Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Powerful and compelling contemporary story

The Book Dragon has finished Three Last Things: or The Hounding of Carl Jarrold, Soulless Assassin, Corinna Turner's timeless and unusual story of suspense and persistence and gives it 5 stars!

My review: It's difficult to explain why this story affected me so much without giving away spoilers, but I'm going to try! This is unlike any story I've read before. It was far out of my comfort zone (taking place inside a prison) and yet I could NOT put it down. The realistic and suspenseful situation the author has created shows the power of love and loudly shouts the truth of the Latin phrase "dum spiro, spero" ("While I breathe, I hope). So don't let the first person POV of a hardened murderer make you wonder if you should read this story--your life will be better for reading it!!!!

Corinna Turner has become one of my favorite authors, and this story is just as compelling as her fantasy and dystopian books. You can find them listed at Catholic Teen Books.

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: Wonderful installment in my favorite fantasy series!

The Book Dragon has finished In the Double Agent's Service by Annie Douglass Lima and gives it five roaring claws!

My review: Having read all the previous books in this epic fantasy series, the Annals of Alasia, this sixth installment was worth waiting for! There are equal parts adventure, heroism, mystery, intrigue, revenge, romance, friendship, family, and humor in this story, and the pacing is superb! My favorite things about this series are the characters and world-building. The people are so real I want to meet them (well, most of them), and the kingdoms of Malorn and Alasia are so interesting, I want to visit them! The main characters, Erik (King Jaymin's bodyguard) and Anya, a seamstress, are the heart and soul of this book, and the fast-paced plot kept me guessing how things would turn out between them, as well as the fate of both kingdoms. I can't recommend this series highly enough to fantasy adventure fans of all ages!

Though this book can be read as a standalone, it will be even more meaningful if you read the rest of the series!

Whew, Joy's Sorrow is finally HERE!

I am relieved to announce that getting trapped in the Czech Republic at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic did not keep me from finishing this second installment in the Mercy's Children series! It's in Kindle format only for now, but I hope to release the paperback by the end of the month.

Great joy. Deep despair. Deeper dangers.

One thing would complete Duke Bennet d’Ardelane’s happiness: a child. Soon after his beloved wife, Princess Joy, tells him she’s expecting, disaster strikes.

First, an accident leaves the duke fighting for his life.

Then, sensing an opportunity, enemies of the king turn seeds of discontent into open rebellion. At the center of the discord, Ronan and Nelwina MacCallum will use any means necessary to seize the throne.

As the kingdom spirals into war, Bennet and Joy must overcome their personal sorrows and face the greater threats, or the friends, family, and people they love will die.

I've already changed the cover for the 3rd book, Valerian's Flight, because I realized my original cover wouldn't reflect the story. I'm anxious to share it with you, but I will take the time necessary to make it as exciting on paper as it is in my head!

Monday Review by the Book Dragon: A beautiful, enchanting story of a Russian Heroine

The Book Dragon has read Vasilisa by M. L. Farb and gives it five roaring stars!

My review: This is a rich, beautiful story that feels like historical fiction set in medieval Russia with strong flavors of old fairytale magic and romance. I was familiar with Vasilisa from an old Baba Yaga story, but Farb's Vasilisa is a living, breathing, heroic young woman with whom I immediately felt a strong empathy. She is an inspiring fictional heroine! The plot was full of surprises and SO difficult to put aside the book when it was time to do mundane things, like eat or sleep! I was fully immersed in this magical old Russia with the author's wonderful characters. The extras at the back were fun, too, including questions suitable for book clubs (hint, hint). I highly recommend this book!