Tag: Fantasy (Page 7 of 120)

BOOK REVIEW: Ship of Shadows (Stolen Crowns #2) by Tee Harlowe

April 10, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Ship of Shadows (Stolen Crowns #2)
by Tee Harlowe
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He broke my heart once. Now working with him might shatter it for good.

I’m chained to my crown. Queen of a court I don’t want. Ever since my brothers and father disappeared, I’ve been forced to rule, to give up the freedom I crave.

It’s all the pirate lord’s fault. Bastian Lore sailed into my life, charmed me completely—then betrayed me. The scoundrel kidnapped my brothers and delivered them straight to the shadow court where they’re trapped, their shadows now under the court’s control.

Worse, Bastian has returned—and his offer to rescue my brothers and find my missing father is too good to be true. All he wants in return? My help finding a cure for his mysterious illness. I don’t trust him, but if anyone can navigate the shadow court and get my family back, it’s him.

He’s as charming as ever. But I can’t fall for him again. If I’m not careful, it won’t just be my heart that I lose—it’ll be my family, my court… and my life.

Ship of Shadows is book two in Stolen Crowns, a series of steamy standalone but interconnected fairytale retellings. This enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance is perfect for fans of banter, (very) snarky heroines, and slow-burn fantasy romance.

Review:

Ship of Shadows was a beautifully, captivating retelling that was Disney meets romantasy! It was Peter Pan, yet with Hook as the love interest, and wrapped around the tale was also The Little Mermaid. I loved this book! The characters came alive, the story was impossible to put down, and I loved how elements of the original tale played out but also found new light. The twists and turns were fabulous, and the ending had me closing the book smiling!

“Do not speak to me like that,” I said, stepping forward. “I am the princess of Apolis, and you will address me as such, or you’ll lose your tongue.”
Bastian chuckled darkly. “You won’t cut out my tongue, not when you know firsthand all the things I can do with it.”

While this can easily be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend reading Mirror of Malice first. There you meet our main heroine, Princess Gabrielle. Her brothers were taken by the pirate lord, Bastian Lore. And then her father and his men disappeared too. She was to become Queen, yet that wasn’t what her heart wanted. With Bastian back and promising to help get her brothers, in exchange for finding a cure for an illness, Gabrielle’s world was going to get turned upside down. The man had already broken her heart once, how could she trust him? Yet what unfolded was the most fantastical journey that had me glued to the pages!

Our entire relationship was stolen moments. Secret trysts. A lie.

From those first few words out of Bastian’s mouth, I was a goner. He was protective, ruthless, and there was nothing he wouldn’t do to protect those he cared for. He was feared, yet underneath that gruff exterior was a heart of gold, or at least I hoped. From the moments he seemed to show he cared, like the fireworks, I fell that much more in love with him. Bastian made me laugh, smile and when he shared little pieces of his past, it made the stars shine brighter!

Second star to the right, he’d said. That’s our star.

Gabrielle tugged at my heart. She was trapped with a future she didn’t want. Her brothers were taken by the man she had fallen in love with. And when she boarded Bastian’s ship, everyone hated her. Her loneliness pierced deep into me. Yet through it all, she was resilient. I loved watching her use her water magic. I loved her finding a way into those hearts around her. And I loved watching her use her cunningness to try and stay one step ahead of others. Yet, Gabrielle also double crossed Bastian. So there were many shades of gray within the pages!

“I’m trying to be so good,” he whispered, “when all I want is to be so very bad.”
I didn’t move, letting his words, his breath, his scent, wash over me.

Bastian and Gabrielle together were explosive. The sexual tension could be seen with every look, touch, and word between them. There was an enemies to lovers vibe there. And the secrets they both kept were numerous. Yet through it all, they both acted like they were trying to protect the other. And while I’m super picky about second chance romance, this one was done fabulously! So when there were moments between them that were more, the steam was perfect too!

There were a million reasons not to do this. Yet with his voice so soft, so vulnerable, I couldn’t make myself care about a single one.

Along for the ride were Bastian’s crew, Driscoll and Leoni. I adored the two women on Bastian’s crew and Driscoll. Driscoll made me laugh numerous times! Yet Leoni and I never clicked. I’m hoping that will change with a future book. Within the story, there were so many moments that had me smiling in joy! I loved how elements from the original tales played out. So many of them twisted in ways that were shocking and unique. I’m not going to say much besides walking the plank part and afterwards, the cabin, and many more were some of my top favorites!

