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!
Sailor Moon meets Cinder in Guardians of Dawn: Zhara, the start of a new, richly imagined fantasy series from S. Jae-Jones, the New York Times bestselling author of Wintersong.
Magic flickers. Love flames. Chaos reigns.
Magic is forbidden throughout the Morning Realms. Magicians are called abomination, and blamed for the plague of monsters that razed the land twenty years before.
Jin Zhara already had enough to worry about—appease her stepmother’s cruel whims, looking after her blind younger sister, and keeping her own magical gifts under control—without having to deal with rumors of monsters re-emerging in the marsh. But when a chance encounter with an easily flustered young man named Han brings her into contact with a secret magical liberation organization called the Guardians of Dawn, Zhara realizes there may be more to these rumors than she thought. A mysterious plague is corrupting the magicians of Zanhei and transforming them into monsters, and the Guardians of Dawn believe a demon is responsible.
In order to restore harmony and bring peace to the world, Zhara must discover the elemental warrior within, lest the balance between order and chaos is lost forever.
Content Warning: violence
I was absolutely drawn to this book because of that gorgeous book cover. It’s one of the prettiest book covers I’ve seen this year. I was also intrigued with the synopsis saying it’s Sailor Moon meets Cinder but as I read the book I felt like it didn’t deliver on any of those fronts. And I watched Sailor Moon this summer so that’s fresh in my head while I read this book and there were some similarities. I think Zhara has the personality of Usagi (Sailor Moon) in some aspects, like she giggles around good looking people, she’s bubbly but cares about helping others.
Story wise it was easy to follow. There is something going on, monsters are reemerging and the need for the mysterious society called the Guardians of Dawn are needed for their magical skill. I guess that’s another thing related to Sailor Moon, the Guardians. But it’s very different from the Guardians in Sailor Moon.
Zhara has magic that she is trying to keep secret. She’s a little bit of a Cinderella, and her evil step-mother treats her and her sister horribly. Zhara meets the royal prince, Han, who’s undercover and looking for the Guardians also. I thought their interactions were cute and fun. There is a lot of sexual innuendo because of some books they discuss but it all feels very innocent. My favorite character I think is Xu, who is Han’s best friend. They are Han’s closest companion and really came through for him when he needed them. I felt like Xu kept Hu in line as much as they could.
I was okay with the build up of the story but somewhere along the way the story wasn’t holding my attention. I think maybe this would work better for younger readers. It read a little too young for me, or I’m just too old for it, but I couldn’t connect to the story.
Why you should read it:
comparison to Sailor Moon and Cinder, it has magic and Guardians, and a sweet romance
Why you might not want to read it:
might read too young for some adults
My Thoughts:
I wish I could have connected to this story more because I really do love that book cover. I also could have been comparing it hard to Sailor Moon since I spent the summer watching the series on Netflix. Overall, it was an okay read with some funny moments but I think it’s not for me. I do think it would appeal to younger YA readers though.
Categories: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Witches, Twins, Adventure
Bestselling authors and real-life sisters-in-law Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber join forces on a compelling YA fantasy bursting with high-stakes adventure, romance and humour. Two queens, one throne. What can possibly go wrong . . .?
Twin queens Wren and Rose have claimed their crowns . . . but not everyone is happy about witches sitting on Eana’s throne.
Cool-headed Rose sets off on a Royal Tour to win over the doubters, but soon finds herself drawn to the Sunless Kingdom. Here secrets are revealed about those closest to her, and Rose finds her loyalties divided.
Meanwhile rebellious Wren steals away to the icy north to rescue their beloved grandmother, Banba. But when she accepts King Alarik’s deadly magical bargain in exchange for Banba’s freedom, the spell has unexpected – and far-reaching – consequences . . .
As an ancient curse begins to arise from the darkness, the sisters must come together and unite the crown. Their lives – and the future of Eana – depend on it.
Break the ice to free the curse, Kill one twin to save another . . .
Content Warning: violence, self harm for blood magic
I found this ebook ready to borrow right after I finished book one of this series, Twin Crowns. With everything still fresh in my head, I continued on this journey with Rose and Wren as they figure out how to unite the people and witches of Eana. There is a lot of pushback from the non-witches and Rose needs help quelling a rebellion but Wren is pulled to Gevra, where Banba, their grandmother is being imprisoned by King Alarik.
