Review: Sugar Spells by Lola Dodge

SUGAR SPELLS

The Spellwork Syndicate, Book Two

by Lola Dodge

Inkmonster LLC

Young Adult Fantasy / Paranormal

270 pages

COMING...

OCTOBER 30th, 2018!!!

For fans of Hex Hall, The Magicians, Practical Magic, and Food Wars!

After her run-in with a jealous warlock, apprentice baker Anise Wise can’t wait to get back the kitchen where she belongs. But thanks to her brush with death, the land of the living isn’t all cupcakes and marshmallows.

Anise’s magical mojo is way out of whack and her evolving powers are stirring up trouble. As the town buzzes with news that Anise can bake deathly spells, unsavory characters start lining up for a taste. They’ll stop at nothing for the chance to use Anise and her witchcraft to further their own plots.

She plans to hole up researching magic recipes until the attention dies down, but then she discovers the horrifying terms of her bodyguard’s contract. Wynn has saved her life so many times, she can’t leave him trapped. But doing the right thing will mean risking death or worse—being cast out of her dream job.

For this witch, justice might not be as sweet as advertised.


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MY TIDBITS

This is a delicious mixture of sweet magic, some dark creatures, and spicy adventure.

Anise has survived the adventure of the first book...a book I truly enjoyed...and now, finds herself at odds with her own magic. Thanks to her brush with death, death magic has intertwined with her own cheerful sparks. It makes for deadly baking, which really is killing her mood. Her necromancy friends are doing their best to help out, but it's slow. When she discovers a way she can still bake even with death magic seeping in, it appears that more than one problem might be solved. But nothing is as easy as it seems.

This is not a deep book but simply an enjoyable read with lots of sugary treats, magic, paranormal creatures, a very light dust of romance-ish, and tons of fun. In other words, a great read to simply escape reality.

Anise struggles with her magic, and her frustration comes across natural and very understandable. The attempts of her friends to help her is inspirational, and it's refreshing to see that these witches definitely have their borders on what they can do. There's a nice community feel as they stand together, even when it's not enough. The scenes carry danger, but also a bit of humor to even things out. It's a lovely mix.

Imagination flows freely in these pages, especially in the way of magical creatures. While Anise and her magical problems remain serious, the author has added a bit of childish wonder on the side. I enjoyed reading about the fantastical creatures and Anise's interactions as much as the more serious and action filled scenes.

Anise does have a tough adversary especially toward the end, and action scenes keep the suspense high. Some moments are more of a surprise than others, but there's enough of a unexpected twist to keep the tension flowing. The ending scene hit a little sudden, but then, it fits the tale and promises more to come. I'm looking forward to see what Anise will face next.

Happy Book Birthday, Deadly Sweet by Lola Dodge!

DEADLY SWEET

The Spellwork Syndicate, Book One

by Lola Dodge

Ink Monster, LLC

YA Fantasy

265 pages

Anise Wise loves three things: baking, potion making, and reading her spellbooks in blissful silence. She might not be the most powerful witch, but enchantment is a rare skill, and her ability to bake with magic is even rarer. Too bad one wants witchcraft on their campus. Anise’s dream of attending pastry school crumbles with rejection letter after rejection letter.

Desperate to escape her dead-end future, Anise contacts the long-lost relative she’s not supposed to know about. Great Aunt Agatha owns the only magic bakery in the US, and she suddenly needs a new apprentice. Anise is so excited she books it to New Mexico without thinking to ask what happened to the last girl.

The Spellwork Syndicate rules the local witches in Taos, but as “accidents” turn into full-out attacks on Anise’s life, their promises to keep her safe are less and less reassuring. Her cranky bodyguard is doing his best, but it’s hard to fight back when she has no idea who’s the enemy. Or why she became their target.

If Anise can’t find and stop whoever wants her dead, she’ll be more toasted than a crème brûlée.

Who knew baking cakes could be so life or death? 

MY TIDBITS

Mix delicious cakes and frosting with spell-binding magic and adventure, add a pinch of intrigue and this is a treat readers won't want to miss.

Anise carries the perfect name—she wants nothing more than to be a baker with her own shop. Too bad, she's a witch and is shunned by anyone who notices. Colleges won't accept her, bakers don't want her. . .the only place she finds a job is decorating sheet cakes. When her silly magic gets the best of her, and she's about to end up in jail, a long silent aunt comes to her rescue. Anise escapes to an all witch area and finds her dream job as an apprentice in the town's most successful cake shop. But things aren't all sweets and dreamy spells as death knocks on her door and someone wants to kill her.

