Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor

Title: Heir of Illusion

Author: Madeline Taylor

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Verran Isles # 1

Publication: April 1, 2025

460 pages

Source: Libby Library

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She is not the pet they tamed.

Blessed with the power of illusion, Iverson Pomeroy has many tricks up her sleeve. However, none of them are a match for the enchanted collar at her throat that keeps her bound as assassin and mistress to a ruthless king. Forced to play the role of his obedient pet, she plots in secret to destroy him and claim the freedom she has always been denied.

She is the beast they let inside.

When a mysterious reaper, Thorne, arrives in the city with his sights set on the same weapon Ivy needs—the only artifact that can remove her collar—she must decide how far she’s willing to go.

And she will show no mercy.

With a tenuous alliance tying them together, Ivy learns there is more to her reluctant companion than meets the eye... He sparks her curiosity and ignites dangerous desires within her. But will the secrets they harbor destroy each other? And does it even matter, when anyone who so much as touches Thorne dies?

MY THOUGHTS

Finally! My prayers have been answered. I don’t know what it is, but the last few books I’ve read have been duds. I decided to pick up Heir of Illusion because the synopsis sounded promising and I’m so glad I did. It finally got me out of my reading rut!

Heir of Illusion had me from the very first page. Talk about one heck of an opening line! The book is being pitched as the “Next Romantasy Hit,” and honestly, I think we should retire the word romantasy because it’s becoming synonymous with mediocre books and poor writing (to me) which Heir of Illusion is absolutely not. It is so much more than what’s currently dominating the romantasy space. The worldbuilding and magic system felt refreshing and unique. I loved how the world was divided into different Isles and the Gods who inhabit them. The abilities granted by each God and how they manifest in the citizens and their heirs were fascinating to explore. The worldbuilding was complex enough to feel layered yet still easy to follow, which I appreciated. The writing was excellent, the pacing was great, and everything flowed so smoothly. Some dialogue might be considered modern for a fantasy setting, but because I was enjoying the story so much, it didn’t bother me at all.

Iverson was an amazing protagonist, flawed yet incredibly self-aware, which I appreciated. It was such a nice change from many current FMCs who are, frankly, oblivious and intolerable dolts. Iverson endured a terrible upbringing, and the more we learn about her, the easier it is to root for her. For a first book in a series, her growth felt realistic and very easy to emotionally connect with. She reminded me of old-school heroines: kickass with questionable decision-making at times, but ultimately full of heart. I like Thorne, for the most part. I’m still not entirely sure what to make of him because I’m not used to morally gray characters who openly express their feelings as easily as he does. He’s so understanding and considerate that it sometimes gave me pause. Still, Iverson and Thorne were fantastic leads, and I loved their early banter. The secondary characters were also well-developed and compelling. I adored Darrow, he was such an unexpected standout, and I’m glad we got more of him beyond the first chapter.

I truly thought I knew where this story was going, but I did not see those twists and turns coming! I love when a book can move me, keep me engaged, and genuinely surprise me. And the ending…Thorne…Iverson… absolutely brilliant! Heir of Illusion is an incredible start to a brand-new trilogy, and I cannot wait to read the next book. I’m shocked this is Taylor’s debut because the writing, worldbuilding, and plot were so impeccably done. For once, I wholeheartedly agree with the rave reviews, Heir of Illusion will be the next big fantasy obsession. One hundred percent earned. I highly recommend Heir of Illusion, such an incredible book!

Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs

Title: Frost Burned

Author: Patricia Briggs

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: Mercy Thompson # 7

Publication: January 1, 2013 

352 pages

Source: Personal Library

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

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

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

MY THOUGHTS

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

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

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

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

A Kiss of Shadows by Laurell K. Hamilton

Title: A Kiss of Shadows

Author: Laurell K. Hamilton

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: Merry Gentry # 1

Publication: September 30, 2000, 480 pages

Source: Personal Library, Audiobook

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My name is Meredith 'Merry' Gentry, but of course it's not my real name. I dare not even whisper my true name after dark for fear that one hushed word will travel over the night winds to the soft ear of my aunt, the Queen of Air and Darkness. She wants me dead. I don't even know why...

