Month: November 2021

Review of Twisted is the Crown by Kel Carpenter and Lucinda Dark

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Twisted is the Crown (Dark Maji Book 3) by [Kel Carpenter]

Synopsis:
Quinn Darkova made a vow from the very beginning.
And now she’s home.
For revenge . . .

Except N’skara isn’t the same as it was ten years ago, and the person she came for is nowhere to be found. After being taken ashore by armed guards of the same Council they came to sway, Quinn knows it’s up to her to uncover the truth about what really happened, while seeking the retribution owed to her.

Lazarus knew she was hiding something. He knew she had unfinished business in N’skara. But never could he have known this. He hadn’t predicted how set in their ways the people were. He hadn’t listened to the warnings when Quinn spoke of secrets and lies. He hadn’t realized that the woman he couldn’t stay away from was forged as much by blood as she was by darkness.

Now it was time to learn.
In a land of sheep, it pays to be a wolf.

Review:
This is the back story we have been waiting for; what led Quinn to doing what she did, and becoming what she is. Carpenter and Dark have said it was the driving force behind the series and you can certainly see why. There is such treachery and heartbreak; there could be no greater title for this book. This is where the series turns dark, and where the depravity is seen. Quinn has to face her past demons but also move Lazarus’ agenda along and forge a completely new path and life for the N’skara… whether they want it or not.

I absolutely loved this book. It showed such depth of Quinn and even of Lazarus. Quinn is better understood in this book, and their relationship deepens with the level of trust and understanding they had to give and use. This book is also where the true spice between them is finally fully out there.

Star Rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Blessed be the Wicked by Kel Carpenter and Lucinda Dark

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Blessed be the Wicked (Dark Maji Book 2) by [Kel Carpenter]

Synopsis:
Some will try to trap her in hopes of harnessing her dark power.
Others will seek to end her, deeming it too terrible to risk.
In the end, he will destroy them all—because Quinn is his weapon, and he plans to keep it that way.

Lazarus was warned that Quinn’s power might be too great, even for him, but nothing prepared him for the truth of it until she held a dagger over him, and he was powerless to stop it. Now at odds with himself, the future king of Norcasta must find a way to regain control of his house and secure an alliance with the Pirate Queen…before fate tips its hand once more, and his carefully laid plans are led astray.

Quinn’s loyalty is not easily won, but Lazarus has managed to do it. Now the vassal and right-hand of Lord Fierté, Quinn seeks to gain him an alliance with Ilvas all the while challenging him at every turn. With the Cisean tribes won over, and the blood heirs behind them, Quinn expects this to be an easy task, but soon finds herself entangled in a web of lies.

Forced to gamble with her life—and the lives of her comrades—Quinn must make a choice that will either save or doom them all.

Review:
Now this book went much like the first; I was enthralled and pulled deeply into it. In many ways this series seriously differs from Carpenter’s usual works. There is that delicious tension between Quinn and Lazarus, but it hasn’t become more than tension; she’s still his vassal, but honestly, that adds so much more to the stakes within the story. I won’t say the “mystery” was all that hard to solve for I had figured it out before it really became an issue, but the real treasure of this story was getting further backstory for some of the Ilvas people. Like all Carpenter novels I couldn’t put it down, and can’t wait to continue onto book 3. This book was a bit shorter than the last, but it felt just right. If you like sweet heat and slow build, smart women this is definitely a series for you!

Star Rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Fortune Favors the Cruel by Kel Carpenter and Lucinda Dark

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Fortune Favors the Cruel (Dark Maji Book 1) by [Kel Carpenter]

Synopsis:
Throne of Glass meets Black Jewels in this twisted yet alluring dark fantasy tale.

Quinn Darkova, freed from the chains of slavery, wants nothing more than vengeance against those who sold her. But with her dark powers on the rise and her ascension nearing, Quinn’s blood retribution will have to wait in favor of her immediate survival.

