Book Reviews

The Dorothea & Browen Trilogy Book Reviews

/ kellyfbarr / Leave a comment

I love stories with dragons, so when I was at a Bookfest last October, I couldn’t pass by this trilogy. It’s taken me a while to get to it, but it certainly didn’t take me long to read these books. I think I had them all read in ten to twelve days. Now I want to share with you what I liked, and what I didn’t. This Dorothea and Browen Trilogy was written by J. K. Weyant.

Dragon’s Pick — Book One

This story grabbed my attention from the start as Dorothea’s family prepared to go to town to see the Dragon eggs. The village of Villa Ovo would care for the eggs until they hatched and the dragon would choose its rider. This story is about dragons and their riders and their training. The story is exciting and fast paced.

There were only two things I didn’t like about this book: 1) there was some profanity in it. I felt it was unnecessary, and it didn’t do anything to add to the story. Some of it wasn’t even used in proper context. Fortunately, the profanity was kept to a minimum. 2) As an editor, I’m very aware of grammar and spelling, and unfortunately there were a lot of grammatical errors in this book, and there were also words that should have been in sentences that weren’t. Fortunately, I was invested enough in the characters and the story line that the errors didn’t distract me as much as they ordinarily would.

Dorothea is the first female dragon rider in a long time because most of the dragons hatched were female, and female dragons chose male riders. Only male dragons chose female riders, and it had been many years since a male dragon had hatched. But Dorothea, age almost eighteen, left her village with three boys, all in their teens, and their dragons.

The things that happen to these four characters during their training held my interest throughout the book. The competition between the riders and their relationships created tension and action that kept me turning pages at a fast pace.

Dragon’s Loss — Book Two

In this book, it’s time for the riders’ graduation ceremony, but there have been some things going on that have Thea and one of the boys suspicious of the head of Castle Draco. The graduation ceremony turns into a disaster.

This book is full of adventure, danger, and tension. War may be coming and Thea must win over the dragon-hating Mutes of Kings Guard and convince The Golden Edge to form an alliance with the Dragon Riders and Mutes, the rebel army who helped Thea and her group of riders escape from Castle Draco.

Unfortunately, this book had the same editorial issues as the first book, though it has less profanity. The thing I liked least in this book is the fact that it includes sex outside of marriage. The scene is not overly explicit, but it is definitely clear that the characters engage in sex.

This book is full of tension and action, danger and fighting. There was enough suspense to keep me turning pages, and this book ends with a cliff hanger that made me glad I already had the next book, even though I didn’t pick it up until the next day.

Dragon’s Fall — Book Three

This book, again, held my attention and kept me turning pages. Just like the first two books in the series, it included lots of action, tension, danger, and fighting. In the beginning, there is an unexpected reunion.

Things I disliked about this book: 1) just like the first two books, this one had the same editorial issues; 2) even after being betrothed, a couple still participates in sexual activity before their wedding; 3) I felt like Thea was very self-centered in the first part of this book; 4) though this book is deemed a “trilogy” and this is book three, something is hinted at very near the end that is not fully disclosed or revealed by the end of the book that leaves the reader dissatisfied. I wonder why the author chose to do this in a book meant to be the end of a series. This was a disappointment to this reader. It’s been three years since this trilogy has been published. Therefore, I have to reiterate, why would the author hint at something she doesn’t intend to fully expose or resolve?

All in all, this book had me engaged from start to finish, just like the first two books. I also was happy with the growth and change in the characters. I would recommend these books to people eighteen and older who like stories with dragons and lots of action and suspense.

I would not recommend these books to those younger than eighteen because there is a lot of adult content. Things dealt with in these books are: violence and killing, torture, the effects of torture — both physical and psychological, though the psychological healing really isn’t exhibited, and as already mentioned, sex outside of marriage, and pregnancy outside of marriage.

Book Review: Silk by E. B. Roshan

/ kellyfbarr / Leave a comment

Silk is the first graphic novel by E.B. Roshan. It follows a brother and sister into the jungle of a fantasy world, where the girl protects spider like creatures who spin a fine silk. However, her brother works for a group of men who believe the spiders are a danger to the people living in the city. As he is torn between his family’s beliefs and his job, a disagreement ensues and the boy is endangered. Will his sister be able to save him?

