Review: False Dawn: Ageless Mysteries – Book 2 by Vanessa Nelson

Rating: 4.75⭐️

I just can’t help myself, this series and main characters call to me. Every single time I try to read something else, I find myself back in the Ageless world with Watch Officer Thea March,still trying to figure out how to remain true to her oaths as a watch officer while under the command of a Captain who’s determined to see her punished for being assigned to his location, and the odd things that seem to happen there.

There’s also Mage Niath, the coroner’s office, and just some outstanding characters that pull together to form a group of beings that make a reader feel so part of their world and the struggles that they face.

And they are many. From the power inequities that are present due to the societal structures that have the Ageless with their centuries of existence perspective at the top of everything, and everyone else at the bottom, with no real choice or chance of resistance, then a “weapon less “ town Watch is constantly trying to make their lives as safe as possible.

False Dawn is the beginning of a terrifying series storyline, one that will be further developed and expanded as new books come. But here it begins with a threat of counterfeit Ageless coins showing up in the marketplaces outside the gates of The Citadel.

If the thieves and counterfeit coins aren’t found, there’s a good chance that Ageless warriors will come out to the towns in anger to find them themselves. Or worse.

There’s murder, many intriguing mysteries, complicated investigations, and incredible escalating dangers for Thea and Niath and the plots go deeper than expected.

Another early morning ending. Honestly my dog is so over me. She’s exhausted.

But I’m just getting started. I’ll get her a doggy sleep mask.

But this is fantastic. Beautifully written, the world building is incredible, and the characters are believable and so alive that they all are beings you can relate to.

Amazing work by Nelson.

Ageless Mysteries (6 book series):

Deadly Night #1

False Dawn #2

Morning Trap #3

Assassin’s Noon #4

Flightless Afternoon #5

Ascension Day #6

Buy link

False Dawn: Ageless Mysteries – Book 2

Blurb

In the city of Accanter, forgeries can cost lives.

Someone is faking the ruler’s currency in her home city. And unless Thea can find out who is doing it, no one will be safe from the Archon’s and the Ageless’ wrath.

Thea just wants to do her job. Catch the criminals. Keep the people safe.

If only life was that simple.

Assigned to a new investigation, she has barely started her enquiry when Mage Niath appears, wanting her help at the one place in the city she does not want to go. The Citadel.

She wants to say no, but fake coins have been turning up and unless Thea can prove they had nothing to do with it, innocent people will be killed in the Ageless’ quest for revenge.

False Dawn is the second book in the Ageless Mysteries series by Vanessa Nelson, which started with Deadly Night.

If you like your fantasy with mystery and magic, then you’ll love this series. Get your copy of False Dawn today to continue Thea’s story.

July 28, 2021

Edition

2nd

Language

‎English

Print length

263 pages

Book 2 of 6

Ageless Mysteries

Review: Practical Boots (Book 1) by C.E. Murphy

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Practical Boots is a terrific read, the first novella in C.E. Murphy’s series, The Torn. It’s short but full of interesting takes on the fae, magic, and a in-between realm, The Waste.

Because of its short length, much of the main character’s story is missing. Especially her early years spent in the Torn (that’s the Fae realm) and then the Waste where she was dumped by her father essentially to survive or die.

The magical element is something I really want to explore more because it’s so fascinating and inherently terrifying. It extracts a price but we don’t know what. That’s left for future books.

Fae are the complicated conniving, backstabbing beings who are constantly manipulating and maneuvering for power. Her father is a very powerful player here. And how he intends to use Cat Sharp, the daughter he discarded is the main plot line.

Cat Sharp herself is a fabulous character. Tough, loyal, intelligent and persistent in her goals, especially when it comes to defeating her father.

I wanted to see where the story would go after the events of the day. She so ingenious that the plans she’s set in place are ones I can’t wait to see happen. In book 2 that’s not been written unfortunately.

Murphy is an author now on my auto read list and this story is just one more example why. Another winner.

