Tag: young adult fantasy

ARC Book Review: An Heir of Frost (A Trial of Sorcerers #4) by Elise Kova

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Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy
Length: 413 pages
Author: Elise Kova
Publisher: Silver Wing Press
Release Date: February 16th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The fate of five kingdoms teeters on the knife’s edge, and Eira’s destiny is in the icy grasp of the Pirate Queen.

After a narrow escape from the brutal end of the Tournament of Five Kingdoms, Eira and her friends find themselves prisoners of the legendary Pirate Queen Adela. To most, death follows shortly after the pirate queen’s icy stare. But for Eira, those all too familiar eyes hold long-sought truths.

As she and her friends dive deeper into the pirates’ world, their magic is pushed to the brink. Morals are tested. Old passions reignite, and fresh desires spark. But love can be the deadliest vulnerability.

Amidst high-seas action, close-call escapes, and unraveling the twisted political machinations that happen in the shadows of their world, a haunting question looms larger and larger:

How much are they prepared to sacrifice for what they believe in?

An Heir of Frost is the fourth book in A Trial of Sorcerers, a young adult, epic fantasy series intended for readers who love stories involving: sorcerer competitions, slow-burn romance, adventures to distant lands, good triumphing over evil, and elemental magic.

Don’t miss a single book in the A Trial of Sorcerers series. Readers should first read A Trial of Sorcerers, A Hunt of Shadows, and A Tournament of Crowns before starting An Heir of Frost.

Thank you to Elise Kova for an eARC and ARC.

WHERE IS BOOK FIVE.

I CAN NOT. I need the conclusion to this series ASAP. Ahhhhh Elise Kova writes some of the best cliffhangers I’ve ever read and this was no different. There’s so many unanswered questions (in the best way) and I can’t wait for the epic finale.

AND TO SEE WHERE THIS LOVE TRIANGLE GOES.

I have thoughts and implications and I swear if I’m wrong I will probably feel some intense rage so let’s hope that goes well. Because gosh dang those were some FIERY kisses and I was here for every moment. Even caught myself conflicted a few times.

Eira is just my favorite. I LOVE the character growth over the whole series. From naive and not open about trusting and her plans, to learning to lean on others and work together all while strengthening her own powers is next level. I love this found family group and the ups and downs that they go through. It brings all the feels. And now I’m also in love with Adela??? The pirate queen is exactly the type of character I was hoping she’d be and was the perfect figure for Eira at this point in her life. I love where this is going.

The whole book was a ride. I found myself inhaling the pages and did not want to put it down. I love love love being back in the Air Awakens universe (have you read that yet because YOU SHOULD). Not so casually waiting till I can get my hands on book five.

Overall audience notes:

  • Upper YA Fantasy
  • Language: very little
  • Romance: vague almost love scene; otherwise heated make-outs
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, loss of loved ones, weapons/magical/physical violence, torture

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Book Review: These Infinite Threads (This Woven Kingdom #2) by Tahereh Mafi

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy Romance
Length: 416 pages
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: February 7th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

With the heat of a kiss, the walls between Alizeh, the long-lost heir to an ancient Jinn kingdom, and Kamran, the crown prince of the Ardunian empire, have crumbled. And so have both of their lives.

Kamran’s grandfather, the king of Ardunia, lays dead, the terrible secret of his deal with the devil exposed to the world. Cyrus, the mysterious copper-haired royal, has stolen Alizeh away to Tulan, the neighboring kingdom where he rules. Cyrus has made his own deal with the devil—one that would require Alizeh to betray her feelings for Kamran if she’s to reclaim the Jinn throne.

Alizeh wants nothing to do with Cyrus, or his deal with Iblees. But with no means of escaping Tulan, and with the tantalizing promise of fulfilling her destiny as the heir to the Jinn, she’s forced to wonder whether she can set aside her emotions—and finally become the queen her people need.

Kamran, meanwhile, is picking up the pieces of his broken kingdom. Facing betrayal at every turn, all he knows for certain is that he must go to Tulan to avenge his grandfather. He can only hope that Alizeh will be waiting for him there—and that she’s not yet become queen of Tulan.

WHAT I AM SUPPOSED TO FEEL.

This book left me feeling super conflicted.

If I think about the romance in one context, I don’t necessarily mind it, I can see where it could work. Morally gray is my wheelhouse and romantic switch ups are fantastic. Lets do it.

Buuuut if I’m supposed to be thinking about it in a different way on the other side of the love triangle I didn’t realize was occurring then why were they separated the entire time??????

I DON’T KNOW. Honestly, I don’t know how to continue the review. There’s not much true plot movement. It’s mostly spent with Alizeh trying to decide if she should marry someone and Kamran wallowing about his new position. Grateful for an audiobook I could speed up.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Fantasy Romance
  • Language: a little strong
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: medium
  • Trigger/Context Warnings: kidnapping, some physical altercations

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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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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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