Scan barcode
chapterswithnic's reviews
110 reviews
The Elflaine Chronicles: Ballad of Dawn by Haley Hamilton
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
the folklore in this is one of my favourite things about the book. the mythical creatures and lore are great. demon dogs, fae, dragons, kelpies, witches… you name it!
the fmc is powerful but i like that it shows the training aspect- i think it would have been a little better if it had not been so instantaneous with her essentially mastering powers, though i know we’re on a time crunch with the quest! speaking of the quest… i also wanted to hear about so much more of elideh (but after the ending of this i think we’ll get more in the second book!)
there is a slowburn romance that’s started- he falls first (eep) but nothing ACTUALLY happens in this first book. THE WAITING. the AGONY. obviously i am in full support of callum, because the overprotective bestie is never the vibe for me. when callum wanted to punch reed, so did i.
overall quite a cosy little folklore read!
the fmc is powerful but i like that it shows the training aspect- i think it would have been a little better if it had not been so instantaneous with her essentially mastering powers, though i know we’re on a time crunch with the quest! speaking of the quest… i also wanted to hear about so much more of elideh (but after the ending of this i think we’ll get more in the second book!)
there is a slowburn romance that’s started- he falls first (eep) but nothing ACTUALLY happens in this first book. THE WAITING. the AGONY. obviously i am in full support of callum, because the overprotective bestie is never the vibe for me. when callum wanted to punch reed, so did i.
overall quite a cosy little folklore read!
The Last Refuge by Christina Bacilieri
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
“𝘬𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘢, 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨.”
first thing first the COVER. multiple chef’s kisses. i truly need to get me a physical copy because i love it.
the story itself felt caraval meets hunger games?
it was giving both, but with more magic and i am HERE for it. a place where you walk through the border, and connect to your true magic???? you turn into a magical being???? i’m going. i’m on the first train there. byeeeee 👋🏼✨
i think the author did a great job of mixing the dystopian world vibes with the magic that existed as well. it didn’t lessen either thing and was woven together really well!
i’m deeeefinitely getting sapphic vibes between kiera and attalin but we shall seeeeee. the intro to a third person just has potentially blown it out of the water. love triangles be like that 🤣
hurry up book twoooooo- i need to find out all the things about the alliance
first thing first the COVER. multiple chef’s kisses. i truly need to get me a physical copy because i love it.
the story itself felt caraval meets hunger games?
it was giving both, but with more magic and i am HERE for it. a place where you walk through the border, and connect to your true magic???? you turn into a magical being???? i’m going. i’m on the first train there. byeeeee 👋🏼✨
i think the author did a great job of mixing the dystopian world vibes with the magic that existed as well. it didn’t lessen either thing and was woven together really well!
i’m deeeefinitely getting sapphic vibes between kiera and attalin but we shall seeeeee. the intro to a third person just has potentially blown it out of the water. love triangles be like that 🤣
hurry up book twoooooo- i need to find out all the things about the alliance
Descended by Ingrid J. Adams
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Okay so imma just sit here and countdown to book two. Okay?
Wow that ending had me on tenterhooks.
This book took a minute for me to adjust to the style of writing, and grasp the sort of direction it was going, but then I could NOT put it down. The lore, the magic, the characters… I was so freaking invested in all of it.
The mental health that was highlighted in this was actually really unexpected and hard-hitting. Like it was heartbreaking to read, but also just so beautiful to watch him heal. It was tackled so well.
I really liked the idea of the past lives and how they all intertwined together. And also how they all descended from Atlantis? Hello?! I love that.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through all of it- I can’t recommend enough.
Wow that ending had me on tenterhooks.
This book took a minute for me to adjust to the style of writing, and grasp the sort of direction it was going, but then I could NOT put it down. The lore, the magic, the characters… I was so freaking invested in all of it.
The mental health that was highlighted in this was actually really unexpected and hard-hitting. Like it was heartbreaking to read, but also just so beautiful to watch him heal. It was tackled so well.
I really liked the idea of the past lives and how they all intertwined together. And also how they all descended from Atlantis? Hello?! I love that.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading through all of it- I can’t recommend enough.
