Showing posts with label arc review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arc review. Show all posts

4 Jul 2025

Slow-Burn and Second Chances: The Undercutting of Rosie and Adam by Megan Bannen (Review)

04 July 6 Comments


Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays introduces readers who are unfamiliar with the Adult SF/F genre to books, authors, and discussions all about the vast expanse of the world of Adult SF/F!

THE UNDERCUTTING OF ROSIE AND ADAM

Author: Megan Bannen
Series: Hart and Mercy #3
Source: eARC via Publisher
Publisher: Orbit
Publication Date: July 8, 2025
Representation: queer side characters

Summary:
From the author ofThe Undertaking of Hart and Mercy comes a new heart warming fantasy rom-com with an opposites-attract twist set in the delightful world of Tanria.

Immortal demigod Rosie Fox has been patrolling Tanria for decades, but lately, the job has been losing its lustre. After one hundred and fifty-seven years of being alive, everything is beginning to lose its lustre. When Rosie dies (again) by electrocution (again) after poking around inside a portal choked with shadowy thorns only she can see, she feels stuck in the rut that is her unending life.

Thanks to Rosie's meddling, the portal inventor, Dr. Adam Lee, must come in person to repair the damage. When all the portals begin to break down, he declares an emergency evacuation of Tanria. In the mad rush to get out, Rosie and Adam end up trapped inside the Mist. Together.

And uptight Adam Lee in his bespoke menswear seems to know a lot more about what's happening than he lets on...

Rosie is determined to crack the shell of his cool exterior. But the more she learns about Adam, the more she realizes that they both have personal histories as tangled and thorny as the plant that has them trapped inside the Mist. Maybe two people who have found themselves stuck in this life can find a way to unstick each other … just when their time on this earth seems to be running out. 

Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
Content Warning: gore, death, blood, vomit, excessive drinking, death of a parent, grief, anxiety

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Orbit and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion. Thank you for the opportunity to review!

What do you mean this is the last book of this series?? What do you mean no more of this wonderful and creative world?? I didn't realize this was the ending of the series so when I read that in the author's note I started crying to the point my partner had to ask if I was okay. I finished this book weeks before I'm writing this review because every time I went to start writing, I cried.

This is such a great mix between fantasy and rom-com with heart, silliness, and generally being like a warm hug. There was a great mix of tension, intrigue, and romance throughout with a splash of mystery to go alongside it. I thought this really tied the world together from the previous two (2) books in the series.

Rosie and Adam were both delightful — yes, it felt a bit instalove-y at times (even though they had met previously), but their relationship was one that I was rooting for the entire time. I was so enthralled in how they would end up together and was cheering on their relationship throughout. They brought out the best in each other and really that's all you can ask for in a relationship.

I appreciated their bond, their growth, and the way they supported each other through what they were dealing with. This book served as a reminder that our families are complex, our feelings can be big, and that life is worth living.

I did want a little more from the dialogue and conversations — I felt like there was a lot of repetition and overexplanations at some points. But Rosie was witty and funny, leading to me just being excited to continue reading.

Overall, this was a great conclusion to a series that I have enjoyed from start to finish. I think it is well worth picking up and reading the rest if you haven't yet!

Are you going to pick this one up?
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19 May 2025

Dark Magic, Deadly Trials, and a Chance at Love: Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley Review (Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays)

19 May 0 Comments


Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays introduces readers who are unfamiliar with the Adult SF/F genre to books, authors, and discussions all about the vast expanse of the world of Adult SF/F!

SERVANT OF EARTH

Author: Sarah Hawley
Servant of Earth by Sarah Hawley book cover with fantasy elements
Series: The Shards of Magic #1
Source: eARC via publisher
Publisher: Ace
Publication Date: November 19, 2024
Representation: N/A

Summary:
In the underground Fae realm, only the strongest and most ruthless have power—but a young human woman forced into a life of servitude is about to change everything. 

Kenna Suren is best known in her village for being a little wild—some say “half feral”—but she’ll need every ounce of that ferocity to survive captivity in the cruel Fae court. 

Trapped as a servant in the faeries’ underground kingdom of Mistei, Kenna must help her new mistress undertake six deadly trials, one for each branch of magic: Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood. If she succeeds, her mistress will gain immortality and become the heir to Earth House. If she doesn’t, the punishment is death—for both mistress and servant. 

With no ally but a sentient dagger of mysterious origins, Kenna must face monsters, magic, and grueling physical tests. But worse dangers wait underground, and soon Kenna gets caught up in a secret rebellion against the inventively sadistic faerie king. When her feelings for the rebellion’s leader turn passionate, Kenna must decide if she’s willing to risk her life for a better world and a chance at happiness. 

Surviving the trials and overthrowing a tyrant king will take cunning, courage, and an iron will… but even that may not be enough.

Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion. Thank you to Ace Books for the opportunity to review!

Content Warning: Violence, Murder, Blood, Sexual Assault, Death of a Parent, Sexual Content, Rape, Sexual Violence, Child Death

Servant of Earth is a dark and gripping fantasy that blends high-stakes magical trials, cutthroat fae politics, and a quietly growing rebellion, all anchored by a fiercely determined heroine. From the very first chapter, I was pulled into Kenna’s story. She is a human girl trapped in the underground fae court, forced into servitude, and tasked with helping her new mistress survive six deadly magical trials. If her mistress fails, both of them die. It is an intense premise that plays out in clever and unexpected ways.

What stood out most to me is how layered and atmospheric the world of Mistei feels. Each branch of magic (Fire, Earth, Light, Void, Illusion, and Blood) has its own identity and danger, which adds texture to the trials and keeps the story feeling fresh as Kenna moves through each one. There is a sense of dread throughout the book, not just from the life-or-death nature of the trials, but also from the unpredictability of the fae characters and the larger political structure they serve. This is definitely a book where you never feel entirely safe.

Kenna is a standout character. She is described as “half feral” by the people in her village, and that wildness is one of her strengths. She does not have training or magical powers of her own, but she has grit, resourcefulness, and an unwavering will to survive. I appreciated that she never felt like a chosen one or a flawless heroine. She makes mistakes, reacts impulsively, and has to reckon with difficult choices. Her growth over the course of the book felt earned and realistic.

There is also a slow-burn romantic subplot that emerges as Kenna becomes involved with the rebellion. While the romance is not the central focus of the story, it adds an emotional layer to Kenna’s journey. I personally would have liked a bit more development in that area, especially in the later chapters, since the connection between the characters had potential for more depth. Still, it adds tension and heart to an already compelling plot.

Some elements of the story may feel familiar to readers of fantasy, such as the brutal trials, the mysterious magical artifact, and the oppressed heroine discovering her inner power, but they are executed with enough originality and strong writing to keep things engaging. The sentient dagger was a fun and unexpected addition that brought moments of levity and intrigue. It is the kind of detail that makes the world feel more alive.

I do wish there had been a bit more emphasis on the way that Kenna came into the fae world as it felt like there wasn't enough to really sell the barrier between human world and fae world. I would have liked to see a bit more of the consequences of being a human in the fae world, but that could come in the second book!

Overall, Servant of Earth is a strong start to what looks like a promising series. It will appeal to readers who enjoy dark fae settings, magical competitions, and stories about one girl fighting back against a system designed to keep her powerless. If you like fantasy with danger, rebellion, and a heroine who bites back, this is definitely one to check out.

Are you going to pick up the next one?
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17 Jan 2025

Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays: BULL MOON RISING by Ruby Dixon (Review)

17 January 6 Comments


Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays introduces readers who are unfamiliar with the Adult SF/F genre to books, authors, and discussions all about the vast expanse of the world of Adult SF/F!

BULL MOON RISING

Author: Ruby Dixon
Series: Royal Artifactual Guild #1
Source: eARC via publisher
Publisher: Ace
Publication Date: October 15, 2024
Representation: N/A

Summary:
In a world of magical artifacts and fantastical beings, a woman determined to save her family joins forces with an unlikely partner in this captivating special hardcover edition of USA Today bestselling Ruby Dixon’s new steamy romantasy. 

As a Holder’s daughter, Aspeth Honori knows the importance of magical artifacts... which is why it’s a disaster that her father has gambled all of theirs away. Now in danger of losing their hold—and their heads—if anyone finds out the truth, Aspeth decides to do something about it. She’ll join the Royal Artifactual Guild and the adventurers who explore ancient underground ruins to retrieve the coveted arcane items. 

It’s a great plan—with one big problem. The guild won’t let her train because she’s a woman. Aspeth needs a chaperone of some kind. The best way to get around this problem? Marry someone who will let her become an apprentice. Who better than a surly guild member who needs a favor of his own? He’s a minotaur (it’s fine) who is her teacher (also fine)... and he’s about to go into rut (which is where it gets tricky). He also has no idea she’s a noble (oops) and will want nothing to do with her if he finds out the truth.

