Dominion by. Jean Kwok | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Dominion (The Silk and Iron Trilogy, #1)

Author: Jean Kwok

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 448

Publication Date: 7/14/26

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons

Categories: Romantasy, Series, Chinese Mythology

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

Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

In a world divided into four rival Dominions, power is everything—and Rubi Morningtail has almost none. Three years after the Annihilation destroyed her homeland and shattered her memories, she lives as an Azure refugee in the Dominion of the Silver Tyger, scraping by as a ribbon dancer and hiding her little bit of singing magic. When she wounds a massive battle tyger on her doorstep, she draws the notice of Blake Axefire—supreme metal mage, leader of the royal tyger warriors, and the last man an Azure should trust. His sentence? Cast her into the Bonding, a brutal trial where tygers choose their riders and slaughter the rest. Surviving is unthinkable.

But survive she does. Now she’s stuck on Blake’s elite team racing to reseal the Anchors to the demon realm. With rebels striking, demons rising, and the Dominions at each other’s throats, Rubi must unlock the truth of her magic and her past…while resisting her dangerous attraction to the ruthless warrior who could be her redemption—or her ruin.

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: I like a lot of things about this world. It is based on Chinese mythology, it has magic, and dominions with different elemental magic. Each dominion has lore and their own rulers. There is a traumatic event in the past that destroys one dominion and now everything is in chaos as the Serpent Lord is trying to surface and take over the world. There is also a prophecy – so yes there came a point in my reading where I thought there was a lot going on.

Characters: Rubi is a dancer, with amnesia. She loves her close friends like Edith and Quinn. But when a tyger from Silver Dominion comes into her life, her whole world changes. I did like her skill as a dancer and singer (that’s where her magic is) but her past is a mystery until the end. I did like that she had some fight in her. Blake is the Silver king’s Twin Blade, basically his second in command and soon to be heir. But Blake is put into the worst of positions when it comes to everything in his life, poor guy. For the most part I liked every character I met in this book, and I was suspicious of some, including Blake. I love Flame, who is Rubi’s tyger.

Romance: The romance was predictable, but I was still enjoying how Rubi and Blake fall for one another until things take an unexpected turn at the end. Which makes me curious about what will happen in book two! I loved their interactions and loved them together, even if it seemed they fell in love too fast – I had a theory about it, but the ending disproved my theory. I’m interested to see what the author does with this romance! I am conflicted because of what happened at the end of this book.

Story: I think this story starts off really strong. It’s easy to read, even though there is a lot of world-building but it’s written in a way it’s not hard to grasp. But things start to get out of control when too many things start happening and some things felt rushed. There is a big to do about an event called the Culling, where warriors will be selected to help repair the dominions to keep the Serpent Lord out – but the Culling wasn’t much of an event. It was anticlimactic, which was disappointing. I did love the ending where there was more action and reveals and twists. But I did read this book in two sittings, it was hard to put down. It’s fast paced, and I thought it was a fun read because of the tygers. The synopsis compares it to Fourth Wing and The Hunger Games, but I think it’s more comparable to Dire Bound.

Final Thoughts:

I thought this was a fun read and exactly what my brain needed at the moment – something easy to read and consume, not bogged down with heavy world-building. It has magic, interesting kingdoms (dominions), romance, spice and some secret reveals. It has found family and tygers that mind speak. I especially loved all the action at the end. But there were some things that felt rushed in the story, especially big events, which I wished was more focused on. I still liked it even with all the issues, because I kind of went into it not wanting to think so hard so I just went with whatever was happening. The ending kind of blind-sided me but that makes me just more eager to read book two and find out what will happen with Rubi.

Read if you like:

magic, tygers, demons
bonding, trials, pairing (mates)
romantasy

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Midnight on the Celestial by. Julia Alexandra | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Midnight on the Celestial

Spice Rating:

Author: Julia Alexandra

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 352

Publication Date: 3/3/26

Publisher: St Martin’s Press

Categories: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mystery, Horror, 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 St Martin’s Press for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Roe Damarcus has never been afraid of the dead. Her power to summon spirits has awed the guests of her esteemed family’s galas for as long as she can remember. Her future is certain, and her gift will be another shining jewel in the Damarcus legacy.

But when she fails her realm’s trial to keep her magic and is deemed too dangerous for society, she faces a harrowing choice: give up her gift or serve a punishment sentence aboard the Celestial, a luxurious magical cruise ship where staff members compete for guest votes to earn a coveted retrial.

As a concierge, Roe juggles the demands of affluent guests, cruel bosses, and the suspicion that an infuriatingly handsome silks performer, Ivander, is determined to keep her from a retrial.

