Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts

26 Jul 2024

Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi Review | Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays

26 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!

MASQUERADE

Author: O.O. Sangoyomi
Cover for Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi
Series: N/A
Source: Libro.fm
Publisher: Forge
Publication Date: July 2, 2024
Representation: Black main characters, West African mythology/lore

Summary:
Masquerade is a dazzling, lyrical tale of the true cost of one woman’s fight for freedom and self-discovery in a patriarchal society, and the lengths she’ll go to secure her future, set in a wonderfully reimagined, pre-colonial West Africa. 

Òdòdó's hometown of Timbuktu has been conquered by the the warrior king of Yorùbáland. Already shunned as social pariahs, living conditions for Òdòdó and the other women in her blacksmith guild grow even worse under Yorùbá rule.

Then Òdòdó is abducted. She is whisked across the Sahara to the capital city of Ṣàngótẹ̀, where she is shocked to discover that her kidnapper is none other than the vagrant who had visited her guild just days prior. But now that he is swathed in riches rather than rags, Òdòdó realizes he is not a vagrant at all; he is the warrior king, and he has chosen her to be his wife.

In a sudden change of fortune, Òdòdó soars to the very heights of society. But after a lifetime of subjugation, the power that saturates this world of battle and political savvy becomes too enticing to resist. And as tensions with rival states reveal elaborate schemes and enemies hidden in plain sight, she must re-forge the shaky loyalties of the court to her favor, or risk losing everything—including her life.

Loosely based on the myth of Persephone, O.O. Sangoyomi’s Masquerade takes you on a journey of epic power struggles and political intrigue that turn an entire region on its head.

Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
Content Warning: violence, murder, kidnapping, animal death, slavery, confinement, sexual assault, rape, sexism

In MASQUERADE, Òdòdó, a formidable blacksmith from Timbuktu, is kidnapped by the powerful Aláàfin leader, Àrệmọ. Despite her initial shock at this handsome and dangerous man's desire to marry her, she quickly recognizes the comfort and power her new role affords her. As the tides of political change and warring kingdoms shift, Òdòdó seizes the opportunity to exert her influence, offering strategic advice to her fiancé, which he then claims as his own. This political intrigue and the looming threat of death draw them closer, forging a formidable partnership to rule their lands.

I absolutely loved MASQUERADE! It offered a fascinating twist on the Hades x Persephone myth, staying true to the essence of Greek mythology and capturing the ruthless and brutal nature of "death." Àrệmọ's portrayal as someone who fully embraces his role was a refreshing departure from the typical sad, emo depictions of Hades in popular media.

The integration of West African mythology was a delightful surprise. It’s not a perspective I've encountered often, but I thoroughly enjoyed how it influenced the portrayal of women's roles in society. The novel's setting in a fantastical 15th century West Africa is richly detailed, avoiding info-dumps except where necessary. However, this sometimes results in a bit of naivety from Òdòdó.

Though we follow Òdòdó’s perspective throughout the book, her motivations and some of the author's choices for her circumstances left me puzzled. The novel is marketed as fantasy, yet it lacks a developed magic system, relying instead on a general fantastical atmosphere. This reliance on mythology, highlighted by perhaps just one key scene, makes the fantasy label feel somewhat overstretched.

While the story boasts elements of great storytelling, it does read like a debut, with room for more well-rounded character development and a stronger central plot. The narrative didn’t follow a clear path to the conclusion, and the side plots felt underdeveloped, detracting from the main story. Nonetheless, I’m excited for Sangoyomi’s next book; her prose is strong, even if all the elements aren't fully realized yet.

I also recommend the audiobook, narrated by Ariel Blake. Hearing the rich West African names pronounced correctly added depth to the experience. Listening to books that draw from a narrative storytelling tradition like this is always a pleasure, and the narration kept me thoroughly invested in the story.

Have you read this book? What was your favourite part?
Continue reading...
6 comments: quickedit
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

23 Feb 2024

Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays: NIGHT FOR DAY by Roselle Lim (Review + Excerpt)

23 February 12 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!

NIGHT FOR DAY

Author: Roselle Lim
Series: N/A
Source: eARC via publisher
Publisher: Ace
Publication Date: February 20, 2024
Representation: Asian-American

Summary:
Two people destined to be together, but to never see each other again, fight against the greatest odds in this powerful and moving fantasy novel by critically acclaimed author Roselle Lim.

