Tag Archives: Urban Fantasy

Outback Spirit by Nicole R. Taylor

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Outback Spirit
Author: Nicole R. Taylor
Series: Australian Supernatural: Origins
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I loved this book ridiculously. I downloaded it because I loved the idea of an Australian author writing Australian paranormal fantasy stories set in the Australian outback. I mean, it was a little slow to get going in the first chapter, and then I was swept away. I loved the combination of different mythos in this world. Then, there’s the setting – Outback Spirit is literally set in the outback. And for anyone who has actually travelled through the tiny towns in the middle of nowhere, this was very much the vibe. While I was reading this, every time I closed my eyes, I’d imagine the red dust and breathing in the warm, fresh air.

I absolutely adore the fact that Outback Spirit is a paranormal romance set in the Australian outback – opals, weirdos, red dust and all. There is a really particular taste and vibe to outback Australia. Plus, the idea of being in the middle of nowhere and finding your community is kind of sweet. I read a lot of small town romances, but this is the first that is actually about small town Australia. Plus, I actually love the red dust opal country. It’s something that needs to be experienced to be believed, but Taylor does a fantastic job of brining it to life on the pages.

From the very beginning of this story, it’s obvious that Eloise’s background is kind of tragic. The more you get to know about it, the more it kind of breaks your heart. And yet, she is still incredibly hopeful. I love that even with literally everyone in her life turning on her and feeling completely alone, Eloise still tries to trust and fine her own place in the world. That strength of character and gumption is probably the other thing (other than the awesome Australian-ness of this) that drew me into this story so thoroughly.

Outback Spirit introduces a fantastic paranormal world that I seriously loved diving into, and I can’t wait to find out what happens to the Exiles of Solace next. Particularly how they’re all going to continue protecting their secrets and developing their powers. It means that not only do I have a wonderful new series to dive into, but also a great new Australian author! Lucky for me there are a number of different paranormal series by Taylor set in the Australian outback…

<- More Nicole R. TaylorSunburnt Country ->

Image source: Amazon

The Kitsune Giggle by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Kitsune Giggle
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #3
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

There is something so cute about the idea of kitsune – I seem to be finding them a little bit in the stories that I’ve been reading lately. And, I honestly just love them. Which, of course, meant that I was incredibly keen to dive into a book that was about kitsune and their habits. Or at least, kitsune in the world of Tape. The fact that the kitsune in this is really lonely and needs to find a companion was even better. Plus, then there’s Charlotte, Felicity and all of their friends as they negotiate life working in a sanctuary.

As with all of the books in the Griffin Sanctuary series, I love the amount of detail that Tape uses to create the paranormal creatures which Charlotte takes care of. Taking a kitsune, which is recognisable in folklore, and creating a totally relatable canine that you just want to hug is very cleverly done. I love that this little fox pulls at your heart strings from the very beginning. And, along with Charlotte, you constantly want her to find her happily ever after and companion that she truly needs.

I’m a big lover of pets and loving anything furry that will let me. However, I’ve never been okay with the exotic pet trade. And this story is a bit of a reminder why – the kitsune featured in this was a pet, and therefore unable to thrive in the wild. So, when her two fellow kitsune were released, she was left alone and started to self harm. I mean, this is a really sweet and good read – so it meant that there was a happily ever after for the kitsune. But, it was still a reminder of the damage that the exotic pet trade can have on an individual animal – some animals just aren’t meant to be caged.

As with everything set in this world, I absolutely adored The Kitsune Giggle. Not only did I love getting to know the kitsune’s and the process for finding a companion animal. But I also loved how Charlotte and Felicity took a further step in their relationship. How Charlotte is trying to make inroads to forming a relationship with her fellow apprentices – and the obstacles to that. And just, generally the entirety of this story. A very pleasant read after a difficult day.

<- The Phoenix NestThe Dragon Lantern ->

Image source: Kobo

The Phoenix Nest by Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Phoenix Nest
Author: Arizona Tape
Series: The Griffin Sanctuary #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, LGBTQI, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2022

Thoughts

Charlotte has been an amazing character from her very first appearance in The Unicorn Herd. It was fun to see how she begins to get on in her apprenticeship and learn more about the many paranormal animals that she gets to take care of. Plus, there’s also her relationship that she gets to try and figure out and negotiate – something I’m seriously enjoying alongside all of the fun animals.

