A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen My rating: 1 of 5 stars The Gist Oh, where to begin with A Fate Inked in Blood? It had such promise—Viking lore, a strong female lead, and a plot dripping with destiny and magic. Sounds epic, right? Unfortunately, the execution left much to be desired. The Details First, let’s talk about the characters. Our heroine, Freya, is supposedly a fierce, independent woman destined for greatness. Yet, somehow, she spends most of the novel embroiled in romantic drama that feels straight out of a soap opera. It’s hard to root for someone who is constantly torn between brooding love interests instead…
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Stars Crossed – Silberblut
Stars Crossed – Silberblut by Alexandra Stückler-Wede My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Stars Crossed – Silberblut in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Stars Crossed – Silberblut presents an intriguing premise that draws readers into a world filled with star-crossed lovers and celestial drama. The narrative begins with an engaging hook, setting up the stakes for the main characters and their fateful connections. The world-building is imaginative, with vibrant descriptions of both the celestial and earthly realms, providing a lush backdrop for the unfolding story. The Details However, while…
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A Certain Kind of Starlight
A Certain Kind of Starlight by Heather Weber My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Certain Kind of Starlight in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Heather Webber’s A Certain Kind of Starlight is a heartwarming and enchanting tale. It beautifully blends magical realism, love, and family ties. Set in a small, picturesque town, the story captivates from the first page. The story drawing readers into a world where ordinary life is touched by just a hint of magic. The Details Webber excels at creating vivid, memorable characters, particularly the…
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The Things They’ve Taken
The Things They’ve Taken by Katie McElhenney My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Things They’ve Taken in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Things They’ve Taken by Katie McElhenney offers a unique blend of fantasy, adventure, and young adult drama. It follows the journey of Lo, a girl whose mother has been taken by a supernatural force. To rescue her, Lo teams up with a mysterious and brooding guide named Shaw. They venture into a strange and dangerous world filled with magical creatures and perilous challenges. The Details…
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Cold Fire: Shakespeare’s Moon
Cold Fire: Shakespeare’s Moon by James Hartley My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Cold Fire: Shakespeare’s Moon in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist James Hartley weaves a captivating tale in Cold Fire: Shakespeare’s Moon. This novel, the second in the Shakespeare’s Moon series, masterfully intertwines the timeless themes of Shakespeare’s works with a modern-day setting. The Details The story revolves around a mysterious boarding school where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur. Hartley’s writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, drawing readers into a world where Shakespearean motifs…
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Ragnarok Unwound
Ragnarok Unwound by Kristin Jacques My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Ragnarok Unwound in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Ragnarok Unwound by Kristin Jacques is a refreshing and exhilarating journey through a world where myth and modernity collide in the most delightful ways. Jacques has crafted a novel that is both fantastical and deeply relatable, blending Norse mythology with contemporary issues to create a story that feels both timeless and timely. The Details The protagonist, Ikepela Ives, is a likable and complex character. Jacques’ portrayal of Ives is both…
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Maiden
Maiden by Teresa A. Harrison My rating: 2 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Maiden in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Maiden by Teresa A. Harrison is a novel with an intriguing premise and a richly imagined world, but unfortunately, it falls short in several key areas, leading to a disappointing reading experience. The Details The book’s setting is one of its strengths, with Harrison creating a vivid and atmospheric medieval landscape infused with elements of magic and political intrigue. The initial setup promises an exciting journey of personal growth and adventure…
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Terraformer
Terraformer by Colleen Houck My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Terraformer in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The story centres around a young protagonist named Astra Meador, who is part of a pioneering team tasked with transforming a barren planet into a habitable world. As Astra and her teamwork against the clock to complete their mission, they encounter unexpected challenges and mysteries that threaten not only their mission but also their lives. The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists, as the team uncovers secrets about the planet and…
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The Night Girl
The Night Girl by James Bow My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Night Girl in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Night Girl by James Bow is a charming and inventive urban fantasy novel that reimagines the bustling city of Toronto as a magical playground where humans and faeries coexist in secret. Blending elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure, Bow creates a captivating world filled with wonder, danger, and unexpected connections. The Details At the heart of the story is Perpetua “Pet” Farnham, a young woman with a…
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The Keeper of Night
The Keeper of Night by Kylie Lee Baker My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Keeper of Night in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Keeper of Night by Kylie Lee Baker is a dark fantasy novel that weaves together elements of Japanese folklore and supernatural intrigue to create a unique and haunting story. While the book offers a rich and immersive world with a compelling protagonist, it struggles with pacing and character development, resulting in a mixed reading experience. The Details The story follows Ren Scarborough, a half-British…