Exes Ward Dunbar and Camille Buhay thought they would never see each other again. They had broken up to pursue their dream jobs on opposite sides of the country—her to New York City, and him to Los Angeles. But years later, they unexpectedly reconnect in London, where they are interviewing for similar jobs. The spark they feel when they meet again—the attraction comes back like muscle memory, and they are reminded of what they had lost. When Ward and Camille discover they both got the job working opposing shifts, they vow to give their relationship another try.

Ward starts the day shift and finds the immortal clientele unusual and dazzling. When he clocks out at the end of the day, he finds the door locked and himself trapped in the building. After a horrific first night shift contending with restless spirits and ghosts, Camille is also unable to escape. In their respective prisons, they discover that they’re able to talk to each other a few minutes before dawn. This fleeting encounter incites longing for each other, but their promise to be together feels impossible. Because they are caught in the middle of a war of the gods—and their choices will determine the outcome.

Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
Mistakes were meant to be in the rearview mirror-not walking, breathing, and able to cup your cheek to stoke every single smoldering memory long buried for self-preservation.

He shouldn't whisper my name as if he never stopped doing so for the past two years.

Even now, my fingers itched to reacquaint myself with the beauty of his face, then to trace the slight cleft in his chin down his smooth throat, and ever farther down, to where our once shared intimacy implied permission and invitation.

"Camille, I never thought I'd see you again, let alone in London." The way my name rolled off his tongue and slid through his lips always elicited the same response-it felt like a hot kiss at the nape of my neck.

Ward Dunbar. The mistake I'd commit again and again even knowing that the result would always be heartbreak.

"Job interview. If I get it, I'll be moving here." I adjusted the neckline of my buttoned dress shirt, expanding the view of bronzed skin below my collarbones. My traitorous body always reacted to him when he was in physical proximity. Easier to shut down my hormones through the sterility of a black glass screen.

He brushed an errant dark blond strand off his forehead. "I'm here for the same. Though I've passed the interview part."

The skies overhead darkened-clusters of gray clouds huddling together in conference. It had been sunny five minutes ago. Late spring weather in London changed on a whim with wicked fickleness, and we were sliding into the heat of summer. I packed an umbrella and a cardigan in my lavender vegan leather tote, but I didn't account for him. My purse didn't contain what I'd need to cope with the nuclear fallout of a failed relationship.

Avoidance therapy was the only method that worked. Putting thousands of miles between us and preventing myself from checking his social media accounts fueled a comfortable sense of forgetfulness-the kind that allowed me to function on a daily basis, but didn't prevent an occasional damaging slipup. It didn't hurt that he hadn't had any long-term relationships since then. Moving to Manhattan helped, and London should have cured me completely.

I was wrong.

Two days ago, I slipped and checked his Instagram. The selfie at an outdoor bookstall on the South Bank caused me to stop breathing for a few seconds. He was here and in the same city. I wasn't thinking when I sent him a direct message asking to meet at this bookshop. It was pure instinct-I turned off my brain and my heart took over, grabbing the wheel and changing the direction of my life.

"I never thought you'd leave LA." I resisted the urge to straighten the bent corner of his collar. No tie. I'd been the one responsible for those. His long, elegant fingers had other talents.

"I needed a change. This opportunity was as good a time as any." He tipped his head toward the bookshop. "It's going to rain. Can we duck in and chat?"

I followed him into one of the most beautiful little shops in Westminster. These buildings reminded me of an eclectic bookshelf-the windows and architectural details were charming, decorated spines of antique leather. Weathered stone, traditional painted wooden signs mixed with flashy modern ones and clean-line aesthetics. The mix of old and new fitting together in seamless coexistence.

To me, the past and present were constantly at war when I thought about Ward.

As if on cue, the curtain of rain began as he stepped into the shop. I caught a bit of it at the ends of my long hair and the back of my shirt. Again, I was reminded of what I'd be getting into if I decided to have another round in his bed-because that was where it always began.

He headed for the science fiction and fantasy section. He plucked the newest N. K. Jemisin novel from the shelf, tucked it under his arm, and continued to browse the titles, tracing his finger downward on the ones that perked his interest.

"So how does this affect your job in LA?" I took a step forward but maintained a safe distance. The scent of his subtle cologne along with the aroma of Irish cream coffee would undo my crumbling defenses. "Are you on sabbatical?"

