Waiting on Wednesday #248

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on.....  

The Beholder by Anna Bright

Releases on: June 4th 2019

Add on Goodreads!

Pitched as Cinderella meets The Odyssey and The Selection.

When Selah, Seneschal-elect of Potomac, is publicly rejected on the eve of her engagement, her stepmother forces her to set sail across the Atlantic with an itinerary full of suitors to court before she can return home. But as she navigates the rough waters of political alliances, friendship, and love, Selah realizes that her stepmother has her own dark motives for sending her on the journey.

Thoughts:

The description of this novel doesn't give too much away but I have to say I'm highly intrigued.  Cinderella meets The Odyssey just has me hooked! I'm imagining tales of Sinbad mixed with romance and adventure. I have no doubt The Beholder will be a novel to look out for in 2019 and I can't wait to get lost in it myself!

Do you like the sound of The Beholder?

And what are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Book Shelf: Broken Compass (Supernatural Prison Story #1) by Jaymin Eve

Maximus Compass is a vampire without direction. Without heart. And without soul. He lost his true mate in the great battle against the dragon king, and now must face life alone.

And yet … something is happening to his agony. It’s fading away, leaving him with barely a memory of the female he believed to be his one and only.
As his mind clears he starts to wonder if the mate bond had been nothing more than a manufactured ploy? This suspicion explodes within him right around the time he runs back into a certain wolf shifter.

Mischa Lebron is a complication he doesn’t need in his life. He can’t erase her from his mind though, and while memories of his supposed true mate continue to fade into mere shadows, his one night with Mischa is blazingly strong. But they’re not of the same supernatural race, so there’s no way for a a true bond to exist between them.

Right?

When an old threat rips apart their pack, Maximus will come to realize that he would do anything to save Mischa. That the mate he thought was perfect and precious was nothing on the shifter he walked away from. Now Maximus truly has everything to lose.

More info on Goodreads....


Review: 

Broken Compass is the first novel in the Supernatural Prison spin-off series by Jaymin Eve that features Compass brother Maximus and wolf-shifter Mischa. Kicking off a new series of stories that will feature all remaining unmated Compass brothers (and Louis!) on their roads to happily ever after, Broken Compass is a fast paced, easily devourable read that fans of the original novels are sure to adore.

Vampire Maximus Compass was left broken after his mate was killed in the recent battle against the dragon king. Unable to cope with his loss Max chose to leave his home and those he loves to loose himself amongst his grief. Yet the more time passes the more his connection to his late mate seems to dissipate, leaving Max to wonder if the true mate connection he felt was even real at all. Wolf shifter Mischa Lebron has been through a lot recently and she has a lot of regrets where her actions were concerned, but the one thing she can’t regret is her one night with Max, even if he then went on to find his mate and turned away from her. Expecting his child certainly wasn’t the plan either, but with the birth looming closer, Mischa knows that sooner or later she will have to tell Max about the child she carries. Max’s guilt over the thoughts he has about Mischa consumes him; he’s struggling to recall his mate, but his time with Mischa blazes within his memory. They’re of different races and therefore  can’t be true mates but as their attraction burns stronger than ever, will Max and Mischa discover that they’re meant to be together after all?

Having enjoyed the initial series Supernatural Prison—after getting off to a shaky start—I was very excited about beginning Broken Compass. I honestly feel these books have just gotten better with each instalment and having followed Jessa for three tales, I was looking forward to following Mischa and Maximus for a little bit. And I was very satisfied with the results.

Set in the same world and told in the dual POV of both Mischa and Maximus, Broken Compass had a fresh feel but also included all the elements I enjoyed about the previous series as well as the characters I loved in the past. Unfolding in both main characters back and forth perspectives allowed for a well-rounded tale that gave me the chance to get to know both main characters in a way I really enjoyed. This wasn't the case in Supernatural Prison as we only followed Jessa and I do definitely prefer dual prospective where romance is concerned so Broken Compass appealed to me in this respect.

I found that I liked Mischa and Maximus more in Broken Compass than I have previously in any of the other books. Perhaps it’s that so much of their actions and attitudes were finally explained. They also both seem to have attitude adjustments and their ideas of what is important have changed. This made them much more likable characters in my eyes. Their relationship has grown and I very much enjoyed their connection.

Exciting and adorable at times, Broken Compass was a great read and concludes Mischa and Maximus's story beautifully. I can't wait to begin Tyson and Grace's story next and will be diving straight in and well as awaiting the day when I can get my hands on Louis and Jacob's stories too!

