DelSheree Gladden

Biography

DelSheree Gladden was one of those shy, quiet kids who spent more time reading than talking. She didn't speak a single word for the first few months of preschool. Her fascination with reading led to many hours spent in the library and bookstores, and eventually to writing. She wrote her first novel when she was sixteen years old, but spent ten years rewriting before it was published.
Native to New Mexico, DelSheree and her family spent several years in Colorado before returning to northern New Mexico. When not writing novels, you can find DelSheree reading, hiking, sewing, playing with her dogs, and working with other authors.
DelSheree has several bestselling young adult series and has hit the USA Today Bestseller list twice as part of box sets. DelSheree also has contemporary romance, cozy mystery, and paranormal new adult series. Her writing is as varied as her reading interests.

Smashwords Interview

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in a small town in Northern New Mexico. New Mexico has a rich culture that has influenced my writing greatly. I grew up hearing stories of skinwalkers and dreamcatchers, and was surrounded by beautiful art like Navajo blankets and Kachinas. The mythology and art of New Mexico was a big inspiration for my series, Twin Souls Saga. My love of the mythical plays a big role in many of my other books as well.
What's the story behind your latest book?
My latest book, Wicked Hunger is the story of Vanessa and Zander Roth, two pretty screwed up teens. There problems aren’t the normal teenage drama, though. Both struggle to control a nearly inconsolable hunger for pain and suffering. Living a normal life is tough, but things only get worse when a strange new girl named Ivy shows up at school. She instantly rubs Vanessa the wrong way, but Zander is absolutely captivated by her. The problem is, Ivy incites both of their hunger, making it very dangerous to be around her. Vanessa thinks Ivy is up to no good. Zander thinks she’s pretty much perfect. One of them is right, and the wrong move may cost them their lives.
Read more of this interview.

Series

The Date Shark
Every love story is unique, and that's no truer than in The Date Shark Series where a group of friends from medical school all struggle to find their way through life and relationships. Eli Walsh battles  a traumatic past when he meets Leila Sparro and must chose between love and obsession. Guy Saint Laurent has never aspired to marriage and family, until he makes an unlikely friend who needs his help but is reluctant to accept it. Vance Sullivan's effort to help a troubled client gets side-railed when his own life completely falls apart and that same client is the only one who can get through to him amid his grief. Sabine Saint Laurent's life has always been rather perfect and fairly effortless, until a surprise changes not only her career path but her entire life plan.
Date Shark
Price: $3.99 USD.
Shark In Troubled Waters
Price: $3.99 USD.
Shark Out Of Water
Price: $3.99 USD.
The Only Shark In The Sea
Price: $3.99 USD.
Repelling the Shark
Price: $3.99 USD.
Eliza Carlisle Mystery