Ward's cushy position at a very exclusive and trendy art gallery in LA was everything he ever wished for-flexible hours, the heavy array of movie stars and wealthy client meetings, and the perfect conduit to maximize his appeal. No one was impervious. He disarmed you with his good looks and gentle tone, then went in for the kill with the way he could make you feel. Empathy combined with charm was lethal.

"I quit."

I almost fell against a nearby bookcase. "You did what?"

"It's . . . I needed a change." He reached for my elbow to help me regain my balance. The heat of his touch distracted me. "I accepted a job yesterday and I start tomorrow. Now knowing that you're here, I'd say it's a great move."

Ward didn't let go yet. The worst part was that I didn't want him to.

Excerpted from Night for Day by Roselle Lim Copyright © 2024 by Roselle Lim. Excerpted by permission of Ace. All rights reserved
Disclaimer : I received a free copy of this book and chose to review it. This in no way impacts my opinion.

Content Warning: death, grief, nosebleeds, blood, discussions of war

I really liked this one but felt like there were some key missing pieces to make it a perfect read. I thought the premise was interesting with good execution but some of it ended up falling flat and feeling repetitive as time went on. I wanted to know more about the war, what the factions wanted, and the roles that everyone played in it rather than focusing so heavily on Ward and Camille.

I think it also would have been interesting to give us more time in the world rather than cramming it all into a couple weeks. We weren’t given enough time to explore, learn about the consequences, or to understand what has been happening. Because of that, the story felt really rushed. I thought there would be more of an emphasis on not caring how much time was spent during this because of the immortal aspects, which when juxtaposed with the mortal side just didn’t quite hit for me.

But I did really like Camille and Ward’s relationship. The coming together and realizing what it meant to trust and love one another was the best part of this novel. I liked the way their relationship was described and learning about their past as they moved forward into the future. I liked their complimentary aspects and how they learned to work together to overcome their differences.

This is different than Roselle Lim’s typical novels, but it was a good departure! I’d be so interested in reading more of this style of work in the future.

Have you read this book? What was your favourite part?
Continue reading...
12 comments: quickedit
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

6 Feb 2024

Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays: FATHOMFOLK by Eliza Chan (Review)

06 February 10 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!

FATHOMFOLK

Author: Eliza Chan
Series: Drowned World #1
Source: ARC via publisher
Publisher: Orbit Books
Publication Date: February 27, 2024
Representation: Pan-Asian, queer side characters

Summary:
Welcome to Tiankawi – shining pearl of human civilization and a safe haven for those fleeing civil unrest. Or at least, that's how it first appears. But in the semi-flooded city, humans are, quite literally, on top: peering down from shining towers and aerial walkways on the fathomfolk – sirens, seawitches, kelpies and kappas – who live in the polluted waters below.

For half-siren Mira, promotion to captain of the border guard means an opportunity to help her downtrodden people. But if earning the trust and respect of her human colleagues wasn't hard enough, everything Mira has worked towards is put in jeopardy when Nami, a know-it-all water dragon and fathomfolk princess – is exiled to the city, under Mira’s watch. When extremists sabotage a city festival, violence erupts, as does the clampdown on fathomfolk rights. Both Nami and Mira must decide if the cost of change is worth paying, or if Tiankawi should be left to drown.

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, grief, xenophobia, racism, knives, kidnapping, torture, fighting, police brutality, discussions of war, parental neglect

This review is part of an ongoing series of highlighting Orbit's 2024 New Voices!

I really wanted to like this one, but something just felt like it was missing for me. First and foremost, this was a mix of a variety of Asian cultures, which didn't quite hit the mark for me. It felt like it was all over the place instead of immersed in one specific folklore or mythology. Other reviewers, such as Mai, have outlined the lack of clarity and focus on mythology in a way that makes sense.

As for the rest... I wanted this to have a bit more substance. I felt like we were meandering along through different plot points instead of things being more action packed and thoughtful. I think part of the issue with this was the choice in perspectives.

With three point of views (POVs) to follow, it made it really difficult for me to understand who knew what and how they would have figured it out. It also felt like sometimes we were getting information or seeing a scene from the wrong perspective. I didn't really like any of the perspectives, but Mira's felt the most grounded in the story and narrative as opposed to Serena and Nami.

