Hisses and Honey (The Venom Trilogy, #3) by Shannon Mayer

Hisses and Honey by Shannon Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Alena just keeps getting stronger and sassier!

I love Shannon's ability to draw you into the story and make you a part of it. You can't help but root for Alena with her insecurities and burgeoning strength which sometimes seem so at odds with each other. This final part of the trilogy is a true coming-of-age story for our heroine.

Having beaten two of Hera's heroes she now must face a third WITH a monster... and a raging increase in the Aegrus virus to boot. Can she - and her friends and family - triumph over Hera, or will all be lost?

With the ending of this story I can't wait to read a spin-off series which is so strongly hinted at! ;)

**I received a complimentary e-copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**

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The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have always been a fan of mythologies - most any of them, but am not at all familiar with Russian mythology. This story is beautifully rendered and makes me wish I had familiarized myself with Russian mythology years ago when I studied Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse mythologies.

Detailing is very visual - making you feel as though you are living the story with Vasilisa. I love the use of nicknames throughout the story which shows how different versions of names reflect different familial relationships in the culture.

Anyone who likes reading about other cultures and/or mythology would enjoy this book.

**I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley.**

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Kalifus Rising by Alane Adams

Kalifus Rising by Alane Adams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Kalifus Rising is a story that blends modern day with Norse mythology is a truly unique way for middle grade readers - and adults who like Norse mythology alike. When Sam is returned to Orkney his friends get pulled back too, and the adventure is on. Can Sam survive his coming trails and come out stronger? Or, will he succumb to the darkness within and doom the world?

I enjoyed the telling of the tale despite not having read the first book in the series. And, would strongly recommend to any younger readers who enjoy tales like Percy Jackson.

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Venom & Vanilla by Shannon Mayer

Venom & Vanilla by Shannon Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**I received an e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
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An action-packed debut in an imaginative new series! Shannon has a way with words that pulls you in and paints pictures in your mind.

Alena is a protagonist with whom it is very easy to empathize. Brought up within the confines of a very strict and unforgiving religion, Alena must now face some hard truths in order to not only survive, but to thrive, in her newly formed life. Unlike other female protagonists in Shannon's Elemental series and Rylee Adamson series, Alena has NOT been raised to be a warrior of any kind. In fact, if anything she was raised to believe that fighting back was a sin.

I love that she finds her solace in baking. (Maybe we'll be getting some recipes in future books?!) And, have a hard time deciding whether Yaya or Ernie is my favorite secondary character.

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Heroes by Ednah Walters

Heroes by Ednah Walters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

** I received an ebook in exchange for an honest review.**
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Action! Adventure! Love! Magic! What more do you need in an awe-inspiring, hard-to-put-down book?!

Eirik and Celestia's adventure continues as they search for his sister and grandmother. Witches are being killed and their bodies are disappearing. The Norns appear to be hiding. Immortals appear to be tied to most everything in one way or another, and some mortals will need to be trusted with secrets they'd normally never be shown.

Ednah's writing will draw you in, make you believe, and expand your imagination! I love the descriptive way she writes, and the details which tie her Runes world into the Norse mythology pantheon.

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Seeress (Audio) by Ednah Walters

Seeress by Ednah Walters
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

** I received an audio copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
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Raine Cooper is trying to come to terms with all the changes in her teenage life... Her mom is off trying to get re-instated as a Valkyrie. Her dad is slowly succumbing to the cancer that is eating away at him. Her best friend, Cora, sees and helps souls. Her boyfriend, Torin,is splitting his time between trying to help her and trying to find out how and WHY a family heirloom has suddenly reappeared. And, when her childhood best friend, Eirick, shows up she learns many things are not as they seemed.

I have not had a chance to read this book myself yet so listening to it was enjoyable, but I know I missed details I would have caught if I had been reading print instead of listening. The narration of this book was top-notch. Stephanie managed to catch the tonal qualities of teenagers and all their angst. I loved listening to this, and didn't want to turn it off when I had to work!

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