One Little Nightmare by Dawn Darling
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Okay we all know i’m a SUCKER for greek mythology so this retelling i just ate up. And if you didn’t know then, hi, i’m nic and greek mythology is a weakness.
To follow the story from brooks’ broken POV (mainly) is so interesting- you as a reader were trying to figure everything out along with him. I made a bunch of guesses as to who he was, but I was never 100%. I also enjoyed Xia’s pov too! Switching between the two added so much more depth to both characters, and the parallels they’d come across. It felt very soulmate and I was here for it.
Also I mean Brook’s at the end / His “passenger” gave pure shadow daddy vibes. Say no more.
I was kept guessing at every turn and the story is written so well, i was hanging off every page.
I have KU so will be throwing myself into the next book as I need to know how the story continues. The cliffhanger was great but should be illegal for my feelings.
To follow the story from brooks’ broken POV (mainly) is so interesting- you as a reader were trying to figure everything out along with him. I made a bunch of guesses as to who he was, but I was never 100%. I also enjoyed Xia’s pov too! Switching between the two added so much more depth to both characters, and the parallels they’d come across. It felt very soulmate and I was here for it.
Also I mean Brook’s at the end / His “passenger” gave pure shadow daddy vibes. Say no more.
I was kept guessing at every turn and the story is written so well, i was hanging off every page.
I have KU so will be throwing myself into the next book as I need to know how the story continues. The cliffhanger was great but should be illegal for my feelings.
Fly with the Arrow by Sarah K.L. Wilson
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
For my very first audio book I enjoyed it!
The cliffhanger can get stuffed though 😭🤣
I really enjoyed the use of riddles throughout, more traditional fae traits that tend to be missing from a lot of fae-based books.
Also shoutout to not having insta-love! I relished the slowburn between them. The tension of not being able to speak to each other was *chefs kiss*
The world as well seemed so beey interesting and I’d love to learn even more. I’d hope the second one she gets brought back REAL quick- we want magical worlds always pls.
The cliffhanger can get stuffed though 😭🤣
I really enjoyed the use of riddles throughout, more traditional fae traits that tend to be missing from a lot of fae-based books.
Also shoutout to not having insta-love! I relished the slowburn between them. The tension of not being able to speak to each other was *chefs kiss*
The world as well seemed so beey interesting and I’d love to learn even more. I’d hope the second one she gets brought back REAL quick- we want magical worlds always pls.
The Lost God by Sheila Masterson
This story had me in the first half, and sort of had me trailing off in the second half as the pace changed drastically. It went from well-paced to SUPER fast-paced. I do feel as well that as time went on the dialogue felt more YA than I'd necessarily enjoy.
The magic system was easy to understand
I think Cece was so badass in the beginning. The fight scenes had me clapping (in my head), especially the one on horseback with Xander. Epic wasn't even the word. One of my favourite scenes to read about, all whilst flirting with Xander. Hilarious and wanted a million more of these.
I loved everything about the Gods. The interactions with Cato were great, and the brief introduction to Samson and Grimon had me liking them immediately. I think Samson would be a hilarious God to know more about. Novella on him would be READ.
I did really like Xander at the beginning but the insta-love between him and Cece left more to be desired. I wanted more of his quips and cockiness before we were hitting all the "i-love-yous". I feel like I've been poisoned against him as that seems to be where the story started heading in the end- with Grimon planting the seed.
I don't mind a love triangle now and again but I want all the undecidedness to happen BEFORE the lock in. Not after. At that point it just feels like cheating to me, and in this case she is married. It's wild. It's even pointed out in the books that Rain waited for her to no longer be available before deciding he WAS willing to risk it all for her. BRUH. TOO LITTLE TOO LATE.
Maybe I'm just not as forgiving as Cece is. Maybe she should just run away with Samson? I would.
If you love a quest-based fantasy, with gods, magic, whocanitrust vibes, with the love triangle becoming the main arc of the story then I'd pick this one up immediately.
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"Only you can decide who fear will make you, the seer had said. Cecelia let it make her a warrior."
This story had me in the first half, and sort of had me trailing off in the second half as the pace changed drastically. It went from well-paced to SUPER fast-paced. I do feel as well that as time went on the dialogue felt more YA than I'd necessarily enjoy.
