Perfect for fans of Christine Feehan’s Carpathian series and G.A. Aiken’s The Blacksmith Queen, New York Times bestselling author Kerrelyn Sparks combines humor, action, and love in the electrifying new book in her thrilling fantasy series. Four sisters have become queens, rulers of all that Aerthlan’s two moons embrace. The last sister will forge her own path . . . Signs and Seals Raised on the … the magic-seeped Isle of Moon, Maeve is used to unusual powers—and the way they fuel the politics of her world. But when she discovers an ability to shape-shift at will, she knows who she wants to share it with first. Brody, the enigmatic, infuriating shifter-spy has always made time for Maeve. But it’s been almost two months since she’s seen him. And though no one else believes Brody is in danger, Maeve is more than ready to rescue him herself. The rumors Brody’s investigating are terrifying: a secret army of magic-users, in the service of the cruel Circle of Five. But when he uncovers the identity of one of the Five, the mission becomes personal. Cursed as a boy by the Sea Witch, Brody can spend only two hours a day in his human form, a restriction that limits his future and muzzles his heart. Plus Maeve teases him for being such a pretty doggy instead of appreciating his manly charms. To win his freedom, he must take on a terrible disguise. And when Maeve finds out, she’ll unleash a tempest like no other . . .
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The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea is the final story in the Embraced series. The story centers around Maeve, a selkie and the youngest of the Embraced sisters. Brody has missed their monthly swim twice, which has never happened before, and Maeve is certain something is wrong. When she hears that Brody is investigating a terrifying rumor that the Circle of Five has amassed an Embraced army to take over all of the kingdoms, Maeve determines to find him.
Maeve knows this search will be difficult. Because of a curse, Brody can only remain in human form for two hours a day and must spend the rest of the day in a different form. However, Maeve’s journey leads her to the island of the infamous and evil Sea Witch, who is connected to Maeve and Brody in more ways than one. The couple must deal with the shocking secrets learned on the island, and they must defeat the Sea Witch if they ever hope to have Brody’s curse lifted.
This is an epic conclusion to a wonderful series. In typical Kerrelyn Sparks fashion, the story is immersive with vivid detail, interesting characters, sharp dialogue, and a well-paced plot. I love that we finally learn more about Brody’s past and what led to his curse. I also love that Maeve and Brody finally were able to admit their feelings for each other.
Maeve is a wonderful protagonist. Brave and fierce, she is tired of feeling left out. She wants to take charge of her life and her love, but she won’t sit on the sidelines and wait for something to happen. Connected by their mysterious pasts and their shifting abilities, Maeve and Brody have loved each other for years, but they both held back their feelings. You can feel the tension, longing, and unfulfilled desire in each of their interactions. Their love is palpable and makes for a deliciously intriguing read.
I also want to comment on the other romance in the novel. Princess Elinor and Nevis are an unlikely yet completely perfect pair. Their awkward flirtations in the midst of some very intense situations are sweet and comical. To see Nevis, a man who is calm, cool, and collected under the most stressful of circumstances, stumble and fumble over Elinor, who, in turn, teases and flirts, endears me even more to their characters.
The antagonists in the story are also dynamically developed, which makes their vile nature even more apparent. It is clear that the evil Circle of Five and the Chameleon are the antitheses of Maeve, Brody, and their friends. Cruel, heartless, and greedy, they will stop at nothing to gain power, even if it means hurting, using, and betraying people. I loved seeing all of the major characters from previous books work together to defeat the villainous threat that hangs over them all.
In addition to the well-developed characters, the story is a fascinating page-turner. Filled with action and adventure, the story builds up to an epic showdown between good and evil. Shifters, dragons, betrayal, Embraced kids, curses, witches, and more add to the fantastical world and well-constructed plot. I can’t recommend this series enough! Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the 5th book in the Embraced series and the 2nd in the Embraced by Magic series. And you absolutely need to read the previous books before reading this one or you will be completely lost as to what is going on. With that being said, in this one we finally get Maeve and Brody’s story! Maeve has discovered that she can shapeshift at will, it’s not tied to the moon any longer. But the person she wants to share that with the most has disappeared. And while no one else thinks that he is in danger, she knows that something more is happening. And decides to find out what that is and rescue him herself. Brody is investigating the rumors that someone is building an embraced army. And when he discovers who one of the Circle of Five are, it becomes more personal that even he could have imagined. And his curse makes investigating even harder. But when a terrible secret comes out, can he not only keep Maeve safe but also the world?
