Supernatural meets A Night in the Museum meets The Dresden Files. Vincent Graves is a supernatural investigator, who must solve a murder mystery… onlySupernatural meets A Night in the Museum meets The Dresden Files. Vincent Graves is a supernatural investigator, who must solve a murder mystery… only the victim is the body he is currently inhabiting.
Sarcastic, wry wit, smart-aleck characters will always equal a fun time. Even if you can’t get behind the story, the characters comments will still keep you engaged and rooting for them.
Oh, there was also a really disconcerting musty and rotting smell as well as very little air, which meant I was dead and buried in a coffin…again. I was running out of air fast and I couldn’t see a thing, not exactly a great combination of circumstances. Fortunately I’ve been in a few of these situations before, so I know how to get out of them.
This was soooo different to The First Binding by RR Virdi. The writing was more on the nose and action based rather than the slow, purposeful, beautiful prose I adored previously. Of course, this snappy pace fit this story and the characters!
Some of the dialogue was eye-roll worthy, the inner thoughts of the protagonist cringy, yet again, if you enjoy any kind of Urban fantasy books, you will love this! - The Dresden Files - Rivers of London - Supernatural - Benedict Jacka
Like the first book, the end took another crazy twist. Admittedly, I kind of saw it coming, but I have to applaud Holloway on his absolute brashness aLike the first book, the end took another crazy twist. Admittedly, I kind of saw it coming, but I have to applaud Holloway on his absolute brashness and gall.
This time around, we have two POVs, so please don’t read on if you haven’t finished book one!
Kehlem returns to Mercy for Eva and they flee together along with Scarpi the black cat. On the run, they discover a civil war brewing - a power struggle between the empire and the monks.
Broch is free, mad, and seeking blood - travelling in the shadows to kill every last monk across the Vin empire.
Kehlem is definitely struggling with twisted guilt and shame, unable to let himself feel happy without feeling ashamed for being able to live a better life.
Guilty warmth ran through me as her words washed through my soul. I gulped them down, her words a vital panacea, my only reason to exist that wasn't born out of spite, or revenge or hatred. To love. To live. I'd loved her unspoken for so long. To hear those words from her lips, it was golden sunshine bursting through storm laden clouds.
I enjoyed seeing his relationship develop with Evan. Despite fearing for her safety, he is able to recognise that she is her own woman and deserves to be responsible for taking her own risks and making her own decisions. Sometimes in fantasy, the protagonist never lets their love get involved and is adamant about keeping them sheltered, separate, and safe.
Like I mentioned, the end takes it up another notch and brings in more world-building elements. I saw it coming from the start, but I do think this series is great for transitioning from a lighter coming of age story to a darker war-torn one.
A difficult task for anyone to undertake - a fantasy story rooted in colonialism and invaders. Even harder as a white author who wholeheartedly wants A difficult task for anyone to undertake - a fantasy story rooted in colonialism and invaders. Even harder as a white author who wholeheartedly wants to demonstrate the consequences of these violent ideologies and practices. Yet, Dublin pulls it off well. Even better in this second instalment.
"The truths in our fantasies are often greater than those we are willing to offer in plain language."
The Lost Nation had captured Kaylo, Tayen, and Nix and leverage the two against Kaylo for him to train other spirit theives. Meanwhile, Kaylo and Nix are trained as part of the recruits and are horrified by the firsts that come to life. Surely, their people should stand together against the invaders and not perpetrate inequality and suffering amongst their own?
Sometimes I forget that Tayen is fifteen years old. For all her guile and glib, she acts headstrong, bent on vengeance, mirroring Kaylo in his past.
This definitely demonstrates how easily we can become part of the system. How ignorance, purposeful or not, can exacerbate harm. Whatever disparities our characters see, they automatically want to overlook. It doesn’t affect them, so why should it matter? Of course, our characters have tender hearts and they cannot abide with this mindset for long.
"Questions only feel like attacks when you don't want to admit the truth.”
