Beattz

This is as advertised lol. The first one had more “sting” to it for sure, but it is definitely “in kind”. If you liked the first one, you'll dig this one too.

I'm not sure where to begin because I have so many thoughts, but here goes nothing.
I ended up enjoying this much more than I thought. The first half wasn't slow, exactly, it just didn't differentiate itself from other Roman inspired fantasy that I've read (ie, Red Rising). It took until Vis went back to Suus, I think, for the story to truly start to come into its own and pull away from the pack. From there on out, each minute felt like that scene from Indiana Jones when he's being chased by a giant boulder, only it's wild animals, what amounts to zombies in this world, and members of the rebel faction.
One thing I really commend this book on is the crafting of the characters and their relationships. We really have 5 main players- Vis, Eidhin, Callidus, Emissa, and Aequa. Each with their own goals and strategies, thrust into this academy by their parents or benefactors to be used as tools in the future governance of the realm. But we get to see beneath all of that to the people they are underneath, what truly moves them, what makes them human, how they think they can affect the world around them. And we get to watch as little by little waters are tested, feelers extended and they begin to trust one another with secrets and with intimacies. Each bit of ground earned with the text we are given.
And the end. I don't even know what to say. Part of it I sussed out sure, but the other bit?? Are you kidding me?? Please tell me we get dual POV now in each world. Anything else would be an absolute crime.

I had so much fun with this book. I can't remember the last time I kept putting a book down, just to share the ridiculous/hilarious quotes I kept coming across. When I was about a third of the way through, I told some friends that if I were ever to write a book, *this* is exactly how I would hope it turns out.

This was a delightful cozy fantasy set in modern England and where magic is a mostly unknown secret. Kinda like HP, there are nonmagicals who are aware, but they're few and far between. There's magical schools and institutes available, but they tend to cater more towards those with "lineage". The book opens with our FMC Sera, 15 at the time, performs a piece of magic that should be nigh on impossible. And the rest of the book is the consequences that follow.

I loved the cast of characters. This found family is a ragtag bunch of weirdos, and it's a riot. The writing, in my opinion, pitch perfect, any other tone than the one it set would have ruined the story. I appreciated so much that the main characters were actual adults, and I thought even the romance was handled in an adult way, which I really appreciated. Can't sit around being all moon-eyed, there's things to do! (but also, did you *see* how his jumper brought out his eyes??)

All in all, can't recommend this book enough, can't wait to go back and read "The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches" set in the same world, and see what else the author has on offer!

Daindreth' Assassin was a great entry novel in a series. We got ample time with each of the major players, seeing their personalities, what drives them, as well as what keeps them awake at night. Pretty standard medieval type setting, with glimpses of empiric opulence. We've been introduced to a magic system, however, for the most part, our characters are flying by the seat of their pants in that arena, or should be. There's a couple of times Amira, the FMC, seemingly has a bit more knowledge than the text would support or suggest, but there's a whole lot more for her to grow into.
There's budding relationship between the FMC and MMC at times had me screaming because the yearning was so strong. I'll definitely be picking up book two.

I'm enjoying these books immensely. Besides the fact that I hate Diem. I hate her so much.
The plot moved forward at a great pace, keeping me engaged throughout. Several new characters were introduced and I look forward to learning more of their backstories as the series continues. The chemistry between Diem and Luther is spot on. And we got just enough answers at the end to feel satisfied, but raised even more questions that are going to keep us chomping at the bit for the next installment. Heat of the Everflame, here I come.

I have no excuses. I unabashedly love cowboy romances. It's part of my personality now. Maybe I like all romances, come to think of it. Or maybe I just know myself well enough to be able to pick the ones I know I'll like, then am shocked and floored when I giggle and kick my feet the whole way through.
Regardless. I had a blast. Lyla Sage has written another couple where the people are real and deal with real things that a lot of us struggle with. Depression, anxiety, the desire to bolt, even when things are good. It's a good reminder that even with HEAs, there's still a lot of communication, and growing, and understanding involved. Just bc the chemistry is there, doesn't mean it will be an easy road.
I've got 2 more books left in this series and I'm already sad that my time at Rebel Blue Ranch will be coming to a close.