This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews

Title: This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me

Author: Ilona Andrews

Genre: Epic Fantasy

Series: Maggie the Undying # 1

480 pages, Hardcover

Publication: March 31, 2026

Source: Personal Library, Purchase

Buy|AMAZON|

When Maggie wakes up cold, filthy, and naked in a gutter, it doesn't take her long to recognize Kair Toren, a city she knows intimately from the pages of the famously unfinished dark fantasy series she's been obsessively reading and re-reading while waiting years for the final novel.

Her only tools for navigating this gritty world of rival warlords, magic, and mayhem? Her encyclopedic knowledge of the plot, the setting, and the characters' ambitions and fates. But while she quickly discovers she cannot be killed (though many will try!), the same cannot be said for the living, breathing characters she's coming to love―a motley band that includes a former lady’s maid, a deadly assassin, various outrageous magical creatures, and a dangerously appealing soldier. Soon, instead of trying to get home, she finds herself enmeshed in the schemes―and attentions―of dueling princes, dukes, and villains, all while trying to save them and the kingdom of Rellas from the way she knows their stories will end: in a cataclysmic war.

MY THOUGHTS

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me was my most anticipated release of the year. I still remember hearing the authors talk about it, which feels like ages ago now. As excited as I was for their new novel, I also felt a little trepidation about starting a brand-new series from them because I didn’t enjoy their last traditionally published series or their recent self-published novellas.

Thankfully, This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me is unlike anything they’ve ever written, while still carrying their signature trademarks.

TKWNKM is billed as an isekai story with a mixture of Outlander and Game of Thrones, and while I normally take pitches like that with a grain of salt, I have to say, it’s an apt description. Similar in terms, like GOT, the world building and cast of characters are massive. As for Outlander, like Claire (Claire being from the 1900s and thrown back in time to 1700 Scotland she has information of what's to transpire historically), Maggie is thrust into a new world with prior knowledge of Kair Torin and the characters. 

Our heroine, Maggie, wakes up in her favorite fantasy novel, and readers follow her journey as she navigates the world of Rellas and tries to figure out why she’s there. I think it’s fair to say that, like Maggie, many of us readers have dreamed about becoming part of our favorite story or stepping into a specific character’s shoes. I know I have. And that’s exactly what this book is about. I love the concept!

The world that House Andrews has created is so unique, complex, rich, and vivid. I love the idea of there being eight Great Families, each with a specific power. Even with the multifaceted magic system and large cast of characters, everything was written in a way that was clear and easy to follow. It was especially interesting to see the story as intended by the author, La Tour, and the changes Maggie made along the way.

Maggie is such a great character. In typical fantasy, the main heroine is usually someone with powers, combat training of some sort, or both. However, Maggie is just a regular person...no powers and no fighting skills. What she does have is intelligence and resourcefulness. Maggie uses her love and knowledge of the books to achieve her goals, and watching her maneuver and outsmart characters left and right was thrilling. Maggie is literally the epitome of “knowledge is power,” and I absolutely love it!

I loved the entire cast of characters, even the villains. Every single character was so well-developed, smart, and mature, even the children. What’s even better is that every character acted their age, which sadly can’t be said for many books published in recent years. A book may be marketed as adult fiction, yet the writing and characters often feel juvenile. There’s nothing worse than reading an adult novel with adult characters acting like teenagers. Thankfully, TKWNKM doesn’t have that issue.

There were so many unexpected twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, and after some contemplation, I realized just how well done they were...the authors were brilliant! One of my favorite parts of the book was the yearning between Maggie and a male character. From subtle glances to the lightest touches, it was exactly the kind of slow-burn tension, yearning, I expect in all of my romance or romantic subplot novels!

It’s not even mid-year yet, but I think it’s safe to say that TKWNKM is the best book I’ve read this year. House Andrews introduced me to urban fantasy with their first series and cemented me as a fan for life, and this book is the perfect reminder that they still have so many stories left to tell and aren’t going anywhere. It’s wonderful to see the leaps and bounds of growth in their writing and storytelling over nearly two decades. I can’t wait until we get the next Maggie the Undying book...until then, a reread will definitely be in order.