Rating: 
Source: Read via Kindle Unlimited (I also own a signed paperback copy)
Publisher: Published by author
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: August 21st 2016
Purchase: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 
Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this tale and will be keen to read the next one.

Waiting on Wednesday #247

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on.....  

Soul in Darkness by Wendy Higgins 

Releases on: February 12th 2019

Add on Goodreads!

People travel from afar to the small isle in the Aegean Sea hoping for a single glimpse of Princess Psyche. Their adoration for the mortal woman is so all-consuming that citizens begin to shower her with the very gifts and offerings they once left at the alter of Venus, goddess of love and beauty.

But gods are known for their jealousy.

Cupid, the god of love, takes pleasure in causing strife and mischief in the lives of humans. He uses love as a weapon, humoring in the weakness of people at the whims of their feelings. When his mother Venus approaches him about punishing the human girl who dares to steal her offerings and affections from the people, Cupid gladly accepts.

Psyche's punishment is to be given to a mysterious creature who only comes to her in the dark of night under the pact that she will never lay eyes on him. She is terrified of this stranger, who the oracle described as a serpent. Her mate, however, is masterful in his dealings with his bride. He takes his time, morphing her fears into different sensations completely.

Based on the Roman/Greek mythology of Cupid and Psyche by Lucius Apuleius, New York Times bestseller Wendy Higgins brings the tale to life, weaving layers that show exactly how a sacrificial lamb can be enchanted by an unseen monster.

YA/adult crossover. Historical Fantasy. Standalone.

Thoughts:

Even though I've heard a lot of great things about her books, I'm yet to read anything by Wendy Higgins yet, but boys does this novel sounds great. Greek mythology is explored a lot in fiction recently but Cupid and Psyche is one of the tales that isn't really explored. I'm keen to see if this is as good as it sounds however! Oh and isn't that cover just to DIE FOR!?!

What do you think of  Soul in Darkness?

What are you waiting on this week?

Waiting on Wednesday #246

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on.....    

Bloodwitch by Susan Dennard 

Releases on: February 12th 2019

Add on Goodreads!

Fans of Susan Dennard's New York Times bestselling Witchlands series have fallen in love with the Bloodwitch Aeduan. And now, finally, comes his story.

High in a snowy mountain range, a monastery that holds more than just faith clings to the side of a cliff. Below, thwarted by a lake, a bloodthirsty horde of raiders await the coming of winter and the frozen path to destroy the sanctuary and its secrets.

The Bloodwitch Aeduan has teamed up with the Threadwitch Iseult and the magical girl Owl to stop the destruction. But to do so, he must confront his own father, and his past.

Thoughts:

Bloodwitch is one of my most anticipated releases. February seems like sooooo far away but I can't wait until I can read Aeduan's story! I'm also super excited to see what our Australian cover looks like and how it fits in with the first two books!

Are you a fan of the Witchlands series?
And what are YOU waiting on this week?

I'm on Vacation!

Hi fellow book lovers!

It's going to be quiet on The Rest Is Still Unwritten for a little while as I'm on holiday for the next week or so. 

I'm heading to Brisbane for Supanova. Gonna get me some Ian Somerhalder and Daniel Gillies! Oh and John Barrowman too.

See you when I get back :)

Blog Tour: Toxic by Lydia Kang- Excerpt & Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Toxic by Lydia Kang presented by YA Bound Book Tours! I highly enjoyed Toxic so hopefully you'll check it out too!

________________________

Cyclo, the first and largest biological ship of its kind, is dying. A small crew of mercenaries have handed over the rights to their life to document the death of the ship, but the abandoned ship is anything but abandoned―one girl has been left behind.

Hana has known nothing but the isolation of a single room and the secret that has kept her there for seventeen years. When she meets Fennec, the boy assigned to watch her, she realizes that there is a world she has yet to experience but she is doomed to never meet.

When crew members begin mysteriously dying, Hana and Fenn realize that they are racing against the death of the ship to find a way to survive―unless someone kills them even before Hana’s truly had a chance to live.

Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase:

The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks

From Toxic....

My heart is beating so fast I can barely stay standing. I have clawed my robe until it has holes in the edges.

It has been six hours now. I am absolutely forbidden to leave my room, a room that does not exist in the consciousness of any crew member except my mother, hidden as it is in the most unused part of Cyclo's body, the northeast quadrant, alpha ring.

