ARC Review: Threads That Bind – Kika Hatzopoulou
Other-born are the descendants of gods and are gifted with various abilities. The descendants of the Fates are always born in threes who can work with the threads that connect people to various things in their life: one to weave, one to draw, and one with the ability to cut those threads. In the sunken city of Alante, the youngest of the three Fate-born Ora sisters, Io, uses her abilities in her work as a private investigator. She stumbles across a terrible discovery on her latest case – someone is abducting women and damaging their life-threads, leaving them as wraiths…
ARC Review: Ink Blood Sister Scribe – Emma Törzs
Esther and Joanna have always known that their family’s collection of books is extremely rare and valuable and has been guarded by several generations, for these are magical books that allow the person who reads them to cast certain spells. But this magic comes at a cost, and the sisters have not seen each other in many years. Esther fled home, never staying too long in one place to escape the fate that befell her mother and Joanna lives an isolated life in their family home, caring for and guarding the books. But when their father dies suddenly after reading…
Book Review: The Dragon’s Promise – Elizabeth Lim
Determined to keep the deathbed promise she made to her stepmother, Shiori journeys to the underwater kingdom of dragons and must navigate its dangerous court in order to find the true owner of the dragon’s pearl and return it to them – easier said than done when humans and dragons alike want it for themselves. Upon finally finding the information she needs, another quest lies ahead of Shiori and she will need the aid of her brothers and Takkan to complete it. Things are far from back to normal in Kiata though. The curse on her brothers has been broken,…
ARC Review: Silver in the Bone – Alexandra Bracken
Hollowers, mortals born with magical gifts, often take on jobs to retrieve ancient treasures from crypts and other cursed places. Tamsin, who has no magical talent of her own, was never meant to be a Hollower, but when her foster father Nash disappears without a trace on one of his jobs, turning to this life was the only choice for her and her brother Cabell to survive. Years later, rumors surface that Nash had a powerful Arthurian artifact when he disappeared, a ring that Tamsin believes could cure Cabell of a curse he has suffered from all his life, and…
Book Review: Heart of the Sun Warrior – Sue Lynn Tan
Xingyin has returned to her home on the moon after her dangerous quest and her mother is now free. But the peace they have found is an uneasy one as she is still not in favor with the Celestial Emperor. When the Emperor and his dangerous advisor attack using a small misstep as an excuse to seize their home and take control of a powerful magic found on the moon, Xingyin is forced to flee her home once again. To confront this new danger, Xingyin and her companions will need allies, but more importantly, they will need to learn to…
Mini Reviews #23
Hello readers, and welcome to Mini Reviews, where I talk about some of the books I don’t write full length reviews for. This installment I’m discussing The Sinister Booksellers of Bath, A Thousand Heartbeats, and Friends Like These.
Book Review: These Infinite Threads – Tahereh Mafi
Kamran’s grandfather is dead and everyone now knows about the terrible deal he made with the devil. Now the heir to the throne of Ardunia, Kamran is dealing with betrayal on all sides and his own nobles turning against him, but he is determined to go to Tulan to avenge his grandfather. Then there’s Alizeh who has been taken away to Tulan by its king, Cyrus as part of his own deal with the devil. Alizeh isn’t interested in being part of any deals with Iblees, but with no way out of Tulan and an offer to help her fulfill…
Book Review: Manifest – Brittany Cavallaro
Following the General’s attempted coup in St Cloud, Claire and Remy are in exile with a few trusted staff. Claire is fighting to hold onto the seat of power while Remy is still injured from the assassination attempt. For the first time, Claire is not under a man’s control, but they are still surrounded by enemies and have few allies to depend on – which makes King Washington’s upcoming visit to their temporary base absolutely crucial. His support would be key to restoring the Duchamps to power, but the King is a dangerous man and she has to step carefully.…
Book Review: Chain of Thorns – Cassandra Clare
Cordelia has fled to Paris with Matthew, trying to forget her many woes – the recent death of her father, the breakdown of her marriage to James, and the fact that she has unwittingly become the demon Lilith’s paladin, bound to her service and unable to wield any weapon without calling on her. Meanwhile, Lucie has vanished along with the warlock Malcolm Fade and the newly resurrected Jesse Blackthorn, and her family is desperately searching for her. But when news arrives that Tatiana Blackthorn has escaped her imprisonment at the Adamant Citadel, it’s all hands on deck at the London…
Book Review: Hell Bent – Leigh Bardugo
Alex and Dawes are on a mission to rescue Darlington from hell, no matter the cost. Lethe has refused to help and forbidden any attempts at a rescue, so the girls decide to figure out a way themselves. After a failed mission, it’s clear they can’t do this alone, so they assemble a team for the purpose of finding one of the oldest secrets of the societies. But Darlington’s disappearance isn’t the only thing related to the occult going on in New Haven – faculty members begin to turn up dead under suspicious circumstances and Alex knows that these are…
ARC Review: Nightbirds – Kate J Armstrong
In Simta, magic is banned and any who use it – particularly women – are persecuted as witches by the city’s religious faction. But the Great Houses have long protected the Nightbirds, teenage girls born into these Houses who have magic and the ability to gift it to others with a kiss, and their identities are hidden from everyone, making them but a myth to any not of these circles. Matilde, Aesa and Sayer, are enjoying their Season by day and performing their Nightbird duties by night, but all of them seek a life beyond the confines and closely dictated…
Book Review: The Shattered City – Lisa Maxwell
After a long, dangerous and difficult quest through time, Esta and Harte have finally acquired the five stones as well as the Ars Arcana, which together, could be the key to not only freeing all the Mageus trapped in Manhattan from the Brink, but also defeating an ancient evil they unleashed along the way that now hunts them. But the greatest challenge yet still awaits as their search leads them back to New York, a city much changed since they left. Jianyu and Viola have done their best to prepare, but have been forced into hiding with both the Order…
Mini Reviews #22
Hello readers, and welcome to Mini Reviews, where I talk about some of the books I don’t write full length reviews for. This installment I’m discussing Legendborn, The Undercover Secretary and Five Survive.