I fled the high court of Faerie three years ago and have been in hiding ever since. As Merry Gentry, I am a private investigator for the Grey Detective Agency: Supernatural Problems, Magical Solutions. My magical skills, scorned at the courts of Faerie, are valued in the human world. Even by human standards, my magic isn't flashy, which is fine by me. Flashy attracts attention and I can't afford that.

Rumour has it that I am dead. Not quite. I am Princess Meredith NicEssus. To speak that name after dark is to call down a knock upon your door from a hand that can kill you with a touch. I have been careful, but not careful enough. The shadows have found me, and they are going to take me back home, one way or another.

So the running is over. But the fighting has just begun...

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve never read a Laurell K. Hamilton novel before, but she’s known for two popular and well-loved series, so I decided to check out her Merry Gentry books, starting with A Kiss of Shadows. The synopsis intrigued me: a faerie princess in hiding, living in Los Angeles as a private investigator at a law firm? That sounded promising. Unfortunately, the book went downhill fast and never recovered.

If you’ve read Urban Fantasy, especially from the early 2000s when this book was published, you’re probably familiar with the genre’s typical format: a central plot (usually a mystery), a personal or romantic subplot, and an overarching storyline that spans the series. A Kiss of Shadows doesn’t follow that structure at all. In the very first chapter, we meet Merry as a PI and a princess in hiding. You’d think the story would revolve around keeping her identity secret while solving a case but nope. Within a couple of chapters, her identity is revealed, and the case she was working on is quickly dropped and never mentioned again.

Once her identity is exposed, Merry is swept back into the Faerie Court and plunged into political intrigue. Naturally, not everyone is thrilled by her return, and predictably, assassination attempts follow. She’s constantly surrounded by a cadre of supposedly elite warriors who are all eager to protect her... and, of course, sleep with her.

I didn’t enjoy Merry as a character. Everything came too easily for her. She fled the court and wanted nothing to do with it, but suddenly she’s more powerful than the queen, named heir to the throne, and every man she encounters is instantly obsessed with her? Come on. Even more frustrating was the repeated reminder that she’s descended from five fertility gods, making her irresistible to every single male. Yet these so-called strong warriors all behave like lovesick teenagers whenever she’s around. It got old fast.

For a book that was absurdly long, A Kiss of Shadows had no real plot and very little actually happened. The story essentially follows Merry as she’s pursued by a parade of men from Los Angeles to the Faerie Court and back again, all of them waiting for their turn in her bed. The characters were flat and two-dimensional, the plot was nonexistent, and there wasn’t even a single memorable scene.

I don’t recommend this book; there are far better faerie novels out there.

A Fate of Wrath and Flame by K.A. Tucker

Title: A Fate of Wrath and Flame

Author: K.A. Tucker

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Fate and Flame # 1

Paperback 496 Pages 

Publication: May 20, 2021

Source: Audible

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Gifted thief Romeria steals jewels under a notorious New York City crime boss. But when an enigmatic woman secures her services at swordpoint, Romeria is wrenched from this world and transported into a realm of opposing thrones, warring elven societies, and elemental magic.

Waking up in the body of a treacherous elven princess, Romeria quickly realizes she's entangled in a deadly plot and must hide her identity at all costs - not least from the princess's betrothed, King Zander, who detests her. Romeria is forced to play the smitten princess as the unwilling pair work together to uncover the danger that surrounds them.

But with their enemies closing in - and as she fights her growing feelings for the king - it's time for Romeria to find out who she truly is.

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve had A Fate of Wrath and Flame on my radar for a long time. I actually started the audiobook multiple times, but the narrator always put me off, and I never got past the prologue. Determined to finish it, I finally made it to the end. However, to my surprise, what started as a strong story ended up fizzling out. In a single word: underwhelming.

