Do you love young adult urban fantasies that feature politics, family, and love potions? If so, then look no further than The Poisons We Drink by Do you love young adult urban fantasies that feature politics, family, and love potions? If so, then look no further than The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste. The country is divided between humans and those with magic. Eighteen-year-old Venus Stoneheart supports her family by making illegal love potions. Magic users are being discriminated against and tyrannized by humans. An impending Registration Act law will result in further restrictions on magic users. When tragedy strikes their mother, Venus must now keep her younger sister Janus safe. When the head of the magic wielders offers her the chance to get revenge, it comes with a steep price. Magic, power, trust, and corruption mix with magic and power in this compelling story.
Venus wants to live in peace, but an event three years ago caused a deviation in her. It’s dangerous and unpredictable. Who will end up controlling who? Janus is reckless, but fun-loving and powerful. The secondary and tertiary characters are well defined and complex as well, but there are many of them.
The worldbuilding was excellent in this one. However, there were some occasional pacing issues and the book seemed a little too long because of that. There is plenty of action and violence as well as a few surprises along the way. A long list of content warnings is provided at the beginning of the book. There are many kinds of love potions, not just the one that immediately comes to mind. A list is provided at the end of the book along with a glossary of terms.
Overall, this was an entertaining story with compelling characters, excellent world-building, and some unique differences in the magic system. Political intrigue, accepting responsibility, discrimination, family, friendship, love, grief, death, trust, vengeance, power, love, fear, and fractured relationships play various roles in this exciting story. I hope this is the first book in a series featuring Venus and her family and friends.
SOURCEBOOKS Fire and Bethany Baptiste provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for March 05, 2024. ------------------------------------------- My 4.07 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett blends fantasy with a mystery. When a high Imperial officer is found dead in his home in Daretana, invesThe Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett blends fantasy with a mystery. When a high Imperial officer is found dead in his home in Daretana, investigator Ana Dolabra is called in to determine how this happened and who killed him. It’s not every day a tree erupts from a body even in an empire where contagions are plentiful and the blood of Leviathans corrupts the land. Was this an accidental contagion or was Commander Taqtasa Blas assassinated? Ana is assisted by her new apprentice assistant, Dinios Kol, an engraver magically altered to possess a perfect memory. However, the case is even bigger that the death of one officer. The safety of the Empire is at stake.
Ana is brilliant, but eccentric, easily bored, and often incites outrage in others. She insists on wearing a blindfold most of the time and doesn’t often leave her home. She also actively seeks knowledge in between cases, disregards politeness, and makes unusual but often accurate conclusions. Dinios has secrets, has a dull demeanor at times, doesn’t come across as friendly, and is somewhat baffled by Ana’s actions and deductions. Their interactions enlivened the story. However, don’t be fooled by your initial opinion of him. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but they are introduced gradually and that helped. A list of ranks is provided, but a character list would have also helped.
The story immediately grabbed my attention with a riveting mystery and quirky characters. One question came to mind quickly. If Ana is such a brilliant investigator, why was she assigned to the small community of Daretana? The plot is complex, twisty, and multi-layered. The world-building is well-developed as readers learn more about it throughout the novel. While there are a few slow spots, I was rewarded by an enjoyable read as I persevered through them. I also wanted a little more suspense throughout the book. The ending of the book includes the highest level of action in the book and then sets the stage for book two. What will their next case entail?
Overall, this engrossing fantasy mystery has good characterization, even with a main character that wasn’t always likeable, and great world-building. The mix of mind and physical enhancements combined with sea monsters, sword fighting, contagions, and mysteries in this fantasy world made for an entertaining and fun read. Themes include wealth, power, greed, murder, secrets, revenge, betrayal, friendship, bureaucracy, and much more. Readers who enjoy a murder investigation set in a fantasy world will likely enjoy this novel. I���m looking forward to reading more from this author.
Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, Del Rey and Robert Jackson Bennett provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for February 06, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ---------------------------------------- My 4.16 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Intrigue, romance, danger, suspense, arranged marriages, and much more contribute to an exciting novel in the fifth book in the Gunnie (Lizbeth) Rose Intrigue, romance, danger, suspense, arranged marriages, and much more contribute to an exciting novel in the fifth book in the Gunnie (Lizbeth) Rose series. All the Dead Shall Weep is a mix of fantasy, western, and alternate history and is mainly set in Segundo Mexia in Texoma which used to include Texas and Oklahoma.
Lizbeth Rose Savarova meets her half-sister Felicia Dominguez Karkarova and her husband’s brother Peter Savarova at the train station. This visit is to get Felicia away from San Diego where her magical powers had grown to the point that multiple kidnapping and assassination attempts had occurred. However, Segundo Mexia doesn’t prove to be much safer for Felicia or Lizbeth as Eli (Lizbeth’s husband) and Peter almost immediately leave without an explanation.
Lizbeth is capable, loyal, brave, even-tempered, and a great shot, but is still suffering from a significant loss. Felicia has a gift for languages, has started to show her true age, and has gained confidence in herself and her abilities. Other characters play secondary roles with varying degrees of depth.