Book Review: All of Our Demise – Amanda Foody & C L Herman
The veil separating the tournament grounds from the city of Ilvernath has fallen, and the press is all too eager to get a good story. Hendry Lowe is alive – sort of – and no one quite knows what to make of the dead boy returning to life. One relic has been destroyed and as Briony continues in her quest to end the tournament curse forever, the lines of war have been drawn between the champions – though the alliances remain as shaky as ever. Alastair and Gavin, each for their own reasons, remain convinced that the only way out…
ARC Review: Stardust In Their Veins – Laura Sebastian
As the news of Sophronia’s death makes its way across Vesteria to her sisters, Beatriz and Daphne, who are in very tricky situations themselves, struggle to figure out the truth and whom they can trust. After the coup in Cellaria, Beatriz is desperate to find a way to get herself and Pasquale, both separately imprisoned, to safety. In Friv, Daphne is still playing a double game with the rebels even as she continues to do their mother’s bidding by furthering their plans. But she soon starts to realize that their mother may not have their best interests in mind, and…
Book Review: Kingdom of the Feared – Kerri Maniscalco
Emilia has only just learnt that her sister Vittoria is still alive, but before she can come to terms with it and all that it implies, there is an assassination in House Greed, a high ranking member of the court, and the evidence points to Vittoria as the culprit. With a new mystery on her hands, Emilia sets out to uncover her sister’s plans even as tensions brew between the different factions in the Seven Circles.
Book Review: The Golden Enclaves – Naomi Novik
El is finally out of the Scholomance, but even though she is back in the real world with her mom at last, she cannot forget that Orion sacrificed himself to face the maw mouth and is still inside the school, his fate uncertain. Meanwhile, the mystery of enclaves being attacked and simply vanishing is continuing to cause a huge panic across the magical world as they don’t know which will be targeted next. Then there is her grandmother’s dire prophecy hanging over her head, the one that claims she will be the doom of all the enclaves. El sets out…
Mini Reviews #21 – ARC Edition
Hello readers, and welcome to Mini Reviews, where I talk about some of the books I don’t write full length reviews for. This installment is a little different, since all the reviews are for ARCs I received last year that I haven’t yet reviewed and I’ll be discussing The Secret Society of Salzburg, Seoulmates and Nubia: The Awakening.
The Ballad of Never After – Stephanie Garber
Following Jacks’ betrayal, Evangeline has vowed to never trust him again and turns her efforts to finding a cure for Apollo and waking him up. But when a deadly curse is cast on both her and Apollo, Eva has no choice but to ally with Jacks again. In return for her opening the Valory arch, he agrees to help her lift the curse, but it quickly becomes evident that they aren’t the only ones who want to open the arch – and there are also those who will go to any lengths to ensure they don’t succeed, leaving Evangeline to…
Rust in the Root – Justina Ireland – ARC Review
Life has been hard in America ever since the Great Rust, which corrupted the arcane force known as the Dynamism, causing many areas across the country to become blighted and uninhabitable. The country is slowly rebuilding and the traditional mystical arts are giving way to the modern Mechomancy, with any kind of magic being highly regulated. Laura, a young mage from Pennsylvania, moves to New York with grand dreams of getting her license, but six months later, with no funds and no opportunities, she joins the Bureau of the Arcane’s Conservation Corps whose job it is to repair the dynamism…
The Stolen Book of Evelyn Aubrey – Serena Burdick – ARC Review
In 1898 England, aspiring writer Evelyn, the well educated daughter of wealthy parents, marries acclaimed author William Aubrey, whose debut novel has brought him fame, but the initially happy marriage turns into something terrible. When William, in the midst of writer’s block and jealous of Evelyn’s talent, betrays her by stealing her novel and selling it as his own, Evelyn decides that it’s time for her to find a way out of this marriage – one that will also be a suitable revenge for everything she has undergone at his hands. A hundred years later in California, Abigail finds a…
Pretty Dead Queens – Alexa Donne – ARC Review
Cecelia Ellis arrives in Seaview, a small coastal California town, to live with her estranged grandmother after her mother’s death. Her grandmother is a famous author who initially rose to fame when she wrote a murder mystery novel based on the real life events that took place in the town surrounding the death of a homecoming queen. Seaview seems rather ordinary these days though, until history repeats itself with another homecoming queen murdered. Certain that there is a copycat killer around, Cecelia starts investigating, but the further she digs, the more questions come up and it’s starting to look more…
Children of Ragnarok – Cinda Williams Chima – ARC Review
In the Archipelago, life has been difficult ever since Ragnarok, and most people struggle to feed themselves, but Eiric Halvorsen works hard on his mother’s farm which continues to yield a good harvest, and he, along with his mother and sister, do well. But when Eiric is about to be convicted by a biased jury of his mother and stepfather’s murders, a powerful jarl intervenes and offers to pay the blood price in return for a year of service. He wants Eiric to lead a voyage to the mythical Temple of the Grove, where the last magic wielders are said…
The Winter Garden – Nicola Cornick – ARC Review
Lucy Brown’s promising music career has come to an abrupt end after an illness and she goes to her aunt’s cottage in the countryside, to rest and recuperate. The cottage was originally a manor in Tudor times and is famous for having been the home of Robert Catesby, one of the gunpowder plotters. An archaeological dig is underway around the cottage as her aunt hopes to find the remains of a Tudor garden, and as Lucy spends more time on the grounds, she begins to have visions of a sorrowful ghost who keeps mentioning a lost treasure. The story of…
If You Could See The Sun – Ann Liang – HTP Books Fall 2022 YA Blog Tour
Alice Sun is a scholarship student at an elite international boarding school in Beijing and despite being one of the top students, has always felt overlooked amongst the wealthy students. One day, she suddenly starts turning invisible, and uncontrollably at that. When her parents tell her they can no longer afford the fees for her private school, Alice sees an opportunity to use her new power to earn some extra money and pay her tuition. It starts off with little things at first, school gossip and scandals that she uncovers anonymously but when the requests on the anonymous app she…
The Empress of Time – Kylie Lee Baker | ARC Review
