Fantasy and SciFi

Fantasy and Science Fiction Book Reviews

Review of A Court So Dark by Ingrid Seymour

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Synopsis:
In a void suspended in time, I find myself trapped in an abyss of darkness and despair.

With every ounce of strength, I fight to free myself from this suffocating sleep, while Kalyll, consumed by a fierce determination, searches tirelessly through the realm. His sole mission: to exact revenge upon those responsible for bringing me to the edge of death. No one shall escape his wrath, for everyone in his path will suffer the consequences.

Yet, the fate of his kingdom teeters precariously as his treacherous brother, Cardian, schemes to plunge the realm into all-out war. Cardian’s alliance with the heartless and ambitious Unseelie King threatens to shatter the fragile peace that remains.

In a cruel twist of fate, Kalyll falls into the clutches of his enemies, leaving the specter of war looming ever closer.

As time runs out, can I wake from my dark slumber and restore the light before the darkness consumes us all? The final battle looms, and our love hangs in the balance.

—-
This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast featuring a troubled prince, a strong heroine, and an amazing supporting cast. Enemies-to-lovers series suitable for 18+.For fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Review:
This book was an interesting read, and while overall I liked the conclusion, where were some heartbreaking moments. Some of the deaths elicited a shrug and nothing more as the characters hadn’t been developed/integrated into the story enough for there to be any true connection to them. The absolute last bit in the book was a bit off putting and seemed as if it was setting up for another book series/spin off. We were given a glimpse of what happens but left wondering whether or not the dreams that Kalyll and Daniella had worked for would come to fruition.

The spice in this book was frustrating; there was so much going on, intense war, and yet there seemed to be time for intimacy every few pages. The sex didn’t add to the story at all, and in many ways detracted and I found myself skimming to get back to the actual plot. Some of the metaphors and language were again off putting, and there were plenty more cases of “people are like abc because xyz”. That being said, the overall story was decent, and if you have Kindle Unlimited, like a bit of spice, faeries, and fairy tale retellings, here’s one you can read. I’d give the series overall a 4 out of 5 stars, but this book gets a 3.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of A Cage So Gilded by Ingrid Seymour

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Synopsis:
The prince would choose to save his realm.
But the beast would follow his heart…

To me.

After I saved his life and kingdom, Kalyll let me go, choosing duty over the passion that burned between us.

Though his death was written in the stars, I found a dark, impossible way to pull him back, to anchor his soul to the world of the living. Still, that wasn’t enough to win his heart.

Now, the force that lives within him gives way to his darker nature, and for a second time, I’m kidnapped and made prisoner—this time in a high tower in the Seelie capital of Elyndell.

With good and evil fighting within him, both his kingdom and heart stand at risk. He can’t have it all, and his attempts to do so may be the end of all he and I hold dear.
—-
This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast featuring a troubled prince, a strong heroine, and an amazing supporting cast. This is an enemies-to-lovers series suitable for 18+ that grows spicier with every book. For fans of Fantasy Romance.

Review:
Firstly, the Stockholm Syndrome in this book is absolutely terrible. That being said, despite the title, there isn’t as much imprisonment as one might think. The title did very much remind me of the Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy, however that is where any comparison really would end. The constant reminders of how Dani wasn’t raised to be in court and didn’t know how to do anything and yet had the acting skills to make everyone believe she was were a bit outlandish. As said in the previous book’s review, the language (especially intimately) was a bit off/left something to be desired. This book very much felt as if the writer intentionally using older, uncommon words to elevate the story but in many ways it detracted; it did work when the old fae used an odd word in speech, but even then Daniella allegedly already knew what it meant when he tried to explain it. This book seemed quite a bit more “Jekyll and Hyde” retelling than Beauty and the Beast. There was, of course, another cliffhanger so I had to read on…

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of A Prince so Cruel by Ingrid Seymour

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Synopsis:
He needs my help, but he’ll be my downfall.

A prince by morning.
A cretin by noon.
A beast by nightfall.

There is a curse on his blood, an ailment that, if revealed, could destroy his kingdom.

The only one who can help him is me, a human with average healing abilities. It’s what the Envoy told him, and her word is law.

I’m his only hope.

He sends his blue-blooded friends to kidnap me so I can join their quest to Mount Ruin, the only place where I can heal him.

The path is terrifying, and the prince is lying, hiding things from me. To make matters worse, he isn’t always nice. A Fae prince isn’t supposed to lust for a human, especially when she’s his prisoner. And a human girl isn’t supposed to burn for someone so out of her league.

