Category Archives: Dragons

#Review #Audiobook – Dead Man in a Ditch (The Fetch Phillips Novels Book 2) by Luke Arnold

In this brilliant sequel to actor Luke Arnold’s debut The Last Smile in Sunder City, a former soldier turned PI solves crime in a world that’s lost its magic. The name’s Fetch Phillips — what do you need? Cover a Gnome with a crossbow while he does a dodgy deal? Sure. Find out who killed Lance Niles, the big-shot businessman who just arrived in town? I’ll give it shot. Help an old-lady Elf track down her husband’s murderer? That’s right up my alley. What I don’t do, because it’s impossible, is search for a way to bring the goddamn magic back. Rumors got out about what happened with the Professor, so now people keep asking me to fix the world. But there’s no magic in this story. Just dead friends, twisted miracles, and a secret machine made to deliver a single shot of murder. Welcome back to the streets of Sunder City, a darkly imagined world perfect for readers of Ben Aaronovitch and Jim Butcher. Praise for Dead Man in a Ditch: “Superb… With a lead who would be at home in the pages of a Raymond Chandler or James Ellory novel and a nicely twisty plot, this installment makes a strong case for Arnold’s series to enjoy a long run.” ―Publishers Weekly “Arnold’s universe has everything, including the angst of being human. The perfect story for adult fantasy fans—a tough PI and a murder mystery wrapped around the mysticism of Hogwarts, sprinkled with faerie dust.” ―Library Journal (starred review) Fetch Phillips Novels The Last Smile in Sunder City Dead Man in a Ditch One Foot in the Fade

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

Chirp

 

Twinsie Kelly’s Review

I cannot get enough of this series. I highly recommend listening to it via audiobook. The author/narrator is phenomenal! Every gritty corner, unsavory character, questionable moral, is felt as if you are right in the story. I love the wittiness and how irritatingly twisted up it makes you feel while reading/listening to it. Fetch just can’t catch a break and just when he thinks he has things figured out, he is pulled into something else just as chaotic and crazy and going down another rabbit hole….or dragon hole. There is never a slow moment. All the characters bring something to the table. Every. Single. One. Fetch and the police department are getting along now (kind of), he has “friends,” some people from his past pop back up in his life (and seriously gave me some kind of feels!), but most importantly Fetch started trying to figure out exactly what he is doing. He has switched sides and shared secrets he shouldn’t have. He was a huge part of the problem and just wants to do the right thing. But, like most people (religions, politics, etc.), they all can justify their cause. Fetch needs to dig down deep and figure out what his cause really is.  I am extremely impressed with this series and NEED more!  I am on my way to list to the next in the series! Stay tuned for another review! Bravo, Luke Arnold, on a fantastic job!

Luke Arnold

Luke Arnold was born in Australia and has spent the last decade acting his way around the world, playing iconic roles such as Long John Silver in the Emmy-winning Black Sails and his award-winning turn as Michael Hutchence in the INXS mini-series Never Tear Us Apart. When he isn’t performing, Luke is a screenwriter, director, novelist, and ambassador for Save the Children Australia.

 

#WOTR26 #dragons #paranormal #Audiobook #Series #Novella – Ranger, Dragon Bride Book 2 by Kate Rudolph, narration by Jonathan Waters

 

He’s supposed to be a prince, not a prisoner…
Things are as bad as they can get for Ranger when he’s thrown in a cell and told he’s about to be sold for a profit. But his captors don’t know he’s a dragon, and he’s ready to rain fire on them all in payback.

Until he meets Sidney.

She’s stronger than she looks…
When Sidney discovers Ranger on the ship, it throws her world into upheaval. She’s no slaver. She’ll do what it takes to free him, even if it means crossing her captain and crew. When Ranger turns the tables on her, she’s almost too angry to be attracted to him.

Almost.

Freeing Ranger has repercussions. And soon it’s not just Sidney that’s in danger, but everyone she loves as well. She’ll need to trust the dragon prince if she’s going to save them all.

But how can she do that without losing her heart?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this audiobook.

I am a sucker for a good novella.  I am a sucker for dragon stories.  Give me both on an audio and I am SOLD!!!

Again with all novellas you know they will be an instalove and I am all for it.  This book was about Ranger, Crux brother, and Sidney.  He is thinking he is saving some people only to be kidnapped.  Sidney I excited to be helping her “family” out on their ship when she meets Ranger escaping.  Needless to say she is stunned to learn how awful her “family” really is.