A Fate of Wrath and Flame is a portal fantasy that follows Romeria, a thief from New York who is transported to another world and inhabits the body of her doppelgänger, an elven princess. Tasked with finding a critical artifact, Romeria faces additional challenges: the body she now occupies just murdered her betrothed’s parents. Not only does she need to complete her mission, but she must also keep her true identity hidden.

I haven’t read many fantasy novels where characters transition from the real world into a fantasy setting. I like the concept, but everything else felt too familiar, and I wasn’t impressed. In this new world, vampire faes, mortals, and elemental magic users coexist. Mortals, predictably, are at the bottom of the hierarchy, often serving as slaves or workers for the immortal, aristocratic fae.

Romeria is street-smart, practical, and has a caring heart; all qualities I appreciate in a female protagonist. However, there were moments where she felt immature. As for Zander, I didn’t care for him much. He seems like a competent king overall, but his relationship with Romeria felt too erratic; hot and cold far too quickly. Even knowing that the "Romeria" before and after are two different people, I couldn’t buy into Zander’s acceptance of her. Personally, I wouldn’t be able to overlook the fact that my partner had murdered my parents, regardless of the circumstances. Like Zander and others repeatedly noted throughout the book: when Romeria is around him, all common sense seems to fly out the window.

Overall, A Fate of Wrath and Flame was just okay. Nothing about it stood out, and I never felt connected to the characters. With that said, I won’t be continuing with the series.

The Memory Puller by Kris K. Haines

Title: The Memory Puller

Author: Kris K. Haines

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Memory Puller # 1

Paperback, 413 Pages

June 14, 2023

Source: Personal Library
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Shrouded Sister Cassandra Fortin is a wannabe rebel hidden beneath midnight blue dress robes.

By day, she toils at the Temple, pulling the human memories craved by her Fae overlords. By night, she hunts through those same memories for treasures to steal, buying freedom for the mortal colonies’ least fortunate families.

When her fellow Sisters begin disappearing, the officer assigned to the case is the one individual who could expose her secret criminal history.

Good thing Cassandra stole his memory when he apprehended her during her most recent philanthropic robbery.

Officer Tristan Saros has always had a soft spot for mortals and a healthy skepticism towards authority. Especially his own. Now the irreverent, flirtatious Fae warrior has finally found the perfect distraction from immortal boredom - his intriguing new partner. Too bad about her pesky chastity vow. And why does she seem so familiar?

As Tristan and Cassandra team up to find her missing Sisters, their reluctant alliance transforms into a passionate, yet forbidden attraction. And during the investigation, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens to dismantle the five-centuries-long peace between their two species.

In order to save the Sisters and keep their world from the brink of war, Tristan will need to decide if his loyalties reside with Fae or humans. And Cassandra will be forced to choose between her safe, gilded cage or an uncertain, pitiless freedom outside the Temple walls.

And if Tristan ever recalls Cassandra’s crime? Well, that might just be the most dangerous outcome of all.

MY THOUGHTS

I never thought I’d read a fantasy novel featuring a nun, but here we are. The Memory Puller introduces readers to Cassandra, a shrouded sister with the ability to extract unwanted memories—whether by request or, for the lower class, in exchange for a few drachas to make ends meet. What most don’t know is that in her spare time, Cassandra plays a Robin Hood-like role, stealing from the rich to give to the poor.

In her latest heist, she steals a necklace from Thaleen’s most affluent mortal family but gets caught by a fae Vestian Guard. This seemingly simple theft spirals into a larger plot involving missing shrouded sisters and deep-rooted corruption, threatening the fragile relationships between fae and mortals.

The Memory Puller is a light, fun fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The world-building is interesting and easy to follow, with both mortals and fae inhabiting the city of Thaleen. The fae are divided into three groups: Wingriders (who can fly), Beastrunners (essentially shifters), and Deathstalkers (a.k.a. vampires). These are your basic fantasy supernaturals, just with new names.

