A Curse of Blood and Wolves by Melissa McTernan My rating: 2 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Curse of Blood and Wolves in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist A Curse of Blood and Wolves by Melissa McTernan presents itself as a dark and gripping fantasy tale, but unfortunately, it falls short of its ambitions. It leaves one feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. The Details One of the main issues with the novel is its lack of originality. The story follows the tired tropes of the fantasy genre without bringing anything new…
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The Princess of Selgovae and the High King
The Princess of Selgovae and the High King by Bryce Gibby My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Princess of Selgovae and the High King in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Princess of Selgovae and the High King by Bryce Gibby is a spellbinding tale of royalty, power, and forbidden love set against the backdrop of a richly imagined medieval world. Gibby effortlessly transports readers into a realm filled with court intrigue. The Details At the heart of the novel is Princess Eira, the headstrong and courageous daughter…
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The Goblins of Bellwater
The Goblins of Bellwater by Molly Ringle My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Goblins of Bellwater in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist While The Goblins of Bellwater by Molly Ringle has its merits, it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, earning it a 3-star review. The Details One aspect that may contribute to a middling rating is the predictable nature of the plot. The storyline, while engaging, follows some well-trodden paths in the fantasy romance genre. Readers who are familiar with common tropes in these types of…
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Three Kisses, One Midnight
Three Kisses, One Midnight by Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon, and Evelyn Skye My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Three Kisses, One Midnight in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Three Kisses, One Midnight by Chockshi, Menon, and Skye is a whimsical journey into a world of enchantment and romance. While the novel offers moments of magic and charm, it falls short of achieving a perfect spellbinding experience, earning a modest three-star rating. The Details The plot revolves around the protagonist, whose destiny is intertwined with three magical kisses beneath the…
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These Feathered Flames
These Feathered Flames by Alexandra Overy My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of These Feathered Flames in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist These Feathered Flames invites readers into a lush and magical world where elemental powers and complex relationships take center stage. This young adult fantasy weaves together themes of duty, sisterhood, and the enduring power of self-discovery. The Details The novel introduces readers to twin sisters, Asya and Izaveta, who possess opposing elemental abilities—fire and ice. Overy deftly explores the dynamics of their relationship, creating characters with depth and…
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South of the Buttonwood Tree
South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of South of the Buttonwood Tree in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Heather Webber’s South of the Buttonwood Tree is a charming and whimsical story. It journeys into a small Southern town where magic and mystery intertwine with the lives of its inhabitants. Blending contemporary fiction with elements of magical realism, Webber crafts a story that is both enchanting and heartwarming. The Details Webber’s writing is imbued with a sense of nostalgia, capturing the essence of…
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The Kingdom of Liars
The Kingdom of Liars by Mick Martell My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Kingdom of Liars in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Kingdom of Liars introduces readers to a complex and expansive fantasy world, but its execution leaves room for both admiration and constructive critique. The novel, while promising, presents challenges that may impact the overall reading experience. The Details The protagonist is a multifaceted character with a compelling journey that intertwines personal secrets with larger mysteries. Martell’s narrative skill is evident, especially in the exploration of…
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The Cold is in Her Bones
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Cold Is in Her Bones in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Cold Is in Her Bones by Peternelle van Arsdale is a solid addition to the young adult fantasy genre. The novel, while engaging, falls into the familiar territory of fairy tale retellings and coming-of-age stories. With a foundation rooted in classic themes of curses, folklore, and self-discovery, the narrative builds a world that is both enchanting and ominous. The Details The characters are well-crafted, and the author successfully explores themes of isolation and the consequences of…
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The Dark Beneath the Ice
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Dark Beneath the Ice in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Dark Beneath the Ice is a gripping and atmospheric journey into the unknown, skillfully blending elements of the supernatural with the challenges of adolescence. Amelinda Bérubé weaves a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, balancing the eerie with the emotional intricacies of the protagonist’s journey. The Details Bérubé’s writing is atmospheric and evocative, immersing readers in the chilling world that the protagonist inhabits. The exploration of mental health themes is woven seamlessly into…
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Artemis
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Artemis in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Artemis by Andy Weir, though brimming with scientific detail and a promising lunar setting, falls short of the high expectations set by the author’s previous work. While Weir’s attempt to blend science and storytelling is commendable, the execution leaves much to be desired. The Details One of the notable drawbacks is the protagonist. Instead of being a relatable and dynamic character, she comes across as forced and at times, clichéd. The humour often feels contrived and fails to land, disrupting the narrative…