Mira (half-siren) was the first fathomfolk in the military and the first to reach captaincy. Kai (dragon) (not a perspective, but shown in both Mira's and Nami's POVs) is the ambassador for fathomfolk trying to work towards a better future for his people. Nami (dragon) is Kai’s opinionated and stubborn younger sister who is exiled to the above-water city by their mother and is determined for drastic change and falls in with an anti-human rebellious extremist group. Cordelia (sea witch) is the ambitious, selfish wife of one of the most powerful councillors who manipulates from behind the scenes, striking deals to better her position.

Now if you aren't confused, there's also a "twist" that the one perspective, labelled "Serena" is actually Cordelia. This happens like 5 minutes into the book, so it's not a "twist" in my opinion. But it was such a silly plot point except to show us the duality of how people are treated - which we were ALREADY seeing with the other perspectives.

If we were going to get a "human" perspective, that would have been much more interesting and enlightening to the way that the world and politics work. Serena/Cordelia was not a great character, her flaws heavily outweighed any aspect of her good elements. And instead of actually breaking the "sea witch" trope (like she hoped to do), she fell right into it instead.

Which is another aspect I didn't enjoy - the politics. I took Political Science for my degrees and this book was just a mess. It was all over the place with the trope of ambassadors trying to solve problems from within, young political extremism, and generally taking advantage of the system.

There was no nuance to any of this, it was so blatantly obvious that it felt a bit like the author thought if she wasn't putting it into every scene, dialogue, and thought from every perspective. It cheapened any of the scenes that looked at things like the xenophobic-adjacent issues and behaviours and looks at how a society can come together, or fall apart, when forced to integrate, work together, and confront long-held prejudices.

The romances felt quite juvenile and very insta-love like, especially Nami's. Everything felt fairly predictable especially with Nami's perspective in general. Mira and Kai coming from such different backgrounds to fall in love was fine except that we didn't really see any of it. Mira also feels at one point like she's falling out of love with Kai only for them to get back together with little to no fanfare. I just wanted someone's relationship to not feel so forced and out of place.

The familial relationships in this were really great, though! I loved watching Mira and her mom together and the sacrifices they both made for one another. I also thought Kai and Nami had a good sibling relationship that made it quite intriguing to read about. The idea of found family even was a good concept in this book where you had a lot of people struggling to find their identities and look to others for that.

The pacing of this book was so slow and boring at some points. Then at the end, I felt like it could have ended about six different times but then it kept going. I don't understand why each chapter and scene near the end felt like an epilogue (and there WAS an epilogue) rather than the next logical sequence in the book. It just felt like it was all too much rather than a solid and well thought out book. And with this being the first in a series, I'm concerned about where this is going to go next, especially with the ending.

I feel like the more of this review I write, the less I like the book. I was so happy to receive it early and have the chance to review it. The cover is gorgeous and in theory this should have checked off all my boxes. It's compared to The Bone Shard Daughter by Andrea Stewart, but it does not compare at all to it in my opinion.

This one might be a pass!

Are you going to pick this one up?
Continue reading...
10 comments: quickedit
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

29 Jan 2024

Review: LIGHTLARK by Alex Aster

29 January 4 Comments

LIGHTLARK

Author: Alex Aster
Series: Lightlark #1
Source: Kobo Plus
Publisher: Amulet
Publication Date: August 23, 2022

Overall Rating:
Diversity Rating:
Representation: queer relationships mentioned

Summary:
Welcome to the Centennial.

Every 100 years, the island of Lightlark appears to host the Centennial, a deadly game that only the rulers of six realms are invited to play. The invitation is a summons—a call to embrace victory and ruin, baubles and blood. 

The Centennial offers the six rulers one final chance to break the curses that have plagued their realms for centuries. Each ruler has something to hide. Each realm’s curse is uniquely wicked. To destroy the curses, one ruler must die. Isla Crown is the young ruler of Wildling—a realm of temptresses cursed to kill anyone they fall in love with.