For the last two hours, I've raised my hand countless times, poised a few inches from the door, before dropping it. Even touching the door is strictly for bidden. But I can ’ t wait here for much longer. Where is Mother? Where could she be? I'd even read the last entry in her diary, looking to see if anything was off, but there was nothing but our last discussion on why hedgehogs are not related to sea urchins. My eyes are full of tears, and I've already cried several times out of sheer panic.

I keep my voice steady and say, “Cyclo. Please open the door.”

Cyclo, not bothering to speak because the message is too urgent, blanches with white that moves in waves over the door.

Forbidden.

“Cyclo. Please open the door,” I say again, this time my voice cracking. I'll only just peep my head outside, just a little look. I won't step a foot out there. I know people will be walking the hallways. But if no one is there ... maybe I can make my way to her lab and see why she's delayed. I know exactly where it is. I've spent much of my life studying Cyclo's every detail — the story of her birth, the way she harvests starlight energy, the layout of the ship down to every single storage vacuole and crew member unit.

Lydia Kang is an author of young adult fiction, poetry, and narrative non-fiction. She graduated from Columbia University and New York University School of Medicine, completing her residency and chief residency at Bellevue Hospital in New York City. She is a practicing physician who has gained a reputation for helping fellow writers achieve medical accuracy in fiction. Her poetry and non-fiction have been published in JAMA, The Annals of Internal Medicine, Canadian Medical Association Journal, Journal of General Internal Medicine, and Great Weather for Media. She believes in science and knocking on wood, and currently lives in Omaha with her husband and three children.

Visit Lydia:

Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Shelf: Toxic by Lydia Kang

Cyclo, the first and largest biological ship of its kind, is dying. A small crew of mercenaries have handed over the rights to their life to document the death of the ship, but the abandoned ship is anything but abandoned―one girl has been left behind.

Hana has known nothing but the isolation of a single room and the secret that has kept her there for seventeen years. When she meets Fennec, the boy assigned to watch her, she realizes that there is a world she has yet to experience but she is doomed to never meet.

When crew members begin mysteriously dying, Hana and Fenn realize that they are racing against the death of the ship to find a way to survive―unless someone kills them even before Hana’s truly had a chance to live.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: 

Toxic is Lydia Kang’s latest release and is an intergalactic young adult science fiction romance that is perfect for fans of Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner with its fast paced story, mystery and adventure.

Cyclo is the first and largest biological spaceship of its kind, but now after decades in use it is dying. After its inhabitants evacuate, a small group of mercenaries are sent to the ship to document its death in exchange for priceless benefits for those they leave behind. Yet the ship is far from abandoned; Hana a seventeen year old girl who has spent her life within the confines of her room and whose existence has remained a secret from Cyclo’s crew has been left behind. Drawn to the mercenary Fennec, a young man who has prepared himself to die, Hana finds herself finally beginning to live even as the conditions on board Cyclo begin to deteriorate. Then the mercenaries begin to die mysteriously and it soon becomes clear that Hana and Fenn will have to discover the secrets of Cyclo in order to stay alive but they'll need to think of something quick before they run out of time or the killer comes for them too.

Lydia Kang really impressed me when I read her novel The November Girl, so I knew I had to read Toxic as soon as I heard about it. Set in a futuristic science fiction world, Toxic is a standalone novel that will appeal to fans of sci-fi who like their stories woven with suspense, mystery and danger. Part thriller, part romance, Toxic is told through the varying perspectives of main characters Fenn and Hana and depicts an adventure filled story where the characters must find a way to stay alive as the ship they are on begins to deteriorate and a killer hunts them.

Toxic was a really intriguing novel. Much of its charm comes from the mystery and unknown within the story. Set in space, aboard an intellectually and emotionally capable ship named Cyclo Toxic features elements of space opera and danger to bring the tale to life. I enjoyed the focus on what was going on right then, right there, but I think I would have liked to see a bit more world building within this novel too. The world Hana and Fenn inhabit remains much of a mystery; Kang only explained the basics and just enough to allow readers to understand what was going on within Toxic without being too confused.

Hana and Fenn were easy enough to follow and quite likable. Hana was naïve and innocent to many ways of the world due to her isolation, but I enjoyed seeing her grow, even if it was in such a small amount of time. Hana and Fenn had a fast moving relationship that developed quickly but was still sweet and endearing.