He dipped his head down, a question in his eyes, and I answered, tipping my head up. He brushed his lips against mine.

Ships of Shadows was filled with twists and turns, moments that will make you laugh and fall in love, and the ending was perfect! This second chance, enemies to lovers vibe romance swept me away! With found family and forced proximity laced within the pages, it just made me love this book even more! I’m so excited to see what happens next in this world, and I have a guess about what two fairy tales it will be. I can’t wait!

He placed his hand over mine. “Then who do you need me to be if not your hero?”
A grin spread across my face. “I need you to be what you’re best at. The pirate lord of the Dark Seas.”

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

BOOK REVIEW: My Dark Beast (Wicked Retellings #1) by Olivia Wildenstein

April 9, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

My Dark Beast (Wicked Retellings #1)
by Olivia Wildenstein
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
SLEEPING BEAUTY x HADES & PERSEPHONE

Tarian Hadez—thirty-three, real estate mogul, mob lord, most eligible bachelor in New England, god. The god-part is an exaggeration. After all, if true deities existed, then the world would be a magical place, and it's really not. At least, my world isn't.

Calanthe Bloom. That's me. Twenty-four, college graduate drowning in debt, true crime addict, florist by default, single by design. Although not living my best life, I'm enthusiastically pursuing it. Especially, in my dreams, which, since a recent flower-delivery snafu, all feature none other than lethally private Tarian.

Oh, the things he does to me when I sleep.

Wickedly surreal.

Except . . . are they?

Enter a world of gods and monsters where dreams are made of flesh. My Dark Beast is a paranormal romance standalone brimming with spice and intrigue.

Review:

My Dark Beast was a Hades x Persephone retelling, with Sleeping Beauty mixed, making this story intoxicating, unique, and impossible to put down. With Alice in Wonderland vibes, from the dreamscape, I was left questioning what was real at times. As the story unfolded, it was dark, mesmerizing, and so easy to love. The characters will capture your heart. And the ending will leave you smiling while you read two beautiful epilogues! I can’t recommend this book enough to romantasy lovers and those that love retellings too!

I don’t realize I’ve stopped walking until a deep voice rasps right beside my ear, “The first thing that draws most women’s gazes when they step past my threshold is the expensive art on my walls or the breadth of my entry hall, yet you, Calamity, seem enraptured by my floors.”
“I was expecting the fires of Hell, or the stones to runneth over with blood.”

Calanthe Bloom was helping take care of her mom, while also running her parents business. Not by choice, but by duty since her mom had Alzheimers. It broke my heart to watch her interact with her mom at times, and I couldn’t help but shed tears. Yet through it all, I loved the light and fire that burned within Calanthe. And her thoughts cracked me up at times too. I loved how sarcastic she could be.

“The beast has a conscience. Who would’ve thought?”

From the moment Tarian Hadez appeared on the pages, I was obsessed. He was dark, brooding, and had a way of commanding all of your attention. Yet while he was a mystery, there were so many things to love about him. Like how he called Calanthe, Calamity. To how he could make simple words so seductive. To even getting to see a sweet side of him too, which seemed to contrast with how deadly he was perceived. So when something happened between Tarian and Calathe, I was grasping for breath trying to figure out what was going on.

“Why do I always dream of you?” I murmur.
He watches me, and I watch him. He looks so real. So…tangible.
He stalks closer to the door.

When Calanthe and Tarian were together, the sexual tension that exploded between them was beautiful. And when you add that into a dreamscape, it was intoxicating. With steamy kisses, flirting that will have you sighing out loud, being called a good girl, and more, this book was so seductive. How Tarian could make just a simple lick panty melting was talented. Add that with Tarian messing with Calamity, and this book was so much fun!

“I’m sorry to have dragged you into my hell.”
She snakes her arm around my middle and takes a step forward, slotting her body into mine. And then she twists her head and presses her cheek against my chest.
Against my dark, bestial heart.

This story held me in the palm of its hands. I tried my best to put together the clues, but it was challenging since we were taken on such a wild ride with a million and one questions swirling around. I wasn’t sure who I could trust, but I went with my gut and hoped that would pan out correctly! So while I’m not saying much, because it’s definitely best to learn on your own, just know that I can’t recommend this book enough!

“You’re not some means to an end. You’re my fucking salvation, Calamity.”

