Review: House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

BOOK STATS

Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
Title: House of Flame and Shadow
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Crescent City #3
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Audience: Adult
Format: ebook
Length: 835 pages
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: January 30, 2024
Source: personal collection
Content Warnings: torture, violence, war, sexual content, slavery, suicidal thoughts

SYNOPSIS

The stunning third book in the sexy, action-packed Crescent City series, following the global bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath.

Bryce Quinlan never expected to see a world other than Midgard, but now that she has, all she wants is to get back. Everything she loves is in Midgard: her family, her friends, her mate. Stranded in a strange new world, she’s going to need all her wits about her to get home again. And that’s no easy feat when she has no idea who to trust.

Hunt Athalar has found himself in some deep holes in his life, but this one might be the deepest of all. After a few brief months with everything he ever wanted, he’s in the Asteri’s dungeons again, stripped of his freedom and without a clue as to Bryce’s fate. He’s desperate to help her, but until he can escape the Asteri’s leash, his hands are quite literally tied.

In this sexy, breathtaking sequel to the #1 bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath, Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City series reaches new heights as Bryce and Hunt’s world is brought to the brink of collapse-with its future resting on their shoulders.

MY THOUGHTS

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I know it’s had a very mixed reception, and part of that is due to astronomical expectations, but it was just what I need during a tough semester of law school, with a fast pace and an emotional ending.

As much as I enjoyed it while I was reading it, looking back now, was it perfect? Of course not. Was it SJM’s best book? Definitely not. For a series that has her best first book, it probably has her worst “finale.” Did all of the character and world building choices add up? Not quite. Was my mind blown again and again by some mastermind twists? HELL YES!

At the end of the day, I was not disappointed and I had a great time reading it even though I didn’t love every single moment, and that’s what reading is all about.

March 2024 Wrap Up

In February I finished 8 books: 2 ebooks and 6 audiobooks!

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BOOKS READ

Canadian Boyfriend by Jenny Holiday ☆☆☆.5
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins ☆☆☆☆.5
The Trials of Ophelia [ARC] by Nicole Platania ☆☆☆☆☆
The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle ☆☆☆.5
Know My Name by Chanel Miller ☆☆☆☆☆
King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo ☆☆☆☆☆
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Brammer ☆☆☆☆.5
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter ☆☆☆☆.5

2024 READING GOAL PROGRESS

Read 52 books: 32/52

Catch up on reviews: I only shared two this month

Read indie books: 1

Read diversely. [note: I am not publicly tracking this goal.]

Be intentional!

How did your month go? What was the best book you read in March?

ARC Review: The Trials of Ophelia by Nicole Platania

BOOK STATS

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Title: The Trials of Ophelia
Author: Nicole Platania
Series: The Curse of Ophelia #3
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Audience: (New) Adult
Format: eARC
Length: 582 pages
Publisher: independent
Release Date: March 19, 2024
Source: author
Recommended for fans of: chosen one, found family, epic fantasy
Content Warnings: torture, child abuse, PTSD, violence, addiction, sexual content

SYNOPSIS

The Angels are calling, and so her hunt begins.

After the devastation on Daminius, Ophelia threw herself into restoration to cope with her losses. Two months later, answers to an ancient curse still evade her, a queen threatens her life, and war rages in the southern mountains. Despite her scars and the loved ones lost, Ophelia knows she must move forward for her people.

When a note arrives with the clue they’ve been hoping for, Ophelia and her friends embark on a journey that will test their bonds and their faith in the Angels.

Ophelia must unravel legends while navigating a budding romance and trying to hold the Mystiques together–even if it means sacrificing herself.

The Trials of Ophelia is the third installment in the new adult romantic fantasy series, The Curse of Ophelia. With roots in Greek mythology, heartrending love stories, found family, and a unique fantastical world, this series is perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Chloe C. Peñaranda, and Sarah J Maas.

