Thorn Season by Kiera Azar

Title: Thorn Season

Author: Kiera Azar

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Thorn Season # 1

Publication: September 11, 2025

464 pages

Source: Libby Library

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In the Kingdom of Daradon, a persecuted few are Wielders, in possession of a magical Spectre–a shimmering thread that can extend beyond their visible body to give a loving caress, pick a lock . . . even kill. Feared for this ability, Wielders have always been Hunted.

Alissa Paine, heiress and daughter of a Hunter family . . . is also a Wielder. At eighteen, Alissa knows she’s escaped execution thus far only due to painful self-control and the efforts of her beloved father.

Summoned to the harsh and glittering royal court for the debutante season, Alissa finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal—and caught between two equally dangerous one a brutal ruler with the handsome face of a fairy-tale prince, who would destroy her if he knew the truth—and the other a beguiling foreign ambassador with secret agendas of his own.

With the threat of discovery lurking around every corner—and romance becoming an increasingly dangerous temptation—Alissa will find that she has more to lose than her secrets. It’s Rose Season at the palace, but to survive she’ll need to become the most vicious of thorns. . . .

MY THOUGHTS

I had such high hopes for The Thorn Season. The synopsis sounded intriguing, with court politics and an heiress hiding her ability as a wielder but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations.

It took quite a while for the story to grab my attention. The world-building felt underdeveloped, and the concept of wielding was barely explained. As I began writing this review, I actually had to reread the synopsis just to remind myself what the ability even was. It turns out, it’s exactly what the main heroine, Alissa, uses it for, which I found poorly executed and lazy. Readers are never told why some people are born with this power or how it came to exist in the first place. If the author mentioned it, I must have missed it, because I finished the book only a few hours ago and still couldn’t tell you. Which goes to show, this book is not memorable at all.

I’m not sure if this book is meant to be Young Adult or Adult fantasy. Alissa is eighteen, while the male characters are in their early to mid-twenties but they all acted immature. I didn’t care for Alissa and never felt connected to her character. Throughout the story, she tries to act tough but ends up getting kidnapped and thrown into a cell, twice, and both times needs rescuing. She even unalives a man, yet I still didn’t feel anything for her. She came across as all talk and no substance. By the halfway point, I was just trying to finish the book out of obligation since I had already invested so much time.

The romance aspect was also frustrating. Three potential love interests were far too many. Two would’ve been excessive, but three was overkill. None of them were likable or distinct enough to stand out. The characters overall, main and secondary alike felt flat and two-dimensional, including Alissa’s friend, father, and even her enemies.

If I had to sum up The Thorn Season in one word, it would be meh. The story isn’t original, the characters are dull, the plot is boring, and the writing is subpar. I didn’t enjoy any part of this book and am simply glad I made it to the end.

The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman

Title: The Wolf King

Author: Lauren Palphreyman

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Wolf King # 1

Publication: September 12, 2023

475 pages

Source: Personal Library

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When a princess is kidnapped by an alpha , war rages between the humans and the wolves. But soon, forbidden attraction starts to grow. . .

Princess Aurora longs to escape the castle and the marriage that has been arranged for her.

But on the night before her wedding, at a dog fight where captured werewolves are made to fight for sport, she spares the life of a young wolf. It puts her on the radar of the powerful alpha who was going to kill him. And it changes everything.

That night, when the alpha escapes, he kidnaps her and takes her to the rugged lands north of the border — where the once warring werewolf clans are beginning to unite. He thinks that she is the key to winning the war against the humans.

Only, as they spend time around one another, forbidden attraction starts to grow. And as Aurora learns that not all wolves are bad, the alpha discovers that she is in danger from both his enemies, and those he once considered friends.

With monsters on both sides, a bloodthirsty war between humans and wolves raging, and undeniable passion growing between them — will their story end in love? Or tragedy?

And will Aurora ever get home?

Does she even want to?

MY THOUGHTS

The Wolf King has been all over my social media lately. I’ve been hearing nonstop raving reviews for months. After checking out the synopsis, I decided to give it a try as werewolves and shifters are some of my favorite types of supernaturals.

