en-US Sat, 03 May 2025 12:59:08 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Review7539992133 Sat, 03 May 2025 12:59:08 -0700 /review/show/7539992133 Reader gave 5 stars to The Tempests of Time: Ages of Malice, Book IV (Kindle Edition) by Lloyd Jeffries
Lloyd Jeffries is back with “The Tempests of Time,� the fourth installment in his award-winning Ages of Malice psychological thriller series. This highly anticipated novel picks up right where “Embers of Shadow,� the third book in the series, left off—delivering unexpected twists, deeper character backstories, and thought-provoking conflicts that challenge everything readers think they know.

Typical of Jeffries’s work, each saga about the end times brings further destruction and mind-blowing revelations. In this narrative, some situations remain unchanged: Emery continues in Cain’s employment while Rhyme attempts the seemingly impossible task of thwarting her evil husband and his plans with the assistance of allies old and unexpected. Jeffries� skills lie in presenting a seemingly predetermined storyline and result in incorporating unforeseen and last-minute changes in the form of altered states of being, mindsets, and shifting surroundings that deliver a new, exciting, and engaging record of a fictional story with realistic implications. “The Tempests of Time� presents a slightly altered storyline compared to the previous tales, allowing the reader to discover more backstories of the equally beloved and hated characters.

As a religiously based thriller, Jeffries challenges the readers� ability to think critically throughout the storyline. The series� narrative is predominantly explained and presented from the “villain’s� point of view; however, with the inclusion of more from the “hero’s� side, it inadvertently allows readers to remain neutral on their literary and cognitive journey or choose a side based on the evolving details. Jeffries demonstrates open-mindedness in the narrative because he does not adhere to a single religion or denomination. Instead, he offers a multireligious interpretation of well-known Biblical and religious events. From a literary standpoint, the story follows a familiar tone to its predecessors with the same trigger warnings, including language, drugs, violence, politics, and sex. From a religious standpoint, I suppose it’s every reader for themselves.

I enjoyed the altered storyline in this narrative and appreciated how it allowed me to learn more about the characters. The introduction of some comedic relief helped lighten certain scenes. Even though I have to wait for the release of each story to the public, once I get my hands on the next one, the familiarity and comfort help me fly through the pages. While Jeffries provides enough context to inform readers of past events, starting with the first book is recommended to fully appreciate the character development and overall impact of the series. Readers who enjoy a story that captivates their attention, and those who appreciate the profound, personal implications, will devour “The Tempests of Time� and the entire Ages of Malice series.
]]> Review7539967729 Sat, 03 May 2025 12:48:48 -0700 /review/show/7539967729 Reader gave 5 stars to Warrior Pose (Yoga Mat Mysteries) by Susan Rogers
“Warrior Pose� by Susan Rogers and John Roosen is the latest book in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series. Following the success of “Dead Man’s Pose,� “Cobra Pose,� and “Tree Pose,� “Warrior Pose� once again reunites readers with Ric Peters and his lovely fiancée Elaina. Despite being engaged to Ric, Elaina still knows precious little about the type of work he does. As in love as she is with her man of mystery, Elaina aches to know more about the secrets he keeps from her.

Meanwhile, Ric’s own haunted past has put a strain on his relationship with his father, who likely knows the truth of how Ric’s grandfather died decades ago but refuses to tell him. The family’s bonds are tested further when Ric and Elaina head to New Zealand to visit his parents; everything seems inviting at first, but new horrors await in the form of an unidentified skull and the discovery of a mummified young woman frozen in her last harrowing moments. Grappling with these murders so close to his parents� home and after being the target of several close calls on his life, Ric is reminded of exactly the type of dangers that lurk and threaten not only his existence, but that of his most cherished.

