Romantasy is everywhere right now, so much so that it feels like only a handful of titles are getting all the attention while many more just quietly slip through the cracks. One such book that almost flew under my radar is A Forbidden Alchemy by Stacey McEwan, and what a shame that would have been. It’s got everything from romance to grit, and with its rebellion plot with real bite, I was hooked good and fast into the world of its characters.
The story opens with Nina Harrow and Patrick Colson, two kids who grew up poor in struggling Craftsmen mining towns. But at twelve years old, all children are brought to the dazzling city of Belavere to test for magical potential, a moment that could change both their lives. Passing means becoming an Artisan, one of the privileged elite with the power to wield elemental magic. For Patrick, the possibility is exciting but not all-consuming, but for Nina, it’s everything she’s ever wanted: her one chance to escape poverty. But when they stumble upon a dangerous truth—that Artisans aren’t actually born with magic but are handpicked by a rigged system—their futures are set on very different paths.
Years later, the city finds itself on the brink of war. Nina, now an accomplished Artisan earth shaper, is reluctant to get involved, given the truth of her past that she has kept hidden for so long. Yet, she is inevitably drawn into the conflict, encountering the growing strength of the Craftsmen uprising, led by none other than Patrick. Even after all this time, their memories of one another—and the terrible secret they uncovered together— lingers between them. However, Nina has also built relationships during her time in magical training, and there are people she loves and must protect—loyalties that clash with a part of her heart still rooted in her humble beginnings. Before long, she may be forced to choose a side in a war where there are no clear answers.
A Forbidden Alchemy is one of those books where the romance and political plot are equally strong, avoiding stepping on each other’s toes. Obviously, the whole setup with the class divisions and the corruption at the heart of an unfair society are in no way new to the genre, but the attention to the details makes the background politics feel more than just window dressing. The fact that we meet both Nina and Patrick as children definitely helps, refining the idea that these are circumstances that have shaped them since the very beginning. The world feels lived in, having influenced and guided our characters’ choices and giving them motivation for the choices they make.
In some ways, this gives the romance an extra edge, considering Patrick and Nina aren’t just dealing with their complicated feelings for each other, but they’re doing it while being on opposites sides of a war. Admittedly, even the time jumps in the early chapters, while a little jarring, can work well in this context, showing how the years have made them the adults they’ve become, deepening the moments of connection and quiet yearning. That said, the presence of Theo, Nina’s first love, throws a slightly frustrating wrench into the mix. Personally, I felt the chemistry between Patrick and Nina were complex enough without adding even more tension through a sort-of love triangle, but that’s just me. I have never been a fan of that kind of drama, but of course, your mileage may vary.
And if I’m being picky, I would have also liked a bit more about the magic itself. We get plenty of history and politics, but a little more extra on Belavere’s backstory wouldn’t have hurt. Plus, more about idium! It’s only the mysterious mined substance that keeps the city running and makes all magic possible, after all. Still, that’s a small gripe. Everything else that matters about the world-building gets plenty of attention, making this an entirely compulsive and readable mix of fantasy and romance.
All in all, A Forbidden Alchemy is an engaging, character-driven start to a series that really deserves more attention. Definitely worth picking up for romantasy readers who enjoy elemental magic and enemies-to-lovers tension, and with a cliffhanger like that, you just know the wait for the next book is going to feel even longer....more
Grady Hendrix is known for his horror novels with unique takes, sometimes with a social spin, and there’s no doubt he’s tackling some heavier and more complex themes in Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, even if some of them might be over his head. Whether or not Hendrix fully succeeds will depend on the reader—but he’s definitely taking some risks, and that’s always worth noting.
As the story opens, we’re transported to 1970 as 15-year-old Neva Craven becomes “Fern” at the Wellwood Home, a sanctuary for teen girls facing unplanned pregnancies. None of the girls here use their real names or talk about their pasts. They were here to do one thing only—carry out the rest of their pregnancies in secrecy, provided with the necessary medical care and support until they give birth, then give their babies up for adoption. Then they go back to their old lives, never to speak of this time again.
At the home, Fern and her newfound friends—with names like Rose, Zinnia, Holly—while away their days waiting for their due dates, chafing under the strict supervision of the owner, Miss Wellwood. Every two weeks, an eccentric librarian named Miss Parcae will stop by in her book mobile and provide some reading material for the girls. One day, Miss Parcae hands Fern a book on the occult that changes everything: How to be A Groovy Witch, a slim volume of spells that are guaranteed to get you what you want in life, if only you are strong enough to take what’s yours. This includes pledging your loyalty to your coven, even if it means having to take bold, sometimes messy actions. However, as Fern delves further deeper into the book’s secrets, things soon spiral into darker, deadlier territory—especially as the girls grow increasingly desperate to change their circumstances.
As events progress, witchcraft becomes our characters’ only path to regaining the autonomy and dignity they’ve lost. This thread underlies much of the story, becoming a powerful metaphor that resonates. Hendrix does an admirable job portraying the emotional turmoil of the young women at Wellwood Home. Each of them arrived there for unique reasons—some more terrible than others—yet they all share a common thread: their families, unable to bear the societal shame of their daughters’ pregnancies, have sent them away to erase the scandal, with the expectation that once their babies are born and adopted out, they can quietly return home and pretend none of it ever happened. While some of the girls are resigned to this arrangement, others are far less willing to give up their rights as mothers but are forced to do it anyway. Often, they are written off as too young and incapable of making their own decisions or deemed unfit because of their “wayward” reputation.
The author deserves credit for approaching these emotional struggles with clear intent and empathy, making the women’s rebellion—their choice of turning to a book of witchcraft—feel both bittersweet and empowering in its own strange way. That said, I couldn’t help but feel the execution was uneven at times. For one, the pacing felt inconsistent. After a strong start, the middle sections meandered and touched upon so many separate threads at once that it diluted some of the tension and urgency. Elements of the occult also felt slightly underdeveloped, as if the story was torn between taking a full-on plunge into the supernatural realm or staying firmly rooted in reality.
Using pregnancy and childbirth as a device in horror novels can also be tricky, though one good example of doing it right is Danielle Valentine’s Delicate Condition. There’s the undeniable feminine experience in the subject, which can be deeply personal, and raises the question of whether complex issues like emotional vulnerability and physical sacrifice can be authentically portrayed, especially when interpreted through a male lens. This isn’t to say that male authors shouldn’t write about these topics or that Hendrix’s take isn’t valid, but I will confess that, in at least one instance, his portrayal of childbirth came across as borderline exploitative and sensationalized for shock value. It made me feel kind of icky, and not for the right reasons.
Still, it may hit differently depending on the reader. Despite its flaws, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls was a worthy read, delivering a thought-provoking tale especially when considering the subject matter and taking the historical setting in context. The story is undoubtedly at its best when leaning into the raw emotions of its characters like anger and helplessness giving way to hope, determination, and defiance. Fans of Grady Hendrix’s previous works will want to pick this one up, as will readers who are curious about the premise and are also interested stories with a witchy punch....more
These last few months of 2024 have brought a bunch of crazy good reads, and I would like to add yet another to the list of highly recommended books for EOY reading. Essentially Wayfarers for cozy fantasy fans, The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong is a great addition to the genre, offering that same sense of warmth and whimsy. As a bonus, it’s also totally binge-worthy.