I really liked this one although parts of it were a little slow for me. There are definitely some twists and turns that I truly wasn’t expecting. Maeve has definitely grown up into a stubborn, beautiful woman but she also has a heart of gold. And is willing to do what she has to in order to keep the people she loves and cares about safe. Brody has always had a difficult life, and it has definitely thrown curve balls his way. But he has still managed to be a man with a heart of gold who always does what he has to in order to keep people safe. I know this is the final book in this series, but the way it ended left it open that this world could always have more written later. So while this story arc has been tied closed, there is a chance to have more in this world and I would definitely love to read more!
Oh, my stars! How I loved ‘The Siren and The Deep Blue Sea‘, the final title in the ‘Embraced‘ or ‘Embraced by Magic‘ series. This is truly a bittersweet moment, for I needed to know what happened… but saying goodbye to these amazing characters is going to hurt, not gonna lie about that fact.
This review is going to be short, sweet, and so grateful for a series that brought me laughter, tears, frustration, joy, intriguing danger, vile villains, truly heroic men and women, and sexy times that fall so naturally within each story. To finally have answers for Brody and Maeve’s relationship, to see all the pieces fall into place perfectly was pure joy for me. As you can tell, I’ve loved this series and would not hesitate for one moment in recommending it. Yet, this is also a series that needs to be read in order for it builds on each previous book – you’ll miss so much if you skip ahead, you really will.
‘The Siren and The Deep Blue Sea‘ brings us answers, some unexpected and a love story that was worth waiting until the end of the series to fully understand. If you love a really, really good Paranormal Romance filled with action, romance, danger, intrigue, and characters who will remain in your head long after the final page then you’ll feel right at home with this series.
Sad to say goodbye – but excited to see what comes next.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher, Kensington Books via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
An excellent ending to The Embraced series. There’s action, danger, suspense, and an Evil Queen/Sea Witch. It was interesting to find out Brody and Maeve’s backgrounds. And I love how they worked together with their friends and family to defeat the evil. I definitely recommend it and the whole series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Kensington, via NetGalley My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
Epic Romantic Fantasy!
Maeve was happy for her four sisters. She really was. They’d all met their true loves and were now queens of the four countries of Aerthlan. Maeve had been left at the convent on the Isle of Moon when she was about a year old, youngest of the five Embraced girls. They were sent to the convent to keep them save since at the time they were born there were those in Aerthlan who were determined to destroy the Embraced because they feared their magic . Maeve’s sisters, as they thought of each other after growing up together, along with their husband kings have stopped the persecution of the Embraced. They are all Embraced themselves. So yes Maeve is happy for her sisters but she needs to figure out what she should do with her life. That can wait though as right now she needs to find Brody, the Aerthlan kings’ spy. He hasn’t been seen for almost two months and Maeve is very worried about him. He set off to find the enemies of the four kingdoms, the Circle of Five (now down to three) and their rumored army of Embraced. Maeve cares very much about Brody and her concern for his safety is strong. So since she believes he is off searching for the Circle’s army Maeve thinks she has found their location and intends to make her way there in the hope of finding Brody.
Brody is the lone survivor of an attack by the Sea Witch when he, his father and his older brother were out sailing. He was saved from drowning like his father, brother and crew when his Embraced power of shape-shifting manifested and he shifted into a seal. The evil Sea Witch saw him getting away from her attack and she cursed him with only being able to spend two hours each day in his actual human form. Brody washed up on the Isle of Mist where the Seer lived. The Seer took Brody in and raised him. When Brody grew old enough he chose to become the Embraced kings’ spy as they worked to overcome the evil Circle of Five. He was always on the alert for finding the evil Sea Witch who cursed him. When Brody met Maeve it was love at first sight but he avoided her as best he could because it hurt too much to see her and know she deserved better than his cursed self. That didn’t stop Brody from loving Maeve though. And Brody was to learn that he was no match for Maeve’s stubbornness.