All Eliza wants to do is escape her past and get through culinary school, but trouble always seems to find her no matter how hard she tries to not get involved. Murder, drugs, sex trafficking...there's no telling what mystery she'll stumble into next.
Trouble Magnet
Price: $3.99 USD.
Firebrand
Price: $3.99 USD.
Instigator
Price: $3.99 USD.
Incendiary
Price: $3.99 USD.
The Ghost Host
Echo Simmons has lived her life attempting to balance the ghosts harassing her and the fact that the people closest to her think she's insane. It's not until a slip up on her online webshow brings the FBI into her life that she begins to learn why she sees ghosts and what her unwelcome talent may cost her in the end...
Memory's Edge
In this two part series, Gretchen and John struggle through facing the unknown and understanding the sacrifices love requires.
Memory's Edge: Part 1
Price: $3.99 USD.
The Handbook Series
Have you ever felt like you needed a handbook to get through life? You're not alone. Learn how to survive chaos, stalkers, liars, embarrassment, and more as you experience the craziness that comes with life alongside the characters of The Handbook Series.
Someone Wicked This Way Comes
The Roth siblings are used to surviving. It's all they've ever done. Survive the strange hunger that compels them to feed off others pain and suffering. Survive the tragedies that plague them. Survive the cruelty others heap upon them. But can they survive learning the truth?
Wicked Hunger
Price: $3.99 USD.
Wicked Power
Price: $3.99 USD.
Wicked Glory
Price: $3.99 USD.
Wicked Revenge
Price: $3.99 USD.
The Aerling Series
Mason is tired of being the guy nobody can see. Literally. Neither he nor Olivia know why he's invisible, or why she's the only one who can see him. It's simply how things are, how they've always been since Olivia found Mason crying in her front yard at five years old. She's happy to let things lie, but Mason isn't, at least until the truth finally begins to be revealed and learning who and what he truly is puts everyone he loves in danger.
Invisible
Price: $3.99 USD.
Intangible
Price: $3.99 USD.
Invincible
Price: $3.99 USD.
Escaping Fate
One choice can change everything, and not just for the person who makes. Unraveling the truth of what happened centuries ago and dealing with the consequences of one devastating choice pits Arrabella against fate, gods, and her own limits.
Escaping Fate
Price: $3.99 USD.
Soul Stone
Price: $3.99 USD.
The Destroyer Trilogy
Libby Sparks has always know her fate is to die. Death is better than the alternative. She'll do whatever it takes, including sacrifice her own life, to avoid becoming a monster. It means sifting through the web of lies controlling society, but finding out the truth may be even worse than death.
Inquest
Price: $3.99 USD.
Secret of Betrayal
Price: $3.99 USD.
Darkening Chaos
Price: $3.99 USD.
Twin Souls Saga
The tribal stories Uriah and Claire grew up hearing where just that. Stories. At least that was what Uriah told himself. He didn't want to think about the eerie likeness he had to tribal heroes...until he has no choice but to embrace his gifts in order to save Claire's life. His quest to save her sets them both on a path that will reveal a truth that could destroy everything they believe in.
Twin Souls
Price: $3.99 USD.
Shaxoa's Gift
Price: $3.99 USD.
Qaletaqa
Price: $3.99 USD.