Cover Artist: Indigo Chick Design

The Torn:

Practical Boots #1

Buy link

Book 1 of 1: The Torn

Blurb

These boots are made for walking…

The disappointing daughter of a Lord of the Torn, Cat Sharp was dumped in the shapeless Waste to prove herself or die. Seven years later, she’s honed the Artificer magic that saved her in the Waste, and her courier business is booming: after all, no one else can step from one location to another almost instantaneously, as Cat can with her seven league boots.

Each passage through the Waste takes her one step closer to the only thing she’s ever wanted to find…but even the Torn-born become careless at times. When Cat’s father catches up with her again, Cat must make a choice between her own dreams and an innocent’s future…or try once more to forge her own way through two worlds, neither of which she quite belongs in….

Miz Kit Productions

Publication date

June 4, 2021

Language

‎English

Print length

108 pages

Book 1 of 1

The Torn

Review: Deadly Night (Ageless Mysteries Book 1) by Vanessa Nelson

Rating: 4.75⭐️

“Can she serve justice in an unjust world?”

Vanessa Nelson, a prolific writer, was an unknown author to me before this book. But by the time I was done, at 3:33 am this morning, after reading through nonstop, she’s now gone directly to the front of my list of TBR authors.

What an incredible story and woman character Nelson serves up in Deadly Night, the first book in her Ageless Mysteries.

It’s been described as fantasy horror, or perhaps dark fantasy mystery, and it’s all that.

From page one, the writer drops us into a magical world of swords, carriages, and a very stratified society where a group of beings, the magical, flighted Ageless, rule over the world with the same sort of perception of a god looking upon lesser creatures. Then there’s the Ageless born, who have mixed human-Ageless heritage, who live in fear of being discovered and brought to The Citadel, the Ageless city, where they will be conscripted by the Ageless Society for whatever reason they want.

Then there’s the rest of the population, the humans and the other species, considered oddities by the Ageless. Most of the people leave their lives in abject poverty or in survival conditions.

Each small village has a Town Watch , a weapon-less law enforcement branch, to help police the community. Watch Officer Thea March has been newly promoted and sent to a new location and given a murder mystery to solve. The brutal slaughter of a young woman.

Nelson is laying down all her foundation while subtly building up her the world for her series, as Thea and her group of colleagues investigate the murder and move around the countryside and surrounding towns. We travel by carriage, move by foot to the docks, as each person does solid research into each case and their investigation. And while we are throughly invested in this aspect of the story, and we are because it’s suspense filled, tension laden, and compelling, there’s so much more happening.

Tiny personal moments and deep mysteries are appearing, mostly focused on Thea, but not all. And they look like tragic scenes and traumatic moments from her family’s past. This thread is likely one that will be continued throughout the series.

There’s no romance or hint of one. At least not in this novel. Too many other storylines and elements to introduce (and extremely well) and areas to explore. Even Thea’s difficulties with her bullying boss in her new job, how she manages to handle it realistically without making her feel weak but turning it into a positive experience for her job feels believable and very true.

It was extremely hard for me not to start on the second book right after this one. Even as an adult, I had to tell myself to wait for a couple of hours of sleep. Sigh.

Yes, it’s incredible. Yes, I’m absolutely recommending this. And best of all? It’s completely finished. You know I’m already binging it. My shelves are groaning.

Ageless Mysteries (6 book series):

Deadly Night #1

False Dawn #2

Morning Trap #3

Assassin’s Noon #4

Flightless Afternoon #5

Ascension Day #6

Buy link

Book 1 of 6: Ageless Mysteries

Blurb

Can she serve justice in an unjust world?

Newly-promoted Watch Officer Thea March is assigned her very first death investigation. Someone has brutally killed a young woman and dumped her body in an empty warehouse. The only real clue left at the scene points to one of the elite – the Ageless – as being involved.

The Watch might ignore one anonymous woman’s death, but when more bodies appear, killed in the same way, the deaths attract the attention of the ruling elite, and Mage Niath is assigned to work with Thea to hunt down the killer.