I might not be someone who is completely in love with chickens – but I did love the phoenixes! They are incredibly derpy and silly. I mean, who wouldn’t love a pair of large, flammable dopes running around? I spent a lot of this story just laughing, at the two phoenixes. To the point that my family and dogs edged away from me – I mean, they were completely hilarious.

I love that the story of the phoenixes and their breeding program is constantly questioning where the line is with sanctuaries and breeding. I mean, it’s a hard one – yes, breeding programs can save a species. But, by breeding in captivity and not being able to release the individuals, are we really doing something positive? There are no straight answers to this question, but it was a good way to provide an example of all of the grey areas.

I did feel really bad for the male phoenix in this. Although there were so many wonderful and thoughtful moments throughout this, there was a bit of a sad ending. But, it did end with babies and some joy, so it wasn’t all bad. Now I can’t wait to find out more about the kitsunes in The Kitsune Giggle.

<- The Unicorn HerdThe Kitsune Giggle ->

Image source: Kobo

The Dragon Conspiracy by Lisa Shearin

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Dragon Conspiracy
Author: Lisa Shearin
Series: SPI Files #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2015

Thoughts

I honestly forgot how much I loved Mac, Ian and the SPI team – it’s been quite a while since I have had the joy of diving into this series. And now I’m regretting the massive break I took from reading this series. I mean, they are just such a fun group and I loved getting to know them better. Plus, there’s the fact that they are constantly in a battle to save the world. Although I love Mac and Ian, I still think that Yasha may be my favourite – there is something wonderful about his special brand of insanity.

I honestly spent a lot of this story trying to figure out just how all of the machinations fit together. There were so many surprises and double crosses throughout. Honestly, every time I thought I had a grasp on just what was going on, something happened to make me do a full 180. It was constantly surprising, and I loved trying to get my head around what was going on. Which is kind of amazing, because now, when I have the privilege of rereading this, I will have so many more things to uncover!

The idea of seven diamonds and their potential for mass destruction was fun from the very beginning. And then, there’s Victor Kain, the dragon, and his thirst for revenge. The combination of weapons of mass destruction and a psychotic dragon on the rampage meant that this was a really difficult book to put down. Particularly since the more you read, the more horrifying Kain actually was.

I loved that there was a number of potential couples set up after all of the mayhem and insanity of this story. A few I could completely see coming, but then there were some that were quite surprising. I also love that although there are hints of a potential relationship between Mac and Ian, she is moving forward with Rake. He’s kind of difficult and a little dreamy, so I really enjoyed the idea of getting to know him more. Particularly as this ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, in which Ian and Mac are both moving forwards in their romances, but no idea just how.

Now I can’t wait to read more SPI Files series. I mean, Mac and Ian have a great partnership, and they are obviously situated well to battle evil. Plus The Dragon Conspiracy is setting up a major evil plot in the background. And I can’t wait to see how insidious it is…

<- The Grendel AffairThe Brimstone Deception ->

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Huntress by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Huntress
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

I love that this is a novel about a turkey shapeshifter and the woman who hunted him, literally. They are not the most likely of couples, but definitely one that I loved reading about and made a kind of sense once you thought about it. Also, I just loved that the shapeshifter was a turkey who likes to smack interlopers about with his wings. The level of aggression was kind of hilarious, and the fact that Kelvin’s hunter is a potty-mouthed sassy pants was just brilliant.

I’m not going to lie, Kelvin’s family completely, totally and utterly sucks. I mean, they use him and refuse to respect his choices. But then it does completely justify his abdication. An abdication that causes a lot of shock waves and drives home the point that everyone has their breaking point. There were a few unanswered questions about just how his family was able to justify his lack of medical care and security training. I mean, there’s being ignorant, but seriously? That was more than a little bit concerning…

Mostly what concerned me about Kelvin’s family was how willing his mother was to throw away their relationship because she wanted to be right. I mean, it’s one thing to be incorrect about who will be a good match. But to repeatedly bring that person into your life and ignore your own child’s judgement? It actually made me flinch multiple times whilst reading this. But it did make a great plot line and point of conflict.

The Royal States series is honestly a series that frequently has me laughing. Everyone throughout it is kind of insane and there are so many shenanigans throughout. I love how heavily involved and insane Montana is in this world. Plus, their influence manages to smooth over all of the mistakes of others. I love that Copperfield has placed a couple as the powerhouse of the world who genuinely just want what is best for others. It’s also fantastic that the majority of the couples in this involve an empath creating an unbreakable connection that just cements their bonds and relationship.

