Yup. This was another favorite. Another book that, upon finishing, I immediately had to buy a copy and send it to my best friend. She binged it all inYup. This was another favorite. Another book that, upon finishing, I immediately had to buy a copy and send it to my best friend. She binged it all in a single night as well. You know I LOVE a book when that's my reaction to it!
But then, I always enjoy Kate Stradling's work. She's a true mistress of her craft....more
Gorgeous writing. Darkly twisted plotting. A great cast of fascinating characters. A swoon-worthy romance. And above all, a kick-butt heroine who posiGorgeous writing. Darkly twisted plotting. A great cast of fascinating characters. A swoon-worthy romance. And above all, a kick-butt heroine who positively LEAPS off the page.
Yes, A Sleuth & a Charlatan is a worthy sequel to book 1 of the Counterfeit Contessa series. In fact . . . it might actually be the better book! (It’s hard for me to judge clearly since I loved book 1 so hard.) At nearly 700 pages it is a massive, tour de force of a creation that never once lags in pacing or intrigue. In fact, I sped through this adventure faster than many a shorter novel, so eagerly was I turning the pages!
One concern I’d had going in was whether or not the romance would continue to captivate me. My personal preferences gear more to the slow-burn-build-up of a romance, and I often lose a interest once the two characters have made their professions and (ahem!) taken things to a new level (as these two did by the end of book 1). I knew I’d still love the book because the plot would keep me invested, but I wasn’t sure that I’d be all that invested in where the romance was going.
I was wrong. Quin and Atesh have SO MANY ODDS stacked against them, that just being madly in love doesn’t solve any of their problems. Quin is struggling with the reality of love, which was NEVER part of the plan. If she sticks around, her whole little world and the people who depend on her is threatened . . . but how can she resist what she feels for Atesh? And handsome, true-hearted, noble Atesh still doesn’t know the whole truth about the lovely Contessa who has stolen his heart.
Yeah, there’s plenty of drama in the works for these two, and the chemistry between them sizzles!
But there’s so much more going on in this story as well! A gruesome serial killer plagues the streets, and the brutal crimes creep ever closer to Quin’s door. The unfolding mystery Clare lays out for her readers is so beautifully constructed! I had so many theories spinning through my head, but I could not predict where this story would take me. And it’s all done with such deft skill, I was consistently amazed by the author’s abilities!
Just a Note: This book is definitely on the steamier side with a lot more sex than the previous book. But it’s not gratuitous or graphic. And it’s not one of those stories where you feel like all the characters have between them is sex—you definitely feel the bond and respect between the two, and sex is a natural extension of that bond. I don’t read a lot of sexy-times books (just not my thing), and I thoroughly enjoyed this read. So take that for what it’s worth!
So in conclusion—if you haven’t done yourself the favor of picking up the Counterfeit Contessa series yet . . . what are you waiting for???? Dive into this multi-layered, beautifully written adventure today!...more
I'm reviewing each book individually as well, but I just wanted to say . . . this trilogy was amazing. Epic, action-packed, with a cast of characters I'm reviewing each book individually as well, but I just wanted to say . . . this trilogy was amazing. Epic, action-packed, with a cast of characters I fell in love with, and a world to get totally lost in. I can't wait to read more by this author!!!...more
I stayed up late last night to finish Fate Reclaimed, the final book in this trilogy. Like the rest of the series, this book had its trials and difficI stayed up late last night to finish Fate Reclaimed, the final book in this trilogy. Like the rest of the series, this book had its trials and difficulties for our plucky heroine, Daphne, and it was wonderful to watch her tackle each new problem head-on.
