Tag: Gods of War series

Dread by Shannon West

Shannon West - Dread Cover 74tgbbTitle: Dread

Series: Gods of War 02

Author: Shannon West

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy

Publisher: Painted Hearts Publishing (January 10,2019)

Length: Novella (171 Pgs)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: 💖💖💖 3 Heart

Blurb: Will Logan and Luke Warren are still running, with no refuge in sight. After stopping in Tennessee to meet up with teammates Ron Perry and Jake Wilson, they head for Atlanta, to rendezvous with the remaining member of their team, Todd Jackson. Kowalski told Logan he murdered Jackson, but Logan knows all too well how hard it is to kill any of them now. He’s hopeful that Jackson survived and is waiting to meet them. Once they arrive in the city, they find Jackson easily enough. They soon discover, however, that he’s involved in a strange and savage situation, a member of a vicious fight club in the basement of an Atlanta club. When he tells Logan he’s in trouble and can’t extricate himself, Logan finds an oppressive atmosphere of evil in the club, seeming to center around the club’s owner, a charismatic man named Austell. Logan is disgusted by the illegal fighting, but Luke and the others are all inexplicably drawn to it. Something or someone is influencing the men, infusing them with violence and cruelty. A chain of events begins to unfold that will test Logan and Luke’s bond to the breaking point. Logan’s life is turned upside down as he has to fight for the lives of his friends and the man he can’t live without. When they’re kidnapped, and everything Logan holds dear is in deadly danger, will he be strong enough to save them all?

In this book, the second in a three part series, new clues and revelations emerge as to what happened to Logan and his friends in book 1, Origins, Gods of War, to change their lives. They face a new and savage threat to their safety, and receive intervention from Heaven itself? Or could it be Hell?

ISBN: 978-1-946379-27-6

Product Link: Painted Hearts Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: Luke and Logan had been prisoners together along with other members of their team. They had escaped with many different gifts. Gifts that might just turn into curses. After killing Kowalski, Logan knew their team needed to get the hell from where they were hiding. Then one of them got a vision that lead them straight into hell it would seem. However they had to get Jackson back.

I don’t remember reading book one but noticed I had given it a high rating. After reading this though, I am not too sure I actually want to finish the series. It has a very dark tone to it and almost no humor whatsoever. Logan and Luke fought more times then I can count, plus Logan’s fear of Luke leaving him left me not able to connect at all. There were so many twists and turns to this story that it should have gone in one direction but for me it went in the other. I couldn’t connect with the characters and the story was just too dark to even like.

However it is well written except for the jumping around part. I hate to admit that this story was a downfall for me. I couldn’t get into it and pretty much hated the characters. Even though it sounded like I didn’t like Logan, he was the one I actually did like. As for the story it never really delved into the questions I had.

I am sorry to say but this story was not for me.

Origins by Shannon West & T.S. McKinney

Title: Origins

Series: Gods of War 01

Author: Shannon West & T.S. McKinney

Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy

Length: Novel (200 Pages)

Publisher: Painted Hearts Publishing (April 11, 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Former Army Ranger William Logan is serving hard time in Leavenworth for a crime he didn’t commit. With three months left on his sentence, he’s approached by a recruiter for a private military group. The Red River Group make him an offer he can’t refuse—a get out of jail free card and a chance to continue as a soldier, working as a hired gun. He’s sent to join a team already in training for their first mission. The new soldiers are all former elite military but also misfits, like Logan, and recently sprung from brigs across the country.

At the training facility, he meets company man and trainer, Luke Warren, a former Navy SEAL. Logan begins an intense relationship with the prickly but gorgeous man as they get ready for a top-secret mission against the drug cartels in Mexico. The team has to make sure that MARS, a highly addictive and lethal new drug, along with the factory that produces it, is completely destroyed.

When everything on the mission goes wrong and the factory blows up in their faces, the team wakes up to find they not only survived, but the now have impossible enhanced strength and abilities. Frightened and confused, not knowing who to trust, Logan leads the team in a run for the States to find a safe haven, forcing Luke to come with them.

With violence and intrigue swirling around him, Logan relies on his instincts and his ingenuity to discover who his allies and his enemies really are. As they travel across the country, Logan and Luke begin to realize that they have to stick together and they’ll need all their newfound abilities and a lot of luck to make it out of this alive.

ISBN: 978-1-946379-93-1

Product Link: Painted Hearts Publishing | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: It has been a few years since I read one of Shannon West’s books but when I saw the cover to this book it caught my attention. Then I read the blurb and damn if I wasn’t wanting to read it. It has a very unique and fresh story going on. I am not too sure of whether or not I like the guys but they are tempting.

Logan was special forces until he got into a fight and a man was killed. He wasn’t the one that killed him, but since his ass was drunk and he had no friends there, well you can guess what went down. He had three months left to serve when a very special group came calling.

