The Harvest of Vincent du Maurier (The Fifth Empire Trilogy #2) by K.P. Ambroziak

This is the second book in the Vincent Du Maurier series.  In the first book, a mysterious illness has turned humans into zombies, leaving vampires without food.  Vincent is assigned to the task of keeping a pregnant human safe until after the baby is born.  It is believed that this woman and child will be the saving grace of both humankind and vampirekind.  

In this book, we continue where the first left off.  Vincent is keeping his human, Evelyn, and her baby safe with the help of another human and another vampire.  If he can make it until the baby is born without Evelyn being attacked or starving to death, he'll count it a success.  A small group of surviving humans, a few evil vampires, and a world full of zombies is going to make it difficult for Vincent.

Ambroziak's writing is a wonder in nature.  It has a classic feel that embraces you and holds you safely and tightly.  Even when the most horrible things are going on in the book, you still feel that sense of security brought on by the way that she words everything.  She uses accurate words, but not difficult ones.  She sets the tone from the beginning and carries it delicately throughout.  As soon as you begin reading you realize there's a sense of urgency, hopelessness and steely resolve.

Vincent has quickly become one of my favorite literary characters.  He has the nobility and morals that only come from centuries of life and learning.  He always battles for what he believes is right, regardless of the courage required.  Though he's a vicious human killer, he has a tender side that you can't help but be drawn to.

In this book, we begin with everything seeming to be looking up.  We have special flowers that seem to hold off the zombies.Evelyn is nearing her birthing.  It appears as if everything will go off without a hitch and mankind will be saved.  Of course, if that were the case, there wouldn't be a book.  What ensues is a grim look into the realities of human character. Even the vampires that are slung at us have human characteristics that we have to look closely at and attempt to make sense of.  Nothing is ever what it seems and at the end of the day, fear is nearly as powerful as love.

If you haven't read Ambroziak's work, it should be added to your list.  She has a knack for writing from an unusual perspective.  Zombies have been done, yes.  Vampires have been done, yes.  Ambroziak has taken it one step further and created the zombie apocalypse from the viewpoint of a vampire.  It's a thrilling and thought-provoking read that will at some points cause every emotion from shock to overwhelming sadness.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Shawn

Resvitale Collagen Hydra Plump with Ceramides‏

These pills from Resvitale are formulated to restore skin's moisture barrier, replenish protective Ceramide lipids and boost fullness with BioCell Collagen.  It is recommended that you take one capsule twice daily.  The bottle size contains 30 capsules, so basically two weeks worth.  

Important:  If you have wheat allergies, do not take this product!

Having used Resvitale before, I began with a great opinion. My previous use resulted in healthier looking skin that was plump and soft.  It even healed my Psoriasis as an unmarketed added bonus.  My skin felt constantly moisturized, even in the middle of winter, when dry skin is a problem for most of us.  I didn't have the same astounding results this time, but I think that was mostly due to human error.

Before, I used Resvitale powder.  It was odorless and tasteless and easy to use.  I put one scoop in my bottle of water in the morning, shook it up, and drank it throughout the day.  I could even prepare my water the night before so that it was as simple as opening the bottle and drinking it.  The capsules really make a difference.  First, I had difficult remembering to take them twice a day.  I tried moving them to different spots in the kitchen, but nothing seemed to remind me.  I even tried putting them in the refrigerator next to my water bottle, but I would realize hours later that I'd grabbed my water without even glancing at the capsules.  At that point, I'd go and take one.

The second issue I had was that the capsules are rather large and were difficult for me to swallow.  Each capsule is nearly an inch in length and a little over a quarter of an inch wide.  If you're used to swallowing larger sized pills, this may not be an issue for you.  

I attempted to break open the capsule in the hopes that it would be odorless and tasteless, but it had a bitterness to it.  My final solution was to open a capsule and add it to my water bottle along with a packet of water flavoring.  Citrusy flavors seemed to mask the taste the best.  Once I figured out this trick, I didn't have any issue getting my capsule intake each day. 

Resvitale makes incredible products.  My lack of serious results are not due to faulty product, but rather that the product doesn't fit my needs as well as some of their other products.  