"Easy to call them sacrifices when you aren't the one suffering.”
This book explains more about the magic system and offers more truths in multiple narratives that makes both readers and characters question their previous conceptions.
Thank you to the author for sending me the book in exchange for a review!
We get a new character perspective in Laken who is starting to achieve Emperor rank - a blind human who finds himself in a new world with lofty ambitiWe get a new character perspective in Laken who is starting to achieve Emperor rank - a blind human who finds himself in a new world with lofty ambitions to protect those around him.
We also learn more about the Antinium with a certain graphic scene which was heartbreaking. It isn’t just humanity who wishes for a blissful paradise. A reward.
I wasn’t as drawn in to Erin and Ryoka this time around. Erin’s whole story felt forced in as she is away from the Inn and trying to find something else to occupy her time. Erin feels frustrated with everyone in Celum because they weren't having the sort of "fun" she perceived as correct coming from her world. She tries to put together a play and it just felt very random.
Ryoka just lost her distinct spunk I loved so much previously. She is either eager for bloodshed or scared and holding back.
I was just so bored the entire time. Nothing happened. If this book didn’t happen, I don’t think anything would be lost.
Again, the audiobook elevated the story. There is no way I would have gotten through it without the incredible narrator.
Murder, a good old dose of death, and the sale of the dead.
Caltro, our main first person perspective protagonist, arrives in the city of Araxas and isMurder, a good old dose of death, and the sale of the dead.
Caltro, our main first person perspective protagonist, arrives in the city of Araxas and is murdered, his soul bond, and sold into slavery. Nilith is dragging the ghost of her husband who she murdered across the desert to Araxas to bind his ghost.
Other perspectives include the Empress in waiting, who is trying to remove the Emperor who seems crazy; and a vile soul trader with profitable plans.
Dark, gritty, and crass. This book is filled with hopelessness, swear words, and an all encompassing bleakness that makes a slave market for ghosts seem normal.
“The part of loss that cuts the deepest is that you never know which moments are the last until they’ve already been and gone. The last meal, the last kiss and such. What hurts is how it pales to the glorious finale you might have imagined.”
The audiobook definitely enhanced the experience, with great narrators giving distinct accents and tones.
The ending felt slightly rushed and abrupt, but this is a first book in a trilogy. However, despite the unique world, I didn’t feel connected enough to the story to continue.
The start of the book was the strongest where Galley gives the very city a personality and a wretched undertone.
Your hangover cure for Legends and Lattes and Dungeon Crawler Carl, and the Wandering Inn.
Missing her brothers and dad and yearning for more than helpYour hangover cure for Legends and Lattes and Dungeon Crawler Carl, and the Wandering Inn.
Missing her brothers and dad and yearning for more than helping out at the tavern, Temerity ventures into the Dragon’s Game, a Lit RPG world come to life. Inside her bag are useful items: clothes, weapons, matches, and a house goblin, Half-pint.
The audiobook was great! The kind of thing I can picture listening to whilst cozying up to a fire. Half-pint and Temerity make a fun duo and a great team - naive young girl and an older, experienced goblin who knows how to navigate the world.
The first half was definitely more entertaining for me as we learn the world and get more quiet moments as the two explore the ‘safer’ levels. After that, it becomes more Lit RPG focused - fighting, collecting items, levelling up.
My brothers have already expressed their interest after overhearing a snippet and then the premise - LIT RPG books with funny characters are their favourites! So whilst this might not have worked well for me towards the end, I am sure this will find its audience!
P.s. the book has GORGEOUS illustrations!
Thank you to the author for providing me with the audiobook and physical book in exchange for a review!
The indie book with Throne of Glass comparisons overtaking booktok!
Apparently, this gave everyone else major Throne of Glass vibes. Apart from a few sThe indie book with Throne of Glass comparisons overtaking booktok!
Apparently, this gave everyone else major Throne of Glass vibes. Apart from a few similarities, I didn’t really see it.
