Kayti Nika Raet's "Harm"

Title: A Sequel that will not Disappoint  

“Harm: The Outsider Chronicles Book Two” by Kayti Nika Raet

Reviewed by V

10/22/2015

10:03 p.m.

After narrowly escaping Amaryllis City, Niko and her small group must find a safe haven. Now venturing with her younger brother, Jared and Ben, they begin their search for Ben’s hometown. This plan, however, does not go as desired and Niko loses Ben in the chaos. Staying strong and pushing on as we know this heroine to do, Niko, who now goes by Harm, meets a new comrade: Songhay. Together, they fight off slithers, and continue their journey of survival in the twisted place that is now the world.

Picking up right where Niko left off, Harm is a thrilling follow up to the first book in the Outsider Chronicles. It will not disappoint. The new characters introduced are extremely likable, and well developed. Songhay brings out a side of Niko that we have not seen yet. He breaks through her strong, cold exterior and humanizes her in a way that was much needed. It was nice to see someone that she could finally let her guard down with.

 The action scenes are just as compelling, if not more so, than the first novel. Packed with action, drama, tragedy, and even a bit of romance as a new love triangle begins to form. The banter between Niko and Jared will have you smiling. Once again, I must point out the connection to the Hunger Games saga- if you liked that series you must read the Outsiders Chronicles. I honestly have nothing bad to say about this book. Raet really out did herself this time. I can’t wait to read the next one!

This is a Publisher’s Read!

I give “Harm” 5 out of 5 stars. 

Kristin Ravelle's "The Everlasting Spell"

Title: Too Much of a Good Thing

“Everlasting Spell” by Kristin Ravelle

Reviewed by V

07/10/2015

5:35 p.m.

Have you ever had that unreachable crush that you would do anything to get the attention of? What if a simple spell fell into your hands that promised to make them yours? Would you try it? These are the questions Sabina found herself asking when she heard of an Everlasting Spell. Her long-time crush on Justin, the jock every girl fancied, was finally within her reach. But was it everything she imagined it would be, or would the spell take a dark turn?

The Everlasting Spell is a short read that tells a very intriguing story. We’ve all had that lover we desired, but were out of our reach. This story explores what would happen if there was a possible way to make them fall in love with you. A love spell with no antidote: would you take the risk?

Author Kristin Ravelle creates a very relatable character and story that will keep you intrigued. Filled with great sensory details, and just the right combination of romance and mystery- this book will keep you on your toes. When the love trance starts to be a bit overwhelming, how will Sabina escape her stalker boyfriend? What can be done?

The Everlasting Spell, could definitely use more length, and more background on the spell-casting culture itself  Ravelle throws the reader into the story before actually developing a reader and character connection. It fails to show why Sabina and other girls became involved with it. I would say the average person would not try out witchcraft on a whim, so what made Sabina do it? These kinds of character details and development would make this novel much stronger. Great book for the beach, or a plane ride. I would definitely recommend this book to Romance lovers looking for a quick read.

I give “The Everlasting Spell” 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Best,

V

Kayti Nika Raet's "Niko"

Title: A Publisher’s Read

“Niko:The Outsider Chronicles Book One” by Kayti Nika Raet

Reviewed by V

06/21/2015

7: 05 p.m.

The world has become a dark place… Most of the water has been contaminated; getting caught in the rain in this place would be detrimental. Resources are slim, and many people are dying of starvation and water contamination. Not to mention, there are monsters roaming in the shadows of the night ripping out peoples’ hearts. Amongst the final survivors, seventeen-year-old Niko copes with the madness that has become her world in order to take care of her two younger brothers. But when she comes back from a scavenge to find her house burning down and crawling with Slithers, Niko faces her largest challenge: dealing with the death of a brother, and trying to recover a lost one.

The first book of a fictional series, Niko is a harrowing story of a young girl doing whatever it takes to find her brother. This novel is jammed-packed with action, discovery, and well-developed characters.

Author Kayti Nika Raet creates a strong, female hero that faces her worst fears for her family. The content will have you rooting for Niko; cheering and crying along with her as she continues on her journey. It is definitely the beginning of a great series, comparable to The Hunger Games saga.

If you enjoy an action-packed story of a hero, you will not be able to put this book down. Raet does a great job of throwing the reader into a brand new world, while subtly explaining the setting through context clues. It’s hard to get lost, and yet you don’t feel like you’re reading a lot of explanation and background. It is very well written.

This is a Publisher’s Read!

I give “Niko” 5 out of 5 stars.