The story follows Tao, an immigrant in the land of Eshtera, where this novel takes place. Originally from Shinara, Tao relocated as a young child after her father was killed and her mother remarried a Eshteran noble. Following a family conflict, Tao left home a few years ago and has been on her own ever since. Now she makes a modest living as a wandering fortune teller who travels with only her beloved mule for company. Specializing in “small” fortunes—tiny, personal events that may seem relatively trivial to others looking in but may mean the world to those who seek to know them—she earns a modest living by setting up a stall in the villages she encounters across the countryside, offer her unique gift to the locals.
Then one day, while on the road, her own fortunes take an interesting turn when she stumbles across a pair of mercenaries who are also on a mission of their own. Mash is a ex-soldier on a quest to track down a gang of bandits who he suspects have kidnapped his daughter, and his loyal friend Silt is a reformed thief who has pledged to accompany him on the journey. Since they are headed in the same direction, the three join forces for safety in numbers, with Tao recognizing the good in the two men. Their chance encounter soon expands into a ragtag team when they are joined in the next village by Kina, a bubbly baker with big dreams. Together, they embark on a quest not only to reunite Mash with his little girl but to also help Tao rediscover the meaning of home and family.
And for found family story fans, this is one of the book’s greatest strengths. Tao, Mash, Silt, and Kina are instantly and distinctly memorable, and their bonds form and evolve naturally, filling the entire atmosphere around them with heartwarming optimism and the feeling that even in the darkest moments, everything will be okay. Because of this, I can forgive characterization for leaning a little too heavily on tropes (the burly warrior with a heart of gold, the charismatic rogue, etc.) or the plot for being predictable. This story is as much about Tao’s internal journey towards self-acceptance as it is about the shared adventure with her new companions—the shift from believing that she is meant to be alone to the decision to open herself to the help and friendship of others.
I also loved the world-building, which is on the lighter side compared to epic fantasy but still rich and detailed enough to feel immersive. Leong balances just the right amount of description to let readers envision the small but lively villages on the rural countryside, and also the greater conflicts between nations that affect the politics of the wider world beyond. Throughout this process, the focus is consistently with the characters, relating it back to Tao’s own connection with her heritage as well as her experiencing living as an outsider without ever slowing the story’s pacing or moving away from its central ideas.
At the end of the day, this results in a charming, cozy, and magical tale that feels both familiar and refreshing. Through its focus on character growth and gentle plot development, The Teller of Small Fortunes captures and embraces the essence of found family themes and reminds us that home isn’t necessarily defined by place but by the bonds we forge along the way. I came away from this novel’s celebration of joy and friendships with a warm and fuzzy feeling in my stomach, and I would highly recommend picking it up if you enjoy stories with meaningful lessons, loveable characters, and lots of heart....more
Sabaa Tahir’s Heir is a return to the vivid but unforgiving world that she first introduced in An Ember in the Ashes, but I wouldn’t worry too much if you’re not caught up. It’s been years since I’ve read the first book myself, and I never even got a chance to complete the series, yet I had no problems jumping right back in. Taking place roughly two decades after the events of the original quartet, this opening to a new duology features a few familiar characters and settings but also introduces plenty of fresh faces and expanded lore.
This story unfolds predominantly through three main perspectives: Aiz, Sirsha, and Quil.
Aiz is a hardened young woman born in the slums of Kegari, determined to avenge her people who have long suffered under the cruel treatment of Tiral, a bloodthirsty fleet commander from the ruling class. Using her magical abilities as a windsmith, Aiz has survived countless threats to her life but is nonetheless left heartbroken and bitter when her childhood friend Cero, who has more control over his wind powers, leaves her to become a pilot. After being imprisoned by the authorities, Aiz discovers a new cause in helping other innocents who have been captured and tortured, believing that the divine Mother Div will guide her in her mission.
Sirsha is another character with magical powers and secrets aplenty. Cast out by her own people, she is a tracker who can find people and things by sensing magic—though this isn’t a skill she likes to advertise. When she is tasked to hunt down a murderer targeting children, Sirsha takes the contract thinking it would be a straightforward job. However, as she learns more about her employer, the victims, and the killer, she begins to realize that the real cost of taking on this mission may be far higher than she expected.
Finally, there’s Quil, whose background could not be more different than the others. Chosen to be the heir of the Martial Empire by his aunt, the Empress Helena, Quil reluctantly takes on the duties required of him, even if it means being roped into an arranged marriage. But before those plans could come to fruition, the heart of the throne comes under attack by a new threat, forcing Quil and his friends to flee in order to ensure the survival of the empire.
For a character-driven novel like Heir, it comes as no surprise that one of its greatest strengths is its protagonists. As I recall, Sabaa Tahir’s characterization in An Ember in the Ashes was superb as well, and it appears her skills have only improved. Of course, like any multi-POV story I had my favorites that I liked to follow, but I think it’s fair to say each one was well written and compelling. The voices o Aiz, Sirscha, and Quil were also sufficiently different enough that they each stood out for their own reasons, making transitions between their chapters easy, painless, and so much less confusing than it could have been.
And although it’s been quite a while, I enjoyed returning to this setting which features light influences from Middle Eastern as well as Asian cultures. Heir does a good job expanding it beyond what readers have already seen, immersing us deeper into the richness of the world’s magic systems, traditions, and religions. By telling this story through the eyes of individuals from across distinct social divides, we’re also able to experience so much more, from the physical descriptions of their unique surroundings to the fascinating interactions they have with the local people and their customs.
That said, this was a relatively long book, and in terms of storytelling, pacing suffered a little from a few sluggish parts in the middle and second half—as one would probably expect from an almost 500-page novel that’s trying to constantly throw out information at you while juggling three viewpoints. It took a while for everything to come together, and you also had a few interruptions to overall flow as POVs would change in the middle of the action. Still, once the story got going, its momentum was stronger than not. Knowing that Heir is the first half of a duology also prepared me well enough for the inevitable cliffhanger, which was softened despite its suddenness, and I’m left mostly with curiosity at what will come next.
For me, Heir was ultimately an intriguing return to a familiar world, but I think readers jumping into it for the first time will also find it completely accessible. The scope of the story is big but not too daunting, characters are unique but relatable, and world-building is straightforward but also layered and substantial. It’s a must-read for fans of An Ember in the Ashes, obviously, but also a highly readable novel that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy with strong YA and adult fiction crossover appeal....more
The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde offers an intriguing concept of a romantasy set in a post-apocalyptic dystopian world, and to that end, it delivered an entertaining read! While a more experienced reader with romance fantasy will probably find it pretty standard, for a dabbler like me it was a fun dip into a genre I don’t often explore.
The novel follows Kierse, a young woman who joined a thieving guild in order to survive a world devastated thirteen years ago by a cataclysmic war when monsters of all kinds emerged from the shadows. Navigating this new reality teeming with a variety of supernatural creatures like werewolves and vampires, she relies on her cunning and skills to make it through each day in the ruthless streets of New York City. For the last few years though, humans and their new monstrous neighbors have coexisted relatively peacefully thanks to a treaty that was negotiated to end the bloodshed.
