Tag Archives: Magic

The Vampire of Montana by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Vampire of Montana
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Agents of the 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: 2023

Thoughts

I originally meant to read this after I had caught up with the Royal States novels, having only recently discovered Copperfield (aka Blain). However, I read the blurb and I just went down a wonderfully fun rabbit hole of discovery. And, although there were some characters and couples that I’m yet to meet, I really don’t regret my decision. Especially since I decided to read this right after Null and Void where I originally met the King of Montana. It gave me enough love that I seriously fell for the characters and family in this right away.

Daphne is a really fun voice and lead character. She is sassy and kind of insane, but a whole lot of fun. I mean, her hobby is killing terrorists, okay, you don’t normally think of the ‘good guy’ as someone who enjoys killing – but I love that her victims are those you can totally get behind being exterminated. It reminds me a bit of the whole idea of Dexter – someone who is maybe not ‘good’ but is not really ‘bad’ either. It’s even better when you find out more about the future of Daphne post-terrorist-killing.

Edward is a really great counterpoint to Daphne. He’s quite happy not being the one whose adept at all of the secret agent activities. And he’s pretty calm and good with going along with whatever insanity she concocts is seriously admirable. I love stories in which the strong woman doesn’t have to change a thing to match with the guy of her dreams. Rather, it is Edward that uproots his life, that needs to slot into Daphne’s busy reality. Not the other way around, it’s not something I see much of in stories, and it definitely made me love him a whole lot more.

The introduction of a lot of Europe to my experience of the Royal States was really fun, although, reading this novel did give away a little bit of the future actions in the novels. I figure I just need to catch up on the original series before Iron Unicorn comes out. This was yet another Copperfield book that I just couldn’t put down – it’s fun, engaging and has a whole heap of serious, hidden messages in the background.

<- More Susan CopperfieldIron Unicorn ->

Image source: Goodreads

Storm Called 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

To start with, I’ve entered a whole new world reading Storm Called. It’s one of those creations that you get thrown into a whole new world in just a few pages. One that is filled with magic and politics, and, honestly, it’s one that I can’t wait to read even more of. I mean, it’s a world filled with sassy women and sexy men. Not to mention all of the magic and insanity that follows. The fact that castes exist in this world, and the injustices that exist just make it all that much more intriguing.

Pat’s existence in one of the lowest ‘castes’, whilst part of this fantasy world was also a reminder of the division in our own existence. The elite are elite, and the lowest are assumed to be dumb and useless. It’s something that Pat constantly uses to his advantage, and it makes for a wonderful story. But, man is it a reminder of the division in our own world of race and economy. I loved that Jessica, as the future ruler of her fiefdom is able to recognise the stupidity and injustices in this. And that she wants to do better. I’m hoping that at some point in the Royal States series we get to revisit this couple and see if they’ve held up to their dreams.

I might not be a Texan (or even an American), but I do understand the connection to animals. And I know a few horse people, so I can understand the obsession of this entire nation. The fact that Pat has a beautiful filly that he bonds with, and then his black pony made me really happy. In fact, any story that features animals and their underdog battles is going to make me happy. The romance might technically be between Pat and Jessica, but it’s the bond that forms between Pat and his animals that had my heart really melting.

I absolutely adored this novel – it was fun and easy reading. But, with the caste system and prejudices in place throughout, I also stopped and had a good think about the world around us. This was one of those novels that sunk me into a world that I can’t get enough of. I can’t wait to read more of this series and find out more about this fantastic, unforgettable world that Copperfield has beautifully crafted.

<- More Susan CopperfieldTaken ->

Image source: Amazon

High Jinx by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: High Jinx
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Cursed Luck #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

Kelley Armstrong is one of those brilliant and wonderful authors that I ca never get enough of. She writes wonderful stories with a strong female lead that is generally sassy and all around enjoyable. High Jinx is no exception to this trend. Kennedy is clever and independent but surrounded by the best kind of support and love. She also undergoes some pretty wonderful growth throughout this duology.

The way things were left off in Cursed Luck, Kennedy and Aiden were right on the cusp of something. But curses and fate got in the way. High Jinx picks up that thread and shows you how much these two are meant to be together. Particularly when Aiden reminds Kennedy that the risk is the decision of both of them. It was so much fun to watch this relationship unfold and grow throughout this book.

As with everything, the challenges and battles Kennedy faces in this are even greater than those in Cursed Luck. I love that Vess and Marius make a bit of an appearance in this story, although it is tangential. Mostly, there are other immortal gods running havoc through everyone’s lives. And, Kennedy has so many less avenues to follow in her attempt to, well, stay alive.

High Jinx is a wonderful, fast paced story. It ties up all of the loose ends from Cursed Luck and gives you a happily ever after vibe. It was a fun and enjoyable adventure. One with horrible families, insane gods and just your general nutty mayhem. I loved every moment of it, and I’m really disappointed that this duology is over. Although, Armstrong did manage to finish it all off perfectly.

