Author: Mary Ting (Page 1 of 2)

BOOK REVIEW: Once Upon a Legend by Mary Ting

BOOK REVIEW: Once Upon a Legend by Mary TingOnce Upon a Legend by Mary Ting
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

A story of love and a power that echoes through time.

A prophecy foretold by the Council.
A sword forged by the Ladies of the Lake.
A child born from love and the hope of thousands.

Seventeen-year-old Idrisa is a student from Dumont Orphan School. When the Emperor of Dumonia invites all citizens to a birthday gala for Prince Merrick, she attends and becomes entangled in a world beyond belief. At the party, Idrisa begins to hear strange voices that urge her to go to the lake. A student from school follows and tries to kill her, but in the fight for her survival, Idrisa gains possession of an eternal sword—gifted by the Ladies of the Lake.

The Emperor demands it, but only Idrisa can wield the sword, so he imprisons her. Her only hope is Prince Merrick, but he is grieving the death of his mother and doesn’t care about anything happening around him. While held captive, Idrisa uncovers secrets that challenge everything she thought she knew about Dumonia. Enemies and allies emerge when they hear news of the sword, and she must unlock the mystery of the weapon before darkness descends on the empire forever.

Review:

Retribution was a powerful weapon.

Once Upon a Legend was an enchanting tale that was woven together beautifully. It was impossible not to be fascinated with this magical world.  With a retelling involving the Ladies of the Lake, it made me feel like I was watching a movie play out in my head.  One that at first glance may seem like a Disney tale, YET as this story unfolds you see just how much darker, grittier and so much deeper this story goes.  There was murder and so much unknown laced in the pages, it felt as though plans were in place for something bigger than them.  So if you adore young adult stories that feature lore, magic, sword fighting, traitors, friendship, and the sparks of something more, then this is definitely the book for you!

I shivered, an icy blast of wind sprayed over my face. The white light from the blade, like a thousand diamonds blessed with inner fire, beckoned me to reach out for it.

Idrisa was fierce, determined and brave. She was raised in the Dumont Orphan School and the friendships she created meant the world to her.  They had been with her since the beginning.  So as we watched her train and go through the motions of being at school, I loved that she learned from her mistakes and pushed herself to be better.  Idrisa was someone we could definitely look up to.  When her school was invited to a birthday gala for Prince Merrick, Idrisa’s whole world was going to change forever.  At the gala, the goddesses of the lake gave Idrisa the sword.  The one the King desperately wanted.  And with that fear in my bones, I had no clue where this story would go.

“Do not fear when the time comes. If you risk everything, you will gain what you seek.”

Prince Merrick seemed to radiate pain and sorrow.  He missed his mother with his whole heart and soul.  Yet life continued and surrounding him were his brothers, father and the expectations for all of them. As we watched Prince Merrick, the tests he was put through seemed unfathomable. He showed us he was honorable, true and someone we could trust….or so I hoped. Especially when his father, the King, imprisoned Idrisa after she obtained the sword. I hoped those chain of events would be the fire that would light him to live again.  Because he had so much potential, and I loved the spark between him and Idrisa!

“Family is not only created by blood, but within the heart. Forever may our bond be strong. And like the stars, may our light never die.”

The side characters in this book filled the pages with their passion.  Rocco was one I was unsure of.  He was so protective of Idrisa and I was beyond grateful for that. But his words weren’t for me.  That’s because I had already fallen for the prince so easily. Yet I have a lot of guesses for his future!  And Knox, who helped the prince, was someone I adored.  But on the other side, I hated the evil characters!  They felt like sociopaths who had no moral ground to stand on. What they would do in the name of what they thought was right or what they wanted *shudders*, there was no line for them that they wouldn’t cross.  So hold on, because not everyone we care for will end up safe.

One of us had to die, and it wasn’t going to be me.

Magic, sword fighting, darkness, betrayal, truths, and a slow burn romance filled Once Upon a Legend.  The twists in this book were fabulously done!  The why and also who someone was, my mind was blown. I didn’t see those coming.  And I loved that alliances were made with those that were unlikely, it left me so excited to see how that will pan out!  This story was skillfully crafted and I loved that we even got a chapter or two from characters I didn’t even think we would. The way it added to the depths of this story were magical! This story closed with leaving us at a good stopping point, but I’m excited to see what happens next. And I just have to say that even though this story is young adult, I think it would be a great read for middle graders to pick up too!