The story is told from both POVs. Rose, I feel, is more invested in being Queen of Eana, even though she shares the throne with Wren. When Rose and Shen get pulled into a quest to find the Sunkissed Kingdom we get to know more about Shen which I loved. The Sunkissed Kingdom is a magical place and fitting for Shen. But finding out about Shen’s past causes a big conflict between him and Rose. I didn’t think the two of them could ever fight about anything but I was wrong! Still, their romance is the sweetest one in the book and I knew things would work out between them. They both have to grow and they do.
As for Wren. Oh Wren. Wren is the twin who is bold, fearless, and not afraid to speak her mind and I like that about her but she is tested in this sequel because of the length she would go to save Banba. Wren makes some bad choices and the consequences are dire but it definitely forces her to think about her actions. And there is an unexpected love triangle and in a way I was intrigued by it because Tor is still a mystery but so bland. He does nothing for me. We don’t learn anything more about him except that he is pretty good at staying away from Wren. So I actually liked the new development with Wren and Alarik because it’s an enemies to lovers trope but how will it play out in book three? I’m not sure. I did sympathize with Wrens love for Banba and not wanting to let her go and I like that it paralleled Alarik’s fear of letting Ansel. It’s why I’m rooting for them. I feel like Wren and Alarik have that darkness in them, the grief inside them that helps them understand one another.
The sisters also now have to deal with their ancestor Oonagh Starcrest who has been revived from her slumber and about to wreck havoc on their world, so book three should be interesting. I’ll definitely read it to see what happens with Alarick and Wren.
I did enjoy this sequel but I did feel like I was more interested in Wren’s POV than Rose’s, whereas book one felt more even and seamless. Also the sisters are separated for most of the book again. I’d love for them to be together in book three.
Tropes: twins, love triangle
Why you should read it:
you liked book one
both sisters have more character growth in this one
Why you might not want to read it:
might feel like for a younger audience
My Thoughts:
I’m sad I have to wait for book three but I have high hopes that book three will tie up all the loose ends and these sisters can finally spend time together in a united kingdom.
Categories: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Witches, Twins
Wren Greenrock has always known that one day she would steal her sister’s place in the palace. Trained from birth to return to the place of her parents’ murder and usurp the only survivor, she will do anything to rise to power and protect the community of witches she loves. Or she would, if only a certain palace guard wasn’t quite so distractingly attractive, and if her reckless magic didn’t have a habit of causing trouble…
Princess Rose Valhart knows that with power comes responsibility. Marriage into a brutal kingdom awaits, and she will not let a small matter like waking up in the middle of the desert in the company of an extremely impertinent (and handsome) kidnapper get in the way of her royal duty. But life outside the palace walls is wilder and more beautiful than she ever imagined, and the witches she has long feared might turn out to be the family she never knew she was missing.
Two sisters separated at birth and raised into entirely different worlds are about to get to know each other’s lives a whole lot better. But as coronation day looms closer and they each strive to claim their birthright, the sinister Kingsbreath, Willem Rathborne, becomes increasingly determined that neither will succeed. Who will ultimately rise to power and wear the crown?
Content Warning: violence, kidnapping
I wanted to read this book because Catherine Doyle wrote the Blood for Blood series which I was obsessed with back in 2015! So I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed Twin Crowns and also not super surprised because she was part of the writing duo. And I’ll just point out that I don’t love books about twins but maybe because it always feels like the same trope. In Twin Crowns, we get the twins who were separated at birth trope and one sister is coming for the crown that the other one is supposed to have. Sound familiar? Yes, because that’s what usually happens in twin stories so I was over it a few years ago.
I went in with low expectations, but I ended up reading this book in one day! There are two clashing sides: witches and non-witches. Wren was raised with the witches and Rose was not, she was raised on the side that killed witches. Wren is trying to take the Queendom back from a man called Rathborne, who killed their parents. But Rose still wants her throne and tries to fight for it. It’s a really fun story, even though Rose can be annoying because she’s the pampered princess. However, I felt like she had the dashing and charming Shen Lo (love him) to balance her out. He brought her out of her comfort zone, which I loved. As for Wren, I like that she is feisty and a strong character. Wren’s romance with Tor had more heat which I liked but I’d love to know more about Tor. I don’t think we know much about him at all. I think the sisters being separated and going through their own challenges kept the story moving and I liked that it was seamless despite it being told in two POVs.
One thing bothered me about the story – how did Wren know Rose’s routine and all of the people at the palace? Was she studying her for that long? I don’t think it ever says in the book unless I missed it and so at times it felt unbelievable that Wren would automatically know all the staffs’ names. I just went with it. At least she had magic to make her look exactly like Rose. I did like the times she slipped out of character though, just to see if anyone would catch her.
