Scan barcode
breabooks's reviews
169 reviews
Silvercloak by L.K. Steven, Laura Steven
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I fear that I am going to be disappointed in the majority of the books I read this year after finishing this banger.
No, but seriously. This story is an insanely complex and dark narrative about the struggle to find one’s place in a world in which power is fueled by pleasure and pain. Saffron watched her parents death at the hands of the Bloodmoons, a fringe organization kept afloat by crimes that cannot be proven. Saffron becomes a Silvercloak, the “police” of this world, with the ultimate goal of bringing down the Bloodmoons. The exit exam reveals her huge secret, which allows her to go undercover in hopes of destroying the Bloodmoons from the inside.
The premise itself is promising, but the depth of this story is incredible. I want to say it’s a dark Harry Potter, but it doesn’t even compare. Magic is wielded through wands, but replenished through pleasure and pain. The resulting world is incredibly sex-positive with very, very dark edges. Saffron’s every move is compelled by her traumatic beginnings. Grief, ptsd, and overall trauma are thoughtfully explored themes. The idea of timeweaving - or turning the clock on time itself - is a fun concept that is woven throughout the story. Oh, the world building! Like I said before, it’s complex but oh so compelling. The characters are all adults (at least 26 years of age) and function as adults with layered feelings and the ability to think through their problems. It’s so refreshing. Saffron’s self-preservation through banter is hilarious. The romance is great. The ending has me yearning for the next book - and for some fresh therapy.
This book is for anyone who enjoyed a rich but twisted and dark narrative, fantasy, mafia vibes, and unique magic/world building with lush imagery.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for the gifted eARC.
No, but seriously. This story is an insanely complex and dark narrative about the struggle to find one’s place in a world in which power is fueled by pleasure and pain. Saffron watched her parents death at the hands of the Bloodmoons, a fringe organization kept afloat by crimes that cannot be proven. Saffron becomes a Silvercloak, the “police” of this world, with the ultimate goal of bringing down the Bloodmoons. The exit exam reveals her huge secret, which allows her to go undercover in hopes of destroying the Bloodmoons from the inside.
The premise itself is promising, but the depth of this story is incredible. I want to say it’s a dark Harry Potter, but it doesn’t even compare. Magic is wielded through wands, but replenished through pleasure and pain. The resulting world is incredibly sex-positive with very, very dark edges. Saffron’s every move is compelled by her traumatic beginnings. Grief, ptsd, and overall trauma are thoughtfully explored themes. The idea of timeweaving - or turning the clock on time itself - is a fun concept that is woven throughout the story. Oh, the world building! Like I said before, it’s complex but oh so compelling. The characters are all adults (at least 26 years of age) and function as adults with layered feelings and the ability to think through their problems. It’s so refreshing. Saffron’s self-preservation through banter is hilarious. The romance is great. The ending has me yearning for the next book - and for some fresh therapy.
This book is for anyone who enjoyed a rich but twisted and dark narrative, fantasy, mafia vibes, and unique magic/world building with lush imagery.
Thank you NetGalley and Del Rey for the gifted eARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Unlock the Dark by Sasa Hawk
2.5
This book was gripping until the midway point, then my interest waned. I skimmed through the last 30% to find the resolution was good, but unremarkable.
I could see this book being rewritten into a duology or a much longer book. The characters were a tad bit flat and then the middle portion just… I don’t know. It lost its spark and just became all over the place. The second half of the book had a completely different tone than the first half.
Spoiler below
I’m also super upset with how Trys was essentially forgotten until his uncle came in and was like where’s my nephew? I’m the King, go save him. And I’m still fuzzy on how she was paid- they said on the oathstone that only AFTER he would return would be paid. But still she was paid the commission for the door?
Either way- this book was unfortunately not for me. I can see others enjoying it and I hope that the author sees success.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC.
I could see this book being rewritten into a duology or a much longer book. The characters were a tad bit flat and then the middle portion just… I don’t know. It lost its spark and just became all over the place. The second half of the book had a completely different tone than the first half.
Spoiler below
I’m also super upset with how Trys was essentially forgotten until his uncle came in and was like where’s my nephew? I’m the King, go save him. And I’m still fuzzy on how she was paid- they said on the oathstone that only AFTER he would return would be paid. But still she was paid the commission for the door?
