Tag Archives: Magic

The Fire in the Forging ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Fire in the Forging: No. 3

Title: The Fire in the Forging ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Emelan #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1998

Thoughts

It really doesn’t matter how many times I read this book, this series – I still love it and just… inhale the whole damn thing. Often in one sitting. Because it is just that good! Plus, there is just something about Daja and her story that really hits home. Growing up I wanted to have the confidence of Sandry, but had the temper of Tris. But, as an adult, it’s Daja’s steadfast calmness that really gets to me. And, even though this is a young adult book, I really want to channel some of this calm intensity into my own life.

I love that the first two books in the Circle of Magic series are all about the four youngsters finding each other and combining their powers. But, in this third book, The Fire in the Forging, it’s the beginning of the quad straightening out their powers and really starting to figure out who they are. This is my read through for the I don’t know what time, but it never fails to amaze me how wonderful the construction of the character growth is. I particularly love that the four are starting to realise how powerful they are, but also the price of being so powerful.

One of the aspects of this story that always gets to me is the very real dangers of a bushfire. As someone who has grown up in country Australia, and used to do “bushfire drills”, the intensity of this threat is particularly potent in my eyes. It’s also fascinating and a whole lot of fun to read about. I love how well Pierce dealt with the realities of fighting a bushfire and the dangers of it. It was also brilliant how she incorporated fire storms into the storyline.

Daja and her friends strengthening their bonds and beginning to try and be truly comfortable in their own skins and powers is one of my favourite things about The Fire in the Forging. They might not be there yet, but they are growing into themselves. Which just makes me all that much more excited to read The Healing in the Vine… again.

<- The Power in the Storm ReReadThe Healing in the Vine ReRead ->

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The Power in the Storm ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Power in the Storm : Pierce, Tamora: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: The Power in the Storm ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Emelan #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1998

Thoughts

I loved The Power in the Storm, in every read through I’ve managed to completely inhale. Tris’ journey into starting to really understand her powers. Like her journey into becoming a young mage, it’s not exactly gentle or kind. But, in being such a brutal and steep learning curve, it is one of the more powerful of the coming of age stories I’ve read. Plus, the counterpoint to a lot of the horrors which are faced by Tris throughout the book are beautifully counterpointed by her friends and fellow mages. Absolutely adored and seriously enjoyed.

One of my favourite things in this book is that Tris is able to finally recognise the consequences of her temper, and realises that she needs to begin to control it. I remember reading this when I was younger – I had a huge temper, and struggled to control it. Reading about the destruction which Tris’ power wrought, reminded me of the destruction I can also wreak. And, as an adult rereading this, I found the exact same message. Tempered by even more understanding, but a reminder that being powerful and having a strong voice can have intense consequences.

The four mages of the circle are a wondrously intriguing powerhouse. It’s both intense (and kind of terrifying) that the four preteens are able to totally destroy people where others couldn’t, but, again, as an adult, a great reminder that power can come from everywhere. As can anger. And that maybe, just maybe, it’s the innocence of youth that can destroy the world. But, more importantly, they can help to save and rebuild it. At least, that’s what I took away from the four having such a phenomenal amount of talent and power.

Honestly, it doesn’t matter how many times I read and reread this – I absolutely love it. The coming of age theme, somehow, hasn’t gotten dated. This is still a powerful story that I couldn’t put down. One with many layers, layers which I discover each and every time I dive into these pages. Brilliant, wonderful and a serious joy to read again.

<- The Magic in the Weaving ReReadThe Fire in the Forging ReRead ->

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A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Deadly Education: A Novel: 1

Title: A Deadly Education
Author: Naomi Novik
Series: The Scholomance #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dark academia, Dark fantasy, Magic
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

A Deadly Education is an absolutely fantastic book, one that was completely impossible to put down. The story building and ideas hooked me from the start, and the further you get into the story, the darker it gets. Which I expected a little bit, but the depth of darkness in this was astounding. I couldn’t wait to see what horrors the school conjured next, and how Galadriel was going to deal with it. Plus, there’s so many lovely little nerdy points in this that made me smile, whilst everyone was running for their lives.

