Fantasy and SciFi

Review of Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong

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Synopsis:
In the Forest of the Dead, where the empire’s worst criminals are exiled, twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are charged with a dangerous task. For they are the Keeper and the Seeker, and each year they must quiet the enraged souls of the damned. Only this year, the souls will not be quieted.

Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls make their way to warn the emperor. But a terrible secret awaits them at court—one that will alter the balance of their world forever.

Review:
I absolutely loved this book, and while it didn’t answer the oh so many questions raised along the way, it was a great story about a journey and the growth of two young adult girls who didn’t realize how sheltered they were. This book was very much the slow trudge and yet I felt that there was enough action and back and forth from our two main protagonists that I wondered exactly where they might end up. I quite like the world this is set in; I feel like it was well developed and had a great proper fairy tale/Grimm/gothic atmosphere for the tale.

I did very much enjoy this book, and would recommend it based on that, however, the complexity of story/trigger warnings increase throughout the other two books, so bare that in mind if you decide to read this YA novel.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Spells Like Poltergeist Spirit by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
Astra Arden’s back, and this time, she’s got a poltergeist problem in “Spells Like Poltergeist Spirit,” the 18th book in The Owl Star Witch Mysteries!

When a mischievous poltergeist starts wreaking havoc in Forkbridge, Astra and her sisters must figure out to banish the troublesome spirit. The timing couldn’t be worse for this supernatural upset, too—Astra’s relationship with Lothian is on the rocks after she turned down his proposal, and even her best friend Emma is giving her the cold shoulder.

As the poltergeist’s antics escalate from harmless pranks to dangerous destruction, Astra races against the clock to uncover the source of the spirit’s unrest and send it packing. But with her personal life in shambles, can she keep her focus long enough to solve the mystery?

Packed with humor, heart, and a heaping helping of otherworldly mischief, “Spells Like Poltergeist Spirit” is a must-read for fans of this bewitching series! As always, No gore, intimate scenes, or swearing—only a captivating story suitable for adults.

Review:
One of my favourite things about the Owl Star Witch Mysteries is that they’re a quick, easy, cozy reads with interesting mysteries. This book actually had a lot of good life advice about mistakes and being in love, that you have to do the work, and that love is wanting to be a part of what someone is/doing–not forcing someone to choose between them. I also quite enjoyed the magical lesson Ayla gave about how all energy can be transformed. This particular mystery had a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t necessarily see coming. Did I figure out who the poltergeist was well before it was mentioned? Yes. The why? Not so much. I thought this was a great addition to the mysteries so far, and I absolutely loved the ending!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Confessions of the Dead by James Patterson and J. D. Barker

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Synopsis:
Don’t rent a summer house in Hollow’s Bend this year! Patterson’s scariest thrills since Death of the Black Widow.
 
Hollows Bend, New Hampshire, is a picture-perfect New England town where weekend tourists flock to see fall leaves and eat breakfast at the Stairway Diner. The crime rate—zero–is a point of pride for Sheriff Ellie Pritchett.
 
The day the stranger shows up is when the trouble starts. The sheriff and her deputy investigate the mysterious teenage girl. None of the locals can place her. She can’t—or won’t answer any questions. She won’t even tell them her name. 
 
While the girl is in protective custody, the officers are called to multiple crime scenes leading them closer and closer to a lake outside of town that doesn’t appear on any map…   

Review:
This is the first James Patterson book I’d picked up since my grandfather had passed away, and he had loved James Patterson. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the Alex Cross realistic detective style novel that I had expected. There were so many good parts to this book, twisted paths that people took in their personal lives, information about how to tell what direction you are by the sun and stars, but there was a definite part where things became more murky. I had expected a scientific answer for everything, or some sort of reasoning beyond the lackluster non-ending received.

The star rating is based on the first 3/4 of the book, and not my personal disappointment with the ending.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of A Heart of Desire and Deceit by Elayna R. Gallea

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Synopsis:
How does one pick up the pieces of their life after it has been obliterated by the person they mistakingly trusted?

Ryker Waterborn’s heart is broken, and his wife is a killer. Their marriage is a sham, built on a foundation of murder, lies, and deceit. They’re broken. Destroyed. Yet, even after hearing her confession, Ryker cannot leave Brynleigh in the Pit.

In an act of foolish love, he makes a deal to set Brynleigh free. All she has to do is go back to her Maker and find evidence that Jelisette de la Point is a traitor.

