Book Review: Heavenly Bodies (Heavenly Bodies #1) by Imani Erriu

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 620 pages
Author: Imani Erriu
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: February 14th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

“I defy the stars.”

In a world where no entities exist but the Stars, cruel and merciless gods that watch over the world, Elara has been cursed by fate. A prophecy that promises she will fall for a Star, and it will kill them both.
But when one descends to wreak havoc on Elara’s Kingdom, she is forced to flee into the arms of her enemy in the neighbouring country.
As she learns more about her own magic, and the depth of the Stars’ deceit, she also finds herself learning more about the country she is forced to take refuge in, and the enemy prince forced to train her into a weapon.
Something dark brews within her, a power made of night and shadows that begs to be broken free.

DO I READ BOOK TWO?

I’m so conflicted. I’m aware I gave this four stars, but it’s a confusing thought process to get here.

I thought that this was an easy read. It’s 600 pages and honestly, most of it flies right by. I love that. I loved the found family aspects and the side characters shown well. The romance grew on me and I felt very much invested by the end.

BUT. Okay, WHERE WAS THE PLOT? I know the whole idea is that she’s been ousted from her kingdom and needs to win it back, but that never really got going?? I can’t believe I’ll say this, it felt like there was too much romance and the rest of the story to fill everything out was missing. The antagonist was weak and I wasn’t connected with the heart of Elara and Enzo’s character arcs. [I did love Enzo though].

Now the meddling gods were great. That is one of my favorite fantasy tropes. And even when you could see it coming I loved the way the fated romance played out. I’m genuinely curious what will happen next, and at the same time, not sure I should keep going?!

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: 3-4 open; high explicit
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: torture, loss of life, murder, weapons violence, magical violence, nightmares, child abuse, executions

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Book Review: Spice Road (The Spice Road Trilogy #1) by Maiya Ibrahim

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Rating: ★★★☆
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 464 pages
Author: Maiya Ibrahim
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: January 24th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The first book in an epic fantasy series set in an Arabian-inspired land with secret spice magic. Raised to protect her nation from the monsters lurking in the sands, sixteen-year-old Imani must fight to find her brother, whose betrayal is now the country’s greatest threat.

In the hidden desert city of Qalia, there is secret spice magic that awakens the affinities of those who drink the misra tea. Sixteen-year-old Imani has the affinity for iron and is able to wield a dagger like no other warrior. She has garnered the reputation as being the next great Shield for battling djinn, ghouls, and other monsters spreading across the sands.

Her reputation has been overshadowed, however, by her brother, who tarnished the family name after it was revealed that he was stealing his nation’s coveted spice–a telltale sign of magical obsession. Soon after that, he disappeared, believed to have died beyond the Forbidden Wastes. Despite her brother’s betrayal, there isn’t a day that goes by when Imani doesn’t grieve him.

But when Imani discovers signs that her brother may be alive and spreading the nation’s magic to outsiders, she makes a deal with the Council that she will find him and bring him back to Qalia, where he will face punishment. Accompanied by other Shields, including Taha, a powerful beastseer who can control the minds of falcons, she sets out on her mission.

Imani will soon find that many secrets lie beyond the Forbidden Wastes–and in her own heart–but will she find her brother?

THOUGHTS.

This book has me feeling multiple different ways.

What did I like? I didn’t mind that Imani was an unlikeable character. Those tend to be my favorites AS LONG AS there are signs that they understand the need for change and growth in their own life. And I thought by the end Imani was starting to showcase some of that (and it’s a series, we’ve got time). The magic system is cool, needed more world building overall but I like what I know so far. I liked the sibling dynamics too. It came off as real with the bickering and also protecting them at all costs kind of vibes.

The romance has me the most up in the air. It definitely went a different way than I expected and I’m soooo very curious where that’s going to lead. I don’t mind not knowing after one book, it has me intrigued enough to read book two.

I don’t love traveling tropes and this was in abundance. Run over here, go over there, meh. It had one too many moments where I wanted them to stop moving for a second and lay some groundwork. And I need more Qayn. LOTS MORE Qayn.

I’m not upset I read this, I do think it’s a bit over hyped though. And I will be picking up the next book at least!

