Scan barcode
breabooks's reviews
169 reviews
Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur
3.5
Another cute short story! … but it was too short! I want to know more about happens between Everleigh and Griffin! Give me more mayhem!
Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I don’t even know where to begin. I was literally screaming at the last few pages. This is a stunning Norse inspired romantasy set in a unique world with magic based in blood and bones.
LJ Andrews is some sort of romantasy magician. I’ll admit, the beginning was a little slow. I was almost afraid it would follow the typical romantasy formula. NOPE!! This book was amazing. You think you have it figured out, but you really don’t - which, in my humble opinion, are signs of a fantastic story.
Lyra Bien is a melder, someone who holds immense magical power in a world where magical power is sparse and coveted. She hides her identity as a melder by hiding the scars in her eyes, or at least she does until she is found by Prince Thane’s Sentry, Roark Ashwood. She is to be the King’s melder. She must fight to find a way to free herself and her friends all the while battling new and unseen forces.
The world building is immaculate. The character-building is extensive. I was crying for characters before I even hit the halfway mark of the book. LJ Andrews does the found family trope right- slowly and with lots of angst. There was so much yearning between lovers. The banter between all of the characters had me laughing out loud. All the twists and turns of the last 10% of the book had me shirking all my responsibilities just so I could find out what happens next.
I cannot thank Berkley enough for the advanced egalley. I will be screaming about this book for years to come. I hope I don’t have to wait for the second book long after this one releases in April.
LJ Andrews is some sort of romantasy magician. I’ll admit, the beginning was a little slow. I was almost afraid it would follow the typical romantasy formula. NOPE!! This book was amazing. You think you have it figured out, but you really don’t - which, in my humble opinion, are signs of a fantastic story.
Lyra Bien is a melder, someone who holds immense magical power in a world where magical power is sparse and coveted. She hides her identity as a melder by hiding the scars in her eyes, or at least she does until she is found by Prince Thane’s Sentry, Roark Ashwood. She is to be the King’s melder. She must fight to find a way to free herself and her friends all the while battling new and unseen forces.
The world building is immaculate. The character-building is extensive. I was crying for characters before I even hit the halfway mark of the book. LJ Andrews does the found family trope right- slowly and with lots of angst. There was so much yearning between lovers. The banter between all of the characters had me laughing out loud. All the twists and turns of the last 10% of the book had me shirking all my responsibilities just so I could find out what happens next.
I cannot thank Berkley enough for the advanced egalley. I will be screaming about this book for years to come. I hope I don’t have to wait for the second book long after this one releases in April.
All by My Elf by Olivia Dade
3.0
Cute, short, and funny. Awkward as heck in the best way. I know this a short story but so wish this had more development- I felt like this could have been a full novel.
My Feral Romance by Tessonja Odette
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
This book was the perfect little fae romcom with a little spice. I loved seeing the side characters from the previous standalone - A Rivalry of Hearts - get their own story.
Daphne is a pine marten fae with dreams of becoming an illustrator. She’s also crushing on her now former coworker, Monty Phillips. They formed a friendship while working on a book tour for two authors together. Daphne also needs a husband in order to get out of a ridiculous bargain - if not, she’ll be forced to reside her in home town in her Unseelie (pine marten) form for the rest of her life. Monty Phillips is a rake who was fired from his previous publishing job only to step into the secretive role of writing scandalous Ask Gladys column for the local newspaper. After the success of the article, Monty seeks to publish a book about the smutty suggestions of Ask Gladys with his old publisher. Monty must find a case study to prove his “steps to finding a partner” is a viable book. In a hilarious turn of events, Daphne finds herself as Monty’s case study as she uses him as a model for her risqué cover illustrations. But the old feelings she had for Monty are still alive… and Monty may have the same feelings but has a million reasons he can’t reciprocate.
I absolute loved the characters and the side characters. Araminta is a hoot. Monty is so tragic and such a silly jerk. Daphne is determined to find her way in life but has to learn how to love herself.
The only issues I could find were long chapters and the realization at the end that (SPOILERS STOP HERE IF YOU DONT WANT ME TO RUIN IT) all of this for Daphne could have been avoided.