*I received product in exchange for my honest review. Shawn

Dragontamer's Daughters, Part 2: Stormcaller by Kenton Kilgore

The story of the dragontamer's daughters continues. After finding and tending a small, injured dragon, sisters Isabella and Alijandra try to keep "Pearl," as they call her, a secret. But others find out, and want Pearl-and her powers-for their own purposes. As time goes by, the girls learn more about those powers, and about Pearl. But time is running out for them, their family, and for Pearl herself. Soon, they will be forced to contend with the native people on whose lands they live. With the ambitious governor whose soldiers hunt the girls' father. With a man who has no name but wields immense, eerie powers. With Pearl's yearning to fulfill the journey that accidentally brought her to the girls. And with their own dreams and wishes for a life they once lived-and might live again.

In the first Dragontamer's Daughter, we met Ali and Isabella.  They live under assumed names with their family since their father is a wanted criminal, as well as a famed Dragontamer.  Ali, who is 7, one day finds an injured little dragon who she immediately decides must be nursed back to health.  While Papa Dragontamer is off looking for a dragon to tame, since the family is in dire need of money, the rest of the family spends their days nursing Pearl, the dragon, back to health.

In this book, Papa returns to find Pearl and decides to attempt to train her.  When he has little success, he attempts to teach Ali to train Pearl.  In the meantime, we have  cast of characters in the background that are all seeking to either take Pearl or turn in Papa to the authorities.  We also have an ages old threat that appeared in the first book. This threat, known as the Dragonkiller, has made Papa his target and intends to find him, and end him.  

It all sounds dramatic, doesn't it?  It is!  I really enjoyed the first book but as soon as I picked up the second, I was just riveted.  Most of the characters are set in the first book and they continue through the second.  We begin with several mysteries that aren't solved until the second.  The first book sets the stage for an unlikely friendship and the second consummates it.  

From the direction of dragons, this is a little different than most books and lore that I've read.  These dragons have different characteristics and new species that I've never heard of.  In the end, the reality of the dragon's life was one that I'd not expected.  It threw me off, but I found it to be beautiful and sad, a truly epic story of Pearl's life.

As a character study, it was quite fascinating.  Each character is looking at the situations from a different perspective and with different hopes and goals.  We get some serious time in the past of most of the adult characters, allowing us to get to know them better.  It's interesting to watch them passing wisdom that they've learned on to the children.

If you enjoy the paranormal, myths,family, mystery,different ethnicities, politics or religion, this could be a good choice for you.  This book can be enjoyed as a pure work of fantasy or you can sit back and pick it apart and learn quite a bit.  Though there are some 'scary' action parts, I can see this being a safe book for young adults as well as a great read for any adult.  Also, some of you will be fascinated by the local 'laws' where the family is living.  They believe that the women own everything.  In order for a family to sell anything, the woman must make the decision since legally everything belongs to her.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Shawn

The Blood Guard (The Blood Guard #1) by Carter Roy

When thirteen-year-old Ronan Truelove's seemingly ordinary mom snatches him from school, then sets off on a high speed car chase, Ronan is shocked. His quiet, nerdy dad has been kidnapped? And the kidnappers are after him, too? His mom, he quickly learns, is anything but ordinary. In fact, she's a member of an ancient order of knights, the Blood Guard, a sword-wielding secret society sworn to protect the Pure—thirty-six noble souls whose safety is crucial if the world as we know it is to survive. Now all those after-school activities—gymnastics, judo, survival training—she made him take, make sense. For suddenly Ronan is swept up in a sometimes funny, sometimes scary, but always thrilling adventure—dashing from one danger to the next, using his wits to escape the Bend Sinister, a posse of evil doers with strange powers. Falling in with two unlikely companions, Greta, a scrappy, strong-willed girl he's never much liked and Jack, a devil-may-care teenage pickpocket, Ronan is left with only his wits and his mom's last words of advice: Trust no one. That's a lot for an ordinary kid to deal with. But then again, maybe Ronan's not ordinary at all.

