Book Reviews by Ehlen Administration

Keepers of The Deep by R.C. Heydn My rating: 3 of 5 stars Nikko has heard the stories about the strange, child snatching bird, but when he becomes one of Torpah’s victims he is plunged into a world he never knew existed. This world is populated entirely by children, with a conflict between the Leaf Children and the Drongs escalating to a dangerous point. Can Nikko help rescue the kidnapped Leafie leader from the dangerous Drongs in their mysterious tunnel dwelling? Or will he become another victim of the tunnel’s secrets? Keepers of the Deep was a fascinating journey both into a little boy’s imagination and an alternate fantasy reality that does keep you guessing right up to the very end. I really enjoyed the story and the Lord of the Flies type characters, with a little supernatural twist here and there. Unfortunately, all the typos were really distracting, particularly the wrong words. It was clear what the author intended to write and that it was just a mispell or autocorre...

Tiago by Reily Garrett My rating: 3 of 5 stars Brielle has just witnessed the brutal mother of her mother, and received cryptic instructions from her right before she died. Brielle and her mom have always loved traveling the Amazon together, but why is it so critical for her to go now? How is her destiny wrapped up in the jungle? And who is the strange, glowing protector she finds there? I have read other Reily Garrett books before, and while those were YA this is definitely a more adult romance, including sex. Disclaimer aside, if you like supernatural/paranormal romance this book fits well with Garrett’s succinct but deliberate style that unfolds a story into an adventure. Like her other books, I actually thought the book could have used a little bit more leading and tension rather than such a quick resolution, but it was still a great quick read, perfect for a beach book or surviving the airport. View all my reviews Please note, while there may be affiliate links or paymen...

From a Broken Land by William R. Herr My rating: 4 of 5 stars Gidon has been sent on a mission to discover the cause of the blight plaguing the land. He doesn’t expect to come home alive, but things never quite turn out the way you plan. All he is trying to do is find the local Seer, not join the local Guard or meet the most enchanting woman he has ever seen...in his limited experience growing up in a monastery, of course. Surely she could not help him accomplish his mission, but why won’t she leave? From a Broken Land is Book one in the Broken Throne series, and it does a great job of setting the scene and explaining some of the politics and back story of the fictional countries of Sidhea and Hammat without resorting to long monologuing or awkward exposition. The main characters of Gidon and Kira were developed well, as were some of the more interesting aspects of this world’s spiritual realm, such as the extremely binding nature of oaths. I thought it was a really well done fi...

Jamyria: The Entering by Madeline Meekins My rating: 4 of 5 stars Margo is tired of the stares, the silence, the awkwardness. She can’t change the past and she can’t change how teenagers act. But she never thought that stomping away from an awkward teenage encounter would land her falling through a globe into another world that she might be called to save. Jamyria: The Entering is a riveting fantasy tale of a teenage girl who begins down the path of destiny. It is very well written, interspersing Margo’s life in the fantasy world Jamyria with flashbacks of her history that colors her actions in Jamyria. I really enjoyed this first installment of the story, and can’t wait to see how Margo’s story plays out. She is a realistic yet fascinating character, and I love the intertwining of the “real” world and fantasy - kind of a Narnia nod. I’m looking forward to the next book! View all my reviews Please note, while there may be affiliate links or payment for reviews, all opinion...

The Royal Dragoneers by M.R. Mathias My rating: 4 of 5 stars The trolls are invading, and have been sited even near Jenka’s remote town of Crag. While out hunting, he encounters something he never thought he would see, a dragon, and what’s more, a dragon who defends him. Thus begins Jenka’s journey to Jade, his bonded dragon, and together they find others who likewise have kept a deep secret of actual communication with dragons. When they discover the real reason behind the increased troll activity, they must bond together as Dragoneers to fight the coming horde. But will they be able to protect the Kingdom and fight the great conflict to come? Tolkein once said, “It simply isn’t an adventure worth telling if there aren’t any dragons.” M.R. Mathias has taken that to heart and showcases dragons at both their best and worst in this beginning of the Dragoneer saga. He sets the stage by introducing Jenka and a quick back story, but the story then is off and running at a pretty h...