The Wolf King started off pretty strong, and I was immediately hooked from the first chapter. It was giving me Outlander vibes, which I quite enjoy. I loved the idea of humans versus the wolf clans and seeing the hierarchy of the alphas under the Wolf King. However, the book started going a bit downhill for me around the midway point. The worldbuilding was easy to follow and straightforward, but overall pretty basic. The writing was clunky and felt overly simple. To be frank, it read as if it were written for someone with a low reading level or slow comprehension. Even the short-chapter format felt intentional, seemingly designed to cater to people’s short attention spans nowadays. However, I believe that if a story is well-written, with an engaging plot and fleshed-out characters, that wouldn’t be an issue.

Aurora, Rory was one of the most basic, simple-minded, and annoying characters I’ve read so far this year. I understand she’s twenty, but she acted like she was fifteen. I hated her internal monologue, constantly reminding readers how obedient and meek she had to be but no, now she’s a fierce young woman who isn’t like that anymore. It felt like she was throwing a tantrum every other chapter. There were countless scenes where she acted like the immature brat that she was, trying to provoke people around her, only to whine when she didn't get a reaction or their attention. She was truly exhausting, and I was tired of her shit.

The author inserted a possible love triangle into the mix, and while I usually love a good love triangle, this was not it. There was a clear favorite and obvious endgame I saw early on. Was anyone swooning over Callum? Because I certainly wasn’t. He was truly a big oaf, as everyone so often said, the epitome of brawns and no brains. I didn’t understand why Rory was falling head over heels, declaring her love for him when he literally did nothing for her and kept making promises he didn’t keep. Then again, she acted like a dumb child. There was a scene where he raised his voice at her, and that’s when I knew exactly what kind of “man” he was. I’m not sure if the author tried to write Callum as a copy of Jamie Fraser, but he ain’t no Jamie, that’s for sure. All ego, no action to back it up. I liked Blake, though; he’s everything I enjoy in a male lead. It annoyed me to no end that Rory kept accusing him of things he never did. Every time he tried to help or give her advice, she’d insist, both internally and out loud that he was lying or sabotaging her, yet she’d still take his advice and later discover he’d been telling the truth all along.

While The Wolf King was a quick read, it read like a bad CW TV show you can’t help but keep watching. I liked some parts of the story, it had its moments, but overall, it was a pretty mediocre book. Same Romantasy type book flooding the market right now. Despite it all, I’m curious to see how the story plays out after what Blake did at the end and to see who the true endgame will be. I plan to read the sequel for only Blake. This is not a book I'd recommend as there are better written werewolf/shifters books out there.

The Inheritance by Ilona Andrews

Title: The Inheritance

Author: Ilona Andrews

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: Breach Wars # 1

Publication: August 10, 2025 

280 pages

Source: Personal Library

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Adaline is a Talent. Ten years ago, she had a happy marriage and a job she loved. The invasion shattered both. Now she works for the government, searching the breaches for magic metals and medicine to help Earth repel an interdimensional enemy. Two kids, one cat, bills, benefits, mortgage and school tuition...Risking her life became routine.

She had gone into the dimensional gates hundreds of times. She was always well protected. This time everything goes wrong. Now Ada is trapped in the labyrinth of alien caves unlike any other. Her only companion is a scared German Shepherd named Bear. Together they must uncover the breach's secrets and escape, because Ada promised her children that she will come home.

The future of humanity depends on it.

MY THOUGHTS

If you’ve been following my blog for the past twelve or more years, you already know how much I love Ilona Andrews. Anything they write, I’ll read. So, when the Andrews team announced a new novel, a LitRPG-style book, I was immediately intrigued. It sounded like a mix of all their other series combined, which should have been an instant sell. However, The Inheritance was nothing like I expected and left me utterly bored and dissatisfied.

The concept of The Inheritance sounded perfect: alien breaches appearing all over Earth and humans awakening to new powers...very X-Men-esque. Is that a new idea? No. But I was still interested in learning about the Guild Hierarchy and how people’s talents came into play. The beginning started strong, with Ada and her team entering what should have been a routine breach, only for things to go sideways when they encounter a deadly new species. From there, though, the novel went downhill fast.

For about 80% of the book, Ada talks almost exclusively to her German Shepherd, Bear and later to two alien species speaks a foreign language. While there were plenty of monsters within the breach and some fight scenes as Ada navigated the tunnels, it was still dreadfully dull. The interactions between Ada and Bear were monotonous and there was so much heavy info-dumping. There was very little showing and far too much telling, which made the story fall flat (only Ada's scenes).

