"The River She Became" by Emily Varga

 



















The River She Became is the first book in the romantasy duology River & Salt and a great start to the series. Told in alternating dual first-person POVs, it follows a human scholar and a fae warrior driven by opposing goals, whose worlds intertwine. I love lore, and the book delivers in spades. 

Yasmeena is a scholar and relic hunter secretly working against the empire that conquered her land, stole magical Fae relics, and prevented her people from practicing their cultural customs. Kiyan is a Fae captain serving a cruel regime that conquered his realm, suppressed its magic, and brutalized its people.

The human world was cut off from the fae world, and Yasmeena searches for a way to restore the connection in hopes that it will save her people. Kiyan seeks a way to rescue the royal family trapped in the mountain and break free from the manacles of their conquerors. When their paths cross in the Fae realm, the two are forced into an uneasy alliance chock-full of ancient curses, deadly traps, and slow-burn romance.

With a mix of political intrigue, colonization, and social commentary, the author spins a tale I enjoy reading. Each chapter begins with letters and journal entries, which help bring the world to life. Yasmeena and Kiyan were characters I could connect to. Yasmeena is courageous, if a bit impulsive at times, and she wears glasses!! Not a thing one usually encounters in fantasy. I loved that the Fae didn't understand its purpose at first. I also appreciate her magic development, as well as her compassion and willingness to risk herself for both her people and strangers. Kiyan was more difficult to connect with at first because of his aloofness and some of his actions which he self-justified. It does beg the question of whether the goal justifies the means.

I am tired of seeing the colonization theme used in books, but here it was well executed. I liked the parallels between the two worlds. The villain was well etched and truly detestable, especially in the way he drained magic and tortured people. Speaking of that, the magic system felt original. I loved the Middle Eastern-inspired world and fae lore, as well as the unique representation of the fae. I also enjoyed the interactions between the protagonists and the gradual build-up of their romance and trust.

Some parts felt repetitive, especially when the characters kept reflecting on their situation or over explaining things. There were a few small, insignificant inconsistencies, such as the mention of Yasmeena’s scent, which differed from page to page. While I loved the Harry Potter and Indiana Jones vibes, they did not feel very original. Drinking potions and avoiding deadly spike traps, really?? And worst of all, the book ends on a cliffhanger, and now I will have to wait a while for the sequel! I really need that book, now!

But those are minor quibbles. Overall, I enjoyed the story very much and recommend it to fans of dark fantasy and moral gray characters. The writing was smooth and drew me in, and the pace worked really well. Evocative world-building, richly drawn characters, deeply felt friendships, and romantic tension made for a great read. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. I deducted a star due to the issues mentioned above. I am looking forward to seeing how things work out in the second installment.

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

* For more info about the book:  "The River She Became" by Emily Varga

"Shadow Reaper" by Lynette Noni

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Shadow Reaper” by Lynette Noni is a dark YA fantasy that will leave you in tatters. It is the first book in a duology, and it is one of those books that are very difficult to put down once it pulls you in.

Written in the third-person POV, the book follows seventeen-year-old Viridia Solace, a young reaper hunter with a mission: to catch the Reaper Priest who killed her parents. She lives in the city of Aravell, a place bordered by the Blackmist Forest and plagued by a deadly magical mist, where reapers addicted to magic roam and siphon magic mostly from children.

When the Priest’s most loyal follower, Reeve Ashton, is captured, he offers Viridia a bargain: his freedom in return for information about the Reaper Priest. The plot thickens when kids go missing, forcing her hand. With the help of her best friend and his motley crew, the two embark on a quest that will lead them through unforeseen dangers. Thus starts an exciting adventure chock-full of magic, slow-burn romance, and twists.

I loved the book! It has all my favorite tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found family, and a high-stakes quest. Add to it an original magic system, vivid world-building, enchanted artifacts, and a pet bunny named Walnut, and you’ve got me hooked. Instead of vampires thirsting for blood, we have reapers thirsting for magic, which is cool. As this is YA, there is no spice, nor was it needed.
 
I loved Viri and Reeve, and especially the banter and dynamic between them. Viri was too stubborn for her own good, and Reeve too secretive, but somehow it worked. The supporting characters felt vivid and easy to connect with, and I would love to know more about their backgrounds. I loved the slow reveal of the backstories and how nuanced and human the protagonists felt as characters. Adding a bunny to an otherwise dark world was just brilliant.

