"The Secrets of Everlight" by Julie Hall

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Secrets of Everlight by Julie Hall is an enticing romantasy and the first book of a duology. Think The Selection, but with a mystery at its core and Fae instead of humans. I've been on a streak of good books lately, and I was delighted to add this one to the list.

The book follows Rowan, an orphaned fae, a thief by necessity, who is bound by an indentured servitude contract to a cruel master. She lives in the Ember Kingdom, one of several kingdoms on the continent of Vaeloria, and the strongest among them. The continent is an isolated Fae island bound by a magical barrier that keeps their enemies, the vampire and werewolf kingdoms, outside their borders.

Rowan's life takes a turn when a mysterious fae named Neo buys her contract and offers her freedom and funds in return for her help. Neo and his friend Bram ask her to pretend to be Princess Greer Stormfeather of the Glacier Kingdom and take part in a competition to win Prince Dryden's hand in marriage. Each kingdom sends a princess to vie for the prince's hand. Unlike the other contestants, Rowan has no intention of winning the prince's heart. She must play the spy and uncover the assassin targeting the prince to earn her release. She finds herself thrust into a world of nobility, silks, and court intrigue, where the stakes are high, and one wrong move could cost her life.

I loved this book and couldn't put it down. With a story told from Rowan's first-person perspective, eloquent prose, a well-constructed world, a memorable cast of characters, and an enthralling narrative, this is a fantastic read. Speaking of Rowan, she is a strong and complex heroine with uncontrollable urges to steal. She is also kind and courageous, and once she moves past the need to survive, she notices others' misfortunes and tries to help them in her own fashion. She dealt with the bad cards she was given the best way she knew how. I admired her for that.

One of my favorite moments was when she noticed a poor boy sitting outside the pub she visited and gave him her biscuit and a small silver teaspoon. She stole it, but it still shows she has a good heart. It might seem trivial to you, but in Rowan's own words, "in a world that's doing its best to erase you, even the smallest kindness can remind you that you still matter." A wonderful message to live by. Yes, she sometimes behaved foolishly, such as when she stole from the other contestants, and I wanted to shout, "What are you doing? You'll get caught! And you promised to stop." That aside, Rowan was born to be free, as the song goes. She may be a gutter fae and a former thief, but she is my kind of gal.

The book explores themes of perseverance, classism, identity, slavery, betrayal, freedom, loyalty, the cost of unchecked ambition, and, greatest of all, love. The characters were well drawn for the most part. Some of the princesses were forgettable and rather flat, while others were memorable. The villains were thoroughly detestable. I really enjoyed the dynamics and dialogue between the characters and the bonds Rowan formed with a couple of the rival princesses. The bridal contest was another highlight and added extra spice to the tale. The elimination process was a bit abrupt, but since it wasn't a major focus of the novel, it didn't bother me much.

Among the supporting characters, several made a lasting impression on me: Neo, whose integrity I admired; Bram, Neo's loyal companion; Olette, the prince's aunt; and Shayla, the princess from the Iron Kingdom. I had my suspicions about Neo's true identity, and it turned out I was right. Even so, the author still managed to surprise me with it.

The world-building is fantastic. There are sixteen Fae kingdoms on the island, including Honey, Bloom, River, Glacier, and Ember, to name a few. We learn about their lost magical powers, magical objects, otherworlders (their enemies), the class system, and much more. I was a bit surprised that no humans were among the races mentioned. I also found it strange that although the king was unmarried, the marriage competition was for his brother rather than for him.
   
The artwork between the chapters was gorgeous and brought the characters to life. There is a slow-burn romance and almost no spice beyond a few cuddles. It goes to show that a good book needs no smut to keep readers hooked. Julie Hall crafts a unique and captivating tale filled with twists and turns that keep the reader turning the pages. Alas, it ends on a cliffhanger, not my favorite trope, and I can't wait for the next book.Fans of fast-paced, high-stakes fantasy with larger-than-life protagonists will enjoy it. 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: "The Secrets of Everlight" by Julie Hall

"When the Night Comes Knocking" by Katherine Daniel

 


















The Mist meets Scream! When the Night Comes Knocking by Katherine Daniel is an intense Appalachian horror novel following two estranged siblings who find themselves in a horror movie, literally.

