Book Review: The Shattered Lens (Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians #4) by Brandon Sanderson

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: MG Fantasy
Length: 336 pages
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Starscape
Release Date: August 2nd, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Alcatraz Smedry is up against a whole army of Evil Librarians in this fourth adventure, with only his friend Bastille, a few pairs of glasses, and an unlimited supply of exploding teddy bears to help him. This time, even Alcatraz’s extraordinary talent for breaking things may not be enough to defeat the army of Evil Librarians and their giant librarian robots.

GREAT AGAIN.

I don’t have a lot to add to my review at four books in that wouldn’t spoil anything. These books are short and ones I would love to read with my family in the future (as audiobooks because they really shine there). I love the joy these bring and how clever they are.

Alcatraz and his family are a hoot and make me smile and laugh. I continue to like the execution of the plot and the direction things are going. I’m looking forward to the next book!

Overall audience notes:

  • MG Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: flirting
  • Violence: low

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ARC Book Review: The Emerald Alliance (The Otherworlds #3) by Courtney Millecam

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: YA Historical Fantasy
Length: 510 pages
Author: Courtney Millecam
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: March 25th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A heartless boy. A timid girl. And an exiled fae who will do anything to go home.

It’s been two years since Queen Verena exiled Thea to 1923 Chicago. As a fae living in the city, Thea tries to forget her past and blend in, but she’s plagued by thoughts of Faerie, her failed attempt at rebellion, and everyone she left behind.

When tragic news from the Winterland reaches Thea, she’s determined to find a way home. Even if it means striking a deal with a notorious fae who rules the criminal world and teaming up with two mortals she barely knows. There’s Alice, who holds the key to changing the fate of the Winterland, but her heart is divided between saving the kingdom and saving the boy she loves. Then there’s Edmund, who provokes Thea as much as he protects her. He has his own reasons for returning to Faerie, and Thea isn’t certain if Edmund is an enemy or an ally.

They say there’s no place like home, but home has changed since Thea was last there. New rulers, new alliances, and new dangers lurk around every corner. When their mission goes terribly wrong, a desperate bargain is made, and Thea and Edmund are forced to navigate the unfamiliar Emerald Kingdom alone. And with more than just her heart on the line, Thea worries that saving Faerie will cost more than she’s willing to give.

The Emerald Alliance is the thrilling conclusion to the Otherworlds Trilogy and is perfect for fans of atmospheric settings, fairytale retellings with dark twists, and slow burn romance that’s swoony, not spicy.

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.

EPIC CONCLUSION.

I loved how this story came together!!! Multi-POV is one of my favorites and there’s not one weak character here. I loved getting everyone’s side and thoughts and everything in between.

Edmund brings about one of my favorite plot devices, a redemption arc. I LOVED IT. The heated glances and moves between him and Thea brought the enemies but we have chemistry vibes that I was all over. Not to mention getting to see all of my other favorites woven throughout just made my day.

The action and pacing come together beautifully. This was a well written and well crafted saga. I loved the nods of fairy tales, the inclusion of Faerie lands with mortal lands and the anxiety I felt trying to survive those last few chapters.

I can’t wait to see what Courtney writes next!!

Overeall audience notes:

  • YA Historical fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: moderate

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Book Review: Mortal Queens (The Fae Dynasty #1) by Victoria McCombs

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A dark red background with a black crown and gold crown over the background. The book title Mortal Queens by Victoria McCombs is written in gold.

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 320 pages
Author: Victoria McCombs
Publisher: Enclave Publishing
Release Date: February 1st, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

“They vanish without a trace, disappear into the night . . .

Each year on the center island, one girl is chosen to be the next Mortal Queen of the idolized fae. The mortals praise these lucky girls, but their daughters are never seen again.