Now Aspeth just needs to pass the guild tests, thwart a fortune hunter, and save her hold. Oh, and survive a rut with her monstrous, horned husband, who she might be falling in love with. 
It’s time to dig deep. Literally.

Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

Content Warning: Sexual Content, Sexism, Misogyny, Alcoholism, Addiction, Violence, Death of a parent, Vomit, Pregnancy

In Bull Moon Rising, Ruby Dixon blends romance, adventure, and magic in a steamy romantasy. The story follows Aspeth Honori, the daughter of a Holder who finds herself in a bind after her father gambles away all their magical artifacts. Determined to save her family, she devises a plan to join the Royal Artifactual Guild to retrieve arcane items from ancient ruins. However, the guild won't allow her to train because she’s a woman. To overcome this, Aspeth marries a gruff minotaur guild member who has his own set of problems, creating an arrangement that quickly becomes more complicated than either expected.

While the concept of a high-stakes magical adventure is intriguing, the execution sometimes falls short. As with many romantasy novels, Bull Moon Rising places heavy emphasis on the romance between Aspeth and her monstrous yet alluring partner. While the romance is well-written, steamy, and fun, it sometimes overshadows the broader plot. I would have liked to see more focus on the world-building and the magical artifacts that drive the story.

One of the book's strengths is its exploration of sexism. Aspeth's struggle to navigate a male-dominated guild and her use of her wit to bypass societal restrictions add depth to the story. It was refreshing to see these elements woven into the fantasy world, even if the plot could have done more with them.

On the downside, the "twist" near the end of the book felt out of place and didn’t fit smoothly with the rest of the narrative. It seemed like an attempt to raise the stakes but felt somewhat disconnected from the story's core themes.

Despite these flaws, the monster romance element delivers, and Dixon does a great job of making her minotaur hero both intimidating and endearing. The chemistry between Aspeth and her surly partner shines, and the intimate scenes are crafted with care.

Overall, Bull Moon Rising is an enjoyable read for fans of fantasy romance who don’t mind a story that prioritizes the romantic arc over intricate world-building. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel, as there are plenty of elements in the world and characters that could be expanded upon in future installments.

Have you read this book? What was your favourite part?
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27 Feb 2024

Review: DAUGHTER OF THE BONE FOREST by Jasmine Skye

27 February 9 Comments

DAUGHTER OF THE BONE FOREST

Author: Jasmine Skye
Series: Witch Hall #1
Source: eARC via Publisher
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: February 27, 2024

Overall Rating:
Diversity Rating:
Representation: queer main characters, sapphic relationships

Summary:
Two girls reluctantly bound by fate must weather a dangerous courtship as a prophesied war grows ever closer in Jasmine Skye's high-stakes, queernormative dark fantasy debut, Daughter of the Bone Forest.

Rosy is a bone familiar, gifted with the power to shift into animals marked with exposed bone. She spends most of her days in the magical Bone Forest, caring for her feral grandmother and hiding her powers to avoid conscription by the Witch King’s army. Until the day that Princess Shaw, a witch known as Death’s Heir, visits the Forest. When Rosy saves Shaw’s life, the princess offers her the chance to attend the prestigious school, Witch Hall, as payment. Though Rosy is wary of Shaw’s intentions, she cannot pass up the opportunity to find the cure for her grandmother’s affliction.

But at Witch Hall, Rosy finds herself embroiled in political games she doesn't understand. Shaw wants Rosy for her entourage, a partner to help lead the coming war. All Rosy wants is to stay out of trouble until she can graduate and save her grandmother, but she can't deny her attraction to Shaw or the comfort Shaw’s magic gives her. Will Rosy give in to her destiny, or will the Bone Forest call her home once and for all?
Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

Content Warning: death, war, violence, bleeding, grief

This is probably going to be my favourite fantasy release of the year. The built in diversity combined with the powerful magic system and immaculate world-building made this lose my breath with how much I enjoyed it.

I loved the premise of this and thought it was well executed. It ended up being more than just an academic setting fantasy story and morphed into a conversation around power, privilege, and politics. The book shattered me a few times with the characters, conversations, and ways in which it explored topics and identities.