But the true dangers surface after her shift ends when the Celestial transforms into halls of nightmares that kill staff members after dark. Faced with the reality of serving aboard, Roe begins to question the ship, trials, and the system that put her there. But the moment Roe sinks into the ship’s dark history, she’s wrongly framed for a guest’s murder. Vowing to conjure her own second chance, Roe will use whatever power she has to uncover the secrets of the ship, her family, and their entwined bloody past… before she becomes the Celestial’s next victim.

Content Warning: torture, death, gore

+ I didn’t know what to expect with this book but it was like horror and magic on the Titanic, which I thought was a very fascinating combination. It was more gory than I expected. I enjoyed the horror elements because it made things unpredictable on the ship.

+ I thought the magic system was very interesting. Some people are born with magic and they are called Morphics, but they have to show control of their magic. If they have no control and don’t pass their trial they can choose to have their magic extracted fully or they can serve time on the Celestial, which is an interesting cruise ship where non-Morphic tourists get to experience magic in a “safe” way. The Morphics serving time on the Celestial get a chance for a retrial, as long as they are on good behavior and people on the ship vote for them.

+ Rosaline/Roe’s magic is resurrection, which is very rare and dangerous. She ends up on the ship by choice, but finds out it’s hard work and they get tortured each night by the bosses who extract a tiny bit of magic from Morphics on the ship to keep it powered. Roe meets Ivander, who is supposed to show her the ropes on the ship, but they kind of have a little enemies to lovers relationship going on – barely enemies…more like dislike to like. It’s a slow and sweet romance though. Roe also meets all of Ivander’s friends, good kids, who all have a different story of why they ended up on the ship.

~ The pacing was a bit off. I was engaged for the first half, especially when learning about the ship and then the second half, I struggled to stay invested. Roe and her friends work on the ship and we get to see a lot of that happen, then they undergo this torture every night from the Bosses on the ship, it’s a bit repetitive. I wanted to know more about why the horror happens on the ship and why it’s contained to certain parts. Also wanted the story to lean more into the horror.

~ The ending feels rushed but it is a standalone, so I think that’s why things were wrapped up quickly.

Final Thoughts:

I thought the magic ship idea was really creative. I also found the magic interesting and I like the horror elements. I was invested in the first half of the story but I kind of struggled in the second half. The world-building on the ship was much stronger than when the story shifts to being on land, so the ending feels a bit rushed but overall, a good debut.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Masquerade of Mirrors by. Samantha Hartwood | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Masquerade of Mirrors (Halls of Glass)

Author: Samantha Hartwood

Format: eBook

Pages: 592

Publication Date: 2/17/26

Publisher: indepdent

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Dark Academia, LGBT+

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

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

The only thing more dangerous than falling for a lie
is falling for the liar.

Don’t look at the desert. Don’t think about the desert. Never step onto the sand. Taera has followed these rules her entire life—until he arrives.

Impossibly gorgeous, with a face masked in magic, Nikolai kidnaps Taera and drags her deep into the dunes. He says she’s powerful and needs to be trained…if she ever wants to see her family again.

Thrust into a deadly school of illusions and lies, Taera can’t trust anyone. Especially not her breathtaking, ruthless captor. Top student and notorious liar, his secrets run deeper than the sand. He’s her worst nightmare—and everything she craves.

The cutthroat Halls of Glass have a mind of their own. Trapped within their looping corridors, Taera is surrounded by hostile students and forced to rely on Nikolai.

Taera knows she shouldn’t fall for his illusions. But magic requires a partnership, and he’s the only mage who can handle her wild, untamed power.

And the only way he’ll help her is if she pretends to be his.

Masquerade of Mirrors is a fast-paced, slow-burn fantasy romance. Taera and Nikolai’s story is for readers who love crackling chemistry, daring escape plans, and as many lies as truths. This book is highly addictive and contains adult content.

Content Warning: violence

+ I found the world building very interesting! Set in a desert with mages and magicians, Taera is terrified of what the desert storm brings – a sickness with no cure. But also, she’s traumatized by an event where a mage came and did something to her mother, so she’s terrified of mages/magicians. These magic wielders often where an illusion so you never know their true face, and Taera was taught to fear them until one magician takes her to the Hall of Glass, a training school where magic wielders (Conduits) and Sources go to train their powers and learn about magic. Most of the story takes place in the school, but there are moments we get elements of the desert.

