Young Adult Fantasy

Review of Thorn Season by Kiera Azar

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
In the Kingdom of Daradon, a persecuted few are Wielders, in possession of a magical Spectre–a shimmering thread that can extend beyond their visible body to give a loving caress, pick a lock . . . even kill. Feared for this ability, Wielders have always been Hunted.

Alissa Paine, heiress and daughter of a Hunter family . . . is also a Wielder. At eighteen, Alissa knows she’s escaped execution thus far only due to painful self-control and the efforts of her beloved father.

Summoned to the harsh and glittering royal court for the debutante season, Alissa finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal—and caught between two equally dangerous men: one a brutal ruler with the handsome face of a fairy-tale prince, who would destroy her if he knew the truth—and the other a beguiling foreign ambassador with secret agendas of his own.

With the threat of discovery lurking around every corner—and romance becoming an increasingly dangerous temptation—Alissa will find that she has more to lose than her secrets. It’s Rose Season at the palace, but to survive she’ll need to become the most vicious of thorns. . . .

Review:
This book was phenomenal. I kept seeing the special edition everywhere and I was tempted, but I have been so set on not buying paper books unless I already read them; trying to have an library of intentional picks, and not just everything that looked remotely interesting when I saw it at xyz store. I am so glad I picked this book up! It was the first thing that really pulled me back into reading after Abby passed away, and once I started, I couldn’t stop. The story is gripping and the characters all have such depth and motives that you cannot help but want (almost) all of them to succeed.

This book has everything: political intrigue, magic, romance. When it comes down to the King and the ambassador, the King definitely has the advantage of being in his home court, but there’s something just so jarring and unpleasant about him. What would life as his queen look like? Alissa doesn’t really want to find out. The magic system implemented was a unique take on energy magic and I really enjoyed seeing all the aspects of what one could do with that. While this is YA there were definitely some moments of tragedy and heartbreak, times where Alissa really had to decide who she was and what she was going to stand for. I certainly teared up at least once while reading. While learning about Alissa and so many different plots encircling the crown one cannot help but feel for almost all of the characters; they have such passion, drive, and desire to lead people to a new life/world where it shouldn’t be dangerous to have a given talent, magical or otherwise.

The ending of this book was both brilliant and the biggest stressor because for the longest time there was no news on a second book forthcoming! With a little digging I have found that it is set to release in Waterstones (UK store) for October 22, 2026, so another book is coming our way!

I highly recommend this to people who love Dark Fantasy, strong heroines, and sprinkle of romance integrally entwined throughout the plot.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

*I have the hardcover pink special edition version, and it is gorgeous.

Review of Uprooted by Naomi Novik

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life.

Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as falling to the Wood.

The next choosing is fast approaching, and Agnieszka is afraid. She knows—everyone knows—that the Dragon will take Kasia: beautiful, graceful, brave Kasia, all the things Agnieszka isn’t, and her dearest friend in the world. And there is no way to save her.

But Agnieszka fears the wrong things. For when the Dragon comes, it is not Kasia he will choose.

Review:
“Try not to borrow more folly than you already possess.” (Page 172)

“I didn’t go gleaning in the forest to find something in particular; I went to find whatever there was to find, and to let the ideas come to me: if I found a heap of mushrooms, we’d have mushroom soup the next day, and if I found flt stones the hole in the road near our house would get mended.” (Page 270)

I was worried when I started this book, having read Damsel by Elana K. Arnold, that this was going to go a very different way. I was so very happy with the unexpected that was found within this novel. The Dragon is formidable and while he seems so other when he visits the village (which he rarely does), he doesn’t expect perfection from Agnieszka. While he has certainly had many guests before, it is clear that what Agnieszka is, is very different than the usual meek and timid maidens that likely have served him.

The synopsis for this novel doesn’t even begin to describe all the intricacies of the book, so I will attempt to without giving things away. This book is excellent for those who excel in nature, find themselves a bit different than others, and love a good strong female protagonist that doesn’t need to be saved, and can be a savior herself, thank you very much.

