Another entertaining read from this duo. Kevin and Dianne Berry write the most amusing fantasy I have read in a long time. Packed with puns and interesting characters, it keeps you hooked. This novel takes place in the same city as "Dragon's Away" but unlike the former, it remains within the city - no travelling required. Instead we have several wizards of varying talents and skills, talking furniture, animated statues, a thief, a time traveller and a mischevious imp. Some of the characters don't receive quite as much "screen time" as I might have liked, but overall it proved to be a most entertaining read and I hope to see more from this duo. ( )

I received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
Growing Disenchantments is the the second book of K.D. Berry's that I've read, and after liking the first, I loved the second (but this isn't a series, it just has some carry-over characters). What happens when a young sorcerer tries to hire a thief, Ganfrey, to still a seemingly ugly and boring painting? When you throw in two more sorcerers, a time-travel, a good/bad imp, and a hilarious security guard, a whole lot happens!
Much like Dragons Away, this book has a level of humor I haven't seen before in books. It can be dry, subtle, shocking, etc., but always funny. I can't count the times I laughed out loud while reading.
However, as much as I love a good laugh, what I loved most about this book was the surprising bits of depth found throughout. Ganfrey might be one of my favorite female protagonists. Her background story is rough (as in, the circumstances were rough, not the writing), and though she stays strong, we still see moments where she's just a scared teenager trying to find a home. Likewise, the sorcerers in this book are after as much power as they can get. Once they see what great power is like, they have to decide if it is worth it, if having all the power in world means you turn evil and alone.
I was pleasantly surprised to see a little love triangle going on in this book. It was refreshing, because it lacked the overdone love triangle-ness seen in many YA books. It was simple, light, and I liked both guys in the triangle enough to be happy with either choice Ganfrey had, if she did indeed choose one (not to give any spoilers away).
With unique, clever, and funny characters as well as a smooth plot, 4.5/stars. If you're looking for something new in YA, I would highly recommend this to you. ( )

I loved everything about this book! First and foremost, it is exceptionally well written. The story has a great flow and stylistically is very easy to get lost in.

The entire cast of characters is unique, fun, and compelling. The plot is an adventure that unravels with lots of magic, mystery and unexpected humor. I was totally absorbed from beginning to end.

This book is marketed as YA, but I think it holds vast appeal for the general adult audience. I highly recommend this story to anyone who wants a break from the real world for a while. ( )

GROWING DISENCHANTMENTS was a great story. Ragonnard, the sorcerer was search of a painting when he had a chance meeting with a thief that can help him reach his goals. This story had sorcerers, time travel, talking furniture and so much more. When I was reading this book it reminded me of a cross between Harry Potter and the movie Bedknobs and Broomsticks, two of my favorite movies. If you are looking for something to read with a touch of humor this is your book. Recommended for all ages. This book was received for the purpose of an honest review.
Rating 4.5
No heat rating
Reviewed by Rae ( )

From Lilac Wolf and Stuff

I was so excited to see another installment of the Adventures of Drewdop. Okay that's not what it is but I do adore that character. He's an illusionist who is very smart, much smarter than the king, but he makes bad choices because he is still human. He gets himself into a real pickle in this one.

Ragonnard isn't really an evil sorcerer he just wants this magical tool so bad that he makes the worst decisions. Even his furniture gives him grief about his lack of forethought and planning. Ganfrey helps him get the painting and then it all goes to hell. Silly Ragonnard!

It's really quite the fantastical adventure! I love King Credos who is a bit if a bumbling idiot, but has such a good heart. Every time he throws a party it's not just for the rich people, he invites everyone in town, all his servants...he doesn't discriminate. I think it would be better to have a ruler like this than the ones who think only money matters. Of course it helps that he has such a good adviser in Drewdop.

This book had quite the adventure, and you'll be hard pressed to put it down, especially toward the end. What really tickled me though was all the fairy tale spots. Like Ragonnard is the "Sorcerer's Apprentice", you know, the one with all the brooms? He made all of his things sentient, so they resembled Beauty and the Beast. The evil queen's magic mirror even made an appearance, and what an appearance! It wouldn't give Ragonnard any information until he said, "Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?" and then the Mirror answered back, "Why thou art, my queen." Ragonnard was very frustrated by that, but I was LMAO.

They also had me using my dictionary in this book. Some words I've fallen in love with. Garde-robe, midden, alacrity and more. This is why I love my Kindle, just highlight a word to get the definition. Yes there are some big words, but it's a well written book, easy to follow and the story will suck you in. You will fall in love with all the characters, even Valesco, Drewdops demon-imp.

I'll leave you with this quote that was describing Ragonnard and Drewdop:

"Both of them knew they were being petty, knowledge that made them behave even worse." ( )