I am worthy. I am deserving. You can’t take away who I am.
Out of anger, and to prove to myself that I could, I nocked an arrow and released, straight to the target dead on.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: The Seashell of ‘Ohana (Spirit of ‘Ohana #2) by Mary Ting

BOOK REVIEW: The Seashell of ‘Ohana (Spirit of ‘Ohana #2) by Mary TingThe Seashell of 'Ohana (Spirit of 'Ohana #2)
by Mary Ting
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Since Abby became a widow in her mid-twenties, she's spent the past four years raising her son and working long hours at the gallery she owns with her sister in Kauai. She doesn't have time for a social life, nor does she want one. Until the handsome Ian Bordonaro comes back to town.

When Abby finds out Ian is grieving the death of his mother, she feels an instant connection. She knows his pain too well, and not many in her life understand what she's been through. Their friendship grows, but a lingering sense of guilt prevents Abby from moving forward.

Will she surrender to grief and give up her second chance at happily ever after? Or will finding a rare angelwing shell intact on the beach be a sign it's time to open her heart again?

Review:

With fabulous characters, sentimental moments and so much heart, I loved this book!  The story played out like it was destined to be a Hallmark movie and I couldn’t put it down.  The Seashell of ‘Ohana was filled with family, friendship and so much love!  If you love sweet and sentimental adult romance, definitely put this one on your tbr!

In the darkness. Just the two of us under the gorgeous moonlit sky, I could paint this. This view. This moment. But this feeling … My heart hadn’t settled back after its leap into the stars, yet.

Abby was a widow who had moved to Hawaii to raise her son.  Working with her sister at their art studio, and being involved in her son’s life, was her whole world.  Yet that world also included Ian.  Ian was her sister’s boyfriend’s best friend.  And while the previous book was about Abby’s sister, and I can’t recommend Where the Wind Chimes enough, you can easily read this book as a standalone!  With a little help from her sister and friends, Abby and Ian found themselves together longer then a moment at the grocery store.  There was a definite spark between them, but Abby was conflicted about moving on. Thankfully Ian had nothing but patience and heart on his side.  So I kept my fingers crossed!

Abby: Thank you for the beautiful flowers. You didn’t have to do that.
I was going to put the phone down, but a text pinged.
Ian: I had to do something to bribe you to hold my hand during horseback riding.
I smiled and swiped my fingers fast over the letters.
Abby: No need to bribe.  That’s what friends do.
Ian: Then Lee is a terrible friend. He won’t hold my hand.
A small snicker squeaked out of me, and Liam turned to look. I sent a laughing emoji, and he sent me a heart one back.
I stared at the red beating heart a bit longer than necessary. 

Ian was my favorite! He was such a good man who was kind and thoughtful. And readers will melt watching how Ian included Tyler, Abby’s son, in the conversation. He made Tyler feel seen. Just like he did with Abby every time they were near each other. I knew that Ian was perfect for Abby. But at the same time, I was nervous for Abby. She was interested in Ian, but her heart still felt broken from the passing of her husband. Abby was loving, focused and I loved how involved she was with her son. Yet she was definitely guilty of putting her sons needs before hers. And I got it. But I was thankful when Ian would step in and show her it was okay to allow herself to find happy moments too, with things she wanted. They balanced one another out so well!

Swim? Before I could process his words, he hoisted me into his arms. I swallowed a breath and wrapped my arms around his neck as he ran toward the ocean.
“Ian!” I hollered.
Trust me.
I did trust him, so I stopped kicking and surrendered.

I loved Abby and Ian’s moments together. While Abby tried her best to keep Ian in the friend category, it was impossible to deny their chemistry. Yet, it felt like there was a much deeper level between them. As if they were destined for one another. And the HEA at the end of this book, swoon! It will leave readers happy! So with sentimental moments that will leave you smiling, a heartwarming sister relationship and gorgeous scenery, The Seashell of ‘Ohana was such a huge win! With a few tears, smile and laughter, this delightful romance was so easy to devour! Have fun getting lost in this sentimental Hallmark romance, when you pick this one up!

“I would wait a lifetime for you, Abby. My heart was an empty sky, but you gave me the moon and the stars. Steve was your first, but I want to be your last.”

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

 

BOOK REVIEW: Code (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary Ting

BOOK REVIEW: Code (International Sensory Assassin Network #4) by Mary TingCode (International Sensory Assassin Network #4)
by Mary Ting
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Behind enemy lines, new soldiers will emerge, and unexpected heroes will rise.

