Fae

New Work Coming Out… April 1st

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Some of you may be thinking, Amanda, why the heck did you just put out 3 book reviews on the same day when you say you hate letting them build up like that? Well, I’ve been working on something quite different from the regular, and I have to let you in on a project that’s now available for presale, and will be released in paperback!

Have you ever had a character that was meant for one time use, but that people loved so much they became a full fledged important part of a storyline? Meet Genevieve, who came into the story with cotton candy blue hair, and is a full fledged, as she would put it, faerie princess. Genevieve entered the adventure (having been born during a Dungeons and Dragons game I was DMing) at 12, and while she doesn’t enjoy typical “princess” activities like embroidery because she doesn’t have the patience, she had it in her to keep a journal written entirely in haiku.

Join Genevieve in bouts of both hilarity and unexpected depths of wisdom by preordering her journal, Musings of a Self Proclaimed Faerie Princess.

Review of Skulk of Foxes by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
One impending apocalypse. Several crazy faeries. A few troubling plagues of locusts and storms of fire … It’s just another day in Manchester for the Madhatter.

Madrona might still have amnesia and might yet prove to be a vicious murderess but that doesn’t mean she’s going to quit being a heroine just yet. However, while she might be prepared to go to any lengths to stop Rubus from triggering Armageddon, it’s equally possible that the world will end as a result of her actions too. Manchester is experiencing terrifying surges in magic which are causing all sorts of chaotic events to occur. With a dragon, several werewolves and a host of faeries by her side, there is still a thread of hope.

And green eyed, sexy arsed Morgan. There’s always him.

Review:
There were so many good bits of this book, and twists and turns that wouldn’t be expected from characters we’d grown to know and love. I loved the description of things fae can do in chapter 8, and all of the bits of wisdom sprinkled throughout the novel, such as personalities having the ability to change and that no one is ever the same all the time, as well as being selfish creatures who make mistakes and have to work on righting them and being better in the future. There was an excellent(ly frustrating) end to the novel, which made me wish we had just a chapter (or a few more) to learn exactly how Madrona and Morgan ended up. That being said, this series is an excellent set up for the City of Magic book series, which I have almost already devoured in whole.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Quiver of Cobras by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
One wondrous faery with stupendous magical skills and a superior mind (not to mention incredible modesty). One drop dead gorgeous, green eyed stud muffin and his evil Fey brother. And the end of the world. Maybe.

Madrona might still not remember anything about her past, and she might be more of an evil villain than a fabulous super hero, but that doesn’t mean she can’t also be a super spy. With Rubus desperately searching for the magical dragon sphere which can return the faeries back to their homeland – and cause the apocalypse in this land – she doesn’t have much choice.

Someone with wit, intelligence and strength has to step up and save the world … and if that person happens to look super sexy while doing it then that’s just an added bonus.

This is the second book in the urban fantasy series, The Fractured Faery, and ends with a nail-biting cliffhanger.

Review:
Oh. My. Gosh. Of COURSE I’m already reading book 3 because that cliffhanger is a doozy! This book is absolutely stunning, with Madrona coming into herself and learning both her personal style as well as continuing with her gigantic ego. There was definitely a part that I found very touching, albeit sad, but I quite loved the ending reveal and hadn’t figured it out exactly on my own, despite there being so many little nudges that we should have pieced it together (or that Morgan should have!) We have a bunch of awesome characters and it’s good to see Madrona trying to be her best good/bad self!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Box of Frogs by Helen Harper

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Synopsis:
One corpse. Several bizarre looking attackers. Some very strange magical powers. And a severe bout of amnesia.

It’s one thing to wake up outside in the middle of the night with a decapitated man for company. It’s another to have no memory of how you got there – or who you are. She might not know her own name but she knows that several people are out to get her. It could be because she has strange magical powers seemingly at her fingertips and is some kind of fabulous hero. But then why does she appear to inspire fear in so many? And who on earth is the sexy, green-eyed barman who apparently despises her?

So many questions … and so few answers. At least one thing is for sure – the streets of Manchester have never met someone quite as mad as Madrona…

Review:
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this book when I started it, but oh my gosh do I love Maddy! The entire book centers around Madrona not really knowing who she is and trying to find herself and who she can trust along the way. I had an idea from the start that our superhero may not be as benevolent as she thought herself, and I quite enjoyed the ride from start to finish, having to immediately start book 2. While this isn’t the same feel as the other Harper novels I’ve read and loved (Slouch Witch series, Firebrand) Madrona has such a kickass personality that you cannot help but need to know what happens next, becoming very quickly addicted to the story from the very first page.

It’s urban/modern fantasy, there’s fae, there’s A HUGE CLIFFHANGER, but the next book is out so go for it and read this book!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Hawcett

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Synopsis:
Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries. She is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who is writing the world’s first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people. She could never make small talk at a party—or even get invited to one. And she prefers the company of her books, her dog, Shadow, and the Fair Folk to other people.

So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, muddle Emily’s research, and utterly confound and frustrate her.

But as Emily gets closer and closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones—the most elusive of all faeries—lurking in the shadowy forest outside the town, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? To find the answer, she’ll have to unlock the greatest mystery of all—her own heart.

Review:
I cannot say enough good things about this book. This book is the quintessential fantasy adventure; it has adventure, a strong female protagonist, romance, and growth. It was impossible to put down, and even though you start off knowing that Emily doesn’t do well with people, you find yourself hoping that she changes. From the start Emily is off to work and we’re left with a less than desirable portrait of Bambleby, but throughout the novel we learn that not everything is as it appears. Emily has widely studied the fae, which makes her more knowledgeable about how to deal with them than most, leaving others wondering if she is magical herself. Her own response is, “One doesn’t need magic if one knows enough stories.” (page 195) While on quite the journey, there are still many lessons to be learned along the way for all involved, one being that if you’re a person in power, people model themselves to behave in a similar way to you so you must be conscious of that.

This book is also quite unique in that it is written entirely as a journal of Emily’s adventures trying to learn more of the fae; a style that hasn’t been widely used. This book is Edwardian, and has footnotes of Emily’s “dryadology”, serving as additional information about the creatures/fae situations that people may not be familiar with. It is well written, well paced, with quite a lot of Scandinavian folklore entwined and while there is a hint of a romantic subplot it does not detract from the overall fantasy plot of the novel.

All in all this story is a wonderful return to fairytales and what can happen when humans deal with the fae. I highly recommend this for anyone who loves enchanting stories of fae, those who study them, and those who grow to open themselves to more. Book two of Emily Wilde’s adventures is out tomorrow, and I cannot wait to start reading it!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

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 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 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: ✯✯✯