A sprinkle of dark magic in the darkness descends upon the town, driving them into madness. "Goddess, goddess, count to five In the morning, who’s alivA sprinkle of dark magic in the darkness descends upon the town, driving them into madness. "Goddess, goddess, count to five In the morning, who’s alive?"
A young girl has gone missing and the police are questioning everyone in school, town and more. But the answers only ly with the best friend (Becca), and when she decides to go looking for her sole friend, she uncovers a gloominess that has been shadowing this town for decades now and it all started with just a Goddess Game.
If you are looking for uncanny spooky tales, dark games that go wrong mixed with nefarious men, this book is for you. There is murkiness, there is a conundrum and it is all situated in a contemporary world of school-going students. Besides these, I enjoyed the angles of toxic friendships, obsession and the zeal for survival that were combined well with the town's folklore background. I find this book good for beginners, interested in venturing into these genres.
Thank you @flatiron_books @macmillan.audio @melissaalbertauthor for the ARC. Genre: #ya #fantasy #horror Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
An old barn in the woods has now become a playspot for the 3 children, and one day, they decide to brew the Witch's concoction, thinking it would do nAn old barn in the woods has now become a playspot for the 3 children, and one day, they decide to brew the Witch's concoction, thinking it would do no harm. Little did they know they were inviting trouble. They have caught the witch’s attention, and it might just destroy everything they hold dear.
I loved the short crisp version this story presented and it's fast paced structure. Some may find it dark, though it was a cozy witchy story for me involving some adventure.
There is no way I would let my readers wait after the horrible end of book 2. In the aftermath of what Apollo did to her, she is now living a blissfulThere is no way I would let my readers wait after the horrible end of book 2. In the aftermath of what Apollo did to her, she is now living a blissful life as a queen, wed to the prince (now king) of the north. But the unhinging feeling inside her never fades and keeps warning her something is wrong. As she struggles to discover what she has lost, a new house of power emerges into the picture and things are turning dangerously royal.
I read this book half in pain half in rooting for a happily ever after. While the plot keeps moving towards a doom's end, there is a little hope in me that wishes they find their way around. The climax has multiple twists, which is commendable. Finishing this book felt like a do-or-die assignment as I just couldn't rest until I knew how it ended....more
After everything she has been through with Jack, Evangeline really wants to stay far away from him, considering she now understands her own power bettAfter everything she has been through with Jack, Evangeline really wants to stay far away from him, considering she now understands her own power better. But with another curse hitting her beloved husband, she can't see a better option than to collaborate with Jack once more.
There is definitely a forced proximity trope in here that I am rooting for and the number of plot twists and new dimensions introduced in this part is something I did enjoy. I am really rooting for Jack, and am devastated by the cliffhanger ending. P.S. I think I am enjoying the smirky writing in this part. By far much more entertaining than the preceding part....more
When Evangeline discovers the love of her life is marrying someone else, she can't help but pray to the wrong Gods and make a deal with the devil. ButWhen Evangeline discovers the love of her life is marrying someone else, she can't help but pray to the wrong Gods and make a deal with the devil. But in turn, she owes the immortal a debt to be collected in 3 instalments. As soon as the 1st is paid, she knows she gambled on the wrong stakes and it seems impossible to get out of this doomed fairytale.
The book felt like multiple fairytales combined in one, it's not exactly a retelling, but it does have borrowed concepts of fates, vamps and other ghastly creatures. I wasn't much into the first half of the book, the rooting for a boy that does horrible things to you just felt wrong, but new chemistry was brewing and my patience paid off towards the end....more
Just when I was boasting about my experimental readings going well, this happened. I picked this up because of my interest in Thai folklore and anticiJust when I was boasting about my experimental readings going well, this happened. I picked this up because of my interest in Thai folklore and anticipation to see a unique angle to the Phi.
The story started out well with a magical feel and urban setting, though it claims to be in a provincial one, that gradually diluted into multiple plot twists which somehow lost the essence of the story. For a very long time, this just felt like a travel adventure with conversations. Even after pushing myself through the end, I only feel I should have DNFed this book.