Ava is a prisoner. And she is not the only rebel held hostage at ISAN's secret compound. As she plans an escape, the lives of the rebel prisoners are in her hands, along with those she thought were dead.

Rhett and his team desperately search for Ava while one of the Remnant Council joins forces with another network looking for the creator of the Helix serum. And time is running out. Mr. Novak has been secretly creating an army called CODE, and what he plans for Ava will mean a permanent end to the rebels--and her.


Review:

CODE was a heart pounding addition to the ISAN series!  With a gritty and rugged story-line, that held a lot of heart, this book was impossible to put down!  If you’re a fan of YA or dystopian, then you definitely need to add this series to your tbr!

 “You are worth every gamble I took to find you.”

The story started off right where GENE ended, with Eva and Rhett separated and so many lives at stake.  I know this isn’t how I normally write my reviews but I have to talk about the twists first!  They were brilliant!  There was so much at play, the story played out ingeniously and my mind was blown.  I gasped out loud multiple times, screamed and kept whispering to myself this isn’t how the story was supposed to go.  I didn’t see multiple things coming. But looking back, ohhhhhh the clues were there, I just put the pieces of the puzzle together wrong. So hold on, because this story will take you on a wild and crazy ride!

Sometimes when one person couldn’t see the light, another had to carry the torch. I would carry that torch and make it brighter for the both of us. – Ava

CODE was told in multiple POVs again and we got to spend the majority of our time with Ava and Rhett. They have a forever place in my heart. I love how they’re both smart, brave, caring, fearless and would do anything for each other.  And watching their love grow stronger and deeper in each book?! My happiness soars when they can breathe for a moment and are together. They are the ultimate power couple! In CODE both of their emotions were put through the wringer but they each had the same end goal. To take Novak and ISAN down. I loved how Ava continually looked for Novak and Gene’s weak points and was defiant to their plans. With a psychopath for a brother and monster for a father, my heart continually bled for Ava. I longed for her to be back together with Rhett, for him to help her feel his love.

Too late. Too late. Too late. The words echoed with devastating finality. – Mitch

We also got to hear parts of the story from Mitch.  Oh how he has grown on me.  If you asked me in ISAN if I liked Mitch….oh wow, I would have laughed out loud and told you no.  He was such an arrogant jerk.  But there was more than meets the eye.  Mitch was cunning and smart.  He felt things deeply.  And in CODE he made friends and so much I can’t talk about other then I loved, loved, loved it! It was more than I ever could have hoped for.  I’m just as invested in Mitch’s life and happiness, as Ava and Rhett. And that terrifies me.  The position Mitch is in is beyond dangerous and I never know if this current moment will be his last.

Justine couldn’t believe her fate. Damned if she did, and damned if she didn’t.
How do I do the right thing when I’m so scared, Mitch?

Justine was another who we got to spend some time with. I hated her. And to put all of my cards on the table, I hated her for even a good portion of this book too haha.  But getting to hear a few chapters in Justine’s head?!  Oh you guys.  She wiggled her way into my heart. Curse her lol.  Justine even made me cry tears that couldn’t be stopped.  Sigh.  So good luck trying to ignore all of the feelings she’ll pull from you, because for me it was impossible to ignore.

We would fight for justice.
We would fight for peace.
We would bring the rest of ISAN down.

In addition, we got to spend a few chapters with Chancellor Josephine Chang who was beyond fascinating.  Her ties and connections.  What she did when she was not around Rhett, Ava, Zen or the public eye, WOW. There’s not much I can say other then I enjoyed the little time we got to spend with Chancellor Chang and I’m hoping for something to happen in her future, fingers crossed!

Something crunched under Rhett’s feet. He looked down to see … bones. Human bones?
“Is that…?” Zeke gasped.
Cleo’s eyes rounded and her lips parted to scream.

CODE had it all! Horrific plans were made, traps were set, people switched sides, impossible decisions were made and there was even sacrifice.  I had sweaty palms in multiple situations.  And new enemies we meet…..one of them is what nightmares are made of *shudders*. At the end of the day, I was terrified because I cared for too many people.  But I smiled so much and loved being back with these people that feel like family to me.  They are the ultimate squad that I want to be a part of! Rhett, Ava, Mitch, Brooke, Ozzie, Reyna, Momo and a few others, I kept hoping they would all survive!

