Nocturnal Book Reviews

Semi-Psychic Life by Elizabeth Hunter (Glimmer Lake #2)

ecopy courtesy of the author

Synopsis from Goodreads
Who says you can’t live the rock and roll life after forty?
You just need a lot more vitamins and a bigger bottle of aspirin.

Valerie Costa was pretty sure she was rocking her forties. She had an amazing coffee shop, two cool teenagers, and a new superpower that gave her insight into any random object she touched.

Okay, she wasn’t thrilled about that last one.

Ever since Val and her two best friends had driven their car off the edge and into Glimmer Lake the year before, Val has struggled with her new abilities. She’s not exactly sure she wants to be psychic, she could live without her newfound glove addiction, and honestly no one wants to know that much about their teenage sons.

But when Val’s ex-husband goes missing, and police show up at her door with questions she can’t answer, Val, Robin, and Monica are going to have to use their sudden psychic abilities to solve a mystery none of them saw coming.

Semi-Psychic Life is a standalone paranormal women’s fiction novel in the Glimmer Lake series by USA Today bestseller, Elizabeth Hunter, author of the Elemental Mysteries and the Irin Chronicles.

Amazon US/UK | Amazon kindle US/UK | The Book Depository

8.5/10

 First of all, not surprisingly, I loved it.  What's not to love, boys and girls? Paranormal cosy mystery, check. Middle-aged, settled into their own skin and their friendships heroines, check. A sexy sheriff in a small town, rawrrr! Check. A punk, rebellious, interesting heroine with a snarkalicious attitude and a swanky coffee shop, check.

Extraordinary You (2019)

Korean Romantic Drama TV Series
16 episodes
Completed

Watched on Netflix

Synopsis from MyDramaList
 What would you do if you found out that you were, in fact, a character in a comic? And an extra character on top of that? Change the course of the story, obviously! Eun Dan Oh is a 17-year-old high-school student from a wealthy family who suffers from a lifelong heart condition that inevitably means she will not live past her teenage years. However, when Dan Oh realizes she is experiencing long gaps in her memory as well, she comes into the unhappy inheritance of another fact in her life: she is a character in a Korean webtoon and all of her actions are predetermined by the artist who draws her. To make matters worse, she discovers she is only a supporting character in the cast. With her newfound understanding of the world she inhabits, she is determined to find true love in her own plot-line and circumvent the author’s plans for her character by utilizing the flashes of storyboard she alone is able to see. (Source: onehallyu) ~~ Adapted from the webcomic series "July Found by Chance” by Moo Ryoo.

8.5/10

 
I finished it last night at 1AM and cried my eyes out. Here, I fully admit it.

To me, in many ways, Asian dramas are an extension of my love of all things fantasy, and especially urban fantasy. They feel fresh, pure and raw. In contrast, for quite a few last years I've been struggling to stay interested in Western TV series and movies, and then gave up. They make me tired, they are jaded and cynical, and I want something emotionally uplifting instead.

Extraordinary You delivers in spectacular fashion. The premise is fantastic. An extra in a comic book suddenly snap out of character which she is forced into on stage and discovers that she, Eun Dan-oh is completely different underneath. She is chafing against her doormat of a character who is forever moping about, is potentially dying soon from a weak heart and loves a man who despises her. Instead, she is determined to live her life to the fullest between scenes in the comic book and change her fate.

Her force of character allows her to discover an even more insignificant extra in the comic book who has the strange power to alter scenes on the stage and warp the continuity of the plot creating a butterfly effect. Soon, more and more characters are waking up and walk the strange balance between the cliched comic book and their actual life.

Dan-Oh and Ha-Ru develop strong feelings for each other and discover that underneath the light romantic plot of their comic book there is another sinister layer, and it leads to many struggles and heartbreak, but above it all, there is an overwhelming hope in the power of their love for each other.

I really don't want to give you any spoilers, but I loved this series! Dan-Oh and Ha-Ru characters are magnetic and have beautiful chemistry. Dan-Oh's stage fiance is not as villainous as we are led to believe and has layers of character which were wonderful to peel off. The supporting characters are pretty memorable too. I had a kick out of all the things which were left unsaid and were played out with the eyes and the way people were holding their bodies. It's like they were these whole hidden silent dialogues in between words.