My Dark Beast ended with a beautiful happily ever after, yet it was a journey to get there. With death bleeding from the pages, and moments that made me shed tears, this book consumed me. So I was grateful for Tarian’s ability to make me laugh, during moments where I just wanted to cry. And I adored that we learned this world with Calanthe as the story progressed. So I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that some of the side characters will get their own stories down the road! I am not ready to say goodbye to these characters!

“What’ll it be, Calanthe darling?”
“Fuck me,” I breathe out.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Rise of the Cinder Fae (Dark Hearts Fairytale Retellings #1) by Whitney Dean

February 26, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Rise of the Cinder Fae (Dark Hearts Fairytale Retellings #1)
by Whitney Dean
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Born and raised in the forgotten and broken kingdom of Ashbury, Elora has spent years resenting the royals of Pumpkin Hollow, the kingdom that forced the fall of Ashbury and procured the town as its own.

Separated by a mysterious glass bridge, Ashbury is treated as the orphan kingdom, left to squander and starve with only the promise of protection from King Jasper, preventing anyone outside their realm from searching for the magic that lay within the ashy valleys and red skies.

Because twenty-five years ago, the Cinder Fae arrived. As mysterious as the magic encompassing Ashbury, the Cinder Fae bargained for their lives by promising to keep the entire realm warm with their ability to mine mountainsides into coal.

But Elora and the Cinder Fae hold a secret that could bring the end to Ashbury and the mysterious winged creatures, who, despite Elora's best efforts to pry, refuse to share where they came from or why they can't return.

In her desperation to prevent the downfall of her kingdom and the death of her beloved Fae, Elora drinks from an enchanted spring, convinced she can make the prince of Pumpkin Hollow fall in love with her and guarantee their safety.

But magic takes to give.

And Elora didn't realize her heart would be the sacrifice.

Review:

Rise of the Cinder Fae was an enemies to lovers, fairytale retelling of Cinderella. With a fantasy twist, an arranged marriage, found family, and one horse, this book will take readers on a magical journey!

“A marriage of convenience. How romantic.”
I curse. “Believe me, Irina. The only one this is convenient for is her.” I recall Elora’s glares and venomous insults, my jaw clicking as a fresh wave of annoyance rises and nearly drowns me. “Romance is out of the question.”

My heart was instantly pulled in by Elora. With an evil stepmother and two evil stepsisters, who used her as their personal maid, I couldn’t help but feel for her. She should have been a princess. Yet instead she slept in the attic and didn’t seem to have much freedom. So when Elora was taken in a pumpkin carriage to the ball to meet a dashing prince, I was so excited for her! Yet this Cinderella retelling had so many fascinating elements mixed in. There were the cinder faes, an arranged marriage, a King who was disgustingly horrific, and a future mother-in-law and sister-in-law who I absolutely cherished!

“This is twice you’ve walked away from me,” he snaps, his tone laden with irritation.
“I’m shocked you can count.”
A low growl rumbles in his chest as he wraps a hand around my wrist and tugs me backward.

The kingdom Elora was from, suffered greatly. And as she set her sights on the prince, she hoped that she would be able to save her kingdom. I adored that we not only got this story from Elora, but from Finnian too. He was the dashing prince. I loved their enemy vibes from the start. And I loved how they both saw each other, because I just knew their growth would be fun to watch. From the moment they smashed pumpkins together, I was smitten. Especially during the cleaning up afterwards. Elora and Finnian were at the start of a beautiful relationship! So by the time they were dancing where she grew up, I was in love.

Finnian tsks. “I expected more from you, Elora. Is your only weapon that mouth of yours?”
My lower stomach tightens. “The one you keep staring at?”
I don’t turn to gauge his reaction.

My absolute favorite in this story was Irina! She was Finnian’s sister, and a princess. She was bold, hilarious and just made my heart melt with happiness. Her taking a liking to Elora, and helping her every step of the way just made me love her that much more! I would hope that she gets her own book too, or is super prevalent in the next book.

The second I crossed that bridge, my life was decided.
I fell right into their trap.
What a foolish doe to graze where lions play.

While this story was slow to start, I adored the first half. I didn’t care that it was long, I was fully absorbed and obsessed with every single word. Yet the latter half of this story dragged for me. Even with some interesting twists, I couldn’t help but find myself skimming from time to time to hurry it along. Also, there were some scenes that had me questioning what the characters were thinking, like the river and small room scene. But as the story kept unfolding, I realized that I couldn’t ever find the love I had for this story. Which made me so sad.