+~ I found Taera an interesting FMC who is naive because she hasn’t left her village. She has a lot to learn about people, and magic. I liked seeing her grow, but there were times her character frustrated me. As far as Nikolai, he’s handsome, desired, powerful, a liar and a thief. I did enjoy some of the other secondary characters like Omi, and Annie. There was just a lot of times Taera didn’t know what was going on and she’s being bullied, and Nikolai just lets it happen because he’s not a good guy. So there were times, I didn’t like that Taera clung to him even when he was being horrible. But we do learn more about his past, which is a bit tragic. He has done a lot in his young life to be drowning in regret and guilt, and he has to choose to lose himself completely in pursuit of power to change what he can’t.

+ The romance is very much a focus and it’s enemies to lovers, who are forced to one room, and one bed. It’s hard not to be charmed by Nikolai – everyone wants him, and Taera falls hard for him. Even when he’s not treating her good! But it’s her love that helps him and changes him so by the end I was rooting for their romance. There are some fun spicy scenes between them.

~ The story does turn into a dark academia school drama, which at points made me wonder if this was young adult – but it’s not. Taera is 24, but she’s never been in a setting where there are students who are cutthroat and all about drama. They bully her and sometimes Nikolai doesn’t care about it. Also, it was frustrating how Nikolai explained nothing to Taera about the school. He kidnaps her, and tells her to do this or that, but never explains anything. He hands her a book to study! Thank goodness for Omi who helped her.

~ I don’t think the story about the desert sickness ever gets addressed and I felt like the situation with Omi was easily pushed aside. I needed them to be face to face to discuss what happened so I hope if there are more books in this world, Omi’s story could be told?

Final Thoughts:

I really thought the world building was unique. I loved learning about the magic system involving conduits and sources. Would love to learn more about the mysteries of the desert, the Labyrinth and the school. It does turn into an academic drama that at times felt like a young adult book. The romance definitely had me invested, and I’m glad there is growth in Taera and Nikolai. Overall, I enjoyed this one.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Author Website

King of Ravens by. Clare Sager | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: King of Ravens (Upon a Broken Throne, #1)

Author: Clare Sager

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 480

Publication Date: 1/27/26

Publisher: Forever

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Series, Hades/Persephone Retelling

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

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

He’ll do anything to keep her. She’d do anything to escape.

Rhiannon is dying—of what, she doesn’t know. Kept protected by her family in their remote seaside cottage, she spends her days searching for a cure. Her world is torn apart, however, when a fae King of the Dead invades her home.

Cold and cruel, Drystan offers her a choice: descend to the underworld as his bride or watch her family die. Trapped in a twisted bargain, Rhiannon is thrust into a world of withered gods, scheming courtiers, and ancient magic, but she refuses to be a pawn in a game she never agreed to play. She attempts over and over to run away, until Drystan offers her a new bargain: escape his deadly labyrinth, and he will set her free. Fail, and become his bride.

But in a court where every promise has teeth, Annon must make an impossible choice: return to the home she’s always loved or claim her place in a world where she might finally belong.

Content Warning: violence

I always enjoy a Hades/Persephone retelling and I definitely saw elements of it in King of Ravens. This is book one in a series that I assume will be exploring the Underworld. Annon/Rhiannon, is a chronically ill woman in her early thirties who is given to Drystan, an Unseelie Fae and King of Death, as his bride. He doesn’t know that she is ill, but that doesn’t matter because Rhiannon is determined to find her way back home.

Rhiannon is human, which doesn’t go well with the Unseelie, but she holds her own at Drystan’s court. She even makes a friend with her maid, Min. I feel like the beginning of this story where Rhiannon is acclimating to Drystan’s world moved slowly. But I appreciated the chronic-illness representation. I wanted more court politics.

Drystan offers Rhiannon her an option: find a way out of his labyrinth and she gets to go home to the surface. If she loses, she belongs with Drystan in the Underworld forever. She has two weeks to do this and there is danger in the labyrinth but also she befriends a creature called The Collector. Speaking of Labyrinth – there were times in the book that it reminded me of the movie!

The romance is a slow burn with tension growing between them. And when it really takes off, the spice is spicy. I did like it when Drystan and Rhiannon spent more time together as they build an emotional connection.

There are a few twists at the end, one I suspected, the other I felt came out of nowhere but it did feel a bit rushed. We barely get to know anything outside of Drystan’s land, so the ending was kind of a surprise.

