Early Book Review: The Graveyard Gift by Fern Forgettable

The Graveyard Gift by Fern Forgettable the the first book in a children's fantasy series. It is currently scheduled for release on October 8 2024. A girl who knows how you die. Her banshee roommate who knows when it happens. And wishes that sometimes, maybe, come true. Rosemary Thorpe has always been a bit different. She has the uncanny and unfortunate ability to foresee people’s deaths, which tends to land her in hot water. Well, not actual hot water—where it lands her is a place between worlds called Fern’s School for Wayward Fae, where Rosemary learns that her powers come from being part fae. At Fern's School, Rosemary meets others who are part fae—including Trym, her banshee roommate whose screams can kill, and Essie, a djinn who grants wishes. But just as Rosemary settles in, a student vanishes in thin air. And it’s up to all the kids to use their curious gifts to find their missing friend.

The Graveyard Gift is a great start to a new series. I liked the character building for Rosemary and the group of students and teachers she meets once at the school. I thought her character was very well written and I think most readers will be able to relate, at least a little, with feeling other or like they are just a little different. I thought the mystery aspect about what is going on at the school and the missing student is well handled., There are a number of significant twists and turns that only serve to make the reader more invested in the eventual outcome. My only complaint is one that I often have with series, that the best twist happens at the very end- just when I felt like I had a handle on what might be going on. I look forward to following this series to see where it goes from here. 

Early Book Review: Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands (Emily Wilde) by Heather Fawcett

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is the second book of the Emily Wilde Series by Heather Fawcett and it is currently scheduled for release on January 16 2024. I find that this is a series that should be read in order. 

Emily Wilde is a genius scholar of faerie folklore—she just wrote the world’s first comprehensive of encyclopedia of faeries. She’s learned many of the secrets of the Hidden Folk on her adventures, and also from her fellow scholar and former rival, Wendell Bambleby. Because Bambleby is more than infuriatingly charming. He’s an exiled faerie king on the run from his murderous mother, and in search of a door back to his realm. So despite Emily’s feelings for Bambleby, she’s not ready to accept his proposal of marriage: Loving one of the Fair Folk comes with secrets and danger. And she also has a new project to focus on: a map of the realms of faerie. While she is preparing her research, Bambleby lands her in trouble yet again, when assassins sent by Bambleby’s mother invade Cambridge. Now Bambleby and Emily are on another adventure, this time to the picturesque Austrian Alps, where Emily believes they may find the door to Bambley’s realm, and the key to freeing him from his family’s dark plans. But with new relationships for the prickly Emily to navigate and dangerous Folk lurking in every forest and hollow, Emily must unravel the mysterious workings of faerie doors, and of her own heart.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is an interesting and engaging read, however I do think that reading the first book is a must to understand the settings and personalities involved. Emily and Wendell are off on another expedition, this time with a couple extra companions and Wendell being poisoned to add to the drama. I thought the story was well written, and the continuity with the first book was spot on. I thought there were well placed clues and hints about the nature of the mysteries they were trying to solve and the people and fae involved woven through the pages nicely. I will say that these books are not quick reads, at least not for me. The pace is slow and steady, much like proper research, and sometimes I get frustrated because of it. I enjoy the premise and the detail in these book, and I can appreciate the talent and skill involved, but it is sometimes hard for me to slow down and enjoy these more gently paced reads. It is very much a book I save when I am in the mood to slow down and fully immerse myself into a different world. 

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is a good follow up to the first book in the series, and if you enjoyed the first this will be a must read. 

Early Book Review: A Natural History of Magical Beasts by Emily Hawkins, Jessica Roux

A Natural History of Magical Beasts, written by Emily Hawkins and illustrated by Jessica Roux, is currently scheduled for release on September 5 2023. Tales of magical creatures have been told across the world for generations, but are these stories merely flights of fancy, or is there any truth to the legends of unicorns and dragons, centaurs and griffins? Presented as the notebook of a 1920s zoologist, this book sets out to answer this question, revealing the hidden world of the magical beasts that live among us. Within these pages you will meet bizarre and beautiful creatures from around the globe, discovering their habits, habitats and the legends surrounding them. Learn about the anatomy of a unicorn, the life cycle of a phoenix, incredible dragon courtship dances and much more in this ultimate guide to magical creatures.

