Tabitha Tomala

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

The title of this novel is quite the accurate one as the angels and demons try to navigate coexistence. There's a slight problem though, they are literally allergic to each other in Heaven and Hell. This hatches the idea of volunteering Greta on a road trip through America. Can angels and demons co-exist in the mortal realm? Both the demons and the angels select a candidate to be studied while on their trip. Does the premise sound bizarre? Yes, and Greta fully agrees it is, however, she and Varney embark on the journey together. But their research barely begins when supernaturals begin suffering horrible consequences from a new adversary. Greta and Varney will have to triage a whole host of creatures and figure out what in the world is going on.

The strange new world where demons and angels work together is a hard concept for some characters to understand. And the take Vivian Shaw has on why the demons fell from heaven is delightful, putting an intrinsic spin on an old tale. The difficulty in trying to understand new and evolving beliefs is explored, and there are grievous mistakes made along the way in gaining full understanding. But it all adds to the mystery and tension in the story.

And let's not pass up the fact that the angel and demon who were volunteered to travel with Greta are quite the team up of personalities. Orlax has the attitude of a teenager who would rather surf on their phone than do work. Whereas Adarial is anxious but eager to be a helpful angel trying to understand the modern world. After all, he was only created after the events of the previous novel. Both have parts to play in the reveal of mystery and take very different yet compelling journeys of self discovery.

Strange New World is a bit slower to develop than the previous novels but introduces new creatures and possibilities for the series. And it does not disappoint bringing humor and the theme of found family to the writing once again. There are cozy vibes, yet high stakes, and fans of the fantasy genre will love this series.

Thank you to Rex Burke for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Jordan Booth never expected to be woken up early. After things fell apart for him on Earth, he looked forward to sleeping seventeen years and starting off fresh on a new planet. Yet near the journey's end, he finds himself on the deck of Odyssey Earth, fully awake and in charge of a group of teenagers. Teenagers that were never in the original plans, and who have no idea what it’s like to be planet side. Jordan will have his hands full as he tries to mentor the teens and learn how to navigate teenage angst and attitude.

In Orphan Planet Jordan finds himself up against know it all kids with a penchant for older movies and music. What starts off as a sarcastic overview of events leading to a seventeen-year space odyssey, quickly evolves into a heartwarming tale of found family. Jordan will face quite a mix of personalities and bravado as he tries to establish a relationship with the teens. Yet when the group of teenagers and Jordan face off against a life or death situation, they’ll only make it through alive if they work together.

The teens' reactions to Jordan are filled with witty remarks and comebacks. While this speaks of their age and view on adults, it also adds a needed layer of tension breaking humor. With the viewpoint focusing on Jordan, it’s quite the read to see inside his mind how he tries to figure out ways to get through to the teens. Jordan starts as a reluctant guardian and will go through quite a bit of character development by the end of the story. Readers who may not be entirely on his side at first will be won over by the end.

Orphan Planet is a great read for readers who enjoy sarcastic sci-fi stories and themes of found family and adventure. This is also a good starting point for anyone looking to explore the sci-fi genre.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

When the company Darby works for shuts down, he’s left wondering what to do next. Despite finding a great group of friends he still feels as if he doesn’t belong in New York. Darby decides to take a break from the city and go back home to the small town of Oak Falls to help his mother move. The same town he left because of their attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community. And Darby will find more than just the town he left behind, but his high school best friend as well.

The In Between Bookstore has a wealth of representation and a beautiful portrayal of transgender identity. From the path to discovering your true identity, to finding a group of friends who are supportive. Darby’s mother is also a hoot. She is proud of Darby no matter what and will be there for him. And the way Edward Underhill portrayed the tension between Darby and his ex-best friend Michael was so well done.

There is a hint of magic in this novel, as Darby discovers the old bookstore, In Between Books, where he used to work. Strangely enough, he sees a younger version of himself behind the counter and soon realizes he’s travelled back in time. But to what purpose? Caught up in the moment we so often can’t see certain signs from those we care about. However, when you have the ability to gain an outside view, quite a bit can be revealed. One single miscommunication can cause a snowball effect.

