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thelitraccoon's reviews
99 reviews
The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
⭐⭐⭐ Rating: 3 stars | 🌶️ 0.5 Spice
A book that makes me cry is a rarity—but this one got me.
I don’t typically gravitate toward romance, and while The God and the Gumiho is dressed in the trappings of Korean folklore and light fantasy, make no mistake: this is, at its heart, a romance novel. And honestly? I quite enjoyed it.
The writing is beautiful—lyrical without being dense—and the story flows easily, with a plot that’s engaging yet not overly heavy. What really stood out to me was the emotional undercurrent running through the book. There’s a softness to the way grief, love, and healing are explored that genuinely moved me.
My main critique is purely personal: I’m not a fan of the grumpy x sunshine trope, and it’s a big one here. That said, if you're into that dynamic, you’ll probably love the chemistry between the leads. And even with my bias, I was still invested.
I appreciated the subtle twists and turns throughout the story—there’s an element of deception woven in that kept me guessing, even if some aspects were still a bit predictable. It strikes a nice balance between comfort and surprise.
Will I read the second book? Absolutely. I need to know where this story goes next.
A book that makes me cry is a rarity—but this one got me.
I don’t typically gravitate toward romance, and while The God and the Gumiho is dressed in the trappings of Korean folklore and light fantasy, make no mistake: this is, at its heart, a romance novel. And honestly? I quite enjoyed it.
The writing is beautiful—lyrical without being dense—and the story flows easily, with a plot that’s engaging yet not overly heavy. What really stood out to me was the emotional undercurrent running through the book. There’s a softness to the way grief, love, and healing are explored that genuinely moved me.
My main critique is purely personal: I’m not a fan of the grumpy x sunshine trope, and it’s a big one here. That said, if you're into that dynamic, you’ll probably love the chemistry between the leads. And even with my bias, I was still invested.
I appreciated the subtle twists and turns throughout the story—there’s an element of deception woven in that kept me guessing, even if some aspects were still a bit predictable. It strikes a nice balance between comfort and surprise.
Will I read the second book? Absolutely. I need to know where this story goes next.
The Witch who Trades with Death by C.M. Alongi
dark
emotional
reflective
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
4.5
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5 Stars | 🌶️ 1 Spice (Mild, with emotional depth rather than heavy romance focus)
From the very first pages, this book captivated me with its intricate world, compelling characters, and emotional depth. As a standalone fantasy, it manages to create a fully immersive experience while telling a complete and satisfying story. Khana, our protagonist, is a witch with ability to heal and trade with death itself. However, these trades come at a steep price—one she is not always willing to pay. Her past is filled with pain and trauma, but this book is ultimately about resilience, survival, and self-discovery. The narrative spans months and weeks, allowing for natural character growth and a story that unfolds with depth and nuance.
Worldbuilding & Pacing
The world is rich and immersive, with multiple cultures, histories, and conflicts that make it feel truly alive. The pacing is well-balanced, with the first half focusing on Khana’s healing journey and her growing bonds with those around her. The second half, however, takes a sharp turn into intense, high-stakes action that kept me on the edge of my seat. The short chapters made the reading experience even more engaging, keeping the momentum steady while allowing for deep emotional beats.
Characters & Found Family
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its character work. Khana is a deeply layered protagonist, and the people she meets along her journey are just as multi-dimensional. After escaping the clutches of the immortal emperor—her abuser—she finds refuge in a new nation and enlists in a military unit made up of outcasts and refugees. The camaraderie and personal struggles of this group are beautifully portrayed, and watching them grow together into a found family was one of the most rewarding aspects of the story. Each character has their own past and motivations, making them feel real and significant beyond their connection to Khana.
Themes of Trauma & Healing
This book does not shy away from difficult topics, particularly trauma and recovery. Khana has survived severe sexual abuse at the hands of the emperor she fled from, and while these events are not depicted on-page, their impact is felt throughout the story. The book approaches healing with great care, showing that there is no single path to recovery and that it is a deeply personal process. It also explores different forms of trauma, making the narrative even more layered and impactful. Despite the heavy themes, there is a sense of hope woven throughout, reminding readers that healing, though difficult, is possible.