I didn’t find Ada particularly likable, either. It’s hard to connect with a character who essentially talks to herself the entire book. Readers were likely meant to empathize with her as a single mother with a deadbeat ex, forced to join the DDC (a government organization) to support her family. But despite that setup, I never found myself caring about her or her struggles. The alien creatures weren’t interesting, and the central plot surrounding “The Inheritance” itself was weak and unengaging. I read that some fans were excited to see a supposed tie-in to the Innkeeper Chronicles (one of my favorite Andrews series) through the character Jovo but that moment amounted to barely three sentences. Why bother even tying it into Innkeeper?

The only redeeming parts of the book were the scenes outside the breach with Elias and his team. Every time the story shifted to Elias’s POV, I was immediately drawn back in. His chapters had energy, intrigue, and actual world-building through interactions with other characters. In contrast, Ada’s sections dragged on endlessly, and I found myself annoyed whenever her POV interrupted Elias’s. Ironic, when her perspective dominated the book. Despite The Inheritance being centered on breaches and their inhabitants, I couldn’t bring myself to care. The brief scene near the end featuring Elias’s team and the short standoff with Anton’s group was easily the highlight of the entire novel for me. I was more invested in those few paragraphs than in the rest of the book, which really says it all.

Ultimately, The Inheritance was underwhelming and disappointing. I usually love when Andrews experiments with new worlds and ideas, but this one lacked the spark and charm that make their writing special. I've noticed their last two shorter releases have felt similarly dull and info-dumping heavy. Honestly, I wish they’d focus on finishing their existing series instead of launching new ones. There are still two ongoing series that haven’t had a sequel since 2018 and 2020 and if you’re an Andrews fan, you know exactly which ones I mean.

With how The Inheritance ended, I’m mildly curious to see what happens next but hopefully, any future installment spares us more of Ada’s endless solo scenes. All in all, it saddens me to say, The Inheritance is one of Andrews’ weakest novels to date.

Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs

Title: Frost Burned

Author: Patricia Briggs

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: Mercy Thompson # 7

Publication: January 1, 2013 

352 pages

Source: Personal Library

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Mercy Thompson's life has undergone a seismic change. Becoming the mate of Adam Hauptman - the charismatic Alpha of the local werewolf pack - has made her a stepmother to his daughter Jesse, a relationship that brings moments of blissful normalcy to Mercy's life. But on the edges of humanity, a minor mishap on an ordinary day can turn into so much more...

After an accident in bumper-to-bumper traffic, Mercy and Jesse can't reach Adam - or anyone else in the pack for that matter. They've all been abducted.

Through their mating bond, all Mercy knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. But she fears Adam's disappearance may be related to the political battle the werewolves have been fighting to gain acceptance from the public - and that he and the pack are in serious danger. Outmatched and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from any ally she can get, no matter how unlikely.

MY THOUGHTS

It’s been over ten years since I last read the Mercy Thompson series, so naturally, I decided a re-read was in order. I’m so glad I did; it reminded me just how much I love this world and these characters. Frost Burned is the seventh installment in the series, following Mercy, a coyote shifter, and her husband Adam, the local werewolf Alpha, as they navigate their new mate bond while dealing with the usual highs and lows of supernatural politics.

The story kicks off with a bang when Mercy and Jesse are ambushed during a Black Friday outing, and things only get worse when she discovers the entire pack, except Ben, has vanished. It turns out they’ve been taken by mercenaries, setting the stage for an action-packed ride.

If you’ve ever read this series or really any Urban Fantasy, you’ll know the protagonist rarely gets any downtime, and Mercy is no exception. Even seven books in, I was happy to find that the characters, writing, and plot remain just as strong as when I first started the series. There wasn’t a single lull; I stayed engaged and invested all the way through. I especially enjoyed this plot compared to some of the previous installments, and I liked seeing the mix of both familiar and fresh faces playing active roles in the story.

Now that I’ve finished my re-reads, it’s on to the books I haven’t yet read. I’m excited to see what Briggs has in store for Mercy and the crew.