The quest might kill me, but it’s my heart I’m worried about.

Review:
A cute little Beauty and the Beast retelling where the heroine is very self aware that she might have Stockholm Syndrome and yet continuously does what she can to help. There is a huge issue of what’s in one’s nature here, and overall the story was decent. The naming was interesting, and while I didn’t mind it, it seemed pretty odd in parts. There were many parts that seemed to be a stream of thoughts about the general behaviour of people, which, while fitting, seemed like they were more a commentary on life by the author. There were a few cases where things were said and should probably have been shown. Language wise there were a few phrases that just seemed odd and were likely a very specific dialect thing. There didn’t seem to be any real relationship DEVELOPMENT between the two MCs, and it felt a bit insta-love but overall it was a fairly cute story. I will warn, however, that this story does have a massive cliffhanger, and I immediately started the second book after finishing.

*I’d also like to note that I had already grabbed this on Kindle Unlimited BEFORE the tiktok drama comparing it to A Cruel Prince by Holly Black.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Born of Water: A Mermaid Fantasy and Elemental Origins Novel by A. L. Knorr

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Synopsis:

My mother is a creature of the deep; a siren, a mermaid, and because her daughter is human, she can never go home.

A mysterious shipwreck could unlock ancient powers… or send her to a watery grave.

Targa MacAuley feels more at home on dry land than in the watery realm of her mermaid ancestors. After 17 years on solid ground, she fears she’ll never grow into the creature her mother hoped she’d become. To keep her mom’s homesickness and true identity under wraps, Targa signs on for a mysterious salvage dive in the Baltic Sea.

Her plan to blend in with the rest of the crew is spoiled when she catches the eye of a handsome local. A freak accident and a strange connection to the ancient shipwreck below attract even more unwanted attention. With both her mom’s secret—and her life—in danger, Targa must finally find the courage to unleash the currents surging deep within.

Born of Water is a Readers Favorite Gold Medal Winner and the first book in The Elemental Origins, a captivating nonlinear series of YA urban fantasy novels, now updated in celebration of its 5th anniversary. If you like new twists on mermaid lore, simmering romance, and close-knit mother-daughter bonds, then you’ll love A.L. Knorr’s nautical adventure. Embark on a deeper dive into the story’s lore with The Wreck of Sybellen, a companion novel included with the book.

Review:
Firstly, uncertain of the kindle version contains The Wreck of Sybellen, but if it does then it makes total sense that the ending of the book seemed completely at a standstill and apart from the rest of the novel. I quite enjoyed this novel and thought the characters had great depth, and the story itself was well done. The magic system used is well explained by not coming up until it matters; one cannot teach everything about a new subject immediately just because someone else is interested, and there are so many little nuances that you wouldn’t even think of unless they became relevant. I quite loved how many of the things that set Mira apart are traits that are considered mermaid, and since Targa doesn’t seem to share that trait, she understands how different her mother is, but also remains human in her mentality/self.

The book itself is good, though at the end, especially with the particular ending, one is left wondering what really was the goal? A lot happens, but it leaves you wondering about so much still to go on, and it had a very abrupt ending. Given the ending, I feel more inclined to continue with Targa’s story as opposed to continuing the series the book is a first of with her friends because they were not introduced in a way that made me particularly attached to any of them. I am not sure I will continue in either regard at this time, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a good YA novel for someone interested in mermaids/magic/romance.

While there is romance, I did like that it kept to what I would consider the right amount of depth/spice for YA. As an author I do understand that YA is really just a delineate of where to place the books on the shelf/the age of the characters, but I personally do not feel that YA and Romance should be the same books/genre.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Hex Appeal by Kate Johnson

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Synopsis:
It’s just a bunch of hocus pocus…

Essie Winterscale lives in a huge and ever-changing house in the village of Good Winter, in deepest, darkest Essex. She lives with various witches of various ages, one of whom is still a bit salty about being hanged in the 1700s, one who keeps accidentally casting fertility spells, and one who knits things that create the future.

All Essie ever wanted was to have a normal life but in the end she found herself drawn back to Beldam House because she just can’t stop her witchiness (although the ability to instantly chill wine is pretty awesome, even she has to admit).