Some old mage’s journal entries are inserted between the chapters, which shed light on the magic system. I found them less interesting than the rest of the plot, but they were necessary to give us the background of the magic. It could have used a bit of tightening, though.

Overall, I was impressed with the tale despite some hiccups — a slow start, long journal entries, and miscommunication that could have been avoided. It's complex, multifaceted, and thought-provoking. The writing was compelling and kept me fully immersed, and the tale itself was equally captivating. The major twist at the end left me open-mouthed and yearning for more.

Alas, the story ends with a very dramatic cliffhanger, leaving me itching to have the next book in my hands already. Sigh, we will have to wait for it. Highly recommended! Readers will be propelled through the plot’s twists, turns, and action. I really enjoyed the book, so I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 5. I would recommend this to fans of dark YA fantasy, enemies-to-lovers romance, unique magic systems, and high-stakes magical quests.

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

* For more info about the book: "Shadow Reaper" by Lynette Noni

"The Break-Up Retreat" by Camilla Sten

 

The Break-Up Retreat by Camilla Sten is a slow-burn psychological thriller following Isobel Anderssen, a journalist determined to make a name for herself and show that she is nothing like her infamous father.

Isobel Anderssen has heard rumors about unethical practices and a missing woman at Himlafall Clinic, a Swedish wellness retreat promising to help women recover from heartbreak. Smelling a scoop, she goes there undercover to find out more and reveal the underhanded therapy techniques of Dr. Martina Hastings, the head of the psychological clinic, that led to the disappearance of a patient.

Among group and individual therapy sessions, she finds herself drawn to the charismatic doctor and her fellow women, while trying to get to the root of the issue. The more she digs, the clearer it becomes that something is rotten in the state of Denmark, or the clinic, in our case. The stakes get high when a storm hits and they lose electricity. Isobel quickly finds herself in over her head, caught in a perilous game that puts her life on the line.

Creepy, chilling, atmospheric, and haunting, this is a story that gets under your skin. After a slow opening, the story begins to take off. The Reddit and Instagram post interludes added another dimension to the tale. This is a story about mismanagement, abuse, gaslighting, manipulation, and fallible humans.

The story focuses on building dread rather than fast-paced action, and does so well. The last section had me holding my breath, and I found the ending satisfying. I liked Isobel and rooted for her, but found some of her actions hasty, not to mention foolish. There's a solid cast of supporting characters, and I liked the portrayal of the women at that clinic.

There were a few plot holes - such as the backstory of Isobel's dad, which wasn't fully developed. Overall, I enjoyed the story despite it all. Therefore, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars. The writing is evocative, bringing the eerie setting vividly to life and keeping me engaged in a suspenseful and creative plot. The story’s eerie atmosphere and unrelenting sense of dread stayed with me throughout the story. I highly recommend this book to lovers of atmospheric psychological thrillers and intense, emotionally driven stories that slowly build to a truly chilling payoff.

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

* For more info about the book: "The Break-Up Retreat" by Camilla Sten

"Cursed Ever After" by Andy C. Naranjo

 

Cursed Ever After by Andy C. Naranjo is a charming YA fantasy debut where assassins run rampant, curses abound, and adventure awaits.

Risa Porto was born on a Bad Day—the worst day of the year—and is believed by all in Barrow, including herself, to be cursed with bad luck. She is lonely, friendless, an outcast, and can’t wait to leave a village where every calamity is blamed on her. On her seventeenth birthday, her wish is granted. The witch Brunhilda comes to collect a debt and sends her on a quest: to escort Prince Javi—the seventh prince and a known flirt—through the haunted Bosque to his wedding in the neighboring kingdom of Madros.

Brunhilda has promised the prince that Risa will be his good luck charm so he will accept her, much to Risa’s unease. Alas, the journey does not go smoothly. From the start, there are assassination attempts on their lives, intrigue, and deadly trials. There are many adventures and mishaps along the way, as well as new companions—a mysterious girl called “wolf” and a cat familiar—who make the journey even more exciting.

