A Tribute of Fire was an interesting read. While the story is captivating, I honestly did struggle with it, too.
Lia is a princess in a land cursed by A Tribute of Fire was an interesting read. While the story is captivating, I honestly did struggle with it, too.
Lia is a princess in a land cursed by a goddess. Every year, 2 maidens from her land are sacrificed as tributes to a bloodthirsty rite because of this curse. Desperate to save her land, she ensures that she will be one of the chosen picked in the upcoming rite.
I did enjoy the premise of this story. The first 25% of the story had me captivated. It lost me a little bit in the middle, and the last 25% or so was also very engaging.
I found that many of the plot elements were just a little bit too convenient for me, sometimes verging on unbelievable. The insta-lust between the MMC and (virgin) FMC felt very forced and I never found myself warming up to the MMC. Lia, our FMC, is frustratingly stubborn, and the emotional connection between characters feels shallow (it's more tell than show). I also felt like the story reads a lot like YA for being marketed as adult fantasy. There is quite a bit of material that feels like filler, especially in the dialogue, and the writing is just a bit choppy at times. I'm also feeling confused a bit about the mapping of the world and of the (country?) of Ilion. It feels kind of scattered, and I think a visual map would've helped me a lot as a reader. This first book ends on a pretty significant cliffhanger.
All of that said, I still generally enjoyed it. There are some great swoon-worthy moments and a tantalizing forbidden love element. There were some completely unanticipated twists and turns (but I'm a little bit frustrated as to how/why). The sisterhood aspect was wonderful, and I love the found family element to this story. I'm very curious about some of the unanswered questions, so for this reason, I'm interested in picking up the sequel despite my perceived flaws with the story.
It is a solid three-star read for me. While the plot and worldbuilding have issues - in my opinion - the overall vibe of the story makes it very enjoyable all the same.
This was such a beautifully written and well-told story.
The characters are loveable, the world-building feels well-developed, and the magic system isThis was such a beautifully written and well-told story.
The characters are loveable, the world-building feels well-developed, and the magic system is fascinating. It has just the slightest pinch of romance, which I think adds a little sweetness.
Dania's (our FMC) wrath knows no bounds. She has been imprisoned for a crime she didn't commit and betrayed by the boy she thought she loved. Enter Noor, a softer-tempered and kind-hearted friend, who helps Dani escape her imprisonment and harness the djinn magic required to enact their shared quest for revenge.
What stands out most for me in this story is the scene-setting, I think the author does a fabulous job of invoking the senses with her descriptive writing. There's also fairly strong character development, and I could've never anticipated how the plot would unfold.
I did find myself wishing for just a little bit more of an emotional impact. I loved the story, and I was rooting for Dania and Noor throughout, but I feel like I could've been more attached to the plot and characters. The ending also felt a little bit rushed to me after some slower development in the middle of the story.
Overall, it is an excellent standalone YA fantasy that is true to the category and a unique female-centric retelling. I'd highly recommend checking this one out.
This was such a well-written, structured story (and debut!) with wonderful world-building and characters.
This story is very political. I didn't anticThis was such a well-written, structured story (and debut!) with wonderful world-building and characters.
This story is very political. I didn't anticipate most of the twists and turns (although there are a few off-page scenes that come into play). There is a lot of depth to the worldbuilding, and the story is complex while seamlessly fitting the YA category.
Teia, our somewhat morally grey FMC hero, is a total badass. While reading, it's easy to disagree with some of her cutthroat choices, but she's built in such a way that you understand how life has led her to who she is as a person, and you can't help but love her despite her flaws. I found myself rooting for her the entire time, even when I didn't agree with her choices. There are so many other great characters, and I particularly loved Enna, a notorious thief and somewhat confidante to our FMC.
Overall, the story is fast-paced. It has notes of found family, there is betrayal, and it is quite thrilling with loads of tension that will keep any reader on the edge of their seat.
I'm very much looking forward to where this goes next. While some of the conflict is resolved, there's a sense of plenty more to come.
I'm not sure how to feel about this one, because I didn't love it, but I still had a great time. I would start by noting that it feels much more like I'm not sure how to feel about this one, because I didn't love it, but I still had a great time. I would start by noting that it feels much more like a paranormal romance than an urban romantasy.
On the one hand, it's very entertaining. It's fast-paced. I was invested and immersed in the story the entire time while reading. It has a second-chance romance. There's a murder mystery element. It has hot steamy scenes and some pretty cute moments overall. The alpha possessiveness was everything. I also liked Kane, our MMC, even though the FMC, Briar, was slightly aggravating.
