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Death is not your end: Reviewing The Coven by Harper L. Woods

Hey everyone! Wow, I was gone for far longer than I had intended. Life got in the way of me reading more. You all know how it is with the holidays. I was so tired that I could barely make myself read. In fact, I actually fully intended to finish this book in October. It’s no matter now. I am here, alive, and I have another book review for you. Thank you so much for reading my blog. I appreciate all of your support and will link the donation form below. Let me not make any further excuses and let’s talk about The Coven.

Content Warning: Violence, Explicit Sexual Content, Harsh Language, Graphic Descriptions of Bodily Harm, Abuse, Dubious Consent

Willow Madizza was raised to be a weapon by her father. Her duty is to her coven, but she is torn between her duty and protecting her younger brother. After her mother passes, she has no choice but to travel to the secret town of Crystal Hollow to attend Hollow’s Grove University, a prestigious school for young witches. Willow faces an entirely new problem: her attraction to the devilishly handsome Headmaster Alaric Grayson Thorne. Just as Willow finds herself settled into Hollow’s Grove, murders of students begin to happen. As Willow investigates, she realizes that there is a larger plot happening that could doom all witches and humans alike and only she can stop it.

As far as dark fantasy/dark romance goes, this is one of the better books I have read in this genre. The plot and worldbuilding were interesting enough to keep my attention. The steamy scenes were well-written, and I appreciate the tension between Willow and Gray. Where it fell flat for me is that it can be a little cheesy. Willow is very much “not like other girls,” which can be annoying to read at times. The book honestly felt like it was trying to be something akin to The Vampire Diaries, which is all fine and dandy until it snags itself on tropes that are common in the dark “romantasy” genre. Was it a bad book, though? No. In fact, I actually have the second book, and I fully intend to read it. What I’m saying is that this is my soft recommendation for The Coven.

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All water is blood to her: Reviewing Follow Me to the Ground by Sue Rainsford

Hey everyone! I hope you are doing great! I also hope you are reading lots of good books. Funny enough, I put this book on my TBR list and then happened upon it at a book sale at my local library. I’ve also been getting books from the “little library” in a park near me. Don’t forget to check out to support your local libraries, folks. Even if you prefer to buy your books, you should get a library card anyway. That’s my little tangent for today. Let’s talk about Follow Me to the Ground.

Content Warning: Disturbing Imagery, Explicit Sexual Content

Ada and her father share the magical ability to heal people, whom they refer to as “Cures,” by temporarily burying them under the Ground, which is the source of their powers. Ada dedicates her life to curing people until she meets a handsome man named Samson. The two begin an affair that upsets Ada’s father and Samson’s sister. As Ada begins to imagine a new life for herself, she also comes across a discovery that changes her entire world.

Follow Me to the Ground is a strange but interesting book that uses ambiguity and poetic writing to its advantage. This is one where I had to re-read as I was going to truly absorb what I was reading. It is still a rather haunting read when it needs to be. Sue Rainsford utilizes different perspectives to purposefully muddy the waters of the plot, but that is what makes the book all the more interesting. I like the elements of dark magical realism and how it felt a bit like a folktale. The themes revolving around bodily autonomy and the relationship between nature and humans made the book feel a bit more grounded. Overall, Follow Me to the Ground is a thought-provoking and strange tale if you want something a little odd to indulge in.

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When a traumatic memory is unable to die, it learns how to become alive: Reviewing The Dawn Chorus (Book 2 of the Capherayna Chronicles) by Karen Menezes

Hi everyone! I’m back again and I am revisiting an indie author who I have reviewed previously. You are welcome to check out my review for the first book in this series, Safe Passage. I want to give a huge shout out to Karen for asking me to review her books. I will be linking all of her social media information below so you can show her your love and support. I absolutely love when authors reach out to me to review their books. If you are an aspiring author, then reach out to me! My contact info is listed on my blog. In the meantime, let’s talk about The Dawn Chorus.

Content Warning: Discussions of War, Explicit Sexual Content, Some Mild Language

Years ago, a terrible tragedy happened in the borderlands of Capherayna. Years later, its memory still haunts the Lightbender. He wanders the world, comforting the sick and dying, desperate to forget the ghosts of his past. He finally returns to Capherayna and makes peace with settled life. In the ancient city of Dorsfield, he rents a loft from a conspiracy theorist whose niece is rather gorgeous. She introduces him to a powerful man who knows too much about a terrible secret.