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Title: Anne of Green Gables

Author: L.M. Montgomery

Genre: Fiction YA

Series: Anne of Green Gables # 1

Publication: January 1, 1908, 320 pages

Source: Libby Library

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This heartwarming story has beckoned generations of readers into the special world of Green Gables, an old-fashioned farm outside a town called Avonlea. Anne Shirley, an eleven-year-old orphan, has arrived in this verdant corner of Prince Edward Island only to discover that the Cuthberts—elderly Matthew and his stern sister, Marilla—want to adopt a boy, not a feisty redheaded girl. But before they can send her back, Anne—who simply must have more scope for her imagination and a real home—wins them over completely. A much-loved classic that explores all the vulnerability, expectations, and dreams of a child growing up, Anne of Green Gables is also a wonderful portrait of a time, a place, a family… and, most of all, love.

MY THOUGHTS

Every reader has either read or at least heard of the classic series Anne of Green Gables. Whenever someone mentions a beloved childhood book, you can be sure this series is among the favorites. After hearing about it for years, I finally decided to start the first book and I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Written in 1908, the story still holds up beautifully more than a century later. I’m not sure if older adults were ever meant to be the target audience, but I found it utterly charming and the perfect change of pace from my usual fantasy novels.

Montgomery’s writing was simple yet elegant, and the world of Avonlea felt vibrant and immersive. Within the very first page, I was enchanted as Matthew and Marilla reluctantly set out to adopt Anne, an orphan. I loved getting a glimpse of how people might have lived in 1908. Life seemed simple and slow, but Anne infused everything with so much energy and joy. She was such a precocious child; open, honest, and unafraid to express her feelings.

It was fascinating to see how children grew up back then. I was astonished that by the age of seventeen or eighteen, they were already embarking on careers. I also adored all the supporting characters. Matthew and Marilla were so sweet, and it must have been a tremendous undertaking to take on the responsibility of raising a child at their stage in life. Even in the ordinary moments, school, chores, and everyday growing pains, there was never a dull moment.

I can absolutely understand why this series has been cherished for so long. I plan to continue reading the rest, and I can’t wait to discover what else lies ahead for Anne.

Fateless by Julie Kagawa

Title: Fateless

Author: Julie Kagawa

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Fateless # 1

Publication: July 15, 2025, 400 pages

Source: Libby Library

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When seventeen-year-old Sparrow joined the Thieves Guild she made a vow of binding loyalty to their cause. So when a mission comes along from The Circle, a group of mysterious, dangerous beings who control the Thieves Guild from the shadows, Sparrow is determined to cement her place in the guild.

What ensues is a death-defying adventure that has Sparrow and her band of thieves venturing into the heart of the forgotten city of the Deathless King. The fate of Sparrow, her companions, and Raithe, the enigmatic yet alluring assassin Sparrow is forced to join forces with during their quest, all hang in the balance as they find themselves battling ancient forces within the tombs and facing the unwavering hold of fate.

MY THOUGHTS

If you were reading paranormal young adult books around 2010, then you probably know who Julie Kagawa is. I enjoyed her work, so I was excited to hear she had released a new book, Fateless. The synopsis sounded intriguing, and since I had previously liked her writing, I expected a similar experience.

The book, however, was just fine. The worldbuilding didn’t feel fresh; more of a generic, dry desert setting with the heroine working as a thief in the underworld. As is typical with stories about thieves, she’s given an important mission that quickly goes south. That’s exactly what happens here. The plot, while not original, did hold my attention in the beginning, but the major beats were predictable. After each so-called “twist,” I could already see how the story was going to unfold.

The characters didn’t fare much better. Sparrow (a name I wasn’t fond of) is clearly painted as the “special snowflake.” She’s the youngest, the top thief among her group of misfits, unusually lucky, and somehow manages to slay a monster that older, more skilled warriors couldn’t defeat. She’s portrayed as flawless and capable of anything. What became frustrating was her constant insistence, nearly every chapter, that she was “just a thief” and “nothing special,” even though everything she did proved the opposite. It grew repetitive and tiresome. The two male characters alongside her were equally flat, little more than cardboard cutouts. I felt no connection to them at all. And the romance? Pure instalove. Sparrow and the assassin had zero buildup, no chemistry, and their sudden relationship felt random and forced. They’d only known each other for a few days, yet we were expected to buy into it.

