Synopsis: This is a standalone follow up novella to Nocticadia in which the siblings of the original respective couple meet, and what ensues is… curiosity, chaos, and understanding.
Review: I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book at all, because honestly, it felt like Bee had a lot of problems and I wasn’t sure that I would care about seeing her star in something. It seemed that Lilia was always covering for her and trying to keep her on the up and up, but Bee was clearly disturbed. Because of that, when she ends up in a rather dangerous situation, she finds herself understanding “Mr. Caed” more than one might expect.
I wasn’t really as big of a fan of this novel, in part because despite having gone through quite a lot of tribulations before the beginning of the novel, Bee is still very young and because of that naïve. If you loved Nocticadia this may allow you a bit more of a release from the stranglehold the first novel casts, but they are not at all the same type of book; in the word’s of Keri Lake, “The setting and tone of this short story is a complete departure from Nocticadia, and echoes my gritty contemporary books.”
Synopsis: A dark, atmospheric tale of deadly secrets and forbidden love. Mortui vivos docent. The dead teach the living.
After watching my mother succumb to a mysterious illness, I promised myself two things. I’d find the cure for what ravaged her. And leave the godforsaken city where she abandoned me.
Four years later, I receive an acceptance letter from Dracadia University, one of the oldest, most prestigious schools in the country. Nestled on a secluded island off the coast of Maine, it’s rumored to be haunted by the souls of the mental patients exiled there centuries before. Those whose bones are said to make up the island’s white sandy shores.
And restless ghosts aren’t even its most daunting peculiarity.
Devryck Bramwell, known on campus as Doctor Death, is a brilliant pathologist in charge of the midnight lab. He’s also my devastatingly handsome professor, who seems to loathe tenacious first-years, like me. Except, his dark and enigmatic gaze tells me all the ways he’d devour me if given the chance, and his stolen kisses burn my lips with forbidden jealousy.
I crave his authority. He aches for redemption. Together, we’re toxic. Delicious fodder for the prying eyes hellbent on exhuming the rotted skeletons of our pasts.
For the dead have much to teach, and it’s only a matter of time before Dracadia’s most depraved secret is resurrected.
Nocticadia is a standalone dark academia gothic romance.
Review: “What separates monsters from good men is only a matter of perspective.” (page 80)
This book is one of the absolute best dark romances I’ve read. Diving headfirst into Lilia’s life, there’s drama, there’s the unknown, and there’s a girl who had to grow up too fast. I wish all dark academia books were similar to this one; for this is so much greater than the others I have read, they cannot even be compared. This book is long, but not an epic though I certainly wouldn’t let that deter you because there was always something going on that made it nearly impossible for me to set this book down. I was absolutely enthralled and couldn’t wait to read the “freebie” novella Phobia afterwards (which you can get at the end of the novel).
There are certainly some trigger warnings associated with this book, and this type of taboo isn’t going to be for everyone. There is a lot more drama and behind the scenes politics than one might think at the beginning of the novel. One thing that certainly made this book stand apart in the dark academia genre would be that Lilia is old enough to be in college; older than an average freshman. She also has seen things, and while she might not be overtly experienced romantically, she isn’t some brand new to society hermit looking for connections wherever they find her; she has a particularly goal, and she doesn’t want to let anything stand in her way from understanding and continuing to fight against letting what happened to her mother happen to other people.
Every time I thought, okay, this is it, there were A LOT of hidden secrets and such; BAM, another twist is revealed. This book is perfection, and I am not sure I’ll ever find an equivalent dark academia to this ever again. There’s such tension, so many stakes, and undeniable connections. If you like dark romance, or dark academia, I dare you to take a chance on this book.
Synopsis: When Charlotte Kinder treats herself to a two-week vacation at Austenland, she happily leaves behind her ex-husband and his delightful new wife, her ever-grateful children, and all the rest of her real life in America. She dons a bonnet and stays at a country manor house that provides an immersive Austen experience, complete with gentleman actors who cater to the guests’ Austen fantasies.
Everyone at Pembrook Park is playing a role, but increasingly, Charlotte isn’t sure where roles end and reality begins. And as the parlor games turn a little bit menacing, she finds she needs more than a good corset to keep herself safe. Is the brooding Mr. Mallery as sinister as he seems? What is Miss Gardenside’s mysterious ailment? Was that an actual dead body in the secret attic room? And-perhaps of the most lasting importance-could the stirrings in Charlotte’s heart be a sign of real-life love?