I picked this book up, expecting a childish book about a kid who goes on an adventure.  I assumed we'd have young characters facing comic book type villains.  What I found instead was a well-planned and executed thrill for all ages.  From the first chapter, you're thrown into a world of danger and mystery.  We don't know what's going to happen anymore than poor Ronan does.  Also, as readers, we don't know who to trust either.  Instead of having childish characters making childish decisions, we're faced with bright and witty characters that pull themselves together despite unusual circumstances.  

Even though there is nonstop action, it doesn't become monotonous.  While reading, it's almost like you're in shock.  So much is thrown at you and just when you think you've finally jumped out of the frying pan, you realize you've jumped into the fire. One you jump out of the fire, you realize the whole forest is ablaze and you're right smack dab in the center.  Everything happens so quickly that you spend most of the book trying to figure out how you're going to help Ronan to safety.  Of course, as a reader, there's nothing you can really do, but Carter has written this so sublimely that you don't stop to realize that.  You're right there in the thick of it all with Ronan and needing to get help.  Or at least a sandwich and a few minutes to breathe and process what's happening.

Both the Blood Guard and Bend Sinister are surprisingly well put together.  Instead of coming across as comic book heroes and villains, they're real and tangible feeling.  The Blood Guard is an amazing old order that is full of nobility, inspiration and intelligence.  Not to mention lightening quick speed and possibly a little magic.  The Bend Sinister is creepy!  They have the side of technology and insanity.  Though they believe in what they're doing, it's obvious to the rest of us that it's not what's best for humanity.  The lengths they'll go to in order to accomplish their evil goals will astonish you.

One of the things I look for most in young adult and children's books is exactly how appropriate it would be for my own children.  Though admittedly scary, there isn't really anything gruesome.  The scenes that could have contained a lot of senseless blood and gore have been toned down and worded in a way that you know what's going on, but you don't see horrible images in your head that will give you nightmares.  The language is mostly clean.  There are a few 'minor' swear words but it's also let known that it isn't proper to use them.  The Blood Guard and Ronan could serve as wonderful role models while the Bend Sinister is easily shown as the 'bad guys' and who children and teens do NOT want to be.  Honestly, the book is clean enough that I would allow my eight year old to read it.  

Though this is young adult, I can't imagine thrill-seeking adults wouldn't enjoy it.  For me, I found Carter Roy to be the J R Ward of the children's writers.  I can't wait to see where Ronan's adventures lead him next.

 

 

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Shawn

Vitamin C Serum Review

This Vitamin C serum is 20 percent Vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid.  It's intention is to plump skin cells, protect and restore.  It is suggested that you apply using fingertips after cleansing and toning, then wait for it to absorb before moisturizing.

If you already have a strict skin regimen, it should be pretty easy to fit this in.  Since I'm usually a soap and water and run sort of girl, it took me awhile to get into the habit of using this daily.  If you do have a strict skin regimen, that means that you're conscious of your skin's needs and appearances and you'll definitely want to continue reading this.  If you're more like me, you'll still want to continue reading and see why you need to add this.

In the beginning, I was not impressed.  This is an odorless serum.  The first time that I used it, I was confused about using my fingertips for it.  As soon as the serum touched my face it was absorbed in.  I ended up putting nearly two full droppers onto my face before it finally stopped soaking it in.  It was as if my skin were a parched desert and I was just pouring water into it until it was saturated.  The next morning, I awoke to find a few blemishes and breakouts on my face, which disheartened me a bit.  

As I continued use, I noticed that I needed to use less and less each day.  The blemishes went away after a day or two.  I'm thinking it was my skin rebelling to me doing something different.  I also noticed a decrease in lines and wrinkles on my face.  My cheeks began to turn rosier.  I started to need less and less makeup.  My pores even began to shrink.

After continued use over a couple of weeks,I've noticed a huge change in my face.  I only use two drops of the serum per night.  My skin does look more plump, but not fat.  I have a healthier look about me. My complexion has greatly improved.  I've even had people comment that I look years younger and they want to know what I've been doing.  

I'll be honest.  I don't care if I look younger.  That isn't the selling point for me.  My skin is healthier and better nourished, but that isn't it either.  For me, it's the way my face feels for hours after using it. My skin feels a little tighter, but softer.  It sort of reminds me of when I was 17, that same feeling you'd get after doing a two hour facial.  It feels clean and smooth and fresh. It's a feeling that lasts all day.  