This time, there are giants on the march, and Daphne is searching for a dragon as their only hope for salvation. It’s epic, it’s thrilling . . . and at its heart is the love story between Daphne and Gregory, who have truly become a power couple along the way. Their romance is sweet and wholesome and truly uplifting in the face of all the terrors they meet in this final adventure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this whole series and loved this book as the conclusion. It’s got everything you could want in a romantic fantasy adventure and was a true delight to read. I hope you will all be convinced to try it for yourselves! ...more
I was so excited to start the Fate Abandoned series by L. Danvers. I knew that I was going to love it . . . I mean, seriously. EVERYTHING about this bI was so excited to start the Fate Abandoned series by L. Danvers. I knew that I was going to love it . . . I mean, seriously. EVERYTHING about this book ticks the boxes for me! Sword-wielding heroine? Check. Roguish hero with a heart of gold? Check. Epic stakes, dangerous world, and political intrigues? Check. Yeah, this book was definitely for me. So the story opens with an ancient tradition—on his 18th birthday, the crown prince must set out on a quest to prove his courage and heroism. The evening the quest is announced however, a terrifying apparition appears, foretelling doom . . . but vanishes before its message is complete. The prince is determined to fulfill his tradition and sets out. Meanwhile, his twin sister, Daphne is left to worry at home. But not being the sitting-around sort, she takes it upon herself to go to his rescue. She’s smart, she’s noble-hearted, and she’s lethal with a blade . . . but she’s never been far from home, and it is a WHOLE new world out there! This story is super fun, full of action, and the chemistry between Daphne and the outlaw leader is dynamite! At first I was expecting a more somber, historical-fantasy type world, but soon enough Danvers brings in dashes of folklore/fairy tale that brighten up the mood and make for lively and compulsively readable tale. I blazed my way through the pages so quickly and enjoyed myself tremendously the whole while. While the story is resolved as a stand-alone adventure, the twist at the end left me with a need for book 2. But thankfully the whole series is out now, so I could dive in right away!...more
So I dove into Fate Surrendered as soon as I finished book 1, and was immediately plunged into the action, magic, and political intrigue I loved. If aSo I dove into Fate Surrendered as soon as I finished book 1, and was immediately plunged into the action, magic, and political intrigue I loved. If anything this book was better than the first . . . possibly because I was already so attached to Daphne and eager to see where her and Gregory’s story would go. This story is definitely darker than the last. Things have taken a hard turn for Daphne and the kingdom. There are more deaths (though it’s never gory or gratuitous, and the book is a clean read). And Daphne finds herself under the thumb of a truly horrible villain in Sir Hartley . . . her new, tyrannical HUSBAND. Yeah. I was surprised too! Ultimately I loved being taken on this wild ride. The suspense was fabulous, and I could never predict where Danvers would take the story. The ending was satisfying, but also sets up for a final book beautifully. I can’t wait to read book 3!...more
So when I first heard the premise of the story—a tree transforms into a girl and goes on an adventure—I thought, “Well, that sounds weird.”
But . . . iSo when I first heard the premise of the story—a tree transforms into a girl and goes on an adventure—I thought, “Well, that sounds weird.”
But . . . it’s actually really cool. The book opens with Finn suddenly reverting from tree to human form. She has no memory of any life other than that of a tree, and her sudden humanity is a complete mystery to her. We the reader, of course, quickly surmise that she was originally human and enchanted or cursed, but Finn truly has no idea. All she wants is to become a tree again.
And that’s where the mystery begins. Finn must set out into the world on a journey of discovery. She starts out with only Aed, the wise old man who found and protected her post transformation (and who may be much more than he initially seems) as her companion. But soon she picks up others along the way . . . including a possible (?) love interest, the tormented and mysterious Iseult. The world itself is very magical, full of terrifying creatures. The actual action of the book takes a little while to get going, but once it hits . . . WOW. It’s very hard to put down the book. And all the while, the mysteries deepen, dragging the reader in further.
The end definitely leaves the reader in cliffhanger territory . . . but I’m all right with that! I know the whole series is published, I can just pick up and binge read my way through the whole thing if I want to. (Which I definitely want to.)...more
Let me start with a confession: I have not yet read the Steel & Fire by Jordan Rivet, which is the prequel to The Watermight Thief. (I know, I know, wLet me start with a confession: I have not yet read the Steel & Fire by Jordan Rivet, which is the prequel to The Watermight Thief. (I know, I know, what am I waiting for? It’s high on my TBR stack, believe me!) But I can wholeheartedly affirm that this new book does NOT need the first series to be completely and utterly enjoyable. The author introduces the characters and magic and world as though it’s all fresh and new—though with so much confidence, you know that she knows this world very well by now. The story is a page-turner from beginning to end, and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
One of my favorite things was the alternating heroine perspectives—Tamri and Selivia. I wasn’t expecting that, but it really did add depth and dimension to this tale. (Side note: my favorite book of the Empire of Talents trilogy also utilized alternating heroine perspectives. Jordan is really good at this particular approach!). The two young ladies, while different from each other in almost every respect, are both fascinating and compelling. I loved seeing the adventure through their eyes.
