Umbrafore

Review of Kiss My Ash by Lara McKenzie

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Synopsis:
Trauma handled with care. Humor sharp enough to draw blood.

Charlotte Marelli survived human trafficking and a catastrophic marriage.

Her life inside Umbrafore is small and deliberately constructed: work, wine, walls. The supernatural coffee shop runs smoothly. The vampire friend with benefits is a practical arrangement with no feelings involved.

Her therapist recommends rage journaling. Charlotte thinks it’s ridiculous, but starts anyway.

When the truth about her past unravels—about who sold her out, and how far the betrayal goes—Charlotte has to decide whether the life she’s built is living, or just survival.

Review:
“Old vampires were walking lie detectors with enhanced senses and centuries of practice, which was deeply inconvenient.” (Page 13)

“Some people enter a room and improve it. Others enter a room, and I remember that murder requires paperwork.” (Page 18)


“I wasn’t the woman things happened to anymore. I was the woman who happened back.” (Page 300)


We know Charlotte as an icon and this book jumps right in to show us exactly how iconic she is. I didn’t realize how much I needed this book from a slightly older and more experienced woman who everyone considers completely put together and nearly perfect. Everyone has things in their past that have shaped them to who they are today, but seeing how strong Charlotte is really put into perspective the welcoming environment she has created at Pulse. While I had an inkling from the beginning of what the big mystery was going to turn out to be that in no way deterred my great enjoyment from this novel. I absolutely love how scathing and snarky Charlotte can be, and I love that the reason we haven’t already seen that is because of a little journaling habit. (It might have made me wonder if I should do something similar.) All in all I could not get enough of this book, and I would continue reading more of Charlotte if there is more in the future.

This is by far my favourite book in the Umbrafore universe to date. Highly recommend if you’ve read Maya’s Blog book series.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Little Bean by Lara McKenzie

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Synopsis:
Maya thought marrying a shadow demon warlord was the craziest thing she’d ever do.

Facing escalating attacks from hate groups, Maya discovers that having a hybrid child doesn’t make her vulnerable—it makes her dangerous.

The girl who once apologised for existing is running out of patience with people who want her to be silent.

She’s come too far to shrink.

Review:
“Healing isn’t a straight line. It’s a spirally, messy loop of progress and panic and guilt.” (Page 301)

There was so much wisdom and growth of Maya working through her feelings about family since Little Bean came into the picture. This book also featured what I would consider a more realistic outlook on having a baby than most media does; it is often messy and sleep depriving. I love that despite all that Maya has gone through her voice and style never change and she’s just posting about life as she sees it, even when it seems to be too much (though sometimes those aren’t really posted).

While the ending was decent, I was bummed to think that this series had come to a close. I am elated that another book, book 6 of Maya’s Blogs, is coming out at the end fo this month!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Uncharted Grounds by Lara McKenzie

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Synopsis:
Life hasn’t been normal since a mermaid resurrected Maya Rivers.

Between supernatural side effects, the terrifying mermaid mafia who wants more than she’s prepared to give, and a shadow demon who would raze realms to keep her safe, Maya is trying to figure out who she is—and where she truly belongs.

In a world of chaotic friendship and found family, one thing’s certain: Maya isn’t just surviving anymore.

She’s ready to stand her ground.


Review:
“My bathroom is a battleground, my sleep schedule is a myth, and I no longer wonder why there’s seaweed in the sink.” (Page 13)

“Genevieve is the therapist I never knew I needed. She’s just like, “You’re an idiot and here’s why. Also, I’m stealing your crisps.”” (Page 48)

“I used to think closure came from burning bridges. It turns out that it can also come from walking away quietly and meaning it.” (Page 233)

This book was mostly about how to survive trauma, and still be yourself/not blame yourself for being protected. While Maya has her own place, she is still finding herself and although she has enough to consider after resurrection she certainly ends up with quite the fight in this book as well. I absolutely loved how Maya worked with those she cares about to gain more self esteem and be willing to stand up for herself. This series is also absolutely brilliant at breaking the fourth wall and mocking traditional book/romance novel tropes in hilarious ways (I totally agree with Scorpion!) The ending certainly had me instantly reaching for book 4.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Brew Diligence by Lara McKenzie

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Synopsis:
Just as Maya thinks she can relax into recovery and a budding romance with a demon general, the afterlife throws her a curveball.

The Grim Reaper who saved her wasn’t just locked away—he was erased from existence.

What starts as a rescue mission quickly becomes a masterclass in magical bureaucracy, inter-realm politics, and one seriously unhinged plot twist.

Join Maya again as she blogs her way through enough supernatural shenanigans to short-circuit reality.

Review:
“Don’t they realise I’m just a girl with a weird brain, a ghost cat, and questionable coping mechanisms?” (Page 64)

Maya’s life seems so different after the capture of someone who shall not be named, yet in many ways life continues. I wasn’t upset by the changes she had in her life because she is becoming more stable but there were times it was a bit frustrating that she would continue to fixate on something as a problem that very much was not. I quite enjoyed the new characters introduced and getting to know a bit more of their backstories. I wasn’t expecting the very huge life altering event within this blog sequence (but I bet Maya wasn’t either!)

I loved how everyone that Maya has worked with is willing to come together for her. Slowly she is realizing she is the glue (or the light, as many like to say) that helps everyone work together and stay on the same path. Learning more about Charlotte and her brilliant defense for Gary was truly spectacular. I would love to hear more of Charlotte, and I am very infested in continuing on to see where life takes Maya!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