Book Review: Corrupted: Book Two of The Terrian Trilogy by Jenny Benjamin

05/11/202204/11/2022Fantasy, High fantasy, Jenny Benjamin, Science-Fiction, Science-Fiction Fantasy, Young AdultLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Jenny Benjamin
Release Date: 2nd September 2022
Series: The Terrian Trilogy (Book #2)
Genre: Young-Adult, Science-Fiction Fantasy, High Fantasy
Format: E-book
Pages: 267 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Book Two begins ten days after the events of Book One with Jesse, Kate, and Hayden traveling in the found alien ship and trailing the Gelfs who have kidnapped Sofia. Plagued with rage and guilt because of Sofia’s capture, Jesse finds himself losing control of his emotions and the Triumvirate’s mission to bring peace to two worlds—Earth and Terria.
Tensions, attractions, and powers crackle with energy in the second installment of the Terrian Trilogy. Jesse and his friends discover new abilities, face hybrid beasts, and carry out rescue missions on Terria. What else? More revelations about Terria’s corruption? Genetic modification? The unveiling of a terrifying plot by Terria’s faction leaders? Yes. Maybe. Jesse and his friends are called to act.

Review

Corrupted by Jenny Benjamin is the second book in the new young-adult sci-fi-fantasy Terrain trilogy This book begins right where the first book, Enhanced left off so it would be ideal to read this series in order.

This book took the plot of the last book further, exploring amazing new avenues and sub-plots and with some new characters added to the mix that explored the world of this trilogy further, it made for an excellent read. I was able to understand the motivations and drives of the characters better in this part as they were explored on a yet deeper level, facing new perils that tested their strengths and grit.

I am looking forward to reading the next and the last part of this trilogy as I know it would answer some questions that this book had given rise to. But most of all, I really want to see how things end for the main characters, Jesse, Kate and Hayden.

I would strongly recommend this book (and the series) to all science-fiction readers and to high-fantasy enthusiasts who love reading well-developed and realistic young-adult characters.

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Book Review: Enhanced: Book One of The Terrian Trilogy by Jenny Benjamin

31/10/202201/11/2022Fantasy, High fantasy, Jenny Benjamin, Science-Fiction, Science-Fiction Fantasy, Young Adult1 Comment

Book Details:

Author: Jenny Benjamin
Release Date: 1st October 2021
Series: The Terrian Trilogy (Book #1)
Genre: Young-Adult, Science-Fiction Fantasy, High Fantasy
Format: E-book
Pages: 260 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Jesse Woods – drum line maestro, track star, honors student – is a standout as one of the only Black students at a suburban Chicago high school. His well-organized world is thrown into chaos when his school is attacked by an alien species, Terrians, who have been playing gods throughout human history. Jesse and two others from the drumline, Kate and Hayden, are pulled into an epic alien conspiracy and forced on a quest to retrieve an ancient artifact that will help decide the victory in the battle for planet Earth. The three teenagers will face impossible odds and fight the powerful enemies, as well as their own demons, to protect their loved ones and save the world they know.
Yeah, right, what else, locusts? Dragons in the sky? Alien ships? War between worlds? Armageddon? Yes. Maybe. Only Jesse and his friends can stop it.

Review

Enhanced by Jenny Benjamin is the first book in the new young-adult sci-fi-fantasy Terrain trilogy. This book marked an excellent beginning of what could be a potentially amazing trilogy. This book had everything that I had expected and SO MUCH MORE!

The concept is brilliant setting a strong foundation not only for this book but for the next two books as well and the author’s writing kept the flow of the story very fluid and smooth making it a flawless experience. The characters were well-built and the world-building was up to the mark, the creatures/monsters were terrific and the detailing in the book was commendable. Overall this book made for a fantastically engrossing read and had me hooked right from the beginning till the very end, making me want to jump into the next book right away (which, of course, I did!)

