When We Were Kings by A.H. Hadley

Title: When We Were Kings

Author: A.H. Hadley

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Wolf of Oberhame # 1

Paperback, 312 pages 

Publication: September 23, 2015

Source: Personal Library
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When tossed into the gladiator arena, the delicate girl in the fancy pink dress should be the first to die. She has other plans. Surviving is at the top of Leyli's list. Revenge is a close second.

Having grown up behind the sheltered walls of the Oberhame Palace, she knows what the crowd wants. Her country was built from the scraps of their neighbors. Gladiators are just one part. Evidently, political coups are another, and she's just become a pawn in the games of men. But why is she still alive? They've killed the heir to the throne. Have they gotten to her father? Is the king dead?

In the cell beside her, the man known as the Lion is impressed. The first day, they all cry. Men, women, it doesn't matter. But this one is different. Her tears don't slow her down. They make her stronger, and when he looks in her eyes, he sees it. Her desperation is feral. It means she won't hesitate to do what she has to. She might be cornered, but this bitch is the kind who'll bite.

When he offers advice, she takes it. When she manages to survive, he's pleasantly surprised. Little does he know, he's about to become her best weapon. Leyli isn't merely trying to live through the games. She also wants to protect her father's throne - but to do that, she needs to become someone else. She can no longer be the Princess.

The Lion has to forge the Wolf.

MY THOUGHTS

I was in the middle of a reading slump when I came across When We Were Kings by A.H. (Auryn) Hadley. The cover caught my attention but the synopsis piqued my curiosity further. A sheltered princess gets thrown into the Gladiator rings and teams up with the strongest, scariest player in the entire game...say less! 

I was enthralled within the first chapter and connected with the characters immediately. I loved the dynamic relationship between The Lion and, Leyli a.k.a. The Wolf of Oberhame. It was so satisfying seeing Leyli's growth from a novice to pro gladiator, bringing down men twice her size. The stakes were high as Leyli and The Wolf try to stay alive all while keeping her identity a secret. There were some quiet moments in the book where it's just the two of them training and talking to each other, and I don't know why but those were probably my most favorite scenes. The Wolf, Tristan was also a great MC and I know this may sound cliché, but he really wasn't like the other men in the ring. But I never once got that stereotypical snowflake; I'm special vibe from either Tristan or Leyli, which was a nice change for once.

I absolutely loved When We Were Kings from start to finish. The ending tied up everything nicely to lead into the next book and I can't wait to start it! This book has been out since 2015, the trilogy complete. I'm surprised that this book isn't more well-known or popular because it should be! It's better than most books right now in the market in terms of Romantasy (hate this new word the Pub made-up) or just Fantasy. I've read a couple of Gladiator related books in the past, but nothing was ever written this well or this engaging. If you haven't read this series yet, i highly recommend it! This series is definitely going on my "Forever Shelf". 

Acolyte by Stephanie Fisher

Title: Acolyte

Author: Stephanie Fisher

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Tempris # 2

Paperback, 651 pages 

Publication: April 16, 2020

Source: Personal Library
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Magic marked her for suffering.

Magic will save her.

Magic will lead her home.

How far is too far when it comes to love?In a matter of moments, everything Taly ever thought she knew came crashing down around her. Her mother’s spells were broken, her powers unleashed. She’s no longer mortal but fey, and every day serves as a reminder that her entire life has been a lie.To make matters worse, Taly has been captured and imprisoned by a woman claiming to be the Time Queen. Her only way home is to play the Queen’s game and train in the art of time magic. The Queen has commanded that she become an Acolyte — a task that could take years to complete. Meanwhile, Skye is left as the last line of defense to protect Tempris from an invading horde of walking dead. He still doesn’t have a name or a face to put to his enemy, and there are traitors inside the city. Everyone keeps saying that Taly is dead, but he can’t accept it. He won’t. And he’ll do whatever it takes to bring her back — even if it costs him everything.A renegade queen, forbidden magic, and a love that reaches across time and space — Taly and Skye will be tested, their loyalties pushed to the point of breaking, as war looms on the horizon.

