In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

Published by Atria Books

Published on March 10, 2020

Genre(s): Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary, Womens Fiction, Adult

Page Count: 272

Source: Purchased

Format: Kindle

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Description: Where do you see yourself in five years?

When Type-A Manhattan lawyer Dannie Cohan is asked this question at the most important interview of her career, she has a meticulously crafted answer at the ready. Later, after nailing her interview and accepting her boyfriend's marriage proposal, Dannie goes to sleep knowing she is right on track to achieve her five-year plan.

But when she wakes up, she’s suddenly in a different apartment, with a different ring on her finger, and beside a very different man. The television news is on in the background, and she can just make out the scrolling date. It’s the same night—December 15—but 2025, five years in the future.

After a very intense, shocking hour, Dannie wakes again, at the brink of midnight, back in 2020. She can’t shake what has happened. It certainly felt much more than merely a dream, but she isn’t the kind of person who believes in visions. That nonsense is only charming coming from free-spirited types, like her lifelong best friend, Bella. Determined to ignore the odd experience, she files it away in the back of her mind.

That is, until four-and-a-half years later, when by chance Dannie meets the very same man from her long-ago vision.

Brimming with joy and heartbreak, In Five Years is an unforgettable love story that reminds us of the power of loyalty, friendship, and the unpredictable nature of destiny.

Hello Readers.

I had preordered this book on kindle months ago and then forgot about it. That happens some times. So many books come out that I forget some of the publication dates. My memory is good but it is not perfect so some books fall through the cracks. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened my Kindle and there was this book, waiting to be read. I moved this one up my TBR and then finished what I was reading. This one called to me. I had to read it as soon as I could.

I was not disappointed. From the first chapter to the very last word, this book had me. I was invested. I forfeited sleep for this book. I knew that I could be friends Dannie. I wanted to see her succeed at life. There were moments that I wanted to shake her but I wanted her to come out on top. 

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it was a wonderful read. It grabbed my heart and would not let go. I would love for a follow up book because I have to know what happens next. I even told friends about this book before I was done reading it. I sent some of them copies of it. Yes, I loved it that much. I will be looking into the author's other work. Highly recommend.

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: Grave Peril by Jim Butcher and The New Husband by D.J. Palmer

The God Game by Danny Tobey

The God Game by Danny Tobey

Published by St. Martin's Press

Published on January 7, 2020

Genre(s): Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult, Fantasy, Horror, Suspense, Mystery, Adult

Page Count: 496

Source: Publisher

Format: ARC

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Book Description:

You are invited!

Come inside and play with G.O.D.

Bring your friends!

It’s fun!

But remember the rules. Win and ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE.™ Lose, you die!

With those words, Charlie and his friends enter the G.O.D. Game, a video game run by underground hackers and controlled by a mysterious AI that believes it’s God. Through their phone-screens and high-tech glasses, the teens’ realities blur with a virtual world of creeping vines, smoldering torches, runes, glyphs, gods, and mythical creatures. When they accomplish a mission, the game rewards them with expensive tech, revenge on high-school tormentors, and cash flowing from ATMs. Slaying a hydra and drawing a bloody pentagram as payment to a Greek god seem harmless at first. Fun even.

But then the threatening messages start. Worship me. Obey me. Complete a mission, however cruel, or the game reveals their secrets and crushes their dreams. Tasks that seemed harmless at first take on deadly consequences. Mysterious packages show up at their homes. Shadowy figures start following them, appearing around corners, attacking them in parking garages. Who else is playing this game, and how far will they go to win?

And what of the game’s first promise: win, win big, lose, you die? Dying in a virtual world doesn’t really mean death in real life—does it?

As Charlie and his friends try to find a way out of the game, they realize they’ve been manipulated into a bigger web they can’t escape: an AI that learned its cruelty from watching us.

God is always watching, and He says when the game is done.

Hello Readers.

I read The God Game for a buddy read with some of my closest friends. I was sent a copy of it and this was the perfect opportunity to read it. What a book! This one was nothing like I thought it would be. I was drawn into it and could not wait to see what happened next. I have said it before but that truly is a rare thing for me. I read a lot of books and only a small percentage of them grab my full attention. This one did just that. Creepy at moments. Intense. Left me wanting more. 

I am rating this book Four Red Books because I was torn on how to rate it. This would be one of those that I would rate with half books if I had that system. It was not quite a Five but it was more than a Four. I have purchased the other book by this author and look forward to reading it. Recommend.

