Author: authoramysbrown

End of Year Tidings. 2024 Recap/Recommendations

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The ratings/numbers of which book read each month may be a bit eschew because I had such huge breaks in between when I did reviews during the year. I endeavour to keep up with book reviews this year, to keep track for myself if nothing else, and to give some ideas to all of you who might want a good book to read.

January  8
Feb 10
March 9
April 1
May 5
June 2
July 11
August 8?
September 6?
October 5?
November 7?
December 6?

I read so many good books this year, some of which were much longer than I’ve previously read, but I wanted to read books that I really thought I’d enjoy and the quality of books I read this year was overall quite stellar (though there were a few I could go without, as usual). I read 78 books this year, which while it may seem lower than years past, I don’t mind at all since I read quite a bit more epic fantasy, and a lot of high quality and truly wonderful books. Here’s a list of the best books of 2024, divided by whether they are a series or standalone.

In the series category we have:
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
Think gaslamp fantasy with a snarky female main character who doesn’t care about men, especially not flirtatious ones, who is set to finish her largest project yet; an encyclopedia of the various fae. She isn’t good with people, which makes the overly attentive Wendell Bambleby all the more annoying to her. This is a great series, of which I’ve read both books (one after the other) and highly recommend it to those who love fantasy, fae, strong female characters, and seeing growth of both main characters throughout the story.

The Burning Witch by Delemhach
Take a prince who has fallen into very bad habits, and a witch who is brash, loud, and somehow knows just how to get under everyone’s skin and have them travel together to a country where everyone is very subdued and proper. Kat very much follows in her father and mother’s footsteps in various ways throughout this series, and I live for it. This series does a great job of showing how hard it can be to push forward in a role/position dominated by the opposite sex, while still maintaining your identity.

The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
Manipulating people can be easy if you have the right motivation, and what better motivation than knowing you’ll never have any control over your life otherwise? In The Shadows Between Us Alessandra is cunning and daring, and while she may not always make the best choices, she does try to make life better for not just herself, but others around her. In The Darkness Within Us Chyrsantha has gone about trying to fix her life in a very different way, but with an equal amount of cunning. Both books showcase what it’s like to do whatever you have to in order to have a life that you might enjoy, from two very different perspectives.

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
“A blank page was nothing but potential, pointless until it was used.” -Brandon Sanderson, The Way of Kings
Magic coming from the earth, bestowed upon those worthy. Following a plethora of complex lives, Sanderson gives depth to all the characters met in the series (I’ve read up to the third one). There is an intricate magic system, politics, and story that a mere mortal could hardly sum up in a little burb to tell you that if you like epic fantasies and haven’t gotten into this, you’re truly missing out!

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
The Phantom of the Opera meets Caravel in this amazing adventure featuring interesting magical concepts, creatures beyond mortal comprehension, a competition for something you wish for, and a ghostly cat who acts befitting to a cat. It takes a little bit to get into the story, but once you’re there you are hooked and need to know what happens next. Fair warning that there is a lot of spice in this book. The second book in this series is due out April 8th, featuring Ophelia’s younger sister, Genevieve, and a new mystery.

What Moves the Dead by T Kingfisher
A perfect gothic retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher with the best gloomy oppressive atmosphere and little hints that will leave you guessing until the big reveal of what is actually going on. This retelling had me hooked with the historical references, and characters that really enthralled me. If you like gothic stories, I highly recommend this one! It is the first in a series and while I have bought the second, I have yet to read it. I will, of course, put up a review when I do.

A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette
Two writers with very different asperations and writing styles have to duke it out to see who will gain a full writing contract while fighting over which of them is the better love expert, but in the faerie tale world of Odette’s Fair Isle with magic and fae bargains and what could possibly go wrong? I was worried I wouldn’t love this book because Odette doesn’t usually write pure romances but it was spot on, and I absolutely recommend it for people who love fairy tales, fantasy, and romance mixed with characters with lots of hidden secrets and stakes to not winning the competition.

Ten Thousand Stitches by Olivia Atwater
A maid with a bit of an anger issues finds herself enamoured with the younger man of the house and accidentally in the midst of a fae bargain with a stranger before she realizes it. Hijinks, magic, and great growth of characters await the reader in this delightful Cinderella retelling that I highly recommend.

