Review: Rosemarked

Read if you like: stand-out originality, poisons and healers, sweeping political fantasy, and heartfelt romance.

Rosemarked | Livia Blackburne

Series: Rosemarked

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy, High Fantasy
Released: November 7th 2017
Pages: 390
Format: Ebook
Source: Publisher

A healer who cannot be healed . . .

When Zivah falls prey to the deadly rose plague, she knows it’s only a matter of time before she fully succumbs. Now she’s destined to live her last days in isolation, cut off from her people and unable to practice her art—until a threat to her village creates a need that only she can fill.

A soldier shattered by war . . .

Broken by torture at the hands of the Amparan Empire, Dineas thirsts for revenge against his captors. Now escaped and reunited with his tribe, he’ll do anything to free them from Amparan rule—even if it means undertaking a plan that risks not only his life but his very self.

Thrust together on a high-stakes mission to spy on the capital, the two couldn’t be more different: Zivah, deeply committed to her vow of healing, and Dineas, yearning for vengeance. But as they grow closer, they must find common ground to protect those they love. And amidst the constant fear of discovery, the two grapple with a mutual attraction that could break both of their carefully guarded hearts.

This smart, sweeping fantasy with a political edge and a slow-burning romance will capture fans of The Lumatere Chronicles and An Ember in the Ashes. 

This is a slow, incredibly unique fantasy with great worldbuilding. I really enjoyed this book, especially the disease and poisons elements, and the fact that the main characters were a warrior and a healer. I liked their dynamic, too. I thought this was a stand alone, but I'll probably read the next book to see how their relationship develops. This has a lot of great elements too that makes me want to continue: the politics, the war, the different tribes of people, and the memorable characters. I'd definitely recommend it if you want a fantasy that isn't too fast, loud, or violent. This has a good balance of all that, but with slow moments too.

3.5 stars

Review: Carry On

Read if you like: chosen one plots that subvert EVERYTHING, romance that makes you cry (and smile at the same time?), and awesome side characters you want to be besties with.

Carry On | Rainbow Rowell

Genre: YA Fantasy
Released: February 25th 2016
Pages: 518
Format: Paperback
Source: Gift

A #1 New York Times-bestseller
Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who's ever been chosen.

That's what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he's probably right.

Half the time, Simon can't even make his wand work, and the other half, he starts something on fire. His mentor's avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there's a magic-eating monster running around, wearing Simon's face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here — it's their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon's infuriating nemesis didn't even bother to show up.

Carry On - The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow is a ghost story, a love story and a mystery. It has just as much kissing and talking as you'd expect from a Rainbow Rowell story - but far, far more monsters.

Oh my gods, THIS BOOK.

I didn't even know if I would LIKE this and it has somehow become tied with ACOWAR for my favourite book of this year. This book is real magic. I will read it again and again.

5 stars

Review: The Fifth Doll

The Fifth Doll | Charlie N. Holmberg

Published by: 47North, July 25th 2017

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 322

Format: Ebook

Source: 47North, via Netgalley

The bestselling author of The Paper Magician Series transports readers to a darkly whimsical world where strange magic threatens a quiet village that only a courageous woman can save.

Matrona lives in an isolated village, where her life is centered on pleasing her parents. She’s diligent in her chores and has agreed to marry a man of their choosing. But a visit to Slava, the local tradesman, threatens to upend her entire life.

Entering his empty house, Matrona discovers a strange collection of painted nesting dolls—one for every villager. Fascinated, she can’t resist the urge to open the doll with her father’s face. But when her father begins acting strangely, she realizes Slava’s dolls are much more than they seem.

When he learns what she’s done, Slava seizes the opportunity to give Matrona stewardship over the dolls—whether she wants it or not. Forced to open one of her own dolls every three days, she falls deeper into the grim power of Slava’s creations. But nothing can prepare her for the profound secret hiding inside the fifth doll. 

This book has many secrets inside it. There's always a wistful, fairy-tale feel to Charlie N. Holmberg's books, and that was definitely present in the Fifth Doll. The setting is eerie and feels true to traditional Russian life, and sets it apart from other books, and I enjoyed the story. What I really liked was the characters - Matrona and Jaska were my favourites - and the dolls themselves, which somehow managed to be magical and terrifying. I would not want one of those things painted for me. One of the best things about this is the reason for the dolls existing, and for the village Matrona lives in. Without spoiling anything, there's a reason there are dolls of every single person living there, and it's actually really interesting. Even if the dollmaker is pretty unsettling and scary.

I enjoyed this book. Not my favourite ever, but still special in its own way.

