Unremembered by Jessica Brody

July 25, 2020Book ReviewJessica Brody, Romance, Science Fiction, Time Travel, Unremembered, Young Adultskyebjenner

Unremembered (Unremembered, #1) by Jessica Brody

Title: Unremembered
Author: Jessica Brody
Series: Unremembered #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Romance, Science fiction, Time travel, Young adult
Dates read: 29th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Square Fish
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Especially given you… well, celebrity status.

When Freedom airlines flight 121 went down, they didn’t expect to find anyone. Alive, that is.

But there was one survivor. Which is why a sixteen-year-old girl discovered floating among the wreckage – alive – is making headlines across the globe.

Even stranger is that her body is miraculously unharmed and she has no memories of boarding the plane. She has no memories of her life before the crash. She has no memories period.

Crippled by a world she doesn’t know, plagued by abilities she doesn’t understand, and haunted by a looming threat she can’t remember, Seraphina struggles to piece together her forgotten past and discover who she really is. Her only hope is a strangely alluring boy who claims to know her from before the crash. Who claims they were in love. but can she really trust him? Can she trust anyone?

I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for quite a while. Ever since I read Unstolen. It looked kind of cute and intriguing. But honestly, that was the extent of my thought process. It was always a book that I’ll get to at some point. And then I needed a book with a title starting with a U for a reading challenge… and wow. This is not just good. It is ridiculously good. I actually couldn’t believe how much this pulled me in. And just how quickly.

Alright, so this is a bit of a teeny little romance. Which is why I gave it one less star than I probably would have otherwise given it. I do tend to find that star-crossed lovers can get a bit of an overbearing trope. And for the majority of this novel, that was kind of how I felt about that main relationship. But then… but then it really started to develop. As more of Sera’s history was revealed, her relationship with Zen became less and less irritating and more and more developed. And now? Now I can’t wait to see how that will develop in the next two books in this trilogy. Started out a bit eh, but the relationship quickly built upon itself and developed into a great aspect of the storyline.

I knew that there was a time travel aspect to this novel. After all, it says so on Goodreads. But this wasn’t quite the time travel that I was expecting. There is surprise after surprise throughout this novel that makes you constantly reconfigure and question the whole time travel angle. And at the very ending? You’re still kind of questioning things. Still wondering if you have all of the information about time travel locked away into your brain. And what you’ve probably missed… it makes for a seriously intriguing and great way to tell a time travel story.

Aside from the teeny / young adult storyline and the very unique take on time travel… I absolutely adored how Brody is able to play with the idea of memories and thoughts all the way throughout this story. In each and every moment, you’re questioning what is real and what is manufactured. And how memories can be stored. How much influence memories actually have on our personalities… it’s a fascinating realm to play with and Brody did an absolutely fantastic job of making you think through each and every sentence.

<- More Jessica Brody

Unstolen ->

Image source: Goodreads

To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

July 24, 2020Book ReviewAlexandra Christo, Fairy tales, Mermaids, Retellings, Young Adultskyebjenner

Title: To Kill a Kingdom
Author: Alexandra Christo
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Mermaids, Retellings, Young adult
Dates read: 27th – 28th June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: “Have you known for a while?” Sakura asks.

I have a heart for every year I’ve been alive.

There are seventeen hidden in the sand of my bedroom. Every so often, I claw through the shingle just to check they’re still there. Buried deep and bloody.

Princess Lira is siren royalty and revered across the sea until she is cursed into humanity by the ruthless Sea Queen. Now Lira must deliver the heart of the infamous siren killer or remain a human forever.

Prince Elian is heir to the most powerful kingdom in the world, and captain to a deadly crew of siren hunters. When he rescues a drowning woman from the ocean, she promises to help him destroy siren kind for good. But he has no way of knowing whether he can trust her…

I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf for a while, and I kind of figured that it was just going to be another cute little retelling. I was excited to read it, but wasn’t desperate to. And then I read this. And honestly… WOW! This is an AMAZING Little Mermaid retelling. I honestly just can’t get it out of my head. It’s dark, it’s fun and it’s weirdly sweet…

Probably one of my favourite things about this novel / retelling is that Lira is completely predatory. She isn’t the nice, sweet, innocent mermaid of the Disney stories. Or even the kind of sad sack from the original Hans Christian Andersen story. Instead, she is tough, hungry and completely powerful in her own right. I also love that she is seriously sarcastic and aggressive in so many, many, many ways. Which, of course means, she fits perfectly with Elian. He’s also a pretty intense predator, and a pirate. Although, in this battle, I think it’s actually Lira that I found more intimidating and powerful… just as it should be.