Hex and Hexability by Kate Johnson
Victorian times meets witches and people who struggle with wanting to be more than what their station determines they should be in public, and a chance meeting between two who both find themselves trapped in the world of the ton that they have no desire to be a part of. This book is technically part of a series of witch stories by Johnson, but they all stand alone and are not related to each other. This book was a perfect standalone, and I highly recommend it for great characterization, world building, and character depth; everyone had an interesting backstory that could explain how they became how they were.

The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater
A not-really-a-governess appears to take charge of a very frustrating child who no one seems to notice is stolen by faeries finds herself having to fight to get him back and solve the mystery of the house they live in. Great Victorian fantasy, filled with mystery, great characters, and an unforgettable story of what power does to some people.


And for stand along books I’d recommend:
Nettle and Bone by T. Kingfisher
Doing what’s right is rarely what’s easy, and Marra doesn’t care about what’s supposed to be when she knows she can save her sister from an abusive prince. Marra finds a witch and has to complete three impossible tasks in order to gain the help she needs, and she might just find some friends along the way. Highly recommend this book for its unique settings, magic system, and great characters.

Just Stab Me Now by Jill Bearup
Rosalind is a widow who has a family to protect, but the author of her story has other ideas for what should happen. Follow along with Caroline as she fights with her book protagonists to make the story the fantasy she think lives needs to be, and while she learns a bit more of protecting and taking care of herself, as well as risk taking, in the process. If you follow Bearup on TikTok you likely already have this book. This book was everything the TikTok series would lead you to think it could be, but then even better! Bearup did an absolutely stellar, stand up job on this novel! If you’ve seen the videos, you’ll also totally hear it in her voice as you read as well.

Hate Mail by Donna Marchetti
Two pen pals since elementary school have been sending scathing letters to each other for years… but what happens when they end up in the same town and meet up? This is the only modern romance to make the list, and honestly I found it was refreshing and I loved how everything pulled together in the end–though I think the misunderstanding between them went on for far too long with neither ever correcting or thinking to ask each other the most basic of questions you’d ask a new neighbor.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
An absolutely brilliant gothic mystery featuring a secluded estate, rude and creepy distant in laws, and the bond of cousins that knows no bounds. Pulled to the out in the middle of nowhere estate, Noemí wants to see how her cousin is being treated, if she is well, and make it back in time to get in on the next semester of college. Since she’s more used to being a socialite than a detective, she has to use the wiles she has from working parties, and the wits she often doesn’t let the public see, to piece together exactly what is going on at High Place. Great atmosphere, horrible in laws, and awesome story.

What Comes of Attending the Commoners Ball by Elisabeth Aimee Brown
This book was described as Cinderella meets Howl’s Moving Castle and that is exactly the feeling. Hester was a completely likeable and understandable protagonist who has real aspirations and whose life goes terribly astray after coming into contact with the princes of the kingdom. She’s practical, rarely gives in to whimsy, and never wants to be in debt. The choice to go to a ball, for the food, of course, leads her into a series of wonderful and sometimes horrid experiences, and is a remarkable tale that any fairy tale/fantasy lover would enjoy.

Review of Filthy Rich Vampire by Geneva Lee

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Synopsis:
Julian Rousseaux has a problem. He’s single, and for the world’s wealthiest vampires, the social season is about to begin. Julian would rather stake himself than participate in the marriage market. But as the eldest eligible Rousseaux, he’s expected to find a wife before the season ends—whether he likes it or not.

When cellist Thea literally stumbles into his life at a gala, he knows she’s the last person he could ever fall in love with. She’s too innocent, too kind, and way too human. But now that she knows about his world, she’s also a walking target. She needs protection. He needs a fake girlfriend to discourage overzealous vampire matchmaking.

So, Julian makes Thea an irresistible offer: pretend to be his lover and he’ll change her life. For one year, they’ll attend the season’s social events together in exchange for his protection and a way out of her mother’s crippling medical debt.

