The Fireborne Blade is a speedy yet enthralling and gritty read to enrich your afternoon with knightly heroics, dragons, magic, and a badass female protag making her way in a man’s world, while trying to reclaim her honor by slaying the dragon and retrieving a legendary magic sword. This is the kind of fresh and modern epic fantasy I am glad to be getting to read more of because it has everything that I love about classic fantasy but is more nuanced and seamlessly inclusive towards its current readership and not everything is like it seems.
Fantasy
Book Review: Soul Cage by Luke R. Schulz
TL;DR Review: Murder for power, magic from death. A familiar-feeling story that is immensely readable from start to finish. Synopsis: Murder Breeds Magic All power comes with a price. In a world where magic is transferred by the act of killing another, Myddrin stands above the rest. Having accidentally killed the most powerful mage in […]
Review: A Heart Full of Malice (The Fractured Kingdom #2) by Tony Debajo
Synopsis: There are no true victors in war. Even those that prevail cannot escape the burden of guilt for those who have fallen, and all those who witness the ugliness in the hearts of men are forever tainted. Ile-Ife has fallen and with it, the greatest ruler to have ever sat on the throne. Now, […]
Review: Mushroom Blues (The Hofmann Report Book One) by Adrian M. Gibson
Quite a trip… Synopsis Two years after a devastating defeat in the decade-long Spore War, the island nation of Hōppon and its capital city of Neo Kinoko are occupied by invading Coprinian forces. Its fungal citizens are in dire straits, wracked by food shortages, poverty and an influx of war refugees. Even worse, the corrupt […]
Book Review: Fate of the Argosi by Sebastian de Castell
TL;DR Review: Equal parts hilarious, thrilling, emotional, and riveting. So much depth and insight wrapped up in an always-entertaining fantasy story. Synopsis: The third utterly compelling fantasy adventure in the ARGOSI trilogy, exploring the origins of the SPELLSLINGER series to enrapture devotees as well as newcomers alike. While liberating a notorious thief from prison, Ferius […]
Review: The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy is a charming and endearing adult comedy with lots of heart, nuanced relationships, cozy LGBTQ+ rep, foulmouthed characters, and a soft yet passionate romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously nor is it afraid to have flawed characters.
Review: Quaint Creatures: Magical & Mundane (A Sideways Tale) by Andrew D. Meredith
Synopsis When a city councilor comes into Quaint Creatures and asks veterinary doctor Norrik Softstep to investigate the magical crate confiscated by his customs agency, the entire staff of Quaint Creatures will need all their skills and knowledge to unravel the troubles threatening the relatively peaceful city of Brightfall. From liches seeking city approval for […]
Review: Evocation (The Summoner’s Circle #1) by S.T. Gibson
Read Evocation when you want a character-focussed, slow-burn romance with a arcane backdrop. While the plot is present Evocation is far, far more about the evolution of David, Rhys and Moira’s relationship, with a special mention for how David and Moira’s friendship, and eventual relationship grows. The plot is really just a backdrop for our trio to bond, and while I did enjoy the plot it’s quite a slow mover until the very last pages where it suddenly concludes in just a few pages.
Review: Carnival Row: Tangle in the Dark by Stephanie K. Smith
Synopsis Tourmaline Larou lives an idyllic life of learning by day and partying by night. An aspiring poet, her future promises nothing less than brilliance. Then, Vignette Stonemoss walks through the door, and Tourmaline’s world is upended. As she struggles to understand the effect this stranger has on her, Tourmaline and her fellow fae face […]
Review: Mist Gallows (The Prophecies of Ragnarok #3) by Meri Benson and Marie Sinadjan
Synopsis Are you ready for the battle of a lifetime? The end has begun. Ragnarok has arrived as prophesied. The Great Winter has brought Midgard to its knees, and it’s only a matter of time before the gods and their armies clash on Vigrid one last time. Desperate to save the realms, Victor leads his […]
Review: The God Spear (The Triempery Revelations #4) by L.L. Stephens
Synopsis: It will take a god to awaken a god. The Heir to Essera’s throne, Handurin Stauberg-Randolph, has escaped from Sordan and sought out the Kheld people of Amallar. He hopes to gain them as allies, particularly against the murderous sorceror Nammuor. Dorilian Sordaneon has also left the safety of Sordan-and stopped the Rill god-machine. […]
Book Review: Thieves Duology by MJ Kuhn
TL;DR Review: Fast-paced, gritty action, high stakes, and delightful characters. The perfect series to scratch my Locke Lamora itch! Synopsis: In just over a year’s time, Ryia Cautella has already earned herself a reputation as the quickest, deadliest blade in the dockside city of Carrowwick—not to mention the sharpest tongue. But Ryia Cautella is not […]