There is also an underlying love angle that's slowly brewing which was slightly bearable. I gave this 2 stars for the following two things that went through well in this story: • The narration style • Ex's character buildup
Not everyone's cup of tea. Even for the fans of magical realism, this book may seem like a peculiar choice. Besides the catchy title, the story startsNot everyone's cup of tea. Even for the fans of magical realism, this book may seem like a peculiar choice. Besides the catchy title, the story starts from a plot of books about books and gradually drives towards a set of stories spiralling out of control. I enjoyed the sudden influx of information about the characters and their background story. However, I do feel that some of the readers can find it overwhelming.
The witty dialogues kept me hooked to the book and my constant hate towards Alma's relatives kept me alive ...more
This a light fantasy book cadencing in the love life of a queen's guard and a powerful mage. Keeping all the politics and power aside, they only want This a light fantasy book cadencing in the love life of a queen's guard and a powerful mage. Keeping all the politics and power aside, they only want to exist in the periphery of books and tea in a border town that does not fall in any jurisdictions. But there is always more to life than our daytime fantasies, and few things are too sweet to be true so easily.
The book articulately blends fantasy in a historical fiction setting with low stakes and small plot twists occurring at a steady pace. Read this book when you want an easygoing fantasy story with cozy vibes. The character development of both FMCs is fierce yet unique which highlights how people with the same traits can still be very different. The found family dynamics of a small town were another green tick in the cozy ambience of the book.
Though it does not end on a cliffhanger, there is another book in the series & I think I have to read it to fetch the unanswered questions this book has left me with.
Thank you @netgalley @macmillan.audio and @rebeccathornewrites for the ARC Genre: #cozy #fantasy #lgbt Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Narrated from the perspective of a typewriter and a young boy, this is a pleasing story of a family that is emotional and humorous. I have so many quoNarrated from the perspective of a typewriter and a young boy, this is a pleasing story of a family that is emotional and humorous. I have so many quotes that I loved reading here that they had to be mentioned at the bottom.
The story is about a typewriter counting his days in the dark corner after being replaced by modern gadgets until one day a person in the family goes missing. Olivetti (the typewriter) believes he can finally be of help, but to do that, he will have to break one of the most conspicuous rules of their world.
Olivetti is next-level witty and the sarcastic charisma of the writing style worked so well for me. It is an overall light-hearted middle-grade book but I would recommend my fellow readers to check the content disclaimers too. The narration style reminded me of the book 'Remarkably bright creatures' and I think the book will be perfect for the fans.
Thanks to @netgalley @macmillanusa @allieinink for the ARC. Genre: #middlegrade #fiction Disclaimers: #cancer #therapy #mentalwelbeing Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Favourite Quote: "If they just read the Oxford English Dictionary, they'd see both expressions were in there. They were both idioms and idioms are phrases that don't follow any kind of logic. My family apparently wasn't following any logic either because they were fighting over figures of speech. They were acting like a bunch of idioms" ...more
This has been one of the longest audiobooks (18+ hrs) after the Poppy War series that I struggled with and enjoyed all at once. Besides the jarring plThis has been one of the longest audiobooks (18+ hrs) after the Poppy War series that I struggled with and enjoyed all at once. Besides the jarring plot, the author's writing style will truly captivate the readers.
Spindling in the ancient world of 60 A.D., this story is about a constant clash between Britain and Romans who are divided by religious beliefs. A ruler hiding his secrets, a queen winning wars for the kingdom and a cursed Lord of the Hunt, intertwine in a frivolous path of fate and a shadow world.
The book requires both patience and attention to be enjoyed at a full span and while the narrators did a wonderful job, I do feel that reading it in physical form will be even better (maybe 5 ⭐️ too). I enjoyed the personal characterization of the King of Otherworld whose presence raises the stakes of the story to another level. The climax has beauty and heartache which lead to a perfect ending. I already want to reread this in physical form.
Thank you @netgalley @macmillan.audio and @silvanhistorian for the Audiobook. Genre: #fantasy #historicalfiction #lgbt Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
This book is mystical, adventurous and peculiar all at once. The creatures mentioned in the book, the world buildup and the rules between elders and cThis book is mystical, adventurous and peculiar all at once. The creatures mentioned in the book, the world buildup and the rules between elders and children are shown how they work (and not told). I enjoyed the descriptive style of the book which I felt was also necessary given the complex monsters and legends introduced within the story.
