Snow Owl (The Alder Tales #4) by R.S. McCoy | An ARC | A Book Review

The last book in The Alder Tales series. It's finally here and it's also sad because the series has ended. I would like to have more of Blossom, Kade, Parson, Raene, Hale, Gemini and Da. These amazing characters have become like family to me as I have seen them grow through the four installments. The tale is concluded and it's a mixture of emotions because then, there would be no more waiting for the next book. I will miss the build up of emotions and the anticipation that came with the waiting. Ah, but it was a very good run.

I think all the important characters in this whole tale have mobilized in this story. It's like all hands on deck. All the Franes and all those that are related to the Franes have to get involved and do something. Everyone has to chip in. Everyone needs to help. Now, it's not only the Franes who are in danger but the whole of the kingdom. 

A lot of things are happening at the same time in this last book. From start to finish, I was filled with tension and I was on edge. I wanted the plan of the Franes to work. I want them to succeed in their mission but it was not as easy as it was. The best thing about this story is it has done what all good last installments do. It tied all lose ends neatly and perfectly. I love how it ended but I wish there was one or two more books. I know the Franes have now found their happy endings and each have found the right person to complete them, but I wanted the story to not end there. I wanted to know how their lives will be after all that they have accomplished and survived.

Everything here comes full circle and truth be told, when you are unhappy you want everyone to be unhappy too. Since you suffered, you wanted people to do the same. When you were robbed off of your choices, you wanted to take that away from people too. Audra Mercer, the grand villain of this story, was a prime example of that and she represents a lot of hurt, miserable and selfish people here in the world that wanted the whole kingdom to feel the same way she felt too. I just wished she didn't have it easy at the end. She wasn't even repentant at all. I wished to pound her for all the torments and sufferings that she had caused just because she was so miserable. I almost thought that she was going to have a change of heart because I thought she might have just found the person she needed. Almost, but not quite. Right to the very end, she did not want to relinquished what little control and power she had left. Well, like in real life, not all villains realize that their end is near, so change is not to be expected. 

There were a lot of revelations here-- of characters, of motives and hidden agendas are now all out in the open. It's no time for subtlety or discretion anymore. The guilty are now made to pay for their crimes and sins. Allies have to band together for strength. A lot of very unexpected characters rose up to do the opposite also. Actions that were out of character.

Yes, I am happy with the story but again, I still could not get over the fact that this series is over. It hasn't sinked in yet. I wanted to have more. 

I give this book 5/5 snow owls. As I have said, the book is a very fitting conclusion to the series. It absolutely and certainly tied all loose ends. Everything that needs to be resolved was resolved and anyone that needs to pay for their crimes was asked to pay back all debts that were owed in one way or another. I perfectly did not expect all the revelations but it wasn't surprising at all too. They all made perfect sense and the dots all connected. 

But the secret to bravery is doing what's needed even when you're afraid.

- R. S. McCoy, Snow Owl - 

Thank you again, R. S. McCoy for the ARC.

Other books in the series:

Blossom and the Beast (The Alder Tales #1)

Raene and the Three Bears (The Alder Tales #2)

Hale and Gemini (The Alder Tales #3)

Charm (A Cinderella Reverse Fairytale) (Reverse Fairytales #1) by J. A. Armitage | ARC | A Book Review

I am also a member of J. A. Armitage's Facebook Group. I also get ARC's of her new books. I read this last month but was unable to post a review right away. This is another retelling of my favorite fairytale of all time--Cinderella. 

What kind of Cinderella story is this one? And what separates this from the other retellings done before? Well, this is totally different because it is a reverse-Cinderella story. Instead of Cinderella orphaned and left to the care of her step-mother and bullied and oppressed by her step-sisters, this Cinderella is a he. Yes, he is not some helpless damsel just waiting to be saved. Cynder instead is a kitchen servant and is attracted to the princess--Princess Charmaine.