I liked Cassandra for the most part. Despite being a nun and having led a mostly sheltered life, she never lets that stop her from following her heart, even if it means breaking or bending a few rules. Then there's Tristan, the fae Vestian Guard who quickly becomes interested in her. However, their relationship feels very "instalove"—both characters seem obsessed with each other from the start, which made it hard for me to connect with their romance. Tristan himself is a bit of a mixed bag; he alternates between being a comedian and coming across as slightly stalker-ish. There are maybe one or two scenes where he’s serious.

Both Cassandra and Tristan have best friends who are always by their side, and I suspect the next book will focus on them, given how things ended. However, I didn’t have strong feelings about the secondary characters—they felt more like background extras. I didn’t particularly like or dislike them.

Overall, The Memory Puller was a quick and easy read. I enjoyed it in the moment, but looking back, it was good, just not particularly memorable.

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Title: Wicked Lovely

Author: Melissa Marr

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Wicked Lovely #1

Hardcover, 437 pages 

Publication: June 12, 2007

Source: Personal Library
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Rule #3: Don't stare at invisible faeries.

Aislinn has always seen faeries. Powerful and dangerous, they walk hidden in the mortal world. Aislinn fears their cruelty - especially if they learn of her Sight - and wishes she were as blind to their presence as other teens.

Rule #2: Don't speak to invisible faeries.

Now faeries are stalking her. One of them, Keenan, who is equal parts terrifying and alluring, is trying to talk to her, asking questions Aislinn is afraid to answer.

Rule #1: Don't ever attract their attention.

But it's too late. Keenan is the Summer King, who has sought his queen for nine centuries. Without her, summer itself will perish. He is determined that Aislinn will become the Summer Queen at any cost — regardless of her plans or desires.

Suddenly none of the rules that have kept Aislinn safe are working anymore, and everything is on the line: her freedom; her best friend, Seth; her life; everything.

MY THOUGHTS

Wicked Lovely was one of the most well-known and loved Young Adult series back in the day. If you were reading Young Adult or Fantasy back in the mid-2000s, chances are you've read it or have heard about it. I owned the series back then but never got around to reading it until now.

In Wicked Lovely, the Faerie Realm exist, and Faeries roam around alongside humans. The more powerful Faeries could glamour themselves as human. Which brings us to our main characters, Aislinn, who has the sight and could see Faeries. She has known about them her whole life and made it her purpose to avoid them and stay under the radar. Until the Summer King, Keenan has Aislinn in his sight. It's been centuries that he's been looking for his Queen. And he believes that person is Aislinn. 

Wicked Lovely was a solid and well-written young adult. While it's aimed at a younger audience, I thought the subjects and themes tackled were very adult and mature. There were some adult things I've never seen in YA books and Marr incorporated it flawlessly. I thought the overall plot was okay, there wasn't as much action as I expected. However, the ending and turn of events took me by surprise. Especially when it came to the main male and female characters. As I've mentioned before, Keenan is looking for his Queen and normally, with most books we'd assume XYZ will happen...that if Aislinn is the Summer Queen, she must automatically end up with Keenan. Let's just say I was pleasantly surprised to be wrong. 

For the most part I enjoyed Wicked Lovely but the story didn't make a long-lasting impression. I don't feel compelled to pick up the rest of the series. The sequel features different characters we met in the first book and then it goes back to the main couple...but with how things ended, I'm not left wanting or curious enough to know what happens next with the characters. which is unfortunate.

The Ever King by LJ Andrews

Title: The Ever King

Author: LJ Andrews

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Ever Seas # 1

Paperback, 408 pages 

Publication: July 19, 2023

Source: Personal Library
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They stole his crown, so he stole their daughter…

For years Erik, the scarred king of the Ever Kingdom, has thought of nothing but vengeance against the man who killed his father and trapped him beneath the waves, making him a prisoner in his own realm.

Until his enemy’s daughter unintentionally breaks the chains on the Ever, and Erik makes her the unwitting pawn in his vicious game of revenge.

She’s innocent. He’s vicious. But he will take back what he lost, no matter the price.

Unless she steals his heart first.

