An enjoyable and cosy Fae story � it’s style has been reminding me of something but I can’t for the life of me remember what I’ve read that felt just An enjoyable and cosy Fae story � it’s style has been reminding me of something but I can’t for the life of me remember what I’ve read that felt just as whimsical and enchanting. Perhaps Katherine Arden? Stephanie Garber? Maybe it was Nathaniel and Elisabeth vibes from Sorcery of Thorns, if the two were academics in a Fae-based lighthearted story?
Nevertheless, this was a very likeable story. I liked reading a story with action but no high stakes energy. I felt like I could just relax and enjoy character interactions, the exploration of the lore and Fae histories and the plot turns, but without any nerve wracking threat of anything distressing on the horizon. Sure, there’s a bad guy and there’s moments where our duo are in the lions den so to speak, but it didn’t feel like the plot’s purpose was to generate strife or have you on the edge of your seat or have you holding your breath� The plot’s purpose felt like introducing a world that is magical, with endearing characters and telling the tales of both with an air of childlike fairytale joy, which was utterly refreshing and (at least in my opinion) not often the case in many fantasy novels.
The weaker elements of the book for me: the diary entry-style of narration wasn’t for me, the romance felt a little too subtle (which will hopefully be fixed in the sequel�) and I felt characterisation beyond Emily could have been richer....more
The Stardust Thief is in my favourite books of 2022. It is easily one of the best fantasies I have read in a long, long time, and a phenomenal first iThe Stardust Thief is in my favourite books of 2022. It is easily one of the best fantasies I have read in a long, long time, and a phenomenal first instalment of a series that has me immensely excited for what’s to come. The fact it is a debut? My mind is blown. The characters, writing style, world building and overall plot were perfect. This is one of those rare gems I wish I could rate more than 5 stars. It’s perfect for fans of the Daevabad trilogy and those who seek an enthralling reimagining of tales found in One Thousand And One Nights.
Chelsea Abdullah’s writing style was very engaging and welcomes readers to cosy up and enjoy an adventure of a lifetime. I could see everything illustrated by Abdullah; it unfolded vividly in my mind like a big screen movie.
The magic system and world building were beyond enjoyable. With blades of fire, jewellery that allows shapeshifting and underwater breathing and so many more enchanted trinkets, I was truly in awe. I thoroughly enjoyed learning every facet of the setting; its backstory and present, and potential future. I fell more and more in love with the story with every sandstorm, myth and sword fight; I couldn’t put it down!
My “favourite� character kept changing throughout. The Stardust Thief is narrated by three characters; Loulie, Mazen and Aisha. Loulie is a merchant in magical relics alongside her very charming bodyguard/companion, Qadir. Mazen is a dreamer and the second born son of the Sultan, and Aisha is a renowned thief.
Each have a strong individual arc that is skilfully developed. They’re witty, resolute and a little misguided, but most of all, they’re incredibly endearing. All together? The potential is limitless. Their dialogue and dynamics were superbly established. I should mention for those who wish to know beforehand; there was little to no romance in this book. There’s chemistry between the characters, certainly, but no big romances (so far). Nevertheless, the relationships were great. I really loved Loulie and Qadir’s relationship.
It is a very rare feat for a series with multiple POVs to get me invested in every voice, but much to my surprise, I care very much about all three of our narrators. I wouldn’t object to the introduction of a certain jinn’s perspective, either. I am beyond excited to see where they go next (both individually and together).
Quite frankly, I am obsessed. In my more dramatic moods, I need the sequel almost as much as I need air. The ending!? Promising an even grander adventure?! Genuinely, I know the closing lines by heart.
Utterly captivating and rich, I feel like I’ve been up, down and around the world within these pages of complete adventure. The Stardust Thief is the kind of story that makes you look to the wider world and be full of wonder: it gives the gift of believing there is magic, full of shining possibility, just waiting to be discovered. Thank you Abdullah for writing this story; I would say The Stardust Thief is in my favourite reads ever, and I cannot wait for the sequel!