They are feared and despised, and are counting on Isla to end their suffering by succeeding at the Centennial. To survive, Isla must lie, cheat, and betray . . . Even as love complicates everything. 
Purchase*:
(note that these are affiliate links! I receive a small amount of compensation at no cost to you)
Content Warning: drug use (non consensual), on page sex scene, alcohol consumption, poisoning, drowning, falling from heights, blood, vomit

I waited what I felt like was enough time to read this without the hype or the controversy to be prevalent in my mind, but honestly this was just a bad book. None of the premise made any sense and it was trying to be too many things instead of focusing on what could have been the good part of this: breaking the curses and learning about magic. But with how many times I rolled my eyes, hated Isla, or thought that there were stupid decisions all around being made, I just can't give this more than one star.

There weren't "trials," there was barely any fear of being assassinated, and the fact that they get paired together was just convenient rather than being part of what made sense in the story. The ebook is 384 pages and I thought it was close to being done at the like 40% mark because of how fast the book was pacing through the Centennial.

I have so many thoughts about how stupid the characters were in general, but they really don't matter because the worldbuilding, or lack thereof, was so poorly done that I couldn't even focus on how much I hated the characters. The magic system could have been the redeeming part of this story, but instead it was poorly explained, important pieces of information were sprinkled throughout, and for how much they trained Isla to be a warrior, they didn't give her ANY information on the other magical elements or rulers. Beyond that, Isla had apparently been visiting the other magical areas (which is like page 1 of the story so not spoilers) but had so little knowledge of any of the history of the island or how the magic works together.

It just felt like so much of this was multiple ideas sewed together to make a semblance of a story rather than a thoughtful exploration of what it means to learn about yourself, your abilities, and the way you can work together to overcome obstacles. I wanted the negative reviews to just be because of the "controversy" of the novel but instead they were just right about how poorly this book was written and how well it was marketed.

I am going to read book 2, which I have heard basically nothing about. In fact, I didn't even know it was released. This is called a "saga" but I only see two books on Goodreads, so I'm interested to see if it ends up being a duology because of everything that happened.

I can't recommend this one at all. If you are looking for something similar, I would recommend The Night Circus or The Crown's Game. I can't believe I let this be the last book I read in 2023.

Have you read this or are you going to?
Continue reading...
4 comments: quickedit
Tags: , , , , , ,

14 Aug 2023

Review: A RIVER ENCHANTED by Rebecca Ross (Elements of Cadence #1)

14 August 2 Comments

A RIVER ENCHANTED

Author: Rebecca Ross
Series: Elements of Cadence #1
Source: Audible
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Publication Date: February 15, 2022

Overall Rating:
Diversity Rating:
Representation: N/A

Summary:
Jack Tamerlaine hasn’t set foot on Cadence in ten long years, content to study music at the mainland university. But when young girls start disappearing from the isle, Jack is summoned home to help find them. Enchantments run deep on Cadence: gossip is carried by the wind; plaid shawls can be as strong as armor, and the smallest cut of a knife can instil fathomless fear. The capricious spirits that rule the isle by fire, water, earth, and wind find mirth in the lives of the humans who call the land home. Adaira, heiress of the east and Jack’s childhood enemy, knows the spirits only answer to a bard’s music, and she hopes Jack can draw them forth by song, enticing them to return the missing girls.

As Jack and Adaira reluctantly work together, they find they make better allies than rivals as their partnership turns into something more. But with each passing song, it becomes apparent the trouble with the spirits is far more sinister than they first expected, and an older, darker secret about Cadence lurks beneath the surface, threatening to undo them all.
Purchase:
Amazon | Chapters
Content Warning: physical assault, kidnapping, raids, armed conflicts, loss of a parent.

A River Enchanted had some elements I really liked, and some that didn’t work for me at all, leaving me distinctly whelmed.

This was really slow to start and then picked up but it still felt off with the pacing. I think part of my lack of enjoyment stemmed from only one audiobook narrator for what felt like 100 different perspectives. It may have been more clear in the written text who we were following but it wasn't super clear in the audio which made me enjoy it less.

On the positive side, the setting is excellent, and Ross writes really nicely. Her prose is relatively straightforward but there’s a really strong sense of place, inspired by Scotland, with plenty of quaint cottages and a wild, rugged coastline. I also really liked the spirit-based magic system and the way that enchanted songs, clothing and weapons were incorporated into the storyline; magic, in Cadence, has a very clear price that must be weighed up. Some of the most compelling scenes involve Jack making choices about using his bardic talents to control the spirits, even as it begins to physically weaken him.

