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.
Bottom line: If you love fantasy romance with badass heroines, cinnamon roll MMCs who can still wreck people, and a story that keeps you glued to the pages, read this ASAP. And if anyone knows how long I have to wait for book two, please tell me so I can emotionally prepare.
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.
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.
Not in a long time has the latter part of a story so thoroughly changed my mind on a book—or at least on the rating I was expecting to give it. To be honest, from the beginning, Dakota Monroe’s Shadows of the Crown, gave me very strong Throne of Glass vibes (a series which I love), but not in a way I was necessarily enjoying …
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!
April brought us an array of worlds, from realms marked by divine trials to the ballrooms of Regency London. Among them, “Worthy of Fate” by A.N. Caudle stood out as our favorite read of the month, while “Romancing Mister Bridgerton” by Julia Quinn was a nice re-read in anticipation of Bridgerton Season 3!
In Worthy of Fate by A.N. Caudle, Kya faces a perilous trial for the unwanted chance at great power, while Ryker, her fated mate, grapples with dark forces threatening his nation. With addictive tension and immersive world-building, this fantasy romance promises an unforgettable experience. A gem of a debut!
In Awakening the Dark Throne by Jessica Ann Disciacca, Genevieve Autumn navigates a perilous world of elven politics and her own hidden powers. Despite rich descriptions and intricate court dynamics, rushed romance and underdeveloped plotlines leave the story feeling disjointed. With a promising premise, the book earns 2.5 stars, leaving readers longing for more coherence.
In March 2024, we were treated to a fantastical array of novels across genres. Day Leitao’s “A Cursed Son” mesmerized as a romantasy, blending enemies-to-lovers intrigue with dreamy connections while Ingrid Seymour’s “House of the Raven” unfolded an epic fantasy of vengeance and twists. These offerings, among others, offered magic, love, and intrigue.
Book 2 of the Amber Legends series, Olena Nikitin’s Fangs and Family focuses on the complex relationship between vampire Adam and human nurse Nina, set against the backdrop of modern Poland. With tension, passion, and snarky banter, their journey of self-discovery and danger unfolds, creating a captivating urban fantasy filled with vampires, Slavic mythology, and ancient artifacts.
