Review: These Rebel Waves

Read if you like: the most unique fantasy world and magic system you'll ever find, characters so complex you love them (so much!) and the biggest plot twist you'll never see coming.

These Rebel Waves | Sara Raasch

Series: Stream Raiders

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Queer, Diverse
Released: August 7th 2018
Pages: 474
Format: Ebook
Source: Publisher

Adeluna is a soldier. Five years ago, she helped the magic-rich island of Grace Loray overthrow its oppressor, Argrid, a country ruled by religion. But adjusting to postwar life has not been easy. When an Argridian delegate vanishes during peace talks with Grace Loray’s new Council, Argrid demands brutal justice—but Lu suspects something more dangerous is at work.

Devereux is a pirate. As one of the outlaws called stream raiders who run rampant on Grace Loray, he pirates the island’s magic plants and sells them on the black market. But after Argrid accuses raiders of the diplomat’s abduction, Vex becomes a target. An expert navigator, he agrees to help Lu find the Argridian—but the truth they uncover could be deadlier than any war.

Benat is a heretic. The crown prince of Argrid, he harbors a secret obsession with Grace Loray’s forbidden magic. When Ben’s father, the king, gives him the shocking task of reversing Argrid’s fear of magic, Ben has to decide if one prince can change a devout country—or if he’s building his own pyre.

As conspiracies arise, Lu, Vex, and Ben will have to decide who they really are . . . and what they are willing to become for peace.

This is honestly one of my favourite books, and I wasn't even sure if I was gonna like it. But the characters - Lu, ex-rebel-assassin, Vex, rogue pirate, Ben, heir to a kingdom he hates, and a pirate crew who are AWESOME - sucked me in. I love the whole gang, and there was a moment at the end where it was Avengers-level epicness.

Plus everything else is darn cool too - magic that's formed by using PLANTS, an island recovering from war, a kingdom that revolves around being pious and where being sinful can get you burned for witchcraft, PIRACY, a war in the making, and a really unique, fascinating world that's written so well. I loved this, and those plot twists at the end only made me love it more. But seriously. So-and-so is WHO??? And WHAT just happened to the main character?? I need the next book right now, and would start reading it immediately if I had it.

Extra note to say there's a tonne of POC in this, queer characters (FOUR! Not just a token one. Four!), and Vex is visually impaired!

5+ stars

Review: Mask of Shadows

Read if you like: fantasy worlds that are gender and sexuality inclusive, assassins, thieves, and to-the-death competitions.

Mask of Shadows | Linsey Miller

Series: Mask of Shadows

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Assassins
Released: August 29th 2017
Pages: 352
Format: Ebook
Source: Publisher

I Needed to Win.
They Needed to Die.

Sallot Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants nothing more than to escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and get closer to the upper-class—and the nobles who destroyed their home.

When Sal steals a flyer for an audition to become a member of The Left Hand—the Queen’s personal assassins, named after the rings she wears—Sal jumps at the chance to infiltrate the court and get revenge.

But the audition is a fight to the death filled with clever circus acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a common criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. And as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the heart of Elise, an intriguing scribe at court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future, but one that Sal can have only if they survive.

Hard to resist making my entire review about Ruby and HOW RUDE that ending was. He was my fave, thank you.

I was surprised by this book. It draws from familiar (slightly overdone) fantasy elements - assassin/thief, a contest) but does it in such a unique way. I loved the gemstone elements, the elite of assassins that is the Hand, and the genderfluid, queer main character. This book is exciting, dramatic, and full of dangers - and at the heart of it, grief and revenge. There's competition, romance, friendship, and plenty of murder. I really liked it.

4.5 stars

Review: Daughter Of The Burning City

Daughter of The Burning City | Amanda Foody

Published by: HQ, September 7th 2017

Genre: Fantasy, LGBT+

Pages: 416

Format: Paperback

Source: Purchased

Sixteen-year-old Sorina has spent most of her life within the smoldering borders of the Gomorrah Festival. Yet even among the many unusual members of the traveling circus-city, Sorina stands apart as the only illusion-worker born in hundreds of years. This rare talent allows her to create illusions that others can see, feel and touch, with personalities all their own. Her creations are her family, and together they make up the cast of the Festival’s Freak Show.

But no matter how lifelike they may seem, her illusions are still just that—illusions, and not truly real. Or so she always believed…until one of them is murdered.

Desperate to protect her family, Sorina must track down the culprit and determine how they killed a person who doesn’t actually exist. Her search for answers leads her to the self-proclaimed gossip-worker Luca, and their investigation sends them through a haze of political turmoil and forbidden romance, and into the most sinister corners of the Festival. But as the killer continues murdering Sorina’s illusions one by one, she must unravel the horrifying truth before all of her loved ones disappear.

