The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst

When sixteen-year-old Calisa arrives at her great-aunt’s bed-and-breakfast for the summer, she’s shocked to find it run down rather than cosy. Grumpy and eccentric, Auntie Zee is determined to keep anyone from messing with her beloved inn . . . even though she clearly needs the help.

To convince her great-aunt to keep her around, Calisa sets to work fixing up the inn, enlisting extra help from the groundkeeper’s (handsome) son. But the longer she stays, the surer she is that there’s something strange about the B and B―and its residents. Something almost . . . otherworldly.

The inn is hiding a magical secret―but secrets are like doors. Once Calisa opens this one, she won’t be able to go back . . .

Hardcover, 373 pages

Published April 9, 2026

 by First Ink

4/5 stars

Sarah Beth Durst is one of my auto read authors, so I went into this one with high expectations, once again she delivered a cozy, charming read. Along with a cozy and charming cover.

The story follows sixteen year old Calisa, who after a devastating heartbreak, arrives at her great aunt's rundown inn in Vermont for the summer, only to be told she is not welcome and should leave. Rather than turning back, Calisa sets out to win her great aunt over, what starts as that uphill battle quickly turns into something more. The Inn itself reveals it is hiding a magical secret of its own.

Calisa is a persitant character, pushing for what she wants and she does not want to go home.  I found her to appear much older then her 16 years. Between her mannerisms, the way she carries her heartbreak and the fact that she travels to her great aunt's inn entirely on her own, she read more like a young adult navigating real independence than a typical sixteen year old.  But aside from that I found this to be a unique story with great characters and again great storytelling.  Is there a sequel?  I sure hope so.

This book was part of the 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #27

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world.

At least, he’s not a beast all the time.

As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

From bestselling author Sarah J. Maas comes a seductive, breathtaking book that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read.

Paperback, 419 pages

Published June 2, 2015

 by Bloomsbury Publishing

4.5/5 stars

Full disclosure - this was my 4th time reading this book and I honestly can't tell why I never sat down and wrote a proper review before now. Better late than never I guess! I picked it up again to refresh my memory as I work my way through the rest of the series, determined to finish before book six arrives this fall.

This was one of my first forays into fantasy,  what really drew me in originally was the Beauty and the Beast retelling at its heart. Though I will say that it is so much more than that. The world building is intricate and impressive and on this reread I found myself rediscovering details I had completely forgotten.

At the centre is Feyre, a 19 year old who had to grow up too fast and has spent most of her young life taking care of her family even when they didn't appreciate it. She is a character easy to root for. The Spring Court is nicely rendered and the tension that builds between Feyre and Tamlin makes for a compelling read.

The ending is suspenseful and full of tension, introducing new characters while setting up what promises to be a very different journey for Feyre in the next book. Let's just say the girl who entered the Spring Court is not the same and what lies ahead for her is going to test everything she's made of.

I am not counting this as part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge since it is a reread.  I've already reread book 2 and hoping to start 3 shortly.   Kinda like Diana Gabaldon, each book does grow a little more in size.

The Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli

The highly anticipated sequel to The Crimson Moth.

A WITCH…

Rune Winters is on the run. Ever since the boy she loved, Gideon Sharpe, revealed who she was and delivered her into enemy hands, everyone wants her dead. If Rune hopes to survive, she must ally herself with the cruel and dangerous Cressida Roseblood, who’s planning to take back the Republic and reinstate a Reign of Witches―something Cressida needs Rune to accomplish.

A WITCH HUNTER…

Apparently it wasn’t enough for Rune to deceive Gideon; she’s now betrayed him by allying herself with Cressida―the witch who made his life a living hell. Gideon won’t allow the Republic to fall to the witches and be plunged back into the nightmares of the past. In order to protect this new world he fought for, every last witch must die―especially Rune Winters.

AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE…

When Rune makes Gideon an offer he can’t refuse, the two must pair up to accomplish dangerous goals. The more they’re forced into each other’s company, the more Gideon realizes the feelings he had for Rune aren’t as dead and buried as he thought. And now he’s faced with a terrible choice: sacrifice the girl he loves to stop a monster taking back power, or let Rune live and watch the world he fought so hard for burn.