Wow, what a thrilling adventure! I have read every book in this series, and I have to say, the authors really outdid themselves with this one. There was so much action and suspense throughout this book that I almost couldn’t believe how many times they were able to fit in a new danger or action sequence. There was something for everyone from daring mountain rescues, seaside attacks, and car chases, among many other such thrilling moments that took place. They crammed a bit of everything into this book, but the action scenes themselves were honestly terrific. Of all the books in the Yoga Mat Mysteries series, this one has definitely been my favorite. I didn’t know so many surprises would await!

I also loved the setting of New Zealand. It was a gorgeous, wild, and picturesque backdrop for the characters to explore, and made for an exciting place to investigate the murders and mysteries. The authors really embraced the setting and made it their playground and I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it.

As usual, the authors never miss with their characters, which are the glue that really holds together this series. Francis made for an intriguing villain with his own unusual and interesting quirks, and I also enjoyed getting to know more about Ric through meeting his parents, John and Kiri. The family dynamics were able to show Ric in a new light, and I particularly enjoyed his struggle to connect with his father, the slow unraveling of what happened to Ric’s grandfather, and just in general getting to know more about the Peters� family origins and history. I thought I knew Ric well, but this series continues to impress with just how much thought goes into making these characters as realistic as possible. I care about Ric and Elaina like I know them, because thanks to the authors, I do!

“Warrior Pose� by Susan Rogers & John Roosen is an excellent choice if you love action and suspense. I love how these authors are constantly reinventing the style of story they tell while also remaining true to the characters and who they are. No two books in this series have been the same! Each has its own charm, but the word of the day for this book is “surprises.� They come one after another, and it never fails to entertain. I always enjoy seeing how they incorporate the book’s title into the story and where. Finding out who did the “warrior pose� in this book was honestly one of the best and most humorous parts for me, in addition to all the great moments this book has to offer. Give it a shot! You won’t be disappointed.

]]> Review7539942400 Sat, 03 May 2025 12:37:59 -0700 /review/show/7539942400 Reader gave 5 stars to From Apollo to Artemis: Stories From My 50 Years With NASA (Paperback) by Herb Baker
From Apollo to Artemis: Stories from My 50 Years with NASA� is a memoir in which its author, Herb Baker, allows the reader to explore the back end of the American space program, from the moon shot to today’s contemporary missions. This book showcases the power of perseverance and is a nostalgic look at America’s space program as seen through the eyes of someone with half a century’s experience with it.

And by “back end� I mean “back end;� Mr. Baker shows the reader how the sausage is made, so to speak, from the nuts and bolts contracting and procurement necessary to keep large, complex projects with literally thousands upon thousands of individual steps on schedule and on budget (usually) all the way through competitive bidding.

Mr. Baker cautions the reader up front that his work is not a technical “how-to book� detailing engineering principles or firsthand accounts of mission successes or failures, yet he peppers his memoir with interesting stories and personal encounters, each one with its own human angle.

The book is presented in chronological order, from his first job in 1969 as a teen courier delivering freshly shot TV footage to the airport twice a day; then through Mr. Baker’s first official NASA position as a newly-minted contract specialist at the Johnson Space Center; and finally to his position as the manager for Operations Support (plus post-retirement volunteer work).

The first quarter of the book summarizes the early years of the Apollo program, explained with a common-sense, relaxed style. The reader is then led through the major space programs in the order they occurred, listing how some minor and some very major decisions were made “behind the scenes� for each one. Examples include:

Detailing who sewed the emergency parasol that saved Skylab from a failed solar array deployment, generating an unintended 125°F internal temperature
Describing how to find hydrogen leaks with a broomstick
Mentioning how woodpeckers severely damaged external rocket tanks (and how they were thwarted)
Recounting how he participated in astronaut food “taste tests� (for instance, it took three attempts to get guacamole right)
Describing the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, a 6.2 million gallon water tank where astronaut trainees practice spacewalks and operate equipment without actually being in space (it’s big enough to fit a mockup of major International Space Station components within)
Highlighting a little-known tree memorial dedicated to those who have given their lives in the pursuit of American space travel.
The book is strengthened by many photographs showing the “human� side of the Apollo missions, the launching and maintenance of Skylab and the International Space Station, and the Space Shuttle program. There are some gee-whiz depictions, but also many lighter human-interest snapshots; for instance, one photo of someone presenting a stuffed Snoopy doll to the crew of Apollo 10 right before takeoff, and two other photos showing herds of deer and longhorn cattle that roam the grounds of the Johnson Space Center.