Whilst I’ve seen A Deadly Education multiple times over the past few years, and heard good things about it, I’ve been somewhat reluctant to read it. I was kind of expecting it to not live up to the hype and be another take on Hogwarts if I’m being honest. But, it is nothing like that. This definitely lives up to the hype. And I loved the uniqueness of the school and how it (and the lessons) are structured. I loved how intricately and well thought out not only the school, but the world and laws of magic were built. The entire structure gives a great basis for all of the character growth that El goes through, and the potential for what’s going to happen next.

One of my favourite things about El’s character was that she is so damn prickly and resistant to friendship. Which, the more you find out about her history, the more you can understand the why’s and the how’s of this. But, as the story unfolds, she finally starts to find others to let in. She is able to find her people, even though she’s not exactly the gentlest and kindest of the students. I love reading about strong women who don’t fit the mould, and who aren’t afraid to tell others to get lost when it’s needed. I particularly love her strength of character and morals that she displays throughout – turning down opportunities because she hates the hypocrisy and double handedness.

Whilst I really liked the Orion and El relationship, I did find Orion kind of foolish in moments. He just… didn’t think through the consequences of his actions throughout and was then really shocked when they were pointed out to him. And then, he was incredibly ignorant of his privilege. Which, I know is 100% what a privileged person is generally like, but damn was it frustrating at times. I really enjoyed how Novik consistently called out privilege and how blinding it is for some people throughout this story. A great commentary on something that is a silent battle every day.

<- More Naomi NovikThe Last Graduate ->

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Silver Spells by Kate Moseman

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Silver Dreams: A Paranormal Women's Fiction Novel (Midlife Elementals Book 3) eBook : Moseman, Kate: Amazon.com.au: Kindle Store

Title: Silver Spells
Author: Kate Moseman
Series: Midlife Elementals #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Midlife romance, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I absolutely adored Luella and her Ride or Die friends. I mean, I have some great friends, but I can’t imagine having this level of Ride or Die insanity in my life… forever. I also love that they just… band together in the insanity as they realise that their lives are about to change forever. I mean, it is just moment after moment of intensity and a whole lot of heck no, but these three women choose to ride it out together and not let it destroy their friendship. There is something about these midlife paranormal romances that just hit the spot and make me incredibly happy. There may be a love interest in there, but it is the true friendships that Luella has that really made this story so enjoyable for me.

One of my favourite parts of Luella’s friendship with Pepper and Rose is how onboard they are with all of the mystical changes that are going on in her life. That is, until it starts to happen to them. They are 100% behind the Mayhem, until they realise that the mayhem is beginning to touch on their lives, and then they are a little less enthusiastic about it all. Which I can completely understand, I mean, I love to support my friends through their own chaos and mayhem, but I am so much less okay with it happening to me. I also love how their different personalities and talents round out throughout the story and begin to lead into the rest of the series.

Silver Spells is a simple, fun and easy read. But, unlike some of the other joyous reads on my shelves, there is a fair amount of drama going on throughout. It made this story impossible to put down and a whole lot of fun. I can’t wait to dive into Silver Charms – to find out not only how the battles between generations of witches go, but also to find out about the next love match. I mean, the love match in this was cute and sweet, so I can’t wait to see how Rose fairs. Plus, there is the whole idea of elemental powers that I just can’t move past – something that is a recurrent theme in many books, but a well utilised one.

There is something about midlife paranormal romances that I really love. I’m not quite at the “midlife” point in my life, but I’m definitely closer to that then a young adult / my college days. I love that this story, like many of its genre, is a reminder that life goes on for women after their children are grown (or growing). That a failed marriage (for whatever reason) doesn’t make them unloveable, and that life doesn’t stop just because we’re not young and perky anymore. It’s a great reminder, and a wonderfully growing area of literature that emphasises that women have power, and we should stand on the rooftops, yelling it. Loud and proud.

