Tag Archives: Easy Reading

Pyramids by Terry Pratchett

August 13, 2025Book ReviewAncient Civilisations, Comedy, Discworld, Easy Reading, Fantasy, Terry Pratchettskyebjenner

Title: Pyramids
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld #7, Ancient Civilisations #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1989

As a child I was absolutely obsessed with ancient Egypt, the architecture, the culture, the religion. So I love that Pratchett decided to also harness some of this fascination and bring it into the Discworld novels. It made me smile, it made me laugh and I loved picking up on all of the little details that were interwoven throughout to give the story the wonderful texture that it has. Then, there’s the fact that this is also a story that’s all about bucking tradition, changing your stripes, and finding your own version of happily ever after. All things which I absolutely adore in a good book.

Teppic going from being a Pharaoh-in-waiting, to an assassin-in-training was a very interesting departure from the expected. It also kind of worked out in a really funny way. I loved the different terminology used, particularly the idea of “inhuming” rather than killing. As always, I spent the entirety of this novel smiling and shaking my head at the language utilised. Pratchett was just such a master at turning a phrase, and Pyramids was able to display this wonderfully. I don’t think I will ever get the idea of “inhuming a pyramid” out of my head, and all that that entails.

There were so many twists and turns to this story that I honestly didn’t know where I was going or even what was happening throughout this. I meant that in the best way, and I definitely had the laughter startled out of me at multiple points. But, honestly, this was the most random and twisting story that I’ve read in a while. I also loved that the story was bookended with the same few pages – it just added to both the mystery and the twisting of the storyline.

I really enjoyed Dios as the villain – he was kind of evil, but in a really ignorant way. It was the evil of an unwillingness to change, rather than the evil of maliciousness. It didn’t make his input and chaos any more palatable or easy to read about, but it did make for a great villain that I completely could get behind. I also like that it was a really subtle evil, one that you don’t necessarily pick up on to begin with, but the insidiousness unfolds as the entertainment of the rest of the story does.

<- Wyrd Sisters

Guards! Guards! ->

Image source: Carturesti

Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett

May 31, 2025Book ReviewComedy, Discworld, Easy Reading, Fantasy, Terry Pratchett, Witchesskyebjenner

Title: Wyrd Sisters
Author: Terry Pratchett
Series: Discworld #6, Witches #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Comedy, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1988

It doesn’t matter which one, every time I pick up a Discworld novel I know that I’m in for a wild ride of humour and entertainment. And honestly, as of late, I’ve needed the funny in my life. Which meant that the fact that Wyrd Sisters ticked all of my boxes led me to feeling super relaxed and like I could let go a big sigh. Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magret are an absolutely hilarious trio. And whilst I think I’ve met Granny Weatherwax before, the three of them together was even more fun. Plus, I really like that they each represent one of the three aspects of the Goddess (Crone, Mother and Maiden).

Alongside the trio of Witches, there is, as always an entertaining cast that drew me straight in. In this case, I particularly loved the Fool. I love that when we get to visit him, you see two sides to his personality. There’s the jester side which waxes nonsensically lyrically about the world around him and tries to maintain his loyalty. And then there is the internal struggle which he is battling. The fact that the Fool actually has an incredibly sharp and bright mind, one driven by a strong sense of morality and right and wrong. The fact that he ends up being a big driver of the “good” in this story just made me like him all that much more. Even as he romances Magret and deals with the duality of his own nature. A great reminder that the way someone presents to the world may not be who they actually are inside.

I honestly did not want to put this book down. One of the reasons why it is taking me so long to get through the Discworld novels is that I find this issue every single time. I have to adult, and so when I get this severely hooked and obsessed with a book can be somewhat of an issue. The ability of the Witches to take on a king and do so with wit and humour was hilarious. The way that they choose to bend and break the rules for the “greater good”, and also because they are just pissed meant that I wanted to see what nonsense was going to happen next. It was almost impossible to look away, and I honestly may have walked into a doorway or two in my quest to see what would happen next.

It’s been a while since I’ve actually read a Pratchett novel, and this is a reminder why I want to just fill my shelves with these stories. They are a great read in a general kind of way. But what I love the most is that they are a great, satirical take on the world. And no matter how old these stories get, they are still relevant today. In the case of Wyrd Sisters, it’s a reminder of the challenges of power and how absolute power corrupts absolutely. Particularly when that power is placed in the hands of an absolute idiot.

