Tag Archives: Urban Fantasy

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 ->

Image source: Amazon

Outfoxed by R.J. Blain

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Outfoxed
Author: R.J. Blain
Series: The Fox Witch #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: 2020

Thoughts

Whilst I seriously loved this story, there were a lot of uncomfortable moments throughout. Mostly in the fact that this is a society structured in which women can be sold as ‘courtesans’. I mean, even the people who are inherent within this system acknowledge that its seriously wrong. So, although I loved Jade and her shenanigans, I also found the whole society in which she exists to be seriously not cool. Which, I feel is actually the point of this set up. I mean, what bigger obstacle to overcome than the very society in which you exist?

There is something about tornadoes that I find absolutely terrifying. It’s not something I’ve ever experienced, cyclones are the worst you get in Australia – but the whole premise that tornadoes are systematically destroying Jade’s home was a little goosebump raising. The constant devastation that Jade faces almost everyday is horrible. And then, there’s the moment when it’s realised that these tornadoes aren’t quite natural… it makes me want to dive into Up in Smoke to see where this chaos and horror is coming from. It’s definitely a little bit scary.

Throughout these adventures, Jade careens from chaotic challenge to chaotic challenge – particularly those that involve bounty hunters. I love her willingness to fight for freedom. To the point that she lives a life a whole lot more difficult just to maintain her freedom. Yet, she’s also intelligent in her actions in that she refuses to give up, even if it means making a difficult choice to guarantee her survival. Add to this the fact that Jade is someone who practices martial arts… yeah, there’s a number of reasons why I completely fell in love with her.

Outfoxed was one of those books that I stayed up way too late reading. Jade hooked me from the beginning, and although its obvious who she’s going to end up with, it was a fun journey to get to through the first part of their courtship. Unlike the other Blain books that I’ve read so far, this one doesn’t end with the happily ever after. Rather, there are more books to explore Jade’s relationship and hunt for revenge! I for one can’t wait!

<- More R.J. BlainUp in Smoke ->

Image source: Kobo

Champagne & Commitments by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Champagne & Commitments
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Faery Bargains #2.6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I’ve been wondering how Gen and Eli were going to get married for a little while now. I mean, they are ‘married’ in the paranormal sense at this point in the series. But, how was all the pomp and circumstance going to happen? Plus, because this is a wonderful series, there was going to have to be some kind of drama and action that accompanied the nuptials. Marr didn’t disappoint on either front for this novella.

I love that one of the big character challenges throughout this story was Gen trying to come to terms with and deal with her new celebrity. I can’t imagining having that many people intruding on my life. And I don’t have secrets and paranormal abilities to hide! She does such a fantastic job of patience throughout this though, which just made me love her all that much more.

Gen’s dealings with the tourists are kind of… familiar to me. Alright, I don’t have anywhere near the same issues and such. But, I do live in a tourist region, and some days I have unbelievable frustration at their intrusion and idiocy. It was nice to see that this seems to be a bit of a universal thing in tourist regions – appreciation for their visiting and such. But also sheer scream into a pillow level of frustration at how logic seems to go out the window when people are on vacation.

Champagne and Commitments is setting up the next book in this series wonderfully. Particularly as Allie finally finds out about her unwitting, unknowing courtship. And, since Allie is kind of a spitfire, albeit a ditsy one, I can’t wait to see what hell she brings down on the presumptuous fool’s head.

<- Daiquiris & DaggersThe Hexed & the Hunted ->

Image source: Amazon

The Kiss & The Killer by Melissa Marr

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: The Kiss & The Killer
Author: Melissa Marr
Series: Faery Bargains #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2021

Thoughts

I absolutely loved this novel – I mean, I knew that Eli and Gen would end up married in this (because I read Daiquiris & Daggers before reading this). But it was still fun getting there – and finding out just how they were “tricked” into being accidentally married. Plus, the rest of the story line and battles (literally) that Gen faced were completely unexpected. I love the shenanigans the pair get themselves into, and how throughout it all, Gen is just trying to come into hare own powers and understanding of self.

