Review: The Shapeshifter Drives a Bargain (Tales from Karneesia #3) by Claire Trella Hill

About the Book

A herbalist loses her way in the swamp, only to find herself entrapped by a faefolk lord with a plan.

Tansy finds fulfillment in scouring the swamp near her home for medicinal plants and turning them into remedies. It also gets her out of her family’s bursting-at-the-seams cottage. But when she unexpectedly loses her way, she encounters one of the swamp’s fabled denizens—a powerful faefolk lord. And he won’t let her go.

Aistin must have an heir to inherit and protect his demesne, but in his isolated swamp, he doesn’t have many choices. Now he has a plan for that…and it centers on Tansy.

In order to find her way home again, Tansy may have to bargain.

Sprinkled with elements of Beauty and the Beast and Rumplestiltskin, The Shapeshifter Drives a Bargain is the third cozy fantasy romance novella in the Tales from Karneesia series.

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Goodreads / Author's Website

MY THOUGHTS

This was another beautifully written story by Claire Trella Hill. It’s a quick read that I finished in one afternoon. Despite its short length, it didn’t lack a thing. I loved every second of it.

I liked Tansy and her fiery yet sweet attitude. Aistin was a bit of a mystery in the beginning. I was intrigued yet slightly leery of him, but I ended up really liking him in the end. I loved the banter between them. They had me laughing (and swooning) several times.

If you’re looking for a quick and cozy closed-door romantasy, grab a copy of this book. You’ll love it! I highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Review: Lethal Kings (The Fae Dynasty #2) by Victoria McCombs

About the Book

You've been warned many times, you cannot trust the kings . . .

The old queen is dead, a new queen is in play, and the realm has descended into darkness. For the first time in history, a queen has rejected the game. Eliza will start her reign with no alliances while Althea must fight to save her tenuous bond with the king who cannot love. Her relationship threatens to break, but Althea’s attention becomes divided after receiving a few harrowing clues connecting her past and the game at hand.

Before she can find answers, a mysterious fae appears promising the power of the seventh king to whoever can solve a series of riddles, leaving the fae realm in shambles as they race to come out on top. Althea has one year left. New alliances are forged. Old stories come to life. She must make her move, or the fate of the queens will consume her.

Amazon / Enclave Publishing / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Oh my goodness, y’all! What a perfect conclusion to this duology. It surpassed my very high expectations. The first book, Mortal Queens, ranks among the best I've read this year, yet this sequel outdid it, which I didn’t think would be possible.

All of the characters came to life. Thea was a strong and determined leading lady who I was cheering for in her quest to find a way to change the fate of the Mortal Queens.

I was completely engrossed in this story. I was glued to the pages and didn’t want to set it aside for anything. There were so many unexpected twists and surprising turns, I was constantly kept guessing. I had no idea how things were going to end.

This was such an imaginative and twisty tale. And while it felt like my heart completely shattered a couple of times, things came together in such a brilliant way in the end. I was so happy that all my questions were answered. I know I’ll be wanting to read this series again and again. It’s my new favorite series featuring the fae. Needless to say, I highly, highly recommend it. If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll love it! It’s a must read.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Lethal Kings (The Fae Dynasty #2) by Victoria McCombs

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Lethal Kings (The Fae Dynasty #2) by Victoria McCombs releasing November 12. I loved the first book, Mortal Queens, and have been so eager for this sequel!

About the Book

You've been warned many times, you cannot trust the kings . . .

The old queen is dead, a new queen is in play, and the realm has descended into darkness. For the first time in history, a queen has rejected the game. Eliza will start her reign with no alliances while Althea must fight to save her tenuous bond with the king who cannot love. Her relationship threatens to break, but Althea’s attention becomes divided after receiving a few harrowing clues connecting her past and the game at hand.

Before she can find answers, a mysterious fae appears promising the power of the seventh king to whoever can solve a series of riddles, leaving the fae realm in shambles as they race to come out on top. Althea has one year left. New alliances are forged. Old stories come to life. She must make her move, or the fate of the queens will consume her.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

About the Book

A curmudgeonly professor journeys to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore and discovers dark fae magic, friendship, and love in the start of a heartwarming and enchanting new fantasy series.

Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries. She is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who is writing the world's first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people. She could never make small talk at a party--or even get invited to one. And she prefers the company of her books, her dog, and the Fair Folk.

So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, get in the middle of Emily's research, and utterly confound and frustrate her.

But as Emily gets closer and closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones--the most elusive of all faeries--lurking in the shadowy forest outside the town, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? To find the answer, she'll have to unlock the greatest mystery of all--her own heart.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve been wanting to read this book for awhile now, and am so happy I finally got the chance. I’ve heard amazing things about it, and it definitely lived up to the hype. I loved it! What an enchantingly whimsical tale full of wonder! It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year.

Emily was likable, endearing, and quirky. I was very intrigued by Bambleby. He was an interesting guy. You could tell that he had secrets, and I was very eager to find out what they were. I’ll just say that I was very surprised by them! Emily and Bambleby were quite the pair. Their banter was hilarious and quite possibly my favorite part of the book. They had such great chemistry, and I was rooting so hard for them.

The closer I got to the end, the slower I read it. Not because I didn’t enjoy it, but because I was enjoying it so much that I didn’t want it to end. I wanted to stay in this world with these characters for a little while longer. This story is going on my “favorites” shelf. I know I’m gonna want to read it again and again. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fantasy.

FIVE STARS

Review: Mortal Queens (The Fae Dynasty #1) by Victoria McCombs

About the Book

They vanish without a trace, disappear into the night . . .

Each year on the center island, one girl is chosen to be the next Mortal Queen of the idolized fae. The mortals praise these lucky girls, but their daughters are never seen again.

The fae realm is eternal night, where disputes are settled by chess matches, power is acquired through the most devious kinds of trickery, and seven illusive kings roam. The fae hide their faces behind masks and guard their glass hearts to keep them from shattering. But beyond the veil of this luxurious paradise, a dark secret simmers, for their Queens have disappeared.

When aspiring artist Althea is selected, she is desperate to avoid the same mysterious fate. With no one to trust, she conceals messages in paintings and receives anonymous replies from a stranger who slowly reveals the tale of a girl who outwitted the fae. Only if she is clever enough will Althea survive the fate of the Mortal Queens. As long as the king who cannot love does not claim her first.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely loved this enchanting read! I got completely swept away in this book and loved every second of it. The real world faded away, and I was pulled into the twisty and complicated fae realm. I couldn’t get enough of it.

While the fae are fascinating and beautiful, they’re incredibly dangerous. Their world is one that's filled with trickery and deceit, games and making deals. It was an oddly beautiful yet cruel place.

The mystery of the mortal queens had me so intrigued. Why did the fae need them? What happened to the previous queens? Was there a way to change their fate? While we got some answers, I’m very eager to find out more in the next book. It can’t come out soon enough! If you’re a fan of fae-filled fantasy, you’re gonna love this story! I highly recommend it!

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over in the meantime.

This week I'm featuring Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett. I've been wanting to read this book for awhile now and am so excited that I finally got a chance. I'm loving it! 

About the Book

A curmudgeonly professor journeys to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore and discovers dark fae magic, friendship, and love in the start of a heartwarming and enchanting new fantasy series.

Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries. She is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who is writing the world's first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people. She could never make small talk at a party--or even get invited to one. And she prefers the company of her books, her dog, and the Fair Folk.

So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, get in the middle of Emily's research, and utterly confound and frustrate her.

But as Emily gets closer and closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones--the most elusive of all faeries--lurking in the shadowy forest outside the town, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? To find the answer, she'll have to unlock the greatest mystery of all--her own heart.

Book Beginning / First Line Friday

Shadow is not at all happy with me. He lies by the fire while the chill wind rattles the door, tail inert, staring out from beneath that shaggy forelock of his with the sort of accusatory resignation peculiar to dogs, as if to say: Of all the stupid adventures you've dragged me on, this will surely be the death of us. I fear I have to agree, though this makes me no less eager to begin my research.

Friday 56

Even though I was looking directly at him, at times it felt as if I were staring right through him to the stars and mountains at his back. I could read only mischief in his gaze, which frightened me more than the malevolence I saw in many of the others, though I couldn't say way.

What have you been reading lately?

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Mortal Queens (The Fae Dynasty #1) by Victoria McCombs

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over in the meantime.

This week I'm featuring Mortal Queens (The Fae Dynasty #1) by Victoria McCombs. 

About the Book

They vanish without a trace, disappear into the night . . .

Each year on the center island, one girl is chosen to be the next Mortal Queen of the idolized fae. The mortals praise these lucky girls, but their daughters are never seen again.

The fae realm is eternal night, where disputes are settled by chess matches, power is acquired through the most devious kinds of trickery, and seven illusive kings roam. The fae hide their faces behind masks and guard their glass hearts to keep them from shattering. But beyond the veil of this luxurious paradise, a dark secret simmers, for their Queens have disappeared.

When aspiring artist Althea is selected, she is desperate to avoid the same mysterious fate. With no one to trust, she conceals messages in paintings and receives anonymous replies from a stranger who slowly reveals the tale of a girl who outwitted the fae. Only if she is clever enough will Althea survive the fate of the Mortal Queens. As long as the king who cannot love does not claim her first.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

My life has been defined by bells. The first time, I got whipped in the square for stealing while the old brass bells tolled like laughter. The bells were on their final note the morning I found my mother gone. And when Desmond kissed me by the celestine fountain, the bells kept count.

Friday 56

King Brock rearranged the stars themselves to form a road leading to his home island, and chariots lined up to glide over the celestial pathway, one by one, setting down on the foothills of his quaint home.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: No Man Left Behind (The Worlds Behind #5) by W.R. Gingell

About the Book

Revenge. Restoration. Romance. A few deadly wishes.

The Glass Elder wants wishes. Three, to be exact. Athelas wants a way in, and those wishes may well be that way—but giving the Elder what he wants means putting Camellia in harm’s way. It also means that YeoWoo will have to choose between trusting Athelas one last time, and taking a bite at suddenly hot revenge that could swiftly go cold if she misses her chance.

Now that revenge is within reach of her teeth, will YeoWoo manage to tear out one last, bloody heart? Can Athelas put aside his own ends for long enough to protect all those dearest to him from threats outside—and from himself?

Can a family that began in blood survive one too many wishes and a far-too-wily Elder, or will the world as they know it fall apart into the chaos of wishes-gone-wrong?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I'm sad to see this series end, but what a perfect conclusion! I’ve loved getting to know Athelas better and seeing different sides to him. And I’ve especially loved seeing the growth he's experienced. His road to redemption has been rocky at times, but what a remarkable journey it’s been!

This is one of the best “endings” I’ve ever read. Goodness, it was so emotional, but absolute perfection. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. I have tears in my eyes just thinking about it again. Needless to say, I loved it!

This is not a standalone. I’d recommend starting with the City Between series since they’re so interconnected. If you’re a fan of twisty urban fantasy, you’ll be hooked!

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: No Man Left Behind (The Worlds Behind #5) by W.R. Gingell

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over in the meantime.

This week I'm featuring No Man Left Behind (The Worlds Behind #5) by W.R. Gingell. This is the last book in the series and oh my goodness! What an ending! 

About the Book

Revenge. Restoration. Romance. A few deadly wishes.

The Glass Elder wants wishes. Three, to be exact. Athelas wants a way in, and those wishes may well be that way—but giving the Elder what he wants means putting Camellia in harm’s way. It also means that YeoWoo will have to choose between trusting Athelas one last time, and taking a bite at suddenly hot revenge that could swiftly go cold if she misses her chance.

Now that revenge is within reach of her teeth, will YeoWoo manage to tear out one last, bloody heart? Can Athelas put aside his own ends for long enough to protect all those dearest to him from threats outside—and from himself?

Can a family that began in blood survive one too many wishes and a far-too-wily Elder, or will the world as they know it fall apart into the chaos of wishes-gone-wrong?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

"You are certainly an agent of chaos," Athelas said, quite calmly.

Friday 56

"Can you deal with thirty enforcers?" she asked. "Because I can see them, now. They're coming along the second road from Jaegung office, and they look like a mob."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Sleep No More (October Daye #17) by Seanan McGuire

About the Book

October is very happy with her life as the second daughter of her pureblood parents, Amandine and Simon Torquill. Born to be the changeling handmaid to her beloved sister August, she spends her days working in her family’s tower, serving as August’s companion, and waiting for the day when her sister sets up a household of her own. Everything is right in October’s Faerie. Everything is perfect.

