Tag Archives: Paranormal Fantasy

Hell and High Water by Charlotte E. English

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hell and High Water
Author: Charlotte E. English
Series: Fae Fatales #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I absolutely loved that this story was one about three femme fatales, I mean, fae fatales. Meeting up after almost one hundred years apart. With all sorts of tragedies and secrets in their past. Not only was this a story about solving the murders and protecting the fae of New York. But it was also about unravelling the why and the how of the breakup of the fae fatales in the past. It meant that, with these two storylines unfolding, it was incredibly difficult to put this book down and be, you know, a responsible adult.

Even though I guessed who the evil mastermind of this series was, it was still a brilliant reveal. And, even if I had already guessed what was coming, I couldn’t predict just how that reveal and motivation would go. It was very fun to read about, and all of the hints that English dropped throughout made it a ridiculously fun adventure. Plus, even if I didn’t actually agree with the villain’s motives, I did actually understand how that level of anger could manifest.

I loved that, even though this was a story featuring three femme fatales, it was only written from the point of view of two. Fionn and Tai are great voices which give different perspectives on the occurrences of the book. And, although I would have loved to know a little bit more of what Dax thought. She’s kind of insane, so I liked having the lens of the two more sane characters within the trio. Plus, it gave a bit more context to how different characters have dealt with the same level of nonsense.

Honestly, I mostly just want to read more about Dax in future adventures (I’m hoping that there are going to be more adventures). She seems to be the most balanced of the trio, even if she’s definitely a bit of a nutter. Plus, the friendship between the two, that has lasted a lot of nonsense, is incredibly beautiful. Particularly how Fionn and Tai are always there to support one another. Even when they weren’t actually talking.

Hell and High Water is a bit of a who-dunnit mystery. A bit of paranormal fantasy. And a whole lot of fun. It was an unforgettably enjoyable adventure, and there’s a reason that I really love the fact that I have a number of English books filling my shelves and my TBR.

<- More Charlotte E. EnglishTBC ->

Image source: Second Sale

Autumn Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Autumn Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

After reading Summer Magic, I couldn’t wait to dive into Autumn’s story! I mean, there is so much history between Autumn and Keaton, and he is actually the more atrocious of the brothers in Summer Magic. He treats Autumn horrifyingly, and makes her literally flee her town to escape his wrath. Of course I wanted them to find their happily ever after and let the horrors of the past go. Don’t get me wrong, there were moments in which it was hard to even like Keaton, but this ended up being an adorable story. One that I seriously enjoyed diving into, even in those sad moments when I worried that their story wasn’t going to have a happily ever after.

With all of the hints that were given in Summer Magic, I’m really glad that this story started with a flashback to ten years ago. When both Autumn and Keaton made some questionable decisions with their youthful brains. It provided a relationship with far more at stake than I first realised right from the get go. And, it also made Keaton a little less hateable. He might still have made many boneheaded decisions (funnily enough, much like Coop), but it also became a little more understandable when the flashbacks occurred. Plus, there’s the creation of his daughter, Chloe, and their beautiful relationship together.

Not only is this a paranormal romance which allows Autumn and Keaton to move forwards together, it is also one in which the fight to ensure the Thorne Witches’ mothers survival. Autumn and Keaton are able to uncover the first artifact required to potentially save Aurora. Same with Summer Magic, this romance introduces an overarching story that I want to keep diving into. It also perfectly dovetails into Winter Magic, the next in the series. Plus, the Witch Hunters and Lin are also introduced, just raising the stakes yet again for this family of powerful witches. The romance might have been what drew me in, but the action and adventure is what keeps me coming back.

Chloe is a great addition to Autumn’s budding family. I love that she is the “daughter of her heart”. This idea touches so beautifully on the idea of soul mates as I see it – a collection of souls who find each other in each life. Not just a romantic couple, but children, friends and family. Chloe and Autumn are able to have a wonderful mother-daughter relationship which kind of helps to make up for the losses that they’ve both suffered in that area. An adorable relationship that I hope to see more of on the periphery as I dive further and further into the Thorne Witches series.

<- Summer MagicWinter Magic ->

Image source: Amazon

Summer Magic by T.M. Cromer

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Summer Magic
Author: T.M. Cromer
Series: Thorne Witches #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I may have read the happily ever after for this story, Enduring Magic, a long time before I actually got my hands on Summer Magic. Mostly because Enduring Magic was in a boxset, and Summer Magic was stalled out on Kindle Unlimited (which I now have because I’m fed up with missing out). However, even though I knew parts of the happiness in this story, I absolutely adored this journey. I mean, I almost always know that the couple is going to get their happily ever after, so reading Enduring Magic before Summer Magic didn’t really give anything away. It’s always the journey that is enjoyable and worth spending the time with anyway.