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 

Buy|AMAZON|BN|

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 Mime Order by Samantha Shannon

Title: The Mime Order

Author: Samantha Shannon

Genre: Dystopian, Urban Fantasy

Series: The Bone Season # 2

Publication: May 14, 2024, 560 pages

Source: Personal Library 

Buy|AMAZON|BN|

Paige Mahoney has escaped the clandestine prison city of Oxford. Now a fugitive in London, she nurtures a new taste for revolution.

Oxford may be behind her, but the Republic of Scion is undefeated. As it turns its all-seeing eye on Paige, she is forced to return to Jaxon Hall, her charismatic and brutal employer, to keep her foothold in the underworld.

But Paige will bow to no one now, and not even Jaxon will stop her exposing the corruption in the syndicate. As she plots to win the fabled Rose Crown, both sides of an ancient conflict seek her talents for themselves.

MY THOUGHTS

It’s been years since I read The Bone Season, and after finally rereading it in the author’s preferred edition, I jumped straight into The Mime Order. I honestly don’t know why I waited so long to continue this series; The Bone Season was incredible, and The Mime Order shines just as brightly as its predecessor. The Mime Order picks up exactly where the first book left off, with Paige, her syndicate, and the other prisoners escaping Oxford and heading toward the Tower of London. The book starts with a bang, and I immediately felt the same tension and suspense that I loved in the first installment.

In The Bone Season, Shannon did an amazing job setting up the world and introducing the main characters. Most of the first book takes place in Oxford, where we learn about the Rephaim, the history of Scion, and the various levels of clairvoyance. In the sequel, Shannon brings us back to London to explore the criminal underworld; its different cohorts and the inner workings of the London syndicate, introducing the underlord, mime-lords, and mime-queens. Except this time, Paige is no longer a prisoner; she’s a wanted fugitive, and now everyone is gunning for her.

I felt like I had a good grasp of the Seven Seals in the first book, but I loved how we got a deeper look into Paige’s found family and the other divisions. Seeing how the syndicate operates day-to-day was fascinating. While some readers have said this book is slower than the first, I thought it was brilliant. Shannon weaves an intricate mystery and builds it to a phenomenal, dare I say one of the best, climactic endings I’ve ever read. The scrimmage scene was so well-written and intense, it had me on the edge of my seat! And that ending… it gave me literal chills. I was completely shocked. I love when a book can still surprise me and keep me on my toes.

I have to say, The Bone Season series has some of the richest, most well-thought-out, and downright smart worldbuilding I’ve encountered in a long time. I absolutely loved how Shannon incorporated the language of flowers and the important role it plays in shaping this world. Then there’s the metaphysical and spiritual aspect combined with clairvoyance; it’s so fascinating to see how she takes these fringe concepts and turn them into something uniquely her own.

This series is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorites. I highly, highly recommend it if you're looking for a brilliant, well-written plot, immersive worldbuilding, and complex, multifaceted characters you can’t help but love or hate. And I have to add… I still find Jaxon fascinating, despite everything!

Labyrinth's Heart by M.A. Carrick

Title: Labyrinth's Heart

Author: M.A. Carrick

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Rook and Rose # 3

Publication: August 15, 2023, 688 pages

Source: Personal Library

Buy|AMAZON|B&N

May you see the face and not the mask.

Ren came to Nadežra with a plan. She would pose as the long-lost daughter of the noble house Traementis. She would secure a fortune for herself and her sister. And she would vanish without a backward glance. She ought to have known that in the city of dreams, nothing is ever so simple.

Now, she is Ren, con-artist and thief. But she is also Renata, the celebrated Traementis heir. She is Arenza, the mysterious pattern-reader and political rebel. And she is the Black Rose, a vigilante who fights alongside the legendary Rook.

Even with the help of Grey Serrado and Derossi Vargo, it is too many masks for one person to wear. And as the dark magic the three of them helped unleash builds to storm that could tear the very fabric of the city apart, it's only a matter of time before one of the masks slips—and everything comes crashing down around them.

MY THOUGHTS

Labyrinth’s Heart is the third and final novel in the Rook and Rose series. Ren, Vargo, Grey, and many others have come a long way since the first book. While it was incredible to witness their transformation over the course of the trilogy, this final installment brings the simmering tensions between the upper and lower banks, the Vraszenians, Liganti, and Nadezrians to a head.

