Earth and Skye

Harpy’s Mission by Laura Greenwood

June 4, 2024Book ReviewEasy Reading, Laura Greenwood, Paranormal Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Supernatural Retrieval Agencyskyebjenner

Title: Harpy’s Mission
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Supernatural Retrieval Agency #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Harper the harpy was a fun character, and I love that she’s starting out at the Supernatural Retrieval Agency, I could learn alongside her. There’s also a lot of hints about the fact that Harper is entering a corrupt system. And that maybe she’s been hired for not so above board reasons. From thr very first moment, Harper the harpy and her new job completely drew me in. And now I can’t wait to read Harpy’s Escape.

Greenwood’s writing is always an easy read, and I enjoy the short adventures that I get to go on. Harpy’s Mission is no different. It’s an amazing adventure from beginning to end, with a lot of drama and action thrown in. There’s also the hints of a slowburn relationship with Elias from early on in the story. Now not only do I want to know all of the insand outs of the crime world run by the Big Bad, but also how Harper’s relationship with Elias unfolds.

Not going to lie, I’m really wanting Harper’s boss to get his comeuppance. He’s definitely a horrible human being, and I want to know if he’s actually evil, or just an ass. I’m hoping that he’s just an egotistical red herring, because I just want to see him demoted, but I suppose I have to read the rest of the story to find out.

Harpy’s Mission is the beginning of yet another enjoyable Greenwood story. One that I, as usual, look forward to reading again in the future. Particularly as her works are an easy departure from reality.

Harpy’s Escape ->

The Dryad’s Pawprint by Laura Greenwood

June 3, 2024Book ReviewLaura Greenwood, Paranormal Romance, Shapeshifters, The Paranormal Councilskyebjenner

Title: The Dryad’s Pawprint
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: The Paranormal Council #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

As always when I find a random new series that I like, I actually read this series slightly out of order. I read The Bear’s Claws first, and then really wanted to go back in the series to find out more about Vic’s brother Kem. Lucky for me, the very first book in this series is actually about Kem, and so I didn’t have long to wait to learn his story. Plus, it’s a good introduction into the Paranormal Council. So far the shifters and the dryads have been introduced, and I can’t wait to read more and find more of the other paranormals throughout this series. And how the power plays are going to work.

Lia and Kem are a sweet couple, they kind of have the insta-love vibes, but it’s just managed to mature over the year of their separation. It gives plenty of sweet steam to the book, without feeling too contrived and forceful. For me, the perfect balance to reach in these shorter novels. Stories that give you a happily ever after and a whole lot of enjoyment. Plus, I love that, although there are barriers to their relationship, they are fairly simple ones. Which meant that this was a much more pleasant story.

I thought that Lia’s sister was going to be a much bigger problem than she ended up being. Although it is obvious that Lia adores her sister, there is a lot of jealousy in many of the actions. And, you know, the whole part where Kem is supposed to marry the wrong sister. Luckily, this had the kind of sister relationship that I always love – one that’s actually supportive and kind. They might bicker, but they ultimately adore each other and support one another.

I get the feeling that the activities and alliances formed in The Dryad’s Pawprint are leading into a bigger time of change within this world. I’m incredibly excited to see how this occurs, removing the stuffy old guard and replacing it with the new.

The Vixen’s Bark ->

Wake the Dead by Laura Greenwood

June 2, 2024Book ReviewEasy Reading, Laura Greenwood, Necromancer Council, Necromancers, Paranormal Fantasyskyebjenner

Title: Wake the Dead
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Necromancer Council #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Necromancers, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

I wasn’t quite expecting this story to be as intense as it was – mostly because most of Greenwood’s novels so far haven’t been that emotionally wrought. And although it was a change of pace, I did really enjoy it. It was particularly emotionally wrought in the moments when you realise just what Cissy is recovering from – I mean, she has a pretty traumatic recent past.

I love that this story is the beginning of Cissy and her team reconfiguring the necromancer council. Not only is this a story that’s based right on the precipice of change – but also a story which is about people trying to regain their identity. In this case, it’s a group of necromancers trying to rejig others’ opinions of them and the driver for change. I can’t wait to see, not only the things they come up against, but also how they manage to reconfigure their own identities.

The amount of information about necromancers and how their magic works was brilliant. I had a total information overload, and I kind of loved it. It’s fun when you not only get really attached to a character and their battles, but also get a whole lot of information and world-building. It was nice to find another facet of the mind of Greenwood, and the powers that inform the world that I enjoyed reading about.

I’m absolutely dying to dive into Curse the Dead. I can’t wait to see how Cissy continues to make waves in her world and overcome the trauma of the past. Plus, I can’t wait to find out more about the horrible things that go bump in the night, and how they are willing to fight them.