I felt like the story is more focused on Princess Charmaine instead of Cynder. And I like it. Again, this retelling worked for me because it kept the spotlight on the heroine of the story which is the princess. I don't mind that Cynder is relegated to being a supporting role, though the love story would definitely not work without him. Just like in the original story of Cinderella, it narrated the story of Cinderella and less of the prince and as I have said, I liked that this one stayed on that track. This is a story of a girl.

So, this is a story of a princess who had to step in her dead sister's shoes to produce an heir for the kingdom. She had to choose from a line up of royalty, rich and honorable gentlemen to marry. But as the heart would have it, she falls in love with one who was never going to be in the list--a servant who washes dishes in the palace kitchen. And if that's not problem enough, an impending war is about to break out and threatens to throw the whole kingdom into chaos. Worst of all, Cynder, is found to be in the middle of all these things. Will this story have a happy ending?

This is probably the most suspenseful Cinderella story I have ever read. It's packed with action, politics and intrigue that added more color and spice to this retelling. I can't say this is the best retelling of Cinderella's story but it's definitely very interesting and engaging. I can't wait for the next book and what other problems and hurdles these two lovers will have to go through in order to keep and fight for their love. 

I give the book 4.5/5 fancy dinner plates. I love that the female character in this story is not some helpless damsel in distress. Princess Charm is indeed in distress here due to the responsibility and future of the kingdom being placed on her shoulders but she is one smart and daring lady. I am happy that in this story, she is not some meek person who just took all the beating. She is an empowered and intelligent woman and she is someone who is absolutely not going to just stand by and let things happen. I wished the original Cinderella was more like Princess Charm.

A mother's touch that could cure any ills, all except this one.

- J. A. Armitage, Charm - 

Thank you, J. A. Armitage, for the ARC.

Hale and Gemini (Alder Tales #3) by RS McCoy | ARC | A Book Review

It's live ! RS McCoy's third installment of the Alder Tales is finally out. Congratulations RS McCoy!

This is a re-imagining of the story of Hansel and Gretel. In this case, they are not siblings but rather friends - childhood friends who grew up together.

I have waited for this book to come out. The story just keeps getting better and better-more interesting, more engrossing and more surprising. I just love the surprises that came with this book. Things are looking really really good. Everything seems to be hopeful. But like all good things, they get worse before they get better. My favorite characters in this story had to go through pain, heartbreak and sorrow before they finally find the reason behind what fate had given them. And in the end, it all worked out for the best. Of the three books, this is probably the most hopeful, things are looking up and getting brighter for the Franes. But then again, classic RS McCoy leaves the readers open-mouthed and tongue-tied because something unexpected happened before this book closes. And that makes the readers even more addicted to this story.

Let's talk about Hale and Gemini. Hale is Blossom's third older brother and Gemini is Blossom's best friend. Hale used to comb and plait Gemini's hair when they were younger since Hale is Blossom's default bodyguard. He goes where Blossom and Gemini are. And since Blossom and Gemini are inseparable, Gemini sort of became Hale's adopted little sister. But that kind of relationship changed when they left the Alder forest to runaway from their pains and the reminders of these pains. Unexpectedly, these two were thrown together and in turn formed a bond that is different from what they had. A far stronger bond. Gemini became Hale's companion and the only person who understood what he was going through. And Hale, promised to protect and keep Gemini safe from all that threatened to take her away or harm her.

This book is more than what I was hoping for. It gave me more than I wanted and turned the story into a very fascinating adventure and quest for purpose. Each character started with a mission to find what other purpose s/he has to fulfill in life. Why s/he was given this specific lot and why not the other way around? As the story came to an end, they were answered. At this point in the story, everyone seemed to have found their place and things have sort of fallen into place. Which in truth what every reader expects or wishes for every story but in this case, you never see it coming. I never expected that things will be resolved because the story is far from over. And I understand, because some other issues took their place. New hurdles are to be overcome. This is good news because there is definitely another book. I hope this story does not end with the next book. I think two or three more books will do.

