Fantasy and SciFi

Fantasy and Science Fiction Book Reviews

Review of Of Thorns and Beauty by Elle Madison and Robin D. Mahle

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Synopsis:
You think you know the tale as old as time, but you’ve already got it wrong.
There never was a beauty and a beast, only a girl who was both.
And that girl was me.


Zaina will never be free.

She’s forced into an arranged marriage to a Viking King in a castle full of secrets. But she carries secrets of her own, and the scars of her haunted past.

Handed off from one monster to another, she has no choice but to do her best to survive and protect her sisters.

Even if it costs her everything.

A Beauty and the Beast retelling you won’t want to miss, where nothing is what it seems and time is running out.

Review:
This book did not grip me, which didn’t surprise me coming off a book I had quite fallen in the world of. It was interesting enough that I kept reading, but I wasn’t truly drawn into the book until 2/3 of the way through. Zaina never seems like a beast at all, though she does have a tragic past. There wasn’t too much connection between this story and the fairy tale that we know and love, and I think this story may have stood better on its own.

Seeing the slow burn connection of Einar and Zaina, and how Zaina’s mother influenced so much before and after, became truly great; Einar is a very unique and patient man. That being said, this book left on a complete cliffhanger with nothing at all resolved!! I did feel that many of the “surprises” of who was whom in the past/present that Zaina was unaware of were quite obviously foreshadowed. In many parts of this book, it seems as if the easy answer to fix whatever is wrong between Zaina and Einar would be for her to open up and TELL HIM THE TRUTH. That being said, I do plan to continue on with the series.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth Helen

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Synopsis:
I’ve always loved fairytales. I never imagined I’d actually be in one.

When my father wanders into the enchanted realm of the fae, I know I have to go after him. And when he gets imprisoned, I’ll do anything to save him… Even trade my freedom for his. I had no idea I’d end up imprisoned by four sexy fae who turn into beasts at night.

I have to win my freedom, and that means making a bargain with them. They must find their mates in order to break the curse. If I can help them do that, they’ll set me free. Sounds simple, right?

It’s not. Because against my better judgment, I’m starting to fall for these beastly princes. One is smart and sweet, the other mysterious and deadly, another flirty and confident, and the last prince… He’s handsome, strong, has a wicked temper, and is dead-set against breaking the curse. Why does he want to keep me here forever?

But it’s not just my freedom on the line. If I don’t break the princes’ curse soon, all the magic in the Enchanted Vale will be stolen by the evil—and stupidly hot—Prince of Thorns. And I’m not letting my princes stay cursed.

Not after I’ve fallen in love with them.

BONDED BY THORNS is a steamy adult Beauty and the Beast retelling 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 and MM content. It is intended for mature readers only.

Review:
This book had me enraptured from the beginning. Given how “romance” driven it seemed set up for, there was a lot of lead in and backstory that really had me gripped from the first page. I never once was considering looking to see just how much time I had left chapter to chapter or until the end, unless I was falling asleep while reading and wanted to get to an end point. I loved how Rosalina’s life was shown before and after being with the princes, and how she grows as a character. I cannot wait to be able to read the next book, and oh my gosh, waiting until June is going to be TORTURE!!!

I feel that Rosalina and her previous relationship is very much how many women find themselves dating when they don’t know any better; it’s good enough, okay enough, he’s nice to me etc. I absolutely adored how we saw her relationships with the various characters blossom during the story, so that it’s more than just attraction between her and any of the others. I love she finds herself reevaluating her place in life and in this story, and finding that, just like the real world, sometimes your desires and feelings and future change before you even realize.

There is a hint of spice between Rosalina and one of the princes (not naming names!) however the main spice is MM, and I’d put the dirty talk at about a 5/5 spice and the rest maybe 3/5.

