The journey to Blood Lake has begun…

Pitch and Sickle have survived enraged fae queens, murderous forest guardians, walking corpses, and ghosts turned monstrous by the Blight.
They been tortured by sorcerers and made playthings by enemies who have sided with the Morrigan.
The ankou and his daemon prince have been forced to confront awful secrets from their pasts.
Both have made terrible sacrifices to keep the other safe.
And would willingly do much more to protect the unimaginable bond that has grown between them.

In the midst of the chaos and carnage a deadman and a daemon have found each other.

Now, Prince Vassago will need his Pale Horseman more than ever before.
With the escape from the Fulbourn comes the truth about what lies ahead.

The journey will be perilous.
The great hunt has begun.
And all is not as it should be for a beleagered daemon.

Can Silas and the Order outwit the Morrigan, and deliver Pitch to where Seraphiel’s secrets lie?
Or will the sorcerers’ Herlequin succeed where all the rest have failed?

Purchase: Amazon.com

Goodreads: The Herlequin (Pitch & Sickle 6) by Danielle K. Girl

Review

Rating: 5 stars

*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*

Like so many people I am sure, I have eagerly awaited the latest instalment of the Diabolus Chronicles and book 6 did not disappoint. The journey our reluctant heroes embark upon is perilous and right from the beginning they find themselves pursued.

This series just keeps going from strength to strength as does Pitch and Silas’ relationship. The two of them realising the depth of their feelings is tender yet heart wrenching considering what lies ahead. As is a prevalent theme in the series, we are treated to the author’s take on another local legend. The twists in this one were incredible and so fitting with the world.

The story ends on a cliff-hanger and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.

A vast grey zone on the maps, the forest has always been seen as a place of grisly tales, outlaws, and disappearances. The men had travelled around through more civilised paths, leaving the woods alone. Until the country came in need of a new float.

For the first team of lumberjacks, it’s a routine job. Select trees and build a camp to hold winter until the spring flood. But in the depths of the forest, under ancient oaks, lie ruins. When the loggers pitch their tents in the overgrown garden, they are unaware of the crime they just committed.

For the native hidden in the nearby village, desolation has come. For the loggers, the nightmare has begun. And what’s hiding in the ruins won’t let them go.

Purchase Link: Amazon.com

Goodreads: Lost Frontier by Martine Carlsson

Review

Rating: 5 stars

*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*

Lost Frontier is set in the author’s Light from Aphelion series and follows a group of loggers who unwittingly set up their camp in ruins revered by the locals and their deity. When violence and misfortune begin to plague both sides, each blames the other when the truth may be much more disturbing.

I really enjoyed this new perspective on the Trevalden world. This novel combines fantasy and horror to make a compelling read that I found difficult to put down. At first the loggers motivation is money and getting job done as quickly as possible so they can return home and spend it. The plot draws parallels with logging that goes on today. That there is no respect for the natural environment or the natives who live in the lands that they have entered. This lack of respect leads to conflict and the Children shoulder most of the blame for the incidents that follow.

They are the most likeable party, whom possess wisdom and courage even when they perhaps lack some understanding. Tristan comes across as the most aware of the loggers although old prejudices and mindsets do blinker his vision to what is really going on around him.

This novel is a suspense horror with plenty of build up and twists and turns. It was different from what I was expecting, but in a good way. I would like to see a follow up and definitely more novels in the Light from Aphelion series!

The world as we know it is forever lost. A deadly virus has scourged the planet and ravaged billions. Under the harsh ruling regime, survivors were “cleansed” and confined to isolated units, perpetually tormented by hunger, desolation, and desperation.

Among them is Geoff, a researcher for the trailblazing Paradiso, an authority-regulated virtual-reality program that allows users to momentarily escape their waking lives via implanted chips. He is devoted to perfecting the system—a vessel to preserve future hopes and dreams, where immense worlds prevail, brimming with vast possibilities.