Final Thoughts:

I wasn’t feeling this story in the first half of the book because I felt like it moved too slow and wasn’t giving me enough information. Rhiannon gets taken to the Underworld and isn’t really given instruction from Drystan on what to do or what he expects of her, so thank goodness for Min. We don’t get to know Drystan much either. But I think everything picks up in the middle, with the labyrinth, and the romance and spice. I do feel like I just wanted more from the story though, hopefully book two will have more depth.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Heavenly Bodies by. Imani Erriu | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Heavenly Bodies (#1)

Author: Imani Erriu

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 496

Publication Date: 1/13/26 (First published 2/13/22)

Publisher: Random House Canada

Categories: Romantasy

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

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

“You know the most dangerous kind of villain? A woman with nothing left to lose.”

In a world ruled by the cruel and merciless Stars, Elara has been cursed by fate. A prophecy promises she will fall for a Star, but that it will kill them both.

So when Ariete, Star of Wrath, War and Chaos, descends to wreak havoc on Elara’s kingdom, she flees her home—the Kingdom of Night—for the neighbouring Helios, Kingdom of Light.

And strides straight into the arms of an enemy prince.

Fearing that Ariete might turn his sights to Helios next, Prince Lorenzo is forced to train Elara as a weapon—one worthy of battling against the tyrannical reign of the Stars. But there are shadows even within the Kingdom of Light—and they threaten to reveal the darkness in Lorenzo’s past and the ancient magic that slumbers in Elara’s veins.

And with it all comes an undeniable, star-crossed pull between Elara and Lorenzo that neither can seem to resist…

Content Warning: violence, death, grief

I saw this book around on Amazon and on social media for awhile, but never got around to reading it though I was very interested in it. I know it was first published a few years ago but it seems like it’s going through another republish, maybe with a new cover? Not sure but the publisher reached out to me to ask if I would be willing to read this book and the sequel and of course I was excited about it!

Heavenly Bodies has really interesting world building. It is inspired by the zodiac. Each kingdom is ruled by a zodiac sign with a royal family, but there is also a ruling Star over that family and the people, almost like a God/Goddess.

Elara’s life is in turmoil. She is from Asteria (Piscea-Pisces), her parents have been killed by the King of Stars, Ariete, because of a prophecy that connects the two of them together – apparently Elara’s is supposed to be with him and it will kill them both.

Kidnapped, Elara, finds refuge in Helios (Leyon-Leo), where the king wants her to train to be able to kill Stars. Prince Lorenzo is tasked to train her and they have a rocky start, but eventually a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance grows between them. This story centers around Elara and Lorenzo no matter what the prophecy says and I loved watching their romance grow!

I enjoyed the found family that Elara has found in Helios despite the king being an enemy of her kingdom. I liked a lot of the secondary characters also. We do learn some things about Elara’s kingdom, Asteria and her past later on in the book. She is a political pawn in the first half of the book and is mostly training to use her skills, and learning more about the prophecy but things change in the second half. As a character I thought she was strong and brave and seemed to stand on her own against Ariete.

I think the beginning throws us into the story pretty fast, and right into Helios, without knowing much about Elara and where she is from, so I had to just assume a bunch of things about her kingdom. We do learn more as she compares things but I thought it was a jarring start to the story.

There are a few twists in the end of the story which I thought was fascinating and am eager to see how the story moves forward in book two.

Final Thoughts:

I thought this was an engaging read and I was really invested in the world building but the romance is the main focus of this story and what a romance it is. I loved the slow burn between Elara and Lorenzo and the reveals at the end of the book was really unexpected. There are secrets, prophecies, betrayals, found family, action and everything I look for in a romantasy. I’m excited to read book two to see where the story goes after that surprise ending.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

We Who Will Die by. Stacia Stark | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️

Title: We Who Will Die (Empire of Blood, #1)

Author: Stacia Stark

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 432

Publication Date: 12/30/25

Publisher: Avon

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Series, Political Intrigue

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

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

From the bestselling author of the Kingdom of Lies series comes a slow-burn romantasy set in a Roman-inspired world ruled by merciless vampires. Filled with breathtaking combat, vengeful gods, and magical creatures, We Who Will Die is the epic first installment in an enthralling new series perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Jasmine Mas, and Rebecca Yarros.

Life in the perilous Thorn district is a constant battle for Arvelle and her younger brothers. And the vampire standing on her doorstep is about to turn their world upside down.

Faced with an unthinkable choice, Arvelle makes a magically binding vow to do the impossible: kill the emperor, an ancient vampire created by the god Umbros. But first, she must enter the Sundering—an arena where only the fastest, strongest, and deadliest survive long enough to be selected for the emperor’s elite guard.

She quickly draws the ire of the Primus, the powerful figure charged with protecting the emperor. But the vampire under the armor is the last person Arvelle expects to encounter in the emperor’s court.

