"The Dragon Has Some Complaints" by John Wiswell

 

It is often said that children and animals steal the show. It is certainly the case here. Our dragon is the hero of this piece! The Dragon Has Some Complaints by John Wiswell is a charming fantasy following a disabled three-headed dragon’s life-changing journey, told from the third-person POV of the middle head. The story throws us straight into the action and quickly pulls the reader into the tale.

Garrodigh was once a four-headed dragon, the most powerful in Kardoša. After losing his fourth head in battle, he now has three heads, a busted leg, and a broken wing.  The three heads are at odds with each other. Upperhead is shy and convinced he is human, Bottomhead just wants food, and Centerhead? He wants revenge on the humans who did it to him while still trying to hold everything together. He has big holes in his memory as a result of losing the fourth head and is now an outcast among the wild dragons, who see him as a human sympathizer.

Garrodigh decides to enter the winged city and wreak havoc on its citizens. Pretending to be injured, he manages to sneak into the city, where he bonds with the rider Rania Charvátová. To his surprise, he grows to care for her and starts shifting away from thoughts of eating humans toward protecting them instead. Oh, and his three heads talk to each other all the time. He also talks with his rider, which makes him the odd one. The tame dragons don't talk, at least not to him or the other humans, and he is not sure why that is. Like the wild dragons, they also reject him, deeming him too humanlike. 

What follows is a fast-moving adventure full of friendship, courage, and difficult choices. The pacing stays strong most of the book, although at times it was a bit erratic. Not that I minded. I really enjoyed the book. The dragon’s multiple personalities, quirks, and internal bickering worked especially well for me, and I liked how much growth they each go through. I also appreciated the wit and humor. The scenes where he becomes aware of human sexuality were amusing, although that plot line didn’t need to be emphasized as much. 

Overall, the story balances humor with emotional weight in a way that feels natural. Rania is a well-rounded character, struggling with doubt and low self-esteem while also being an outsider, much like her dragon. I liked their bond and how they gradually help each other heal. The supporting cast is well drawn, even if not all of it is deeply developed. At its core, the story explores what it means to be seen as a “monster,” and flips that idea into something more emotional and human.
 
The only blip was the dragon’s quick recognition of a trans character. Since dragons, or other animals for that matter, don’t share human social concepts, I found it a bit hard to believe he would recognize that at first sight. I did like the inclusion, though.

Aside from a few minor editing mistakes that are hardly noticeable, the writing in this book is excellent. I hope to read more books in this world. To sum up, I thoroughly enjoyed the book and urge you to read it. Fans of fantasy and dragons will surely enjoy it. Dragons rule!

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

* For more info about the book:  "The Dragon Has Some Complaints" by John Wiswell

"Love Galaxy" by Sierra Branham

 

"Love Galaxy" by Sierra Branham is an excellent science fiction thriller and the first book in The Imperial Broadcasts series, following the underdog heroine of a reality TV show. Think The Selection or The Bachelor — but in space, with locked-room mystery vibes to boot.

The book follows Temmi, a young trash collector from X72, an impoverished planet on the edge of the Expanse Empire. Stuck in a dead-end job due to an ex’s betrayal, burdened with evacuation notices, an ill mother, and a disabled brother she would do anything for, her future looks bleak. A chance meeting with the twin siblings Nix and Spie, the prince and princess of the empire, lands her, unwillingly mind you, on an interstellar dating show full of potential political landmines. 

Twenty-four young women, divided between the royal siblings, will compete for their hands. Only two can win, and the competition is fierce. Although Temmi is picked for the prince, she finds herself drawn to his lesbian sister instead. The plot thickens as contestants turn up dead, and the stakes rise quickly. 

I was hooked from the very first line. There are plenty of twists and intrigue to keep the reader engaged. While colonizations and dating shows aren't a new concept, the execution feels fresh and gripping. The novel promises a thrilling blend of romance, mystery, and a vibrant cast of characters in a sci-fi setting, and it sure delivers. 

The romantic tension simmers and shapes the plot rather than overpowering it. Beneath the dramatized dates and diplomatic challenges lie questions of empire, power, class, morality — and who gets sacrificed for power. The book also explores themes of love, loyalty, family relationships, betrayal, and staying true to one’s beliefs. There is a love triangle, and although I’m usually not fond of them, it plays out here naturally.

The world-building is impeccable, the writing smooth, and the characters distinct. Temmi is brash, brutally honest, brilliant and self-educated, with no filter and a deep love of science. She is fiercely loyal, relatable, and a breath of fresh air among the more polished contestants. She also curses a lot, likely to highlight her lower-class background, but at times it felt overdone. The witty banter between her and the other characters was a joy to read.

Sibling Nix and Spie couldn’t be more different. Spie is physical, charismatic, socially confident — the life of the party — and unapologetically explorative in her sexuality. She may appear narcissistic at first glance, but there is far more depth to her beneath the surface. Nix, in contrast, is cerebral, quiet, bookish, and uncomfortable in his own skin — a dark horse who constantly claims the moral high ground. And yes, I didn't like him. Of the two, I preferred the sister and completely understood Temmi’s attraction. Hell, I even prefer her myself — and I’m straight.
 
The book is written in third-person omniscient POV, and each chapter heading is drawn from a line within the chapter itself — a detail I especially enjoyed. Most threads are tied up, though a few are left open enough to make me eager for the sequel. I loved this book and highly recommend it to fans of reality TV drama, mystery, twisted plots, forbidden love, and political tension woven into a rich sci-fi world. 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: "Love Galaxy" by Sierra Branham

"The Serpent Called Mercy" by Roanne Lau

 

I love fantasy books based on lore, so the description of this Malaysian Chinese-inspired epic fantasy tale immediately captured my imagination. Unfortunately, there wasn’t as much lore or magic as I had anticipated, but it was still enjoyable.