A Natural History of Magical Beasts is a whimsical look at the mythical creatures of the world, framed in a way that just might leave readers thinking about what might really be lurking in the forest or down by the stream. I like that the book is divided by geographical region, and included a number of creatures I had heard of, and some I had not. As someone that has read a great deal of fantasy and related things over the years new creatures to discover always make me happy. I liked the balance of text and illustrations, they keep the readers focus and interest high on the book. I really enjoyed that the book seemed to emphasize the legends of indigenous people in each of the regions, and referred to similar creatures in other areas that were included in the text. I also like that there is a sense of humor to the book, threaded through some of the 'first hand accounts' and mentions of the importance of respect and preserving nature and habitats. 

A Natural History of Magical Beasts is a well balanced and enjoyable read, and I think it will be a fast favorite for many.

Book Review: Chaos Song (Magicsmith) by L. R. Braden

Chaos Song is the sixth book in the Magicsmith, series by L. R. Braden. This is a series that needs to be read in order, both in terms of plot and character development, in order to enjoy the story. 

Nothing has gone to plan since she joined the PTF. Now mysterious "natural" disasters are happening all over the world, and all signs point to a fae attack. But by whom? And why now? In the midst of this chaos, she faces Purity protesters, coworkers looking to undermine her every decision, and werewolves who can't stop snapping at each other long enough to prove they're safe to work with. Now is not the time to abandon her fledgling alliance for an off-the-books mission, but if she doesn't… the fragile peace between the Realms may shatter.

Chaos Song is a solid addition to the series, and answered many questions and wrapped up quite a bit nicely. There are still some unanswered questions however, I thought that Alex grew a little bit more as a character in the first half of the book, and so did the explanations and understanding of the world and communities in it. The tension and danger ramped up quickly, and there were some good twists and turns. However, I have to admit that by the time the big battle and resolutions come on the page I was more than ready for things to wrap up. Each big moment was important, and so many of the twists were great, but it felt like there was just more than necessary and things felt like they dragged on too much for my personal tastes. 

Chaos Song is a good conclusion to the story, and I thought Alex and her world has grown a great deal since the start of the series.

Early Book Review: Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett is currently scheduled for release on January 10 2023. Cambridge professor Emily Wilde is good at many things: She is the foremost expert on the study of faeries. She is a genius scholar and a meticulous researcher who is writing the world’s first encyclopaedia of faerie lore. But Emily Wilde is not good at people. She could never make small talk at a party—or even get invited to one. And she prefers the company of her books, her dog, Shadow, and the Fair Folk to other people. So when she arrives in the hardscrabble village of Hrafnsvik, Emily has no intention of befriending the gruff townsfolk. Nor does she care to spend time with another new arrival: her dashing and insufferably handsome academic rival Wendell Bambleby, who manages to charm the townsfolk, get in the middle of Emily’s research, and utterly confound and frustrate her. But as Emily gets closer and closer to uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones—the most elusive of all faeries—lurking in the shadowy forest outside the town, she also finds herself on the trail of another mystery: Who is Wendell Bambleby, and what does he really want? To find the answer, she’ll have to unlock the greatest mystery of all—her own heart.

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries is a highly engaging and interesting tread. I could easily connect with Emily as a character. She is awkward and scholarly, which I related to very much. I loved her honest and curiosity, which did not always meet the expectations of those around her but matched my inner dialogue in many respects. I liked her dynamics with Bambleby, Shadow, and the villagers as she strives to both complete her book and help those around her as best she can. I really like that I have never read anything quite like this book before, there are elements of all of my favorite genres all mashed up together, and it created a wonderful thing. I will be looking for more from this author. 

Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries is an engaging and unique read. I really enjoyed it.