It's a great book if you love high fantasy elements with constantly changing trajectories but mind you, if English is not your first language, this might be a little top-notch in vocabs.
Thank you @thlehnen for the ARC copy. Genre: #fantasy #middlegrade Rating: 4/5 ⭐️ ...more
The plot is good but there is no world buildup. We only see people existing in certain rooms, anything outside that is not elaborated. The relationshiThe plot is good but there is no world buildup. We only see people existing in certain rooms, anything outside that is not elaborated. The relationship dynamics are supposed to be self-explanatory with no details what so ever. Plus the smuttiness in this again is too much but thank God that is skippable and no plot is lost. Yes, there are supernatural creatures to keep you going, but that is the only plus point in this book. I heard great things about it and am so disappointed as a fantasy reader. ...more
The magical abilities are long lost in this town or so the people thought. Until one day it all collapses - the power, the city and the myths behind tThe magical abilities are long lost in this town or so the people thought. Until one day it all collapses - the power, the city and the myths behind the guardians. Our protagonist wants nothing more than to see her brother safe, but the emerging zombies from underground have made one thing very clear, it's no longer safe here.
The plot of this book is enthralling with those magical abilities, guardian keys and ZOMBIES! I did have a slow start with the story, though the way the characters kept popping in did keep up with the engagement facet. If you enjoy books by reading them seamlessly without much of an afterthought, this could be your next read. But if are in a habit of questioning and reasoning those minute turns of events, it might be slightly difficult. I wanted to see an elaborate description of the places and not just the people, the details around how those capabilities worked and not just that they simply did.
Overall, I loved the plot and the characters, it would have been memorable if the worldbuilding was also on the same level. I do have to say that the title and the cover choice were both top-notch!
Thank you @netgalley @robinwasley @dreamscape_media @simonteen for the digital ARC.
Let's start with the good things first: • Beautiful Cover, one that I selected to complete my #roseday #februaryprompts • Fascinating World of witches,Let's start with the good things first: • Beautiful Cover, one that I selected to complete my #roseday #februaryprompts • Fascinating World of witches, magic and shapeshifters - one that most fantasy lovers would enjoy reading.
And besides that, it all went downhill for me. The multi-partner mating in so much depth was way beyond my capacity and would better suit smut readers (which I am not). Within the first 20% of the story, there is extreme sexual exposure even for an adult and I do feel the book should come with disclaimers on its excessive heat/spice levels, torture etc. Sadly, because of these overpowering aspects, I wasn't able to focus a lot on the story as I had to skip those sections. Unfortunately, after being overwhelmed by the book, I had to DNF it. This is just not something I enjoy reading.
Genre: #adult #romance #fantasy Rating: I don't think I get to rate it as I DNFed it....more
Firstly, the character's names suit the book's theme (Lilith, Penelope). The book does have the aspect of magical realism that shadows the lives of thFirstly, the character's names suit the book's theme (Lilith, Penelope). The book does have the aspect of magical realism that shadows the lives of the Russell family.
It's a tale of motherly loss and the accompanying life-altering changes our protagonist has to go through in a coming-of-age scenario. Dash in the elements of charm, luck and magic, creating a soft whimsical tale in a small city, away from the hustling metro lives. You will particularly enjoy reading this one if you are in the mood for a gliding butter-like storyline with not a lot of high-stake enigmas. I found it a bit predictable, but I do feel that was intentional from the author's end so it is fine.
This book will make you feel happy from the inside and I am contended to have chanced upon it. Thank you @netgalley @harpermusebooks @harpercollinsfocus and @jenniferrmoorman for the Digital ARC. Genre: #contemporary #magicalrealism Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Also, this book was a pick for my #februaryreadingprompt of #valentine that had to be #magical and #dreamy
When the livelihood of an expert secret keeper and criminal mind is threatened, one has to take the precautionary steps. In this case, Arthie is partnWhen the livelihood of an expert secret keeper and criminal mind is threatened, one has to take the precautionary steps. In this case, Arthie is partnering up with the weirdest combination group to plan a heist. But breaking into the Athereum(the vampire society) is tricky and may require some inside help. While they are all here for different reasons, a sense of camaraderie floats among them. What secrets does the dark and glittering world of vampires hold? Only time will tell.
