Review: Jeffe Kennedy's Strange Familiar

 

STRANGE FAMILIAR
Dark fantasy romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jeffe Kennedy

RELEASE DATE:
March 31, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Brightlynx Publishing, Inc. 

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0DCT5MVD4

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.jeffekennedy.com/home

 

 

Wizard Alise (Elal) Phel decides to leave the Convocation Academy for a third time. She accompanies a weakened Archivist Cillian to the house of his birth, only to receive a chilly reception from his grandmother. Asked to leave, Alise returns to House Phel and finds her sister in labor. The happy event is destroyed by the arrival of Lord Elal, her and Nic’s father. Alise agrees to go back with him to save her niece from his evil machinations. Will Alise allow herself to be molded into the wizard that her father wants?

Wizard Cillian Harahel leaves the Academy in disgrace. He returns home on the verge of death due to magically carrying the hidden Phel archives. When Cillian wakes, he finds out that Alise left and without a word of goodbye. He agrees to his grandmother’s demands to remain, only so he can restore the archives without problems. However, Cillian unearths an old conspiracy that could upend their wizard/familiar world. Will Cillian be reunited with Alise? And at what costs for them both?

Alise disappointed me around the middle of the book. I can somewhat understand why she wavered. Alise had been psychologically stunted by her wizard father. Plus, inwardly, she always wanted his love and approval. I wish Alise would have harbored more cynicism and distrust towards her father and his new treatment of her.  What I admire the most about Alise is the sacrifice she made for her newborn niece. She gave up her freedom and happiness, so her niece would be free from Elal’s twistedness.

Cillian showed amazing growth in this book. He could have wallowed in despair and misery over his disgrace. Instead, Cillian threw himself whole-heartedly into the project he shared with Alise. He knew it was the only way he could help her at the time. What I adore the most is how Cillian’s presence helped Alise free herself from her father. He has always inspired strength in her when she needed it the most.

STRANGE FAMILIAR is the second installment of Jeffe Kennedy’s dark fantasy romance series, WARRIORS OF MAGIC. A continuation of her BONDS OF MAGIC and RENEGADES OF MAGIC books. It is best to read these series in chronological order, starting with DARK WIZARD. BONDS OF MAGIC introduce the author’s wizard/familiar world, the dynamics between them, and the many characters involved. Each trilogy continues with the on-going plot. The new series picks up where the last one ends with an all-new cast.


I am happy that Jadren (and Seliah) make an appearance in this story. They were mentioned in RELUCTANT WIZARD, which bummed me out. Their parts in the story are small. I feel Jadren’s snarky demeanor gave the story some much-needed levity to counteract the overall heavy situation. I wonder what role they, along with Nic and Gabriel, will play in the next installment!

Review: Thea Guanzon 's "TUSK LOVE"

 

TUSK LOVE
High Fantasy, Fantasy-Romance,
Critical Role

 

  

AUTHOR:
Thea Guanzon

RELEASE DATE:
July 01, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Random House Worlds

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780593874264

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.theaguanzon.com/   https://critrole.com/

 

 

Guinevere is the daughter of down-on-their-luck merchants. She yearns for freedom and adventure, not the future her parents planned out.  When her caravan is attacked, Guinevere is rescued by a grumpy half-orc. Her journey is fraught with obstacles and enemies. Guinevere never anticipated falling for her sullen travel companion. What path would she choose? A vagabond life with Oskar? Or the privileged life Guinevere’s parents arranged?

Oskar is a blacksmith’s apprentice. He intends to visit his deceased mother’s clan in the north. However, Oskar encounters Guinevere when her caravan is set upon by bandits. The woman is sheltered, helpless, and annoying, yet Oskar agrees to escort her to her destination. Something about Guinevere awakens his soft and protective side. Oskar knows he has nothing to offer her. Can he walk away once they reach their journey’s end?