Toxic was an easy to read novel that draws readers into a dangerous world of danger and exhilaration. Lydia Kang has created a story that kept me guessing until the final page and brings Toxic to a satisfying close. Definitely worth a read for sci-fi lovers!  

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by YA Bound Book Tours and the author (Thank you ladies!)
Publisher: Entangled: Teen 
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: November 6th 2018
Purchase: The Book Depository | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 
Kobo | iBooks
Final Thoughts: An enjoyable novel. I can't wait to read whatever Lydia Kang releases next.

 

Owl Post #223

Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.  

Hi lovelies and welcome to this weeks Owl Post!

  I Bought:

- Shadow and Ice by Gena Showalter 

This is the first novel in Gena Showalter's Gods of War series and as a fan I had to have a copy as soon as it came out. Now I just have to find the time to read it!

That's me this week! One book but a good one book.

What did the owls bring YOU this week?

 

Book Shelf: Escaping from Houdini (Stalking Jack the Ripper #3) by Kerri Maniscalco

In this third installment in the #1 bestselling Stalking Jack the Ripper series, a luxurious ocean liner becomes a floating prison of scandal, madness, and horror when passengers are murdered one by one…with nowhere to run from the killer. .

Audrey Rose Wadsworth and her partner-in-crime-investigation, Thomas Cresswell, are en route to New York to help solve another blood-soaked mystery. Embarking on a week-long voyage across the Atlantic on the opulent RMS Etruria, they’re delighted to discover a traveling troupe of circus performers, fortune tellers, and a certain charismatic young escape artist entertaining the first-class passengers nightly.

But then, privileged young women begin to go missing without explanation, and a series of brutal slayings shocks the entire ship. The strange and disturbing influence of the Moonlight Carnival pervades the decks as the murders grow ever more freakish, with nowhere to escape except the unforgiving sea. It’s up to Audrey Rose and Thomas to piece together the gruesome investigation as even more passengers die before reaching their destination. But with clues to the next victim pointing to someone she loves, can Audrey Rose unravel the mystery before the killer’s horrifying finale? 

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Escaping from Houdini is the third thrilling instalment in Kerri Maniscalco’s sensational Stalking Jack the Ripper series and is yet another edge-of-your-seat explosion of adventure, mystery and swoon-worthy romance that will bewitch readers until the final page!

Audrey Rose Wadsworth and her partner in crime Thomas Creswell are en route to New York aboard the luxurious ocean liner Etruria. Delighted to discover on board a travelling troupe of fortune tellers, circus performers and a charismatic up and coming escape artist, Audrey Rose and Thomas have high hopes for their week long voyage. Until privileged young women begin to go missing and it becomes clear there is a murderer on board. Thrust into yet another mystery, Audrey Rose and Thomas find themselves drawn into a darkly enchanting carnival of tricks and sleight of hand, but as the bodies begin to pile up will the killer manage to outsmart the determined duo? Or will Audrey Rose and Thomas manage to catch yet another murderer before his horrifying murders destroy the Moonlight Carnival’s reputation for good?

Despite beginning the Stalking Jack the Ripper series late (right before this third novel was released) I can easily say that this series has become without a doubt one of my all-time favourites. Kerri Maniscalco has created an absolutely delectable world of deftly woven imagery and ambience as she brings Audrey Rose’s stories to life with passion and flair. Each instalment has featured a beguiling mystery in which readers can get lost as well as the blossoming relationship between Audrey Rose and her partner in crime, and it appears in life, Thomas Cresswell which is a subtle, but addictive undertone that drives the storyline and captures your attention.

Escaping from Houdini is another fabulous example of Maniscalo’s fantastic ability to take a popular or infamous historical individual or event and weave it together within her series. Having adored Stalking Jack the Ripper and then Capturing Prince Dracula, I was ecstatic to discover Maniscalo’s version of Houdini within this novel and discover what dangers Audrey Rose and Thomas found themselves in the midst of this time around.

Set aboard a luxurious ocean liner, Escaping from Houdini is set against a refined and elegant backdrop that mixes with the magic and mystery of a circus carnival that is performing on the ship. Kerri Maniscalo’s writing is perfect and her attention to detail spot on as she brings the story to life. Whilst reading, I once again felt as though I was right alongside Audrey Rose and Thomas on their adventure.