This memoir follows both our developing space program and Mr. Baker’s personal career. He uses his experiences, anecdotes, and conversations to allow the reader to appreciate the teamwork necessary to blast humans beyond Earth’s atmosphere (and feed them, keep them safe, and at peak performance while doing so). The book describes the team atmosphere practiced by our country’s engineers, scientists, contractors, support staff, and, of course, the astronauts themselves, as well as their camaraderie.

Who should read “From Apollo to Artemis?� First and foremost, NASA and technology buffs who want a deeper dive into what it took to convert tax dollars into actual space flight. Readers who appreciate a well-paced memoir will enjoy Herb Baker’s book, as well as those looking for a patriotic pick-me-up memoir about America’s space flight accomplishments, written without hubris—I certainly felt great about being American after finishing this book.

]]> Review7536745963 Fri, 02 May 2025 07:34:18 -0700 /review/show/7536745963 Reader gave 4 stars to A Fable of Wood and String (The Puppetmaster Duology) by L T Getty
This book, “A Fable of Wood & String� by L.T. Getty, is an absolute masterpiece! Getty tells an enchanting and captivating story of young villagers caught up in the world of adventure and terror. When a strange woman comes waltzing into their tiny village after a wyvern attack, no one, except Lily, notices how different and off the woman is. Before Lily can get her removed from the village, an enchantment is set and many of the young are taken and turned into marionettes. Now it is up to Lily and her little brother, Seth, to follow the trail and try to get their sister and friends back. Along the way, they are helped out by some very interesting foxes, some of which seem to have multiple tails.

As I mentioned above, this book was just incredible. The writing is captivating, the characters are so full of life, the landscape is beautifully described, and the plot is well laid out with just the right amount of mystery. The only criticism I have is that it needs to go through a more thorough round of editing and I only mention this to explain why I could not give the book a five-star rating. Even the artwork on the cover pulls you into the story.

When it comes to the characters, Getty has many personalities to keep track of, and did it so very well. She never veered from who each character was at heart and even provided insight and background into why they did the things they did, or said the things they said. Even the adults had the right amount of concern and authority when it came to handling their children. They were mostly not overbearing, which was a nice change from the typical “over-controlling parent� trope we see so often in literature. Even the various romances in the book did not seem to be unfathomable. Then there are Kitsune, magical foxes, and that always means more tricks and fun.

The scenery is another aspect that Getty paints so well. Readers get to experience the village, a few other towns, sailing across the sea, and an enchanted castle. We even get to experience an entirely enchanted world that the people-turned-marionettes live in. Her descriptions are easy to keep separated and very easy to visualize as the adventure continues. The action scenes are also very creatively done, both with the marionettes and with the humans on the outside of the enchantments.

The story L.T. Getty shares in “A Fable of Wood & String,� part of The Puppetmaster Duology, is absolutely bewitching. I have never been one to read a book about marionettes; they normally creep me out, but they are real people in this book who have been enchanted. There is no cursing and only very minimal romantic content, a few kisses, and some innuendo common among teenagers. “A Fable of Wood & String� is written for a teen/young adult audience. It touches on psychological trauma quite a bit, but not in too severe a way. Everyone needs to go read this book! You will not be disappointed!
]]> Review7536702327 Fri, 02 May 2025 07:13:41 -0700 /review/show/7536702327 Reader gave 5 stars to THE COBBLER'S CRUSADERS (Kindle Edition) by Rick Steigelman
Nine-year-old Jacquelyn Pajot can hardly contain her excitement as she anticipates her upcoming trip to the enchanting city of Paris, France, to visit her grandmother, Catherine Pajot, in “The Cobbler’s Crusaders� by Rick Steigelman. Known for its romantic charm and iconic landmarks, Paris holds a special place in Jacquelyn’s heart, even more so because her grandmother has a wealth of stories and experiences to share. While there are complexities in the relationship between Catherine and Jacquelyn’s father, Jacquelyn is determined to embrace the positive side of her visit, setting aside any worries that might cloud her enthusiasm.