This book was everything I could hope for—and so much more. I loved every single moment. As I’ve mentioned before, the city’s tension escalates as people draw lines in the sand. New alliances form, old ones fracture, and friends become foes. But at its core, this story is about relationships; both new and long-standing. I was in awe of how the authors wrapped everything up, answering questions we've had since the beginning while still delivering plenty of twists and surprises. They had my jaw dropping and gasping at all the revelations. It was spectacular. 

Reading this book was truly bittersweet. It stirred so many emotions; I laughed, I gasped, I cried, mostly from joy at seeing how everything unfolded. It was the perfect ending to an incredible series. Even though I read and finished the trilogy in just a few months, it feels like I’ve known these characters my whole life. I can confidently say this is one of the best series I’ve ever read. I already want to start a re-read! 

If you love a complex and multifaceted world, magic system and characters with a touch of history, tarot and astrology then look no further than the Rook and Rose series. This series has all the making of a phenomenal fantasy; one you need to add on your TBR A.S.A.P!

A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim

Title: A Forgery of Fate

Author: Elizabeth Lim

Genre: Fantasy

Series: N/A

Publication: June 3, 2024, 483 pages

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

Buy|AMAZON|B&N

Truyan Saigas didn't choose to become a con artist, but after her father is lost at sea, it’s up to her to support her mother and two younger sisters. A gifted art forger, Tru has the unique ability to paint the future, but even such magic is not enough to put her family back together again, or stave off the gangsters demanding payment in blood for her mother’s gambling debts.

Left with few options, Tru agrees to a marriage contract with a mysterious dragon lord. He offers a fresh start for her mother and sisters and elusive answers about her father's disappearance, but in exchange, she must join him in his desolate undersea palace. And she must assist him in a plot to infiltrate the tyrannical Dragon King's inner circle, painting a future so treasonous, it could upend both the mortal and immortal realms. . . .

MY THOUGHTS

If you’ve ever read my reviews, you know I’m always on the lookout for an amazing and memorable Asian Fantasy. While the market is overflowing with them, I hadn’t truly found one that stuck with me...until I read A Forgery of Fate. What first piqued my interest was discovering that it’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling, one of my all-time favorites.

Within the first few chapters, I knew I was reading something special. Truyan Saigas, our heroine, makes her living as a painter by forging artwork from famous artists. With her father missing and her mother battling a gambling addiction, Tru does whatever it takes to provide for herself and her two younger sisters. Just when things start to look up, the local gang comes calling to collect her mother’s debts. With little time to repay them, Tru strikes a desperate deal with the Demon (Dragon) Prince: pretend to be his wife for a month and help him overthrow his grandfather. In return, Tru and her family will receive unimaginable wealth and protection until their mission is complete.

Tru is a fantastic heroine; brave, loyal, kind, and full of heart. She’s not only the kind of character you root for, but one you can truly relate to. The Dragon Prince, Elang, is a standout male lead. He initially gives off that brooding, insufferable charm we all know and love; one moment he’s driving you mad, the next he’s making you swoon. The slow-burn chemistry between Tru and the Prince is delicious, full of tension that will give you butterflies. It gave me Pride and Prejudice vibes in the best way.

The worldbuilding is easy to follow yet refreshingly unique. I especially loved that the dragon realm is set underwater. The Beauty and the Beast elements were beautifully woven in, with familiar moments acting like Easter eggs for fans of the classic tale. At the same time, the author added her own unique spin, making it feel both nostalgic and entirely new. It was a breath of fresh air. I've read many Beauty and the Beast retellings over the year, and this is by far the best one I've ever read. Whether intentional or not, the underwater kingdom and cursed aspect also gave me The Little Mermaid vibes, another favorite of mine!

Every year, there’s one book that completely surprises me—a hidden gem that exceeds all my expectations. A Forgery of Fate is that book for me this year. It’s everything I didn’t know I wanted, and I adored every moment. This was my first book by Elizabeth Lim, and it definitely won’t be my last. Her writing is magical, flowing effortlessly and pulling me deep into the story. It made me feel—which, to me, is hallmark of a truly great book.

I highly recommend A Forgery of Fate. This is one you don’t want to miss!