Additionally, the mystery of the missing children is well done. Some elements are rather predictable, but Ross slowly unravels the true extent of Jack and Adaira’s (the laird’s daughter) complicated family histories throughout the novel, and there is one twist I didn’t see coming that changes the whole dynamic in terms of the characters’ relationships. I’m on the fence about whether I’ll read the sequel, but the ending of this book does set up some rather interesting possibilities for what choices Jack and Adaira might make next in light of their newfound knowledge.

Where this book really fell down for me, however, is the key relationships and the pacing. Somehow, A River Enchanted managed to be both too short and too long. The first chapter tells us that Jack has a complicated relationship with the island of Cadence and with his mother, having been away at university on the mainland for ten years until he is summoned back. Within a chapter or two more, he’s already reconciled his feelings about all of these issues… and we still have 400 pages to go.

Similarly, this book has been pitched as an ‘enemies to lovers romance’, but… it’s not that. Based on how their relationship is laid out in the book, Jack and Adaira used to lightly tease each other as kids before being separated for ten years; any bickering now they have reunited could be described as friendly banter at best, which very quickly gives way to romance.

There is another romance between the older adults, Sidra (the local healer) and Torin (the chief warrior of the East), but it’s all very one-note. Sidra is the dutiful mother and healer, and Torin is a stock-standard emotionally stunted hero, and while they make efforts to overcome these tropes during the book, it wasn’t very compelling to me. The most interesting element that has the potential to change their relationship (a particular secret Sidra is hiding) isn’t even brought into play in the first half of this duology.

There’s plenty to like here, and those who like vibes over plot may well find some of the book’s weaknesses to be strengths instead. Unfortunately this one just didn’t quite live up to my hopes. But I look forward to the next book to see how things come together to conclude!

Have you read this book? Are you going to pick this up?
Continue reading...
2 comments: quickedit
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

28 Apr 2023

Science Fiction and Fantasy Fridays: THE SECRET SERVICE OF TEA AND TREASON by India Holton (Excerpt)

28 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 SECRET SERVICE OF TEA AND TREASON

Author: India Holton
Series: Dangerous Damsels #3
Source: eARC via Publisher
Publisher: Berkley Books
Publication Date: April 18, 2023

Summary:
Two rival spies must brave pirates, witches, and fake matrimony to save the Queen.

Known as Agent A, Alice is the top operative within the Agency of Undercover Note Takers, a secret government intelligence group that is fortunately better at espionage than at naming itself. From managing deceptive witches to bored aristocratic ladies, nothing is beyond Alice’s capabilities. She has a steely composure and a plan always up her sleeve (alongside a dagger and an embroidered handkerchief). So when rumors of an assassination plot begin to circulate, she’s immediately assigned to the case.

But she’s not working alone. Daniel Bixby, otherwise known as Agent B and Alice’s greatest rival, is given the most challenging undercover assignment of his life— pretending to be Alice’s husband. Together they will assume the identity of a married couple, infiltrate a pirate house party, and foil their unpatriotic plans.

Determined to remain consummate professionals, Alice and Daniel must ignore the growing attraction between them, especially since acting on it might prove more dangerous than their target.

Purchase:
Three years Daniel Bixby had worked as a butler for the rogue pirate Rotten O’Riley. Three years flying a rickety, ensorcelled house at speeds one could only describe as improper, smuggling pennyroyal tea into Ireland, and washing O’Riley’s laundry. Yet after just one week in Dahlia Weekle’s service he was exhausted. Criminal life had nothing on the rigors of shopping with an aristocratic lady.

This purse-snatching offered the best entertainment he'd had since his return to London (or, to be fair, second best, since nothing could surpass yesterday's discovery of a Utopia edition in the original Latin). Indeed, he might have stopped the hoodlum at once by using a phrase from the magical incantation that pirates employed to fly their battlehouses and witches to move small objects-O'Riley's witch wife had taught him how to bring down a man with just one enchanted word-but it was invigorating to give chase (not to mention that witchcraft was highly secret, highly illegal-and, according to pirates, highly, er, low behavior.)

About three hundred feet along the street, he caught the thief. After a struggle, he twisted the man's arm behind his back, relieved him of the purse, and held it out of reach.

"Thank you," said a woman's voice behind him.