The characters in this novel are a joy to read. They will inspire a range of emotions and become familiar friends by the end of the story. The In Between Bookstore is for those who enjoy stories about self discovery and friendship with a hint of magic and romance.

Thank you to Tim Hardie for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Hall of Bones is a complex web of inter-clan politics and the drive for those to dominate. The seven clans of Laskar raid and battle against one another, forging tenuous alliances through marriage and rallying against whichever clan is the current common enemy. However, the Vorund Clan seeks to change the endless battles and become the only clan to lead. And if they succeed an era of death and destruction will begin.

Readers will follow the journey of Rothgar, the younger brother to the future Reavesburg clan leader, and his treacherous journey through betrayal and heartbreak. Raised to be his brother’s right hand, Rothgar is privy to inter-clan politics and prejudices. And while he may not agree with all the choices his family makes, he is loyal to them. But childhood innocence will be stripped away from Rothgar as he grows to truly understand his place in the clan. Taking up arms against those threatening them, and brokering deals on their behalf.

Yet even the best trained soldiers fall. When a darker force seeks to take refuge in his homeland, Rothgar’s clan will be plunged into a time of despair. Betrayal runs deep as Rothgar is thrown into his greatest challenge yet. One that will torment both his body and mind. The Rothgar from earlier on in the book, is a very different character by the end.

Hall of Bones is a novel slow to build, painting readers a complete picture of how the clans work and their opinions of one another. Rothgar’s character growth is paced alongside the politics, allowing him to learn with the reader how his world truly works. If you are a reader who enjoys fantasy politics, this is the perfect book for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Jenny Greenteeth lives a relatively peaceful life. She keeps a tidy lake and shares meals with her pet pike. When a witch is thrown into her lake, she has to decide between eating the woman or saving her. Choosing to save Temperance, Jenny finds a bereft woman whose village has turned against her. But that is only the start. The new pastor has devious plans for fae and humans alike.

Jenny Greenteeth’s cranky older woman vibes are hilarious. When she finds herself questing with Temperance the hedge witch and Brackus the goblin hijinks ensue. The three will have to face their prejudices and biases to work together. Though they are unlikely allies, and they bicker back and forth, the trio will form quite a bond throughout the novel. Their developing friendships will foster heartwarming moments to counterbalance the darker ones readers will encounter.

Molly O’Neill is a master at hiding key details. There will be twists in store, both heartbreaking and advantageous ones. The story will evolve from being centered on Jenny’s lake and Temperance’s village, into a quest that encompasses Welsh lore and mythical creatures. There may even be some legends tied in that are hinted at in small bits at the very beginning of the story. Each piece of the world-building brought together over time creates an alluring tale of a found family and the quest to save those they love and hold dear.

The allure of the fae will always pull me into trying a novel, and Greenteeth did not disappoint. With the wonderful balance of cozy vibes and dark fantasy, this novel kept me riveted right to the end. Readers who enjoy the themes of found family and quests for the greater good need to read Greenteeth.

Simi is a Mami Water, a mermaid who collects the souls of the dead to pass on. And while her focus should remain on her task Simi sometimes questions the Mami Water’s purpose and wishes to do more. When she witnesses a boy thrown from a slave ship she tries to collect Kola’s soul, only to find him still alive. Defying her purpose, Simi saves his life, but at great cost. To go against the gods decree means there will be sacrifice.

Simi is such a complex character, torn between her duty as a Mami Water and her memories of a previous life. The more time she spends in the ocean, the more she is a Mami Water, and the more time spent on land, the more memories surface. But one thing remains clear, she can never go back to being a human without consequences. When Kola enters the story and Simi’s curiosity begins to take a turn, the inner struggle she has is set alight. Readers will be torn in her decisions and wish the best for Simi, only to know what the cost will be.

The Western African mythology woven into Skin of the Sea creates such a majestic and harsh world. Natasha Bowen brings to life such a fantastic world of lore and magical creatures. The emotional ties to the Orisas and each character are deep and meaningful. It’s great to learn more about beliefs and lore from other cultures. But this novel will also bring to light the atrocities caused to Africans and the heartbreaking fissures forcing people into slavery causes families and communities. The writing will set a parallel path of devastation when the Orisas are threatened as are the people of the land.