That’s easier said than done, but Brynleigh is left with no choice. She can either accept the deal or rot behind bars. Worse than all that is her relationship with Ryker.

Once, she thought they’d get a happy ending. Now, an ocean divides them.

She broke the rules and fell in love, but is love powerful enough to save them?

This is the second half of Ryker and Brynleigh’s duet, and should be read after A Game of Love and Betrayal.

Review:
Oh my goodness. There were so many JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER ALREADY moments in this book! I am very glad we got to see both Brynleigh and Ryker’s perspectives throughout this or it would have been completely maddening. While I expected a bit of resistance at the end, I hadn’t expected what actually happened, but it also seemed like a bit of a let down with how fast everything happened–almost as if things were too easy for Ryker and Brynleigh.

Personally, I really enjoyed Ryker and all of the “how you act reflects on me” moments, as that’s something I heard often growing up.

I quite liked the ending, though I am not certain I’d read this book duology again.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Beautiful Villain by Rebecca Kenney

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Synopsis:
Daisy is a recent college grad looking to get her feet back under her after a nasty breakup with her uber-controlling ex. When her cousin Nick convinces her to come to a lavish party being thrown by some mysterious new money showoff, she never expects to find the boy she loved and lost years ago…or to discover that Gatsby made his millions selling immortality to the highest bidder.

Daisy Finnegan is looking forward to the endless golden freedom of summer. No more college, no more pressure, no more worries. But when her cousin goes missing at an exclusive house party, Daisy is all too ready to confront the mysterious host…only to discover the wealthy recluse is Jay Gatsby, her childhood sweetheart—now sinfully hot and impossible to deny.

She could never resist him, and it isn’t long before she’s entangled in a web of wealth and lies and obsession, culminating in a shocking act of violence that shatters the summer haze and threatens to drown them all.

But it isn’t until Gatsby is shot through the heart—and survives—that Daisy discovers the truth of how he clawed his way up in the world: by selling the secret of immortality to the highest bidder. Now with her friends’ lives at stake, her own dizzying new powers still volatile, and an unimaginable threat closing in, Daisy will have to face an impossible choice: Side with the man who claimed her body and soul? Or with the monsters who would see him lost to her forever?

Review:
“He’s still a hopeless romantic, if that’s what you mean. An impossible idealist.” (page 97)

I could hardly put this book down! Filled with pop culture but not enough to draw you away from the story, this book constantly had action, well developed characters, and breathtaking love. This is a retelling of The Great Gatsby and it was better than I could have ever imagined. Both Gatsby and Daisy are given depth, but the story shifts to fit in with our modern times, with a sprinkle of supernatural. I absolutely adored how the Gatsby/Nick/Myrtle/Daisy/Tom connection worked and that while Nick doesn’t remain the narrator, he is given more depth, backstory and love than the original story had.

This story, while featuring all the original Gatsby characters, gives Daisy a bit more depth and deals with the issue of how it feels to not know what you want out of life, to feel adrift, and like all you’ve done is try to please your parents. I adore how Jay stays a hopeless romantic, but isn’t overly pressing/forceful in trying to get what he wants, and doesn’t give off the hopeless and basic character he appeared as in the original novel. Jay does love Daisy and while he may have moved there and done so much for her, he’s also built a life, a family, and deep scientific advances and research that keep him involved/working outside of just trying to impress/romance her.

If that isn’t enough to hook you, there’s also a dual supernatural element that makes this story pop in a way that regular fiction doesn’t. It’s a brilliant retelling, with spice, supernatural, well developed characters, and I highly recommend it both on it’s own, and for those of us who thought that Jay really should have gotten the girl.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Enchanted by a Beast by Jenny Swan

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Synopsis:
Some books can change your life. But what if one could transport you into a fairy tale?

For Isabelle, working as a librarian means living vicariously through the adventures in her beloved books—until she discovers an ancient map that magically whisks her away to an enchanted kingdom. There, she finds herself standing before a magnificent castle, its halls eerily empty and shrouded in darkness… or so it seems.

By morning, the castle springs to life with servants who treat her arrival as if it were destined. But it’s her encounter with the castle’s master that truly sets her world spinning. The prince is everything a fairy tale hero shouldn’t be: arrogant, bitter, and determined to push her away. Yet beneath his harsh exterior, Isabelle glimpses something that catches her curiosity—a mystery that refuses to let her go.