On the other hand, it's a bit frustrating. The plot relies a lot on miscommunication. A lot of the happenings were just too convenient... but didn't have the backstory to support the motives. The plot just feels thin in general. The characters lack depth for the most part. And, I found the conclusion rushed and anti-climatic. I'm left with questions that have unsatisfying explanations or none at all, although I should note that this is the first in a series.
I would stress checking the content warnings. One of the occurrences discussed would be quite triggering to some readers, and it kind of comes out of left field.
Overall, it was enjoyable and captivating even though I felt that the plot lacked structure. The author did a fabulous job of keeping me engaged, and I didn't dislike the story or struggle through it, even though I had a lot of issues with the development.
It starts great. A little bit witchy, has some fun references, perfectly cozy for autumn, and then it just... bursts apaI wanted to love this, truly.
It starts great. A little bit witchy, has some fun references, perfectly cozy for autumn, and then it just... bursts apart at the seams.
The little nods and references quickly become WAY too much, taking over any existence of a plot. The town of Oak Haven doesn't make sense to me at all. The characters are all insufferable, and there are just far too many people to keep track of. The conversations and dialogue are super stretched out and run off on tangents. And... I just didn't care about the characters or development.
I finished reading this so that I could leave a review in good faith, but I'm honestly regretting it. The story just feels like it's trying hard to be funny and quirky with all of the pop culture references, but the characters and story overall end up lacking depth because of it.
This was great. It was whimsical, fun, and true to the YA age classification.
I love stories rooted in folklore, so this Slavic Folk3.5⭐️ rounded-up.
This was great. It was whimsical, fun, and true to the YA age classification.
I love stories rooted in folklore, so this Slavic Folklore-based story hit the marks. It's told through three different POVs (third person) with a sassy and spirited FMC (Gisela), a no-nonsense exorcist MMC (Kazik) and a handsome charismatic boy that they've both set their sights on.
It has some wonderful lgbtq+ representation and a little bit of polyamorous pining. The banter was cute, the plotline of a water nymph trying to regain her humanity was fun, and the characters were quirky. I also felt that this story has a fairytale retelling type of vibe.
I did feel like some of the folklore aspects and worldbuilding could've been a little bit more fleshed out. I'm assuming there will be a continuation of this book as we are left with some unresolved conflict, but this isn't very clear from the marketing. Another thing I struggled with is that there are things that are unsaid and overlooked - including some miscommunication - that almost doesn't feel realistic for the characters, at times.
Overall, it is a very good YA fantasy, fairytale-esque, and lighter than anticipated while also beautifully handling some darker themes. I do hope there will be a sequel!
Lily, a college student, encounters Angel - a 500-year-old vampire on a night oThis was a good read!
The vibe is kind of like... twilight for adults.
Lily, a college student, encounters Angel - a 500-year-old vampire on a night out. While first a little annoyed by this meddlesome stranger, he soon saves her from a terrible fate.
Lily, our FMC, has a passion for music. She's a cellist and has a pretty toned-down existence, largely in part due to her anxiety, but she yearns to find success in her art. She isn't your typical feisty FMC, but she is quietly curious and perceptive.
Angel, our MMC and resident vampire, is trying to rid himself of his "curse" (the vampire thing). He's morally grey and a bit of a vigilante vampire. Very broody, with a huge soft spot for Lily. I love how he cares for our FMC and always takes her feelings into account.
While a lot of the story focuses on the romance, there are some bigger factors at play as well, which come to light as our story progresses. I loved the build-up, and I couldn't put it down through the suspense.
The conflict resolution at the end was perfect, and I'm anticipating the next book!
Charming. Cozy. Witchy... with just a pinch of dark magic and romance.
Picture this: fuzzy socks, a flannel blanket, a warm mug of "So Cozy Salted CarCharming. Cozy. Witchy... with just a pinch of dark magic and romance.
Picture this: fuzzy socks, a flannel blanket, a warm mug of "So Cozy Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate" and a furry companion joining you while you read this book... in a cozy little cabin in front of a crackling fireplace the week before Halloween. Seriously, this book is an ode to everything there is to love about the autumn season.
I enjoyed this story. While the stakes aren't particularly high, the plot is enticing, and you can't help but love Hecate our FMC and Hedge Witch. I was amused by the plot development, the little twists along the way, and the sweet romance within these pages.
Some of the characters did put a sour taste in my mouth with their treatment of the FMC - and although she pardons them in the story - I think they got off a little bit too easily. I did find there could've been a little bit more conflict resolution, and the ending is fairly fast-paced after a slow-building story, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
The included recipes and descriptions of the food were just top-notch. I may have drooled a little.
