Stasia

Definitely the best of the 3 book series. We get some serious plot development and character growth. It still rushes through everything, there's no element of fear or worry for the characters because everything is dealt with so quickly. In less than 2 minutes the king completely changes his mind about venera, after hunting her down for 3 books? I'm just glad I finished it, it's nothing to write home about, but it was an enjoyable easy read.

I got to 30% through and just couldn't turn another page. It's not fantasy, it's more like a historical fiction. The prose is not enjoyable and there are so many names and terms for the same thing it gets confusing.

The relationship between the FMC and her love interest is really well written, although targeted as a YA, I had to keep reminding myself these aren't adults I'm reading about. Lewis gives her characters proper emotional intelligence.

Side characters are strong from start to end, every character has their place. They add to the depth of the story rather than just being there for the sake of continuing the plot.

a nice enjoyable quick read, it'll leave you on the edge of your seat and wanting more from the author

Super short sequel, I felt it was a bit rushed and could have been slowed down a bit. There were a couple of plot holes and contradictions, but I love the story of V and D so I will continue the series

I mean, where do I start with this fantastic grimdark fantasy. Chronicles of Kings and Councils is the first book in the Harbingers series by Meg Edwards. Sold to me via Megs own tiktok account as a story similar to that of the character of Milo from Atlantis: The Lost Empire, I knew I had to read it almost instantly. I am so glad the algorithm put Meg on my FYP because reading this book was an adventure on its own. I will go into this further, but to whet your appetite, know that I have never read a book with such excellent character arcs and development. 

I knew I was going to enjoy this book after only a couple of chapters in, when I was utterly confused and trying to track every key character, the politics and layout of the world. For me, this is always a good sign that I'm about to be fully encapsulated by the book. There is no greater feeling for me than when I'm reading a new fantasy, lost in the sauce, just for it to then all click into place. The “OH!” Moment is everything a girl could want, and this book gives it to me so good. I have sat here and tried to rationalise my next statement, but I can't. 

Edwards plotting IS a genius. It's as simple as that. Every single person and event is like a square of a rubix cube, and Edwards manipulates it so gently, and with such precision, you begin to see the book retrospectively as the dots connect. You suddenly go from uncertainty to feeling so knowledgeable about this world Edwards has created in the turn of a page. You can guess and make assumptions about where a certain plot line is going, yet she turns it on you and completely blindsides you with something you never thought would be imaginable, yet it makes perfect sense. 

One of the ways that Edwards is able to do that is because of her character development and arcs. I don't want to issue out spoilers but the change in the male main character is staggering, the character you meet at the beginning of the book is essentially dead and buried with how much he changes, it should be jarring but Edwards is so methodical and has planned every possible eventuality that it just becomes right. I can easily say with my hand on my heart that I have NEVER read a book with such intense character development. 

It's not just the MMC. The FMC Risala also goes through her own mind breaking arc. It's not rushed. It's not an afterthought, it's not less than the MMC's, it's perfect. What makes it work so well is the pacing of the book, Edwards gives us the time to bond with the character and learn about them before completely changing who they are. 

Not only does Edwards create formidable characters, but she also makes them intelligent. And I'm on about Sherlock Holmes, Johnathon Creek, and Sheldon Cooper levels of intelligence, but with raw darkness and edge. For me, this was sensational. I adore intelligence, I simp over it, and in turn, I am obsessed with the characters that show it. In balance there's also a few moments where it's like the 4th wall has been broken which add a refreshing spot of humour, each one got a loud exhale of a laugh out of me before I dove straight back into the grimdark story telling.  

This book really is a truly epic fantasy that challenges you and your way of thinking. It is utterly memorable, I'm genuinely sad that I can't experience it again for the first time, and I am SO hyped for book 2. 

