Book Review: The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

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The Spellshop

 by Sarah Beth Durst

“I read and I forget anything else exists. And I don’t forgive anyone who isn’t careful with books. I hate people who tear out pages, who bend corners, who break the spines.” 

- Sarah Beth Durst, The Spellshop

Published: July 9, 2024 by Bramble

Genres: Fantasy/ Romance/ Cozy Mystery/ Fiction/ Adult/ Magic/ Romantasy/ Fantasy Romance/ Mystery

This book was purchased with my own money. There was no expectation to assign it a specific rating. I maintain complete impartiality.

Summary from the publisher: 

Kiela has always had trouble dealing with people. Thankfully, as a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium, she and her assistant, Caz―a magically sentient spider plant―have spent the last decade sequestered among the empire’s most precious spellbooks, preserving their magic for the city’s elite.

When a revolution begins and the library goes up in flames, she and Caz flee with all the spellbooks they can carry and head to a remote island Kiela never thought she’d see again: her childhood home. Taking refuge there, Kiela discovers, much to her dismay, a nosy―and very handsome―neighbor who can’t take a hint and keeps showing up day after day to make sure she’s fed and to help fix up her new home.

In need of income, Kiela identifies something that even the bakery in town doesn’t have: jam. With the help of an old recipe book her parents left her and a bit of illegal magic, her cottage garden is soon covered in ripe berries.

But magic can do more than make life a little sweeter, so Kiela risks the consequences of using unsanctioned spells and opens the island’s first-ever and much needed secret spellshop.

Like a Hallmark rom-com full of mythical creatures and fueled by cinnamon rolls and magic, The Spellshop will heal your heart and feed your soul.

My Thoughts:

I won't lie to you, I picked this book up 100% because the book is beautiful, and I wanted to live in the cottage on the front cover. From the start, I was immediately in love with Caz, and to the end, he was my favorite character. 

Sarah Beth Durst crafts a whimsical tale that blends magic and self discovery against the vibrant backdrop of a unique island. Magic is only accessible to the rich and powerful, but a rebellion has taken over and Kiela is forced to flee the city with her assistant Caz. They save as many books from the library as they can and sail to the island that she grew up on. Once she arrives she is set on living alone with help from no one, until Larran shows up and derails her plans. With the help of the magic books she saved from the fire at the library, she starts a jam shop and helps the island recover from magic storms while makes a few friends along the way. 

What I liked:

The island and its inhabitants are phenomenal. They have winged cats, need I say more? I loved the small-town atmosphere, the cozy cottage, and Kiela's gradual journey toward trusting others. It added so much warmth to the story. Caz the sentient spider plant provided endless smiles. I loved him. 

What I didn't like: Kiela was hard to like. She starts out grumpy, short-sighted, and downright annoying. The abrupt turn that her character takes to be the savior of the town and friend of everyone was a little jarring. Poor Larran, we don't even get a real description of him except that he is huge. The magical creatures are described in detail as well as the island and we get nothing on the love interest. 

All in all, it was a wholesome ( no spice at all)  and cozy read that I enjoyed immensely. 

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ready to read The Spell Shop? Shop now on Amazon!

Book Review: Nightbane by Alex Aster

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 Nightbane by Alex Aster

“𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑚𝑒, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑔𝑜 𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑒𝑔 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑚 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑒𝑡 𝑚𝑒 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝 𝑦𝑜𝑢. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑦 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒… 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑤, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡. ”
― Alex Aster, Nightbane

Series: Lightlark (2)

Published: November 7, 2023 by Harry N. Abrams

Genres: Fantasy// Romance// Fantasy Romance// New Adult// Young Adult// Fiction

This book was purchased with my own money. There was no expectation to assign it a specific rating. I maintain complete impartiality.

Summary from the publisher:

Isla Crown has secured the love of two powerful rulers and broken the curses that plagued the six realms for centuries, but few know the true origins of her powers. Now, in the wake of a crushing betrayal, Isla finds herself hungry for distraction, preferring to frequent Lightlark’s seductive haunts instead of embracing her duties as the newly crowned leader of two separate realms. Worse, her fellow rulers haven’t ceded victory quietly, and there are others in Isla’s midst who don’t believe her ascent to power was earned. As certain death races toward Lightlark and secrets from the past begin to unravel, Isla must weigh her responsibility to her people against the whims of the most dangerous traitor of all: her heart.

