Tag: harper voyager

Book Review: The Hurricane Wars (The Hurricane Wars #1) by Thea Guanzon

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 480 pages
Author: Thea Guanzon
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Release Date: October 3rd, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The heart is a battlefield.

All Talasyn has ever known is the Hurricane Wars. Growing up an orphan in a nation under siege by the ruthless Night Emperor, Talasyn has found her family among the soldiers who fight for freedom. But she is hiding a deadly secret: light magic courses through her veins, a blazing power believed to have been wiped out years ago that can cut through the Night Empire’s shadows.

Prince Alaric, the emperor’s only son and heir, has been forged into a weapon by his father. Tasked with obliterating any threats to the Night Empire’s rule with the strength of his armies and mighty Shadow magic, Alaric has never been bested. That is until he sees Talasyn burning brightly on the battlefield with the magic that killed his grandfather, turned his father into a monster, and ignited the Hurricane Wars. In a clash of light and dark, their powers merge and create a force the likes of which has never been seen.

Talasyn and Alaric both know this war can only end with them. But a greater threat is coming, and the strange new magic they can create together could be the only way to overcome it. Thrust into an uneasy alliance, they will confront the secrets at the heart of the war and find, in each other, a searing passion–one that could save their world…or destroy it.

An exquisite fantasy brimming with unforgettable characters, sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, and richly drawn worlds, The Hurricane Wars marks the breathtaking debut of an extraordinary new writer.

Thank you Harper Voyager for the gifted copy.

WELL I LOVED IT.

I can tell y’all right now, not everyone will love this. I get that, but I was here for it all and I am obsoletely committed to getting my hands on the second book as soon as I can. I adored the banter between Talasyn and Alaric. It made me smile and swoon. I loved the way Alaric’s character was crafted too. He was this dark shadow daddy type who has no concept of wooing a woman and the thought process made my day.

This is heavily romance focused and yet, I thought the world building and magic system was crafted well! I followed what was happening and understood that different politicking dynamics between the nations. I have no major Reylo knowledge, but I did see a few nods and I loved those too.

It is a fast paced and entertainment wise, was everything I needed. I loved reading this (the audiobook is GREAT and the ending gave me all the things I love. BOOK TWO WHERE ARE YOU.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: one open door
  • Violence: moderate-high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, war themes

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Book Review: A Fire Endless (Elements of Cadence #2) by Rebecca Ross

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 512 pages
Author: Rebecca Ross
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Release Date: December 6th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

East and West. Humans and Spirits. Breccans and Tamerlaines. The Isle of Cadence has always held itself and its residents in a tenuous balance. But now Bane, the spirit of the North Wind, has pushed everyone and everything in his path off-kilter in a bid to claim dominion over all.

In the West, Adaira struggles to adjust to the more brutal, bitter ways of life among the Breccans. Striving to find her place in the clan, she swiftly realizes that it just might be the last role she desires to hold. And while magic blooms effortlessly for the Breccans in the west, the spirits continue to suffer beneath Bane’s harsh power, felt in every gust of wind.

In the East, Jack is adrift without Adaira until he sings to the ember-weak fire spirits, acquiring a dangerous mission he never expected. One that is destined to lead him westward. Likewise, Torin and Sidra are consumed by a new mystery as sickness spreads first amongst the crops, and then to the people of the Tamerlaine clan. While Sidra desperately searches for a cure, Torin dares to strike a bargain with the spirits–a precarious folly anytime, but especially now as the days grow darker.

With the island falling further out of balance, humans and spirits alike will need to join together to face Bane, and Jack’s gift with the harp will be called upon once more. Yet no one can challenge the North Wind without paying a terrible price, and the sacrifice required this time may be more than Jack, Adaira, Torin, and Sidra can bear to pay.

WONDERFUL CONCLUSION.

I know, I know. You see that four star there and wonder WHY. I’ll give you why.

One of my biggest frustrations with any book that has a heavy romance plot is the separation of love interests for an extended period of time. I felt that with this being a duology, I didn’t like waiting around until 40% for one couple to be back on the same page. Pacing wise, it caused a, nothing is happening, slow down.

BUT OTHERWISE. I thought this was lyrically beautiful. I’m especially grateful I went ahead and waited for the audiobook because I love the Scottish narration. It adds a whole new layer and really transports me into this story.

I do love both of these couples. That second half had my heart wrapped in a vice. Pulling at every emotion. I loooved the quiet moments they both got and the strength they gave each other to keep rising. I adored this whole cast. Every character held value and the progression for everyone was great to watch.

The ending will leave you turning pages faster than you can read. It felt classic to Ross’s nature (as I’ve read all of her other books) and I love how she does it each time.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: a little strong
  • Romance: fade to black
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: weapons and physical violence, poisoning

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Book Review: The Queen of Blood (The Queens of Renthia #1) by Sarah Beth Durst

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy
Length: 368 pages
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Release Date: September 20th, 2016
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

An idealistic young student and a banished warrior become allies in a battle to save their realm in this first book of a mesmerizing epic fantasy series, filled with political intrigue, violent magic, malevolent spirits, and thrilling adventure

Everything has a spirit: the willow tree with leaves that kiss the pond, the stream that feeds the river, the wind that exhales fresh snow . . .