Audrey Rose has been a wonderful protagonist to follow throughout the series and continues to be strong willed, intelligent and daring in Escaping from Houdini. Audrey Rose is a product of her era in many respects; a poised and well put together young woman who mingles with polite society but who also features characteristics that set her apart. I honestly adore Audrey Rose as a character and find myself caught up in every adventure she finds herself a part of. I love her intelligence and wit and ability to use science and her investigation skills to solve crimes the way she does. She’s just one of those perfectly written characters who, while human and still flawed, manages to soar time and time again.

And as for Thomas, well I’m not sure I can adequately sum up the individual that is Thomas James Dorin cel Rau Cresswell. He is just one of those literacy “book boyfriends” you will absolutely fall in love with throughout the course of your reading experience. Thomas’s wit and charm is so endearing and he is hilariously cheeky in a manner that conveys his social standing but also hints at the mischievous individual that lurks underneath. Thomas is one of those male leads/love interests who never fail to keep you on your toes and who bring so much to the story.

Apart from its overall mystique and intrigue, this series features an electric romance between its main characters. Audrey Rose and Thomas have a thrilling relationship that has blossomed beautifully throughout the course of three books. I won't lie; Kerri Maniscalo had me concerned when she includes a charming and captivating ringmaster in Escaping from Houdini (if you know me at all, you’ll know I loathe love triangles) to throw a spanner in the works between Audrey Rose and Thomas.

Though I was disappointed to see Audrey Rose ever question her affections and intentions towards Thomas, I understand the purpose of Mephistopheles and feel that his role only ended up cementing and strengthening the resolve Audrey Rose has. That being said, Mephistopheles was awesome and if Kerri Maniscalo ever considers writing a spin off series, I wouldn’t hesitate to read his story.

Lush and vivid, Escaping from Houdini was a thrilling adventure on the open seas and another prime example of Maniscalo’s talent as a storyteller. I have my fingers crossed we’ll see a wedding in the fourth and final instalment and will be keeping my eyes peeled for the moment I can have the honour of joining Audrey Rose and Thomas once again!

Rating:
Source: I pre-ordered from The Book Depository
Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers
Format: Paperback
Release Date: October 11th 2018
Purchase: Angus & Robertson | Booktopia | The Book Depository | Amazon
Final Thoughts: I LOVED this book and I cannot wait for the next one!

Blog Tour: Shifters and Glyphs by Christina Bauer- Excerpt & Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Shifters and Glyphs by Christina Bauer thanks to Xpresso Book Tours. Shifters and Glyphs is the second full length novel in the Fairy Tales of the Magicorum Series and is another addictive fairytale retelling.

____________________________

“A fun romp for Twilight Fans” – School Library Journal

After being raised by the meanest fairies in the history of ever, Bryar Rose is now free to live her own life. For the first time, she’s attending West Lake Prep, a regular high school. Well, mostly regular. Some students are actually hidden members of the Magicorum. In other words, they’re really wizards, fairies, or shifters. Bry doesn’t mind, though. She’s thrilled to enjoy all the new experiences of being around normal kids her age, from locker pranks to lunchtime mystery meat. Everything is going along great, except for one thing.

Bry’s dreams about the pyramids of Egypt have gotten darker and more sinister. Every night, she sees her new man Knox and her best friend Elle in danger.

“Exciting and well-conceived” – Kirkus

With no other choice, Bry plans to leave school to explore the pyramids on her own. But her new man Knox discovers the scheme and is having none of it. He wants to stay by her side, no matter what. It’s a good thing too, because Bry must solve the mystery of her attraction to the pyramids and soon. Otherwise, it could cost the lives of those she loves most.

And that means not only Knox, but also her best friend Elle.

Add on Goodreads or check out my review!

Purchase: 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks 

From Shifters and Glyphs....

I’m a teenager who can wield magic, so you might think my ultimate in fun would be casting a spell.

Not really. 

Plus, I live in Manhattan and—since my aunties no longer have me locked me up in a penthouse—you’d imagine that I love roaming the city.

Nope. 

I’m also a werewolf, so racing under the moon could be my fav for fun.
It’s not.

Instead, my ultimate smile comes from what’s happening right now: snuggling on the couch with my boyfriend Knox. To be specific, Knox and I are wrapped in a blanket with my head resting against his right bicep.

Perfect. 

