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wendeedeedee36's reviews
257 reviews
Prophecy of the Forgotten Fae: Complete Series Collection by Tessonia Odette
4.0
This was a great series! I was worried at the beginning because the characters were a little younger and more “young adult” that I usually prefer to read, but I really enjoyed Cora as an FMC! She’s feisty and vulnerable, as well as loyal and clever. She is the most consistent character throughout the series in my opinion but still has character growth. Teryn is a bit of a pushover in the beginning of the first book (AToS) but again, I ended up rather enjoying him and his arc as the series when on. I also can’t really fault him for thinking he was being loyal and doing the right thing most of the time.
Mareleau definitely took longer to grow on me but that’s likely a surprise to no one who has read this. Her character development is very subtle but it’s there and she has some great moments at the end. Larylis somehow stands out the least of the main group of characters and yet he is one of my favorites. I love his loyalty and stubbornness. And who can’t relate to someone who’d rather be reading than attending social events? Lastly, I love Valorre! He is sooooo sassy and cute and his attempts at swearing are the best. I absolutely love his crush on Teryn!
The overall pace of the series is pretty good. I would say medium - fast paced as a whole. The action/intrigue starts pretty early on in AToS, turns into all sorts of trauma AND drama in ACoC, then swings into a new set of issues and action in AFoF. I also love the art we get in this omnibus edition. Such a great bonus!
All in all, I definitely recommend checking this out if you’re looking for something that feels like the classic fantasy series from our younger days! (Or at least mine, but I might be old)
Huge thank you to Tessonja Odette for this ARC opportunity!!! 🫶🏻
Mareleau definitely took longer to grow on me but that’s likely a surprise to no one who has read this. Her character development is very subtle but it’s there and she has some great moments at the end. Larylis somehow stands out the least of the main group of characters and yet he is one of my favorites. I love his loyalty and stubbornness. And who can’t relate to someone who’d rather be reading than attending social events? Lastly, I love Valorre! He is sooooo sassy and cute and his attempts at swearing are the best. I absolutely love his crush on Teryn!
The overall pace of the series is pretty good. I would say medium - fast paced as a whole. The action/intrigue starts pretty early on in AToS, turns into all sorts of trauma AND drama in ACoC, then swings into a new set of issues and action in AFoF. I also love the art we get in this omnibus edition. Such a great bonus!
All in all, I definitely recommend checking this out if you’re looking for something that feels like the classic fantasy series from our younger days! (Or at least mine, but I might be old)
Huge thank you to Tessonja Odette for this ARC opportunity!!! 🫶🏻
The Rite of Fates by Atlas Avery
slow-paced
3.5
This was a really interesting story. I definitely liked the take on how the divine were the ones proving themselves in the trials, rather than the usual humans competing for a favor from the gods. Granted, this did have that aspect to it, but the overlying purpose was for the divine to improve themselves and protect the humans. The humans were more willing participants looking to gain a boon through their assistance.
I was a little surprised that it managed to somehow feel a little bit slow paced, even though it was a fairly high stakes, high action kind of story. They definitely go through a lot of emotional growth in the trials though, and I think that is the main focus. There are some heavy, emotional moments as well and I wasn’t expecting it.
I think Veronica Thames does a very good job with the audiobook narration. There are a lot of POVs in this book and it sometimes switches back and forth quickly, yet Veronica does a very good job of making it easy to follow the shifts.
All in all, I think this was a very unique take on the mythology x deadly trials themes and I enjoyed following along.
Thank you to Atlas Avery for the gifted audiobook!
My thought & opinions are entirely my own.
I was a little surprised that it managed to somehow feel a little bit slow paced, even though it was a fairly high stakes, high action kind of story. They definitely go through a lot of emotional growth in the trials though, and I think that is the main focus. There are some heavy, emotional moments as well and I wasn’t expecting it.
I think Veronica Thames does a very good job with the audiobook narration. There are a lot of POVs in this book and it sometimes switches back and forth quickly, yet Veronica does a very good job of making it easy to follow the shifts.
All in all, I think this was a very unique take on the mythology x deadly trials themes and I enjoyed following along.
Thank you to Atlas Avery for the gifted audiobook!
My thought & opinions are entirely my own.
House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
5.0
You guys, this could seriously be my creepy gothic fantasy Roman Empire. My next One Dark Window. (<—If you know me, that’s a big deal). I’m going to need character art, special editions, and stickers. Please and thank you.
Welcome to a world of unique magic, complicated history, amazing characters, and a mysterious sickness that can’t be stopped. Edira lives her life hiding her Threadmending skills because to use it is to shorten her own threads. Until she catches the eye of one of society’s elite, and her brother’s fall ill to the Blight, thus forcing her into an uncomfortable arrangement with the Ferngloves. From there, she’s thrown into a crazy world of immortals and magic, lies and half truths, infatuation and hate.