Illusions that can be killed? Heck yes.

This book's concept is awesome. I love the plot, the illusions themselves, and I especially love Gomorrah. What a cool, unique circus (a travelling CITY that's ON FIRE.) While sharing many traits with other circus books, this manages to stand out too. It's dramatic and dangerous and so magical, and even has political elements which I always like. I just didn't fall for the characters at all, even if I found them interesting. What I really liked about this book was the illustrations and character profiles throughout; they are so creepy. And I only predicted the killer towards the end, so I consider that a plot twist well done. Speaking of ... there's a pretty shocking plot twist about one of the characters I did NOT see coming at all, and it's so cool (and tragic, really.)

There's nothing to not like about this book.

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

#FreeReads - Stag's Run

Read if you like: queer romance, sweeping fantasy worlds, political tension, assassinations

Stag's Run | Zaya Feli

Series: Iron Breakers

Published by: Zaya Feli, November 18th 2016
Genre: Fantasy, LGBTQ+
Pages: 237
Format: Ebook
Source: Free on Kindle

Ren Frayne is the bastard son of the Queen of Frayne, a title he’s more than comfortable with when it brings him limited responsibilities and all the luxuries of life he could ever want. But when the king and Ren’s half-brother, Crown Prince Hellic are brutally murdered, Ren is accused. Now, he is forced to flee the city together with the mysterious prisoner Anik who may know how to survive in the wild, but who seems to have an agenda of his own, one that may spell danger for Ren.

Ren’s accuser now sits on his family’s throne, and things are about to get much, much worse. It may be time to seek help in unexpected places. 

There's a lot I could talk about with this book - the great characterisation, the growth, the well written world, the tense and exciting politics, the fast pace that kept me reading - but I just want to dwell on one particular plot point, and that's the fact that cows basically save the day. Cow soldiers. Cattle as secret weapons. This book is great - read it!

Review: The Gentleman's Guide To Vice & Virtue

The Gentleman's Guide To Vice & Virtue | Mackenzi Lee

Published by: Katherine Tegen Books, June 27th 2017

Genre: YA, Historical, LGBT+

Pages: 513

Format: Ebook

Source: Katherine Tegen Books, via Edelweiss

Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men.

But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy.

Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.

I have several bones to pick with this book. I thought it was going to be a lighthearted, fun romp through Europe, and admittedly, it was, but I never signed on for all this heartache and pain and ANGST.

Monty and Percy and Felicity are the best characters I could ever ask for. I love all of them. They make this book so easy to love, and I identify so hard with Felicity. I can't wait to read her next adventures. As for the other two, they hurt me so much with their unrequited-but-actually-requited love, their longing glances, little touches, Gods, I love them. I'm so happy this book ended the way it did.

This book was so much more dangerous than I expected though, with everything from highwaymen to pirates to to-the-death fights on a crypt-island. Add to that a healthy dose of sarcasm, humour, and romance, and I honestly could not have loved it more. I do keep calling it The Gentleman's Guide to The Galaxy, though.

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★★

Writing ★★★★★

Review: The Tiger's Watch

Ashes of Gold: The Tiger's Watch | Julia Ember

Published by: Harmony Ink Press, August 22nd 2017

Genre: YA, Fantasy, LGBT+

Pages: 400

Format: Ebook

Source: Harmony Ink Press, via Netgalley

Sixteen-year-old Tashi has spent their life training as a inhabitor, a soldier who spies and kills using a bonded animal. When the capital falls after a brutal siege, Tashi flees to a remote monastery to hide. But the invading army turns the monastery into a hospital, and Tashi catches the eye of Xian, the regiment’s fearless young commander.

Tashi spies on Xian’s every move. In front of his men, Xian seems dangerous, even sadistic, but Tashi discovers a more vulnerable side of the enemy commander—a side that draws them to Xian.

When their spying unveils that everything they’ve been taught is a lie, Tashi faces an impossible choice: save their country or the boy they’re growing to love. Though Tashi grapples with their decision, their volatile bonded tiger doesn't question her allegiances. Katala slaughters Xian’s soldiers, leading the enemy to hunt her. But an inhabitor’s bond to their animal is for life—if Katala dies, so will Tashi.

This is the second book I've read by Julia Ember, so I knew it was gonna be good, but this was SO much better than I even predicted.

I pretty much loved this from page one. It starts with action and throws you right into the world and danger, and I connected with Tashi, the main character, instantly, along with her bonded tiger (who is an adorable killing machine and I want her to be my bestie.) There's so much I loved in this book, from the setting (a monastery!) to the cast of characters (ranging from people soul bonded with animals via magic to monks to invading soldiers) to Tashi, our non-binary hero, to the story itself. I blew through the book, and was at 75% in the space of a blink, I was so absorbed reading it. I even ... felt really bad for the villain (maybe villain? I'm hopeful for him redeeming himself because that boy has serious secrets.)

