The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao

Title: The Scorpion and the Night Blossom 

Author: Amélie Wen Zhao

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Three Realms duology # 1

Publication: March 4, 2025 400 pages

Source: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

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Nine years ago, the war between the Kingdom of Night and the Kingdom of Rivers tore Àn’yīng’s family apart, leaving her mother barely alive and a baby sister to fend for. Now the mortal realm is falling into eternal night, and mó—beautiful, ravenous demons—roam the land, feasting on the flesh of humans and drinking their souls.

Àn’yīng is no longer a helpless child, though. Armed with her crescent blades and trained in the ancient art of practitioning, she has decided to enter the Immortality Trials, which are open to any mortal who can survive the journey to the immortal realm. Those who complete the Trials are granted a pill of eternal life—the one thing Àn’yīng knows can heal her dying mother. But to attain the prize, she must survive the competition.

Death is common in the Trials. Yet oddly, Àn’yīng finds that someone is helping her stay alive. A rival contestant. Powerful and handsome, Yù’chén is as secretive about his past as he is about his motives for protecting Àn’yīng.

The longer she survives the Trials, the clearer it becomes that all is not right in the immortal realm. To save her mother and herself, Àn’yīng will need to figure out whether she can truly trust the stranger she’s falling for or if he’s the most dangerous player of all . . . for herself and for all the realms.

MY THOUGHTS

Lately, there have been many Eastern Asian fantasy novels, and I’m still on the lookout for a good one. The synopsis for The Scorpion and the Night Blossom sounded intriguing; demons and a magical trial held by the gods? That was right up my alley! I had such high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it was extremely disappointing and so bad.

The world-building was confusing. The author drops the reader into the story, expecting them to already understand what’s going on. There are different realms and a magic system that is barely explained, if at all. The mortal realm is infested with nightmarish creatures, but their descriptions were vague, leaving me unsure of what they actually looked like. Àn’yīng, our main heroine, wields multiple magical blades, each with a different name and purpose, but again, none of it is properly explained. As the first book in a new series, it desperately needed a clearer foundation and setup.

The writing was okay, but the pacing suffered due to long, dense paragraphs that detailed every little thing, making the story drag. There was barely any dialogue, and the narration relied heavily on telling rather than showing. This made it difficult to stay engaged or connect with the characters. One of the biggest aspects of the novel was the trials, but they were so dull and uninspired that they never felt high-stakes or life-threatening.

Àn’yīng, our main character, was beyond insufferable. I had hoped that as the book progressed, she would grow on me but no, she never did. She is one of the most immature and annoying protagonists I’ve ever read. From the start, readers are told how strong Àn’yīng is, yet we never actually see it. Throughout the entire novel, she constantly needed saving—by Yù’chén, Hao Yang, his mother, and even the other contestants. She also harbors major prejudices against halflings until it’s convenient for her to forget them. For example, when she discovers that Yù’chén is a halfling, she tells him to stay away from her, refusing his help because he disgusts her. And what does she do right after? She befriends and hangs out with a group of halflings. She made disgusting remarks about Yù’chén to his face yet constantly lusts after him. She strings him along, pushes him away, then demands his help whenever she needs it; only to get mad when he uses his demon powers or bends the rules for her. She’s completely delusional, convinced that she’s been saving Yù’chén’s life and that he owed her. But when did she ever save him? Never. And somehow, he’s the one accused of stringing her along? I honestly felt bad for the guy. I have no idea why he likes her when her personality is awful. And don’t even get me started on Yù’chén’s nickname for Àn’yīng, Scorpion, it was not cute at all. I lost count of how many times I rolled my eyes.

I sadly did not enjoy any part of The Scorpion and the Night Blossom. The plot was weak, the world-building was lackluster, and most of the characters were flat. The most important thing to me in any novel is the protagonist, and Àn’yīng was truly a revolting person. I don’t recommend this book, but if you’re still curious, I’d suggest borrowing it from the library. 

Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare

Title: Sword Catcher

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Chronicles of Castellane # 1

Publication: October 10, 2023 624 pages

Source: Personal Library

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In the vibrant city-state of Castellane, the richest of nobles and the most debauched of criminals have one thing in common: the constant search for wealth, power, and the next hedonistic thrill.

Kel is an orphan, stolen from the life he knew to become the Sword Catcher—the body double of a royal heir, Prince Conor Aurelian. He has been raised alongside the prince, trained in every aspect of combat and statecraft. He and Conor are as close as brothers, but Kel knows that his destiny is to die for Conor. No other future is possible.

Lin Caster is one of the Ashkar, a small community whose members still possess magical abilities. By law, they must live behind walls within the city, but Lin, a physician, ventures out to tend to the sick and dying of Castellane. Despite her skills, she cannot heal her best friend without access to forbidden knowledge.

After a failed assassination attempt brings Lin and Kel together, they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King, the criminal ruler of Castellane’s underworld. He offers them each what they want most; but as they descend into his world of intrigue and shadow, they discover a conspiracy of corruption that reaches from the darkest gutters of Castellane to the highest tower of its palaces.

As long-kept secrets begin to unravel, they must ask themselves: Is knowledge worth the price of betrayal? Can forbidden love bring down a kingdom? And will their discoveries plunge their nation into war—and the world into chaos?

MY THOUGHTS

Finally, Cassandra Clare writes something other than a Shadowhunter novel. Sword Catcher marks her foray into the adult genre. However, to be honest, it still reads like a Young Adult novel despite the characters being in their 20s and 30s. Many reviews have compared it to another popular series, but aside from the fact that Kel is an orphan who becomes the prince's shield and companion, the two stories are nothing alike, at least, not to me.

Sword Catcher revolves around the politics of Castellane, exploring its relationships with other kingdoms as well as the criminal underbelly within its own walls. The magic element is minimal and takes a backseat to the political intrigue. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but going into the book, I expected more fantasy. The story follows Prince Conor, his Sword Catcher, Kel, and the physician, Lin. Kel serves as the prince’s body double; stepping in for Conor during dangerous situations and publicly posing as his "cousin" when needed. His entire purpose is to serve House Aurelian; until he gets entangled with criminals like the Ragpicker King and Prosper Beck. Lin, on the other hand, lives in the Sault, a walled-off district within Castellane, home to the Ashkari people who sought refuge in the city after fleeing their homeland. As a physician, she cares for the lower class, but her life is upended when she finds herself caught between nobility and the city's criminal underworld.

Clare's new world is intriguing. I enjoyed the political maneuvering and seeing both sides of Castellane, and everything was presented in a clear, easy-to-follow manner. The story unfolded in a way that left me curious enough to pick up the sequel. I struggled to connect with the characters. I didn’t find them particularly likable or well-developed. Most of them were self-serving; even Kel, who convinces himself that everything he did was for the prince.

Two major events near the end drastically changed life for both the nobility on the Hill and the people of the Sault, yet they felt anticlimactic. Normally, moments like these would have me on the edge of my seat, frantically turning pages, but instead, I found myself thinking, 'That’s it?'

Overall, Sword Catcher is a solid introduction to a new series, and I hope the sequel delivers a stronger impact.

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson

Title: Warbreaker

Author: Brandon Sanderson

Genre: Science Fiction

Series: N/A

Publication: June 9, 2009, 688 pages

Source: Audiobook, Libby

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Warbreaker is the story of two sisters, who happen to be princesses, the God King one of them has to marry, the lesser god who doesn't like his job, and the immortal who's still trying to undo the mistakes he made hundreds of years ago.

Their world is one in which those who die in glory return as gods to live confined to a pantheon in Hallandren's capital city and where a power known as BioChromatic magic is based on an essence known as breath that can only be collected one unit at a time from individual people.

By using breath and drawing upon the color in everyday objects, all manner of miracles and mischief can be accomplished. It will take considerable quantities of each to resolve all the challenges facing Vivenna and Siri, princesses of Idris; Susebron the God King; Lightsong, reluctant god of bravery, and mysterious Vasher, the Warbreaker.

