Review: Sigil

Read if you like: well build sci-fi worlds, dark romance, and interesting alien abilities.

Sigil | Addison Cain

Series: Irdesi Empire

Genre: Sci-Fi Romance, Menage, 18+
Released: September 29th 2016
Pages: 325
Format: Ebook
Source: Purchased

He will possess her in every way.

After a century, The Irdesi Emperor has finally cornered their species’ only female. Sovereign and his fanatic brothers are closing in, driving Sigil to desperation.

They outnumber her, they are stronger, and they are relentless.

Sovereign knows her secrets better than Sigil knows herself. He knows she was conditioned to hate him. It changes nothing. The Emperor cannot help but crave her—just as his loyal brothers crave her.

The entire future of their species hinges on Sovereign’s ability to dominate the slippery renegade and make her feel the truth of what she is. She is his Consort. She is his obsession—a bride destined to be shared with and adored by his kin... to be satiated and ruled, to be overpowered and healed of her compulsions by any means necessary.

She has no choice in the matter. The empire will stop at nothing. Sigil will belong to them; she will be made to love them, even if they are forced to rip the galaxy apart to claim her.

Publisher’s Note: The first novella in Addison Cain's provocative and raw Irdesi Empire series is a dark tale with explicit sexual themes and complete power exchange. Some scenes are written to be disturbing. If such material offends you, please do not purchase.

Well written and I love the space station and every space-y element, plus Quinn is one tough lady. Not sure why I thought it was RH though? It's f/m romance with menage if you squint.

4.5 stars

Review: Heat

Read if you like: huge, sweeping fantasy stories with romance subplots, dragons, and wars between supernatural characters.

Heat | Donna Grant

Series: Dark Kings

Genre: Adult Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Released: January 30th 2018
Pages: 336
Format: Ebook
Source: Publisher

Nikolai is a dragon shapeshifter who knows well the meaning of loss. Orphaned and raised to be a Dragon King, he never accepts defeat. Now, Nikolai prefers his solitude . . .until a beautiful, irresistible woman calls upon him for help—and Nikola’s whole word goes up in flames.

Ever since MI5 agent Esther woke to discover her mind taken over with magic, she feels like stranger to herself. She looks to a notorious dragon, one who has the power to help her find her memory. But as she and Nikolai come closer to discovering what really happened to her, a dangerous passion ignites between them. Can this lone Dragon King help the woman he’s grown to love to uncover the truth about her past—or will a deep and fiery danger tear them both apart?

I'm a bit miffed that the blurb on Netgalley didn't make it clear this isn't the first in series, or able to be read alone. This is the second time I've come across this problem in the romance genre. I should learn to check on Goodreads if they're like book one, not twelve.

This isn't bad but I'm not sure I'll remember it. I didn't mind the central romance, but all the other characters just overwhelmed me. I got there was a war going on but all I wanted to know about was Nikolai and Esther. One thing that did seriously impress me was the fact that Nikolai's voice had a Scottish dialect and I ACTUALLY QUITE LIKED IT? I've lost track of the number of books I've DNF'd because of the horrific word choice and voice that knocks me out of the story but this was written really well.

Maybe a better book for someone else, although there's plenty to like here if you're into huge, sweeping plots in your romance.

2 stars

#FreeInKU - Queen Takes Knights

Read if you like: women who can hold their own, alpha males in HEALTHY relationships, and hot-as-hell romance.

Queen Takes Knights | Joely Sue Bukhart

Series: Their Vampire Queen

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance, Reverse Harem
Released: October 17th 2017
Pages: 190
Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited

A lost virgin vampire queen. Two vampire knights sworn to protect her.
It’s about to get very hot… and bloody…

Ever since her mother was murdered by monsters five years ago, Shara Isador has been on the run. Alone, scared, and exhausted, she’s finally cornered in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Out of hope with nowhere else to turn, she’s ready to end it all when two men come to her rescue.

They say she’s a lost queen descended from Isis, and they’re her Blood, vampire knights sworn to protect her. It all seems like a crazy nightmare, until the alpha offers his blood. Then she realizes she’s never wanted anything more. Except maybe his body… and his friend’s, too.

But they’re not the only ones searching for a lost queen. Shara must learn how to wield her new powers quickly and conquer her fears if she intends to keep them all alive.

Paranormal romance with not one but TWO alphas who aren't domineering, controlling, or problematic. This book is awesome. Steamy, awesomely dangerous, and a story that is genuinely interesting with a plot twist. And consent is SO important in this. I love it so much and need the next book!

