I don't know if it's luck or if the literature gods smile upon me, but not only did this book release days after I had finished reading the first (thaI don't know if it's luck or if the literature gods smile upon me, but not only did this book release days after I had finished reading the first (thank you to the powers that be, oh thank you!) but it was SO. GOOD. Crafton defies the stars with this book and series, and oh how happy I am to have found a new author I think I'll love reading. So.... please release more. Please!...more
Action packed and high intensity. I love me some new indie books to add to my library and this is a definite favorite, indie or no. Rarely do I read aAction packed and high intensity. I love me some new indie books to add to my library and this is a definite favorite, indie or no. Rarely do I read a book where I can't choose a favorite POV, but choosing between Athena and Jace would be like choosing between my two children! Except, they're not my children, they're just lovely characters I am deeply attached to now, thank you. I tend to like fantasy over scifi but I don't confine myself to one genre for the heck of it. This is why. It had all the fun of fantasies but in space! It also doesn't fall into the trap of spice for spice's sake which I see more and more nowadays in indie and trad books, but mostly trad. I guess the saying sex sells has merit but when I read books without it it's like a crisp, relaxing breath of air I didn't realize I needed. It still indulged my romance loving side, so best of both worlds in this gal's eyes. I had a grand time with this book and I'm so happy I stumbled upon it. This is fate, destiny! The lore, history, world building, characters, not a single thing went wrong. Dare I say... perfection!?...more
Well, that’s a wrap. My sleep schedule is botched. My emotions a wreck. My sanity barely there. My eyes swollen and wet. How I went so long without coWell, that’s a wrap. My sleep schedule is botched. My emotions a wreck. My sanity barely there. My eyes swollen and wet. How I went so long without coming back to this series is beyond me. I was in for such a ride. If I re-read this series which I damn well intend to, I’m taking no breaks! Qvam, you have destroyed me and I thank you for it. ...more
My oh my oh my, Christmas came early! It’s no secret that when I find an author I love, I ravenously devour the rest of their books and generally takeMy oh my oh my, Christmas came early! It’s no secret that when I find an author I love, I ravenously devour the rest of their books and generally take a liking to them. But when I say that V.B. Lacey has something about her writing that makes her stand out amongst the stand-outs, I mean it! It’s not just because this book fulfilled my chonky fantasy dreams, but hey, door stopper books are my favorites. It’s also the romance, the world building, the magic, and how taking a bunch of tropes that might seem overused at first (dead parents, tournaments with a greedy “capital”, etc) still manage to find their own in this banger of a standalone. I also am deadly curious if the release of this coincided in any way with the release of the much desired Wicked movie, where themes like isolation, being a social outcast, and coming into one’s own are cornerstones of the stories. Eh, maybe I’m just in a mood. I tore through this book front to back: not a hard feat for me and fantasy, and definitely not a hard feat considering I love Lacey’s work, but still indicative of a story worth reading. Turns out she’s just as great at writing standalones as she is series. Ho, ho, ho!!!! ...more
Don't be fooled, this took me longer than it usually takes me to read a fantasy book, but that wasn't because I loved it any less. This was a smashingDon't be fooled, this took me longer than it usually takes me to read a fantasy book, but that wasn't because I loved it any less. This was a smashing end to Lacey's duology and my gosh I love these characters. The plot in Forever Reign feels a little less streamlined and focused than it does in book one but I wasn't overly annoyed by the lil' side quests here and there because, hey, did I mention I love the characters? They can do no wrong!