MY THOUGHTS

I think most readers have at least heard of Brandon Sanderson or read one of his books. With his extensive catalog, I decided that this would be the year I finally started one of his works. I chose Warbreaker, which, in hindsight, probably wasn’t the best entry point. The synopsis and rave reviews promised an epic fantasy, but unfortunately, I didn’t experience that at all. There were many aspects I disliked, and I didn’t even find it mildly enjoyable.

First, the cover and title felt misleading. Siri is featured on the cover, yet the book is named after another character. In the grand scheme of the story, with so many characters, Siri and Vasher were two of the main ones, but their roles felt small and somewhat insignificant. They had plenty of page time, yet their presence barely moved the story forward. It’s hard to explain, but their impact just didn’t feel substantial.

At first, the worldbuilding intrigued me. The concept of colors and Breath as a magical system was unique; people could animate inanimate objects by drawing color from their surroundings, provided they had accumulated enough Breath. To gain Breath, they had to take it from another living person. Things became more complex with the introduction of gods and the Returned: people who had died but were brought back to life and worshiped as deities. While the idea was interesting, the execution became confusing and convoluted. The reasoning behind the Breath system and its connection to the gods was poorly explained, and when the truth was finally revealed, it felt underwhelming and inane.

Character-wise, I immediately disliked Vivenna. She was one of the dullest protagonists I’ve ever read. Though she underwent significant development over the course of the book, she remained unlikable. Siri, the younger princess who became the Hallandren Queen, fared slightly better. Initially dismissed as the useless princess, she actually grew over the course of the book. However, I didn’t feel connected to any of the characters. Vivenna, Siri, Lightsong, Vasher, Denth, Tonk Fah, the God King, and even the side characters all felt underdeveloped. None of them had a single memorable moment or defining trait. As the story progressed, I lost interest in the story and didn't care what happened to them.

The pacing was a major issue. Warbreaker was unnecessarily long, with the middle section dragging painfully. Then, after all that buildup, thousands of Lifeless marching on Idris, Vasher’s hidden army, there was no actual battle scene? The ending felt rushed, abrupt, and anticlimactic. One of the worst ending I've read in a long time.

Overall, I don’t recommend this book. It was drawn out for far too long, and I honestly wish I had DNF-ed it instead of wasting so much time, only to be left disappointed.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Genre: Fiction

Series: N/A

Publication: June 13, 2017, 434 pages

Source: Audiobook, Library

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Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story near its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.

MY THOUGHTS

While The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has been on multiple bestsellers lists and featured on readers' top picks over the past few years, I never understood the hype. To be honest, it’s not a book I would normally pick up. However, a friend recommended it, and I thought, What the heck? Might as well give it a try. I’m glad I did because I enjoyed it more than I anticipated.

The writing and storytelling were immaculate, but what I loved most was the structure of the story. The book is written in an interview format, interwoven with tabloid headlines. It spans Evelyn’s life before, during, and after stardom. As the title suggests, Evelyn recounts her Hollywood career as well as the men she married along the way; some for love, others for strategic career moves, and some out of convenience.

I love Evelyn. From the early chapters, when we meet her as a fourteen-year-old girl, I immediately knew the kind of woman she would become. She’s strong, independent, and relentless. Words like no, impossible, and can’t are not in her vocabulary. When she wants something, she takes it. I love her blunt, straightforward, and unapologetic nature.

Evelyn is known as a glamorous, beautiful star, worshipped by both men and women. But the road to who she became was not easy. Throughout the novel, we witness the sacrifices and obstacles she had to overcome.

Overall, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was a great read. The pacing and plot were perfect, and I loved the unexpected twist at the end—Evelyn left in true Evelyn fashion. I can’t wait to see this book adapted for the big screen. If you’re looking for a standalone novel and want a break from long series, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

A Fistful of Charms by Kim Harrison

Title: A Fistful of Charms

Author: Kim Harrison

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: The Hollows # 4

Publication: June 27, 2006, 510 pages

Source: Personal Library

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The evil night things that prowl Cincinnati despise witch and bounty hunter Rachel Morgan. Her new reputation for the dark arts is turning human and undead heads alike with the intent to possess, bed, and kill her -- not necessarily in that order.

