Synopsis Set sail with the Salty Scoundrels in this swashbuckling pirate fantasy—a rollicking tale of clashing cutlasses, monsters and magic, and high seas adventure. A once-legendary pirate and his loyal crew risk uncharted waters for a chance at freedom, treasure, and glory. Captain James R. Hawk, aka Trusty Jack, and his Salty Scoundrels are do-gooder […]
Action & Adventure
Review: Vengeance is our Legacy by M.C. Burnell
Synopsis: The difference between justice and revenge may come down to having a friend. The Tabbaqeran Empire is defended by the Scolate, governed by the Illiumate, guided by the Hakam; its people worship and quarrel with a thousand-thousand gods. But there are none more revered than the masters of martial arts who serve as living […]
REVIEW: Twelve Months (The Dresden Files #18) by Jim Butcher
SYNOPSIS Harry Dresden, Chicago’s only professional wizard, has always managed to save the day—but, in this powerful entry in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files, can he save himself? One year. 365 days. Twelve months. Harry Dresden has been through a lot, and so has his city. After Harry and his allies narrowly managed to […]
Review: Die Slow (The Runeborn Trilogy #2) by Morgan Shank
Synopsis The Runemasters are purged. The Hound, the Tower’s secret weapon, is buried under rubble in the ocean. Most importantly, the mainlanders who ended the Runemasters—Magon, Seneka, High Priest Oath, Itula, and Princess Elthren—survived the ordeal. However, Princess Elthren suffered great loss, and she will never be the same. Itula drained her magic, and she […]
Review: Ballad of the Last Dragon by C.A.Farran
Synopsis “A bard never reveals her secrets, only everyone else’s.”There is no place for elves in this world, but Sylvaine knows she’s destined for greatness—a world-famous bard entertaining the finest nobility as far as Lindale. Unfortunately, performing in her local tavern off the beaten path lends scant opportunity to distinguish herself. Until a group of […]
Review: City of Others (The DEUS Files #1) by Jared Poon
Synopsis Dive into a world where magic lies hidden just below the surface in this charming urban fantasy full of workplace found family, queer romance, and supernatural creatures straight out of Southeast Asian lore, from debut author Jared Poon. In the sunny city of Singapore, the government takes care of everything—even the weird stuff. Benjamin […]
Review: War of the God Queen by David Hambling
Synopsis Jessica: a modern woman, thrown back into the bronze age, alone among a strange and violent people. Amir: a nomad warlord, leading a hopeless battle against monstrous invaders, looking for a miracle. To Amir, the beautiful stranger is a sign from heaven. And Jessica, though no warrior, has hidden talents even she does not […]
Eleni’s Top Reads of 2025
I couldn’t really pick a top five, nor a top ten this year. So you get the fun of a top 15! Like last year then, I’ll just be sharing all of their glorious covers and if I reviewed the book itself I’ll be linking the rambles in their titles so you can see if they are the books for you, at your leisure.
These are all books that kept me up till the very small hours of the night, some even made me see the first inklings of dawn and deprived me of even the little sleep I do get. But! I have no regrets whatsoever and neither would you, I believe, if you gave them a go!
Review: An Inkling of Flame by Z.B. Steele
An Inkling of Flame balances an almost cozy found family story with the horrors of war.
Review: Brutal (The Brutal Sword Saga #1) by James Alderdice
Synopsis He has no name. His past is a mystery. His future is etched in blood… The Sellsword knows an opportunity when he sees one. When he rides into the border city of Aldreth, he can tell that the power struggle between two feuding wizards needs a solitary spark to ignite into all-out-war. As he […]
Arc Review: Hammerfall (A God Eater Saga Story) by Rob J. Hayes
Synopsis How long can a cause remain just, when painted in the blood of innocence? They named her the Starhammer once. Hero to some, monster to many more. First into the breach at the Shattering, anointed in the blood of a thousand demons. The last of the legendary Valkyr. But the Starhammer is dead. Or […]
Review: The Blackfire Blade (The Last Legacy #2) by James Logan
I can now safely say that Logan breezily surpassed my expectations with The Blackfire Blade, making everything that worked great in book one even better, avoiding previous mistakes, and vaulting right over the feared sophomore slump. Indeed, this series is quickly and easily carving out a spot for itself as the perfect entry into the genre for new fantasy readers, and as a comfort read for those of us seasoned in classic epic fantasy. Everything I said for book one remains true; Logan’s worldbuilding is strong and, his take on beloved tropes, fresh and engaging.