“Judah’s Scepter and the Sacred Stone” by D.A. Brittain

This is an amazing book by a very talented author.  There are a few novels that touch your heart, soul, and mind.  This is one of those books.

Princess Teia is surveying the destruction of the land surrounding her home when her life and the lives of her family are threatened in an instant.  During the chaos, the royal family is separated.  Teia’s tutor, Ebed, finds a hiding place for her, but it isn’t perfect.  Teia nearly burns to death!  Fortunately, she is rescued by the prophet Jeremiah.  With Ebed and Baruch’s help, Jeremiah whisks Teia to the shores of Egypt, where she meets an attractive prince named Eochaid.  But right after love takes root, they must go their separate ways.  Both Teia and Eochaid’s journeys are fraught with danger, making it unlikely they will survive, let alone see each other again.

This gripping novel lures the reader in and never lets go.  The suspenseful plot and well-rounded characters had me rushing to pick up the book every chance I got.  I was glad Teia and Eochaid didn’t meet right away, so I could anticipate that moment in the story.  There were so many scenes that stood out for me, too many to list.  It’s not easy for a writer to keep two story lines equally riveting, but D.A. Brittain does a masterful job.  I never dreaded switching viewpoints because both Teia and Eochaid’s stories were filled with excitement and danger.

I highly recommend this incredible novel.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookCrash.

Huntress by Julie Hall

In the Prologue, we learn a chained-up male has just discovered there is a girl who has an ancient weapon — the cherabim sword.  She could be the key to his freedom.

The girl, Audrey, arrives in a strange new world.  Her new acquaintance, Joe, calls it home.  Her home.  Joe also calls it the “ever after.”  Audrey realizes she has died.  Joe takes her to a magnificent city, but he doesn’t accompany her inside.  Audrey is processed.  They need to get her assignment figured out.  But there seems to be a problem, and Audrey is passed along to Shannon.  Shannon takes her to a crowded room filled with huge, well-muscled guys.  Surely Audrey doesn’t belong with these guys!  Someone has made a terrible mistake.  This thought is confirmed when Audrey is given a mentor, who will train her to be a demon hunter!

This book is one you will not be able to put down.  I felt Audrey’s strong concern about her training as a hunter.  Her struggles to keep up with Logan were proof that she wasn’t hunter material.  But mistakes weren’t made here, or so she’s told.  All she can do is hang in there and do her best … which is never good enough for her attractive mentor.  It’s up to him to whip her into shape, though, which is a huge responsibility.  He can’t give up on her.

Julie Hall is adept at making you feel what you’re supposed to feel about the characters.  If Audrey liked someone, I felt myself liking them, too.  If she didn’t like someone, I could understand why!  The author also created a vivid, enchanting world that captures your imagination and draws you in.

I highly recommend this amazing novel.  This book does not let you down.

An Unexpected Role by Leslea Wahl

This book is a must read!

Josie thought she was escaping her problems when she left for South Carolina, but her troubles were about to get a lot worse.  When her Aunt Lily brings up the string of thefts happening around the island, Josie should have hopped on the first plane for home.  But how could she know the robberies would invade her life as well?  She’s happy she came … especially when she meets a handsome young man who is working for Lily’s friend, Tom Mullens.  And Niko isn’t the only attractive boy on the island.  Ryan McNaulty came all the way from Josie’s town to play baseball for the local team.  As the story progresses, Josie starts falling for Niko while keeping Ryan at bay.  He represents the terrible kids at school who mocked and teased her.  But then she starts spending time with Ryan, trying to solve the crime spree that has hit the island.  Maybe she was wrong about him…

Leslea Wahl paints an accurate picture of high school life.  The reader feels for Josie, who is undeserving of the other kids’ cruel teasing.  It’s understandable that she wants to get far away.

When Niko responded to Josie’s attention, I was happy for her.  And I enjoyed watching Josie and Ryan bicker as they tried to figure out their rocky relationship.  Mixed in with the romance is a mystery that keeps heating up until it finally boils over and someone you would never expect gets burned.  This author knows how to speed up your heart rate and raise your fear level as she puts her lovable characters in jeopardy!

The book was far from predictable.  It had twists I never saw coming.  It has a wonderful story line that keeps you guessing.

I definitely recommend this book.  It’s very well done.

The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through BookCrash.