At times the story felt like it was meant for a younger YA audience but I think maybe because the whole story has a fun vibe to it? Anyway I was confused about how I felt about that but I guess I didn’t mind it since I finished it in one day.
Tropes: twins separated at birth
Why you should read it:
you like stories about twin sisters
Rose and Wren both have their own romances – I love Shen Lo
a fun story
Why you might not want to read it:
might feel like for a younger audience
My Thoughts:
This one was a fun read and I’m already reading book two!
Let’s get one thing straight—Vanja Schmidt wasn’t trying to start a cult.
After taking down a corrupt margrave, breaking a deadly curse, and finding romance with the vexingly scrupulous Junior Prefect Emeric Conrad, Vanja had one great mystery left: her long-lost birth family… and if they would welcome a thief. But in her search for an honest trade, she hit trouble and invented a god, the Scarlet Maiden, to scam her way out. Now, that lie is growing out of control—especially when Emeric arrives to investigate, and the Scarlet Maiden manifests to claim him as a virgin sacrifice.
For his final test to become a prefect, Emeric must determine if Vanja is guilty of serious fraud, or if the Scarlet Maiden—and her claim to him—are genuine. Meanwhile, Vanja is chasing an alternative sacrifice that may be their way out. The hunt leads her not only into the lairs of monsters and the paths of gods, but the ties of her past. And with what should be the simplest way to save Emeric hanging over their heads, he and Vanja must face a more dangerous question: Is there a future for a thief and a prefect, and at what price?
I loved the first book Little Thieves so I had to read the sequel. My favorite part of this story is Vanja and Emeric and their journey with one another in the relationship they have which is wrought with trust issues, insecurities, sexual exploration but done with such patience, care, and both of them really falling in love with one another. They are definitely one my new favorite book couples.
The story telling is wonderful, just as it is in book one, I got swept up into the adventures of this dark fairytale life that Vanja lives. And Vanja is my favorite little thief. I love how she is a survivor, a child abandoned by her mother who had to do what she had to do to survive in a cruel world. She’s clever, brave and funny, and all she needs is love and she gets it in this sequel which made my heart melt for her. The story is emotional also because Vanja is letting people in, it made me heart happy for her.
The adventures and challenges that Vanja go through is something she things she has created, but after a lot of investigating, then end reveals a bitter and sad truth. I think because there was a bit of mystery to uncover, the book moved slower for me than book one did but I felt like there was enough Vanja and Emeric content to keep me happy. I did like the investigation but there are a lot of things going on with it and I had to concentrate to keep up. It took me a few days to read.
Favorite quotes from the book:
“There’s a saying here in the north: ‘A child’s eye fears the painted devil, but an elder wields the brush.’ We fear what we’re taught to fear, not necessarily because it’s worth fearing.”
Tropes: found family
Why you should read it:
You loved Little Thieves and want more of that dark fairy tale world
Vanja and Emeric and the journey of their relationship
Vanja’s personal journey and her finding her worth
Why you might not want to read it:
There is a lot going on with the investigation so the story feels slower than book one.
My Thoughts:
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this sequel but I did go in with lower expectations absolutely loved all the time Vanja and Emeric had together in this book. We see them grow in their romantic relationship and as partners in an investigation. I thought the characters in the story were full of personality and it’s got that dark fairy tale vibe that was present in the first book. There was a lot going on in the story and it took me a few days to finish but I still enjoyed it. It was an emotional journey for Vanja and I look forward to book three and hopefully the happy ending that she deserves.
Title: House of Roots and Ruin (Sisters of the Salt, #2)
Author: Erin A. Craig
Format: eBook (NetGalley)
Pages: 544
Publication Date: 7/25/23
Publisher:Delacorte Press
Categories: Mystery, Romance, Fantasy, Gothic, Horror, Young Adult
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!
In a manor by the sea, one sister is still cursed.
Despite dreams of adventures far beyond the Salann shores, seventeen-year-old Verity Thaumas has remained at her family’s estate, Highmoor, with her older sister Camille, while their sisters have scattered across Arcannia.
When their sister Mercy sends word that the Duchess of Bloem—wife of a celebrated botanist—is interested in having Verity paint a portrait of her son, Alexander, Verity jumps at the chance, but Camille won’t allow it. Forced to reveal the secret she’s kept for years, Camille tells Verity the truth one day: Verity is still seeing ghosts, she just doesn’t know it.
