Tag Archives: Urban Fantasy

Shadowed Flame by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Shadowed Flame
Author: R.J. Blain
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I really like when lead characters in a story are differently abled in some way, shape or form. In the case of Shadowed Flame, Matia is colourblind. I never really thought about how much influence colour actually has on our day to day lives. And what kinds of challenges this can lead to. I honestly hadn’t thought all that much about it, and now I want to read more stories featuring a colourblind lead!

This story was a little bit instalove, but at least they spend the majority of this story actually trying to get to know one another. And, it takes the majority of this story to actually consummate their relationship. It’s fun to learn more about both characters as the story unfolds. It’s obvious from the beginning that Matia is incredibly independent and strong willed, but as the story unfolds, you get a really good taste of this.

I liked the twist of Matia’s dad and family being Fenerick – it was a surprising twist. And one that was really fun. Plus, it also simplified a lot of things when Matia was actually turned. That, and then her grandparents got to be far more aggressive and involved than I had expected. I haven’t read many books set in the Witch & Wolf world, but I think that I need to read more. Particularly as I’m reading them out of order and feeling like I’ve missed a little bit of the world building.

I loved that the dominant female ended up partnered with a submissive wolf. And how, even if he is submissive, he’s still willing to go toe to toe for anyone for his mate. The dynamic is one that I don’t necessarily get to see often in the paranormal romances that I read, which made me thoroughly enjoy this different spin on a romance.

<- Beneath a Blood MoonMore R.J. Blain ->

Image source: Amazon

House Lost at Sea by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: The House Lost at Sea
Author: R.J. Blain
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Pirates, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

I wanted to love this novel a whole lot more than I did. I mean, I’ve loved absolutely everything about Blain’s books so far. But there was just something about this one that hit differently. Instead of diving for my ereader to continue with the story like I usually do, I was just… meh about it. I read Blain for the violence, fluff and humour, and although this had it all, I think my biggest issue was that there was a lot of build up, but not much action.

Probably the most repetitive aspect of the beginning of this was Ricardo. I mean, it made sense that Catalina was focused on him. There was a whole, enjoyable backstory there. But then it just kind of kept on going. I mean, I got that there was this fixation – but I wanted more of her past, not just the same focus. It made it a little boring to continue to read.

I absolutely adored the idea and execution of a pirate / shark shifter. Particularly since I’ve read a few books recently about the Golden Age of Pirates. I love all of the research that obviously went into this story. It’s obvious that Blain made a lot of effort to craft this story, and I really enjoyed that fact.

This was a good, fun story. But not one that I felt super excited about. Luckily I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the Blain books on my TBR!

<- More R.J. BlainMore pirates ->

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The Unicorn Herd by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Unicorn Herd
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I honestly just read this because I’m going through the alphabet when I’m picking books at the moment (I have no idea why). So, of the “U” books, this one looked like the most fun (and I’ve enjoyed my forays into Tape’s writing before). And wow, am I glad that I picked this story. It was a great read, and the premise of being a keeper at a paranormal zoo – I seriously need more! I honestly couldn’t put this down, not just for the joy of meeting the different characters, but I loved the day to day reality of being an apprentice zookeeper.

As I was reading this, I was really worried that this was going to be a series that follows a different couple each book – I hadn’t really read much about the series overall. And, I’m glad to say that that’s not the case. Rather, at the conclusion of this, Charlotte is poised to continue her awesome work and continuing to make the relationships that I really enjoyed throughout. Plus, there are more animals to discover and fall in love with.

Although I primarily fixated on the animals in this story, because I’m animal obsessed, I also loved the development of the characters. I love that when Charlotte’s love interest reveals that she is interested, she reminds Charlotte to not just make assumptions. We’re all guilty of it, and I loved that gentle way that Charlotte is reminded to stop and think about what she is assuming. And how both the women are able to build themselves up together, even if they have a bit of a rougher start to their relationship.

The Unicorn Herd was a beautiful story and one that left me feeling content and happy after I finished the final page. It was a fairly quick and easy read, but that’s sometimes all that you need. And I’m glad that I had the privilege of diving into this world. Being swept away in the fantastic world building of Tape and just finding yet another enjoyable series to leave on my TBR.

<- The Fairy FestivalThe Phoenix Nest ->

Image source: Amazon

The Griffin Mission by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Griffin Mission
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

This was a very short and easy read, one that told the tale of how the Griffin Sanctuary came about. The founders, Ella and Starlise were introduced to my knowledge in The Unicorn Herd (because I read this first), so it was fun to see how they fell for each other and created the sanctuary. Plus, there is some massive fangirling about the couple and their dedication to animals in The Unicorn Herd, so I kind of liked reading about the very beginning of all of this.

The Griffin Mission also gave more context to the world building of the Griffin Sanctuary. I thought it was a world that was nestled just beneath our own and existed side by side – because most of the fantasy genred books I read tend to do this. Instead, it’s actually based in a parallel world. One that works much like ours, but with some differences. I actually quite enjoyed the way in which this worked. Plus, the idea of portals between worlds and the fact that there are those who just stumble onto them sometimes.

Alongside the cute little romance and world building, I mostly just loved the idea of griffins. I love how Tape has taken a paranormal creature that pops up into a lot of stories and just kind of expanded on them. Like all animals, she’s given them different species and subspecies. Each with their own unique challenges and needs. Something that was ridiculously cute and adorable, plus, it made the whole idea of a paranormal sanctuary even more appealing. And now I can’t wait to read more of this series again.

