Category: review

In Book Two, The Dragon Rider, the barrier is down, war is brewing and dragons fill the skies once more.

About The Dragon Rider

The barrier is down, war is brewing and dragons fill the skies once more.

Bakari is the first dragon rider in centuries but he alone cannot subdue the growing tensions among the kingdoms around Alaris. He begins a quest to find more dragon riders — the only way to secure peace in the fractured lands around him.

In this second book of the Alaris Chronicles everyone is forced to choose sides in the battle for the governance of Alaris. Roland Tyre seizes control of the Citadel and carefully plays both sides — but his immense charm and considerable wizard powers may prove useless against a deadly and hidden enemy. Battle Wizard Alli Stenos is in the thick of every fight she can find and only wants to secure an end to the violence.

The three young wizards, Bakari, Roland and Alli have become more powerful than many of their elders. But will that be enough to keep Alaris, and the surrounding kingdoms, from descending into all out war?

My Thoughts

The amazing adventure of three young wizards, Bakari, Roland and Alli continues in book two, The Dragon Rider. The second book in this series, is even more exciting than the first novel – with dragons, war, scheming and more. You literally do not want to put this book down in fear of missing what happens next.

The novel opens up with some history from the first novel but to really appreciate this novel, you should read the first in this series, which you can find more information here. After we get a recap of what has led up to this point, we dive into more of Bakari’s story. While I originally thought that Roland would emerge as one of the greatest wizards, it is Bakari – our quiet but thoughtful, compassionate and crazy smart wizard who emerges as the leader. It is Bakari who is marked as a leader and a saviour, a role that he does not relish in but accepts with humility. He is the perfect hero and as he searches for the remaining dragon riders to aid him in his quest, we see even more of his heroic qualities.

While he is on his mission, there is still so much going on in Alaris – a war over power that finds Alli and Roland stuck in the middle. Alli finds a new ally, one that neither you as a reader nor even she could imagine coming to her aid. Roland meets his match in an ancient and evil power. It is the evil power that Roland uncovers that helps us to understand the enormous evil that is about to be unleashed on the world. It is also a great bridge into the third book that leaves your craving for more.

The Dragon Rider is an excellent novel for young adults and adults who love a well written science fiction novel. Full of action, suspense and schemes you never see coming. I loved every moment of book two!

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Mike has recently released the first book in a new YA/Teen fantasy series – The Alaris Chronicles, following his 2016 trilogy of The Cremelino Prophecy. Please join his mailing list at www.MichaelSheltonBooks.com to continue to get information on these stories and any future publications.

Mike was born in California and has lived in multiple states from the west coast to the east coast. He cannot remember a time when he wasn’t reading a book. At school, home, on vacation, at work at lunch time, and yes even a few pages in the car (at times when he just couldn’t put that great book down). Though he has read all sorts of genres he has always been drawn to fantasy. It is his way of escaping to a simpler time filled with magic, wonders and heroics of young men and women.

Other than reading, Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors. From the beaches in Southern California to the warm waters of North Carolina. From the waterfalls in the Northwest to the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mike has appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. He also enjoys hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. He has a lovely wife who has always supported him, and three beautiful children who have been the center of his life.

Mike began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in his early adult years. He has worked in corporate finance for most of his career. That, along with spending time with his wonderful family and obligations at church has made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as his children have become older he has returned to doing what he truly enjoys – writing!

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

In The Dragon Orb, the fate of a kingdom rests on the shoulders of three young wizards who couldn’t be more different.

About The Dragon Orb

Bakari is a brilliant scholar wizard who’s more at home in a library than a battlefield. Alli is a beautiful young battle wizard whose grace in battle is both enchanting and deadly. Roland is a counselor wizard with a seemingly limitless depth of untapped power — and the ego to match it.

As the magical barrier protecting the kingdom of Alaris from dangerous outsiders begins to fail, and a fomenting rebellion threatens to divide the country in a civil war, the three wizards are thrust into the middle of a power struggle.

When the barrier comes down, the truth comes out. Was everything they were taught about their kingdom based on a lie? Will they all choose to fight on the same side, or end up enemies in the battle over who should rule Alaris?