Stunned, Verity flees Highmoor that night and—with nowhere else to turn—makes her way to Bloem. At first, she is captivated by the lush, luxurious landscape and is quickly drawn to charming, witty, and impossibly handsome Alexander Laurent. And soon, to her surprise, a romance . . . blossoms.
But it’s not long before Verity is plagued with nightmares, and the darker side of Bloem begins to show through its sickly-sweet façade. . . .
We are back with Thaumas sisters but mostly one in particular, Verity. I will note that only Verity and Camille are present in this story though the other girls are mentioned. But that’s totally okay because this is Verity’s story and what a story it is.
Verity goes to Bloem under the pretense of doing the future duke’s portrait. But she has longed to leave Highmoor for awhile now and live her own life and this is her chance. But Camille tells Verity something about her that is shocking. Bloem is way different than Salaan and Highmoor but it is as gothic a setting as Highmoor but filled with more…flowers.
Without giving any spoilers let’s just say the first part of this story builds slowly like a mystery but the new characters like Alex, Gerard and Dauphine are intriguing. Something is going on at Bloem, and I kept trying to guess what was happening and I will tell you when all was revealed I was in shock. The hits kept coming and I was wondering to what end?! And what an ending it was. I loved the mystery, the gothic vibes of Chauntilalei, the ghosts, the romance (which didn’t really start off with sparks – it’s a slow burn), the creepy experiments and the reason behind it all!
Tropes: girl can see ghosts
Why you should read it:
great storytelling and building up to that ending
gothic vibes, creepy, ghosts, romance, Gods
Why you might not want to read it:
not into Gothic mysteries
My Thoughts:
I was so excited to get a copy of this arc and I can say I was not disappointed. I didn’t know which way the story was going and when I thought it did – it changed on me and in an unsuspecting way. I enjoyed Verity and the gothic estate of Chauntilalei where there are secret passage ways, long, dark hallways and someone or something lurking in the corners. I am eager to read book three!
Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Thank you to Margaret K. McElderry Books for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Gideon the Ninth meets the Game of Thrones White Walkers in this dark young adult fantasy about a disgraced ghost-fighting warrior who must journey into a haunted wasteland to rescue a kidnapped prince.
Ready your blade. Defeat the undead.
In the Dominions, the dead linger, violent and unpredictable, unless a bonesmith severs the ghost from its earthly remains. For bonesmith Wren, becoming a valkyr—a ghost-fighting warrior—is a chance to solidify her place in the noble House of Bone and impress her frequently absent father. But when sabotage causes Wren to fail her qualifying trial, she is banished to the Border Wall, the last line of defense against a wasteland called the Breach where the vicious dead roam unchecked.
Determined to reclaim her family’s respect, Wren gets her chance when a House of Gold prince is kidnapped and taken beyond the Wall. To prove she has what it takes to be a valkyr, Wren vows to cross the Breach and rescue the prince. But to do so, she’s forced into an uneasy alliance with one of the kidnappers—a fierce ironsmith called Julian from the exiled House of Iron, the very people who caused the Breach in the first place…and the House of Bone’s sworn enemy.
As they travel, Wren and Julian spend as much time fighting each other as they do the undead, but when they discover there’s more behind the kidnapping than either of them knew, they’ll need to work together to combat the real a dark alliance that is brewing between the living and the undead.
Content Warning: violence
I saw this book cover, saw who the author was and knew I had to read it. I was not disappointed!
What I really love about the story was the world-building and we do get a lot of it in the beginning which for a bit felt like info-dumping but once I pushed past through that, the story starts to flow. Wren is a bonesmith and has trained to be a valkyr – a warrior who fights ghosts. There are other smiths out there, like the ironsmiths, ghostsmiths, goldsmiths and we get a good sense of this world and a war that happened in the past that fractured alliances and sides. Wren’s family history is embedded deep into this climactic even.
I like Wren a lot – she’s fiesty, kind of rash in her decision making and wants glory but it’s mostly to appease her father and the grandmother who never approved of her. She never lets getting banished really get her down. She adapts, she keeps moving, she’s brave and even selfish but she knows when to say sorry. On the opposite side is Julian who is an ironsmith and her enemy but they are bound together to one goal, finding out who betrayed Julian and rescuing a Prince.
This is being compared to Game of Thrones and yes I could definitely see it because of the revenants, ghosts that attack, bodies coming back to life. It’s dark and filled with fighting, magic and adventure and I loved it all! There is even a tiny bit of a romance developing but it is not the main focus of this book. I love that Wren and Julian are both warriors, both trying to figure out who’s betrayed them, there is something growing between them, but they have to figure out a lot of things first. I’ll be rooting for them!