Books

Memory's Edge: Part 2
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 88,250. Language: English. Published: October 3, 2021 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » General
"You can never go home again" has never been truer than for John and Gretchen. Stepping back into a life he only partially remembers makes John question everything. Returning to the shattered remains of a wedding that never happened is unbearable for her. Can either of them put their lives back together after such an abrupt parting?
Repelling the Shark
Series: The Date Shark. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 100,860. Language: English. Published: August 1, 2020 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » General
Simple and easy falls apart when secrets revealed require making promises and opening up to the possibilities of hurt and hope. Neither Leo nor Piper want more than a simple, no-stress friendship. Secrets and surprises force them to admit neither one is nearly as in control of their futures as they think they are.
What Had to Be Done
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 80,330. Language: English. Published: November 2, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance » General, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Drama
(4.00 from 2 reviews)
Everyone has bad days. Anna Elizondo is going on three years of bad days. It started with her mother’s illness and eventual death, continued with a decision that ruined a friendship, and culminated in her father announcing they were broke and moving away right before her senior year of high school.
Shark In Troubled Waters
Series: The Date Shark. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 94,830. Language: English. Published: July 29, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » General
Michael’s intentions are questionable, but Sabine desperately needs help and he’s the only one who understands enough to give it.
The Only Shark In The Sea
Series: The Date Shark. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 96,870. Language: English. Published: July 28, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » Clean & wholesome
(4.00 from 1 review)
Betrayal, lies, and guilt spill out in the face of tragedy, and the only person Vane is willing to accept help from seems the least capable of giving it.
Shark Out Of Water
Series: The Date Shark. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 94,310. Language: English. Published: July 25, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » Clean & wholesome
(4.00 from 1 review)
Guy Saint Laurent has never made a promise of always to a woman, but with Charlotte…he knows he has no other choice.
Date Shark
Series: The Date Shark. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 104,490. Language: English. Published: July 14, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » General
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
Date Shark was only meant to be a side-enterprise to his thriving couple’s therapy practice, but Eli Walsh knows it’s become more of an obsession. At least, it was until he agreed to take on Leila.
Incendiary
Series: Eliza Carlisle Mystery. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 107,760. Language: English. Published: April 18, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Cozy, Fiction » Mystery & detective » Women Sleuths
How long can Eliza keeping looking over her shoulder before she finally sees her own death approaching? New Year’s means resolutions, getting on track, making decisions. For Eliza Carlisle, starting a new year means making tough choices, even if those decisions mean losing friends and possibly getting kicked out of culinary school.
Torino Dreams
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 82,450. Language: English. Published: January 30, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » Suspense
(3.00 from 1 review)
Kate can fix the damage to Sam’s car after their accident, but can she protect herself from falling for him and putting all their lives in danger?
The Epilogue: An Aerling Series Short Story
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,610. Language: English. Published: January 11, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Paranormal, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance » General
After saving two worlds and the people they love most, is it possible for Mason and Olivia to go back to normal life?
Next Step: An Aerling Series Short Story
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,930. Language: English. Published: January 11, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Paranormal, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance » General
When you’re a child of two worlds and are faced with choosing between them, where does love fit into the equation?
The Beginning: An Aerling Series Short Story
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 6,430. Language: English. Published: January 11, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Paranormal, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Paranormal
(5.00 from 1 review)
How do you find an invisible friend? If you’re Olivia, you look out the window and see a crying little boy in your front yard.
The Catalyst (Novella 1.5)
Series: Eliza Carlisle Mystery. Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 36,950. Language: English. Published: December 22, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Cozy, Fiction » Mystery & detective » Cozy
(4.00 from 1 review)
When one small favor for a friend turns into a missing persons case and all-around chaos, Amos realizes looking after Eliza Carlisle is about as easy as bathing a cat.
Instigator
Series: Eliza Carlisle Mystery. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 85,450. Language: English. Published: January 26, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Cozy, Fiction » Mystery & detective » Amateur sleuth
(4.00 from 1 review)
“Why would someone commit murder over a cupcake?” That is Detective Gordon’s question. Eliza doesn’t have an answer, and doesn’t particularly want to find one. Gordy promises she doesn’t have to get involved…just look at the cupcake and use her culinary knowledge to tell him why it would inspire murder. It’s never that easy. Not for Eliza Carlisle.