The Liar's Knot by M.A. Carrick

Title: The Liar's Knot

Author: M.A. Carrick

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Rook & Rose # 2

Publication: 629 pages, December 9, 2021

Source: Personal Library

Buy|AMAZON|B&N

Trust is the thread that binds us . . . and the rope that hangs us.

In Nadezra, peace is as tenuous as a single thread. The ruthless House Indestor has been destroyed, but darkness still weaves through the city’s filthy back alleys and jewel-bright gardens, seen by those who know where to look.

Derossi Vargo has always known. He has sacrificed more than anyone imagines to carve himself a position of power among the nobility, hiding a will of steel behind a velvet smile. He'll be damned if he lets anyone threaten what he's built.

Grey Serrado knows all too well. Bent under the yoke of too many burdens, he fights to protect the city’s most vulnerable. Sooner or later, that fight will demand more than he can give.

And Ren, daughter of no clan, knows best of all. Caught in a knot of lies, torn between her heritage and her aristocratic masquerade, she relies on her gift for reading pattern to survive. And it shows her the web of corruption that traps her city.

But all three have yet to discover just how far that web stretches. And in the end, it will take more than knives to cut themselves free...

MY THOUGHTS

The Liar's Knot picks up a couple of months after the dramatic events of The Mask of Mirrors. The Rook and the Black Rose succeeded in saving their city, rooting out the corruption of Mettore Indestor and the Cinquerat. Renata is now officially inscribed into House Traementis’s register, Vargo has risen to nobility, and finally, we uncover the identity of the Rook! However, peace in Nadežra is fleeting. Unchecked power and unsanctioned numinatria and eisar are wreaking havoc on unsuspecting citizens, leaving them vulnerable to its taint. Once again, Ren, Grey, Vargo, and their allies must set aside their differences to protect their city.

Just when I thought I had a handle on the intricacies of this world and its characters, authors Marie Brennan and Alyc Helms proved me utterly wrong. The duo continues to expand their already rich, multifaceted world, adding more layers to both the characters and the lore. I absolutely adore the chemistry and dynamic between the central trio; Ren, Grey, and Vargo. In this sequel, while the main trio remains front and center, Tess, Giuna, and Alsius (a.k.a. Master Peabody) are given more time to shine. Tess and Giuna, once timid and reserved in the first book, show tremendous growth, evolving into strong, capable women you don't want to mess with.

That said, Master Peabody completely stole the show every time he appeared. His humor and wit had me smiling and laughing throughout, and his scenes are a true highlight. I also appreciated learning more about Vargo and Alsius’s backstory and the bond they share. Honestly, I would love to read an entire book centered on a young Vargo’s rise from runner to Knot Boss to nobleman. Just putting that out there!

This series boasts some of the best characters and world-building I’ve encountered in a long time, and I read a lot. The sheer depth of key players, hierarchies, the city’s history and clans, gods and religion, the magic system, and more is staggering. Yet, at no point did I feel confused or overwhelmed. The authors weave astrology, astronomy, numerology, and tarot seamlessly into the story, creating a world that feels both intricate and alive.

I was completely immersed in this unique world and its complex characters, only to be constantly surprised by twists and turns I never saw coming. It’s rare to find a book that can genuinely keep a reader on their toes, and this series accomplishes it masterfully.

The Liar’s Knot is a phenomenal continuation of an amazing series. It’s just as fantastic as The Mask of Mirrors, and I can’t recommend this one-of-a-kind fantasy enough. If you enjoy hidden identities, political intrigue, morally gray characters, and exceptional world-building, this series deserves a top spot on your TBR. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

I can already tell this will be my 2025 top read and new favorite series!

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

Title: Blood Over Bright Haven

Author: M.L. Wang

Genre: Fantasy

Series: N/A, Standalone

Hardcover, 448 Pages 

Publication: October 29, 2024

Source: Personal Library
Buy|AMAZON|

An orphan since the age of four, Sciona has always had more to prove than her fellow students. For twenty years, she has devoted every waking moment to the study of magic, fueled by a mad desire to achieve the impossible: to be the first woman ever admitted to the High Magistry. When she finally claws her way up the ranks to become a highmage, however, she finds that her challenges have just begun. Her new colleagues will stop at nothing to let her know she is unwelcome, beginning with giving her a janitor instead of a qualified lab assistant.

