"The Wicked and the Damned" by Rebecca Robinson

 

"The Wicked and the Damned" is the second romantasy novel in Rebecca Robinson’s Dark Inheritance Trilogy, and just as intense—if not more. It continues right where the first book ended, with stakes that are just as high, if not higher.

The first book introduced Vaasa Kozár, a princess of Asterya, and Reid of Mireh, a ruthless foreign ruler—characters one can't help but fall in love with, along with their story. The book ended with a deal made between Vaasa and Ozik, her father's counselor and a Zetyr witch. In return for Reid's life, Vaasa agreed to give Ozik access to her magic. The book ends with her being dragged back to her homeland in chains to be used as a political pawn and figurehead.

Ozik annuls her marriage to Reid and forces her to choose a noble to marry in order to gain more power and control. Forced to comply, Vaasa pretends to be obedient while scheming her way to freedom. She will have to use all her wits and her training to outwit her enemies. And there are many of them. 

Meanwhile, Reid has his own plans to rescue her and will do whatever is necessary, be it war or consorting with pirates—and their leader, Sachia—to achieve his goals. Sachia has her own agenda, and trust is slow to build. Betrayal, intrigue, revenge, conspiracy, found family, friendship, magic, and love all intertwine in this sweeping tale.

I was afraid of the second book syndrome, but this book is just as complex and good as the first one. Told in dual POVs, we get to know more about Vaasa and Reid, especially Vaasa. The author continues to develop the world, revealing more of its history and magical system. Vaasa learns more about her magic and how to control it. There is also a bit more political maneuvering here than in the first book, and Vaasa handles herself perfectly among all the underhanded dealings.

I loved the introduction of new characters, mainly Sachia, and what unfolds is an intriguing tale that blends political intrigue, action, magic, and moral dilemmas. One of the things I liked about this book was how creative it was. It combines an interesting plot with compelling, complex fantasy and plenty of twists. The characters are finely drawn, and we get just enough of the backstory in bits and pieces, which is how I prefer it to an info dump.

While the book mainly focuses on Vaasa and Reid, we also get a brief look into Ozik, which I loved. Even some of the villains have a human side, making all the characters feel fully realized. The book has everything I enjoy: a fantasy world with magic, heart, and a heroine caught in the middle of a dangerous game that tests her strength.
 
The story opens with a bang and builds to an explosive climax. The middle was a bit slow and could be tightened, but the action-packed ending is impossible to put down. There were a couple of spicy scenes that felt out of place, some occurring in the middle of danger, which felt out of place. There is a bit of a cliffhanger, but not as huge as in the first book.

One needs to read the first book before this one, as it doesn’t stand on its own. There is some recapping to remind readers what happened, but it isn’t enough for new readers to fully get into the story. Overall, I loved the book despite those small misgivings, so I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 5. I can’t wait to read the final book in the series. I recommend the book to those who read and enjoyed the first book and love books with strong heroines, a complex magic system, and political intrigue.

Note on content: The story includes elements that may be intense for some readers such as: Torture, violence, spicy scenes, imprisonment/captivity, manipulation & coercion.

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

* For more info about the book: "The Wicked and the Damned" by Rebecca Robinson

"An Ancient Witch's Guide to Modern Dating" by Cecilia Edward

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"An Ancient Witch's Guide to Modern Dating" by Cecilia Edward is a charming cozy fantasy that combines two of my favorite tropes: witches and time travel. The premise promised a great tale, and boy, did it deliver!

The book follows Thorn Scarhart, a thirty-nine-year-old witch looking for love in the 17th century—not an easy task at any age or period. After the disappearance of her sister and the loss of her mother, she is all alone, except for her familiar, a cat named Bandit. Despite her arsenal of powerful love potions, none bring her the love she seeks. But when one of her potions backfires, Thorn is hurled 350 years into the future—into the 21st century, no less—with her cat and a frog in tow. There, she discovers both the perks of modern life and the perils of online dating. With the help of Meg, a museum curator, and her veterinarian brother, Walls, Thorn tries to find her footing—and maybe even her perfect match.

I loved this book! Witches, potions, and cats galore graced its pages. And there was even a bit of mystery revolving around cats. I especially loved how the cats treated their owners as mere servants—because, let’s be honest, no one really owns a cat. The relationships between the felines and their so-called "owners" were delightful, and the main characters felt so real that it was easy to connect with them, especially Thorn.

Speaking of Thorn, I loved that she was in her late thirties and hadn’t given up on love. However, I didn't like the way she was treated by her mother and sister. The meaning behind her name was heart-wrenching, and the way her treatment was dismissed didn’t sit right with me. I also felt her mother and sister were forgiven a bit too easily for their actions.

The book explores themes of family, toxic relationships, self-esteem, changing oneself to meet men’s expectations, personal growth, friendship, and love. You can’t help but root for Thorn, with her unusual personality and strong character development. At first, she tries to change her looks and personality to fit men’s expectations, but she eventually realizes that isn’t the way to go.

The writing was smooth and easy to read, making it effortless to get lost in the story. The author’s style perfectly balanced humor, heart, and magic, creating a book that was both entertaining and engaging from start to finish.

Overall, I found this to be a delightful cozy rom-com/fantasy. I enjoyed the book immensely and highly recommend it. Fans of feel-good books filled with hilarity, heart, and slow-burn romance will surely love this one. It has all the ingredients of an excellent read: a fun plot, colorful characters, a fabulous setting, and a romance that makes for a warm, fuzzy experience. 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: "An Ancient Witch's Guide to Modern Dating" by Cecilia Edward

"The Secret Market of the Dead" by Giovanni De Feo

 

"The Secret Market of the Dead" by Giovanni De Feo is an original, Italian-inspired gothic historical fantasy debut in which a young girl struggles to change her destiny—one denied to her due to her gender.

