Xander Grey

River Angel Historical Miracle

I wrote a review at chapter 34, even though I don’t really believe in writing a review until one has actually finished reading the whole book, because I knew it was going to take me a while to finish and I wanted to give my initial impressions. That being said, I have now finished just now, and my head is swirling. To be perfectly transparent, I am not a huge fan of historical literature. Normally, I find it dull, dreadful, and like touring an old museum full of things that don’t tell me much about the past except that I’m glad I wasn’t alive then because, it seems worn out and discolored. River, however, changed my mind regarding the genre which I’ll be more open to in the future. J Mycenae has don’t the unthinkable, she’s layered the history with her guardian angels — which were enough already to draw this sci-fi fan in a bit, and populated the story with interesting, dynamic, realistic characters (many drawn from historical reality), who draw you in and make you care. They are flawed individuals with saving graces. In the end, I found River to be a meandering journey through time that culminated in a suspenseful and wonderfully cinematic set of scenes that left me craving to be back there in that world watching the events unfold in real time. On a personal note, I thought the inclusion of a realistic-for-the-times romantic relationship between two men was powerful and tenderly written. I hope more and more people will read this story and realize how natural and loving this part is and how the others react in simply a matter-of-fact way. They recognize the love between these two is real and worth fighting for. The cover angel art worked for that is what first drew me in, but it was the powerful and enlightened writing that kept me on the River. Wonderful read! I gave 5 stars on every category before! Unfortunately, the system won’t allow me to change they all to 6 stars! _________ I am only through Chapter 34, and I do plan to finish River, however, I couldn’t wait to get my early thought up and let the author know how much I love the book so far. I’ll update this review when I finish giving it it’s due worth. I won’t like, I was first drawn to the cover. Angels have played a strong influence in my life, and this one is so strikingly beautiful I knew I had to read this book. I am not a huge fan of historical literature. I admit it, I’m a sci-fi / fantasy junkie, and that’s just it. J. Mycenae has really turned things upside down with River introducing the element of guardian angels and some sci-fi like elements into the traditional usually relatively dry historical fiction. In fact, moreover, she had also been very inclusive including a very tender and realistic for the times mm relationship that’s just too wonderful! I became team Ben right away. Personally, I think the novel is very compelling and meanders a bit through the lives of the main characters, like a river, all the while giving us insight into the times and the wonderfully rich and detailed characters. I’m absolutely loving reading the novel so far. Also, to be honest, lately, after binging so many series on Netflix and Apple+ to be honest, I’ve suddenly realized that some things are not meant to be rushed. If you rush, you’ll run out of episodes and then what? You have to wait a year for more? So, I’m not going to rush reading this book. I am going to savor it, as I think it was meant to be. [Note: I say that, but now I cannot lie that I read 4 or 5 chapters late last night because I wanted to find out what was going to happen next.] Long story short, no matter what type of literature you think you like, give River a try, and you might suddenly realize you are open to more categories than you realized if the story and characters are amazing!

Through Chapter 7

In a world that seems to scream steampunk style you’re drawn in quickly to a life of a protagonist that is razor sharp raw in every aspect. That rawness manifests itself as extreme vulnerability that’s both endearing yet tragic. I don’t prefer to review stories until they are finished, but honestly, I cannot tell if this story is finished or not. Part of me wants it to be, because as it is, it’s enough and it’s beautiful to end it here. This could be the artistic ending, if you please. The one that sets you for the rest of your life to wander and wonder in the memories established. No more is really needed in that sense. The other part of me, however, longs for more because I fell for Ryan and Bernado’s thrilling slice of life together. I’ll wait and see.

Great Stars

Author Luca H.L. Has created a unique new mythology, at least it’s new to me. While only to chapter 4 so far, it’s impossible to tell yet how deeply and far this mythology extends. Are these characters named for stars or are these characters actually celestial objects? Hopefully the story will continue and we’ll get to find out more. The suspense in palpable and keeps the reader scrolling & turning the pages. It will be so interesting to see where things go from here. I have a feeling that the protagonist will come into her own when she dazzles as her next incarnation of a celestial being. I also hope that her half-sister may eventually realize the error of her selfish ways!

Hell Hath No Fury

Taught and fraught with spice and compelling characters, I kept loading new chapters like people in the old days turned pages! Twists and turns keep you wondering as to the interior POV perspectives. The changing narration permits new insight into the characters and their motivations. Natalia Ava has weaved a suspenseful novel that will leave you wanting more. Her no holds barred leading female character is a tour de force both raw and visceral. She’s the kind of person I’d like to know, but never cross. Bravo!