Title: Null and Void
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #2
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: 2017

From the very start of this novel, there is a lot of commentary on prejudice and racism. Being a Null, Mackenzie is automatically placed as less than – just for the way that she was born. It highlighted how laws throughout the world have historically (and currently) disadvantaged minorities – Australia very much included. Although it was masked with the joy of this awesome work, it was pretty intense. Particularly when Mackenzie highlights all of the laws that she fights against.

I thought Patrick and Jessica were amazing when I read Storm Called, but then I got to meet Mackenzie. She makes the prejudice against Patrick look like child’s play. But, I love that in spite of that nonsense, Mackenzie doesn’t let that, or anything else, stop her. She fights and claws her way higher up in the food chain, then she has a child. I know that as a mother I’d do anything for my children. I love that Mackenzie takes this and just becomes a terrifying powerhouse willing to destroy the world to keep her child safe and loved.

Dylan was always going to be a far more intense elite than Mackenzie realised – that’s the fun of reading a story like this. But, I definitely guessed as to his hidden identity and his talents before they were revealed. Instead of ruining a secret, it actually made me rush all that quicker to the moment when Mackenzie realises the truth. Which, because this is Copperfield, was a pretty hilarious moment.

As much as I loved this story, I did find the idea of signing a marriage contract for your ten year old daughter to be kind of icky. I mean, it makes sense within the context of this story and magic. But, still, a ten-year-old. To be married at fifteen, definitely a little bit difficult to read. However, I do look forward to seeing how that pans out in the future novels within this story. I’m sure it won’t be anywhere near as straight-forward as implied.

This novel is honestly unforgettable, I’m honestly struggling to find the words to describe how this story made me feel. It’s one of those that had so many layers, that I know, no matter how many times I reread this (of which there will be many), I’ll find a new facet that I previously missed. The characters are fun, the story line is beautiful. And the themes and struggles throughout are universal. A beautiful story that I absolutely adored and look forward to reading again in the future.

Image source: Amazon

Title: Taken
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #1.5
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, Novella
Year: 2020

Patrick and Jessica were a very entertaining romance from the very beginning. But, as with all romances, I really like reading about them after they’ve found each other and had to deal with the day to day reality of their new lives. Particularly, I love reading about couples once they have children and how they negotiate that. I love how Patrick and Jessica manage to juggle the responsibilities in their lives. And how their children turn out just as precocious as their parents.

Children and parenting may not have been the focus of this novella, but damn did I relate a whole lot to the challenges that Jessica and Patrick face. I mean, parenting is ridiculously hard. And its always fun to read about how others deal with it, even if they are just characters in a fantasy world. I also loved how Patrick has a stubborn and opinionated Daddy’s Girl. And a clingy and equally stubborn Mummy’s Boy. I loved both the children and look forward to seeing how they grow throughout the Royal States series.

The main conflict and story line of this novella is really about Patrick being kidnapped. It highlights all of the political turmoil and change that he and Jessica have bought about into the world. It also shows just how much people underestimate Patrick. I love how he manages to escape, but then decides to just… calmly fish on the way home. And find himself a new pet to love. Alright, I may not be a huge fan of a snake as a pet. But, it did make for a very entertaining and funny story. Plus, if I wasn’t so damn stupidly petrified of snakes, I would totally decide that any animal that rests on my foot is going to be my new pet…

As with everything written by Copperfield (Blain, Franklin, etc.) this is a story full of light and witty banter. I honestly spent a whole lot of time laughing and waking up my family. It was a funny story that I thoroughly enjoyed and I can’t wait to dive a little deeper into this world again with Null and Void.

Image source: Amazon

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

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.

Image source: Amazon