Skin of the Sea is a beautiful and tragic novel. Don’t just read this because it is a story about mermaids, there is so much more. There is a depth of mythology and worldbuilding that will enchant readers, and the emotional connection will make it hard to let go. By the end of this novel you will be looking forward to what happens next.

This series is the start of a nostalgia read for the year. I read Morganville Vampires when it was brand new and fell off around book 7. Let's finish it this time!

Claire Danvers has been accepted to early college in Morganville. And while being the youngest girl at the college wasn’t going to be easy, her dorm situation is downright deadly. When the bullying escalates to dangerous levels, she finds herself off campus looking for a new place to stay. What she finds is an old house with quite the arrangement of roommates and a town with a dark secret.

Readers can expect the relationship trope of a younger girl falling for an older guy, but Glass Houses doesn’t go into much development of it yet. Whether it will progress further in future books remains to be seen, but it is definitely a young adult themed budding romance.

Thankfully the story doesn’t focus on the romance, it instead builds up a dark and treacherous world of vampire politics. Claire has a lot to learn about Morganville if she expects to survive. And being the young protagonist, she steps on quite a few toes and makes risky judgment calls. She will cause mayhem not only for herself but for her new roommates as well.

And Rachel Caine does not hold back on the deranged antagonists. What Claire endures is gut wrenching, yet acceptable by the vampire standards. The level of conflict is more in line with adult reading, even if the main character is younger. There is a great balance between what makes this novel young adult, and what kicks it up a notch for adults also to enjoy.

Glass Houses sets the foundation for The Morganville Vampire series, dropping just enough lore to tempt readers into discovering more about the deadly denizens. Readers who enjoy character development will also see that Claire has quite the growing to do, and the determination to get there.

Five-Hop One-Stop is one of the destinations galactic travelers choose as their way station to pause in their journeys and take a break. Run by Ouloo and her child Tupo, the pair do their best to make it a comfortable and welcoming stop. But when an accident crashes the communication systems, their current guests, Pei, Speaker, and Roveg will have to stay over much longer than they originally planned.

The Galaxy, and the Ground Within is a wonderful tale of different cultures coming together during a crisis, learning from each other, and attaining a newfound sense of understanding. Taking a deep dive into each character’s culture is an eye-opening experience and continues to expand on the beautiful world Becky Chambers has created. There are great moments of representation woven within each culture. It grants readers various perspectives on how to process and understand others who do not share your beliefs or culture.

While there are many heartwarming moments, this novel is not without its share of conflict around beliefs and cultural past transgressions. Both sides of the story are told and the characters process their emotions in a way for readers to easily connect and understand. Sometimes there is no right or wrong answer, it is a matter of trying to see through another’s eyes to understand why and how they feel what they feel.

The Galaxy, and the Ground Within is the final installment of The Wayfarers series. Filled with themes of family, cultural learning, and collaboration it was a wonderful way to conclude the series. This book is for readers looking for a sci-fi focused on the characters and how their beliefs contribute to their actions and understanding of the world.

Having Kit team up with Darius for an entire novel was brilliant. Readers meet the guild leader in the first Guild Codex novel. Rumors of Darius' past have been floating around for quite a while, and now readers will witness it unfold along with all the repercussions he has had to deal with.

The synergy between Kit and Darius is both hilarious and delightful. And while Darius brings in the nostalgia for earlier fans of the series, Kit shines for this newer segment in Mage Assassins & Other Misfits. Being a psycho-warper can help Kit out of quite a few situations, but when the enemy comes prepared to combat his abilities, Kit has to find ways around it. Armed with his movie quotes and wits, Kit is in for a high stakes ride. Discovering more about his limitations along the way.

Readers are also left on edge at the end of the last novel, waiting to see what happens between Kit and Lienna. Kit is just as twisted up and anxious as the readers. It is adorable to see his inner thoughts and concerns surrounding Lienna. Despite all the serious and life threatening situations, the story makes sure to give readers resolution on their potential relationship.

Mage Assassins & Other Misfits is a fast-paced and exciting read. The balance between action, comedy, and romance is spot on. The Warped series has come a long way since book one. Fans of urban fantasy, while I don’t suggest starting with the Warped series, the Guild Codex world is a must.

