Tag: fantasy books

Mortal Follies by Alexis Hall 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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This is a magical tale of curse breaking and finding love, all while set in the Regency era.

I did not love this. But that doesn’t mean I think the book is bad. The story is great, the characters are interesting, and I adored the Sapphic love story. But, something about how the story was related made everything feel less real. I honestly got a bit bored with the narrator’s, a fairy onlooker, constant thoughts about everything and everyone, and I feel like that took me out of the story.

I love this author. This is another incredible work. However, this one just wasn’t for me.

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

Witch King by Martha Wells 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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This is another strange yet absolutely splendid read from one of my all-time favorite authors, Martha Wells.

As is, per usual, I felt like I was dropped in this world suddenly but with still a comfortable ease of learning and understanding about what is happening. Kai, the main character, is another great example of Wells ability to create a persona that is sometimes difficult yet also effortless to follow. The gender and sexuality of the main character remain vague but still fully fleshed out, which may sound strange, but it’s one of the many things I love about this author. The idea that gender and sexuality do not have to have a clear definition to be accepted.

I loved this story. A demon prince that wakes up entombed and breaks free. That can eat souls and talk about how they each tasted. It’s definitely a bit gory but absolutely delightful. Slow towards the middle, but I still couldn’t put this book down.

Out May 30, 2023!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

The Will of the Many by James Islington 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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I think this is going to be one of the best fantasy books that come out this year.

Vis is an orphan with a past that he keeps secret. Once a prince of Suus, the Hierarchy has taken control of the world, including slaughtering millions. When Vis is noticed by a Quintis, he is adopted and set on the path of greatness… at least according to Catenan standards. Inwardly Vis revolts at every turn, but outwardly he plays the political game he is now a part of. On one hand, searching for clues to a murder and, on the other hand, attending Catenan Academy to rise among its ranks .

This story instantly grabbed me. Vis is a relatable and likable character, and I felt like I was fighting along beside him through this whole story. James Islington is a masterful storyteller, and I can not recommend this more!

Out May 23, 2023!
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Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Lovely story! It was a purely whimsical tale that really brightened my day!

Lucy has some grand plans but not a lot of money.  However, her favorite childhood author creates a competition that only 4 lucky people can participate in on his magical Clock Island.   The winner will receive the one and only copy of a new book by this author, giving them a chance to make millions.  

This story almost reads like a contemporary fairytale at parts.  I really enjoyed this but did think certain aspects were a bit underdeveloped and therefore just too farfetched, particularly the very real world aspects. 

Recommend this as a fun and enjoyable read!

Out May 30, 2023!

Venom and Vow by Anna-Marie Mclemore and Elliott Mclemore 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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I absolutely loved this. The representation is so beautifully done. These authors wove together a fascinating tale that, above all else, speaks on love.

I thought the storyline started slow, but as the two main characters became more familiar with each other, I began to fall in love with this book.

A transgender prince finds himself up against a bigender assassin. Their land has been cursed, including stealing away many adults in charge of their respective kingdoms. However, as these two enemies begin to fall for each other, it becomes clear that action must be taken now to break this curse.

I didn’t start out loving everything in this story bc it started slow, and I had a difficult time grasping the full picture of the plot, but this turned out to be really remarkable, in my opinion!

Out May 16, 2023!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

I’m Not Supposed to be In the Dark by Riss. M. Neilson 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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This story immediately pulled me in. I loved the main character, Aria, and I found that this whole story was just so well written and composed that I couldn’t help but enjoy this.

Aria has a secret power. She’s not really sure. In the very beginning of the book, she stops drinking the tea her mother and grandfather always push on her, and she begins to see into a gray world, some spirits. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. Her power doesn’t fully come into play until later in the story, but it is there the whole time.

She begins noticing some oddities about her neighbors. Her ex-bestfriend, Derek, lives next door. And, he is really acting strange. It’s almost like it’s not exactly him sometimes. In her search to help Derek, Aria also finds out a lot about herself.

I love this cover!!! And, throughout this story, the author includes some beautiful descriptions of Wisteria. (I just wish I didn’t have allergies! But I love Wisteria season!)

Overall, I really enjoyed this!

Out May 9, 2023!

A Shadow Crown by Melissa Blair 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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I already knew I was going to love this sequel, and I definitely did! I love this author’s style and the way the main characters are built up. Of course, particularly Keera. And, this book really delves into a lot of Keera’s history and how she is dealing with it.

I loved this focus on Keera and also the continuous world building that is just incredible. This world is especially beautiful and creative in this book. The author has a lot of room to work with very magical details, and it’s really marvelous.

This was one of my most anticipated reads this year, and I’m just so freaking happy with this! (By the way, major cliffhanger!! Can’t wait for book three!)

Out May 9, 2023!

The Isles of the Gods by Amie Kaufman 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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I had high expectations for this book, and it went beyond those plus another billion high.  This is my new favorite ya series right now! I have not been so invested in a ya fantasy in a while, and this had me heart and soul.  Very character driven,  plot driven also.  But these characters,  Selly, Leander, and Keegan, feel like my new best book friends. 

A sentinel goddess that requires a sacrifice, a slumbering god that needs to awaken.  These are the two sides of a war that seem hellbent on coming.  Leander is a prince who is journeying to make a sacrifice to his kingdom’s goddess, unknowingly entering dangerous waters on Selly’s ship.  Keegan, a scholar, is also aboard, unwittingly being dragged into the middle of history in the making.

What they don’t know is that the country across from them has been paying attention.  Particularly Laskia, dying to prove that she is better and worth more than her infamous sister.

I cried 5 times reading this, and I really never cry in books.  This author had me instantly feeling attached to these characters and their emotions,  so yeah… some tearjerker moments had me. 

Out May 2, 2023!

Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Holy cow. This was unexpected. I am shocked at the amount of emotion that this book pulled from me.

The main character, Kyr, is a stickler for the rules. In a bad way. The lack of outward emotion had me confounded and in extreme dislike of her. She was head of her mess in a military setting. Always arguing with her rival, Cleo, but remaining her unit’s leader always.

She is fighting to avenge earth, a distant home planet that was destroyed by the Wisdom. When she finally gets her appointment to a particular long-term job… she is speechless. But, on learning of her brothers disappearance, this sets off a tide.. a tsunami… of events that change absolutely everything.

I had no idea how attached to this character I would become. No idea the depths of this story. This is a masterpiece and led me to thinking of all sorts of issues relatable. Great read!

Out April 11, 2023!

Damsel by Evelyn Skye 🌟 Arc Review 🌟

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Elodie lives in a land that has been impoverished by drought, so when her father promises her hand in marriage to a prince of a rich kingdom, she is all for it.  I think what I really admired about Elodie is her tenacity to do anything for her people.  

What Elodie doesn’t know is that this rich, beautiful,  golden kingdom and its golden boy prince are going to leave her as a sacrifice to a dragon.  This is how their land stays so opulent and thriving.  

What nobody expects is Elodie fighting back.

I liked this book.  But I didn’t love it.  I felt that Elodie’s character could be more fleshed out with maybe a more interesting personality.   Much of this seemed a bit superficial and forced, which is not something I enjoy.  However, I love the idea and the strength of this character.

Out April 18, 2023!