historical fantasy

Review of The Witchwood Knot by Olivia Atwater

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
The faeries of Witchwood Manor have stolen its young lord. His governess intends to steal him back.

Victorian governess Winifred Hall knows a con when she sees one. When her bratty young charge transforms overnight into a perfectly behaved block of wood, she soon realises that the real boy has been abducted by the Fair Folk. Unfortunately, the lord of Witchwood Manor is the only man in England who doesn’t believe in faeries—which leaves Winnie in the unenviable position of rescuing the young lord-to-be all by herself.

Witchwood Manor is bigger than its inhabitants realise, however, and full of otherworldly dangers. As Winnie delves deeper into the other side of the house, she enlists the aid of its dark and dubious faerie butler, Mr Quincy, who hides several awful secrets behind his charming smile. Winnie hopes to make her way to the centre of the Witchwood Knot through wit and cleverness… but when all of her usual tricks fail, who will she dare to trust?

Review:
I wasn’t certain how I was going to feel about this book as I started it, realizing that Winifred is very different to what one expects from a governess. Her unlikely background made me absolutely fall in love with her. I absolutely love the world of Half a Soul so getting to continue on and read more in that universe is always a treat. I loved how well this book blended the fantasy with the realistic societal expectations of the time for women. I adore how the villain is both not what you’d expect, and yet those wrapped up with them is entirely who you would expect. This book is perfect. It has relatable characters, slowly developed relationships, realism mixed with the perfect amount of fantastical.

I highly recommend this book to any who love fairy tales, fairy tale retellings, magic, fantasy, mystery, adventure and a bit of romance sprinkled on top.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Ten Thousand Stitches by Olivia Atwater

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
A housemaid needs some magical help when she falls for a high-society gentleman in this captivating historical fantasy full of wit, charm, and heart-fluttering romance.Effie has most inconveniently fallen in love with the dashing Mr. Benedict Ashbrooke. There’s only one problem: Effie is a housemaid, and a housemaid cannot marry a gentleman. It seems that Effie is out of luck until she stumbles into the faerie realm of Lord Blackthorn, who is only too eager to help her win Mr. Ashbrooke’s heart. All he asks in return is that Effie sew ten thousand stitches onto his favorite jacket.

Effie has heard rumors about what happens to those who accept magical bargains. But life as a maid at Hartfield is so awful that she is willing to risk even her immortal soul for a chance at something better. Now she has one hundred days—and ten thousand stitches—to make Mr. Ashbrooke fall in love and propose…if Lord Blackthorn doesn’t wreck things by accident, that is. For Effie’s greatest obstacle might well be Lord Blackthorn’s overwhelmingly good intentions. 

An enchanting faerie tale set in Olivia Atwater’s magical version of Regency England, Ten Thousand Stitches is “a delightful, romantic romp” (Hannah Whitten) with a Cinderella twist and heaps of heart. 

Review:
“Why, her soul is made of the very finest thread I have ever seen!” (Chapter 10, page 138)

Effie does so much to try to be the best housemaid, and to keep her own anger in check. She pays attention to all the rules about the fae and other creatures and yet, she still ends up trapped in an agreement with one. I absolutely loved this story from start to finish. I thought that Effie was a sensible, likable character and I loved how everything developed and worked out. I loved the concept of how what you have too much of sometimes accidentally ends up spread to others, even if it isn’t complimentary. This world is truly amazing, and I was so grateful to get to step back into it.

Effie had such a great character arc where she truly learned and grew. It was awesome to see how she learned to harness her feelings and abilities for what is right, and to do what truly would make her happy in the long term.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Conjurer by Luanne G. Smith

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
Sidra didn’t murder her husband. Yet even a jinni can’t wish away a wrongful imprisonment. Determined to prove her innocence, she returns to her adopted home—a French village renowned for its perfume witches—with her friends Elena and Yvette by her side. Here is where Sidra’s true destiny awaits, but danger also lurks in the village’s narrow lanes.

On her trail is Jamra, another jinni, who’s after more than revenge for the murder of his brother. He also seeks vengeance for the indignities inflicted on jinn by mortals over the centuries. When he learns of an ancient relic capable of unleashing chaos on the world, and that the weapon is in the hands of his murderous sister-in-law, he vows to destroy Sidra to get it.

Relying on a sisterhood of magic, a mysteriously faithful dog, and a second-rate sorcerer, Sidra defends herself using the village’s greatest asset: its perfume. It’s as beguiling a lure as it is a formidable shield. But is it enough for Sidra to protect herself and those she loves from powers yet to be released?