Catherine has an exciting schedule planned, filled with daily church services, socializing with her grandmother’s friends, and spending quality time together. At first, Jacquelyn worries that her visit may not be as adventurous as she had hoped. However, everything changes dramatically when she meets two lively locals, Nicolette and Genevieve. Their infectious energy and love for life quickly draw Jacquelyn into a whirlwind of new experiences and adventures throughout the city.

As she navigates this new world, Jacquelyn realizes that her newfound friendships could either become the highlight of her trip, leading to unforgettable moments and joyful laughter, or present unexpected challenges that will test her resilience and adaptability. Who will she become to fit in with her new friends, and will she be able to recover from the challenges she might face?

“The Cobbler’s Crusaders� is an inspiring story that immerses young readers in the magic of Paris. Jacquelyn, Nicolette, and Genevieve’s journeys reveal life’s complexities, exploring the essential lessons of honesty, integrity, and resilience in the face of peer pressure and the consequences of their choices.

Rick Steigelman’s storytelling effectively unites the characters, illustrating their everyday challenges in a relatable manner. The protagonist, Jacquelyn, discovers that travel often leads to unexpected experiences, showcasing the allure of new destinations and personal growth. This journey has the potential to transform into an extraordinary adventure filled with laughter, exploration, and essential life lessons. The book is appropriate for readers aged ten to teens, and even older audiences may find it enjoyable. Overall, it is a compelling read that merits a five-star review.

]]> Review7531938906 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:32:06 -0700 /review/show/7531938906 Reader gave 5 stars to Scorched: Burn Me Once... (Tyler Zahn #3) by Cam Torrens
Set in the Colorado Rockies, Air Force veteran Tyler Zahn is recovering from injuries sustained from a previous Search and Rescue (SAR) investigation that failed to find his missing SAR partner Kristee Li. He is on command desk duty in Buena Vista until his bosses decide that he is ready to resume his duties again.

That’s when a call comes in that Team 1 is at Cottonwood Pass and they found a bloody panel van and a gunshot victim, Bruce Davis. Bruce claims he and his partner were transporting high-priced art when they were robbed. Several of the oil paintings were stolen, and one of those paintings belongs to Laura Coker Long, an artist whom Tyler wants to date. He hesitates, but Tyler can’t help but get involved.

Laura has an upcoming art exhibition at The Lodge, and despite the nearby fires, it goes on as planned. The Joint Fire Team believes it is safe enough, but halfway through the event, Deputy Sheriff Rick Perez calls Tyler and orders an evacuation. That’s easier said than done, so now Tyler is trapped by the wildfire along with Laura, her three sisters, FBI Agent Emma Frazier from the Art Crimes Division, and other art supporters. After one of them dies, Tyler must work together with the FBI Agent to get everyone to safety before it’s too late.

Art heist novels usually involve a murder or two, but if you think you know who the culprit is, you are in for a surprise. Such is the case in “Scorched: Burn Me Once…� by Cam Torrens, the third novel in The Tyler Zahn series. He is caught in a no-win scenario � trapped in a remote mountain lodge as a wildfire rages outside and a murderer lurks inside. It starts simple enough as an art exhibition but quickly spirals into an out-of-control situation involving an art heist, a dysfunctional family, a potential romance, and the rages of Mother Nature.

