Book Reviews

For the past few years I have kept a journal, which then turned into a notebook file on my computer, of all the books I’ve read, including the date and time I started them and the date and time I finished them. Now I’ve decided to modernize my original notebook idea, and write a review of each of the stories I read.

Happy New Year! 2023 Recap/Book Recommendations

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In 2023 I read 93 books, which is 20 more books than last year! Oh my! I went through to break down my reading on a month to month basis which looked like this:
Jan 11
Feb 6
Mar 4
Apr 8
May 8
Jun 9
Jul 7
Aug 10
Sep 4
Oct 7
Nov 12
Dec 7

Most of these books were rather lengthy, but as always, we end the year/begin the new year with the stand outs that I would highly recommend.

Books:


The House Witch by Delemhach
This book is an amazing find about an ornery magic user who doesn’t want people thinking he is more than a humble cook. The world building is amazing, and from the first page I found myself completely immersed in the world, invested in what happened next. This book is cozy and wholesome; a story where people realize they are more than just what they appear to be on the outside and that everyone has the potential to greatness. This is the start of a trilogy, with a spin off stand alone book, and another trilogy after that.

Vespertine by Margaret Rogerson
It’s no surprise that I love Vespertine since I’ve loved Rogerson’s other books, An Enchantment of Ravens and Sorcery of Thorns. This book happened to be the right book at the right time for me and really helped me when dealing with the loss of a close family member. While perhaps a book about dealing with the dead and keeping them from rising again might not be useful to others in such a time, it transported me to another world and allowed me to deeply care for the flawed characters within that had a lot of trauma and issues to work through on their own. This is another book that leaves you with the thought that not everything is black and white, and that there are often mixing shades of grey interwoven in life.

Spellbreaker (Spellmaker) by Charlie N. Holmberg
This book duology was unique in its magic system as well as the connection between the two main characters. Elsie is easy to care for and to want to see thrive, especially given that she is an unlicensed magic user fighting against the injustice of the aristocracy. When Braccus Kelsey discovers her using her forbidden magic, she strikes a deal to help him remove curses around his estate but as a rogue spellcaster, Elsie has to keep a low profile or find a way to make her presence not be suspicious.

Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood
I was never a real Jane Eyre fan, but this book takes that original story, adds magic, true connections, and interesting dilemmas faced by the debtera (exorcist) Andromeda as she tries to help Magnus face his horrors and be able to move on to a new age, even if that means letting go of what he once had. While perhaps inspired by Jane Eyre, if that wasn’t revealed the book does entirely stand on its own in shining gothic glory.

Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
This story was immersive from beginning to end, starting with Dora losing/being separated from half of her soul and becoming a very intriguing child that doesn’t quite know/think through all she does. The banter between her and the quite well known to be of bad temper Lord Sorcier is amusing and leaves one to wonder if there is more to both than meets the eye. It’s a true fairy tale in the sense that the fae make bargains, take what they want, and do not consider humanity. I personally in my own review have compared this to have a similar feel to Alice in Wonderland and The Little Princess, others have said it is a mixture of Bridgerton and Howl’s Moving Castle, even some mentioning Pride and Prejudice. That being said, it’s an amazing story that stands on its own and very much is about accepting yourself as you are, harnessing your strengths and working through/on your weaknesses, and never giving up on those who need your help.

The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner
This book was interesting on multiple levels, from the story itself of a scientist looking to find the occult and be able to speak to one who has passed on to solve a murder, to the relationships of those who passed and those left living (both hidden and in the open), as well as the mention both in book and additional at the end of what secret societies, religion and mourning styles were like. Though I personally was not a fan of some parts of the romantic side of this novel, overall I loved the twists and turns of illusion versus truth, and what people are willing to do both for those they love and what they have worked for.

Salt and Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher
Shockingly another Jane Eyre retelling made it on the list, and another involving magic (which is likely less shocking). This book was gripping from the very beginning, where we wonder if our Jane is about to get in deep trouble. There is quite a lot of Lizzy/Darcy of Pride and Prejudice tension between our Jane and Mr. Rochester, with Jane’s tenacity and fiery spirit drawing us in and making us root for her more. There were always stakes, and one was always left wondering what, exactly, Jane and Mr. Rochester were up against. I absolutely loved the witchy aspects of this novel, and both highly recommend this book and have already gifted a copy to a friend.