Firebrand
Series: Eliza Carlisle Mystery. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 105,870. Language: English. Published: August 15, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Cozy, Fiction » Mystery & detective » Women Sleuths
What’s worse than getting dragged into a murder investigation because you tried to help a friend? Getting dragged into a murder investigation, drug ring, and criminal syndicate because someone mistakes you for a friend of your most despised coworker. Eliza has never hated Danielle more, but helping her is the only way to save herself. After that, Danielle is fair game.
The Ghost Host: Episode 2
Series: The Ghost Host. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 109,470. Language: English. Published: April 9, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Horror » Ghost, Fiction » Romance » Paranormal » General
(4.00 from 1 review)
It’s bad enough that Echo already has ghosts haunting her 24/7, now her past mistakes want to join the fun and come back to haunt her, too? Moving to Georgia was supposed to be a fresh start. So far, it's turned out to be a fresh start at more chaos. After battling Devourers for the soul of her childhood friend, Echo learns the depth of what her abilities might cost her.
The Ghost Host: Episode 1
Series: The Ghost Host. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 105,950. Language: English. Published: April 9, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Horror » Ghost, Fiction » Romance » Paranormal » General
Everyone thinks Echo Simmons is crazy, but being The Ghost Host isn’t just a YouTube hoax like people think. It’s the only way to control the ghosts haunting her…at least until the FBI shows up asking questions.
Life & Being
Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 87,850. Language: English. Published: February 27, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » New adult, Fiction » Romance » Paranormal » General
A 007-style handoff between a girl he knew in high school and the college’s star football player catches Sanford Camden’s eye. He almost wishes it hadn’t. Almost. An insane father seems like the biggest stumbling block to Dahlia’s freedom, until long-hidden secrets begin bubbling to the surface, and what once seemed like paranoid delusions become threats to her life.
Memory's Edge: Part 1
Series: Memory's Edge. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 94,340. Language: English. Published: February 17, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Romance » General
(4.00 from 2 reviews)
Gretchen's call for help saved his life, but the damage done may be impossible to repair. While she hopes his memories will return, John works to hide the fleeting images of another woman he keeps seeing, afraid Gretchen will cancel the wedding if she finds out.
The Oblivious Girl's Handbook
Series: The Handbook Series. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 86,040. Language: English. Published: February 4, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Contemporary, Fiction » Humor & comedy » General
(4.00 from 1 review)
Being oblivious to all the signs that your life is about to fall apart doesn’t stop it from happening to Sara Taylor. Alone except for the Siamese cat her boyfriend—ex-boyfriend—Joseph left behind to teach her a lesson, Sara has no clue how to survive on her own. Pride forces her to either sink or swim, even when sinking seems the most likely outcome.
Wicked Revenge
Series: Someone Wicked This Way Comes. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 98,560. Language: English. Published: July 8, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Paranormal, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance » Paranormal
Secrets are unraveling, but they only bring up more questions and not enough answers. While the Roth siblings attempt to recover from the devastating confrontation with the Godlings, each one must overcome their own demons to survive.
Trouble Magnet
Series: Eliza Carlisle Mystery. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 92,640. Language: English. Published: March 15, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Amateur sleuth, Fiction » Humor & comedy » Satire
(4.50 from 2 reviews)
Eliza Carlisle has the unwanted talent of attracting trouble, in all its forms. That couldn’t be truer than when she moves into the most bizarre apartment building on the planet. Weekly required dinners with the landlord and assigned chores are bad enough, but the rules don’t end there. Top most on the list of requirements is NO physical violence against the others residents.
The Crazy Girl's Handbook
Series: The Handbook Series. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 79,510. Language: English. Published: February 11, 2016 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Clean & wholesome, Fiction » Romance » Contemporary
(5.00 from 2 reviews)
Watching her two nephews and a puppy named Thor for the weekend was supposed to be fun for Greenly Kendrick. Sweating to death at a never-ending baseball game while getting gum in her hair, soda down her shirt, and an ice cream pedicure wasn’t part of the deal. Neither is finding out the best blind date she’s ever stood up is there to witness it all.
The Aerling Series Box Set
Price: $7.99 USD. Words: 304,990. Language: English. Published: August 18, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Paranormal, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance » General
The Aerling Series Box includes all three books in the series, Invisible, Intangible, and Invincible. As a bonus, this box set includes 3 BONUS short stories Aerling fans will only find in the box set. Curious about how Mason and Olivia first met, or about how the Parker family turned out, and what about Mason and Olivia's future? You can find out in the Aerling Series Box Set!
Invincible
Series: The Aerling Series. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 99,620. Language: English. Published: December 24, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance » General
(5.00 from 1 review)
Mason thought he was going home, but surviving Sentinel attacks and making it back to the Aerling world is only the beginning of Mason’s fight to protect the ones he loves.
