Melhara- Jocelyn Tollefson

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

Melhara is the story Kyra- half witch, half angel. Ever since being a little girl, she's had dreams and nightmares of angels and demons battling it out. She also has powers she's been keeping secret. Grown-up, Kyra has a husband and a son and appears to be somewhat removed, living in her own land of daydreams. Everyone notices, but can't quite put their finger on what's going on with her.

On a family roadtrip, they stop at a "western style" motel and Kyra is attacked by men trying to kidnap her. She uses her powers- to her husband's and son's surprise- but is none the less kidnapped. She is delivered to Alastor: a demon claiming that Kyra and him will be King and Queen and free the souls of hell together. Turns out Kyra's nightmares are real. She refuses Alastor and subjects her and her family to brutal torture. In the end, she submits herself and basically becomes a pawn of the demon. Alastor and Kyra plot world domination and slaughter all that are in their path, including the President and Kyra's husband. Her distraught, confused family speak with priests from the Vatican who enlighten them as to what's going on and why Alastor needs Kyra. The priests tell of a prophecy of a demon breaking forth from Hell once a female Melhara is born and letting loose the demons of Hell to rule the Earth, bringing the biblical Apocalypse. The only way to stop the demon is either by killing the Melhara or convincing the Melhara to betray the demon and send him back to Hell.

The rest of the book is how Kyra's family saves her and concocts a plan to rid the Earth of Alastor and his minions.

Overall, I thought this was a decent book. The first part of the book really grabbed me with the action, Kyra's nightmares, and the motel scene. I was intrigued and enjoyed the fast-pace. About half-way through it became a little harder to read. The pacing was almost too fast, there were some pieces of the plot that needed a little more explaining, and I started getting really tired of Alastor.  I do think that's a good thing though...you're not exactly supposed to like demons. I enjoyed the pieces about Xavier- Kyra's son. We find out he inherits some of his mother's abilities and also is Alastor's downfall- no one can come between a mother's love for her child. I found that bit very pleasing. Besides Xavier's role, I found most of the other characters a bit immature. Kyra's husband seemed removed. Kyra's had an affair and her lover seemed quite petty. Her mother seemed a little out of touch. I liked Kyra though she was possessed for most of the book. She was an easy character to buy into.  The book is a little violent- beheading, mass murder, possession and such. Also, there are some sex scenes between Alastor and companions.

If you're into paranormal, angels, demons, heaven, and hell and a fast-paced easy read, this may be a good book for you.

3 Stars.

The Swan Maiden- Heather Tomlinson

This was a pleasant read. Originally I picked this book up reminded of the 90's cartoon "The Swan Princess."  My goodness, I was wrong- but charmed none-the-less.

Doulcette is a young noble, teased by her older, sorceress sisters due to her lack of "swan skin."  Swan Skins give the girls the ability of magic and to transform into swans or any flying creature of their magical choosing.

Doulcette is a sweet girl and clearly appreciated and respected by the castle employees for her respecting them. Her mother intends for Doulcette to be a chastlaine- a perfect nobleman's housewife.  She wanted Doulcette to be unsullied by her father's side of the family, who just happens to be magical. Doulcette dreams of having her own swan-skin and having her own magic. Meanwhile, an unlikely romance begins with a local shepherd and he completes 3 challenges to win her hand- being a low-born. In the meantime, Doulcette finds her swan-skin hidden by her mother and achieves magical abilities. However, her mother finds her out and burns the skin, removing Doulcette's powers. She helps her beloved (Jaume) complete the final task by entering a magical spirit's cauldron and regaining her magic at the price of her toe.

Jaume wins her hand-against her spiteful mother's wishes- and they set off as newly weds. Doulcette is torn between her love for Jaume and her love of magic. Eventually, she leaves him on the journey to his home and constructs a castle of magic where she abides in freedom. A season later, she learns Jaume is to be married. Realizing the selfishness and folly of her decision, she returns to claim Jaume as her husband. Basically, they live happily ever after.

SO....I gave this 3 stars because it was simply pleasant. I loved Jaume's love for Doulcette and up until she leaves him, I think his love is well-placed. I did cringe when she left though. Up until that point, I very much enjoy her as a character. Doulcette longed for freedom and magic- she wanted to be a free-bird, but couldn't shake her love for Jaume. I thought she was an absolute spoiled brat. Jaume literally moved heaven and earth  and his very life to become her husband. I guess what did I expect? She was born a noble...

Anywho, I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did initially. I knew this was going to be a rather easy read and it was. It reads just like a Disney fairy tale...and it basically is. It's not a complex book, but it's enjoyable if you like fairy tales. This is appropriate for any aged reader due to the innocence and simplicity of the story. I gave this a 3 star due to it's simplicity as well. The characters were okay, but not completely flushed out. The magic needed a little more explaining. The family seemed more like archtypes than actual characters. It was not very dimensional. However, it was a fun, easy read.

3.5 Stars.