Review: Faebound by Saara El-Arifi

Published on by Amanda

4 / 5 Stars!

Stories of the gods and elvish prophecies drive this book.

We follow the stories of Yeeran, an elvish colonel, and Lettle, her diviner sister, This begins as a very military fantasy, as we follow Yeeran through her first day as colonel of the Waning army during the Forever War. She’s given a prophecy by her sister, and in following it, she gets herself exiled.

Not wanting to be apart from her, Lettle and Yeeran’s captain Rayan follow her into exile. What they don’t expect is to encounter fae, who are just a part of their fairytales as far as most elves are concerned. They’re then drawn into the fae world and their lives are turned upside down.

I did enjoy this book. The unique world building, the different magic system, and the different worlds and cultures was very interesting. I just wish everything had been explored a little more.

I also really love the diverse cast of characters, the normalization of queer characters and different sexualities and viewpoints of relationships, and the representation of characters with disabilities that weren’t limited by those things. The hetero and sapphic romances were a breath of fresh air, though often felt more lust driven than deeper.

The story was rather slow in some parts, and that took me out of the book quite a bit. I really feel like the author was setting up for the next book in the series, and I hope that all this setup really shines through in the next book. I’m not sure if there were supposed to be big twists in this story, but to me it was all rather obvious how the prophesies would play out and how other events came to be.

Overall, I’m very happy that I read this, and loved a lot of the elements. It just missed the mark for me in being a truly amazing book. I have full confidence though, that it will find it’s perfect readers out there.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me the eARC before release!

Blurb from author’s website:

DIVIDED BY BLOOD. IMPRISONED BY FATE. BOUND BY DESIRE.

WELCOME TO THE INTOXICATING WORLD OF THE FAE.

Yeeran is a warrior in the elven army and has known nothing but violence her whole life. Her sister, Lettle, is trying to make a living as a diviner, seeking prophecies of a better future.

When a fatal mistake leads to Yeeran’s exile from the Elven lands, they are both forced into the terrifying wilderness beyond their borders. There they encounter the impossible: the fae court.

The fae haven’t been seen for a millennium. But now Yeeran and Lettle are thrust into their seductive world – torn between their loyalty to each other, their elven homeland, and their hearts. . .

Review: Mirror of Malice by Tee Harlowe

Published on by Amanda

This book releases on January 24th!

5 / 5 Stars!

This is my new favorite fairytale retelling!

Liliath has been locked in a prison tower for two years, after her evil stepmother took over as queen. She’s been waiting for her betrothed to rescue her, so they can take back her kingdom. One day, she sees a cloaked man wearing his ring finally coming to get her, and he succeeds! Except, he isn’t her betrothed. She’s traded her prison for a kidnapper and thief.

Penn is the hulking, gorgeous, king of thieves. He’s spent a long time trying to steal the magic mirror and got the bonus of rescuing Liliath at the same time. The two argue from day one, and Penn tries to train her to be another of his thieves. Liliath will play along for now, but she isn’t worried about Penn’s end game. Her only concern is getting back to her land, stopping her stepmother, and helping her people.

I loved this book! It had plenty of Snow White elements with some Robin Hood thrown in, all while being original and captivating. I adored all of the thieves, and Penn and Liliath’s progression from enemies to more is extremely believable and provides some steam. The world that has been introduced is rich, with plenty more able to be delved in to in later books. There are more princesses around, with more fairytales to retell, so I cannot wait for the next book!

Book blurb from Goodreads:

He’s supposed to be my salvation, but he might just become my ruin.

I’m a prisoner in my own castle. Trapped by my apple-loving narcissist of a stepmother, desperate for my betrothed to rescue me.

Yet it’s not my one true love who comes—it’s the king of thieves. Just perfect.

He takes my stepmother’s mirror, the source of her power, but leaves with an additional treasure: me.

Now I’ve traded one prison for another. Penn Vanderbilt is cunning, captivating, and completely insufferable. He’s also secretive about his stolen goods . . . and the reason he kidnapped me.

Forget the thief’s plan. I’ve got one of my own: pretend to go along with his little scheme while plotting my escape.

I’ll only have to con the greatest con man alive. Never mind that I might be falling for him. The price of failing is my kingdom. But succeeding might just cost my heart.

