"The Keeper of Magical Things" by Julie Leong

 

I read The Teller of Small Fortunes and loved it, so I knew I was in for a treat—and boy, was I right!!! The Keeper of Magical Things by Julie Leong is a charming cozy fantasy set in the same world as the first book, but it stands perfectly well on its own.

Certainty Bulrush is a novice physical mage in the Guild of Mages with a minor magic: the ability to talk to objects. She comes from a small village, and a lot ride on her shoulders—helping her family financially, supporting her brother’s dream of becoming a pharmacist’s apprentice, and finally earning the rank of full mage with all its benefits.

She and the “Ice Queen,” Mage Aurelia, are sent on a mission to transport and catalog minor magical artifacts to Shpelling, the most desolate, least magical village around. If the mission succeeds, Certainty will finally become a mage. Once there, they must contend with an uninhabitable warehouse, unwelcoming villagers, unpredictable artifacts, and their own self-doubt. At first, all goes well—until it doesn’t.

I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s first book, and this one won me over even more. I was worried about Second Book Syndrome—sequels often struggle to live up to the original—but that wasn’t the case here. It’s just as strong, if not stronger. This is a feel-good story that leaves you warm and fuzzy inside. The magic is original, and I especially loved the voices of the objects and their interactions with Certainty. The chatty teapot was just what the doctor ordered!

The setting and characters are engaging, and the pace is steady. The characters feel fully fleshed out. I really enjoyed the contrast between grumpy Aurelia and sunshine Certainty (her name has an interesting meaning). Certainty’s kindness and empathy, her willingness to help others, and her effect on those around her were especially heartwarming. I also appreciated Aurelia’s growth and the way she overcomes her circumstances. Both girls are shaped by their families—for better and for worse—and their relationships with their parents clearly influence their personalities and choices. Oh, and there’s a catdragon named Hope!!!

Themes of friendship and found family, the Guild’s relationship with regular citizens, happiness, self-worth, and fulfillment are all beautifully woven into this story. There’s a slow-burn sapphic romance, but it’s gently integrated and never overshadows the plot. This book delivers everything I look for in cozy fantasy, with all the right vibes, and I’d love to spend more time in this world. While the ending is very satisfying, not all questions are answered—such as what happened with Certainty’s brother’s dreams. Julie Leong is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

Perfect for anyone who loves uplifting, cozy fantasy with quirky magic, gentle sapphic romance, and humor.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book:  "The Keeper of Magical Things" by Julie Leong

"A Spell for Drowning" by Rebecca Ferrier

 

"A Spell for Drowning" by Rebecca Ferrier is an enchanting historical fantasy debut steeped in Cornish folklore, sea creatures, ancient magic, and rebellious witches. Set in the late eighteenth century, it blends atmosphere and myth with character-driven storytelling. I love lore and was unfamiliar with Cornish folklore, so I eagerly dove into the book.

The story follows Kensa and her stepsister Elowen, who live in the village of Portscatho on the Cornish coast—a land full of superstition and myth. Kensa is the daughter of a feared sea smuggler who was hanged for his crimes. After his death, Kensa’s mother took a new partner, and from that union, Elowen was born.

Only four years separate the sisters, but their looks and personalities are quite different. Kensa is the firstborn—stubborn, outspoken, and, true to her name, born to be first. She's an outsider and unwelcome due to her parentage. Elowen is even-tempered, quiet, sweet, and well-liked.

When Kensa and Elowen come across a dying sea beast on the Cornish shore—the Morgawr—Kensa is quick to claim credit for the discovery, thus becoming the apprentice to Isolde, the local wise woman. To be a wise woman is to be alone—unmarried, childless, relied upon. Kensa prefers that, thinking she'll finally be accepted in the village, as wise women are respected and appreciated. The plot thickens when Isolde falls ill, and Kensa must contend with the sea god Bucka, the expectations of others, and the consequences of her choices and actions.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and found it interesting. It is very slow-paced, though, and the story really starts to evolve and escalate halfway through. This is definitely a character-driven book, and the author does a tremendous job capturing the personalities of her characters. I loved the way the relationships—especially between the sisters and other characters—were portrayed with great passion, but without being trite. The characters are well-developed, realistic, and mostly engaging.

Kensa irritated me at first with her unwise choices and lies, but she grew on me. She was quick to call out a lie but lied herself. She was self-absorbed and immature at the start, but she developed as the plot unfolded. Many times I wanted to shake her. Elowen was also stubborn and had her own secrets. Her value was often overlooked by others, and while the spotlight wasn’t always on her, her strength and wisdom were essential to the tale. I liked how they complemented each other and how their relationship developed.