Becky Chambers is one of those authors who writes in a way where the core themes of her novels hit on a deep emotional level. The characters and stories are so much more than just words on the page. There are meanings behind every action, every dialogue, and every scene.

In Record of a Space Born Few, there are several characters looking for more in their life, searching for something missing yet not all can pinpoint what that something could be. Tessa is happy with her life at the Fleet, yet things are changing and it makes her feel as though she is losing her place. Kip bounces from one job trial to another, never satisfied with the work. He yearns to do more and to explore the world. Sawyer has lost everything and searches for a community to reconnect with. Isabelle is a Fleet archivist and host to Ghuh’loloan, a researcher who opens her eyes to new possibilities for the Fleet. And lastly, there is Eyas, a caretaker for the dead who knows her purpose, enjoys her work, and yet still wants to do more, but doesn’t quite know what.

Following each of these characters will take readers on thought provoking and touching journeys. Some will find their way, some will be lost, and others will be caught up in things greater than themselves. Not everyone’s story ends happily, but each serves as a catalyst for the next, unknowingly helping one another in their search for something more. The writing is so well done. Each piece fits smoothly together, giving readers a complex yet simple to understand network of characters and stories.

Readers who enjoy stories focused on the characters and wonderful themes need to try out Becky Chambers' books. While they don’t have to be read in order, each one has a small tie back to the original novel. And each one brings to light another hard hitting theme in a way that harmonizes with the reader and characters. Yes, they are in sci-fi settings, but even those who don’t normally read sci-fi will enjoy Record of a Space Born Few and the other novels.

The Twice Scorned Lady of Shadow brings back a few familiar faces as Saber is introduced to the Crow and Hammer. Having hidden behind her nice persona for so long, when Saber decides to let her true face show to the guild, her surprise at their acceptance is wonderful. For those who have read the original Guild Codex series, it will come as no surprise that Saber will have a new found family if she chooses to accept them. But acceptance can be a hard thing to come by when you have a darker past. Yet Saber is making quite a few strides towards learning trust and forming closer bonds.

But make no mistake, Saber is still just as hard edged as she began. And when she finds herself journeying to the Court of Shadows to help Zak, the cruelty and bitter betrayal she encounters would tear any lesser character down. The past will come back in full force to emotionally devastated Saber and Zak, uncovering truths long buried and forcing them to relive horrific moments of their childhood.

Readers will have the chance to listen to Zak’s point of view this time. As one of the main morally grey characters of the series, and after spending countless books with him viewed from another character’s point of view, seeing his reasoning behind what he does will not let readers down. While there has been time to understand Saber’s past and her feelings towards the present day, Zak’s outlook will be just as emotionally painful.

The Twice-Scorned Lady of Shadow will show readers a darker side of the fae world and how the power some seek will take precedence over everything else. The past traumas Zak and saber have endured will blend into their future state eliciting dark and gritty emotional stances. Not to mention with the action packed writing style Annette Marie is known for will leave readers needing more by the end.

It all starts with the tale of Chicky Starr. Having fallen in love with an American, she embarks on a new life with him in the United States. While her family back home in Ireland refuses to believe it will work out, Chicky has high hopes. When things start to crumble she spins tales of wonder and adventure. Despite her life taking an abrupt turn, she maintains her illusionary life to her family and works hard to make a living for herself.

And all Chicky’s hard work pays off as she moves back home and starts on her new journey making Stone House into a hotel. But Stone House is more than just a hotel. Through Chicky’s hard work and determination, she creates a comforting place where people from around the world are drawn to. And within Stone House, they find much more than just a place to vacation.

A Week in Winter is a generational tale, spanning years of couples and family members finding their way to Stone House. Whether they stay to work or seek to find a place to start their life over, each of them takes away a vital life lesson from the time they spend in Stone House. Each character is given a background and history, leading up to the events where they choose to stay at the hotel. Granting the reader a format similar to linked short stories that all center around finding their way.

A Week in Winter is a story for those who enjoy tales of families and characters working through the challenges of life and relationships.

