Accidental Traveler Series, Book 3 Accidental Mage/ Jamie Davis / 344 pages

Dragged back to the game of Fantasma, for Hal Dix, this time it's personal. Hal returns home from Fantasma to find his greatest nightmare has come true. A personal tragedy in the real world drags him back into the game world of Fantasma one last time when he finds that the emperor has left him a message after kidnapping his wife and daughter as leverage against him and his role as the prophesied hero that will defeat the emperor.  After entering Fantasma once again, Hal seeks help from his comrades Kia, the mage Tildi, and warriors he has helped. Hal must master the art of magic this time, gaining abilities and training under four unique archmages and learning their individual elements to complete his quest and fight against the emperor. Does Hal have the discipline to stick with the training and reach the end of his chosen path? He doesn’t have a choice, Hal will do whatever he has to to rescue his wife and daughter. Narrated by Roberto Scarlato 10h 18min.

Accidental Traveler Series, Book 2 Accidental Warrior / Jamie Davis / 320 pages

Hal Dix had success at home after his initial outing into the world of Fantasma after helping a city overthrow the tyrant rulers set in place by the evil emperor. He leveled up in both his job and at home, getting into the management training program.  Everything was going fine in his life. Then, the mage Tildi, the Elder that had first sent him to Fantasma showed up again with news from the other world. His friend Kia was in trouble and only he could help. Hal didn't want to be a hero, but he wasn't the sort of fellow to leave a comrade behind. Whisked away to the game world of Fantasma once again, Hal enters the role of the reluctant hero he thought he'd left behind.  Narrated by Roberto Scarlato 9h 56min.

Accidental Traveler Series, Book 1 Accidental Thief / Jamie Davis / 310 pages

Hal Dix was stuck in an unlucky life. His wife is a successful executive while his IT help desk job leads nowhere. His supervisor is a rude bully and he has applied for management training 12 times already,  maybe this time will be lucky number 13. Even his daughter's daycare teacher thinks he's a loser. Hal can't catch a break. But when he checks out the flea market by his work for any new or interesting games he comes across a strange woman who sells Hal a bootleg release of a highly anticipated game. It is just what he wished for and he can't wait to play it during his long weekend home alone. Has his luck finally turned around? Hal should be careful what he wishes for, when instead of playing a relaxing game at his computer desk in the comfort of his own home, he gets sent to the the game world of Fantasma, is this real or just a dream?  Narrated by Roberto Scarlato 9h 9min.  

Magic Blood: The Warlock Series Book 1, Demons And Deception / Katerina Martinez & Tansey Morgan / 211 pages

Hailey used to be a mage, she would take odd jobs for people and kill demons with her sister but after her sister is killed she decides to retire and move from the United States to London, England.  Now she’s working at a University as a Librarian and she loves her quiet life with no more danger and death. Then one night as she’s closing up two creatures summoned by a demon come to steal a book from her library, only she knows her collection and doesn’t remember this book.  She defeats the creatures, but barely. Someone else wants the book too, Levi, he was hired to get the book and now won’t leave her side without it, but it’s her job to protect it. Narrated by Rachel Dulude 4h 1min.

City of Bones/Cassandra Clare/485pgs

The City of Bones is the beginning of a captivating series full of magic, supernatural creatures, and the fight against those that would abuse their power. The story follows Clary, a young teen who emerges into a world she never knew even existed. All her life she thought she was a normal teen but when fate intervenes she learns the truth. She is part of a secret world of downworlders and shadowhunters. Hunters that kill and fight demons and keep supernatural creatures in check to protect unknowing humans. Through out the book, Clary is continuously faced with truths, each one greater than the other. You almost wonder how she handles them all and still stays focused on her main goal; to save her mother from an evil man named Valentine. A shadowhunter to kill all downworlders no matter good or evil. This series is definitely for those that enjoy storys with a good amount of twists and turns. Recommended highly to young adults/teens.