I also appreciated the exploration of class, power, the expectations and limitations placed on women, grief, identity, and the desire for acceptance. In addition, I found the dark atmosphere and the lore surrounding the sea and the witches very compelling. The author’s writing has a nice rhythm that borders on poetic.

As I said, the real action begins in the second half. The first part is used to weave the background and prepare the ground for what comes next. The magic is gentle, and so is the slow-burn romance. The romance isn't a major part of the plot, and the author does a good job of keeping it in the background in favor of the main storyline.

The book is emotional and really spoke to something in me about relationships, self-worth, and choices. My only issue was that some parts dragged, especially due to the slow pace at the beginning. Still, it didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the book. It’s a standalone, but I would love to read more set in that world. The ending was satisfying—tying together the threads while still leaving room for a possible sequel. Fans of lore and intricate relationships who don’t mind a slow pace will enjoy it.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.  

* For more info about the book: "A Spell for Drowning" by Rebecca Ferrier

"A Curious Kind of Magic" by Mara Rutherford

 

"A Curious Kind of Magic" by Mara Rutherford is one of the sweetest cozy fantasies I’ve read recently—and I read a lot! Told from the heroine’s first-person perspective, it blends cozy fantasy with a heartfelt exploration of what it means to align with one’s true self.

Seventeen-year-old Willow Stokes is drowning in grief and debt after the death of her father, a man the townspeople of Ardmuir dismissed as a charlatan. His magical curiosity shoppe hasn’t sold anything magical in years and now teeters on bankruptcy. Lonely and struggling, Willow is determined to keep it going. The arrival of the outlander Brianna Hargrave, a girl cursed to turn everything she touches into magic, turns her life around.

Ignoring the shop’s Wolpertinger’s warning to avoid Brianna, Willow strikes a deal with her: she’ll help find a grimoire to break Brianna’s curse in return for Brianna’s help in reactivating the magical items in the shop. With the help of Finlay, a kind printer’s apprentice, the two embark on a dangerous quest involving a collector’s hunt for the rarest magical object.

What follows is a whimsical adventure about unexpected friendship, quests, and the kind of magic that teaches you about yourself. Themes of grief, self-worth, found family, love in all its forms, and the power of friendship are beautifully woven throughout.

Whimsical, heartfelt, and full of found family, A Curious Kind of Magic is a charming cozy fantasy with depth, humor, and just the right touch of romance. The pacing is solid, keeping the story moving without feeling rushed, and the world-building is immersive and charming. While the magic system isn’t overly detailed and leans more toward the whimsical, it fits the cozy tone of the story and complements its emotional core.

The author created characters readers can grow to respect and relate to. I loved the bond between the three main characters. Willow is stubborn and guarded, struggling with self-pity and isolation after her father’s death. The entrance of Brianna and Finlay changes everything—I especially loved the development of Willow’s character.

Though she prides herself on being practical, Willow grows to appreciate Finlay’s sentimentality and steady support, as well as Brianna’s friendship. Finlay makes her want to be a better person. Brianna, also prickly and isolated by her curse, is Willow’s opposite, and their strengths complement each other’s weaknesses. Willow learns that everyone has the potential to become more than they seem, that believing in magic means believing in yourself, and that life is made up of choices—sometimes the smallest ones can have a profound impact.

In sum, the author has crafted a wonderful story with dynamic characters and a complex plot full of surprises—which I loved. Some fantastical elements may be a bit over the top, even for fantasy, but that didn’t diminish my enjoyment. I especially appreciated that the romance didn’t take over the story. The writing is terrific, bringing every character to life.

The combination of unexpected plot twists, likable characters, and a happy ending made this a truly enjoyable and compelling read. This is exactly the kind of book I love. Even though it’s geared toward YA readers, as an adult, I was fully immersed in the tale. Fans of cozy fantasy with strong characters, found family, and quests will love this.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: " A Curious Kind of Magic" by Mara Rutherford

" Higher Magic" by Courtney Floyd

 

"Higher Magic" by Courtney Floyd is a fabulous dark academia novel following two magic students as they investigate the disappearances of their peers. Told in the first person from the heroine’s perspective, it’s an engaging blend of mystery, magic, and social commentary.

Dorothea Bartleby, a mage student prone to paralyzing panic attacks, was born with the ability to see beyond consensus reality. She’s never felt like she belongs at the academy. To earn her mage candidacy and keep her teaching job, she must pass a final qualifying exam toward her PhD—after already failing once. If she fails this time to prove that classic literature contains magic, she’ll be expelled and lose her position.

