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fantasy_fiction_and_fae's reviews
477 reviews
The Wicked King by Holly Black
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Just when Jude thinks she has the upper hand, and plans start to play out, her bratty nemesis takes matters into his own hands. Death, trickery, and promises broken, this series has a whole lot of mischief going on.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A little dark, fantasy romance, morally grey characters, with the beginning of a possible enemies-to-lovers relationship.
After many years living in the fae realm, Jude struggles to fit in regardless of being the ward of a powerful fae who is her oldest sister’s father. Being human, she is always in danger regardless of who she lives with. She and her sisters acclimate, but never forgot what happened to their parents.
She seems to have a great ability to have bad things happen to her, but is resilient and begins to find her place as a human living in a fae land. She desperately wants to have a meaningful place among all these magical beings without a lick of magic herself.
Jude is put into a precarious predicament and she finds she has no choice but to work with the one fae who antagonizes her the most. He’s spoiled, entitled, and annoyingly attractive. She has a plan, and if all goes well she will have a special place in court.
A bit predictable but still an enjoyable read.
After many years living in the fae realm, Jude struggles to fit in regardless of being the ward of a powerful fae who is her oldest sister’s father. Being human, she is always in danger regardless of who she lives with. She and her sisters acclimate, but never forgot what happened to their parents.
She seems to have a great ability to have bad things happen to her, but is resilient and begins to find her place as a human living in a fae land. She desperately wants to have a meaningful place among all these magical beings without a lick of magic herself.
Jude is put into a precarious predicament and she finds she has no choice but to work with the one fae who antagonizes her the most. He’s spoiled, entitled, and annoyingly attractive. She has a plan, and if all goes well she will have a special place in court.
A bit predictable but still an enjoyable read.
Silent Evidence by Clea Koff
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Silent Evidence by Clea Koff is a suspense mystery thriller about two friends, Jayne and Steelie, who are skilled in forensics and founded an agency to help police solve crimes.
FBI agent Scott Houston has been assigned a new case in LA with body parts found on the freeway and knows who to call with the best forensic skills to help with an off-the-record post-mortem survey. Scott has a long personal history with Jayne and they have danced around each other for years. She and Steelie quickly determine that the parts are not from just one body and now the case becomes more concerning and leaning into a serial killer and not a single random murder.
Now that they have identified this case involves an active serial killer, Scott realizes that he put Jayne and Steelie’s lives in jeopardy, and the women both seem to be being watched. They hope their unique skills can find evidence to pinpoint the killer because the clock is ticking and everyone is scrambling to find the killer. The killer is meticulous with how they dismember the bodies and Jayne and Steelie don't want to be next.
With a bit of snarky banter between old friends, some serious discussions about the case, and a sticky situation the girls get into, this suspense thriller got nerve-wracking toward the end. If you like mystery thrillers, this certainly hit the spot.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Avon for the advanced reader copy via Audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Expected pub date - January 21, 2025 by Avon
This is a review of the audiobook.
FBI agent Scott Houston has been assigned a new case in LA with body parts found on the freeway and knows who to call with the best forensic skills to help with an off-the-record post-mortem survey. Scott has a long personal history with Jayne and they have danced around each other for years. She and Steelie quickly determine that the parts are not from just one body and now the case becomes more concerning and leaning into a serial killer and not a single random murder.
Now that they have identified this case involves an active serial killer, Scott realizes that he put Jayne and Steelie’s lives in jeopardy, and the women both seem to be being watched. They hope their unique skills can find evidence to pinpoint the killer because the clock is ticking and everyone is scrambling to find the killer. The killer is meticulous with how they dismember the bodies and Jayne and Steelie don't want to be next.
With a bit of snarky banter between old friends, some serious discussions about the case, and a sticky situation the girls get into, this suspense thriller got nerve-wracking toward the end. If you like mystery thrillers, this certainly hit the spot.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher Avon for the advanced reader copy via Audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Expected pub date - January 21, 2025 by Avon
This is a review of the audiobook.
Christmasland by Anne-Marie Meyer
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Everything you would expect from a Hallmark Christmas movie in a book. Sappy yet satisfying and an easy quick read.
The Hunted Heir by Holly Renee
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Book 2 in this series is obviously a continuation of the story, but I feel like it was too short. I wish it was part of book 1 to just make a longer book. I’m incredibly impatient and of course this was left in a cliffhanger.
It’s self punishment reading an unfinished series.
If you read book 1 you know the basis of the story so I don’t need to give details about it but here’s a bit of confirmation. The majority of this book is Verena running from the King’s guard and the rebels as they both want her for their own nefarious reasons and they do anything to get her.