The Book of G by Lily Archer
The only book on this list that is smut/romance, a Beauty and the Beast retelling about our favourite villain. Before reading this book I never would have considered ever finding Gaston redeemable in any way ever, but throughout the novel G grows and learns and fights and is left both wondering who he is, and what he’s worth. The banter through this book is absolute perfection. This book features morally grey, enemies to lovers, Beauty and the Beast retellings and a whole lot of spice- five whole peppers worth.


Authors:


Delemhach
Amazon Page
While known predominantly for The House Witch series, this author writes in a way that is gripping, funny, immersive and hard to put down. If you love infuriating characters and fantasy, The House Witch and other series of Delemhach are for you. In the words of Fin, “What can I say; being infuriating is part of my charm.”

Tessonja Odette
Amazon Page
Excellent worldbuilding, from The Fair Isle Trilogy to the Entangled with Fae series, to Prophecy of the Forgotten Fae, I’ve yet to find a book/series by her that I truly haven’t enjoyed and devoured. None of her stories are exactly the same as ones you think you already know, and there are always some interesting twists and turns worked throughout.

K. M. Shea
Amazon Page
What can I say; another author that I absolutely cannot get enough of. Her books are immersive, amusing, and highly entertaining. There has yet to be a book out of hers that I haven’t loved, and she seamlessly switches between writing fantasy and modern fantasy. My only problem is with so many amazing modern fantasy connected books in Magiford, being able to pick my favourite of the trilogies has become completely impossible.

T. A. Lawrence
Amazon Page
Lawrence is the author of a series called The Severed Realms, a series of fairy tale retellings that are never quite what you expect them to be. I have quite loved all of the series I’ve read so far, and highly recommend this series to any who love fairy tale retellings and fantasy.

Greer Rivers
Amazon Page
The only fully romance/smut series on here; The Tattered Curtain series may be a bit unhinged at times, but is absolutely amazing. Though there are bits of some of the books that didn’t resonate with me, usually those bits fly by so quickly that you forget they exist. Sometimes the characters can be slightly caricature, but they are dark gothic romances and I very much enjoyed them.

Stephanie Garber
Amazon Page
I had Caraval on my list for so long, and once I finally fell into it I couldn’t imagine setting it down. The world is immersive, interactive, and never quite what it seemed. While I thought that was going to be one of my favourites for a while and impossible to compare to, I feel so much stronger for the spin off series Once Upon a Broken Heart. I cannot recommend Garber enough for people who love fairy tales, fantasy, and magic never quite working out how it was meant/originally intended to.

Review of A Fate of Flame by Tessonja Odette

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Synopsis:
An ancient prophecy.
A destiny of flame.
A war to end two worlds…

A dark prophecy binds Cora’s fate to the fae realm—a world that would have been her doom if she hadn’t escaped with her life. Now she’s determined to put destiny behind her and focus on her world, her kingdom, and her much-anticipated wedding.

But when dragons emerge from the veil between worlds, threatening her land with deadly flame, she must return to the fae and make allies of those who had once condemned her to die.

Yet dragons and fae are the least of her foes. Her greatest enemy marches on her kingdom, and he won’t stop until he controls fae magic. Fate and fire collide, but Cora isn’t alone. She, Teryn, Mareleau, and Larylis each have a role to play in protecting two realms from an ancient king who can walk between worlds.

When the dust clears and the ashes settle, will the embers of hope remain?

A Fate of Flame is the final book in the Prophecy of the Forgotten Fae trilogy. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Air Awakens, and Shadow and Bone. If you like breathtaking magic, fierce heroines, and slow burn romance, then you’ll love this epic fantasy tale.

A Fate of Flame is an upper YA/NA fantasy that contains some violence and gore, moderately steamy romance, and adult situations such as pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood, and marriage.

NOTE: A Fate of Flame is based on an older version of the book, Shades of Prophecy. This updated edition has been fully rewritten and includes some plot changes, name changes, and other modifications from the original. The original edition has been unpublished.

Review:
I absolutely devoured the first two in this series but found this to be a little harder to fall into. That may be because when I did let myself fall into it I couldn’t get out and just wanted to read just one more chapter repeatedly. It was great to see Teryn and Cora continue to build and grow their relationship, and Valorre was as adorable and perfect as ever. I quite enjoyed seeing how Teryn and Cora constantly had to put their kingdom’s first and their relationship second. I enjoyed seeing Mareleau develop further and show that while she may be able to pretend she is always fine, sometimes she is not, and that is okay. Cora has to work hard to prove to herself that she is compassionate and a good friend. All in all, there was a lot of growth from Mareleau, Larylis, Teryn, Cora and Valorre. The ending was absolutely bittersweet, but Cora, Teryn, and Valorre will always have a little bit of my heart.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 

Review of Dreadful by Greer Rivers

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Synopsis:
A dark, modern, romantic retelling of Sweeney Todd with a Medusa twist and a happy ever after.