However, all that is about to change when Kierse receives a mission that sends her into the home of a mysterious warlock named Graves. When she is discovered, thus violating the treaty, Kierse expects the worst—but instead, Graves offers her a job. There’s something precious he wants hidden away behind an unbreakable security system under the city, and he needs a thief to help him break in to steal it. Intrigued, Kierse agrees to his terms, unprepared for the journey that the contract would set in motion. The work plunges her into a web of magic, secrets, and chaos, challenging her abilities and forcing her to confront the feelings she’s developing for her new employer.
We see most of the story through Kierse’s eyes, though the chapters are occasionally punctuated by interludes that let us see things from other characters’ perspectives. Her close friends Ethan and Gen help fill out the rest of the cast, showcasing the deep bonds forged between them from years of mutual hardship. Although this is a book in which romance takes center stage, I’m glad the author hasn’t neglected developing Kierse’s friendships too.
World-building was also very cool. Name practically any magical creature you can think of, this book probably has it. Magic in Linde’ world is unique to each wielder, and often a guarded secret to hide any weak points to exploit. Then there’s also the lore which serves as a backdrop to the plot and adds detail and context to the characters’ motivations and actions.
That said, the story isn’t without its flaws. Pacing was uneven as we moved from the heist to an increasing focus on relationship drama between Kierse and Graves. I wasn’t entirely convinced of their romance either, possibly due to a lack of chemistry or the fact it happened too quickly and “textbook” for my tastes. In other words, it’s the same dance we see so very often in the genre, making the story somewhat predictable.
Still, speaking as a reader who takes romantasy in small doses, the feeling of “same old, same old” didn’t bother me too much, and despite the predictability and clichés, I was compelled to keep reading. There’s no doubt an audience for this book, which I consider myself a part of, and I’m on board for the next one!...more
Wow, The Spellshop ended up being everything that The Honey Witch and Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea attempted to be but couldn’t quite achieve. And honestly, I’m not surprised at all that Sarah Beth Durst, well known for her incredible versatility, would be the one to perfectly capture the essence of a cozy romantasy.
The story introduces us to Kiela, a librarian at the Great Library of Alyssium. Over the years, she and her assistant Caz—who is a sentient spider plant—have dedicated themselves to preserving the empire’s vast knowledge of magic and collection of spellbooks. However, when a revolution erupts across the city and the rebels set fire to the library, Kiela and Caz are forced to flee with only a few crates of books they were able to rescue from the flames. Escaping by boat, Kiela decides to take refuge in the only place she knows will be safe: Her childhood home of Caltrey, one of the remote islands far from both the influence of the empire and the destruction of the rebellion.
But much has changed in Caltrey, including the now overgrown cottage in which Kiela spent her early years before she and her parents moved to the city. The once thriving island also appears to be struggling, with wilting orchards and the seaside ranches that have failed to produce merhorse foals for years. Well-versed in the ways of magic, Kiela realizes that this decline stems from the absence of the visiting sorcerers from the empire, whose attentions have been diverted by the escalating rebellion for far too long. The island’s woes stem from the lack of magic—magic that Kiela has the power to restore with the (technically stolen) spellbooks in her possession. But using them will be illegal, and if the empire somehow survives being overthrown, getting caught using forbidden magic can mean death.
And yet, after getting to know the island’s inhabitants, including Bryn, the kindly antlered woman who bakes delicious cinnamon rolls, and Larren, her handsome but busybody neighbor who runs the merhorse farm, Kiela could hardly stand by and do nothing. With Caz’s help, she begins creating magical charms to sell alongside jams from her own store, a clever front for Calfrey’s first secret spellshop.
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a “cozy romantasy” that actually delivers what it claims to, as so many promising books have ultimately fallen short to varying degrees. But The Spellshop fulfills its promise beautifully; Sarah Beth Durst brings together charming characters and heartwarming magic for this cozy, feel-good tale of love and friendships. Imagine yourself wrapped up in your favorite comfy sweater, breathing in the aroma of fresh-baked cookies, or sipping a warm cup of hot chocolate after coming in from the cold. If these sensations had a literary counterpart, this novel would be it.
So much of it is because of Kiela, a protagonist who is instantly relatable to us bookish types. But even as a librarian, her love of books often went beyond the requirements of her job and as a result of regularly choosing work over human interaction, she developed a certain…social awkwardness. In spite of this though, she is funny, quirky, and utterly endearing. Her witty and insightful observations of the world around her made me smile a lot, while her back-and-forths with Caz added an extra layer of good humor and whimsy. While the protagonists in other romantasy books often feel aloof in their bookishness or are motivated by personal ambition, Kiela is refreshingly authentic and her desire to help others feels genuine.
The plot also stays true to its mission by including a romance as one of its main elements but recognizes that romantasy encompasses way more than just love. It’s also about friendships and community as well as Kiela’s everyday life and interactions with the people of Calfrey rather than solely focusing on her developing feelings for Larren and making it all about getting them together.
My only critique, as small as it is, involves the ending, which I found to be a bit lackluster. While I’m aware action and tensions aren’t the point of this genre, I think I was expecting just a touch more conflict rather than a neatly wrapped-up, anticlimactic conclusion that passed without so much as a ripple. However, given the overall tone of the novel, I can understand the story’s gentle and uncomplicated approach to the ending.
All in all, Sarah Beth Durst has written a romantasy that is near perfection. Rarely does she disappoint, and the tale of magic, love, and self-discovery she has created in The Spellshop would be ideal for anyone looking for comfort and joy in a warm cozy read....more
The Fireborne Blade by Charlotte Bond surprised me with its richness, considering it is a novella of modest length and the fact it delves into the familiar territory of dragon fantasy. That said, there were times I wished the story hadn’t been constrained by the page count because I wanted more, especially from the characters and the ending.
At its heart, the book is a tale about a knight and her quest. Maddileh is one of only a few women in her order, and she’s eager to prove her mettle. To do this, she’s set her sights on recovering a mythical sword called the Fireborne Blade, which now resides in the lair of a powerful dragon known as the White Lady. But Maddileh is not alone, accompanied by her squire Petros, a surly young mage she has reluctantly agreed to take into her service.
Together, they venture underground towards the White Lady’s hoard, finding more than they bargained for in the dark tunnels. But Maddileh is exceptionally stubborn and determined to get what she has come for despite the obstacles in her path. Petros also harbors a dark secret, one he is careful to keep from Maddileh lest it jeopardizes their mission, for he has his own reasons to seek the White Lady and retrieve the Fireborne Blade.
However, it’s the ending—especially its crazy twist—that really elevates this story. Without revealing any spoilers though, it’s also where I felt we could have used a little more attention on character relationships and plot development.
To be fair, the initial buildup was strong, creating an atmosphere of mystery and anticipation by revealing the past alongside the present. While we’re not getting many answers at this point, this obfuscating approach only made me even more intrigued. But once the surprise was revealed, the remainder of the book was a mad rush to the finish—great for momentum, but not so much for sticking the landing.
Ultimately, The Fireborne Blade falters where many novellas have also struggled before: in its brevity. Still, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and in this case, knowing that the release of the sequel The Bloodless Princes is only a few months away softens the blow greatly. I confess I’m hooked on the deceptively simple premise, the world building, and the character dynamics that have been established, and I’m looking forward to a fuller exploration of these elements in the next book....more
As a fan of urban fantasy, I’ve been curious about Benedict Jacka’s hugely popular Alex Verus books, but as it is currently sitting at about a dozen installments, I’ve always felt a bit intimidated about getting into such a well-established series. However, when I learned that the author was kicking off a new project featuring a new world and characters, I seized upon the opportunity to jump on board.