Having grown up in a rough and abusive living situation, Saber snapped at an early age. She carries a switchblade with her at all times and has learned to display the proper emotions for people to accept her. While she holds no memory of her crime, she is a convicted murderer and is currently in a parole guild. By day Saber is a vet tech and volunteers at a rescue ranch. However, she will quickly turn into a hunter if she knows who has been harming the animals she is rehabilitating. Saber’s going to be a tough and prickly character to attach to, but that also means she has plenty of areas of growth.

While Zak does make an appearance in these books, he will be a very different character than encountered before. Throughout the previous novels featuring him, he has discovered hard truths about himself. Do not approach The One and Only Crystal Druid as a first read in this universe. You’ll need all of Zak’s back story to fully appreciate how he behaves and his new outlook on life.

Be warned there are toxic relationships in this novel. Saber is a dark and broken character. Readers will uncover her forgotten past as the story progresses. And while this book is trying to lean into the romance angle it does not start well. There are abrupt turns with little build up and the emotions are not apparent. Granted, Saber is a difficult character to imagine being involved with anyone at this point, but a little more development of her character before trying to wedge in romance would have helped.

The One and Only Crystal Druid is still a fast-paced and action heavy read. With a witch as a main character and Zak hovering in the background, readers will be granted more worldbuilding around their magics. Even sixteen books in there are new discoveries and mysteries for readers to indulge in. Though this one had a rough start, knowing Annette Marie it’s about to really pick up in the next novel.

A Guildmaster has been found dead and Agent Söze is covering up the evidence. Kit and Lienna are determined to find out what he is hiding. But with Söze out to clear the board of any agent working against him, they must tread carefully. Söze won’t hesitate to put them down, and without concrete proof of what he is doing, Kit and Lienna don’t have a chance.

Stolen Sorcery & Other Misadventures ups the danger Kit and Lienna have to survive. While they are still trying to do their jobs as MPD agents and solve the murder of the Guildmaster, Söze is running interference and actively trying to remove them from the picture. The corrupt agent will use all kinds of dirty tricks and criminals to achieve his goals. And while Kit and Lienna make a dynamic team, they will not have enough support alone to take down Söze.

The leaps and bounds Kit and Lienna have made as a team are incredible. Starting as partners who miscommunicated and generally didn’t think in line with one another, they have grown from each other's influence. The slow simmering romance adds an underlying temptation for readers as well. And for those who fear romance will overshadow the rest of the plot, it most certainly does not. There is still plenty of magic-slinging action and close calls. If anything, Kit’s embarrassment and confusion over Lienna are endearing. He really wants to make sure he isn’t pushing boundaries without consent.

Kit took a while to solidify himself as a character worthy to follow, but his journey to where he is now in the series is worth the wait. There is an underlying mystery around his powers, and what exactly he will be fully capable of. Each book is a more intense exploration of the world and the various people and magics that create it.

The Guild Codex world is a great adventure for those who enjoy urban fantasy, fast-paced plots, character development, and a touch of slow-burning romance. Stolen Sorcery & Other Misadventures shows that Kit and Lienna have much more to learn and accomplish. And I can’t wait to see what they tackle next.

Thank you to Netgalley and Orbit for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Leovander Lovage is a sarcastic and witty character. Quick to turn to humor when things grow uncomfortable, and has a penchant for mischief. Leo has a complicated relationship with magic, and discovering his limitations is enlightening and heartbreaking. While he is a scriver, he is limited to writing small magics. Anything else grows out of control when cast. There is much Leo has buried from his past which influences how he writes magic.

Sebastian Grimm has his own difficult past with magic as a caster. And having to deal with Leo’s constant pestering wears down on his nerves. When he is paired up with Leo as his scriver, things quickly go from downright annoying to terribly wrong when a curse is accidentally included in Leo’s spells. And while at first, they think they’ll have enough time to deal with it on their own, the curse has other ideas.

Forced together to find a cure, Leo and Sebastian must embark on a quest to traverse a dangerous forest and find the one sorcerer who can help them. Leo’s going to have to learn to curb his mischievous side if they're going to make it out alive. And all the while the curse, a love spell no less, will hammer away at his emotions driving him closer to Grimm. The rivals will have quite the journey, and mishaps along the way as they search for the sorcerer.