“There is only one way this can end.”
I barely feel his hand on my lower back as the stars above us start to spin. “And which way is that, little doe?”
“Ruin,” emerges in a breath as the starry sky envelopes me.

This story ended with a bang, and will leave the reader excited for the next book. While I’m unsure whether I’ll read the next story in this series, I absolutely loved how unique this retelling felt. So if you’re looking for a spicy retelling that also has fae mixed into the story, then definitely give this one a try. Here’s hoping you love it more than me!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Visions of Flesh and Blood: A Blood and Ash/Flesh and Fire Compendium (Blood And Ash #5.5) by Jennifer L Armentrout and Rayvn Salvador

February 19, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Visions of Flesh and Blood: A Blood and Ash/Flesh and Fire Compendium (Blood And Ash #5.5)
by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Rayvn Salvador
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
VISIONS OF FLESH AND BLOOD: a Blood and Ash/Flesh and Fire Compendium is a comprehensive companion guide for background, history, reader-favorite information, art, and reference materials. Combined with original short stories and scenes from some of the world’s most beloved characters, as well as never-before-seen visual enticements, it’s a treat for the senses.

Told from the point of view of Miss Willa herself, the compendium acts like research material but reads like a journal and cache of personal notes, allowing the reader to revisit the characters and history they so love yet view things in a different way.

VISIONS OF FLESH AND BLOOD by Jennifer L. Armentrout with Rayvn Salvador is a must-add addition to the series that any Blood and Ash/Flesh and Fire fan will enjoy.

Review:

Visions of Flesh and Blood was a comprehensive guide of the Blood and Ash Series and Fire and Flesh Series so far. If you’re needing a refresher, or have questions about this series, this is the perfect place to look! And just know that while this doesn’t further either of the timelines, it does give us beautiful artwork, bonus scenes from both worlds, excerpts from Miss Willa’s Diary, and so much more!

Cue gasps. I mean, I knew this, but can you imagine what it was like for her to discover that little tidbit?

Starting out, one of the things that made me scream was a reference to another series! A Fire in the Flesh gave us all the hints, and then this book left so many little easter eggs in the pages for Fall of Ruin and Wrath! And I’m excited to see how it all plays out!

Loves to hear himself talk. Driven. Takes pleasure in killing when it’s warranted. Loves to read. Feels spousal needs should come before those of the kingdom. Knows how to braid hair. Expert with many weapons.

This book gave us not only the history of the worlds, but details about what each of the characters had gone through up until this point. It was emotional seeing how much they had endured! You’ll get to read about all of your favorite Blood and Ash characters, along with Flesh and Fire characters too. But keep in mind that those moments were written by Rayvn Salvador. There were so many things that I had forgotten, like why the dragon’s eye color changed over time. Or the different kinds of Ascensions. It was all spelled out clearly. I also loved how within the characters, there were a few new things we learned. Like how emotions taste to Poppy. I loved approval! Or the amount of times we got to watch Callum die, I couldn’t stop laughing. We also got info on what their personalities were like. And you know who my favorite character summary was? Isbeth. I am beyond shocked!

I want you. Today. Tonight. Tomorrow. I want to see what the future has in store for us.

The artwork was stunning! My absolute favorites were The Blood Forrest, Seraphena “Sera” Mierel, Vonetta Contou, and Jasper and Kirha Contou. I wanted to lick Jasper lol. And a heads up to ereaders, I read on my Kindle Fire and while the picture was small, there was a ‘click here’ button that allowed us to see the images full-size in a browser. And they’re all in color! But just know that for paperback and hardback, they are still gorgeous, but in black and white.

Personality: No one knows if she likes them or is seconds away from setting them on fire.

The bonus scenes that were written by JLA were phenomenal! We got a new scene of Poppy and Cas, that made my heart so happy! We got multiple Diary Entries from Miss Willa! Those were scorching hot! AND I was shocked, and am still shocked, who two of those entries were with! The interview with Kieran had me screaming with laughter! If I had to pick one thing in this book I loved the most, that was it! But then there was Emil. And Netta. And Tawny. Ash. And soooo much more! The extras in this book were astonishing and worth all the stars!

“You are always safe with me, liessa,” I promised.
That was an oath I’d never break.
Because she trusted me.
And that was a gift. One I would cherish and protect.

