Modern Gothic

New Etsy Product Alert!!

So I've been working on a few projects lately; some of them have been intentional and some have kind of just happened. This was one that kind of just happened.

I had been in the process of designing some printable planner packs that you could print off and would work with most of your favourite planner brands, and as part of those pack was including six background papers that co-ordinate with the six divider designs. 

However once I started designing the sheets for the Modern Gothic planner I was on a roll, and next thing you know I had fourteen designs. So what else was I to do than put them all in a bundle.

The Modern Gothic Paper kit  no in the Etsy Shop. 

Book Review: Nice Girls Don't Live Forever (Jane Jameson #3) by Molly Harper

Nice Girls Don't Live Forever by Molly Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

There is never a dull moment in the world of Jane Jameson.

This was full of humour, and laugh out loud moments. These wonderful characters are up to their usual antics again, offering up a great story line and heaps of entertainment.

I like that we got to learn a little bit more about Gabriel's past and how he was turned; as well as learn the reasons behind his mysterious trips in the last book. I can't wait to see what chaos can come form Zeb's new family, as well as what's to come for Dick and Andrea.

I'm yet to find a book by Molly Harper that I don't like. Her writing always has a wonderful sense of charm to it, a great sense of humour and endearing characters that you can't help but love.

Brilliant and a must read!

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Book Review: Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men (Jane Jameson #2) by Molly Harper

Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men by Molly Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this.

I love Molly Harper's style, the way she creates these totally relatable characters that get up to the most hilarious antics. Jane appeals to the library loving book worm in me as well as having a brilliant sense of humour that never fails to make me laugh out loud. I'm as intrigued by Gabriel's sneaking around as Jane is, so am looking forward to the next book to find out what is going on.

If we all thought that planning a regular wedding was hard work then planning a werewolf wedding is near impossible! Although highly entertaining. I hope we get to see more of Jolene's family as they could be source for much more entertainment.

I think these books are thoroughly charming and perfect if you are looking for a quick read that will make you laugh out loud.



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Book Review: Cold Reign (Jane Yellowrock #11) by Faith Hunter

Cold Reign by Faith Hunter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well that was a whirlwind ride!

This book was a fantastic continuation of the Jane Yellowrock series and I loved every second of it. You are thrown right into the action with this one and after that it just doesn't let up.
I really like the development of the family aspect between Jane, Eli and Alex; it will be interesting to see how Clan Yellowrock progresses and expands in future books and what impacts that will have in the vampire politics. Speaking of which, so much happened in this book, a lot of heads rolled (literally) well and truly shaking up the power structure among the vampires of New Orleans. Ii think Jane and the team are going to have a lot of new challenges come their way.

faith Hunter has out done her self with this book and I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on the next one. This series is amazing. It's complex in way that you can't begin to imagine, and yet still remains interesting with well written characters, in a world that you can wholeheartedly believe in.

This is a must read for fans of the series.

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Book Review: Corrigan Fire (Corrigan #1) by Helen Harper

Corrigan Fire by Helen Harper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this straight after finishing the Blood Destiny series and wasn't as taken with it as I was with the original series. I don't feel like it told the story as fully as in Blood Fire (Blood Destiny #1) and therefore feel that you should read the Blood Destiny series first.

It was interesting to see the events in Blood Fire from Corrigan's perspective as well as what was going on away from Mack. You definitely saw a different side to his character in this book; but I guess that is because you were seeing him for who is is rather than how Mack sees him. He comes across as a very different person in this book compared to in the other series, and I found it hard to reconcile the two different impressions of the character as one in the same. Personally I think I liked his character more when presented from Mack's point of view.

This was still a good book, but I don't feel that it met the same standard as the Blood Destiny series. If the next one of Corrigan's books was really cheap I might get it, as the writing is pretty good and it's a quick and enjoyable read.

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Book Review: Bloodlust (Blood Destiny #5) by Helen Harper

Bloodlust by Helen Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have really enjoyed this series. I got this box set from an Instafreebie email and really didn't know what to expect from it; so it has been a pleasant surprise to find that this series was a gripping read.

I like how this book really wrapped everything up, and involved all of the characters. I loved the fact that we got o see Mack really embrace what she is in this book, and stop hiding it from, not just everyone else, but herself.

I liked the ending, even though it was kind of bittersweet. The fact that they all go back to Cornwall for Tom and Betsy's wedding, brings things full circle back to where everything started, and it also signals a new start for Mack and Corrigan.

This is a great series that is well worth reading.

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Book Review: Blood Politics (Blood Destiny #4) by Helen Harper

Blood Politics by Helen Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm really enjoying this series. I like that it's a bit of a slow burner, allowing things to unfold over time and for the characters to develop, without the overall plot line being lost to the character development.

