Chaos Unbound (The Metis Files #2)

Framed for the murder of a high ranking member of the Unseelie Court of Fae, Steve Dore–also known as Diomedes, Guardian and protector of mankind–goes on the run. He’s determined to uncover the real culprit and clear his name.

But the assassination may be the beginning of a more sinister plot that involves not just the Fae and Humankind, but all the races of the world. And what if the real assassin is a boogeyman even the Fae don't believe is real?

*May Contain Spoilers*

Chaos Unbound, by Brian S. Leon, is a militaristic novel of mythology and fantasy. Though I've read many fantasy novels, I've never read one quite like this. Leon gives the faery world a combative twist that takes the story to a level of epic proportions. 

Diomedes, a human avatar for Athena, is the main character of this novel and the entire book is told from his point of view. Thousands of years old, Diomedes, or Steve, has witnessed countless wars and battles, and has participated in many of them. His main job is to protect humanity not from each other, but from supernatural forces that choose to interfere in human conflict. He's trained in multiple military forces and even has SEAL experience. This resume gives the story a military feel as fighting techniques, military combat knowledge, and weaponry are all described in intricate detail while Diomedes tries to find out who framed him for the death of an important member of the Unseelie court. 

Diomedes is intelligent, brave to the point of nearing recklessness, determined, and dedicated. Readers will respect him for his commitment to humanity while fearing for his life as he goes up against a boogeyman with substantial power. It's interesting to witness a godlike being so down to earth, focused, trusting, and even forgiving. The level of understanding that Diomedes has for others knows no bounds. His job often puts him in a position to kill in order to protect, and he doesn't take that lightly, even after thousands of years doing his job. 

The story begins right at the start of all the action, or rather all the chaos. Diomedes has been framed for a murder he did not commit and he's forced to go on the run to clear his name and save his own life. He's soon caught by the Unseelie court and is put in a position that evokes sympathy and fear from readers. When he escapes, with the help of someone who believes his innocence, the race is on to find the real murderer and uncover the reason behind a string of high profile deaths. The mystery behind this boogeyman is intriguing while the story is packed full of action and adventure. The setting constantly changes as Diomedes and his friend, Duma, travel through pathways that connect the entire world while trying to track down the boogeyman, which in this case turns out to be a Hanner Brid, or a half-breed. 

Readers who enjoy fantasy novels will definitely enjoy this book. However, I think that readers will also need an interest in military combat (or the like) to really get into it. There is a lot of discussion about weapons, political unrest, and very detailed passages about fighting techniques and mission planning. While this really pulls readers into the action, it could also alienate those readers who felt it would be more focused on the fae. I did not expect the book to be so heavily laced with combat, as I thought it would be more focused on uncovering who framed Diomedes and why, like a crime thriller or a mystery. Though, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to understand the military information with Leon's writing style. Lastly, I hadn't read the first book in this series before diving into this one and found that it didn't make a big difference. I think it's easy for readers to connect with Diomedes as he is instantly and unjustly cast as the underdog and villain. As he fights for his honor and the truth, that connection is strengthened and solidified creating an interesting adventure/fantasy novel filled with action and mythology that will surely please readers of the genre. 

Rating: 3.5/5 Cups

Flicker

Lee Capren’s life is perfectly ordinary, thank you very much—right up until she’s spirited away by faeries and forced to serve them as a portrait artist. She escapes with the help of Nasser, a human boy whose magic has always been more of a curse than a gift. But what felt like a night in Faerie spanned years in the human world, and Lee returns only to find that her old life is gone.

Now living above a shop that caters to the city’s beguiling magical crowd, Lee doesn’t think her life can get more complicated. Then again, she never expected clashes with Filo, her prickly new roommate and unwilling magic tutor, her growing feelings for Nasser—or the cunning faerie bent on dragging her back to the world she just escaped.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Indie author Kaye Thornbrugh transports readers to the world of the Sighted in her novel, Flicker. When Lee loses seven years of her life as an Otherworld Prince's pet, she doesn't have the option to return to what once was. With the help of others like herself, Lee has a chance to start over. 