5 stars

Review: Menagerie

Menagerie: Menagerie | Rachel Vincent
Published by: Mira, September 29th 2015

Genre: Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 429

Format: Ebook

Source: Mira, via Netgalley

From New York Times bestselling author Rachel Vincent comes a richly imagined, provocative new series set in the dark mythology of the Menagerie… 

When Delilah Marlow visits a famous traveling carnival, Metzger's Menagerie, she is an ordinary woman in a not-quite-ordinary world. But under the macabre circus black-top, she discovers a fierce, sharp-clawed creature lurking just beneath her human veneer. Captured and put on exhibition, Delilah in her black swan burlesque costume is stripped of her worldly possessions, including her own name, as she's forced to "perform" in town after town. 

But there is breathtaking beauty behind the seamy and grotesque reality of the carnival. Gallagher, her handler, is as kind as he is cryptic and strong. The other "attractions"—mermaids, minotaurs, gryphons and kelpies—are strange, yes, but they share a bond forged by the brutal realities of captivity. And as Delilah struggles for her freedom, and for her fellow menagerie, she'll discover a strength and a purpose she never knew existed. 

Renowned author Rachel Vincent weaves an intoxicating blend of carnival magic and startling humanity in this intricately woven and powerful tale

I did not know what to expect from this, which is probably why I put off reading it for so long despite it being written by one of my auto-buy authors. I've seen reviews calling it literary which ... I do understand, as it raises questions about humanity, but it's very firmly fantasy, which made me happy.

Circus, supernatural creatures, and deep questions about what it means to be a sentient being? Hell yes. Honestly, this book does so many things so well, and I don't have enough time to praise them. But I want to touch on the main character, suddenly finding her rights stripped, suddenly being property of a menagerie, and being put in a position where she could have dropped all that, forgotten her situation, because of her relationship with one of her captors. AND SHE NEVER DID. Even as she liked the guy, she was aware of his position of power, of the imbalance, and that was never romanticised, which was perfect. Handled so well.

The writing is strong as always, but the storytelling in this is immense and blew me away. I love the characters and the relationships between them (not necessarily romance either, more friendships and familial bonds) but I'm amazed by how unique and creative this book is. I want to read the next one!

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★★

Writing ★★★★★

ARC Review: Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet

Magic Bitter, Magic Sweet | Charlie N. Holmberg

Published by: 47North, June 28th 2016

Genre: Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 306

Format: Ebook

Source: 47North, via Netgalley

Maire is a baker with an extraordinary gift: she can infuse her treats with emotions and abilities, which are then passed on to those who eat them. She doesn’t know why she can do this and remembers nothing of who she is or where she came from.

When marauders raid her town, Maire is captured and sold to the eccentric Allemas, who enslaves her and demands that she produce sinister confections, including a witch’s gingerbread cottage, a living cookie boy, and size-altering cakes.

During her captivity, Maire is visited by Fyel, a ghostly being who is reluctant to reveal his connection to her. The more often they meet, the more her memories return, and she begins to piece together who and what she really is—as well as past mistakes that yield cosmic consequences.

From the author of The Paper Magician series comes a haunting and otherworldly tale of folly and consequence, forgiveness and redemption.

Just what I expected from Holmberg: sad and cute and clever. There's not much more I can say than those 3 words, but I'll try to.

I loved that baking is peppered through this book - it is adorable, seriously. And the attention to detail is stunning, especially when each ingredient gives an emotion to the confection. There was a bunch of stuff in this book I didn't predict, which is always nice, and great characters - which I've come to expect from Charlie N. Holmberg after having read three of her books. This book also has a great world which blends familiar culture with a trickle of magic.

There's couple things I didn't love. The beginning feels really disconnected with the rest of the book - who are the marauders, why do they need slaves, why did they destroy the village? And the end was just a bit too perfectly wrapped up for me. But really, they're little niggles.

A unique tale with a classic fairy tale feel and just the right blend of romance, fantasy, and secrets.

Characters ★★★☆☆

Setting/world ★★★☆☆

Writing ★★★★☆

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Review: The Pyramids of London

The Trifold Age: The Pyramids of London | Andrea K. Höst 

Published: February 28th 2015

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Steampunk

Pages: 366

Format: Ebook

Source: Author, via Netgalley

In a world where lightning sustained the Roman Empire, and Egypt's vampiric god-kings spread their influence through medicine and good weather, tiny Prytennia's fortunes are rising with the ships that have made her undisputed ruler of the air.