Although I am not a fan of graphic novels, I found this one to be unique. I like that it is educational in both a scientific and moral sense. The artwork is unique and is black and white. It fits well with the fantasy, jungle, and city setting the story takes place in.

This story is easy to read, and I believe children of middle grades will enjoy it.

Book Review: The Lonely Mortician by D. M. Tregaskis

/ kellyfbarr / Leave a comment

I never have time to read an entire book in one sitting, and usually that doesn’t bother me. However, when I started reading The Lonely Mortician by D. M. Tregaskis, I did not want to put it down, and every time I had to, I couldn’t wait until I could pick it up again. I love Closed Door Romance stories in any genre and I read a LOT of them, but I can honestly say that I have never read one like The Lonely Mortician before.

D. M. Tregaskis wrote a story with a very complex story line and a lot of complications for the main female character, but I never once felt like it was bogged down or confusing. From Cinn’s job as a mortician, to someone haunting the house, to the dating game to raise funds for a community library, I was fully engaged in the story.

I found Cinn to be completely relatable and fully understood her confusion in regard to the men she dated for the dating game show. I felt her pain in the loss of people she loved, and not just in death. I also enjoyed watching Cinn’s change from the beginning of the story to the end. It was very realistic.

When two men, from the dating show, expressed serious interest in Cinn, I thought I knew which one I wanted her to choose. However, as the story progressed, that choice appeared much harder and not as crystal clear. D. M. Tregaskis also included some unique elements as well as some unexpected twists, which added depth and more than one positive message to the book.

This was the first book by D. M. Tregaskis I have read, but it will not be the last! I highly recommend The Lonely Mortician by D. M. Tregaskis to anyone from young adults to adults of all ages who enjoy fun, unique romance stories, and I can’t wait to get my next D. M. Tregaskis book.

Book Review: The Exceptionals by Clara Howell

/ kellyfbarr / Leave a comment

Clara Howell, a high school student in my area, has written and published her first novel. At age 13, while she struggled to find fantasy books that met her advanced reading level and were appropriate for a young teen, she decided to write her own. According to Amazon, The Exceptionals is a 337 page fantasy novel that was published on January 11, 2024.

This book came from an idea Clara had in eighth grade. Clara’s high school English teacher, Scott Hertzog, encouraged her to participate in an independent study. Clara and Mr. Hertzog worked together, and by November 2023, Clara had completed her final draft. She, then, decided to try her hand at graphic arts and created her book cover.

A friend of mine suggested I read The Exceptionals by Clara Howell, so I did.

Back Cover Blurb:

“Sometimes We’re More Like Our Enemies Than We Think”

All her life, Aila Vinn has been taught to fear the Exceptionals. She’s been told that they are dangerous, containing otherworldly powers that make them a threat to the country of Rosan. Marked by a brown X on their left hand, Exceptionals are to be reported on sight. Eight years ago, Aila reported her best friend and watched as the Exceptional Police dragged him away to his death.

On her sixteenth birthday, Aila wakes up to find an X on her own hand, irreparably changing the course of her life.

In another part of Rosan, Storm Dawson is a thief who lives with his nine brothers. Dirt-poor and faced with a life of hard work and little food, Storm dreams of a world beyond the simple streets of Ferrol. He gets more than he asked for when he finds himself marked as an Exceptional and is torn away from the only life he knows.

Both Aila and Storm are reported to the Exceptional Police and supposedly taken to their deaths. But when they wake up the next morning, they begin to realize that the Exceptionals are not what they seem. Secrets are revealed, dangers are faced, and at the heart of the struggle sits a deception that threatens to uproot the entire empire.

In the midst of it all, both teens must face a difficult question: How far are they willing to go to get what they want?

My Review:

The Exceptionals is an exciting, suspenseful novel with a couple unexpected twists. The characters are well developed and keep the reader’s attention. You will find yourself cheering one of the main characters on throughout the book, while wondering, at times, how the other’s decisions will affect the lives of several characters.

This novel is well written and will have the reader on the edge of their seats several times throughout the story. It definitely keeps the reader turning pages.