Wicked Glory
Series: Someone Wicked This Way Comes, Book 3. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 100,820. Language: English. Published: October 10, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Paranormal, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance » Paranormal
Forced with holding up their end of an impossible bargain, Van and Zander must choose between playing it safe and risking everything. Freedom seems impossible, but can they hold onto who they are long enough to survive?
Wicked Power
Series: Someone Wicked This Way Comes, Book 2. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 105,640. Language: English. Published: October 1, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Paranormal, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance » Paranormal
Even after Vanessa and Zander Roth barely survive the Eroi’s attempt to expose them for what they are, they aren’t safe. Sitting balanced on the edge of impending death and unthinkable power, they must turn to the Godlings for help. Their help requires payment, but neither of them knows the true cost. Will David’s training create villains,as they fear, or can they discover their true purpose?
Wicked Hunger
Series: Someone Wicked This Way Comes, Book 1. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 96,490. Language: English. Published: October 1, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Paranormal, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance » Paranormal
Born with an insatiable hunger for pain and suffering, Vanessa and Zander Roth struggle to hide the truth of who they really are. Keeping their secrets becomes even harder when Ivy Guerra arrives and stirs their hunger into a frenzy. Will their need to feed on other’s agony turn them into villains, or can they somehow find a way to become the heroes of their own dark story?
Soul Stone
Series: Escaping Fate, Book 2. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 98,520. Language: English. Published: May 20, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Urban
(5.00 from 1 review)
Arrabella thought she was done with the dreams, but the danger is only beginning.
Intangible
Series: The Aerling Series, Book 2. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 109,800. Language: English. Published: April 15, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Urban
(5.00 from 7 reviews)
Mason never thought he would miss being invisible…until he becomes the Sentinels’ number one target.
Invisible
Series: The Aerling Series, Book 1. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 94,260. Language: English. Published: April 15, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Urban
(5.00 from 1 review)
Olivia’s best friend is not imaginary. He’s not a ghost, either. And she’s pretty sure he’s not a hallucination. He’s just Mason. He is, however, invisible, but being invisible won’t hide Mason for long…
Darkening Chaos
Series: The Destroyer Trilogy, Book 3. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 126,330. Language: English. Published: March 14, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance » General
(4.50 from 2 reviews)
Libby Sparks has the power to destroy the world. She has prophecy and destiny backing her bid to take down the Guardians. She even has an army. What she doesn’t have is a plan.
Secret of Betrayal
Series: The Destroyer Trilogy, Book 2. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 118,730. Language: English. Published: December 21, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance » General
(4.50 from 2 reviews)
When faced with the choice between saving Milo’s life and embracing her destiny, Libby Sparks knew there was only one answer. Become the Destroyer. Libby is about to learn that accepting her fate is only the first step in figuring out what being the Destroyer truly means.
Inquest
Series: The Destroyer Trilogy, Book 1. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 104,020. Language: English. Published: October 22, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance » General, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction
(4.67 from 6 reviews)
Sixteen year old Libby has a secret destiny that is about to be revealed. When Libby is proclaimed "The Destroyer" the world turns against her. The ruling Guardians want her dead, but Libby is determined to prove she has no intention of destroying anything. That seems easy enough until her one remaining friend, Milo, is attacked and Libby must chose between her own life and Milo's.
Qaletaqa
Series: Twin Souls Saga, Book 3. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 113,990. Language: English. Published: September 11, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance » General, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Paranormal
Uriah and Claire know their fight to be with each other is far from over, but the final battle they must face is one they never expected.
Shaxoa's Gift
Series: Twin Souls Saga, Book 2. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 96,970. Language: English. Published: September 11, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance » General, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Paranormal
Uriah thought his battle would be over once he saved Claire’s life, but his search to save their love and uncover the truth of his destiny is nowhere near finished.
Twin Souls
Series: Twin Souls Saga, Book 1. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 107,640. Language: English. Published: September 9, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Romance » General, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Paranormal
(4.50 from 2 reviews)
Uriah never believed in his tribe’s old stories. When Claire’s life is in danger, he must battle not only ancient myths and legends come to life, but the truth behind the lies he’s been told all his life.
Escaping Fate
Series: Escaping Fate, Book 1. Price: $3.99 USD. Words: 60,260. Language: English. Published: September 8, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Urban, Fiction » Young adult or teen » Fantasy
(5.00 from 1 review)
Uncovering the truth behind her strange dreams may cost Arrabella her life, but ignoring them may lead to something even worse.