Everything is a lie.

October has been pulled from her own reality and thrown into a twisted reinterpretation of Faerie where nothing is as it should be and everything has been distorted to support Titania’s ideals. Bound by the Summer Queen’s magic and thrust into a world turned upside down, October has no way of knowing who she can trust, where she can turn, or even who she really is. As strangers who claim to know her begin to appear and the edges of Titania’s paradise begin to unravel, Toby will have to decide whether she can risk everything she knows based on only their stories of another world.

But first she’ll have to survive this one, as Titania demonstrates why she needed to be banished in the first place—and this time, much more than Toby’s own life is at stake.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

The previous book ended on a massive cliffhanger, so I was very eager to get my hands on a copy of this book. It took longer than I’d hoped, but thankfully, the library got a copy. Anyway, I devoured it; I couldn’t read fast enough. It’s one of the best additions to this series in a long time. It didn’t have all the unnecessary recaps that a lot of the previous ones had, so I really appreciated that. This was fast-paced and full of high stakes.

Slight spoilers for previous books ahead...

In the aftermath of Titania’s wrath, we find Toby changed and living a completely different life than the one she had. And my goodness, it was weird seeing Toby that way. She wasn’t acting anything like herself. It was like her fire and spunk were gone, and I hated seeing that. But, every once in awhile, there was a glimmer of the old Toby that peeked through, which made me think that all hope wasn’t lost, and I was so eager for her to remember everything.

I’m eager to check out the next book, which shows us Tybalt's POV of the events that happened in this story. If you’re a fan of urban fantasy, this series is a must-read. Be sure to start with book one, though, because these are not standalones.

FIVE STARS

Review: The Erlking's Daughters (The Karneesia Chronicles #1) by Claire Trella Hill

About the Book

The Unseelie Caverns are closing in on Morwë. The handsome prisoner may be her only way out.

The Unseelie faefolk dwell in darkness, consume human life force, and care for no one… except for the half-human daughters of the Erlking. Morwë encases her feelings in walls of ice, only allowing herself to care for her younger sister—and even then, not openly. She navigates hostility from family and acquaintances alike and believes there is no other way to live. But her world is shaken with the abrupt arrival of a prisoner who sees her—in more ways than one.

Arken has always placed family first. When his village is attacked and his younger brother stolen, he sets off determined to rescue him. An encounter with faefolk out of stories and spook-tales wasn’t in his plan, and neither is the woman with haunting eyes just as trapped as he is. She’s his enemy. He shouldn’t trust her. But she may be his only hope for salvation.

As a forced marriage looms and violence mounts in the caverns, Morwë must choose—acquiesce to the bleak, terrifying future she thought was her only option, or risk everything to escape with the human prisoner and protect their siblings—even if it costs her life.

A dark fantasy with slow burn romance, The Erlking's Daughters is perfect for fans of Hannah Whitten’s For the Wolf, Robin McKinley, Kate Stradling, and anyone who loves to see characters move from darkness to light.

Amazon / Kobo / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I loved this book so much! It was dark, but I loved that, despite all that darkness, there was still an abundance of light and hope.

The worldbuilding was impressive! There was a lot to take in at first, but I never got confused or overwhelmed. I was instantly intrigued by the Unseelie court. It was a harsh and dangerous place, filled with some brutal and intimidating characters.

I really enjoyed the multiple POVs. It was a nice way to get to know the characters. I loved seeing their growth and watching them discover new things about the world and themselves. I can’t say that I liked Morwë in the beginning, but by the end of the book, she became one of my favorite characters I’ve read about in a long time.

I didn’t want this book to end! It was so good! I highly, highly recommend it. If you’re a fan of dark fantasy, you’re sure to love it.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Sleep No More (October Daye #17) by Seanan McGuire

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over in the meantime.

This week I'm featuring Sleep No More (October Daye #17) by Seanan McGuire. Oh my goodness, what a wild ride this one is! I'm almost finished and it's so good! (And so stressful! LOL!)