I give this book 5/5 tattoos of trees. I just love how this story is unraveling and progressing. I have no complaints. It is far more than I could ever imagine it to be. I am looking forward to the next three books of this series. Please... RS McCoy let there be more of this series. I am so privileged to have read this series from the start and I am hoping that I would be able to see this through to the end. I will make sure of it. Thank you so much RS McCoy for the ARC. Again, Congratulations! This is absolutely fantastic!

His life was nothing more than the rubble after an earthquake. Each piece was recognizable as something it had been before, but every facet of him was shattered.

- RS McCoy, Hale and Gemini - 

Other books in the series:

Blossom and the Beast (The Alder Tales #1)

Raene and the Three Bears(The Alder Tales #2)

Snow Owl (The Alder Tales #4)

The Frogg Princess: A Real Life Fairytale (Silver Creek Novella Series # 3) by Jamie Brook Thompson | A Book Review

This is the third book in the series of retellings done by Jamie Brook Thompson. This completes the box set of three fairy tale stories given a very modern twist.  

This is the story Taya. A girl from New Orleans who set out to start a new life and hopefully setup her own restaurant. She ended up in Silver Creek where a few rude people are set to ruin her dreams.

This has similarities to Disney's animated movie The Princess and the Frog. One is both female main characters are black. As with the movie, the twist lies in the male protagonists. In this story, he is Felix Frogg, a police officer of Silver Creek who has a kind heart. 

The story was okay. Between the three stories, I love the author's version of Cinderella. What I like about this one is the introduction of new characters that will be in the next installment. A very teasing preview of what's to happen next and a glimpse of the next fairy tale character that is going to be given a new breath of life in this modern day. 

I give this 3.5/5 police cars. I did enjoy this story but not as much as the very first installment. I guess, my expectations were high because the first story was just so unexpected and I was wanting for the same kind of elation for the next two. I advise, based on experience to read the stories one after the other so you will get the full on magical feeling experience. Even if the second and third book were not as surprising as the first, on my opinion, all three make a really good real life versions of the world's most beloved fairy tales. But if I were to choose, Cinderella is right up there and I just wished that the succeeding two were as just as fascinating. Hopefully, the fourth story, judging from the way the characters were introduced, would turn out to be in the same caliber as the Cinderella story--packed with amazing surprises in both its characters and unexpected modern twist. I can't wait to read it.

Never marry a man that buys a ring to turn your finger green.

- Jaime Brook Thompson, The Frogg Princess: A Real Life Fairytale - 

Thank you again, Kathy of ebooksforreview.com.

Other stories in the series:

Cinderella: A Real Life Fairytale (Silver Creek Novella Series #1)

Beauty and the Beast: A Real Life Fairytale (Silver Creek Novella Series#2)

Beauty and the Beast: A Real Life Fairytale (Silver Creek Novella Series #2 ) by Jamie Brook Thompson | A Book Review

This is Jamie Brook Thompson's version of the classic Beauty and the Beast. Unlike Disney's re-imagined movie, this is a very modern take on the oldie-but-goodie tale. If I was impressed with the author's Cinderella version, I was not so by this one but it goes without saying that this story has its own merits. 

Belle here is a beautician. If I think about it, it's not so unexpected considering the story. I wished she were something else. Something more surprising like Cindee's character in Cinderella. I just thought it was too obvious that was what Belle's character would be like. I just didn't find anything so noteworthy about it. Beast on the other hand, Adam Anderson in this story, is very interesting, if not mysterious. The kind of beast that he portrayed here is so curious and it drew me in. I wanted to know how his character is in parallel to the original one. Another thing I liked about the story is how Belle and Adam met. It was akin to the wolf scene in the latest movie, only Belle was the one surrounded by the dogs and not his father. 

I did enjoy this story. It was so straight-forward and there was no beating around the bush. Their love story progressed rapidly. It was like a May-December love affair yet you can feel how the characters were so drawn to each other that you will tend to agree with the immediate plans to tie the knot. 