An Inheritance of Magic introduces Stephen Oakwood, a young man at a crossroads and unsure about what to do with his future. All his friends are building careers, settling down, and making something of themselves while he is still hammering away at a temporary job and living in a rented room in London with his cat named Hobbes. No one understands that all that really matters to him is drucraft—or magic. Two years ago, an eighteen-year-old Stephen made a promise to his father, just before he disappeared, that he was going to do everything he could to keep practicing and improving his skills. Unfortunately, with no one to turn to, he’s had to figure out most of it for himself, and there is still a lot he does not know.
One day after work, Stephen returns home to find a mysterious young woman waiting at his door with a message. That night, he learns that he is a member of the powerful House Ashford and also makes some dangerous enemies. Things take a grave turn when he is attacked by a couple of goons jacked up on drucraft, and Hobbes is beaten badly and put in the hospital. Desperate to save his cat, Stephen has no choice but to seek outside help and unlock his magical potential. As excited as he is to finally learn more about the world of drucraft, he never asked to be a pawn in the Ashfords’ game, and if he is to survive being the target of his insanely rich and psychotic cousins, he’ll need to get stronger—and fast.
It’s been a while since I picked up an urban fantasy, and I was delighted that some of the themes from An Inheritance of Magic reminded me of the Rivers of London series. You begin with a protagonist who is considered an outsider to magic, watching him gradually hone his amateur skills to become more capable and powerful. The magic system is dynamic but also limited by rules—rules that may seem arbitrarily established at first but reveal an intricate design as the story unfolds. Built around the concept of magical items called Sigls, the effects of drucraft are determined by the properties of these extraordinary artifacts and the way they are created. But there is another layer of complexity to this system, one that involves social class and wealth.
For you see, drucraft has become a big money maker for individuals and corporations who control its products and resources, like the essentia wells that provide the fuel to power drucraft and create Sigls. Someone like Stephen who practically lives hand to mouth has almost no chance of breaking into the world of drucraft dominated by super-rich families like House Ashford, with our protagonist receiving a rude awakening when he realizes that even getting his foot in the door will require going further into debt.
Despite the intricacies of the magic system, I liked how I was eased into the world of drucraft alongside Stephen, who is also just now picking up on ins-and-outs as he learns on the fly. This does mean that huge chunks of the book are dedicated to simply throwing explanations at you, though to its credit, the narrative never blatantly resorts to info dumping, nor does the pacing ever truly suffer despite having to take care of some “housekeeping duties” that don’t pertain directly to the plot.
Like most urban fantasy series, I do expect we’ll have to go through a book or two before things really pick up, but I believe An Inheritance of Magic is a fantastic start that has a lot of potential. It’s also an entertaining but comfortable read if you’re a fan of the genre, meaning it won’t break too much new ground but at least you’ll have a lot of fun reading it. Stephen Oakwood is your everyman character—sympathetic and relatable in these harsh economic times—and I’m interested in finding out more about his life and his journey. Especially in light of the huge surprise the final page leaves us with, you can definitely count me in for the next book....more
Cozy romantasies are apparently all the rage these days, and The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields is the latest offering serving up a sweet tale about a young woman’s impossible choice between love and magic.
Readers are introduced to Marigold, who grew up in Bardshire surrounded by family including her parents, siblings, and a doting grandmother. Ever since she turned twenty-one, Marigold’s mother has been anxious to see her oldest daughter get married and start her own life, but our protagonist has other plans. After seeing the man of her dreams propose to another woman, Marigold wonders if fate holds another path for her—feelings which are confirmed when her grandmother Althea proposes an opportunity. Her home on the isle of Innisfree has always been protected and tended to by a Honey Witch, a role which Althea is getting too old to manage on her own. She is seeking a successor in her granddaughter, and Marigold knows in her heart she is meant to take on the Honey Witch mantle.
The catch? In order to receive the magic, Marigold will also need to accept that she will never fall in love. This curse is the cost of the power, but still stinging from fresh heartbreak, she readily makes the trade, against the wishes of her mother. Choice made, Marigold leaves for Innisfree with Althea, committed to her training which includes caring for the isle’s apiary, creating all kinds of miraculous healing potions with the revitalizing honey the bees make. There, she also meets new friends, August, a boy she knew from her childhood, and Lottie, his adopted sister. Despite Lottie’s initial surliness and adamant disbelief in magic, Marigold immediately feels drawn to the beautiful girl, and in time, the two warm up to each other. With the responsibility of keeping Innisfree safe resting on her shoulders, however, Marigold must resist their shared attraction, knowing that her curse will never let her find happiness.
If you’re looking for a page-turner, this probably isn’t going to be the book for you, nor the genre. That said, if you appreciate slow-burning narratives and a charming blend of romance and fantasy, The Honey Witch is an enchanting tale of generational curses, forbidden love, forever friendships, and self-discovery. Still, despite these interesting themes, the novel’s unhurried nature might try the patience of those accustomed to something more eventful and fast-paced plots.
At times, the story can also feel a little too idealistic, too saccharine, too twee—not to mention predictable and simplistic. But seeing as it’s Marigold’s journey that takes center stage, this straightforwardness might be enough. The Honey Witch explores the clash between the forces of love and the power of self-identity, the choices that one needs to make to be happy. Maybe it really doesn’t have to be more complicated than this, I probably would have enjoyed this book more had it included more meaningful conflict and higher stakes.
If you’re into cozy romance fantasy stories that intertwines love and magic, there are currently plenty of options to choose from, but The Honey Witch is one worth checking out. However, your mileage may vary depending on expectations for plot pacing and complexity. Admittedly, things here are on the slower and more simplistic side, but Marigold’s journey and choices may resonate more if you enjoy a good character study and slow-burn love story....more
With nary a sign of the next Rivers of London novel in sight, what’s a girl to do? Fortunately, Ben Aaronovitch has expanded upon this universe with several novellas that follow secondary characters, which is what led me to Winter’s Gifts—a wonderful way to keep my connection to this world alive.
This story follows FBI Agent Kimberley Reynolds, a character who has shown up previously in the main series working alongside Peter Grant on another magical case. Though not a practitioner herself, she has been trained to recognize magic, and when one of her retired colleagues calls in an “X-Ray Sierra India” incident, no one at the agency understands the code until it reaches Kim’s desk. Following her instincts, she traces the call and sets off on a journey from Washington D.C. to the frozen wilderness of north Wisconsin, discovering that a bizarre tornado has leveled most of the town, but the missing agent is still nowhere to be found.
As Kim continues her investigations, the plot weaves together elements of First Nations traditions, early American history, as well as supernatural threats, creating a unique tableau which explores themes of magic and tradition. The situation quickly escalates as obstacles seem to keep turning up to prevent our protagonist and her newfound allies among the local authorities from doing their jobs, ranging from sabotage of evidence to uncanny weather events. Not to be deterred, Kim continues to follow elusive clues that lead back to the origins of an ancient mystery, awakening a malevolent force.