The evolution of Leo and Grimm’s characters is entertaining and remarkable. Forced into a situation neither of them wants, they have to work together and put aside their rivalry. The curse adds an extra layer of complication, and Leo begins to second guess everything he feels. The tension between not only the characters, but the sense of running out of time heightens the reader’s experience. Coupled with sarcastic humor and witty banter, Sorcery and Small Magics is for those who enjoy magic and fantasy have to read.

Lovelace was meant to be a ship’s AI, processing and monitoring her crew. But when circumstances push her towards uploading into a kit, her grasp of purpose and understanding begin to unravel. Pepper stays by Lovelace’s side, as she tries to process the new world around her from the eyes of a human looking kit. Along the way, readers will discover Pepper’s tragic past and heartwarming experience with artificial intelligence.

Through Lovelace, or as readers come to know her as Sidra, there are many moments where the new perception of the world is too much for her to handle. She has what amounts to panic attacks and struggles with feeling the kit is not actually her own body. The way Becky Chambers can capture these internal struggles is heart-wrenching. But no matter how difficult it may be, Sidra has the love and support of her friends.

And one of those friends is Pepper, a woman who has gone through a traumatic past. As Sidra’s story grows and develops, readers are also taken back to when Pepper was known as Jane. While there are hints at her past in the first book, A Closed and Common Orbit will dive fully into Pepper’s abusive upbringing and escape. It is a sad read, but knowing that Pepper is around to help Sidra in the future lets readers know there is hope for her in the end.

The two storylines interconnect and show how acclimating to a new society and worldview isn’t easy regardless of who is experiencing it. They also are in line with the understanding AI’s are much more than just pieces of software, yet the world at large still doesn’t want to accept it.

A Closed and Common Orbit may be the sequel to A Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, but it can also be standalone. However, if you do read this book first there will be major spoilers for book one. While book two may not follow the same cast of characters from the prior novel, it is no less phenomenal. I could hardly put this book down and highly recommend it to fans of sci-fi.

More Than a Little Warped takes place at the same time as Damned Souls and a Sangria. So make sure you have read it beforehand. This novella is a peek into Kit’s side of the story and his opinion of Tori never fails to impress. His movie lines do not land well and he is so intimidated by her. From a reader who lived in Tori’s mind for an entire series, seeing how others perceive her is fun.

This was a story full of action and Kit hijinks. Over time Kit is growing more as a character and stretching the boundaries he keeps himself within. When permitted to go full out on the MPD with probable cause, he pulls no punches and it is hilarious. Lienna even starts to bend the rules and surprise Kit and the reader.

More Than A Little Warped is a great snapshot into the MPD and the internal issues they have to deal with as well as the outside. The longer readers stay within Kit’s world, the more about the MPD will be revealed. And they might not be exactly as strict as they want people to believe. I’m looking forward to more of the Warped series!

Seeing into Kai’s mind is an exciting concept, but what readers see is a bit unexpected. While calculating his actions against the guild’s target, his thoughts strayed too often to the physical appeal of his female counterpart. The plot was focused on the two discovering instant attraction-level romance instead of showing off Kai’s magic and ability to work with his teammates.

For those who wish to see more romance in the Spellbound series, this novella will be exactly what you are looking for. However, for readers who lean more toward the action and magic side of the stories, this one will be a pass. There is nothing major readers will miss by not reading A Damsel and a Demigod. However, make sure you have read at least some of the Spellbound books or you won’t know who the characters are, how their magic works, or why they are recovering an artifact as this takes place before the Spellbound series.

Embracing her role as the Subrosa for the city, Rachel is giving her all to maintain order. And despite the larger challenges looming over her head, she does not back down on her morals to keep the supernaturals in line. She may be a demon, but she refuses to twist dark curses and behave as the others do. Rachel’s humanity and steadfast beliefs are such an anchor point for her as a character. And while it may cause her more heartache in the end by not taking the easy way out, Rachel provides readers with an entertaining ride.

Trouble with the Cursed also explores coming to terms with the new appearance of demons and learning to embrace them as fellow citizens. This forces people to walk the fine line of trying not to judge before knowing them. But even if the demons appear to be on good behavior, Rachel knows what they are fully capable of. It’s only a matter of time before they push their boundaries and force Rachel’s hand. But Rachel won’t realize until it’s too late just how manipulative and crafty some can be.

Yet demons aren’t the only ones Rachel has to worry about. She’ll have to balance between keeping them in line and dealing with a visiting undead vampire. The dance of vampire politics is always a thrilling addition to the story. Especially when it allows Ivy to return. The love between Ivy and Rachel is so beautiful. Knowing each other’s boundaries and caring deeply for one another as friends is heartwarming.

Kim Harrison has created yet another wonderful addition to The Hollows series. With each new story, there's a fresh new take on the challenges facing Rachel and her loved ones. There is never a dull moment and the emotional depth of Rachel as a character is profound. Urban fantasy readers will love The Hollows.

When Malik lost his mother at a young age, it was violent and traumatizing. And with the rush of emotion at seeing his mother torn from him, his magic exploded into life. Igniting everything around him. Placed into the foster system, he not only had to cope with the loss of his mother but also abusive foster parents and a power he had no idea how to control.

The trauma Malik endured is deeply seeded into his character. Flashbacks of the night his mother disappeared constantly plague him, and his trust does not come easily. He immediately goes on the defensive with all adults. Even when they are trying to comfort him, it is heartbreaking to see people try to make a connection, yet readers will also understand why Malik isn’t ready for them yet. He is easily overwhelmed by affection, and when he suddenly has a family he never knew existed it is way too much for him to handle.

However, Malik’s foster brother is one of the most important people in his life. As soon as he is able, Malik tears his brother away from his abusers. In the process, Taye enters a life filled with magic and family alongside Malik. While Taye remains a secondary character, he is never far from Malik’s mind.

Blood at the Root aligns with the younger generation's grasp of the world. There is also a fair bit of generational slang young adults would connect with and understand. The romance is pretty reflective of the genre involving a long-lost childhood crush. This would be best enjoyed by young adults.

Robin and Zylas’s time spent uncovering the mysteries of the ancient Demonica grimoire and Xavier’s true goals have forged a connection neither would have predicted. As they grow closer to their final showdown with Xavier, Robin begins to doubt her original promise to send Zylas home. But a promise is a promise, and despite how she feels Robin will keep her word. Together they will face off against Xavier and either die trying to stop him, or succeed and be torn apart.

As their time together grows ever shorter, Robin is faced with a choice. Either send Zylas home and never admit to how she feels, or risk telling him everything and breaking her heart when he leaves anyway. The power play between the two characters and the forbidden romance edge will take hold of readers and demand their attention.

But the romance angle remains a small part of Delivering Evil for Experts. The use of Demonica and different forms of magic amped up the action in this final novel. Robin and Zylas tear down boundaries and throw risks to the side as they go all out to defeat Xavier and his demon. Both sides will pull in allies to have a final showdown, and try to viciously tear each other apart. Pulling unexpected twists and turns with magic neither will see coming.

This final novel in The Guild Codex: Demonized will pull in events from the Spellbound series and put together missing pieces of character disappearances and reappearances. It will also give a wonderful amount of information on Zylas’ past and home. This was a great companion series to Spellbound that urban fantasy readers will love.

Thank you to Raina Nightingale for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Heart of Fire is a story full of lore and world building. As Camilla, Flameheart and the other key characters begin their journey, the reader will be told the history of elves, Dragonriders and unique creatures created by the gods. The break to tell history does slow the story down a bit, but gives needed background knowledge.

The writing style of this novel focuses on dialogue and the inner thoughts of the characters. Due to this it is a telling versus showing style of storytelling. There is less focus on the settings, and instead dives into how the characters feel about what has happened to them. Camilla in particular has moments where she is working through her anger over past events as a slave, and is actively learning how to understand why she is angry.

This novel does not go into depth of detail with battles, or conflicts. Conflicts that do arise are quickly resolved. Whereas discussion on things such as choices, and the cause and effect of them are explored in great detail. Heart of Fire focuses on the love between characters without turning into a romance. It shows the platonic side of love, and the connection between characters. This novel can be enjoyed by both young adults and adults.