Despite the info-dumping in the beginning and me wanting a bit more romance, this was an entertaining read and I look forward to book two! I’m hoping we see more of Leo and maybe even Inara.
Tropes: enemies to lovers
Why you should read it:
world-building, magic, fighting ghosts, political intrigue
Wren and Julian
Why you might not want to read it:
not into fighting the undead
My Thoughts:
I read this one in two days, only because I had to push through the beginning that was filled with information, but after that it was a quick, engaging and entertaining read. The world-building is great! I’ll be rooting for Wren, Julian and Leo and I’m excited to read book two!
Categories: Romance, Contemporary, Fake Dating, Small Town Romance
Annie Walker is on a quest to find her perfect match—someone who complements her happy, quiet life running the local flower shop in Rome, Kentucky. But finding her dream man may be harder than Annie imagined. Everyone knows everyone in her hometown, and the dating prospects are getting fewer by the day. After she overhears her latest date say she is “so unbelievably boring,” Annie starts to think the problem might be her. Is it too late to become flirtatious and fun like the leading ladies in her favorite romance movies? Maybe she only needs a little practice . . . and Annie has the perfect person in mind to be her tutor: Will Griffin.
Will—the sexy, tattooed, and absolutely gorgeous bodyguard—is temporarily back in Rome, providing security for Amelia Rose as excitement builds for her upcoming marriage to Noah Walker, Annie’s brother. He has one personal objective while on the job: stay away from Annie Walker and any other possible attachments to this sleepy town. But no sooner than he gets settled, Will finds himself tasked with helping Annie find the love of her life by becoming the next leading lady of Rome, Kentucky. Will wants no part in changing the sweet and lovely Annie. He knows for a fact that some stuffy, straitlaced guy won’t make her happy, but he doesn’t have the heart to say no.
Amid steamy practice dates and strictly “educational” tutoring lessons, Annie discovers there are more layers to Will’s usual stoic attitude. As the lines of their friendship become dangerously blurred, Annie reconsiders her dream guy. Maybe her love life doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be real.
Content Warning: grief
I never read When in Rome, but apparently this is book two in this romance series. After reading Practice Makes Perfect I may just have to pick up When in Rome.
Practice Makes Perfect is such a cute, heartfelt story that left me feeling good inside. I love the whole premise of Annie being the one in town with the good girl reputation and here comes Will, her future sister-in-law’s bodyguard who comes with a bad reputation. The romance is sweet with enough heat between them and plenty chemistry. I love them as friends and trying to work out some personal issues before willing to commit to one another. The fake dating is very brief in the book though. Will becomes her “dating coach” but Annie doesn’t really need it, all she needed was someone to like her for who she is, like Will does. There is very little steam but when it’s done, it’s done really well. The sex scene is fade to black so this is not as spicy as Annie’s favorite pirate smut stories! I think I would have liked a tiny bit more of spice because their chemistry is so great!
The other thing I love about this story is the small town environment where everyone is in everyone’s business, which I bet could be annoying but I thought the way they looked out for Annie was sweet. And Annie has a wonderful cast around her. Her parents died when she was 3, so she is really close to her siblings. I thought her interactions with them were fun. Especially when she and sisters admitted what what kind of romance books they read. I did love how Annie’s a big reader of pirate smut and how Will reads a copy of her book haha.
Overall this was such a feel-good romance and a quick read so I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Tropes: good girl/bad boy reputations, fake dating, small town
Why you should read it:
Annie and Will’s sweet love story – acquaintances to lovers
small town
Why you might not want to read it:
it isn’t spicy enough
My Thoughts:
I thought this was a fun and sweet rom-com and I actually want to read When in Rome and whoever’s story is next! Annie has two sisters who are still single. I’m hoping for Maddie’s story and I’m thinking James has a thing for her, so I’ll definitely read the next book!
Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Thank you to Gallery/Saga Press for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
#1 New York Times bestselling YA author Chloe Gong’s adult epic fantasy debut, inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra , is a fiery collision of power plays, spilled blood, and romance amidst a set of deadly games.
Every year, thousands in the kingdom of Talin will flock to its capital twin cities, San-Er, where the palace hosts a set of games. For those confident enough in their ability to jump between bodies, competitors across San-Er fight to the death to win unimaginable riches.
Princess Calla Tuoleimi lurks in hiding. Five years ago, a massacre killed her parents and left the palace of Er empty…and she was the one who did it. Before King Kasa’s forces in San can catch her, she plans to finish the job and bring down the monarchy. Her reclusive uncle always greets the victor of the games, so if she wins, she gets her opportunity at last to kill him.