The concept of being able to view someone’s life threads and mend them to heal people is a really cool concept in its own. Add in the fact that her healing comes at the cost of shortening her own life span and you have an amazingly unique magic trait within an already unique magic system. I also love that the different houses have their own elemental magic so to speak, and that they are a different take on the idea of fae.
Edira is a little naive for me at times but I think her selflessness and ability to be nice to people makes her character arc more special. Her need to put everyone first definitely has its pros and cons, and watching her realize it’s okay to put herself first sometimes is refreshing…even if I don’t always agree. I won’t go much into our MMCs because I don’t think I can discuss them without spoilers but let’s just say I struggled to decide if my theories about either of them were correct for most of the story.
I do hope we get more of Seville’s story in the sequel, and I wouldn’t mind knowing more about Vora either. I think she’s a very solid character and I bet her history is fascinating. Lastly, YWENA💚 I love her and I want one!
Thank you to NerdFamily, NetGalley, and Maxym for this amazing ARC opportunity!
Welcome to a world of unique magic, complicated history, amazing characters, and a mysterious sickness that can’t be stopped. Edira lives her life hiding her Threadmending skills because to use it is to shorten her own threads. Until she catches the eye of one of society’s elite, and her brother’s fall ill to the Blight, thus forcing her into an uncomfortable arrangement with the Ferngloves. From there, she’s thrown into a crazy world of immortals and magic, lies and half truths, infatuation and hate.
The concept of being able to view someone’s life threads and mend them to heal people is a really cool concept in its own. Add in the fact that her healing comes at the cost of shortening her own life span and you have an amazingly unique magic trait within an already unique magic system. I also love that the different houses have their own elemental magic so to speak, and that they are a different take on the idea of fae.
Edira is a little naive for me at times but I think her selflessness and ability to be nice to people makes her character arc more special. Her need to put everyone first definitely has its pros and cons, and watching her realize it’s okay to put herself first sometimes is refreshing…even if I don’t always agree. I won’t go much into our MMCs because I don’t think I can discuss them without spoilers but let’s just say I struggled to decide if my theories about either of them were correct for most of the story.
I do hope we get more of Seville’s story in the sequel, and I wouldn’t mind knowing more about Vora either. I think she’s a very solid character and I bet her history is fascinating. Lastly, YWENA💚 I love her and I want one!
Thank you to NerdFamily, NetGalley, and Maxym for this amazing ARC opportunity!
A Cursed Son by Day Leitao
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.75
This was a fun story and I enjoyed the audiobook narration for it.
The premise of A Cursed Son is very intriguing. I love that Astra appears soft and pampered but is in fact highly trained as a bodyguard decoy. It gives nostalgic Padme and her bodyguard vibes, although the princess in this ACS is never actually seen. I also liked the setup of her bond with Marlak and that it was mostly realized in the dreamscape and before they’d actually met. Their first meeting was a great “oh shoot” moment. I do think their entire relationship was basically the miscommunication trope which did get very frustrating for me at times.
The overall plot was a little slow. There was good world building but I think the focuses was more on character and relationship development more than a central plot. Both are great things but the plot did feel like was a little slow paced. The ending, however, definitely ramped everything up big time, and I think we will get really good plot and action moving forward.
Caitlin Kelly does a great job as the single narrator for the book. She makes it easy to tell when she is switching between characters and also brings good emotion into her narration to help reflect the tone of the scene. I would look for books narrated by her in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley & Sparkly Wave for the ALC copy!
The premise of A Cursed Son is very intriguing. I love that Astra appears soft and pampered but is in fact highly trained as a bodyguard decoy. It gives nostalgic Padme and her bodyguard vibes, although the princess in this ACS is never actually seen. I also liked the setup of her bond with Marlak and that it was mostly realized in the dreamscape and before they’d actually met. Their first meeting was a great “oh shoot” moment. I do think their entire relationship was basically the miscommunication trope which did get very frustrating for me at times.
The overall plot was a little slow. There was good world building but I think the focuses was more on character and relationship development more than a central plot. Both are great things but the plot did feel like was a little slow paced. The ending, however, definitely ramped everything up big time, and I think we will get really good plot and action moving forward.
Caitlin Kelly does a great job as the single narrator for the book. She makes it easy to tell when she is switching between characters and also brings good emotion into her narration to help reflect the tone of the scene. I would look for books narrated by her in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley & Sparkly Wave for the ALC copy!