In Kristen Ciccarelli’s The Rebel Witch, the exciting conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology, love has never been so deadly.

Hardcover, 458 pages

Published February 27, 2025

 by Magpie

4.5/5 stars

The much-anticipated sequel to The Crimson Moth had me going in with both excitement and a tad nervous.  Kristen Ciccarelli did not make things easy for Rune and Gideon at the conclusion in The Crimson Moth. The enemies-to-lovers setup between the witch and the witch hunter? Yeah, it was looking pretty doomed by the end of book one.

But yes, Ciccarelli does deliver here.

Set in the smartly imagined world as the first, The Rebel Witch picks up with Rune and Gideon very much at odds - still reeling, still hurting and still tangled up in a complicated mess of magic, betrayal and fate. The weight of the Rebellion, the danger of magic in hiding and the complexity of a society built on fear and control. 

And the story? Completely gripping. Ciccarelli knows how to keep me turning the pages with just the right mix of action, heartbreak, and the kind of emotional slow burn that makes enemies-to-lovers one of the best tropes when it’s done right. (Spoiler: It’s done right here.) But really it wasn't a slow burn pace but action packed throughout.

If you liked The Crimson Moth and were afraid of where it was all heading, trust me: pick up The Rebel Witch. It’s intense, magical, and worth the emotional rollercoaster.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #30

The Last One by Rachel Howzell Hall

Thrown into a desolate land of sickness and unnatural beasts, Kai wakes in the woods with no idea who she is or how she got there. All she knows is that if she cannot reach the Sea of Devour, even this hellscape will get worse. But when she sees the village blacksmith fight invaders with unspeakable skill, she decides to accept his offer of help.

Too bad he’s as skilled at annoying her as he is at fighting.

As she searches for answers, Kai only finds more questions, especially regarding the blacksmith who can ignite her body like a flame, then douse it with ice in the next breath.

And no one is what—or who—they appear to be in the kingdom of Vinevridth, including the man whose secrets might be as deadly as the land itself.

Hardcover, 496 pages

Published December 3, 2024

by Entangled Publishing, LLC (Red Tower Books)

2.5/5 stars

I was sucked into this book because of the cover and the lovely sprayed edges. Though the blurb did sound intriguing.

Imagine waking up in the woods not knowing who you are, where you are and watching someone steal all your possessions. That is what happened with Kai and thus begins her journey searching for answers. And as the blurb states she gets more questions in that regard.

This was a long book, 496 pages, and honestly it was longer than necessary. There was a lot of yelling, cringe worthy scenes and banter that just didn’t work for me. The story itself I enjoyed but again it was slow paced and way too long.

The Last One has an interesting world building, though long in the telling. I think I keep repeating that. I did switch over to the audiobook for a bit, though the reader and I just did not hit it off. Her emotions in the telling did not correspond or rather were over the top compared to actually reading the book.

All in all an okay read that has me questioning whether I will read book 2 in the series.

This book was part of my 2025 reading off my shelf challenge and is book number 23

The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson

A man awakes in a clearing in what appears to be medieval England with no memory of who he is, where he came from, or why he is there. 

Chased by a group from his own time, his sole hope for survival lies in regaining his missing memories, making allies among the locals, and perhaps even trusting in their superstitious boasts.

 His only help from the "real world" should have been a guidebook entitled The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England, except his copy exploded during transit. The few fragments he managed to save provide clues to his situation, but can he figure them out in time to survive?

Hardcover, 366 pages

Published June 27, 2023 

by Tor Books

3.5/5 stars

This is book #2 in Brandon Sanderson’s secret project series. Each book is a standalone so no need to read in order.

Given the title I was expecting somewhat of a familiar setting in mediaeval England, but then I remember this is Brandon Sanderson and there is really nothing predicable in his writing.

An entertaining story that revolved around a portal that can send people through time.  So this man goes through the portal where his problems begin right away.  Mainly he doesn’t remember where he came from or his purpose. Plus his handbook is of little use. As he slowly begins to regain his memory, while at the same time making new friends and enemies. And of course his past slowly comes back to haunt him.