<- More Kate MosemanSilver Charms ->

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Death and Relaxation ReRead by Devon Monk

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Death and Relaxation: 1 : Monk, Devon: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: Death and Relaxation ReRead
Author: Devon Monk
Series: Ordinary Magic #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Gods, Magic, Mythology, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I remember reading Death and Relaxation for the first time a few years ago. And I remember thinking that it was a whole lot of fun and a wonderfully unique take on mythology. Then, as happens, I got distracted by the many, many, many other books on my TBR. So now I’m keen to dive into this series all over again – just I decided to reread where it all started, and I am incredibly glad that I did. Death and Relaxation was a whole lot of fun and really difficult to put down. It made me ridiculously happy to have the pleasure of reading this again, and now I’m excited to dive into Devils and Details.

Delaney and her ability to hold a gods powers is a really unique idea. I love how she has had to take up the mantel of her power, all the while grieving the surprise demise of her father. This one detail sets not only this story up perfectly, but I feel like there are hints of foul-play in his death from the beginning. I can’t wait to see how this all unfolds and drives the rest of the series. I then love, that on top of that, both of Delaney’s sisters also have their own gifts that ensure the safe running of their small town. It all combines to draw you in from the very first sentence, right through until the last.

Alongside all of the challenges that Delaney faces, is the fact that she reconnects with Ryder. I really enjoyed this relationship unfolding, even if it has a bit of a fizzle at the end. Again, there are hints of a greater story line in amongst this, one that I really, really want to unfold. Even more so than the mystery of Delaney’s Dad’s death – after all, Ryder is alive and there is so much sizzle and potential. But, I love a good slow burn in my urban fantasies, so I’m far  more excited for more death, murder and mayhem in the future.

I absolutely loved Death and Relaxation the first time, but I loved it even more the second time around. And now, I get to dive into this series with a more mature viewpoint and outlook on life. There’s a reason why urban fantasy is one of my favourite genres, and this is a gorgeous example of everything that I love in the genre.

<- More Devon MonkDevils and Details ReRead ->

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A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Wizard of Earthsea: The First Book of Earthsea

Title: A Wizard of Earthsea
Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
Series: Earthsea Cycle #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Classics, Fantasy, Magic
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1968

Thoughts

I’ve had A Wizard of Earthsea on my shelves for a little while, both in physical form and on my ebook wishlist. But it’s something that has always been shuffled to the side. Now I’m kind of regretting that decision – there is something about this story that is brilliant and impossible to forget. I absolutely devoured this book and I didn’t want to put it down. A Wizard of Earthsea had a traditional fantasy flavour to its journey, but with an extra spin. Whilst the style and the form of the writing felt like a traditional fantasy that I’ve read before, it had so many surprising moments throughout. Particularly when taken in the context of when this story was first written and published.

I love that throughout this novel, Ged is chasing his mistakes and the errors of youth. Rather than this being a journey about him vanquishing a greater foe, it is really about the adventure that he actually goes on. And the many different ways in which he is able to learn from his mistakes. I also love that, instead of being self-righteous and just blaming everyone, Ged spends the entirety of this story acknowledging his misdeeds and trying to fix the mistakes of the past. He gets to learn through adventure, but he doesn’t do it in a way that makes it hard to empathise with him.

A Wizard of Earthsea was a very passive, but seriously enjoyable adventure. I love that it wasn’t the typical high octane, intense fantasy that I tend to read, but it was still seriously enjoyable. I could put it aside when I had to “adult”, but I was still hanging to dive back into it. Unlike a lot of the fantasies that I read, I found that this story was more about the internal development, and the journey and adventure across Earthsea helped to build up Ged’s character. The setting and adventure almost supported his character’s development, rather than being the external force which alters it.

I really liked the sailing aspect of this adventure. I love that to begin with, it’s all about sailing and running. Then, as the story unfolds, it’s all about sailing and chasing. The roles of pursued and pursuer change as the story unfolds, again, something that I found ridiculously endearing and fun to read about. Then, as the action gets more and more heightened, Le Guin was able to round out the conflict in a way that I absolutely didn’t anticipate. A bit of a surprise for me, since I had absolutely no inkling of how this would end. Now I can’t wait to dive into Le Guin’s world of Earthsea all over again.

