About the Book:
A mysterious murder. A family torn apart. A hunt for answers.
Arrested for their parents’ murder and on the verge of being found guilty, Gage and Cooper Finn, two high school basketball standouts, are aided in a jailbreak. A shadowy organization known as The Roamers recruits the boys to track and hunt down vampires under deep cover so other humans remain as much in the dark about the existence of supernatural beings. Their orders on a new case lead them to an abandoned warehouse and a clue, a young newly-formed female vampire named Jamie, who opens the door to discovering what happened to their parents. It’s a shaky lead, and they don’t know if they should trust the vampire. Things become more dangerous as Gage catches the attention of Sela Winters, the daughter of the leader of The Roamers. Sela’s connections give them access to files that threaten to divide Gage and Cooper as they split up to solve this mystery – if betrayal doesn’t sink its fangs into them first.
Will the brothers find answers before they turn on each other?
My Thoughts:
The Brothers Finn is the first book in the series that follows Gage and Cooper as they navigate being the main suspects in their parents’ murders. Though the story starts abruptly with a sudden shift in timeline after the first chapter, the rest of the story keeps pace and draws the reader right in.
There are hunters on one side, known as The Roamers, who secretly hunt down vampires, thus keeping their existence a secret from the humans. As Gage and Cooper navigate this world, they also try to find out who was responsible for the murder of their parents.
Readers are drawn into a world where the supernatural live among humans but are not known. The relationship between the brothers is strong despite their clear character differences and this makes it all the more interesting to read about their journey. Each one has their own opinion and approaches things differently. The other characters in the story only add to the main plot and thus we have a fast-paced engaging read, with the main characters being forced to re-think all they have known and perhaps even make friends with a vampire.
I really enjoyed reading this book and meeting all the characters and am definitely looking forward to more of their adventures!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
About the Book:
All his life, twelve-year-old Ben Grishop has been practically nonexistent. Hardly anyone knows who he is, he’s not good at anything no matter how hard he tries, and he blends into all chairs and benches. But when he and his friends Joe and Dana are abducted by aliens one fateful summer night, they have the chance to become famous for saving the universe. That is, if they can survive a planet full of giant, man-eating, French-speaking crabs, a pair of tuxedoed, gibberish-spouting men with handlebar mustaches, and the mysterious “immensely powerful, evil force from The Realm Beyond.”
Jampacked with action, humor, and heart, How We Became Intergalactic Superheroes will have middle-schoolers and the young at heart alike hopping the closest spaceship to their own next cosmic adventure.
My Thoughts:
How We Became Intergalactic Superheroes is a quick, fun read for middle-schoolers that will keep them on their toes as they try to find out what happens next. Getting abducted by aliens is one thing, but having to interact with them and outsmart them is a whole different experience.
This is what happens to Ben, Joe, and Dana, three friends who are generally considered normal and boring, but who end up on an unexpected adventure. Though a little confusing at times, there are definitely moments of laughter in the story. Through this, readers will learn simple lessons of friendship, leadership, getting over one’s fears and even standing up for oneself.
I enjoyed reading this book and exploring the galaxies with Ben and his friends! I hope you all do too!
About the Book:
Orphan. Slave. Drug dealer.
As a Demon-Owned human, in an Afterworld that literally has Hell and Heaven on Earth, I’m the lowest a being can be. My life is one of drudgery, degradation—and mortal danger. And that’s before I started dealing Angelescence. Unlike anything in existence, it’s a drug only I can produce, and everyone would kill for.
With decommission and execution closing in, I’m desperate to buy out my and my best friend’s Indentures. But upping my operations only gets me arrested, and my terrifying captor drags me to the Celestial Court—on a leash—to stand trial. My sentence?
Conscription to Celestial Academy.
As the most powerful nephilim in history, Godric is Heaven’s most ruthless soldier and assassin. And he’s been assigned with discovering the root of my unprecedented ability to capture Angel Essence.