Daniel felt the purse removed efficiently from his grip. Glancing around, he was astonished to see the lady's maid. Time seemed oddly suspended as he stared, arrested by the sight of her. You, said something inside of him, like a memory or a dream. It had whispered to him in the dress shop but spoke louder now, as if she'd removed a mask and he could see her more clearly. Her delicate face was framed by a coiffure so severe it made him think of backboards and plain, starched undergarments-

At which point, time dropped into the pit of his stomach with a crash that sent reverberations through his entire nervous system.

"Ma'am," he said, taking refuge in politeness even while his nerves clamored and the thief swore and kicked in an effort to get free. "It was a pleasure to be of assistance."

"You are too kind," she replied, her voice civil but her expression making it clear she was speaking literally. She turned and handed the purse to the thief.

Daniel blinked, trying to comprehend the evidence before his eyes. He had not been so confused since hearing Wordsworth described as a poetic genius. And confusion was dangerous in his line of work (i.e., when he felt it, other people became endangered). He twisted the thief's arm further, causing the man to holler, and took the purse from him once more.

"I beg your pardon," he reproved the lady's maid.

At his somber tone she cringed, her big dark eyes filling with tears, her lashes trembling. Daniel felt like an utter cad. "Please don't cry," he said, holding out his hand in apology.

And she grabbed the purse in it, tugged hard, and jabbed the fingers of her free hand up into his armpit.

Daniel gasped at the sudden pain. His grip weakened, and the purse disappeared once more from his possession. The woman returned it to the thief, who took it with an attitude of bemused uncertainty.

"For goodness' sake," Daniel muttered. Although years of piracy had presented little opportunity for heroics, he felt certain they did not usually involve the victim attacking her rescuer. Wrenching the thief about, he snatched the purse from him and-

The woman grasped his wrist with both hands. Daniel attempted to shake her off, and she attempted to emasculate him with an upthrust of her knee, and he saved himself (and his future children) by quickly blocking her with his own knee, leading to her stomping down on his foot, and him twisting her arm, and both of them stopping abruptly to watch the thief escape along the street.

"Is that your pearl necklace he's carrying?" Daniel asked mildly.

"Yes," she replied.

"Oh dear."

She shrugged. "Hopefully he won't bite the pearls to see if they're real. They are in fact cyanide capsules."

As the thief turned a corner and disappeared from the narrative, Daniel released the woman. She took a careful breath, her fingers twitching at her skirt, and he frowned with concern. "Are you hurt?"

The look she gave him was such that Daniel immediately wanted to find a chalkboard and write I will not ask stupid questions one hundred times upon it.

"Yes," she said in a quiet, terrifyingly precise voice. "I have a headache, my feet ache, and it has been six hours since my last cup of tea. Six hours! And now I even sound like her. Do you realize how much work went in to shepherding that woman into position so her purse could be stolen? How many boutiques I have endured this week? Do you realize how many conversations about penny-dreadful novels I have been forced to endure?"

"I-"

"One such conversation would be too many, but there in fact have been dozens, all mixing together into a ghastly, giggling blur. And yet there goes Putrid Pete back to his gang's headquarters without the tracking device in Miss Tewkes's purse, thanks to your dratted chivalry."

"I-"

"Furthermore, what were you thinking, bringing Miss Weekle shopping on Bond Street today? Her servants coordinate with Miss Tewkes's servants so as to ensure the ladies never meet. The last time they did, there was a fracas over a parasol, and Miss Weekle's footman ended up with his nose broken. You have disrupted everything. Therefore I say good afternoon, sir. This ends our acquaintance."

And grabbing the purse from him, she turned and marched away.

Daniel stared dazedly after her. His memory was shouting for attention . . . His body, however, drowned it out with a hot, uncomfortable throbbing. Perhaps he had strained something in his fight with the thief. He would have to consult a medical encyclopedia this evening.

The woman took an unrelenting course along the footpath, obliging more genteel ladies to leap out of her way. She moved with the dangerous grace of someone entirely aware of her surroundings and entirely unafraid. He watched her, knowing she would know that he did.

And for the first time in living memory, Daniel Bixby grinned.


Excerpted from The Secret Service of Tea and Treason by India Holton Copyright © 2023 by India Holton. Excerpted by permission of Berkley. All rights reserved.

Have you read this book? What was your favourite part?
Continue reading...
No comments: quickedit
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

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?
Continue reading...
No comments: quickedit
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,