Charlaine Harris is one of my favorite authors and she did not let me down with this addition to the series. The characters are compelling, led by strong and capable protagonists. I enjoyed having Lizbeth and Felicia alternate points of view.
There was always something new happening in this story. Danger, action, and heart-wrenching moments are interspersed throughout it. This well-crafted story hooked me in the beginning and kept me turning the pages as I went on a rollercoaster ride through twists, drama, grief, and intrigue.
Overall, this novel brings thrills, action, family drama, political intrigue, magic, loyalty, romance, communication issues, power and much more making it an engaging and entertaining read. It’s also one that causes the reader to think about life, love, duty, community, trust, and family. The book has a shocking ending that I did not expect. Exceptional characters, intense fight scenes, and family drama made this an entertaining read.
If you like alternate history, action adventure, thrillers and fantasy, then this series is for you. I recommend reading the books in order. The first novel explains the alternative history aspect that is not fully explained in the succeeding novels.
Gallery Books, Gallery / Saga Press and Charlaine Harris provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for September 05, 2023.
---------------------------------------- My 4.59 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert is the first book in a new fantasy romance series: Crimson Sails. Evelyn is a witch who steals from her vampirHunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert is the first book in a new fantasy romance series: Crimson Sails. Evelyn is a witch who steals from her vampire ex and goes through a portal into another realm: Threshold. She’s rescued from the ocean by pirates and their telekinetic captain and is given a choice: join them or die. Captain Bowen and his crew are bound by a vow to patrol the magical sea in between realms, keeping the portals to other worlds safe. As tension rises between Bowen and Evelyn, danger arises too.
Evelyn has terrible taste in girlfriends and boyfriends. She tends to steal, likes danger, and can be reckless and manipulatives. However, she can also be sentimental and curious. Bowen is honorable, fair, and serious. However, he can also be blunt and is viewed as rigid and unbending.
The world-building and characterization are wonderful. Who doesn’t like to explore fantasy worlds with witches, vampires, pirates, dragons, mermaids, and more? However, the pacing was somewhat uneven and the romance was too quick. There was an instant physical attraction despite the gravity of the decisions that needed to be made. Despite this there are only a couple of spicy scenes in the last half of the book. It was easy to get caught up in the adventure story and I am interested to see where the story goes in the next book.
Overall, this was an entertaining and fun novel with great world-building.
Berkley Publishing Group and Katee Robert provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 07, 2023.
--------------------------------------- My 3.42 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Kim Harrison’s urban fantasies keep getting better and better. Her first book in The Shadow Age series, Three Kinds of Lucky, has great characteriKim Harrison’s urban fantasies keep getting better and better. Her first book in The Shadow Age series, Three Kinds of Lucky, has great characterization and world-building with a unique new magical world. Petra Grady knows she has no talent for magic. However, as a sweeper first-class she’s turned her ability to handle the damaging magical waster generated by mages into a decent life working at the mage’s university.
However, when her childhood acquaintance Benedict Strom needs someone with her abilities for his research project, she gets stuck working on his team. However, he doesn’t understand magical waste the way she does. When an accident occurs, they go on the run to seek the one person who might we able to help. Grady learns of hidden talents that could risk the world has they know it. Grady can be surly and sour due to the way sweepers are treated, but she is great at her job and can even smell magic. Sweepers are considered low status, but they’re in high demand. Despite this, they are treated with condescension. Benedict is sure his project can revolutionize how magical waste is dealt with, but he’s not good at explaining complex things to others.
Besides great characterization, the worldbuilding is excellent. The stunning plot has twists and turns as the story builds momentum. There is plenty of action, conflict, and suspense as well as a few surprises along the way. Wait until you read the incredible conclusion!
Overall, this was an entertaining story with compelling characters, excellent world-building, gripping scenes, and a magic system that is unique. Accepting responsibility, treatment of others, friendship, betrayal, death, trust, and power play various roles in this exciting story. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend this series to those who love urban fantasies. There should be a content warning for one scene in the book.
Berkley Publishing Group, Ace and Kim Harrison provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for March 05, 2024.
---------------------------------------- My 4.61 rounded to 5 stars review is coming soon....more
Intrigue, romance, danger, suspense, and much more contribute to an exciting novel in the fourth book in the Gunnie (Lizbeth) Rose series. The SerpIntrigue, romance, danger, suspense, and much more contribute to an exciting novel in the fourth book in the Gunnie (Lizbeth) Rose series. The Serpent in Heaven is a mix of historical fiction, urban fantasy, western, and alternate history and is set in San Diego which is now part of the Holy Russian Empire.
Felicia is Lizbeth Rose’s half-sister. This novel picks up with Felicia attending the Grigori Rasputin School. No one other than her roommate Anna knows that Felicia has any magic capabilities. Felicia’s father was Russian and her mother was from Mexico. As the granddaughter of Rasputin, she provides blood for transfusions to Tsar Alexei, and is seen as a charity case at the school. However, when Felicia is kidnapped, the facts of her heritage become known as well as her true abilities. As she is attacked multiple times, only her abilities and her courage can save her.