Fateless had a few entertaining moments, but overall, it fell flat. Nothing about it stood out, and I can easily think of other books with the same type of story executed better. I don’t plan to continue with the series.

The Jasad Crown by Sara Hashem

Title: The Jasad Crown

Author: Sara Hashem

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Scorched Throne # 2

Publication: July 15, 2025, 688 pages

Source: Libby Library

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Held deep in a mountain refuge, Sylvia has been captured by the Urabi, who believe she can return their homeland to its former power. But after years of denying her legacy and a forbidden alliance with Jasad's greatest enemy, Sylvia must win the group's trust while struggling to keep control of both her magic and her mind.

In the rival kingdom, Arin is caught between his father's desire to put down the brewing rebellion and the sacred edicts he's sworn to uphold. Arin must find Sylvia before his father's army, but his search will call into question the very core of Arin's beliefs about his family and the destruction of Jasad.

War is inevitable and Sylvia cannot abandon her people again. The Urabi plan to raise the Jasadi fortress, and it will either kill Sylvia or destroy the humanity she's fought so hard to protect. For the first time in her life Sylvia doesn't just want to survive. She wants to win. The fugitive queen is ready to come home.

MY THOUGHTS

I read The Jasad Heir earlier this year and loved it. Naturally, I had a lot of expectations going into the second and final book in the duology. I’m happy to say that The Jasad Crown did NOT disappoint!

I’ve been searching for a duology and a Romantasy that hit all the marks: multifaceted world-building and characters, an interesting and well-thought-out storyline, a true enemies-to-lovers trope, and overall excellent writing and storytelling. This duology accomplishes it all with flying colors. That said, I’m not sure I’d even categorize this series strictly as Romantasy, labeling it that almost feels like a disservice. Yes, there’s romance, but it doesn’t eclipse the entire novel. It’s woven into the story rather than being the main focus, and that balance makes it even stronger.

In my experience with duologies, the second book usually suffers from “second book syndrome". I’ve rarely found a sequel that’s as good as, let alone better than, its predecessor. But that’s not the case here. Hashem’s The Jasad Crown is not only as excellent as the first book, but I might also even say it’s better! The action, the stakes, the character development, and the expansion of the world are all taken up several notches.

This sequel also introduces two additional POVs: Marek and Sefa. Normally, I’m not a fan of dual POVs, let alone multiple POVs but here, it worked beautifully. The new perspectives added layers and depth to the story. After a few chapters, I began to appreciate how much they enriched the narrative.

These days, especially in the Romantasy genre, it seems every book claims to be an “enemies to lovers.” But after reading this series, I can confidently say that many of those claims fall short. The Jasad Heir and The Jasad Crown? Absolutely yes. This is the truest, finest depiction of the trope, from beginning to end. The slow burn, the yearning, the delicious tension, it’s all so well-written and satisfying. This is exactly how you write enemies-to-lovers.

I absolutely loved this book, this series, this world. The Jasad Crown (and The Jasad Heir) are among the best books I’ve read this year, and this is hands-down the best duology I’ve ever read. I’m so grateful I discovered this gem of a series and genuinely surprised it isn’t talked about more. The ending was bittersweet yet wrapped the story up beautifully. I know Hashem has said she doesn’t intend to return to this world, but I hope she does someday. If not, this is a series I’ll be adding to my rotation of comfort rereads. If you haven’t read this duology yet, I highly recommend adding it to your TBR, it’s truly amazing!

House of Hearts by Skyla Arndt

Title: House of Hearts

Author: Skyla Arndt

Genre: Young Adult, Horror

Series: N/A

Publication: September 2, 2025, 288 pages

Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *Thank you, Penguin Random House.

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Violet Harper knows her best friend was murdered. Even if everyone else has labeled her death a “freak accident,” Vi is sure she’d been trying to tell her something right before she died. Cryptic messages about her friend’s elite boarding school, her whirlwind romance, and the mysterious secret society she was entangled in all point to a more sinister fate.

So, Violet does what no one else seems willing to do: She transfers to the same fancy school to dig into the society’s murky history and find out what really happened to her friend. She knows the truth might not be pretty, but what she doesn’t bargain for is the handsome boy at the center of it all—Calvin Lockwell, the brother of her prime suspect and descendant of the school’s founder. He’s obnoxious and privileged, and Violet can’t deny their haunting attraction. It soon becomes clear his family is hiding a dark secret that may not be of this world, and suddenly Violet’s following her friend’s doomed footsteps down the rabbit hole. Even as details emerge of a deadly curse plaguing the school, she can’t escape her true feelings for Calvin. But loving him may be the last thing she ever does.