But the spirits that reside within this land want to rid it of all humans. One woman stands between these malevolent spirits and the end of humankind: the queen. She alone has the magical power to prevent the spirits from destroying every man, woman, and child. But queens are still just human, and no matter how strong or good, the threat of danger always looms.

With the position so precarious, young women are chosen to train as heirs. Daleina, a seemingly quiet academy student, is under no illusions as to her claim to the throne, but simply wants to right the wrongs that have befallen the land. Ven, a disgraced champion, has spent his exile secretly fighting against the growing number of spirit attacks. Joining forces, these daring partners embark on a treacherous quest to find the source of the spirits’ restlessness—a journey that will test their courage and trust, and force them to stand against both enemies and friends to save their land . . . before it’s bathed in blood.

NOT A BAD START.

I guess I must not have realized this was an adult fantasy? Which was totally fine, but the set-up was definitely different.

Starting out with the character at a young age, following her through an academy and then seeing what she does after can feel a bit long winded, and it did here. I don’t need to see every facet of the growing up phases, lets get into the action and move the plot from there.

I did find it to be a very easy listen (audiobook was great!). The world building made sense and I understood enough of the magic system to not feel lost as the pages turned. It’s an interesting set-up with evil forest spirits and the like, clearly something bigger is happening with them and I look forward to exploring that more.

While the character arc for Daleina is in progress, I did like where this book took her. Some of the other side characters like Ven grew on me too. What didn’t work was the romantic sub-plots. I’m fine with them being sub, but it felt haphazardly thrown together and when Daleina kissed someone I had to listen to it three times to make sure I figured out what was happening.

A good start to an older series, I do have plans to continue with the next book! The ending was absolutely wild and I didn’t mind the gruesomeness of it all.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy
  • Language: some
  • Romance: closed door
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, descriptive explanations of loss of life, very bloody/gory, battle themes

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Book Review: Heart of the Sun Warrior (The Celestial Kingdom Duology #2) by Sue Lynn Tan

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: Fantasy + Romance
Length: 480 pages
Author: Sue Lynn Tan
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Release Date: November 15th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

After her perilous quest to free her mother, Xingyin thrives once more in the tranquility of her home. But her fragile peace is threatened by the discovery of a strange magic on the moon and the unsettling changes in the Celestial Kingdom as the emperor tightens his grip on power. While Xingyin is determined to keep clear of the rising danger, the discovery of a shocking truth spurs her into a treacherous confrontation.

Forced to flee her home once more, Xingyin and her companions venture to unexplored lands of the Immortal Realm, encountering legendary creatures and shrewd monarchs, beloved friends and bitter adversaries. With alliances shifting quicker than the tides, Xingyin has to overcome past grudges and enmities to forge a new path forward, seeking aid where she never imagined she would. As an unspeakable terror sweeps across the realm, Xingyin must uncover the truth of her heart and claw her way through devastation–to rise against this evil before it destroys everything she holds dear, and the worlds she has grown to love… even if doing so demands the greatest price of all.

The stunning sequel to Daughter of the Moon Goddess delves deeper into beloved Chinese mythology, concluding the epic story of Xingyin–the daughter of Chang’e and the mortal archer, Houyi–as she battles a grave new threat to the realm, in this powerful tale of love, sacrifice, and hope.

NEW FAVORITE DUOLOGY ALERT.

Not me going from “this book will be thrown across the room if what I think is happening happens” to crying while hugging this beautiful book that broke my soul and mended it.

THIS WAS INCREDIBLE. MAGNIFICENT. Sue Lynn Tan has cemented herself in my auto-buy column after this read. I never wanted to put it down. I love the writing and pacing style that keeps things moving (slow and fast) while adding in the soft and action with ease.

Xingyin is one of the best female protagonists I’ve read in awhile. She is strong, capable and full of self reflection. I love that she can make mistakes, apologize, and hold her ground all in the same story. Complex characters are my lifeblood and Xingyin is someone I would desperately love to have on my side.

THE ROMANCE THOUGH. I want to keep this paragraph pretty vague because spoilers will ruin this for y’all. But I will say, it went different than I expected, but still gave me everything I hoped for when I started reading HOFSW. I don’t think [hope] you’ll be disappointed either. BECAUSE IT BROUGHT ON ALL THE TEARS.

I felt every emotion. Enjoyed every page. And was blissfully satisfied with this conclusion.

I love this book y’all. READ IT PLEASE. THANK ME LATER.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy + Romance
  • Language: very little
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: med-high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of a loved one, battle themes, physical and magical altercations, loss of life

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