A unique plot that disperses snippets of the handbook for time travel. Though I don’t read a lot of Sanderson books, have you seen the size of some of them, what I have read I have enjoyed.

This was a hybrid read, switching between the book and audio.  I recommend both methods, the readers were great and the book not to heavy.

This was part of my 2025 Reading off my shelf challenge and it is book #16

Four Ruined Realms by Mai Corland

The lies are bigger and the plots more treacherous when your favourite backstabbers return in the mind-blowing sequel to instant Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller Mai Corland's epic adventure fantasy Five Broken Blades

The King of Yusan may be the greatest liar of them all.

His sister's ring is in his sights, and he will do anything to get what he wants. Even manipulating the five blades to steal it...

Bonded by deceit, the blades must rely on their skills to pull off King Joon's pursuit or risk his legendary wrath.

A foreign rule of law stands between them and Quilimar, the Queen of Khitan. Now they have one month to steal the powerful Golden Ring of the Dragon Lord. But that impossible task might be easier than trusting one another, even though their lives, their families, and the realms depend on it.

They can all agree on one thing: the king can't win. But can they beat him at his own game?

Because for the blades, this time it's not just personal, it's revenge. Lies may have torn them apart, but now vengeance will bring them together.

The lies have only just begun...

Hardcover, 432 pages

Published January 7, 2025

 by Entangled: Red Tower Books

4/5 stars

Book 2 in the Broken Blade Series continues right where Five Broken Blades leaves off.

Secrets have been revealed, lives have been drastically changed and the story continues as each of these unique characters have not only confronted what happened but now seek answers. I am being careful with what I say, don't want to be giving spoilers from the previous book.  Suffice to say this is an intriguing series, with unique characters and motivation along with a storyline that keeps me on my toes.

Book 3,  Three Shattered Souls - see a trend there, releases this summer.

This book was part of my 2025 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge and is #5

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

A shield maiden blessed by the gods battles to unite a nation under a power-hungry king—while also fighting her growing desire for his fiery son—in this Norse-inspired fantasy romance from the bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom series.

Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish, but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back.

Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. It was foretold such a magic would unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate.

Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she swore to protect.

Hardcover, 419 pages

Published February 27, 2024

 by Del Rey

4/5 stars

This is my first time reading a Danielle L. Jensen novel.  Yes I was sold on the lovely sprayed edges but captivated by the story - even if I'm really not into mythology.

This was a combo audio and read, I like doing that as it helps me to really get into the story by knowing pronunciations of names and places. Plus when there is an accent involved, well I am hooked.

A Fate Inked in Blood is the story of Freya, forced into a marriage not of her choosing things but then things take a drastic turn.  What follows is a fast paced story of magic, action, family dynamics and some spice. Lots of world building with a mixed cast of characters. All while Freya fights for her place in the world.  

The door has been left open for book 2,  A Curse Carved in Bone which releases in May.

This book was part of my 2024 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge with the audiobook obtained through my local library via CloudLibrary.

Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland

It’s the season
for treason…

The king of Yusan must die.

The five most dangerous liars in the land have been mysteriously summoned to work together for a single objective: to kill the God King Joon.

He has it coming. Under his merciless immortal hand, the nobles flourish, while the poor and innocent are imprisoned, ruined…or sold.

And now each of the five blades will come for him. Each has tasted bitterness―from the hired hitman seeking atonement, a lovely assassin who seeks freedom, or even the prince banished for his cruel crimes. None can resist the sweet, icy lure of vengeance.

They can agree on murder.

They can agree on treachery.

But for these five killers―each versed in deception, lies, and betrayal―it’s not enough to forge an alliance. To survive, they’ll have to find a way to trust each other…but only one can take the crown.

Let the best liar win.

Hardcover, 474 pages

Published May 7, 2024

 by Entangled: Red Tower Books

4/5 stars

Another book that I purchased because of its lovely cover and sprayed edges. I mean, look at it how could I resist?

The story begins as five people are introduced and ultimately are forced to work together to kill the king. Thankfully each chapter heading made it clear who was doing the talking. Each character was unique in their background, it wasn’t hard to keep track of. While they each travel and plan, they are met with obstacles along the way to try to prevent them from completing this task. The stakes are high as the rewards are personal. 