Having spent most of her life trying to avoid attracting the attention of the elite, the last thing that Thea wants is a prominent mage shadowing her every move.

But they will have to depend on each other, and all the skills at their disposal, to hunt down and stop the killer.

Deadly Night is the first book in the now-complete Ageless Mysteries series by Vanessa Nelson.

If you like your fantasy full of mystery and magic, then you will love this series. Get your copy now to start Thea’s story.

May 13, 2021

Edition

2nd

Language

‎English

Print length

271 pages

Book 1 of 6

Ageless Mysteries

Review: Jade City (The Green Bone Saga Book 1) by Fonda Lee

Rating: 4.5⭐️

Jade City is the first book I’ve read by Fonda Lee, a book and series very well known for being so remarkable in its wonderfully detailed world building and raw, yet powerful characters of the Kaul family.

I came across it by accident, as someone who was recommending it in their all time top fantasy series. Then it looked at the types of recommendations it had received.

Remarkable for a series and book that is hard to quantify. Here it’s called a fantasy novel, but alternative reality or universe, that works as well.

This is about a solitary island, Kekon, that has fought for independence from an outside country (white) and finally won, at a high cost. Its main source of wealth is jade, which can for certain individuals increase their human strength and abilities to something incredibly inhumane and frighteningly dangerous and powerful. Those people, the Green Bones, named after the Jade which gives them power, is now divided into two warring clans who control the island.

One of them is the Kaul family, the focal points of all the books.

This is an epic story, Asia-inspired tale of two crime dynasties, the Kauls and the Ayts. Its constant political manipulation and maneuvering, as well as traumatic physical, emotional, and psychological mental battles over Jade and territory. Often leading to death.

Added to this main fight between the clan giants are the smaller groups and those who covet the power they are physically unable to have. Those now trading in a new drug that has a high that gives the user Jade like ability.

All of this threatens to destabilize the Kaul family’s base of power and business. And each sibling will have to deal with their plans and place within the clan to see if and how they can make the Kaul clan survive.

It’s bloody, realistic, political, magical with the Jade being the basic element of the system that boosts their power.

And the characters are so strong, each well defined and beautifully developed.

This is only the first one and it’s so compelling and heartbreaking.

It deserves all the accolades.

It’s a World Fantasy Award winner and has been named one of TIME’s Top 100 Fantasy Books of All Time.

The Green Bone Saga

Jade City

Jade War

Jade Legacy

Buy link

Book 1 of 3: The Green Bone Saga

Blurb

In this World Fantasy Award-winning novel of magic and kungfu, four siblings battle rival clans for honor and power in an Asia-inspired fantasy metropolis.

*Named one of TIME’s Top 100 Fantasy Books Of All Time*

Jade is the lifeblood of the island of Kekon. It has been mined, traded, stolen, and killed for—and for centuries, honorable Green Bone warriors like the Kaul family have used it to enhance their magical abilities and defend the island from foreign invasion.

Now, the war is over and a new generation of Kauls vies for control of Kekon’s bustling capital city. They care about nothing but protecting their own, cornering the jade market, and defending the districts under their protection. Ancient tradition has little place in this rapidly changing nation.

When a powerful new drug emerges that lets anyone—even foreigners—wield jade, the simmering tension between the Kauls and the rival Ayt family erupts into open violence. The outcome of this clan war will determine the fate of all Green Bones—and of Kekon itself.

Praise for Jade City:

“An epic drama reminiscent of the best classic Hong Kong gangster films but set in a fantasy metropolis so gritty and well-imagined that you’ll forget you’re reading a book.” —Ken Liu, Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Award-winning author

“A beautifully realized setting, a great cast of characters, and dramatic action scenes. What a fun, gripping read!” —Ann Leckie, Hugo, Nebula, and Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author

“An instantly absorbing tale of blood, honor, family and magic, spiced with unexpectedly tender character beats.” —NPR

The Green Bone Saga

Jade City

Review: Dragon Blood Curse (Emperor’s Assassin Book 4) by Kai Butler

Rating: 4.5🌈

Dragon Blood Curse was an exciting, immersive experience all around, as Butler’s penultimate story brings more mythical characters and magical regions into play with this fantasy action adventure.

