Book Review: Autumn Thorns by Yasmine Galenorn

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Autumn Thorns
Whisper Hollow #1
Author: Yasmine Galenorn
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Released: October 27th 2015 
Review Source: Jove

In an all-new series, New York Times bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn invites readers to Whisper Hollow, where spirits walk among the living and the lake never gives up her dead…

Fifteen years ago, I ran away from Whisper Hollow, Washington, a small town on Crescent Lake in the Olympic Peninsula. But truth is, if you were born here, you can never really leave. I’m Kerris Fellwater, and when I returned, I inherited my grandmother’s house—and her gift. As a spirit shaman, it’s my responsibility to drive the dead back to their graves, because around Whisper Hollow, people—and secrets—don’t always stay buried.

When I was little, I was told my mother ran off. But now it looks like she was murdered. With the help of my mysterious neighbor Bryan, we begin to unravel the mystery of her disappearance, and in doing so, unearth a dark force seeking to bury Whisper Hollow. Now I must work with the dead, rather than against them, because our enemy will do whatever she can to destroy the town, and she means to start with me

This is an Adult romance novel recommended for ages 18+ due to sexual content and mature subject matter.

Kerris' life is different from others. She is special and has a special thing about herself, she can help ghosts, haunts, etc. Its in her blood. When she was 18 she moved away from Whisper Hollow she lived with her grandparents because when she was 3 years old, her mother disappeared and her father gone before she was born. And she never knew why. But her grandfather wasn't nice to her and that was why she needed to move away. After 15 years she would go back to her home when her grandparents are taken away by the lady in the lake. Where she would learn the truth about some things and also meet her guardian and the love of her life.

What I enjoyed most about Autumn Thorns is Kerris never felt she fit in. As soon as she is back home she no longer felt like the weird one, and she now has friends... and family. People she can trust within her group! But she also has so much to learn to take over where her grandmother left off. She meets her guardian who is to watch out for her, and the sparks fly. They have this instant connection that I loved reading about. I loved how he took care of her, opened up to her on their second time meeting as to where before he wouldn't open up to anyone. He is a very private person, but with Kerris, Bryan opened up and talked about stuff, even things he didn't feel comfortable at sharing.

This book is great and a fast read! I kept my attention throughout the story because I had to know what was going to happen next! I would recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about ghosts, shapeshifters, love and family. With some dangerous people along the way.  Autumn Thorns is very unique with a city that is magical all on its own with a Spirit Shamans to help with the dead. This will keep you entertained. So if you like stories like this, then Autumn Thorns is a must!

Book Review: Hexed

Hexed
Kate Daniel #4.5, Sisters of the Moon #9.5, Stormwalkers #3.5, Anna Strong Chronicles #6.5
Authors: Ilona Andrews, Yasmine Galenorn, Allyson James & Jeanne C. Stein
Pages: 336 pgs
Reading Level: Adult
Published: June 7th 2011
Review Source: Berkley - Penguin Group
Available: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Borders

Summary: (from goodreads) Four of the bestselling names in romance and fantasy come together in this collection of thrilling novellas featuring powerful women who know how to handle a hex or two.

(Average of 3.5 for all 4 stories)

The book includes 4 short and easy to read novellas from:

Ilona Andrews – Magic Dreams from the Kale Daniels Series – This story is about Dali, one of the minor characters in her series. A magical white tiger shape shifter, not the typical showstopper girl depicted in stories, but proves to be a force to reckon with when she uses her magic skills to save Jim, the man she secretly loves from the demon seeking revenge. This seems like an interesting series that I would like to continue reading

Yasmine Galenorn – Ice Shards from the series Sister’s of the Moon – Lady Iris, a priestess banished by the elders from her world because of a crime she can’t remember committing. She goes back with a group of friends that had bowed to help her gain the knowledge of that night, even if she is proven guilty. The curse that will not allowed her to have children and create a new family, can only be removed after she learns the facts and fulfills what turns out to be the goddess mission.

Allyson James – Double Hexed from the series Stormwalker – A series of mystical characters find themselves prisoners in a hotel, by a curse placed by a power hungry demon-goddess. Using their wit, strength and powers they need to fool the demon and remove the curse before they all die.

Jeanne C. Stein – Blood Debt from the series Anna Strong – Anna is only been a vampire for a year, but she has found out that she is considered the “Chosen One” to keep the peace and balance between humans and vampires. Trying to do her duty but unaware that the black-magic witch, had seeked protection in sanctuary to recover from wounds that she inflicted on her, she kills her and the body guard. Now, she is faced with having to prove to the special tribunal in charge of sanctuary, that what she did was justified to protect not just her family and friends but other humans as well. The only problem is that they are requesting a life for a life to pay for her crime and that includes her life and the life of the human brother of one of her white witches friend, who had been taken hostage by the double-face fiscal.

I given an average of 3.5 trees, but if I were to rate them separately, the first & last will have 4 trees and the ones in the middle 3 trees. All of them could be read as stand alone, without any hindering to the story.