To Drown a Witch by Lindsey Olsson

Title: To Drown a Witch

Author: Lindsey Olsson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Series: To Drown a Witch # 1

347 Pages, Hardcover

Publication: July 14, 2026

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

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In Orlonea, the Witch is feared above all else. Reborn into each generation, she is the only person with magic running innately through her veins, able to wield magic with a single thought.

So when guards across the city begin to drop dead, gruesomely murdered by violent and vicious magic, everyone knows the Witch has returned—and no one will be safe until she’s killed.

Toran is the Prince’s Crown, the most highly skilled fighter in the King’s Guard. Tasked with the responsibility of leading the hunt for the Witch, Toran tries to focus on his assignment to forget the ghosts of his past. And after he learns of Nes, a thief with an uncanny ability to sniff out magic, he forcibly recruits her into joining his hunt.

As the two face deadly magic and otherworldly threats, their mutual dislike soon turns to something more electric, and they find themselves drawn to each other in ways they’d never imagined. But the Witch is always a step ahead of them, and with bodies piling up, secrets threaten to come to light—secrets that could destroy everything from the fragile trust between them to the very city of Orlonea itself.

MY THOUGHTS

I'm a sucker for novels about witches, and I love a good hunter-and-hunted story. I had high expectations going into this book since it was compared to Heartless Hunter, one of my favorite reads the year it was published. While To Drown a Witch had some great moments, it wasn't without its issues.

I thought the book was well written, and the pacing was excellent. The story wastes no time introducing the heroine, the hero, and the other key players. Overall, I liked Nes and Toran as characters, but unfortunately, they lacked depth. I also thought the romance developed a little too quickly. However, the author added a twist that I never saw coming, and I thought it was executed really well. It was something I'd never seen done in a story before.

The worldbuilding, however, wasn't as developed as I would have liked. I had trouble understanding the magic system. I wasn't sure why some people who drank the elixir gained magical abilities while Witch's power seemed to be innate. The prologue briefly touched on the origins of magic, but the explanation felt too vague and left me confused.

For most of the book, the story flowed along nicely, but once we reached the Siren's Hair scene, where they were laying a trap for Witch, things became shaky and confusing. There were several twists from that point through the ending, but they only left me with more questions. Who exactly was Damari? How did the Prince fit into the story? I honestly thought To Drown a Witch was a standalone, but based on the ending, it's clearly setting up a sequel.

I enjoyed To Drown a Witch for the most part, but I wish the characters and the world had been more fully developed. Even so, I'm still curious to see where the story goes now that the Prince has entered the picture. It also would have been nice to get a few scenes or flashbacks featuring him.

This Monster of Mine by Shalini Abeysekara

Title: This Monster of Mine
Author: Shalini Abeysekara

Genre: Fantasy

Series: This Monster of Mine # 1

Publication: April 1, 2025, 416 pages

Source: Purchase

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Eighteen-year-old Sarai doesn't know why someone tried to kill her four years ago, but she does know that her case was closed without justice. Hellbent on vengeance, she returns to the scene of the crime as a Petitor, a prosecutor who can magically detect lies, and is assigned to work with Tetrarch Kadra. Ice-cold and perennially sadistic, Kadra is the most vicious of the four judges who rule the land - and the prime suspect in a string of deaths identical to Sarai's attempted murder.

Certain of his guilt, Sarai begins a double life: solving cases with Kadra by day and plotting his ruin by night. But Kadra is charming and there's something alluring about the wrath he wields against the city's corruption. So when the evidence she finds embroils her in a deadly political battle, Sarai must also fight against her attraction to Kadra - because despite his growing hold on her heart, his voice matches the only memory she has of her assailant...

MY THOUGHTS

I received This Monster of Mine in a subscription box last year, and while the summary always sounded intriguing, I wasn’t entirely convinced about reading a novel with an eighteen-year-old FMC in what is supposed to be a new adult/adult book. However, I am so glad I gave this book a chance because it was absolutely amazing. I’m kind of kicking myself for not starting it sooner!

