Spoilers for Book of Night (quote)

“Oh, I know,” she said. You’re going to be stuck in my head, with all my secrets. Even I don’t know all my secrets. It’s going to be awful.”

— Book of Night

Charlie raised her eyebrows, not feeling particularly trusting. “Wow. Your word. That and a dollar won’t even buy me a decent cup of coffee.”

— Book of Night

Daxia looked down at her feet. “Thanks for sticking by me.”

“For you, always and anything,” he said softly.

— Beyond the Wall

Stop it! Novak is the sweetest, and I love him!

Not all poisons have an antidote. Some of them get into your soul, stupefy you with their scent and have eyes more beautiful than any you’ve ever seen before.

And there’s no cure for them.

None at all.

— The Tearsmith

Goddess of the River

by Vaishnavi Patel / 4 stars

If there's one thing fantasy books have taught me, it's that when a god comes down to the earth, they normally change it dramatically. That's what I expected of Ganga, though her being trapped by Shiva was unexpected. Even more unexpected was the fact that a mortal managed to curse her, and trap her once again in human form.

One of those books that I had on my TBR list, and then when I got to it, it was a clean slate, where I had no idea what I was reading, only that I knew past me had wanted to read it. So I was expecting more fantasy, more whimsy, instead of a retake on the classic Mahabharata epic (which is now also on my TBR list) with some creative license.

Knowing nothing about the original text, I was left curious to know more. Also, this is one of those books that asks questions of humanity, that linger with you long after the final page. What is more important, to stand by your vows and your duty, or to try to do the right thing in every situation? Can there be honor in that, if you don't have a firm code you live by? What does true justice look like?

A provocative, thought stirring story, this is something I would love to see in more high schools, or read in settings that can easily lead to discussion. Because I have so much I want to talk about after reading this book!

Scalechaser

by A. R. Stonecypher / 4 stars

Those who have a wish must make a journey to Solenvale, to meet Jacovan's Heirs. If one chooses to grant their wish, the two will be bonded. A bond is the only way for one of Jacovan's Heirs to leave their home - though their curse, if left unchecked, will turn them into a raging beast. It is only their bondmates, the Wish Wielders, that can call them back from this state.

Whitetail, an Heir, lives with a crew of beast hunters. Untrusted by some on their crew, nevertheless she helps them hunt Jacovan beasts who have become uncontrollable. Even when one of them is her own sister.

Gage, a wish wielder who takes his bond seriously, is part of an enforcement group who hunt down strays - wish wielders who have forsaken their bond, abandoning their duty. Until his bondmate calls on him to leave his post, become a stray himself, and travel to Dasia Bay to help their brother.

While at first I was reading the book in bits and pieces, I had a little trouble keeping track of where everyone was from. I should have consulted the map a little more too.

With good world building, and an interesting magic system, this was an enjoyable read once I got into it. I should have guessed one of the twists, but I let myself be frustrated right along with the characters until learning the truth.

A great read from an independent publisher, and just the start of what this magical world has to offer!

It was hard to fault Vince, though. Whatever his faults were, she could still count on him. He was currently getting rid of a dead body for her. You couldn’t get more dependable than that.

— Book of Night

Charm

by Tracy Wolff / 4.5 stars

It took me long enough to get through this one - but now that I've finished, I want to jump back into the series all over again! And I'm excited to see what might be awaiting us at Calder Academy, following Remy.

I feel like everything I could have hoped to be accomplished was in this storyline. While there are definitely adventures left to be had with these characters, they're going to happen from a firm standing. I'm so happy how things ended for everyone (though I do hope for some more good vibes sent Macy's way.)

Not much of a review, but if you've read the series up to this point, you won't be disappointed!

A Feather So Black

by Lyra Selene / 5 stars

Wow. Where can I start with this one? I'm sad I'll never be able to experience reading this book for the first time again - and so excited for all the people who are going to be picking it up for the first time!

Fia is a changeling, left behind on the night Eala was stolen, the girl she's grown to think of as her sister. While furious at first, her queen mother did something unexpected - unlike everyone else in the castle, she came to love Fia. To love her the way only a mother could, her, the girl made of rot and thorns and ruin.

Coming into the thirteenth year since Eala was taken, they've finally stumbled upon something. An opening, a way to get into Tir na NOg and finally find a way to set Eala and the other swan maidens free from the geas they've been bound to. To bring them home. Fia is willing to do whatever it takes to save her sister, even if it means her life. Even if it means watching her wed Rogan, the only boy she's ever loved, the one who was never meant for her.

Set over a course of 13 full moons - the one night the gateway is weak enough to permit them entrance to the fae realm - Fia and Rogan will need to work together to find the girls and a way to free them.

Wow. There is so much I want to say about this book. I feel like I've already been talking about it forever to fellow book lovers, and there just aren't enough words to convey how special this one is. How magical, and dark, and hurting, and hopeful. Wow. This one is good.

Thank you so much to the publishers through NetGalley for the ARC!!

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

by Kelly Barnhill / 5 stars

Oh my gosh, this book. It is so much more than the sum of it's parts.

No surprise, I loved Fyrian, but when have I not loved a dragon?

I tried listening to the audiobook, but I was distracted and could immediately tell that this was a story I didn't want to miss a moment of. Now that I've read it, I'm definitely going to be visiting it again and I think I'll give the audiobook a try this time. With a little more focus, hopefully!

Luna and Xan are so sweet. The kind of relationship I wish I could have had with a grandparent, but the love for each other shines through so strongly.

The Protectorate is a hard place to go back to, with its drudgery and dark cloud hanging over it. It's population of curiously uncurious people, who are resigned to their lot in life. But all paths come together, in an ending that is a little bittersweet, but beautiful and heartfelt.