Review: I did not realize just how enthralling I would find this book, and accidentally ended up reading late into the night to read to the end. I wasn’t sure that I would love this book, having started it previously and abandoned it, but I found once I was a few paragraphs in I was easily hooked. This book had all the regency and romance of the original Austenland, but with a huge mystery that left me needing to read to the very end. Warning: this book makes you want to keep reading and do nothing else until you reach the conclusion.
The book shifts between days in Austenland and days in the past in Charlotte’s past, finally catching up in the end to the modern day. I thought it was really unique to tell the backstory in such a manner, so that we were experiencing it with Charlotte as she considered things herself while on her vacation. Her gumption, change, and confidence are inspiring for anyone who finds that they have allowed themselves and their lives to move too far from what they wanted, or have allowed themselves to be too cowed by others that they shouldn’t have.
I loved how Charlotte fell into the mystery and wanted to just focus on that instead of letting the outside world and her real life problems fill her mind. I also adored how well everyone developed the characters are, and getting to see another side to Miss Charming that hadn’t been present in the original Austenland.
I highly recommend this book if you like the regency time period, Jane Austen, mysteries and a hint of romance.
Synopsis: Elisabeth Scrivener is finally settling into her new life with sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn. Now that their demon companion Silas has returned, so has scrutiny from nosy reporters hungry for gossip about the city’s most powerful sorcerer and the librarian who stole his heart. But something strange is afoot at Thorn Manor: the estate’s wards, which are meant to keep their home safe, are acting up and forcibly trapping the Manor’’ occupants inside. Surely it must be a coincidence that this happened just as Nathaniel and Elisabeth started getting closer to one another…
With no access to the outside world, Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas—along with their new maid Mercy—will have to work together to discover the source of the magic behind the malfunctioning wards before they’re due to host the city’s Midwinter Ball. Not an easy task when the house is filled with unexpected secrets, and all Elisabeth can think about is kissing Nathaniel in peace. But when it becomes clear that the house, influenced by the magic of Nathaniel’s ancestors, requires a price for its obedience, Elisabeth and Nathaniel will have to lean on their connection like never before to set things right.
Review: While I haven’t read Sorcery of Thorns in a hot minute, I was able to score this book in paper form because I knew I’d want it and I am, of course, blown away. Though a small novella, this story captures the magic and story of the Sorcery of Thorns universe. I absolutely loved seeing more of Silas, learning more of what he’s done with himself his many long years of living, and how despite perhaps not being human, he does grow to feel something towards his charges. What I truly adore, however, is how sometimes things can be seen by not said–it can be easier to put in work and do the impossible than to say what one feels, and worry that it might not be reciprocated. I also quite like that Elisabeth isn’t sure of herself and her future, but she’s learning and working and trying to forge a new path unlike others; something her own.
All in all this book was magical, and I only wish I’d read it more closer to when I read Sorcery of Thorns so the characters and setting would have already been ringing in my mind. I highly recommend this book if you liked Sorcery of Thorns.
Synopsis: Just when Mia thought she had the whole princess thing under control, things get out of hand, fast. First there’s an unexpected announcement from her mother. Then Grandmère arranges a national primetime interview for the brand-new crown princess of Genovia. On top of that, intriguing, exasperating letters from a secret admirer begin to arrive. Before she even has the chance to wonder who those letters are from, Mia is swept up in a whirlwind of royal intrigue the likes of which she’s never before witnessed.
Review: “Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
These books just read so quickly. I absolutely love reading from the perspective of our young princess protagonist. It’s so fun to see into her mind about what she worries about, thinks about, and how she tries to hard to be a good person, even when it means agreeing to things she really doesn’t want to. Her reactions are priceless, especially since I could see myself (or others of that age) reacting in the same way. I actually have found more and more dislike for Lilly as I’ve been reading, and wish she’d spend more time with Tina.
It is so amusing to read the books and keep in mind what Mia is supposed to look like versus Anne Hathaway/the movie crew. In the descriptions used I still see the same Lilly in my head. I think it was a grave disservice to cut out Tina from the film, but it was clear that they could only do so much with a limited timeframe. Regardless of however I feel at the end of the book series, the movie is, and will forever be one of my favourite feel good movies. Whenever things are really horrible and I’ve been truly upset, it always helps bring back some joy and happiness.
That being said, this book series is truly enchanting, and one you start a book you’ll be hard pressed to set it down until you’re done with it.
Synopsis: Welcome to Enchantra. There’s only one rule: Never, ever trust your heart.
When Genevieve Grimm’s mother is killed, Genevieve wants answers nobody can give… until she receives an invitation to Enchantra, a cursed palace filled with temptations and illusions.
Arrogant and dangerously handsome, Rowin Silver meets her at the door and refuses to let her inside. But Genevieve finds her own way in… And soon realizes her mistake.
