Review & Giveaway: The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle

Title: The Secret of Spruce Knoll
Series: The Channelers #1
Author: Heather McCorkle | Website
Available: Now
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
Reading Level: YA
Source: Author












Description via Goodreads:


It’s hard enough being a teenager under normal circumstances; imagine being orphaned, sent to live with an unfamiliar aunt—and learning that there really is magic in the world. Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with “channelers”—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands. 

Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they—and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Now, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charm convinces her that being a channeler may not be all bad. 

As Eren and Aiden’s relationship blooms, so too does a mystery in Spruce Knoll. The town holds many secrets—and many enemies. It soon becomes apparent that the untimely death of Eren’s parents-and Aidens-was no accident and that her life might be in danger, too. Only time will tell if Eren has the power to protect the people she has come to love


My thoughts:


Heather McCorkle’s debut novel takes us into the mysterious community of Spruce Knoll. Main character, Eren, is forced to move with her aunt to the small-town after the death of her parents. Once she arrives she quickly realizes there is something more to the isolated community than meets the eye. Separated by culture and extremely protective of what land is theirs. Secrets soon come to the surface and she is informed she is a Channeler with powers linked to the earth. Talk about information overload! Eren finds a new friend (and crush) in an Irish boy named Aiden. He seems to make her strange new life almost bearable. Then the drama begins to unfold and Eren is thrust into a web of danger and deceit.

I have always enjoyed reading Heather’s blog posts and following her journey into the world of a published write. The Secret of Spruce Knoll contains the same well thought out and structured writing I’ve come to associate with Heather. The world building is truly amazing. She paid great attention down to the smallest detail. As a reader it was so easy to imagine myself running beside Eren as she explored her new home. Speaking of Eren, I really enjoyed getting to know the Channeler in training. She’d been dealt a tough hand at the start of the book and seemed to be taking it better than I would in her shoes. Life in Spruce Knoll isn’t easy for her. It isn’t common for residents to marry outside of their culture, so her Mayan/Irish blood made her a target for dirty looks and hate. 

There was also a really great mystery and loads of suspense. Eren didn’t expect so much excitement when she first laid eyes on Spruce Knoll. Unfortunately, she finds herself the focus of some not so nice people who definitely don't want to see her cozying up to the Irish hottie, Aiden. As Eren gets deeper and deeper into the drama she is shocked by the discoveries she makes.

The Secret of Spruce Knoll is a beautifully executed debut novel. I’m excited to see what Heather McCorkle has planned for the lovely Eren next. Please keep in mind The Secret of Spruce Knoll does contain scenes that may be a little dark and heavy for younger teens. I’d recommend it for ages 15+

My Rating:

Giveaway:

Books aren’t the only thing I get all passionate and crazy about. I’m also a HUGE animal lover. This seems to be something I share with the lovely Heather McCorkle. She is doing something awesome and donating a portion of the proceeds from a special edition of The Secret of Spruce Knoll to her favorite charity that helps endangered species. So I decided I would love to give a copy to one of you.

Open to residents of the U.S

To enter leave a comment telling me what your favorite endangered species is along with a way to contact you (email/twitter/carrier pigeon/etc.)

Ends 11/27

If you would like to order your very own special edition of The Secret of Spruce Knoll & help some endangered critters info can be found here: http://thecompasspress.blogspot.com/

Review & Giveaway: My Immortal Assassin by Carolyn Jewel

Title: My Immortal Assassin
Series: Witches #3
Author: Carolyn Jewel
Available: Now
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Reading Level: Adult


4 out of 5 Stars

*Possible Spoilers for earlier books in this series below*

Description from Goodreads:


Revenge. It's all Grayson Spencer wants. Christophe dit Menart, a human with dark magical powers, destroyed the life she loved. She wants the pleasure of killing him, no matter the cost to her. If not for Durian, a dangerously sexy demon fiend charged with keeping Christophe alive, she would have succeeded, too. Now, she's certain all hope is gone. But he has a plan and an offer she can't resist...

Durian has spent his life as a trained and sanctioned assassin. His duty: to enforce the laws against demons harming humans. He's always prided himself on staying out of the fray, carrying out his orders and honoring his fealty to his warlord, but never getting attached. Never until Grayson, a spunky and determined woman clearly gifted with magic herself. He convinces her to swear fealty to him so he can protect her and teach her to use her magic to taste the revenge she so desperately wants.

They're soon bound together in a forbidden desire--a dangerous passion that calls into question Durian's oath of loyalty to his warlord. When he refuses to return her to Christophe, his disobedience threatens to inflame the tumultuous war between demons and the magekind. Can they--and their love--survive?




