Tag: Fantasy (Page 1 of 121)

BOOK REVIEW: We Who Will Die (Empire of Blood #1) by Stacia Stark

February 12, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

We Who Will Die (Empire of Blood #1)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Life in the perilous Thorn district is a constant battle for Arvelle and her younger brothers. And the vampire standing on her doorstep is about to turn their world upside down.

Faced with an unthinkable choice, Arvelle makes a magically binding vow to do the impossible: kill the emperor, an ancient vampire created by the god Umbros. But first, she must enter the Sundering—an arena where only the fastest, strongest, and deadliest survive long enough to be selected for the emperor’s elite guard.

She quickly draws the ire of the Primus, the powerful figure charged with protecting the emperor. But the vampire under the armor is the last person Arvelle expects to encounter in the emperor’s court.

With her brothers’ lives in the balance, Arvelle has no choice but to ally with the man who once shattered her heart… and with the emperor’s sadistic son, Rorrik—two vampires whose motives are impossible to pin down. Rorrik holds the key to understanding the powers Arvelle is developing—abilities that would put a price on her head if discovered by the emperor.

To survive the arena and complete her mission, Arvelle must get to the bottom of a conspiracy that will change everything she thought she knew about herself—and the two vampires who are deeply entwined with her destiny…

Review:

With gladiator vibes and deadly trials, this book held me in the palm of its hand. The characters were so effortless to love and cheer on! Especially since Arvelle would do anything for her younger brothers. As this story unfolded with a slow burn, second chance romance, not everything was as it seems. With fun twists and turns, We Who Will Die was another huge hit and instant favorite by Stacia Stark! If you love romantasy, you desperately need this book in your life!

A chill slides down my spine. Every move I’ve made was to ensure I’d never have to fight for the emperor again. It’s bitterly ironic that those very steps have led me right back to this exact situation.

I was terrified for Arvelle’s journey. She was so smart and refused to give in, even with her past haunting her at every turn. But she lived in a deadly world. While it was Roman-inspired with magic, I loved that it was filled with vampires, magical creatures, and gods. I found myself screaming, crying, and clapping. And with mystery swirling through the pages, it made this story impossible to put down! One of my favorite things about Stacia Stark’s books is that her characters are always so effortless to connect to. There were so many that you couldn’t help but love, and others that will make you rage.

When he moves toward me, any pretense of civility is gone. This is the man who disemboweled his enemy the first time I saw him.
He was always this man.

With sacrifices, deals made, steamy moments, jealousy, and more, We Who Will Die was so easy to love. And while I guessed a few of the twists correctly, a few of them I definitely didn’t. Now here’s the struggle, I usually talk about the romantic interest in my reviews. But I think you need to discover this on your own. I’ll just say….while my brain is torn, my heart is leading me solidly down one path. And that path makes me nervous! So, with countless shades of gray and not everything is as it seems, this story left us at a fabulous spot. You’ll be able to breathe, somewhat. I can’t wait to start that next book!

Other Favorite Quotes:

The pain of loss never ends. It never gets better. Anyone who says it does is lying.

The stars are blocked by the Primus as he looms over me. He doesn’t offer to help me up. Instead, he crouches down. And when he dips his chin, the movement is suddenly so familiar, my heart stutters in my chest.

“All this time I thought leaving you smashed my heart into pieces, and I’d be picking shards out of my chest until the day I died. But my heart wasn’t smashed. I left it with you, and you’ve held it hostage ever since.”

He tastes like lost dreams and a thousand sleepless nights. He tastes like young love and bitter heartbreak.

“I missed you more than I miss the sun,” he says hoarsely.

“You never should have come here. And I’m a selfish bastard because I’m so fucking glad you did.”

Nothing else exists except this moment. These sensations. Us.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Brimstone (Fae & Alchemy #2) by Callie Hart

January 30, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

Brimstone (Fae & Alchemy #2)
by Callie Hart
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Duty. Blood. Honor. Power.
Saeris Fane doesn’t want power. The very last thing she needs is her name whispered on an entire court’s lips, but now that she’s been crowned queen of the Blood Court, she’s discovering that a queen’s life is not her own. A heavy weight rests upon her shoulders. Her ward—and her brother—need her back in her homeland…but the changes that have strengthened Saeris have also made her weak. Born under blazing suns, Saeris will surely die if she makes her way home through the Quicksilver. Which means that, once again, she must send someone else in her stead...

“Keep your mouth shut. Stick to the shadows. And for the love of all seven Gods, do NOT crack any jokes.”

Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate has defeated armies and survived all manner of horrors, but traveling back to Zilvaren with Carrion Swift might just be the death of him. The male just will not shut up. Hidden dangers await them down the narrow alleyways of the Silver City. Unfolding secrets pose impossible threats. Fisher must wrangle the smuggler and accomplish his goals quickly if he wants to see his mate again.

A darkness falls across Yvelia. The realm and their friends are in danger. Together, Saeris and Fisher will pass through fire and brimstone to save them.

Review:

Spoilers Below….