Ten years after the events of the first book, Ren Scarborough is the Goddess of Death of Japan’s Underworld, but the Shinigami still see her as a foreigner for being half Reaper. Her brother Neven is still lost despite her efforts to locate him and the greatest threat yet is about to arrive on her shores. An invasion of Reapers is at hand, and her old enemy Ivy, who is now Britain’s Death Goddess is out for revenge. With only one way out, Ren sets off on a quest to retrieve a legendary sword lost thousands of years ago that…
Bone Weaver – Aden Polydoros | ARC Review
The Kosa Empire is embroiled in a civil war as the Tsar has been dethroned and has had his magic stolen and a power struggle is ongoing between the magic wielding elite and the commoners. Seventeen year old Toma lives on the edge of the empire with her family of undead, completely unaware of the conflict until one day, it lands right on her doorstep in the form of Mikhail, the tsar in exile. His pursuers are not far behind, and when they end up capturing Toma’s sister to bring back to the revolutionary leader, Toma and Mikhail set out…
Book of Night – Holly Black
In a world where shadows can be manipulated for a variety of reasons, Charlie is bartender and former con-artist trying to leave her past in the dangerous world of shadow trading behind her. She supports herself and her sister by doing odd jobs for the bar’s patrons. When people start approaching Charlie about hiring her to acquire a powerful book that is said to contain the secrets of controlling shadows, she is reluctant to get involved. But when a deadly figure from her past returns, Charlie finds herself caught up in the matter regardless and she has to figure out…
She Who Became The Sun – Shelley Parker-Chan
The year is 1345, and in a village struck down by famine on the plains of China, two children, a brother and sister are given their fates. The brother, Zhu Chongba, is told there is greatness in his future, while the sister is given a fate of simply nothing. But when bandits attack the village and kill their father, Zhu dies out of despair soon after. The girl, desperate to escape her own fate, takes on her brother’s identity and enters a monastery, determined to do whatever it takes to survive. Years later, when a rebellion rises against the harsh…
Babel – R. F. Kuang – ARC Review
After he loses his entire family during a cholera epidemic in Canton, Robin Swift is brought to London by Professor Lovell and trained to be fluent in many languages in preparation for the day he will join Oxford’s prestigious Royal Institution of Translation, better known as Babel. As the center of the magical art of silver-working, Babel is at the heart of the British Empire’s power. But though Robin loves Oxford and his studies there, he begins to realize that all this pursuit of knowledge will inevitably be used in the service of the Empire, against his own homeland of…
Hotel Magnifique – Emily J. Taylor
Jani works hard to support herself and her sister Zosa ever since their mother died, and they are barely scraping by until one day, when Hotel Magnifique comes to town. The legendary hotel filled with magical enchantments travels from place to place and though they cannot afford the cost of a guest’s stay, the sisters learn that they are also hiring and they interview to join the staff. Both of them somehow manage to be hired, but once inside, Jani finds out that dangerous secrets hide behind the opulence and glamorous enchantments. Not only that, but their contracts are unbreakable.…
Violet Made of Thorns – Gina Chen – ARC Review
Violet is the Royal Seer of the kingdom of Auveny and she uses her ability to see the threads of Fate to divine the future – and also people’s pasts – to make predictions, and occasionally less than truthful or twisted prophecies that allow her to influence the court. But when the King asks her to prophesy Prince Cyrus’ future, a suitable love story that will convince the prince to pick a bride and head off a dreadful prophecy hanging over his head and the well being of the kingdom. Except Violet and Cyrus kind of hate each other and…
The Dream Runners – Shveta Thakrar – ARC Review
Ever since she was taken to the realm of Nagalok seven years ago, Tanvi has been one of the dream runners, human children who collect mortal dreams that are greatly prized as entertainment in the naga court. Dream runners are made free of all emotions and memories of their lives on earth, but when one of her harvests goes wrong, she not only runs into someone who seems to recognize her, but also begins to remember flashes of her old life. In a panic, she approaches Venkat, a dreamsmith who collects the dreams brought in by the runners and shapes…
Katzenjammer – Francesca Zappia – ARC Review
Cat is trapped in her high school and she and many of her fellow classmates are transforming into monstrous creatures, while others are completely unaffected. The school building itself has been turned upside down, seemingly taking on a life of its own. When a killer begins to stalk the halls, picking them off one by one, Cat must figure out what is going on and find a way to escape, and her slowly resurfacing memories might be the key to solving it all.
Blade Breaker – Victoria Aveyard – ARC Review
Following their battle all manner of sea monsters in Ibal and closing the Spindle, the Companions are still shaken, but there is no time to lose. Erida and Taristan have already set their sights on conquering Madrence, and eventually, the rest of Allward, even as they search for the next Spindle in their quest to allow What Waits access to the realm. The Companions must seek allies among the other kingdoms in the Ward to oppose the armies of Galland as well as Taristan’s undead forces even as they turn their steps towards closing the next open Spindle.
The Prison Healer – Lynette Noni
In the inescapable prison of Zalindov, Kiva Meridan has spent the last ten years working as the healer. The sporadic messages from her family on the outside give her hope that she will one day be free. When the Rebel Queen is captured and sent to the prison, Kiva is charged with keeping the critically ill woman alive to face her punishment, Trial by Ordeal, which consists of four impossible elemental challenges. In the midst of all this, she receives a coded message from her family, informing her that they are coming, and to keep the Rebel Queen alive. Knowing…
Blood Scion – Deborah Falaye
In a society ruled by the cruel Lucis, anyone found to be a Scion, a descendant of the Orisha, is immediately put to death. Sloane has spent her whole life concealing her abilities, which allow her to summon fire, but when at fifteen, she is drafted into the Lucis army, she has no choice but to train alongside the very people who would kill her in a moment if they knew who she was. However, she sees it as an opportunity to gain some valuable information about her mother who disappeared years ago and possibly bring down the Lucis from…
The Knave of Secrets – Alex Livingston – The Write Reads Ultimate Blog Tour
When cardsharp Valen Quinol is offered an opportunity to attend and play in the invitation-only Forbearance Game, a gambling tournament where players stake secrets, by a local gangster, he cannot resist. Valen does what he was sent there to do, beat another player who has an extremely valuable stake, and wins the secret too – but now he and his crew are in danger on all sides. From gangsters to spies everyone is after this secret, knowledge that is worth a fortune, and in the wrong hands, could start a war.
Mini Reviews #19
Hello readers, and welcome to Mini Reviews, where I talk about some of the books I don’t write full length reviews for. This installment, let’s chat about: Aru Shah & the Nectar of Immortality, This Golden State and Dreams Bigger Than Heartbreak.
From Dust, A Flame – Rebecca Podos
All her life, Hannah has never stayed in one place for too long. Her mother always moved her and her brother Gabe every year or so with no explanation. When on her seventeenth birthday, Hannah wakes up to find that her eyes have changed in shape and color, her mother leaves to find someone she knows who can help them, but is not heard from again. As time goes on, Hannah awakes each day to find a new bizarre mutation and she and Gabe decide it’s time to take matters into their own hands. They set out on a journey…
Ballad and Dagger – Daniel Jose Older – ARC Review
When the island nation of San Madrigal sank into the ocean fifteen years ago, the survivors made their way to New York, settling in the Brooklyn neighborhood that has come to be known as Little Madrigal. The citizens of this community continue their way of life, whether it be their culture and traditions or the politics, but all of them are hopeful of finding a way back home, of raising the island again. High school student Mateo Matisse who lives with his Aunt Lucia is only interested in his music and perhaps one day being good enough to play backup…
Mini Reviews #18
Hello readers, and welcome to Mini Reviews, where I talk about some of the books I don’t write full length reviews for. This installment, let’s chat about: Terciel and Elinor, Crown of Cinders, Hush and Veil.
A Forgery of Roses – Jessica S Olsen – Inkyard Press Winter 2022 YA Blog Tours
Ever since Myra Whitlock’s parents went missing some months ago, she has struggled to earn a living for herself and her sister, who is severely ill. Myra is a Prodigy, an artist who has a magical gift of being able to alter people with her portraits, a secret she has always guarded closely because of the many people who would either hate her or try to exploit her for it. But when the governor’s wife uncovers her secret, she is blackmailed into painting a portrait to resurrect the governor’s son who has just died in an accident. As she begins…
This Rebel Heart – Katherine Locke – ARC Review
Set during the Hungarian revolution of 1956, This Rebel Heart tells the story of Csilla, a young Jewish woman who survived the Holocaust only for her parents to be murdered by the government. She and her aunt, her last surviving family member, plan to flee the country but her escape plans grind to a halt when her parents are unexpectedly cleared of the crimes they were executed for. As stirrings of a revolution begin in Budapest, Csilla must decide if she will stay and fight for what is right, even if it is for a country that she has never…
House of Sky and Breath – Sarah J. Maas
A few months after the events of the first book, Bryce is trying to adjust between her Starborn abilities and figuring out a new normal with Hunt. Both of them are eager to sit back and relax after everything that has happened, and are more than willing to heed the Asteri’s not so subtle warning. The Asteri too, seem to be keeping to their word so far, but unrest is stirring outside Lunathion. The rebellion is gaining momentum and as what could be a crucial piece comes into play, Bryce and the entire group get drawn into the whole affair,…
Only A Monster – Vanessa Len
On vacation in London visiting her mother’s family, Joan’s summer is turned upside down when, on her way to a date with her long time crush Nick, she accidentally travels to the future by stealing time from someone. Turns out, the fairytales her grandma used to tell her are entirely true, and her mother’s family are actually monsters who can steal time from humans and use it to travel, and she herself is half-human and half-monster. But before she has had time to digest this shocking revelation, she finds out that Nick is actually a figure from legend, known as…
The Long Weekend – Gilly Macmillan – ARC Review
Three couples plan a relaxing long weekend trip to an isolated, refurbished barn on a remote Northumbrian farm. When, for different reasons, the men, Toby, Paul and Mark are delayed, their wives arrive ahead of them for a girls’ night, and they feel this would be a good opprtunity for Emily, the latest addition to the group to get to know Jayne and Ruth a little better. But what should have been a restful trip almost immediately turns into a nightmare, as the three women arrive to a disturbing letter, supposedly from Edie, the fourth of their group not joining…
What We Harvest – Ann Fraistat – ARC Review
Hollow’s End was once known for its miracle crops that drew tourists to the small town from far and wide. But when the blight, a quicksilver, mercury like substance appeared, it first poisoned and destroyed the farms, then the animals, and finally the people, who it turned into zombie-like creatures. Among the last locals still surviving, Wren knows time is running short when she finds that the blight has at last, made its way onto her family’s prized, multi-colored and shimmering wheat farm. When her parents fail to return to their home one evening before curfew, the only person she…
The Righteous – Renee Ahdieh
Following the events of The Damned, Odette Valmont is grievously injured, and the Court of Lions has but one option left to save her – a healer from the Sylvan Vale. Arjun, being half fey, is the only one of them who can cross over into the fey realm, a world he hates, but for Odette, he agrees. Pippa Montrose is days away from her wedding, but she is determined to find Celine who has seemingly disappeared into thin air along with Sebastien. With Eloise’s help, she sets out to find the gateway Arjun uses to travel between worlds, and…
Mini Reviews #17
Hello readers, and welcome to Mini Reviews, where I talk about some of the books I don’t write full length reviews for. This installment, let’s chat about: Love at First Spite, Queens of Fennbirn and Love & Olives.