Prince Airón and King Tallu have multiple schemes at work and not all are going according to their intended intentions. With their enemies bringing larger powers and armies against them, Airón and Tallu race to find a cure for the deadly curse that affects both brothers. And their own council falls into chaos and loyalties are divided as the enemy attacks.

It’s high politics, subterfuge, magical terrorists, and wars between enemies being waged across their borders and territories, and everything and everyone suffering.

Of course, there’s a prophecy or two, sacrifices that figures mightily in the coming novel, angst and some really great layering of information and people (look to the North) that just ups the stakes here.

No spoilers but this just grabs the reader from start to finish. For me, the relationship between Airón and Tallu is the least compelling element here. So many other great aspects of the series and story to focus on.

Great job. And I love the Spider. Awesome.

Cover by Hannah Latham at oexasart Lettering by Laura at Covers by Aura

Emperor’s Assassin (5 book series)

Betrothed to the Emperor #1

Emperor’s Wrath #2

Shadow Throne King #3

Dragon Blood Curse #4

Crown of Ash #5 – Oct 26,2026

Buy link

Dragon Blood Curse (Emperor’s Assassin Book 4)

Blurb

The generals that once served Emperor Tallu now pursue us across the continent. General Bemishu and Kacha have made their move and we find ourselves trapped by the role Tallu has been playing his entire life. As we search for allies, the rules of imperial politics force Tallu to act more and more like his deranged father.

Still, we have a hint of hope: somewhere in the dangerous Tavornai swamps, another animalia spins her webs and rearranges fate to her own desires. Can she change ours?

We have one chance to save our lives, one hope at a future that we both so desperately want. With new allies and old nemeses, we have to risk our lives to create a world for our love.

March 16, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

362 pages

Book 4 of 5

Emperor’s Assassin

Review: Guard in the Garden: A Cozy Fantasy (Fables of Finlestia) by Z.S. Diamanti

Rating:4.75⭐️

While a reader could certainly enjoy the richness and warmth of Z.S. Diamanti’s Guard in the Garden as the cozy fantasy it’s described as, it’s also a deceptively well written story about a dwarf warrior, the only survivor of his elite unit who has returned from a long ongoing horrible war. He’s suffered a severe physical injury that’s caused a permanent disability that he’s refusing to acknowledge and is at a loss to heal his both his own wounds and deal with his mental struggles with in his new civilian life, such as it is.

For the reader, he represents so many veterans who have returned from similar wars and conflicts, with PTSD, disabilities, and with mental struggles to cope with in fitting into a civilian life and new identities.

The anger, frustration and fear is well documented in Felton Holdum, because he’s unwilling to accept that he won’t be able to get back into his squad and war. That his bonded fantasy winged partner, who perished trying to save him, won’t be revenged. Its pain, and loss and everything Felton had , now gone. And the writer brings us into Felton’s emotional state and we hurt too.

So while we may seem far away from the war and its consequences, and a small town that’s in a state of recovery, this never quite feels like a cozy place. There’s a sharp edge that waits around here, for every sweet moment,a raw piece of powerful reality to offset the tiny bits of everyday sunshine joy.

Because Galium’s inhabitants have been through it, and quietly it’s a place where, in time, Felton finds his own way through his own recovery by helping others through theirs.

It’s a beautiful, remarkable and powerful story. Rich and well crafted. Full of heart and compassion.

I’m highly recommending this. And will read the rest of the series.

Love the covers. Gorgeous.

Published by Golden Griffin Press LLC.

Seasonal Illustrations by Aleksa Stajsic.

Plant Illustrations by Z.S. Diamanti.

