ALC Book Review: A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Horror
Length: 336 pages
Author: T. Kingfisher
Publisher: Tor Books
Release Date: August 6th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A dark retelling of the Brothers Grimm’s Goose Girl, rife with secrets, murder, and forbidden magic

Cordelia knows her mother is unusual. Their house doesn’t have any doors between rooms, and her mother doesn’t allow Cordelia to have a single friend—unless you count Falada, her mother’s beautiful white horse. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is on her daily rides with him. But more than simple eccentricity sets her mother apart. Other mothers don’t force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t sorcerers.

After a suspicious death in their small town, Cordelia’s mother insists they leave in the middle of the night, riding away on Falada’s sturdy back, leaving behind all Cordelia has ever known. They arrive at the remote country manor of a wealthy older man, the Squire, and his unwed sister, Hester. Cordelia’s mother intends to lure the Squire into marriage, and Cordelia knows this can only be bad news for the bumbling gentleman and his kind, intelligent sister.

Hester sees the way Cordelia shrinks away from her mother, how the young girl sits eerily still at dinner every night. Hester knows that to save her brother from bewitchment and to rescue the terrified Cordelia, she will have to face down a wicked witch of the worst kind.

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the gifted audiobook.

NEW [TO ME] AUTHOR ALERT.

Alright, I’ve heard a lot about T. Kingfisher’s books. And when I had the opportunity to get an audiobook early for her newest release I took it as a sign. I enjoyed this! It’s probably one of the most horror-esque books I’ve ever read but didn’t go past whatever arbitrary line I have in my head that would have creeped me out. This had a good level of creep for me.

I liked the story too. It was intriguing and I kept coming back to it wondering what would happen next. I thought the audio production was well done and can easily recommend that format if you’re interested in reading this one.

This kind of gave me Mother Gothel vibes but make it a whole lot darker. I liked the atmosphere and seeing what kind of drama was going to unfold next. I thought the characters were well written and kept things interesting. The pacing slowed down a bit for me and I was waiting for things to get wrapped up. Otherwise, a great read, I think I would try another book by Kingfisher!

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Horror
  • Language: low
  • Violence: high
  • Content Warnings: emotional abuse, controlling someone through magic, murder, loss of life

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Book Review: The Rithmatist (Rithmatist #1) by Brandon Sanderson

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Dystoipan Fantasy
Length: 384 pages
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publisher: Tor Teen
Release Date: May 14th, 2013
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson: his debut novel for the young adult audience

More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist. Chosen by the Master in a mysterious inception ceremony, Rithmatists have the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings. Rithmatists are humanity’s only defense against the Wild Chalklings—merciless creatures that leave mangled corpses in their wake. Having nearly overrun the territory of Nebrask, the Wild Chalklings now threaten all of the American Isles.

As the son of a lowly chalkmaker at Armedius Academy, Joel can only watch as Rithmatist students study the magical art that he would do anything to practice. Then students start disappearing—kidnapped from their rooms at night, leaving trails of blood. Assigned to help the professor who is investigating the crimes, Joel and his friend Melody find themselves on the trail of an unexpected discovery—one that will change Rithmatics—and their world—forever.

Bestselling author Brandon Sanderson brings his unique brand of epic storytelling to the teen audience with an engrossing tale of danger and suspense—the first of a series. With his trademark skills in world-building, Sanderson has created a magic system that is so inventive and detailed that that readers who appreciate games of strategy and tactics just may want to bring Rithmatics to life in our world.

THIS WAS INTERESTING.

I have been holding onto this one for a long time but now on my quest to read Sanderson’s back list it’s time to get to it. And what do you know, I enjoyed it a heck of a lot.

The magic system and world building were so unique! I loved the chalk idea with drawing pictures and shapes to create offense and defensive maneuvers. Having to take on chalklings who have gone awry. And the school setting worked really well. I loved Joel as the main character and loved how this fits perfectly into the young adult category.

I enjoyed the murder mystery and constantly found myself wanting to pick this up and know what happened next. I love a good whodunnit, I love Sanderson’s books and I hope he finally hear news about this getting a sequel.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Dystopian/Fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: none
  • Violence: moderate
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a parent, murder, kidnapping, physical violence, magical violence, mentions of battles/war

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ARC Book Review: Gilded Wicked Mirrors (Wicked Mirrors #1) by Hazel St. Lewis

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 440 pages
Author: Hazel St. Lewis
Publisher: Hidden Siren
Release Date: August 6th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In New Swansea, a glittering city once inhabited by vampires, power rests not with the royal class but with the Bargainers—deities trapped in magic mirrors, who exchange power, wealth, and knowledge for a cost . . . often a wretched one.