I did an alternating read/audiobook for this one which worked out fine. Maybe it was a bit long at times, but I was entertained with the world building, the lay of the land, the customs and lifestyles and history. The unique stories, the secrets and characters made for an entertaining read.

This is the first book in the Broken Blade Series, so obviously the conclusion ended with somewhat of a cliffhanger. Book 2, Four Ruined Realms was released a few weeks ago and as a matter fact, I have already read it, so watch out for my review next week. Apparently book 3, Three Shattered Souls is slated for sometime in 2025. I look forward to reading that one also.

This book was part of my 2025 reading off my shelf challenge and this book number three.

Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen

Eighteen-year-old Aihui Ying dreams of becoming a world-class engineer like her father, but after his sudden murder, her life falls apart. Left with only a journal of her father’s engineering secrets and a jade pendant snatched from the assassin, a heartbroken Ying follows the trail to the capital and the prestigious Engineers Guild—a place that harbors her father’s hidden past—determined to discover why anyone would threaten a man who ultimately chose a quiet life over fame and fortune.

Disguised as her brother, Ying manages to infiltrate the guild’s male-only apprenticeship trial with the help of an unlikely ally—Aogiya Ye-yang, the taciturn eighth prince of the High Command. With her father’s renown placing a target firmly on her back, Ying must stay one step ahead of her fellow competitors, the jealous guild masters, and the killer still hunting for her father’s journal. Complicating everything is her increasingly tangled relationship with the prince, who may have mysterious plans of his own.

The secrets concealed within the guild can be as deadly as the weapons they build—and with her life and the future of her homeland at stake, Ying doesn’t know who to trust. Can she avenge her father even if it means going against everything he stood for, or will she be next in the mastermind’s line of fire?

Hardcover, 466 pages

Published June 1, 2024

 by Viking Books for Young Readers

4/5 stars

This was a recent OwlCrate book box selection. I went in totally blind, but how can one go wrong with a dragon on the cover. I love the owl crate cover but gotta say I like the other cover available, see images below.

For 18 year-old Aihui, her life is shattered with the death of her father. She saw the murderer escape and has now setout to discover the identity of the assassin and the why.  There is nothing in his past to give her a clue why this happened.  Disguising as her brother she manages to get into a guild to learn more about her father‘s past where she discovers secrets that he had been hiding.

This is the first book in the Fall of the Dragon series, which, as we know with series, the first book doesn't usually answer all of our questions. There was a lot going on, not just dragons. There is STEM content, along with mystery, betrayal, and of course a little touch of romance. 

I enjoyed this book. I found it intriguing with the world building, it was mysterious as to her father‘s unknown past, the secrets within the journal he wanted her to destroy and why someone would kill this man who was just quietly living with his family.

Book 2, The Blood Phoenix, comes out in June and I will continue this series.

This book was part of my 2024 reading off my shelf challenge.

The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

The Spellshop is Sarah Beth Durst’s romantasy debut–a lush cottage core tale full of stolen spellbooks, unexpected friendships, sweet jams, and even sweeter love.

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.

Hardcover, 384 pages

Published July 9, 2024

 by Bramble

4/5 stars

This book starts out as Kiela endeavors to save precious volumes from the great library of Alyssium, along with her trusty assistant Caz, who just happens to be a magical spider plant. They flee the city as fire engulfs it.

They flee to her childhood home where she takes refuge, to begin a new. Fearing the discovery of the stolen treasures, she tries to keep a low profile which isn’t easy. I guess this is what is called a romantasy debut for the author. I have read a couple of her previous books which I enjoyed, and looked forward to digging into this one.

I enjoyed this read. I enjoyed the magical characters, the world building and watching Kiela begin to make a life for herself.  She makes new friends and starts to feel comfortable. To risk doing any magic would be illegal and finally when she starts to feel comfortable strangers arrive. There is trouble afoot as.....lets just say things go awry and deceptions lurk.

The Spellshop is a story of friendship, trust and of course romance. The cover is one I love and with fingers crossed I hope there is a sequel just to see what this zany cast of characters are up to.

This book was part of my 2024 reading off my shelf challenge.