Review:
This book had so much packed into it; excellent descriptions and worldbuilding in the already known Vine Witch universe. There are great quips, amazing showcases of magic that still leave the reader in belief that there is a serious issue that they may not be able to solve regardless of that helpful addition. I love that Sidra is told, while trying to hide away and feeling bad for herself that you can’t you cannot just hide away from the world and that your path doesn’t stop halfway through your life- you have to keep moving.

Perfume plays a large role in this book and it was interesting how magic became entwined with scent. The ability or belief in ability to create and do things was also brought up multiple times: “Intention, always, is the force behind any magic.” (Page 111, Chapter 17) I also quite enjoyed how Elena compared the three friends to perfume and it made me wonder if all friend groups are a bit like that- a dependable one with an overpowering personality that will always be there for everyone, one who sees the value in others, and one in the middle that binds everyone together.

Great series by a truly gifted author, surprised I waited so long to finish it as I bought the book in 2021 but as many good things, perhaps it is hard to know that once you’ve finished it, the story is over.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Salt & Broom by Sharon Lynn Fisher

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
A gifted healer unravels the mysteries of a cursed estate—and its enigmatic owner—in a witchy retelling of Jane Eyre.

Salt and broom, make this room

Safe and tight, against the night.

Trunks packed with potions and cures, Jane Aire sets out on a crisp, clear morning in October to face the greatest challenge of her sheltered girls’-school existence. A shadow lies over Thornfield Hall and its reclusive master, Edward Rochester. And he’s hired her only as a last resort.

Jane stumbles again and again as she tries to establish a rapport with her prickly new employer, but he becomes the least of her worries as a mysterious force seems to work against her. The threats mount around both Jane and Rochester—who’s becoming more intriguing and appealing to her by the day. Jane begins to fear her herb healing and protective charms may not be enough to save the man she’s growing to love from a threat darker and more dangerous than either of them imagined.

Review:
I had started reading this before I’d started Once Upon a Broken Heart, but it was set aside for the trilogy. Going back was like I’d never set it down at all. Fisher is an expert at making a believable world that draws you in and makes you wonder what will happen next. There were always stakes, and one was always left guessing exactly what the witch is truly against. While this book was inspired by Jane Eyre and therefore has some elements of that story, I would say that I personally got more Pride and Prejudice/Lizzy and Darcy vibes; Jane is tenacious and outspoken. Though Jane does attempt to appear demure at times, it is her fire and driving force that draws the reader in. I absolutely love the witch aspect of this novel, using different herbs to help with things as well as a hagstone, and of course a few spells. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, classic retellings, and wished Jane Eyre had less strife and was a bit more… magical.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Princess of Potential by Delemhach

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

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!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Spellmaker by Charlie N. Holmberg

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

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.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Spellbreaker by Charlie N. Holmberg

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:

A world of enchanted injustice needs a disenchanting woman in an all-new fantasy series by the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Paper Magician.

The orphaned Elsie Camden learned as a girl that there were two kinds of wizards in the world: those who pay for the power to cast spells and those, like her, born with the ability to break them. But as an unlicensed magic user, her gift is a crime. Commissioned by an underground group known as the Cowls, Elsie uses her spellbreaking to push back against the aristocrats and help the common man. She always did love the tale of Robin Hood.

Elite magic user Bacchus Kelsey is one elusive spell away from his mastership when he catches Elsie breaking an enchantment. To protect her secret, Elsie strikes a bargain. She’ll help Bacchus fix unruly spells around his estate if he doesn’t turn her in. Working together, Elsie’s trust in—and fondness for—the handsome stranger grows. So does her trepidation about the rise in the murders of wizards and the theft of the spellbooks their bodies leave behind.

For a rogue spellbreaker like Elsie, there’s so much to learn about her powers, her family, the intriguing Bacchus, and the untold dangers shadowing every step of a journey she’s destined to complete. But will she uncover the mystery before it’s too late to save everything she loves?

