Eighteen Wishes is a debut novel in a whole new series by Sorens, marrying the best aspects of the writing style I saw in her Trimarked series into a fresh new series for an audience who doesn't shy away from deep questions.
The main character begins the story as a Genie trying to find her away around a curse. Tied by her curse to a single family of what were once warlocks, she must serve the firstborn son (by granting wishes) of each generation for a year beginning the day he turns 18. If she can grant 18 wishes for him within that year, she will free herself from the curse and return to being one of her own kind: an elite djinn hunter. There's only one problem: if she breaks her curse, all other genies will be freed as well--something the Djinn-hunter cannot allow to happen. Eighteen Wishes hooked me from the very beginning. Sorens has definitely upped her writing game with unpredictable twists, deep questions about duty, responsibility, and freedom (and the cost that freedom entails). The characters will tug at your heart-strings, and as the story goes on the lines between black and white blur into a gray that forces contemplation on who is deciding on justice and why. In the midst of all the action, travel, and adventures to other planes of existence, true love has a way of winding its way through the most unlikely of hearts in a very powerful way. Eighteen Wishes is a solid 5/5 for me in dynamic world-building, deep characters, a realistic romance, and high-stakes action. I would definitely recommend making Sorens' newest novel one of your first picks when the Realm of Darkness box set hits your e-readers on October 4th. Want to read the first chapter of Eighteen Wishes today? -Join the Dark Book Boyfriends Facebook group HERE -Check out the First Chapter Friday post for Eighteen Wishes HERE to start reading -And pre-order the Realm of Darkness set HERE to read the whole book when the set comes out in 2.5 weeks! **Want to read more of my book reviews, watch exclusive indie author live chats, and more? Sign-up for my newsletter HERE to stay in the loop, and I'll send you a free book for joining.**
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I reviewed three books for Reedsy this week... here's how they scored:
If you've been wondering what's been on my reading list, my June Indie Fantasy Friday Review Reports are live on YouTube! From Science Fantasy to Midlife Magic Academies, from Middle-Grade Fantasy to Dark (and I mean DARK) Adult Fantasy pieces, this month's selection was all across the board in genres, and overwhelming positive (which is a rarity). Ready to see the books and scores for June? Here's the link to the videos: Today I am super excited to share the complete list of my 5-star reads from 2021! As a Reedsy Discovery Reviewer, I get many requests for reviews all year long. Many of my 5-star reads this year came from Reedsy Discovery! Others I found through "Bookstagram" or recommendations from other authors, or I edited them pre-release for the authors and then read the completed versions. From Middle-Grade Fantasy to Adult Dark Fantasy, I have a wide variety of books to choose from, so maybe you can find some for your TBR list, too! Without further ado, here are my 5-star reads from 2021 (in order of date reviewed):
So there you have it: all of my 5-star reads from 2021!
I will continue to post 5-star reads throughout 2022, as well. -Want to keep up with my reviews? Follow me on Twitter HERE, Goodreads HERE, or Instagram HERE. -Want more lists about featured books and authors? Sign up for my newsletter HERE for updates through the year. -Are you an author who wants me to review your book? Check out my Inquiries page HERE for details. -Are you a Reedsy Discovery reader? Follow my Reedsy Discovery profile HERE to see all of my reviews through the year. With the fall upon us (bringing loads of new fall releases to read), I want to share the list of books I gave 5-star reviews to: summer 2021. Anyone who knows me from a reviewing standpoint knows that I don't hand out many 5-star reviews. A book really has to go above and beyond, blowing me away, to break out of the "Loved It" (4-star) and into "Must-Read" (5-star). I am known for being blatantly honest with my reviews, and I will link my review to each book below in case you'd like to read it in full. Many of these books I found courtesy of Reedsy Discovery, although some were reads from fellow authors in my Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter writing community.
I am always looking to expand my TBR list!
