Review
Standalone or series? Standalone How did I get this book? Paperback turned up in the mail from the publisher. Why did I choose to read this book: When I saw the cover I almost just put it to one side, but then the info sheet fell out and the it seemed a lot more intriguing. I am going to offer it up as a giveaway in the subscriber group as I would be interested to see what others think. Genre: Time Travel / Contemporary Who would enjoy this book: The idea would appeal to anyone who likes the idea of a "do over" for the mistakes. And Now To The Review! First Impressions: This was a whole lot of story when all I really wanted to do is get the "The Memo" bit. The first 1/3 of the book is set up, which I felt was too much, and if I hadn't really wanted to know how the memo but was going to work, I probably wouldn't have carried on. General Review Time Travel rules are a HUGE thing for me. The Boot Strap Paradox (or as I call it when explaining things to Greg - The Bill & Ted Effect), is pretty much my go to default. If you are NOT going to use this in your writing then you really need a good explanation as to how your time travel rules work. My issue with this is that while the concept of going back to key moments to "fix" errors that changed your destiny is intriguing, in this case the cause and effect was so convoluted it failed to connect with me. I found my self frustrated both with, and for the protagonist, and ALL the things that were happening. Final Thoughts I Without spoilers I will just say it was disappointing, The premise was not realized in any way I could relate to and I got to the point where I just wanted to know the outcome, and, you guessed it, I wasn't really happy with that either. Rating: A generous 2 1/2 stars rounded up to 3 (mainly for the idea - and I will admit some of the issues could well be "Melanie Issues", I am well aware that that is a thing, but it's not going anywhere so I have taken to just noting it lol). As always let me know what you think in the comments! ***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Melanie - Founder of Melanie's Muses - You should know who I am lol If not click - All about Melanie! With book 2 in the Alternate Academy series releasing next week, Melissa Woods is providing the prize for this week's Win It Wednesday! It's a Tidemarsh Academy Mug, which for those that haven't read the first book yet, is the school that Nova is sent to. I thought the BEST thing to remind people about the series would be to reshare the joint review that Susan and I did. Have a read, and if you haven't started the series yet Book 1 is ON SALE for just $2.99 - you can get your copy HERE ... and book 2 is available for Pre-Order HERE and releases NEXT WEEK! A Joint Review From Mel & SueStandalone or series? Book 1 in a new series Category YA Paranormal Official Blurb About The Book Being a teenager can be hard. Being a teenager with supernatural abilities can be murder. Nova Harris hasn’t had the easiest life. Her mother died when she was five, and she never knew her father. Her stepdad wasn’t exactly the warm and fuzzy type…but Nova had never meant to kill him. Now Nova has discovered that she is an Alternate – a person with supernatural abilities – and that there are others just like her at Tidemarsh: a school for freaks. When Nova finds herself drawn to a mysterious boy being held in The Tombs; a place where the most dangerous Alternates are locked away in the dark, she ends up with more questions than answers. The more she explores, the more secrets she uncovers that she really should have left well alone. Welcome to Alternate Academy, where the only things not falling apart, are probably already on fire First Impressions: Melanie - I love the opening to this book. It's so crazy and drops you right into probably the worst moment so far of Nova's life! Susan - I am quite fond of a book that slaps you right in the face with something the moment you open the first page and that's exactly what you get when you dive in to Alternate Academy. General Review Melanie - Kids with misfit powers and abilities - some of which can kill (either accidentally or on purpose), plus a pretty snarky English teen made this an easy page turner. Some of the abilities make me wonder how they would ever be useful .... and then there are others where I would definitely not mind having. The story layers up as we discover things along with Nova, and one thing is certain ... pretty much nothing here is as it seems. I have read Melissa's work before and I have to say this series has levelled up majorly, and maybe because I know Susan's writing style so well, but I could definitely feel her influence in places, and the final result definitely leads me to want book 2 NOW! Susan - I fell in love with this book and it's characters right from the get go. This is exactly what I imagine teens would be like if they had special abilities. And like Mel said...some abilities were ones you'd be thrilled to wake up with one day...and others not so much LOL But of course like every great YA book, nothing is quite like it seems and Nova has to find her way in her new normal... Oh and there's a mysterious, broody, bad