But before long Geoff finds himself thrusted into the darkest recesses of these alternate realities, where he must confront not only his past but persevere against the unknown, fighting for his very existence.

Is all this magnificence just a grandiose illusion? Could there ever be salvation from the living hell into which mankind has plummeted?

Purchase Link: Amazon.com

Goodreads: Dusk Upon Elysium by Tamel Wino

Review

Rating: 5 stars

*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*

When a deadly virus rips through the Earth’s population, the Government orders a mass evacuation known as the migration. Force into segregated units, the survivors work on the virtual world Paradiso, adding layers of programming so real that they begin to lose grasp on their actual reality. Yet there is something sinister in their new virtual world. Drawn to Paradiso by the pain of his loss, researcher Greg soon begins to experience this darkness masquerading as all he held dear. Can he find a way out of this nightmare and back to reality before it consumes him?

Dusk Upon Elysium is a real mind trip of a novel, combining a pandemic with a new virtual reality to combat the loneliness of being isolated. It was interesting how rather than find a solution to the current problems, the Government changed focus to building Paradiso and forcing the remaining population into a kind of servitude. Many things were left up to interpretation which included a lot of the reasoning behind all of this. My thoughts were that much of what we took for granted to be true in the novel was part of a Government plot to control the survivors. Some of the characters also suspected this, but fear of what might happen prevented them from asking many questions.

The world building was excellent and very imaginative. I could picture every detail and found myself fully immersed in the story. I enjoyed the characters and how they interacted with each other, albeit over video link rather than face to face!

The ending, as well as many aspects of the novel, was left open for the reader to decide for themselves. This may leave some readers feeling unsatisfied but for me I liked filling in the blanks and reaching my own conclusions.

If you’re a fan of extreme slow-burn friends to lovers romance, high-stakes drama mystery thrillers, or sharply witty gay men, you’ll love Serial Investigations. Jump into the action from the very beginning with Bloodless, the first book in a series you won’t dare to put down.

Purchase: Amazon.com

Review

Rating: 5 stars

*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*

Some of you may remember I was introduced to Will and Ram back in 2020. Since then there have been 11 books in the series with the 12th one out on 16th April. Since I first read Books 1-5, they have undergone an overhaul with new scenes added and brand new covers! As I have reviewed books 1-5 previously, I will only be commenting on the changes here and will link my previous reviews below for you to check out.

First of all, the new scenes raise the heat level rather than the fade to black scenes that there were in the previous editions. I honestly did not mind the fade to black scenes, but I can see that perhaps many readers wanted more so adding in the scenes did make sense from that perspective. Also, they did add more to the series. For example, some more details of Ram’s random hook-ups also did do more to show that to him that is all they were – just a one night thing – and it also high-lighted his downward spiral from earlier on.

I really liked the new covers. It was great to see the author’s vision for both Will and Ram. Will looks pretty much how I imagined but Ram is quite different! I did like the old covers too, but these ones drew my eye more and will stand out better amongst others in the genre.

I really enjoyed re-visiting the first 5 books in the series and cannot wait to read the others!

Previous Reviews:

Bloodless (Serial Investigations #1) by Rhiannon D’Averc

Blood Evidence (Serial Investigations #2) by Rhiannon D’Averc

Blood Alcohol (Serial Investigations #3) by Rhiannon D’Averc

Blood Sucker (Serial Investigations #4) by Rhiannon D’Averc

Blood Sport (Serial Investigations #5) By Rhiannon D’Averc

Kaiya escapes her ordeal at the hands of the Teleri Emperor, only to return to a homeland beset by enemies on all sides, and crumbling from within.

As a teenager, she quelled a rebellion with the Dragon Scale Lute. As a young adult, she vanquished a dragon with the power of her voice.

Now, robbed of her magic by grief, Kaiya must navigate a web of court intrigue to save the realm before it falls. Only she can lay claim to the Dragon Throne on behalf of her unborn sons—whether the father is the lover who perished rescuing her, or the hated enemy who killed him.