Dust returns readers to Silo 18, and the way life in the silo continues after an uprising. With the knowledge Jules now has, she is determined to find out what happened to the world. But the ally they’ve gained isn’t completely in control. One small move and Silo 18 will cease to exist like Silos in the past. Set on her path to connect Silo with Solo’s, Jules will be blinded to the consequences until it is too late.

The desperate struggle for Jules to find answers to her questions, and provide a better life for those in the silos is touching. And true to her personality she charges forward without thinking of the way things might go wrong, or if people even want what she is dragging them into. Jules finds herself balancing between the destruction the people are capable of when pushed too far and the uncontrollable forces at play outside the silo. Navigating between the two has to be done delicately, and Jules is anything but delicate.

When all of Jules’ cultivated plans go awry, she’s left with making split second decisions not everyone will come back from. Yet even when she is beaten down and feels alone, she stands right back up and tries again. And this time there is also a secondary storyline taken from book two, working in parallel. Even if they aren’t fully aware of the other’s intentions, ultimately they’re striving for common goals. It brings the cast of characters into alignment for this final novel.

Despite some great action sequences, there are many low points for Dust. Things such as exploring the engineering side of the silo machines are gone into great detail. Simply knowing the machine's purpose and intent for the plot would have been enough. There are also many loose ends still left after this final novel.

Readers who enjoy Dystopian novels may enjoy Dust. Just bear in mind there will be questions left lingering at the conclusion of the series, and the pacing is not consistent from novel to novel.

Thank you to Jamie Jackson for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Isolde is the only sorcerer in the king’s court. And as such, she is a valuable asset and tool. When a mysterious child appears from a forest no one has ever returned, the king sends Isolde to the town of Perdition to deal with him. But when Isolde and her guardian Bear arrive, the two will find there is much more to the tale than a mysterious child.

The Sparrow and the Oak Tree is a slow-burn enemies to lovers romantic fantasy. When Isolde is kidnapped by a fae in the mix of the mystery she is to solve, her basic instinct is to run away. All her life she's been told the stories of fae who trap humans. But there is a hard to ignore allure surrounding him—a constant temptation at war with the warnings in her mind.

The connection between Isolde and her fae captor grows in intensity as the story progresses. Readers will have a chance to see through both Isolde and the fae’s eyes, causing a back and forth temptation readers will need to continue reading to watch. And the varying levels of frustration they both feel when Bear does what he can to keep them apart.

Bear takes on the persona of a big brother, truly shining through with his name. And while his interventions will cause frustration there is also comedy and an ever growing romantic tension his actions induce. The relationship between Isolde and Bear is a great counterbalance to the smoldering relationship between Isolde and the Fae.

Romantic fantasy readers who enjoy slow-burn enemies to lovers, The Sparrow and the Oak Tree should be your next read! While it is a mythological retelling, there is no prior knowledge required to enjoy this story.

Thank you to Mark Cushen for providing me with a copy of this book! I voluntarily leave this review!

Over the roaring flame of the hearth and bubbling food pots in the palace kitchen, Garlan dreams of becoming a knight. Despite the harsh words of others, he continues to train with his wooden sword, unwilling to give up his dream. When an injured man stumbles into town warning of future disaster at the hands of Winter, Garlan is unknowingly caught up in a quest. Lord Winter, sealed away after the war between seasons, seeks to return and plunge the world into a forever winter. Standing between him and success is Garlan.

What can one kitchen boy do to protect the world? Everything within his power to make sure those he loves are safe. Garlan is kind and has a big heart, but his journey will be riddled with challenges and hardship. There are times when the odds will be stacked against him allowing guilt and self-doubt to creep in. But the friends he meets along the way will stand by his side when able, and encourage him to continue.

As Garlan and his friends forge their paths forward, readers will be entertained by the creative settings and encounters. From meeting small fae and their colorful forest guardians to fighting those who would turn Garlan into stew, there are so many delightful and startling experiences in store.

Little White Hands is a wonderful novel for mid-grade readers interested in adventure and fantasy settings. The conflicts throughout the book are exciting and tailored for a younger audience, yet adults will also find this a joy to read. Not to mention the themes of friendship and never giving up resonate within the writing.