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Samhain and Beltaine are the hubs around which the rest of Faerie's year turns. The two Moving Days, when the least among us - those ranked even lower than changelings like myself - are free to pack up their lives and move along to their next home.

Friday 56

At least I didn't black out, which seemed like a real accomplishment after the day I'd had. I groaned, rubbing my face with my less-bloody hand, and pushed myself back into a sitting position. "Everyone okay?"

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Behind the Curtain (The Worlds Behind #4) by W.R. Gingell

About the Book

The world Between is full of dangers, shadows, and reflections. Athelas knows the dangers, is one with the shadows—and has finally encountered a reflection that could be just a bit too much like himself for comfort.

The house master has come back. Nobody will quite say who he is, or why he owns the house. And to Athelas’ growing irritation, no one will talk about the oddly powerful influence the house master seems to have over Camellia.

YeoWoo knows exactly who and what the house master is—and she knows exactly how much danger Camellia is in. The question she can’t quite seem to answer is: How much safer is it to put Camellia into Athelas’ power than to leave her in the house master’s power?

There are nightmares skulking in the corners. Pieces of curse lingering beneath the couch. And soon Camellia will have to make a choice between two evils.

To add insult to injury, the teapot has gone missing…

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

The previous book left off on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I was extremely anxious to get back to these characters and see what would happen next. This ended up being an exciting, surprising, and unexpectedly emotional read. I really enjoyed it.

Camellia has been a bit of a mystery this whole series, and while we’ve gotten little nuggets of information here and there, I was excited that we learned so much about her here. I have a whole new respect for her. I don’t want to say too much, but it was awesome getting to see her true self.

I can’t say enough about how much I’ve loved watching Athelas’s journey to being a better person. It’s not been easy, or fast, but his redemption arc has been so satisfying!

This series has been so good; I can’t believe there’s only one book left to go! If you’re a fan of urban fantasy, you’ll love this weirdly wonderful series.

4.5 STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Behind the Curtain (The Worlds Behind #4) by W.R. Gingell

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over until Freda returns.

This week I'm featuring Behind the Curtain (The Worlds Behind #4) by W.R. Gingell. This is such a fun and weird series. I love it! 

About the Book

The world Between is full of dangers, shadows, and reflections. Athelas knows the dangers, is one with the shadows—and has finally encountered a reflection that could be just a bit too much like himself for comfort.

The house master has come back. Nobody will quite say who he is, or why he owns the house. And to Athelas’ growing irritation, no one will talk about the oddly powerful influence the house master seems to have over Camellia.

YeoWoo knows exactly who and what the house master is—and she knows exactly how much danger Camellia is in. The question she can’t quite seem to answer is: How much safer is it to put Camellia into Athelas’ power than to leave her in the house master’s power?

There are nightmares skulking in the corners. Pieces of curse lingering beneath the couch. And soon Camellia will have to make a choice between two evils.

To add insult to injury, the teapot has gone missing…

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

"Ex-husband," Camellia said.

To YeoWoo, her voice sounded as though it contained great weariness. She was speaking, however, and that was a very big improvement upon the until-now silent and ashy presence she had been.

Friday 56

"We need to get him out of the house," YeoWoo said, rather mulishly. She was aware that she was repeating herself, and that she had been doing so for the last few days; she resented Athelas for making her do so. "We can't do anything to him until we get him out of the house."

What have you been reading lately?

Can't Wait Wednesday: Mortal Queens (The Fae Dynasty #1) by Victoria McCombs

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Mortal Queens (The Fae Dynasty #1) by Victoria McCombs releasing February 6.

About the Book

They vanish without a trace, disappear into the night . . .

Each year on the center island, one girl is chosen to be the next Mortal Queen of the idolized fae. The mortals praise these lucky girls, but their daughters are never seen again.

The fae realm is eternal night, where disputes are settled by chess matches, power is acquired through the most devious kinds of trickery, and seven illusive kings roam. The fae hide their faces behind masks and guard their glass hearts to keep them from shattering. But beyond the veil of this luxurious paradise, a dark secret simmers, for their Queens have disappeared.