MY THOUGHTS

This series just gets better and better. I love Ophelia. I love her strength and vulnerability and devotion to her people. I love seeing her further develop into the leader she was always meant to be.

Since this is book 3 in the series I can’t go into too much detail without entering spoiler land, but just know that the romance is everything. The found family is everything. The way they help each other through their traumas and challenges is everything! The pacing is great, with a good balance between softer moments of character development and intense action sequences on this epic quest.

And I just love the way Nicole is gradually developing the world, its history, and its magic. There are so many mysteries to unravel, but it never feels info dump-y. I don’t fully understand everything that happened near the end, but I cannot wait for more insights in the next book!

Review: Smoke and Light by Kristin Ardis

BOOK STATS

Rating: ☆☆☆.5
Title: Smoke and Light
Author: Kristin Ardis
Series: Rulers and Rebels #1
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Audience: YA/NA
Format: ebook
Length: 465 pages
Publisher: independent
Release Date: March 5, 2024
Source: Early Access Kickstarter
Recommended for fans of: classic YA dystopian/fantasy
Content Warnings: violence, medical trauma, memory loss, emotional abuse, questionable consent

SYNOPSIS

A kingdom at war.

A search for missing memories.

And a tangled web of love, loss, loyalty, and lies.

After months of recovery, Khara Laveya is desperate to leave the medical wing and restore the memories she lost in a brutal rebel attack. Her responsibility to her kingdom as future Sovereigna is a looming distraction from reclaiming them.

Torn between duty and desperation, Khara is haunted by a mysterious grove that calls to her in her dreams. Finding the grove may lead to her missing memories, but venturing beyond the city walls is an act of treason. Worse, it risks another encounter with the ruthless rebel forces.

To enter the forest could mean death … or something far more sinister.

The secrets lurking in the shadows could destroy the life Khara has sacrificed so much to rebuild and unravel the kingdom itself.

MY THOUGHTS

This felt like a throwback to 2000s/2010s books, and all the classic tropes of that era: dystopian vibes, technology and magic, rebels, chosen one, love triangle, etc. I thought the amnesia trope was well done and created a good sense of mystery.

The character development was well done; each character was complex, nuanced, and had a strong identity. I empathized with Khara so much as she struggled to reclaim her memories, and I have such a soft spot for Hayden!

I thought the pacing was a bit too slow throughout. Some details and decisions didn’t quite add up for me. Like I understood why some characters hid secrets from Khara, but I didn’t understand why other characters also kept the truth from her. I didn’t fully grasp the world building and magic system as well. A lot this was due to Khara being intentionally kept in the dark and I’m sure my questions will be answered by later books in the series, but I could’ve used a bit more explanation in this book.

The last 20% of the book was heart racing and action packed, and I’m so curious to see what happens in the next book!

February 2024 Wrap Up

In February I finished 9 books: 1 ebook and 8 audiobooks!

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BOOKS READ

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver ☆☆☆☆.5
First Lie Wins [ALC] by Ashley Elston ☆☆☆☆
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston ☆☆☆☆☆
House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas ☆☆☆☆☆
A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing ☆☆.5
Beyond That, The Sea by Laura Spence-Ash ☆☆☆
Love, Theoretically [ALC] by Ali Hazelwood ☆☆☆☆
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon ☆☆☆☆
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris ☆☆☆

2024 READING GOAL PROGRESS

Read 52 books: 24/52

Catch up on reviews: I only shared two this month

Read indie books: 0

Read diversely. [note: I am not publicly tracking this goal.]

Be intentional!

How did your month go? What was the best book you read in February?

Review: Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig

BOOK STATS

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Title: Two Twisted Crowns
Author: Rachel Gillig
Series: The Shepherd King #2
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Audience: Adult
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Lisa Cordileone
Length: 14 hr 15 min (464 pages)
Publisher: Orbit
Release Date: October 19, 2023
Source: library
Content Warnings: violence, death, physical abuse, torture, blood/gore, murder, toxic relationship

SYNOPSIS

In the luscious, dark sequel to One Dark Window, Elspeth must face the consequences of what she’s wrought – perfect for readers of Hannah Whitten’s For the Wolf and Alexis Henderson’s The Year of the Witching.