Luke was a little harder to get a handle of. He was also in this group of black ops with no military truly backing them. He was trying to make the group stronger, but he really wasn’t getting very far with him. Lets face it the guys are asshats.

Then their first op blows up in their faces, and your going to just have to read the book on this one. It is a very fascinating story that is on the edge of your seat exciting. The problem is there are a few things missing in the story. It would have been nice to see their first interaction when Logan is taken to meet everyone. It was a bit harder to get into Luke’s life, but he was actually easier to like.

Other than my problems with the story, it caught my attention from the start and kept it all the way to the end.

I had a lot of fun reading this and can not wait to get my hands on the next book.

Braving the Storm by Xenia Melzer

Title: Braving the Storm 

Series: Gods of War 04

Author: Xenia Melzer

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novel (300 pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (November 21, 2017)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Though some struggles have ended in victory, ease and contentment are not the fate of the gods of war. Instead they must contemplate the sometimes terrible and frightening nature of their powers—and the effect those powers have on the people they love.

After their campaign in Ummana, the gods of war return to the Valley with their ranks finally complete. Sic is the eighth Emeris to join Renaldo and Canubis in their war against the Good Mother. Even so, they must wait for their powers to manifest, and trials lay ahead.

It is only when a tragedy befalls Aegid, Kalad, and Daran that Sic learns the extent of his abilities as a Luksari. What he achieves will change Daran forever—and set him up for trauma that leaves him doubting his relationship with Aegid and Kalad. After surviving battle, torture, and rape, Daran must affirm his commitment to his lovers and his new status among them through even more blood and violence.

Even though Renaldo and Casto’s relationship has improved, they’re still struggling, which could prove to be more dangerous than they think—because the Good Mother is already plotting her next move.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-676-4

Product Link: DSP Publications

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: An engaging story about the struggles of several men. Renaldo, Casto, Canubis, Aeid, Kalad, Daran and Sic must find a way to defeat the good mother character in this book. I was appalled at the treatment Sic suffered through other books. But things are different this time.

Daran suffers through his own hell and afterwards has to deal with the things that happened to him.There are quite a few characters throughout that add an element of surprise by their actions and/or thoughts. Twists and turns are all throughout.

I like this series even though at times I feel overwhelmed by certain events that take place. An interesting addition to the series to say the least.

Great read.

Ummana by Xenia Melzer

Title: Ummana

Series:  Gods of War # 3

Author: Xenia Melzer

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novel (294 pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (July 4, 2017)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: In war, loss is the price of victory, and the cost of love is sometimes pain.

After Renaldo and Casto finally celebrate their marriage, the time has come for revenge against the followers of the Good Mother who tried to kill Casto—though this time, the gods of war won’t use bloodshed to take Medelina.

As a member of the Confederation of the Plains, Medelina answers to Ummana, the head of the alliance… and Casto is heir to the throne of Ummana. Accompanied by their most capable mercenaries, Canubis and Renaldo travel to Ummana to make Casto king.

They’ll face the Council of Elders; Lord Aran, Casto’s father; and Princess Anesha, Casto’s sister—none of whom are happy about the king’s return. For Casto, the city is a reminder of a terrible childhood, and Renaldo can only helplessly watch his beloved fight a seemingly hopeless battle.

Through trickery and political scheming, vengeance against the Good Mother is finally within their grasp—but their success might be bittersweet. Not everyone will return to the Valley with Casto and Renaldo..

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-362-6

Product Link: DSP Publications | Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon DE

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: Book three in the series has a different feel than the previous two books. There is still an interesting cast of characters throughout that add an element as well as political, plots, and some background info. I just could not put my finger on what was different with the overall feel of the story.

I love Casto but would like to see more of other characters as the main MC sometimes. Sic’s past and what he has been through broke my heart. I was happy that the person responsible for his pain finally got his. 

Though I enjoyed the series so far I did not care for this one as much. It’s a complex story that had me confused at times with explanations as to certain things. Never the less it’s a good read for the series.

It was an o.k. read.

Love and the Stubborn by Xenia Melzer

Xenia Melzer - Love and the Stubborn CoverTitle: Love and the Stubborn

Series:  Gods of War # 2

Author: Xenia Melzer

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novel (334 pages)

Publisher: DSP Publications (December 13, 2016)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: All is fair in love and war. By now, Renaldo has found out the hard way how utterly stupid this statement is once you’ve met your match. And Casto won’t give an inch in their ongoing war for love.