The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea is the final book in the series of books about the Embraced of Aerthlan. Finally the reader gets all the loose ends tied up and answers to questions about some of the characters answered. I loved all the surprises in this book. The final battle is epic. The storyline is complete and all the main characters get their Happily Ever After. This is one of my all-time-favorite romantic fantasy series. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.
The books in the series are:
How To Tame A Beast in Seven Days
So I Married A Sorcerer
Eight Simple Rules for Dating A Dragon
How To Love Your Elf
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I want to be Embraced…
There is something exhilarating about coming to the end of a book or series and knowing that everything has come together perfectly. While it did take me a wee while to get sucked into The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea, once things started to happen, I couldn’t stop. I even downloaded it to my phone to get a little sneaky reading in here and there. So much sneakier than dragging around my big and cumbersome Kindle. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Kindle but it’s definitely my ‘at home’ device for reading.
Anyways… I loved seeing all of the pieces fall into place and getting the shock of my life when the surprise unveiling of royalty took place. Knock me over with a feather, I did not see it coming. All of the royalty in this series are down to earth and very likeable. A little like the young English monarchy – they appear friendly, approachable, and almost normal. Sure, they have guards, servants, and minders, but they also appear to be willing to get their hands dirty. In this story, I think they are normal because they haven’t been hiding in their castles while someone else deals with problems. They have had to face and fight their enemies while also keeping their loved ones safe.
I loved getting to know Maeve and Brody better… while they got to know each other better. It does take time for them to trust each other and the feelings that have always simmered between them. If anything, they’ve had to learn to trust that the feelings won’t disappear once all of their secrets have been exposed. Brody is not sure he wants Maeve to sacrifice her life with someone cursed. Maeve is sure that her family baggage will make him run for the hills. Communication is the key, and once it’s all out on the table they realise that their love for each other will conquer all obstacles.
The second half of The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea was fast-paced, exciting and highly informative. Sure, stuff happened in the first half but I admit that it didn’t have my heart pumping as the second half did.
I have really enjoyed reading The Embraced series. Their world was easy to imagine, the characters were original, lovable, and determined to bring peace, and the love stories were sweet. I highly recommend giving this series a try, but you must…start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.
Stacey is Sassy, received an advanced copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
Maeve is the youngest of the “embraced” sisters and after years of seeing her older sisters find love. become wives, mothers and Queens, it is finally Maeve’s turn for a HEA. I loved Maeve and Brody’s story, which is a well written, action packed, exciting read, but there is just no way to review the plot of this book without ruining the enormous twists, turns and surprises – but suffice it to say, the Embraced series concludes with an epic bang!
The reader will learn who the started the Circle of Five and why, you will learn more about Brody’s past and his curse, you will find out who Maeve’s parents are and what that means to the other sisters, you will learn who the Chameleon really is, you will finally learn about the Embraced army, there will be sea battles, exploding fish, house cats, tigers, cameos with all the sisters and their husbands, a sweet secondary romance, warm love scenes, surprises, shocks, an epic battle to determine the fate of Aerthlan once and for all and finally a HEA that may or may not break a curse!
After reading the other “sisters” stories and being completely enchanted and blown away, I didn’t believe that Ms. Sparks could surprise me or outdo her previous success, so I prepared myself to be let down by the finale and just hoped I got a few answers – I am happy to say, I was WRONG – very, very, very wrong – not only did Ms. Sparks give me answers – she answered questions I didn’t even think to ask! Maeve and Brody’s story is the crown jewel in the Embraced/Embraced by Magic series – if you haven’t read the previous books and you enjoy the fantasy/paranormal/magic sub-genre of Historical Romance – you must read this series – preferably in order starting with How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days – I loved this book and I highly recommend this series – you could read this book as a stand-alone title, but seriously, do yourself a huge favor and read all the books in order – it will just enhance the ending for you!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea by Kerrelyn Sparks
The 5th and final book in the Embraced series. Sweeping Fantasy romance. You definitely want to read the other books first to avoid spoilers.
