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…
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The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare
The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare by Kimberly Brock My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare weaves a tale of mystery and historical fiction, drawing from the legendary lost colony of Roanoke. The narrative follows Alice, a descendant of Eleanor Dare, as she unearths family secrets and a mysterious book linked to her ancestors. The story intertwines past and present, exploring themes of legacy, memory, and the enduring impact of history. The…
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Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove
Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra My rating: 2 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Rati Mehrotra’s Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove is a breathtaking fantasy novel that transports readers to a world of magic, mystery, and adventure. Set against the backdrop of a richly imagined kingdom teetering on the brink of war, this epic tale follows the intertwining fates of two unlikely heroes as they navigate a web of…
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The Empress of Time
The Empress of Time by Kylie Lee Baker My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Empress of Time in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Empress of Time by Kylie Lee Baker is a riveting mythology, and historical fiction. Set in a lush and intricately crafted world. It is the second installment in the the The Keeper of Night series. The Details Baker’s writing is capitvating, drawing readers into a mesmerizing realm. At the heart of the novel is a relatable and dynamic protagonist. One of the novel’s strengths…
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Neferura
Neferura by Malayna Evans My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Neferura in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Neferura by Malayna Evans falls short of its ambitious premise, offering a lackluster and disjointed narrative that fails to engage readers. The Details One of the main issues with the novel is its pacing. The story meanders aimlessly, lacking a clear direction or sense of urgency. Instead of building tension and excitement, the plot plods along at a tedious pace, making it difficult for readers to stay invested in the story. Furthermore,…
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The Housekeeper’s Secret
The Housekeeper’s Secret by Iona Grey My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Housekeeper’s Secret in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Housekeeper’s Secret by Iona Grey promised an intriguing premise: a tale of secrets, lies, and the complex dynamics between the classes in post-war England. However, despite its potential, the novel falls short of delivering a satisfying reading experience. The Details One of the major drawbacks of The Housekeeper’s Secret is its lackluster characters. The protagonist comes across as clichéd and one-dimensional, with her inner turmoil feeling forced…
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The Indigo Girl
The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Indigo Girl in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Indigo Girl is a historical novel written by Natasha Boyd. The book is inspired by the true story of Eliza Lucas Pinckney, a young woman in colonial South Carolina in the early 18th century. Eliza is known for her remarkable accomplishments in agriculture, particularly for her successful cultivation of indigo, a valuable cash crop. The Details The novel revolves around Eliza Lucas Pinckney’s life and her determination…
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The Women of Pearl Island
The Women of Pearl Island by Polly Crosby My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Women of Pearl Island in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Women of Pearl Island by Polly Crosby offers a nuanced exploration of women’s lives and relationships against the backdrop of a charming island setting. While the novel has its strengths, it falls short of delivering a truly captivating experience. The Details The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of diverse female characters, each facing her own set of challenges and joys. Crosby excels in…
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No Shadow Without Light
No Shadow Without Light by Luke Gracias My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of No Shadow Without Light in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist No Shadow Without Light explores the delicate dance between darkness and illumination, delving into the complexities of the human experience. In this evocative novel by Luke Gracias, readers are taken on a journey that transcends the ordinary and invites contemplation. The Details The narrative revolves around a character who is grappling with personal struggles that mirror the universal themes of resilience, hope, and the eternal quest…
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The Bookseller’s Secret
The Bookseller’s Secret by Michelle Gable My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Bookseller’s Secret in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Bookseller’s Secret by Michelle Gable offers a dual timeline narrative that captures the essence of Paris in different eras. It blends history, romance, and the world of literature. While the novel has its strengths, certain aspects may leave readers with mixed feelings. The Details The historical backdrop of wartime Paris provides a rich setting, and Gable’s attention to detail immerses readers in the challenges faced by the…