The Star-Touched Queen / Roshani Chokshi / 339 pages / 8 discs

  This novel makes me wish I had a better understanding of Indian mythology and folklore. I thoroughly enjoyed the book but at times I felt I was missing something. Like there was an underlying text that would explain why our heroine Maya did what she did. The author has such wonderful descriptions brought to life by the narrator, Priya Ayyar who brought a world full of sensual mystery. I just wasn't sure I was catching the entire story.
   We meet Maya who has quite the unfortunate horoscope. Her marriage will be one of death and destruction. Her suitors are few to none and the harem where she resides view her with distaste and suspicion. She loses herself in the scrolls of her father's library where she also learns about her father's kingdom by hiding in the rafters above his throne room. The kingdom has been at war and her father has arranged for Maya to marry one of the warring tribes. It is during this ceremony a sneak attack surprises her and Maya is whisked away to safety by Amar, who is a king in his own country.
   What happens next is beautiful, enchanting and awe-inspiring. The pictures brought to mind are spellbinding. This is a great read for someone who likes fantasy, strong female protagonists and adventure in foreign lands.
   The second in the series has been released: A Crown of Wishes

6 Degrees of Reading: Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton, And I Darken by Kiersten White, Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones.

Heir of Fire/Sarah J. Maas/565 pgs.

This is book 3 in the Throne of Glass series--and is just as entertaining and action packed as the first two books! Celaena Sardothien  is now in Wendlyn having been ordered there by the King of Adarlan. Here she meets Rowan, who has been instructed to train her in Fae ways, by her aunt, Maeve--the aunt Celaena's mother kept her from. In this book, Celaena comes to terms with her true identity--Aelin Galathynius--Queen of Terrasen. She has lost those she has loved, and needs to learn how to manipulate her power in order to one day be able to conquer the King of Adarlan. It's a wonderful series, with great, but flawed characters, and a strong story line. Highly recommended!

Wonderful Wizard of Oz / L. Frank Baum 267 p. Dead author + 100 yrs old

Wonderful Wizard of Oz / L. Frank Baum 267 p.   Dead author + 100 yrs old

Thanks to the 1939 movie starring Judy Garland, many know the story of Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  Dorothy is swept to the Land of Oz via a whirling, twirling, spinning tornado ride, only to land on the wicked witch.  Glenda comes and gives her a kiss that gives her a welcome to some of the many inhabitants of Oz. Following the yellow brick road sends her on a series of adventures that keeps one on the edge of one's chair until Dorothy returns home.  There are  many many books that followed (upwards of 30 in the series) to continue the story of Munchkins, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland / Lewis Carroll 160 p. Deceased Author + 100 year old book (published in 1865)

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland / Lewis Carroll 160 p. Deceased Author and very old book

Alice and her sister were sitting on a river bank when she gets drowsy.  When she sees a clothed rabbit with a pocket watch run past, she follows him down the hole. She enters a world of amusing animals with human-like qualities. Thus starts her "series of misadventures" beginning with the foods that cause her to grow tall or to shrink.  Here the reader meets all kinds of now notable characters, the Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, and the March Hare.  And the ubiquitous order "Off with their heads" issued at every turn by the Queen of Hearts.  This is considered a classic of literary nonsense.  Children would enjoy the adventures, imagine playing croquet with hedge hogs and flamingos as the balls and mallets.

Warrior Heir / Cinda Williams Chima 426 p.

Warrior Heir / Cinda Williams Chima 426 p.

For Jack Swift, it is a normal Ohio day.  He snarfs down breakfast and speeds out the door, forgetting to take his all important heart medicine.  At the soccer tryouts, he sends his opponent into the net without trying.  Somehow he feels stronger even without his heart medicine.  Without any warning and knowledge of why, Jack is the focus of a man hunt.  With the help of his aunt and non-warrior friends he escapes.  He is surprised when his Aunt Linda shares with him that he is a descendant of a long line of ancient warriors.  These warriors are used settle dissension between the houses of magicians --and they fight to the death.  He is overwhelmed with learning the art of fighting, learning the rules of combat as well as wizard skills, and keeping up with his education.  A budding friendship with a girl who seems to understand him, is nipped in the bud when she must move away.   When the action is moved to England, the heat is turned up in the hunt for him.  When a near exchange with an opposing wizard nearly kills him, his trainer takes him to a hideaway to wait for the killing tournament.  He seeks to find his own way through is quagmire of death, deceit, and war, to a solution for all.

