Review: A Queen of Ruin - K.F. Breene

The final book in the Wall Street Journal bestselling series!

I thought once we released the curse, I'd only have one enemy to contend with.

Wrong.

The queen lives. Not only that, but she knowingly hid herself from me and the rest of this kingdom until the moment the curse was broken. Now she is back, and her desires aren't clear. Neither are her motives.

Will she try to take the throne for herself?

We can stop her…unless she had a hand in that curse. In which case, will we need to battle her and the demon king before we can finally live in peace? Or has this all been for naught?

Regardless, we have very little time before the demon king returns to wipe us out.

Deliciously Dark Fairytales Series:

A Ruin of Roses

A Throne of Ruin

A Kingdom of Ruin

A Queen of Ruin

Visit K.F. Breene's website for more information

Review:

A Queen of Ruin is the fourth and final book in K.F. Breene's Beauty and the Beast inspired dark fairytale series so I'm going to assume if you're reading this review you've already read the first two books. I'm going to keep the review deliberately vague to avoid spoilers for this book but events from previous books may be referenced. 

I've been totally hooked on this series since book one was published and have eagerly waited for each instalment since then so I was both excited and a bit nervous for this final book. I wanted it to be amazing but at the same time I didn't want it to end. I'm happy to say A Queen of Ruin is everything I hoped for and then some, it's a long book and so much happens but I really don't want to go into much detail because I'd hate to accidentally spoiler anyone. 

What I will say is that I was excited to get to spend some time exploring other kingdoms and meeting some of the other rulers, I loved getting to know the new characters from the last book even better and I was thrilled with the way Finley and Nyfain's relationship has developed over the course of the series. This final book was an emotional rollercoaster and there was one moment that shocked me to my core and had me so emotional I had to put it down and walk away for a bit before I could carry on reading but I still loved every minute of it.

I'm sad the series has come to an end but I love the way everything has wrapped up and I think we got a really fitting end to the series. That said I have really high hopes for a spin off or two, not because things have been left unfinished but because some of the side characters are so fantastic I want to spend more time with them. I can't say who because *spoiler* BUT one in particular is part of a HUGE revelation that I'm desperate to know more about. I'm sure anyone who has read the book will know exactly what I'm talking about.

K.F. Breene has long been an auto-buy author for me and this series has only cemented her place on my favourite authors list.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: A Kingdom of Ruin - K.F. Breene

Never sell your soul to the Demon King.

Too late.

In an effort to save all that I love, I have to finish the job Nyfain started… and ruin myself.

I've made a trade with the most cunning creature alive.

Me for them.

The dungeons will be my new home. Dolion's destruction will be my new goal.

I just have to get out of here and back to my golden dragon. Preferably alive.

Deliciously Dark Fairytales Series:

A Ruin of Roses

A Throne of Ruin

A Kingdom of Ruin

A Queen of Ruin

Visit K.F. Breene's website for more information

Review:

A Kingdom of Ruin is the third book in K.F. Breene's Beauty and the Beast inspired dark fairytale series so I'm going to assume if you're reading this review you've already read the first two books. I'm going to keep the review deliberately vague to avoid spoilers for this book but events from previous books may be referenced. 

I have loved this series from the first book but it just keeps getting better and better with every instalment. After the cliffhanger ending of book 2 I knew Finley was going to be in for a bumpy ride in this book but there was so much I didn't expect from this story, especially the fun new allies she met along the way. Trapped in the demon realm thanks to the bargain she made to protect Nyfain Finley is now Dolion's prisoner and has a newfound home in his dungeon. Her bond to Nyfain protects her from some things but it doesn't stop physical torture from her guards so her life is now mostly pain and anguish as she tries to figure out a way to escape.

I really admire Finely's attitude and the way she is so determined to fight for and protect the people she cares about no matter what it costs her personally. She has earned a lot of respect from friends she made in Nyfain's court and her selfless attitude is starting to rub off on some of them which leads to some interesting developments. I love that we got some of the story from Hadriel's point of view here, his character is just so funny and gave some much needed light relief in places.

I don't want to say much about the new characters that we are introduced to but there are some I absolutely loved and can't wait to see more of in the future. There were some great revelations in this book and things are only going to get more interesting in the next book thanks to the way things ended. Luckily this didn't finish on such a cliffhanger as A Throne of Ruin but it's still left me wanting the next book ASAP.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: A Throne of Ruin - K.F. Breene

The only thing protecting me from the demons…is the beast. 

Nyfain, the golden dragon prince, tried to set me free. But there is no freedom in this kingdom. Not for anyone. 

The demons have sought me out. They want to trap me. To use me against Nyfain.

It's only a matter of time before they call in the demon king.

Nyfain thinks I should save myself. That I should barter with the demon king to escape this place.

But can I give myself to the creature responsible for torturing the people I love?

In order to save them, though, I might not have a choice. 

 ______________________ 

This is a dark and spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling featuring an anti-hero, a strong heroine, and a humorous supporting cast. This is an enemies-to-lovers and possible fated mates story suitable for 18+. It's the second of four books, ending on a cliffhanger.

Deliciously Dark Fairytales Series:

A Ruin of Roses

A Throne of Ruin

A Kingdom of Ruin

A Queen of Ruin

Visit K.F. Breene's website for more information

Review:

I'm going to come straight out and say I'm loving K.F. Breene's take on the Beauty and the Beast fairytale and I'm so happy we still have two more books to come in this series. A Throne of Ruin takes everything I loved about A Ruin of Roses and builds on it. More of the snarky humour, more of Finley's protective instincts to protect the people around her, a few more layers peeled back from the mysterious and sexy Nyfain not to mention plenty of kink.

I love that the romance isn't being rushed in this series but that we're seeing a very natural progression with the bond between Finley and Nyfain. As their feelings increase so does the danger surrounding them and I think they have a lot more to deal with before they'll be able to enjoy a HEA but I know I can trust this author to give them the ending they deserve.