We both hate our forced proximity—and each other. Especially since we’re seething with explosive emotions and cravings that neither of us ever thought to experience, and can’t possibly afford. Anything between us isn’t only forbidden, it’s disastrous. Potentially for all of existence.
But being embroiled in our passionate war becomes the least of our worries as he unearths even more terrible mysteries within me. Meanwhile, lethal trials loom at mid-term, and a devastating internal war as well as another Apocalypse are brewing…
…and I’m at the center of it all.
Are you a fan of Crescent City, The Mortal instruments and Zodiac Academy? Ever wished you found a book that merged their elements and magic?
Look no more! You have found your next book obsession!
One click now and dive into this binge-worthy, new-adult contemporary fantasy world, brimming with unforgettable characters, soul-searing enemies-to-lovers romance, agonizing slow-burn passion, edge-of-your-seat mystery and suspense—and apocalyptic stakes.
You will never want to leave.
The series is intended for mature readers 18 and above, for violence, language and explicit scenes.
Wen’s epic trials in the world of Celestials and Supernaturals continue in NULL, book 2 in the AFTERWORLD series.
My Thoughts:
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and here is my honest review.
I love reading fantasy fiction and the premise of this book drew me in. I liked the idea of supernaturals, angels, demons, magic all put together. The book started rather abruptly and it took me some time to understand what was happening. The setting of the book is a dystopian world that could do with a little more description, especially how this world came to be and the hierarchy of the people (both supernatural and human).
I did not easily connect with Wen, though I like that she was looking out for Sarah, her best friend and the one she considered family. I was not a huge fan of her snark nor did I enjoy reading about Godric as much as I would have liked. However, Lorcan, Jinny and some of the others more than made up for this.
The story did pick up about one-third in and started to get more interesting. This helped to read on and soon things started to make sense. Even though I was not a huge fan of Wen, I was interested in her story and origins. I wanted to know what would happen and the ending was a twist I didn’t see coming. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, NULL, and I hope that I get more answers to the background and characters.
About the Book:
‘A lovely mystery evocative of the period from a talented writer.’ Helena Dixon, bestselling author of the Miss Underhay mysteries
Someone’s been read their last rites…
1915, London: Working in the dusty bookshop that her Aunt Violet mysteriously inherited, Hannah Merrill is accustomed to finding twists in every tale. But discovering her beloved best friend Lily-Anne – with a paperknife through her heart – in the middle of the bookshop, is not a plotline she saw coming.
The case is anything but textbook. With the discovery of a coded German message, and Hannah’s instinct that Lily-Anne’s husband is keeping secrets, she determines to get to the bottom of it.
She can’t do it alone though. To crack this case, Hannah will need the enlist the help of her outrageous, opinionated, only-occasionally-objectionable Aunt Violet.
They think they’re making progress until one of their chief suspects is found dead. And Hannah realises that she is herself now in the murderer’s sights. Will the final chapter be the ending of a killer… or just a killer ending?
A totally addictive, WW1-set cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Verity Bright, T.E. Kinsey, and Agatha Christie.
My Thoughts:
Murder in the Bookshop, as the title suggests is a murder mystery set in a bookstore against the backdrop of WWI. The story follows Hannah, the protagonist who manages her aunt’s bookstore and holds her own against men who try to put her down. What intrigued me about her was her tenacity and inquisitiveness. She also had an eye for detail, perhaps developed through her love for books.
When her best friend is found murdered with a knife in her chest, it is all Hannah can do to stay away from the investigation. As she starts to ask questions, she uncovers a plot that goes beyond just the murder in the bookshop with bigger implications to the on-going war itself.
With help from her Aunt Violet, a little crazy but an absolute delight to read about, she embarks on her own little investigation to find the truth. Though the story seemed to drag on a little in some parts, I enjoyed it on the whole. It is a typical cozy mystery, set to intrigue the readers with strong female main characters and a good plot. The story comes together in the end, providing closure and a satisfying conclusion. I recommend this book for fans of cozy mysteries set against a historical backdrop with layers that the readers slowly peel away!
