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fantasy_fiction_and_fae's reviews
477 reviews
Bound Paths by Jillian Witt
First, I would like to thank the author for allowing me the privilege to be on her ARC team for this epic fantasy romance and providing me a copy of this final book in exchange for an honest review. This is the conclusion to a series I have thoroughly enjoyed that explores the power of love, trust, and the unbreakable bond that united powerful fae and creatures in a realm based on the magic of the elements.
The Compass Points (Rose-Norden Point, Luc-Suden Point, Carter-Vesten Point, and Juliette-Osten Point) have their work cut out for them. Rescue Luc from veil, restore the land, save the people from the mist, and work together as a team to accomplish it. Working together was something that the Compass Points had not done in centuries. Nothing will keep Rose from reuniting with Luc now that she just found the one she never thought she needed; her other half to make her whole.
"Forgive me, Rose. I know you'll come for me"
Together, they plan to work hard with the Compass Points to strengthen the lands and make it safe for everyone. That includes stopping the bans of other houses mingling with one another. Rose and Luc's relationship proves that it can be done and it works. Now all she needs to do is get him back and they need to figure out how to reach the veil.
This was a great series. If you love diving into a new magic system with strong main characters with snarky side kicks and a side of spice, you should read this series.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Bound Paths (Compass Points, #3) by Jillian Witt
Pub date Dec. 11/2024
First, I would like to thank the author for allowing me the privilege to be on her ARC team for this epic fantasy romance and providing me a copy of this final book in exchange for an honest review. This is the conclusion to a series I have thoroughly enjoyed that explores the power of love, trust, and the unbreakable bond that united powerful fae and creatures in a realm based on the magic of the elements.
The Compass Points (Rose-Norden Point, Luc-Suden Point, Carter-Vesten Point, and Juliette-Osten Point) have their work cut out for them. Rescue Luc from veil, restore the land, save the people from the mist, and work together as a team to accomplish it. Working together was something that the Compass Points had not done in centuries. Nothing will keep Rose from reuniting with Luc now that she just found the one she never thought she needed; her other half to make her whole.
"Forgive me, Rose. I know you'll come for me"
Together, they plan to work hard with the Compass Points to strengthen the lands and make it safe for everyone. That includes stopping the bans of other houses mingling with one another. Rose and Luc's relationship proves that it can be done and it works. Now all she needs to do is get him back and they need to figure out how to reach the veil.
This was a great series. If you love diving into a new magic system with strong main characters with snarky side kicks and a side of spice, you should read this series.
Bloodshed by Molly Doyle
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I’m not giving this a rating because I don’t want to bring it down. I would have liked more backstory and current details of the guys purpose. I can guess by what was mentioned but it would have helped it to include it. It’s extremely sex heavy, but repetitive and not believable. Yes it’s fiction, but it could have been set up differently. I’ve read quite a few dark fiction books that had explicit sex scenes in them but were written better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Mental illness
Touched by Fire by Kel Carpenter
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Touched by Fire by Kel Carpenter
A dark, fast-paced fantasy following powerful FMC Piper and her mission to find a cure for the one person left that she loves on earth. She has a dangerous job hunting down supernatural beings and has the highest kill count out of all the monster chasers and is the most qualified for the more dangerous jobs. She is offered the largest job yet but decides to take matters into her own hands and it goes terribly wrong. Now, not only does she have a price on her head for disobeying her boss, but she also has a demon hell-bent (pun intended) on keeping her for himself. This story has all sorts of paranormal creatures, one of which is currently a mystery to not only everyone but to herself as well and she knows the only way to stay alive is to stick with the most powerful woman she knows. Piper.
This is a short story, fast-paced and entertaining with interesting characters and premise. There is action, grumpy sunshine, enemies to still enemies but two are smitten and the grumpy one is fighting the attraction with all she has. A love triangle that the FMC wants no part of but has little choice in the matter. Cryptic? Yes, but the book isn't long enough to get into details without giving away too much.
A dark, fast-paced fantasy following powerful FMC Piper and her mission to find a cure for the one person left that she loves on earth. She has a dangerous job hunting down supernatural beings and has the highest kill count out of all the monster chasers and is the most qualified for the more dangerous jobs. She is offered the largest job yet but decides to take matters into her own hands and it goes terribly wrong. Now, not only does she have a price on her head for disobeying her boss, but she also has a demon hell-bent (pun intended) on keeping her for himself. This story has all sorts of paranormal creatures, one of which is currently a mystery to not only everyone but to herself as well and she knows the only way to stay alive is to stick with the most powerful woman she knows. Piper.
This is a short story, fast-paced and entertaining with interesting characters and premise. There is action, grumpy sunshine, enemies to still enemies but two are smitten and the grumpy one is fighting the attraction with all she has. A love triangle that the FMC wants no part of but has little choice in the matter. Cryptic? Yes, but the book isn't long enough to get into details without giving away too much.