Although this is a really nice little romance, it’s definitely not going onto my romance shelf. It’s a little unromantic in many places, and although it does still follow that fairly typical YA romance pattern… there is something a little extra about it. Something that doesn’t give me romantic feelings, but rather, happily ever after, big smile feelings…

The world building, characters and story line of this novel is just phenomenal. It made the story completely impossible to put down and forget about. Impossible to forget and stop thinking about. What makes that fact really horrible… this is a standalone. I would love to find out more about how Elian and Lira get along in the new world that they’ve created. Find out more about Lira’s cousin… there are so many more stories I want told from this world!!!

<- The Crooked Place

More Alexandra Christo ->

Image source: Goodreads

Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris

July 24, 2020Book ReviewCharlaine Harris, Crime, Harper Connelly, Mystery, Paranormal Fantasyskyebjenner

Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris - Books - Hachette Australia

Title: Grave Sight
Author: Charlaine Harris
Series: Harper Connelly #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Crime, Mystery, Paranormal fantasy
Dates read: 27th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Gollancz
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: I found it with my other sense, instead of asking for directions.

Harper Connolly is honest, ethical and loyal – and ever since a bolt of lightning zapped her on the head, she’s had an extra-special talent: she can find dead people.

It’s not a common-or-garden job. Some people find Harper’s talent useful and fascinating, but she’s getting used to most people treating her like a blood-sucking leech, preying on the recently bereaved and offering false hope. She’s become an expert at getting in, getting paid and getting out fast.

So when Harper and her stepbrother Tolliver are hired to help in the Ozarks, they’re wary. Their mission is to find a local teenager – missing, believed dead – and instead they find that someone is willing to go to extraordinary lengths to bury a secret. 88 It doesn’t take long for Tolliver to be is locked away on trumped-up charges and leave Harpeer fighting for her life…

So this is a much better start to a series than the first Sookie Stackhouse novel. It’s a little more developed, which I think is probably just an indication of Harris’ developing skills. From the very outset, you are thrown into the world of Harper Connelly and her unique powers. From the very outset you are completely swept away and enmeshed with a woman who is quite damaged and has a seriously great personality.

I loved how this story started completely in the present. But, as the story unfolded, parts of the past also filtered through and helped to fill you in on so many important little titbits. It was a great way to create a beautifully dimensional and emotional character that you constantly felt connected to. It built upon all the trials and tribulations of the present story. It also helped to highlight exactly why Tolliver and Harper were so close. Just not in the way that is often implied…

Alongside the paranormal journey and discovery of Harper’s past, there is a great mystery to this story. In fact, it almost reads a bit like a cozy mystery. Just not quite. But still, it has that same sense of mystery to it and the almost innocence of the story line that the other cozy mysteries I’ve read hae had. However, there are a few more stakes raised. And a little bit more darkness due to Harper’s unique gift. It gives a slightly different feeling, and removes some of that innocence. Mostly though, I do love this paranormal aspect and brilliance. Particularly when it just makes the story that little bit darker.

Although the end of this story involves Harper and Tolliver getting the hell out of dodge, I can’t wait to see how this series unfolds. Partly, I kind of hope that they both get a bit of a happily ever after. It obviously wasn’t going to be in the Ozarks, but I look forward to jumping into this series and finding that at some point… hopefully.

<- More Charlaine Harris

Grave Surprise ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Wasted by Jennifer Estep

July 23, 2020Book ReviewAssassins, Dark Fantasy, Elemental Assassin, Elements, Jennifer Estepskyebjenner

Wasted (Elemental Assassin, #2.7) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Wasted
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Elemental Assassin #2.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Assassins, Dark fantasy, Elements
Dates read: 30th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Free online short story
Publisher: Jennifer Estep
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: And from some things that Roslyn has said, I thought that Gin might be able to help.