I give this 3.5/5 Darth Vader helmets. As I have said, I just wished Belle's character was more unexpected and as bad-ass as that of Cindee in the first book of this series. I just thought she could have been more than just being a beautician. She was feisty though. Nevertheless, Belle did step-up and showed that she wasn't some weak woman who was just going to take all the beating. That was a redeeming quality that put a happy-ever-after ending to this story.

Thank you again, Kathy of ebooksforreview.com for the copy.

Other books by the author:

Cinderella: A Real Life Fairytale (Silver Creek Novella Series #1)

The Frogg Princess: A Real Life Fairytale (Silver Creek Novella Series #3)

Ballad of the Beanstalk by Amy McNulty | ARC | A Book Review

This is another fairy tale retelling and I loved this very much. This was my first time to read an Amy McNulty story and I was so happy to have signed up for this book. Thanks again, Amy McNulty for the ARC. This is actually a prequel to Jack and the Beanstalk that reveals the story behind the magical singing harp.

This is one of the best retellings I have ever read. I was really dazzled and bewitched by the story. I want more. I hope there is a sequel. I usually give my ratings at the end of each review but for this one, I am telling you now that it is a 5/5 bowls of five different kinds of beans. Just fitting because the story did mention different color of beans. 

Since, I had a great time reading this book, let me tell you the best parts about it. The twists in the story were so unexpected. I liked how they were played out. The main character, Clarion, a poor but gifted harp player, found herself in a very tricky love triangle between her best friend and a dashing son of a lord. The story centers upon these three characters' entwined lives. Clarion's climbing the beanstalk will lead to the most interesting and astounding events in her boring life. She will discover a world right just above her own. She will meet curious characters that will become dear to her and will do anything to help them. This is an adventure of a lifetime for Clarion. I, too find her adventure very fascinating.

The reason why I liked this because of the unpredictability of the events in the story. They were so well-written that most of the time, I didn't know what was going to happen next. Yes, this is not a happy-ever-after story. The love triangle was not really resolved. The very surprising ending was not really what I liked either but the fact that it hinted that the story was not over yet and there are more to come is what made me happy. The promise of more was what made my day. I want to know more. I want to know what happens to Clarion, Mack and Elena. And who was that new character that was introduced into the story right before the story ended? I am curious as to how everything will play out. What other twists will the author add?

I have another book of Amy McNulty but have not gotten to read it yet. After this book, I am curious to read her other stories. I have read other reviewers saying her other works are really good also. Nice meeting you Miss McNulty and I am looking forward to reading the rest of your stories.

All the best things in this life will cause you some pain. But they're worth it. So long as you never give up because the pain seems frightening.

- Amy McNulty, The Ballad of the Beanstalk -  

Raene and the Three Bears (Alder Tales #2) by RS McCoy | ARC | A Book Review

For those who don't know, I started my blog January of this year. I am still overwhelmed by the number of free books I am getting and need to review. And they just keep on coming. Thank you so much. I realized, there's a totally separate world where only books hold power. I thought, I was familiar with this world already, but I was mistaken. It's so vast that I just reached a few steps from the threshold. There is still a long way to be able to grasp it entirely. It came to a point, where I started to question if I could keep this up. Could I keep reading and reviewing? It seemed like life was easier when I was just reading books and never cared about posting reviews. Although I used to write my reactions on the last page of each finished book, this still started to feel like not a hobby anymore. I began to wonder, will I go ever go back to reading books for no reason other than pure enjoyment? To never worry about getting a review out? Then, I sort-of get a bash on my head because I get introduced to new astonishing stories and very gifted authors. And, my dilemma is momentarily forgotten. This month has been the best month I ever had. Amazing after amazing books just dropped into my lap. Thank you for all the talented authors that I have met. I am so honored. I keep writing reviews because you deserve all the warm hugs for all the myriad of emotions you stirred inside me. And I hope that you will keep squeezing me back. 

Raene and the Three Bears is another example of those astonishing books I just mentioned. This is the second installment of The Alder Tales series of RS McCoy.  It is a retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. 

