Fantasy and SciFi

Fantasy and Science Fiction Book Reviews

Review of How to Outfit a Wizard by Amy Boyles

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Synopsis:
What happens when magical enemies wind up in a real-life Freaky Friday?

Witch Blair Thornrose has spent her life working in her family’s magical bookshop. But when the magic begins failing, the only thing that can save it is for Blair to marry. The one way that witches know how to do that—throw a witchy ballroom dance to find the most eligible suitor.

But Blair has a power that makes most men run for cover—all of them except the brutally handsome and terribly arrogant Devlin Ross, that is.

Wizard inventor Devlin Ross has never gotten over Blair Thornrose. The two dated in high school, but things ended badly between them. When he discovers that she must find a husband, Devlin’s jealous. He wants Blair badly, but there’s a reason why they can’t be together—a secret that Devlin refuses to share.

When a magical spell goes terribly wrong and Devlin and Blair switch powers, Blair is furious. But Devlin makes her a deal—he will help her win the man of her dreams if she helps him build his latest invention. This is too big an opportunity for Blair to give up. But will Devlin reveal the secret that tore them apart, or will he push Blair into the arms of another man and give her up forever?

If you love sisterhood, romances that sweep you off your feet, magical bookstores, and loving families, then you’ll adore the second book in the Seven Suitors for Seven Witches series.

Review:
This book is a great second chance romance. A comfy, light read. Despite their friction it’s so obvious that there is still so much between Blair and Devlin. I quite enjoyed the story and was glad for how everything ended. While there were some obvious parts, and some parts where you wanted to shake the characters and tell them to just talk to each other, over all the story was sweet. I loved that Devlin really knew her and encouraged Blair to look into herself for what she liked and wanted to do instead of just being what she was expected because of her family. Looking forward to seeing how they help the other sisters get married off in the future!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Ten Thousand Stitches by Olivia Atwater

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Synopsis:
A housemaid needs some magical help when she falls for a high-society gentleman in this captivating historical fantasy full of wit, charm, and heart-fluttering romance.Effie has most inconveniently fallen in love with the dashing Mr. Benedict Ashbrooke. There’s only one problem: Effie is a housemaid, and a housemaid cannot marry a gentleman. It seems that Effie is out of luck until she stumbles into the faerie realm of Lord Blackthorn, who is only too eager to help her win Mr. Ashbrooke’s heart. All he asks in return is that Effie sew ten thousand stitches onto his favorite jacket.

Effie has heard rumors about what happens to those who accept magical bargains. But life as a maid at Hartfield is so awful that she is willing to risk even her immortal soul for a chance at something better. Now she has one hundred days—and ten thousand stitches—to make Mr. Ashbrooke fall in love and propose…if Lord Blackthorn doesn’t wreck things by accident, that is. For Effie’s greatest obstacle might well be Lord Blackthorn’s overwhelmingly good intentions. 

An enchanting faerie tale set in Olivia Atwater’s magical version of Regency England, Ten Thousand Stitches is “a delightful, romantic romp” (Hannah Whitten) with a Cinderella twist and heaps of heart. 

Review:
“Why, her soul is made of the very finest thread I have ever seen!” (Chapter 10, page 138)

Effie does so much to try to be the best housemaid, and to keep her own anger in check. She pays attention to all the rules about the fae and other creatures and yet, she still ends up trapped in an agreement with one. I absolutely loved this story from start to finish. I thought that Effie was a sensible, likable character and I loved how everything developed and worked out. I loved the concept of how what you have too much of sometimes accidentally ends up spread to others, even if it isn’t complimentary. This world is truly amazing, and I was so grateful to get to step back into it.

Effie had such a great character arc where she truly learned and grew. It was awesome to see how she learned to harness her feelings and abilities for what is right, and to do what truly would make her happy in the long term.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

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Synopsis:
Effy Sayre has always believed in fairy tales. Haunted by visions of the Fairy King since childhood, she’s had no choice. Her tattered copy of Angharad—Emrys Myrddin’s epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King, then destroys him—is the only thing keeping her afloat. So when Myrddin’s family announces a contest to redesign the late author’s estate, Effy feels certain it’s her destiny.