As the first book in the Rivers of London world to take place in the United States, Ben Aaronovitch had his work cut out for him. No doubt his experience as a screenwriter came in handy though, as in many ways, Winter’s Gifts read like an episode of a supernatural FBI television series. The author also shifts gears dramatically to follow Kim who is a very different character than Peter Grant, and in this area, he did a significantly better job than he did in The October Man, which focused on German investigator Tobias Winter. Whereas I felt a lack of distinction in the narrative styles between Tobias and Peter, that was thankfully not an issue here, as Kim had her own unique personality and a way about her that was unmistakable. Were there times Aaronovitch slipped up on his Americanisms and got a few awkward terms mixed up or some words wrong here and there? Sure, but they were no big deal. On the whole, Kim felt like a relatable presence in a Midwest setting that was overall quite convincing.
Still, Winter’s Gifts runs into the same issue as most of the novellas in this series in that it was too short, and the plot felt too sparse. There’s so much to explore here, yet it feels as though Aaronovitch has barely scratched the surface of topics like indigenous traditions and history. On the plus side, if this was the first book of a new series starring Agent Kimberley Reynolds, I would be totally on board. I love her character, especially her backstory and her personal religious beliefs, and it’s a real shame we didn’t get a more nuanced exploration into those aspects. Her limited presence in the main series has always intrigued me, but after getting a glimpse of her personality here in Winter’s Gifts, I definitely want to know more. For while chances are this will be a one-off novella, Kim truly has the potential to evolve into a captivating protagonist in her own right.
At the end of the day, Winter’s Gifts left me with the feel of a “throwaway story” as most novellas of this type tend to do, but with that said, it still delivered an enjoyable, entertaining, and well-crafted tale. I’d probably recommend it primarily to mega fans of Rivers of London, as only they would truly appreciate the significance of side characters and certain details of the world, but of all the shorts that take place in this universe, this one is among my favorites....more
If you’re familiar with the work of Sebastien de Castell, you’d probably know his stories can be pretty dark but also hilariously funny. For this reason, his Greatcoats series still remains one of my all-time favorites, and I was excited when I learned that his latest fantasy novel The Malevolent Seven will likewise feature comedy, grit, and anti-heroes.
As the book begins, readers are introduced to protagonist Cade Ombra who seems quite adamant that we understand he is not your average wizard. He lives in a world where magic users—called “wonderists”—draw their powers from different planes of existence, and these sources would determine what kind of wizard you are. Cade, for instance, has a special connection with the demonic realm and can summon its denizens to help fuel his magic, which understandably also makes others feel very uncomfortable around him. For his part though, Cade has never claimed to be a good person and thinks it’s probably wise not to trust him. He’s a wily rogue who runs with other cutthroat mercenaries like his friend Corrigan, a Thunder Mage whose powers enable him to manipulate lightning.
After the last gig with their employer goes south, Cade somehow finds himself roped into a dangerous mission with Corrigan to travel to the most inhospitable place on the planet to confront seven deadly mages. Sure, it’s a suicide mission, but what has he got to lose? On the other hand, there’s plenty to gain, including lots of riches and perhaps even a way to reverse his bad fortunes. As the two of them embark on their journey, they also pick up companions along the way, forming a rough group of wonderist misfits who are each on the mission to advance their own goals.
The Malevolent Seven was a lot of fun, just as I expected it would be. A classic quest narrative forms the story’s backbone, introducing challenges and trials along the way. At the center of it all is also our questing party, whose interpersonal dynamics provide the conflicts and the entertainment. Each member of the group is a distinct individual, many of them outfitted with larger-than-life personalities. Most of them are criminals, who claim allegiance to nothing but their moneypurses.
Just as amusing as it was to watch the characters’ social interactions, it was also fascinating to see how their different magical abilities played off each other. The world-building was well thought out and robust, establishing a unique magic system. Beyond the fantasy elements, however, a mystical and almost metaphysical component also comes into play later on which I felt was a little strange and unexpected. So, for those who might be turned off by the weird and the abstract, there will indeed be some mind-bending fuckery going on.
But as for what really made this book special and why I think you should read it, I have to especially highlight and praise the overall tone and style of writing. If you are a fan of Sebastien de Castell, you are probably nodding along to this because you know exactly what I’m talking about. Cade is a gem of a narrator, and as insistent as he is in trying to convince you he’s a bad, bad person (providing plenty of evidence to support this too, I might add), you simply can’t help but love and root for him. But while he may be sarcastic and double-dealing on occasion, claiming to lack any morals, there is a part of him deep down that genuinely wants to right thing (like where a certain Blood Mage is concerned), and his plain-spoken and tactless honesty that sometimes comes through is admittedly quite refreshing.
Even though Sebastien de Castell’s stories sometimes toe the grimdark line, they are often still lighthearted and humorous enough to appeal to readers who would typically avoid the hopelessly bleak genre. If you haven’t had the pleasure of reading his work yet, well, you know I will never stop plugging his Greatcoats series! But if you enjoy fantasy with clever plots, witty dialogue, and characters with a keen sense of humor, you should also keep The Malevolent Seven on your radar....more
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros from Red Tower Books is the first “New Adult” book I’ve picked up in years, a category which, I’ve rediscovered, feels a lot like a label for Young Adult just with more mature themes. In other words, expect many of the same genre tropes but with a lot more sexy-times. Still, as the inaugural publication of Entangled Publishing’s new romantic fantasy imprint, I don’t think you can get a more perfect book that exemplifies everything the publisher is going for, featuring a world of dangerous adventure and action, a darkly sensuous romance, and a gritty protagonist who is determined to forge a stronger version of herself by testing her limits. Oh, and did I mention dragons?
The story follows 20-year-old Violet, an unassuming and petite apprentice scribe who had happily consigned herself to a life of research in Navarre’s sprawling archives. But her mother, the famed General Sorrengail of the kingdom’s elite dragon riders, has other plans for her youngest. She has declared that Violet will become a dragon rider as well or die trying—which, with the high mortality rates among new recruits, can be taken quite literally. Still, no one tells the formidable general “no”, let alone her own daughter. Reluctantly, Violet finds herself joining the hundreds of candidates entering the academy this year, all of them hoping to survive the grueling training and live long enough to bond with a dragon.
Despite coming from a military family, Violet immediately feels put of place and unprepared. Everyone expects great things from a Sorrengail, but among the other cadets, her small frame and brittle bone and joint condition quickly get her marked at weak—and weakness is not something to be tolerated. Dragons themselves prize strength and ferocity, so when a significant portion of candidates die each year, it’s seen as a necessary process to cull the unworthy, since only the best of the best should be bonded. While Violet may not have initially aspired to be a dragon rider, neither does she want to die, so she decides to use every skill, trick, and connection to her advantage.
Still, even that might not be enough when her very own family name is a strike against her. Violet’s mother was the general who snuffed out Navarre’s last rebellion, putting all the traitors to death. And although the rebels’ children were spared, they were also forced into military service. One of them is Xaden Riorson, the son of the separatist leader who has also risen among the ranks of the Riders Quadrant, becoming one of their best wingleaders. Because of his history though, he harbors a deep resentment towards the Sorrengail family, and by extension, towards our protagonist as well. But while Violet knows better than to get involved with Xaden, whom she is convinced is out to kill her, fate keeps pushing them onto the same path. Gradually, she begins to see a different side to her enemy, just as she also learns to develop a new passion for dragon riding.