Brimstone reminded me of the movie Bedtime Stories where the kids kept piling on these ridiculous aspects to the story, and it just builds into an over the top adventure. Like with the ‘book’ (I really struggled with this plot device), to what she is, to who is attacking, to that ending. As someone who can suspend my belief and fall for mythical creatures, I definitely struggled at times. This story felt disjointed, and not cohesive.

But here’s the thing, I love so many of these characters. I loved watching them struggle and work together. Saeris, Fisher, Onyx, and Carrion are my top favorites. So yes I shed a few tears. But I also found myself bored at times and skimming. I missed the pace from the first book. I wanted to be consumed, and I never felt that with Brimstone.

But my biggest struggle were the plot holes or things that didn’t make sense. They were…..

*We were told that he got Quicksilver in his eye because of the first pool he went in without a relic. But then at the end when he tells about how this is the pool he was forced to go in, it’s not even a Quicksilver pool. It’s something else and it states it is not Quicksilver.

*In Quicksilver it was a huge deal she sat on his right. In Brimstone she wrote her to sit on his left. Why??? 😞

*Those creatures were impossible to kill and kept absorbing their power. So then how did they kill and defeat them outside the Satyrs home at the end when nothing has changed?

*A fae’s true name is to be sacred and never used. He then just switched his name to his true name and uses it and nobody even blinks?

The story ended at a great stopping point. One where we can kind of breathe, but want that next book now. And while I usually give the middle book some leniency, I just couldn’t find it here. So, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that the final book in the series pulls me back into this series because Quicksilver is still one of my favorite stories ever.

BOOK REVIEW: Fallen City (Fallen City Duology #1) by Adrienne Young

December 3, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Fallen City by Adrienne Young
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In the great walled city of Isara, political turmoil ignites a rebellion one hundred years in the making. But when a legionnaire falls in love with a Magistrate's daughter, their love will threaten the fate of the city and the will of the gods.

Luca Matius has one purpose―to carry on the family name, maintaining its presence in the Forum once his powerful and cruel uncle dies. But his noviceship with the city's Philosopher places him in the middle of a catastrophe that will alter the destiny of his people.

Maris Casperia was raised amidst the strategic maneuvers of the Citadel's inner workings, and she knows what her future holds―a lifetime of service to a corrupt city. But her years of serving as a novice to the last Priestess who possesses the stolen magic of the Old War has made her envision a different kind of future for the city. When she meets Luca, a fated chain of events is set into motion that will divinely entangle their lives.

As a secret comes to light and throws the city into chaos, Luca and Maris hatch a plot to create a calculated alliance that could tip the scales of power. But when an execution forces Luca to become the symbol of rebellion, he and Maris are thrown onto opposite sides of a holy war. As their fates diverge, they learn they are at the center of a story the gods are writing. And even if they can find their way back to each other, there may be nothing left.

Review:

Fallen City was a star-crossed lovers romantasy that had layers of political intrigue. With war and corruption seeping throughout this story, we got to watch a love that refused to burn. Yet the way the story was told, there was so much cast in shadows. Mystery swirled around, and I wasn’t ever pulled in enough to want to dig. That’s because the story alternated between the past and the present, and while dual timelines are one of my top favorite tropes, it didn’t work here for me. I felt as though I was kept at arm lengths from Luca and Maris. Who both told us the story. And while I was intrigued by what happened, I never got to connect or feel their emotions. I desperately need that connection to love a book, regardless of how fascinating or unique it is. Here’s hoping you make a deeper connection than me, if you pick this one up!

Breath by breath, the realization took shape in my mind. Mortals weren’t the architects of this war. The gods were.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Between These Broken Hearts (These Hollow Vows #4) by Lexi Ryan

November 25, 2025 / Jen / 2 Comments

Between These Broken Hearts (These Hollow Vows #4)
by Lexi Ryan
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Princess Jasalyn has eleven days to live.

Jasalyn is facing the repercussions of a deadly bargain. Her life, and the future of the shadow court, are forfeit on her birthday unless she can stop the evil fae king Mordeus. She needs to face her greatest fears and find him before she runs out of time, but even after everything, Kendrick won’t let her face this alone.

Shape-shifter Felicity has vanished.

Felicity disappeared from King Misha’s dungeons, and her friends have been searching for her to no avail. But even if she’s found, Felicity will never be able to escape the oracle’s tragic prophecy for her and her family. In her lonely battle with fate, Misha is the last person she can ask to stand by her side, but the first one she’ll need.

Review:

Between These Broken Hearts was a beautiful conclusion to the These Hollow Vows Series! Games were played, plans went sideways, and with mysteries and magic lacing the pages, it made this book impossible to put down! I love how strong the sisterly love was throughout this story, and the found family was so beautiful! If you enjoy YA romantasy, definitely put this series on your tbr!

I traded everything for vengeance, and I can’t allow my mind to drift to what happens when there’s no more left to take.

