Tabitha Tomala

Martin the Warrior, the hero of Redwall, once told his story to the creatures of Redwall Abbey. But it was not his whole story. The warrior mouse was stolen from the shores of his home by sea rats and thrown into slavery. But despite all Badrang and his hoard do to break Martin, his warrior spirit lives on. He vows to escape Marshank and free all the creatures within Badrang the Stoat's clutches.

Martin is determined to escape and put an end to Badrang’s slavery of creatures. And while his warrior spirit may carry him through his toughest battles, there will be no victory without sacrifice. Martin’s tale will expand beyond the walls of Badrang’s fortress, bringing into the story a multitude of creatures willing to put their lives on the line to free the enslaved creatures. And through their combined tales, they will show readers what it means to band together and fight for a better future.

Brian Jacques never fails to show how evil turns in on itself. In Martin the Warrior, this is done through Badrang and Clogg’s rivalry. The two stoats continue to make shady deals and backstab one another as they each try to gain the upper hand. Clogg is envious of Badrang’s fortress and seeks to claim it for his own. And as their rivalry continues, it offers Martin and his companions chances to accomplish their goals.

And with any Redwall book, there is a wonderful dose of friendship thrown into the mix. As Martin and his companions face some of their darkest moments, they continue to push on with friends by their side. There is an inherent goodness to be found within the characters introduced as Martin’s companions. And they each have their quirks and personalities that add to the narrative.

Readers do not have to read the prior Redwall books to enjoy Martin the Warrior. But if you have enjoyed the past Redwall books, this story will be sure to settle your curiosity about the hero’s past. Another wonderful addition to the series.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Arko The Dark Union

Thank you to U.W. Leo for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Arko: The Dark Union is an ambitious book. There are many characters introduced to the reader, described by their race and physical features. And while there was a multicultural cast of characters, the presentation did not quite come off appropriately. There were moments where the characters internal and external dialogue described other races and cultures in clipped tones, edging towards insult instead of a proper introduction. The diverse cast was well intended, but a softer approach to introducing the characters was needed.

That being said, the characters did work well together. Each had their part to play as they made discoveries and began to experiment with the remnants of a lost civilization. And while there are high-tension moments, the characters promote an overall environment of collaboration.

It was a bit difficult to keep all the characters in mind. The writing lived in the moment through telling rather than showing, and the characters did not stand out enough from one another. There were also moments where certain characters would make questionable choices, and rather than contest the plan, the other characters simply agreed even though they held reservations. If there had been a stand between different characters, their personalities and morals would have helped to make them stand apart from one another.

But I did enjoy the science and advanced technology brought into the story. It was fascinating seeing the advancements made and the discovery of what could be done by combining the science of today with the science of the past. And while sometimes the sciences were beyond my understanding, the context they were placed in made them easier to digest.

Arko: The Dark Union is a sci-fi adventure filled with science and dinosaurs. The writing style is fast-paced and plot-driven, focusing on the ever increasing discoveries of the characters. This novel would be best suited for teenagers as some of the ideas and language used may not be suitable for younger readers.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Vine Witch

Freed after years cursed to live as a frog, Elena seeks out the life she was stolen from. But as she makes the journey home to Château Renard, she'll discover everything has changed. The vineyard she was to inherit has been sold to a man named Jean-Paul. A man who favors science over magic. But science will not save the vines, for, without magic, they've begun to fail. A melancholy has taken over the vines, and nefarious hexes twist among them, preventing their growth. Forced to hide her abilities, Elena works in secret to save the vineyard, but it may be too little too late.

Magic used by the vine witches is subtle and primarily based on modern day witchcraft. And while there will be those who use magic for ill gains, most of what is witnessed in the book is from Elena's casting. The focus of her magic is on nature, using herbs, incantations, and moon phases. Her magic is a catalyst for relationship building and plot development but is by no means a lesser part of the story. Elena cares deeply for her home, and the emotions she feels towards its success are beautifully written into the spells she casts and the care she takes in helping Jean-Paul restore the vineyard.

There is a vein of old witchcraft superstition woven into the storyline. While the vineyards appreciate their vine witches, there is something nefarious afoot in town. Darker magic is alluded to, and it puts certain authorities on high alert. Distrust is sown within the town, making even vine witches suspect if the wrong person feels threatened. And to be apprehended for evil magic means time spent in the prison designed to house witches. The very prison that once held innocents caught up in the witchcraft trials of old. Where their souls still reside, crying out for their freedom.

Paranormal and fantasy elements combined to create a story of redemption and discovery. Elena has a long road to walk to once again fulfill her potential. And along the way she will have to build trust with Jean-Paul, not just with magic but with herself as well. The relationship building of The Vine Witch was skillfully added into the story, allowing the two characters time to address their feelings and maturely approach them. Elena also has many challenges from her past that will shape the woman she becomes by the end of book one. This was a slower paced, but engaging story. I am looking forward to book two.

Thank you to Blackthorn Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

When readers are introduced to Marjorie she's grieving the loss of her partner and trying to find her way through life once more. Cast adrift, she searches for closure from her once informant Billy McKenzie. Bad information from him ended her career, and she wants to uncover the truth behind it. But Marjorie isn’t the only one searching for Billy. At one point his information put away a few of his old associates. Ones that are now recently free and out for revenge. But who will find Billy first? And if these associates catch wind of Marjorie, she’ll be next on their hit list.

Readers will slowly reveal how Marjorie ended her career as a detective as the tension builds within the plot. The closer Marjorie comes to finding Billy’s whereabouts, the closer readers come to revealing the full history between the two characters. The pacing for this reveal was so well done and accented the overall story. The anticipation of what will happen if the two characters eventually meet once more will build and readers will be left needing the meeting to occur.

