Illusion of Stars wrecked me in the best way. I went in expecting a fantasy with some romance (which it totally delivers), but I didn’t expect it to hit so hard emotionally. The way Sarah Marie Page writes about self-worth, grief, and uncertainty? Just… wow. It’s raw and real in a way that sneaks up on you.
October was full of ARCs as I waited for my next edit to come in… with a few dark academia, mystery, thriller, and/or true crime reads, along with a bunch of fantasies, I definitely embraced the month’s mood.
Lara Bronson’s The Time Tournament kicks off the Order of the Dragon series with a mix of time travel (love!), witches, dragon shifters, and a battle to the death, all set against the backdrop of real historical events in Eastern Europe. The premise is fascinating, blending fantasy with historical fiction, and I’m left curious and eager to grab the next book.
Andddd the slow-burn continues … Echoes of the Raven by Ingrid Seymour is a solid continuation of The Eldrystone series, picking up immediately where House of the Raven left off. The story plunges into darkness right from the start, which sets the tone for the intense journey ahead. The book shines in its second half, where the pacing quickly picks up, the plot thickens, and the character development deepens. Not to mention that ending?!!
Crimson Stained Catalyst by Rebecca Ethington is an incredible start to The Last Fae King series. The story pulls you into a world of fae and power-wielding humans (unlike any you’ve experienced before), magic, and multidimensional characters that you’ll quickly get hooked on. This book is a MUST-READ.
May was full of contemporary romances, namely the Kings of Sin series by Ana Huang and the Playing for Keeps series by Becka Mack. A re-read of Sarah J. Maas’ ACOTAR series was also a feature this month, along with a couple of other books. Take a peek!
“Danger lurks. Ready yourself.” Book 1 of The Eldrystone series, House of the Raven by Ingrid Seymour is an epic, almost dystopian, fae fantasy in which Princess Valeria’s journey intertwines with Rífíor’s quest for revenge, their fates intertwining in unexpected ways. Despite not being as expected, you’ll find yourself engaged from start to finish.
In A Cursed Son by Day Leitao, Astra finds her dreams of love shattered by a chilling reality when she’s targeted by a disgraced fae prince. Despite initial animosity, their paths intertwine in a whirlwind of deception and desire, leading to a delicious slow-burn romance amidst political intrigue and elemental magic.
Shadows Within the Fire: Volume I by Megan L. Adams ensnares you in a world of dark magic and redemption, where Evren, a young fae, and Delrik, the enigmatic Hunter, navigate trust and love amidst turmoil. With alternating perspectives and a slow-burning romance, the tale promises an immersive journey through intricate family dynamics and betrayals.
In this January 2024 wrap-up, a spectrum of literary experiences unfolded, earning ratings ranging from 3 to 5 stars. Rebecca Yarros’s ‘Fourth Wing’ showcased aerial prowess, while K.L. Ziggler’s ‘Of Spies and Shadows’ skillfully interwove magic into the romantasy genre. Ash Remington’s ‘Isolating Contact’ stood out as a compelling intergalactic science fiction narrative.
Bleeding Love by J.S. Hart is a dark fantasy novella, intricately weaving the lives of Celeste, a vengeful witch, and Roman, a forlorn vampire. Their entwined desires and hatred create a tantalizing narrative enriched by morally grey characters and intense chemistry. With a compelling cliffhanger, this prequel to “The Soulless Witch” series offers a wild, captivating ride.