The book picked up right where Blossom and the Beast ended. I thought that this book would just be about Raene. I started to worry about the fate that had befallen on Blossom. This will tell you whatever happened to Blossom after the last time we left her in book one. This also spoke of the fulfillment of the agreement and the binding promise between Da and Vice Syndicate Kaide Landel. If book one seemed complicated enough, then this spun a whole new web of events and episodes that you would need to be in your right frame of mind to be able to catch up. I did not have time to analyze each incident as the next one came bounding out of nowhere, surprising me out of my wits. Very clever! I am already looking forward to the next book - Hale and Gemini. The characters were just so memorable I couldn't help but feel for each of the heroes and heroines. Might as well, because, in my review on Blossom and the Beast, I already claimed to be a member of the Bear clan. And rightly so, because my last name actually stands for bear in Spanish. 

This book will make you start picking your favorites and get you annoyed. You will be asked to choose. You will be asked to take a side. It will ask you as to who are you rooting for? You will start to question if it was ever fair. And be careful, because you might get your heart broken.

I give this book all the rings in Raene's fingers. Gratefully, my heart is still intact. I was far from being heartbroken. I was satisfied and concurred with the turn of the events and how the story developed. I wouldn't have it any other way. I was so high from all the excitement that I could not think of any other course it should have gone. This book oozed with a shocking intensity that was hard to recover from. It took me about three days to write this review. I had to read light stories after this to manage the excitement. I didn't think I could take any more taxing adventures right after Raene and the Three Bears. I didn't want my heart and my brain to explode from too much involvement and invested feelings. I had to calm myself down before I take on any other complicated stories to process. So, you have been warned - this is intense.

How dark did a person become when they relished the misery of others?

- RS McCoy, Raene and the Three Bears -

Release Date: November 29, 2016

Thank you again, RS McCoy, for the ARC.

Other books in the series:

Blossom and the Beast (The Alder Tales #1)

Hale and Gemini (The Alder Tales #3)

Snow Owl(The Alder Tales #4)

Blossom and the Beast (The Alder Tales #1) by RS McCoy | A Book Review

This is another re-telling. This time it's a different take on Beauty and the Beast. I love re-tellings. I think this review is just timely since a new version of Beauty and the Beast starring Emma Watson is coming out in theaters this March 2017. 

Blossom and the Beast is an absolutely endearing tale of two people of different backgrounds falling in love with each other more as each day passes. It will make you swoon and fall in love with Blossom and Kaide.

Kaide is my kind of guy. The serious and brooding on the outside but really sweet and thoughtful. One whose decisions are well-thought out and well-meaning. 

I love Blossom. She's a no muss, no fuss kind of girl which I would like to think I am also. One who is not concerned with pretty dresses and parties. Free-spirited and loves to discover the world on her own. Stubborn as a bull but also kind and smart. I think Blossom and I have a lot in common. She could well be my alter-ego.

I love Argeron Frane or more fondly called as DA. He is the embodiment of a great father and clan leader. If I were one of the citizens of Alder, I would like to be a Terra and be part of Da's clan. He is fair and wise. His actions and decisions are also very reasonable.

Having read two of R.S. McCoy's works, I should at least be little familiar with her writing style. Those burst of surprises within the story and on the last chapters. Those things should not surprise me anymore but I was caught with my jaw open. It was shameful but I admit it was very exciting as well. To be surprised over and over is the best thing every reader could hope. I was stunned and had to remind myself that I have book two ready to continue my journey. And that is one of the best things about R.S. McCoy, aside from spinning astounding tales, she is also generous. When she sends you an ARC, if there is a book that came before it, she will always include it. I bear witness to this generosity twice. 

I give the book a hundred beautiful blossoms. I relished every word in this book. I was transported to the forest in Alderwood and to the bustling city of Pyrona. An amalgamation of both the crude and the advanced. Where the lifestyles of the inhabitants are polar opposites. Where people are of varied temperaments and priorities. But is not a far cry from reality. I think it may even be an accurate mirror of what real events are.