First of all, the hype is real. I can see why a book like Fourth Wing would be immensely popular, especially amongst its target audience, even though it is by no means breaking any new ground. Both the fantasy academic setting and the hate-turns-to-love romance are tropes that have been done to death, for instance, not to mention dragons are a perennial favorite. That said, Yarros has somehow managed to take all these familiar ideas and present them in a fresh and entertaining way. Of course, I had a few gripes, mainly to do with some of the predictability in the plot and inconsistencies with the world-building, but taken as a whole, the author clearly knows what her readers crave, and she has written a book that delivers it in spades.
From the beginning, this is a story designed to sink its talons into you. Violet is an every-woman’s heroine—humble, likeable, but purposeful. Life has thrown her a curve ball, and her reaction is pragmatic: to come out of this ordeal alive, she will need to bond with a dragon, so that is exactly what she sets out to do. The trials she and the other rider candidates are put through are brutal, with the very real possibility of death lurking around every corner. It’s a scenario that reminds me a lot of Kettral training in the very excellent Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne series by Brian Staveley—recruits are put through the wringer daily, and the competition for a dragon is cutthroat and fierce. Even though Violet is our main character and we know she will survive when many others won’t, the danger still feels very real and immediate.
In terms of relationships, Violet makes friends and alliances early on and encounters just as many who are hostile towards her, but I’m sure what everyone wants to hear about is the romance, which I have to say was expectedly cheesy—though to be fair, not eye-rollingly so. For example, a love triangle situation that feels shoehorned in early on gets shot down pretty quickly, thank goodness, but manufactured drama is still drama (gotta fill that unnecessary angst quota somehow). Predictably, Xaden is also the super hot, mysterious and brooding bad boy who comes out on top to steal Violet’s heart, but Yarros clearly has enough experience creating sexual tension and chemistry that it still made the forgone conclusion of them being together satisfying.
Then there was the aspect of world-building, likely a secondary component in the case of Fourth Wing, but it was still robust enough to impress the heck out of me. It’s the dragons who steal the show in this one, and while they don’t really come into play until after the first third of the novel, let’s just say it’s worth the wait. They’re highly intelligent, and as multiple characters from the book like to remind you frequently, it’s the dragon who chooses their rider and not the other way around (which is why it’s so nonsensical that Violet later on becomes the target of unbonded cadets hoping to kill her and steal her dragon…like her dragon won’t have a say in the matter if that happens? But I digress). The author also gives just enough context into the overall conflict in Navarre to keep readers focused on the dragon riders’ goal, which is to ward its borders against constant attack from a neighboring kingdom whose warriors are armed with their own unique mounts. It’s a relatively straightforward scenario which admittedly won’t hold up to much scrutiny or nitpicking, but like I said, for a book like this, it’s enough.
All in all, I had a really good time with Fourth Wing. While the book might not be presenting anything too new for regular readers of fantasy or romance, Rebecca Yarros nonetheless creates something refreshingly enjoyable by blending the two genres. It’s the immersive writing that truly elevates this novel above other similar offerings which I hope to get more of from the sequel, and needless to say I’m excited to continue the series....more
A Viking tale of a different sort, The Weaver and the Witch Queen by Genevieve Gornichec is a lovely, lyrical adventure about the bonds of sisterhood and female friendships. Last year, I had the chance to read the author’s debut, The Witch’s Heart, in which she reimagined the story of the jötunn Angrboda by giving readers a personal, intimate look at the life of the mythological giantess who was also a driven woman and a fiercely protective mother. True to form, this time Gornichec has written a magical take on another Old Norse figure, the quasi-historical character known from the Icelandic Sagas as Gunnhildr Gormsdóttir, Mother of Kings.
The story takes what little is known about Gunnhild, as she is called here, painting a picture of her childhood and eventual rise to become a witch and the wife to Prince Eirik, future ruler of Norway. As a young girl, she had two very close friends, sisters Oddny and Signy. Although their family was far less wealthy than her noble one, Gunnhild had always envied the siblings. Their farming life may be a hard one, but the girls were loved by their parents and vice versa. Gunnhild, on the other hand, despised her cold-hearted mother and her father was never around. Spending time with Oddny and Signy was the only joy she had to look forward to, and the three girls ultimately made a blood pact to always be there for one another, no matter what.
Later, finally at her wits’ end with her mother’s cruelty, Gunnhild ends up running away to forge her own destiny and to learn the ways of witchcraft. But then, the unthinkable happens. Back at home on their farm, a Viking raid separates Oddny from Signy, who ends up being kidnapped by their attackers. Devastated by the loss of her family and determined to save her sister, Oddny seeks help from Gunnhild, who has become a talented witch in her own right. Together, the two women are reunited to do everything in their power to bring back the missing member of their blood-sworn trio.
Given the minimal information available about the real Gunnhild, The Weaver and the Witch Queen was an impressive work of historical fantasy in which Gornichec takes limited recorded details and weaves them into a narrative of her own creation. A full-bodied novel which features well-developed characters and a vibrant historical setting, the story explores themes of retribution and sacrifice as well as love and betrayal. While it certainly contains some darker elements, like the brutality of raids or the constant threat of death by violence, on the whole this is very different book from your average Viking tale, dealing more with personal journeys of growth, self-discovery, and connection to others.
Hence, like most works of this kind, the plot is never as simple as it seems. As our characters pursue their quest, they run into Eirik and his traveling party, and readers aware of the significance of their meeting know how in this moment Gunnhild and the future king’s fates will be forever entwined. While the women may be the focus of this novel, the men in their lives play an important role too. The Weaver and the Witch King features romance and plenty of political intrigue, a lot of manipulations and powerplays set in motion while emotions flow deeply and all over the place.
My only criticism would have to be the pacing, which is slow to start but also uneven in places. As a result, I had a hard time getting into the story initially because the intro ran long and the setup was a bit dry. However, as more developments unfolded and the character relationships fell into place, I began to enjoy myself a lot more watching their interpersonal dynamics take center stage. Gunnhild and Eirik’s paring made for some entertaining interactions, sparks of passion and of fury flying as these two strong personalities clashed. But while Oddny’s journey was somewhat less tumultuous, it was also quite fascinating as she finds herself drawn to someone whom she has every reason to hate.
If you enjoy historical fantasy featuring compelling storylines and empowered women, The Weaver and the Witch Queen is definitely one to watch. Fans of Norse mythology and magic will especially be enthralled, and I will be keeping an eye our for Genevieve Gornichec’s future projects....more
Spring’s Arcana has been compared to Neil Gaiman’s American Gods, and it’s easy to see why. Lilith Saintcrow’s latest is a urban fantasy inspired by Russian folklore where an invisible world of mythological figures and divinities exists alongside the human one. The story follows protagonist Nat Drozdova, whose mother is dying of cancer. Although the relationship between them has been fraught over the years, Nat is devastated and is willing to do anything to help. That’s how she finds herself meeting with a mysterious woman known as Mrs. de Winter (not her real name, Nat strongly suspects) in the luxurious office of a Manhattan high-rise. What this woman can do for her mother that her doctors can’t, Nat doesn’t know, but soon it is revealed that de Winter—whom her underlings refer to as “Baba” or “Grandmother”—is no ordinary mortal.
And neither is Nat, apparently. Turns out that all her life, her mother had been keeping the truth of their lineage from her, and that the illness ravaging her is of supernatural origins. Still, this means it can be cured, but only if Nat can help a witch goddess retrieve a stolen object of great power. Assigned to help her on her quest is Dmitri Konets, an ill-tempered assassin who works for Baba but has also made it clear he wants Nat dead. To save her mother’s life though, Nat will have no choice but to trust Dima, accompanying him deep into a hidden world of fantastical magic and dangerous gods.