I was drawn to this novel because it combines the unpredictable forces of nature in the form of wildfires and a suspenseful murder mystery and art heist. It’s the third book in the series, and since the action starts right from the beginning and Kristee Li’s mysterious disappearance from the previous one resurges, it feels like a continuation. By the second chapter, when the investigation into the art heist is in full swing, I was hooked. Tyler’s friction with his friend Deputy Sheriff Rick Perez makes the story more interesting because it hints that Deputy Perez is not being forthcoming with all the information. Understandably so, considering that Tyler went rogue during the last case.

This fast-paced and suspenseful mystery successfully combines a natural disaster with the treachery of the human condition. The tension builds with each turn of the page, with the approaching fire serving as a physical and psychological pressure cooker. Tyler is a complex but relatable character, as he tries to tackle the physical dangers of the fire with the unpredictability of those who surround him. With every revelation the stakes grow higher, and the line between ally and enemy blurs.

Readers gain access to Tyler’s internal struggles through a first-person point of view narrative. The mountain setting is claustrophobic and haunting, and the threat of the fires is always present in the background with the constant smoke, smells, and sights that come with it. There are plenty of plot twists. The language is vivid and descriptive:

Sipping my drink, I take in the view of Mt. Princeton dominating the western side of our river valley, the summer winds wisping the north-side snow from the top as if Mother Nature was spinning cotton candy.

Overall, “Scorched: Burn Me Once…� is a gripping, high-stakes thriller that fans of the series—and newcomers alike—won’t be able to put down because it works well as a stand-alone novel. Cam Torrens proves once again that Tyler Zahn is a force to be reckoned with. It explores themes of guilt, redemption, family dynamics, and resilience under fire—literally and figuratively. It is recommended for fans of mystery novels set in remote places with a motley crew of strangers, each with their own selfish intentions.

I survey this odd gathering of strangers. It’s like I’m living a cliché. As if we’re trapped in an Agatha Christie novel where everyone knows someone in the room is guilty, but only the villain knows who it truly is.

]]> Review7531914096 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:21:04 -0700 /review/show/7531914096 Reader gave 4 stars to Where Is All The Grass Going? (ebook) by D.E. Fox
Across the world, a mysterious event has been occurring that no one has answers to. For some reason, grass across the world has been disappearing at astonishing rates in “Where Is All the Grass Going?� by D E Fox. The theft is at such high rates that global leaders have been calling emergency telephone meetings with each other, trying to figure out the cause of such an outlandish crime. Plus, now they have to figure out how to replace the grass in such large amounts in time for things such as the Olympics in Paris or the US Open to happen.

No one would ever think that ordinary dogs, Phillip, Gino, Jake, and Sammy, would try finding out not only who has been stealing the massive amounts of grass from around the world, but also just how they are going to stop this worldwide crime from continuing. Putting all their ingenuity together, this team of dogs sets out to find the thieves and help restore lawns around the world.

Right from the start, this reviewer found this story to be creatively ingenious. To first think of thieves stealing massive amounts of grass from around the world, without a known cause, was just hilarious to base a book around. Now add to the mix a bunch of different dogs, all with different intelligence levels, trying to solve this universal crime occurring around the world, and you have the perfect mix of creativity and humor to carry you through this story. The author created her characters, human and animal, to all be well-rounded and believable. You can’t help but fall in love with the animals, seeing how they all set out to solve this ongoing worldwide crime.

The lessons learned throughout this entertaining read are not only about teamwork as the various animal species work together to fix this worldwide issue, but also the strong friendship bonds that were forged with all the species coming together for a universal cause. Plus, it shows young readers that if you come together to work on a unified goal, you can achieve great results. Readers can walk away not only learning a few lessons but laughing at the silly antics the animals do throughout the pages.