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy
  • Language: a little
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: med-high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: physical and weapons violence, magical violence, torture (off page), animal death

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ARC Book Review: The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown

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Rating: ★★★
Audience: Magical Realism
Length: 416 pages
Author: Gareth Brown
Publisher: William Morrow
Release Date: February 13th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A debut novel full of magic, adventure, and romance, The Book of Doors opens up a thrilling world of contemporary fantasy for readers of The Midnight Library, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, The Night Circus, and any modern story that mixes the wonder of the unknown with just a tinge of darkness.

Cassie Andrews works in a New York City bookshop, shelving books, making coffee for customers, and living an unassuming, ordinary life. Until the day one of her favorite customers—a lonely yet charming old man—dies right in front of her. Cassie is devastated. She always loved his stories, and now she has nothing to remember him by. Nothing but the last book he was reading.

But this is no ordinary book…

It is the Book of Doors.

Inscribed with enigmatic words and mysterious drawings, it promises Cassie that any door is every door. You just need to know how to open them.

Then she’s approached by a gaunt stranger in a rumpled black suit with a Scottish brogue who calls himself Drummond Fox. He’s a librarian who keeps watch over a unique set of rare volumes. The tome now in Cassie’s possession is not the only book with great power, but it is the one most coveted by those who collect them.

Now Cassie is being hunted by those few who know of the Special Books. With only her roommate Izzy to confide in, she has to decide if she will help the mysterious and haunted Drummond protect the Book of Doors—and the other books in his secret library’s care—from those who will do evil. Because only Drummond knows where the unique library is and only Cassie’s book can get them there.

But there are those willing to kill to obtain those secrets. And a dark force—in the form of a shadowy, sadistic woman—is at the very top of that list.

Thank you to William Morrow for the final copy.

NEEDED MORE EXPLANATION.

I’m a woman who needs explanations for magic systems. I hate feeling like things are pulled out of the air to satisfy the plot and that was the feeling this book gave me over and over again.

Initially, I thought the book concept was cool. A whole bunch of books that can do different things? I rolled with it. But there were some specific chapters towards the end that made rolling with it hard to do. Rather than explain the situation I felt more confusion.

Not to mention, the antagonists really didn’t have a reason to be antagonizing. I like having depth in characters, including the villains. There needs to be a want, a need, an understanding of dynamics as to WHY things are happening.

The chapters are pretty short and the dialogue is fairly snappy so things do move at a good pace. By the end I could understand the themes that the author was trying to hit on and remark upon. I wish I had connected with this one more.

Overall audience notes:

  • Magical realism
  • Language: low-moderate
  • Romance: none
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: light blood/gore depiction, loss of life, attempted murder

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Book Review: Oceans of Sand by Jessica Flory

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Rating: ★★★★☆
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 325 pages
Author: Jessica Flory
Publisher: Immortal Works
Release Date: June 20th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Winner of the 2023 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards for young adult epic fantasy.

Love weakens his magic, and survival is far from guaranteed.

Oceans of Sand has been called “Exquisite.” (Indies Today) and “A journey you won’t want to return from.” (Readers’ Favorite).

One girl. Her boat. An ocean of sand to cross.
Norah’s desert world has always been treacherous, with the roiling ocean of sand, giant scorpions, and brutal sandstorms—but now an unnatural famine plagues the desert nations and threatens to destroy all.
Despite being the only one in her village without a sand gift, Norah is chosen with her best friend, Zadock, to sail across the ocean of sand in search of the legendary moonstone, an artifact that could end the famine.
As Norah and Zadock set off on their journey, secret romantic feelings each has suppressed for years rise to the surface. Love weakens sand gifts, and if they act on their feelings, Zadock’s sand gift will disappear.
Caught in a crossfire between forbidden feelings, an unforgiving desert, and starving nations willing to do anything to survive, Norah and Zadock discover the true meaning of sacrifice—and that love can heal the world.

Thank you to the author for a gifted audiobook.

TOOK ME BY THE BEST SURPRISE.

This was one of those books not on my radar that now has quickly become a new favorite. What a fantastic young adult fantasy book that gave me all the things I love.

I thought the world was very interesting. I loved the sand concept and the different groups of people mixed with beliefs and how the sand worked for everyone. It was intriguing and while predictably unfolded, still kept my attention and was just a solidly good read.

The romance is sweet, I wish I had gotten a tiny bit more tension or angst from them, but it was really heartfelt. And I’m curious where things will go in book two??

I also loved the three POV’s. They all provided unique angles and seeing the good vs. the misunderstood really shaped the story telling overall. I will absolutely be recommending this one and look forward to the continuation.

Overall audience notes:

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

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