..:: CheriePie's Book Reviews ::..

The Bane Witch by Ava Morgyn

2026-05-11T15:22:00.000-07:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Piers Morgan is a poison eater, descended from a long line of secret witches who cleanse the world of evildoers and abusers. Though she knows next to nothing about this side of her family, she’s always suspected her lifelong craving for deadly pokeweed berries was more than a little unusual.

When her abusive husband sends her on the run to her Great Aunt Myrtle in upstate New York—the only living relative she’s ever met once briefly—Piers finally discovers the truth behind her deadly obsession. But with killers on her trail and an unexpectedly charming sheriff taking an interest in her, she must protect her family’s secrets while fighting to save her own life.

Ava Morgyn builds a fascinating and highly original world filled with action, danger, and intrigue. The concept of the Bane Witch and poison eaters feels fresh and distinctive. While parts of the story were difficult to read at first—I initially worried the novel would focus solely on abused women—the narrative quickly evolves into a story about resilience, power, and a strong, women-centered family of witches who fight back.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from a new-to-me author and am already looking forward to reading more of her work. I plan to pick up one of her previous works, The Witches of Bone Hill, very soon.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me an Advance Readers Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

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Weavingshaw by Heba Al-Wasity

2026-04-28T01:22:00.000-07:00

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My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★

This atmospheric gothic fantasy was sooo good I just ate it up!

Leena Al-Sayer can see the dead, a secret she keeps mostly between herself and her brother so as to stave off all the trouble it can bring. Until she has to "sell" that secret to the Saint of Silence in order to procure some pricey meds for said brother. But letting the Saint in on her little secret comes with a whole bunch of trouble! Including a deadly contract which she must fulfill.

Leena and St. Silas head to the living, breathing estate of Weavingshaw to attempt to track down the ghost of Percival Avon, whom St. Silas, secretive as he is, insists must be found. But once the house has them in its clutches, will it ever let go?

This story was full of suspense, mystery, intrigue, and a dash of romance. Sentient houses always spook me out (in a good way) and this one didn't disappoint! It ends on a little bit of a cliffhanger so I'm eagerly looking forward to the sequel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Del Ray for sending me an Advance Readers Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

#Weavingshaw #NetGalley

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Homegrown Magic by Jamie Pacton

2026-04-20T17:47:00.000-07:00

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My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Homegrown Magic is a queer cozy romance sprinkled with magic.

The story started off pretty slow and seemed to drone on and on in the beginning. Two chapters in and I was so bored, I didn't think I'd be able to finish, especially since the authors did way too much "telling" instead of "showing". i.e. her dress was red, his hair was blonde, etc. (Those aren't exact quotes from the book, just examples of what I mean by telling instead of showing.) I think that contributed a lot to the tediousness I was feeling. As the story picked up speed however, I didn't notice this as much. When I looked for it, it was still there in some places, but not as much.

Things started to get more interesting once Yael and Margot met up, even though their budding romance moved along at a snails pace. But at least we got to see inside their heads, and see how they were each feeling towards each other. Sometimes their inner dialogue was still a bit tedious in places however. I also really wish Margot opened up sooner rather than thinking everything was on her to solve. It's a character trait I don't really admire so it didn't endear her to me as much as Yael's issues with their family did.

And don't be throwing me shade for this next comment because it's not meant in a discriminatory way at all. It's probably just a a problem of mine, but I've not yet gotten used to reading an entire book with one of the MCs using a "they" pronoun. Many times when "they" was used, I kept thinking the author was referring to both MCs instead of just the one (this wasn't the first book to affect me this way). This is probably an issue that only impacts me as a Gen X'er who learned to read and write when "they" was mainly used for plural and he or she for singular in order to avoid this kind of ambiguity. (Yes, I know "they" can also be used singular, but it never really was back then due to the obscurity it can generate, so I've obviously still got some outdated traditions to break and that's on me. Maybe they they were on to something with the Spivak pronouns e/em/eir, or maybe we need to invent a new word that's a plural version of they.)