Edgewood – Kristen Ciccarelli – ARC Review
Emeline wants to become a famous singer and her hard work has finally brought her close to getting a big break when she receives a call from her hometown informing her that her grandfather has disappeared. She returns to Edgewood, a town where mysterious occurrences near the woods are not uncommon and the people are all rather superstitious and firm believers in the magical forces that dwell within. The rumor is that her grandfather has been tithed to the Wood King and now belongs to his court deep in the woods. Emeline has never believed in these stories, but having…
The Book of Living Secrets – Madeleine Roux – ARC Review
Best friends Adelle and Connie are huge fans of an obscure gothic romance novel called Moira. When the owner of an occult shop they like to frequent tells them of a spell that would allow them to enter the world of Moira and experience it for themselves, they are skeptical, but agree. But when they enter the book, nothing is as they remember it from the story. Far from the setting of fancy balls and secret romances that they expected, a monster lurks in the shadows, causing terrifying dreams and luring people to their deaths with a mysterious hypnotic power.…
Gallant – V. E. Schwab – ARC Review
Orphan Olivia Prior has grown up in Merilance School with no knowledge of her past or family, save for her mother’s journal which is full of cryptic notes that seem to grow increasingly mad over the course of time. When she receives a letter from a long lost uncle, inviting her home to Gallant, Olivia accepts without hesitation, hoping to at last find her family. When she arrives however, not only is no one expecting her, but there’s no sign of the uncle, and her cousin Matthew is outright hostile at her presence. But Gallant is the first place that…
League of Liars – Astrid Scholte – ARC Review
The use of edem, extradimensional magic that can be found only in the shadows, is illegal in the land of Telene. Ever since his mother was killed as a result of someone wielding edem, Cayder Broduck has always wanted to bring criminals responsible for such occurrences to justice. When he gets a summer internship with a public defender, he is excited to finally learn the tricks of the trade that will help him in his ultimate goal to become a prosecutor. He is initially not all that interested in what justification for their actions the criminals he is supposed to…
Bright Ruined Things – Samantha Cohoe – ARC Review
Mae has lived on the Prosper family’s island all her life and has never seen the world beyond it. But with her 18th birthday approaching, her future is uncertain and all she wants is to stay, and above all, have some magic of her own, magic which has been closely guarded and controlled by the Prospers for generations, making them extremely wealthy. Most of the family lives away from the island, returning only for First Night, when they host an extravagant party, and Mae looks forward to seeing her best friend Coco and her longtime crush Miles each year. This…
The Excalibur Curse – Kiersten White
Camelot is safe behind the magical barrier Guinevere has created, but only as long as Lancelot stays inside it. Now a captive of her enemies, and with Arthur lured far away by false information, Guinevere is more determined than ever to find some answers about her past. She teams up with Morgana and Mordred and the truth she discovers leaves her with a terrible decision – to right a heinous wrong that could mean destroying herself, or prevent the brewing war and stop the Dark Queen’s plans.
Castles In Their Bones – Laura Sebastian – ARC Review
Beatriz, Daphne and Sophronia, the triplet princesses of Bessemia, have just turned sixteen, and it is time for them to depart to the three neighbouring kingdoms to marry their betrothed. This is the first step in a plan that has been in motion ever since they were born, for Empress Margaraux’s intent is for the sisters to turn the kingdoms against each other and incite them to war so that she can sweep in and take over, bringing the entire continent under her rule. However, things don’t go according to plan for long as the princesses arrive to royal courts…
This Woven Kingdom – Tahereh Mafi – ARC Review
Alizeh is a Jinn, but one with ice in her veins, denoting her as the long lost heir to the Jinn kingdom. She works as a lowly servant in a noblewoman’s home, hiding her true heritage and doing her best to keep out of sight and notice of anyone important, but one day, when she is attacked in the marketplace by a hungry street child, the altercation draws the attention of none other than Kamran, the newly returned crown prince of Ardunia. Kamran has always known of the prophecy that foretold the death of the king, but is shocked when…
Vespertine – Margaret Rogerson
In Loraille, those who possess the Sight are taken in and raised by the Clerisy to use their abilities to fight the dead in different ways. Artemisia is training to join the Gray Sisters at the convent in Naimes, who purify dead bodies to prevent them from becoming corrupted and rising as spirits to possess the living. When the convent is attacked by possessed soldiers, Artemisia uses an ancient saint’s relic and calls upon the spirit bound to it to protect it. But the spirit turns out to be a revenant, the most powerful order of spirits and while through…
Echoes and Empires – Morgan Rhodes – ARC Review | Blogmas 2021: Day 21
Magic of any shape or form is evil and illegal in Ironport, and anyone found having anything to do with it is summarily executed. So when Josslyn Drake, the daughter of the former prime minister and the Queen’s favorite, stumbles into a robbery during a royal gala and accidentally gets infected by a piece of said forbidden magic, she is desperate to get it out of her and realizes there is no one she can trust to help her – except the thief himself. Criminal Jericho Nox offers her a deal: he will help her remove the magic in exchange…
Once Upon A Broken Heart – Stephanie Garber | Blogmas 2021: Day 19
Evangeline Fox has always believed in the stories about happily ever afters and true love, until she finds out that her first love Luc is suddenly engaged to her stepsister. Desperate to get Luc back, she seeks out the Prince of Hearts and strikes a bargain with him – in return for him stopping the wedding, she promises him three kisses to be given at a time and place of his choice. But making deals with a Fate is always a dangerous game, as Evangeline finds out after her first promised kiss. The Prince of Hearts has his own plans…
The Winter Charlatan – Victoria McCombs – TBR And Beyond Tours | Blogmas 2021: Day 11
Rowan is the true heir to the throne of Elenvers, but she has a curse that will see her sleep for a hundred years when she turns 18. Fearing the instability her curse could plunge the kingdom into, the king and queen traded away their own daughter to a family friend, taking in return their son, Cassian, who has been raised as the crown prince. Rowan has grown up hating Cassian, and continuously searches for a way to break her curse, determined to one day reclaim her rightful place. But when the neighboring kingdom of ThornHigh threatens to invade, Rowan…
Defy the Night – Brigid Kemmerer | Blogmas 2021: Day 10
The kingdom of Kandala is in a precarious position. A dangerous and contagious fever ravages the land and the only cure, an elixir made from Moonflower petals, is severely rationed and available to only those who can afford to pay for it. The flowers themselves grow in only some parts of the kingdom, leading to political tensions between the sectors as King Harristan, aided by his brother Prince Corrick, the King’s Justice, attempt to maintain order with harsh punishments for any rule breakers. Meanwhile, Tessa, an apothecary apprentice who lives in the Wilds, is tired of the rich people in…
Kingdom of the Cursed – Kerri Maniscalco | Blogmas 2021: Day 7
Following the shocking revelations at the end of Kingdom of the Wicked, Emilia has sold her soul – literally – to become Queen of the Wicked, going as far as accepting to marry Prince Pride in order to find the demon who killed her sister Vittoria and avenge her. But the world of the seven Princes and their courts is a dangerous one, and Emilia will have to learn to adapt quickly, especially when she is not sure who she can trust.