On the way to their family's rented cabin in the Appalachian Mountains, the estranged siblings, Jane and Thomas, find themselves trapped in a roadside convenience store with some other patrons. The store is under attack by a monster, known in local legend as the Mimic, a creature said to hold up the bones of the mountains and feast on people with guilty hearts. Since the accident that nearly took their lives, Thomas has stopped talking to Jane, blaming her for all his woes. Now, they must settle their differences to survive. As the Mimic claims more victims, fear gives way to paranoia, and the survivors turn against one another in a desperate search for the guilty party. Alas, all of them have something to hide. Unless they cooperate, none will survive.

Told from multiple third-person perspectives, the story moves between characters. This is a story of grief, guilt, regret, and redemption, full of Appalachian folklore. Think The Mist, but with a twist and less scary, which is a good thing, as I am not too fond of scary books. It is chilly, suspenseful, and claustrophobic, with compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. The story explores humanity, trauma, and relationships through the bizarre circumstances the characters find themselves in.

The characters are richly drawn. I liked Jane, whom I thought was brave, but I thought her older brother, Thomas, was a jerk. As an older brother, he sucked. At first, I didn't understand the reason for their estrangement. When I did, I found his behavior unjustified, not to say silly. He did grow throughout the story, so good for him. Among the side characters, I especially liked Jackson and his dog. And yes, the dog survived! I was worried about that. I was angry at the other patrons and the lengths they went to in order to stay alive. Much like Lord of the Flies, the story shows how far people will go to survive.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and found it to be a great tale. Others have mentioned that it would make a good movie, and I agree. Don't get me wrong, that is a good thing. As I read, the story unfolded before me as though I were watching a movie. I loved the chapter names, which connected to each other and had meaning. The only issue I had with the book was the epilogue, which I found unsatisfying. While I liked its implication that some horrors never truly stay buried, it jumps ahead a couple of decades without telling us what became of the characters, except for Kimi, the store's owner, and even then, it wasn't enough.

If you like a good atmospheric horror novel that isn't too scary to stop your heart from beating, this is the book for you. Warning: when the night comes knocking, don't answer the door. I certainly wouldn't...

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

* For more info about the book:  "When the Night Comes Knocking" by Katherine Daniel

"I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell" by Mackenzie Reed

 


















I admit, I picked the book based on the title, but I stayed for the ride. I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell by Mackenzie Reed is a dark fantasy about a road trip through hell - literally. Guess what? Demons are real, and so is hell. And you are about to experience both. Exciting, isn't it?!

After her parents' death, twenty-seven-year-old Brie quit medical school, broke off her engagement, cut contact with her friends, and found work as a receptionist at a life insurance company. One night, she witnesses her hot boss, Luke, performing an exorcism on Debra from accounting, who apparently has been possessed by a demon. She can't stop thinking about it, despite Luke's request to forget it.

When her best friend is kidnapped and dragged to hell, she joins forces with Luke, who turns out to be a demon hunter, against his will (and common sense) on a rescue mission. The mission starts in Times Square, New York, which is the entrance to hell. Kind of fitting, I would say. As if that weren't enough, Luke also needs to repair the veil between the worlds to prevent demons from entering our world. Shenanigans, monster fights, hellhounds, faulty fax machines, and corporate bureaucracy in both the overworld and underworld grace the pages of this book. And yes, hell has bureaucracy as well, which is to be expected. After all, bureaucracy is hell.

I enjoyed the book very much. The story starts with a bang - an exorcism - and then builds into a wild ride through hell. It is told in the first-person POV from Brie's perspective. There is only one steamy scene, which suited me just fine. I prefer my fantasy dark and low on spice. I enjoyed the mishmash of genres - romance, paranormal, fantasy, mystery, and light horror - which worked surprisingly well.
 
I loved the banter between the characters, the humor, and the slow-burn romance. The romantic tension between the two made their interactions more engaging. The world-building was vivid and original, and I especially enjoyed the descriptions of hell and its inhabitants. The night market, the ghosts, and the use of souls as currency enriched the world.

The author weaves vivid imagery and important themes about grief, survivor's guilt, and hope into this whimsical tale. The plot races along from the beginning, constantly picking up pace and growing darker as it goes. There is plenty of adventure and action, and never a dull moment. The characters are finely drawn. I liked both main characters and rooted for them.