Overall though, once it got going, I found the story amusing and engaging, and would recommend it to fans of cozy romance with a slow burn and a seasoning of magic.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this pre-release book. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

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Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales (Emily Wilde #3) by Heather Fawcett

2026-04-20T17:22:00.000-07:00

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My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★★

Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales is the third and final book in the Emily Wilde series detailing the fun and harrowing adventures of Emily, Wendell, and their friends. (Reviews for book 1 and book 2 on my blog.)

Now that Wendell's evil stepmother has finally been dethroned from the realm of Silva Lupi, it is time for Wendell to take the throne, with Emily by his side as its Queen. The pair have taken a long-term leave of absence from their posts at the University of Cambridge, but of course retaking the throne is definitely not all smooth sailing as they uncover many obstacles, and plenty of danger, along the way.

This final installment in the trilogy had everything! It was fanciful, thrilling, romantic, even heartbreaking at times. I highly recommend this series!!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with this Advance Readers Copy. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

#EmilyWildesCompendiumofLostTales #NetGalley

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REVIEW: Arcana Academy (Book 1) by Elise Kova

2026-04-20T16:20:00.000-07:00

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My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆

Loved it, but OMG the clifflhanger! I'm so excited for the next book in the series to be released! (preorder book 2 @amazon)

Kaelis is the typical bad boy—a dark and brooding prince battling his own demons, while Clara is a mega badass in her own right. Raised on the street with her sister, after the death of their mother, who taught the girls to ink and read the cards ever since they were young, Clara and Arina are taken in by some family friends, and gain the necessary street smarts to survive in a kingdom that's out to get them. First, Arina goes off to the academy, then Clara, but will what they discover there be the death of them?

As a tarot reader, I loved the story—actually, make that the entire world—built around the tarot. I found it quite unique and engaging with plenty of action to keep me enthralled. It's a true enemies-to-lovers romantasy that ticked all my boxes. I highly recommend this one, particularly for other witches like me who love tarot.

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REVIEW: The Cursed (Coven of Bones #2) by Harper L. Woods

2025-03-18T22:22:00.000-07:00

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My Rating: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

The Cursed is the sequel to The Coven and picks up exactly where the previous book left off—mid-scene, with no recap. If you don’t remember how The Coven ended, you’ll want to have it nearby because this book assumes you do. Unfortunately, it also doesn’t remind us of last names or house affiliations, which makes it frustrating when trying to place characters, even with the table at the front of the book. Adding to the confusion, the author frequently references past events—like what Charlotte did to Willow’s father—without offering any reminders, forcing readers to dig back through the first book.

Continuity issues were another major problem. Characters seemed to teleport between actions—one moment Willow was walking, and the next she was suddenly being carried. Even more frustrating, several characters underwent unexplained name changes. Ziva from book one is now Nova, Itar has become Itan (except for one brief slip where Margot calls him Itar again), and his nephew Ilan has inexplicably turned into Iban. These inconsistencies felt careless and made for a jarring reading experience.

Despite all this, I kept reading—probably out of sheer determination to see how it all ended. I enjoyed The Coven well enough, even though the writing wasn’t the strongest. At least it had a coherent plot, which is more than I can say for The Cursed. This book felt like a messy, disorganized sequel that lacked the polish and structure needed to make it engaging.

From what I’ve heard, the next book will focus on Margot, but after this experience, I won’t be continuing the series.

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REVIEW: The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson

2025-03-11T20:37:00.000-07:00

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My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆

After losing both their parents, Bristol Keats and her sisters struggle to stay afloat in their small, quiet town of Bowskeep. When Bristol begins to receive letters from an “aunt” she’s never heard of who promises she can help, she reluctantly agrees to meet—and discovers that everything she thought she knew about her family is a lie. Even her father might still be alive, not killed but kidnapped by terrifying creatures to a whole other realm—the one he is from. Desperate to save her father and find the truth, Bristol journeys to a land of gods and fae and monsters. Pulled into a dangerous world of magic and intrigue, she makes a deadly bargain with the fae leader, Tyghan. But what she doesn't know is that he's the one who drove her parents to live a life on the run. And he is just as determined as she is to find her father—dead or alive.

