Book Review: Lichgates

 Summary: When Kara Magari uncovers a secret door in the middle of the forest, she discovers (and trips through) a portal to a hidden world full of terrifying things: Ourea. She just wants to go home, but the natives have other plans for her. She clashes with immortal shapeshifters, is carried off by a dragon, nearly dies on several occasions, and somehow becomes the master of an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire. Every time she thinks she's safe, her new "friends" show their true colors.
 Kara needs an ally, or she might not survive Ourea's monsters. She drops her guard when Braeden, a native soldier with a dark secret, vows to keep her safe. And though she doesn't know it, her growing attraction to him may just be her undoing. 
 For twelve years, Braeden Drakonin has lived a lie. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. Though he begins to care for this stranded girl, there's something he wants more. He wants the Grimoire. 

Thoughts: Another one of my lost-on-Kindle collection that I've finally gotten around to reading! Hooray! 
 Going in, I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. It was painted as a typical indie YA fiction...which can sometimes be a little sketchy on content. I'm happy to announce this was actually a pretty good read!
 The characters were good. Kara was a little annoying at times (I can't stand heroines who are constantly sassing off even when people are being nice to them). But I was impressed that she was focusing on the bigger picture for the majority of the book. No daydreaming of romance and guys for this gal! Braeden was pretty impressive too. He was actually nice, helpful and very...well human despite not actually being human. I suppose real is a better term. I really liked him.The rest of the cast was good as well though I felt that most were a little underdeveloped. This isn't too big of a deal since this is the first in a series and there is still plenty of time for them all to grow.
 The plot was good though a little slow. I liked that the focus of this first installment in the series was a good exploration of the new world. It sets the foundation for the rest of the books.
 The writing is really good. The author's voice is unobtrusive and winds the plot easily using only the the cast's perspective to reveal and hide everything you need to know. Very well done!

Content: Magic. Violence. A brief reference to a past threat of a girl 'winding up in (insert name (no spoilers here!)) bed'. A few swear words (D***, H***, A**). A kiss. Otherwise a clean read!