Hidden By Megg Jensen

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review.

Where do I start with this? So many different things I liked, things I didn't.

Cover art - Check. Loved this, I have a feeling it's what initially drew me in (which is really quite terrible of me as you should never judge a book by it's cover).

Map - Check. I love a good fantasy with a map! I like to see how everything's laid out and I think it gives the reader a good sense of direction.

Now... Hidden is the first book in a series called Dragonlands, set in a village surrounded by a mysterious fog. The premise was interesting, the lifestyle of the villagers and the sudden need to find a way to lift the fog set things in motion fairly nicely.

I lacked a connection with our main female Tressa... I felt like she didn't do an awful lot to move herself on in the story. She was just kind of lucky enough to have things fall in to place. Or have someone else conveniently do it for her.
Bastian was a stronger character but again still not building that connection. What man in his right mind who is a dutiful daddy will run off and leave his child even amidst the fact he does not love her mother to chase another woman through a mysterious fog that nobody ever returns from?!

One of the better characters was a side character who didn't hang around for long... I was disappointed Leo didn't hang about!

As for the 'Dragon' element of the story... I felt there was little/no explanation or description to why they are there, where did they come from. In that aspect I was pretty disappointed that there wasn't a better quality of world building.

Something about the storyline still compelled me to read on though. I finished the book but felt extremely unsatisfied.

I rated this book 2/5 stars.

Talented by Sophie Davis

I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review from Net Galley 

Post contamination children era are being born with 'Talents'... ranging from being super smart to being able to manipulate minds. Naturally society looks at this as dangerous and doesn't want these Talented around 'normal' people.

I was intrigued from the very beginning with an action sequence that smoothed very nicely into some light humour.

Talia was an interesting character who had inner conflict, whilst not being perfect at damn near anything, was a young pledge for TOXIC. She was part of a Hunter's Team which consists of two very cool guys. I immediately fell for the banter between the three of them, and loved how they grew closer as a team.
Her motivations seemed real and I felt they were a strong part in who she was.

I was gripped wholly from the beginning of this book and read it in just under 24 hours. I was breathless at times trying to read as fast as the action. That being said the book felt well paced and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Can't wait to get hold of the next instalment.

Kristen Britain - Green Rider #1-4

The Green Rider series is a compelling fantasy action series consisting of 4 books, soon to be 5.

I was completely riveted from the beginning... Our female protagonist Karigan has run away from her school and gets found by a dying Rider on his horse. Making her swear to fulfil the mission and deliver the message Karigan's journey begins.

The Green Riders are magical messengers, each one being gifted with a special ability. This brought together with their use of horses makes it a truly fabulous occupation to read about.

They work for King Zachary of Sacoridia. A character who truly captured my interest in the first book and continued to do so throughout all four.

Karigan denies her affiliation for the Riders until she is found galloping full pelt to the barracks in her night gown. She grows as a character in the duration. Starting off somewhat spoilt being the daughter of a successful merchant. But she thrives in the messenger service.
She is quite possibly one of the strongest characters I've come across in my years of reading, she's well written and extremely well developed. She has her flaws, but she works hard to overcome them.

The writing itself was for me, wonderful to read. It flowed well and kept me interested. The world building could maybe use a little work but you still get a really good feel for it.

There is a love interest portion to this series... something that puts many off. But it is underplayed very well. Whilst being a sub-plot it is always at the forefront of your mind, wondering what's going to happen, hoping for your characters to find a way.

There are many characters that completely grab you right from the beginning, the jaunty banter from the Riders makes you smile, the formal stance of a Weapon makes you tense and the evil that stems from Blackveil because of Mornhavon makes you cringe and run for cover.

Plenty of emotion and action all in one to bring you some quality reading time! Well worth it!