Urged to use Digimancy (a fusion of magic and computers), Dorothea reluctantly tries and ends up creating Anne, a talking skull meant to narrate classic stories. Instead, Anne malfunctions and starts narrating Dorothea’s inner monologue like she’s a Jane Austen heroine. With the help of a fellow candidate, James, she tries to fix Anne—only to uncover a deeper mystery. Disabled students requesting accommodations are vanishing, and the administration is looking the other way. As Dorothea investigates, she risks everything she’s worked for. Conspiracy, magic, mystery, a haunted campus, and slow-burn romance are just a few of the ingredients of this compelling book.

This is one of the most original novels I’ve read, with a complex magic system, rich world-building, relatable protagonists, and vivid side characters. I admired how Dorothea faced her fears and persevered despite unsupportive parents and a rigid academic system. I especially appreciated her determination, vulnerability, and refusal to accept injustice. As she says, “sometimes keeping your head down is the same as looking the other way.”

Anne the skull absolutely steals the show. I loved the classical references and the opening snippets in each chapter. Anne is hilarious, and I appreciated the way the author humanized her, making her more than just a magical construct. The novel explores themes like ableism in academia, disability, anxiety, found family, belonging, self-determination, self-worth, community, friendship, and the courage to stand against injustice.

The writing drew me in from the start. The magic system was initially confusing, but it all came together. There’s a helpful content note listing potential triggers (ableism, depression, death, institutional gaslighting), and I appreciated the heads-up. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to fans of magic, disability and LGBTQ+ representation, and dark academia. It’s a standalone, but I’d love to read more set in this world. Courtney Floyd truly knows how to capture the reader’s imagination. Full stars from me!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: " Higher Magic" by Courtney Floyd   
 

"The Glowing Life of Leeann Wu" by Mindy Hung

 

"The Glowing Life of Leeann Wu" by Mindy Hung is a slow-burn magical realism novel following the lives of three generations of women in Canada: a grandmother, a mother, and a granddaughter. The story is told from the first-person perspective of Leeann Wu.

Leeann Wu is a single mother, a midwife, and the daughter of a strict single mother—an ob-gyn doctor. At 41, she finds herself at a crossroads. Her only daughter is heading off to university in a few months, and loneliness looms. On top of that, her hands have started glowing at the most inconvenient times—whether it's from stress or peri-menopause symptoms is unclear. The truth turns out to be even stranger: she is part of a long line of women who possess a unique power. She also begins seeing a man eleven years younger than her, though the age gap preys on her mind.

Her relationship with her mother has never been smooth; her mother disapproves of many of her life choices and continues to hound her about them. Meanwhile, her daughter is worried about her and has a few opinions of her own about Leeann’s love life.

All three women must come to terms with their Taiwanese magical heritage and what it means. The plot thickens as widespread insomnia begins to plague the town, and life-threatening accidents pile up—forcing Leeann to question whether she is the solution or the problem.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. It's more about interpersonal relationships—mother, daughter, granddaughter—and their roots than it is about magic. It’s very slow-paced, with little external action until halfway through, when the heroine begins to discover her own powers. I liked the way the story wove surreal elements into the plot and explored emotional depth, though.

Leeann Wu is a strong heroine, even if she doesn’t see herself that way. Forced to quit medical school when she became pregnant, she forged her own path in life—in another vocation, to her mother’s dismay. I also liked Kenji, the younger man she dates—his calm, grounded presence and quiet support add warmth and depth to their dynamic. The strength of the book lies in the writing and the author’s ability to inhabit her characters. There are struggles, dilemmas, and even love.

It’s a slice-of-life type story with a few sex scenes thrown in for good measure. The book explores culture, belonging, loneliness, the power of connection, empty nest syndrome, choices, age gaps in relationships, family ties, and the need to be true to yourself rather than bending to others' expectations. I also loved the message that one doesn’t need magic to be special.

While I loved the concept of a woman discovering her own powers, the execution fell a bit short for me. It’s more of a personal journey of self-discovery than a fantasy. A gentle book with a focus on characters, not plot. The fantasy lurks in the background and only occasionally peeks through. The reading experience was slow, and I didn’t feel an urge to rush back to it.

That said, it’s a thought-provoking book about relationships, choices, family, and finding love—which I did enjoy despite its flaws. I also appreciated that the main characters aren’t white—a refreshing change. I recommend it to fans of magical realism who focus more on character than plot and don’t mind a slow pace.