Into the Dying Light – Katy Rose Pool | Blogmas 2021: Day 5
After the events in Behezda, an ancient god has been resurrected and trapped in Beru. The Prophet Pallas holds her and Ephyra captive in order to wield the god’s power to take over the Prophetic Cities, but the battle of wills between Beru and the god continue and it will only be a matter of time before he breaks free to wreak destruction. Meanwhile, Anton, Jude, Hassan and Hector set out on a quest to seek a way to bind and kill the god as the original Prophets did. But Anton hides a dark secret that may end up being…
Daughter of the Deep – Rick Riordan
Ana Dakkar is a freshman at Harding-Pencroft Academy, a specialized high school that trains students for careers in marine fields. The freshman class heads out for the important weekend trial at sea that will determine their future in the school, but no sooner are they off campus when the school comes under attack and is completely destroyed by their rival school, Land Institute. With the enemy in close pursuit, Ana and her classmates make for a hidden island refuge. Along the way, they discover the true purpose behind Harding-Pencroft Academy and the hidden legacy they have safeguarded for over a…
The Postmistress of Paris – Meg Waite Clayton – ARC Review
Naneé is an American heiress but has always felt most at home in Paris, where she has lived for the past ten years. When war breaks out and the Germans invade, instead of escaping, she chooses to stay and join the resistance, gaining the nickname of Postmistress for her work in delivering secret messages to people in hiding and helping them get to safety.
The Last Graduate – Naomi Novik
El has survived three years at the Scholomance and now faces her final year, with the dreaded and deadly graduation run just around the corner. She is no longer alone however, and in the past year, has gained a small group of trusted allies with whom she plans to make the run. But the school itself seems to have it out for her this year, tossing what seems to be every mal within the walls of the Scholomance at her and she is spending more time fighting them and protecting a group of inexperienced freshmen who have inexplicably ended up…
When Night Breaks – Janella Angeles – ARC Review
With the chaotic conclusion of the Spectaculore, Daron Demarco’s secret has been revealed and is headline news. But he is more focused on finding Kallia, who fell through a mirror during her final performance and is now trapped in another world with Jack, whose motives are still suspect. This mirror world is a dazzling place, but it also has its dangerous side, ruled by a powerful magician known as the Dealer who has sinister plans. With her magic depleted, Kallia must survive in this new world as Daron sets out on a deadly journey to reach her. But time is…
All of Us Villains – Amanda Foody & Christine Lynn Herman – ARC Review
In the remote city of Ilvernath, the seven leading families each name a champion to take part in a tournament to the death every twenty years when the Blood Moon Rises. Only one will survive and gain the prize for their family – exclusive access to a cache of high magick, powerful and extremely rare until the next tournament. The cursed cycle has continued, generation after generation for centuries, but this year, with a tell-all book leaking the secret tradition to the world being published right before the tournament is due to start, the champions are under a media spotlight…
Within These Wicked Walls – Lauren Blackwood – ARC Review
Andromeda, a debtera who cleanses houses of the Evil Eye, is hired by wealthy heir Magnus Rochester. But she quickly realizes that this job is very different from others she has handled in the past. The castle is filled with dangerous Manifestations, and staying to complete the job almost certainly means death. But leaving, apart from giving up a chance to gain a patron, which Andromeda, as an unlicensed debtera, desperately needs, would also mean dooming Magnus to live with the curse for the rest of his life. The evil that has a hold over the castle will not be…
The Bronzed Beasts – Roshani Chokshi
Following the events in the Sleeping Palace and the revelation that Séverin alone is capable of playing the Divine Lyre, he now plays a dangerous game as he balances a delicate alliance with Ruslan, the Patriarch of the Fallen House to discover the location of the temple where the lyre can be played. Meanwhile, Séverin’s seeming betrayal has driven a wedge in the team even as Laila, Enrique, Zofia and Hypnos make their way to Venice to find him with only the barest of clues. Laila has only ten days before she expires and the crew must set aside their…
Gods & Monsters – Shelby Mahurin
Gods and Monsters picks up where the story previously left off, as Lou and company make their way towards Chateau le Blanc, still in shock from the confrontation with Morgane and the horrifying consequences. What they don’t know yet is that Lou has been possessed by Nicholina under the orders of La Voisin, who has allied with Morgane. Freeing her from the dark presence that has taken over will be a difficult task, and even if they are successful, Lou may not emerge from it as her old self.
The Hawthorne Legacy – Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Following the shocking events of The Inheritance Games, Avery and the Hawthorne brothers continue to seek out Tobias Hawthorne’s motive in leaving his entire fortune to a random girl. Being the Hawthorne heiress is no joke however, and with a fortune in the billions at stake, things are getting more dangerous by the day for Avery as enemies are emerging on all sides and she has no idea who can be trusted.
