Marked by Azurite (Razor’s Edge Chronicles, #4) by Celine Jeanjean – Review

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5 stars, Adventure, Book Review, Celine Jeanjean, dogs, fantasy, magic, series, talking cats, urban fantasy

About Marked by Azurite by Celine Jeanjean

You know that sickly feeling in the pit of your stomach when things have not just gone wrong, but very, very wrong?

Yeah, that feeling.

Like when you find yourself alone, facing off against an angry pontianak, a type of Asian vampire, who on top of being powerful, magical, and deadly, hates your guts.

At the time the risk seemed worth it to find out more about my magic.

Now? I wish I’d just stuck to barbering the supernatural. Given my weak magic, I’m going to have to find a way to talk myself out of this. Fast.

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Review of Marked by Azurite

The 4th book in the Razor’s Edge Chronicles dives deeper into Apiya’s unknown past while putting her uncomfortably up close and personal with her mortal enemy.

Marked by Azurite continues to explore the contentious relationship between the Mayak (magical beings) and humans, while people like Apiya – the Touched (slightly magical humans) – are caught in the cross-fire. It all takes place on the island nation of Panong. I am fascinated with this colorful location, both the land and the people.

Apiya will travel to visit the Akha tribe based on a lead that possibly they might know something about who/what she is. I should mention, that in order make this trip, Apiya will have to leave the safety of her home after having been attacked by Yue, an angry pontianak. Chai tries to talk her out of it, but in the end, as the friend I know him to be, Chai will always accompany Apiya on her crazy, dangerous quest. Chai is the best friend everybody needs.

Apiya’s other best friend is her dog Hunter. After her near death experience Apiya says “Just cuddle your dog…” Dog people will love Hunter.

Cat people will get a kick out of Tim (the talking cat). Even Apiya is warming up to Tim, although neither Apiya or Tim will be admitting liking the other anytime soon. Their relationship is a constant source of humor.

Marked by Azurite provides more juicy background on the Mayaks – Sarroch and Mr. Sangong. And my view of them continues to evolve. Sarroch, as the helpful ally and impossible love interest for Apiya, has become the unreliable associate (you will have to read to find out why). And Mr. Sangong, who is Apiya’s unreliable mentor, is becoming more dependable.

I am absolutely crazy about these books! Each one is a short novel and should be read in order. My recommendation is that you grab them all and binge the entire series.

Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.

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Max and the Spice Thieves (Secrets of the Twilight Djinn, #1) by Max Peragine – Review

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5 stars, Adventure, Book Review, childrens books, djinn, fantasy, John Peragine, magic, middle grade, sailing ships, series, witches

About Max and the Spice Thieves by John Peragine

When his mother goes missing, Max Daybreaker’s world is turned upside down. Luckily, a crew of Spice Pirates, led by the mysterious Captain Cinn, help Max on his dangerous mission across the three seas. Along the way, an unlikely alliance aids in his search—a teenage warrior queen, a three-eyed seer, and an assassin spy. Their journey takes them through treacherous lands while facing shapeshifting bears, an ancient witch, harpies, and the nightmarish Djinn, who will stop at nothing to enslave the world. With every new challenge, Max unlocks the secrets of his unsettling past. Powers awaken within, forcing him to question everything he knows. Is Max who he thinks he is? Only time and destiny will tell…

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Review of Max and the Spice Thieves

I saw this book and I knew I had to try it, even though I don’t often read middle grade books.  Max and the Spice Thieves is a remarkable adventure for readers of any age.  Non-stop action, all sorts of heroes, villains, magic and a family’s peril kept me engrossed from start to finish.

Max is an engaging young boy, whose mission to save his mother becomes so much more. Keeping company with a pirate, Max meets a variety of characters, including a young queen, a witch and some talking polar bears.  I loved the mix of characters, the unending search for mom, and the constant peril. 

Max and the Spice Thieves is a true page-turner.  Be prepared to read late into the night.  The ending was perfect, especially since I was hoping for more adventures for Max and his friends.  Did I say I don’t read middle grade books?  Well, maybe one or two…

Through NetGalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book so that I could bring you this review.

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Lifted by Water (Razor’s Edge Chronicles, #3) by Celine Jeanjean – Review

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5 stars, Adventure, Book Review, Celine Jeanjean, fantasy, magic, series, talking cats, urban fantasy

About Lifted by Water by Celine Jeanjean

If I tell you I have magic, you’re probably going to expect all kind of impressive displays, like fireballs and moving things with my mind.

Yeah, I still can’t do that.

That’s why I’m a barber to the supernatural rather than any kind of magical badass.  And now that the supernaturals have come out in public, things are getting seriously interesting.  Especially when one of my regulars goes missing. I’m never one to stand on the sidelines when a friend’s in trouble, so of course I go looking for him.

You’d be amazed how quickly I can get in over my head.  And given my weak magic, it’s definitely not a comfortable position.

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Review of Lifted by Water

I love this series.  Like the previous 2 books in the series, Lifted by Water is a short novel. It adds to the story of Apiya’s mission to save the Mayak (fully magical beings) from the humans who continually encroach into their space.  Failure is not an option, unless you like war.  Complications keep adding depth to the story, as well as enriching the cast of characters and the locale.

In Lifted by Water, Apiya makes her first attempt to find out where/who she came from.  As an adopted child, she never before had any desire to find out.  But strange things are happening and knowing might be better than not knowing. Of course, Apiya is thwarted on her first attempt to learn more at the orphanage she came from. So….mystery!

Also, in this story, a Mayak shifter, who was one of Apiya’s barbershop customers, goes missing.  It becomes yet another mission for Apiya to find him, along with Sarroch, the shifter she saved in Bound by Silver.  The relationship between Apiya and Sarroch is undefined and full of potential.  She knows more about him than any non-magical person should.  The reverse is probably also true.

Tim, the (talking) cat, is still very entertaining and in a scene that made me laugh out loud, proved that is was ultimately just like any mundane cat.  Still, Tim remains unflappable. I love his place in each story.

Mr. Sangong, Apiya’s mentor, was missing from most of the book, but showed up at the end to be helpful and unhelpful all at the same time.  I have not changed my opinion about him….he is still a suspect in the greater story arc.

Also mostly missing was Chai, Apiya’s friend.  He has had his heroic moments in the past, plus he is her confidant.  Chai usually adds perspective, humor and friendship.  I missed him. 

Definitely read these books in order to get the most out of them. But read them. I have no idea where this story is going, which means it is going to be so fun!

Thanks to the author who provided a copy of her book in exchange for my honest review.

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