Thank you kindly to Abdullah, Orbit UK and NetGalley for an eARC of the book in exchange for an honest review....more
Every five years the goddess Dea chooses a “Finestra� to defeat the demons attempting to destroy humankind, sent by the god, Crollo, in an event knownEvery five years the goddess Dea chooses a “Finestra� to defeat the demons attempting to destroy humankind, sent by the god, Crollo, in an event known as Divorando. In order to succeed, a Finestra must find her “Fonte� who she draws power from. Alessa Paladino is in her fifth year as the risen Finestra, with Divorando on the horizon, and she does not have her Fonte match. Instead, she has inadvertently killed all three of her chosen Fontes. With those surrounding her beginning to suspect Alessa might be a false Finestra and a sign of the end of the world, Alessa must fight off attempted assassinations whilst trying to find the answer as to why she can’t keep a Fonte alive. With the help of an off-the-street-ruffian-turned-bodyguard, Alessa does not have long to avoid her enemies wrath and find answers, before Divorando arrives.
This Vicious Grace is an easily readable pageturner set in an intriguing world with likeable characters. This is the kind of story I enjoyed whilst reading it, but appreciate it more since finishing it.
Despite struggling to wrap my head around the world building at first, I really liked the world of Saverio. It explores the idea of good vs evil and the conflicts of having the fate of the world vested in one all powerful being. I particularly liked how Thiede explored the purpose, interpretation and practice of religious ideals. Do scriptures truly mean what they mean? Are they interpreted correctly? Through Alessa, the Finestra, who lives under the thumb of stringent rules that are deemed reasonable due to religious precedent, Thiede explores this dilemma.
As a result, for a good portion of the book, it was hard to know who Alessa truly was and who she was because of her role of Finestra. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this. It made her a mystery to unravel, and definitely relatable when one is trying to figure out who they actually are versus who they’ve been told to be. I could feel the pressure closing in on Alessa. I could feel the loneliness drowning her from within. I could feel her inner plea of desperation for connection to others. I was bursting with pride every time she resolved to continue the good fight.
I’m not one for spoilers, but I feel I need to state this: at Alessa’s lowest point in the book, she is encouraged by other characters to contemplate (and even commit) suicide. I personally did not find this written in too distressing of a manner, however, one size doesn’t fit all, so I felt it prudent to mention this.
What can I say about the mysterious underground fighter turned bodyguard? I *loved* Dante. I must commend Thiede for ensuring that Dante is not reduced to a powerful protagonist’s love interest. As the story goes on, it becomes clear he has his own story, with a seemingly pivotal role for the sequel. Dante is mysterious and aloof, but deep down, Alessa and I were both certain he’s a morally good sweetheart who can’t not help someone in need.
The friends-to-lovers relationship between Alessa and Dante was so satisfying. Dante is the Flynn Rider to Alessa’s Rapunzel. Just as much as I relish love triangles or starcrossed tropes, I equally adore devoted lovers, and so far, that is what Dante and Alessa are. Thiede, please I beg of you, don’t blow a hole in my ship! Also, the supporting characters definitely enriched the story, rousing intrigue and suspicion.
Undoubtedly, This Vicious Grace is one of the most exciting YA fantasy debuts of 2022. The end of the book sets up the sequel’s direction nicely, and I’m very much looking forward to where those threads take the story next. Can I have it now, please?!
Thank you kindly to Hodderscape for an eARC in exchange for this honest review.
Set in a storm-wracked city, the story follows Prince Dalca, tasked with protecting his home from the deadly storm, and Vesper Vale, the daughter of fSet in a storm-wracked city, the story follows Prince Dalca, tasked with protecting his home from the deadly storm, and Vesper Vale, the daughter of failed revolutionaries. When their paths cross, Vesper is determined to protect her family, even if it means delving into her father's experimental magic and infiltrating Prince Dalca's inner circle. The Darkening is a dark YA fantasy with morally grey characters that keep the plot twisty and lively, making it a non-stop adventure to the end.
I adored Vesper; she was so easy to root for by how courageous and bold she was. The supporting cast, particularly Iz and Casvian, were great and added layers to the story and a potential ship for the sequel. On the top of romance, it really was something else. Enemies to lovers on steroids. My blood pressure could not cope! I am quite intrigued to see how it develops in the sequel.
My only quibble was around the worldbuilding, which felt a bit confusing at times, as if the author was so familiar with the world, they forgot the readers were not and subsequently did not give enough detail and context, or put the intricacies in a simpler explanation. However, the way the author juggled multiple plot lines and planted the seeds for the sequel so seamlessly... And how action-packed the ending was to keep me on the edge of my seat... really was impressive for a debut novel....more
I really loved this. It was a whole lot of fun and entertaining. Her Majesty’s Royal Coven is like The Craft meets the magic Ministry from a certain cI really loved this. It was a whole lot of fun and entertaining. Her Majesty’s Royal Coven is like The Craft meets the magic Ministry from a certain children’s wizard and witches series (you know the one) for grown ups. The plot concerns childhood friends now full fledged adult witches facing the prospect of a prophecy - The Sullied Child - coming to pass, that would bring about Leviathan.