But musty, decrepit Hiraeth Manor is an impossible task, and its residents are far from welcoming. Including Preston Héloury, a stodgy young literature scholar determined to expose Myrddin as a fraud. As the two rivals piece together clues about Myrddin’s legacy, dark forces, both mortal and magical, conspire against them—and the truth may bring them both to ruin.

Part historical fantasy, part rivals-to-lovers romance, part Gothic mystery, and all haunting, dreamlike atmosphere, Ava Reid’s powerful YA debut will lure in readers who loved The Atlas Six, House of Salt and Sorrows, or Girl, Serpent, Thorn.

Review:
I usually don’t offer scathing reviews, and this won’t be the exception of that, however, I will start by saying that this book is in no way, shape, or form a Young Adult book. This book is what would be considered “New Adult”, which is to say that the characters are older/adult, and there is adult content/situations/depictions that many would not consider expected or perhaps even acceptable on the shelves for younger YA readers.

That being said, this book is not at all what I expected it to be. It didn’t draw me in, and from the start it’s explained that the narrator is unreliable. That being said, the book floats from 2/3 reality to the last 1/3 fantasy that becomes very hard to navigate given the unreliability of Effy herself.

I am not quite sure what everyone sees in this book; the dark academia is tainted by her bad experiences at college, the way her family treats her, and the way in which a serious medical condition is tied to fantasies becoming real.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of The Salted Sceptre by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
All my dreams are coming true. But some nightmares continue to lurk in the shadows.

I should be celebrating. Hell, I should be the happiest elf in the world. Unfortunately, I can’t revel in my successes when there’s a foul fiend who is relentlessly trying to lure me to his side. He won’t leave me in peace and he seems determined to plunge the country into chaos to get what he wants, using bloodshed, fear and malevolent magic.

Still, I’m no stranger to stubbornness. If I can turn the tables and become the hunter instead of the hunted, I might have a chance. The odds are stacked against me but I’m not alone in this fight – and I refuse to be anyone’s puppet.

Salted Sceptre is the fourth and final novel in The Thrill of the Hunt, an urban fantasy series set in Scotland and beyond. Expect thrilling adventure, deeply felt love and maybe, just maybe, a happy ending.

Review:
Such a beautiful ending for such a well designed and laid out series. I quite enjoyed the way the magic system was laid out, and how well integrated the “bigger mystery” was connected to little Daisy and Hugo all along. As stated in the previous review, I did think that the mystery was obvious from near the beginning, however, that didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the series as a whole. I loved the found family that Hugo has created of his treasure hunters, and Daisy’s Brownies, and the troll. All in all, this series was a treat.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Skullduggery by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
Okay. I’ll admit I’ve got problems. But surrender is word wholly absent from my vocabulary.

My grasp on magic is shaky at best and my dependence on spider’s silk is a battle I’m still fighting. But while my heritage and my health might be problematic, I’m certainly not going to roll over and give up.

Not me. Not ever.

With Hugo Pemberville and his skilled band of Prime treasure hunters by my side, I’m drawn into a quest for a mythical golden skull. This artefact might just be the breakthrough needed to shed light on the enduring mystery of Lady Rose’s disappearance – but the search for it will force me down a twisty path filled with unexpected revelations.

The echoes of the past have never felt quite so close to home.

Skullduggery is the third book in the urban fantasy series Thrill of the Hunt. Expect dangerous magic, heart-rending romance and thrilling, unexpected adventure.

Review:
It became almost blaringly obvious to me why it was that Daisy both felt drawn to follow the path of the mysterious Lady Rose, as well as why a certain creature kept becoming way too annoyingly close. That being said, the book was still quite good and such things are not revealed in this book… or at least not all of them. I loved what happened with the golden skull and how it worked out in the end; some beautiful twists worked in.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Fiendish Delights by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
Yeah, I’m a treasure hunter. No, I’m not rich. Or busy. Or successful.

Not yet.

I’m doing my very best at making a living in my newfound career. I’ve got magic, a pair of brownie sidekicks and enough ambition to fill every chilly corner of Edinburgh castle.

What I don’t have is any actual treasure to hunt.

