Synopsis: Two villains, one girl, and a deadly battle for happily ever after.
Evangeline Fox ventured to the Magnificent North in search of her happy ending, and it seems as if she has it. She’s married to a handsome prince and lives in a legendary castle. But Evangeline has no idea of the devastating price she’s paid for this fairytale. She doesn’t know what she has lost, and her husband is determined to make sure she never finds out. . . . but first he must kill Jacks, the Prince of Hearts.
Review: Apollo. Oh Apollo. There was the chance of warm fuzzy feelings for what a good guy you were, up until the end of the second book. This book makes you see the true difference between a villain and one who may just be… morally grey. Without knowing exactly why, Evangeline is left wondering if this perfect fairytale life is what really makes her happy. In life there are so many times that you must choose a path and sometimes the unexplored or what may be considered foolhardy trail is the one you belong on, so I thought this book was a great analogy for life. I absolutely loved that Evangeline has such strong instincts in this novel, and all of the magic surrounding (and placed literally upon her) enhances that which she innately knows. There are great villains in this novel, both expected (thanks to the end of book two) and unexpected. As always, Garber expertly drew me into her novel and I find myself wishing I could continue living in that world for just a few more pages… especially to learn more about apples.
Synopsis: For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings . . . until she learns that the love of her life will marry another.
Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic, but wicked, Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.
But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that bargaining with an immortal is a dangerous game — and that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’d pledged. He has plans for Evangeline, plans that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy.
Review: “If you think I’m jealous because someone else got to stab you, then you’re right.” (Page 329)
Magic and curses and the power of true love- what’s not to like? I absolutely love that this is a series set in the same world as Caraval with a few characters we know and oh so many new developments. I quite enjoy the stakes of this series, and how the truth of one’s emotions are learned through their actions. While parts of the series seemed like everything was obvious, the twists and turns left much ambiguous and to be discovered in full in future books. The depth and development of the characters is something that truly brings the world to life, just as much if not more than the magic we end up chasing. I love how everything is left to chance and there is always the possibility to change your future; much like real life.
Synopsis: For years Shine has studied magic in secret, buying black-market spellbooks and bribing two-bit warlocks for their scraps of knowledge, but every spell she learns comes at a terrible risk. In a land ravaged by war with the Sorcerer Queen, magic is outlawed, and those caught practicing it are hunted and killed.
When the lessons run out and the witch hunt closes in, Shine seeks out a new mentor: the immortal sorcerer Tatterdemalion, maker of deals and master of demons. The closer she gets to her new tutor, the more she uncovers the mysteries of his past, the source of his power, and his part in the war that changed the world.
But Shine’s rise doesn’t go unnoticed. The Sorcerer Queen has her eyes on Tatterdemalion’s new apprentice, and she will not tolerate a rival to her power.
Review: I was given this book as a gift after a friend met the author at a convention. Given the size, at first I thought it was a set up for a series and that it would end up being the first part of a story, but it is actually more a very short novella or even just a short story that has been formatted as a book. The formatting itself is odd in that the font size is quite large with a lot of space between words; about two paragraphs fit on a page.
This book was very much a combination of several different tales all mixed into one, with the most obvious being that of the Disney version Beauty and the Beast mixed with the Disney version of Aladdin. The story itself is written in a way that is clearly meant to give the feel of the Grimm Fairy Tales- something that is supposed to be transcendent and I do believe that this book was written in a way that the relevance will continue well past the time this review is published. That being said, it was a cute quick read. The heroine was tenacious and there was growth from both the heroine and our Tatter within the story. There were risks, and complications, and overall it was a good, albeit quick, short, and sweet read.
She’s bound to serve her enemy for a hundred years. Now, she’s at risk of killing the man … or falling for him.
After she lands on the losing side of a war, Saga is sentenced to serve Ari Sekundär, the man she despises.
But when Ari is blamed for a tragic assassination, Saga is forced on the run with her reluctant master, and they must work together to survive. Soon hate feels more like passion and disgust more like desire.
What Ari doesn’t know is that falling in love with the enemy will have deadly consequences. But how can Saga tell him, if he ever gives his heart to her, it will unlock a hidden secret that can destroy the kingdom…and end her life.
The tale of the Swan Princess reimagined. This compelling New Adult Fantasy continues the bestselling world of the Broken Kingdoms as the first book in the Southern Kingdom. Welcome to a world filled with fae, Vikings, and spicy romance.