Some Like it Scot by Pepper Basham
4.0
This was a super sweet book! I’ll admit I did not realize it was a Christian book when I requested it on NetGalley. I saw the title and that Stina Nielsen was a narrator, and automatically went for it. That said, it wasn’t really a big deal to me for it to have the religious ties in it. It was definitely a part of who the characters are, and interwoven into their daily lives, but it wasn’t overly “preachy.”. I actually think it was written in a way to really show how faith can help people who are grieving, and gave a good overlying theme to the story as a whole.
And the romance side of the plot did not suffer from the more PG take. We still get some GREAT slow burn, romantic tension. The dynamic and development in Katie and Graeme’s relationship is fun and meaningful. It’s a short amount of time but it doesn’t feel instalove to me. The wackiness of the “Edwardian experience” added for some silly moments, and I love the banter and ridiculous puns tossed around throughout the story.
As usual, Stina Nielsen did a great job narrating for Katie’s POV. I’ve listened to several of her other works and I always enjoy her. Joshua Manning is a new narrator for me and I can say I am a fan. That man could read me my bills and I would still probably enjoy it. The pitch of his voice is swoon worthy. Both narrators do a great job switching accents and emotions. They made it obvious when they were speaking for other characters. All in all, I really enjoyed this audiobook.
And the romance side of the plot did not suffer from the more PG take. We still get some GREAT slow burn, romantic tension. The dynamic and development in Katie and Graeme’s relationship is fun and meaningful. It’s a short amount of time but it doesn’t feel instalove to me. The wackiness of the “Edwardian experience” added for some silly moments, and I love the banter and ridiculous puns tossed around throughout the story.
As usual, Stina Nielsen did a great job narrating for Katie’s POV. I’ve listened to several of her other works and I always enjoy her. Joshua Manning is a new narrator for me and I can say I am a fan. That man could read me my bills and I would still probably enjoy it. The pitch of his voice is swoon worthy. Both narrators do a great job switching accents and emotions. They made it obvious when they were speaking for other characters. All in all, I really enjoyed this audiobook.
A Thorn in Every Heart by Kate King
4.5
I absolutely devoured this book. I was angry when I had to try to sleep for my stupid work instead of reading all night. This was an amazing retelling of Beauty & the Beast and I was hooked from the very beginning. Portal fantasies aren’t always my thing because I’m not the biggest fan of bringing the real world into my fantasy reads, but I actually enjoyed that aspect in ATIEH.
I LOVED the mistaken identity/one night stand gone wrong. It’s such a great microtrope and this was perfection. I am obsessed with Daemon, and someone please explain to me why “peaches” is the sexiest, most amazing nickname ever?! Because 🫠 I really like Alix and that fact that she’s a little older while also still figuring herself and her life out. Their dynamic and tension together was amazing.
I also adore all the other members of their their little group. I cannot wait for a book on Kas and Dessa because you just know that is going to be explosive. Jett and Fox would be be fun as MMCs of their own stories as well. I think their histories would be really interesting. I also like the idea of learning more about Aurelia. I think we’ve just barely scratched the surface with her 🤞🏻
I LOVED the mistaken identity/one night stand gone wrong. It’s such a great microtrope and this was perfection. I am obsessed with Daemon, and someone please explain to me why “peaches” is the sexiest, most amazing nickname ever?! Because 🫠 I really like Alix and that fact that she’s a little older while also still figuring herself and her life out. Their dynamic and tension together was amazing.
I also adore all the other members of their their little group. I cannot wait for a book on Kas and Dessa because you just know that is going to be explosive. Jett and Fox would be be fun as MMCs of their own stories as well. I think their histories would be really interesting. I also like the idea of learning more about Aurelia. I think we’ve just barely scratched the surface with her 🤞🏻
Queen Bee by Amalie Howard
4.5
This was SUCH a fun read. I am always down for a Count of Monte Cristo retelling and I love how well Amalie Howard pulled this off! It was distinctly its own story, and yet every now and then I could recognize subtle parallels between the two.
I like Ella a lot. She was clever and first, yet delicate with her subterfuge. I really enjoyed the way the chapters were set up to go back and forth between what happened when her life was ruined in the past and what was happening in the current storyline. They were blended in a way to make the stories fit together very seamlessly in spite of the timeline difference. I especially liked how the revenge played out in the end and I think it is honestly best way it could have gone.
I am definitely excited for the rest of this series. I cannot wait to start Lady Knight, and I look forward to Blake and Rosalind’s stories as well!
I like Ella a lot. She was clever and first, yet delicate with her subterfuge. I really enjoyed the way the chapters were set up to go back and forth between what happened when her life was ruined in the past and what was happening in the current storyline. They were blended in a way to make the stories fit together very seamlessly in spite of the timeline difference. I especially liked how the revenge played out in the end and I think it is honestly best way it could have gone.