At first when reading this book I thought it was going to be very similar to The Serpent and The Wings of Night, but I was so wrong. Although very similar themes The Legacy of Stars is unmatched in its unique character development and teachings. I adore how our female main character sets boundaries all throughout the book and never waivers or disrespects herself by breaking them. This is quite unusual for female characters and I think it's a bit iconic and it definitely sets her up as a good role model for girls and women. The romance of this story completely overtook me, all I wanted was for it to work out and every time it took a dip or didn't work out it actually hurt my soul. There is a strong underlying terror element from  the Sons of Endros which kept the pacing and plot moving along nicely. I would have liked to see what happened to Endros at the end, he was tucked away nicely to end his plot line, but I just wanted a bit more from it. I am very sad that I read the ARC so quickly, I wanted to get lost with Stella forever. It is definitely one of my top books for this year. Thank you to The Realm Studios for the ARC. 

Why Rebecca? Why?

I can't form the words. Thom continues to be the ultimate baby girl, but I don't think I can forgive Crunden for Kitty. SHE'S SUFFERED ENOUGH.

I'm a little scared to read the finale, if they don't get their happy endings I don't think I could take it. 

you know in new girl when jess and nick meets prince and nick screams? yeah thats me reading this book. 

the slow burn will they won't they romance was t o r t u r e. I've never made so many annotations in a book before. I want this archangel in my life SO bad. 

are there a few plot holes and iffy bits? sure
was it a 5 star addictive, I cant put this down, read anyway? heck yeah

I was hook line and sinker for this book. it sizzled, it sassed and it hurt SO GOOD. 

10/10 no notes

Author Ben Dixon reached out to me and asked me to review his book Vengeance and Honour - A Heroic Quest, a fantasy book about a quest of sword and sorcery. A tyrant King set to see his son, a missing prince, brought back to the kingdom by orchestrating the kidnapping of the prince's fair maiden, Mae. Together with an elf who offered his sword, they journey through the land after Mae whilst picking up more friends along the way. 

From the acknowledgements at the beginning of the book, you can tell this is a book of love and passion. Dixon has been encouraged and influenced by his entire family and friends. 

The book starts off with a charm seen in books like Lord of the Rings. The way Dixon describes a stranger in an inn sitting with his back to the wall immediately made me think of Strider sat with his cloak in the shadows. And that isn't the only connection we get to Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, Dixon uses many similar themes throughout his book. There's conflict between Dwarves and Elves and a Dragon that's taken over a dwarven mountain full of treasure. We also get the beloved phrase “and my axe” as the group forms to go after the kidnapped maiden. I don't think Dixon intends to plagiarise in any way but instead has been heavily influenced and has written more of a fan fiction-esque tale. For me it brought nostalgia and familiarity, and as long as Dixon owns this connection, it's all gravy!

The pacing at the start of the book is quite fast, we immediately jump in with a light altercation, which Dixon uses to start planting seeds of information. Pacing doesn't seem to slow down as we move from action to action. It is a short read that keeps you entertained and involved throughout. I would like the book to be a little longer, with a bit more world building, due to the fast pace we skim over this lightly. Asking for more is never a bad thing, having something to really sink your teeth into and to get lost in.

The reader gets acquainted with the characters very quickly, Dixon has done a really good job at connecting the reader with the character. You are able to sense the tension of their plight, wanting to urge them on in their mission as the plot develops. There is really strong character development between the group of rapscallions who mature and change as they delve deeper into their quest. There are some real heartfelt moments that pull at your emotions which are balanced quite well with humour, a particular shout out to the introduction of the ‘Big Red Bastard' which had me laughing out loud. As already mentioned by other reviews this does feel like a narration of a DnD session, you can almost see the rolling of the dice as decisions are made and battles fought. 

There was one aspect of the book that unfortunately did draw me out of the story. Without sharing spoilers Zombies are introduced to the book, which for me just doesn't fit. Zombies are a modern sci-fi element which don't really have credence in a fantasy set in medieval styled times. I think if Dixon had stuck to terms like wraiths, or the undead, this section of the book would have matched the rest of the story and wouldn't have broken the flow or experience. 

