Tag: magic

Book Review: The Ruins Beneath Us, by Sasha E. Sloan

Image belongs to Disney Publishing Worldwide | Disney Hyperion.

Title: The Ruins Beneath Us
Author: Sasha E. Sloan    
Genre: Fantasy  
Rating: 3.8 out of 5

She saved the prince. Now she must survive his world.

Lyria and her mother have been on the run from the human kingdom of Verdinae for as long as she can remember. She’s an elf born with magic—a double offence in a kingdom determined to eradicate both. Under her mother’s watchful protection, Lyria learns the rules that keep her alive: stay inside, stay hidden, stay safe, and above all stay calm, lest her magic flair out of control.

But when she finds a human boy being attacked by a deadly monster in the forest, Lyria risks everything by using magic to save him. She doesn’t expect his broken body to survive, and she definitely doesn’t expect him to be the crown prince.

Offered a position at the palace as the royal apothecary, Lyria seizes the chance to step into the light and prove to her mother she can control her unwieldly magic. But Verdinae is not the paradise it at first seems. The nobles are ruthless, the secrets are deadly, and Cygnus—the brooding royal healer—seems determined to expose Lyria’s every flaw. As she navigates a world of glittering gowns, deadly secrets, and stolen kisses, Lyria must keep her identity hidden. . . even from the prince who’s falling for her.

But beneath the palace lies a darkness far more dangerous than any secret. And when Lyria and Cygnus uncover a hidden world that could change everything, she must decide who to trust and how much she’s willing to risk for a love that was never meant to be.

I enjoyed this read, and would be interested in reading more, but…Lyria had some issues. She believed everything her mother said—I can kind of understand this, but when she got out into the world and realized her mother hadn’t been honest with her, she still believed everything Finn said…even with evidence he was lying. She tends to overreact to things in big ways. And, even when evidence is right in front of her, she completely ignores it and is then shocked when it slaps her in the face later.

I enjoyed the worldbuilding and history of this novel, and I liked Cygnus a lot, but Lyria kind of got on my nerves.

Sasha E. Sloan is the author of The Ruins Beneath Us.

(Galley courtesy of Disney Publishing Worldwide | Disney Hyperion in exchange for an honest review.)

Book Review and Blog Tour: Thistlemarsh, by Moorea Corrigan  

Image belongs to Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley.

Title: Thistlemarsh
Author: Moorea Corrigan            
Genre: Fantasy  
Rating: 4.2

Faeries disappeared over one hundred years ago, as suddenly as slipping through a doorway. It was only the very foolish, or the very determined, who held out hope for their return.

Welcome to Thistlemarsh—a ramshackle estate where an impoverished orphan and a beguiling Faerie collide in an enchanting novel of love, revenge, and ruin.

In the wake of World War I, the world is a decidedly unmagical place for Mouse Dunne. She once dreamed of becoming a Faerie anthropologist, but with one telegram, her world shattered. At the Battle of the Somme, her cousin’s body disappeared into the mud, and her brother was left with debilitating shell shock. It was time, she knew, to put aside childish dreams.

When Mouse receives news that her uncle has left her the Faerie-blessed Thistlemarsh Hall, a dilapidated manor in the English countryside, she must leave her brother’s side and return to her childhood home to claim her birthright. But there is a catch in her uncle’s offer: If Mouse does not rehabilitate the crumbling house in one month’s time, she will forfeit her inheritance and any hope of caring for her brother.

It quickly becomes clear it’s impossible to repair the manor in the allotted time, until a mysterious Faerie appears with a proposition. He offers to restore Thistlemarsh…for a price. Mouse knows better than to trust a Faerie—especially one so insufferably handsome and arrogant—but she is out of options. There are dark and magical forces at work in the house, and Mouse must confront the ghosts of her past and the secrets of her heart or lose Thistlemarsh, and herself, in the process.

I enjoyed this read!  (Which means I was up until midnight, finishing it, if that tells you anything.) It felt like some of my favorite classic reads, but with a fantasy twist, and I loved that. Mouse is a thoroughly relatable character and I loved being in her head. As in a classical fairy tale, there are bad guys,—yes, more than one—secrets, hidden things from the past, and of course, romance. This is a lovely read, and would be a great weekend binge to sink into. Also—the cover is absolutely gorgeous!

Moorea Corrigan had her first novel published in high school. Thistlemarsh is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley in exchange for an honest review.)

  

Book Review: Metal Slinger, by Rachel Schneider

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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.)