My thoughts:


Anna Grayson Spencer, now known as just Gray, is seeking revenge on the mage who ruined her life and killed her sister. While attempting to murder the mage responsible, she is intercepted by Durian. Durian is an assassin who works for a powerful warlord. Durian takes Gray in and in return she swears fealty to him. They begin to find themselves the target of attacks, and set out to find who is responsible. The attraction between them grows as the action builds, and Durian discovers he might be falling for the girl he initially deemed not his type.


My Immortal Assassin takes readers into a very complex world. The author does provide a glossary in the front which I referenced on more than one occasion. While I don’t think you must read these in order, I do think it would give readers a clearer take on the magic and characters the series contains. Even with moments of confusion over the terminology, I still really liked this one. Solid writing with loads of action. 


The characters were strong and well developed. Gray was a spunky female heroine even though she had faced many tough situations in her recent past. Durian was the classic damaged hero that I’ve come to love so much. I loved watching the characters overcome not only present obstacles, but also past ones that were haunting them. I also enjoyed how well the main characters complimented each other. Gray’s sense of humor started to bring out a side of Durian that I’m not even sure he knew he had. Another huge win with me was the lack of angst in the relationship between Durian and Gray. The typical power struggle that seems to be present in so many romance novels wasn’t there. The characters trusted each other, and were willing to take a step back when the other advised it was best. While I admit angst is good for building the sexual tension, the lack of conflict between these two main characters definitely didn’t have a negative effect. It was present and intense.


This book does contain some dark moments, but Gray’s sarcastic wit does an excellent job of lightening the mood. I’m really excited to backtrack and read the first two books of this series, and continue with the next.

Carolyn Jewel on the web:

Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Myspace | Author Bio | Five Fun Facts

Books in this series:

I also have 3 copies of My Immortal Assassin up for grabs courtesy of Hachette Book Group.


Rules:


Open to residents of the U.S & Canada
No P.O Boxes please :)
Winners are subject to the one copy per household rule
Ends February 12th
Please fill out the form to enter. Comments are appreciated, but will not count as an entry.

Source: Publisher

Review: The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson

Title: The Familiars
Series: The Familars #1
Authors: Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson
Available: Now
Reading Level: Middle Grade (Adults & teens will love it too!)


5 out of 5 Stars








Description from Goodreads:


After three young wizard apprentices are kidnapped by the evil queen of a distant land, it is up to their familiars, their magical animal companions -- a street smart alley cat, a precocious blue jay, and a bumbling tree frog -- to save them.


My thoughts:


Aldwyn the alley cat, finds himself hiding in a shop of wizard’s familiars while trying to escape the bounty hunter chasing him. Much to his surprise he is chosen by young wizard Jack to be his familiar. He is taken to Jack’s home, where he meets two other young wizards along with their familiars. A blue jay named Skylar, and a tree frog named Gilbert. When their loyals are captured, it is up to the three animals to rescue them. 


This book was so much fun! A fabulous cast of characters. I think Gilbert might be my favorite. We have a tree frog who visits us in our back yard who I’m now calling Gilbert. Unfortunately, I don’t think he has the ability to receive puddle visions. Yes, puddle visions. That is just a taste of the magical goodness this book contains. Aldwyn was so noble, and I couldnt help but to think of my own kitty who had the misfortune of losing a corner of his ear when he decided to sneak out a few months ago. Aldwyn relied heavily on the street smarts he had gained growing up as an orphan. Much to his surprise life as an alley cat turned out to be an advantage with obstacles they faced on their journey. Know it all, Skylar the blue jay, rounds out the trio nicely. Her knowledge and common sense helps to keep them out of trouble. The places the characters visit, and the dangers they encountered were so imaginative. The bad guys were beyond creative, and like nothing I’ve seen in other novels. This is fantasy done right!


Fans of magic and fantasy will fall in love with this book. I know I did. Even my husband who isn’t a reader couldn’t help but show an interest in this one. The cover, in all it’s adorableness, definitely attracts attention. An inventive and captivating read. I’d highly recommend The Familiars to fantasy lovers of all ages! 

Adam & Andrew on the web:

Website | Blog | Twitter

Source: Publisher

Review: Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

Title: Brightly Woven
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Available: Now
Publisher: EgmontUSA
Number of pages: 368
Reading Level: Young Adult

5 out of 5 Stars

I purchased my copy from Amazon







Description from Goodreads:

Sydelle Mirabil is living proof that, with a single drop of rain, a life can be changed forever. Tucked away in the farthest reaches of the kingdom, her dusty village has suffered under the weight of a strangely persistent drought. That is, of course, until a wizard wanders into town and brings the rain with him.

