Book Review – The Gilded Wolves (The Gilded Wolves 1) by Roshani Chokshi

I feel like this was another instance of walking into reading a book based on high expectations. This book won an award and I had this recommended to me by many other readers. At least for me, I was disappointed with most of this book. I didn’t love her characters and their dialogue had me questioning where the historical aspects were meant to be since they didn’t seem to match. Her writing style didn’t draw me in or build any suspense throughout the plot. The pace was awkward since it didn’t seem to always line up with the plot. This was an all-right road but I’m glad I checked this out with kindle unlimited before purchasing it. (2/5 rating)
Checked out with kindle unlimited, August 2023.

Book Review – Androne by Dwain Worrell

I enjoyed this post-apocalyptic, military fiction, science fiction fantasy, story from debut novelist, Dwain Worrell. He created a compelling mix of suspense and intriguing characters. The concept was well executed and even though the plot was repetitive in some instances, this novel kept me reading until the end. It took me a while to warm up to the MC, but the ending solidified his character. Even with the ending feeling a bit disjointed, I felt like we didn’t need both the prologue and the epilogue. I’m bummed I have to wait until April 2024 for book two. (4/5 rating)

Book Review – Starless by Jacqueline Carey

This was my first stand alone, young adult book by Jacqueline Carey. Khai, is raised as a warrior within the desert and chosen to be the sworn protector of princess Zariya. Khai and Zariya embark upon a journey that spans countries and oceans to stop an ancient evil, Miasmu. I know my tastes as a reader have changed much since I purchased this book in 2020 and this book is a case of,’ it’s me, not you’. Carey created a vivid world of potential with absorbing characters. I loved the concept of this book, and the gender fluidity of the characters. I was intrigued by the story of gods and prophecies, but the pace felt slow until the end. I struggled to stay engaged in the story. I know I’m too old for this genre, but you might enjoy this novel. (2/5 rating)

Book Review – A Shifter’s Choice (Wolves of Hawthorne Cove 5) by Debbie Cassidy

I loved this series and the type of shifters this revolved around. Those shifters were an ancient shapeshifter line that migrated from a dying planet and brought an ancient darkness and enemy with them. The female MC, Quinn, is half shifter and half fae hybrid. I loved watching her grow into herself and finally put her needs first. On par for a Cassidy series, this quickly became a favorite series. I am obsessed with this world and the political aspects between humans and supernatural enforcement. The cast of characters was unforgettable. The plot and pace had me reading these late into the night. The next series in this world is centered around Nyx, a demon friend of Quinn. I don’t wait well for books between series so I will likely wait until December for book 6 of the Demon throne series to be published. (4/5 rating)

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Book Review – Bone Music (Burning Girl 1) by Christopher Rice

Checked out with kindle unlimited, June 2023. This was billed as a thriller, but I think that set me up for failure with this story. As my first book by Christopher Rice, I was excited to delve into a world of serial killers but that’s not what we got. The pace was snail slow, but I kept plodding along hoping that the ending would make up for it. It didn’t. I felt for the female MC, Charolette, since she had a traumatic past, but I didn’t really connect with her as a person. I didn’t really connect with any of the characters except for Marty. There was an attempt at a small romantic arc between Charolette and our male MC, Luke, but it felt more like an afterthought than part of the plot. I was also disappointed that Charolette’s super strength came from a drug manufactured by a drug company. Many of these aspects could have been handled a lot better but fell flat. I won’t be reading book 2. (2/5 rating)

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Book Review – Dirty Deeds (Bonds of Blood 3) by Cate Corvin

I was hesitant to pick this up since it was a bully romance, and I know they don’t always resonate well with me. I’m sad this sat on my TBR last for two years since I loved everything about this series. I should have known Corvin wouldn’t let me down. Born a Slayer, Victoria has her preconceived notions about Shadow Worlders ripped apart thoroughly after she becomes one. In the first book, her stepbrother, Will and his best friend, Sura illustrates enough bullying against her to nearly warrant her dismissal from Libra Academy. I was grateful that Vic actually took her revenge in blood before they got to have any sort of relationship with her again. Cael quickly became one of my favorite vampires ever and his relationship with Vic really blossoms in book 2. The ending for book 3 was unexpected but still amazing. This series will definitely land on my favorites list. (4/5 rating)

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Book Review – Ruthless as a Cheetah (Society of Shifters 1) by Katie May

Checked out with kindle unlimited, April 2023. This was my first standalone book by Katie May. I was excited to try this assassin, urban fantasy, story. I have a weakness for a good assassin story and this one didn’t disappoint. Tessah is a cheetah shifter kidnapped to work for a group of assassins: The sisterhood. I know Tessah’s general attitude will be a downer for some people, but she did grow on me as her character arc progressed. I feel like May needed her outrageous antics to balance some of the darker plot aspects, like kidnapping and raping young women. I didn’t expect to like this after the first chapter begins where it does, but I did enjoy most of this. I’ll always enjoy revenge stories and Tessah certainly got hers at the end. It was nice to watch Tessah grow into herself after she vanquishes her demons and finds her version of a happy ending. (4/5 rating)

Book Review – The Color Purple (The Color Purple Collection 1) by Alice Walkerfic

Books that hit us over the proverbial head will always be hard to put into words. Alice Walker’s tale of much more than just racism, certainly did that to me. The way she handled the format had me immersed immediately into this time of struggle, devastation, and perseverance. This was not an easy read, but the end was worth it. Celie saves her sister from marriage to a much older man by marrying him herself. Thankfully, her sister, Nettie, escapes their father and becomes a missionary to Africa. Celie’s home life is bleak and full of horrors until Shug Avery, a famous singer, stays at their house to recover from an illness. I was grateful Shug taught Celie how to stand up for herself, especially to her own husband. This novel earned its Pulitzer Prize status to me. If you haven’t read it, I recommend adding it to your TBR. (5/5 rating)

Book Review – A Court of Honey and Ash (Honey and Ice 1) by Shannon Mayer & Kelly St. Clare

Alli is our orphan, fae heroine set in a new world. After eight years of training with her fellow untried fae, they must swear fealty to a fae power source known as Underhill. Underhill shatters and Alli is forced to run from her home after it becomes clear she knows who destroyed it. I loved this urban fantasy world and the elaborate magical systems that were in play. The relationship between Alli and her orphan best friend, Hyacinth, made me laugh. They also gave each other what each of them needed, even if it wasn’t always what they wanted. Alli is hunt down by none other than her childhood crush turned malicious acquaintance, Faolan. Faolan’s constant meanness had me cheering that she would end up on team Drake. The political plot and pacing remained rapid throughout the book. I’ve struggled with Mayer’s books, when it’s her own series, but when she’s paired with another author, I like the stories better. I know I’m in the minority there, but her Forty Proof series ruined her as an ‘auto buy’ author. Moving forward to book 2. (4/5 rating)

Book Review – What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher

What Moves the Dead is Kingfisher’s retelling of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic “The Fall of the House of Usher.” I’m continually amazed at how much Kingfisher can pack into her smaller word count stories. The last horror I read from her left me more unnerved than scared but this one hit the mark with utmost precision. I relished everything about this book. The sticky atmosphere and cloying Usher House left me with goose bumps at several points. I loved the narrator, Alex Easton, and retired soldier. It was interesting to watch his no-nonsense demeanor be completely rewritten between these pages as he encounters various aspects up the unknown. I feel like this was a great tribute to Poe without trying to become him. Since trying House of Hunger last year, I have discovered I enjoy gothic storylines and added many to my TBR last year. I recommend this to anyone on the fence about giving it a try. (4/5 rating)