Romance & Representation
While there is a romantic subplot between Khana and the MMC, it never overshadows the primary story. Their relationship develops naturally and serves as a testament to Khana’s growth, rather than being a central focus. The book also presents a refreshingly unique take on gender and sexuality, depicting a society where patriarchy is less dominant while still addressing issues of race and power dynamics. This nuanced worldbuilding adds depth to the overall narrative, making it stand out among other fantasy novels.
Audiobook Experience
I also had the opportunity to listen to parts of this book via audiobook, and I highly recommend it. The narrator’s performance, including the use of accents, added so much depth to the characters and made the experience even more immersive. If you enjoy audiobooks, this one is definitely worth considering.
Final Thoughts
This book took me by surprise in the best way possible. It is dark yet hopeful, painful yet empowering. The combination of intricate worldbuilding, deep character work, and an explosive finale made for an unforgettable reading experience. This is a must-read for anyone who loves standalone fantasy with emotional depth, found family dynamics, and unique magic systems.
Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
From the very first pages, this book captivated me with its intricate world, compelling characters, and emotional depth. As a standalone fantasy, it manages to create a fully immersive experience while telling a complete and satisfying story. Khana, our protagonist, is a witch with ability to heal and trade with death itself. However, these trades come at a steep price—one she is not always willing to pay. Her past is filled with pain and trauma, but this book is ultimately about resilience, survival, and self-discovery. The narrative spans months and weeks, allowing for natural character growth and a story that unfolds with depth and nuance.
Worldbuilding & Pacing
The world is rich and immersive, with multiple cultures, histories, and conflicts that make it feel truly alive. The pacing is well-balanced, with the first half focusing on Khana’s healing journey and her growing bonds with those around her. The second half, however, takes a sharp turn into intense, high-stakes action that kept me on the edge of my seat. The short chapters made the reading experience even more engaging, keeping the momentum steady while allowing for deep emotional beats.
Characters & Found Family
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its character work. Khana is a deeply layered protagonist, and the people she meets along her journey are just as multi-dimensional. After escaping the clutches of the immortal emperor—her abuser—she finds refuge in a new nation and enlists in a military unit made up of outcasts and refugees. The camaraderie and personal struggles of this group are beautifully portrayed, and watching them grow together into a found family was one of the most rewarding aspects of the story. Each character has their own past and motivations, making them feel real and significant beyond their connection to Khana.
Themes of Trauma & Healing
This book does not shy away from difficult topics, particularly trauma and recovery. Khana has survived severe sexual abuse at the hands of the emperor she fled from, and while these events are not depicted on-page, their impact is felt throughout the story. The book approaches healing with great care, showing that there is no single path to recovery and that it is a deeply personal process. It also explores different forms of trauma, making the narrative even more layered and impactful. Despite the heavy themes, there is a sense of hope woven throughout, reminding readers that healing, though difficult, is possible.
Romance & Representation
While there is a romantic subplot between Khana and the MMC, it never overshadows the primary story. Their relationship develops naturally and serves as a testament to Khana’s growth, rather than being a central focus. The book also presents a refreshingly unique take on gender and sexuality, depicting a society where patriarchy is less dominant while still addressing issues of race and power dynamics. This nuanced worldbuilding adds depth to the overall narrative, making it stand out among other fantasy novels.
Audiobook Experience
I also had the opportunity to listen to parts of this book via audiobook, and I highly recommend it. The narrator’s performance, including the use of accents, added so much depth to the characters and made the experience even more immersive. If you enjoy audiobooks, this one is definitely worth considering.
Final Thoughts
This book took me by surprise in the best way possible. It is dark yet hopeful, painful yet empowering. The combination of intricate worldbuilding, deep character work, and an explosive finale made for an unforgettable reading experience. This is a must-read for anyone who loves standalone fantasy with emotional depth, found family dynamics, and unique magic systems.
Thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
⭐⭐ 2 Stars
I really wanted to love The Scorpion and the Night Blossom, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. I’ll start with the positives: the world-building was extensive and well thought out. Amélie Wen Zhao clearly put a lot of effort into crafting the setting, and it felt immersive and rich with mythology. If you love detailed fantasy worlds, there’s a lot to appreciate here!
However, the writing style really didn’t work for me. It felt clunky and unnatural at times, which made it hard to stay engaged. I’m not sure if it was intentional to match the setting, but it ended up pulling me out of the story rather than drawing me in.
Then there’s Àn’yīng, our main character. I completely understand that she’s been through a lot—losing her family so young definitely left her with deep trauma—but it felt like that was all there was to her. Every other sentence was about her tragic past, and it started to feel repetitive rather than adding depth to her character. That emotional flatness extended to the rest of the cast as well, including Yù’chén, the love interest. Their relationship never clicked for me, and it was hard to root for them when Àn’yīng was often just outright mean to him for no reason.
What really unsettled me, though, were some of Àn’yīng’s comments about halflings. Lines like “A thing like this has no place in our realm” and “These creatures wander the fringes of the world, abominations under the heavenly order” made me do a double take. I kept waiting for the book to challenge these ideas or show real character growth, but even though she becomes friends with some halflings, it felt like it was only because they were useful to her. She never truly reflects on her prejudices, which left a sour taste in my mouth.
On top of all that, the pacing was really slow. There was very little dialogue, which made the characters feel even more distant, and the main action didn’t even start until around the 50% mark. By then, I was already struggling to stay invested.
I know this book will have its audience, and I respect the work that went into it, but personally, I didn’t connect with the characters, the romance, or the way certain themes were handled. Sadly, I won’t be continuing the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I really wanted to love The Scorpion and the Night Blossom, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t for me. I’ll start with the positives: the world-building was extensive and well thought out. Amélie Wen Zhao clearly put a lot of effort into crafting the setting, and it felt immersive and rich with mythology. If you love detailed fantasy worlds, there’s a lot to appreciate here!
However, the writing style really didn’t work for me. It felt clunky and unnatural at times, which made it hard to stay engaged. I’m not sure if it was intentional to match the setting, but it ended up pulling me out of the story rather than drawing me in.
Then there’s Àn’yīng, our main character. I completely understand that she’s been through a lot—losing her family so young definitely left her with deep trauma—but it felt like that was all there was to her. Every other sentence was about her tragic past, and it started to feel repetitive rather than adding depth to her character. That emotional flatness extended to the rest of the cast as well, including Yù’chén, the love interest. Their relationship never clicked for me, and it was hard to root for them when Àn’yīng was often just outright mean to him for no reason.
What really unsettled me, though, were some of Àn’yīng’s comments about halflings. Lines like “A thing like this has no place in our realm” and “These creatures wander the fringes of the world, abominations under the heavenly order” made me do a double take. I kept waiting for the book to challenge these ideas or show real character growth, but even though she becomes friends with some halflings, it felt like it was only because they were useful to her. She never truly reflects on her prejudices, which left a sour taste in my mouth.
On top of all that, the pacing was really slow. There was very little dialogue, which made the characters feel even more distant, and the main action didn’t even start until around the 50% mark. By then, I was already struggling to stay invested.
I know this book will have its audience, and I respect the work that went into it, but personally, I didn’t connect with the characters, the romance, or the way certain themes were handled. Sadly, I won’t be continuing the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
Bride was my first Ali Hazelwood novel, and now I truly understand the hype. This book was an absolute breeze to read—engaging, easy to follow, and surprisingly light despite its supernatural elements. Even with vampires and werewolves at its core, it had a very modern, contemporary feel that made it effortlessly enjoyable.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 4.5 Stars | 🌶️ 🌶️ 2.5 Spice
Bride was my first Ali Hazelwood novel, and now I truly understand the hype. This book was an absolute breeze to read—engaging, easy to follow, and surprisingly light despite its supernatural elements. Even with vampires and werewolves at its core, it had a very modern, contemporary feel that made it effortlessly enjoyable.