I'm really enjoying spending time in this world but I'm going to warn you now the cliffhanger at the end is a doozy. It was a natural stopping point for the story but it has left me desperate to get my hands on the next instalment. I can't wait to see how Finley deals with the latest developments! This really is turning out to be a fantastic retelling and I can't recommend it highly enough to Beauty and the Beast fans.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: A Ruin of Roses - K.F. Breene

Worldwide bestselling author K.F. Breene comes at you with a brand new spicy fantasy series! Perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Jennifer L Armentrout, and Scarlett St. Clair. 

I could save him, but he would ruin me. 

The beast.

The creature who stalks the forbidden wood.

The dragon prince.

He has suffered a fate worse than death. We all have. A curse put upon us by the mad king.

We are a kingdom locked in time. Shifters unable to feel our animals. Stuck here by a deal between the late king and a demon who seeks our destruction.

The only one keeping this kingdom alive is Nyfain, the golden prince to a stolen throne. The last dragon shifter. 

He’s our hope.

He’s my nightmare.

When he catches me trespassing in the forbidden wood, he doesn’t punish me with death as he’s entitled.

He takes me, instead. Forces me back to the castle as his prisoner. Seeks to use me.

Apparently I can save him. I can save the whole forgotten kingdom, locked away by the demon king’s power.

But it would mean taming the monster beneath his skin. It would mean giving myself to him.

It would mean my ruin.

_ _ _ _ _ _

This is a dark and sexy Beauty and the Beast retelling featuring a strong heroine, a dangerous anti-hero, and a humorous supporting cast. It is a full length novel at 80k words and suitable for 18+. This is the beginning of a trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger. Buckle up. The author was let off her leash.

Deliciously Dark Fairytales Series:

A Ruin of Roses

A Throne of Ruin

A Kingdom of Ruin

A Queen of Ruin

Visit K.F. Breene's website for more information

Review:

I'm a huge lover of all fairytale retellings but Beauty and the Beast ones have always been my favourites so when I found out K.F. Breene was writing one I couldn't get hold of a copy fast enough and A Ruin of Roses was a book I absolutely devoured. It has all the main requirements for a retelling so the story has a familiar feel to it but at the same time the author has put in enough of her own world building to also make it feel fresh and exciting.

I loved the main character Finley, she's no weak wallflower even though she's not the most powerful character physically. She has a strength of will and determination to protect her family at all costs and she also has a brilliantly snarky sense of humour that helps her see the funny side even when the odds are against her. 

Nyfain is harder to get a read on because he's so secretive and mysterious but I love a hero with layers and I'm sure there is so much more to uncover about him as the series continues. At the moment the curse is presumably making it difficult for him to talk about certain things so it'll be interesting to see how that resolves itself in the next book.

I think there's great potential for romance between Finley and Nyfain but I'm glad that it's not being rushed considering the circumstances of their meeting. They have chemistry already though and I can't wait to see it progress.

I'm already all in on this series, its dark but funny, full of action and will take you for a walk on the wild side. Bring on the rest of the trilogy!

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: A Heart of Blood and Ashes - Milla Vane

A generation past, the western realms were embroiled in endless war. Then the Destroyer came. From the blood and ashes he left behind, a tenuous alliance rose between the barbarian riders of Parsathe and the walled kingdoms of the south. That alliance is all that stands against the return of an ancient evil--until the barbarian king and queen are slain in an act of bloody betrayal.

Though forbidden by the alliance council to kill the corrupt king responsible for his parents' murders, Maddek vows to avenge them, even if it costs him the Parsathean crown. But when he learns it was the king's daughter who lured his parents to their deaths, the barbarian warrior is determined to make her pay.

Yet the woman Maddek captures is not what he expected. Though the last in a line of legendary warrior-queens, Yvenne is small and weak, and the sharpest weapons she wields are her mind and her tongue. Even more surprising is the marriage she proposes to unite them in their goals and to claim their thrones--because her desire for vengeance against her father burns even hotter than his own...

A Gathering of Dragons Series:
(Chronological reading order as per the author's website)
The Beast of Blackmoor (Novella in the Night Shift anthology)
Silent Night (Free short story on the author's website)
A Heart of Blood and Ashes
A Touch of Stone and Snow (July 2020)

Visit Milla Vane's website for more information

Review:
There is so much I want to say about A Heart of Blood and Ashes that I really don't know where to start. I've tried so many times to sit down and write this review but my concentration is shot to pieces at the moment and I'm finding both reading and blogging really hard. What I can say is that this is without a doubt the best new series I've discovered in a long time. I've already read this book 3 times since January and I love it more every time I pick it back up. I grew up reading fantasy and developed a taste for romance in my teens but books that combine the two are pure joy to me, especially when they're written as well as this one.

I honestly can't think of a single thing that I disliked about this book, Milla Vane (aka Meljean Brook) has created a rich and detailed fantasy world full of barbarian warriors, vengeful gods and goddesses and an ongoing plot to destroy the realms. This is a dark world so I'll warn you now that the characters we love won't have an easy journey but I never felt that the author glorifies the violence or includes things unnecessarily.

I want to talk a little about our main characters. First we have Maddek, barbarian warrior and son of the king and queen of the Parsathians. Maddek has spent years fighting on the frontlines but when he learns of his parent's deaths he doesn't believe the story that the alliance council tells him so vows to find out the truth and to seek vengeance against whoever is responsible for their murders. Something happened when they travelled to Syssia to seek a bride for him and he blames King Zhalen. He initially abducts the king's daughter Yvenne planning on using her to seek his revenge but instead of an unwilling captive he finds himself an ally who hates her father even more than he does.