Verena has to decide who to trust and who to avoid. She has little options since she was a prisoner in the castle her entire life not having many friends or allies to turn to. Her fate is still unknown, but I anticipate like most fantasy books she will prevail by the end. There is just the unknown of what will happen to her and Dacre in the meantime and if/how their relationship will turn out.
Both fathers are bloodthirsty for power and they will do anything to get it, including hurt their children.
Is there spice? Yes.
Do people die? Yes.
Do we get answers about Verena’s powers? Sort of
Does Dacre regret being a pompous jerk? Yes
It’s self punishment reading an unfinished series.
If you read book 1 you know the basis of the story so I don’t need to give details about it but here’s a bit of confirmation. The majority of this book is Verena running from the King’s guard and the rebels as they both want her for their own nefarious reasons and they do anything to get her.
Verena has to decide who to trust and who to avoid. She has little options since she was a prisoner in the castle her entire life not having many friends or allies to turn to. Her fate is still unknown, but I anticipate like most fantasy books she will prevail by the end. There is just the unknown of what will happen to her and Dacre in the meantime and if/how their relationship will turn out.
Both fathers are bloodthirsty for power and they will do anything to get it, including hurt their children.
Is there spice? Yes.
Do people die? Yes.
Do we get answers about Verena’s powers? Sort of
Does Dacre regret being a pompous jerk? Yes
The Compound by Robin Mahle
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The Compound by Robin Mahle is a suspenseful thriller following a woman 20 years after she escapes from a cult who reluctantly returns close to home for a location movie filming.
The job pays well, and it’s her chance to move up in the industry. No one knows who she really is except for her Aunt who took her in at 13 yrs old and her Aunt didn’t want her to return to that horrible place.
It’s been 20 years, she can handle being just outside where her entire family was brutally murdered for a few weeks. Right? Everyone from that time was either in jail or died so she has nothing to fear going back for a short time for a job. Little does she know that she hasn’t escaped the cult completely after all this time and strange things happen after she returns.
Is she going mad?
Is there a copycat killer?
Or
Did someone from her past survive that horrific night, know who she is, and want revenge?
-Multiple POV
-Cult survivor
-Hidden Identity
-Small town
-PTSD
-Copycat Murders
-Flashbacks
-Family Massacre
-Trust no one
-Haunting past
This book kept me guessing, and the culprit was a surprise as well as the ending. It was a quick read and overall I did enjoy it.
Netgalley and the publisher Joffe Books gave me an ARC of this book before its release in exchange for an honest review.
The job pays well, and it’s her chance to move up in the industry. No one knows who she really is except for her Aunt who took her in at 13 yrs old and her Aunt didn’t want her to return to that horrible place.
It’s been 20 years, she can handle being just outside where her entire family was brutally murdered for a few weeks. Right? Everyone from that time was either in jail or died so she has nothing to fear going back for a short time for a job. Little does she know that she hasn’t escaped the cult completely after all this time and strange things happen after she returns.
Is she going mad?
Is there a copycat killer?
Or
Did someone from her past survive that horrific night, know who she is, and want revenge?
-Multiple POV
-Cult survivor
-Hidden Identity
-Small town
-PTSD
-Copycat Murders
-Flashbacks
-Family Massacre
-Trust no one
-Haunting past
This book kept me guessing, and the culprit was a surprise as well as the ending. It was a quick read and overall I did enjoy it.
Netgalley and the publisher Joffe Books gave me an ARC of this book before its release in exchange for an honest review.
On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.5
Medra Pendragon is tossed into a new realm without a stitch on her back and is found by a rude and arrogant vampire who unceremoniously throws her at his uncle who is the leader of a powerful vampire society. The uncle believes she is the last of the dragon riders, who apparently died out long ago, however, there are no dragons left. Not a single one. But with her arrival, the vampires take that as a sign that the dragons may come back and she needed to be attached to the vampire leader at Bloodwing Academy (his nephew who dragged her there) and she was enrolled with zero choice in the matter. The highbloods run everything and blightborn like her were just blood in their veins, pawns in their games. Although, her blood was different.
Blake Drakharrow, her new betrothed is cold, entitled, and unbelievably gorgeous. He tormented Medra the second they met (although he did save her so, that is one small thing to be thankful for). The big issue with their relationship is he acts like he owns her as if she is his property and that she should be grateful for it. Medra has a history of not following the rules, and where she came from she wasn't new to fighting. Blake underestimates her and will find out the hard way how stubborn she can be.
Bloodwing isn't just a school, it's a live-in danger zone where Highblood vampires are constantly fighting with one another for power. The weak die and the humans are just there for food and entertainment unless they can prove their worth. Even then, the blightborn are constantly reminded that their life can end in an instant.