First in the Heir chronicles.

Song of Susannah / Stephen King / 413 pages

This is the 6th book of King's Dark Tower series.  I was really disappointed in this book.  I willingly went along with King bringing storylines from his other novels into this series, but in this book, he inserts himself and allows his characters to realize they aren't real.  There is an unwritten contract between fiction writers and readers: the writer will try to provide believable characters and an entertaining story if the reader will willingly suspend disbelief for the length of the story.  King had me invested in these characters for five books only to let them come into the "real world" and realize they are only fictional characters.  The only reason to read this book is to keep up with the movement of the story and the characters.  I'm hoping the last book of the series will be better.

Wolves of the Calla / Stephen King / 714 pages

This is the 5th book of King's The Dark Tower series.  We continue to see characters from King's other books leaking into this story, most notable is Father Callahan from Salem's Lot.  Roland, Eddie, Susannah, Jake, and Oy the billy-bumbler come in a small town (which King now calls a Calla) named Calla Bryn Sturgis.  The town is upset because they have just learned the wolves will be back within a month and the wolves always take one of every set of twins.  Considering the women in this town almost always have twins, this results in about half the town's children being taken.  About a month later the children return, but are roont.  Roland and crew decide whether to help and then bear the consequences.

The Crown of Embers / Rae Carson / 416 pgs / 10 discs

   I couldn't wait to start this middle book of the Girl of Fire and Thorn trilogy. The first book had ended with a bang and I wanted to see where the pieces had fallen. Elisa has won the war for her people but with a cost. The court has been maneuvering while she has been recovering and the people are not happy. During her birthday celebration chaos erupts when an enemy appears and tries to hurt her. Soon it is rumored there may have been spies living in the city all along. No one knows who to trust. Elisa tries to lead her people the best she knows but seems to be thwarted at every turn. While trying to find her way a possible solution appears but she will have to deceive her people in order to help them. Thus begins another exciting quest.
   This book picks right up where the first one ends. As the new Queen, Elisa is learning on the job with Hector her Royal commander by her side. The thrills of her story never let up as she fights off assassins, deceivers in her court and the demands of her own heart. It is almost a relief when she finally leaves the city to find the answers to the magical power at her command. The writing style is enthralling, crisp and free flowing. The pages/discs just keep flying as Elisa's adventures and choices becoming harder and harder. I wasn't sure how this book would end. There is still another one to go! I am not completely satisfied with the ending but maybe that will be fixed in the third volume. Would love a map - Elisa's journeys seem to be literally all over the world. Heartily recommended.

Six Degrees of Reading: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi, The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater, Graceling by Kristin Cashore.

FURIES OF CALDERON / Jim Butcher / 440 Pages / Audiobook / Christmas Challenge: 8 Maids-a-Milking (animals) & 2 Turtle Doves (flying)

FURIES OF CALDERON, read by Kate Reading, is the first in the epic fantasy series 'Codex Alera' by Jim Butcher, also known his urban fantasy series featuring Chicago wizard Harry Dresden.

Everyone in the land of Alera, except a young farm boy named Tavi, can control Furies, elemental powers of wind, earth, water, fire, and metal. Tavi and Amara, a spy pretending to be a slave, must work together to defend their country against not only invading barbarian Marat but also from scheming nobles wanting to overthrow the aging High Lord of Alera.

Narrator Reading gives each character their own personality and enhances the author's convincing storytelling style. Fans of Butcher's Dresden Files series or the Inheritance Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin should enjoy the great world-building in this fast-paced, epic fantasy.

A World Without Heroes / Brandon Mull / 454 pages

This is the first title in Mull's new Beyonders series. It is fabulous. There's lots of action, adventure, bizarre creatures, puzzles, and good vs evil. The Beyonders are people from our world who crossover to the fantasy world of Lyrian ruled by an evil wizard. The book features two strong characters, 14 year old Jason and Rachel, who are both Beyonders and must work together to save a world that is in great need of heroes. In fact, this book does a rather good job of explaining just what a hero is. Kids who like Angie Sage's Septimus Heap books or John Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice books will eat this up. Great "boy" book.