Maeve is the youngest of the girls raised on the Isle of Mist. Her four adopted sisters are all Queens of their respective lands (which we found out in each of the prior 4 books) and married to their predicted loves. Maeve is feeling a bit at loose ends. With her sisters busy with children and duties, Maeve just wants to find Brody. He’s been missing for months. She is worried and a bit lonely. Could he be in trouble or is he avoiding her because of his curse?
Loved this fantasy series and a bit sad to see it end. This was a fantastic wrap up with a bonus secondary romance and most of the characters from the prior stories making cameos. A few happy tears at the end. So good.
Since this is the last book in one of my favorite series ever, I hesitated to start reading it. I just did not want the series to end. Each book has been a gem in its self. A reader could read this book of any of them as a stand-alone, but you would be denying yourself hours of delightful reading.
All of the five Isle of the Moon sisters are married and settled. All except for Maeve. Maeve is at loose ends, alone, not knowing where or to whom she belongs. She knows she wants to belong to Brody. Cursed by the Sea Witch, he can only be in his human shape for two hours a day, needing to be an animal shifter the rest of the time. Brody also wants Maeve, but feels she deserves better than a two hour a day human. The two have secrets a plenty, from each other and from the others. Searching for the Sea Witch’s embraced army may bring them together, but will their secrets push them apart? Will they ever be able to confess their feelings go each other? Will Brody’s need for revenge and a way to break the curse move them further apart? Maeve and Brody were two of my favorite characters from the previous books so I was happy to see them get their own story. However, I am so sad to see this series end. Maybe, Kerrelyn Sparks would consider more Embraced books, possibly set twenty years in the future. In her magnificent imagination, I am sure she has some interesting stories and black-hearted villains rattling around in there.
This was an entertaining, well-written book. Maeve hasn’t seen Brody for two months, and decides to go look for him. The story was fast-paced and hard to put down. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.
Good conclusion to this series. I really like Maeve and Brody. Maeve feels so left out. Her sisters are all happily married and she is a fifth wheel. She is also worried about Brody. She hasn’t seen him for a couple of months and has a plan to find him, if she can get away from her family. Brody is busy trying to find the Embraced army and the witch that cursed him. What they both find are a lot of secrets. Maeve finally finds out who her parents are and so does Brody. He tries to spare Maeve from all of that, but she is determined and he won’t be able to keep her away. So, he will have to protect her. Maeve knows she loves Brody, but Brody knows he can’t have any kind of life with Maeve because he can’t be in his true form for very long. What kind of life is that? Will she care?
4.25/5 stars!
In this magical world created by Kerrelyn Sparks, it finally comes to the confrontation between good and evil. The heroine finally gets to shine in her own book, having a pivotal role in this battle, with the aid of her hero and other characters from previous books of this series. Meanwhile, readers get to learn more of the hero and some new characters introduced in this book. Of course, the book also focused on the couple and how their relationship evolved from friends to lovers.
This book features a wonderful set of characters and a world filled with magic and mythical beings. The story flowed quite well, though it would have been better if more details were given to small parts of the book. Previous books of the series should be read before this book to get a clear image of this world and characters. Overall, this is a wonderful Kerrelyn Sparks book and series.
*Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.*
What a wonderful conclusion to the series! I’ve been waiting for Brody’s story since book 1 and it was everything I had hoped for!
This was filled with action and adventure as Maeve and Brody work together to bring the Circle of Five to an end. There were so many twists as secrets are revealed, things I never saw coming. Add in the addition of a new trick for Brody and I couldn’t stop reading.
While this was certainly laced with drama, it still had the romance that I’ve come to expect as well as the angst that kept me wondering how this couple would find their happy ever after. Nothing is predictable here which made the ending all the more enjoyable.
This was a pretty fast read that included all the characters from the previous books and the continuation of solving who the true villain was, therefore I would recommend you read this series in order. With a hero and heroine that were perfect for each other and chemistry that was felt throughout the story, I fell even more in love with Maeve and Brody.
