Synopsis In Northern Genabackis, a raiding party of savage tribal warriors descends from the mountains into the southern flatlands. Their intention is to wreak havoc amongst the despised lowlanders, but for the one named Karsa Orlong it marks the beginning of what will prove to be an extraordinary destiny.Some years later, it is the aftermath […]
Fantasy
Book Review: The Bartender Between Worlds by Herman Steuernagel
Synopsis Low-stakes magic, crafting cocktails, and discovering the power of who we truly are. Emma grew up as a Hunter of the Cursed—those charged with eradicating monsters and magic from the Kingdom. She’s revered as one of the King’s most skilled hunters. At least she was—until she discovered she possessed magic herself. Before anyone else […]
Book Review: The Dissonance by Shaun Hamill
TL;DR Review: Stranger Things meets The Magicians, as written by Stephen King. A dark, brooding, mysterious urban fantasy story of fate-defying friendships. Synopsis: From the acclaimed author of A Cosmology of Monsters comes an epic contemporary fantasy: a story of dark magic, terrible mistakes, and second chances. “You can never go home again,” the saying goes—but Hal, […]
Review: Ruin (The Faithful and the Fallen #3) by John Gwynne
Synopsis: The Banished Lands are consumed by war. Calculating Queen Rhin has conquered the west and high king Nathair holds the cauldron, most powerful of the Seven Treasures. At his back stand the scheming Calidus and a warband of Kadoshim, dread demons of the Otherworld. They plan to bring Asroth and his host of Fallen […]
Book Review: Girl of Hearts (The Luck Gods #1) by J. Gabriel Gates
TL;DR Review: A fun, fresh, and fast-paced urban fantasy with neurodivergent representation done right. Synopsis: Four tribes of ruthless demigods rule over luck in our world. Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, and Spades. To save her mom, Aggie must join them… As a future scientist, I don’t believe in gods or in luck. My OCD is […]
Review: Reign & Ruin (Mages of the Wheel #1) by JD Evans
Reign & Ruin by J.D. Evans delivered a compelling blend of political intrigue within a Middle Eastern inspired world, scorching romance, and a meticulously crafted magic system that kept me engrossed from start to finish.
Jade Legacy (The Green Bone Saga #3) by Fonda Lee
Synopsis Jade, the mysterious and magical substance once exclusive to the Green Bone warriors of Kekon, is now known and coveted throughout the world. Everyone wants access to the supernatural abilities it provides, from traditional forces such as governments, mercenaries, and criminal kingpins, to modern players, including doctors, athletes, and movie studios. As the struggle […]
Book Review: Voice of War (Threadlight #1) by Zack Argyle
TL;DR Review: A dark, high fantasy that slowly grows more epic. Fast-paced action, great characters, and a compelling story. Synopsis: Three lives come together in this modern epic fantasy where magic users go missing, old gods return, and creatures of light ravage the land. A high general with a dark voice in his head that […]
Book Review: The Chaos Gate (Ever Hero Saga #1) by Jeff Pantanella
TL;DR Review: Shaolin Monk meets Dungeons and Dragons, with a side order of “holy sh*t this is dark and epic”! Synopsis: Evil forces seek to steal the souls of the world. They didn’t bargain on a mystic monk and a feisty witch to get in their way. This is their story. When the demons came, […]
Review: Even a Hero Needs a Vacation Every Now and Then by August (Tipsy Pelican Tavern #1)
A literary equivalent of playing a video game with your tremendously OP character after the credits have rolled.
Book Review: Beast Mage (Mana Beasts #1) by Derek Alan Siddoway
TL;DR Review – Pokemon meets Dances with Wolves. A youthful and engaging “light” progression fantasy. Synopsis: Kellen Lars may be the most unremarkable person on Earth. In the mana-enchanted land of Oras, he could become a champion. After his little sister vanishes before his eyes, Kellen awakens in another realm inhabited by mythical creatures and […]
Book Review: Ice and Ivy (Mages of the Wheel #4) by JD Evans
TL;DR Review – A delightful grumpy/sunshine romance, an insightful exploration into PTSD and a path to healing from trauma. Synopsis: A wildflower alone is all the more beautiful for the barrenness from which it grows. A single note more glorious for the silence around it. She is a void, the empty balance of magic.When the […]