In the final story in Kaiya’s saga, she must rally a nation, repel invaders, and prove to the world why her family alone holds the Mandate of Heaven.

Purchase Link: Amazon

Goodreads: Symphony of Fates (The Dragon Songs Saga #4) by J.C. Kang

Review

Rating: 5 stars

*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*

In this final novel in The Dragon Songs Saga, we find Kaiya trying to come to terms with her ordeal whilst a captive of the Teleri and mourning the loss of her true love Tian. With the fate of the Kingdom resting on her shoulders, Kaiya must find the strength to rally and, without her magic, find a way to secure the Throne and bring peace to the realm.

I thoroughly enjoyed the last installment to this thrilling series. From the beginning, it has been carefully crafted and mapped out, and with so much detail that it brings this world completely to life. Kaiya has gone from strength to strength throughout the series. Growing so much from the teenager she was in Book 1 to a young woman capable of uniting the lands.

I have loved reading Kaiya’s story unfold and going on her journey with her. The supporting cast have been brilliant throughout, each with their own depth and motivation so you can never be quite sure who to trust.

If you haven’t read the series, I highly recommend it!

The Lady’s Horsemen are riding out once more. Carrying death’s scythe to where tormented souls linger.
But what awaits them in a world where divine magick has returned?

Pitch is recovered from the injuries he received in the Forest of Dean, and Silas won’t soon forget the part he played in setting his guardian back on his feet.
The ankou and the daemon have been reunited in a most unexpected and intimate way, but barely have they caught their breath when a new threat arises.

A tortured spirit is frightening both the living and the dead along the roads of Devon.
But is this soul a monster that must be stopped, or another pawn in the necromancer’s mysterious game?
With Azazel’s magick re-emerging after hundreds of years, maleficium plagues the world once more. But who is wielding the forbidden arcane magick of the angels?

Do they work alone?
And why are they so intent on harassing the Lady’s Horsemen?

Silas has never felt stronger, or more determined to live up to the Order’s high expectations. He’s faced the walking dead, outwitted the enchanted Hall, and gained an ally in the skriker.
But he’s not sure he’s equipped to handle his growing attraction to a troubled daemon.
And Silas fears that getting any closer to Pitch and his tragic secrets may prove as dangerous as the monsters they are riding to face.

Purchase Link: Amazon.com

Goodreads: The Greensward (Pitch & Sickle #4) by Danielle K. Girl

Review

Rating: 5 stars

*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*

Having recovered from their injuries, Pitch and Silas are back on the road this time in search of a ghost so tortured that even the dead are afraid. But with unspoken feelings between them, can Pitch and Sickle still work together to overcome everything that they must face?

The Greensward is my favourite book in the series so far. Pitch and Silas are finally becoming a little closer, although they still have their own internal battles to overcome. A lot more of Pitch’s past is revealed and it is unexpected and devastating to learn of what he went through. Knowing more about what torments him gives a greater insight into his character and why he acts as he does. I am looking forward to seeing how Silas’ further understanding of his companion develops their relationship further.

In this novel, the foe that they must face is not what they seem, and Silas learns that even other Ankou cannot always be trusted. Whilst he has gained greatly in confidence of himself and his abilities, it is obvious that his mission is best served by having Pitch at his side and help from his increasing number of allies.

We learn more about the Blight and the world that Silas is living in, and I cannot wait for Book 5 to be released!

Silas Mercer has faced wily boggarts, mad faerie queens and enraged forest spirits. But can he withstand a daemon who is losing his mind?

Pitch and Sickle are left bruised, battered and reeling after their confrontation with the Verderer.
They have learned a startling truth behind the arrowhead that wounded Silas, a truth that must be taken to the Lady Satine and the Order without delay.