“Where Is All the Grass Going?� by D E Fox is one story that will have you laughing out loud while enjoying the central theme of how grass from around the world is being stolen for an unknown reason. Readers will fall in love with all the quirky animal characters and will find themselves rooting them on as you turn the pages. Plus, once you find out why the grass is being stolen, you’ll find yourself trying to figure out a solution along with all the animals to fix the situation. This storyline is unique and fresh, and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages!
]]> Review7531891857 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:11:05 -0700 /review/show/7531891857 Reader gave 5 stars to The Dungeon of Peril Mystery: A Case Twins Adventure for Teens (Case Twins Adventures) by Dorian Rockwood
The Dungeon of Peril Mystery: A Case Twins Adventure for Teens,� by Dorian Rockwood, is an engrossing teen crime novel that you can’t put down. Packed with danger and adventure, it’s a young crime fan’s dream book, and the good news is that if you like this one, you might want to check out other titles in the Case Twins Adventure series, “The Cash Cache Mystery� and “The Silent Witness Mystery.�

“The Dungeon of Peril Mystery,� however, concerns itself with two brothers, Paul and Dan, who are seventeen-year-old twins. Dan is under contract to paint a portrait of prized dogs Max and Brutus, belonging to Mrs. Maitland, and this is where the mystery begins. A cryptic message hints at a nefarious conspiracy, and before he knows it, he’s sucked in. His twin, Paul, has a friend named Jake, and they help Dan maneuver a hard-nosed gang, dark figures, and revenge, all connected to gold that has gone missing. Another key character is Andrew, the Maitland heir. Time is running out, so Dan has to put the pieces of the puzzle together quickly.

This teen crime novel has everything you’d want, from dark stormy nights, a mansion full of mystery and rumors of being haunted, and a dungeon of peril of course. What I like is the dynamic dialogue between the characters, a plot that’s both full of energy and mystery, and the bravery and determination that these young sleuths show. They are out to solve this riddle come what may. The danger of the dungeon is the icing on the cake. It’s all about survival.

The pace moves along at a natural stride, attracting the most casual of YA readers. From the beginning lines of crackling dialogue, all the way through the mysterious clues and dungeon fraught with danger, this book holds your attention, and the surprises along the way make it an exciting, satisfying read. You could compare it to a Hardy Boys mystery, but the Case brothers clearly have their own characteristics and style. Reluctant readers will appreciate this dialogue-driven plot that isn’t bogged down by tons of exposition yet pulls you into the story with intrigue and good characterization. The banter between the brothers feels natural and is LOL funny in a lot of places. Even the opening scene has funny moments when one brother teases the other about posing for an art class. It’s their bond that holds the story together and keeps it interesting.

On a side note, it’s interesting to discover that Dorian Rockwood is a pseudonym used by CW James, who also wrote “Treachery Unmasked,� a 1940s Hollywood mystery for the YA audience.

Some may call this book pulp fiction for a new generation. I call “The Dungeon of Peril Mystery� by Dorian Rockwood a fun read for crime fans.

]]> Review7531862174 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:58:13 -0700 /review/show/7531862174 Reader gave 5 stars to The Flag Revelation: Proof of Providence Due to the Mysterious & Uncanny Connections of the 50 States of America, Synchronicity Illustrated (Kindle Edition) by Christopher Maddish
“The Flag Revelation� is a historical and contemporary look at the connection between the fifty states of the United States of America, written by Christopher Maddish. Maddish is a vexillologist (one who studies flags, their history, symbolism, and usage) and has spent his lifetime gleaning the history of the world through flags.

In this book, readers examine the flags of thirty-two states in America. Each chapter is a review of the similarities and differences between the two states. Maddish leads readers into a critical examination of the state flags and points out what each intricate detail tells us about that state. Using the knowledge of each flag, Maddish also presents the geography, culture, and historical events for these states.

At first glance, “The Flag Revelation� looks like just another history book about America. What readers quickly learn is that it is far from the truth. Americans are familiar with flags. We stand under them with pride, but we may not know why they bear that particular design. Maddish brings to life the minute details like the clothes a person is wearing, the tools represented, or the flowers surrounding a motto. He uses those minute details to lead us through the story of the creation of a state.