So much to unpack here and so much to say about this book, but in the end, I just wish it had been more. Things started well enough, and the story was good until it just…wasn’t.
Still, I’ll start with the positives. The world-building was quite impressive, as urban fantasies go. I truly enjoyed the creativity that went into permeating a modern day setting with elements from Slavic folklore and mythology, and seriously, who doesn’t love a talking cat? We also get to meet a lot of fascinating characters and are treated to some wondrous and powerful displays of magic. Saintcrow is clearly very skilled when it comes to setting up a good scene without having to spend a lot of time spelling it all out, because while much about the supernatural realm is merely suggested in the story, there is still a strong sense of this whole other reality exiting beneath the surface. Of course, having some background knowledge of the legend of Baba Yaga will certainly help to fill in any missing pieces.
That said though, the real buzzkill was the pacing. I’m tempted to say that the novel took its sweet time getting off the ground, but the reality is, it never really made it out of the hangar. To the author’s credit, she does a really good job filling the story with lots of interesting things so you’re never truly bored, but that also goes on to mask the real problem, which is that very little of import actually happens. In fact, it wasn’t until well into the final quarter of the book when it suddenly dawned on me to ask: What have we really accomplished here?
Not much, unfortunately. After a flurry of revelations in the intro where Nat makes several big discoveries about her own past and the truth of the supernatural world, the answers stop coming. The rest of the story pretty much consists of our protagonist being dragged around by Dima like some wide-eyed accessory, trying not to get herself killed. I definitely feel the book would have been a lot better if Nat had more agency and didn’t come across so helpless.
It’s a shame because the story had so much potential, but there was a clear lack of action to fill one novel, which makes the abrupt cliffhanger ending that much more frustrating. Quite honestly, I’m torn on whether I will pick up the next book. On the one hand, I’m not that emotionally invested in the story or the characters at this point, but on the other, I have a feeling the sequel will go much quicker now that we’ve gotten all the preamble out of the way. It’s a right conundrum, but I’ll probably wait for reviews before deciding if I will continue....more
To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang swings for the fences with an enemies-to-allies plot set in a world where its magically gifted denizens are ruled by their more technologically advanced conquerors. Yang Ruying is our protagonist, a woman “blessed by Death”, born with the ability to steal the life force from others with a touch. Many years ago, her home of Pangu, a fictional realm heavily influenced by Chinese culture and mythology, was invaded by colonizers from Rome who emerged from a portal in a sky and took over in a single day. Her people are further oppressed and controlled by the enemy with the introduction of a highly addictive and deadly drug known as Opian (yes, a heavy-handed allusion to opium) which keeps its users in a docile, languid state.
One day, a chance encounter on the street with the youngest Roman prince, Antony Augustus, leads to Ruying’s powers being exposed and her eventual capture by the Romans. Antony, however, offers her a deal which would ensure her safety and those she cares about—her twin sister and their grandmother—but only if she agrees to become his personal assassin by eliminating his political rivals. Ruying accepts reluctantly, but only after Antony convinces her that he is different from the rest of his family in that he genuinely wants to build a better Pangu to benefit both their peoples. But can a Roman really be trusted? Or is this simply Antony’s wily ploy to seize the throne? It’s a bargain that forces Ruying into a terrible choice, but as time passes, neither can she help or deny her deepening feelings for the charming prince.
While the core concept of this book is intriguing, its execution left me wanting more. Don’t get me wrong, there’s lots to like here. For instance, the story takes place in a world with a fascinating mix of elements, including a conquered population with lost magic, a dystopian setting with hints of historical colonialism, and a tenuous political alliance between two intriguing characters. That said though, many of these aspects felt undeveloped.
My main complaint is the vagueness of the world-building. Even with all the infodumps, I found it difficult to envision Pangu in my mind with its mix of sci-fi and fantasy components, because neither side was fleshed out completely. The details surrounding the magic system that encompasses Ruying and others’ powers are left mostly unexplained, and same goes for the Roman’s technology which was frustratingly hazy. This lack of clarity, combined with the inclusion of seemly random historical and cultural references to both Chinese dynasties and the Roman Empire felt neither here nor there, making the book’s entire concept feel disjointed. In my opinion, Chang could have created her own original societies and made her world more immersive while still achieving her same message. I’m also of the mind that authors should use foreign sayings sparingly, especially if you’re just going to translate them in the very next line. A touch of another language can add depth to the world-building, but too much makes it feel like superficial window dressing, not to mention it’s extremely distracting.
Also, I’m not sure if To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods was marketed as YA novel, but there are definitely elements of one. I have a sinking feeling that we are building towards a love triangle of sorts, though as others have mentioned, Ruying’s relationships with the two main men in her life are both kind of icky. But, to the author’s credit, I think there is great restraint being shown on the romance side of things which, despite its issues, wasn’t too intrusive.
To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods may be an ambitious but messy debut, but I think there is still potential here. The core conflict between love and duty is strong, and the plot itself is engaging. I will likely pick up the sequel to find out what happens next, and hopefully it will also smooth out some of the rougher edges....more
Fantasy romance isn’t my usual genre, but I will confess to indulging in it whenever the mood strikes! Bitter Medicine by Mia Tsai came right at the perfect time when I was looking for something lighter—an urban fantasy inspired by xianxia, a genre of Chinese fantasy literature that often features magic, mythology, and immortals.
In this book, love is also a dominant theme. The story follows Elle, a powerful glyph maker descended from a Chinese medicine god. However, she lives a rather lowkey life in Raleigh, North Carolina, working at an unassuming charms shop which caters to the local population of supernatural denizens. The reason she’s keeping a low profile is because she is in hiding with her older brother, Tony, whom she had vowed to keep safe from those hunting him. Unfortunately, when one of those hunters is also your murderous younger brother, that means having to keep your location secret from the rest of your family too.
So, Elle spends her days creating magical calligraphy for her clients, many of whom work for the faerie agency that owns the shop. Their top security expert, a French half-elf named Luc, has become one of her regulars, coming in frequently for healing magic and protective glyphs. It also doesn’t hurt that he’s handsome and charming, and before long, Elle has developed quite a crush. But Luc has his own secrets, and as much as he is drawn to Elle, he’s reluctant to let himself get too close. He’s done some things he’s not proud of in his line of work and is still trying to atone for them, even if it means being completely beholden to his tyrannical boss. Luc has no say over which missions he is sent on, and whatever tenuous relationship he has with Elle might be done for when he finds out that his next job will involve tracking down her younger brother.
At its heart, Bitter Medicine is a tale about two immortals who fall in love and find their way to each other despite the numerous obstacles in their path. What both surprised and impressed me was how all these elements were balanced so well, focusing mainly on the romance between Elle and Luc without sacrificing the quality of the story and other aspects like world-building. The characters were also wonderfully developed. Both Elle and Luc have sacrificed so much for the people they care about, and while their backstories make it easy to understand why they do what they do, all the secrets between them also mean they are both reluctant to dive into a relationship. As a result, we get a slow-burn but sweet romance that is also a story about finding your true self as well as the courage and trust it takes to open up to someone else and share that knowledge with them.