As with all of the other stories in the Royal States series, there is a few comments on socio-political issues in the world. In this case, it’s creepy, lecherous older men forcing younger girls to marry them. It was incredibly cringe-worthy and I love how the horrible man got the crap slapped out of him by an angry turkey…

<- A Guiding LightBonds ->

Image source: Amazon

A Guiding Light by Susan Copperfield

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: A Guiding Light
Author: Susan Copperfield
Series: Royal States #4
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2018

Thoughts

Adam and Veronica are a seriously cute and lovely couple. One that I was rooting for from the very beginning of the story. And I really like that although they both have a lot of history, they are working towards one another throughout the entire story. Even if they take forever to actually get back to one another, they have managed to grow and change towards each other. Plus, Adam’s total and utter devotion and love is kind of adorable.

The dangers and grossness of childhood marriage contracts is touched upon a little in Null and Void. And I love that although the two instances in this series have happy endings, the story of Adam and Veronica also highlights the beginning of the end of this practice. There is something seriously gross about children being pushed into marriages. The fact that within this series, they are actual legal and binding contracts between kingdoms… incredibly awkward and uncomfortable.

The difficulties that Adam has with his family are really heartbreaking, and as the story unfolds, you realise that they aren’t all evil. I definitely got the impression towards the end of this story that they actually abandoned him to protect him. But, none of his abandonment issues or their motives are really dealt with in this story. I would’ve loved to explore all of this a whole lot more. Particularly once you find out that they were both victims of marriage contracts. And also just generally bad ass individuals. Ones that I kind of immediately fell in love with…

Like all of Copperfield, Blain and Franklin books, this is one that is filled with a wonderful dose of humour and wit. Yet, as with the rest of the Royal States series, there is a whole tone of comments on society as a whole. Other than the childhood marriage grossness, A Guiding Light focuses on the power of money, banks and the stock market. It felt really poignant to read a story about this at the moment – with the cost of living surpassing our wages and the knowledge that everyone is in a whole lot of trouble moneywise.

As a villain, the king in this is an absolute nutter. I mean, he’s probably been one of the worst bad guys in the whole series – mostly because his evil deeds impact on his wife and children. Particularly his youngest son and eldest daughter – they both have suffered a lot at his hands. I kind of love that he ultimately paid the price for murder and manipulation. Now onto the next amazing novel in this series and the social issues that I’m sure I’ll have to think about upon reading it!

<- The Captive KingHuntress ->

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Booked for Murder by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Booked for Murder
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Vigilante Magical Librarians #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: 2020

Thoughts

Let’s face it, any book that is called Booked for Murder and is the first in a series titled Vigilante Magical Librarians is going to draw me in. I’m a total book dragon, kind of half convinced that a library might be a good place for me to exist (but then I’d never actually help anyone, because books) and then there’s the whole, vigilante spin. There is literally nothing about this that isn’t going to draw me in and have me hooked from pretty much the very beginning. That, and then you have the whole spin that Janette is an ex-bodyguard who is kind of hiding out from her previous, and very sexy, employer. The perfect storm of absolute joy and an impossible to put down book.

Even after finishing this story, I couldn’t get the idea of an exsanguinator out of my head. Particularly the many different medical applications that Janette used her talent for. I mean, yeah, the obvious shooting blood out of orifices and killing people works. But I love how it’s also used to stop traumatic bleed outs, for blood transfusions, to remove impurities from the blood… there were so many aspects to the human body that were delved into within this. Although most of this story was focused on the murders and the more violent aspects of exsanguination, it was all of the medical and life saving parts that I really honed in on. I love the idea of a skill that is both offensive and protective.

Alongside the magic and the mayhem, there is the hint of romance in the air. A bit like in The Fox Witch, Janette finds herself in a betrothal to protect her from others… it’s disturbing how this is common and no even remotely surprising. But, I do have the idea that, although her ex-boss might not have instigated this engagement, he’s fully supportive of it. In fact, as the story unfolded, it was pretty obvious that the Hamptons thought of Janette as more family than employee, they just didn’t know how to show their emotions. I’m looking forward to finding out more about how these social and emotional entanglements unfold in Booked for Kidnapping.

