Disclaimer: I am friends with the author; however, I purchased this ebook for full price. I devoured this book so quickly, and with such enjoyment, that I forgot to take any notes for my review! Brinkley's debut novel features romance, magic, and mystery set in historical London. She weaves together the tropes from multiple genres … Continue reading Review: Thieves’ Honor (Wizards of London #1) by Jamaila Brinkley
Review: The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter
I made it through the first quarter of this book before I realized that not much had really happened. Well, lots of things had "happened," just not much of a plot. But I was intrigued by the world-building, so I decided to sit back and enjoy the story as more of a travelogue than an … Continue reading Review: The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter
Review: Enlightened (Enlightenment #3) by Joanna Chambers
The finale to this trilogy does an excellent job of concluding plot threads from previous books on multiple levels. David and Murdo have grown as people and grown closer together, but some roadblocks (internal and external) still stand in the way of their happily every after. When both of them must travel to London, they … Continue reading Review: Enlightened (Enlightenment #3) by Joanna Chambers
Review: Gilded Cage (Lilywhite Boys #2) by K.J. Charles
I re-read the first Lilywhite Boys book right before starting this one, because I could and because it’s that good. This book concludes the short series admirably, though I highly recommend also making sure to read “The Ratcatcher’s Daughter” to get a better feel for the overall conflict. The first book is from a single … Continue reading Review: Gilded Cage (Lilywhite Boys #2) by K.J. Charles
Review: The Bartered Brides (Elemental Masters #13) by Mercedes Lackey
I’m not going to lie. I significantly prefer the fairy tale retellings in this fantasy series to the Sherlock Holmes pastiches featuring Nan and Sara. I didn’t dislike this book, but I found myself not as invested in the main characters as I could have been. Both women gain new skills and mastery over their … Continue reading Review: The Bartered Brides (Elemental Masters #13) by Mercedes Lackey
2019 Resolution Project: Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels #10) by Ilona Andrews
My 2019 Resolution Project over at my other blog, Speculative Chic, is to read the entire Kate Daniels urban fantasy series by Ilona Andrews, finishing up with a first read of the final book in the series. This is my first time reading this novel. You can read my full review here. An excerpt: And then we … Continue reading 2019 Resolution Project: Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels #10) by Ilona Andrews
2019 Resolution Project: Iron and Magic (Iron Covenant #1) by Ilona Andrews
My 2019 Resolution Project over at my other blog, Speculative Chic, is to read the entire Kate Daniels urban fantasy series by Ilona Andrews, finishing up with a first read of the final book in the series. This is my first time reading this novel, which the authors have advised should be read prior to reading Kate … Continue reading 2019 Resolution Project: Iron and Magic (Iron Covenant #1) by Ilona Andrews
2019 Resolution Project: Magic Binds (Kate Daniels #9) by Ilona Andrews
My 2019 Resolution Project over at my other blog, Speculative Chic, is to read the entire Kate Daniels urban fantasy series by Ilona Andrews, finishing up with a first read of the final book in the series. I’ve read the ninth book, Magic Binds, before, and originally reviewed it in June 2017. You can find NEW my full review here. An … Continue reading 2019 Resolution Project: Magic Binds (Kate Daniels #9) by Ilona Andrews
Review: No Rest for the Wicked (Immortals After Dark #3) by Kresley Cole
I adored everything about this book — except for the two main characters, who fell short in contrast to the scope of this exciting tale. Sebastian’s character arc may have been typical of alpha romance heroes when this book was first published, but it doesn’t hold up as well in 2019. He starts the book … Continue reading Review: No Rest for the Wicked (Immortals After Dark #3) by Kresley Cole
Review: Beguiled (Enlightenment #2) by Joanna Chambers
Two years later, David Lauriston and Murdo Balfour meet once again. The events of this book revolve around King George’s visit to Scotland, which personifies one of the things I’m most enjoying about this trilogy. So much of Regency(ish) romance takes place in London and English estates. Shifting the location to Edinburgh brings to life … Continue reading Review: Beguiled (Enlightenment #2) by Joanna Chambers
Review: Provoked (Enlightenment #1) by Joanna Chambers