MY THOUGHTS

Acolyte started exactly where we left off in the first book, Shardless, with Vaughn being reprimanded, Taly in a time loop space with the Time Queen and Skye battling the Shades. The second book expanded a lot more on the history, character backgrounds and their motives. Biggest question of all was: Who was the villain and why did the Queen close the gates all those centuries ago?

Acolyte was just as good as the first book, but I wished we had more scenes with Taly and Skye together. There were a few but it wasn't the same. Most of the book involved Taly learning time magic while Skye figured out how to save Taly since everyone around him thought she was gone.

I really enjoyed seeing and learning more about Skye's older brother Kato. There was so much more depth to him than first impressions but in this book, we had the opportunity to peel back the layers to better understand why he acts the way he does. I like him just as much as Skye and Taly.

The final few chapters had my heart racing with anticipation. I can't wait to read the third book whenever it gets published. Hopefully this year! All in all, Acolyte was a great sequel. To be honest, I'm surprised this series isn't as popular as other books, if not more. The series is truly magical, breath of fresh air, exceptionally written with standout character, plot and worldbuilding. Seriously, this is a series you don't want to miss. Highly, highly recommend!

Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop

Title: Daughter of the Blood

Author: Anne Bishop

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Black Jewels Trilogy # 1

Paperback, 384 pages 

Publication: March 1, 1998

Source: Personal Library
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Seven hundred years ago, a Black Widow witch saw an ancient prophecy come to life in her web of dreams and visions. Now the Dark Kingdom readies itself for the arrival of its Queen, a Witch who will wield more power than even the High Lord of Hell himself. But she is still young, still open to influence—and corruption.

Whoever controls the Queen controls the darkness. Three men—sworn enemies—know this. And they know the power that hides behind the blue eyes of an innocent young girl. And so begins a ruthless game of politics and intrigue, magic and betrayal, where the weapons are hate and love—and the prize could be terrible beyond imagining...everything.

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve heard about The Black Jewel Trilogy for as long as I’ve been reading fantasy, which is quite a long time. I’ve even read Bishop’s The Others series. So, I’m not sure why I never picked up The Black Jewels Trilogy sooner, but I’m glad I finally did because the first book in the series, Daughter of the Blood, was absolutely incredible!

Bishop didn’t waste any time and threw her readers right into the story, opening up with a prophecy of a girl the entire realm has been waiting for. I’ll be honest; the first 25% of the book was very hard to understand. The author gave a brief description before the story of the Jewel ranks and Blood Hierarchy, but that’s it. The world is complex, and there are a lot of major players to get through, but once readers get pass the 25%, I guarantee you’ll be glued to the pages, as I was.

Daughter of the Blood has one of the most deliciously dark worldbuildings I’ve ever read. It was intriguing and sexy, yet brutal and unforgiving. I’m not sure if the book was ever intended for the young audience it reached, but this book is not for the faint of heart. There were so many trigger warnings and topics that normally raise my red flags that would put me off reading a book, and still, I continued reading and found myself not only enjoying the book but loving it. Definitely check the warnings before you read!

Most of the characters in Daughter of the Blood were truly morally grey characters. I loved them all with their faults and flaws. Bishop did an amazing job showcasing the horrendous and beautiful sides of people’s humanity. I’ve never seen it done so well until now.

Daughter of the Blood was written back in the late '90s, specifically 1998, and I can say without a doubt that this book has truly stood the test of time. The themes and topics posed in the book were relevant then and are relevant now. I’ve read many books over the years, and I could already tell this book is something special and a book that I know I will return to time and time again. It’s no wonder it is so loved and so highly spoken of. Many of the books being published today cannot even hold a candle to this book, nor do come close. 

I can't wait to read the sequel!

Shardless by Stephanie Fisher

Title: Shardless

Author: Stephanie Fisher

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Tempris # 1

Paperback, 639 pages 

Publication: May 30, 2019

Source: Personal Library
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Magic marked her for suffering.