In the end, this isn’t a book that dazzles, but one that lingers quietly—like a slow-burning ember of connection, heritage, and self-worth.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Glowing Life of Leeann Wu" by Mindy Hung

"Murder Two Doors Down" by Chuck Storla

 

"Murder Two Doors Down" by Chuck Storla is a light-hearted, humorous whodunit mystery following an insurance agent in a suburban Atlanta subdivision that gets mixed up with murder. I loved Only Murders in the Building, so the blurb caught my eye. I knew within the first few pages that I was going to enjoy this book—and boy, was I right!

Brad Hanson lives with his wife, Rhonda, in the Estates at Chestnut Lake. They have two adult kids away at college. In addition to his day job, he also serves as secretary of the homeowners' association board. His life is as boring as can be—until a murder or two enliven his days. He’s set in his ways and considers his marriage happy overall, despite the growing list of rules his wife has set for him.

When someone murders cranky old Inga Oskarsdotter, Brad becomes the chief suspect. As frustrating as the homeowners' association meetings can be, he would never kill a neighbor. He might think about it from time to time, but who wouldn’t??

The police seem determined to pin it on him, leaving Brad no choice but to investigate and find the real killer before he’s sent to the can. He doesn’t share his sleuthing with his wife—she isn’t exactly supportive. All she seems to care about are her reality TV shows and a new kitchen. With Tony as his sidekick, playing the Watson to his Sherlock, Brad follows the trail of blood—but only manages to dig himself deeper into the mud. The plot thickens as the body count rises, and it becomes clear there’s a murderer on the loose, with no other suspects in sight but him.

This was a perfect delight to me. It has satisfying drama, an engaging protagonist, and plenty of humor. It starts off a bit slow, but once the story kicks into gear, it’s captivating. Told in Brad’s first-person POV, the author paints a colorful portrait of him and does a tremendous job capturing the personalities of the characters.

I liked Brad with all his eccentricities—his set of rules, his tendency to talk too much, and his love of quoting statistics to the annoyance of others. He takes questions too literally, doesn’t have any close friends, is clueless at times, and has compulsions to check things over and over. And yet, I still liked him and rooted for him. His wife irritated me with her long list of banned topics, her lack of appreciation for him, her impatience toward him, and the way she treated him overall.

It’s not edge-of-your-seat suspense—and that’s okay. The mystery is solidly developed and compelling. The writing is very detailed—sometimes a little too detailed—with miscellaneous information. But you can picture each character, each place, and each scene vividly.

I felt like the book could be trimmed a bit, as some things started to feel repetitive. It could use another round of editing to really shine. There were a few close-together words, too many statistics, and a bit too much food and clothing description that slowed the plot. While I partly suspected who did it, that didn’t dampen my enjoyment at all. I couldn’t, for the life of me, figure out why.

All in all, this book was a great read. It had everything I hoped for—humor, mystery, and a quirky lead I could root for. This is the first in the An HOA Homicide Mystery series, and I’d love to read the next one. If mystery is your genre, pick this book up and look forward to a good time. Recommended to fans of amateur sleuthing, suburban neighborhood dynamics, and those who like their murders with a spoonful of humor.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own. 

* For more info about the book: "Murder Two Doors Down" by Chuck Storla

"We Who Have No Gods" by Liza Anderson

 

"We Who Have No Gods" by Liza Anderson is an excellent gothic dark academia fantasy, chock-full of secret societies, witches, monsters, and one brave woman. I love dark academia books—add gothic vibes, and I’m sold!

The book follows Victoria (Vic) and Henry Woods, two siblings on the run. After their mother died under mysterious circumstances, they tried to stay under the radar, moving from place to place. But the past catches up with them when a representative of the Acheron Order—a secret society of witches tasked with keeping the dead at bay—appears at Vic’s work and then at their home, ordering Henry to join the Order’s academy. It turns out Henry inherited their mother’s magical abilities, while Vic did not, which marked him as the Order’s newest recruit.

Determined to keep him safe, Vic accompanies Henry to Avalon Castle, located in the isolated woods of upstate New York. Despite lacking powers of her own—and the fact that humans aren’t welcome there—she insists on staying. Max, one of the elders, invites her to remain, but the others aren’t as welcoming. Xan, the head Sentinel—imposing, ruthless, and powerful—is in charge of protecting Avalon and wants her gone. And he isn’t the only one. As Vic makes both enemies and allies and uncovers secrets about her mother and the Order, she becomes caught between two opposing factions and the war that is coming. She must hunt or be hunted in a world that sees humans as expendable.