<- Goddess of Summer LoveMore Kelley Armstrong ->

Image source: Amazon

A Royal Affair by V.E. Schwab

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
A Universe of Wishes: A We Need Diverse Books Anthology by Dhonielle Clayton

Title: A Royal Affair
Author: V.E. Schwab
Series: Shades of Magic #0.5
In: A Universe of Wishes (Dhonielle Clayton)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Medieval fantasy, Young adult
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Crown
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I’ve heard heaps about the Shades of Magic series, and it’s even been on my wishlist for a while. But I just haven’t gotten around to actually digging into it. Which, of course, made this a great short story and teaser to make me want to dig into this series, and author (since I’ve never read anything by Schwab before). A Darker Shade of Magic is definitely another book that is now sitting on top of my TBR.

Even though you know that there isn’t going to be a happy ending at the end of this story – there’s just a not-happy tone to the whole tale, it’s still a great read. And honestly, the ending was actually a whole lot sadder than what I was anticipating. It also made me ridiculously mad at Alucard’s family. I mean, wow, I’ve read some horrible families. But I think that this one actually took the cake. It physically hurt my heart in some moments to read about how horrifyingly they treat their own kin.

Although it was Alucard that I really felt the connection to (because it’s all told from his point of view), Rhy was still an intriguing and wonderful character. I honestly can’t get the image of gold dust out of my mind, even a day or so after reading this story. There is something about him and the naïve hope that was about that makes me want to find out that this couple gets a good ending…

<- LiberiaThe Takeback Tango ->

Image source: Goodreads

Goddess of Summer Love by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Goddess of Summer Love
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Cursed Luck #1.5
In: Hex on the Beach (Kelley Armstrong, Jeaniene Frost & Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

It was really fun to dive right back into the Cursed Luck world. Its been a little while since I read the first book and had the pleasure of meeting the whole cast. Which meant that this was a lovely little break in time to re-meet everyone. Particularly since it is all written from Vanessa’s point of view – something entirely unique from the insights you gain from Kennedy’s point of view.

I love that although this is a story about a matchmaker trying to, well, matchmake – it is also fun to try and solve the background mysteries of this story. Not just what happened to Lisa Lake in the recent past. But also what on earth is happening throughout the tours now and how this is related to the past. I definitely didn’t expect either outcome of the mysteries, although, admittedly, I didn’t spend too much time trying to solve what had happened either…

At it’s core, this novella is a tale of four different couples. Each at totally different stages of their relationships and connection to one another. It was fun to read about the different dynamics and needs of each matchup. Plus, it was fun to realise that all of Vanessa’s behaviours were really just projecting her own wants and desires onto others. Luckily, she does realise this before it’s too late…

<- Cursed LuckHigh Jinx ->

Image source: Booktopia

Witchy Vol. 2 by Ariel Slamet Ries

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Witchy Volume 2
Author: Ariel Slamet Ries
Series: Witchy #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Graphic novels, LGBTQI, Magic, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: Graphic novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I freaking loved this graphic novel. I mean, I loved the first volume, so it makes total sense that I loved the second one. But I actually think that I loved this a little more. Maybe because now that most of the world building and backstory has been solidified, Ries was able to dig a bit deeper into the particulars of Nyeve.

Everything about this tale is beautiful and complex. It is a great journey all on its own, but there’s also this great sense of social commentary as well. Every moment of this made me reflect on the world that I live in, the biases and restrictions that we place on the “other”. It’s amazing how provocative and emotive the imagery throughout this is.

I do love how Nyeve marches to the beat of her own drum. Throughout all of this people are trying to twist and shape her to their own idea of rebellion and future. Trying to show her how to go against the grain, but to do so by fitting THEIR preconceived idea of how that looks. And it’s when she decides to truly be herself and ignore all the ideas of other people that she truly comes into her own.

There are lots of bits of Bananas past that are slowly coming to light throughout this graphic novel. I want to believe that he is good and going to be a great guide for Nyeve. But there’s that lingering feeling that he might be the source of some serious betrayal in the future. I just can’t wait to find out if I’m right or wrong!!!

<- Witchy Vol. 1More Ariel Slamet Ries ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

Cursed Luck by Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Cursed Luck
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Series: Cursed Luck #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

There is a very good reason why I love Kelley Armstrong so much. And everything I pick up one of her books, I’m reminded again of just WHY I think she’s so amazing. Although, admittedly, some of her works are pretty dark. This is nowhere near as dark and heart rending as some of her other stories though… there is such a pithy, light, and fun tone to this whole story that left me smiling throughout.

Kennedy is a little too much like me. And I loved her. She’s impulsive, loyal and doesn’t always think things through when trying to help. Which, of course is what ends up placing her in awkward position after awkward position. That, and she’s obviously and needfully very driven to find her sisters. Mostly though, her impulsively doesn’t always necessarily lend itself to being helpful in her situation. Something I am all too familiar with…

Aidan is a great counterpoint to Kennedy. He is sweet and buttoned up, and really very cute. His rule-following nature and tendency to want to plan his way through everything sort of acts as the voice of reason to Kennedy’s insanity. Like Kennedy though, he is incredibly loyal to his sibling. I loved how both the leads in this are very loyal to their siblings. It means they get manipulated constantly by this motive… but it’s yet another reason to love them.