With her brothers’ lives in the balance, Arvelle has no choice but to ally with the man who once shattered her heart… and with the emperor’s sadistic son, Rorrik—two vampires whose motives are impossible to pin down. Rorrik holds the key to understanding the powers Arvelle is developing—abilities that would put a price on her head if discovered by the emperor.

To survive the arena and complete her mission, Arvelle must get to the bottom of a conspiracy that will change everything she thought she knew about herself—and the two vampires who are deeply entwined with her destiny…

Content Warning: death, violence, murder, mention of suicide, grief

+ I didn’t know what to expect from this book but wow was I pleasantly surprised. This story has gladiators, vampires, mythical creatures, a serial killer, a cult, and even zombies? Yes all of that in one book including trials, a slow burn second chance romance plus maybe a brewing love triangle!

+ Arvelle is a bodyguard trying to keep her younger brothers alive, especially Evren, who has bad lungs. But her plans of bringing him to the town who has healers is in jeopardy when a vampire makes her a deal – help him kill the emperor and her brother will be healed and they can be free. To carry out this plan she has to enter another fighting trial, which reminds her of the last one she had participated in where she won but had to watch her best friend die in front of her. Arvelle is a complicated character, frozen by grief, motivated by fear to keep her brothers alive, and just trying to survive.

+ I loved the world-building with everything mixed together – gladiators, vampires, and magic wilders called Sigilmarked. As Arvelle tries to navigate this world of cutthroat empire politics, and trying to train and survive the trials, I was really enjoying how the story was unfolding. There was even a murder mystery, bodies turning up and also someone trying to bring them back to life to build an army – there was a lot going on! I also loved some of the unexpected plot twists!

+ Arvelle is the main character, but Rorrick, the emperor’s son with a sadistic, ruthless reputation is the one I’m really interested. Speaking of Rorrick, this story story has a slow-burn second chance romance involving another guy but also a potential love triangle in the making?

~ Though the romance isn’t really the focus, Arvelle, has to figure out how to kill the king and save her brothers, I’m bummed that this could be a love triangle between brothers. I have found out this year, that I’m tired of romances involving a girl coming in between two brothers. And I also don’t want this to be a “why choose” because they are brothers! That’s a no for me. I am leaning a certain way already, but hope there’s more interactions between them in book two.

~ Arvelle is a complicated character but I needed more from her. I get that she was wallowing in guilt. Everyone could see she didn’t want to be at the trials, but wow was she so weak. And I am glad she went in with grief, bad memories, and a weak ankle but I needed some grit for her. For someone who relied on her instincts being a bodyguard, her instinct about people trying to befriend, was bad. I wanted growth in the second half of the book, is that too soon?

~ There was a lot going on in this book and most of it worked. The only one plot line that got lost among everything going on is the murder mystery. There are dead bodies showing up around these trials – I loved the reveal at the end, but there is no real investigation in the middle of the story about this important development in the story. Pacing of the story also felt choppy at times.

Final Thoughts:

I binged this book in two days. I loved all the elements thrown together: gladiators, vampires, magic, betrayal and everything else. I don’t love a love triangle between brothers but I’ll be here for the mess, drama, and whatever is going to happen in book two. Hopefully there is more growth in Arvelle and she grows some tough skin, especially because she is among vampires. It’s an addicting read and a fun story. I can’t wait for book two!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From this Author:

A Court This Cruel and Lovely by. Stacia Clark| Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

A Dance with Waves and Flame by. M.B. Reese| Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 🌶️

Title: A Dance with Waves and Flame ( The Circle of Stars, #1)

Author: M.B. Reese

Format: ebook (gifted)

Pages: 450

Publication Date: 10/29/25

Categories: Fantasy, Romance

In a world where the power of the zodiac signs shapes one’s destiny, Amanda is named Princess of the Water Realm.

As the supreme Cancer, she must prove her abilities and earn her place among the Circle of Twelve. But when her latent powers fail to manifest, she becomes a liability. Secrets, intrigue, and dangerous rivals threaten to shatter her fragile new world.

The rulers of the Fire Realm seize the opportunity, publicly questioning Amanda’s right to the throne.

Forced to navigate a maze of political tension and betrayal, Amanda must embark on a perilous journey to uncover her true identity. She will discover that courage isn’t just facing your destiny; it’s finding friends and love where she least expects them.

A Dance with Waves and Flames is the first volume in The Circle of Stars series, a thrilling new Fantasy adventure filled with elemental magic, thrilling secrets, and a central quest for truth and belonging.

Content Warning: violence

Thank you to the author for gifting me this ebook and here are my thoughts on it:

+ I really liked the world-building about the Zodiac signs. Each sign has a leader. Cassandra, is a Scorpio (my sign), and she kind of comes off as the villain – which is understandable! Her sister, Amanda, is a Cancer, or that is what Cassy is hoping for so she can rule beside her. But Amanda doesn’t feel any powers yet.