*This book contains content that could be triggering to some readers, so check the TW list inside, along with spicy scenes that are for readers 18+*
Review: This book was good, but it seemed a bit more of a slow book that I didn’t find as gripping as the others in the series. I’m sure part of it is that I didn’t find Saga as interesting as previous heroines. Perhaps another part is that I waited so long since I last joined this world. Looking at the synopsis now, I clearly should have reread it before reading this book as I personally hadn’t made the Swan Princess connection though I can see some connections to that looking back now. I still loved Ari, but it took quite a while to warm up to Saga. There were definite moments when I felt like he should have seen right through her ruse, especially given his former occupation. All in all they make a good counterbalance to each other, though I did anticipate a lot of things about Saga before they were revealed. The spice in this book was great, and I did think that was well written and thoroughly enjoyable. I have already started the second book by the time of writing this review, and so far, it is picking up a lot quicker.
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.
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.
Synopsis: A headstrong princess is entangled in intrigue, politics, magic, and romance in this coming-of-age tale set in the world of the beloved House Witch trilogy.
It’s been twenty years since Finlay Ashowan, the fabled house witch of Daxaria, first cooked up supernatural hijinks in the castle at Austice. Since then, much has changed: the royal family now resides elsewhere, a tentative peace has been established with Troivack, and the crown princess, Alina, is ready to pick the perfect nobleman to be her husband.
But Alina’s quest for her ideal consort is proving rather difficult. For one, between her father’s nerves and her own health issues, relations within the family are tense at best. For another, Fin and his wife, Annika, have returned to the castle to celebrate Alina’s momentous choice, bringing with them their fiery daughter, Katarina; mysterious son, Tamlin; and mischievous familiar, Kraken—all of whom have a penchant for finding trouble that somehow surpasses that of the house witch himself. And finally, the most politically promising suitor, the king of Troivack, is nothing less than completely intolerable.
Now, Alina must manage filial expectations, flirtatious miscues, magical misadventures, and dangerous plots, all as she struggles to find her own place within her kingdom—and understand the blossoming desires of her own heart . . .
Featuring a new generation of delightful characters as well as the trademark charm, humor, and fantasy that made readers fall in love with the House Witch series, The Princess of Potential is a captivating tale of courtly intrigue, slow-burn romance, and mystical adventure that’s perfect for teens and adults alike.
Review: This is the type of book where it only takes so long to read because you keep coming up with reasons to pause and do something else to draw it out because you want to stay in the world as long as possible. This book is completely different from the original House Witch trilogy, instantly immersing you into characters with deep feelings, trying their best to help each other. I was a little worried that Alina wouldn’t be quite as interesting as Finlay, but while she may not be as magical, she has her own strengths and weaknesses to work on and through. I absolutely love seeing characters choose to grow and change together, and it was quite interesting to hear of the dynamic of Ainsley and Alina versus how Annika is with Katarina. Katarina is a force to be reckoned with, and I found myself falling a bit in love with all of our new characters. I quite enjoyed hearing Reese’s story, as well as his comeuppance for the way he’d previously lived.
Alina is a likeable protagonist and it’s great to see her grow, but I loved that we weren’t limited to what was going on in her per view, and that we got so much about Brendan, Tam, Kat, Annika, Fin, and even the king. Likon was quite an interesting character, leaving us with the wonder of unrequited love and whether or not it would be better actualized- much like another couple we know that went through something similar. While the characters have grown and developed further due to age and experience they all seem to have done so naturally. I quite enjoy the parental discussions between characters where they do not necessarily agree on discipline or morals, etc, especially when it was clear that they would have two very distinct ways of being/upbringing that they would need to compromise on. There are questions left at the end, but that is what we will have The Burning Witch series for, we can hope.
Delemhach is great, and you can join their discord server here, and share the angst of those cliffhangers!
Synopsis: Andromeda is a debtera—an exorcist hired to cleanse households of the Evil Eye. She would be hired, that is, if her mentor hadn’t thrown her out before she could earn her license. Now her only hope of steady work is to find a Patron—a rich, well-connected individual who will vouch for her abilities.
When a handsome young heir named Magnus Rorschach reaches out to hire her, she takes the job without question. Never mind that he’s rude and demanding and eccentric, that the contract comes with a number of outlandish rules… and that almost a dozen debtera had quit before her. If Andromeda wants to earn a living, she has no choice.
But she quickly realizes this is a job like no other, with horrifying manifestations at every turn, and that Magnus is hiding far more than she has been trained for. Death is the most likely outcome if she stays, the reason every debtera before her quit. But leaving Magnus to live out his curse alone isn’t an option because—heaven help her—she’s fallen for him.
Review: This book was absolutely amazing! I was drawn in from the very beginning and couldn’t put it down and get enough. It was very much a gothic tale, and I loved the debtera angle. The layers within the story were awesome; I absolutely love Jember and Andromeda’s relationship because sometimes relationships aren’t always clean and pretty. I didn’t quite love Magnus. While he is quirky there was no real relationship development between Andromeda and Magnus, despite there being multiple times where shared trauma is eluded to, it is never spoken of at length/depth between them. I also quite enjoyed that this was about two different ethnicities and set in the desert- a unique setting and character/class set up.
While this is mentioned as a Jane Eyre retelling I very much liked that there are only very loose resemblances to the novel. While I did think this book was amazing and I couldn’t put it down, I did feel that the very ending was a bit flat and would have liked it to have more pomp and definition of what life looked like at the end, how things were settled between characters. That being said, this is great and you should definitely read it!
Synopsis: Dead wizards, stolen enchantments, and broken promises force a young spellbreaker out of the shadows in the next thrilling installment of the Spellbreaker series by the bestselling author of The Paper Magician.
England, 1895. An unsolved series of magician murders and opus thefts isn’t a puzzle to Elsie Camden. But to reveal a master spellcaster as the culprit means incriminating herself as an unregistered spellbreaker. When Elsie refuses to join forces with the charming assassin, her secret is exposed, she’s thrown in jail, and the murderer disappears. But Elsie’s hope hasn’t vanished.
Through a twist of luck, the elite magic user Bacchus Kelsey helps Elsie join the lawful, but with a caveat: they must marry to prove their cover story. Forced beneath a magical tutor while her bond with Bacchus grows, Elsie seeks to thwart the plans of England’s most devious criminal—if she can find them.
With hundreds of stolen spells at their disposal, the villain has a plan—and it involves seducing Elsie to the dark side. But even now that her secret is out, Elsie must be careful how she uses the new abilities she’s discovering, or she may play right into the criminal’s hands.
Review: This book was absolutely perfect. While Elsie finds herself quickly lost in a dark place, the reader is gripping for dear life waiting to see what happens next. The relationship between Bacchus and Elsie is brilliant and it’s wonderful to see it develop, but it’s also just as awesome to see the ties Elsie already had strengthen and solidify. This book did a great job of showing that there is more to people than meets the eye, and that the world is rarely as black and white as we believe it to be; even things that might appear outwardly bad could be the first step towards trying to do something good.
What I absolutely love about Spellbreaker and Spellmaker, similar to Holmberg’s The Paper Magician series, is how the entire system and use of magic is made up and explained. Though similar to The Paper Magician series in having magic, and having to pick a discipline, it was quite different in how the magic classes were set up and what they represent/can do. It’s a completely unique way of looking at magic and I really quite loved it, and wished there was more to read.
Synopsis: Marked by an ancient prophecy wielded by the gods.
Shackled to a dark, enigmatic stranger.
And prey to a powerful adversary seeking vengeance.
Her life will never be the same again . . . .
Intrigue and danger enter Brydie MacKay’s life when Gage walks into her carefully controlled world. He brings news that her grandmother has died, and as her last living relative, Brydie has inherited her estate and must travel to Scotland to accept her legacy and all it entails. Brydie doesn’t want the inheritance, not after the way she was treated, and when a series of actions unfold that illustrate her ‘legacy’ is not just a physical entity but a turbulent birthright proclaiming she is the descendant of the Celtic winter goddess, Cailleach Bheur, she tries to run.
But Gage won’t take no for an answer. He has his own role to fulfil and will do whatever it takes to ensure Brydie returns to Scotland with him—even if that means taking her against her will.
Daughter of Winter is the first book in a dark fantasy romance series based on the myths and legends of the Celtic winter goddess, Cailleach Bheur. Featuring dark magic, druids, fae, selkies, mythical creatures, and a morally grey hero with an enemies-to-lovers romance, it is perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the Fever series.
Review: Overall I thought this was an alright book but not gripping in the appropriate ways. Most of the drama and ambiguity was because of lack of communication between Gage and Brydie. There were also many “flash back” moments of Brydie’s that were a bit of an info dump instead of being shown. There was one particular point that stuck out describing Brydie’s clothing when nothing else was mentioned to that level of detail previously, and a few points where the grammar seemed odd, “I cried until I had breath no more.” (Douglas 110, Chapter 4)
While Douglas’ descriptions of druidic times/nature/magic were quite well done, Brydie herself wasn’t that likeable. It was hard to route for someone who constantly let themselves be taken advantage of and only ever tried to assert themselves in the worst possible times when it could be life or death. That being said, while Gage is intentionally standoffish and reserved, he does seem to be quite smart, saying, at one point, “It’s human nature to be fickle, to desire that which we shouldn’t and undertake deeds of deceit and corruption to get what we want. All of us are guilty of it, and not one of us is purely good.” (Douglas 166, Chapter 21) Nevertheless, we learn that Gage has a person he cares about that he’s hiding, and I’m sure that will be important further on in the series.
While it’s been hinted at that Gage and Brydie will have some sort of connection, potentially physical/romantic due to their parts in the prophesy, the way they’ve acted towards each other makes it a bit off putting and frustrating when they think of each other amourously– would you really think of someone you hate like that?
Overall it was an alright read, and I may continue on, though know that this book ends with more questions left than answers.
Amy S. Brown 