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare and Leave No Scone Unturned by Denise Swanson

The Cardinalis Code by Avery Sterling

The Cardinalis Code by Avery Sterling

Published by Hot Tree Publishing

Published on March 21, 2020

Genre(s): Paranormal, Vampires, Romance, Fantasy

Page Count: 308

Source: Enticing Journey Book Promotions

Format:eBook

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Description: What if vampires were a superior species and nearly undetectable? As successful, influential individuals, vampires live under a strict set of rules created by their government, The Cardinalis Order. Are you ready to understand what it means to break The Cardinalis Code?

When successful business entrepreneur Michael Chamberlain arrives in The Hamptons to take over his father’s nightclub, he’s in search of a new donateur, a contracted blood source. Troubled and distant, Michael discovers he’s still very much alive when enticed by a beautiful woman, offering a kiss and a question. Can you be mine for five minutes?

Student Paislee Sullivan serves at the prestigious nightclub to pay her tuition. When she meets the mysterious Michael Chamberlain, who she believes to be just a gorgeous bartender with an attitude, she soon discovers her world is ruled by a species not of her own.

Wealth and glamour shroud a dark side that threatens her life when she signs Michael’s contract. In this steamy romance, two lovers wield a charming relationship that will be destroyed by the Order if she breaks just one rule.

Hello Readers.

I was sent this recently and I read it just in time to review it for the release day. Original concept. A wonderful approach. Solid characters. Full of intrigue and drama. Plenty of steam. Not to be read around other people if you blush easily.

I am rating this book Four Red Books because it was a really good read. I would definitely read it again and will be looking into the author's other work. Recommend. 

InkedBookDragon

The Martian by Andy Weir

The Martian by Andy Weir

Published by Crown

Published on February 11th 2014

Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Space, Adult, Thriller, Humor, Survival, Fantasy

Page Count: 369

Source: Purchased

Format: Hardback

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Description: Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars.

Now, he’s sure he’ll be the first person to die there.

After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive.

Chances are, though, he won’t have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old “human error” are much more likely to kill him first.

But Mark isn’t ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills — and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit — he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?

Hello Readers.

I was given this book. I glanced at it and then put it up to read later. When the movie released in 2015, I remembered that I owned the book and decided to read it. I am honestly annoyed with myself for waiting so long. This book is worth all the hype that surrounded it. 

I was captivated by this book from the very first page. It just grabbed me and I plowed through it in one afternoon. I loved the format. I loved the characters. It flowed so wonderfully. I totally understood the love surrounding this book. 

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it is incredible. It has become one of my favorites and I have reread it more than once. I have read the author's other works but this one still piques my interest. I honestly could recommend this book every single day if given the opportunity. If you have not read it, do so. It is well worth the read. 

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: I have finished all the books that I was working on and am not quite sure which books that I want to start now. So many books, so little time.

Dread Nation

Dread Nation by Justina Ireland

Published by Blazer + Bray

Published on April 3, 2018

Genre(s): Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Horror, Young Adult

Page Count: 464

Source: Purchased

Format: Hardcover

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Book Description:

Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania—derailing the War Between the States and changing the nation forever.

In this new America, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Education Act require certain children attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead.

But there are also opportunities—and Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It's a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. After all, not even being the daughter of a wealthy white Southern woman could save her from society’s expectations.

But that’s not a life Jane wants. Almost finished with her education at Miss Preston's School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set on returning to her Kentucky home and doesn’t pay much mind to the politics of the eastern cities, with their talk of returning America to the glory of its days before the dead rose.

But when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, one that finds her in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies.

And the restless dead, it would seem, are the least of her problems.


Hello Readers.

I had heard about this book long before I read it. I was hesitant because I was not sure how a book of this nature would work. Zombies and the Civil War? What?! Inserting zombies into any real life situation has the potential to just fall apart. I definitely was not sure how one would insert zombies into one of the most intense and important periods in America's history. The room for error was great.
I started this book with some apprehension. Would the author pull it off?

Wow! She did! Beautifully melding the elements together, the author made the story come alive. (Yes, pun intended.) Strong characters. I found myself truly hating some of them and wishing them harm. Other characters warmed my heart and I wanted nothing more than for them to succeed. So many components that could have caused the story to fall apart but they were brought together in such a way that I was blown away.

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it was such an incredible read. I cannot wait for the sequel! It cannot come out soon enough!  Highly recommend!