Fables of Finlestia (3 books)

Guard in the Garden #1

Wagons & Wyverns #2

Assassin in the Alehouse #3

Buy link

Guard in the Garden: A Cozy Fantasy (Fables of Finlestia)

Blurb

Embark on a wholesome journey of healing and self-discovery. A cozy fantasy tale of forging new friendships and overcoming fears. A quiet quest of family bonds and budding romance.

From dragon fire to garden flowers …

Felton Holdum spent his entire life training to become one of Galium’s elite dwarven warriors. When a bloody battle leaves him injured, he has no choice but to move into his eccentric twin aunts’ quaint home in the town’s quiet Garome District.

With his life of military service seemingly over, the captain of the city guard gives Felton his only chance at a fresh start in the new life he never wanted.

But when a human woman barges through his front door, the grumpy dwarf starts to wonder if there is more to life than war. The sunshine woman invites him to visit her garden, where Felton gains a new nemesis and a new purpose in life.

Take a walk through the garden and see what magic awaits.

Come enjoy the hospitality of the whimsical Garome District. Meet new friends as you sample new breads at the bakery, play a game of Castle Brick at the tavern, and taste homemade pies during the annual pie baking contest at the Fall Festival.

Review: Brutal Justice (The Other Detective Series Book 4) by Heather G. Harris

Rating: 5⭐️

Just outstanding. According to Harris, the author had originally intended Brutal Justice to become the finale for the series but this amazing character’s journey has become so complex and layered that one last novel was needed.

Harris with her goal of making this the penultimate narrative, fills this incredible story with so many shocking moments, absolutely stunning twists to the plot that makes sense once you see it but still makes the reader gasp in appreciation and shock that we didn’t see it coming.

This storyline brings Evie back to the trauma that set her on the path she’s taken in life, back to her kidnapping and torture.

Now she’s supported by Robbie, her fiancée and King of Orcs, her staff (and friends) through this journey.

It’s several investigations, and includes one of the most heinous criminals created, Jude Jingo.

The relationship between Robbie and Evie continues to be a very strong one, building on acknowledgement of their roles as well as their commitment towards each other. I love their dynamic.

Other crossover characters play important roles here as well, Amber and Bastion for example.

There’s thrilling, heartbreaking moments, scary battles, and shocking twists. None of which I’ll spoil. I hope no one else will either.

This and the characters are my favorites in this universe. I’ll be so sad when it’s over. But I still have one more novel to go.

What a thrilling read this is! Five stars!

Cover design by Christian Bentulan. Published by Hellhound Press Limited.

The Other Realm Universe: Should be read in order to understand the world and characters .Events and relationships build upon each other.

The Other Realm series

⭐️Glimmer of Dragons- Book 0.5 (a prequel story),

Glimmer of The Other- Book 1, Glimmer of Hope- Book 2,

Glimmer of Christmas – Book 2.5 (a Christmas tale),

Glimmer of Death – Book 3,

Glimmer of Deception – Book 4,

*It is recommended that you read The Other Wolf books 1 to 3 before continuing with

Challenge of the Court– Book 5,

Betrayal of the Court– Book 6

Revival of the Court– Book 7.

⭐️The Other Wolf Series

Defender of The Pack– Book 0.5 (a prequel story),

Protection of the Pack– Book 1, Guardians of the Pack– Book 2, Saviour of The Pack– Book 3, Awakening of the Pack – Book 4, Resurgence of the Pack – Book 5; and Ascension of the Pack – Book 6.

⭐️The Other Witch Series

Rune of the Witch – Book 0.5 (a prequel story),

Hex of the Witch– Book 1,

Coven of the Witch;– Book 2,

Familiar of the Witch– Book 3; and Destiny of the Witch – Book 4.

⭐️The Other Detective Series❤️

Frustrated Justice – Book 0.5 (a prequel story),
Veiled Justice – Book 1
Mystic Justice – Book 2
Arcane Justice – Book 3
Brutal Justice – Book 4
Ruthless Justice-Book 5 , Oct 14,2026 (finale)

Buy link

Brutal Justice: A Supernatural Crime Thriller (The Other Detective Series Book 4)

Blurb

Death has changed bodies… and justice is about to get personal.