The story was quick. They had some sexy times and some bater.  Sidney didn’t put up with Ranger and he was ever the gentleman helping her people.  I liked the story well enough.  I just felt, like with the first book, I wanted more insight to the king and AFTER they come home.  We have all this fear of him disliking “humans” and his dislike for Sidney but why???  So if I have any complaint is that I wish there was more information as to this dilemma.

I love writing about kick butt heroines and the steamy heroes who love them.
Feel free to friend me on Goodreads!

You can also find me online:
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Facebook: facebook.com/katerudolphauthor

#WOTR26 #SeriesStarter #Audiobook #Dragons #Brides #Human #FatedMates – Crux, Dragon Brides #1 by Kate Rudolph, narration by Jonathan Waters

 

Prince Crux is in a bind.
When the Dragon King commands Crux find a proper mate, his days of carefree bachelorhood are over. One trip to a psychic matchmaker and he’s on the path to his destiny. But it all comes screeching to a halt when he meets a human woman who lights his inner fire and makes him yearn.

She’s got a pair of roller skates and an attitude.
Courtney is supposed to be putting the shambles of her life back together. Getting abducted by aliens isn’t part of the plan. Neither is getting rescued by a scorchingly hot dragon that makes her think of an impossible future. But they have no chance together if they can’t first escape a planet full of monsters intent on their destruction.

Fated mates, fierce women, and dragon princes are ready to find their mates in the new Dragon Brides series from Kate Rudolph.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I grabbed this audiobook for free on stuff your audiobook day in August/September from Google Books.

I am a sucker for a good novella.  I am a sucker for dragon stories.  Give me both on an audio and I am SOLD!!!

This story was super quick and of course instaloveish.  If you are grabbing a novella you know this so I was ready.  I will so I did enjoy the banter initially with Cruz and Courtney.  He shows up on the planet looking for his mate that the dating agent told him would be there only to discover she is human with weird rolling things she carries around.  She is feisty and not putting up with him at all.

Courtney wakes up not in her apartment and not thrilled to discover she was kidnapped with her roller skates on.  What is a girl to do!!

The story was good. We see the reason why Cruz was looking for his mate.  We see him struggle with accepting that a human is his person.  We see Courtney falling hard for the dragon prince and not happy she will be letting him go.

I do feel a little bit let down at the end. I enjoyed the couples story but I wanted maybe one more chapter to see them together on his planet…ya know see how it all shakes out in the wash.  But I did download book 2 and am diving in.

I love writing about kick butt heroines and the steamy heroes who love them.
Feel free to friend me on Goodreads!

You can also find me online:
Free book: signup.katerudolph.net/subscribe
Facebook: facebook.com/katerudolphauthor

#Review #Audio – The Last Smile in Sunder City (The Fetch Phillips Novels) Book 1 by Luke Arnold

In a world that’s lost its magic, a former soldier turned PI solves cases for the fantasy creatures whose lives he ruined in an imaginative debut fantasy by Black Sails actor Luke Arnold.

Welcome to Sunder City. The magic is gone but the monsters remain.

I’m Fetch Phillips, just like it says on the window. There are a few things you should know before you hire me:

1. Sobriety costs extra.
2. My services are confidential.
3. I don’t work for humans.

It’s nothing personal–I’m human myself. But after what happened to the magic, it’s not the humans who need my help.

Walk the streets of Sunder City and meet Fetch, his magical clients, and a darkly imagined world perfect for readers of Ben Aaronovitch and Jim Butcher.

Praise for The Last Smile in Sunder City:

“A richly imagined world…Winningly combining the grit of Chinatown with the quirky charm of Harry Potter, this series opener is sure to have readers coming back for more.” ―Publishers Weekly

“A marvelous noir voice; Arnold has captured the spirit of the genre perfectly and wrapped it around a fantasy setting with consummate skill.” ―Peter McLean, author of Priest of Bones

Fetch Phillips Novels
The Last Smile in Sunder City
Dead Man in a Ditch
One Foot in the Fade

 

Goodreads

 

Amazon

Chirp

 

Twinsie Kelly’s Review

The Last Smile in Sunder City has a Noir Comic feel and is a great story. I listened to the story via audiobook and as kept thinking to myself, “how did the author come up with this title?” Then all of a sudden, it hit me and it fits this story perfectly. The world building is very intricate with a lot of twisted turns. Fetch has spent a lot of his life trying to find his place. Where does he belong, what is right and wrong, which side does he belong to? At this point in his life, he carries a great burden as he feels that he is the reason all the magic is gone. He caused this and is now in a constant state of loneliness and has basically shunned all humans, like himself. However, this latest case takes him down a rabbit hole that makes him remember much of his past and sparks a hope for the future. It is magical, gritty, dark, but witty. The narrator has the perfect voice for this type of storytelling. I look forward to uncovering more of Fetch’s monsters and seeing what else lies in the shadows of Sunder City.