Book Review: Deathly Fates, by Tesia Tsai

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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.)

Book Review: The Book Witch, by Meg Shaffer

Image belongs to Ballantine | Ballantine Books.

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.)

Burn the Kingdom Down, by Addie Thorley

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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.)

Book Review: Honey in Her Veins, by Ruth McKell      

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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.)

Book Review: Only Spell Deep, by Ava Morgyn       

Image belongs to St. Martin’s Press | St. Martin’s Griffin.

Title: Only Spell Deep
Author: Ava Morgyn             
Genre: Fantasy   
Rating:  3 out of 5

Judeth Cole has always had certain uncanny abilities. But when she arrived at Solidago – her grandfather’s estate by the sea – she was forced to keep them secret. There she lived a harsh life under his rule and the haunting legacy of her late grandmother, Aurelia. Until the fateful day she ignited a fire with her magic. It was the last time she saw her family alive.

Seventeen years later, she’s living in Seattle as Jude Clark, and failing at life, when she makes a last detour through her favorite bookstore, selecting a book to read as she waits to die. But when she pulls it from the shelf, an invitation to her for a clandestine midnight meeting slips out.

Jude is quickly swept up into a world of secrets and magic, discovering a circle of powerful new companions led by the mysterious, enigmatic Arla. The source of their magic, Arla tells her, is a goddess, trapped and bound, that they call The Fathom. But Jude swiftly realizes Arla wants this power all to herself, and that she’s willing to kill for it.

Terrified, Jude turns to Levi Orman, the handsome bookseller who’s seen her at her worst. With his help, she begins a research journey that leads her from the crystal waters of the Mediterranean to the icy waves of the Greenland Sea and back to Solidago, the house she swore to never return to. With the Fathom threatening to break free and Arla on the hunt, Jude must finally face her past to save her future.

This was…I don’t know. I didn’t really connect with the character. Judeth was forever doing stupid stuff and then being shocked when disaster resulted, and she’s pretty selfish, too. The Fathom was creepy and I didn’t care for any of that aspect. Actually…I’m not sure why I finished this. Probably because it was a quick read.

Ava Morgyn lives in Houston. Only Spell Deep is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press | St. Martin’s Griffin in exchange for an honest review.)

Book Review: Midnight on the Celestial, by Julia Alexandra   

Image belongs to St. Martin’s Press | Wednesday Books.

Title: Midnight on the Celestial  
Author: Julia Alexandra    
Genre: YA  
Rating: 5 out of 5

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.

I really enjoyed this! I was drawn in from the first page because of Roe’s voice. The world was fascinating—and the Celestial was terrifying. Roe was a character I could relate to because of her faults and her determination. I loved how she made friends on the ship and how resolutely she pursued her goals. The magic system is interesting , and I really liked this world and would be happy to read more.

Julia Alexandra lives in Florida. Midnight on the Celestial is her debut novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press | Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review.)

    

Book Review:  Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter, by Heather Fawcett   

Image belongs to Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey.

Title: Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter
Author: Heather Fawcett     
Genre: Fantasy  
Rating: 4 out of 5

Agnes Aubert leads a meticulously organized life—and she likes it that way. As the proudly type-A manager of a much-needed cat rescue charity, she has devoted her life to finding forever homes for lost cats.

But after she is forced to move the cat shelter, Agnes learns that her new landlord is using her charity as a front—for an internationally renowned and thoroughly disreputable magic shop. Owned by the disorganized—not to mention self-absorbed, irritating, but also decidedly handsome—Havelock Renard, magician and failed Dark Lord, the shop draws magical clientele from around the world, partly due to the quality of Havelock’s illicit goods as well as their curiosity about his shadowy past and rumors of his incredible powers. Agnes’s charity offers the perfect cover for illegal magics.

Agnes couldn’t care less about the shop—magical intrigue or not, there are cats to be rescued. But when an enemy from Havelock’s past surfaces, the magic shop—and more importantly, the cat shelter—are suddenly in jeopardy. To save the shelter, will Agnes have to set aside her social conscience and protect the man who once tried to bring about the apocalypse—and is now trying to steal her heart?

This was a cute read! I really liked world/setting. The era, the city streets and little neighborhood communities—I found these absolutely charming. I liked Agnes herself quite a bit, and her sister was a nice contrast to her. But the cats are the real stars of the show, and I wanted to take them all home, magic or no magic.

Heather Fawcett is a bestselling author. Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey in exchange for an honest review.)