I would strongly recommend this book to all science-fiction readers and to high-fantasy enthusiasts who love reading well-developed and realistic young-adult characters.

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ARC Review: Herrick’s End (The Neath #1) by T.M. Blanchet

16/02/202202/03/2022Fantasy, Magic, Magic/Elementals, T.M. Blanchet, Young AdultLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: T.M. Blanchet
Release Date: 10th May 2022
Genre: Young-Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Magic & Elementals
Series: The Neath Series (Book #1)
Format: E-book
Pages: 312 pages
Publisher: Tiny Fox Press LLC
Blurb:
You did nothing. You were nothing. And so, you shall remain here, until the end of your days. As nothing.
Ollie’s only friend disappeared a few days ago, and now, he’s frantic to find her. But he doesn’t have much to go on until a mysterious note arrives which reads:
“Still looking for your friend? I know where she is.”
Unfortunately for Ollie, the trail leads to the last place he’d ever expect.

Somewhere dark.
Somewhere deep.
The kind of place where magic spills like blood, vengeance is merciless, and escape seems all but impossible.
Worse still, it soon becomes clear that someone-or something-was expecting him.
Now, time is running out.
If Ollie has any hope of ever seeing home again, he’s going to have to summon every last scrap of courage, smarts, and tenacity he can find. And none of it will matter if he can’t get some help. Fast.
Because Ollie might not know much about the vast underworld that’s ensnared him, but he does know this:
He’ll never make it out alone.

Review

Herrick’s End by T.M. Blanchet is the first book in the young-adult fantasy series, The Neath. This book is a fast-paced rollercoaster ride that’ll take you into the amazing and sometimes terrifying world of the vast underworld that will leave you wanting for more!

This book had an exceptional characterisation; I was able to connect so deeply with the main protagonist Ollie and even most of the secondary characters. I found myself cheering for Ollie throughout the book and I really hope the author comes up with more books in this world with Ollie as the main character! I am really forward to the next book in this series!!

The writing is immersive and had a great flow, the pacing was great and the tension was high in most parts of the book which made this book un-put-down-able!

I would highly recommend this book to all readers of Young-Adult Fantasy – this book will not disappoint you!

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Book Review: The Magicians Of Ysavar by Z.B. Lee

06/02/202210/02/2022Fantasy, High fantasy, Magic, Magic/Elementals, Young Adult, Z.B. LeeLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Z.B. Lee
Release Date: 3rd January 2022
Genre: Young-Adult Fiction, High Fantasy, Magic-Elementals
~~Series~~:
Format: E-book
Pages: 167 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
Johan Finley dreams of being a warrior for his home, Center City, but he is devastated when his own arrogance costs him his dream. When all seems lost, a cheery little fellow comes knocking on his door. Johan could never expect the fantastic journey that awaits.

There is one problem: Blazer, an enchanted sword, has fallen into the wrong hands. A shadowy enemy seeks to use this powerful weapon to turn the tides in a greater war of good versus evil. Johan must find the strength to face down this sinister foe and take back the sword before it’s too late.
Under the tutelage of a wise magician and a battle-tested knight, along with the friendship of a courageous halfling, Johan is going to learn what it means to be a true hero in the Order of Ysavar. But when the fate of the world rests on his shoulders, will he crack under the pressure? Or will he rise to the occasion?

Review

The Magicians Of Ysavar by Z.B. Lee is a new young-adult magical coming-of-age book full of action-packed scenes that are brimming with conflict, both internal as well as external. I enjoyed reading this book from cover to cover and was not able to put it down once I started!

This book had an amazing pace throughout the book and the tension ran deep and tight right from the beginning to the very end. The book started off on a great note and the build-up was amazing – even better than I was expecting! The characterisation was good, the settings were well-executed and the entire plotting was well done. I thoroughly enjoyed this action-packed ride.

I would strongly recommend this book to all young-adult readers and fans of coming-of-age stories that have magic elements.

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Book Review: Requiem (Tales Of The Five Realms #1) by Rachel V. Knox

17/11/202117/11/2021Fantasy, New Adult Fantasy, Rachel V. Knox , Young AdultLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Rachel V. Knox
Release Date: 13th October 2021
Genre: Young Adult, New Adult, Fantasy
Series: Tales Of The Five Realms (Book #1)
Format: E-book
Pages: 394 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
In a world where light and shade battle for hearts and minds, young rebel, Hagar, earns a scholarship to study magic. But dreams can turn into nightmares. And if someone gets their way, she won’t see the end of her first year.
At first, Vanar University seems a wonderful place. Hagar aspires to study hard with no distractions and to become an accomplished mage. But distractions are happening to her whether she likes it or not.
Hagar’s old friend, Noq, is at Vanar too. But he’s up to something, and he won’t tell her what. There’s romantic potential with the intelligent and handsome Jude. But is that a good idea, with all his secrets and a needless interest in forbidden dark magic? And there’s an invitation to join Requiem, a prestigious secret mage society. Hagar should feel honoured. But is Requiem all that it appears to be?

Things start to unravel with conflicting work as a double agent and something dark and hidden in her past that’s coming back to haunt her. The campus that has become her happy place is going to witness an unleashed evil.
Before the end, Hagar will look into hell itself, and she’ll discover that even loved ones can’t be trusted…
This new paranormal fantasy is ideal for fans of dark academia and fantasy with magic, witches, and wizards. Imagine studying for a degree in magic at a university with an old library full of magic books and grimoires, demons and ghosts loose on campus, secret societies, and sorcerers into dark magic. Add to that a diverse cast, blossoming romances between student mages, and an exciting end battle against evil.

Suitable for YA, NA, and adult readers.
This is a full-length novel that can be read as a standalone, or as the first in a series set in the Five Realms, a world of supernatural phenomena where light fighters push back against shade, and the Dark

Review

Requiem by Rachel V. Knox is the first book in the Tales Of The Five Realms series. It is a fantastic fantasy book with amazing world-building, a solid plotline, great characterisation and a very well-executed concept.

I was pulled into the world of this book right from the very first page and was left wanting more when the book ended. I was able to relate to all the characters, primary as well as secondary and enjoyed the world-building tremendously. I am eagerly waiting for the next part in the series to see how things turn out for the characters in the next book.

I would highly recommend this book to all fantasy, YA and NA readers!

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Book Review: The Essence of Magic by Michelle Ermens

31/08/202131/08/2021Fantasy, Michelle Ermens, Young AdultLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Michelle Ermens
Release Date: 30th March 2021
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Series: Magic’s Source (Book #1)
Format: E-book
Pages: 285 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Can the Magic’s Source help her protect the ones she loves most?
Thera has always known that she’s different from her wonderful, loving human family. However, that would mean that she’s one of the specials, beings of legends – but how could it be, when no human has seen them for hundreds of years?
A visit from a masked stranger who warns her of danger and an attack on her village shatter the life that she knew. Forced to flee with her mother and her younger siblings, Thera finds temporary shelter in special territory, in the home of a beautiful special named Raven.
She needs more than temporary shelter, though. She needs a way to keep her family truly safe. The Magic’s Source might help with protection, but will Thera dare to seek it out and try to get some magic of her own?
And if she does, what kind of magic will she receive, and what new dangers will she find herself in?

Review

The Essence of Magic by Michelle Ermens is a fantastic new fantasy read that will definitely blow your mind!

I loved reading this book from the first page to the last! This book had great characterisation, an amazing and very interesting plot, good world-building and brilliant execution of the story idea. I loved the ending and am totally looking forward to reading the next book in this series!

I enjoyed the writing style of the author – it was simple yet good and was easy which made reading this book a pleasure aside from making it a quick read. I would definitely recommend this book to all fantasy readers and lovers of YA genre.