Review:
This book was absolutely enchanting! From the very beginning you are drawn into Elsie’s life and both want to know more about what is going on in England, but also see her grow and realize that she’s a worthy person. This book was completely immersive, well written, and every time you thought you figured out what was going on, it was twisted just a bit so not everything was (ever) as it seemed. I would 100% recommend this book to others, and I quite loved it, but it is in no way resolved at the end. Looking at other reviews on Amazon, the cliffhanger ending bothered others far more than I, however, I also knew it was a duology and both books were out before I started it. I had actually figured out what the very end would be before it stated, which did not surprise me, but I am oh so excited to start book 2!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Plastic Magician By Charlie N. Holmberg

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

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 The Raven Spell by Luanne G. Smith

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
Fleeing Victorian London, a witch finds her newfound independence comes with all-new perils—both mortal and immortal.

Forever untangling the branches of her strange family tree, Edwina Blackwood is at a turning point. Her parents’ disappearances still strike her as unaccountably odd. Her sister’s questionable life and untimely death have left her shaken. Spellfire has transformed her home and livelihood to ash. And now a devious stalker is on her trail. With supernatural detective Ian Cameron by her side, Edwina can’t get out of London fast enough.

Gaining safe passage, she finds refuge with Sir Henry Elvanfoot, famed wizard of the north, and is promised protection from ill-aimed curses. But in this unfamiliar city of fair folk and witches, where the veil between Earth and the Otherworld is about to be lifted, something is amiss. How else to explain Edwina’s sudden prophetic visions? Or the fear that surviving whoever pursues her will require the powers of an ancient bloodline she’s only beginning to comprehend?

Whatever destiny awaits, it’s Edwina’s to finally control. Where will it lead? Only time, cunning, and magic—in this world or the Other—will tell.

Review:
This book was absolutely phenomenal and I couldn’t get enough of it! The world building was exceptionally done and well crafted; the type of story you find yourself enthralled in and not wanting to put down… until you’re near the end and then you never want it to finish. This book perfectly followed Edwina, Ian, and her stalker. There was so much more fae, and magic, and fairy tales, and it was just the type of perfectly encompassed story that will stay warming your heart long after you finish the series.

I loved the aspect of choice and how it plays into fate and the future, whether everything is an illusion or written in stone. I absolutely adored all of the characters we were introduced to and became attached to; even those that were unsavory. I quite loved the Celtic tie ins, and the descriptions used so if you were unaware you weren’t left in the dark. The one caveat I had with this novel was how easily Edwina did the expected in a circumstance, however it is somewhat explained later given her lack of thorough magical studies. I love who Gavina turned out to be, and I certainly hadn’t expected how tied into everything she already was, or how much Sir Henry played into things. The only question left unanswered was the how of Ian and Edwina, but that isn’t as important as their feelings. All in all, I absolutely adored this little two book series and intend to one day have the paper version on my shelf.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Raven Spell by Luanne G. Smith

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
In Victorian England a witch and a detective are on the hunt for a serial killer in an enthralling novel of magic and murder by the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of The Vine Witch.

After a nearly fatal blow to the skull, traumatized private detective Ian Cameron is found dazed and confused on a muddy riverbank in Victorian London. Among his effects: a bloodstained business card bearing the name of a master wizard and a curious pocket watch that doesn’t seem to tell time. To retrieve his lost memories, Ian demands answers from Edwina and Mary Blackwood, sister witches with a murky past. But as their secret is slowly unveiled, a dangerous mystery emerges on the darkened streets of London.

To help piece together Ian’s lost time, he and Edwina embark on a journey that will take them from the river foreshore to an East End music hall, and on to a safe house for witches in need of sanctuary from angry mortals. The clues they find suggest a link between a series of gruesome murders, a missing person’s case, and a dreadful suspicion that threatens to tear apart the bonds of sisterhood. As the investigation deepens, could Ian and Edwina be the next to die?

Review:
Oh my goodness. Finding another book/series to fall into after reading one you love can be hard, but this one called to me, and I am so glad I read it! From the beginning you are drawn into the peculiar lives of two sisters, and the depth and characterization of their relationship and sense of self outside of being sisters made this book truly spectacular. Edwina is left between trying to keep things the way they’ve always been, and growing/evolving and learning the truth of some things that she may not have wanted to know. Ian is great; a man with an uncertain past, who despite that relies on his intuition for what is right in many circumstances.

I absolutely love the somewhat steampunk/gaslamp type of world that we are drawn into, and how well developed and organized it is. I love that it’s so different from the type of magic/world that we seemed to be dealing in with The Vine Witch series by the same author. Of course I always love a good mystery. Honestly, this book hit almost all the marks for me in things I love, and I would highly recommend it to others (and am already well under way in the next in the series).

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