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

Effy Sayre has always believed in fairy tales. Haunted by visions of the Fairy King since childhood, she’s had no choice. Her tattered copy of Angharad—Emrys Myrddin’s epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King, then destroys him—is the only thing keeping her afloat. So when Myrddin’s family announces a contest to redesign the late author’s estate, Effy feels certain it’s her destiny.

But musty, decrepit Hiraeth Manor is an impossible task, and its residents are far from welcoming. Including Preston Héloury, a stodgy young literature scholar determined to expose Myrddin as a fraud. As the two rivals piece together clues about Myrddin’s legacy, dark forces, both mortal and magical, conspire against them—and the truth may bring them both to ruin.

Hardcover, 378 pages

Published September 19, 2023 

by HarperTeen

3.5/5 stars

This was one of my impulsive purchases of 2023. That cover just shouted 'buy me buy me'  until I did. Finally in January I sat down and read it and I still remember it and many aspects of the story - that's a good sign when behind on reviews.

A Study In Drowning is the story of two college aged individuals who are sent on different missions involving a recently deceased author and an epic story he wrote. With each having different motives they ultimately come together to solve not just mysterious happenings that are taking place at the estate, but of the legacy left behind by this author.

This was a a gothic ya story and also my first time reading this author.  I felt the premise intriguing, it was atmospheric with the nighttime scenes, strange noises and creatures.  They were parts that felt flat and maybe dragged a little and yea I was confused by the behavior of some of the characters.  But ultimately everything came together at the end with twists that took me by surprise.

All in all 3.5 stars, I was sold with the Gothic setting.

This book was part of my 2024 reading off my shelf challenge

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

FEYRE WILL BRING VENGEANCE.

She has left the Night Court - and her High Lord - and is playing a deadly game of deceit. In the Spring Court, Tamlin is making deals with the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees, and Feyre is determined to uncover his plans. But to do so she must weave a web of lies, and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As mighty armies grapple for power, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords - and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

BUT WHILE WAR RAGES, IT IS HER HEART THAT WILL FACE THE GREATEST BATTLE.

Paperback, 705 pages

Published May 2, 2017

 by Bloomsbury Publishing

5/5 stars

Book 3 in the ACOTAR series lived up to everything I expected. Continuing right where Book 2 left off Feyre is on a mission of revenge and ending a war before it starts. But she isn't on her own.

I enjoyed book 1 in this series and loved book 2 - that ending!!  This one I loved as I got to know the characters and their history better. While the first half was somewhat slower paced but after that I struggled to put it down. A hybrid read for me, I was totally absorbed in the story. It was action packed, emotional and had so many layers.  The world building is intricate and layered.  

I can't wait to read A Court of Frost and Starlight next, thankfully a novella sized book.

I am still a YA fantasy newbie, this series sure has set the bar high.

This book was part of my 2024 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge

Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

The epic conclusion to the intensely romantic and beautifully written story that started in Divine Rivals.

Two weeks have passed since Iris Winnow returned home bruised and heartbroken from the front, but the war is far from over. Roman is missing, and the city of Oath continues to dwell in a state of disbelief and ignorance. When Iris and Attie are given another chance to report on Dacre’s movements, they both take the opportunity and head westward once more despite the danger, knowing it’s only a matter of time before the conflict reaches a city that’s unprepared and fracturing beneath the chancellor’s reign.

Since waking below in Dacre’s realm, Roman cannot remember his past. But given the reassurance that his memories will return in time, Roman begins to write articles for Dacre, uncertain of his place in the greater scheme of the war. When a strange letter arrives by wardrobe door, Roman is first suspicious, then intrigued. As he strikes up a correspondence with his mysterious pen pal, Roman will soon have to make a decision: to stand with Dacre or betray the god who healed him. And as the days grow darker, inevitably drawing Roman and Iris closer together…the two of them will risk their very hearts and futures to change the tides of the war.

Hardcover, 432 pages

Published December 26, 2023 

by Wednesday Books

4/5 stars

I can't believe I finished this book back in February and have not written my review for it. Especially since it was one of my highly anticipated books of 2024.