InkedBookDragon

Curses and Crowns (Vampires of Crescent Cape Book 1) by L. Danvers

Curses and Crowns (Vampires of Crescent Cape Book 1) by L. Danvers

Published by Independently published

Published on February 12, 2019

Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal

Page Count: 210

Source: Purchased

Format: eBook

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Book Description:
A cut-throat competition.

A romance to die for.

Danielle Parker’s life was a dream. Until it became a living nightmare.

Ripped of her memories of how she was kidnapped from her family, Danielle is whisked away to the mystical Crescent Cape—a kingdom ruled by vampires, where she is to live out her human life as a blood slave.

She’s not going down without a fight.

But her plans are thwarted when she’s selected to compete for the prince’s heart.

The winner will be turned into a vampire and taken as his bride. And the losers’ blood will be fed to the princess-to-be to complete her transition.

As much as she’s disgusted by the idea of the competition, and as dangerous as Prince Aiden is, she can’t deny her attraction to him—or to his troubled brother, Julian.

Will she be able to resist the brothers’ charms? Or will she find herself pulled into the dangerous world of the vampires of Crescent Cape?

A romantic and thrilling new series that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Perfect for fans of The Vampire Diaries, The Originals and The Selection.


Hello Readers.

I read books all across the genre gamut but a part of me always freaks out a little over fantasy, especially paranormal books. Vampires. Werewolves. Magic. Ghosts. Zombies.Witches. Give me! I am all over them. I cannot get enough. Yes please!

When I read the blurb for this one, I had to read it. It felt like something that I could really sink my teeth into. (Pun intended). I had gotten the opportunity to read the prequel short story (Blood Heirs)* last year and I found myself needing to know what happened. My mind would wander into this world at the most random times. I was hooked and needed to continue on this adventure.

Not so patiently, I waited. Days turned into weeks. Weeks turned into months. Finally the announcement came and I was delighted.

Publication day! Yes! I dove into the book. I took my time with this one, not wanting to miss a single detail. I escaped back into the world of Crescent Cape and I welcomed it. Rich descriptions. Intriguing concept. Relatable characters. Complex storyline. I finished it and just sat back for a few minutes. An afterglow of sorts.

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it was such an enjoyable read. As I write this, I cannot help but think about how I cannot wait to read what happens next. L. Danvers definitely has my attention and I look forward to reading more. Highly recommend.

InkedBookDragon


* You can find Blood Heirs here.

Mr.Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

Published by

Published on

Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery

Page Count: 288

Source: Purchased

Format: Hardcover

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Description: The Great Recession has shuffled Clay Jannon away from life as a San Francisco web-design drone and into the aisles of Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, but after a few days on the job, Clay discovers that the store is more curious than either its name or its gnomic owner might suggest. The customers are few, and they never seem to buy anything; instead, they "check out" large, obscure volumes from strange corners of the store. Suspicious, Clay engineers an analysis of the clientele's behavior, seeking help from his variously talented friends, but when they bring their findings to Mr. Penumbra, they discover the bookstore's secrets extend far beyond its walls.

Hello Readers.

I picked up this book one day because it looked like something that I might enjoy. Then life occurred and it became buried in my TBR stacks and I forgot about it. It wasn't until I was researching books for my book group that I remembered it. Then it was offically chosen and it finally got its turn. 

I geniunely enjoyed this book. I found myself picturing the story while reading it and I longed to see this bookstore in real life. The idea of a bookstore containing unusual books that most people have never heard of is exciting to me. It definitely makes me wonder what gems may be hidden in my nearest bookstore.

I am rating this book Four Red Books because it drug in some spots and was predictable. I enjoyed it but I did have a few moments where I felt like I was reading an advertisement rather than a novel. The characters were likeable and relatable. The premise was fantastic and I would love to find a bookstore like the one from the story. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will be looking into his other titles. Great read!

InkedBookDragon

My Lady Jane (The Lady Janie's #1) by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

My Lady Jane (The Lady Janies #1) by Cythia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

 Published by HarperTeen

Published on June 7, 2016

Genres: Romantic Comedy, Fantasy, Historical

Page Count: 512

Source: Purchased

Format: Hardback

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Description: This comical, fantastical, romantical, New York Times bestselling, (not) entirely true story of Lady Jane Grey is “an uproarious historical fantasy that’s not to be missed” (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

In My Lady Jane, coauthors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a one-of-a-kind YA fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, featuring a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because sometimes history needs a little help.

