Fae

Review of Finale by Stephanie Garber

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Synopsis:
It’s been two months since the Fates were freed, since Legend claimed the throne for his own, and since Tella discovered the boy she fell in love with doesn’t really exist.

With lives, empires, and hearts hanging in the balance, Tella must decide if she’s going to trust Legend or a former enemy. After uncovering a secret that upends her life, Scarlett will need to do the impossible. And Legend has a choice to make that will forever change and define him.

Caraval is over, but perhaps the greatest game of all has begun. . . .

Review:
What a whirlwind ride this series takes you on! Honestly, I was so glad to get to spend more time with Scarlett in this book as she is the sister I prefer (perhaps most older siblings do). Scarlett has to face both her heart and secrets she never expected in her life, and Tella has to fight for what she really wants versus what is easy. Finale becomes far more about interpersonal relationships and less about magic and the wonders thereof. Despite Legend’s attachment to the Fates we don’t see him actually interact with all that much; almost as if he feels less than/less god like when his power seems to fizzle. There definitely was a bit of an ending, but not as in depth as one would want… perhaps we’ll learn more of the characters in Once Upon a Broken Heart…

There were certainly times that I was rooting for Jacks, and I somewhat wonder if he’ll end up entangled with a future daughter…

That being said, beautiful and touching trilogy. Garber has a gift for fantastical worldbuilding and I was glad to be able to go for the ride.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Legendary by Stephanie Garber

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Synopsis:
Donatella and Scarlett Dragna escaped their cruel father and made it out of Caraval alive, but the games aren’t over yet. What Scarlett doesn’t know is that, in order to gain their freedom, Tella made a deal with a mysterious stranger and now it’s time to pay.

Except what Tella owes is something that no one has ever been able to deliver: the true name of Caraval Master Legend. Tella’s only chance at uncovering Legend’s true identity is to enter the dangerous game of Caraval once more, and win. But what will she have to sacrifice to do that?

Review:
Holy. Hell. This book took me for a spin I wasn’t expecting. I hadn’t quite liked Tella in Caraval, and that didn’t change for quite a while during this book, but I did enjoy seeing her learn that you cannot always be rash and sometimes you have to temper your ideas. There were plenty of different plots going on, and while some twists and turns I discovered along the way, despite finishing this last night I couldn’t stop thinking about what some of the reveals in this novel meant in regards to what happened in Caraval with Scarlett. The game was so different, yet so clearly slanted and pointed. I cannot help but wonder if all Caraval is about allowing ONE PERSON something in particular, having everyone else along for the ride, or if these two particular games are special. I love the idea that while both Scarlett and Tella are willing to take the world on their shoulders and try to carry all the burden that they learn that it’s okay to rely on others and accept help. A lot of this novel is descriptions of clothing and balls, and while that doesn’t bother me, it may not be to everyone’s taste.

This book left me with far more questions and burning desires than book 1, and I cannot wait to continue on with the Finale to perhaps get a picture of what the end goal is for our dear Legend, and what type of future our two Dragna girls have.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Bound by Honey by Jamie Dalton

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Synopsis:
A magical library, an incurable curse, and a woman who loves her coffee.

Sage thought working in a magical library was already the stuff of fairytales. When a gargoyle named Freddy is your coworker, you know your job is anything but ordinary. But even Sage couldn’t have predicted the chaos that ensues when The Charming Four come knocking.
With their leader, Prince Finn, cursed and Sage in need of a place to stay, she can’t help but get involved in his quest for a cure.
When his brother, the Crown Prince, is up to no good and secrets are being kept, will Sage step up to the challenge or keep her cozy life cozy?

This enemies to lovers low-risk, high-stakes cozy fantasy romance is packed with sass, charm, and plenty of magic. If you enjoy the heavy male cast (but she only ends up with one person) in things such as Meteor Garden, the cozy fantasy vibes of That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon, but need that sprinkle of Beauty and the Beast this book is for you!

Review:
I wanted to love this. A librarian who gets swept away into a Beauty and the Beast style story? It sounds too good to be true. That would be correct. This book is being marketed as a cozy read, and that it is, however, there are a lot of plot holes and general lack of adversity within the pages. Sage seems like a nice enough girl, but despite being clumsy and hurting herself multiple times, she never seems to be injured enough to be weighed down/actually maimed; something always saves her. There were also huge story gaps where we go from no one knowing of Sage doing anything for the Charming Four, to her former human friends just cozily having a picnic and acting as if it was no big deal. Everyone seems instantly drawn to her and she always happens to find just the right answer and people to talk to. Several times I thought, and this is where something REALLY bad get to her, but no; very little actual conflict and no stakes at all for her. Her parents, once gone, seem like a memory- they don’t write or come back into the picture at all.