 

 

#review #seriesstarter The Baby Dragon Cafe (Baby Dragon Series 1) by A.T. Qureshi


The perfect cozy, romantic fantasy BESTSELLER for fans of Gilmore Girls and dragons!

When Saphira opens her cafe welcoming pet baby dragons, she isn’t expecting it to be quite so hard to keep the fires burning. But her young dragon patrons keep incinerating her furniture, which means selling coffee isn’t covering all her costs.

Local heart-throb Aiden is a gardener, though his disobedient baby dragon is a major distraction from his beloved plants. However, Saphira’s café gives him an idea – he’ll ask Saphira to train his dragon, and pay her enough to keep the cafe afloat.

They know they’re the answer to each other’s problems, but happy-go-lucky Saphira and gorgeous-but-grumpy Aiden couldn’t be more different. Can they find a way to work together – and maybe even ignite some fire of their own?

The perfect dual POV, grumpy sunshine cozy fantasy, with HEA guaranteed!

 

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/215767834-the-baby-dragon-caf

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Dragon-Cafe-charming-romance-ebook/dp/B0D8J1ZTR5/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DBYNME4FWZR4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pHeoGf3kYWQ62S9eSZ2-7WnSDE7j2VaIeEp84iukUr8Y_3ETlJjTR0dda0rVufVh9_8X057dwD2sIlTUSOxTovdzv3YI3f8Aws4NMVFJOBtugvtXxXa_FZEXXZm2JgRCerKJlNG0uaLCiWEKmr4_8MBkvBImiCCth2O95P5edIeQqMFDvlvavl5-QsxRQ8OcSyok6Spe8emUhn9Rl7XSv-QuCjAY22y7dRwVjpcZhFo.TL-ywJ3XAz9NgpElHwAUSHXd9l13OFoghSLgIk-RzAY&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+baby+dragon+cafe&qid=1750423946&sprefix=The+baby+dra%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-1

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book here is my honest review

What is better than having a coffee then having it surrounded by baby dragon’s that’s right kind of like a cat cafe but better. Thats always been Saphira’s dream and now that dream was true, she couldn’t be even more in love that her dream has become a reality. but with allowing baby dragons to come in you are risking some damage to happen, since baby dragons can’t control their fire. with 1 espresso machine down and that evening hearing commotion outside she was asked to train a dragon that wasn’t hers, even though she didn’t have her own dragon she knew how important it was for a dragon and rider to bond, and Aiden was left this dragon by his brother who had died. no bond can’t figure out what to do Aiden was desperate and Saphira was the key to his problems. this was a very cute story but very slow paced and way too much story building and setting the scene.

 

A.T. Qureshi is a Pakistani, Muslim American who adores words. She is the award-winning author of YA fantasy novel, The Lady or the Lion. She grew up on Long Island, New York, in a very loud household, surrounded by English (for school), Urdu (for conversation), and Punjabi (for emotion). Much of her childhood was spent being grounded for reading past her bed-time, writing stories in the backs of her notebooks, and being scolded by teachers for passing chapters under the tables. Through her writing, she wishes to inspire a love for the beautiful country and rich culture that informed much of her identity.

When she’s not writing, she loves to travel to new places where she can explore different cultures or to Pakistan where she can revitalize her roots. She also loves baking complicated desserts, drinking fancy teas and coffees, watching sappy rom-coms, and going for walks about the estate (her backyard). She currently lives in New York.

 

#Review – Dark Fae (Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac Book 1) by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

A complete dark, fantasy romance series from Amazon.com and Wall Street Journal #1 bestselling authors Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

What do a heartless Dragon Shifter, a cold-blooded Basilisk, an arrogant Lion Shifter and a brooding, tattooed Harpy have in common…?

Me.

Elise Callisto. Vampire. Angel of vengeance. And a girl on a mission to destroy one of them for murdering my brother. I just don’t know which one did it yet.

When I interrogated/accidentally killed a Werewolf who was high on a new and dangerous drug called Killblaze, his final words painted a dark reality for me. The King of Aurora Academy killed my brother. The trouble is, there’s four kings at the academy and each of them have motive and bloodthirsty natures.

Aurora Academy isn’t a place for the faint of heart. To put it lightly, my town is the cesspit of Solaria where the most cutthroat Fae in the kingdom reside. The school itself is divided by the two gangs who run this city. The Lunar Brotherhood and the Oscura Clan. And guess what? Two of the kings run the gangs at the academy, their hatred for each other so fierce I hear a day doesn’t go by without blood being spilled in the halls.