Now a mortal lover who abandoned Rachel has returned, haunted by his secret past. And there are those who covet what Nick possesses -- savage beasts willing to destroy the Hollows and everyone in it if necessary.

Forced to keep a low profile or eternally suffer the wrath of a vengeful demon, Rachel must nevertheless act quickly. For the pack is gathering for the first time in millennia to ravage and to rule. And suddenly more than Rachel's soul is at stake.

MY THOUGHTS

A Fistful of Charms throws us straight into the action, with Rachel, a newly recognized pack member is already facing a challenge from another Alpha. Luckily, she wins her first fight thanks to her spells. In this fourth installment, Rachel’s business takes her out of Cincinnati and deeper into the world of werewolf hierarchy and mayhem.

If you've read my previous Hollows book review, you know I’m continuing this series in the hopes of seeing more of David and Trent. To my disappointment, neither of them gets any real page time and we don’t even see Trent at all. Instead, Rachel’s out-of-town adventure consists of the characters I loathe most: Jenks, Nick, and Ivy. Literally the three I dislike the most.

Nick, being the spineless S.O.B. that he is, lands himself in trouble, and of course, the only person who can save him is Rachel. Jenks tags along because Nick has his son, Jackson. Ivy shows up later, either to help or just to be her usual possessive self. In my last review, I mentioned how much I dislike Ivy’s possessiveness over Rachel, and it gets even worse in this book. The first three books hinted at Ivy biting Rachel, and now she finally does, which only makes things more complicated. It blurs the line between friendship and lovers, even though Rachel isn’t interested in her that way. I still don’t like it and think it's disturbing.

The plot was more engaging this time around, as we got to explore werewolf hierarchy and territory. I appreciated the change of pace and scenery because I was getting tired of all the demon and vampire politics. Overall, this was another solid installment in the messy life of Rachel Morgan. I really hope Harrison brings Trent back soon. And is it too much to ask to get rid of Ivy and Jenks? I mean, at least Nick is finally gone gone.

The Labyrinth of Souls by Leslie Vedder

Title: The Labyrinth of Souls

Author: Leslie Vedder

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy

Series: The Labyrinth of Souls # 1

Publication: February 11, 2025, 336 pages

Source: ARC, I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

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In the Kingdom of Spinar, there are seven rules for safeguarding your soul from the Sorrows and Nightmare creatures—most importantly: never, ever enter the Labyrinth of Souls.

Ix Tatterfall has always been an outcast with big secrets: She can cross into the Labyrinth, home to the powerful Sorrows, and she can see strange Nightmare beasts when no one else can. Some, like the shadowy Inklings or bothersome Stubbed Toads, are merely a nuisance. Many more—like the Jimber-Jawed Hounds—are dangerous. Even deadly.

But something is very wrong in the Labyrinth. A terrible new Nightmare—a raggedy scarecrow called Jack—has been ravaging the misty maze, gobbling up wraiths and lost souls and allowing Nightmares to seep into the Waking World.

On one forbidden trip, Ix comes face to face with Jack. Worse, she’s apprehended by Candle Corps, an elite magical group that protects the kingdom against Nightmares. Instead of exile, Ix is allowed to enter the mysterious Candle Corps Academy. For the first time, she’s surrounded by others who can see what she sees: Morrigan Bea, a hot-tempered girl who might be a monster; Ollie Pembrooke, a shy boy who loves books and Dreamchaser dogs; and Hanky the Inkling, Ix’s faithful Nightmare companion.

But more and more Nightmares are bleeding into Spinar. Raggedy Jack is on the hunt for something—someone—from the Waking World.

Ix Tatterfall herself.

MY THOUGHTS

Have you ever heard the saying, "What's beyond the veil?", the barrier between the living and the dead? Well, in that in-between place lies The Labyrinth of Souls. There are three ways to enter: through death, dreams, or intentionally; if you're part of a magical elite team or a rulebreaker, like our heroine, Ix Tatterfall.