MY THOUGHTS

House of Hearts has everything I enjoy in a novel: dark academia, mystery, romance, humor, lore, and a secret society. After the death of her best friend, Violet Harper enrolls in Hart Academy to investigate and uncover her friend’s murderer. What she never expected to find, however, was a century-old curse, hauntings, and a secret society all tied to her friend’s untimely demise. If this synopsis sounds familiar, you’re not wrong. I recently read another book with a very similar premise but the story and execution in House of Hearts were done much better.

House of Hearts blends elements of the paranormal, which I love, with horror. I had never read a young adult horror novel before, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Arndt combined both elements seamlessly, pairing them with an intriguing mystery and sharp humor that made for an engaging read. The humor, which I wasn’t expecting, was tastefully done and always landed at just the right moment. Despite being a fairly short book (about 288 pages), House of Hearts had me hooked from beginning to end. The world-building and character development were also well executed. I really liked Violet; she’s not only a loyal friend but also independent, smart, brave, and pretty hilarious. The supporting characters were just as strong; each one contrasted with the others, yet they all complemented each other perfectly.

If you’re looking for a spooky read this fall with a touch of Alice in Wonderland inspiration, I definitely recommend adding House of Hearts to your list. Even though it’s a young adult novel, there were a couple of scenes that gave me genuine goosebumps. I love when a book can have that effect, it means it’s doing exactly what it set out to do. Overall, House of Hearts was a great, fast-paced read, and the story tied up nicely in this standalone package.

The Song Rising by Samantha Shannon

Title: The Song Rising

Author: Samantha Shannon

Genre: Dystopian, Urban Fantasy

Series: The Bone Season # 3

Publication: May 14, 2024, 384 pages

Source: Personal Library 

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Following a fierce battle for the Rose Crown, Paige Mahoney has risen to the dangerous position of Underqueen, ruling over the clairvoyant syndicate of London. But with vengeful enemies still at large, the task of stabilizing the fractured underworld has never seemed so challenging.

As Paige rallies her army of criminals, she continues to meet in secret with her former enemy, Arcturus Mesarthim. Should they be discovered, the fragile alliance with the Ranthen will fail.

But all bets are off when Scion introduces Senshield, a deadly technology that spells doom for clairvoyants. Now Paige must race against the clock to stop her reign ending in blood.

MY THOUGHTS

Now that Paige is Underqueen of the London Citadel, she must contend not only with Scion and Nashira but also with the possibility of her own people turning against her, all while racing against time to destroy Senshield before it takes effect. The Song Rising is the third installment in The Bone Season series, and it continues to surprise me and keep me on the edge of my seat.

Shannon’s world is incredibly complex and multifaceted. Just when I think I’ve grasped its workings, I realize I’ve only seen a fraction of its scope. In the first book, we came face-to-face with the Rephaim; in the second, we delved into the hierarchy of the criminal underground; and in the third, we are introduced to Scion’s military. I never thought the military could be made fascinating, yet Shannon achieves it brilliantly. I also loved that the journey took us to Edinburgh, where we experience a new side of the conflict and see how the voyant there differ from those in London. The deeper we go into this world, the more intricate it becomes, and I relish discovering every moment.

Paige’s transformation from the first book to the third is remarkable. At times, I forget she is barely twenty years old, because she shows more maturity, depth, intelligence, and heart than many older characters I’ve read. The trials she endures in The Song Rising would break most people, yet she rises from the ashes, and Shannon makes her journey both realistic and believable. Every character in The Bone Season is so well-developed they feel real, like flesh and blood, and it’s impossible not to feel everything they experience. I didn’t realize how much some of the secondary characters meant to me until one pivotal moment in this book left me sobbing. Though this character wasn’t prominent in earlier books, their role here was pivotal, and their loss hit me deeply.

Though The Song Rising is shorter than the first two books, it still packs a powerful punch. The ending left me reeling, and I cannot wait to see what happens next in Paris! I highly, highly recommend this series. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read, and I’m surprised it hasn’t received more attention. Add this series to the very top of your list, you won’t regret it.