When aspiring artist Althea is selected, she is desperate to avoid the same mysterious fate. With no one to trust, she conceals messages in paintings and receives anonymous replies from a stranger who slowly reveals the tale of a girl who outwitted the fae. Only if she is clever enough will Althea survive the fate of the Mortal Queens. As long as the king who cannot love does not claim her first.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Be the Serpent (October Daye Book 16) by Seanan McGuire

About the Book

October Daye is finally something she never expected to be: married. All the trials and turmoils and terrors of a hero’s life have done very little to prepare her for the expectation that she will actually share her life with someone else, the good parts and the bad ones alike, not just allow them to dabble around the edges in the things she wants to share. But with an official break from hero duties from the Queen in the Mists, and her family wholly on board with this new version of “normal,” she’s doing her best to adjust.

It isn’t always easy, but she’s a hero, right? She’s done harder.

Until an old friend and ally turns out to have been an enemy in disguise for this entire time, and October’s brief respite turns into a battle for her life, her community, and everything she has ever believed to be true.

The debts of the Broken Ride are coming due, and whether she incurred them or not, she’s going to be the one who has to pay.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Sixteen books into the series, and it's still good. In fact, it just keeps getting better. This book was filled with reveals. BIG ones. Mind-blowing ones. Ones that will change everything.

Things were going a little too well for Toby, so I just knew something bad was going to happen. That's just the way it seems to go for her. But, wow, I didn't expect it to be that bad!

I'm always amazed by the new ways Toby finds to put herself in danger. Her brashness and lack of self-preservation are astounding sometimes. There are times when I just have to laugh and be shocked that she's still breathing, because, my goodness, sometimes she has no sense, lol. It always makes for an entertaining read, though.

Despite the fact that this ends on the mother of all cliffhangers, this was a stellar read and, not only one of the best books in the series, one of my favorites I've read this year. If you're a fan of urban fantasy and haven't started this series, what are you waiting for? Run and grab a copy of book one and I promise you'll be hooked.

NOTE: This book contains some strong language.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Be the Serpent (October Daye Book 16) by Seanan McGuire

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over until Freda returns.

This week I'm featuring Be the Serpent (October Daye Book 16) by Seanan McGuire. Sixteen books into this series and it's still so good! This book has some mind-blowing revelations that are sure to change everything! 

About the Book

October Daye is finally something she never expected to be: married. All the trials and turmoils and terrors of a hero’s life have done very little to prepare her for the expectation that she will actually share her life with someone else, the good parts and the bad ones alike, not just allow them to dabble around the edges in the things she wants to share. But with an official break from hero duties from the Queen in the Mists, and her family wholly on board with this new version of “normal,” she’s doing her best to adjust.

It isn’t always easy, but she’s a hero, right? She’s done harder.

Until an old friend and ally turns out to have been an enemy in disguise for this entire time, and October’s brief respite turns into a battle for her life, her community, and everything she has ever believed to be true.

The debts of the Broken Ride are coming due, and whether she incurred them or not, she’s going to be the one who has to pay.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

It had been a normal night melting into a normal morning. Then the sun had glinted off the pond and the world had twisted around me, going from clear, comforting sameness to chaotic murkiness as the water that was my natural environment suddenly and convulsively rejected me.

Friday 56

Tybalt watched me go. When I looked back, one last time, he mouthed exaggeratedly, "Be careful."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Midnight Rider: Fae of Falls River by Stormie Black

About the Book

Can a protective sister and a broken fae keep their feelings untangled during a dangerous investigation?

Life is certainly no fairytale.

Ever since our mom's untimely death, my sister has insisted on acting out. And when I go in search of her to curb her reckless behavior and keep her from being a victim mentioned on the nightly news, I wind up slung over the shoulder of the man who slipped something into my drink. That's when the Midnight Rider, a fae vigilante in the supernatural underworld, rescues me. He's mysterious and broody, but I can't deny his skill in taking down bad guys. So in an effort to keep my sister out of trouble and track down who's behind the charmed poison that was given to me and other unsuspecting women, we form an unlikely alliance.

There's just one catch.

I agree to drink something that makes me forget I ever knew the Midnight Rider existed when our investigation is over. But as we trek deeper into the web of deceit in Falls River's underbelly, I discover that I don't want to forget the fae male who resembles my knight in shining armor.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve been hearing great things about this book, and I’m happy to say it lived up to the hype. I’m always on the lookout for good, clean urban fantasy, and this fits the bill. It features wonderful characters, great worldbuilding, and an intriguing mystery.