Actually Yours (All Yours series Book 1)
Publication Date: 28 June 2024
BLURB:
When Amelia Anderson’s best friend gets married and she finds herself the last single girl left in a room filled with couples, she wonders if it’s time to start dating again.
Enter the Dating Plan. Her helpful friends devise a plan to get her back out there and really, what could go wrong? They have a colour-coded binder to guide them, after all!
What ensues, however, is a string of dates so disastrous, it’s enough to have Amelia vowing to remain single forever.
The only bright side in this dismal dating experiment? Jake Johnson, her ex-boyfriend’s older brother, who keeps coming to her rescue. Making her feel safe, protected…special.
Jake has always been that guy for her. The one who represented everything she was scared to want, so she settled for what she thought she deserved. And now he’s back in her life and is stirring up all these feelings that she’s struggling to ignore. Amelia can’t forget that he’s off-limits for her.
But if that is true, why does it feel that in a sea of all these Mr Wrongs, he may actually be her Mr Right?
About the Book:
Sometimes destiny is written. Hers was concealed.
When Cate travels from Oregon to university in England, she expects her gravest dilemma to be finding coffee instead of tea, but she’s got bigger problems—much bigger. At Staton University, nothing is quite what it seems. Even her own identity. Unbeknownst to Cate, a prophecy deems her as destined to defeat a ruthless enemy in a magical land, placing a target squarely on her back. Now, someone on campus is stalking her, and a narrow escape sends her through a mysterious portal, assisted by two irresistible boys. Yet the fantastical new world is even more treacherous with rival kingdoms and imminent war. Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan, but what’s a girl to do? A fresh start was all she wanted—a few new friends in the dorms with a trusty latte in hand—not war, an estranged biological father who is king, or a star-crossed love straight out of Romeo and Juliet (hopefully without the dying part). As the battle looms, Cate must solve the mystery of the prophecy and decide who in her circle is trustworthy before the place she now calls home is destroyed.
Don’t miss this new Young Adult Romantic Fantasy from debut author SK Horton that’s like Alice in Wonderland meets Love and Gelato. Featuring swoon-worthy romance, court intrigue, backstabbing villains and so much mor, it’s perfect for fans of Melissa Albert’s The Hazel Wood, Lauren Roberts’ Powerless, and lovers of all things romantasy!
My Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A huge thanks to BookSirens and the author for the advance copy!
Book Release Date: June 11, 2024
The story follows Cate as she travels to London to attend university. She hopes to settle down and make friends and have a typical university experience. Little does she know that not everything is as it seems and things are going to change for her, very quickly.
It took me some time to get into the story as it was confusing at the start. It was not very clear what the author wanted to show and how the characters fit into the story. The character development is slow and at times it felt as though they did not have any depth. However, as the story progresses, we come to know more about the characters, how they fit into the story and then it all makes sense.
AS Cate discovers her powers and tries to learn how to use them, she is also in the middle of an unexpected love triangle and hiding from her father (someone she did not know existed until then) for as long as she can manage. At times, her every thought is of her foster family and the love she has for them, which is something I really liked.
The story then progresses well and the plot, though a little predictable, is quite enjoyable to read. I enjoyed reading this book in the end and, though it is a one time read for me, I think it was worth it. I do look forward to reading more books by the author.
About the Book:
On my sixteenth birthday, I’ll become a murderer.
I don’t want to kill anyone but it’s my duty as princess.
To stop the threat of the Cursed. The ones who destroyed our planet and most life.
If I don’t participate in the ritual to seal my initiation into the ruling council and solidify my mother’s empire, everyone will figure out the truth.
My truth.
That I’m a Cursed.
It gets worse.