MY THOUGHTS

I don't think I've ever read a pirate novel. And to be honest, if The Ever King didn't have fantasy elements, I probably would have never picked it up. With that being said, it was a hard book to get into. I almost gave up a few times because every time I picked up the book, I put it down after a few paragraphs. It wasn't until I hit the 30% mark that the story started rolling and had my attention.  

I found the world building fascinating. The world is split between the earth and sea faes. Our heroine, Livia is an earth fae Princess and our hero is the sea fae King. The plot, not sure if it was intentional or not had Beauty and the Beast vibes. Livia was captured but stayed in exchange to spare her father's life, and in a twist of fate was also the key to help King Erik rid his kingdom of the darkening/ curse that was plaguing the lands. I do love Beauty and the Beast references. I liked Livia and Erik's chemistry and although readers were told time and time again that the two were connected as children and how neither of them forgot one or the other in the last 10 years...the jump from captor and captive to lovers was a fast one. It felt extremely rushed, especially with what Erik did in the end. There was little time for the characters to truly get to know one another and made their relationship unbelievable. Yes, I'm aware it's a pirate fantasy. 

For a pirate novel, there was little...pirating going on. Erik captured Livia, there was a brief battle, more like scuffle while they were at sea and then they ended up back in the palace. And the scuffle took all but a few pages. Pretty anticlimactic if you asked me. 

Despite that, I did enjoy the novel and its characters. Was this the best Fantasy Romance I've read? No, not at all. But it was fun and, in the end, engaging. The ending took a surprise turn that I can't to find out what happens next. The next book concludes Livia and Erik's story, but I was happy to discover the author was writing spin-off of stories of the characters in the same world! The side characters have started to already grow on me. So, this is exciting! 

Crown of Roses by Hillary Raymer

Title: Crown of Roses

Author: Hillary Raymer

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Faeven Saga# 1

Paperback 398 pages 

Publication: October 18, 2022
Source: Personal library 
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Cursed with the blood of her enemy, Maeve will stop at nothing to prove she’s worthy of her mother’s crown. Her opportunity finally arrives when the Scathing, a dark fae magic, afflicts her kingdom and leaves a trail of death and decay in its wake. The only way to stop the Scathing is to retrieve the soul of the goddess Danua from within the fae realm. Maeve’s mother sends her off with one condition…return with the soul, or don’t return at all.

But Faeven is nothing like the fairytales she’s read; it’s full of ancient secrets and wild magic. Determined to save her kingdom, Maeve has no choice but to rely upon Rowan, the one faerie she shouldn’t trust. But as her feelings for Rowan transcend from hardened resentment to blind passion, a more sinister threat lies in wait, one ready to destroy the fae and human worlds. Maeve must find a way to defeat it, or lose both realms to the rising darkness forever.

MY THOUGHTS

Author Hillary Raymer has a book coming out next month in a new standalone series, and while the book sounded right up my alley, I wanted to check out her back series first. To my surprise, I found the first book, Crown of Roses, already downloaded on my Kindle, thanks to Stuff Your Kindle Day! I was immediately sucked into the story within the first chapter. If you enjoy stories about faeries, princesses, courtly intrigue, and adventure, then this might also be for you. However, as the book progressed and the journey into Faeven began, everything started to drag a bit and became convoluted.

At the beginning, I thought Maeve was a pretty good character. I liked that she said exactly what was on her mind, but the more I read, the more her demeanor bordered on being immature and childish. Some of her actions were questionable as well. Despite being twenty-two or twenty-four, she should have been more self-aware. Within twenty-four hours of being in Faeven, she broke the most important rules in dealing with faeries, which was making deals. She didn’t just agree to one unknown favor in exchange for information, but three!