What neither Sciona nor her peers realize is that her taciturn assistant was once more than a janitor; before he mopped floors for the mages, Thomil was a nomadic hunter from beyond Tiran’s magical barrier. Ten years have passed since he survived the perilous crossing that killed his family. But working for a highmage, he sees the opportunity to finally understand the forces that decimated his tribe, drove him from his homeland, and keep the Tiranish in power.

Through their fractious relationship, mage and outsider uncover an ancient secret that could change the course of magic forever—if it doesn’t get them killed first. Sciona has defined her life by the pursuit of truth, but how much is one truth worth with the fate of civilization in the balance?

MY THOUGHTS

I usually don’t read standalones because when I dive into a novel, I want to immerse myself in the world and stay with the characters for as long as possible; meaning I need a multibook series. But Blood Over Bright Haven has been receiving rave reviews since it was indie published, and after reading the synopsis, I finally decided to give it a shot. Now, I’m kicking myself for not picking it up sooner! Blood Over Bright Haven was... wow. Just incredible. Phenomenal. A true literary masterpiece. Without a doubt, it’s the best book I’ve read in 2024.

When I began Blood Over Bright Haven, I was expecting a fun dark academia story about the first woman mage. I mean, who wouldn’t love to see a woman thrive and surpass expectations in an all-male field? (Well... maybe some men, lol.) But what I got was so much more than I bargained for. What started as fun, magical, and empowering took an intense, serious turn and it left me completely stunned and in awe.

I’ve always heard people talk about books that change their lives, but I never truly understood that concept...until now. Blood Over Bright Haven made me reflect deeply on myself and my life, and I believe it will have the same effect on many readers. It conveys so many vital messages, not just for men and women, but for future generations of girls as well.

Wang has achieved something very few authors manage to do: she seamlessly weaves real-world themes into her story without detracting from the reading experience. Instead, these themes elevate the book. Through this fantasy setting, Wang highlights prejudice, racism, sexism, corruption, and societal hierarchies, drawing clear parallels to our own world. And yet, it never feels preachy, as I’ve seen in other novels. I was fully absorbed in Sciona and Thomil’s journey while also gaining a deeper understanding of these issues.

Sciona is a realistic, relatable character who speaks to the experiences of women in a patriarchal society. Similarly, Thomil, Carra, and their people endure hardships in a world designed to see them fail, no matter what they do. Wang’s portrayal of these struggles is both profound and thought-provoking. I honestly don’t have the words to fully describe the life-changing experience of reading this book. It’s something every reader must experience for themselves.

Wang has created a complex, multifaceted world with unforgettable characters. Her storytelling is masterful, something to be studied and admired. What she has accomplished in a single book is beyond extraordinary. As I said before, this is a literary masterpiece. I’ve read countless books over my 13 years of reviewing, and I can confidently say that there are authors with entire series or 20+ novels under their belts who don’t come close to what Wang has achieved here. This is top-tier, crème de la crème writing.

If you haven’t picked up Blood Over Bright Haven yet, do yourself a favor and get it A.S.A.P. This is a book that belongs on your forever shelf, one you’ll want to read again and again. My rating scale is 1-5 but if I didn't have a raring scale this book would be infinity stars.

Lastly, the story starting with Thomil and Carra entering a bright and glittering city without their clan and ending with them leaving the city burning with a new clan....utterly brilliant!!!

Quicksilver by Callie Hart

Title: Quicksilver

Author: Callie Hart

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Fae & Alchemy # 1

Paperback, 622 pages 

Publication: June 4, 2024

Source: Personal Library
Buy|AMAZON|

In the land of the unforgiving desert, there isn’t much a girl wouldn’t do for a glass of water.

Twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. No one knows about the strange powers she possesses, or the fact that she has been picking pockets and stealing from the Undying Queen’s reservoirs for as long as she can remember.

But a secret is like a knot.

Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone.

When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently reopens a gateway between realms and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, of legend, of nightmares…but it turns out they’re real, and Saeris has landed herself right in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed.

The first of her kind to tread the frozen mountains of Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior, who has secrets and nefarious agendas of his own. He will use her Alchemist’s magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him… or her.