The worldbuilding is minimal but effective. There’s just enough to ground the story without bogging it down, which works well since the focus is on the characters and their relationships. And that’s where Bride truly shines—Hazelwood excels at crafting compelling character dynamics that pull you in.
While it doesn’t reinvent the genre, the book is a well-executed, fun, and satisfying read. If you’re looking for something fast-paced with a solid balance of romance, intrigue, and just the right amount of spice, this is a fantastic choice. A perfect palette cleanser and an easy recommendation!
Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars | 🌶️🌶️ 1.5 Spice
This book completely took me by surprise. I was so sure I knew where the story was going, only to be hit with a cliffhanger that changed everything. And I loved it. This book pulled me out of a reading slump, reminding me why I adore fantasy, and I flew through it in under 48 hours.
Right from the start, the story pulls you in—no long-winded introduction, no unnecessary setup. It just starts, and yet the world-building never feels rushed or incomplete. Every detail is woven in naturally, making the world feel fully realized without ever dragging down the pacing. It’s clear the author had a solid grasp of the setting from the beginning rather than throwing in elements as an afterthought, which made everything feel intentional and immersive.
The writing itself is smooth and engaging, easy to read but never simplistic. I’ll admit, the present tense threw me off at first, but I adjusted quickly, and by the end, it felt like the right choice for the story. The pacing is fast—focused and to the point—but never in a way that makes it feel shallow or rushed. It strikes that perfect balance of keeping you hooked while still allowing the necessary emotional depth to shine through.
Speaking of depth, I really appreciated the way trauma and psychological struggles were handled, especially with the FMC. Her negative thought patterns, the way her trauma shaped her decisions, and the emotional weight of her experiences all felt incredibly real. It made her character feel raw and human in a way that many fantasy heroines don’t. That said, some of these themes could be difficult for readers who are sensitive to certain topics, so checking the trigger warnings is a must.
The romance is a slow burn, with an age gap that actually makes sense for once—only seven years between them, and both well past their mid-twenties, which is a refreshing change in the romantasy genre. And while the main focus is on the central duo, the side characters are well-developed in their own right. Each has their own history and trauma, and it’s clear that they’re more than just background filler. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them play even bigger roles as the series progresses.
And then there’s that ending. Just when I thought I had a handle on where things were going, the book completely flipped my expectations. I wasn’t ready, and now I need the next installment immediately.
If you love ACOTAR or The Plated Prisoner series, this book needs to be on your radar. With forbidden attraction, enemy-ish-to-lovers tension, and dark, emotional themes, it delivers everything I love in a fantasy romance. I’ll definitely be ordering a physical copy for my trophy shelf—this one is a keeper.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and Madeline Taylor for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book completely took me by surprise. I was so sure I knew where the story was going, only to be hit with a cliffhanger that changed everything. And I loved it. This book pulled me out of a reading slump, reminding me why I adore fantasy, and I flew through it in under 48 hours.
Right from the start, the story pulls you in—no long-winded introduction, no unnecessary setup. It just starts, and yet the world-building never feels rushed or incomplete. Every detail is woven in naturally, making the world feel fully realized without ever dragging down the pacing. It’s clear the author had a solid grasp of the setting from the beginning rather than throwing in elements as an afterthought, which made everything feel intentional and immersive.
The writing itself is smooth and engaging, easy to read but never simplistic. I’ll admit, the present tense threw me off at first, but I adjusted quickly, and by the end, it felt like the right choice for the story. The pacing is fast—focused and to the point—but never in a way that makes it feel shallow or rushed. It strikes that perfect balance of keeping you hooked while still allowing the necessary emotional depth to shine through.
Speaking of depth, I really appreciated the way trauma and psychological struggles were handled, especially with the FMC. Her negative thought patterns, the way her trauma shaped her decisions, and the emotional weight of her experiences all felt incredibly real. It made her character feel raw and human in a way that many fantasy heroines don’t. That said, some of these themes could be difficult for readers who are sensitive to certain topics, so checking the trigger warnings is a must.