I am definitely excited for the rest of this series. I cannot wait to start Lady Knight, and I look forward to Blake and Rosalind’s stories as well!
The Prince Without Sorrow by Maithree Wijesekara
3.5
I’ll be honest, I struggled on what to rate this book. I almost DNF several times at the beginning of the book because I was just bored and it was not capturing my attention the way I thought it would based on the overview. The plotline felt like it was a little stagnant and took longer than expected to get to the point where things were happening. That said, I am glad I stuck through it because after a certain point it got exciting.
I enjoyed the political intrigue and the sibling dynamics. I think Shakti’s POV was more difficult for me to get into, and I believe it’s because a lot take places in a mind/dream/spiritual realm for her. However they got more entertaining as the story went. Ashoka has an interesting character arc and I’m definitely in dredged in seeing how that develops.
I do wish this were a standalone novel or duology rather than a trilogy, but I’ll be continuing when the next book releases either way. I’m very curious for some answers after the ending.
I enjoyed the political intrigue and the sibling dynamics. I think Shakti’s POV was more difficult for me to get into, and I believe it’s because a lot take places in a mind/dream/spiritual realm for her. However they got more entertaining as the story went. Ashoka has an interesting character arc and I’m definitely in dredged in seeing how that develops.
I do wish this were a standalone novel or duology rather than a trilogy, but I’ll be continuing when the next book releases either way. I’m very curious for some answers after the ending.
Shadows of Ruin by Helen Domico, Anna Applegate
5.0
We have officially taken me past loving this series into being obsessed! We pick up right where Blooms of Darkness left off and go for a wild ride. Villains at every turn, vague prophecies, ALL the banter, and an expansion of what was already a fantastic found family.
As with BOD, Lana and Kade’s chemistry was 🔥 and I loved watching them work through all their secrets and betrayals. I also really enjoyed seeing Mysthaven and getting more insight into Kades life.
I love that the POVs expand in this story as well. Especially since we get Ian chapters! His story was heartbreaking and each time I thought the Brookmere situation couldn’t get worse I was proved wrong.
The ending absolutely gutted me and I don’t know what I am going to do without book 3 to make it better!
Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity!!!!
As with BOD, Lana and Kade’s chemistry was 🔥 and I loved watching them work through all their secrets and betrayals. I also really enjoyed seeing Mysthaven and getting more insight into Kades life.
I love that the POVs expand in this story as well. Especially since we get Ian chapters! His story was heartbreaking and each time I thought the Brookmere situation couldn’t get worse I was proved wrong.
The ending absolutely gutted me and I don’t know what I am going to do without book 3 to make it better!
Thank you so much for the ARC opportunity!!!!
Of Darkness and Ruination by Rachel Fallon
4.5
4.5⭐️ Rounded up
I’m putting my TLDR up top for this:
1. READ THIS BOOK!
2. Check the trigger warnings.
Okay so….I loved this story. Truly, it was fascinating. I love the world building and the shitty hierarchy of their society. I like the twists in their history and the general plot twists that come up (some of them are doozies).
This is a dark Romantasy, so I do recommend checking out the trigger warnings. Especially if you’re newer to dark romance in general. There is definite dubious consent, as well as sexual assault/attempted sa, voyeurism, and orgoes. That said, dubcon is the trigger that’s usually tough for me to get past and this didn’t quite go so far as to trigger my “ick” factor.
I like Asteria a lot. I think it’s fun to watch her struggle with whether or not she wants to let people instead of protecting herself from relationships. I love her relationship with Pris and eventually Eryx. Granted I just love Eryx in general. He’s a sweetheart. Calix is a great, misunderstood monster/brooding fae male, and I am all for it!
I am super stoked for Of Light & Freedom and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
I’m putting my TLDR up top for this:
1. READ THIS BOOK!
2. Check the trigger warnings.
Okay so….I loved this story. Truly, it was fascinating. I love the world building and the shitty hierarchy of their society. I like the twists in their history and the general plot twists that come up (some of them are doozies).
This is a dark Romantasy, so I do recommend checking out the trigger warnings. Especially if you’re newer to dark romance in general. There is definite dubious consent, as well as sexual assault/attempted sa, voyeurism, and orgoes. That said, dubcon is the trigger that’s usually tough for me to get past and this didn’t quite go so far as to trigger my “ick” factor.
I like Asteria a lot. I think it’s fun to watch her struggle with whether or not she wants to let people instead of protecting herself from relationships. I love her relationship with Pris and eventually Eryx. Granted I just love Eryx in general. He’s a sweetheart. Calix is a great, misunderstood monster/brooding fae male, and I am all for it!
I am super stoked for Of Light & Freedom and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!