Tag Archives: Magic

Storm Called ReRead by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Storm Called
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #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: 2019

Thoughts

I seem to have been on a major reread bender lately, and the Royal States series is just the latest in this track. Also, I think that there are going to be a few more books trickling out soon, so I figured I may as well go back to the beginning and see what I pick up on my second read round. Sometimes a reread isn’t the best idea, there have been plenty of books that I genuinely regret rereading. However, that is most certainly not the case with Storm Called – it was just as good and fun as I remembered.

I honestly have no idea what it is about this series that draws me in so thoroughly. The writing isn’t the most sophisticated in the world, but there is just something about it that I absolutely adore. Partially this is the politically driven agenda which threads through all of the writing. But, there is also just something about the world building and characters that is just as good on a reread. I wasn’t surprised by the potency of all this this time, but I was just as pleasantly pleased.

One of my favourite things about Patrick is his practicality. I love that, ultimately, the future king of a “state” is one who is born from the lowest of the castes – and that he uses this knowledge to actually create practical and sane laws. It’s definitely an uphill battle, but with everything that is going on in the world, particularly in America, I think that this message is even more poignant. I mean, we need sane and practical people at the helm to ensure that you know, the world survives and people get to live their best lives…

In amongst Patrick’s drive to just support and love the woman he sets his sights on, this story also heavily emphasises the power of education. It’s such an obvious way to keep the masses down, make education almost impossible to obtain, and therefore, it is easier to keep the masses from being able to rise to power. It’s gorgeous that Patrick recognises this, and then chooses to remove this inequality by making sure he is able to take advantage of the benefits of education. It’s just a reminder that education should be available to all, for free.

<- More Susan CopperfieldTaken ReRead ->

Image source: Smashwords

Love of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Love of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #6
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

It was obvious from her first introduction in Courage of the Witch, that Luna was going to have a bit of a complex backstory. But, I honestly had no idea what to actually expect. So it was a whole lot of fun finding out more about her life prior to her introduction to Keating Hollow. It was also fun to discover that she actually already had history with her love interest, Chad, and “watch” that unfold as I turned the pages.

One of the aspects of this story that I really enjoyed was how the story unfolded – it was, as mentioned, obvious that Chad and Luna had their own history from the beginning. But not much of it was revealed to start with. Rather, through their interactions, they start to tease out the details of their past. This history was then what they both were able to use to build into their future together. It wasn’t quite a second chance romance, but it was kind of close to it… a bit more of a second chance to get to know one another, not a second chance at being a couple. Or at least, that’s how I felt.

I absolutely called Luna’s family connections when Chase started to leave some of those breadcrumbs. Yet, the journey to get there was still phenomenal and seriously enjoyable. I absolutely adored diving into her journey of self-discovery. And the final twist as to who and what Luna’s family is didn’t quite take me by the surprise it normally would have. Chase is just so fantastic at leaving subtle breadcrumbs throughout her works that it’s kind of anticipated.

Although I go back to Chase’s Witches of Keating Hollow series again and again for the romance, I also love the secondary characters. In the case of Love of the Witch, I think that Levi actually stole my heart more than Chad. He was a great familial love story that just melted my heart again and again and again. I also love how his trauma tends towards the quieter aspects of damage, and then he chooses to still love and care about someone. It’s particularly sweet when he could’ve been displayed as a tough and hesitant young man. But, instead, he and Luna create the most beautiful and sweetest of bonds.

<- Courage of the WitchPower of the Witch ->

Image source: Goodreads

Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes by Michelle M. Pillow

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes
Author: Michelle M. Pillow
Series: (Un)lucky Valley #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Cozy mystery, Magic, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Better Haunts and Garden Gnomes is a great start to the Goode Witches curse and the story of (Un)Lucky Valley. What I took to be a simple cozy mystery and continuation of the antics of Aunt Polly and the Happily Everlasting series is really the beginning of a whole heap of new complications. It is still entirely written in the same vein. However, there is less of the happily ever after romance within the story, and so much more dark secrets that aren’t quite resolved. I feel like this whole series is going to uncover secret after secret, and I for one can’t wait.