At the heart of this novel is the idea of identity. This is especially relevant for gender identity as the book explores both transgender ally and transphobic perspectives. As well as this, the novel looks at female identity through the lens of women’s issues, sisterhood and friendship. Between the identity politics and the plot, there is ultimately division between witches, subsequently leading to the creation of a separatist coven, Diaspora, for minorities. Also, women are stronger magic wielders with more abilities than their male Warlock counterparts, who make up coven-equivalent Cabals.
HMRC is definitely a commentary charged novel, and whilst that may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I enjoyed what Dawson has captured here. It is all sides of the “arguments� captured in the framework of magical/fantastical conflict, which I hope encourages positive discourse and reflection for readers.
I really liked the group of Niamh, Leonie, Elle and Helena. As the plot unfolded it was palpable how the dynamic between all of them shifted. Similarly, seeing the set-up of their descendants dynamic was also enjoyable. It really bleeds into the question of whether history is doomed to repeat itself. And on the point of history, I liked the foreboding atmosphere that past wars/conflicts had for the core characters, as it layered the story with a sense of haunting that really embellished the mounting tension between the witches and the supposed prophecy.
What I will say about HMRC is it felt like an introductory novel, which makes sense, as it is the first instalment of a trilogy. Nevertheless I felt a lot of the scenes were constrained, as if the author didn’t want to give too much away too soon, which did leave me not just wanting more to come, but with a sense of wanting more from this specific instalment. As such, the book sets up the sequel nicely and I look forward to returning to these characters and the ongoing story in The Shadow Cabinet�...more
Only A Monster follows Joan, a teenage girl who is from a family of monsters, thrown into a brand-new world of monster families rivalries, newfound enOnly A Monster follows Joan, a teenage girl who is from a family of monsters, thrown into a brand-new world of monster families rivalries, newfound enemies, guttering betrayals and a journey of self discovery that promises her life will never be the same again.
This was a rollercoaster experience! It’s a fast paced YA debut packed with time travel, mysterious magic, an ominous overlord that gate keeps time and star-crossed lovers.
My favourite thing about Only A Monster was the juxtaposition of, just maybe, it can be monsters who are good of heart, and the heroes of our beloved tales being a villain in disguise. It makes you question what makes someone a hero and what makes someone a villain. The story has so much going on, it feels high-stakes, it feels exhilarating yet remains a light read with good humour throughout.
And the romance! I don’t know who I’m supporting for endgame. We definitely have a team Nick and team Aaron situation here. On one hand there is the starcrossed lovers, and on the other hand, there’s the delightfully sarcastic but a true soft boy, who definitely appears to habour deeper feelings for Joan. I can’t wait to see how everybody else reacts to this possible triangle� Either way, it’ll be fun to see how it all works out.
Towards the end, it reminded me of Lauren Kate’s Fallen series, which I don’t want to expand on for fear of spoilers, but there’s a good chance fans of that series will like this. All in all, Only A Monster is a fun debut and the world Vanessa Len has created is exciting - I can’t wait to learn more in the sequel!
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
Daughter of the Moon Goddess weaves a smart and enchanting retelling of beloved Chinese mythology from a debut author! We follow the journey of a younDaughter of the Moon Goddess weaves a smart and enchanting retelling of beloved Chinese mythology from a debut author! We follow the journey of a young immortal girl, Xingyin, trying to find a way to one day return home and reunite with her mother, Chang’e (the Moon Goddess), on the moon. In the meantime, Xingyin navigates both the beauty and the cruelty of the Celestial Kingdom; where she contends with surviving in a place where status is revered, experiencing first love, figuring out her sense of purpose and fighting forces who threaten the peace and freedom of the entire kingdom.
Between the setting and the author’s prose, then both the UK cover and the US cover, I can only describe this book as beautiful. It is an enchanting otherworldly experience where immortals are transported through moving clouds, there’s a rainbow of different coloured dragons, a realm of demons and at the heart of it all, a girl who is discovering herself and who she wants to be. She also comes to possess a magic bow that enables her to wield and fire flaming arrows� It’s pure magic and adventure.