 
I will say that this had a slow start, but it wasn’t long before things ramped up and I became fully invested.

I liked the fact that we got chapters from not only Aris and Kat’s POVs but Trystan and Val’s as well. I admired Kat’s fiery resolve and determination to protect her sister. And even though she was bossy and demanding at times, I ended up liking her. Aris was a great leading man. I loved his sense of honor and heroic actions. Even though he doesn’t believe it, he’s truly a good guy.

I was surprised that this book ends on a pretty big cliffhanger, but thankfully the series is complete and the rest of the books are already out. If you’re a fan of K.M. Shea’s urban fantasy books, you’ll love this series.

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Midnight Rider: Fae of Falls River by Stormie Black

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. Freda is taking a hiatus right now, but Anne over at My Head is Full of Books has taken over until Freda returns.

This week I'm featuring Midnight Rider: Fae of Falls River by Stormie Black. I'm really enjoying this clean urban fantasy. It had a bit of a slow start, but things have really picked up and I'm fully invested now. 

About the Book

Can a protective sister and a broken fae keep their feelings untangled during a dangerous investigation?

Life is certainly no fairytale.

Ever since our mom's untimely death, my sister has insisted on acting out. And when I go in search of her to curb her reckless behavior and keep her from being a victim mentioned on the nightly news, I wind up slung over the shoulder of the man who slipped something into my drink. That's when the Midnight Rider, a fae vigilante in the supernatural underworld, rescues me. He's mysterious and broody, but I can't deny his skill in taking down bad guys. So in an effort to keep my sister out of trouble and track down who's behind the charmed poison that was given to me and other unsuspecting women, we form an unlikely alliance.

There's just one catch.

I agree to drink something that makes me forget I ever knew the Midnight Rider existed when our investigation is over. But as we trek deeper into the web of deceit in Falls River's underbelly, I discover that I don't want to forget the fae male who resembles my knight in shining armor.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday (Kat's POV)

I don't see my sister anywhere, but I know she's here. It's the place she's most frequented since our mother's unexpected passing three months ago.

Friday 56 (Aris' POV)

I rise to my full height, only an inch or two above his own and search his eyes. "If you've got something to say about the things I've done, then spit it out, brother."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Wet Behind the Ears (The Worlds Behind #3) by W.R. Gingell

About the Book

Athelas never wanted housemates. Now he has three: the gumiho for whom he provided an alibi, the tea-wielding housekeeper who poisoned him, and the young human who might pose the greatest danger of all.

All of Athelas’ training tells him to kill small, soft things before something else does—or worse, before he grows fond of them and then something kills them. He should at least know better than to worry about the revenge-bent gumiho who is drawing the attention of every high-ranking Behindkind in Seoul Between.

Hot on the tails of the gumiho who slaughtered her family, YeoWoo instead stumbles over the battered and broken body of a merman who knows just a little bit too much about her quarry. It should be simple to keep Marazul both alive and useful, but although YeoWoo is successful in the former, the latter is a different tail—especially when the merman knows exactly how dangerous it is to talk.

YeoWoo has always taken what she wanted in blood and force. Athelas has always gained what he needed by deception and manipulation. With their usual methods failing at every turn and the investigation swiftly becoming deadly for the entire house, it’s time to make a few changes.

And Athelas has begun to fear that if he does change, his life will forever spin out of his control...

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I had planned on reading a different book, but I saw that this one had just been released, and I couldn't resist. This series, along with The City Between, have become some of my favorites in the urban fantasy genre. It's such a fascinating and weird world filled with wonderful, complex, and twisty characters. Characters who, despite their flaws, I've really come to love.

 

This was another great addition to the series. Action-packed and full of twists, there was never a dull moment. There was definite progress made, but more questions popped up too.

 

I saw a lot of growth in more than one of the characters. Yeah, it was more subtle in some, but it was there, and I was happy to see it. And I have to say that I was ecstatic with the progress of a certain character.

 

That ending threw me for a loop, so to say I'm eager for the next book is an understatement. It can't come out soon enough.

4.5 STARS