With short and sweet chapters, a lovely sapphic romance, a ghost ex, and a little bit of murd3.5⭐️ rounded-up.
A sweet, cozy and sapphic autumn read.
With short and sweet chapters, a lovely sapphic romance, a ghost ex, and a little bit of murder mystery, this book makes for a great autumn read. It has me dreaming of opening up a little café in a town like Maple Hollow.
This story is told in dual POV, with cute and funny banter throughout. I did find it very fast-paced with minimal worldbuilding, so although the magic of Maple Hollow isn't explained in depth and some scenes moved quickly, I never lost interest in the story. It's simple and cozy, like a hallmark movie set around Halloween with magical characters. I did find the actions of some of the characters a little bit irrational at times, but I'm nothing if not nit-picky.
Overall, it was a very cozy and digestible read. The kind of book you pick up when you don't want something overly serious and that you could read in one sitting... curled up with your favourite autumn drink.
This book was dark. It was poetic. It was suspenseful. All of those elements intertwined with a seductive, tantalizing, and immersive romance mad4.5⭐️
This book was dark. It was poetic. It was suspenseful. All of those elements intertwined with a seductive, tantalizing, and immersive romance made for a fantastic read.
If you love books with paranormal activity, murder investigations, broody possessive MMCs, an outcast introverted FMC, atmospheric writing, and whose stories have you questioning humanity and morality, this is a book for you.
Dante and Ophelia are perfection. Both with tragic pasts, both with a questionable moral compass and completely immersed in one another. I love their mutual pining and how their stories are intertwined.
While the story was slower-paced at times, I never felt like it dragged along because of its atmospheric prose. I enjoyed every part of my reading experience for this wonderful debut.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
On one hand, I did find the story very absorbing. I enjoyed the writing style and the development of the stI have some mixed feelings about this one.
On one hand, I did find the story very absorbing. I enjoyed the writing style and the development of the story. I like the overall message of healing by returning to your roots and embracing your "strange."
On the other hand, I didn't connect with any of the characters; they are almost all very toxic, and there is a lot of trauma and substance abuse. At times, the story feels choppy, and I feel like it crosses the bridge a little too far between magical realism and outright fantasy without really fitting into either category. Some resolutions felt too easy or convenient.
I loved the overall witchy vibe, but some of the "folk magic" practices and spells just went a little too far for me.
There were some twists and turns I didn't see coming, and I did find the story very readable as I finished it within a day or two. The scene setting in this book was excellent, and it did have a lot of charm.
I would also warn that it dives into some pretty heavy topics without much forewarning.
I'm feeling confused and underwhelmed by this story.
The writing is choppy. The dialogue is immature. The actual story progression relies completely oI'm feeling confused and underwhelmed by this story.
The writing is choppy. The dialogue is immature. The actual story progression relies completely on "Oh now this can happen because this world is magical!". I almost DNF'd several times but wanted to stick it out to see how it ends.... of course, it ends on a massive cliffhanger, and there is no resolution (it just ends right in the middle of the action). This story also reads like YA, but it's marketed as NA (outside of the few spicy scenes).
Almost every chapter had a massive info dump. The dialogue is stretched out and needs editing (the characters' speech feels off and repetitive). The plot development and twists are unbelievable. It's like the author just pulled plot devices and explanations out of a popular-fantasy-plot-devices jar.
It's unfortunate because I loved the concept at first. The mirror magic is interesting but just gets more and more muddled. The ballet aspect? Loved it, I love our FMC's passion for dance and also the fact that she can perform autopsies and has medical knowledge.
I think there was a really good idea here, but the execution is lacking.
Thank you to Victory Editing Co-Op and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review....more
A little bit spooky. Gorgeous prose. An exhilarating romance. Amazing tension. Unexpected twists. A spooky manor house. An FMC who I LOVED THIS BOOK.
A little bit spooky. Gorgeous prose. An exhilarating romance. Amazing tension. Unexpected twists. A spooky manor house. An FMC who loves books and fairytales.
It was phenomenal.
The scene setting had me melting throughout. The descriptions of Willowfield were soothing for my soul (even with the minor horror elements in the story). The plot unravels in a way I never saw coming, and I love how the author incorporates so many possibilities that it keeps you guessing.
I'm going to try to keep this review short because I think you should just read this book. If you love suspense, romance, some great spice, and/or gothic fiction, this is a wonderful read.
This book was a hoot. I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but I enjoyed it so much.