<- More Arizona TapeThe Fairy Festival ->

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Witches and Stitches by Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Witches and Stitches
Author: Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape
Series: Amethyst’s Wand Shop Mysteries #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

The idea of the whole Frankenbody thing in this is kind of gross – I mean, someone chopping up bits of women and sewing them together? It scares me that this is actually a thing, albeit stupidly rare. But, it worked out well as a bit of a whodunnit mystery – and trying to put together all of the pieces to figure out who the culprit was. In fact, although they catch him. And get a confession as to why he did the horrible stuff… I kind of wish that I had more background as to the evil why.

Throughout this story, Amethyst is getting closer and closer to admitting her feelings for Ambrose… yay! I mean, she finally admits them to herself, which is the first step. I can’t wait to see how that unfolds later on in the series. Or even, you know, in the next book. I love the awkward dance when one person finally realises that they’ve caught the feelings and is trying to compartmentalise them! It’s going to be exciting to see how this actually unfolds.

Not only does Amy realise that she’s caught the feelings for Ambrose, but I also love how she is building strong female friendships. They’re also healthy and noncompetitive – something we don’t see nearly enough of in literature in my not so humble opinion. I really want to get to know more about the women that Amy has become friends with. Plus, it’s just refreshing to not have conflict occurring because of female relationships. Yay for positivity!

I love that with every story in this series, you get to find out more about the paranormal world that Greenwood and Tape have created. There are new little titbits with every story, and it just makes me want to know more and more about the world with every page turned. Plus, although there are some serious goings on happening in the background, overall, this is a really light-hearted story. One that is pleasant and leaves me smiling after I turn the final page. I don’t always want to have an existential crisis when I read.

<- Hexes and VexesRites and Knights ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Captive King by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Captive King
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’m absolutely adoring the Royal States series. I mean, they’re funny and engaging romances. But they each touch upon some pretty big and serious issues. Thus far we’ve had socio-economic assumptions, racism and now The Captive King highlights sexual assault and sexism within higher education. I mean, these issues might be on steroids in this series, but they’re still pretty damn potent today and it’s a great way to feel slightly uncomfortable in a wonderfully packaged story.

Summer’s introduction to this world is great – an archaeologist who is on her last fuck and has some pretty prickly man issues. I also love that you immediately pick up on when she converses with MacKenzie and there is all of the links to the storyline of Null and Void. One of my favourite things about Copperfield’s writing is that she writes women who are generally completely done with society, or about to completely snap. Summer fits this beautifully, and as the storyline continues, she gets more and more fed up with the nonsense that she has continued to put up with for years. I can completely understand this.

Although I pick up the Royal States / Copperfield novels for the romance and the sass, I got seriously swept away by the archaeology in this. And the mystery of the curse. I love that the ruins and temples and cultures described are either actually existent ones from our past, or very, very similar. I honestly couldn’t wait to discover what new site Summer would discover. And what conclusions she would leap to. I might have said goodbye to the academic life, but man, that passion and love of discovery… it was nice to read about again.

To counterpoint Summer, Landon works really well. I honestly did not guess at what his talent was going to be, and I love that it fits perfectly with Summer’s passions. I also love that when he falls for her, part of his life’s plan is to just sit and watch Summer dig in the dirt. We all need someone in our lives who wants to slot into the life we live, not change it. Landon is also completely stuck in a rut and a non-desirable situation, and I love that its Summer (the woman) who drags him out of it and effectively saves the day.

The Captive King is wonderful and amazing. It’s exactly the kind of book that I love to read. Fun, and cute on the surface with lots of sass. But, the second you pause to think at all, you realise that Copperfield is discussing a number of unpleasant realities that most women face in some way, shape or form. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in the Royal States series, A Guiding Light.

<- Null and VoidA Guiding Light ->

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Null and Void by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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.

<- TakenThe Captive King ->

Image source: Amazon

Taken by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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.

<- Storm CalledNull and Void ->

Image source: Amazon

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

The Flame Game by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Flame Game
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

So far of the Bailey and Quinn stories, I actually liked this one the least. That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy it, but it most certainly wasn’t my absolute favourite. I think I just wanted a lot more… something out of this than what I got. Whilst Bailey and Quinn’s happily ever after is pretty much set at this point, I think that I wanted a whole lot more of the getting there process. This felt a little like a novel that was tying up all of the loose ends, and maybe I just wanted a bit of a longer story to do so.

Having said all of that, this was still a really good and fun novel. I mean, Bailey gets to ride off into the sunset, pregnant and planning to adopt the whole damn world. Quinn is mostly just getting dragged along for the ride… happily and lovingly. I would’ve liked a little more doubt from Bailey as to the reality of Quinn’s love for her. She went from having some pretty ginormous issues, to being chaotically and happily violent in the blink of an eye. I wanted more issues damn it!

The overarching story line that threads throughout the three Bailey and Quinn books is the rabies outbreak and the conspiracy behind it. I liked how Blain was able to wrap up this story line and also pull in a few moments from other books within the series. Add to that the fact that Bailey spends this whole book pregnant, I really enjoyed the craziness of this whole story. Particularly the added complications and challenges of being a pregnant cindercorn. Pregnancy is crazy enough as it is, but to be a magical beast and pregnant? Probably not ideal.

As much as I love Perky and Perkette, I really want more of them! They are a funny pair, and I want to see how they handle being parents to quads. Two is enough crazy for me, but four at once? Born to a cop and a mad scientist? Yeah, that’s a story that I would love to read in the future! Even if they are just secondary characters yet again.

All in all this is a fun and sassy novel, like all of the other Blain books in my shelves. It left me laughing and giggling the whole time I was reading it. Although that’s the end of Bailey and Quinn’s story, I can’t wait to jump into the rest of the A Magical Romantic Comedy series. There is just something fun about the pure insanity that is the writing of Blain.

<- A Chip on Her ShoulderMurder Mittens ->

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