This author is slowly becoming one of my favorites as she adds yet another terrific tale to her list. Unlike the last one I read from her, a compelling science fiction series, this dive into flour and whisks has an entirely new flare. . .and sits. It's a delight to be submerged into a baking world and experience Anise's enthusiasm for cakes. (Who can blame her?) Her disappointments and mistakes make her human, while her excitement and determination make her easy to root for. She does make sometimes bad, gut decisions which aren't always thought out, but then, this is a YA novel.

Although there is action and scenes full of tension when Anise's life really is on the line, it's balanced out with a playful spirit of fun. There's never a boring moment and Anise has to fight for every success, big or small. Her group of friends is a little odd, and it's fitting to the scene. The witches are strange to Anise and presented that way to the reader. Trust isn't instant, but friendship is true and blue. It's just a matter of figuring out whose intentions are good and whose are not, which is not an easy task.

There's a special spice with Anise's bodyguard, and the relationship is refreshingly different. Lots of secrets still need to be exposed in this area as well as many others. In other words, book two promises to be just as intriguing.

Review: Quanta Rewind by Lola Dodge

QUANTA REWIND

The Shadow Ravens Series, Book 4

by Lola Dodge

Ink Monster LLC

YA Science Fiction/Dystopian

36 pages

COMING. . .

APRIL 25th, 2017!!!

With more and more Red Helixes turning up missing or dead, the Shadow Ravens are ready to take their fight to Doctor Nagi himself.

But breaking into Alpha Citadel is no cakewalk, and Quanta isn’t so sure about this whole “teamwork” thing.

If she and the Ravens can’t learn to work together, no amount of rewinding time will save them from the inevitable.

And if the Seligo win, everyone loses. 

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 MY TIDBITS

With action pure, this book serves a supernatural talent punch into ever shifting outcomes with a tension that keeps the reader on the edge of the seat the whole way through.

Several of Quanta's friends have been captured, and the clock is ticking. Quanta must find a way with the rest of her group to free the captives from Doctor Nagi, but with them being held in the middle of the insanely tight security Alpha Citadel, even Quanta can't seem to find a future which guarantees any of them will survive.

I read the second book in this series but didn't get a chance to read the 1st or 3rd. Still, it wasn't too hard to get settled into book four--although I'd definitely not recommend it as a stand-alone.

Book 4 starts where the last one left off (I'm assuming). Quanta and her friends are right there where they feel most at home--hitting impossible odds as they prepare for the next mission. Quanta has grown as a character and feel much more at home with her powers. Although these are pretty well under control, she still makes mistakes which adds a nice human side to her. Her self-doubt despite everything gives her a lovely edge, while her heart of gold and determination to save her friends no matter what the cost to her make her easy to cheer for. She's girl power pure.

The romance holds well and shows a lot of maturity. Quanta sits tight with her hero, which makes for a nice cornerstone and allows other problems to remain at focus. The other characters slip in with their wit and snark to form a well-rounded group with all it's  greatness and flaws. The band grows on one, and it's hard not to hope that all make it through.

Action stands on center stage through the entire book with only a few pauses for breath before diving right back in. Despite Quanta's abilities, there were many unexpected twists and turns, and it was hard to guess how things would work out. About half-way through the book, there was a sudden switch, which opened up a whole new layer to the plot and gave the story an extra, fresh breeze. 

The ending wraps up well, rounding up all questions and creating a satisfying end, while leaving a door ajar, which could or may not lead to more.

Summed up, this was an exciting read which is sure to keep fans of Young Adult Science Fiction and Dystopian up to all hours of the night.

Cover Reveal: Quanta Reset by Lola Dodge with Giveaway

QUANTA RESET

(The Shadow Ravens #3)

by Lola Dodge

Ink Monster LLC

October 4th 2016

YA Science Fiction

Quanta has escaped her laboratory prison, but that’s where the good news ends.

Life at the Shadow Ravens’ compound is a disaster. She’s drowning in visions of the dark pasts and darker futures of her fellow Ravens and is plagued by her own panic-inducing memories, but Lady Eva still expects her to “train” and “participate in missions.” Plus, the food tastes like burnt plastic.
The only bright spot is her genetic pairing to the brilliant Altair Orpheus. As their relationship grows, she’s positive that chemicals aren’t the only things drawing them together—although chemistry is definitely involved.
While they test the limits of her game-changing new ability to reset time, word arrives from Eva’s agents: Doctor Nagi is still experimenting with her DNA. If he succeeds in duplicating her power…
Forget the Shadow Ravens. The whole world is toast.