Ruthless Vows, book 2 in the Letters of Enchantment Duology, pretty much continues where Divine Rivals left off.  Iris Willows is home from the front, she has no idea where Roman is, whether he is hurt or even still alive.  Deep down though she knows he is alive and is now desperately trying to find him.

I enjoyed this duology, with the magical typewriter from book 1, the intricate world building and strong characters.  The storyline moved at a nice pace, kept my attention with the suspense and action.  There was a fitting conclusion and I will miss Iris and Roman,  as well as a few other characters.

If you like YA fantasy, a clean read and to be entertained then I highly recommend this series.  For myself, I am now on search for Rebecca Ross’s backlist as we await  something new.

This was part of my 2024 reading off my shelf challenge

The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

Deadly storms have ravaged Mina’s homeland for generations. Floods sweep away entire villages, while bloody wars are waged over the few remaining resources. Her people believe the Sea God, once their protector, now curses them with death and despair. In an attempt to appease him, each year a beautiful maiden is thrown into the sea to serve as the Sea God’s bride, in the hopes that one day the “true bride” will be chosen and end the suffering.

Many believe that Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village—and the beloved of Mina’s older brother Joon—may be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is to be sacrificed, Joon follows Cheong out to sea, even knowing that to interfere is a death sentence. To save her brother, Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong’s stead.

Swept away to the Spirit Realm, a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts, Mina seeks out the Sea God, only to find him caught in an enchanted sleep. With the help of a mysterious young man named Shin—as well as a motley crew of demons, gods and spirits—Mina sets out to wake the Sea God and bring an end to the killer storms once and for all.

But she doesn’t have much time: A human cannot live long in the land of the spirits. And there are those who would do anything to keep the Sea God from waking…

Hardcover, 325 pages

Published February 22, 2022 

by Feiwel & Friends

4/5 stars

Axie Oh is a new author for me, this her latest book is a YA retelling of a popular Korean legend, entitled The Tale of Shim Cheong. It's about a girl who travels into the spirit world to break a curse that threatens the lives of not just her family but her people.

Though fantasy is not really one of my go to genres. I do love a good retelling especially YA. I have yet to get my hands on the original, but I will keep searching as I am intrigued by this retelling.

Mina is an impulsive, strong willed teen. She is dedicated to her family, putting others before herself. This character driven story was colourful with its vivid setting and cast of characters. The storyline was intricate and since I have yet to real the original folktale I didn’t know what to expect.

This was a Family Book Club read, and we all really enjoyed the story. While some guessed the outcome I was in the dark till the end. Suffice to say this was a hit for all 3 of us.

This book was part of my 2023 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge - I had to buy the book because of the gorgeous cover.

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

#1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson brings us deeper into the Cosmere universe with a rollicking, riveting tale that will appeal to fans of The Princess Bride.

The only life Tress has known on her island home in an emerald-green ocean has been a simple one, with the simple pleasures of collecting cups brought by sailors from faraway lands and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea.

 Amid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a single drop of water can mean instant death?

Hardcover, 384 pages

Published April 4, 2023 

by Tor Books

4.5/5 stars

Do you ever laid eyes on a book cover and just known that you had to read it? That's exactly what happened to me when I saw Tress of the Emerald Sea.  The cover was stunning, the author was well-known (though I had never read his work before), and 3 of my sons are fans.  I pre-ordered it immediately and it ended up becoming a family read.

The story follows Tress, a  young woman living on an island washing windows. She is in love with her good friend Charlie, but suddenly his father takes him away, never to be seen again. Tress embarks on a journey to seek out the Sorceress of the Midnight Sea to rescue her true love. What she doesn’t bargain for is stowing away on a ship and the many obstacles on the way.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked Tress. I liked her fortitude, courage and stamina. There are other characters in this book that left their mark, Hook the rat, Sally, and Fort to name a few.  With a whimsical voice fans of Sanderson's previous novels will find easter eggs along the way along with a narrator familiar in the Cosmere books.

The blurb says that those that liked The Princess Bride will enjoy this book. Confession time I’ve never  read The Princess Bride or seen the movie so that doesn’t really mean much to me.  Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and look forward to the next 3 books in Sanderson's Secret Novels Series. 