We saw Mack take on more of a leadership position in this book. I think that this really showed some of her more vulnerable side; having to keep her temper in check while trying to get the representatives from each Otherworld group, that have been following her to be useful, and stop arguing with one another long enough to stop that latest Big Bad. This book also involved some revelations for Mack, in terms of her feeling for Corrigan. I really hope that they can make this work for them (regardless of what happens at the end of this book!)

This book has plenty of fun and hilarious moments. This series makes for great light reading. I really like the characters and the way that they all interact. I would recommend the series.

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Book Review: Bloodmagic and Bloodrage (Blood Destiny #2 and #3) by Helen Harper

Bloodmagic by Helen Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I liked this second installment to the series as it wasn't quite what I expected it to be.

After Mack left the Cornish pack at the end of book 1 I was interested to see where she would end up and how her character would develop and adapt to being away from the only home that she has really known. I also was curious to see how the story line between Mack and Corrigan would continue and how things would work if she is one the run and he is in London.

I like how trouble seems to find Mack wherever she goes, as this provides endless entertainment. I like the use of the 'Voice' between Mack and Corrigan to develop that side of the story. I like how everything between them starts of civil, but very quickly turns into them making each other angry. I also like how Mack tries to justify her actions towards Corrigan to herself. You never quite know where the relationship between them is going although it is clear that they have feelings for each other.

I thought that the new character, Solus (a Fae) was a great new addition to this already great cast of characters. He comes across as somewhat mischievous, and I think that he and Mack play off each other really well with some funny results.

I really liked this book and would recommend the series.

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Bloodrage by Helen Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book pick up directly where book 2 left off with Mack arriving at the Mage Academy to study as per her agreement with the Arch-Mage.

I found it highly entertaining to see Mack have to deal with following strict rules and not being able to just be herself while at the academy. Even here, under that watchful gaze of the Mages, trouble still manages to find Mack; from a Fae book, to an old friend that is Alex the surfer dude mage, who has had an issue with one of his own assignments and needs Mack's talents to help fix it. In order to fix Alex's problem, Mack has to go on a date with Corrigan. This of course provided plenty of entertainment.

I'm really looking forward to reading what comes next in this series, especially now that Mack knows for sure what she is (ie. not a mage). I'm intrigued to see how all of this plays out and I feel that it is going to force her to get closer to Corrigan.

I'm really enjoying this series and would totally recommend it.

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Book Review: Bloodfire (Blood Destiny #1) by Helen Harper

Bloodfire by Helen Harper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I got this (along with the rest of the series in a box set) off of Instafreebie. So far with this service I have found that, it can be a bit hit and miss as to whether or not you end up with books that are actually any good. But every now and than you get one that really pulls you in and blows you away. This was one of those times.

I really enjoyed this book, from start to end. It was a change to be reading a book set in the UK, Cornwall, to be specific, rather than the USA. I love this idea that there is this keep of shapeshifters just outside of a small Cornish village, where the villagers just assume that they are some kind of cult. There were some really great characters in this book. Mack is a human living with a pack of shapeshifters, even though it is against shifter laws. After a death, the Brethren (a.k.a the shapeshifter elite form London) come to visit the pack and therefore Mack has to try to disguise the fact that she is a human from them. I really like her personality. She is feisty, sarcastic and stubborn with good sense of humour that comes across in the dialogue and attempts to come up with excuses to hide the fact that she is human when people start asking to many questions. She is really likable as a character that you can connect with easily and she carries the story well.

Corrigan is the stereotypical tall dark and handsome alpha male (in this case literally). Although it would normally be a negative thing, I like that even by the end of the book, we still hadn't really got to know him any better. I personally think that this helps to mix things up and make it different from other books and less predictable. Normally by the end of the book we would know most of his secrets and it would be obvious that there will be a relationship the main female character, if there isn't one already. As much as it is clear that Corrigan has some kind of feelings for Mack, it's not totally clear what those feelings are or how things will play out. I like that he still has that mystery about him.

The other characters really help bring the rest of the story together. They all have different personalities, and fill out the roles of friends, enemies, mentor/parental figures. I do have to say that the surfer dude mage may have been one of my favourite secondary characters.

This book has a really interesting story line that will interest anyone that loves supernatural stories. I like that there is plenty of room for that characters to develop, and I hope that we get to see some of them again. I'm really looking forward to what comes next in this series. Totally recommend giving this a go.

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Book Review: Forbidden Seduction (Lee County Wolves #2) by Teresa Gabelman

Forbidden Seduction by Teresa Gabelman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. There was more going on plot wise in this book than there was in the first one.

