Synopsis: Break the chains of fate… or be broken by them. In the brutal Kingdom of Night, elite fighting men known as Thorns train with blood magic and blade. Souls bound until death, they exist to protect their lords. But not always willingly. Izakiel, former crown prince, has the birthright torn from his hands and […]
Fantasy Books
Book Review: The Trident and the Pearl (The Fisher King #1) by Sarah KL Wilson
TL;DR Review: Fans of Circe and A Song for Achilles will be instantly enchanted by the beautiful prose and Greek-coded flavor of this myth retelling. Synopsis: A desperate queen makes a deal with the gods to save her land in this spellbinding romantasy debut from Sarah K. L. Wilson. Queen Coralys rules the Kingdom of […]
Review: Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1) by Leigh Bardugo
Synopsis Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price―and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone. . . . […]
Review: Darkness Unleashed (Eileerean Saga #2) by Bella Dunn
We’re going to need a bigger torch Synopsis What would you sacrifice for duty?The war between the Eileerean sisters left a legacy far worse than the corpses of the fallen soldiers. The peace forged by Daelyn’s grandmother is crumbling.Callandra was left under the rule of a tyrant, and while Gaelyr and Lyhtana brace for another […]
Review: To Touch a Silent Fury by R.A. Sandpiper
Synopsis: She rides to claim her fate, he flies to burn it down. As the only woman in the Moontouched Brotherhood, Tani studies on the haughty island of Eavenfold surrounded by men who see her as an ill omen at best. Her Fate Ceremony is only days away, offering five possible escapes from the storm-locked […]
SPFBO XI Review: Shadow of the Sword (William of Alamore Series) by C.J.R. Isely
Synopsis Laster has always wanted to prove himself to his father by becoming a knight of Alamore. Only months away from the end of his training, he has his chance when his own mentor, Sir Dasroch, gives him the honor of riding in place of a knight on a borderland patrol. But the perfect dream […]
Book Review: Hard Reset by Jonathan Yanez
TL;DR Review: Red Dead Redemption meets Borderlands in this fun, fast-paced LitRPG adventure. Synopsis: Hard Reset is a fast-paced, unpredictable, and clever take on the LitRPG genre, blending beloved sci-fi and apocalyptic themes to create an intricate new reality. In this world, life begins in a coffin, cars float, a good ray gun is your best […]
SPFBO XI Review: Budding Rhythm by CrimCat
Synopsis Thousands of years ago, the five great gods created the world of Pallos. A land of mysticism where mighty beasts and beings struggled to carve out their respective territories, empowered by the System. On this world, a Paladin in service to Xaoc, the god of chaos, struggled and perished. And then woke up as […]
SPFBO XI Review: Children of Nemia by Michael Goe
Synopsis On the eve of Nemia’s Journey of Patronage, fifteen-year-old Van is determined to prove himself by returning home as a blooded member of his tribe–assuming he survives the ordeal. As the chieftain’s son, Van will strive to earn his father’s respect by extending a hand in friendship to Simon, a fast-talking sorcerer from a land […]
SPFBO XI Review: A Mage’s Mentor by Stephen Jarocki
Synopsis Twenty years after her mother’s mysterious disappearance, Sinccah sets out to find answers in the untamed province of Ucksland. Hoping to bolster her meager magic skills, she seeks out the old mage guarding the caravan. While talking to him, she discovers that the pendant her mother left her might hold a secret. Unfortunately, before […]
Review: The Curse of Dragon Tail Island by Jonathan Nevair
Synopsis: A once-legendary pirate and his loyal crew out to retake the high seas. Captain James R. Hawk, aka Trusty Jack, and his Salty Scoundrels are do-gooder buccaneers leaving a trail of merry mayhem in their wake. Their credo: ignore the corrupt laws of the Jewel Island’s greedy regent and sail the tropical seas in […]
Book Review: The Poet Empress by Shen Tao
TL;DR Review: Daughter of Empire meets Iron Widow. A fascinating look at the making of a sociopath. Synopsis: Debut author Shen Tao introduces readers to the lush, deadly world of The Poet Empress, a sweeping, epic and intimate fantasy perfect for fans of The Serpent & the Wings of Night, The Song of Achilles and She Who Became the Sun. […]