boy... #justsayin Melanie - Oh yep - that too! Am a bit of a fan of a bad boy lol Final Thoughts Melanie - . A great start to this new series. I'm very intrigued as to where this will go .... I do know that I wouldn't be sharing Nova's hesitation about certain things lol ... when you read it - you'll get that! Susan - A brilliant, twisty, opener to a series that's X-Men meets Red Queen and Shatter me with a British twist! Melanie - Well that made my final thoughts look a bit crap didn't it, but she's not wrong. Rating Melanie – 4 1/2 rounded up to 5 stars and a strong recommendation that all Musers go and read it. Susan - Has to be 5 stars - A brilliant start to what's gonna be a epic series! Go get it now!! The Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Nova And Now For The Giveaway Melanie's Muses will be giving away a Tidemarsh Academy Mug (provided by Melissa Woods) For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: If you had a weird power - what do you think it would be? Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the bag! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on June 9th and then posted on the page as well on June 10th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on June 9th and posted on the Facebook page on Monday June 10th if they aren't at the live. Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page ***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Review
Standalone or series? Standalone How did I get this book? Netgalley offered it to me to review Why did I choose to read this book: Although the cover didn't appeal to me - the tagline "A little bit Twin Peaks, a little bit Black Mirror, Streetlight People is a story of growing up in—and out of—a small town with a huge secret." intrigued me. Genre: YA Time Travel / Mystery Who would enjoy this book: Fans of a slightly more mature feeling Goosebumps or Tales from the Crypt vibes. And Now To The Review! First Impressions: Interesting start with a flashback before getting into the main story. Because of the Twin Peaks comparison I think I was expecting a murder and that wasn't the mystery at all. General Review Followers of my reviews will know that I love a good Time Travel story. Wibbly Wobbly, Timey Wimey, but ONLY if they get their rules right and I have to say Charlene Thomas nailed that. There are a LOT of clues available to solve the mystery but I will admit I only got a few of them. In hindsight I could clearly see and follow the path of breadcrumbs that had been scattered, and I am a little mad at myself about it. Final Thoughts I LOVE how this ended. Remember my whole Goosebumps/Tales from the Crypt mention above? If you are not fans of that style of ending this will NOT be for you. Rating: A solid 4 stars and I will definitely be looking out for other books by her. As always let me know what you think in the comments! ***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Review
Standalone or series? Series - This is book 1 in the Behind the Vail trilogy. How did I get this book? I met Megan at FC3 and she kindly sent me a copy to review. Why did I choose to read this book: This has been floating around on my Kindle since last year and I FINALLY got around to reading it. Genre: Dark Urban Fantasy Who would enjoy this book: Fans of paranormal that don't mind when things skew a little darker. Language and some sexy scenes (not as many as I expected based on the cover though lol) And Now To The Comments! First Impressions: You get thrown RIGHT into the story. You meet the sassy protagonist and there action and drama right off the bat. General Review This is the first book that I have read by Megan J. Parker. I am always impressed when authors are able to twist well known ideas and make them unique and this story definitely has that. There are differences even with regular supernaturals where the laws are generally a finite selection. That was actually also part of a problem for me. I like to know all the rules, all the parameters, at least in general. This had parts where I felt like I was missing something - as if there was another series or prequel that I should have read first. (I did reach out to the author and that was not the case). That being said, this could well be a "Melanie issue". I do tend to get hung up on things that don't bother other readers. I'm not apologizing for it, I just recognize that it's a thing. Final Thoughts This skewed darker than I was expecting, with less super sexy romance (again that's on me based on the cover), but the story was enough that I kept turning the pages and plan on reading the next one. I love that the protagonist has a total lack of a filter, even in situations where she probably SHOULD have one, it makes for far more entertaining reading that she doesn't. It does end on a cliffhanger - and the tease from the next book was no help at all! Rating: 4 Stars - and I will be continuing the series! (This book is free on Amazon at the time of posting) As always let me know what you think in the comments! ***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!*** Prices listed are correct at time of review posting. Please check before purchasing.