Enchantra is a twisted labyrinth of marble and thorns, where Rowin’s family are trapped forever in a deadly game. Now, Genevieve must win or die.
Rowin offers her a deal. They can compete together… if they convince everyone watching that they’re desperately in love.
Genevieve knows she can’t trust Rowin, but she’ll do whatever it takes to survive. As they hunt and hide together, Genevieve tries to ignore the desire burning between them. She absolutely cannot fall for this man. Cannot forget that she’s only pretending to be in love.
After all, it was Rowin who taught her Enchantra’s first rule… Never, ever trust your heart.
Review: “…you have to choose to live for yourself. You are the most real thing you’ll ever be able to experience.” (Page 332)
Oh my goodness, Kaylie Smith knocked another right out of the park. I wasn’t sure that a story about Genevieve would hit as hard and well as Ophelia’s but this book totally stands on its own and is awesome. I loved all the background bits of Genevieve that were alluded to in Phantasma but not seen, and Rowin with Genevieve is just perfection. I think Enchantra’s games were an excellent change from those of Phantasma, and the way Rowin and Genevieve’s relationship bloomed was mere perfection. The enemies to lovers arc was prevalent, and it was great to see that even when Rowin was upset or exasperated with Genevieve he never once got upset with her for being herself. Neither character was expected to make a sudden shift in personality, which was quite nice as most novels hinge on that need for change that just happens.
This book did deal with some very real issues that people face; being put on the backburner by parents, not feeling adequate/good enough for partners, not feeling a sense of belonging. While Genevieve might have gone to the extreme to try to find someone who could understand, these are feelings that many know all too well. Even Rowin experiences the lack of understanding between siblings that so many have constant struggles with. No family is perfect, even those who do have a united front, and this was displayed very admirably in how conscious one has to be in order to have/give the support needed in life.
This book featured great atmosphere with well drawn out, well described landscapes, as well as interpersonal connections and stories that are impossible not to want to know more of and get lost inside. The spice level was just the right amount and well done. I highly recommend this book for any Dark Fantasy/Romantasy readers, as I eagerly await book 3 in the series.
Synopsis: Cordelia knows her mother is . . . unusual. Their house doesn’t have any doors between rooms—there are no secrets in this house—and her mother doesn’t allow Cordelia to have a single friend. Unless you count Falada, her mother’s beautiful white horse. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is on her daily rides with him.
But more than simple eccentricity sets her mother apart. Other mothers don’t force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t evil sorcerers.
When her mother unexpectedly moves them into the manor home of a wealthy older Squire and his kind but keen-eyed sister, Hester, Cordelia knows this welcoming pair are to be her mother’s next victims. But Cordelia feels at home for the very first time among these people, and as her mother’s plans darken, she must decide how to face the woman who raised her to save the people who have become like family.
Review: “She picked up her cup and took a sip, trying, like many before her, to drown her emotions with tea.” (Page 185)
I’ve mentioned before that T. Kingfisher has my heart, well, that remains true with this novel as well. One of my favourite parts of this book is while yes, it is very much about Cordelia, we actually have an unlikely older heroine involved as well. I absolutely loved the characters in this novel. The book was spent in suspense between wanting Cordelia to have freedom and a happy ending, but wanting Hester to find one as well as free her brother. I adored the concepts within the book, and how the older women instantly took Cordelia under their wing. Penelope Green is truly an icon, and while I wished things were different, in the end I am so glad for everything this book let the reader experience. There are so many ways in which this book touches on issues the everyday person might have–keeping secrets and disappointing one’s family, worries of age and how that will change a person. All in all, as per all Kingfisher books, I’d highly recommend this one.
Synopsis: After their terrifying ordeal at the Usher manor, Alex Easton feels as if they just survived another war. All they crave is rest, routine, and sunshine, but instead, as a favor to Angus and Miss Potter, they find themself heading to their family hunting lodge, deep in the cold, damp forests of their home country, Gallacia.
In theory, one can find relaxation in even the coldest and dampest of Gallacian autumns, but when Easton arrives, they find the caretaker dead, the lodge in disarray, and the grounds troubled by a strange, uncanny silence. The villagers whisper that a breath-stealing monster from folklore has taken up residence in Easton’s home. Easton knows better than to put too much stock in local superstitions, but they can tell that something is not quite right in their home. . . or in their dreams.