This book focuses on Hunter and Emily (the same Emily that he was forced to take to Prom). I really loved Emily's character; she wasn't what I expected from the story that Hunter told in the Protectors books. I like that she has a feisty side that she doesn't let out very often; she seems to take herself by surprise sometimes when she lets herself speak her mind. I like how the relationship developed between them. I liked how Emily was somewhat conflicted when it came to Hunter; how part of her still had feelings for him, and the other part was telling her to move on and find someone else. It was interesting to see Hunter come to terms with his feelings for Emily and yet not quite know what the right way to go about convincing Emily that he Had feeling for her and had all along. I found it a bit entertaining to see that this was one of those situations where everyone else seems to completely understand what is going on and what to do about it, except for the character involved.

I like how this book had a bit of a cross over with the Warriors form the Protectors series in the form of Steve, Slade and Jill. I like how having these characters come over from the other series, helped ground this series in the same world. Nothing felt out of place and therefore it all felt very cohesive. I look forward to there being more cross overs in the future.

Another great quick read.

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Book Review: Forbidden Hunger (Lee County Wolves #1) by Teresa Gabelman

Forbidden Hunger by Teresa Gabelman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having just finished the Protectors series by Teresa Gableman I pounced on this spin-off series (no pun intended) about the wolf pack that Hunter calls home.

Even though not very much actually happened in this book it was still a very enjoyable quick read. I think that this book focused a lot more on introducing the characters and world building, than it did on plot. I don't think that this is a bad thing. You get a really clear image of this being a very small town where everyone knows each other and is a close knit community, as well as getting to know what the dynamic is between characters. There is a very similar vibe and set up to the VC Warriors in the Protectors books, with some differences in terms of the way that the wolves like to do things. This book has that same sense of humour that you get from the Warriors, that makes you connect with the characters, as well as help carry the story and make it engaging.

I really liked see the different personalities of the Foster brothers. I loved Hunter's character in the Protectors book and that didn't change once he was home with his family. I'm intrigued by Marcus, and think that there is more too him than meets the eye, so can't wait to find out more about him. I liked Garrett's; how he was very much the alpha and one in charge, without coming across as overbearing. I also like the relationship between him and Janna and the way that it developed. I really like Janna and think that she has a great personality. I can't wait to see more of these two together. I also think that little Sam is going to provide plenty of entertainment in future books.

A great quick read, that fans of the Protectors series will love.

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Book Review: Midnight Burn (Gothic Angels #1) by Ashur Rose

Midnight Burn by Ashur Rose
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While this hasn't been the best thing I have ever read, it certainly hasn't been the worst either. I originally downloaded the preview of this form, I believe, Instafreebie for free. At the time I didn't realise it was the preview. When I started this I honestly wasn't sure it was worth finishing, but when I reached the end of the preview copy I did go and buy the complete version as it had grabbed enough of my attention to want to know more and to see what happens.

I have to say, Gargoyles or Dryg are a new one on me. They're not something that everyone seems to focus on and it was nice to see a new take on the paranormal romance genre. I do feel that the start of this book seemed a little bit haphazard. There was very little backstory / explanation of the characters; where they are from, why they are here, their purpose et-cetera. This information was something that you kind of had to glean form the hints given in conversation between the characters. The same thing goes for some of the terms used that are clearly part of the Dryg language. Now as much as there is a glossary at the start of the book, (I don't think there was one at the start of the preview version, but I could be wrong), if you are anything like me then you tend to skip the glossary section rather than commit it to memory. Personally I think that, considering this is book one of a series, that those would could do with a bit of explaining within the book itself and not just in the glossary section. (Also glossaries aren't particularly convenient when reading on a e-reader)

This book also seemed to take a few chapters for the author to get into the flow and for the writing to seem more natural. But once you get past the slightly bumpy start, you get a fairly engaging story line, and some pretty interesting characters. Iain a.k.a. Mr Tall dark and Handsome, is a captivating character, that draws you in. Lilith is very strong willed and a likable character; however I do feel that she just accepted the whole Dryg thing a little bit to easily. She seemed very at home with some of the realities that were revealed to her. I kind of wanted to see her struggle to come to terms with everything a little bit more. I did like how Lilith and Iain came to be together. I liked that it wasn't a love at first sight kind of thing. There is a good chemistry between all the characters involved and their dialogue and interactions are well written.

Initially this book feels a bit rough around the edges but after a couple of chapters things really do pick up and the story is well written, action packed and really drags you along. This has a good cast of characters and an interesting story line. A quick read with a slightly different take on the Paranormal genre.

