What We Harvest by. Ann Fraistat | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: What We Harvest

Author: Ann Fraistat

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 336

Publication Date: 3/22/22

Publisher: Delcorte

Categories: Young Adult, Romance, Alchemy, Thriller, Fantasy, Horror, Contemporary

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Delacorte for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

For fans of Wilder Girls comes a nightmarish debut guaranteed to keep you up through the night, about an idyllic small town poisoned by its past, and one girl who must fight the strange disease that’s slowly claiming everyone she loves.

Wren owes everything she has to her home, Hollow’s End, a centuries-old, picture perfect American town. Tourists travel miles to marvel at its miracle crops, including the shimmering, iridescent wheat of Wren’s family farm. Until five months ago.

That’s when the quicksilver mercury blight first surfaced, poisoning the farms of Hollow’s End one by one. It began by consuming the crops–thick, silver sludge bleeding from the earth. Next were the animals. Infected livestock and wild creatures alike staggered off into the woods by day—only to return at night, their eyes, fogged white, leering from the trees.

Then, the blight came for the neighbors.

Wren is among the last locals standing. And the blight has finally come for her, too. Now, the only one she can turn to is the last person she wants to call: her ex, Derek. They haven’t spoken in months, but Wren and Derek still have one thing in common—Hollow’s End means everything to them. Only there’s much they don’t know about their hometown and its renowned miracle crops. And they’re about to discover that miracles aren’t free.

Their ancestors have an awful lot to pay for, and Wren and Derek are the only ones left to settle old debts.

Content Warning: Gore, Violence

You can kind of tell from the cover of this book that something sinister is going to be happening in this book.

Wren lives in a special town, where four founding families have situated themselves over a few generations and grow their miraculous crops and animals. Wren doesn’t know how it came to be her family grew rainbow wheat but she is next to inherit the farm except that now the farms are ruined with Blight. But this blight isn’t ordinary – it doesn’t only kill crops, it turns people and animals into zombie like creatures. So it’s a race against time before Wren can figure out not to get infected, turn into one of the Blighted, and save the farm – her family’s legacy.

This story is creepy, especially because the Blighted come out once the sun goes down. It has a lot of action too which was fun! There is even romance between Wren and boy next door or boy from one of the other founding families – her best friend since childhood, Derek. But they have broken up and now they have to rely on each other to stay safe and also to save their loved ones. There is also a f/f relationship with Derek’s sister Claudette and her girlfriend, Angie.

I liked the reveal of how the families got their source of magic to keep their farms growing the way they did. It’s horrific but I love that Wren does everything she can to undo it. The conclusion wraps everything up pretty good except for the parts where we don’t know what the government learned about the blight and what they will do with the information.

There were some parts that frustrated me about the book, like when Wren kept getting people hurt. That was partly Derek’s fault too but I was getting annoyed with her decision making. I mean I get she was half zombie at that point and couldn’t quite control herself though haha. I’m just glad things worked out!

Why you should read it:

story is creepy, thrilling and filled with action – I liked the reveal and conclusion
a quick, engaging read with just a few horror/gory scenes
zombies

Why you might not want to read it:

you are not into lite horror and gore or zombies

My Thoughts:

This is a gripping read and I was engrossed with seeing how everything played out with Wren and the blight on the farms. The tone was perfectly creepy, especially when the sun went down. If you like books like Small Favors and Burn Our Bodies Down, stories that take place on farms – you will enjoy this one!

📚 ~ Yolanda

Jade City by. Fonda Lee | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Jade City (The Green Bone Saga, #1)

Author: Fonda Lee

Format: eBook (own)

Pages: 560

Publication Date: 11/7/17

Categories: Fantasy, Family, Feuds, Organized Crime, Urban Fantasy

JADE CITY is a gripping Godfather-esque saga of intergenerational blood feuds, vicious politics, magic, and kungfu.

The Kaul family is one of two crime syndicates that control the island of Kekon. It’s the only place in the world that produces rare magical jade, which grants those with the right training and heritage superhuman abilities.

The Green Bone clans of honorable jade-wearing warriors once protected the island from foreign invasion–but nowadays, in a bustling post-war metropolis full of fast cars and foreign money, Green Bone families like the Kauls are primarily involved in commerce, construction, and the everyday upkeep of the districts under their protection.

When the simmering tension between the Kauls and their greatest rivals erupts into open violence in the streets, the outcome of this clan war will determine the fate of all Green Bones and the future of Kekon itself.

Content Warning: Violence, Death

I have done it! I have finally read Jade City after seeing it everywhere in the blogosphere. And I can see why it has the hype.

