So many words. So little time.
Category: book review
Despite unrelenting craziness at work, this was a decent writing week. I wrote two book reviews, Metal Slinger, by Rachel Schneider (as far as twists go, this one had a doozy) and Thistlemarsh, by Moorea Corrigan (this felt like reading one of my favorite classic novels mixed with fantasy). I’m predicting minimal reading or writing this week, due a mandatory work conference, but we’ll see.
Happy writing!
Title: Metal Slinger
Author: Rachel Schneider
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.5
Even though she’s not one of them, Brynn has spent her life among the Alaha, training to be a guard and waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta–the very same people who exiled her adopted community to a life at sea. Going to the market is a rite of passage eagerly anticipated by all young guards, but Brynn does not anticipate breaking a century-long peace treaty while there. Nor does she plan for the intense encounter with an enemy soldier that now threatens to unwind the fragile coexistence between their people–and everything Brynn once believed about herself to be true.
Brynn’s loyalty to the Alaha is tested when the truth of her identity is brought to light by this soldier who’s taken an oath to bring her back to where she belongs. Narrowly escaping death on the violent high seas, Brynn’s connection to the Alaha is further tested when she learns about the world of magic she’s been denied. She was once certain of her fate and where she belonged, but the dark, knowing eyes of this stranger have her questioning everything, including her heart.
I was not expecting the twist at the end! I didn’t pick up any hint of betrayal, so that really threw me for a loop. Did I miss some breadcrumbs?
The political/cultural landscape was a bit fuzzy for me, but I found the different cultures interesting. Very different societies and beliefs to contend with. I liked Brynn and Acker quite a bit, and they both felt very believable. Even the minor characters were vivid and interesting, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
Rachel Schneider lives in South Louisiana. Metal Slinger is book one in Fire & Metal.
(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press | Saturday Books in exchange for an honest review.)
Title: Deathly Fates
Author: Tesia Tsai
Genre: YA
Rating: 4 out of 5
As a corpse-driving priestess, a holy servant paid to guide the deceased home, Kang Siying has never feared death. But when her beloved father collapses due to his declining health, Siying realizes that even she is not free from the cruel grasp of mortality. Desperate to provide her father with the medical aid he needs, Siying accepts a dangerous job that promises a generous commission, and travels to a hostile state to retrieve the corpse of a missing prince.
But the moment Siying places her reanimation talisman on the dead prince’s head, rather than make the corpse obedient to Siying’s commands, the talisman brings the prince back to life. Worse, he won’t stay alive for long―not unless he absorbs enough qi, or life force, to keep his soul anchored to his body.
In return for a reward worth twice her original commission, Siying agrees to aid the frustratingly handsome prince in finding and purifying evil spirits for their qi. But as they journey across the countryside, encountering vengeful ghosts and enemy spies alike, they gradually uncover dark secrets about the prince’s death―secrets that could endanger both Siying’s father and their entire kingdom.
I liked the setting of this novel: the world, culture, and magic. Beyond the reanimated prince, did I find anything unexpected here? Not really. There were enough breadcrumbs that I wasn’t surprised by any of the twists and reveals, but I enjoyed the read enough that I finished this is one sitting, so it’s a solid read.
Tesia Tsai lives in Utah. Deathly Fates is her debut novel.
(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press | Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review.)
This was an okay writing week: I wrote one book review, Deathly Fates, by Tesia Tsai and DNFed While You Were Seething. Work was super busy, and I was mentally exhausted, so i didn’t have time to read for several days, and I wasn’t eager to get back to Seething, which I took as a sign that I wasn’t that into it.
Happy writing!
Title: The Book Witch
Author: Meg Shaffer
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Rainy March is a proud third-generation book witch, sworn to defend works of fiction from all foes real and imaginary. With her magical umbrella and feline familiar, she jumps into and out of novels to fix malicious alterations and rogue heroes.
Book witches live by a strict Real people belong in the real word; fictional characters belong in works of fiction…. Do not eat, drink, or sleep inside a fictional world, lest you become part of the story. Falling in love with a fictional character? Don’t even think about it.
Which is why Rainy has been forbidden from seeing the Duke of Chicago, the dashing British detective who stars in her favorite mystery series. If she’s ever caught with him again, she’ll be expelled from her book coven—and forced to give up the magical gifts that are as much a part of her as her own name.
But when her beloved grandfather disappears and a priceless book is stolen, there’s only one person she trusts to help her solve the case: the Duke. Their quest takes them through the worlds of Alice in Wonderland, The Great Gatsby, and other classics that will reveal hidden enemies and long-buried family secrets.
This is the perfect book for anyone who has ever fallen in love with a character, for anyone who loves books and all the worlds they contain. Was it realistic? Absolutely not—and in the best possible way. This was run, engaging, and filled with all the literary references and Easter eggs imaginable. Highly recommended!
Meg Shaffer is a bestselling author. The Book Witch is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of Ballantine | Ballantine Books in exchange for an honest review.)
Happy Easter!
This was a good writing week, although I didn’t get any fiction in. My Muse is…mulling over some things currently. I did write one book review, The Book Witch, by Meg Shaffer, my March reading post, and the best books I read in March.
Happy writing!
Title: Burn the Kingdom Down
Author: Addie Thorley
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
One year ago, Rowenna Harrack, the crown princess of Tashir, left her homeland in a wedding dress of chains—sent away to the enemy nation of Vanzador as a captive bride.
Now, Rowenna is dead. Brought home in a coffin after an alleged fall from a cliff.
Second-born princess, Indira, knows her sister’s death was no accident. Desperate for truth and vengeance, Indira agrees to wed the prince so she can infiltrate Vanzador, find Rowenna’s murderer, and burn their kingdom to the ground.