I am a sucker for anything inspired by Ancient Rome. The world-building was vivid and well developed. I could easily picture Sarai strolling around Ur Dinye and taking in the picturesque Academiae buildings. The magic system was fascinating; many of the powers stemmed from something akin to blood magic, using blood over runes to activate abilities such as mind-probing, healing, illusions, and creating fire and lightning, to name a few. I thought the book was beautifully written. The plot was gripping, the pacing was perfect, and the combination of mystery, political intrigue, and forbidden romance balanced the story perfectly.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve noticed an emergence of novels centered around feminine rage. The majority, if not all, are, in my opinion, poorly written, or the reasons for the FMC’s rage are not well defined or justifiable. Usually, the causes of their rage feel innocuous or asinine. To be honest, they were so bad I was starting to get jaded. This Monster of Mine is the first book that truly encapsulates what a feminine rage story ought to be. Abeysekara created a brave, intelligent, sympathetic, and caring heroine who experienced the horrors of what humanity is capable of, whether through deplorable acts committed by strangers, fellow citizens, superiors, colleagues, or so-called friends. It was refreshing to see that, despite everything, Sarai did not become bitter, hateful, or unlikable like the perpetrators. Instead, her experiences propelled her to fight harder against the injustices of the world while remaining steadfast in her beliefs and sense of self. That was admirable and something I love seeing in a lead character. Her growth and transformation were incredible to witness, and although the story took place over only a couple of months, it still felt realistic and believable. I also thought the rest of the cast was extremely well written and fleshed out, even the villains.

This Monster of Mine was an incredible first book. I was fully immersed in the world Abeysekara created and completely invested in the story and characters. I can’t wait to read the sequel, and I already know this will be a series I revisit again and again. I highly recommend This Monster of Mine; it had everything: a compelling storyline full of action, mystery, suspense, and romance, beautiful writing, and unforgettable characters.

Half City by Kate Golden

Title: Half City

Author: Kate Golden

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: Harker Academy # 1

496 pages, Paperback

Publication: February 17, 2026

Source: Libby

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Viv Abbot is an average twenty-one-year-old girl. She lives in an expensive city where the rent is too high, works long hours at a thankless job, and is dating a guy she doesn’t even like in the hopes of winning her prickly mother’s approval.

She just also happens to be a demon hunter.

Ever since her father's murder, she's been forced to hunt deviants alone, meaning everyone, including her family, sees her as an outsider. . . . Until the day she crosses paths with a dangerously alluring demon, Reid Graveheart. The reformed deviant tells her of a school for people just like her: Harker Academy for Deviant Defense. If she enrolls, she'll learn to hone her craft, work with other hunters, and never be alone again.

But Viv has a deadly secret. One that not even her new friends at Harker can know about. Not when the school might hold the answers to untangling the mystery surrounding Viv's father’s death. When strange occurrences begin to plague the students, Viv will have to figure out who she can trust, and fast. All while trying to ace her classes, not fall for a demon, and make it through her first year at Harker in one piece. How hard could that be?

MY THOUGHTS

I almost didn’t pick up Half City. I thought it was going to be another run-of-the-mill romantasy that’s been flooding the market lately, and I’ve been mostly disappointed with the ones I’ve read. But I ended up giving it a shot because my book box featured it, and I wanted to see if it was worth the hype.

And it almost is, just not completely there, but close.

I’ve seen a lot of comparisons to the Buffy TV show, but I actually don’t see it…maybe only in the sense that she hunts monsters a.k.a. Deviants. Half City did remind me, however, of the early 2000s young adult series Vampire Academy. Despite Half City being more adult or new adult, with characters in their 20s, it felt like I was reading another version of VA. And I mean that as a compliment because it’s one of my favorite series and still is to this day. The whole demon-hunting aspect and having a demon combat instructor felt so Rose and Dimitri coded at least to me.

I thought Half City was well written. The pacing was great, and the balance between plot and action scenes was nearly perfect. Viv and Reid were strong lead protagonists with great chemistry, and I also liked all of the secondary characters. The only predictable part in the entire book was discovering that the White Stag was related to Reid, I saw that coming from miles away. And while the book ended on a cliffhanger, I think I already know Reid’s true identity. Still, I hope I’m wrong because I hate a predictable plot.

All in all, Half City was a surprisingly fun and quick read that kept my attention from beginning to end. I’m looking forward to Cursed City and the good news is, it comes out this year!

The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen

Title: The Games Gods Play

Author: Abigail Owen

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series:The Crucible # 1

Hardcover, 509 Pages 

Publication: September 3, 2024

Source: Personal Library
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The gods love to toy with us mere mortals. And every hundred years, we let them…

I have never been favored by the gods. Far from it, thanks to Zeus.