Overall I think this is a solid book heavily influenced by the world of Tolkien. It is very obviously a passion project of the author, and even the author's friends and family. Although world building and language use could be improved I give this story a 3.5 out of 5, which i will round up to 4 stars. My suggestion to the author: get a proper artistic cover made, and get reviewers to help with cover reveal to reach more audiences and get the book promoted with bookbub. You have an authentic and nostalgic style fantasy, swap out zombies for a more appropriate word for the time of your book and you are onto a winner! 

The Darktouched by Dave Haywood is a book of magic in itself as the book is split into 3 sections. Section one can be read in two different ways. It is made up of a cycle of 3 POV changes, the author recommends you read all of POV 1, then POV 2 and then POV 3. However it is laid out as a repeating cycle of POV 1, POV 2, POV 3, POV 1, POV 2, POVE 3 etc. Due to reading it on kindle, I read it as it's laid out as it isn't easy to switch chapters.  The book has only been formated on kindle into 3 parts, rather than the individual chapters. If it was changed to the chapters then it would be much easier to read the way it is recommended. As it stands I do believe the kindle version lacks accessibility required to get the real experience the author wants. Hopefully this will be updated in the future. However,  I do believe that having different ways to read a book  adds to longevity, you can reread the book and get an entirely different experience, based on your choice. 

The imagery and descriptions of characters are incredible, so much detail is given allowing you to really picture small details of everyone you're reading about. It really adds a whimsical affect to reading, you feel like you're part of an enchanted world. It almost sends you back to your childhood imagination. It has all the makings of an epic fantasy, however with its call back to human life as we know it and the story line about the fallout shelters etc, it doesn't quite hit that mark for me and instead I would call this a blend of fantasy with sci-fi elements. 

The three POVs offered to us are 3 separate characters on the ‘good side' who face danger from dark beings and mysterious night ones. These characters must come together, with the help of allies and friends, to chase the darkness away whilst united as one. Naturally the first thing this reminds me of is The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings as there are strong fellowship vibes throughout. Haywood includes a lot of side characters who all have their own agendas and are individual moving pieces within the story. The first two sections of this book offer heavy lore building and understanding of the world's politics as it were. I half expected there to be a parliament of owls pun in there somewhere, but Haywood luckily doesn't stoop to my level of humour. 

Part three pulled me in instantly, it's where the real magic of Haywoods writing comes to life. We start with the ‘will they won't they' yearning between two characters. But betrayals and reveals come in thick and fast. There are gut wrenching, life changing twists that left me gasping with shock. It's almost like Haywood is rewarding us for the heavy toll part two took as we read and understood the intricacies of this world.

The Darktouched is a really interesting take on a dystopian world crossed with the nostalgic fantasy feel. For the first two thirds I was not sure it fit 100% for me, I understand that the set up of the world, the characters and the danger element were important, but my personal preference is for that to take up a shorter amount of the book than it did. However, reading part three was an experience of its own, I was on the edge of my seat in parts and in tears at others. I now cannot wait to read the next book in the series and hope that now we've had such a big set up, the pacing of the next book will be more palatable. 

A beautiful gothic romantasy! The descriptive language used in world building really creates a vivid picture in your head. The ebb and flow of action vs romance was masterfully paced. The relationships between the women were written from the soul and that carries to the reader, at times I was kicking my feet and giggling before shedding a tear at twists and developments. Thomas has written a truly beautiful book, I wish I'd have the patience to wait till October for a full mood read but now it means I get to reread and fall in love with the coven all over again.