Weatherly (Lee) Capren is a young girl who was trapped in the Faery realm for seven years. She stumbled upon it when she was fifteen and is rescued at twenty-three by Nasser Rew, a highly Sighted individual who played the knight in shining armor. Lee is a very down to earth girl, even though she experiences wild and amazing things. She questions it all, which I very much admire, and requires a bit of proof before belief is even an option. These small quirks are important aspects to me. It shows me that Lee is a character I can trust and believe in as a reader. Readers will connect with her sympathetically as Lee learns all that she lost. Her personality is easy to enjoy as well. She's persistent, dedicated, loyal, and honest. 

Readers get much more than just a main character, however. They get the whole gang. I enjoy novels where the supporting cast is just as important as the main character. In Flicker, Filo, Nasser, Jason, and Alice all have their own story/stories which Lee seems to just stumble into. This lets readers get to know the supporting cast in the same timeline/way that the main character does. Therefore, readers won't just feel connected to Lee but to the whole group. They're impressive, intelligent, rebellious, loving, and unique. 

The plot of Flicker begins with Lee. She stumbles into an Otherworld grove and is adopted by a member of the Faery Realm. Years pass without her knowledge, until Nasser goes looking for his little brother, Jason. He finds Lee instead and can't seem to leave her there. Nasser rescues her, at a price, and takes her to Flicker, a shop run by Filo, who gets a little angry that he gets stuck taking care of a normal. When the member of the Faery Realm learns that Lee is gone, a little upheaval follows. Now the Faerie who traded her must bring her back or receive punishment. Flicker is an incredibly intense search for safety, for all characters involved. Those who love fantasy and supernatural fiction will definitely enjoy the magic of Flicker. 

Rating: 5/5 Cups

The Iron Knight

To cold faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase - a half human, half fey slip of a girl - smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the unwelcome company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end - a quest to find a way to honor his vow to stand by Meghan's side.

To survive in the Iron Realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. And along the way Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

*Contains Spoilers*

The final book in the Iron Fey series. Wow, what a whirlwind. Though there are in-between books and another series with Ethan, the original is completed with The Iron Knight. Julie Kagawa gave the readers exactly what they wanted: the fight for a happy ending. 

Readers are well aware that Prince Ash has a dark and stormy history. He was cold, manipulative, feared, and worst of all, he didn't care how his actions effected others. That is, until he met Ariella, his first love. When she was harmed in a terrible accident... well, Ash got even worse. Then Meghan appeared, a simple halfling who wanted to save her little brother. She healed Ash and allowed him to become sweet, caring, and thoughtful, even if he had to give her the cold shoulder a time or two to keep her safe. 

But they could never be together because of her role as the Iron Queen. Thus began the journey to the End of the World, where it is rumored that one can find a soul and become human. The Ash that readers were first introduced to would have never taken the first step of this dangerous adventure. But the Ash that we've all come to know and love commits to finishing his quest or die trying. 

Not only do readers bear witness to Ash risking absolutely everything for Meghan, they watch as he realizes what it is to become human. As the reality of the situation becomes known, readers see Ash weigh his options and choose love every time. Even when a surprise twist brings Miss Ariella back into the land of Faery. 

Though the plot of The Iron Knight follows Ash through his journey to become human and gain a soul, our other favorite characters are still present. Grim and Puck both play large roles where as Meghan only pops in from time to time. The bond between readers and each of these characters only strengthens with this final adventure toward happily ever after. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

The Iron Queen (The Iron Fey #3)

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

*May Contain Spoilers*

With the third book in The Iron Fey series, The Iron Queen, many things change for Miss Meghan Chase, Prince Ash, and Puck. Julie Kagawa writes without boundaries or character favoritism. Faery is in dire need of a heroine and Meghan just happens to fit the bill. 