+ The story revolves around Amanda, who is trying to make her sister happy by lying about receiving Cancer powers, but in essence she doesn’t know what she feels. She feels like a Cancer but there are other powers that are emerging in her. There is political intrigue because everyone wants to find out what powers she has, and her sister insists she go with her plan and say she’s a Cancer.

+ There is a little bit of romance between Amanda and the Leo, Kilian. She goes to his land to spend time with him and there is an attraction between them, mostly coming from Kilian. Amanda eventually develops feelings for him. He’s a Leo, basically like a lion, and kind of possessive.

+ I also loved all the character profiles at the back of the book! It helps because there is such a big cast.

~ Though I like the Zodiac signs, I kind of didn’t understand the role of the Jurors. Also there are a lot of characters in this book, a few for each sign that Amanda meets and it was a little hard to keep up with who was who and why they were important. There is a lot of repetition also maybe because Amanda is trying to find her place, but she just doesn’t know what she is.

~ I didn’t connect to the characters as I would have liked. I think I just want more depth from Amanda and some of the other characters as well. I think Cassandra feels very true to herself. For me, the story didn’t flow well, but the second half did have much more action than the first half.

Final Thoughts:

I really like how this story is built around the Zodiac signs. This is a story about Amanda and how she’s trying to find where she belongs and what sign she rules. It has political intrigue, romance and an action filled ending but for some reason I couldn’t quite connect to the story as I would have liked. Overall, I think this story has a lot of potential though especially because of the unique world-building.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Ragpicker King by. Cassandra Clare | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 🌶️

Title: The Ragpicker King (The Chronicles of Castellane, #2)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Format: ebook (own)

Pages: 557

Publication Date: 3/4/25

Categories: High Fantasy, Romance

Kel Saren, body double to Conor, crown prince of the dazzling city of Castellane, is caught between two worlds. In order to protect his beloved prince, Kel must find the culprits responsible for a massacre at the royal palace—and the only clues are held by the Ragpicker King, the notorious criminal who rules Castellane’s underworld. The trail Kel follows leads back to the Hill, where among decadent nobles and glittering parties a dark conspiracy to destroy the royal family has taken hold—a conspiracy headed up by the monstrous Artal Gremont, the man engaged to marry the woman Kel adores.

Meanwhile, Lin Caster must face the aftermath of the greatest risk she’s ever taken. To save the life of a dying friend, Lin has falsely claimed to be the Goddess Reborn, the legendary heroine destined to save her people. Now the terrifying—but strangely magnetic—leader of her people has arrived to test her powers. The price of failure is exile, and only through her alliance with the Ragpicker King can she continue to access the magic that may save her.

Then Prince Conor reappears in her life, demanding that she use her healing powers to cure the madness of his father, the King. Lin soon realizes the King is gripped by an ancient and terrible magic, one whose lure she cannot deny any more than she can deny her growing passion for Conor.

As the simmering tensions in Castellane reach a fever pitch, Lin and Kel must decide who to trust when any false move means death—or worse.

Content Warning: violence, death

I jumped right into book two after book one because I felt like if I waited again, I might forget the many characters.

+ There are a few things I wanted more in this book, that it be shorter and there would be romance. And it is shorter than book one, and there is more romance, but not the kind that made me feel any surer or okay about the romance.

+ The list of characters grows in this one. But everyone I feel like is pertinent to the story. There are a lot of twists and turns especially in the second half of this book. The first half we get to know Aron, the Exilarch, who is going to test Lin to see if she is the Goddess. I liked the advancement of Lin’s character and her connection with King Markus (Conor’s dad) and then there is an introduction of Elspeth who seems to be the villain in this complicated web of politics, secrets and betrayals.

+ I really liked Kel’s growth. Since book one he was already questioning his role as Sword Catcher and what it means when Conor no longer needs him. Their relationship is complicated and there are a few instances that I was just so upset with Conor. There is a lot of growth for Lin too who is trying to help her people and in the end gets punished for it. I can’t wait to see what happens with all of them in book three.

+~ There is romance and there is spice (yet still very mild) but this forbidden romance is killing me – at one point I was hoping Lin would just get over Conor and maybe something with Aron would grow but no – the yearning Conor has for Lin is heart-wrenching but he is a tortured man right now and he doesn’t know who to trust. I’m still hoping things can change for Lin and Conor but there was no happy romance in this sequel. Right now they are breaking my heart instead of giving me any giddy feelings. It’s not any better for Kel and Antonetta, but I think they have a better chance at love!