Mirror of Malice is book one in Stolen Crowns, a series of steamy standalone but interconnected fairytale retellings. This enemies-to-lovers, opposites attract book is perfect for fans of banter, (very) snarky heroines, and slow-burn fantasy romance.

Review: Secrets by Moonlight by S.L. McMullin

Published on by Amanda

4 / 5 Stars

This was a wonderful read, that’s a bit reminiscent of Twilight for me.

Shae’s life turns upside down after a devastating experience with her ex-fiancé. Trying to piece her life back together, she moves back to her small-town home in Montana. Thankfully she has her best friend Jamie there waiting for her. Jamie wants to help Shae live again, not just exist through each day still mourning the loss of her former life. So, Jamie introduces Shae to her current love interest, Finn, who is a newcomer to town, along with his brothers.

Marcas is the oldest, dreamiest, and an enigma. He makes Shae feel things she didn’t expect to feel already. That comes with good and bad. Can she work on her trust issues to see if something great can develop, or will the past repeat itself?

This book was easy read and delightful. At times some of it seems a little juvenile, but it didn’t take away from the story. There are paranormal elements beginning to be introduced it seems, but there isn’t much revealed in this book. There’s a mysterious necklace and dream, not to mention a strange run in with wolves. The book ends on a huge cliffhanger, but I have a feeling so much will be revealed in the next book!

Book blurb from Goodreads:

“No matter how frustrated I feel or how hard I want to have done things differently, I can’t change anything. No one can. Whether I had a say in it or not, my path in life is set. Shouldn’t it finally be time I embraced it?”

Heartbroken, directionless, and battling a whole lot of trust issues, Shae decides that moving home to her small town in Montana, where her spunky best friend and moral support, Jamie, resides, will be the best thing for her. However, when Shae unearths a mysterious pendant in the forest with a wolf etched on the surface, strange happenings unfold.

In the meantime, Jamie wastes little time introducing Shae to her new love interest, Finn, and the other Brannon brothers, Sam, Niall, and Marcas, whose good looks and alluring charms seem to have stirred up a tornado of jealousy among the girls in town. Unable to avoid the chaos, Shae soon finds herself not only befriending Niall, the youngest, but also drawn to the tall, dark, and brooding eldest like a moth to a deadly flame. Marcas harbors secrets Shae yearns to uncover no matter how hard she tries to resist.

Will Shae have the strength to overcome her fears and give in to the idea of love—the very thing that nearly destroyed her once before—or will uncovering Marcas’ secrets force her to deny her heart’s desire?

Review: Of Flame and Fang by Jay R Wolf

Published on by Amanda

4.5 / 5 Stars!

A promising start to a new series!

Eva is Hades’ mercenary. A demon from the Undercity who hunts down the worst of the worst. Then one day, she’s really given the worst to hunt down by the Queen of the Undercity, Persephone. She’s not on her own this time though, she must partner with Fenrir, King of the Wolves. Did I mention that she hates werewolves?

As more twists and turns appear, can the two put aside their own dislike for demons and werewolves and work together. The fate of the entire world might depend on it.

Of Flame and Fang follows the perspectives of Eva and Fenrir. They are both flawed characters who sometimes care too much to their own detriment. This book is full of great world building and seems like the tip of the iceberg for the places this series can go. Little romance takes place in this book, but there’s no telling where things will go in the future.

I can’t wait for the next book!

Book blurb from Goodreads:

When Fang and Fire Collide, Love is Born in the Shadows of War.In the gritty heart of a world where darkness and desire dance a dangerous tango, Eva stands as the Undercity’s top-notch mercenary. She’s right on the edge of a contract that’ll define her life, all thanks to the Queen of the Undercity, and it’s a rollercoaster ride she never saw coming.

Everything takes an unexpected turn when she has to team up with Fenrir, the King of Wolves. Their alliance thrusts them into a full-blown smackdown between ancient gods, deadly creatures, and a wolf pack on the brink of destruction. Time’s ticking away, and they’re running a gauntlet in a place where danger lurks around every shadowy corner, and, well, sparks are flying in more ways than one.

Their mission is hunt down Abaddon, the escaped prisoner of the Undercity and anyone responsible. The fate of the whole world is riding on their shoulders. From the blazing pits of the Undercity to the cosmic realm of Olympus, Fenrir and Eva are digging up secrets that could either save humanity or send it spiraling into ruin.