My only hope rests in the hands of Ryker, whose sister I sentenced to death.
My Thoughts:
I was provided with an eARC from Netgalley, Author Collective 20 and the author. This is my honest review. The book is now released and available.
The story follows Valencia as she struggles to accept her fate and the truth of her existence. Everything is about to change for her and she has a decision to make. Just as she turns sixteen, she is rescued from her mother’s side by Ryker, her best friend’s brother and thrust into the other side of the world, a world she is wholly unprepared for.
As Valencia tries to fit in, finds out the truth behind Emery’s so called death and helps the plot to bring her mother down, the reader is introduced to a world of airships, advanced technology, human enhancements and so on. The story felt a little disconnected to me due to the limited world building. The character development could also have been better to help readers connect with the characters, their suffering and their hopes for a better future.
However, I did enjoy the attempt the author made to create this world, the characters, and story, and I hope to read more of the books in the series!
About the Book:
A doomed love, a dangerous mission, and a kingdom on the brink of war…
A cast-off princess…
Born into a life of duty and sacrifice, Morgan Pendragon’s destiny has never been her own. Rumored to carry the tainted blood of the fae in her veins, her birthright is stolen from her when she is a mere child. Growing up in the shadow of her brother the king, she has been promised to the goddesses when she comes of age. So, when her brother commands that she seek out a fae weapon of legendary power, Morgan seizes the chance to break free from the chains of her fate.
A dangerous temptation…
As she travels, Morgan finds herself drawn into a strange group of outcasts, led by a dark and enigmatic warrior whose sharp wit and fierce beauty set her heart ablaze. But while Morgan struggles to reconcile her desires with her duty, she and her new comrades discover dangers that await them beyond anything in their wildest nightmares.
A slumbering kingdom awoken by blood…
Believed to have vanished generations ago, a fae kingdom dreaded by mortals is ascending once more, bound to reclaim what was lost by violence and bloodshed. As the fae world, with its intricate web of lies and mysteries, is slowly revealed to Morgan, she is led to the terrible realization that the secrets she carries in her blood make her a greater threat than she could ever have imagined.
The first in an action-packed new series brimming with magic, danger, morally gray characters, and spellbinding slow-burn romance, Queen of Roses is perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout, Raven Kennedy, Rebecca Yarros, Carissa Broadbent, and Sarah J. Maas.
My Thoughts:
Queen of Roses is the first book in the Blood of a Fae series, a retelling of the story of King Arthur, his knights, and all the others in the legend, in a magical context with many of the characters re-imagined.
At first I was a little confused with the different re-imaginings of the characters but once I looked past it, I was pulled into the world. I love the way the author has developed the plot, the world and the characters, bringing in so many different adventures and dynamics among the characters. Honestly, I was not a fan of Arthur as a character in this book and found Morgan to be a little annoying at first. I loved how Lancelet and Galahad are depicted and their relationship with Morgan.
I started to enjoy the book a few chapters in and could not stop reading until the very end. The ending of the book with the most unexpected twists and turns culminated in an amazing climax, setting up the tone and direction of the next book. At this point, I knew that I was truly hooked and would definitely find my way through the series, following Morgan as she discovered herself, the extent of her powers, and becomes the leader she was born to be (I hope!)
About the Book:
As I stood on the terrace and gazed out over the most glorious view, he studied my face and said to me ‘Why do you look sad? No-one should be sad in Rome. We only have this one life, you know. Don’t waste it.’
Beth stands in the sunshine outside the magnificent wrought-iron gates of Villa Alba holding her suitcase. Only a few short months ago, she dropped her beloved only daughter off at college, holding back tears at the thought of an empty nest… clinging to the thought of the new chapter that she and her husband Joel could now begin together. But that same day, Joel dropped a bombshell. He thinks their marriage is stale, and wants a break; he says that Beth is no longer the same woman he fell in love with…
Searching for an escape, Beth spots an ad in a magazine for an apartment in Rome that is available for three months rental only to ‘an English woman of a certain age’. She reads on… Veronica , the 75-year-old owner, challenges her guests to rediscover themselves, find joy, and live life to the full – and there is no better place to do these things than in Rome, the most beautiful city in the world.