It’s almost time for dinner, but I hardly notice my stomach growl. Knox is in jeans and a t-shirt; I’m sporting what I call my unshreddable outfit: black leather pants and a cropped top that I got from the fairies. Why unshreddable, you ask? Because before I got my enchanted clothing, shifting into were form was murder on my wardrobe. One magically enhanced outfit later, and it’s all good. I never again have to worry about turning into a wolf and then into a very naked girl, all in the age of camera phones. And without that worry hanging over my head, I can more fully relax. Like I am now.

In fact, at this very moment, Knox and I are chilling out while watching an old movie called The Breakfast Club. In it, a bunch of human kids get detention at high school. For me, this particular movie is valuable life research, considering how tomorrow’s my first day in a typical classroom.

Ever.

Yipes

Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers.

Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

Visit Christina:

Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook 
 LinkedIn | Instagram

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Book Shelf: Shifters and Glyphs (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #2) by Christina Bauer

“A fun romp for Twilight Fans” – School Library Journal

After being raised by the meanest fairies in the history of ever, Bryar Rose is now free to live her own life. For the first time, she’s attending West Lake Prep, a regular high school. Well, mostly regular. Some students are actually hidden members of the Magicorum. In other words, they’re really wizards, fairies, or shifters. Bry doesn’t mind, though. She’s thrilled to enjoy all the new experiences of being around normal kids her age, from locker pranks to lunchtime mystery meat. Everything is going along great, except for one thing.

Bry’s dreams about the pyramids of Egypt have gotten darker and more sinister. Every night, she sees her new man Knox and her best friend Elle in danger.

“Exciting and well-conceived” – Kirkus

With no other choice, Bry plans to leave school to explore the pyramids on her own. But her new man Knox discovers the scheme and is having none of it. He wants to stay by her side, no matter what. It’s a good thing too, because Bry must solve the mystery of her attraction to the pyramids and soon. Otherwise, it could cost the lives of those she loves most.

And that means not only Knox, but also her best friend Elle.

More info on Goodreads....


Review: 

Shifters and Glyphs is the second novel in the Fairy Tales of the Magicorum series by Christina Bauer and is another bubbly and fun magical fairytale retelling with a light-hearted twist.

Bryar Rose lives in a world where magic exists. As a wolf shifter, Bry is one of a number of people living out fairytale templates. As a sleeping beauty template, Bry has spent her life living in seclusion with her evil fairy aunts, but that is all changing. Preparing to attend a prestigious school for wizards, fairies and shifters, Bry is ready for a somewhat normal life until her regular dreams of pyramids and papyri begin to take on a darker shade. Soon Bry will have to delve into long suppressed secrets but alongside her mate Knox and her best friend Elle, Bry is ready for anything….or so she thinks.

As far as fairytale retellings go, Fairytales of the Magicorum is one of the lighter, more playful series I’ve had the pleasure of reading. Christina Bauer picks up where the previous story left off with Shifters and Glyphs once again drawing readers into the world inhabited by Bryar Rose and her friends. Bauer takes liberties with the traditional fairytales you may be familiar with, weaving together a magical enhanced story that takes elements of beloved fairytales and gives them a modern and fun twist.

Shifters and Glyphs is once again told through the eyes of Bryar Rose who is a lively and vivacious character. Bry has character and spunk; keeping readers on their toes with quick quips as well as inner dialogue exchanged between Bry and her wolf which makes for some adorable reading. Bry’s wolf is like an eager puppy with some of her comments and directions and I feel like she’s a really entertaining inclusion on Christina Bauer’s part.

Much of Shifters and Glyphs is spent following Bryar and her friends as they search for the mysterious fountain of magic that has been haunting Bry’s dreams. Christina Bauer includes some developments you won’t necessarily see coming but includes plenty of moments of friendship and sweet romance too to keep things interesting.

As Shifters and Glyphs brings Bryar Rose’s story to a close, I’m super excited about the possibility of reading Elle and Alec’s story. They are just adorable together and I can’t wait to begin their story next. I’m even hopeful that one day Christina Bauer might write a story featuring Ty, because after the initial problems she caused, I do think she’s a really promising character and has plenty of potential.

A fun and entertaining fairytale retelling, Shifters and Glyphs ends perfectly to conclude Bry’s tale and leaves me keen to see what Christina Bauer has in store for this magical world next!  

Rating: 
Source: Sent for review by Xpresso Book Tours and the author (Thank you ladies!)
Publisher: Monster House Books
Format: Kindle ebook
Release Date: October 16th 2018
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks 
Final Thoughts: A fun and bubbly story; I'm keen to read Elle's story up next!