It was kind of hard to guess who the villain in this story was going to be. I mean, there’s literally a whole town that hates this family and wants them gone. I didn’t quite guess who it was going to be. There is a whole lot of previously unknown history in the creation of the villain though, and I absolutely adored this fact. I mean, how could you not? Not only does it create a more textured world, but in getting to know the villain throughout the story, you realise that sometimes good people can be seriously misled and do some truly rotten things. Plus, it’s fun that Lily just decides to forgive and take everyone under her wing, even when they are being horridly cruel to her.

Pillow doesn’t hesitate to highlight the different ways in which growing up with a parent who is mentally ill and abusive can leave children with. Each of the siblings handle the untethering and feelings of abandonment differently, and I love that it is a constant working progress for Lily in particular, mostly because she’s the centre point of this story. And yet, when there is the ability to become bitter, she is still supportive and hopeful for a family and place to call their own for herself and her siblings. Plus, she’s incredibly intelligent and stubborn enough to figure out how to get around all of the restrictions and such that are placed upon her.

Then there is Nolan. He starts out as a potential villain but ends up being a great love interest. And ultimately a total sweetie. I also love that his entire job is to try and write up city citations against paranormals in an entirely mundane way. The different citations that are mentioned throughout this story most definitely had me smiling and laughing throughout. Honestly, a lot of this had me smiling and laughing. Aunt Polly in particular is still a favourite with her skewed version of reality and the different ways in which she wants to support the Goode siblings. Even if, at one point, it ends up with Dante being off his face drunk and rolling on the ground…

<- More Michelle M. PillowAny Witch Way But Goode ->

Image source: Kobo

In the Hand of the Goddess ReRead by Tamora Pierce

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: In the Hand of the Goddess ReRead
Author: Tamora Pierce
Series: Tortall #2
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: 1984

Thoughts

Something about Pierce’s writing is always a fantastic comfort read. It is always a return to a well-loved world, kind of like wrapping myself up in my weighted blanket with a hot chocolate in hand. The perfect way to relax and destress after an intense day. And a series that I tend to reread every year or two. This time, rereading this series as a mother and with the eye towards being able to one day share this with my daughter made it all that much more special. If anything, reading through this lens gave me even more comfort as I got to travel along with Alanna in her second set of adventures.

In the Hand of the Goddess is all about Alanna’s adventures as a squire. It’s about first loves and the fact that she ultimately has to choose to embrace the fact that she is a woman. Where The First Adventure was all about Alanna taking a dive into a foreign world and hiding as a man. In the Hand of the Goddess is all about Alanna living with herself as she is. This is such a brilliant coming of age story – I love that to begin with, Alanna is all about denying her femininity and trying to be something she’s not. Then, as she grows up, she realises that there’s a whole aspect of herself that she has to embrace. It’s only the beginning, but, as someone who was never sure how her femininity fit in with the things she loved, it’s something I absolutely adored reading about.

I remember Alanna’s time in war being much longer and more intense than it actually is. Mostly, her time in war and her first forays as a full-blooded warrior are rather quick. Only a few chapters for a part of the story I remember incredibly well. What I most liked about all of this though, is that in a world that is very much built on class, Alanna doesn’t feel that she is above anyone else. Rather, she spends the entirety of her time with those without a speck of noble blood in their veins. She doesn’t assume that an accident of birth makes her special, and I love how immediately connected that makes you feel to her.

Honestly, it doesn’t matter how many times I reread this story and this series, I love it each and every time. Not only is there comfort in the familiar words, there is also some great messages within Alanna’s coming of age story. There’s a reason I can’t wait to share this series with my daughter. And there’s a reason I keep coming back to this stories again and again and again.

<- Alanna: The First Adventure ReReadThe Woman Who Rides Like a Man ReRead ->

Image source: Goodreads

Magic Burns ReRead by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Magic Burns ReRead
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy, Vampires
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2008

Thoughts

It doesn’t matter how many times I read through Magic Burns, or really, any of the Kate Daniels series, I absolutely love it. There’s a reason why it’s my favourite series and I love to reread it again and again and again. Ilona Andrews is able to brilliantly craft a world that is impossible to get away from. It doesn’t matter how many times I read this series, I absolutely love it. And although I enjoyed Magic Bites, it’s in Magic Burns that I feel like the Kate Daniels series really starts to find its pace.