Though it may come across as a little expensive at nearly $25 per bottle, you have to take into account how long it lasts.  The bottle is 1 fluid ounce.  After using this for nearly a month, I've only gone through about one half an inch worth of liquid.  That $25 worth of serum should last me close to a year.  When you put it into perspective, it really is quite a bargain and quite inexpensive to look and feel younger and healthier.

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The Harem Midwife (Midwife series #2) by Roberta Rich

An opulent, captivating, suspenseful historical novel rom the author of the thrilling international bestseller The Midwife of Venice.  

The Imperial Harem, Constantinople, 1578. Hannah and Isaac Levi, Venetians in exile, have overcome unfathomable obstacles to begin life anew in the Ottoman Empire. He works in the growing silk trade, and she, the best midwife in the capital, tends to the hundreds of women in Sultan Murat III’s lively and infamous harem. One night, Hannah is unexpectedly summoned to the extravagant palace and confronted with Leah, a Jewish peasant girl who was violently abducted. The sultan favors Leah as his next conquest and wants her to produce his heir, but if the spirited girl fails an important test, she faces a terrible fate. Taken by Leah’s tenacity, Hannah risks everything to help her. But as Hannah agonizes over her decision, an enchanting stranger arrives from afar to threaten her peaceful life with Isaac, and soon Leah too reveals a dark secret that could condemn them both.  

Filled with adventure and vivid detail and peopled with memorable characters, The Harem Midwife showcases Roberta Rich’s boundless talent for capturing readers’ imaginations.

The Harem Midwife is a delectable little gem of a book!  I loved it and would highly recommend it.  I haven’t read the first book in this series and was a little afraid that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with the characters or their backstory.  Luckily I didn’t have to worry.  Roberta Rich does an amazing job of giving you little tidbits of what happened to Hannah and Isaac in Venice, that it is easy to get caught up.   

Hannah is a very compassionate character who wants to help everyone.  So much so that it gets her in trouble.  She feels sorry for Leah and actually helps her escape from the harem.  Through this action she sets off a chain of events that could end with her and her family’s deaths.   

Roberta Rich weaves an amazing story.  All of the characters (fictional and real) are well thought out and rounded.  The storyline is at times a little far-fetched but with so many twists and turns, you don’t mind going along for the ride.  

I couldn’t put this book down and was actually excited that I was recovering from surgery so that I could read as much as I wanted.  This is one book that I’m planning on reading a few times, even when I’m not sick.  I would highly recommend this book.  It is a great read.   

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author of the internationally bestselling THE MIDWIFE OF VENICE. Writers of a certain vintage always seem to boast of the variety of interesting jobs they held before settling down to write. Jobs like fire breather on the Reforma in Mexico City, or turkey plucker. I have not done anything so exotic. Moving from present to past, I have been: a divorce lawyer, student, waitress, nurses' aide, hospital admitting clerk, factory assembly line worker and child.  

I live in Vancouver, B.C. and in Colima, Mexico. I have one husband, one daughter, three step-children, a German Shepherd, tropical fish and many over sexed parakeets. When in Mexico, I nurture my husband, and my vanilla vines. When in Vancouver I try to keep dry. 

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Stephanie

Goldilocks by Patria L. Dunn

Hannah Adler had wished for more attention from her father, but not at the cost of leaving everything she loved behind. The mountains of Hinsdale, Colorado was not where she’d imagined spending her senior year, but with her father accepting the inspector position at the Golden Wonder gold mine, she had no choice but to make the best of it. It’s not as if the friends, she didn’t have, would miss her. Life had been lonely since losing her mother almost five years ago, and now was her chance to start letting her heart heal once and for all.

Jake Bear had his nickname for a reason, but it wasn’t one that Hannah would have ever suspected. There was a secret buried in those sable colored eyes, and with something lurking in the woods behind her new home, Hannah was almost sure he knew more than he let on.

He only wanted to protect her, but from what…?

Let's get right down to it.  This is a great re-telling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.  It's been updated and made current.  Some wonderful darkness has been added, both in the characters and the settings.  This is a dark and action-packed story that you'll enjoy.  The characters are well-layered and likable.