Not going to lie – it took me awhile to finish this and only because I’m a mood reader. And my mood mostly includes some kind of romance in it and this one barely has any so my mood wasn’t right to read this for awhile. I picked it up and put it down a lot. Also, I didn’t realize it was 560 pages long haha, no wonder I took so long.

Now once the story started clicking for me, about 20% into the story I was finally be able to organize the characters in my head, take in the politics and war going on with the Mountain and No Peak clans was when I could fully appreciate the story. The world building is great, and we get a real sense of this island, Kekon. I love the idea of jade being a magical source of power. We get to know how it’s mined, who has ownership, who wants jade, who wields it and protects. Also how jade can literally mess you up physically and mentally when someone is in withdrawal. On top of the jade trade is the drug trade, a drug on the streets called SN1 that imitates jade. The family feud is the main part of the story and it gets violent between them, everyone else is caught in the crossfire.

The Kaul family are the main characters in this family. They are all so different, each dealing with their role in the family whether they like it or not. I think all of them have their strengths, but I did enjoy getting to know Shae’s character growth. Hilo is a very strong character, and fleshed out but it will be interesting to see what happens to him. Anden is also a compelling character in that he is the youngest and adopted. I’m looking forward to book two to see what happens next.

Why you should read it:

urban fantasy with organized crime and feuding families
internal family drama
great world building, jade used as source of power, action-packed

Why you might not want to read it:

it took me awhile to get into the story – the beginning was obviously setting up the story because the book is so detailed, but I got bored at some parts (blame it on my mood lol)

My Thoughts:

Definitely worth all the hype especially if you love urban fantasy that is about feuding families and organized crime. The world building really is fantastic and by the time I was immersed in the story it moved along so quickly because of all the elements taking place. There is family drama, politics, betrayal, and amazing fight scenes – this would really make a good television series. I’m going to be starting on Jade War right away since this world is fresh in my mind, I’m excited to see what happens next!

📚 ~ Yolanda

Quotes from the Book:

“On my honor, my life, and my jade.”
Jade City by. Fonda Lee

“The clan was like a body: The Lantern Men were skin and muscles, the Fists and Luckbringers like heart and lungs, but the Pillar was the spine. There could be no weakness in the spine, or the body could not stand, it could not fight.”
Jade City by. Fonda Lee

“Two strong-minded women in a man’s world, if they do not quickly become allies, are destined to be incurable rivals.”
Jade City by. Fonda Lee

Blade of Secrets by. Tricia Levenseller | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Blade of Secrets

Author: Tricia Levenseller

Format: Hardcover (borrowed)

Pages: 336

Publication Date: 5/4/21

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Eighteen-year-old Ziva prefers metal to people. She spends her days tucked away in her forge, safe from society and the anxiety it causes her, using her magical gift to craft unique weapons imbued with power.

Then Ziva receives a commission from a powerful warlord, and the result is a sword capable of stealing its victims’ secrets. A sword that can cut far deeper than the length of its blade. A sword with the strength to topple kingdoms. When Ziva learns of the warlord’s intentions to use the weapon to enslave all the world under her rule, she takes her sister and flees.

Joined by a distractingly handsome mercenary and a young scholar with extensive knowledge of the world’s known magics, Ziva and her sister set out on a quest to keep the sword safe until they can find a worthy wielder or a way to destroy it entirely.

A teenage blacksmith with social anxiety accepts a commission from the wrong person and is forced to go on the run to protect the world from the most powerful magical sword she’s ever made.

Content Warning: Anxiety, Violence

I finally got my hands on this book and I think my expectations were too high. It turned out to be an enjoyable book regardless of my expectations though.

What I love the most about this story is the group of four traveling companions: Ziva, her sister Temra, Petrik the scholar and a mercenary named Kellyn. Ziva is a magical blacksmith – she has the power to infuse weapons with magic, which I love. I love characters who have a trade or craft skill. Temra is her younger sister and assistant, who is also a sword fighter. Petrik has lived mostly in a library so he has no fighting skills, but he wants to know about Ziva’s magic. Kellyn is confident with his sword skills and looks. Put them all together and we have an engaging group that bring humor to this story. I really love them.

Now Ziva isn’t only a blacksmith, but she has anxiety. We see her struggle in social events, or just even talking to new people. She second guesses herself in this situations, which is the opposite when she is working alone on a blade. Her anxiety is relatable. Having Temra by her side as her sister and assistant helps her a lot, and she can’t imagine a world without her.

The romance between Ziva and Kellyn is a slow burn because of her anxiety, which is great because it fits her character.

