lbgt – Author Gail Marie

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 – 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 – Faded Luck (Twisted Luck 6) by Mel Todd

I’m glad I got to finish this 6th installment of the series. If you haven’t read the previous ones, don’t read this review because it will be full of spoilers. Cori becomes a surrogate for Jo and Sable’s child, since neither of them can safely carry it on their own. During the in vitro process, they discover she’s carrying twins and her magical abilities begin to run haywire. Cori must work to find a new normal amidst the chaos that is her life. It was interesting to see Cori’s magical weakness, since it left her with a new perspective of other mages in her world. I loved that this book spent more time with the denizens of Carelian’s world, since Carelian it is my favorite among the wide array of characters. It was also fun to watch the arrival of the twins bring them all closer than they were before. I know this isn’t my typical read, but I’m deeply invested in this world. If you are looking for a deeply intricate magic system with suspense at every turn, then this is for you. (4/5 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 – House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson

After a childhood of growing up in the slums, Marion Shaw is drawn to an advertisement in the paper for a blood maiden position. Within the confines of her southern city Prane, all she knows is blood maidens work in the north and make elite levels of money after their bleeding tenure. Days after her blood is tested, she finds herself in service to the infamous Countess Lisavet who rules the House of Hunger. This was my first by Alexis Henderson. This was the epitome of a gothic tale set with a dark foreboding atmosphere, lies, betrayal, and murder. I loved Marion in her quest for truth that forces her to become Lisavet’s direct target. The ending was a twisted mess. It would appear I need to give Henderson’s, Year of the Witching a try sometime soon. (3/5 rating)