Death has a name.

It is Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate.

His past is murky.

His attitude stinks.

And he’s the only way Saeris is going to make it home.

Be careful of the deals you make, dear child.

The devil is in the details...

MY THOUGHTS

After seeing Quicksilver on my FYP for weeks, I finally took the plunge and read the book. I'm so glad I did! Like many Romance Fantasy/Fantasy series nowadays, Quicksilver features the usual fae, vampires, and gods, but it stands out with its unique and fresh take on these subjects.

I was effortlessly immersed in the world and writing within a couple of pages. The world-building is fascinating, vivid, and well-developed. While reading Quicksilver, I could easily imagine Saeris and Carrion running the third ward, and Kingfisher and Ren at the battlefronts. The magic system in Quicksilver is straightforward but complex enough without being convoluted or resorting to info-dumping. I absolutely loved all the characters. Saeris is probably one of my new favorite heroines. Imagine a petite, independent, kick-ass woman who can take down men three times her size, yet still has a big heart and a great sense of humor. Kingfisher was perfection—the kind of male lead/hero I enjoy reading about. I can't think of a single negative quality when it comes to Kingfisher. I loved their chemistry, interactions, and especially their banter. The banter was everything!

Quicksilver is very character-driven and centered. I love when an author writes fully developed, fleshed-out characters with flaws and attributes we can relate to and connect with. Whether it's a villain like Malcolm or a minor but adorable character like Archer, each character feels real.

Quicksilver is one of the best books I've read so far this year and easily in my top five reads. I loved it so much. If I could rate it more than five stars, I would. It was just that amazing. I highly, highly recommend Quicksilver if you haven't read it yet. You will not regret it! And you know what's crazy? The author mentioned that this was her first foray into the Romantasy/Fantasy genre and that she didn't have an audience for it. I was shocked to learn that because, as I mentioned earlier, the world-building is done really well. I can't wait for book 2, which comes out later this year in the fall!

Magic Tides by Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Tides

Author: Ilona Andrews

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: Wilmington Years #1, Kate Daniels World

Paperback, 156 pages 

Publication: January 17, 2023 by NYLA

Source: Personal library
Buy|Amazon|

Kate, Curran and their son, Conlan have left Atlanta, vowing to keep a low profile, and are settling into a new city and new house…but some things never change! Magical mayhem is about to erupt when Kate undertakes the rescue of a kidnapped youth, while Curran guards the homefront.

It should be a simple retrieval, but with monsters on land and sea, Kate’s got her work cut out for her. Still, she's never let her blade dull or her purpose falter. And that low profile? It’s about to wash away with the raging tides!

 

 

 MY THOUGHTS

The book lord has heard our pleads and have finally given us an additional story in the Kate Daniels’ world! Magic Tides is a novella that takes place approximately 10 years after book 10, Magic Triumphs and before Julie’s book, Blood Heir. I love being back in Kate’s world and seeing what Kate, Curran and Conlan been up to since we last saw them. Kate and the family moved away from Atlanta to a small town in North Carolina, trying to stay under the radar to live a simpler life. But its Kate we’re talking about. She may not look for trouble but trouble will find her regardless. During a home renovation, the relative of Kate’s contractor’s son is kidnapped. Kate doing what she does best and never one to turn a blind eye takes it upon herself to retrieve the young man.

It was an absolute blast to return to Kate’s world and although us readers been a way for a couple of years, it felt as if we’ve never left. Reading this felt effortless despite the 10 year break in the story. The authors did an amazing job at summarizing what we missed while we were gone, at the same time introducing us to new locations and characters. There was just the right amount of backstory. Everything was explained easily without feeling like info-dumping. With this book being a novella, the authors utilized every single word and space given. There was a lot of moving plots and characters but never once did I feel lost or rushed.

I loved Magic Tides! It oddly didn’t feel too short like the usual novellas, but I certainly wished there were more! It was great visiting old characters we’ve come to know and love but this new group of characters were just as fun and interesting and I can’t wait to see more of them! You can expect everything you love about the Kate Daniels series in this recent addition such as; snarky banter, kick-butt action, humor and just overall great and engaging storytelling. I am looking forward to more stories from Kate’s world, hopefully we won’t have to wait another couple of years!