I did absolutely love the subtle nods to the Disney version with “Far off places, daring sword fights, a prince in disguise…” but this could absolutely stand on its own. The flower twist was gorgeous, the thorns and her connection perfect. I have a few suspicions on who some of the main characters so far unseen will turn out to be (fae queen, enchantress) but overall I quite love this book and cannot wait to continue on!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Daughter of Winter by Corina Douglas

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Synopsis:
Marked by an ancient prophecy wielded by the gods.

Shackled to a dark, enigmatic stranger.

And prey to a powerful adversary seeking vengeance.

Her life will never be the same again . . . .


Intrigue and danger enter Brydie MacKay’s life when Gage walks into her carefully controlled world. He brings news that her grandmother has died, and as her last living relative, Brydie has inherited her estate and must travel to Scotland to accept her legacy and all it entails. Brydie doesn’t want the inheritance, not after the way she was treated, and when a series of actions unfold that illustrate her ‘legacy’ is not just a physical entity but a turbulent birthright proclaiming she is the descendant of the Celtic winter goddess, Cailleach Bheur, she tries to run.

But Gage won’t take no for an answer. He has his own role to fulfil and will do whatever it takes to ensure Brydie returns to Scotland with him—even if that means taking her against her will.

Daughter of Winter is the first book in a dark fantasy romance series based on the myths and legends of the Celtic winter goddess, Cailleach Bheur. Featuring dark magic, druids, fae, selkies, mythical creatures, and a morally grey hero with an enemies-to-lovers romance, it is perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the Fever series.

Review:
Overall I thought this was an alright book but not gripping in the appropriate ways. Most of the drama and ambiguity was because of lack of communication between Gage and Brydie. There were also many “flash back” moments of Brydie’s that were a bit of an info dump instead of being shown. There was one particular point that stuck out describing Brydie’s clothing when nothing else was mentioned to that level of detail previously, and a few points where the grammar seemed odd, “I cried until I had breath no more.” (Douglas 110, Chapter 4)

While Douglas’ descriptions of druidic times/nature/magic were quite well done, Brydie herself wasn’t that likeable. It was hard to route for someone who constantly let themselves be taken advantage of and only ever tried to assert themselves in the worst possible times when it could be life or death. That being said, while Gage is intentionally standoffish and reserved, he does seem to be quite smart, saying, at one point, “It’s human nature to be fickle, to desire that which we shouldn’t and undertake deeds of deceit and corruption to get what we want. All of us are guilty of it, and not one of us is purely good.” (Douglas 166, Chapter 21) Nevertheless, we learn that Gage has a person he cares about that he’s hiding, and I’m sure that will be important further on in the series.

While it’s been hinted at that Gage and Brydie will have some sort of connection, potentially physical/romantic due to their parts in the prophesy, the way they’ve acted towards each other makes it a bit off putting and frustrating when they think of each other amourously– would you really think of someone you hate like that?

Overall it was an alright read, and I may continue on, though know that this book ends with more questions left than answers.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of The King’s Queen by K. M. Shea

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Synopsis:
When the elven king of death released me even though my existence is a threat to his kingdom, I took the opportunity to run. There is just one problem… I also fell in love with him.

Nothing like a little doomed love to add a dash of intrigue to life, right? Unfortunately, that’s not even the worst of it.

I’m a worrier on my best days, but with a psycho tracking my every move because he’s obsessed with killing me, I’ve graduated to the level of paranoid lunatic.

Even if I could forget about the tracker—not happening since he’s figured out the fastest way to get to me is to attack my adopted family—my regular life is also anxiety-inducing as the city of Magiford is brewing with trouble.

Someone is setting off increasingly powerful magical spells downtown, upsetting all the humans. The supernatural community is desperate to find the perpetrator, and the top leaders are convinced the psychotic tracker chasing me is in on it. Their solution? Use me to capture the tracker for questioning.

What none of us counted on was Noctus—the elven king of death—interfering. Turns out I might not be the only one to regret our parting. But is there any way he could help me, and still keep his kingdom a safe secret?