DelSheree Gladden's tag cloud

abilities    action    adventure    aerling    aerling series    amateur sleuth    amnesia    arcane    austen retelling    austeninspired    aztec    aztec gods    aztec history    aztec legend    aztec mythology    aztecs    baby romance    braden    celtic druid    celtic fantasy    celtic folk lore    celtic legend    celtic mythology    claire    classic fiction    clean romance    comedy    contemporary    contemporary romance    cozy mystery    curse    curses    dark fantasy    destiny    destroyer    diktats    drama    dystopia    dystopian    dystopian earth    dystopian fantasy    dystopian fiction    dystopian thriller    dystopian trilogy    dystopian young adult    egyptian    enemies to lovers    epic    epic romance    epilogue    family    fantasy    fate    female sleuth    fiction    friends to lovers    funny    funny mystery    ghost    gods    guardian    guardians    hero    humor    humorous mystery    inquest    intangible    invincible    invisible    legend    libby    love    love triangle    magic    magical realism    mason    matwau    milo    modern austen    mson    murder mystery    mystery    mystery amateur female sleuth    mystery and comedy    mystery suspense    mystery suspense fiction romantic suspense romantic fiction    myth    mythology    myths    native american    native american mythology    new adult    new mexico    occult    olivia    paranormal    paranormal romance    parnanormal    persuasion    pet    pets    player    player romance    powers    pregnancy romance    prequel    prophecy    rich    romance    romance clean    romance drama    romance sweet    romane    romantic    romantic books    romantic comedy    romantice    science fiction    second chance    secret baby    sentinel    series    short story    sleuth    sleuth mystery    sleuth mystery crime    sleuth mystery series    soul mate    soul mates    spirit    starting over    strong female lead    supernatural    suspense    suspenseful romance    sweet romance    talents    teen    tewa    tewa indian    trilogy    trilogy book    trilogy books    twin soul    twin souls    urban fantasy    uriah    valentine    valentines day    wealthy    wedding    ya romance    young adult    young adult fantasy    young adult romance   

Smashwords book reviews by DelSheree Gladden

  • Faerie Wishes on May 04, 2012

    Immortal, beautiful, peaceful, Talia lives a perfect life. But is perfect enough? Watching humans is fascinating to the faerie. They intrigue her to the point that she considers giving up immortality to join them. The heaviness of the choice holds her back until she happens upon one human male that brings new meaning to her life, and strengthens her desire to step away from peace and beauty. The other side of a wish is rarely ever as glorious as one expects, however…something Talia soon finds out. Faerie Wishes is a young adult romance novel, centered on the dual existence of humans and fae. I would pin it down as more of a mystical, rather than paranormal romance. Faeries like Talia just don’t seem to fit into the same category as demons and vampires. Quite the opposite. Mixing the real world with myth and legend is obviously a hugely popular right now, but unlike many other urban fantasy or paranormal romances out there, the focus is more on the experience of the characters than the mystical, often dangerous aspects of whatever fantastic element is employed. The relationship between Talia and Cayden is the main focus of the book. Within their romance, the central problem is whether or not Talia is going to give up her immortality and join Cayden in the human world. I enjoyed the simplicity of the romance, but at times I did wish there had been a little more than just the two of them. Later in the book (probably not until the last third) you find out that in the past Talia harbored very deep feelings for another fae. This was an interesting addition to the story, and added good conflict, but when Deaghan was introduced I immediately wondered why he hadn't been mentioned earlier. So much focus was put on Talia and Cayden with no external conflict through most of the book. Even though their relationship was very sweet, I did feel like it lacked some intensity because I had no reference point to compare their feelings for each other. Had I known from the beginning that in the past that Talia loved Deaghan, but had been spurned, her finding comfort in Cayden’s arms would have taken on new meaning for me. Another issue I had with their relationship was that the progression was very quick in the beginning, and then slowed down quite a bit. Talia sees Cayden the first time, and is intrigued, and then a few chapters later they are very much in love with each other. I’m not against love at first sight, but this felt very abrupt because there was very little lead-in to the sudden change. Then, for a large section of the book the relationship stayed fairly stationary, focusing mainly on Talia’s choice. I felt like the progression could have been a little more fluid. The climax was done well, but it could have been even more impactful if there had been additional back story and a consistent building up to that point. This next comment may not be an issue for every reader, but for some it may be. I found the level of editing to be a distraction throughout the book. I know how hard it is to edit when you self-publish. My books have some typos in them that need fixing once I’m done with final exams as well. Even the last Robert Jordan book I read had a couple of missing words and misspellings. But when it is consistent and interrupts the flow of the book, it can affect readability. I don’t think the editing issues were so major that it made the book unreadable, but more thorough editing would improve the flow and keep the reader from getting distracted. Having brought up these points, I did enjoy the book. It was a charming love story with interesting characters, and a good moral. I thought it was a good casual read, especially for the upcoming summer months. It isn’t the kind of love story that will have you zipping through the pages, but I think it will appeal to upper middle grade, younger teen, and reluctant readers. There is no sex and almost no language, so it’s great for younger ages. Reluctant readers will probably also enjoy the streamlined plot and smaller cast of characters. And let’s face it, most kids could use a reminder that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
  • A Simple Matter of Justice on Feb. 06, 2013