The many different mythologies that inform the world of Kate Daniels draw me in beautifully. In Magic Burns, it’s the Celtic gods that take the fore front of the story. I love the tales of the Morrighan, from the little bits that I know. And I love that it is her hound and her mythos that takes centre stage. The variety of well-researched mythologies in this series is brilliant. It’s reminded me how much I love the Celtic folklore and I want to dive into my own research again. The focus on war, through the Morrighan, and how Kate deals with it is brilliant. She doesn’t glorify war and wants to stay away from the fight, but is willing to engage to protect those she cares about.

Magic Burns also introduces Kate’s relationship with Julie. This is such a cornerstone for the series in that Kate takes on a parental role. It’s the first step in Kate growing up and taking on the world for those that she loves. And honestly, Julie is the first emotional connection that Kate willingly makes. I loved reading about the beginnings of this connection with the knowledge of what actually happens in the future. How this beautiful relationship manages to open the flood gates to so much more.

Kate’s secrets come a whole lot closer to coming out during Magic Burns. It’s been a while since I’ve read this series, so I can’t remember when the actual facts start to leak out. Though, I love that Curran has obviously started to guess bits and pieces of her enigmas. And, rather than making him feel that she is a threat, he actually chooses to start his courtship of her. I find this to be truly hilarious and, again, I can’t wait to reread this series with the knowledge of how things will eventually unfold.

<- Magic Bites ReReadMagic Strikes ReRead ->

Image source: Shakespeare and Company

Midlife Bed and Broomstick by Jennifer L. Hart

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Midlife Bed and Broomstick
Author: Jennifer L. Hart
Series: Cougars and Cauldrons #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that Hart’s writing is about women who are going through midlife mayhem, drastic changes in their lives, and often even menopause. They are women who have often already had children (or not if that is their desire). And then, to top off all of the drama of change and escaping an abusive asshole husband, Sam is introduced to the world of magic. I love how much this continues to wreak mayhem and nonsense into her life. Plus, it makes for an unforgettable journey that I just didn’t want to put down. It was brilliant, fun and a whole lot of female empowerment after a lifetime of oppression.

Although I loved this story, it most definitely featured yet another dopey “alpha” male who makes decisions without talking to the woman he supposedly loves. Decides he knows what’s “best” without any form of consideration or communication with the woman he loves. It’s a trope for a reason, and one I often love. But it’s also one that makes me roll my eyes. And honestly, Damien is the epitome of this. He feels guilty that the past led Sam into an abuser’s path, but he also continues to follow the same stupid pathways in the pursuit of doing the “right thing”. It’s definitely a fun thing to read about, but, it’s also something completely ridiculous that had me huffing my frustration throughout.

Even though Damien is very obviously going to be a strong love interest for Sam from the very beginning, I love that Matthias is slowly but surely set up as a potential point in the love triangle too. Plus, the way that his arc with Sam ends out this story is brilliant. Not only does it make me keen to read the next book in the Cauldrons and Cougars series, but I also don’t know which male I prefer. I do have a bit of an idea of how this triangle works out as I read Midlife Passions and Predators out of order. However, the journey to get there is still something that I can’t wait to go on and watch unfold!

Sam as a mother is so realistic. It’s a reminder that no matter how big and strong and old your children get, you’re still a mother. The hovering, the caring, and the bossing around never truly stops when you have children to raise. Sam’s dynamic with her son may have shifted drastically, but she’s still a mother. And, throughout all of the trials and nonsense that she puts up with throughout this story, she still places her son’s health and happiness above all else.

The combination of an MS diagnosis, an abusive soon-to-be ex-husband and, ultimately going on a journey to find out where you belong is an impressive and amazing combination. It was one that made it virtually impossible to put down. Plus, it’s a reminder that no matter your age, there is always a chance for a new beginning and happiness in love. It just takes a whole lot of courage and lucky circumstances. It made an already fun storyline all that much more potent and is probably why I’m really enjoying Hart’s writing at this point in my life.