What can I say? Tessonja Odette is the queen of fantasy romcoms and this one did not disappoint.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Daphne is a pine marten fae with dreams of becoming an illustrator. She’s also crushing on her now former coworker, Monty Phillips. They formed a friendship while working on a book tour for two authors together. Daphne also needs a husband in order to get out of a ridiculous bargain - if not, she’ll be forced to reside her in home town in her Unseelie (pine marten) form for the rest of her life. Monty Phillips is a rake who was fired from his previous publishing job only to step into the secretive role of writing scandalous Ask Gladys column for the local newspaper. After the success of the article, Monty seeks to publish a book about the smutty suggestions of Ask Gladys with his old publisher. Monty must find a case study to prove his “steps to finding a partner” is a viable book. In a hilarious turn of events, Daphne finds herself as Monty’s case study as she uses him as a model for her risqué cover illustrations. But the old feelings she had for Monty are still alive… and Monty may have the same feelings but has a million reasons he can’t reciprocate.
I absolute loved the characters and the side characters. Araminta is a hoot. Monty is so tragic and such a silly jerk. Daphne is determined to find her way in life but has to learn how to love herself.
The only issues I could find were long chapters and the realization at the end that (SPOILERS STOP HERE IF YOU DONT WANT ME TO RUIN IT) all of this for Daphne could have been avoided.
What can I say? Tessonja Odette is the queen of fantasy romcoms and this one did not disappoint.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Fairydale by Veronica Lancet
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
After thinking a bit on it I’ve decided this book is a masterpiece in theory but annoying as hell when it comes to the dislikes.
It is, in short, weird.
This book immediately hooks you in with constant jaw-dropping moments. You’ll be terrified, confused, and gasping. I’ve literally never had so many visceral reactions to a book (except maybe the entirety of the Throne of Glass series). It covers some very, very touchy subjects so I appreciated the fact that the author had a note about it in the beginning. It truly is a captivating love story entertained with fantasy, horror, and mystery. The plot is wild and will not make sense until the last 1/3 of the book. Everything had a purpose- from the silly pet names to the depraved, messed up things. It is definitely a trust the process story. I loved the constant twists, the very very layered characters, and how it all eventually tied together.
Now to the dislikes.
It’s a published book and needs a ton of editing. The errors were annoying obvious in the first half of the book.
The plot was very unpredictable until it wasn’t. The last 1/3 of the book did have some surprises, but I honestly found myself skimming the last 100 pages. And it is a beast of a book at almost 800 pages. I felt disappointed with the ending - even though it is a satisfying ending- because I found myself skimming and bored with the predictability.
I’m not opposed to smut but holy crow there was a lot. It was almost to the point it was erring on excessive (to me). And it became repetitive.
It wad a good overall story. I’ll suggest it to others (with tons of trigger warnings) but I don’t see myself rereading it or wanting to purchase a physical copy.
It is, in short, weird.
This book immediately hooks you in with constant jaw-dropping moments. You’ll be terrified, confused, and gasping. I’ve literally never had so many visceral reactions to a book (except maybe the entirety of the Throne of Glass series). It covers some very, very touchy subjects so I appreciated the fact that the author had a note about it in the beginning. It truly is a captivating love story entertained with fantasy, horror, and mystery. The plot is wild and will not make sense until the last 1/3 of the book. Everything had a purpose- from the silly pet names to the depraved, messed up things. It is definitely a trust the process story. I loved the constant twists, the very very layered characters, and how it all eventually tied together.
Now to the dislikes.
It’s a published book and needs a ton of editing. The errors were annoying obvious in the first half of the book.
The plot was very unpredictable until it wasn’t. The last 1/3 of the book did have some surprises, but I honestly found myself skimming the last 100 pages. And it is a beast of a book at almost 800 pages. I felt disappointed with the ending - even though it is a satisfying ending- because I found myself skimming and bored with the predictability.
I’m not opposed to smut but holy crow there was a lot. It was almost to the point it was erring on excessive (to me). And it became repetitive.
It wad a good overall story. I’ll suggest it to others (with tons of trigger warnings) but I don’t see myself rereading it or wanting to purchase a physical copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Gore
Moderate: Rape
Bloodfeather Symphony by Amber L. Werner
5.0
A beautiful ending to an epic fantasy trilogy. Certain parts had me in tears. I’m still amazed at how Amber Werner can cram so much story into only one book. The exploration of found family, accepting love when you really need it, and forgiveness was fantastic. I highly suggest this series if you’re looking for EPIC fantasy, no spice, wild creatures and worlds, good vs evil, and dragons!!