Ashley - Ashley Brilinski is the queen of Halloween and can loves everything to do with it. She regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways AND sends in amazing items for Melanie and Greg. Her attention to detail is second to none. She is now almost a regular guest writer for Melanie's Muses!I just finished rewatching Charmed (the original version) for the...well I've lost count of how many times now but it got me thinking. Not just about rewatching things although that was part of it but also shows, movies, and books in general and the various reasons we love them so much. As many Musers know already I have a habit of falling down rabbit holes when it comes to something I enjoy. I want ALL the behind the scenes tidbits. An interview with the author discussing their inspiration behind a book or series? Gimme. Set tour? Yes please. Q & A with the wardrobe people? Count me in. A one minute reel of the cast having fun between takes? I can't hit the like button fast enough. Whatever the form might be the creator made it and put it out in the world to be consumed and hopefully well received. Not everyone has to fall down rabbit holes but there's at least one thing every person enjoys. That got me thinking about how powerful fandoms can be. Don't get me wrong, I'm very aware how utterly toxic some can be but that just means you've stumbled upon the wrong people. That's a case of don't let the bad outweigh the good because for every toxic fan group be it online or in person there's one that will welcome you and enjoy discussing it with you. Sometimes you have to sift out the gunk to get to the good stuff. People have formed lifelong friendships and even found love through being fans of something. There are people who have been so deeply touched by how something spoke to them that it literally saved their lives. If that's not special than I don't know what is. You could find something that has you feeling nostalgic for a time or place that was important to you. You could find something that reminds you of someone who has passed on or lives far away from you that helps ease the feeling of missing them. Sometimes you can even be lucky enough to find something that reaches you on a personal level like seeing a part of you represented in a way you hadn't come across before. Then we have the good ol comfort watch. It's different for everyone and at times different for each situation but there's a reason we do it. We know what's going to happen but we keep coming back to it because something about it makes us happy. It could be a horror movie with an epic final girl or a killer we feel is justified. It could be a comedy that still makes us smile and laugh no matter how many we've heard the jokes. It may be something that was a total game changer to the genre or storytelling in general. Whatever the reason is it's something I do often and don't think I'll ever tire of. I think I went a bit all over the place with this but the point I'm trying to make is whatever it is that makes you want to read or watch or even create something yourself don't let anyone make you feel bad for it. Art is meant to be cherished and if you find something you want to make yours you do just that and you wear a smile on your face while you do it. If you want to keep your fandoms to yourself more power to ya but don't let the possibility of toxicity scare you because it's quite possible that one day completely out of the blue you can come across a post for a Facebook show and give in to curiosity and end up finding the best online community full of people of various fandoms there is. Long live fandoms and may the list of fandoms continue to grow for all of you. Melanie is Founder of Melanie's Muses - You should know who I am lol If not click - All about Melanie! This is almost perfect timing as I was just watching the episode of Lucifer where the Morningstars got a shout out. I'm not going to add much but if you want to see some early musings about Fandoms you can read my old blog from 2012 HERE (that actually got me an invite to apply for the game show "King of the Nerds" Or watch my (terrible) video from 7 years ago HERE (that I just saw Ashley commented on 3 years ago lol). The Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Fandom  Melanie's Muses will be giving away a Fandom Swag Pack with various fandom items from the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard! For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: What fandoms would you say you were part of? Comments about the article are encouraged - ESPECIALLY SO GUESTS CAN SEE WHAT YOU THINK OF THEIR ARTICLES - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the bag! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on June 2nd and then posted on the page as well on June 3rd if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on June 2nd and posted on the Facebook page on Monday June 3rd if they aren't at the live. Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page ***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Review
