Audiobook Review: Relatively Normal Secrets by C.W. Allen, Narrated by Ivy Tara Blair
Book Review: Ruby Fever (Hidden Legacy) by Ilona Andrews
Ruby Fever is the last book in Catalina's story arc, and I am sad to see her personal story wrap up, even though it means we must be something from Arabella's point of view soon. I really enjoyed her part of the story and think that this book was a great addition to the larger story. I though the action, mystery, and hints about the future were all very well balanced. I was engaged in the story the whole read, and while I saw some of the twists coming, everything was so well done that it did not matter. It was great seeing Catalina come into her own, and get a better understanding of herself and what she could do. Fans of the series will love the read and be looking forward to what ever come next in this world.
Ruby Fever is a must read for fans of the series.
Book Review: Eventually, They All Fall by Jenna Marcus
Book Review: Of Claws and Fangs: Stories from the World of Jane Yellowrock and Soulwood by Faith Hunter
Book Review: Go Hex Yourself by Jessica Clare
Go Hex Yourself by Jessica Clare is a contemporary enemies to lovers romance with a magical twist. When Reggie Johnson answers a job ad in the paper, she’s astonished to find that she’s not applying to work at her favorite card game, Spellcraft: The Magicking. Instead, she’s applying to be an actual familiar for an actual witch. As in, real magic. The new job has a few perks - great room and board, excellent pay, and she's apprenticing to a powerful witch. Sure, the witch is a bit eccentric. And sure, there was that issue with the black cat Reggie would prefer to forget about. The biggest problem, however, is warlock Ben Magnus, her employer's nephew and the most arrogant, insufferable, maddening man to ever cast a spell. Reggie absolutely hates him. He's handsome, but he's also bossy and irritating and orders her around. Ben's butt might look great in a crystal ball vision, but that's as far as it goes. But when someone with a vendetta targets the household, she finds herself working with Ben to break a deadly curse. Apparently, when they're not fighting like cats and dogs, things get downright bewitching
Book Review: Sorceline by Sylvia Douyé, Paola Antista
Sorceline, written by Sylvia DouyĂ© and illustrated by Paola Antista, is a middle grade graphic novel that is the first in a series. Welcome to the Island of Vorn, where mythical creatures roam free and only the brightest students are invited to study them. For as long as she can remember, Sorceline has had a knack for the study of mythical creatures. Now a student at Professor Archibald Balzar’s prestigious school of cryptozoology, she’s eager to test her skills and earn a spot as one of Balzar’s apprentices. But for all her knowledge of gorgons, vampires, and griffins, Sorceline is mystified by her fellow humans. While she excels in her studies, she quickly clashes with her classmates, revealing her fiery temper. When one of her rivals suddenly disappears, Sorceline must set aside her anger and join the quest to find her. But the mystery only deepens, leading Sorceline on a journey far darker and more personal than she expected.
Book Review: The Abandoned Reincarnation Sage, Volume 1, by Miraijin A and Kurikaramaru
Book Review: Boss Witch (Fix-it Witches) by Ann Aguirre
Early Book Review: The Doors to Nowhere (Secrets of Camp Whatever) by Chris
The Doors to Nowhere is the second volume of the Secrets of Camp Whatever graphic novel series by Chris Grine. It is currently scheduled for release on May 3 2022. I do recommend reading the series in order to have the full backstory and understand who and what the characters are.
When twelve-year-old Willow went to her weird new town's even weirder summer camp, she didn't expect to get caught up in an ancient mystery involving forest-dwelling vampires, living garden gnomes, and other completely bonkers creatures most people would never believe exist. Now she's not only involved, she's marked—too close to the heart of an ages-old quest for power and control than she should be, and too concerned about her new friends and the dangers they face to let them go it alone. With the help of a spell book and her scrappy crew of camp friends, Willow is about to step through a doorway to magic and discovery that will change her world forever.
The Doors to Nowhere is another well written and skillfully drawn graphic novel for the middle grade and older set. I liked the continuation of the story and how the characters continue to grow as individuals and as part of a friend group. I liked the art style and found the expressiveness of character faces to be on point throughout the book. I thought the reminders of past adventures was well done, reminding readers of important moments without covering too much of the same ground. My only complaint is that I wanted more. The story had a satisfying resolution, with plenty of foreshadowing for further adventures, but it just felt like it was over far to quickly so I went back and enjoyed some of my favorite moments again. I am eager to see where the story goes from here.
The Doors to Nowhere is a great follow up to the first installment, and I look forward to reading what happens next.
Book Review: Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
Early Book Review: When a Princess Proposes (Embraced by Magic) by Kerrelyn Sparks
Book Review: What the Fang? (Undead Ever After) by Stacey Kennedy
Book Review: Accidental Magic (Myrtlewood Mysteries) by Iris Beaglehole
Early Book Review: Wingbearer by Marjorie Liu, Teny Issakhanian
Wingbearer is a beautifully drawn and colored graphic novel with fantastic writing. I was engaged in the story from the very beginning, ad my only complaint is that now I have to try and wait patiently for the next installment. Zuli and the the characters that she meets on her journey are well written and complex, with very few good/evil absolutes. The world building, as revealed through the characters and their interactions, was very well done. I feel like I have a reasonable grasp of the important aspects of the world, and never felt like there was an info dump. It was reveals as things became important in a way that really made sense and felt natural. Although, I will admit that I saw the big reveal (not telling), or something very close to it coming on a couple levels. However, I think the way it was done was smart and will keep readers hooked and invested in continuing the series. I think this series will be a new favorite for a wide range of readers and I look forward to seeing what happens next.
Wingbearer is a wonderful start to a new series. I look forward to reading what comes next.