Book Reviews – Page 36 – Sassy Reviews

June 9, 2025

The Ascension

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Ascension 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: J.M. Shaw ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Ascension by J.M. Shaw is the gripping first installment in the Callum Walker Series. The story centers around Callum, a humble maintenance worker who lives a quiet life—until rumors surface of a monstrous, wolf-like creature with glowing red eyes attacking people. Instead of returning home one night, Callum sets out to track this terrifying beast.

Endowed with the rare gift of psychic perception, Callum uses his abilities to battle evil. He eventually defeats the creature, Amarok, and learns of a greater threat: Amarok’s master, Kincaid, whose dark plans are already unfolding. Despite his victory, Callum decides to keep his powers hidden, hoping for a chance at a peaceful life.

However, trouble brews at work. A new colleague, Liam, is determined to uncover proof that Callum is using magic. This suspicion arises from a vision seen in a “sight stone” belonging to Quinn, a high-ranking governor within an organization known as The Order. Quinn is eager to expose Callum, believing his powers could be instrumental in fighting an oncoming darkness.

Through a mystical encounter with a fairy, Callum hears a chilling prophecy: “A human with natural magic will arise at the darkest hour. This person will end the war and save us all.” But Callum feels unworthy of such a destiny—he knows nothing of any war and doesn’t believe himself to be powerful enough.

The novel features rich world-building, a fast-paced plot, and a cast of intriguing characters. Magic and mystery fill every chapter, leaving no room for dull moments. Callum is a compelling protagonist, and I found myself thoroughly invested in his journey—I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the series.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 9, 2025

The Obsidian Eye

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Obsidian Eye 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Cathy Warshaw ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Obsidian Eye is a Young Adult mystery thriller and the first installment in the Secret Societies and the Sisterhood Sleuths series. The story centers on two sisters, Chloe and Lily Hastings. During a visit to the Upland Public Library, they meet Evelyn Greene, a mysterious librarian.

Chloe shares that she’s been researching Upland, The Society. Together, they solve a cryptic puzzle that leads them to a hidden door. Inside the secret room, Lily discovers a drawing of a black gemstone labeled The Obsidian Eye. Concerned for their safety, the sisters learn of a Safe Haven located outside the city limits.

There, they meet Gil, a man who has been tracking The Society for years. He assures them that if they stand against The Society, he’s on their side. The Society seeks to reshape the world in its own image—one that excludes people like Gil, Chloe, and Lily.

Gil invites them to continue their mission in an underground tunnel known as the Safehouse. As Chloe and Lily dig deeper, they begin to feel like they’re part of something much greater than themselves.

The narrative is easy to follow, and the suspense kept me hooked until the very end. I especially loved the vivid world-building and the author’s imaginative take on this secretive world. Teen readers who enjoy solving mysteries and uncovering secrets will find this book an exciting read. The story is fast paced and there are no dull moments in it.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 7, 2025

Time Fixers

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Time Fixers 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lee Matthew Goldberg ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Miles Hardy, a teenage detective about to enter tenth grade, is eager for his next big case—especially after recently saving his brother’s life. So when his brother Simon reveals a mission that involves traveling back to the year 1999, Miles jumps at the opportunity.

Although Simon is still running tests on the time machine, Miles can hardly wait. Their mother, a survivor of childhood abuse, relies heavily on medication and often behaves in disturbing ways. Determined to change her fate, Miles and Simon hope time travel will offer a way to rewrite the past and give her a better life.

With help from their grandfather Scoot’s journals, which offer crucial insights, the boys prepare for the journey ahead. I couldn’t put this book down—it’s fast-paced and thrilling, with Miles and Simon making a compelling team. Miles is a brilliantly crafted character, and if you’re a fan of time travel adventures, this one definitely belongs on your TBR list.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 7, 2025

He Saw Me Anyway

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: He Saw Me Anyway 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Mirri Wii ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“He Saw Me Anyway” by Mirri Wii is a captivating story that draws you in from the very first page. The protagonist is a solitary woman who lives deep in the woods, with only the trees for company. Her striking red hair fuels local gossip, casting her as a mysterious figure—perhaps even a witch dabbling in dark magic. Isolated and friendless, she leads a life shrouded in secrecy.