Standalone or series? Standalone How did I get this book? I was sent a hardcover by the publisher for consideration Why did I choose to read this book: I was in the mood for a thriller and this looked interesting. The "Bullet Point" taglines from previous reviews sounded like something I would like for example " A Better World is terrifying, shocking, sinister . . . and yet heartfelt and often hilarious." Genre: Psychological Thriller / Dystopian Thriller Who would enjoy this book: Fans of dystopian thrillers might like it - honestly I am not sure. I am going to offer it up as a giveaway in the subscriber group as I would be interested to see what others think. And Now To The Review! First Impressions: This has a really strong start. The first, almost half of the book, set an interesting premise and I was pleased I had decided to read it. General Review Sarah Langan is a new to me author. She has won numerous awards and has lots of fabulous critiques, but the further into the book I got, the more it lost me. I didn't find any of it funny, and followers of my blog will know I have a definitely dark sense of humor so based on what people were saying this should have been right up my alley. The main underlying darkness was pretty obvious from early on, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but to me it felt that the author knew where she needed the story to go ... but wasn't quite sure how to get it there. I felt that the plot points became inconsistent (if you DO read this then about 3/4 of the way in there is a security incident that really lost me), and the convenient thing happened, even if there wasn't really a logical way for that to be the case. One of the things I least enjoyed was how the characters became more two dimensional for me during the time that they should all have been showing the most. Final Thoughts I don't get it. That's my final thought on this one. I don't understand what others loved in it (I mean all book reviews are subjectional), I really just didn't get it in general. What could have been a great commentary on how the world is basically being destroyed by corporations saving the high flyers and leaving the little people to rot, became a lackluster story with a very unsatisfactory ending. I don't think it's set up for a sequel, although I was definitely left with questions, but not enough to really care now if they are answered. Rating: This started at a solid 4 stars but by the end I was at a 2. The book systematically lost its appeal as it went on and I am sort of mad about it. As always let me know what you think in the comments! ***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Now For The Review
Standalone or series? Standalone How did I get this book? I was offered it for review on Netgalley. (Although the eBook is available now it looks like the Hardcover is releasing in October.) Why did I choose to read this book: I really like mage magic in general and dark storylines when I am in the right mood. Genre: Dark Fantasy Who would enjoy this book: Readers who are familiar with mage magic theories. This wasn't a "light" read. There is some quite graphic violence throughout the book. And Now To The Review! First Impressions: This is a harsh start and really sets the tone for the rest of the book despite it being told from a completely different perspective than the main story. It's quite a harsh pivot that comes with no initial explanation but it DOES all tie in eventually. General Review This was my first introduction to M.L. Wang and it was a good one. The book is very "Mage Magic" heavy so may not appeal to everyone but it reminded me of a cross between the Alex Versus novels By Benedict Jacka and the Shadow and Bone series. The world-building is strong, with a heavy emphasis on women generally being second-class citizens, but still above settlers from another part of the country. I enjoyed that there was a serious cost that came with magic, and I don't think anyone will be prepared for what that cost ends up being. Final Thoughts Overall I am not sure if enjoyed is the right word for how I felt about this book, but it was good. I thought the ending was particularly well done but know that many may disagree with what the author decided. I would definitely read other works by her. Rating: Overall a solid 4 stars, because I felt some of the characters weren't quite as developed as I wanted them to be, and the mage magic was a little heavy on the theory side at times even for me. As always let me know what you think in the comments! ***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Now For The Review