However, when a young girl asks me for help, I end up embroiled in a deeply dangerous search for an ancient magical artefact. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who wants to find it. Between fire-breathing dragons, vicious vampires and lethally powerful fiends, I’ve got my work cut out for me if I’m going to locate the treasure first.

At least this time I’ve got help. Hugo Pemberville might be as provocative as ever but he has also attached himself to my side. Sure, I’ve got a few teeny tiny problems of my own to deal with – but I’ve got everything under control.

Sort of.

Fiendish Delights is the second book in the urban fantasy series Thrill of the Hunt.
Expect dangerous magic, slow burn romance, hair-raising adventure and authentic humour.

Review:
Even attached (somewhat) to Hugo Pemberville, Daisy doesn’t want charity and yet she’s still drawn to help the underdog. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always mean that everything is as it might appear at first glance on service level. This book is full of lots of twists and turns and while Daisy still has to fight herself and her nature, she is working on learning to have a team; and what that might mean for her.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Tattered Huntress by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
Sure, I might be a low elf. But that doesn’t mean I won’t get up to high jinks.

I’m not particularly special. I’m certainly not perfect. I’m just another delivery driver with a smattering of elvish magic who’s trying to make an honest living on the mean streets of Edinburgh.

Go me.

However, my world changes when I cross paths with Hugo Pemberville, the celebrated high elf who’s well known for his accomplished work as a treasure hunter. He might be famous but he’s also an arrogant idiot who deliberately destroys my life.

I’m not the sort of person who’ll let anyone ruin me without a fight. But when I take my revenge on Hugo, I end up thrust into a treasure hunting adventure that I could never have dreamed of.

I’m determined to succeed against all the odds. Unfortunately, treasure hunting is more difficult and dangerous than I’d expected. I’ll need all my wits about me if I’m going to survive.

But, hey, who doesn’t love an under-dog?


Tattered Huntress is the first book in the urban fantasy series Thrill of the Hunt. Expect magic, adventure, slow burn romance and humour with heart.

Review:
From the very beginning something seems peculiar about Daisy. Sure, she’s a low elf, but she’s also got a serious problem that seems like it has a simple solution- a solution she never bothers to try. Daisy lives her life with a mystery and never really tries to figure out “who she is” or what she’s capable of because she just assumes she’s bad news. She does have quite an attitude, and it is interesting to see her push Hugo and learn that maybe she can trust others and let them in.

Review of How To Fae It With A Fae by Amy Boyles

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Synopsis:
A broody fae king bent on revenge meets his match in this hilarious modern romance.

Book lover Addison Thornrose can match you with your next perfect read. Unfortunately, she can’t match herself with a good man. Her latest just dumped her. Worse, she’s learned that unless she marries, and quickly, her family will lose their witch magic—forever.

Feylin, king of the fae, has no interest in romance. In fact, the only thing he’s interested in is getting revenge on the Thornrose family for ruining his life. So when he learns that they’re holding a Bridgerton style ball to marry off their oldest daughter, Addison, he sees an opportunity for vengeance.

But what Feylin doesn’t expect is to start falling for Addison. And worse, he really doesn’t expect it when ancient fae magic binds them together.

His solution is to strike a bargain—be in a fake relationship. Just until they can break the spell between them, and just until he can get his revenge.

For Addison, this is a dream come true! She doesn’t want to be pawned off to a line of suitors, and she certainly doesn’t want to be engaged. But between the spine-tingling fake dates and the tension-infused banter, lines begin to blur. And Addison begins to wonder when her heart will stop faking it and her feelings become real.

This grumpy/sunshine witch romcom features a ballroom dance complete with frilly gowns, a magical bookshop, a tight-knit family, sisterhood, and of course, the promise of true love. It’s the first in a series of stand-alone romances.

Review:
I absolutely loved this book, which is odd, because usually I’m not a huge fan of “forced” pairings. I thought this book did really well with the enemies to lovers troupe, and getting Addison and Feylin to learn more about each other. I did think the ending seemed a bit rushed, and a bit too obvious in the big horrible event being just so easily swept away and everything returned to normal and forgiven. Addison, come on, girl! I also believe that the true culprit was very obvious from the start, but I absolutely love who came to the rescue in a complete deus ex machina moment (no spoilers here!!) All in all, this book is a quick, fun, light read and I have been looking forward to continuing with the next one in the series once it came out. Now that I’ve written this review… time to read book 2!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

*This book was read in August, though reviewed now.