All in all, I loved the play with honey, and I like that the author did tend to make things using ingredients how they are intended (such as lavender and chamomile for calm), but I never really felt drawn to or cared about Sage because everything was always working out perfectly for her and there was no real tension. The romance within was middling at best, with her outright asking if someone likes her–completely takes away from any sort of connection that may have been established. That being said, if you’re looking for something to read quickly for a bit of entertainment, it isn’t bad, bearing in mind that you never really feel that there’s a true objective, or anything at risk.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of A Court So Dark by Ingrid Seymour

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Synopsis:
In a void suspended in time, I find myself trapped in an abyss of darkness and despair.

With every ounce of strength, I fight to free myself from this suffocating sleep, while Kalyll, consumed by a fierce determination, searches tirelessly through the realm. His sole mission: to exact revenge upon those responsible for bringing me to the edge of death. No one shall escape his wrath, for everyone in his path will suffer the consequences.

Yet, the fate of his kingdom teeters precariously as his treacherous brother, Cardian, schemes to plunge the realm into all-out war. Cardian’s alliance with the heartless and ambitious Unseelie King threatens to shatter the fragile peace that remains.

In a cruel twist of fate, Kalyll falls into the clutches of his enemies, leaving the specter of war looming ever closer.

As time runs out, can I wake from my dark slumber and restore the light before the darkness consumes us all? The final battle looms, and our love hangs in the balance.

—-
This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast featuring a troubled prince, a strong heroine, and an amazing supporting cast. Enemies-to-lovers series suitable for 18+.For fans of Sarah J. Maas and Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Review:
This book was an interesting read, and while overall I liked the conclusion, where were some heartbreaking moments. Some of the deaths elicited a shrug and nothing more as the characters hadn’t been developed/integrated into the story enough for there to be any true connection to them. The absolute last bit in the book was a bit off putting and seemed as if it was setting up for another book series/spin off. We were given a glimpse of what happens but left wondering whether or not the dreams that Kalyll and Daniella had worked for would come to fruition.

The spice in this book was frustrating; there was so much going on, intense war, and yet there seemed to be time for intimacy every few pages. The sex didn’t add to the story at all, and in many ways detracted and I found myself skimming to get back to the actual plot. Some of the metaphors and language were again off putting, and there were plenty more cases of “people are like abc because xyz”. That being said, the overall story was decent, and if you have Kindle Unlimited, like a bit of spice, faeries, and fairy tale retellings, here’s one you can read. I’d give the series overall a 4 out of 5 stars, but this book gets a 3.

Star rating: ✯✯✯

Review of A Cage So Gilded by Ingrid Seymour

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Synopsis:
The prince would choose to save his realm.
But the beast would follow his heart…

To me.

After I saved his life and kingdom, Kalyll let me go, choosing duty over the passion that burned between us.

Though his death was written in the stars, I found a dark, impossible way to pull him back, to anchor his soul to the world of the living. Still, that wasn’t enough to win his heart.

Now, the force that lives within him gives way to his darker nature, and for a second time, I’m kidnapped and made prisoner—this time in a high tower in the Seelie capital of Elyndell.

With good and evil fighting within him, both his kingdom and heart stand at risk. He can’t have it all, and his attempts to do so may be the end of all he and I hold dear.
—-
This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast featuring a troubled prince, a strong heroine, and an amazing supporting cast. This is an enemies-to-lovers series suitable for 18+ that grows spicier with every book. For fans of Fantasy Romance.

Review:
Firstly, the Stockholm Syndrome in this book is absolutely terrible. That being said, despite the title, there isn’t as much imprisonment as one might think. The title did very much remind me of the Plated Prisoner series by Raven Kennedy, however that is where any comparison really would end. The constant reminders of how Dani wasn’t raised to be in court and didn’t know how to do anything and yet had the acting skills to make everyone believe she was were a bit outlandish. As said in the previous book’s review, the language (especially intimately) was a bit off/left something to be desired. This book very much felt as if the writer intentionally using older, uncommon words to elevate the story but in many ways it detracted; it did work when the old fae used an odd word in speech, but even then Daniella allegedly already knew what it meant when he tried to explain it. This book seemed quite a bit more “Jekyll and Hyde” retelling than Beauty and the Beast. There was, of course, another cliffhanger so I had to read on…

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of A Prince so Cruel by Ingrid Seymour

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Synopsis:
He needs my help, but he’ll be my downfall.

A prince by morning.
A cretin by noon.
A beast by nightfall.

There is a curse on his blood, an ailment that, if revealed, could destroy his kingdom.

The only one who can help him is me, a human with average healing abilities. It’s what the Envoy told him, and her word is law.

I’m his only hope.