At least one thing is for sure: I’m in way over my head with this, and my gut is warning me that I’m about to test if cats really do have nine lives.

King’s Queen is the last book in the Gate of Myth and Power urban fantasy trilogy, and is part of the Magiford Supernatural City world. It is an adventure-filled and hilarious take on the Hades and Persephone myth, with a twist of mystery. It’s packed with humor, battles, and a sweet, slow burn romance between an outcast magic user and the deadly king of the elves.

Review:
Finally, the book we’d been waiting for! I absolutely loved this book and this series. It is one of my favourite series by K. M. Shea, but I also feel like I say that with EVERYTHING I read that Shea puts out! I love how tortured Chloe and Noctus were in trying to do the right thing for others, and realizing that they had to find a way to meld everything. I was so happy to see more of French Fry, and to finally meet Truck!

I love how even as they grow, Noctus and Chloe meld together but don’t actually change into completely knew/different people- just like how people are IRL when they meet and fall in love. I definitely see the Persephone/Hades connection with how torturous being apart is, and how it can be difficult to do your job when you feel like you may be missing a part of yourself. I also love how Noctus only ever really opened up to Ker (aka Cerberus, his dog)- a very true moment; we all feel more comfortable and comforted by pets at some points. I adore how Chloe, despite being timid and still losing fur at times, fights against what she feels is her nature to become better and be there for others. Seeing the growth of all the characters was brilliant, very much so in the case of Pat, Joy, and Charon.

I absolutely loved seeing Leila, Rigel, Linus and the Paragon. Aphrodite is, as always, the star. I was a little sad that we didn’t get to see Killian! While I am still (impatiently) waiting for the next Fairy Tale Enchantress story, I love the Magiford overarching series so much that I cannot wait to see whose life we get to learn more of next; Shiloh, Ms. Booker? Who knows!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The High King of Montival by S. M. Stirling

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Synopsis:
Rudi Mackenzie traveled to Nantucket, where he found and took up the Sword of the Lady and, with it, his destiny. His return journey to the area known as Montival, in the Pacific Northwest, is a treacherous one since he and his companions must cross three thousand miles, making both allies and adversaries along the way.
           
When he reaches his destination, he will face the legions of the Prophet. To achieve victory, Rudi must assemble a coalition of those who were his enemies just months before, then forge them into an army that will rescue his homeland and tear the heart out of the Church Universal and Triumphant once and for all.
           
Only then will Rudi be able to come to terms with how the Sword has changed him—as well as the world—and assume his place as Artos, High King of Montival…

Review:
Epic adventure? Check.
Amazing new characters? Check.
Danger? Check. Check.
An absolutely amazing continuation of a story I’ve fallen completely in love with? Check.

It certainly didn’t feel like I’d finished the book previous to this in October- but then, you’re always in the Emberverse once you’re sucked in.

There were so many different people and places we were allowed to follow and experience and read about. While I loved the direction this one went, I have questions. Firstly, why go into Canada and up to Toronto if you’re trying to get to Oregon? Regardless, I quite enjoyed all of our new characters and seeing their relationships with the characters we already knew develop. I love seeing how the characters come to terms with the fact they have been aging and changing, which I think after the Covid 19 life restrictions everyone has a bit more understanding of how unsettling it can be to see someone/something change so much in your absence.

I quite enjoy that there seem to be stakes for Rudi. I had previously mentioned to a good friend, my anamchara, who got me started on this book series that it always seemed like Juniper was a Mary Sue–this book finally showed that while luck and the Gods may be on the side of our fair Montival leader/his mother, there is still a risk and a price to be paid; that all magic has a price. Speaking of magic, while before it seemed that it could have been magic having all of technology fall, we are suddenly getting to experience what I, as a reader, (Father Ignatius would surely have a better explanation) would call magic. There is definitely danger and risks, but I absolutely adored this book; it may even be my favourite in the entire series so far. The ending, of course, was pure perfection, and again… magic.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Off the Page by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer

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Synopsis:
Delilah and Oliver shouldn’t be together. But they are together. And just as they’re getting used to the possibility that happily ever after may really, truly be theirs, the universe sends them a message they can’t ignore: they won’t be allowed to rewrite their story.
 