I think it's time I include R.S. McCoy to my favorite authors' list. She deserves it. She has continued to astonish me with her writing prowess. Her ability to create characters that are not far from real people. Not larger-than-life personas but relatable ones. Her stories are so engrossing that I sometimes forget they are not real because I want to live in them. Thank you for the great stories. You rock!

I'm also going because I want to know what it is. I want to know what parts of me are the strongest. I know that might not happen, but I have to take that chance.

- R.S. McCoy, Blossom and the Beast - 

Thank you again, R.S. McCoy for the copy. 

Other books in the series:

Raene and the Three Bears (The Alder Tales #2)

Hale and Gemini (The Alder Tales #3)

Snow Owl(The Alder Tales #4)

The Meddlers of Moonshine (Moonfall Mayhem #2) by A. E. Decker | ARC | A Book Review

This is an eARC. I had a blast reading the first book, The Falling of the Moon, so I was really psyched to read this one. I have great expectations.

The book picks up after leaving the Kingdom of Albright. Ascot Abberdorf, along with her friends, Moony her winged-cat, Rags-n-Bones the vagrant who loves avocados, Dmitri the giant wolf and the Catch the Captain of the guards of Albright. The group is on their way to Buenovillia. But somehow, Rags got separated from the group. They found him by a clearing under a tree and was digging something from the ground. It was a comb. With Rags' discovery and his insistence to stop by Widget, the town in the mouth of Moonlight Valley, the home of Moonlight Muscatel (the most delicious wine), the group decided to indulge him. And to Widget they went where great adventures or misfortunes await.

What have you guys gotten yourselves into? That was my first reaction as the first few chapters of the story unfold. It seemed that the group has landed on a great misfortune when they set foot into this town. I feared that this might be a mistake. I was so anxious and dreaded to know what mysteries were surrounding Widget. A town with colorful and suspicious inhabitants. This was a continuous fireworks of revelations. An astounding library of stories that exploded right in my face. This is a town full of secrets waiting far too long to be released. If book one was hilarious even if some of the trials that Ascot has to go through were dangerous, this one is far more deadly and I find no humor in it at all. I was cringing and worried for our friends here. I was doubting if they could come out alive from Widget. This time also, Rags has a lot riding on his shoulders. He has to put in his weight to help out the team. How relieved I was that the team pulled through again this time and Rags has gotten to know himself better. 

I badly needed to know what's going on with Catch. What is he hiding? I can't wait to know his story. Maybe in book three he will get his chance to tell us? Like Ascot, I sometimes feel infuriated with Catch. He is just so unpredictable and goes on his own to do his bidding without telling anyone. I totally understand how Ascot feels. Oh, Catch, please stop lying already! 

I give The Meddlers of Moonshine 5/5 delicious avocados. The story is as tasty as the fruity treat. I devoured it all and I am hungry for more. I think I would go crazy waiting for book three to come out. When and how long could it be? I hope Miss Decker is writing it already. If not, she has to start writing, like right now! Or else, I would have to resort to eating avocados to keep myself busy while enduring the long wait.

By  the  way, I like   the  way  you're doing  the books.  Giving each  member of the  team  a  chance   to   shine. Like  in  book  one, it  centers   on   Ascot  and book  two  tries  to   bring  Rags-n-Bones  in  to  the limelight. I  am  curious  to know who  would  be  the   next  character that  would be  featured. I  fervently hope  it's  Catch  this   time. Come  on, we  are  all   bugged  out  what  Catch's deal is. So please humor me, write Catch's story  in  the  next  book. Thank you very much.

I think I will just have to read two more books of A. E. Decker. If the next two stories would prove to be as hypnotizing as the two books I've read, then she'll sure be welcomed into the halls of my favorite authors list. Congratulations Miss Decker on this one. Freaking awesome!

I think I have learned a lot of new words on this story than any other fairy tale book. Words like thaumaturgical, diurnal, etc.

Release Date: October 25, 2016

Thank you again A. E. Decker and librarything.com for the giveaway.

Other books in the series:

The Falling of the Moon (Moonfall Mayhem #1)

Into the Moonless Night (Moonfall Mayhem #3)