Maddish also presents each state in a way that makes you feel they are each a kingdom themselves. In each chapter, readers traverse the state with an intricate geographical presentation. He speaks of explorers like Daniel Boone and Kit Carson. We travel the Great Lakes and the major rivers flowing through America, explore the majestic mountains, and feel the icy temperatures of Alaska and the desert life in Nevada.

What readers will appreciate is the way Maddish compares more than just the history of each state. He also compares the men and women who call each state home. Pop culture is presented as historical knowledge.

The creation of the United States is messy, and Maddish portrays the messy and the glory of each state through their flags wonderfully. In the chapter comparing Idaho and Minnesota is where I see the ultimate goal for America. Each flag has women and natives standing with men and immigrants. Maddish calls the flags�

…a physical representation of men and women and natives and newcomers creating great things.

“The Flag Revelation� by Christopher Maddish is a history book with a unique spin. The format of the book allows readers the choice to dip into smaller bits of history or read from front to back. Maddish has opened the world of flags, and readers will no longer be able to look at them in the same way. If you like history, fun facts, and intricately simple reading experiences, this is the book for you.

]]> Review7531830236 Wed, 30 Apr 2025 13:44:57 -0700 /review/show/7531830236 Reader gave 5 stars to Wolf of the Nordic Seas (Valiant Vikings Book 2) by Jennifer Ivy Walker
“Wolf of the Nordic Seas� by Jennifer Ivy Walker is a captivating tale of intense love and instinctive desire set in a world rife with magic, greed, and evil. It’s also book two of Walker’s Valiant Vikings series. Essentially a standalone, the story revolves around a couple who are caught up in a unique predestined future where a dreadful darkness hovers over their world, testing their chosen path.

Elfi Thorfinnsdóttir, a skilled shield maiden fighter, is the reason for Alberic of Soissons� new assault on their castle, le Château Blanc. Having been locked within the fortress tower by her father, Lord Thorfinn, she hates that she is a woman and the unmarried Heiress of Étretat. From behind the sealed doors, she is concerned about the outcome of the war, which, if they lose, will result in her being forced to marry Alberic of Soissons, who will then legitimately become the new lord of le Château Blanc as well as the governing Count of Étretat.

Tragically, Thorfinn is taken prisoner and faces execution if she disregards the marriage summons. She seeks the assistance of Richard the Fearless, the Viking Duke of Normandy, who swears not to allow the marriage to take place for his own reasons. He, however, makes a proposition that surprises Elfi, which necessitates an unforeseen sacrifice. Agreeing to it is quickly followed by an alliance with a fierce lupine warrior who bears a prophecy that is starting to come true. It is, however, revealed that finding a “mate� in the Land of the White Chalk Cliffs is essential to its success. Furthermore, a stunning revelation related to his father awaits him, as does a covert yet infallible plan to penetrate le Château Blanc, which he has sworn to protect and restore.

This fascinating story has brilliantly shed light on the phenomenon—the power of fate and the unyielding nature of destiny. The novel is set against the backdrop of a tragic, premature death, which gives the reader a rush of adrenaline and a relatable sense of the protagonist’s inner turmoil. With each successive page, the author skillfully creates a sensation of dread that tightens like a noose by combining mystical and shape-shifting elements. With strong characters like Alberic, Ilya the Shadow, the Dragon of Denmark, and Skarde the Scourge, the action proceeds quickly and takes a course that indicates an uphill fight in the fulfillment of two prophecies, one of which has been long anticipated.

Readers are in for a treat with this one—it’s a fantastic mix of fast-paced action and steamy romance. The author does a great job blending the magic and mystery of the world with raw emotion and desire, all while building a deep, heartfelt connection between the main characters that really sticks with you. “Wolf of the Nordic Seas� by Jennifer Ivy Walker, book 2 in the Valiant Vikings series, is undoubtedly a thrilling read for fans of high-energy historical fiction with balanced elements of romance and Norse mythology. Its writing is vivid and engaging, and the storytelling pulls you right into it. It’s a well-crafted, exciting adventure that’s hard to put down.

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