The Keeper of Night – Kylie Lee Baker – Inkyard Press Fall 2021 YA Blog Tours
Ren Scarborough is half British Reaper, half Japanese Shinigami, and while she has been raised in London, she has never felt like she belonged, often looked down upon for her mixed heritage. When one night, Ren loses control over her Shinigami powers and injures three High Reapers, she knows that her only chance of survival is to flee England. With her brother in tow, Ren heads for Japan, hoping to find acceptance and a place serving the Goddess of Death, and also seek out the mother who abandoned her. The Goddess however, sets her a task to complete in order…
The Color of Dragons – R.A. Salvatore & Erika Lewis – ARC Review
Maggie, a young orphan, is assistant to a traveling magician who has little skill beyond some sleight of hand tricks. But when she encounters a draignoch that has been captured by the cruel king’s soldiers and is being taken to his Walled City, something within her awakens and she soon realizes that she is the one with actual magical powers. Maggie knows she has to keep this hidden, but she also needs to learn how to control it. When she meets Griffin, the king’s champion and famed draignoch slayer, the two of them must work together to figure out her…
Luminous – Mara Rutherford – Inkyard Press Fall 2021 YA Blog Tours
In a land where mages are hunted for their magic, Liora has spent all her life hiding her abilities, most particularly her glowing skin that would give her away instantly. But when she is discovered by the king’s warlock, Darius, instead of taking Liora, he instead takes her younger sister Mina to work in the palace, essentially holding her hostage. Even worse, Liora’s best friend Evran, the only one outside her family who knows her secret, has been acting strangely of late and he goes missing following Darius’ visit. Liora must set out on a journey to not only find…
Jade Fire Gold – June C L Tan – ARC Review
Ahn, a peasant girl with no knowledge of her past or family, struggles to support herself and her adoptive grandmother, all the while hiding magical abilities that could get her killed. Altan, a prince in exile, and the rightful heir to the throne, has been biding his time to take back what is his and avenge the murders of his family. When their paths cross, Altan realizes that Ahn’s unique – and lethal – form of magic is what he needs to reclaim the throne. Ahn, on the other hand, sees the opportunity to find out about her past and…
The City Beautiful – Aden Polydoros – ARC Review
In the shadow of the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago, a killer is stalking the streets, targeting young Jewish immigrants. Alter Rosen, who recently immigrated from Romania, struggles to make a living while also trying to save up enough money to bring his family to America. But when his best friend and roommate Yakov is the latest victim of the killer, he gets caught up in a dark plot as Yakov’s dybbuk possesses him and begins to take over him entirely. The only way Alter will get out of this alive is to complete the task for which the dybbuk…
Beasts of Prey – Ayana Gray – ARC Review
Koffi and her mother are indentured to the Night Zoo and they care for the dangerous magical creatures it hosts. But just as they are closer than ever to finally paying off their debts for good, an incident occurs that threatens their safety and Koffi uses a magical power she doesn’t fully understand with severe consequences. Ekon is a warrior in training, going through the rites of passage to become one of Lkossa’s elite Sons of the Six, but the final rite is interrupted when a fire breaks out at the Zoo. Amidst the chaos, Koffi is attempting to escape…
Dark Rise – C. S. Pacat – ARC Review
In 1821 London, Will Kempen is working on the docks, hiding from the men who killed his mother and trying to find out who ordered her death and why. Just as an old servant finds him and informs him of a great destiny he is meant to fulfill, Will is captured and held prisoner in the hold of a ship. Violet Ballard sneaks onto that same ship to watch her brother take the brand of the mysterious and powerful trader, Simon, as she hopes to someday, when there is chaos as the docks are attacked by men dressed like Knights…
Iron Widow – Xiran Jay Zhao – ARC Review
The land of Huaxia has been at war with the Hunduns and mecha aliens beyond the Great Wall for many centuries and the only way to fight them are using Chrysalises, giant robots that require a boy-girl pair to activate and pilot. The girl of the pair often dies of the mental strain involved in the process, but the harshly patriarchal and misogynistic society sees them as acceptable losses. When Zetian’s sister is killed by one of the most famous male pilots, she enlists as a concubine-pilot to gain vengeance. And on the field, a shocking and unprecedented event occurs…
The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina – Zoraida Cordova – ARC Review
The Montoyas gather at their family home in Four Rivers when they all receive invitations to attend the funeral of their matriarch, Orquidea Divina and collect their inheritances. But Orquidea hasn’t died, she has transformed – just one more unanswered question in a long line of puzzling occurrences. They each receive their inheritances, in the form of various magical powers, and go their separate ways. Over the next seven years, the gifts have manifested in different ways for those who followed Orquidea’s last instructions flourish, most particularly for her grandchildren, Marimar and Rey, and her great-granddaughter Rhiannon. But someone starts…
Kingdom of the Wicked – Kerri Maniscalco
Emilia di Carlo and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe, part of a community of witch families who live in Sicily amongst humans, hiding their powers. Even as they learned to use their witch powers, the sisters have grown up listening to their grandmother’s stories about the dangers of dark magic and the Wicked – Princes of Hell – whom witches must beware. But with several witches found brutally murdered, they all realize something dangerous is here. When Vittoria is found to be the latest victim, Emilia is willing to go to any length to find the murderer. Her quest…
Cemetery Boys – Aiden Thomas
Yadriel is determined to prove that he can be a real brujo, though his traditional family has trouble accepting that he is transgender. With his cousin Maritza, he performs the ritual to gain his powers successfully one night. He soon finds out that his cousin Miguel has been murdered that same night, he decides to raise Miguel’s ghost to find out what happened, but also set it free and demonstrate to the brujx community and his family that the ritual was a success. But the ghost Yadriel raises is not his cousin, but that of Julian Diaz, the school’s bad…
Threadneedle – Cari Thomas
Sixteen year old Anna lives in London with her aunt, and has grown up hearing about the dangers of magic. The day when her magic will be permanently bound draws closer, and Anna will become a Binder alongside her aunt, joining the ranks of those who believe magic is a sin. But when Anna meets a few other witches, she discovers a whole other side to magic and begins to question everything she has been told, wondering just how much of it is true.