Of Flame and Fang is the first installment of the Dark Mercenary series. For fans of Mercy Thompson, Kate Daniels, and Cat Crawfield, Of Flame and Fang will send you through a maze of danger, heartache, smoldering slow burn romance, and more! Content Adult Language, Graphic Violence, & Death.

Review: Colossal by Alexandra Norton

Published on by Amanda

3 / 5 Stars!

Earth has been abandoned, and the human race is spread around the galaxy.

Orion is an entitled, shallow commander’s son, who has been banished to Mars by his mother for over a decade. He gets the news that it’s time for him to return and learn to take over command.

Kaia lives on Riker 109 as a scavenger. Her boss wants her to target Orion on his stop from Mars to Colossal, the colony ship. He wants her to make it to Colossal and get him information on how to access the ship. It’s full of resources and the best tech, due to its goal of finding New Earth.

The book follows their journey as they get to know each other, journey along Colossal, and use each other for their own means.

I greatly enjoyed the world building and unique aspects of the world and the ship itself. I had a hard time feeling very invested in the relationship forming between the two of them, as it’s more trauma bonding than anything else most of the time.

It definitely ends on a cliffhanger though, so now it’s time to wait until book 2 comes out!

TW/CW – check the authors website for full content warnings: though the dubcon is more like sexual assault with FMC feeling she “deserves it”, suicidal ideation, suicide, sexual violence, knife play

I was lucky to receive an ARC from the author to read.

Blurb from author’s website:

The predatory alien blood in Orion Halen’s veins makes him dangerous. Volatile. Addictive. But desire burns brightest in the depths of darkness… And the fall can feel so good.

Kaia never imagined her lifelong mission would lead to this: a sacrificial lamb on a colony ship, chosen to bear an heir for the ship’s ruthless soon-to-be commander. To Orion Halen, she’s a means to an end—a piece to play in his twisted game. But Kaia is no ordinary pawn.

Even as their machinations intertwine and secrets grow deep, an insatiable attraction takes root. Their dance of power and seduction blurs the lines between pleasure and pain. There’s a cruel lure in Orion’s glacial eyes. A mere touch threatens to expose a hunger Kaia can’t afford to let herself indulge, because she’s hunting for something far more precious than her own survival. But desire burns brightest in the depths of darkness… And it’s so tempting to give in.

Colossal: Dark Romance in Deep Space is a steamy science fiction romance novel where morally gray protagonists navigate treacherous desires in a slow burn that satisfies the senses and leaves the reader aching for more.

Review: Throne of Air and Darkness by Emberly Ash

Published on by Amanda

5 / 5 Stars!

This series just keeps getting better!

This is book 2 in the Secrets of the Faerie Crown series. Once again, we follow Veyka and Arron on their road leading the fae. Veyka is our curvaceous heroine who’s coming into her own and rising through depression. Arron is our vicious beast king who is learning new parts to himself as well.

This book has a lot of the same characters, and we get a lot from Parys’s perspective and learn more about Gwyn as well. We get to enter see the human world, and meet wonderful and not so wonderful new characters.

This book is full of so many twists and turns. Everything that we thought we knew from the first book is wrong. Veyka’s whole world has turned upside down. Can her and Arron work through their issues and find their way through it?

I absolutely love this book. The good, the bad, the spicy, the sad, it all blends in to this read that will keep you guessing. I can’t wait for the next book! 

Book blurb from Goodreads:

Down, down, down. I am being pulled away, pulled apart, ripped at the very seams of my being. But a voice in the darkness, a name in the bitter cold air, pulls me back… She was never meant to be queen. But Veyka Pendragon sits the throne nonetheless, High Queen of Annwyn, Protector of the faerie realm. And at her side? The male who was once her enemy, then her ally, and now, something else entirely. The secret she tried so hard to protect was a lie. So was the brother she loved so dearly. She can hardly trust the reality she sees with her own two eyes, let alone the feelings burning in her chest—feelings that she swore she’d never feel again. Arran Earthborn has spent three hundred years killing his way across battlefields to find his place beside the female he loves. He will do anything to keep her safe… even if it means burning Annwyn to the ground in a quest for the truth. But the answers they seek lurk beyond… in a land of pain and desperation. The human realm. The Secrets of the Faerie Crown series is a twisted mythology retelling of the Arthur legend. It is a high-steam fantasy romance with dark elements.

Release Day Review: Sanctuary of the Shadow by Aurora Archer

Published on by Amanda

3 / 5 Stars!

