Book Review: Charting Stars (The Nine Realms Tales #1) by Micheline Ryckman

November 18, 2022December 30, 2021 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 325 pages
Author: Micheline Ryckman
Publisher: Whimsical Publishing
Release Date: May 21st, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Talia Benson would consider herself fairly ordinary. Anyone would. Diligent student, only child to a single mother, protector of three cats—nothing crazy has ever happened to her. And Talia wants it to stay that way: stable. Her knack for making friends, along with her obsession with the stars and her love for skirt pockets, coffee, and art, is more than enough to keep Talia happy for the rest of her days—that is, until a single evening in front of a blank canvas becomes the adventure she never dreamed she wanted.

Now, Talia finds herself lost in a world completely unlike her own, a land where monsters roam and magic thrives, where wars are born then die at the wave of a hand, and where strange entities decide the fate of those who live among the Nine Realms. The guardians of these foreign lands have seen a great shift in the heavens. Something has changed, a prophecy has been spoken—a darkness is coming. But maybe, just maybe, an ordinary girl thrown between worlds could be the key to saving it all.

Charting Stars is the first book in a spirited, heartfelt young adult fantasy series by Micheline Ryckman that will appeal to the minds of those who’ve always felt, well, ordinary. Talia’s adventures prove that even an average everyday girl can have skills enough to be a hero. And she’s joined on her journey by a lovable cast of characters—some human, some furry, some covered in ivy vines—who will steal your heart away.

ADORED.

This was such a good read!! It’s a super short fantasy (under 300 pages) and I felt wrapped up in it and loving all of the characters. It’s wholesome and whimsical. All the things I could have hoped for when I picked it up.

It’s a pretty classic YA fantasy (but the characters felt older, so probably closer to NA). Our heroine lands in an unknown land and finds herself on an adventure with a rag-tag group of people while she learns about everything around her. I adored the sweetly paced romance that for fast-paced didn’t bother me for a moment. Jarrett and Talia were just precious.

I liked the plot line and outer story of the magic system and world building. It could have been even further expanded, but I didn’t feel that was the nature of this book which led me to just want to devour it and anxiously await the next installment. I love the way Ryckman writes her stories and I’ve enjoyed everyone I’ve read!

Overall audience notes:

NA Fantasy
Language: none
Romance: kisses
Violence: physical and magical altercations, near death experiences

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Book Review: Lodestar (Keeper of the Lost Cities #5) by Shannon Messenger

November 12, 2022August 14, 2022 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: MG Fantasy
Length: 688 pages
Author: Shannon Messenger
Publisher: Aladdin
Release Date: November 1st, 2016
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Dark schemes unfold–and Sophie’s loyalty is pushed to the limit–in this thrilling fifth book in the best-selling KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES SERIES.

Sophie Foster is back in the Lost Cities–but the Lost Cities have changed. The threat of war hangs heavy over her glittering world, and the Neverseen are wreaking havoc.

The lines between friend and enemy have blurred, and Sophie is unsure whom to trust. But when she’s warned that the people she loves most will be the next victims, she knows she has to act.

A mysterious symbol could be the key–if only she knew how to translate it. Every new clue seems to lead deeper into her world’s underbelly and the Black Swan aren’t the only ones who have plans. The Neverseen have their own Initiative, and if Sophie doesn’t stop it, they might finally have the ultimate means to control her.

NEW FAV.

This is definitely a new favorite of this series. I don’t know why I haven’t swung back around to moving through these books but with a new one out soon I want to get caught up!

I LOVE that these are written so well for this age group, and yet appeal to older audiences too. You feel the struggles of 14/15 year-old’s who have way too much on their plates, but also the love and support from parents and caregivers around them. I love the fierce friendships and loyalty to themselves. These kind of attributes are what I look for in middle grade, young YA fantasy and this series continually delivers.

The plot exploration grew and rarely felt stagnant. I liked the mix of action alongside smoother moments. Anytime KEEFE was on page I was paying attention. He’s one of my favorites. I liked seeing new sides to Sofie and the way this story is continually thickening. It’s a truly great fantasy series that makes it easy to fly through these massive books.