Isobel Blackthorn also tackles the challenges women faced in a predominately male workforce of the 70s. Majorie is met with doubt and sometimes outright aggression when she has information her coworkers are unable to produce. When she’s successful, it makes the situation all the direr for her. While there are a few people that seem to be on her side, they still have an underlying sense of jealousy against Majorie. And there are instances where they try to take advantage of her, causing Majorie to become both ashamed and confused. In some aspects this is a tough read due to the treatment of women. The writing does not shy away from the hardships Majorie faces, but I enjoyed the honesty of it. It takes finesse to incorporate these elements into a story, and Isobel Blackthorn has done a fine job.

If you enjoy detective stories, give Sing Like a Canary a try. While this isn't book one of the series, it can easily be read as a standalone. The characters and settings are brought to life by Isobel Blackthorn’s wonderful writing. Readers will not be disappointed as they join Majorie in her search for Billy and the truth only he knows.

Dan Crawford can’t wait to start college prep classes. It’s a chance to escape being an outcast and find friends he can connect with. But he never expected an old asylum to be converted into a dorm. Dan can’t help but entice his new friends Abby and Jordan to explore the older sections they were told to stay out of. Together they will uncover unsettling truths about the asylum and stir up ghosts better left alone.

Dan finding true friends was a great theme to add to Asylum, but the character relationships were rushed. Readers barely have enough time to learn about Dan before the story adds Abby and Jordan into the mix. Jordan and Abby bonded outside of the main story, which worked quite well. But Dan did not have enough time with each of them individually to form a connection. The story does mention Dan has difficulties socializing, and the reader is able to witness the internal debates he has with himself as he tries to adjust to different social situations. But there needed to be more examples of Dan’s behavior. Instead of telling the reader, show them his issues and give some background information on what has not worked in the past for him.

The characterization was also inconsistent throughout the story. In one chapter the three friends would be carrying on just fine, then rapidly one of the others would have a complete personality change. Either growing easily frustrated or downright ignoring characters. While eventually, the reader finds out the why behind these sporadic behaviors, it would have been great to have more of a foundation for the reader to guess what happened and then do small reveals to lure readers into the overarching mysteries.

There were many subplots and mysteries to solve in Asylum. Too many. This story brought the teens together at the asylum and tried to connect each one to its past. In addition to this, they each had home lives filled with drama. If this had been a longer book, it may have worked out better, but not enough time was spent on each key point to make the story work. Instead, it seemed to skip forward without properly explaining the character's actions, and not leaving behind enough breadcrumbs for the reader to form any sort of conclusion.

Listening to the audiobook of Asylum did cut out the vintage photographs which are included in the print edition. But even with the photos to add to the mood setting of this story, the plot was too tangled. This was an extremely ambitious book, and if it had cut down on the subplots it would have been able to spend more time on the main story. Not a series I will be continuing.

Imagine a world where great cities lay slumbering, waiting for the time they become something else, something sentient. New York City is waking, and it’s chosen six avatars to bring about its rise. But another being is trying to take over the city for its own gains. Planting seeds of distrust among the people and bringing their darker intentions to the surface. The avatars will find citizens of their boroughs turning against them as their adversary moves between bodies, searching for a proper foothold in their world to destroy them.

N.K. Jemisin has embodied New York City in a creative and startling way. The avatars are walking and talking human representatives of their borough. Even though they are all from the city, each of the avatars is surprisingly different. The attitudes and cultures of those within the boroughs influence how the avatars react to different situations. Readers are also given background information on each borough and how the people within them have grown to be so different from each other. I loved the drops of history and world-building woven into the story to create a complete picture of each borough. The amount of detail and attention that is given to each borough’s perspective fascinated me.

I also enjoyed the vague and mysterious antagonist. Leaving the reader in the dark about the extent of its power and abilities gave an added layer of complexity. As the boroughs struggled to learn their new responsibilities they were also forced to defend themselves. And the battle wasn’t just on a metaphysical front. The antagonist infected people with racist and bigoted views. It sent these people to spew their hatred through various public displays and acts of violence. But the avatars went toe to toe with them and used public support to fight back as well as their latent powers given to them by the boroughs.

The characterization of the boroughs was stunning. Each avatar’s personality matched their borough’s people and the way they interacted with one another. Their separate histories were laced with emotion and explained the biases they carried. As some came to realize their biases, they inwardly began to work on re-evaluating how they viewed one another, but not everyone was able to do so. From their dialogue to their mannerism, and even how they presented themselves, everything came together to showcase New York City’s diverse culture. And I loved every minute of it.

The City We Became is an amazing deep dive into modern society and all its complexity and nuances. The depth of imagination in this book and the brilliant way N.K. Jemisin portrayed prejudice is astounding. If you have the chance, listen to this one as an audiobook. The narration was fantastic. Being able to hear the different dialects used in New York City will add to your experience. Not to mention the wonderful audio effects added when characters were hearing audio cues differently. I highly recommend this to fans of complex world-building.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Ardulum First Don

To some the traveling plant of Ardulum is a legend, to others, it has become a focal point for worship. For Neek, it is a point of rebellion. The planetary government refuses to change its ways, blindly following the teachings left behind by the Ardulans. Neek makes a stand to speak out against the teachings and is rewarded with exile. Cast out into the galaxy, she finds her way aboard Mercy's Pledge, a transport ship that doesn't hesitate to smuggle an item or two. But when their newest cargo consists of a young Ardulan, Neek's entire worldview is thrown off course.