The characters think for themselves, seek answers to their questions, and make decisions based on what they know and learn, and on their personal convictions.

It is clean fiction. It is a good vs. evil story, and though, there is no clear Christian message, the story does include Christian values such as: kindness, friendship, love and care for a family, and courage.

I greatly enjoyed the story and recommend it. I hope to see more novels by Clara Howell.

Convincing Lou by Jodie Wolfe

/ kellyfbarr / 1 Comment

I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of Convincing Lou to review for its upcoming release on August 16th — just eight days from today! Here is my honest review:

Convincing Lou is part of Jodie Wolfe’s “Burrton Spring Brides” series. It is a Christian Historical Romance story, and its main theme is “trusting God”. Both main characters in Convincing Lou go through situations that teach them the importance of trusting God.

Ellie Lou is a widow who is in danger of losing her home, and she jumps at any chance to do something to save it. This gets her into some dangerous predicaments.

Jodie Wolfe knows how to keep her readers turning pages. Convincing Lou is filled with danger, suspense, and a couple daring rescues. It also includes a sweet romance. Before you know it, you’ll be reading past your bedtime. I certainly enjoyed Convincing Lou, and it did have me up past my bedtime a couple nights. It was definitely hard to put down.

If you haven’t read any of the Burrton Spring Brides series, I highly recommend you grab your copy of Convincing Lou as soon as you can. Even though it’s not the first book of the series, it can be read as a stand alone. I’m sure after reading Convincing Lou, you’ll want to go back and read the other books in the series.

Tattered Banners by Karim Soliman

/ kellyfbarr / Leave a comment

Tattered Banners is the second book in Karim Soliman’s “War of the Last Day” series. It is an Epic Fantasy novel. As a Book Reviewer, I received a free ebook copy of this book and this is my honest review.

Following the fall of Paril, the Cursed Army moves to invade the rest of Gorania. Tattered Banners begins with runaways from all six kingdoms trekking north through the Frozen Forest in an attempt to get to Karun’s Cave, the only place they believe they will be safe from the Cursed Army. However, to survive, they believe they need a special kind of suit, and these suits are in limited supply. The Goranians are ready to fight to the death for a place in Karun’s Cave.

The story follows Nardine and her mother, who believe there may still be a chance to end the Cursed Invasion. But the Skandivians stand in their way because the Skandivians believe the Bermanians are the biggest threat. Following the trouble with the Skandivians, Nardine becomes Queen, but is she ready for this position? Is she ready to be a leader?

Halgrim, another important character in the story, travels with a friend, hoping to catch up with his family as they flee north. They face danger and his friend needs to be taken to see “the Lady”, who is the only one who can save his friend’s life.

And Leila is stuck in the middle of a war she did not want. She has a unique ability that the leader of the seers take advantage of, and she is suddenly thrust into making a decision she is unsure of.

Tattered Banners is a story filled with action, adventure, danger, and suspense. This story includes good, evil, battles, and magic. It will keep you turning pages and hoping your favorite characters will survive. The one thing I didn’t care for was that some of the characters use some profane words, but thankfully, these words were used sporadically and not throughout the entire story.

Karim Soliman is a talented writer. He is skilled at world building and creating characters from so many places. He flawlessly connects the characters and engages the reader in their lives and in the detailed, complex story.

I give Tattered Banners 5 stars.

Why Should You Read Clean Fiction Magazine?

/ kellyfbarr / 8 Comments

My Winter Edition of Clean Fiction Magazine finally arrived last week! Keep reading to find out why you should read this magazine.

If you look at the photo in the top left corner of the above photo of a page from the Winter Edition of Clean Fiction Magazine, you’ll notice that Harper has made it into this issue! Also, I am the Romance Reviewer for Clean Fiction Magazine, so if you’ve enjoyed reading my Romance Reviews here on the blog in the past, if you want to read more, be sure to get your copy of the latest edition (Winter 2023 Edition) of the magazine, available on Amazon. I have 10 reviews in the latest edition, and though I am the Romance Reviewer, I do, occasionally review a mystery, suspense, or fantasy book as well. The other fun thing in this edition is that since it was the end of the year edition, I was asked to choose my Top 3 Favorite Reads of 2023! You can read those in the photo above.