Guinevere is not the usual heroine type that I enjoy. In the beginning, she comes across as the typical, cliché damsel-in-distress – one who feels the need to please her parents. However, Guin starts to change as the story progresses. Her demeanor and personality remind me of an old role-playing character that I used to play years ago. Perhaps that is why I clicked with her so easily. And I also liked how her naivete and kindness charmed even the most hardened souls.

Orcs are not my favorite fantasy creatures. I have noticed a rise in their popularity in both anime and books (there is even an author who writes orc romances). Oskar grew on me. He behaves sullen and grumpy, but that is all an act to hide his cinnamon roll-y insides. What I adore the most about Oskar is his persistence in protecting Guinevere. He even put his vow of visiting his mother’s people on hold to help Guin on her journey. Oskar even got angry for her sake, especially after learning how her parents treat her.

TUSK LOVE is a standalone, romance fantasy set in the Critical Role world. Fans of Dungeons & Dragon type stories will enjoy this book. I am a fan of Vox Machina – thanks to the animation on Prime. When I noticed TUSK LOVE’s title matched the one Pike read in the show, I just HAD to read it too. It did not disappoint.

Tropes in the story: grumpy/sunshine,  opposites attract, forced proximity.

I would be interested to read more stories set in the Critical Role world. High fantasy (like D&D’s Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance) is one of my favorite genres. Romance is another. I have a difficult time finding fantasy-romance stories with this level of fantasy. Most of the ones I find center around The Fey or the commonly, overly used fantasy creatures.

Review: Jeffe Kennedy's "RELUCTANT WIZARD"

 

RELUCTANT WIZARD
Fantasy-Romance

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jeffe Kennedy

RELEASE DATE:
August 27, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Brightlynx Publishing, Inc

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958679739

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.jeffekennedy.com/home

 

 

Alise (Elal) Phel is burdened with a heavy secret: that she can sever the wizard-familiar bond. She faces the repercussions of leaving the Academy for a second time. Alise wants to complete her coursework to graduate, plus find the missing archives on House Phel’s history. However, other house denizens target her. Alise’s only ally is a bossy Academy Archivist wizard. Will she come to terms with the guilt eating at her? Can Alise deal with the foes thwarting her search?

Archivist Cillian Harahel is a junior faculty member at the Convocation Academy. He is assigned to assist Alise in her independent studies; he is also warned to keep a personal relationship with the wizard. Cillian knows there can be no future for them. When enemies force Alise to the breaking point, he risks everything to aid her. What sacrifices is Cillian willing to make for Alise? Can his brand of magic be of use to her? And will he be able to protect her from her enemies?

Alise continues to impress me. She has shown amazing growth in the background of the other trilogies. I understand Alise’s need to keep others at a distance and distrust others. She has witnessed the unfairness of her world, especially between wizards and familiars. Alise’s change of point-of-view differs from the rest of her peers, which makes her an outcast. I like how Alise and Cillian’s different natures compliments each other. Their strengths bolster the other’s weakness.

Cillian captured my attention since his first appearance in TWISTED MAGIC. He did NOT disappoint my expectations! Cillian is nothing like the snarky, broody hero-types I enjoy. He is also not the usual powerful and arrogant type generally found in books. Others will describe him as a cinnamon roll. Personally, I see him as a teddy bear with a white knight complex. Cillian can be levelheaded, but he can be absentminded when it comes to his interests and research. A nice change of pace.

RELUCTANT WIZARD is the first book in Jeffe Kennedy’s fantasy-romance trilogy, WARRIORS OF MAGIC. It is a continuation of her BONDS OF MAGIC and RENEGADES OF MAGIC series. RELUCTANT WIZARD picks up where TWISTED MAGIC leaves off. So, it is best to start from the very beginning with DARK WIZARD. It sets up the author’s world, the dynamics between wizards and familiars, the characters involved, and the current situation.

Nic and Gabriel and Seliah and Jadren do not make appearances in this book. They ARE mentioned. In Nic’s case, she does write to Alise. Hopefully, they will have a prominent or minor role in the next two installments. I need my Jadren fix (LOL).