But the peace of recent decades is under threat. Rome's automaton-driven wealth is waning along with the New Republic's supply of power crystals, while Sweden uses fear of Rome to add to her Protectorates. And Prytennia is under attack from the wind itself. Relentless daily blasts destroy crops, buildings, and lives, and neither the weather vampires nor Prytennia's Trifold Goddess have been able to find a way to stop them.

With events so grand scouring the horizon, the deaths of Eiliff and Aedric Tenning raise little interest. The official verdict is accident: two careless automaton makers, killed by their own construct.

The Tenning children and Aedric's sister, Arianne, know this cannot be true. Nothing will stop their search for what really happened.

Not even if, to follow the first clue, Aunt Arianne must sell herself to a vampire. 

Outstanding.

This book shouldn't work. Vampires and mythology and a totally reimagined world with elements of steampunk. It shouldn't but it does. Everything fits together seamlessly thanks to Höst's superior storytelling. I thought the lore and world might be seriously confusing, but it wasn't - it took a bit to get into but I loved how complex it was.

The characters were great - Makepeace was my favourite, and I'm really hoping the sequel isn't all about the kids as it sounds because I NEED more Comfrey and Arianne.

This book combines good old fashioned adventure, mystery, and paranormal, and it is thoroughly entertaining. There's so much I could praise - the blend of mythologies, the interesting monarchies, the promise of DRAGONS, the mythical creatures, the automaton thing, the vampire bond, the family relationships. EVERYTHING is so good. But what really stands out is the writing. Probably one of the best written books I've read in a while.

If you like original worlds, entertaining fantasy, and character driven stories, you have to read Pyramids of London.

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★★

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Followed By Frost (ARC Review)

Followed By Frost | Charlie N. Holmberg

Published by: 47 North, September 22nd 2015

Genre: Adult, (NA?), High Fantasy

Pages: 244

Format: Ebook

Source: 47North, via Netgalley

Seventeen-year-old Smitha has the wealth, status, and beauty that make her the envy of her town—until she rejects a strange man’s marriage proposal and disastrous consequences follow. Smitha becomes cursed, and frost begins to encompass everything she touches. Banished to the hills, hunted by villagers, and chilled to the very core of her soul, she finds companionship with Death, who longs to coax her into his isolated world. But Smitha’s desire for life proves stronger than despair, and a newfound purpose gives her renewed hope. Will regrets over the past and an unexpected desire for a man she cannot touch be enough to warm Smitha’s heart, or will Death forever still it?

I LOVED The Paper Magician so I jumped at the chance to read this book, and it didn't let me down. It started off and I wasn't so sure about it - I didn't really like the MC, what I thought was the love interest was creepy and just felt wrong, but I was interested in the curse and I liked the whole nomad, wandering woman thing. This book really came to life when Smitha met Prince Imad and left her homeland to bring her snow (a curse to her own people, a gift to Imad's) to the desert. And Smitha felt to change completely as a person, which at first was strange and unrealistic, despite three years having passed, but then I just didn't care because I liked the person she'd become.

Part of this book, especially the parts in the desert towns, were what I wanted from Fire and Thorns, which just didn't satisfy me. Followed By Frost was enthralling and unique, I didn't know what was coming next, and it was a perfect slow burn of a book. It took its time, and in that time built an amazing world and made me fall so hard in love with the characters. I felt for Smitha and her constant cold, and I loved Lo (oh Lo, let me count the ways I love thee) as much as she did, feeling her heartbreak when she couldn't have him. And the world building was so subtle but detailed that I felt I could see the places Smitha went, from the harsh mountains to the castle carved into sandstone, and even the background characters felt genuine and authentic.

I probably have small niggles, like the story wrapping too perfectly, and her curse breaking seeming a bit convenient, but I do not care. I loved this story, I ADORED the characters, and I'll forgive everything else. PLUS the love interest was a MOC, and most of the characters in this book were POC too! (Sadly not the main character...) And it felt like the desert kingdom (whose name has completely slipped my mind) was based on a middle eastern country instead of that cardboard cut-out medieval English-ish world most high fantasies are nowadays.

Everything works in this book's favour, and it's one of my favourite fantasy books I've read this year, so just read it.

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world-building ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

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The Singular and Extraordinary Tale... (ARC Review)

The Peculiar Adventures of John Loveheart, Esq: The Singular and Extraordinary Tale of Mirror and Goliath | Ishbelle Bee

Published by: Angry Robot, June 2nd 2015

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Historical

Pages: 194

Format: Ebook

Source: Angry Robot, via Netgalley

1888. A little girl called Mirror and her shape-shifting guardian Goliath Honeyflower are washed up on the shores of Victorian England. Something has been wrong with Mirror since the day her grandfather locked her inside a mysterious clock that was painted all over with ladybirds. Mirror does not know what she is, but she knows she is no longer human.