 Personally, I had a wonderful time just sitting back and reading this.  It was relaxing, without going too slowly or too quickly.  There was just the right amount of detail to the scene settings to keep me from being bored.  The ancestral stories are almost Native American in feel.  You'll love their ancient and spiritual feel.

For those of you who enjoy retold Fairy Tales, you'll really enjoy this one.  It isn't quite to Gregory Maguire standards, but there's definite promise there.  Dunn has a flair for story-telling and drama that could serve her well in the book world.

Another note, if you write a review for Goldilocks on Amazon, and then e-mail her that you've done so (address is on the last page of Goldilocks), Dunn will send you another of her e-books at no cost.  Honestly,  I love when authors are willing to spoil their fans a little!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Shawn

Dragontamer's Daughters by Kenton Kilgore

Ali and Bella's father has left their family to go in search of a dragon to tame.  Quite simply, they need the money that the sale of a dragon would bring.  Shortly after he leaves, Ali finds a dragon of her own, Pearl.  Pearl has been badly injured and Ali decides it's up to her to nurse her back to health.  However, a dragon is a dangerous thing and not everyone understands Ali's need to save this creature.

I'll be honest.  I read the first chapter and I was disappointed.  Long. Dry.  Slow.  Then I continued reading.  As soon as you get past the first chapter, this book is incredible.  The characters and lifestyles will pull you right in.  It's a different society from that of ours today.  

This is an intense fantasy/mystery.  What exactly is Pearl?  We have all these creatures that are in places they shouldn't be.  We have different cultures of people interspersed.  Some seem to have almost magical or healing powers.  We definitely have a variation in religions going on.  Then, behind all of this, we have the mystery of what happened to the dragontamer?  What about To-Ho-Ne, the elderly lady that lives with Ali and Bella and their mother?  Why is their mother called Princess when they live in an adobe hut?  Why do they have to change their names when they come into town?  Mostly, why is the empire looking for the dragontamer, whether dead or alive?

I found myself so immersed in this book that all of a sudden I came back to reality and realized I only had a few pages left.  My brain began scrambling!  Wait!  There are too many loose ends and not enough pages left to tie them all up!  The book does stop in a great place, but it left me wondering and waiting and anxious to dive into the next. As fantasy goes, this is one of the most captivating I've read in a long time.  

If you pick this up and the first chapter seems a bit off-putting, jump straight to the second chapter.  Then, when you find yourself in love with the story, go back and read the first chapter.  You need to read it for informational purposes, but it's much more enjoyable reading after you care about what's going on.  Just save it for yourself as a flashback whenever you get to the end of one of the chapters.

Note for dragon lovers:  These dragons are incredibly vivid and powerful.  There are several different species and they're developed to the point that you can actually visualize their smell and texture.  If you're a dragon person, this is definitely one you don't want to miss.  The portrayal of the dragons alone makes this a worthwhile read.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Shawn

The Jade Temptress (The Pingkang Li Mysteries #2) by Jeannie Lin

As a reader, I love it when I come to trust a writer.  This is the wonderful point when I have read a few novels by a particular author, and I have enjoyed them enough that I feel as though I am in capable hands with a new book.  This precisely summarizes how I feel about Jeannie Lin and her romantic novels.  Her new book, The Jade Temptress, is an example of how well written characters can drive a plot and make for an ultimately satisfying read.  This novel is the second in a series that begins with The Lotus Palace, but it is not necessary to have read that book to understand this one.

            During the Tang dynasty in China, Mingyu is a performer in every sense. Her moves are calculated to keep her heart safe, to gently manipulate her patrons, and to cultivate her reputation.  As the most renowned of the courtesans at the Lotus Palace, she has become used to wealthy clients who long for her body and her submission to their power.  She has had the attention of a very important client for a while, and she is comfortable with him.  General Deng Zhi, a powerful political figure, is enthralled with Mingyu and she is encouraged to continue her relationship with him.  Thought Mingyu is beginning to want her freedom, she lives the only way she knows how—in submission to a powerful man.  On a visit to the General, she is surprised to find something she never expected.