A dead dryad on my medical examiner’s lawn wasn’t how this week was supposed to start. But when I discover the victim was merely the latest body worn by the Other realm’s most notorious criminal, I realise this isn’t just murder.

It’s a possession.

Jude Jingo doesn’t kill the usual way. He steals lives from the inside out, jumping from body to body and leaving corpses in his wake. And now he’s wearing a face I recognise.

A face that’s getting dangerously close to someone I care about.

Officially, I’ve been ordered to close the case. Unofficially? I’m digging deeper. Because when a vampyr tries to gut me in the street and whispers about “orders”, I know this goes far beyond one dead dryad. Someone powerful wants this buried.

But I don’t bury murder.

With my rookie partner covering my back, my bonded bird raising hell, and an ogre king who takes threats against me very personally, I’m stepping off the books to hunt a body-stealing killer hiding in plain sight.

If I’m wrong, I’ll destroy an innocent man.

If I’m right, I’ll have to stop a monster wearing borrowed skin… without killing the man trapped inside.

No pressure.

Immerse yourself in The Other Detective Series – perfect for fans of supernatural crime, featuring a fierce heroine, political intrigue, brutal magic, and a slow-burn romance.

Written in British English.

The Other Detective Series

Frustrated Justice – a prequel story

Veiled Justice – Book 1

Mystic Justice – Book 2

Arcane Justice – Book 3

Brutal Justice – Book 4

Ruthless Justice – Book 5

Publisher

Hellhound Press Limited

Publication date

March 5, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

324 pages

Book 4 of 5

The Other Detective Series

Review: Bring the Heat (Dragon Kin Book 9) by G.A. Aiken

Rating: 4⭐️

Bring the Heat is the finale of the series, bringing most but not all of the major plot lines to a conclusion.

And the issue is that there’s far too much drama and too many elements to pull off for one book for that to feel completely satisfying.

I absolutely love books 7 and 8, which featured the sisters of the Riders of the Steppe, Elina Shestakova and Kachka Shestakova. Each have their own unique story and voice that still resonates with me. I mean I woke up at night giggling madly thinking about them. Still do.

Then comes this book which tries to capture the relationship development between Aiden and Brannie but that’s overshadowed by a multitude of plots that Aiken is trying to create and then resolve by the end.

Think of a juggler with a number of different balls in the air, each vying for the attention of the audience. Each is important for the act’s success but you can’t concentrate on each individual piece too long because the next is taking its place.

That’s what happens here.

The reader can’t concentrate or connect with any scene or character because just as we get started, Aiken switches to another location, characters and drama. Something totally different is going on, removed from what we were just reading about.

The final battles to win against the Eyeless God and his priests has started. But this book is all over the place. An enormous cast of characters, on all sides and we get their POV’s, so multiple perspectives.

Changes in realms, locations, new kingdoms.

Keita the Viper is off on a covert rescue/assassination mission with Brannie and Aiden and a few of the Mi-runach who are sort of goofy, Queen Annwyl is missing ( huge section here in a new different location), then we’re back with scary Dagmar and her weird family, then the Abomination trio making plans for battle with the Dragon Queen, then Katcha and her crew. And the one-eyed King Gaius, and more. So many more.

I will admit to flipping through a couple of pages because I couldn’t figure out who some of these people were.

The final battle was predictable enough but still satisfying. And there was, as I said, still lots of loose ends about the children, that should the author ever want to revisit this universe she could easily pick up their stories.

My favorite books might just be those about the Riders of the Steppe. A fierce matriarchal sisterhood. Maybe that’s a series we should have. Amazing characters and stories.

And for now, it’s at an end. What a wild fabulous ride!

Highly recommended the series which should be read in the order it is written.