Anyway, if you’re looking for your next YA fantasy obsession, look no further! This book has plucky thieves, courageous princesses, beautiful dragons, unique magic, political intrigues, and basically everything you could possibly want. Jordan Rivet is a new favorite of mine, and I am so excited to see what she’ll do next! ...more
This book makes for an epic conclusion to an epic trilogy! All of the storylines of the previous two books converge, and it’s a thrill to see all the This book makes for an epic conclusion to an epic trilogy! All of the storylines of the previous two books converge, and it’s a thrill to see all the various characters in action. Kinneret (still my favorite) is on a negotiation mission, and I love seeing her captaining a ship and in position of real power. She’s now betrothed to Calev (dreamy sigh), and is also accompanied by Oron, her first mate. Ona, one of the heroines from the previous book, has run afoul of Invaders, and things start to get really exciting—kidnappings, sacrifices, a cursed forest, daring rescues, vengeful gods . . .
Seriously, its one adventure after another, and it’s amazing! I’m so impressed by Alisha Klapheke’s enormous imagination and her ability to keep all of these complex storylines spinning together without ever getting tangled up. But she does it! A true mistress of the craft, and I tip my hat to her.
If you’re in the mood for some truly EPIC Ya fantasy, look no further. The Uncommon World trilogy truly has it ALL....more
Following their narrow escape at the end of book one, Bree and friends plunge right into another adventure. Bree is still suffering the repercussions Following their narrow escape at the end of book one, Bree and friends plunge right into another adventure. Bree is still suffering the repercussions of her father’s noble choice . . . and trying to process the secrets he shared with her. It turns out, Bree is far from the ordinary tavern-keeper’s daughter. She is in fact a dispossessed princess . . . and if she wants to save her kingdom, she’s going to have her work cut out for her!
Bree and Prince Caden (who’s just as dreamy as a reader can hope for) both have compelling storylines in this amazing sequel. It was wonderful to see Caden truly standing up to his father and leading the rebellion. Bree is a heroine I love to root for—smart, resourceful, compassionate. She takes an emotional beating, but it’s wonderful to watch her grow and mature through her heartache.
This action-filled sequel certainly does not suffer from second book syndrome. Jennifer Ellision raises the stakes again and again to keep her readers turning pages. I read the last third of it all in a rush and immediately dived into book 3 . . . which I’ll be reviewing next (as soon as I’ve finished it)....more
A fantastic, female-lead fantasy that features elemental magic in a thrilling adventure. Forbidden romance and unfolding secrets keep your turning pagA fantastic, female-lead fantasy that features elemental magic in a thrilling adventure. Forbidden romance and unfolding secrets keep your turning pages as you read.
My favorite aspect of this book was the our leading lady, Bree. She is smart, brave, determined. She has one blow after another thrown at her, but she doesn't let them stop her. I loved watching her struggle against incredible odds and surmount them one after another.
And that ending . . . definitely left me with a need for book 2!!!...more
I read this amazing book as part of my Lady Thieves September Feature. If you'd like a chance to win this book or one of the other amazing
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I read this amazing book as part of my Lady Thieves September Feature. If you'd like a chance to win this book or one of the other amazing titles in the image above, be sure to sign up for my reader group! ___________________
This book reminded me of what I think Robin Hood would be like if Tamora Pierce had written it. Except, if I’m honest, I think I liked the writing style of this story even better than Pierce (am I allowed to say that???).
A Thief & a Gentlewoman plunges you immediately into the drama and high stakes of Quin’s world. She is a classic “rob from the rich and give to the poor” sort of heroine, with a vast array of talents and developed-skills to utilize in this ongoing quest. When we meet her, she has set her eyes on a new mark, whom she intends to make fall in love with her “gentlewoman” persona . . . before she robs him blind.