I also didn’t like how she kept throwing herself at Rowan, especially when he had a big sign that said “Don’t trust me,” and yet acted surprised when she got betrayed. The oddest thing was that Rowan wasn’t even the love interest! Yet Maeve kept pursuing him for three-quarters of the book. Also, I found it extremely disturbing  Rowan was sent to retrieve Maeve. He found her when she was five-years-old but never finished his mission because he got captured. But...Ew, just ew. I was spoiled as to who the main love interest was early on, which turned out to be the Summer King, Tiernan. Their interactions throughout the book were very bipolar, hot and cold, but by the end of the book, Tiernan was willing to go to war for Maeve? It didn’t make sense and gave me The Cruel Prince vibe… a book I hated with all my soul.

The plot with the missing Princess, Carman and Cas was so convoluted that it gave me soap opera vibes. Even when Maeve found out the truth, I could picture her standing in the dungeon cell very monotone and unfeeling. You’d think finding out your best friend and everyone you knew betrayed you would be more shocking. But as a reader I didn’t feel one ounce of emotion. And in my opinion, that’s not good. When we read a story, we want to experience all the five sense plus feel a connection with the characters; sadly, in that most crucial scene I felt absolutely nothing. Perhaps a little disbelief at how cheesy and terrible it all sounded.

I really hope book two turns it around. Normally, I wouldn’t bother continuing with the series, but due to an impulsive purchase of the entire series, I am determined to read the thing. I'll be taking this as a lesson to seriously be intentional with what I read and purchase.

Unnatural Magic by Stacia Stark

Title: Unnatural Magic

Author: Stacia Stark

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: Bargins with Beast # 1 

Paperback 386 pages 

Publication: September 23, 2022
Source: Personal library 
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If there’s one thing I loathe, it’s being told what to do.

I was kept ignorant and sheltered my whole life. Now that I’m free, I’ll never be coddled again. Even if the smoking hot werewolf king thinks coddling is perfectly acceptable. Because something’s hunting humans in my city. Something that kills like a werewolf, but displays those kills publicly–as if taunting the authorities. Thanks to my spiffy new agreement with the police, it’s my job to figure out just what that something is. But whoever is hunting the good citizens of Durham is also taunting me.

When my investigation takes me to the local werewolf pack–and the overprotective male in charge–I know I’m in trouble. Can I solve these murders without losing my freedom... or my life? Or will the creature make me regret ever thinking I was strong enough to be out in the world alone?

MY THOUGHTS

After finishing Stacia Stark’s Deals with Demon series some time ago, I found myself thinking often of the Deals with Demons universe. I was thrilled to discover that the author had launched a spin-off series, Bargains with Beasts, focusing on Danica’s sister, Evie. In Unnatural Magic, we journey alongside Evie as she grapples with her newfound power, hunts down villains, and contends with the HFE group. While the original series revolved around demons, Evie’s story delves deeper into the territory of werewolves.

Evie shares many traits with Danica—stubbornness, independence—but she carries additional burdens stemming from her discovery of being part of a genetic experiment and her coven's betrayal. Yet, it was annoying how often Evie compared herself to Danica or strives to differentiate herself from her sister. One can't have it both ways. Furthermore, I found the chemistry between Evie and Nathaniel forced; despite being told they're fated mates, it never felt authentic. While neither Evie nor Nathaniel particularly resonate with me, I found the side characters and the wolves' perspective intriguing.

In contrast to the Deals with Demon series, I found Unnatural Magic to be an okay read. It was a struggle to get through, although my interest finally peaked towards the end. Despite my reservations, I intend to continue with the next and final Evie installment, especially to delve into Kayla’s story. For the full experience, I highly recommend starting with the Deals with Demon series to fully appreciate the world-building, then circling back to explore the Bargains with Beast series.

 

Zodiac Academy: The Awakening by Susanne Valenti, Caroline Peckham

Title: Zodiac Academy: The Awakening

Author: Susanne Valenti, Caroline Peckham

Genre: NA
Series: Zodiac Academy #1

Paperback, 434 pages 

Publication: September 8th 2021  

Source: Personal library
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I’m a Gemini. Impulsive. Curious. Headstrong. A twin. Heir to a throne I know nothing about. And it turns out, I’m Fae.