Early Book Review: The Fairy Universe by Olivier Ledroit, Laurent Souillé

The Fairy Universe offers readers keys to a magical and poetic universe through hundreds of drawings by Olivier Ledroit, the designer of the Chronicles of the Black Moon, spread over double-pages in watercolor and pencil, with illustrating texts by Olivier and Laurent Souillé. It is currently scheduled for release on May 10 2022. This universe is made up of mysterious and elusive spirits: the Elves and the Faes. Once we accept this evidence, we still have to recognize them, approach them, and sometimes be wary of them. It took our illustrator all his dexterity to be able to approach them, sketch them, and give us this guide to the most remarkable Fae and Elves.

The Fairy Universe is a stunning book. The artwork is simply wonderful, capturing the character and feeling described in the text. The artwork is a valid reason to buy this book, even without the text. The descriptions of various elves fae include names that will be familiar to fans of the subject matter, and plenty of very specific beings that were new to me. I think this book is very well done, in artwork and text, and that readers and art lovers that enjoy the mystical and fae beings will greatly enjoy this read. The only complaint that I have is that the fae and elven creatures here are very much of a very narrow sliver of European traditions. I would have loved seeing a variety of cultures included in some manner. There is a vast and intriguing variety of such creatures around the world, even relatively close to home, and I would have enjoyed seeing at least a little more of an expansive view on the subject.

Book Review: Of Mettle and Magic (MagicSmith) by L.R. Braden

Of Mettle and Magic is the fifth book in the MagicSmith series by L.R. Braden. Readers do need to read this series in order to understand the character development and relationships. When the Unified Church in Rome is destroyed by rogue sorcerers, tensions explode. Alex Blackwood will do whatever it takes to prevent a war between the humans, fae, and Earth paranaturals--even turn herself over to the PTF. But when a man she thought long dead walks back into her life at the head of a sorcerer army, surrender is no longer an option. With all the world watching, and half hoping she fails, Alex and her friends scramble to find a peace that won’t cost them everything.

Of Mettle and Magic is a good continuation of the story, and also a building block for further developments. I was happy to return to Alex's world, and it was great to see some of my favorite secondary characters make appearances and some twists that I have been expecting to make themselves known. There is plenty of action, planning, and growth of power and understanding. Some dynamic shifts and some great moments. I was hoping for a bit more on the character growth side, and a little less of the world imploding. Do not get me wrong, there were some great moments and I was glad to read the book. But I love the complexity of the characters, and I feel like the growing complexity of the world and danger around them has overtaken some of what I really enjoy about this series. There were definitely some great growth and moments of revelation and understanding on Alex's part, but there were also moments were I was less engaged as the preparations for fighting and whatnot needed to happen. I still love this series- but this one just did not capture me the way I expected and hoped for. 

Of Mettle and Magic is a solid continuation of this story, and I think fans of the series will need to read it, but it just did not resonate with me as thoroughly as the previous books. 

Book Review: Urban Faery Magick: Connecting to the Fae in the Modern World by Tara Sanchez

Urban Faery Magick: Connecting to the Fae in the Modern World by Tara Sanchez is an intriguing read for believers and non believers alike. Meet dozens of faeries that have adapted to the modern world and can be found in the most unexpected places. Urban Faery Magick introduces you to these mystical beings, providing tips and techniques for interacting with them as you travel your own spiritual path. Author Tara Sanchez explores dozens of case studies and shares her own personal stories of fae encounters, uniquely associating each faery with one of the elements from Eastern or Western traditions. You will learn about the Zaragoza goblin, Jon the Rust Spirit, Jenny Green-teeth, the Santiago Park Pixie, and many more. This book also includes dozens of hands-on exercises, including traditional Celtic practices, chants, invocations, breath work, dowsing, scrying, and interpreting signs as you discover the important lessons the fae can teach us.

Urban Faery Magick shows readers how to look at the world with the hope of seeing fae, and what to do if it happens. I think this book will appeal to three types of readers. Those who absolutely believe in the fae, that that really want to, and those that are just simply fascinated with the lore and experiences of others even if they do not really believe.  I thought everything was well presented and was presented in a way that was accessible to all readers. The idea of connecting with and working with the fae might be a bit much for some, but the idea of being more aware of the world around you and listening to your instincts about the larger world- and being safe in your choices- is good for all of us to remember. I liked that caution, awareness of our own health as well as others, and how people have impacted everything were highlighted in the book. I thought the case studies and personal experiences of the author were well done, and the inclusion of lore from around the world was nice. While the table of contents was very helpful when I wanted to go back and find a segment I wanted to reread, and the suggested reading list at the end of the book was a nice addition. I would have loved a detailed index and a short glossary or listing of mentioned fae with basic information at the end of the book, rather than just as part of the chapters. 

Urban Faery Magick is the perfect book for those that want to connect to the fae, and other spirits of the world in a meaningful way. For those curious about the practice and lore of doing so it is an engaging read. 

Book Review: White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton

White Trash Warlock by David R. Slayton is the first book in a new urban fantasy series. Adam Binder has the Sight. It’s a power that runs in his bloodline: the ability to see beyond this world and into another, a realm of magic populated by elves, gnomes, and spirits of every kind. But for much of Adam’s life, that power has been a curse, hindering friendships, worrying his backwoods family, and fueling his abusive father’s rage. Years after his brother, Bobby, had him committed to a psych ward, Adam is ready to come to grips with who he is, to live his life on his terms, to find love, and maybe even use his magic to do some good. Hoping to track down his missing father, Adam follows a trail of cursed artifacts to Denver, only to discover that an ancient and horrifying spirit has taken possession of Bobby’s wife. It isn’t long before Adam becomes the spirit’s next target. To survive the confrontation, save his sister-in-law, and learn the truth about his father, Adam will have to risk bargaining with very dangerous beings, including his first love.

 

White Trash Warlock is an urban fantasy novel that hooked me right away, and kept dragging me deeper into its world until I did not want to leave when I finished the book. Adam is a character that is flawed, and aware of most of those flaws. His relationships and understanding of himself is complicated and only becomes more so when his brother asks him for help and he has to face all the messy history and manipulation that leads to the current situation. I thought the characters were very well developed, complex and none perfect or too static. The world building was well done s well, I would love to dive in a little deeper to the hows and whys of things, but that really did not have any place in this story and look forward to more being revealed as the series continues. I thought the world and character building and development were nicely balanced with the action and mystery aspects of the story. Relationships, self perception, and family and hard and complicated- more so when magic and destruction is involved. The fact that the characters were complex, diverse, and outside the scope of what I normally see in the genre made it even better. I never found myself bored, and often found myself wishing I was reading while I was forced to do other things, and then when I finished it I was sad that there was no more waiting for me. 

White Trash Warlock grabbed my interest right away and left me wanting more. I am eager to see where this series goes. 

Early Book Review: Captive of Wolves (Bound to the Fae) by Eva Chase

Captive of Wolves is the first book in the Bound to the Fae series by Eva Chase. It is currently scheduled for release on December 9 2020. 

For years, the monsters who killed my family have held me in a cage. Brutalized and half-starved. Only kept alive so they can steal my blood. Until one evening when four eerily gorgeous men break me out of my prison. They give me a soft bed and delicious food. They say they'll protect me—but their generosity may come at a price. My rescuers are monsters like my captors: fae who shift into wolves. A curse gripping the faerie realm turns them wild under the full moon. Only my blood can cure their rage. These fearsome men need me, and not just to lift the curse. A tragedy left them outcasts, and offering me to their rulers could win them back the home and the power they lost.
No matter how kindly they treat me, no matter how their smoldering eyes and strong hands stir unfamiliar desires in both my body and my heart, their castle is just another prison. As long as I'm a prize more than a person, my life will never be my own. I've survived this long without giving up. I won't roll over now. But how can one damaged human girl hold her own against the savage fae?

