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.
Within the Embers is a great continuation of T.A. Reilly’s Scattered Destinies series. Its mix of magic, high stakes, romance, and time travel, combined with a badass, relatable female main character; a swoonworthy male main character; and a cliffhanger that leaves you craving the next book, will appeal to fans of fantasy series like ACOTAR, TOG, and The Empyrean.
Vilest Things by Chloe Gong is a brilliantly layered sequel that surpasses the first book in its complexity and depth. The political intrigue, high stakes, constant plot twists, and the intoxicatingly dysfunctional romance subplot make it such a good read. Gong’s ability to mix humor, tragedy, and romance within such a dark, twisty framework is impressive. A must-read for fans of retellings, star-crossed lovers, morally gray characters, and fantasy worlds where the price of power is steep.
Cursed by Gold by Jamie Dalton offers a refreshing spin on familiar fairy tale elements, blending the untouchable curse of King Midas with the darker undertones of a thief’s desperate mission. When Scarlet, our Cinderella, tries to steal a necklace and ends up crossing paths with the cursed king, Remme, things get interesting . . .
This month was filled with ARCs, editing, and finishing up my re-read of Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series before moving on to her Crescent City series! There were a LOT of good reads this month, including Olena Nikitin’s Oath of Betrayal, Rebecca Ethington’s Crimson Stained Catalyst, and more!
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.
Book 1 of the Wilderise series, The Good and the Green by Amy Yorke offers a cozy fantasy with a romantic touch and cottagecore ambiance. Set in a magical land, the story follows Alison Lennox navigating newfound property, a charming town with a vine problem, and the enigmatic Keir Ainsley. Despite a slow start, the narrative gains momentum, revealing a delightful charm reminiscent of a Gregorian historical romance novel.
The Court Under the Sea by N.M. Lovely, the first installment in The Shade Princess series, immerses readers in a vivid world of magic and fae. Despite the allure of Lovely’s descriptive writing and an engaging romantasy premise, the story’s potential is hindered by an imbalance between world-building and plot development. With a rushed relationship and underutilized fae element, the novel holds promise but requires careful refinement for a more satisfying read.
J.P. Feather’s Crescent Phase, first in the Moon Academy series, blends ordinary struggles with the supernatural. Arabella’s upheaval after a fire and a mysterious note from her owl companion hint at a magical world. While pacing and tense shifts challenge readability, the entwined characters and suspense keep readers hooked.
From historical romance to fantastical realms, October 2023’s wrap-up spanned eras and emotions. Delight in Sarah M. Eden’s charming “The Lancaster Family” series or Jennifer Anton’s WWII saga “Under the Light of the Italian Moon.” Other diverse tales promise more excitement ahead. Happy reading!
Happy Halloween! As the moon rises and the world transforms into a realm of magic and mystery, what better way to celebrate Halloween than with a night of enchanting reads? Here are some spellbinding books to add a touch of magic to you All Hallows’ Eve.
From the pages of The Vampire Genesis Chronicles, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing the echoes of Vlad the Impaler’s Wallachia… Embark on a journey through time, myths, and history with us as we immerse ourselves in Lara Bronson’s The Vampire Genesis Chronicles.
