Tag: fantasy romance

Book Review: Daughter of the Moon Goddess (The Celestial Kingdom Duology #1) by Sue Lynn Tan

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 512 pages
Author: Sue Lynn Tan
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Release Date: January 11th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A captivating debut fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang’e, the Chinese moon goddess, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.

Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.

Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor’s son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince.

To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies across the earth and skies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting, romantic duology which weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic—where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.

ALL THE STARS.

I can’t believe this book wasn’t on my radar until I read it for a book club.

HOLY COW IT WAS AMAAAAAAAZING. WHAT A DEBUT.

I LOVED the character growth that Xingyin exhibited. From the beginning until the end she grew in strength, resilience, listening to her soul to make the next right move. I couldn’t get enough. Xingyin is fantastic and the kind of fantasy heroine I want to always read about.

The ROMANCE. I ENJOYED A LOVE TRIANGLE?! Who am I? This is a testament to the author’s writing abilities because this was accomplished beautifully. The push and pull of young love, new love, and all kinds of love in between. Many quotable moments. Many swoony moments. And moments of pure shock and betrayal. Here for it always.

Everything flowed flawlessly. I didn’t want to stop reading because each chapter kept the right pace for the overall story. I loved the action (and subsequent recovery) scenes. And it even ends just right. No dramatic cliffhanger. Xingyin gets her answers and there’s the small sliver left open for more stories in this realm.

GIVE ME THE SEQUEL.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy + Romance
  • Language: very little
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: some blood/gore
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: kidnapping, torture, possession and mind control

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Book Review: A Twist of the Blade (Shadows and Crowns #2) by S.M. Gaither

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Audience: NA Fantasy Romance
Length: 548 pages
Author: S.M. Gaither
Publisher: Self-published
Release Date: January 28th, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Mercenary. Survivor. Queen.

Who is Casia Greythorne?

Still reeling from an unimaginable loss and the revelation of an identity she isn’t sure she wants to embrace, Casia has one plan: Try to control something. Something like the strange magic awakening inside of her. Mastering that magic will take her and her friends on a quest through cursed lands, into the dwellings of old gods, and deep into a southern empire filled with deadly foes and unlikely allies.

Meanwhile, the foundations of the Kethran Empire continue to crumble. The king-emperor clings to his crown with increasingly bloodied hands. Monsters and soldiers alike stalk Casia’s every step, determined not to let her return to claim a throne that is rightfully hers. Still, the greatest threat to her possible rule may not lie in the king-emperor, but in a former captain of his army—a man that she came dangerously close to falling in love with.

Elander Revenmar thought he knew who he was. He had a mission, a plan, a god he was content to serve. Then came Casia. A woman as mysterious as she is dangerous. One he should have stayed away from, and whose life he never should have saved.

Because salvation always comes with a cost.

And some debts can only be paid for in blood. 

ANOTHER GREAT READ.

Ohhhh my goodness. Wow am I loving this series!! These audiobooks whisk me away on an adventure filled with fighting monsters, romance, found family, twisted sibling dynamics and more. LOVE IT ALL.

The Throne of Glass vibes are one of my favorite aspects. I really like when books take after some of my all time great reads without feeling like a copycat. This is definitely different and I am wholly attached.

I like how well paced out everything is. There’s movement from high action filled with battles and massive monsters all the way to quiet moments between forbidden lovers that just have me absolutely swooning. It has just the right dash of steam and I need more Elander and Casia.

THAT CLIFF HANGER had me in full riot mode. THE AUDACITY. Though it really only solidified how much I am attached to the series. I need more. I can’t wait until the next audio book is available because it is the perfect format for me to read these.

Overall audience notes:

  • NA Fantasy + Romance
  • Language: some
  • Romance: one brief open door
  • Violence: battle/war themes, physical and magical altercations, loss of loved ones

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Book Review: Divine Blood (Guardians of the Maiden #1) by Beck Michaels

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Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Fantasy
Length: 467 pages
Author: Beck Michaels
Publisher: Pluma Press
Release Date: June 3rd, 2020
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The Shadow demon nearly took everything from Dynalya Astron, and it would soon return for more. When she discovers a way to fight back, she must go on a perilous journey and risk it all for those she holds dear.