I thoroughly enjoyed this whimsical fairytale. With themes of self-discovery, self-worth, acceptance, perseverance, the tension between choice and fate, and, ultimately, love, the author has woven a lovely tale. Though Risa and Javi seem like opposites at first, they have more in common than they realize. I liked the buildup to their relationship and the gradual bond between them. The side storyline of the “wolf” was excellently woven into the main plot. Risa is a more well-rounded protagonist than the others—I loved her growth—but the supporting characters are developed enough to feel real. At times, the two main characters could be a bit thick-headed, and I wanted to shake some sense into them.

Good fairytales rely on world-building, and this book has it in spades. The pace was just right, and the tone strikes a nice balance between lighthearted and perilous moments. The humor adds charm without overshadowing the stakes. I loved the characters, the world, the magic, and the book! Even though it is YA, the plot is quite intricate. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a feel-good story with no steam. The book stands on its own, but I would love to read more set in this world. Cursed or not, I’m all in!

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

* For more info about the book:  "Cursed Ever After" by Andy C. Naranjo

"Let's Not Go Overboard Here" by Erica Hendry

 

"The Woman in Cabin 10" meets "Below Deck". "Let's Not Go Overboard Here" by Erica Hendry is an intriguing mystery centering on a pop culture aficionado protagonist who finds herself in a real-time mystery, Agatha Christie style.

Melanie Hoffman is a bisexual Jewish attorney in her 30s who hasn’t overcome—or made peace with—her best friend's death. The two belonged to what they called the "Broken Brain" club: people who can spew pop culture references at the drop of a pin. When her HR director forces her to take a mandatory vacation, she accepts her law school best friend Vish's invitation to be his plus one on a yacht trip in Greece, chartered by his tech company.

When one of Vish's colleagues disappears, Mel suspects foul play. With the help of her friends—the “Sherlock Hoes” group—she starts digging. After all, it is easier to investigate a stranger's case than deal with her own grief. The trouble is that no one on the yacht takes her seriously, thinking she has lost her mind—and her unhinged behavior doesn't help. The clock is ticking, and Mel must uncover what happened to Freya before it runs out.

This is a story of grief, friendships, found family, and healing. I had a hard time getting into it at first—the slow pace and constant self-reflection made it feel dragging. The plot also gets bogged down at times with the many pop culture references. However, once I got past that, it really picked up, and I ended up enjoying it. I didn’t recognize some of the references, but enough landed for me to enjoy the story. I liked the flashbacks, which helped highlight the bond between Mel and her late friend.

Some of the secondary characters weren’t likable, and a few fell flat. Mel could be really annoying—her over-the-top behavior and relentless internal dialogue, combined with her disregard for others, made her exhausting to follow. She went overboard with her investigation, even hurting her best friend in the process. So consumed by grief, she didn’t notice the impact of her actions on those around her. I also couldn’t understand why her “Sherlock Hoes” group encouraged her to invade privacy and break legal lines—and she’s a lawyer, for God’s sake!

I did enjoy the humor, wit, and banter with her friends. The depiction of grief was well done, and I could relate to her. She grew on me, and I ended up rooting for her. The plot, twists, and ending made me rate this 4 out of 5 stars. By the end of the third part, my jaw literally dropped—I had no clue that twist was coming! What starts as a seemingly simple mystery turns into something much bigger than I expected. It is a unique tale, and once you get used to the writing, you’ll likely 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: "Let's Not Go Overboard Here" by Erica Hendry

"Deathbringer" by Sonia Tagliareni

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Necromancy, dark academia, enemies-to-lovers, and a murder mystery? Count me in! Deathbringer by Sonia Tagliareni is a marvelous dark academia romantasy, and the first of a planned trilogy. Set within the perilous halls of a magical institute against a 1939 backdrop, the book follows two protagonists and is told in dual POV. This book delivers exactly what the premise promises — dark magic, dangerous secrets, and plenty of twists.

Meet Viola, a Mortemagi — a death mage who can speak with the dead but hates her own magic. When her nonmagi sister, who studied at Gorhail to spare Viola the trouble, is brutally murdered, Viola is forced to attend Gorhail herself, where she must master her deadly skills while uncovering a murder — one of many, it seems.