Set in Lucerìa, an 18th-century town in the Kingdom of Naples, the story follows eight-year-old twins, Oriana and Oriano, along with their parents and baby brother. This is a patriarchal society, and the twins are not treated equally by their parents and peers. Oriano is the favored child, given more freedom. He is popular and loved, so his pranks are met with indulgence. Oriana, on the other hand, is the more studious of the two. She has always dreamed of becoming a smith in her father’s forge, but her mother, and fate, have other plans for her.

The novel is steeped in mysticism, folklore, and tales of the nocturnal realm—a place ruled by seven immortals and fueled by Moira, the power to reshape one’s destiny, though not without a cost. Oriana’s path is forever altered when she encounters Emistuchivio, the Duke of the Under-Earth and Darkness, and other creatures of the Night, forcing her to enter the Secret Market of the Dead to fulfill a task.

Years later, at 14, Oriana’s twin brother is chosen as the first apprentice, destined to inherit the family forge. Unwilling to accept this, Oriana challenges her brother to three trials that will determine the rightful heir. What follows is a captivating tale of struggle, ambition, myths, and dreams.

At its core, this is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a rigid patriarchal society. Oriana is ahead of her time—the first feminist, fighting against the limitations placed on her due to her gender—and I admired her for that. The book also explores themes of family bonds, sibling rivalry, societal constraints, misogyny, and the courage to defy expectations in pursuit of one’s dreams.

I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The author weaves a world rich with legend and myth, blending logic and the supernatural. The worldbuilding, the night saints, and the interplay between pagan beliefs and Christianity make for a truly unique backdrop. The characters are complex and realistic—Dame Lena, a hardened woman whose ambitions have turned her bitter; clever Oriana, educated in the era’s liberal ideas, which, sadly, did not extend to women; and Oriano, who benefits from a system he does not question.

Despite the title, the story does not revolve around the Secret Market itself—which is a pity, as I would have loved to explore it further. However, the novel beautifully captures a dreamlike world where one can become whatever their heart desires. And there’s a talking cat!

To sum up, I found this to be a refreshing and engaging tale. While I truly enjoyed the story, I felt certain aspects—like the limited focus on the Secret Market—kept it from being a full 5-star read. That said, it was still an excellent book, earning 4 out of 5 stars. While it is suitable for YA readers, adults will also appreciate its depth and themes. The pacing is steady, and the twist at the end genuinely caught me by surprise. Fans of gothic historical fantasy, folklore-infused stories, and strong heroines will find much to love in this book.

Trigger warnings: animal death, mistreatment, and abuse of power.

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

* For more info about the book: "The Secret Market of the Dead" by Giovanni De Feo

"The Serpent and the Wolf" by Rebecca Robinson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A good story creates an emotional connection with the reader, and "The Serpent and the Wolf" by Rebecca Robinson did just that. This stellar, spellbinding romantasy debut had me hooked from the start, devouring it in just a couple of days. It’s the first book in a series and one of those that are nearly impossible to put down once you’ve begun. The story kicks off with a bang and never lets up.

The narrative centers around Vaasa Kozár, a princess of Asterya who believes she is cursed. She harbors dark magic within her that she can neither control nor understand. To make matters worse, she has a brother who wants her dead and a husband she didn’t choose. After their parents' death, her cruel brother, Dominic, ascends as Emperor. To rid himself of Vaasa, he marries her off to a ruthless foreign ruler, Reid of Mireh.

But Vaasa isn’t your typical helpless heroine. She possesses political savvy, combat skills, speaks six languages, and knows how to hold her own. Her arranged marriage starts on the wrong foot, and what unfolds is an intriguing tale that blends political intrigue, action, magic, and a steamy, enemies-to-lovers slow-burn romance.

I loved this book. It’s the perfect example of a page-turner. The writing is clear and engaging without being simplistic, pulling me in from the first page. The world-building, characters, magic, political systems, and suspenseful plot make it a thoroughly enjoyable and captivating read.

The plot is complex and creatively executed, making the story feel fresh and unique - a breath of fresh air in the genre. I was particularly impressed by the intricate plotting. Every action was well thought out, and Vaasa's intelligence, bravery, and ability to confront her demons despite her fears and insecurities won me over. I appreciated what the Serpent and the Wolf symbolized and admired how Robinson didn’t spoon-feed us answers, allowing events to unfold naturally.

The characters are fantastic, ranging from honorable to downright wicked. Vaasa, in particular, is incredibly well-drawn. Robinson skillfully delves into her deepest thoughts and emotions, making her a real, relatable character. Though she was a bit irritating at times with her attitude and reluctance to open up, I appreciated the way she grew and developed throughout the story. The dynamic and sexual tension between Vaasa and Reid were also compelling.

The author rises above clichés to craft a story that feels fresh and less predictable than it might have been. The side characters are mostly well-developed, adding depth to the narrative. This is a story that highlights the importance of personal strength, perseverance, support, community, friendships, and love. It's worth mentioning, however, that there are a couple of steamy scenes, which fit seamlessly into the story.

My only minor complaint is the frequent use of swear words, which didn’t seem to fit the world Robinson created. Nonetheless, this novel was everything I could have wished for and more. It wasn’t just entertaining; it also provided something I love to see in a book - moral conflict.

While it might not be entirely new to the genre, it’s definitely a cut above many others. If you enjoy an intense story with a brilliant cast of characters, a satisfying story arc, and emotional depth dealing with grief, loss, bullying, trauma, loneliness, and rising above one’s upbringing, then this book is for you. The action-packed ending is impossible to put down and leaves you on a cliffhanger. I must read the second book in the series now!

* 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 and the Wolf" by Rebecca Robinson