Sable Thorpe

5 out of 5 stars

“Belladonna” by Adalyn Grace is a captivating blend of gothic fantasy, mystery, and romance that will enchant you from the first page. Set in a slightly magical 19th-century world, the story follows Signa Farrow, a 17-year-old orphan with an unusual gift – she can communicate with spirits and has a unique relationship with Death himself, and she does not like it at all.

When Signa is sent to live with her last living relatives, the Hawthornes, at their eerie Thorn Grove estate, she becomes entangled in a web of family secrets, suspicious deaths, and a mysterious illness plaguing her young cousin. As Signa delves deeper into the family's dark history, she must use her supernatural abilities to uncover the truth behind her aunt's murder and save her cousin's life.

Grace's writing is beautifully atmospheric, creating a lush, gothic ambience that permeates every page. She weaves together elements of fantasy, paranormal, and mystery, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The pacing is well-executed, with plenty of twists and turns to maintain suspense throughout the novel.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its characters. Signa's growth from an angry, lonely, cursed orphan to a young woman embracing her powers is compelling. The supporting cast, including the charismatic Death, adds depth and intrigue to the story. The chemistry between Signa and Death is particularly noteworthy, creating a slow-burn romance that will leave readers swooning. Talk about an age-gap romance!

While some readers may intuit one or two plot twists, the overall mystery remains engaging, with several surprises in store. The ending sets up an intriguing cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment in the series. Luckily, the next two books are already published and I absolutely devoured them.

“Belladonna” is perfect for fans of gothic literature, paranormal romance, and murder mysteries. Adalyn Grace has crafted a dreamy, imaginative world that will linger in your mind long after you finish this book.

With its stunning cover matching the beauty of its contents, this book is both a visual and literary treat.

“Can't Spell Treason Without Tea” by Rebecca Thorne is a delightful story that takes readers on a charming adventure through a world filled with love, magic, and mystery.

Thorne's writing brings readers into the lives of Reyna, a determined Queen's guard weary of serving a harsh ruler, and Kianthe, a powerful mage yearning for a simpler life with Reyna. Their forbidden love grew as they dreamt of escaping their oppressive circumstances to open a quaint book and tea shop. After their escape, they both navigate challenges from their past and present, and their relationship develops, offering a sweet f/f romance.

While the pacing is uneven at times, Thorne's storytelling skills keep readers engaged. The charming town of Tawney and its quirky residents create a cosy atmosphere that draws readers into the magical world of the story.

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea is a good blend of romance, magic, and mystery. Thorne weaves together elements of cosy fantasy with moments of tension, ensuring an enjoyable read from beginning to end.

For fans of Legends & Lattes looking for an f/f romance in a charming fantasy setting, this book is for you.

4/5 stars

I found the audiobook of “The Formidable Miss Cassidy” to be an enchanting tale that transports readers to colonial Singapore. Blending historical fiction with Malay (and other) folklore, this captivating story follows the compelling Miss Leda Cassidy as she navigates the complexities of her role as governess and companion to two local families, and her own heritage.

What begins as a ordinary tale of teaching English and manners quickly evolves into a spellbinding adventure, as Miss Cassidy confronts the very real threat of ghostly entities, which I won't spoil. Weaving together strands of Celtic mythology and Singapore's rich cultural tapestry, the author has crafted a fascinating and even educational experience for the reader. If you love world mythology as I do, you will love this book.

The narrator was an absolutely perfect pick for this book. She was able to do many distinct voices with ease, and I could tell the characters apart despite the fact that there are mostly women characters.

With its vivid atmosphere, well-drawn characters, masterful blend of supernatural and the historical, and the perfect narrator, “The Formidable Miss Cassidy” is an enchanting listening experience.

After watching her father killed by mysterious assassins, Silla Nordvig is trying to escape her dangerous past and the unknown secrets that come with it. She sets out on a risky journey to safety along the Road of Bones. Hoping to get a ride with a tough group of Viking warriors, she stows away on their wagon and has to prove herself when discovered. Along the way, she faces tricky alliances, dark creatures, and a love that grows even when it seems impossible.

Demi Winters creates a vivid world inspired by Viking culture and Norse myths. The setting feels like Skyrim plus Dragon Age, which I love. The scenes are beautifully described, and the fights are intense, making it difficult to put down. Getting used to the complicated society and the different characters takes some time if you are unfamiliar with Norse words, but there is a handy glossary in the back.

The characters are interesting and well-developed. Silla grows throughout her journey as she learns to balance her fight for survival with her inner strength. I love that all the Bloodaxe crew members are distinct individuals and some of them have disabilities that are handled with grace, love the inclusion! Her interactions with the Bloodaxe Crew, especially her complicated relationships with Axe Eyes and Wolf, keep the story engaging and the fight scenes are well-written and fun to read.

If you enjoy dark low fantasy or dark romantasy, “The Road of Bones” is a book that fans of gritty tales like Throne of Glass and The Last Kingdom will love. It's great for readers who appreciate themes of found family, slow-building romance, and stories set in Viking-inspired worlds.

Themes/Tropes
- Found family
- Enemies becoming lovers
- Slow-building romance
- Brooding warrior character(s)
- Dangerous quest

Some content warnings: This book includes violence and gore, attempted sexual assault, emotional abuse, addiction, grief, forced drugging, captivity, and loss of family.

I listened to the Audible adaptation, a fun story. Reminds me somewhat of the Parasol Protectorate series. The vast majority of the time it is a fun listen with great characters.

A content warning: Attempted SA is a repeated theme, at least in the Audible version. One of these scenes is very sounds (foley) heavy, so if SA is a trigger, you may wish to avoid the Audible recording.