Jasalyn faced an impossible future. With Mordeous having some level control of her body, everything looked so bleak. And with the ring not allowing others to remember her, she felt truly alone. I loved that she had those rallying behind her. Even if I wanted to hate one of them, *cough Kenrick cough *. But as truths came to light, my feelings towards those changed. Especially when we saw the lengths they would go to protect her. But I was terrified for Jasalyn. Time was running out, and there didn’t seem to be any answers in sight for how she wouldn’t die.

“Like what you see?” he asks.
I roll my eyes. As if I don’t care. As if the memories of his touch don’t haunt me.

This story alternated between Jasalyn and Felicity, and I was invested in both of their stories. With Felicity, while I started out confused, I loved the path her story took. Especially when Misha was on the pages, he was my favorite! I loved how forward he could be and his banter with Felicity was everything! I desperately wanted to know his thoughts! With prophecies and trying to protect those they loved, they both kept me on the edge of my seat with having to know what happened next!

This, I think. If I get to live, I want more moments like this.

With unlikely alliances, plans made that put those we love in precarious situations, gut wrenching truths, and so much at stake, this book easily became a favorite! I cried happy and sad tears. And that ending was incredible! We got to see HEAs for so many within this story! Now I can’t wait to see what Ryan writes next!

Other Favorite Quotes:

The pain that moves across his face makes me wish for a different life in a different world under a different set of stars.

“Everyone in this world has a fate they would personally rearrange the stars to avoid.” His gaze settles on my mouth for a beat before he takes a step back. “Don’t think I am so different.”

His gaze flicks to mine. If you’re so worried, you should probably stop looking at me like that.
Like what? Like you know how my mouth feels on your skin and you’re wondering when you can feel it again.
I gape at him and he lifts a shoulder as if to say he can’t help how I’m feeling.

His hands are gentle and he’s trying to hide the fear in his voice, but I am dying. I know it. Why fight this when I can take comfort in my final moments?

The rough pad of his thumb skims across my bottom lip and he bends down to speak softly into my ear. “When you’re in my dreams, you never look like the princess.”

He wanted to break me. He needed me to be so fragile that when the flames burned me to ash, I’d surrender. He wanted to make me weak, but he didn’t realize he was teaching me just how much pain I can endure and survive. I am so much stronger than he is.”

BOOK REVIEW: The Primal of Blood and Bone (From Blood and Ash #6) by Jennifer L Armentrout

September 22, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Primal of Blood and Bone (From Blood and Ash #6)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In the shadows and flames, Primals will fall…

And from the blood and ash, new gods will rise.

What was dreamt.

Poppy was never meant to awaken, and the consequences are devastating and far-reaching, stirring ancient powers from their slumber and transforming Casteel and Kieran in ways even the Fates couldn’t have foreseen. But what that means is the least of their concerns. For now.

What was foreseen.

The Blood Crown has fallen, but what has risen is a far greater danger than they’ve ever faced. From flesh and fire, the Great Conspirator has returned to the mortal realm, and he wants only one thing. They must stop the true Primal of Death before he regains his strength, and it won’t be easy. Even weakened, his influence is undeniable. His power, unthinkable.

Has come to be.

While the future of the realms rests upon them, they won’t stand alone. The gods have awakened—each harboring their own blood-soaked secrets. But they must navigate an unbalanced realm, where every choice—past and present—has the potential to not only undo everything they’ve fought for but also destroy the very bonds that have Joined them together.

For the Harbinger and the Bringer of Death and Destruction has risen.

Review:

The Primal of Blood and Bone was an emotional powerhouse. Dread and happiness swirled together, and shock too. I had no words and didn’t even know how to process some of the things that I read. But watching the way these three series wove together left me in complete awe and gave me chills. And having so many characters we love appear within one book made this story unforgettable. The Primal of Blood and Bone was a dark and gritty tale that will reach into your heart and own every last piece of you!

While I was a complete mess reading this story, the banter and teasing moments were everything. Here are some quick thoughts on some of my favorite characters. If you don’t want to know any of my feelings towards them, then skip this part ♥….

View Spoiler »

There’s many more I want to mention, but I can’t. You’ll definitely be pleasantly surprised, or screaming with joy like me, for who you’ll find within these pages!

As this story unfolded, we got so many answers! Yes, new questions arose, but I loved getting some long awaited insights! Yet……beware. As I was trying to piece together the clues, JLA beautifully placed in some foreshadowing that I didn’t catch until it was right upon me. The twists stole my breath. And we also got to see how decisions from the past affected the present. Plus having knowledge from the Flesh and Fire Series and The Awakening Series allowed us to see a few things coming. Yet this story still made me scream, jump, and left my mouth hanging open in complete shock as horrors happened before our eyes. Hang on, because it’s a wild ride!

With steamy moments, sacrifice, death, secrets, and love, this story unfolded in ways that will leave you on the edge of your seat. It was an emotional one too, I cried all the tears from happiness, relief, pain, loss, and suffering. Yet these characters will lift you up. Their love for one another, the friendship, and how far they will go to protect each other made my heart soar. But prepared, not only to have tissues, but for that ending. The Primal of Blood and Bone left us with the need to grab that next book now, that ending was powerful!

******I’ll be posting quotes in my review once we’re a few days out from release******

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*