Dark Fantasy

Review of Enchantra by Kaylie Smith

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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.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Review of A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

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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.

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 A Game of Love and Betrayal By Elayna R. Gallea

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Synopsis:
He requires a wife. She needs to kill him. All’s fair in pursuit of love and revenge.

What’s a vampire to do when the fae who made her an orphan is searching for a wife?

Make him choose her and end his life on their wedding night, of course.

Brynleigh has been carefully planning this for years. Her plan is simple: date Ryker Waterborn, the Fae Representative’s son, make him fall in love with her, and kill him after they say, “I do.”

Unfortunately, it won’t be that easy. She won’t be the only one going after Ryker’s hand. Far from it. Two dozen men and women are competing in the Choosing, each searching for their perfect partner. The catch? It’s a blind selection process, and contestants won’t see each other until they have made their choice.

Nothing will stand between Brynleigh and her revenge, not even a competition for love.

A Game of Love and Betrayal is the first book in The Choosing Chronicles, a captivating enemies-to-lovers, new adult urban high fantasy romance.

Review:
I did truly like this book, but I’m not sure that the synopsis really explains it that well. Ryker is honestly looking for a wife and Brynleigh, well, she’s looking for something different entirely. It took me a bit to get into this book because it starts with Brynleigh in a very unique situation. From the very beginning, in the first chapter, we are told how hard it is for vampires to break away from their Maker, so it makes sense that Brynleigh does her best to appease hers. It becomes clear very early on that Brynleigh and Ryker are two very different people. The televised/blind aspect of this competition made it quite unique.

Both Brynleigh and Ryker both have trauma from their past that effects them more than one usually sees in a fae/vampire romance. If you’re looking for a morally grey female, this is it. As for this being enemies-to-lovers… somewhat from one side.

*This book ends on an ABSOLUTEY HORRIBLE cliffhanger, so be prepared to get book 2 immediately

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 What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher

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Synopsis:
When Alex Easton, a retired soldier, receives word that their childhood friend Madeline Usher is dying, they race to the ancestral home of the Ushers in the remote countryside of Ruritania.

What they find there is a nightmare of fungal growths and possessed wildlife, surrounding a dark, pulsing lake. Madeline sleepwalks and speaks in strange voices at night, and her brother Roderick is consumed with a mysterious malady of the nerves.

Aided by a redoubtable British mycologist and a baffled American doctor, Alex must unravel the secret of the House of Usher before it consumes them all.

Review:
This book had me enthralled from the absolute beginning. The setting was perfectly dim and dark and creepy, especially when compared to other places known by the main character. The past flash backs were well established and perfectly aligned when and where they needed to be. The mention of history and language was always well added and never seemed gratutious. Everything was perfectly dark, gothic, and seemed set for there to be a perfectly reasonable explanation for the mental decline that the Ushers seemed to be facing. I never imagined in a million years what it turned out was actually happening, and the story haunted me for many days afterward.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

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Synopsis:
Welcome to Phantasma.

There are only two rules to the game. Stay alive. And don’t fall in love.

When Ophelia’s sister disappears, there is only one way to save her. Ophelia must enter Phantasma, a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion, and claim its prize—a single wish.

Phantasma is a maze of twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, of demons and temptations. Ophelia will face nine challenges, each more dangerous than the last. There can only be one winner, and the other contestants will stop at nothing to eliminate their rivals.

Every day the house creates new monsters. But just as Ophelia’s fears threaten to overwhelm her, a mysterious stranger offers her a bargain.

Charming, arrogant and infuriatingly attractive, Blackwell claims he can guide her through the lethal trials ahead. All he asks in return is ten years of her life.

Ophelia knows she shouldn’t trust him. Blackwell doesn’t seem dangerous, but appearances can be deceptive. Worse still, she feels a dark and irresistible attraction drawing them closer and closer.

Her life is on the line. But in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart…

Review:
“Who wants to be around someone tied so closely to death and darkness? It’s morbid.” (Chapter 26, Page 208)

Oh my goodness. I love this book so very much that I snagged a physical copy after having read this on kindle. I have reading exclusively on the kindle and working on weeding the library of things that aren’t loved but this book needs to be on the shelves! There are real characters with great depth, secrets, and so many twists and turns throughout the plotline. There were several times when I thought I knew/understood everything that was going on and then when revealed found I was only partially correct in my assumptions. I thought the challenges were great, and Ophelia’s sense of herself and her family thoroughly grew as the story progressed. I absolutely adored Blackwell from the start, and while I wasn’t sure if I would like Ophelia, I loved how she had to grow and change once she was in Phantasma. This book was an opulent mash up of Phantom of the Opera and Caravel, some of my top loves. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out!