Ardulum First Don will take readers on a journey across the galaxy as the main characters embark on a quest to find answers and try to keep those they care about safe. A wide array of cultures will be introduced, and readers will find themselves immersed in a multicultural world filled with various cultures, beliefs, and representations.

My favorite character was Emm. When readers first meet Emm she is a child, naïve to the politics she is fully immersed in. As an Ardulan, there are those among the various planets who wish to exploit her for their own gains. Emm undergoes a journey of self-discovery as she is thrown into conflicts beyond her control, and ends up aboard the Mercy's Pledge. While the crew is unsure how to handle a young Ardulan, they do their best to keep her safe. But the threat grows ever larger as keeping her hidden becomes increasingly difficult. Emm's journey was the highlight of Ardulum First Don.

But Emm isn't the only character with challenges to overcome. Neek was indoctrinated to believe in the worship of Ardulans. However, as she grew, she began to question the beliefs of her people and whether Ardulans existed. When she is exiled from her planet, cast adrift with nowhere to call home, Yorden offers her a place aboard Mercy's Pledge. And when Neek comes face to face with what appears to be a true Ardulan, she begins to question everything. Readers will become engaged in Neek's emotional battle as she struggles to understand what is truth and what is a lie.

Ardulum First Don is a space adventure filled with interplanetary politics, space battles, and an underlying theme of found family. While it may have taken my mind a while to understand the biological terms used to explain the technology, the overarching story was captivating. Not to mention J. S. Fields built her characters in a way that left plenty of room for growth. Sci-fi is a hard sell for me, however, this is one series I hope to continue reading.

Joseph the Bellmaker and his daughter Mariel are out at sea when Pirate King Gabool abducts the two mice and seizes their treasure. A great bell created for the badger mountain Salamandastron. After imprisoning the mice aboard his ship, the sea rat soon tires of his captives and throws them overboard. Mariel washes up along the shore, weak but full of warrior spirit. Hungry seabirds see an easy meal, but Mariel fights her way to safety and will soon find herself traveling through Mossflower Woods, to the gates of Redwall Abbey. With the aid of the kind abbey dwellers, Mariel is able to gain back her strength. But the peaceful life is not for Mariel. Her heart is set on striking down Gabool. And so Mariel embarks on her journey to recover the bell of Salamandastron and avenge her father.

While sea rats have been mentioned in prior novels, Mariel of Redwall introduces readers to a first-hand encounter with the pirates. Seeing them in their element out at sea, readers will experience their thirst for conquest and treasure. The rats do not hesitate to capture and enslave innocent creatures. The time spent on the rats’ storylines also emphasizes their evil and willingness to backstab one another. And as the sea rats inevitably clash with Redwall Abbey, readers will be swept up in the desperate fight against foes willing to use dirty tricks to win.

Multiple storylines running parallel to the main plot are a sure find in the Redwall series. This particular writing style allows the reader to have a complete picture of all participating characters and to allow a decent chunk of world-building. My favorite of the side characters this time were the young abbey creatures also known as the dibbuns. Having grown up with tales of Martin the Warrior, they too wanted to become warriors to save their abbey. Not fully understanding the concepts of battle, they would sneak out of their beds during moments of high tension and bring humor into the story with their efforts.

And then there is Mariel who is vastly different from the peaceful creatures of Redwall Abbey. Having been taken captive by Gabool, she is made of sharp edges and is quick to strike out at any who present a threat. Watching her learn the ways of Redwall and travel with creatures from the abbey was quite the adventure. While she may not understand the way her traveling companions think, she isn’t completely closed off to learning their habits. Though the mousemaid will always have the flame of a warrior in her heart. I enjoyed seeing a main character who grew up outside of Redwall and Mariel’s reactions to each new Redwall experience.

Mariel of Redwall once again brings together the battle of good versus evil. With a hearty dose of friendship and adventure, this delightful tale would be a good starting point for readers interested in the fantasy genre.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Buried House

Thank you to Dorian Wolfe for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

As children, sisters Anais and Clara were fast companions and plagued by constant ailments. But as they grew older, their third sister Maye began to fall ill and the other two gradually returned to health. Already an outsider, Maye's illness drove her further away from her two sisters. When the day came for Anais to marry the mysterious man of the Buried House, it would mark the end of Clara's joyful home life. Bitter towards one another, Clara and Maye would never be able to see eye to eye. And when news of Anais' death reaches Clara, she embarks on a journey to find the Buried House and the truth of her favorite sister's death.

The Buried House explores fantasy horror in unique and imaginative ways. As Clara ventures deeper into the house, she is accosted by an increasing amount of horror. From butterflies as sharp as their coloring to body horror. The main focus is disorienting reality and forcing Clara to embrace the horror of the house. The imagery created through Dorian Wolfe's writing is terrifying, but do not expect a build-up of tension or a large amount of foreshadowing. The horror displayed is immediate and on a constant uptick once it begins. The added element of family drama will also accent the feeling of dread that arises once events begin to occur.

The imagery truly brought the element of horror to life. And the plot does explore the negativity between Clara and Maye, as well as the complex emotions they share because of their family bond. However, I would have liked to see the exploration of their bond right up until the end. Building their reactions into the horror that surrounded them would have made for a solid ending to the story.

This novella is a fast read at under one hundred pages. Given the shorter length, Dorian Wolfe did a wonderful job of setting the scene for fantasy horror. There was just enough information presented to emerge the reader into the sisters' life and join Clara on her search for the truth. If you are looking for a book that does not hesitate to explore horror with fantasy elements, The Buried House may be just the novella.