I just ate this book up and can't wait to read the sequel. Of course, the fact that it ended like mid-scene had me immediately looking to find out when the next book would be released, and I immediately pre-ordered it. While the world building was similar to many other faerie realms, the addition of monsters and the undead kept me intrigued until the very end. Yummy!!!

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REVIEW: Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

2025-03-03T04:41:00.000-08:00

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My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆

Set in the rebellious year of 1970, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix delves into the heartbreaking and disturbing world of pregnant teenagers forced into "Homes" to hide their pregnancies and give up their babies. The protagonist, Fern, a 15-year-old girl, is sent to one such institution, where she befriends several other girls enduring the same fate. The book explores their desperate need for empowerment and freedom, which leads them to a quirky librarian who gives them a book, How to be a Groovy Witch—a gift that changes their lives in ways they never expected.

This novel not only touches on themes of rebellion, autonomy, and sisterhood but also provides a chilling look at the harsh reality many young women faced in a time when abortion was illegal and women’s rights were actively fought for. As Fern and her friends seek a sense of agency, the introduction of witchcraft as a form of resistance adds a darkly magical and fantastical twist to the narrative, although its consequences aren’t always positive.

As someone who was still an infant in 1970, I found the portrayal of the era’s treatment of of pregnant teens incredibly eye-opening. I wasn’t fully aware of how deeply restrictive and stigmatizing that time was for young women, and the emotional impact of reading about these girls' struggles was jarring. It made me reflect on how far we've come—and how much work is still left to do. It also reinforces the fact that witchcraft, while often vilified and fantasized in such contexts, is also a symbol of reclaiming power and identity, despite the consequences in this story.

I particularly appreciated how the author skillfully captures the frustration and injustice of the time, while also adding in a dash of fantasy. The horror is not so much in the witchcraft and mayhem that follow but in the reality of how society once treated young women like Fern. This book certainly stirs emotions and invites the reader to reflect on gender, autonomy, and the complex ways society tries to control women's lives. The combination of Hendrix's dark humor and social commentary makes this a compelling read. It’s a gripping, thought-provoking, and at times unsettling tale that does an excellent job of immersing the reader in the atmosphere of the time while drawing attention to enduring social issues.

For anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a (small) twist of magical fantasy and social critique, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls is definitely a book worth reading. It’s both a poignant reminder of the past and a call to action, urging readers to think critically about the treatment of women and their bodies.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#WitchcraftforWaywardGirls #NetGalley

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REVIEW: The Elgin Conspiracy by Julia Golding

2025-02-21T17:06:00.000-08:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Dora and Jacob are are back! It's the year 1812 in England and this time around, they're investigating a threat to Lord Elgin surrounding his Greek Marbles (statues). But when one of Elgin's colleagues turns up dead, the investigation turns dangerous, and Dora and Jacob go undercover to discover all the dirt they can. Assassins, secrets, and deceit are uncovered along the way. These two make the best sleuthing team! In the funnest and funniest ways possible of course.

The Elgin Conspiracy is the follow-up to the fun and adventurous The Persephone Code. While it can be read standalone, it greatly enhances the reading experience to have read The Persephone Code first for greater insight into the main characters and their backgrounds. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this dynamic duo.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#TheElginConspiracy #NetGalley

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REVIEW: The Last Wrathwitch by David Paul George

2025-02-14T17:29:00.000-08:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

The Last Wrathwitch is the bewitching tale of Affinity Blending, teenage witch. She's on a mission to save her mom from a witch-hunting demon who's imprisoned her in Hell, and discovers a lot about herself in the process.

Affinity was a very likeable character who didn't take no for an answer and questioned everything she encountered, kind of like me. :) Well, maybe I'm not likeable (or maybe I am), but at least the latter two. ;) It was a fun, quick read with an engaging story, a captivating magic system, and detailed world building.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advance Readers Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#TheLastWrathwitch #NetGalley

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REVIEW: Winterfrost Market by Jenny Sandiford

2025-01-12T02:52:00.000-08:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Winterfrost Market is a cozy, closed-door romantasy by Jenny Sandiford perfect for the winter season. The picturesque towns of Winterfrost and Midwinter Haven are the quintessential settings for this holiday-themed story, beautifully creating the Christmas spirit atmosphere.