Their revenge is sweet… their love is unhinged.

Fifteen years ago, a girl sacrificed her life for mine. I’ve wanted only justice ever since.

Then Talia entered the stage.

I’m the barber’s son. The Boss’ nephew. A prince without a throne and only revenge to fuel me.

She’s the bakers’ granddaughter. Sweet Tallie. Their dolce nipotina. My vipera.

My desires have always stopped at vengeance. She’s made me want more. But my vendetta will destroy everything in my path, and I won’t risk bringing her into my world.

I never suspected she’d snake her way in on her own.

I craved a bite of her sugar and spice, but my little vipera is fangs and venom.

Now all I want is to be bitten.


DREADFUL is a dark, revenge mafia retelling of Sweeney Todd, Hamlet, and Medusa, set in modern-day Boston and a complete STANDALONE in the Tattered Curtain Series. Guaranteed HEA. This story has triggers so please check the author’s website for trigger warnings.

Review:
I absolutely adored this book, as I have the other Tattered Curtain tales. This book is HEAVY. I highly recommend anyone interested read the trigger warnings before getting into it. I absolutely loved how well paced and set up the story is, and how it shifted between present and past. I thought that the connection between Sweeney Todd and Medusa was absolutely brilliantly done and well executed. I loved the depth of this story and how entwined the past and present were, but how age and circumstance can keep one from seeing the whole picture. The characters were relatable and well written with great depth. I loved how the characters grow and develop together. I wasn’t particularly keen on the knife play used at one particular scene, but as it was only one, it didn’t really pull me from the immersion of the novel. Do read the trigger warnings, as I definitely was close to tears at the end, but it was still just right. The only thing I am bummed about is not being able to get the bonus epilogue as the link doesn’t work. I cannot wait to see what comes out next in this series, as they are all so unique, immersive, and touching.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Review of Forged by Malice by Elizabeth Helen

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Synopsis:
I’ve found a new home and fallen in love with four cursed fae princes. But everything could be taken from me in an instant. If I’m to save the Enchanted Vale and the High Princes, this rose is going to need to grow thorns.

Being a part of the fae is wonderful. Except that the enchanted castle I live in is falling apart, one of my mates wants to give up his magic for good, the other one seems to be hiding something from me, and the two cursed fae princes I’m in love with still need to find their actual mates. Oh, and the villainous Prince of Thorns keeps trying to kiss me. And I kind of want him to.

When whispers of war spread from the Spring Realm, we find ourselves on a knife’s edge, trying to prevent a betrayal that could tear the realms—and my princes—apart. A vicious enemy from the Below will stop at nothing to kill me and claim Spring for herself. And Ezryn’s own brother has turned against him, claiming the Spring throne for himself. Allies become enemies, and enemies become allies.

Now, more than ever, I’ll need to light a way for my princes and help Ezryn, the High Prince of Spring, take back his throne. I won’t let him lose himself to the darkness… unless I lose myself first.

FORGED BY MALICE is the third book in a steamy adult Beauty and the Beast retelling seven-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 MMFM content. It is intended for mature readers only

Review:
The cliffhanger ending on this is absolutely horrible! There were so many things revealed just at the last possible second and ugh!!!! I cannot wait for this series to finish up!

This book has so many layers of what it means to be a good friend, what it means to forgive yourself, and accept goodness in your life. The characterization and depth is amazing. I do have some assumptions on how redemption works in the Vale, which I will reveal whether or not they were spot on after the next book is out. There were so many twists and turns and some I had some inkling on (here’s looking at you, Wrenley) and some I hated (here’s looking at you AGAIN, Wrenley!) There was a series of expectations about Rosalina and her princes and while some may say you cannot always have your cake and eat it too that is what was advertised so I am sure many of us are left mouth gaping.

The spice was, as always, spot on and awesome, but oh how I want everyone to have a happy ending; together! With Rosalina!

P.S. The true villain is never who you think it will be…

Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Salt & Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher

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Synopsis:
A gifted healer unravels the mysteries of a cursed estate—and its enigmatic owner—in a witchy retelling of Jane Eyre.