Enter Anton Makusa, an exiled aristocrat. His childhood love has lain in a coma since they were both ousted from the palace, and he’s deep in debt trying to keep her alive. Thankfully, he’s one of the best jumpers in the kingdom, flitting from body to body at will. His last chance at saving her is entering the games and winning.
Calla finds both an unexpected alliance with Anton and help from King Kasa’s adopted son, August, who wants to mend Talin’s ills. But the three of them have very different goals, even as Calla and Anton’s partnership spirals into something all-consuming. Before the games close, Calla must decide what she’s playing for—her lover or her kingdom.
Content Warning: violence, death
I almost DNF’ed this book but I pushed through because it’s Chloe Gong and once our two main characters met, I became invested. But let me tell you that the first 20% of this book was a struggle for me to get into. I couldn’t quite get my bearings on this world the author created. It’s two cities San-Er in the kingdom of Talin, and there is a power imbalance with lots poverty among the people and the king flourishing and turning a blind eye. So August, the prince wants to take the throne but he needs someone to kill the king. The plan is to get a player into the annual games, the winner can get close to the king at the end and kill him. But there are other players in these ruthless games who want to win for their own agendas.
The power play is intriguing. Do we really know August? He says he will be a different king from his father but others say he will be just the same. He does everything in his power though to make sure his plan comes to fruition.
Then there is Calla, my favorite morally grey, ass-kicking character who is fearsome and fierce. She has history with August, but so does Anton Makusa, the fastest body jumper around. And yes this society of people can jump bodies, which makes the action quite exhilarating and fast-paced.
I was hooked on Calla and Anton. I love them fighting, even if it meant drawing blood. I liked their chemistry and obsession with one another – I am now obsessed with them! This was my favorite part of the book and probably the only reason it’s getting 4 stars and that I want to read the next book. Oh yeah, it ends on a cliffhanger.
Speaking of blood, there is a lot of it. Calla and Anton are fighting to the death in these games and it is bloody with lots of rolling heads and slit throats. It’s violent but I enjoyed it. I do think the games could have been explained more -it’s sort of like the Hunger Games but those games were the focus. The games here isn’t quite the focus. There are a few things going with August needing his plan to take place, talks of rebels coming into the city, and issues with a religious sect. My struggle in the beginning was the info dumping and trying to figure out this world of San-Er. It’s kind of dystopian? It’s inspired by historical Hong Kong. But the beginning of this book did not hook me, maybe because we are thrown in with many characters being introduced. Also, I wasn’t into the body jumping. Once I got my bearings, and Calla meets Anton, I was intrigued. Also I can’t comment on it being a retelling of Antony & Cleopatra because I don’t remember reading it.
From their meeting to the end it’s a wild ride. Calla and Anton is what saves this book for me. I can’t wait to read book two but I hope for more character development and less info-dumping.
Tropes: enemies to allies to lovers
Why you should read it:
Calla and Anton
political intrigue
Why you might not want to read it:
the beginning of this story is a lot of info-dumping and I almost dnf’ed this book
My Thoughts:
I’m so happy I pushed through with this one and didn’t give up! The beginning was really a struggle for me and I wish there wasn’t so much info dumping. It’s a fascinating world the author has created with people who can jump bodies which I’m still not sure how I feel about because it’s not regulated and just seems so violating and cheating almost. It makes for an interesting story though! I fell in love with Calla and Anton and I’ll be looking forward to reading book two after that cliffhanger ending.
Categories: Young Adult, Time Travel, Romance, Academy, Series
These days, I’ve been killing it when it comes to letting people down. Now I’ve been kicked out of high school, arrested, and accepted into a remote, off-the-grid school owned and operated by an inscrutable billionaire tech guru.
Gray Wolf Academy is looking for a certain kind of student. Ones that no one will miss. Like me.
Then there’s Braxton. The beautiful, oddly anachronistic guy who showed up right when the trouble started. And he’s a total enigma—which means that I definitely can’t trust him, even if there’s something about him that makes me want to. They all tell me I have a gift. A very rare gift. And Gray Wolf Academy wants me to learn it. To use it. Because if what they say is true, I have all the time in the world. And that makes me the most dangerous high school student you’ll never know…
Content Warning: violence, sexual assault
I’ve been curious about this title and saw it as available to borrow as an audiobook so I tried it out. But then I found it was on Kindle Unlimited so I stopped listening on the audiobook (which wasn’t bad or anything) and read it because I thought I could just read it faster. There are 100+ chapters but each chapter is short, like a page short.