Elise and her family run a tea shop in the cozy town of Winterfrost. But when her mom goes missing up in the northern Fae territories while seeking one of the secret ingredients for their prize-winning tea blend, Elise is determined to discover what happened and bring her back home, no matter what the danger. She sets off with Kit, a tracker who's also headed up to the northern Fae realms. While he doesn't claim to be Fae, Elise has her suspicions after spending a few days on the road with him. But can she keep her feelings in check long enough to find out the truth, both about her mother and Kit?

This was a charming, heartwarming adventure, perfect for the holiday season, and a delight to read. I really enjoyed all the characters (even the nasty ones), and the developing "should they or shouldn't they" attraction between Elise and Kit had me rooting for them all the way! There's no spice here, so readers looking for SJM-spicy romantasy may want to look elsewhere. But lest your palate become sensitized to all that spiciness, I'd definitely recommend taking a breather with this one, particularly for the holiday season.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advance Readers Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#WinterfrostMarket #NetGalley

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REVIEW: Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews

2024-10-29T00:23:00.000-07:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Don't Let the Forest In is a haunting exploration of love, identity, and mental illness. The story centers around Andrew, a young boy haunted by his inner demons, whose intense connection with his twin sister Dove and deep infatuation with his best friend Thomas shape much of his world. Both Andrew and Thomas channel their complex emotions through creative outlets—writing and artwork, respectively—adding layers to their relationship and underscoring the novel's exploration of artistic expression as a form of self-discovery and coping.

Writing this review was a challenge, but only because the book left such a profound impact that I needed time to process it. The author’s poetic and evocative prose creates an eerie, haunting atmosphere that resonates long after the final page. The sensitive treatment of mental illness and sexual identity offers a raw glimpse into the struggles faced by both boys, portraying their experiences with honesty and depth.

And then there’s that ending—a masterfully executed twist! No spoilers here, but I found myself rereading certain sections, marveling at the subtle clues the author planted along the way. The conclusion is as satisfying as it is mind-bending, drawing everything together in a way that both shocks and satisfies.

If you’re drawn to slow-burn stories that lead to dramatic, unforgettable conclusions, Don't Let the Forest In is a must-read. This is a tale that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advance Readers Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#DontLettheForestIn #NetGalley

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REVIEW: Impractical Magic by Emily Grimoire

2024-10-19T04:28:00.000-07:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Impractical Magic is a delightful blend of mystery and romance that makes for a perfect read during the witchy season. While it doesn't fit all the classic definitions of a cozy mystery, it certainly carries that cozy, whimsical vibe that fans of the genre will enjoy.

The story follows Scarlett, who, after leaving her hometown of Oak Haven a decade ago for a new life in San Francisco, returns only to find that magic in the town has gone completely haywire. Books are coming to life, random portals are opening up everywhere, and there's a bizarre culinary twist where entire menus taste like Spam—it's ridiculous, but in the best possible way.

Scarlett teams up with her two sisters and her long-lost maybe-boyfriend, reuniting after 10 years apart, to solve the mystery of why the town’s magic has gone off the rails. Their dynamic adds a charming layer of tension and humor to the story as they work together to restore balance to Oak Haven.

The book is cute, enchanting, and filled with just the right amount of magical chaos. It's a quick, enjoyable read that’s perfect for readers looking for something lighthearted and fun. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from Emily Grimoire!

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Avon, for an Advance Readers Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#NetGalley #ImpracticalMagic

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REVIEW: The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning

2024-09-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Poor Zo Gray—after the tragic death of her mother and the strain of juggling three jobs to support them both, she suddenly finds herself the recipient of a bizarre inheritance in a quaint, magical town called Divinity. Sounds like a stroke of luck, right? But with the inheritance comes a long list of challenging contingencies. The real question is, can Zo survive them all?

Where do I begin with this review? The story—LOVED IT! The blend of gothic mystery, paranormal intrigue, and witches (LOVE!) kept me absolutely hooked. The plot had my heart racing, and I especially appreciated that the romance aspect was kept to a minimum—refreshingly light on romance and the occasional hint of passion, without overwhelming the main storyline.