Living as a cursed office clerk for the Order of Thieves, I just keep my head down and hope the capricious beings who rule from Olympus won’t notice me. Not an easy feat, given San Francisco is Zeus’ patron city, but I make do. I survive. Until the night I tangle with a different god.

The worst god. Hades.

For the first time ever, the ruthless, mercurial King of the Underworld has entered the Crucible—the deadly contest the gods hold to determine a new ruler to sit on the throne of Olympus. But instead of fighting their own battles, the gods name mortals to compete in their stead.

So why in the Underworld did Hades choose me—a sarcastic nobody with a curse on her shoulders—as his champion? And why does my heart trip every time he says I’m his?

I don’t know if I’m a pawn, bait, or something else entirely to this dangerously tempting god. How can I, when he has more secrets than stars in the sky?

Because Hades is playing by his own rules…and Death will win at any cost.

MY THOUGHTS

The Games Gods Play has been all over social media lately, with raving reviews and the promise of Greek gods drawing me in. However, I’m now wondering if I read the same book as everyone else because there was absolutely nothing worth raving about.

The story begins at the start of the Gods' Crucible Tournament, where Lyra and her gang of thieves are working a job. Our protagonist, Lyra, is in the process of walking away because her team is mocking her for having a crush on Boone, another teammate. That’s when she runs into Hades, the God of the Underworld. For reasons that are never explained other than she could win, Hades chooses Lyra as his champion in the Crucible, promising to lift her curse of being "unlovable" if she wins. The rest of the book follows Lyra and the other contestants as they navigate the 12 trials.

I have never been so bored in my entire life. By the time I reached the 30% mark, I was hoping the story would pick up or at least get interesting. It never did. Not at 50%, not at 80%, nothing. The trials, which were based on the gods themselves, were unimaginative and dull. I never connected with any of the characters and couldn’t bring myself to care about their fates. Even when some players didn’t make it, I couldn’t muster an ounce of concern.

Lyra, in particular, was insufferable. She tried to be a savior to everyone, repeatedly throwing challenges to help others even though most of them were against her from the start. Her constant humming was another source of irritation, especially since the author never explained its purpose. Was it meant to be an endearing quirk? Because it wasn’t. Lyra’s progress in the trials wasn’t due to skill but sheer luck, stupidity, or Hades cheating on her behalf.

Speaking of Hades, dear lord, he was as dull as a cardboard box. You’d think the Lord of the Underworld would be brooding and mysterious, but he was neither. The author kept telling us how feared and powerful Hades was, but there was no actual evidence to support this claim. Even the "telling" failed to make him remotely convincing as a fearsome deity.

The relationship between Lyra and Hades was as tiresome as the characters themselves. There was zero chemistry between them, and I never understood Hades’ obsession with Lyra, who had no redeeming qualities in my opinion. She's worse than those 'snowflake heroines' we read in most books. His nickname for her, “my star,” made me roll my eyes every time it appeared. Boone’s nickname for Lyra, “Lyra Loo Hoo” was also atrocious. Talk about cringy. 

The gods in The Games Gods Play weren’t the iconic figures from Greek mythology that people know and love. They were immature, bored immortals acting like spoiled children who meddled with mortals for entertainment. I don’t know why I expected anything different.

Ultimately, this book was poorly written, far too long, and entirely overhyped. I don’t recommend it. Please don’t make the same mistake I did by being fooled by a pretty cover and rave reviews. I’m starting to believe the Red Tower rumors...all they are, are pretty books that hide lackluster stories. 

By the Orchid and the Owl by Mariah Montoya

Title: By the Orchid and the Owl 

Author: Mariah Montoya 

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Esholian Institute #1

Paperback, 415 pages

Publication: April 3, 2024

Source: Personal Library
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On the island of Eshol, a ruling council gifts magic to all its citizens — whether they want it or not.

Eighteen-year-old Rayna Drey should be excited for her Branding, when the island’s Good Council will infuse her blood with one of five sanctioned the ability to wield elements, summon objects, shift forms, talk to wildlife, or manipulate minds. The Good Council is good. The Branding doesn’t hurt. And the institution she must attend afterward, to learn how to control her new gift, is only a little dangerous.

Or, at least, that’s what Rayna has always heard. As soon as she arrives at the Esholian Institute, however, a peer-pressured dare makes her explode with a power as deadly as it is forbidden. Worse yet, the only one who can teach her how to hide it from the Good Council is Coen Steeler, a much-too-handsome fifth-year who can manipulate minds as easily as he breathes. He alone understands Rayna’s forbidden power…because he has the same one.