Dragon Kin – 9 books complete series :

Dragon Actually #1

About A Dragon #2

What a Dragon Should Know #3

Last Dragon Standing #4

The Dragon Who Loved Me #5

How to Drive a Dragon Crazy #6

Light My Fire #7

Feel The Burn #8

Bring The Heat #9

Buy link

Bring the Heat (Dragon Kin Book 9)

Blurb

HE SAYS . . .

I, Aidan the Divine, am, well divine. My name was given to me by the Dragon Queen herself! I’m a delight! Cheerful. Charming. And a mighty warrior who is extremely handsome with a very large and well-hidden hoard of gold. I am also royal born, despite the fact that most in my family are horrendous beings that don’t deserve to live. And yet, Branwen the Awful—a low-born, no less—either tells me to shut up or, worse, ignores me completely.

SHE SAYS . . .

I’ll admit, I ignore Aidan the Divine because it annoys him. A lot. But, we have so much to do right now, I can’t worry about why he keeps looking at me like he’s thinking about kissing me. We have our nations to save and no time for such bloody foolishness . . . no matter how good Aidan looks or how long his spiked tail is. Because before this war destroys everything we love, we’ll have to face our enemies together. But if we make it out alive, who knows what the future will hold . . .

Zebra Books

Publication date

August 29, 2017

Language

‎English

Print length

414 pages

Book 9 of 9

Dragon Kin

Review: Review: Shifting of the Wild (Shifter Lords Book 7) by S.E. Babin

Rating: 4.75⭐️

“In-hiding hedgewitch florist by day. Powerful demigoddess by blood. Shapeshifting immortal by accident.”- book 1 hook

Well, it’s taken seven books to get here but Shifting of the Wild is the story I’ve been waiting for and so, so satisfying.

In all my reviews I’ve made it clear that the character of Caelan has been one I consider a being I’m absolutely not a fan of, especially in the toxic relationship he’s had with Evie. He’s been the epitome of a controlling, dangerous, narcissistic personality who’s only interested in power and dominance.

And the sad, damaging nature of this relationship has been one of the worst aspects of the series. Domestic violence and abuse are front and center here. Cheating and humiliation as well in the previous story.

So this book is where Evie begins with her healing, her understanding of her past relationships , of Caelan, their abusive dynamic , and slowly starting to change and move happily forward.

Shes in Rowan’s territory after the last battles and ordeals suffered in the previous story. The damage incurred is devastating. Physically and emotionally. She’s needed space and time to heal and recover.

And yes, Rowan has been a great favorite of mine. What a great and well balanced character, including his own secrets and powers.

This narrative has multiple layers, including a new huge threat to the world from unknown sources. And Cernunnos and Moira are setting up a new plot and role for Moira with her new powers.

I just love this story, and really want the trajectory of Evie’s new relationship to continue. Fantastic work and series.

Highly recommended!

So well written and beautifully executed.

Cover design by Covers by Christian

Shifter Lords (11 book series):

Shift of Heart #1

Shift of Morals #2

Power Shift #3

Shifting Winds #4

Shifting Resolve #5

Shift of Rule #6

Shift of the Wild #7

Goddess Shifting #8 – April 14, 2026

Final Shift #9 – Aug 26,2036

Shift Happens #10 – 8/26

Shifting Allegiance #11 – Oct 6,2026

Buy link

Shift of the Wild (Shifter Lords Book 7)

Blurb

When Mother Earth comes calling, you’d better answer the door…

Evie has asked for sanctuary with Rowan, and he’s accepted, allowing her into his territory to lick her wounds and heal. Things are good for a while, until strange occurrences start happening when Rowan and Evie are together.

With similar magic, Evie feels like she’s found a kindred soul in the Shifter Lord, but other forces are about to shatter her rest and respite time and plunge them both into a type of danger they’ve never experienced before.

Someone is poisoning Rowan’s land and attempting to wrest his territory away from him. This time, the Lord isn’t powerful enough to win. But the enemy never counted on the fae heir and Floromancer’s visit, and one thing Evie is very good at is fighting for her friends.