As for the story, I enjoyed the world-building and getting to know the kingdom of Ghadra but it’s not as detailed as I wanted. We meet a warlord who is power hungry and wants to take down the current rulers but we haven’t met the rulers yet. I’m hoping in the sequel we get more. Ziva and her friends go on a journey across Ghadra to run from this warlord and hide the blade so there is a lot of action in the book that keep the story moving. At times I thought the story felt like a light fantasy, maybe because the characters are so funny together, but then the fight scenes would have Kellyn cutting someone clear in half, making Ziva queasy. Even her sister gets pretty hurt…yet the story lacked intensity to me.

Why you should read it:

fun cast of characters
Ziva is a great anxiety rep, I could definitely relate
slow burn romances

Why you might not want to read it:

I just wanted the story to have a little bit more intensity but that’s a personal preference

My Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this story about Ziva and her sister and new found friends as they try to do the right thing and keep their kingdom safe. There is action, humor, romance, friendship and so much room for this story to grow. I’m looking forward to the sequel.

📚 ~ Yolanda

Quotes from the Book:

“I hate feeling as though I don’t fit right in my own skin. As though the anxiety takes up too much space, pushing me aside.”
Blade of Secrets by. Tricia Levenseller

“I am more than my fear and weaknesses, but so much of the time, they’re all I can think about.”
Blade of Secrets by. Tricia Levenseller

“As for not liking people, that’s fine. I don’t really like people, either. Maybe we could not like people together.”
Blade of Secrets by. Tricia Levenseller

BLOG TOUR} A Lullaby for Witches by. Hester Fox | ARC Review

Welcome to the the blog tour for A Lullaby for Witches by. Hester Fox!

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: A Lullaby for Witches

Author: Hester Fox

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 320

Publication Date: 2/01/22

Publisher: Graydon House

Categories: Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction, Magic, Romance, Paranormal

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Graydon House for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Augusta Podos has just landed her dream job, working in collections at a local museum, Harlowe House, located in the charming seaside town of Tynemouth, Massachussetts. Determined to tell the stories of the local community, she throws herself into her work–and finds an oblique mention of a mysterious woman, Margaret, who may have been part of the Harlowe family, but is reduced to a footnote. Fascinated by this strange omission, Augusta becomes obsessed with discovering who Margaret was, what happened to her, and why her family scrubbed her from historical records. But as she does, strange incidents begin plaguing Harlowe House and Augusta herself. Are they connected with Margaret, and what do they mean?

Tynemouth, 1872. Margaret Harlowe is the beautiful daughter of a wealthy shipping family, and she should have many prospects–but her fascination with herbs and spellwork has made her a pariah, with whispers of “witch” dogging her steps. Increasingly drawn to the darker, forbidden practices of her craft, Margaret finds herself caught up with a local man, Jack Pryce, and the temptation of these darker ways threatens to pull her under completely.

As the incidents in the present day escalate, Augusta finds herself drawn more and more deeply into Margaret’s world, and a shocking revelation sheds further light on Margaret and Augusta’s shared past. And as Margaret’s sinister purpose becomes clear, Augusta must uncover the secret of Margaret’s fate–before the woman who calls to her across the centuries claims Augusta’s own life.

Content Warning: Violence, Death, Implied Eating Disorder

This story is told between two perspectives: Augusta – in present day and Margaret – who lives in 18th century, Massachusettes. I did like the dual story perspective as it eventually culminated later in the story to when Augusta and Margaret merge.

I found Augusta’s job fascinating as a curator of Harlowe House, a historic home in Tynemouth, Massachusettes. She goes on a quest to find out about a girl, Margaret, who seems to be lacking any record of living in Harlowe House. I did like the mystery and learning about Margaret. Augusta is dealing with some issues like with her boyfriend, the lack of knowledge of her father and what looks like an eating disorder. As a character, I didn’t feel like I connected to Augusta very much although I liked her passion for her work.

Margaret is labeled a witch because people in the community come to her for help. She meets a local boy in town and has a wild affair with him but he has a secret that breaks her heart. There are other secrets to uncover about Margaret but I thought it was interesting how she is tied to the Salem Witches.

The romance was okay, I wasn’t that invested in it. Now the paranormal aspect of the story was interesting. Margaret’s ghost has an ulterior motive for trying to contact Augusta and it did keep me reading the story even though I lacked connection to the characters. Also I wanted more witchcraft, not just the mention of spells found in a book.

Why you should read it:

historical/contemporary paranormal story – a little bit of everything
Margaret’s history was compelling

Why you might not want to read it:

romance fell flat- even though this isn’t a romance novel, there is some romance, but it was okay
lack connection to the characters
I wanted more witchcraft

My Thoughts:

This was an interesting read and not what I expected. I found Margaret’s story very fascinating but Augusta’s was just flat, including her romance story. For a story about witches, it didn’t have that much witchcraft in the story at all, but I did enjoy the historical fiction parts of the story. This one was just an okay read for me.