With their secret in each other’s hands, Rayna soon uncovers other dark secrets that threaten the very foundation of the island itself. And the worst of them? If the Good Council finds out what lurks in her and Coen’s blood, they’ll both face a fate beyond obedience — and a punishment worse than death.

MY THOUGHTS

I've had By the Orchid and the Owl on my TBR list for a while now. I didn't know much about the story but only heard great things about it. The book reminded me of an adult version of Harry Potter, except the characters are aged up with powers bestowed upon them through a magical brand. 

On the island of Eshol, when a person turns eighteen, they are whisked away to The Institute to be trained. Everyone is branded with a magical iron poker; and whichever magic is manifested lets them know which of the four houses they will be part of for the next five years. The houses consist of: Mind Powers, Power to talk to animals, shifters and elementals. I thought the overall premise and worldbuilding was interesting initially. I'm a suck for stories with school settings, no matter the genre. But it was a letdown in the end.

The book started out a bit slow as the world was set, and we're introduced to the different houses and peoples' powers. For majority of the book, we see the characters in their class environments and take tests to help develop their abilities. The book takes place over the course of a year. I would have thought a lot would happen in a year, but it doesn't. Halfway through the book I realized that this book is very low stakes and borderlines cozy fantasy...which isn't my cup of tea, unfortunately. It was literally class, test, parties and bullies' showdowns. 

Right from the start, we're shown that Rayna, the heroine, from a rural village is a special snowflake. She's powerful and advanced than majority of the student if not her entire house. There's little to no growth in the first book and while I know it's only the first book; there's just nothing memorable about Rayna (As I started this review, I had to go back and find her name because I already forgot after a couple of days). I also didn't care for the love interest, either. Also don't remember his name. But He was a mashup of everything we currently see and read in the Romantasy genre. Seen it all before. Thankfully, not another "Shadow Daddy" lol. 

I thought the whole pirate and faerie combination was weird. I guess because everyone lives on an island, we had to add in pirates? I don't know. I didn't like it nor care for it. I felt like it was just a useless plot device to explain 'Hey, you're special and not from here...you came from outside with the pirates'. 

By the Orchid and the Owl ultimately was just an okay read. Nothing special or memorable. The story was slow, stakes were low that I eventually didn't care about the plot or characters. I don't plan on continuing with the series but if you're interested and you have KU, I suggest reading on there for free/t to try out because this is not a book, I think many would reread.

Threaded by Tay Rose

Title: Threaded

Author: Tay Rose

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Solstice Cycle # 1

Paperback, 600 pages 

Publication: May 1, 2024

Source: Personal Library
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In a world where magic means servitude, being giftless is a blessing.

Mariah’s twenty-first birthday was supposed to bring freedom: from expectation, from scrutiny, from the oppressive lord reigning over her hometown. When a summons from the Queen puts those dreams at risk, she has no choice but to follow through—even if it means a future she doesn’t want or deserve.

Thrust into a world of cutthroat politics, secret rituals, and ruthless power grabs, Mariah is forced to come to terms with her new position as terrifying hidden magic begins to awaken in her veins. Meanwhile, the brooding, disgraced royal heir selected to serve in her sworn guard inexplicably hates her, yet he can’t seem to stay away. As the kingdom’s delicate balance shifts and crumbles, Mariah’s freedom seems further away than ever.

Relationships blossom, schemes are unearthed, and gods are awakened… yet her heart may be the biggest threat of all.

Love is a weakness. But will fate weave a different thread?

MY THOUGHTS

Threaded was a pleasant surprise. I honestly haven't heard much about the novel, but a sub was featuring the book; so, I thought I would give it a go. Like most Romantasy-Fantasy novels these days with the Chosen One Trope, Threaded centers around a young woman on the brink of turning twenty-one. All her life she dreamt of escaping the everyday norm, to travel the world. But on her twenty-first birthday, The Queen requests all those of age to present themselves before her and one will be chosen as the newest Queen Apparent. Our Heroine Mariah is of course chosen and thus begins her journey to becoming Queen.

If anyone has read The Legacy series by Melissa E. Roehrich, then you'd enjoy this as well. Because the two series are very, very similar. Especially with the involvement of Gods and Goddess and how the Heroine is written. I thought the world-building and magic system was interesting. Mariah's first task as the Queen Apparent necessitate that she chooses seven men to form her guards and seven women to be her ladies in waiting. For the men, she has to bond to them magically and is only breakable in death. 