Deadly competitions, lies that could get her executed, a jealous betrothed, and vampires that seem to want to see what she tastes like... will she survive this school? The powerplay between the houses are fierce. She needs to do well, adapt to this new realm and learn their ways to try and stay alive.
And Blake her betrothed? He's as aggravating as he is beautiful and will be just as much of a challenge as this school. His uncle thinks they can control and use her but they don't know who she is. They will find out in time once things are awakened.
On Wings of Blood is a dark academia fantasy romance with a cocky bully villain with Draco Malfoy energy who falls first and through trial and error gets the girl (sort of). Lots of tension, banter, and a dangerous blend of court and school set in an intricately crafted world with unique vampire and dragon lore. This fantasy had all the things I love. Sexy brooding MMC, a strong-willed FMC who doesn't put up with anyone's crap but is smart enough to know how to stay alive. A slow-burn romance with some spice. A new world with different creatures that take a slightly different approach to how vampires live and their hierarchy.
Bloodwing Academy may have crossover characters from the world of Blood of a Fae but can be read completely independently. (I read that series first so I know where the FMC came from and her lineage. If you're a fan of original mythology, unique world-building, and character-driven romantasy, Check out this new series! Read the trigger warning, please.
Thank you to the author Briar Boleyn for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and being part of her street team The Rose Court. I love her series and appreciate being given the opportunity to read this and her other series which I adored as well.
Blake Drakharrow, her new betrothed is cold, entitled, and unbelievably gorgeous. He tormented Medra the second they met (although he did save her so, that is one small thing to be thankful for). The big issue with their relationship is he acts like he owns her as if she is his property and that she should be grateful for it. Medra has a history of not following the rules, and where she came from she wasn't new to fighting. Blake underestimates her and will find out the hard way how stubborn she can be.
Bloodwing isn't just a school, it's a live-in danger zone where Highblood vampires are constantly fighting with one another for power. The weak die and the humans are just there for food and entertainment unless they can prove their worth. Even then, the blightborn are constantly reminded that their life can end in an instant.
Deadly competitions, lies that could get her executed, a jealous betrothed, and vampires that seem to want to see what she tastes like... will she survive this school? The powerplay between the houses are fierce. She needs to do well, adapt to this new realm and learn their ways to try and stay alive.
And Blake her betrothed? He's as aggravating as he is beautiful and will be just as much of a challenge as this school. His uncle thinks they can control and use her but they don't know who she is. They will find out in time once things are awakened.
On Wings of Blood is a dark academia fantasy romance with a cocky bully villain with Draco Malfoy energy who falls first and through trial and error gets the girl (sort of). Lots of tension, banter, and a dangerous blend of court and school set in an intricately crafted world with unique vampire and dragon lore. This fantasy had all the things I love. Sexy brooding MMC, a strong-willed FMC who doesn't put up with anyone's crap but is smart enough to know how to stay alive. A slow-burn romance with some spice. A new world with different creatures that take a slightly different approach to how vampires live and their hierarchy.
Bloodwing Academy may have crossover characters from the world of Blood of a Fae but can be read completely independently. (I read that series first so I know where the FMC came from and her lineage. If you're a fan of original mythology, unique world-building, and character-driven romantasy, Check out this new series! Read the trigger warning, please.
Thank you to the author Briar Boleyn for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and being part of her street team The Rose Court. I love her series and appreciate being given the opportunity to read this and her other series which I adored as well.
The Order: Kingdom of Fallen Ash by Katerina St Clair
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
A fast paced, detailed dystopian world ruled by an order who has cruel intentions for anyone who opposes them.
In an attempt to create the perfect humans, a society controls their citizens every move. For those who do not pass the purity tests, they are dumped into a ghetto of barely livable conditions.
Two people destined to be together no matter how many times they are ripped apart, are willing to risk it all and they slowly begin to see how it affects everyone they hold dear.
I loved this book and so glad I came across it. Social media certainly helps finding banger books.
In an attempt to create the perfect humans, a society controls their citizens every move. For those who do not pass the purity tests, they are dumped into a ghetto of barely livable conditions.
Two people destined to be together no matter how many times they are ripped apart, are willing to risk it all and they slowly begin to see how it affects everyone they hold dear.
I loved this book and so glad I came across it. Social media certainly helps finding banger books.
Monsters In Masquerade by Robin Alvarez
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This haunting collection of 16 stories combines myth, horror, and romance. Each tale is designed to linger long after the last page is read, and it does deliver. These short stories are all different yet haunting in their own way.