Released today!!

Sanctuary of the Shadow is an interesting premise. We start in the world of the Salizar’s circus, where Harrow is hiding in plain sight as a fortune teller. We get hit with the mystery of Raith and get to see his character develop even though he has no memory. The two are immediately drawn together and both have missing pieces of their pasts to find.

I’m honestly really split on this book. The idea of it is fantastic, but the writing often kept me from staying totally in the moment. A lot of the storyline and relationships seem to move too quickly.

I expected the circus to play a bigger part of the story, and I’m a bit disappointed that less of it was explored or developed, as I think that would have added so much to the world building.

The side characters were my favorite parts of the book. Nashira and Malaikah both drew me in more than Harrow and Raith did. I really hope that a certain snake is explored more in the next book too.

Overall, I’m glad that I read it, and if the next book is about Malaikah’s journey, then I’ll definitely be reading it!

I received a review eARC provided by the publisher for an honest review. This beautiful edition pictured is also on its way to me, purchased by me!

Blurb from author’s website:

Enter at your own risk―and discover the greatest show unearthed in this explosive, darkly imaginative debut fantasy…
For humans, the circus is a place filled with wonder and amazement. For Harrow, though, it’s a place to hide from those who slaughtered her entire clan. Disguising her abilities as part of her act has kept her true identity safe for years.
Until he arrives.
A strange new attraction with no name, no memory of who―or even what―he is, let alone an explanation for his odd yet deadly powers. But beneath the layers of anger and isolation, one glimpse into his inky eyes reveals a soul that calls out to the loneliness in her own.
And so she chooses him.
Harrow is drawn to the darkness, to her insatiable need to soothe the beast who threatens their very existence. But with every secret she unlocks from his past, another from hers whispers free as well―luring enemies who will stop at nothing to get their final revenge on Harrow. And she’s afraid she’s given them the perfect weapon against her…because he’s not what he seems.
But maybe it’s time they finally learn―neither is she.

Review: Witch Stone by Mandy O’Dell

Published on by Amanda

4 / 5 Stars!

This was a really fun read!

Half witch, Rossi, grew up thinking that she was just half a witch. While all the other witches have two stones to collect and direct power, she only has one. One night while her mother is out collecting lightning, she finally manages to do so as well! Yet this is the first step in an unfolding of events which will change her life forever. Suddenly, a very powerful but mysterious warlock, Drag, shows up saying he’s trying to help her. Then a flood of witches comes to her town wanting protection.

Can Rossi live up to what people are saying about her? Is Drag much more than he appears?

This book is full of a wonderful cast of characters. Rossi’s mom is an eccentric and an accident-prone witch. Pitty, the troll babysitter extraordinaire, is gross and endearing. Simon is an unexpected and perfect familiar. Drag, is likeable and mysterious with a wonderful ability to annoy Rossi. There are so many more!

I really enjoyed this different look at magic and how it works. At times friendships/relationships seemed to form a little too quickly, yet at the same time. While it touches heavy subjects, overall, it’s lighthearted, funny and refreshing. This is only the beginning. I look forward to the next book!

Book blurb from Goodreads:

A half witch with no power. A warlock who’s betrayed his own kind, and the monster that’s hunting them both.

Destined to fail, Rossi is only a half witch. Her coven, her mom, even her troll were constantly trying to make up for lack of magic, but Rossi knows. And she’s over being a burden, but unsure how to fix it.

On a stormy night, a bolt of lightning makes the choice for her, while at the same time, sending a pulse out into the magical world. Within hours, strangers start showing up in her small mountain county by the bucketloads.

An annoying, but somewhat swoony warlock with plenty of his own secrets.An unusual unicorn who had delusions of grandeur.A monster that uses tricks of the mind to trap its prey.And more witches than Rossi could possibly count.

All of them interested in only one thing.

Review: Crown of Earth and Sky by Emberly Ash

Published on by Amanda

4 / 5 Stars!

Twins should not exist in the fae world. Yes, King Arthur and Veyka Pendragon defied those odds. Yet it left Veyka with a terrible secret and a horrible upbringing. After Veyka is forced to take the throne even if only as a farce, she’s forced to marry. There are always two on the throne of Annwyn, an Elemental king or queen and a terrestrial heir proven to be the best and their counterpart. The Brutal Prince, Arron Earthborn, is the strongest fae in a thousand years, so he’s chosen as the king to Veyka’s queen.