Granted, when things heat up, the love scenes can burn pretty hot. Like, scorching hot! But also, in the tradition of most contemporary fantasy romances, the story can be unbearably cheesy at times, with corny rom-com dialogue and awkward cliches. And it’s true that Elle’s “quirkiness” can sometime borders on grating, while Luc maybe plays the role of fraught and tortured immortal a little too well. But considering how the author was also partly inspired by C-dramas, I guess mission accomplished?
There’s some fantastic world-building here as well. Even if the details and explanation into Elle’s role are somewhat glossed over, I think Tsai makes up for it with the amazing integration of Chinese legends and mythology into this modern setting and fantasy world that includes other mythological creatures like fae, elves, and even harpies, redcaps, sphinxes, and the Jersey Devil.
If you can imagine the drama of a Chinese soap opera mixed with the action and magic of a gritty urban fantasy, that pretty much describes Bitter Medicine. Overall, it ended up being a very enjoyable, heartwarming read that perfectly hit the spot. If you’re looking for a touching fantasy romance full of tenderness and emotions, Mia Tsai’s debut should be on your list....more
I’ll admit, I wasn’t completely sold on Hannah Whitten’s debut For the Wolf, but fast forward to now and I’m all in for The Foxglove King. The first in The Nightshade Crown series, it tells the tale of a young woman named Lore who possesses the secret power to raise the dead. Born in the catacombs beneath the city of Dellaire, she escaped when she was just thirteen. Now a decade older, she has learned quite a few survival lessons in the years spent eking out a living as a poison runner, using her death magic called Mortem. Unfortunately though, even the best laid plans can sometimes go up in flames. When she’s captured and her powers become discovered, Lore expects to be executed, but is instead enlisted by the monarch King August to perform a dangerous task.
Together with one of the Presque Mort, an order of warrior-monks who has the king’s approval to use Mortem, Lore is to infiltrate the royal court and find out why entire villages on the countryside seem to be dying overnight. While Gabriel has been in the order for many years, he was a duke’s son before his family fell from grace, making him the perfect partner with his past ties to the court. Posing as cousins, Lore and Gabriel set out to spy on the nobles and find out who is responsible for all the deaths. As it so happens, on the king’s list of suspects is his own son Bastian, the philandering Sun Prince. Clearly, there’s more to the heir than meets the eye, as the careless wastrel persona appears to be just an act. But even if it turns out the prince is innocent of treason, there are still plenty of secrets and hidden traps he’s keeping below the surface.
At first, I wasn’t sure The Foxglove King would be for me. Alarm bells were going off in my head as I read the synopsis and some of the more tropey elements were making me nervous. While I loved the idea of the Versailles-inspired court, I can’t tell you how many books I’ve read where the execution of this type of setting has fallen flat on its face. Then there’s the derivative magic system based on death. I know it’s a popular cliché for a reason, but honestly, I’ve seen only a few authors who have manage to do it well. And finally, there’s the vague hint of the dreaded love triangle. If there’s one trope I’m glad the YA/New Adult fantasy genre has started to move away from in recent years, it’s that one, so yes, it jarred me a little to see it pop up here.
In the end, just as I’d anticipated, all these elements ended up being in the book, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it wasn’t as bad as I expected. Hannah Whitten has undeniably grown as an author, improving her storytelling skills and especially her dialogue writing. Sure, the anachronisms might have been distracting on occasion, but I still much prefer this slick casual style of banter to clunky and overwrought purple prose. It kept the pace smooth and fast, and the hundreds of pages just flew on by. Plotting was tight, and we didn’t hit as many snags compared to what I remember from For the Wolf, where the writing was borderline flowery and we frittered away too much time on the romancey bits.
In terms of characters, I also found Lore to be a lot more interesting and likeable as a protagonist. She seemed more genuine somehow, possibly due to the more natural dialogue. And while there’s romance involved and some mild love-triangle action in play, it is on the subtle side and I’ve always said I don’t mind as long as the characters are well developed. Lore is just the right balance of enigmatic and amiable, and her motivations are believable given her backstory. Her relationship with Gabe is complicated but stops just shy of being overly dramatic. And I really liked the mercurial Bastian, who can turn on the charm and be a lovable goof one minute and transform into a calculating and menacing presence the next.
It all made for a very entertaining read. The ending was also quite intense, but leaves plenty to look forward to in the next book. In the end, I enjoyed The Foxglove King a lot more than I thought! Looking forward to the next one with excitement....more
Even though deep down I know these books aren’t intended to be much more than guilty pleasure reads or brain candy, this third and final installment of the Gargoyle Queen probably could have used a bit more oomph. That said, I thought Conquer the Kingdom was still a very entertaining and overall satisfying ending to this romance and adventure-infused fantasy trilogy.
In the wake of the events at the end of Tear Down the Throne, our protagonist the crown princess Gemma Ripley of Andvari is on the hunt for a dangerous enemy who has vowed to destroy her kingdom. But even with her powerful mind magier powers and the help of her friend and spymistress Reiko, the two them have not been able to track down the scheming Milo Morricone.
However, an opportunity to lure him in may present itself in the coming days, with the Sword and Shield gladiatorial tournament being held soon in the capital city of Glanzen. At the same time, the event also brings much risk to Gemma amidst an influx of visiting strangers. Already she has to watch her back with Queen Maeven of Morta, who has already tried to take her down, but as Milo’s mother, she may also be the key to understanding the enemy’s diabolical plans. Meanwhile, Gemma’s relationship with Maeven’s other son Leonidas deepens, creating another set of problems as their future together becomes uncertain. After all, Leonidas still has a duty to his own people, and while he may have Gemma’s love and trust, it will be harder to win over the rest of Andvari.
Like the previous books, Conquer the Kingdom was a fun romp, though the action was definitely heavier on the back-end, leaving the first two thirds of the novel relatively uneventful. Throughout the series, Gemma has faced countless challenges and many foes, and because of this I had expected the conflict to be somewhat bigger and more significant. Instead, for most the story Gemma occupies herself with trying to find Milo, and when she isn’t making any headway on that front, the narrative is mostly filled with idle conversation with few highlights.
Still, as a final installment, it achieved the purpose of wrapping up loose ends and tying up the storylines for the various characters. Even though most of the plot lacked intensity, the author did a good job capturing the complexities of the different relationships for Gemma, including her romantic one with Leonidas and her adversarial one with Queen Maeven. Side plots also explored supporting characters like Reiko and Kai, and of course the series’ unique and fascinating creatures like the gargoyles and strix.
But by far the best and most exciting part of the novel came near the end with a rescue mission that culminated in an epic showdown, making up for the slower start. Not only was it an explosive way to conclude the trilogy, but the finale also provides an emotional and satisfying sendoff for this cast of memorable characters, rewarding readers with feel-good vibes. This makes The Gargoyle Queen a great choice for fantasy fans who are perhaps looking for something lighter and more casual. While the series has never pretended to be anything more or anything less, I do love how accessible it is without sacrificing any character development or the depth of their relationships.
When I think back to my first book by Jennifer Estep, which was Kill the Queen, I find it amazing that we’ve now come to the end of her second trilogy set in this world. While I have no clue whether she’ll follow it up with a third, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if another spinoff does come to pass, since clearly there are still so many stories in this Crown of Shards/Gargoyle Queen universe still waiting to be told. If that happens, I know I’ll be reading....more
