This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Smoke and Mirrors by Jess Haines is a breath of fresh air with the perfect blend of humor and magic. Dragons, mages, vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural creatures are publicly known as Others and feared. Kimberly attends Blackhollow Academy with the dream that a coven will accept her, allowing her to move her and her mother out of poverty. She struggles daily to hide her gift of illusion from her human boss that hates all Others and the students at school that hate sorcerers. When her teacher suggests she finds a dragon for a familiar to pass her exams, she thinks the task is insane. She has nothing to offer a dragon, but fear of eviction makes her desperate. Her teacher sends her to the mysterious Cormac Hunter whose promises lead her to danger, love, and secrets.
Nothing’s modern about the world Jess Haines has created, but the oddities are part of the story’s charm. This novel is great for people who love urban fantasy and myth. Kimberly is stubborn and independent. She’s an easy protagonist to root for as she struggles to keep her job to pay rent and go to school to better her life. She’s relatable and likable. Haines creates a realistic world of supernatural beings. Her style is light, fast paced, with easily relatable characters. The characters are flawed and genuine. Even the most extravagant characters have human flaws. They’re quick to temper, ignorant, stubborn, proud, greedy, and possessive. Smoke and Mirrors is a wonderful blend of romance…danger…and fantasy. The world Haines crafts makes you want to jump into the pages and be a part of the magic.