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Book Review: The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox

The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This wasn't the best book that I have ever read, but it certainly wasn't the worst either.

In all honesty, this book nearly ended up on the Did-Not-Finish shelf. I got to around chapter 4 or 5 and was seriously considering putting this one down. I think this was because you basically get the kitchen sink thrown at you in the form of a studded/rhinestone covered, pink leather wearing, Harley riding, biker long lost grandma that just so happens to to be a witch, a small (I think) green glow-y eye dart throwing demon, and a talking jack russell. All within the first chapter or 2. The start of this book had some major pacing issues. Everything seemed to happen one thing right after another, for no real reason.

Because you get thrown into this world there is no real set up or backstory for the main character Lizzie. I also think that her character accepted everything way too easily. The grandmother she has never met, shows up on her pink Harley, barges in and looks her in the bathroom and starts casting a spell and when she finally lets Lizzie out after getting rid of a demon (Lizzie got rid of the demon) Lizzie discovers that she can now understand, and have a full blown conversation with her dog. Her reaction to all this is basically 'Guess I'm a demon slayer that can talk to her dog...Okay, great now what do we do next?'. To me, it all felt a little unrealistic, and I would have liked to see her have a bit more of a hard time coming to terms with it all.

Some of the other characters were interesting, I feel like the pacing issues seem to stop once Dimitri's character was introduced. I also feel at this point the story started to seem less chaotic and it had a better flow and I feel that the overall story and writing style improved. I do think that Dimitri's character could have been developed a bit more, but overall he seemed to be one of the better written characters. I like the relationship between him and Lizzie and I think that it is something that can be developed over more installments I the series.

Once you get past the first 4 or 5 chapters this book really does pick up, and the overall writing style is good. I feel like there could have been more backstory in the beginning and a little more character building along the way. If I came across the second book really cheap I might consider getting it, but I would go out of my way to do so, nor would I loose any sleep if I didn't read it.

This book didn't quite meet my expectations by is certainly not the worst thing I have ever read and it did have some funny moments.


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Book Review: The Paramedic's Nemesis (Extreme Medical Services #6) by Jamie Davis

The Paramedic's Nemesis by Jamie Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book! This has been one of those really surprising series that has totally exceeded my expectations.

The Paramedic's Nemesis was another action packed page turner that I didn't want to put down. With Jo having gone back to her own time the relationship between Dean and Jaz takes on a different feel and tone. I love how these characters have developed over the last couple of books; I think that they play off each other really well. It was also nice to see more of Brynne's character in this book, as it shows just how much thinks have changed since to beginning of the series, but at the same time shows the foundation of who these characters are and what the series has been built on has stayed the same. I think this is a good thing that it has stayed true to itself and the characters, rather go off on some tangent to become overly complicated and silly. Even after six books, this is still a series of books about a paramedic that deals with Unusual patients. It's kept it's quirkiness and charm, but has found a way to stay interesting and not become repetitive.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series and I hope, with the revelation of who Dean's father is, that there will be more to come. I can't wait to read more!

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Book Review: The Paramedic's Witch (Extreme Medical Services #5) by Jamie Davis

The Paramedic's Witch by Jamie Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is turning out to be a really gripping series. This was another action packed and fast paced story that I just couldn't put down.

This book focuses on the aftermath/clean up after the Errington Family building was blown up in the start of the previous book. A member of the demolition crew has taken two of three summoning idols from the rubble. The fact that they cause bad luck is one thing, but things take a turn fro the worst when they are used as part of a game of D&D.

We really see the bonds between the characters grow and develop in this installment. Dean and Jaz start to see Jo as their daughter more and more. In doing so I think that we start to see a softer more caring side to Jaz, rather than just the shoot-first-ask-questions-later, demon hunter slash security professional Jaz. As well as this, the relationship between Jaz and Dean develops and they start to work better as a team (mostly on the whole parenting thing). I think this book also shows Jo more as the typical teen and shows off more of her character.

With Jo getting sent back to her own time, it will be interesting to see how the dynamic between Dean and Jaz will change, and how their relationship to develop.

I really loved this book. This is a series that just keeps getting better and I highly recommend it.

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Book Review: The Paramedic's Hunter (Extreme Medical Services #4) by Jamie Davis

The Paramedic's Hunter by Jamie Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was another fast paced, page turner of a read that I loved every second of.

This is really the beginning of a new story arc, albeit, one that is tied to the arc that the previous three books tell. Dean and company may have stopped The Cause, but it looks as though Dean's problems are far from over. This time round we have some new characters that I think will add some new elements and dimension to this series.

Jaz Errington is a Demon hunter, independent and strong willed. I like her a lot, and can't wait to see how her character develops. I can see the relationship between her and Dean having a lot more fireworks, than the relationship with Ashley. It's going to be interesting to see the chemistry between the two go and to see them deal with the link that they both share. Jo is another new character. I can't really say much about her without giving away spoilers. But I will say that she is a quirky one and plays off Dean and Jaz really well. Also making an appearance was Ashley's Valkyrie sister Ingrid. She seems like a lot of fun and is a near complete opposite to Ashley. I think she will add some humour into the mix as well as create carnage; so that's going to be fun.

This book had loads more action and a bit of a different vibe than previous books, in my opinion, which really grabbed me and drew me in. On top of this is was revealed that there may be more to Dean than meets the eye, so I'm looking forward to see how that element of the story line plays out.

This is totally worth reading, and dare I say, it has possibly been one of my favourites in the series so far.

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Book Review: The Paramedic's Choice (Extreme Medical Services #3) by Jamie Davis

The Paramedic's Choice by Jamie Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was another gripping story in the Extreme Medical Services series.

This book really ends the story arc with The Cause, with plenty of fast paced action that makes for a real page turner. The overall arc has been well paced, so everything feels very cohesive and has a good flow. You never fell as though too much is being given a way in one go so you don't end up with sections that feel like filler, trying to pad things out. This is very well written and you really feel for the characters; I think that the interactions between the characters, and the way that the bounce off each other, adds to the story and makes everything more three dimensional and believable.

I will definitely be reading the next one as the end of this book sets up a whole new story arc that will have a big impact on the characters and their dynamic. I would recommend reading these books one straight after the other as they each, pretty much, pick up where the last one left off.

These are a fun and quirky take on the paranormal/fantasy genre and they are well worth checking out.

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Book Review: The Paramedic's Angel (Extreme Medical Services #2) by Jamie Davis

The Paramedic's Angel by Jamie Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very enjoyable second installment to this quirky little series.

I loved seeing Dean's character develop in this book. How he has come to turns with his job and has adapted to the different kind of patients he sees, as well as his relationship with Ashley. I like Ashley's character. I think there is a lot to learn about her, and look forward to that being revealed in future books.

The underlying story arc remains gripping and there is never to much uncovered at once, just enough to keep your attention and to keep you guessing. I like that the endings of these books set up the next story and leave you wanting more.

Very enjoyable and I totally recommend.

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Book Review: Extreme Medical Services by Jamie Davis

Extreme Medical Services: Medical Care on the Fringes of Humanity by Jamie Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading the prequel novella (The Vampire And The Paramedic) I was really looking forward to starting this series.

This is set a few years after the novella and from the perspective of Dean, a newly qualified Paramedic that gets a bit more than he bargained for on his first assignment. I like Dean's character and the fact that the story is told through his eyes as we get introduced to this world of Unusual's along with him; this means that all the explanation about each of the new creatures and the way that this other part of society works is all very natural and you don't have to have long paragraphs of description to get bogged down in. The dynamic between Dean and Brynne is good and is I get the feeling that this is something that will be developed over the course of series.

I know some people have said that this book is a bit heavy on the procedure and policy side of things, and personally I don't think that it detracts from the story at all. I think that this element of the book shows more of Deans way of dealing with all these weird things that he is seeing. It's his way of reminding himself that no matter the species of the patient, you still have to go through the same motions. Also This is a book about a newbie paramedic dealing with and looking after his patients. It's not a book about fantasy creatures, or a romance, with a medical element thrown in, so I would totally expect to have the descriptions of the procedure and policies in there.

This is a really different take on the paranormal fantasy genre, with some great characters and some laugh out loud moments, that make for a really fun and engaging read. I would totally recommend checking this series out (although if you're not comfortable with details of medical stuff this may not be for you.) I enjoyed his a lot and look forward to the next one.

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Book Review: The Vampire and the Paramedic (Extreme Medical Services #0.5) by Jamie Davis

The Vampire and the Paramedic: An Extreme Medical Services Prequel by Jamie Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So I downloaded this as a freebie, thinking that it was was going to either really good or really bad.

I loved it! This is a really fun little novella that sets up a really different take on the fantasy genre. I liked the characters, that were well written so that they clearly had their own different personalities. The dialogue and chemistry between the characters was great, and helped make them seem more real and believable. The description was also done well and was enough to create a clear picture in your head, without becoming to wordy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this short story. So much so I went and bought the 6 book box set of the series on Amazon, and I can't wait to sink my teeth into them. I totally recommend this to fans of the fantasy genre, that want a real fun read that an introduce them to a new series.

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