bookjunkie – Page 2 – Sincerely Karen Jo

Kalifus Rising

(Legends of Orkney #2)

Alane Adams

5 ★ – A Marvelous and Magical Adventure

PUBLISHED BY SPARKPRESS SEPTEMBER 6, 2016

GENRE(S) MIDDLE GRADE, FANTASY, MYTHOLOGY

PAGES: PAPERBACK 384

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Sam Baron just freed Orkney from the ravages of the Red Sun–but now, imprisoned by Catriona, leader of the Volgrim Witches, Sam finds the darker side of his half-god, half-witch heritage released, and he fears he might destroy what he saved. Unable to resist the witches’ enchantments, Sam has become their most potent weapon, and is leading an army of monstrous men against Skara Brae. Sam’s only hope for salvation lies with his three best friends and a mystical artifact known as the Moon Pearl. Keely travels north in search of the pearl, while Howie prepares for the gathering onslaught. Leo seeks a powerful artifact in the underworld, and faces an ancient evil that could be an even greater threat than Catriona and her cronies. As Sam’s friends rush to save him, other forces are at work in Orkney’s shadows–forces that could help free Sam, or condemn him to the darkness forever.

It is sooo good to be back in Orkney! I’ve forgotten how much I miss this place and the super lovable characters!

Kalifus Rising follows Keely, Howie and Leo as they try to save Sam and ultimately all of Orkney. Alane Adams definitely amps up the adventure, the thrills, the twists, the humor and really everything else. Her writing is beautiful, vivid, and incredibly imaginative. Once again, I found myself being carried away into this magical world. The plot is engaging and full of surprises that I never really knew what was going to happen. Just when I thought I figured something out, Adams would throw another curve ball and I absolutely loved it! The mythological aspect was utterly captivating and creative. The characters are just the best and I honestly have mad love for all of them. This book is just full of so much awesome and excitement that you’ll be reading way past your bedtime and dreaming about Orkney.

The character development in this installment is amazing. Adams writes with a tremendous heart and you can feel how much she cares about the characters that you can’t help but care about them too. You’ll cheer them on, feel for them and the whole nine yards. I truly enjoyed watching Sam, Keely, Howie, and Leo go on fun adventures, deal with impossible situations, figure out and solve problems, and grow into their roles. I don’t want to reveal too much, but this quirky group of kid heroes… well they are absolutely charming and so fun and I seriously love them! I do have to mention that Keely is definitely my favorite throughout the story. She’s determined and so badass and I adored her with all my heart. Oh and I also really liked the side characters like Mavery (gosh I miss that little imp so much), Rego, and Teren… the old and new and yes even the villains like Catriona and Endera. They’re unique, interesting and delightful in their own ways.

Kalifus Rising is without a doubt one of the best sequels I’ve ever read. I love the characters, the mystery, the adventure, and everything else in between. I love the themes Adams weaves into this crazy FUNTASTIC tale (self-discovery, courage, loyalty, family, friendship, forgiveness and so much more). You’ll definitely be walking away with a smile on your face, a happy heart, and a chest full of life lessons. Definitely go check this out right now and add it to your TBR.

As I’m writing this review, I’m more than 70% done with the third and final book. I’m totally dreading the end, but I can’t wait to see how Adams concludes this series.

Huge thanks to Alane Adams for sending me all three copies (and they’re signed too) of this marvelous series. I will treasure them and Orkney forever.

Follow and Connect with Alane Adams: Website / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook

Hope you enjoyed this review!

Sincerely Karen Jo

This Body Won’t Break

Part One

5 ★ – THRILLING YA DYSTOPIA

PUBLISHED BY AMAZON DIGITAL SERVICES SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

GENRE(S): YOUNG ADULT, DYSTOPIA

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The truth doesn’t always set you free.

Orphaned as a child, Joanna has lived her entire life in the care of the New Terra Alliance. On the verge of turning eighteen, Joanna eagerly awaits her release into what remains of society.

It was a beautiful lie.

Joanna was never meant to leave. She is part of the August Harvest, slated to die before the month’s end. With a rogue soldier’s promise to find her a way out, Joanna dares to hope. But if the NTA finds out what she knows, it won’t only be her own life at stake, but the life of the handsome soldier who has vowed to set her free.

This Body Won’t Break by Lea Mckee is phenomenal and I enjoyed it so much more than I thought I would.

Mckee’s writing is gorgeous and atmospheric. It doesn’t take long before the mystery, intrigue, and tension had me completely hooked. I honestly could not stop reading and became more and more anxious by the minute… and I TOTALLY LOVED IT! I do have to admit that I initially gave this a 4 star rating since it was too short for my liking and there were so many unanswered questions… BUT the more I thought about it, the set-up is actually quite ingenious. I HONESTLY have not stopped thinking about this story and the characters since I finished it.

The world building so far is eerie and disturbing, but absolutely fascinated me. The plot is enigmatic, well-written and full of action. Mckee does such a wonderful job slowly building the tension and suspense that I was literally holding my breath. The characters are likable and very interesting. I can’t wait to get to know them more and see how their stories unfold in the next 2 installments. There’s also a hint of a romance… and being a romance junkie, I’m so ready to swoon. As the story comes to an end, Mckee leads her characters to unknown and terrifying situations. I don’t want to say anymore, but if you’re looking for some fun thrills and chills, then you need to pick this up.

This Body Won’t Break may be short, but that was one of the most satisfying 2-3 hours of reading I’ve ever done. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the sequel when it comes out in October.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This Body Won’t Break is Book One of The O-Negative Series and will be published in 3 Parts (each approx. 25k words in length). Parts will be published on the first Tuesday of every month.

Follow and Connect with Lea McKee: Website / Instagram / Twitter

Sincerely Karen Jo