We girls should lift each other up, support each other. We should ignite each other’s beautiful souls and not douse them in darkness. And that was the kind of friendship I had with some of the girls at the rebel base. – Ava

Coursing with adrenaline, CODE was impossible to put down!  And with love and friendship winding throughout the pages, it evened this book out perfectly.  So with a richly imagined world, characters that leapt off the pages and a story that kept you turning just one more page, this book easily became an instant favorite! Plus it ended at the perfect stopping and breathing point.  But I’ll definitely be counting down until that next book comes out, I can’t wait!

Two other quotes that I loved…

I took another step toward him and another as something hot bubbled inside me. “I felt a lot of pain the second I found out you were my brother. It’s like being told the devil shares your blood. Do you even know what that feels like? Do you have any feelings at all?”- Ava
 
“Why me?” Mitch frowned.
Russ offered a sly grin. “You’re good at scheming and deceiving. That’s what you do well.”
Mitch chuckled. “Did you just give me a compliment? Are we getting along?”
Russ cackled and tapped the screen to close. “I think it’s a start of a beautiful friendship. But seriously , we’re here so think fast.”

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)

ISAN #1
Review:

Jen
 
HELIX   #2
Review:

Jen
 
GENES   #3
Review:

Jen

CODE   #4
Review:

Jen

About Mary Ting:

International Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Mary Ting writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers all over the world. Her books run a wide range of genres: science fiction, fantasy, and swoon worthy stories. Her storytelling talents have won her a devoted legion of fans and garnered critical praise.

Mary was born in Seoul Korea and resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two dogs—Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Becoming an author was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, she retired from teaching after twenty years.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / News update

BOOK REVIEW: Always Be My Baby by Mary Ting

BOOK REVIEW: Always Be My Baby by Mary TingAlways Be My Baby by Mary Ting
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Cammy is so furious when she catches her boyfriend kissing another girl at a frat party that she storms out of her own apartment. Letting go of your first love is not an easy thing to do, and he makes it harder by swearing he’s innocent and trying to win her back. But when Cammy meets Grayson Parker, he shows her how different some guys can be. Can Cammy trust her boyfriend and give him another chance? Or will she allow Grayson to heal her wounds and erase the scars?

Review:

Always Be My Baby was absolutely adorable and an enjoyable quick read!   This story took place in the 90s and from dating, to first love, to waiting for someone to page you lol, I felt like I was back in time!  Even the songs had me humming while reading.  I kept finding myself smiling with all of the nostalgia and charming story line.  So if you’re looking for a cute, quick romance then definitely add this one on your list!

I suddenly forgot his name. I forgot how to breathe. I forgot who and where I was. – Cammy

Right away I liked Cammy and felt all the sympathy in the world for her.  The story started in college with Cammy breaking up with her boyfriend, Lucas.  She had walked into a party and saw him kissing another girl.  But there was so much more to her then a girl with a wounded heart.  As we got to know her, I loved that she was kind, smart, unsure at times, stumbled over her words and even made silly little mistakes.  She was so relatable and I could easily see myself doing those things when I was her age.

He left, leaving me breathless and my heart soaring to the sky.

On top of hearing Cammy’s thoughts, we also got two different POVs.  To say I didn’t expect to get Lucas’ POV would be the hugest understatement ever lol.  My mind was shocked and I was so nervous.  Lucas swore he didn’t kiss her back, and the girl had kissed him first.  Were we supposed to believe him?  Like him?  Forgive him?  I didn’t know what to feel.  But we also got another POV, Grayson.  And Grayson was such a surprise.  He could be so cold and cocky.  But he seemed to know exactly what he wanted.  And that was Cammie.  So of course my heart was nervous with how this was all going to unfold.

“I-I tend to bite my pencil during tests or when I get nervous,” I confessed.
His eyebrows lifted and his lips spread wickedly. Leaning closer, his shoulder touched mine and his leg brushed my knee, and he whispered, “I think we’d go well together. I like to bite, too. I’d like to see what else you can do with your teeth.”

I loved how the romance played out in this story!  I can’t say much, but it was about finding confidence in yourself and figuring out what you truly want.  Learning to trust your instincts and relying on those that have your back and heart’s best interest.  From first kisses, to figuring out people’s feelings, to being nervous of the unknown, I enjoyed every minute of this story!

You deserve someone that cares about you when you’re sick. You deserve someone that walks you home.
Leah’s words echoed in my mind.

And I just have to say that this is the second Mary Ting book where female relationships were such a gem!  I loved the friendship between Cammy and Leah. They were the truest of beasties who loved each other with their whole hearts.  They took care of each other and were thoughtful and loving to one another.  They reminded me of the type of relationship I have with my bestest of friends.  It was such a breath of fresh air seeing this type of relationship portrayed in a college aged story!