Peril in Pink

by Sydney Leigh / 3.5 stars

Peril in Pink is a fun, relaxed mystery set during the grand opening of a Hudson designer B&B. The rooms are booked and the wine is flowing, until the opening act singer is a no show, Jess’s high school bully appears and seems prepared to undermine her every step, and a body shows up by the pond.

Fast paced, Jess balances running the B&B, learning what she’s missed in her hometown while she was away, and trying to keep her first love from being locked away for murder.

While signs do point to the real killer, my mind was focused on a larger conspiracy. I did find Jess’s loyalty to Lars baffling, and wished for a bit more flirting between her and James. This was a great first start to a series, establishing characters and setting the scene.

Oh, and I loved the brother-sister bond between Jess and Nate! They are so close and I am here for it! I’m excited to see what’s in store next!

I listened to the audiobook, and at first I wasn't sure if I'd be a fan, but soon I was lost in the story. It was well read, and I really enjoyed the voice chosen for Lars especially. It matched him so well!

Thank you to the publishers through NetGalley for this audiobook arc!

One Last Shot

by Betty Cayouette / 4 stars

Ahhh, these second chance romances! Like a moth to a flame, they burn me every time with heartache.

It's not all bad though - I don't know how anyone can't root for Emerson and Theo. They are so sweet together, and I love how they compliment and support one another.

Theo and Emerson were inseparable from the moment they met. They made a pact that if they weren't married by the time they turned 28, they'd marry each other. They set a reminder in their phones, starting from Theo's birthday, giving them a week to get married.

Neither of them expected that when the reminder went off, it would be 10 years since they had talked to each other. This is their chance to reconnect, but things like a meddling agent get in the way. An agent who's angling for Emerson to fake-date another celebrity for publicity, and takes it upon himself to text Theo warnings to stay away from Emerson.

I know nothing about the fashion industry, the life of super models or photographers, but Betty managed to make you feel like you were there! I also really loved that at least on this set, the models weren’t out to get each other, but encouraged and supported one another.

I laughed, I swooned. I cringed, I raged, and yes, I even cried. I was completely invested and loved every minute of it.

Thank you to the publishers through Netgalley for the ARC!

Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies

by Catherine Mack / 5 stars

I loved this. Where do I even begin? The footnotes, it has to be the footnotes. I may be of an outside opinion, but they added so much to Eleanor's character, provided some insight and tons of humor, and quite possibly might be one of my favorite things about this book. Ok, maybe that's speaking a bit rashly, because over all, I adored this book.

In the line with comedic mysteries, this one has heart and a sarcastic lead woman who just wants to kill off her ex-boyfriend - fictionally, of course. Why would she want to kill the real Connor? The ex who lied to her, continuously blackmails her, and has been a general thorn in her side since their relationship ended. Though it turns out someone might really be trying to kill him - and her - and she might be the only one who has a chance to stop the killer before they wind up with more dead bodies. Because people on this book tour are dropping suddenly.

I laughed until I cried, sent quotes to friends, and generally gushed over this book. I am so ready for there to be another one!!

Maelin

by Mel Torrefranco / 4 stars

My name is Blimmery Owding, and I dug Maelin's grave.

With that chilling sentence, we step back into the Belladonna series, and I was hooked already.

I am so glad this novella happened. It gives a whole new look at Blimmery, but I also had so many questions about Maelin when she was mentioned in Nightshade Academy. While I would have loved to get more of her thoughts (we do get one chapter slightly told by her), getting to see her from an outside perspective adds a lot. With Yashi we already have someone who isn't so quick to believe the lies of the Force, and who is ready to stand against them. With Blimmery, we have someone who uncovers secrets, but isn't brave enough to act on them.

I feel like it's so easy to want more from Blimmery, to expect him to stand up in a losing battle. Even though we see that's not his personality, we see his hesitation and how unsure he is in himself. And we see how hopeless his situation is in trying to save Maelin.

One thing's for sure - if you're new to the Belladonna series, this is an excellent starting point, or novella to pick up while you're waiting for Underground Royalty. I'm so excited to get back into this world, and I'm definitely going to be reading this book again in the future, along with Nightshade Academy, to see all the easter eggs I missed and get ready for the next book!

Thank you to Mel and Lost Island Press for the ARC. Can't wait for this one to be released! Expected release date is May 11, 2024.

I was made of pitted stone and twisted vines and wasted time. I was not made to fear queens. Or mothers.

— A Feather So Black

My name is Blimmery Owding, and I dug Maelin’s grave.

— Maelin

One little sentence, and I’m hooked.

The Artist's Apprentice

By Clare Flynn / narrated by Annette Chown / 4 stars

An arranged marriage, a brother with a secret, and personal tragedy kick things off. Both Alice and Edmund are caught up in their own affairs, which take them far from each other. Both separate from their families - one seeking distance from a cruel, overbearing father, the other wanting to direct their own life and opinions for once.

I tried to stay open to the characters, and I did gravitate more toward Alice, though it took some time to warm up to both of them. Dora was nearly unbearable, creating misery and dripping selfishness in her wake.

When Alice and Edmund meet again years later, I was more than ready for it. Boy did it pay off though, and I was pleased on how it was dealt with by both parties. I found the ending a bit abrupt - I wanted more and wasn't ready for it. I wanted everything to work out in their lives, for all the broken pieces to be mended, and we weren't quite given that. (I just noticed that this is in fact a duology, and I'm very excited to see how things turn out in the second book!)

While it was a bit slow in parts, I found myself caring for both Alice and Edmund in the end. And more than a little drawn to the art of stained glass, something I'd paid little attention to in the past.

The audiobook was well read, and kept my interest. It was also easy to discern between the Alice and Edmund chapters with a slight change in tone, which is always appreciated.