Of Snow and Roses by T.M. Franklin
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.75
A quick fantasy about a young woman who wakes up in an institution unable to remember anything other than her name. The other people staying there are either standoffish, rude, or indifferent to her. Each day she questions more things and tries to find out more from a few people she sees each day but it’s difficult to get answers, especially from the huge man who stares at her all day with a grimace on his face.
I enjoyed the story. It was short, it had an interesting plot, and ended well. It wasn’t a deep fantasy where you don’t understand references throughout and easy to follow. I listened to it via Chirp audiobook and it’s 5 hrs 30 min on regular speed but I listened to it on 1.2x which cut the time down an hour and didn’t make the voices too fast (I'm not a fan of listening to 🐿️) If you are looking for an easy fantasy story, to fill in between your regular reading or don’t want to commit to a long book this should fit the bill.
I enjoyed the story. It was short, it had an interesting plot, and ended well. It wasn’t a deep fantasy where you don’t understand references throughout and easy to follow. I listened to it via Chirp audiobook and it’s 5 hrs 30 min on regular speed but I listened to it on 1.2x which cut the time down an hour and didn’t make the voices too fast (I'm not a fan of listening to 🐿️) If you are looking for an easy fantasy story, to fill in between your regular reading or don’t want to commit to a long book this should fit the bill.
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
An unexpected twist in this hauntingly exceptional thriller. I listened to the audiobook while reading along to get the visual of all the pictures mentioned for a full effect of this story.
If this genre is something you enjoy, this was really great and I highly recommend. I couldn’t put it down.
• Sheltered child
• Overprotective Parents
• Disgruntled neighbor
• Tragic past
• Addiction recovery
• Paranormal activity
• Possession
• Hidden truths
• White lie snowballs
If this genre is something you enjoy, this was really great and I highly recommend. I couldn’t put it down.
• Sheltered child
• Overprotective Parents
• Disgruntled neighbor
• Tragic past
• Addiction recovery
• Paranormal activity
• Possession
• Hidden truths
• White lie snowballs
A Crack in Everything by Ruth Frances Long
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
A Crack in Everything by Ruth Frances Long is book one in the Dubh Linn series that is a fast-paced YA fantasy in the setting of Ireland and Irish lore.
This story follows Izzy, a teen girl who by chance runs into a sidhe named Jinx and can see past his glamour which humans cannot do. She is drawn to him and he is also drawn to her but he thought it was due to her encounter with an angel. A series of events happen and Izzy seeks Jinx for answers. What she doesn't know is how the sidhe world works and who Jinx obeys. He also doesn't realize who or what Izzy is since a simple human should not be able to see through his glamour. Was this encounter by chance, or has this been planned for a very long time?
A swift dive into Mythology, and Gaelic folklore, this supernatural adventure involves a war between angels, demons, and fae. A chance encounter similar to that of The Mortal Instruments but this story leans more toward the lives of the fae and a young woman’s unknowing ties to that world.
Expectations in this story
Setting-Dublin
Irish Lore
Forbidden Love
Angels/Demons
Magical war
Family Secrets
Sidhe/Fae
Grail
Ancient Lineage
I received the audiobook courtesy of NetGalley for an honest review. This was a quick read and would be enjoyed by those who like YA fantasy and Irish folklore. This is book one in a series and I intend to continue reading.
This story follows Izzy, a teen girl who by chance runs into a sidhe named Jinx and can see past his glamour which humans cannot do. She is drawn to him and he is also drawn to her but he thought it was due to her encounter with an angel. A series of events happen and Izzy seeks Jinx for answers. What she doesn't know is how the sidhe world works and who Jinx obeys. He also doesn't realize who or what Izzy is since a simple human should not be able to see through his glamour. Was this encounter by chance, or has this been planned for a very long time?
A swift dive into Mythology, and Gaelic folklore, this supernatural adventure involves a war between angels, demons, and fae. A chance encounter similar to that of The Mortal Instruments but this story leans more toward the lives of the fae and a young woman’s unknowing ties to that world.
Expectations in this story
Setting-Dublin
Irish Lore
Forbidden Love
Angels/Demons
Magical war
Family Secrets
Sidhe/Fae
Grail
Ancient Lineage
I received the audiobook courtesy of NetGalley for an honest review. This was a quick read and would be enjoyed by those who like YA fantasy and Irish folklore. This is book one in a series and I intend to continue reading.
Pretend For Me by Stephanie Napolitano
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
Pretend For Me by Stephanie Napolitano New Release is out today! 11/18/24
Two kids who formed a tight bond in foster care are separated when one gets adopted and their lives are torn apart. Both broken hearted they unexpectedly reunite 10 years later. They are forced to acknowledge to themselves and each other what they did wrong and admit they still love each other after all this time.
A sad story addressing hardship for kids who fall into the system and how they overcome obstacles that stand in their way. How they clung to one another growning up and what happened when they were apart.
There is love, loss, betrayal, found family, spice and hope for these two as they admit to themselves what needs to be done right after all of the wrong.
