High Fantasy – Author Gail Marie

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 – The Cruel Prince (The Folk of the Air 1) by Holly Black

This book centers around twin human sisters (Jude and Taryn) and one Fae sister (Vivienne), growing up alongside Fae children after their mother is killed. The only way for Jude to find a future among them will force her to compete at a famous yearly fighting competition. If she does well enough, she would be granted knight status. But one bloody night will change life as they know it and throw the realm into chaos. I feel like I read this at a bad time, or maybe my expectations were way too high, but I struggle to connect with some aspects of the story. I liked Jude and her desire to find her place. I liked this world and the political plot points that set up the ending. Given the circumstances that bring the sisters into Fae, I struggle with Madoc’s behavior. I feel like I would have enjoyed this more from the viewpoint of Vivienne. (3/5 rating)

Book Review – Ace of Shades (The Shadow Game 1) by Amanda Foody

Checked out with my kindle unlimited membership to try this high fantasy tale by Amanda Foody. Enne Salta is forced to follow clues of her mother to the city of New Reynes after she goes missing. Raised a lady, Enne is not prepared for the debauchery that coats her new location. Her mother’s note connects her with Levi Glaisyer as a possible ally but what she finds is the kids here surviving on the street. Together they set out to find her mother, even though Levi suspects she’s already dead. I liked this world and the plot. The pacing is swift, and her characters were well developed. Foody created good suspense between the ending of this book and the foreshadowing for the next book. This was a good book so I’m not sure why I feel like something was missing and I’m not sure I’m going to read the next one. (3/5 rating)

Book Review – Dragon Mage (Rivenworld 1) by M.L. Spencer

Checked out with Kindle Unlimited 10/28/2021 and on my TBR for almost a year. I’m grateful I finally got to this since this epic fantasy was an addicting read. This featured the always majestic Dragons, world ending magic systems, and the ultimate evil villain we all love to hate. Spencer’s writing style had me living in Rivenworld without seeing her words on the page. This story was equal parts heartbreaking and compelling. Of course, I had to add this to my permanent collection. (4/5 rating)

Book Review – The Risen Shard (The Chain Breaker 1) by D.K. Holmberg

This was my first book by D.K. Holmberg, and I checked this out with my Kindle Unlimited trained membership. Our male MC, Gavin, is a young assassin who travels with a friend to the city of Yoran for a work contract. One fateful job leads them through a wild chase that pits Gavin against his past and a magic he’s hidden from most. Gavin was intriguing but I didn’t connect with his quest or the characters. The ending didn’t provide any answers to questions from the story. This has a solid base and a good premise, but I think it could use some work. (2/5 rating)

Book Review – The Queen of Cursed Things (The Serpents and Kings Trilogy 1) by S.M. Gaither

This was my first novel by S.M. Gaither, so I checked it out with my kindle membership first. Our female MC is Alaya, is a descendant of a banished serpent clan and born with the ability to wake them up. Our male MC, the Prince of a monstrous king who wants him dead, will do anything to gain power to stop his father. Together they plan to bring peace to the realm. The premise of this story is well executed with trust and betrayal, leaving Alaya unsure of who to believe wants to help her cause for peace. Gaither weaves an intimate web of deceit around the cast of characters that come together to save their world. I was intrigued by this world and their magic, and I am certainly invested enough to continue with this trilogy. (3/5 rating)

Book Review – Fable (Fable 1) by Adrienne Young

This was my first novel by Adrienne Young. This story explorers how Fable must survive on her own after her sailor father abandoned her on the island up the ruthless. He leaves her with one rule: to find him after she barters her way off the island, but nothing turns out as she thought it would when they are reunited. The details of her life drew me in from the first few pages and I was hooked. I felt the pacing was a constant quick around her beautifully woven plot. The worldbuilding was surreal and made me feel like I was in the sea spray. I enjoyed watching Fable find her place and prove that females could be bada@@ sailors. (4/5 rating)