<- Sourcery

Pyramids ->

Image source: Penguin

Falling for Aine by Laura Greenwood

April 23, 2025Book ReviewEasy Reading, Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency, Laura Greenwood, Mythology, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Falling for Aine
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

Aine was not the goddess that I thought would start this series. Or the goddess who would start up her own paranormal dating agency. Primarily because I knew next to nothing about her and feel like I need to do some major research into this goddess. I’m pretty rusty on the Celtic mythos, and I definitely want more of it in my life (like literally every other mythos I find out about). The fact that she then pulls in other gods and goddesses that I’m more familiar with – absolutely loved this entire story and didn’t want to put it down! Which I didn’t, and lost a decent chunk of sleep.

Min is cute, sweet, and slightly seductive. And yet, the need for consent is constantly emphasised throughout. I love that he is the god of passion, but he spends most of his time just being too cute for words. Plus, he takes the time to let Aine get used to the idea of them as a couple. Both Min and Aine work through their issues with commitment and love together. Bringing up their pasts happens so organically, and I love that they are able to process this together to find their new happily ever afters.

Falling for Aine is all about not only starting a new business, but also starting a new relationship. I was young and dumb when I started my own relationship, so I can’t imagine what it’s like to start not only a new relationship with the hangups that age brings. But also starting a new business, relying on others’ interest to make something of it. Aine manages to handle all of this with the most amazing graze and calm – something that I know I definitely would not be able to do in the same situation.

Falling for Aine is a quick, easy and light read. I absolutely adored it and now I can’t wait to see what other gods are going to feature in this series! now I’m looking forward to a whole lot more happily ever afters and love stories. The kind that leave you smiling and feeling calm and content when you turn that final page.

<- More Laura Greenwood

Catering to Aphrodite ->

Image source: Kobo

Feather of Balance by Laura Greenwood

April 21, 2025Book ReviewEasy Reading, Egyptian mythology, Forgotten Gods, Laura Greenwood, Mythology, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Feather of Balance
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Forgotten Gods #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Egyptian mythology, Mythology, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

The first full-length novel in the Forgotten Gods series, as with most of the Greenwood stories I’ve read was light, fun and a lovely, easy read. I find it particularly fascinating that it was originally written to be the eleventh book in the series. But then slotted in better as the first book. And as a first time reader of this and the series, I found that it bought me into the world perfectly. Now I can’t wait to keep diving into these Egyptian mythology retellings and finding out how Greenwood has structured this world in her own unique ways.

Ma’at and Maahes are a really cute couple, and I love how they get to know one another and just fall into the comfort of their companionship. It’s an easy and comfortable relationship that builds as the story unfolds. Their romance is almost secondary to the primary storyline, and I like that it supports the story, but doesn’t take it all over. Plus, there is nothing better than a couple getting to know one another and falling, rather than the instant lust that some stories feature.

Ma’at is set up beautifully as the opposite of the God of Chaos (Seth) and the one who needs to instigate change / stand against him. This whole story is about her trying to curtail his shenanigans and figuring out how she fits into the modern world. I really enjoyed how Maahes works in a supporting role to her War Council and trying to stop his evil. Plus, it’s a great point that the Goddess of Balance is the one to offset the God of Chaos, even is she isn’t the loudest and most obvious challenger.

I loved how Feather of Balance sets the whole story for a greater battle on the horizon. But, it also hints at future characters who are going to fall in love. I am seriously looking forward to the future couples and relationships that are going to be highlighted in these stories. Now onto the next wonderfully adorable journey.

<- Bringer of the River Waters

Protectors of Poison ->

Image source: Amazon

Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches by Laura Greenwood

March 3, 2025Book ReviewEasy Reading, Laura Greenwood, Obscure Academy, Paranormal Fantasy, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #5.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Even though most of the stories that follow Laura Greenwood’s Obscure Academy follow a similar kind of pattern in that they are just cute and easy romances. I love that each couple get their own unique start and flavour. For Juniper and Emmett this is the couple that meet and are instantly crushing on each other, but take their time in finally taking the plunge and getting together. Rather, they build up a friendship before creating a relationship, and I absolutely adored that approach.

I don’t actually know much about Halloween, whilst its gaining traction and interest in Australia, it’s still not something I celebrate. Yet, I love that Greenwood uses this story to dive a little into the different traditions that surround All Hallow’s Eve. Not just the current carving of Jack ‘O Lanterns, but also some of the fruits and vegetables that were traditionally used in place of the pumpkin. I absolutely adored the idea of carving a turnip in place of a pumpkin, and the idea had me smiling and laughing while I read Juniper and Emmett’s love story.

Juniper’s history and issues around Halloween are not exactly fun, but I love how they open up the discussion of genetics and how this influences people in the Obscure world. For a series that is wonderfully sweet and innocent in its journey to love, Greenwood has done a wonderful job of layering in details which make it feel that much more realistic. I had such a blast reading about not only this couple falling for one another, but also their discussions about genetics and just how this can influence the magic of the current generation of paranormals.

Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches was a great hour spent away from reality. It was a story that I’ll definitely go back to in the future, and I am glad that I had the joy of reading this. A nice, easy and fun read with just enough oomph to it that it was incredibly difficult to put down.

<- Potion Making for Disastrous Witches

Trading Names for Polite Sprites ->

Image source: SmashWords

Potion Making for Disastrous Witches by Laura Greenwood

March 2, 2025Book ReviewEasy Reading, Laura Greenwood, Obscure Academy, Paranormal Fantasy, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Potion Making for Disastrous Witches
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

I already knew a little bit about Michaela and Owen’s story from Thalia’s tale in Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons. So I really enjoyed reading about the same moments from this couples point of view. Plus, there were so many moments of joy in their potion making together. Honestly, they were just as cute as I was expecting, but Michaela’s inability to filter her words and thoughts just made me all that much happier and more in love with her. Plus, it made me hope all that much more for her happily ever after.

One of the reasons I so enjoyed Michaela as a character was the fact that she took her shortcomings and just dealt with them. A witch who can’t make potions is something that could be potentially seriously shameful, but she doesn’t show embarrassment and shame over it. Rather, she takes it in stride and is able to work forwards in her life. I was kind of expecting Owen to unlock the secret behind her monumental stuff ups with potion making, and I like that, ultimately, they didn’t actually solve her problems. Just continued to work with it.

Although I’ve read a few Greenwood stories, particularly the Obscure Academy tales, something about Potion Making for Disastrous Witches reminds me about falling for my partner. Wildly different circumstances, but the spending all your time together and coupling, but not being sure of where you stand. The joys of first kisses and first dates. Honestly, the feeling of this just took me back and left me smiling so happily. I’m still madly in love with my partner, so it was nice to feel all of these feelings and reflections while reading this.

There is something so damn joyful of visiting Obscure Academy. They are short little stints into a world where everything is possible. Something about them has this feeling of hope and gives such a positive and happy vibe. I absolutely adored reading this, and I look forward to reading more and more and more in the future!

<- Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons

Pumpkin Carving for Superstitious Witches ->

Image source: Barnes & Noble

The Pastry Warlock by Laura Greenwood

January 2, 2025Book ReviewBroomstick Bakery, Easy Reading, Laura Greenwood, Paranormal Romance, Witchesskyebjenner

Title: The Pastry Warlock
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Broomstick Bakery #2.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Ash and Ellie are such a cute friends to lovers couple, and I love that their story is more of a short novella – they don’t have as much angst as Ash’s sisters. And, because they already know each other, they are able to build their relationship from a fantastic foundation. I’m always a fan of friends to lovers stories (what better foundation than being friends first?) and I love that Ash and Ellie transitioned seamlessly. It might be scary to take that extra plunge with a great friend, yet, it’s fun to see how this couple were finally able to do so comfortably.

There is always this sense of cuteness and sweetness to Greenwood’s writing that I enjoy – in a world that is somewhat insane and intense, it’s nice to read something that’s kind of simple. I love that Ash and Ellie’s story starts at a time when they are just about to take that plunge into being something more than friends. But, it’s not filled with angst, just a moment in time when they decide to take the plunge together. The Pastry Warlock is just a fun, short and incredibly sweet story that I managed to (joyously) read in one sitting.

It’s been hinted at in The Cupcake Witch and The Macaron Witch that the sisters’ little brother is keen to be a part of the bakery. I love that The Pastry Warlock confirms this. Although nothing is set in stone for Ash’s future with Broomstick Bakery at the end of this story, there are hints for a good future together. I love that Ash is finally taking the steps to start his future the way he wants to. Making his own fate happen, with his best friend at his side.

I love how Ash and Ellie fit together so seamlessly, Ash and Ellie might have different career goals in their lives, but both support each other wholeheartedly. Plus, Ellie fits in really well with the rest of Ash’s family, a gorgeous, instant family that had me smiling and happy when I finished the final word of this book. Beautiful and fun in a way that will make this a hard moment to forget.

<- The Macaron Witch

The Gingerbread Witch ->

Image source: Amazon

Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons by Laura Greenwood

November 17, 2024Book ReviewEasy Reading, Laura Greenwood, Obscure Academy, Paranormal Fantasy, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #4.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

I love that this story is about a couple who meet on a blind date. And the thing that draws them together? Unique and slightly off-kilter questions that actually let them get to know one another. It, like most of the Greenwood stories I read, is short, sweet and cute. I absolutely adored reading this, and I liked that it was a story featuring a blind date in which the blind date wasn’t a terrifying flop. I mean, I’ve never really dated, but the stereotype in the media definitely makes me a little hesitant to even consider the idea of a blind date.