The book promised one wild ride and delivered. It was well written, well plotted, and kept me interested throughout. One of the things I really enjoyed was how easy it was to slip into this world. Fans of dark fantasy with humor and a touch of romance will surely enjoy it. So what are you waiting for? Buckle up and take a ride into hell.

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

* For more info about the book: "I Hope This Email Finds You in Hell" by Mackenzie Reed

"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

"Strange Familiars" by Keshe Chow

 

 

 

 

"Strange Familiars" by Keshe Chow is the first book in the Seamere College duology, encompassing a magical veterinary school, academic rivals-to-lovers, conspiracies, and a dark academia setting - exactly the kind of book I adore. It introduces compelling characters whose rivalries, ambitions, and hidden depths make for a great read.

Told in dual first-person perspectives, the story follows two scholars of magical veterinary science: British-born Chinese Gwendolynne and upper-class Harrisford Briggs, whose father is one of the top executives at Magecorp, a major global distributor of magic. Both are top students, competing for the coveted Dux, their school’s valedictorian title, which guarantees the winner a prestigious position in the job market.

Magic is used to heal patients (both human and animal) taken from the Void, but uncontrollable surges of excess magic cause chaos and endanger lives. Along with Gwen’s snarky cat familiar and Harrisford’s bearded dragon familiar, the two must put aside their differences to get to the root of the problem and solve it. Alas, their feelings sometimes get in the way. 

I absolutely loved this book! Magic and veterinary science are a winning combination. The writing is smooth, with clear, distinct narrative voices. I loved the division of veterinary departments—the Mythological Creatures stream versus the Magical Familiars stream—the telepathic bond between witches and their familiars, and the glimpses into treatments. Keshe Chow drew from her own experiences in veterinary science, which made the depictions authentic. I also loved how one of the patients, the Centaur - part human, part horse - made treating him so challenging.

The dual perspectives let us really get into the minds of both protagonists, which I appreciated. Gwen is a strong female heroine, and I loved her spirit and determination. Harrisford’s character growth was great too - he transforms from spoiled and privileged into a self-aware, empathetic person. I loved their interactions and watching their slow-burn romance unfold. 

And then there are the magical familiars! Percy the cat stole the show for me. Kids and animals always steal the spotlight, don’t they? I loved his wit, gruffness, and arrogance - and I’m not even a cat person. There’s a solid cast of supporting characters, crisp and evocative world-building, richly drawn and alluring characters, and deeply felt friendships. While the world-building isn’t fully developed yet and there are a few plot holes, I’m hopeful these will be addressed in the next book.

The book explores themes of self-harm, racism, classism, social commentary, father–son relationships, and privilege. Content warnings include light gore, mentions of murder, depictions of animal birth, self-harm, surgical procedures, sexual scenes, non-legal prescriptions, sedative use, and alcohol consumption.

The vibe is intense, dark, and driven by academic pressure, the story unfolds at a steady pace, and readers who prefer fully fleshed-out world-building in book one or are sensitive to the content warnings may find it less suited to their tastes. The book ends on a cliffhanger, and I can hardly wait for the sequel. If you love dark academia, rival scholars, talking animal familiars, and slow-burn romance, this one is for you. 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: "Strange Familiars" by Keshe Chow
  

"Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel" by Elizabeth Everett

 

"Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel" by Elizabeth Everett is a feel-good cozy fantasy revolving around a sentient hotel, an eclectic cast of magical creatures, and a sprinkle of magic. It’s a story about second chances, friendships, and finding a home in the most unexpected places.

Pax Nomen, an ex-soldier, is the manager of the Number Five Wayside Inn and World Travel Hub, the fifth and smallest of six world travel hubs that manage magical travel between worlds. When Number Five Wayside gets stranded on Earth, they need to “reboot” it to keep it going on its magical journey. The guests are non-human, so adding humans to the equation seems like the way to go. However, there’s an ongoing debate about whether to accept them as tenants or use them as a blood sacrifice.

Here enters Josie LaChusia, a single mother dealing with debt, parenting doubts, and nosy in-laws. When she sees an ad offering a flat at a low rate, it seems like it was sent from heaven. Pax needs a new guest to restart his hotel, and Josie needs a new place to restart her life — it seems like the perfect fit. Little did she know she’d be living alongside eccentric tenants, including faeries, gargoyles, a vampire, vegetarian zombies, a gnome with a bad attitude and plumbing problems, and other beings. The guests vow not to kill each other while inside the walls of the Wayside, but it seems trouble is just around the corner.