Among the townspeople, she has a hidden lover. Though their moments together are passionate, he always leaves too soon. She believes he’s ashamed to be seen with her, fearful of how it might affect his reputation. Despite this, her feelings for him grow deeper, and she begins to long for more—wondering if she’s naive for hoping he’ll one day want a real relationship.

When she finally opens her heart and questions their future, he reassures her. He speaks of escaping together—starting fresh in a place where they’re not haunted by their past. But will his promises hold true? Or will her trust be shattered?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The suspense kept me turning the pages, eager to find out what would happen next. The characters are well-drawn, and the vivid setting adds a haunting charm that lingers long after you’ve finished. Mirri Wii’s storytelling pulled me in completely.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

June 6, 2025

Eat, Pray, Nomad: Book Two: Singapore

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Eat, Pray, Nomad: Book Two: Singapore 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ara Tanner ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The author portrays Singapore as a clean and green city. Since everyone spoke English, Tanner faced no language barriers. However, she found the weather to be intensely hot. During her 29-day stay, she managed to visit all the major attractions.

Tanner also shared a touching moment of honoring her daughter Paige on her death anniversary. One of her favorite experiences was the scenic cable car ride from Mt. Faber to Sentosa Island. Her overnight stay at Marina Bay Sands stood out as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Buddhism is the predominant religion in the country.

On her final day in Singapore, the author explored the charming island of Pulau Ubin. Within a month, she had thoroughly explored the country’s key sights and felt ready to move on to her next destination.

The beautiful photos of Singapore included in the book made me want to visit the country myself. Merlion Park and Marina Bay Sands looked especially appealing. I truly enjoyed reading this book—Tanner’s experiences made it a compelling read. I deeply admire her courage and the bold choice to embrace life as a digital nomad. I can’t wait to get my hands on the third book in the series.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 6, 2025June 6, 2025

The Hand of the Ojibwa Maiden

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Hand of the Ojibwa Maiden 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: William Tirre ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
This captivating love story unfolds during the Sioux Rebellion of 1862, with Robert at its heart. Born to a French American father and a Santee Sioux mother, Robert comes from a mixed heritage that sets him apart. He often found himself isolated, as the white children rejected him because of his Indian mother.

One day, Robert meets Snowy Owl, an Indian boy who invites him to visit the village of Chief Little Crow—Snowy Owl’s father. There, Robert witnesses the traditions of the Santee Sioux and learns of a unique plan: rather than resorting to war, the tribe will challenge their rivals, the Ojibwa, in a traditional game.

During his visit, Robert encounters Little Fox, an Ojibwa girl taken captive at the age of six and forced into slavery. As Robert learns more about his family, including the mixed heritage of his grandmother and her teachings on Christian values, he begins to reflect deeply on his own identity.

Will Little Fox ever find freedom? Pick up this compelling novel to find out.

This is a true page-turner. I was especially moved by the characters of Robert and Little Fox. The book’s cover is striking, and the story will resonate with readers who appreciate tales centered on characters of mixed heritage. Fast-paced and emotionally engaging, this book never has a dull moment.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 5, 2025

:05-Seconds to Die

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: :05-Seconds to Die 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Bob Brill ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Bob Brill’s “:05-Seconds to Die” is a pulse-pounding thriller that grabs your attention from the start. The story centers around Casey Order, a former reporter turned private investigator, and Ginger Queen, a former movie star. Ginger confides in Casey that she has been romantically involved with Gerry Artimian—a notorious mob boss—for the past two years. Artimian is one of the most ruthless Armenian gang leaders in the nation.

According to Ginger, several of the world’s most dangerous criminal syndicates are coming together, planning to use advanced technology to orchestrate a major heist during the summer games. Artimian is involved in everything from drug trafficking and prostitution to murder, loan sharking, and laundering millions of dollars.

To navigate this dangerous world, Casey seeks help from Rigo Rodriguez, a young tech whiz. Rigo told him about Taco Miller, the legendary hacker known as the “God of all hackers.” When Casey infiltrates Artimian’s organization as the head of planning and transportation, he discovers that Taco Miller is the mastermind behind the tech side of the operation. The scheme? To siphon off $80 billion by hacking into the credit card or other devices transactions of unsuspecting spectators—every time someone buys a ticket, souvenir, bottle of water, or beer.

