Book Review: Blood of Truth and Traitor by Aria Ashbrook

Hello, friends! It’s been years since I’ve posted, I know. Apologies and all that. Life happens and raising kids and managing a career took center stage. BUT! I’m back for a book review of a beloved series I found called Hirathean Path series by Aria Ashbrook. The third book of the series (4th if you include the novella) is Blood of Truth and Traitor and it is set to be released on September 22nd! I was provided with an arc copy for a fair and honest review, so I want to give a shout out to Aris Ashbrook and Book Funnel for giving the opportunity. Please note this is not a stand-alone novel. If you missed the previous books, please go back. I promise you it’s worth it. Links are below:

Veil of Web and Ruin (Prequel Novella) Web of Vows and Vengeance

Vows of Blood and Deception Blood of Truth & Traitors

Where do I start? Fair warning: spoilers are included. This book is a long one. Not that I’m complaining but it’s long in a good way. The story of Rose Kultavaris continues with her usual gang of misfits and of course some new characters, some you want to strangle and others you want to hug.  Let’s start with the Blood. We know from the previous books, Rose was searching for Issen people (who were sworn enemies of her kingdom). She didn’t have a choice since she found out she and her siblings have Issen magic. And now she needs her enemies help to master her new-found powers. Fans of the series (me included) were waiting patiently for the next book to learn what Rose’s future would look like after the first two books. When reading this series I felt an understanding of Rose and her character. She is a fierce, angry, strong female character who is laser-focused on getting what she wants or needs rather and then once she gets it…reality sets in. And usually what she wants doesn’t align with the gods demands. Many times I wondered if she’d ever get a long-deserved break but it never seems to come. Alas that’s the joyful part of the story-telling no doubt.

At the start of this book, we were waiting to see what Rose’s heritage would bring. As the long-lost princess of Issen lots of questions came to mind like why was she lost? What about her mom who died? Was she lost too? Stepping into the hidden Issen city, Rose was met with supporters and doubters. Straight away, she meets her Grandfather (her mom's dad) who happens to be king. That revelation leads to even more questions. But first before she can get the help or answers she seeks, she must enter into the Veil: a three part series of mythical tests that Rose must successfully complete or else she dies! While attempting these tests, she begins to learn more about the city, her ice magic and slowly begins to piece together where her destiny lies.

Rose’s grandfather started off as a disappointment but eventually he grew on me. In Issen, Rose had her trusted gang with her: Kyor, Benny, Ruben, Caz and Thessa. With the sworn blood oaths taken, you had to wonder how much they really trusted one another. They each have had their past transgressions and there were a few times where I wondered if one of them would double-cross one another. That didn’t happen thankfully. That said, Ruben, one of favorite characters, died. That honestly shook me. Did he really need to die? Maybe he will return as a Rotting? I don’t know. It made me sad though. 

Anyway, Rose must complete the Veil in order to lead the Issen people – which she doesn’t really want. Still she needs their help so she tries desperately to pass these mystic tests. Each time, learning more and more about herself. While spending time with her grandfather and studying her heritage and managing her magic, she discovers there are other Issen people vying for the Issen throne. Despite the vitriol she experiences from several Issen folks, she focuses on the task at hand and ends up uncovering hidden secrets about several characters including Kyor’s sadistic father (the Morathkian King), the back-stabbing Priestess, relentless Gods & Goddesses and even her dead mother. I'm not gonna lie; it was a lot but... so so good.

If you have read the previous books, you have to wonder about Prince Kyor and his motives. I finally got a sense that he wasn’t going to abandon Rose again like he did before. Then again, he is his father’s son, but let’s hope he is in it for the long haul. Anyway, I can go on and on. The book was fantastic – a must read – just like the series. It is a dark fantasy series with added spice from The Rose and Kyor which doesn't disappoint. If you're looking for your next series with exceptional story-telling, get your copies today and enjoy. Blood of Truth & Traitors is out soon.  I loved it and you will too! 

XXOO Mina B.

Book Review: West of Paradise by Marcy Hatch

Not too long ago, I read Marcy Hatch's latest book, West of Paradise and for some time I've been meaning to post my review.  This time-traveler book hooked me from the start and was a great book to add to my summer reading collection.

From the author:  When Jack McCabe gets the opportunity to go back in time, he jumps; it’s the adventure he always dreamed of - until he meets a beautiful but deadly train robber. Katherine Kennedy can't believe an ignorant bounty hunter has mistaken her for a criminal – until she sees the picture, which looks exactly like her. Neither of them imagines how the past has a way of catching up with the present. Set in the old west, this is a tale of mistaken identity, romance, and murder.

My thoughts:  For those that aren't aware, I'm a huge fan of historical romance as well as paranormal books.  Marcy's West of Paradise has both and what a fantastic read!  I haven't read a good time travel book in a long while, so I was do.  Have you ever wanted to trade your current life for one in the past?  Our two main characters, Katherine Kennedy and Jack McCabe decide to do this and like any good story, they have no idea what awaits them.  Both Jack and Katherine have their own reasons for traveling time and essentially it's to escape their current realities and responsibilities.  Jack manages to find his own path in the past in the Old West.  As the story unfolds, he's created quite a life as a bounty hunter and in his mind he's content until he meets the confounding Katherine Kennedy.  Like Jack, Katherine longs to escape into the past, but when she arrives, her life spins wildly out of control from a case of mistaken identity.  Can you imagine be mistaken for an infamous murderess and thief?  And worse, having one of the best bounty hunters on your tail?  As much as Jack wants to capture the elusive, Alanna McLeod, Katherine halts much of his progress.   Katherine is pretty amazing, but does she have what it takes to survive the Old West?   This story takes you on a wild ride filled with bank robbers, murder, deadly family ties and of course romance.  If you're looking for time traveling romance adventure with taste of the Old West, then you'll definitely want to check out Marcy Hatch's West of Paradise.  I really enjoyed it and I think you will too.

Get your copy via Amazon today!

You can follow Marcy on her blog, or on Twitter.  Also, you can find Marcy and West of Paradise on Goodreads.

Happy reading.  Have a great week!

Mina Burrows

Book Review: A Change of Mind and Other Stories by Nick Wilford

Get your e-copy on amazon now here! 

Last month, author and friend, Nick Wilford, released his contemporary speculative fiction book, A Change of Mind and Other Stories. This book was a wonderful read, and I'm so glad I had a chance read it and brag about it. It consists of consists of a novella, four short stories and one flash fiction piece--four of which were previously published in Writer's Muse Magazine. 

At just around 100 pages, this book is a great choice for a quick and intriguing summer read. In the first story, A Change of Mind, we meet Reuben. He works in an office where he's bullied at every turn and can't even get a date let alone summon the courage to ask a girl out.  It makes you ache to read about his sad state because I swear in life we all have a sullen side to ourselves.

Anyway, Ruben decides to meet with a quasi-brain surgeon to help him rewire some brain parts in a bizarre cutting-edge procedure. Now, how many times have you thought about changing something about yourself or the way you think? Too often, huh? Well, Reuben can't stand himself any longer and decides to undergo the procedure. What he gets is mind blowing change. I won't tell you what happened, but it's suspenseful and reminded me of a modern version of The Twilight Zone Show. Remember how strange those episodes were? Or what about Steven King's Quitters, Inc. about the smoker who tried to quit? After finishing the novella and the other stores, I was left with twilight zone vibe and that's a great feeling for someone like me who truly enjoys those classic stories. Wilford is a fantastic writer who knows how to draw in a reader!

If you're a fan of dark, short stories with an edge, than you'll enjoy A Change of Mind and Other Stories. Get your e-copy on amazon now here!   Visit him at his blog or connect with him on Twitter or Goodreads.

Sounds like a good one to pick up for the summer, huh? Yup, it sure is!

Mina Burrows