Readers have witnessed Meghan grow from a clueless human child to a Summer Fey Princess. Readers have witnessed her strong caring heart, her fierce loyalty, and her ability to succeed where others have failed. This series installment is no different. She has saved her brother, her father, and now she must save all of Faery. No pressure right? 

Even though she was exiled in book two, Meghan is brought back to Faery with the promise that if she succeeds, the exile will be lifted for her, Puck, and Ash. To succeed she must kill the False Iron King and stop the destruction of the NeverNever. Readers will see the blooming hope that comes with this chance. With one look at Puck and Ash, how can she say no? As a plan is formed, readers will begin to believe in Meghan. She becomes a fighter, a leader, in this novel. With the firm bond between reader and Meghan in place, readers will grow to respect Meghan with each written word. She looks at the bigger picture and refuses to be selfish. Even though the odds are stacked against her, Meghan pushes on in hopes of trying to save the ones she loves, and all of Faery along with them.

The plot of The Iron Queen is wonderfully twisty and full of secret allies. The story begins with Meghan being offered a deal from the rulers of Faery: if she kills the False Iron King then she, Ash, and Puck can return to Faery. Of course they jump at the chance. (Well, not exactly jump because the Iron Kingdom is deadly to Puck and Ash but they kind of, sort of take care of that problem.) Anyway, the three allies travel back to Faery and make a deal with Oberon. And then the adventure begins. Meghan lets the Iron Glamour she feels pull her toward the false king, but there are those that want to stop her. Those that think that the False King will steal her powers and become the strongest Iron Fey in history. But Machina, the last Iron King, won't let that happen. If only Meghan would let him help her. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

Faery Marked - Blog Tour

Synopsis
When Callie Rycroft wakes to find purple flames flickering on the ceiling, she believes she’s still dreaming. But soon she’s forced to accept that she has magic―a special magic that grants her entrance into the Faery Realm.

For centuries humans have been banned from Faery, but dangerous times call for dangerous measures. Declared Champion by the Faery Queen, Callie is assigned a Guardian, and tasked with finding the Cordial―a magical elixir needed to keep the portal to the Faery realm a secret from humans.

The upside? Reece Michaels, the boy she's been crushing on for years, is her Guardian. Callie hopes that, by spending time with Reece, he'll start to see her as more than just his best friend's sister.

The downside? She's in a race not only against time, but against another Champion, and a rogue Guardian―a Guardian who stands to threaten her developing relationship with Reece.

Magic, mistaken identities, and hidden agendas are the least of Callie's worries when she learns that the Cordial requires a sacrifice. Will Callie be willing to risk everything―even Reece―to complete her task as Champion? Or will she let the portal open, and doom both realms?

Review

Mary Waibel writes of a riddle and a challenge to save the Faery Realm in her new novel, Faery Marked. A human has never been chosen as Champion before, but Callie bears the winged mark. With her Guardian to help her, Callie has one week, after she takes the oath, to unravel the riddle and find the Cordial, ensuring the safety of Faery. 

Callie is an orphaned teenage girl, living with both her brother and foster brother while finishing high school. Just six months ago, she was in a terrible car accident that killed both of her parents. Still dealing with the guilt and mourning her loss, Callie is trying to focus on her future. Until she learns of Faery and her unexpected task. Readers will like Callie as she's a typical high school girl. She isn't stereotyped into any specific group, which makes her more relatable. She's intelligent and brave, willing to risk her life to find the Cordial. Though, I was disappointed in how she treated her best friend in the book, Alyssa. Even if Callie needed to keep her Faery quest a secret, she shouldn't have lied to her best friend and avoided her. Perhaps an all encompassing "I'll explain later" would have sufficed. 