Overall, a fantastic plot, great acting and an uplifting, emotional story. Loved it, recommended.

The King's Avatar (2019) Chinese TV Series

watched on Netflix

Synopsis from MyDramaList
In the multiplayer online game Glory, Ye Xiu is well known as the textbook level expert and a top-tier player. Due to a series of circumstances he was forcefully expelled out of his professional team. After leaving the pro gaming scene he resides at an Internet Café employed as one of the managers. When Glory launches the tenth server he throws himself into the game once more. Equipped with ten years of gaming experience, memories of the past, and an incomplete self-made weapon. His journey back to the top begins.

40 episodes
finished

 9/10

* * *

Guys, guys, I think I binge-watched the whole series in a week - week and a half, tops. This was sooo good!

First of all, this is based on anime series, and while I haven't watched the original, the adaptation was awesome. The non-romantic plot (thank god! because it definitely did not need any romance), the tension between main characters and the magnificent online fight sequences, individual and group-based. Any lover of online gaming and urban fantasy would appreciate the kick-assery of it all.

The Bear and The Nightingale by Katherine Arden (Winternight Trilogy #1)

bought

Synopsis from Goodreads
At the edge of the Russian wilderness, winter lasts most of the year and the snowdrifts grow taller than houses. But Vasilisa doesn't mind—she spends the winter nights huddled around the embers of a fire with her beloved siblings, listening to her nurse's fairy tales. Above all, she loves the chilling story of Frost, the blue-eyed winter demon, who appears in the frigid night to claim unwary souls. Wise Russians fear him, her nurse says, and honor the spirits of house and yard and forest that protect their homes from evil.

After Vasilisa's mother dies, her father goes to Moscow and brings home a new wife. Fiercely devout, city-bred, Vasilisa's new stepmother forbids her family from honoring the household spirits. The family acquiesces, but Vasilisa is frightened, sensing that more hinges upon their rituals than anyone knows.

And indeed, crops begin to fail, evil creatures of the forest creep nearer, and misfortune stalks the village. All the while, Vasilisa's stepmother grows ever harsher in her determination to groom her rebellious stepdaughter for either marriage or confinement in a convent.

As danger circles, Vasilisa must defy even the people she loves and call on dangerous gifts she has long concealed—this, in order to protect her family from a threat that seems to have stepped from her nurse's most frightening tales.

Amazon US/UK | Amazon kindle US/UK | Audible US/UK | Book Depository

 9/10

 There are two books which left me completely satisfied with their portrayal of Russian fairytales by non-native writers in recent years. One is Deathless by Catherynne M.Valente, another one is The Bear and The Nightingale.

Miss Arden expertly blends post-Ivan the Terrible historical period with the fairytales I grew up with. It's a charmed listen steeped in the same darkness and urgency I felt reading Naomi Novik books, and what's most important for a Russian reader, it rings true. All the little details, all the non-butchered little names, the correct pronunciation and the rightfully respectful address, it was a pleasure to listen to. I was transported with the expert narration right from the beginning.

The Queen's Bargain by Anne Bishop (The Black Jewels #10)

ARC courtesy of Ace

Synopsis from Goodreads
POWER HAS A PRICE. SO DOES LOVE.

Return to the dark, sensual, and powerful world of the Black Jewels in this long-awaited new story in the New York Times bestselling fantasy saga

After a youthful mistake, Lord Dillon’s reputation is in tatters,
leaving him vulnerable to aristo girls looking for a bit of fun. To
restore his reputation and honor, he needs a handfast—a one-year contract of marriage. He sets his sights on Jillian, a young Eyrien witch from Ebon Rih, who he believes has only a flimsy connection to the noble society that spurned him. Unfortunately for Dillon, he is unaware of Jillian’s true connections until he finds himself facing Lucivar Yaslana, the volatile Warlord Prince of Ebon Rih.