Either way- this book was unfortunately not for me. I can see others enjoying it and I hope that the author sees success.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for the eARC.
The Spirit Collection of Thorne Hall by J. Ann Thomas
dark
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Can horror and cozy coexist? Because they somehow coexist in this story. Elegy is, by birthright, to be the mistress of Thorne Hall and all the collection of ghosts that haunt its halls. Elegy has never known what it is to live life for herself until a preservationist’s son steps into her life. This is an endearing story of the struggle between one’s duties and living your own authentic life. And, of course, it is a precious love story. The author writes like a classic author (think Emily Brontë) but with a smidge of a flippant tone that echoes Elegy’s personality. The story’s pacing can get a little slow, but overall it was enjoyable.
I listened to the audiobook for this. I overall enjoyed the narrator. My biggest issue is that sometimes you could tell when the narrator had stepped away and started over in her narration. I don’t know how else to describe it other than her voice will suddenly change and then go back to normal.
Thank you Alcove Press and Dreamscape Media for the gifted ALC!
I listened to the audiobook for this. I overall enjoyed the narrator. My biggest issue is that sometimes you could tell when the narrator had stepped away and started over in her narration. I don’t know how else to describe it other than her voice will suddenly change and then go back to normal.
Thank you Alcove Press and Dreamscape Media for the gifted ALC!
A Dance of Lies by Brittney Arena
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
This book made me feel seen. It made me cry. It left me aching for the next chapter. Holy crow, what sort of sorcery did Brittney Arena wield when she wrote this book?
Vasalie was framed for murder by the King who once considered her “Jewel.” She was King Ilian’s dancer. He lavished her with all she could want, but accused her of murder and threw her into the dungeons for 2 years. Vasalie was eventually freed from her prison by Ilian, but with a few caveats. Vasalie was tasked to do the impossible: become a dancer again even though her body is broken and spy on the Crowns. King Ilian is hiding something and Vasalie is determined to gain her freedom- and vengeance.
Arena’s writing is lyrical but not overly flowery. The book’s pacing is consistent, but readers should be aware that there will be many bouts of hopelessness. I ate up all the plot twists and turns that are present up until the very end. The way Arena tackles limitations - both physical and mental - on her characters is incredibly relatable. The way dance is described made me feel like I was watching So You Think You Can Dance in my head. The descriptions of the performances were full of imagery but easy to follow. The banter was hilarious, especially Anton with all his haughty, narcissistic tendencies. Her writing plucked at my heartstrings. I found myself crying more than once.
This is a fantastic read for those who want suspense, royal intrigue, high stakes, and beautiful writing.
Thank you Del Rey and NetGalley for the gifted advanced digital copy.
Vasalie was framed for murder by the King who once considered her “Jewel.” She was King Ilian’s dancer. He lavished her with all she could want, but accused her of murder and threw her into the dungeons for 2 years. Vasalie was eventually freed from her prison by Ilian, but with a few caveats. Vasalie was tasked to do the impossible: become a dancer again even though her body is broken and spy on the Crowns. King Ilian is hiding something and Vasalie is determined to gain her freedom- and vengeance.
Arena’s writing is lyrical but not overly flowery. The book’s pacing is consistent, but readers should be aware that there will be many bouts of hopelessness. I ate up all the plot twists and turns that are present up until the very end. The way Arena tackles limitations - both physical and mental - on her characters is incredibly relatable. The way dance is described made me feel like I was watching So You Think You Can Dance in my head. The descriptions of the performances were full of imagery but easy to follow. The banter was hilarious, especially Anton with all his haughty, narcissistic tendencies. Her writing plucked at my heartstrings. I found myself crying more than once.
This is a fantastic read for those who want suspense, royal intrigue, high stakes, and beautiful writing.
Thank you Del Rey and NetGalley for the gifted advanced digital copy.
Amid Clouds and Bones by Ella Fields
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
4.5
I zipped through this fantastic romantasy in two days. I absolutely ate it up. I thought I had everything figured out but good grief I did not.
Princess Mildred is half fae, half human and destined to marry the Seelie prince. The Seelie Prince, Atakan the heartless, is truly an evil being and absolutely hates Mildred. Their encounters before she is old enough to wed are more and more viscous- but Mildred learns to play the game and gets Atakan back. Mildred’s suspicions of Atakan’s desire to destroy her are confirmed when she finally moves into the Seelie castle. But Mildred is smart and cunning- possibly the one to tame the heartless Prince. That is until date decides to deliver her to straight to Atakan’s enemy.