Included in this Compendium was the Prophecy broken down. I desperately needed that! Favorite quotes from every single book. The playlists were emotional and I loved that some of the songs I was thinking about, when reading, were in the list! And more! And I highly recommend that you pick up this book in pieces. Not to read it from front to back like I did. I would have read all the bonus scenes, looked at all the pictures, looked at different special content. And then read the character profiles that I needed refreshers on. So happy reading! And I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world!

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

Reading Order & Links:

Amazon (click on covers) & iBooks (click on titles)

From Blood and Ash (Blood and Ash Series) #1 Review: Jen	A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash Series) #2 Review: Jen	The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash Series) #3 Review: Jen
A Shadow in the Ember Ash (Flesh and Fire Series) #1 Review: Jen	The War of Two Queens (Blood and Ash Series) #4 Review: Jen	A Light in the Flame (Flesh and Fire Series ) #2 Review: Jen
A Soul of Ash and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) #5 Review: Jen	A Fire in the Flesh (Flesh and Fire Series) #3 Review: Jen	Visions of Flesh and Blood (Blood and Ash Series) #5.5 Jen

BOOK REVIEW: Spell Linked (Ravencrest Academy #2) by Theresa Kay

January 28, 2024 / Jen / 1 Comment

Spell Linked (Ravencrest Academy #2)
by Theresa Kay
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
School sucks, even for the supernaturally gifted.

The fallout from last quarter is worse than I could have ever imagined and hostilities between shifters and witches are intensifying by the day. OSA has practically taken over campus in their search for Bitten witches—and any traitors who didn’t report them. Including... me.

But that's not the only secret I have to hide.

My powers are growing, while my control over them is not. Unfortunately, there's no one I can turn to for help. My roommate's already suffered the consequences of being drawn into my problems, and after a magical mishap ends with another friend being blasted across the room, I refuse to endanger anyone else. Still, I'm a little tempted to give some magical payback to the arrogant witch-boy who kisses me one minute and gives me the cold shoulder the next.

All of this aside, I still have to find a way to pass all my classes. With the end of semester tournament closing in, there’s no time for mistakes. In this volatile equation, one little slip-up could be deadly.

Spell Linked is the second book in the Ravencrest Academy series, an exciting new YA paranormal academy series with a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for fans of Supernatural Academy, Bloodline Academy, and Oberon Academy.

Review:

Spell Linked was a fabulous continuation of the Ravencrest Academy series! And if it’s been a while since you read that first one, no worries, the beginning gave us a great summary of the previous book. It was quick, caught me up to speed, and fit in so effortlessly. If you love academy and young adult books, then you need this series in your life!

When he says things like that it makes me want things I shouldn’t.
Like him.

I loved Selene’s voice so much! She was so easy to like and click with. So I wanted to clap out loud and cheer for her when she finally found something at school she was good at. Sigils! It was such a huge win and I was so happy for her! Even if it did leave me with more questions. She was still growing and had so much to figure out….not only with her school work, but her powers, and who was trustworthy too. So yes she did have some mistakes along the way. But I loved that she learned from them. And tried her best to do better the next time!

“….No matter what they say or do tonight, they can’t affect you. This isn’t your life unless you choose it.”

Tristan is still the king of hot and cold. Yet after what happened at the end of book one, I understood why. He didn’t know what to think. His whole world got turned upside down and he was stuck in a horrific position. I’d be jaded and wary if I was him too! Yet Tristan was still protective of Selene. He was the sigh-worthy person we fell in love with in that first book. And the dress?! Sigh. As we continued to learn more about him, my heart continued to break but I found myself falling harder. And I was counting the minutes until Tristan and Selene were together!

Blood doesn’t make a family, people do.

Friendship was still such a strong theme. I adored Selene and Adrian’s friendship. Their platonic relationship was done beautifully. And Basil, oh his matchmaker ways had me laughing out loud! He just wanted what was best for Selene and he is my favorite type of grandpa character! I also loved her friendship with Isobel. And of course the romance between Tristan and Selene, will they or won’t they. That got answered in this book!

His eyes are closed, his hands at his sides, every bit of him under careful control. Control I want him to lose.

Spell Linked was laced with a mysterious element that had me guessing from that first page to the last. And just know that while we got answers in this book, there are still so many to come in books 3 & 4! I can’t recommend this series enough!