Just an FYI, time-travel stories are usually a hit or miss for me. I think for this book it’s a hit! Natasha is going through some teenage things. And when her ex-best friend, Elodie, sets her up as a thief and she gets taken away to a secret academy she learns the truth about what Elodie is or does. Gray Wolf Academy is a training facility for time-traveling thieves under Arthur Blackstone’s tutelage and demands. He’s a wealthy man who covets historical artifacts and he needs Natasha to do retrieve some unconventional things from her trip missions.
It’s an academy book so I like the drama – I expect it with this trope. I like that Natasha doesn’t really know who to trust and something is happening at the academy, like people going missing or not coming back from their “trips”. I want to know why. Elodie lives up to that girl who is a frenemy. The romance between Natasha and Braxton is a bit of an insta-love moment (not that Natasha calls it love, but she’s testing the waters). I found all the training and time traveling fascinating and Arthur Blackstone is a mystery. The art and historical artifacts knowledge is fun – Natasha is just a wealth of information isn’t she?
Would like more character development in book two but for the most part I thought the story was entertaining, especially for a time-traveling story.
Tropes: insta-love, time travel, boarding school academy
Why you should read it:
you like time travel and boarding school academy settings
there is a lot of mystery and historical facts
there is romance and backstabbing
Why you might not want to read it:
not into the boarding school academy trope – I feel like teens and young YA readers would enjoy this one
insta love
My Thoughts:
I’m someone who loves books set at a boarding school and I thought the time-travel element was done well. I think I’d like to see more character development in book two. Everyone’s background is still quite a mystery and I think there is a lot more to learn about everyone.
Title: Taste of Torment (Shadow Hill Academy: Relentless #1)
Author: Stacey Trombley
Format: ebook (KU)
Pages: 424
Publication Date: 9/20/22
Categories: Romance, Fantasy, Series, Supernaturals, Young Adult, Mystery, Demons, Magic
A magical prince wants to date me, but there’s one big problem.
This prince has claws.
Everyone at Shadow Hills Academy desires the dark and powerful Jarron Blackthorn. But I’m the only one who has seen the terrifying beast beneath his magical façade.
When my sister is murdered, and the case mysteriously dropped, I know where to begin my own investigation-Shadow Hills Academy, an elite school for supernaturals. Technically, I have zero magic, but just enough skills with potions to be accepted. Now I have the means to get close to the most likely culprits-powerful people like the demon prince Jarron.
I was friends with Jarron years ago, before I saw his true form, but I’m still shocked when he reacts to news of my sister’s death with a fierce determination for vengeance. He has an insane plan to help me get access to Elite Hall, where the most powerful students reside-by pretending to date me.
Dating a demon was NOT how I expected this year to start, but his plan will work. Hang on the arm of Jarron Blackthorn, the heir of the Under World, and everyone in school will be so desperate for my friendship they’ll spill their darkest secrets.
I just have to make sure Jarron never learns he is my number one suspect.
Keep your enemies close, right?
Content Warning: violence
I stumbled across this title one sleepless night (due to jetlag) and thought I’d give it a try since I was in the mood for an “academy” type of book that I assumed would be filled with all kinds of tropes. Candice enrolls at Shadow Hills Academy with the pretense of finding her sister’s killer. She’s a weak, mostly-human, girl who of course has history with the popular kids at this school. In fact she was once close to Jarron, the infamous demon prince. Now she hates him because he is a suspect on her list of people who could have murdered Liz, her sister. But she needs his connections in order to do her investigation.
I wasn’t totally invested in Candice’s investigation of her sister’s death but I was totally into her interactions with Jarron. It has the typical new, weak, human girl at a supernatural academy trope. She has to stay under the radar but it’s hard since Jarron singles her out. She does make new friends, and I did like them because they tried to help Candice when she was lost. There is fake dating, but it’s a very slow burn between Jarron and Candice because there are some complicated feelings and issues between them.
I found the beginning of the story to be okay and predictable but by the end I felt myself wanting to binge the whole series because of Candice and Jarron. There is something about a demon who is head over heels over a human, but she’s clueless about his feelings and I was hooked.
I did find Candice’s investigation about her sister’s death kind of weak – I felt no sense of urgency until the ending. All she was doing was getting information but I was hoping for some major digging into suspects, but there isn’t none. Also I wish there was more mention about the secret, illegal game that Liz might have been a part of – but that mostly comes at the end and on a cliffhanger. Candice as a character was ok but frustrating at times. I was rolling my eyes with all her back and forth feelings about Jarron. It was a quick read, and I moved onto book two right away. Overall, I thought it was entertaining enough, despite all the teen drama and it’s one of those series that you can binge quickly.