In addition, this magazine is filled with Book Reviews of the following genres: Fantasy and Fairy Tale; Sci-fi, Superheroes, and Steampunk; Audio Dramas; Epic; Romance and Real Life; Mystery; Historicaland Illustrative Fiction.

In addition there are poems, the winning entries of the last Windows Into the Multiverse Flash Fiction Story Contest, advertisements of more great books and authors; the last installment of a short story by Clean Fiction Publisher, Amy Lynn McConahy, as well as some other ongoing stories.

There are also some great articles, some fun cartoons, lists of different award winning books, the winners of the last Cover Art Contest, a list of upcoming contests in upcoming issues as well as other dates for great events that involve books. There’s the winner of the last Bookstagram Contest, and the photo for the current Windows into the Multiverse Contest with instructions on how to enter, but there are ONLY 2 Days Left to get your entries in!

So, whether you looking for your next great read or a new favorite author, or just want to read some great Flash Fiction stories, short stories, poetry, or articles, there’s something in Clean Fiction Magazine for every reader who likes their fiction clean. You can purchase your copy — ebook or paperback at Amazon.com.

Bentonsport: A New Chapter by Lisa Schnedler

/ kellyfbarr / Leave a comment

Bentonsport: A New Chapter is the second book of Lisa Schnedler’s duology. The first book is Bentonsport: A Christmas Story, which I read and reviewed for Clean Fiction Magazine. After reading the first book, I had to read this one to find out how things worked out or didn’t work out for Thomas Barton and Sarah Peterson.

Both books are time travel novels. In Bentonsport: A New Chapter, Sarah has gone 150 years back in time to join Thomas Barton in his world. Sarah is also from Bentonsport, but in a very different time period. This book is a fun read as Sarah, who is used to many of the modern conveniences that you and I live with in today’s world, must now do without such things as electric stoves and ovens, electricity in the house, cell phones, and many other things. In addition, she has to dress differently and live a different lifestyle than she is used to. She also has to be careful what she says to avoid appearing crazy.

This novel is a delightful read as Sarah struggles and, eventually, accepts her new world. Readers will also be delighted with some surprises in the story. You will also fall in love with some of the characters. This book will also make you laugh out loud on occasion.

An easy to read, clean fiction story, with a bit of the Christian religion mixed in, as well as adventure and fun is all to be had in Bentonsport: A New Chapter. I highly recommend this book, but strongly suggest you read Bentonsport: A Christmas Story first to fully understand and follow this sequel. However, I will mention that the first novel is a bit more serious, and sometimes intense and suspenseful. It seems to set things up for this book, but both are definitely worth the read!

I give Bentonsport: A New Chapter by Lisa Schnedler a 5 star rating.

A New Year and New Things to Come

/ kellyfbarr / 2 Comments

Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash

As 2024 begins, I am working on planning my weekdays to devote to writing fulltime. Yes, my dream has finally come true! Some of my plans include:

1) finishing final edits and formatting my first novel, for which I have found someone to create my cover. The goal is to have it available no later than the end of February.

2) writing my second novel, which I have already started, and my plan is to have this one published in time for Christmas 2024!

3) writing more posts here for all of you who make time to come here and read. One of the things I will be writing and sharing are more flash fiction stories, including a series I have in mind that will feature my beloved dog as the main character.

4) sharing contest links and updates to help promote Clean Fiction Magazine which is a great place to read reviews of Clean and Christian books to read, as well as some great articles and short stories.

I’m so excited and I hope you will enjoy finding more to read here on my blog. Of course, I’ll still be posting occasional Book Reviews here too, but remember, I strive to write 40 reviews a year for Clean Fiction Magazine, that’s 10 per issue, so if you can’t get enough of my reviews here, be sure to grab your copy of each quarterly issue of Clean Fiction Magazine.

Cover Reveal and Release Date

/ kellyfbarr / 1 Comment

Mark your calendar! The Winter Edition for 2023 of Clean Fiction is coming December 20th!

You won’t want to miss this edition! In addition to all of the great reviews, there are always some other great things to read, and the next Windows Into The Multiverse contest, and more! And this upcoming edition has another surprise, so be sure to get yours on December 20th!