Review: The Velvet Knife

The Velvet Knife by Maureen Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stevie has just been dumped and needs a diversion.  As someone who loves to solve murders … she wasn’t expecting one in the middle of an apartment complex.  She has also been tasked with learning everything she can about the Watergate Scandal.  Who can Stevie trust?  Is there a chance that David and Stevie will reunite?

The Velvet Knife is the sixth book in the Truly Devious series.  This book has been on my TBR list for almost four years, and it was definitely worth the wait.  I did find the “past” events interspersed in the story a distraction, but in the end … everything pulled together.  I am not sure if this is the final book in the series, but Johnson has left this book with a good conclusion, but also a chance for more antics from these characters.  

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Review: Ashes at the Altar

Ashes at the Altar by LaDarrion Williams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Malik knows that the fight is not over.  He may have trapped the evil spirit that was possessing his mother, but her power is still growing, and the Bokors have not been caught.  In addition to all of that, he is adjusting to learning who his father’s people are AND a new semester of school.  Who can Malik trust?  Will his magic be enough?

 Ashes at the Alter is the third and final book in the Blood at the Root trilogy.   This book did a good job jogging my memory in the prologue helping me remember the events that have already happened, but overall, this story was way too long.  I kept looking at my Kindle time and felt like the count wasn’t going anywhere.  I enjoyed the overarching story and was satisfied with the ending, but the final book should have been shortened to make it more concise.  

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Review: Firstborn

Firstborn by M.J. Hastings
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Bryn is a firstborn soldier.  The Long Night is fast approaching, and she must kill or be exiled.  She has two siblings.  The second child has become a scholar, and the third child’s destiny is unknown.  When Bryn learns that there is a plan to kidnap the Lastborn, she can’t shake the feeling that her youngest sister is in peril.  As her search becomes more complicated, Bryn must trust those who are untrustworthy.  Can Bryn protect her siblings?  What and who does she owe her loyalty to?

Firstborn is a stand-alone fantasy novel that was a good read but won’t be great for most fantasy fans.  I found my mind wandering away from the story because the characters were not keeping me involved.  This is great for those who don’t want to invest in a long series, though.  

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Review: The Magic We Made

The Magic We Made by Meg Cabot
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Frankie is a trained therapist with a thriving practice.  She is a firm believer that there is a scientific explanation for everything, but when her life and town are upended by “witches,” she tries to find new ones.  Ash has a knack for finding lost things.  He is hired to find a missing girl, but his knack is not working so well.  Several other witch influencers have gone missing, and Ash can’t keep his mind off his new neighbor, Frankie.  Will Frankie be able to explain all the unusual activities?  Can Ash find the missing girls?

The Magic We Made is the second book in the Witches of West Harbor series.  Although this is part of a series, this is a stand-alone book that is only enhanced by the first one.  Also, this is an adult book with adult content, but only one chapter got “steamy.”  Cabot has created a fun, witchy book that was a great escape from my day-to-day life, and I hope she has more books set in West Harbor.  

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