We rejoin Falciani's fantasy world in the second installment of The Raven and The Crow series, The Gray Throne. Even though Falciani excelled at building his world in the first book, he continues with lyrical world building with immense imagery, viewed through the eyes of each character leading to the same place but multiple reactions and responses.
With multiple POV switches, we follow each player in the book like a well structured chess game, yet Falciani is still able to surprise the reader with twists and betrayals that you just don't see coming. There are some plot lines left unanswered or without a satisfying end, which I assume will be finished in book three. However I will not be continuing the series nor will I be championing Falciani as an author moving forward. 
Falciani originally contacted me at the tail end of 2024 to review the first book ‘Dark Storm Rising' which I did here I originally fell in love with this book, and it was set to be my book of the year, even though I read it in the early days of January. However, just like Icarus flying too close to the sun, Falciani is about to get burnt. 
Imagine my surprise when reading this book and I stumbled across an outdated, ableist slur being used against a character with partial blindness, deafness and a facial scar. The R-word, used multiple times in the book, was removed from official federation and health providers in the 2010's due to its offensive meaning. Using Slurs/hate speech in a fantasy book of all things is pure laziness. 
Having the audacity to use slurs in your writing and publish it like it's not an issue shows us that you are comfortable using these words in your day to day vocabulary. 
You are choosing to make disabled folk your punching bag. 
You are choosing to alienate disabled folk from your community. 
You are showing that you don't care for or don't think of the disabled community.
You are showing that you think being disabled is something to be ashamed of.
But don't just take it from me:
“What's wrong with “retard”? I can only tell you what it means to me and people like me when we hear it. It means that the rest of you are excluding us from your group. We are something that is not like you and something that none of you would ever want to be. We are something outside the “in” group. We are someone that is not your kind. I want you to know that it hurts to be left out here, alone.”
– John Franklin Stephens, Special Olympics Virginia athlete and Global Messenger
“The word retard is considered hate speech because it offends people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as the people that care for and support them. It alienates and excludes them. It also emphasizes the negative stereotypes surrounding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; the common belief that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities should be segregated, hidden away from society, which, in my opinion, is really old fashioned.”
– Karleigh Jones, Special Olympics New Zealand athlete
“I don't think you understand how much you hurt others when you hate. And maybe you don't realize that you hate. But that's what it is; your pre-emptive dismissal of them [people with intellectual disabilities], your dehumanization of them, your mockery of them, it's nothing but another form of hate. It's more hateful than racism, more hateful than sexism, more hateful than anything.”
– Soeren Palumbo, student, advocate, brother to a sister with an intellectual disability.

The only reason I'm giving it 4 instead of 5 stars is that for a short book it did take a while to get going, the ‘would she wouldn't she' of Alyssa accepting her magic went on for a tiny bit too long. But the second she made a decision, the book went up a gear, and I was completely hooked. 

I loved the cultural references to New Zealand folklore and mythology. It's inspired me to research into it more and to find more books by NZ authors who incorporate it in their writing. I do think that it fully adds to the magic of the book and it offers a connection to the reader. 

The twists were very well thought out. The friendship between Magnus and Alyssa was sweet, I hope to see more of it in book 2! 

We've been left with a couple of unfinished plot points. What is the barrier, what's going on beyond it, and why couldn't Alyssas friend get to the town. The epilogue offered no answers or hints of any of this being mentioned. Fingers crossed it is all in book 2!

The third book in this series ‘Tempting Fates' has broken me in so many ways, it's going to be challenging to summarise. I adore Spaids writing, her talent is indisputable but christ on a cracker is it hard to like her right now (/joke). Every single character that we've been introduced to goes through their own personal suffering. Spaid works to bring the most horrific gut wrenching moments to the reader. She builds suspense in such a way that you're sat clenching your teeth and forming a fist just to give you something to keep you grounded as you read through it. At one point I had to stop reading because I knew that if I turned the page my heart would break and I would shatter. Spaid has fed her soul into this book. You can't just create these emotional story lines out of thin air, although it's a fantasy book about shifters these are very human themes and feelings. If you've ever been made to feel less than, not worthy of love and chastised for every little thing then this book is for you. 

