it didn't take long for things to turn more serious and for the action to pick up.

Okay, so let me get this out of the way... Amandine is an absolutely horrible person. I didn't think I could like her any less... well, this book proved me wrong! It's amazing how much more I dislike her now! I think she's in line for the Worst Mother of the Year award. Amandine's always been a mystery and even though she's such a terrible person, it was still completely fascinating to read about her, to learn a little more about her.

THE BRIGHTEST FELL was epic! I wanted it to go on forever... why did it have to end? This was the best in the series since THE WINTER LONG. Not to say the ones in between were bad, they weren't. They were spectacular... But this one... Gosh! The payoff from a lot of events that began in previous books was amazing! There's so many layers of complexity woven seamlessly throughout this series from beginning til now! I can't wait to find out what comes next!

There's so much more I want say, but the right words won't come and even if they did, they'd probably be full of spoilers anyway. So it's just better if I stop here and say go pick up a copy! There's so much awesomeness in this book, so many answers, so much payoff! It doesn't get better than this!

OF THINGS UNKNOWN

(Bonus Novella)

OF THINGS UNKNOWN was a novella from the viewpoint of April O'Leary. April was never one of my favorite characters, so I wasn't expecting to like this novella as much as I did. It was awesome and absolutely exceeded my expectations. It was super interesting to see things from April's unique perspective. I think this is my favorite novella in the Toby-verse. I want to say so much more, but again... it would all be spoilers. So, I'll just say... it was amazing!

Note: This series does contain strong language

To learn more about Seanan McGuire, visit her website, blog, and Twitter.