Lazarus Fierté is a nobleman without equal. He’s as controlling as he is stubborn, and for the last six years he’s been waiting for a woman to appear—but not just any woman. A Maji of great power, capable of terrible things. She could be the key to everything he holds dear.

His savior … or his destroyer.

The only thing he didn’t predict was that she would become both.

*Please note, this is a dark fantasy series. There is a heavy romance subplot between two consenting adults but the material is dark in nature. The characters are not heroes. This isn’t a story about saving the day.*

Review:
From the beginning, this book had me drawn in. From the beginning we’re shown that Quinn has something to fear, something to run from, and something she wants vengeance for. There are different stakes at every turn, and every choice leads to potential ruination. The multitude of subplots gives the book a great build where you never really want to set it down, because who knows what might happen next! The slow build up of relationship between Quinn and the other vassals and Lazarus is both gradual and intense at the same time. I quite enjoyed falling into Quinn’s world, and am greatly looking forward to continuing on in the series.

Star Rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of White Raven by Kel Carpenter and Aurelia Jane

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White Raven (A Demon's Guide to the Afterlife Book 2) by [Kel Carpenter, Aurelia Jane]

Synopsis:
An alpha wolf, a seductive vampire, and a dominant fae all walk into a bar. What do they have in common? Being mated to me, apparently.

My dreams of retirement crashed and burned when the rogue shifter bit me. Not only have I changed into something neither world has ever seen before, but my mission just became even more impossible. To find the answers about what I am, I enlist the help of an infamous ex-poltergeist, a shifter freak, and my least favorite pigeon.

What a team we make.

Oh, and did I forget to mention that my mate’s bloodthirsty daughter is awake and hunting my ass now? Because that’s a thing too.

Why?
I have no idea, but we have every intention of finding out.

An angel is playing games with me, but little do they know—I’ve got three alphas by my side, and this dark horse plays for keeps.

Review:
There are twists and turns in this book for days! As always, Carpenter delivers and Jane is keeping up there! This book has everything that keeps readers coming back for more- depth, passion, and introspection on what makes one happy and want to stay someplace, what home can mean, and how trauma can last long after it has stopped actively happening.

This book picked up with all the spice and connections that Carpenter has used as a draw in the past, and I quite enjoyed every bit of it. This felt perfect, well done, and like I never wanted it to end and simultaneously couldn’t put it down. The worst part was realizing I have to wait until December 1st for the last book in this trilogy!

Star Rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Sky of Wind: An East of the Sun West of the Moon Romance by Emily Deady

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Sky of Wind: An East of the Sun West of the Moon Romance (Fairy Tale Royals Book 4) by [Emily Deady]

Synopsis:
He’s my fake husband. Our kingdom’s only hope.
And he has no idea that I’m desperately in love with him.

I’m not strong and powerful like my brothers. I’m just a princess. A rather spoiled princess. My skills will not help us win this war.

But turns out, my mischievous mind and diplomatic mouth are perfect for subterfuge. By marrying Sol–a magic-wielder–I can sweet talk our way directly into the enemy’s headquarters where Sol can destroy the source of their power.

I just can’t let myself get distracted by my fake husband’s stormy eyes, or the gentle pressure of his hand on my arm as we exchange pleasantries with fellow dignitaries.

Pull it together, princess. Your people come first.

Sky of Wind is a standalone sweet romance with a happily ever after set in a larger fantasy world. It can be read on its own, but if you don’t like spoilers, start with Shard of Glass.

Review:
I absolutely loved this book. Having just finished the book about Robin when she was younger it was so great seeing not so young Meena. I absolutely loved seeing Robin again as well, especially with the knowledge that Lady or Maid gave. Meena shows that she had deep feelings and puts others first, even if her family never gives her the chance to ever do anything. Perhaps it’s because she’s a girl, perhaps it’s because she’s youngest, but seeing her learn of the real world and plight of other people was both heartbreaking and endearing. She took everything in stride and worked so hard to try to keep her people, and Sol, safe. This series is magnificent and I loved this book. Highly recommend this series and Emily Deady as an author.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