Finally we get to know more about Brody , a man cursed to only be in his own body for two hours a day. No one knows who he really is and he’s absolutely kept to himself the knowledge that like the evil Chameleon he can assume the form of humans too ! No to most Brody is just a cute and dare I say pretty dog who makes the perfect spy.
Maeve doesn’t want to sit on the sidelines anymore and she’s desperate to locate her missing friend Brody. She doesn’t care what the Circle of Five are plotting because Maeve has a plan of her own but her journey takes her to a hideous discovery about herself and just where she came from !
This the final book in this series about the Embraced ticked so many boxes. The Circle of Five and the Chameleon who has featured heavily in previous books finally get their comeuppance. I loved Brodys backstory which was a completely surprising . The evil Embraced army turned out to be nothing at all like I was expecting which was a wonderful surprise. Plus all my favourite characters returned with glorious effects. It’s funny ( keep an eye on Nevis !) , it’s romantic and even a little sad but most of all it was a thoroughly entertaining end to a series that I have truly enjoyed.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea is book 5 in Kerrelyn Sparks Embraced series. Because these last two were done by a different publisher, they have a different series name (Embraced by Magic rather than A Novel Of the Embraced) but they are the same series and this is definitely book 5. Though you could read any of these books separately, you will miss a lot if you do. Each book is a different sister’s story, but the five have an overarching story line that makes you Jones for the next book whenever you finish one. This is the final book, so if you read it first you’ll give the ending away to yourself; just a warning.
And we finally get to the last and youngest sister Maeve, our sweet selkie. This book has been a long time coming as it’s the final leg of the overall journey and boy was I excited to open it up! Maeve is the quiet sister, so I was very curious to see how her story would play out. We all know she’s been holding a candle for Brody for at least the last two books, and the end of the last one let us know she was about to take matters into her own hands. Who doesn’t love a female who knows what she wants and goes out and takes it? I don’t want to give anything away, so I’m going to suffice to say that learning her history (no spoiler here, it’s what happens to each sister) is the most astounding of all and I love that she embraces herself and stands tall through it. Possibly my favorite sister right here.
Brody finally gets his story told. We’ve known him since book one and I’m sure I’m not the only one who was dying to know more about him way back then with that desire growing with each book. He’s been something of an unsung hero throughout-backing up our leads and being a crucial part of almost every major battle. He and Chameleon have developed a special hatred that finally comes to a head in this book. We get all those delicious answers we’ve been dying for: where is he from, who cursed him, why does Chameleon hate him so much? No, I’m not telling you; you’ll have to read for yourself.
Since the blurb gives it away, it’s no secret that the two end up together and I have to say I absolutely love them together. Her proposition scene is to die for funny. Probably my favorite scene in the entire series. We also get a few scenes from Nevis’ perspective, which is fun and I’m very happy he got his happy ever after too. The book is full of action, a TON of shifting, a very interesting array of embraced gifts, some really sweet moments, some steamy moments, a REALLY big swordfish, some teary-eyed moments, more sisterly love, and a great big happy ending for all. I won this in a contest, so I got it really early and you have no idea how excited I was when I got that email. When you get the chance to grab it, don’t hesitate. Mrs. Sparks makes this long journey a wonderful ending.
While the book is focused around Maeve and Brody we see a lot of secondary characters in this one. A little of their back story is given during the course of the story. I really enjoyed the story overall but the romance scenes between Maeve and Brody were a bit off for me. Thankfully the majority of the book did not center around their intimate encounters. Plenty of action in a steady paced story.
WOW!!! What an awesome ending to the embrace series… the story is amazing and wonderfully written. I really enjoyed the story of Brody and Maeve… I just knew it they both would end up together. I loved the world the author created and there were a lot of unexpected turns of events but exhilarating in which had me at the edge of my seat. I honestly recommend this book.