Shenanigans, romance, and humor make for an entertaining read. The eccentric characters were adorable — well, most of them were. Josie was too polite for her own good, had low self-esteem, and lacked a backbone. I liked the developments she went through, and the way she learned to answer back. Her taste in books may be questionable, but her instincts are good. She is a good mom despite fearing otherwise.

Pax is sweet and a gentleman, and I liked how the tough soldier was soft inside and respectful toward women. I also really appreciated that he told Josie she deserves a happy ending, as she didn’t believe she deserved one and had trust issues. I also liked that he read comic books and researched superheroes to better understand Amos, Josie’s four-year-old son.

The book explores themes of racism, friendship, found family, social commentary, stability and safety, trust, and the power of love. The slow-burn romance was sweet and touching. It was endearing to read how Pax was tongue-tied when talking to Josie. Building a snowman, having snowball fights, and planting a garden were cute moments. I also liked the way the hotel responded to the residents’ emotions.

I really enjoyed the interactions between the characters. Their wonder at Earth’s customs and attempts to understand them were entertaining. While I appreciated that the plot was set in our reality, I didn’t like the negative wink toward a certain political figure, which showed bias and kind of threw me out of the cozy atmosphere. I also found the pace a bit slow at times, and the open ending left me wanting more closure. These issues kept me from giving it five stars.

That said, I did enjoy the tale. What’s not to like?? It’s a whimsical, heartwarming story full of charm, humor, and a touch of wonder — and I recommend it to fans of cozy fantasy, magic, mischief, and feel-good tales.

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

* For more info about the book: "Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel" by Elizabeth Everett

"Ember Eternal" by Chloe Neill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I read a lot of romantasy, and Ember Eternal by Chloe Neill might just be one of the best. I couldn’t stop reading and fell in love with the protagonists from the very first page. A thief, a prince, and a bodyguard meet in the market—sounds like the start of a joke, right?? But it’s anything but. This is a beautifully crafted story, full of magic, humor, and adventure.

Fox is a 20-year-old thief with morals. Like Robin Hood, she only steals from those who can afford it. She can see ghosts and tries to stay under the radar, as being unnoticed helps her stay alive. She lives in the stronghold of Westergate in Carethia (the country is divided into four sections), and she and her best friend Wren are indentured servants to an unscrupulous wealthy woman who forces them to do odd jobs—even steal—to pay off their debts.

An assassination attempt in the market on the newly arriving prince forces her hand and violates her rule to stay under the radar. She is thrust into a world of palace intrigue, magic, and romance. Together with her friends Wren and Luna—a spirit guardian—and allies Nik and Galen, they have to prevent assassination attempts and betrayal and stop the evildoer who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

I enjoyed this book very much. It’s a highly entertaining fantasy filled with rich world-building, vivid and original characters, and a unique magical setting. The history of the world is fascinating: there are three realms—Terra, the world of mortals; Aetheric, the world of spirits/anima; and Oblivion, the place of final death. And there are Gods. With themes of loss, loyalty, friendship, hope, trust, love, found family, bravery, and following one's beliefs, the author has scripted a tale that I loved to read.

I loved the courage, determination, and morals of Fox, the way she cared for others and wanted to improve their lot. She is caught between her dreams of freedom and love and has to make the right choice for herself. I adored the loyalty of Wren and Galen, the prince's values and his willingness to improve the lives of his people and be a better ruler than his predecessors or his father, the relationships and interactions of the characters, the writing, and the twists. In fact, I loved everything about this book!

There are a few F words. As the story is set in a sort of Middle Ages–style world, the curses felt a bit out of place. Also, the identity of the prince was kept secret at the beginning, but in a couple of places he was called "the prince" instead of his assumed name, even though his identity hadn’t yet been revealed. But those are just small wrinkles that can easily be ironed out.

While the romance takes a backseat to the plot, the charm and wit of this story make every moment a delight. Oh, and there are a couple of steamy scenes. This is the first book in what promises to be a very exciting series. The author tied up most loose ends but left a few threads to continue in the next book. I can't wait to read it! Highly recommended for fans of fantasy, magic, slow-burn romance, scruples, and thieves with honor—and a heart of gold.

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

* For more info about the book: "Ember Eternal" by Chloe Neill

"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