Review: Jeffe Kennedy's TWISTED MAGIC

 

TWISTED MAGIC
Fantasy Romance

 

 

 AUTHOR:

Jeffe Kennedy

RELEASE DATE:
November 28, 2023

PUBLISHER:
Brightlynx Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0CFZR7KXD

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.jeffekennedy.com/home

 

 

Jadren El-Adrel fears yet yearns to learn the truth about himself and his magic. He has learned to work with his half-feral familiar, Seliah. Jadren receives a summons to return to House El-Adrel with Seliah. He knows his mother holds the answers he seeks, but he refuses to comply. When they kidnap Seliah, Jadren willingly returns, only to discover an unlikely ally. Will Jadren muster the courage to face his mother? Can he and Seliah help her brother against his enemies?

Seliah (Phel) El-Adrel finally has her wizard and his love. They are slowly learning the workings of his unique magic. Their tentative reprieve is shattered when Jadren’s mother orders them to return. Seliah knows she must bolster her snarky wizard’s bravado to confront his mother. She has taught him that they are stronger together than apart. Will Seliah’s words prove true? Can she help Jadren recognize his true potential? And at what expense?

It is no secret that I love snarky, broody wounded type heroes. Jadren has captured my rapt fascination (and love) since his introduction in BONDS OF MAGIC.  I like that the author explored some of the horrors Jadren experienced.  It explains why he behaves the way he does, his views, etc.  I also like that Jadren is slowly discovering his abilities, and yes, self-worth. He still harbors doubts. Years of trauma are not so easily erased. However, Jadren is learning to overcome it with Seliah’s help and love.

Seliah has come a long way since her introduction in BOM. She is no longer the half-mad, feral girl but a familiar learning the workings of her new world. I love how Seliah never gave up on Jadren. Even at his worst, she still saw his potential. Seliah understands him better than most because like him she was broken too.

TWISTED MAGIC is the third book in Jeffe Kennedy’s dark fantasy-romance trilogy, RENEGADES OF MAGIC – a continuation from her BONDS OF MAGIC series. I strongly advise starting with BOM before venturing into this series. BONDS OF MAGIC introduce the intricacies of the author’s world, the dynamics between wizards and familiars and the characters involved. RENEGADES OF MAGIC also continue the ongoing plot from BOM.

REVIEW: Casey Griffin's "ENGRAVE DANGER"

 

ENGRAVE DANGER
Paranormal, Cozy Mystery

 

 

AUTHOR:
Casey Griffin

RELEASE DATE:
March 27, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Charming Frog Publishing

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781990470295

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.caseygriffin.com/

 

 

Violet Woods dreads returning home to Charm Island. The place holds painful memories of her fiancé, who died five years ago. Violet’s only reason for coming back is to help her injured father. She is greeted by her ghostly love AND a body floating in the harbor. Violet’s father is the number one suspect. She is determined to clear his name and find the true culprit. Violet also learns about her witchy lineage. Will her supernatural ability help Violet with the case? Or will she become the next victim?

Violet slowly grew on me. I understand her need to leave Charm Island, especially with the tragedy she endured. Losing a loved one is never easy. Then seeing his ghost only adds to the pain. I like Violet’s reaction on learning that she is a witch. The news shocked her. She needed time to mentally process it before accepting it. I hate it when movies and authors have a character instantly accept such news. I would be like Violet in a state of denial if someone sprung that on me.

ENGRAVE DANGER is the first book in Casey Griffin’s brand-new series, A CHARM ISLAND MYSTERY. It is also the author’s first jaunt in the cozy mystery genre. Since I love her doggie romance, I decided to give this new series and genre a try. It did not disappoint.

There is no romance nor sex scenes in this novel, which I am totally cool with. I hear there will be (romance) in the upcoming books. It is actually a nice change-of-pace reading a story without romance or sexy scenes. I am eager to see who Violet will be paired with.