My Thoughts

The Dragon Orb is an exciting, magical adventure that both young adults and adults alike can fall in love with. Mike takes readers on an exciting adventure through the wizards world and the politics that divide the wizards and normal citizens. The plot is new, exciting and you never know what to expect next. Mike brings the story and characters to life and makes you feel as though you are a part of the story, that they are your friends, your enemies and it is your home at stake. This is one of my favourite parts about his writing and this story – you are drawn right into the story and become one with the novel.

All three main characters, Bakari, Alli and Roland are my favourites. These each bring a unique spin to the novel and have quirks that you just can’t help but love. While friends (well competitive friends!) and wizards, they are each very different. It is their differences that make them special and it is only when they work together that they can protect their kingdom. While I initially fell in love with Roland’s ego and joy of life, Roland emerges in my mind as an exceptional wizard, friend and warrior – quite the surprise!

The Dragon Orb is a definite must read with young adults (and adults who love well written fantasy novels!) – they will love the plot, characters and the battle for the kingdom. I can’t wait to read the second installment in this series.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Mike has recently released the first book in a new YA/Teen fantasy series – The Alaris Chronicles, following his 2016 trilogy of The Cremelino Prophecy. Please join his mailing list at www.MichaelSheltonBooks.com to continue to get information on these stories and any future publications.

Mike was born in California and has lived in multiple states from the west coast to the east coast. He cannot remember a time when he wasn’t reading a book. At school, home, on vacation, at work at lunch time, and yes even a few pages in the car (at times when he just couldn’t put that great book down). Though he has read all sorts of genres he has always been drawn to fantasy. It is his way of escaping to a simpler time filled with magic, wonders and heroics of young men and women.

Other than reading, Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors. From the beaches in Southern California to the warm waters of North Carolina. From the waterfalls in the Northwest to the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mike has appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. He also enjoys hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. He has a lovely wife who has always supported him, and three beautiful children who have been the center of his life.

Mike began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in his early adult years. He has worked in corporate finance for most of his career. That, along with spending time with his wonderful family and obligations at church has made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as his children have become older he has returned to doing what he truly enjoys – writing!

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Bad Luck Bride is the first in a new Regency romance series from Janna MacGregor.

The Bad Luck Bride

All were shocked at the announcement of the cursed Lady Claire Cavensham to Lord Alexander Hallworth, the Marquess of Pembrooke, especially when she is already engaged to another unfortunate Lord. Perhaps she will make it to the altar this time with one of these gentleman.

No one is left breathless at this pronouncement of her engagement to Lord Pembrooke more than Claire. She hardly knows the man! But after three engagements gone awry and a fourth going up in flames, she is not in a position to refuse.

Alexander requires the hand of his enemy’s fiancée in marriage in order to complete his plans for revenge. It is his good fortune that the cursed woman is desperate. However, what beings as a sham turns into something deeper.

My Thoughts

I fell in love with this novel – it was full of humour, romance and suspense! Lady Claire is a strong, kind and so full of love but her life was changed the day her parents died. That day forever changed her, her fears and her outlook on life. It also sprang to life some of the vicious curse rumours that have forever plagued her. So much so that Lady Claire begins to believe some of those cursed rumours! It doesn’t help when four of her engagements are broken and not in the usual manner. You fee for Lady Claire – how much can one young woman handle? All she wants is her own family and children to love.

Alexander doesn’t believe in the curse but at first only wants Lady Claire for his personal revenge. As he begins to truly know Lady Claire, we see him fall in love with her for her bravery, her kindness and her good heart. But he is still hiding a dark secret from her which includes why he married her in the first place – if she were to find out it would spell disaster for the two of them! He makes you mad at times for being so secretive but he has such good intentions that it is hard to stay mad at him.

As their feelings develop, disaster strikes again and leaves us wondering if the pair can heal their broken past and move forward. They have such potential to build a strong relationship but sometimes it can be hard to release our past.

Bad Luck Bride is full of love, strength, hope and resilience. Our two main characters could let their past determine their future but instead use love, hope and forgiveness to move forward. Bad Luck Bride is a well written and exciting read that I could not put down.

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks and Kobo.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the boot heel of Missouri. She credits her darling Mom for introducing her to the happily ever after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the Mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her own dashing rogue and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs. She loves to here from her readers. The Bad Luck Bride is her first novel.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.