“Azurite: Daughter of the Mountain” by Megan Dent Nagle

When I was first sent the book description “Azurite: Daughter of the Mountain Book One” by Megan Dent Nagle, to see if I was interested in reviewing it, I quickly found myself intrigued. Magic, imagination, fantasy and a twisting complex plot. I just couldn’t keep myself from wanting to see where the author would take the story and just exactly how it all would turn out. Because of my interest in just the mere description I had high hopes for this book and I wasn’t let down at all.

The author is remarkably talented and describes every detail in a well thought out story. She creates a fantasy world that yet seems so real to the reader. It was a read that kept me completely absorbed all the way through.

The main character, Zora, is easy to like and enjoyable. I found myself cheering her on at times. Megan Nagle is an amazing author who has potential to go far with her creativity and imagination. She weaves a story that books you in and doesn’t let go to the very last page, yet still by then wanting more.

This is a excellent start to a series and I’m sure Book Two will be just as great. I recommend this book to any reader who wants to get lost in another world for awhile and just escape.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

Reviewer: Kristin

Click here to read about Azurite and find out how to get yourself a copy!

See the author Megan Dent Nagle’s Interview here!

“Forbidden” by Marla Josephs

 

“Forbidden” by Marla Josephs is a romantic story after my own heart. A story that captures the girl next door image wonderfully for the character Savina. Savina is a very relatable character for me in this story as she has so many over protective brothers and is the only daughter. Personally, I could feel the love, mothering and irritation she had at times for her siblings as I am the exact same with three brothers of my own while being the only daughter.

You never know where love will turn up. That was something that struck me while reading. In Savina and Shelton’s case it turns up when he becomes her landlord after her father rents the upstairs at Shelton’s for her. The pull and attraction Savina and Shelton felt for each other felt so natural to me. The way the drift from side ways glances on to friends and then forward was not the cliche it was it’s own. Marla Josephs was very careful and well thought out this story to keep it so simple, but not ending up with the run of the mill cliche.

“Forbidden” is a light romance that will even pull out a few laughs along the way. I couldn’t help but to roll laughing at the assumption Shelton made of all the males Savina had following her around while not knowing about her brood of dominating brothers. I even felt the embarrsment when he felt the need to confront her out of fear for her safety and jealousy that he poorly hidden. 

With the story centering around the two main characters it makes for a lovely and realistically written story. The way they bond over food and television reminded me of my own current relationship. I even felt the awkward moments they had since they are moments every new founded friendship has between opposite sexes who are secretly attracted  to each other.
This is the second book I have read written by Marla Josephs. It is also the second book in The Reluctant series. The author writes this story beautifully and doesn’t disappoint at all. She grasps the realistic sides of the story and runs with it. I recommend this book and encourage it as a book to read over a weekend so there is no worries of being disturbed. 

I was provided a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

Reviewer: Kristin
Visit Marla Josephs Website Here

Another Reviewer @ After Dark Reading Nook’s Thought on “Forbidden” by Marla Joseph’s

“Forbidden” by Marla Josephs is a book that I deeply enjoyed. It was a very fast paced detailed read that kept me wanting to turn each page faster to the next. I just couldn’t wait until I made it to the next page to see what was going to happen next. 

The author did a very wonderful job of describing each character and putting them in realistic situations ones that could happen to anyone anywhere. I suggest anyone that likes a great fast paced exciting read to check out this book. Just make sure that you have a few hours free since you will not put this one down.

Reviewer: Keishian

“We Never Left You” by Rick and Beth Olsen

“We Never Left You” by Rick and Beth Olsen is an emotional story that really tugged at my heart. As a mother I found myself wondering how I would have handled loosing my child in a blink of an eye. No matter how much I racked my brain I couldn’t even begin to find an answer.

The book is written in both Rick and Beth Olsen’s points of view. They take turns telling their story and when reading it I felt as though they were speaking directly to me. It’s unimaginable what they experienced and throughout reading I found myself randomly hugging my daughter while being thankful for her.

I’ve never read any book that packed an emotional and motivational punch as this one. It really made me appreciate little things in my life more. Rick and Beth Olsen are amazing people to be able to relieve this specific time in their lives all over again to write this book in hopes to help others who have experienced a similar tragedy.

Honestly, I have to recommend this book to readers, even those who don’t know the loss of a child. But as I recommend it I also have to forewarn my readers that tissues are a requirement, as it’s very emotional and I couldn’t stop the tears myself. After finishing this book I really have a new outlook on life, and other aspects. “We Never Left You” is amazing, moving, emotional, and a book with multiple meanings that will stay with you for years to come.

I was provided a copy of this book for my honest review.

Reviewed By: Kristin

Get your copy of “We Never Left You” here

Rick and Beth Olsen will be back with us here at After Dark Reading Nook soon with their own guest post they are writing. Check back soon to see what this amazing couple have to say.