<- More Ursula K. Le GuinThe Tombs of Atuan ->

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Burn for Me ReRead by Ilona Andrews

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Overview
Burn for Me: A Hidden Legacy Novel: 1

Title: Burn for Me ReRead
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Hidden Legacy #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I reread literally anything by Ilona Andrews, I still love it the second, third, fourth, fifth time around. And Burn for Me is no exception. I honestly couldn’t put this down, even though I had a rough idea of what was going to happen (my goldfish brain forget the minutiae). There is just something about this world building and the strong women that make up this world that I absolutely loved. Plus, I always route for the Underdog, and Nevada and her family definitely qualify as the Underdogs. They have the grit, determination, and fight though to win the day. It may not happen in real life, but I love reading about characters who are able to turn things around like this.

Nevada is brilliant, beautiful and a whole lot of fun. And by beautiful, I mean on the inside (the outside I imagine is the same). I love that above all, she has a loyalty to her family and loved ones that beats everything else. Having a character that is driven by the love of family isn’t always typical in the books I read, they often feature people who are total outcasts and have no family. So the fact that Nevada’s internal confidence and power absolutely come from her mother, grandmother, sisters and cousins – too wonderful for words.

Mad Rogan is a great contrast to Nevada. Where Nevada is all about family and loyalty and love, Rogan is ridiculously about power. The fact that he has almost lost his humanity in points of this is a great opposites attract kind of counterpoint. And I love that Nevada is able to bring him back to centre a little bit – remind him that nothing in this world is worth doing unless there are people you love to share it with. I also love how Nevada’s willingness to to sacrifice herself (continuously and with enthusiasm throughout this story) is balanced out by Rogan’s need to survive and ensure her survival.

I may have read this series before, but I loved picking up all of the little hints and tips about the future. It gave me a little more insight into some of the moments and how that would feed into what is to come. I also love that, with each read through, different themes show up and different moments hold importance. For me, this read through was all about loyalty and love of family. I wonder what I will focus on the next time I have the pleasure of picking up this series.

<- More Ilona AndrewsWhite Hot ReRead ->

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The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Blacksmith Queen (The Scarred Earth Saga Book 1)

Title: The Blacksmith Queen
Author: G.A. Aiken
Series: The Scarred Earth Saga #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I absolutely, freaking loved this story! I couldn’t put it down, I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and I just loved absolutely everything about this story. Every time I thought that I had a bit of a grasp of what was going on, or even, what was going to happen… well, I would be thrown some kind of curveball. It was completely unpredictable, but in all the best ways. I can’t believe just how much I loved this, and how many plot points caught me completely by surprise. Which, of course, is what I absolutely loved about Aiken / Laurenston’s writing.

Keeley is, as with pretty much all of Aiken’s female leads, an absolute badass. I mean, she might not be the first female blacksmith I’ve read featured in a book. She is the first one to lay about her with a hammer and just… destroy everyone. Yet, in amongst all of her power, violence and chaos, is an amazing heart and a kind spirit. I really loved this balance, she isn’t all or nothing, but a complex character that I absolutely fell in love with. I love that, for all of the challenges that get thrown at her throughout the happenings in The Blacksmith Queen, she chooses to rally, gather those she loves around her and just… do the right thing. Even if it’s not quite the easy choice, or even the one that she wants to make.

I originally thought that I knew who the “Blacksmith Queen” was going to be, and then I thought I’d guessed wrong, then I thought I’d guessed right… I mean, the whole thing had me on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out not only who the “Blacksmith Queen” would be, but also how the prophecy, the conspiracy, everything was going to unfold. That alone would’ve pulled me in and made me intrigued. But then, there was the connection to the centaurs and the dwarves. And the machinations and dramas of two maybe-queens setting up alliances, ready to be at war with one another.

I’ve read a lot of different books with mythological creatures, but this is definitely my first centaur romance. And now I wonder why I haven’t got more of these on my shelves! Particularly centaurs the way Aiken writes them, they are just as insane and violent as all of her other characters. And just as unforgettable. I absolutely adored everything about this concept, and now I can’t wait to read more about Keeley’s asencion to the throne. Plus, the next story is about her War Monk sister, Gemma’s romance… something I also can’t wait to sink my teeth into!

