2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Peacemaker

Peacemaker by E.M. Hamill

I'm very particular when it comes to Sci-Fi and I expect a lot in these types of stories. I want to be taken away, I want to feel like I'm part of the adventure, or at least sitting alongside the main characters as they have their adventure. Despite this being book two, I felt that the author EM Hamill did an excellent job of giving us enough backstory and history to ensure that the reader didn't feel like they were missing anything. I will admit that Dali is not my favorite character even with how richly they are developed, however that did not take away from the story, they were just not my favorite. Either way, the author provided a wonderful story filled with rich characters and a creative universe. This is a must read if you enjoy Sci Fi.

https://amzn.to/301O2iD

2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Lady of Stone

Lady of Stone by Barbara Ann Wright

Wonderful! This tale has an excellent premise and an original delivery; magic is something seen before generally but the way it manifests and the methods used to control and wield it here are completely fresh. Characters are established quickly and deftly. I had no trouble following who I was with, and the setting was richly woven and glorious. I caught a few errors, but nothing huge, and most of my questions were answered neatly and organically within the story. Genuine laughs at some lines. A particular chapter ending was so memorable due to the tension it induced. I loved the magical battles, and Sylph's power is perfect, both as a plot element and as a metaphor for her internal struggle. I like the lyrical nature of the writing during Sylph's blossoming understanding of her feelings. Nothing overdone, nothing cliched. Another excellent story from this author. It should also be noted that when I tried to type mind pyramid into my phone, it autocorrected to mind peanut, and I think Barbara Ann Wright would get a kick out of that.

https://amzn.to/3BW6fej

2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Smash & Grab (RELIC #1)

Smash & Grab (RELIC #1) by Maz Maddox

Good solid read all the way around, very enjoyable!

https://amzn.to/3kibMWp

2020-2021 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: The Called (The Calling #2)

The Called (The Calling #2) by M.D. Neu

If there's something I love reading in a story is action, mystery, drama. Add vampires to the mix and exciting plot, fantastic writing, and I'm happier than a pig in a mud pit. This book has all the above and then some. It's the type of story that once you start reading, you can't put it down, thus staying up until 5AM this morning and had to finish it once I got up. This is the third book I read from MD Neu and I can assure you, it won't be my last. I loved Neu's writing style, the world-building where it feels like you're actually there, living the drama. The characters are amazing. The setting is simply fabulous, and the plot, well, read above 😃 I highly recommend this story to those who love Vampires. Well done, Neu. Well done.

https://amzn.to/3qeI60j