True Rising: Mark of the Defenders by Tanishq Sheikh

Blurb

“I will get you someday,” the voice whispers its macabre promise, “Someday you will sleep too deep, some day you will dream too far…”

What if you grew up being haunted by a mean, vengeful spirit? But what if it isn’t a spirit? What if it is something more sinister, something ancient?

What if it’s an entity ordained by your bloodline?

Prisha’s past is but a memory and her teen years mark the beginning of her life’s intriguing journey. At seventeen, she meets the suave and sensuous Ajaz

Markos. His whiskey eyes and killer smile are enough to melt her heart and break it. Their desire for each other is mutual, as is their love until he casts

her aside.

Prisha leans on her best friend Nik to mend her broken heart. But neither know that she’s a danger to him and their future together. Then Ajaz is back

and it isn’t coincidence.

Prisha and Ajaz are older, wiser and thrown together as part of a larger, Machiavellian plan. Armed with mystical powers, they must fight indestructible

entities and face their legacies to save an innocent life. One thing Prisha knows for sure, her bloodline is both a boon and a curse.

But how will she defeat the most powerful force of them all? What price will she have to pay? Will Prisha and Ajaz come out of the ultimate battle of their

lives unscathed? Will she rise to protect what’s hers?

Review

I want more! This novel was written well. It had all the characteristics of what I love in a book. There was love, heartbreak, evil entities, action, and it was unpredictable.

Most of this novel takes place in India, though, the characters do live in America for a period of time. In the beginning, we learn about the main character Prisha’s early years and her first experiences with an Unknown spirit. Then, the novel brings us through her teen years and into adulthood. There are two love interests, Ajaz and Nick, who are both great men that are easy to fall in love with. Since the novel covers the span of Prisha’s live into late adult hood, you get to read about two romances. There are parts of the novel that made me cry, laugh, and exclaim and surprise. I would recommend this to anyone that loves romance that is interwoven with supernatural interferences.

Korrigan (Secrets Of The Fae #1) By Rebecca F. Kenney KU

Blurb

A girl at night, a caged monster during the day. Aislinn has lived in darkness as long as she can remember. She is Korrigan— and only by Life-Stealing can she keep her human shape from dawn to dusk. When she finally steps into the sunlight, the first person she sees is Zane. He’s everything she wants— handsome, sweet, and normal.
But an encounter with the Far Darrig, the malevolent trickster of Old Irish myth, changes Aislinn’s future. He opens a new realm of possibilities that are anything but normal— and with them, brings dreams and desires as dangerous as he is.
Above all, Aislinn craves choice— the right to decide her own path. But what if gaining power for herself means giving up something much more precious?

Review

Wow! I finished this book in one day. I am hooked and can’t wait to read the next book in this series. So this young adult book focuses on Aislinn, who is a 17-year-old girl who lives with five shady, uncaring guardians. All of the Korrigan are cursed, forced to pay a price, in order to go out in the day. I won’t spoil that part, since that will ruin some of the book. But let me just say, the curse on the Korrigan is truly horrible. So, once Aislinn is able to walk around in the day, she meets Zane, a handsome guy who is sweet, kind, and good. Of course her guardians aren’t thrilled with her making friends with humans. In fact, most of the women that Aislinn lives with, treats her like she is a bother. She is often times controlled and ridiculed. Aislinn also has nasty nightmares and is being harassed by the fae. When you find out the real reason why Aislinn and her guardians were cursed, you’ll be shocked. There is sort of a confusing love triangle that goes on. I like how it’s resolved in the first book. Aislinn also has to decide if she will walk down the path of good or evil. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys an all-consuming paranormal romance about the fae.

Phoenix of Fyre by Danizza Hymas KU

Blurb

Magic. Mystery. Adventure. A war waged centuries ago is reborn as an evil sorcerer from Taurent attempts to seize control of the three Ivory Kingdoms. Magic not seen in 500 years returns to Cicero in the form of a young girl named Phoenix. Daughter of a blacksmith, she is taught to sword fight; a talent she ends up utilizing for survival and success. During an attack on her village, she loses her family, but she finds that she possesses a unique skill set that grants her certain mystical abilities, particularly over the elements. Raised by gypsies, she befriends a mute named Monique. Together, they embark on a journey that leads them to meet Ayden, an archer. He assists them in the realization of Phoenix’s destiny as the Lady Fyre, who is prophesied to be the only being powerful to defeat the sorcerer Daedalus. The trio fights to take back Cicero, as well as their very lives. The island nation of Isys also has a unique interest in Phoenix. They send a spy to seek her out, which results in an unlikely alliance, as well as an unexpected reunion. Will Phoenix and her entourage be able to defeat Daedalus and his Taurentian army?

Review

What an exciting read! Can I have more, please? This author knows how to weave a plot that includes magic, mystery, secrets, action, adventure, romance and a villain who has control over two nations. The story begins when Phoenix is a child, and concludes when she is in her mid-twenties. I love this aspect because I was able to understand how each event in her life shaped her. As she matures, her powers over the elements, and her skills with the sword become even greater. She also acquires friends that aid her on her quest to rebel against the occupation of her country. The novel has intriguing side characters that have their own pasts and secrets. What I like most is that these characters are no damsels that constantly need saving. They are useful and have varying personalities. I don’t agree with everything that the characters do. But their moves are realistic, since things aren’t always black and white. If you enjoy a long read filled with action, adventure, and a side of clean romance, this is the book for you.