<- More G.A. AikenThe Princess Knight ->

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The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview
The Teller of Small Fortunes

Title: The Teller of Small Fortunes
Author: Julie Leong
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Cozy fantasy, Fantasy, Magic
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

I seriously enjoyed going on Tao’s journey through the country with her. Joining her on her journey to accepting herself and finding Found Family. This was such a sweet cozy fantasy that I really enjoyed reading. There was nothing intense and heart stopping about the story, and I didn’t necessarily feel like my emotions got too tangled up in the drama. But there was affection, there was love, and there was growth. Plus, there was an adventure that dealt with a whole set of challenging circumstances, and a feeling of life coming full circle at the end of the book.

I really loved this band of misfits – Mash, Silt and Kina worked so well together. They fit together so seamlessly, and beautifully. Mash is the strong, driven family man (with a bit of a past) who is completely driven by finding his daughter, and also the primary activity that drives the four on their journey. Silt is such a happy-go-lucky character and often brings almost comedic relief to the story. Kina then rounds out the group with emotion and joy. Her love of life and happiness were probably my favourite parts of the whole story and group. Tao might have been the main character, but it was the bonds between the four that truly drove the story.

One of my favourite things about this book is how Tao explains the difference between big and small fortunes. She’s a seer regardless (which becomes wonderfully apparent as the story unfolds), but the cost and the challenges of reading the different kinds of fortune is beautifully explained. I particularly love, that, as Tao’s back story comes out, the reasons for her choice of fortunes was even more powerful. There is such intricacy to this world building, right down to the rules and costs of magic, that I absolutely adored. Plus, I love the idea that even our small fortunes have the ability to give us some major changes in our lives. Ones that may or may not be needed.

There was something entirely innocent about this whole story. It was cute, sweet and worked out really well. When reading the blurb, I thought that the journey to find Mash’s daughter was going to be a little bit dark, and have some potential horrors in store. Instead, it was just as innocent as the rest of the tale. There was this almost naivety to the writing and the storyline that I really needed. And it’s a great reminder why the cozy fantasy genre works so well. There is action and intrigue that makes you want to keep reading, but it is so damn sweet and innocent, that the emotional stakes don’t totally destroy you.

<- The Keeper of Magical ThingsMore cozy fantasy ->

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The Magic in the Weaving ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Magic in the Weaving ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Emelan #1, Circle of Magic #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 1997

Thoughts

I could read this book a thousand times over, and still enjoy it each and every time. There is just something about Pierce’s writing and world building that is just like a big hug. I absolutely adore her stories, and The Circle of Magic, for whatever reason, is a series that I particularly love. Probably because it is about four young individuals who have always felt like they don’t quite belong, for whatever reason. And then they find their Found Family, and discover their inner powers. As a young girl, this was a potent message (I never quite felt like I fit), and even as an adult, it’s a reminder that somewhere, somehow there is a tribe out there for you.

I love that the Circle of Magic series starts off with Sandry. Not only is she the one to weave their magics together, but she is also integral to weaving their relationships together. I loved reading about her story, her growing into her powers and discovering what she can do. Plus, it was so much fun reading about Sandry’s growth and powers, with the lens and understanding of what is to come. It’s always fun rereading a story with an understanding of some of the hints and nuances to come, but it’s even better when the author has crafted a book which gives you something a little different with each reread.

As much as I know and love this story, I always kind of forget how late in the tale their intertwining comes. Most of this story is actually about the four coming into their powers and bonding. It’s not until right at the end that this complication is added. And it’s not until later books in the series that you really start to realise how big of a moment this is. It’s a beautiful way to set up a series – starting with the four becoming a bit more comfortable in their own skins, and discovering who they are. Then, throwing in an extra little dash of chaos at the very end which will fuel the rest of the series.

Although I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read and reread this book, and entire series. And yet, even though I know exactly what is going to happen, I still can’t manage to put this down. There is something about the story and the words that still has me feeling excited, tense and looking forward to what is to come. I don’t know what it is, but I won’t question it, there’s not many times I can go back and revisit a childhood favourite so frequently and with so much love.

<- More Tamora PierceThe Power in the Storm ReRead ->

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