Elspeth and Ravyn have gathered most of the twelve Providence Cards, but the last, and most important one remains to be found: The Twin Alders.

If they are going to find it before the Solstice and cure the kingdom of the dark magic infecting it, they will need to journey beyond the dangerous mist-cloaked forest that surrounds their kingdom.

And the only one who can lead them there is the monster that shares Elspeth’s head. The Nightmare. And he’s not eager to share any longer.

MY THOUGHTS

A stunning follow up to One Dark Window! This is officially one of my favorite fantasy duologies.

I loved the new POVs, the new romance, the new insights. This built so well on the first book without being too much to wrap up in a satisfying way. The mystery, the magic, the darkness, the heartache, the banter, the danger, the emotions! I didn’t want this to end, but I love the way it did.

Be wary. Be clever. Be good.

Review: One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

BOOK STATS

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Title: One Dark Window
Author: Rachel Gillig
Series: The Shepherd King #1
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Audience: Adult
Format: Audiobook
Narrator: Lisa Cordileone
Length: 12 hr 44 min
Publisher: Orbit
Release Date: September 27, 2022
Source: library
Recommended for fans of: Belladonna, Caraval
Content Warnings: violence, blood/gore, injury, murder, death, child death, mental illness, confinement, body horror

SYNOPSIS

Elspeth needs a monster. The monster might be her.

Elspeth Spindle needs more than luck to stay safe in the eerie, mist-locked kingdom of Blunder—she needs a monster. She calls him the Nightmare, an ancient, mercurial spirit trapped in her head. He protects her. He keeps her secrets.

But nothing comes for free, especially magic.

When Elspeth meets a mysterious highwayman on the forest road, her life takes a drastic turn. Thrust into a world of shadow and deception, she joins a dangerous quest to cure Blunder from the dark magic infecting it. And the highwayman? He just so happens to be the King’s nephew, Captain of the most dangerous men in Blunder…and guilty of high treason.

Together they must gather twelve Providence Cards—the keys to the cure. But as the stakes heighten and their undeniable attraction intensifies, Elspeth is forced to face her darkest secret yet: the Nightmare is slowly taking over her mind. And she might not be able to stop him.

MY THOUGHTS

One Dark Window effectively ended my months-long audiobook slump. With a card-based magic system, this was a like a darker Caraval with forbidden misty forests, nightmarish possession, a rebel plot, and a delicious, slow burn, forbidden romance.

The world and its mysteries and riddles were intricate, haunting, and atmospheric. Elspeth and Ravyn have my whole heart. This book has one of those endings that seems so hopeless yet leaves you desperate for more.

January 2024 Wrap Up

I started off the New Year strong, finishing 15 books: 5 physical books, 5 ebooks, and 5 audiobooks! I don’t expect to read as much next month, and that’s okay! This year is all about reading intentionally and sustainably.

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BOOKS READ

The Getaway List [ARC] by Emma Lord ☆☆☆☆
A Fate Inked in Blood [ARC] by Danielle L. Jensen ☆☆☆☆☆
Heartstopper: Volume 5 by Alice Oseman ☆☆☆☆☆
Dragonsong by Anne McCafferey ☆☆☆
Dragonsinger by Anne McCafferey ☆☆☆
Dragondrums by Anne McCafferey ☆☆☆
House of Sky and Breath [reread] by Sarah J. Maas ☆☆☆☆☆
Divine Blood by Beck Michaels ☆☆☆☆
Small Favors by Erin Craig ☆☆☆☆
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado ☆☆☆☆☆
Stranded Ranch by Cindy Steel ☆☆☆
Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole ☆☆☆☆☆
Bonded Fate by Beck Michaels ☆☆☆☆.5
Smoke and Light [ARC] by Kristin Ardis ☆☆☆.5
Shattered Souls by Beck Michaels ☆☆☆☆

2023 READING GOAL PROGRESS

Read 52 books: 15/52

Catch up on reviews: 26 published this month!