What I loved most is that some scenes and conversations seemed trivial in the moment but ended up being significant later in the novel. I bet if I reread it, I would learn even more the second time because it has so much subtext written into it. This is especially true in the conversations around who has power and why it matters beyond just Shaw. I thought it was really neat to see how people tried to make their own power through the social norms and abilities they had.

Rosy was a really interesting character and I appreciated her emotional growth throughout the novel. She was able to go beyond just caring about the needs of her family to understanding how that impacted the broader elements of the world. She may not have had the full knowledge of everything going on around her, but she played to her strengths and was able to make powerful allies. I loved that she wanted to carve her own path forward.

Because Shaw’s perspective was in third-person rather than first-person, I found it a bit more difficult to understand her thinking patterns. I felt a bit closed off from her and questioning her decisions like Rosy did. I thought it was interesting to see how her morals and ethics started to change in the novel, but it meant that there was a bit of a disconnect between where she started and ended. I also felt like while there was a possibility of change, Shaw didn’t always quite understand why that change was needed beyond “Rosy wants it.”

The magic was the most intriguing part of this! I liked how bonding happened, the way that each pairing could be equally powerful or one more than the other. It made for an interesting way to view magic. I also liked the exploration of the bone familiar magic that we saw through Rosy. The calling to her animals, the way she paired with them, and how she was able to use them to her advantage was really cool.

Even though we saw some of the overlaps, I hope we look at bone witch magic a bit more in the next novel to see how it all combines together.

This ends on a HUGE cliffhanger but is so worth the (eventual) wait between books. There is still so much to explore in this world and for these characters. I can’t wait to see where this goes and how power will play a role in this.

I am so grateful I was able to read this one early and hope you all pick it up on release date! I preordered it and you should too!

Are you going to pick this up?
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17 Jan 2024

REVIEW: LOST KINGDOM by Laurel Black

17 January 6 Comments

LOST KINGDOM

Author: Laurel Black
Series: Lost Kingdom #1 (Assumed)
Source: eARC via Author
Publisher: Stormeer
Publication Date: January 17, 2024

Overall Rating:
Diversity Rating:
Representation: N/A

Summary:
Trusting him is the only way to save the kingdom.
Betraying her is the only way to keep them both alive.

Stripped of her memories and her magic, Raven has been left for dead.

As a prisoner in the enemy’s mineral mines, her only clue to who she is and where she came from is the mysterious map tattooed on her hand—a map containing hidden secrets that some people would kill for.

Jeddak is one of those people.

A warrior from the Kovak tribe, he’s hunting for the powerful Zavien stone to pay the corrupt king’s ransom. If he doesn’t return home with it by the new moon, his betrothed will be executed.

When Jeddak discovers that a prisoner named Raven has the only map that leads to the artifact, he allies with her as they navigate treacherous lands and battle against ancient magical forces to unravel the map’s secrets. But can Raven trust this stranger who’s helping her? If the map gets into the wrong hands, thousands of people will die.

As their feelings for each other grow, their tenuous alliance begins to fray. Until Jeddak is forced to make a decision—betray Raven or forsake his kingdom.

Choose wrong, and he’ll lose everything.
Purchase:
Amazon
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

Content Warning: Hallucinations, manipulation, talks of cannibalism, rape, death, imprisonment, slavery, sexual harassment, trauma, nightmares, physical injury, grief, poisoning, torture, whipping, blood, war and colonialism themes, animal is injured (but lives)

I'm a clown for not realizing this was the start to a series and now going to have to wait for the sequel because omg that ending??

This was a really strong opening to a new fantasy series and world. I really liked the way that everything was introduced - slowly but giving us enough details that we didn't have to fill in too many gaps on our own. The worldbuilding seemed to be of real importance to the author and it really showed in the way that she wrote it out. I appreciate a good worldbuilding, especially since that can be pretty rare in YA fantasy novels as it's usually just assumed you know the world because it's a vague fantasy realm but this had amazing details!

I loved Raven and how she learned to be herself even without any knowledge of who she was or her family. I thought there could have been a bit more time spent on her state of mind and grief throughout since it seemed to be "done" within the first quarter of the book and brought up only sporadically or when it needed to further the plot. I thought the idea of her having lost her magic was really neat and done in a good way combined with the amnesia.

I really liked Jeddak and Kah though! Their relationship was my favourite in the story and the trust and openess between them was so nice. I thought it was a really good display of friendship (even though Kah is a bear). The magic system for each of the tribes was really well done and explained so it was nice to see how it actually played out when they encountered others.