This short story takes place in between the events of Web of Lies and Venom. One day, a beautiful woman walks into the bank where Finn works, and trouble soon follows.

This was a nice little short story from Finn’s point of view. It takes place not long after Web of Lies and I get the feeling that it also nicely sets the storyline up for Venom. I was also not quite ready to leave the world of Gin and Finn, so this was just a nice little time filler until Venom arrives on my doorstep.

I also seriously enjoyed the action in this story – a bank robbery, setting up another novel and Finn’s irrepressible desire to seduce and romance women. All in all, a great way to fill a short story with not only Finn’s life and the action in it, but his personality. Partner that with the fact that is all written in the first person point of view. Filled with Finn’s wit and style.

Throughout this story, I was laughing and smiling. But, it really wasn’t until the very end that I actually laughed out loud. Or more like, guffawed. It was a nice, poetic ending. And has me seriously jonesing for the next book in the series…

<- Web of Lies

Venom ->

Image source: Goodreads

Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep

July 23, 2020Book ReviewAssassins, Dark Fantasy, Elemental Assassin, Elements, Jennifer Estepskyebjenner

Web of Lies (Elemental Assassin, #2) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Web of Lies
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Elemental Assassin #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Assassins, Dark fantasy, Elements
Dates read: 27th June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: Pocket Books
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: I had no desire to pay the facility a return visit.

Curiosity is definitely going to get me dead one of these days.
Probably real soon.

I’m Gin Blanco. You might know me as the Spider, the most feared assassin in the South. I’m retired now, but trouble still has a way of finding me. Like the other day when two punks tried to rob my popular barbecue joint, the Pork Pit. Then there was the barrage of gunfire on the restaurant. Only, for once, those kill shots weren’t aimed at me. They were meant for Violet Fox. Ever since I agreed to help Violet and her grandfather protect their property from an evil coal-mining tycoon, I’m beginning to wonder if I’m really retired. So is Detective Donovan Caine. The only honest cop in Ashland is having a real hard time reconciling his attration to me with his Boy Scout mentality. And I can barely keep my hands off his sexy body. What can I say? I’m a Stone elemental with a little Ice magic thrown in, but my heart isn’t made of solid rock. Luckily, Gin Blanco always gets her man… dead or alive.

There is something beautifully intense about the Elemental Assassin stories. Which isn’t really surprising when you consider that the stories are set in a world much like Gotham City. And the lead is an assassin. And there is a massive conspiracy that even in the second book is only just unfolding. It makes a great intensity and a kind of impossible to forget story unfolds before your eyes. I had wondered how that intensity would carry on from the first book after Gin retires… and wow. Did it work well.

In the first Elemental Assassin novel, I really, really liked Donovan. I was fully expecting him to be a fairly permanent fixture in this series. And then I read this novel. And honestly. The man is a dick. A close-minded, self-centred dick. I actually raged quite a bit at him towards the end. Although, there is the introduction of a potential new love interest. One who sees Gin for exactly who and what she is… and still wants to pursue her and have her in his life. Which means I just can’t wait to pick up the next book now… because I want to see how that relationship develops further.

The mostly brotherly-sisterly relationship between Finn and Gin is further developed in this story. Her relationship with Fletcher is also highlighted a little more. Although, since he’s dead, it’s more about secrets and feelings than the actual occurrences of the relationship. What I loved about this was that it creates a beautiful world in which Gin’s relationships and family ties are becoming more and more complex and built upon. There is also so much history that is revealed. Both of which helped me to become even more connected to the person Gin was, is, and is going to become. That, and I love how Finn is a complete lady’s man and irresistibly charming…

Throughout all of the running around and conspiracies and killing in this story. There is the under arching storyline that began in Spider’s Bite… that of who killed Gin’s family and why. Some hints were provided in Spider’s Bite, but many more hints were provided throughout this story. For starters, Gin finally realises the who of her family’s murder and discovers that not everything she thought was true about that night was… it’s just another incentive to read Venom.