Yvenne has many reasons to hate her father, the fact that she's been kept imprisoned in a tower for her entire life is just one of them. Zhalen is to blame for so much of Yvenne's suffering but he's also the one keeping her from claiming her rightful place as the queen of Syssia. Yvenne has watched for years as her people have suffered under his rule and she wants Maddek to help her protect them all. I absolutely love Yvenne, she isn't the strongest character physically but she has a mental toughness that few others could match. She's smart, cunning and willing to play dirty to get what she needs and I have a huge amount of respect for her.

Maddek makes a lot of mistakes with Yvenne, there were multiple times when I wanted to shake some sense into him but even when I was so frustrated I could understand where he was coming from and I found it easy to root for them as a couple. The chemistry between them was instantly off the charts and they really had some of the sexiest foreplay scenes I've ever read long before they ever had full sex but it was the slow build of their romance that really pulled me in. Maddek was stubborn and refused to admit what we could all see happening but when he made mistakes he was man enough to admit them, apologise and try to make amends.

I feel like I could rave about this book for hours but I just want everyone to go out and read it for themselves. I knew back in January that this was going to be my favourite book of 2020 and two rereads later that hasn't changed. If you like fantasy romance this is hands down my top recommendation for you, so stop wasting your time reading reviews and just buy a copy already!

Source: Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Silent Night - Milla Vane

Author’s Note: This is a short piece that I wrote for a blog and features Mala’s cousin, Laina, who was mentioned in “The Beast of Blackmoor.” This takes place after that story but there are no spoilers for it. 

Originally posted on That's What I'm Talking About blog this can also be read on Milla Vane's website here.

A Gathering of Dragons Series:
(Chronological reading order as per the author's website)
The Beast of Blackmoor (Novella in the Night Shift anthology)
Silent Night (Free short story on the author's website)
A Heart of Blood and Ashes
A Touch of Stone and Snow (July 2020)

Visit Milla Vane's website for more information

Review:

Silent Night is a really short story that you can read for free on Milla Vane's website here, it's told from the point of view of Laina who was briefly mentioned in The Beast of Blackmoor novella as Mala's cousin.

It's hard to say too much about this story as it's so short but we get to see that Laina is on a quest of her own for the Goddess Vela. We only see a tiny snippet of her story so I was really excited when I realised that she is the heroine of book 3, A Dance of Smoke and Steel, which publishes later this year. I can't wait to read about more of her journey!

Source: Read for free on Milla Vane's website

Other Reviews:
If you have reviewed this book on your blog please leave a link to your review in the comments & I'll add the link here.

Review: The Beast of Blackmoor - Milla Vane

Dive into the world of beasts and barbarians in this prequel to the exhilarating Gathering of Dragons series by Milla Vane.

A warrior princess must tame The Beast of Blackmoor to earn a place among her people. When she arrives in Blackmoor, however, she finds a land cursed by a demon and ruled by an evil warlord...and discovers that the beast isn't a monster, but a barbarian warrior who intends to do some taming himself.

A Gathering of Dragons Series:
(Chronological reading order as per the author's website)
The Beast of Blackmoor (Novella in the Night Shift anthology)
Silent Night (Free short story on the author's website)
A Heart of Blood and Ashes
A Touch of Stone and Snow (July 2020)

Visit Milla Vane's website for more information

Review:
I already wrote a brief review of The Beast of Blackmoor when I read it as part of the Night Shift anthology but I didn't go into much depth at the time and having reread the novella a couple of times recently I wanted to talk about it some more. This is one of those stories that I've loved more every single time I read it and I don't think I fully appreciated it the first time around. It's the first novella in Milla Vane's A Gathering of Dragons world and is a great intro to the dark and dangerous world she has created.

Mala is a warrior on a quest from her Goddess Vela to tame the Beast of Blackmoor, she will do whatever it takes to achieve her goal because her people are depending upon her to protect them and she needs the Vela's gifts to help them survive. What she doesn't realise is that the Beast is in fact a man and Kavik will do anything to avoid being enslaved again. Kavik angered Vela so it's not too surprising that she has forsaken him but Mala believes that they can both earn redemption for themselves and their people if they only listen to the Goddess and follow her will.

I think one of the things I love most about this series is the strong women Milla Vane has created. Not only do we have Vela, a powerful Goddess who is brilliant even as a minor character but we also have Mala, a strong and fierce warrior who stands up for people who can't stand up for themselves. This is a harsh world but Mala thinks nothing of taking on dangerous causes if she believes they are worthwhile. She chose to take on a quest for Vela knowing that the reward would be great if she achieves it but that the punishment will be even worse if she fails, she has faith that while the Goddess will make her task difficult Vela won't give her an impossible challenge so she believes that with hard work she can achieve her goal.

Mala and Kavik are brilliant together, he is the rightful leader of his people but his life was turned upside down as a child by an evil conqueror. Kavik has been to hell and back but has spent his entire life focused on saving his people. He made a huge mistake when he offended Vela but you could feel the frustration he felt as a teenager and could easily understand how desperation led him to fall so low. Now he has spent years waiting for his punishment, knowing that one day the Goddess will catch up with him and the minute he sees Mala he knows she is here for Vela's vengeance. Kavik has waited years for this moment but nothing had prepared either of them for the sparks that fly. The heat between these two was intense and from that very first meeting I was totally rooting for the pair of them.

There aren't many authors who can pack quite such a punch into a novella but Milla Vane manages to create a whole world, give us fantastic characters and create a romance that doesn't feel at all rushed. There was just so much to love about this book and considering I've already read the first full length book in the series, A Heart of Blood and Ashes, three times I can definitely confirm that this whole series is going to be a firm favourite.

Source: Purchased

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Review: Moontangled - Stephanie Burgis

Take one ambitious politician and one determined magician with wildly different aims for their next meeting.

Add a secret betrothal, a family scandal, and a heaping of dangerous fey magic in an enchanted wood...and watch the sparks fly!