Ix has been slipping into the labyrinth all her life, but one night, she’s caught by the Candle Corps, a magical team tasked with protecting the waking world from Nightmares or from those who dare to consort with them. Given two choices, join Candle Corps Academy or face exile; Ix chooses the academy, hoping to protect her family and uncover more about herself.

I really enjoyed The Labyrinth of Souls it reminded me of a cross between Alice in Wonderland and Coraline, two of my favorite stories. I wasn’t expecting an academy setting, which was a pleasant surprise since I love books set in schools. The worldbuilding is straightforward and easy to follow. The story revolves around two main groups: Candle Corps and the Nightmares and Sorrows. Nightmares are small creatures that lurk in the dark, while Sorrows are more powerful, high-level monsters. There are seven Sorrows, most of whom rule over their own domains within the labyrinth.

Readers get an in-depth look at life inside the prestigious Candle Corps Academy, filled with eccentric professors and students. I adored Ix and her two best friends, Ollie and Morrigan. As they explore the labyrinth, we encounter the Sorrows and an array of Nightmares such as Inklings, Mistcats, and Blackout Bats, each more eerie and fascinating than the last. If you’ve seen the stunning cover, you’ve probably already spotted some of these creatures lurking in the background.

The Labyrinth of Souls is a fun, whimsical middle-grade fantasy that will appeal to readers of all ages. At its heart, it’s a story about embracing your uniqueness, self-discovery, and the power of found family and friendships. If you enjoy vivid, immersive tales in the same vein as Alice in Wonderland and Coraline, then you’ll love The Labyrinth of Souls.

Every Which Way but Dead by Kim Harrison

Title: Every Which Way but Dead

Author: Kim Harrison

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: The Hollows # 3

Publication: 501 pages, June 28, 2005

Source: Personal Library

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There's no witch in Cincinnati tougher, sexier, or more screwed up than bounty hunter Rachel Morgan, who's already put her love life and soul in dire jeopardy through her determined efforts to bring criminal night creatures to justice.

Between "runs," she has her hands full fending off the attentions of her blood-drinking partner, keeping a deadly secret from her backup, and resisting a hot new vamp suitor.

Rachel must also take a stand in the war that's raging in the city's underworld, since she helped put away its former vampire kingpin - and made a deal with a powerful demon to do so that could cost her an eternity of pain, torment, and degradation.

And now her dark "master" is coming to collect his due.

MY THOUGHTS

Three books into The Hollows, and there hasn't been much improvement for our heroine, Rachel Morgan. Many of the problems she faced were entirely her own doing. Which would've been preventable if she stopped to think before rushing in. The demon Al continues to cause havoc, as always, trying to drag Rachel into the Ever After. Oddly enough, Rachel manages to outsmart Al toward the end, and I sincerely hope this is the last we see of him because his storyline has become repetitive and stale.

Nick, Rachel’s boyfriend, or rather, ex-boyfriend has finally left. I must say, I’m relieved. I never liked him, and his presence in the group added nothing to the story. As for Ivy, Rachel’s vampire friend and roommate, I’m tired of her as well. She’s overly possessive of Rachel in a way that comes off as borderline romantic, and honestly, it’s just creepy. The author tries to excuse it as a vampire trait, but… no. Just no. Even Rachel is growing frustrated with it! The codependency is pathetic, especially considering Ivy is supposedly next in line to be the most powerful vampire in Cincinnati. Powerful, how?

The only part of the book that truly piqued my interest was Rachel’s interactions with Trent. I enjoyed learning more about their connection and Rachel’s past. The more I read about Trent, the more I realize he’s not so bad. Compared to everyone else in Rachel’s life, he might actually be the most normal and sane one. We’re also introduced to a new character, David, whom I really liked. I hope to see more of him, especially after everything that happened at the end.

Every Which Way but Dead was a decent addition to the series, better than the first two. While Rachel remains frustrating, I’ll keep reading for now, if only to see more of Trent and David.