At sixteen, Lady Jane Grey is about to be married off to a stranger and caught up in a conspiracy to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But those trifling problems aren’t for Jane to worry about. Jane gets to be Queen of England.

Like that could go wrong.

Hello Readers.

I was debating on if I should review this one or not since it is from 2016 and I am attempting to focus on newer books these days. It has stayed in the back of my mind since I read it earlier this year and I think a book that lingers for that long deserves to be acknowledged. Also, there is a sequel to this releasing this coming year. With that knowledge, how could I not review it?

I have always been one that enjoys a good laugh. I am one that is given to random laughter at times when I remember something that happened in the past. Heaven forbid I attempt to tell a story that I deem funny because I will end up laughing the entire time and not get the words out. I tell you all this because this book made me laugh so hard at some parts. The humor would hang around and I would chuckle at inappropriate times if it crossed my mind. There is something to be said about a book that can bring that much joy. 

Being a lover of historical fiction and romances, I was tentative with this one because I feared that the fantasy aspect would completely remove all historical accuracy from the story. That was not the case. There are actual facts that have been peppered in there. The fun part is trying to figure out what was true. Some details were obviously fantasy. However, some were very much accurate. Have fun trying to choose which was which.

I am rating this book Four Blue Books because it was a delight to read but there were a few spots of timing issues. It is not often that a storyline can take me in like this one. I did not want to put it down. Ready for the sequel. Highly recommend.

InkedBookDragon

***NEW RELEASE*** Dawning Ascent (The Pearson Prophecy, Vol. 1) by Jen L Grey

Game of Thrones meets Practical Magic in DAWNING ASCENT, a coming of age fantasy read for adults and young adults alike! Releasing December 7th, Dawning Ascent, by Jen L. Grey Only 99¢ for a limited time! http://amzn.to/2je7WOI #YA #Fantasy #TBR @authorjenlgrey

Series Spotlight: The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

A little about the first book: STORM FRONT* 

In the first novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files series, Harry Dresden’s investigation of a grisly double murder pulls him into the darkest depths of magical Chicago…

As a professional wizard, Harry Dresden knows firsthand that the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most of them don’t play well with humans. And those that do enjoy playing with humans far too much. He also knows he’s the best at what he does. Technically, he’s the only at what he does. But even though Harry is the only game in town, business—to put it mildly, stinks. 

So when the Chicago P.D. bring him in to consult on a double homicide committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name...

Hello Readers.

The first series that I want to spotlight is The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. The reason that it is first is because I fell completely in love with it after reading the first one. Granted, it has gotten much better with each addition but it had me. I found myself completely enthralled and then deeply saddened when each book concluded. 

Harry Dresden will take you to places that you never dreamed. These books are full of humor, action, romance, revenge, and so much more. They are beyond fabulous. The writing is phenomenal. I cannot rave enough about this series. 

I don't want to spoil it for you so I won't go any deeper. All I can say is that if you like this kind of series, read it. Read it immediately. It is truly that good. 

InkedBookDragon

Books in Series:

• Storm Front               
• Fool Moon                 
• Grave Peril
• Summer Knight
• Death Masks
• Blood Rites
• Dead Beat
• Proven Guilty
• White Night
• Small Favor
• Turn Coat
• Changes
• Ghost Story
• Cold Days
• Skin Game
• Peace Talks - No release date as of yet.      

Additional:

Book - Side Jobs - Short Stories

TV show - The Dresden Files (Not the greatest representation)
Graphic novels:

• Welcome to the Jungle
• Storm Front, Volume 1: The Gathering Storm
• Storm Front, Volume 2: Maelstrom
• Fool Moon, Volume 1
• Fool Moon, Volume 2
• Ghoul, Goblin
• War Cry
• Down Town
• Wild Card
• Dog Men

Roleplaying game - The Dresden Files Roleplaying Game

Jim Butcher's Page

Amazon

*Blurb from Amazon
**Picture from White Night

Michael's Passion (A Series of Angels Book 1) by Joel Crofoot

Michael's Passion (A Series of Angels Book 1) by Joel Crofoot

Published by Amazon Digital Services LLC

Published on September 7, 2016

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Page Count: 183

Source: Author

Format: eBook

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Description: When the archangel Michael is forced to rely on his estranged brother Gabriel for help after a demon attack goes wrong, Gabriel places him before the throne of God for healing. The father is displeased about some of Michael's behavior as of late and casts them both out of heaven until they pay their penance.