For just one moonlit, memorable night, Thornfell College of Magic has flung open its doors, inviting guests from around the nation to an outdoor ball intended to introduce the first-ever class of women magicians to society...but one magician and one invited guest have far more pressing goals of their own for the night.

Quietly brilliant Juliana Banks is determined to win back the affections of her secret fiancée, rising politician Caroline Fennell, who has become inexplicably distant. If Juliana needs to use magic to get her stubborn fiancée to pay her attention...well, then, as the top student in her class, she is more than ready to take on that challenge!

Unbeknownst to Juliana, though, Caroline plans to nobly sacrifice their betrothal for Juliana's own sake - and no one has ever accused iron-willed Caroline Fennell of being easy to deter from any goal.

Their path to mutual happiness may seem tangled beyond repair...but when they enter the fey-ruled woods that border Thornfell College, these two determined women will find all of their plans upended in a night of unexpected and magical possibilities.

The Harwood Spellbook Series:
Spellswept (Prequel Novella)
Snowspelled
Thornbound
Moontangled (Novella)

Visit Stephanie Burgis' website for more information

Review:
We've met both Juliana and Caroline before so I'd highly recommend reading the previous books in the series before this novella so that you're familiar with their history. Caroline is an aspiring politician with a bright future ahead of her but only if she follows the tradition of marrying a gentleman magician. The slight hitch in that is that she is madly in love with Juliana and the two are secretly engaged. Juliana was one of the first students to join the first magic school for women, the Thornfell College of Magic. Juliana is sure that if she can just pass her exams and officially be recognised as a magician then her marriage to Caroline can go ahead without ruining Caroline's political chances.

A recent scandal has caused Caroline to start pulling away from Juliana though, so just when they're getting close to achieving their dreams it looks like their relationship may be about to fall apart. Juliana is determined to get their relationship back on track but Caroline is trying to protect Juliana's reputation by keeping her distance. One magical night along with one tricky fae and they will either lose each other forever or find their way back to one another.

I'm so happy that Stephanie Burgis decided to give Juliana and Caroline their own story. I've been rooting for the young couple ever since they were first introduced so it was sad to see their respective careers getting in the way of their relationship. Luckily they're both fighters and once they both figure out what is really important nothing is going to change their minds. Juliana and Caroline are a pretty adorable couple but it was also nice to see how supportive Juliana's classmates as well as her teachers are of their relationship.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Thornbound - Stephanie Burgis

Cassandra Harwood scandalized her nation when she became the first woman magician in Angland. Now, she's ready to teach a whole new generation of bright young women at her radical new school, the Thornfell College of Magic…

Until a sinister fey altar is discovered in the school library, the ruling Boudiccate sends a delegation to shut down Thornfell, and Cassandra’s own husband is torn away from her.

As malevolent vines slither in from the forest and ruthless politicians scheme against her, Cassandra must fight the greatest battle of her life to save her love, her school, and the future of the young women of Angland.

The Harwood Spellbook Series:
Spellswept (Prequel Novella)
Snowspelled
Thornbound
Moontangled (Novella)

Visit Stephanie Burgis' website for more information

Review:
Thornbound is the second book in the Harwood Spellbook series by Stephanie Burgis and we get to see Cassandra fulfilling her dreams as she opens the door to her new school for female magicians, the Thornfell College of Magic. Cassandra has had a lot of support from her family and her husband to open the school but it quickly becomes clear that a lot of people in positions of power are not happy with her attempting to change the status quo. It's so engrained in society that women are politicians while men are magicians and people are worried that rocking the boat with this new college will have all kinds of implications for the future.

Cassandra has never been one to back down from a challenge but when the Boudiccate send a team of inspectors who are essentially looking for excuses to shut down the college she knows she's really up against it. Then a sinister fae altar is found in the school library proving that someone has been dabbling in forbidden magic, and Cassandra's husband goes missing she starts to wonder if her own dreams are costing the ones she loves a price that she's not willing to pay.

I'm really enjoying this series and I hope that we're going to see more of Cassandra as well as the staff and students at Thornfell College in the future, I'm sure there are all kinds of adventures they could get up to! I think what I like most about this series is how it turns rules of society as we know them on their head, it's the men who have to watch their reputations as being alone with a woman could ruin their reputations and it its the women who have most of the power. But while it's fun to see that switch up I also like the way Cassandra and her students are challenging societal norms to follow their dreams. We've seen Cassandra and her brother both make choices that are looked down on from some quarters but they never gave up and now they're giving a whole new generation the ability to follow in their footsteps.

This series is brilliantly written with inspiring characters and a fun magical setting. Adding in the tricky Fae only adds to the excitement as you really never know what one of them will try next, especially if they're making dodgy bargains with people.

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Spellswept - Stephanie Burgis

In the world of the Harwood Spellbook, 19th-century Angland is ruled by a powerful group of women known as the Boudiccate - but in order to become a member of that elite group, any ambitious young politician must satisfy tradition by taking a gentleman mage for her husband.

Amy Standish is a born politician...but Jonathan Harwood is her greatest temptation. On the night of the Harwoods' Spring Solstice Ball, in an underwater ballroom full of sparkling fey lights and danger, Amy will have to fight the greatest political battle of her life to win a family and a future that she could never have imagined.

It will take an entirely unexpected kind of magic to keep everything from crashing down around her.

The Harwood Spellbook Series:
Spellswept (Prequel Novella)
Snowspelled
Thornbound
Moontangled (Novella)

Visit Stephanie Burgis' website for more information

Review:
Amy is an orphan but she managed to earn a job as personal assistant to Miranda Harwood, a respected member of the Angland parliament. As she's a natural politician it is expected that Amy will follow in her mentor's footsteps and join the Boudiccate but to do that first she must marry a respected magician. Tonight at the Harwood's Spring Solstice Ball she is expected to announce her engagement but really her heart is set on the one man she can never have, Miranda's son Jonathan. It would be a respectable match if only Jonathan hadn't refused to train as a magician, instead preferring to focus his studies on history. Now Amy needs to decide whether to follow her head or her heart, or perhaps she can figure out a way to get everything she's ever wanted.