John Loveheart, meanwhile, was not born wicked. But after the sinister death of his parents, he was taken by Mr Fingers, the demon lord of the underworld. Some say he is mad. John would be inclined to agree.

Now Mr Fingers is determined to find the little girl called Mirror, whose flesh he intends to eat, and whose soul is the key to his eternal reign. And John Loveheart has been called by his otherworldly father to help him track Mirror down… 

I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I thought I would have from reading the first chapter. The title set me up for a book 100% about Mirror and Goliath, and while it is, it's all in a very roundabout way. Example: the policement main characters are investigating a girl who was killed by the man who made the clock that Mirror's grandfather stuffed her into. The story this book told wasn't the story that the title made me expect, but it was still very, peculiarly good.

I loved the parts about Mirror and Goliath the most. Mirror's sharp, inquisitive manner and Goliath's big-bear safety made them a truly unique pair. I didn't enjoy the parts that involved other characters as much as I enjoyed M&G's chapters - this would 100% have been a 5 star rating if it'd been all those two. There's something purely interesting about them. I want to know everything about their lives, their whole stories with nothing left out.

There were a lot of things I loved about this book. I've already touched on my two favourite characters. The setting is the Victorian Era brought to life with wonderful words and lyrical similies. I highlighted huge swaths of text on my kindle - it's that good, entirely, exquisitely quotable. The story is dark and twisty and exciting, too. But I just didn't connect with a good portion of the characters, and at some parts I was reading and thought 'why are we hearing about this person? can we go back to the main story now?'. The similies, while lovely and evocative, got a little too repetitive after a while. Everything was fairy tale, or from a fairy tale, or reminiscent of a fairy tale character. This was more than likley intentional on the part of the author but it got a bit tedious towards the end. Still would 100% recommend, though.

A solid, original fantasy with writing that overflows with imagination and magic.

Characters ★★★☆☆

Setting/world-building ★★★☆☆

Writing ★★★★☆

5 Mini reviews (Jan-March)

A Heart For Copper | Sharon Lynn Fisher

Published by: Silkwords, June 6th 2014

Genre: Steampunk, Fantasy

Pages: 67

Format: Ebook

Source: Silkwords, via Netgalley

An automaton created by an inventor's son, Copper has finally been given a heart by her young master. Her choice of whether to keep the key or give it to him will determine what happens next in this "pick your path" steampunk fairy tale. 

Will she join his family in their English country manor, where she'll be forced to consider the question of whether she's really human? Or will she search out the quirky alchemist responsible for giving her life? Will her master hold onto her heart, or will she be tempted by the charms of an automaton man?

This little book was a cute, steampunk tale. I liked the premise of the story, and the choose your own adventure format of the book, even if I did get mightily confused at first. It's easy to follow the progression of the story and fun to choose the outcome, to decide which choices the character makes.

I feel that the choices I made resulted in a much shorter story than the other choices would have made, but I'm pleased with the tale. I would love for it to continue, and for Copper's story to be explored more, since the end is left wide open. The one thing I didn't like was that there was a romance element between the MC and her 'master'. As usual, I hate this term and this trope, but I loved there was an alternate option, with a pretty cute boy who was more like Copper than her master. The brevity of the story didn't allow for much, if any, character development, and I didn't understand or connect with any of the characters but I suspect I would have if it were longer. The same goes for the world building - it was impressive for such a short story, but I needed more.

All in all, a unique steampunk tale in which a clockwork girl learns to make human choices - I wish it was longer!!

These are the choices I made

I keep the key.

Stay with Hephaesta and Silk.

Characters ★★★☆☆

Setting/world building ★★★☆☆

Writing ★★★☆☆

Periwinkle Cove | Cassandra Pierce

Published by: Less Than Three Press, March 18th 2015

Genre: Adult, Paranormal, LGBT, Mermaids

Pages: /

Format: Ebook

Source: Less Than Three Press, via Netgalley

One year ago Darcy's lover, Gail, died in a mysterious accident at a seaside cottage. When Darcy learns that she has only three months to live, she decides it's time to return to the cottage, both to ready it for sale and to prepare for her own end.