<- Curses Start Somewhere

Curse the Dead ->

Image source: Dymocks

First Time’s a Charm by Laura Greenwood

June 1, 2024Book ReviewEasy Reading, Grimalkin - Kittens, Laura Greenwood, Paranormal Fantasy, Witchesskyebjenner

Title: First Time’s a Charm
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Grimalkin: Kittens #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

This was a fun and cute coming of age and university story. Or at least, the beginning of one. Then, there’s the whole multiple men, one woman angle which is kind of fun. Mona is definitely trying to come to terms with the changes in her life, particularly the loss of the extent of her powers. It definitely made me reflect on my times at university and the amount of change that I went through.

I love that Mona’s curse is constantly conjuring kittens. I mean, of all the ways to be cursed, it’s definitely a cute approach. And, the byproduct isn’t all bad, although sure to be costly. I enjoy that even though she’s cursed and has an embarrassing side effect to her magic, somehow in producing kittens, Mona is able to find her feet and regain her confidence.

There are three potential romances throughout this story. And, although I’m pretty sure that Mona is going to end up with all three of them. There’s the TA, Ryan and Caspian. Personally, I’m liking Ryan best because I love the whole friends to lovers trope. And then there’s the fact that Caspian is most likely her mother’s ex best friend’s child. Which is going to be interesting. And that’s not even with the complications that his stepsister brings to the board. I actually can’t wait to see how this aspect unfolds – and I’m not someone who is often into reverse harem books.

For all of the joy of Mona and her harem of men, I actually want more Daphne than anything. She’s kind of hilarious and a truly loyal friend. I always love characters that emphasise the power of female friendships. And I’m absolutely enjoying her ability to be supportive to Mona. I’m not sure If I’m looking forward to Mona kicking butt in the future or Daphne supporting her more…

Second Time’s a Curse ->

Curses Start Somewhere by Laura Greenwood

May 31, 2024Book ReviewEasy Reading, Grimalkin - Kittens, Laura Greenwood, Paranormal Fantasy, Witchesskyebjenner

Title: Curses Start Somewhere
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Grimalkin: Kittens #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2019

One of the things I’m loving about Greenwood is that her stories are a really quick and fun read. There is enough substance to be enjoyable, but not so much to big me down. Having said that, the negative feelings in this were scarily familiar. The whole idea that your best friend in the world suddenly turns on you through misplaced jealousy. And how that will kind of scar you for life.

The familiar feelings of losing a friendship might not have been fun, but I’m now intrigued to start the rest of the series. Because, of course you know that this weirdly placed jealousy curse is going to land in the next generation. And now I can’t wait to see how. And how I’m sure the grimoire created will have some kind of place within.

Even though it was kind of clear from the title and the very beginning what would happen, that eventual separation of friendship was still painful. As someone who has experienced it herself, I swear it’s worse than a break up. And I love that even in an easy read, Greenwood is still able to teat into your emotions.

What a fun way to start a series (in that whole not fun, emotional way). I can’t wait to find out more!

First Time’s a Charm ->

Unfortunate Decrees and Iced Coffees by Laura Greenwood

May 30, 2024Book ReviewCauldron Coffee Shop, Easy Reading, Laura Greenwood, Paranormal Fantasy, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Unfortunate Decrees and Iced Coffees
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Cauldron Coffee Shop #0.5
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: 2021

This was such an adorable and fun second chance romance. And, I really like that although the couple split when they were younger, there were ultimately no hard feelings. It made this story so much sweeter and cuter. Plus, it meant, that although I was totally barracking for the couple, I could focus a little more on the archaeological mystery.

This was a nice little introduction to another spin-off series in the world of Greenwood. I like that it mentions Mona (from First Time’s a Charm). Plus, it introduced the Cauldron Coffee Shop. A fantastic way to introduce readers to the world and some lovely and loveable characters.

I love that there is the mystery of the giant stone and all of the mayhem that follows. But that it doesn’t actually get solved. I mean, I love a good conclusion as does everyone else, but I also love when things are a little open ended and unsolved. This did so beautifully and made me want to know more about the different magical artifacts that people come across in Greenwood’s writing.

There is a lot of crossover in this story, and multitudes of world building. It’s why I have so many of Greenwood’s stories on my TBR at the moment – they are all wonderfully interconnected and built wonderfully.

Pumpkin Spice and All Things Nice ->

Witches and Stitches by Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape

March 21, 2024Book ReviewAmethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries, Arizona Tape, Laura Greenwood, Paranormal Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Witchesskyebjenner

Title: Witches and Stitches
Author: Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape
Series: Amethyst’s Wand Shop Mysteries #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

The idea of the whole Frankenbody thing in this is kind of gross – I mean, someone chopping up bits of women and sewing them together? It scares me that this is actually a thing, albeit stupidly rare. But, it worked out well as a bit of a whodunnit mystery – and trying to put together all of the pieces to figure out who the culprit was. In fact, although they catch him. And get a confession as to why he did the horrible stuff… I kind of wish that I had more background as to the evil why.

Throughout this story, Amethyst is getting closer and closer to admitting her feelings for Ambrose… yay! I mean, she finally admits them to herself, which is the first step. I can’t wait to see how that unfolds later on in the series. Or even, you know, in the next book. I love the awkward dance when one person finally realises that they’ve caught the feelings and is trying to compartmentalise them! It’s going to be exciting to see how this actually unfolds.