The surprise of motive and culprit was brilliantly done within this novel. There were some wonderful surprise reveals from the second half onwards. It had me diving into this story page after page. I love when authors are able to take a great story and make it even more phenomenal with all of their tricky little twists and turns. The fact that Armstrong was able to use this surprise to provide a totally unexpected motive… I definitely can’t wait to read High Jinx.

<- More Kelley ArmstrongGoddess of Summer Love ->

Image source: Amazon

Ruby Fever by Ilona Andrews

Book Review, , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Ruby Fever
Author: Ilona Andrews
Series: Catalina Baylor Trilogy #3, Hidden Legacy #6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Strong women
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I’ve been putting off reading this for a while because I just knew that I would want to read it cover to cover. And then, one night, I decided that I would just start it and read a little bit. Because I’m an adult and I have self-control… it turns out that I’m not such a good adult, and I literally have no self-control. I stayed up way too late reading this, and seriously felt punished the next day.

Andrews always does justice with their writing, but holy cow was this a fantastic ending to the Catalina Baylor Trilogy. I mean, from the very first moment, you hit the ground running. And then you pretty much don’t until you turn that final page. Ruby Fever is wonderfully intense and completely impossible to put down. It is filled with action and so many fights that my internal badass did a happy (and totally badass) dance.

Arkan is a seriously terrifying villain, probably because he is a shadow figure for the entire trilogy. Which means I really loved how Catalina and Alessandro are able to systematically dismantle his whole team of horrible things that go bump in the night. They are a wonderful power team and Catalina’s ability to plot and scheme better than everyone else… it left me smiling from ear to ear. It might have been why I found Catalina to be far more relatable than Nevada – she’s very much in her own head and finds this to be both a strength and a weakness.

The entire Baylor clan is freaking amazing. There is honestly not a character terrifying in the family that I don’t love. I would honestly love a trilogy for each and every one of them. However, even though I’m not entirely certain that there will be any more tales. I am so stupidly hopeful that Arabella will get her own series one of these days. Especially considering her final scene in this book…

<- Emerald BlazeMore Ilona Andrews ->

Image source: HarperCollins Australia

Bitterburn by Ann Aguirre

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Bitterburn
Author: Ann Aguirre
Series: Gothic Fairytales #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fairy tales, Gothic, Magic, Retellings
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

Njal and Amarrah are a fantastic and gorgeous couple in this phenomenal Beauty and the Beast retelling. Aguirre manages to combine aspects of the original fairy tale, Disney version and a whole Gothic aspect that will leave you breathless. Amarrah is that perfect balance of sweet and innocent, with tough and powerful. Unlike some of the young adult stories I’ve read recently, this didn’t feel forced or contrived, but enjoyably natural.

One of my favourite aspects of this retelling was that at no point does Amarrah want Njal to change himself to suit what others might see as a perfect man. Their slow courtship is exactly the kind of romance that I enjoy reading. The two spend a lot of time getting to know one another and conversing, way before they are able to finally see each other face to face. I love that they accept each other for exactly who and what they are.

Of course, every version of Beauty and the Beast has a curse in it that has cursed the “beast”. Aguirre’s version was wonderfully complex and brilliant. I love how there was the whole backstory of Njal’s curse throughout this is slowly unreeled. Not only do you spend the whole story hoping to race to the happily ever after. But you also can’t wait to find out what the heck happened to leave Njal in such a horrible position.

Everything about this retelling was brilliant and phenomenal. The journey Aguirre took me on was absolutely amazing. I think though that my favourite thing about this was that Amarrah doesn’t end up getting that typical prince charming – she gets the Beast man she fell for. And they, along with their two goats are able to drive off into the sunset happily ever after.

<- More Ann AguirreMirror, Mirror ->

Image source: Goodreads

Winter’s Kiss by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Faery Tales and Nightmares

Title: Winter’s Kiss
Author: Melissa Marr
In: Faery Tales & Nightmares (Melissa Marr)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Magic, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: HarperCollins
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I was expecting a little more darkness in this short story. Pretty much because in my experience, Marr tends to angle towards the darker side of the fae. Although that’s what I love about her writing, I WAS pleasantly surprised by the fact that this was a pretty light and positive tale.

I absolutely adored how what is seen as a curse at the beginning of the story, eventually gets twisted around so that it is seen as a gift. The ways that in some circumstances being a bit different can be a negative, but then, if you find the right people to surround you, your weirdness and uniqueness can be seen as a gift instead. Yet, even though the girl doesn’t quite fit in where she was from, her father still loves her unconditionally.

While reading this, I was reminded a lot of North Child. There was the bear, the north and the snow. Finding acceptance somewhere that you never thought you would and finding love in a silent, strong type. In fact, this was such a beautiful short story that all I can think of now is to dive right back into North Child for a nostalgic reread…

<- Where Nightmares WalkTransition ->

Image source: HarperCollins Publishers