I’m not sure my sentence synopsis really helps in understanding any more than the one the book has already. There’s magic, mystery, and a lot of gumption needed by a fledgling who finds herself knowing that she can do more than sit around and hope everything will work out. I highly recommend this book to any who love fairy tales, fairy tale retellings, magic, mages, political intrigue, nature, and the forest.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
Vying for the hand of one brother.

Falling in love with the other.

A new Victorian-inspired romantasy, perfect for fans of Bridgerton, The Selection, and The Cruel Prince.

“If you’re looking for the next YA sensation, here it is.” —Adalyn Grace, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Belladonna

London, 1848—For four hundred years, England has been under the control of an immortal fae queen who tricked her way onto the throne. To maintain an illusion of benevolence, Queen Mor grants each of her subjects one opportunity to bargain for their deepest desire.

As Ivy Benton prepares to make her debut, she knows that not even a deal with the queen could fix what has gone wrong: Her family’s social standing is in shambles, her sister is a shadow of her former self, and Ivy’s marriage prospects are nonexistent. So when the queen announces a competition for Prince Bram’s hand, Ivy is the first to sign her name in blood. What a bargain can’t fix, a crown certainly could.

Ivy soon finds herself a surprising front-runner—with the help of an unexpected ally: Prince Bram’s brother, the rakish Prince Emmett, who promises to help Ivy win his brother’s heart…for a price. But as the season sweeps Ivy away, with glittering balls veiling the queen’s increasingly vicious trials, Ivy realizes there’s more at stake than just a wedding. Because all faerie bargains come with a cost, and Ivy may have discovered hers too late.

Review:
“Parents warned children to stay away from tall strangers in the woods and to never follow music that seemingly came from nowhere. They did not heed the warnings, and they paid the price.” (Page 365)

This book is AMAZING. It’s got the Victorian society mixed with fairies and magic and love. One of the best parts of this novel is that the faerie aspect is done very well; there is magic, there are bargains, but they all come with a price. While the bargains may be done to make the Faerie Queen seem sympathetic to humans, the duplicity of having to give something away that you often wouldn’t have considered the significance of should have made most realize that the fae don’t consider futures, morals, values, people in the same way that humans do. Yet one by one people send their daughters to ask for a bargain to try to make them more attractive, to elevate their family’s standing and lives, without considering what one may be giving away in return. This book also entwines familial relationships and what one would be willing to do for a sibling that they love more than anything.

This book is gripping, thought provoking, and leaves you wishing for the next book immediately before you’ve even set this one down.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
Elisabeth Scrivener is finally settling into her new life with sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn. Now that their demon companion Silas has returned, so has scrutiny from nosy reporters hungry for gossip about the city’s most powerful sorcerer and the librarian who stole his heart. But something strange is afoot at Thorn Manor: the estate’s wards, which are meant to keep their home safe, are acting up and forcibly trapping the Manor’’ occupants inside. Surely it must be a coincidence that this happened just as Nathaniel and Elisabeth started getting closer to one another…

With no access to the outside world, Elisabeth, Nathaniel, and Silas—along with their new maid Mercy—will have to work together to discover the source of the magic behind the malfunctioning wards before they’re due to host the city’s Midwinter Ball. Not an easy task when the house is filled with unexpected secrets, and all Elisabeth can think about is kissing Nathaniel in peace. But when it becomes clear that the house, influenced by the magic of Nathaniel’s ancestors, requires a price for its obedience, Elisabeth and Nathaniel will have to lean on their connection like never before to set things right.

Review:
While I haven’t read Sorcery of Thorns in a hot minute, I was able to score this book in paper form because I knew I’d want it and I am, of course, blown away. Though a small novella, this story captures the magic and story of the Sorcery of Thorns universe. I absolutely loved seeing more of Silas, learning more of what he’s done with himself his many long years of living, and how despite perhaps not being human, he does grow to feel something towards his charges. What I truly adore, however, is how sometimes things can be seen by not said–it can be easier to put in work and do the impossible than to say what one feels, and worry that it might not be reciprocated. I also quite like that Elisabeth isn’t sure of herself and her future, but she’s learning and working and trying to forge a new path unlike others; something her own.