            He is no longer alive.  And his head is missing.  Since she is the last one at the scene of the crime, Mingyu becomes the prime suspect.

            Wu Keifang, the local constable, is summoned to the scene of the crime and begins to investigate.  While his occupation is considered a lowly one and he does not command much respect, Mingyu comes to trust him.  Keifang, though not esteemed by all those in power, has a quiet integrity and strength of character that Mingyu comes to rely upon.  Even his superior officer, Magistrate Li, trusts Keifang’s judgment. When a visiting official, Inspector Xi Lun, arrives, there is trouble.  Xi Lun hates Keifang and will do anything to discredit him.  Will he succeed in destroying Keifang and will Mingyu be imprisoned for murder? 

            Though this mystery is front and center, what really steals the show is the relationship between Mingyu and Keifang.  As I have come to expect from Lin’s books, both characters are decent and intelligent. 

Mingyu has the greatest awakening in her dawning understanding that controlling men is not the same thing as loving one.  Being outwardly beautiful through ritual and flattery is not the same thing as finding common ground with someone.  Living under the control of The Lotus Palace and being desired is not the same thing as being truly free.  Keifang is the only one who seems to see through her training and treat Mingyu as a woman with choices and a mind of her own.  But their relationship is not an easy one.  Mingyu has no desire to swap one form of servitude for another, and Keifang is not sure that Mingyu does not just see him as a way out.

The supporting case of this novel is terrific.  From Mingyu’s sister Yue-Ying and her brother-in-law Bai Huan to Inspector Xi Lun, each of the characters is well written and interesting.  I enjoyed the injections of their personalities into the novel and I would not mind meeting these characters in a future novels.

Lin’s books keep getting better and better for me as I read more of her work.  I trust her ability to transport me to another world, to give me characters that I care about, and to get the details of the setting right.  So, so highly recommended!

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Regina

Savage Girl by Jean Zimmerman

It is human nature to be fascinated by the abnormal, and there is nothing more out of the ordinary than a child raised by animals.  Such is the subject matter of Savage Girl, the new novel by Jean Zimmerman.  Set during the Gilded Age in Manhattan, Savage Girl is the story of Bronwyn—who is purported to be raised in the wild and her lasting effect on the Delegate family.

             The book’s narrator is Hugo Delegate, the eldest son of the Delegate family.  His upbringing in his eccentric and wealthy family has entitled him to all travel, education, and culture.  However, his fascination with the morbid and technical aspects of the human body set him apart from his peers.  When his family attends a sideshow act, Hugo meets Bronwyn.  She is put forth as a “savage girl”, raised in the wild and equipped with her own set of claw-like knives.  Hugo’s parents, no strangers to a menagerie of unusual people, acquire Bronwyn, with the intent to show that they can cultivate her character and make her fit for society—thus proving that “nurture” is more important than “nature”.  

            Bronwyn proves to be more cunning and clever than they anticipated.  She dresses like a man, sneaks out of the house, and develops her own set of questionable friends.  And when the bodies of people that Bronwyn has been seen with start to pile up, there is a question of whether or not her “reform” has been complete.

            Told in flashback form by Hugo Delegate, who has himself been jailed for murder, Savage Girl is an atmospheric and rich novel.  The language is glorious and the characters are well drawn and complex.  The structure of the novel is unusual, in that the narrative arc was not strictly linear—you have to pay attention to detail here.  This is not a book for a quick casual read.  

            Having said that, I must admit that, though I enjoyed the setting and the writing, I found myself disliking every character in Savage Girl.  Each had mixed motives, unclear morals, or was otherwise unappealing.  Perhaps this was by design, so I cannot fault the author for it.  But, it led to a bit of tedium for me.  I often felt bogged down by the narrative.  

            This is not a feel good novel, or one that moves quickly.  It is more like a creepy, slow simmering tale.  In some cases, it moved at a snail’s pace, it seemed.  The ending, while implausible, made perfect sense for the characters in this book.

            Fans of literary fiction will enjoy Savage Girl, but make no mistake.  This is not a page-turner, but rather a literary examination of some deep philosophical questions.  If that is what you are looking for, you are in for a treat with Savage Girl.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  Regina