Tag Archives: Magic

A Guiding Light ReRead by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
A Guiding Light (5) : Copperfield, Susan: Amazon.com.au: Books

Title: A Guiding Light ReRead
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #4
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: 2018

Thoughts

Adam and Veronica’s story in A Guiding Light is a little bit sad, and definitely has multiple moments of trauma and destruction throughout. But, I love it anyway – somehow, the darkness of their story brings out the light of their love. Or at least, that’s how my optimistic self sees it. The fact that it is Veronica’s father who does the damage just shows how truly horrifying people can be. To be able to destroy his own daughter in this way, and to effectively rip his kingdom apart is a great reminder of how power can destroy… and just how far some people will go to keep their power. But, because this is one of my more feel good stories (even if it’s sad), there is a beautiful, happy ending in which good eventually triumphs over evil.

I absolutely love how dedicated Adam is to those that he loves, even from afar. He is willing to do pretty much anything for Veronica, and her family. Even if he’s not being acknowledged for it, and no one actually knows that he is the one doing a whole lot of the saving. Adam is just such a beautifully pure being, one that is seriously depressed and doesn’t necessarily want to live. But, still, he’s such a supportive and loving man. I also love how he was able to build something from nothing – a reality in which he is able to rescue his home kingdom, having built everything up from being completely disowned.

One of my favourite things about A Guiding Light is the way in which the RPS gets involved. They have been involved and manipulating things from very early on in the series. But, this novel is the one that really drives home just how much they like to get involved and manipulate the situation. Honestly, the RPS is an absolute powerhouse, and I loved every moment of their nonsense and chaos. Plus, their ability to redirect Royals (and the political landscape of the world) is kind of brilliant. The true powers behind the throne… at least, that’s how I took it.

Adam, when he unleashes his powers, and his parents decide to wreak havoc and revenge are a great combination. I really enjoyed how Adam’s ability to actually use his latent powers is very dependent upon his happiness and his willingness to protect Veronica and her siblings. It is a great indication of the depths to which emotions can impact our daily functioning and our ability to shine. And a reminder to find your happiness and love wherever you can.

All in all, A Guiding Light is a fun, sweet and kind of sad adventure. But, those moments of sadness and tragedy are beautifully balanced out with the love and joy that is found throughout. I love the lessons that are learnt, not just by the characters in the Royal States world, but, also by the person reading the story. And, in each read through, I pick up a new nuance which highlights the importance of taking the joy and love where and when you can.

<- The Captive King ReReadHuntress ReRead ->

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The Captive King ReRead by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
The Captive King: A Royal States Novel

Title: The Captive King ReRead
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #3
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: 2018

Thoughts

I find the story of Summer and her journey to gaining more knowledge (and power as a side effect) to be a really interesting one. Particularly because she’s a PhD student and has to deal with the horrors of academia politics. I love that, at the end of the day, for some, academia is more about politics than it is actual knowledge and research. And that, upon understanding this, Summer is actually willing to walk away from empty promises and find her own version of knowledge and happily ever after. The fact that it involves a man who just wants to be with her is just a nice little side quest, in my opinion.

I love that Summer is absolutely stubborn, and hyper independent. She absolutely wants to do everything by herself and for herself. Which, I can completely understand. Yet, when Landon points out that she is potentially hindering herself in not asking for or accepting help, she’s not too stubborn and proud to try and fix the error of her ways. We all need help every now and again, and Summer is able to (eventually) learn this, and find a better way to thrive in the life that she has built for herself.

One of my favourite parts of this story isn’t actually Summer’s journey, or the way that her and Landon fall for each other (which is all brilliant). I love how, when corruption is discovered, Summer is able to absolutely bring Landon’s entire castle to its knees. Both physically and metaphorically. It was such a great use of chaos, mayhem and feminine rage to bring about positive change. Honestly, I kind of wish that I had powers of that calibre – that when the world was being kind of (okay, incredibly) horrible, I could bring it to its knee to create a new reality that is a little more fair and loving to it.

Finally, I love how The Captive King build on the meetings with Jessica and Pat, MacKenzie and Will. The layers of this world are really starting to come together to create a phenomenal and unforgettable whole. It makes a more cohesive series, and also gives you insights into well loved characters’ lives as they unfold and live their own happily ever afters. There are also a number of political viewpoints which are discussed, but, mostly, I just love how Summer is able to destroy the predators and give the voiceless some power back.

<- Null and Void ReReadA Guiding Light ReRead ->

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Null and Void ReRead by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Null and Void: A Royal States Novel (3)

Title: Null and Void ReRead
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2017

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I read this, I still love MazKenzie and William’s story. I mean, they’re kind of the major catalyst for a lot of change in this series. But also, they are just funny and cute. I particularly related to MacKenzie this time around – being a single mum and trying my best to do what is good and right for my kids.

One of my favourite things about this couple is the way that William so willingly steps aside to let MacKenzie grow. He doesn’t pressure her or suffocate her, rather, he chooses to give her the space to come into her own power. Don’t get me wrong, I’d be annoyed in MacKenzie’s shoes – he doesn’t consult her. But, I also like how he knows the powerhouse she can become, without hesitation or doubt.

As I mentioned, I really related to MacKenzie as a single mum. And I adored how well she raises her daughter and prioritises her wellbeing abo e everything else. Yes, she’s a working mum, but she never let’s her daughter forget that she is loved and prioritised. I now know from experience that that’d not an easy feat, and it made me love her all that much more. Plus, she’s just a fierce Mumma Bear which is freaking amazing.

I might kind of dislike the term Null and Void to describe MacKenzie, but it did work really well. It perfectly describes how the stereotypes and judgements that MacKenzie experiences impact her everyday life. And, as with everything in the Royal States series, is a great commentary on how racism, sexism, and all the facets in between can seriously impact our society. In the most negative way.

<- Taken ReReadThe Captive King ->

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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

Book Review, , , , , , , , ,
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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