Once Upon a Time meets Penny Dreadful. These short stories are written from various cultures and this certainly delivers which I find refreshing. They are reimagined by an extraordinary roster of bestselling, emerging, and brand-new authors, including Isabel Cañas, Angela Montoya, Sami Ellis, Gabi Burton, Robin Alvarez, Megan LaCroix, Amanda M. Helander, A.Y. Chao, Vanessa Molina, Ann K. Reeves, Fatima Taqvi, Carolyn Ivancic, Hayden Stone, Cat Rector, Sarah Mughal Rana, and Jordan Fleming.
My favorite thing about this book is the poem in the dedication written by one of the authors and contributors in the making of this book, Jordan. This poem was written by her grandmother and I love it.
“I’ve seen a thousand fires,
Each has called my name;
And every time I die in smoke,
I rise again in flame.”
This is a menagerie of stories so I cannot review each without giving away too much since they are short stories, just know that they all have a different tale to tell and are all special in their creepy wonderful way. It's been a while since I read an anthology and was not disappointed. I look forward to getting the hard copy of this book.
This book is set to release on 12/16/2024 just in time for Christmas. I was honored to receive an ARC of this book before release for review.
Once Upon a Time meets Penny Dreadful. These short stories are written from various cultures and this certainly delivers which I find refreshing. They are reimagined by an extraordinary roster of bestselling, emerging, and brand-new authors, including Isabel Cañas, Angela Montoya, Sami Ellis, Gabi Burton, Robin Alvarez, Megan LaCroix, Amanda M. Helander, A.Y. Chao, Vanessa Molina, Ann K. Reeves, Fatima Taqvi, Carolyn Ivancic, Hayden Stone, Cat Rector, Sarah Mughal Rana, and Jordan Fleming.
My favorite thing about this book is the poem in the dedication written by one of the authors and contributors in the making of this book, Jordan. This poem was written by her grandmother and I love it.
“I’ve seen a thousand fires,
Each has called my name;
And every time I die in smoke,
I rise again in flame.”
This is a menagerie of stories so I cannot review each without giving away too much since they are short stories, just know that they all have a different tale to tell and are all special in their creepy wonderful way. It's been a while since I read an anthology and was not disappointed. I look forward to getting the hard copy of this book.
This book is set to release on 12/16/2024 just in time for Christmas. I was honored to receive an ARC of this book before release for review.
The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde
adventurous
dark
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
When a monster and a thief make an unlikely pair, beauty may be able to tame the beast.
New York City collapsed after the monsters emerged and caused a war against the humans. After the Monster Treaty, the humans, paranormal, and magical creatures agree on a truce, although the humans get the raw end of the deal.
Kierse grew up without a mother and was passed around for years until she was taken in and taught how to steal to survive in this new version of the city. She was one of the best thieves and her boss offered her a big job that would give her the money to pay bills and get decent food for a few months for herself and her found family. Little did Kierse know who she was stealing from and what he was capable of when she was caught red-handed by the owner of the infamous Holly Library. A monster named Graves saw potential in this "human" and he needed someone with her talents of thievery so they strike a deal.
He trains her for an even bigger job that would pay her enough that she and her friends never have to worry about rent or food again. The problem is the job itself, but she's never backed down to a challenge. She had no idea what she was getting herself into, and Graves wasn't prepared for who she was, what she was, and what she would mean to him.
"A chuisle mo chroí" (pulse of my heart)
This story has Celtic lore, trolls, vampires, fae, druids, warlocks, magical artifacts, action, banter, and a bit of spice.
I don’t know why this has such a low rating. I loved it and hated to stop reading it to go to sleep. I’m looking forward to book two The Robin on the Oak Throne coming in June 2025
New York City collapsed after the monsters emerged and caused a war against the humans. After the Monster Treaty, the humans, paranormal, and magical creatures agree on a truce, although the humans get the raw end of the deal.
Kierse grew up without a mother and was passed around for years until she was taken in and taught how to steal to survive in this new version of the city. She was one of the best thieves and her boss offered her a big job that would give her the money to pay bills and get decent food for a few months for herself and her found family. Little did Kierse know who she was stealing from and what he was capable of when she was caught red-handed by the owner of the infamous Holly Library. A monster named Graves saw potential in this "human" and he needed someone with her talents of thievery so they strike a deal.
He trains her for an even bigger job that would pay her enough that she and her friends never have to worry about rent or food again. The problem is the job itself, but she's never backed down to a challenge. She had no idea what she was getting herself into, and Graves wasn't prepared for who she was, what she was, and what she would mean to him.
"A chuisle mo chroí" (pulse of my heart)
This story has Celtic lore, trolls, vampires, fae, druids, warlocks, magical artifacts, action, banter, and a bit of spice.
I don’t know why this has such a low rating. I loved it and hated to stop reading it to go to sleep. I’m looking forward to book two The Robin on the Oak Throne coming in June 2025