📚 ~ Yolanda

About the Author:

Hester Fox is a full-time writer and mother, with a background in museum work and historical archaeology. A native New-Englander, she now lives in rural Virginia with her husband and their son.

Author Website

Twitter: @HesterBFox | Instagram: @hesterbfox | Goodreads

Bound by Firelight | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Bound by Firelight (Wickery, #2)

Author: Dana Swift

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 448

Publication Date: 1/18/22

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Categories: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Magic

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Delacorte Press for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

After a magical eruption devastates the kingdom of Belwar, royal heir Adraa is falsely accused of masterminding the destruction and forced to stand trial in front of her people, who see her as a monster. Adraa’s punishment? Imprisonment in the Dome, an impenetrable, magic-infused fortress filled with Belwar’s nastiest criminals—many of whom Adraa put there herself. And they want her to pay.

Jatin, the royal heir to Naupure, has been Adraa’s betrothed, nemesis, and fellow masked vigilante… but now he’s just a boy waiting to ask her the biggest question of their lives. First, though, he’s going to have to do the impossible: break Adraa out of the Dome. And he won’t be able to do it without help from the unlikeliest of sources—a girl from his past with a secret that could put them all at risk.

Time is running out, and the horrors Adraa faces in the Dome are second only to the plot to destabilize and destroy their kingdoms. But Adraa and Jatin have saved the world once already… Now, can they save themselves?

Content Warning: violence

Book two of the Wickery series picks up immediately after the major event that happened in the first book. Adraa is pegged as an enemy and imprisoned. The amazing world building and magic is back. Jatin and the crew are going around town reminding me of the Avengers. It was nice to see the old crew back.

The story is told between Adraa and Jatin’s perspectives but I think the one with more of a journey and lots of growth is Adraa because she is separated from the group and thrown in prison. She faces many challenges and fights, literally – to the death. We see Adraa out of her comfort zone fighting in prison without her magic and we see her try to relearn how to make magic with some help.

What I found fun about the first book was Adraa and Jatin’s friends helping them on their missions and becoming a group of superheroes. They are back in this sequel, doing what they do best!

I think one thing I missed about the first book was Adraa and Jatin’s enemies to lovers romance because of course, now they are together with no qualms about their love for one another. And they were kept apart for most of the story so I did miss them interacting with one another.

Why you should read it:

a solid duology with lots of magic and romance (mostly in book one)
Adraa goes through a lot of challenges and growth
magic wielding superheroes and lots of action

Why you might not want to read it:

not a lot of romance
couple was spent apart for most of the book

My Thoughts:

Although not my favorite between the two books in this duology because I miss all the romance, I think this was a solid conclusion to this series. I enjoyed all the world building, magic and camaraderie between Jatin and his friends. Adraa goes through a lot in this sequel shows but she rises to the challenge which is very inspiring.

📚 ~ Yolanda

The Monarchs by. Kass Morgan & Danielle Paige | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: The Monarchs (The Ravens, #2)

Author: Kass Morgan & Danielle Paige

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 448

Publication Date: 1/11/22

Publisher: Clarion Books

Categories: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance, Witches, Sorority, College

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Clarion Books for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

In this thrilling conclusion to New York Times best-selling authors Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige’s The Ravens, the sorority witches are tested when a rival threatens to usurp their place on campus and the forces of hell come knocking on their door.

The sorority girls at Kappa Rho Nu—the Ravens—are determined to restore balance to the world. After destroying an ancient talisman and barely saving their sorority in the process, they’ll go to any lengths to keep their secret as Westerly’s most powerful coven of witches.

Scarlett Winter, a legacy Raven, has finally gotten what she’s always wanted: the Kappa Rho Nu presidency. After the disaster that killed the sorority’s last president, Scarlett is determined that no sister will fall under the sway of wicked magic ever again. But the powers of the presidency have their own pitfalls—and Scarlett has big shoes to fill.

Vivi Devereaux, a freshman, finally knows what it feels like to belong. For the first time ever, she’s got it all: her Kappa Rho Nu sisters and a sweet (and hot) boyfriend. When Scarlett assigns Vivi the coveted role of social chair, Vivi is determined to live up to her Big’s expectations—even if that means dabbling in a new form of magic.

Unbeknownst to the Ravens, new rivals and ancient evils lurk on Westerly’s campus. With Kappa Rho Nu’s future on their shoulders and their pasts still haunting them, will Scarlett and Vivi be able to save their sisterhood once again?

The thing I enjoy about this series is the witchcraft the sisters actually do – by using chants and their magic elements. It feels like the movie, The Craft which was a fun witchy movie. I also like that there was an evil power at work and we didn’t know who it could be, although there are a few suspects. The rival sorority house a good storyline too because the Kappas are pretty private.

I enjoyed the mystery part of the story as the girls try to figure out what or who is attacking them. There is a revelation near the end that I wish would lead into a book three but it seems like this is a duology? But in a sense things were wrapped up conveniently at the end.

Scarlett is now the head of the Kappas but her leadership is being tested on every front. Scarlet’s love life is a mess also, something is going on with Jackson and a new guy, Xavier comes into the picture. Vivi is now social chair and taking on more responsibilities on top of dating Mason but she is overwhelmed with trying to figure out what’s happening to the Kappas.

Content Warning: self harm

The romance storylines didn’t work for me. Jackson doesn’t want anything to do with Scarlett and she’s bummed about it but a new guy comes into the picture, but he’s a bit of a mystery. Vivi and Mason start off strong but things go south when she doesn’t have much time for him. So I didn’t feel anything on the romance front between any of these couples.

Scarlett’s leadership was tested but honestly I felt she was lacking in leading the Kappas. She didn’t have any good plans to figure out what was going on and only relied on Vivi for help. As for Vivi, she should have talked to her Kappa sisters about what she was experiencing and accepted their help but she went and did things on her own. And why is Vivi always getting possessed?! First book one and now this one? It all ended with a person sacrificing their life to save Scarlett, and pretty much everyone on campus and I didn’t like how that went down.

Would have liked to learn more about the witch hunters! Would definitely read a book three.

Why you should read it:

it’s a series about witches in a sorority
rival sororities competing with one another
a mystery as Scarlett and Vivi try to figure out what is attacking them

Why you might not want to read it:

not into sororities fighting over who gets to throw the spring fling event
main characters growth wasn’t quite what I expected

My Thoughts:

It took me awhile to get into the story but once I did, I enjoyed the Kappa girls and their witchcraft. I enjoyed seeing the girls use their magic and witchcraft. I felt like Scarlett and Vivi were weak in their own ways and I wish there was more growth to each of their characters. Overall, a pretty good conclusion to a witchy duology but I still think there could be one more book after that ending.

📚 ~ Yolanda

The Nature of Witches by. Rachel Griffin | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: The Nature of Witches

Author: Rachel Griffin

Format: hardcover (borrowed)

Pages: 384

Publication Date: 6/1/21

Categories: Contemporary , Fantasy, Young adult, Romance, Nature, Environmental, Coming of Age

For centuries, witches have maintained the climate, their power from the sun peaking in the season of their birth. But now their control is faltering as the atmosphere becomes more erratic. All hope lies with Clara, an Everwitch whose rare magic is tied to every season.

In Autumn, Clara wants nothing to do with her power. It’s wild and volatile, and the price of her magic―losing the ones she loves―is too high, despite the need to control the increasingly dangerous weather.

In Winter, the world is on the precipice of disaster. Fires burn, storms rage, and Clara accepts that she’s the only one who can make a difference.

In Spring, she falls for Sang, the witch training her. As her magic grows, so do her feelings, until she’s terrified Sang will be the next one she loses.

In Summer, Clara must choose between her power and her happiness, her duty and the people she loves… before she loses Sang, her magic, and thrusts the world into chaos.

I love witch stories and this one sounded very different. The witches in this story are helping with weather disasters and trying to combat climate change – present issues we are dealing with! I thought it was a very unique take on what witches powers could be useful for in our present day.

Clara is an Everwitch – her seasonal powers don’t wane, she is powerful in all seasons as oppose to other witches who are powerful only in their season. But she doesn’t want this gift. People she love have died around her, because she can’t control her gift so she is at a school for witches to learn to control her powers. But what’s holding Clara back is herself. She meets a boy who finally teaches her to calm her insecurities and fears and to control her magic. Her journey comes full circle and we do get to see Clara embrace herself.

Sang is amazing and I loved his Spring affinity and talent with plants. He was the balance Clara needed and I loved watching their relationship go from friendship to more. The romance is so sweet. Clara is bisexual and we also get to meet her ex, another witch, Paige. There is some hard feelings between them but there is closure at the end also.

Content Warnings: death, grief

Clara is deep into her self-loathing and it takes up much of the story and it got repetitive – this whole story is about her journey to break through her fears and insecurities…I just wanted something more to happen. It would have been cool to see more severe weather events that affect shaders (non-witches) and the witches helping out. But this story is about Clara’s journey and it just takes too much of the first part of the story. The second half is much better because we see Clara grow and learn to control her power finally.