Admittedly for a good portion of the book, it felt the book was overly long and I couldn’t see why this was marketed as adult fantasy, as it felt akin to reading many young adult fantasies, especially with some predictable elements. I’d definitely describe Daughter of the Moon Goddess as being on the lighter end of adult fantasy, which I ended up cherishing, as it’s one of those stories you can escape to where your heart won’t implode with pain.
But dragon’s pearl will your heart feel a whole range of emotions! The cast of characters were exceptional; the core characters quickly took root in my heart, and those who were meant to make my blood boil, certainly did. Xingyin is easy to love even when she’s being naive, Liwei is someone you want to simultaneously hug and throttle (just maybe the want to hug prevails, though) and days after finishing the book, I still can’t decide whether I want to kiss or kill Wenzhi. The love triangle this book pulled off?? I honestly didn’t think I was heavily invested, and then BOOM, the book was coming to a close and I was whining “no, no, no please don’t end here! Not like this!� Daughter of the Moon Goddess has one of the most delectably crafted love triangles I’ve read in a while.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess is packed to the brim with twists and turns in a vividly painted world. For a debut book, Sue Lynn Tan has assured she is a powerhouse talent and that the sequel, Heart of the Sun Warrior, will be worth the wait. I’ve already marked my calendar to see how this wondrous story ends!
Thank you kindly to the publishers for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for this honest review.
Babel is a story but a learning exercise. If you enjoy history lessons and contemplating the philosophical roots of concepts, words and even morality,Babel is a story but a learning exercise. If you enjoy history lessons and contemplating the philosophical roots of concepts, words and even morality, this will exhilarate you as much as it exhausts you. It will make you uncomfortable yet equally curious.
In a rudimentary summary, Babel explores a fictionalised and learned insight into the historical period whereby the British Empire traded with China by means of sending silver whilst receiving goods like tea and porcelain. This trade arrangement meant Britain did not have an equal (or at the very least a satisfactory) trade-arrangement with China, and as a result, this led to the Empire pushing the legal-then-illegal opium market as a means of having some foothold on China’s trade and economy.
This foundation is then imagined in the context of fantasy, by making match-paired words from different languages, magical. These words can be put upon the silver bars to create more powerful magic, thereby partly propelling Britain to be the powerhouse it is.
My only regrets for Babel are its dry-at-times nature and the lack of depth to the novel’s characters. Whilst we follow the main character, Robin Swift, metamorphosising from a fraying student to evaporating his ignorance of his academic institution’s exploitation of its students, beyond him, the characters are mere vessels to impart knowledge and convey the rather slow-paced story. And as a result of how much source-like information is within this novel, it does feel like academic material, rather than a passionate story. Consequently, it is a well-earned addition to the beloved dark academia genre. The characters represent the studious life of university, where the pursuit of knowledge is life’s purpose. They represent the aesthetic of sleep deprivation, self doubt, and the short-lived gratification of achievement before the next matter of study arises. Alas, that is all we really get of the students, with little-but-not-enough personalised insights per interludes.
One thing guaranteed with reading any of Kuang’s books - The Poppy War trilogy, Yellowface - you will read exquisite writing whilst learning something (or two). Babel has made its mark on both my mind and heart for its appreciation of how important languages and the written word are for all; in the past, present and future.
Babel, put simply, is a triumph of fictionalised British history whilst thoroughly exploring the essence of languages. It is a compelling portrayal of how Britain became the empire it was by exploiting and absorbing other world players, with an injection of magic and fantasy. The author also captures the existential identity struggle for those who are not physically in their homeland with native languages, but are in spirit. Colonialism, racism, exploitation, rebellion, power, justice and morality are prevalent themes, housed within the story that embodies the deliciously rich genre of Dark Academia. Robin’s story of being caught between the life he had no choice in leading or standing by his homeland and people, was truly heart wrenching. The inclusion and focus on collective bargaining - which in the year 2022-2023 in the United Kingdom has felt like it’s been an almost daily event - is not just interesting but exceptionally monumental in such necessary advocacy.
And so, Babel is rich in its prose and vast in its commentary, and is undoubtedly a read that will get bookworms chatting. A great book for a group to discuss or for readers with an appetite for a retelling of history in its own unique and fantastical way to dive into. It truly is a near flawless masterpiece that is worth investing one’s time and patience in....more
Abriella “Brie� Kincaid and her younger sister Jasalyn live in the rotten quarters of their wicked aunt and cousins home, for a costly monthly fee andAbriella “Brie� Kincaid and her younger sister Jasalyn live in the rotten quarters of their wicked aunt and cousins home, for a costly monthly fee and where they do all of the household chores. When Brie’s aunt sells Jasalyn to the Unseelie Court’s self-proclaimed King to make up for a late payment, Abriella is distraught. However, the very same night, the portal between the Fae realm and mortal realm is open, because the Queen of the Seelie Court is holding a ball to find a bride match for her heir. Brie decides to crash this party to find a way to save her sister. What transpires is a treacherous adventure full of revelations and challenges that will change everything for Brie and both the Fae courts.
UHHH� that??? Ending?? Is the author or Hodder & Stoughton going to pay for my therapy? Because I’m obsessed with this story. I read it within 24 hours yet I still think about it MONTHS later� it literally haunts me in the night.
These Hollow Vows played so many mind games to the point I never knew who or what to believe. It is a deliciously deceptive introduction into what I can only call an addictive first in series that promises an exciting and dangerous fuelled horizon.
Brie is a mostly likeable heroine. From the story’s opening you know Brie’s gutsy and committed, through a similar parallel to ACOTAR’s Feyre hunting in the woods to survive, but for Brie, it’s more of a Six of Crows vibe, as she steals from a high security vault to survive instead. Brie’s underdog appeal carries on throughout the story but admittedly she does become rather infuriating. Brie acted in ways contrary to what she knew would be in her best interests as a human in a Fae world, and more or less completely disregarded her own self preservation. Because of this, she made me groan and resist the urge to throw my kindle across the room� all the while still rooting for her. Where Brie starts out is completely different from where she is by the end of the book. The book’s events change everything for her and it equally thrilled and pained me.
Arguably the biggest part of the book is its tantalising love triangle. I loved it but by gosh did it hurt - which shows it was done well enough to pack such impact. The romance was delightfully saucy and irresistible. Honestly the steam factor was nearly off the charts. I was flipping the pages and sniffling thinking “What does a mere mortal girl like me have to do to have two Faes fawn over her?!�
I kept thinking about that song “torn between two lovers� when it came to the boys� On the one hand you have Sebastian, who is the cute boy next door who Brie’s known for two years, yet you can’t shake it feels too good to be true. Then there’s Finnian, who is moody, cold, aloof and extremely secretive, so much so common sense would tell you to avoid him like the plague. Yet he comes across as the mysterious bad boy you want to know more about and can’t help but rise to the vibes he exudes.
I think the author was very clever in how she fed into both romances to create the triangle. She played my heart like a fiddle and for the entirety of the book had me undecided on where my head and heart lay, until the very last page. The love triangle will undoubtedly continue in the sequel and� *squeals* I CANT WAIT. It’s as much my guilty pleasure as Love Island is!! However, I do wish it had been more explicit - sorry not sorry - no half measures here *blushes and hides face*
As much as it left me in pain, because it was such fun, I’d likely reread it. In short I was in my element. I was beyond invested in the characters and plot turns, especially with its easy YA style readability and great pace. The entire book is an enjoyable blend of romance and fantasy: it’s action packed, underpinned by subtle politics and the heart pounding romance. I’m curious to discover more and hopefully see a greater development of the world building in These Twisted Bonds. I hope to see more of the politics of the seelie and unseelie courts, their different and similar magics, their histories and the people involved. All of this has made me insatiable for the rest of this series.
These Hollow Vows is the newest Fae obsession and I know I won’t be alone. It gives so many questions, so many feelings, so much to theorise and agonise over, and the ending guarantees the sequel is a must read. I can’t wait for the inevitable fandom of this series to take off so I can feed my obsession even more� Until then, quoting the magnificent Jane Austen, I will be half agony, half hope, tortured over what the sequel will deliver, and quite literally count down the days until its release.
Thank you super super super mega amounts to Hodder & Stoughton, @readeatretreat and Netgalley for giving me an e-ARC in exchange for this honest review.
”Never apologize for loving someone. Even when it hurts. Especially when it hurts.�
Kiva Meridan has been incarcerated in Zalindov prison for more than”Never apologize for loving someone. Even when it hurts. Especially when it hurts.�
Kiva Meridan has been incarcerated in Zalindov prison for more than ten years, and as the resident prison healer, she examines and brands every new prisoner. Enter the renowned Rebel Queen who’s to face elemental trials to determine her guilt or innocence. However, the Queen is barely clinging to life, rarely wakes and is in no fit state to compete. After being threatened by a fellow prisoner and considering her sworn oath as a healer to help their patients, Kiva volunteers to take the Queen’s place. Kiva must face the life threatening trials to win the Queen’s freedom, as well as her own. With action, drama and a loveable cast of characters, The Prison Healer is the first novel in a new YA series that’s sure to take the book world by storm.