Mattimeo may be the son of Matthias the hero, but he is still a young mouse who tests the rules of Redwall Abbey. When he strikes out at a guest of the Abbey his fellow Redwallers are taken aback. Despite Mattimeo only doing so to defend his family’s honor. At times the animals of Redwall Abbey are too forgiving and trusting. When a traveling band of creatures appears on their doorstep, they allow the group within their walls. Little do they know, the fox Slagar has his eyes on Mattimeo. As soon as the chance arises, Slagar kidnaps Mattimeo and his friends, whisking them off to be sold as slaves.

With every Redwall book, there is a balance of good and evil. The creatures of the abbey are the epitome of good natured and wholesome folk. Though some may have mischievous tendencies, they genuinely care for one another. The lengths to which they will go to rescue their own are admirable. And on the opposing side, Brian Jacques creates such cleverly evil characters to set against the Redwallers. Slagar is cunning, cruel, and fueled by revenge. He would sacrifice his crew if it meant saving his own life. And stealing the children of those who you seek vengeance on is the lowest of low.

Mattimeo was a delight to read. This tale combines two classic tropes, coming of age and the path to becoming a hero. Mattimeo has a lot to learn, and a temper to curb to be the strength his friends need. He’s impulsive and is quick to anger when fear overcomes courage in his friends. While he believes they should be able to fight to escape, not all creatures can stand up to their oppressors. To witness characters struggle and ultimately become their better selves never grows old. Mattimeo may start rough around the edges, but his time with Slagar and the slavers will bring about a healthy dose of character development and push him towards becoming a hero like his father.

Brian Jacques creates characters and settings in a way that will make readers feel as if they are coming home to lifelong friends and familiar settings. There’s always an overarching puzzle or riddle to be solved that will ultimately aid in Redwall’s success and just enough tension laced within the scenes. I admire how he details his battles, depicting the clash between heroes and villains in a way that is safe for all ages. And while not every hero can be saved, he depicts their deaths in ways that honor their memories and gives peace to both the reader and the characters.

Mattimeo is another wonderful addition to the story of Redwall. While it is the third published book, it is the direct sequel to book one, Redwall. But each book is written so that readers can start at any point in the series. If you enjoy reading about a community of characters who are willing to risk their lives to save one of their own, you need to pick up this series.

After an accident takes the life of Bree’s mother, her life begins to fall apart. Bree bottles up all the anger and grief she feels so tight she is unable to move on. To escape the memories and anything that may trigger what she’s hidden inside herself, she enrolls in a beginning college program at UNC-Chapel Hill. But her first night on campus will reveal a hidden world of magic, demons, and ancient Arthurian legends. A world that may have taken her mother’s life. Determined to find the truth about her mother’s death, Bree infiltrates the world of the Legendborn. And as she forges her own path within the secret society, she will uncover hidden truths about her ancestry and her mother’s death.

There is a heavy dose of world-building as the Legendborn story unfolds. Between how the hidden world of magic works, and the Legendborn secret society itself, be braced for a large amount of information. However, don’t fret, because even though readers are given a lot to process, the story will build on what is given to the reader. The plot will call back to pieces of history and world-building as Bree journeys farther into the depths of Legendborn society, accenting what the reader knows with plenty of action and drama.

A wide variety of relationships are displayed throughout this story; familial, friendship, and community alike. When Bree is among the Legendborn community, there are many displays of racism, microaggression, and unconscious bias toward Bree. Tracy Deonn has woven these eye-opening experiences so well into the story, and it is heartbreaking to see them happen. But they happen every day in our world, not just in the world of Legendborn. I grew angered at members of the society who treated Bree as if she were less simply for having a different skin color. Bree did gain a support system within the society, but prejudice is long ingrained in a number of the society members.

Learning to cope with the loss of a parent is another strong theme within Legendborn. By bottling everything up, Bree is unable to process the emotions raging inside of her mind. Frustration and anger quickly rise to the surface and impact how she deals with people and situations. Witnessing Bree uncover her family’s history to learn how to let go and allow herself to experience grief was powerful.

There are so many elements to Legendborn, and the amount of challenges Bree faces are astounding. Seeing her develop and overcome these challenges was as heartbreaking as it was rewarding. And with the way Legendborn ended, I cannot wait to see what direction the next story takes.

Sigyn has done her best to earn her place among the gods. Yet despite all her accomplishments Odin refuses to grant her a title. Angry and frustrated at Odin's dismissal, Sigyn seeks out the one God who may be able to help her, the trickster God Loki. Sigyn sets out to find the exiled God, determined to bring him back to Asgard. But bringing Loki back will start Sigyn down the path of Ragnarok.

Sigyn is an incredible character to follow. She is a fierce woman who knows what she deserves and will go to great lengths to achieve it. She loves deeply and navigates the complicated waters of relationships as best she can. The depth of emotion written into her character is phenomenal. At every turn, she is challenged and faces cruelty from her fellow Gods when she begins to develop feelings toward Loki. And while she doesn’t always make the best choices, she does what she has to in order to protect her family. Sigyn also recognizes her mistakes and while she may feel regret, doesn’t turn away from the consequences of her actions.

The Goddess of Nothing At All intricately balances plot development and character development. While Sigyn and Loki grow as characters, the plot is ever changing, carrying readers through years of their lives. The pacing is so well done. Readers will be swept up in the story and their heartstrings pulled as the two experience many beginnings and ends. There is never a lull in the story, readers will constantly be turning the pages, eager to see what will happen next. And despite a large amount of time passing, readers will never feel as though they are rushed or that important details have been missed. Everything is wrapped up so well in the storytelling, that readers will be able to dive in and enjoy every minute of it.