All in all this book was magical, and I only wish I’d read it more closer to when I read Sorcery of Thorns so the characters and setting would have already been ringing in my mind. I highly recommend this book if you liked Sorcery of Thorns.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Forest of Ruin by Kelley Armstrong

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
The world is in chaos. Twin sisters Moira and Ashyn have been torn apart, forced on their own secret missions.

Moira—strong-willed and brave—must confront sorcerer Alvar Kitsune, father of her once-friend Gavril. Meanwhile, soulful, compassionate Ashyn faces an even more terrifying task. She must bring to life a dragon.

The sisters have been forced down separate paths. But the time is coming when they must face the greatest battle of their lives—together.

Review:
Both sisters have very different adventures in this book, and while Ashyn seems content to let Moria be front and center, it seems odd that she can just fade into the background. It was nice seeing the two sisters try to channel the other when they needed to act in a way that is more innate to the other. “Moria’s thoughts seemed to run in a linear path, clear and decisive and leading straight to action. Ashyn’s were more like a spiderweb, with infinite possibilities, and she could get lost in them.” (page 68) There was some violence in this novel that could be upsetting. This book definitely wasn’t quite as good as the previous two, and it had a decent, if not somewhat expected ending. I do wish there had been some sort of several years later epilogue, but I suppose what happens next is up to the imagination.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Empire of Night by Kelley Armstrong

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
Sisters Moria and Ashyn are the Keeper and Seeker of Edgewood. Or at least they were.

Their village is gone. Their friends have betrayed them. And now they are all but prisoners in court, forced to watch and wait whilst the emperor decides whether to help the children of Edgewood, who remain hostages of the treacherous Alvar Kitsune.

But when the emperor finally sends the girls on a mission to rescue the children—accompanied by Prince Tyrus and a small band of men—the journey proves more perilous than any of them could have imagined. With lies and unrest mounting in the empire, Moira and Ashyn will have to draw on every bit of influence and power they possess to unite their people and avert an all-out war.

Review:
This book had me wondering, who, exactly we are supposed to consider good and why. There always seems to be some sort of ulterior motive for people’s actions, and while intrigue can be good in books, it became somewhat exhausting in this one. The relationships were a large part of what this book was about, though often you would wish the characters would just share their feelings with each other already! Despite the various backgrounds, I really enjoyed how much everyone found someone who wanted to protect them and keep with them regardless of whether or not they were a “proper escort”. I found the scholar, and his lack of social graces quite amusing. “That seemed to be the honest excuse in every facet of the young scholar’s life. A basic ignorance of acceptable behavior. When he thought a thing, he did it. Not an uncommon failing with scholars. Brilliant at their work; lost when it came to social graces.” (page 68)

*Unfortunate/unsettling social situations and graphic violence. AND A HORRIBLE CLIFFHANGER ENDING that will certainly leave you needing to continue on the next book immediately.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
In the Forest of the Dead, where the empire’s worst criminals are exiled, twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are charged with a dangerous task. For they are the Keeper and the Seeker, and each year they must quiet the enraged souls of the damned. Only this year, the souls will not be quieted.

Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls make their way to warn the emperor. But a terrible secret awaits them at court—one that will alter the balance of their world forever.

Review:
I absolutely loved this book, and while it didn’t answer the oh so many questions raised along the way, it was a great story about a journey and the growth of two young adult girls who didn’t realize how sheltered they were. This book was very much the slow trudge and yet I felt that there was enough action and back and forth from our two main protagonists that I wondered exactly where they might end up. I quite like the world this is set in; I feel like it was well developed and had a great proper fairy tale/Grimm/gothic atmosphere for the tale.

I did very much enjoy this book, and would recommend it based on that, however, the complexity of story/trigger warnings increase throughout the other two books, so bare that in mind if you decide to read this YA novel.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Whispering Night by Susan Dennard

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
The forest is more dangerous than ever in this highly-anticipated, pulse-pounding, and swoon-worthy conclusion to the bestselling Luminaries trilogy.

Winnie Wednesday’s future is looking bright. Hemlock Falls is no longer hunting the werewolf, she and Erica Thursday are tentative friends, and Winnie finally knows exactly where she stands with Jay Friday.