Scarlett is a part of a trio of infamous assassins raised by the cold Assassin Lord dealing with some trauma in the house of a lord she is friends with. Then children begin to go missing and Scarlett is determined to track down those responsible which might mean allying with Sorin - a secretive Commander who is training her and seems to be hiding a lot.
”You think he broke you, and maybe he did. But look at what rose from those ashes. Look at the strength, at the power, at the beauty of those shadows and that darkness on your soul.”
Even though this is supposed to be a romantasy, the character work is developed a lot more than the romance, with it only becoming more prominent after 60%.
There was good banter between them, sharing secrets, sharing one horse, training montages…. Basically, it’s a troupe hotlist.
Admittedly, it’s fairly predictable. Perhaps this is why I never felt hooked or why none of the characters felt ones I could latch on to.
I couldn’t help but role my eyes at the dramatic and over-the-top angst and theatrics. It was just too much for me. Too cliched. Not to mention, Sorin barely calls her Scarlett - it is love or darling or princess.
I am gutted this didn’t work for me as I know so many people are binging through this series.
Thank you to Harper Collins for providing an arc in exchange for a review.
Expect sharp-talking swords, witty dragons, demons, godlings, clever princesses, evil Kings, fast-paced arena fights, and a sassy 12-year old.
The poweExpect sharp-talking swords, witty dragons, demons, godlings, clever princesses, evil Kings, fast-paced arena fights, and a sassy 12-year old.
The powerful godblades were believed to be lost nearly half a millennia ago, when the Godswar ended. Until Sampson Gaard, the youngest princess, blind but ambitious. However, the sword whispers evil in his mind, but tempts him with unspeakable power and the ability to see again.
In the opposing kingdom, High Commander Andovier Helm, leader of the Odinian forces, is captured and his whole family murdered. He is forced to fight in the arena until he is killed.
Aisling Brightshine is one of the few remaining godlings, able to heal and sense pain. She is sold to her worst master yet: King Gaard.
There’s a lot to wrap your head around, but I think seasoned fantasy readers should be fine. With the multi-pov, you are fed a lot of information quickly. Not to mention, there appears to be a rich history of gods wars and Rifts which keep the number of demons breaching manageable. Of course, these Rifts grow larger as our cast fight against each other and otherworldly monsters.
”What you must understand about power is that it's like a piece of fruit. It will satisfy you for a time, but then it's gone and you must get another piece of fruit. Or you can save that piece of fruit with the intention of enjoying it another time. Alas, when you return to eat the fruit, it's shriveled and rotten, suitable only for a pig's trough. No, the only way to ensure you never go without fruit is to grow your supply.”
The women were especially interesting to read about. They were not amazing warriors, yet they did not balk from what duty and opportunity demanded of them.
I was also rooting for the romance! I know, who me?!! If I were to continue the mammoth series, it would be for this.
Not 'You look beautiful, Peony noticed. 'You are beautiful, like it was something permanent and unchangeable and not only relegated to the superficial surface of her skin. Deeper, like he could see into the core of her and deemed her worthy of such a compliment.
Interestingly, the last 20%, about 200 pages, is taken up by postludes. Basically stories from the past of characters to bulk up their history without impeding on the pacing of the main story and plot.
This was an interesting approach, but I felt slightly put off by having to read this after finishing the main part of the book. Once I’ve finished the main part, I don’t want my kindle to tell me I still have an hour and a half left.
Didn't living require changing, adapting, becoming something different than the caterpillar clinging to a branch and nibbling on leaves, bursting from one's cocoon to test out the wings of a butterfly?
Overall, the action scenes were incredibly well-done and I felt there was complexities to the characters. However, it didn’t stand out and I feel like I’ve read this book in different forms already.
This is Roman-inspired fantasy, featuring gladiatorial arenas, ludi and Domiuses, and a kingdom on the verge of being broken. Whilst there is peace noThis is Roman-inspired fantasy, featuring gladiatorial arenas, ludi and Domiuses, and a kingdom on the verge of being broken. Whilst there is peace now, there are those plotting to overthrow the King and seize power—including the king’s own wife.
