Tag: Fantasy (Page 9 of 121)

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 / 2 Comments

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 / 2 Comments

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!

BOOK REVIEW: Mirror of Malice (Stolen Crowns #1) by Tee Harlowe

January 25, 2024 / Jen / 2 Comments

Mirror of Malice (Stolen Crowns #1)
by Tee Harlowe
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
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.

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:

Mirror of Malice was a fairytale retelling that was enchanting and will sweep you away! With the most fabulous found family, all the adventure, a beautifully magical setting, and storyline that was easy to binge, this book was so much fun! Mix that in with lots of laughter and a little bit of steam, and well it was impossible not to fall for this book! Mirror of Malice was a Snow White retelling, with some Robin Hood mixed in, that was beautifully executed!

“You kidnapped me!”
“You’re welcome for that, by the way.”
“I didn’t say thank you.”
“I noticed.” He tsked. “Not very polite for a princess.”

Princess Liliath of Elwen was trapped in a tower with her two best friends for two years, courtesy of her evil stepmother. She was convinced her betrothed, Jasper, was going to rescue her any day now. And when she was rescued, it wasn’t who she thought it would be. It was Penn Vanderbilt, the king of thieves. He had plans to use the Princess for his own cunning reasons. Yet she has plans of her own, to take back her crown! What unfolded was a magical journey that was laugh out loud hilarious!

I’d been stripped of my crown, imprisoned by my stepmother, made to watch my court fall apart, and yet this man, he might be my greatest obstacle yet.

Penn was my absolute favorite! He was a book boyfriend many will fall for. He cracked me up time and again, and I loved how he did what he wanted to do and didn’t apologize for it! He had his merry little band of 7 thieves who lived in a tree house, in the most beautiful described area. Seriously, the descriptions in this book were breathtaking. I would love pictures to go along with this story! And he stood up for what was right and true. Penn was thoughtful, brave, protective, smart, and so easy to love!

He was coaching me on my shortcomings when it came to eavesdropping. Unbelievable.
I gritted my teeth. “Yes, apologies that I’m not an expert criminal.”
He continued, as if I hadn’t even spoken. “You also breathe shockingly loud. Is that a medical condition of some sort? You should really have a healer check that out.”
My mouth dropped open and I shoved him. He barked out a laugh.

Lilith had a lot of growing up to do. She was a naive fairytale princess, who was stuck up and thought she was better than Penn and his criminal ways. I loved how Penn was so blunt with her. And I definitely laughed at Lilith as she struggled with her training. Her squeaking at a bug had me rolling on the ground. I felt like she was a contestant on Wipe Out lol. Plus her incessant need to remind herself of her plans, oh goodness. There is a huge but coming…..but Lilith’s growth was amazing to watch. It was real. Took so much work and effort on her part. I loved the punch! And her realizing how she had been so wrong, I could stand up clapping! By the end of this story I was so proud of the woman she became! Lilith became a Queen that many would be proud of!

Penn stepped back and brought his boot down on my stick, snapping it in half. Then he spun around me, dropped to his knees and crushed my back to his chest, arms around my neck, limiting my breathing.
“Now, come on, Lilypad,” he purred into my ear. “You know I’m not one to make empty threats.”
“Oh, I know,” I rasped. “I also don’t care. I’m not . . . scared . . . of you.”

Penn and Lilith’s slow burn, opposites attract romance had the most fabulous banter! And I loved watching what was an initial enemies existence, turn into a tentative friendship. It took a while to get there, and I loved how everything felt like it occurred naturally. And when they did turn to more, there was some steam that fit them perfectly! Surrounding them were the 7 thieves. Shadow and her blunt ways was one of my favorites, and Hammer too! And as they trained and went on adventures, there were so many scenes that will stick in your head. The swamp and the dragon were two of my favorites. And most of all, I loved all of the humor in the pages. There were so many times I was laughing so hard I had tears pouring down my face! Sir Stallion I’m looking at you!

I was just drifting off to sleep when I could’ve sworn I heard him whisper, “Just so you know, you’re not alone.”