The story is from both Veyka’s and Arron’s perspectives. We see Veyka struggle with grief and depression, while plotting her revenge. We see Arron, forced from the battlefield to the court, try to figure out what to do with his new queen, who has no care to rule.

The lust between the two jumps from the page, but can two such guarded people ever let their walls down, especially with secrets that could change the fate of Annwyn?

This is an adult twist of the Arthurian legends and a wonderful read. We’re mostly in one area of the world, but so much more is alluded to that I expect to see in future books. I cannot wait to see more. There are still a few Arthurian legend characters missing that I can’t wait to see, and I need to know if my hunches are right!

There are trigger warnings, so make sure you pay attention to those if you may have triggers.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. It’s also available on kindle unlimited.

Book Blurb from Goodreads page:

What do I want?
A quick death.
Barring that, I only dream of one thing—revenge.
Veyka Pendragon was crowned queen in a farce fit for any circus. Now, as her traitorous court plots around her, the new Queen of the Elemental Fae must take revenge on the humans who betrayed her while also guarding a dangerous secret.
The arrival of her betrothed, the storied Brutal Prince, is merely another cog in the wheels of time and space spinning around her.
Arran Earthborn is the strongest terrestrial fae in millennia. If Veyka wishes to keep the peace her ancestors fought and died for, she must join with him soon.
But the Brutal Prince has not earned his name by playing nice. The torture he exacts will enrage and enflame her—and endanger a secret that would rip their world to shreds.
The days are slipping by.
Very soon I will have to choose…
The crown that destroyed my life but protects my kingdom…
Or settling the scores that haunt my every step.
Crown of Earth and Sky is a twisted mythology retelling of the Arthur legend. It is a high-steam fantasy romance with dark elements.

REVIEW: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

Published on by Amanda

Letters of Enchantment series

4 / 5 Stars!

“you are worthy of love. You are worthy to feel joy right now, even in the darkness. And just in case you’re wondering … I’m not going anywhere, unless you tell me to leave, and even then, we might need to negotiate.”

I’m pretty sure that quote will be everywhere.

Divine Rivals was such an amazing book. It tells the story of Iris Winnow, an eighteen-year-old who’s trying to get the columnist promotion at Oath Gazette. Her brother is off at war, but she hasn’t heard from him. Her mother is suffering from addiction and is neglectful, and Iris needs the money to keep their apartment and food on the table. Then there’s her rival for the columnist position Roman Kitt, a smart, handsome, and wealthy man.

The gods are on the move and a war has broken out. Her brother went to fight, and since she hasn’t heard from him, she types out letters to him on an old typewriter and puts them under the wardrobe door, where they vanish. Unbeknownst to her, they appear in Roman’s room, and he begins to anonymously write back to her. An amazing friendship forms, though only Roman is aware of who he’s been writing to this whole time.

When things lead to Iris going on a traveling reporting job to the front lines, will their friendship grow? Will the magic connecting them continue? Will she find out anything about her brother? Do the gods really walk among them? What follows is a truly beautiful novel with some of the best quotes around.

“It’s not a crime to feel joy, even when things seem hopeless. Iris, look at me. You deserve all the happiness in the world. And I intend to see that you have it.”

This is not my usual book. Yes, it’s fantasy, but it’s a purer, simpler version. I don’t mean the writing, but it’s a more humanized novel maybe. I’m not sure that I can describe it if you haven’t read it. It was definitely a break from all the dragon, high action things that I had been reading. A pleasant break. I’m truly glad that I read this book and have already pre-ordered the next.

“I never told you that I love you. And I regret that, most of all.”

Book blurb from author’s website:

When two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection, they must face the depths of hell, in a war among gods, to seal their fate forever.
After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again. But eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow just wants to hold her family together. Her mother is suffering from addiction and her brother is missing from the front lines. Her best bet is to win the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.
To combat her worries, Iris writes letters to her brother and slips them beneath her wardrobe door, where they vanish—into the hands of Roman Kitt, her cold and handsome rival at the paper. When he anonymously writes Iris back, the two of them forge a connection that will follow Iris all the way to the front lines of battle: for her brother, the fate of mankind, and love.
Shadow and Bone meets Lore in Rebecca Ross’s Divine Rivals, an epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.