The Green Rose by Stephanie Burkhart

Title:              The Green Rose

Author:          Stephanie Burkhart

Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing

Pages:         130 pages

Genre:          Sensual Romance

A strong, dark wizard kidnaps two kings of Gaia so he can rule the world. The kings' heirs must recover the Green Rose to help the remaining monarchs bring order out of the chaos.

N'Gasse, Tapin, Daháka, and Ravenrock are the four countries of Gaia and their rulers made the green rose to protect the land. To describe the green rose I must borrow the author's words.

Daháka  brought pollen taken from the bees of the Tagrassé Forest. N'Gasse brought sap from the old mahogany trees. Tapin presented dust from falcon eggs. Ravenrock offered a rose. Together, they forged the indestructible green rose, a harbinger of powerful magic.

The rose was hidden in the centre of the Tagrassé Forest, looked after by three witches.

Sonia heir to Tapin, and Ivánstan heir to Daháka, set forth on the journey to recover the rose and bring it back to the two remaining monarchs. With the rose's help they hope to defeat the wizard and renew the defenses of Gaia. Their bonded companions, Hiro - Sonia's hawk and Draco - Ivánstan's dragon, are an invaluable help as the journey progresses. Gabriel, once betrothed to Sonia, betrayed his country and sided with the wizard. As they continue their quest, Gabriel tries to obtain the rose and have Sonia for himself.

Ivánstan has magic which he uses to protect them both. He discovers Sonia is unaware of her own magic and teaches her how to protect herself. As their journey takes them into danger and mystery, the two try to fight their attraction for each other. Both believe as heirs a marriage would not be possible for heirs of different kingdoms.

I thought at first this would be a "back into middle ages" type of book, but I was wrong. Magic plays a big part in this story with the help of dragons, hawks, ravens and jaguars. The attraction between the main characters start as slightly more than a passing interest and develops into an intense emotional feeling between the two. Again magic comes into play in their relationship. The Green Rose is a wonderfully imaginative book solving the problems of kingdoms and individuals in a thoroughly unique way, while keeping the reader interested from page one through to the end.

Like fantasy and magic? Then The Green Rose is a must for you.

Buy Link:  Desert Breeze Publishing

Author's page:  Stephanie Burkhart

Scotch Broom by Marva Dasef

Title: Scotch Broom : The Witches of Galdorheim Series

Author:         Marva Dasef

Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing

Pages:        145 pages

Genre:       Middle Grade Fantasy

Kat and Rune set out on their adventures once again this time to Scotland. The witch and warlock take different routes but their problems eventually bring them together. Kat is growing up and goes out into the world alone. A trick leaves her stranded and she has to learn who to trust and who will betray her. 

The mundanes of the world plod along unaware of magic, while and ancient Goddess lives in the Otherworld surrounded by magical creatures. Vampires, a giant, trolls and magical beasts are some of the Goddesses companions who make this third book another winner in the Witches of Galdorheim Series. 

Ms Dasef has the ability to write a series and make each book seem fresh and different from the previous one. At the end of each novel I believed I knew the characters well but Scotch Broom reveals yet another layer to the characters and world. 

I enjoyed the first two of this series and Scotch Broom drew me in so well that I read the whole book in one sitting. Ms Dasef deserves a standing ovation and I eagerly wait for the next book in the series.

Buy Link:  MuseItUp Publishing

Author's Link: Marva Dasef

Angela's Coven

Title: Angela's Coven : The Cabbottown Witch Novels

Author:        Bruce Jenvey

Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing

Pages:        296 pages

Genre:       Paranormal Fantasy

Reggie Sinclair, an aging rock star has mellowed with age and is now in the grip of terminal cancer. Angela, an immortal witch, part of the Cabbottown Coven. What do they have in common - they have both sold their souls to the devil and Ajax, the devil's henchman, is waiting to collect.

As soon as I saw the cover of Angela's Coven I knew I had to read it, and I was right. This is my type of book. I love novels that keep the pace going without the lulls which give the reader the chance to get bored. You won't find any lulls in this book. Witches, the devil and his underling and the good guys, both the coven and ancestors, were there to help turn Ajax from his evil ambition and kept me intrigued as I wondered what would happen next. 

I'm not sure how the author got so much into this book, but it's one of those you can't put down. Angela's Coven is not a comical book, but it has a lighthearted thread all the way through from Angela and Reggie's banter to the Devil's dealings with Ajax. Throw in explosions, spells, ethereal beings and the occasional scene that pulls at the heartstrings. Previously unknown links also pop up when least expected. All these make this a good book to read or give as a present. No heavy scenes so suitable for teenagers upwards but enjoyable by every age. 

Well done Bruce Jenvey, if the next one in the series is as good, you're on a winning streak.

Buy Link:  MuseItUp Publishing

Author's Link: Coven Witches