<- More Jennifer L. HartMidlife Hexes and Familiar Exes ->

Image source: Jennifer L. Hart

Whiskey & Witches by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Whiskey & Witches
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: The Unlucky Charms #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

To begin with in this story, it’s kind of hard to like Carrick and the decisions that he makes. It was easy to guess the complication in his love life in Pints & Potions, but the way he chooses to treat Roisin and double down on his mistakes – it was really difficult to find a way to like him. To begin with. Once he realises the depths of his stupidity, he very quickly owns up to his mistakes and misconceptions. And, honestly, there is something completely forgivable when a character (or person in real life) actually apologises for their stupidity.

I’m always a big fan of stories which feature a woman giving up everything for her child – especially since becoming a mum myself, I completely relate to that level of love and sacrifice. It did make Carrick’s decisions a little more difficult to deal with, because where Roisin sacrifices literally everything for her child, Carrick is living his life of turmoil. It also meant that Roisin’s strength is obvious and admirable. She literally chooses her son’s life over her own and anyone else’s. Ready to take on the burden of her decisions to protect the person who is the most precious to her.

I love that the first few books of this series are all about fulfilling a prophecy. It gives a wonderful hint as to how some of the next parts of the story will unfold. And yet, I was not expecting the darkness that came with this line of the prophecy. The challenges that Aeden and Sabrina face because of it, and how this will challenge them in years to come. But, I also love how their little romance is set up (I’m seriously hoping anyway). It ties in more and more of the universe that Cromer has masterfully created, and I can’t wait to see how the final lines of this prophecy unfold in Beer & Broomsticks.

I’ve most definitely read some of these books out of order – I would have liked to get a little further into the Thorne Witches series before diving into The Unlucky Charms. But it just inspires me to continue to dive into all of the fun that Cromer has to offer. Plus, as much as I like to think about finishing the Thorne Witches series before diving too much further into this series, I also don’t want to put it down! Plus, the Irishness of it all is just glorious. So now I can’t wait to dive forwards and onwards into the next part of this prophecy and the love that that will reveal…

<- Pints & PotionsBeer & Broomsticks ->

Image source: Goodreads

Courage of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Courage of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2019

Thoughts

This is the first romance in the Witches of Keating Hollow series which doesn’t feature a child in some way, shape or form. And I really enjoyed that. As much as I’ve enjoyed the blended families and all of the love that goes with it – after a while I wanted a slightly different flavour of romance. Hanna and Rhys manage to fit the bill perfectly for this. It’s a bit of a second chance, definite friends-to-lovers romance with some very interesting complications thrown in.

It’s fairly obvious from early in the story that Rhys’ reason for holding Hanna at bay is going to have some kind of medical component to it. I love that the complications and road blocks that are thrown up for this couple are entirely medical in nature. And it also brings up the question of how do you live when there is a potential death sentence hanging over your head? How do you ask someone to commit to that level of uncertainty? I know what I’d do, but I also know that it wouldn’t actually be an easy decision.

Courage of the Witch is definitely the most fitting title for this book. Courage is the perfect word to describe Hanna and how resilient she is. When people ask me the number one thing I want for my own children, my own answer is resilience. And the courage that Hanna is able to show in this story is exactly why. Granted, there is a happy ending which doesn’t always happen in real life. But the battle to find joy and happiness in uncertainty is a seriously difficult thing to do. Hanna also completely humbles Rhys in his inability to actually have this form of courage and resilience to begin with. Luckily they are able to grow together.

Not only is this a great story of courage and romance, it is also one about how we deal with grief. It never truly goes away, and I love how frequently and subtly that is acknowledged. The grief of losing a loved one, particularly someone to a medical condition that could possibly be genetic is difficult. And some days just living in spite of that pain can be hard, but both Hanna and Rhys manage to find a way, not without a few of their own scars, but it still filled me with a sense of calm and optimism.