Review:
Bad choices all around sprinkled with some fun parties and shopping. “Innocent virgin” is 90% of the book’s trials and tribulations. Ended on a horrible cliffhanger of everything falling apart with no resolution. Hadn’t realized this book was part of a series; don’t intend to finish it. Glad that this book was rated New Adult.

Star rating: ✯✯

Review of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

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Synopsis:
Everyone in Fairview knows the story.

Pretty and popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then killed himself. It was all anyone could talk about. And five years later, Pip sees how the tragedy still haunts her town.

But she can’t shake the feeling that there was more to what happened that day. She knew Sal when she was a child, and he was always so kind to her. How could he possibly have been a killer?

Now a senior herself, Pip decides to reexamine the closed case for her final project, at first just to cast doubt on the original investigation. But soon she discovers a trail of dark secrets that might actually prove Sal innocent . . . and the line between past and present begins to blur. Someone in Fairview doesn’t want Pip digging around for answers, and now her own life might be in danger.

Review:
This book had so many twists and turns. I wasn’t sure how to feel about Pip becoming close to Sal’s family, but I was glad for how invaluable that relationship became throughout the book. I definitely didn’t expect 99% of the stuff that came out about Andie and her life, and the few things I managed this puzzle out hadn’t been enough to reveal the entire mystery to me. I thought it was quite well done, and I really enjoyed reading it. Shout out to the family member who suggested I read this one!

This book greatly reminded me in style of Sara Shepherd’s Pretty Little Liars series and The Lying Game series.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette

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Synopsis:
Two rival writers.
One prestigious publishing contract.
A bargain of hearts and desire.

They say never bargain with the fae. They also say don’t get drunk on fae wine. Yet romance author Edwina Danforth has managed a blunder with both on her first visit to the infamous faelands. Now she’s trapped in a magic-fueled bet she barely remembers with a man she’d be happier to forget. The terms? Whoever can bed the most lovers during their month-long dueling book tour wins a coveted publishing contract.

The win should be easy for Edwina. She’s known for penning scintillating tales of whirlwind romance. There’s just one problem: her imagination vastly exceeds her bedroom experience. But when failure means plummeting her career back into obscurity, losing isn’t an option.

Her handsome fae rival, William Haywood, poses an even greater challenge. Not only are his looks as aggravatingly perfect as his track record behind closed doors, but he has his own reasons for playing to win, and he won’t go down without a fight. Unless, of course, it’s a different kind of going down. In that case, he’s fair game.

Edwina and William clash in a rivalry of romance. But what happens when their objects of desire…turn out to be each other?

Review:
I was uncertain what to think of this novel and put it off for quite a time because I love Tessonja Odette and didn’t want to become sour of her if this book didn’t live up to the expectations I had from loving all of her other novels. That was a silly notion, because Odette did an amazing job putting a book tour through all of our favourite fairy tale haunts. I loved how there were plenty of bits of fairy tale magic without it being a direct retelling of any of the fairy tales. I absolutely adored the banter and connection between Edwina and William; no part of this book felt forced or out of place. This book certainly had me rooting for everyone, uncertain but hoping that somehow everyone gets exactly what they wish, want, and need. One of the things I adored about this book is that everyone is considered amazing just as they are; there is no desire or attempt to change things that might be considered unruly by human standards.

If it had been out at the time of finishing, I would have immediately started the second book in the series. This book is a no brainer for people who love romance and fairy tales and reading late into the night waiting to see if there’s a happy ever after on the horizon.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Wisteria by Adalyn Grace

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Synopsis:
Blythe Hawthorne has never let anyone tell her what to do—not society, not her overprotective father, and certainly not the man she’s bound herself to, no matter how rude and insufferable he is. In fact, she’s determined to be a thorn in his side for the rest of her days, even as he ensures that her life in his palace is anything but a fairytale. But as Blythe discovers a new side of herself linked to his past, she’ll have to decide if she’s willing to let an unexpected spark ignite…and to discover the truth about who she really is.