Salt and broom, make this room

Safe and tight, against the night.

Trunks packed with potions and cures, Jane Aire sets out on a crisp, clear morning in October to face the greatest challenge of her sheltered girls’-school existence. A shadow lies over Thornfield Hall and its reclusive master, Edward Rochester. And he’s hired her only as a last resort.

Jane stumbles again and again as she tries to establish a rapport with her prickly new employer, but he becomes the least of her worries as a mysterious force seems to work against her. The threats mount around both Jane and Rochester—who’s becoming more intriguing and appealing to her by the day. Jane begins to fear her herb healing and protective charms may not be enough to save the man she’s growing to love from a threat darker and more dangerous than either of them imagined.

Review:
I had started reading this before I’d started Once Upon a Broken Heart, but it was set aside for the trilogy. Going back was like I’d never set it down at all. Fisher is an expert at making a believable world that draws you in and makes you wonder what will happen next. There were always stakes, and one was always left guessing exactly what the witch is truly against. While this book was inspired by Jane Eyre and therefore has some elements of that story, I would say that I personally got more Pride and Prejudice/Lizzy and Darcy vibes; Jane is tenacious and outspoken. Though Jane does attempt to appear demure at times, it is her fire and driving force that draws the reader in. I absolutely love the witch aspect of this novel, using different herbs to help with things as well as a hagstone, and of course a few spells. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, classic retellings, and wished Jane Eyre had less strife and was a bit more… magical.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of A Curse for True Love by Stephanie Garber

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Synopsis:
Two villains, one girl, and a deadly battle for happily ever after.

Evangeline Fox ventured to the Magnificent North in search of her happy ending, and it seems as if she has it. She’s married to a handsome prince and lives in a legendary castle. But Evangeline has no idea of the devastating price she’s paid for this fairytale. She doesn’t know what she has lost, and her husband is determined to make sure she never finds out. . . . but first he must kill Jacks, the Prince of Hearts.

Review:
Apollo. Oh Apollo. There was the chance of warm fuzzy feelings for what a good guy you were, up until the end of the second book. This book makes you see the true difference between a villain and one who may just be… morally grey. Without knowing exactly why, Evangeline is left wondering if this perfect fairytale life is what really makes her happy. In life there are so many times that you must choose a path and sometimes the unexplored or what may be considered foolhardy trail is the one you belong on, so I thought this book was a great analogy for life. I absolutely loved that Evangeline has such strong instincts in this novel, and all of the magic surrounding (and placed literally upon her) enhances that which she innately knows. There are great villains in this novel, both expected (thanks to the end of book two) and unexpected. As always, Garber expertly drew me into her novel and I find myself wishing I could continue living in that world for just a few more pages… especially to learn more about apples.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of the Ballad of Never After by Stephanie Garber

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Synopsis:
Not every love is meant to be.

After Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, betrays her, Evangeline Fox swears she’ll never trust him again. Now that she’s discovered her own magic, Evangeline believes she can use it to restore the chance at happily ever after that Jacks stole away.

But when a new terrifying curse is revealed, Evangeline finds herself entering into a tenuous partnership with the Prince of Hearts again. Only this time, the rules have changed. Jacks isn’t the only force Evangeline needs to be wary of. In fact, he might be the only one she can trust, despite her desire to despise him.

Instead of a love spell wreaking havoc on Evangeline’s life, a murderous spell has been cast. To break it, Evangeline and Jacks will have to do battle with old friends, new foes, and a magic that plays with heads and hearts. Evangeline has always trusted her heart, but this time she’s not sure she can. . . .

Review:
What an emotional whirlwind! I hadn’t thought I’d care of find a time where Jacks became a redeemable person and yet… I absolutely loved all the twists and turns of this novel. Evangeline is stuck wondering if Jacks is really her ally or if he’s truly trying to help her and it is absolutely stunning how many surprises this book has backed inside. There were so many times that Evangeline considered what love truly is and was, and that while she once thought it was there and everything was perfect forever, later she thought that it was likely more something you had to work towards and keep on top of in order to maintain it. Of course, Jacks has to remind us that ballads never have a happy ending… and I had been so content with how things were and where it appeared we would end up until that very ending! That ending was truly ballad quality and made me want to throttle one who we were supposed to love; but it was a great set up for book 3, which I of course had to start immediately after.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

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Synopsis:
For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings . . . until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.

Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.