Although Spellswept is technically a prequel to the Harwood Spellbook series I actually read it after reading the first book, Snowspelled, and I think I enjoyed it all the more because I was already familiar with the characters involved. It was lovely to see the beginning of Amy and Jonathan's relationship first hand and I also really enjoyed getting to meet a teenage version of Cassandra. I love the sibling relationship between Jonathan and Cassandra, he is so protective of his sister and a lot of the life choices he's made become much clearer when Amy discovers a huge secret that Cassandra has been keeping.

Stephanie Burgis has created a really fun world for her historical fantasy series, one where the sensible women are in charge of the government while the more whimsical and emotional men are free to pursue careers as magicians. The gender lines are firmly drawn but the complete opposite to what we're used to and it's really refreshing to see such a different take on society.

Source: Purchased

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Review: Snowspelled - Stephanie Burgis

In nineteenth-century Angland, magic is reserved for gentlemen while ladies attend to the more practical business of politics. But Cassandra Harwood has never followed the rules...

Four months ago, Cassandra Harwood was the first woman magician in Angland, and she was betrothed to the brilliant, intense love of her life.

Now Cassandra is trapped in a snowbound house party deep in the elven dales, surrounded by bickering gentleman magicians, manipulative lady politicians, her own interfering family members, and, worst of all, her infuriatingly stubborn ex-fiancé, who refuses to understand that she’s given him up for his own good.

But the greatest danger of all lies outside the manor in the falling snow, where a powerful and malevolent elf-lord lurks...and Cassandra lost all of her own magic four months ago.

To save herself, Cassandra will have to discover exactly what inner powers she still possesses – and risk everything to win a new kind of happiness.

A witty and sparkling romantic fantasy novella that opens a brand-new series for adults from the author of Kat, Incorrigible, Masks and Shadows and Congress of Secrets.

The Harwood Spellbook Series:
Spellswept (Prequel Novella)
Snowspelled
Thornbound
Moontangled (Novella)

Visit Stephanie Burgis' website for more information

Review:
Snowspelled is a novella set in 19th Century Angland, a kind of alternate history of our own world but with added fae and magic. Also this is very much a matriarchal society so if you've been looking for a feminist historical romance this will hit the spot perfectly!

It was a truth universally acknowledged that women were the more pragmatic sex; that was why we were expected to run the government, while the men attended to the more mystical and imaginative realm of magic.

In this world the women are the politicians, they make the rules and govern society while the men engage in more frivolous pursuits like magic. Cassandra Harwood's mother was a respected politician and Cassandra was expected to follow in her footsteps but she was always more interested in magic. It took hard work but she finally achieved her lifetime dream of becoming the world's first female magician, she had everything she wanted in her career and was engaged to the love of her life, fellow magician Wrexham, but when a spell went horribly wrong her world came crashing down around her. Now unable to use magic Cassandra has lost her purpose in life and she broke off her engagement because she didn't want to bring Wrexham down with her.

Several months later Cassandra finds herself trapped at a house party and completely out of her comfort zone surrounded by lady politicians, who should be her peers but aren't, and male magicians, who used to be her colleagues. To make matters worse Wrexham is stubbornly following her around trying to convince her to change her mind about their relationship and she also seems to have caused a bit of bother with the local elves that could cause a political nightmare.

Snowspelled was an utterly charming story by Stephanie Burgis, the world building was fabulous, full of diverse characters and feminist themes, the characters were fun to spend time with, there was a good amount of action and the romance was incredibly sweet. I was amazed how much the author managed to pack into a relatively small number of pages and I'm already looking forward to continuing the series.

Source: Won in a giveaway from the author

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Review: The Orchid Throne - Jeffe Kennedy

A PRISONER OF FATE

As Queen of the island kingdom of Calanthe, Euthalia will do anything to keep her people free—and her secrets safe—from the mad tyrant who rules the mainland. Guided by a magic ring of her father’s, Lia plays the political game with the cronies the emperor sends to her island. In her heart, she knows that it’s up to her to save herself from her fate as the emperor’s bride. But in her dreams, she sees a man, one with the power to build a better world—a man whose spirit is as strong, and whose passion is as fierce as her own…

A PRINCE AMONG MEN

Conrí, former Crown Prince of Oriel, has built an army to overthrow the emperor. But he needs the fabled Abiding Ring to succeed. The ring that Euthalia holds so dear to her heart. When the two banished rulers meet face to face, neither can deny the flames of rebellion that flicker in their eyes—nor the fires of desire that draw them together. But in this broken world of shattered kingdoms, can they ever really trust each other? Can their fiery alliance defeat the shadows of evil that threaten to engulf their hearts and souls?

Forgotten Empires Series:
The Last Orchid
The Fiery Crown (2020)

Visit Jeffe Kennedy's website for more information.

Review:
As the queen of the island Calanthe you might think Euthalia is in charge of her own life but she is just as under the tyrant emperor's control as everyone else. Her father agreed to an arranged marriage between them in order to keep Calanthe's independence but it was just another type of chain. Since her father's death Euthalia has done everything in her power to keep the emperor at arm's length and to protect her people but she knows time is running out and soon she will be forced into marriage with a man she despises.

Conri was raised as the crown prince of Oriel but when the emperor invaded his country was destroyed and his people were sent to work in the mines as prisoners of war. Con has been plotting revenge for years, slowly building an army of freed slaves and taking back land from the emperor. According to prophecy if he can gain control of the Abiding Ring he will succeed in his goal to destroy the empire but the magical ring is connected to Euthalia and can't be removed until her death. Both Conri and Euthalia have similar goals but can they trust each other enough to form an alliance? And even if they do will their rebellion have any chance of success?

The Orchid Throne is the first book in Jeffe Kennedy's new fantasy romance series and it does a great job of introducing us to a new world. This is a world where magic is forbidden and those with power have to keep it hidden, a world where to defy the emperor means certain death. It is extremely dangerous for Euthalia and Conri to even discuss rebellion but fate sometimes has a way of forcing your hand and sometimes you have to take the opportunities that come your way.

As the first book in the series this book takes the time to introduce the main characters separately before they are introduced to each other. We get to know them both and see just how their lives have been affected by the tyrant emperor. Their lives are very different but they've both had their own struggles to deal with and are united by the need to protect their people against a common enemy. I love it when you get a slow build romance and that's exactly what happened here, when you're reading a series you don't want everything to happen too quickly or there is nothing to look forward to later on. This had just enough romance to keep me happy and I'm looking forward to seeing more of Euthlia and Con's relationship in future books. I also can't wait to see how they continue their rebellion against the emperor. This was a great start to the series and it's definitely left me ready for more.

Source: Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Promise of Darkness - Bec McMaster

Princess. Tribute. Sacrifice. Is she the one prophesied to unite two warring Fae courts? Or the one bound to destroy them?

In a realm ruled by magic, the ruthless Queen of Thorns is determined to destroy her nemesis, the cursed Prince of Evernight.

With war brewing between the bitter enemies, the prince forces Queen Adaia to uphold an ancient treaty: she will send one of her daughters to his court as a political hostage for three months.

The queen insists it’s the perfect opportunity for Princess Iskvien to end the war before it begins. But one look into Thiago’s smoldering eyes and Vi knows she’s no assassin.

The more secrets she uncovers about the prince and his court, the more she begins to question her mother’s motives.

Who is the true enemy? The dark prince who threatens her heart? Or the ruthless queen who will stop at nothing to destroy him?

And when the curse threatens to shatter both courts, is her heart strong enough to break it?

A fairytale twist inspired by the Hades and Persephone myth.

Dark Court Rising Series:
Thief of Dreams (Novella available in the Of Thrones and Crowns anthology)
Promise of Darkness

Visit Bec McMaster's website for more information

Review:
Princess Iskvien has spent her whole life trying to please her mother Adaia, Queen of Thorns but her mother is ruthless and loves to torment her daughter and make her life miserable. Vi is still shocked when she finds out that her mother has agreed for her to spend three months as the Prince of Evernight's hostage though, she just never expected her mother to betray her quite so deeply. Vi is terrified of spending time in Thiago's court but the longer she spends there the less sense things start to make. Her mother has always talked about how vicious Thiago is but all the evidence points to him being a good leader that his people like and respect. Vi finds herself drawn to Thiago in unexpected ways but it's obvious that he is keeping secrets from her and the more she starts to unravel the mystery the harder it is to know who to trust.

Promise of Darkness is a fabulous start to Bec McMaster's new Dark Court Rising fantasy romance series. With hints of the tale of Hades and Persephone this is set in a dark world of fae where nothing is quite what it seems and nobody can be completely trusted. Vi is right in the middle of a large conspiracy and it's going to take everything she has to unravel what is really going on. With a great cast of characters and a wonderful slow build romance I didn't want to put this one down.

I had guessed one of the big twists but no matter how many times I thought I knew what would happen next Bec McMaster always found new ways to surprise me. Vi and Thiago have already had to face impossible odds but it's clear that things are going to get far more complicated for them as the series continues so I can't wait to see what else they're going to have to face. This series has definitely jumped to the top of my list and I'll be eagerly awaiting the next instalment!

Source: Received from the author in exchange for an honest review

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Review: The Undying King - Grace Draven

The stories are told in whispers, even after so long: of a man whose fair rule soured when he attained eternal youth. Imprisoned by a sorceress wife in a city out of time and place, he has passed into legend. Few believe in him, and fewer would set their hopes on his mercy. But Imogen has no choice. To break the curse that's isolated her since birth, she'll find the Undying King--and answer his secrets with her own...

^^Author Note: The Undying King is a stand-alone (not part of any series) novella of approximately 43,000 words and is also available in a duology titled FOR CROWN AND KINGDOM. This tale is intended for more mature audiences and contains graphic descriptions of physical intimacy.

Visit Grace Draven's website for more information

Review:
The Undying King is part beauty and the beast retelling, part fantasy romance and it all adds up into a great read. Friends have been recommending Grace Draven's books for years but it was only after reading Phoenix Unbound that I realised how much I'd been missing out. Now after enjoying this book too I'm planning on working my way through the rest of her backlist as soon as I get a chance.

Imogen has spent her whole life living with a curse and unable to have skin to skin contact with anyone without causing their death. Her mother helped her live in isolation but on her deathbed she offered Imogen a glimmer of hope telling her that if she could track down the Undying King he would be able to cure her. The Undying King is living with a curse of his own though, he achieved eternal youth but ended up imprisoned alone in a lost city. Most people don't even believe the legends anymore but Imogen is desperate and she'll take any chance she can for the possibility of a normal life.

I really enjoyed this story and found it easy to root for Imogen and Cededa, I liked the hints of beauty and the beast but that it was still completely it's own story. The world building was good but I have to admit I wanted a little more of that side, this is a relatively short book and as a stand alone it didn't have a lot of time to delve into a detailed new world. I was also hoping for more at the end, it finished a little abruptly and left me wishing for a sequel. It was still a great story though and I have very high expectations for this author's other books.

Source: Purchased

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Review: Kingdom of Exiles - Maxym Martineau

Assassin's Creed meets Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in this gripping, epic fantasy romance trilogy.

My heart wasn't part of the deal when I bargained for my life, but assassins so rarely keep their word.