Instead, she finds herself attempting to discover what really happened to Gail. Assisting her in the quest is Livia, a mysterious new acquaintance with a peculiar connection to the sea who claims she also may know a way to save Darcy's life...

Had high hopes for this book, since it's a f/f romance and features mermaids, but the execution let it down. From the first page I wasn't completely sure I liked it, and by halfway through I knew I didn't. The main character falls into insta-love with a woman in one conversation (she mentions the love interest understanding her in a way no one else ever did), something I expect from some YA but not adult fiction, and I could tell it wasn't going anywhere I wanted to read. 

DNF at 48%

Bone Gap | Laura Ruby

Published by: Balzer + Bray, March 3rd 2015

Genre: YA, Fantasy

Pages: 369

Format: Ebook

Source: Balzer + Bray, via Edelweiss

Everyone knows Bone Gap is full of gaps—gaps to trip you up, gaps to slide through so you can disappear forever. So when young, beautiful Roza went missing, the people of Bone Gap weren’t surprised. After all, it wasn’t the first time that someone had slipped away and left Finn and Sean O’Sullivan on their own. Just a few years before, their mother had high-tailed it to Oregon for a brand new guy, a brand new life. That’s just how things go, the people said. Who are you going to blame?

Finn knows that’s not what happened with Roza. He knows she was kidnapped, ripped from the cornfields by a dangerous man whose face he cannot remember. But the searches turned up nothing, and no one believes him anymore. Not even Sean, who has more reason to find Roza than anyone, and every reason to blame Finn for letting her go.

As we follow the stories of Finn, Roza, and the people of Bone Gap—their melancholy pasts, their terrifying presents, their uncertain futures—acclaimed author Laura Ruby weaves a heartbreaking tale of love and loss, magic and mystery, regret and forgiveness—a story about how the face the world sees is never the sum of who we are.

Everything about this book suggests I would love it. It doesn't hesitate to explore important topics like race and feminism. It's magical realism. Everyone and their dog rates it. But I just can't get into it. I've read, over the course of three months, 22% and I cannot get into it. I can't connect with the main character, can't figure out what the plot is, and I don't have a shred of interest in what happens - which I should have by this point. The only part I liked was one scene from another characters POV but I haven't heard from her since. I've tried around six times to read more than a few percent at a time but it's just not for me right now. I'm sad to say I can't finish this, but hopefully a few years from now I'll try it again and adore it. We'll see.

DNF at 22%

Toxic Love | Jax Garren

Published by: Silkwords, June 22nd 2014

Genre: Adult, Post-Apocalyptic

Pages: 187

Format: Ebook

Source: Silkwords, via Netgalley

A mutation allows Chloe to breathe the poisoned air of post-atoxalyptic USA. GenFriends promises her a life of luxury and ease … as soon as she picks a man to start making babies with. 

SilkWords LLC is the go-to source for interactive women’s fiction. Blurring the line between fiction and gaming, SilkWords.com offers high quality romance and erotica that allows individual readers to choose how stories proceed. Two formats are available: branched fiction ("pick your path") and linear stories that are produced with reader participation. Future phases will focus on development of a SilkWords community by adding more levels of interactivity for both authors and readers. SilkWords is a place for smart, busy, adventurous women to unwind and have fun. To learn more about our unique reading experience, visit www.silkwords.com.

I was hoping this would be a great little story, like A Heart For Copper, but I didn't enjoy it. I didn't connect to the main character, wasn't such a fan of the post-apocalyptic setting (since very little history was actually explained), and the romance just didn't feel right from the get go. I started to get the sense that it was more an erotic story with hints of apocalypse than the other way around, as I'd assumed. Possibly the cover should have tipped me off, but I was optimistic. Wish I liked this, but couldn't.

DNF

Lois Lane: A Real Work of Art | Gwenda Bond

Published by: Capstone, March 4th 2015

Genre: YA, Mystery

Pages: 17

Format: Ebook

Source: Capstone, via Netgalley

In high school art class, Lois Lane demonstrates her undeniable talent . . . but not for painting.

This is an official teaser short story for the young adult novel LOIS LANE: FALLOUT that takes place before Lois moves to Metropolis.

This short story is jam packed with personality, energy, and enthusiasm. I absolutely LOVED it! I wouldn't have thought it possible to get such a strong sense of Lois in these few pages but Gwenda Bond proved me wrong. This is such a fun little tale and gives the perfect insight into Lois's initiative and detective skills, and I for one cannot wait to get my hands on Lois Lane: Fallout.

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world building ★★★☆☆

Writing ★★★★☆