I didn’t talk too much about the plot, because I believe that is best for you to discover on your own. But know that the princess’ kingdom was ruled by her evil stepmother and everything was dark, bleak and filled with rot. And I kept nervously waiting for that poisoned apple to show up! So with one horse and one bed tropes, it just made this book even more loveable! The twists were done so well! I didn’t see that latter one coming at all! The epilogue was fabulous! And I am excited for more stories set in this world! It seems like the next book may be about Gabrielle and someone I won’t mention, you’ll learn in this story! And I’m also hoping we’ll get a novella or something more on Seraphina too! If you love fairy tale retellings, definitely add Mirror of Malice to your tbr!

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

BOOK REVIEW: Lost Kingdom by Laurel Black

January 18, 2024 / Jen / 2 Comments

Lost Kingdom by Laurel Black
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Trusting him is the only way to save the kingdom.
Betraying her is the only way to keep them both alive.

Stripped of her memories and her magic, Raven has been left for dead.

As a prisoner in the enemy’s mineral mines, her only clue to who she is and where she came from is the mysterious map tattooed on her hand—a map containing hidden secrets that some people would kill for.

Jeddak is one of those people.

A warrior from the Kovak tribe, he’s hunting for the powerful Zavien stone to pay the corrupt king’s ransom. If he doesn’t return home with it by the new moon, his betrothed will be executed.

When Jeddak discovers that a prisoner named Raven has the only map that leads to the artifact, he allies with her as they navigate treacherous lands and battle against ancient magical forces to unravel the map’s secrets. But can Raven trust this stranger who’s helping her? If the map gets into the wrong hands, thousands of people will die.

As their feelings for each other grow, their tenuous alliance begins to fray. Until Jeddak is forced to make a decision—betray Raven or forsake his kingdom.

Choose wrong, and he’ll lose everything.

Review:

Lost Kingdom was a young adult fantasy that swept me away. With secrets, lies, adventures, friendship, and betrayal, this book was a magical journey that was impossible to put down! I loved learning about this new world. The tribes, magic system, and politics were fascinating! The characters felt so real. And the story-line was so easy to devour. With an extremely slow burn romance, this book will have you begging for more.

Suddenly, I didn’t feel so alone.

Raven was a prisoner in the mineral mines. With no memory of her past, or even what tribe she belonged to, she was struggling just to survive another day. The conditions she lived in were atrocious. Then there was Jeddak, who was from the Kovak Tribe, and was in search of a stone to give to his king. If he didn’t do that, his betrothed would be murdered. And Raven had the only map that would lead them to the stone. The story alternated between Raven and Jeddak, and I truly had no idea how it would all unfold.

No one would be punished except me if they found him dead now. At this point, I would gladly accept the consequences just to see him choke on his last breath.

Raven was so effortless to like. She persevered in the face of atrocity. Where she was used as nothing more than just another body to accomplish someone else’s goal, she was still brave and fearless. She fought to stay alive. But at the same time, she was so unsure of who to trust. Her past was a blank slate. So many that surrounded her kept her hidden from their true intent. Yet through it all, she had this fire that burned deep inside her that pushed her along!

My breath caught. With his dark, wavy hair and long lashes, he was already strikingly handsome. But now the subtle dimples on his cheeks and the playful sparks in his gold-flecked eyes made me temporarily forget it was cold outside. He could rule a kingdom with that smile.

Jeddak, oh my goddess my feelings towards him kept twisting and turning. I loved how he tried his best to protect Raven. He was brave, smart, and I loved his relationship with his bear, Kah. Btw Kah was not only the voice of reason, but I adored his sarcasm. He cracked me up again and again! So I kept wondering, who was going to protect Raven from Jeddak? He was keeping secrets from her. That entailed not only why he was helping her. But that he was betrothed. Yet…..just wait….because once we get the full picture at the end of this story, my kaleidoscope of emotions towards Jeddak turned solid and became true and heartfelt. I can’t say more without spoilers, other than it was a path to get there!

I felt the weight of one of his throwing knives in my hand. Like the sword from last night, it felt oddly familiar. Using a nearby tree as a target, I took aim at a small knot in the wood and let the knife fly.
The knifepoint hit the center of the knot.
My eyes went wide. Who am I?

Jeddak and Lila together will run you through the gamut of emotions. They connected on such a deep level, but at the same point they kept each other at arm’s distance. They kept secrets from one another. But they also needed each other to survive and accomplish their goals. It was a perilous journey every step of the way! And there were unthinkable obstacles. It’ll keep you on your toes wondering what’s going to happen next! So watching even the tiniest bit of their friendship form had me smiling so huge! Just try not to smile during the runes scene.