The fae realm is eternal night, where disputes are settled by chess matches, power is acquired through the most devious kinds of trickery, and seven illusive kings roam. The fae hide their faces behind masks and guard their glass hearts to keep them from shattering. But beyond the veil of this luxurious paradise, a dark secret simmers, for their Queens have disappeared.

When aspiring artist Althea is selected, she is desperate to avoid the same mysterious fate. With no one to trust, she conceals messages in paintings and receives anonymous replies from a stranger who slowly reveals the tale of a girl who outwitted the fae. Only if she is clever enough will Althea survive the fate of the Mortal Queens. As long as the king who cannot love does not claim her first.”

PRETTY GOOD.

I enjoyed this book. It was an interesting take on fae and their world. I liked seeing how the magic system was working and how the curse was put into place. It’s an intriguing idea that helped keep the pace going. There’s a decent amount of world building, though I’d hope for more as the series continues because I

Althea was a good FMC. I liked that she was unlikeable and had a buuunch to learn. Occasionally she was a bit too immature for me, and by the end I’m still not actually quite sure how I feel. There’s definitely room for growth in book two.

I liked the romance, its sweet and a nice slow burn. I think this book is more geared towards a younger YA (which is completely fine, just mentioning). I’m curious how the series will progress.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: moderate

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ARC Book Review: Secret or Shutout (D.C. Eagles Hockey #4) by Leah Brunner

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Hockey Romance
Length: 321 pages
Author: Leah Brunner
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: March 27th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A 6’5 NHL goalie walks into a bar and meets the love of his life…no, this isn’t the start of a bad joke.

I had a chance encounter in a dimly lit bar that led to an earth-shattering kiss with a beautiful stranger.

But then the next morning my world is rocked again–when I walk inside my team captain’s house and see her.

Farrah Remington isn’t a mysterious stranger after all, she’s the little sister of my captain and best friend. A woman firmly off limits to anyone on the D.C. Eagles.

Now, I have to pretend that kiss never happened. But the more I see Farrah, the hotter our chemistry burns, and the stronger our connection grows–until we can’t resist each other any longer.

Sneaking around isn’t ideal, but what my team captain doesn’t know won’t hurt him (or piss him off in the middle of the Stanley Cup playoffs).

I’m with my dream girl and my team is sailing through playoffs…until the truth comes out.

Now my team captain hates me, I can’t keep pucks out of my net to save my life, and the woman I love won’t speak to me.

Can I save my relationship, my friendship, and enough goals to help the D.C. Eagles finally win the Cup…or will I get shut out of Farrah’s life forever?

Secret or Shutout is a dual POV, fade-to-black romance that can be read as a stand alone. This work of fiction contains mild language, depictions of PCOS, infertility, and divorce. If you are sensitive to these subjects, please use this content warning to make an informed decision about reading this book.

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

MY HEART CAN’T HANDLE.

Oh my gosh this was everything I wanted and MORE. I could not put it down and why would I? IT WAS PERFECT. But I’m also a mess because this series is over and how I adored it with every fiber of my being. D.C. Eagles are one of my favorite sports teams ever now.

Bruce and Farrah have immaculate chemistry. Burning up my kindle and begging for them to kiss already. I loved how their opposite natures played off of each other and the softness that Bruce showcased with Farrah. Gosh this book was swoony y’all. And the medical content (check content warnings below) was handled in a respectful, real, and tender way. It breaks your heart and gives you hope, because differing emotions can exist at the same time.

Don’t even get me started on seeing all of my loves from previous books. It’s all fantastic. I’m obsessed with this team. I love the banter and the way they take care of each other. Can I please have a girl group like this too??? There’s a sense of healing reading this book.

I’m an emotional puddle and can’t beg you enough to pick up this series. THANK YOU.

Also excuse me, that jersey moment? IYKYK.

Overall audience notes:

  • Hockey Romance
  • Language: low
  • Romance: closed door
  • Violence: low
  • Content warnings: PCOS (ruptured ovarian cysts and surgery involved), infertility, divorce (recounted)

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