Which 5-star reads did you have this summer? -Want to read all my reviews? Follow me on Reedsy Discovery HERE or Goodreads HERE -Interested in seeing what readers are saying about my books? Check out my blog HERE, my Goodreads page HERE or my Amazon author page HERE -Are you an author who would like me to review your sci-fi or fantasy novel? Submit it for consideration on Reedsy Discovery HERE.* *Please note that Reedsy Discovery only permits reviewers to "accept" 3 books in our queue at any given time. If you submit your book while my queue is full, it may be sent to other fantasy reviewers on Reedsy for review. I cannot guarantee a review of every book submitted to me, but I will try my best. (Reedsy reviewers are not paid for our honest reviews.) Each cover shown above is from Amazon.com and is not the property of Katherine D. Graham; Katherine does not claim any rights over the books or their covers, and is not being paid to promote these books.  Today I am excited, because I can finally share about TwinFlames: one of my five-star reads in 2021!
TwinFlames is the third volume in Nicole Wells' "Five Elements" series, and believe me when I say this is one you won't want to miss! Without further ado, here is my review for TwinFlames: ---Review As Posted On My Goodreads Account HERE-- It is said that the third time's a charm. That cannot be more true than it is with TwinFlames by Nicole Wells. UpSpark (volume 1 of the Five Elements series) was sweet, deep, and intriguing. StarDust (volume 2 of the series) introduced us to the conflict to come, with intriguing travels around the world and lore for the series. TwinFlames (volume 3 of the series) marries the best of both worlds, while preparing us for what is bound to be one of the most epic battles in the Science Fantasy scene. Maia is a fighting prodigy but is not in the ring for fame or money. One thing is on her mind: revenge. When the mysterious, tall, dark, and handsome Gabe--the notoriously famous "Angel" in the fighting world--swoops into Maia's life, his passion and drive to save her from being another youth snuffed out in reckless fighting turns Maia's search on its head. It's only when Maia teleports herself stark-nude to a park in France with a power unknown to her that she learns of a power far more deadly than the rapist she's spent her days tracking down--a power that can end the entire world. Swept into a passionate love with Gabe and helped by mysterious friends, Maia must hone her newfound powers and lead the rising "Elements" to protect humanity and the Earth from enemies far beyond their natural ability. TwinFlames was a page-turning read chalk full of emotions often left off the table. Pride, pain, self-righteousness, social responsibility, self-identity, vengeance, and failure abound but are balanced by love in all its forms. TwinFlames is far more than just an action-packed book or fiery romance; it is a book that made me take a look at myself and see parts of myself I usually try to ignore, and bring hope to aspects of my life I once thought long-forgotten. A perfect 5/5 on this one - I cannot recommend it highly enough. Wells is definitely a master storyteller, and I can't wait to read volume 4! --Trigger warnings: Mental & physical abuse mentioned/detailed, contemplations of murder, mentions of police brutality (aimed specifically at race), mention of rape, war and execution, institutionalized mental breakdown/illness discussed, mention of infant loss.-- Want to read TwinFlames: one of my five-star reads in 2021, for yourself or see more about the Five Elements series? -Grab a Copy of TwinFlames HERE -Follow Nicole Wells on Instagram HERE -Sign-up to be on Nicole's ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) and Street Team HERE to read her next books early! -And follow Jennifer, Nicole's Book Tour Coordinator, HERE.  I got some super-exciting news today! The Vow That Twisted Fate is now IndieReader Approved!
When I saw the e-mail about the perfect five-star review, I was absolutely astounded. I had hyped myself up for a 3 (IndieReader labels a 3 as "Worth Reading"), since this is my debut Adult Fantasy novel and my comback from two flops I wrote back in college. But no, it's real! And you can see the whole five-star review right HERE. My mind is spinning knowing that The Vow That Twisted Fate is now IndieReader Approved...I hope this is the seal that official signs off on the fact that every author can make a come-back! If I can do it, so can you! -Want to learn more about The Vow That Twisted Fate? Check out TVTTF's page HERE. -Ready to read it? Pre-order your copy on Amazon, Google Play, Barnes & Noble, or my website shop and upload your receipt HERE to receive an advanced copy to start on now (before the July 9th 2021 release)! -Curious what other readers have to say about The Vow That Twisted Fate? Check out some of the reader reviews HERE. -Have you read The Vow That Twisted Fate and want to add your review? Review it on Goodreads HERE. Have you read the reviews? The Vow That Twisted Fate reviews are coming in! After an amazing 200 advance downloads from Fantasy readers around the world, reviews are popping up on Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble. Here's what a few readers (and fellow authors) have had to say about The Vow That Twisted Fate! Barnes & Noble Review
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Proud participant and supporter of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month)