The author’s use of poetic, almost flowery language added to the atmosphere of the story, but I did find myself relying on my Kindle dictionary more than usual. The complex vocabulary, while beautiful, could be a bit challenging at times, though it fit the gothic tone well. Honestly, I can’t imagine reading this without the handy lookup function that comes with ebooks!

One thing that threw me off initially was the use of past tense, which is something the author did in the Fever series as well (at least in the first book). It took some getting used to, but once I adjusted, I was completely immersed in the world-building and the unique writing style.

Overall, this is a captivating start to a trilogy that I’m so excited to continue. It cannot end on that cliffhanger! Fans of gothic mystery and paranormal fiction will want to dive into this one, and I’m eager to see where the next book takes Zo and her wild journey.

I want to thank NetGalley and William Morrow for allowing me ARC access to this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
#TheHouseatWatchHill #NetGalley

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REVIEW: The Dishonest Miss Take by Faye Murphy

2024-08-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Faye Murphy's debut novel, The Dishonest Miss Take, offers a thrilling and imaginative journey through a steampunk-infused Victorian England. The story centers on the snarky and sassy Miss Clara Blakely, known to the tabloids as Miss Take. Being the daughter of London's most infamous criminals, Clara is determined to clear her tarnished name, and thus volunteers for the Hero Brigade, a decision that thrusts her into a world of fantastical elements and high-stakes adventure.

In this richly crafted universe, pollution and smog have endowed many of London’s "heroes" with extraordinary abilities, and Clara is no exception. However, when a new and sinister force emerges to terrorize the city, Clara must draw on her powers while befriending a band of intriguing assassins to confront the looming threat.

Murphy’s novel is a splendid blend of steampunk, fantasy, sci-fi, and mystery, with a smidge of romance, creating an engaging and immersive experience. The narrative is lively and filled with inventive details, making it a captivating read from start to finish. Clara’s journey is both thrilling—showcasing her resilience and bravery in the face of danger—as well as heartfelt, as she comes to learn quite a bit about herself along the way. If you’re a fan of imaginative, historical worlds and gripping adventures, The Dishonest Miss Take is a must-read.

A special thank you to NetGalley and BHC Press for providing an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

#TheDishonestMissTake #NetGalley

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REVIEW: The Persephone Code by Julia Golding

2024-06-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

In the midst of the early 19th century, a captivating tale unfolds, drawing readers into a world of mystery and intrigue. The courageous and unconventional Dora takes center stage, embarking on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns to uncover the dangerous truth behind her brother's unexpected death. As she and the enigmatic Dr. Jacob Sandys begin to unearth details surrounding both her brother's and a series of other perplexing deaths in the small parish of West Wycombe, a perilous adventure unravels, shrouded in secrecy and danger.

The Persephone Code was an absolute page-turner! The character development and historical context made it a truly enriching experience. The slow start set the tone perfectly for the time period, and once the action picked up, it was impossible to put down. A fantastic read that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a compelling historical novel with elements of secret societies and a dash of romance.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, One More Chapter, for providing me with a copy of this book for review. While I received it free of charge, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#ThePersephoneCode #NetGalley

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REVIEW: The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

2024-05-21T02:25:00.000-07:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆

Step back in time to the bustling streets of Madrid, Spain, during the time of the Spanish Inquisition. Meet Luzia, a young and resourceful scullion in the employ of Valentina and Marius Ordoño. Luzia possesses a remarkable gift for performing milagritos, or small miracles. But as word of Luzia's extraordinary talent gets around, she draws the attention of some very influential individuals who would seek to exploit her talents for their own gain. All of which sets the stage for a captivating tale of scheming, greed, and ambition as Luzia navigates a world filled with secrets and unexpected alliances.

If you're looking for a well-crafted and intriguing read, steeped rich in history, you're in for a treat. While things may start off a bit slow, the second half really picks up steam and is quite engaging. I really loved Santángel's character—it's hard not to be intrigued by someone whose sigil is the scorpion. And his story adds a whole other dimension to Luzia's.

Thank you, Leigh Bardugo, for another fantastic read!

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REVIEW: A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft

2024-04-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

A Dark and Drowning Tide was an entertaining read that held my interest with it's sense of mystery, combined with fantasy, folklore, and dark academia.