The romance is a slow burn, with an age gap that actually makes sense for once—only seven years between them, and both well past their mid-twenties, which is a refreshing change in the romantasy genre. And while the main focus is on the central duo, the side characters are well-developed in their own right. Each has their own history and trauma, and it’s clear that they’re more than just background filler. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them play even bigger roles as the series progresses.
And then there’s that ending. Just when I thought I had a handle on where things were going, the book completely flipped my expectations. I wasn’t ready, and now I need the next installment immediately.
If you love ACOTAR or The Plated Prisoner series, this book needs to be on your radar. With forbidden attraction, enemy-ish-to-lovers tension, and dark, emotional themes, it delivers everything I love in a fantasy romance. I’ll definitely be ordering a physical copy for my trophy shelf—this one is a keeper.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and Madeline Taylor for the gifted eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars | 🌶 0.5 Spice
At first, I thought Wooing the Witch Queen was a fantasy novel. Magical kingdoms, political intrigue, a powerful witch queen—everything pointed to a grand adventure. But as the story unfolded, I quickly realized this was, in fact, a romance wrapped in fantasy elements. And honestly? I wasn’t mad about it.
This book is lighthearted, witty, and utterly charming. Saskia, the so-called evil Witch Queen, is only seen that way because of her scheming uncle’s political maneuvering. Felix, the power-hungry Archduke, is actually nothing of the sort—just a man being used as a puppet by those around him. Through a series of misunderstandings, Felix finds himself in Saskia’s service as her new dark wizard, despite having no magic whatsoever. She doesn’t know his true identity, and yet, their connection is immediate, filled with undeniable chemistry, and just the right amount of tension.
The dual POV structure makes the entire story even more entertaining, letting us see both Saskia’s sharp intelligence and Felix’s awkward, cinnamon-roll-soft heart. Saskia reads as STEM-coded and near-divergent-coded, a heroine who is unapologetically brilliant and determined. Felix is the ultimate soft boy, written by a woman in the best possible way—but when the moment calls for it, he absolutely steps up to defend himself and the woman he’s falling for. Their romance is wholesome, heartfelt, and just so easy to root for.
With its sharp humor, addictive storytelling, and just a touch of political intrigue, this book felt like a cup of hot cocoa on a sunny winter day—warm, comforting, and exactly what I needed. I loved every second of it, and that final glimpse into the next book? I’m definitely continuing this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
At first, I thought Wooing the Witch Queen was a fantasy novel. Magical kingdoms, political intrigue, a powerful witch queen—everything pointed to a grand adventure. But as the story unfolded, I quickly realized this was, in fact, a romance wrapped in fantasy elements. And honestly? I wasn’t mad about it.
This book is lighthearted, witty, and utterly charming. Saskia, the so-called evil Witch Queen, is only seen that way because of her scheming uncle’s political maneuvering. Felix, the power-hungry Archduke, is actually nothing of the sort—just a man being used as a puppet by those around him. Through a series of misunderstandings, Felix finds himself in Saskia’s service as her new dark wizard, despite having no magic whatsoever. She doesn’t know his true identity, and yet, their connection is immediate, filled with undeniable chemistry, and just the right amount of tension.
The dual POV structure makes the entire story even more entertaining, letting us see both Saskia’s sharp intelligence and Felix’s awkward, cinnamon-roll-soft heart. Saskia reads as STEM-coded and near-divergent-coded, a heroine who is unapologetically brilliant and determined. Felix is the ultimate soft boy, written by a woman in the best possible way—but when the moment calls for it, he absolutely steps up to defend himself and the woman he’s falling for. Their romance is wholesome, heartfelt, and just so easy to root for.
With its sharp humor, addictive storytelling, and just a touch of political intrigue, this book felt like a cup of hot cocoa on a sunny winter day—warm, comforting, and exactly what I needed. I loved every second of it, and that final glimpse into the next book? I’m definitely continuing this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Antlered King by Marianne Gordon
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Unfortunately, this book just wasn't for me. While I enjoyed the first installment, I already had some issues with how Hellevir was treated by those around her and, even more concerning, how she allowed this treatment to occur.