Zephyrus is presented as a Celestial Prophet, either the Wielder of the Harbinger, yet he remembers nothing about his past when we are introduced to him. He is captured by slavers in the Temple he received his prophecy, only to be bought by Laeden, the king’s disinherited elder son. Zephyrus is sent to join a gladiator house to see if he can unmask the conspirators.
Everything is mounting as increasing tension between different factions surrounding the Treaty of 940 demanding Celestics were enslaved, mages were executed.
”You have more control over your fate than you might think. These prophecies, they're just holes in the future, waiting to be filled. If your prophecy contains elements of each of the Three, it sounds like you are destined for greatness, regardless. But what you do with that greatness is up to you."
I went into this with exceedingly high expectations as all the reviews are raving. However, this didn’t reach the heights I hoped.
There is a myriad of perspectives which was overwhelming at the start. I do enjoy multi-perspective stories to add depth and cast a wider net of motives and sides, yet perhaps this was slightly too ambitious for book one all at once.
I also found the Celestials, the Judges, the Six Gods confusing to wrap my head around as not much background information or easing of the facts are provided. Perhaps a glossary or short appendix may have helped.
I did like the Roman-esque atmosphere and how characters must grapple with slavery, glory, and bloodlust.
Surprisingly, it was the women for felt the strongest in the story. Whether they be devious, clever, compassionate… They may not have the same standing as men, but they fight for everything they want in different ways.
”I want a love that listens. A love that sacrifices." Mother shook her head. "There's no love like that, my sweet. Only in the songs."
Overall, I think this will appeal to fans of the action and motivations of Red Rising and the themes and environment of the A Voice in the Wind.
Taly is one of the lucky humans. Taken in by a fey noble and his family, she's lived a good life, surrounded by people she loves. But an accidental brTaly is one of the lucky humans. Taken in by a fey noble and his family, she's lived a good life, surrounded by people she loves. But an accidental brush with magic has deadly consequences.
This is a slowburn romantasy adventure story with a unique, steampunk-esque setting with and an interesting magical system.
The two main characters are lovable, teasing, and definitely had chemistry, but extremely bad with communication, creating a sometimes frustrating book. It was a friends to lovers which I actually normally enjoy, but I think they were raised as siblings which ???? Also, they regularly acted like teenagers but were supposed to be in their twenties.
”Did you move? Where are you living now?” “Nowhere,” she said immediately, still refusing to look at him. “Really?” Skye exclaimed with feigned enthusiasm. He smiled when he saw her start in surprise. “What a coincidence! I love Nowhere. My family has business dealings with the Noones—lovely people, by the way—so I visit all the time. There’s this little bakery at the corner of None of Your Business and Uncomfortable, Stony Silence that sells the best pie. I really think you’d love it.”
Also, I just have to mention it - people being sleepy and falling asleep does not mean they will forget everything that is said and done….
This was free on audible and I enjoyed Taly’s voice, confidence, and banter, yet it doesn’t stand out. Not to mention, my constant frustration at their non-communication. Urgh!
This book was fun, but had a lot of plot holes and sadly I become quickly annoyed with characters making dumb choices continuously.
The World Ender is dead, and The Hand of Rashearim now walks around blindly, listening to every demand of Nismera who ruthlessly reigns over the realmThe World Ender is dead, and The Hand of Rashearim now walks around blindly, listening to every demand of Nismera who ruthlessly reigns over the realms. Only, Samkiel isn’t dead and Dianna can’t let anyone know she has brought him back from the dead. Not even Samkiel as she struggles to find the right time as he slowly heals.
There is a lot of POVs in this one which gives you such a sprawling look from so many different places and characters on both sides of ‘good’ and ‘evil’. How can you start to feel sorry for the bad guys?!!!! Nooooo!