Standalone or series? Standalone How did I get this book? I was offered it for review on Netgalley Why did I choose to read this book: The blurb really appealed to me - Charmed meets Ghosthunters in this magically wicked paranormal romance! Genre: Paranormal Romance Who would enjoy this book: Hmmm I am really not sure as you will see from the review. There is a lot of stronger swear words and although the cover looks like it would be on the sweeter side - it skews on the sexier side of things with some fairly detailed descriptions. And Now To The Review! First Impressions: This throws you into a situation that you don't have a backstory for and I kind of felt that I needed to know a bit more than the author was sharing. Sometimes this is done for a big reveal later, in this case I think the author may have done SO much research and knew her story so well that she forgot that readers didn't have all the info. General Review The general premise is an interesting one. Any time you can put a twist on the paranormal side of things that hasn't been done before is a bonus. Whilst I was able to figure out the rough powers, and the issues surrounding them, I really expected it to lean into a different supernatural path - this one not being one I had encountered before. *MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD*. Normally, I avoid all spoilers in my reviews but I can't figure out a way to give accurate feedback as to why I ended up with that rating I did without pointing out a few specifics. Firstly, Ghost Adventures would definitely be a better description than Ghost Hunters. I can't help but feel that Connor was very influenced by the main Ghost Adventures cast, with SO many similarities that I wasn't able to appreciate him AS his own character in the story. Secondly, I don't feel the cover is appropriate for the story, It leads to the idea of the generally cute Rom/Com style TikTok popular books, and this definitely leans more into the sexy (which isn't a bad thing), and stronger language than I expected. (Note -NEITHER of these things is an issue for me - I really literally everything from YA to Erotica - I just think the cover doesn't accurately portray the contents). Thirdly, and this is the biggest spoiler, the ghost back story mentioned is literally a gender-bend on the Bent-Neck Lady from the Haunting of Hill House. The Bent-Neck lady is so iconic I find it hard to believe that others won't make the connection. Finally, there are several major sticking points for me where it feels that things happen LITERALLY as an excuse for something else to happen with NO real tie-in to the actual story, or proper resolution. Final Thoughts I really wanted to enjoy this book but was sadly left feeling sort of Meh about it. It's a shame because the idea definitely had potential. Rating: A sad 2/12 stars rounded up to 3 because most places you post don't allow a half star option. As always let me know what you think in the comments! ***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Jenn - Jennifer Rhodes met Melanie back when True Blood was popular and they have been friends ever since. She loves TV (especially things that make you smile), Doctor Who, Finding new shows, and regularly provides awesome fandom items for Muser Giveaways. Jennifer is now a proud member of the VIPers - the Melanie's Muses Spotlight Feature Team!Since we entered the digital age some time ago now, remakes are definitely needed less and less. As if they ever truly were needed. Originals are more readily available to buy, rent or stream for free on various platforms, not to mention DVDs and Blu-Rays for collectors. But since Hollywood has no original ideas anymore, they remake movies or reboot an older movie with a sequel many years later. There’s so many movies that honestly never needed a part two, but they end up getting made anyways. Like "Hocus Pocus" and now "Beetlejuice". They even did it years ago with "Caddyshack" but had a new lead that failed miserably. The story feels concluded but because they were so popular it usually ends up happening to many fans dismay. I could also say this about "The Ones Who Live", and "Queen Charlotte". Fans wanting more, why?! Or do you feel its more the studios trying to milk their moneymaker until the well is dry? They both ended perfectly. I mean would you rather it end like it should or be ruined? That’s happened to shows I’ve watched and loved as well. Ruined because the writers either didn’t know when to stop or just stopped caring. "Game of Thrones", I’m looking at you. “The Crow” was one that should have never been touched. The 1994 classic was beautifully perfect. The tone, the art, the story. So dark and fitting. Brandon Lee’s swan song has everything. The remake had enough false starts along the way that we had hoped would never get done. But now it has and fans are pissed. The backlash is brutal. I try to keep an open mind until i see the trailer. But one look at the new trailer and everything we held dear about the original is gone. The heart is gone. The characters look, the overall scenery, mood and tone is much brighter. Its not even recognizable. “The Crow” has already had 3 sequels and a television series. If they wanted to add to the lore, do another sequel. No need to remake the same story. Now I’m not saying all sequels are bad because they’re not but these are the movies and shows you feel are incomplete without more or the ones left on nasty cliffhangers which happens a lot. The ones that leave you wondering what will happen, maybe finish them instead of remaking movies and shows no one asked for like "Charmed" and "Walker Texas Ranger". You get huge names and think it will work. No!!! Leave originals alone. They’re originals for a