But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game — and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy.

Review:
“If you think I’m jealous because someone else got to stab you, then you’re right.” (Page 329)

Magic and curses and the power of true love- what’s not to like? I absolutely love that this is a series set in the same world as Caraval with a few characters we know and oh so many new developments. I quite enjoy the stakes of this series, and how the truth of one’s emotions are learned through their actions. While parts of the series seemed like everything was obvious, the twists and turns left much ambiguous and to be discovered in full in future books. The depth and development of the characters is something that truly brings the world to life, just as much if not more than the magic we end up chasing. I love how everything is left to chance and there is always the possibility to change your future; much like real life.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Owl Out of Magic by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When the Arden sisters are enlisted to sprinkle some magic on Forkbridge’s annual Halloween Festival, they expect nothing scarier than costume contests and jack-o’-lanterns. But the spooktacular celebration takes a sinister turn when Ayla finds Councilman Marcus Clinton’s body chillingly posed in a decorative coffin outside City Hall.

With Forkbridge transformed into a carnival of costumes, it’s nearly impossible to separate harmless tricksters from potential killers. Between a zombie flash mob, strange noises in city hall, and a woman walking the streets dressed up like the goddess Athena, there’s too much information and too few clues.

Can Astra and her sisters peel back the layers of the killer’s disguise, unmasking them before they blend into the ordinary? Or will the elaborate festival costumes shroud the true face of evil lurking among them?

The clock is ticking, and it’s more than just a game of trick or treat!

Review:
“Your destiny still awaits, Astra of the Stars.” (Page 357, Chapter 20)

Back to holiday themed books, it was great to see the entire family together working towards a common goal; well, most of the family. I quite enjoyed the role that Apollo (and Hermes) played in this one, especially how he truly cared whenever Astra was upset. It was interesting seeing Lothian and Astra’s relationship during this particular book as in previous ones they had come across as much more of partners (in work, not just dating) than this one–good development. The mystery in this was perfect; multi-layered and convoluted enough to keep your attention and always wondering exactly who did what, why, and what you’re missing. I am looking forward to continuing the series as it continues to come out!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Of Owl the Nerve by Leanne Leeds

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Synopsis:
When Emma and Eddie’s wedding preparations kick into high gear in Forkbridge, Florida, Astra Arden, Emma’s best friend and witch extraordinaire, is eager to play her part. But a deadly accident at the rehearsal dinner throws a wrench in the festivities.

As Emma’s big day approaches, Astra is caught in a whirlwind of wedding shenanigans—which she isn’t exactly thrilled about. But when an intoxicated guest dies chokes to death at the rehearsal dinner, Astra’s excitement quickly turns to suspicion.

Increasingly mistrustful of the guests and their dubious motives, annoyed that best man Lothian is there every time she turns around, and frustrated that Archie—Astra’s mischievous familiar owl—keeps helping himself to the catered snacks instead of helping her solve the case, can Astra uncover the truth behind this mysterious mishap and save the wedding from disaster?

Review:
This book was awesome. We see our usual stubborn Astra as she attempts to avoid anything to do with her feelings and anything beyond a task. While I was so enthralled with this book, it was truly because we see a completely different side of Lothian. He is always there for Astra, willing to help and trying to be the partner she needs and while it takes her a while to realize it, she has openly asked his opinions and kept him in the loop. Archie does not eat catered snacks and I was a bit disappointed in how little he appeared in this particular novel. I did like all the poolside and outdoor situations we got to see between Astra, Lothian and Emma’s guests. It is also nice to see less of Jason, given the circumstances. I greatly look forward to seeing what happens in book 14!

There were a few bits of wisdom in this book I especially liked, particularly that “Money does strange things to people.” (Page 25, Chapter 2), “But when adversity arises, and confidence runs thin, just remember: you are Astra. Impossibilities and adversity cower in your wake.”(Page 216, Chapter 13) as well as “Sometimes the hardest hearts to reach are the ones most in need of love… And sometimes love means not giving up, even when faced with anger and rejection–or even just simple attitude.” (Page 314, Chapter 19) There was also some quoted Shakespeare; and who doesn’t love that?!

While when I began this series I believed it was completed at 15 books, I have recently learned that apparently the 15th book isn’t out until February… and I’m not so sure it’ll be the last. That being said, I still love the series, am going to start book 14 once I’m done with this review, and highly recommend it to people who love Greek Mythology and cozy modern fantasy mysteries.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