After a tumultuous start to their relationship, Renaldo and Casto seem to have finally reached calmer waters. But just when Renaldo starts getting comfortable and thinks he can relax, things get out of hand again. His old enemy, the Good Mother, is dangerously close to defeating the divine brothers by reaching out to what is most dear to him. Casto still clinging to his stubborn pride is all the plotters need to drive him and Renaldo apart. Burdened by the secrets of his past, Casto fights with everything he’s got not only to save his life, but also to secure his future happiness. Facing the destruction of everything they have built together, Renaldo and Casto must choose between pride and love.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63477-190-0

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/love-and-the-stubborn-by-xenia-melzer-336-b

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: I have to say from the beginning of this book I hated Renaldo. I cannot honestly understand someone who claims to love another then turns around, because Casto was late, and forces him to accompany him to a festival where he allows him to be touched by another, paraded nude around others and then has sex with him through the night as a part of a display of ownership knowing that Casto did not want to.

Renaldo was way too full of himself. The way he treated Casto was atrocious. I would have left. I loved Casto’s spirit and defiance. Unfortunately it seemed as if Renaldo wanted instant submission yet for him to be defiant. That is contradictory to say the least. I think Renaldo should not have been in a relationship as he knew not what he actually wanted.

There were a lot of POV’s by different characters throughout this story. It gave an added depth to the story. So much happens that it’s impossible to write about everything. Some want both Renaldo and Casto gone for good. Some want just Casto gone and still others want to see them succeed. 

As with all stories there are villains in this one there are more than one that will stop at nothing to destroy Renaldo and Casto. The though was well written with a master/slave theme, suspenseful, drama humiliation aspects at times. It was an o.k. read. I did not enjoy it as much as I did the first book.

Ummana by Xenia Melzer Guest Post & Excerpt!

Hi peeps, we have Xenia Melzer stopping by today with her upcoming fantasy release Ummana, we have a brilliant guest post and a great excerpt, so check out the post and enjoy! <3 ~Pixie~

Xenia Melzer - Ummana Cover

Ummana

(Gods of War 03)
by

Xenia Melzer

In war, loss is the price of victory, and the cost of love is sometimes pain.

After Renaldo and Casto finally celebrate their marriage, the time has come for revenge against the followers of the Good Mother who tried to kill Casto—though this time, the Gods of War won’t use bloodshed to take Medelina.

As a member of the Confederation of the Plains, Medelina answers to Ummana, the head of the alliance… and Casto is heir to the throne of Ummana. Accompanied by their most capable mercenaries, Canubis and Renaldo travel to Ummana to make Casto king.

They’ll face the Council of Elders, Lord Aran, Casto’s father, and Princess Anesha, Casto’s sister—none of whom are happy about the king’s return. For Casto, the city is a reminder of a terrible childhood, and Renaldo can only helplessly watch his beloved fight a seemingly hopeless battle.

Through trickery and political scheming, vengeance against the Good Mother is finally within their grasp—but their success might be bittersweet. Not everyone will return to the Valley with Casto and Renaldo.

Release date: 4th July 2017
Pre-order: DSP Publications ebook | DSP Publications paperback | Amazon

Continue reading “Ummana by Xenia Melzer Guest Post & Excerpt!” →

Casto by Xenia Melzer

Xenia Melzer - Casto Cover sTitle: Casto 

Series:  Gods of War # 1

Author: Xenia Melzer

Genre: Fantasy

Length: Novel (294 pages)

Publisher: DsP Publications (June 21, 2016)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 ½ Hearts

Blurb: All is fair in love and war. Renaldo has lived happily by that proverb his entire life. But he has finally met his match, and he’s about to discover how unfair love and war can be.

When demigod and warlord Lord Renaldo takes a beautiful stranger captive during an ambush, he is delighted to have found a distraction that will keep him entertained during the upcoming siege. Little does he know, Casto is keeping more than just one secret from him. Slowly, Renaldo gets sucked into a turbulent roller-coaster relationship with his mysterious prisoner, one that begins with hatred and soon spirals into a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. And when it seems that things can get no worse, an old enemy stirs right in the heart of his home.

Determined to keep Casto by his side, Renaldo has to find a balance between the capricious young man and his own destiny as a ruler and god to his people.

ISBN: 978-1-63476-838-2

Product Link: https://www.dsppublications.com/books/casto-by-xenia-melzer-265-b

Reviewer: Shorty 

Review: I loved the fantasy and mythology throughout this book. It’s about two brothers who were created only to have something happen and have their hearts removed. According to a prophecy if the ones they are meant to be with find them again then they will get their hearts back though they won’t be as powerful.

Renoldo has yet to find his heart. His attitude certainly has a lot to do with that. I have to say one of the things that confused me was Casto and Renaldo’s so called relationship, as when Casto is first captured he is sixteen. I felt the master/slave factor was all there was to the relationship.

I did not feel that Casto and Renaldo had a real relationship at all. I loved Casto. He thinks for himself and does not let Renaldo push him around when he does not agree with him. There were so many characters and POV’s that at times I was lost in what exactly was happening.

I loved the banter between Casto and Renaldo. I enjoyed the witty, sarcastic comments from both and found myself laughing when they fought.

All in all it was an o.k. read.