Not only does Amy realise that she’s caught the feelings for Ambrose, but I also love how she is building strong female friendships. They’re also healthy and noncompetitive – something we don’t see nearly enough of in literature in my not so humble opinion. I really want to get to know more about the women that Amy has become friends with. Plus, it’s just refreshing to not have conflict occurring because of female relationships. Yay for positivity!

I love that with every story in this series, you get to find out more about the paranormal world that Greenwood and Tape have created. There are new little titbits with every story, and it just makes me want to know more and more about the world with every page turned. Plus, although there are some serious goings on happening in the background, overall, this is a really light-hearted story. One that is pleasant and leaves me smiling after I turn the final page. I don’t always want to have an existential crisis when I read.

<- Hexes and Vexes

Rites and Knights ->

Tiger Crown by Laura Greenwood

March 20, 2024Book ReviewEasy Reading, Laura Greenwood, Paranormal Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Sabre Woods Academyskyebjenner

Title: Tiger Crown
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Sabre Woods Academy #1
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: 2021

Kayra was mentioned briefly in Shifting Forms for Clumsy Felines, and, honestly, I was completely intrigued by her story. All I knew was that the lead male in Shifting Forms for Clumsy Felines was her ex-sort-of-fiancé, and that she is the centre of a major scandal in the shifter world. That was honestly enough for me to be drawn in and fascinated. So, when I realised that I actually had her story on my shelves, I was ready to dive right in. And what a fantastic beginning to her story!

I don’t always love when there is a story line which features two women being pitted against each other – it does tend to get over done, but I did like this version. I mean, they’re pitted against each other because of Kayra’s mother. It’s the mother’s actions and horribleness that lead to these two young women to be constantly at odds, and it’s also Kayra who is constantly just trying not to show interest in the nonsense and the drama. It’s still a little bit of a cliché personal challenge, but not painfully so. In fact, I actually look forward to seeing how this conflict continues throughout the rest of this trilogy.

Even as a mum, wife and woman in my thirties, I still think fondly of my high school and university days – they are a period of great change and growth, so I think that everyone honestly does. And, although I wouldn’t ever want to go back to that awkward angst, it is a point of time that is kind of unforgettable. And, since I’m that little bit older now, I do struggle to read stories set in high school. But the new adult stories set at university / college? They are the perfect sweet spot. I love that Kayra is starting a whole new life and looking forward to spreading her wings in this. You can tell immediately that she has found her forever friends and people. The fact that there is extra ‘political’ conflict that enhances her coming of age story, makes it an even more engaging and unforgettable read.

As the beginning of Kayra’s story and journey to a serious powerhouse, this was phenomenal. I am both excited and terrified to read more of the story, particularly to find out more about how her mother is planning on destroying her. I mean, what a horrible (yet brilliant) villain in having the mother of the main character out to destroy her… I’m just not sure how.

<- Bonfire Night for Flammable Dragons

Tiger Throne ->

Image source: Dymocks

Drinking Blood for Squeamish Vampires by Laura Greenwood

March 18, 2024Book ReviewEasy Reading, Laura Greenwood, Obscure Academy, Paranormal Fantasy, Paranormal Romanceskyebjenner

Title: Drinking Blood for Squeamish Vampires
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Bernie and Shane are a good insight into the world of vampires that Greenwood has created. I mean, there’s obviously a whole heap of series that feed into this one, but for me, this is my first introduction to Greenwood’s version of vampires. The fact that they are both turned, not born makes it all the more interesting. And then, there’s the fact that Bernie can’t actually drink blood. I mean, I loved the characters anyway, but I’m loving that in the Obscure Academy series there’s always one character that doesn’t conform to the expected. In this case, it’s Bernie and her blood aversion.

As someone who absolutely loves cooking, I’ve never actually taken a cooking class, and, after reading about Bernie’s awesome experiences, I kind of really, really want to. I mean, the fact that she gets with the super hot student teacher does help. But, I also love the idea of cooking with someone else and learning some new tricks – a bit like Home Ec when I was in high school I suppose. It was fun to think about the different paranormals that want to learn to cook and just why they want to. Particularly since this cooking class is vegetarian!

As much as I enjoyed the romance of Shane and Bernie, I really inhaled this book so quickly because I wanted to know the cause of her blood squeamishness. I mean, you get introduced to the idea in Shifting Forms for Clumsy Felines when Bernie and Krissi become friends. Then you get to actually find out just what is going on. And how Bernie is going to live the rest of her very long supernatural life with this issue. I can’t imagine not being able to enjoy some of the foods that you have to eat!

This was yet another quick and rewarding venture in the Obscure Academy world. I mean, it’s two made vampires falling in love over food. I’m pretty much sold as soon as there is food to be totally honest. Add in the fact that both characters are learning to come into their own and figuring out their new lives. It’s definitely a fun little journey.

Enchanting Songs for Silent Sirens ->