Dark Mage by Ciaran Corby

Book Info:
Genre: Fantasy/Dark Fantasy
Publisher: Mystic Moon Press
ISBN: 978-0-9823251-3-1
To Purchase: Mystic Moon Press Bookstore

The most interesting aspect of The Dark Mage is the fact that the story revolves around the bad guy, the dark mage Kerberous. The tale begins as he is about to take over a magical city, using a boat made from the wood of sacrificial alters. He is arrogant and impatient, desiring none other than fame and power. Drawing on the years of spilled blood that make up the planks, he plans to kill the current ruler of Syren and claim the city for himself.

The night before his battle, Kerberous runs into two powerful women; Denella, a vampire that makes him uncomfortable and Seana, a fairy that ignites a desire he’s never known. Seana shows him through love that he was a fairy himself. He’s lived the life of a mortal man because he forgot his way home when replaced with a human child. The dark magic that he’s craved has been an unfit substitute for the emptiness in his heart caused by being away from his homeland and his fairy magic.

Corby shows us that bad people are not always evil for simple sport or fun. They have souls and hearts like the rest of us and are only driven to evil because they lack something vital in their own lives. Most importantly, she shows us that everyone deserves a second chance.

The Dark Mage is a tale of romance, adventure, and redemption complete with fairies, vampires, elves, mages, and even water dragons! Corby is a master at balancing the romantic scenes with those of action. She also presents in depth characters that follow an inner journey as they find their true selves.

I sympathized with Kerberous as he confronts his former life and learns to loosen up and make friends. Seana is a luscious and beautiful guardian angel that guides him through patience, tolerance, and love. Together, their love is stronger than his lust for blood magic and power. Kerberous learns that there is more to life, and a life shared with the one he loves is much richer than a life of powerful magic alone.

The Case of the Tom Cat by Cherie Reich

Book Info:
Genre: Crime/Mystery
Publisher: Mystic Moon Press
ISBN: None
To Purchase: http://www.mysticmoonpress.com/bookstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=530

The Case of the Tom Cat is a curious mystery written in a Sherlock Holmes style. Told from the assistant’s perspective, Dr. Johnson, we see the world through his eyes as he admires detective O’Hare’s keen observation and deductive reasoning. We are not aware of the full extent of his friend’s plan until the story unfolds, creating a sense of suspense throughout.

The character motivations were well thought out, and all the pieces fall together in the end. As a reader, I particularly liked Charlotte Parker’s character. She is a strong and intelligent journalist that writes under a male pen name to be taken seriously. This historical reference shows how difficult it was for women to become writers, and how far the world has come today.

Overall, Reich has written an entertaining period piece.

Night's of Blood 2: Lazuli by Christine Rains

Book Info:
Genre: Horror/Vampire
Publisher: 23 House Publishing
ISBN-10: 0980185041
ISBN-13: 978-0980185041
To Purchase: Amazon Link

Carys is a gorgeous, age old vampire who performs burlesque in the nightclub Lazuli. She dances for the money to live in obscurity, for the thrill of performance, and for the surge of applause. With skin that glimmers like silver dust, she is a sought after performer that outshines the other women and has crafted a successful career. But life isn’t easy for Carys. She is torn between her life in the city and the reclusive mansion where her love awaits. Ultimately, she is forced to make a decision between the lights and glory of the city and the age old love that stirs restlessly in the shadows. His heart cannot wait any longer.

Lazuli is a romantic vampire tale centered around an epic love that has lasted centuries.
Both characters are very real in their desires and needs. Carys’s restless urge for the city is poignantly felt when faced with ages of seclusion and isolation. Offryd’s disdain for the “new world” is equally understandable. They are antiques from the past that can only truly be understood by one another. It is a grand, romantic idea spun out in a wonderful tale to read!

Banished by Ciaran Corby and Christine Rains

Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Publisher: Mystic Moon Press
ISBN:
To Purchase: http://www.mysticmoonpress.com/bookstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=520&zenid=7182b83bc4f158a3e9ea31e655fb3cb5

Banished is a delightful tale of a reclusive fantasy author named Sarah who discovers her wildest dreams when she spots a handsome fairy sitting on her doorstep. Giving new meaning to the phrase, “love at first sight,” Sarah is the only human who can see him. Curious about his eccentricities and swooning over his delicious appeal, she decides to invite him inside for a cup of tea. When Sarah learns of his unjust banishment from the fairy realm, she takes it upon herself to rescue him and set things right.

Both characters are refreshing in their simple innocence, polite antics, and funny tendencies toward melodramatic. It is through their love for each other that they learn to be serious and strong, rising to the occasion to battle the odds in order to be together. Amidst all of the magic and shine, they realize that love is the most magical attribute of all.

Rains and Corby have a charming writing style that presents a delicious and enchanting read. Although two artful writers are at work, the style of writing, unity of concept, and direction of plot flow like one master mind. A nice twist at the end brings everything full circle.

I enjoyed the contrast between the harsh realities of New York juxtaposed with the vivid beauty of the fairy land. Although it seems all whimsical and carefree, in a lot of ways it is even more dangerous than the streets of Albany.

I recommend this book to anyone that wishes for an enchanting jaunt into an imaginative fairy world.

The Faery Sickness by JennaKay Francis

Note: this is a review done for Enchanting Reviews. To read the full review, please go to www.enchantingreviews.com.

Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Publisher: Writer's Exchange
ISBN: 1920972749
To Purchase: http://e-library.net/The-Faery-Sickness__visit10930.html

"...I grew to love Vala’s character throughout the course of this novel as she develops the self confidence needed to put an end to the hatred between the humans and the fae. She is so delicate and fragile, yet holds an inner conviction of purpose and unfaltering sense of what is right. I found myself cheering her triumphs and commiserating in her setbacks. While Aric was a typical young and arrogant boy, and Severrani a quiet mystery, it is Vala that shines through as the real larger than life heroine.

THE FAERY SICKNESS is a magical adventure about a young woman’s search for acceptance and love. Not only is it a heart touching story, but it deals with the subject of prejudice, teaching everyone that the hatred must stop somewhere. Filled with heart wrenching scenes of violence, it is the light moments that give the book its deep insight into the human spirit and capture the reader’s heart..."

For the full review, please visit www.enchantingreviews.com

Russet and Gold by Sue Perkins

Note: this is a review done for Enchanting Reviews. To read the full review, please go to www.enchantingreviews.com.

Book Info:
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
EBook formats ISBN: 978-1-60313-347-0
Trade paperback ISBN: 978-1-60313-346-3
To Purchase: www.whiskeycreekpress.com

"...For fans of BLUE AND SILVER, the sequel, RUSSET AND GOLD does not disappoint. Not only does it take the reader through a whirlwind of emotions, but it begins where the first book leaves off, shining light on a particular secondary character in the first book that the readers grew to love. Ms. Perkins also delves more into the lives of the mysterious Eos, shedding light on their abilities and vital connection to the planet where the humans have made their home. Complete with a vile villain, unlikely saviors, a secret destiny, and the thrill of young love, Russet and Gold is an enjoyable read..."

For the full review, please visit
http://enchantingreviews.com/2009/Aubrie_4RussetAndGold.html