This is the first in Breene’s latest book series. I wanted to wait until the entire series had been released until I dug back into this one. I was excited for this since it is a retelling of The Beauty and The Beast storyline. I loved every word and detail of this world and its characters. Breene, as usual, set the first book up to be a series of epic proportioned. I loved our strong heroine, Finley, and the fact that she refuses to back down from Nyfain, especially in the face of his obvious physical strength over her. Hadriel became a favorite side character since he made me laugh a lot. He was a perfect dose of hilarity amongst the heavier tones within this. The pace remained quick while the world building was off the charts. This is exactly why I horde my other Breene books, like a dragon myself. No one does it the way she does. This is not a typical fairy tale, but it is Breene’s fresh take on it, that makes it something else entirely. (5/5 rating)
Tag: 2021
Book Review – For the Wolf (Wilderwood #1) by Hannah F. Whitten
This was the first novel by author Hannah F. Whitten. This book was set in a fantasy realm set with enchanted forests and unexpected guardians. Red is our female protagonist, who is the second daughter born to their queen in centuries and she will be handed out over to the Wolf as she comes of age. Her sister and their first born, will be next in line for the throne. Red spends the first half of her life preparing for her death, to meet the Wolf. When she finally meets him however, nothing is as it seems. This was billed as a retelling, but I thought her magic system was original, not to mention the ending uncovers the Wolf’s hidden enemy and the drama surrounding their relationship. I was surprised to love this as much as I did and if you choose to give it a try, I suggest you read it was an open mind from the beginning. (4/5 rating)
Resolutions for 2022 and Status on 2021 Goals
My goals for last year were based on upping my reading and writing to a More regular daily basis. My reading goal for this year was at 60 books and I managed to read just under 100 this year. My writing goal was much improved, since I managed to get my poetry anthology published this year. I also enlisted in NaNoWriMo for 2021 and managed to reach the 50K writing challenge with a new writing world. I did not get as far on my NaNoWriMo project during December as I would have liked but with Christmas in the mix it’s always hard for me to get in a writing rhythm.
For 2022, I think I would like to keep my reading call higher than I usually keep it, at around 100 Books. As for my writing goal, I would love it if I could get another anthology out and my NaNoWriMo draft finished and through beta readers revisions. It would be awesome if I could get it to the editor and published this year, as well. What about you guys? How did you guys do on your goals for 2021? Or was your goal just to simply survive, which is a valid year legal amidst this pandemic chaos.
Favorite Books for 2021
I was trying hard to single my read list for 2021 down to 1 book and realized how impossible that was to accomplish. For that reason, I have narrowed it down to my top 5 of the year. Please note that my list does not comprise of what came out this year, merely what I read this year.
1 – A Clash of Fates by Philip C. Quaintrell.
This series I fell in love with last year and the final installment was published this Spring. This is a self-published author that is a must read if you enjoy high fantasy, epic fantasy tales. It also has dragons and dragon riders and no romance. I do enjoy romance novels but sometimes I need something epic and this filled that hole.
2 – The Queen of All that Lives by Laura Thalassa.
This book is the third of a dystopian trilogy. It has a wonderful blend of romance, war, intrigue, technology advances, and betrayal. I love that the main character is this bad ass, fighting chic that becomes queen. I discovered Laura Thalassa this year and have worked my way through many of her novels.
3 – Vinyl by Sophia Elaine Hanson
This was another self published series with a dystopian setting. While it is a young adult, it was no high school drama. This book was a unique plot around subjugating the population to control measures by those in control. You need to read this right now.
4 – For the Wolf by Hannah F. Whitten.
I fell in love with the unique magic system and who could say no to a setting within a magical forest.
5 – A Ruin of Roses by K.F. Breene.
This was a new series this year by Breene based on Beauty and the Beast. Meant to a three part tale, I also fell in love with her woven drama and magic aspects. While it is definitely filled with romance, Breene is my favorite author for balancing both romance and the plot and she delivered here.
What were your favorites this year?
December 31 – New Year’s Eve
“In the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Eve, the last day of the year, is on 31 December. In many countries, New Year’s Eve is celebrated at evening parties, where many people dance, eat, drink, and watch or light fireworks. Some Christians attend a watchnight service.”
What are your plans for tonight?
December 30 – Bacon Day
National Bacon Day is celebrated Dec. 30 each year. Not to be confused with International Bacon Day, which occurs the Saturday before Labor Day, National Bacon Day is another day on which “meat candy” lovers can enjoy their favorite food.
Weekly Photo Prompt – December 29th
This is my photo prompt for the week. I hope we both find some inspiration within it.
Word of the Week – December 27th – Atelophobia
Here is my’word of the week’, to learn new words and give myself writing prompt opportunities This week is ‘Atelophobia’.
December 25 – Christmas Day, National Pumpkin Pie Day
“Today is a very, very special day. It’s National Pumpkin Pie Day. It’s one of America’s favorite pies. Pumpkin pie is steeped in holiday tradition. The peak consumption period for pumpkin pie begins at the fall harvest, and lasts all the way through to the Christmas meal and dessert.
One might wonder why have National Pumpkin Pie Day on Christmas Day. Unfortunately, we have yet to find the creator of this day. So, the timing remains a mystery. However, we are thankful for this special recognition, and will certainly have a little pumpkin pie with our whipped cream today
Did you know? There are at least two Christmas songs that sing the tradition of eating pumpkin pie for the holidays. Those songs are Home for the Holidays and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”
Pumpkin Pie is its own food group for me. We will definitely have our own pumkin pie this year. What are your plans for Christmas dinner?
Weekly Photo Prompt – December 22nd
To add to my word of the week posts, I am beginning a weekly photo prompt. Here is the first one all ready for Christmas week. Below is the prompt for this week. I hope it provides an opportunity to be inspired.
A Haunting in December
Every year in December,
I remember the bows we tied
and the presents we’d hide,
Even now, I think of her.
Her laugh drew us in,
Like moths to the flame,
We knew we’d never be the same,
I’d move hell to see her again.