Captive of Wolves is a book that had a rough start for me. In the beginning I thought I might have read something very similar before (and I have) and was left wondering if this series was part of a larger series. I do believe I have read something else by the author, and they have enough of a back catalog that both aspects are possible, but it also reminds me a little of a series by Sadie Moss, different set up and very different details, but the same kind of story. The characters seem to be slowly developed, with the guys especially slow to unwind. While I liked Talia's determination and empathy I have to admit that she had more than one 'too stupid to live' moments that just had me shaking my head and closing the book for a moment to get past it. The character, world, and relationship building was well thought out, but very much slow burn and build up. I did like the story, and think the author did a good job of setting up the story. However, it felt a little too slow and like the guy's emotions and past were much less developed than Talia's. That combined with the familiar feeling of the story made it less exciting to me. I did like that we got several points of view, that helped develop the guy's a little more for me. I think this book will be a near perfect read for some, but it just did not hit that sweet spot for me.

Captive of Wolves is a decent start to a series, with a paranormal and reverse harem leaning, I think it will hit the spot for fans of the genre but will miss the mark for others.

Book Review: Thrift Store Trolls (Flea Market Magic) by Shawntelle Madison

 Thrift Store Trolls is the first book in the Flea Market Magic series by Shawntelle Madison. While this is the first book in this series, it is part of the Coveted series world. I had read some of the first series set in that world, and enjoyed them, but have not read any in awhile. I was able to catch up reasonably quickly, but there is a definite disadvantage to new or lapsed Madison readers.

Selling haunted trinkets and witches' wands is just another normal day for the delightfully neurotic werewolf Natalya Stravinsky. From one day to another, as the new South Toms River Pack alpha female, she tries to keep finicky supernatural customers placated while managing her underhanded goblin boss and eccentric supernatural co-workers. Her life is complicated further when competition rolls in: a peculiar troll-owned mart with subpar haunted knick-knacks and deadly antiques appears.A powerful fairy path veers off course, heading towards South Toms River, attracting the attention of a deadly, shadowed force. Mysterious steamer trunks from the 1920s pop up all over town, unleashing horrific beasts. Natalya must find the inner strength to bring her pack together to uncover the culprit before her enemies threaten everyone she holds dear.

Thrift Store Trolls is a good urban fantasy, and I enjoyed relearning the characters and world that Madison has created. I think this is a book that will be much more appreciated by fans of the previous series (Coveted) which I now want to go back and reread and finish, but once I got into the groove of the story I was engaged in trying to figure out what everyone was up to and how Nat was going to solve this mess.The tension was high, and there was a good balance of danger, clue following, and actual conversations.  I liked the way the friend and family dynamics were equally important as the life or death stakes of the story. I also liked the way magic and reality are woven together in a way that makes me look a little closer at strip malls and antique store that I might drive by. The story was engaging, with character and story development that left me feeling content that a great deal was covered and solved, but that so much more could be coming along in the future. I love a series where each book has a satisfying ending but still leaves me eager to open up the next book- not because I was left hanging but because I care enough about the characters and world to see what happens next.

Thrift Store Trolls is a good read for new or lapsed readers of Madison, but I suspect it is a great read for those have have been better at keeping up with their work. 

Book Review: Casting Shadows (Magicsmith) by L.R. Braden

Casting Shadows is the forth book in the Magicsmith series by L.R. Braden. I highly recommend reading this series in order. With Purity growing in political power and bigotry on the rise across the Realms, Alex’s short-term goals are to stay under the PTF's radar and as far from the fae Courts as she can. But her plans go up in smoke when May, the younger sister of her good friend Emma, goes missing. The fae are involved. Alex will do everything she can to find May, but to mount a rescue she'll have to avoid PTF raids, conquer old ghosts, and risk coming face to face with her fae grandfather again. War is coming. Lines are being drawn. No one is safe. To survive, Alex will have to choose a side.

Casting Shadows is a nice addition to the series, and although it took me a bit to remember all the details of the past books I was engaged again quickly. The book is just as much about Alex figuring herself out and character growth for her and her closest circle of friends as it is the dangers of rescuing missing kids. Danger seems to be coming from all sides, and Alex's band of friends is just as fractured as the rest of the world. The pressure is on, and one wrong choice could have dire consequences. I like how much of the focus was not about choosing sides necessarily, but figuring out what was most important and how to do right by those you want to protect. 

Casting Shadows is a good continuation of the story with a nice balance of resolutions and warning of more danger to come. Those that have been reading the series will want to continue with this volume, and if you are like me, beyond as it continues.

Book Review: Courting Darkness (Magesmith) by L.R. Braden

Courting Darkness is the second book in the Magesmith series by L.R. Braden. I do recommend reading this series in order to best understand the character and world building.

The paranatural community isn’t done with Alex. She’s been summoned to the fae court, and she's got her hands full trying to prepare. But her date with the fae will have to wait. There’s been a death at the gallery, and the man she hoped would be a part of her future is the prime suspect. Bitter enemies pull her into the middle of a paranatural war for territory that has her dodging police, swords, teeth, and claws—not to mention the truth. The deeper she digs, the more secrets she uncovers, and the less certain she is about the innocence of the one man she wanted to trust. She thought she was done with murder and monsters, but she’ll have to enter the belly of the beast if she hopes to save her friend.

Courting Darkness is a good continuation of the series. It did take me a little while to settle back into Alex's world and remember where we left off, but that is normal in urban fantasy for me. I enjoyed the continued character development for Alex and those closest to her. I thought the newly introduced characters were very well done and helped the story move along and set up plot points for the future rather than feeling like extras tossed in. I thought Alex's struggles to balance wants, needs, safety, and friendship was on point and well handled. The danger was high, but the emotional stakes felt just as high and the physical. I will say that I thought this book would deal more with the fae court than it did, but I enjoyed being surprised a bit with this detour. However, that also made the story feel almost like a side quest.  I am eager to read the story arch that I was more expecting- as this book does add some interesting possibilities for complications in the upcoming books. I will definately be continuing this series because I cannot wait to see what happens next. 

Courting Darkness is a thoughtful continuation to the series. I think fans of the first book and the genre will really enjoy it. 

Early Book Review: A Drop of Magic (The Magicsmith) by L.R. Braden

A Drop of Magic is the first book in The Magicsmith series by L.R. Braden. It is currently scheduled for release on July 31 2019. With the world clinging to a fragile peace forced on the Fae by humanity after the Faerie Wars, metalsmith Alex Blackwood is plunged into the world of the half-fae who traffick in illegal magical artifacts. Her best friend’s murder and his cryptic last message place her in the crosshairs of a scheme to reignite the decade-old war between humans and fae. Worse, violent attacks against her and the arrival of a fae knight on a mission force Alex to face a devastating revelation of who and what she is. To catch a killer, retrieve a dangerous artifact, and stop a war, Alex will have to accept that she’s an unregistered fae “halfer” with a unique magical talent—a talent that would change everything she believes about her past, her art, and her future. Her world is crumbling around her, and Alex will have to decide who to trust if she and the world are going to survive.

A Drop of Magic starts with the basics needed for a complex urban fantasy world and a strong main character. Alex has been through a lot, and tries to do her bet in her art and day job while still trying to keep a safe emotional distance from her friends and acquaintances. Everything is turned upside down when her good friend is killed and her own identity is brought into question. I like that she struggles a little with the chaos that begins to surround her- but still manages  to keep moving forward and trying to solve the mystery. The murders and missing items of the story were very well written, and I thought the danger and sleuthing for the characters and readers alike hit a good balance, and I am glad to say that the conclusion was not on my radar, and I was a little surprised. I enjoyed learning about the characters closest to Alex, and really like that there were multiple possibilities for romantic interest the story never made that leap. I hate when all the world and character building gets pushed aside for a romance- even though I love a good love story.  I have a feeling that romance is coming, but I was gla to get a solid understanding of Alex and her world beforehand.  Some of the twists I saw coming, while others managed to sneak up on me and take me by surprise. I liked that the story did have a solid, satisfying conclusion but left plenty of room for more revelations and twists in future complications. I also enjoyed the collection of fae and shifters that made their appearance, and cannot wait to see what else pops up in the future.

A Drop of Magic is a good start to an urban fantasy series. I think I will be continuing this one to see where it goes. 

Book Review: The Brightest Fell (October Daye) by Seanan McGuire

The Brightest Fell is the eleventh book in the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire. I do not recommend reading this series out of order, skipping around, or picking up just one random book and starting. The character and world building is intense, and builds up throughout the series. However, do not be afraid to start this series because of the size. The series has only gotten better as it continues. This might just be the best one yet!

For once, everything in October “Toby” Daye’s life seems to be going right. There have been no murders or declarations of war for her to deal with, and apart from the looming specter of her Fetch planning her bachelorette party, she’s had no real problems for days. Maybe things are getting better. Suddenly Toby’s mother, Amandine the Liar, appears on her doorstep and demands that Toby find her missing sister, August. But August has been missing for over a hundred years and there are no leads to follow. And Toby really doesn’t owe her mother any favors. Then Amandine starts taking hostages, and refusal ceases to be an option

The Brightest Fell is another roller coaster ride for Toby, with her mother taking precious hostages just as Toby was starting to relax. The continued character growth for Toby and Simon in particular is simply fantastic. I loved that many seemingly loose ends from previous books, and some things we thought to be resolved as best they could, came to be extremely important again. It is so hard to gush about this book without dropping spoilers, because I would hate to ruin any part of the ride for anyone else since I enjoyed it so much. There are so many twists and turns, so many surprises, that I think I held my breath through half the read. If you love this series, it is a must read. If you like the other books by McGuire but have not delved into this series- start right now with Rosemary and Rue.

The Brightest Fell is a wonderful addition to the series. This is a must read for McGuire fans, and definitely stick around and read the bonus novella at the end. As a side note- if you enjoy audio books- I listened to the first ten books and the reader is fabulous. My only complaint is that about half way through the series the reader changed the pronunciation of a word- and it drove me crazy. I think I am going to stick to the print format for the rest but don't let my issue be yours, they are still very well done.

Book Review: The Wingsnatchers (Carmer and Grit, #1) by Sarah Jean Horwitz

The Wingsnatchers is the first book in the Carmer and Grit series for middle grade readers by Sarah Jean Horwitz. Aspiring inventor and magician’s apprentice Felix Carmer III would rather be tinkering with his latest experiments than sawing girls in half on stage, but with Antoine the Amazifier’s show a tomato’s throw away from going under, Carmer is determined to win the cash prize in the biggest magic competition in Skemantis. When fate throws Carmer across the path of fiery, flightless faerie princess Grit (do not call her Grettifrida), they strike a deal. If Carmer will help Grit investigate a string of faerie disappearances, she’ll use her very real magic to give his mechanical illusions a much-needed boost against the competition. But Carmer and Grit soon discover they’re not the only duo trying to pair magic with machine – and the combination can be deadly.

The Wingsnatchers is a nice start to a series, unfortunately I found that the first couple chapters started off slowly, and some readers might not make it to where Carmer and Grit meet- which is when the story really picks up interest and speed. I liked the premise, and the characters once I got fully involved in the story. I thought Carmer was clever, but in the focused way of inventors and scholars that sometimes miss the obvious. Grit was my favorite character, she has a missing wing, and has lived her life as actively and dangerously as she could. She was occasionally a little bratty- but what do you want from a fairy princess? Sadly some oft he twists I figured out a little sooner than I would have liked, but the ride for Carmer to come to the same realization was entertaining- although he frustrated me often. Some of the secondary characters caught my imagination, and I want more past and future information about some of them. I enjoyed the adventure and the idea of the story, but despite some great moments, I was not blown away by the read. 

The Wingsnatchers is a good fantasy novel, but it took awhile to grab my attention. I will admit to picking it up and putting down a few times- but in the end I think that this book will find a large audience that will enjoy it.

Book Review: Shadow Born (Shadows of Salem) by Jasmine Walt, Rebecca Hamilton

Shadow Born is the first book in the Shadows of Salem series by Jasmine Walt and Rebecca Hamilton. Brooke is no stranger to the supernatural. In Chicago, vampires are just as prevalent as drug lords, and infinitely more bloodthirsty. So when her partner and fiancé dies in a mysterious fire while chasing down a lead in Salem, she suspects something dark and otherworldly is at play. Blessed with the ability to see into the past by touching inanimate objects, Brooke transfers to the Salem PD, hoping her talent will help her get to the bottom of things. Between dodging assassination attempts and being stonewalled at every turn, the going is tough. Add in a mysterious fae club owner with secrets of his own and a personal grudge against her, and it becomes nearly impossible. If Brooke wants to play in the supernatural sandbox, she’s going to have to roll up her sleeves and get dirty. But how many people will have to die for Brooke to discover the truth about her fiance? And is she even ready to know?

Shadow Born is an urban fantasy that combines the fae and paranormal worlds that I thought I knew and makes it new. The reveal of who and what Brooke is a slow and sometimes frustrating journey, much for her search for what happened to her fiance. There are plenty of twists and turn, and just when I thought I had it all figured out there was another twist or new player in the game. I thought that Brooke had a good balance of strong, capable female lead with a touch of vulnerability and heart. THe balance is well done, and one that is often attempted but not often matched. I liked Maddock's character, and arrogant but ultimately helpful role he plays certainly kept me on my toes. I never really knew who's side he was on, and still think he might have more up his sleeve. This was a read that kept me guessing and interested through the entire book. I just might pick up the next book, Shadow Marked,  but only when I have enough time to read it uninterrupted. 

Shadow Born is a good start to an urban fantasy series. Enough questions are answered to satisfy the reader, while there are enough possibilities for the future that you want to pick up the next book just to see what happens next. A good balance, and I am glad I picked this one up.

Book Review: Wrong Side of Hell (DeathSpeaker Codex) by Sonya Bateman

Wrong Side of Hell is the first book in the DeathSpeaker Codex by Sonya Bateman. Hauling dead people around Manhattan is all in a day's work for body mover Gideon Black. He lives in his van, talks to corpses, and occasionally helps the police solve murders. His life may not be normal, but it's simple enough. Until the corpses start talking back. When Gideon accidentally rescues a werewolf in Central Park, he's drawn into the secret world of the Others. Fae, were-shifters, dark magic users and more, all playing a deadly cat-and-mouse game with Milus Dei, a massive and powerful cult dedicated to hunting down and eradicating them all. Then a dead man speaks to him, saying that Milus Dei wants him more than any Other. They'll stop at nothing to capture him and control the abilities he never knew he had. He is the DeathSpeaker. He is the key. And he's not as human as he thought. Life was a whole lot easier when the dead stayed dead.

Wrong Side of Hell is a urban fantasy that strays towards the darker side, but still with flashes or humor and fun. Gideon has had a hard life, and when his normal gig of shuttling dead bodies from crime scenes to the morgue gets stranger thanks to a werewolf and dead bodies talking to him his life spirals out of control. He discovers that the things that go bump in the night are real, and he is at least partially one of those things. He is smart, resourceful, and able to make due without much. I really liked his personal ethics and desire to protect those in need, even werewolves.I enjoyed the character development for Gedeon and a couple of the biggest players- and thought the big bad and conflict were extremely well done.


Wrong Side of Hell is a nice introduction to the series, but I felt like there must have been something that came before this book even though it is a series starter. I wanted more background on the fae players- or at least their species, particularly when things got really interesting. I also feel like Gideon's human companions had more to them than we saw here- and I want more background and active participation from them. I am hoping that this book handles the set up for the larger story arch, and that the later volumes include this more detailed information. In fact, I fully expect that it does and plan on testing the theory. I will let you know when I get there. I am interested to see where this goes.