Magic will save her.

Magic will lead her home.

On Temris, time magic is outlawed, and suspected time mages are hunted. Humans are second-class citizens, shunned by the immortal fey that live on the island. They even have a name for their kind: Shardless.

Taly is one of the lucky humans. Taken in by a fey noble and his family, she’s lived a good life, surrounded by people she loves. But when an accidental brush with magic causes her to see things — ghostly apparitions that give her small glimpses into the future — it has deadly consequences. The Sanctorum has returned to the island, and if they find her, they’ll kill her. And anyone that tries to protect her.This includes her best friend, Skye. He was the boy that saved her. The man she knew she could never have. And when he refuses to let her go, their actions might hold the power to reshape the world.

An ancient evil is rising, and in order to protect those that she cares for, Taly will have to sacrifice everything.

MY THOUGHTS

I've had Shardless on my TBR for years and almost forgot about it. I happily stumbled upon a review of the book, raving that it was the best thing the reviewer read in a while; and the reader was right! I picked up Shardless and I. Could. Not. Put. It. Down. It was that freaking amazing! 

I've read a few books this year but I have to say, Shardless was a breath of fresh air. The writing was impeccable, it flowed so easily and effortlessly. I believe this was Fisher's Debut novel but if I didn't know better, I would've thought she was a seasoned author with multiple novels under her belt. 

I LOVE the world-building, it's fantasy but has a Steampunk, Futuristic undertone. The world was well-developed yet straightforward, and easy to understand. The characters were multifaceted and intricate layers. Everyone from Taly our wonderfully snarky, kick-butt heroine down to the villains was distinctive and memorable. Taly and Skye relationship was so sweet. I loved their banter and the tension and chemistry they had. The build-up had me glued to the page! Lol 

Shardless was a very character-driven novel but it was also action-packed. Readers were thrown right into the story right into the prologue until the very last page. And that ending...that cliffhanger ending had me shocked and giddy to see what happens next.

Without a doubt, Shardless was not only the best book I've read so far this year in 2024 but I could confidently say it's probably one of the best books I've read in the last few years. I wholeheartedly enjoyed and was immersed into the story; so much do, that I forgot I was reading and never wanted the story to end. However, when I did have to put it down for life stuff I was constantly thinking about the world and characters.

If you haven't read Shardless yet. What are you waiting for?! I highly recommend picking it up, you won't regret it!

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

Title: A Fate Inked in Blood

Author: Danielle L. Jensen

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Saga of the Unfated # 1

Hardcover, 432 pages 

Publication: February 27, 2024
Source: Personal Library
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Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish, but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back.

Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. It was foretold such a magic would unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate.

Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she swore to protect.

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve been looking forward to A Fate Inked in Blood since I first heard Jensen was writing it. I read her Bridge Kingdom duology and enjoyed it, so I had high hopes for this brand-new series. I had never read a Viking novel before but had always been intrigued by Norse history and mythology.

A Fate Inked in Blood started off strong as readers were introduced to Freya, who is blessed with the blood of the goddess Hlin and is surrounded by a prophecy that makes her one of the most dangerous and sought-after women in all of the kingdoms. And that’s exactly what happens in the story. We see different men vying for control over Freya’s fate, going as far as destroying lives and villages to get to her.

 At first, I kind of admired Freya’s strength and determination to perhaps change her fate or at least gain a modicum of control over her life. Everything she did was in the hopes of protecting the people she loved. That is an admirable trait, but not when the people she loves treat her poorly or use her to their own advantage. I went from admiring her to despising her. She knew people were using her, was told directly to her face, and yet she kept putting them before herself. By the end of the book, I absolutely hated Freya and could care less about what happened to her. SPOILERS INCOMING.