With everything finally on track, Winnie is looking forward to the Nightmare Masquerade, a week-long celebration of all things Luminary. But as Luminaries from across the world flock to the small town, uninvited guests also arrive. Winnie is confronted by a masked Diana and charged with an impossible task—one that threatens everything and everyone Winnie loves.

As Winnie fights to stop new enemies before time runs out, old mysteries won’t stop intruding. Her missing father is somehow entangled with her search for hidden witches, and as Winnie digs deeper into the long-standing war between the Luminaries and the Dianas, she discovers rifts within her own family she never could have imagined.

What does loyalty mean when family and enemies look the same?

Review:
This book was the ending that I am so excited to finally have in the trilogy! There is a huge mystery of what/where the Dianas are, and what they are up to, and there is no greater girl up to the task than Winnie. Interchanged bits of the past with the present fit perfectly together as Winnie attempts to uncover both what happened to Jenna, Erica’s sister, as well as her own father.

Despite having done everything right and appearing as a huge saviour/girl who was bitten, Winnie still finds herself fighting against the Luminary council people who should be her allies. It’s interesting to see how even when one just tries to survive, if you are perceived as elite, how you can be used to bolster the image of an organization–even if you’re a very unwilling poster child. I quite liked how Winnie did not suddenly become detached or able to cope with the horrors she previously faced, and how multiple times she had to try to go through her PTSD. Despite the hunters being considered elite, it is amazing to see how important that the leaders take mental health into account and not just physical well being/training.

That being said, it’s clear that I would recommend this book series to any YA Fantasy/Urban Fantasy lovers.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Wisteria by Adalyn Grace

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
Blythe Hawthorne has never let anyone tell her what to do—not society, not her overprotective father, and certainly not the man she’s bound herself to, no matter how rude and insufferable he is. In fact, she’s determined to be a thorn in his side for the rest of her days, even as he ensures that her life in his palace is anything but a fairytale. But as Blythe discovers a new side of herself linked to his past, she’ll have to decide if she’s willing to let an unexpected spark ignite…and to discover the truth about who she really is.

Review:
This book is where the series went downhill for me. I personally didn’t like Blythe from the other two books that much, and it was hard at first, having her as the main protagonist. This story didn’t have quite the same mystery and allure as the other two, and it may have had to do with the two characters it was set around. I very much disliked a certain female character that turns up later, but I do believe that was the intention. All in all, I loved the ending of this book, but it seemed as if everything took too long for the characters to figure out what seemed obvious, and while there was still a bit of Signa/Death mystery/appearances, if I hadn’t read this book I don’t feel like I would have really missed anything.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Foxglove by Adalyn Grace

/ authoramysbrown / Leave a comment

Synopsis:
A duke has been murdered. The lord of Thorn Grove has been framed. And Fate, the elusive brother of Death, has taken up residence in a sumptuous palace nearby. He’s hell-bent on revenge after Death took the life of the woman he loved many years ago…and now he’s determined to have Signa for himself, no matter the cost.

Signa and her cousin Blythe are certain that Fate can save Elijah Hawthorne from wrongful imprisonment, if the girls will entertain Fate’s presence. But the more time they spend with him, the more frightening their reality becomes, as Signa exhibits dramatic new powers that link her to Fate’s past. With mysteries and danger around every corner, the cousins must decide whom they can trust as they navigate their futures in high society, unravel the murders that haunt their family, and play Fate’s unexpected games—all with their destinies hanging in the balance.

Daring, suspenseful, and seductive, this sequel to Death and Signa’s story is as utterly romantic as it is perfectly deadly.

Review:
On one hand, I absolutely loved how there was a sudden murder that has to be solved by Signa and Blythe but on the other I found Fate to be quite insufferable at times. It was quite frustrating how Fate had the power to know and do and fix everything all along yet played a game to try to get what he wanted. While I somewhat suspected part of the twist, something hidden all along, I hadn’t expected who the murderer was! I did have an inclination what deal Fate would have sealed in the end, and while I wasn’t wrong, I still absolutely loved how this book ended. I immediately started the third when this was finished, and I’m quite glad I hadn’t started the series until it was complete.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