This dark fantasy retelling is one I believe readers who enjoy Norse mythology should pick up. While I’m not well versed in the mythology, Cat Reactor did a large amount of research, and her depiction of Sigyn was fantastic. There’s a wonderful amount of LGBTQ+ representation and characters you can’t help but become invested in. I can’t wait for book two to be released!

Thank you to Escapist Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Diana has left her days of being a Roman Goddess behind. Alone in the woods, no one bothers her and she is quite content to drink her problems away. Until the goddess, Artemis knocks on her door asking for help. The Pantheon of Gods has never been trustworthy, but now Artemis believes they may be involved in something sinister. To save the lives of innocents Diana must confront her old life, her old guilt, and try not to lose herself to the beast living inside her body.

There is so much world-building packed into No Gods, Only Monsters. Not only are there different branches of mythology involved, but also a wide variety of fantasy races such as dwarves, elementals, and were-creatures. Then add to all of these characters a dash of magic and the historical aspects of Rome’s rise to power. Despite the variety of cultures and myths coming together, there is never any confusion or dissonance in the plot. It is all carefully woven together into a fast-paced and exciting book.

Diana is quite the character to follow. Being part werebear, she has a beast inside of her that is always testing her resolve. And while Diana is a skilled fighter, there are moments when she needs to let the beast free. But the question is, who will remain in control, Diana or the bear? Each battle Diana became involved in was intense, not only in the sheer brutality that could be brought to the fight but by the ongoing battle inside Diana at the same time.

But it isn’t just the werebear side of Diana that makes her so intriguing. As the story unfolds, there are hints dropped along the way precluding a past Diana would rather forget. But it is clear in her drinking habits and reactions to others that the past weighs heavily on her shoulders. And bit by bit as the plot progresses, Diana relives memories of her worst moments. Readers will discover the complexities that makeup Diana’s character, and become all the more involved in the story because of them.

No Gods, Only Monsters was a wonderful blend of fantasy and history. If you enjoy new twists on mythology, or just want a good action-packed read, this would be the book for you. I’m certainly looking forward to book two!

Epilogues for Lost Gods centers on the aftermath of Ragnarok. Sigyn has built an inclusive city of survivors, ushering in a new age of acceptance and prosperity. But there are those who would see her way of life destroyed. Asgard is rising from the ashes of civilization and they continue to follow the old ways. Sigyn is faced with bowing to their power or being destroyed. Determined to preserve the town of Vanaheim and the people entrusted to her care, Sigyn journeys to Helheim to seek aid.

Each day Loki journeys to the gates of Helheim, hoping it will be the day Sigyn joins him and Narvi. Year after year, he never loses hope of being reunited with her. But the days lay heavy as guilt and PTSD plague him. A silent agreement lies between Narvi and Loki, to never bring up their tragic past. Each contains their emotions rather than processing what has happened. And their mental health remains an ever-present challenge throughout the story. Cat Rector has such an in-depth way of describing Loki’s inner turmoil and translating it into physical manifestations. But Narvi is there to help him through the darker moments. The pain each share is enormous, and watching them struggle through it is heartbreaking.

When Loki learns about the possibility of a second chance at life, he immediately latches onto the small thread of hope presented to him. With war looming on the horizon, he and Narvi will do whatever they can to help Sigyn. But does the person who began the end of the world really deserve a second chance? The weight resting on Loki’s shoulders should not be his to bear alone, yet he holds himself solely responsible for Ragnarok. And there are many in Helheim who blame Loki and help reinforce his negative thoughts. But despite it all, his love for Sigyn drives him forward and empowers him to seek a second chance.

But this isn’t just Loki’s story. While he and Narvi embark on their journey, Sigyn prepares her city for war. Working to the bone and mentally draining herself, she keeps herself too busy to reflect back on Loki’s final moments. And while she and Loki have always had a complicated relationship, she still loves him. Yet Sigyn finds herself questioning if Loki’s love is what she truly desires. The potential to start another relationship, one free of heartache and trauma, tempts Sigyn. But she constantly pushes her feelings aside, burying herself deeper into work and preparations for war.

Love can be a complicated mess, and Cat Rector does a wonderful job of showing the different types of love one feels. Including the tenuous balancing act of moving from one relationship to the next. Grief and trauma are also portrayed in brutal clarity and the effects they can have on those who do not face them. Both Loki and Sigyn will have emotional hurdles they must overcome in order to move on with their lives. Whether it be with each other, or finally parting ways.

Epilogues for Lost Gods is a fitting conclusion to the Unwritten Runes duology. With Loki and Sigyn’s futures hanging in the balance, readers will be set on finding out if their paths will once again be united. And along the way, there will be plenty of battles, close calls, and emotionally wrenching scenes. I’m sad to see their stories come to an end.

Tsarmina is a savage wildcat, ruling the castle of Kotir through cruelty and fear. And she seeks to enslave the creatures of Mossflower Woods. However, while the creatures of Mossflower may be kind and gentle, when threatened they will rise to defend what is theirs. But Tsarmina’s forces will overwhelm them unless help arrives. Martin the Warrior, Gonff the Mouse Thief, and Kinny the Mole embark on a quest to Salamandastron, where the badger Boar the Fighter resides. With his help, they hope to defeat Tsarmina and bring peace to Mossflower Woods.