Unlike some of the other stories in the Obscure Academy series, most of this story is written from the point of view of one half of the couple. I like that most of this is in Thalia’s view point, it makes Evander’s eventual reveal and surprise an actual surprise. Plus, I just loved Thalia as a character in general, so I had absolutely no concerns or disappointments in reading a lot about her point of view.

I hadn’t thought of the ramifications of being a gorgon in a paranormal world. I mean, the whole turning others to stone with just a look could be incredibly restrictive on your social and sexual life. I really like how Greenwood was able to treat this and found it a really unique approach. The way in which Obscure Academy combines multiple paranormal creatures and brings them into a university setting. The idea of enchanted glasses to stop the whole turning to stone thing was really adorable, and it bought about the whole idea of what its actually like to be someone who wears glasses all the time, and the level of comfort that that can bring.

Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons is a great and positive romance. One that investigates what its like to be different and how that can actually be a little bit dangerous. Sure, in this instance, we’re talking a bout gorgons. But it is a challenge and something that needs to be recognised – sometimes people keep the different part of themselves a secret so that they won’t be a victim of hatred.

<- Flipping Tails for Seasick Mermaids

Potion Making for Disastrous Witches ->

Image source: Kobo

The Dragon Lantern by Arizona Tape

October 20, 2024Book ReviewArizona Tape, Easy Reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, The Griffin Sanctuaryskyebjenner

Title: The Dragon Lantern
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

I love that as this series unfolds, the slow-burn romance between Charlotte and Felicity slowly becomes more and more serious. They are testing the waters and finding their way. And honestly, it is all just too cute and sweet. Plus, then there’s the fact that they are both animal obsessed and working for the same sanctuary. With every story, I fall more and more in love with this couple and the world that they inhabit.

World building is always an bit of a sticking point with me for a great series. And I loved that Tape expanded on the world of Griffin Sanctuary with Charlotte’s visit to another sanctuary. The differences were brilliant, and, honestly, I love the idea of a network of paranormal sanctuaries and the different animals that they specialize in. Plus, it showed entirely different interpersonal dynamics between those who choose to work at such places.

As someone who studied environmental biology, I particularly appreciated the work and studies that go into finding out the reasons for different appendages and practices in animals. I love that, in The Dragon Lantern, it is the ‘lanterns’ on dragons which are focused upon, and their use. I love that there are a number of different theories given and provided. I spent a lot of this story focusing on the why and the how, and trying to figure out potential answers along with Charlotte and her colleagues.

Throughout this series thus far, there has been the overwhelming threat of the end of the internships and continuation of employment. Even though it is a given from fairly early on that Charlotte has a more long-term placement (due to being an apprentice vet), it was still a concern as to who would be able to come back. I love that not everyone that features in Charlotte’s life is due to return (because that would be unrealistic), but some are. It’s a nice testament to the continuation of and reality of this series. One I can’t wait to continue reading.

<- The Kitsune Giggle

The Sphinx Pride ->

Image source: Goodreads

Flipping Tails for Seasick Mermaids by Laura Greenwood

September 24, 2024Book ReviewEasy Reading, Laura Greenwood, Obscure Academy, Paranormal Fantasy, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Flipping Tails for Seasick Mermaids
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2023

I never thought of the idea of having a mermaid which had been turned. Rather, I always thought of them as a paranormal creature which was born. I absolutely loved how Fiona was actually turned. Which, of course, made it a somewhat traumatic experience. Which, of course, informed the story brilliantly well and lead to a whole lot of mystery and conflict that I honestly wasn’t actually expecting.

Wade is kind of cute, and I love that he spends his whole time just wanting to help Fiona get over her fear, rather than mocking her for it. And lets face it, a mermaid afraid of the water? That is total mocking territory. Plus, he’s incredibly subtle about it. Rather than outright stating his intentions, he is constantly trying to give Fiona the confidence she needs to move past her fear and be her own self.

I seriously enjoy how the Obscure Academy series is built around a group of paranormal university flatmates (and then branches out), who each have some unique and unexpected challenges. Each of them have difficulties which you entirely do not expect for their species. I love how they’re kind of misfits among their own kind, and each find their own happily ever afters with someone who accepts them as they are.

Flipping Tails for Seasick Mermaids was a fun and pleasant read. I loved he imagery throughout and the support that Wade shows Fiona as she finally deals with the consequences of her turning. I absolutely adored this story, and can’t wait for more Obscure Academy books in my near future.

<- Secret Santa for Grumpy Elves

Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons ->