About the Book:
‘I think people are afraid to dream because they don’t want to be disappointed,’ she told the Belgian guy . . .
But what if there was a way to co-create our dreams with the universe? And what if the universe responded to us in a tangible way?
At the tender age of seventeen, Baisakhi left her home to pursue higher studies abroad. Since then, she has dwelled in different continents―from Asia to Europe to Africa to South America to North and Central America―studying life through myriad mirrors of reality. She has lived with local families―eating their food, adopting their lifestyles, contributing to their economy, negotiating extreme realities and belief systems, and navigating diverse traditions and religions for several years to answer life’s most pertinent questions. Coming from a conservative family in India, she had to overcome all limitations to fly!
This book narrates the magical adventures and marvellous encounters of an ordinary girl who believes in extraordinary possibilities as she traverses the globe to fulfil her destiny. Life Is Abracadabra is peppered with true anecdotes of hope and faith, of meaningful coincidences and miracles that will make you perceive life from an altogether new dimension. It is about noticing the signs and synchronicities strewn on our paths and acting on them. Because when we do, life will be on our side too.
My Thoughts:
This review has been a long time coming!
I am so glad to have gotten the chance to read this book and join the author as she narrates some of her adventures and mis adventures, all the while maintaining hope and having faith in her dreams.
This book gives us glimpses into the author’s life as she navigates almost impossible situations, makes new friends, faces adverse conditions and comes out stronger in the end. This is a story of resilience, facing the impossible and strength, exploring new countries and learning life lessons along with new cultures.
I loved reading this book, even though some parts of it just scared me. The author’s experiences are unique (though it is possible that many have faced similar situations, but have not been able to talk about it). This book is a conversation starter, a chance for people to know that they are not alone, but also to know that the proverb “try and try until you succeed” actually works.
Without sounding as though she is preaching, Baisakhi shows us that there is indeed magic in the world. If there’s one thing I learnt from all this, it is that there is goodness in friendship and sometimes even strangers can become family (a kind of found family). Baisakhi’s journey is one to know about, one to learn from and I believe that though each person’s take away may differ, one thing will remain common, and that is the agreement that Life is indeed Abracadabra!
About the Book:
The fourth and final book in the bestselling Blood of a Fae series…
“I see forever with you by my side. Because long after these scars have faded away to nothing, I’ll still be standing beside you. You and I? We’re eternal.”
Beware the dread curse of Three…
In the aftermath of the war between Pendrath and its neighbors, peace has finally come to Camelot. But for Morgan Le Fay and her friends, the calm is short-lived. A storm grows on the horizon. As a terrible evil that has been waiting hundreds of years begins to sweep through the land, Morgan and Draven must race to the aid of their allies, leaving their youngest and most vulnerable new family member in the care of trusted friends.
The sword, the spear, the grail’s mystery…
As the tide of war takes them across kingdoms and into greater peril, Morgan and Draven embark on a quest to destroy the three objects of untold power–the grail, the sword, and the spear. Together, the pair will find answers to questions lost in the mists of time. Answers to questions so terrible, they never even thought to ask.
Blood calls to blood, the dark shall rise,
Forged by the gods under sacred skies.
For the love between these bonded mates is not just an everlasting one forged in blood.
You might even call it divine.
My Thoughts:
This is the final book in the series and honestly, I did not want the story to end. I couldn’t imagine a world without Morgan, Draven, the Exmoors and everyone else in their circle.
“There is darkness in all of our souls. But there is also light. Just because the darkness threatens doesn’t mean the light won’t win out in the end.”
The author makes realistic, though heart-breaking, decisions when it comes to character deaths which play important roles in the plot advancement as well as development of the central characters. Their grief, trauma, heart-break, love for one another all drive their actions as well as the need to save the people of Camelot and it’s neighboring places.
This book sets the stage for Morgan’s final quest to destroy the grail, the sword and the spear through which she discovers truths not only about herself, but her family and her origins. As she moves to confront this truth, it’s a race against time to save the people she loves. The finale though slightly predictable, is very well executed and provides the much needed closure to this beautiful series!
We all need the kind of love Morgan and Draven have. This can be felt from this one quote: “Be everything you truly are. That’s all I’ll ever ask of you, my silver one.”
With this concludes my journey through Blood of a Fae, a series that I highly recommend for fans of retellings of legends with magic, romance and adventure all wrapped up in one!
About the Book:
Divided by Oceans but Eternally Bonded
Morgan Pendragon has another name now: Morgan Le Fay. As her true heritage slowly emerges from the mists of the past, Morgan renounces one possible future as the new ruler of the fierce Siabra fae and the wife of the Prince of Claws and vanishes through a portal–returning to Camelot and the Rose Court where her friends and younger brother lie in mortal peril from Arthur’s cruel wiles.
But back in the Court of Claws, Kairos Draven won’t allow his beloved to disappear from his life so easily. His bond with Morgan goes beyond blood, love, life, and even time itself and neither one of them can relinquish its power or its pull.
Yet Morgan is no ordinary woman. Not only is she beginning to manifest remarkable abilities, but the powers of the gods themselves run through her veins, bestowing her with an unimaginable power and an unthinkable claim over all of Aercanum and beyond…
A claim which some will stop at nothing to put a halt to.
My Thoughts:
This series had me hooked, rendering me wholly unable to stop reading.
Empress of Fae is the third installment in the Blood of a Fae series and this book really kicked up several notches in the heart hammering department. We follow Morgan as she rushes to save one brother and confront the other. Faced with the decision to claim her right as the Queen of the Siabra kingdom, Morgan flees, showing her need to be there for people but not to rule them.
She leaves Draven behind as she returns to Camelot, trying to find ways to get back into Arthur’s good graces, long enough to defeat him. She finds unexpected friends and allies among the people as well as a number of foes. As Draven, determined as ever, struggles to find his way to her, with a number of his trusted people who also now believe in Morgan, the reader is in for a bumpy ride.
The author packs no punches and ensures that the reader is pulled right into the middle of the story, perhaps even imagining themselves to be one among the characters as the events unfold. This book is much more heart-breaking and fast paced, with a lot of things happening all at once, thus setting the stage for the grand finale in the next book!
Once again, I must reiterate that I loved this series and each book in the series as well as each character. They are dear to me and I cannot imagine not having met them through these books!
About the Book:
Bound to a man she hates more than she ever thought possible…
Everything Morgan Pendragon knows and loves is gone as she wakes in the dangerous court of the Siabra. The man she was falling in love with is dead, and in his place is a man she barely knows. Surrounded by liars and knives in the dark, all Morgan wants to do is run the other way but Kairos Draven is determined to keep her by his side.
As Morgan and Draven’s lives become even more irrevocably entwined, little do they know the sins of the past are coming for them both…
My Thoughts:
Court of Claws, the second book in the Blood of a Fae series, starts off where the first ends and plunges right in, bringing us the story from the side of the Siabra. The title refers to Draven’s title of Prince and his place back at the kingdom of the Siabra.
In this part of the story, the focus is once again on Morgan and Draven as they navigate the new bonds forged and the court of the Siabra. For Morgan, this is a whole new experience and considering her limited exposure to the fae, the Siabra court and people are a revelation. Their customs, culture and rules are ones she doesn’t understand or agree with.
It is wonderful to read and know more about Draven in this book, who he is, how he becomes an assassin, why he leaves the kingdom of the Siabra and so on. I loved reading about Morgan and Draven’s interactions and Morgan’s eventual acceptance of their bond. The main question that arises is whether what they have is real or just something made up and forced.
Morgan grows as a person and character in this book, becoming more strong and learning to accept and use her powers. I loved reading about Draven’s sister Rychel, Crimson and the others in the court. They are endearing and play such important roles in this book, bringing the story together.
A wonderful continuation, Court of Claws adds a new dimension to the series, setting in motion events that forge the path towards the final battles and a conclusion to the story in the upcoming books.
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:
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:
HASEA CHRONICLES BOOK IV
A world apart but united in their singular mission, the Guardians of Orion struggle for survival as they force their way across the brutal and unforgiving planet of Pandemonia.
Still tormented by the ever intensifying visions that plague his dreams, Alex is forced to endure his growing desperation and fear as his party continue their journey across the Dark Sea, led by the grizzled mercenary Zero and his band of misfits. At the same time, word of the Sorrowslayer spreads like wildfire across the world, shedding a final ray of light onto those who had already given up hope.
Meanwhile, Scarlett and her team of Guardians have found themselves caught in the clutches of the deranged Scorched Knight, Lilith. What she wants with them is unclear, but they know their only chance is escape…at whatever cost.
And hidden in the shadows something ancient stirs, waiting for everyone to play their part.
For the Rising is coming, and with it, the end of all things.
My Thoughts:
The Rising is Book 4 in the Chronicles of Hasea series and perhaps one of the darkest books in the series. The plot thickens in this book as Alex navigates the Dark Sea to find Gabriella and his father. The Guardians are forced to split up with Alex leading a few along with Zero and his band of misfits and Scarlet leading the rest.
The plot thickens in this book and pushes us towards a climax filled with sorrow and hope, betrayal and wonderment at the unexpected support received. Even though everything seems different in Pandemonia, so much is still relatable and the politics as well as woes of the residents are much the same as that on Earth.
I really like how the series started off quite simply in terms of the plot line but became darker and darker as the characters evolved and the plot thickened. It shows how much the author’s style of writing evolved in this journey with the characters. The reader follows the characters as they race against time, battling for survival. The story is fast-paced and intense with a few nail-biting moments that will keep the reader hooked and hoping for more.
The story ends on a high and of course paves the way for the final installment of the series. I truly loved this book, breezing through the series, through one book after the other and I am excited to read the last one. It is a bittersweet moment to realize that the series is almost at the end and I feel as though I have been through a lot with the characters, practically living a double life along-side them.
This series is a wonderful read in the fantasy fiction genre is definitely one of my favourite this year! Yes! I loved all the four books in the series and I cannot wait to know how the story concludes for everyone involved!
About the Book:
Set in a magical world, Madison’s Peculiar Adventure depicts the perils of bullying and the shortcomings of adults in intervening.
10-year-old Madison lives in an orphanage run by the eccentric directress Madam Eve.
When Wendy fades away overnight, Madison has reasons to believe Madam Eve is behind her disappearance. Together with Lena and Amanda, she sets out to discover the truth.
Their only witness is the puckish hobgoblin Wendy spoke to before she vanished into thin air.
Will Madison and her friends ever find out what happened to Wendy?
My Thoughts:
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Madison’s Peculiar Adventure is a quick read that follows Madison as she arrives at an orphanage run by the eccentric Madam Eve. As she tries to adjust, she makes a few friends and notices sudden disappearances among the children. Curiosity gets the best of her as she tries to uncover the truth. The story deals with the themes of bullying, learning to be courageous and standing up to people.
As much as all this is there, I felt that the writing could have been better. The descriptions were short and not detailed which made it a little difficult to picture what was happening. Also, the characters are not described in detail and so it is difficult to connect with them. However, I believe that the story has potential and an important message. With a little more depth to it and of course many more pages to accommodate the details, this would definitely be quite enjoyable to read.
I am indeed looking forward to reading about Madeline’s new adventures!
About the Book:
The Veil has finally been crossed.
Alex, Gabriella and the other Guardians of Orion have arrived in Fenodara, a beautiful Luminar city that acts as the last beacon of hope for a dying civilization – but also a place that hides a dark secret. Never before have they been so close to the Ageless war and witnessed the way it corrupts not only the fading world, but also those who live there.
Soon afterwards, a devastating attack on the city rips Orion apart. Broken and defeated, the Guardians are forced to separate and travel through the dark underbelly of Pandemonia in a desperate attempt to save those they love, and stop the forces of Hades before it is too late. However, the longer Alex spends in the dark and hostile world, the more a single fact becomes clear to him.
This is a journey they might never return from.
DILECTI SURGEMUS – SOCII POLLEMUS
(Chosen we rise – Allied we prevail)
My Thoughts:
As author Stuart Meczes rightly mentioned in his note at the start of this book, the story gets deeper and darker as it progresses. The Veil is the third book in the series and follows the events of the second book, leading the reader right into the story. In this book, we get to see different sides of each character and how they have changed over the course of the journey so far.
The author has done a wonderful job in describing Pandemonia and bringing it to life. This is a whole different world that our main characters now have to navigate. The author’s writing keeps getting better with each book and so does the suspense. This book will draw the reader in faster than the other two and is definitely unputdownable. I read it at a stretch over a few days, always feeling the need to read just one more page to know what happens next and this ended up in turning the pages until the very end.
In this book, we are rewarded with more insights into some of the Guardians and the bonds that they all share. It stems from shared experiences, love and a sense of belonging. I quite enjoyed the different points of view and even the way the story is told from Scarlet’s point of view once the Guardians are forced to split up. The first person point of view helps to understand the characters more and relate to them as they find their way through Pandemonia and all the pandemonium around!
A truly wonderful book in the series, The Veil sets the tone for the rest of the book and I cannot wait to know what happens next. The ending is once again a cliff-hanger leaving the reader wanting for more and thus ensuring that we pick up the next book in the series! Fans of fantasy fiction with supernatural elements, magic and adventure will love this series!
About the Book:
It’s been six months since Alex and Gabriella stood against The Sorrow and won. The Veil still stands uncrossed, and with every passing day the possibility of finding the person stolen from Alex alive diminishes. But after an influx of new Awakenings, the Alliance is being stretched to breaking point. A melancholic Sophia is acting mysteriously and Sage Faru has set the formidable task of gathering a team of Guardians willing to enter Pandemonia. Meanwhile the looming threat of a new, stronger SOS hides in the shadows.
But that is the least of Alex’s worries.
Something is growing inside of him. Something dark and vengeful that whispers in the silence. Something that plagues his dreams with visions of a horrifying apocalypse.
An apocalypse he will start.
As Gabriella struggles to hold everything together and Alex struggles not to fall apart, one thing becomes clear. Before they can cross the Veil and stand against Hades, Alex must first defeat his greatest enemy. Himself.
DILECTI SURGEMUS – SOCII POLLEMUS
(Chosen we rise – Allied we prevail)
My Thoughts:
The Corruption is the second book in the Hasea Chronicles and picks up six months after where the first book ends. This book is much more fast-paced and filled with suspense that will keep the reader hooked until the very end. The author has done an amazing job with world building and I absolutely love his style of writing, especially with the alternating points of view between Gabriella and Alex. This helps to provide their different perspectives as well as the story through each of their eyes. The opinions of the characters and how they view each event as well as how they take decisions are brought out through this.
This story focuses on the internal battles of the characters and while we are in a fantasy realm, the internal struggle to find one’s identity is something that we can all relate to. Alex, having defeated The Shadow now faces an internal struggle of good vs. evil as he tries to reconcile his darker side with the righteous one. I believe that the author handled this very well and even though it spans many chapters, the story telling makes it all worth the read!
This book has much more action and a strong focus on characters while giving the reader a sense of the developing world. Despite the introduction of many new characters, the author does each of them justice and I think they have enough space in the plot to carry it forward. At each stage, the reader is taken along on a journey that is darker than the first but with some light at the end of the tunnel.
Having read both books 1 and 2, I admit that I am a big fan of the Hasea Chronicles and am looking forward to entering The Veil along with Alex and Gabriella as well as all the others who join them in their quest.