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, a bit of darkness, some romance, twists and turns, competitions, and who loves Phantom of the Opera and Caravel.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Kingdom of the Cursed by Kerri Maniscalco

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Synopsis:
One sister.
Two sinful princes.
Infinite deception with a side of revenge . . . Welcome to Hell.

After selling her soul to become Queen of the Wicked, Emilia travels to the Seven Circles with the enigmatic Prince of Wrath, where she’s introduced to a seductive world of vice.

She vows to do whatever it takes to avenge her beloved sister, Vittoria . . . even if that means accepting the hand of the Prince of Pride, the king of demons.

The first rule in the court of the Wicked? Trust no one. With back-stabbing princes, luxurious palaces, mysterious party invitations, and conflicting clues about who really killed her twin, Emilia finds herself more alone than ever before. Can she even trust Wrath, her one-time ally in the mortal world .  . or is he keeping dangerous secrets about his true nature? 

Emilia will be tested in every way as she seeks a series of magical objects that will unlock the clues of her past and the answers she craves . . . 

Review:
This book was all about finding things out that had seemed almost already too obvious in the first book in the series. This book still left enough mystery that I continued to read the third book, but it was the beginning of a decline. What had started as a young adult book became decidedly adult with an overabundance of sexual experiences, which were often at points that would not make sense.

Star rating: ✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️


* This was read in May, but did not write the review until June.

Review of Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

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Synopsis:
Two sisters.One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself… And an intoxicating romance. 

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe — witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin…desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost-even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden. Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…

Review:
Despite the synopsis very much informing the reader of what was to happen, it still was quite a shock to discover after becoming so embroiled in the lives of the twin sisters Vittoria and Emilia. One of the interesting parts of this novel is that while it is written in third person it is very obviously in the limited view of Emilia; so while we may have thoughts and inklings as to what happened or didn’t, we are led to believe her line of reasoning must have some merit.

I quite loved how stories told and used as warnings were so clearly twisted from the truth. The way in which truth and story blended and not everything was known worked well throughout the novel to leave you wondering. The story, while clearly fantasy, was given great depth and life by the way it worked around the family restaurant and everyone’s specialties and help within. Emilia’s relationship with the monastery in town, and in particular Fratello Antonio gave way to the perfect bits and pieces of gothic horror/romance. I absolutely loved the characterization, the depth of the characters, and, I’ll admit, Wrath.

This book was something I eagerly devoured, and there was never a part that didn’t seem perfect. From learning about ways to cook in the restaurant, the type of perfume or drinks Vittoria liked to make, to the horrible cliffhanger of an ending, I was always left wanting more. I highly recommend this book for lovers of gothic romance/fantasy, enemies to lovers, witches and demons.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs

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Synopsis:
Before Miss Peregrine gave them a home, the story of peculiars was written in the Tales.
 
Wealthy cannibals who dine on the discarded limbs of peculiars. A fork-tongued princess. These are but a few of the truly brilliant stories in Tales of the Peculiar—the collection of fairy tales known to hide information about the peculiar world, including clues to the locations of time loops—first introduced by Ransom Riggs in his #1 bestselling Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series.
 
Riggs now invites you to share his secrets of peculiar history, with a collection of original stories in this deluxe volume of Tales of the Peculiar, as collected and annotated by Millard Nullings, ward of Miss Peregrine and scholar of all things peculiar. Featuring stunning illustrations from world-renowned woodcut artist Andrew Davidson this compelling and truly peculiar anthology is the perfect gift for not only fans, but for all booklovers.

Review:
If you are a lover, a connoisseur of fairy tales, folk tales and folklore this is a book you want to pick up. While fairy tale retellings are a genre of their own Riggs went forward and created his own set of peculiar tales, that whether or not you’re peculiar, offer quite a lot of insight to what is wrong, right, moral and just. The stories are at times somewhat reminiscent in the back of your mind to tales you may already know (The Fork-Tongued Princess and The Paper Bag Princess bare a striking moral resemblance) but they are all filled with knowledge and warnings to be careful of what you have, what you wish to accomplish, and the mark you may make on the world.

This was on the pile of “books I bought and never read for years so maybe I should get rid of them” but I picked it up and started reading it instead… needless to say, it won’t be returning to the pile. The hardcover edition of this book is also gorgeous, with gold leaves on the front, black and white pictures for every story, and a black ribbon to keep your place.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