Along the way, she meets Cassiel, a Celestial Prince with magic blood and wings as black as his heart. He wants nothing to do with Dyna until he learns she could lead him to a place he has been searching for all his life.

But reaching their destination is not as easy as they thought, nor are they the only ones who search for it. With danger at every turn and harrowing secrets between them, the quest will require much more than determination. They must fight for what they desire—or die trying.

For fans of Throne of Glass,The Cruel Prince, and The Lord of the Rings comes Beck Michael’s debut novel with remarkable characters, a budding romance, and gripping action. Divine Blood is the first book of an Epic Dark Fantasy series that explores the depths of loss, acceptance, and the true meaning of courage.

SOLID START.

A great start to a new fantasy series that might have me hooked! I listened to it as an audio book and really enjoyed that format. Definitely recommend that way if you like audio books!

Don’t quote me here, but apparently this is somewhat LOTR-ish? I’ve never read or seen the movie, but if that’s your jam, maybe you’ll enjoy this series too.

I love the world building here and allllllll of the magical creatures; elves, fae, angels, humans, werewolves, and many more! Everyone fit well together and I liked the initial set-up of everything. I’m curios how things will keep expanding and look forward to learning more about the magic systems as well.

There was an overwhelming about of POV’s. I generally love multiple, but this was a bit much initially. By the end, when I had a better grasp on who was who and which side of the divide they stood on, it was much more enjoyable. I’m starting to get a feel for this cast and I only want more. The only character I didn’t like was Dyna. Wow was she the epitome of [what she was referred to multiple times in the book] a stupid human. She came off whiny and had to be rescued more times than I could count. Hopefully that means there will be character growth over the series. That + a more intricate romance will sky rocket this for me.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy + Romance
  • Language: very little
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: physical altercations, gruesome animal mauling, magical weaponry, brief battle scenes

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ARC Book Review: A Far Wilder Magic by Alison Saft

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Rating: ★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Alison Saft
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Release Date: March 8th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

When Margaret Welty spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature, she knows the Halfmoon Hunt will soon follow. Whoever is able to kill the hala will earn fame and riches, and unlock an ancient magical secret. If Margaret wins the hunt, it may finally bring her mother home. While Margaret is the best sharpshooter in town, only teams of two can register, and she needs an alchemist.

Weston Winters isn’t an alchemist–yet. Fired from every apprenticeship he’s landed, his last chance hinges on Master Welty taking him in. But when Wes arrives at Welty Manor, he finds only Margaret and her bloodhound Trouble. Margaret begrudgingly allows him to stay, but on one condition: he must join the hunt with her.

Although they make an unlikely team, Wes is in awe of the girl who has endured alone on the outskirts of a town that doesn’t want her, in this creaking house of ghosts and sorrow. And even though Wes disrupts every aspect of her life, Margaret is drawn to him. He, too, knows what it’s like to be an outsider. As the hunt looms closer and tensions rise, Margaret and Wes uncover dark magic that could be the key to winning the hunt – if they survive that long.

In A Far Wilder Magic, Allison Saft has written an achingly tender love story set against a deadly hunt in an atmospheric, rich fantasy world that will sweep you away.

Thank you the the publisher and Netgalley for an eARC.

A BIT CONFUSING.

Oh the plight of a standalone fantasy.

I really enjoyed Down Comes the Night and have been excited to pick this one up and I’m kind of bummed it let me down.

What I struggled with most was the world building and magic system. It was obnoxiously convoluted for a standalone. Info dumping for some things and not broad enough explanations for others left me utterly directionless. Even by the end I was still a bit mixed on the religions, world system and more.

In the mix of things I did like was the romance. Wes and Margaret grew on me over the book. That sweet sense of first love and finding some who gets you and supports you. They were also solid as main characters. I love character growth and both exhibited plenty by the end. I enjoyed their banter and quiet moments.

Still not quite sure what the deal was with hunting the fox? It was a unique plot I’ll give it that, but I found myself skimming far more than I wanted. Great characterization and movement, but slow and enigmatic plot.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy Romance
  • Language: a little
  • Romance: one vague and brief open door
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: discrimination, prejudice, breaking and entering, hunting (of animals), physical altercations, animal mauling, neglectful parents, depictions of grief

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