After a jolly good time with The Last Binding series, I jumped at the chance to read a new Freya Marske book. Her latest novel, Swordcrossed, takes us into a new world of rich merchant houses trying to keep a competitive edge whether through goods or political marriages. This story takes a big departure from…
It’s time to get locked up with The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni. If your recent YA lineup has been rinsing and repeating the same story, I highly recommend you read this refreshing tale and follow a young girl’s ability to use compassion to combat the harshest of environments. The Zalindov death prison is home…
I’ve unfortunately sat on this book for longer than I should have. The Fractured Dark—the second book in Megan O’Keefe’s The Devoured Worlds trilogy—is an excellent follow up that sets the stakes for the final installment, raising new questions and creating new fears. Spoilers for The Blighted Stars follow. Naira and Tarquin are struggling to…
Continue reading ➞ The Fractured Dark – A Confusing But Worthy Sequel
The dark and alluring cover for a Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright easily captured my attention, and it won me with its compelling premise. Blood workers have sanctuary in the Kingdom of Aeravin. Ruled by an immortal Bloodworking king, those with the ability can use their powers and flourish under his rule. But only…
Continue reading ➞ Mistress Of Lies – Deceptively Disappointing
I don’t venture into contemporary romance much, but my interest was piqued when I heard about Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver. Friends and acquaintances described the book as a romance with horror and true-crime fixins, and it sounded dark and twisty enough to make a modern love story interesting. If you love this particular…
If you haven’t been following the Paladins series by T. Kingfisher, I wouldn’t blame you. The series is published by a small studio that could do more marketing, especially because anyone who isn't reading this series is missing out. T. Kingfisher is continuing to gain more mainstream acclaim via her more traditionally published bangers, but…
Leigh Bardugo described The Familiar as romantic and character-driven, but I found it to be neither of these things. The premise is interesting and the protagonist enticing, but the narrative is slow and struggles to keep up with its own plans. Burned bread becomes a fresh loaf, a meager basket of eggs begins to overflow,…
I was completely unaware that Emily Wilde’s adventure continued in Heather Fawcett’s Map of the Otherlands. It seems silly to admit because Fawcett left the door slightly ajar at the end of book one, but it ended on a satisfying note that didn’t inspire me to explore further. Still, I was more than ready to…
Continue reading ➞ Emily Wilde’s Map Of The Otherlands – Uncharted Magic
A Fragile Enchantment is a fluffy but harried romance fantasy that wasn’t to my taste. I am shocked to say this, especially after enjoying Allison Saft’s A Far Wilder Magic last year, but this story constantly found ways to prick me with needles as it tried to force me into an ill-fitting, semi-magical suit. A woman…
Elspeth survived the fever plaguing her kingdom, but she can’t escape the monster in her head. The monstrous voice is one of many secrets that Elspeth is keeping while hiding away at her aunt and uncle’s remote estate. She’s remained unnoticed for several years, but as her father welcomes her back into society, Elspeth’s secrets…
Continue reading ➞ One Dark Window – All Fogged Up And Nowhere To Go