Review: “Something bad happened to both of us, too. We don’t deserve to fall apart either.” (Page 146)
This world has my heart locked in a way that not many books do. From the very beginning, you area locked in a tale that is being both told and shown to you. It seems that mystery and the paranormal are to follow Easton as they make their way across the land. There were so many good parts of this book, however short it is, that it will be hard to fit it into one review. I adored the descriptions of the land, and especially the silence within the forest, and how country living compares to city living. As someone who grew up in a log cabin in the woods, literally, I have never been a big fan of city noise, even in town noise, and it’s something that I find people who have never lived the other way rarely understand.
I love that Easton always looks for the logic behind things, and the obvious ways that they can fix/help without immediately thinking of supernatural mediums to try to combat problems. I thought that Easton’s tinnitus was a great boon to both this book and showcasing that there are lasting things after war that one cannot simply forget. On that note, while I would never wish it upon anyone, I greatly enjoyed the continued mention of Easton occasionally having soldier’s spells (PTSD in the real world) as it was quite accurately represented. I also loved how Easton’s bright mentality helped win the day.
I highly recommend the Sworn Soldier series to those who love gothic horror. I absolutely adore this series, and will admit that there are still times that the first book in the series whispers through my head. Great job, T. Kingfisher; I cannot wait for more!!
Synopsis: In Victorian England, a young woman inherits her father’s curiosity shop and all its ghostly secrets in a bewitching novel by the author of Salt & Broom.
It’s 1851 in old York. Lizzy Grimm struggles to save her late father’s charmingly creepy yet floundering antique shop, Grimm Curiosities. Then, during a particularly snowy December in this most haunted city in England, things turn…curiouser.
Lizzy meets Antony Carlisle, whose sister suffers from the same perplexing affliction as Lizzy’s mother—both stricken silent and unresponsive after speaking with ghosts. Working closely together to fathom what power has transformed their loved ones and why, Lizzy and Antony discover an important clue: her father’s treasured set of rare books on ancient folktales, enchantments, and yuletide myths. Books that a persistent collector is awfully keen to purchase. Books Lizzy can’t bear to sell.
Every bewitching passage and illustration opens a doorway to something ancient and dangerously inviting. Keys to a mystery Lizzy and Antony are compelled to solve—even if doing so means unleashing one of this bright holiday’s darkest myths.
Review: “I think the most competent people are often the most critical of themselves.” (page 49)
I loved this book so very much! There is magic, holidays, and a mystery that doesn’t at all seem suspicious or connected to her family… until it is. I loved Lizzy and Antony together; they both get to be/act in a way that they can’t with others, which is such a great thing to have in friends/people who truly get you. It was great that this book was not just centralized around love; there was the definite idea that even though you may think of your situation and self as “other” there will always be some that can relate and be your friend. Not only did this book introduce so many different folklore concepts, but it showed the duality of all things and how there is always a good and bad. The ending of this book is absolutely perfect.
There is magic, there is mystery, there’s a brilliant slow burn romance. I highly recommend this to people who love fantasy/fairy tales, ghosts, and the peculiar. While I did read this in April, I highly recommend reading it in December as it is set around Christmas, and I think that would make it a much cozier time to read it, with snow everywhere. (I don’t want snow now; stay away snow!!)
Synopsis: If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
Saffron Sawyer is on her own. She’s no longer part of the Office of Faery Godmothers – in fact, she’s no longer part of anything, even if her magic is stronger now than she could have ever dreamed possible. Thwarted at every turn and stalked by monsters in the streets, her life feels like it’s falling apart.
But Saffron isn’t going to give up hope. She’s sworn revenge on the Director and she can’t forget about Jasper and the way he makes her feel. And when some familiar faces come knocking at her door, she might just have found the answers she’s been looking for.
Review: I loved everything about this book. How spunky Saffron is, how she recognizes that if she had to make it without magic, she can find a way to manage and still bring joy to people while doing so. I love how much Saffron wants to help people, even when she isn’t an official faery godmother. I also absolutely love the comradery and relationships built that help Saffron move on and fight a completely new battle for something that isn’t quite what she’d always wanted. The message that sometimes what you have wanted your whole life isn’t exactly what you need, or exactly what you’d thought it would be, is something that can resonate with many people. There are oftentimes when you think life is going one way and you find yourself doing maybe even the same thing, but in an adjacent to how you thought it would be capacity.
Saffron’s ability to read people, deal with people, and remain her sparky self continue to dazzle in this book, and I am so glad for how things turned out for her with Vincent, and Pumpkin, and of course her friends and Jasper. This was a perfect ending to the series, even if I wished it could have been a bit more/longer. Highly recommend this book, as well as everything else of Harper’s I’ve read thus far. She’s an incredible gem when it comes to modern fantasy–great characters, great plots, smooth reading.
Amy S. Brown 