Characters ★★★☆☆

Setting/world ★★★☆☆

Writing ★★★☆☆

Review: Avenged

Ruined: Avenged | Amy Tintera

Published by: HarperTeen, May 2nd 2017

Genre: YA, High Fantasy, Magic

Pages: 416

Format: Ebook

Source: HarperTeen, via Edelweiss

In the sequel to Ruined, the romance of The Selection and the epic stakes of Red Queen come together in a story of revenge, adventure, and unexpected love.

Emelina Flores has come home to Ruina. After rescuing her sister Olivia from imprisonment in rival kingdom Lera, Em and Olivia together vow to rebuild Ruina to its former glory. 

But their fight has only begun. Olivia is determined to destroy everyone who acts against Ruina, but Em isn’t as sure. Ever since Em posed as Prince Casimir’s betrothed in Lera, she’s started to see another side to this war. And now that Cas has taken the throne, Em believes a truce is within reach. But Olivia suspects that Em’s romantic feelings for Cas are just coloring her judgement.

Em is determined to bring peace to her home. But when winning the war could mean betraying her family, Em faces an impossible choice between loyalty and love. Em must stay one step ahead of her enemies—and her blood—before she’s the next victim in this battle for sovereignty.

These books are INTENSE. After reading quite a few sequels in the past year that were nowhere near as good as the first book, I was really worried about Avenged I loved Em and Cas SO MUCH in Ruined and I didn't want their story to decline, but I needn't have worried. This book is every bit as tense and dangerous and romantic as the first book. I only have a few thoughts about this book (I mostly have feeeeelings) so I'll list them here: -Olivia is TERRIFYING. Scariest non-villain villain in a book I've read. It's more unsettling because she means well, and every person she murders is for the good of her people. But her complete lack of feeling when she murders entire groups of people? Terrifying -Aren, poor, tortured Aren. Confession: going into this book, I could not remember Aren at all, but he came into himself as a character in this book and I loved him. I can't wait to see how he handles his evolving power and that ending. -The supporting characters make this book so much stronger. Noble guard Galo and his boyfriend. Newcomer Violet, another strong female character. Iria, conflicted warrior and all-around great person. August, pain in the ass (but he did up the tension so I guess he has some purpose as a human being, though I'm really struggling for something nice to say.) This is just such a good book, and every bit as scary and heartfelt as Ruined, just on a bigger and more exciting scale and with more conflict and heartache for Em. I'm so happy this sequel was strong!

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★☆☆

Review: The Hunted

Hunted | Meagan Spooner

Published by: Harper Teen, March 14th 2017

Genre: Fantasy, Retellings, Fairy Tales, Magic

Pages: 352

Format: Ebook

Source: HarperTeen, via Edelweiss

Beauty knows the Beast’s forest in her bones—and in her blood. Though she grew up with the city’s highest aristocrats, far from her father’s old lodge, she knows that the forest holds secrets and that her father is the only hunter who’s ever come close to discovering them. 

So when her father loses his fortune and moves Yeva and her sisters back to the outskirts of town, Yeva is secretly relieved. Out in the wilderness, there’s no pressure to make idle chatter with vapid baronessas…or to submit to marrying a wealthy gentleman. But Yeva’s father’s misfortune may have cost him his mind, and when he goes missing in the woods, Yeva sets her sights on one prey: the creature he’d been obsessively tracking just before his disappearance. 

Deaf to her sisters’ protests, Yeva hunts this strange Beast back into his own territory—a cursed valley, a ruined castle, and a world of creatures that Yeva’s only heard about in fairy tales. A world that can bring her ruin or salvation. Who will survive: the Beauty, or the Beast?

A perfect, delicate blend of Russian folklore, Beauty+The Beast, and an altogether new kind of magic.

I can't rave about this book enough. The setting is vast and detailed and so well built from the very beginning. The relationships between Yeva and her family, winding through the whole book, works so well with the dangerous, seductive, heartfelt story of Beast and Yeva. I just love everything - the magic, the tragedy, the heartbreak lying just under the surface, the huntress Beauty, the tormented Beast, the slow-burn liking to slow-burn love. This book is pure magic. I want to read it all over again.

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★★

Writing ★★★★★

Review: Wolf Magic

Wolves of Faerie: Wolf Magic | W.B. McKay

Published: January 23rd 2017

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Wolves

Pages: 132

Format: Ebook

Source: Purchased

The road to revenge is paved with sacrifice. 

Julia Grayson is a werewolf on a mission. When she learns of a suspicious murder she sets her sights on her old home town. As the case unfolds, she can’t help noticing the similarity to the murder of her family. 

Desperate to believe this is the lead that will fulfill her long-awaited revenge, she's determined not to let any distractions get in her way. Appeasing the local pack is the last obstacle she needs, but if she doesn’t want to lose her best lead in a century, she’ll have to play nice. Unfortunately, that also means having to deal with Nathaniel, a man from her past who is both tempting and infuriating. 

