SO SO good!! I’m not even a sci-fi reader and couldn’t put this down— the pacing, character arc and dual timeline/settings worked so well. In love witSO SO good!! I’m not even a sci-fi reader and couldn’t put this down— the pacing, character arc and dual timeline/settings worked so well. In love with this book ...more
Wow— truly gorgeous and heart wrenching. Set in a Cold War inspired world and telling the story of two timThank you so much to the author for the ARC!
Wow— truly gorgeous and heart wrenching. Set in a Cold War inspired world and telling the story of two time-crossed lovers caught in the cogs of two warring countries, As Born to Rule the Storm is a stunning novella that combines the time travel and bittersweet romance of This is How You Lose the Time War with the speculative twist and yearning of Divine Rivals, and a touch of the evocative prose of Six Deaths of the Saint. In short— literally my perfect book. I’m in absolute awe of how beautifully Cate was able to craft Lottie and Stephen’s story in such a short space of time. The world was beautifully wrought, the love full of pining and that all-important slow burn that makes me adore the friends to lovers trope. I read this in one sitting and am still reeling by the ending. Couldn’t recommend it more and I will definitely be picking up more of the author’s work in the future!
I believe this will be on Kindle Unlimited, and as a story under 200 pages you really have no reason not to pick it up! ...more
A Study in Drowning is, not an exaggeration, a masterpie‼️‼️‼️‼️maybe (definitely) my favourite Ava Reid
Thank you DelRey / The Fairy King for the ARC!
A Study in Drowning is, not an exaggeration, a masterpiece. I’ve been an Ava Reid fan since The Wolf and the Woodsman but their newest instalment has made it extremely obviously that she will forever be one of my favourite authors. Their ability to meld together folklore, tender romance, a truly gripping plot and a nuanced portrayal of trauma and recovery is absolutely masterful. A Study in Drowning hit me right in the stomach, drawing up feelings around growing up as a girl trying to proof herself, of wishing to take up space, and of navigating the dangerous waters of who to trust— including yourself.
Drawing from Welsh folklore, ASID follows the story of Effy, a young student of architecture, though her true passion lies in literature even if the school doesn’t permit women. When she gets the chance to design a home for her favourite author Myrddin‘s son at their ancestral home, she jumps at the chance despite her fear of what she might uncover while she’s there. At Hiraeth, Effy encounters a smug and mercurial fellow academic, a boy called Preston, and Myrddin’s son. Soon, Effy and Preston join forces to investigate the mysterious author’s legacy, especially around Effy’s favourite story Angharad, or the story of a young woman and the fabled Fairy King. As Effy and Preston draw closer to the truth and myth comes to life, they realise the origin to the story might be far closer than they ever could’ve imagined.
Gothic and sea worn, Hiraeth provided a wonderful backdrop to the story and added a great sense of foreboding reminiscent of some of the best ‘house’ novels I’ve ever read. The Welsh scenery really came through and I liked the modern touches as well. Ava is truly talented at creating atmosphere and driving up the tension with the environment. I loved Effy and Preston’s story, and Effy’s slow acceptance that she was indeed in a romance. She’s anxious and soft, eager to please and desperate to be understood. I resonated with her so much and she’s made her way to one of my favourite characters of all time.
Like all of Ava’s work, ASID is raw and vulnerable, dark but yet carrying an unassailable torch of light that leaves you feeling hopeful at the end of it. I absolutely adored this story and feel truly honoured to continue to see how Ava develops as an author!!...more
I’m going to need EVERYONE to read this book like, immediately. If you love your romance with a healthy dose oThank you Dell / Ballantine for the ARC!
I’m going to need EVERYONE to read this book like, immediately. If you love your romance with a healthy dose of heavier subjects and ones that don’t shy away from the grit and vulnerability of real-life relationships, this is for you. I loved A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee and was extremely eager to see how their writing transcribed into adult contemporary romance and man… I was not disappointed. This book is raw and vulnerable and and I genuinely couldn’t recommend it more.
A Shot in the Dark follows the story of Ely, new student at a prestigious NYC art school for photography, and Wyatt, professor at said school, as they navigate a one night stand that turns into more, While it’s definitely a romance with all its trappings, it’s a look into rediscovering what it means to be in community with one an other. I absolutely adored the emotional connection between the two characters and how thoughtfully Lee explored both of their identities— Wyatt as a transman estranged from his family and Ely as she reacquaints herself with the Chassidic Jewish community she left eight years prior. While both characters had life experiences the other couldn’t relate to, the kindness and care they showed each other as they healed was really one of the best parts of the book. While I’d definitely recommend checking TW, especially if you’re sensitive to depictions of addiction, I really couldn’t recommend this book more. It was such a wonderful read and I finished it with a tightness to my chest only the best stories can bring.
With The Words of Kings and Prophets, Shauna Lawless has proven herself of writing a dynamic, gripping and cleaThank you so much Head of Zeus for ARC!
With The Words of Kings and Prophets, Shauna Lawless has proven herself of writing a dynamic, gripping and clearly well researched sequel that absolutely lives up to the incredible debut that was The Children of Gods and Fighting Men. As someone who lives in Ireland, loves historical fantasy and studied Irish history at uni, this book was like catnip. Unputdownable.
The story picks up not far after it’s predecessor and continues on with the dual POV of Gormflaith, the Fomorian new wife of legendary king Brian Boru who’s deep in her scheming, and Fódla, a Descendent healer still undercover at Brian’s court. With Shauna’s rich, descriptive prose we follow the two women as their individual goals grow closer and closer to crossing.
I really loved the deepening of characterisation in this instalment of the Gael Song series. With the first one, we were introduced to the two POVs and started to get a feeling for their goals and personalities, but with the sequel the reader got a wider view of how the two women’s stories effect the wider Ireland at the time. It really felt like the next step in what is proving to a be a masterful fantasy rendition of Irish history. I’m continually impressed by Shauna’s ability to stay true to history in a way that’s both accessible (read: not boring) and creates characters that are multi faceted and easy to relate to. Themes around family, both chosen and biological, individual ambition and making sacrifices for those you love are all explored throughout the narrative.
I really love the contrast between the two POVs. Gormflaith continues to be an excellent example of a morally grey character in the truest sense. She primarily works for her own benefit, and doesn’t hesitate to lever her sexuality and notions around her gender to suit her goals. While I found myself wishing for her downfall at points, especially when she sets her ruthless gaze on some of my favourite characters, I couldn’t help but love her as an MC. What can I say— I support women’s wrongs!
And Fódla… Oh, Fódla. I absolutely love her. She’s such an incredible, remarkably realistic portrayal of earnest love for her nephew, stoic commitment to her goals, and a soft heart. She’s a remarkably loyal and kind character and I love her for it. Also, like Fódla, I too am *slightly* obsessed with Murchad. What a man!
Overall, I can’t wait to see where the story goes and am absolutely obsessed with Shauna Lawless’ speculative take on tenth-century Irish history through the eyes of two dynamic, very different women. I’d highly recommend for fans of historical fantasy, especially when it’s through a feminist lens. ...more
RTC closer to release but… wow. It was SO good to be back with these characters and the world VE Schwab so masterfully created. With some heart wrenchRTC closer to release but… wow. It was SO good to be back with these characters and the world VE Schwab so masterfully created. With some heart wrenching lines and truly shocking twists, this is going to go down a treat! Thank you Titan for the ARC ...more
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