Lorelei is a sharp-tongued folklorist leading a mission to find a magical river for the current monarch. But when the mission goes awry and dead bodies start turning up, she turns to her arch nemesis for help, only to discover there's so much to unravel, including her feelings.

Honestly, I had a hard time warming up to Lorelei for about half the book. She's extremely acerbic and quite scathing in her conversations with others most of the time. As the story goes on however, you begin to understand why she is the way she is, and feel for her a little bit. I was happy to finally see her snide outer shell cracked. In my own life however, I would probably just end up writing someone like that off... but I suppose if she were your boss, you wouldn't have a choice, right?

I loved Sylvia and her wild, impetuous demeanor. But beneath her carefree attitude are multiple layers overlying a heart of gold. She was definitely one my favorite characters—her and Ludwig. He was so open yet outrageous—the perfect best friend. I wish we got more of him.

Overall the story, the mystery, and the world building kept me engaged and intrigued. So what that I didn't like the MC so much... Sylvia and Ludwig more than made up for it. :)

This book releases September 17, 2024, but you can preorder it at Amazon now.

Thanks to NetGalley and Del Rey for providing me with an Advance Readers Copy of this book. The contents of this review are entirely my own.

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REVIEW: Weyward by Emilia Hart

2024-03-09T03:04:00.000-08:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆

One of the best books I've read in awhile!! I can't wait to read more from this debut author.

Weyward is the story of 3 women, connected thru time. The writing style is both evocative and engaging, and I love the witchy vibes!

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REVIEW: Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

2024-02-29T00:48:00.000-08:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

A spooky gothic tale about a sinister, old house, and the secrets it holds that haunt a small, down-on-its-luck Kentucky town.

After her mother dies in a horrific accident, Opal puts her own dreams on hold to try to make a better life for her younger brother, Jasper. Even if that means leaving her low-paying dead-end job to take a housekeeper position at Starling House, the secluded, ominous house that has been calling to her in her dreams. As she's "welcomed" into the run-down house by the strange, eccentric Arthur, the house starts to take on a life of its own, gradually revealing its secrets that have terrorized the town for ages. Can Opal and Arthur can get to the heart of the house and take down the sinister forces to save the town?

The story was fast-paced and engaging, with just the right amount of creepy. The world was unique and unlike other "haunted house" stories. I loved that the house was sentient and the way it attempted to communicate. I would've enjoyed getting to know it better. ;) Overall, a really good read that kept me engaged throughout.

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REVIEW: Three Kinds of Lucky (The Shadow Age #1) by Kim Harrison

2024-02-23T23:14:00.000-08:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

Petra Grady is a Sweeper first-class. While she doesn't have magic of her own, she has the uncanny ability to see and handle dross—the disruptive, magical waste generated by the Mages' spell work. Sweepers have always been treated as second-class citizens by the Mages—janitors put on this earth to clean up their mess. But fortunately, Petra's got a few other hidden tricks up her sleeve. Until her life is turned on its head by the sexy, exasperating Benedict Strom with his research project to render the Mages' dross inactive and innocuous, which just might make the Sweepers obsolete.

I've been a fan of Kim Harrison's books since the Hollows (Rachel Morgan) series, so I jumped on this book, hoping that some fresh blood and a new series would reignite my passion. I found there was a lot to like, along with a couple things I didn't.

Like The Hollows series, I thoroughly enjoy the complex, original magical worlds that Kim Harrison creates, even though I found this magic system a little harder to grasp. I kept mixing up the differences between the types of dross, which attracts the shadow, and how shadow comes to be in the first place. So yeah, if you're looking for complex, this is it! It wasn't as playful and fun as The Hollows—but then again, Pluck is no Jenks. But enough for comparisons... this is an entirely new series and from here on out, I plan to review it that way.

Before I go on about all the fantastic elements of this story, let me get out of the way a couple things that didn't jive with me: First was the fact that the lab was planning to test on live animals... and second,

Throughout the book, I really jived with the analogy of the Mages and their discarded dross to the gravely polluted world we live in today. Oblivious people leaving behind their junk while expecting others to clean up after them. It's that same sense of superiority and entitlement where it's always someone else's problem, not theirs.