Six Crimson Cranes – Elizabeth Lim – ARC Review
Shiori’anma is the princess of Kiata, and as the seventh child and only girl has lacked for nothing, beloved by both her father and brothers. But she has long hidden a dangerous secret – she possesses magic, forbidden in Kiata. When on the morning of her betrothal ceremony to Takkan, a lord from the distant north, she loses control over it, it brings her to the attention of Raikama, her stepmother. Unknown to everyone, Raikama is a sorceress, and with dark magic, turns the six princes into cranes and strands Shiori on a remote island with a warning that for…
Rising Like A Storm – Tanaz Bhathena – ARC Review
With the usurper Queen Shyla on Ambar’s throne, Gul and Cavas are fugitives wanted for the death of King Lohar. But Gul finds out that the connection between her and Cavas is more than it appears – he is fated to be her partner in magic and love, and this may be just what they need to save Ambar. She must learn to use her magic and get it under control, but when Cavas is taken prisoner, she must also train an army of warriors alone for the fast approaching conflict.
Illusionary – Zoraida Cordova
Facing betrayal from the Whispers on one hand and the king’s soldiers on another, Renata Convida finds an unlikely ally in her erstwhile enemy, Prince Castian as they share a common goal. Finding the Knife of Memory may be the only way to bring down King Fernando and restore peace to Puerto Leones. Renata’s control over her magic is slipping however, and the Gray, the fortress in her mind where she keeps stolen memories is falling apart, the memories invading her own and threatening her sanity. The journey to find the Knife is a long one that will take them…
Sisters of the Snake – Sarena and Sasha Nanua – ARC Review
Ria, a street thief, breaks into the palace in hopes of stealing enough valuables to buy fake documents that will get her and her friend out of the kingdom to safety from the war that is looming. Things don’t go as expected however, when she runs into Princess Rani, who, to her shock, looks exactly like her. The girls quickly figure out that they must be twins who were separated for some reason. The Princess of Abai has led a privileged life, but longs to prove herself and sees an opportunity in the situation. They strike a deal to switch…
The Serpent’s Curse – Lisa Maxwell
Esta and Harte continue their quest to find the remaining stones that are scattered across the country, but the Order is not far behind and their influence presents an obstacle wherever – and whenever – they travel. More dangerous however, is the powerful goddess, Seshat, who now resides inside Harte and wants nothing more than to break free and destroy Thoth and all magic. Back in 1902 New York, Viola, Jianyu and Cela come up with a plan to get back the Delphi’s Tear while also dealing simultaneously with two enemies – the Order and Nibsy Lorcan.
Shipped – Meredith Tate – ARC Review
Stella Greene and Wesley Clarke are long time rivals and their battle reaches new heights this year as they are their high school’s top contenders for the prized position of valedictorian, and the scholarship that comes with it. While in real life, they can’t stand each other, they’ve unknowingly been chatting online in a forum for fans of a famous sci-fi TV show. When they realize they are both planning to attend SciCon this year, they make plans to meet in person for the first time. The end of the school year, and with it, SciCon, draw closer by the…
Rule of Wolves – Leigh Bardugo
Ravka is at war. As Nikolai continues to deal with the demon within him, the Fjerdans prepare to invade, but the return of the Darkling poses an even larger threat. Deep undercover in the Fjerdan court, Nina is able to finally access information that could be vital to the war effort. With the spirit of Juris inside her, Zoya must accept her past to become the weapon Ravka needs to survive the war.
Realm Breaker – Victoria Aveyard – ARC Review
Corayne an-Amarat, daughter of a pirate captain, has spent her life in a small port and has always felt a restless urge to seek adventure. When an assassin and an immortal arrive on her doorstep with news of long sealed gateways across Allward to realms full of horrors being torn open again, she learns the truth about her lineage: she is the last of an ancient bloodline, and the final hope to save Allward from destruction. The quest Corayne embarks on will bring the unlikeliest group of people together to face the growing darkness and close the gates before it…
Most Awaited Releases – Summer 2021
Hello, readers! Hope everyone had a great long weekend! Warmer weather is just around the corner, and though it looks like we’ll all be stuck indoors for quite some time yet, atleast there are a lot of great reads to look forward to. Here are my top picks from my summer TBR!
These Feathered Flames – Alexandra Overy – Harlequin Trade Publishing Winter 2021 Blog Tour
As per the tradition of Tourin, when twin heirs are born, their destiny is divined and they are separated at a very young age – one to be the future Queen and the other to be the Firebird, who ensures the balance of magic in the land by claiming a price from those who did . Izaveta remained at court to learn the skills she would need to rule and Asya is taken away by her aunt to train to one day take on the powers of the Firebird. When Asya’s power awakens far earlier than expected, it can only…
A Court of Silver Flames – Sarah J. Maas
Following the war with Hybern, Prythian is slowly healing and returning to normal. But Nesta has far from adjusted to becoming High Fae and is headed down a very self-destructive path. The horrors of the battle, seeing her Father die and being forced into a Cauldron still haunt her. Sent to train with Cassian by Feyre and Rhysand in a last attempt to help her, Nesta sets out on a difficult journey of healing and acceptance. But the mortal queens who returned to the Continent are plotting, and have formed an alliance with an ancient enemy, and Nesta’s unique powers,…
Witches Steeped in Gold – Ciannon Smart – ARC Review
Witches Steeped in Gold brings us the story of two witches from rival orders who find themselves on the same side of a fight for the throne. Jazmyne Cariot, the doyenne’s daughter, works an Emissary, but has been collaborating with a resistance movement to overthrow her mother ever since her sister was sacrificed to maintain the throne. Iraya Adair, the long lost and rightful heir, has been held prisoner for ten years and now longs for vengeance. To accomplish their common goal, Jazmyne and Iraya form an alliance, though neither really trusts the other.
A Conjuring of Light – V. E. Schwab
Shadow has fallen over Red London and Osaron has proclaimed himself the true king, controlling the people with dark magic so powerful that even an Antari cannot hope to stand against it – not alone. Kell, Lila, Alucard and Holland set out to find a magical artifact that may be their only chance at defeating Osaron and restoring order to the Maresh empire.
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Worlds Unlike Our Own 