THIS book. This book right here is why I love reading. I read pretty much any genre and I'll try anything, but epic fantasy with magic, characters whoTHIS book. This book right here is why I love reading. I read pretty much any genre and I'll try anything, but epic fantasy with magic, characters who drive the plot, twists at every corner, banter, mystery, and high stakes is exactly what I go for. Every. Damn. Time. There's also books that check off all those boxes but still might not pan out well. Not this one. I cannot think of a single page where I got bored, had to overlook something, or got annoyed with the characters. Every single POV was needed and worked in favor of the story rather than detracting from it. The romance isn't in your face (ya'll don't come at me, but too much spice is getting old and has started to ruin some fantasy books for me, especially when the books are advertised as fantasy/romantasy). The balance here was perfect. Isla holds her own and then some, the elemental magic was written beautifully, the history and world building were the cherry on top of the lore, and even when I felt like I knew where things were going I was proven wrong. Ya'll...if your genre preferences align with mine, read this. And then the next, because I'm already adding that baby to my tbr....more
Old read I completely forgot to update! I love this series and where Book 2 picks up. I’m kicking myself for not reviewing earlier because some of it Old read I completely forgot to update! I love this series and where Book 2 picks up. I’m kicking myself for not reviewing earlier because some of it has slipped my mind, but perchance Book 3 will jog it. ...more
I wanted to wait until the end of the year, and my last book of 2023, to read this, because... well, it's everything I love: fantasy, queer romance, aI wanted to wait until the end of the year, and my last book of 2023, to read this, because... well, it's everything I love: fantasy, queer romance, and a plot teeming with angst amongst gods. To say this was excellent would be an understatement. The care for which the characters and plot, world building and lore included, are crafted is but one of the books many highlights. I've said time again I'm a character reader, and if characters are strong, the book is already a win in my eyes. It's extra special then when the plot is that good too. Raef and Kinos are what drive the story and it feels organic, from the moment Raef steals Kinos to the rest of their relationship. Slayton beautifully paces the book too and everything feels like it happened when it should have. Sometimes going into a book with overly high expectations sets me up for disappointment. This time, it set me up to a grand read to wrap up my year. Happy 2023, and Slayton... you've gained a reader!...more
The first book in a high fantasy duology with a gorgeous cover AND just over 600 pages of darkness, multi-povs, vivid characters/prose, and DRAGONS?!?The first book in a high fantasy duology with a gorgeous cover AND just over 600 pages of darkness, multi-povs, vivid characters/prose, and DRAGONS?!?! Holy shit, have I found myself a good one. Grimdark fantasy set in a new world, especially when that world has magic, is a must-read for me. It helps that these characters are incredibly well-written, and the world-building is both dark and packed with so much nuance that it's hard to fit all my ravings about it into a single review. The first slice of the book does drag on a little slowly, which tends to be a similarity in upwards of 90% of high fantasy novels I read, and some of that has to do with the utter breadth of new worlds and the impossible task of making it digestible but also giving the reader enough to go off of. Liliana does this well, though not perfectly, but enough for me to trudge through one or two bits before totally falling in love with the story she's created. I'm indifferent with multiple POVs, but I think it fits this book well. I preferred some more than others (Evelyn is my sweet, kind-hearted love, and Maun is a stark opposite to her but is somehow just as fun to read), but not to a stupidly high degree (so, yeah, I loved all these characters), and I thought it was fitting enough to tell the story in this particular way. As a whole this book is pretty spectacular, and I'm following Liliana now so I know when the second book in this riveting series is out. This book is on the darker side of high fantasy, but if you're a reader like myself who loves the (careful) inclusion of violence, gore, and trauma, then it's a book you can't skip over....more
I keep coming back to this series and keep leaving happy. Ana's determination and grit makes her an insanely likable character, and her going up againI keep coming back to this series and keep leaving happy. Ana's determination and grit makes her an insanely likable character, and her going up against the Council is such a blast to read. There's action, drama, and tons of turns along the way. It's fast-paced and a fairly short read too, I think just over 300 pages, which for fantasy can feel pretty quick, and maybe just a tad wanting. But in a series with quick-released books, it makes sense that each book goes a little quicker too. Or maybe it was just my love for Ana that made me want to keep reading after I'd finished. I'm hyping this series up to everyone I know....more
Say what you will, but I for one love the chosen one trope. Gah, I'd read it a thousand times if I could. I'd also read this book a thousand times if Say what you will, but I for one love the chosen one trope. Gah, I'd read it a thousand times if I could. I'd also read this book a thousand times if I could, because yes, it's that good. Upper-YA is kind of my go to, or maybe anything in YA, but I guess I'm on the "upper" side of that (yeah, I'm an adult. Ok, I admitted it). Anyway, I also love me some dark academia vibes and a solid romance subplot that doesn't define the entire story. I don't think romance needs to be intrinsic in fantasy, and while I love the inclusion at times, there's others where a less heavy romance (or just no romance at all) is more up my alley. There's still romance here, but it's not thrown at you for the sake of fitting in with the rest of the genre. There's also magic, my favorite part, and an MC who stands out from other fantasy heroines. I just really loved this book. It's everything I loved, has a stunning design, and deals with dark yet exciting matters like rebellions and coming to terms with fear and measuring up to what may seem like insurmountable tasks....more