I might be a petite, lilac-haired girl who looks like I couldn’t hurt a fly, but they haven’t been introduced to my fangs yet. And they don’t know why I’m really here. Or that I’ll do whatever it takes to bring down the Fae who took my flesh and blood from me.

I don’t believe in fate, but I do know this… the King who killed my brother is a dead man walking. And I’m prepared to sacrifice my heart, body and soul to ensure I get my revenge.

This is a gritty, college age, steamy series set in a world where Fae fight to take whatever they want. The heroin will end up with multiple love interests so you never have to pick a favourite alphahole. You can expect dark and hot romance, and a twisted murder mystery which will leave your head spinning and your heart racing. – this series is set in the same world as Zodiac Academy but is its own story and can be read independently.

I can’t begin to tell you when I was this obsessed with a series. I started reading the Zodiac Academy and ended up finding a reading order online. It’s a giant world, so I wanted to make sure I was reading all of it. If that makes sense at all. So there are three series within this world and they intertwine in a way. I read the first 3 books along with 2 novellas for ZA and then started Ruthless Boys because you see these characters in ZA. Which makes sense, since we already see Gabriel in ZA. And let me tell you, I was NOT expecting him to be the way he was in Ruthless Boys.

So Ruthless Boys takes place 5 years before Zodiac Academy does and it’s at a different school. We meet Elise who is trying to find her brother’s killer. She then meets the four kings of the school. And of course, two of the Kings are part of rival gangs where they will one day be the leaders. While they’re not like our favourite boys from ZA, they are similar. But I think Ryder is the scariest. Gabriel can be mean but things happen between he and Elise that makes me question on who she actually ends up with. I can’t tell you how hard it is not to read spoilers. These books have been out for a while but now that I’m reading, it’s like they’re popping up everywhere and the universe is wanting me to get spoiled. 

This book is the first of the series, so obviously we’re learning about each character. There’s not a lot of world building like ZA has but this one does have a darker feel to it. But in ZA I find that the guys are meaner. I don’t know. I love them both.

I can’t wait to get deeper into this series to find out what actually happened to Elise’s brother. I have theories but I’m probably wrong. I usually am anyway.

One click here

#Review – Zodiac Academy 3: The Reckoning by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

“The answer to your question will be revealed on the Lunar Eclipse. But when discovering the truth, do not let the shadows take you.”

Hell Week has begun.

Senior students have been tasked with making the freshmen’s lives pure torture as we prepare to face The Reckoning – the assessment that will decide whether we stay at Zodiac Academy or lose our places here forever.

With the Lunar Eclipse on the horizon, my sister and I have more to worry about than just passing our exams.

A dark plot is unfolding and the shadows are drawing closer. It looks like our enemies could be more powerful than we ever realised.

Damn, who would have thought being a princess would be this hard?

Okay I am officially obsessed with this series. I actually think I became obsessed after book 1. This series has it all: Strong characters, a sibling bond, love, passion, action and more.

This book is about The Reckoning obviously. So we’re back with Tory and Darcy trying to fit in and navigate the ways of the Fae while dealing with four grumpy heirs who are trying to get rid of them. Just when they think they can trust people, it of course backfires on them.

So much happens in this book that I’m sure I’m going to forget quite a few things for this review.

We continue seeing what a monster Darius’s dad is and the intense hold he has on his sons. Darius is my favourite of the four heirs by the way.

Caleb and Tory and still doing their thing but he keeps giving her whiplash with his nice guy act and then suddenly turning mean and wanting to get rid of her.

Like Tory says in the book, at least Darius has been honest this whole time and she knows where she stands with him. He hates her – maybe not as much as he tries to though – and she hates him – again, not as much as she thinks either. I’m chomping at the bit for these two to get together.

I really like the dynamic between Darcy and Orion but I’m just waiting for their thing to become public and how it’ll destroy what they have.

I’m so excited to read the rest of the books! I feel like now we’re really getting into the nitty gritty of the world. ‘

It’s going to be quite the ride!

Can be read in KU – https://amzn.to/3RW5TP5

#Review – Zodiac Academy: The Awakening As Told By The Boys by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

**This is a retelling of book 1 of Zodiac Academy from the perspective of Orion, Darius, Caleb, Seth and Max**

The Vega twins are alive.

Those five words circle in my mind like an oncoming storm. They change everything about the future we thought had been set in stone. They challenge everything we were raised to be and the stability of the entire kingdom.