HOW DARE YOU END A BOOK LIKE THAT?! 

This book gave everything! love triangle, enemies to lovers, he falls first POV, fated mates, tragedy, twists, CLIFF HANGERS! 

I dont know what it is about Grevesons writing but she makes her characters so loveable it's almost toxic. I ignore every red flag and I am attached emotionally to the main cast. Every twist and betrayal feels personal. 

I couldn't put this book down 10/10 wheres the next installment please and thanks.

Faeries Don't Forgive is the 2nd installment of the Heart of Worlds trilogy. A high fantasy YA debut from TF Burke. Burke includes a well detailed and thorough glossary that I highly recommend you spend some time reading and understanding, especially if you're new to the high fantasy genre. This is the perfect sequel to “Faeries Don't Lie.” An epic high fantasy tale of a multi realm world with every faerie being you can think of. The relationships fostered in book 1 grow and develop throughout this book. 

Aunia and Mathias feel like a real genuine couple. The compromises and the challenges that they face and have to deal with really do make them feel like a couple from the real world, bringing a true depth to the book. There are battle scenes that have you on the edge of your seat, as well as insane twists of betrayal from loyal companions (yes I'm on about a lizard)

Burke has also fostered an amazing street team that I'm proud to be a part of. The community she has created is so welcoming and helpful, which I think is a big part of the brilliance of Burkes ability. 

Burke's world building is second to none, the different ways the characters move between realms and around the world could have been hard to follow, but due to Burke's dedication and clever planning, it glides with ease. As the reader you feel caught up in the magic of it all, it's almost like you're back at school learning the wonders of the universe but with faeries, magic and the wonderful Taf. The character arcs are complex, realistic reactions to the ebbs and flows of life that keep you on the edge of your seat. Whilst reading both the first book, Faeries Don't Lie, and this I kept thinking about Burke's writing style. Similar to the wildly successful Steven Erikson, Burke has a talent that cannot be taught. It's a strong reminder that fiction books are there to educate and push your way of thinking whilst escaping from real life. It is mindblowing that this series is a debut, I cannot wait to see Burke grow and develop as an Author, she's one to watch!

It was a fun read, albeit spooky! There were a few plot holes and things that didn't quite fit for rural Ireland. But if you take it at face value it's an enjoyable read. I really did think that this was going to turn into a psychological thriller but instead it turned into your regular thriller. I would have liked a bit more suspense around the paranormal. A lot of things could have been fixed with a 5 minute conversation and it was frustrating that Stella, an ex teacher, didn't know how to communicate with mama bear. 

I do feel like the title is a bit of a catfish, stella wasnt the one haunted, the family were. But for a short read it was good! 

A truly unique take on shifter romance. The book had me hooked from the start and I could not put it down. I finished it within a day. The FMC is outspoken, knows her own mind and is intelligent. Caught in a world where women have next to no power, Spaid ensured that her FMC was still a powerhouse to be reckoned with. It feels like I'm back in the early 2000s picking over team Edward or team Jacob, only the book is written with emotional maturity often lacking in this sub genre. The romance is dark and twisty with plenty of spice. The book ends on a few cliff hangers which have me chomping at the bit for the next in the series!

There are many things to like about this book! To start the way that Nox writes about self worth is truly heartbreaking. Every time Grey doubted himself or thought low of himself pulled at my heart. The emotional trauma this kid has gone through is staggering. It's a world where no human likes him because he's too fair, and the fair don't like him because he is too human. Then he is chosen for the hunt and now everybody wants to use and abuse him to their own advantage. Trying to live whilst knowing your existence is that troublesome is incomprehensive.

Nox also gives us the slowest of slow burns, with a he falls first POV and more yearning than a regancy romance story. All with this dark entity has already claimed one of them and wants to hurt whoever has touched what is theirs. GODDAM! this book gives you everything you want! 