Delilah and Oliver must decide how much they’re willing to risk for love and what it takes to have a happy ending in a world where the greatest adventures happen off the page.

Review:
This was actually everything I needed to read at the time, and along with Vespertine and another book I’m still in the process of reading, it really helped me feel something when facing personal tragedy. Now, this book does pick up where Between the Lines left off, however, Delilah, in my opinion, becomes quite unlikeable. Oliver and Edgar face a lot of personal trials and tribulations and grow a lot, but Delilah seems to sink into her relationship in a way that seems quite unhealthy. She recognizes this and even begins to dislike herself for it, but she doesn’t change or advance or grow in any way. That’s alright, because this book is honestly more about Oliver and Edgar and what it means to be yourself and put those you love first.

One thing that I think this book does better than almost any other book I’ve read is actually talk about death and dying in a way that makes sense and doesn’t belittle how much it hurts to lose someone. Everyone will lose someone in life, and it can be hard to understand and even harder to know how to pick up your life and continue on when someone who was an integral part is just… gone. Thank you so much to Picoult and van Leer for realizing that this was something that not everyone may have experienced, and that it hits people differently; especially the feelings of guilt.

This book was awesome, and I think it’s a definitely must read if you loved the first; but warning, this one has no pretty pictures (unless you count the chapter headings).

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson

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Synopsis:
The spirits of the dead do not rest.

Artemisia is training to be a Gray Sister, a nun who cleanses the bodies of the deceased so that their souls can pass on; otherwise, they will rise as ravenous, hungry spirits. She would rather deal with the dead than the living, who whisper about her scarred hands and troubled past.

When her convent is attacked by possessed soldiers, Artemisia defends it by awakening an ancient spirit bound to a saint’s relic. It is a revenant, a malevolent being whose extraordinary power almost consumes her—but death has come, and only a vespertine, a priestess trained to wield a high relic, has any chance of stopping it. With all knowledge of vespertines lost to time, Artemisia turns to the last remaining expert for help: the revenant itself.

As she unravels a sinister mystery of saints, secrets, and dark magic, Artemisia discovers that facing this hidden evil might require her to betray everything she believes—if the revenant doesn’t betray her first.

Review:
This book is amazing. From the beginning we are completely drawn in and immersed in a high stakes world. Artemisia is different from most of the Gray sisters who work with the dead; she finds it peaceful and feels as if she doesn’t bother anyone there. It’s interesting where Artemisia sees herself and where others want her, and how despite knowing what she doesn’t want, she knows she has to protect people, and the only way she can consider doing that is to go against what she was taught as a Gray sister. I love the strong female protagonists in this novel, and that most aren’t what you would expect. I love the real tribulations and fears that are shown and worked through because even though you’re in a fantasy world, there is always something that people fear or makes them uncomfortable. There were little dips and nods that reminded me a bit of Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo (last book in The Shadow and Bone trilogy).

I finished this book two days ago and while I did start this review yesterday, I needed time to put the finishing thoughts in order. This book truly touched me. I love how death was considered a part of life, and how no matter whether you want or don’t want something, sometimes the best course of action, or what makes you the best candidate to do something, is because of what you DON’T want to get out of things; that sometimes what is necessary and what you want won’t align, but it still has to be done. I would highly recommend this book, as well as the other two Rogerson books I’ve read, An Enchantment of Ravens and Sorcery of Thorns. I feel as if I lost something great by finishing this book, and it will take something truly amazing to be able to pick up from here.


Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Plastic Magician By Charlie N. Holmberg

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Synopsis:
Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg returns to the enchanting world of The Paper Magician.