Ronnie sets Beth a list of tasks, forcing her to slow down and find beauty in every corner of the the sun on a stained glass window, a fragrant bunch of the freshest basil, a painting in a hidden courtyard. But her final task is the most challenging of to go out on a date with an unsuitable man.
But handsome and adventurous musician Rico, unsuitable in almost every way, may turn out to be just the right man to bring Beth back to life. With her break from Joel coming to an end, can Beth risk embracing the new life of exciting possibilities that Rome has opened up to her, even if it means losing everything?
Get swept away to the sunny streets of the most beautiful city in the world with this heartwarming novel about love and second chances. Perfect for fans of Faith Hogan, Elin Hilderbrand and Sheila O’Flanagan.
My Thoughts:
The Rome Apartment is a story of self-discovery, growth and strength. This is a story that stayed with me well after having finished reading it. Beth takes a chance with an ad in a magazine about an apartment in Rome available for rent. There are some conditions to this which we come to realize, much later on, had specific purposes. Seeking an escape and time to think, Beth jumps at the chance once she is approved for the stay.
The author brings out Beth’s fears, insecurities, hopes and dreams through her three month journey and adventure in Rome. She meets some amazing people and forms the kind of bonds and relationships that she has always dreamt of. In the midst of dealing with her husband’s request for a break, Beth is forced to re-evaluate her life, her options and reconcile with herself who she wants to be. She also learns how to deal with her daughter and eventually to have open and honest conversations to strengthen their relationship.
Ronnie is the kind of person I’d love to meet and spend time with. She adds the most flavour to this story while steering Beth in a direction of healing. Her story is unique though we only get glimpses and in the end, I would love to know more about her! After all, she owns this delightful apartment and is responsible for changing the lives of so many others.
I loved reading about her exploration and her journey of discovery. Each moment is magical and filled with wonder while support and encouragement comes in the most unexpected ways. This is truly a wonderful story and I look forward to reading the next book in The Italian Escape series by the author.
About the Book:
Draupadi’s mother, Maharani Prishati, was influential in building her charismatic daughter’s strong character as a proponent of human rights and a shrewd politician. Why would such an independent thinker blindly follow something that Ma Kunti said accidentally? Did all the Paandav brothers agree to marry her immediately? The brilliant Sahdev and the far-sighted strategist Draupadi collectively argued for a partition to give Duryodhan his rights to half the kingdom. The intricate complexities of a dynamic polyamorous marriage and a sibling bond promoting gender equality are showcased through the series. Over five parts unfurl – the untold memoirs of an Empress…
My Thoughts:
I have recently been re-reading the Mahabharata and was intrigued to come across this re-telling and re-imagination from Draupadi’s point of view. The author delves into Draupadi’s origins, bringing to us a narrative from her point of view. We see the world as she sees it, hear her thoughts and feel her emotions as she navigates the ups and downs of her life.
The author tries to bring out a different side of the epic, focusing on Draupadi’s interactions with the Paandav brothers and building on her relationship with each of them. Their journey was not without difficulty and to have been accepted in the time when the events occurred is quite interesting. The flow of the story is good and as the plot deepens, so do the emotions and dialogues among the characters. The authors maintains a level of sophistication both in how the characters are portrayed as well in the style of writing which I really liked.
However, I felt that the way in which the story is told is more in tune with the world today, which dilutes some of the customs and thoughts as depicted or told in the original epics. There is always scope for interpretation and considering this, the author has done a good job in bringing to us an interesting point of view and focus. Even though the reader may know the original story, the development of this series is one to take note of and follow. Overall, this was a good read and I am looking forward to reading the next book.