With Clara’s doubts and insecurities she lashes out a lot at her instructions and superiors. Everyone was an enemy to her and it got a little tiresome.

Even though the beginning lagged for me, there were some really good moments in the books. One of my favorites were how she and Sang communicated after they were in the middle of a break from one another. I thought in the essence of the romance story, Sang and Clara’s relationship was beautiful.

Why you should read it:

unique contemporary fantasy witch story – the witches are helping to combat climate change and maintain the environment – they tackle natural disasters
sweet, emotional romance story
Clara’s journey ends on a happy note

Why you might not want to read it:

Clara’s attitude – she’s going through a lot of emotional turmoil but she comes off selfish and stubborn
some parts are repetitive, especially when it comes to training Clara

My thoughts:

I keep going back and forth on my rating of this one. I loved the ending and the romance Clara has with Sang. I totally love how this is a unique witch story because they help with climate change which is a very important issue right now. I understand Clara’s grief and reluctance to use her power because it’s killed people she loves but I also wanted to shake her to see that a gift like hers cannot be wasted. She is the chosen one who doesn’t want to be chosen but it got tiresome. Despite my issues with it, I look forward to reading the next book from this author.

📚 ~ Yolanda

Little Thieves by. Margaret Owen | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Little Thieves

Author: Margaret Owen

Format: hardcover (borrowed)

Pages: 512

Publication Date: 10/19/21

Categories: Dark Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Young adult, Romance

Once upon a time, there was a horrible girl…

Vanja Schmidt knows that no gift is freely given, not even a mother’s love–and she’s on the hook for one hell of a debt. Vanja, the adopted goddaughter of Death and Fortune, was Princess Gisele’s dutiful servant up until a year ago. That was when Vanja’s otherworldly mothers demanded a terrible price for their care, and Vanja decided to steal her future back… by stealing Gisele’s life for herself.

The real Gisele is left a penniless nobody while Vanja uses an enchanted string of pearls to take her place. Now, Vanja leads a lonely but lucrative double life as princess and jewel thief, charming nobility while emptying their coffers to fund her great escape. Then, one heist away from freedom, Vanja crosses the wrong god and is cursed to an untimely end: turning into jewels, stone by stone, for her greed.

Vanja has just two weeks to figure out how to break her curse and make her getaway. And with a feral guardian half-god, Gisele’s sinister fiancé, and an overeager junior detective on Vanja’s tail, she’ll have to pull the biggest grift yet to save her own life.

First off, the book cover is beautiful and I was intrigued by the premise but I still wasn’t sure what to expect. I am glad I went in pretty much blind because this has just joined my list of top reads for 2021.

The world-building is wonderful and the story is told like a fairy tale. A dark one. The synopsis states it’s a loose retelling of the Goose Girl and honestly, I still don’t know the real Goose Girl story and I’m going to have to fix that since so many authors want to retell it lately. The story takes place in a kingdom with German influences from the language they speak and the food they eat. I love the fantasy aspect with the presence of the gods, and grimlings lurking around. I enjoyed the magic system a lot with the Prefects being able to perform some magic to fight off the grimlings.

I really liked that before each part of the story we get a “Once upon a time” moment. It set the tone and stage for what was to come in each part and I loved how the writing lured into this tale. The story of Vanja being an unwanted child from birth was already sad but as we learn everything about her, we get to understand her fears and motivations. Unwanted from birth, then becoming a maid to a Princess and abused, and then her godmothers give her an ultimatum to choose between them. She chooses to be a thief to steal her freedom. This story has heists, action, a curse, grimlings, mystery, friendship, romance and a nerdy boy of a Prefect who was the perfect catalyst for Vanja to open her heart to. We see the consequences of Vanja’s choices and we get to watch her struggle to face herself in the mirror and fix everything she had done.

The characters are fantastic. Vanja is a villain – or is she? Vanja has done some bad things and she’s got a lot to learn. Vanja is a great character. Vanja’s a thief but she didn’t only steal jewels, she stole a life, so what is a good punishment for that? What about a curse? A curse to know how it feels to be wanted like she wants for everything. Her character arc was a beautiful journey. She was whittled down to her vulnerabilities. The side characters are a great ensemble. Giselle, the real princess, learning she didn’t really lose much but maybe gained something in the process. Ragne, the bad ass shape-shifter, love her for being there for Vanja and accepting her, flaws and all. And of course there is Junior Prefect Emeric, too smart for his own good, determined, awkward, always taking notes lol…love him.

