In flowing prose and intricate narrative, this little short story is packed with tasteful details and world-building. The characters are well-written despite the shortness on space, and the storyline is exciting.
My only complaint would be that it introduces a lot of things, some of which are never explained (understandable enough, since it’s a short story), but some could have just been left out altogether to allow the story to speak for itself. It had enough going for it anyway, with its intrigue, interesting characters and flowing action. It is highly likely I will go on to reading the series based on this prequel.
Where is that button for 6 stars? The rating system only seems to go up to 5!! How vexing… because I could have used the 6, for if J. C. Seal’s first two books were great, this one was amazing!!
Angel Nemesis picks up right after Angels Descendants, but with a different main character – Kreon. It serves as less of a standalone than the previous instalment of her Angels and Demons series, but the changed POV gives it a new flair, as you follow a man who is no other than the son of Lucifer himself.
One of many beautifully fleshed-out characters, Kreon is an underdog, struggling with doubt and his undeniable origin. Does he really deserve to stand amongst the other angels? And is he truly untainted, free of evil himself?
As the archangel Gabriel disappears, caught in Lucifer’s grasp, Kreon journeys to rescue him, but not only that. He also seeks a way to somehow save his father, unable to give up on him for good.
Mystery, old truths, prophecies, and love is abounding in this fabulous story by J. C. Seal. And oh, that fantastic twist on Lucifer, I cannot put into words how it resonated with me. To summarise, I will just cite Eileen: I’m a sucker for bad boys!!
This book offers the reader a page-turning, fast-paced, heart-wrenching, exciting story! And no doubt does it deserve its spot amongst my recommended reads!!
🖋️ To me, beta readers are essential to the writing process. Sure, I follow my heart, creating the story to fit my vision, but I want the reader to see what I see, hear what I hear, and feel what I feel ❤️
And what better way to know their experience than to hear it from the readers themselves? It gives such an opportunity, being given feedback early on, to make edits and correction, all to enhance the reader experience! 😍🙏
As I am currently working on book 4 of The Prime Series, I am also looking for additional beta readers to join my team of Prime betas!!
Just contact me by sending an email to contact@catrinrussell.com if you are interested to hear more 😁🙏
In a world where humans are no more, seals reign supreme! … or perhaps walruses, or maybe even sharks, but that’s besides the point.
Or is it?
This debut by Michael Evan is quirky, fast-paced, imaginative, and hilarious! His collaboration with JMD Reid was obviously a successful one! Packed with tropes to poke fun at, and plenty of pop culture references to go with them, the story offers the reader laughs, giggles, sea creatures and beer for anyone who dives (pun intended) into the world of The Alehouse Wars!
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes satirical and comedic fantasy. You will not be disappointed! Unless you don’t like swearing, because this has plenty of that. Oh, and beer. And mafia inspired walruses. Then again, what could ever go wrong with that combination? So don’t just stand- sit? Lie? Swim? there! Read it already!
Divinity’s Twilight: Rebirth by Christopher Russell
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Considering my love for both fantasy and steampunk, I picked this bad boy up with the hopes of having my need for those genres satisfied, and in no way was I disappointed!
Christopher Russell has created an incredibly ambitious and well-written debut with his Divinity’s Twilight: Rebirth. He tells a story packed with intricate and immensely detailed world-building, technology, magic systems, religion – you name it – and, as a reader, you are left in absolute awe! You just ache to explore this expansive universe (I’d take a ride on one of those airships, thank you)! And extra props for the German references with the Sarconians = LOVE!
Yes, the prologue is long, but it offers a solid foundation on which the rest of the story is built. And this continues with segments told from the antagonist’s POV, giving an insightful yet disturbingly ominous feeling just before you are introduced to a whole cast of young, inexperienced protagonists. Boy, have they got a mountain to climb!
Being very different from each other – Matteo, Vallen, Velle, Leon, Lilith, Sylette, Unter, and Renar – they all compliment each other beautifully, albeit not always in the most loving way. I expect this will play a large part in their individual character arcs as they go forward, where – admittedly – some of those named will need a tad more redemption than the rest. However, they all face their own struggles, and I look forward to following their progress as the story continues.
This book paves the way for a magnificent story, and I cannot stress enough how impressed I am by Russell’s efforts. He has truly set the bar high, and if this is how the series begins, then I can only imagine how marvellous it will be by the end!
🖋️ After a pretty long break away from writing new material for The Prime Series (while editing and playing about with other WIPs), work has now resumed on the fourth instalment of the series 😁🙏
🖋️ As always, the characters are in for a hell of a ride 🤣 I am so mean 🙈
The Alehouse Wars by Michael Evan and JMD Reid