And then there’s Sylas — an Immortal poison mage whose magic comes from three magical snakes and who despises death magic because of a complicated past. As more deaths occur and magical relics are stolen while the authorities do nothing, he and Viola are forced into an uneasy alliance to solve the mystery. With a killer on the loose, no one is safe.

Those are just the bare bones of the tale. It’s more complex than that, and I LOVED it! The world-building is satisfying, though naturally incomplete — after all, it’s just the first book in the series. The characters are unique, and the magic system is original. I especially enjoyed the division of the three houses and their distinct magical specialties — Mortemagi (death mages), Aspieri (poison mages), and Arkani (illusion mages). There are magical relics, bonding, and other inventive creations. I also loved the different personalities of the snakes.

The plot is full of rich details and is told through Viola and Sylas' perspectives in the third person. The cast of characters is large, yet somehow easy to follow. The characters are richly developed, with secrets that are gradually unraveled in the most thrilling way. I liked Viola and Sylas, as well as a few of the side characters, and rooted for them. I also enjoyed the dynamics between Viola and Sylas and the way their attachment gradually develops. Yes, Sylas was impulsive and prejudiced, and Viola could be full of self-pity at times, but I still connected with them.

Each chapter opens with excerpts from letters, decrees, and articles that illuminate the history of the world. With themes of friendship, trust, prejudice, injustice, loyalty, found family, grief, corruption, and moral conflicts, the author has woven a tale I thoroughly enjoyed. The dark atmosphere and intrigue are expertly crafted, creating a constant sense of tension throughout the story. Tagliareni's ability to weave complex, unpredictable plot twists kept me on my toes the entire way.

There are a few plot holes that weren’t fully explained and some loose ends, but hopefully they will be addressed in the next book. I would have liked more focus on the magic lessons — there were hardly any — though it didn’t bother me too much. While there were some similarities to Harry Potter, the execution felt entirely original.

All in all, I enjoyed the book immensely. The novel more than lived up to my expectations, with strong writing, clear plot developments, intriguing characters, and plenty of fascinating twists. If you’re looking for a story with a lot of panache, this is the one for you. The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait for the next installment! Full marks 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: "Deathbringer" by Sonia Tagliareni

"The Memory Foundation" by Amanda West

 

Memories, secrets, and lies in a snowbound facility in the Swiss Alps! "The Memory Foundation" by Amanda West is an original, atmospheric psychological thriller with a touch of sci-fi set in the Swiss Alps. The story alternates between two women: a single mom and a woman suffering from amnesia, whose storylines collide.

Meet Natasha Walker, an investigative journalist and a struggling single mom. When she hears of a facility that promises a cure for memory loss, she becomes desperate to investigate after losing her mom to dementia and her job.

Meet Lydia Hunter, a woman who lost her memory due to an accident. She and her husband, Wade, a scientist and the founder of the Memory Foundation, live in a remote mountainous facility. Needing funds, they open the facility to an exclusive group of wealthy guests, promising them the chance to experience a “memory flight” that will allow them to relive precious memories. Tensions rise as snow hits the area, leaving them trapped in the snowbound facility — and not everyone will come out unscathed.

I enjoyed the story very much. It was well written for the most part, despite some choppy sentences here and there, and the claustrophobic atmosphere was very effective. While I guessed the big twist, others caught me by surprise. I found Natasha too thoughtless and reckless, Lydia too submissive, and Wade too controlling. The description of the mad scientist fits him to a T. Some of the minor characters felt superficial, but it didn't detract from the tale.

The focus is more on the psychological aspect than the sci-fi one, but that worked for me. The book explores AI, the demands of motherhood on a working mom, gaslighting, identity, trauma, moral conflicts, and memory. I found Natasha's sections less engaging and a bit slower; I enjoyed Lydia's sections more. Natasha's conduct irritated me at times.

Overall, this book was one of the most original tales I have read, and I recommend it. As I enjoyed it, I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. If you are into psychological thrillers that make you think and enjoy an eerie, snow globe–like setting, this is definitely a book for you. 

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

* For more info about the book: "The Memory Foundation" by Amanda West

"City of Iron and Ivy" by Thomas Kent West

 

"City of Iron and Ivy" by Thomas Kent West is an enticing historical fantasy that takes place in a fictionalized Victorian London alive with botanical magic. Think Bridgerton — but twisted, and with magic. What a heady combination!