~ The twists and turns are all reliant on these different characters and how they play the game of royal politics. I really love it but also, it can be hard to keep up with what is going on. I feel like at times I needed a whiteboard to take notes with. A lot of the first half of this book is investigating the massacre that happened at the end of book one and protecting the Prince. It feels like nothing much happens until the second half of the book but I think it’s all important to the story even though it makes for slow reading.

~ Please just give me some happy romance moments in book three? 😅 Make them delusional for one another, I don’t care, but I feel like book three will be more heartbreak, yearning, wanting, and not having. 😩

~ I feel like Kel and Lin are the main characters, but I think we need more about Conor. He is very important to this story, it revolves around his life! Especially after that ending! We need more of him in book three. There is so much happening with his character! Also would love to learn more about the magic.

Final Thoughts:

Maybe I should have read this when book three comes out? And I don’t even know if it’s a trilogy or what but I am so hooked on the politics of this book because it has so much secrets, betrayals, twists and turns! The royal court life is ruthless and I’m loving it. I just hope Lin and Conor can be together at the end. It’s still somewhat a slow read but that ending has me needing the next book ASAP.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

City of Bones ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

City of Ashes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

City of Glass ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Clockwork Angel ⭐️⭐️⭐️

*I didn’t rate the others on my Goodreads apparently.*

Sword Catcher by. Cassandra Clare ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Sword Catcher by. Cassandra Clare | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice: 🌶️

Title: Sword Catcher (The Chronicles of Castellane, #1)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Format: ebook (own) and audiobook (Libby)

Pages: 624

Publication Date: 10/10/23

Categories: High Fantasy

In the vibrant city-state of Castellane, the richest of nobles and the most debauched of criminals have one thing in common: the constant search for wealth, power, and the next hedonistic thrill.

Kel is an orphan, stolen from the life he knew to become the Sword Catcher—the body double of a royal heir, Prince Conor Aurelian. He has been raised alongside the prince, trained in every aspect of combat and statecraft. He and Conor are as close as brothers, but Kel knows that his destiny is to die for Conor. No other future is possible.

Lin Caster is one of the Ashkar, a small community whose members still possess magical abilities. By law, they must live behind walls within the city, but Lin, a physician, ventures out to tend to the sick and dying of Castellane. Despite her skills, she cannot heal her best friend without access to forbidden knowledge.

After a failed assassination attempt brings Lin and Kel together, they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King, the criminal ruler of Castellane’s underworld. He offers them each what they want most; but as they descend into his world of intrigue and shadow, they discover a conspiracy of corruption that reaches from the darkest gutters of Castellane to the highest tower of its palaces.

As long-kept secrets begin to unravel, they must ask themselves: Is knowledge worth the price of betrayal? Can forbidden love bring down a kingdom? And will their discoveries plunge their nation into war—and the world into chaos?

Content Warning: violence

I haven’t read a Cassandra Clare book in YEARS. I still remember when City of Bones was released and I became a big fan and got other people around me to read the series. But I did eventually grow out of it when she started The infernal Devices so I stopped with The Mortal Instruments.

+ I have had this ebook since 2023 and really wanted to read it but never quite was in the mood to read high fantasy. Because I could tell from chapter one it was going to be a lot of world-building. So fast forward to 2025 and finally I got the bright idea to just borrow the audiobook and see if that would help me out and it did! I listened to 70% of it and then switched to the ebook because I was eager to know how it would end.

+ This story has heavy world-building and it is slow for that reason, but I think some of it is necessary because there is a lot of factions at play in this story. There is Kel’s story as the sword catcher/body double for Prince Conor. Kel’s had a good life being his double and even considers Conor a brother to him, I love that they have one another. But now Conor is set to marry and that makes Kel question his role a lot. Conor is a Prince but is more interested in having fun than doing his duties – but with tensions rising, he has to grow up. Then there is Lin, an Ashkari young woman who wants to be a physician so bad, but is not allowed to study. I love the secondary characters like Antonetta and Mariam as well.

+ It took me awhile – like 60% into this book when I realized this story was like the Maccabees and I only know that because my husband is Jewish and my kids go to temple for Sunday School and I’ve had to hear this story every year as we celebrate Hanukkah! I don’t know why it took so long for it to click for me but I did feel like the Ashkari were similar to Jews and now it all makes sense.

+ I really like the political intrigue going on in the story especially with the royals, the Ashkari, and the man in the middle of it all, The Ragpicker King.