Into this coven of chaos stumbles gorgeous, clueless Josh, their new landlord – and he’s just discovered his tenants haven’t paid rent since the 1700s! As Josh is drawn further into the lives of the inhabitants of Beldam House, Essie is determined to keep him at broomstick’s length. That is, until a family secret, lying hidden for centuries, puts Josh firmly under her spell…

Review:
I had wanted this book every time I’d seen it in paperback for ages and honestly, I’m glad I got it on kindle instead because it wasn’t my cup of tea. This was marketed as an opposites attract humourous book but it truly wasn’t. There was a lot of background in Essie/the witches/Beldam House but there isn’t a lot that seems to really spark in Josh. I never really got to the point where I really liked him and/or cared particularly about their romance. An new attractive stranger that Essie seems instantly drawn to- just wasn’t really very developed in my opinion, especially for the hype! I didn’t find it humourous, and it certainly wasn’t opposites attract really either. Marketing this as similar to “Gilmore Girls, Hocus Pocus, and Charmed” really doesn’t do it justice- perhaps the Beldam house girls are a bit like Charmed, but there wasn’t really a romance that drew you in.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of A Dream So Wicked by Tessonja Odette

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Synopsis:
A vicious rivalry.
A forbidden desire.
A curse only her enemy can break.

After twenty years stuck in a fae convent with no word from whoever abandoned her there, Briony Rose is all out of hope. But when her parents suddenly claim her and reveal she’s a lost fae princess, she’s burdened with the weight of a kingdom on the brink of collapse. To secure her family’s precarious position, she must marry a wealthy human stranger. She would have done her duty with pride…if it weren’t for Thorne Blackwood.

Thorne Blackwood harbors three things: a secret name, a love for baked goods, and a long-standing plan for revenge on the family that destroyed his own. Briony Rose—a woman born to be his nemesis—provides the solution. With a single touch, he controls her. And through that control, he tricks her into triggering a curse that sends her family into one hundred years of enchanted sleep.

But Briony isn’t the soft princess he expected her to be. She’s just as sharp and cunning as he is, and when she traps him in a bargain to reverse her family’s curse, he has no choice but to join a tense alliance. He too stands to gain from her plans, for if they break the sleeping spell, his own family will return from their forced slumber.

To accomplish their goal, they must cooperate on one task: pair Briony with a husband who will make her parents proud. It should be easy. Thorne has connections while Briony has wit and beauty. What neither of them expects is the forbidden desire that burns in their darkest hearts…

ACOTAR meets Kingdom of the Wicked in this standalone fairytale retelling of Sleeping Beauty. If you like enemies-to-lovers romance where the villain gets the girl, you’ll love this swoon-worthy story in the Entangled with Fae series.

*NOTE this book is new adult featuring mature situations and some adult language. The romance is slow burn but leads to moderate steam.

A Dream So Wicked is a complete stand-alone novel set in the same world as The Fair Isle Trilogy. Journey back to Faerwyvae or begin your adventure for the first time with this enchanting tale. Each book in the Entangled with Fae series can be read on its own and in any order. Happily ever after guaranteed!

Review:
This book had me from the very beginning. We already knew Briony Rose from a few of the other Fair Isle Trilogy books, but it was oh so amusing and interesting getting to see her on her own. There are so many points that really resonate and grip; wanting family to care about you, worrying that your heart/you don’t really know what you want or need, worry that choosing yourself is wrong when you could choose family instead. This book had an amazing and wonderful way of explaining the types of magic that Briony’s parents are, and I quite enjoyed the explanation of how they could have electricity but still be a fantasy town.

A few particular quotes really got me personally:
“Do you like stories, Miss Rose?”
“Sometimes.”
“Only sometimes? Then what do you like more than stories?”
“Dancing.” (Chapter 6, page 60)

“Until I’ve had my morning tea and a plate of sweets, I’m better left alone.”
(Chapter 29, Page 286)

And of course, the most important one:
“You’re already perfect as you are.”
(Chapter 5, Page 48)

I LOVE Odette’s works and cannot wait to read more! If you like some spice and plenty of sass between your MCs, and love fairy tale retellings, Odette’s Entangled With Fae series is a must read!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Fortune’s Ashes by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
A new power. A new threat. And some very new dangers.

Everything is falling apart. I’ve been cursed with the ability to catch glimpses of the future. It’s a power which Lukas despises but it’s one that I can’t seem to get rid of. I’m also in trouble at work. Somebody else is claiming that they are the one true phoenix and that my entire existence is built on lies.