I studied his face, lit by the golden flames. Just a few days ago, he was a stranger. A liability I wanted to leave behind in the stables of Malengard. Now, he felt familiar. Safe. Even though I was in a foreign land, I felt like I’d found a small piece of home in him.

This story had so many twists and turns. And while it felt fast paced, there were also so many deeper moments laced throughout the pages. With foreshadowing, a possible deadly fate, and battles in the future, this book had so much story within these pages. I am nervous for what’s to come and looking forward to that next book! Especially because of Skyler. I don’t know what that says about me, especially the feelings I have towards that character, and nope I’m not explaining anything more other than I am beyond obsessed!

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

BOOK REVIEW: To Kill a Shadow (Mistlands #1) by Katherine Quinn

December 27, 2023 / Jen / 2 Comments

To Kill a Shadow by Katherine Quinn
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Jude Maddox knows nothing of love or even light. He knows only his grim duty as the Hand of Death, to lead the Knights of the Eternal Star into a land filled with nightmares and certain demise. It’s only when he sees her―a young woman with wild, amber eyes who’s as fierce, defiant, and swift as the shadow beasts themselves―that he feels the warmth of life in his blood…

The other Knights may fear their lethal commander, with his hard, merciless demeanor. Outcast Kiara Frey sees only a leader, a man who knows how to survive. Someone like her. But wanting him is as treacherous as the shadows themselves…and just as seductive.

With a kingdom on the verge of collapse, the Knights must now venture into the darkest heart of the land and uncover the secrets of the misted shadows, where evil will prey upon their minds and feast on their flesh.

It will betray their senses.
It will surpass their nightmares.
Most of them will die.

Review:

To Kill a Shadow was a young adult romantasy that was set in a dark and deadly world! Foreshadowing, death, angst, unthinkable choices, and creatures that were made from nightmares bled through the pages. So in a world that was surrounded in gloom and shadows, I loved that the romance was the lightness to not only this story, but to each of the characters too.

Fate might have brought me here, but from now on, I would be the one to choose my destiny.

Kiara Frey was a fierce and brave heroine that was so easy to connect with. Her thoughts were enjoyable and I loved how she stood up for others. She had no problems doling out violence and her courage landed her right in Jude Maddox’s sights. Jude was known as the Hand of Death and while he was out collecting boys to become the Knights of the Eternal Star, he ended up taking Kiara along too, instead of her brother. Their kingdom was up against so much unknown and it all led us on a wild ride!

“He smiles,” I teased, knowing I was poking the beast. I didn’t care. “And here I thought you would crack if you smiled. Shame.”
Jude caught his breath, eyeing me from beneath thick lashes . “You’d have liked that, wouldn’t you?”
“Immensely,” I answered, unable to keep the smile from widening on my own face.

Kiara and Jude were both my favorite characters in this story. Right away I loved how Jude was a complete mystery. He seemed like an assassin, worked for the crown, yet I had so many questions. When the darkness seemed to swallow him whole, he still had this kindness that would peak out at times for Kiara. Whether he was leaving something that would help her, or even just his words, each time he showed kindness it made me fall that much harder for him. And as we learned about his past, it was hard not to feel so much pain when it came to him. Jude was a tortured soul so many will fall for!

Ironic how the very man I once thought I despised now rendered me speechless.

There were so many moments that were memorable within this story. The bathing scene. The library. So many more I won’t even mention. Just know that their conversations were fun and smile inducing. There were also other characters in the story, and while I liked a few of them, I was greedy and only wanted Kiara and Jude. With adventure set out in front of them, or maybe it was even a death sentence, I was gripped to the pages to see what would happen next!

I didn’t think as I bolted, didn’t consider what I ran toward. There was only instinct and a desperate need to act.
To slay the darkness itself.

To Kill a Shadow was a young adult romantasy set in a blood thirsty world. While we are given clues as the story proceeded, so much was wrapped in mystery. And by that final page we were given so many answers, yet we were also left begging for more! I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next and will be reading the second book in this series.

“You say you’re a monster”— he dug deeper into the wound, and tears streaked my cheeks—“ but a monster didn’t rescue me, didn’t make me believe in hope again.”

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