<- Web of Death

Wasted ->

Image source: Goodreads

My Antonia by Willa Cather

July 22, 2020Book ReviewClassics, Westerns, Willa Cather, Word Cloud Classicsskyebjenner

Title: My Antonia
Author: Willa Cather
Series: Word Cloud Classics
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Westerns
Dates read: 26th – 27th June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Word Cloud Classics
Year: 1918
5th sentence, 74th page: Sometimes he was completely hidden by the clouds of snow that rose about him; then he and the horses would emerge black and shining.

Willa Cather’s novels brought the life of American settlers on the Great Plains to the forefront of the nation’s consciousness during a time when the lands west of the Mississippi were undergoing rapid transformation. My Ántonia, considered by many scholars to be her first masterpiece, tells the story of a young orphan, Jim Burden, who is sent from Virginia to Nebraska, where he grows up with his grandparents on their farm. He becomes friends with Ántonia Shimerda, a Bohemian girl who endures her own struggles as she enters adulthood. Rich in themes that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds, My Ántonia explores the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people in extraordinary times.

This is the first ever full-length Western that I’ve had the privilege to read. And it wasn’t as tedious as I kind of half expected. Mostly, I was expecting it to be a little slow like the short stories I’ve been reading in The Mammoth Book of Westerns. But, it wasn’t like that at all. In fact, I kind of completely loved this novel and just devoured it in one night – I found it really difficult to put down, put away and stop thinking about. Which was surprising, specifically considering the fact that I was a bit eh about her short story.

There is something about Antonia that should feel seriously tragic. And heart wrenching. And just, all round sad. Yet, even though there are moments throughout which do make you feel a little sad, there really isn’t an overall tragic feeling to this story. In fact, it’s almost hopeful and uplifting. Which, if I’m recounting this story, is not how I would be able to describe it. But something in Cather’s story telling manages to make that feeling of hope and the future seriously come alive. It’s a little disconcerting and is probably one of the reasons why I enjoyed this book so much.

Like Cather’s short story, one of the things that really stood out in this novel was the beautifully setting. It was a world in which you were completely immersed from the very first moment. And a really nice transportation into a moment in history that I never knew I was intrigued by. Definitely a very well written story. One which transported you to another world and another time. A world filled with different priorities and challenges, but ones which feel familiar regardless.

This isn’t a fast-paced, crazy storyline. It’s not a grip the edge of your seat kind of story, instead, what it is is just… fun. It’s a great story that transports you to everyday life and the ways in which we form and create bonds. The ways in which we change over time. And how some people are able to stand the test of time in their friendships, even in the most trying of circumstances.

<- Through the Looking-Glass

Don Quixote ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

The Nymph’s Labyrinth by Danica Winters

July 22, 2020Book ReviewDanica Winters, Greek Mythology, Nymph, Nymphs, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

The Nymph's Labyrinth (Nymph #1) by Danica Winters

Title: The Nymph’s Labyrinth
Author: Danica Winters
Series: Nymph #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Greek mythology, Nymphs, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 26th June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “I’m glad to see you are okay.”

A world shrouded in mystery and intrigue, the Sisterhood of Epione must not be exposed.

Shape-shifting nymph Ariadne Papadakis is tasked with keeping the truth of the group’s existence and their ancient mysteries far out of reach of the American archaeologist, Beau Morris and his troublemaking son, Kaden. When forgotten and forbidden passions are awakened, Ariadne is forced to make a choice – fall in line and continue to be overrun and pushed down by the sisterhood, or follow her heart and put Beau and Kaden’s lives in danger.

Can she have the man she loves or will the pressure and secrets of her past keep her from her heart’s desire?

This was one of those cute, easy to read and quick little paranormal romances. Not only was it a great couple with a good paranormal spin. But there was also a great back story with the addition of the Greek mythology, a curse from Zeus and some seriously bitchy little power plays. Actually, it was the Greek mythology aspect that really and seriously drew me in…

This isn’t a hugely lustful and graphic romance. It does have some sex steams, but they’re really not steamy. More a kind of sweet, innocence that I don’t always get in a good paranormal romance. It was a nice change from many of the paranormal romances that sit on my shelves. It is also fantastic that not only is there a romance between Ariadne and Beau, but also between his son, Kade and another nymph. The young love helps to add an extra layer of innocence to the story.