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And here she is. . .

LOLA DOGDE!!!

Lola Dodge is a compulsive traveler, baker, and procrastinator. She earned her BA in English from Stonehill College and MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University--and hasn't stopped moving since. When she's not on the road, Lola spends her time indoors where the sunlight can't melt her, writing or bingeing on anime and cherry soda. She can be summoned in a ritual involving curry, Hello Kitty idols, and a solid chocolate pentagram.

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Quanta by Lola Dodge with Giveaway

QUANTA

The Shadow Ravens, Book 1

by Lola Dodge

Ink Monster, LLC

YA Science Fiction

250 pages

Just because Quanta can see the future doesn’t mean she can change it. She’s spent most of her life imprisoned, feeding her captors information to keep herself alive, but she’s finally reached the endgame and her death creeps closer by the moment.

The son of two senators, Altair Orpheus leads a life of privilege that provides the perfect cover for his side job: working with the rebel Shadow Ravens to undermine the ruling Seligo government. Everything is running like clockwork until he crosses paths with Quanta. As he watches her deftly maneuver through life in a perverse prison, his plastic heart melts. A jailbreak would be suicide, but Tair is willing to sacrifice everything to give her a chance at happiness.

Now Quanta senses a terrifying new future brewing. She and Tair are bound together, but every image of them kissing, snuggling, and acting knee-weakeningly happy is balanced by a much darker possibility. They’ll be picture perfect together, but only until time rips them apart. How can she follow her heart when she’s seen how their love plays out?

And here she is. . .

LOLA DODGE!!!

Lola Dodge is a compulsive traveler, baker, and procrastinator. She earned her BA in English from Stonehill College and MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University--and hasn't stopped moving since. When she's not on the road, Lola spends her time indoors where the sunlight can't melt her, writing or bingeing on anime and cherry soda. She can be summoned in a ritual involving curry, Hello Kitty idols, and a solid chocolate pentagram.

Author links: 

http://www.loladodge.com/

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https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5826088.Lola_Dodge

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Review: Quanta by Lola Dodge with Giveaway

Presented by

Title: Quanta

Series: The Shadow Ravens

Vol or Book #: 2

Author: Lola Dodge

Audience: YA

Genre: Sci-Fi

Format: E-book and Paperback

Publisher:Ink Monster, LLC

Cover by: Art by Ana Cruz, Graphics by Paddy Donnelly

Editor: Ink Monster, LLC

Pages: 250

ISBN: 9780996086479

ASIN: B00NQAD0TE

Date Published:10-13-15

Just because Quanta can see the future doesn’t mean she can change it. She’s spent most of her life imprisoned, feeding her captors information to keep herself alive, but she’s finally reached the endgame and her death creeps closer by the moment.
The son of two senators, Altair Orpheus leads a life of privilege that provides the perfect cover for his side job: working with the rebel Shadow Ravens to undermine the ruling Seligo government. Everything is running like clockwork until he crosses paths with Quanta. As he watches her deftly maneuver through life in a perverse prison, his plastic heart melts. A jailbreak would be suicide, but Tair is willing to sacrifice everything to give her a chance at happiness.
Now Quanta senses a terrifying new future brewing. She and Tair are bound together, but every image of them kissing, snuggling, and acting knee-weakeningly happy is balanced by a much darker possibility. They’ll be picture perfect together, but only until time rips them apart. How can she follow her heart when she’s seen how their love plays out?
 

 

     

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MY TIDBITS

This is a fairly intense read with many dark shadows and a beacon of hope, which doesn't always glimmer as bright as it could. Quanta is stuck in a dark place. Her prison appears comfortable enough, but her roll as a guinea pig leaves her at the hands of ruthless scientists for years. There's a lot of violence in this story, so younger readers will want to be aware of that. 

I enjoyed the book. Despite her horrid predicament, Quanta doesn't lose her fight or her soul. She deals with things the best way she can, and although feels remorse for her mistakes, isn't the kind of person to dwell on them. I appreciated the way the author weaves Quanta's 'talent' as a part of her person--no regrets or pride. Her ability to see the past or possible futures isn't something she ever questions. Good or bad, it's a part of who she is.

It's easy to feel for Quanta and hate the scientists holding her. Unfortunately, it's never clear why her main torturer acts the way he does (a glimpse at his ghosts would have added to the hate), but he's so evil, it's made me want to strangle him myself. Even the heads of the institute were easy to dislike and formed a great line of bad versus good. 