My heart is singing! I LOVED THIS BOOK!This is everything you want when you pick up a YA fantasy. The writing was engaging, the pace was quick, the story was eventful and jam packed with action. It was absolutely incredible. And unforgettable. I find it rare for a first in series to capture an equal balance of plot, characters, world building etc., but I feel Lynette Noni achieved that.
I really enjoyed the setting of the story; the hexagonal Zalindov prison. Noni illustrates there’s constant monitoring by guards, overcrowded halls and tensions stirring between inmates, hard labour and lack of privacy in the quarters and bathrooms. The effectiveness of Noni’s imagery made me feel restrictive as though I was one of the prisoners. Equally so it also made me feel lively and adrenaline fuelled when Kiva was facing her elemental trials.
These characters! It felt like the found family trope. There’s Kiva the prison healer, her best friend Tipp, newer prisoner Jaren, kindhearted prison guard Naari and older rogue Mot. Together they make a team of misfits and I loved their interactions and dialogue. One minute I was laughing so hard and the next wanted them to group hug! They were a joy to read and although the story unfolds through Kiva’s narration, it felt like the story was all of theirs too.
But here’s the really interesting bit... I felt like I knew the characters yet knew nothing by the end. Noni has essentially pulled a “You Know Nothing Guiless Bookworm aka Jon Snow� style. There’s clearly so much more to learn with the characters, which to me, shows excellent promise for the story’s progression. Every reasoning and motivation for all of the characters is clear by the end of the book and all of their histories and subplots were woven in extremely well.
I also want to take a moment to appreciate the thankless nature of Kiva’s prison healer job. In many ways, I think this should give people insight into how medical professionals feel; helpless, exhausted, run off their feet. I don’t know if that message was intended or not, but it is one that comes through loud and clear for this reader, and I applaud it tenfold.
I am SO excited for the romance!! It’s safe to say the fundamentals of the romance have been beautifully set and I really think we’re in for quite an experience. Noni has me right where she wants me and I beg her not to crush my heart and my precious ship.
The climax was savage! It was savagely entertaining, heart wrenching, utterly twisty. I experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. There’s so many questions and my mind is still running wild about what the sequel will deliver. I don’t just want to know more - I need to know more! It’s already crystal clear these questions will thread the first instalment and sequel really well. In fact, I’d say the potential this series now has is limitless at the end of this book.
All in all, although I felt some bits were predictable, it hasn’t in the slightest lessened how hyped, excited and pumped I am for this series. I’d go so far as to say Lynette Noni has started a story that really makes this series a contender for the best new series in YA for the next few years. There’s an energy and vibrancy to it that blew me away and I simply want more. The stage is set and I want nothing less than a front row seat to the sequel. I would reread this and will recommend it until I run out of breath. I officially have my new YA obsession!...more
I can proudly declare I’ve found one of my favourite reads of 2021, if not my absolute favourite! I adored this book and cannot sing its praises highlI can proudly declare I’ve found one of my favourite reads of 2021, if not my absolute favourite! I adored this book and cannot sing its praises highly enough.
When Princess Shiori flees the public announcement of her arranged marriage, and almost drowns in the process, she ends up discovering a world of magic and myth beyond what she could have ever dreamed, with dragons� and a dark sorceress for a stepmother. To silence Shiori and her brothers, their stepmother curses them: Shiori can no longer speak and is made unrecognisable, while her brothers are transformed into cranes, and all are banished far away. The siblings must overcome the challenges their curses present to free themselves, their father and the kingdom, since with the heirs to the throne gone, opportunistic rebels threaten to attack and darkness vies to be unleashed.
”Find the light that makes your lantern shine.�
Six Crimson Cranes is a full bodied tale with an enchanting mystery, lovable characters, multiple antagonists and truly wonderful world building. I was completely swept up and away until the very end, and even then, the temptation to start all over again was remarkable.
The world building was flawless and incredibly immersive. From dragons and demons, to curses and sorcery, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to discover more and seize the feeling of magic-made-real that this tale evoked. Lim weaves everything in such vivid and lyrical yet comforting prose, which I found similar to Laini Taylor’s style. I truly felt like I journeyed across the land of Kiata to each provenance ventured. It was such a joy to envision wintry landscapes, beautiful gardens, and the lively celebrations and finery worn, then a furious dragon giving chase across the sea. All of this coupled with the burning questions of how Shiori and her brothers were going to break their curses, and what their stepmother was up to, made this unputdownable.