The plot of Faery Marked was fast paced, beginning with Callie's discovery of her awakening powers. Without hesitation, she is taken to Faery and is required to take an oath for the Cordial quest. Soon after, Callie returns and begins training with her Guardian. While trying to crack the riddle, Callie is attacked multiple times and the threat of failure is mounting. But as with most beginnings of series, things don't wrap up nicely in the end and, suddenly, the threat of failure isn't the scariest possible outcome. 

Rating: 3/5 Cups

Meet the Author

YA author Mary Waibel’s love for fairytales and happy-ever fill the pages of her works. Whether penning stories in a medieval setting or a modern day school, magic and romance weave their way inside every tale. 

Strong female characters use both brain and brawn to save the day and win the heart of their men. Mary enjoys connecting with her readers through her website: marywaibel.blogspot.com. 

!Available December 16th from BookFishBooks!

Win Faery Marked/Book Swag Here 

The Iron Daughter (The Iron Fey #2)

Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.

Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Oh my goodness. Julie Kagawa ensnared me with her fantastic descriptions of the Faery world in The Iron Daughter, the second book in The Iron Fey series. Keeping her promise to Prince Ash, Meghan returns to the Unseelie Court where she becomes a volunteered prisoner to Queen Mab. That is until the Iron Fey show up and destroy everything. 

Meghan is still the loyal, loving, brave soul readers remember from the first book, The Iron King. But there's something more to her as she begins to feel and wield iron glamour. Not that we have time to focus on that just now. The situation in the Fey world is dire and no one believes that the Iron Fey are real. After the Scepter of the Seasons is stolen, the Winter Fey declare war on the Summer Fey. But Meghan knows that the war must be stopped. Readers will be impressed at her willingness to help a place that has never been home to her, though her help may be pointedly aimed at Prince Ash, even if he is being quite an ass. With Meghan being such a wonderful character, the writing style a world to get lost in, and the plot a complicated mess of intrigue, readers will love this sequel. 

The plot begins with Meghan being trapped at the Unseelie Court. During the celebration of the official season change from summer to winter, the Scepter of the Seasons is stolen. Blaming the Erlking, Queen Mab declares war. Prince Ash and Meghan escape, labelled as traitors, and begin a journey to find the Scepter. A new Iron King sits the throne, a fraud some say, and he's recruiting fey to join him in order to overtake the Faery realm. Readers will enjoy the very bumpy ride through Fey and the Mortal world with Meghan, Puck, and the unexpected ally, Ironhorse. Oh and Grimalkin. Who can forget him? Though all may be for naught when certain characters are banned from Faery... not that I think it will stop them from returning. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

The Iron King (The Iron Fey #1)

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil, no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Julie Kagawa writes of the Fey world in her novel, The Iron King, a book I wish I would have known about years ago. After spotting it at the library, I wondered why I had never read it. The novel that opens the Iron Fey series is a portal to the land of mischief and secrets, where saying 'thank you' puts you in debt and everyone is quick to make a deal. 

Meghan Chase is the main character of this book and the series. She's a high school girl who only has one friend and is often at the receiving end of bullying and pranks. Readers will immediately sympathize with her outcast label. Then, suddenly, Meghan's little brother is kidnapped and replaced by a changeling which leads Meghan to a familial revelation: she's the daughter of King Oberon of the Fey. Readers then bear witness as Meghan learns to be self-sufficient, strong, brave, and determined. Her loyalty is truly astonishing but is most often her downfall in the novel. The characteristics that Meghan has make her easy to relate to and give her a dimensional fluidity that allows her to reach the audience on a deeper level. 

The Iron King begins with the veil between Meghan and the Fey world slowly lowering. As she celebrates (or mourns) her sixteenth birthday, all is revealed. Then with Ethan's kidnapping, Meghan becomes determined to traverse the Fey world until she finds him and returns him to the human world safely. With the level of danger in the Fey world, the journey becomes a trial of Meghan's love and loyalty, faith and strength. I wasn't able to put it down until the last battle. And now, my fingers are itching to hold the second book and continue the adventure. 

Rating: 4.5/5 Cups