My only real complaint with this one is that it felt like we were going from one place to another too often and too quickly. We would have big action sequences, which were really well done!, but then we would find out that the way the characters wanted to travel was blocked so now we had to detour. And that was done very often which took away from the suspense of what was going to happen next or if they would escape this encounter. It's a 500 page book and while most times it didn't feel that way because the pacing was really well done, there were times when I felt like everything was just a little too close together.

I liked the inclusion of the other characters to bring some of the history of Raven into the story. I thought the breadcrumb approach was really well thought out to further the story without providing everything to the reader at once. The ending left so many questions for what will happen next and what threads of the story there still are to encounter!

This was a great debut fantasy novel and I HIGHLY recommend you pick it up when it releases in January! I already preordered a Kindle copy because it's just THAT good that I want to own a finished version as well!

Have you read this book? Are you going to pick this up?
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24 Apr 2023

Blog Tour: CHILD OF PROPHECY by M.G. Darwish, Book Three of Titanlord + GIVEAWAY!

24 April 0 Comments
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the CHILD OF PROPHECY by M.G. Darwish Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours.

Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

CHILD OF PROPHECY

Author: M.G. Darwish
Series: Titanlord #3
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Publisher: Self-published
Publication Date: April 6, 2023

Overall Rating:
Diversity Rating:
Representation: none

Summary:
A hero with a destiny. A prophecy that could save or doom the world. A final battle that will decide the fate of legends.

Griffyn Haikrou has become Titanlord. He has fought his way through gods and monsters, friends and foes, lies and truths. He has sacrificed everything for a chance to stop the prophecy that threatens to destroy all life.

But his journey is not over yet. The sky has turned red, and the hour of reckoning has come. He must face his ultimate enemy: himself.
Will he fulfill his destiny or succumb to his own power? Will he save the world or doom it to eternal darkness?

Titanlord: Child of Prophecy is the third and final book in the Titanlord Series, an epic fantasy for adults. If you like heroic quests, mythological twists, and breathtaking action, then you’ll love this thrilling conclusion.
Purchase:
Amazon (affiliate)
Content Warnings: assault, death, enslavement, poverty, tyrannical power, gore, blood, fantasy violence, misogyny, sexism.

I think this was a really good conclusion to the story throughout this series. I liked the ending, the way the power was explained, and Griffyn's ultimate ending. I liked the way that this story ultimately ended and the way the magic was told throughout. I thought it was a satisfying conclusion to the story.

I still would have liked less dialogue and more showing through storytelling itself, but I have seen progression throughout the series, which I appreciate. I think there was room for a bit more polish to the story, but it was a good series ender!

I am satisfied with the story and recommend you read it if you're looking for an interesting indie fantasy!

M.G. Darwish is an award winning author who writes dark, twisted
and action-packed fiction. He tries his best not to base his characters on anyone he knows in real life to avoid that extra weird conversation about how they were brutalized and killed in the book. Oh and he's terrified of a penguin uprising more than ghosts and demons. 

Subscribe to M.G. Darwish's newsletter for giveaways, author updates and a free e-book as your welcome present: https://www.mgdarwish.com/newsletter

Connect with the Author
3 Chances to win! All prizes are international.
1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card, 1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card, and 1 winner will receive a $5 Amazon Gift Card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Week One:

April 17, 2023 - Cara North - Excerpt/IG Post

April 18, 2023 - The Momma Spot - Excerpt

April 19, 2023 - #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog - Excerpt/IG Post

April 20, 2023 - Rajiv's Reviews - Review/IG Post

April 21, 2023 - Two Chicks on Books - Excert/IG Post


Week Two:

April 24, 2023 - Books and Ladders - Review/IG Post

April 25, 2023 - @enjoyingbooksagain - IG Review

April 26, 2023 - Review Thick and Thin - Review/IG Post

April 27, 2023 - Texan Girl Readz - Review/IG Post

April 28, 2023 - Breysreviews - IG Review/TikTok Post
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21 Apr 2023

Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays: THE BONE SHARD WAR by Andrea Stewart (Review)

21 April 0 Comments
Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays introduces readers who are unfamiliar with the Adult SF/F genre to books, authors, and discussions all about the vast expanse of the world of Adult SF/F!