Alex Aster’s intricate world expands after the riveting culmination of the Centennial games, delving more deeply into Isla’s memories of her past, as her future hurtles toward two possible fates

My Thoughts:

My anticipation for this book was sky-high. Having adored Lightlark, the first installment in this series, I was eager to witness the further adventures of Isla, Grim, and Oro. However, this book fell short of my expectations. 

What I liked: The ending of Lightlark has Isla off balance and unsure of herself once again. We see her struggle to understand her new power and get to know her people. Her growth through the book and then her determination to be a great leader keep me rooting for her. I love her will and tenacity. The ending was a surprise, and I did not see it coming.

What I didn't like: I struggled to stay engaged. I almost DNF. Much of it had to do with the time jumps back and forth and, if I am honest, Oro. I am not a fan of Oro at all. He feels flat to me. The "before" chapters were the only ones that held my interest, and it's the only time we see Grim besides the end. I felt no connection with the new characters that were introduced, they felt rushed and really served little purpose. 

 While I may not be enthusiastic about revisiting Nightbane, I am still intrigued enough to consider reading the third book. My main motivation would be to see if Isla and Grim are endgame. I will probably reread Lightlark and then go straight to Book 3 once it is released.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Ready to read Nightbane? Purchase on Amazon.

Book Review: A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer Armentrout

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 A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer Armentrout

“But I was once told that the best relationships are the ones where passions run high.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire

“Apparently, she already stabbed him once,” Jasper informed the Guardian. “In the heart.” Nova looked at me. “And she cut me earlier tonight. Threw a knife right at my face another time,” Casteel ticked off his fingers. “Then this one time, in the woods, she—” “No one wants to hear about how many times I’ve made you bleed,” I snapped. “I do,” Jasper remarked. Emil raised his hand. “So do I.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire

Series: From Blood and Ash (2)

Published: September 1, 2020 by Blue Box Press

Genres: Fantasy// Romance// Fantasy Romance// New Adult// Young Adult// Fiction

This book was borrowed from the library with no expectation to assign it a specific rating. I maintain complete impartiality.

Summary From The Publisher:

A Betrayal...

Everything Poppy has ever believed in is a lie, including the man she was falling in love with. Thrust among those who see her as a symbol of a monstrous kingdom, she barely knows who she is without the veil of the Maiden. But what she does know is that nothing is as dangerous to her as him. The Dark One. The Prince of Atlantia. He wants her to fight him, and that’s one order she’s more than happy to obey. He may have taken her, but he will never have her.

A Choice...

Casteel Da’Neer is known by many names and many faces. His lies are as seductive as his touch. His truths as sensual as his bite. Poppy knows better than to trust him. He needs her alive, healthy, and whole to achieve his goals. But he’s the only way for her to get what she wants—to find her brother Ian and see for herself if he has become a soulless Ascended. Working with Casteel instead of against him presents its own risks. He still tempts her with every breath, offering up all she’s ever wanted. Casteel has plans for her. Ones that could expose her to unimaginable pleasure and unfathomable pain. Plans that will force her to look beyond everything she thought she knew about herself—about him. Plans that could bind their lives together in unexpected ways that neither kingdom is prepared for. And she’s far too reckless, too hungry, to resist the temptation.

A Secret...

But unrest has grown in Atlantia as they await the return of their Prince. Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. The King wants to use her to send a message. The Descenters want her dead. The wolven are growing more unpredictable. And as her abilities to feel pain and emotion begin to grow and strengthen, the Atlantians start to fear her. Dark secrets are at play, ones steeped in the blood-drenched sins of two kingdoms that would do anything to keep the truth hidden. But when the earth begins to shake, and the skies start to bleed, it may already be too late.

My Thoughts: 🕮

    Be still my heart! This book has all the things! Ultra badass protagonist, excellent secondary characters (looking at you, Kieran), a fascinating world, and a magnetic toe-curling romance. What more could you ask for? I was smiling one minute and spilling tears the next. The banter between characters is *chef's kiss*.  The dialogue is masterfully done and makes you believe these characters are real.  

    In AKFF, we have action, world-building, and steamy romance. The romance between these two is everything. The steam was practically coming off the page. Their actions spoke louder than their words, and I loved it. There were laughs, tears, anger, and surprise throughout this wonderfully written story. We see Poppy face obstacles, hungry creatures, brutality, betrayal, love, warmth, growth, and new truths. I've said it once and will say it again, Armentrout is a great storyteller. She has crafted a fantastic world that I love to get lost in. 

Let's talk characters!

Hawke—this man has my heart. He is intense and soft-hearted, and his protectiveness of Poppy... yum. 

