The Guardian of Bastet - Jacqueline Battisti

The Guardian of Bastet - Jacqueline Battisti

This is a paranormal fantasy novel that combines all manner of supernatural beings from werewolves and vampires to witches and shape shifters. When we first join Trinity we discover she is a descendant of Morgaine (a powerful witch) and a shape shifter. She has little magical power; shape shifts into a house cat and can mentally speak with animals. None of which makes her a powerful part of the Genesee Valley Society of Others. All of that will change when she has a solitary meeting with the only local vampire.

It turns out to be a very long week for veterinarian Dr. Trinity Caine after she learns that someone is hunting supernaturals that live in her home turf. While trying to avoid getting involved in the investigation, Trinity discovers she is at the heart of the action as it becomes centered on her. With the help of her father the puma, her mother the witch, her grandmother the super witch and Gordon, the alpha werewolf she sets out to discover who has started making trouble in the neighborhood.

This book is expertly crafted as the storyline flows from mystery to action to romance within the pages. There were some clues to the ending of the mystery that led me to believe I knew who the culprit was, but I was happily proved wrong at the end. The action packed fight sequences were written with just enough detail that it was easy to visualize without taking away from the excitement. And let’s just say that the romance portions (although there are only two in the book) are written well enough to illicit the responses I believe they were supposed to create.

The ending was neatly tied up with no loose ends and I’m not sure where the plot will pick up for the sequel, but I know I can’t wait for it to be released and see just what adventure Trinity’s life will hand to her next.

Piper Levine – A Gypsy’s Truth - Eris Kelli

Piper Levine – A Gypsy’s Truth (Book One-The Piper Levine Series) - Eris Kelli

This Fantasy Fiction book is the tale of a not just any young girl, but a senator’s daughter. Upon overhearing a conversation that the woman she has called Mom all her life is not her birthmother she runs to her Grandma Sidney’s house and starts the adventure of a lifetime.

This story of Werewolves and Vampires takes a slight turn from normal when Piper learns she is not only a Gypsy, but the heir to become Queen of the Gypsy community. Just to throw a wrench in the works she is told by her father that she is also heir to become Queen of the Vampire community. Piper wants nothing more than to return to her normal, although hated, life of a social elite.

I was wonderfully pulled into the storyline of Piper’s trials and tribulations as she is confronted with a life she didn’t know and wasn’t sure she even wanted. Piper’s growth through the story is almost unnoticeable until the end when it really shocked me to see the underlying changes come to fruition. Her life with the Gypsy’s was full of about every emotion I can think of and the author portrayed them beautifully. I sat in silence as I joined with Piper through her fear, anger, jealousy, heartache and confusion.

Piper will soon be forced to make a decision that will change the rest of her life. I, for one, can’t wait until Eris is ready to release book two of the series – The Path of Betrayal. The series will be a great read for many young adults, but I am positive it will pick up quite a few fans among the older generations of readers as well. Wonderfully written Eris, keep up the good work.