    Samantha considered asking a security guard to walk her to her car, but she thought she would be safe enough. It's a decision she will regret for the rest of her life. Dragged into the forest, raped and murdered, Samantha's fears that she will not be the only victim. So when she if offered a change to take back her life in order to bring her killer to justice, she puts aside her fear of facing again in order to protect others. A Simple Matter of Justice is Annamaria Bazzi's first published short story. The spiritual and paranormal elements create an interesting mixture of real world crime and supernatural revenge. Samantha experiences both, and at first struggles to understand both aspects. Her rape and murder provide an emotional surge that she continues to battle with throughout the story. Her experience was a bit graphic, which makes it inappropriate for younger readers. Tempering her fear and anger is the support of the spirit animals that offer her a second chance. One of those, Steven, is sent to help her on this journey. Steven provides the companionship Samantha needs, even though he also inspires a certain amount of fear in Samantha as she tries to cope with the violence she just experienced. Their relationship is a buffer against the more harsh elements of Samantha's experience. While their is little romantic element to their relationship, their is friendship. Anything more would not have set well for me. My only complaint is that certain aspects of this story were underdeveloped. Some areas were rushed through to keep the length in check. Emotional responses occasionally lacked the depth they could have reached because of the fast pace. Overall, this was a good introduction to Bazzi's work. I am interested to read more of her work and see how she handles a full length novel.
  • The Woodlands on Feb. 16, 2014

    Life inside the rings has never been pleasant for Rosa. The rigid rules don't sit well with her adventurous and strong-willed spirit, and she often finds herself in trouble because of this. Lately, however, getting into trouble is her only defense against her hateful stepfather. She half expects her attitude will be what costs her everything in the end, but that would have been more bearable than the truth. Set in post-apocalyptic Russia, The Woodlands society is harsh and rigid. The focus on "All Kind" over individuality is a common theme in dystopian style novels, but there is an element of uniqueness to this world that draws readers in immediately. The Superiors rule the Woodlands by keeping the different groups of survivors isolated from each other to the point of absolute dependency. Even Rosa's strong personality has trouble seeing past the inevitability of falling in line with the Superiors. Even so, Taylor still manages to keep an underlying sense of hope throughout the terrible trials Rosa faces to keep the readers from despairing too much. Something I always look for in a novel is a strong cast of characters. Rosa is a character most readers will easily relate to right off the bat, but it is the varied supporting cast that truly gives this novel the sense of reality it needs to capture readers' attention. I very much enjoyed the complexity of each supporting character and the depth of not only their emotions, but their motivation and perspectives on their lives. Joseph is a beautifully deep character who's initial cheerful personality might make readers not take him seriously, but his depth of conviction and troubled soul will make him unforgettable. It isn't just the supporting characters that readers will have a hard time pulling away from. While this isn't Rosa's story alone, she is definitely the main focus. Rosa isn't immediately the most "likable" character in the sense of her being the kind of girl who easily wins people over. At times I would find myself wishing she could be just a little different, a little less antagonistic or more able to open up to those who love her, but if she were any different she wouldn't be nearly as captivating. It is Rosa's imperfections that make her so real, so unique. It will pull at readers' heartstrings as they suffer along with her through incredible trials. Rosa's story is not always a happy one, yet her strength and fierce love for her friends never lets the reader lose hope in her. This is the first book in The Woodlands Series, and I can promise that readers will be eager for book two as soon as they finish this one.