I love that The Nymph’s Labyrinth isn’t just about one relationship. It’s also about Beau and Kade’s reuniting and figuring out how to be father and son again. Kade also gets to fall in love alongside Beau. And they both get to tackle a potentially horrible future and a mysterious illness together. And then, interwoven amongst all of this – stories of mythology and betrayal. Power plays and confusion. It all works together to make a very great, impossible to put down little romance that left me feeling very content and happy on a late Saturday night in the middle of winter.

Although the romance in this story is kind of great, I actually love the reminder that we should honour our sisters and the feeling of sisterhood. There are too many times when we tear each other down. And so a story in which this doesn’t happen, but is about not having power over one another. And just finding a way to all honour and respect each other… I think that we need many, many, many more stories like this.

<- More Danica Winters

Montana Mustangs ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Goblin King by Shona Husk

July 21, 2020Book ReviewMagic, Paranormal Romance, Shadowlands, Shona Huskskyebjenner

The Goblin King (Shadowlands, #1) by Shona Husk

Title: The Goblin King
Author: Shona Husk
Series: Shadowlands #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Goblins, Magic, Paranormal romance
Dates read: 10th – 26th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Year: 2011
5th sentence, 74th page: He wouldn’t forget the woman who had reminded him what it was to be a man, if only for a moment.

ONCE UPON A TIME…

A man was cursed to the Shadowlands, his heart repalced with a cold lump of gold. In legends, he became known as
THE GOBLIN KING.

For a favored few he will grant a wish. Yet, desperately clinging to his waning human soul, his one own desire remains unfulfilled:
A WILLING QUEEN.

But who would consent to move from the modern-day world into the realm of nightmares? No matter how intoxicating his touch, no matter how deep his valor, loving him is dangerous. And the one woman who might dare to try could also
DESTROY HIM FOREVER.

From the very beginning of this novel, I had some serious recollections of the Labyrinth and David Bowe. In fact, I almost leapt straight out of bed to go and watch the movie… at midnight. Which really wasn’t a great idea. And, I did stop myself from doing so. But, mostly, I just loved that from the very opening of this story… I thought of a movie that I loved. And had a great soundtrack going through my mind. What a way to draw you into a story…

Although there is a lot of darkness to this story – ultimately, I actually found it really sweet and simple. It was a fairly typical paranormal romance in which you know that the couple is going to get together. But it also had that extra, added layer of goblins. I really haven’t read many / any goblin stories. So reading one in which the male heartthrob is also a goblin… I actually really loved the idea.

One of the things that I loved about this story was the fact that the main complication, other than the fact that the lead male was a goblin, was Eliza’s fiancé. It’s the first story I’ve read in which one half of the romantic couples is already engaged. Don’t get me wrong, the relationship is honestly bone-deep terrifying to me. And I’m so glad that it is just a complication… but I liked that it took a completely different direction.

This was a great, fun and wonderful read. One that I seriously enjoyed and couldn’t get out of my head until long after I turned the final page. Sadly, I don’t have Kiss of the Goblin Prince on my shelves yet… so it’s going to take a little while until I’m able to immerse myself into the world of the Shadowlands again.

<- The Summons

Kiss of the Goblin Prince ->

Image source: Goodreads

Sunchaser’s Quest by Mary Stanton

July 21, 2020Book ReviewEasy Reading, Fantasy, Mary Stanton, Unicorns, Unicorns of Balinorskyebjenner

Sunchaser's Quest (Unicorns of Balinor): Stanton, Mary ...

Title: Sunchaser’s Quest
Author: Mary Stanton
Series: Unicorns of Balinor #2
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Unicorns
Dates read: 24th – 25th June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Scholastic
Year: 1999
5th sentence, 74th page: She got on her knees and softly stroked the collie’s ears.

A DANGEROUS JOURNEY

Princess Arianna has returned to Balinor – a peaceful, magical world watched over by a herd of beautiful unicorns. But a dark presence has invaded the land. And Arianna has no memory of her past or how to tend to her wounded unicorn, Sunchaser.