And that epilogue? I’m ready for the next series, please!
And that epilogue? I’m ready for the next series, please!
Echoes of the Tide by Emma Hamm
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
3.75
Another fun story in this series! This had way more creepy Bioshock vibes and I’m here for it.
I adore Maketes. Ace is very very relatable. Again, why does this kind of book have to have such thoughtful themes?
There were a few parts that, aside from being a fantasy novel that’s totally defying the laws of nature, just didn’t make sense. How did that man survive so long without the other people barging in but Ace could walk right in? I also didn’t like how fast this one was. Gimme that slow burn.
I adore Maketes. Ace is very very relatable. Again, why does this kind of book have to have such thoughtful themes?
There were a few parts that, aside from being a fantasy novel that’s totally defying the laws of nature, just didn’t make sense. How did that man survive so long without the other people barging in but Ace could walk right in? I also didn’t like how fast this one was. Gimme that slow burn.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cannibalism
House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
This is a fantastic dark fantasy with gothic vibes. It is so unlike most of the books I have read recently. The apocalyptic type world is creepy but so interesting. The dedication and prologue pulled me in and I could not put this book down. As someone who’s often easily distracted while reading I can say I wasn’t distracted by much, even reading late into the night until my eyes couldn’t stay open.
Edira is a threadmender in a world filled with a horrible disease called blight. She must hide her ability to heal the sick by mending their broken threads of life for fear of being taken by the Evers. The Evers, immortal beings with immense magic, lord over the country of Glaes. The Ferngloves are the specific family that control’s Edira’s city. The Ferngloves took her aunt when they discovered she was a threadmender. Edira must help make ends meet with her two brothers all while hiding her identity because blight killed the rest of her family… until her brothers fall ill with blight. Orin Fernglove promises to stave off the progression of the disease in exchange for Edira’s help in researching a cure for blight. Edira is thrust into the Fernglove estate with a family that is kniving, secretive, and extremely powerful. She is warned to trust no one, but her heart tells her otherwise.
The story is muah, chef’s kiss! Edira is constantly questioning the Fernglove’s motives. The characters are dynamic, especially Edira. She is full of sass, plus she gets a cute animal companion. The sarcastic interactions between the Fernglove family are so entertaining. The imagery is immersive and beautiful but absolutely disgusting. I really enjoyed how Edira’s magic works.
Edira is constantly giving of herself to help others, but slowly learning to let herself live. I admire her character’s steadfast determination to protect her brothers all while learning the secrets of the Ferngloves.
This was the first ending I’ve read in a while that was actually satisfying. It’s my understanding that this is a duology, but I’m not left with the sour taste of most cliffhangers in the end.
I will be suggesting to book to anyone and everyone. Thank you Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the eARC.
Edira is a threadmender in a world filled with a horrible disease called blight. She must hide her ability to heal the sick by mending their broken threads of life for fear of being taken by the Evers. The Evers, immortal beings with immense magic, lord over the country of Glaes. The Ferngloves are the specific family that control’s Edira’s city. The Ferngloves took her aunt when they discovered she was a threadmender. Edira must help make ends meet with her two brothers all while hiding her identity because blight killed the rest of her family… until her brothers fall ill with blight. Orin Fernglove promises to stave off the progression of the disease in exchange for Edira’s help in researching a cure for blight. Edira is thrust into the Fernglove estate with a family that is kniving, secretive, and extremely powerful. She is warned to trust no one, but her heart tells her otherwise.
The story is muah, chef’s kiss! Edira is constantly questioning the Fernglove’s motives. The characters are dynamic, especially Edira. She is full of sass, plus she gets a cute animal companion. The sarcastic interactions between the Fernglove family are so entertaining. The imagery is immersive and beautiful but absolutely disgusting. I really enjoyed how Edira’s magic works.
Edira is constantly giving of herself to help others, but slowly learning to let herself live. I admire her character’s steadfast determination to protect her brothers all while learning the secrets of the Ferngloves.
This was the first ending I’ve read in a while that was actually satisfying. It’s my understanding that this is a duology, but I’m not left with the sour taste of most cliffhangers in the end.
I will be suggesting to book to anyone and everyone. Thank you Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the eARC.