Grandmother Beatrice is the truly terrifying, but somehow nurturing grandmother that I kind of want. Alright, maybe not an undead who likes to kill people. But the protective instincts? Love it. Gen getting to know her grandmother throughout this was brilliant. Plus, it hints at a whole new set of reveals to come. I can’t wait to learn more about Gen’s weird genetic makeup, and the different ways that her grandmother’s history and current existence are going to influence her.

I’m always a big fan of relationships in which both characters are equal partnerships – and Eli and Gen are definitely this. I love that Eli is quite content to act as Gen’s backup. Quite happy to leave Gen to do her thing, which, in the case of this story is Gen trying to figure out how to navigate her new role with the police. And try to figure out who is attempting to kill her. All of which lead to page turning action that I couldn’t put aside.

Amongst all of the other drama that Gen faces is the fact that she accidentally raises a whole bunch of the dead. One of whom is… not quite what you want – a power of some kind who just doesn’t want to go back to the grave. It’s kind of hard to see how Izzy is going to fit into the storyline. But, he definitely gives me some incredibly creepy vibes. Ones that make me think he’s going to be a whole lot more dangerous than he seems to begin with…

<- Blood Martinis & MistletoeDaiquiris & Daggers ->

Image source: Amazon

Hexes and Vexes by Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Hexes and Vexes
Author: Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape
Series: Amethyst’s Wand Shop Mysteries #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I knew that I was going to enjoy this novel, since I enjoyed Glass and Sass so damn much. Hexes and Vexes didn’t disappoint. Amy finally gets her chance to consult with the PPD, and I can see her relationship with Ambrose being one that I can really get behind. He seems to be mildly entertained by Amy’s insanity. I love when there is a character who is certifiably insane and entertaining, who is partnered with someone a little bit more straightlaced and incredibly bemused by their behaviour.

Greenwood and Tape are able to create a really cool world in this urban fantasy. Some of the ideas of the CWC and wand creating were introduced in Glass and Sass. But, there is far more world building and construction in Hexes and Vexes. I really enjoyed how you find out more about witches and wand making alongside Ambrose as both Amy and Ambrose hunt to find the killer. And with each reveal, it feels like there is a whole lot more complex thoughts and world building going on behind the scenes. Just how I like my urban fantasies.

Although what strikes me most, and I love most about this are the world building and the sassiness of Amy. I also loved trying to figure out the why and the how of the murder. I mean, this is supposed to be a mystery series, and it does fit the build there. It was definitely difficult to figure out the why and the how of the murder if I’m being honest. But, that may be due to the fact that it really didn’t take centre stage of the story – it was used as a plot device, but I found the characterization and world building were more the central aspect of the story.

Hexes and Vexes is a fun and simple urban fantasy. There is the aspect of danger and mayhem in the murder, but it doesn’t take a major centre point. I love that although there are some challenges to the relationship building between Amy and Ambrose, it isn’t overly contentious. Not the most fast-paced of urban fantasies and stories that I’ve read, but sometimes it’s nice to slow down and just enjoy.

<- Glass and SassWitches and Stitches ->

Image source: Mighty Ape

Glass and Sass by Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Glass and Sass
Author: Laura Greenwood & Arizona Tape
Series: Amethyst’s Wand Shop Mysteries #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy, Witches
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2021

Thoughts

As a prequel novella / introduction to an urban fantasy series, this is great. It was also a fantastic way for me to get to know two new authors. Who I’ve now flooded my TBR with… Glass and Sass introduces a new world and some new characters. Ones that I can’t wait to get to know better!

I like the idea of a centre for wand control. Alright, I don’t necessarily love the bureaucracy, who does? But I did love how it creates this wonderful urban fantasy world. Where witches and the paranormal exist. But, they must practice their craft under strict regulations. It might not be a romanticised version of a fantasy world, but the bureaucracy makes a much more relatable one.

One thing I don’t love about this novella is the title. It’s obvious that Glass and Sass is supposed to rhyme. But, since I’m Australian, my accent means that it doesn’t. And it bothers me quite a bit. But, honestly, I loved this novella. I’m just a bit of a weirdo when it comes to titles that would otherwise be kind of brilliant. Now I can’t wait to get into this series for real and enjoy getting to know Amethyst a whole lot better.

<- More Laura GreenwoodHexes and Vexes ->

Image source: eBay

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