Brian Jacques has created such an in-depth world, without over-explaining or over detailing anything. The way the world-building is woven into the main storyline is so well articulated. Each animal has their own culture brought into the story, down to even their favorite food and the habits they have as creatures of the woodlands. And there’s nothing quite like listening to a full cast narration of Mossflower. The voice actors did a fantastic job bringing the various accents and dialects to life. Each animal has their own way of speaking. Being able to hear it all increases the awareness of their different cultures. I highly recommend the full cast BBC audiobook.

The descent of madness portrayed in Mossflower was masterfully done. Brian Jacques carefully wove it into the plot, dropping subtle hints here and there, slowly building up the character’s downfall. As a reader, you won’t notice it at first. The habits the character begins with seem to be normal for them, even when they begin to show some questionable traits. Brian Jacques used the preconceived archetypes of the animal to make these reactions seem normal to the reader. And of course, the audiobook accented this descent into madness by allowing readers to hear the increase in volume, the cracking voice, and even the tics in dialogue the character began to develop.

Gonff was one of my favorite characters. The audiobook made his character shine as he broke out into song throughout his adventures with Martin and Kinny. His songs balanced the tone of the story and brought humor into the fold to break the tension. He was also such a jolly character. Even in the toughest of situations, he kept his head up and urged his friends to keep moving forward.

Brian Jacques shows the embodiment of friendship with the characters of Mossflower. It is such a humbling experience reading about their commitment to each other and the success of Mossflower Woods. It’s also written in a way that readers young and old will enjoy the story. This series is such a treasure, I encourage anyone who reads fantasy to pick it up.

Half kitsune Yumeko resides in the Silent Winds Temple, where she is taught to hide her yokai nature. But Yumeko still casts the occasional illusion to cause mischief and bend the rules. Little does she know her yokai nature will be the very thing that may save her life. When the temple is attacked, and all within it but her are slain, she is asked to perform one final duty for the temple. Carry a piece of the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers to the Steel Feather Temple. And do not let it fall into the hands of those who would use it, for they would cast the world into darkness once more.

Yumeko is a clever and manipulative character. Her use of assumptions and miscommunication is done so artfully and her fox nature is charming. Though she has nothing but good intentions, lies continue to build throughout the story. Readers are left wondering just when everything is going to tip over and expose Yumeko’s truths. Yumeko is also such a contrast to the second main character Kage. Where Kage is cold and mission focused, Yumeko is sincere and curious about everything she encounters.

Kage’s character is one fraught with complications and a dark past. Taught to withstand pain and feel no emotion, Kage is the exact opposite of Yumeko. He does not understand the concept of kindness, and whenever Yumeko uses it to better their situation he is surprised it even works. The shadow clan has honed him into nothing more than a weapon. And knowing he seeks the very scroll piece Yumeko keeps hidden on her person, ups the tension anytime he comes close to discovering it.

The Japanese mythology brought to life through Shadow of the Fox was fascinating. The world of demons, magic, lore, and samurai was enchanting. The use of the Japanese language within the context of dialogue was wonderful. Listening to the audiobook made it all the more enjoyable as I can guarantee I would not have pronounced the words correctly, even though phonetically I recognized a few. And the audiobook narrators did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life.

I did find the use of honor and explaining its importance overused. While I understand Yumeko is new to the outside world, and the significance, or lack thereof, for certain castes to bind themselves by honor, she’s clever. It only needs to be explained in detail once. It also seemed to be the caveat to plot points, and a surefire way of making characters move in directions the author wanted them to. I needed a bit more variety.

Shadow of the Fox has a wonderful cast of characters to follow. The blend of personalities and moral codes brought together makes for an interesting story. Julie Kawaga built a world of Japanese mythology that explored the darker side of magic and demons, while still maintaining a young adult fantasy tone. I am curious to see where the story goes, as much is left to accomplish at the end of book one and I will for sure be reading book two.

I'll have a mini review posted next week!

Emily’s Summer before senior year is nothing she pictured it would be. She still grieves the loss of her mother, and no one seems to understand what she is going through. Life continues to move on around her and Emily just feels…stuck. The only person around willing to listen is Blake, the new girl in town. But Emily is nervous around Blake, in a way she can’t quite understand. Then Emily finds her mother’s lucky list. Encouraged by Blake to live out her mother’s Summer adventure through the list, Emily will not only discover a new connection with her mother but her true feelings as well.

The Lucky List took a little while to establish the characters and plot direction, but once it did, this story shined. The confusion Emily felt when those around her dealt with grief in their own way was heartbreaking. While some have moved on, she hasn’t and the lack of communication between herself and others made it so much more difficult for her to understand. My heart went out to Emily as she tried to put her life back on track, and made missteps along the way. But the journey she underwent is well worth the read. It is not only about life after grief but about discovering your identity.

Emily experiences such a transformation as the story progresses. Once she and Blake begin to work through the lucky list, Emily slowly but surely opens up. She grows as a person and starts to live life for herself, instead of how she thinks people want her to live. Watching Emily evolve from a timid girl into one willing to take chances and embrace life was delightful to read. And the amount of pressure Emily feels as she realizes her true feelings are intense. The Lucky List puts into perspective the fear of rejection from loved ones when coming out.

The Lucky List is a wonderful story about discovering identity and coming of age. It’s a slow-burn lesbian romance that shows the social pressures when coming out. But it also shows how the loving support of friends and family can make a world of difference. This was a quick easy read, and if you’re looking for a book to read this Summer, go ahead and pick up a copy of The Lucky List.

Thank you to D.M. Simmons for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Laney has moved on with her life, but something still lingers in the back of her mind. Darkness plagues her, tormenting Laney with nightmares and sleepless nights. She should be happy, starting a new chapter in her life with Evan, but the past refuses to let her go. And it doesn’t help that Dean is back in town. On edge, Laney does her best to plan for her future, but something doesn’t feel right. To be truly happy, she will have to revisit the night that caused her the most pain.