When whispers of an ancient curse reach her ears, Isabelle’s adventurous heart quickens. Could the rumors be true? Is the prince hiding more than just his heart behind those palace walls? As she peels back layers of dark secrets, Isabelle discovers that some curses can only be broken by someone brave enough to see beyond the beast and fight for love against all odds.

Review:
This retelling of Beauty and the Beast featured a unique magic transportation and featured a librarian, but beyond that I found it was rather flat. The story is written without depth, in a way where nothing is really shown but often thrown in as if background information, such as Isabelle having taken lessons riding as a child. That being said, horse riding was a large part of this book, and it was clear that the writer did not have any knowledge of doing so, or horse behaviours in general. Always happy to see a happy ending, but I wish there had been more flourish and depth along the way.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of The Whispering Night by Susan Dennard

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Synopsis:
The forest is more dangerous than ever in this highly-anticipated, pulse-pounding, and swoon-worthy conclusion to the bestselling Luminaries trilogy.

Winnie Wednesday’s future is looking bright. Hemlock Falls is no longer hunting the werewolf, she and Erica Thursday are tentative friends, and Winnie finally knows exactly where she stands with Jay Friday.

With everything finally on track, Winnie is looking forward to the Nightmare Masquerade, a week-long celebration of all things Luminary. But as Luminaries from across the world flock to the small town, uninvited guests also arrive. Winnie is confronted by a masked Diana and charged with an impossible task—one that threatens everything and everyone Winnie loves.

As Winnie fights to stop new enemies before time runs out, old mysteries won’t stop intruding. Her missing father is somehow entangled with her search for hidden witches, and as Winnie digs deeper into the long-standing war between the Luminaries and the Dianas, she discovers rifts within her own family she never could have imagined.

What does loyalty mean when family and enemies look the same?

Review:
This book was the ending that I am so excited to finally have in the trilogy! There is a huge mystery of what/where the Dianas are, and what they are up to, and there is no greater girl up to the task than Winnie. Interchanged bits of the past with the present fit perfectly together as Winnie attempts to uncover both what happened to Jenna, Erica’s sister, as well as her own father.

Despite having done everything right and appearing as a huge saviour/girl who was bitten, Winnie still finds herself fighting against the Luminary council people who should be her allies. It’s interesting to see how even when one just tries to survive, if you are perceived as elite, how you can be used to bolster the image of an organization–even if you’re a very unwilling poster child. I quite liked how Winnie did not suddenly become detached or able to cope with the horrors she previously faced, and how multiple times she had to try to go through her PTSD. Despite the hunters being considered elite, it is amazing to see how important that the leaders take mental health into account and not just physical well being/training.

That being said, it’s clear that I would recommend this book series to any YA Fantasy/Urban Fantasy lovers.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Lady Avely’s Guide to Lies and Charms by Rosalie Oaks

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Synopsis:
A lady shouldn’t be seen to incite a duel… but Judith wasn’t even there when it happened.

Lady Avely doesn’t know what infuriates her more: that someone used her image to provoke the Duke of Sargen into killing a man, or that the duke actually believed it was her trysting in the maze that night.

Now she and the duke must concoct their own subterfuge to shake out the culprit. Otherwise, Dacian might be arrested for murder, or worse, the shadowy guardians of the Musing might inflict their own cruel punishment for the misuse of his Gift. Judith will need her most respectable mobcap, and unfortunately, the duke will need a false moustache.

With Judith’s ability to detect lies and Dacian’s now carefully contained power, they set out to uncover the truth – but their own hearts make them easy to manipulate. Facing a master of deception, as well as the duke’s renewed determination to win her, Judith will need a stiff drink of chocolate and the help of her cheerful, tiny vampiri companion before she can find her way out of the deadly tangle…

Can Judith and Dacian unmask the killer before more blood is shed? And how many different ways can one disguise a duke?

Review:
This book had everything; magic, sabotage, betrayal, good companions, a great mystery, and a cliffhanger ending that made me rant and rage to my poor husband! There are a slew of new characters introduced that show great depth and are quite enjoyable. Several times I found myself frustrated at the lack of communication between Judith and Dacian because you would think after all they’d been through in the past they’d know it’s best to air their grievances instead of potentially being caught up in someone else’s web of lies; especially if they are supposed to trust each other. Despite the communicative issues, I quite loved the story in whole, especially how far Judith was willing to go once she knew exactly what she wanted/cared about. I cannot wait for the next book to come out!!

*Warning that while this may be considered a “romance” it is chaste, and the biggest slow burn I’ve read to date.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

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 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: ✯✯✯✯✯