The paranormal element is nicely done. It meshes well with the mystery. The fun part (for me) is guessing who out of the characters introduced are supernatural. I have a hunch on Max. I cannot wait to see if my guess is correct in the next installment!

REVIEW: Donna Grant's "Blood Skye"

 

BLOOD SKYE
Paranormal Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Donna Grant

RELEASE DATE:
March 11, 2025

PUBLISHER:
DL Grant, LLC

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958353455

RATING:
4

AUTHOR LINK:
https://donnagrant.com/

 

 

Carlyle’s family has always been associated with the London Druids. He has no intention of joining that organization. Carlyle is a member of the Knights – a group who right the many wrongs their kind causes others. When he learns the London Druids are behind his father’s disappearance, Carlyle rushes back to England. He suspects Devon has the information he needs. However, circumstances cause Carlyle to work with her. What secrets will Carlyle and Devon unearth about their family? Or is there more afoot?

Devon – aka Song – is the London Druids’ fixer, assassin, and spy. She has her reasons for following the organization’s every command. Her latest assignment is to retrieve a mysterious object from a member. However, Song is confronted by Carlyle. When the organization turns against her, she has no other resource than to ally with Carlyle. Song learns new things about herself. Can Song break away from the London Druids alive? What part will she play in the upcoming war? And will Song be ready for it?

I really have no strong thoughts or opinions on either Carlyle or Song. However, I do like how Carlyle is helping Song take back her life. She has been the London Druid’s puppet since childhood, with no individuality. With Carlyle’s guidance, Song is learning what she likes, dislikes, etc. I also like that Carlyle gave her a place to belong… on Skye with the Knights and the Skye Druids

BLOOD SKYE is the sixth book in Donna Grant’s paranormal series, SKYE DRUIDS. It connects with the author’s others: DARK KINGS/DRAGON KINGS, DARK SWORDS/DARK WARRIORS, and REAPERS. This series can stand apart. Events from the prior books/series that are important to the world’s evolution and development are paraphrased. Couples from the other series often make appearances. In BLOOD SKYE, Nikolia, Esther, Henry, and Melisse play a small role.

Review: Angie Fox's "SECRETS, LIES, AND FIREFLIES"

 

SECRETS, LIES, AND FIREFLIES
Paranormal Romance

 

  AUTHOR:

Angie Fox

RELEASE DATE:
March 07, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Moose Island Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781957685298

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://angiefox.com/

 

Verity Long takes on her most personal case yet. One that hits close to home. A fire at Sugarland’s library not only brings back Verity’s grandmother… but reveals a body too. She is asked to help in the investigation by using her ghost-hunting skills. Verity learns that her Long ancestors are somewhat connected to the body. What more, she learns of a long-buried family secret. A secret that someone is willing to kill to possess.

Verity honestly annoyed me in this book. Part of me understands why she behaved the way she did towards Frankie. I would have done the same thing if my late grandmother returned. However, it almost turned into an obsession– one that could easily have dire and harmful circumstances. It shows such emotional growth on her part. Verity is no longer the person she was when her grandmother lived.

Both Frankie and Ellis did not play a big role in this story. Which saddens me! I had hoped that Didi’s return would have given Verity insight on how to unground Frankie. If not her than Didi’s grandmother. But nada! Ellis did get to play the gallant knight-in-shining armor. He made me fall in love with him all over again! Now I am ready for a double wedding: Ellis with Verity and Duranja with Melody!

The true hero of this book is Lucy! I love her part in capturing the bad guy! That is all I will say so not to put spoilers!

SECRETS, LIES, AND FIREFLIES is the fourteenth book in Angie Fox’s paranormal romance series, SOUTHERN GHOST HUNTER MYSTERIES. In some ways, the story can standalone. I would not suggest it. The prior thirteen books show Verity’s rocky relationship with her spectral sidekick, Frankie. Their trails and errors in their ghost-hunting. Their successes. And their character’s growth and evolution. I love seeing how Frankie has rubbed off on Verity. Little things she never realized until she did them.