Quinnevere Ashelle wants nothing to do with the Bargainers, but at twenty-three, she is getting too old to make it into the Royalle Ballet, and with only one shot left, she’ll do anything—including make a twisted deal with an evil god. The agreement is passionately kiss her archnemesis, Prince Emrys, and she will receive her dream spot in the Royalle Ballet.

Unfortunately, when Quinn’s deal with the Bargainer backfires, her beloved friend turns up dead, entirely drained of blood, and with puncture wounds matching the long-extinct vampires.

Feeling utterly responsible, Quinn vows to get vengeance and use her medical examiner skills to solve the murder, but she is far outmatched in this world of immortals—especially when she discovers she’s being hunted, as is the killer’s next target. If she wants to survive, she must team up with the devilishly attractive but wicked Prince Emrys to track down the murderer before she gets cornered herself.

***Author’s note: Gilded Wicked Mirrors is a New Adult Romantasy featuring enemies to lovers, knife to throat, and deadly bargains. The steam level is mild, but the sequels will be much spicier. This single-POV fantasy romance is perfect for fans of Crescent City’s gritty investigations and Caraval’s lush world.

Thank you Book of Matches Media and Hazel St. Lewis for the gifted ARC!

FELT FRESH.

This book really had my attention. While you can definitely draw some similarities to other fantasies I’ve read, I did feel like much of this was unique and had a different vampire twist that has me wanting book two ASAP.

I loved that Quinn was a dancer and part-time mortician. The combination of athleticism and science are things I personally enjoy and those character dynamics were a cool part of this plot. Found family is a big aspect of the book too and I loved all of these side characters.

The romance was a bit lusty for me in the beginning, but luckily grew on me. When that backed off and I got to see the banter between Quinn and Emrys I was much more interested in watching their connection grow. I think the slow burn settled in well and I can’t wait to see how the relationship continues in book two.

All of the mirrors, and vampires and other world building aspects created a complex city full of mystery. I liked that it had plenty of action balanced with soft moments that made it easy to turn the pages.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: high
  • Romance: 2ish brief open door
  • Violence: high
  • Content Warnings: blood/gore depiction, murder, loss of loved ones

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Book Review: Off the Beaten Path (The Mountains are Calling #1) by Madison Wright

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 368 pages
Author: Madison Wright
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: January 26th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Wren Daniels is in over her head.

Between organizing a charity auction and trying to renovate a cabin she can’t afford, she’s barely keeping her head above water. The only bright spot is her new friend she met on an anonymous dating app four months ago. That is, until she discovers he’s the last person she would have expected—her grumpy neighbor who she’s never gotten along with.

Holden Blankenship likes his life just the way it is.

After his wife left him, he spent years putting his life back together. Now he’s got his daughter who is the light of his world, his family, and surprisingly, an anonymous friend. But when his anonymous friend turns out to be his neighbor who drives him crazy, he’s not sure what to make of it. Especially when her contractor backs out of her cabin renovation project and he finds himself offering to help her. Now Wren is getting under his skin in a completely different way and turning all his carefully laid plans upside down.

As Wren continues to show up for Holden and Holden keeps proving to Wren that he’s not really as standoffish as he seems, the lines between friendship and more start to blur.

Their relationship may have gotten off to an unusual start, but some of the best things in life are just a little off the beaten path.

ALL THE STARS.

Good heavens I could not put this book down, I LOVED IT SO MUCH. It’s that perfect level of sexy without being spicy. That reallll good sweet spot where gosh dang those kissing scenes were fire. FIRE. And I absolutely adored that this was dual POV. I loved both Holden and Wren. They were this beautiful blend of messy and heartfelt and human. And June??? Are you kidding me. Loved her too. The new little family they built MELTED MY COLD HEART.

And I loved the setting. I’m really into the mountain and woods and all things rainy and foresty. I must go cozy up in my own cabin now. This had the best small town vibes. No overwhelming drama, just some quirky side characters and antics but also how they all came together?! I can’t. Like I said, this book got me in the feels good.

Loved it all. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. This is an incredible gem of a read I’ll be begging others to pick up.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: heated kisses

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