The Glittering Edge by Alyssa Villaire

Title: The Glittering Edge

Author: Alyssa Villaire

Genre: Urban Fantasy, YA

Series: The Idlewood Duology # 1

Publication: May 6, 2025, 432 pages

Source: Libby Library 

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Rumors are the lifeblood of Idlewood, Indiana. The locals whisper that the De Lucas are witches, and that decades prior they cursed the wealthy Barrion family as revenge for a love gone tragically wrong: now, if a Barrion falls in love with you, you’ll die. If this isn’t reason enough for wallflower Penny Emberly to stay away from both families, she doesn’t know what is. But when Penny’s mom is in an accident that leaves her on the brink of death, Penny can’t ignore the rumors anymore—because the Barrion curse is real. And her mom is its latest victim.

In order to save her mom’s life, Penny must bring together two bitter enemies on either side of the feud and work with them to break the curse. For star quarterback Corey Barrion, doing so would mean finally saving his family from the magic that killed his mom. And for misfit witch Alonso De Luca, it would mean convincing everyone in Idlewood—especially Penny—that he isn’t the villain they believe him to be.

But as the trio navigates Alonso’s unpredictable magic, the tangled web of Barrion-De Luca history, and an increasingly chaotic group chat, it soon becomes clear that the curse is not what they expected. Did a De Luca really curse the Barrions in a fit of jealousy, or is something even more sinister afoot? Penny will have to conquer her anxiety, wrestle with her budding feelings for Alonso, and delve into dangerous, forbidden magic to find the truth and save her mom — even if it means putting her own life at risk.

MY THOUGHTS

To be honest, I had never heard of The Glittering Edge until I saw it as a pick in a book box. The stunning artwork immediately caught my attention and made me want to read the story to learn more about the characters.

The Glittering Edge is a Young Adult Urban Fantasy set in the small town of Idlewood, Indiana. Rumors swirl about two rival families, one of them witches: the De Lucas and the Barrions, and the curse that binds them together. Penny, the main protagonist, gets swept into the feud when the curse strikes her mother, leaving her in a coma. The only way to save her is by seeking help from the two rival sons: Alonso De Luca and Corey Barrion.

The book reminded me of early 2000s YA novels and TV shows, like Vampire Academy or The Secret Circle. It gave me the same nostalgic feelings I had as a teen reading and watching those stories, and at first it felt wholesome and engaging. I was intrigued and eager to learn more about the De Lucas and the Barrions. The world-building is straightforward and easy to follow. However, my biggest issue was with the inconsistency around who knows about magic and who doesn’t. For example, Penny has no idea magic exists, but when she discovers Alonso has powers, she barely reacts or questions it. And if the De Lucas supposedly cursed the Barrions, who are human...why do the Barrions wield so much influence over the witches’ council? They even had the authority say to lock away the De Lucas’ powers. It made no sense. That’s like an ordinary citizen telling a company president how to run their business.

As for the characters, I wasn’t a fan of anyone except Alonso. Penny was irritating, having the attention of the most popular, attractive guys in school seemed to inflate her self-importance. One scene in particular frustrated me: when she discovered important information about Alonso’s grandfather and Corey’s grandmother, instead of sharing it with the very people helping her save her mother, she selfishly withheld it until the end. Corey came across as just another spoiled rich kid. Naomi was also frustrating, I don't know why she entitled that Penny tell her everything about magic and the rituals. Dylan was your stereotypical self-absorbed mean girl. Honestly, there weren’t any likeable characters. Alonso was the only one who felt chill and genuine, but even he got screwed over in the end with the partial possession, which also annoyed me.

Overall, The Glittering Edge started off strong but quickly went downhill. As you can probably tell, I won’t be continuing the series. I really wish it had lived up to the promise of those nostalgic early 2000s YA books and shows.

A to Z Book Survey 2025 Edition

The last time I did the A to Z Book Survey was all the way back in 2018, seven years ago! I thought it would be fun to bring it back as a little “get to know me” post for all my fellow book lovers (and maybe introduce you to some new favorites along the way). From authors I adore to the books I can’t stop recommending, this survey is the perfect mix of nostalgia and bookish joy.

So grab a cup of coffee, soda or tea, settle in, and let’s talk books from A to Z.