But of course there’s a catch - all I have to do to claim my birth right is prove that I’m the most powerful supernatural in the whole of Solaria. And sure, technically that’s true as I’m the daughter of the Savage King. But the bit they didn’t put in the brochure was that every single Fae in this Kingdom would claim my throne if they could.

The school they’ve sent me to is both dangerous as sh*t and one helluva party. Vampires bite weaker students in the corridors, the Werewolf pack has orgies in the Wailing Wood at every full moon and don’t even get me started on the dark and twisted ways the Sirens use their powers on people’s emotions, or how my sinfully tempting Cardinal Magic teacher hosts detentions that leave people needing therapy.

Classes are totally interesting if you manage to live through them. And that Gemini star sign I mentioned? It now determines my elemental magic and affects my destiny, so learning astrology is essential if I’m going to beat down my classmates – which is actively encouraged by the way.

My biggest problem is the drool worthy Dragon shifter who has his eyes on my throne. He and his three psycho friends are determined to make my time here hell.

All I’ve got to do is survive. But fate might have other ideas.

Dammit, why couldn’t I have gotten a letter to Hogwarts?

 

MY THOUGHTS

This review is brought to you by another booktok recommendation: Zodiac Academy: The Awakening. I swear this book been the talk of last year… and still is. Seems like everybody has read it or is currently reading it. And as always curiosity got the best of me. I had to know what the hype was about! As the saying goes never judge a book by its cover and I am so glad I didn’t because the Zodiac Academy covers were are pretty awful. Also side note, has anyone noticed all the self-published Booktok trending books were all fae-related such as Zodiac Academy…what are the odds?

Having finished Zodiac Academy: The Awakening, I honestly don’t know how I feel about it. I’ve never had a book make me feel so conflicted before. It had everything I despise in a book and yet I kind of liked it? It kept me enthralled from page one and I breezed through the book easily. I swear, I devoured this book within a couple of days. The writing wasn’t like most novels where it was trying to be lyrical and poetic, it was pretty basic and easily digestible for the audience nowadays. They captured the typical Gen Z voice perfectly.

I’m going to start off with what I liked. I really liked the sisters, Tory and Darcy. The book was very character driven from the beginning to end. The cast of characters were many and yet everyone was well-written and developed. The plot wasn’t anything new but I was glued and invested in the girls’ journey as they navigated the dangerous water that is Zodiac Academy. Also the concept of using Astrology as the building block of the series was quite unique and the horoscope clues were clever. I loved it.

What I didn’t love was the torment and abuse afflicted upon the girls. And yessss, I know the book literally says supernatural bullies but this was leaning towards abuse via students and teachers. Tory and Darcy didn’t roll over and take the punches but they also didn’t put up a real fight or anything. Another thing I didn’t like was how all the love interest were douchebag assholes. None of them had any redeeming quality, save for being hot. I know it’s only the first book and we’ll eventually get the backstory to the guys, but man, so far they suck. And then the teacher! They were just as bad, if not worst than the students because they’re adults they should know better. The more I think about this book, the more it seems convoluted, chaotic and messy. And yet I couldn’t seem to stop reading this. There’s definitely something about the authors’ writing and the main characters that kept me going. I am curious to see where this series takes the Vega twins. I hope that there will be less bullying going forward. Or at least have the twins kick major ass. I can’t stand reading about the twins getting tortured chapter after chapter.

It makes me really wonder…is it disturbing that these authors, women, are writing books where females are the subject of violence and preyed upon for the Young Adult/New Adult audience or are WE disturbed for reading it…and kind of enjoying it? Both is slightly fucked up huh? This book isn’t for everyone. I’m not even sure if it’s for me. But I’m not going to lie. I want to continue to see what happens next. Is this the best literature out there? No way. Is it decent literature? Probably not. Is it a good form of escapism from reality? Yes, no doubt about it. If you’re like me and are curious about this book...give it a try! If you have Amazon Prime, you can read the first book for free.

Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa

Title: Rhapsodic

Author: Laura Thalassa
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Series: The Bargainer #1

Paperback, 326 pages
Publication: November 15, 2016 by Lavabrook Publishing Group
Source: Personal library
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Callypso Lillis is a siren with a very big problem, one that stretches up her arm and far into her past. For the last seven years she’s been collecting a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she’s received. Only death or repayment will fulfill the obligations. Only then will the beads disappear.

Everyone knows that if you need a favor, you go to the Bargainer to make it happen. He’s a man who can get you anything you want... at a price. And everyone knows that sooner or later he always collects.

But for one of his clients, he’s never asked for repayment. Not until now. When Callie finds the fae king of the night in her room, a grin on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, she knows things are about to change. At first it’s just a chaste kiss—a single bead’s worth—and a promise for more.

For the Bargainer, it’s more than just a matter of rekindling an old romance. Something is happening in the Otherworld. Fae warriors are going missing one by one. Only the women are returned, each in a glass casket, a child clutched to their breast. And then there are the whispers among the slaves, whispers of an evil that’s been awoken.

If the Bargainer has any hope to save his people, he’ll need the help of the siren he spurned long ago. Only, his foe has a taste for exotic creatures, and Callie just happens to be one.

My Thoughts

Have you seen those tiktok videos or IG posts where they mention a book so many times that you cave in and buy it? Well, Rhapsodic was that book for me. It also helped that the book featured a Fae and Siren. The synopsis sounded promising, but I was a bit hesitant in starting the book. The reviews were divided, people either loved it or hated it. However, curiosity got the better part of me.

 

The opening chapter had me intrigued. With our heroine’s siren budding powers, she becomes the target of everyone’s attraction whether she wants it or not. Even her own father. After multiple violent attacks against her person, she fights back which is how The Bargainer came into her life. She makes a deal with him to get rid of the evidence and the police off her back in exchange for a favor of  The Bargainer’s choosing at a later time. One favor becomes two favors and so on until she owes him over 300.

 

The book jumps back and forth from the present to the past, alternating chapters showing readers Callypso’s relationship with The Bargainer over the course of seven years from the age of 16. This book was tricky since the heroine was so young at the start. Callypso spent most of her time with him and although nothing truly happened until the very end of the seven year (a kiss) its hard to ignore that he’s an adult and she a minor. Many people had issue with this, and I too can see what’s problematic with this relationship. But the same could be said about Twilight and other novels featuring century old sups and their teenage human love interest. So I wouldn’t get too bent out of shape about it. Like Twilight again, The Bargainer waited for Callypso to get older to pursue an intimate relationship…specifically 23-years-old (unlike Bella’s 18).

 

I like the plot for the most part, it was different. What I didn’t like was how rushed the ending was and the problem solved. For example, The Bargainer was plagued by the Thief of Soul for almost what, 10 years or something? Thousands of women put under the sleeping spell and countless numbers of children born and The Bargainer couldn’t protect his Kingdom from this villain? Then suddenly Callypso comes along and attracts The Thief of Souls attention and her bracelet from The Bargainer led him straight to her and the Thief. It was a little too easy, convenient, and anticlimactic in my opinion. Overall, I liked Callypso and The Bargainer Des. Honestly can’t think of anything negative about them. I read a review that Callypso’s best friend, Temperance was poorly written and that I agree with. I guess she was the token person of color friend because the way the author wrote her. Was it supposed to make her sound ‘ghetto’? Well, whatever the author was trying to do, she failed. Because hello....most women don’t call their friends the B-Word or other degrading terms. Normal people of any ethnicity don’t talk like Temperance at all. Talk about trying to stereotype people. Like Temperance, most of the side/secondary characters were poorly developed. I didn’t care about their story nor were they memorable.

 

At the moment I am a little curious to see how Callypso and Bargainer Des’s relationship/ story will play out but not so invested that I need to read the sequel immediately. Would I recommend this book? Not really. The writing and story was decent but nothing spectacular. There are far better faerie fantasy out there. But if you’re looking for a quick brain candy smutty book...then you may be interested in Rhapsodic.