The other thing I’m really looking forward to in Booked for Kidnapping is finding out just who is behind all of the murder and mayhem throughout this story. It’s obvious that it’s a pretty big conspiracy that is being machinated behind the scenes. But, as to which shadowy conspiracy it is, remains a mystery. Plus, it’s fun to figure out the how and the why. There’s also a whole lot of social commentary that Blain has managed to sneak into this story. But, mostly I will focus on the shadow conspiracies and whodunnit I think.

One of the most cheerful and enjoyable parts of social commentary throughout Booked for Murder though is the importance of libraries and librarians. And, how underfunded the public sector is. I mean, I might live in Australia and not the USA, but its definitely a universal issue. Amongst the murder and mayhem, there is the constant drive for the characters to find the funding for their library. And the many ways in which they are able to use research and public resources to better a multitude of peoples’ lives. Libraries are important. Even if they are based in a paranormal world with lots of murder…

<- More R.J. BlainBooked for Kidnapping ->

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Pack Justice by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Pack Justice
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: Nature of the Beast #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2016

Thoughts

As with everything by R.J. Blain, I was completely obsessed with this story. I mean, there is just something great about Blain’s world building that makes me really, really happy. I love that in this story, the lead is not only a paranormal creature, part cheetah, part man, but also ends up being part werewolf too. The constant discussions between the three voices and identities in his brain are quite humorous and made me smile. I absolutely adored how its kind of reflective of the internal monologues and arguments that go on in my own mind – constant parts of myself arguing with one another.

Sean is a fun and great lead. I love the moments when he just, randomly decides to escape and take matters into his own hands. There’s very obviously no real thought process behind many of his actions. And I find it seriously hilarious the many moments when he just… runs away. I mean, some of the background as to why his characterization is like that is a little sad – some of it is funny. But a whole slew of self confidence issues inform Sean’s behaviors, ones that are created by Idette and her abusive decisions.

Andrea and Sean are a fantastic couple – I love that Sean is able to find a loving and supportive women to heal from his abusive past. But I really enjoyed how they danced around each other for absolutely years before finally just acknowledging their feelings. Plus, when they are finally able to show their love for one another, I love how cute they are straight off the bat. There’s also the fun antagonism of each other throughout. As someone who constantly enjoys poking fun at her loved ones, this dynamic made total sense to me. Particularly when they are also a competitive couple.

As with everything that I’ve read recently by R.J. Blain (which is a lot), I found this absolutely impossible to put down. I also just love the fact that most of the police force are Fenerec. I probably should’ve started a bit more with the Witch & Wolf books before getting into this because I do feel like I’ve missed a bit of the world building, but I was still completely hooked. Now I just have a whole new Blain world to get to know and disappear into…

<- More R.J. BlainDual Nature ->

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Murder Mittens by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Murder Mittens
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) #17
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Humour, Paranormal romance, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I absolutely loved the fact that Harri is a lynx shifter and all of the crazy shenanigans that being a shifter entails throughout the A Magical Romantic Comedy (with a Body Count) series. Plus, Harri’s family is big and entirely certifiable. Which, just made me love them all that much more. Plus, I love that Harri is the only girl of like forty plus siblings, and that her parents just keep adding more… that’s a whole level of insanity that I can’t even fathom. But I kind of love.

Harri spends the entirety of this story making Sebastian roar – which, as someone who is slightly antagonistic at times, I can totally understand. I love that, even though she thinks she’s just being antagonistic and entertaining herself, she doesn’t quite realise that he’s courting her. The whole dynamic is more than a little humorous, and I love how the two of them work their way towards a relationship over the years without even realising it.

Murder Mittens might be my favourite ever assassin code name, it is kind of brilliant and hilarious. Plus, there is also the blood and insanity of her assassinations. I probably shouldn’t enjoy someone ripping out people’s throats as much as I do, but, there it is. I found Harri’s assassinations to be genuinely amusing, and the partnership of her approach and chosen victims was brilliant.

Harri’s family, as previously mentioned is absolutely hilarious. The whole family and dynamic is filled with cheerful chaos and mayhem. The amount of love that jumps of the page is adorable, and I love how they are so protective of each other. Yet, they are also entirely capable of letting her live her own life. Particularly when they find out about the job she moonlights in.

Alongside all of the murder, mayhem and romance joy that I normally find in this series, there is also the love and acceptance of Harri throughout. She is severely scarred and self-conscious. Yet, her family and Sebastian love her regardless. Though, I do love that Sebastian admits the difficulties that her scarring must lead to. And acknowledges how difficult it must be to be different in the world.

<- The Flame GameCatnapped ->

Image source: Amazon

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 ->

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