Jahi is a demonic seductress who uses sex to steal people's souls. It’s not exactly her dream job, but it keeps her boss at bay, until a chance meeting with Michael changes her fate forever.

Hello.

Where do I start with this one? I don't normally read romances of this nature. The truth is that I tend to steer clear of  books when there are shirtless men on the cover. For years, I couldn't take them seriously. I recently opened up to the possibility of books like that being more than what I previously thought. I am very happy that I have. That being said, I didn't even really take note of the cover of this book until I was almost four chapters in. By then I was hooked. 

This book is definitely one that I am happy that I was open to reading. It was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. I had trouble putting it down. It took my idea of angels and altered it greatly. It was interesting reading the author's viewpoint. 

Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. am rating this book Five Blue Books because it was truly a delight to read. A true struggle between Good and Evil story. I am interested in reading the other books in this series. 

InkedBookDragon

The Breathless by Tara Goedjen

The Breathless by Tara Goedjen

Published by Delacorte Press

Published on October 10, 2017

Genres: Young Adult, Horror, Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal, Gothic, Historical

Page Count: 368

Source: Publisher

Format: Hardback

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Description:No one knows what really happened on the beach where Roxanne Cole’s body was found, but her boyfriend, Cage, took off that night and hasn’t been seen since. Until now. One year—almost to the day—from Ro’s death, when he knocks on the door of Blue Gate Manor and asks where she is.

Cage has no memory of the past twelve months. According to him, Ro was alive only the day before. Ro’s sister Mae wouldn’t believe him, except that something’s not right. Nothing’s been right in the house since Ro died.

And then Mae finds the little green book. The one hidden in Ro’s room. It’s filled with secrets—dangerous secrets—about her family, and about Ro. And if what it says is true, then maybe, just maybe, Ro isn’t lost forever.

And maybe there are secrets better left to the dead.

Hello Readers.

This book completely slipped by me. I am usually pretty on top of book releases. I like to know what books are coming and when they come out. I missed this one and had no idea of its existence until I was sent a copy. I took one look at it and thought that it looked pretty interesting. The cover was eerily beautiful so I figured that I would give the book a try.

Wow! How can this be a debut novel? It definitely does not feel like one. The premise was excellent and the execution was near flawless. I was captivated within the first couple pages. The characters were so rich and multilayered. Nothing can put me off of a book quicker than characters that do not evolve at all. We tend to evolve and adapt to the world around us. It is refreshing when I read about characters that truly progress. Stagnant characterizations annoy me so much.

This novel was one of those that I had to fight with myself about sleeping because I did not want to stop reading. Creepy yet lovely. Complicated. Full of suspense. Sad yet fun. Romantic and heartbreaking. A truly enchanting read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am rating this book Four Red Books because it did have occasional moments here and there that were predictable. With that being said, it was a true delight to read. I will be recommending it. 

InkedBookDragon

Yesterday by Samyann

Yesterday by Samyann

Published by Samyann

Published on Jan 12, 2014

Genres: Romance, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Page Count: 406

Source: Publisher

Format: eBook

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Description: A tender love story pulls the reader back to previous lives and a time richly elegant. In modern day Chicago, deja vu draws together a handsome mounted policeman and the beautiful young woman who saves his life. Yesterday is also a harrowing tale of escape through the American Civil War, the heart wrenching love of slaves for their young white charges, and The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. In this historical romance, Mark fights through Amanda's rejection to prove that she will love again as she once loved - Yesterday.

Hello.

This book really hit close to home with me. I have been places that I would swear that I had been to before. There is nothing like stepping into a place and you know that you have never been to but yet you truly feel like you have been there. I have encountered people that I felt that I knew but had never met them before. That feeling is really something. Call it deja vu. Call it a strange coincidence. It is very much there and I am sure most people have experienced it at one time or another. 

The author has the ability to paint a picture so well that you feel like you are there. You feel the breeze blow. You hear the traffic. That ability is a true skill. Many people claim to have it but very few people actually do. The characters were so likable that I found myself wanting to know them in real life. 

Time and locations. What a gorgeous use of time and the area around them to help tell the story. Not everyone can write a time travel/reincarnation novel successfully. This book was truly remarkable in that regard. I felt like I was in modern day Chicago. I felt that I was on the battle field. The reader is transported to these locations with such elegance. 

Thank you to the publisher for a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it flowed well and kept my attention. The author has a beautiful way with words. I have already started recommending this book and will continue to do so. It was a delight to read. 

InkedBookDragon