The magic system was easy to understand
I think Cece was so badass in the beginning. The fight scenes had me clapping (in my head), especially the one on horseback with Xander. Epic wasn't even the word. One of my favourite scenes to read about, all whilst flirting with Xander. Hilarious and wanted a million more of these.
I loved everything about the Gods. The interactions with Cato were great, and the brief introduction to Samson and Grimon had me liking them immediately. I think Samson would be a hilarious God to know more about. Novella on him would be READ.
I did really like Xander at the beginning but the insta-love between him and Cece left more to be desired. I wanted more of his quips and cockiness before we were hitting all the "i-love-yous". I feel like I've been poisoned against him as that seems to be where the story started heading in the end- with Grimon planting the seed.
I don't mind a love triangle now and again but I want all the undecidedness to happen BEFORE the lock in. Not after. At that point it just feels like cheating to me, and in this case she is married. It's wild. It's even pointed out in the books that Rain waited for her to no longer be available before deciding he WAS willing to risk it all for her. BRUH. TOO LITTLE TOO LATE.
Maybe I'm just not as forgiving as Cece is. Maybe she should just run away with Samson? I would.
If you love a quest-based fantasy, with gods, magic, whocanitrust vibes, with the love triangle becoming the main arc of the story then I'd pick this one up immediately.
Welcome to the Fae Cafe by Jennifer Kropf
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
What a breath of fresh air. If you’re in the market for a fantasy with rom-com vibes then this is the one for you. It was light, funny and sprinkled with a little magic.
“He falls first” is the accurate trope for this and it had me smirking to myself watching it happen.
The enchanted kisses backfiring on him not once, but TWICE. I live for it. Silly silly Cress.
The most surprising relationship for me was Cress and Grandma Lewis- what a wholesome little duo. It was so heartwarming to read about their little formed friendship, and a great way to soften Cress from his initial moody broody bad-ness?
I just felt like this was such a cosy story. I smiled to myself at the little quips all the way through, and gasped out loud at the chapter before the end.
Also I would like to own a Fae Cafe, where I can write stories and vibe with this gang. Please.
“He falls first” is the accurate trope for this and it had me smirking to myself watching it happen.
The most surprising relationship for me was Cress and Grandma Lewis- what a wholesome little duo. It was so heartwarming to read about their little formed friendship, and a great way to soften Cress from his initial moody broody bad-ness?
I just felt like this was such a cosy story. I smiled to myself at the little quips all the way through, and gasped out loud at the chapter before the end.
Also I would like to own a Fae Cafe, where I can write stories and vibe with this gang. Please.
An Arrow to the Heart by K.R. Bacher
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I was so lucky to be chosen as an ARC reader for this!
What an adorable yet spicy little fantasy romance. The author mentioned that this was a little palate cleanser and it absolutely was.
A healer fae in her little pink cottage, looking after cute owl creatures, and making potions? Um let me be you, Sylvie.
Did NOT expect the “little” twist that Sylvie was a freaking DRAGON SHIFTER?! Love that. Made her even more badass than she already was.
I love even more that the characters were older in this. Not in the fae sense (which I know Sylvie was) but the fact that Ardál was 38! Really refreshing to have older MC’s!
Finishing this also made me want to know more about the moody Sylas- I just know he’s gonna be the morally grey unavailable man that I love. But also I want more on the trio that is Valeska, Ortolf and Lonan because such an interesting dynamic. Basically all the spinoffs pls.
What an adorable yet spicy little fantasy romance. The author mentioned that this was a little palate cleanser and it absolutely was.
A healer fae in her little pink cottage, looking after cute owl creatures, and making potions? Um let me be you, Sylvie.
I love even more that the characters were older in this. Not in the fae sense (which I know Sylvie was) but the fact that Ardál was 38! Really refreshing to have older MC’s!
Finishing this also made me want to know more about the moody Sylas- I just know he’s gonna be the morally grey unavailable man that I love. But also I want more on the trio that is Valeska, Ortolf and Lonan because such an interesting dynamic. Basically all the spinoffs pls.
A Moonrise in the Fire by Tessia Ives
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
We won’t kid around here- the beautiful book cover was my intial draw to this. The blurb convinced me though.
After a little bit of a slower start, and coming to terms with the FMC… i was sucked into the book when the questing began. Introduce all the magic and you’ve got my attention!
