The Queen of Days by Greta Kelly

Title: The Queen of Days

Author: Greta Kelly

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy/Steampunk

Series: N/A

Hardcover, 384 pages 

Publication: October 24, 2023 by Harper Voyager 
Source: Personal library 
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For Balthazar and his family of thieves, stealing a statue during the annual celebration of the god Karanis was just a good bit of fun…or a way to stick it to the governor who murdered his parents. And yeah, the small fortune in reward doesn’t hurt—even if his boss also hired the mysterious Queen of Days to join the crew as “the weapon of last resort...”

Whatever that means.

But Bal doesn’t know the ceremony isn’t simply empty words and dusty tradition; it’s true magic. The kind of magic that rips open a portal for the god himself. Only the idol that Karanis planned on using for a body now lies broken at the Queen of Days’ feet. And half of it is missing.

With the aid of a lovable brawler, a society lady turned bomb maker, a disgraced soldier, and a time-eating demon, Bal must hunt down the missing half of the statue if he has any hope of earning his money, keeping his crew alive…and perhaps even saving all of humanity. But as his journey sends him racing through the city—and across realities—he discovers that doing all this might just doom the city.

The city be damned. It’s time to kill a god.

MY THOUGHTS

I'm always looking for a good hiest novel and The Queen of Days delivered. Bal and his crew is hired to steal an artifact from the Governor's temple with one stipulation. They must aquire assistance from the infamous thief, The Queen of Days, Tass.

Bal and his crew thought The Queen of Days was nothing more than myths and legends since they've never personally seen her and they're born and bred of Cothis. Except she's real and not entirely human. In exchange for helping them retrieve the artifact, they must each give up a month's time of their life. From the get-go the assignment goes sideways when an ancient God inhabits the Governor's body and it seems like everyone in Cothis is after Bal, his crew and Tass.

I enjoyed The Queen of Days much more than I expected to. The main storyline of vengeful Gods trying to takeover the human realm has been done many times but what stood out from this novel were the characters. As I got to know more of Bal and his crew, his family and of Tass and her background I grew more invested in their lives and was rooting for them to take out the bad guy. However, the downside is this is a standalone so all that character development felt a bit surface level and rushed. The book was open ended but I could see more possible stories involving these characters. The stories are there and I hope the author gives these characters more stage time.

The Magic system was fascinating. Tass is a demigod, part god-part human and her life-force hinges on taking time from human or energy from the netherworld (I think). It was funny to see the Crew's realization that the Gods they worship are truly living beings and some of them resides alongside humanity in every day life and no one is the wiser. We met Tass's brother, Uncle and Grandfather...and I want to meet more of the family. Finger crossed for more books in this world!

Overall The Queen of Days was a great read. There's plenty of action and heart and characters you can't help but root for. If you love a fun and thrilling heist novel; I highly recommend Tbe Queen of Days!

 

 

 

Strange Unearthly Things by Kelly Creagh

Title: Strange Unearthly Things

Author: Kelly Creagh

Genre: YA, Gothic Romance, Paranormal

Series: N/A

Hardcover, 368 pages 

Publication: August 22, 2023 by Viking Books for Young Readers
Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
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Eighteen-year-old Jane Reye is a psychic artist. She draws what she sees, and what she sees are spirits and the supernatural. Growing up orphaned, she's now of legal age and can no longer return to the girls' school she's called home for most of her life. Lost and alone after the death of her lifelong friend, she receives an invitation to partake in a study at the English manor Fairfax Hall: an investigation of the property that requires her specific area of expertise. Upon arrival, Jane understands this will be no ordinary study when she meets Elias Thornfield, the elusive proprietor of the estate, a boy her age, roguishly handsome, who dons a mysterious eye patch. During the study it becomes clear that something is amiss--something having to do with Elias and the spiritual activity taking place around the manor. Turning to her art to unravel the mystery, Jane is shocked to find that her talents--and her growing affection for Elias--could be the key to saving him from a horrible fate.

 

MY THOUGHTS

Now that Fall has arrived and spooky season is upon us, Strange Unearthly Things is the perfect book to kick-off the season. This book had me at Gothic Romance. But also a Jane Eyre retelling?! Say less and sign me right up! In Strange Unearthly Things, Jane, who recently aged out of the system had no idea what to do next nor where to go. But thanks to her psychic specialty in drawing what others don’t see, spirits, Jane is offered a high paying assignment at Fairfax Hall Manor to rid of its unwanted guest. Upon her arrival she discovers there’s more going on at the manor and with its owner Elias Thornfield than was previouslyd disclosed. Danger and death lurks in the shadows and the only one that can save Elias and the others is Jane.