But his encounters in the Forest of Dean have effected Pitch in alarming ways. The daemon’s body may have healed but his erratic behaviour and wildly unpredictable temper grow ever more concerning.
Silas owes his life to Pitch. Their experience in the forest has brought them a closeness he could not have imagined possible.

But what can he do for a daemon who is losing his way?

And how long will Silas survive, if he must ride alone?

Purchase Link: Amazon.com

Goodreads: The Skriker (Pitch & Sickle #3) by Danielle K. Girl

Review

Rating: 5 stars

*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*

After their battle against the Verderer, Silas and Pitch are doing their best to heal. Silas’ wounds are physical, and he is also deeply troubled by what he learned during the confrontation. Pitch’s injuries have healed, but he is growing increasingly angry, erratic, and self-destructive. In the end, Silas has had enough, and they part ways. Once alone, he encounters Charlie; a human who is on the run from his own past. Together they find comfort in each other, however Silas is concerned that his life will bring danger to his new friend. But Charlie is not so easily phased by the supernatural and has a secret of his own.

Book 3 introduces some more supporting characters who I am sure will have roles to play as the series progresses. I really enjoyed learning about them and seeing their relationships with Silas develop. Silas himself is very concerned for Pitch as his feelings for the daemon grow stronger. Yet he is unable to bear seeing Pitch self-destruct and this forces them to part. Once reunited, his tenderness and love for Pitch is tested when Pitch continues to try to push him away. Pitch’s character is tormented, but I do see some hope for him with Silas’ support and belief that he can be better. In book 3 we learn more about Pitch’s past and develop a deeper understanding as to why he acts as he does.

The world building is just as detailed and vivid as the previous books, and the characters complex. Each one is being driven by their own motivations and desire to stop the Blight from destroying their world.

This series just gets better and better and I cannot wait to read book 4.

Silas Mercer is a dead man walking.

And the mysterious Order of the Golden Dawn have big plans for their newest ankou and his deathly bandalore.

Life as a servant of death has its challenges.

But the biggest one of all is Silas’s daemonic guardian, Pitch.

He may look like heaven, but he’s making Silas’s life all kinds of hell.

The daemon is arrogant, egotistical and his appetite for violence and tea cakes is fast outgrowing the small village where they have been recuperating since their run-in with Black Annis.

Now, the increasingly unstable Blight is causing new havoc, and fresh monstrosities are emerging.

Pitch and Sickle are back in the saddle, and on their way to the haunted Forest of Dean.

But can Silas rely on his guardian’s protection?

Or will Pitch prove to be the most dangerous encounter of all?

Purchase Link: Amazon.com

Goodreads: The Verderer (Pitch & Sickle #2) by Danielle K. Girl

Review

Rating: 5 stars

*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*

After their trials against Black Annis, Pitch and Silas barely have enough time to recover before they are on the road again. This time to find the blight stricken Verderer. Yet within the Forest of Dean, they face a foe far worse than they imagined. Together they must overcome the teratism but forging a true partnership may be the toughest challenge of all.

I thoroughly enjoyed the second book in the series and had so much trouble putting it down. We start off where book 1 left us. Joining our heroes on the road are Lady Satine’s horses Lalassu and Sanu, who are not quite what they seem.

In The Verderer, we start to learn more hints about Pitch’s past and why he has been sent to the human realm. It is clear that he is in great pain, but he tries to hide this behind his destructive and often cruel behaviour. Silas is learning more how to deal with the erratic daemon and there are moments between them that pave the way for the relationship that is slowly developing. Silas is still of the mind that Pitch is toying with his feelings, that are causing him great conflict. Yet the two of them do seem more comfortable with each other than they were in book 1.

The pacing suits the novel. Time is taken for every aspect, and this sets up the final battle in which The Verderer is revealed. The action scenes are incredibly well-written and again I was turning each page in anticipation of what will happen next.

I am really enjoying the series and cannot wait to read book 3.