Alisha Klapheke

Set a generation after the main series, something we all wish every author would do, we get to see Vahly and Arc happily married with adult children ready for their own adventures. There are also remnants from the past that return in unexpected ways. That's actually my favorite part, the way magic that was never really explained in books 1-4 connects to and disconnects from the future of the world. But that really won't make sense unless you read it. I do wish it were longer. There are show more characters I'd like to know better and spend more time with, the way we got to spend time with Vahly and Arc and Nix in the other books. There is also a sense of loss as beloved characters from the previous years are no longer with us. In that way, it's a bit of a bittersweet book, but lovely. It would also be interesting if it served as a prequel to a spinoff series. Anyone else?

I received this audiobook as a gift from the author and have reviewed it willingly. show less

This book was a grand finale. And I mean grand. After excruciating losses, Vahly has to fight her most important and dangerous battle yet. And if she loses, water will sweep over the land and everyone and everything will be lost. And I can't say more for fear of spoilers.

But let's take a minute and talk about Vahly's adopted mother, Amona. Not only is Vahly adopted, but her mother is a different kind. Vahly is human; Amona is dragon. And yet, never does Vahly treat Amona as though she is show more anything less than her mother, as though biological counts for more and adopted is a lesser form of parenthood. And never does Amona treat Vahly as anything less than her own, coming to her rescue, being for her, always on her side, even when she makes decisions that might seem foolhardy. It's a beautiful relationship, a healing relationship, in a world of families filled with brokenness. Very surprising and very cool.

The finale was everything and has earned Alisha a fan for life. I was given a free copy of the audiobook from the author and have reviewed it willingly. show less

Okay, now I'm second-guessing why I haven't read any of Alisha's books before. This was fantastic. To make it even better, it was narrated by the fabulous Caitlin Davies, one of my favorite voices in audiobooks.

Alisha's world was captivating. One human girl. The last human. Destined to be the earth queen. Whatever that means. In the meantime, Vahly is raised by and with dragons, longing for something more but without knowing what. Legends that the elves might know something of human rituals show more drives her to leave her home with several of her dragon companions. She meets the elves and finds much more than she's bargained for.

Not sure who she can trust, Vahly must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice and if she can be the leader that her clan believes her to be.

On a side note, totally loving that the possible love interest is an alchemist. And that Vahly's so awkwardly aware that she's crushing on the first humanoid she's ever met, so maybe that's all there is to it. He is such a sweetheart though. I ship them.

I received a free copy of the audiobook from the author because she is cool like that, which has not impacted my review in any way. show less

In an alternative world where the British colonies never won their freedom and chemistry and candy combine, Aini, of mixed Balinese and Scottish heritage works with her father and others in his amazing candy business. She's a rules follower and list maker, in part because she has secrets that could get her and those around her killed.

She's not the only one with secrets; her father has a few as does Thane, one of the shop's apprentices. Secrets have a way of coming out and causing troubles - show more and their secrets are no exception. The book is well-paced and inventive. I enjoyed the dialogue and banter that was laced with Scottish, and other slang. Author Klapheke has written a fun start to a series. I'm as impatient waiting to read the next book as I would be waiting for fudge to cool enough to eat it!

I received a free copy of the book and have chosen to review it. show less