The multiple worlds aspect of this story was one of my FAVOURITE things. What better way to explore multiple fantasy worlds all in one book than to introduce lantern doorways, guarded by stone dragons who ask riddles? Loved it.
I was absolutely routing for Caelan and Talvi. as soon as he gave her a nickname i knew it was the end for me. 𝑎𝑣𝑦𝑖𝑒́ 🫶🏼
I will say i really loathed the love triangle- it felt so obvious who to choose after it’s literally written how much Caelan let’s her be herself and Rian didn’t (like it’s stressed a lot!) and i never like the moments where they jump between both love interests. It’s esentially cheating and bleh. It’s not my favourite trope but others might love it!
I do feel like all the characters got better throughout the book. My favourites were actually Julius, Phira, and Reimi.
I wanted to know more and more about the elemental magic but that’s what book two will be for!
After a little bit of a slower start, and coming to terms with the FMC… i was sucked into the book when the questing began. Introduce all the magic and you’ve got my attention!
The multiple worlds aspect of this story was one of my FAVOURITE things. What better way to explore multiple fantasy worlds all in one book than to introduce lantern doorways, guarded by stone dragons who ask riddles? Loved it.
I was absolutely routing for Caelan and Talvi. as soon as he gave her a nickname i knew it was the end for me. 𝑎𝑣𝑦𝑖𝑒́ 🫶🏼
I will say i really loathed the love triangle- it felt so obvious who to choose after it’s literally written how much Caelan let’s her be herself and Rian didn’t (like it’s stressed a lot!) and i never like the moments where they jump between both love interests. It’s esentially cheating and bleh. It’s not my favourite trope but others might love it!
I do feel like all the characters got better throughout the book. My favourites were actually Julius, Phira, and Reimi.
I wanted to know more and more about the elemental magic but that’s what book two will be for!
City of Mirth and Malice by Alexis L. Menard
I had inklings but to see it confirmed was a little feet kick moment for me! Yes to this. I literally need to know about the Saints- I want to see their realm, their world. BOOK THREE ?????
Basically this book was another gem in this series! The whole Aramis storyline has me doubting then believing then doubting, the twists and turns had me sucked IN. Train chases. Spicy moments. Found family. Big big powers. Strong women. (“Wars are not only fought in the cabinet rooms and the battlefield. Sometimes they are fought over tea.” Shoutout to Vanya, I heart her) Different Realms.
It’s everything you want in a fantasy book. Go read the first book now and come back for this one!
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
WHAT a heck of a follow on from the first book. Binge-ing the two of them was absolutely a joy.
I am left pointedly 👀 looking 👀 at the author to see if there will be another book. I KNOW it’s a duology but a girl can hope.
I am left pointedly 👀 looking 👀 at the author to see if there will be another book. I KNOW it’s a duology but a girl can hope.
No one was coming for me. That had been a mantra replayed in my thoughts every day since I’d arrived here. No one was coming. So, I would have to save myself.”
One of my favourite things about this book is the growth and confidence in Milla. She was more damsel in book one, but she consistently has grown and proves herself more and more throughout the stories. Like her attitude is now: I’m going to save myself, my husband, and everyone else. Yes. I am here for it 🤌🏼✨
“When he was twelve, I caught him reading my dirty romance books in his room at night’l “You knew?” I asked. Milla’s brows nearly flew off her head.
So did mine but I was cackling. Well now we know why he’s such a good book boyfriend- shoutout to Nonna 🤣👏🏼
“Then you knew Chaos as well,” I said. The saint who gave me her remnant. She nodded. “Yes, Camilla. I knew your mother”
I had inklings but to see it confirmed was a little feet kick moment for me! Yes to this. I literally need to know about the Saints- I want to see their realm, their world. BOOK THREE ?????
Basically this book was another gem in this series! The whole Aramis storyline has me doubting then believing then doubting, the twists and turns had me sucked IN. Train chases. Spicy moments. Found family. Big big powers. Strong women. (“Wars are not only fought in the cabinet rooms and the battlefield. Sometimes they are fought over tea.” Shoutout to Vanya, I heart her) Different Realms.
It’s everything you want in a fantasy book. Go read the first book now and come back for this one!