Death of Life by Derrien Relyea
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: “Death of Life” by Derrien Relyea

“Death of Life” continues the epic saga of Darque Aalanna Grifynn, known as the Dragon, who now leads the Warrior Brotherhood—the most elite fighting force in all of Kadoor. With the Battle for the Dragon Clan behind her, she faces a new prophecy: the Return of the True King and the Death of Life itself. As the Fates weave their threads, Darque must rebuild the Brotherhood, find the True King, and prevent the impending catastrophe.

Rich World-Building: Relyea’s vivid descriptions immerse readers in Eldoria, where magic, dragons, and destiny collide.
Character Growth: Darque’s journey from Battle Commander to reluctant savior is compelling. Her internal struggles, loyalty, and determination resonate.
Prophecies and Mystery: The Triad Prophecies—Return of the Dragon, Return of the True King, and Death of Life—drive the plot. The suspense keeps readers engaged.

Final Verdict:
“Death of Life” weaves together destiny, sacrifice, and the inexorable march of time. Fans of epic fantasy will appreciate the intricate world-building and Darque’s unwavering determination. While not flawless, this installment sets the stage for an epic showdown in the “Darque Legends” series.

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CHECKMATE By K. D. Tabith

 

In the mystical realm of Siacchi, where kingdoms clash and shapeshifters roam, Checkmate unfolds—a tale of power, secrets, and forbidden love.

Theodori Hunter Wolfborn, a fierce shapeshifter, seeks to prove his worth by conquering Siacchi.

His strategy? Kidnap Cesse, a master of the ancient game of dominance and submission.

But fate twists when Theo kidnaps the wrong man—Luka Lockehart, a brilliant Cesse player with hidden abilities.

Destiny and Sacrifice: As Theo and Luka collide, they must choose between loyalty to their kingdoms and the desires of their hearts.

Identity and Attraction: Luka’s shapeshifting abilities remain concealed, while Theo grapples with newfound feelings.

Deadly Intrigue: Secrets unravel, alliances shift, and danger looms as kingdoms teeter on the brink.

K.D. Tabith paints a vivid canvas, where passion and danger intertwine.

The chemistry between Theo and Luka leaps off the pages, leaving readers breathless.

Checkmate is a thrilling blend of romance and suspense, where every move counts.

Prepare for a game where hearts are the ultimate prize, and the stakes are life and love.

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The Prophecy of the Yubriy Tree By Ben Spencer

 

The Prophecy of the Yubriy Tree” by Ben Spencer is an exuberant, character-driven epic fantasy that blends elements of Game of Thrones with The Name of the Wind.

Every year, prophecy leaves fall from the Yubriy Tree. The Dayborn king sends trusted servants to collect these leaves and return them to the capital. However, this year, one leaf drifted into the forest unseen, setting in motion a chain of events that will forever change three lives.

Ben Spencer weaves a vivid tapestry of suspense and wonder.Descriptive prose immerses readers in the lush landscapes.

The Prophecy of the Yubriy Tree balances mystery, adventure, and heart. A promising start to a series that leaves us eager for more.

“Destiny dances on the edge of a leaf, waiting for us to leap.”

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Only A Portal Away

 Aliya, a weary junior from the University of Georgia, faces an unexpected dilemma when she discovers her favorite fictional character, Crown Prince Enzo al’Deran, injured and confused in her living room. Enzo claims to be from the not-so-fictional world of Indresal, and he demonstrates the impossible: creating miniature portals. Determined to return home, Enzo enlists Aliya’s help. But danger looms—Enzo’s pursuer has followed him to Earth, intent on killing him. Aliya must decide whether to risk her life for a seemingly imaginary person.

 “Only a Portal Away” is incredibly adventurous, blending humor, banter, and a touch of romance. The playful confusion Enzo experiences in the human realm adds a lighthearted touch. However, the writing style occasionally feels repetitive, and character development could be deeper. Despite these minor flaws, the novel’s unique premise and fast-paced plot make it an enjoyable read. 

If you’re a fan of enchanting worlds and unexpected encounters, this book might just be your next portal to adventure!

LAUGHS LAST BY DYLAN BRODY

 

Laughs Last by Dylan Brody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Laughs Last” by Dylan Brody is a poignant exploration of family, legacy, talent, and the fluidity of time. Set against the backdrop of a disjointed timeline, the novel follows the life of our protagonist, Damon Blazer. Here are the key elements that make this book unique:

The Weight of Memory:
There may not be boxes strong enough for the weight of memory, but some books can bear it. “Laughs Last” is one such book.
Damon Blazer’s journey into adulthood unfolds in fits and starts, revealing layers of complexity. His quick mind and instinct to flee (preferably before getting punched) shape his experiences.

Family Lessons:
Blazer’s family laughs never mean just one thing. From his brutish and detached brother to his grieving but understanding mother, each family member imparts lessons.
However, it’s the inheritance of his grandfather’s wisdom that truly forms the backbone of Blazer’s biography.

The Storied Comedian:
Damon’s relationship with a storied comedian adds intrigue. The slow reveal of what happened at his grandfather’s funeral keeps readers engaged.
The disjointed timeline runs like an extended callback, emphasizing the urgency of storytelling.
Stages of Grief Across a Lifetime:
As Damon navigates life, we witness the stages of grief revealed across decades. Memories enlarge through tunnel vision or the actual weight of time.
Is nostalgia a water-colored feeling available at any age, or does it flow with the facts of chronology?

Avoiding Foolishness and Hacks:
Blazer fumbles to avoid feeling foolish, being a hack, and living a lifetime of mediocrity.
In this journey, we meet a novelist for a new century—Dylan Brody.

In “Laughs Last,” Brody deftly weaves humor, vulnerability, and introspection. The novel invites readers to ponder the enduring impact of laughter, the weight of memories, and the passage of time.



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