Read indie books: 6

Read diversely. [note: I am not publicly tracking this goal.]

Be intentional!

How did your month go? What was the best book you read in January?

ARC Review: A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

BOOK STATS

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Title: A Fate Inked in Blood
Author: Danielle L. Jensen
Series: Saga of the Unfated #1
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Audience: Adult
Format: eARC
Length: 432 pages
Publisher: Del Rey
Release Date: February 27, 2024
Source: publisher via Netgalley
Recommended for fans of: Norse mythology, forbidden romance, arranged marriage, meddling gods
Content Warnings: violence, gore, blood, suicide attempt, explicit sexual content

SYNOPSIS

A shield maiden blessed by the gods battles to unite a nation under a power-hungry king—while also fighting her growing desire for his fiery son—in this Norse-inspired fantasy romance from the bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom series.

Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish, but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back.

Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. It was foretold such a magic would unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate.

Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she swore to protect.

MY THOUGHTS

Danielle L. Jensen is the queen of forbidden romance and heart racing scenes. It’s been awhile since I’ve flown through a fantasy like this!

A Viking/Norse mythology inspired world sets the stage for an epic tale of meddling gods, conquering clans, magic, prophecy, and fate. Freya longs to claim her own fate, but she cannot escape men seeking to control her rare, prophesied magic through marriage and warfare. She is not always the most likable main character, but who would be under those circumstances?

Bjorn, Bjorn, Bjorn. He instantly won me over with his good looks and humor. I looooooved the way his and Freya’s relationship developed from sassy banter and attraction to forbidden romantic tension and longing to genuine feelings for each other with so many swoon worthy lines. The spice is HOT.

The story is full of intense action, mysterious prophecies, deadly secrets, betrayal, and plenty of twists with enough misdirection to keep me guessing up to the cliffhanger ending. I can’t wait to see how Freya explores and masters her power in book 2 of this duology.

Review: The Shards of Ophelia by Nicole Platania

BOOK STATS

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Title: The Shards of Ophelia
Author: Nicole Platania
Series: The Curse of Ophelia #2
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Audience: New Adult
Format: ebook
Length: 436 pages
Publisher: independent
Release Date: August 22, 2023
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Recommended for fans of: Throne of Glass, Spark of the Everflame
Content Warnings: violence, torture, death

SYNOPSIS

The quest is over, but the curse has only just begun.

During her journey to the Mystique Mountains, Ophelia uncovered twisted secrets of love and war. Now, she’s left to pick up the pieces while stepping into her new role. But when a chancellor of a minor clan delivers a destructive premonition, Ophelia’s appointment is challenged, forcing her into a trial period–one that heightens the tensions already brewing in her relationships.

Amid the battles for alliances, the Angel, Damien, returns with more prophetic musings and threats. In order to defeat her political enemies, prove her worth, and solve the Angel’s message, Ophelia must fight to unravel the secrets of her opponents and heal her own wounds. But with war looming and scars of the past surfacing, can she find answers before time runs out?

The second installment in the The Curse of Ophelia series is rife with trials of growth, challenges of love, and games of politics. The Shards of Ophelia is perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas, Raven Kennedy, and Carissa Broadbent.

MY THOUGHTS

WONDERFUL! I really liked book one, but this book catapulted the series to favorite status. Nicole Platania is a beautiful writer and an excellent storyteller. TSOO ripped by heart and tore it into a million little pieces again and again…and I couldn’t get enough of it. Top 3 books that made me cry in 2023 EASY.

The relationships (found family and romantic)I and emotional journeys make this series. Characters grieving and growing and making difficult decisions to do the right thing. UGH MY HEART!

Not to mention, the politics, the action, the prophecy, the mystery of it all! What are those angels up to???

I highly recommend this series and I can’t wait for more Tolek in book 3!