Problem is . . . her intended victim is kind of amazing. Kind, insightful, well-bred in the truest sense of the word. And he has a remarkable knack for seeing through Quin’s artifices and finding the real woman underneath. A woman he finds completely intriguing.
The romance is strong in this tale, but it’s all beautifully balanced with action, magic, and an ever-unfolding mystery. No spoilers here, but every scene was ultimately a page-turner, and I blazed through the story much faster than I would have thought possible.
The writing is wonderful, by the way. This book is a debut, but you’d never know it! The vivid world-building, the confidence and even beauty of the prose, all makes for a compelling read that I would expect from an established novelist. I know for a fact that I’ll eagerly be watching for more Clare Sager books to come!...more
So I knew I was going to enjoy this. I loved Claire Luana's Moonburner Cycle, after all. But I wasn't sure I'd like this as much since I was somehow uSo I knew I was going to enjoy this. I loved Claire Luana's Moonburner Cycle, after all. But I wasn't sure I'd like this as much since I was somehow under the impression it would be more fluffy and lighthearted.
SO NOT TRUE.
This is NOT a fluffy or lighthearted story. It's very different from Moonburner, yes, but it's full of the same high stakes and drama and excitement and near-deaths-and-escapes. Not to mention incredible world-building, a fantastic kickbutt lead heroine, and a very charming hero. Oh, and a completely fascinating villain who might be more of an anti-hero? Maybe? I guess we'll see how the next book develops.
Anyway, yes. Definitely a new fav, and I highly recommend it to EVERYONE....more
The book itself is an absolute classic example of the kind of Kickbutt Heroine Fantasy I love so much. Kai, the heroine, is the star of her story. ThoThe book itself is an absolute classic example of the kind of Kickbutt Heroine Fantasy I love so much. Kai, the heroine, is the star of her story. Though often driven by circumstances beyond her control, she never loses power or agency along the way. She faces those circumstances head-on, she grows in strength and command, and fights her own battles. She's got plenty of maturing to do through the course of the story, and her journey of growth is entertaining and thrilling by turns.
By this time, all of you are aware of my secret--I am a BIG fan of the Moonburner Cycle by Claire Luana! Moonburner caught my heart with its wonderfulBy this time, all of you are aware of my secret--I am a BIG fan of the Moonburner Cycle by Claire Luana! Moonburner caught my heart with its wonderful heroine, it's epic stakes, its thoughtful worldbuilding, and breathtaking adventure. Then Sunburner went on and built on everything established in book 1, deepening the world and the characters and raising the stakes so high, I couldn't imagine how this talented author could possibly get them any higher.
Then she went and wrote Starburner and totally blew the doors off of everything she'd done before. This book was AWESOME.
One of the things I loved most was Claire's willingness to take risks in her storytelling. She'd set up such a compelling character in Kai, the lead heroine of the previous two books. It was a risk to step out of Kai's head and tell a story about her daughter instead. Kai went on such a journey, and I'd had two full books to bond to her, so I worried that I wouldn't be able to get as attached to Rika, especially not in one book.
But Rika, while very different from Kai in a lot of ways, grabbed me right away. Her journey of discovery is not the same as her mother's--she didn't grow up with her life in peril every single waking moment, for one thing! But she has a deeply felt heartache all her own. Though a princess and much loved, she feels isolated in that she is the only one of her family not to manifest any powers. She is an outcast in her own home, and while her parents certainly don't try to make her feel different (her brother is a completely different story! The little twerp.), the mere facts of the situation cannot be changed. Claire writes Rika's struggle so convincingly, I fell for her very quickly.
And then . . . the second big risk! I don't want to give any spoilers, but let's just say this book starts with some pretty awful things happening to much-loved characters. I mean, I was completely shocked by one turn of events in particular! In fact, I wasn't sure I'd even be able to enjoy the rest of the book, I was taken so much by surprise.
But you know what, it worked in the long run. Because of this risky choice on the author's part, I felt the threat of these new villains SO intensely, it kept me glued to the page. It was a risk, but it was a worthwhile risk in the end, and I not only ended up loving the book, it turned out to be my favorite of the trilogy!
