Tag: Mary Mecham

Assassin of Fire and Sacrifice

About the Book:

Title: Assassin of Fire and Sacrifice
Series: Sacrificed Hearts #5
Author: Mary Mecham
Release Date: April 5th, 2023
Genre: Fantasy Romance

To assassinate her target, she must marry her enemy.

Azora has dedicated her life to exacting revenge on the phoenix shifters who murdered her parents. When Prince Tarquin of Pyren demands a bride as part of a peace treaty, the elite strike squad of assassins Azora belongs to agree—she’s the perfect candidate to eliminate the monstrous shifter.

The traces of Pyrenese blood flowing in her veins grant her immunity to fire and will allow her to slay Tarquin, for a phoenix can only be destroyed by one descended from Pyren. The safety of all Termarth is dependent on Azora to maintain her cover; her true identity must never be discovered.

With the tantalizing offer of peace on the altar, Azora weds Tarquin, knowing that as soon as the peace treaty is broken, either bride or groom will be the first casualty. But just as Azora begins to uncover the man behind the monster, skirmishes erupt throughout the land. When the time arrives to finally eliminate the threat to Termarth, Azora’s loyalties are torn.

She intended to gamble her life away, not her heart.

Book Review:

Oh my goodness! What an adventure! I was so excited about this series and this book was so exciting. I love the mix of action, intrigue, and romance within Ms. Mecham books! I love the fantasy elements of the series and the mythical creatures inspiration..

Azora was so cool! She had a rough childhood and had dedicated her life to exacting revenge on the phoenix shifters who killed her family. I admired her ferocity and tenacity. She was an assassin and warrior. It was so fun to have her be the perspective we see of Pyren. We get to learn about the kingdom through her eyes. As she balances hiding the traces of Pyrenese blood, to complete her mission of eliminating Prince Tarquin, she finds surprising secrets arising. I loved seeing how she and Tarquin were able to get to know one another. They both were so guarded and yet they complemented each other so well. It was such fun to see their relationship develop.

I also loved the side characters! Razo was so much fun with Azora. I loved their sibling relationship. The plot twists in this were crazy! Throughout the story, I was really invested in discovering how the story would play out. I must say, I was not expecting the surprises of the ending. It was so engaging and I loved the action of this story. This is a highly recommended book for those looking for a fantasy adventure with plenty of action, surprises, and romance! 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

Scarlet and the Dark Woods

About the Book:

Scarlett and the Dark Woods: A Dystopian Red Riding Hood Retelling by [Mary Mecham]

Title: Scarlett and the Dark Woods
Series: Autumn Fairy Tale #4
Author: Mary Mecham
Release Date: September 15th, 2023
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

She is one of the protected elect. He is a shunned shapeshifter. Can Scarlett rescue her grandmother before her own heart is stolen?

When her grandmother is cast out as unworthy after facing Hamelin’s annual Shunning, Scarlett knows she must brave the dangers of Darkwood Forest if she’s to have any chance of saving her. Her perilous adventure becomes a race against time; she needs to find Gran before the previously shunned get to her first.

Scarlett’s efforts come too late. As her magic dwindles the farther into the forest she ventures, she becomes hopelessly lost and is forced to accept help from Greyson, the shapeshifting wolf who is stalking her every footstep—and who Scarlett suspects of knowing Gran’s location.

If she manages to save her grandmother, Scarlett will be faced with an impossible choice: join Gran and live her life as an outcast or return to the rest of the elect, safe but alone. As she struggles to find the right path forward, Scarlett realizes that more than her grandmother’s future is at stake. Her heart is too.

Can Scarlett resist her inexplicable attraction to the shunned wolf she despises long enough to protect the woman who raised her?

Book Review:

What a cute story! I was so excited to read this! I had just recently read my first of Ms. Mecham’s books and also love the theme of this series. When her grandmother is cast out at Hamelin’s annual Shunning, Scarlett has to brave the Darkwood Forest and its dangers to save her. She has to find Gran before all the previous shunned get to her. But Scarlett is too late, as her magic dwindles, she becomes lost. She is forced to accept help from Greyson, the shape shifting wolf, who she believes knows Gran’s location. But if she does save her grandmother, will she join Gran and live as an outcast or return to the elect, safe but alone. There is more than just the future at stake, her heart is too.

This was such a fun twist on the story! I loved the magic. It was so inventive! Scarlett was quite spunky! I loved how much she cared for her grandmother and her determination to save her no matter what the dangers. She definitely had a lot to learn and to consider what she really wanted for her future. Her gran was quite vibrant! Greyson was also a lot of fun. I loved how he teased Scarlett. 

There were a lot of twists in the story! It did feel like the clues were there which was nice to read. I also enjoyed the cozy fall vibes! The story was easy to get into and the romance was also sweet! This is a cozy dystopian fantasy with only kissing! It is a stand-alone novella.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required

Becoming Hook

About the Book:

Becoming Hook: A Villainous Peter Pan Retelling (Legends of Neverland Book 1) by [Mary Mecham]

Title: Becoming Hook
Series: Legends of Neverland #1
Author: Mary Mecham
Release Date: May 9th, 2023
Genre: Fairytale Retelling

A pirate, a pixie, and a plot to foil Peter Pan…

James Hook never meant to become a pirate, and never dreamed that he would turn against best friend, Peter Pan. Every adventure and eternal youth awaited them… until a pixie exposes a shocking revelation. Tinkerbell’s information forces James into acknowledging that, far from being the benevolent hero he painted himself to be, Peter Pan was kidnapping innocent children.

After accepting the traumatic loss of his hand and of the family he can barely remember, James deserts Pan. In the fight to rescue the Lost Boys, Hook will risk everything, even if that means becoming the most notorious villain in Neverland… or losing the fiery pixie who is stealing his heart.

Can the original Lost Boy vanquish Neverland’s greatest threat?

Book Review:

What a fun twist on Peter Pan! This is my first book from Ms. Mecham and it was so intriguing. I love seeing reimaginings of classic stories and twists of perspective. James Hook never meant to become a pirate. In Neverland, adventure and eternal youth was promised by his best friend, Peter Pan. Then a pixie reveals the shocking truth. Tinkerbell’s information forces James to see that Peter Pan, far from being the benevolent hero he claims, is actually kidnapping innocent children. After accepting the loss of his hand and the family he barely remembers, James deserts Pan. Now he is determined to rescue the Lost Boys, even if he must become the most notorious villain in Neverland or risk losing the fiery pixie who is stealing his heart.

I was drawn into this story so quickly! James was definitely admirable, although he had a lot of struggles to combat Pan. I understood his struggles and felt for him. I was invested in his cause from the start! Tink was so fiery! I have always had a soft spot for Tinkerbell, because she reminds me of my sister and this iteration of the character definitely resembled my sister. She was decisive, strong-willed, and determined to fight for justice. They were fierce supporters and protectors of the other. 

It was so exciting to watch James and Tink try to figure out how to defeat Peter Pan and rescue Neveralnd. They have to learn more about the land they are battling on and the creatures who live there. There are battles, betrayals, and at times I wasn’t sure how they would prevail. It was an exciting story with a cute romance! It does have some action and violence, as well as some darker elements but overall I think it is suitable for mid-teens and up. I am so excited to read more of the series!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.