In return for this gift, Wayland North is offered any reward he desires—and no one is more surprised than Sydelle when, without any explanation, he chooses her. Taken from her home, Sydelle hardly needs encouragement to find reasons to dislike North. He drinks too much and bathes too little, and if that isn’t enough to drive her to madness, North rarely even uses the magic he takes such pride in possessing. Yet, it’s not long before she realizes there’s something strange about the wizard, who is as fiercely protective of her as he is secretive about a curse that turns his limbs a sinister shade of black and leaves him breathless with agony. Unfortunately, there is never a chance for her to seek answers.

Along with the strangely powerful quakes and storms that trace their path across the kingdom, other wizards begin to take an inexplicable interest in her as well, resulting in a series of deadly duels. Against a backdrop of war and uncertainty, Sydelle is faced with the growing awareness that these events aren’t as random as she had believed—that no curse, not even that of Wayland North, is quite as terrible as the one she herself may carry.

My thoughts:


Gratuitous fawning ahead! If that type of thing insults your senses you probably don’t want to read my review. You were warned ;)

This beautifully written book caused me to feel something that has only happened a few times during my reading adventures. As soon as I reached the last page I wanted to flip to the beginning and start again. This book was that amazing! That is the number one symptom that I have fallen into book love ♥


Brightly Woven is packed full of colorful characters, evil villains, and an amazing world for them to dwell in. Wayland North is a wizard, and the classic damaged hero. I spent half the time hating him, and the rest wanting to kiss him. Sydelle Mirabil, while naive, is also one of the most fearless female characters I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.  Neither were without faults at the beginning of the story. Even by the end they weren’t perfect, but both had changed for the better because of the trials they faced. The author handled the growth of both main characters so skillfully. It was gradual, seamless, and truly perfect. I was so engrossed in Sydelle and North's adventures, that I felt a pang of grief when I came to the final page. The ending has left me with the hope we may see a sequel. Ms. Bracken if you're listening, this reader would love more adventures with Sydelle and North.


This is a book that will satisfy even the most picky fantasy fan, and lovers of epic adventures. It is one of the rare books I know I'll want to read again and again. It now claims one of the coveted spots on my shelf of keepers.

This book does contain some violence, but otherwise I’d consider Brightly Woven family friendly.

Read the first chapter of Brightly Woven here.

Alexandra Bracken on the web:

Website | LiveJournal | Twitter

Review: Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore

Title: Magic Under Glass
Author: Jaclyn Dolamore
Available: Now
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Number of pages: 240
Reading Level: Young Adult

4 out of 5 Stars

My copy was borrowed from my local public library







Description from Goodreads:

Nimira is a music-hall performer forced to dance for pennies to an audience of leering drunks. When wealthy sorcerer Hollin Parry hires her to do a special act - singing accompaniment to an exquisite piano-playing automaton, Nimira believes it is the start of a new life. In Parry's world, however, buried secrets stir. Unsettling below-stairs rumours abound about ghosts, a mad woman roaming the halls, and of Parry's involvement in a gang of ruthless sorcerers who torture fairies for sport. When Nimira discovers the spirit of a dashing young fairy gentleman is trapped inside the automaton's stiff limbs, waiting for someone to break the curse and set him free, the two fall in love. But it is a love set against a dreadful race against time to save the entire fairy realm, which is in mortal peril.

My thoughts:

Magic Under Glass is an enjoyable story of a girl with big dreams, and the challenges she faces because of the color of her skin. As the mom of biracial children, I’m thrilled to see a novel with a main character of color. I loved the author’s writing style, and felt the characters were well developed for such a short novel. I connected with Nimira instantly, and quickly grew attached. If I could change anything about this book it would be the length. Even just 50 more pages would have made for a “meatier” plot, and a possible 5 star rating from me. The ending also didn’t provide the closure I was hoping for. I understand it is setting us up for a sequel, but I wasn’t thrilled that the primary conflict was left unresolved. So both of  my complaints lean towards me wanting more. If there was ever a good complaint to receive, I think that would be it. I can’t wait for the sequel, Magic Under Stone.

I would recommend Magic Under Glass to readers that enjoy fantasy novels especially those set in a historical time period. I feel it is a safe read even for young teens.  If you like faeries and magic check this one out.

Magic Under Glass Trailer

Jaclyn Dolamore on the web:

Website | Blog