At least I have a cold case to investigate which will take my mind off my woes. Investigating the mysterious disappearance of an entrepreneurial gremlin is bound to keep me busy and focused – and surely nothing else is going to go wrong and nobody is going to get hurt.

Right?

Review:
Leaving a review of this book hurts my heart. While the book remained true to characters and style, it is so bittersweet saying goodbye. There were many different layers of things going on that Emma needed to investigate and while the mystery had me until near the end, I also really loved seeing how supes truly feel about Emma and the supe squad. I plan to go back and reread the epilogue at least once more before letting go of this series, and I loved the illusion of where you were and what was happening before the reveal. Much love to this series and absolutely adore all this writer has put out. If you love mystery, a hint of romance and some awesomely powerful but not overpowered characters, definitely start this series with Brimstone Bound.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Chasing Down Her Highness by Fiona West

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Synopsis:
Princes aren’t used to being ghosted.

Edward has been patient. Five years. He waited for his best friend (and betrothed) to return home and fulfill the marriage contract they signed. But he can’t wait anymore. Embroiled in a war he fears he can’t win, he must ascend the throne ASAP with Abbie ruling beside him. If he can just reason with her face to face, he knows they can work it out… that is, assuming she’s more reasonable than she used to be.

All Abbie wants is a cup of coffee, her marriage contract voided, and a horse that doesn’t talk. Is that so much for a princess to ask? But when Edward tracks her down, her dreams of a simple, common life go poof. Now she must choose a life of freedom or one of duty. If only Edward wasn’t so dang alluring, the choice might be easier …

Can an insecure prince and a headstrong princess find enough common ground to fall in love?

Chasing Down Her Highness is a sweet, modern fantasy take on Cinderella with heart and wit. This five-book series is complete; dive into the mixed-up world of the Rocky Royal Romances today! Content warning: death of a parent. This book was previously published under the title The Ex-Princess.

Review:
This book was a very interesting genre that I cannot quite place. It was modern fantasy but also almost steampunk with magic. I do not know why but I had thought this was just a modern romance, while I do love fantasy (obviously) it didn’t flow well into the world. A large part of what led me to continue reading was trying to understand what exactly was going on, but there were so many minute things mentioned that were never truly explained. I absolutely love Abbie’s horse (of course!) I did quite enjoy Edward and Abbie and felt it was a very sweet romance. That being said, I wasn’t so enthralled that I intend to continue on reading the second book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Princess of Potential by Delemhach

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Synopsis:
A headstrong princess is entangled in intrigue, politics, magic, and romance in this coming-of-age tale set in the world of the beloved House Witch trilogy.

It’s been twenty years since Finlay Ashowan, the fabled house witch of Daxaria, first cooked up supernatural hijinks in the castle at Austice. Since then, much has changed: the royal family now resides elsewhere, a tentative peace has been established with Troivack, and the crown princess, Alina, is ready to pick the perfect nobleman to be her husband.

But Alina’s quest for her ideal consort is proving rather difficult. For one, between her father’s nerves and her own health issues, relations within the family are tense at best. For another, Fin and his wife, Annika, have returned to the castle to celebrate Alina’s momentous choice, bringing with them their fiery daughter, Katarina; mysterious son, Tamlin; and mischievous familiar, Kraken—all of whom have a penchant for finding trouble that somehow surpasses that of the house witch himself. And finally, the most politically promising suitor, the king of Troivack, is nothing less than completely intolerable.

Now, Alina must manage filial expectations, flirtatious miscues, magical misadventures, and dangerous plots, all as she struggles to find her own place within her kingdom—and understand the blossoming desires of her own heart . . .

Featuring a new generation of delightful characters as well as the trademark charm, humor, and fantasy that made readers fall in love with the House Witch series, The Princess of Potential is a captivating tale of courtly intrigue, slow-burn romance, and mystical adventure that’s perfect for teens and adults alike.

Review:
This is the type of book where it only takes so long to read because you keep coming up with reasons to pause and do something else to draw it out because you want to stay in the world as long as possible. This book is completely different from the original House Witch trilogy, instantly immersing you into characters with deep feelings, trying their best to help each other. I was a little worried that Alina wouldn’t be quite as interesting as Finlay, but while she may not be as magical, she has her own strengths and weaknesses to work on and through. I absolutely love seeing characters choose to grow and change together, and it was quite interesting to hear of the dynamic of Ainsley and Alina versus how Annika is with Katarina. Katarina is a force to be reckoned with, and I found myself falling a bit in love with all of our new characters. I quite enjoyed hearing Reese’s story, as well as his comeuppance for the way he’d previously lived.