Overall, I thought Mariah was a good heroine, but I've been seeing a pattern in most Fantasy Novel: Feminine Rage. Half the time Mariah was either raging at the world about her situation or repeatedly telling the reader how much she never asked to be Queen and the other half; she actually steps up to the task and acts like a Queen worthy of her people. But it was constantly a whiplash, hot and cold when it came to Mariah's emotions. And speaking of hot and cold, Mariah's love interest is practically the same. One minute he acts very caring and the next he treats her badly. It goes on like this for majority of the book. It was tiring to read. And the love interest, isn't really likable nor has any redeeming qualities. 

Despite these slight criticisms, I do plan on picking up the sequel when it comes out, but I won't be rushing to read it. I am curious as to what will happen next. I hope Mariah leans more to becoming the powerful Queen that she could be and less an angry petulant child. I am also tired of all the feminine rage and rollercoaster emotions I've been seeing in books...unless someone can write it better. 

Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop

Title: Daughter of the Blood

Author: Anne Bishop

Genre: Fantasy

Series: The Black Jewels Trilogy # 1

Paperback, 384 pages 

Publication: March 1, 1998

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

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

MY THOUGHTS

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

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

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

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

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

I can't wait to read the sequel!

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

Title: A Fate Inked in Blood

Author: Danielle L. Jensen

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Saga of the Unfated # 1

Hardcover, 432 pages 

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

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

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

MY THOUGHTS

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

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

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

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

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

Wings so Wicked by Emily Blackwood

Title: Wings so Wicked

Author: Emily Blackwood

Genre: N/A, Fantasy

Series: Golden City # 1

Paperback, 380 pages 

Publication: January 12, 2024 by
Source: Personal library 
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Huntyr has fought for survival her entire life. Raised under Lord, the master of assassins in Midgrave, she has spent over twenty years learning to kill the blood-hungry, depraved vampyres that lurk in the darkness. Huntyr is the most lethal fae in the kingdom, which is why Lord chooses her to complete the next mission.

Huntyr must survive Moira Seminary and make it into The Golden City—the mysterious elite society of the few remaining angels and the magic fae who live in luxury with no crime, no poverty, and certainly no vampyres.

Only when she arrives at the academy, she’s forced to room with Wolf—the terrifying fallen angel who happens to know her assassin identity.

Determined to keep her head down in Moira, Huntyr tries her best to ignore Wolf. Over time, though, he not only becomes the only person she can lean on, but the one who might keep her alive through the life-threatening tests to get into The Golden City.

MY THOUGHTS

I was so excited for Wings so Wicked – it seemed right up my alley. I mean, who doesn't love a good story of opposites attracting? In this novel, we follow a Vampire Assassin and a Vampire who must set aside their differences and collaborate to gain entry into the elusive Golden City. Only a chosen few get the chance to prove their skills at Moira Seminary, a school for the gifted, and the stakes are high – it's either the Golden City or death.

Wings so Wicked started off promising. I appreciated that the action kicked in early, thrusting our main protagonist, Huntyr, into Moira where she faced grueling training and obstacles. Unfortunately, the initial excitement didn't last, and the book went downhill. The scenes became incredibly choppy and jarring, lacking smooth transitions between scenes and dialogues. Another significant issue was with the characters – the interactions and dialogues fell flat. I didn’t connect with Huntyr or Wolf, and even their interactions felt forced. It was insta-love, but not the good kind. Despite being familiar with the alpha male and stubborn female trope, this was an absolute no for me. Wolf came off as more controlling than protective, and Huntyr's tough exterior seemed inconsistent with her projection of insecurities onto others. When everything inevitably crashed and burned, she turned more self-deprecating. It was annoying.

 As I reached the end of the novel, my interest dwindled, and I found myself not caring about the fate of the characters. I contemplated giving up, but I was already too deep into the book, and reaching the end felt like a relief. Personally, I cannot recommend this book and consider it a time-waster. If you're seeking a vampire-themed story with challenges, I suggest exploring The Serpent and the Wings of Night. I'm genuinely perplexed by the positive reviews and high ratings. Well, to each their own.

 

 

 

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Poison Study

Author: Maria V. Synder

Genre: NA, Fantasy

Series: Chronicle of Ixia # 1

Paperback, 368 pages 

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

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

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

 

MY THOUGHTS

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

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

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

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