The book follows Elswyth Elderwood, an intelligent, scarred academic interested in exploring botanical magic. After the disappearance and presumed death of her sister during the London season, she is forced to set aside her academic ambitions — even after being accepted to Oxford — and seek a husband instead, or marry her cousin, to save the family fortune. Not an easy task, as her sister was the beautiful one, and she the studious one. She is the thorn to her sister’s rose.

She is thrust into a London where floromancers weave gowns from living blooms, hedge witches sprout poisons from their fingertips, high society refuses to accept her, and a serial killer in the style of Jack the Reaper stalks the streets. At the same time, she is determined to uncover her sister’s murderer — and all the signs point to a powerful nobleman.

With Mrs. Rose by her side to guide her through the ins and outs of high society, her uncle Percival to support her, her uncle’s aide Kehinde teaching her the use of poisons, and the bastard-born archaeologist Silas Blackthorn dazzling her, she must navigate carefully — or risk becoming another victim of the Reaper.

I enjoyed the book immensely. The magic system is one of the most original I have encountered. I loved the use of floriography and the application of the language of flowers within the magic system. The idea of conjuring flowers and poisons from the skin is truly genius.

I loved the Frankenstein vibes, the plant-human hybrids, and the Ripper-inspired murder plot. I loved the FMC — flawed, stubborn, brave, and standing up for her principles. I did want to shout at her at times for the unnecessary risks she took. We get an eclectic cast of characters; even the side characters have compelling backstories, and each has enough personality to make this a truly memorable ensemble, with a satisfying story arc and a decent amount of emotional depth.

The book is presented as romantasy, but the romance feels more like an afterthought, and there is not enough of it to truly be considered as such. It is historical fantasy with fictional liberties, so take the history with a pinch of salt. The book explores themes of racism, colonization, class, women’s rights, found family, betrayal, the relationship between sisters, loss, grief, and embracing one’s power, all seamlessly integrated into the tale.

The author is an excellent storyteller who kept me engaged with gripping scenes and a creative plot that builds suspense. The pacing is steady and kept me engaged throughout. Some scenes genuinely unsettled me, and others required a suspension of disbelief — even for a fantasy. It is ambitious in scope, but I felt the author accomplished what he set out to do.

This book earns 4.5 out of 5 stars from me, rounded up to 5. The ending isn’t conventional in the usual sense, but it fits perfectly. I would love another book in this world, as some questions were left unanswered. If you like your fantasy dark, thorny, and laced with poison, this one is for you.

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

* For more info about the book:  "City of Iron and Ivy" by Thomas Kent West

  

"Stay for a Spell" by Amy Coombe

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


"Stay for a Spell" by Amy Coombe is a charming cozy fantasy following a cursed princess who needs to find her heart's desire to break the curse. I adore cozy fantasy with fuzzy vibes, and this book was really everything I want from a cozy fantasy novel.

Princess Tanadelle of the Widdenmar doesn't like being a princess. Most girls dream of being princesses. Not she! As a second-born princess, the duties of the royal family — traveling around the kingdom, kissing babies, cutting ribbons — fall on her, and she is tired of it. During a routine royal visit to the town of Little Pepperidge, she enters the local bookstore and unwittingly is cursed to remain there until she unlocks her heart’s desire. But she wonders if it's really that bad. She will have freedom, plenty of books, more reading time, and time to figure out what she wants out of life while running the bookstore and learning to do basic magic. 

Her loyal secretary, Honeyrose, goes back to report to her parents and figure out a solution. Her peace and quiet are soon interrupted by a thieving barn pirate — Bash — cursed with a fear of water, a 15-year-old gothic dracone girl — Sasha — and a procession of princes her parents keep sending in hopes of breaking the curse. Add in Bluecaps (a helpful breed of will-o'-the-wisps who know where each book is located) and an illusioned cat, and the bookstore is anything but quiet. After all, what is a bookstore without a cat?? And I am a dog person, at that.

I loved the book immensely. The world-building may be thin — more info about the magic and the races wouldn't go amiss — but it was enough for me. I enjoyed the quirky characters, the banter between them, the slow-burn romance, the exploration of human nature, found family, family relationships, friendships, angst, freedom, and life choices.