Coop was kind of an ass to Summer growing up, and, honestly, throughout most of this book. He just makes decision after decision in fear and selfishness. But, what I really liked about him, is that for every bonehead move and decision he makes, he does actually learn. He was just a little bit slow on the uptake at times. It made someone who does some kind of unforgiveable things, completely likeable. Normally men who make this many decisions that hurt the women that they love would be a total write off for me. But, somehow, Cromer is able to make Coop loveable and forgivable, in every silly instance.

As much as I loved getting to know the Thorne Witches and their future love interests, I actually think that it was the matriarchs of the Thorne family that I wanted to know all that much more. I mean, there are three siblings with some very heavy and intense histories between them. The fact that the two brothers have both loved (and fathered children with) the same woman. That is a lot of drama. Plus, where Preston is originally portrayed as the “good guy” his actions show that there is a whole lot of grey within these relationships. Now I just want to know more of their backstory, and if the Thorne sisters will be able to actually save the life of their mother. So much drama and history introduced within this story, which makes me desperate to read the rest of this series!

Saul and his many moments, particularly at the end of this story are absolutely hilarious. In fact, all of Summer’s many rescues and animals are kind of laugh out loud funny. Cromer is able to highlight the different attitudes and personalities of each of the animals, alongside each of the “Season Sisters”. I love how she is able to create such dramatically different characters that are unforgettable and make you love them with every turn of a page. Honestly, there isn’t much about this romance that I didn’t love. And it also feeds perfectly into the next few books into the series. With some very intriguing character arcs to come I’m sure.

<- More T.M. CromerAutumn Magic ->

Image source: Amazon

Elvenbrood by Tanith Lee

Book Review, , , , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Elvenbrood
Author: Tanith Lee
In: The Faery Reel (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Family, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2004

Thoughts

Elvenbrood is a short story that is all about the fae and the deals that they make. I mean, in none of the literature have I ever read a story that makes me think, “hmmm, making deals with the fae is a good idea”. Lee is able to expand on this and drive home the many, many ways in which this isn’t the best idea around. And just why it might be a better idea to just… steer clear. Yet, with the deals being made and the horrors of this being unleashed, there are still surprising twists and turns that I just didn’t see coming.

There is a lot of darkness to the fae, and I love that this story carries that tone and feeling throughout. Plus, Jack is a brother who will do anything for his sister, even brave the darker moments of the fae. I love that, while this is a somewhat dark short story, it also has a lot of light and hopefulness to it, primarily in Jack’s love for his sister and his ability to fight for both her and his mother. Plus, the villain isn’t quite who you think it is, and the ending makes you grateful for loyalty and love.

Like all of the other Tanith Lee short stories I’ve read, I absolutely adored this one. I loved the darkness and the twists, brilliantly countered by the light and love Jack shows for his family. This story was seriously enjoyable and I will most definitely read more of her works in the future!

<- CatnypYour Garnet Eyes ->

Image source: Amazon

Don’t Stop Bewitching by Mandy M. Roth

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Don’t Stop Bewitching
Author: Mandy M. Roth
Series: Bewitchingly Ever After #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Cozy mystery, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Curt was such a fun character in Once Hunted, Twice Shy, he was a great best friend to Hugh and a lovely side character. Plus, since I’ve read both of the Everlasting and Bewitchingly series out of order, I also wanted to know how Missi’s family were all cursed. Thus, Don’t Stop Bewitching was a fantastic adventure to go on that filled in some of the gaps. And then, you know, there’s the fact that we get to revisit Sig and get hints at his own happily ever after. All wonderful little adventures in this very cute cozy mystery story.

Missi is a fantastic counterpoint to Curt’s up-tight, buttoned ways. She’s gorgeous and I love that she’s quite happily her own soul. In a world where conformity is sometimes safer, she’s not succumbing to anyone’s expectations or rules. It’s always nice to read about female characters like this – those that march to the beat of their own drum. And, ultimately find their own happily ever after (in whatever form that may take) being just who they are and who they want to be.

The majority of this story isn’t actually based on the romance of the two lead characters. Rather, it follows the calamities that lead them to each other. These had me giggling out loud throughout. They are just misfortunate and filled with the trademark humour that I’m loving in these cozy mystery series. It also tells the story of just how the curse is formed, and leads into the next few books in this series. The perfect set up form multiple points of view.