Where Safe Passage was more focused on the war itself, Dawn Chorus is a look at the aftermath of war on a personal scale and a public scale. The narrative here is a bit more of an intimate character study with slice of life moments that are peppered with details that almost feel too private for the reader. It made it all the more interesting, though. I liked Menezes took the time to develop all of the characters and make them feel like real people. All of the details add up into an interesting picture of different people dealing with the world around them. We also get an interesting range of characters, from a king to a nomad. The book cover quite a bit as it continues to explore the impact of war. Overall, Dawn Chorus was an interesting sequel and I am excited to see where the series goes.

Once again, thank you to Karen! You’re the best

Website: https://karenmenezes.com/the-chronicles-of-capherayna.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.menezes/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50832081.Karen_Menezes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen_menezes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechroniclesofcapherayna

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There is no glory in slaying the defeated: Reviewing The Shadow of Perseus by Claire Haywood

Hi everyone! I’m back and excited for spooky season! I have two other non-horror books to review and then I’ll get to the creepy stuff. For now, I just had to read another Greek Mythology related book. You all know that I love some Greek Mythology and I have been particularly hyperfixated as of late. I have plenty of other recommendations on my blogs so you are more than welcome to check those out. It is time to talk about my latest read. Let’s discuss The Shadow of Perseus.

Content Warning: Discussions of Misogyny, Sexual Assault, Violence and Gore, Abuse

From a young age, Perseus was obsessed with becoming a hero and fulfilling his destiny. His journey, though, comes at a cost. His mother Danae must watch her son grow from a sweet boy to a fiersome young man. Medusa, a woman trying to reclaim her life, comes face to face with the man who will be her undoing. Andromeda, his wife, is forced to leave behind the life she knows for a stranger. The three women are bound together by one man’s journey to greatness and it will cost them all dearly.

The Shadow of Perseus offers a different perspective on the classic tale of the young hero. Instead, we get a realistic take on the story through the eyes of the women who definitely suffered for the sake of revenge. It isn’t just a simple retelling. Haywood explores the mistreatment of women, nature versus nurture, and how famous myths often come from exaggerated tales. Haywood presents complicated characters who are all just trying to survive. She doesn’t praise Perseus, but she doesn’t allow for too much sympathy. Danae, Medusa, and Andromeda are all relatable as they struggles against oppressive gender roles. Haywood faces these issues head on and doesn’t dance around the reality of women during this particular time period. Overall, The Shadow of Perseus is a refreshing take on the male-dominated Greek hero myths and I would certainly recommend it.

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You must become king. Of Everything: Reviewing Words of Radiance (Book 2 of the Stormlight Archives) by Brandon Sanderson

Hi everyone! I’m back! I have had a bit of a busy month but I am not going to neglect this blog. I still have some other special reviews coming up and then I will finally get into the spooky stuff. Before you read thsi review, go ahead and check out my review for The Way of Kings. Anyways, let’s talk about Words of Radiance.

Content Warning: Intense Battle Scenes, Violence and Gore, Scenes of Domestic Abuse, Some Disturbing Imagery

War is just on the horizon. Kaladin, formerly a slave, is now a captain in charge of protecting the king and Dalinar. The Assassin in White threatens both of these men and Kaladin is faced with a difficult choice. Meanwhile, Shallan has finally made her way to the Shattered Plains where she must find a way to stop the Voidbringers and face her own dark past. The Parshendi, however, are leading an effort against the Alethi with their leader Eshonai. The world will change as they all know it and their destinies will be irrevocably tied together.

It has been a while since I have been this invested in a series but The Stormlight Archives has me in a chokehold. Words of Radiance is a worthy sequel to its predecessor. I am kind of obsessed with these characters and love how Sanderson balances plot and character development. This book was also much funnier than I had anticipated, which made it all the more enjoyable to read. Every detail of this book (and the first one) is so carefully thought out. Even quotes at the beginning of the chapters are relevant to the movement of the plot. I can’t get enough of this series. I bought the third book before I even finished this one. Go and read The Stormlight Archives immediately.

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Even God can’t take this Heaven of you away from me: Reviewing Angels & Man by Rafael Nicolas

Hey everyone! Happy fall to all of you! I am so ready for the cozy and cool weather. I am also prepared to read some horror books for October. I still have other ones to work through, so I will be posting about those sooner than later. Before you read this review, though, check out my review for the first book in this trilogy, Angels Before Man. It’s time to talk about the sequel, Angels and Man.