Exiled Charmer Leena Edenfrell is running out of time. Empty pockets forced her to sell her beloved magical beasts-an offense punishable by death-and now there's a price on her head. With the realm's most talented murderer-for-hire nipping at her heels, Leena makes Noc an offer he can't refuse: powerful mythical creatures in exchange for her life.

Plagued by a curse that kills everyone he loves, Noc agrees to Leena's terms in hopes of finding a cure. Never mind that the dark magic binding the assassin's oath will eventually force him to choose between Leena's continued survival...and his own.

The Beast Charmer Series:
Kingdom of Exiles
The Frozen Prince (coming early 2020)
The Shattered Crown (coming late 2020)

Visit Maxym Martineau's website for more information

Review:
Kingdom of Exiles is the first book in Maxym Martineau's Beast Charmer series and I though it was a great debut novel. The hook in the blurb for this book is "Assassin's Creed meets Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them" and it was that reference to Fantastic Beasts that totally made this a must read book (I have to confess to never having played Assassin's Creed but I am a HUGE fan of anything in the Wizarding World).

Leena is a Charmer with a collection of weird and wonderful magical beasts. She was exiled by her people after being betrayed by the man she loved and now she's surviving by slowly selling her beloved creatures even though that is something completely forbidden in her homeland. The punishment for her actions is death and now there is a price on her head, Leena's only choice for survival is to make a deal with the leader of the Assassins. Noc jumps at the chance of obtaining magical beasts for him and his closest allies but he is keeping huge secrets from Leena, one about a curse on his family and another about the nature of an assassin's oath. Both of these have huge potential to hurt Leena in the future so Noc has some big decisions to make.

There was a lot to love about this debut, firstly I have to talk about the different magical beasts we encountered and how much fun it was to learn about their abilities. If anything I'd have actually liked more of this side of the story, particularly about the bond between Charmers and beast and the magical realm that the beasts lived in after being captured. I have a few questions about how that all works that I'm sure will become clearer as the series continues but I could still have read about the bests all day long.

The story reminded me a little of Amanda Bouchet's Kingmaker Chronicles, it has a similar set up with a young woman with certain abilities and a group of men who are accompanying her on a journey because she can give them something no-one else can. I really liked the camaraderie of Noc and his closest team but I think it would have been nice if there had been at least one more girl included in the top tier of the assassin's guild, especially since there are so many further down the ladder. I liked both Leena and Noc but I do think the romance between them develops a little too quickly, it starts slow which was great and I thought we were going to get a slow build that develops across the entire series but by the end of the book it had taken things a little too far in my opinion, especially since they've only known each other a few days at that point.

I think we could have had slightly less of the romance and more of the world building and this would have felt like a more satisfying and well rounded read but don't let that put you off because it was still a really enjoyable story that left me eager to carry on with the series. It's definitely going to be fun to see where the story goes from here and I've already got books 2 and 3 at the top of my 2020 wish list.

Source: Received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Phoenix Unbound - Grace Draven

A woman with power over fire and illusion and an enslaved son of a chieftain battle a corrupt empire in this powerful and deeply emotional romantic fantasy from the USA Today bestselling author of Radiance.

Every year, each village is required to send a young woman to the Empire's capital--her fate to be burned alive for the entertainment of the masses. For the last five years, one small village's tithe has been the same woman. Gilene's sacrifice protects all the other young women of her village, and her secret to staying alive lies with the magic only she possesses.

But this year is different.

Azarion, the Empire's most famous gladiator, has somehow seen through her illusion--and is set on blackmailing Gilene into using her abilities to help him escape his life of slavery. And unknown to Gilene, he also wants to reclaim the birthright of his clan.

To protect her family and village, she will risk everything to return to the Empire--and burn once more.

Fallen Empire Series:
Phoenix Unbound
Further titles and release dates to be confirmed

Visit Grace Draven's website for more information

Review:
Gilene's village is under the control of a brutal Empire and every year they are forced to send a young woman to the capital where she will be burned at the stake as entertainment for the elite. For the last five years Gilene has been the one to make that sacrifice thanks to her magical immunity to fire and the gift of illusions that allows her to escape from the flames without anyone noticing her. Gilene's magic costs her dearly but since anyone else sent in her place would die along with all the other tributes she feels duty bound to step up no matter how ungrateful the people she protects seem to be.

Azarion is a slave who was forced to fight in the arena as a gladiator, he has spent years battling to survive by becoming the most feared gladiator in the capital but he is still treated by a plaything to be used and abused by the empress. He is the only person who has seen through Gilene's illusions to understand that she returns to the capital every year and he has quickly realised that she could use her abilities to help him escape. If he has to blackmail her in order to get his freedom and return to his people then he's more than prepared to do it but Gilene is equally determined to return to her village so she can continue to protect the girls who would be send in her place but wouldn't survive the flames.

I have heard so many great things about Grace Draven's writing that I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I hadn't actually read any of her books before, I'm kicking myself even more for that now I've seen for myself how great she is! I absolutely loved Phoenix Unbound and I'm so excited to start working my way through her backlist while I wait for the next book in the Fallen Empires series to be released. This was absolutely spot on for a fantasy romance with wonderful world building, even better characters and a slow burn romance that was near perfection.

When Azarion blackmails Gilene into helping him escape she's livid but that is nothing compared to how angry she is when he then follows that up with kidnapping her because he needs her help to be accepted back by the rest of his people. Normally I wouldn't be on board with a romance that starts out with a kidnapping but Grace Draven has written this story so well that I was rooting for them well before Gilene started developing any kind of feelings. The relationship between them is incredibly well developed, it takes a long time for any kind of trust to form between them and Gilene fights Azarion all the way through when he does anything she doesn't agree with. She doesn't start developing romantic feelings until they've spent a lot of time together so she has seen how honourable he is and fully understands that he will follow through on his promise to get her home so I was never worried about Stockholm syndrome and was totally on board with the way she was feeling.