Felicia has a gift for languages, has started to show her true age, and gains confidence in herself and her abilities as the story unfolds. Her friend Peter is good-natured, agreeable, quick-thinking, and clever until she gets jealous and believes rumors about her. Other characters play secondary roles with varying degrees of depth.
Charlaine Harris is one of my favorite authors and she did not let me down with this addition to the series. The characters are compelling, led by strong and capable protagonist. However, I was excepting Lizbeth to play a significant role in the book instead of just a cameo appearance via a telephone call.
There was always something new happening in this story. Danger, action, training, and heart-wrenching moments are interspersed throughout it. Connecting with Felicia was easy. This well-crafted story hooked me in the beginning and kept me turning the pages. Overall, this novel brings thrills, action, family drama, political intrigue, magic, loyalty, romance, power and much more making it a definite page-turner. Exceptional characters, intense fight scenes, and family drama made this an entertaining read.
If you like alternate history, action adventure, thrillers and fantasy, then this series is for you. I recommend reading the books in order. The first novel explains the alternative history aspect that is not fully explained in the succeeding novels.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was November 15, 2022.
--------------------------------------- My 4.43 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Jonathan Maberry’s foray into epic dark fantasy with Son of the Poison Rose is a fantastic continuation of the series featuring Kagen Vale. He wasJonathan Maberry’s foray into epic dark fantasy with Son of the Poison Rose is a fantastic continuation of the series featuring Kagen Vale. He was the captain of the palace guard and protector of the royal children of the Silver Empire. One night when he is off-duty, the entire imperial family is killed and the Silver Empire is in ruins throughout all of its nation states. Kagen feels abandoned, heartbroken, and haunted. He plans to kill the Witch-king of Hakkia with help from his friends Filia and Tuke. However, he has to survive being the most wanted man in the world, build an army of fighters, and find magical weapons.
Kagen is a strong character with plenty of good qualities, but also many flaws. However, he initially isn’t very likeable. His petulance, guilt, and rage consume him. Can he find a way to regain his balance, regain his honor, fight for justice, and overcome magic and sorcery? The supporting and adversarial characters are well drawn and unforgettable.
Maberry’s writing is always great, but his world-building in this series is fantastic. There was a strong sense of time and place causing me to feel transported, as though living the events alongside the characters. There was a balance between cultural elements, historical events, and action that made the reading experience an immersive one.
While the epilogue helped, there are still a lot of unresolved threads for future books in the series. Themes include religious persecution, battles, heroes, how history can be altered or slanted by those recording it, treatment of the defeated and dead, magic, sorcery, grief, stress, betrayal, and much more. An extremely useful character list is included at the end of the book.
Overall, this was suspenseful and action packed with compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. I’m looking forward to reading the next one. If you are looking for a dark epic fantasy with twists, action, and a few surprises, then this series is one you may want to check out.
St. Martin’s Press – St. Martin’s Griffin and Jonathan Maberry provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for January 10, 2023.
------------------------------------------ My 3.95 rounded to 4 stars review will be coming soon....more
Intrigue, danger, action, suspense, a quest, and a romance are mixed with Greek mythology in the fourth book in Amanda Bouchet’s Kingmaker Chronicles:Intrigue, danger, action, suspense, a quest, and a romance are mixed with Greek mythology in the fourth book in Amanda Bouchet’s Kingmaker Chronicles: A Curse of Queens. Queen Catalia Thalyria has been cursed before her baby is born. King Griffin’s younger sister and healer Jocasta believes she has found a solution. She hopes to get an antidote by finding Circe’s Garden. However, the fabled island is hidden and requires a dangerous journey. She needs help, and Flynn of Sinta, the man she’s loved for years, volunteers along with three others.
Jocasta is clever, exacting, logical, and brave. Flynn is a warrior, strong, dependable, and doesn’t share his feelings. Neither of them has magic but one of their companions does. Characters from the previous books put in appearances, but the story is focused around Jocasta and Flynn, with their companions on the quest playing major secondary roles. The chemistry between the characters created a dynamic that was fun at times and heart-wrenching at other times.
The cross between a fantasy quest, mythology, and a romance worked well. The main characters were relatable, likeable, and easy for me to want them to succeed. However, the first third of the book was extremely slow-paced. It also took me a while to understand this new-to-me fantasy world. I wanted a little more world-building. I believe those who have read the earlier books in the series would already have that grasp.
Despite this, it was hard to put the book down. There was always something new happening in this story that demanded my attention once the quest started. Danger, action, and harrowing moments are interspersed throughout it. Connecting with the main characters was easy and it was fun to watch the five on the quest grow and develop during the story. The last third of the novel was a true page-turner and there was a big surprise that happened near the end of the book.
Overall, this novel was tense and takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster. It highlights family drama, political intrigue, magic, loyalty, romance, relationships, and communication. Exceptional characters and intense fight scenes made this an entertaining read.
If you like fantasy, action adventure, quests, and Greek mythology, then this series is for you. I highly recommend reading the books in order. A quote by each of the main characters is included at the end of the book as well as a short guide to the mythology.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 4, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ----------------------------------------- My 3.38 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
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