He sends his blue-blooded friends to kidnap me so I can join their quest to Mount Ruin, the only place where I can heal him.

The path is terrifying, and the prince is lying, hiding things from me. To make matters worse, he isn’t always nice. A Fae prince isn’t supposed to lust for a human, especially when she’s his prisoner. And a human girl isn’t supposed to burn for someone so out of her league.

The quest might kill me, but it’s my heart I’m worried about.

Review:
A cute little Beauty and the Beast retelling where the heroine is very self aware that she might have Stockholm Syndrome and yet continuously does what she can to help. There is a huge issue of what’s in one’s nature here, and overall the story was decent. The naming was interesting, and while I didn’t mind it, it seemed pretty odd in parts. There were many parts that seemed to be a stream of thoughts about the general behaviour of people, which, while fitting, seemed like they were more a commentary on life by the author. There were a few cases where things were said and should probably have been shown. Language wise there were a few phrases that just seemed odd and were likely a very specific dialect thing. There didn’t seem to be any real relationship DEVELOPMENT between the two MCs, and it felt a bit insta-love but overall it was a fairly cute story. I will warn, however, that this story does have a massive cliffhanger, and I immediately started the second book after finishing.

*I’d also like to note that I had already grabbed this on Kindle Unlimited BEFORE the tiktok drama comparing it to A Cruel Prince by Holly Black.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Woven by Gold by Elizabeth Helen

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Synopsis:
I’ve been rejected by my mate and banished from the fae realm. But nothing will keep me from my princes…. And nothing will keep them from me.

I was living the most ordinary life… until I found myself in the fae realm, imprisoned in an enchanted castle by four princes who turn into deadly beasts at night. As I grew to understand them and their world, I couldn’t stop myself from falling for them. But living in a fairy tale isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Especially when Keldarion, the prince I know to be my fated mate, forces me back to the human realm. I don’t know what he’s hiding, but I’ll do everything I can to get back to him and my other beasts.

And I have to hurry, because my princes need me. When Ezryn, Dayton, and Farron discover Keldarion lied to them about my disappearance, fur will fly. And we have to be united to face the coming challenges. A frost has fallen over the Autumn Realm and the blame is placed on Keldarion. Farron, the High Prince of Autumn, has been accused as a conspirator and lost all control of his lands and people. Unless the four High Princes can stop the terrible winter and prove Keldarion is not to blame, open war will tear across the Enchanted Vale. Throw in a wicked bargain with the Prince of Thorns (who won’t stop talking in my head), my jerky ex-fiancé who doesn’t understand the word ‘no’, and the terrible curse that gets worse each day… Yeah, we’ve got problems. Not to mention that every day that passes, I’m losing more of my heart to each of the princes, despite the fact I know it only puts me in danger.

Now, more than ever, I will need to find my courage and help Farron, the High Prince of Autumn, stop this war. And I will be right by his side… as long as he doesn’t kill me first.

WOVEN BY GOLD is the second book in a steamy adult Beauty and the Beast retelling multi-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 MMFMM content. It is intended for mature readers only.

Review:
This book had a bit of everything; war/fighting, adventure, intrigue, and most importantly four (somewhat brooding) awesome men. There were so many points in this book where Rosalina needed to just USE HER WORDS, with one particular instance with Dayton especially! For someone that is supposed to have spent so much time reading of adventures and all sorts of things, it is a bit ridiculous how lost Rosalina is so often. It was nice to see more of Farron and see him try to push forward and be his best self, and to see that when you let the right people in, they can help you more than you realize. Rosalina had special moments with all the boys, and it was good to get to see all of them come out of their shells a bit more (except for Day who is already there!) The spice was absolutely spot on in a few scenes, but most of the time Rosalina was left wanting. Ezryn did promise something that I am interested to see if it comes to pass.

I did very much like how Rosalina’s past issues and trepidations are used against her and she has to rely on herself and who she’s become to help her get through it. I also quite enjoyed the banter between she and Caspian, and I believe their connection and her ability to help people find their light will be of great use to him. After all, he told her to “Trust your own instincts above all else”, so he is really the villain? The mate connection is also well explained, with great imagery. “Starlight igniting your body, having the empty part of your heart filled.”

Unfortunately the plot is rather obvious from the beginning, and there is a lot of time spent with the boys refusing to acknowledge that Rosalina is their mate when it’s obvious. I feel in that regard that if more time had been spent to show that mates are very rare to be found, and even more rare to have multiples, it might have made more sense; or if it hadn’t been marketed specifically as a why choose. Always having something interrupt them or some reason to not go full out seems a bit contrived. The book did have a lot of fluff, but I didn’t feel that it detracted a lot from the story.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Castle of Dusk and Shadows by Rachel L. Schade

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Synopsis:
She’ll do anything to save her family—even marry a fae and face the dead.