At the end of the novel, she was so angry that Bjorn was lying to protect her that she was willing to return to the POS Snorri, whom she knew from the beginning was willing to sacrifice everything and everyone, family included, in the hopes of becoming King of Skaland. She knew he saw her as a means to an end, a piece of property to control, someone less than human; despite it all, she was willing to choose the bigger evil of the two. It made no sense. Freya’s actions are mostly led by her angry emotions rather than logic, which is why she did what she did in the story and why everyone feared her.

 I had such high expectations for this novel and am surprised by all the rave reviews. I’m certainly in the minority. Freya is an unlikable and immature heroine who made stupid choices, one after the other. The ending left a lot of unanswered questions, and while I want to know what happens next, I’m not sure I’ll be picking up the sequel.

Where the Dark Stand Still by A.B. Poranek

Title: Where the Dark Stands Still

Author: A.B Poranek

Genre: Fantasy

Series: N/A

Hardcover 336 pages 

Publication: February 27, 2024
Source: I received a review copy in exchange for a honest review.
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Raised in a small village near the spirit-wood, Liska Radost knows that Magic is monstrous, and its practitioners, monsters. After Liska unleashes her own powers with devastating consequences, she is caught by the demon warden of the wood – the Leszy – who offers her a bargain: one year of servitude in exchange for a wish.

Whisked away to his crumbling manor, Liska soon discovers the sinister roots of their bargain. And if she wants to survive the year and return home, she must unravel her host’s spool of secrets and face the ghosts of his past.

Those who enter the wood do not always return…

MY THOUGHTS

I picked up Where the Dark Stands Still because it was billed as a combination of Howl’s Moving Castle and Beauty and the Beast. While I've never read Howl’s Moving Castle, I've heard nothing but rave reviews about it, and Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite classic stories. The comparison and parallels to Beauty and the Beast were easy to see. Our main heroine, Liska, sets off in search of a magical flower to rid herself of her magic, but instead, she bargains away a year of her life as a servant to the wood demon, hoping he will remove her power. Anyone familiar with the classic would not be surprised to discover that after spending time with one another, Liska and The Leszy eventually grew closer and closer only to develop feelings for one another.

However, I had a hard time getting into Where the Dark Stands Still. The plot itself was very slow, with long periods of nothing much happening. Even when Liska helps The Leszy on his duties as the warden of the woods, I didn't find myself invested or caring about what was going on or what was happening to the characters. I'm more accustomed to novels with more action, and I didn't think the stakes were high enough here. Despite the surprising ending, I still didn't find myself caring about the outcome. The synopsis promised a romantic fantasy, but Liska and The Leszy lacked chemistry, which made me more and more detached from the story.

I had such high expectations, but unfortunately, the story was a complete letdown. I do not recommend this book at all, and I wish I could get back the time I spent reading it, as it took almost two weeks to slog through.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Title: Bride

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Genre: Paranormal Fantasy

Series: N/A

Paperback, 398 pages 

Publication: February 6, 2024
Source: Personal library 
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Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again...

Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….

Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.

MY THOUGHTS

I have never read an Ali Hazelwood novel; her books never sounded like my thing, nor am I big on contemporary romances. But as a paranormal fantasy reader, I knew I had to read Bride. Bride had two of my favorite tropes: marriage of convenience and fated mates, with a Were Alpha and a Vampyre Princess Equivalent at its center. I was intrigued!

 Within the first few chapters, I was immediately engrossed with the story and characters. Misery, the FMC, was quirky, and I absolutely loved her dry sense of humor, especially when she was interacting with Lowe’s little sister Ana; the two were a hoot. It was interesting to see Misery’s life before and after marriage, despite the setting being primarily within the pack territory. The hierarchy and different Vampyre and Were dynamics were easy to follow and understand. I also appreciated how each character played a pivotal role in the story; every single character was very well-developed and fleshed out.

 Was Bride the best paranormal urban fantasy out there? Absolutely not, but it was fun and entertaining. I think this is a great introduction for those not familiar with the sub-genre or who are new to reading paranormal urban fantasy. I thought the story and characters were great, and with how the book ended, I would happily pick up the sequel. All in all, a solid read with a light mystery and romance that I enjoyed.