Review:
This book is where the series went downhill for me. I personally didn’t like Blythe from the other two books that much, and it was hard at first, having her as the main protagonist. This story didn’t have quite the same mystery and allure as the other two, and it may have had to do with the two characters it was set around. I very much disliked a certain female character that turns up later, but I do believe that was the intention. All in all, I loved the ending of this book, but it seemed as if everything took too long for the characters to figure out what seemed obvious, and while there was still a bit of Signa/Death mystery/appearances, if I hadn’t read this book I don’t feel like I would have really missed anything.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Foxglove by Adalyn Grace

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Synopsis:
A duke has been murdered. The lord of Thorn Grove has been framed. And Fate, the elusive brother of Death, has taken up residence in a sumptuous palace nearby. He’s hell-bent on revenge after Death took the life of the woman he loved many years ago…and now he’s determined to have Signa for himself, no matter the cost.

Signa and her cousin Blythe are certain that Fate can save Elijah Hawthorne from wrongful imprisonment, if the girls will entertain Fate’s presence. But the more time they spend with him, the more frightening their reality becomes, as Signa exhibits dramatic new powers that link her to Fate’s past. With mysteries and danger around every corner, the cousins must decide whom they can trust as they navigate their futures in high society, unravel the murders that haunt their family, and play Fate’s unexpected games—all with their destinies hanging in the balance.

Daring, suspenseful, and seductive, this sequel to Death and Signa’s story is as utterly romantic as it is perfectly deadly.

Review:
On one hand, I absolutely loved how there was a sudden murder that has to be solved by Signa and Blythe but on the other I found Fate to be quite insufferable at times. It was quite frustrating how Fate had the power to know and do and fix everything all along yet played a game to try to get what he wanted. While I somewhat suspected part of the twist, something hidden all along, I hadn’t expected who the murderer was! I did have an inclination what deal Fate would have sealed in the end, and while I wasn’t wrong, I still absolutely loved how this book ended. I immediately started the third when this was finished, and I’m quite glad I hadn’t started the series until it was complete.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

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Synopsis:
Orphaned as a baby, nineteen-year-old Signa has been raised by a string of guardians, each one more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end. Her remaining relatives are the elusive Hawthornes, an eccentric family living at Thorn Grove, an estate both glittering and gloomy. Its patriarch mourns his late wife through wild parties, while his son grapples for control of the family’s waning reputation, and his daughter suffers from a mysterious illness. But when their mother’s restless spirit appears claiming she was poisoned, Signa realizes that the family she depends on could be in grave danger and enlists the help of a surly stable boy to hunt down the killer.
 
However, Signa’s best chance of uncovering the murderer is an alliance with Death himself, a fascinating, dangerous shadow who has never been far from her side. Though he’s made her life a living hell, Death shows Signa that their growing connection may be more powerful—and more irresistible—than she ever dared imagine.

Review:
This book was the perfect gothic romance that I had read in quite a while. I absolutely adored Signa’s relationship with Death, both the “person” and how death effects her. Death is something that can be considered taboo, and everyone processes it differently, so it was a unique approach to see how Signa reacts to something that touches her deeper than many others. To any who lost a loved one before being old enough to truly know and understand them, this book did an amazing job at capturing what you thought a loved one might have been like, enjoyed, or even wanted from you–which all has to come from your imagination after losing them so early in life. I thought Signa’s abilities were quite unique and I hadn’t seen or read anything like it before.

This book was exceptional, and I, of course, had to immediately jump into the second–especially since there was a huge cliffhanger and I wanted to know how the next mystery is solved!!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore

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Synopsis:
When a secret message turns up hidden in a book in the Cinnamon Bun Bookstore, Hazel can’t understand it. As more secret codes appear between the pages, she decides to follow the trail of clues… she just needs someone to help her out.

Gorgeous and outgoing fisherman, Noah, is always up for an adventure. And a scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun. Even better that the cute bookseller he’s been crushing on for months is the one who wants his help!