Alina is a likeable protagonist and it’s great to see her grow, but I loved that we weren’t limited to what was going on in her per view, and that we got so much about Brendan, Tam, Kat, Annika, Fin, and even the king. Likon was quite an interesting character, leaving us with the wonder of unrequited love and whether or not it would be better actualized- much like another couple we know that went through something similar. While the characters have grown and developed further due to age and experience they all seem to have done so naturally. I quite enjoy the parental discussions between characters where they do not necessarily agree on discipline or morals, etc, especially when it was clear that they would have two very distinct ways of being/upbringing that they would need to compromise on. There are questions left at the end, but that is what we will have The Burning Witch series for, we can hope.

Delemhach is great, and you can join their discord server here, and share the angst of those cliffhangers!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Woven by Gold by Elizabeth Helen

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Synopsis:
I’ve been rejected by my mate and banished from the fae realm. But nothing will keep me from my princes…. And nothing will keep them from me.

I was living the most ordinary life… until I found myself in the fae realm, imprisoned in an enchanted castle by four princes who turn into deadly beasts at night. As I grew to understand them and their world, I couldn’t stop myself from falling for them. But living in a fairy tale isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Especially when Keldarion, the prince I know to be my fated mate, forces me back to the human realm. I don’t know what he’s hiding, but I’ll do everything I can to get back to him and my other beasts.

And I have to hurry, because my princes need me. When Ezryn, Dayton, and Farron discover Keldarion lied to them about my disappearance, fur will fly. And we have to be united to face the coming challenges. A frost has fallen over the Autumn Realm and the blame is placed on Keldarion. Farron, the High Prince of Autumn, has been accused as a conspirator and lost all control of his lands and people. Unless the four High Princes can stop the terrible winter and prove Keldarion is not to blame, open war will tear across the Enchanted Vale. Throw in a wicked bargain with the Prince of Thorns (who won’t stop talking in my head), my jerky ex-fiancé who doesn’t understand the word ‘no’, and the terrible curse that gets worse each day… Yeah, we’ve got problems. Not to mention that every day that passes, I’m losing more of my heart to each of the princes, despite the fact I know it only puts me in danger.

Now, more than ever, I will need to find my courage and help Farron, the High Prince of Autumn, stop this war. And I will be right by his side… as long as he doesn’t kill me first.

WOVEN BY GOLD is the second book in a steamy adult Beauty and the Beast retelling multi-book series set in a fantasy fae realm. In this version, our beautiful bookworm doesn’t have to choose between the four sexy fae princes. It is a full-length novel that ends on a cliffhanger. It includes MF, MM, and MMFMM content. It is intended for mature readers only.

Review:
This book had a bit of everything; war/fighting, adventure, intrigue, and most importantly four (somewhat brooding) awesome men. There were so many points in this book where Rosalina needed to just USE HER WORDS, with one particular instance with Dayton especially! For someone that is supposed to have spent so much time reading of adventures and all sorts of things, it is a bit ridiculous how lost Rosalina is so often. It was nice to see more of Farron and see him try to push forward and be his best self, and to see that when you let the right people in, they can help you more than you realize. Rosalina had special moments with all the boys, and it was good to get to see all of them come out of their shells a bit more (except for Day who is already there!) The spice was absolutely spot on in a few scenes, but most of the time Rosalina was left wanting. Ezryn did promise something that I am interested to see if it comes to pass.

I did very much like how Rosalina’s past issues and trepidations are used against her and she has to rely on herself and who she’s become to help her get through it. I also quite enjoyed the banter between she and Caspian, and I believe their connection and her ability to help people find their light will be of great use to him. After all, he told her to “Trust your own instincts above all else”, so he is really the villain? The mate connection is also well explained, with great imagery. “Starlight igniting your body, having the empty part of your heart filled.”

Unfortunately the plot is rather obvious from the beginning, and there is a lot of time spent with the boys refusing to acknowledge that Rosalina is their mate when it’s obvious. I feel in that regard that if more time had been spent to show that mates are very rare to be found, and even more rare to have multiples, it might have made more sense; or if it hadn’t been marketed specifically as a why choose. Always having something interrupt them or some reason to not go full out seems a bit contrived. The book did have a lot of fluff, but I didn’t feel that it detracted a lot from the story.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