This story had me on edge the entire time. With every chapter, my anticipation grew—I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. The book’s cover is striking and well-designed, and I thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic between Casey and Ginger. The atmosphere is taut with tension, and the backdrop setting is well done.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 5, 2025

The Veil Strikes

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Veil Strikes 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: D.L. Cary ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
I enjoy crime stories featuring detectives, task forces, and shadowy organizations—and this time, I picked up Cary’s second book, The Veil Strikes.

Detective John Jefferson and his team are in high gear, racing to secure the elusive Veil ledger—a document that could expose the dark truths behind Saffron Veil, a powerful figure tied to drug trafficking, human exploitation, and more. As Jefferson digs deeper, he’s also trying to access his late father’s old NYPD files to piece together a larger puzzle. His father, a straight shooter with strong community ties in New York, was killed in 2022, and Jefferson is determined to uncover the case he was working on at the time.

Together with Reyes, Jefferson outsmarts the Iron Reapers and escapes with the critical files. The urgency to uncover the truth intensifies. Meanwhile, Rosa—twin sister of the murdered Maria—is desperate for justice against those who destroyed her family. What unfolds next is a gripping journey full of tension and twists.

Readers who enjoy layered stories with a wide cast of characters and interwoven subplots will be drawn in. The fast-paced narrative and action-packed storyline keep you turning the pages, eager to see what Jefferson and his team will do next.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 5, 2025

Where We Begin

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Where We Begin 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Lyla Cohen ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Fans of romance novels will definitely want to pick up this book. At the heart of the story is Scarlet Harrison—effortlessly beautiful and self-assured, she knows well how to carry herself.

Her dynamic with Nathan, a guy from her pre-law class, is light and fun—something to pass the time. But while he checks the boxes on paper, he doesn’t make her heart race. Their connection feels surface-level, more physical than emotional.

Then there’s Jason—the youngest of three brothers. His inner world is shaped by the voices of his siblings: Mark’s commanding tone and Ryan’s quiet judgment. Jason constantly compares himself to others and often feels like he falls short. For him, enrolling at American University was a fresh start. That’s where he shared a meaningful moment with Scarlet. With her, he doesn’t feel the pressure to have all the answers. He feels seen—truly himself. He notices parts of Scarlet she tries to keep hidden.

Told from a dual point-of-view, this story unfolds as secrets from the past begin to surface. What will they mean for Scarlet and her journey?

The book features an appealing cover and a fitting title. Scarlet and Jason are deeply engaging characters, and their development is compelling. If you enjoy coming-of-age love stories with emotional depth, this one is worth your time.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

June 5, 2025June 6, 2025

The House Filler

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The House Filler 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Tong Ge ✍️
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Review:

The House Filler is a gripping, fast-paced novel set against the backdrop of early 20th-century China. At the heart of the story is Jinfeng, also known as Golden Phoenix—a woman considered past marriageable age at twenty-six, who is compelled to wed a widower ten years her senior.

Jinfeng’s feet had been bound in childhood by two elderly witches, leaving her with four-cun feet, a painful reminder of societal expectations. As the narrative unfolds, readers are immersed in traditional Chinese wedding customs, where a woman’s value was judged by the size of her feet, her embroidery skills, and her ability to cook.

Haunted by insecurities about her feet, Jinfeng enters her new household only to be stunned: she already has a stepson and even a daughter-in-law. The shock deepens when she discovers that her husband is actually forty-six, not thirty-six as she had been told. She also learns that Qi, the stepson, is the illegitimate child of a servant. Qi and his wife are determined to secure the family inheritance for themselves and fear the arrival of another heir who will take his share too in the estate.

Will Golden Phoenix manage to bear a son and secure her place in the household?

This is a beautifully written novel rich in cultural detail, filled with themes of tradition, betrayal, and intrigue. The author’s writing is engaging and easy to follow. I was especially drawn to the character of Golden Phoenix—her strength, curiosity, and resilience make her unforgettable. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and highly recommend this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon