Tag Archives: Charlotte E. English

Summertide by Charlotte E. English

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Summertide
Author: Charlotte E. English
Series: The Wonder Tales #4
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Cozy fantasy, Fae, Fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

It took me a little while to get the hang of what was going on in this story. Partly because it is actually fourth in the series, but also because there is quite a cast of characters. Once I started to distinguish between the characters, I actually really enjoyed this story. It had that fae / fairy tale feel to it, but with a more positive bend to it than what I’ve been necessarily been reading lately. Something about the Summertide felt like disappearing into a sunlit wood and coming out with a happily ever after. It just had that calm and fun vibe that is sometimes missing from the books I read.

Summertide was separated into five parts to give each part of the action its own attention. I don’t always like when stories are split into “parts”, but in the case of this novel, it worked really well for the flow. Plus, by separating each of the mini-adventures out, it made it so much easier for my overwhelmed brain to actually follow who was on what adventure. It meant that once one journey was finished, I couldn’t wait to dive into the next one.

English is wonderful at writing characters that I want to get to know even more. Plus, this story involved a walking tree, displaced summer monarchs and an enchanted forest. Everything about this short novel was fun and light hearted. Honestly, reading this, I just felt content and happy when I turned that final page. And, as a read before bedtime – it led to pleasant and nature filled dreams.

<- Sands and StarlightRavensby Old ->

Image source: Booklife

Rostikov Legacy by Charlotte E. English

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Rostikov Legacy
Author: Charlotte E. English
Series: The Malykant Mysteries #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Historical fantasy, Mystery, Supernatural
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

The Rostikov Legacy is a wonderful introduction to a great new world and filled with wonderful world building. Plus, it’s an easy read that I really enjoyed. The idea of a historical, regency type world filled with magic pulled me in from the very beginning. Plus, this is one of the few books I’ve read that features a male as the primary character. A nice change of pace that I definitely needed to add to my shelves.

Konrad is an intriguing protagonist. There are obviously layers upon layers to unpack as this series unfolds. Plus, he lives very comfortably alongside of all of his secrets. The lack of feeling hurts my heart, but it’s an angle that I haven’t read in quite some time. Plus, I love that he beginning to look at a different life, one in which he isn’t restricted by the lack of feeling and the position of being the Malykant.

The position of Malykant is kind of intense – being the detective, judge and executioner is a whole lot of responsibility to place upon a person. I understand why it is that when Konrad took up the mantle, he was also asked to give up his emotions. I can’t imagine the weight of the world on my shoulders like this. Whilst the culprit in this was fairly clear, it did open up a whole lot of moral thoughts and questions. Which I absolutely loved. Anything that makes me think and ponder is a good story in my books.

I can’t wait to read more of The Malykant Mysteries, there is so much world building in this shorter novel. And the potential for so much more mischief and mayhem to unfold. I want to know more about the mythological structure of this world and how Konrad’s friendship with the apothecary will unfold.

<- More Charlotte E. EnglishThe Ivanov Diamond ->

Image source: Pinterest

Hell and High Water by Charlotte E. English

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hell and High Water
Author: Charlotte E. English
Series: Fae Fatales #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I absolutely loved that this story was one about three femme fatales, I mean, fae fatales. Meeting up after almost one hundred years apart. With all sorts of tragedies and secrets in their past. Not only was this a story about solving the murders and protecting the fae of New York. But it was also about unravelling the why and the how of the breakup of the fae fatales in the past. It meant that, with these two storylines unfolding, it was incredibly difficult to put this book down and be, you know, a responsible adult.

Even though I guessed who the evil mastermind of this series was, it was still a brilliant reveal. And, even if I had already guessed what was coming, I couldn’t predict just how that reveal and motivation would go. It was very fun to read about, and all of the hints that English dropped throughout made it a ridiculously fun adventure. Plus, even if I didn’t actually agree with the villain’s motives, I did actually understand how that level of anger could manifest.

I loved that, even though this was a story featuring three femme fatales, it was only written from the point of view of two. Fionn and Tai are great voices which give different perspectives on the occurrences of the book. And, although I would have loved to know a little bit more of what Dax thought. She’s kind of insane, so I liked having the lens of the two more sane characters within the trio. Plus, it gave a bit more context to how different characters have dealt with the same level of nonsense.

Honestly, I mostly just want to read more about Dax in future adventures (I’m hoping that there are going to be more adventures). She seems to be the most balanced of the trio, even if she’s definitely a bit of a nutter. Plus, the friendship between the two, that has lasted a lot of nonsense, is incredibly beautiful. Particularly how Fionn and Tai are always there to support one another. Even when they weren’t actually talking.

Hell and High Water is a bit of a who-dunnit mystery. A bit of paranormal fantasy. And a whole lot of fun. It was an unforgettably enjoyable adventure, and there’s a reason that I really love the fact that I have a number of English books filling my shelves and my TBR.

<- More Charlotte E. EnglishTBC ->

Image source: Second Sale

Wyrde and Wayward by Charlotte E. English

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Wyrde and Wayward
Author: Charlotte E. English
Series: House of Werth #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Gothic, Historical fantasy, Magic
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

There is something immediately loveable and adorable about Gussie and her truly insane family. Although, I do generally love stories which feature an off-kilter, dysfunctional, but loving family. And Gussie’s Wyrde family hits that spot exactly. Plus, Wyrde and Wayward is a perfect way to introduce a whole new level of insanity to my bookshelves – I can’t wait to read more about Gussie and the shenanigans she finds herself involved with.

You really can’t go wrong with a story that begins with a woman being kidnapped, and the kidnappers just finding it to be an enjoyable lark. I mean, this story careens from one moment of pure insanity to another. Set in regency England, with all of the societal expectations. Honestly, I thought this might be interesting, I didn’t think I’d find it as hilarious and witty as I did. Plus, there is that whole, gothic, regency feel partnered with magic and the paranormal – a mix that I honestly didn’t know I needed in my life.

It was fun discovering what Gussie’s Wyrde was, and why she has been so sheltered up until this moment. I mean, it was surprising, but also, I love that she has a whole lot of potential that no one has figured out yet. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of this series to figure out what other hidden secrets that she has. Her kidnappers family is certifiably insane, and I’m sure they will at some point reveal their horribleness again in an attempt to take advantage of Gussie.

Wyrde and Wayward is a story full of insanity and wit, partnered with regency manners and society. Plus, there is a family filled with misfits and monsters. I love that Theo and everyone else is limited and expanded by their powers. The setting and the style, partnered with the dry, English humour throughout made this impossible to put down. And now I can’t wait to read more England and the world of the Wyrde…

<- More Charlotte E. EnglishWyrde and Wicked ->

Image source: Amazon