I am quite fond of the classics and I unfortunately haven’t found many retelling or re-imaginings living up to its inspirations. However, Cregah takes the beloved Jane Eyre down a whole new route incorporating the paranormal. And if you know me, I’m a sucker for all things paranormal. For readers 

familiar with the story of Jane Eyre will surely be smitten to see the author’s use of dialogue from the original story. I absolutely loved the Gothic setting. But sometimes it was jarring with Elias being all prim and proper, the setting and vernacular of the psychic guests were all 21st century. I wasn’t expecting that and it honestly took a bit to get use to since it clashed when they interacted with Elias. 

I was pleasantly surprised that this wasn’t a straight ghost story. Halfway through the book Jane made a horrifying discovery that changed everything. While many reviewers didn’t like this turn of event, I found it fascinating. I should warn readers now that the ending is somewhat a HEA, but it's probably not one they’d expect or want. Not like the original Jane Eyre. And for that I am glad. I like seeing author put their own spin on the story and make it something similar yet unique. My favorite character in the entire book was Giovanni, his smart and funny quips was endless amusement that kept the story from getting too bleak.

All in all, Strange Unearthly Things was enjoyable. Like I said, my favorite character was Giovanni and I sadly wasn’t as attached to Jane and Elias like I hoped. Oddly, I wanted to know more about Elias and Thea’s backstory and wouldn’t mind if the author wrote a prequel on the events leading up to Elias's predicament. Now that’s a story I’d love to read. I still recommend this book and think it’s the perfect book to get into the spooky season Gothic vibes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Legacies by Jesscia Goodman

Title: The Legacies

Author: Jesscia Goodman

Genre: YA Thriller

Series: N/A

Hardcover, 336 pages 

Publication: July 25, 2023 by Razorbill
Source: I received a review copy in exchange for a honest review.
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Old money. New secrets. One killer party.

Scoring an invitation for membership to the exclusive Legacy Club in New York City is more than an honor. It gives you a lifetime of access to power and wealth beyond any prep school doors and guaranteed safety and security as Legacy Club members always look out for their own. That is, after you make it through a rigorous week of events and the extravagant gala, the Legacy Ball.

So it’s not surprising when Excelsior Prep seniors Bernie Kaplan, Isobel Rothcroft, and Skyler Hawkins are nominated as Legacies; their family pedigrees have assured their membership since birth—even if they're all keeping secrets that could destroy their reputations. But scholarship kid from Queens Tori Tasso? She’s a surprise nominee, someone no one saw coming. Tori’s never fit in this world of designer bags, penthouse apartments, and million-dollar donations. So what did she do to secure her place?

The night of the Legacy Ball is supposed to be the best night of these seniors’ lives, a night of haute couture, endless champagne, and plenty of hushed gossip.

Everyone expects a night of luxury and excess. No one expects their secrets to come out. Or for someone to die trying to keep them hidden.

 MY THOUGHTS

The Legacies is a standalone YA mystery thriller with the perfect vibe of Gossip Girl. The story is centered around four Excelsior seniors leading up to the Legacy Club Ball, an event that will shape their entire future. The book jumps back and forth through time and multiple POV of the three main heroines, Bernie the “It” girl, Isobel the “sidekick best friend” and Tori the “scholarship girl”. The Legacies opened up with a murder that shook high society to its core, as readers discovers alongside the characters what transpired and the identity of the victim as they navigated: lies, betrayal, secrets, blackmail…all in the name of The Legacy Club.

I’m normally not a fan of multiple point-of-view but in the case of The Legacies, it worked and was integral to the story. Readers were able to see more depth and exactly what the characters were thinking because most of the time, what we think we see and know on the surface isn’t the entire story. The girls couldn’t be more different, all nominated to the club for different reasons but all with the same goal. The Legacy club is the key to opening doors that are only available for the select members. Because it's not how or what you do but who do you know.