Complications arise when Caelan figures out where she is and attempts to bring her home. But Evie never abandons a friend, and certainly not for a man who wouldn’t fight for her when she needed him to. Between fighting Caelan and fighting for Rowan, Evie is mentally and physically exhausted, something the enemy jumps on.

When the chips are down and the future looks grim, Evie will have to muster all her strength and power to fight back for Rowan, for herself, and to save Mother Earth from total annihilation.

Even if she loses herself in the process.

Oliver Heber Books

Publication date

March 3, 2026

Language

‎English

Print length

249 pages

Book 7 of 11

Shifter Lords

Review: How to Drive a Dragon Crazy (Dragon Kin series Book 6) by G.A. Aiken

Rating: 4.75⭐️

Readers of this series have been waiting on Izzy’s story and finally we get it in How to Drive a Dragon Crazy (Dragon Kin series Book 6) by G.A. Aiken.

Issabail aka Izzy, adopted daughter of Breic the Mighty and true daughter to his mate Talaith, former assassin, powerful Nolwenn witch, has had a long, dark journey with her mother to get to her current life. The reader has been able to see her mother and Izzy through much of their later dark years until they came back together under Queen Annwyn.

And we watched the drama happen between friends Izzy, dragon cousins Calyn, and Éibhear become something that ends up tearing apart the friendship and bond between all of them fracturing.

Now 10 years later, Izzy is the terrifying General of the Eighth, Fourteenth, and Twenty-sixth Legions of Annwyl the Bloody’s army. Shes often accompanied by her best friend, Brannie, a Cadwaladr warrior dragon. And Éibhear the Blue? He’s become Éibhear the Contemptible, a ruthless vicious fighter, part of the feared Mi-runach, a death squad made up of warriors who were problematic elsewhere.

How to Drive a Dragon Crazy brings Izzy and Éibhear together again for a mission that dives deep into both Izzy and her mother’s past in the Desert Kingdom as well as returning characters, Gaius Lucius Domitus, who is ruling the Quintillian Provinces along with his sister,Lady Agrippina.

The real threat and overall series storyline starts to emerge as new religious zealotry appears. Terrific elements that become even more powerful and threatening as the story continues.

But it’s old relationships to be renewed and damage repaired so that as the adults they are now can have a better chance of surviving and being happy.

It’s hilarious, action packed, and as Aiken is so fantastic at, believably layering emotional depths that swings from poignancy to anger to fear and finally to authentic uncertainty. Moments so real that it brings the readers so intimately into these characters journey that we feel everything along with them.

With each story, I always say, this is my favorite, while knowing I’ll feel this way about the next. But I love Izzy. Always have. Branny too.

And seeing her find her own roots. So amazing. Even if the series doesn’t return there, except to smack down Haldane again, this was truly wonderful.

Highly recommended as is the series which should be read in the order it is written.

Dragon Kin – 9 books complete series :

Dragon Actually #1

About A Dragon #2

What a Dragon Should Know #3

Last Dragon Standing #4

The Dragon Who Loved Me #5

How to Drive a Dragon Crazy #6

Light My Fire #7

Feel The Burn #8

Bring The Heat #9

Buy link

How to Drive a Dragon Crazy (Dragon Kin series Book 6)

Blurb

Sanity is overrated in this “captivating, funny, exciting” fantasy adventure from the New York Times bestselling author of the Scarred Earth Saga (Smexy Books).

Some things never go away, like vile enemies, bad ale, and annoying kin. But I thought I was finished with the one dragon I’d have done anything for: Éibhear the Blue, a big, gorgeous, blue-haired beast who thinks the world belongs to him. The world and, apparently, me.

So if Éibhear wants to play the caring hero and travel into the most forsaken of Gods forsaken lands to protect the one woman who doesn’t need it—namely me—I’ll let him. Because while I’m trying to fulfill a ridiculous

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