It's worth noting that this Kickstarter project broke the record for the most funds Kickstarted in Publishing, with over $20M within just 72 hours and a total of over $41M in total. Impressive to say the least.

This book was part of my 2023 Reading Of My Shelf Challenge (#33).

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill – the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price ...

Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever. 

Paperback, 432 pages

Published January 1st 2016

 by Bloomsbury Childrens

4/5 stars

One of my reading goals this year is to complete some of the series I've started, which has me rereading the first book in the A Court of Thorns & Roses series. This is one of those series that gets bigger and better with each book (book 2 is a reread also.) I decided to challenge myself by stepping outside of my comfort zone a few years back, reading a different genre - YA fantasy - which I'm still new to, but was swayed by the positive reviews on social media.

Feyre is a teen who supports her family after they fall from the high life and must fend for themselves. It's a mistake that changes everything for Feyre, as she finds herself in a world divided between humans and fairy-tale-like creatures. It has a Beauty and the Beast feel to it.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The characters were likeable, though I didn't always agree with their decisions, and the plot was complex and intriguing. I felt like I was right there in the setting with all the mystical and fantasy elements. I also surprised myself with what I forget from my first read.  Looking forward to Feb when I begin the next book, A Court of Mist and Fury.

Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world . . .

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett's father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett's long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval's mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season's Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . beware of getting swept too far away. 

Paperback, 418 pages

Published May 1st 2018

 by Flatiron Books

3.5/5 stars

Stephanie Garber is not a new to me author. I thoroughly enjoyed her book Once Upon a Broken Heart and while I eagerly await its sequel next month I am starting to go through her back list. Caraval was her debut and the first in a trilogy.

I did a combo book/audiobook and well the book was lovely to read, keeping my attention and all that, I found I myself enjoying the audio for the majority of the time. Rebecca Soler did a good job with the narration.

Two sisters, Scarlet and Tella are opposite in personality and family loyalty. Most of the book centres around Scarlet as she embarks on a journey with reluctance but determination to bring her sister home, then wed a Count though they have never met. What follows is an adventure through a game (but, is it really) that paved the way for two more books.

Caraval is a well written story with some wonderful world building, it was fast paced and a fun read. I didn’t care for all the characters (looking at you Tella) and had trust issues with some.  The ending works while also leaving the door open for the sequel.

While I didn’t love this book as much as Once Upon a Broken Heart, I look forward to Legendary and continuing this series.

This book was part of my 2022 reading off my shelf challenge.

This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

Darkness blooms in bestselling author Kalynn Bayron's new contemporary fantasy about a girl with a unique and deadly power.

Briseis has a gift: she can grow plants from tiny seeds to rich blooms with a single touch.

When Briseis's aunt dies and wills her a dilapidated estate in rural New York, Bri and her parents decide to leave Brooklyn behind for the summer. Hopefully there, surrounded by plants and flowers, Bri will finally learn to control her gift. But their new home is sinister in ways they could never have imagined--it comes with a specific set of instructions, an old-school apothecary, and a walled garden filled with the deadliest botanicals in the world that can only be entered by those who share Bri's unique family lineage.

When strangers begin to arrive on their doorstep, asking for tinctures and elixirs, Bri learns she has a surprising talent for creating them. One of the visitors is Marie, a mysterious young woman who Bri befriends, only to find that Marie is keeping dark secrets about the history of the estate and its surrounding community. There is more to Bri's sudden inheritance than she could have imagined, and she is determined to uncover it . . . until a nefarious group comes after her in search of a rare and dangerous immortality elixir. Up against a centuries-old curse and the deadliest plant on earth, Bri must harness her gift to protect herself and her family.

From the bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead comes another inspiring and deeply compelling story about a young woman with the power to conquer the dark forces descending around her.

Hardcover, 370 pages

Published January 1, 2021 

by Bloomsbury

5/5 stars

I finished reading The Poison Heart this morning and I miss Bri already. I got those vibes at about the half way mark that told there would be a sequel, thankfully it releases this June (preordered already). 

I connect with Bri right away, a teen with no friends, who craves friends and just being a regular teen. But she isn’t a regular teen given the special connection she has with plants. A unique concept that has anything that grows in soil responding to her emotions.