Hazel didn’t go looking for romance, but as the treasure hunt leads her and Noah around Dream Harbor, their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells…

Review:
I wasn’t sure I’d like Hazel because she is very standoffish and, honestly, because she comes across as the stereotypical book nerd but since the first book, I’d hoped Noah would pluck up the courage and see what might happen between them. It was great to see Hazel come out of her shell, though I thought there were times that the intimate scenes were just a bit too long/overdrawn for me. All in all, a quick, cozy read if you like romance.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

What Comes of Attending the Commoner’s Ball by Elisabeth Aimee Brown

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Synopsis:
Hester Flanders went to the ball for the food. She didn’t expect a prince to follow her home.

If there’s one rule Hester learned during her country upbringing, it’s never accept a gift: that’s how the Folk get you. Although she’s left her farm behind, she can’t leave her superstitions, even if no one else in the capital city seems to care. Hardworking but hungry, she’s looking for loopholes, and the king’s annual Commoners Ball seems like the perfect way to get a free meal that’s not technically a gift—and it would have been, too, except a pesky prince took a shine to her.

Inglebert Lucas Chesingwick isn’t just the crown prince: he’s also practical, responsible, and very annoyed to see his younger brother causing a scene by flirting with a peasant at the ball. He can separate them for one night, but his mischievous brother is determined to see the poor girl again. And again. And for some reason, Lucas keeps running into her, too. If only there was some way he could help her …

The princes might mean well, but Hester knows better than to accept favors from anyone, even royalty—even if it’s cheese—and even if saying no breaks her heart. After all, just because the Folk have never been seen in the city doesn’t mean they’re not around …Cinderella meets Howl’s Moving Castle in this cozy fantasy romance from debut author Elisabeth Aimee Brown. Pick up your copy and whirl away into a whimsical story of glittering gaslamps, frisky Folk, and huggable hogs.

Review:
“People were meant ot rely on each other. Life is more than bargains.” (Page 193)

I LOVED this novel! The premise that it was like Cinderella meets Howl’s Moving Castle had me reaching out to grab a copy immediately, and that is very much exactly what the book read as. Hester was absolutely awesome from when we first meet her; plucky, with such sense of decorum and morals that seem completely out of place in the town she’s in. I loved both brothers, and Hugh very much is reminiscent of Howl in demeanor and eccentricity. I loved how Hester’s thoughts and morals from the superstitions where she grew up are so pivotal both in setting her apart from others in a bigger space, but also in her own safety from even the typical “owing” that is done between general friends. Hester has such good reasonings for what she’s doing and working towards, and all the characters had a truly great depth to them.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of How to Summon a Fairy Godmother by Laura J. Mayo

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Synopsis:
If a fairy godmother can get one sister into a marriage, getting another out of one should be easy… 

Lady Theodosia Balfour is screwed—with the Balfour estate on the verge of bankruptcy, and Theo’s royal stepsister spreading wicked rumors about her, Theo’s only path forward seems to be a forced betrothal a foul-tempered geezer who wishes only to use her as a brood mare. 

Desperate for help, Theo clings to the only thing that might save her: the rumor of a fairy godmother. And after discovering a way to summon one, Theo thinks her prayers have been answered. But the fairy she meets isn’t at all what she imagined. Drop-dead gorgeous and slightly devious, Cecily of the Ash Fairies is much more interested in smoking her pipe than providing charitable magic to . Now, Theo must prove she’s good to gain Cecily’s trust (and magic), but proving goodness doesn’t seem to be all that easy. In fact, it all seems to be rather ridiculous…

Review:
“Prove to me that inside that nasty exterior is a good person just waiting to come out and I’ll help you.” (Chapter 7, Page 98)

Another Theo-named heroine… or is she an anti-heroine? I absolutely loved this take on what one of the stepsisters was really like, and what really went down when Cinderella was granted a magical night by a fairy godmother–with no price attached! Theo knows what she’s considered, and she knows that only she can control her own actions. While many are often quick to blame everyone involved, the stepmother and stepsisters, this book does a great job of showing nature versus nurture, and why sometimes people might need a kick to be good. I adored Theo’s interactions with a certain fae male. This book had great characterization and the descriptions were breathtaking, lovely, and really drew you into the moment as if it was actually in front of you. One of the things I thought made this book great was how none of the characters were likeable, really, and yet you still started to care about them and wanted to learn more of what happened/happens to them.

I highly recommend this book to any fairy tale fanatics out there.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