“The Protocols of UMA: The Journeyers’ Tale Book 1” by John Brage

The Umae teeter on the brink of extinction. Their blood rivals, the Hek, have mysteriously made huge leaps forward in technology and are now poised to exterminate them. Their godlike protectors, the Journeyers, have not been heard from for centuries.
Just as their society is poised to collapse, the Journeycraft Starshine returns to them from deep space. Prohibited from using advanced technology by an ancient set of laws known as The Protocols, the Starshine’s terminally ill Command Agent must lead a ragtag group of exiles on an overwater quest to investigate a clue to the Umaes’ ultimate salvation. But the Hek stalk them at every turn, and a would be dictator plots his own ascension to power.
Can the Journeyers restore the faith the Umae once had in them? Can the key to the Umaes’ survival be found in time? And what is the Starshine’s Command Agent willing to sacrifice in order to have the only thing he ever truly wanted?

“The Protocols of UMA (The Journeyers’ Tale Book 1)” by John Brage is a very enticing science fiction read and one I could very easily read again. It’s engaging and very well thought out as the first book of the series.

The author, John Brage, did a wonderful job writing this book. The characters were complexly created, but played into the storyline perfectly. It’s written so well and detailed I could visualize everything. Even though it’s fast paced I found that to make it more thrilling for me.

It takes the saying “never judge a book by it’s cover” literally. I never expected to find what I did in those pages by just looking at the cover. This book and author really blew me away. It’s hard not to give spoilers away to explain parts of the book I loved and I’m having to refrain. I can say that without a doubt I recommend me this book whole heartedly to every science fiction book lover and any reader who enjoys a very imaginative story. This one is a must read.

I was provided a copy of this book by the author for my honest review.

Reviewed By: Keishian

Click here to check out more about this book and even get your own copy.

New Guest Blog Post

For this first time here at After Dark Reading Nook we are introducing a new feature “guest blog posting”. I’m happy to announce we have our first guest post up for available viewing.

Our first guest is Samantha Gregory. She is an author and also hosting a author event that many may be interested in. Especially for authors who write Sci-Fi, Horror and Fantasy.

Find out more about Samantha Gregory and her upcoming author event by reading her post here on After Dark Reading Nook.

Are you interesting in writing a guest blog post? Click here to find out more.

Fill out the form and make sure to select guest blogger on the position choice.

Book Review: “The Mine: Northwest Passage Book One” by John A. Heldt

 
                           Five Stars 
Time travel and romance. What’s not to love about those two in a story, especially together? John A. Heldt took both to a new level in this extraordinary read, “The Mine”. This author really let his creativity show while writing this amazing story. It’s well thought out and written with pure talent.

I have to admit when I read this books description my interest was already peaked, but as I dove into te story it sucked me in completely. I enjoyed the time periods and the details put into it. The characters themselves are very enjoyable. If I could only use one word to describe myself while I was reading this book I would chose, absorbed. 

It’s a must read for everyone who enjoys reading. Disappointment is the only emotion you won’t feel while reading this one. 

I was provided a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Get your copy of “The Mine” here!

Reviewed by: Keishan 

Book Review: “Heartsong” by Geri O’Neill

“Heartsong” by Geri O’Neill is a book that pulled at my heart strings. I found myself laughing and crying at times. I became so wrapped up in reading this book that I had it finished before I knew it. Although the book did start out a bit slow I stuck with it and wasn’t disappointed at all. The author made sure the reader could feel the emotions in the words written.

It’s a very well written story that packed a lot of emotion. The plot of the story is very well written and thought through. The author is very talented and I can’t wait to see what he comes out with next. I recommend this book to any reader who wants to feel the emotion the author puts into the words.

Get your copy of “Heartsong” here

Book Review: “Jersey Justice” by Vinnie Sorce

“Jersey Justice” by Vinnie Sorce is a organized crime suspense book that is nothing like I’ve ever read. If I could have given more than a five star review for this book I would have. This author kept me on my toes the entire way. It’s a very detailed story and I couldn’t help, but to love the plot. The characters felt so real to me, as a reader, that it was as though they could have been real people instead of characters in a story. This happened to be something that I found that I loved about this book. I felt as though I was there experiencing every page first hand.

Jimmy Vincent, one of the characters, happened to be another one of my favorite parts of the book. I absolutely loved him as a character in whole. The author is very talented as a writer and I can’t wait to see what is next. This book is by far one of my favorite reads this year. I could see myself reading it again just to be pulled back into the story one more time.

I recommend this book to any reader who just wants to escape for awhile.

Get your copy of “Jersey Justice” here

Check out this authors interview here on After Dark Reading Nook

Book Review: “Line of Sight” by Derek Thompson

“Line of Sight” by Derek Thompson is a British Suspense Thriller. I must say that this book is one of my favorite in it’s genre by far. I absolutely loved reading it and am honored to have been asked to. Giving this book five stars was easy and I couldn’t have possibly given it a lower score. It had all the attributes a great suspense thriller should have and more.

The author, Derek Thompson, had me hooked from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the last word on the very last page. He is excellent in describing the characters and his wording made the story so vivid that it is out of this world. Twists and turns will keep a reader engaged waiting to see what happens next.

I can easily recommend this book and this author to any reader who enjoys a great page turning read that keeps the audiences attention.

Get your copy of “Line of Sight” here

Also check out the authors interview here at After Dark Reading Nook.