Location: United States
Member Since:
March 10, 2011
Jessica
Smashwords book reviews by Jessica
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The Last Legend
on March 31, 2011
I had been eagerly awaiting for the release of The Last Legend since I read the teaser on K Writerly's blog entry and I was absolutely delighted when I read the book in its entirety. We start by seeing the world through the heartbroken and suddenly orphaned Kellan who has to go live with his aunt in an unfamiliar city with unfamiliar people. It is one of those unfamiliar people, O' Neill who tells Kellan of a wonderfully power and incredible woman, Bowen Blair. Through her story, Kellan draws the strength to move on past his father's death. Years pass and Kellan grows into a fine young man. When rumors of Bowen's recent actions start to spread, the admiration he has for the last of the Fianna is threatened. This starts the journey of a young man who comes into contact with several people who know Bowen and is changed by what he sees and learns of her. It is these characters' reaction and interactions with her that give readers a glimpse into just who Bowen really is. Throughout the story she is reminiscent of a diamond...multifaceted and strong. Depending on whose viewpoint the reader is seeing through, she's seen as a very different person, yet her strength and elusiveness is always shown as a pivotal part of her character. The Last Legend a prime example of what a historical fiction book should be. The research, as evidenced by her extensive resource list, is impeccable and allows the reader to transition from the busy world in the 21st century to the 14th century Irish countryside effortlessly. I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys the epic feel of a legend and the longing to know "what is the truth?"
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Without Wings
on March 09, 2012
As a self-proclaimed lover of all things action, sci-fi and sarcastic, let me tell you, this story has it all. The plot is rich as we are introduced to a world with Seraphims and mystery. Each of the characters are awesome (but realistically flawed--there be no Mary Sues in this fic). We start off by meeting Lasca, who is an absolute hoot with her quirks. She is a a lusty reluctantly-successful photographer/professor who always has an amusing way of looking at situations. Some of her asides are hysterical. Seriously. I love watching her growth throughout the entire novel. By the end, you'll totally be recognizing that Chez isn't the only badass in the family. Speaking of Chez...By chapter two we meet Chez, who has a unique characterization of being an extremely sarcastic ex-military mercenary who is also a "schmuck". When the plot gets going, he reminds me a lot of John Crichton (Farscape) with his ability to adapt to an seemingly impossible situation. And we all know how I feel about a man with a gun. Well, he's got two. And he's named them. Then there is Owen who isn't who (or what) he seems to be! I can't exactly get into details about him without major spoilers, but he's awesome. And if you are a fan of awesome bromance, then you are going to love and adore the interaction between him and Chez. I could go on and on about the adorable sweetness of Gianni (If you enjoy a good slow-boil UST-y relationship, then you'll squee and flail for Lasca and Gianni), the serenity of Andro, the tough-guyness of Lei and his crew, but really? You should read this book for yourself.