I enjoyed The Legacies more than I expected to. The first page set the tone of the book and I was hooked right away. The story flashed back before the Legacy ball and after, sprinkled with interview snippets as we pieced the puzzle pieces on the victim’s identity and people’ motives. The mystery aspect had me on the edge of my seat with endless twists and turns I didn’t see coming! Goodman’s writing and storytelling kept me engaged the entire time, adding enough bread crumbs along the way to entice reader resulting in a satisfying conclusion. Its been awhile since I’ve read a standalone and I forgot how nice it was to reach the end with things all tied up and completed.

 

 

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Poison Study

Author: Maria V. Synder

Genre: NA, Fantasy

Series: Chronicle of Ixia # 1

Paperback, 368 pages 

Publication: September 27, 2005
Source: Personal Library
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About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust—and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.

As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...

 

MY THOUGHTS

I was in the middle of a reading slump jumping from book to book and nothing grabbed my attention. I had Poison Study on my TBR for years and decided to read it on a whim hoping to get out of the slump. That certainly did the trick! I cannot believe the book has been out for over 15 years and I’ve never read it! It was so, so good, way better than I expected.

Poison Study follows nineteen-year-old Yelena who recently escaped the noose and was given somewhat of a second chance at life by becoming a poison taster for a high commander. Imagine your life on the line with each bite and sip you took. But that’s not all. A general under the commander wants Yelena gone and won’t stop at nothing until he accomplishes it.

I absolutely loved Yelena. She’s intelligent, resourceful, kind but also doesn’t ever back down from a fight. Yelena’s growth from the beginning of the book till the end was incredible to witness and yet she’s barely tapped into her full powers. Valek, Yelena’s teacher and love interest, was also a great male lead. I enjoyed seeing the slow shift that their relationship took. However, after realizing there was such a big age gap between the two, it didn’t sit too well with me.

This series is beloved by many and although I never read it when it was first published; reading it now shows that this book truly stands the test of time. And oddly relevant in 2023. The current obsession and trend right now is Romantasy or Fantasy Romance (whatever you want to call it) and Poison Study rivals everything currently on the market and out shines them easily. I cannot wait to continue Yelena’s journey and other novels in the Chronicles of Ixia.

 

 

 

 

 

A Trial of Sorcerers by Elise Kova

Title: A Trial of Sorcerers

Author: Elise Kova

Genre: Fantasy

Series: A Trial of Sorcerers#1

Hardcover, 364 pages 

Publication: March 4, 2021 by Silver Wing Press

Source: Personal Library
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Ice is in her blood.

Eighteen-year-old Waterrunner Eira Landan lives her life in the shadows — the shadow of her older brother, of her magic’s whispers, and of the person she accidentally killed. She’s the most unwanted apprentice in the Tower of Sorcerers until the day she decides to step out and compete for a spot in the Tournament of Five Kingdoms.

Pitted against the best sorcerers in the Empire, Eira fights to be one of four champions. Excelling in the trials has its rewards. She's invited to the royal court with the “Prince of the Tower,” discovers her rare talent for forbidden magic, and at midnight, Eira meets with a handsome elfin ambassador.

But, Eira soon learns, no reward is without risk. As she comes into the spotlight, so too do the skeletons of a past she hadn't even realized was haunting her.

Eira went into the trials ready for a fight. Ready to win. She wasn't ready for what it would cost her. No one expected the candidates might not make it out with their lives.

 

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve been wanting to read A Trial of Sorcerers since it first came out, but because it's part of the Air Awakens World I held off. I read the first Air Awakens book recently which was great and I thought I had enough knowledge of the world to attempt A Trial of Sorcerers. With that said, while it's not necessary to read the Air Awaken or Vortex chronicles (a spin-off of Air Awakens) first, I would recommend reading them in order. There were a lot of spoilers and I kind of wished I did.

 

A Trial of Sorcerers was a mash-up of The Last Air Bender and Harry Potter. The story is centered around a Waterrunner sorcerer, which in its name is a person with an affinity for the water element. Eira reminded me a lot of Elsa from Frozen, even the cover illustration was eerily similar in its depiction. Eira was very similar to Val, the FMC of Air Awakens. A young unassuming girl who turns out to be all-power, the best elemental user in her group. Like Val, Eira was always seen as the book smart underdog that no one notices…well except the most handsome, most popular boy in the school/kingdom. It was a very special snowflake vibe which I’m kind of getting tired of.