Overall audience notes:

MG Fantasy
Language: none
Romance: flirting
Violence: mild
Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of past kidnappings, near death experiences, not overly bloody or gory but physical and magical violence is present, loss of a loved one

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Book Review: These Twisted Bonds (These Hollow Vows #2) by Lexi Ryan

November 3, 2022July 24, 2022 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ★★★★★
Audience: YA Fantasy Romance
Length: 496 pages
Author: Lexi Ryan
Publisher: Clarion Books
Release Date: July 19th, 2022
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Brie finds herself caught between two princes and two destinies while the future of the fae realm hangs in the balance.

After Abriella’s sister was sold to the fae, she thought life couldn’t get any worse. But when she suddenly finds herself caught in a web of lies of her own making - loving two princes and trusting neither – things are not quite as clear as she once thought.

As civil war wages in the Court of Darkness, Brie finds herself unable to choose a side. How can she know where she stands when she doesn’t even know herself anymore? In this darkly romantic thrill ride, the more Faerie is torn apart from the inside, the clearer it becomes that prophecies don’t lie and Brie has a role to play in the fate of this magical realm – whether she likes it or not.

OHHHHHHHMYGOSH.

Hands down. One of the best duologies I have ever read. EVER.

I will do my best to maintain vagueness about how this all ends up.

OKAY SO. I LOVED THE ENDING. It gave me everything I was hoping for and more. Sebastian got this really solid story line that fit perfectly for him in this scenario. Bri got the story she deserved with her history unleashing all sorts of chaos (in the best way). I loved how she approached new things before her and also went after what she wanted most. Finn is my favorite (no surprise) and I loooove having him along for this ride. ALL GOOD THINGS.

I can’t tell y’all the amount of emotions I went through while reading. It was up, down, all around. Mostly a lot of ANGST. And begging the bookish universe to give me what I wanted. As soon as I saw those moments happening, the giddiness would not subside. Gahhhhh I LOVED IT.

This has been incredibly difficult not to breakdown every nuanced aspect of why this series is amazing.

SO PLEASE READ IT THEN I’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS.

Overall audience notes:

YA Fantasy Romance
Language: some strong
Romance: brief open door
Violence: medium
Trigger/Content Warnings: kidnapping, loss of life, physical and magical altercations, weaponry

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Book Review: Dreams Lie Beneath by Rebecca Ross

October 28, 2022December 14, 2021 GoodeyReadsLeave a comment

Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Audience: YA Fantasy + Romance
Length: 496 pages
Author: Rebecca Ross
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Release Date: November 2nd, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Perfect for readers of The Hazel Wood and The Night Circus, this lush and layered story about magic and the captivating power of dreams is delivered with acclaimed author Rebecca Ross’s signature exquisite style.

A curse plagues the realm of Azenor—during each new moon, magic flows from the nearby mountain and brings nightmares to life. Only magicians, who serve as territory wardens, stand between people and their worst dreams.

Clementine Madigan is ready to take over as the warden of her small town, but when two magicians challenge her, she is unwittingly drawn into a century-old conflict. She seeks revenge, but as she secretly gets closer to Phelan, one of the handsome young magicians, secrets begin to rise. Clementine must unite with her rival to fight the realm’s curse, which seems to be haunting her every turn.

FANTASTIC AND DREAMY.

Full of puns today.

ANYWAYS.

Honestly though, this was a great YA standalone fantasy. Adored it whole heartedly. The audio book is a great route and I love how the time flew by because of how much I was enjoying this. Some good quotable moments and an interesting plot that kept things moving.

I was smitten with this quiet romance that slowly built over time. I consider it a rivals/enemies to lovers scenario. You know when you’re bent on revenge and fall for that person instead? YUP, it’s here. Clementine was the best kind of young adult main character. She made some poor and unwise choices, but also rallied and grew over the book. That character growth I’m always looking for is here and she learns much in a short amount of time.

The story was unique for me and I loved the dream concept interwoven with a curse. I was even surprised by some of the reveals because I had my eyes on someone else the entire time. Great writing, well built story, likeable characters and more. Highly recommend this one!

Overall audience notes: