wendeedeedee36's reviews
257 reviews

The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard

4.0

I’m a fan of Amalie Howard’s historical romances so I was very excited to get this new fantasy book, and I am glad to say I enjoyed it a lot. Once I got into it I didn’t want to stop reading. I found it interesting that the main plot in this book seems to be resolved, and it almost felt like it could be a standalone novel. However, there are just enough little questions left that I’m excited to see how this twists and turns to continue in into a series. 
Suraya was a good FMC overall. She was a little naive and immature, but she was also strong and determined. I think she has a lot of potential to grow as the story continues. Roshan was a good love interest for her. He was attentive and able to take control of any situations that came up. I had the feeling from the start that he isn’t end game and I feel I’m correct after finishing the book, but I could be wrong and it wouldn’t be a bad thing. I’m most interested to see more of Darrius in the following books. I think he could present a really good enemies to lovers plot if it goes the way I think.

Slaying the Shadow Prince by Helen Scheuerer

4.25

This was great! Even though this is a prequel, I’m really glad I chose to read it after Vows & Ruins because it had a great impact and a lot of “AHA” moments in relation to the rest of the series so far. It has me even more hyped to jump into Fate & Furies. 
Talemir is amazing and a bit of a cocky bastard. I really enjoyed his banter with Drue and Wilder. Drue was a great FMC. She had moments where she was a little too stubborn and didn’t see the other side of things, but that just makes her more human.

A Kingdom so Crimson by Emmory Jarman

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This is a very good debut for Emmory. The story and concept are interesting, and I think there is a great foundation for this series to develop into something great. I’m definitely intrigued by the ending, and I liked the bonus chapters with other POVs. On the other hand, I think this could have been much shorter. It almost felt like two stories and dragged a bit for me. I think The Match should have occurred much earlier than 75%, and that we maybe didn’t need as much of the world building/development that went in before it. I felt there were too many instances of pointing out Eliah’s inexplicable rage issues - which are of course important - but overdone. I do however like her resilience through everything, especially The Match.
Overall, I think this is a solid book to start the series and am interested to see where it goes from here.

An Alchemist's Vow by Helen Scheuerer

4.0

This was a really good insight into the back story for Thea, and even to some extent Wren. It was interesting seeing Evander in the mix as well as Thea’s introduction to Malik. I have to admit I would love a prequel to the prequel to show me more of his story, but I will also hope for him to have some kind of comeback of sorts in the main series. 

Vows & Ruins by Helen Scheuerer

5.0

First of all…Ms. Scheuerer, why you gotta do me dirty like that? 😭😆 
But for real, V&R was even better than B&S! The action was great, the banter was on point, the smut was definitely smutting, and I am not even sure how to process the plot twist. I’m dead. Truly. D-E-A-D Dead 💀 
I really really like Thea. She just gets better as this series continues. Kip and Cal are the sidekick everyone needs. They’re basically Timon and Pumba, but knights. (I’m serious…really think about it)
I’m loving the fact that Wren and Torj obviously have some enemies to lovers vibes going, and I very much need that to develop. I’m also interested to see where this all goes in regards the plot twist because I always had a sense that something is off with the history, and I want to know if I am right. 

Blood & Steel by Helen Scheuerer

4.5

I loved this book! It gave me definite Alanna/Lioness Quartet vibes, but Adult instead of YA. Althea is so awesome and her resilience to go after what she wants is inspiring. I love that she trains outside of the lessons and studies on her own to help her catch up/surpass the men against whom she is competing. Her chemistry with Wilder is 🥵🔥 and I love me a good grumpy MMC. The trials and fights had me at this edge of my seat rooting for her and her trio of misfits. Kip and Cal are just the best and I need them to have HEAs, please and thank you. I cannot wait to see what comes next! 

A Crown Forged in Blood by Poppy L. Roberts

4.0

This book came out very strong in the first few chapters with high action and emotions. I had some questions because we are somewhat dropped into the plot without much context, but it serves the world building as the story goes. The magic system and how Lia inherits her crown is really unique and fascinating. The Voiding and different types of beings in this was also really interesting. I think there is a ton of potential to build upon as the series continues. On the nit-picky side: I feel certain aspects could have been more developed through this book. On twist in particular felt like there was an attempt to build up to the reveal, but it wasn’t as mind blowing as I would have hoped. That aside, this was a quick paced and easy read. I enjoyed all the characters, and I’m pretty sure I love Tadgh. The final few chapters had me on the edge of my seat, and would be enough on its own to make this an easy 4 star rating. I will most definitely be reading the next book!

The Crown of Wyvern's Flame by Emilia Jae

4.5

Another great installment to the series! This book felt a little slower paced than TDATFH but it has really good character and plot development. I liked following the different storylines and loved when they all came together. As with TDATFH I enjoy the fact the you also get many POVs, including a villain. It gives a really unique perspective. 

The Dagger And The Forbidden Heir by Emilia Jae

4.75

I think I just found my new series to obsess over! I love everything about this book. I think all the different POVs might be my favorite aspect because you get little snippets into very different characters and storylines. Lia and Jace are both awesome characters. They are tough and independent, yet manage to work well together in spite of being enemies. Their banter is great, and the romantic tension is delicious. I love all the “side” characters too and I cannot wait to dive more into each of their stories. I even love the villains. No, not in that way (calm down)…they’re just really good villains, and I look forward to them all dying awful deaths. 
The audiobooks are wonderful too! Amanda Dolan is great at bringing out different emotions and I find her voice to be very pleasant to listen to. I have listened to other books by Corvin King before and as always, I love his work. His voice is dreamy AF and he does great job with his narrations. 

A Monsoon Rising: A Novel by Thea Guanzon

5.0

Oh. My. GOODNESS! I thought I loved Hurricane Wars, but then I read this! It is SOOO freaking good! The drama, the slow burn and its  inevitable climax (pun very much intended), and the surprises. Everything was bumped up about 10 notches for this book and I was here for it! Tala and Alaric are just amazing. Their arguing and banter is the best. I especially love when they manage to do that during intense, near death moments. It gives off Legolas and Gimli vibes, but sexier (or maybe not if you’re a Gimlas shipper). I feel like this book had really great moments of comedic relief and I loved it. The plot itself was fascinating and continued to catch me by surprise a few times. I really like the Voidfell twist, and I would love to see that somehow play out more as the series continues.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Thea Guanzon for the ARC opportunity! 🫶🏻 After the ending I basically need book 3 immediately. Pretty please? 😆