Moving away to a house she inherited is the fresh start she craves, as does her parents. With so many secrets hiding in this place it feels like home until it doesn’t.

The Poison Heart is a story of finding one’s self, of fitting in and finding you knitch. It’s a well written story that drew me right in with vivid descriptions, interesting characters, some Greek mythology and those supernatural elements. Definitely will be recommending this one.

This book was part of my 2022 reading off my shelf challenge (#10) and obtained from Owlcrate (July 2021 box)

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

A new series about love, curses, and the lengths that people will go to for happily ever after.

Evangeline Fox was raised in her beloved father’s curiosity shop, where she grew up on legends about immortals, like the tragic Prince of Hearts. She knows his powers are mythic, his kiss is worth dying for, and that bargains with him rarely end well.

But when Evangeline learns that the love of her life is about to marry another, she becomes desperate enough to offer the Prince of Hearts whatever he wants in exchange for his help to stop the wedding. The prince only asks for three kisses. But after Evangeline’s first promised kiss, she learns that the Prince of Hearts wants far more from her than she’s pledged. And he has plans for Evangeline that will either end in the greatest happily ever after, or the most exquisite tragedy…

Hardcover, 432 pages

Published September 28, 2021

 by Flatiron Books

5/5 stars

“She didn't make being alone seem lonely as Evangeline had always feared. She made it seem like an adventure, as if every moment were the start of a story with endless possibilities.”

Once Upon a Broken Heart had me with the title and cover, I'm so glad I followed my gut instinct and pre-ordered to get this exclusive cover.  It far exceeded my expectations and I can't wait for the sequel.

There are a number of things I really enjoyed about this book.  The fairy talish vibes were felt throughout this book and for me it didn't mimic other fairy tales - though others might see similarities, I didn't.  The intricate magic system wasn't hard to follow for this non fantasy reader but rather its detail gave off the ancient vibes of fairy tales of old. 

The characters were authentic, unique and so interesting.  I heard there were some familiar faces from the author's previous series (guess who just broke her book buying ban), but that didn't hamper the story, if anything it just made me want to read more Garber books. 

"...leaving her alone with a new shipment of oddities that included a fountain pen with a curious label:  For finding dreams that don't exist yet."  

The writing style and the plot, with its surprising twists and turns had me enjoying this read.  I didn't rush but savoured the journey. This is a story about lost love, family, secrets and trying to decipher who is trustworthy.  Definitely worth the 5 stars, I can't wait to reread before the sequel comes out in Sept.

This book was part of my 2022 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (book #9).  

A Vow So Bold and Deadly (Cursebreakers #3) by Brigid Kemmerer

Grey has been revealed as the rightful prince of Emberfall. But the kingdom is crumbling fast, torn between his claim and that of the reigning Prince Rhen and Princess Harper.

Newly crowned as Queen of the enemy kingdom Syhl Shallow, Lia Mara struggles to rule with a gentler hand than her mother. But as Grey moves closer to claiming the crown of Emberfall, both Harper and Lia Mara are forced to question where they stand - and how far they can follow the dictates of their hearts.

Brigid Kemmerer's heart-pounding saga comes to a thrilling climax, as two kingdoms come closer and closer to conflict - and an old enemy resurfaces who could destroy them all.

Paperback, 405 pages

Published January 26th 2021

 by Bloomsbury YA

3.5/5 stars

A Vow So Bold and Deadly, the final book in the Cursebreakers Series continues right where the last book left off.  Though it hasn't been that long since I read the last two books my memories were refreshed in a non info dumping way.

Like the previous books this is told from a number of different POVs - Harper, Grey, Rhen and Lia Mara. While it was nice to get the different perspectives it did take time and I found my attention waning with the back and forth and very little in the way of action.  

I'm not sure that I can totally fault the book for my feelings.  Since covid hit I have been craving faster paced stories, ones with more mystery and suspense. This was a slower paced story that did pick up speed for the last 1/3, thank goodness! The ending was fitting but nothing spectacular.

When put together as the whole series I really did enjoy it, especially the first two books.

This book was part of my 2021 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge - #35.