<- Dreams of the WitchLove of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase

Dreams of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Dreams of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

From the closing of Spirit of the Witch, I knew who Faith’s eventual partner was going to be. But I didn’t expect the journey that she took to get there. Like all of the books in the Keating Hollows series so far, there were some unexpected wrenches thrown into their romance. Ones that came from an external source and led to a whole lot of unforeseen complications. Hunter and Faith, as with all of the other happily ever afters in this series do eventually find their way to one another. But I really enjoyed the way that they eventually find their way to their own version of happily ever after. Part of why I enjoy this series so much is that there is always a happily ever after, but enough emotional angst to make me really want to finish the story. Chase hit all of the points of this perfectly.

Hunter’s history took a number of unexpected turns throughout this story. I was expecting there to be problems with his best friend’s widow, Vivian from her actions early on. But there were a number of other complications that completely took over. He spends a lot of this story in a situation which could potentially paint him as the bad guy. And yet, he is completely sympathetic. Rather than be annoyed at the blunders that he makes and the ways he manages to cause problems in his own relationship, it all came from a really caring place. Often in romances, I get frustrated at one or the other character for their pigheadedness and unwillingness to communicate. But that really wasn’t the case with Dreams of the Witch.

Faith and the Townsend sisters’ mother leaving has been a big driver in all of their stories. But I really wasn’t expecting their mother to come back after twenty-one years. The extra complications this throws up in Hunter and Faiths’ relationship hurt my heart a little. Plus, it was interesting how someone who abandoned her children is able to justify her actions. Or at least, try to. The fact that her history is entangled with Hunter’s makes it all that much more intense. But, I love how that story arc ended with Faith finally being able to put the past behind her and start moving forwards to her own happily ever after.

Faith and Hunter’s journey was really sweet and fun, and I can’t wait to dive into Courage of the Witch. I love how the end of it gives hints for the next story – Hanna and Rhys. Not only did it close out the romances of the four Townsend sisters beautifully, but it also starts off the next romances. I can’t wait to see what is bugging Rhys and just how Hanna chooses to get past his nonsense. I read this story in one sitting, and will probably do the same for the next of the Keating Hollows Witches romances.

<- Spirit of the WitchCourage of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase

Spirit of the Witch by Deanna Chase

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Spirit of the Witch
Author: Deanna Chase
Series: Witches of Keating Hollow #4
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Yvette and Jacob’s meeting in Heart of the Witch and their immediate interpersonal complications definitely made me keen to dive into Spirit of the Witch. And then I got to read their story. And honestly, it just got better! They go from a one-night stand to contentious business partners to lovers in such an organic manner. It made for such a pretty easy and sweet transition between their different states. There is enough drama and bumps in the road to make it almost impossible to put this down, but not enough that I felt too angsty reading it – the perfect balance for the mood that I’ve been in lately.

This is the second book in a while I’ve read with a romance in which the woman has been divorced, because her first husband realises that he’s gay. I really liked how Chase dealt with this (Whynot in Checking You Out also did a great job of this messy dynamic). Isaac kind of came across as a bit of a selfish prick to begin with, which fits as he behaves absolutely ridiculously for the first portion of the book – acting jealous and controlling in a seriously cringey way. But, I love that, eventually, he and Yvette are able to start making movements to reestablishing a friendship. The maturity of the situation, and after a while, both of their actions was really great and I felt so content reading how they are able to start to move forwards with their lives.

Unlike Yvette’s ex, Jacob’s ex is completely insane. That’s fairly obvious from her first interactions and appearances in this story. But, somehow, it gets worse the more you read. It’s a pretty intense way for Jacob to truly move on from the past and reconnect with his ex-best friend. But I kind of loved the wonderfully intense shenanigans. It was the ultimate hurdle, and as soon as I started to realise just what a complication she was going to be, I did the old walk-and-read… into a wall (it happens more than I should really admit).

Not only is this a great romance about moving on from past betrayals for both Yvette and Jacob, it’s also got the secondary storyline of building a thriving bookstore. As a bibliophile and someone who has generally considered owning my own bookstore… because books, I really loved this setting and secondary storyline. Plus, both Yvette and Jacob have to negotiate something that many modern-day business owners have to negotiate – the ability to adapt to an everchanging market. The use of magic and café goods within this just made me drool… over the books, the food and the coffee.

<- Heart of the WitchDreams of the Witch ->

Image source: Deanna Chase