reason. I could even go on about those pesky prequels "Young Sheldon" being one, sorry if you’re a fan but again not needed. Some would even argue the Star Wars prequels were not needed, and I may be in the minority but those weren’t bad except the third. Whatever your take is on prequels, sequels and remakes. I’m sure we can all agree that maybe at some point we just get tired of them. Hollywood has lost any original ideas or imagination and honestly that’s just sad. Maybe I’ll just read a book instead. Melanie - Founder of Melanie's Muses - You should know who I am lol If not click - All about Melanie! So I vlogged about this back in 2018 - and my thoughts haven't changed much - so here's the video for anyone that missed it the first time round lol. The Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Remake And Now For The Giveaway Melanie's Muses will be giving away a 3 pack Spirit Halloween exclusive Hocus Pocus Funko set from the Melanie's Muses Prize Hoard! For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: Is there a Remake / Reboot that you actually liked? Comments about the article are encouraged - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the bag! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on May 26th and then posted on the page as well on May 27th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on May 26th and posted on the Facebook page on Monday May 27th if they aren't at the live. Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page ***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Now For The Review
Standalone or series? Book 1 in The Society Of Roses Series (Apparently this is a spin off from a previous Fairytale series BUT you definitely do not need to have read any of them to read this one). How did I get this book? I saw a random post about it in a book group I obviously joined at some point with a signup for the chance at an ARC. As I haven't read or reviewed this author before I was actually quite surprised I got it. Why did I choose to read this book: The blurb really appealed to me (which was why I applied for it in the first place). Genre: Dark Fantasy / Fairy Tale Retelling / Historical Fantasy Who would enjoy this book: Fans of Bridgerton and Magic. It pulls from actual History (as well as the fairy tale), and it is super light on the violence, sex, and language. And Now To The Review! First Impressions: This is a really well crafted novel. The sleeping beauty references start immediately but in a Victorian England setting, with fae. The whole thing has a gothic/steampunk feel, and as a fan of regency romance (I mean OK technically as this hits the Victorian era it isn't actually regency - but I feel that is relatable for more readers), it immediately gave me Colleen Gleason Gardella vibes - which is one of my all time favorite series. General Review This book actually captivated me enough to sit and read it in one sitting. There are VERY few authors that can accomplish that, and even fewer new to me authors. The story pulls from a lot of elements I am familiar with but you definitely don't need to know any of the other works to enjoy this. (It just meant my reading included adding mental notes about the various nods to other authors or stories as I read). The book manages to have a beautiful gothic feel, without the reliance on violence, sex, or other tropes that could easily have been thrown in. Final Thoughts Although I was able to figure out some of the main plot twists, it in no way detracted from my enjoyment of the story. There is a cliffhanger, but it is more a gateway to book two rather than something leaving you wanting to throw your kindle against the wall. (We all know there are some authors ... Susan Harris ... that would have cut the story pages earlier, resulting in some not very pleasant words). Rating: A very unusual 5 stars from me - those new to my blog may not realize how rare it is for a new to me author to earn that. In fact it was the LACK of 5 star review material that really caused me to take a break in the first place from reading new authors. This might be the first book from Melanie Karsak that I have read, but it won't be the last. I already downloaded the first book in the original fairy tale series as it was free on Amazon. If you want to check it out too you can do so HERE. (Please note at the time of the review I have NOT read that one - and my review is strictly in relation to the new series). As always let me know what you think in the comments! ***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Now For The Review