Btw I was given an ARC for an honest review so there it is and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I have read all the novels in the Embraced series by Ms. Sparks and have enjoyed every single one. All good things must come to an end and this novel did not disappoint! I was enthralled from beginning to end and looking forward to Maeve and Brody’s story. Both were in love with each other for years, but could never admit it to the other. Brody was cursed and Maeve was expected to marry well, but fate had other plans. Maeve had no idea who here parents were, but discovers much about herself and her abilities in this novel. Brody has his own secrets that get revealed and discovers new things with his shifting abilities. The Circle of Five and the Chameleon have terrorized many for too long and it is up to Maeve, Brody, and their friends to stop them. Still, some secrets are going to cause trouble for Brody and Maeve, but their love and loyalty to each other is strong. Ms. Sparks does a wonderful job in building the plot which results in a great showdown between good and evil. A wonderful series, which each sister carving their own path to true love and happiness.
I received this novel as an ARC from net galley and the publisher. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
For years I’ve been intending to read some Kerrelyn Sparks. She was part of the big surge of vamp novels that followed The Vampire Chronicles and she was incredibly popular at the time. At some point down the line, I picked up one or two books from her ‘Love at Stake’ series, but they just ended up on the shelves and I never got around to reading them.
So, when the opportunity to read a new title from her that also happened to deal with the whole siren theme I love so much, I signed right up.
‘The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea’ centers around a girl named Maeve who was raised on the Isle of Moon. Having grown up an orphan, raised in a convent with four sisters sharing her circumstances, all but she have gone on to marry men who become kings of the four great lands. As the only one who hasn’t ascended to the role of queen somewhere and the only one still single, she feels like an outcast amongst them.
Though she’s discovered an ability to shape-shift at will, there’s only one person she wants to share it with right away. Enter Brody.. the elusive, mysterious, often infuriating shifter who spies throughout the kingdoms for the four royal families.
Cursed as a child by the Sea Witch and barely escaping the same fate that killed his father and brother, Brody can spend only two hours a day in his own form, which leaves him feeling destined to live out his future alone.
Essentially, as he begins to investigate rumors of impending threats to the kingdoms, what he finds is shocking and turns the situation into a very personal endeavor for him.
At best, this book is incredibly average. It’s filled.. front to back.. with the gamut of cliched tropes. Nearly every major character we come across is paired up with someone so they all have perfect little arrangements.
Each major magical ability the enemies bear, someone on Maeve and Brody’s side also has. If they can’t match it, they either have the perfect counter to it, or someone develops one of the two. The flaws and disruptions in their plans are so perfectly placed, that with amazing luck and all those special abilities, everything pretty much goes off without a hitch anyway.
The dialogue is incredibly boring and uninspired. In fact, there are patterns to certain types of scenes the author seems to love and utilizes with more than one group of people. For example, she loves to toss two people together with mild conflicts who like each other, make their circumstances kind of tense, have them flirt in the midst of whatever is happening, and then have someone nearby them comment about the fact they’re flirting while these things are happening around them. If you read this book, you’ll see what I mean.
The world-building is actually minimal with most of it written like a text based map, mountainous region, misty island, you get the picture. Probably the only place Sparks really put any descriptive detail was the Sea Witch’s home.
And just in case that isn’t enough to make us groan, the smut is really awkward. Fine, Maeve’s a virgin. Sure, everyone loves that cliche. Add to that, she’s nearly astonished by the existence of her own body parts and how they work, as if she’s never had a clue they were there or what they might do. The bedroom conversation? Nearly as awkward. If it weren’t for the fact Brody can be amusing in those moments, I don’t know if I could have even gotten through them.
I really wouldn’t suggest wasting your time on this novel. I mean, if you’re trapped in an elevator for a few hours and it’s the only thing in your hand, I don’t know.. maybe use it to bang on the door and scream for help.
(More reviews like this at Betwixt The Sheets.)
(I received this title as an ARC. All opinions are mine and freely given.)
Sadly, even though this is the finale of the series, it is also my least favorite. Maeve and Brody, I couldn’t see the connection between them. The main plot was also a bit lack luster for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad I finished the series but I also wanted more of an action battle or something.
I do love this cover (the last two actually in regards to being published by Kensington).
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.