Indira’s plan is simple, she will make nice until she can find out how to avenge her sister and free her country from the rival nation’s stranglehold. But when Indira arrives, nothing is as terrible as Rowenna described. As Indira grows closer to her new husband, Prince Alaric, and uncovers more about Vanzador, the source of its powers, and what happened during Rowenna’s final days, she’s no longer sure what—and who—to believe. Because everyone, even her sister, has secrets. Deadly ones.
This book really had me questioning myself, my people judgement skills, and everything happening on the page. Tashir seemed a dreary place, although unrelenting poverty and struggle can do that. I liked how Indira grew and changed, becoming not just her own person, but a strong, capable person, too. This was a captivating read, and I highly recommend it!
Addie Thorley lives in New Jersey. Burn the Kingdom Down is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of Sourcebooks Fire in exchange for an honest review.)
Title: Honey in Her Veins
Author: Ruth McKell
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Arthur Connoway desperately wants to free himself from the monster inhabiting his mind. Instead, he is rapidly losing control of it following his mother’s death. In a last-ditch effort to feel whole again—and to lay his mother’s memory to rest—Arthur decides to return to the quiet bee farm he once called home, hoping their sacred honey can heal him in more ways than one.
Eight years ago, Eva Moreau’s flora magic caused a terrible accident, harming her father in the process. Now, she’s desperate to find a way to heal him, but her attempts only seem to do the opposite. If she could just learn to control her magic, she might be able to save her father and leave the past behind.
When Arthur returns to town looking for absolution, Eva once again loses control of her magic, putting everyone she loves in danger. Together, the pair decides to trek to the source of her family’s magic to find a cure for both Arthur and her father. But there’s a mysterious ghost haunting the forest, and it won’t let Arthur and Eva leave the woods without confronting the secrets of their past…
This was a quirky, enchanting read! Even a bit weird, at times, and it always felt a bit surreal. I’ve never been to Appalachia, so maybe that’s just a trait of the setting. The characters are vibrant. All of them, even the minor and secondary characters. Magic runs through the pages of this and it’s just accepted, never really questioned, which made it feel believable. If you’re looking for a unique read, this is the one!
Ruth McKell is the author of Honey in Her Veins.
(Galley courtesy of Little, Brown and Company in exchange for an honest review.)
In March, I read 15 books, bringing my total for the year to 36 books read. I also only DNFed 5 books in March. Of the 15 books, I read, several were excellent reads.
Midnight on the Celestial, by Julia Alexandra. I really liked this book! My favorite of the month, by far.
The Geomagician, by Jennifer Mandula. Historical fiction, magic, and dinosaurs/archeology? How could I not love this? Also, I want a pterodactyl.
Honey in Her Veins, by Ruth McKell. I don’t think I’ve ever read any Appalachian fantasy, especially with nature magic, so this was a fun ride.
Books Read in March: 15
Books Read for the Year: 36/225
Topical Books/Monthly Goal Books:
The Eye of the Bedlam Bride, by Matt Dinniman (audio, TBR): Still astonished I’m enjoying this series so much. Donut is getting on my nerves, though.
Still the Sun, by Charlie N. Holmberg (TBR): I actually really enjoyed this, although it was a bit odd.
Land of Dreams, by Gian Sardar (TBR): Liked this historical fiction read–although I couldn’t figure out the killer.
The Last Supper on the Moon, by Levi Lusko (TBR, Christian): This was an excellent read!
Awry, by Meghan Ciana Doidge (TBR): I enjoy this author’s writing.
The Lost Heiress, by Elizabeth Khehfoth (TBR): Nice dual timeline read.
Where Have All the Boys Gone, by Jenny Colgan. This audiobook was a perfect light read.
For Review:
Midnight on the Celestial, by Julia Alexandra. I enjoyed this a lot! Unique setting and I liked the world, the magic system, and the characters. I’d definitely read more.
Heiress of Nowhere, by Stacey Lee. I enjoyed this YA historical fiction, although I wish there would have been more about the sea wolves.
Only Spell Deep, by Ava Morgyn. I really didn’t care for this too much. The writing wasn’t bad, but the MC was supremely selfish and I didn’t like her.
When the Rain Came, by Matthew Eicheldinger. This felt more like middle grade than YA, but it was a decent read and a solid start to a series.
Daughter of Egypt, by Marie Benedict. I enjoyed this a lot, as it combined my love of Egyptian history with the 1920s.
The Geomagician, by Jennifer Mandula. Historical fiction with magic and fossils? Yes, please. I really liked this–and I want a pterodactyl.
Honey in Her Veins, by Ruth McKell (review forthcoming). This was quite an interesting read! Appalachian fantasy with nature magic, anyone?
Burn the Kingdom Down, by Addie Thorley. This fantasy read will make you question pretty much everything you see on the page.
Left Unfinished:
There’s Something About Mira, by Sonali Dev. I found Mira pretty boring and lost interest quickly.
Spellbound by Murder, by Stacie Ramey. I saw a lot of comparisons to Charmed and Gilmore Girls in reviews of this book. I never watched Gilmore Girls and only occasionally watched Charmed, so I didn’t DNF this because of that. But because it felt cliched and over-the-top and kitschy and it was just very meh.
The Creek, the Crone, and the Crow, by Rachel Weiss. I read the author’s previous book in this same Appalachian community and enjoyed it. I read almost 20% of this one and it just seemed to drag and meander in circles. The cover is absolutely beautiful, though.
Love By the Book, by Jessica George. I made it 15%, but…why keep reading about people I don’t care about?
The Last Woman of Warsaw, by Judy Batalion. WW2 historical fiction is my absolute favorite genre to read, so believe me when I say I tried. But at 20%, I still didn’t care about either of these MCs.
Tomorrow Is Another Day 