Tanadelle/Tandy was too nice, too accommodating, and eager to please, and I am glad she developed a spine and learned to stand up for herself. I loved that she wasn't the typical damsel in distress needing others to save her. I like that she wasn't spoiled and, with the help of Sasha, turned the bookstore around. She was tied to the store, but was freer there than in her previous life. Honeyrose was also delightful, although she wasn't present in most of the tale.

Her mother really irritated me — the way she loaded all the royal duties on her daughter to the point of breaking, failing to see the effect it had on her. I loved the interactions between Tandy and the pirate. It was sweet that he left something in the store for every item he took. His kleptomaniac tendencies did lead him into trouble occasionally, though. I love that each visiting prince was different — but it was a bit odd that the one princess among them was also referred to as prince of the realm.

I found the ending was a bit abrupt. Not all loose ends were satisfactorily tied up — hopefully a sequel is planned which will tie up those ends. Also, a few practical details felt slightly underdeveloped — there was no bath in the living quarters, and the princess seemed to live solely on turnips. I couldn’t help wondering why she couldn’t at least send for food from the inn. I know, it’s nit-picking, but still...

That said, I absolutely recommend it and give it full stars. The pace is steady, and although the plot is relatively simple, it was well written and engaging. Fans of sweet cozy fantasy will fall in love with the characters and the setting. I know I did! I came for the curse, and stayed for the spell. 

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

* For more info about the book: "Stay for a Spell" by Amy Coombe

"Deathly Fates" by Tesia Tsai

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






"Deathly Fates" by Tesia Tsai is a debut YA fantasy inspired by Chinese folklore of necromancy. I love mythology — especially Chinese mythology — and necromancy, so the premise grabbed me instantly. And what a ride it was!

The book follows Kang Siying, a ganshi priestess — a shepherd of the dead — following in her father’s footsteps. When her father falls ill, she accepts a dangerous job to secure medical aid for him: she is hired to retrieve a body from Wen, an enemy territory. There is a political conflict between Siam and Wen, so the road is perilous. Siying uses talismans to reanimate the dead or purify them, as needed, and she will need all her strength for the mission to succeed.

The mission goes sideways when the body she was sent to retrieve — that of Prince Renshu — comes back to life the minute she slaps a reanimation talisman on him. However, he won’t stay alive for long unless he absorbs enough qi, or life force, to keep his soul anchored to his body. To gain qi, they must tackle evil spirits — jiangshi — and transfer their life forces to him. Their journey is full of danger, not least because of an enemy soldier hot on their trail.

Thus starts an exciting adventure chock-full of magic, secrets, love, a haunted mansion, vengeful ghosts, political intrigue, conspiracies, and enemy spies. With themes of grief, sisterly relationships, friendship, betrayal, trust, revenge, duty, familial responsibility, corruption of power, and moral conflict, the author has woven a tale I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I especially loved the concept of a priestess guiding the dead home using talismans.

I was especially moved by Siying’s sense of duty toward her father and family, and her grief touched me deeply. Siying is a strong heroine — stubborn yet compassionate. She cares deeply for her family and tries to keep herself aloft from the dead she handles, or she would not survive her job. At times, her actions were hasty and made me want to shake her back to her senses, but I rooted for her every step of the way.

I loved the contrast between grumpy Siying and sunny Renshu, their characterizations, and their conduct. While she acts out of duty and is versed in political affairs, he cares little about the royal family business and tries to stay out of politics. He is lonely, insecure, and her opposite in many ways, and I liked the changes he went through because of her. As it is YA, there is no spice, which I appreciated.

Crisp and evocative world-building, an original magic system, richly drawn characters, and deeply felt friendships made this a very good read, with strong writing and steady pacing. I loved the obstacles they faced, the banter between Siying and Renshu, and the way their relationship developed. There were a few twists along the way, though not all of them were entirely surprising.

It is a standalone novel, but I would love to read more books set in this world. Overall, I loved the book and recommend it to readers who enjoy folklore-inspired fantasy with strong heroines. It is a beautifully woven tale of life, death, and the space in between, and for a debut, it is an impressive and immersive read. 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: "Deathly Fates" by Tesia Tsai