Alvie Brechenmacher has arrived in London to begin her training in Polymaking—the magical discipline of bespelling plastic. Polymaking is the newest form of magic, and in a field where there is so much left to learn, every Polymaker dreams of making the next big discovery.

Even though she is only an apprentice, Alvie is an inventor at heart, and she is determined to make as many discoveries—in as short a time frame—as she can. Luckily for her, she’s studying under the world-renowned magician Marion Praff, who is just as dedicated as Alvie is.

Alvie’s enthusiasm reinvigorates her mentor’s work, and together they create a device that could forever change Polymaking—and the world. But when a rival learns of their plans, he conspires to steal their invention and take the credit for it himself.

To thwart him, Alvie will need to think one step ahead. For in the high-stakes world of magical discovery, not everyone plays fair…

Review:
I read the original Paper Magician series years and years ago, so this book was basically read as a standalone in the same universe, which as far as I can tell, for all intents and purposes, it is. We do see our favourite two folder magicians for a very brief moment, but otherwise, this story is a world of its own. There isn’t as big of an adventure in this story, and the overarching plot/climax is a bit too obvious from the very beginning. Overall it was an alright book, but I did not personally find it as thrilling as the original trilogy; especially the way it was left as if more could happen with these characters but no mention of a follow up book.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Infernal Trials for Humans: A Demon Romance by Rebecca F. Kenney

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Synopsis:
Grace is forced to enroll in the Infernal Trials–seven rounds of brutal competition–with the goal of becoming a demon so she can be with Apollyon forever. Fearful of what demonic existence would mean, Grace searches for a way to avoid it, while Apollyon investigates his origins. The two of them experiment with each other’s kinks, using intimacy to survive the horrors of Hell. But the Infernal Trials are filled with vicious contestants who will do anything to win. (Season 2 of Interior Design for Demons)

(TW: sexual threat, violence, gore, demons, monsters, murder, suicide ideation, torture)

Review:
In some ways this book was brilliant. I loved the continued relationship with Apollyon and Grace, but I absolutely hated how everything went down with Rath. Grace was very smart in how she got what she needed for their plan but was very conscious of her humanity, which makes sense being in a competition to give it up entirely. While I absolutely love Apollyon and Grace, I do not really enjoy the idea of things that were predestined and had to happen/were going to happen/were known to be in the future. It takes away a bit of the connection and the magic of two people finding each other if they were always going to be together. That being said, this was still a good book, and a great send off for this duology.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Interior Design for Demons: A Demon Romance by Rebecca F. Kenney

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Synopsis:
For readers of C.N. Crawford, Laura Thalassa, and Jennifer L. Armentrout.
Interior design student Grace and twelve other humans are forcibly recruited to participate in a contest, redecorating various rooms in Hell–which haven’t been redone since ancient or medieval times. The winner gets a lucrative contract, a few extra decades of youth, and one soul reclaimed from The Pit. With sexy demons Razenath and Apollyon distracting Grace from her goals, can she avoid being eliminated after each round?

TW: doubtful consent related to kissing, touch; some physical harm/abuse; reference to family murder/suicide; gore, horror, demons, monsters; torture; child neglect; cannibalism

Review:
Wow. I was drawn in from the beginning as we travel with plucky Grace into a contest she didn’t want to be a part of. I quite enjoyed Grace’s relationships with other contestants and Razenath and Apollyon, especially how they grew and developed. There was a lot of hellish description that one really has to be ready for before reading this. I personally didn’t feel that any of the hellish tortures were done in such a manner to trigger me, but that line will be different for everyone. I quite loved the depth of different backgrounds and sins the contestants and their families had. There was clearly a lot of influence from other things in the naming and characterization of some characters, but very fitting. The interior design aspect of the book was not skimmed over but detailed and quite enjoyable to read. I am very much looking forward to seeing what more might happen in Rebecca F. Kenney’s Hell.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