Books

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: ✯✯✯✯

Review of A Cage of Crystal by Tessonja Odette

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Synopsis:
A mysterious crystal.
A legacy of shadows.
The prophecy unfolds…

Cora never dreamed of returning to her old life, but with her kingdom at stake and her brother’s life on the line, she has no choice but to reclaim her former title. Yet with new changes come new dangers, this time in the form of scheming royals with cruel politics. If she can play their games, she just might keep her crown. But can she say the same for her heart?

Prince Teryn has already betrayed Cora’s trust, first with a lie, then with a kiss. Now all he wants is her forgiveness. If he’s lucky, maybe he’ll win her affection too. But just when he manages to convey his deepest feelings, he makes a fatal mistake that unleashes an old threat in a terrifying new way.

Thrust into a web of lies, deadly magic, and hidden memories, Cora and Teryn must uncover secrets of the past to secure the future of their kingdoms. If they fail, darkness will return in a way no one will see coming.

And it will be wearing the face of the one Cora loves most.

A Cage of Crystal is the second book in the Prophecy of the Forgotten Fae trilogy. Perfect for fans of Throne of Glass and Shadow and Bone. If you like breathtaking magic, fierce heroines, and enemies-to-lovers romance, then you’ll love this epic fantasy tale.

A Cage of Crystal is an upper YA fantasy that contains moderate violence and gore, mildly steamy fade-to-black romance, and adult situations such as pregnancy and marriage.

NOTE: A Cage of Crystal is based on an older edition of the book, Veil of Mist. This updated edition has been fully rewritten and includes plot changes, name changes, and other modifications from the original. The original edition has been unpublished.

Review:
This book was amazing. There was tension, there were battles for love, and for power, and goodness versus evil. Watching Cora battle herself and what she knows as right especially regarding magic for the sake of her brother and the kingdom she was born into showed true growth from the 12 year old who had originally been run off into the forest for six years. Watching how Teryn and Cora are willing to twine their fates to try to have everything they desire while being able to be truly themselves, and allowing the others they love to do the same, is an exhilarating experience. I absolutely love the layers upon layers that Odette weaves between the different kingdoms and the thoughts, feelings, desires and faults of the different characters. Valorre still remains a valiant and trustworthy friend, and I cannot wait to see where he and the others end up as they continue to battle the darkness that accidentally swept between the worlds. Hope to see more of Lex in the next book!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Ward of Wyvern: A Dragon Shifter Fantasy by LJ Andrews

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Synopsis:
A troublemaking mage. A fire-breathing queen. A love that will bring their world to its knees.

Teagan Ward is running out of chances. Facing his third strike following a not-exactly-legal string of fun, he knows he’s lucky to be sent to reform school instead of serving time in magically warded prisons.

Jade Drake may be the queen of her people, but the smothering presence of her security team has the dragon shifter yearning for any kind of excitement. So when she feels an instant connection with the new guy, she’s determined to get closer, especially after he saves her from assassination—even if he doesn’t remember how he did it.

Waking from the incident covered in green tattoos, Teagan is stunned when Jade’s overprotective family insists he’s a mage. But the color of his tattoos could mean he’s the one fated to protect Jade or they might link him to a sinister sorcerer bent on destroying her kind.

With everybody fighting to keep them apart, will their bond be strong enough to defeat a treacherous evil?

Perfect for fans of Holly Black and Jennifer Armentrout who love sweeping fantasy romances, epic worlds, and the perfect balance of sweet and steam.

Review:
I expected I would love this because I very much loved the fairy tale retellings I’ve read by Andrews. I did enjoy it, but it wasn’t nearly as strong of a book as the other series (The Broken Kingdom Series). While some might say that is because that is more fantasy based and this is more modern fantasy, I’d argue that a lot of it is because of the very slow and gradual build up of the relationship between the characters without there being a lot of things going on in the background. This book is very well based and set for a YA novel with the slow burn connection/romance, but it seemed rather lackluster and like there was too much left to find out. The pacing seemed a bit too slow, and I didn’t find the plotline to be that surprising. Given the age of the characters, the setting being in a high school was also an interesting choice that seemed to be done to cement the story as Young Adult versus New Adult, whereas the content of the story itself is far more geared towards New Adults and finding/making your place in the world. That being said, I’m sure that this book likely is very great for it’s intended audience, which I am not a part of. I am uncertain if I will continue reading this series as it just didn’t wow me.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of A rose in the shadows by Angela White