I had hoped for some redeeming character arcs in the sequel because I was not convinced by the love interest and the direction the story took in the first book. Unfortunately, my hopes were not fulfilled; the redemption arcs of certain characters felt forced, and I truly wished that Hellevir had ended up with someone else.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I had hoped for some redeeming character arcs in the sequel because I was not convinced by the love interest and the direction the story took in the first book. Unfortunately, my hopes were not fulfilled; the redemption arcs of certain characters felt forced, and I truly wished that Hellevir had ended up with someone else.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
For She is Wrath by Emily Varga
Did not finish book. Stopped at 28%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 28%.
Im currently not in the headspace for this book, I want to come back but for now it will be DNFed
House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
TL;DR at the end
House of Blight was one of my most anticipated reads, and I was thrilled to get an ARC from NetGalley. The gothic atmosphere? Perfection. From the eerie Fernglove estate to the tension simmering between its inhabitants, the book immediately pulled me in. It had that haunting, unsettling quality that reminded me of One Dark Window, mixed with the push-and-pull love triangle dynamics that gave me Vampire Diaries vibes. While I really enjoyed my reading experience, a few things kept it from being a full five-star read.
What to Expect:
• A gothic fantasy with a dark, eerie setting
• A love triangle between Edina and the two mysterious Fernglove brothers
• A slow unraveling of secrets—who can really be trusted?
• A heroine balancing survival, duty, and dangerous attraction
• Casual LGBTQ+ representation woven into the world
What I Loved:
The writing was engaging and easy to get lost in, and the gothic atmosphere was everything I wanted—dark, immersive, and dripping with tension. The Fernglove estate felt like its own character, and the eerie, closed-off setting added so much to the story’s mystery. There was a constant feeling that something wasn’t quite right, and I loved how that unease lingered throughout the book.
The romance was intriguing, especially with the two brothers, Odin and Rorick, who each brought something different to the dynamic. While I wished there was more emotional development between them and Edina, the tension was definitely there. It kept me invested, even when I wasn’t sure where things were going. The shifting loyalties and hidden motives made for a compelling read—I was constantly questioning who could actually be trusted.
I also really appreciated the way queerness was casually included in the world. Edina’s bisexuality is mentioned in passing, and same-sex relationships exist without question, which I always love seeing in fantasy.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
The biggest issue was the pacing in the middle. The story starts with high stakes, but the main conflict fades into the background at a certain point, making it feel like we’re just waiting for things to pick up again. While the romance had some great moments, certain shifts felt abrupt, and I wasn’t always convinced by how quickly feelings changed. Edina also made some frustrating choices—she overlooked things that felt very obvious, which made some plot developments feel too convenient.
The ending left me with mixed feelings. While I loved the reveals surrounding certain characters (especially Orin), a few elements felt rushed or underexplained, leaving me with more questions than answers. I also couldn’t help but wonder why certain information was withheld for so long when it could have changed everything much earlier.
Final Thoughts:
House of Blight was an engaging, atmospheric read that hooked me even with a few pacing and character frustrations. The gothic vibes were spot-on, the mystery had me second-guessing everyone, and the tension (both in the romance and the story itself) made it hard to put down. If you love eerie, creepy fantasies with morally grey characters and dark secrets, this one is definitely worth checking out!
Will I continue the series?
Absolutely! Even though it may seem like I criticised a lot, it was overall a delightful read, and I can't wait for the second one to come out!
TL;DR
House of Blight delivers immaculate gothic vibes with an eerie estate, a slow unraveling of secrets, and a love triangle that gives major Vampire Diaries energy. The writing is engaging, the tension keeps you hooked, and the morally grey characters make for an intriguing read. However, the middle loses focus, the romance shifts a little too quickly, and some plot elements feel underexplained. Still, if you love dark, atmospheric fantasy with a hint of romance and a constant sense of unease, this one is worth picking up!