Content Warning: Violence and Gore, Disturbing Imagery, Strong Language, Explicit Sexual Content, Traumatic Childbirth, Miscarriage, Animal Death, Sexual Assault, Religious Trauma, Domestic Abuse, War, Depictions of Misogyny and Sexism, Depictions of Homophobia

Heaven hasn’t been the same since the war. The remaining angels are suspicious of each other and have started lashing out. Azazel is lonely and miserable, having been labeled a sinner by his brothers. Samyaza, however, is perfectly fine with how Heaven has changed. He does, however, believe that the humans can be forgiven. Samyaza, Azazel, and the Watcher angels are sent to Earth to teach humans about God’s love. Soon, they find themselves fascinated with human life and become entangled with the tribes. There is a greater threat against the humans. Satan and his demons begin to destroy the local villages. War soon erupts and the Watcher angels must choose between their brothers or their new lives.

Angels and Man was much more intense and fast-paced than its predecessor. While the first book was a re-telling of Lucifer’s fall, this book is a re-telling of The Great Flood. You don’t have to be overly familiar with Biblical lore to appreciate what Rafael Nicolas accomplishes with this book. It was far more gritty and disturbing, with plenty of stomach-churning scenes of violence. I like how Nicolas challenges the preconceived notions of angels and demons as they are depicted in the Bible. They don’t hold back on the gruesome details, but there is sympathy through the characters throughout the narrative. It is a complicated re-telling, but that is done so intentionally. I especially love the prose in this book. Rafael Nicolas has plenty of gorgeous lines peppered throughout the novel. Overall, Angels and Man is a worthy follow-up to Angels Before Man and I will definitely keep my eye out for the third book in the trilogy.

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Love does that. It changes you in ways that cannot be undone: Reviewing The Mermaid by Christina Henry

Hi everyone! I am back much sooner than I anticipated. This is not the first book I have read by Christina Henry. Feel free to check out my review of Horseman, which I loved. I wanted to delve back into the world of “fairy tales for adults,” so to say. I also don’t see enough books about mermaids for adults so I grabbed this one immediately. I think mermaids are an underrated subject for fiction. I am definitely interested in reading more so leave any reccomendations in the comments below. Now, we can talk about The Mermaid.

Content Warning: Violence, Animal Abuse, Mild Sexual Content

Amelia was a mermaid who was curious about life on land. When she came to the land, she met a man named Jack and fell in love. Years later, Jack passed away and Amelia was left with nothing but her isolated cottage by the sea. One day, she recieved an offer from the famous P.T. Barnum to perform at his museum. With no other options, Amelia decided to take his offer. Thrown headfirst into the chaotic world of humanity, Amelia must find the courage to take control of her life before someone takes control for her.

The Mermaid is a nice mixture of romance and fantasy with just a hint of realism. Christina Henry weaves in conversations about autonomy, consent, and persepective into this romantic tale of a woman trying to find her place in a strange world. I liked how Henry crafted Amelia’s perspective, particularly in regards to the culture of “sideshows” that were popular during the 1800s. The romance was well-written and I liked how it became the focal point without taking away from the meaninful themes that are explored throughout the book. Overall, The Mermaid was a thoughtful and gripping novel with plenty of fantasy and romance to keep you from putting the book down.

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We are a curse of the shadows; we are a secret. We are eternal: Reviewing The Vampire Armand by Anne Rice

Hi everyone! I hope you are all doing well! We are returning to form with another vampire novel. I am currently rewatching the Interview with the Vampire TV show and foaming at the mouth for the next season. Until then, I am going to dabble in Anne Rice novels. Before you read this one, feel free to check out my review for Interview with the Vampire and The Vampire Lestat. Let’s talk about The Vampire Armand.

Content Warning: Child Abuse, Slavery, Explicit Sexual Content, Sexual Assault, Religious Trauma, Violence and Gore, Disturbing Imagery

The vampire Armand was not always the powerful and ruthless leader of the Children of Darkness. He began his life as Andrei, a young man from Kiev Rus who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. He is taken to Vienna and taken under the care of Marius, an ancient and powerful vampire. Andrei becomes Amadeo under his master’s tutelage, which involves exploring the darkest parts of the dazzling Vienna. When Armand is given the dark gift, he finds himself a target of a cult of vampires who worship Satan. Alone and unfamiliar with the vampiric world, Armand must fight to save his immortal soul.