The story follows Lythlet and her only friend, Desil, two slumdogs indebted to a local loan shark. They scrape by, pinching pennies to make their payments, and their situation seems dire. An opportunity to earn a large sum of money arises when they spot an ad seeking arena combatants to fight sun-cursed beasts in the city's seedy underworld.

The Match-master, Dothilos, is initially impressed by Desil’s brawling reputation but quickly realizes that Lythlet is the brains of the duo and takes her under his wing. As their winnings accumulate, so does their reputation - and with it, their risk-taking. Lythlet soon becomes entangled in political conspiracies, corruption, and intrigue, forcing her to choose between fame or honor and friendship.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, though I found the writing style a bit difficult to get into at first. It could use some smoothing out. I loved the few tales of Malaysian Chinese myths, but I would have loved to read more of them. The book mainly focuses on the fights, and I enjoyed the variety of the Sunsmith beasts. The different deities were also a lovely touch, and I adored the idea of lightning-bees.

The characters are the highlight of this story. They are well-developed, realistic, and engaging. It’s hard not to care deeply about what happens to them and how they navigate their complex lives. I loved that the heroine was plain - possibly even ugly - socially awkward, and layered with complexity. What she lacked in looks, she made up for with brains. I also loved her platonic and deep friendship with Desil, and her strained relationship with her parents was heartbreaking. No child should feel like a burden to their parents. Desil was a complex character as well, and the revelation about him at the end left me with my mouth agape.

The title is explained in the story, and I loved the explanation. I appreciated the interweaving of moral dilemmas in the plot and the questioning of values. The book also touches on themes of fighting against depravity and abuse, animal cruelty, friendship, loyalty, parent-daughter relationships, escaping the cycle of poverty, honor, empathy, and mercy. I liked the insights Lythlet gained from her fights, the life lessons passed to her by the Match-master, and her refusal to accept injustice.

The novel promises a thrilling blend of action, magic, and a vibrant cast of characters in a medieval world setting. While the cast was colorful and there was some action, there was very little magic - and even less explanation of it - except in a few fights. Watching Lythlet use her wits against the beasts was exciting, but I did feel sorry for the animals forced to fight. There’s a mention of dog fighting, and it felt hypocritical that the heroine didn’t show the same compassion to the beasts that she showed to the poor dogs.
 
The book could benefit from more world-building, especially regarding the magic system, and I wouldn’t have minded more Malaysian Chinese lore either. I also felt there were too many plotlines, though they did come together in the end. A bit of tightening up and another round of editing (the headings switch between capital and lowercase letters) would help. As for the ending, I wasn’t fully satisfied. Without giving away spoilers, after all the heroine went through, I expected her story to end differently. One could argue it’s more realistic this way, but sometimes, realism is overrated.

After weighing the pros and cons, I’m giving this book 3.5 out of 5, rounded up to 4. The premise is unique, the tale is creative, and the imagery and atmosphere are well done. The characters are wonderful, and the internal conflicts make them even more believable. And I did enjoy the book after all. I recommend this book to fans of the genre looking for an original, albeit slow, read.
 
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Serpent Called Mercy" by Roanne Lau

'The Innocent Sleep" by Seanan McGuire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love the author and have read all the books in the October Daye series. I was lucky enough to get ARCs of books #17 and #18. The Innocent Sleep" by Seanan McGuire is #18 in the series, recapping the same events as  "Sleep No More" but in broader strokes.

While book #17 told the story from Toby's POV, this one is narrated in the first person from Tybalt's perspective. You need to read the previous book before this one, as this book complements the story and reveals what happened behind the curtains -  things Toby and we, the readers, were unaware of at the time.

In the previous book, Toby was whisked into another version of reality, one without Tybalt or other cared-for family members. At the same time, Tybalt was ripped from his home and lost track of his wife, and a section of the Undersea (Saltmist) was sealed off from the land kingdoms. Titania has rewritten the world in her image, eliminating all the elements she deemed "undesirable" such as shapeshifters.

In this version of reality, The Cait Sidhe are believed to be extinct, but they are actually confined to their court, with only the royal cats able to travel through the shadow roads. Changelings are intentionally bred to serve the noble houses, and October lives with August in Amandine's tower, serving as August’s companion. Tybalt wants his family back, and now! This is his story.

Tybalt is one of my all-time favorite characters, so I enjoyed reading the story from his perspective and gaining insight into his emotions. His feelings about his missing wife and the entire wretched situation make him seem human and vulnerable. In fact, Tybalt is further developed here, as the author delves into his inner thoughts and emotions, making him feel authentic. I also appreciated meeting characters who were absent in the previous book, such as May and the librarian

The first section of the book was somewhat slow, repeating events we were already aware of, but the second section flew by. Oh, how it flew. Although the book lacks the tension of book #17 (since we already know how it will end), it still captivated me. The characters are well-drawn, and I felt like I was right there in the story. At the end of the book, there's a bonus novella titled "Doubtless and Secure", narrated from Helmi's POV. Helmi is a Cephali and the chief retainer of the Duchy of Saltmist.

As a companion book, it serves its purpose well, providing clarity on many aspects that may be previously unclear to some. I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. Moreover, it kept me  engaged and never bored, so I rate it  4 out of 5 stars. A good story creates an emotional connection, and this book managed to achieve that admirably. If you are a fervent fan of the series, you will certainly enjoy it. I recommend the book to fans of the series, and I am already looking forward to reading the next 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 Innocent Sleep" by Seanan McGuire