Review: Morning Star by Desiree Finkbeiner

Many thanks to the author for allowing me the opportunity to read and review her book

Genre

Paranormal Romance

Series

Ethos (Book 1)

Publication Date

March 28th, 2012

Publisher

Hydra Publications

Available At

Amazon

Format

Ebook

When a mysterious stranger interrupts Brianna’s mundane routine, her eyes are opened to the dark underbelly of reality… immortal rogues, ancient conspiracies, prophetic revelations, savage tribes, mammoth dragonflies… 


She’s thrust into a race for her life when Kalen, a warrior from Ethos, discovers that she is harboring a secret… a secret that he’d give his life to protect. 


There’s just one little problem… they are tempted by a forbidden romance, which threatens to compromise a divinely appointed mission. They are faced with a choice… love eternal, or the end of the world…


Review
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


Desiree Finkbeiner created a fabulous world that came to life through bright, vivid imagery. I instantly became lost in the enchanting world of Ethos and can't wait to go back.


The main characters, Bree and Kalen, were definitely likable, perhaps even lovable at some points. I wasn't completely swept away by either of them. One problem that I had was that there was a huge emotional struggle between Kalen and Bree that should have lead up to an intense emotional scene, but I found that scene to be lacking in the intensity that should have been present. I felt that they gave in too easily for such an important struggle. It also seemed that Bree's diction, for the most part, was more old-fashioned than it should have been for a 21 year-old woman living in the 21st century. Bree would comment on Kalen's diction (a lot) but I found that hers matched Kalen's more than it should have (which wasn't a huge problem if she didn't keep ragging on Kalen). But, they were each great characters and although I wasn't completely swept away by them, I could still feel the emotions that Finkbeiner was trying to portray. I must say though, that my favorite character was Athena. Once you read Morning Star, you'll see why. 


I loved the concept that Desiree Finkbeiner introduces to us in Morning Star. She took a popular genre and crafted it to make something that came across as new and refreshing. I was riveted to my seat as each new aspect was produced and I was constantly anxious to see how everything would play out. There were expected twists, but also a lot that weren't expected. Finkbeiner definitely has a knack of keeping up the suspense without drawing it out in unimaginable lengths. I'm ready to dive back into Ethos and begin from where we were left!

Five by Christie Rich

Five(An Elemental Enmity novel) by Christie Rich
Rayla Tate was just a child when her mother disappeared from her life forever. Raised by her aunt Grace in a small town, she has lived a relatively uneventful but extremely sheltered life. She doesn't know it yet, but she
 is special. She has been hidden from the fae who have lived secretly among us since the beginning of time. Descended from an ancient blood-line of Elementals, only she has the power to crown the first fae high-king.

Sick of provincial living and dictates of her aunt, Rayla flees the safety of her home and runs away to collage with her best friend. However, excitement over her newfound freedom is short-lived when she finds herself being chased by a mysterious stranger on her way to school. She is drawn to him immediately but resist the compulsion she feels. He disappears into the night, but she is certain he is following her.

Rayla struggles to deal with the encounter as she adjusts to her environment. To make matters worse, aunt Grace reveals that Rayla will soon be hunted by a pack of fae lords, each hoping to claim her power for his own. She soon finds herself surrounded by stunning men. Are they fae, or is this just normal collage life? More importantly, who can she trust when she can't trust herself to be near them?


Review
5 Massive, Bright Stars!!

The moment I started reading Five, I knew I was in for a wild ride! I instantly became engulfed in this creative, incomparable world that author, Christie Rich, has created. And rightfully so! Christie has successfully laced together every single detail with authenticity and astounding ability to transform words into more than just mere words. The characters have real people characteristics(even the fae), making them well-rounded and able to stand on their own. Rayla has high morals, she is fierce, stubborn, smart and determined. She struggles just like we all do, she feels just like we all do. . . she is painted in such a vivid picture(as is the whole book, really) that readers will have no choice, but to root for her in her doozy of an adventure. The old friendships and new friendships are ever present as Rayla embarks on her collage occurrences. There is mystery lurking at every corner making the twists a pleasant and unforeseeable pleasure. I'm sorry this review isn't any longer, but if I say anymore, I will undoubtedly be giving too much away, I don't want to steal the pleasure of your discovery from you! Do yourself a HUGE favor by purchasing this book! I will be more than happy to read everything and anything that Christie Rich writes, she has a new fan with me! Luckily, Dark Matter(the next book) is already out!

Five is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.