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Synopsis:
And Beauty arrived at the Beast’s Castle… A new contemporary novel for a tale as old as time

Following her father’s death and bereft of economic means, the young Annabelle moves to Vermont to become the curator of a private library. Among snow-covered mountains, she finds a fairytale castle and a frosty welcome. Annabelle eagerly devotes herself to the work, but a mystery surrounds the owner of the manor house. Who is this Declan Lions? Why are there no photographs or portraits of him in Lions Manor? What is the reason for his withdrawal from the world, surrounded by a solitude that only his boundless wealth can guarantee him? He does not want to meet her. But, nevertheless, Annabelle feels an extraordinary presence beside her…

Annabelle Mayfair has disturbed my peace, the way a stone tossed into a pond shatters the stillness of the surface. And, like that stone, she will be swallowed up, deeper and deeper into the darkness of the abyss. I hate her because… she is so beautiful. Very beautiful. The things I could do to her… the pleasure I’d make her know. Would she be afraid, I wonder? I doubt that she has already discovered what a powerful aphrodisiac fear is. I want to hear her say my name. Yes, I want my name on those full, soft lips, still slightly apart in such a seductive way. The things she could do with that mouth…

Inspired by the acclaimed and beloved fairy tale, A ROSE IN THE SHADOWS is a STANDALONE, CONTEMPORARY and very HOT romance novel with a happy ever after.

Review:
I thought I would like this book from the beginning note about it being for the girls who would have chosen the Phantom, and I wasn’t wrong. Though sometimes a bit slow and definitely more sex filled than anything, this novel does well to show how sometimes tragedies make you want to hide from the world and the right person can make you want to return to the light. The spice in this is absolutely superb. There were some cases where the word usage didn’t seem to match the tone of the story or just seemed to be arbitrarily thrown in to elevate the novel since Annabelle is supposed to be such a lover of words. As a dance person, the overuse of the word arabesque drove me crazy. White clearly used Annabelle’s stepfamily as caricatures and I do believe that was well done, however, Annabelle herself was left as merely being a sweet, uneducated girl that didn’t really seem to have much going for her- some might even go so far as to call her a Mary Sue. That being said, her innocence still called to Declan, and their romance and heat was worth reading.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of A Throne of Shadows by Tessonja Odette

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Synopsis:
A feisty outlaw.
A conniving prince.
A war of magic and shadows.

Wanted by the crown for a murder she didn’t commit, Cora dreams of getting revenge on the mage who framed her. In the meantime, she hides in the forest and hones her witch magic. But when she discovers her enemy’s violent hunt for faerie creatures, she forms a plan for vengeance.

Prince Teryn, heir to a bankrupt throne, will do anything to keep his country from sinking into ruin. When he meets an outlawed witch wanted by a neighboring kingdom, he gets his chance. The woman has an impressive bounty on her head, one that could pay off his kingdom’s debts.

If Teryn can help Cora save a few magical creatures, he can gain her trust, hand her over to her king, and collect the bounty. But Cora has plans of her own, and none of them include being betrayed by her handsome new traveling companion.

The closer Cora and Teryn get to their desires, the harder their tasks become. And it isn’t just their budding attraction that’s the problem. A secret war is coming, one stemming from ancient feuds and forgotten fae magic. They must work together to stop it, or else both their kingdoms will crumble to ash.

A Throne of Shadows is the first 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 elemental magic, fierce witches, and slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance, then you’ll love this epic fantasy tale.

A Throne of Shadows is an upper YA fantasy that contains moderate violence, gore, and adult situations. Later books in the series will lead to mild/moderate steam.

NOTE: A Throne of Shadows is based on an older edition of the book, Shadows of Lela. This updated edition has been fully rewritten and includes plot changes, name changes, and other modifications from the original. The original edition has been unpublished.

Review:
This book was amazing! You’re drawn in immediately but there are so many intricate layers that you’re never quite sure what’s going on until further in. I love the unique way Tessonja has magic work in this novel. I will say, having read Odette’s other book series originally I shipped a different couple, but in the end quite love the one we end up with. While normally I would say I tend to dislike the trope of “if they’d only just talked they could have sorted things out” I definitely think it made good sense in this circumstance. I love the growth and depth you see in both Cora and Teryn, as well as our boy Lex, and even Valorre. I cannot wait until the next book it out, and I am counting down the days until I can start reading it! (three, three days!)

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