Meanwhile, Surreal SaDiablo’s marriage is crumbling. Daemon Sadi, the Warlord Prince of Dhemlan, recognizes there is something wrong between him and Surreal, but he doesn’t realize that his attempt to suppress his own nature in order to spare his wife is causing his mind to splinter. To save Daemon, and the Realm of Kaeleer if he breaks, help must be sought from someone who no longer exists in any of the Realms—the only
Queen powerful enough to control Daemon Sadi. The Queen known as Witch.

As Jillian rides the winds of first love with Dillon, Daemon and Surreal struggle to survive the wounds of a marriage turned stormy—and Lucivar has to find a way to keep everyone in his family safe…even from each other.

Release date: March 10, 2020.

Amazon US/UK | Amazon kindle US/UK | Audible US/UK | Book Depository

9/10

This was like a long-awaited reunion among old friends. I missed them all and I loved to have them back.

Smoke Bitten by Patricia Briggs (Mercy Thompson #12)

advanced reader copy courtesy of Ace

Synopsis from Goodreads
Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, faces a threat unlike any other in this thrilling entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling series.

I am Mercedes Athena Thompson Hauptman.
My only “superpowers” are that I turn into a thirty-five pound coyote and fix Volkswagens. But I have friends in odd places and a pack of werewolves at my back. It looks like I’m going to need them.

Centuries ago, the fae dwelt in Underhill–until she locked her doors against them. They left behind their great castles and troves of magical artifacts. They abandoned their prisoners and their pets. Without the fae to mind them, those creatures who remained behind roamed freely through Underhill wreaking havoc. Only the deadliest survived.

Now one of those prisoners has escaped. It can look like anyone, any creature it chooses. But if it bites you, it controls you. It lives for chaos and destruction. It can make you do anything–even kill the person you love the most. Now it is here, in the Tri-Cities. In my territory.

It won’t, can’t, remain.

Not if I have anything to say about it.

Release Date: March 17th, 2020.

Amazon US/UK | Amazon kindle US/UK | Audible US/UK | The Book Depository

9/10

 As much as I couldn't get into the previous Mercy's book on audio, I feared I lost my interest in this series. Never fear! Now I'm thinking it was just the audio format itself that I didn't like because Smoke Bitten was superb!

I devoured this book, everything in it was perfect. Two reasons. 

Suddenly Psychic by Elizabeth Hunter (Glimmer Lake #1)

review copy courtesy of the author

Synopsis from Goodreads
Every woman goes through changes in their forties.
Just not… these changes.

Robin Brannon was a normal wife, mom, and antique shop owner until a brush with death turned her day-to-day life upside down. Now she and her two best friends are seeing things that belong in a fantasy novel. Ghosts. Visions. Omens of doom. Nothing that belongs in the peaceful mountain town they call home.

Added to that, Robin’s marriage is on the rocks, her grandmother’s health is failing, her mother is driving away the customers at her shop, her teenage daughter refuses to get her drivers’ license, and her left knee aches every darn morning.

Robin doesn’t have the time, energy, or knees to unearth the secrets buried at the bottom of Glimmer Lake, but fate doesn’t seem to care. Some secrets are just dying to be exposed.

Suddenly Psychic is a stand-alone paranormal women’s fiction, and the first book in the Glimmer Lake series by USA Today Bestseller, Elizabeth Hunter, author of the Elemental Mysteries.

Amazon US/UK | Amazon kindle US/UK

8.5/10

 If you can describe this book with one word, you'd use the word "enchanting".There is something about it, cosy, mysterious, secret, atmospheric and hidden that just kept pulling my strings.

It actually reminded me of one of the first paranormal books I've ever read - Dance Upon The Air by Nora Roberts from Three Sisters Island series. It's got that secluded, shut from the world, disconnected from the outsiders feel to it.

Hello, my lovely readers!
I am sorry it's been so long since I've last written on this blog. Farming took over every aspect of our life and consumed us both. I hardly have time to read and even less time to review. I am very sorry for the silence again.

What I wanted to share with you is my last 5 finds in Drama world before I kickstart my reviewing again, because they have been absolutely delightful.

Are you ready? Here you go!

Number One is COFFEE PRINCE.