When it becomes clear the killers will not stop their deadly mission, it will take Julia and the pack working in harmony with their natural enemies if she wants to protect her home and satisfy her need for vengeance.

Do you know what I don't like about this book? Nothing. Nada. There's literally no issue I can  come up with. Julia wasn't snarky and stubborn enough? She certainly was. Nathaniel  wasn't charming and adorable enough? Yeah, that's not a problem either. The story wasn't  fascinating and mysterious and full of supernatural suspense and danger? The premise wasn't  unique enough? There wasn't enough super extra cool magic? Can't find one complaint.  I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't the best urban fantasy novel of 2017.  I'm desperate for the second book.

Characters ★★★★★

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆

Review: Traitor To The Throne

Rebel of The Sands: Traitor To The Throne | Alwyn Hamilton

Published by: Faber & Faber, February 2nd 2017

Genre: YA, Fantasy, Magic, Djinn

Pages: 592

Format: Ebook

Source: Faber & Faber, via Edelweiss

This is not about blood or love. This is about treason.

Nearly a year has passed since Amani and the rebels won their epic battle at Fahali. Amani has come into both her powers and her reputation as the Blue-Eyed Bandit, and the Rebel Prince's message has spread across the desert - and some might say out of control. But when a surprise encounter turns into a brutal kidnapping, Amani finds herself betrayed in the cruellest manner possible.

Stripped of her powers and her identity, and torn from the man she loves, Amani must return to her desert-girl's instinct for survival. For the Sultan's palace is a dangerous one, and the harem is a viper's nest of suspicion, fear and intrigue. Just the right place for a spy to thrive... But spying is a dangerous game, and when ghosts from Amani's past emerge to haunt her, she begins to wonder if she can trust her own treacherous heart.

Ughhhhhhhhhh that ending makes me mad.

Dare I say this was actually better than book one? The rebellion built in exciting, unpredictable ways. I love how the world expands in this book, and the deeper look at culture we get. I love how the characters are written, how they interact with each other, and how they're all badass in their own way. Jin and Amani are still perfect, and I got a new ship in this book (which sunk, thanks a lot, book!) which was cool. What was really interesting was how this book showed the enemy - i.e. as a person with ideals and good intentions too. This was clever and sneaky and made me doubt the rebellion.

Even more supernatural awesomeness, more action, more tension, and more of my favourite snarky characters.

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 ★★★★☆

ARC Review: Flamecaster

Shattered Realms: Flamecaster | Cinda Williams Chima

Published by: HarperCollins, April 5th 2016

Genre: YA, High Fantasy

Pages: 535

Format: Ebook

Source: HarperCollins, via Edelweiss

A burning vengeance.

Adrian sul’Han, known as Ash, is a trained healer with a powerful gift of magic—and a thirst for revenge. The son of the queen of the Fells, Ash is forced into hiding after a series of murders throws the queendom into chaos. Now Ash is closer than he’s ever been to killing the man responsible, the cruel king of Arden. As a healer, can Ash use his powers not to save a life but to take it?

A blood-based curse.

Abandoned at birth, Jenna Bandelow was told the mysterious magemark on the back of her neck would make her a target. But when the King’s Guard launches a relentless search for a girl with a mark like hers, Jenna assumes that it has more to do with her role as a saboteur than any birth-based curse. Though Jenna doesn’t know why she’s being hunted, she knows that she can’t get caught.

Destiny’s fiery hand.

Eventually, Ash’s and Jenna’s paths will collide in Arden. Thrown together by chance and joined by their hatred of the king, they will come to rescue each other in ways they cannot yet imagine.

Set in the world of the acclaimed Seven Realms series a generation later, this is a thrilling story of dark magic, chilling threats, and two unforgettable characters walking a knife-sharp line between life and death. 

This is definitely my favourite Cinda Williams Chima book I've read. Much faster paced, exciting, and I connected with the characters better. Here are my thoughts:

- I really love Ash and Lila, and Jenna grew on me. I wanna keep Destin forever.

- REALLY hoped for Jenna/Destin. I wasn't that sold on Jenna/Ash

- The story was complex and exciting. I can't wait to see all elements weave together and the story play out in later books.

- I LOVE the world, especially with the hints about magic on other continents. I feel like the islanders are gonna be awesome. (Though I could do without the 'exotic savages' trope....)

- Kinda cool how Jenna's birthmark is metal and a gem. Not seen that before.

- DRAGONS! YASS! BRING IT ON!

- I have so much hope for this series. Great characters, awesome world, promising story. Excited to read more!

Characters ★★★☆☆

Setting/world ★★★★☆

Writing ★★★★☆