6.26.2017

Book Review: Unsanctioned Eyes by Brianna Merritt (remember this book I keep fangirling about?)

About the Book

Her death was just the beginning.

Quinn Rogers doesn’t exist. There are no records of her name. Her DNA has no match. She is a ghost. A phantom killer no one can trace. The perfect assassin. Or so she thinks.

At the top of her game, Quinn’s no longer looking over her shoulder. Her master will protect her, save her, like he always has. But there are forces at work neither of them suspect.

Can Quinn find the truth in a world of lies? Or will her unsanctioned past catch up to her in the end?


My Review


Step aside, cliche thrillers because The Dragonfly series is coming to town!  Brianna's incredible writing skills kidnapped my mind and threw it into the world of assassins, terrorists, and secret agents.

The Characters

I fell in love with Brianna's characters, despite their murderous tendencies.  Why?  They are real, broke people.  They work for (I don't want to tell you too much) who will kill them if they don't do as he says.  This trains them to dim their consciences.  But as the story goes on, stuff happens that reawakens those thoughts that what they are doing is bad.  However, there is still survival stuff and characters interactions that get in their way and make them completely human.

Also, there is Nathan who is an adorable human.  (He's not an assassin, but he's just precious.)  Can we talk about the fact that he grows so much over the story, and the main plot isn't even about him?!

The Setting


Unsanctioned Eyes takes place all over the world: London, Afghanistan, and other places.  I've never been to any of those places before, but after reading this book, I feel like I have.

The Plot


Masterfully written.  I'm not going to say any more on this.

Content


There was quite a bit of language, but none was "super awful".  (It's not every other sentence either.)  It fits with the characters.  Obviously, there was quite a bit of violence.  The assassins aren't super moral people, so they don't do the most moral things.  But this is NOT EVIL BEING GLORIFIED.  The characters start to change by the end of the story.  Quinn is presented with the idea of God and His saving grace.  The author is not condoning the actions of her characters.  I just wanted to make that very clear.

Conclusion


Basically, this is a fantastic book for people who enjoy thrillers like the Jason Bourne series, but are tired of evil being glorified.  I recommend this book to older teens and above because of some of the content.  5/5 stars!  This book releases TOMORROW so remember to get a copy!


*Disclaimer* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Note: Due to technical difficulties, you won't be able to preorder this book.  However you will be able to buy it on Amazon TOMORROW.

About the Author


Brianna grew up in a small town in Oklahoma learning the language of the wind and trying to survive the heat of summer. She fell in love with all things literary at an early age and the journey from reader to writer followed. With the help of One Year Adventure Novel, she finished her first novel in 2012 and hasn’t been able to stop creating new worlds and adventures since. 

As well as writing, Brianna is addicted to tea, chocolate, and music. When she isn’t reading or writing, Brianna teaches Ballet and Jazz. 

She lives in Virginia with her family and spoiled Dalmatian, Valentine. 

6.19.2017

In which I fangirl and release a small summer project ||| a book trailer


A few weeks ago the fabulous Brianna Merritt asked me to be an advanced reader copy for her thriller novel, Unsanctioned Eyes.  I immediately said yes and the moment I began reading it...I fell in love with it.  So in love that I made an unofficial book trailer for it.

SERIOUSLY GO READ THIS BOOK, YOU ALL!

Somehow, Brianna masterfully crafts a story that makes you come to love assassins (and the precious, Nathan).  I have no idea how she does it BUT SHE DOES IT WELL.  She makes you care about them and desperately want them to change.  I don't bore you to death...I'll let you watch the trailer instead of listen to me fangirl about it for the rest of my life.  (My full review will come closer to when the book releases on JUNE 27!)  Also, some preorder links are in the works.  Brianna will announce when Unsanctioned Eyes is available for preorder!



About the Book


Her death was just the beginning.

Quinn Rogers doesn’t exist. There are no records of her name. Her DNA has no match. She is a ghost. A phantom killer no one can trace. The perfect assassin. Or so she thinks.

At the top of her game, Quinn’s no longer looking over her shoulder. Her master will protect her, save her, like he always has. But there are forces at work neither of them suspect.

Can Quinn find the truth in a world of lies? Or will her unsanctioned past catch up to her in the end?



About the Author



Brianna grew up in a small town in Oklahoma learning the language of the wind and trying to survive the heat of summer. She fell in love with all things literary at an early age and the journey from reader to writer followed. With the help of One Year Adventure Novel, she finished her first novel in 2012 and hasn’t been able to stop creating new worlds and adventures since. 

As well as writing, Brianna is addicted to tea, chocolate, and music. When she isn’t reading or writing, Brianna teaches Ballet and Jazz. 

She lives in Virginia with her family and spoiled Dalmatian, Valentine. 

6.12.2017

See you all next week!

Hello my lovely friends!

I'm taking a complete internet break this week.  I'm going to just LIVE and try to get a good bit of writing done.  See you all when I get back!

-Alea

6.02.2017

Happy (belated) Blogiversary to Me + Q and A Vlog

Hello everyone!

As of yesterday, Elvish Pens, Fantastical Writings is 3 years old!  I started out knowing nothing and writing shameful posts, but I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the beginning.

Remember those questions you asked me in the survey?  Here I answer most of them! Enjoy!

6.01.2017

Title and Cover Reveal for author Brianna Merritt ||| a book about a woman whose death was just the beginning

Yes, I know I said that I was taking a blogging break this week...but I guess I just took a break on Monday.

My lovely friend, Brianna Merritt, is publishing her book and today is the title and cover reveal.  I must say that I am stoked for this book because it looks A-MAZING.

(I met Brianna at Realm Makers last year, in case you were wondering.)

She's the girl in front of me wearing the navy
blue medieval dress. (Photo Credit: Hannah)


About the Book

Her death was just the beginning.


Quinn Rogers doesn’t exist. There are no records of her name. Her DNA has no match. She is a ghost. A phantom killer no one can trace. The perfect assassin. Or so she thinks.

At the top of her game, Quinn’s no longer looking over her shoulder. Her master will protect her, save her, like he always has. But there are forces at work neither of them suspect.

Can Quinn find the truth in a world of lies? Or will her unsanctioned past catch up to her in the end?

The Cover and Title


Okay, here's the cover...


Isn't it beautiful?  I love all of the colors.  So pretty.  I can't wait to see this on my shelf.

About the Author


Brianna grew up in a small town in Oklahoma learning the language of the wind and trying to survive the heat of summer. She fell in love with all things literary at an early age and the journey from reader to writer followed. With the help of One Year Adventure Novel, she finished her first novel in 2012 and hasn’t been able to stop creating new worlds and adventures since. 

As well as writing, Brianna is addicted to tea, chocolate, and music. When she isn’t reading or writing, Brianna teaches Ballet and Jazz. 

She lives in Virginia with her family and spoiled Dalmatian, Valentine.