 

And as I mentioned before, Eira was depicted to be super intelligent but yet she made a foolish mistake one after another. She had incredibly poor judgment or lack thereof which resulted in harming not only herself but those around her. It wasn’t only reckless or selfish but just plain stupid. Like the title, the book mainly revolves around trials that’d help determine which four sorcerers will represent the Solaris Kingdom in the Tournament of Crowns. It’s not a surprise that Eira is a contender but of the four trials, only one she truly utilized her skills (history/book smarts). The rest was either due to dumb luck or cheating. 

 

I had high expectations going into A Trial of Sorcerers but was disappointed at the lack of substance and variety in the characters, plot, and backstory. I honestly feel as if the author recycled the characters and storylines and resorted to the same formula and tropes of her first novel/series. I mean, she does have four series all part of the same world. Despite all of this, I’m a tiny bit curious about what will happen when they reach Meru. Still debating if I should continue with the series or not. All in all, would I recommend this book? Perhaps if you’re new to the author and haven’t read any of the other Air Awakens World novels, then sure, why not. 

 

 

 

 

Seven Faceless Saints by M.K. Lobb

Title: Seven Faceless Saints

Author: M.K. Lobb

Genre: Fantasy YA

Series: Seven Faceless Saints #1

Hardcover, 400 pages 

Publication: February 7, 2023 by Little Brown BFYR

Source: I received a review copy in exchange for honest review.
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In the city of Ombrazia, saints and their disciples rule with terrifying and unjust power, playing favorites while the unfavored struggle to survive.

After her father’s murder at the hands of the Ombrazian military, Rossana Lacertosa is willing to do whatever it takes to dismantle the corrupt system—tapping into her powers as a disciple of Patience, joining the rebellion, and facing the boy who broke her heart. As the youngest captain in the history of Palazzo security, Damian Venturi is expected to be ruthless and strong, and to serve the saints with unquestioning devotion. But three years spent fighting in a never-ending war have left him with deeper scars than he wants to admit… and a fear of confronting the girl he left behind.

Now a murderer stalks Ombrazia’s citizens. As the body count climbs, the Palazzo is all too happy to look the other way—that is, until a disciple becomes the newest victim. With every lead turning into a dead end, Damian and Roz must team up to find the killer, even if it means digging up buried emotions. As they dive into the underbelly of Ombrazia, the pair will discover something more sinister—and far less holy. With darkness closing in and time running out, will they be able to save the city from an evil so powerful that it threatens to destroy everything in its path?

 

MY THOUGHTS

Seven Faceless Saints was one of my most anticipated reads of 2023, and it certainly didn't disappoint! Within the first few pages, readers were thrust head-first into a murder mystery. A Disciple (those with power) of Death was found murdered in his room and Damian, The Head Security of the Plazzo was tasked with finding the person who committed the crime. What initially looked like a isolated incident turned into a serial killer on the loose. With the assistance of another Disciple and Damian's former flame, the two set out to solve the murders...only to discover a more sinister plot that can destroy both of their world.

The novel takes place in the city of Ombrazia where Disciples rule with an iron hand. The next group in the hierarchy are the guards that protect the city, despite being born without powers. And finally, at the bottom are the unfavored, those without gifts/abilities, mortals that the city deems disposable and are often drafted off to the army to fight a never ending war.

I found the world building very interesting and well-done. Lobb's detailed description and explanation was straightforward and easy to understand.
Like the title says, there are seven saints, with each Disciple specializing in an ability to help serve the city. For example The Cunning Disciples specializes in poison, and Patience's Disciples deals with black smith metal work. I liked the dual narration, with each chapter alternating between Roz and Damian. We get to see each perspective on the situation and what they're feeling. Each alternating chapters connects and continues the dual narrating flawlessly, its like experiencing the character's emotions in real-time. I found it refreshing.

I thought Roz and Damien were great leading characters. Despite being somewhat polar opposite, they really complement one another. Roz was an impulsive big fireball of rage but ultimately wants equal rights for the citizens of Ombrazia. Damien is the opposite, always calm, composed and does everything by the book. His purpose is to serve, protect and find justice no matter a person's background.

I enjoyed Seven Faceless Saints, it kept me on edge and guessing all the way till the end. The plot was full of action and suspense, twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I loved that the villain was so unpredictable. I was shocked when it was revealed. And that ending...Superb! Seven Faceless Saints is the start to what I predict to be an amazing series. I can't wait to see what Lobb has in store for us in the the next book!