jbronderbookreviews

Shadows on the Lake by Giovanni Cocco and Stephen Sartarelli

A new atmospheric Italian mystery novel set in Lake Como, introducing the clever and captivating Inspector Stefania Valenti
During the construction of a new road to the Swiss border in the mountains above Lake Como, the remains of a young man are unearthed on the powerful Cappelletti family’s property. On the case is Stefania Valenti, forty-five, divorced with a young daughter, and a brilliant, determined police inspector.
Her investigation takes her back to World War II and deep into the history of the region, a place that during the war attracted smugglers, deserters, secret agents, and fleeing Jews. Steeped in the beautiful atmosphere of Northern Italy, Valenti’s investigation brings to light a family’s secret, a tragic romance, and reveals a fascinating piece of Italian history.

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Author’s Bios

GIOVANNI COCCO was born in Como in 1976. AMNERIS MAGELLA was born in Milan in 1958. They are married and live in Como, Italy.

My Review

4 stars

A new road is being build above Lake Como, Italy. A body is discovered on the Cappelletti’s property. The Cappelletti’s are a powerful family and have a rich history. Stefanie Valenti is the one assigned the case and has to figure out how old the body is. It turns out the body dates back to World War II and that there is history of smugglers, deserters, and so much more. The more Stefanie digs into the past, the more of the Cappelletti’s history is revealed and some dark secrets are going to be shown the light.

This is a great story that was very easy to get into about a rich family with lots of secrets that could cause so many problems. The discovery of a body during construction draws the attention of the police. I love the story of the past. It was so easy to feel right there as people are trying to save themselves and doing whatever they could to survive. But some secrets cannot stay buried and this has the chance to do some serious damage.

If you like your mysteries with history and lots of secrets look no further. You will be kept guessing at where this story is heading and will be surprised by the ending.

I received Shadows on the Lake from the publisher for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.

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Legacy of Dragonwand: Book 1 by Daniel Peyton

Over 1000 years ago, nearly all the ancient wizards were destroyed after the Wizard Wars. However, the one who started the War still remains, having worked his will in secret. If he can find the last Dragonwand, he will regain his powers as the dark dragon. Unaware of the Dragonwand or the betrayer, sixteen-year-old Markus is looking for a wizard who will give him a letter of recommendation for the College of Wizardry. During his journey, he stumbles upon Tolen the Wise, who sends Markus on a quest to end the darkness and find the Dragonwand before it gets into the wrong hands. As Markus discovers growing powers and makes allies, will he find what he needs to complete Tolen’s task, or will the ancient, dark wizard uncover the Dragonwand and forever change the fate of the land of Gallenor?

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Author’s Bio

Daniel Peyton is a fresh author. He lives in East Tennessee where he draws a great deal of inspiration from the unique landscape. He has been featured in short story e-zines as well as flash fiction blogs. Recently he signed a four book deal with Cosby Media Productions.

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My Review

5 stars

Markus is about to turn 16 and wants to go to the College of Wizardry. But his family are farmers, have suppressed their magical abilities, and don’t want him to be anything but a farmer. So Markus runs away. On the way to find a wizard for a letter of recommendation, he meets the wizard Tolen, a very old man that barely lives long enough to give him a wand and the quest to find the Dragonwand. Markus sets out and meets a family of Rakki; Treb, Kiin, and Crystal. They show him their village and a library with all kinds of spell books. They also learn that the king is hunting down wizards but has nefarious plans for them. The four go on the run to find the Dragon Citadel and the Dragonwand to save the land.

I really enjoyed this book. Markus has a strong desire to be a wizard that he is not going to let anyone get in his way. Then he learns about how wizards have been rounded up and imprisoned in the last four years, and although he has been sent on a nearly impossible quest he still does his best. I personally loved Treb and how he keeps trying to place himself between Crystal and Marus.

This is a great story and start to a new series. I also purchased a copy of this book through Audible. The narration is wonderful and really draws you into the story. If you are looking for a great young adult fantasy series, look no further. This is a great series and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.

I received Legacy of Dragonwand: Book 1 from Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.

Make sure to check out my review for Book 2 here.

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