Oh, and let me just say . . . Vikal? Yeah, I liked him. (But I'm so afraid of giving away spoilers, I'm just going to keep my mouth shut!)...more
I basically love ANYTHING W.R. Gingell writes. Seriously. So I knew I would love this book.
I wasn't expecting it to be my FAVORITE Gingell book ever. I basically love ANYTHING W.R. Gingell writes. Seriously. So I knew I would love this book.
I wasn't expecting it to be my FAVORITE Gingell book ever. But it was.
It's a bit of Diana Wynne Jones whimsy and romance mixed up with Terry Pratchett's Tiffany Aching series. Which, anyone who knows my particular reading tastes, will know is a PERFECT fit for me. Gingell has her own unique voice, however, which sets her apart from both Jones and Pratchett. For one thing, she's always got more romance in her stories . . . and I'm totally here for that!
I can't believe it took me so long to pick up and read this fascinating and delightful tale! I've devoured everything else by this author, and her new books are insta-buys for me. I guess I'd been saving this one, knowing it would be a special treat.
It was. I adored it. I will read it again. I will probably need to own it in paperback. My ONLY complaint is that I don't love the cover, and I wish it matched the look of her other Two Monarchies novels....more
I didn't love this one quite as much as book 1. But you know . . . I still LOVED it.I didn't love this one quite as much as book 1. But you know . . . I still LOVED it....more
I read this awesome book as part of my Lady Thieves September Feature! If you'd like a chance to win this book or one of the other roguish
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I read this awesome book as part of my Lady Thieves September Feature! If you'd like a chance to win this book or one of the other roguish YA adventures I'm reading this month, be sure to sign up for my reader group.
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This one was pure fun and adventure from beginning to end! I was a little nervous at first that I wouldn't like it because I find the third person present tense narrative strange . . . but the writing was so good, I simply got caught in the flow and didn't even think about the unusual narrative within a few pages!
Myrrh is one tough cookie of a heroine, but she's got a softer side that we catch glimpses of here and there, which endears her to the reader. She is definitely the star of this story, a truly formidable conflicted anti-hero type. I loved seeing her smarts and savvy as she got in and out of trouble.
And her developing relationship with Glint was definitely . . . intriguing . . .
I'm so glad to have discovered this author! If you are a fan of the kickbutt heroine fantasy genre, with a dash of darkness, a ton of adventure, and just the right touch of romance, Mistress of Thieves is definitely for you....more
Yet another Gingell gem! This one really isn't a fairy tale retelling, at least not of any fairy tale I specifically recognized. But it has a strong fYet another Gingell gem! This one really isn't a fairy tale retelling, at least not of any fairy tale I specifically recognized. But it has a strong fairy tale FEEL to it anyway. And it is set at a girl's boarding school of all places!
Reference was made in Masque to the time Annabel and Isabella spent together at Trentham's Finishing School for Young Ladies, and it was great fun to have that little slice of their history filled in. And more than filled in! This story is full of all the intrigue, suspense, and surprising turns of any Gingell novel, so it's definitely not a "fill in the blanks" story. It's not my FAVORITE of the series (that honor still belongs to Spindle), but I devoured it in just a few days, staying up way too late on work nights because I just needed ONE more page of fun . . . and then just ONE more page . . .
I was a bit concerned that Isabella, the main character from Masque, would overwhelm Annabel in this adventure. Isabella is SUCH a larger-than-life personality. But I was pleased at how well Gingell managed things so that both girls remained true to their established characters, while still allowing Annabel to shine as the star of the story. I might even actually prefer Annabel these days . . . after reading two adventures staring her, I've gotten attached!
The relationship between the two girls is the heart of the story, which is a fun change from some of the female-competitor mindset that can sometimes dominate this genre. But it's not JUST a gal-pal story . . . there's a strong dose of slow-burn romance going on around the edges as well. But I won't get into that because SPOILERS.
As with most of Gingell's adventures, this one was a tiny bit confusing, but I generally choose to shut off that part of my brain and just go with it when I read a Gingell book, because her writing, her characters, and her worlds are just TOO MUCH FUN. Everything she writes is a favorite, and I buy all of her books now just based on her name alone--I don't even wait to read what they're about. I just buy. She's that great!...more
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