I honestly CANNOT wait until the next book. There's so much this series can do and so many places it can go, and I know I'm gonna love it.

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Review: Queer, There, and Everywhere

Queer, There and Everywhere | Sarah Prager

Published by: HarperCollins, May 23rd 2017

Genre: History, LGBTQ+

Pages: 272

Format: Ebook

Source: HarperCollins, via Edelweiss

This first-ever LGBTQ history book for young adults will appeal to fans of fun, empowering pop-culture books like Rad American Women A-Z and Notorious RBG.

World history has been made by countless lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals—and you’ve never heard of many of them. Queer author and activist Sarah Prager delves deep into the lives of 22 people who fought, created, and loved on their own terms. From high-profile figures like Abraham Lincoln and Eleanor Roosevelt to the trailblazing gender-ambiguous Queen of Sweden and a bisexual blues singer who didn’t make it into your history books, these astonishing true stories uncover a rich queer heritage that encompasses every culture, in every era.

By turns hilarious and inspiring, the beautifully illustrated Queer, There, and Everywhere is for anyone who wants the real story of the queer rights movement.

"And as we see in all of these transformative lives, and from the effect reading them has on us today, however you want to live is valid and important-because the mere fact of you, living, makes the world more radiant.

Live bravely."

Um? So I'm meant to review this now? Can my review be a recording of me sitting in a corner, crying in gratitude and understanding of these people? (And crying from anger on their behalf, too.)

Look, bottom line: read this. Queer or not, read it. Trans or NB or Cis, read it. It will make you feel a full gamut of feelings - hopelessness, despair, fury, empathy, and it'll probably make you smile and laugh. Most of all, if you are queer, this book is full of so much hope and determination. This book is a gift. I want a second volume immediately!

Review: The Upside of Unrequited

The Upside of Unrequited | Becky Albertalli

Published by: Balzer+Bray, April 11th 2017

Genre: Contemporary, Diverse

Pages: 560

Format: Ebook

Source: Balzer+Bray, via Edelweiss

Seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso knows all about unrequited love—she’s lived through it twenty-six times. She crushes hard and crushes often, but always in secret. Because no matter how many times her twin sister, Cassie, tells her to woman up, Molly can’t stomach the idea of rejection. So she’s careful. Fat girls always have to be careful.

Then a cute new girl enters Cassie’s orbit, and for the first time ever, Molly’s cynical twin is a lovesick mess. Meanwhile, Molly’s totally not dying of loneliness—except for the part where she is. Luckily, Cassie’s new girlfriend comes with a cute hipster-boy sidekick. Will is funny and flirtatious and just might be perfect crush material. Maybe more than crush material. And if Molly can win him over, she’ll get her first kiss and she’ll get her twin back. 

There’s only one problem: Molly’s coworker Reid. He’s an awkward Tolkien superfan with a season pass to the Ren Faire, and there’s absolutely no way Molly could fall for him. Right?

One of the cutest, sweetest, full-of-hope books I've read in a long time. 

I love how there's so many facets of the story, with Molly's work, her family life, her relationship with her sister, her new circle of friends, her moms' wedding, and her romance. I especially love how the main cast are queer and POC (even if Molly herself is straight.) The characters are so full of life and sarcasm and emotion, and I love them all. This is just perfect. I smiled, I laughed, I surprised myself by crying. I don't have the right words to explain how much I loved reading this.

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★☆☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Review: Of Fire & Stars

Of Fire & Stars | Audrey Coulthurst

Published by: Balzer+Bray, November 22nd 2016

Genre: YA, High Fantasy, Magic, LGBTQ+

Pages: 389

Format: Ebook

Source: Balzer+Bray, via Edelweiss

Betrothed since childhood to the prince of Mynaria, Princess Dennaleia has always known what her future holds. Her marriage will seal the alliance between Mynaria and her homeland, protecting her people from other hostile lands. But Denna has a secret. She possesses an Affinity for fire—a dangerous gift for the future queen of a kingdom where magic is forbidden.

Now, Denna must learn the ways of her new home while trying to hide her growing magic. To make matters worse, she must learn to ride Mynaria’s formidable warhorses—and her teacher is the person who intimidates her most, the prickly and unconventional Princess Amaranthine—called Mare—the sister of her betrothed.