I raced to finish it, I just wanted to gobble the whole thing up.

This is a really love story. The moment Gust was introduced, I knew this book would have my heart. The characters are formidable, and we see a lot of growth from the main crew. 

I really enjoyed Storms relationship with her uncle, and I love how she and Jodea worked with him to make him see his self-worth.

Lykkebo always manages to add lessons into her writing, and she has done it again with Winds of Destruction. 

The only reason it's 3 stars instead of 4 is because there are a lot of issues with grammar and sentences. There are some sentences that make no sense. I know Lykkebo is Danish, so I'm putting it to the language barrier and writing in English when it's not your native language. But I think if this book got a really solid edit, it would be a 4, maybe even 5 star book. 

This story is a tasty amuse-bouche for the rest of the series. A quick read that sets us up for bigger storylines to develop in the next book(s). 

The romance was everything, I absolutely adored how it works out even if I was waiting at times with baited breath hoping nothing bad was going to happen. 

I also like how, although there are treacherous moments, it still gives an overarching feeling that it will be okay in the end, an almost gives it a cozy feel to the book.

and there's always bonus points for a sassy familiar who's actually a god in cat form.

This book started out really strong with its dark imagery. We were thrown into action and were told to expect worse. But it never came. It levelled out into a standard dark romantasy. I had hoped this was going to be gritier with a real bite to it, pun not intended. If the intensity of the prologue and first chapter kept up, I think it would have been a 5 🌟 read. But it slowly fizzed out. 

What an astounding end to the series. The twists and turns kept coming through non stop action. The redemption arcs came through with emotionally spelled bullets. Honestly I'm left without words, a beautiful ending to a well thought out and manicured series. 

Frustrating that there has been no character growth or maturity for ardenis. He still can't control his emotions like a toddler, he still can't hold himself together around Hector. It's off putting and I won't be completing the series because of it. 

I actually got to the point of enjoying faelyns story and not reading about ardenis, i speed read his parts to get back to her. I think, although an interesting concept, having ardenis as a watcher just doesn't work if the main focus is about faelyn and thera. If he would have developed with the story this might be a different matter, but it's so jarring that he is still so emotionally unintelligent and immature. 

Its a real shame because Faelyns story is 5 star worthy, but the Ardenis story line isn't. I really don't understand why he wasn't given any arc or development. 

I did find this book quite hard to get into, the first 30% was probably too long, I wish this bit had been cut shorter, as the book only starts to grab your attention around 30%. Unfortunately the pacing goes right back to 0 mph and it's another struggle to get through. But then again, something happens at about 51% the hooks you win straight away. If this hadn't been an ARC I'd have DNFd so please read this review with that in mind. 

It's easy to bond with the main character because you are just as lost as she is, although I can't decide if that is a good thing.

Described as a horror, I wish there a bit more suspense in the book. Whenever something with the potential to be horror happens, they are flashed over by the author so quickly that it is over before it starts. In the slower parts of the book the author could have built suspense and planted seeds to get your mind going. It's common knowledge that half of horror is your own thoughts working over time about the worst things that could happen. 

The romance in the book is a very slow burn which has the air of regent yearning from the lady of the house. It's not quite the lesbian love affair you want it to be. There are also a few grammatical and spelling errors that a quick edit would have picked up on. 

The choice to make the FMC plus sized is confusing. The only thing it brings is a way for her and her month to insult her? Whenever she spoke about her weight or her size, it was only negative and I don't quite understand why the author would include a plus size woman just to constantly be negative about her size. It brought nothing to the plot, rather it's just cheap shots. 

I can see from the author's note at the end that they struggled to write the book and get it all out and that it was quite a long process until the ending which was rushed out in 3 weeks. And I think, as a reader, I can tell that I can tell that this isn't a cherished love or a passion. I feel like this story has just been written to be written. And not because the author is really inspired and empowered to tell a message.