The unicorn’s horn was broken in battle and he is very weak. The journey to get Suncahser’s horn restored will be long and very dangerous. But it is Sunchaser’s only hope. And – as Arianna and Sunchaser soon learn – the only hope for all of Balinor.

This is one of those very fun, quick and easy reads. One that you can sit down and spend half hour, hour on and enjoy it. Without having to think too deeply about what you are reading and just genuinely enjoy the journey. It’s a nice journey and one that I found was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon, between reading textbooks and trying to cram other information into my poor brain.

I like that the first story in this series starts with a bit of a mystery as to Ari’s past and what happened in her “accident”. In this novel, they begin to remember their horrible past and find ways to move onto the future. There are so many instances where things are nicely revealed, and you can begin to build upon the history of the story. And can’t wait to find out what’s going to happen next.

Probably one of the things that I really like about this novel is that it is got a world that is full of unicorns. And they’re integral to the connection between man and animal. It is such a sweet, innocent world. Something that is great in a children’s fantasy novel. The innocence that you associate with unicorns just flows off of the pages.

This is such a nice, pleasant read and I seriously wish that I was able to read it as a child. Its definitely one of those very childish, easy reading stories. But it was also cute and ridiculously innocent. Which is what all good young children books should be.

<- The Road to Balinor

Valley of Fear ->

Image source: Amazon

Wolves and Daggers by Melanie Karsak

July 20, 2020Book ReviewFairy tales, Melanie Karsak, Retellings, Steampunk, Steampunk Red Riding Hood, Werewolvesskyebjenner

Title: Wolves and Daggers
Author: Melanie Karsak
Series: Red Cape Society #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Retellings, Steampunk, Werewolves
Dates read: 25th June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Clockpunk Press
Year: 2018
5th sentence, 74th page: Sitting outside the hangar were two autos that I recognized from the warehouse night before.

Who’s afraid of the big, bad werewolf?

When London’s brightest tinkers and alchemists come up missing, Red Cape Society Agent Clemeny Louvel is on the case.

To help her get the problem in hand, Queen Victoria assigns her a temporary partner—a werewolf with a knightly history and a tendency to be far too flirtatious for either of their good. Can she trust him to help her chase down the monsters they’re hunting?

Wolves and Daggers is a retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale set in Melanie Karsak’s bestselling steampunk universe.

This really wasn’t quite what I was expecting from a Red Riding Hood retelling. It was great. It was unique. And it was completely unexpected. Which is probably what I enjoyed so much about it. I can see how the entire series will unfold as an overall retelling, rather than just this one story. There are so many aspects to the original fairy tale that just weren’t in this retelling, and I can’t wait to see how Karsak continues to weave Red Riding Hood into her wonderful world of steampunk.

One of the things that I love about this author is her ability to write steampunk retellings in a way that makes you feel really reminiscent of the original fairy tales. But also, to make an entirely new and unique story line. There are certain aspects which are seriously familiar, but there are so many completely new aspects which draw you in and leave you feeling happy, compelled and intrigued. In the case of Red Riding Hood, the wolves are werewolves and “Little Red” is a werewolf hunter.

I absolutely can’t wait to read more about “Little Red” and Sir Richard and all of the hunting and controlling of the werewolves that they do. There is just something fun and a little entertaining about Karsak’s take on such a common and well known fairy tale. I also love that although it is originally a French fairy tale, the story and the characters are just oh-so-British. It added a great extra layer to the adventure of Little Red and the Victorian steampunk setting.

It’s kind of impossible not to love this book – it has werewolves, hunting and a great steampunk setting. Not to mention the fact that it’s a world of fairy tales. Not quite like you remember them, but still kind of amazing and really, really fun. I absolutely adored this novel and can’t wait until I have the money to buy the rest of the series!

<- More Melanie Karsak

Alphas and Airships ->

Image source: Goodreads

Earth and Skye

The ramblings of a bibliophile.

Unremembered by Jessica Brody

To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo

Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris

Wasted by Jennifer Estep

Web of Lies by Jennifer Estep

My Antonia by Willa Cather

The Nymph’s Labyrinth by Danica Winters

The Goblin King by Shona Husk

Sunchaser’s Quest by Mary Stanton

Wolves and Daggers by Melanie Karsak