Frances White has created a complex world filled with magic, murThis book was a hoot. I wasn't sure what to expect going in, but I enjoyed it so much.
Frances White has created a complex world filled with magic, murder, social hierarchy, and betrayal. Every character in the book is well-developed, even if they are dislikeable, which makes it a pleasure to read.
This book might not be for everyone. It has both modern and historical elements, and there are many characters to keep track of, which can be confusing. It's also very weird, with some corny dialogue and cheesy plot development, but that's its [intentional charm.
Although it's not a very serious read, the author addresses many important issues and injustices in the story. I found it wonderful. The book is set in a diverse LGBTQ+ inclusive world, and the way the author incorporates diverse characters and relationships is extremely well done.
The ending completely surprised me. I thought I had the story figured out multiple times, only to have the rug pulled out from underneath me.
I will always love a read with an unlikely hero.
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
I did read through this book quickly, and the premise was interesting, but it just fell flat for me overall. The charaThis one was not my cup of tea.
I did read through this book quickly, and the premise was interesting, but it just fell flat for me overall. The characters were all extremely unlikable, the plot lines weren't very believable, and I just found the characters too erratic and over the top.
Without spoilers, the actions of the main character Brooke don't really make sense. She feels threatened, and her daughter, whom she loves, is threatened, but she just simply chooses not to go to the police multiple times. She suspects her husband of hiding things but doesn't sneak onto his computer (which seems easily accessible in his study) to confirm her suspicions... she just let's it go. Her sister is an absolute basket case, and yet she doesn't cut her off. I just couldn't see anyone in real life being so naive and misguided.
The ending is rushed for the build-up as well. I did keep turning the pages because I was intrigued to see where the story would end up, but it was underwhelming. I feel like there were plot lines with loose ends.
I did like that the story was fast-paced. The dog Shep (who is a retriever and not a Shepard) also made the story worthwhile.
TWs: Miscarriage, Attempted SA, Voyeurism of a Minor, Infidelity.
Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for this ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: going in, I didn't know this 3.5⭐️ rounded-up.
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: going in, I didn't know this was a sequel, but after reading reviews where other reviewers mentioned that it can be read as a standalone, that is what I did. I think the worldbuilding and character backgrounds from the first book would've given me more context, but this has not altered my review.
This sapphic read follows a sweet selkie named Maeve and a broody vampire (Lizzie) as they join together to search for Maeve's lost pelt and Lizzie's family heirlooms. What they don't expect is to grow in their undeniable attraction to one another.
I love how the author used inspiration from folklore (like the Selkie Wife) for this story. The journey was interesting, but I felt like some of the problems and conflicts that our characters faced were solved a little too easily. Maeve and Lizzie are both a little frustrating at times, too, but I love how they grew in their understanding of one another. I also loved the nautical pirate aspect of this romantasy story....more
I was honoured to be a beta and ARC Reader for this whimsical love story. An Arrow to the Heart is a cozy fantasy debut with cottage4.5⭐️ rounded up.
I was honoured to be a beta and ARC Reader for this whimsical love story. An Arrow to the Heart is a cozy fantasy debut with cottagecore vibes, MCs over 30, and a healthy dose of spice.
The story follows Sylvie and Ardal, a fae healer and a nomad adventurer (+ his loveable pup) brought together by fate when Ardal is injured early on in the story. It's a quick and easy-read fantasy, with fairly low stakes. It's the perfect story to read under a warm blanket with a hot drink.
This was a wonderful read - cozy, whimsical, witchy, and cottagecore with an interesting magic system. I feel like this book will be loved by any womaThis was a wonderful read - cozy, whimsical, witchy, and cottagecore with an interesting magic system. I feel like this book will be loved by any woman who has ever felt like a misfit.
Marigold has never fit into her surroundings. While her parents and siblings enjoy high society dinners and socializing; she feels a calling to run among the wildflowers and bask in the moonlight. She follows that calling and discovers a whole new world at her fingertips and new friendships, too. Marigold, Lottie, and August are wonderful characters, and I loved their friendship and found-family vibe.
I loved some of the passages and quotes in this book very much. The way the author describes emotions like grief or loneliness is exquisitely profound. Many of the passages resonated deeply with me. The writing and relatability in the first few chapters drew me in.
I did find the ending a bit rushed. The storyline overall is a little bit predictable, and some of the relationships and dialogue fell a little bit flat. The world-building was also a little odd in my mind, but I've forgiven my little qualms with it because it is a fantasy read.
Overall, it is an enjoyable, cozy, slow-burn sapphic romance.
Thank you to Netgalley & Orbit Books for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
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