The list of romance authors I follow seems to be growing, as I add yet another writer whose books I shall now proceed to devour all of. I read this title in a single evening and immediately purchased the next in the series. Many romance books star lovers from vastly different backgrounds, but David Lauriston … Continue reading Review: Provoked (Enlightenment #1) by Joanna Chambers
Review: Follow Him Home (Lovers Rush/Alternate Worlds #1) by P.W. Davies
This book started off slow, but quickly escalated to an interesting story line I found hard to put down. All three protagonists where well-developed and intriguing in their own way. Even the doctor Peter might seem bland on the surface, but his depths were revealed in the way he reacted to both Christian and Victor. … Continue reading Review: Follow Him Home (Lovers Rush/Alternate Worlds #1) by P.W. Davies
Review: European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman (Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club #2) by Theodora Goss
My biggest minor quibble from the previous book in this trilogy followed me to this one. I love the conceit of the book characters inserting their commentary into the writing, but it still reduces some of the tension since I know everyone survives to the end. That being said, this was still a tale filled … Continue reading Review: European Travel for the Monstrous Gentlewoman (Extraordinary Adventures of the Athena Club #2) by Theodora Goss
2019 Resolution Project: Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels #8) by Ilona Andrews
My 2019 Resolution Project over at my other blog, Speculative Chic, is to read the entire Kate Daniels urban fantasy series by Ilona Andrews, finishing up with a first read of the final book in the series. I’ve read the eighth book, Magic Shifts,before, and originally reviewed it in April 2016. You can find NEW my full review here. An excerpt: … Continue reading 2019 Resolution Project: Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels #8) by Ilona Andrews
Review: Alexander X (Battle For Forever #1) by Edward Savio
This book is a whirlwind story that features a very different take on immortality. I devoured it on a single plane ride and never felt a moment of boredom. The main character's narrative voice makes me absolutely believe that he's a teenager who's been around for 1500 years. I was immediately invested in the characters … Continue reading Review: Alexander X (Battle For Forever #1) by Edward Savio
Review: Spectred Isle (Green Men #1) by K.J. Charles
Though it's not stated explicitly, I think this book is best read after the author's The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal. Some secondary characters cross over, and it provides a good grounding on how the supernatural exists in this world. However, this book takes a deeper look at the nature of magic in this version … Continue reading Review: Spectred Isle (Green Men #1) by K.J. Charles
Review: A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark #2) by Kresley Cole
I'm intrigued by the expansive world-building in the universe of this paranormal romance series, obviously enough to read the second book in the series. And I just bought the third one. But I have such conflicted feelings about the relationships in the romance aspect of the stories. The whole "vampire bride," "werewolf mate," etc. facet … Continue reading Review: A Hunger Like No Other (Immortals After Dark #2) by Kresley Cole
Review: Sapphire Flames (Hidden Legacy #4) by Ilona Andrews
It's no secret to anyone following my book reviews that Ilona Andrews is one of my "drop everything and read the new book ASAP" authors. I anxiously awaited the arrival of the newest installment of the Hidden Legacy series and devoured the book within 24 hours. Reading the previous installments of this series makes for … Continue reading Review: Sapphire Flames (Hidden Legacy #4) by Ilona Andrews
Review: Balefire (Whyborne & Griffin #10) by Jordan L. Hawk
Ten is a solid, round number, so I thought this would be the final book in the series. I was disappointed that the grand finale didn't look like it would take place in the city of Widdershins, but I figured out early in the story that this was not the end of the series. That's … Continue reading Review: Balefire (Whyborne & Griffin #10) by Jordan L. Hawk
Review: Empire of the Goddess by Matthew Warner
Disclaimer: I received an electronic version of this novel from the author for review. Things I really enjoyed about this novel: The world-building. The terrifying dystopian society fueled by human sacrifice. The representation of science versus magic, and how the two can be indistinguishable. The religious allegories. The twist and other revelations at the very … Continue reading Review: Empire of the Goddess by Matthew Warner