This book is fast paced with all the wonderful banter you need. Every family is screwed up- from Mildred’s to the Seelie royalty, which makes them more relatable. Atakan is the embodiment of trickster fae. You’re thrown straight into the story so the world building takes time to develop, but oh my goodness the plot becomes so deliciously complicated. The tension is top-notch. I should mention that this book is *quite* spicy.
The descriptions of the lands and dragons were beautiful but terrifying. I could really see it all play out in my mind’s eye with minimal effort.
If you want a spicy romantasy with dragons, Seelie and Unseelie fae, alllll the tension, and jaw dropping twists and turns, then this is definitely the book for you.
Princess Mildred is half fae, half human and destined to marry the Seelie prince. The Seelie Prince, Atakan the heartless, is truly an evil being and absolutely hates Mildred. Their encounters before she is old enough to wed are more and more viscous- but Mildred learns to play the game and gets Atakan back. Mildred’s suspicions of Atakan’s desire to destroy her are confirmed when she finally moves into the Seelie castle. But Mildred is smart and cunning- possibly the one to tame the heartless Prince. That is until date decides to deliver her to straight to Atakan’s enemy.
This book is fast paced with all the wonderful banter you need. Every family is screwed up- from Mildred’s to the Seelie royalty, which makes them more relatable. Atakan is the embodiment of trickster fae. You’re thrown straight into the story so the world building takes time to develop, but oh my goodness the plot becomes so deliciously complicated. The tension is top-notch. I should mention that this book is *quite* spicy.
The descriptions of the lands and dragons were beautiful but terrifying. I could really see it all play out in my mind’s eye with minimal effort.
If you want a spicy romantasy with dragons, Seelie and Unseelie fae, alllll the tension, and jaw dropping twists and turns, then this is definitely the book for you.
Arcana Academy by Elise Kova
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This is going to be THE fantasy book of 2025. Dark academia, tarot magic, banter, and romance make this my hands down favorite book of the year.
Clara is a rogue Arcanist - someone who can in and wield the magic of tarot cards. She is handed down a life sentence for illegally inking cards and helping other rogue Arcanists escape the kingdom. Acarana Academy’s Headmaster and second-born Prince, Kaelis, is her unlikely “savior” when he helps her escape Halazar prison. There are a few caveats to his aid: Clara must aid him in creating an all powerful tarot card by joining Arcana Academy as a first year student and pretending to be his betrothed. One mistake and she could end up dead or worse: back in Halazar prison.
I’m not sure where to begin with this one. The book is a chonker but rightfully so. There is so much plot crammed into about 500 pages. This says a lot as Kova’s earlier novels are just as complex but less than 400 pages. The magic system is incredible. I was afraid that it would be similar to One Dark Window what with it being cards, but it’s not even close. As someone who knows absolutely nothing about tarot cards it was confusing at first, but was crystal clear by the end. If you enjoyed the complexities of When the Moon Hatched you will eat this story up.
The characters are beautifully complicated. Clara and Kaelis absolutely hate each other. Their witty hate-filled banter is some of the best I’ve ever read. The side characters are anything but one-sided. The tension-filled angsty romance is well-written, plus the chapters with spice can easily be skipped for those who don’t wish to read it.
I’ll willingly admit I’m a tad bit biased because I adore Elise Kova. Butttt if I look at this book from a lens of “I know nothing about this author” I still find it fantastic. The creativity of the story and the refreshing uniqueness of the magic system are brilliant. I’m going to spiral until the second book releases. I almost (emphasis on almost) regret the gifted early copy from Del Rey because I’ll have to wait well over a year for the second book.
Clara is a rogue Arcanist - someone who can in and wield the magic of tarot cards. She is handed down a life sentence for illegally inking cards and helping other rogue Arcanists escape the kingdom. Acarana Academy’s Headmaster and second-born Prince, Kaelis, is her unlikely “savior” when he helps her escape Halazar prison. There are a few caveats to his aid: Clara must aid him in creating an all powerful tarot card by joining Arcana Academy as a first year student and pretending to be his betrothed. One mistake and she could end up dead or worse: back in Halazar prison.