Fantasy that deals with hard, uncomfortable, or just sad topics holds a special place in my heart, especially when they're written as well as Harper'sFantasy that deals with hard, uncomfortable, or just sad topics holds a special place in my heart, especially when they're written as well as Harper's work. The depiction of depression, of that encompassing need to whisk yourself into another reality (whether through writing or, in many Goodreader's experiences, mine included, reading), of feeling lost and lonely and in a constant battle with your own mind, was done so well that it had me legitimately crying. Maybe it's because in some little ways I can relate to the fmc's battles and her longing to "escape," and following her throughout her journey both in the world she's created and in her own head was written carefully, considerately, and memorably. It was just an all around perfect read that reminds me why I love fantasy, why I love complicated main characters, and why authors like Harper will always be my favorite kinds....more
There's nothing better than reading the first book in a series, loving it, but then forgetting about it, only to see the sequel and remembering how muThere's nothing better than reading the first book in a series, loving it, but then forgetting about it, only to see the sequel and remembering how much you loved the first book, then reading the second book and LOVING it even more!! This was legitimately even better than I remember the first book being. ...more
I don't think I've ever read characters written like this. Fuller utterly immerses us in the cold, grieving cottage the twins have to grapple with, asI don't think I've ever read characters written like this. Fuller utterly immerses us in the cold, grieving cottage the twins have to grapple with, as well as the way things come undone and the realizations that follow suit. ...more
Got recommended this book (recent publish, woo!) and oh man my fantasy reader heart is happy. The chemistry between these characters (+ enemies to lovGot recommended this book (recent publish, woo!) and oh man my fantasy reader heart is happy. The chemistry between these characters (+ enemies to lovers) made this quite impossible to put down, which is saying something because the book is a decent length (maybe not the length of an epic but a good length for the story being told). Also ya'll know I'm so weak for villains and I loved the villain. Just everything about this book has me wanting to read more Thoma (and you know I will because when I find an author I like, they're stuck with me)...more
There is nothing I like more than seeing an indie read circulating, then reading it and finding that it's an utter gem. Beautiful descriptions of natuThere is nothing I like more than seeing an indie read circulating, then reading it and finding that it's an utter gem. Beautiful descriptions of nature and seasons. Enough to make me want to pack up and travel to Bow Valley. While this is totally a deviation from my usual genre preferences (chunky mysteries, fantasies, and the like), it was so worth it. The essay style, the prose, the simple but beautiful cover...all of it was something I didn't know I wanted until I read it....more
When I tell you I remember EVERYTHING from the first I am not lying! I was worried I wouldn't remember, me being me, all forgetful and such, and alwayWhen I tell you I remember EVERYTHING from the first I am not lying! I was worried I wouldn't remember, me being me, all forgetful and such, and always getting to the next book in a series far too late. Pleasant surprise to remember everything from the first book and find it gets so much better here. Action packed fantasies and romances either majorly hit me over the head in a good way or miss so far I vow to swear them off, but never truly do. This hit. Hard! In part was because of the characters, especially Trinity and and Jayden. Their relationship and chemistry is off the charts and made this book what it was. ...more
I KNOW I'll be returning for book 2. Paranormal romance is my love, and I adored following Trinity's perspective throughout the book. The world-buildiI KNOW I'll be returning for book 2. Paranormal romance is my love, and I adored following Trinity's perspective throughout the book. The world-building was done beautifully, as were the relationships. Every so often Trinity came across as pretty damn naive, though it makes for some good interactions with the oh so mysterious world of Minnesota. Loved the mesh of low and high fantasy, which made for a read I'll sure as heck be coming back to the second time around.
A beautiful cover, a beautiful read. Anything this colorful and stunning deserves to be read, and from the beginning, the action swept me up and kept A beautiful cover, a beautiful read. Anything this colorful and stunning deserves to be read, and from the beginning, the action swept me up and kept me in the entire time. I loved each and every one of the characters, who all felt distinct from each other. I loved the fantasy, the adventure, and the world Everest has created within this beauty of a book. Needless to say, after finishing this book and realizing it's only #1....this was me:
This is a beautiful, very original book with an awe-inspiring cover. Was it perfect? No, but it was pretty damn good. It is definitely more character-This is a beautiful, very original book with an awe-inspiring cover. Was it perfect? No, but it was pretty damn good. It is definitely more character-driven than most novels I read, but there was something refreshing about that. ...more