“…I’m just a guy hoping maybe one day we can be more than friends.” I should have punched myself, or I should have let her punch me. I was an ass. She was hurting and I sprung my words on her as if she didn’t have anything else to worry about. – Grayson

Always Be My Baby warmed my heart!  And I saw so many parallels to my college experience – the chicken noodle soup, walking me places, someone showing you how people can truly be, having your heart on the line and being nervous to take a step, I saw my college years in Cammy’s life!  I even found myself clapping out loud for something Cammy did later on in the story.  While this was a novella, it sure didn’t feel like one.  I had become attached to her and was proud of what she had done!  So with 90s nostalgia, feelings of first love, and friendship, this book was so much fun to read! 

BOOK REVIEW: When the Wind Chimes (Spirit of ‘Ohana #1) by Mary Ting

BOOK REVIEW: When the Wind Chimes (Spirit of ‘Ohana #1) by Mary TingWhen the Wind Chimes (Spirit of 'Ohana #1)
by Mary Ting
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

SOMETIMES ANGELS COME IN HUMAN FORM.

Kaitlyn Summers is heartbroken.

When she receives an invitation to spend Christmas with her family on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, she feels it may be the perfect medicine.

She throws herself into helping her sister’s struggling art gallery, even taking a temporary job for extra money by looking after a little girl from her nephew’s school. She also begins to paint again, something she’s been unable to do since her breakup. It’s tempting to stay on Kauai, but she has obligations back in Los Angeles.

Life gets more complicated when circumstances keep putting her close to Leonardo Medici. Not only is he drop-dead gorgeous, he’s a local celebrity. But Kaitlyn can’t shake the feeling he’s hiding something.

Should she believe the rumors that he’s romancing half the island’s single women?

Or is the random sound of wind chimes when he’s close-by a sign that an angel is near and the secret to her happily ever after?


Review:

When the Wind Chimes was a cozy feel good read!  Sprinkled with Christmas, family and love, this book had all of the feels of a Hallmark movie.  I loved that I kept finding myself smiling and I even had to wipe a few tears away while reading.  With low angst and an ending that had my heart happy long after I finished that last page, I absolutely adored this book.  If you’re looking for a Christmas story that will warm your heart, then definitely pick this one up!

I was oil; he was acrylic, and we could never mix on the same canvas.

The story started off with Kaitlyn Summers, aka Kate, landing in Kauai to spend the holidays with her family.  But not long after arriving, Kate had an interesting run in with Leonardo Medici aka Lee.  And they continued to run into each other, quite literally at times, as the story unfolded.  Each time seemed to shake one of them up.  So when it felt like fate intervened, I loved sitting back and watching where it took them!

I promise with all the unicorns, rainbows, and all the sparkling things.

I loved Kate!  She was an artist who lived in LA and was kind, caring and thoughtful.  But one of my favorite things about her was how fiercely she loved her sister, Abby.  They were the bestest of friends and loved each other with their whole hearts.  They helped one another out, picked each other up and even messed with the other.  But sometimes their intervention was exactly what the other one needed.  Their sisterly love felt like a hidden gem in this book!  So I was rooting for Kate to stay in Kauai.  I also loved the relationship she had with her nephew, Tyler and another little child that easily stole her heart.

His gaze slid to my lips and his eyes darkened. He inched toward my mouth, tortuously slow, as his finger brushed my cheek.
Lee, what are you doing to me?

From the first moment we met Lee, my heart was all a flutter.  He was a local celebrity and the man was as elusive as he was sexy!  Lee was kind, generous, and seemed cautious with his heart.  So of course I wanted to know all of his secrets!  There’s so much I want to say about him, but my lips are zipped.  Just know that the more I got to know Lee, the harder I fell for him.

Lee lowered his darkened eyes to my mouth, then met my gaze with intensity. His voice became rough and deeper. “I don’t think that at all, Kate. If you knew what I was thinking at this moment, you would think I wasn’t being professional.”
I had no idea how to process that as I watched him walk away.

Christmas was in the air and romance, family and charm was splashed across the pages.  The story between Kate and Lee was slow burn and beyond adorable.  And even though it felt like they were worlds apart, at the same time there was a spark between them that couldn’t be denied.  So I kept my fingers crossed!  If you adore Christmas romance stories that are sweet and have family and children in the pages, then definitely add this one to your list!  The next book will be about Kate’s sister, Abby and I can’t wait for her book!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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