The plot moves well and at no time did I feel like I wanted to lay the book down. Quanta and Tair go up against impossible situations, and even when an 'out' is found, the hopes are quickly bashed away again. The heroes are constantly hit down before they ever get anywhere, making this an edge of the seat type of read. And then there's the flashes of hope. . .perfectly timed sprinkles which shine through the darkness just enough to entice the heroes along. It made me feel for them and cheer for them, and hope for them myself.

The only thing I was missing was a little more depth to the government versus rebels (and perhaps some of the side characters). Quanta and Tair are stuck in the middle of this battle, but it's never clear what the opposing sides represent or what the true problems are. But since I didn't read the first book in this series, I might have missed the information then.

In other words, I can recommend this to YA dystopian fans who enjoy a bit of science fiction and non-stop tension. Because this is one of those reads that one really isn't sure whether or not the hero and heroine will survive.

Altair’s POV

Mother smiled like a cat, full of ambition and smugness. “Someone wants to meet you.”

Someone? Suddenly, I knew where this was going. “Mother—”

“There are the Astors.” Mother gave a demure wave and started gliding toward a trio standing near an ice sculpture. Her fingers clamped my arm, dragging me along. Father walked on my other side, sandwiching me in place.

No way to run without making a scene. Senator Astor and her husband stood waiting with their daughter.

A set-up.

My free hand bunched into a fist, but I tucked it into my pocket. I couldn’t make a mistake in front of this audience.

Mother exchanged greetings, then made a sweeping gesture. “This is my son, Altair. Altair, this is Layla Astor.”

Layla’s blonde hair tumbled in artful curls and braids. She wore tasteful neutral makeup that emphasized her full lips and emerald green eyes, but a hint of darker eyeliner smudged like a leftover from some previous night’s debauchery; that was half of what I needed to know to escape the conversation.

And I would escape. I had no interest in these shallow romances meant to gain my family position.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Altair. I knew your sister at academy.” And that was why Cass had been invited. Some common bond to me to a potential future mate.

Good thing Cass had stayed home. She’d hate the situation as much as I did.

The girl extended her arm, flashing her Green Helix and I couldn’t avoid the handshake. “Likewise.” Layla’s rough fingertips gave me the last clue I needed. Calluses from playing an instrument. Between that and the eyeliner, I had an excellent guess at how to get rid of her. Rather than sell her out in front of her parents, I offered her an arm. “I was just about to admire the ice sculptures. Would you care to join me?”

“I’d love to.” She smiled and placed delicate fingertips on my arm.

Our parents grinned conspiratorial smiles as we strolled away. No doubt they’d already picked a wedding date. I waited until we were out of modified earshot to speak. “How upset would your family be if I mentioned that you play in a band?”

“Very.” Layla tensed, and her expression and tone shifted from vapid politeness to shrewd consideration. “Not that you should know.”

I shrugged. “I won’t say a thing as long as you don’t press an engagement.”

“Thank God.” Layla shuddered. “Our mothers schemed this one. I thought you were in on it.”

I grinned. I didn’t often stumble onto others faking their way through Helix life, but every so often an ally dropped in my lap. “Should we small talk for a few minutes and then pretend to offend each other?”

Layla pressed her lips together, eying me up and down. “If you’re up to it, I have a better suggestion.”

“Oh?” I handed her a drink taken from a passing tray. Our parents still watched from across the room.

“Let’s meet for coffee. We could draw this out for months.”

“A faux courtship?” It had promise, although there were certainly risks.

“You’re the first guy they’ve set me up with who’s not a self-centered ass.” Layla’s mischievous smile made her eyes sparkle. “My girlfriend would love you.”

Her voice was clear of subterfuge and I found myself smiling back. “Next week? I’m sure our parents already exchanged our contact information.” And faking a relationship would save me getting blindsided at every event.

“Call me.” She finger-waved and then headed for a crowd of friends, who proceeded to glance my way, slipping a few quickly smothered cackles. I nodded before heading off to work the crowd.

Despite my parents’ efforts, the night was going better than expected.

Lola is a compulsive traveler, baker, and procrastinator. She earned her BA in English from Stonehill College and MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University—and hasn’t stopped moving since. When she’s not on the road, Lola spends her time indoors where the sunlight can’t melt her, writing or bingeing on anime and cherry soda. She can be summoned in a ritual involving curry, Hello Kitty idols, and a solid chocolate pentagram.

         

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http://www.loladodge.com 

http://inkmonster.net/blog

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