I know, I know! I am late with my appreciation, as it came out in 2007 but guys, this is seriously good.

It has one of my favourite tropes in romance - cross-dressing. The girl looks like a boy, boy falls for the girl, questions his sexuality, fights the attraction, gives in and decides to love the person no matter the gender, and it ends with happy for now like most Korean dramas. Classic romantic angst and a lot of tension. I could eat it with a spoon.

Number Two is RADIO ROMANCE.

Filmed in 2018 this is another classic trope.

The hero is ice cold and emotionally stunted, but a warm, passionate heroine thaws him out. He is a famous actor who is scouted by her to become a DJ on the radio. What she doesn't realise is that she is his childhood sweetheart and he still has feelings for her which come out in a very childish way by the way (see, emotionally stunted).

This is a really warmhearted and sweet TV series, and it'll definitely be a good mood enhancer if you are feeling a bit down.






Number Three is CHEESE IN THE TRAP.

Oh My God, this was total catnip.

The hero is an absolute antihero. A great manipulator with a good, popular boy attitude and a creepy smile. The heroine has always seen through him and kept way away until she got accused of doing something he did and snapped back at him.

Then he gets obsessed with her and tries not only to woo her but help her when she continuously gets into trouble. Only his manner of solving problems comes out wrong again and again and hurts her even more.

It's twisted and they are both very odd ducks, but their chemistry is off the charts and I loved the ambiguous ending. Honestly, if you decide to watch one thing out of this list, watch this one, and then tell me what you think.

Number Four is MY CONTRACTED HUSBAND, MR.OH.

Sweet and touching and hits close to home.

Basically, it's about a man living in remote countryside in seclusion and his complete opposite, a dynamic career woman from Seol.

Through the weirdest twist of fate, they are put together and walk into a fake marriage to save the woman from a killer who targeted her as a single woman.

Yeah, I know how it sounds, but believe me, it works. It takes a lot to make their relationship work, and they both change through it in the loveliest way. I adored this tv series, it was such a feel-good storyline.

Number Five is NAGI'S LONG VACATION.

Japanese TV has been the hardest to process so far, but this little gem convinced me to give it ago.

It's so odd, self-searching and awkwardly lovely, it reminded me of Penny Reid books.

All these pent up feelings! My god, how these people haven't burst yet?! It's clever and the acting is fabulous, plus everyone learns something about themselves at the end and conquers their fears.

Definitely, not for everyone, but recommended nevertheless.

And that's it for now.

Any good tv series you've been watching recently?

Night's Reckoning by Elizabeth Hunter (Elemental Legacy #3)

ecopy thanks to the author

Synopsis from Goodreads
Darkness comes for everyone, and some fates are inescapable.

For over a thousand years, the legendary sword Laylat al Hisab—the Night’s Reckoning—has been lost in the waters of the East China Sea. Forged as a peace offering between two ancient vampires, the sword has eluded treasure hunters, human and immortal alike.

But in time, even the deep gives up its secrets.

When Tenzin’s sire hears about the eighth century shipwreck found off the coast of southern China, Zhang realizes he’ll need the help of an upstart pirate from Shanghai to retrieve it. And since that pirate has no desire to be in the middle of an ancient war, Cheng calls the only allies who might be able to help him avoid it.

Unfortunately, Tenzin is on one side of the globe and Ben is on the other.

Tenzin knows she’ll need Ben’s keen mind and political skills to complete the job. She also knows gaining Ben’s cooperation won’t be an easy task. She’ll have to drag him back into the darkness he’s been avoiding.

Whether Ben knows it or not, his fate is balanced on the edge of a thousand-year-old blade, and one stumble could break everything Tenzin has worked toward.

Night’s Reckoning is the third novel in the Elemental Legacy series, a paranormal mystery by Elizabeth Hunter, USA Today bestselling author of the Elemental Mysteries.

Amazon US/UK 

Release date: Nov 26th 2019.

9/10

 What a bittersweet, beautiful book! I was all misty-eyed. 

Ben and Tenzin were shining so brightly here! Ben, going through his evolution of love and self. Tenzin, finally accepting the profound changes he carved into her. It was poignant.