Thank you to NetGalley, TheNerdFam and Harper Collins for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest review!
House of Blight was one of my most anticipated reads, and I was thrilled to get an ARC from NetGalley. The gothic atmosphere? Perfection. From the eerie Fernglove estate to the tension simmering between its inhabitants, the book immediately pulled me in. It had that haunting, unsettling quality that reminded me of One Dark Window, mixed with the push-and-pull love triangle dynamics that gave me Vampire Diaries vibes. While I really enjoyed my reading experience, a few things kept it from being a full five-star read.
What to Expect:
• A gothic fantasy with a dark, eerie setting
• A love triangle between Edina and the two mysterious Fernglove brothers
• A slow unraveling of secrets—who can really be trusted?
• A heroine balancing survival, duty, and dangerous attraction
• Casual LGBTQ+ representation woven into the world
What I Loved:
The writing was engaging and easy to get lost in, and the gothic atmosphere was everything I wanted—dark, immersive, and dripping with tension. The Fernglove estate felt like its own character, and the eerie, closed-off setting added so much to the story’s mystery. There was a constant feeling that something wasn’t quite right, and I loved how that unease lingered throughout the book.
The romance was intriguing, especially with the two brothers, Odin and Rorick, who each brought something different to the dynamic. While I wished there was more emotional development between them and Edina, the tension was definitely there. It kept me invested, even when I wasn’t sure where things were going. The shifting loyalties and hidden motives made for a compelling read—I was constantly questioning who could actually be trusted.
I also really appreciated the way queerness was casually included in the world. Edina’s bisexuality is mentioned in passing, and same-sex relationships exist without question, which I always love seeing in fantasy.
What Didn’t Work for Me:
The biggest issue was the pacing in the middle. The story starts with high stakes, but the main conflict fades into the background at a certain point, making it feel like we’re just waiting for things to pick up again. While the romance had some great moments, certain shifts felt abrupt, and I wasn’t always convinced by how quickly feelings changed. Edina also made some frustrating choices—she overlooked things that felt very obvious, which made some plot developments feel too convenient.
The ending left me with mixed feelings. While I loved the reveals surrounding certain characters (especially Orin), a few elements felt rushed or underexplained, leaving me with more questions than answers. I also couldn’t help but wonder why certain information was withheld for so long when it could have changed everything much earlier.
Final Thoughts:
House of Blight was an engaging, atmospheric read that hooked me even with a few pacing and character frustrations. The gothic vibes were spot-on, the mystery had me second-guessing everyone, and the tension (both in the romance and the story itself) made it hard to put down. If you love eerie, creepy fantasies with morally grey characters and dark secrets, this one is definitely worth checking out!
Will I continue the series?
Absolutely! Even though it may seem like I criticised a lot, it was overall a delightful read, and I can't wait for the second one to come out!
TL;DR
House of Blight delivers immaculate gothic vibes with an eerie estate, a slow unraveling of secrets, and a love triangle that gives major Vampire Diaries energy. The writing is engaging, the tension keeps you hooked, and the morally grey characters make for an intriguing read. However, the middle loses focus, the romance shifts a little too quickly, and some plot elements feel underexplained. Still, if you love dark, atmospheric fantasy with a hint of romance and a constant sense of unease, this one is worth picking up!
Thank you to NetGalley, TheNerdFam and Harper Collins for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Whisper of War and Storms by C.L. Mecca
1.0
⭐ 1 Star
I wanted to love this book—the premise had so much potential. A portal romantasy with political intrigue and a unique magic system? Sounds great. Unfortunately, the execution fell flat.
The writing was simplistic and clunky, with a lot of telling instead of showing. Scenes lacked depth, transitions were abrupt, and dialogue often felt unnatural. The plot was predictable, which wouldn’t have been an issue if the storytelling had been more engaging. Instead, I found myself struggling to stay invested. Oddly, mundane details were over-explained, while world-building and character development felt undercooked.
With more editing, this could have been something special. As it stands, it just didn’t work for me.