When a shocking assassination leaves the kingdom reeling, Mare and Denna reluctantly join forces to search for the culprit. As the two become closer, Mare is surprised by Denna’s intelligence and bravery, while Denna is drawn to Mare’s independent streak. And soon their friendship is threatening to blossom into something more.

But with dangerous conflict brewing that makes the alliance more important than ever, acting on their feelings could be deadly. Forced to choose between their duty and their hearts, Mare and Denna must find a way to save their kingdoms—and each other. 

Political fantasy, a lesbian MC, and a bi love interest? Oh, book, you spoil me.  Except for the end ... that was mean. This book is awesome at so much - relations between different kingdoms and their alliances,  realistic rebellions and anti-rebellions, magic that's cool and just feels natural, and a romance  that isn't rushed or too slow, shallow or too over-the-top.  It's perfect, all of it - character, dialogue, world, danger, the HORSES. I'm so glad I read this.  I will say one thing though - very open ending. Everything I've seen says this is a standalone but  I need a sequel!

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Review: Stolen Ink

Ink Born: Stolen Ink | Holly Evans

Published: February 10th 2017

Genre: NA, Urban Fantasy, Magic, LGBT

Pages: 199

Format: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

I’m Dacian, a tattoo magician, and my life went from my biggest concern being finding a pretty guy to fall into bed with at the end of the week to everything falling apart around me.

There are two problems in my life.

Number one – I’m an ink magician, the thing of myths. A lot of very powerful people would love to get their hands on me, and I have no intention of letting that happen.

Number two – A tattoo thief came to my city, and the magical community has decided that I’m the guy to stop them.

Somehow, I have to catch the thief without letting my secret out of the bag, and that’s even harder than it sounds. 

This blew me away! Exciting, super unique plot, cute m/m romance, gay supporting cast, ace lady shifter - all my fave things! Instead of regular magic and same-y supernaturals we have tattoo magicians (!!!), dreamwalkers, and magic breakers. It's awesome, and so unique, and I loved every moment of it. The relationships between characters, romantic AND platonic, are so heartwarming and they made this book so strong. And did I mention that there's A CAT that comes out of A TATTOO and is a sassy perf creature who I want to keep? The only downside is I suspected Isaiah ALL the way through - I thought he was an evil tattoo-stealing thief who would turn around and kill Dacian, so I never trusted him.

This book is grounded in characters and love but the magic itself brings this book to life. Read this book - you won't regret it. Stolen Ink is unforgettable. 

Characters ★★★★☆

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Review: City of Strife

City of Spires: City of Strife | Claudie Arseneault

Published: February 22nd 2017

Genre: Fantasy, LGBTQ+

Pages: 458

Format: Ebook

Source: Author

Isandor, City of Spires.

A hundred and thirty years have passed since Arathiel last set foot in his home city. Isandor hasn’t changed—bickering merchant families still vie for power through eccentric shows of wealth—but he has. His family is long dead, a magical trap has dulled his senses, and he returns seeking a sense of belonging now long lost.

Arathiel hides in the Lower City, piecing together a new life among in a shelter dedicated to the homeless and the poor, befriending an uncommon trio: the Shelter’s rageful owner, Larryn, his dark elven friend Hasryan, and Cal the cheese-loving halfling. When Hasryan is accused of Isandor's most infamous assassination of the last decade, what little peace Arathiel has managed to find for himself is shattered. Hasryan is innocent… he thinks. In order to save him, Arathiel may have to shatter the shreds of home he’d managed to build for himself.

Arathiel could appeal to the Dathirii—a noble elven family who knew him before he disappeared—but he would have to stop hiding, and they have battles of their own to fight. The idealistic Lord Dathirii is waging a battle of honour and justice against the cruel Myrian Empire, objecting to their slavery, their magics, and inhumane treatment of their apprentices. One he could win, if only he could convince Isandor’s rulers to stop courting Myrian’s favours for profit.

In the ripples that follow Diel’s opposition, friendships shatter and alliances crumble. Arathiel, the Dathirii, and everyone in Isandor fights to preserve their homes, even if the struggle changes them irrevocably.

I thought this book would be pretty damn cool, but I seriously underestimated how much I'd 100% LOVE it.  - So so original world that I just loved - Super tense politics and alliances that were just fascinating and compelling, and different houses of power that are really awesome and make this book stand out. -It's sad and hopeful and full of love - both romantic and platonic. It gave me a whole lot of feelings. - My #1 complaint? Not enough Diel and Jaeger!! They're so cute and endearing and I loved reading about them and the ease of their relationship. I want more of them. I'd happily read a whole book about them! - Every character is expertly written and each one stood out in their own way. - It also has a chilling portrayal of abuse that's very well done. -City of Strife is superbly well written, tense, detailed in all the best ways, and full of emotion. 100% recommend.

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