I’m not sure where to begin with this one. The book is a chonker but rightfully so. There is so much plot crammed into about 500 pages. This says a lot as Kova’s earlier novels are just as complex but less than 400 pages. The magic system is incredible. I was afraid that it would be similar to One Dark Window what with it being cards, but it’s not even close. As someone who knows absolutely nothing about tarot cards it was confusing at first, but was crystal clear by the end. If you enjoyed the complexities of When the Moon Hatched you will eat this story up.
The characters are beautifully complicated. Clara and Kaelis absolutely hate each other. Their witty hate-filled banter is some of the best I’ve ever read. The side characters are anything but one-sided. The tension-filled angsty romance is well-written, plus the chapters with spice can easily be skipped for those who don’t wish to read it.
I’ll willingly admit I’m a tad bit biased because I adore Elise Kova. Butttt if I look at this book from a lens of “I know nothing about this author” I still find it fantastic. The creativity of the story and the refreshing uniqueness of the magic system are brilliant. I’m going to spiral until the second book releases. I almost (emphasis on almost) regret the gifted early copy from Del Rey because I’ll have to wait well over a year for the second book.
Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
Oh boy, what a freaking whirlwind of a book. I’ve been told that it is beneficial to read The Legends of Thezzmar series first. It’s clearly not necessary to read that first as the author did an excellent job of threading what background knowledge was needed to understand the world throughout this story. I do feel like I’m ruined for the first series as this story basically spoiled how the previous series ends.
With that out of the way, this was a very epic fantasy romance. Elwren was a princess of a destroyed land. Wren was also an alchemist and poisoner. She exacted deadly revenge on those that fought on the wrong side of the war. In the process of killing off the ilk, Wren thwarted Torj’s plan to be stationed as far away as possible. Torj is a Warsword (basically a general with power from the gods). The ultimate irony was that he must become Wren’s bodyguard in order to get another chance to be stationed far away. The characters are all very layered. The banter between Torj and Wren is fantastic. The side characters, while not super complex, have very distinct personalities that add to the story.
This book had the right amount of magic, yearning, and world building. Tough subjects such as sibling loss, post-traumatic stress, and war were tackled. There was tons of heartbreak. The romance was top notch.
The reason this isn’t a 5 star from me is that it was wonderfully steady for 400 pages then suddenly it was all rushed. The last 100ish pages were crammed with so much story that I had whiplash. The abrupt disruption in pacing just didn’t sit right with me. I also was able to guess a lot of the twists before they happened.
I’m interested to see how the rest of Wren and Torj’s story plays out in the next book. Thank you BOMM for the gifted egalley.
With that out of the way, this was a very epic fantasy romance. Elwren was a princess of a destroyed land. Wren was also an alchemist and poisoner. She exacted deadly revenge on those that fought on the wrong side of the war. In the process of killing off the ilk, Wren thwarted Torj’s plan to be stationed as far away as possible. Torj is a Warsword (basically a general with power from the gods). The ultimate irony was that he must become Wren’s bodyguard in order to get another chance to be stationed far away. The characters are all very layered. The banter between Torj and Wren is fantastic. The side characters, while not super complex, have very distinct personalities that add to the story.
This book had the right amount of magic, yearning, and world building. Tough subjects such as sibling loss, post-traumatic stress, and war were tackled. There was tons of heartbreak. The romance was top notch.
The reason this isn’t a 5 star from me is that it was wonderfully steady for 400 pages then suddenly it was all rushed. The last 100ish pages were crammed with so much story that I had whiplash. The abrupt disruption in pacing just didn’t sit right with me. I also was able to guess a lot of the twists before they happened.
I’m interested to see how the rest of Wren and Torj’s story plays out in the next book. Thank you BOMM for the gifted egalley.
A Harvest of Hearts by Andrea Eames
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This is a heart-warming fantasy with characters and magical setting reminiscent of studio ghibli stories. Foss is a homely butcher’s daughter in a kingdom that harvests its inhabitants hearts to maintain prosperity. Everyone is fine with this sacrifice as hearts are usually taken in increments by the city’s Sorceresses, that is until Foss is entranced by a Sorcerer. She is not okay with the annoying heartsickness, thank you very much. Foss leaves to travel to the city to find for the Sorcerer, Sylvester, and get her heart back. She ends up staying as his housekeeper since the close proximity makes her heart hurt less. Foss soon discovers there’s much more to the Sorcerer (and his sister Sorcereresses) and the heart magic than she originally thought.