Years ago, Elle Blackford’s parents made a desperate deal with the fae kingdom of Ashwood. While her mother and sisters reconciled themselves to a future among dangerous immortals, Elle and her father studied forbidden magic, hoping to find a loophole.

Until Elle’s father dies, forcing Elle’s sister to marry Prince Fitz, heir of Ashwood.

But Elle has a plan to change their fate. For she knows that ghosts wander Ashwood Forest until the royal family sends them into the afterlife. Ghosts that can be returned to life. And she’s determined to save her father from his premature death.

All she needs is powerful magic—magic Prince Fitz possesses.

Taking her sister’s place, Elle marries Prince Fitz to steal his power. But in a world of bloodthirsty fae and vengeful ghosts, being a mortal comes with constant risks. As Elle navigates a kingdom of monsters and tragic secrets, she realizes she might not survive to save her family.

And the key to her salvation might be her arrogant, cold husband—the one she’d planned to rob and abandon. If only she can trust him.


Pride and Prejudice meets Gothic fae fantasy in this loose retelling, full of plenty of romantic tension (not spice).

Review:
When you make bold claims that your novel is similar to Pride and Prejudice you better have the ability to back that up. Unfortunately, this book has a plot that loosely resembles some of Pride and Prejudice, but the order is wrong. While enemies to lovers is a great trope, Elle, despite being intelligent, spends so much time hating her husband, then learning about him, but is easily swayed to believe the worst despite knowing Fitz better than what she’s led to believe. In the counterpart, when Lizzy believes Darcy to be capable of horrible things via what she’s been told by Wickham, she didn’t know Darcy at all.

The storybuilding of fae magic is great, as is the idea of someone having to let ghosts pass on and having a glade of souls. The mystery was interesting, with enough hints given along the way for a reasonable person to have an inkling what is going on, just to have that idea dashed by clashing information, despite your heart KNOWING you weren’t wrong the first time. The characters were mostly well developed and had you rooting for their happily ever after. While there is some spice, it isn’t over the top; nothing above kissing.

Overall, a cute, quick read, but The House Witch was a tough act to follow.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of A Bond of Broken Glass by T. A. Lawrence

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Synopsis:
The shoe fits, but she’s no Cinderella.

Ellie knows what she wants in life:

  1. Open a glassblowing shop in the art district.
  2. See her father retire.
  3. Marry for love. (If she can find someone who can keep up, that is).




Winning the fae prince’s heart doesn’t make the list.

So when Prince Evander throws a ball to find a human bride, Ellie respectfully declines. And when she reads the morning paper and discovers the prince danced the night away with a mysterious stranger, only for the woman to flee at the stroke of midnight, Ellie can’t help but laugh.

Until she learns the mystery girl left behind a glass slipper.

Ellie’s glass slipper. From the set that went missing from Ellie’s workshop.

So when the idiotic prince decides it’s a good idea to use the slipper to identify the love of his life (because, you know, no two women could possibly share the same shoe size), Ellie doesn’t hesitate to prove the slipper is hers.

Little does she know there’s been a modification to her work of art. The prince may or may not have attached a fae bargain to the shoe, and when Ellie places it on her foot, she finds herself both legally and magically betrothed to the very prince she detests.

Not that Prince Evander is thrilled about the situation, either. After all, he’d thought the shoe would only fit Cinderella.

Together, the unhappy couple must discover a way to break the fae bond, but there’s danger along the way.

And what’s more dangerous than falling in love with someone whose heart belongs to another?

Hilarious and filled with witty banter, this not-so-retelling of Cinderella takes a fresh spin on the classic tale, pairing the dangerous politics of Alondria with the swoon-worthy chemistry of a romantic comedy. A Bond of Broken Glass is the third in a series of interconnected standalones, but you just might recognize a few faces along the way.

Review:
Evander and Ellie are absolutely perfect! There’s danger, a mystery, and a very surprising reveal of who was behind all at the end. We see both Evander and Ellie mature during the story, from fairy tales and belief that hard work is all it takes to have all you want in life to realizing that determination may be able to do much, but you have to work with what fate puts in your path. I absolutely adored the characters in this; they were truly perfect. While the King is NOT my favourite person, Queen Evangeline more than makes up for how turbulent the King can be. The absolute end I had not suspected at all and found it was positively perfect. This book has been my favourite so far in the series; in part because I absolutely loved Ellie’s no nonsense attitude and that she wasn’t just going to give in to Evander because he was a prince, despite whatever complications might arise by trying to be contrary (here’s looking at you, fae bargain!) One of my favourite parts was when she thought, of course Evander just assumes everyone has a faerie godmother!! I am very much looking forward to reading the next two books in the series. Great job, T. A. Lawrence!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