Melissa Giorgio

I received this book for free in return for an honest review.

"The Fading Dusk" follows Irina, a magicians assistant. Irina was born in the slums however after the death of her mother the street magician, Bantheir, took her in. The story opens with strange men threatening her, claiming her master stole something of value from them. Next thing Irina knows Leonid is arresting her and telling her that her master is wanted for a series of ritualistic murders. Irina is the only one who thinks he is innocent and finds herself being drawn into the investigation to prove his innocence. Leading to the discovery that the magic she thought was fake might actually be real and her master might behind everything.

Overall I enjoyed this story. I thought it was a little slow in the beginning but it picked up quickly. It sets up what I think is going to be an interesting series. I cannot wait to see what is in store for Irina next.… (plus d'informations)

Title: The Fading Dusk (Smoke and Mirrors, Book 1)
Author: Melissa Giorgio
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Fantasy, YA, Sword & Sorcery
Publisher: Melissa Giorgio
Date of Release: July 19, 2015
Pages: 408

The Fading Dusk was truly a great story! It has everything! There’s espionage, love, humor, lies and murder! Just when you think a street magician is just an ordinary guy… slight of hand, making a coin disappear, well, those days are gone! Meet Bantheir. On the surface, he’s your average street magician just trying to make a living, but if you dig a bit deeper… he’s hiding a deep dark secret! His secret is the ultimate betrayal… especially to Irina, his assistant and “adopted” daughter. Bantheir’s betrayal lands Irina in prison with some unlikely friends, like the charming and attractive Captain Leonid. He too, is not everything he seems. With all the secrets going on, who do you trust?

For me, this was quite the story, it begged me to use my imagination! The Fading Dusk is extremely well written, had me sitting on the edge of my seat and left me wanting more. It was nice to see Irina and Leonid drop their guards and bond. While romance wasn’t a big component to the story, it did help progress the story along. Irina started off meek and shy, but by the end she blossomed! I enjoyed this story and look forward to book 2 of the series!… (plus d'informations)

I received this ebook in exchange for a honest review.
Summary:
Irvin's was born and lived in the slums with her mother, when tragedy strikes Irina is left all alone. She wanders until she finds a magic show and meets Bantheir. Life is not great but it beats living in the slums. She becomes Bantheir assistant but one night after the show she is approached by a big burly man and life as she knows it will never be the same. Who is the big burly man? Is the rumours about Bantheir true? Who is the tall dark handsome Captain that saves her life?
Characters:
Irina, a teenager and Bantheir's assistant. Head strong and stubborn but sensitive.
Bantheir, street magician who loves to gamble. In over his head
Leonid, Captain of the guard. Can not get enough of Irina and her curly hair.
Parnaby/Elyse, another street magician and his assistant. Good at keeping secrets.
Vernon, a guard and Leonid's best friends. Loves having fun at Leonid's expense.
Final Thoughts:
This book had me hooked from the start. So good. The twists and turns kept me guessing. I thought the connection between Irina and Leonid's was swoon worthy. One minute they're bickering and the next they can not stop staring at each other. What do you do when magic is not illegal but it hums in your veins?… (plus d'informations)