Brownbird’s Luck by Kriss Erickson

Brownbird’s Luck by Kriss Erickson is an exquisite tale that weaves magic, unicorns, elves and a touch of evil all together. The first chapter opens with Deila Weaver, a teenage girl who lives on a flax farm with her father and her grandmother. Her grandmother, known as the Dark Weaver, is almost blind but is able to weave the most beautiful tapestries – that some say are magic.

Magic comes into Deila’s life in the form of a white horse — one that she believes was delivered by a pair of unicorns. Throughout the story Storm, a black unicorn that has turned evil, hovers. Is the white horse, Frost, really a unicorn? Is there more to Deila than meets the eye?

Brownbird’s Luck is the first of a series in Kriss Erickson’s the Land Behind the Veil series. It is an extraordinary read for any fantasy lover – and anyone for wishing a touch of magic in their lives. It is available for sale at AKW Books(http://www.akwbooks.com/BookStore/product.php?productid=19).

Carnival of Illusions – Jester’s Folly by Aubrie Dionne

In Aubrie Dionne’s newest instalment of Carnival of Illusion, we meet Mina, or “Jester Jane” as she is called in the carnival. Mina wears makeup and paint to cover her scars from a tragic car accident long ago … she makes children and carnival-goers laugh and fear with her antics.

Aubrie once again uses delightful imagery (“No one would find her in this glitter and glamor, this traveling illusion that settled briefly, like a jeweled hummingbird, before flitting away to another city, another time.”) that captures the mind — and the soul.

Mina entertains the crowd, juggling, throwing candy to the children and popping balloons, when she notices one lone person that does not seem to be enjoying the show. He is quiet and wears a frown … has her past come back to haunt her?

Jester’s Folly is Aubrie Dionne’s third book in the Carnival of Illusions series and is available from Gypsy Shadow Publishing. (http://www.gypsyshadow.com/Aubrie.html#Jester)

Carnival of Illusions — Seer’s Destiny by Aubrie Dionne

The second book in Aubrie Dionne’s Carnival of Illusions series, Seer’s Destiny, is just as wonderful as the first.

Aubrie’s use of beautiful imagery (“Outside Vera could hear the toot and chime of the rickety carousel mingling with children’s laughter as it spun around another turn, gilded horses gliding over trampled grass.”) makes it very easy to imagine each scene.

Aubrie weaves an enchanting story of Vira, a fortune teller who fears the crescent moon as the harbinger of death. Instead of running from her destiny, Vira welcomes it with open arms, as her vision includes a long-lost love as well. But fate isn’t always what you think it is…

Carnival of Illusions – Seer’s Destiny by Aubrie Dionne is the second in a series (the first is Chameleon’s Colors) and is available from Gypsy Shadow Publishing (http://www.gypsyshadow.com/Aubrie.html#SeersD).

Blood Web by Gary Starta

Blood Web is a horror/thriller that has well-developed characters—my favorite being Special Agent Caitlin Diggs—and an interesting plot line.

Shenk, a teen left homeless from a hurricane, comes across a crystal pendant in a cave. The pendant eventually weaves its spell around Shenk, making him commit murder after murder as he makes his way across the country.

Two agents, including the aforementioned Caitlin Diggs, are assigned to the “Arrowhead Killer” as Shenk is called. They search for Shenk using not only hard evidence but unorthodox methods as well.

Alas, no thriller is ever complete without some betrayal…for within the agents’ midst is someone else looking for the crystal—not to stop the killing but to gain the crystal for themselves.

Blood Web, available through Amazon, was an exciting read, one that included all the elements of a well-written story.

Carnival of Illusions – Chameleon’s Colors by Aubrie Dionne

High school and the drama that goes on within it are common topics for stories. Aubrie Dionne’s Carnival of Illusions – Chameleon’s Colors, is no different. We are introduced to Kaylee, a young woman just graduating from high school. She is ignored and invisible at school, and takes steps to remedy that situation.

Following her “remedy,” Kaylee becomes a performer at a carnival. Ms. Dionne’s use of descriptive words and phrases (“The fabric fluttered behind her like a bat’s wings …”) make each scene vivid and enchanting. It was very easy to imagine Kaylee twirling and leaping on stage.

Enter the love interest – another employee at the carnival. Kaylee is uncertain as to whether or not he will fall for a “freak” like her. She is faced with a hard decision … is being normal really her wish?

Carnival of Illusions – Chameleon’s Colours by Aubrie Dionne is the first of a series and is available from Gypsy Shadow Publishing(http://www.gypsyshadow.com/Aubrie.html#Chameleon).

The Sidhe and the Dragon — the Seeking, by SilverValkyre

In a sequel to the Lost Jewel, we meet Mahshon’s arch-nemesis – a Bane Sidhe by the name of Cimmerian.

I absolutely adore books that address the reader – SilverValkyre does so, quite tidily, in the Seeking.

It is time for the Game, when the Bane Sidhe and the Sidhe meet to war against each other. Long ago the immortal races made a pact to keep each other in check with these “Games” – no immortal will die, but will fight strength against strength.

Cimmerian’s favourite rival is Mahshon – and it seems he cannot be found. Without Mahshon in the Game, Cimmerian decides it would be “no fun” and goes about Seeking Mahshon.

With magic, interesting characters and a wonderful way with words, SilverValkyre deftly weaves a spell with the Seeking. The ending made me gasp with – that’s it? – so hopefully the next instalment will not be too long in the waiting.

The Sidhe and the Dragon – the Seeking, by SilverValkyre, is available today from Gypsy Shadow Publishing. (http://www.gypsyshadow.com/Silver.html#Sidhe2)

The Sidhe and the Dragon — Lost Jewel, by SilverValkyre

Dragons, elves, lost loves and lost jewels – what else do you need in a fantasy story? Not much!

With descriptive words and an elegant turn of phrase, SilverValkyre introduces us to Mahshon, an elven prince. Mahshon, a handsome elf with light hair and blue eyes, is quite popular with the ladies. Although the prince has no problems dallying with the women-folk, he will always wonder about Phantasa, a woman he met long ago.

Mahshon roams the land, riddling with a dragon and seeking a lost jewel for a lady fair. We learn of his proficiency with the sword and devotion to Mother Earth as he seeks to save grass and forest from a dragon’s breath.

Lost Jewel is a well-written story that captures the mind from the first page. It has all the elements of a story that will not let you put it down – rounded characters, descriptive words that paint the scene in front of you, and an exciting ending.

The Sidhe and the Dragon – Lost Jewel, by SilverValkyre, is available today from Gypsy Shadow Publishing. (http://www.gypsyshadow.com/Silver.html#Sidhe1)