While there might not be as much internal conflict and mystery as in the previous novel, Ravel is a book set to build up the world of Lake Haven. Readers will witness Laney and Evan’s lives moving forward after the tragic accident in Evoke. As the world builds around the characters, Laney is plagued by nightmares, slowly taking her down a road of misgivings and doubts. But the one part of the novel that remains strong is Evan and Laney’s relationship. The support they show one another is amazing, and no matter what difficulties lay in wake for them, they stand united against them.

Ravel is an engaging book that shows readers the day to day of small town life and shows readers that true love does exist. It’s a feel good book that has its share of tragedies but ultimately is about living life to the fullest and not letting the past weigh you down. As the story unfolds, readers will witness both sides of the coin. Those who can move on from tragedy, and those that dwell within it, and the effects it has on their lives. D.M. Simmons has a way with her characters that makes readers feel at home and connected with them. You’ll feel as though you are walking beside them, experiencing the range of emotions they feel as they try to move on with their lives.

The pacing is slower than in the previous novel, but savor it while you can. There is heavy foreshadowing as the story progresses. Once the plot twists start revealing themselves, the pacing ramps up. And while I suspected some of the major plot points by the end, some took me completely by surprise. And now I just have to know what happens next. I can’t wait till book three is announced! Fiction readers who enjoy small town settings and books about true love will love this series!

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Ravel

Thank you to D.M. Simmons for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Laney has moved on with her life, but something still lingers in the back of her mind. Darkness plagues her, tormenting Laney with nightmares and sleepless nights. She should be happy, starting a new chapter in her life with Evan, but the past refuses to let her go. And it doesn't help that Dean is back in town. On edge, Laney does her best to plan for her future, but something doesn't feel right. To be truly happy, she will have to revisit the night that caused her the most pain.

While there might not be as much internal conflict and mystery as in the previous novel, Ravel is a book set to build up the world of Lake Haven. Readers will witness Laney and Evan's lives moving forward after the tragic accident in Evoke. As the world builds around the characters, Laney is plagued by nightmares, slowly taking her down a road of misgivings and doubts. But the one part of the novel that remains strong is Evan and Laney's relationship. The support they show one another is amazing, and no matter what difficulties lay in wake for them, they stand united against them.

Ravel is an engaging book that shows readers the day to day of small town life and shows readers that true love does exist. It's a feel good book that has its share of tragedies but ultimately is about living life to the fullest and not letting the past weigh you down. As the story unfolds, readers will witness both sides of the coin. Those who can move on from tragedy, and those that dwell within it, and the effects it has on their lives. D.M. Simmons has a way with her characters that makes readers feel at home and connected with them. You'll feel as though you are walking beside them, experiencing the range of emotions they feel as they try to move on with their lives.

The pacing is slower than in the previous novel, but savor it while you can. There is heavy foreshadowing as the story progresses. Once the plot twists start revealing themselves, the pacing ramps up. And while I suspected some of the major plot points by the end, some took me completely by surprise. And now I just have to know what happens next. I can't wait till book three is announced! Fiction readers who enjoy small town settings and books about true love will love this series!

At first, Pip ignores the threatening messages. Being the creator of a true crime podcast, it’s predictable there will be people trying to get a thrill out of scaring her. But when the dead pigeons and chalk drawings begin to appear near her house, Pip begins to rethink the situation. Collecting the evidence she presents it to the police and once again is turned down, her misgivings brushed aside. But then again she never expected them to help anyway. When have they ever believed her? It’s up to Pip to investigate, but this time she might not make it out alive.

The evolution of Pip’s character throughout the trilogy has been intense. Watching events unfold in As Good As Dead, and Pip’s reactions to them shows how far she has come. Unfortunately, it also shows the mental slide trauma can have on a person. Pip has an analytical mind, and when faced with impossible odds, she goes into overdrive trying to find out answers. Near obsession and also dealing with PTSD leads to risky situations for Pip and decisions most readers will not agree with.

And once again the full cast of audiobook narrators did a wonderful job presenting this story. The style of information between Pip’s narrative may have changed this time around, but the way it all came together just accented the rollercoaster of emotions readers will encounter.

Holly Jackson is a master at suspense. The type of suspense that curls along your spine as you read, threatening to take hold of the characters and ruin their lives. Small bread crumbs left within the narrative hint at danger around every corner. And when the plot twist brings to light new evidence or scenarios, the reader's mind will turn back to those bread crumbs wondering if it’s the final moment. As Good As Dead held such a brilliant display of layering information into the story and I am sad to see this trilogy come to an end.

The series A Good Girls’ Guide to Murder was such a wild ride. I never could have predicted where the finale would bring readers, and I loved it all the more for doing this. I cannot wait to see what else Holly Jackson writes.

Thank you to Ana Stanojevic for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Aiyana knows something odd is going on in the city. When Ihode Labs is attacked she comes face to face with the villain behind it. Despite being warned off, Aiyana can’t help but investigate why labs are being targeted. But to do so, she will have to come up with a clever disguise and make some risky moves. And in the end, she will uncover a lot more than she bargained for.

Fire Wave may be a novel, but Ana Stanojevic added a comic book flair to her writing. I loved the onomatopoeia for each sound. I could picture how the words would be styled if I were reading a comic book. I also enjoyed when Fire Wave fully committed to developing her disguise and gadgets. The energy surrounding her in the moment made her determination all the more entertaining. I couldn't wait to see her test it all out and push against her limits.