As the main character, Petra is smart and resourceful, a kickass, take-charge kind of gal. The magical world she lives in, kept hidden from the mundanes, is complex yet intriguing. Her counterpart, Benedict, sounds yummy, and while the relationship between the two was initially fraught with tension, I'm anxious to see how it plays out given that her feelings towards him see-saw quite a bit throughout the tale.

That said, I did find the writing to be a bit sloppy with some inconsistencies and contradictory info, but that's probably just because I was reading an uncorrected ARC, so I'm assuming all those will be ironed out in the final draft.

Overall, a wonderful new world from the mind of Kim Harrison, and another kickass heroine to love. Looking forward to more!

This book releases March 5, 2024, but you can preorder it at Amazon, or enter for a chance to win one of 50 Kindle copies at Goodreads (giveaway ends 3/3/24).

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with an advance readers copy of this book for review. While I received it free of charge, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

#ThreeKindsofLucky #NetGalley

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REVIEW: Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands (Emily Wilde #2) by Heather Fawcett

2024-02-14T01:11:00.000-08:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

The second book in the Emily Wilde trilogy was a wild ride thru Faerie land.

Emily and Wendell travel to the Alps in Austria in an attempt to locate the door to Wendell's realm so he can return and reclaim his throne from his stepmother, who banished him so she could seize control of the realm for herself. But all does not go according to plan, and the two along with their friends get in quite a bit of hilarious trouble along the way.

I really enjoyed this book, even more so than the first. I'll be anxiously awaiting the final book in the trilogy, but OMG I think I have to wait at least a year for it!!!

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REVIEW: Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

2024-02-12T00:10:00.000-08:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

The opening book in the Emily Wilde trilogy. Emily is a scholar and teaching professor at Cambridge University in London during the early 1900s. Along with her colleague and friend Wendell Bambleby, the pair travels to Norway on a research expedition to document a particular faerie species located in the area. Written in journal form, Emily records her day-to-day thoughts and actions, particularly helpful when she publishes her extensive encyclopedia documenting all known faerie species... in the hopes of becoming one of the foremost authorities on faerie.

Emily is a bit of an odd sort, very academic and not able to express herself or her emotions, while Wendell is always trying to get her to lighten up. Wendell is quite good looking and maybe just a little bit vain. Together, they make an oddly whimsical pair. I enjoyed seeing Emily write in her journal about feelings and thoughts she couldn't express in person. Overall, I really enjoyed the fascinating world created here and look forward to reading the next in the trilogy... coming up next!

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REVIEW: The Iodine Crisis by Lynne Farrow

2024-02-06T01:33:00.000-08:00

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My Rating: ★★★★★★★★★☆

This book was a real eye opener. It's amazing how good Iodine is for us, yet how badly it's been demonized over the last several years.

Iodine has the same molecular weight as bromide, chloride, and fluoride, and because of this it is often displaced in the body by these less than helpful minerals. Iodine is extremely important to both breast health and thyroid function as well.

If you've got any issues with your thyroid, or sketchy breast tissue, I'd definitely suggest you check this book out.

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REVIEW: A Power Unbound by Freya Marske

2024-01-28T23:45:00.000-08:00

My Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Ahh the final book in the Last Binding trilogy. In this one, the main character focus now shifts to Jack Hawthorn and secondary to Alan Rossi. I really liked Jack's character, as I did the previous book; Alan not so much. He always struck me as a bit of a weasel, though towards the end of this, I began to warm up to him just a wee bit. The balance between romance and adventure is again about 50/50, like the first book, and like that one, I found my eyes glazing over the romance sections a bit. It's definitely not for lack of writing, imagery, or steaminess; the author is very good at painting a vivid picture and evoking emotion. I'm just not a huge fan of romance. Sorry, not sorry. So to that end, I liked book 2 best of the three where the balance was more 75/25 towards the adventure side.

That said, I enjoyed seeing the whole gang of characters we've gotten to know (and love in some cases) working together in this final installment towards a surprising but satisfying conclusion. Overall, I'd give the full series a strong 8 out of 10.

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