My Bookish Mewsings: Leads & Lynxes by Rebecca Chastain

I craned to see the everlasting tree through the press of people, a familiar excitement humming through my veins. ~ Opening of Leads & Lynxes

Leads & Lynxes (Terra Haven Chronicles #1) by Rebecca Chastain (2020)

Fantasy; 330 pgs

Source: Thank you for the author for a copy of the book for  an honest review (all thoughts are my own)

Be careful what you ask for... 

Kylie got into journalism to write important stories. Ones about gargoyles and dryads, elemental warriors, and thwarted magical attacks on her city. The bigger the story, the better. So when she lands the opportunity to ask an enchanted everlasting tree for the answer to any question she desires, she doesn’t have to think about it. She wants the story of a lifetime. 

So does her nemesis, Nathan. If anyone is going to write a high-profile story, the senior journalist believes it should be him—and Nathan’s not above playing dirty to get his way. Kylie must work fast or risk losing control of her story. 

But with every new lead forcing Kylie and her gargoyle companion Quinn deeper into a deadly maze of murder, warped magic, and monstrous beasts, rushing could prove fatal. Kylie is determined to write her dream story, but even she is beginning to wonder: Is the story of a lifetime the last story she’ll ever write? 

USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Chastain returns to the beloved world of the Terra Haven Chronicles for a brand-new spellbinding adventure of elemental magic and courageous gargoyles. If you love action-packed stories filled with mythical creatures, brave heroines, and adorable sidekicks, you’ll love Leads & Lynxes! [Goodreads Summary]

I loved Rebecca Chastain's Gargoyle Guardian Chronicle series featuring Mika Stillwater and was so excited to learn that a series spinoff had been created featuring Mika's roommate, journalist Kylie Grayson. It felt good to step into their world again, a world in which elemental magic and gargoyles exist. 

Of all the questions a person could ask an enchanted everlasting tree, I was surprised by Kylie's. At first. You really have to know Kylie though to understand the nuances of such a question. She doesn't want to live under the shadow of her parents, wanting to make her own way in the world. Journalism is her calling. Yes, she's ambitious, and combine that with her desire to do good and expose the bad, she really wants to make a difference. Kylie is tenacious and smart. She also has good instincts, and does well under pressure in tight situations.

And Quinn, Kylie's gargoyle companion! Who wouldn't love a character like Quinn? He's loyal and probably would be cuddly if he weren't made out of stone. I adore him (and all the gargoyles really).

I always enjoy reading about the Federal Pentagon Defense warriors in action. The elite squad is very good at what they do--resourceful and well-trained. This time readers get to spend more time with the team leader, Grant Monaghan (and Kylie's crush). He's very good at his job, and it is no wonder he is in charge. It is evident he cares about his squad. Then there is Seradon, who I hope to see again in future books. I imagine she has quite the backstory. 

Leads and Lynxes is a mix of mystery and fantasy, with a good dose of action and a hint of romance. This is the first full-length novel set in and around Terra Haven, and I appreciated being able to spend more time there. I really like the world the author has created, especially the characters. I was most fascinated by the Lunacy Labyrinth, both it's history and current state. There were back to back tense moments when I caught myself holding my breath. It is a wonder anyone got out of there alive!

I haven't had the chance to read the prequel novella Deadlines and Dryads yet, but you can bet I will. I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I have enjoyed everything I have read by Rebecca Chastain so far and would definitely recommend this one as well as her other books. Besides, gargoyles! 

To learn more about author Rebecca Chastain and her work, please visit the author's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram, and BookBub.

Leads & Lynxes is available on the following sites:

Amazon

Kobo
Barnes and Noble
Apple Books
Google Play

Try the prequel novella Deadlines & Dryads for free today!

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