I enjoyed reading the slow-burn relationship-building among the characters and the depths of vampire society. The suspense and anticipation aspects were done so well, it reminded me of Six of Crows duology. The book does give you a hangover, so beware of the fangs charming you. Writing-wise it was good, though I have read better. I had a few brow-raising moments but, since everything else amalgamated well, I had fun.
Thank you @netgalley @macmillan.audio and @hafsahfaiza for the digital ARC. Genre: #fantasy #ya #vampire #romance Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
I picked this book for my #februaryreadingprompt of #hugday The book had to be like a warm hug and this sweet middlegrade story was exactly that.
InitI picked this book for my #februaryreadingprompt of #hugday The book had to be like a warm hug and this sweet middlegrade story was exactly that.
Initially, I thought this would be just another story about the animal kingdom, but I was happy when it turned out to be much more. Our protagonist(baby Moth) is excited to start her education at the Minibeast Academy and learn all about moon magic. However, she is pretty disappointed when all the teachers act like walking on glass whenever the topic arises and no one believes in it anymore. Sure that there is a mystery behind the true reason why no one here would talk about it, the little moth has decided it's time to take charge herself.
The narration of the story was done proficiently with character introductions as the book progressed. There were a few surprises here and there that kept the overall zest of the book lively and adventurous. If you are looking for a short read that surpasses the average imagination, you may enjoy this one.
Thank you @netgalley @harpercollinsuk @laura_ellen_anderson for the ARC. Genre: #childrensfiction #fantasy Rating: 4/5 ⭐️ ...more
I picked this book for my #februaryreadingprompt of #proposeday for the theme of a reunion of lovers.
**The contents would be a spoiler for anyone whoI picked this book for my #februaryreadingprompt of #proposeday for the theme of a reunion of lovers.
**The contents would be a spoiler for anyone who has not yet read Divine Rivals**
The first book made sure I followed through with this one to know if Roman and Iris would ever meet again. The storyline follows the aftermath of the last gas attack where Roman wakes in the under realms to service the God (Dacre) and Iris on the other side is eager to have yet another opportunity to report on war fronts. With new schemes and the war reaching its crescendo, the two lovers have only but themselves to lose.
The more you read this author's work, the more you fall in love with them. You will forget the plot, development, and loopholes and won't be able to pay attention to anything else, but what happens next? The captivating spell on the readers works bewitchingly in the letters of enchantment as we forget everything else. This book has that spark. N I am so glad to announce that I have found a new favourite series to shower all my love upon.
When a fantasy world such as this one engulfs you, it takes a cool-down period to organize your thoughts, and that happened to me. The book immerses yWhen a fantasy world such as this one engulfs you, it takes a cool-down period to organize your thoughts, and that happened to me. The book immerses you in a kingdom where very few talented alchemists(for the lack of a better word) bonded themselves to ancient Godly Creatures to let them reside in themselves and take hold of all their power. But the Queen would kill anyone with a Godly power who isn't a part of the royal court and a lurking rebel group targeting such power-hungry royals is a threat to be dealt with immediately.
It was good to encounter a fierce female protagonist not acting foolish after a long time. The decision-making by the characters was handled and explained in a way that works perfectly for readers PoV. The book does have a slow start, but that is the only con about it as everything else felt perfectly in place. For the lovers of a little heat, there are a few scenes you would surely enjoy...more
Listen to me Roar - the imaginary land that's almost brought to life by the sheer conviction of these 2 children's hearts. But now they are old enoughListen to me Roar - the imaginary land that's almost brought to life by the sheer conviction of these 2 children's hearts. But now they are old enough to not believe in such things and Roar was all but a forgotten memory. Until the day their Grandpa decides to clean the attic and suddenly disappears.
The story is surely entertaining and the middle reader in me enjoyed the perspective of the different games that children play. From a reasoning perspective, I was partially satisfied as while the disappearance of creatures was justified, few loose threads were left open that I felt could have been tied together towards the end.
Thank you @netgalley @harpercollinsuk @harperaudio and Genre: #childrensfiction #adventure #fantasy Rating: 3/5 ⭐️ ...more
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