Title: Drop of Anguish (Shadow Hill Academy: Relentless #2)
Author: Stacey Trombley
Format: ebook (KU)
Pages: 404
Publication Date: 12/28/22
Categories: Romance, Fantasy, Series, Supernaturals, Young Adult, Mystery, Demons, Magic
A soulless monster is hunting me. I might be a magicless human, but I won’t be easy prey. Everyone at Shadow Hills Academy thinks they know who I am. Canadice Montgomery, a weak magicless human whose only claim to power was her relationship with the demon prince, Jarron. The girl who’s so desperate for power, she’d be willing to kill her peers in a deadly competition. A broken-hearted girl who wasn’t good enough to keep the attention of a prince. They’re wrong, about nearly all of it. I don’t want their magic. All I care about is finding the demon that killed my sister and making him suffer. But that’s made extra difficult when I’m public enemy number one at a school full of immensely powerful beings. Not to mention the ominous notes I keep receiving signed “the Jinn.” Soon, I realize just how little I know about the games, and my sister’s death. When Jarron returns to the school, a shell of his former self, things get even more complicated. The dark beast inside of him is growing, clawing at him from the inside and tearing apart his soul. There isn’t a cure for his sickness in any of my potions books but that won’t stop me from seeking out any possible solution. Even if it means consulting with the enemy. The jinn has a plan for her next set of games. She knows my every weakness. And this time, she will not stop until I’m one of the contestants.
The angst between Jarron and Candice continues but this time Jarron has a war going on inside himself. I felt for Jarron and my frustration with Candice continued in book two. I love how patient he is with her though. So the problem between them is that he’s a demon and he supposedly imprinted with her sister when they were younger. But she died…so Candice doesn’t know if Jarron finds her to be the second best choice, or if he really wants her for her. Oh the angst…it drove me a bit crazy, but I also found it understandable because who wants to be second best?! But I love Jarron’s patience so I kept reading.
As far as Liz and the games – I wanted to know how it would end but once again Candice is dealing with some things going on at campus and Jarron’s war with his demon and her back and forth feelings. She busy making potions since that’s her biggest defense around supernaturals.
I can’t pinpoint what makes this series addictive but it is even if I don’t love the MC and the story is inconsistent in places. I think I just wanted to see that claiming bite from Jarron happen! 😅🤭
Title: A Dose of Agony (Shadow Hill Academy: Relentless #3)
Author: Stacey Trombley
Format: ebook (KU)
Pages: 404
Publication Date: 5/29/23
Categories: Romance, Fantasy, Series, Supernaturals, Young Adult, Mystery, Demons, Magic
The final installment of the Shadow Hills Relentless series.
They say the games have only just begun, but I’m here to end them once and for all.
A civil war is brewing in the Under World, lead by the same villain who stole my sister from me. Jarron must return to his world for damage control, leaving me alone at Shadow Hills Academy again. This time, though, I’m protected like a precious gem, and trapped in Elite Hall until we’re certain it’s safe. I understand the caution but I’m not a delicate princess, and I’m not going to let someone else fight this battle for me.
There’s a way to end the Akrasia Games once and for all and free the Jinn from the Cosmic Council’s control. I’m going to find a way to put them all in the grave for what they’ve done to my sister, even if it means seeking out unlikely allies and sneaking away from the school– and the planet– the get the information I need.
This is my least favorite of the series because Jarron and Candice are separated. He’s back in his world dealing with the fallout of not being able to claim Candice and war. I skimmed a lot because why was Candice busy making potions and helping Thompson (which is fine but felt like a different story going on there) and how can she still be questioning Jarron’s love for her? I was rolling my eyes hard in this one because honestly she didn’t deserve him if she couldn’t choose him lol. Give him to me!😅 I mean how can they communicate and yet miscommunicate so much?! I wanted more from her, more growth but it just wasn’t there. I didn’t even feel that she was powerful just because she could make potions.
There is finally a sex scene between them but it’s not detailed at all. I was kind of disappointed that this ended as a book I skimmed through but it has a happy ending between Jarron and Candice so I’ll be satisfied with that. Jarron was probably the only reason I binged this series so quick!
Overall I think the whole series is addictive and bingeable, though the MC did get on my nerves in book two and three. If you are into supernatural academies, a slow burn and a demon who is clearly head over heels in love with a mostly human girl then you might enjoy this one.
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