This world is utterly brutal and I'll warn you in advance that there is at least one rape scene and several more references to and threats of rape throughout the story, but never between the main characters so you don't need to worry on that front. It's also not only women who have that threat hanging over them and Azarion has suffered greatly at the hands of the empress too. Once they escape from the capital the danger comes in different forms as soldiers are sent out looking for the escaped gladiator. The two reluctant allies have to work together if they both want to survive long enough to make it back to their homes but even that may not be enough to help them escape from the long reach of the empire.

Phoenix Unbound was a fantastic start to this series and I can't wait to see where the story takes us next!

Source: Received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Heart on Fire - Amanda Bouchet

US Cover

GODS. I’M AN IDIOT.
Without Griffin—and apparently a few meddling Gods—to push me along, I’d still be telling fortunes at the circus, lying about my past, ignoring my future, and living as far away from my tyrant mother as humanly possible.

True understanding thuds into place. Hope isn’t just an abstract concept; it’s me. Flesh and blood me. Griffin knew it all along. Probably everyone did. I’m an idea in human form.

I have the power of the Gods at my fingertips.
The only thing ever stopping me has been me.

The Kingmaker Chronicles:
A Promise of Fire
Breath of Fire
Heart on Fire

Visit Amanda Bouchet's website for more information

Review:
I've loved this series from the very beginning so I was pretty nervous about picking up the final book in the trilogy, I wanted it to end on a high note but at the same time I didn't really want it to end at all! I'm very glad that I can say my first wish came true but I still think there is plenty of scope for more stories set in this world so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get my second wish too. I think Cat and Griffin's main story is done now but I wouldn't mind seeing them in the background while some of the other members of their group get a chance to shine - Carver, Flynn, Kato, Ianthe & Lycheron, a certain Titan we meet in this book, hell even Piers could have a story to tell! Anyway, enough of my hopes for the future, let's get back to discussing the book we've already been given shall we?

What can you expect from Heart on Fire? Cat has come a long way since the first book, she's started letting people into her heart and she's built a family around herself but she still doesn't quite trust herself or her powers. She's terrified of turning into her mother and that fear is stopping her from accessing her magic when she needs it the most. Everything Cat has already been through was nothing compared to what she must face here, now it's time to beat her inner demons and it's harder than she could have dreamed possible. I love how strong the relationship between Cat and Griffin is now and I love that they have such a strong support system around them with the Beta team, Griffin's family and even Cat's friends from her days in the circus. We've known all along that the Olympians have a vested interest in the couple's future but they've stayed pretty much in the background previously so it was nice to see a few familiar gods taking more major roles in this story.

I don't want to give anything away about the plot but you can expect shocking betrayals, surprise revelations, heart stopping action, plenty of heat between Cat and Griffin (although that was toned down slightly from the second book), strong bonds of friendship and the chance to catch up with all the characters we've fallen in love with throughout the series. This is one of the best fantasy romance series that I've come across in a long time and it's definitely one that has earned a spot on my favourites shelf. I can't wait to see what Amanda Bouchet comes up with next, whatever it is will definitely be an auto-buy but please, please, please at least give us some short stories or novellas in this world - I'm not ready to completely say goodbye to these characters yet!

Source: Received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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Review: Breath of Fire - Amanda Bouchet

US Cover

SHE'S DESTINED TO DESTROY THE WORLD...

"Cat" Catalia Fisa has been running from her destiny since she could crawl. But now, her newfound loved ones are caught between the shadow of Cat's tortured past and the threat of her world-shattering future. So what's a warrior queen to do when she knows it's her fate to be the harbinger of doom? Everything in her power.

BUT NOT IF SHE CAN HELP IT
Griffin knows Cat is destined to change the world—for the better. As the realms are descending into all-out war, Cat and Griffin risk sacrificing everything they’ve fought for. Gods willing, they will emerge side-by-side in the heart of their future kingdom...or die trying.

The Kingmaker Chronicles:
A Promise of Fire
Breath of Fire
Heart on Fire

Visit Amanda Bouchet's website for more information

Review:
Breath of Fire picks up immediately after A Promise of Fire ends and it really throws us in at the deep end when Griffin reacts rather badly to finding out one of Cat's biggest secrets. I have to admit I was more than a little disappointed with the way he reacted mainly because he's known all along that she has some pretty big skeletons in her closet and she's never tried to hide that from him. There are some very emotional scenes between them and I was worried for a minute we were going to end up having a long and drawn out argument that continued for half the book but luckily that didn't happen and I loved that they were able to resolve things quite quickly.

I could understand why Griffin was upset because he felt she didn't trust him but at the same time it was easy to see why Cat found it difficult to be upfront with him, she was terrified of losing him because she didn't think he'd want her when he found out about her background. Anyway, they're both fighters who will do whatever it takes to get what they want and they have a very passionate and fiery relationship so it doesn't take long for them to work things through and be able to move forward.

There is a lot going on in this book, we get to spend time with not just Cat and Griffin but also Griffin's family and the rest of his band from the first book. I love that everyone has a role to play and that it isn't always Cat and Griffin working together, sometimes they have to go in different directions to achieve their goals but they trust each other enough to play their part and keep themselves alive until they can be reunited. Griffin probably struggles with that more than Cat does but he does have faith in her abilities even if he wants to be the one to protect her and have her back as much as possible. I just think it's great that they're learning together and they're all involved in the decision making.

Cat has a pivotal role in the series and it's a role she never really wanted and certainly didn't ask for. Griffin is initially the one who is pushing her in that direction but once she starts to think things through she realises how inevitable it is. There is plenty of action along the way and they have to watch out for meddling gods who are sometimes more of a hinderance than a help but it's definitely fun to see what they get up to. This series has definitely become a favourite and I absolutely can't wait to get my hands on the final book, Heart on Fire.

Source: Received from publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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