The plot was quick to develop and while each shift in scene and direction made sense, I wish there was a bit more build-up in characters. The motivations of certain characters weren’t clear, and some choices they made didn’t quite line up with the information presented to the reader. And while I felt like a working relationship between Fire Wave and the police commissioner was a great move, I wanted to see more work put into developing that relationship and the reasons behind it.

The main antagonist was a delight to read. Obsidia’s powers were unusual, but the sheer destruction and havoc she caused to get what she wanted were undeniably evil. Any time Fire Wave and Obsidia were on the page together, the action ramped up. And given the ability for these scenes to be intense, I wish there had been pieces of foreshadowing dropped in before the big reveal. Just a little something to make the reader think something else was going on.

Fire Wave is a fast-paced and easy read. A blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements creates an action-packed superhero/supervillain origin story. If you enjoy stories about crime-fighting vigilantes give this one a try.

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Killing Monsters

Hired to defeat a monster terrorizing the land, Shefa soon finds the king wasn't so honest with him. Never lie to a dragon, and never try to trick one into completing your dirty work.

At under a hundred pages, Killing Monsters is a quick and entertaining read. Both readers new to the series as well as those who have followed Shefa's journey will enjoy this tale. This snapshot of the By the Hand of Dragons world brings the brutal action Alexzander Christion is known for right to the forefront. Shefa has his own morals and code he follows. And readers will soon realize what he sees as justice, and how he takes matters into his own hands.

You never cross a dragon.

Killing Monsters is the perfect bite-sized portion of Alexzander Christion's writing. It's a story that comes full circle by the end and doesn't hesitate to show off Shefa's power and abilities. If you're on the edge, deciding whether or not to read the By the Hand of Dragons series, give this one a go. You might just find yourself itching to learn more about the chimera and Shefa's role in the grand scheme of things.

Thank you to Escapist Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Princess Jennica’s world turns upside down when she discovers she’s to be married off to a man she barely knows. But her mother senses something is afoot and aids in Jennica’s escape from the castle. Told to find Kye the dragon seeker, Jennica embarks on a quest to find the dragon Joichan. However, the King’s plotting goes beyond mere political gain. Jennica will find escaping an arranged marriage is only the beginning.

Heir of Amber and Fire is a light read with a plot that steers Jennica ever closer to the end of her quest. There are a few interesting character reveals, but nothing overtly startling. I was able to predict many of the twists, but the events leading up to these moments were still a fun read. And when it was time for Jennica to face off against some of her greater challenges, the pages flew by as her will was tested.

Given the lighter tone, Jennica striking out on her own held some minor pitfalls, but nothing too harsh. The writing focused more on Jennica learning how to manage on her own, and the differences she felt interacting with people who didn’t know she was royalty. This was a welcomed departure from high tension stakes, allowing readers time to know Jennica as a character before diving into the more action heavy scenes later on.

There are moments where the pacing is a bit off. Exposition is used to bridge the world-building and highlight the past. And actions such as eating and sleeping are often mentioned instead of leaving the reader to assume these occur. While at times these can add to a story, there is a fine balance to maintain while doing so. However, the companions Jennica finds are a delight to read. The characters are easy to connect with and will bring a smile to your face as they form bonds along their journey. Witnessing their friendships unfold, and the bits of light tension laced between their different goals upped my engagement of the story.

If you’re a reader looking for a book to introduce you to the fantasy genre, Heir of Amber and Fire would be a great read. There is a wonderful mix of fantasy elements within these pages. Fans of dragons, magic, and princesses turned heroines should also give it a try.

For years Viv wandered the road, taking bounties and quests alongside her companions. But after a while, the orc barbarian wanted a change. Instead of bashing heads for a living, she wanted to settle down and start a new life. One that brought joy to herself and others. Viv sets her sights on the city of Thurne. There she would begin a new adventure, building the first-ever coffee shop in the city. But setting up shop isn’t as easy as it seems. Especially when life on the road leaves you with a sometimes undesirable past.

How could I possibly pass up reading a fantasy book about starting a café? I was also intrigued to see if such a theme could hold my attention and entertain me. Travis Baldree did an amazing job putting together this novel. It may be a book with low stakes and small moments of tension, but the characterization and story are just as compelling.

The relationships in this book foster understanding and acceptance. Being an orc Viv has faced the scrutiny that goes along with it. Due to her experience, she is less judgmental than most. This perspective paves the way for Viv to hire on metahumans others would look down on. And it’s the best decision she could make as she forms friendships and a comradery that helps the shop thrive. Together her companions create a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere in the coffee shop.

However, Viv does have some mountains to climb to keep her shop afloat. Not only does she have to entice people in with a new beverage no one has heard of, but she also has to navigate the local gang. The pressures of starting a new business in town were turned delightfully entertaining by adding humor and a bit of misdirection. While Viv does encounter rough patches, there isn't a central focus on the unsavory bits of her adventure. The tone remains light-hearted and makes the villains, while not overtly dark, still worthy foes.

And once the café is up and running, be prepared to crave a sweet pastry and cup of coffee as you read. The descriptions used for the food and coffee are mouth-watering. I loved reading about the characters' experiences with each new delicacy. Witnessing the apparent confusion over the newness of it all to the genuine enjoyment of each treat was heartwarming.

Legends and Lattes is a feel-good book. The tone is light and set towards Viv beginning life anew. And while she may want to fall back on her warrior ways at times, she fights against her road instincts. Forced to rethink the situations she’s put in causes some slight mishaps in the adventure that make it all the more entertaining. This was such an enjoyable read!