Standalone or series? Complete standalone. How did I get this book? Sent to me by the publisher. Why did I choose to read this book: I am very much into all things Korean at the moment so the premise appealed to me. Genre: Fantasy Manga (Translated) Who would enjoy this book: Anyone who likes Magic with a bit of a cultural shift. (PG rated with regard to language and sexual content). And Now To The Review! First Impressions: This is a translation from an original Korean manga and has some beautiful illustrations at the beginning of each chapter. It was easy for me to jump right into the story because it very much reminded me of some of the KDramas I am watching. I don't think you necessarily need any previous knowledge about Korea and the culture to read it, BUT, the general premises were so familiar to me that I think it definitely influenced my wanting to read it in the first place. General Review The Magical Girl theme might feel genre specific, and there are references made to that genre in its own right, but "Magical Girls" are actually very common throughout Western culture too. For example. Samantha from Bewitched would technically fall into the category. This translation explores issues that I am seeing repeatedly through the KDramas I am watching, but also addresses the global issue of climate change (in a non-preachy way). Despite this being a translation, I didn't feel that any of the author's original voice was lost and I respected the way it moved from the more traditional "Magical Girl" that often comes into their power during teen years, to someone a little older, with issues that many people can relate too. Final Thoughts Overall I really enjoyed this story and it was a very quick read. Whether I would have enjoyed it so much without my vested interest in all things Korean at the moment, I do think my review is probably more subjective than some of my other ones, but I like what I like! Rating: 4 Stars! As always let me know what you think in the comments! ***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!***
Shannon - Shannon Watts is a long time Muser that now helps run things for Melanie's Muses at FC3. This is her first article for Melanie's Muses but we hope there are many more to come!I wanted to chat with all of the Musers for a minute about my all time favorite holiday ... .HALLOWEEN! Halloween is one of the oldest traditions in the world, touching on the relationship between the living and the dead. There is the Celtic tradition of Samhain, Mexico’s Day of the Dead, China’s Tomb Sweeping Day and some form or another in just about every recorded civilization of history…..But I digress…..Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. What could be more fun than an opportunity to dress up as anything your imagination can come up with?!
This late 80’s classic starring Michael Keaton as “The Ghost with the Most”, alongside Winona Ryder, Geena Davis and Catherine O’Hara, follows the spirits of a deceased couple that are harassed by an unbearable family that has moved into their home…so, who do they turn to for help? Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejui…….nope, not going there! Ok, but hauntings aside, this movie is a fun addition any night of the year, so how many of the Muser family have seen it? The Pineapple Code Word For This Article Is Halloween And Now For The Giveaway Melanie's Muses will be giving away Halloween Nights Decals, A 3 Movie Time Burton Collection DVD (Beetlejuice, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The Corpse Bride), A Tarot Cloth, Bag with Horror Movie Charm Bracelet and Skull Mardi Gras Beads, A Never Trust The Living Coin Purse, Beetlejuice Lanyard, Cat Straw Cover, and a Pin, ALL sent in by Shannon! For your chance to win- FILL OUT THE FORM and tell us: What is your favorite movie to watch at Halloween? Comments about the article are encouraged - ESPECIALLY SO GUESTS CAN SEE WHAT YOU THINK OF THEIR ARTICLES - but for now only qualifying entries on the form will go in the bag! What your answer is will not influence whether you go into the hat - Only that you answer the question!
Winner will be announced during the Live show on May 19th and then posted on the page as well on May 20th if the winner isn't at the live.) Full Rules Below! Good luck everyone! Rules Only comments posted on THE FORM will be considered. This is open internationally. If you win and you cannot accept mail due to Covid issues we will hold the prize until such time as you can. Some exceptions may apply based on Post Office Regulations. Melanie's Muses takes no responsibility for rules beyond her control. Void Where Prohibited. Sharing is always appreciated but is not required for entry. Winner Will Be Picked At Random. One Entry Per Person / Household Prize is provided via Melanie's Muses and will be mailed by her. Winner will be announced during the live on May 19th and posted on the Facebook page on Monday May 20th if they aren't at the live. Winner will have 48 hours to claim by messaging their address to - https://www.facebook.com/MelaniesMuses/ Or prize is considered forfeit. Failure to claim will result in a no future giveaway entry being counted for 30 days. We want people to claim their prizes! Don't get on the list! Any questions please contact Melanie on the Facebook page ***Disclaimer - Any Links To Buy and/or Subscribe to Amazon Programs On Amazon on this website are Amazon Affiliate Links Melanie's Muses is part of the Amazon Associate program and earns from qualifying purchases which in turns helps support all the Muser giveaways we do!*** |
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May 2025
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