”Since I have a pussy, they prefer queen, but we all know in our world the title of king holds more power."
Dianna is stubborn. Hard-headed. Strong-willed. She is chaos, Samkiel is order. Their souls are literally made for each other. This is the epitome of touch them and you die.
Perhaps it was truly a funny thing not to realize how broken or damaged you were until someone came along and picked up every single fractured piece and showed you how just being you was enough.
It felt like a lot happened but nothing major really did? Like nothing that seriously advanced the plot from where we were left at book two. However, whilst being a filler book to set things up, it really didn’t feel like it. Action, emotions, a lot of spice (I skipped them but there were A LOT)…
Overall, another heart-gripping romantasy from Amber! Heavy emphasis on the romance (and physicality) for this one!
Thank you to Headline for providing the arc in exchange for a review!
This is not my usual read - a spicy romantasy? Well, let me put you on your new absolutely hilariously fun and wondA demon who nicknames you Rabbit <3
This is not my usual read - a spicy romantasy? Well, let me put you on your new absolutely hilariously fun and wonderful binge! I got the audiobook arc of book 3 and fell in love. The three books work as standalones but have connections and reoccurring characters and threads throughout.
A f*cking demon attacked me last night, and the day had the audacity to shine as if nothing happened? Rude.
Spice trader Cinnamon's story begins at a village-wide party to celebrate one of their own being chosen by the goddess to defend their land against demons. She's glad to not be chosen and plans to drink and dance the night away. But then she saves Fallon, a reaaaaally hot demon, and ends up on a quest to kill an evil witch that has enslaved his people and lied to hers.
”Every scratch," he whispered, his tone gentle and comforting. "Every bruise, I will pay back in fire and blood." I blinked. "Um...that is so sweet but so unnecessary.”
The spicy scenes hit A LOT sooner than book three. I was not here for the insta-lust. I think because of this, it really dampened my enjoyment. But I can see how her writing has improved and will be listening to book 2!
Gut-punched. Heavy breathing. Aggrieved. This was waaaay darker than I expected. I would struggle to label this just a romance.
Ambitious college gradGut-punched. Heavy breathing. Aggrieved. This was waaaay darker than I expected. I would struggle to label this just a romance.
Ambitious college graduate Iris is forced to stay with Caleb, her basketball player boyfriend, because of an unexpected pregnancy. As Caleb viciously separates her from all her emotional and financial resources in violence and manipulation, Iris is isolated as she craves independence and safety for both herself and her newborn daughter. Caleb’s jealousy is only stoked by his rival, August West who has an instantaneous connection with Iris and can’t seem to understand why Iris stays with Caleb.
“Life is a constellation of decisions, connected by coincidences and deliberations, painting pictures in the heavens. During the day, when things are brightest, we don’t see the stars, but they are there. It’s only in the contrast of night, when things are darkest, that the stars shine.”
This is dual pov which shows how Iris’s persona must change according to her situation and who might be watching. It highlights that, from the outside, we never truly know what battles others are fighting. Even in picture perfect lives we see so meticulously crafted by in this Panopticon age. What really freaked me out was Caleb’s friend employed as a ‘bodyguard’ for Iris, i.e. a further layer of scrutiny and control.
I couldn’t have known that the first hit, that baptism into violence, doesn’t just sting the flesh. It startles the soul.
There was a time jump about half way through, and I think this was detrimental to the book’s progression. Suddenly, I lost the connection with Iris and we missed her growing and her relationship with her daughter. Not to mention, the poignant and deeper, meaningful emotions drawn up in the first half felt swept away by the romance and sex scenes later on.
TW: MAJOR TRIGGERS for abusive relationship, rape, gaslighting, violence from a partner, gun violence, past childhood abuse CW: pregnancy
War is always brewing somewhere, dark wizards are rising, and people are beginning to realize that the increasingly appearing humans from Earth don't War is always brewing somewhere, dark wizards are rising, and people are beginning to realize that the increasingly appearing humans from Earth don't belong here. Erin just wants to run her inn and get more visitors.