Speaking of love – Vanja only wanted to be loved and wanted and by the end of this story I wanted to protect her. Emeric and Vanja clash from the get go, she -a thief trying to hide her tracks and flee, he – a junior prefect trying to solve this case to get promoted. The two of them are funny, always trying to outwit the other, until they both come to the conclusion they are fighting the same enemy. They are both awkward and cautious about the feelings growing between them. There is tension, there is fear and so much miscommunication and misunderstanding because of the fears it broke my heart when Vanja finally falls apart. She has been traumatized throughout her life and opening up to someone…the possibility of finally being loved or having someone to love is absolutely frightening. I did want Emeric to grovel just a bit more though for misjudging her at one point…but then again, she did have him dumped in a river so…all’s fair in love and war? lol

Content Warnings: abuse, parental neglect

I was speeding through this book but it’s definitely one I could sit down and savor. It’s a borrowed library copy but I will be buying my own soon because there were so many sentences I loved.

My only issue about the book (because it was near perfection for me) was the ending. It felt rushed when Vanja tells the story about taking down Adalbrecht because she has to rewind to tell us the plan. In a way it seemed fitting to a heist though, if that makes sense? Like I can see it in a movie-reel type of way. It’s part of Vanja’s ever present sleight of hand trick she’s been using to steal this freedom she wants so badly and now we get to see how she pulls off the trick. But it’s a quick rewind. Other than that – I was still so happy by the end of this story.

Why you should read it:

a dark fairy tale with morally gray characters
the romance is enemies to lovers, so tense, awkward, vulnerable and at times sweet
the story is emotional, engrossing, funny, and heartbreakingly poetic
it’s got action, humor, friendship, romance, shapeshifting, a hearth spirit, a Gods Court and so much more

Why you might not want to read it:

not into fairy tale retellings

My thoughts:

To think I had my best of 2021 list all ready and then I decided to read this book. I’m glad I did – I love it and will get a copy of my own because it’s so good. I was enchanted by the fairy tale story telling, then surprised at Vanja’s thief skills, her stubbornness, survival skills, vulnerability and bravery to face the consequences of her decisions. She and the characters of this book definitely stole my heart.

📚 ~ Yolanda

Quotes from the Book:

“Nothing stolen is ever mine. But there’s another truth on the other side of that coin. What is mine can always be stolen.”
Little Theives by. Margaret Owen

“I am his puzzle and he is my lock, and it’s an arms race to solve the other first. But somewhere in all the knots and twists and trapdoors, he turned to an arsonist, leaving his embers in my veins, smoke on my tongue, a fire burning softly in my heart.”
Little Thieves by. Margaret Owen

“If you want me to chase you, I will chase you. If you want me to find you, I will find you. If you’ll have me, I will choose you every time.”
Little Thieves by. Margaret Owen

Vespertine by. Margaret Rogerson | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Vespertine (#1)

Author: Meghan Quinn

Format: eBook (Kindle Unlimited)

Pages: 400

Publication Date: 10/05/21

Categories: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Spirits, Saints, Magic

The dead of Loraille do not rest.

Artemisia is training to be a Gray Sister, a nun who cleanses the bodies of the deceased so that their souls can pass on; otherwise, they will rise as spirits with a ravenous hunger for the living. She would rather deal with the dead than the living, who trade whispers about her scarred hands and troubled past.

When her convent is attacked by possessed soldiers, Artemisia defends it by awakening an ancient spirit bound to a saint’s relic. It is a revenant, a malevolent being that threatens to possess her the moment she drops her guard. Wielding its extraordinary power almost consumes her—but death has come to Loraille, and only a vespertine, a priestess trained to wield a high relic, has any chance of stopping it. With all knowledge of vespertines lost to time, Artemisia turns to the last remaining expert for help: the revenant itself.

As she unravels a sinister mystery of saints, secrets, and dark magic, her bond with the revenant grows. And when a hidden evil begins to surface, she discovers that facing this enemy might require her to betray everything she has been taught to believe—if the revenant doesn’t betray her first.

I love the world building with the nuns (Gray Sisters) and other clergy wielding relics that contain spirits in them. The story gave me a sense that the setting was in some place that resembled France in a time when the clergy was in power, game me Joan of Arc vibes at times. We learn about how the relics, spirits and revenants (spirits) are used and contained. There is also some history about the spirits as well and information about their ranking or order. The spirits are listed in order in the book if you get confused, I only saw it at the end of the book but it is helpful! There was a good amount of action in this story and the story moved quickly.

Artemisia is not an open character at first. She comes off as someone who wants to be alone and not good in social situations. People think she is different because of her past and how she survived being possessed by an ashgrim. It left her with burned scars on her hands, a tendency to not want to be close to people and with a high tolerance to handling a relic. When things take a turn for the worst she is entrusted with the care of a relic that holds a highly powered revenant and she has no training with it whatsoever. But she trusts her instincts and for the most part she finds ways to work with her revenant to help defeat other spirits. Also she learns how to let others in to help her when things get too tough.