Review of A Throne of Blood and Ice by T. A. Lawrence

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Synopsis:
Silly servant girl, only princesses get happy endings.

While the first three books in The Severed Realms are interconnected standalone novels, this book is not a standalone. It should be enjoyed only after reading A Word so Fitly Spoken and A Bond of Broken Glass. A Throne of Blood and Ice is the first in a two-part finale to the series.

Blaise wasn’t supposed to be the villain.

She was supposed to charm the prince, the male she’s loved for years. That was all the potion was supposed to do—give her another face, and only for a few hours. All so she could prove the prince loved her. Except Blaise got more than she bargained for, and instead of a beauty potion, now she’s infected with a magical parasite who takes control of her body every full moon. A parasite who would rather take control permanently.

When Blaise is kidnapped from her prison cell, she wakes in a dungeon only to find herself the object of the Queen of Mystral’s magical experiments.

The queen wants the parasite.

The parasite wants Blaise.

And Blaise wants… Nox, the brainy, sarcastic fae tasked with extracting the parasite from Blaise’s body.

Nox is different from any fae she’s met. For one, he can actually lie. Then there was that time she sliced her finger and he couldn’t stop staring at the drop of blood. The queen definitely has something over him, but Blaise can’t figure out what. She just has a feeling she won’t be making it out of these dungeons alive.

Witty, heartbreaking, and devastatingly dark, A Throne of Blood and Ice transports the reader to the kingdom of Mystral, where betrayal rots the queen’s cold heart and vampires lurk in the shadows. A Throne of Blood and Ice is a loose fairytale retelling of The Snow Queen and is the fourth installment in the fantasy romance series The Severed Realms. It is the first in a two-part finale.

Review:
Not so spoiler: I hadn’t liked Blaise in the previous book she was in. Honestly, this book made me feel for her a bit- there is quite some tragedy in her past. This book had a lot of trauma built within it, as well as a lot of uncertainty about what things should look like from someone who didn’t have the best upbringing. “And is that what love is? Losing your sense of self in that of another?” (page 481) Honestly, while Blaise is clearly the main character of this story, I still didn’t find myself completely enamoured or forgiving of her. She is constantly given the opportunity to make choices and consistently chooses to make ones that negatively impact the majority of people while only vaguely benefitting her (or at least she thinks they do/will at the time).

While I do love this series, given Blaise’s nature I am not sure if or when I will finish the last book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

*This book was read in August, though reviewed now.

Review of Owl Shook Up by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When Aunt Gwennie’s famous snickerdoodles go missing before the annual cookie competition, Astra and her sisters prepare for a bitter battle over the sweet treats. But the trouble turns deadly when Aunt Gwennie’s rival, Agatha Blackwell, is found dead with a snickerdoodle stuffed in her mouth.

With Archie’s help, Astra dives into the cutthroat competition of Forkbridge’s baking scene. Secrets are simmering about Agatha’s controversial new recipe, stolen ingredients, and suspected poisonings. As she sifts through motives and investigates shifty behavior behind the scenes, Astra discovers that she may be in over her head.

Can Astra clear Aunt Gwennie’s name and crack the case before the cookie crumbles? Or will the sisters watch Aunt Gwennie’s cookie legacy come crashing down like an underbaked soufflé?

Find out in this delectable tale filled with baked goods, betrayal, and bewitching hijinks galore.

No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing – only a captivating story suitable for adults.

Review:
As always, a decent story, quick read cozy mystery by Leanne Leeds. There were a few parts that I personally felt were a bit jumpy. Clearly a big point of this novel was to show that Astra wasn’t prioritizing the correct things, needs to learn to organize herself better, but it seemed daft that she never really investigated anything regarding the sudden death. She sort of visited the scene and checked her own house, but the whodunit being found out (and her presence when it did) was entirely coincidental. There were many angles and loose ends left out about Carla, Iva, and Clarkson. I really did love the introduction of another magic-tech gadget from her magical military days. I do hope that such things will continue to make appearances. All in all, a good quick read, and I’d recommend to anyone who likes modern fantasy cozy mystiers.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