The Vampire Armand is a dark and disturbing look at one of Anne Rice’s most iconic characters. Anne Rice does such an incredible job creating these unique character voices and being able to alter her writing depending on which point of view she is writing about. Armand is a fascinating character who is a throwback to the classic Byronic heroes. The book deals heavily with religion and philosophy, which can be intriguing but is sometimes a bit long-winded. This particular book dealt a bit more with mysticism and magic, which I liked as an element of world-building. I honestly wished I saved his book for October because it would have been far more appropriate for the Halloween season, but I am glad I read it now. I can see why this is one of Anne Rice’s most iconic novels and I am going to recommend it with the addendum to heed my content warnings.

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Welcome to the universe, from which there is no escape: Reviewing Safe Passage by Karen Menezes

Hi everyone! I am super excited today because I have a review by another indie author! It is always a treat to get to do these kinds of reviews. I will link all of Karen’s socials at the very end of this review so you can send her your love and support. Thank you for reaching out to me, Karen! Now, let’s talk about her novel, Safe Passage.

Content Warning: Violence, Graphic Descriptions of Injuries, Discussions and Depictions of War.

The old-growth forest and the borderlands of Capherayna are a mystery. So are its people, the Xaeltik community. They live in a pre-industrial time warp, unable to defend themselves from the dark forces of the modern world. In the heart of the forest, a vortex of death is rumored to swallow the living, chew on them, and spit out the pieces. The Lightbender stumbles into Xaeltik territory after days of wandering the forest. He is welcomed by a macabre sight that changes the course of his destiny. To save lives, he must let them die.

What I loved about Safe Passage was the mixture of grounded social issues and fantastical sci-fi/fantasy elements that are used to build the narrative. It was as funny in a cheeky way as it was emotional and profound. Menezes doesn’t hold back when it comes to discussing war and the aftermath of it. I loved her use of descriptive language, the minute details, and the overall sympathetic tone that the novel takes. War is never an easy topic to tackle but Menezes shows every facet, from the people fighting the war to the people caught in the middle of the crossfire. Overall, Safe Passage is a refreshing and introspective novel with plenty of fun and interesting science fiction elements

Website: https://karenmenezes.com/the-chronicles-of-capherayna.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karen.menezes/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50832081.Karen_Menezes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karen_menezes

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechroniclesofcapherayna

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Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination: Revewing The Way of Kings (Book 1 of The Stormlight Archive Series) by Brandon Sanderson

Hi all! I’m back! I put aside all of my other books so I could finish this one. I thought it would take me much longer to read this one. I promise that I have more reviews for shorter books coming up soon. I have a couple of weird/spooky books coming up so get excited for that. I need to yap ramble about this book, though, so let’s talk about The Way of Kings

Content Warning: Violence and Gore, Intense Battle Scenes, Graphic Descriptions of Injuries

Centuries ago, the Knights Radiant fell in Roshar, a world of storms. They left behind their magical weapons known as Shardplates and Shardblades. Those who wield these weapons have the power of gods and rule as kings. Wars are fought for theses weapons. One such war currently wages on. Kaladin, a surgeon turned soldier turned slave, must fight for his survival and the survival of his man. Brightlord Dalinar Kholin, who leads the armies of Kholinar, begins to recieve visions of the Knights Radiant. Across the sea, a young woman named Shallan plans to steal a powerful artifact from Dalinar’s niece to save her family. Something much bigger and more dangerous lies in wait for all. No one will be ready to learn the true cause of the war.

I understand the hype now. I am now aboard the Brandon Sanderson hype train. I bought book two of this series when I was about halfway through this book. The Way of Kings is an incredible start to such a well-crafted and detailed series. Acoording to what I have read, this book took ten years to plan and it shows. I loved all of the characters and the way the plot fell into place just felt right. This is a super long book (coming in at 1,252 pages) but every single chapter is so well written. In a rare turn for fantasy books, I liked every character’s POV that I read. Sometimes, when it comes to fantasy books that switch character POVs, I get bored with certain characters and skip or skim a bit. Every one felt interesing and crucial, even the interludes. The Way of Kings fully lives up to the hype and I cannot wait to keep reading this series.