Her revenant, Rathanael, is mean, grouchy but hilarious. At least, he was funny to me even as he was berating and insulting Artemisia every chance he could get. Their partnership is unconventional but they are perfect for one another.

Leander was poised as a villain but we don’t understand his motivations until way later in the book. He is a very private guy as well and it was hard to get a good read on him in the beginning other than him trying to control Artemisia. Is there a potential for a romance there? I’m not sure. This whole book didn’t have any romance in it but I felt like it hinted at something between Leander and Artemisia. We shall see.

Content Warnings: self harm, violence, death, PTSD, anxiety

It took me a few days to get through the first chapter because I needed to get into a nun mood? If that makes sense haha! But once I grasped what was going on and was immersed into the world-building, I found my bearings. I will say it can get confusing with the relics and revenants and unfamiliar terms, so use the spirit order/ranking list in the book.

There is no romance, and I was hoping for some but it was okay without too. The main relationship is between Artemisia and her revenant and it’s pretty entertaining.

Why you should read it:

fascinating world building
lots of action with nuns, soldiers, and knights trying to fight spirits
good character growth

Why you might not want to read it:

sometimes confusing, with the ranking or classification of spirits, unless you keep checking the list
nuns fighting spirits isn’t appealing to you 🤷🏻‍♀️

My thoughts:

Once I got into the story I was hooked and love the world-building (might be the Catholic upbringing in me). I enjoyed Artemisia’s growing, if reluctant, relationship with her revenant. I found them entertaining. I’m also interested to see where book two goes and if Leander comes back into the story a changed man! I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

📚 ~ Yolanda

When Night Breaks by. Janella Angeles | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: When Night Breaks (Kingdom of Cards, #2)

Author: Janella Angeles

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 464

Publication Date: 10/5/21

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Categories: Young Adult, Fantasy, Magicians, Romance

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Wednesday Books for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The competition has come to a disastrous end, and Daron Demarco’s fall from grace is now front page news. But little matters to him beyond Kallia, the contestant he fell for who is now lost to this world and in the hands of a dangerous magician. Daron is willing to do whatever it takes to find her. Even if it means embarking on a dark and treacherous journey, risking more than just his life, with no promise of return.

After awaking in darkness, Kallia has never felt more lost. Especially with Jack by her side, the magician with who has the answers but cannot be trusted. Together, they must navigate a dazzling world where mirrors show memories and illusions shadow every corner, one ruled by a powerful game master who could all too easily destroy the world she left behind — and the boy she can’t seem to forget. With time running out, Kallia must embrace her role in a darker destiny, or lose everyone she loves, forever.

This series has beautiful covers, that’s for sure!

I did like that this second book and conclusion is more sinister than the first book. In the first one, Jack and the whole town of Glorian is a mystery. We do uncover many secrets in this conclusion. We learn about this mysterious villain, the Dealer, who seems more powerful (or so it seems) than Jack. We learn more about the town of Glorian, the Patrons, the mirror and Kallia’s past.

Kallia stays consistent even though missing her powers, she is still full of fight and sass. I liked learning more about Jack. There is a lot of action but it comes at the end of the book.

For awhile I thought Kallia’s friends from the circus wasn’t going to make an appearance in this but they do – of course they do and they help save Kallia.

The first book was about the dazzling performance of magic shows and the circus. In this book it’s about what’s inside the mirror- which is a darker side of everything in Kallia’s world. Usually I need to be in the mood to read about magicians/circus. Well I wasn’t quite in the right mood for this sequel and it’s take on illusions, I think. Some things was hard for me to follow but that might be because I just wasn’t interested. This is is definitely one of those instances that if you love the first book (and I didn’t)…you will love this one. It’s just not the right series for me.

I didn’t connect to any of the characters. Not even Kallia’s journey kept me interested in this one.

I wasn’t into the love triangle. I mean there was a potential for one for sure but I’m glad it didn’t quite go there.

Why you should read it:

You love the first series or liked it enough to find out more
To find out what the whole mystery is
You enjoy stories about magicians

Why you might not want to read it:

Wasn’t into the first book
Love triangle potential

My Thoughts:

I love the books covers, it’s what sucked me into reading the first book. Story wise? I wasn’t into the magician/illusions theme. But I do like that this one is darker than the first book. Not even the romance in this one held my interest though because of the love triangle and I love a good triangle…but I didn’t feel this one. That doesn’t mean others won’t love this story, actually I think fans of the first book will enjoy this conclusion. It just wasn’t for me.

📚 ~ Yolanda