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Dragon Thief by J. L Mbewe
Amazon| Smashwords
Synopsis:
The second story in the Tales of Nalu collection ~ Prequels to Secrets Kept – a NA Fantasy coming Fall 2013
The teaching of the Guardians has guided Semine’s footsteps since her infancy. When her mentor shows up with information contrary to what she’s been taught, she doubts her decision to follow in their footsteps. She must decide if there is life beyond what she has always known or embrace a new, mysterious path and reject the Guardians’ legacy.
Review:
Grade: A+ (5 Stars and Beyond)
This book was wonderful, exactly what I like in a fantasy, except for all the questions, and I was upset about this until I read that this, and Desert Rose, which I will be reviewing shortly, are prequels to a book that isn’t released yet! Now, I’m just plain pumped because I assume the author will answer a good many of my questions in the actual book, and give us more of this world!
J.L Mbewe’s writing stlye is very unique, it flows beautifully, almost like poetry in way. She tells an amazing story that captivates us. It builds until you’re completely wrapped up, and then it ends, because it’s a short story.. I was so caught up! I can’t wait for a full length book!
The world of Nalu is so intricate and detailed. It’s beautifully described, the places we visit or hear about, and you just know there’s so much more beyond that we’ve yet to hear about. You can tell Mbewe has this whole world planned out, and has got the map in her head.
Semine is such an interesting character, being orphaned is always a good plot point, a lot of places to go. She has such turmoil in the book, she’s conflict, she’s driven…it’s a slippery slope for her, but she’s so well written I was pulling for her. I couldn’t stop thinking about it!
This book ends with a cliffhanger, and you just need to know more.. it was killing me! I wanted to know, I had to know.. what about the dragons? About Nach? Derk? Raven?
All in all, I loved this short story, it consumed me! I read it so quick, I went back and reread it! All in all, a wonderful tale to get us ready for the full book!
Desert Rose by J.L Mbewe
Amazon | Goodreads | Smashwords
Synopsis:
Can a desert princess find love with a foreign king?
Johari lives in the shadow of her beautiful sister until a foreign king notices her, but in her haste to prove herself worthy of affection she finds herself compromised and on a difficult journey to make things right.
Review:
Grade: A (Five Stars)
Beginning this story, after Dragon Thief, let me down a bit.. possibly because it didn’t involve dragons, but the character we meet in the beginning is so selfish and conceited that I had trouble connecting with her the way I did with the characters in the other book. But the science fiction elements in this book are quite interesting, so I’m excited for that.
This book is just as well written, organized and thoughtful as the previous story. It draws you in, even as I said I didn’t expect to be pulled in by this one, I was. I felt for her, she loves, and all she wants in love in return and a family. This struggle the main character goes through is so heartfelt and realistic that you tend to forget you are in a fantasy realm. The fantasy elements are weaved in so well with the human interest side of the story, I couldn’t help but feel what the character was feeling in this story. This story did have an ending, unlike the previous one, but this ending hurt. I was so sad at the end of this book, but am glad there’s a full length book coming, and mentions of a 3rd story, because I must know what happened!
Overall:
Overall, this series gets an A+ in my book. I’ve been reading a lot lately, trying to hit my goal of 300 books before January! Unrealistic with a full time job, but I’m trying. So, to have these wonderful short stories jump out at me so effortlessly, I was pleased. They were a easy read, interesting, well written and edited. No problems with this book, except now they have me waiting until the full novel is released! I’m so caught up in this world, I wish it was real, or at least a movie so I could go back and watch it, but alas all I have it these two short stories to keep me company until the novel comes out!
I promise if you love fantasy, you’ll get caught up in these stories, give them a try. You’ll get caught up and you can join me waiting for the novel! 🙂
About The Author
Writing as J. L. Mbewe, Jennette is an author, artist, mother, wife, but not always in that order. Born and raised in Minnesota, she now braves the heat of Texas, but pines for the Northern Lights and the lakes of home every autumn. She loves capturing the abstract and making it concrete. She is currently living her second childhood with a wonderful husband and two precious children who don’t seem to mind her eclectic collections of rocks, shells, and books, among other things.
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** I was given a copy of this book via NerdGirl from author for review **
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