SPOILERS FOR FROM BLOOD AND ASH

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Poppy's world has been turned upside down. Everything she knew was a lie, and watching her come to terms with everything has broken my heart and then fused it back together. Her tendency to stab things leaves a smile plastered on my face. 

Kieran, Kieran, Kieran. He is my favorite secondary character EVER. The grief he gives Poppy is fantastic, and then his giant teddy bear self turns around and points her in the right direction. 

The Not So Good:

The pacing was slow in the middle of the book. If some of the middle had been left out, it would have helped not hurt the story. However, the last 100 pages are fire!

 

Final Thoughts:

I loved this book. The story is amazing, and I love all the characters. If you like spicy, addictive fantasy, this may be the book for you. 

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ready to read it? Get it on Amazon.

Book Review: From Blood and Ash by Jennifer Armentrout

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   From Blood and Ash by Jennifer Armentrout 

“You’re an absolutely stunning, murderous little creature.”

— Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood and Ash

Published: September 21, 2021by Simon & Schuster

Genres: Fantasy// Romance

This book was borrowed from the library with no expectation to assign it a specific rating. I maintain complete impartiality.

Summary From The Publisher:

A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

My Thoughts:

    From Blood and Ash was simply magnificent. I devoured this book in two days, I could not put it down.   When I  reached the last page, a pang of sadness hit me – I simply wasn't ready for it to end.  The story unfolded beautifully, Armentrout, did a phenomenal job setting everything up so you can close your eyes and see yourself there without any difficulty.  

    For me, the highlight of the story is the romantic sublot. The dynamic between Poppy and Hawke is flawless. I love their witty banter, as well as Hawke's teasing of Poppy. Their attraction is obvious from the start, but their romance takes its sweet time and you can't help but wonder if they will finally get together. The ending leaves you wanting more, but in the best way possible.

   The pacing is perfect, it never felt like the story was dragging along. Moments of calm between action-packed sequences allow for a breather, enhancing the overall reading experience.

    The characters are another highlight, both primary and secondary. Poppy and Hawke are carefully developed, we learn enough about their histories and inner conflicts to form a connection with them. They felt truly life like and I was completely invested in their well-being.  Supporting characters complement the protagonists without overshadowing them, adding substance with taking away from the main story. 

Armentrout is a great storyteller. She had my attention from the first page to the last. The story and characters made me laugh one minute and angry enough to throw the book the next. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who likes an engrossing story that you just can't put down. 

My Rating:    ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ready to read it? Purchase now on Amazon.

Book Review: To Kill A Shadow by Katherine Quinn

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To Kill A Shadow

Published: November 2023 by Entangled Teen       

Genres: Young Adult// Fantasy

This book was borrowed from the library with no expectation to assign it a specific rating. I maintain complete impartiality.

ABOUT THIS BOOK

Jude Maddox knows nothing of love or even light. He knows only his grim duty as the Hand of Death, to lead the Knights of the Eternal Star into a land filled with nightmares and certain demise. It’s only when he sees her—a young woman with wild, amber eyes who’s as fierce, defiant, and swift as the shadow beasts themselves—that he feels the warmth of life in his blood…

The other Knights may fear their lethal commander, with his hard, merciless demeanor. Outcast Kiara Frey sees only a leader, a man who knows how to survive. Someone like her. But wanting him is as treacherous as the shadows themselves…and just as seductive.

With a kingdom on the verge of collapse, the Knights must now venture into the darkest heart of the land and uncover the secrets of the misted shadows, where evil will prey upon their minds and feast on their flesh.

It will betray their senses.
It will surpass their nightmares.
Most of them will die.

But they have no other choice. Because the only way to fight the darkness…is to become it.

My Review 🕮

This book exceeded my expectations! Initially, I was drawn in by its stunning cover. I had no idea what to expect,  but right away I was hooked. The characters were especially memorable, and despite a slight drawback in world-building, the plot and characters more than compensated.

I immediately connected with Kiara; her strength and resolve as a leader fascinated me, and I eagerly anticipated how she would navigate the challenges presented in the book. Jude, with his enigmatic aura, added an intriguing layer to the story. His backstory unfolded beautifully, enhancing the depth of his character and the chemistry between him and Kiara. Sure it leaned towards Instalove, but their chemistry jumped off the page. 

There was action, excitement, and just the right amount of romance, fulfilling all my expectations and even surprising me with unexpected plot twists. The mist was terrifying and I was on the edge of my seat fearing the worst. The last few pages left me crushed. 

I would absolutely reread this book and will be eagerly waiting for the next book in the series. 

Rating:

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ready to read it? Get it on Amazon.