This was a quick read and I enjoyed the story. If you like contemporary romance books with a bit of spice and some drama, give this book a go. Available now 📚
Tropes:
Two kids who formed a tight bond in foster care are separated when one gets adopted and their lives are torn apart. Both broken hearted they unexpectedly reunite 10 years later. They are forced to acknowledge to themselves and each other what they did wrong and admit they still love each other after all this time.
A sad story addressing hardship for kids who fall into the system and how they overcome obstacles that stand in their way. How they clung to one another growning up and what happened when they were apart.
There is love, loss, betrayal, found family, spice and hope for these two as they admit to themselves what needs to be done right after all of the wrong.
This was a quick read and I enjoyed the story. If you like contemporary romance books with a bit of spice and some drama, give this book a go. Available now 📚
Tropes:
✨Dual POV W/Flashbacks
✨Spice
✨Found Family
✨Orphans/Foster Kids Reunited
✨Second Chance
✨It Was Always You
The Passengers by John Marrs
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
This was wild. The rate that technology is going, this is something that could potentially happen in the future and it’s crazy to even think about. I was never a fan of smart electric cars before and this book didn’t make it any better 🤣
I did however enjoy this book! 👏👏👏
It mixes thriller with future possible technologies with a side of how social media plays a large part in making people popular, or ruining their lives.
Selective information given without additional backstory makes or breaks the people involved in this hostage situation. A more futuristic version of “Speed” that no one would want to be part of in real life. It was a banger book ✅
I did however enjoy this book! 👏👏👏
It mixes thriller with future possible technologies with a side of how social media plays a large part in making people popular, or ruining their lives.
Selective information given without additional backstory makes or breaks the people involved in this hostage situation. A more futuristic version of “Speed” that no one would want to be part of in real life. It was a banger book ✅
Quicksilver by Callie Hart
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Read the physical book and as soon as this was available to preorder on audiobook Ingot that too. I loved this book so much!!!!
The Whispering Night by Susan Dennard
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
3.5
The dark forest that the Luminaries guard to protect the town is more dangerous than ever in the final book of this trilogy.
Winnie Wednesday’s future is much different now than before her 16th birthday. She has passed the trials to train to become a hunter for the Luminaries and the town no longer shuns her family. She has her friends back, Hemlock Falls is no longer hunting the werewolf, and Winnie finally knows exactly how Jay Friday feels about her. How he always felt about her, and what he sacrificed thinking he was keeping her safe.
A week-long celebration of all things Luminary is planned, and they want Winnie front and center since she is the buzz of the town. Her success in the trials was made known to the Luminaries from across the world and they are coming into her small town to celebrate, but uninvited guests also arrive. Winnie is confronted by a powerful masked Diana (witch) and forced to complete an impossible task quickly—if she doesn't, it threatens everything and everyone Winnie loves.
Old mysteries are popping up and her missing father is somehow entangled with her search for hidden witches, and Winnie needs to find out exactly what happened. He has left many clues for her to find and hopefully put the pieces together so she can stop the Diana's and hopefully he can be free once again.
This final book in the Luminaries trilogy wrapped up this YA fantasy with a bit of tragedy, answers a few mysteries, brings back friendships, and love, and addresses things that seem dark and wicked but aren't always what they seem. These books are quick to read and have plenty of magic with interesting mystical creatures. The romance is sweet and not overdone (no spicy scenes) and the overall story doesn't lack intrigue with what is going on in the town and how it affects Winnie, her family, and her friends.
I was given the audiobook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Winnie Wednesday’s future is much different now than before her 16th birthday. She has passed the trials to train to become a hunter for the Luminaries and the town no longer shuns her family. She has her friends back, Hemlock Falls is no longer hunting the werewolf, and Winnie finally knows exactly how Jay Friday feels about her. How he always felt about her, and what he sacrificed thinking he was keeping her safe.
A week-long celebration of all things Luminary is planned, and they want Winnie front and center since she is the buzz of the town. Her success in the trials was made known to the Luminaries from across the world and they are coming into her small town to celebrate, but uninvited guests also arrive. Winnie is confronted by a powerful masked Diana (witch) and forced to complete an impossible task quickly—if she doesn't, it threatens everything and everyone Winnie loves.
Old mysteries are popping up and her missing father is somehow entangled with her search for hidden witches, and Winnie needs to find out exactly what happened. He has left many clues for her to find and hopefully put the pieces together so she can stop the Diana's and hopefully he can be free once again.
This final book in the Luminaries trilogy wrapped up this YA fantasy with a bit of tragedy, answers a few mysteries, brings back friendships, and love, and addresses things that seem dark and wicked but aren't always what they seem. These books are quick to read and have plenty of magic with interesting mystical creatures. The romance is sweet and not overdone (no spicy scenes) and the overall story doesn't lack intrigue with what is going on in the town and how it affects Winnie, her family, and her friends.
I was given the audiobook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.