This is a lot stronger than book one!
Ryoka Griffin is such a fun pov. She is a City Runner and eventually becomes charmed by Erin despite her initial aversion to her bubbly optimism.
Even the changing of seasons to Winter has a unique twist with magical frost fairies who seem intent on causing mischief and chaos. Worse than a bush infestation as Erin doesn’t feel right to kill them.
I loved the constant Trump bashing. Inserting modernity into this portal fantasy made this all the more fun! Comparing iPhone, androids, music…. The relevance added to the quirkiness and addictiveness!
I think this is one of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to. I don’t think I could have managed this 1200+ page book if I was reading it… The 60+ hour audiobook was so fun to listen to and almost felt like watching a movie and reading a book at the same time!
Whilst this series has a lot of hype, I think it might be too repetitive for me. I absolutely adore the audio’Now get out there and KILL, KILL, KILL!’
Whilst this series has a lot of hype, I think it might be too repetitive for me. I absolutely adore the audiobook narration and the sound effects, voices, and dialogue is amazing. However, knowing that there’s six books out so Carl must survive kind of dampens any tension. Especially as I’m sure killing Princess Donut off is also a no-go.
I don’t feel like I retain anything after listening as the sequences seem very repetitive just with different ‘MPCs’.
I think this might not be the series for me. I like the plot, the building tension, romance, and friendship, however I still struggle getting behind tI think this might not be the series for me. I like the plot, the building tension, romance, and friendship, however I still struggle getting behind the whole Bonded thing.
There’s too much possessiveness and whacky things for me to fully get on board - nesting, scent, Bond rage… Especially as I know the spice is only going to increase and I have never been a huge fan of those scenes overtaking the narrative.
”That's a part of being in a Bond group. None of you want her to have the freedom to be her own person, unless you're involved in the process That's it, that's her whole life now.”
Whilst I knew going into this the series is heavily romance oriented with ‘hot’ scenes, I was experiencing major FOMO. Also, the story and writing were addicting, and I still want to know how Oli and her Bonds will grow and develop. However, my tbr is just growing longer, so I think this is a soft series dnf for now!
If you enjoyed this, I would recommend the Zodiac Academy.
I went into this hesitatingly - reverse harem, enemies-to-lovers. It really didn’t seem like the type of book I would like. However, trusted mutuals sI went into this hesitatingly - reverse harem, enemies-to-lovers. It really didn’t seem like the type of book I would like. However, trusted mutuals said they enjoyed it more than they thought they would and I needed a popcorn read. Here we are.
Oli ran away from her six Bonded which just isn’t done. Especially since her Bonded were some of the strongest figures in society. When she’s tracked down and placed under surveillance to keep her with them, she’s forced to learn to live with people who should love her but hate her in one of the best academies. Her life sucks, but the Resistance is tracking her and if she reveals her Gift or bonds to her Bonded, many would die.
I know bully romance isn’t for me and here there’s basically five and then sweet, honeyed-voiced Atlas who’s on the other side of the country and only accessible via phone. Which is monitored possessively.
It got more interesting 75% of the way in when some of her Bonds finaaaally start affording her some understanding and decency.
Oli is such a funny and sarcastic character the minimal friendships she forms are soooo endearing. This also had a really addictive writing style. Easy, witty, sure.
”You're the Bond? You look about twelve years old, are you sure you're old enough to be here?" I cross my arms over my chest. “Nope, can I leave now?"
I can’t say I regret reading this (and I’ve already read book two). It’s extremely addicting and fast-paced!
Mini spoilers: There’s an incident of sexual assault in the book with one of the Bonds and I don’t think I like how it was handled. It doesn’t matter if she orgasmed. She said no. She didn’t want to engage in it. I get that’s part of the story to add to the tension etc, but it really soured this for me. Especially the way it wasn’t really dealt with properly afterwards.
If you enjoyed this, I would recommend the Zodiac Academy.
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