THE BONE SHARD WAR

Author: Andrea Stewart
Series: The Drowning Empire #3
Source: ARC via Publisher
Publisher: Orbit
Publication Date: April 18, 2023

Overall Rating:
Diversity Rating:
Representation: N/A

Summary:
The Bone Shard Daughter was hailed as "one of the best debut fantasy novels of the year" (BuzzFeed News). Now, Andrea Stewart brings us the final book in this unmissable, action-packed, magic-laced epic fantasy trilogy, The Bone Shard War.

Lin Sukai has won her first victory as Emperor, but the future of the Phoenix Empire hangs in the balance – and Lin is dangerously short of allies. 

As her own governors plot treason, the Shardless Few renew hostilities. Worse still, Lin discovers her old nemesis Nisong has joined forces with the rogue Alanga, Ragan. Both seek her death.  

Yet hopes lies in history. Legend tells of seven mythic swords, forged in centuries past. If Lin can find them before her enemies, she may yet be able to turn the tide.  
 
If she fails, the Sukai dynasty – and the entire empire – will fall.

Purchase:
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the final book, The Bone Shard War, and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

Content Warnings: Human trafficking, Physical parental abuse, Child sexual abuse mentioned, Amnesia (memory loss), Blood & gore depiction, Body horror, Medical experimentation, Death of a child, Death of a brother, Death of a mother & father, Death of a wife, Murder & attempted murder, Physical assault, Imprisonment, Drowning, Earthquakes, Disappearance of a loved one, Child homelessness & poverty recounted, Rebellion themes & regicide, Animal attack, Animal injury & illness, Animal abuse.

The Bone Shard Daughter

I started this, listened to about 2 hours, and then read something else to make sure I was in the right headspace to continue. And while I was really confused for the front end of the book, the payoff of the reveals and insights was well worth it! I really liked learning more about the world, the magic, and the intricacies of the politics in this world. There is also on screen wlw, and they have an interesting relationship. This book focused heavily on Jovis and Lin, so I hope there is more screen time for the other POVs in the future.

However, I didn't like that there were only THREE audiobook narrators for the FIVE points of view. I get it, I think the other two only had one or two chapters each, but it made it so confusing! As someone who reads based off those audio clues for who is speaking, it made it very difficult. I hope in the future there are more voice actors.

Overall though, I do recommend this! I thought the end reveals were so well done and I can't wait to see where this series goes.

The Bone Shard Emperor

The pacing on this was a little off with not too much happening in the first half and then a lot of action in the second half. I did like the worldbuilding and setting the tone for the rest of the series - and meeting more characters and seeing more of the world itself.

But there was a lot of magic in here that I wasn't quite sure about how it worked (and the characters don't quite know either which makes it a little difficult for us to figure out how things are working and what is going on).

I thought there were some really good elements to this and I really liked seeing how Lin and Jovis's relationship has started to change and evolve. However, the secondary characters that had so much promise in the first book really got lost in this one - they were only used for plot devices and moving things forward rather than as actual characters.

The Bone Shard War

I was surprised by the time gap between the last book and this one, but it ended up being something that didn't play too much into the rest of the story. I think the back and forth in time ultimately was the right call because of how crumbs of the story came out, but it did leave the first half a little slower paced than I would have wanted it to be.

Almost every chapter is a cliffhanger, which I enjoy and don't enjoy, but there are so many POVs in this that it makes it worth it to get to the next time that person's story comes around. I just have to remember what the previous "OMG" moment was before starting the next POV chapter. There isn't much rhyme or reason to whose perspective we're getting at any time, with Jovis and Lin taking up the majority, but there is still enough of me going "wait, where did we leave them last time" that I was flipping a bit between pages.

I did end up reading a physical copy of this rather than an audiobook version which I think increased my enjoyment of it! The audiobook has three narrators across all the POVs which makes it hard to distinguish who is who but here I could figure it out pretty easily.

I liked how this answered a lot of the questions that were a part of the previous stories, especially the sinking island aspect. I thought it was really intriguing to see how it played out and learning more about the ways that history tends to repeat itself.

There were a lot of really good elements of feminism, learning to take control of a situation for yourself, and learning how to continue to have hope when times are tough in this. I really appreciated the journey that all the characters took throughout this series. I think Lin is one of my favourite women that I've read about in a high fantasy setting like this in a long time!

I am happy for Mephi and that is all.

Definitely recommend picking up this series!

Have you read this book? What was your favourite part?
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