Although Henry is the one with powers, the focus is on Vic. Written in third person, we follow her struggles and journey of self-discovery. She’s a skilled warrior—brave, less trusting than her brother, and fiercely determined. She is impulsive, and more than once I wanted to yell at her to stop. Furthermore, she’s stubborn—sometimes too much for her own good. She has a fear of intimacy and no lasting relationships. More than anything, she’ll do whatever it takes to protect Henry, whether he likes it or not. (And he doesn’t.) While I liked her, I didn’t like her brother—he came across as spoiled, ungrateful, and irritating.

The pacing is excellent—tight, engaging, and fast-moving without feeling rushed. I flew through the pages. The novel thoughtfully explores humanity, betrayal, duty, self-discovery, hypocrisy, and the emotional dynamics between characters—especially the chemistry between Vic and Xan. While the main characters are well-developed, some of the side characters have their own distinct personalities, making them stand out. The villains are thoroughly detestable and add a dark edge that heightens the stakes throughout the story.

The dark, gritty atmosphere and the lore surrounding monsters and witches were fascinating. There’s a hint of romance, but it’s not the focus. The spotlight is on world-building and action. I loved the illustrations at the chapter headings, and the way each chapter began with a brief history of the Order, the Orcans (monsters), or the magic. The writing flows beautifully. The combination of narrative style and rich information made this a very gripping read.

The author took familiar tropes and created something new and refreshing. The story never lacks intrigue and maintains a fast pace throughout. The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait for the sequel. Content-wise, it includes some graphic violence and one or two sex scenes, so it’s not suitable for young readers. I loved the book and recommend it to fans of academic fantasy who are looking for something fresh—and don’t mind a bit of violence. Full stars!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "We Who Have No Gods" by Liza Anderson

"Gilded in Vengeance" by Lyssa Mia Smith

 

Gilded in Vengeance by Lyssa Mia Smith is a high-stakes revenge story reminiscent of The Count of Monte Cristo. I loved that classic, so the blurb caught my eye immediately. Think The Count of Monte Cristo, but with magic—how cool is that??

Set during the Gilded Age in an alternate late-1800s New York, magic—known as conjury—exists but is hidden among the elite few. Emmy Vallillo is betrayed by her best friend and framed for fraud at the Society of the Charmed’s ball, an exclusive event for the city’s wealthiest—and most magical—citizens. She’s sent to Grimsbane, a prison from which no one escapes alive.

Two years later, fellow prisoner Jack Fontaine, helps her escape. They form an uneasy alliance and, with help from their friends Jimmy and Caleb, use Emmy’s transformation magic to create new identities and re-enter society, intent on destroying those who wronged them.

Their path isn’t easy. The weakening of Brum, the source of magic, stirs unrest. Society turns suspicious of newcomers, blaming immigrants for the weakening of magic. Emmy soon finds herself torn between love and revenge.

I found this a highly entertaining read, filled with rich world-building, vivid characters, and a compelling magical system. The twists and turns kept me engaged throughout. While I enjoyed the various aspects of magic, I wasn’t entirely clear on how the bridging conjuries worked.

The characters, setting, and dialogue felt authentically Victorian, with an enchanted twist. The author captured the period well, especially the political and social dynamics of the elite. The main characters are well-developed and engaging—I truly cared about their fates.

There’s a lot I loved here: the complexity, the intrigue, the magical retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo. The dynamic between Emmy, a naive immigrant’s daughter, and Jack, the spoiled son of wealth, was compelling. Grace, the ex–best friend, made an excellent villain—selfish, ruthless, and cunning, willing to step over corpses to survive in a bigoted society.

The book explores themes like found family, betrayal, trust, revenge, deception, classism, racism, and immigration. I appreciated the inclusion of the Chinese Exclusion Act, though the repeated focus on immigration sometimes felt more like an agenda than an essential part of the story. LGBTQ+ representation was present in the side characters, handled with care and subtlety.
 
The steady pace kept me turning pages, and the suspense ramped up nicely toward the final third. I liked that the story stands on its own and found the ending satisfying. That said, a moment near the end pushed the suspension of disbelief a bit too far—even for fantasy.

Overall, I loved the book and rate it 4 out of 5 stars. I deducted one star for that over-the-top moment and the feeling of being fed a bit of an agenda. Still, I highly recommend this to fans of slow-burn romance, high-stakes adventure, revenge plots, and The Count of Monte Cristo vibes. Even if you haven’t read the classic, you’ll likely enjoy this one.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Gilded in Vengeance" by Lyssa Mia Smith