This novel is filled with the typical joyful chaos that I love to read in Roth’s writing. I loved all of the characters and everything about this story. And I can’t wait to read the next one in my TBR!

<- More Mandy M. RothEverybody Wants to Rune the World ->

Image source: Mandy Roth

Tailed by Seanan McGuire & Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Tailed
Author: Seanan McGuire & Kelley Armstrong
Series: InCryptid #0.90, Otherworld Companion
In: Urban Allies (Joseph Nassise)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I honestly did not know that I needed this in my life! I mean, Verity and Elena having a crossover? And hunting a poacher? Yeah, I was definitely programmed to love this! two of my favourite authors and series getting together and making this short story baby? I was so deliriously happy!

Verity is not only on the hunt for poachers, but I also love that she is investigating how their actions impact the entire ecosystem. It takes something I love about the InCryptid series – that the cryptids belong in the world like every other animal. And that they have an impact on the ecosystems and the functioning of our world.

Then there’s Elena, she’s just on a school trip with her children. Trying to integrate with society a little and teach her children to be a little less… Clay-like. I actually want more of her insane twins (which I think I have books on my TBR for this). But, I love that even though she crosses paths with Verity, she is still true to herself and somewhat removed. Kind of a hilarious way for the two women to cross paths if I’m being honest.

If I have one complaint about this short story, it’s that Verity and Elena spend next to no time together. They’re kind of just within the same vicinity, not actually making friends. I think if the two women got together, things could go even more entertainingly haywire!

<- Ladies’ FightSweet, Blissful Certainty ->

Image source: HarperCollins Publishers

Dyeing Wishes by Molly MacRae

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Dyeing Wishes
Author: Molly MacRae
Series: Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Cozy mystery, Craft, Crime, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

Thoughts

Dyeing Wishes is another wonderful cozy mystery featuring yarn. And ghosts. And all sorts of nonsense. But mostly, I just love that it’s a fun and gorgeous murder mystery which has a wool and yarn shop at its centre. And Kath trying to figure out her way in her new life. With the people she’s come to love, if not quite understand just yet. As with all of this calibre of mystery, I did kind of end up guessing just who the culprit was, but not quite all the way. There were still plenty of surprises and twists and turns to make me smile. And not want to put this down. Definitely not an easy read at the end of the day… I wanted to solve the mystery far too much!

Ultimately, I actually want Kath to end up with Deputy Clod (Cole) further along in the series. But, I’m enjoying them finding out more about one another as adversaries. And that Kath is spending a lot of time with his brother. And also just the fact that they’re constantly butting heads. I love adversarial couples finding their way to one another. It’s that whole opposites attract thing. I might be completely wrong, but I do love the dynamic that is being set up between Kath and Cole from the very beginning. It’s also kind of fun how they’re constantly trying to one up each other.

Kath’s TGIF posse is absolutely precious. I honestly want a group of women like this in my life – one’s from all age groups and walks of life. That are willing to support one another, but not blindly. Plus, they are able to be around one another in a realistic way. It’s not all sunshine and roses, there are plenty of niggles. But, they still present a united front against outsiders (often Deputy Cole, because hilarious). Plus, they are great at supporting Kath through the death of her grandmother and finding her feet in their little town. It all combines to create a great cast of somewhat zany sidekicks. Ones that had me laughing and smiling throughout this entire story.

From the beginning of Last Wool and Testament, Kath spends a bit of her brain power trying to find and decipher the clues left in Ivy’s note. Particularly the whereabouts of Ivy’s journals and just how her powers work. I love that the powers talked about within this are more subtle and work alongside our own world and experiences. And I love that, at the conclusion of this novel, Kath is more open to experiencing all of the wonders that her grandmother’s legacy has given her. Now, it’s time to go to the next journey with Kath and Geneva and the rest of the TGIF posse.

<- Last Wool and TestamentSpinning in Her Grave ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Black Dog by Caitlin Kittredge

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Black Dog
Author: Caitlin Kittredge
Series: Hellhound Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Demons, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

This was a fantastic and unforgettable dark urban fantasy with a strong and kick ass female lead. I’ve read two short stories attached to Black Dog and the Hellhound Chronicles, but this is the first time I’ve read the actual novel that tells the start of Ava’s story. In fact, it’s the first full-length novel that I’ve read by Caitlin Kittredge, even though I’ve had a number on my shelves for a while and always love her short stories. Honestly, I couldn’t put this novel down and I am so glad that I finally got to reading it!