The characters were fun and so easy to love, and equally so, teeth grindingly loathsome where appropriate. We essentially follow Shiori’s fall from grace, where she’s the only girl of her siblings, and subsequently the only princess, and as a result, had a privileged and beloved upbringing. This turns on its head when people no longer know who she is and she has to survive like anyone else. It was rough to see Shiori brought so low, at times it felt too much by how grim it all felt, but Lim pulled it back before it became too off putting. I loved that Shiori never entirely surrendered her gentle nature and kindness in spite of everything she faced.
Alongside Shiori, we have her sidekick, Kiki, an enchanted paperbird, who was supportive, humorous and courageous. Gosh how I loved Kiki. Then there’s Seryu, a charmingly cheeky water dragon. His character so reminded me of Drax from Guardians of the Galaxy but more energetic. I was actually a little disappointed by how small of an appearance he made as he was so interesting, but it looks likely he’s going to play a larger role in future sequels. On the point of little appearance, this was the same for Shiori’s brothers, as they spend the majority of the book separated from Shiori as cranes.
The romance! Six Crimson Cranes has a friends to budding romance set up, that was so sweet and pure, I’ll be distraught if Shiori and Takkan aren’t together and married by the sequel’s end.
Oh my gosh how badly do I want the sequel now! The book ends with enough questions answered to leave you satisfied, all the while laying the foundation of the next chapter in this world. In other words, there aren’t any large unresolved questions, but there’s enough crumbs to make you curious for more.
All in all Six Crimson Cranes was charming and unadulterated escapism that provided much appreciated respite from the wider world, partly from the wondrous world illustrated and partly from how delightful Lim’s writing was. It’s took a piece of my heart as one of the best YA fantasies of its kind. I’ll happily reread this again and genuinely can’t wait for others to experience this beauty of a book. I have a feeling people who enjoyed Raya and the Last Dragon will enjoy this too. I’ve preordered my signed copy!
Thank you kindly to Hodder & Stoughton for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for this honest review....more
In a bid to save her first love (maybe even her true love) from marrying someone she believes to have cursed him, Evangeline Fox prays to the tricksteIn a bid to save her first love (maybe even her true love) from marrying someone she believes to have cursed him, Evangeline Fox prays to the trickster of fates, the Prince of Hearts, to stop the wedding mere minutes before it’s to take place. Jacks is more than happy to oblige Evangeline, who ultimately gets more than what she bargained for, becoming famous, selected as an emissary of the Empress of Valenda and setting sail to a whole other Kingdom. Evangeline doesn’t know whether she’s got the best or worst of fortunes, but what becomes clear, is the Prince of Hearts has her right where he wants her. Once Upon A Broken Heart spins a tale of untangling a web of secrets, hidden agendas and long buried magic, so that the world as Evangeline knew it, will never be the same again.
I must stress from the offset, I personally found OUABH required reading the Caraval series first. There are umpteen spoilers for the series within, and a lot of context in OUABH is richer by knowing the events of Caraval, particularly Finale, with the likes of the fates and Jacks� recent heartbreak. So I’ll repeat: read the Caraval books first!
Once Upon A Broken Heart follows the perspective of Evangeline, who is an interesting protagonist, toeing the line of being both a little bit good and a little bad throughout, which completely reeled me in. One minute she annoyed by doing things she knew to be morally wrong, but then she equally felt guilty and cared about the consequences. But most of all she was endlessly hopeful, which won me over again and again. In fact, I’d say Evangeline was like a blend of Caraval’s Tella and Scarlett. She has the hopefulness of Scarlett then the recklessness and charm of Tella.
Then there’s the wicked Fate at the heart of the story. Unfortunately, we don’t follow Jacks perspective, which I really hope changes in the sequel, but I really loved what Garber has done with him here. Jacks was his usual mischievous self, who never shows his hand and does his best to resist his inner soft side that longs for his true love, especially with his recent heartbreak. It was great to be reunited with him. Plus I LOVED his makeover! No spoilers, but gosh I can’t wait to see his fanart.