+ If you are looking for romance in this book – this first book isn’t where it’s at. There is barely any romance in this one. The romance isn’t a huge factor until more towards the end of the book and I’m kind of glad it grew there because now it makes me eager to read book two. I’m a sucker for an enemies to lovers/forbidden romance, and Lin being Ashkari and Conor being a Castellane Prince, definitely is in forbidden territory. There are sparks between them and very confusing feelings on both sides. There isn’t any spice in this story except where it comes to adult situations in a pleasure house setting, but nothing where the main characters are really involved in. And that’s not the only romance brewing, it’s hard to tell yet but Kel also has his eyes on someone, but it’s not an ideal situation.

+ I listened to most of the story and the narrators did such a good job it kept me invested in the story!

~ It’s a slow beginning because of the extensive world-building, with a big cast of characters and it took me until 30% into the audiobook to actually be invested and interested in the characters. So it’s definitely a book you cannot rush through, it’s one that is for slow reading and I’m sometimes too impatient for that so I’m glad the audiobook helped me get through the world-building. It’s a little over 600 pages and it could have been shorter.

~ I wanted more romance but I hope that happens in book two.

Final Thoughts:

So it took me 2 years and 30% into an audiobook to really get into this book but it happened and now I’m invested! 😅. A lot of this book is world building – it’s a big cast of characters, and it just takes some time to really get settled in and I can see how people would be bored with that. This is not a romantasy where things happen quick. It was one of my problems when I got the book 2 years ago but thank goodness for the audiobook. Once I got settled in the story I started to care about Kel, Conor, Lin, and Antonetta. I love the political intrigue and can’t wait to see what happens next in book two. I especially hope there is more romance for these characters!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

City of Bones ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

City of Ashes ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

City of Glass ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Clockwork Angel ⭐️⭐️⭐️

*I didn’t rate the others on my Goodreads apparently.*

The Ordeals by. Rachel Greenlaw | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Title: The Ordeals (Killmarth Trials, #1)

Author: Rachel Greenlaw

Format: hardcover (own)

Pages: 384

Publication Date: 10/7/25

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Dark Academia, Magic, Alchemy, Vampires

In this lush, atmospheric romantasy, an illusionist competes in a series of deadly trials for a spot at an elite magical college—that is, if another hopeful doesn’t kill her first.

Twenty-year-old Sophia DeWinter has only known life bound to her cruel uncle, the Collector, thanks to a blood bond he exacted from her as a child. When she learns of Killmarth College, an elite academy for magic wielders outside of the Collector’s control, she knows it is her only chance to finally break free. But to gain entry, she will have to compete against other illusionists, masquiers, botanists, and alchemists in a series of brutal trials that many hopefuls don’t survive—the Ordeals.

Sophia knows her skills as an illusionist are weak; she only makes it through the first challenge by teaming up with a powerful (and insufferably sexy) botanist, Alden Locke. To make it out alive, she will have to hone her magic and learn to identify who is a rival, who could be an ally, and who is a murderer.

Because now, not only does she have to protect her heart, but her very life. Hopefuls are being viciously picked off one by one between the challenges. In her haste to escape the Collector’s trap, Sophia may have fled straight towards her own death sentence.

Content Warning: violence

+ Sophia only chance to escape her guardian, The Collector, is to enter a trials to have a chance to be admitted into a magical college institution where scholars study and work on their different powers like illusionist, arborist, alchemist, or a masquier. But first Sophia has to figure out how to get in and make sure The Collector doesn’t stop her.

+ Sophia meets her romance interest, Alden, right away. And they have an instant connection and flirtation between them ensues. I love that even though their connection was instant, they become partners in the trials first, the flirtation continues but they really do have to concentrate on keeping alive especially since there are some unsolved murders going on. There is spice eventually though. I thought they were cute together. Both of them are nice, good people with some secrets, so they had to learn to trust one another.

+ I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story. There is a murder mystery in the middle of the learning and trials. I like the enemies being vampires. I also really enjoyed seeing Sophia make friends with Tessa and Greg. Their friendship was one of my favorite parts of this story.

~ I’ve read a lot of Dark Academia stories this year so it’s becoming hard to read the same genre and try to find anything new and fresh about it. The trials in this story brought the suspense into the story, but it didn’t feel different from other trials I’ve read in books all year.

~ This book was a nice length at 384 but it took me almost two weeks to finish I think because of the pacing, which was a little slow, and the fact that I’ve read so many books in this genre this year. I maybe should have saved this for next year.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I did enjoy this one, even though the slow pacing made for a slower read. I especially loved Sophia’s friendship with Tessa and her romance with Alden. It will be interesting to see what happens in book two.