I love that although Ava is obviously a major instrument of change, she spends this whole story just trying to survive and get out of the mayhem she has found herself in. I mean, honestly, that’s what most people are trying to do – just survive the mayhem and nonsense they find themselves in. the fact that Ava also starts to find herself and discover just who she is makes it all that much better. I loved all of the chaotic moments throughout this story and her own internal struggles as well. Probably why I connected so completely so quickly to her character.

Although Leo is obviously going to be Ava’s big love interest, and the two have an instant connection, I love that she doesn’t go gaga over him immediately. They are weirdly drawn to one another and definitely succumb to that attraction. But, it isn’t that whole love at first sight, meant to be together vibe. Rather, they are attached a little, and thrown together by circumstance again and again. Sometimes it’s those that we are just thrown with repeatedly that can end up giving us our happily ever after vibes. Plus, even if their fates are intertwined, they still end up finishing out this series of battles with a tentative truce, rather than an unforgettable love story (and I read romances for that, not urban fantasies).

Honestly, this whole novel is just one chaotic moment after the other. Every time I though I’d be able to pause in reading it to you know… join the real world, some other piece of intense chaos occurred. I mean, it was annoying because I just didn’t want to put Black Dog down, and wanted to dive straight into Grim Tidings (I didn’t, but still). Yet, that’s exactly what I want in a good fantasy novel – a story that is just one chaotic moment after another, barrelling towards a great finish and battle at the end. There are hints of what is going to happen next in their lives in Ladies’ Fight, but now I need to know more!

<- More Caitlin KittredgeLadies’ Fight ->

Image source: Barnes and Noble

Finding Magic by Stacia Kane

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Finding Magic
Author: Stacia Kane
Series: Downside Ghosts #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Ghosts, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I’ve read a Downside Ghosts story in the past, but this is actually the beginning of the series. And it’s also been a long while since I’ve read the original short stories. Finding Magic is a great introduction to this world. It gives a lot of information about this urban fantasy reality that I absolutely ate up. It makes me want to dive into this series and find out what happens to Chess further down the road. She’s at a point of conflict in her life during this, and I wonder how that’s going to resolve leading into the novels within the series.

It was interesting that this is a world in which religion and ghosts play a key part. The history of the intersection between religion and ghosts was integral to this story, and I seriously enjoyed how it became a misaligned feeling throughout. It also highlighted the conflict in Chess. She seems to be seeing the reality behind the religious / cultlike power. It sets the powers that be up to be fallible and corrupt, but also makes you question everything throughout. Chess is so down on herself, painfully insecure and I’m unsure as to whether I enjoyed that more or less.

Alongside all of the phenomenal world building, I really enjoyed the mystery of this story. It was a good murder mystery, and I spent most of the book trying to figure out just who the guilty party was. I was intrigued and it meant that it was incredibly difficult to put this aside for more responsible adulting.

<- More Stacia KaneUnholy Ghosts ->

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Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons by Laura Greenwood

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons
Author: Laura Greenwood
Series: Obscure Academy #4.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Paranormal fantasy, Paranormal romance
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2022

Thoughts

I love that this story is about a couple who meet on a blind date. And the thing that draws them together? Unique and slightly off-kilter questions that actually let them get to know one another. It, like most of the Greenwood stories I read, is short, sweet and cute. I absolutely adored reading this, and I liked that it was a story featuring a blind date in which the blind date wasn’t a terrifying flop. I mean, I’ve never really dated, but the stereotype in the media definitely makes me a little hesitant to even consider the idea of a blind date.

Unlike some of the other stories in the Obscure Academy series, most of this story is written from the point of view of one half of the couple. I like that most of this is in Thalia’s view point, it makes Evander’s eventual reveal and surprise an actual surprise. Plus, I just loved Thalia as a character in general, so I had absolutely no concerns or disappointments in reading a lot about her point of view.

I hadn’t thought of the ramifications of being a gorgon in a paranormal world. I mean, the whole turning others to stone with just a look could be incredibly restrictive on your social and sexual life. I really like how Greenwood was able to treat this and found it a really unique approach. The way in which Obscure Academy combines multiple paranormal creatures and brings them into a university setting. The idea of enchanted glasses to stop the whole turning to stone thing was really adorable, and it bought about the whole idea of what its actually like to be someone who wears glasses all the time, and the level of comfort that that can bring.

Blind Dates for Lonely Gorgons is a great and positive romance. One that investigates what its like to be different and how that can actually be a little bit dangerous. Sure, in this instance, we’re talking a bout gorgons. But it is a challenge and something that needs to be recognised – sometimes people keep the different part of themselves a secret so that they won’t be a victim of hatred.

<- Flipping Tails for Seasick MermaidsPotion Making for Disastrous Witches ->

Image source: Kobo