The books is written in a fun vernacular that is both easy to read and the harsh no-nonsense of the assumed “lower” class. Sometimes Foss will break the fourth wall. I really enjoyed the overall story. The world was crazy unique but similar to other stories (studio ghibli, specially Howl’s Moving Castle). It was mostly cozy until it’s really not… but still a fantastic plot. The romance was absolutely precious. I was literally in tears over one scene. It was so fun to watch Foss realize her true beauty.
I absolutely recommend this book. It’s cute, fast, sweet, intense, and absolutely magical.
Thank you Erewhon and NetGalley for the egalley.
House of Frost and Feathers: A Folkloric Fantasy by Lauren Wiesebron
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
This was a fun story based on Slavic folklore with major Howl’s Moving Castle vibes. Marisha lives in Chernozemyla, a land inflicted with an ancient sleeping plague. Every ten years on the dot people fall asleep. Both of Marisha’s parents are deep sleepers (people who sleep for more than a year) and her brother left her. Marisha escapes an inevitable arranged marriage at the hands of her awful Aunt by becoming an apprentice to an apprentice for a Koldunya. This particular Koldunya, Baba Zima, controls n orange chicken-legged house that travels from city to city. Baba Zima’s apprentice, Olena, is trying to find a cure for the plague. Marisha must overcome her disbelief of magic to help pursue a cure.
This book is very character driven. If someone does not enjoy character driven books, they will not enjoy this book. I’m not a huge fan of character driven stories, but the folklore was so dang good. The plot takes a back seat to the story told through Baba Zima, Marisha, Olena, and eventually Valdim. The pacing is a little skewed. The book starts off very strong, is incredibly slow, and is non-stop through the last 20%. I really enjoyed the last 20% of the book. I wish there would have been more character development between the two couples. I feel like there was a lot of potential between both love interests to further explore those particular characters. I feel that with some consolidation (the book is over 500 pages) this story would be even more enjoyable.
I enjoyed the book and will definitely recommend it as long as the readers are okay with a slow pace and character driven story. 3.75 stars
Thank you SO much to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the early copy.
This book is very character driven. If someone does not enjoy character driven books, they will not enjoy this book. I’m not a huge fan of character driven stories, but the folklore was so dang good. The plot takes a back seat to the story told through Baba Zima, Marisha, Olena, and eventually Valdim. The pacing is a little skewed. The book starts off very strong, is incredibly slow, and is non-stop through the last 20%. I really enjoyed the last 20% of the book. I wish there would have been more character development between the two couples. I feel like there was a lot of potential between both love interests to further explore those particular characters. I feel that with some consolidation (the book is over 500 pages) this story would be even more enjoyable.
I enjoyed the book and will definitely recommend it as long as the readers are okay with a slow pace and character driven story. 3.75 stars
Thank you SO much to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the early copy.
Grimm Curiosities by Sharon Lynn Fisher
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
Um, hello? Why isn’t there more hype about this book? It’s a magical Bridgerton-ish love story! I listened to the audiobook on kindle unlimited and it was fantastic! I do wish that, since there were two narrators, that the male narrator would have voiced the male parts during Lizzie’s chapters and vice verse.
The romance was absolutely fantastic. The story was engaging, especially once the more fantasy side of the plot came around. This was such a cozy, feel-good listen/read.
“I had at some point come to think of Lizzy as my own. Not oafishly, in the sense of wanting to control her. But having some claim to the privilege of hearing her voice. Of knowing her thoughts. Of walking beside her, be it to the dance floor, to the church, or to the ends of the earth. There’s a name for that, man.”
I mean COME ON 😩🫠
The romance was absolutely fantastic. The story was engaging, especially once the more fantasy side of the plot came around. This was such a cozy, feel-good listen/read.
“I had at some point come to think of Lizzy as my own. Not oafishly, in the sense of wanting to control her. But having some claim to the privilege of hearing her voice. Of knowing her thoughts. Of walking beside her, be it to the dance floor, to the church, or to the ends of the earth. There’s a name for that, man.”
I mean COME ON 😩🫠