They’re coming to our academy looking for the life that was stolen from them, but we can’t let them take it back.

So much hangs in the balance and we can’t risk the arrival of two naïve princesses destroying everything we worked so hard for.

I have trained in dark magic, overcome all challenges and stood in the shadow of Lionel Acrux for far too long already. I won’t let them come between me and his downfall.

Which means they have to go before they discover how powerful they truly are.

This is a retelling of the first book in the Zodiac Academy series from the point of view of Orion and the Heirs and should be read after you have finished the original story. It includes scenes from alternative points of view as well over 50k words of additional content and scenes which have never before been revealed. So prepare to step into the dark minds of the Zodiac boys and watch out for the heartbreak and carnage that will ensue.

I got to book 3 in this series before I found a reading order and before I realized that I should have tandem read this one with book 1. But having read book 1 and gotten more into the series, it was fun going back to the beginning to find out why the guys are the way they are. They all have their own reasons, having to deal with their parents’ wrath but Darius’s situation is the worst of them all. His father is a monster and the things he puts Darius through, add to the fact that he uses his brother to get him to do what he wants…man I can’t wait for the day that Darius can take him on and get rid of him.

It was interesting to see the guys’ points of views during certain situations. Their filthy minds were definitely far more out there than the girls’. Lol!

There are so many different reading orders for this series/world and I feel that there is no right or wrong way to read them. Just enjoy the process.

I’m no where near being done this world yet but I’m obsessed and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes me!

Can be read in KU – https://amzn.to/4jGxUpP

#review #partofaseries Onyx Storm (Empyrean 3) by Rebecca Yarros

After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty.

Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.

Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything.

They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth.

But a storm is coming…and not everyone can survive its wrath.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/209439446-onyx-storm

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Storm-Empyrean-Book-3-ebook/dp/B0CW1FKFB9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8GAQZELOHYKL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.q8nsibD3r8o5FUc6dMBNpZ9tReoKp-6KceIfv1_zlWbCW8PpbwoX73_JEgYOWF11pp_M8f2vHScFilNZuGGP9PLxAtKAiRzfOv3IQucs9XV1FGg-6BKEd0C0czMeLNau3kc5gao460nyESfZ1lCfXI88Bnp2ojlJNEoOD5ZqD6i_093lLsR6Wo5t6VUkQBXuhECyT2sJUpANZxwGJ2D4v72jUDBI6YGcDHvLladMVUw._JFjuQHJs6MmvmxLnd84N-aP26MOGQAdKFyrrr7kHfY&dib_tag=se&keywords=onyx+storm+rebecca+yarros&qid=1743081708&sprefix=onyx+storm+%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-1

Review by Twinsie Dee

i bought this book here is my honest opinion

Back at Basigath its still crazy, trying to get things back in order after the crazy wyvern and venin attack. Violet isn’t giving up without a fight, with her siblings, friends, and boyfriend by her side she’s determined to find a cure to turn Xaden back from being a venin and also find her dragon’s family the 7th kind. is she the key to unlocking all this new at Basigath or is it the end. so many tears, heartbreaks and another cliffhanger to leave you wondering where the rest of the story is. this was a great climax of the series, and it was difficult to put all the words together for the review.

Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and coffee addict. She is the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty novels, including Fourth Wing, The Last Letter and The Things We Leave Unfinished. She’s also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence for Eyes Turned Skyward. Rebecca loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for over twenty years. A mother of six, she is currently surviving the teenage years with all four of her hockey-playing sons.

#Promo – Onyx Storm (The Empyrean Book 3) by Rebecca Yarros

Discover the instant #1 New York Times bestseller! TV series now in development at MGM Amazon Studios with Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society.

Accolades for Fourth Wing
Amazon Best Books of the Year, #4 • Apple Best Books of the Year 2023 • Barnes & Noble Best Fantasy Book of 2023 • NPR “Books We Love” 2023 • Audible Best Books of 2023 • Hudson Book of the Year • Google Play Best Books of 2023 • Indigo Best Books of 2023 • Waterstones Book of the Year finalist • Goodreads Choice Award Winner • Newsweek Staffers’ Favorite Books of 2023 • Paste Magazine’s Best Books of 2023 • TikTok Book Awards UK and Ireland Book of the Year (International) 2024

There was so much happening in this book that I’m definitely going to have to do a re-read before the next one. This is jam packed with action and I enjoyed every moment of it! Also, Xaden. *sigh* He’s just the perfect book boyfriend and I love his love for Violet.

https://amzn.to/43RzMHp