I could cheerlead about the supporting characters ALLLL DAY. They were awesome! There are newcomers in the form of Evangeline’s cold stepmother and meek cousin, then the cocky Prince Apollo and some as yet unencountered Fates like the Unwed Bride and Chaos, all the while having brief cameos from Scarlett, Tella and Poison. It’s super impressive how well balanced and developed the new characters were; they have their own stories that appeal just as much as Evangeline and Jacks�, and I’m invested in the answers to them just as much as the main story.
Evangeline and Jacks as a couple is beyond visually pleasing. I’m just itching to see all the fanart that’s going to come in the coming months. Seeing them grow on each other, finding commonality in the pain of previous lost loves, and then their banter and humour, was a joy to read. Garber definitely captured that exciting buzz that blossoming friendships to maybe-something-more *oh so well*. I’ve got the fuzzies people!
The plot was always moving with a lot of strands interwoven well to tie together by the end. It’s my favourite kind of whirlwind, whimsical escapism. I did feel it was not quite as fairground fun as Caraval (as it’s obviously not set in a game) but it still has Garber’s all in all comforting and fairytale style. There’s curses, spells, potions, sparkly castles and people being turned to stone. It was dazzling and beautifully written. Additionally, I really enjoyed the atmosphere of mystery and intrigue throughout the book; too many times I found myself battling with my instincts telling me to believe or not to believe something, yet I still found myself pricking my finger on the spindle wheel, because I still had hope against all better judgement it would turn out rosy.
We are left with a cliffhanger but it’s not the most agonising of ones (thank you, Stephanie!!) instead I’m left excited theorising where the story goes next. There are questions of where characters stand, where characters have went, what mysterious magic is still to be discovered and how that’ll effect Valenda. There’s certainly a lot of doors � arches *wink wink, see what I did there?* - to go through and explore for the sequel.
Once Upon A Broken Heart is an incredibly fun and exciting expansion of Caraval’s world. I couldn’t put it down; I loved the story, the characters, Garber’s lyrical writing and I’m excited, curious and bouncy for more. I can already feel the sequel will be so much fun. I can’t wait to get my hands on a hardback copy! The cover has done the story true justice, well done Hodderscape!
Thank you kindly to Hodder & Stoughton, @readeatretreat and Netgalley for an e-ARC of this book in exchange for this honest review.
NEW STEPHANIE GARBER BOOK! CARAVAL SPIN OFF! I can’t wait I can’t wait *now out of breath*
We’ll finally get to know what’s happened with Jacks. New pesky deals with the devious Fate Prince by new character, Evangeline Fox. I really can’t wait. 2021 just got a whole lot better!! ...more
AHHHH SO GOOD SO GOOD! This did not disappoint. Great pacing, great roman”I believe I’m powerful, therefore I am.�
*throws arms in the air and squeals*
AHHHH SO GOOD SO GOOD! This did not disappoint. Great pacing, great romance, great introductory world building and so on, it was just perfection!
Kingdom of the Wicked is a good introductory-first-in-series novel that lets you get to know the characters concerned, establishes the world building and magic system, the backstories and legends, all alongside the initial plot that drops the breadcrumbs for the next instalment.
I thoroughly loved what Maniscalco has done with the seven deadly sins. They’ve had life and character breathed into them in an entertaining way that is so readable and left me with a deep urge to talk about the book with everyone and anyone. It’s so full of potential. And Emilia, the story’s protagonist, is likeable and easy to empathise with as she deals with the grief of her sister’s death and the plot developments.
I found the momentum of the story really good. My attention never wavered from all the excitement, and most chapters finished off with baiting sentences that made it extremely difficult to put the book down. Similarly, the ending of the book left me with a dreadful yearning for the sequel that won’t be appeased until I have it!
”If my enemies wanted to create doubt in me, I’d believe in my own abilities even more. Even if I had to fake it until it felt real.�
And oooooh the romance. It’s in its early stages but my sinners it was sizzlingly good. Maniscalco has wrote a dynamic between Emilia and Wrath that’s great chemistry and irresistible to root for. Their relationship is full of potential promise and excitement that I’m 1-trillion-percent already invested in heart and soul.
My only quibble with the entire book is I thought the mystery element was very obvious. For me, Maniscalco has the challenge of making the outcome of her mysteries not predictable, as I had this experience with Stalking Jack the Ripper series as well. But quite frankly, it didn’t really detract from the enjoyment of the story other than I wasn’t surprised by the end.
I’m excited yet equally terrified about where this story may go. Some would say that’s a good sign of a good book. I’m already planning on rereading this gem because it was so enjoyable. Definitely recommend it!
Thank you kindly to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
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